A decision to give MPs greater flexibility to conduct parliamentary work remotely during the election period is creating problems for committees.
House Chairperson Cedric Frolick has raised concerns about MPs joining virtual meetings before disappearing during proceedings. The absences have left some committees without enough members to form a quorum and take decisions.
Parliament MPs Face Pressure Over Virtual Attendance
Frolick said MPs must find a balance between campaigning for their political parties and carrying out their parliamentary duties.
Parliament introduced more virtual and hybrid committee and plenary meetings during the current term to give MPs more time to campaign in their constituencies ahead of the November local government elections. However, committee chairpersons have complained about poor attendance during online meetings.
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“So, they switch on their devices, and they simply disappear. And then the chairperson and one or two members sit there alone, and they cannot proceed in taking any decisions.”
Parliament Virtual Meetings Disrupt Committee Quorums
The issue has also emerged ahead of next week’s proceedings in Cape Town. The EFF complained on Thursday that not all MPs would be physically present for its motion of no confidence in National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.
The motion relates to her handling of Parliament’s impeachment proceedings against President Cyril Ramaphosa.
ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli said the party’s MPs were occupied with election work on the ground. He indicated that this was affecting their ability to travel to Parliament for physical proceedings.
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Frolick said political party whips must ensure MPs comply with the requirements for virtual attendance. He said MPs could not simply log into meetings and then become unavailable while committees were trying to conduct their work.
Deputy Speaker Annelie Lotriet said she would take guidance from political parties on whether some MPs could attend next week’s debate in person.
