Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 31 October 2025 | 14:15 CAT

📸 Accountability in focus: OUTA’s latest Parliamentary Oversight Report urges the Seventh Parliament to turn activity into real impact and place public interest above party politics.

Oversight is one of the most vital components of any democratic institution, yet in South Africa, it remains a process too often without consequences. This is the concern raised in the Seventh Annual Report on Parliamentary Oversight by OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse), which scrutinises the performance and accountability of the Seventh Parliament.

Dr. Rachel Fischer, lead researcher on the report, highlighted that while Parliament remains active, its true impact is questionable. “Parliament is very busy, they have many meetings and packed schedules but are they really making an impact?” she asked.

The report, now in its seventh edition since 2019, evaluates the first year of the Seventh Parliament, one formed under the Government of National Unity (GNU). Fischer explained that the study measures not just activity but also follow-through, focusing on whether Portfolio Committees hold departments accountable. “We track whether committees follow up with departments, apply pressure, and produce visible results,” she said.

One persistent weakness identified is the historical failure of Parliament to enforce consequences during the years of state capture. “We lost many productive years. Funds were stolen, and we saw extremely poor oversight by Parliament over implicated government departments,” Fischer stated, adding that earlier intervention could have prevented much of the damage detailed in the Zondo Commission.

While the Sixth Parliament was marked by apathy and resistance to external critique, Fischer believes there is a renewed energy in the current administration. “We are seeing a turnaround, not just in Parliament’s willingness to engage with civil society, but also in the public’s interest in Parliamentary processes,” she said.

However, transparency and access to information remain hurdles. Fischer noted that “Parliament’s website is not user-friendly,” forcing researchers to rely heavily on independent organisations like the Parliamentary Monitoring Group to obtain data. OUTA’s solution to this gap has been the development of ParliMeter, a public platform that makes Parliamentary data transparent and accessible.

When asked about the way forward, Fischer stressed that “action and follow-through are essential. There must be felt consequences that deter misconduct.” She concluded with a powerful reminder: “The Seventh Parliament stands at a crossroads, its pluralism can either revitalise our democracy or weaken responsibility. Every political actor must put the Constitution and public interest above party loyalty.”

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Dr Rachel Fischer.