Concern over unequal support for NCOP from Parliament

REPRESENTATION

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

NATIONAL Council of Provinces (NCOP) chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane has voiced her concerns about the unequal support from the administration that was received by the parliamentary House mandated to represent the interests of provinces.

On Friday, Mtshweni-Tsipane fell short of telling MPs that Secretary to Parliament (STP) Xolile George was telling untruths when he said both Houses received equal support.

“I hear the STP has touched on the issue that has been raised so far, as providing support to both Houses, and I hear the Secretary says that they do provide support to both Houses.

“But we have continuously been raising this matter, and there seems not to be any improvements in this regard, particularly when it comes to committee work,” she said.

“We feel discouraged as the NCOP. We no longer understand to what extent we have to rely on Parliament for assistance, or should we perhaps be seated there and wait for what has been decided as to what is due to us.”