Zimbabwean Exemption Permit; Petitions: Home Affairs delays; State Capture update; with Ministry

Meeting report

Chairperson’s opening remarks
The Chairperson welcomed the Minister and Deputy Minister. He noted the matters raised by petitioners which had been brought to the Committee’s attention by the Speaker. These concerns have already been addressed in the necessary correspondence sent out by the Department of Home Affairs. In response to the request made by some Members who sought more clarity on the responses provided by the Department, the Committee would have the opportunity to discuss the responses to the petitions during the current session.

Mr Chabane requested that the Minister of Home Affairs provide an update on the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) and the Private Members' Bill by Al Jamah. Due to the upcoming recess, this might be the last opportunity to receive these updates. For the petition on the Congolese DHA matter which has been referred to DHA for attention, in a previous Committee meeting it was decided that the Department would handle a report on that.

Meeting report
Petition on challenge for South Africans living abroad to obtain passports
Minister Aaron Motsoaledi explained that the lack of direct IT connectivity with missions abroad causes delays in processing passports. However, in an effort to address this, DHA conducted a pilot project in London to test a faster method of passport issuance. If successful, the method will be expanded to other countries with a significant number of South Africans. The Minister acknowledged the ongoing efforts to improve services for South Africans abroad.

The Department provided an update on their efforts to address the challenges of long distances and limited access to Home Affairs offices through the use of mobile units. They plan to increase significantly the number of mobile units by 120% before the end of the financial year. The Minister reassured the Committee that these mobile units are actively serving communities and schools, and steps are being taken to enhance their deployment (see presentations).

Discussion
Ms Mary Truman Packard (South African living abroad petitioner) expressed gratitude for the opportunity to address the Portfolio Committee on DHA’s handling of passport challenges for South Africans living abroad. She acknowledged that there have been delays in processing passports, which she now understands occur approximately twice a month. However, she also noted that some individuals in the UK have reported receiving their passports within the expected three-month timeframe, which is positive news.

Mr A Roos (DA) was pleased about the establishment of the Home Affairs Working Group and thanked the Director-General and the Minister for their actions in addressing the passport concerns. He emphasized the misconception that South Africans abroad are wealthy and highlighted the economic challenges they face, including a reduced lifestyle due to currency weakness. He inquired about the specific measures and targets in the directive issued by the Director-General to ensure compliance and improvement in turnaround times. He noted examples of lengthy appointment waiting times and the need for better appointment systems. He raised concern about the handover process between Home Affairs and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), as well as the possibility of utilizing a third-party service provides, such as VFS Global, for biometric processes, particularly for passport renewals. The Committee needed to understand the directive's contents on response and turnaround times to measure improvement effectively. He shared cases of excessively long waiting periods for appointments and asked if this had been resolved.

He also questioned the length of the turnaround time, considering the potential efficiency of the diplomatic bag measures. He expressed frustration with the lack of information on the handover process between Home Affairs and DIRCO and again suggested utilizing online applications and local offices of service providers like VFS for biometric processes, for passport renewals. Mr Roos thanked the Chairperson and the Minister for their attention to these concerns.

Ms L Van der Merwe (IFP) thanked the petitioner for bringing attention to the struggles faced by South Africans in accessing and renewing passports. She shared her own experience of a family member having to return to South Africa to renew their passport. She thanked the Minister and the Director-General for taking the issues seriously and implementing an action plan. She emphasized the Committee's role in monitoring the progress and ensuring improvement in the next three months. She appreciated her colleagues for raising the matter and acknowledged the responses received from the Minister.

Ms A Khanyile (DA) expressed appreciation for the response by the Department of Home Affairs and mentioned that her concerns were largely covered. She highlighted that some individuals have reported receiving their passports within 90 days after application. She inquired about DHA's system for tracking applications from the diplomatic bag to DIRCO and Home Affairs, as well as the timeline for handing over passports between the two entities. She sought information about a pilot project mentioned by the Minister in London and requested an update on its current status.

Ms M Molekwa (ANC) acknowledged the progress made in addressing the challenges but noted that there are still ongoing issues. She suggested that the Committee should convene a meeting with the petitioners and stakeholders to engage directly with them and collectively find solutions to the challenges. She emphasized the importance of understanding the specific concerns of the stakeholders and working together to develop effective solutions.

Mr Y Tetyana (EFF) appreciated the response and emphasized the importance of addressing these issues not only in Europe but also in Asia and Africa. He highlighted the need for consistency in the application process and turnaround times for passports across different locations, such as London and Paris.

Mr K Pillay (ANC) applauded DHA for not only responding but also finding amicable solutions to the challenges raised. Providing services to citizens is a long-term DHA mandate and commended their efforts in finding alternative mechanisms to overcome obstacles. He supported DHA's actions.

Ms T Legwase (ANC) commended DHA for their efforts and was satisfied with their response. Even the petitioner found DHA's response sufficient, and some applicants received their passports within three months, which indicates that DHA is following through on its commitments and improving its services to citizens. She encouraged DHA to continue their good work and expressed her hope that any future challenges will be promptly resolved.

Mr B Bongo (ANC) noted a comment made on Facebook that praised the Minister of Home Affairs for his swift actions in his new role in the Ministry of Home Affairs. This comment, along with the positive feedback from the petitioner and other Committee members, serves as evidence of DHA's commendable work. He commended the collaboration between DHA and DIRCO in addressing issues in Asia and Africa. Despite the presence of challenges, Mr Bongo expressed satisfaction at the positive feedback received, including that from Mr Roos. The ruling party also acknowledges and appreciates DHA's efforts.

The Minister assured Ms Khanyile that the Director-General would contact her to provide information about the portion of the presentation she missed due to load-shedding.

Stellenbosch Home Affairs petition
Dr Schreiber (Stellenbosch petitioner) raised concerns about the lack of adequate staffing at the Stellenbosch Home Affairs branch, leading to long queues and delays in processing matters. A previous parliamentary question revealed the branch's requirement for 41 staff members, but at that time, only six officials were present. Although the DHA response indicates an increase to eight staff members, he asked about plans for further recruitment to meet the required staffing level. He sought clarity on the availability and consistency of a mobile office to help alleviate the pressure on the branch. He lamented a case where a death certificate took more than two years to be issued.

Dr.Schreiber expressed appreciation for the progress made on establishing another branch in town set to open on 26 June. He requested details on the staffing capacity at the new branch and its ability to provide services such as passports and smart IDs.

Mr Roos questioned why it took three years to assign a staff member to the Stellenbosch branch.

Ms Van der Merwe thanked Dr Schreiber for bringing attention to the challenges faced by Home Affairs. She acknowledged that long queues, system outages, and capacity challenges are prevalent in various Home Affairs offices. She stressed the importance of expanding DHA's presence by collaborating with more banks across the country, not just limited to ABSA in Stellenbosch. She highlighted the necessity of having access to schedules for DHA mobile trucks to better assist citizens who are unable to visit physical offices. She called for improved communication and availability of mobile truck schedules to guide people to these locations.

Ms Khanyile referred to a previous oversight visit that took place on 18 May 2022, during which the staff shortage was discussed with the Director-General and Home Affairs officials. She sought an update on the advertised positions for the Stellenbosch office and the progress of the recruitment process. She expressed concern that the generator at the Graaff Reinet Home Affairs office switches on and off during load shedding. She asked about the current condition of the generator and if it is being addressed.

Mr Tetyana raised several concerns on Home Affairs' service provision. Equal and consistent service delivery across all offices was important. Services should be available simultaneously in multiple locations to avoid unnecessary inconvenience and petitions. There was a need for improved office space to address long queues and to accommodate a larger number of people. While acknowledging the deployment of mobile trucks, Mr Tetyana expressed concerns about their allocation and performance, urging DHA to assess their effectiveness and distribute them based on population size and demand. He also criticized the lack of information about the delivery of additional mobile trucks, calling for transparency and proper communication. Professionalization and efficient resource utilization within DHA was important to ensure effective service delivery.

Mr Bongo acknowledged the challenges faced by not only the Department of Home Affairs but also other government departments. He emphasized the significance of addressing these challenges and commended DHA for their efforts in dealing with the concerns raised. It was important that Members of Parliament focus on strategic matters and provide policy guidelines, while entrusting DHA to handle operational aspects. He agreed with the agenda of standardizing services and that variations between locations might pose challenges.

Mr Pillay acknowledged the challenges in the petition that may have been experienced in various offices at different times. He requested details on the death certificate that has been pending for two years for the Committee’s further investigation. It was important to maintain professionalism and address challenges in a respectful manner, rather than resorting to mudslinging. He approved the concept of smart offices and encouraged the expansion of these facilities to serve more communities. He expressed optimism that DHA would provide clear guidance and a programme to enhance office operations.

DHA response
Mr Livhuwani Makhode, DHA Director General, recalled that at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, DHA encountered staff shortages, and in response, the Portfolio Committee advised DHA to submit a business case to the National Treasury. Consequently, they received R266 million in the previous financial year, which was utilized to address critical vacancies, including those in the Stellenbosch office. The DDG would provide further information on staff capacitation.

Mr Makhode provided an update on the expansion of services to banks. They have signed an extension of the memorandum of understanding with all banks, with the intention to continue with the expansion. However, the rollout to other facilities is dependent on resolving system downtime challenges, which DHA is actively addressing. They have a memorandum of understanding with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to connect several offices to their network, and once this is successfully implemented, they will proceed to migrate to other areas. The plans have received approval from the banks, and FNB has already processed a significant number of passports and smart identity cards, demonstrating the success of the initiative. DHA is on track to implement the expansion as planned.

Mr Makhode said that Home Affairs is focused on implementing the "Home Affairs on wheels" concept, which involves the use of mobile trucks to provide services in areas where there is a need. He highlighted the recent opening of a modern office in Lusikisiki and the ongoing revamping of the Stellenbosch office. The building is owned by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, and once the renovation of the other side is completed, it will be able to accommodate more people. Mobile trucks are deployed in areas where there is a surge in the number of people requiring services. These trucks serve as temporary offices to address the capacity constraints in some areas.

Mr Thulani Mavuso, DHA Deputy Director General: Institutional Planning & Support, replied that ideally an office in a town like Stellenbosch would require a larger staffing complement. However, it is crucial to have a spacious office that can adequately accommodate the staff. The current staffing level of 41 is based on the available space, but DHA aspires to increase its capacity once they have a larger office facility.

On the delay in capacitating the offices, Mr Mavuso explained that it was challenging to allocate staff from other offices without creating significant gaps in those locations. The initial projection did not anticipate the need for internal staff utilization for such an extended period. The project was initially conceptualized as a public-private partnership (PPP) aimed at addressing the shrinking bank halls and the lack of excess capacity for training officials. However, delays in finalizing partnership agreements and challenges with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) have hindered the project expansion. He lamented the impact of these challenges on the Department’s ability to capacitate as quickly as it intends to. However, he assured the Committee that efforts are being made to address these and expedite improving office capacity and service delivery.

On the concern about system reboots during load shedding, Mr Mavuso explained the need for Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) to prevent system shutdowns. The generator is switched off during the night to conserve fuel, but it is turned on in the morning to ensure that the systems are functional. This approach helps maintain continuity in service delivery by avoiding unnecessary system disruptions.

Mr Mavuso presented a slide illustrating the distribution of the 110 mobile trucks currently deployed. DHA has plans to add 20 more trucks to the fleet. The expansion will focus on provinces such as the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, aiming to enhance service delivery through mobile services. This initiative is part of DHA's efforts to reach communities in areas where there may be limited access to physical Home Affairs offices.

Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza emphasized the Department's commitment to improving service levels for citizens, driven by their dedication rather than solely in response to complaints. He highlighted their innovative approach introducing new ideas and systems to enhance service delivery. The Department aims to provide a consistent level of service across the country and is actively constructing purpose-built offices in rural areas to improve services for those communities as well as bringing services to the people through mobile units and their investment in new technologies, such as the kiosk system. The scheduling of mobile units is handled at the operational level by district managers and local municipalities, based on demand and high-priority programmes. He suggested that the Committee focuses on assessing the overall impact and results of the mobile units rather than involving themselves in operational details.

The Minister expressed concern on the reported two-year delay in obtaining a death certificate. He acknowledged the importance of issuing these certificates promptly, as they have significant implications for burials and insurance claims. He assured the Committee that even during system downtime, death certificates can be issued manually to address the immediate needs of families. He promised to make a follow-up on the matter.

The Minister acknowledged the staffing shortages within DHA, recognizing the significant challenges it faces. DHA's staffing level was at 39%, which further decreased due to the impact of COVID-19. To address this, DHA developed a plan and received R266 million from Treasury, which helped increase the staffing level to 42%. However, this level is still grossly inadequate to meet the demands and needs of DHA. As a result, they have requested the support of the Presidency to increase staffing to at least 60%. The matter is currently being discussed with Treasury to find a solution.

The Minister addressed the challenges in allocating mobile units to different areas. He explained that the distribution of modernized offices depends on factors such as connectivity, which falls under the responsibility of the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies. The mobile units serve as a solution to reach areas with limited connectivity. He expressed his hope that these units would be beneficial in providing services to such areas.

Minister Motsoaledi acknowledged the need for more mobile units in the Sarah Baartman District Municipality and the challenges faced by indigent residents in accessing Home Affairs services.
The Minister addressed the downtime and load shedding which negatively affects service delivery and the inconvenience faced by people who have to travel to towns for assistance. He also highlighted the limited signal availability in rural areas and the need for alternative payment options, such as cash, for individuals who do not have bank accounts. He shared an example of passport delays caused by system downtime, which resulted in a family having to cancel their holiday plans.

Graaf Reinett petitioner response
Ms S Graham (DA) expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak and acknowledged the feedback received. She raised the mobile units and highlighted the insufficient allocation of only two units to the vast Sarah Bartman District Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay metro. There are significant challenges faced in serving such a large area, covering 29 000 square kilometres and hosting seven municipalities. In particular, she pointed out the difficulties faced by indigent residents in accessing Home Affairs services, leading to obstacles in obtaining proper identification, which becomes crucial, especially with the upcoming elections.

Ms Graham raised the downtime caused by load shedding and highlighting the challenges faced by residents who rely on hitchhiking to towns for Home Affairs services. During after-hours downtime, these individuals are unable to wait for assistance, leading to further frustration and the failure of DHA to fulfill its mandate. She raised the effectiveness of mobile units, particularly in rural areas, where signal problems hinder the delivery of services. She questioned if the visits mentioned in the report accurately reflected the use of fully resourced mobile units versus less comprehensive vehicles.

Ms Graham expressed concerns about the cashless system implemented by Home Affairs, highlighting that not everyone in the community has a bank account, especially in areas without banking facilities. She shared an incident involving an elderly indigent man who needed someone to pay for his ID using a credit card because cash was not accepted. She emphasized the importance of cash remaining as an option despite Home Affairs addressing security concerns.

She recounted an incident where a family's holiday plans were disrupted because their children's passports could not be issued due to system downtime. Despite applying in advance, the family faced repeated offline situations, leading to the cancellation of their entire trip. She emphasized the challenges faced by residents in rural areas, particularly in the Eastern Cape. She called for efforts to ensure that these areas receive the necessary Home Affairs services to avoid such disruptions and inconvenience for residents.

Discussion
Mr Roos agreed with the points raised by previous speakers. He raised concern about the lack of control DHA has over critical infrastructure when it is owned by landlords. He cited examples of lifts in Johannesburg that remain non-functional for extended periods because landlords fail to fix them. He emphasized the importance of generators for uninterrupted service, especially for individuals who have to travel long distances to access Home Affairs offices. To address this, he suggested implementing serious penalties to hold landlords accountable for their failure to maintain critical infrastructure.

Mr Roos reiterated the importance of implementing strict service level agreements when critical services and infrastructure are managed by landlords. It is crucial to ensure that the infrastructure is always operational to prevent disruptions to service delivery. By establishing clear agreements and holding landlords accountable for maintaining the infrastructure, DHA can strive for consistent and reliable service provision to the public. This would help address the concerns in the petition and ensure that citizens receive service without unnecessary delays or inconvenience.

Mr Tetyana thanked DHA for its efforts but disagreed with the Deputy Minister. As members of parliament, the Committee is not accountable to the Department of Home Affairs, but rather DHA is accountable to them. Mr Tetyana emphasized that as members of the Committee, they have the right to access information such as the schedule for mobile trucks. Their request for the schedule is not an overreach but rather a means to assist their constituents and fulfil their responsibilities effectively. By having access to the schedule, the Committee can better serve the public and ensure that Home Affairs services are accessible and delivered efficiently.

Mr Tetyana said the Committee's intention is not to engage in conflict with DHA but to work collaboratively in addressing issues and providing assistance to the public. He reiterated the importance of receiving the schedule for the mobile trucks so that they can effectively inform their constituents about the availability of services in specific communities. The Committee's role is to identify problems, gather verified information from local structures, and contribute to the improvement of services. Their concerns are rooted in their duty to address the concerns raised by their constituents and ensure that the needs of the public are met.

Ms Khanyile noted the lack of network connectivity that the Committee encountered during their oversight visit in the Eastern Cape, where the mobile unit was unable to process applications due to this. This issue has been previously discussed, and DHA had agreed to provide the Committee with the mobile unit schedule as a resolution. The Committee expected receiving the schedule so that they can fulfill their commitment to sharing it with the community. She emphasized the importance of addressing network connectivity challenges to ensure efficient service delivery through the mobile units.

Ms Khanyile proposed an oversight visit to assess the effectiveness of the mobile unit. The visit would provide the Committee with firsthand knowledge and allow them to make informed recommendations for improvement. Another pending request from the Committee was for a list of offices that still issue green ID books and she expressed concern about not receiving this yet. It was important to provide requested information to address the needs of the community and ensure transparency in service provision.

DHA has set a deadline of 15 June 2023 for landlords to address generator issues after which it will intervene. She suggested that on return from the constituency period on 1 August, the Committee should be provided with an update on the generator in the Graaff Reinet office.

Mr Bongo appreciated for the petitioner's efforts in assisting the people and bringing important issues to DHA's attention. He emphasized that as Members of Parliament, they should focus on strategic oversight rather than getting involved in operational matters. He mentioned a Committee resolution that emphasized the need for a framework for oversight activities to prevent a haphazard approach.

Mr Bongo suggested revisiting the Committee resolutions and briefing the Minister about them. He believed that the mobile trucks should be left as an operational matter for DHA to handle. He acknowledged DHA's plan to procure additional trucks and distribute them equitably to assist the communities. The Committee does not require the mobile unit schedule and should instead rely on alerting DHA when assistance is needed.

Ms Van der Merwe raised concerns about Mr Bongo's comments. Mr Bongo is responding to Members of Parliament questions instead of allowing the Minister to provide the answers. Secondly, Mr Bongo is misinterpreting her statement. She never requested mobile trucks specifically for her rural area. Instead, she emphasized the importance of being informed about the trucks' schedules and locations so MPs can assist DHA by sharing that information with their constituencies, allowing people to benefit from the services provided.

Members are not trying to direct mobile trucks to their own areas but rather requesting access to information for collaboration with DHA in publishing operational details.

Mr Pillay appreciated the petitioner and all those who have presented petitions, emphasizing the value of citizen participation in improving services. He acknowledged the existing DHA services but also recognized the need for improvements and the challenges that must be addressed. He encouraged the debate and said it is important to raise these challenges for discussion.

Mr Pillay pointed out that the mobile units are an additional service provided by DHA as a response to the increased demand from citizens. Although DHA has its own offices, the mobile units were introduced to offer assistance in various locations both in planned events and in response to unforeseen circumstances, often in coordination with municipalities, mayors and other officials. There is a schedule in place for the deployment of mobile units, and this schedule is typically maintained by the mayor of that municipality. There was no objection to sharing this schedule with MPs to aid their constituents. However, he emphasized the importance of managing expectations and not oversubscribing the available resources. Publicizing the schedule widely without considering the limited number of trucks could lead to an influx of people that cannot be accommodated, resulting in dissatisfaction with the services provided by Home Affairs. DHA understands the importance of sharing the schedule with MPs and their constituents. They are committed to providing the schedule and would work on ensuring its availability to facilitate better communication and coordination with communities.
 
DHA has already discussed the mobile unit challenges due to poor network and load shedding in previous meetings and is actively working on finding solutions. These include exploring the use of LTE mobile data to improve connectivity and enhancing the functionality of generators to mitigate the impact of load shedding.

Mr Pillay reiterated that mobile units are an additional service provided by Home Affairs to cater to the needs of citizens. While acknowledging the importance of maximizing their usage, he emphasized the need to manage expectations and avoid oversubscription. This ensures that the mobile units can effectively serve communities without causing dissatisfaction due to overcrowding or insufficient capacity.

Deputy Minister Nzuza acknowledged the misunderstanding on the sharing of mobile unit schedules. There is no problem in sharing schedules with members of parliament as they are public knowledge and not confidential information. However, he suggested allowing the officials responsible, in consultation with local leadership, to continue allocating the mobile units. There is an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Basic Education, which requires coordination with various stakeholders and local offices. He urged giving space to officials to populate schedules and assure Members that if there is a need to know where the mobile units are deployed, the information will be shared.

DDG Mavuso addressed the concern about cash payments at the offices. He acknowledged that cash payments are accepted but highlighted the need for a better mechanism to manage the cash to avoid inconveniencing clients. He informed members that the cost of cash-in-transit services sometimes exceeds the amount collected in cash payments. He mentioned the intention to devise an internal safe mechanism if the cash intake increases. Mr Mavuso acknowledged the other issues raised and noted that the Minister will address the matter concerning children and family holidays.

Mr Makhode pointed out the existence of stakeholder forums at the provincial level in different provinces. He said that these forums are led by members of provincial legislatures or district officials from various districts. He mentioned that these forums are active and that the schedules are shared with them. He emphasized the commitment to continue sharing schedules with stakeholders at different levels, as stated by the Deputy Minister.

Minister Motsoaledi expressed confusion about the concept of "decommissioning" a passport, as he is not familiar with such a phenomenon. He explained that when a passport expires, is lost or stolen, or is full, individuals need to obtain a new one or provide the necessary documentation, such as an affidavit from the police. However, he sought more clarification from Ms Graham- Maree on the concept of decommissioning passports.

The Minister concurred with Mr Roos on the issue of Home Affairs offices being leased from landlords. He acknowledged that it is an anomaly and frustrating, considering that institutions like schools, clinics, and police stations are usually purpose-built rather than leased. The Minister stated that the government is moving towards constructing custom-built Home Affairs offices to address this issue and mentioned some offices that have already been opened. He emphasizes that the current model of leasing from landlords is incorrect and aims to change it. The Minister also mentioned the efforts to establish Home Affairs offices in malls, where a large space can be customized to suit their needs. He agreed that the landlord method is flawed, and in some cases, the offices are situated in unsuitable locations such as taxi ranks and bars.

Mr Chabane expressed gratitude to the petitioners for bringing their concerns forward and holding the Department of Home Affairs accountable. He acknowledged the progress and commitment demonstrated by DHA in addressing the raised issues and commended both the petitioners and the Portfolio Committee for fulfilling their roles in overseeing DHA's work. The Chairperson extended his gratitude to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Director-General for their accountability and interactions with the Committee. He highlighted that the decision to procure mobile units was a result of discussions and recommendations from the Committee, emphasizing DHA's responsiveness to the Committee's calls.

Zondo Commission recommendations implementation: quarterly update
Mr Adam Salmon, Committee Content Advisor, provided an update on the implementation plan for the recommendations in the Report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector. The Speaker had requested an update on the progress of the recommendations specific to each Portfolio Committee.

Recommendations:
1. Considering the introduction of a constituency-based proportional system and its advantages and disadvantages. Mr Salmon noted the progress made in the Electoral Amendment Act, including the sunset clause and the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel. The Minister had invited public nominations for the nine-member panel, with the closing date of 5 June. The panel was expected to be established by 17 August 2023 and report on its findings within one year.

2. Enacting legislation to protect Members of Parliament from losing party membership for exercising their oversight duties reasonably and in good faith. This recommendation was also related to the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel, and it would be forwarded to the panel for consideration for future amendments to the Act.

3. Amend the Political Funding Act to criminalise donations to political parties with the expectation of accessing tenders and contracts. This recommendation was indirectly referred to as part of the consequential amendments in the Electoral Laws Amendment Bill. The timeline for promulgating the Bill was expected to be 14 July 2023.

4. Improve parliamentary oversight over corruption and fraud and ensure the separation of powers. The Committee regularly engages with the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant entities to address corruption. The Committee has incorporated State Capture recommendations into its schedule and has conducted visits and reviews of immigration permits and procedures.

In conclusion, Mr Salmon highlighted that the Committee has considered the State Capture recommendations during strategic planning sessions and will continue to do so in the future, with the aim of including them in the Committee's Legacy Report for the Seventh Parliament.

As requested by the Chairperson, Mr Salmon read out the letter from the Speaker to allow the Committee to review and verify its contents.

The Chairperson proposed that the Committee review the draft update by Mr Salmon, which addresses electoral matters, fraud and corruption arising from the Zondo Commission. He suggested Members circulate their contributions to Mr Salmon to incorporate any additional points identified by the Committee. He suggested that the Committee temporarily set aside the draft update to allow Members to provide their contributions to Mr Salmon since the Committee has not yet discussed and thoroughly addressed them. He proposed that once the Committee has considered the comments, they can consolidate them into the update report. This approach would enable the Committee to respond, allow sufficient time for deliberation and meet the deadline.

Committee members unanimously supported the proposal by the Chairperson.

Minister Motsoaledi agreed with the proposal and emphasized the urgency of addressing the amendment to the Political Funding Act that criminalises companies that donate in order to secure tenders. He suggested that this particular Amendment Bill should be treated separately and not wait for further deliberation, ensuring that the drafting team proceeds with that work promptly.

Mr Salmon requested that submissions be provided to him by the end of business the next day.

The Chairperson agreed saying the goal is to gather contributions from Members and consolidate them for the Committee's review and consideration before the 15 July deadline.

Registration of Muslim Marriages Bill
Minister Motsoaledi said that a 17 May meeting was held with MP Mr Ganief Hendricks, leader of Al-Jama-ah, on the Registration of Muslim Marriages Bill, on his Private Member’s Bill. Several agreements were reached:
1. It was agreed that there should not be two parallel bills, one from the DHA executive and a private member’s bill. Instead, all the proposed items from the Private Member’s Bill would be incorporated into the Executive Bill since they did not contradict the existing marriage policy.
2. A help desk would be established to assist individuals confused about the registration of Muslim marriages.
3. A directive had been issued to address the non-registration of Muslim marriages which affected death certificates. This was not exclusive to Muslim marriages as it also affected couples married before 1986. An agreement was reached with senior counsels and officials to finalise the discussions on the issued directive.

The Minister said the Department Bill is scheduled to appear before the Cabinet Committee on 15 July and it is expected to be approved for introduction into Parliament, incorporating all the proposed provisions from the Private Member’s Bill.

Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP)
The Minister said there were two main reasons for the application for a waiver:
1. DHA had requested people to apply for a waiver while they were addressing Zimbabwean Exemption Permits, which were set to end in June 2023. The purpose of the waiver was to exempt individuals from certain requirements when applying for regular visas and permits. It was clarified that individuals already employed (a condition for obtaining the ZEP) would need to apply for a regular visa and permit, skipping the step of going to the Department of Labour and Employment.

2. The second reason for applying for a waiver was the requirement to apply from one's country of origin. Given the circumstances of dealing with individuals already in South Africa, a waiver was granted to avoid the need for applicants to return to their birth country to apply. The application was for a waiver approved and signed by the Minister, followed by the appropriate visa and permit.

Minister Motsoaledi said that a team chaired by Dr Cassius Lubisi had been appointed to handle the visa applications. Some people had been discouraged from applying for the waiver due to the court cases challenging the proposed ZEP cancellation and false claims that there were no Home Affairs responses to waiver applications. As a result, there was a sudden influx of applications from May 2023 onwards, at a rate of 1000 to 1500 per day. Considering the overwhelming number of applications and the limited time before the June 2023 deadline, an extension to 31 December 2023 was deemed necessary to ensure all applications could be processed.

Brazil study tour
Mr Eddie Mathonsi, Committee secretary, provided a report on the study tour plans and logistical arrangements. Initially, there were plans to visit both the United States and Brazil, but it was decided, based on recommendations from the Chairperson of the house, that the tour should focus solely on Brazil. The departure date is scheduled for June 23rd, with the return on July 2nd.

The Committee had applied for all members to participate in the study tour but the Speaker and House Chairperson indicated that only five members could be approved. Specifically, three members from the ANC (Mr Chabane, Mr Pillay, and Ms Molekwa) and two members from the opposition Mr Roos (DA) and Mr Tetyana (EFF) have been approved. The Select Committee has expressed interest in joining the tour and its application has also been approved.

Mr Mathonsi mentioned that as part of the upcoming tour, there are arrangements to visit the Electoral Commission in Brazil and gain insight into their electronic voting system over a period of two days. Efforts are being made by the embassy to organize a meeting with the Brazilian parliamentary committee responsible for elections, although its confirmation is still pending. At present, the political application for the tour has been approved. The Committee has submitted a financial application to secure flights, accommodation, ground transport, and interpreting services.

The Committee adopted the 16 May, 2 and 6 June 2023 meeting minutes.
 
The Chairperson thanked everyone for their contributions and adjourned the meeting.