South Africans warned to strap in for chaos
The Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG) has warned South Africans to prepare for a “loud, interesting, and unpredictable year” in 2024, as politicians rush to round off bills and parliamentary processes while muddying the news cycle in the lead up to the elections.
This mad rush tail-ends the closing of the sixth parliament of South Africa in mid-May, where the seventh parliament will be formed soon after to take over – where risks of another round of chaos loom.
According to the PMG, the Sixth Parliament term ends in mid-May. According to the Constitution, elections must take place within 90 days after that, so an election is possible between May and the middle of August 2024.
The process is triggered by the President, who makes an announcement on the election date and this is followed by an official proclamation in the Government Gazette.
Before that happens, however, lawmakers will be preoccupied with several key events – starting off with the State of the Nation Address confirmed for 8 February 2024, followed by the National Budget almost two weeks later on 21 February.
In the lead up to the end of term and national elections, the PMG noted that there are currently 54 Bills in Parliament which will likely be getting “last-minute” attention from committees and MPs.
“This is in keeping with previous cycles where a significant number of Bills are passed in the dying days of a parliamentary session,” the group said. “Given the time constraints, it’s worth wondering if these outstanding bills will be subjected to proper scrutiny and ultimately survive any constitutional challenge.”
Key pieces of legislation which are expected to be finalised this term include
- Climate Change Bill
- Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill
- Expropriation Bill
- Electoral Matters Amendment
- Housing Consumer Protection Bill
- National State Enterprise Bill
- Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill
- Railway Safety Bill
Parliament also has other pressing issues such as holding impeachment votes for two judges, finalising various appointments, concluding several investigation and court matters to attend to.
PMG said all this will be happening while politicians are distracted by campaigning and political parties trying to one-up each other to win public support.
“This means plenty more finger-pointing, squabbles, grandstanding, brinkmanship, jousting, endless promises and sound bites,” it said.
Analysts have warned that the first half of 2024 is likely to be clouded by political maneouvering, with political parties making bold (and empty) promises and looking for something – anything – to use against political opponents.
Meanwhile, pressing issues for the country will go ignored or used for political gain until things have settled in the second half of the year.
After the elections
After the elections – which are on track to be one of the most hotly contested in South Africa’s history – the new parliament will face a mad rush of its own.
“Depending on the result, it’s possible to imagine a stronger and more vibrant Parliament or a weaker one. There is a small possibility that a coalition might be needed,” PMG said. “A reconfiguration of government will impact on Parliament.”
The new Parliament will immediately be preoccupied with:
- Electing a new president
- Appointing parliamentary leadership
- Holding a second State of the Nation Address
- Setting up new structures
- Orientating/training all MPs
- Formulating a five-year strategic vision for the institution.
“Two major challenges will be the implementation of the Zondo Commission recommendations and how the institution manages the R240 million plus budget cut that will affect its core business,” PMG said. “Other tasks include passing the budget and beginning its oversight and legislative work.”
Read: South Africa risks losing out on the world’s new ‘gold rush’
Loading ...