Preparations for hearings on White Paper & adoption of Draft Committee Programme

Chairperson: Mr J Mashimbye (ANC)

Documents handed out
Draft Committee Programme for First Term of 2004 (Appendix 1)
Index of Submissions received on hearings (Appendix 2)

SUMMARY
The Committee agreed on the preparations for the public hearings on the White Paper on Correctional Services, and adopted the Committee's Draft Programme for the First Quarter of 2004.

MINUTES
Preparations for public hearings on White Paper on Correctional Services
The Chair stated that there had been no guiding policy document in the Department for many years and so at times officials had done as they pleased. He was pleased that the Department had nearly finalised the White Paper on Correctional Services and would host public hearings this week. This would allow all stakeholders and all members of South African society to participate in the policymaking processes.

The Committee had been overwhelmed by the number of submissions and everyone could not be accommodated. A total of 30 persons and institutions had applied to make submissions on the White Paper and only 18 would be allowed to make oral presentations due to time constraints ( as contained in the "Index of Submissions Received for the Public Hearings"). Requests to address the Committee had even been received from prisoners, but these could not be entertained. Prisoners would however be able to exercise their civil rights by proxy.

The Chair noted that the Committee had agreed to the programme on the public hearings.

Draft Committee Programme for 2004
The Chair stated that the preliminary Committee programme was drafted for the first quarter of the year, even though there was no real certainty as to Parliament's programme. He noted that the Committee agreed to the Draft Programme.

Mr D Bloem (ANC) expressed his serious concern with the ongoing problem that only one member of the opposition parties was present. It was unacceptable for the Committee to proceed in this manner.

The Chair agreed and said he would take up the matter with the Chief Whips of the respective parties. He strongly urged Members to be present at the public hearings over the next two days.

The meeting was adjourned.

Appendix 1: Draft Committee Programme for 1^st Quarter

Draft Programme of Activities for the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services
1^st Quarter- 2004

Draft Programme: Correctional Services
1^st Quarter- 2004