IN recent months we saw Parliament taking an activist role in terms of its oversight functions over the executive and all departments in general.

It has also asserted its role as the representative of the people .

The executive, judiciary and national assembly provideschecks and balances for and guarantees our nascent democracy.

One has been following with interest certain developments that give us hope that things are improving. These relate to the handling of the auditor-general's reports on state departments, the recent changes introduced at the SABC, the handling of Armscor on the Airbus contracts and imminent changes in legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system.

When certain promises were made by the ruling party during elections, many viewed them with suspicion or as cheap electioneering slogans.

But the recent performance of the government and national assembly on corruption, wasting public resources, fruitless expenditure and the quick response to issues raised by communities, shows that this was not mere politicking, but a commitment to eradicate anomalies in services.

The question is, will these institutions receive the necessary support from civil society and will the media report on their sterling work?

Only last year we were told that cowboys are taking over , that the Constitution is under threat and that South Africa is headed for the doldrums.

Also, parties that used to be fierce rivals now work together on issues of national importance, which is very encouraging . Give the current administration a chance to fulfil its mandate.

Paseka Rakosa, Vereeniging