From 20 to 24 April 2026, Honourable Matshidiso Mfikoe led the Legislature’s CSSL Committee delegation on a benchmarking visit to the National Assembly of Seychelles, intended to strengthen legislative processes.
The visit marked the second consecutive engagement between the GPL and the Seychelles National Assembly, reflecting a growing and mutually beneficial relationship.
Hon. Mfikoe emphasised the importance of prioritising collaboration with fellow African legislatures, noting that Seychelles has a well-established and functional Bills Committee.
The programme commenced with a benchmarking session between the CSSL and the Scrutiny of Bills Committee, chaired by Hon. Johan Loze. Both Committees outlined their Terms of Reference and operational frameworks.
Discussions highlighted the critical role of public participation in ensuring that legislation responds effectively to the needs of citizens and avoids unintended societal impacts—an especially important consideration in Gauteng, with its population exceeding 16 million.
The engagement further explored the advisory and supportive role of the Bills Committee in strengthening legislation through deliberations, engagement with Ministers, and recommendations for revision. Emphasis was placed on collaboration and consensus-building, particularly when addressing complex policy or drafting issues.
The exchange also unpacked differences in the handling of primary legislation and statutory instruments, offering valuable comparative insights.
To strengthen the administrative dimension of committee work, the delegation met with Clerk Mrs. Tania Isaac and Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure, alongside Legal Technicians Mrs. Catherine Ombima and Mrs. Shanira Jean-Baptiste. Discussions focused on the role of parliamentary staff, with Seychelles highlighting a generalist support model due to the smaller size of its National Assembly.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Azarel Ernesta, where discussions centred on enhancing legislative scrutiny frameworks. The Speaker shared plans to strengthen lawmaking through a dedicated drafting team.
Additional engagements included courtesy calls with the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Sylvanne Lemiel, and representatives of the Opposition.
Further meetings were held with key institutions, including the Attorney General’s Office, the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman. These engagements provided valuable insights into the broader legislative ecosystem and offered practical lessons for application within the GPL.
Beyond formal engagements, the delegation visited key heritage sites, including the Botanical Gardens and Venn’s Town. These visits enriched cultural understanding and reinforced the strong bilateral relationship between the two legislatures.
