Parliament’s agenda this week includes key discussions on filling vacancies for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Board, a debate on Human Rights Day, and question-and-answer sessions with members of the executive.

National Assembly Considerations

The National Assembly (NA) will convene on Tuesday at 14:00 to review the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities’ report on filling vacancies for the NYDA Board.

In line with the National Youth Development Agency Act, the Board is appointed by the President upon recommendation from the National Assembly. Following a recruitment and interview process, the Portfolio Committee has put forward nine candidates for appointment to serve a three-year term:

• Kelly Sandra Baloyi
• Thembisile Precious Mawuha
• Dr. Wiseman Mfaniseni Mbatha
• Bonga Sipheshile Makhanya
• Sibusiso Makhathini
• Irfaan Mangera
• Dr. Sunshine Minenhle Myende
• Busisiwe Nandipha Nxumalo
• Xabiso Nicholas Nyati

Once the National Assembly adopts the committee’s report, the list will be submitted to the President for final appointment.

Additionally, the NA will consider the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration’s report on the Public Service Commission Bill. The proposed legislation aims to regulate the Public Service Commission (PSC) and enhance its independence by establishing a secretariat to support its functions.

The plenary session will also include a debate on Human Rights Day under the theme, “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights.”

National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Engagements

The NCOP will hold an oral question-and-answer session on Tuesday at 14:00 with Cluster 2B Social Services Ministers, including the Minister of Health and the Minister of Social Development.

The Minister of Health is expected to address questions on the impact of funding reductions under the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the government’s strategy for managing HIV/AIDS amid a shortage of professional nursing staff.

The Minister of Social Development will respond to concerns regarding delays in replacing SASSA cards and outline measures to alleviate poverty and reduce socio-economic disparities.

On Wednesday at 15:00, the NA will hold a question-and-answer session with Cluster 3: Governance Ministers. The session will feature:

• Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
• Minister in The Presidency (GCIS)
• Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation
• Minister of Public Service and Administration
• Minister of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities

On Thursday, the NCOP will conclude the week with another oral question-and-answer session, this time with Cluster 2C: Social Services Ministers.

The Minister of Human Settlements is expected to provide updates on stalled or incomplete housing projects and the effects of budget cuts on housing delivery under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation will outline strategies to assist municipalities struggling with financial and technical constraints in maintaining and upgrading critical water infrastructure. Additionally, she will provide details on outstanding municipal debt to water boards and government plans to facilitate debt recovery.

Committee Meetings

A total of 21 committee meetings are scheduled for the week. Key discussions include:

Tuesday, 18 March 2025

• Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies: Briefing by ICASA on market inquiries, regulatory amendments, and monitoring universal service obligations.
• Joint Meeting on Trade and Industry: Department of Trade, Industry and Competition briefing on South Africa’s G20 policy priorities.
• Joint Finance Committees: Financial and Fiscal Commission and Parliamentary Budget Office briefing on the 2025 Budget.
• Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings: Review of commitments made by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.
• Select Committee on Education: Briefing by the Department of Higher Education and Training on university and TVET college registrations and infrastructure.

Wednesday, 19 March 2025

• Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans: Briefing by the Military Veterans Appeal Board on its impact and challenges.
• Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure: Discussion on the reconfiguration of the Independent Development Trust (IDT) and the appointment of a new Board of Trustees.
• Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements: Meeting with alternative technology service providers on housing innovations.
• Select Committee on Security and Justice: Briefing on the implementation of the Sexual Offences Act and forensic DNA processing.
• Select Committee on Social Services: Central Drug Authority briefing on the National Drug Master Plan and the 2023/24 annual report.
• Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry: Briefing on amendments to the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications’ Annual Performance Plan and third-quarter performance.

Parliament’s programme for the week reflects its continued focus on governance, legislative oversight, and addressing socio-economic challenges.