This week, Parliament has entered the constituency period from 9 to 13 December 2024, marking the final phase of the parliamentary calendar before the annual leave period from 17 December through January.

Parliament commences the 2025 year with a constituency period from 13 to 24 January 2025. The National Assembly Committees will be active from 27 January to 5 February 2025, leading into the State of the Nation Address scheduled for 6 February 2025. This address serves as a critical moment for the government to outline its vision, priorities, and legislative agenda for the year ahead.

The National Assembly Committees will reconvene from 17 to 25 February 2025, while the National Council of Provinces Committees are set to meet from 18 to 28 February 2025. The 2025 Budget Speech will take place on 19 February, marking an important legislative milestone as Parliament advances its priorities for the year ahead. The Budget Speech will provide insight into the government’s financial plans and policy strategies, offering clarity on economic growth, social investment, and public sector priorities for the upcoming year.

1. 1. Parliamentary Programme
      Provisional Dates – 2025
      
      13–24 January 2025: Constituency Period
      27 January – 5 February 2025: National Assembly Committees
      6 February 2025: State of the Nation Address
      17–25 February 2025: National Assembly Committees
      18–28 February 2025: National Council of Provinces Committees
      19 February 2025: 2025 Budget Speech
      

1. 1. Announcements, Tablings, and Committee Reports

      Tablings

      Report and Financial Statements of the Land Bank for 2023-24, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) for 2023 24 [RP 25-2024].

      Draft list of threatened or protected terrestrial species and freshwater species, restricted activities that are prohibited, and restricted activities that are exempted, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

      Report and Financial Statements of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for 2022-23, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2022-23.

      Government Notice No 5520, published in the Government Gazette No 51513, dated 6 November 2024: NEMWA: Amendments to the Regulations regarding extended producer responsibility, 2020, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).

      Government Notice No 5522, published in the Government Gazette No 51520 dated 7 November 2024: NEMWA: Norms and Standards for the Assessment of Waste for Landfill Disposal, 2013, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).

      Government Notice No 5523, published in the Government Gazette No 51521, dated 7 November 2024: NEMWA: Norms and Standards for the Disposal of Waste to Landfill, 2013, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).

      Government Notice No 5524, published in the Government Gazette No 51522, dated 7 November 2024: NEMWA: Amendments to the Waste Classification and Management Regulations, 2013, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).

      Government Notice No 5534, published in the Government Gazette No 51528, dated 7 November 2024: NEMWA: Proposed amendments to the regulations and notices regarding Extended Producer Responsibility, 2020, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).

      Government Notice No 5535, published in the Government Gazette No 51534, dated 11 November 2024: Guideline and Toolkit for the determination of extended producer responsibility fees, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act No. 59 of 2008).

      Government Notice No 5536, published in the Government Gazette No 51538, dated 12 November 2024: Invitation for nominations of members to serve on the Consultative Advisory Forum, in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998).

      Government Notice No 5537, published in the Government Gazette No 51539, dated 12 November 2024: Invitation for the nomination of suitable persons to be appointed to serve on the SAFCOL Board, in terms of the Management of State Forests Act, 1992 (Act No. 128 of 1992).

      Government Notice No 5539, published in the Government Gazette No 51551, dated 14 November 2024: General notice calling for persons to register their details and participate in the voluntary exit from the Captive Lion Industry Programme by surrendering their legal stockpiles of lion (Panthera Leo) bones and derivatives, in terms of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998).

      Government Notice No 5555, published in the Government Gazette No 51581, dated 15 November 2024: Consultation on the Draft Notice prohibiting certain activities involving African Lion (Panthera Leo), in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004).

1. 1. Legislation
      Bills Passed – Submitted to President for Assent:
      • • Division of Revenue Amendment Bill [B13–2024]
      • • Rates and Monetary Amounts Amendment Bill [B15‒2024]
      • • Taxation Laws Amendment Bill [B16‒2024]
      • • Tax Administration Laws Amendment Bill [B17‒2024]
      • • Revenue Laws Amendment Bill [B18‒2024]
      • • Global Minimum Tax Bill [B20‒2024] (National Assembly – sec 77).
      • • Global Minimum Tax Administration Bill [B21‒2024]

1. 1. Calls for Comment
      • • Petroleum Product Draft Bill, 2024
      • • Second National Land Transport Regulations, 2024
      • • Intergovernmental Relations Framework Amendment Draft Bill, 2024