MPLs consider Bills placed before them by the provincial executive, comprised of the Premier of Gauteng and the Members of the Executive Council (MECs). MPLs debate Bills, budgets, statements and speeches by MECs in committee meetings or in plenary sessions of the Legislature. Committees have the power to summon MECs and Department officials to answer questions relating to service delivery in the Province. The MECs must be prepared to answer difficult questions on how they are delivering a better life to the people of Gauteng. Committees can also undertake investigations into activities by government departments and such investigations are often open to public scrutiny.
The Legislature allows the people of Gauteng to participate in law-making and oversight processes. It is a Constitutional requirement that the Provincial Legislature affords Citizens an opportunity to partake in legislative processes – and this is an obligation that the Gauteng Provincial Legislature has vigorously embraced.
