Thoko Didiza
Thoko Didiza is a prominent South African politician and member of the African National Congress (ANC), serving as the Speaker of the National Assembly since 2019. She has held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and Minister of Public Works. Didiza is known for her commitment to improving governance and her active role in parliamentary proceedings. Recently, she was in the news for announcing the unprecedented postponement of the national budget delivery due to a lack of consensus among cabinet members regarding proposed fiscal measures, notably a potential increase in VAT.
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Recent news mentions
Thoko Didiza is the speaker of the National Assembly who is expected to receive the final report from the Madlanga commission.
MK party to square off in court against Ramaphosa and Mchunu – The Mail & Guardian
South Africa· 2025-07-28
Thoko Didiza is the National Assembly speaker who tasked the committees with handling Mkhwanazi's allegations.
MPs recommend an ad hoc parliament committee to investigate Mkhwanazi’s allegations – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-07-16
The EFF lodged a complaint with the speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza.
Murmers of a cabinet reshuffle – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-07-10
Parliament speaker Thoko Didiza asked the portfolio committees to urgently consider Mkhwanazi’s allegations.
Mchunu denies ties to Matlala amid police tender scandal – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-07-09
Thoko Didiza announced Manyi’s dismissal during a parliamentary session.
MK party sacks Manyi as chief whip, replaces him with Makhubela – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-05-27
Thoko Didiza is the National Assembly Speaker who received a letter from the Economic Freedom Fighters seeking to block a budget vote.
South African opposition party seeks to block parliament budget vote
Tanzania· 2025-04-02Parliament’s speaker, Thoko Didiza, has been appointed to lead the drafting committee.
Kubayi makes way for Zuko Godlimpi as ANC shuffles convenors – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-03-03
Didiza said the postponement was an unforeseen and unavoidable situation, noting that the delay was unprecedented.
Political parties say postponing the budget tabling renders parliament useless – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-02-19
Thoko Didiza announced the adjournment of the budget speech proceedings.
South Africa postpones budget speech over tax impasse
Kenya· 2025-02-19
National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza said the lack of consensus may be linked to a two percentage point increase in VAT Godongwana was expected to announce.
Budget postponed to March in unprecedented move – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-02-19