Latest news with #NA
IOL News
11 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
This is how Parliament approves the National Budget
As the NCOP moves toward its critical vote, the implications of the Appropriation Bill are vast, influencing service delivery and development across the country's provinces. This decision will ultimately shape the economic and social landscape in South Africa for the financial year ahead. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The stage is set for a pivotal moment in South Africa's budget process as the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) gears up to consider and vote on the Appropriation Bill on Wednesday This action comes on the heels of the National Assembly's (NA) adoption of the bill on July 23, 2025, marking a significant step in the nation's fiscal planning for the coming year. The NCOP's role is integral in ensuring that provincial interests are adequately represented in the national budget, particularly in the allocation and utilisation of public funds. As a Section 77 money bill originating from the NA, the Appropriation Bill serves as an essential framework allowing the government to utilise specified public funds across various departments and services. The budget process and the Appropriation Bill The budget process kicks off each February with the Minister of Finance's presentation of budget documents to Parliament, which includes: The Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, detailing the country's economic outlook and tax policies. The Division of Revenue Bill, outlining the distribution of funds among national, provincial, and local governments. The Appropriation Bill, which allocates specific monetary amounts to each national department. Following the tabling of the budget, Parliament must approve the Fiscal Framework within 16 days, after which the Division of Revenue Bill is passed. This sets the stage for the introduction of the Appropriation Bill, essential for funding the operational goals of government departments. Stages within the NCOP The NCOP's consideration of the Appropriation Bill unfolds in three main stages, allowing for a thorough examination: Consideration by Select Committee: The bill is referred to the Select Committee on Appropriations, where its implications on service delivery and provincial impact are scrutinised. The committee will prepare a report recommending the bill's adoption. The bill is referred to the Select Committee on Appropriations, where its implications on service delivery and provincial impact are scrutinised. The committee will prepare a report recommending the bill's adoption. Consideration of Department Votes and Schedule: Members will assess the budget allocation for each department, referred to as 'Votes.' Political parties can express their intentions through declarations of Vote. A total of 90 votes are possible, with each delegate from the provinces holding one vote. Members will assess the budget allocation for each department, referred to as 'Votes.' Political parties can express their intentions through declarations of Vote. A total of 90 votes are possible, with each delegate from the provinces holding one vote. Final Consideration: After all departmental Votes are adopted, the Select Committee's report on the Appropriation Bill is presented to the House, where a final vote on the bill as a whole occurs. While the NCOP cannot amend the Appropriation Bill, it may propose amendments. If the bill is rejected, it will be returned to the NA, which possesses the authority to override the NCOP's decision by passing the bill once again. The finalisation process The Appropriation Bill will only be regarded as passed once both Houses of Parliament – the NCOP and the NA – have approved it. Upon agreement, the bill is sent to the President for assent, becoming an Act of Parliament. This Act then officially authorises government departments to allocate and spend public funds in line with the budget approved by Parliament. IOL
The Citizen
a day ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Madlanga inquiry: Mkhwanazi first to be consulted
Madlanga said the hearings will begin as soon as all necessary steps are finalised. Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, says his team is treating the bombshell revelations by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi about police interference with the urgency it deserves. Madlanga outlined the process of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system at a media briefing in Sandton on Monday, which include scheduling Mkhwanazi as the first to be consulted. President Cyril Ramaphosa announced his decision to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the serious allegations of alleged political interference in police operations made by Mkhwanazi earlier in July. Urgency Madlanga who has been tasked to chair the commission said the hearings will begin as soon as all necessary steps are finalised. 'We want to ensure South Africans that we are treating the matter with the urgency that it deserves. '[What] we also consider to be of importance to the public is the question of lodgement with the commission by members of the public of information that is considered to be relevant to what the commission is investigating,' Madlanga said. ALSO READ: NA agrees to establish ad hoc committee to investigate Mkhwanazi's allegations Mkhwanazi to be consulted first Madlanga added that the procurement process to secure a building in Gauteng is underway. 'We are proceeding with the Commission's preparatory work full steam ahead. First that much is supported by what I said in the opening, which is that the first consultation has already been scheduled and will take place immediately.' During the briefing, Madlanga also revealed they would meet with Mkhwanazi in the coming days. 'The imminent consultation that I referred to is going to be with Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi. One has no idea what the consultation will lead to.' [WATCH] Judicial Commission of Inquiry chairperson, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, says his team is treating the police interference claims with the urgency it deserves and that hearings will begin as soon as all necessary steps are finalised. — SABC News (@SABCNews) July 28, 2025 Timeline Madlanga added that the timeline for the commission of inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system is 'quite tight'. 'Regarding the timeline, we will conduct our work with the timeline in mind. Should the need arise for an extension, that is something we will address at the right time. 'Just looking at the allegations that were made on the 6th of July, they seem to cover quite a wide spectrum and, in consultations and investigations, are likely to yield a lot more than what was referred to in the allegations 6 July. So the timelines, I must say, do appear to be quite tight,' Madlanga said. ALSO READ: Fake commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazis pop up online Commission Among the claims made by Mkhwanazi were that police minister Senzo Mchunu – now on special leave – intervened to disband the KZN political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi, who also made allegations against Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection, Shadrack Sibiya, also alleged Mchunu had connections to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a figure who previously held a now-cancelled R360 million police contract. The commission is also expected to include key institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (Saps) and the State Security Agency (SSA). The commission is expected to deliver a preliminary report in three months and a final report within six months of its formation. ALSO READ: Police minister Mchunu 'now under criminal investigation'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
China speed: How Chinese companies accelerate product development and enable faster time-to-market
In the 17-minute Audio Interview , Mr. Hofmann discusses these questions: Why is 'China Speed' an even more pressing issue for Western automotive companies compared to five years ago?What are key differences in automotive product development processes between Chinese and Western (European/NA) OEMs?Are there any 'quick wins' Western automotive companies can try to incorporate into their product development process? How does the corporate culture within Chinese automotive companies enable faster time-to-market processes? What is the outlook for Western companies facing this challenge?
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa says Madlanga commission mustn't take more than one year
The president, however, conceded that the commission's timeframe could be extended if needed. With some South Africans voicing their concern that the judicial commission of inquiry into the police will take too long, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday it mustn't take more than a year. Two weeks ago, Ramaphosa announced his decision to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Among these were claims that police minister Senzo Mchunu – now on special leave – intervened to disband the KZN political killings task team in order to shield individuals linked to politically connected crime syndicates. Mkhwanazi also alleged Mchunu had connections to tenderpreneur Vusimuzi 'Cat' Matlala, a figure who previously held a now-cancelled R360 million police contract. ALSO READ: NA agrees to establish ad hoc committee to investigate Mkhwanazi's allegations The inquiry, to be chaired by outgoing deputy chief justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will probe allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa's criminal justice system. This includes key institutions such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the South African Police Service (Saps) and the State Security Agency (SSA). According to the terms of reference published this week in the Government Gazette, the commission has been empowered to summon individuals for testimony, among other functions. The commission is expected to deliver a preliminary report in three months and a final report within six months of its formation. [DOWNLOAD]: Judicial Commission of Inquiry into criminality, political interference and corruption in the Criminal Justice System arising from the specific allegations made public by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025. 🔗 July 23, 2025 Ramaphosa on Madlanga commission timelines Speaking to the media in the Northern Cape on Friday, Ramaphosa said that the political task team in KZN had already made progress and has done 'tremendous work'. 'The killings then started coming down in KZN, so the complaints that have been raised by the KZN police commissioner have to be investigated. 'Those have to be investigated and that is why I set up the commission,' he said. The president reiterated his expectation that the commission's work would be conducted swiftly and conclude its work within a year. 'I expect that this commission, whose terms of reference are now out, will work very quickly and we've put clear timeframes. We would like a report within three months and another report within another three months. READ MORE: 'Same as Phala Phala' – Police committee member not optimistic about Mchunu investigations 'So I'm looking at a period which is no more than a year. In fact, I would like us to get to the bottom of all what the police commissioner of KZN alleged to be addressed and answers to come out within a short space of time,' Ramaphosa said. He also conceded that the timeframe could be extended if needed. 'If they need time to be extended, then we will talk to the judge and see how much time needs to be extended. 'But this is a commission that everyone in the country would like to see quick answers coming from.'
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
PAC shocked by ADB corruption
PML-N-led coalition government in the Centre now has 229 members in the NA. PHOTO: APP The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly was left stunned on Thursday by revelations of widespread corruption, theft, and financial mismanagement within the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB). Chaired by MNA Naveed Qamar, the PAC met to review audit objections related to the ADB. Committee members expressed alarm at reports of non-repayment of loans, fraud, and a string of unresolved audit objections plaguing the institution. PAC member Munaza Hassan remarked, "Every other audit objection involves corruption, theft, or embezzlement. What exactly is going on at this bank?" Responding to concerns, the ADB president claimed the situation had improved through the recruitment of better-qualified officers, noting that many former employees held only matric-level qualifications. Hassan retorted that such large-scale irregularities couldn't have been committed by "an imprudent layman". Chairman Qamar condemned the bank's record of lending to defaulters, calling it outright fraud.
