Parliament Visit: Petitions Regulations Launch Observation

It was drafted with the intention of enhancing the democratic processes of South Africa by making government more accessible and accountable to the citizens it serves.

The objective of this visit was to inform residents of Lavender Hill and the surrounding area of their right to petition the government and to directly expose them to the democratic process. Through such exposure we hope to spur interest in government and create a more active and engaged citizenry that can contribute meaningfully to the democratic process.

Many issues such as art and culture, health and environmental matters  were addressed and debated during the session followed by an opportunity for members of parliament to ask each other questions, make statements, present motions with and without notice. The session included both healthy debate and petty bickering, yet served as a true example of South African democracy at work.

Overall, this visit was incredibly educational and interesting. One only hopes, if nothing else, that merely exposing the group to such an environment will have some impact, however subliminal, on their perspective as citizens in a democracy.