This week marks the resumption of term four of the parliamentary programme, with key events scheduled in the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the NA on Thursday at 14:00 during the Questions for Oral Reply session. These sessions are held quarterly and serve as a platform for parliamentary oversight of the executive.

On Tuesday at 14:00, the Social Services Cluster 2D Ministers will participate in a hybrid question-and-answer session with NCOP delegates. This cluster includes the national departments of Sports, Arts, Culture, and Science, Technology, and Innovation.

As outlined in Section 92(2) of the Constitution, these oral question sessions are crucial for holding the executive accountable. The President, Deputy President, and Cabinet Ministers must respond to Parliament regarding their responsibilities.

The NA will also engage in discussions concerning the Budget Reviews and Recommendations Reports (BRRR) on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. This process allows for a comprehensive evaluation of national government departments’ performance and resource allocation.

On Wednesday at 14:00, the NCOP will host a ministerial briefing by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. The session will focus on the provision of safe and integrated transport services and infrastructure, aligning with government strategies for economic and social development. This will be followed by a debate on World Food Day and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, themed “United in Action to Address the Impacts of Persistent Poverty and Hunger.”

Additionally, the NA’s Programming Committee will convene at 08:30 on Thursday to discuss upcoming business, committee reports, and legislative matters.

The Parliamentary Budget Office, in collaboration with the Multi-dimensional Poverty Peer Network, will hold a two-day roundtable aimed at discussing policies and strategies to alleviate poverty, utilizing the Multi-dimensional Poverty Index.

From Tuesday to Friday, 47 committee meetings are scheduled, covering various topics from annual reports to budget oversight. Key meetings include:

Tuesday, October 15:

• Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation: Annual Reports briefing.
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Updates from the National Skills Fund and NSFAS.
• Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture: Briefings on departmental performance.

Wednesday, October 16:

• Standing Committee on Appropriations: Briefing on contract deviations.
• Portfolio Committee on Police: Consideration of annual reports.

Friday, October 18:

• Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements: Annual report briefings from various entities.
• Portfolio Committee on Health: Annual report discussions.

These meetings are vital for maintaining parliamentary oversight and ensuring accountability within government departments and agencies.