This article argues two issues - first, that the transformation of knowledge and knowledge production is still pertinent and yet an unresolved issue. The reconstruction of knowledge management as a discourse and practice in the legislatures cannot be fulfilled without the transformation of the knowledge base. The legislatures, through their oversight and public participation, have an opportunity to engender a people-connected knowledge production and knowledge management regime, but are not doing so. The article singles out knowledge production and argues that it is the foundation which needs to be 'decolonised' if ever knowledge management is to be an emancipatory praxis which connects with the tacit and explicit knowledges of marginalised communities serviced by legislatures. The article uses as the points of reference the various forms of public participation used by the legislatures, e.g. sector parliaments and publichear