Committees are crucial structures of the Legislature and are made up of the MPLs. Through Committees bills are scrutinised, debated and oversight over Provincial Government Departments are performed. They are regarded as the “engine room” of the Legislature. It is in Committees that most of the work of the Legislature is done since there are too many issues that need to be debated by the Legislature. Committees do all the groundwork required before matters are referred to the House for final decisions. What most people do not know is that by the time MPLs speak in the Chamber, most of the arguments, discussions and decisions would have already been taken in Committees.
In their work, they involve all stakeholders and the public through public hearings, so that they are able to inform government about what people say, think or feel on any matter under consideration. Public hearings conducted by Committees provide an important opportunity for the interest groups, individuals and organizations to express their opinions and participate in formulating public policy. At the end of their work, Committee Members report their findings and recommendations to the House for its consideration. The Legislature has Standing Committees, Portfolio Committees and Ad–Hoc Committees.