This week, Parliament will focus on the tabling of the 2024 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) and Deputy President Paul Mashatile’s oral replies to questions in the National Assembly (NA).

On Wednesday, October 30, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana will present the MTBPS during a session in the NA at 14:00. This event will take place at the Nieuwmeester Parking Marquee, located at the corner of Roeland and Plein Streets, across from Parliament. The Minister will also introduce several Section 77 (Money) bills, including the Adjustments Appropriation Bill, the Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill, and the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill.

The MTBPS is crucial as it outlines the policy framework for the annual budget, which is presented in February. It offers updates on the National Treasury’s economic forecasts, adjusts departmental budgets, and facilitates emergency spending changes. Additionally, it allows Parliament and the public to engage with the government’s budget plans several months prior to the February budget.

Prior to the 14:00 session, Minister Godongwana will brief a joint meeting of the NCOP Select Committees on Appropriations and Finance, along with the NA Standing Committees on the same topics, in a lock-up session from 11:00 to 13:45.

Question and Answer Sessions

Under Section 92(2) of the Constitution, oral question-and-answer sessions are vital for holding the executive accountable. Both Houses will hold plenary sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for Questions for Oral Reply. Deputy President Mashatile will answer members’ questions in the NA on Thursday at 14:00.

In the NCOP, cluster ministries will respond to questions during hybrid plenaries on Tuesday and Wednesday at 14:00. These include ministers responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and those for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities.

Other Plenaries

The National Assembly’s first plenary of the week will occur on Tuesday, October 29, at 14:00, where committee reports, legislation, and an executive statement will be discussed. On Thursday, the NCOP will hold a plenary at 14:00 to address motions and committee reports, including a debate on tackling construction mafias in South Africa.

Both Houses will hold Programming Committee meetings at 08:30 on Thursday to review the parliamentary schedule and upcoming bills.

Scheduled Committee Meetings

A total of 31 committee meetings, including joint sessions, are planned for the week. Notable meetings include:

• Tuesday, October 29:
  • Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture: 09:00
  • Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs: 09:00-13:00
  • Standing Committee on Public Accounts: 09:00-14:00
  • Portfolio Committee on Basic Education: 09:30-12:30
• Wednesday, October 30:
  • Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training: 09:00-14:00
  • Portfolio Committee on Police: 09:00-12:30
  • Joint Meeting for the MTBPS Lock-up Session: 11:00-13:30
• Thursday, October 31:
  • Joint Meeting for briefing by the Minister of Finance on the MTBPS: 12:00-14:00
• Friday, November 1:
  • Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture: 09:00

These activities reflect ongoing efforts within Parliament to address key governance and financial issues as the year progresses.