Division of Revenue Bill [B2-16]: final mandates

Meeting report

Introduction by the Chairperson
The Chairperson remarked that the constituency period had been short but helpful. The month of April was significant, as it was the month in which South Africa celebrated its first democratic election. The date for local government elections had been announced, and parties were introducing their manifestos. Final mandates on the Division of Revenue Bill (DoRB) would be considered in this meeting. The provinces had indicated their positions. He asked that Members submit the final mandates of provinces they represented. The Committee had to consider and adopt the Committee Report on the on the Division of Revenue Bill. A draft report had been circulated while the Committee was in George. There had as yet been no formal submission, but Members were agreed on the report. The report had been improved since then. Page 16 of the report contained the recommendations. He noted apologies had been received from Mr Mteleni and Mr Essack.

Final Mandates on the Division of Revenue Bill
North West Legislature

Mr T Motlashuping (ANC, North West) said that the Parliamentary Liaison officer for North West was still waiting outside to bring the final mandate from that province. He did not have it with him yet.

The Chairperson asked that the Secretary record that

Eastern Cape Legislature
Mr L Gaehler (UDM, Eastern Cape) noted that the Eastern Cape provincial legislature had voted in favour of the Bill on 25 April.

Free State Legislature
The Secretary was asked to speak on behalf of the Free State. The Secretary noted that the Free State legislature would sit on that day at 14h00. The voting mandate would be submitted thereafter.

Gauteng and KZN Legislatures
Ms T Motara (ANC, Gauteng) noted that Gauteng had voted in favour of the Bill, as well as KZN.

Limpopo Legislature
The Secretary noted that Limpopo had submitted a final mandate, but there were mistakes in it and hence it was sent back. These mistakes were still being corrected. The final mandate would be submitted when ready. The Committee needed a minimum of five final mandates, and had received seven.

Mpumalanga Legislature
Ms Motara noted that Mpumalanga had voted in favour of the Bill.

Northern Cape Legislature
Mr C De Beer (ANC, Northern Cape) noted that the Northern Cape had voted in favour of the Bill.

Western Cape Legislature
Mr O Terblanche (DA, Western Cape) noted that the Western Cape had voted in favour of the Bill.

Committee Report on the Division of Revenue Bill: adoption
The Chairperson said that Members had received an updated Committee Report with the recommendations now added. It was not the draft that was circulated while the Committee was in George.

Mr De Beer remarked that it was important that the Committee Report be passed on to the provincial legislatures for feedback.

The Chairperson said that a formal report by the National Treasury could be helpful.

Mr Motlashuping said that he had gone through the report, and proposed that it be adopted as a true reflection.

The Chairperson said that Mr Motlashuping felt that the report captured what was necessary.

Mr Gaehler also proposed that the report be adopted.

Mr De Beer remarked about the recommendations that National Treasury be called within 30 days to comment. He also advised that Treasury should be present when Human Settlements was called in.

The Chairperson made one minor correction and said if there were no objections, the report could be adopted.

Mr Motlashuping moved for adoption and Mr Gaehler seconded the motion. The report was adopted.

Committee minutes: adoption
Mr Motlashuping said that he was concerned about the perpetual absence of Mr Mteleni. It was not clear if the EFF had withdrawn its Members from participation, especially in the Select Committee.

The Chairperson replied that Mr Mteleni had provided an apology, as noted at the beginning of the meeting.

The minutes of 12 and 20 April meetings were adopted without comment.

Committee programme
The Chairperson asked the Secretary to comment on the Committee programme.

The Secretary noted the following meetings:
10 May - The Committee would meet with the Western Cape Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and National Treasury. Treasury would present on the third and fourth quarter Municipal Infrastructure Grant. The principle was to meet with the provinces before oversight visits, and the process would start with the Western Cape.

17 May - National Treasury would brief them on the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) rollovers. There would be an in depth look at the preceding five years. That would be followed by consideration and adoption of the Appropriation Bill.

The Committee Whip, Mr De Beer, referred to the processing of the Financial Sector Regulation Bill and the Insurance Bill in the National Assembly. The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) would have to wait until August to attend to the Bills. A meeting with the Gauteng and KZN provincial treasuries was scheduled for 11 May, but KZN had requested another date.

The Chairperson asked the Whip to help with programming for the processing of legislation. He announced that the final mandate for Limpopo had just been received.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting.