Election of Steering Committee

Meeting report

Members asked the Chairperson if there was a quorum to start.

The Chairperson confirmed more than 15 Members were present so the meeting could start. For the election of the steering committee, a Member will stand up and introduce herself and then name the person being elected. The nominee will indicate whether she accepts the nomination or not. There will be a seconder for the nomination.

Ms P Majodina (ANC) explained the size of the quorum was abnormal because of the nature of the women’s Caucus – it is not treated like other committees. She explained this for the new Members of the Seventh Parliament.

Nominations for the steering committee

Ms M Mmolotsane (ANC) nominated Ms O Seate (ANC).

Ms Seate accepted the nomination.

Ms T Mgweba (ANC) seconded the nomination.

Ms H Ismail (DA) nominated Ms A Khanyile (DA).

Ms Khanyile accepted the nomination.

Ms M Maseko (DA) seconded the nomination.

Ms N Mvana (ANC) nominated Ms M Pholwane (ANC).

Ms Pholwane accepted the nomination.

Ms N Nkopane (ANC) seconded the nomination.

Ms C Mkhonto (EFF) nominated Dr S Thembekwayo (EFF).

Dr Thembekwayo accepted the nomination.

Ms P Marais (EFF) seconded the nomination.

Ms E Nkosi (ANC) nominated Ms M Ndlangisa (ANC, Eastern Cape)

The nominee submitted an apology. 

Ms N Makasi (ANC) confirmed that Ms Ndlangisa had accepted the nomination. She was currently in the NCOP sitting.

Ms J Maimela (ANC) seconded the nomination of Ms Ndlangisa.

Ms Modise-Mpye (ANC) nominated Ms B Machi (IFP).

Ms Machi accepted the nomination.

Ms Sokanyile seconded the nomination of Ms Machi.

Ms Mkhonto was not happy with a word used by Ms Makasi.

The Chairperson asked Ms Makasi to withdraw.

Ms Makasi asked that all Members respect each other when they were talking. She withdrew.

The Chairperson asked that Members withdraw without a preamble. She could check what was said in meetings. She asked that meetings be conducted respectfully.

Ms Marais noted that the Caucus was called the multiparty women’s Caucus, but there was no MK on the steering committee. What is the multiparty about without other political parties?

The Chairperson said the multiparty does not mean everyone is included. There must be a way to raise challenges instead of arguing about issues. She cautioned Members against the disruption of the meeting yesterday. She said concerns would be dealt with. She did not allow raised hands on this ruling.

Ms H Mbhele (MK) said the leadership needed to be honest. Multiparty means there are different parties and the Caucus should be representative. When talking about women’s issues, it is not important to look at what party is raising those issues. Nevertheless, MK did not have a problem.

The Chairperson said those points would be raised at an appropriate time.

Ms Maseko said for some, the interpretation of multiparty Caucus differed. She would have appreciated it if this clarity was obtained. It is important for the leadership to talk to the intention of the multiparty women’s Caucus. New Members need guidance to make informed decisions. What is going to be addressed in future, as the Chairperson said, if the leadership is already elected? This leadership might not be representing the intention of the multiparty women’s Caucus.

The Chairperson said this will be addressed in the near future. There are 18 political parties for the first time and within that, a Government of National Unity (GNU). There would be a need to consult going forward and there will be further meetings to unpack issues in terms of the number of parties.

She thanked Members for their participation.

The meeting was adjourned.