Cluster Media Briefing

THE SOCIAL SERVICES CLUSTER MEDIA BRIEFING

Chairpersons of Parliament’s social services cluster oversight committees will, on Monday, 25 May 2026, address the media and stakeholders as part of the 7^th Parliament’s Committee Cluster Media Engagement programme.

The briefing will be held under the theme: “Ensuring open access and provision of quality social services to the people”.

These briefings form part of the 7^th Parliament’s Committee Cluster Media Engagement programme designed to deepen public accountability by bringing committee chairs directly to citizens and the media. Unlike standalone briefings, the cluster format allows for cross-cutting analysis of issues that span multiple committees. The social services cluster briefing will feature three committee chairpersons:

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Ms Bridget Masango, will address underfunding and poor institutional support for the Central Drug Authority; capacity issues at the National Development Agency; and National Treasury’s directive to verify social grant beneficiaries.

The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Social Services, Ms Desery Fienies, will speak on the challenges in health infrastructure identified during oversight visits; the committee’s recommendations to improve service delivery and infrastructure management; developments in the National Health Insurance court case; and public health and the hantavirus outbreak.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, Ms Lusizo Makhubela, will speak about the slow pace of commercialisation and transformation; increased investment for research capability at historically disadvantaged institutions; and grassroots and youth innovators.

CLUSTER MEDIA BRIEFING DETAILS:
Date: Monday, 25 May 2026
Time: 11:00
Venue: Parliament Library, NCOP Building, Parliament, Cape Town

Note to media: Media wishing to attend the briefing should send their details (full name, name of media house, ID or passport number) to Ms Malentsoe Magwagwa at mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za

Members of the media will have an opportunity for one-on-one interviews with any of the chairpersons and/or the Spokesperson of Parliament after the official briefing.

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ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson