Role and mandate of the Joint Standing Committee

Role and mandate of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence Presentation Click to edit Master by Marina subtitle Nel style National Assembly Table

Establishment of the committee Interim Constitution, 1993 (section 228(3)) White Paper on Defence Constitution, 1996 (Item 24(1) of Schedule 6) Joint Rules of Parliament (120 A to 120 C)

Composition of the committee Membership is determined by statute (s 228(3) of the Interim Constitution, 1993) All parties with more than 10 seats in the National Assembly are entitled to membership. Membership is determined according to a formula set out in section 228(3).

Functions of the committee • • • To investigate and make recommendations on the SANDF’s budget, functioning, organisation, armaments, policy, morale and state of preparedness. To perform any functions relating to parliamentary supervision as may be prescribed by law. To consider quarterly reports submitted by the NCACC. (JRC, 4 August 2004)

• • To report to both Houses on any matter referred to it. To report to the Houses on its activities at least once a year.

Employment of the SANDF • • President must inform Parliament if the SANDF is employed for service in defence of the country or in fulfillment of international obligations. If Parliament is not sitting at the time, the President must summon the JSC on Defence to meet expeditiously, but not later than 14 days after the employment started.

Overlap between JSC and House Committees on Defence • • Huge overlap between the joint committee and portfolio committtee and select committee The differences are: – – – only the PC and SC deal with legislation the JSC on Defence considers and reports on the employment of the SANDF the JSC on Defence considers and reports on NCACC quarterly reports.