CAPE TOWN, Sunday 4 May 2025 – A busy week lies ahead in Parliament, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile set to headline Thursday’s plenary session in the National Assembly, where he will respond to oral questions in his capacity as Leader of Government Business. The session, which begins at 14:00, underscores Parliament’s commitment to holding the Executive accountable.

Later that day, at 15:00, ministers from the Economics Cluster (Cluster 5) – responsible for Land Reform, Public Works, Small Business, Tourism, Trade, Transport, and Science and Innovation – will also face MPs’ questions during a hybrid plenary from the Good Hope Chamber. These sessions are vital mechanisms through which Parliament ensures transparency and executive accountability, as enshrined in the Constitution.

Freedom and Workers’ Day Debates Set for Tuesday

On Tuesday, 6 May, the National Assembly will host a hybrid sitting at 14:00 to debate two significant national commemorations: Freedom Day and International Workers’ Day. The Freedom Day debate, under the theme “United in our resilience to advance social and economic justice, and to defend South Africa’s democratic order and sovereignty”, will reflect on the country’s democratic journey. The Workers’ Day discussion will focus on “Leveraging industrialisation and trade to realise decent work and social justice.”

Members’ statements and a report from the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies—concerning candidates for four vacant ICASA Council positions—are also on the day’s agenda.

Programming Committee, Mini-Plenaries on Thursday and Friday

Thursday morning will see the NA Programming Committee convene at 08:30 to review Parliament’s legislative agenda, outstanding bills, and planning priorities.

On Friday, Parliament will hold two concurrent virtual mini-plenary sessions from 09:00. Among the topics for debate are:

• Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), raised by Ms L L van der Merwe;

• The global rise of white supremacist movements and their local influence, sponsored by Ms K A Ramolobeng;

• Oversight of the R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund, brought by Rev K R J Meshoe;

• An EFF-sponsored subject, with the topic yet to be announced.

Committee Chairpersons to Brief Media on Social Sector Oversight

On Monday, 5 May, Chairpersons from key oversight committees within the Social Services Cluster will address the media at 11:00 from the Good Hope Chamber. The briefing forms part of the 7th Parliament’s ongoing Weekly Committee Cluster Media Engagements aimed at enhancing transparency.

The four committee chairs will cover critical developments across their respective sectors:

• Water and Sanitation: Mr Leonard Basson will speak on municipal debt, water shortages, and the upcoming Water and Sanitation Indaba;

• Social Services: Ms Desery Fienies will highlight developments around the NHI, SASSA, and support for youth and persons with disabilities;

• Electricity and Energy: Ms Nonkosi Mvana will address energy regulation reforms and the just energy transition;

• Human Settlements: Mr Mammoga Seabi will focus on issues including emergency housing, project blockages, and blacklisting of errant contractors.

NCOP Committees to Sharpen Oversight through Strategic Planning

The National Council of Provinces will host a two-day Committee Strategic Planning Session from Tuesday to Wednesday, aligning its committee operations with the constitutional mandate of oversight. Sessions will run from 09:00 each day, ending at 17:00 and 16:00 respectively. The workshops aim to strengthen committee work as the driving force behind Parliament’s legislative and accountability functions.

Packed Week of Committee Meetings Across Both Houses

This week features no fewer than 19 committee meetings, ranging from oversight briefings to strategic planning sessions. Highlights include:

• Tuesday, 6 May:

  • Basic Education: Infrastructure backlogs and school maintenance strategies;

  • Transport: Briefings by the Department and PRASA on strategic and financial planning;

  • Agriculture: Foot-and-mouth disease interventions;

  • Trade and Industry: Implementation of the Steel and Metal Fabrication Master Plan;

  • Communications: Strategic planning by GCIS and MDDA.

• Wednesday, 7 May:

  • Public Works: Oversight of key public entities;

  • Health: Budget report adoption;

  • Land Reform: Presentation of five-year strategic plans and restitution updates;

  • Defence: Internal audit capacity at the DMV;

  • Social Development: NDA performance plans and legislative matters;

  • Higher Education: NSFAS briefings on funding and accommodation.

• Friday, 9 May:

  • Ethics Committee: A closed session on Members’ interests;

  • Defence: Briefing on SANDF’s involvement in MONUSCO and troop withdrawal strategies;

  • Land Reform: Oversight of the Office of the Valuer-General and the Ingonyama Trust Board.