Programme for 1998

The Chairperson, Ms Govender, began the meeting by saying that the committee needed to discuss and determine its priorities and programme for 1998. She also reported on the status of the committee. A letter had been received from the Chief Whip and the Secretary of the Assembly stating that the Ad Hoc committee could now establish itself as a full committee.

Mrs Malan (NP) inquired that as one of the mandates of the committee was to look at the implementation of CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women), was it not duplicating the duties that the Gender Commission performed. The Chairperson responded by saying that the terms of reference were different, those of the Gender Commission were broader. The focus of this committee was primarily on government administration. The role of the Gender Commission was to monitor government and all other sectors, including the private sector and the independent media. It was also implemented to do research, take up complaints and investigate cases that were brought before the Gender Commission. In short, it was an independent body outside the government. Ms Vos (IFP) added that, as a committee, they could summon the Gender Commission to appear before them.

Mrs Malan stated her concern about the late arrival and poor attendance of members. Ms Hajaij (ANC) suggested that the committee look for another day for their meetings as it often coincided with other meetings. The Chairperson responded that the problem was finding an acceptable day. She felt that a rationalising of committees was necessary and that members should limit themselves to two committees. She also felt that the attendance needed to be officially registered and sent to the Chief Whips, who needed to act more sternly. She said that the meetings might have to be scheduled back to Mondays.

The Chairperson introduced Coriann de Villiers, who had been assigned as the researcher to the committee. She also made mention of the annual report, which discussed the key issues that had emerged from last year. It had the progress reports from all Ministries in terms of their implementation of the CEDAW and the Beijing's Plan of Action. They had received some independent reports from the Welfare and Finance Departments, as well as from the Director-General of Health. The Justice Department had sent a letter thanking the committee for the work it had done.

The Chairperson identified budgeting and legislation as needing to receive top priority in 1998. Various hearings would need to be organised.

At this point several members excused themselves from the meeting as they had made prior arrangements concerning other meetings. The Chairperson mentioned that the Speaker of the House had complained that she had not received notices for the Ad Hoc committee meetings. She also expressed her concern that the 1998 session would be brief and a great amount of work lay ahead for the committee. This included the Green Paper on Gender Policy that is be introduced in April on which the Committee would need to hold hearings.

The Chairperson closed the meeting as there was no quorum.