LIVE: National Assembly Plenary

Añadido: 2026-05-31

[00:00:00]of this nature in parliament is never an easy task. Although I did not have a privilege of knowing member Sherzi personally nor working alongside him in a portfolio committee, he nonetheless remains a fellow member and colleague of his house. Although his political views and positions differ fundamentally from my own, I can only respect the man who stands firmly by his convictions. It is this steadfastness that has seen him move from the ANC to the EFF then to co-founding the African Radical Economic Transformation Alliance and in his last days representing the MK party here in parliament. All that I can say today to his family and colleagues in the MK party is the following. The day of tomorrow is a gift for everyone. We don't know if we will still be here tomorrow. And therefore, it is important to live every day to the fullest as it is your last day on earth.

[00:01:00]But we will all receive the eternal life after our lives come to an end here on earth. I want to end with the following scripture out of John 14 verse 1 to3. Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My father's house has many rooms. If that were not so, would I have told you that I'm going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

[00:01:36]The Freedom Front Plus wants to convey our sincere condolences to the member CS family, friends, colleagues and the contra party caucus during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. I thank you.

[00:01:57]>> The honorable inco Thank you honorable deputy speaker um to the house at large.

[00:02:15]Um, members of parliament, I never knew honorable Shzi personally, but I want to render these condolences on behalf of actions and extend our sincere condolences to the family, the friends, the colleagues, and the entire MK party for the loss of your colleague, Honorable Sherzi.

[00:02:36]The passing of a member of this house is always a solemn reminder that despite our political differences, we are united by a shared commitment to serving the people of South Africa.

[00:02:50]Honorable Shzi, as we have come to know him and as I've heard other colleagues render their condolences for him is that this was a person who dedicated himself to public service and fulfilled his his responsibilities in parliament with diligence and commitment particularly through his work on the portfolio committees on employment and labor, tourism, trade and industry and competition. Those who served alongside him tell us that he will be remembered as a colleague who approached his duties with dedication and who sought to contribute meaningfully to the work of parliament.

[00:03:30]His passing is a loss to his loved ones who are here with us today. We honor them who are here today as well. His party sees and also to this institution of parliament. As representatives of the people, we often engage in robust debate and hold differing views on the challenges facing our country. Yet, moments such as these remind us of our common humanity and the sacrifices made by those who chose public life and public service. To his family, we extend our deepened sympathies and pray that they may find strength and comfort during this difficult time. We also convey our heartfelt condolences again to the MK party and all who had the privilege of knowing and working with honorable Sherzi. I think all of us in this house can feel what this family is feeling as well as what the MK party is feeling. May the legacy of honorable Sherzi, a legacy of service endure in the lives he touched and the contributions he made to our democratic parliament. Re action essay toa may his soul rest in perfect peace.

[00:04:49]I thank you.

[00:04:53]>> The next speaker is the honorable.

[00:05:00]Thank you, Deputy Speaker. May I on behalf of the African Christian Democratic Party express our deepest condolences to the Sherzi family and friends and to the MK party. Honorable Sherzi was elected in 2024 and as other speakers have indicated served on various portfolio committees. He dedicated his life to the service of people as an educator, community leader, trade unionist, and church leader and a champion of economic transformation.

[00:05:31]Other speakers have indicated his passion for politics and his hardworking committees exposing wrongdoing on social media.

[00:05:41]I would also like to appreciate honorable SWS's prayer for protection on each one of us because honorable shares his passing illustrates how fleeting life can be and as a church leader he would have been acquainted with James chapter 4 where we are asked the question how do you know what your life will be like tomorrow James adds your life is like the morning fog it's here a little while then it is gone And James is right. Life is short and uncertain.

[00:06:13]There are no guarantees about tomorrow, let alone next year or in five years or 10 years. And if we ignore this lesson, we will not live our life properly in the light of eternity according to God's commands and purpose. and to ensure that we like the honorable Sherzi as a church leader lived our lives as he did to the full in right relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and have repented of our sins. Life is short. Death is a certainty. Let us make sure that we spread love, forgiveness, and reconciliation wherever we go. Our nation is desperate for this. May I pray that our heavenly father surrounds the Shzi family and the MK party with his love and comfort at this time. I thank you >> the honorable on behalf of the United Democratic Movement.

[00:07:24]I extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, the friends and the loved ones.

[00:07:54]city.

[00:07:59]Honorable Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech.

[00:08:30]African And I invite the honorable Ghana.

[00:09:21]Uh on behalf of Rise Mazansi, we do send our deepest condolences to the Shzi family uh the MK party uh and the house at large.

[00:09:39]I personally did not uh get to work closely with honorable Shi, but I knew of him uh I knew of him before he came to parliament. Actually, I I saw more of him outside of parliament than in parliament. Uh I think uh those that have been around politics from his uh activism whilst wearing the ANC colors to the time that he left uh to join I think he joined the EFF. No, he joined the honorable Ky House at the Arteta left there to join the EFF. He was quite vocal uh as a politician and very passionate.

[00:10:24]You could tell even when he gave interviews that he believed in what he was saying even when at times you could doubt whether it's true what you are saying but the passion it was never in doubt. So our interaction in parliament he was actually I felt like he was more calmer in parliament and his demeanor was more respectful when he was in parliament than when he's outside parliament outside of parliament. uh but he came to parliament uh quite respectful uh in in terms of when we engaged with him uh when because the only time I saw him was when we came to the house and he was always you know humble and we convey our sincere condolences to the family once again to MK may his soul rest in peace the speakers. The honorable Mymani, fellow South Africans, fellow members of Parliament, Romelo.

[00:12:08]Honorable Shzi was a member of parliament since 2024.

[00:12:14]If there is a genuine truth, it's simply that we all come to serve in public office as a calling and a response to the service of the people of South Africa.

[00:12:30]I did not know honorable Sherzi myself, but I can appreciate that his service was always to the people of South Africa and to his political party, a genuine reminder of our shared humanity.

[00:12:57]And therefore, it's within that that always when a life is cut that short in public service that the scripture compels us to mourn with those who mourn.

[00:13:11]We are indeed as fellow Africans mourn with those who mourn and we mourn with your party and we mourn with his family because it is our shared humanity and in that I pray for peace and comfort.

[00:13:30]I pray you would know his legacy will be continued. And therefore with those short words on behalf of Bill one South Africa I say my deepest condolences ama Abul Chavasai.

[00:13:45]God bless.

[00:13:50]>> The next speaker is the honorable Marawu who will do her speech from her seat.

[00:13:57]And thank you very much honorable deputy speaker leadership of members of the family.

[00:14:13]The African transformation movement rises today with a heavy heart to convey our deepest most sincere condolences on the untimely passing of dedicated servant of the people. Honorable and Shzi. Honorable Shzi stood without fear in the struggle. A symbol of discipline, courage and responsibility. From the dusty street of Quasunatal to the halls of parliament, he fought for justice with humility and resolved. He championed the poor and and the marginalized. Ever loyal to the cause of social justice and equality. In parliament, honorable Shzi served with diligence on the labor, tourism, and trade committees where his voice was always for the voiceless. We remember a leader who was disciplined in action, courage in convention, who listened even as he led. He was known as a true patriot whose work in parliament inspired many. We were inspired by his humility. He never spoke of himself, but always lifted the community. As the ATM, we pray the Almighty grants comfort, strength, and peace to the Shi family during this dark hour of grief. May you find solace in the last legacy of public service he leaves behind. To his political colleagues and friends, we stand with you in solidarity as you navigate this painful loss. May his soul rest in eternal peace and perfect peace.

[00:15:41]I thank you.

[00:15:46]The next speaker is the honorable Mashlati.

[00:15:53]I do not see the honorable Mashlazi. So we will move on. And we then go on to the honorable Malinga.

[00:16:14]Honorable Deputy Speaker, his excellent President Jacob Zuma Gisa, leadership of Mondo party, the Sherzi family, comrades, commissers and members of Mondo Today we're not gathering only to mourn.

[00:16:58]The son of the soil, the guru, the caterpillar, the late comrade honorable goa dandu.

[00:17:17]The late comrade Daniel was born on the 22nd of March 1976 and called by the Lord on the 23rd of March 2026 after an illness.

[00:17:42]Live a life of commitment, sacrifice and courage. His honorable Sh was not just a politician.

[00:17:57]He was an activist, a fighter for economic freedom and dignity especially of black people.

[00:18:10]As a member of parliament serving in a portfolio committee of labor and employment, he understood the pain of farm workers, domestic workers, security guards, EPWP workers, the unemployed graduate and struggling families.

[00:18:54]He believed parliament must not be a place of comfort zone but a place to fight for poor of the poorest.

[00:19:07]Mama Mandela once said, open quote, "I am the product of the masses of my country." Close quote.

[00:19:22]Indeed, Honorable Shzi remain a product of the masses until his last day.

[00:19:39]President Oliver Tambbo taught us that close open quote a nation that does not value its youth does not deserve its future. Close quote. Honorable CH dedicated himself to ensuring that young people and workers receive opportunity and dignity in their democratic South Africa.

[00:20:05]And the former president of this country once said open quote the struggling continues because economic freedom has not yet been achieved. Close quote. That message defined the life of honorable Shi. He believe political freedom without economic justice it's a crime.

[00:20:34]Even during his sickness, he continued to encourage comrades, advise young leaders, and stand firm on revolutionary principles. To the family, thank you for allowing South Africa to benefit from his wisdom, discipline, and leadership.

[00:21:03]As the man of God, the late honorable chase, let me quote in the Bible 2 Timothy chapter 4 verse 7.

[00:21:15]I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Today we can proudly say or goes fought the good fight. May we honor him not only with tears by continued strike for justice, equality, service delivery and economic transformation.

[00:21:46]Your legacy will live forever in the heights of our people.

[00:22:03]Honorable members, that concludes the speaker's list on this matter. I take it that there are no objections to the motion being adopted.

[00:22:14]Will members please rise to observe a moment of silence in memory of Tandoen Corsensi.

[00:22:36]Thank you honorable members. You may be seated.

[00:22:42]The presiding officers associate themselves with a motion and the condolences of the house will be conveyed to the Sherzi family. Honorable members, you may also sign the condolence book after the condolence motion. A special bound copy of members contributions will be sent to the family to convey the sentiments expressed by members.

[00:23:08]The secretary will read the first order.

[00:23:13]>> Debate on vote number two, Parliament appropriation bill.

[00:23:22]I invite the honorable speaker to the podium.

[00:23:40]Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker, House Chairpersons, leaders of political parties in parliament, present, chief whips of all parties, chairpersons of portfolio committees and joint standing committees, honorable members, ladies and gentlemen, people of South Africa, today I want to open this debate by an African proverb that says, I quote, Once you carry your own water, you will remember every drop. This African proverb highlights that experience teaches what observation cannot.

[00:24:18]Madame Deputy Speaker, this proverb serves as a reminder that our people who struggled for freedom and drafted the constitution that we celebrate during this year have known the pain of dispossession.

[00:24:35]have known the pain of segregation and they know what it means to be poor.

[00:24:44]They know what it means to be secluded.

[00:24:47]It is for that reason that when we sit here in these benches, we must always remember what they gone through and what we committed ourselves as public representatives, we will do to change their lives for the better.

[00:25:05]Today we table parliament's 2026 27 budget for their house consideration and approval.

[00:25:14]I want to state in the beginning that we would like to extend our thanks to the joint standing committee on financial management of parliament who actually scrutinize the work that we do as executive authority as well as the administration. It is this committee that also takes into consideration how the resources of this parliament are actually dealt with. Similarly, it is this committee that also look at the governance issues as well as some of the issues that deal with our administration. And I therefore would like to thank all members of various parties who serve in the joint standing committee of financial management of parliament.

[00:26:05]Honorable members, this budget will allocate resources towards key mandate of this institution that is law makingaking, oversight, public participation and international relations. These resources are also aimed at building an administrative capacity to support the work that we do as parliament.

[00:26:29]Today's debate is the primary instrument that allows us to also account to the electorate for the work that we do as well as the resources and expenditure that we actually utilize. It is a barometer that enables citizens to gauge how parliament's programs improve their lives and continue and continue to contribute to the transformation of society.

[00:26:58]This budget debate take place when as a country we mark the 30 years of our constitution. This seinal document laid the foundation of the South Africa we want. It created institutions that will be anchors of our country. But more importantly, it laid the basis for nation building. Each day, whatever we do, we do so as these members of parliament to ensure that we realize the ideals of our society of having a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous South Africa. As we commemorate three decades of our maturing democracy, we ought to be constantly mindful that the constitution and the laws we have drafted, approved, and finally promulgated do not represent a perfect state. Rather, they are a testament to the daily struggles.

[00:27:59]There are also living articles that we must as parliament continuously evaluate and strengthen to ensure that we find the best way to take forward the principle of freedom, dignity and equality.

[00:28:14]Madame speaker, honorable members, during these 30 years, there have been instances where our law makingaking processes have at times been found wanting as well as our rules and procedures. The recent Concord judgment has found that some of our rules are not consistent with the constitution and therefore require review and amendment.

[00:28:39]The court also found that in the application of our rules and procedures, we may have misdirected ourselves.

[00:28:47]This last concord judgment and other rulings before it from other courts require us as this parliament to be rigorous in how we make legislation, rules and procedures. At the same time, what came out of this judgment and others also remind us that there's a need to have various engagements so that as the different arms of state, we do not encroach on the mandate of another.

[00:29:20]Deputy Speaker, honorable members, our oversight mechanism requires strengthening and proper resourcing.

[00:29:28]It also needs an early warning system so that our portfolio committees can be able to pick up issues early enough and address them. A case in point are issues that came out that led to the formation of the artwork committee dealing with issues of allegation by General Muanazi.

[00:29:53]At the core of it, I think it also makes us to reflect deeply as parliamentarians on portfolio committees that when matters are presented before us in the way in which we scrutinize are we able to pick up matters that we must address and deliberate on timelessly.

[00:30:15]I want to say honorable members the allocation to committees was aimed at enabling proper planning and execution.

[00:30:25]Sitted here as presiding officers we can say that we have seen improvements in how committees are planning and utilizing resources allocating to them.

[00:30:36]But we were also the first to say those resources are not quite enough for all the committees. And it for that reason that we do have consolidated funding such that when committees overspend their resources, they can be allocated to do their work.

[00:30:56]I want to applaud all committees on the work that they've done to attend to issues of oversight but also ensure that they pass relevant legislation that they need to. The scrutiny of the auditor general over the financial affairs of local government over time has brought into light the complexity of oversight across spheres without using the responsibility of each sphere of government. This has been demonstrated by the integrated way in which the cooperative governance and traditional affairs portfolio committees have undertaken their task. It is equally important that the two houses of parliament need to engage on how we can undertake oversight without duplicating effort and resources.

[00:31:52]Similarly, it is also important that in over undertaking our way of oversight, we're also mindful of the issues that require better engagement between ourselves as legislature and the executive.

[00:32:12]Honorable members, in the past year, the National Assembly processed and passed 18 bills, including key legislation such as the ESCOM debt relief bill, economic regulation of transport bill, public administration management bill, the marine oil population bill, public service bill, and older persons bill, including the public sector bill. The test of this legislation, honorable members, will be in their implementation, but also how we as members of this parliament continue to oversee their implementation and whether indeed the legislations we've passed have impact.

[00:32:57]Honorable members, while we celebrate the milestone reached thus far in terms of law makingaking, our legislative program remains huge. Presently we've got 18 private members bill and 22 executive bills. I do hope that in the coming year the portfolio committees will focus more of their energies on legislation.

[00:33:23]Deputy speaker as part of our oversight and holding our executive to account. We have improved our approach on questions by having a hybrid system of interpolations and normal questions.

[00:33:36]Oral and written question enable members to raise concerns from their constituencies as well as following up on commitment by members of the executive in the house and in the portfolio committees. We do appreciate the effort that has been made in addressing questions that come from members by members of the executive.

[00:33:59]However, there remains areas of challenges where we will need to work together with the leader of government business so that we can improve our response and our response times administratively. were also examining how best we can address some of these issues to ensure that the question that are given to members of the executive.

[00:34:26]We also take into consideration as these members of parliament that some of them will require time because of consultations that might need to happen with provinces or local government sphere. And therefore the question arises whether the time we allocate for responses on written questions are they actually adequate. Honorable members two new portfolio committees have now been set up and are presently in operation.

[00:34:57]These are the committee on the president presidency and the petitions committee.

[00:35:03]The two committees have held their workshops and are already undertaking their work.

[00:35:09]We know that local government elections, honorable members, will take place on the 4th of November, 2026.

[00:35:16]These elections will represent another landmark in the evolution of our democracy. We all recognize the essential services offered by local government and we must as members of this house ensure that we can support councils to address the many challenges facing our community.

[00:35:36]We must also encourage all eligible South Africans who are not yet registered or who have changed their places of residence to ensure that they are registered and their details are updated on the electoral commission. We should appreciate the measures taken by the National Assembly Programming Committee to offer opportunities for members to return to their constituency for longer, particularly this year. This is an important mechanism to deepen the bonds between parliament, the people and communities in which they live. At the same time, the parliamentary program must balance our other commitments and make time for law makingaking, committee oversight, and members business.

[00:36:28]Honorable members, our history has taught us that we cannot take freedom for granted. We also know that our future is fundamentally interlin with other nations across Africa and the world. For this reason, this parliament must continue to build relationships with our partners through multilateral platforms that our parliament participates in. In the past year, we have successfully hosted the 11th P20 Parliamentary Speaker Summit, which is a parliamentary segment of G20 and the 58th plenary assembly of the South African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, which was held in Debben in December.

[00:37:13]These two high-profile events position South Africa as a credible and capable convenor on the continental and global stage, but also the agenda setting on issues that need to be deliberated that not only affect people in South Africa but also globally. In September this year, Parliament will host the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference here in Cape Town.

[00:37:42]Our parliament continues to fulfill its obligations of building a better Africa through its involvement in the pan-African parliament. Our parliament has reached an agreement to secon an official of parliament as surgeent of arms to the PAP to strengthen the institution's capacity and deepen our cooperative relationship. Honorable members, our parliament plays a pivotal role in a number of fora, some of which are actually undertaken by our various committees, particularly the engagement that we have with the European Union that is chaired by our chair of international relations portfolio committee.

[00:38:30]I do want to say honorable members that at times we may differ here in the house about positions that we take but what has been encouraging is how we have represented South Africa in this multilateral fora as a united force.

[00:38:50]Last year we committed to addressing legacy issues from previous parliament as it relates to the independence of institutions supporting democracy.

[00:39:01]I want to report to you that we have had various engagement with these constitutional bodies and also how we can harmonize guidelines to be adopted by parliament on statutory appointments and removal procedures of commissioners.

[00:39:17]Working with national treasury, we have also started the work to shift constitutional bodies budget to parliament as it should have been from the beginning. I do want to say there had been concerning issues some of which that are dealt by our institutions supporting democracy the chapter 9 and chapter 10 institution particularly the one with relates to the work of the religious community. I wish to thank the portfolio committee on cocktail that has been engaging our religious formations to find a way in which we can deal with issues that relate to that sector in an amicable way. Honorable members, Parliament continues with the strategic partnership with the Development Bank of South Africa on delivering a rebuild parliament that we're all yearning for.

[00:40:17]As part of the rebuild project, I just want to say we have completed 210 offices and three committee rooms with audio visuals and broadcasting equipment at 90 Plain Street. This has enabled many of you as members to come back to parliament and have a space from which to work. We've also completed additional offices which will accommodate parliamentary staff so that they too can actually support you better by being present in the prison.

[00:40:53]We have successfully installed this place, the dome, as a functional facility to enable us to do our work. I want to thank the minister and department of public works for having worked with us to ensure that regardless of the challenges were faced with our parliament, we can have a space in which we can work.

[00:41:23]In supporting the work of committees of parliament, we've reviewed human development policies and strategies which focus on talent retention and nurturing to strengthen our succession plan. This acquisition of capable and qualified personnel and the empowerment of young people has been very important.

[00:41:46]We've also filled critical post which committees have actually requested we do so such as researchers, experts and content advisors. We will continue to conclude the remaining one. Deputy Speaker, I want to indicate that this parliament in this budget is allocated 3.3 billion which includes the rebuild program and these are the resources that have been allocated to the various divisions of parliament as well as to political parties for their constituency work. And we do trust that as we engage with this budget, we will be able to improve where you would suggest improvement, but also we'll be able to utilize it in a manner that continuously improve the work of this house.

[00:42:46]I wish to thank the leaders of portfolio committees as chairperson and their whipery who have really ensured that our committee work which is an engine of the work that this parliament does is happening in a manner that it should. I want to thank the chair of the art committee for having steered the work that was important that needed us to actually see what we can do about matters that were brought into the public domain as it affects our security structures.

[00:43:26]I want to thank the whips of all political parties.

[00:43:33]I want to thank the whips of all parties who have actually made it easier for us to do the work in this house.

[00:43:45]I thought the whips of parties were going to clap for themselves.

[00:43:53]But my thanks goes to each and every member of this house for the dynamic work and your commitment that you have shown in the various committees in which you serve that has actually enabled us to become a better parliament each day.

[00:44:14]I want to thank well I will have to say I want to thank the ANC, the MK, the EFF, the DA, RISE, BOSA, Action SA, IFP, Freedom Front, ACTP, UAT, PAC, Good.

[00:44:46]All of you UDM >> DA >> I have thank the DA >> the PA >> else hasn't been thanked the NCC >> the ATM >> ATM mu thank you very much in earnest I want to thank all the political parties for the commitment that they've made in ensuring that each and every year despite looking at issues from different vantage point. We have done so with a spirit of building our country and making sure that it is better than what it has been.

[00:45:30]Without the support of the deputy speaker and the house chairpersons as well as the parliamentary officers of the president and the deputy president, we would not have been able to achieve what we have been able to achieve.

[00:45:46]But it would be amiss of me not to thank our ardent parliamentarian from the executive who is always present even though at times becomes very naughty and disruptive. Honorable Mantasu.

[00:46:13]He is not going to trouble you more. But I just want to thank him because he has been able to make sure that he remembers that before he is a member of the executive he is a parliamentarian.

[00:46:32]That doesn't mean other ministers and deputy ministers don't remember that.

[00:46:37]But it's just that sometimes they are so engaged that we do not see them every day. But thank you to all of you.

[00:46:47]And I just want as I step off this podium indeed to pay tribute to the members and families who we have lost during the past year. Honorable Shi, Princess Belli, Honorable Manga Kabash, and Honorable Stole. Their contribution to this house will always be remembered.

[00:47:16]I thank you.

[00:47:25]Thank you, honorable speaker.

[00:47:28]I now invite the honorable Thank you so much. Today, Madame Speaker, today as we debate budget vote two for parliament, we take heed of the glarian call made by South Africans coming from all society who 71 years ago in Clipton in Clip Town declared in the freedom charter that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.

[00:48:13]Those words born from struggle and sacrifice found profound expression in our 1996 constitution which is the supreme law of the country that entrenches human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, the rule of law and a democratic society where the people shall govern. Leading to the adoption of the constitution in 1996, retired constitutional court judge Albisuch observes, I quote, "As much as some individuals, including politicians, would like to discount the critical role played by the Freedom Charter, the people of South Africa would never allow the Freedom Charter to be relegated to the dusty archives of South African history. After all, its principles are firmly entrenched in the constitution of South Africa. Another member of the NC constitutional committee, Mr. Bridget Mabanza explains the final constitution of 1996 embodies the charter's ideals in law. Its preemping provisions and the bill of rights translates the aspirations of Triptown into enforcable rights and state obligations from the right to the dignity and equality to access to housing to education to healthcare. The constitution equals the charter in both spirit and structure. The South African Constitution therefore in its commitment to politically, socially and economic rights for all to a government based on the will of the people and to build the South Africa that belongs to all equals the aspiration of the freedom chart.

[00:50:02]From the very beginning, honorable members, Parliament has been at the center of our constitutional democracy.

[00:50:10]As the constitutional assemble, this house drafted and adopted the supreme law of the land. A constitution held worldwide as one of the most progressive. It enshrines the values of human dignity, equality, nonraalism, non-sexism, social justice, as well as the rule of law. Under the NC leadership, Parliament has been the engine of transformation. We passed landmark legislation that dismantled apartate structures and lay the foundation for a better life for all.

[00:50:44]The restitution of land rights act, the employment equity act and the broad-based black economic empowerment act and many more because the NC has done a lot. There are some in this house who are bail hand on reversing these gains. We must never allow that to happen. Not in our lifetime. As we debate this budget amid economic constraints, high unemployment inequality and the negative effects of historic crisis, these are not reasons to weaken parliament. They are reasons to strengthening it. A wellresource, effective parliament is essential for rebuilding trust in our institutions and driving the structural transformation which is needed to build a better life for all. We must spend every rent prudently with zero tolerance to wasteful and fruitless expenditure as well as corruption. Transparency in our own budgeting, operations and expenditure must set the standards for the rest of government. This budget vote is not merely about allocating funds. It is about resourcing the very heart of our constitutional democracy. The parliament of red republic of South Africa to fulfill its sakat mandate to represent the people, make laws, oversee and scrutinize the executive and ensure that the promises of the freedom charter and the constitution becomes life reality for every South African. The freedom charts first demand the people shall govern is the foundation of our democracy. Parliament is the embodiment of that principle. Through the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, we give voice to the will of the people across our diverse pro provinces and communities. In this sense, strengthening the capacity of parliament is central to the fulfilling of this important principle that places the people at the center of realizing the core objectives contained in the freedom charter as well as the constitution. Honorable members, effective oversight is the lifeblood of accountable governance. The freedom charter envisioned a democratic state where power serves the people. Our constitution gives parliament powerful tools as reflected in chapter 4 of our constitution. This budget allocates 3.7 billion rand for the administration of parliament. We are concerned that the parliament as a separate arm of the state is entire dependent on the national executive for the budget it receives. It is noted that the various shortfalls between the budget parliament requested for 2026 2027 and the budget national treasury had allocated will be funded from the 772 million for goods and service budget. This intervention is entirely unsustainable and may erode the authority and independence of parliament and undermine the implementation of its strategy and meet its constitutional obligation.

[00:53:57]The institution should re prioritize the finalization of funding model and the JSC FMP should receive quarterly updates in respect of progress made as far as establishing a funding model for parliament and negotiate a more appropriate approach to allocating its budget with the national treasury. With this budget, we must strengthen commit and oversight work, including research, monitoring, and evaluation uh capabilities. We further need to enhance financial and performance oversight, digital tools for realtime monitoring of government expenditure to enhance security and integrity measures to protect the institution from undue influence. We must also modernize our institution. Adequate funding is needed for research capacity, technology tools, handset services and the professional development of our members as well as the staff. A strong parliament requires skilled independent support structures that can match the complexity of ever evolving society. In the 20 21st century, parliament cannot function on outdated systems. This budget must drive digital transformation, improve ICT infrastructure and mitigate the adverse effects of artificial intelligence, including the risk of cyber security attacks. Honorable members and honorable speaker, the freedom charter is not a dimmed fate. It became the foundation of our constitution because generations fought for it. Let us honor that legacy by ensuring that the resources to do its work to legislative wise to oversee diligently to ensure that the public meaningfully receive the services it deserves and also to advance the rights and dignities of and dignity of every South African. As the African National Congress, we support the budget vote. I thank you.

[00:56:01]The next speaker is the honorable Foyan.

[00:56:15]Deputy Speaker, allow me to start our submission as MK party by sharing the experience of our people who on daily basis face the pinch of South Africa realities.

[00:56:33]When asked about the state of law and order in our country, the National Community Policing Forum chairperson Francina Lucas said, I quote, "Lawlessness is rampant.

[00:56:50]I really think think things are out of control. From where we stand, we are so concerned that lawlessness is the order of the day.

[00:57:05]Close quote.

[00:57:08]This is confirmed by clearing and shocking anomalies taking place in our country.

[00:57:17]Deputy Speaker, it's an anomaly that this country has countless laws to address immigration related problems but not enforced.

[00:57:31]Hence the shocking numbers of illegal immigrants in this country as a result of the government failure to enforce immigration laws.

[00:57:46]Hopeless and frustrated South Africans are taking law into their own hands attempting to enforce these laws made by this house.

[00:58:01]It is an anomaly deputy speaker that it remains business as usual when quarterly the acting minister of police confirms that the country's murder rate remains exceptionally high.

[00:58:22]On average, our beloved country records 58 mas every day.

[00:58:31]equating to 46 weekly, 1,624 monthly, and 19,488 annually.

[00:58:45]This is over 959% higher than an average nation.

[00:58:53]These are numbers of people that usually die at war and under normal circumstances warrants a sense of agency.

[00:59:06]In South Africa, this is just normal.

[00:59:10]We read statistics and life goes on.

[00:59:15]As we debate budget vote too, we must ask ourselves as public representatives difficult questions about our role as lawmakers and of course our role as those expected to hold executive accountable for the implementation of the laws we make. It is our submission as MK party that the current foreign west minister parliamentary system imposes some impediments on both the administrative and financial autonomy of parliament.

[01:00:00]Deputy Speaker, autonomy is critical for a parliament to function effectively as a separate branch of government.

[01:00:11]As much as we are currently empowered by our own laws to determine the national budget appropriations, we are still to a large extent dependent on the executive to allocate resources to parliament.

[01:00:30]What an anomaly.

[01:00:33]We are expected to bite the hand that feeds us. How can we be robust as me members of parliament on the executive performance when we still depend on national treasury to fund our oversight and accountability programs. And of course we still depend on public works to manage our facilities.

[01:01:00]The current system provides a limited opportunity for the parliament to influence the amount of funding it receives it receives annually.

[01:01:13]The Ministry of Finance has a strong rope in defining the budgets for parliament and other independent institutions.

[01:01:23]Hence as MK party we have made the submission on a development of an independent parliament road map which is meant to liberate parliament from the executive capture that is currently taking place and of course which is meant to create a multi-arty parliamentary budget forum that advocates for adequate budget allocations. s as well as transparent budget management of resources allocated to parliament.

[01:02:00]We can allow the divided so-called GNU to have a final say over budget appropriations when our own laws empower us to do so. Making matters worse, Deputy Speaker, is the fact that National Treasury, the proxy of imperialist interest and the champion of neoliberal austerity policy, is leading this abnormality.

[01:02:30]Like in all budget votes, austerity measures are at play in this budget vote.

[01:02:36]Parliament budget vote for 2026 2027 shows a real decrease of 358 million representing 11.67% decline in the purchasing power of what is allocated to parliament.

[01:02:57]If we don't reclaim our legislative authority as parliament, the budget tra trajectory will continue to decline and erode parliament capacity to execute its mandate. Without financial autonomy, this parliament will be unable to address many of the key reforms captured by the way we contributed to those reforms as MK party. Those reforms are captured in the seven parliament strategic plan and the subsequent two annual performance plans.

[01:03:35]It won't be possible for us to execute on those commitment because we'll be lacking resources to accomplish what it we want to achieve as this parliament. As MK party, we have note with keen interest that allocation to local government week and taking parliament to the people's programs has has been substantially increased, recording 400% and 67% increases respectively.

[01:04:12]Our vigilance and our all eye scrutiny will be on steroids on these two programs just to make sure that no sand is used for local government elections campaigning or political expediency agendas.

[01:04:31]Noting that committees of the National Assembly will receive 3 million each and the budget of NC committees will increase by 17% to 3.5 million each. MK party continues to call for a more transparent and rational funding model for parliament committees. a model that will be considerate to the varying commitment, workload and equitable resources allocation of various parliament committees.

[01:05:08]Deputy speaker, as parliament, we should stop relying on the executive to ensure that we have enough funding to meet our constitutional mandate. We must stop singing the narrative of there is no money to fund our freedom. We remain one of the richest countries in mineral resources and strategic marine roads. As lawmakers, we must make sure that we take full advantage of this and ensure that government revenue is increased to fund our development priorities as well as proper budget for parliament activities and programs.

[01:05:53]We said it long time ago as we strive for our freedom that we know what is it means to enter into the face of socialism.

[01:06:02]The lyrics of May socialism means a lot to us as MK party.

[01:06:10]It means that we must take control of our economy and make sure that the resources or the revenue generated from our economy are used to fund our freedom. Let's stop bleeding poverty while our country is so rich. As MPs, we are empowered to make sure that the economy is in the hands of honorable member >> for the benefit of our people.

[01:06:34]>> I thank you.

[01:06:35]>> Thank you. The next speaker is the honorable cler.

[01:06:52]Thank you. House chairperson.

[01:06:55]The report before us today is a reflection of a systemic failure in accountability.

[01:07:02]We are only now considering a midyear report for the 202526 financial year halfway through the 2627 financial year. That is not a minor delay. It is a collapse of oversight.

[01:07:18]When reports are late, accountability is stalled. And when accountability is stalled, this gives room to malfces.

[01:07:27]The report utterly fails to properly account for the work of the administration.

[01:07:32]Instead, it reads like a summary of members of parliament's activities. The report dismally fails to account for the accounting officer and administration, how funds are used, what was delivered, and whether value was achieved. Across the summary report, we do not see performance actions done. Instead, we see planning. In fact, planning to plan.

[01:08:00]That is unacceptable.

[01:08:02]The budget raises even more serious concerns. Section 50 through22 requires the accounting officer to revise revenue and expenditure estimates when necessary. Yet by the fourth quarter, parliament had significantly under spent.

[01:08:21]This raises two possibilities. Either the administration is underperforming or parliament is overfunded and unable to spend effectively. Neither is acceptable. We must ask what revisions were made to the approved budget. Why were those revisions not properly brought before the committee? And if they were not approved by parliament, does this not raise concerns about unauthorized expenditure?

[01:08:51]We demand answers relating this. The underspending is concentrated in crit in critical areas including the office of the secretary and the rebuild fund. on the rebuild fund. The contradiction is glaring. We are told that more money is needed yet the existing allocation has not been spent. We were also told that the rebuilding of Parliament would be completed in time to accommodate next year's state of the nation address. We today must ask, is this still the case?

[01:09:25]Will Parliament be ready to host Sona as promised or are we now facing further delays?

[01:09:33]If there are delays, what caused them?

[01:09:36]Was it procurement failure, poor project management, contractor issues or delays by the administration?

[01:09:44]The rebuild of Parliament is not just a construction project. It is about restoring dignity and functionality of the institution. If parliament cannot manage its own rebuild on time and within budget, how can we hold other departments accountable for infrastructure failures? Should Nexia Sona not be in the rebuild parliament?

[01:10:07]Serious questions will be raised.

[01:10:10]Another major concern is the compensation of employees. We have repeatedly raised that the COE budget is lower than the actual wage bill. The administration then shifts funds from services to cover salaries. This is not sustainable. It distorts the budget and undermines service delivery. We must be hold told how many of the 1,200 positions are funded by national treasury, how many are unfunded, and how long this structural imbalance will continue. On human resources report again lacks substance. We are not told the age profile of staff, how many will retire in the next three or five years or what plans exist to preserve institutional knowledge. This is a basic workforce planning and this is missing. We must also address governance failures. There are 12 pending labor court cases. We are entitled to know what these cases are about, what they are costing, and how many relate to the so-called abacus report. The report has apparently been used to justify dismissals yet it has not been shared. How do you de dismiss officials based on a report that no one has seen? Where is this report? The same lack of transparency applies to the audit findings. We are to told that they are in progress. For how long? Why has the bricks matter raised over a year ago still not been resolved? At what point does in progress become avoidance or corruption? There are also serious concerns about the secretary to parliament, including a gigantic salary increase, consultants, acting allowances, overtime expenditure, and gratuitity claims.

[01:12:05]The ANC in the committee took a resolution that the salary of the STP is now a closed matter. The DA strongly disagrees with this motion. We demand a proper forensic investigation regarding the salary increase of the STP. If these decisions were taken without proper approval, then we are not only dealing with poor administration, we are dealing with a breakdown in governance. There are further concerns around appointments including the appointment of the LSS director.

[01:12:39]What what due diligence was done? what criteria was applied and how does this appointment serve the needs of parliament. We are also seeing an apparent attempt to implement organizational realignment without pre presenting its outcomes. We are being asked to approve change without evidence. That is not oversight. That is rubber stamping. The broader picture is deeply concerning. budget inconsistencies, undercloed revisions, under spending, rising administrative costs, delays in the rebuild project, and lack of transparency across key areas. We must insist on a full report on all budget revisions and violence, a detailed breakdown of underspending, immediate access to the abacus report, full disclosure of legal cases and costs, a clear plan for COE shortfalls, a legal opinion on the secretary's re remuneration, and a detailed progress on parliament rebuild project, including whether parliament will be ready for the next Sona. If this information is not available today, then we should seriously consider postponing this engagement because oversight information time is now expired. Thank you.

[01:14:00]>> We must lead by example. I thank you.

[01:14:03]>> Thank you. The next speaker is the honorable mate.

[01:14:10]>> Thank you very much, House Chair. The EFF does not support the proposed budget allocation for parliament and we do so because we have lost confidence in the leadership of the speaker of the national assembly when she was elected after the 2024 national elections because of our engagements with her when she was house chairperson and the manner in which she conducted herself as a minister. We thought that after the disastrous teners of previous speakers who were partisan, irrational, who failed to protect the integrity of parliament and who engage in dubious conduct, maybe parliament stood a chance of revival. Despite being a member of a former liberation movement that continues to lose power because of its arrogance, we thought that as speaker, honorable Mama Toodiza would restore the dignity to the position of head of national assembly. But we were wrong, honorable members. were very wrong. If anything, she's more disappointing because we had expectations. House chair, we thought the speaker would have learned lessons from the former speaker who took forever to accept that the then secretary to parliament was corrupt and needed to be removed for abusing parliament's resources. The EA has undermined its own commitment to contain the salary of the secretary to parliament which was raised by the national treasury as abnormal and excessive. The EA has undermined Parliament's own human resource management policies which state that every employee including Mr. Jolle George himself must have a contract before they start working. The very speaker who wants to stand here today and say she wants to protect the integrity of the National Assembly goes to the constitutional court to defend unprocedural conduct. But clearly she has learned nothing. The current secretary of parliament appointed by a former speaker who is now standing trial for corruption was appointed in what we consider to be a corrupt manner. The advert was paged in newspapers with a salary of 2.4 million in 2021. He worked for two months in parliament while still being paid by Sala without a contract.

[01:16:09]The advert was cancelled after recruitment had already started without any explanation. Today the man earns just under five million. He earns more than the president, more than the speaker of the national assembly, more than the chairperson of the NCO. He earns more than all ministers in cabinet, more than deputy ministers, and more than director generals of all national departments with more complex and big organization. It gets worse.

[01:16:34]We're told that his salary includes a graduity like a stock option incentive as if he works for a billion rand company listed on the GSC. And this speaker turns a blind eye to this corruption. The speaker has learned nothing. The corruption that we will expose regarding the rebuilding of parliament, a project under the direct oversight of the secretary to parliament whom we believe was appointed in a corrupt manner is a crime scene. Even if members of the joint standing committee on the financial management of parliament collude in a partisan manner to defend the corrupt appointment of Mr. George and insist that the matter is exhausted when it is clearly not. We will remain patient because the courts will ultimately resolve this matter as has always been the case when the GNU abuses its numerical majority to shield unlawful and corrupt conduct from accountability. This parliament burned down in January 2022. We were told that it would cost 2.2 billion to rebuild it.

[01:17:33]3 years later, we're told that the cost has escalated to 3.3 billion. By the end, it will be 5 billion or more. With the information we have, which we have handed over to forensic investigators for assessment, we're confident that people will be arrested at the end of this project. Those are these are serious people with influence. But it will not come as a surprise. House Chair. It is under her watch the speaker that the Brig Summit held in Emperor's Palace saw tenders inflated services paid for without proper authorization.

[01:18:05]And it is clear that money was looted.

[01:18:07]Costs move from an approved budget of 3.9 million to over 6 million. Yet no one can tell us whether that money was properly spent or not. And no one has been held accountable. You can defend corruption because of your unholy union in the GNU, but we're not surprised that the DA will sit comfortably knowing these facts and behave as if there's nothing rotten simply because of blue lights. As the EFF, we want our parliament to go to our people. We want this parliament to relocate to Tuani to be central, accessible, and closer to the people instead of maintaining a colonial agreement between racist Africaners and British colonialists. We want people to feel part and parcel of this parliament but that does not mean it should happen in a manner that facilitates corruption. We're told that the taking to parliament taking parliament to the people event held in the northwest cost 9 million rand and we're expected to accept this as normal.

[01:19:00]For that kind of event that's madness we still do not have enough African language translators. We do not have language services in committees as if parliament is still run by racist national party. We do not have the capacity to draft bills with the speed necessary to make a meaningful impact.

[01:19:17]The collapse of the effectiveness of this seventh parliament is clear for everyone to see. Ministers don't respond to questions for written reply on time.

[01:19:25]And when they do respond, they mislead parliament without consequences, without suctions, and without reprimand. And it is worse with the DA ministers. We're turning this parliament into a Mickey Mouse Mickey Mouse arrangement and being toothless. For this reason and many other reasons, the EFF does not support the incompetent, partisan and corrupt administration that uses parliament to protect a formal liberation movement in his dying days. I thank you, Ch.

[01:19:55]>> The next speaker is the honorable.

[01:20:07]Thank you, House Chairperson.

[01:20:10]Parliament occupies a unique constitutional position. It is not simply another department within government. It is the institution entrusted with law making, oversight over the executive and ensuring meaningful public participation in our democracy. The effectiveness of parliament therefore directly affects the quality of governance in South Africa. The appropriation bill allocates approximates approximately 2.8 billion to parliament for the 2026 2027 financial year. The IFP notes that this allocation must support parliament in fulfilling its constitutional mandate. While additional funding has been allocated to contribute towards restoring and rebuilding institutional capacity following the devastating fire that damaged the parliamentary precinct.

[01:21:10]We welcome the continued commitment to rebuilding Parliament, but we caution that rebuilding infrastructure alone is insufficient.

[01:21:21]South Africans expect Parliament to rebuild public trust, improve accountability, and strengthen oversight over an increasingly unresponsive executive. We remain concerned that Parliament continues to depend heavily on allocations determined by the executive through the National Treasury. The joint standing committee itself correctly observed that this funding arrangement undermines parliament's institutional independence and long-term sustainability. A constitutional democracy cannot function optimally if the institution responsible for oversight is financially dependent on those it must oversee. We therefore support efforts to finalize a sustainable and independent funding model for parliament. Parliament must be adequately resourced to perform rigorous oversight, process legislation effectively and deepen public participation. We further welcome the increased allocation to oversight committees and constituency related programs. Oversight is the lifeblood of accountability and committees require sufficient resources to interrogate government expenditure, assess service delivery and expose maladministration.

[01:22:48]However, increased funding must produce measurable outcomes. Parliament cannot justify higher expenditure while oversight failures, weak committees attendance and delayed executive responses continue. The poor responsiveness of ministers to parliamentary questions remains deeply troubling. Too many replies are delayed, incomplete, or evasive. This weakens Parliament's constitutional authority and frustrates the public's right to accountability. Rules governing executive compliance must therefore be strengthened and enforced consistently.

[01:23:31]We also note Parliament's plans regarding digital transformation and broadcasting expansion. While these initiatives can improve accessibility and public engagement, they must be accompanied by strong cyber security safeguards and practical implementation strategies. Honorable chairperson, South Africans judge parliament not by the size of its budget by its effectiveness, discipline and courage in holding power accountable. Every rent appropriated under vu must therefore advance constitutional governance, transparency and service to the people of South Africa. The IFP will continue to support a parliament that is independent, accountable, people centered and uncompromising in defending democratic oversight. Therefore, we support vote two. I thank you.

[01:24:28]>> Thank you honorable member. The next speaker is the honorable house chairperson majority.

[01:24:43]Thank you honorable house chairperson, honorable speaker, honorable members of the cabinet, honorable members of the national assembly, members of the PGIR, distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen. It is my singular honor to be granted an opportunity to contribute to budget vote to debate on parliament.

[01:25:04]This occasion always afford us with an opportunity to present and outline parliament and the nation at large priorities that will in the long term inform the activities of the seventh democratic parliament with respect to international participation. Our work at hand as house chairperson proceeds from the contribution laid by the honorable members of the sixth administration and the legacy left behind for the seven parliament to pursue in pursuit of its role in international relations cooperation and participation. The parliament of the republic of South Africa is a member of one of number of interparliamentary organizations.

[01:25:47]Parliament's affiliation and participation in these organizations is driven by the need to uphold universal values and principles of democracy, respect for human rights and international law as well as the need to reinforce South Africa's foreign policy objectives at the level of international parliamentary forum. The seventh administration had undertaken to operationalize the implementation of its policy priorities through the development of the draft policy on parliamentary diplomacy. The objective of the policy is to provide an overaching strategy for South Africa's parliamentary diplomacy in line with the country's legislative framework and national interest. facilitate a coordinated and strategic approach to parliamentary diplomacy at both political and administrative level with the South African legislative sector.

[01:26:45]Articulate how South Africa's influence and stature on the international stage can be enhanced through active participation in bilateral and multilateral parliamentary diplomacies.

[01:26:58]facilitate economic diplomacy that prioritizes African-led development. The restructuring of global financial system, the promotion of trade policies that empower the global south, recognizes the evolving role of parliamentary diplomacy in global politics and its significance in advancing South Africa's national interest. This policy establishes a framework for the South African Parliament's engagement in international affairs. The policy further recognizes Parliament's unique role in shaping the multipolar world order that prioritizes Africa sovereignity, economic self-sufficiency, and self-determined development. Parliamentary diplomacy must not only support existing executive foreign policy, but it must actively challenge global structures that perpetuate economic dependency, inequality and marginalization of African state, including the reform of institutions, global governance. The parliamentary group or in international relation remains consistent in implementing these priorities through our participation in different bilateral and multilateral fora. To this end, the PGIR will convene its second workshop to further redefine its road map and participation internationally and to further align our collective missions with our various stakeholders. It is my pleasure to take this opportunity to highlight the activities our parliament has been a part of so far since the last budget vote debate. Starting with the southern African development community parliamentary forum. The southern a the South African parliament successfully hosted the 58th plenary assembly of the sadc parliamentary forum from 29th November to 6th December 2025 in the metropolitan municipality in Dean South Africa. The 58 plenary assembly was held under the theme impact of climate change on women and youth in the saddic region and the role of parliament in climate change mitigation and abductation. Apart from honorable speakers of the national assemblies representing 13 sedic countries, other dignitaries that graced the 58th plenary with their attendance included the guest of honor, acting president of the republic of South Africa, his excellency Mr. Paul Mashad and the honorable speaker of Guazulu Natal as well as the executive mayor of ET to mention just a few regarding the transformation of the SADC parliamentary forum into a SADC parliament in July 2025. Both the NA and NCOP adopted the South African Parliament's inputs to the draft protocol establishing the SADC parliament which will be sent back to our parliament for ratification processes during the course of the 2026 2027 financial year. The draft protocol which was scheduled for finalization during the SADC meeting of justice attorneys general in July 2025 prescribes amongst others the composition powers, functions, procedures and other related matters governing the SADC parliament. The joint report on the draft SADC parliament protocol by the portfolio committee of international relations cooperation and the select committee on security and justice highlighted the significance of the protocol in advancing regional integration and the role of parliaments in this process. The report recommends that a draft protocol include a clause to establish structured cooperation between the SADC parliament, the pan African national parliament and regional economic community assemblies. This cooperation should cover exchange on model laws, joint summits and shared trainingmies. The aim is to harmonize local legal frameworks, build institutional capacity and ensure synergy in addressing continental challenges. Among the recommended inputs, the report proposed that SAD parliament must evolve into a binding law makingaking body over time and have oversight powers over peacemaking missions, trade and human rights. The South African Parliament permanent delegation of the SADC PF will attend the forthcoming 59 Saddak PF plenary assembly to be hosted by the Parliament of the Republic of Seals on the 4th to the 11th of July 2026 under the de theme theme digital violence against women in politics and that honorable members takes us to the Briggs Parliament Forum.

[01:31:59]The Federative Republic of Brazil assumed the chairmanship of bricks on January 1, 2025. Accordingly, Brazil prepared and hosted both the 17th brick summit and the 11 bricks PF meeting. The 11 bricks parliamentary forum which was attended by the South African delegation led by the chairperson of the portfolio committee on international relations and cooperation. Honorable Supra Mumabilu took place at the National Congress Palace in Brazilia on 45 June 2025 under the theme. The role of BRICS parliament in building more inclusive and sustainable global governance. The 11th bricks PF brought together heads of parliaments, presidents of chambers and deputies and the federal senators from the 11 bricks member countries including the delegation from several partner countries. The leadership and representatives of the new development bank and the interparliamentary union were also in attendance. The standout highlight of the 11th Brits Parliamentary Forum was its push for a more inclusive global order led by the global south especially through calls to reform international institutions like the United States and global financial system. Delegates emphasized that emerging economies should have a strong role in global decision making. Several major themes defined the forum. Reform of global governance, strengthening bricks cooperation, support for local currency trade, women's political participation and gender equality, a joint condemnation of terrorism, and South Africa was leading in these ones.

[01:33:52]The forum concluded with a joint declaration and the ceremonial handover of the next presidency to India which will host the 12 bricks PF meeting this year 2026. The impact of our institution parliamental diplomacy was demonstrated by the active participation of our parliament in the negotiations and the incorporation of a number of our positions and inputs to the final joint communic. Honorable members, our participation in the Panaffrican Parliament has enabled institution to continue to support efforts aimed at operational oper operationalization.

[01:34:39]The objection the objectives of the African continental free trade agreement in line with the aspirations of agenda 2063. And honorable members, not to forget to say that we do take note of the concerns that you've raised in terms of the money that we pay with hosting the Panaffrican Parliament and we are in engagement and seeking that maybe we find another alternative venue so that we don't pay as much as we're paying now. In the CPA related matters, honorable members, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa together with provincial legislatures is affiliated and participates in the political activities of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at both Africa region and international level. Our members of parliament continue to serve in the executive committee substructures of this organization and supported efforts of transforming the legal status of this organization into a diplomatic organization that will serve the agenda of the developing countries within the commonwealth.

[01:35:51]It is my pleasure to inform this house that this in fact finally coming to fruition after many years of our predecessors and ourselves advocating for this change of status. Currently through the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Parliament occupies the position of the president of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, preciding over the processes that will lead to the preparation of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference scheduled to take place in September, which we we all know that we are the proud host this year. Institutionally a political steering committee has been established together with the secretariat led by the secretary to parliament who is seized with the responsibility to give regular briefings on the progress of conference preparation and readiness. It is anticipated that parliament will use this international platform to continue on the path of ensuring that parliament through parliamentary diplomacy complements the efforts of communicating South Africa's messages already articulated in the recent multilateral conferences our parliament had successfully convened. The conference will also reini ree emphasize South Africa's international relations policy on ensuring that Africa acts together and unite in the world affairs. Lastly, honorable members, South Africa and European Parliament interparliamentary meetings. Through our participation in the South African European Parliament interparliamentary meetings, our parliament continues to advocate for a commitment to a multilateral trading system that is rulesbased, open, inclusive, fair, transparent, consensus driven and anchored in international laws. The 3.3 billion will assist parliament to achieve all programs and activities outlined in our participation in the international forum. So as the house chairperson, I support budget vote too. Thank you.

[01:38:04]>> Thank you honorable house chairperson.

[01:38:06]The next speaker is the honorable source.

[01:38:20]Uh, greetings once again in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Mia Auniki.

[01:38:27]Uh, honorable chair, before I delve into the core of the budget. Uh allow me to take a moment to express our sincere appreciation to you honorable speaker.

[01:38:38]Uh your steadfast leadership, unwavering dedication to the integrity of this house and your tireless work in steering parliament through complex and challenging times have not gone unnoticed.

[01:38:53]We commend your efforts to uphold the dignity of this institution and to ensure that the voice of the people remain central to our democracy. To many of us as young parliamentarians, you are like a mother.

[01:39:08]Honorable chair, we recognize and commend the significant allocation of 2.6 billion dedicated to the rebuilding fund.

[01:39:17]Restoring the physical infrastructure of parliament is a vital step toward restoring the full operational dignity of our legislative arm.

[01:39:27]Honorable chair, whilst we rebuild the brick and mortar foundations of this institution, we must not neglect its human foundation. We must confront a glaring and unjust reality.

[01:39:40]our internal parliamentary security staff, specifically the members of the parliamentary protection services are being left behind. Honorable chair, how do we justify a 23% allocation for the compensation of employees amounting to 1.4 billion whilst the very people who secure our lives and this house are blocked from career progression. The institution cannot speak of fairness when it carries the historical stain of institutional unfairness against its own protection officers.

[01:40:14]We remember the painful legacy of 2015 when parliament bypassed its own loyal parliamentary protection services members to headhunt external security members for new chamber support positions, paying them higher salaries despite having lesser service and experience.

[01:40:34]While the Labor Court may have ruled on a narrow technical legal definitions regarding what constitutes an arbitrary ground under the Employment Equity Act, the moral failure remains absolute.

[01:40:48]Our internal security staff have faced stagnation, zero promotions, and a system that favored new staff over longerving dedicated employees.

[01:41:00]We cannot preach fair labor practices to the nation while practicing institutional stagnation within our own corridors.

[01:41:13]Honorable chair, the 2627 budget moves us forward in a physical reconstruction, but true institutional success requires that we bring our workers along with us.

[01:41:30]Let us fix the infrastructure, but let us also rectify the historical and ongoing promotion and wage disparities facing our parliamentary protection staff.

[01:41:45]I say this as a son to a mother. I thank you.

[01:41:52]Ao baani ba supports The next speaker is the honorable Moulder.

[01:42:10]Thank you honorable chairperson, honorable speaker.

[01:42:14]It was interesting to listen to the honorable fonden this afternoon when he dealt with the budget of parliament and I was thinking it could have been very different if he was minister of finance long enough to deal with the budget of South Africa as well but we didn't get that opportunity to to listen and I think the honorable fond would have loved that opportunity honorable chairperson the budget debate of parliament should be non-controversial and it shouldn't be political because we all serve the same parliament. And if you look at the constitution in terms of the three tiers of government or the three spheres of government, the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary, they are supposed to be on the same level. But I want to think that the legislature and because most likely because I'm one of the members of the legislature wants to think that the legislature is the most important of the three for the simple reason that we represent the people in the house of the national assembly and within the NCO we represent the provinces. Now the mandate of parliament is quite clearly set out in section 423 of the constitution which says the mandate of parliament in terms of that provisions deal with the following functions parliament is to elect is elected to represent the people that is true to ensure government by the people under the constitution all the people to represent the interests of provinces in the national sphere of government that's what the NCO do the members of parliament elect the president we've done that on a number of occasions since 1994 to pass legislation that we do throughout to scrutinize and oversee executive action and that is a very difficult and a controversial one sometimes as it is at the moment and then lastly parliament processes to provides a national forum for the public to consider issues and express their views. Now, it is also true that parliament has come into trouble on more than one occasion and we've been reprimanded by the courts on more more than one occasion because of some decisions that we took or some actions that we did not take. And the question would be were we perhaps brought into trouble not because of ourselves but because of the close proximity to the executive.

[01:44:34]And I know this is a controversial one for the simple reason that if you take into consideration that almost 20% of the members of the National Assembly are also members of the executive, one in five. And obviously those influences do have a strong influence in caucuses but also in decisions taken by the National Assembly.

[01:44:56]As far as I'm concerned, the National Assembly and Parliament should be focused on basically two things. First of all to find the truth under all circumstances and to act in that instance and secondly to act within the ambit of the law including the constitution. And that is where we should be focused. And at the moment, parliament is again going into a difficult process and that will be with regard to the section 89 impeachment committee and the process that will flow through that. And the most important from my perspective would be that we cannot go there and try to play simplistic party political preferences.

[01:45:34]We must understand that the public is scrutinizing each and every act that comes from parliament and that we should behave in a manner that really bodess well for what the people expect in terms of seeking the truth and in keeping to the law. You cannot in a debate on the budget of parliament conclude without thanking all the officials of parliament each and every one of them. We take them for granted mostly and we cannot do that because we may be the members but without the officials of parliament this place cannot and will not function successfully. The freedom front plus will support the budget. Thank you.

[01:46:12]>> Thank you honorable member. The next speaker is the honorable goi.

[01:46:21]>> Thank you very much honorable house chair. The essence of actions position is that parliament must fear the people again. Honorable house chair, parliament exists to protect the people from the abuse of power. It is not a sanctuary for failed ministers. It is not a shield for corruption and is definitely not a a stage for political theater. Yet for too long, this parliament has failed South Africans. The ANC has used its parliamentary majority not to strengthen oversight but to weaken it. Ministers were protected. Oversight reports were diluted. Accountability was sacrificed at the altar for party loyalty.

[01:47:05]The constitutional court itself had to remind parliament during the section 89 matter that its duty is to the constitution first and not to political parties. The crisis in this parliament is simple. It no longer fears disappointing the people of South Africa. It only fears displeasing political parties. But parliament has also suffered from an opposition that sometimes mistakes noise for accountability. South Africans did not elect us to collapse debates, to chase headlines, or perform outrage for cameras. Noise is not accountability.

[01:47:44]Chaos is not courage. Action believes accountability requires disciplined action. That despite one be despite some of us being from smaller parties in this house, we as actions has have consistently used parliamentary questions, oversight, visits, motions and committee interventions to expose failures and demand answers from government. We have challenged wasteful expenditure. We have confronted failures at stateowned entities. We have exposed weaknesses in border security and illegal immigration. And we have advanced practical solutions to restore professionalism, economic growth, and capable governance. That is what an effective opposition looks like, not slogans, not theatrics, results. Power fears accountability, which is why parliament must reclaim its independence. Members of parliament were not elected to defend political parties or protect powerful individuals. We were elected to serve the people of South Africa fearlessly and without compromise. Yet today, parliamentary recommendations are ignored without consequence. Reports are adopted without enforcement. Ministers evade accountability and continue as though parliament is merely ceremonial. We as actions believe that parliament requires stronger oversight, Madame Speaker, stricter consequence management for effective non-compliance, greater transparency in committee performance, and meaningful public participation in the legislative process. Because democracy without accountability is deception, South Africans are tired of institutions that speak loudly but act weakly. We are tired of leaders who quote the constitution but refuse to defend it. And we are tired of a parliament that bends when it it should stand firm. Parliament must fear the people again. Until it does, accountability in South Africa will remain performative. It is for that reason that actions unfortunately rejects budget vote too. I thank you.

[01:49:58]The next speaker is the honorable Kanyan.

[01:50:05]Thanks. Thanks very much, House.

[01:50:09]Good afternoon, honorable speaker.

[01:50:13]We we have listened here. The enilate against you has been unending.

[01:50:19]The criticism has been trenchant.

[01:50:23]I want to indicate that the matter of the STP has been dealt with by the auditor general and we received a report in the annual at the end of the financial year 2023 and and 24 as the co-chair of this committee.

[01:50:43]Honorable speaker, I want to reiterate that we are forever open to every question that honorable members may want to ask regarding that matter. They should follow the procedure. We're not hiding anything and I want to thank you very much for your magnanimity.

[01:51:04]You are the toodizer of impeccable credential that we know from the African National Congress.

[01:51:12]First things first, honorable members, I rise to support budget vote to parliament for this organ as the central locus of political power in the country to continue with its mandate of ensuring that the objectives of the con are realized and its obligations are fulfilled.

[01:51:34]Honorable members, parliament of the republic should be primar in upholding and protecting our national sovereign and conventional order. This year marks 30 years of South Africa's con constitution and how the democratic state successfully proliferated its doctrines and values on the continent and globally. Honorable speaker, we look back with pride for transforming South Africa from a morally visiating and repugnant psychology of apartheid militarization and destabilization in southern Africa.

[01:52:12]We have exercised South Africa from the ghost that haunted its noble intentions on the continent. We look forward with renewed hope and inspiration after repositioning South Africa as a private state in global terms, a reputable nomrene in the promotion of global equity, social justice and solidarity, human rights and peace and lastly a constructive regional heimmon.

[01:52:43]The ANC restored South Africa's image, nature, and moral high ground in regional, continental, and global affairs. Honorable speaker, the African Union Development Agency, formerly known as NEPAT, celebrates the silver jubilee this year. In this context and in view of the ongoing celebrations of the Africa month, the pantheon of history shines. former president tab bei obasanj abdelisa hos mubarak and abdul for this laudable initiative aimed at poverty eradication sustainable growth and development regional integration and youth and women empowerment leaders honorable speaker have indeed heeded the injunction that was made by the former President of Tanzania, President Nera, when he said, "Africa must run while others walk." Honorable speaker, we appropriate this allocation for the Parliament of the Republic to continue running while others are working in pursuit of our foreign policy, progressive aspirations.

[01:54:04]We should be unrelating in pursuit of progressive multilateral order, multilateral accountability and reform or transformation of global power relations to reflect diversity.

[01:54:19]We have consecrated teners of panafricanism, African renaissance, human rights and solidarity, south to south cooperation and regional integration and peaceful conflict resolutions. Our parliamentary diplomacy should therefore advance these goals, strengthen oversight, protect democracy, and ensure that all international commitments and engagements be in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Briggs, P20, Interparliamentary Union, PAP, SEDC, etc. Make us to run while others are working. Honorable speaker, academics like Adigay Adibayo contend that countries can only be strong abroad if they are strong at home. Our parliamentary diplomacy should complement the efforts of the executive in the fight against unemployment, poverty and inequality.

[01:55:19]These vaciousious matters together with citizen safety and security of national interest are the resilient fault lines that continue to undermine our efforts at attaining a better Africa and a better world and also frustrate our diplomatic initiatives.

[01:55:40]They have recently sparked a conflration of violent confrontation by extremist nationalist and anti- and also an anti immigration sentiment that resurrect the aparate goals that we previously haunted us.

[01:55:59]This optics honorable speaker are not good for our parliamentary diplomacy.

[01:56:05]They go against the grain of Ubuntu as the fundamental moral underpinning of our foreign policy. Our approach should therefore seek to forge national consciousness in the affirmation of the humanity of others, cooperation at AU and SADC levels to enforce immigration laws and conformity with all relevant protocols. The relevant portfolio committees, honorable speaker, should adequately support be supported to play the necessary oversight on sector departments. Honorable speaker, the challenge now is for our parliamentary diplomacy to demonstrate that we can indeed run while others are working.

[01:56:54]that we share Petrus Lumumba's optimism when he said Africa will write its own history and it will be to the north and to the south a history of glory and dignity. I support the budget vote.

[01:57:15]>> Thank you honorable member. The next speaker is the honorable.

[01:57:22]Thank you, chairperson. Madam Speaker, as we in the ACDP participate in this budget vote in the 30th year of the constitutional democracy, we must reflect on how effective our executive oversight has been. And it is a pity that it took the constitutional court to remind us that parliament's duty to hold the executive to account is not a political choice where majority vote or procedural maneuvers can be used but a strict constitutional obligation. The Zondo Commission into State Capture meticulously set out how Parliament had failed in its oversight duty. And whilst most of the commission's recommendations to improve parliamentary oversight have been implemented, we still seem to be failing in our oversight duty. As fraud and corruption is increasing day by day, it is now reaching the highest echelons of the SAPS and the criminal justice sector.

[01:58:23]And one cannot but sense that there is a feeding frenzy almost like lo locusts who are looting and stealing our public funds. And this despite the very best endeavors of us as parliament and law enforcement agencies like the hawks, the SAPs, SIU, NPA and others. Yet there is always hope. The God that I serve promises in his word that he will restore what the locust has eaten. What is needed is more action and more prayer to restore the moral fiber of our nation. William Shakespeare wrote, "There's a tide in the affairs of men which when taken at its flood leads onto victory. That tide is rising now.

[01:59:11]It's a clarion call against corruption.

[01:59:14]It's the cry of helpless citizens who demand an end to corruption so that state funds can be better spent on clinics, hospitals, schools, police stations, better services not looted and stolen.

[01:59:29]And as we consider the budget for the rebuilding of parliament, may we like Nehemiah not only rebuild the walls physically but also rebuild the moral fiber of our nation. And if one has regard to the tree design of the new new parliament, may this parliament increasingly become a symbol of the tree of life referred to in Genesis and Revelations whose leaves will be for the healing of our nation and nations around us. Lastly, may I take this opportunity on behalf of the ACDP to thank the speaker, deputy speaker, house chairs, the secretary to parliament, and all staff members for their hard work and commitment this past year. I thank you.

[02:00:18]>> Thank you, honorable member. The next speaker is the honorable Quanka from London. Speaker, in December 2022, we warned you about the dangers of refusing to take the Pala Pala matter to the impeachment committee or the impeachment process. And as usual, you did not listen.

[02:00:45]Instead, you used a warped logic. When I say you did not listen, speaker, I'm not referring to you as a person. I'm referring to your colleagues, the African National Congress. Instead, you used a wed logic by using your majority for contrarian aims or contrary ends or to contrarian aims to subvert checks and balances on President Ramaposa.

[02:01:14]In doing so, you breached an very important constitutional principle of accountability.

[02:01:21]And now, in light of the Conc Court judgment, the chickens have come home to roost. And I regret to inform you that we are not going to shield you from the consequences of your actions.

[02:01:35]But as we set the process in motion towards this impeachment process, it's important that due process is followed that the proper sequencing and the pacing of what needs to be done so that we don't end up finding ourselves with an an egg on our faces by making the same mistakes that we have been found to have breached the constitution for in so far as the matter is concerned. The second issue is speaker uh I have no time for platitudes uh please bear with me because I'm only expected to make points here for three minutes. The second point speaker is when it comes to the question and answer session they are really becoming starting to become a waste of time. We call it a Q&A session but ministers come here instead of some of them not all of them instead of answering question they respond to them. I mean I wish I were minister in the cabinet. If I'm come to parliament and I'm expected to respond, I'll just say here again sit down.

[02:02:32]That's a response whether it answers the question or not. It's neither here nor there because we bring them here to respond and indeed they respond but they don't answer questions.

[02:02:42]The other aspect speaker which I think is very important is the founding of parliament. I mean I mean the the discussion actually predates my time in parliament. When I got to parliament there was speaker ceul and we are talking about the funding model of parliament. I'm about to turn 10 15 three or four years time we still debating the same issue. I was a youth when I debated the matter for the first time. The other issue is which is very important is funding of political parties. The amount of money I mean it's a joke. I mean the amount of money I'm expected to run the caucus with is the amount of money that parliament pays a content advisor. That's my annual budget to run an office, to hire support staff members, to pay for operational expenses. It's crazy. But these laws are going to come back and bite you in 2029 where you're in a smaller party because that's where you're going. If you're going to legislate because >> the next speaker is the honorable deputy speaker.

[02:03:47]>> The amount of anger you have Order. Honorable members. Order.

[02:03:52]>> Anger you have.

[02:03:55]>> Honorable speaker, honorable house chairperson, honorable members, I firstly just have to say it is quite strange standing here and not sitting listening to members.

[02:04:08]Honorable members, the National Assembly's constitutional mandate to represent and ensure government by the people. Choosing the president, providing a national forum for public consideration of issues, passing legislation and overseeing executive action is vast and it requires a strong, capable and robust house.

[02:04:36]But we also have to remember that a stronger parliament begins with stronger members.

[02:04:44]The NA's capacity to optimally execute its mandate rests on strengthening the capacity of its individual members.

[02:04:54]Building members capacity is therefore not an administr administrative addition to our work nor an optional activity.

[02:05:05]It is foundational to our work as parliamentarians.

[02:05:10]And this has always been so.

[02:05:13]What has changed, honorable members, is the urgency.

[02:05:18]The society for whom we legislate and the governance we are charged with overseeing stands at the threshold of a profound technological transformation.

[02:05:31]The question that should frame our consideration of this budget vote, notably in the areas under my mandate, is therefore a simple one. Are we ready?

[02:05:45]The Interparliamentary Union explains this transformation clearly.

[02:05:50]Artificial intelligence offers real potential benefits to humanity and development.

[02:05:57]But recent advances also pose immediate risks to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. And the pace of change is outrunning the ability of parliamentarians to understand and regulate it. Parliaments and their members cannot sit on the sidelines.

[02:06:17]This technology already affects every policy area and so it is relevant to all of us. Honorable House chairperson, what should readiness mean for us as members? Firstly, it means knowing how to use parliament to good effect in representing our constituents, understanding our structures, working strategically within the rules and orders, reading the budget with a critical eye, scrutinizing legislation, and asking the right questions and committees and at question time.

[02:06:54]Secondly, it means keeping pace with the world around us, understanding how the current technological transformation affects our portfolios and our own work as members and ensuring its safe and ethical use without smothering the innovation our country needs.

[02:07:13]Readiness in short requires capacity and capacity building must be intentional.

[02:07:20]Allow me then to turn to members capacity building. The seventh parliament strategic plan recognizes that members must be equipped with continue professional development and the digital literacy skills needed in a digitally transformed parliament.

[02:07:38]The year 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026 was the first full financial year in which my office gave structured effect to the capacity building mandate assigned to the deputy speaker. We focused on laying foundations a necessary approach given that more than 60% of the members in this assembly were newly elected at the start of the seventh parliament. In terms of internal training, we delivered six formal training days covering nine substantive areas of parliamentary practice, including the rules on order and debate, committee oversight, the budget process, public participation, and parliamentary diplomacy.

[02:08:21]Member satisfaction with the quality of what of that training remained high throughout.

[02:08:28]Recognizing the moment we are in, we also intentionally began to build masters or rather members digital and AI literacy promoting international learning opportunities offered by the IPU by a joint program of UNESCO and the University of Oxford say Business School and through other self-paced initiatives.

[02:08:52]Engagement with counterpart parliaments and bodies such as the IPU continued throughout the year, bringing shared learning and concrete offers of capacity building cooperation.

[02:09:04]Honorable members, the members attendance across our internal sessions was however uneven and no single session reached half of this house. Our reliance on virtual delivery, while unavoidable during the rebuilding of Parliament, limited the depth of engagement that face-to-face training allows.

[02:09:28]Many members asked for physical or hybrid formats. As one member put it bluntly in a post training questionnaire, sessions should be physical, eyeball to eyeball. And I agree with that.

[02:09:45]Now, despite these challenges, honorable members, I encourage you to attend.

[02:09:50]There's always something new to learn about this complex, ever evolving institution.

[02:09:58]From 2026 and 2027, we will be moving from foundation to structure. The approach combines competency and skills-based training build around a predictable quarterly rhythm so that training is no longer something we attempt to fill into a crowded calendar but something members can plan around. It places digital and AI literacy firmly within the curriculum because a member who is ready for the decade ahead is one who can use these tools with confidence and interrogate them with judgment.

[02:10:32]Honorable House Chairperson, the strengthening of members and our systems cannot be separated. A member with new skills but outdated systems is held back. A modern system in untrained hands delivers little. Capable people and capable institutions advance together or they do not advance at all. And so the second strand of my responsibility is building a digitally transformed parliament.

[02:11:01]The year under review saw tangible progress. Parliament completed systems to automate core processes, among them online committee submissions, a digital committee dashboard, and a resolutions tracking system making oversight more traceable in the year ahead. that will will extend to the online tracking of bills to digital service delivery dashboards and to online submissions for the nomination of public office bearers. We have also invested in digital readiness of members and have begun to confront the institutional questions that AI poses for parliament including through a course AI for parliament a webinar series offered by the policy innovation lab at Salenbos University.

[02:11:51]Honorable House chairperson allow me also to briefly report back on our language policy. Last year, I stressed the need for more interpreters, explaining that Parliament requires at least, that's not optimal, that is at least 44 interpreters to serve both houses against the 27 we had then. I'm pleased to report an increase to 40 with efforts ongoing to fill the remainder while AI technologies for realtime interpretation and speechtoext translation are also explored.

[02:12:26]And then I also want to report on remembles in terms of parliament and I know this is a very sensitive matter. I want to indicate to members that the speaker has approached the minister of finance and I want to thank you honorable speaker for doing that to discuss the whole issue of affordability visa v the remuneration of public office bearers because I know this is something that we need to address urgently.

[02:12:54]Honorable House Chairperson, honorable members, I return to the question with which I began. Are we ready? If readiness means that the work is complete, then no, we are not. But if readiness means that we have understood what is required, that we have laid the foundations and that we are building deliberately upon them, then I can report that we are becoming ready and that we intend to be ready in good time.

[02:13:22]The technological transformation before us will not wait for parliament to catch up. We must keep up as best we can. That is the commitment my office will continue to honor. I thank you.

[02:13:38]>> Thank you honorable deputy speaker. The next speaker is the honorable Ghana.

[02:14:00]Honorable speaker, uh, let me address you because at least today I get to address you and you are sitting here, not behind me.

[02:14:09]South Africans are losing patience.

[02:14:12]They are losing patience with politics.

[02:14:15]They are losing patience with institutions of democracy. and they are losing patience with ourselves as members of parliament. Trust in parliament is waning and whether we like it or not this institution is under the spotlight and every member of this parliament is under the spotlight.

[02:14:41]The people are asking a simple question whether as parliament we hear their cries, we understand their frustrations, their anger and we share in their fears and anxieties.

[02:14:54]Because the South Africa we lead today is a South Africa of deep frustration, rising impatience and growing hopelessness.

[02:15:04]People are tired of slow responses, tired of excuses, tired of institutions that appear reactive instead of being decisive.

[02:15:14]That's why parliament can continue cannot continue to behave as if things are normal.

[02:15:21]We are no longer living in 1999 or 2010.

[02:15:25]The world that we live in has fundamentally changed. And the way citizens of our country consume politics has fundamentally changed. The way that South Africans engage with this institution has changed. And the expectations that they place upon democracy has also changed.

[02:15:46]We are being called upon as members of parliament to do more than just passing and processing legislation and following procedure. We are called upon to provide direction, to lead society, and to act with agency and agility.

[02:16:03]Even when we do react, we must do so swiftly.

[02:16:07]An example has been made. Many honorable members have spoken around just the pace that it's taking to rebuild parliament which is a symbol an important symbol of our democracy.

[02:16:22]As honorable Kard has said we need to rebuild the trust and rebuilding trust is not about slogan.

[02:16:32]We rebuild trust by the work that we do.

[02:16:35]We must truly represent the hopes and aspirations of all South Africans. And as parliament, we have to rise above the destructive politics and focus on what matters most. Building a South Africa that is safe, prosperous, equal, and united.

[02:16:54]Because first and foremost, we were not sent here by political parties. We were sent here by South Africans. and we need to represent the people of this country with honor and integrity.

[02:17:10]>> Thank you honorable member. The next speaker is the honorable Schlaza Webster.

[02:17:26]House Chair, we must resist the temptation to approach debates like this one as routine parliamentary processes while we have the weight of a constitutional court rebuke against Parliament still hanging over this house. This is now the second time in less than a decade that parliament has been found to have acted unconstitutionally in carrying out its oversight responsibilities. First it was the Ganga scandal when Parliament failed to hold then President Jacob Zuma accountable for violating the constitution and now again parliament has been found wanting.

[02:18:10]At its core, this exposes deep structural weaknesses that have developed over 32 years. And it's the steady erosion of parliament's independence from political party interests. Too often, party loyalty has superseded constitutional duty and members of parliament have acted as defenders of the executive instead of watchdogs for the public. And we see this even in some portfolio committees.

[02:18:41]That's why public trust in democratic institutions then declines. Yet parliament receives 2.8 billion in this budget precisely to fulfill one central constitutional purpose and that is to hold power accountable on behalf of the people of South Africa.

[02:18:59]Many South Africans have reached a dangerous conclusion that parliament has become too weak, that it's become compromised, and that it's politically captured and can't exercise meaningful oversight over the executive. The government of national unity has complicated this with introducing a new and unintended risk because 70 me 70% of the members of parliament sits on the executive which makes it one in every five MPs serving as a minister or deputy minister and so now the rules of parliament must evolve to work within the realities of coalition governance.

[02:19:37]One of the very important things that must be reformed is the office of the speaker. A rule requiring a speaker to resign from political party leadership upon assuming office would be a worthwhile solve because a speaker cannot simultaneously function as a senior political actor within a party hierarchy while posing as a neutral custodian of parliamentary accountability.

[02:20:03]The last is accountability of the president because at present the president appears before parliament once per quarter and we've called consistently that this only comes up to 10 hours in a year and we've called consistently that a president should be coming at least twice per quarter. The growing disconnect between parliament and ordinary South Africans is dangerous for democracy. Honorable member that parliament becomes effective and feared by the corrupt and respected by the public. Thank you.

[02:20:37]>> The the next speaker is the honorable Mau who will address us from a seat.

[02:20:44]>> Thank you very much house sheperson.

[02:20:47]Today we debate more than a budget. We debate the credibility and constitutional integrate of parliament itself. Section 42 subsection 3 of the con states that the national assembly exist to represent the people and to scrutinize and oversee executive action.

[02:21:09]That is the purpose of parliament.

[02:21:11]Parliament is not an extension of the executive. It is not a protection mechanism for those in power. It is an independent arm of state entrusted with the responsibility of holding the executive accountable on behalf of the people of South Africa. The people do not fund parliament so that it can protect political elites. They fund parliament so that their voices may be heard and their interest defended.

[02:21:39]House chair. One of the greatest dangers in any conal democrac is when oversight institutions begin to lose their independence.

[02:21:49]The office of the speaker carries a conal responsibility to act fairly impartially and above party political interest. Once elected, the speaker is no longer merely a representative of a political party. The speaker become the conditional custodian of the integrity and credibility of parliament. The speaker cannot be seen as an extension of Lutuli house nor as a defender of the president. Section 55 subsection 2 of the commission requires parliament to maintain oversight over the exercise of national executive authority. That oversight obligation cannot be selective. It cannot depend on who occupies the presidency. It cannot be suspended because accountability becomes politically inconvenient. South Africans are increasingly concerned that parliament is drifting away from its cultural mandate and becoming too protective of executive power. When motions of accountability are frustrated through procedural technicalities, the public loses confidence in parliament.

[02:22:55]And once public trust in parliament collapses, democracy itself is weakened.

[02:23:00]The cional court has repeatedly reminded this institution that parliament has a communional obligation to hold the president accountable. No parliamental rule can override the constitution. No procedural interpretation can undermine coalitional accountability. Honorable members, our people are facing enormous hardships. Communities are overhelled by crime, unemployment, corruption, collapsing infrastructure, illegal immigration syndicate, drug trafficking, and poor service delivery. Yet too often, Parliament appears more focused on managing political sensitivities that confronting the real crisis affecting ordinary South Africans. Parliament must return to the people. It must become the voice of the unemployed graduates, the voice of struggling families, the voice of communities without water and electricity, the voice of the victims of crime.

[02:23:51]>> Time has expired.

[02:23:53]>> Thank you.

[02:23:53]>> Thank you.

[02:23:56]>> Any member from Aljama?

[02:24:00]No.

[02:24:02]I'll now recognize the honorable house chairperson, honorable Horn.

[02:24:07]>> Are we assessing the speaker or what?

[02:24:10]Because we debating budget.