OUTA’s 2023 guide aims to help MPs combat corruption and maladministration in the public sector.

“The South African public sector stands at a crossroads and the right choice is no longer a matter of opinion. Good governance and efficient spending in the public interest must be enforced by the institution that is elected by and for the people: Parliament,” says OUTA’s guide. “This is ultimately where the buck stops when high-ranking political figures are involved in maladministration, corruption, incompetence and gross negligence of duty.”

We call on our MPs to exercise oversight over government officials and also over the Executive, which is the President, Deputy President Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

The guide raises the problems of underqualified public officials, corrupt leadership and consequence management. It encourages deeper public involvement and influence in processes such as passing the national Budget, and offers suggestions on how MPs may improve their oversight roles.

While we recognise that systemic problems undermine the independence and capacity of parliamentarians to do their work as best they can, there are no excuses for MPs who wilfully neglect their duty to hold the Executive to account. Such delinquent MPs must and will be held accountable by civil society if their political parties refuse to do so.

The guide was produced by OUTA’s Parliamentary Engagement Office in Cape Town.

Download a copy of our 2020 "Tips for MPs" here.

Download a copy “Tips for Members of Parliament to aid in more effective and improved oversight duties” below 

DOWNLOAD OUR 2023 GUIDE HERE