Media Advisory: Speaker Didiza to Hold High-Level Engagement With Institutions Supporting Democracy, Ministers and Chairpersons of Committees on the Kader Asmal Report

Parliament, Thursday, 9 July 2026 - The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, will on Thursday 16 July 2026 convene a high-level consultative engagement with the heads of institutions supporting democracy (ISDs), the relevant Cabinet ministers and chairpersons of committees as part of the implementation of the recommendations of the Kader Asmal Report.

The engagement, which aims to review progress and advance the implementation of key recommendations from the Kader Asmal Ad-hoc Committee Report on the Review of Chapter 9 and Associated Institutions, will be with the ⁠South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), the Commission for Gender Equality, the ⁠Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission, the Pan South African Language Board, the Financial and Fiscal Commission, the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa, the Public Service Commission, the Independent Electoral Commission, the Auditor General, the Public Protector, and relevant members of the executive.

Among the objectives of the engagement is to mark a significant step in the 7^th Parliament's commitment to strengthening the governance, accountability, and independence of ISDs. The meeting is a sequel to Speaker Didiza's engagements with ISD executives last year and will focus on translating agreed outcomes into concrete programmes of action.

Discussions during the engagement include consideration for progress and draft resolutions on the following priority areas:

• Shifting of ISD budgets from the executive to Parliament
• Harmonising statutory appointment and removal procedures across ISD
• Accessibility of ISDs, particularly in rural and marginalised communities
• Consolidation of human rights bodies and improved coordination
• Institutional governance, including the development of a Commissioners Handbook
• Formalising the Forum on Institutions Supporting Democracy (FISD)

The engagement, which will be closed, will culminate in a media briefing to communicate its key outcomes and decisions.

The engagement is scheduled as follows:
Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026
Time: 08:30 - 16:00 (followed by a media briefing)
Venue: AGSA Offices, Lynwood, Pretoria

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Members of the media wishing to cover the media briefing schedule at the conclusion of the engagement (around 4 pm) must contact Ms Masego Dlula on 081 716 9398 or [email protected]

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo, Parliament Spokesperson