CAPE TOWN – Parliament’s agenda this week includes key oral question sessions, debates, and extensive committee meetings. President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile are scheduled to appear before Parliament to answer questions from Members of Parliament (MPs).

On Tuesday, 27 May, President Ramaphosa will engage with the National Assembly at 14:00 in an oral question-and-answer session. Topics include measures to mitigate the rising cost of living, new economic policies under the Government of National Unity, and South Africa’s involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Simultaneously, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will hold a hybrid debate commemorating Africa Day, focusing on continental unity, sovereignty, and development.

On Wednesday, 28 May, ministers in the social services cluster—including Education, Health, and Social Development—will respond to oral questions in the National Assembly. Numerous portfolio and select committee meetings are also scheduled throughout the day, addressing issues such as crime statistics, public service reforms, electricity distribution, and international relations.

Thursday, 29 May will see Deputy President Mashatile appear before the NCOP at 14:00 for an oral question session. Issues on the agenda include the role of national dialogue in addressing racial exclusion.

The week concludes with a full committee schedule on Friday, 30 May, including briefings from departments and public entities such as the DTIC, SARS, SAPO, and the Department of Higher Education.

In total, 39 committee meetings are planned this week, covering a wide range of policy areas including budget planning, infrastructure, health, education, and public sector accountability.