Parliamentary Delegation Heads to IPU as Key Legislative Debates Take Place

Cape Town – The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, is leading a multi-party parliamentary delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from April 5 to 9, 2025. Meanwhile, Parliament’s legislative agenda this week includes the consideration of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, oral question sessions, and debates on key national issues.

International Engagement: South African Delegation at the IPU

The 150th IPU Assembly will convene under the theme, “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,” providing a platform for discussions on governance, democracy, and sustainable development.

Joining Speaker Didiza in Tashkent are:

• Les Govender – Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)

• Doris Dlakude (ANC)

• Mzwanele Manyi (MKP)

• Seeng Mokoena-Zondi (MKP)

• Mikateko Mahlaule (ANC)

• Jane Mananiso (ANC)

• Baxolile Nodada (DA)

• Nqobile Mhlongo (EFF)

• Nhlanhla Hadebe (IFP)

The delegation will participate in IPU statutory bodies, including the Standing Committees, Governing Council, Forum of Women Parliamentarians, and Forum of Young Parliamentarians.

The Assembly will also adopt two resolutions:

1. “The Role of Parliaments in Advancing a Two-State Solution in Palestine”, presented by the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security.

2. “Parliamentary Strategies to Mitigate the Long-Lasting Impact of Conflicts on Sustainable Development”, proposed by the Standing Committee on Sustainable Development.

The IPU, established in 1889, is a global organization representing 179 national parliaments. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the IPU focuses on parliamentary diplomacy, democracy-building, gender equality, human rights, and conflict resolution.

National Assembly and NCOP Sessions This Week

Weekly Committee Cluster Media Briefing

The Economic Cluster oversight committees from the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will hold a media briefing on March 31, 2025, at Good Hope Chamber, Parliament.

Committee chairpersons will provide updates on oversight activities, including March oversight findings in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, oversight strategies, and intensification of parliamentary scrutiny.

The briefing will be led by:

• Nqabisa Gantsho – Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries, and Environment

• Mangaqa Mncwango – Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development

• Masefako Dikgale – Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development

• Mpho Modise – Select Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform, and Mineral Resources

• Sonja Boshoff – Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade

NCOP Plenary Sessions

The NCOP will hold a hybrid plenary session on April 1, focusing on motions, reports, and legislative matters. The Democratic Alliance (DA) will sponsor a debate titled: “Removing Barriers to Investment, Innovation, Economic Growth, and Job Creation.”

On April 2, the House will consider the Select Committee on Finance’s report on the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals. A debate on South Africa’s energy crisis is scheduled under the theme: “Taking Decisive Measures to Permanently End Load Shedding and Strengthen Eskom’s Operational Resilience,” sponsored by the MK Party.

A plenary session on April 3 will focus on committee reports.

National Assembly Proceedings

On April 2, the National Assembly will debate the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals and mark Human Rights Day with a discussion titled “Deepening a Culture of Social Justice and Human Rights.”

On April 3, ministers from Economic Cluster departments—including Agriculture, Communications, Energy, Finance, and Labour—will participate in a Question and Answer session.

Parliamentary Committees in Session

Over 20 committee meetings are scheduled this week, addressing legislative, economic, and governance matters.

Key highlights include:

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

• Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies: Discussion on State Digital Infrastructure Company and Satellite Space Programme.

• Select Committee on Finance: Gauteng and Western Cape Treasuries will present quarterly reports.

• Portfolio Committee on Police & Select Committee on Security and Justice: Joint Gang Violence and Extortion Dialogue in the Western Cape.

• Standing and Select Committees on Finance: Consideration of the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals Report.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

• Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans: Briefing by Denel on financial and operational challenges.

• Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade: Auditor-General’s briefing on Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) audit outcomes.

• Select Committee on Appropriations: Consultations on the 2025 Division of Revenue Bill, Appropriation Bill, and Eskom Bill.

• Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry: Review of energy and provincial one-stop-shop strategies.

• Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements: Briefing by metropolitan municipalities on urban development and land management.

• Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training: Meeting with National Education, Health, and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) on worker challenges.

Friday, April 4, 2025

• Joint Standing Committee on Defence: Briefing on National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) reports.

• Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament: Review of the Parliamentary Budget Office Annual Report.

• Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements: Ministerial briefing on housing sector governance and regulatory issues.

• Portfolio Committees on Communications and Basic Education: Joint discussion on school connectivity programs.

Legislative Oversight and Governance in Focus

Parliament’s packed agenda this week reflects a strong focus on economic policy, national security, governance reforms, and oversight on state-owned entities. The IPU Assembly in Uzbekistan further reinforces South Africa’s role in global parliamentary diplomacy.