Page:Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 1996 from Government Gazette.djvu/30



Chapter 4—Parliament

The member of the National Assembly presiding at a meeting of the Assembly has no deliberative vote, but —

must cast a deciding vote when there is an equal number of votes on each side of a question; and may cast a deliberative vote when a question must be decided with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of the members of the Assembly.

Rights of certain Cabinet members in National Assembly

The President and any member of the Cabinet who is not a member of the National Assembly may attend, and may speak in, the Assembly, but may not vote.

Powers of National Assembly

In exercising its legislative power, the National Assembly may —

consider, pass, amend or reject any legislation before the Assembly; and initiate or prepare legislation, except money Bills.

The National Assembly must provide for mechanisms —

to ensure that all executive organs of state in the national sphere of government are accountable to it; and to maintain oversight of —

the exercise of national executive authority, including the implementation of legislation; and any organ of state.

Evidence or information before National Assembly

The National Assembly or any of its committees may —

summon any person to appear before it to give evidence on oath or affirmation, or to produce documents; require any person or institution to report to it; compel, in terms of national legislation or the rules and orders, any person or institution to comply with a summons or requirement in terms of paragraph (a) or (b); and receive petitions, representations or submissions from any interested persons or institutions.

Internal arrangements, proceedings and procedures of National Assembly

The National Assembly may —

determine and control its internal arrangements, proceedings and procedures; and make rules and orders concerning its business, with due regard to representative and participatory democracy, accountability, transparency and public involvement.

The rules and orders of the National Assembly must provide for —

the establishment, composition, powers, functions, procedures and duration of its committees;