Parliament, Monday, 18 August 2025 – Chairpersons of oversight committees from the social services cluster in the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will, on Thursday, address members of the media as part of the 7th Parliament’s Committee Cluster Media Engagement Programme.
The briefing will be held under the theme: “Ensuring Open Access and the Provision of Quality Social Services to the People.”
The social services cluster media briefing will feature four Chairpersons, as listed below:
- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
- The Chairperson will address concerns regarding Operation Dudula, which has been disrupting services at many healthcare centres by refusing entry to foreign nationals. Dr Dhlomo will also provide an update on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
- The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni.
- Mr Feni will also discuss Operation Dudula’s threats to disrupt schools when they reopen in 2026 owing to the enrolment of learners who are foreign nationals. The Chairperson will also reflect on improving approaches to engaging with civil society organisations on issues relating to foreign nationals. He will also discuss legislative interventions, including the Labour Migration Policy and the Border Management Authority.
- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela.
- In her address, Ms Maimela will discuss the Regulations to the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act (BELA) and safety in schools. The first two regulations were gazetted earlier this month, and members of the public have until 5 September to submit comments. The regulations focus on school capacity and admissions. They represent an important step towards ensuring the effective implementation of the Act in line with the Constitution and the broader vision of equitable and quality education for all.
- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Ms Liezl van der Merwe.
- Ms van der Merwe will provide an update on the committee’s plans to establish a parliamentary enquiry into statutory rape. She will also discuss the Constitutional Court’s recent judgment on the validity of the 2023 appointment of Commissioners to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE). The judgment relates to the public participation processes followed by the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, which culminated in the NA recommending candidates for appointment by the President as CGE Commissioners. The Chairperson will also provide an update on the National Council on Gender-Based Violence.
CLUSTER MEDIA BRIEFING DETAILS:
Date: Thursday, 21 August 2025
Time: 11:00
Venue: Good Hope Chamber, Parliament
Note to media: Media wishing to attend the briefing should send their details (full name, name of media house, ID or passport number) to Mr Mlindi Mpindi at mmpindi@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
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