OUTA and Parliament Forge New Partnership for Enhanced Governance in South Africa

In an inspiring move towards bolstering democratic governance, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has committed to a promising collaboration with South African Parliament during its 7th administration. This initiative took a substantial step forward following a symposium held on 27 November 2024 which was organized alongside the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) and various significant stakeholders.

The symposium conducted in a hybrid format, both in-person and online, marked an unprecedented collective endeavor between civil society organizations (CSOs), parliamentary officials, and governance experts aimed at enhancing parliamentary oversight through increased accountability and transparency.

Robyn Pasensie, OUTA's Parliamentary Project Manager emphasized the critical role of parliamentary oversight in democracy and highlighted the unique contributions of civil societies through grassroots engagement and advocacy, ultimately enriching the collaborative framework necessary for proactive governance.

During this substantial gathering, pertinent discussions unfolded leading to several key outcomes. Strengthened partnerships emerged as a foundational achievement, setting the stage for ongoing collaborative efforts. Enhanced public engagement was underscored as a cornerstone for ensuring effective governance, with civic participation acting as the catalyst for increased awareness and involvement in parliamentary processes.

Furthermore, actionable recommendations were formulated, providing a roadmap of strategies to overcome challenges in parliamentary oversight and proactive governance. This foundational symposium also aimed at capacity building, equipping participants with essential tools and knowledge required for active contribution towards governance and oversight.

The symposium resonated with the ideology that while systemic changes present complexities—summarized in the phrase “turkeys don’t vote for Christmas”—the focus remained steadfast on building trust and mutual understanding to foster transparent and participatory governance. Through intense and heartfelt dialogue, the groundwork was laid for a future where Parliament and CSOs align more closely in their mission to safeguard and propel the democratic values of the nation.

OUTA and KAS extend heartfelt gratitude towards all attendees, panelists, and organizers who played a part in the successful execution of this event. The insights and commitments garnered from this symposium are expected to spearhead future initiatives, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight and fostering an environment of collaborative governance in South Africa.