Ramaphosa faces Parliament over budget, transformation, and governance challenges
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to dominate this week’s parliamentary agenda as he returns to Cape Town to answer critical questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). His appearance follows his absence last week due to attending the G7 Summit in Canada, and all eyes will now be on how the president responds to a range of pressing national issues.
In a week packed with legislative priorities and political scrutiny, Ramaphosa is expected to face robust questioning from Members of Parliament (MPs) on Wednesday. His session in the NCOP will see him respond to inquiries surrounding some of South Africa’s most pressing issues—chief among them transformation, collapsing municipalities, and the crisis of youth unemployment.
One of the key challenges to be raised by opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA), revolves around the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) commitment to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE). The DA is expected to ask whether Ramaphosa believes the current BBBEE framework needs to be revised to become more inclusive and impactful in stimulating meaningful economic growth.
This question could spark significant debate as economic transformation continues to be a cornerstone of South Africa’s post-apartheid development. However, critics argue that existing policies have not fully achieved their intended outcomes, with high unemployment and inequality persisting. Ramaphosa’s response could shed light on whether the GNU is prepared to modernize empowerment strategies or stick with the current model.
Spotlight on Municipal Collapse: Ramaphosa Under Pressure
Beyond transformation policies, Ramaphosa will also be expected to provide clarity on how his administration plans to address the growing number of dysfunctional municipalities across the country. Local government failures have led to deteriorating service delivery, financial mismanagement, and an erosion of public trust.
Many municipalities are facing insolvency, poor infrastructure maintenance, and governance breakdowns, leaving residents in increasingly dire conditions. Ramaphosa’s answers will likely focus on national interventions, resource reallocation, and capacity-building efforts aimed at restoring local governance and accountability.
Given the upcoming municipal elections, the performance of local governments is likely to influence political dynamics across the country, making this a particularly sensitive topic for the president.
Also high on the agenda is the critical issue of youth unemployment, which continues to plague the South African economy. With unemployment among youth aged 15-34 estimated to be well above 40%, the situation has been described as a ticking time bomb.
Ramaphosa is expected to update Parliament on existing initiatives like the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention, as well as any new measures aimed at improving access to skills training, internships, and permanent employment opportunities for the country’s young population. These strategies are likely to include partnerships with the private sector, expanded access to digital skills, and greater investment in entrepreneurship.
Youth unemployment is not only an economic problem but also a driver of social instability. Ramaphosa’s ability to convincingly address this issue will be essential to shaping the perception of his government’s priorities and effectiveness.
While Ramaphosa’s NCOP appearance is set to capture political attention, another critical legislative development this week is the adoption of the Division of Revenue Bill by the National Assembly. This bill is a cornerstone of the national budget process, as it outlines how funds will be allocated across national, provincial, and local spheres of government.
Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo confirmed that the bill will be considered and adopted on Thursday. “The bill is tabled by the Minister of Finance, alongside the annual budget, and ensures that funds are distributed equitably to address service delivery needs, reduce inequality, and support developmental priorities,” Mothapo said.
The Division of Revenue Bill legally binds the state to uphold transparent, predictable, and fair distribution of public resources—an especially important measure in a context of tight fiscal conditions and growing public service demands.
Parliamentary oversight will also extend to the social development space, as the chairpersons of Parliament’s social services cluster committees are scheduled to host a media briefing on Monday. The discussion will focus on the aftermath of recent flooding, particularly its impact on the education sector.
The Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) boards’ role in equipping the workforce with practical skills will also be under review. This reflects a broader focus on aligning educational outcomes with economic needs—something that directly links to Ramaphosa’s vision of a capable, developmental state.
In summary, Ramaphosa enters a pivotal week in Parliament with multiple national challenges on the table. From transformation and youth unemployment to municipal dysfunction and the equitable allocation of resources, the president’s responses will be closely scrutinized by both Parliament and the public.
His performance will not only define this week’s political discourse but also signal the direction of the Government of National Unity’s agenda in the months ahead. As public trust in institutions remains fragile, Ramaphosa faces the dual challenge of defending his administration’s policies while offering a credible path forward for South Africa’s most urgent problems.
Source- EWN
