Julius Malema, the chief enforcer of compliance and prioritising the political organisation above all, even a member’s parental responsibilities, attended only six of 40 parliamentary committee meetings in 2024.
Julius Malema parliamentary attendance record exposed
The EFF commander-in-chief has been under scrutiny since the Naledi Chirwa debacle.
Chirwa, a member of the portfolio committee on higher education, science and innovation, as well as health, sparked outrage when she was compelled to publish a public apology earlier this month for missing the 2024 budget speech.
The 30-year-old explained that despite following due process in excusing herself from her parliamentary duties to take care of her sickly child, she was forced into a disciplinary process that included a hefty fine of purchasing two gazebos, valued at R5 000 each.
In response, Julius Malema not only scoffed at the backlash but also blasted Chirwa for drafting a letter containing “inappropriate insinuations”, which, “forced our movement into a defensive stance, detracting our members from the immediate task of doing door-to-door because they must now defend their movement from rubbish.”
“In situations where we must choose between an individual and the organisation, we must always prioritise the organisation,” he tweeted at the time.
Coincidentally, a look at Chirwa’s parliamentary attendance record as an MP active in two committees shows a higher commitment to the EFF’s cause than her commander.
The 30-year-old achieved a 50% attendance record in 2023, with four committee meetings attended out of eight. This is a 24% improvement from 2022’s record, which stood at 10 committee meetings attended out of 39.
Julius Malema, on the other hand, has yet to show up to a single committee meeting in 2024, with only 15% of 2023’s committee meetings (6 of 40) attended.
The EFF political leader currently represents the party’s interest as a member of Parliament’s Ethics and Members’ Interests Committee and the Constitutional Review Committee.
His second-in-command, Floyd Shivambu, a member of the same committees, recorded 0% attendance in 2024 (0 of 10), with only 10 committee meetings attended out of 55 in 2023.
What is the significance of political leaders attending committee meetings?
The attendance of political leaders at parliamentary committee meetings in South Africa holds significant importance for several reasons:
- Oversight and Accountability: Political leaders, by attending these meetings, fulfil their oversight role over the government’s work. It ensures that government departments and their officials are held accountable for their actions and decisions, promoting transparency in how state resources are managed and policies are implemented. This oversight function is vital for a healthy democracy, as it allows for the monitoring of government activities and the safeguarding of public interests.
- Policy Development and Review: Parliamentary committees are integral to the policy-making process, providing a platform for the detailed examination of proposed laws and policy revisions. The involvement of political leaders in these discussions ensures that there’s a broad representation of viewpoints, contributing to more comprehensive and inclusive policies. Their participation helps bridge the gap between policy formulation and the practical realities of governance, facilitating the creation of laws that are responsive to the needs of the South African populace.
- Public Representation: Political leaders, particularly those who are elected representatives, have a duty to represent the interests and concerns of their constituents. Their attendance at committee meetings allows them to convey the opinions, needs, and aspirations of the public, ensuring that these are considered in legislative debates and decisions. This representation is essential for the democratic process, as it ensures that the voices of the people are heard at the highest levels of government.
- Information Dissemination: When political leaders participate in committee meetings, they can directly communicate information back to their parties, constituents, and the broader public. This flow of information enhances public understanding of government actions, policies, and legislative processes. It also promotes transparency and can help in demystifying governmental operations, making them more accessible and understandable to the average citizen.
- Building Consensus: The presence of leaders from various political backgrounds in committee meetings facilitates dialogue and negotiation, essential components in a multi-party democratic system like South Africa’s. Through constructive engagement, political leaders can work towards consensus-building on contentious issues, fostering a cooperative rather than adversarial approach to governance. This collaboration is crucial for the stability and progress of the country, as it encourages the development of policies that enjoy broad support.