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                                    Department: Provincial Legislature%uf0b7 Raise awareness in the law-making processes; %uf0b7 Conduct vigorous oversight that leads to improved service delivery; %uf0b7 Direct and play active role in provincial affairs looking at the interests of the public %u2013 to reconnect the Legislature with the people; and %uf0b7 Use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to achieve the mandate of the Institution. 2 REVIEW OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR (2024/25)2.1 Key achievements For the 2024/25 financial year, the Legislature was engaged in implementing the undertakings of the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, including the transitional arrangements from the Sixth to the Seventh Administrative Term. The work of the Legislature was affected by the transitional period as some of the usual programmes were deferred as a result of the transitional period. The introduction of budget votes and the tabling of policy speeches was not done as planned in April and this was done during the month of August after the 29 May 2024, national and provincial elections. The work of Parliamentary Services continued with voter education and the programme of oversight visits during the first quarter with the Committee of the whole House led by the Portfolio Committee on Health. This culminated in a report tabled in the House. During the extended recess period prior to the elections, a multi-disciplinary team was tasked with preparing for the exit and the onboarding of Members. The project involved the revamp of the Chamber to accommodate the increase in the number of elected representatives, the swearing in and induction of members as provided for in the Standing Rules of the Eastern Cape Legislature, the distribution of tools of trade and the allocation of office and housing accommodation. While most of these project%u2019s milestones have been achieved, there is still outstanding work, which is intended to be completed over the mid-term period. Currently there are two major projects that are part of this work, which are the construction of a new office block to accommodate the Legislature%u2019s office needs as well as the completion of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) revamp of the Chamber. The official opening of the Legislature address took place during this period and was hosted in Ntabankulu in the Alfred Nzo District Municipality on 1 August 2024. This was preceded by the constitution of all oversight and governance committees by the Rules Committee. The establishment of these committees was published through the Announcements Tabling%u2019s and Committee reports (ATC) as required in terms of the Standing Rules. The implementation of this project has not been without its challenges, as limitations of the budget allocation have hindered the effective delivery of the project and the subsequent support of the work of the Seventh term of the Legislature. Despite these challenges, the Legislature has been able to remain stable with the administrative leadership with its hand on the pulse on all that is required to enhance the support provided to members. The induction and handover reports in almost all committees have been completed. Oversight over the Executive and the State Organs of the State Budget Votes were considered by the new reconfigured Committees enabling tabling thereof to the House without contravention of legislation. In addition is the highlight of the Budget and Money Bills that, for the first time, tabled its report to the House with recommendations on the Appropriation Bill. This made the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature to be the first provincial legislature to implement the Money Bills Amendment and Related Procedures Act in the country. 144
                                
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