The mandate of Parliament determines its reason for existence. It is the origin of the institution, and is based in the need for services by members of Parliament, as they perform their functions outlined in the Constitution.

Parliament is elected to represent the people and to ensure government by the people under the Constitution, and to represent the provinces in the national sphere of government.

The following functions are assigned to Parliament in terms of the Constitution:

Function 1: Pass legislation (laws)

Function 4: Facilitate co-operative government

The mission indicates the purpose of Parliament, its reason for existence as outlined in the mandate.

Our mission is:

The vision is the future dream and ambition of Parliament, being within sight but out of reach.

Our vision is:

Our values are the set of beliefs that guides the management and operations of Parliament.

We keenly believe in the following:

• Constitutionality

• People-centredness

• Co-operative Government

The Core Objectives for Parliament indicate our main business. They are:

• Overall procedural advice and guidance on, and support in respect of, National Assembly and parliamentary proceedings, and related administrative services

• Overall procedural and legal advice and support in respect of National Council of Provinces and parliamentary proceedings, and related administrative services

• Procedural, administrative, information and language support services to Parliament in its legislative, oversight and related functions

• Provisioning services, catering services, household services, artworks management, and document management for Parliament

• Human resource services and information communication technology services

• Public participation, communication, finance management, legal services, members’ interests, strategic management, and security within the precincts of Parliament

Key Issues are the aspects that the Parliamentary Service needs to attend to if services are to be provided at an acceptable level. These are derived from the Environmental Analysis – an analysis of all external and internal aspects likely to influence Parliament. The Key Issues facing Parliament are

1. A growing demand for services emanating from parliamentary processes, including

1. Developments in the oversight process
2. Increased international participation (including African Unions structures such as the Pan African Parliament; SADC Parliament)
3. The need for improved public participation and involvement
4. Developments in the cooperative government processes

2. The further development and implementation of institutional policies to guide implementation, including

1. Institutional governance (processes, roles and responsibilities, accountability and reporting)
2. Parliamentary Service policies
3. Divisional policies

3. The development and implementation of modern institutional systems allowing for delivery, especially

1. Management systems
2. Functional systems

4. The organisational structure and HR capacity to deliver the Core Objectives as identified, focusing specifically on

1. The organisational structure
2. Improved human resource capacity
3. Training and development

5. Institutional culture and communication supporting implementation, focusing on

1. The creation of a culture for Parliament supporting the delivery of effective and efficient services
2. Improvement of internal and external communication

6. Providing a working environment enabling the delivery of services, including

1. Accommodation
2. Facilities and equipment

1. TARGET/OUTPUT: Legislation passed

KPI: Compliance with constitutional imperatives, other legislation, as well as standard legislative drafting requirements

2. TARGET/OUTPUT: Oversight conducted

KPI: Compliance with the provisions of the PFMA and other Treasury Regulations asa EPWP Implementation Guidelines

3. TARGET/OUTPUT: Public participation facilitated

KPI: Government by the people/direct representation by the masses (ordinary people)