Didiza says Parliament must be tougher in law-making processes

Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza addressing the house.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza says Parliament must be more rigorous in its law-making processes. She was delivering Parliament’s budget vote for the 2026/27 financial year in a sitting of the National Assembly.

Didiza was reflecting on the latest Constitutional Court ruling that found parts of Parliament’s rules of impeachment unconstitutional and that an impeachment committee must be set up to look into the possible removal of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Other Members of Parliament also zoned in on this matter during the debate. The ConCourt ruling of earlier this month, weighed heavily on the debate of Parliament’s budget.

Didiza says lawmakers must be more rigorous in how they conduct their work.

“The court also found that in page 3 of 11, application of our rules and procedures, we may have misdirected ourselves. This last ConCourt judgment and other rulings before it from other courts require us as this Parliament to be rigorous in how we make legislation, rules and procedures.”

United Africans Transformation (UAT) leader, Doctor Wonderboy Mahlatsi, says Parliament should oppose President Ramaphosa’s application to review the Section 89 report.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, tables #BudgetVote2 in a sitting of the National Assembly.#7thParliament 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/NDlVVU3rSL

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) May 28, 2026

Others, like the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) Chief Whip Steve Swart, his United Democratic Movement (UDM) counterpart, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa and Build One South Africa Member of Parliament, Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster also expressed themselves on this matter.

“Pity that it took ConCourt judgment to remind us that Parliament’s duty to hold the executive to account is not a political choice, but strict constitutional obligation,” says Swart.

Kwankwa says Parliament’s work must continue.

“And now chickens have come home to roost. We won’t shield you from the consequence. important that we follow proper sequencing.”

Hlazo-Webster raised concerns about the unconstitutional rulings against Parliament.

“This is the second time in less than decade that Parliament is found unconstitutional in carrying out oversight responsibilities.”

The African Transformation Movement (ATM)’s request for a motion of no confidence via secret ballot has been rejected by the Speaker. Its member, Thandiswa Marawu, explains their stance.

“ ConCourt has continuously reminded this house about its duties. No rule of Parliament or interpretation of procedure can overrule that.”

Didiza says despite criticism, she has moved with speed to ensure the committee gets established.

“ I referred the report to the House through the ATC (Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports), sent it to the President and then to the Sub-rules Committee to make amendments. The committee will hold its first meeting on Monday. So, what we are saying — that the Speaker has been partial and not acted in the interests of this House? I don’t think that’s true.”

Highlights: #NA Speaker, Ms Thoko Didiza said the Budget prioritises Parliament’s core mandates of law-making, oversight, public participation, and international relations, while strengthening administrative capacity.

The Budget Vote Debate remains a key accountability… pic.twitter.com/nVmbhERlqJ

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) May 28, 2026