The National Assembly has adopted new rules that establish an oversight committee on the presidency, creating a permanent parliamentary structure to scrutinise the presidency’s work.
The decision follows years of political disagreement about how the Office of the Presidency should be held accountable as its executive functions expanded.
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON THE PRESIDENCY: A NEW CHAPTER FOR PARLIAMENT
The new committee will oversee the presidency’s budget, summon the Director-General for the first time, and allow Members of Parliament to interrogate key policy issues involving the President and Deputy President once a year.
It will also investigate matters referred by the Speaker or through parliamentary resolutions.
The move aligns with a key recommendation of the Zondo Commission, which urged Parliament to strengthen oversight of the presidency following years of unchecked executive decision-making.
EFF WELCOMES THE DECISION AFTER A LONG CAMPAIGN
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomed the establishment of the oversight committee on the Presidency, saying it closes a long-standing accountability gap.
The party, in a statement published on 2 December 2025, argued that Parliament didn’t have a dedicated mechanism to monitor the presidency, despite the office assuming growing responsibilities such as planning, security coordination, and oversight of major state institutions.
The EFF said the new structure ensures that the presidency will now face “the same level of structured, rigorous and ongoing oversight” applied to other departments.
OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ON THE PRESIDENCY: DA SAYS IT CHAMPIONED THE PROCESS SINCE 2024
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also welcomed the decision, saying it revived the proposal in October 2024, leading to the vote for the establishment of the the committee.
The DA’s Chief Whip, George Michalakis, said the party is “proud to see our efforts come to fruition,” describing the new oversight committee on the Presidency as a major step forward for democracy.
He added that the new rules also introduce rebuttal oral questions during ministerial sessions and restore a petitions committee that will improve the handling of public submissions.
ANC REMAINS SCEPTICAL BUT NOTES EXISTING MECHANISMS
However, the ANC had previously argued that several portfolio committees have already scrutinised areas under the presidency.
The party believes that making an additional committee is unnecessary.
In earlier statements, the party questioned whether opposition parties had demonstrated any real gaps in the current system.
However, with the National Assembly adopting the new rules, the committee will now function as part of Parliament’s oversight framework.
