For a soundbite of the Chairperson of the committee, Dr Mkhacani Maswanganyi, please click here: https://iono.fm/e/1708350
Parliament, Tuesday, 18 August 2026 – The Standing Committee on Finance today reaffirmed that its consideration of the Special Pensions Amendment Bill of 2026 will be guided by meaningful public participation.
The Chairperson of the committee, Dr Mkhacani (Joe) Maswanganyi, said it will also have to carefully assess all concerns raised by liberation struggle veterans and other stakeholders during the public participation process.
The committee received responses from National Treasury on additional public comments from stakeholders such as COSATU, the Association of Ex-Political Prisoners, Umkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association, the Each One Teach One Foundation, the Association of the Ex-Political Detainees, and the MAWIGA Veterans League.
Their concerns centred on whether the existing Special Pensions framework was too restrictive and excluded people whose contribution to the liberation struggle did not fit neatly within its original rules. They are challenging, among other things, the age restriction and five-year qualifying period as well as the emphasis on service linked to a banned political organisation, the treatment of student activists and other forms of political participation. Other concerns included the adequacy of pension, survivor and funeral benefits, the need for a representative oversight body and the lack of provision for broader intergenerational redress.
The committee noted Treasury’s responses proposing no additional amendments beyond those already contained in the Bill. Treasury, however, acknowledged that Parliament has the power to review the underlying policy, including on age restrictions and intergenerational support. Any such review or changes must, however, be first subjected to policy review and costing.
The Chairperson said the committee will have to consider every substantive public submission. “This cannot be a box-ticking exercise,” Dr Maswanganyi said. “For every substantive matter raised by members of the public, Parliament should be able to provide a rationale for the position ultimately taken.”
He also noted that the high level of participation reflected the gravity and importance of the matter. “Many people lost their lives for us to be where we are today. Many sacrificed enormously. Some died in exile. Some families do not even know where the graves of their loved ones are,” said Dr Maswanganyi. “We are therefore discussing a very serious matter that continues to affect the lives of many people, and we recognise the role played by our forebears and martyrs.”
The Chairperson said Parliament, working with government, must do whatever it can to ensure justice in this regard. “When Parliament eventually passes this legislation, we should not be found wanting. We should be seen as an institution that is sensitive to the concerns raised by those who sacrificed so much during the struggle.”
The committee will next consider the issues raised as it proceeds with the Bill. “National Treasury submitted the Bill, and the public participated with inputs. National Treasury is now responding. Only after this process is complete will the committee start deliberating on the issues raised by the public and on National Treasury’s responses,” the Chairperson explained.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE, DR MKHACANI (JOE) MASWANGANYI.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Alicestine October
Cell: 083 665 4345
E-mail: aoctober@parliament.gov.za
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