Election of Chairperson

Meeting report

Election of Chairperson

Mr Brian Manty, Committee Secretary, presided over the election for the Chairperson of the Committee.

Ms R Lesoma (ANC) noted at the outset that there were supposed to be eleven Members in a Committee. She asked why there was an ANC member in the capacity of observer.

The Committee Secretary replied that there had to be eleven full-time Members, plus alternate members. Only full-time Members could vote.

Mr M Dirks (ANC) asked who the full-time members were.

The Committee Secretary replied that for the ANC it was Mr Booi, Mr Dirks, Mr Ntombela, Ms Lesoma and Ms Mabe.

For the DA, it was Mr McGluwa and Mr Motau.

The IFP and the UDM did not have voting powers.

The Committee Secretary moved for nominations for a Chairperson.

Ms Lesoma nominated Ms B Mabe (ANC).

Mr M Booi (ANC) seconded the nomination.

The Secretary asked for other nominations. There were none. Ms Mabe was duly declared Chairperson.

Introductory remarks by Chairperson and introduction of Members

The newly elected Chairperson noted that she was from Gauteng. She had previously been a Member of the National Council of Provinces and had served on the Select Committee on Women, Children and People with Disabilities. In addition, she had served on the Mogale City Council and had chaired committees on housing, safety, development, sport and arts and culture. She invited Members to introduce themselves.

ANC Members

Mr Booi said that he had been in Parliament for 20 years. He had previously been a Member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA).

Ms Lesoma said that she was a returning Member. She had previously served on the Communications Portfolio Committee.

Ms Z Dlamini-Dubazana (ANC) said that she was from KZN. She had served on the Auditor-General Committee in the past.

Mr Dirks said that he was from KZN, and a new Member.

Mr M Ntombela (ANC) said that he was from the Free State, and a new Member.

Mr T Bongo (ANC) said that he was from the provincial legislature in Mpumalanga. He was an observer.

EFF Member

Ms V Mente (EFF) said that she was from the Eastern Cape and a new Member.

IFP Member

Mr M Hlengwa (IFP) said that he was a returning Member. He was an alternate Member and would not be attending all meetings.

DA Members

Mr A Van der Westhuizen (DA) said that he was a returning Member. He had previously served on committees of Trade and Industry, Higher Education and Training, Labour and Economic Development.

Mr M Cardo (DA) said that he was a new and alternate Member. His interest was more on the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation side.

Mr J McGluwa (DA) said that people were generally baffled by his name. He was a returning Member from the North West. He was the DA Shadow Minister for Public Service and Administration. He had previously been with Human Settlements, in the Presidency.

Mr S Motau (DA) said that he was a returning Member from Gauteng, who hoped to add value.

NFP Member

Mr S Mncwabe (NFP) said that he was a new Member from Durban. He had previously been an attorney. He was a Member of the NFP Youth and a Member of the National Executive Council.

The Chairperson called on the Committee section to introduce themselves.

General discussion

Mr Van der Westhuizen requested that names of support staff be made available and contact details.

The Chairperson replied that the staff were highly competent and committed. A programme would be made available.

Ms Lesoma requested that an agenda item be added to look at the programme.

The Chairperson replied that there were time constraints. There would be briefings by the Department on 2 and 9 July, on the Strategic Plan, Annual Performance Plan and budget. The draft Committee report on the budget vote had to be considered on 9 July. Documents would be made available two days before the sitting.

Ms Dlamini-Dubazana said that to look at the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan on 2 July would be very condensed. There had to be time to engage with the report. She suggested one day for each Ministry.

The Chairperson replied that in terms of the programme it had to be done between 1 and 11 July. Another day could be added.

Ms Lesoma urged that it be adopted as a draft programme.

Mr Booi agreed with the Chairperson that there were practicalities to be considered. There were ANC Members who served on different committees. Only Tuesdays and Wednesdays were available for the Department. But the budget had to be adopted early.

Mr Hlengwa asked who the Committee Whip was.

The Chairperson replied that it was Ms Lesoma.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting.