By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Newly appointed deputy president Paul Mashatile is expected to make his first appearance before members of Parliament to respond to oral questions in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Mashatile was recently appointed leader of government business with, president Cyril Ramaphosa releasing the details of his duties and responsibilities.
“This will be the first time that the Deputy President will appear before Parliament since his appointment as the Deputy President of the Republic,” the statement read on Wednesday.
Parliamentary questions, according to the Presidency, are key to holding members of the executive accountable and ensuring public confidence in government by the public.
His office said the Deputy President’s first appearance in the National Assembly is also an opportunity for the public to assess the performance of government in various delegated responsibilities that he leads.
Mashatile will talk about the impact that the recovery of debt to Eskom by municipalities can have on the reduction of load shedding and the role that traditional leaders can play in facilitating investment and economic development in rural areas.
He will also respond on what specific measures he will take as the leader of government business in the National Assembly so that members of the executive respond timeously and adequately to parliamentary questions.
Today MPs will debate a motion of no confidence in Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula brought by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) following their physical ejection at the State of the Nation Address (Sona) last month.
The Phala Phala farmgate scandal is also back on the agenda with MPs expected to debate another possible parliamentary probe.
MPs will also take part in a debate to commemorate Human Rights Day.
Mashatile’s assignments have already been outlined by Ramaphosa and these include fast-tracking land reform and dealing with service delivery hotspots.