Parliament, Friday, 17 April 2026 – The Standing Committee on Appropriations today adopted its report on the 2026 Special Appropriation Bill, following a comprehensive public participation process and engagement with stakeholders. The Bill was tabled by the Minister of Finance on 25 February 2026 during the presentation of the 2026 Budget proposal that additional funds be appropriated in the 2025/26 financial year for the requirements of the state.
The adoption of the report follows a public hearing held in KwaZulu-Natal, where members of the public were afforded an opportunity to present their views on the Bill as part of the committee’s lawmaking process.
The Special Appropriation Bill enables government to allocate funding for specific and urgent needs that fall outside the normal budget framework by providing a mechanism for government to respond swiftly to unforeseen circumstances or pressing national priorities without waiting for the next budget cycle.
In finalising its report, the committee considered detailed submissions from relevant government departments and drew on expert analysis from key institutional stakeholders, including the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) and the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC). These inputs ensured that the committee’s deliberations were grounded in sound fiscal, legal and governance considerations.
Regarding the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and the proposed R5.778 billion allocation for its rolling stock fleet renewal programme, which includes R1.8 billion for Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) to meet its contractual obligations under an agreement with Gibela, which requires a minimum order of 35 locomotives per annum. The committee deliberated and finally recommended the strengthening of oversight and accountability measures. Furthermore, the committee called on the Minister of Transport to ensure that PRASA submits quarterly reports to Parliament detailing the disbursement and utilisation of the allocated funds, including progress on contractual obligations related to the Gibela contract.
Furthermore, the committee recommended that National Treasury impose strict conditions on the allocation to safeguard against irregular, unauthorised, and fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
On the proposed allocation of R889 million to Sentech, comprising R189 million for dual illumination costs and R700 million for operations, the committee noted as concerning the ongoing dispute between the state-owned signal distributor Sentech and the South African Broadcasting Corporation over approximately R1.6 billion in unpaid distribution fees. The committee called on the relevant parties to resolve the dispute to ensure the long-term sustainability of Sentech’s operations.
The committee emphasised that these measures are essential to ensure transparency, accountability and value for money in the use of public funds.
The report was adopted by the committee with the African National Congress (ANC), Build One South Africa (BOSA) and United Democratic Movement (UDM) in support. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) voted against the adoption of the report.
The report will be sent to the National Assembly and thereafter debated in the House in the coming weeks.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS, DR MMUSI MAIMANE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the committee Chairperson, please contact:
Name: Jabulani Majozi (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 083 358 5224
E-mail: jamajozi@parliament.gov.za
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