The National Council of Provinces represents the provincial interests by participating in national legislative process and offering a forum for scrutiny of issues by provinces. The National Assembly is elected for a term of five years and consists of up to 400 members. Members are elected in accordance with an electoral system prescribed by national legislation. The National Assembly is elected by proportional representation, with 200 members elected from national party lists and 200 from regional party lists. The National Council of Provinces is made up of a single delegation from each of the nine provinces consisting of ten delegates each.
Constitutional amendments pass with a two-thirds majority.
The last election was on 27 April , 1994. The Constitutional Court decides on constitutional matters only, while the Supreme Court of Appeal deals with final appeals on all other matters. It is composed of the Chief Justice, a Deputy Chief Justice and as many Judges of appeal as the President may determine from time to time. There are a lot of pressure groups and NGOs operating in South Africa. The Public Protector took over from the office of the Ombudsman.