Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s Budget Speech on Wednesday, 19 February will dominate headlines this week.

The Budget is an annual plan for what the government wants to achieve and how it will spend money to achieve those goals. It is the most important economic instrument of the government. It is used to make sure that the state has the resources it needs to do its work. Since there is a limit to the resources, there is an increased need for proper budgeting to allocate scarce resources to various governmental activities. (source: parliament.gov.za)

An inefficient logistics system, high unemployment, wastage and corruption, mismanagement at local, provincial, and national government, revenue shortfalls, surging government expenditures, high debt, a widening budget deficit, and underperformance of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) are some of the major challenges facing the country.

The outlook remains marked by high uncertainty, with the balance of risks tilted to the downside. Key downside external risks relate to a further deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and intensification of protectionist policies, an escalation of ongoing conflicts, a deeper slowdown in main trading partners, or slower global disinflation and tightening financial conditions. (source: PBO)

Low economic growth is expected to persist, with the IMF forecasting 1.5% and the World Bank 1.8% in 2025.

Last year, the Parliamentary Budget Office advised Parliament:

-there is a need for thorough impact assessments of budget proposals to understand their potential effects on various sectors and communities

-there is need for the budget framework to continue prioritising social protection measures to mitigate the impact of economic challenges on vulnerable households

-it should support a fiscal policy that balances fiscal strategy that promotes investments in growth and social equity

[Budget 2025: All you need to know] 

Financial markets, investors, and credit rating agencies are interested observers of the speech. The public will also pay attention to what taxes (if any) are introduced and whether expenditures on social grants increase. Another important constituency—government employees—will focus on what he says about the public sector wage bill.

During his State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa outlined his government’s immediate priorities.

Minister Godongwana will outline in detail how these commitments and plans will be funded. 

We are approaching two years since the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) decided to include South Africa on its "grey list." The Minister is expected to give an update on what government departments and agencies have done to address the deficiencies identified.

Legislation accompanying the budget speech, the Appropriations Bill, the Division of Revenue Bill, and Tax Bills will be tabled on the day. The finance and appropriation committees in both Houses will discuss and process these.

Read: Role of Parliament in the Budget

From 18 to 28 February, NCOP delegates will attend their respective State of the Province Addresses.

View: SOPA Schedule

A multi-party delegation will participate in the Sittings of the Permanent Pan-African Parliament Committees from 18 to 25 February. The Permanent Committees meet twice a year for statutory meetings and can meet more often during parliamentary sessions or non-statutory meetings when needed. The Committees enable PAP to perform its core oversight, advisory, and consultative functions.

Legislation, spending matters, and oversight dominate the agenda in the committee corridor.  Here is a rundown of the highlights:

 

TUESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2025

Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, (National Assembly), [Submission by the State Security Agency on the President’s reservations on the Regulation of Interception of Communication and Provision of Communication-Related Information Amendment Bill [B28B – 2023], Virtual meeting platform, 09:30

Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of Correctional Services on contraband found in correctional centres across the country and measures in place to prevent contraband], Good Hope Chamber, Ground Floor, Good Hope Building, 10:00

Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies (National Assembly), [Briefing by GCIS on the progress towards the finalization of the (i) GCIS White Paper Draft Policy; (ii) filling of critical vacancies; (iii) the status update on governance of the Boards of Entities; and (vi) relevance and adaptability of the GCIS to deliver government information in a digital economy, Briefing by GCIS on the introduction and presentation of the MAC Charter Council and mandate of the Charter to achieve transformational goals]. Virtual meeting platform 09:00-13:00

Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, (National Assembly), [Briefing by DBE on Updated Status Report on ECD Integrations processes + Grade R Implementation Processes), Consideration of Draft Minutes and Draft Reports], Cape Sun Hotel, 23 Strand Street, Cape Town, 09:30-12:30

Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs (National Assembly), [Committee consideration and adoption of the report on donations limit and disclosure threshold to fund political parties, independent candidates and independent representatives. Briefing by the Minister of Home Affairs on matters of governance raised by labour unions and GPW management at GPW) and the Minister’s oversight visit to Bosman Printing Factory.], Committee Room 2, Upper ground, 90 Plein Street Building 10:00-13:00 

Standing Committee on Public Accounts, (National Assembly), [Hearing on the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Department of Defence, Department of Military Veterans, Denel, and SIU Investigations.], M514, Fifth floor, Marks Building, 09:00 -14:00.

Portfolio Committee on Social Development (National Assembly, [Briefing by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and Postbank on the status of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) black card swop process and measures put in place to address the long queues and shortage of sites, Briefing by the Department of Social Development and SASSA on the status of SASSA black card swop process and measures put in place to address the long queues and shortage of sites], Virtual meeting platform, 14h00-16h00

Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs (National Assembly), [Oral public hearings on the Immigration Amendment Bill [B8 – 2024], Briefing by the Content Advisor on the oversight visit report to Government Printing Works (GPW), Briefing by the Minister of Home Affairs on matters of governance raised by labour unions and GPW management at GPW) and the Minister’s oversight visit to Bosman Printing Factory, Briefing and update on the KwaZulu/Natal public hearings on the Marriage Bill [B 43 – 2023], Virtual meeting platform, 09:00 – 13:00

WEDNESDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2025

Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Foundation for Human Rights on TRC Matters, Briefing by the Judicial Officers Association of South Africa (JOASA) and the Association of Regional Magistrates of South Africa (ARMSA)], SALGA Boardroom, The Towers, Foreshore, Cape Town, 09:30

Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (National Assembly), [Briefing by the DOD on 2024/25 Quarter 3 expenditure and performance report, Briefing by the Chief of the SANDF on the administration of consequence management in the Force and slow progress of Boards of Inquiry related to Irregular, Fruitless and Wasteful Expenditure, Consideration of outstanding minutes. Parliament], M201, Second floor, Marks Building, 10:00-13:00

Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure, (National Assembly), [Briefing by the DPWI on progress regarding outstanding legislation (Public Works Bill, Infrastructure Development Bill, CBE Bill and CIDB Bill, Consideration and adoption of minute], Committee room 5, Fifth floor, 90 Plein Street, 09:30 – 12:30.

Portfolio Committee on Police, (National Assembly), [Briefing by SAPS on outcomes of the 2024/25 Safer Festive Season Operations, Feedback by SAPS on Extortion related crimes during and after the Festive Season, Continuation of SAPS briefing on Capacitation to the Detective services.], WS3/116, Third Floor ,90 Plein Street, 09:00-12:30

Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of Public Service & Administration on the reforms in the recruitment processes informed by the Professionalization Framework and appointments of foreign nationals employed in the public service; Briefing by the Public Service Commission on the alignment between the Medium-Term Development Plan and the National Framework Towards Professionalization of the Public Sector for purposes of building a capable, ethical and developmental state in the 7th Administration; Briefing by the Department of Planning, Monitoring & Evaluation on the developed monitoring tool comprising of indicators and targets to measure performance of the Medium-Term Development Plan relating to implementation of the National Framework Towards Professionalization of the Public Sector across government; Consideration and adoption of the minutes]; Sanlam Golden Acre Building, 21st Floor, Adderley Street, Cape Town; from 09h00-12h00.

Portfolio Committee on Health, (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of

Health on the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Quarter Reports], Virtual meeting platform, 09:30 – 13:00

Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry, (National Assembly), [Briefing by the CIPC on the status of its implementation of the Zondo Commission Recommendation, as well as on Grey-listing], Virtual meeting platform, 09:30-13:00

Portfolio Committee on Land Reform and Rural Development, (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development on the development of legislative measures to ensure equitable access to land as provided for in Section 25(5) of the Constitution (Land Reform/Redistribution Bill). Consideration and adoption of outstanding Committee Minutes], Committee room 1, 90 Plein Street, Upper ground, 09:30 – 13:30

THURSDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2025

Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies (National Assembly), [Presentations by the MNOs on progress made on (i) USO and Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD); (ii) Compliance with the Competition Commission order as well the ICASA license conditions; (iii) Cyber security challenges. Adoption of minutes], S12A, Ground Floor, NCOP Building, 10:00-16:00

Joint meeting with Select and Standing Committee on Appropriations, Select and Standing Committees on Finance, (National Council of Province) and (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Minister of Finance on the 2025 Budget], Good Hope Chambers, 12:00 – 14:00

FRIDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2025

Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training (National Assembly), Briefing by the Nelson Mandla University (NMU) and University of Mpumalanga (UMP) on readiness for the 2025 academic year, governance, administration, teaching and learning and related matters. Parliament, Good Hope Chamber, 09:00-16:00

Joint Standing Committee on Defence (National Assembly), Engagement with external stakeholders (academia) on South African Defence Policy, developments since the 1996 White Paper on Defence and required future policy directions, Consideration of outstanding minutes. Parliament, Committee Room M46, Ground floor, Marks Building, 10:00-13:00

 

Committees provide a platform for the public to present views directly to MPs. Share your thoughts, on-the-ground experience and expert information with the relevant committees. Critically, what questions should MPs pose to the Executive as they conduct their oversight work? Write to a Parliamentary Committee

 View the schedule page here

The schedule is subject to frequent changes and needs to be checked daily.

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