Proposed National and International Visits: discussion

Meeting report

HOUSING PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
07 June 2000
DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED VISITS

These are the minutes as provided by the committee secretary, M Makhari

MINUTES
Proposed provincial visits
The Committee resolved that the matter be postponed until after the June recess.

International study tour - Brazil
Two issues were considered, namely -
Proposed date change
The Chairperson informed the Committee of correspondence received from the South African Embassy in Brazil. The correspondence proposed that the visit which was initially planned for 6 - 13 June 2000 be re-scheduled for 25 June - 03 July 2000. Having considered the proposal the Committee accepted the changes in dates for the study tour. The Committee was informed that the Chairperson will request the necessary approval from the Chief whip.

Party representation on study tour
The Committee was guided by the proposed party representation on study tour document. The Chairperson allowed a discussion on the matter.

Ms E N Phantsi (ANC) said that, as the majority party, the African National Congress should constitute the majority in all interactions, including when delegations are constituted. Mr W M Skhosana expressed similar views. He further said that opposition parties need to review the role they are playing in the housing delivery environment.

Dr P T Rhoda (NNP) said that there is a need to re-visit the trends of parties attendance to the Committee on Housing meetings.

Chief N Z Mtirara (UDM) came out in support of the NNP views to establish attendance trends to Committee meetings. He said Committee attendance record should be checked.

The Committee agreed to the proposal that the ANC be represented by four members. The group referred to as ''Group B'' in the proposal document will be represented by two members. This group includes DP, NNP and IFP. Whereas the group referred to as "Group C" in the proposal document will be presented by one member_. This group includes the UDM, ACDP, PAC and UCDP.

The Chairperson was mandated to review political party's attendance at Committee meetings, including the recent one and thereafter decide on which political parties will form part of the delegation. It was resolved that the Chairperson will inform parties whose expectations were raised about the tour, after making such a decision.

Other urgent matters
The Committee noted the loss of one of its members, Mr T S Khoza, who passed away recently. A condolence card was sent the bereaved family.

The Chairperson informed the Committee of correspondence received from Nigerian Parliament via the Department Foreign Affairs. The delegations requested a meeting with the Committee. The Chairperson further informed members that arrangements would be made to secure a meeting.

The meeting adjourned.

PRESENT:
Ms N E Hangana (Chairperson)

African National Congress
Miss K N Buthelezi
Ms M P Coetzee-Kasper
Ms N E Hangana
Ms M S Maine
Mr K M Moeketse
Mr S D Montsitsi
Ms S N Phantsi
Mr G D Schneemann
Mr W M Skhosana

New National Party
Dr R T Rhoda

United Democratic Movement
Chief N Z Mtirara

Apologies
Mr E G Baloi*