The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Limpopo calls upon the Chairperson of the Limpopo Petitions and Public Participation Portfolio Committee, Mr. SM Mataboge, to ensure the enforcement and adherence to the provisions of the Limpopo Petitions Act.
We have noted a total disregard for the democratic, constitutional and legal right of the public to petition government by numerous ANC-led provincial departments and municipal councils.
At a recent meeting of the Petitions Adjudicating Committee it was noted that the departments of Social Development, Education, and COGHSTA, were among the provincial departments that have failed to submit any reports in response to petitions lodged. At the same meeting, the Chairperson of the committee reprimanded the Lepelle Nkumpi Municipality for their failure to submit reports timeously, or at all.
The Limpopo Petitions Act, 4 of 2003, was enacted to provide for the right by any person to submit a petition to the Provincial Legislature, and stipulates that a response to a petition must be received within 4 weeks of its referral.
Furthermore, the Act requires the provincial government to encourage and facilitate participation by the public in the process of governance in the Province, in particular with regard to previously politically, socially, and economically excluded communities; to enhance democracy by exercising maximum accountability and transparency; and to respect the rights of petitioners, and those affected by the petition.
The DA supports the stance taken by the Chairperson of the committee, and calls upon him to use the enforcement measures provided in the Act, including those provisions relating to offences and penalties.
The DA stands for democratic, open, responsive, and accountable government. This includes respecting the right of the public to petition the government and to expect a timely and meaningful response.