Junior MPs in the National Council voiced their worries about government schools' poor infrastructure as well as a lack of hostels, highlighting their impact on the learning environment.
The 3rd Junior National Council (JNC) resumed on Monday, continuing its mission since 2017 to provide a platform for school learners from all 14 regions to discuss pressing youth issues at both regional and national levels.
Several members of the National Council have expressed concern over proposed changes to the value-added tax system.
The VAT Bill aims to expand the period within which the import declaration must be furnished to the Commissioner.
A heated debate ensued in the National Assembly as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Lucia Witbooi, rejected amendments proposed by the National Council to the Marriage Bill.
The proposed amendment to the Income Tax Act of 1981, which aims to increase the tax deductibility of retirement funds, has sparked considerable debate as sessions resumed yesterday in the National Council.
While some members of parliament supported changes to the bill, others have voiced concerns.
The National Council Chairperson, Lukas Muha, has expressed the need for the upper house and regional councils to engage communities to listen to their concerns.
This will help in the formulation of development agendas and legislative frameworks.
A heated debate ensued in the National Assembly when the Minister of Rural and Urban Development, Erastus Uutoni, firmly rejected the National Council's proposed amendments to the Electoral Amendment Bill.
The National Council has completed its review of the four bills and six reports passed by the National Assembly.
With regard to the Electoral Amendment Bill, significant changes are set to protect public servants in consideration for the National Assembly.
In recent discussions in the National Council concerning the Marriage Bill, there has been a notable push to make premarital counselling a compulsory requirement for all engaged couples.
The proposed Marriage Bill aims to regulate marriages and validate certain unions.
The National Council MP, Paulus Mbangu, raised significant queries during a debate on the National Council Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy's report on a benchmark visit to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in South Africa last year.
