Latest news with #ThokoDidiza
Zawya
2 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: National Assembly Speaker Participates in the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament and the 6th Conference of Speakers in Geneva, Switzerland
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, will, from 28 July 2025 to 31 July 2025, attend the 15th Summit of Women Speakers of Parliament and the 6th Conference of Speakers in Geneva, Switzerland. The Summit is intended to bring together women in the highest parliamentary decision-making positions to shape the parliamentary agenda based on emerging political, economic, environmental, and social changes that require united and gender-responsive global governance solutions. It offers a platform for women leaders to network and exchange views and experiences. The summit is taking place during a year of many milestones for the women and girls of the world. The year 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as the ten-year milestone of the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The women, peace and security agenda is marking 25 years of existence and is needed even more today than when it was established. The Summit will focus on the role of women Speakers in leading for inclusive and lasting peace. Meanwhile, the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in close collaboration with the United Nations, will take place from 29 to 31 July 2025 at the Palais des Nations (United Nations Office at Geneva). The Conference aims to provide a unique forum for high-level engagement and dialogue among parliamentary leaders from around the world. Previous conferences, held every five years, have served as catalysts for shaping and strengthening the parliamentary dimension of global governance, thereby helping to bridge the democracy gap in international affairs. This occasion will mark the culmination of two years of work by a Preparatory Committee of approximately 20 Speakers of Parliament from all regions of the world, and it promises to be the largest-ever gathering of its kind. In keeping with the IPU's inclusive approach, it will also feature prominent leaders from other international organizations, academia, civil society organizations, and the media. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Eyewitness News
6 days ago
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Parliament preps for possibility & implications of national budget not being passed
CAPE TOWN - Parliament is preparing for the eventuality and the implications of the national budget not being passed next week. Besides the main opposition parties already indicating that they don't support the budget in its entirety, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has indicated it won't support certain budget votes of departments headed by ministers they don't approve of. Speaker Thoko Didiza said on Thursday it was not for Parliament to resolve political disputes between parties, and that its structures could only grapple with technical and money-related matters linked to the Appropriation Bill. At a programme committee meeting on Thursday, National Assembly Secretary Masibulele Xaso advised the chief whips of political parties on the process that needed to be followed to get the Appropriation Bill approved. The bill, which is the last hurdle in the budget process, apportions money to all state departments. African National Congress (ANC) chief whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli, proposed that all the budget votes be put to the House for a full picture of the sticking points. "Those votes that were publicly condemned, and positions were taken against them, let's do them last." Didiza said that she would convene a special meeting if necessary ahead of Wednesday's vote to clarify any further uncertainties after some parties asked for further legal clarity on public spending constraints should the bill not be passed. "Where the issues are of a political nature, I think different political parties will have to engage. What we deal with is more the process." According to National Assembly rules, if a bill fails to pass on the first attempt, it can not be put to the House a second time in the same year, unless the rule is waived by agreement of the House.
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Parliament Statement on the Mandela Day
The Presiding Officers of Parliament, Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Thoko Didiza and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, call on all South Africans to honour the enduring legacy of our founding democratic President, Tata Nelson Mandela, by actively working to change the world around them—on Mandela Day and beyond. This year's Mandela Day theme, 'It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality,' serves as a powerful reminder that the struggle for justice, dignity, and equality continues—and that meaningful change requires collective action from institutions, communities, and individuals alike. Mandela Day encourages each of us to dedicate 67 minutes of service to others, symbolising the 67 years Madiba spent fighting for justice and freedom. But these 67 minutes are not just symbolic; they are an invitation to ignite a deeper, daily commitment to nation-building and solidarity. As the country marks 31 years of democracy and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, Parliament reaffirms its constitutional obligation to lead in the transformation of society. Through progressive legislation, effective oversight, and vibrant public participation, Parliament continues to strive for a South Africa that reflects the ideals for which Madiba lived and sacrificed. While Parliament carries the responsibility to enact change through its democratic mandate, every citizen also has a role to play. Parliament acknowledges that although significant strides have been made through laws and policies that have improved the lives of millions, the journey toward a more just and equitable society must continue with urgency and resolve. Parliament will remain unwavering in promoting accountability, transparency, and people-centred governance to realise the better life Madiba envisioned for all. To honour Mandela's legacy of compassion and service, the Presiding Officers of Parliament are leading outreach activities throughout this month and beyond in support vulnerable communities across the country. This morning, the Presiding Officers of Parliament, joined by National Assembly Deputy Speaker Dr Annelie Lotriet, NCOP Deputy Chairperson Mr. Les Govender and Secretary to Parliament Mr Xolile George will lead an outreach initiative by personally serving meals to homeless individuals at the Gama Parking Lot adjacent to Parliament from 10h00. Through this symbolic gesture, Parliament seeks to encourage all South Africans to embody the spirit of Ubuntu by engaging in daily acts of kindness and community upliftment. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Mail & Guardian
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
MPs recommend an ad hoc parliament committee to investigate Mkhwanazi's allegations
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Parliament's justice and police committees have recommended the formation of an ad hoc committee to consider allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General During a joint sitting on Wednesday, committee members agreed that this was the most appropriate mechanism to consider Mkhwanazi's allegations that Mchunu pressured him to disband a unit investigating organised crime in KwaZulu-Natal. ActionSA MP 'This work must be wrapped up before the end of the year,' he said. National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza had tasked the committees with determining how to handle Mkhwanazi's allegations earlier this month that political interference in police operations led to direct instructions to shut down investigations into high-level criminal activity in KwaZulu-Natal. Last year, Mkhwanzi told the Mail & Guardian that political interference remained one of the During Wednesday's joint sitting of the committees, parliament's legal team warned MPs that a full-scale inquiry by the legislature would probably replicate the work of the Legal adviser Andile Tetyana said parliament still had a constitutional obligation to exercise oversight but should do so through a streamlined, time-bound mechanism. He recommended the formation of an ad hoc committee under rule 253 of the National Assembly, which allows for temporary committees with a defined scope and duration. 'This is about accountability and improving police governance,' Tetyana told MPs. He said the ad hoc committee could look into several specific issues raised by Mkhwanazi, including the disbanding of the political killings task team, the alleged removal of 121 case dockets by the minister, leadership instability in crime intelligence and the overlap in roles of the South African Police Service and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid). 'Parliament's control over the executive means influence, not direct power. It remains advice, not command; criticism, not obstruction,' Tetyana said. The committees considered three options: a full parliamentary inquiry; invoking rule 169 to allow committees to confer; or establishing a new ad hoc committee. The latter was favoured as the least likely to cause jurisdictional overlap and the fact that it could conclude its work within a specific timeframe. MPs also proposed that any interim reports produced by the presidential commission be made available to parliament to ensure coordination and oversight without interference. The committees are expected to meet again next week to finalise the draft terms of reference and reporting timelines for the ad hoc committee. A formal recommendation is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly next Wednesday. This comes as the police service grapples with the continued fallout from Mkhwanazi's allegations. On Tuesday, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola confirmed that deputy commissioner for crime detection Shadrack Sibiya had been Both Mchunu and Sibiya have denied any wrongdoing. If the National Assembly approves the recommendation, the ad hoc committee will be empowered to summon witnesses, gather evidence, and deliver a report to parliament.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Parliament allocates R71m for medical aid for former MPs
42% of parliament's budget goes towards members' benefits. Speaker Thoko Didiza at the social services cluster of ministers address in the National Assembly in oral Q&A session at Good Hope Chamber on 4 September 2024 in Cape Gallo Images/Brenton Geach Parliament has set aside R71.2 million for medical aid contributions for former members of parliament and provincial legislatures. This is part of parliament's requested R5.08 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, as announced by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza during the budget vote debate on Tuesday. However, the National Treasury allocated only R3.58 billion to the instituition. Notably, the allocation for former legislators represents a substantial portion of the approved parliamentary budget. According to Didiza, the remaining funds include R500 million specifically earmarked for the restoration and refurbishment of parliamentary buildings following the fire damage in January 2022. MP benefits dominate budget allocation Didiza revealed that '42% of our budget goes towards members' benefits, such as remuneration, entitlements, medical aid for current and former members of parliament and provincial legislators as well as the transfers to political parties for constituency work, and political party administration'. This substantial allocation shows the financial commitment to support both active and retired parliamentarians. Parliament rebuilding and infrastructure investment The budget also allocated R500 million for the restoration of parliament as it tries to recover from the fire damage that has severely impacted its operations. '155 offices for members were completed and 54 are under refurbishment to be finished by end of September 2025,' Didiza said. She said the rebuilding project involves parliament, Public Works and Infrastructure, and National Treasury, with parliament taking responsibility for the reconstruction efforts. The Development Bank of Southern Africa is the implementing agent for the project. 'The architectural design was done and shared with members before finalisation,' Didiza added. ALSO READ: 'Luxury cloaked in secrecy' – Ntshavheni explains why she won't disclose her official travel expenses Committee resources and operational priorities The budget allocates R3 million per portfolio committee. Didiza emphasised that 'what drives our processes in parliament are committees. 'It is therefore important to ensure that committees are adequately resourced and have an insight into the resources they have on an annual basis for better planning.' Enhanced resources for public participation have been included to improve public hearings on lawmaking by portfolio committees. Dididza said the institution is also expanding its research capacity through additional researcher appointments. It is also recruiting more language practitioners to address service gaps identified by members. ALSO READ: EFF calls for Ad Hoc Committee investigation into Mkhwanazi's allegations, rejects portfolio committee investigations Legislative performance and oversight Parliament's legislative output during the past year included 15 bills passed by the National Assembly and referred to the National Council of Provinces. Twenty-seven bills are currently being processed by committees. In terms of parliamentary questions, the National Assembly processed 572 oral questions to the Executive, including the president and deputy president. Almost 99% of the questions received replies, according to Didiza. However, written questions showed a concerning response rate, with only 49% of the 3 315 questions posed receiving answers. 'I have raised concerns to the executive through the leader of government business on this matter. Members will remember that two weeks ago we reprimanded the members of the executive in this very house on this matter,' the speaker stated. ALSO READ: Treasury allocates R750m to offset Pepfar funding withdrawal as Motsoaledi tables health budget Priorities and democratic accountability The budget supports parliament's identified priorities for the seventh administration. This includes strengthening oversight and accountability frameworks, enhancing the legislative process and public involvement, improving public appointment processes, and improving international engagement. Legacy issues and reform implementation The budget also addresses several legacy issues from previous parliaments, including the implementation of recommendations from panels and commissions. Dididza said parliament has been engaging with institutions regarding the Asmal Report recommendations to review Chapter 9 institutions and is following up on outputs from the High-level Panel on the Assessment of Key Legislation. According to the speaker, progress has been made on the recommendations of the state capture report. She said several anti-corruption laws were passed since then, including the Financial Matters Amendment Act, the General Laws Amendment Act, National Prosecuting Amendment Act, and the Public Procurement Act. READ NEXT: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: Speaker Thoko Didiza rules on parliament debate
