By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to face another grilling in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) when he appears on Thursday.
Ramaphosa last appeared in Parliament when he faced the National Assembly in early September, where he faced a string of questions on lifestyle audits of Cabinet ministers and cadre deployment.
He will be quizzed by the NCOP on the BRICS Summit, global climate change as well as government’s efforts to combat the “construction mafia”.
Ramaphosa will also account on whether he “deliberately misled” the nation on the docking of the Russian Lady R vessel investigation, which found no wrongdoing.
According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa will also outline government’s progress in institutionalising gender mainstreaming across departments, provinces and districts for gender equality through responsive planning, budgeting and reporting.
“He will also address progress in advancing the economic empowerment of women, especially in townships and rural areas.
“The President will set out government’s initiatives and collaboration in developing a comprehensive youth employment and economic empowerment strategy,” the Presidency said.
Ramaphosa will also answer questions related to other key developments in the country.
But before Ramaphosa’s appearance, his social cluster ministers will also face questions in the NCOP over two days.
Annual reports and budgets will also be a main feature in the National Assembly this week, with over 50 committees expected to sit until Friday.