Laws to be properly scrutinised - Sibalatani

JEMIMA BEUKES



New National Council chairperson, Katima Mulilo Urban Constituency councillor Bernard Sibalatani, says he is confident the house will collectively strive and ensure that laws referred to it will be properly scrutinised and passed in the interest of the electorate.

“I have realised that over time we might have moved away from our standing rules and orders and during my leadership I want us to make sure that we apply and adhere to our standing rules and orders, as passed and adopted by this house,” he said.

Sibalatani also urged his MPs not to duplicate the work done by the National Assembly, when it comes to their oversight function.

“Let us join hands to meet emerging challenges and contribute towards making our laws more dynamic, responsive and sensitive to the needs of citizens,” Sibalatani said.

He also encouraged MPs to maintain the culture of regular attendance, while pointing out that the National Council has never lacked a quorum.

Sibalatani, who had previously served as the deputy chair of the National Council, was elected during a special sitting on Monday.

He replaces Margaret Mensah-Williams, who resigned recently after being nominated on the Swapo candidate list for the National Assembly, ahead of the 27 November general election.

Victoria Mbawo Kauma from the Kavango East Region will serve as Sibalatani’s deputy.

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