PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS – This week in the South African Parliament is set to be a hive of activity, with a focus on various legislative and oversight matters. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, is leading a delegation to the 54th Plenary Assembly of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in Port Louis, Mauritius.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the theme of the SADC PF meeting, which runs from 22 to 26 November 2023, is: “The Role of Parliaments in Promoting Coordination for Enhanced Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery Planning in the SADC Region.” This event underscores the regional commitment to addressing key issues related to disaster management and resilience.
Meanwhile, back in South Africa, a significant event is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 pm when the National Assembly will vote on a draft resolution proposed by Mr. Julius Malema. This resolution concerns the closure of the Israeli Embassy in South Africa and the suspension of all diplomatic relations with Israel. The draft resolution, debated in a mini plenary last Thursday, is indicative of the country’s stance on international relations and diplomatic policies.
The week’s agenda also includes statements by the Minister in the Presidency on the Census 2022 results, debates on national importance issues, and questions for oral reply. The Parliament will consider Budgetary Review and Recommendation Reports (BRRRs) on various votes, including the National School of Government, the Department of Public Service and Administration, and the Public Service Commission.
Additionally, the Governance Cluster (3) Ministers will be in the National Assembly for a question-and-answer session on Wednesday at 3 pm. This session is part of Parliament’s mechanism to hold the Executive accountable. The Cluster includes ministers from various portfolios, including Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and Public Service and Administration. The Standing Committee on Appropriations will also consider a report on the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill during this sitting.
On Thursday, the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is set to consider two significant bills – the Agricultural Products Standards Amendment Bill and the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Bill. The NCOP will also debate a matter of national importance concerning the “Systematic Destruction of State Enterprises and Urgent Steps needed to Reposition the State as the Primary Driver of Development.”
Furthermore, the National Assembly will hold a plenary sitting to consider the BRRRs of various Portfolio Committees, including Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Public Works and Infrastructure, Health, Small Business Development, and Planning Monitoring and Evaluation.
The week will also feature three mini plenary sessions on Friday, where various national importance matters will be considered. Alongside these plenary sessions, about 44 committee meetings of both Houses are scheduled to conduct oversight, process Bills, and develop BRRRs. Notably, public hearings on the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill and the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill will take place this week.
For detailed information on the full schedule of committee meetings and other parliamentary activities, the public can access the schedule on the Parliament of South Africa’s official website.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo