CURRENTLY ON AIR ⇒
  • Early Morning Breakfast Show
    Saturday, 6:00 am - 7:00 am
    [ - ]

feedback@radioislam.org.za

logo


((( Listen Live )))))
Radio Islam Logo


The Public and the SONA

Public Participation in a people’s Parliament
Parliament`s constitutional mandate stipulates that it should communicate its work to all citizens as broadly as it can. This is to advance one of its constitutional obligations of “build an effective people’s Parliament that is responsive to the needs of the people and that is driven by the ideal of realising a better quality of life for the people of South Africa”. It is from this pronunciation that Parliament’s commitment towards a people’s Parliament and the declaration of the Fifth Parliament as an “Activist Parliament”

Why is Parliament central to the delivery of the Address?
Parliament is an institution with unique significance in the political history of the people of this country. This democratic Parliament is esteemed for its profound influence on the development of South Africa’s participatory democracy, founded on the strength of its Constitution, which is recognised worldwide for its commitment to human rights, regardless of race, religion or culture. Parliament has a central role to play in our national life and has, since its inception in 1994, been considered a treasure around the world for the way it exemplifies constitutional democracy and its unequivocal entrenchment of the culture of the respective and private rights of individuals and civil society. The constitutional principle of the separation of powers remains an inspiration to many across the globe. SONA takes place before the two Houses of Parliament because these institutions are charged with ensuring that all the work that flows from this address becomes a lived reality. As such, SONA is a social pact that informs the service delivery commitments of the national, provincial and local spheres of government for the coming financial year. It also is a guide for the annual performance plans of government departments at all levels of government.

SONA is South Africa’s map for the year ahead. It alerts us to obstacles and plans how to avoid them.
SONA also has an influence on how laws are made and must ensure that they live up to the letter and spirit of SONA-identified priorities. To this end, departments appear before Parliament to determine whether the legislative prescripts that govern their mandates are in line with priorities articulated during SONA. Sometimes laws are amended or repealed to be in line with these priorities. If a need arises, Parliament will, through its committees, embark on public hearings to garner public opinion and participation on the formulation of legislation, and then amend or repeal it in accordance with its legislative mandate.

Debates that follow the Address
After the State of the Nation Address (SONA), all the political parties at Parliament hold a debate to reflect, make comments and raise questions on matters raised by the President during SONA. This debate often takes the form of a Joint Sitting of Parliament before the representatives of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.

ADVERTISE HERE

Prime Spot!!!

Contact:
advertisingadmin@radioislam.co.za 

Related Articles

We are All in the Same Boat – Part 5

We are All in the Same Boat – Part 5

The Sunnah of Activism Quick Recap – Responsibility at All Levels Activism in Islam is not limited to politics or public platforms but is rooted in the Prophet ﷺ’s teaching that “every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock.”...

read more
Activism is a Responsibility on all of us – Part 4

Activism is a Responsibility on all of us – Part 4

The Sunnah of Activism Quick Recap – Winning the Hearts The model for meaningful change, derived from the Prophetic example, is built on a foundation of credibility earned through selfless service. It presents a holistic vision where spreading peace fosters social...

read more
Winning the Hearts – Part 3

Winning the Hearts – Part 3

The Sunnah of Activism Quick Recap – Beyond the Spotlight True service is measured not by recognition, but by the purity of one’s intention and the tangible good done for others. The most beloved actions are those that relieve hardship — whether by feeding the hungry,...

read more
Beyond the Spotlight – Part 2

Beyond the Spotlight – Part 2

The Sunnah of Activism Quick Recap – Keep the End in Mind The first step of not only activism, but every good deed is to ensure that we keep our intentions noble and sincere throughout our effort. As Muslims every good deed done to attain the pleasure of Allah ﷻ will...

read more
Always Keep the End in Mind – Part 1

Always Keep the End in Mind – Part 1

The Sunnah of Activism The Spirituality of an Activist – The Why The first question that Muslim Activists should ask themselves is WHY am I doing this? WHY did I choose to volunteer for this event or this cause? Clearly when one volunteers their services then you know...

read more
Every Act Counts – Part 5

Every Act Counts – Part 5

Compassion Without Borders Quick Recap - Beyond Emergency Aid Emergency aid saves lives in times of crisis, but it is only the beginning. Once the food parcels are eaten and temporary shelters are gone, many communities remain trapped in cycles of poverty,...

read more

Subscribe to our Newsletter

0 Comments