The General well-being of the Members of Parliament is a fundamental prerequisite for the efficient operation of the Institution. It is therefore an imperative for the institution of Parliament itself to nurture and enhance, without any measure of doubt, the social, political and economic support system that must underpin the performance of the Members of Parliament both inside and outside the Institution. It is also imperative not only to strengthen the structures and bodies created by Parliament, but also to enable members to fulfil their constitutional mandate as elected members and the voice of the people - the Rosseaun (Social) Contract with Parliament.  

Therefore, the Members of Parliament will always share, individually and collectively, in the success or failure of service delivery.  

A healthy, mentally alert, well trained, skilled and well-resourced member becomes an effective vehicle to realise the mission and vision of Parliament. The mandate of Internal Arrangements is, among other things, to mobilise some of the following facilities to enhance and support the performance of the members of Parliament, for instance: 

.     Training: French language project 

.     Training: Official languages project 

.     Artworks project 

.     Speaker's robes 

.     Parliamentary Bus Schedules 

.     Security at Parliament and Villages 

.     Equality Review campaign with reports received on its impact on gender, disabled persons and justice sectors 

.     Catering 

.     Parking for Members at Parliament 

.     Members' parking cards at airports 

.     SAA Voyager Cards 

.     Review of Members' Facilities Handbook 

.     Refurbishment of Members' offices 

Much has been done in last three Parliaments from 1994 to date, to improve the working conditions of members, however, a lot more has to be done to meet the emerging challenges.

Most of the members' interests we are currently dealing with have also occupied the attention of my predecessor, the Hon Sandra Botha. We have periodically made reports to the various structures of Parliament including the Quarterly Consultative Forum and Chief Whips' Forum, on the progress and the challenges we face in dealing with the interests of all members, and we trust that the Party Whips of all Parties will update their members on these matters and provide us with feedback continuously. 

In conclusion, we believe it behoves all Members of Parliament to assert themselves, to turn this Institution and its bodies and Chambers into a place where the members of the public will say, 'This is the place where men and women of honour of all political persuasion deliberated over important matters of state for the betterment of all' and our children will say, 'That's where I want to make a contribution to South Africa one day - in Parliament - because I know they care!'

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Mr Ben Skosana MP: 082 887 2779