Parliament has resumed its programme after the month-long winter recess, with several high-profile committee meetings and legislative matters set to dominate the week’s agenda. Among the key issues are preparations for the Phala Phala inquiry, scrutiny of FIFA World Cup expenditure and updates on immigration, transport and agriculture.
Lawmakers will also begin balancing their parliamentary responsibilities with preparations for the upcoming local government elections. The third term is expected to include work on legislation aimed at regulating the November municipal elections and strengthening the legal framework for coalition governments.
Phala Phala Inquiry Tops Parliament’s Weekly Agenda
One of the major items before Parliament this week is the continued work of the Impeachment Committee. The committee is preparing for an inquiry into President Cyril Ramaphosa’s conduct relating to the theft of US dollars from his Phala Phala farm.
On Tuesday, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie is scheduled to appear before the relevant portfolio committee to explain expenditure linked to the FIFA World Cup. Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber is also expected to brief MPs on immigration and repatriation matters.
Parliament To Receive Budget, Transport And Agriculture Updates
Economic matters will also feature prominently during the third term. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to steer preparations for the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, which outlines government spending adjustments.
Godongwana has already introduced a Special Appropriation Bill proposing an additional R10 billion for the Equalisation Fund. The funding is intended to help offset the impact of fluctuating oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
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Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) will brief the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure on investigations into alleged criminal infiltration involving security services procurement on Cape Town’s central rail line.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Willie Aucamp will make his first appearance before the portfolio committee. He will be joined by provincial MECs to provide an update on efforts to contain the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
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Later this week, the National Treasury will appear before the Standing Committee on Finance to respond to public submissions on the Special Pensions Amendment Bill. The proposed legislation seeks to amend provisions affecting people who participated in South Africa’s liberation struggle.
On Friday, MPs will conduct their second oversight visit to assess progress on the rebuilding and reconstruction of Parliament. The visit comes as the Democratic Alliance (DA) continues to question the legality of Parliament’s decision to take over management of the reconstruction project.
