The National Council is set to kick off with its 10th session on Monday, November 20, 2023.

The upper house will consider bills referred by the National Assembly, reports of standing committees, and any other business.

The Executive Director of the National Council, Tousy Namiseb, provided insights into the upcoming session on Inside the Chambers.

Being on recess does not necessarily mean a holiday for the MPs, as they are tasked with oversight activities away from the chambers.

In their recent oversight visits across the country, they paid particular attention to the state of education, especially with regards to last year's final year examination results.

"Last year, the final year results did not project very well, and to this end, the council was concerned and has tasked a specific team with dealing with education. The committee has been up and down scrutinising: what are the serious issues, and what are the root causes? The committee has been looking at regular curriculum development issues pertaining to access to schools, issues pertaining to learning materials, and various other issues, talking to parents, teachers, and other members of the community. And we expect the report to come to the national council from that committee."

The committee's findings are expected to lead to substantive discussions with relevant ministers.

Looking forward to the upcoming session, Namiseb outlined legislative priorities and review of Bills from the National Assembly.

We are expecting bills to come, and there are five bills that are likely to come. Of course, we will receive the appropriation Amendment Bill 2123. That is the review of the national budget. We are also expecting to receive the magistrate's court amendment as well as the High Court Amendment Bill, Bill 18 of 2020. Some of the new bills are vehicle mass and electoral."

Namiseb stressed the need for coordination between the two houses of parliament in the legislative process.

Notably, he highlighted the importance of synchronising calendars to ensure timely consideration of critical matters such as the national budget.

"There is a serious need for collaboration between the two chambers. For example, when dealing with the national budget, historically late, the Minister of Finance will table the national budget already in February. This coordinated effort aims to pass the budget as early as possible in the financial year, ensuring timely implementation and avoiding the delays experienced in the past."