Parliament has celebrated a successful start to its 7th democratic term, highlighting significant achievements since the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
In just six months, Parliament has passed key laws, conducted rigorous oversight, and strengthened public engagement, demonstrating a strong commitment to its constitutional mandate and the people it serves.
In a statement on Saturday, Parliament highlighted that since the establishment of the 7th democratic Parliament, the administration has hit the ground running.
“In this short period, Parliament has successfully convened multiple sittings, engaged in debates, and passed several key pieces of legislation. The various parliamentary committees have been particularly active, conducting oversight visits, holding public hearings, and scrutinising government actions with diligence,” the statement said.
Parliament said that its Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Thoko Didiza, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed satisfaction with the milestones achieved by the 7th Parliament so far.
The key achievements of Parliament are:
• Committees and Oversight: Parliamentary committees have held 468 meetings since the start of the 7th democratic Parliament through the end of October. During this period, approximately 24 oversight visits were conducted to various service delivery points across the country.
• Public Engagement: New initiatives, including online streaming of debates and hearings, have made Parliament more accessible and transparent.
• Legislative Work: 20 Bills from the previous term were revived, with 11 already passed. Parliament is currently processing 21 new Bills aimed at addressing national priorities like poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
• Clean Audit: Parliament achieved its 10th consecutive clean audit, underscoring sound financial management.
Focus on Provinces
From 16 to 20 September, Permanent delegates to the NCOP undertook the first Provincial Week Programme of the new term of Parliament, an essential initiative aligned with the NCOP’s constitutional role as the voice of provinces in the national sphere of government.
The NCOP’s Provincial Week spotlighted delays in critical infrastructure projects, such as schools and health facilities, gathering recommendations to address these issues.
“This effort highlights the NCOP’s commitment to addressing issues that directly impact provinces and communities, ensuring that challenges exposed during the visits are resolved without further delays. Through this programme, the NCOP continues to strengthen accountability and advocate for the effective delivery of services to the people,” Parliament said.
Looking Ahead
Parliament’s official business for the New Year will begin with the State of the Nation Address (SONA), scheduled for Thursday, 6 February, at 7 pm at the Cape Town City Hall.
The two-day debates on the President’s Address will take place at a temporary dome structure to be erected at the Nieuwmeester Parking. The debates are scheduled for Tuesday, 11 February, and Wednesday, 12 February, with the President’s reply set for Thursday, 13 February 2025
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to deliver the Budget Speech on Wednesday, 19 February.
Hosting of the Speakers of G20 Nations
The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa has proudly announced that, in alignment with South Africa’s rotational hosting of the G20 in 2025, it will host the Speakers’ Summits (P20) of the G20 national parliaments.
“The P20 Summits play a crucial role in bringing a parliamentary perspective to global governance by raising awareness, building political support for international commitments, and ensuring their effective implementation at the national level,” Parliament said.
These summits also foster inter-parliamentary cooperation, strengthen engagement between governments, parliaments, and stakeholders, and advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“As a longstanding participant in P20 summits, the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa looks forward to hosting this prestigious event, advancing parliamentary diplomacy, strengthening democratic governance, and fostering global cooperation,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
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