SA Parliament vows to enter 2026 as stronger, more responsive pillar of democracy

Parliament says it’s entering the new year as a stronger and more responsive institution, committed to serving the nation and deepening democracy.

Eighteen months since the formation of the government of national unity, parliament’s presiding officers say the institution has met the moment with resilience - and renewed determination.

In a break from tradition, parliament will resume briefly next week ahead of the State of the Nation Address to pass the medium-term budget and a special appropriations bill, which allocates more money to the health department.

Reflecting on the year that was, parliament’s presiding officers say the institution has deepened oversight, advanced law-making, and expanded public participation.

It has made several amendments to its rules and practices over the past eighteen months to accommodate a majority comprising a multi-party coalition.

This year, for the first time in parliamentary history, President Cyril Ramaphosa, his deputy Paul Mashatile, and the presidency director-general, Phindile Baleni, can expect to appear before a newly established committee that will probe matters related to the presidency.

Meanwhile, with last Friday having marked four years since an arson attack gutted parliament’s main buildings, spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says the rebuilding effort is on track to be completed by the end of this year.

"Steady progress continues on the rebuilding and restoration of the parliamentary precinct, with construction on the National Assembly and old assembly underway following the completion of the site clearing and demolition work.

Parliament will officially kick off its working year when Ramaphosa delivers the state of the nation address at the Cape Town City Hall on the 12th of next month.