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This week’s parliamentary programme features sessions including a question-and-answer with the Deputy President, debates on departmental budget votes in the National Assembly (NA) hybrid mini-plenaries, the National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP) sittings, a colloquium to celebrate Africa Day and to commemorate 30 years of our democratic constitution, amongst others.
 
From Tuesday to Friday, the NA has scheduled mini plenaries for debates on 18 budget votes (for departments and entities), while the NCOP has scheduled policy debates on the budget votes for the departments of agriculture and transport.
 
Budget vote debates give Parliament the opportunity to examine departmental plans and proposed budget allocations and to weigh in on them. They also help keep both Parliament and the public up to date on government commitments, implementation plans and how public money is being spent. Committees review departmental budgets and annual performance plans to determine whether departments have met earlier commitments and used taxpayers’ money responsibly.
 
Strong public participation and robust parliamentary oversight of the budget process help build shared ownership of the budget, support more effective allocation of resources, and curb wasteful or inefficient spending. The Constitution requires Parliament to play an active role in the budget process in the interest of good governance and financial transparency.
 
The Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, 2009, gives Parliament the power to amend the overall budget as well as the budgets of specific national departments and entities.
 
On Tuesday at 10:00, NA Members will debate Budget Vote 34 (Mineral and Petroleum Resources) and Vote 36 (Small Business Development). At 14:00, Members will debate Vote 19 (Social Development) and Votes 11, 7 & 12 (Public Service and Administration, National School of Government and Public Service Commission). Later at 16:45, there will be a debate on Vote 31 (Employment and Labour) and Votes 28, 24 and 21: Police, IPID and Civilian Secretariat for the Police. The NCOP, on the other hand, will hold a policy debate on Budget Vote 29 (Agriculture) during its hybrid plenary at 14:00.
 
On Wednesday at 10:00, Members will debate Vote 23 & 26 (Defence and Military Veterans) At 14:00, Members will debate Vote 3 & 15 (Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs). Later at 16:45, there will be a debate on Vote 4 (Government Communication and Information Systems) and Vote 42 (Land reform and Rural Development). Also on Wednesday at 14:00, the NCOP will hold a policy debate on Budget Vote 40 (Transport) and consider reports and legislation.
 
On Thursday morning at 08:30, the NA and the NCOP programming committees will hold their respective meetings to consider their draft parliamentary programmes, committee reports and Bills before each House.
 
Later on Thursday (at 14:00), Deputy President Paul Mashatile will appear before the NA for an oral question-and-answer session. Questions sessions, scheduled at least once per quarter, serve as a key mechanism for Parliament to hold the executive accountable. Under Section 92(2) of the Constitution, Members of the executive are accountable collectively and individually to Parliament for exercising their powers and performing their functions.
 
Also on Thursday at 14:00, the NCOP’s hybrid plenary is scheduled to consider reports and legislation.
 
On Friday at 09:00, the NCOP will host a three-sphere report back and planning session on intergovernmental relations and cooperative governance focusing on the Northern Cape province.
 
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, in partnership with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation and the University of South Africa (UNISA), will host a Joint Colloquium on “Celebrating 30 Years of South Africa’s Constitution in a rapidly changing world” on Friday, 22 May 2026 at the temporary National Assembly Chamber, the Dome, in Cape Town.
 
The colloquium forms part of the national commemorative programme marking Africa Day and 30 Years of the Constitution of the democratic Republic of South Africa and serves as one of the build-up engagements towards the 16th Annual Thabo Mbeki Africa Day Lecture.
 
The engagement will bring together more than 250 participants from various sectors of society, including former President Thabo Mbeki, Presiding Officers of Parliament, Members of Parliament, representatives from universities and academic institutions, Chapter 9 institutions, the legal fraternity, constitutional and governance experts, civil society organisations, public policy institutions, diplomatic representatives, students and leaders from broader society engaged in constitutional advancement, democratic governance and public discourse.
 
The purpose of the colloquium is to celebrate and critically reflect on the 30 years of South Africa’s Constitution, as well as to reflect on the position and role of South Africa in a rapidly changing world.
 
Also on Friday at 10:00 Members of the NA will debate Votes 8: National Treasury (State Security Agency) and Vote 8 (National Treasury). Once all budget votes are debated, both Houses - the NA and the NCOP - must vote on the entire budget.
 
Media Protocol for Mini-plenaries
 
The same rules and protocol that apply during plenary sittings of the NA also apply during mini-plenaries:

Filming: No filming is allowed by outside videographers. Live feed may be obtained from Parliament’s broadcast and audio-visual unit. Broadcasters must apply for a live feed through the Parliamentary Communication Services’ Media Relations Unit at least one day before the sitting.

Photography: Permission must be sought at least one day in advance. Photographers granted permission may not use flash or a tripod, must follow instructions from Parliamentary Communication Services and Protection Services, must wear a bib and must be commissioned by a media organisation. Official photographers attached to government departments must also obtain permission via their official email addresses.

Media wishing to attend the NA Mini-Plenaries should send their details (full name, name of media house, ID or passport number) to Ms Masego Dlula at mdlula@parliament.gov.za or contact her on 081 715 9398.
 
Committee Meetings
 
There are 30 committee meetings scheduled for this week that include the following:
 
TUESDAY, 19 MAY 2026
 
Standing Committee on Finance (National Assembly), [Consideration and adoption of the Committee report on Budget Vote 8: National Treasury], Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 12:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of Correctional Services on Progress Regarding the Identified Kitchen Facilities during the Committee’s Oversight Visits.], S12A, NCOP Building, 09:30
 
Portfolio Committee on Tourism (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of Tourism on: Progress report on the Tourism Equity Fund (TEF); Progress Report on the Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF); Progress Report on the Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP); Progress Report on the Market Access Support Programme (MASP); Consideration and adoption of draft minutes], Committee Room S35 NCOP Building, 10:00 - 13:00
 
Portfolio Committees on Home Affairs (National Assembly), [Consideration and adoption of the Report on the oversight visit to Limpopo during the public hearings on the Marriage Bill. Consideration and adoption of the report on the oversight visit to Digitisation Hubs. Consideration and adoption of outstanding minutes], Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 13:002
 
Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture. (National Assembly), [Briefing by Cricket South Africa (CSA) on the 2026/27 annual performance plan and other pertinent matters, as well as the state of readiness for the 2027 Cricket World Cup], Committee Room 1, Ground Floor, 90 Plein Building, 09:30 – 13:00
 
Select Committee on Cooperative Governance & Public Administration (Traditional Affairs, Water, Sanitation and Human Settlements) (National Council of Provinces), [Briefing by the Department of Water and Sanitation on its 2026/27 annual performance plan and 2026/27 Estimates of National Expenditure (Budget)]. [Consideration and Adoption of the Policy Assessment and Recommendations Report (PARR) on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs], Committee Room 2, 90 Plein Street, 10:00 - 13:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of Water and Sanitation on the National Water Amendment Bill (B1 –2026)], Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 - 12:30
 
Portfolio Committee on Higher Education (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Minister of Higher Education and Training on the decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration in terms of sections 17A and 17D of the NSFAS Act, 1999], NSFAS Head Office, 4 Christiaan Barnard Street, Cape Town, 09h00 – 17h00
 
Select Committee on Finance, (National Council of Provinces), [Briefing by the Development Bank of Southern Africa on their strategic plan, mandate and progress made since last meeting with the committee.], Virtual Platform Meeting, 10:00 – 13:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (National Assembly), [Follow- up briefing on progress made in the implementation of the National Elephant Heritage Strategy in KwaZulu-Natal and North-West provinces by the DFFE], Virtual Platform Meeting, 09:30 – 13:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (National Assembly), [Engagement with religious sector.], Virtual Platform Meeting, 09:00 – 14:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies (National Assembly), [Adoption of committee minutes presentation by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on the finalisation of the Media Buying Policy and the establishment of the Community Media Panel. Briefing by the DCDT on the finalization of the SABC Funding Model. Briefing by DCDT on the introduction of the Electronic Communications Amendment Bill.], Virtual Platform Meeting, 09:00 - 13:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies (National Assembly), [Parliamentary Training Workshop: Understanding Meta Platforms, Content Moderation and Election Safety Protocols for the 2026 local government elections.], Virtual Platform Meeting, 19:00 - 21:00
 
WEDNESDAY, 20 MAY 2026
 
Standing Committee on Public Accounts (National Assembly), [Hearing: City of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality on its 2024/25 audit outcomes], Committee Room M514, Marks Building, 09:30 – 14:00 & 18:30 – 21:00
 
Standing Committee on Appropriations (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the 2026 Appropriations Bill], Committee Room 1, 90 Plein Street, 09:00 - 12:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour (National Assembly),
[09:00 Consideration for adoption of the: Draft Report on the Study Tour; and Draft Minutes of 6 May 2026] [09: 45: Progress on the implementation of the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) across the provinces and development of various strategic approaches to using the LAP (Third Session), focusing on the budgeted usage of the project], Virtual Platform Meeting
 
Standing Committee on Finance (National Assembly), [Consideration of the letter received from the President to determine remuneration of public office-bearers (FFC) and consideration, and adoption of the Committee report thereon], Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:00 – 12:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Health (National Assembly), [Briefing by the South African Pharmacy Council on the Council’s mandate, regulatory functions and its current priorities including its role in regulating pharmacy education and practice, ensuring compliance and protecting public health; Consideration and adoption of Minutes], Virtual Meeting Platform, 09:30 – 12:30
 
Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration (National Assembly), [Impact studies conducted on the National School of Government training and developmental courses in public administration; Consideration and adoption of the minutes], Virtual Platform Meeting, 10:00 - 13:00
 
Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces), [CLOSED MEETING], Room 301, Third Floor, Africa House, 08:00 – 17:30
 
Select Committee on Security and Justice (National Council of Provinces), [Department Briefing Strat Plan and APP: Briefing by South African Police Service (Vote 28).], Venue: TBC, 10:00 - 13:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure (National Assembly), [Briefing by the DPWI on the implementation of the recommendations of the following reports: Free State & Western Cape oversight visit, Mpumalanga oversight visit, Sea Point oversight visit)], M515, Marks Building, 09:00 - 14:00
 
Select Committee on Appropriations (National Council of Provinces), [Consideration of Final Mandates and draft Report on the Division of Revenue Bill [B5 – 2026], S26, NCOP Building, 10:00 – 13:00
 
Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and Minister in the Presidency (National Council of Provinces), [Briefing by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation on its 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan and 2026/27 Estimates of National Expenditure (Budget). Consideration and Adoption of the Policy Assessment and Recommendations Report (PARR) on the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation], Boardroom 3062, Third Floor, 90 Plein Street, 10:00 - 13:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Higher Education (National Assembly), [Briefing by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), State Information Technology Agency (SITA), Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and Council for Quality Assurance in Further Education and Training (Umalusi) on progress in eradicating the certification backlog and outstanding Diplomas], Committee Room S12A, Ground Floor, NCOP Building, 09:00 – 13:00
 
FRIDAY, 22 MAY 2026
 
Portfolio Committee on Health (National Assembly), [Briefing by the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and Provincial Departments of Health on outstanding provincial debt owed to the NHLS], Virtual Meeting Platform, 14:00 – 20:00
 
Subcommittee on Review of the Assembly Rules, (National Assembly), [Implications of Constitutional Court judgment on rules of the National Assembly.], Virtual Platform Meeting, 14:00
 
Joint Standing Committee on Defence (National Assembly), [Preparatory presentation by the Committee Researcher and update by Content Advisor on Committee Resolutions, Joint Meeting with the PC on Science and Technology, PC on Trade Industry & Competition with the South African Defence Industry (AMD) on the status of the Industry; its economic contributions; and its importance to the SANDF, Consideration of outstanding Minutes.], Virtual Platform Meeting, 08:30 - 12:00
 
Portfolio Committee on Higher Education (National Assembly), [Briefing by the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on governance, administration, teaching and learning and related matters], UWC Main Campus, Symphony Way, Bellville, 09:00 – 16:00
 
Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament, (National Assembly and National Council of Provinces), [Briefing by Parliament on outstanding human resource-related matters. Briefings on Parliament’s performance in the quarters 3rd to 4th of 2025/26, including the 2025/26 mid-year performance. on the institution’s performance in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2025/26, including the 2025/26 mid-year performance reports. Consideration and adoption of committee minutes; draft committee report on the 2024/25 annual report of the Parliament of the RSA; draft committee report on site visits undertaken to inspect the installation of the Nieuwmeester Dome and progress in the rebuilding of the infrastructure destroyed in the 2022 fire on the parliamentary precinct; and 2026 second term committee programme.], Virtual Platform Meeting, 08:00 – 10:00
 
 

Issued by Parliament