The public can now interact with Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs via social media following the launch of its official Twitter account.
In a statement, the committee says the social media account has been set up in an effort to strengthen its oversight work.
In addition, the platform is intended to bridge the communication gap between the committee and the people requiring services from the Department of Home Affairs.
“If we are to enhance service delivery to the required standards, we must be willing to adapt to changes in the environment in which we operate. Social media presents an opportunity for instantaneous communication with the public and will assist in providing first-hand information about their daily experiences at home affairs offices,” says advocate Bongani Bongo, chairperson of the committee.
The 2019 SA Social Media Landscape report, conducted by World Wide Worx, indicates that Twitter growth in the country has flattened, in line with international trends. However, the social media site picked up 300 000 new followers in the past year to reach 8.3 million users in SA.
The committee says it views effective oversight as a precursor to efficient service delivery. Furthermore, effective oversight requires that a variety of voices are heard in order to achieve a balance of views.
“But people must also realise that oversight does not only mean highlighting the negatives, it should also highlight those departmental systems that are working to enable the department to replicate positives across its system and improve service delivery,” emphasises Bongo.
According to the committee, the issues raised on the social media platform will be used as a basis for its oversight over the department. The department will also be required, from time to time, to respond directly on issues raised on the platform.
The committee’s Twitter handle is @PConHomeAffairs.
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