THOMPSON TRUST

🕒 Today’s Highlights in Cape Town: A Glimpse at Policy and Social Challenges 09:30, Cape Town’s 16th Floor: Justice delved into the annual report on the Sexual Offences Act, uncovering glaring flaws that persist. 10:30, Virtual Meeting: Public Works interrogated DPWI on the Public Works Bill, amidst deteriorating infrastructure. 09:00-12:30, Online Session: Police confronted the Q3 crime statistics, which show a worrying increase from the previous quarter. 09:30, Health Committee: Team Free Sanitary Pads passionately advocated for providing sanitary pads to girls in need. 09:30, Good Hope Chamber: Social Development faced scrutiny over SRD grant leaks and a critical High Court ruling. 🚨 Crime, poverty, justice—which issue resonates most with you? Share your thoughts! #PolicyEdge #LobbyingPulse #JusticeGap #InfraBlock #CrimeRise #PeriodNeed #GrantFix #SouthAfrica

SONA 2025: Turning Plans into Jobs At 10:00 AM today, the Portfolio Committee on Employment & Labour (National Assembly) met at the Financial and Fiscal Commission Building to engage with the Department on its analysis of the President’s SONA 2025 and what it means for employment. The focus is on ensuring that commitments translate into real opportunities for job seekers and businesses alike. Moving from policy to implementation is key. Sustainable job creation requires action, and today’s discussions are an important step in shaping solutions that work for everyone. 🚀 Join the conversation: What’s your boldest jobs idea for 2025? Share your thoughts below! #JobsForAll #SONA2025 #UnemploymentSolutions #WorkMatters #ParliamentListens

Billions are on the line—let’s secure them. At 9:00 AM today, SCOPA convened with Denel, Military Veterans, and the SIU to review audit outcomes—including R1.5 billion unaccounted for at Denel. This is your money, meant to support veterans and advance tech, and it needs clarity. Advocacy drives progress. The SIU’s findings point to potential mismanagement—our role is to ensure accountability holds firm. Together we can shift concern into solutions. Shape the future: What’s your key priority for protecting public funds? Share it below!

Youth justice isn’t child’s play—it’s a battleground for change. This morning at 9:30 AM, the Justice Committee tore into the Child Justice Act’s progress with the Department of Justice. The stakes? Keeping kids out of cells and in programs that rebuild lives. Lobbyists, this is our turf: The Act’s reports show gaps—courts lagging, rehab stalling. We’re not here to nod along; we’re here to push for systems that work. Stakeholders, let’s seize this. What’s the one fix you’d demand for youth justice? Hit us with it below! #ChildJustice #JusticeForAll #YouthMatters #ParliamentWatch #SouthAfricaCares

🏗️ Infrastructure. Growth. Resilience. The 2025 Budget Sets the Stage for the Future. South Africa’s 2025 Budget is a strategic step toward economic stability and long-term investment. With over R1 trillion earmarked for infrastructure in transport, energy, and water, the focus is clear: creating a sustainable and competitive business environment. Key highlights impacting businesses and industries: ✅ Public-private partnerships (PPPs) expanded to fast-track infrastructure projects. ✅ Energy & transport reforms set to boost private sector investment. ✅ VAT increased to 17%, impacting business costs but ensuring fiscal sustainability. ✅ Eased trade regulations & digital transformation, enhancing business efficiency. ✅ Workforce support: Investments in skills development and early childhood education. While tax adjustments present challenges, the commitment to stability, investment, and reform offers opportunities for businesses ready to innovate and grow. How will this budget impact your industry? Let’s start the conversation. ⬇️ #Budget2025 #EconomicGrowth #Infrastructure #BusinessLeadership #SouthAfrica #Finance #Investment

Why did the lobbyist bring a proposal to their Valentine’s date? Because they knew the way to someone’s heart is through a solid policy pitch! 💘📑😂 Happy Valentines Day! #ValentinesDay ❤️ #Lobbying #StakeholderEngagement #PublicAffairs #Policy #GovernmentRelations #Advocacy #HeartfeltPitch #PoliticalHumor Reneé Thompson

🔎 Understanding the 2025 Budget Speech & Why It Matters 🔎 On Wednesday, 19 February 2025, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver the 2025 Budget Speech, a critical event that outlines how the government plans to generate revenue and allocate funds across key sectors. But why is this important for businesses, investors, and the public? 📌 What is the Budget Speech? The Budget Speech is the government’s financial roadmap, detailing: ✅ Spending Priorities – Which sectors (health, education, infrastructure, etc.) will receive funding. ✅ Revenue Collection – How the government plans to raise money (taxes, borrowing, economic policies). ✅ Economic Growth Strategies – Measures to support businesses, industries, and job creation. ✅ Social Support & Welfare – Plans for assisting vulnerable communities and addressing inequality. 📌 Why Should You Pay Attention? 💡 Businesses & Investors: It influences tax rates, government contracts, and economic policies. 💡 Consumers & Households: It affects VAT, fuel levies, and social grants. 💡 Employees & Entrepreneurs: Wage regulations, small business support, and industry incentives may be introduced. 📌 How to Watch & Stay Informed 📅 Date: 19 February 2025 | ⏰ Time: 14:00 📺 Live on Parliament TV (DSTV Channel 408) & Online Streaming via Parliament’s website & social media. This speech will shape South Africa’s financial and economic landscape for the year ahead. Stay informed and prepare for potential impacts on your industry. #BudgetSpeech2025 #SouthAfricaEconomy #BusinessInsights #Finance #GovernmentBudget Reneé Thompson

Last night, President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the 2025 State of the Nation Address from the Cape Town City Hall, outlining a vision for a "nation that works, for all." The address highlighted several key achievements and set forth ambitious plans for the year ahead: Economic Growth & Job Creation: With unemployment rates dropping to 32.1% in Q3 2024 from 33.5% in Q2, the focus remains on inclusive growth and sustainable job opportunities. The mention of a new graduate recruitment scheme for the public sector was particularly promising. Energy Security: The continuation of the Energy Action Plan and the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act aims to ensure lasting energy security, vital for economic stability and daily life. Water Security: The looming crisis of water security was addressed, with plans to safeguard this essential resource for all South Africans. National Unity & Dialogue: Calling for a National Dialogue to shape the next 30 years, this initiative underscores the importance of unity and collaboration across diverse sectors of society. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) Grant: A significant announcement was the use of the SRD grant as a stepping stone towards a more sustainable income support for the unemployed, reflecting the government's commitment to social welfare. The address wasn't without its critics, with Build One South Africa (BOSA) among those highlighting discrepancies between past promises and present realities. However, the thematic focus on "A nation that works, for all" aims to inspire collective action towards a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa. What are your thoughts on the direction outlined in SONA 2025? Let's discuss how we can contribute to or influence these national objectives in our professional roles. #SONA2025 #SouthAfrica #EconomicGrowth #PublicService #NationalDialogue

President Cyril Ramaphosa's February schedule is packed with impactful events and engagements, including the State of the Nation Address (SoNA), AU and G20 Summits, and key initiatives for charity and education. Here's a brief overview: ✨ 06 February: SoNA 2025 themed "A nation that works, for all" 🏔️ 07 February: Presidential Golf Challenge for charity 🇹🇲 08 February: SADC-EAC Summit on the DRC crisis 🗳️ 13 February: SONA Debate Reply 🇰🇪 15-16 February: AU Summit in Ethiopia 🌐 20 February: G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting 📚 27 February: Basic Education Sector Lekgotla These engagements reflect efforts to strengthen governance, development, and continental security. #Leadership #SONA2025 #Governance #Education #G20 #Africa

The Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry will engage with the Minister about governance issues at the SABS and what steps are being taken to address the concerns. Ensuring transparency and governance accountability is key to fostering trust in our institutions. Understanding these legislative movements and interactions is vital for aligning with the current government priorities. #StakeholderEngagement #ParliamentaryUpdates #GovernmentAffairs #Policy #FoodSafety #Governance #SABS #BusinessImpact