President Cyril Ramaphosa will appear in Parliament on Tuesday where members are ready to press him with tough questions. This will be his first time in the house since the mid-year break. By law, the president must face Parliament at least once every three months to answer questions directly from MPs.
The biggest issue that MPs want answers on is the new trade tariffs introduced by the United States against South Africa. These tariffs were announced last month and are already affecting businesses and workers in the country. Ramaphosa told leaders of BRICS during a recent meeting that the move is starting to hurt jobs. He is expected to explain in Parliament how serious the damage could be and how it may affect relations with the United States. Opposition leaders like Julius Malema have already called the tariffs senseless and believe Ramaphosa must make clear what this will mean for the future of South Africa’s trade and diplomacy.
Another matter that MPs want clarity on is the Postbank. Government has been pushing for it to play a central role in the plan for a state-owned bank, but the institution has been facing many problems. Parliament wants the president to explain how government will support it so that the vision of a full state bank can become a reality.
The National Dialogue will also be a key subject. Some MPs want to know what the actual purpose of this process is, especially since some parties like the DA refused to take part last month. They want to hear from the president if the dialogue is meant to bring solutions that will grow the economy, reduce poverty and create jobs.
Ramaphosa is also expected to speak about South Africa’s position as current chair of the G20, as the country prepares to hand over the presidency to the United States. The G20 leaders’ summit will take place in Johannesburg later this year, but US President Donald Trump has already announced he will not attend in person and will send his deputy JD Vance instead.
Later this week, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will also face questions in the National Council of Provinces, continuing a busy period of accountability for government leaders.