Gauteng MEC’s, Deputy Minister of Sports & Recreation and the Chair of the Gauteng Youth Commission at the NCOP sitting in Sebokeng.

16.03. 2007] ‘Masjule Ngengxoxo Mzansi’ (Lets Deepen the Debate, South Africa), was the theme of the National Council of Provinces when parliament came to town from 12th to 16th March 2007.

The week long event held at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Centre in Sebokeng, drew huge numbers and proved a great success.

To organize and coordinate the event proved a huge challenge for staff from all three spheres of government. In the end the collaboration proved successful.

The Executive Mayor of Sedibeng District Clr Mlungisi Hlongwane welcomed the NCOP members, residents of Sedibeng and Gauteng at large, advised them to make their voices heard on issues that concern them.

The chairperson of NCOP Mr. M.J Mahlangu on his opening speech said events like this don't come more often, this is where the public would raise their concerns and asks questions to the cabinet ministers. 

Members of the commuityc came in their thousands to listen to their servants and to air out their views.  We experienced a real parliament rulings and we were exposed to another world that we just don't have to speak as we wish in parliament.  Rules apply even outside the parliament where a BLIMP was even not allowed at the parliamentary premises, remember Saul Tsotetsi Sports Centre was a parliamentary grounds for the whole 5 Days.

NCOP is a committee from Parliament coming to the people to interact with them and address the issues they wish to be discussed in parliament. It consists of Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MEC's of the province. The programme was divided in different topics for different days.

There was a public hearing on issues of education, social security, local government, safety and security, small business development, housing, poverty alleviation and job creation. While others were busy with the topics, other members were busy visiting different Schools, Expanded Public Works Project (EPWP), Health Centers and Social Development Sites around Sedibeng. The public responded very well on this visits and attendance was very huge.