Joint Committee Report on Namibia

Meeting report

Joint Committee report on Namibia

The Members expressed concern that the heading of the draft joint report was not dated. They commented that the names of the multi-party delegation and co-leaders had to be stated and brought forward to the beginning of the report.

Ms Dineo Mosala, Content Advisor, advised that the date is left out when drafting a report. The date which would be featured would be the date on which the draft report was adopted.

Mr M Filtane (UDM) suggested that not all findings listed under Section 10 of the report constituted findings. It was then decided to change the heading to “Findings and Observations.”

Mr M Figg (ANC) commented that all references to “representational risk” in the document had to be changed to “reputational risk.”

Ms R Lesoma (ANC), suggested an additional point be added under section 12 “Recommendations,” after 12.1, that read: “An audit of all state-owned properties and land abroad be commissioned to determine an accurate and complete account of property owned abroad.”

The Members pointed out that this was covered in 12.6, so it was suggested that it be brought forward to follow 12.1.

Co-Chairperson Mmemezi commented that there should be timelines about what happened to properties in the Republic, as well as in Namibia. They should either be put to good use or sold, but could not remain neglected and dilapidated.

Co-Chairperson Masango asked why the year 2009 was significant, and had been used as reference in 12.7 and 12.8.

Ms Mosala explained that 2009 was the year in which material evidence had been obtained.

Mr D Bergman (DA) required a qualification on 12.10, stating that after the decision to dispose of properties or not, the plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning in those properties which remained on hand should be replaced.

Ms Lesoma countered that an investigation should take place so that the replacement took place only in properties that required such attention, as some buildings were less than two years old.

Ms P Adams (ANC) added that in 12.15, any disposal of state-owned properties should be in accordance with the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA) and the State Land Disposal Act.

Chairperson Masango added that in 12.22, the request to National Treasury for authority to dispose of assets had to be in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and its Treasury regulations.

Ms T Kenye (ANC) insisted that the allegations of R260 000 stolen, reflected in the visa section on page 22, should be investigated and that appropriate consequences must be determined. This was necessary as this sum of money resulted in a qualification of the report.

The Members and the Content Advisor advised that this had been covered in 12.18.

Ms Lesoma said that the Members had gone through the report more than once, and moved its adoption with the necessary amendments.

Mr Bergman seconded the adoption of the report.

The report was adopted with the proviso that both Chairpersons look at the revised report with the recommendations put forward.

Joint Meeting minutes of 5 September

The Committee considered the minutes of the joint meeting held on 5 September. Mr Maila (ANC) and Ms Raphuti (ANC) had incorrectly been excluded from the minutes. Ms Adams had incorrectly been marked absent with apology, but had been present at the meeting. It was added that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) should be given the responsibility to look after properties outside the country, in accordance with GIAMA, the PFMA and the State Land Disposal Act.

Mr M Maila (ANC) moved the adoption of the minutes, and was seconded by Ms Adams. The minutes were adopted.

The meeting was adjourned.