Note to editors: This is an extract from remarks delivered by DA Parliamentary Leader, Lindiwe Mazibuko MP to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in London, April 19 2012

I am delighted to have this opportunity to address the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in London: the mother of parliamentary democracy.

Just next week, South Africa will celebrate our Freedom Day. This year marks the 18th year since our democratic parliament was established. At the beginning, the work of parliament centered on promoting peace and reconciliation in the transition. Form, procedure and, of course, familiarity with the institution, had to be established.

It worked well for a time, especially during the first-term Government of National Unity (GNU) under President Nelson Mandela. Much of our legislative programme was taken up with repealing apartheid laws. Legislation in accordance with the human-rights inspired Constitution and its Bill of Rights replaced them. It was a bustling forum of debate, discussion and problem solving. It embodied much of the energy and potential that the ‘new South Africa' represented. 

We, of course, have the wonderful advantage of a written constitution where these roles are defined. Our parliament is invested with the power "that all executive organs of state in the national sphere of government are accountable to it" and that it "maintain(s) oversight of national executive authority". 

Over the last decade, however, the inverse happened. There has been a growing concern at the lack of parliament's accountability to the people in a growing ‘democratic deficit'. Parliament has been sidelined as an agent of public policy. In a constitutional democracy like ours, parliament must be the country's premier public square.

Instead, our parliament has become ‘solidified' and debate frozen. Our party's MPs have worked tirelessly and effectively to reverse this trend, through hard-hitting questions and innovative policy contributions. However, more must be done to once again reclaim the Parliament of the Mandela-era.

There is an increasing body of evidence that political administrations are characterised by ‘group think'. The expected outcome or decision predetermines the rational decision-making process. The most senior, charismatic or the loudest voice inhibits the dissenting voice. This is why we need a strong parliament to bring out the best in the executive.

South Africa's long twilight struggle against apartheid reminds us all that democracy must be nurtured and promoted on a constant basis if it is not to writher. Critically, democracy requires its participants and institutions to fulfil their respective roles.

Helen Suzman, an icon in the fight for human rights, was for many years a lone voice of reason in South Africa's Apartheid Parliament. She famously coined the phrase "go and see for yourself." Visiting police stations where heinous crimes against South Africans were committed in the name of ‘state security' she was able to highlight the suffering of those who were denied a voice.

We need to foster this empathy in our democracy. Members of Parliament must be able to connect with the people who elected them. They must see the challenges for themselves, so that they always understand their importance in finding a workable solution to it. They must stand in solidarity with the men, women and children who have elected us into office.

This is why the Democratic Alliance (DA), South Africa's official opposition, is working hard to make parliament relevant to the country's diverse communities. As the Leader of the Opposition, I have recently undertaken two walks with DA public representative in the past month and a half.

The first was to Brandfort in the Free State Province to walk with women who have to walk several kilometers a day to collect water from the water works. This is because they lack the proper infrastructure which would allow them to access water from their own homes. Instead, they spend up to 6 hours of their day taking this long journey. This not only violates their constitutional rights, but further entrenches them in a cycle of poverty.

And last week, I went to the Eastern Cape to walk with children who have to walk further than 12km each day to get to school. These children, who must walk these long distances because of the failure to provide scholar transport, are put at risk of being victims of violent crimes. Walking these long distances limits their energy and ability to concentrate at school, and the harsh weather conditions will at times prevent them from attending school at all. This prevents them from accessing the education that will give them the opportunity to make the most of their lives.

Both these walks of solidarity humbled me and, quite frankly, shook me to my innermost core. It made me understand that as an elected representative of the people, I have a responsibility to find solutions to my compatriot's challenges. 

It reminded me as to why I stood for public office, and why I will continue to strive each and every day to make Parliament an effective and relevant institution in South Africa.  I will go back and tell these people's stories in Parliament, because it is in Parliament where our people's voices should be heard.  

Issued by the DA, April 19 2012

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter