Committee Report on Western Cape Appropriation Bill: Vote 6

Meeting report

Committee Report on Vote 6: Health

The Committee met to deliberate on the finalisation of the Committee Report on Vote 6 (Health) in the schedule to the Western Cape Appropriation Bill, 2020.

The Chairperson said that in order to ensure that budgets could be considered, the Democratic Alliance called for a debate of public importance, but this call had been withdrawn by the Speaker’s Office. Instead, there would be opportunities for parties to address the budget’s effect on the Western Cape during the second reading of the Appropriation Bill debate, which would take place on 19 March 2020.

The Chairperson proceeded to table the Report, but asked that the Committee indicate if there should be any changes made.

There were no suggestions from the Committee, and the Chairperson asked the Members if they were in support of the Vote.

Mr R Allen (DA) said that he was in support of the Vote, and proposed its adoption.

Ms L Botha (DA) seconded the proposal.

Ms R Windvogel (ANC) said that the ANC was not in support of the Vote.

The Chairperson noted the minority view of the ANC.

The Committee Report Vote 6 (Health) in the schedule to the Western Cape Appropriation Bill, 2020, was adopted without amendment.

Committee Minutes dated 12 March 2020

Ms Botha referred to page two of the minutes of the Committee’s meeting of 12 March 2020, and said that she had made multiple amendments in order to ensure more clarity.

The Chairperson acknowledged the changes made by Ms Botha.

The minutes were adopted, with the amendments.

Draft Committee Programme

The Chairperson asked the Committee if it had any comments regarding the draft Committee programme.

Ms Botha wanted to know if the Committee was planning to extend the invitation for the meeting on 1 April 2020 to the health committees, hospital boards and general public.

The Chairperson said that it is important to extend the invitation in order to ensure a more inclusive engagement.

Mr Allen said he would like to check if the programme was in line with the new adopted programme as indicated by the programming authority earlier in the week.

The Chairperson said the dates were constantly being amended but the meeting on 1 April 2020 would definitely go ahead. However, up until 20 April 2020, only essential commitments would take place.

Ms Windvogel referred to the invitations, and suggested that if the Chairpersons were not able to attend, then they should send someone as their proxy.

Mr M Xego (EFF) asked that during the preparations for the next meeting, the seating arrangements of the Committee be in line with the guidelines set for social distancing. This would set an example that the Committee was at the forefront of compliance.

The Chairperson agreed with the sentiments expressed by Mr Xego.

Ms Botha wanted to know if the meeting scheduled for 8 April 2020 was going to proceed as planned.

The Chairperson said that only the meeting for 1 April had been confirmed.

The draft Committee programme was adopted.

The Chairperson thanked Members for their engagement.

The meeting was adjourned.