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The Budget Speech, question-and-answer sessions, the Africa Day Lecture, members’ statements, and consideration of committee reports are some items scheduled on the parliamentary programme this week.
On Tuesday at 14:00, the Peace and Security Cluster (1C) ministers, including the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Leon Schreiber, will appear before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to answer questions.
Question-and-answer sessions are among the various instruments Parliament uses to hold the executive accountable. Section 92 of the Constitution stipulates that the executive, including the president, his deputy, and cabinet ministers, are accountable to Parliament for exercising their powers and performing their functions.
Also on Tuesday, from 14:00, the NA will consider the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs Report on the Political Party Funding Act and the upper limit and disclosure of donations to political parties, independent candidates and representatives. The House will also process member statements and motions without notice and notices of motion.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana, is scheduled to deliver the 2025 Budget Speech during the National Assembly plenary at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday, 21 May. The minister will also introduce the Appropriation Bill and table the 2025 Division of Revenue Bill, which Parliament will process in the following months.
During the Budget Speech, the Minister of Finance outlines the allocation of financial resources to the national government’s priorities as captured in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2025 State of the Nation Address. Among other things, the Budget aims to balance economic growth and support for the vulnerable in our society despite limited resources.
On Thursday at 10:00, the NCOP will convene a hybrid session for an Africa Day Public Lecture under the theme, “Pioneering Africa’s Inclusive Economic Growth through the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA): Optimising our Levers for Building the Africa We Want.” This year’s lecture serves as a platform to critically reflect on Africa’s economic re-emergence through structural reforms and inclusive growth, with the AfCFTA as the centrepiece.
Professor Eddy Maloka, CEO of the African Peer Review Mechanism, is expected to deliver the keynote address, and other distinguished speakers expected to feature include Dr Tulia Ackson, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania; Adv Jacob Mudenda, Speaker of the National Assembly of Zimbabwe; Ambassador Tokozile Xasa, South Africa’s Ambassador to the European Union, and Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau.
Later on Thursday at 14:00 in the NA, members will debate Africa Day under the theme, “Calling for justice for Africans and people of African descent through reparations, and advancing South Africa’s G20 theme of solidarity, equality and sustainability.” The sitting will also consider a Portfolio Committee on Transport report on the Economic Regulation of Transport Amendment Bill.
On Friday, from 10:00, the NA will convene two virtual mini-plenary sessions, as follows:
Mini-plenary 1:
Consideration of the report of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture on the oversight visit to North West Province from 24 to 28 February 2025 (ATC, 1 April 2025, p 102)
Consideration of the report of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s fourth quarter financial and non-financial performance for the 2023/24 financial year (ATC, 6 November 2024, p 350)
Consideration of the report of the Portfolio Committee on Transport on the 2024/2025 second quarter expenditure of the Department of Transport (ATC, 20 February 2025, p 5)
Mini-plenary 2:
Consideration of the report of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on the oversight visit to KwaZulu-Natal provincial education departments (ATC, 1 April 2025, p 8)
Consideration of the report of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training on the oversight visit to North West and Gauteng post-school education and training institutions on 27 to 31 January 2025 (ATC, 24 March 2025, p 49)
Consideration of the report of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on the oversight visit to Ethekwini, Msunduzi and Ugu municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal (ATC, 1 November 2024, p 127)
Also on Thursday, Chairpersons of the NA and NCOP Finance Cluster oversight committees will engage the media and stakeholders as part of the 7th Parliament’s Weekly Committee Cluster Media Engagement programme. The engagement is scheduled for 08:30 at the Good Hope Chamber, where the Chairpersons will highlight the critical oversight priorities following the tabling of the Budget and fiscal framework by the Minister of Finance.
The Finance Cluster is set to feature six committee Chairpersons as follows:
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Appropriations, Ms Tidimalo Legwase,
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Finance, Ms Sanny Ndhlovu,
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Appropriations, Mr Mmusi Maimane,
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on the Auditor-General, Mr Wouter Wessels,
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, Dr Mkhacani Maswanganyi,
The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Mr Songezo Zibi
There are 36 committee meetings scheduled this week, including:
TUESDAY, 20 MAY 2025
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development: Meeting with various departments and the Foundation for Human Rights on the implementation of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30
Portfolio Committee on Basic Education: Engagement with DBE and FFC on Funding Norms and Standards per Learner in SA (Including funding disparities). Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30 – 12:30
Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries: Briefing by Metros on their Waste Management (including the state of landfill sites): City of eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Metro and Buffalo City. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30 – 13:30
Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology & Innovation: Briefing on IKS – Legislation, regulation and research and innovation. Virtual Meeting Platform, 10:00 – 13:00
Select Committee on Education and Creative Industries: Consideration and adoption of draft minutes. Briefing by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), City of Johannesburg and City of Tshwane on the state of Sport Infrastructure projects and sport programmes in the metros. The committee meet and greets the visiting United Kingdom Members of Parliament. Salga Boardroom, Salga Offices, Foreshore, 09:00 – 13:30
Portfolio Committee on Transport: Briefing by the Department of Transport on its 2024/25 third quarter expenditure. Consideration of additional written submissions on the Merchant Shipping Bill [B12-2023] and briefing by the Parliamentary Legal Adviser on the NEDLAC consultation issue. Consideration and adoption of minutes of proceedings. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30
Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources: Briefing by the Central Energy Fund (CEF) Group on the following: Comprehensive update on the turnaround initiatives of PetroSA Gas-to-Liquids Refinery in Mossel Bay. Comprehensive update on the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC merger), and an update on SANPC Refinery and progress to deal with refinery capacity in the country. Petro SA Office in Parow, 09:30 – 13:00
Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Briefing by the SIU on the investigation conducted into the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00-13:00
Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services: Briefing by the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services on its 2nd and 3rd Quarter Performance Report for the 2024/25 financial year. Virtual Meeting Platform, 10:00
Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs: Response by the Department of Home Affairs on the issue of state-funded legal representation (Legal Aid Board) of undocumented foreign nationals and the collaboration between the DHA and the Department of Social Development of undocumented foreign and migrant children. Committee deliberations on the Immigration Amendment Bill. Briefing by the Minister of Home Affairs and the Department of Home Affairs on all court judgements against the department. Update on the progress made to amend sections 22(12) and 22(13) of the Refugees Act. Update and progress by the minister and the department to amend Sections 10(60), 11 (6) and 18(2) of the Immigration Act. Briefing by the content advisor on the One Stop Border Post submissions. Consideration and adoption of the outstanding minutes. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 13:00
Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture: Follow-up briefing with SANABO on their financial statements and response to allegations of violating athletes’ safety through non-compliance with tournament rules and regulations. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30
Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Committee interaction with stakeholders from the women, youth and disability sectors ahead of the planned workshop. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 13:00.
Portfolio Committee on Agriculture: Presentation by South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and South African People’s Tribunal on AgroToxins (SAPToA) on the use of agricultural pesticides and their implications. Tabling of the invitation (from the Minister of Finance) on the nomination of candidates to serve on the Board of the Land and Agricultural Bank of South Africa (Land Bank). Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30 – 13:00
Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament: Briefings by the executive authority and Secretary to Parliament, and the Auditor-General of South Africa on the Parliament of the RSA’s 2023/24 Annual Report. Hybrid, Good Hope Chamber, Good Hope Building, Ground Floor, 18:30 – 21:30 (after plenaries in the NA and NCOP)
Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade: Engagement with visiting United Kingdom parliamentary delegation. Breakfast meeting in Old Assembly. Old Assembly Dining Hall, 09:00 – 10:00.
Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry: Briefing by NMISA on its 4th quarter financial and non-financial performance for the 2024/25 financial year. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30 – 13:00
Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation: Engagement with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association delegation. Consideration of the committee report on the second and third quarterly expenditure reports of the Department of Water and Sanitation. Consideration and adoption of minutes. M514, Fifth Floor, Marks Building. 10:00 – 13:00
WEDNESDAY, 21 MAY 2025
Portfolio Committee on International Relations & Cooperation: Presentation on ‘Traversing turbulent waters of US-SA relations and possible oversight approach’ by the Institute for Global Dialogue. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 12:30
Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure: Briefing by the DPWI on progress regarding plans to reconfigure the EPWP into a viable and more sustainable job creation programme. Consideration and adoption of the Leruntse SS Petition Report. Consideration and adoption of minutes. S12A, Ground floor. NCOP Building. 10:00
Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements: Briefing by the National Home Builders Registration Council (NHBRC) on the key criteria and approval process for approving houses built, and the general role played in construction. Briefing by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on the criteria for grading contractors and the general role played in construction. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 13:00
Joint Meeting Portfolio Committee on Police and Portfolio Committee on Agriculture: Adoption of petition reports. Implementation of recommendations emanating from the State Capture Report (Parliamentary Implementation Plan). Virtual Platform, 08:00 – 12:30
Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training: Briefing by the Department of Higher Education on the 2024/25 fourth quarter report. M46, Ground Floor, Marks Building. 09:00 – 13:00
Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy: Meeting with United Kingdom parliamentarians. S35, First Floor, NCOP Building. 11:30 – 13:00
Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation: Briefing by NEDLAC on the NSE Bill (B1-2024). Committee Room 4, Fourth Floor, 90 Plein Building. 09:30
Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans: Consideration of the PCDMV letter on the Acting DG. Briefing by Armscor on current and planned naval contracts. Briefing by the SA Navy on naval contracts managed by Armscor. Armscor Dockyard, Simons Town. 10:00 – 13:00
Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development: Briefing by the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development on the interventions carried out in addressing challenges at Zwelabantu CPA in KwaZulu-Natal and Mbadlanyana Family Land tenure disputes in Eastern Cape. Committee room 2, Upper ground, 90 Plein Building. 09:30 – 13:30
Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament: Briefing by the Parliamentary Budget Office and PBO board on the office’s role, mandate and functions, as well as its 2023/24 Annual Report. Good Hope Chamber, Good Hope Building, Ground Floor. 17:00 – 19:00 (after plenaries in the NA)
Portfolio Committee on Employment & Labour: Briefing by the Labour Relations Registrar and the Administrator of Unions on operations and challenges with Unions put under administration. Adoption of draft minutes of 7 May 2025. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00
Select Committee on Security and Justice: Meeting to share best practice and strengthen ties with the delegation of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association on its visit to the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. S35, Second Floor, NCOP Building. 10:00-11:45
THURSDAY, 22 MAY 2025
Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans: Meeting the UK delegation to discuss key international security matters. S12A, Ground Floor, NCOP Building. 12:30 – 13:45
Subcommittee on the Review of the National Assembly Rules: Finalisation of Rules for Money Bills and Reforms to Questions. M46, Ground Floor, Marks Building. 17:00 – 19:00
FRIDAY, 23 MAY 2025
Portfolio Committee on Police: Adoption of petition reports. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 11:00
Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries: Briefing by the City of Cape Town on their Waste Management (including the state of landfill sites). Briefing by the NSPCA on the general snaring problem in the country and the challenges faced by the Madikwe Game Reserve. Briefing by the North West Provincial Department of Environmental Affairs and the North West Tourism and Parks Board Agency. Adoption of minutes. Virtual Meeting Platform, 10:00 – 12:00
Joint meeting of Standing Committee on Finance, Standing Committee on Appropriations, Select Committee on Finance, and Select Committee on Appropriations: Briefing by the Minister of Finance on the 2025 Budget Review. S12A, Ground Floor, NCOP Building. 10:00 – 13:00
Joint Standing Committee on Defence: Briefing by Armscor on the status of SA Air Force and SA Navy maintenance and acquisition contracts. Consideration of minutes. Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 12:00
Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament: Briefing on the Parliament of the RSA’s 2024/25 fourth quarterly report. Hybrid, Good Hope Chamber, Good Hope Building, Ground Floor. 16:30 – 18:30 (after plenaries in the NA and NCOP)
Issued by Parliament
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