Department Workshop and MEC Reports: deliberations

PUBLIC WORKS PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
27 October 2004
DEPARTMENT WORKSHOP AND MEC REPORTS: DELIBERATIONS

Chairperson: Mr F Bhengu (ANC)

Documents handed out:
None

SUMMARY
The Members of the Executive Committees (MECs) of the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Gauteng did not make presentations to the Committee as scheduled. The Chairperson suggested that the MECs could either make their submissions in writing or appear before the Committee at a later date. The Committee instead discussed the finalisation of the Department workshop report and the MECs' report. The Committee decided to form two teams to work on each of the reports for completion by 5 November 2004.

MINUTES
The Chairperson proposed the formation of teams to suggest ways forward, stemming from the Department workshop and MEC's reports. The draft workshop report circulated earlier still required engagement with the Department, as it was not a true reflection of the state of affairs in the Department. The final report would use the format of the draft report as a guideline.

The Chairperson requested the Secretary to invite officials from the Department to appear before the Committee on 3 November 2004. The Department would also brief the Committee on their Annual Report. He suggested holding a two-day workshop to discuss the final reports and any other areas of concern after the teams had completed their work.

Discussion
Mr J Blanche (DA) asked how much time they had to work on the reports. The Chairperson replied that the deadline would be 5 November 2004. Mr M Nxumalo (ANC) suggested that two teams be formed given the short time. The Chairperson agreed with the suggestion and said that one team would work on the financial aspects, while the other could work on the non-financial aspects of both reports. He then identified the members of each team. The financial team consisted of nine members and the 'non-financial' team consisted of eleven members. Mr Gogotya (ANC) was elected as the convenor of the financial team and Ms M Mdaka (UDM) volunteered to be the convenor of the non-financial team.

Ms C Ramotsamai (ANC) enquired about employing a researcher to assist the teams with reports. The Chairperson said that a request would be made to the Parliament Research Unit for assistance. There were plans to recruit a researcher on a three-year contract specifically for the Committee.

The Chairperson also asked Members to consider alternative means of identifying partners for the Expanded Public Works Programmes (EPWPs), other than advertising through the press which was expensive and was not reaching the intended target. Ms Ramotsamai suggested using local radio stations and community newspapers. Mr Blanche suggested putting brief vacancy bulletins in newspapers and also sharing these with local authorities.

The Chairperson announced that the Office of the Speaker had invited the entire Committee to a budget briefing on 1 November 2004. The same office had asked the Committee to suggest any training and capacity needs of the Committee. The Committee needed to know more about the budget cycle, have access to good researchers, and be empowered to do computer-based research. Mr Gogotya asked if they could have a say in who would provide the training.

Mr Blanche raised the issue of government agencies occupying Department buildings and expecting the Department to maintain those buildings. He suggested that the Minister raise this with the President. The Chairperson said that it was an issue that could be raised in the reports under co-ordination and co-operation between government departments.

The meeting was adjourned.