The second leg of the Thathi Nathi programme made its way to Vredendal, Malmesbury, Langebaan and Porterville last week.
Spearheaded by Speaker Masizole Mnqasela, the Thetha Nathi, meaning “speak to us”, seeks to enhance the work of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) by creating an opportunity for members to interact with stakeholders in their respective constituencies.
“Bringing Parliament to the people” is the mission of Mnqasela.
During his visits Mnqasela delivered keynote addresses, in which he shared more about the programme and what its purpose is.
“The provincial parliament is not a place in Cape Town,” he said. “It is a parliament that places the people of the Western Cape at the centre of everything it does. When I became Speaker I said we would do things differently. I wanted us to be more impactful in how we go about law making, public participation and oversight.”
He added that the Thetha Nathi programme was launched to respond to the needs of all people.
Paulina Boois from Vredenburg said she wants to see the government more involved with communities and is grateful the programme was brought to the West Coast.
At the end of the programme community stakeholders had the opportunity to interact and network with elected public representatives and employees of the provincial parliament on key issues affecting communities.
