The fundamental test of democracy lies in Parliament's ability to maintain executive accountability through continuous oversight.

This was stated by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who delivered the keynote address at the South Africa Legislative Sector (SALS) Oversight Summit on Tuesday, where he noted that the litmus test of an active citizenry in a democracy was the extent to which Parliament could hold government accountable to the people.

He highlighted that accountability, good ethics, integrity and transparency were critical in providing a guiding framework for strengthening the legislature's role in improving the lives of all South Africans.

“Without these principles, the sustainable human development agenda will not find its truest expression. Effective oversight ensures that these principles are upheld and that our institutions serve the needs of the people, therefore, realising a better life for all,” he said.

Mashatile urged government to use the Summit as a platform to reflect on its achievements and to acknowledge the challenges it had confronted over the years, particularly regarding the implementation of the oversight responsibilities of Parliament.

He said government had not only made significant strides in transforming the country but hads also left a significant mark, globally, by unapologetically choosing to stand on the side of justice, referring to the recent genocide case taken to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Mashatile highlighted that under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa had achieved an important victory for humanity by putting before the ICJ the matter of the Israeli government's alleged genocide of the Palestinian people.

“We are a nation that will always stand for the vulnerable and marginalised, and fight for a just world. We call upon the rest of the world to join us in this important fight for justice, equality and peace,” he said.

Mashatile added that a closer look into the Palestine case also highlighted the need for a strong legislature that could advance and protect the rights of people.

“It is therefore important that through this Summit, we maintain the commitments we have to the principles that underpin our democratic government and legislative sector,” he said.

He said Parliaments must continue to be people-centered institutions that brought the voices of the people to governance.

He highlighted that government had identified corruption, abuse of State power, and maladministration as critical deficiencies that undermine the country’s governance institutions and processes and, thus erode public trust.

LEGITIMACY OF SA’S DEMOCRACY

Meanwhile, he assured Parliament and the international community that the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) would deliver free and fair elections in this year’s upcoming elections.

He said government had played an essential role in safeguarding the country’s democracy by securing free and fair elections during the last six administrations.

“Today, we are just a few months away from the National General Elections, which will mark the transition from the sixth to the seventh Parliament. As the government, we want to assure Parliament and the international community that we have confidence in our Independent Electoral Commission, and we strongly believe that the IEC will deliver free and fair elections in 2024 and beyond as it has done so before,” he said.

He said it was necessary to dispel aspersions cast on the legitimacy of the country’s democracy by those who did not have the best interests of the nation at heart.

“Equally, as representatives of the people, we must also encourage and educate all individuals, particularly young people, about the significance of voting. Ours is a young nation, and the youth must be encouraged to participate actively in our electoral and governance processes,” he said.