Parliament, Sunday, 2 March 2025 – Chairpersons from the governance cluster committees will address the media on Monday as part of the 7th Parliament’s weekly media engagement programme. The briefing will provide an update on the committees’ work since the start of the 7th Parliament, covering municipal governance and finance, planning and legislative reforms in state-owned companies, inclusive education, economic infrastructure for job creation, and efforts to build a professional, capable, ethical, and developmental state.

National Council of Provinces (NCOP)

The NCOP will hold a strategic planning session on Tuesday and Wednesday to outline the business and programmes of its committees. The session aims to enhance the select committees’ effectiveness in representing provincial interests within the national legislative framework.

On Thursday, the NCOP will host a debate under the theme, “Strengthening measures to build viable municipalities and municipal capabilities to meet the needs of communities.”

National Assembly (NA)

On Tuesday at 14:00, the National Assembly will hold a debate on International Mother Language Day, highlighting the role of languages in inclusion and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. This will be preceded by a plenary at 10:00 to consider oversight visit reports, including a petition from Germiston residents requesting an investigation into their water supply issues.

On Wednesday at 15:00, the peace and security cluster will appear before the NA for oral questions from Members of Parliament. The cluster includes ministries such as Correctional Services, Defence and Military Veterans, Home Affairs, International Relations and Cooperation, Justice and Constitutional Development, Police, and the Minister in the Presidency (State Security). These sessions serve as a tool for parliamentary oversight, as outlined in Section 91(2) of the Constitution.

On Thursday at 14:00, the NA will hold an urgent debate on the United States Government’s decision to halt aid to South Africa and the country’s response. The debate was requested by Mr. Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters. The House will also consider various oversight visit reports.

On Friday, beginning at 10:00, the NA will convene four mini-plenaries on matters of national importance.

Parliamentary Committee Meetings

A total of 22 committee meetings are scheduled for the week, including key discussions on governance, legislative reforms, and national policies. Highlights include:

Tuesday, 4 March 2025

• Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies: Briefing on the implementation of the new structure, spectrum policy, digital migration, and governance of state entities.
• Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Updates on establishing the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
• Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs: Response from the Department of Home Affairs on the Immigration Amendment Bill and departmental performance updates.

Wednesday, 5 March 2025

• Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development: Legal opinion review on the Regulation of Interception of Communications Bill.
• Portfolio Committee on Police: Progress briefing by SAPS, IPID, and other oversight bodies on budgetary review recommendations.
• Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans: Joint briefing with National Treasury on a new human resources strategy for force rejuvenation.
• Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure: Review of third-quarter performance and legislative deliberations.
• Portfolio Committee on Social Development: Consideration of a petition advocating for an increase in the social grant for pensioners.
• Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy: Briefing by NERSA on Eskom’s multi-year price determination for the next three fiscal years.
• Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour: Review of third-quarter performance reports for the Department of Employment and Labour.

Friday, 7 March 2025

• Joint Standing Committee on Defence: Engagement with the Defence Force Service Commission (DFSC) and a briefing on its 2024 Annual Activity Report.

These meetings and debates are essential components of Parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective governance, ensuring that legislative and oversight functions are carried out in the best interests of the country.