The contribution of study tours to oversight in the Limpopo legislature.

Abstract

The study explores the contribution made by study tours on oversight in the Limpopo Legislature during the period 2004-2009. Oversight and its impact on service delivery is described and examined. Key to the study is how the contribution of study tours on oversight has been construed by staff and committee members in the Limpopo Legislature. The study was conducted from a qualitative perspective through interviews, focus group discussion and documentary analysis. The results of the study show that lack of common understanding on oversight rendered the lessons drawn from study tours meaningless. Capacities to discharge the oversight function and leadership have been identified by the study as essential to committees and the legislature respectively. The findings show that this is most likely the first study on the contribution of study tours to oversight function within the legislative environment in the country. It is therefore significant because it sets out the background for future academic research on the topic.