President Cyril Ramaphosa to face barrage of questions from MPs

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa will face a barrage of questions in Parliament on Tuesday, ranging from the imposition of new United States (US) trade tariffs, the ailing Postbank to the purpose of the National Dialogue.

It will be Ramaphosa’s first appearance in the house since the mid-year recess in meeting his obligation to answer set questions from members of Parliament (MPs) at least once a quarter.

Later this week, his deputy Paul Mashatile will face questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

Last month, the US introduced new trade tariffs for South Africa that Ramaphosa on Monday told Brazil Russia India China and South Africa (BRICS) heads of state are already having an impact on employment.

Labelling the tariffs as “senseless”, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema expects Ramaphosa to explain what impact he thinks they will have on current and future diplomatic relations with the US.

The African National Congress (ANC)’ chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli, meanwhile, wants to know how government intends supporting the Postbank so that government’s intentions for a state bank can be realised.

The Democratic Alliance (DA)’s chief whip George Michalakis has posed a question about the intended outcome of the National Dialogue – which the party boycotted last month - and whether it’s intended to facilitate economic growth, poverty reduction and job creation.

Ramaphosa is also expected to give an assessment of the G20 presidency so far, as the country heads into the final months before handing over the presidency to the US.

Last week, US President Donald Trump indicated that he will not be attending the leaders’ summit in Johannesburg in November, and will be represented by his Deputy JD Vance, instead.