/ 2 February 2012

How powerful is Parliament really?

The Mail & Guardian invites you to join us at our next Critical Thinking Forum for a debate on the power of Parliament.

President Jacob Zuma’s upcoming State of the Nation address is one of the most anticipated political events, as he sets the agenda for the rest of the year.

In light of ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe’s attack on Constitutional Court judges, in which he said they threatened the stability of the ANC-led administration, we ask the question — how powerful is Parliament?

How powerful should Parliament be and can the justice system operate effectively?

The M&G invites you to join us on February 15 in Cape Town at the Nelson Mandela Gateway as we unpack this question. The debate will be moderated by respected academic Richard Calland, Associate Professor in the Public Law Department at the University of Cape Town.

Time: 18h00 for 18h30
Venue: Nelson Mandela Gateway, Cape Town
RSVP: [email protected]

The confirmed panellists are:

  • Dr Mathole Motshekga — African National Congress Chief Whip
  • Mosiuoa Lekota — Congress of the People co-founder
  • Bantu Holomisa — United Democratic Movement leader
  • Lindiwe Mazibuko — Parliamentary leader of the Democratic Alliance
  • For news and multimedia on the State of the Nation address visit our special report.