Election of Chairperson; with Minister present

Meeting report

Election of Chairperson
Mr Zolani Sakasa, Committee Secretary, opened the meeting and introduced members of the Committee support team. He explained that it was his role to call for nominations for a Chairperson and a seconder. If only one person was nominated, such person would be duly appointed as the Chairperson. However, if there was more than one nomination, then members would vote.

Ms N Nkabane (ANC) nominated Ms M Dunjwa (ANC) as Chairperson.

Ms A Zuma (ANC) seconded the nomination.

There were no further nominations.

Mr Sakasa declared Ms Dunjwa as Chairperson of the Committee.

The Chairperson thanked members and welcomed guests who were in attendance. She reminded guests of the rules pertaining to the House. Only members may ask questions to people who present to the Committee. Guests may only pose questions and interact with members and presenters during breaks. She said the budget vote debate was taking place on 10 July 2019. The Committee would be briefed by the Department on its Annual Performance Plan and budget the following day. The Committee would compile a report based on this interaction and Members would have time to go through the report before they meet again on Friday to adopt it. She welcomed the Minister to the meeting and asked members to raise comments.

Mr X Ngwezi (IFP) congratulated the Chairperson on her appointment and said she is a seasoned leader of Parliament. He hoped that she will treat the views of all members equally and avoid being partisan. He noted the merging of the issues of employment and labour and encouraged members to work together to provide solutions to the challenges the country faces. He said in the 5th Parliament, the previous Chairperson would protect the Minister by not requesting him to address members. This should not be a stumbling block anymore and the new Chairperson must allow members to interact with the Minister. He added that oversight visits must remain a priority.

The Chairperson asked if other members had comments to raise.

Mr N Hinana (DA) greeted members of the Committee, congratulated the Chairperson on being elected and welcomed the Minister to the meeting. He said the Committee must play an oversight role and the Chairperson must ensure that members have access to the Minister. In the 5th Parliament, tension was created by the previous Chairperson. The role of the Committee is to perform oversight and it cannot do this if the Committee is an extension of the Minister. Members have a collective responsibility to reduce unemployment and poverty. The Committee must work hand in hand, without any favour or prejudice, with the Minister to address the challenge of unemployment.

The Chairperson asked if there were any other comments. She thanked members for their input and assured members there will be no suppression from the office of the Chairperson. Even though members come from different political parties, they have a responsibility to perform oversight and must remain supportive of one another. Some venues do not have an interpreter. Members are encouraged to speak in their home language and the minutes of the meetings will reflect interpretations of the comments raised. No one will be left out and all members will be informed. She asked members to provide their contact details and asked the Committee Secretary to provide members with hardcopies of the presentation which will be presented the next day. She asked members to be on time for the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.