Election of Chairperson

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

02 July 2019
Chairperson: Mr C Ndaba (ANC)
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Meeting Summary

The Committee met to elect a Chairperson. Ms C Ndaba (ANC) was nominated and duly elected Chairperson unopposed.

The newly elected Chairperson addressed the Committee and emphasised the importance of accountability and diversity for the Committee to achieve its mandate. The Committee will be democratic to ensure the proper performance of oversight. Respect, integrity and tolerance are important seeing that the Committee comprises of people from different political parties.

The Secretary announced that  the Committee would meet with the Department and Commission for Gender Equality the following day, and a Committee Report would be tabled for adoption with recommendations on Friday.

Meeting report

Election of Chairperson

Ms Neliswa Nobatana, Committee Secretary, facilitated the election of the chairperson.

Ms F Masiko (ANC) nominated Ms C Ndaba (ANC).

Ms A Hlongo (ANC) seconded the nomination of Ms Ndaba.

There were no further nominations and Ms Ndaba was therefore duly declared Committee Chairperson for the Sixth Parliament.

The incoming Chairperson committed herself to the Committee and stated the importance of teamwork. The Committee will be democratic to ensure the proper performance of oversight. Respect, integrity and tolerance are important seeing that the Committee comprises of people from different political parties. If any Member needs an interpreter, it will be provided.  Documents must be handed out beforehand so that Members are given enough time to peruse them. Fortunately, the Committee Secretary is efficient. Arbitrary absenteeism will not be tolerated. The Committee is diverse but unfortunately this year there are no people with disabilities.

The Committee must set targets of what it wants to achieve. Chapter 9 institutions would be made use of. If the institutions are inefficient, they will be held accountable. Institutions such as the Human Rights Commission are effective but will still held accountable. The Committee is diverse and dynamic and this was good for its mandate.

Mr L Mpithi (DA) congratulated the Chairperson on her election. Very critical points were raised. It is a good thing that the Committee has men. The majority of perpetrators of abuse are men so they should be involved in matters that pertain to that to offer a different perspective.

Ms A Hlongo (ANC) welcomed the Chairperson and stated that issues of vulnerable groups are serious and issues of politics should be excluded. She agreed with Mr Mpithi.

Ms M Hlengwa (IFP) welcomed the Chairperson on behalf of the IFP.

The Secretary stated that the Committee would be meeting with the Department and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) the following day. The CGE is a Chapter 9 institution and reports to Parliament. The Department will be presenting its annual performance plans (APPs). The Committee needs to draft a report and on Friday that report will be adopted with recommendations.

Members will be given the APP copies. The researchers were preparing finance and program analysis for the Department. Although the Committee has adopted a new name, the APP mostly mentions women but makes recognition of youth and people with disabilities as part of its mandate. The actual name and program happen after the proclamation later this year.

The Chairperson stated that Members should familiarise themselves with the documents before the Department appears before the Committee.

Ms M Khawula (EFF), speaking in IsiZulu, stated that her agenda in coming into Parliament was to represent her people in her home language. She was assured that her books and documents would be in Zulu and it is undemocratic that her books are still written in English.

Ms N Sonti (EFF) requested that her books be in isiXhosa.

The Chairperson said that she would follow up on the matter.

The meeting was adjourned.

Documents

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