Human Settlements Portfolio Committee: Planning for Budget Vote hearings

Meeting report

Consideration and adoption of minutes
The Chairperson tabled two sets of minutes for consideration. The minutes were dated 28 January 2010 and 24 February 2010.

The Committee approved both minutes with minor technical amendments.

Discussion on Budget Vote hearings
The Chairperson informed Members that the Public Hearings on the Budget Vote for the Department of Human Settlements would be held on 24 March 2010. The Social Housing Foundation had indicated that they would be absent from the hearings because they would be going to Brazil. Only 7 entities had shown interest thus far in making presentations to the Committee. Unfortunately, the Committee could not afford to fund all the travelling expenses for these interested parties.

Mr R Bhoola (MF) suggested that all entities that were not able to make oral submissions could instead make written submissions to the Committee. He cautioned against creating expectations about the funding of travelling costs.

Mr T Botha (COPE) suggested that the Committee could formulate a criterion for parties that would be making oral submissions.

The Chairperson informed Members about the opportunity to increase their knowledge around human settlements, through a course that was offered by Parliament and the University of Stellenbosch. The accredited course was scheduled to run for 3 weeks.

Mr Bhoola encouraged Members to empower themselves by utilising the certified course.

The Committee agreed to use Mondays to attend the course.

The meeting was adjourned.