This week in Parliament, the national budget speech on Wednesday, 12 March, will take centre stage, outlining government spending priorities and fiscal policies. Alongside this, committees will focus on education, procurement, mining, tourism, energy, defence, and governance.

On Tuesday, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education will examine the impact of SONA 2025 on education policy and discuss learner migration challenges with the Gauteng and Western Cape education departments. The Standing Committee on Public Accounts will hear from National Treasury on procurement practices, the financial state of state-owned companies, and cost management. Public hearings on the Merchant Shipping Bill will be held by the Portfolio Committee on Transport. The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture will review third-quarter performance reports and audit improvement plans from key agricultural bodies, including the Agricultural Research Council and the Perishable Products Export Control Board. The state of the mining industry and the government’s strategy for critical minerals exploration will be presented to the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources, while the Portfolio Committee on Tourism will receive a briefing from South African Tourism on its marketing investment framework and international promotional efforts.

On Wednesday, ahead of the budget speech, the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure will review the state of the government’s Immovable Asset Register and receive a demonstration from the Property Management Trading Entity. The Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade will engage with the SABC on its financial sustainability and turnaround strategy. The Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy will receive a briefing on the G20 Energy Workstream and hear from the Special Investigating Unit on investigations into Eskom. The Select Committee on Public Infrastructure will hold an introductory session with Transnet, covering its mandate, performance history, and operational challenges.

On Friday, post-budget scrutiny will begin with the Minister of Finance briefing the Standing Committee on Appropriations, the Select Committee on Finance, and the Standing Committee on Finance. The Joint Standing Committee on Defence will meet with the Reserve Force Council to discuss the state of the SANDF Reserve Force and rejuvenation plans. The Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament will examine Parliament’s 2023/24 Annual Report, with input from the Auditor-General and Parliament’s Executive Authority.

National Assembly Programme

MONDAY, 10 MARCH

• • CONSTITUENCY DAY

TUESDAY, 11 MARCH

• • 09:00 – 12:30 Committees

• • 14:00 – ±16:45 PLENARY – Questions to the President

WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH

• • 09:00 – 12:30 Committees

• • 14:00 – ±15:00 PLENARY – Budget Speech Introduction: Appropriation Bill [B – 2025] (props77) and tabling of Division of Revenue Bill [B –2025] (prop s76(1))

THURSDAY, 13 MARCH

• • 08:30 Programme Committee

• • 10:00 CAUCUS

• • 14:00 – PLENARY
    1. 1. Questions for Oral Reply: Cluster 2: Social Services (180)
       2. Debate on International Women’s Day (106) (p)
       3. Legislation
       4. Committee reports (p)

FRIDAY, 14 MARCH

• • 10:00 – ±13:00 MINI-PLENARY SESSIONS
    • • Mini-plenary 1:
        1. 1. Subject for discussion (ANC) (114)
           2. Subject for discussion (DA) (114)

    • • Mini-plenary 2:
        1. 1. Subject for discussion (MK) (114)
           2. Subject for discussion (ANC) (114)

Committee Programme

TUESDAY, 11 MARCH 2025

• • Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies (National Assembly), Update by NEMISA on the implementation of the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy. Briefing by MICSETA on the implementation of the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy, Consideration of the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies letter on the appointment of candidates to serve in the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Council, Adoption of minute, Room 1, NFSAS Building, 4 Christiaan Barnard St, Cape Town,10:00– 13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, (National Assembly), Briefing by DBE on the Analysis, Implications and Impact of the President’s SONA 2025, Briefing by Gauteng Department of Education on issues pertaining to learner admissions, learner migration trends gaps and backlogs in learner placements, Briefing by Western Cape Department of Education on issues pertaining to learner admissions, learner migration trends gaps and backlogs in learner placements, Consideration of Draft (11 + 18 Feb 2025), Committee Room 2, 120 Plein Building, 09:30–12:30

• • Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs (National Assembly), Committee deliberation on the Political Party Funding upper limits and disclosure thresholds for political parties, independent candidates and independent representatives. Responses by the Department of Home Affairs and the Parliament Legal Services on the submissions and public hearings on the Immigration Amendment Bill [B 8 – 2024]. Briefing by the Minister of Home Affairs on matters of governance raised by labour unions and GPW management and the Minister’s oversight visit to Bosman Printing Factory. Briefing by the Border Management Authority (BMA) on the report of the festive season operations, M46, Ground floor, Marks Building 10:00 – 13:00

• • Select Committee on Education and Creative industries, (National Council of Provinces), Engagement with the Office of the Auditor-General on the following: An overview of the audit outlook for the education, sciences and creative industries portfolio, Addressing Material Irregularities (MIs) and review previous recommendations and commitments, Consideration and adoption of minutes of proceeding, Venue: TBC 10:00 – 13:00

• • Standing Committee on Public Accounts, (National Assembly), Briefing by the National Treasury on various matters relating to Procurement, SOCs, and cost management (value for money on goods/services procured, M514, Fifth floor, Marks Building, 09:00 -13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, (National Assembly), Briefing by the IDC on its amended/revised APP, and 3rd quarter financial and non-financial performance for the 2024/25 financial year, Committee Room 2, 90 Plein, 09:30-13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration (National Assembly), Joint meeting with Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration and Standing Committee on Finance on the SATBVC State Committee petition on pension redress, Good Hope Chambers, Ground Floor, Parliament, 10h00-13h00

• • Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture (National Assembly), Briefing by the Department on Sport, Arts and Culture on the stability and governance matters at all entities; (board appointments and governance); Update by the Department on all criminal cases (case numbers etc) and forensic investigations within the entities; federations and CCIFSA. Consideration and adoption of minutes, S26, Ground floor, NCOP Building, 09:30 -12:45

• • Portfolio Committee on Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, (National Assembly), Briefing by the South African National Biodiversity Institute on their First and Second Quarter Reports for the 2024/25 financial year; Briefing by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority on their First and Second Quarter Reports for the 2024/25 financial year; and Briefing by the SAFCOL on their First and Second Quarter Reports for the 2024/25 financial year, Virtual meeting platform, 09:30-13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Transport, (National Assembly), Public Hearings on the Merchant Shipping Bill [B 12 – 2023], Cape Sun Hotel, 23 Strand Street, Cape Town City Centre, 09:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, (National Assembly), Briefing on the Department of Agriculture, on 2024/25 Q3 Performance & Expenditure Report and progress on implementation of Audit Improvement Plans by the former Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), National Agricultural Marketing Council (NAMC) and the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB). Response by the Department of Agriculture on agricultural matters pronounced in 2025 SONA, M314, Third floor, Marks Building, 09:30 – 13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources (National Assembly), Briefing by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on the State of the South African Mining Industry, and briefing on the Exploration and the Critical Minerals Strategy for the Mining Industry of South Africa, Consideration and adoption of Minutes of 18 February 2025] S35, 1st Floor, NCOP Building, 09:00 – 13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (National Assembly), Briefing by the Content Advisor on scoring outcome; Briefing by the Legal Advisor on NYDA legal processes; Deliberations and adoption of the NYDA report; Briefing on the establishment and appointment of candidates to the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Board (NCGBVF). Consideration and adoption of the GBVF Council nomination advertisement and programme; Adoption of minutes and report, S12A, Ground floor, NCOP Building, 09:00 – 13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology & Innovation, (National Assembly), Briefing by the DSTI and National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) on the Intellectual Property from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR Act). Virtual meeting platform, 9:30 – 12:30

• • Portfolio Committee on Tourism (National Assembly), Briefing by South African Tourism on Marketing Investment Framework and International Marketing Hubs; Consideration and adoption of minutes, Boardroom WS3/116, 3rd Floor, 90 Plein Street,10:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, (National Assembly), Briefing by the Department of Correctional Services on learnership programme: Background and way forward including an update on the recruitment process for the new intake, Committee Room 1, 120 Plein Street,10:00

• • Standing Committee on Public Accounts, (National Assembly), Briefing by the Auditor General on the RAF Audit Outcome for 2023/24, Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 -11:00

WEDNESDAY, 12 MARCH 2025

• • Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (National Assembly), Background briefing by the Office of the AGSA on Irregular Expenditure related to Project Thusano, Briefing by the Chief of the SANDF and Chief Financial Officer of the DOD on the new contract signed under Project Thusano with effect from January 2025, what it entails, how it differs from the previous contract and how it addresses previous AGSA findings, Consideration of outstanding minutes, M515, Fifth floor, Marks Building, 10:00-13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, (National Assembly), Presentation of the updated state of government’s Immovable Asset Register; Demonstration of the Immovable Asset Register by the PMTE Real Estate Registry Services. Consideration and adoption of the Agrément Industry and Stakeholder Forum report, Consideration and adoption of minutes, Committee room 4, 90 Plein Street Building, 09:30 – 12:30

• • Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, (National Assembly), Briefing by the metropolitan municipalities on the performance of the Urban Development Grant (USDG) and the Management of Beneficiary List Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mangaung, eThekwini, Room 1, Castle of Good Hope, Buitenkant Street, City Bowl, Cape Town, 09:30 – 13:00

• • Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, (National Council of Provinces), Briefing by South African Broadcasting Corporation on the entity’s financial sustainability, operational challenges and problems encountered in the implementation of its turnaround strategy. Briefing by South African Broadcasting Corporation on its new strategy, Consideration and adoption of minutes, M514, Fifth floor, Marks building, 16:00-19:30

• • Select Committee on Public Infrastructure & Minister in the Presidency, (National Council of Provinces), Introductory Session with Transnet: Introduction to Mandate, Divisions and Historical attainment of Performance Targets. Committee Room S12A, Ground floor, NCOP Building 10:00 – 13:00

• • Joint meeting with Standing Committee on Appropriations, Select Committee on Finance and Standing Committee on Finance, Select Committee on Appropriations, (National Council of Provinces), 2025 Budget lock-up Session.

• • Select Committee on Social Services, (National Council of Provinces), Consideration and adoption of the committee 1st term programme 2025, Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the 2023/24 Annual Report, Consideration and Adoption of Committee Draft Minutes, Venue: TBC 10:00 – 12:30

• • Portfolio Committee on Police, (National Assembly), Briefing by the SAPS, IPID, CSPS, PSIRA, Office of the DPCI Judge and DNA Board on progress made to Committee recommendation in the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Reports. Virtual meeting platform, 08:00-12:30

• • Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training (National Assembly), Briefing by the Briefing by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on progress in the appointment of new Board members for the new Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) landscape, M314, Third floor, Marks Building, 09:00-13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, (National Assembly), Briefing by the NCR on its amended/revised APP, and 3rd quarter financial and non-financial performance for the 2024/25 financial year, M201, Second floor, Marks Building, 09:30-13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy, (National Assembly), Briefing by the Secretariat of the G20 Energy Workstream on the following: The objectives of the Energy Workstream, Planning and Logistics for the Workstream, The role of the Portfolio Committee in the Workstream.11:00 – 13:00 Briefing by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on investigations undertaken, relating to Eskom, S35, First floor, NCOP Building, 09:00-13:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, (National Assembly), Briefing on 2024/25 Third Quarter Performance Report by the Department of Small Business Development & Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA), Venue: TBC 09h30-13:00

FRIDAY, 14 MARCH 2025

• • Joint meeting with Standing Committee on Appropriations, Select Committee on Finance and Standing Committee on Finance, Select Committee on Appropriations, (National Council of Provinces), Briefing by the Minister of Finance on the 2025 Budget, S12A, Ground Floor, NCOP Building, 10:00-11:00

• • Joint Standing Committee on Defence (National Assembly), Introductory engagement with the Reserve Force Council (RFC), Briefing on the status of the SANDF Reserve Force, its utilisation and challenges, including plans for rejuvenation, Consideration of outstanding minutes, Virtual meeting platform, 10:00-13:00

• • Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament, (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces) 2023/24 Annual Report of the Parliament of the RSA: briefings by the Auditor-General of South Africa, and the Executive Authority and administration, M514, 5th Floor, Marks Building, 14:00 – 18:00

• • Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy, (National Assembly), Update by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on the National Solar Water Heater Programme (NSWHP), Virtual meeting platform, 08:00-09:50

Tablings

Referral to Committees of papers tabled:

• • Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment: Draft amendments to the Regulations to Prohibit the Production, Distribution, Import, Export, Sale and Use of Persistent Organic Pollutants that are Listed by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, 2021, and the amendments to the Regulations to Phase Out the Use of Persistent Organic Pollutants, 2019, made in terms of section 47(2) of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).

• • Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development:
    1. 1. Proclamation No R.239, published in Government Gazette No. 51948, dated 24 January 2025: Referral of Matters to Existing Special Investigating Unit: in respect of the affairs of the Department of Defence, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996)
       2. Proclamation No R.240, published in Government Gazette No. 51948, dated 24 January 2025: Referral of Matters to Existing Special Investigating Unit: in respect of the affairs of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996).
       3. Proclamation No R.241, published in Government Gazette No. 51948, dated 24 January 2025: Referral of Matters to Existing Special Investigating Unit: in respect of the affairs of the Mpumalanga Department of Education, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996).
       4. Proclamation No R.243, published in Government Gazette No. 52021, dated 31 January 2025: Referral of Matters to Existing Special Investigating Unit: in respect of the affairs of the Ithala Development Finance Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary, Ithala (SOC) Limited, situated in KwaZulu Natal Province, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996).
       5. Proclamation No R.244, published in Government Gazette No. 52021, dated 31 January 2025: Referral of Matters to Existing Special Investigating Unit: in respect of the affairs of the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, situated in KwaZulu-Natal Province, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996).
       6. Proclamation No R.245, published in Government Gazette No. 52021, dated 31 January 2025: Referral of Matters to Existing Special Investigating Unit: in respect of the affairs of the Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996).
       7. Proclamation No R.246, published in Government Gazette No. 52021, dated 31 January 2025: Referral of Matters to Existing Special Investigating Unit: in respect of the affairs of the Great North Transport (SOC) Ltd, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No. 74 of 1996).

• • Standing Committee on Auditor-General for consideration: Report of the auditor-general, dated 29 October 2024, relating to the failure to submit annual financial statements in terms of section 133(2)(a) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, (MFMA).

National Assembly and National Council of Provinces

• • The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies: Revised Annual Performance Plan of the Film and Publication Board for 2024/25.

Legislation

Calls for Comments

• • Discussion Paper 168: Project 94 – The South African Law Reform Commission (Commission) invites you to comment on its PROJECT 94 Discussion Paper 168, which addresses the need for the adoption of a generic mediation statute dealing with commercial, civil and community mediation. Submissions must be received by no later than 30 April 2025

• • Discussion Paper 163: Project 148 Domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – The South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) is seeking public input on its Project 148 Discussion Paper, focusing on the Domestication of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) into South African law. This paper is part of the SALRC’s efforts to ensure that South Africa’s laws align with international standards on disability rights. Submissions must be received by no later than 30 April 2025

• • SALRC: 4 Discussion Papers on Review of the Criminal Procedure Act (Project 151)- The South African Law Reform Commission has published four discussion papers on the review of the Criminal Procedure Act. The review seeks to address systemic challenges in the Act, particularly in relation to provisions that deal with arrest, bail, alternative dispute resolution (ADR), and victim participation in the criminal justice process. This is a sub-project of the overall review of the Criminal Justice System. Submissions must be received by no later than 31 March 2025

• • Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals – The Standing Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Finance invites you to submit written submissions on the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals that will be tabled together with the 2025/2026 Budget on Wednesday, 19 February 2025. Public hearings will be conducted via Zoom on Tuesday, 25 March 2025

• • NHI Fund: Proposed Governance Regulations. The Department of Health invites written representations on the Draft Regulations. Comments can be emailed to Ms Mapula Seoketsa at regcomments@health.gov.za by no later than Friday, 6 June 2025

• • Notice to Introduce – Student Debt Relief Bill (PMB) (Mr. S Lonzi EFF). Organised local government, municipalities, interested parties and institutions are invited to submit written representations on the proposed content of the draft Bill to the Speaker of the National Assembly at speaker@parliament.gov.za (and copied to chiefwhip@effonline.org) by no later than Sunday, 30 March 2025

• • Nominations: Western Cape Commissioner for Children. The Standing Committee on the Premier and Constitutional Matters invites nominations of persons to be appointed as the Western Cape Commissioner for Children. Nominations can be emailed to Ms W Achmat at wachmat@wcpp.gov.za by no later than Friday, 14 March 2025.

For an update on the status of all bills currently before Parliament, see this link.