Parliament must have oversight of arms acquisition policies and procedures, but MPs had to take matters of security seriously, Thandi Modise, the chair of Parliament's joint standing committee on defence said on Tuesday.

"Parliament must follow up and make sure that acquisition policy and structures are introduced to avoid future problems," she said.

Modise opened debate in the National Assembly on committee reports, released late last year, on the findings on the investigation into South Africa's multi-billion rand arms deal.

The Auditor-General, Public Protector and National Directorate of Public Prosecutions released their joint report on the probe in November 2001, following allegations of irregularities.

Modise said Parliament had a crucial oversight role to play in such deals, and should obtain comprehensive briefings on the price of equipment, to satisfy itself that such acquisitions were necessary.

"Parliament cannot sit back and receive a report like this in future; but Parliament cannot take over the work of the executive.

"We must hold the executive to account, we must monitor policy."

Oversight should not be understood as a tool to entrench democracy and should not be seen as an irritant or as competition between the legislature and the executive.

However, members of Parliament must also take matters of security seriously.

The Constitution allowed for "sufficient transparency", this meant MPs had no right to seek media limelight using defence as a tool.

Nor should they be irresponsible and jeopardise military personnel and operations carelessly trying to vie for attention in the media.

"Patriotism must be demanded of all of us."

She said, with hindsight, perhaps Parliament should have taken a closer interest in the arms deal acquisition process.

But, at the time it had satisfied itself that there was a need to procure.

Ultimately, South Africa had to look after its skies, seas and borders and had to protect its sovereignty and integrity.

"Yes, we must be ready for a September 11 type of attack and we must spend on the right equipment and training," Modise said.

With acknowledgement to Gordon Bell and Sapa.