From Monday 20th April to Friday 24th April 2026, a delegation of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) Committee on Scrutiny of Subordinate Legislation (CSSL) undertook a parliamentary benchmarking exchange to the National Assembly of Seychelles. The delegation was led by Chairperson Hon. Matshidiso Mfikoe and comprised Members of the CSSL Committee.
The positive and sustained relationship between Seychelles and South Africa is highlighted by this visit, marking the second consecutive engagement between the GPL and the National Assembly of Seychelles with the aim of sharing experiences and benchmarking best practices to advance legislative development. Chairperson Hon. Mfikoe emphasised the importance of prioritising benchmarking with fellow African legislatures before engaging with other parliamentary systems, and it was noted that Seychelles was a highly recommended legislature with an established and functional Bills Committee.
The programme began with a benchmarking session with the Scrutiny of Bills Committee of the National Assembly, chaired by Hon. Johan Loze, during which the respective Committees outlined their Terms of Reference which guide the ways they operate. Discussions began with emphasis on the importance of public participation in ensuring that legislation accurately responds to the needs of the people and avoids net negative societal consequences, which is particularly importance in Gauteng as the estimated population currently exceeds 16 million people.
The role of the Bills Committee was discussed in broad terms, emphasising its supportive and advisory function in strengthening legislation through regular deliberations, engagement with Ministers, and recommendations for revision where concerns arise. The importance of collaboration and consensus‑building was underscored, particularly where significant policy or drafting matters require further attention. The exchange highlighted the differing processes followed in the consideration of primary legislation and statutory instruments, and the lessons learned in both parliamentary systems. In the interest of developing the administrative dimension of Committee work, the CSSL called on the Clerk Mrs. Tania Isaac and Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure, who were accompanied by Legal technicians Mrs. Catherine Ombima and Mrs. Shanira Jean-Baptiste.
Discussions were centred on the role of parliamentary staff in the context of committees, with the Clerk remarking that Committee support, in the context of Seychelles, is often conducted in a generalist capacity rather than a specialist role due to the relatively small size of the National Assembly which requires Clerks to cover a broad range of functions.
The CSSL had the opportunity to pay a Courtesy Call on the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Azarel Ernesta, during which discussions centred on the objectives of the working visit and the significance of strengthening frameworks that govern the scrutiny of legislation at various stages. Hon. Ernesta shared that the vision of the National Assembly is to enhance lawmaking capabilities through a designated Drafting Team, thereby strengthening Parliament’s core legislative function. Courtesy Calls were also paid on the Leader of Government Business Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel, and the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, represented by Hon. Sandy Arissol and Hon. Philip Monthy.
Further key engagements during the visit included meetings with a range of strategic stakeholders to deepen understanding of the interrelationship between institutions involved in the legislative process. The CSSL called on the Attorney General’s Office led by AG Mr. Vinsent Perera; the Seychelles Human Rights Commission led by Justice Bernadin Renaud; and the Office of the Ombudsman led by Ombudsman Mr. Georges Roberts. These productive interactions provided valuable insights and practical lessons that the Committee can consider for implementation within its own parliamentary system.
In addition to the formal programme, Committee Members visited several heritage sites and culturally significant landmarks, including the Botanical Gardens, Venn’s Town (Mission Lodge), and Domaine Val de Près. These visits enhanced cultural understanding and strengthened the bilateral relationship by providing insight into the shared historical development of both societies.
