ECONOMIC CLUSTER MEDIA BRIEFING – 8 SEPTEMBER 2025

Parliament’s Economic Cluster committees held a media briefing outlining key oversight priorities for the term.

To read the full briefing statement, click here.

Mr Mahlaule, Chair of the Portfolio Committee, highlighted four focus areas:

State-Owned Entities (SOEs): Oversight continues on entities such as the new South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) and Alexkor, with joint investigations planned into governance and financial management concerns.
Critical Minerals: South Africa’s reserves, including platinum and manganese, are central to industrial growth and the green economy. The committee emphasised ensuring local economic benefits and job creation.
Illegal Mining: Operation Vala Umgodi and the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Policy aim to curb illegal mining while enabling regulated small-scale operations.
Oil and Gas Development: Offshore projects face environmental legal challenges. The committee is consulting with both industry and environmental groups to balance energy security, economic development, and sustainability.

Audio: Mr Mahlaule

Mr Donald Selamolela, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, reported on industry oversight:

Taxi Recapitalisation Programme: The revised programme seeks to modernise the minibus taxi industry, improve safety, and encourage collaborative ownership models.
E-Hailing Services: New legislation under the NLTA Act will formalise e-hailing operations, require driver vetting, operating licences, and vehicle security measures.
Industry Conflict: Committees called on CATA and CODETA to resolve disputes to strengthen public transport.

Audio: Mr Selamolela

Mr Rikus Badenhorst, Chair of the Select Committee on Infrastructure, reported:

Oversight priorities include improving governance and financial management at the Independent Development Trust, ensuring state buildings are safe and well-maintained, and addressing debt owed to the Property Management Trading Entity.
The committee is tracking progress on digital driving licences to reduce card production backlogs and ensure service efficiency.

Audio: Mr Badenhorst

Ms Khusela Sangoni Diko, Chairperson, highlighted ICT sector challenges and priorities:

Legislative Reform: Updating outdated laws to support innovation, digital platforms, and over-the-top services.
Connectivity: Expanding affordable broadband access, including school connectivity, via state fibre consolidation under Broadband Infraco.
SABC and Post Office: Urgent action is required to address financial instability at the SABC and finalise the Post Office’s business rescue and transformation plans.
Post Bank: Support and strengthen the state-owned bank following legal and operational challenges.
Digital Migration: Completing the long-delayed transition from analogue broadcasting.

Audio: Ms Sangoni Diko

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