17 November 2024

This week, Parliament will focus on a range of critical issues affecting South Africa’s growth and development, including land redistribution, rural economy challenges, rising electricity costs, and public service accountability.

On Tuesday, 19 November 2024, at 14:00, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will hold a debate on “Accelerating Land Redistribution and Agricultural Development for Inclusive Growth.” On Wednesday, 20 November, the Council will deliberate on a report by the Select Committee on Education, Science, and Creative Industries following an oversight visit to the Gauteng Education Department. This will be followed by a debate on the decline of the rural economy, driven by issues such as inadequate rural safety and poor service delivery.

On Thursday, 21 November, at 14:00, the NCOP plenary will discuss the substantial increase in electricity costs, following NERSA’s retrospective approval of Eskom’s tariff hike. The debate will also focus on measures to protect vulnerable communities from the rising cost of living.

On Friday, 22 November, at 10:00, ministers from the Social Services Cluster, which includes the national departments of Health and Social Development, will appear before NCOP delegates in a hybrid question-and-answer session.

Additionally, this week marks the start of Committee Week in the National Assembly. Members will engage in 24 committee meetings covering a variety of crucial topics. Key sessions include:

• Monday, 18 November: Members of the National Assembly will begin Committee Week, focusing on various issues through their committee sessions. The National Assembly’s committees act as the “engine rooms” of Parliament, where public participation is facilitated and critical decisions are made.
• 19 November: The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities will discuss the recruitment process for the National Youth Development Agency Board. The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will engage with the state of the Merafong Local Municipality. Other committees, including those on Basic Education and Mineral and Petroleum Resources, will also meet to address issues such as international assessments in education and gender equity in small-scale mining projects.
• 20 November: The Portfolio Committee on Police will receive updates on specialized police units and security infrastructure, while the Social Development committee will report on efforts to address gender-based violence and teenage pregnancy. The Electricity and Energy committee will discuss the Just Energy Transition Plan.
• 21 November: The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry, and Competition will continue its investigation into corruption at the National Lotteries Commission.
• 22 November: The Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts, and Culture will meet to discuss equity sales with the South African Rugby Union.

This week’s parliamentary activities underline the importance of oversight, transparency, and accountability in government, with a focus on legislation and decisions that impact everyday South Africans.