In a notable shift in legislative dynamics, ordinary MPs are stepping up to play a more active role in shaping policy than leaving it to ministers to introduce bills in Parliament.

This year, a remarkable 34 bills have been introduced, with 11 of those being Private Members’ Bills (PMBs) originating from four diverse political parties.

This marks a significant increase compared to just four PMBs submitted during the last parliamentary year.

The DA leads the charge with five PMBs, followed closely by ActionSA with four, the EFF with two, and the MK Party, which has introduced one bill.

This surge of legislative activity reflects a growing willingness among MPs to directly influence governance rather than waiting for ministers to take the initiative.

The Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) indicates that MPs are strategically timing the introduction of their bills during moments of heightened public or political interest to maximise their impact.

“ActionSA, for instance, prioritises Bills in areas where its MPs have subject-matter expertise or established committee relationships,” states a PMG report.

While this proactive approach heralds a new era of parliamentary engagement, it also brings to light significant procedural challenges, including inefficiencies in gazetting and committee scheduling that can lead to protracted delays in the legislative process.

While many of the Private Members’ Bills remain under committee consideration, only the Performing Animal Protection Amendment Bill has faced rejection so far.

This underscores a growing acceptance of parliamentary innovation, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile stating unequivocally that the Cabinet is prepared to endorse any legislation initiated by MPs that aligns with the GNU’s priorities.

“If it is good and takes us forward, why not? We will support it,” Mashatile asserted recently during a session of the National Council of Provinces.

Among the noteworthy PMBs introduced this year, the DA chief whip George Michalakis has presented a constitutional amendment bill aimed at limiting the number of motions of no confidence that can be initiated against the President or a Premier to once every 12 months.

A similar proposal seeks to impose restrictions on no-confidence motions against Speakers and executive mayors.

ActionSA MP Alan Beesley has tabled the Remuneration of Public Office-Bearers Bill, an initiative designed to ensure that adjustments to the allowances and benefits to members of the executive, as well as their tools of trade, are reported to the National Assembly.

The EFF was not to be outdone, with MP Omphile Maotwe’s introduction of the In-sourcing Bill, which proposes the incorporation of services regularly required by state organs.

Furthermore, her colleague Veronica Mente is advocating for amendments to the Liquor Act, aiming to prohibit advertising that normalises alcohol consumption – a strategic attempt to curb prevalent alcohol usage in society.

The MK Party, through MP Mzwanele Manyi, has introduced a constitutional amendment bill to allow for land expropriation without compensation and seeking to extend the 1913 restitution cut-off date to April 6, 1652.

ActionSA’s Kgosi Letlape has proposed legislation allowing MPs to choose their medical aid provider instead of being tethered to the compulsory Parmed Medical Aid Scheme.

Meanwhile, fellow party member Lerato Ngobeni is championing the establishment of the Office of the Polling Ombud, aimed at regulating political polling processes and setting timeframes for the release of polling results.

Additionally, DA MP Glynnis Breytenbach is pushing for the establishment of an Anti-Corruption Commission, a Chapter 9 Institution, that will investigate and prosecute serious corruption cases.

Rounding out the current wave of proposals, ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip is advocating for a significant reduction in the size of the executive, specifically calling for the abolition of deputy ministers, while also pushing for amendments regarding ministerial appointments from outside the National Assembly.

As MPs show an appetite to take legislative matters into their own hands, it remains to be seen how these PMBs will be received and what future legislative changes may arise from this newfound commitment among ordinary MPs to effect change through proactive participation.

mayibongwe.maqhina@inl.co.za

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