Public Enterprises

National Assembly Committee

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Oversight responsibility of Public Enterprises Portfolio Committee

The Public Enterprises Portfolio Committee is responsible for oversight of the Department of Public Enterprises as well as the following statutory entities:

Alexkor

Eskom

Transet

South African Airways (SAA)

SA Express

SAFCOL 

Denel

Committees conduct their business on behalf of the House and report back on matters referred to them.

Learn more about the work of this Committee: Legacy Reports

 

The role and functions of Committees in Parliament (provided by Parliament)
In accordance with the powers given to it by the Constitution, the National Assembly establishes a range of committees with assigned powers and functions. The committees are required to report regularly on their activities and to make recommendations to the House for debate and decision. A large part of the Assembly’s role in the law‑making process happens in committees and much of its oversight over the executive is also done through committees, particularly the portfolio committees.

There is a portfolio committee for each corresponding government department. The composition of the committees reflects, as far as is practicable, the numerical strengths of the parties represented in the Assembly. That committee will deliberate on bills covering that department’s area of jurisdiction and scrutinise and report on its annual budget and strategic plan. As the people’s representatives, members of the committees determine whether government departments are delivering on what they promised and whether they are spending the public money they receive in a responsible manner. As part of their oversight work, committees may also do site visits where they find out directly from the people at ground level whether the government is delivering on its promises.

If a committee reports on a matter and makes certain recommendations, that report will be debated in a full sitting or plenary to give other members of the House an opportunity to engage with the content of the report. Once the report has been debated, the House decides whether to adopt the committee’s recommendations. The House may also decide only to note the report or it may refer the report back to the committee with an instruction to do further work

Broadly speaking, the mandates of Committees are to consider and process legislation referred to it; exercise oversight over the Department and entities reporting to it; consider international agreements referred to it; consider the budget vote of the Department and its entities; facilitate public participation in its processes; and to consider all other matters referred to it in terms of legislation and the Rules of Parliament

Working in Committees allows Parliament to:

-Increase the amount of work that can be done

-Ensure that issues can be debated in more detail than in plenary sessions

-Increase the level of participation of Members of Parliament (MPs) in discussions

-Enable MPs to develop expertise and in-depth knowledge of the specific Committee's area of work

-Provide a platform for the public to present views directly to MPs, something which is not possible in a plenary sitting of Parliament

-Provide an environment for Parliament to hear evidence and collect information related to the work of a specific Committee

Powers

Rule 167 of the National Assembly Rules (9th Edition) say that for the purposes of performing its functions  committee may, subject to the Constitution, legislation, the other provisions of these rules and resolutions of the Assembly –

-Summon any person to appear before it to give evidence on oath or affirmation, or to produce documents

-Receive petitions, representations or submissions from interested persons or institutions

-Permit oral evidence on petitions, representations, submissions and any other matter before the committee

-Conduct public hearings

-Consult any Assembly or Council committee or subcommittee, or any joint committee or subcommittee

-Determine its own working arrangements

-Meet at a venue determined by it, which may be a venue beyond the seat of Parliament

-Meet on any and at any time, including –

  • On a day which is not a working day
  • On a day on which the Assembly is not sitting
  • At a time when the Assembly is not sitting, or
  • During a recess

-Exercise any other powers assigned to it by the Constitution, legislation, the other provisions of these rules or resolutions of the Assembly

Committee Membership

Committee membership is distributed among the parties roughly in proportion to the seats they get in Parliament, so if a party wins 20% of the seats, its MPs will occupy about 20% of committee positions.

The NA Rules Committee agreed that all Committees will be comprised of 11 Members: ANC – 6; DA – 2; EFF – 1; other parties – 2. 

Where it is practicably possible, each party is entitled to at least one representative in a Committee.

Read More: A note to the Sixth Parliament: Committee Membership

Read More: A Note to the Sixth Parliament: The critical role of Committee Chairperson

 

Committees in Practice

With the agreement of members, the Committee staff sets the dates and times of committee meetings. The frequency of committee meetings is determined by a committee’s work programme but it is normal for a committee to meet weekly. From time to time, committees can meet more than once a week if they work programme so demands.

Section 59(1)(b) of the Constitution requires that the National Assembly and it’s committees conduct their business in an open manner and hold their sittings in public. Section 59(2) states that the National Assembly may not exclude the public or the media unless it is ‘reasonable and justifiable to do so in an open and democratic society’. Rule 184(2) of the Rules of the National Assembly further require that any decision to exclude the public from a committee meeting or part thereof must be taken ‘after due consideration’ by that committee

Who attends Committee Meetings?:

MPs (those assigned to the committee and if they so wish, any other MP)

Committee Staff: Committee Secretary, Committee Assistant, Researcher, Content Advisor

Departments, entities, organizations, individuals and experts who are invited by the Committee to speak and be questioned

Parliamentary Legal Advisor (from time to time)

Media

General Public


THE DIFFERENT COMMITTEES OF PARLIAMENT

Portfolio Committees
The National Assembly (NA) appoints from among its members a number of Portfolio Committees to shadow the work of the various national government departments.

Select Committees
The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) appoints from its permanent members a number of Select Committees to shadow the work of the various national government departments and to deal with Bills.

Because only 54 of the 90 NCOP Members are permanent delegates compared to the 400 of the NA, the Select Committees oversee the work of more than one national government department.

Public Accounts Committees
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Public Accounts acts as Parliament's watchdog over the way taxpayers' money is spent by the Executive. Every year the Auditor-General tables reports on the accounts and financial management of the various government departments and State institutions.

Heads of government departments and institutions are regularly called by this committee to report and account for expenditure. The Committee can recommend that the National Assembly takes corrective actions if necessary.

Internal Committees
The National Assembly has a number of internal committees that deal with matters affecting the running of Parliament. The Committees normally consist of senior Members of Parliament. The Rules Committee and its sub-committees deal with House rules. There are structures to deal with support for Members, internal arrangements, disciplinary matters and powers and privileges of members. Other internal Committees are the Programme Committee that plans the work of the Assembly, the Disciplinary Committee, and the Committee of Chairpersons.

The National Council of Provinces also has its own domestic Committees. The Rules Committee and its subcommittees deal with the NCOP rules. There are structures to deal with support for Members, internal arrangements, disciplinary matters and powers and privileges of members. The Programme Committee plans the work of the NCOP and the Committee of Chairpersons make recommendations about the functioning of Committees and other NCOP forums.

Ad hoc Committees
Parliament or one of its Houses may appoint an ad hoc (temporary) Committee when a special task must be done. When the task is complete, the Committee is dissolved.

Joint Committees
The National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces together appoint a number of joint committees.

There are six Joint Committees:
- Constitutional Review Committee
- Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence
- Joint Standing Committee on Defence
- Committee on Multi-Party Women’s Caucus
- Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament
- Joint Standing Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests

The committees play a very important role in the process of building democracy and involving the public in the processes and activities of Parliament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No results.

13 Mar 2024 Committee Legacy Report; Progress report on implementation of the Zondo Commission recommendations
06 Mar 2024 SAA Sale Irregularity Allegations: follow-up evidence submitted to Parliament
28 Feb 2024 South African Airways briefing on outstanding annual reports and financial statements
28 Feb 2024 Allegation of irregularities in SAA sale: follow-up engagement with Minister
21 Feb 2024 Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill: DMRE & Eskom briefing (postponed)
14 Feb 2024 2024 SONA & SOE Developments, SAA Repeal Bill (with Deputy Minister)
13 Dec 2023 Allegation of irregularities in SAA sale: consideration of Minister & former DG submissions
22 Nov 2023 Eskom 2022/23 Annual Report; with Deputy Minister
15 Nov 2023 Minister of Electricity briefing on the Energy Action Plan
08 Nov 2023 Transnet 2022/23 Annual Report; with the Minister present
01 Nov 2023 Engagement with organised labour on the governance, financial and service delivery challenges facing Transnet
25 Oct 2023 Public Enterprises Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report
18 Oct 2023 Safcol 2022/23 Annual Report; with Deputy Minister
11 Oct 2023 Public Enterprises Portfolio Audit Outcome; DPE 2022/23 Annual Report; with Deputy Minister
01 Nov 2023 ATC231101: Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 25 October 2023
22 May 2023 ATC230522: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 10: Public Enterprises, and on the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan for 2023/24 of the Department of Public Enterprises, Dated 22 May 2023
25 Oct 2022 ATC221025: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 19 October 2022
07 Oct 2022 ATC221007: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Eskom, South African Airways, South African Express Airways and Denel, dated 30 September 2022
18 May 2022 ATC220518: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 10: Public Enterprises, and on the SP and APP for 2022/23 of the Department of Public Enterprises, Dated 18 May 2022
28 Mar 2022 ATC220328: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Oversight Visit to Transnet Port of Durban, dated 23 March 2022
29 Nov 2021 ATC211129: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Eskom (Medupi and Kusile Power Stations) and SAFCOL, dated 24 November 2021
29 Nov 2021 ATC211129: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Transnet, dated 24 November 2021
25 Nov 2021 ATC211125: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 24 November 2021
01 Jul 2021 ATC210701: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Alexkor, dated 19 May 2021
21 May 2021 ATC210521: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 10: Public Enterprises, and the Annual Performance Plan for 2021/22 of the Department of Public Enterprises, dated 19 May 2021
18 Nov 2020 ATC201118: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 18November 2020
19 Aug 2020 ATC200819: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on a petition from the residents of Jamestown, Stellenbosch, dated 19 August 2020
17 Jul 2020 ATC200717: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Adjustment Allocations Of Budget Vote 10: Public Enterprises, Dated 15 July 2020
04 Jun 2020 ATC200604: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 10: Public Enterprises, and the Annual Performance Plan for 2020/21 of the Department of Public Enterprises, dated 2 June 2020
28 Nov 2019 ATC191128: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Oversight Visit to the Department of Public Enterprises and State-Owned Companies, dated 20 November 2019
13 Nov 2019 ATC191113: Report of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation on the Foreign Service Bill [B 35B-2015] (National Assembly - sec 75), dated 6 November 2019:
18 Oct 2019 ATC191018: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 16 October 2019
10 Jul 2019 ATC190710: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 9: Public Enterprises, and the Annual Performance Plan for 2019/20 of the Department of Public Enterprises, Dated 10 July 2019
20 Mar 2019 ATC190320: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on its activities undertaken during the 5th Parliament (May 2014 – March 2019)
28 Nov 2018 ATC181128: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the inquiry into governance, procurement and the financial sustainability of Eskom, Dated 28 November 2018
31 Oct 2018 ATC181031: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Repeal of the Overvaal Resorts Limited Bill [B 36 – 2017], dated 31 October 2018
30 May 2018 ATC180530: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to the Eskom Megawatt Park, dated 30 May 2018
10 May 2018 ATC180510: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 9: Public Enterprises, and the Annual Performance Plan for 2018/19 of the Department of Public Enterprises, dated 10 May 2017
31 Jan 2018 ATC181031: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 31 October 2018
15 Nov 2017 ATC171115: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 15 November 2017
17 May 2017 ATC170517: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 9: Public Enterprises, and the annual performance plan for 2017/18 of the Department of Public Enterprises, dated 17 May 2017
17 Mar 2017 ATC170517: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to the community of Soweto, dated 17 May 2017
26 Oct 2016 ATC161026: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 26 October 2016
22 Apr 2016 ATC160422: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Budget Vote 9: Public Enterprises and the annual performance plan for 2016/17 of the Department of Public Enterprises, dated 20 April 2016
06 Nov 2015 ATC151106: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 4 November 2015
14 Aug 2015 ATC150814: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Port of Saldanha Bay, dated 5 August 2015
11 Aug 2015 ATC150811: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Transnet Port of Durban, dated 5 August 2015
11 Aug 2015 ATC150811: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Denel Aviation, dated 5 August 2015
13 May 2015 ATC150513: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Budget Vote [Vote 9] and the Strategic Plan for 2015/16 – 2018/19 of the Department of Public Enterprises, dated 13 May 2015
11 Mar 2015 Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to South African Express Airways, dated 18 February 2015
11 Mar 2015 Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Transnet Rail Engineering, dated 18 February 2015
22 Oct 2014 ATC141024: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 22 October 2014
09 Jul 2014 ATC140711: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Budget Vote (Vote 11) and the Strategic Plan of the Department of Public Enterprises, dated 9 July 2014
22 Oct 2013 ATC131107: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Transnet Port of Durban, dated 22 October 2013
16 Oct 2013 ATC131022: Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 16 October 2013
10 Sep 2013 ATC130923: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Eskom’s Medupi Power Station, dated 10 September 2013
17 Apr 2013 ATC130418: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Budget Vote [Vote 11] and the annual performance plan for 2013/14 of the Department of Public Enterprises dated 17 April 2013
20 Nov 2012 ATC130128: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to Transnet, dated 20 November 2012
17 Oct 2012 ATC121024: Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, dated 17 October 2012
28 Aug 2012 ATC120829: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to state-owned companies, dated 28 August 2012
07 Aug 2012 ATC120903: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the oversight visit to state-owned companies, dated 7 August 2012
12 Jun 2012 Report: Strategic Planning Workshop, dated 12 June 2012
10 May 2012 Report: Budget Vote 11and Strategic Plan of the Department for 20012/13 – 2016/17, dated 10 May 2012
22 Feb 2012 ATC120222: Report Private members’ legislative proposals and special petitions
25 Jan 2012 ATC120125: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on the Annual Reports of the Department of Public Enterprises and state-owned companies, dated 25 January 2012
25 Jan 2012 Report: Oversight visit to the Department of Public Enterprises and state-owned companies, dated 25 January 2012
23 Aug 2011 ATC110823: Report on Oversight Visit to Denel
02 Nov 2010 ATC101102: Report on Funding Solution for Transnet Second Defined Benefit Fund (TSDBF) & the Transport Pension Fund (TPF)
13 Apr 2010 ATC100413: Report on Budget Vote [Vote 10] and Strategic Plan 20010/11 – 2012/13
17 Jun 2009 ATC090617: Report on Budget Vote 30 and Strategic Plan (2009/10 – 2011/12)
27 Jan 2009 ATC090127: Report on Department ‘s Annual Report
19 Nov 2008 ATC081119: Report on Oversight visit to Transnet
13 Nov 2008 ATC081113: Report on Oversight visit to Alexkor
13 Nov 2008 ATC081113: Report on Study Tour of China and Vietnam
13 Nov 2008 ATC081113: Report on Special Meeting with Representatives from South African Airways (SAA)
12 Nov 2008 ATC081112: Report on Oversight visit to SAFCOL
11 Jun 2008 ATC080611: Report on Department’s Budget Hearings
20 Mar 2008 ATC080320: Report on Oversight visit to (PBMR Ltd.) at Pelindaba
08 Mar 2024 NW156 by Ms S J Graham - With reference to Eskom’s Tarriffs and Charges...
23 Feb 2024 NW3 by Ms T Breedt - What is the current status of the private...
23 Feb 2024 NW68 by Mr J F Smalle - What (a) total number of cases of (i) theft of...
23 Feb 2024 NW59 by Dr M M Gondwe - Whether compared to December 2022 there have...
23 Feb 2024 NW58 by Dr M M Gondwe - What (a) may have been the cause of the lack...
09 Jan 2024 NW3295 by Mr E M Buthelezi - In light of the fact that the strategies that...
08 Jan 2024 NW3248 by Mr R A Lees - Whether, given that he did not table in...
08 Jan 2024 NW4034 by Mr K P Sithole - Whether his department have any step-by-step...
08 Jan 2024 NW4149 by Inkosi E M Buthelezi - Whether his department will review the current...
08 Jan 2024 NW4183 by Ms S J Graham - What (a) are the details of the (i) metros and...
08 Jan 2024 NW4191 by F Essack - What total kilometres of Transnet Freight Rail...
08 Jan 2024 NW4015 by Inkosi E M Buthelezi - What (a) are the (i) names and (ii) positions...
08 Jan 2024 NW2605 by Mr N F Shivambu - (1)(a) What is the name of each company that...
08 Jan 2024 NW2834 by Mr G K Y Cachalia - Whether he has found that Eskom assets are...
08 Jan 2024 NW4139 by Ms N Mhlongo - Whether Eskom is steadfast in its commitment...
08 Jan 2024 NW4052 by Ms S J Graham - Whether Eskom has determined the extent to...
08 Jan 2024 NW3780 by Ms S J Graham - With reference to Eskom’s required Atmospheric...
08 Jan 2024 NW3779 by Ms S J Graham - With reference to Eskom’s required Atmospheric...
08 Jan 2024 NW3761 by Mr V Pambo - Noting that The Petroleum Oil and Gas...
08 Jan 2024 NW3633 by Mr F Essack - What (a) number of board meetings and/or...
08 Jan 2024 NW4193 by Mr F Essack - (1) What total amount of private investment...
14 Dec 2023 NW3516 by Mr E M Buthelezi - Whether his department has any short-term...
14 Dec 2023 NW4150 by Inkosi E M Buthelezi - Whether his department has any projected...
14 Dec 2023 NW4014 by Inkosi E M Buthelezi - Whether his department has any (a) short-term...
14 Dec 2023 NW4053 by Ms S J Graham - With regard to the Distribution Demand...
14 Dec 2023 NW3905 by Ms A M van Zyl - Whether, with reference to his reply to...
14 Dec 2023 NW3946 by Mr G R Krumbock - Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister and...
14 Dec 2023 NW3091 by Mr F Essack - (1) As the Government shareholder...
14 Dec 2023 NW3092 by Mr F Essack - What (a) total amount in debt does (i) Denel,...
14 Dec 2023 NW3222 by Mr F Essack - DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES REPUBLIC OF...
14 Dec 2023 NW3525 by Mr S Tambo - a) What steps does he intend to take to (i)...
14 Dec 2023 NW3798 by Inkosi E M Buthelezi - What are the relevant details of the (a)...
14 Dec 2023 NW3799 by Inkosi E M Buthelezi - (1) whether his department has any records of...
24 Nov 2023 NW3289 by Ms J C N Mkhwanazi - Considering that two of the most important...
24 Nov 2023 NW3632 by Mr F Essack - What total amount has (a) Eskom, (e) Alexkor...
24 Nov 2023 NW3562 by Mr M J Cuthbert - With reference to capital investment on ports...
24 Nov 2023 NW3517 by Mr E M Buthelezi - What are the relevant details of the (a) total...
24 Nov 2023 NW3483 by Ms S J Graham - What is the (a) collection rate of Eskom from...
24 Nov 2023 NW3482 by Ms S J Graham - What (a) progress has been made on the...
24 Nov 2023 NW3449 by Mr M J Cuthbert - With reference to capital investment on ports...
24 Nov 2023 NW3445 by Mr G K Y Cachalia - Whether, noting that trade unions under the...
24 Nov 2023 NW3444 by Mr G K Y Cachalia - Whether, considering that Transnet Freight...
24 Nov 2023 NW3443 by Mr G K Y Cachalia - Considering that a road to rail initiative...
24 Nov 2023 NW3409 by Ms A M Siwisa - With reference to the recent allegations that...
24 Nov 2023 NW3339 by Ms S J Graham - (1) What number of (a) houses were identified...
24 Nov 2023 NW3325 by Mr G K Y Cachalia - Whether he has found that the electricity...
24 Nov 2023 NW3296 by Mr E M Buthelezi - Whether he intends resigning from the Cabinet...
23 Nov 2023 NW3291 by Ms C M Phiri - What (a) is the progress to date regarding the...
23 Nov 2023 NW3347 by Mr M J Cuthbert - What value of electricity discounts has been...
23 Nov 2023 NW2810 by Mr A M Shaik Emam - (1) What (a) are the relevant details of the...

All questions to the Minister

Bill name Date introduced Number Status
Repeal of South African Airways Bill 24 Jan 2024 B2-2024 Under consideration by the National Assembly.
Repeal of the Overvaal Resorts Limited Bill 08 Dec 2017 B36-2017 The bill has been signed into law.
Broadband Infraco Bill 06 Jul 2007 B26-2007 Act commenced
South African Express Bill 30 May 2007 B14-2007 Act commenced
South African Airways Bill 13 Nov 2006 B35-2006 Act commenced
Transnet Pension Fund Amendment Bill 12 Oct 2006 B30-2006 Act commenced
2024 6 meetings Attendance rate 67%
2023 27 meetings 66%
2022 24 meetings 65%
2021 18 meetings 65%
2020 22 meetings 61%
2019 15 meetings 69%
Detailed attendance data by committee and MP Learn about our Attendance Methodology

Contact

Secretary of Committee:

Disang Mocumi

Tel: 021 403 8115

Cell: 083 709 8512

Email: [email protected]

Secretary To Chairperson:

Loretta Lawrence

Tel: 021 403 2723

Cell: 083 709 8485

Email: [email protected]

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