Latest news with #Didiza
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Parliament allocates R71m for medical aid for former MPs
42% of parliament's budget goes towards members' benefits. Speaker Thoko Didiza at the social services cluster of ministers address in the National Assembly in oral Q&A session at Good Hope Chamber on 4 September 2024 in Cape Gallo Images/Brenton Geach Parliament has set aside R71.2 million for medical aid contributions for former members of parliament and provincial legislatures. This is part of parliament's requested R5.08 billion budget for the 2025/26 financial year, as announced by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza during the budget vote debate on Tuesday. However, the National Treasury allocated only R3.58 billion to the instituition. Notably, the allocation for former legislators represents a substantial portion of the approved parliamentary budget. According to Didiza, the remaining funds include R500 million specifically earmarked for the restoration and refurbishment of parliamentary buildings following the fire damage in January 2022. MP benefits dominate budget allocation Didiza revealed that '42% of our budget goes towards members' benefits, such as remuneration, entitlements, medical aid for current and former members of parliament and provincial legislators as well as the transfers to political parties for constituency work, and political party administration'. This substantial allocation shows the financial commitment to support both active and retired parliamentarians. Parliament rebuilding and infrastructure investment The budget also allocated R500 million for the restoration of parliament as it tries to recover from the fire damage that has severely impacted its operations. '155 offices for members were completed and 54 are under refurbishment to be finished by end of September 2025,' Didiza said. She said the rebuilding project involves parliament, Public Works and Infrastructure, and National Treasury, with parliament taking responsibility for the reconstruction efforts. The Development Bank of Southern Africa is the implementing agent for the project. 'The architectural design was done and shared with members before finalisation,' Didiza added. ALSO READ: 'Luxury cloaked in secrecy' – Ntshavheni explains why she won't disclose her official travel expenses Committee resources and operational priorities The budget allocates R3 million per portfolio committee. Didiza emphasised that 'what drives our processes in parliament are committees. 'It is therefore important to ensure that committees are adequately resourced and have an insight into the resources they have on an annual basis for better planning.' Enhanced resources for public participation have been included to improve public hearings on lawmaking by portfolio committees. Dididza said the institution is also expanding its research capacity through additional researcher appointments. It is also recruiting more language practitioners to address service gaps identified by members. ALSO READ: EFF calls for Ad Hoc Committee investigation into Mkhwanazi's allegations, rejects portfolio committee investigations Legislative performance and oversight Parliament's legislative output during the past year included 15 bills passed by the National Assembly and referred to the National Council of Provinces. Twenty-seven bills are currently being processed by committees. In terms of parliamentary questions, the National Assembly processed 572 oral questions to the Executive, including the president and deputy president. Almost 99% of the questions received replies, according to Didiza. However, written questions showed a concerning response rate, with only 49% of the 3 315 questions posed receiving answers. 'I have raised concerns to the executive through the leader of government business on this matter. Members will remember that two weeks ago we reprimanded the members of the executive in this very house on this matter,' the speaker stated. ALSO READ: Treasury allocates R750m to offset Pepfar funding withdrawal as Motsoaledi tables health budget Priorities and democratic accountability The budget supports parliament's identified priorities for the seventh administration. This includes strengthening oversight and accountability frameworks, enhancing the legislative process and public involvement, improving public appointment processes, and improving international engagement. Legacy issues and reform implementation The budget also addresses several legacy issues from previous parliaments, including the implementation of recommendations from panels and commissions. Dididza said parliament has been engaging with institutions regarding the Asmal Report recommendations to review Chapter 9 institutions and is following up on outputs from the High-level Panel on the Assessment of Key Legislation. According to the speaker, progress has been made on the recommendations of the state capture report. She said several anti-corruption laws were passed since then, including the Financial Matters Amendment Act, the General Laws Amendment Act, National Prosecuting Amendment Act, and the Public Procurement Act. READ NEXT: Mkhwanazi vs Mchunu: Speaker Thoko Didiza rules on parliament debate
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Thoko Didiza highlights the challenges of Parliament's budget for 2025/26
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza said that as presiding officers, they engage with the National Treasury on the funding model of Parliament. Image: Supplied National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza on Tuesday said the budget allocated to Parliament for the 2025/26 financial year was not ideally what they would like. Responding to criticisms on the institution's inadequate budget during the budget vote debate, Didiza urged MPs serving on the Finance Standing Committee, where they engage the Financial Fiscal Commission, which proposes to the National Treasury on how the budget must be constituted, to make contribution on how to alter the budget process. She noted that they could not only talk about the budget after its tabling. 'Steps towards the budgeting process starts now, the budget policy statement gives a broad overview of the policy direction on funding until the budget is made,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Didiza also said that as presiding officers, they engage with the National Treasury and will continue to do so on the funding model of Parliament. 'We do believe that given our responsibility of oversight over the executive, there must be adequate resourcing of this institution, if indeed, it has to do its work properly. We are working towards that,' she said. Earlier, Didiza said the tabling of the budget enabled Parliament to focus on the key priorities. 'The budget includes allocation to our core business, which includes law making, oversight, and accountability. It also includes resources earmarked for supporting members of Parliament as they execute their functions, as well as the rebuilding of Parliament.' The total budget for Parliament for the 2025/26 financial year is R5.08 billion and the total allocation received from the National Treasury amounted to R3.58 billion, including R500 million for the restoration and refurbishment of the parliamentary buildings. Didiza also said it was important to ensure that committees were adequately resourced and have an insight into the resources they have on an annual basis for better planning. 'In this year's budget, we have allocated R3 million per portfolio committee. In addition, resources for public participation have been enhanced to ensure that public hearings on law-making by portfolio committees is improved.' Didiza also said they were increasing research capacity through the appointment of more researchers. 'The capacity of our language services was raised sharply by members last year. In addressing this situation, we are recruiting more language practitioners so that at every sitting of the National Assembly and the Council, we have adequate capacity as well as in specific sessions of 13 committees, where this service becomes essential.' She said 42% of the budget went towards members' benefits such as remuneration, entitlements, medical aid for current and former members of Parliament and Provincial Legislators, as well as the transfers to political parties for constituency work, and political party administration. The budget included the allocation for the contribution to medical aid of former members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures to the tune of R71.2 million. But, MK Party MP Des van Rooyen said it was heartbreaking and disappointing that the budget allocation was very far from adequate. He said Parliament's budget was reduced by R521 million in this financial year alone. He said there was a budget shortfall when the Government of National Unity was imposing commissions of inquiry and bloated Cabinet with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu placed on special leave and an acting minister appointed to occupy his position. Van Rooyen also said the monies spent on the commission of inquiry and the salaries of Mchunu and acting minister should be appropriated to Parliament. 'We call for full capacity of an independent Parliament to run and execute its affairs without reliance on other department, such as Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. We must establish a multiparty budget committee to lobby and mobilise resources from the national fiscus,' Van Rooyen added. EFF chief whip Nontando Nolutshungu said her party had warned about bad decision budget cuts that they would weaken democracy ,and treating Parliament as side show. She said the budget made it harder for committees to meet and allowed ministers to dodge accountability with no consequences. 'What we see is a threat to democracy,' Nolutshungu said. 'All this happens when billions are wasted on corruption, endless dialogues, and commissions of inquiry,' she said. ACDP MP Steven Swart blamed the reduced budget to failure by MPs to use their powers to amend it. 'Let us make sure we use of our powers. Let's not ring our hands and say there is no money when we can shift the budget. We have the power but to date, it is not being used,' Swart said. DA chief whip George Michalakis said Parliament needed to be managed properly. He questioned the unnecessary spending on overseas trips with massive delegations that were planned at the last minutes. Michalakis asked why there was still feeding of MPs in committee meetings when they could bring their lunch boxes. He also said there should be a moratorium on filling new posts except with approval of the National Treasury. Michalakis also said business travel on flights should be limited, and that outsourcing of broadcasting should be limited or stopped completely and ensure what Parliament was meant to do, such as oversight and law-making, among other things, was prioritised.
Eyewitness News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
Didiza says Parliament considering Mkhwanazi's allegations
CAPE TOWN - National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, has noted with concern allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of political interference in the police. Didiza said the allegations presented by Mkhwanazi at the weekend, regarding security matters that she says have "implications for the country's national security", are being considered for debate by the National Assembly. She said the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has also sought guidance on how to address the matter going forward. ALSO READ: - Mkhwanazi names man with alleged links to Mchunu as central to meddling in police cases - Mkhwanazi raises concerns about classified police files being compromised by outsiders - Mkhwanazi alleges political involvement in cases being investigated by the police "The Speaker has since received two letters from political parties requesting a snap debate on the issues raised by General Mkhwanazi, in accordance with the Rules of the National Assembly," said Parliament spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo. Didiza said she welcomes the president's undertaking to engage with the matter. "We welcome the statement by the President indicating that he will address this matter upon his return from the BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro."
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Didiza weighs urgent debate requests following explosive allegations from Mkhwanazi
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has received two letters from political parties requesting a snap debate on the issues raised by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and a request for guidance on how the Police Portfolio Committee should address them. Image: Supplied National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is considering the action to take following allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo stated that Didiza is concerned about the wide-ranging allegations presented by Mkhwanazi regarding security matters that could impact the country's national security. 'We welcome the statement by the president indicating that he will address this matter upon his return from the BRICS meeting in Rio de Janeiro,' he said. Mothapo said Didiza has received correspondence from political parties for urgent debate and a request from a portfolio committee asking for advice in handling the allegations. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The Speaker has since received two letters from political parties requesting a snap debate on the issues raised by General Mkhwanazi, in accordance with the Rules of the National Assembly. 'In addition, the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police has written to the Speaker seeking guidance on how the committee should address these matters, as they fall within its oversight responsibilities. The Speaker is currently considering all of these matters,' Mothapo said. Didiza made the comments after the DA wrote to Didiza asking for an urgent debate in Parliament on corruption within the SAPS. DA MP and Chairperson of Police Portfolio Committee Ian Cameron said the disturbing allegations of corruption, political interference, and malfeasance at the very top of South Africa's law enforcement and national security infrastructure should be investigated immediately. 'It is deeply harrowing to hear of reports by the provincial commissioner of alleged political and criminal interference within the SAPS' police killings task team. We demand an investigation, and the DA will get answers,' he said. 'The president of the Republic, who is presently away, must also immediately respond to allegations against a Cabinet minister. We trust that the Speaker rules accordingly in due course,' Cameron said. ActionSA MP Dereleen James also wrote to Didiza, requesting an urgent debate on the broader criminal justice system following the allegations by Mkhwanazi. 'Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's remarks are a clear indication that the situation has reached breaking point. Parliament must therefore intervene without delay, as responsibility cannot rest solely with the Minister of Police or the president, who have presided over the escalation and deepening of this crisis,' James said. The DA is now calling for a joint parliamentary inquiry involving the Portfolio Committees of Police and Justice to investigate the allegations of corruption and political interference made by Mkhwanazi. DA MP and deputy spokesperson on police Lisa Schickerling said the proposal for a joint inquiry was the best alternative to an ad hoc committee. 'The DA believes that Parliament can no longer rely on these institutions to police themselves. A formal parliamentary inquiry is essential to uncover the truth, establish accountability, and restore integrity to the criminal justice system,' she said. The push for snap debate comes as some parties want an independent judicial commission, while others have asked the Public Protector to investigate.
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Eight MPs fined R10,000 for failing to disclose financial interests
Didiza clarified that while the members had missed the deadline, they remained obligated to submit their declarations. Eight members of parliament have been reprimanded and fined R10 000 each after failing to meet the deadline for disclosing their financial interests in 2024, with parliament's speaker warning that their actions had the potential to undermine public trust. The National Assembly adopted the joint committee on ethics and members' interests report during its plenary sitting, finding the legislators in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interests for missing the 14 October 2024 deadline. Members found in breach The eight members sanctioned include Mluleki Dlelanga (ANC), Mkhuleko Hlengwa (IFP), Nhlamulo Ndhlela (MK), Mzoleli Mrara (ANC), Masetsego Mofokeng (ANC), Maropene Ramokgopa (ANC), Sihle Zikalala (ANC) and Andries Nel (ANC). Speaking during the reprimand, parliament sleaker Thoko Didiza emphasised the seriousness of the breach. 'Honourable members, I just want to say this is unacceptable. It's also objectionable and deserving of serious consequences as it has already been determined by the committee in terms of the fine that you have been given,' Didiza said. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa announces 'Eminent Persons Group' to guide national dialogue – These are the people appointed Disclosure requirements and deadlines During 2024, which was an election year, members were required to disclose their registrable interests within 60 working days after the opening of parliament. The disclosure system operates on an annual cycle, with the main period running from 1 April to 30 June each year during the first quarter of the financial year. Didiza clarified that while the members had missed the deadline, they remained obligated to submit their declarations. 'I just want to advise members that if a member has missed the date you are still equally obliged to tender your interest. So it doesn't mean that these members have not declared for 2024, but they were late in terms of the deadline,' she said. ALSO READ: Floyd Shivambu not on list of MK party members going to parliament Importance of financial disclosure The Code of Ethical Conduct serves as a crucial mechanism for maintaining public trust and ensuring parliamentary accountability. Mandatory disclosure of members' financial and other interests forms a cornerstone of ethical governance, helping to prevent conflicts of interest and safeguarding parliament's integrity against undue influence or personal enrichment. The disclosure requirements are comprehensive, covering employment details, assets, gifts, interests held by immediate family members and travel arrangements. Even members with no interests to declare must submit a 'nil' return and all submissions must be made electronically. Didiza stressed the fundamental importance of these obligations during her address. 'Would all appreciate that the Court of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members' Interest provides a set of values for members. Among other requirements, the Court obligates members to annually declare their financial interest in a public register. 'This allows the public to confirm that no member may have been exposed to any conflict of interest,' she said. ALSO READ: 'We are not xenophobic': No justification to favour foreign academics over South Africans, says ANC MP Committee process and penalties The joint committee on ethics and members' interests found that the affected members had been given adequate opportunity to present their records and explain their failures but had not done so satisfactorily. The committee determined that their actions warranted both public reprimand and financial penalties. 'It is apparent from the committee report that you were provided fair opportunity to present your records and not having done so, to adequately explain your failings. Your actions had the potential to erode public interest in parliament,' Didiza told the members during the formal reprimand. Administrative framework The Registrar of Members' Interests plays a central role in administering the disclosure process, maintaining the register, overseeing timely submissions, and handling complaints and preliminary investigations into code breaches. The 2024 Public Register has been published on Parliament's website. When members fail to disclose their interests or submit false information, matters are referred to the joint committee on ethics and members' interests. Depending on the severity of breaches, penalties can range from reprimands and fines to suspension or other corrective actions. ALSO READ: 'A lying minister in Cabinet': Why has Ramaphosa not fired Nkabane? Implementation of penalties The speaker confirmed that the financial penalties would be implemented immediately. 'I also notice as indicated above that financial penalties have been imposed. These penalties will be implemented without delay. I trust therefore that this reprimand sends a message to all of us as members to live up to our obligations and ensure that we comply with the code,' Didiza said. The disclosure system continues to operate with quarterly updates required whenever there are changes to members' registrable or financial interests throughout the year. READ NEXT: DA threatens to exit GNU over Whitfield's firing
