PARLIAMENT
16 October 2007
TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE MARKET RESEARCH QUESTIONNAIRE TO TEST PUBLIC
OPINION OF THE PRESENT FLOOR CROSSING LEGISLATION
1. Background
In 2001, the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa passed legislation
amending the Constitution so as to allow elected representatives to change
their political affiliations without losing their seats at national, provincial
or local Levels. This system is known as floor crossing and has had a major
impact on the political terrain of the country.
The South African Parliament is responsible for overseeing the implementation
of legislation and assessing the political, social and economic impact of
legislation. It is within this context that the Standing Committee on Members
Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions wishes to test public opinion as to
the effects of floor crossing legislation.
2. Scope
The scope of the proposed project is to conduct research into the effects of
floor crossing on the electorate. The study proposes to elicit public opinion
as to the perceived challenges and problems with the floor crossing legislation
that will eventually be used to form the basis of proposed recommendations for
possible amendments.
3. Aims
The aims of the proposed study are as follows:
·
When the floor crossing legislation was first mooted,
it was met with considerable amount of criticism and controversy. After much
consideration, the necessary legislation was enacted which in turn was met with
due constitutional challenges by various political parties. The proposed study
will seek to establish what the perceived challenges are with the present floor
crossing legislation and whether the legislation enjoys the support of the
South African public or not.
4. Deliverables:
The deliverable in terms of this research application would be a research
report outlining public opinion in relation to the floor crossing legislation
and what its perceived achievements and challenges are.
5. Beneficiaries:
Beneficiaries of this intervention would be Parliament of South Africa as it
would enable the legislature to make informed decisions on the basis of the
research undertaken. Moreover, the Standing Committee on Private Members
Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions would benefit from this intervention
as it would enable them to make the necessary recommendations to the National
Assembly.
6. Sourcing of service providers
Accordingly, the Standing Committee on Private Members Legislative Proposals
and Special Petitions wishes to appoint a service provider to conduct the
necessary research and survey on their behalf. The intended sample should be a
national one, include all the nine provinces and should be representative of
the national demographics, gender, class and spatial location. Estimate sample size
should be approximately 500 persons per province. A copy of the proposed
questionnaire is attached and is intended to be used by the initiator. The role
of the service provider would include:
·
Working with the Committee or its representatives to
finalise the draft research questions.
·
Drawing up a suitable sample.
·
Conducting the survey.
·
Preparing a report on the findings.
·
Presenting the report to the Committee.
Quotations submitted by potential service providers must, include a cost
break down of all of the above.
6. General:
The following information applies:
·
Quotes should be on a letterhead, indicating the VAT
registration number, where applicable.
·
Curriculum Vitae and samples of similar projects
undertaken by organisations/individual with 3 referees.
·
Copyright remains that of Parliament, and all copies
of material used in the project should be returned to Parliament.
·
Research proposals and quotes must reach this Office
as soon as possible.
7. Communication:
The contact person for this application is:
Mr. G. Rhoda
Researcher
Parliament of South Africa