Committee Programme: discussion

Meeting report

HOME AFFAIRS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
29 February 2000
COMMITTEE PROGRAMME

Documents Handed Out:
ANC Study Group Input on the Programme of Action (See Appendix 1)
DP and UDM Memos on the Programme of Action (See Appendix 2)
Chairperson's summary on "The Way Forward" (See Appendix 3)

MINUTES
The committee discussed the ANC, UDM and DP's proposals for the committee programme.

A letter from Minister Buthelezi was then read to the committee, explaining why it will not be possible for him to address the committee on 7 March, as requested and suggesting that his appearance be rescheduled.

Mr Pretorius (NNP) noted that a briefing from senior Department of Home Affairs staff remains necessary prior to the budget debate on 16 March. The briefing should also include other pressing matters such as reduction of the backlog in processing permanent residency applications. The Chair noted that Director General Masetla is now scheduled to visit the committee on 7 March, with other officials following on 8 March. They would address budget matters and the White Paper on International Migration.

Mr Grobler (DP) echoed the NNP comments concerning the pressing need for budgetary information from the Department. He also suggested that a summary of the issues to be dealt with by the committee be prioritised within the next two weeks prior to formation of subcommittees.

The Chair went on to distribute his memo on "the way forward" (see Appendix 3). Another area needing the committee's immediate attention concerns the coming local government elections. An ANC member observed that it is necessary to liaise with other committees on the status the two pending pieces of legislation bearing on the local elections. Mr Pretorius queried whether the Bill concerning local election procedures "resides" in this committee. The Chair noted that the DG will be asked to clarify that point, but stated his belief that the Bill is within this committee's brief.

The Chair then indicated that he would favour holding off-site committee workshops in all provinces (to be publicised by radio notices, if feasible) so that people "on the other side of the mountains" can be aware of what is happening in the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee. He went on to say that "roadshows" also provide an opportunity for input. Mr Pretorius then added that the question of accessibility to Home Affairs offices must be studied. The Chair agreed that making the offices more user friendly would be desirable.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Appendix 1:
FROM: ANC STUDY GROUP

As the Chairperson asked members of the committee to come prepared to contribute ideas to advance the work of Home Affairs, we wish to propose the following ideas that would be considered with those of other members in order to formulate a Master Programme of Action with probable time frame:-

1. Tuesday, 29 February 2000
Inputs from all members of the Portfolio Committee on Programme of Action as requested by Chair after his election on the 15 February 2000

2. Tuesday, 7 March 2000
Briefing by of the Portfolio Committee by the Minister, the Honourable Dr Mangosuthu Buthelezi on general matters and in particular the White Paper.(As initially envisaged)

3. Wednesday, 8 March 2000
Briefing of the Portfolio Committee by the Deputy Minister, the Honourable Dr L. Sisulu. (As initially envisaged)

4. Tuesday, 14 March 2000
Briefing of the Portfolio Committee by the Director General, Mr B. Masetla. (As initially envisaged)

5. Wednesday, 15 March 2000
Briefing of the Portfolio Committee by the I.E.C, on general matters and in particular the forth coming Local Government Elections (As initially
envisaged)

6. Road Shows/Public Hearings on the White Paper

7. Visiting of the Home Affairs Provincial Office by the Portfolio Committee

8. Visiting of the Home Affairs Regional Offices by the Portfolio Committee.

9. Overseas Trips

10. Briefings by Stakeholders

11. An update on relevant Home Affairs documentation and research wok especially since 1994. ( Committee Section to prepare a file for every Committee Member)

12. Convention on nationality of married women (to be ratified by Parliament)

13. Legislative Programme (to be furnished by the Department)

14. Briefing by the Film and Publications Board.

15. Briefing by the NIDS Forum (National Identification Department System)

16. Briefing on Customs and Excite

17. Focus on Local Government Elections (meeting with relevant Portfolio Committee)

18. Briefing on HANIS (Home Affairs National Identification System)

19. Visiting Border Posts

20. Focus on Dual Citizenship

21. Dividing Portfolio Committee into sub committees to focus on specific areas.

22. Preparations for Vote 14 (16-03-00)

a) 07.03.00
Director General on budget and the year's programme

b) 08.03.00
Officials responsible for programme 2 (service to citizen)

c) 10.03.00
Officials responsible for programme 3 (migration)
Officials responsible for programme 4 (auxiliary and associated services)

d) 14.03.00
Considers and deliberates on department's inputs

e) 16.03.00
Report to plenary and debate

Appendix 2:
FROM: Mike Waters
DP Spokesperson

As requested here are suggestions for the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee programme for 2000

1. Briefing by the DG on the new Immigration Bill
2. Public participation on the Immigration Bill
3. Briefing by the department concerning backlogs in applications for permanent residence, citizenship, work visas, etc.
4. DG vision for Home Affairs
5. Visits to offices of Home Affairs in order for committee members to "see for themselves"
6. Amending section of the Aliens Control Act that are unconstitutional
7. Briefing on the awarding of the R850 million contract for the new ID system and a briefing on the reported tender of R1 billion for the smart card
8. Briefing by the department on how they are combating corruption in the department

FROM: Annelize van Wyk
United Democratic Movement

I hereby apologise for not being able to attend the meeting as scheduled on Tuesday, 29 February 2000. I unfortunately have urgent business to attend to in my Constituency.

I would however like to make use of this opportunity to give my input on the programme.

1) Briefing on the Smart Card System; The costs and implementation plan
2) Plan of Action re: Illegal Immigrants
3) Local Government elections

I do hope that this would be of use to you. I will contact you on my return and arrange to get the relevant information.

Appendix 3:
PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE FOR HOME AFFAIRS
FOR PRESENTATION ON TUESDAY, 29 FEBRUARY 2000
THE WAY FORWARD

1. Briefing by the Department
1.1 Newly appointed DG to indicate his intended way of doing things.
1.2 The current budget - well before it is presented in the Chamber.

2. The Electoral Commission
2.1 Briefing on how the Commission hopes to run the Municipal Elections, e.g. Maps in respect of demarcation into District Councils, wards.
2.2 Regulations governing the Elections.
2.3 Officers who will help in the Elections.

3. Discussion of the White Paper on International Migration (Notice 529 of 1999)