Committee programme: discussion

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Meeting report

HOUSING PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
21 MAY 2003
COMMITTEE PROGRAMME: DISCUSSION

Chairperson: Ms Z Kota (ANC)

Documents handed out:
None

SUMMARY
The Committee discussed their draft programme with particular reference to the imbizos to take place in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Members decided on who was to be invited to these imbizos. Concern was also raised with regard to communication with the Department of Housing.

MINUTES
The Chairperson began discussion on the Committee programme from May until mid-June. She said that there had been consultation with a number of mayors regarding the capacities of their respective municipalities. Concerning the imbizos, she said that two were planned: one in the Eastern Cape and one in the Gauteng Province. She asked Members to suggest who to invite to these as 200 people would be present.

Ms J Semple (DP) said that all involved in the housing process would have to be brought in.

The Chair agreed and suggested that both emerging and established contractors be invited. The format of the trips would involve two days dedicated to interacting with the MEC's and municipalities of each province, thereby establishing contact with the various stake-holders responsible for the implementation of policy. The following two days would be devoted to budget hearings.

Mr G Schneemann (ANC) mentioned stakeholders in rental housing as an important group to consider.

Ms Semple said that those hostels in Gauteng that had not yet gotten off the ground should also be addressed. She also asked about HIV/AIDS shelters as an issue of importance.

The Chair said that these would be grouped together and considered under the development programme.

Mr C Herandien (NNP) requested that those projects experiencing difficulties also be visited.

Mr Schneemann said that there should be communication with all committees and beneficiaries involved in these projects.

Ms Ramakaba-Lesiea (ANC) asked about the tenders and whether the required 10% of women were included.

Mr Herandien said that there should be investigation on the procurement policies with regard to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and women. Many cases had emerged where women and black people were used as fronts. He urged that dates be set and administration be taken care of. Their visits should not cause chaos in the said areas.

Mr Schneemann supported Mr Herandien's statements and said that visits should concentrate particularly on rural areas.

Ms Semple agreed and said that there should be enough time to accomplish all they needed to or they would not derive benefit from the visits.

The Chairperson said that concerns around procurement and empowerment, as well as the quality of housing, would be looked at.

Mr Herandien asked why the Committee had not been on any overseas trips. It was important to go to those areas experiencing the same problems as South Africa.

The Chairperson noted that the Committee had submitted a number of applications to undertake such a trip. The timing for the trip to Egypt had been wrong because the war in Iraq. She also commented that some mayors were yet to appear before the Committee.

Mr Herandien said that they should be questioned on their plans for urban renewal.

Ms Semple asked if there was a meeting scheduled for 28 June. She went further to say that there was little interaction with the Department and suggested a meeting to discuss the strategic plan, especially with regard to monies spent. They should play a monitoring role and use it to apply pressure on the Department.

The Chair noted that several days were set aside to discuss an unfinished bill, and that these would be used to liaise with the Department.

Mr Schneemann added that the various sub-sections within the Department should also be called before the Committee to provide a fuller understanding of activities undertaken by them.

The Chair agreed and said that the Department's schedule would be looked at so that a suitable date could be set for such an interaction.

Ms Semple asked why the National Housing Summit had not been included in the programme.

The Chair said that she would include it as soon as possible.

Mr Herandien mentioned the MINMEC meetings attended by the Chairperson, and asked that the Chairperson consider giving the Committee a brief overview of proceedings in case something they did not agree with surfaced. He was aware that these were almost all confidential, but certain matters needed to be discussed with the Committee. The Department was able to take certain actions without legislation.

The Chair expressed surprise that the issue of MINMEC meetings had been raised and said that she would consider it. She referred to Ms Semple's question and said that no meeting had been scheduled for 28 June.

Mr Schneemann pointed out that the Department would bring such issues to the Committee.

The meeting was adjourned.

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