To download a soundbite of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, click here: https://iono.fm/e/1738413
Parliament, Wednesday, 11 November 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation today considered and noted international agreements tabled under Section 231(3) of the Constitution.
The committee highlighted the need to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny of international treaties, along with oversight of their implementation. The committee also identified important challenges that limit Parliament’s ability to examine international commitments thoroughly and ensure democratic accountability.
A central concern is Parliament’s late involvement in treaty-making processes. The committee noted that departments often submit agreements late, leaving insufficient time for meaningful scrutiny before approval is sought. This risks creating the perception that Parliament is merely rubber-stamping negotiated agreements. The committee also identified the absence of clear tabling timeframes and uncertainty over what constitutes a reasonable time for submitting agreements tabled for information only.
The committee also identified gaps in oversight of treaty implementation. After approving treaties, Parliament should scrutinise how departments meet their international obligations, including human-rights reporting requirements.
Early and regular information-sharing between the government, as the executive body, and Parliament was identified as essential. The committee proposed exploring frameworks or negotiating mandates within the confines of the Constitution, while recognising the government’s responsibility for treaty negotiations. Meaningful parliamentary involvement and public engagement would help ensure that international commitments are scrutinised in the national interest and that their implementation remains subject to effective oversight.
The committee resolved that a follow-up meeting will be held where the relevant government departments and portfolio committees will come together with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to discuss the way forward.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF MR SUPRA MAHUMAPELO, CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION.
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Sureshinee Govender (Ms)
Cell: 081 704 1109
E-mail: sugovender@parliament.gov.za
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