Hansard: Minister’s Responses / Members 's Statements

House: National Assembly

Date of Meeting: 04 Mar 2008

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Minutes

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 4 March 2008

 

 

TUESDAY, 4 MARCH 2008

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

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The House met at 14:01.

The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.

NOTICES OF MOTION

END OF TAKE

Start of Day

NOTICES OF MOTION

Dr S M VAN DYK: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I intend moving the following motion that this House -

(1) notes Min Alex Erwin is failing in his responsibility as Minister of Public Enterprises to exercise proper and diligent oversight over government's shareholding in Eskom;

(2) further notes his loss of credibility following the 2006 bolt incident where he falsely insinuated that the Koeberg power station had been the subject of sabotage;

(3) further notes his denial of the existence of a national energy crisis;

(4) further notes his multiple comments negating the harmful effects of the energy crisis on industry and growth;

The SPEAKER: Hon member, that sounds like a statement. Please, when you want to make a long speech, make a statement. Otherwise give a brief, straight to the point notice of a motion.

Dr S M VAN DYK: Thank you, I will do so.

(5) further notes his accusations that the private sector is using electricity rationing as an excuse to downsize their workforce; and

(6) resolves to reduce Public Enterprises Minister Alex Erwin's salary to a symbolic 1c per annum.

Thank you.

MOTIONS_WITHOUT_NOTICE

END OF TAKE

NOTICES OF MOTION

 

 

MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

CONGRATULATING THE KENYAN PEOPLE

(Draft Resolution)

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House –

(1) notes that on Thursday, 28 February 2008, the Kenyan government and the Orange Democratic Movement reached an agreement aimed at resolving the political crisis that has engulfed the East African country since the December 2007 elections;

(2) urges all Kenyans to embrace the spirit of national healing and reconciliation and work with their leadership in ensuring that peace returns to their country;

(3) congratulates the efforts of the African Union, under the esteemed Kofi Annan, his team and other multilateral organisations on their efforts to bring about peace in Kenya; and

(4) extends its best wishes to the Kenyan people on reaching agreement aimed at bringing peace to their country.

Thank you.

Agreed to.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

END OF TAKE

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF ERNIE ELS

(Draft Resolution)

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House -

(1) notes that Ernie Els won the Honda Classic at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Florida on Sunday, 2 March 2008;

(2) further notes that this his first win on American soil since 2004;

(3) recognises that he has achieved more than 50 victories worldwide, thereby making him a true golfing legend and also placing South African golf in the international spotlight;

(4) acknowledges the vital role he has played in developing the talents of young sportsmen and women by assisting young individuals from families with limited resources who have shown promise in the game of golf through his Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation; and

(5) Congratulates him on his victory and wishes him well in achieving his goal of adding to his three Major titles this year.

Thank you.

Agreed to.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

END OF TAKE

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SOUTH AFRICAN CRICKET TEAM

(Draft Resolution)

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House –

(1) notes that the South Africa beat Bangladesh by an innings and 205 runs in the second test on Monday, 3 March 2008;

(2) further notes that this victory means that South Africa won the two-match series 2-0;

(3) recognises that Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie set a test opening partnership record of 415, runs topping the previous mark set in 1956;

(4) further recognises that Dale Steyn took four wickets which lifted him to 100 dismissals in only his twentieth test;

(5) congratulates both Graeme Smith for winning man of the match and Dale Steyn for winning man of the series, as well as the rest of the South African cricket team on their superb performance; and

(6) wishes the Proteas well for their upcoming three tests against India.

Thank you.

Agreed to.

MEMBERS' STATEMENTS – Mr I M CACHALIA (ANC)

END OF TAKE

MOTIONS_WITHOUT_NOTICE

 

 

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE

(Member's Statement)

Mr I M CACHALIA (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, climate change is being brought home to the ordinary residents of our country. We have witnessed trees shedding their leaves early and plants flowering out of season or not at all.

Over the past five years the effects of climate change have started to become more pronounced in the natural environment. Cosmos, an early autumn bloomer started flowering as early as December. Clivias and Azaleas, both early spring bloomers, were also found to be blooming in certain parts of the country.

These are just some of the changes in nature that have been observed by the people. We have come to know it as climate change. Its long-term effects bode ill for humanity. The ANC recognises that climate change also poses a serious threat, not only to our country, but the African continent as a whole. We are extremely vulnerable to the effects of global warming and the risk to the poorest of the poor is extremely grave and incalculable.

The vision of the ANC regarding our future includes a sustainable economy where all South Africans, including present and future generations, are entitled to an environment that is not harmful, but conducive to their good health and their wellbeing. Thank you very much.

Ms A M DREYER (DA)

END OF TAKE

Mr I M CACHALIA (ANC)

POOR STATE OF PERCY STEWART WATER CARE WORKS

(Member's Statement)

Afrikaans:

Ms A M DREYER (DA): Mevrou die Speaker, in my kiesafdeling, Mogale City, dreig 'n ernstige gesondheidsramp.

Die Percy Stewart-watersuiweringswerk in Krugersdorp funksioneer slegs gedeeltelik. Weens stukkende pompe op die terrein word slegs 'n derde van die biofilters gebruik. Die betondamwalle is gebars en word met staalkabels vasgehou. Terwyl die waterwerke ontwerp is om 28 megaliter riool daagliks te hanteer, is daar 'n invloei van 30 megaliter. Weens die onklaar pompe en die toestand van die damme hanteer die stelsel nou slegs 12 megaliter per dag. Selfs hierdie 12 megaliter wat wel deur die proses gaan, voldoen nie aan die Departement van Waterwese en Bosbou se standaarde nie. Dis erg besoedel; dit vloei deur die Wieg van die Mensdom-wêrelderfenisgebied; en beland uiteindelik in die Hartebeespoortdam.

Soos met die kragkrisis is die wortel van die probleem 'n gebrek aan instandhouding en 'n gebrek aan vaardige personeel. Daar is byvoorbeeld nie 'n enkele elektrisiën by die waterwerke in diens nie. Namens die kiesers van Mogale City waarsku die DA die Minister: 'n Skrikwekkende gesondheidsramp is op pad.

Mr B W DLAMINI

END OF TAKE

Ms A DREYER

CRIMINALITY AT O R TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

(Member's Statement)

Mr B W DLAMINI (IFP): Madam Speaker, the South African public and visitors are deeply concerned about the rate at which people are being followed from O R Tambo Airport and then being robbed. There is strong evidence that these atrocities occur almost every week though the police believe that they are not necessarily orchestrated by a gang of robbers who is stalking people arriving at the airport.

Many victims of these attacks believed that they have been ambushed by a well-connected syndicate. It is believed that the culprits are sitting there at the terminal and are in cahoots with some thugs parading around the airport. There is a growing concern because the World Cup is just around the corner and most of our esteemed visitors will be landing at OR Tambo.

Needless to emphasise, these attacks portray a negative image and send a wrong message to the rest of the world. People who are planning to spend their holidays have now to think twice because the OR Tambo Airport has become a dangerous place. It is high time that police, airport authorities and relevant government departments make sure that justice is served. I thank you.

Mrs M M MADUMISE

END OF TAKE

Mr B W DLAMINI

 

 

 

 

GAUTENG TO RECRUIT COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS

(Member's Statement)

Mrs M M MADUMISE (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC commends the plan by the Gauteng Department of Health to recruit and train 1000 community health workers to ensure that the people across the province receive a professional health care service. These health workers will also be sent to schools and they will help to identify learners who experience learning difficulties due to poor eye sight, hearing and dental problems.

The government of the province will further extend the know-your-health status campaign throughout the province, aimed at promoting regular comprehensive testing for HIV and Aids, diabetes, hypertension as well as promoting oral hygiene. The ANC continues to work to strengthen the provision of child nutrition, food security and the continuous improvement of regular nourishment.

The government will work consistently to decisively attack communicable and preventable illness throughout, amongst others, immunisation programmes and ensuring the earliest treatment of chronic and noncommunicable diseases.

The ANC believes that the achievement of an enhanced status of health is an important part of improving the quality of life of poor South Africans. I thank you.

Mr G T MADIKIZA

END OF TAKE

Mrs M M MADUMISE

THE EFFECT OF PETROL PRICE INCREASE

(Member's Statement)

Mr G T MADIKIZA (UDM): Madam Speaker, the UDM expresses its sympathy with all South Africans who will from midnight have to deal with the effect of a 61 cent increase in the petrol price. This comes at a time when interest rates are already on the rise. We can assume that this latest increase will immediately filter into the cost of such basics as food and transport fares. We realise that the escalating international oil prices and unfavourable exchange rates expose this country to these price increases.

However, it is also true that more than 40% of our fuel is locally manufactured and not imported, yet the industry and government are complicit in a scheme that charges the consumer as if that fuel was imported and paid for in dollars. This liquid fuel industry is overregulated and the consumer is paying a heavy price. Another unspoken reality is that a significant proportion of the fuel price is tax levied by the government. This is a regressive tax that hits the poor harder than the rich and government continues not only to maintain this tax but to increase it annually. This situation is forcing poor households to choose between bare essentials like food and transport. Thank you.

Mr P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS)

END OF TAKE

Mr G T MADIKIZA (ANC)

 

GOVERNMENT NOT FULFILLING ITS CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY

(Member's Statement)

Afrikaans:

Mr P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS): Mevrou die Speaker, die Grondwet bepaal dat die staat 'n plig het om landsburgers te beskerm teen misdaad en om hul eiendom te beveilig.

Die werklikheid in Suid-Afrika is dat daar waar mense die veiligste behoort te wees, naamlik in en by hul huise, word hulle wreedaardig vermoor. Die nuutste is die bekende Johannesburgse argitek, Mnr Julian Lap, en die sakevrou, Marilyn Visser. Terwyl die gesin 'n rustige Sondagmiddag deurbring in hul huis word hulle almal deur rowers geskiet sonder dat daar enigiets in die huis geneem is.

Die publiek vra tereg: Hoe lank moet hulle, nie net misdadigheid nie, maar die wreedheid waarmee dit gepleeg word, duld en trotseer? Hoe lank moet daar verneem word van 'n bepaalde boer - of 'n bejaarde boer - en sy vrou wat eers met strykysters gebrand word en dan met kookwater gemartel word om dan vermoor te word met die regering en die Minister van Veiligheid en Sekuriteit se reaksie van: die motief is gewoon roof?

Hoe kan gewone roof die motief wees as slagoffers eers wreedaardig gemartel word? Hoe kan gewone roof die motief wees as vrouens eers wreedaardig verkrag word; baie keer ten aanskoue van hul mans? Hoe kan gewone roof die motief wees as daar rassistiese opmerkings teen slagoffers gemaak word? Wat die VF Plus betref, misluk die ANC-regering klaaglik om sy grondwetlike plig na te kom en die publiek te beskerm. Die Minister van Veiligheid en Sekuriteit het 'n taakspan saamgestel om na hierdie wreedheid van moorde te kyk. Ons wag steeds vir die antwoord en die verslag.

Ms X C MAKASI

END OF TAKE

Mr P J GROENEWALD

 

 

IsiXhosa:

RAILWAY LINE TO BE EXPANDED IN KHAYELITSHA

(Member's Statement)

Nksz X C MAKASI(ANC): Somlomo, urhulumente oxhuzula imikhala nokhokelwa ngumbutho wesizwe i-ANC ukholelwa ekubeni imizila kaloliwe yenye yezinto ezibalulekileyo kuqoqosho lweli lizwe lakuthi. Ngoko ke, le mizila kufuneka ilawulwe ngembeko nangobunono bekati.

Abahlali baseKhayelitsha eHarare, eMandela Park naseKuyasa baya kuxhamla kutyalo-mali olukuma-300 ezigidi zeerandi olujonge ukwandisa umzila kaloliwe ukuze ufikelele nakwezi ndawo zikhankanywe apha ngasentla.

Olu lwakhiwo lwemizila kaloliwe luze nemisebenzi kubahlali bendawo, yatsho yashenxa ikati eziko. Lukwa yinxalenye yokuvuselelwa ngokutsha kweendawo ezihlala abantu ezidolophini. Ukuvuselelwa ngokutsha kweendawo esihlala kuzo kubandakanya utyalo-mali, ulwakhiwo lweendawo zokonwaba, uphuhliso lwezakhono zabantu, ukhuthazo lwamashishini asakhulayo, kunye nokulwa nenxele likakhethsekile. Singamalungu ombutho wesizwe siya kuthi gqolo sisilwa intlupheko nendlala, sibambisene nabantu ekuhlaleni. Ndiyabulela, Somlomo.

Mr I S MFUNDISI

END OF TAKE

Ms X C MAKASI

 

RESPONSIBILITY OF MUNICIPALITIES TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT

(Member's Statement)

Mr P H K DITSHETELO (UCDP): Madam Speaker, the UCDP would like to encourage all municipalities to play a vital role in our everyday living. Every municipality should be part of our healthy environment. Municipalities do not reflect the features that we need them to. There are always problems with leaking sewerage, drainages, and refuse lying all over the show.

Furthermore, municipal managers, councillors, officials and people in all wards should be educated to take responsibility regarding the cleanliness of our towns and cities.

Dr S E M PHEKO

END OF TAKE

Mr I S MFUNDISI

 

 

 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ROBBEN ISLAND

(Member's Statement)

 

Dr S E M PHEKO (PAC): Madam Speaker, Robben Island must not be treated frivolously. It must be treated in the same manner as places where the Jews experienced their own Holocaust. Robben Island must not be a place where tourists have their weddings and honeymoons.

There was savagery and inhumanity on Robben Island. There was human degradation and genocide. A self-respecting nation must not allow this abomination and distortion of African magnanimity. The first document to tell the world about what was happening on Robben Island to anti-apartheid prisoners was an affidavit by Lindi Sogalela, smuggled by the PAC to the United Nations. Prisoners were buried alive there; they were starved; they were urinated on and they were made to work like slaves. Many died out there, and others such as Mangaliso Robert Sobukwe were poisoned.

Robben Island is the wrong place for weddings and honeymoons. It is like dancing on the graves of our parents. This nation cannot ignore a national leader who was detained on Robben Island without even a mockery of a trial and banished to Kimberly to die there. A national monument befitting Sobukwe's revolutionary contribution must be erected to his honour. He died 30 years ago.

Mr G G BOINAMO

END OF TAKE

Dr S E M PHEKO

 

 

 

 

STATE OF THE EASTERN CAPE DEPARTMENT OF

EDUCATION

(Member's Statement)

Mr G G BOINAMO (DA): Madam Speaker, although Matric results were republished more than two months ago and the new school year is already well under way, 33 learners at Chatty Secondary School in Port Elizabeth have still not received their results for the Matric exams because their exam papers have been lost by the Education Department. The lives of these learners have had to be put on hold while they wait for this bungle to be sorted out. They cannot get jobs, and they cannot proceed to higher education, and yet no serious attention is being paid to finding a way to solve this problem.

This is indicative of the disorder that prevails within the Eastern Cape's Department of Education. The Auditor-General has found the department to be riddled with fraud, unable to ensure that schools are run efficiently, and to be unable to deliver basic services such as the school feeding scheme. Any improvement in the performance of our children in school needs to start with ensuring that basic administrative processes are in place. In this regard, the Eastern Cape Department of Education and many others across the country have failed dismally. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mr R S NTULI

END OF TAKE

 

Mr G G BOINAMO

 

 

 

WORLD MATHS DAY

(Member's Statement)

Mr R S NTULI (ANC): Madam Speaker, 5 March marks World Maths Day. Millions of children across the world continue to participate in their country teams online after being provided with personal passwords by their different schools and other maths-promoting institutions.

While this is commendable, we note with grave concern that millions of children do not as yet have access to digital technology to enable them to participate as equals in mathematics worldwide. The recent study that measures the ability of South African learners in maths competency has further highlighted the urgency and the importance of creating an enabling environment for all our learners to become maths and science champions.

Our education expenditure stands at R121 billion, which is one of the highest by world standards. This actual input should correlate properly with the desired outputs and outcomes to enable our children and all other learners to sharpen their mathematical reasoning. We urge everyone to dig deep within themselves to uncover mathematical abilities. I thank you. [Applause.]

Dr R RABINOWITZ

END OF TAKE

 

 

Mr R S NTULI

 

 

IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH STANDARDS

(Member's Statement)

Dr R RABINOWITZ (IFP): Madam Speaker, the Department of Health's latest ambitious goal, is the intention to provide dual therapy to mothers with HIV. Like the rest of South African health policies' ambitious ideals, it is an ideal overtaken by an ever more disturbing reality.

The IFP believes that none of the measures adopted by the department within the constraints of current centralised dispensation of the health policy can succeed. We maintain that health must be depoliticised. The system must be decentralised. The public service thus becomes a bulk purchaser of care from the private sector to increase standards and reduce prices. The regulation of health care must be simplified, and all services must be monitored by health ombudspersons with defaulters held accountable to the law. Charters change nothing.

Centralised interference has ripped the public sector and is eroding the private. Appallingly, the Health Professions Council operated with a deficit of R6,8 billion last year. This year it would increase fees again by 10%, and at the same time professionals have lost the right to vote for their representatives on the council. The morale diminishes daily.

Over, Regulation 2 has not achieved its goal with medical schemes and it is contributing to the increase in hospital costs. Socialist's policies are not the mechanism through which to cope with dual therapy - HIV and TB would be ever mushrooming. The number of mentally ill people and infant mortality in our country is on the rise and the average age of deaths rise steadily. Thank you.

Ms J CHALMERS

END OF TAKE

Dr R RABINOWITZ

GROWTH IN TOURISM

(Member's Statement)

Ms J CHALMERS (ANC): Madam Speaker, tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of our economy. And we are pleased to report that the overall foreign arrivals increased by 8,6% from January to November 2007. The growth in Africa air markets was led by healthy increases: Out of Kenya it was 15,4% and Nigeria at 14,8%.

Arrivals from the Americans have shown consistent annual growth since 2002, with over 23 400 more visitors arriving from the United States. This brings the total figure to 255 822, and makes this market the second largest source market for South Africa.

Arrivals out of Europe are up by 2,6% for the year to date, and this was driven largely by the significant increase of 9,6% out of France. We believe that this is due to the turnaround strategy implemented in this market. However, air capacity issues may inhibit further growth.

The increase in arrivals from across all the regions of the world, and in particular, air arrivals, reflects not only the growing away on the South Africa's tourism destination but also the success of the airlift strategy passed by Cabinet in 2006 that resulted in increased access to the South African market for foreign currency.

The ANC can therefore say with utmost confidence that South Africa is in an excellent position to welcome more and more tourists to our shores in the days, months and years to come, and we look forward to doing this. Thank you. [Applause.]

Mr M WATERS

END OF TAKE

Ms J CHALMERS

DELAYING HEALTH PROFESSIONAL IMMIGRANTS

(Member's Statement)

Mr M WATERS (DA): Madam Speaker, several foreign qualified nurses who want to make South Africa their home, live and work here have recently been in the news because of the impossible delays amounting to more than two years, in some cases, in obtaining registration here. And I would like to give some examples: A particular nurse had to wait for 22 weeks to have her finished qualifications verified. So, she would have to wait for another ten weeks to receive a letter from the Department of Health just stating that there were actually vacancies for nurses in this country. She had to wait a further six weeks from the council for an application form; a further nine weeks for her criminal record check; a further six weeks to be told that she must write an ethics examination and then to wait another 19 weeks before she could write the examination because it only happens twice a year. So, the list goes on.

In complete contrast, an individual approached us yesterday saying that a friend - a highly qualified nurse - had emailed the Australian Consulates at 15h00 on a Sunday afternoon in February, to enquire about the immigration process. Two hours later she was telephoned by the Consulate and within three and a half hours she was set up with the requisite information and assured she would be welcomed in Australia. She would be leaving for Australia shortly.

During the conversation with the official, he asked her if Alberton North was a large city. She replied: "No, it was suburb of a fairly large town." He said he was very surprised because he had received 10 applications from nurses in the Alberton North area alone recently.

The government lacks professionalism in helping foreign qualified nurses and this is indicative of our complete lack of respect for health professions in general. The Minister of Health should rather focus on insuring that we have enough doctors and nurses for all our people than attacking private hospitals. Thank you.

Mr G LEKETHO

END OF TAKE

Mr M WATERS

 

 

ARTS AND CULTURE

(Member's Statement)

Mr G LEKHETHO (ANC): Madam Speaker, recently, the Development Bank of Southern Africa launched an exhibition titled The Soul of Africa Art Exhibition, thus creating a platformfor artists to exhibit their works. It is aimed at creating opportunities for young and talented artists from previously disadvantaged groups. It is also showcasing works by already established artists.

The initiative featured art works from African countries such as Madagascar and Angola, and also gave local artists the chance to put their works on display.

Art is an expression of persons' consciousness and perspectives. It is linked closely to the soul and the heartbeat of the people. It reflects the spirit of time and reveals the inner current of culture and traditions.

The ANC believes that arts and culture embrace custom, beliefs, tradition, religion, language, crafts, art and all art form such as music, dance, the visual art, film, theatre and written and oral literature. Arts permeate all aspects of society and our integral to the improvement of the social and economic lives of the communities.

The ANC-led Government would always encourage and facilitate cultural exchanges between people of South Africa and the rest of the world. Thank you.

MINISTERS' RESPONSES:

END OF TAKE

Mr G LEKETHO

 

 

 

THE BATTLE AGAINST CRIME

ROBBEN ISLAND AS SYMBOL OF RECONCILATION

(Minister's Response)

The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Madam Speaker, with regard to the question of crime, it is important that members of the House should have a better understanding than ordinary people on the street.

First of all, an examination of the budget of this nation will show that over the past few years, government has increased the budget for policing in order to tackle the problems of shortage of police personnel as well as the necessary equipment. Out of that budget government has intensified the recruitment of the members of the police to beef up the numbers.

We have sent large numbers of young people of this country to various academies around the world who are training, some of whom are already coming back into the country. This money has gone into the mobilisation of large numbers of communities, reinforcing policing fora in communities including, indeed, organising them even street by street so that there is more vigilance on the part of the community. The advertisements today on the radio and so on, which continue to focus the attention of the communities on the battle against crime, speak to what efforts are being done by government in this regard.

The collaboration between the government and the private sector, especially business, in initiatives that go beyond what government itself can do, speaks to the seriousness with which the government deals with the question of crime.

The government's strategy to fight crime does not end there; all of the welfare grants speak to an attack of poverty, to the problem of unemployment, disability grants, children's grants and so on intended to assist those families who may be faced with the problem of unemployment. The increment of the pension payouts makes it possible to place in home some of the sorely needed resources so that there may be individuals in those families who can place a piece of bread on the table.

To look at the strategy against crime purely on the basis of what has been done by the police, is to miss the overall picture of the efforts to deal with this.

Indeed, even when we talk to business about the question of job creation we are talking about the battle against crime. I have to deal with more issues than one, Madam Deputy Speaker.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Do you want to deal with another question? Do complete it we will just take one slot away form the Ministers. There is no problem.

The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Madam Speaker, I wanted to deal with the second issue which is the issue that the hon Motsoko Pheko raised, which I think is a serious and important question. Whilst it is true that Robben Island was a place of deep suffering it is also true that we want Robben Island to be a symbol of reconciliation of the transformation of relations amongst the people as we move forward.

If we said to young people who want to get married you may not go and get married on Robben Island where Mangaliso Sobukwe suffered and where Nelson Mandela suffered. If those young people want to show their commitment to the ideals for which these people suffered, if they wanted to keep the levels of awareness of society focused on what mistakes we have made in our history, what other positive work could they do it by?

I believe that those who do so do that in order to say that indeed, even to their still-to-be-born children remember that South Africa paid the price for this democracy - never again allow for what happened here in Robben Island to happen. Rather, make sure, like those who paid the price there, that the future belongs to all who live in this country.

I think we must sustain that because the buildings are there and the story is being told of the suffering people went through. [Applause.]

The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM

END OF TAKE

The MINISTER OF DEFENCE

SA TOURISM TO HAVE 10 MILLION FOREIGN ARRIVALS BY 2010

EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING IN OUR COUNTRY

(Minister's Response)

The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: Deputy Speaker, I would like to respond to two statements, the first being the one on climate change by the hon member Dr Cachalia and the second one on tourism on by the hon member Judy Chalmers. Let me deal with the tourism statement first.

Three years ago we announced that our objective was to have 10 million foreign arrivals by 2010 and people said that it was impossible. The statement by the hon Chalmers referred to the first 11 months of the year. This morning I received the statistics for the full 2007 and I would like to table it here in Parliament. It is good news again and we are growing at an extraordinary rate.

Worldwide tourism is growing at the moment by about 6%. Last year in South Africa we grew by 8,6% and that is extraordinary good growth. [Applause.]

If we look at the different markets we see that the United States is now our second biggest source market. It is more than just a recovery of the pre-9/11 market and the collapse of that market at that stage. We are seeing new growth there.

Last year we received in our country, for instance, from the United States 22 000 more arrivals compared to the previous year and that is growth of just over 8,7%. It is partly due to the Cabinet strategy in airlift. We have seen announcements from new airlines flying directly from the United States - Delta Airlines - and it is showing in the arrivals statistics from that country.

But also from Africa, as the hon member has pointed out, there is good growth. From Nigeria we've had an increase of almost 13%, 12,8%, and from Kenya 14,7%, and it illustrates quite clearly that Africa is a good market for us with a lot of potential growth. From Asia and Australasia we've experienced the same; from China 12,9% and from India almost 17%. We are quite proud of our growth strategy in that market.

In terms of tourism we are on target. It is still the fastest growing sector of our economy and the way that we are performing at the moment we will definitely reach that figure of 10 million foreign arrivals by 2010.

On the climate change statement, yes, I agree with that statement. It is not only in terms of the environment that we are seeing and experiencing the change. It is also with regard to agriculture, for instance, but also health.

Last week we had the debate in Parliament in which you and a number of other hon members participated. With regard to agriculture, our predictions are, and we think it is pretty close to what will happen, that we will see quite a dramatic decline in our maize production over the next few years, because we will receive less rain in the western part of our country which is our maize basket and in the eastern part - and people who live in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape can testify to this fact – we will receive more rain; more unsteady weather and more wet and cold fronts are moving in; compared to what we are used to as South Africans.

With regard to the international negotiations, we have committed ourselves in Bali in December last year that we will conclude the negotiations by the end of 2009; all of that is on course. Last week we took note of the United States saying that all developing countries must come in on the same basis as the developed countries. We would like to remind them that that is not what we agreed to in Bali.

In Bali we agreed to a category for developed countries with specific targets and comparable effort between all developed countries and for developing countries on measurable verifiable actions which we determine voluntarily. I would like to report back to Parliament that we are quite advanced with our long-term mitigation study process. We will report back to Cabinet within the next two to three months and then we will report back to Parliament before making the results of the study public. That is what will be required from us; the steps that we have to take to achieve some kind of target. I would like to say to Parliament that the ANC in Polokwane proposed a reduction target for the country. We are looking into that right now and one of the tools will be a price on carbon. Our message to the private sector is: Please take note, it will happen; it may take a few years, but it will happen. Thank you. [Applause.]

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

END OF TAKE

The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM

 

 

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE CAMPAIGN

(Minister's Response)

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Madam Deputy Speaker, I was going to respond on two statements but the hon Minister of Defence covered me with the he made about crime. So, I shall respond to the one made by the hon Madumise.

Just to say firstly, Deputy Speaker, we want to commend the Gauteng Department of Health on the launch of the Healthy Lifestyle Campaign. And, indeed it was a campaign that was launched by the national department just over a year ago. We also like to encourage all other departments, provincial departments to launch and sustain a similar campaign.

It is also no secret, Deputy Speaker, that most of the ailments and diseases are lifestyle-related. If you look at diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and HIV, they are all lifestyle-related.

Thirdly, Madam Deputy Speaker, I also would like to just emphasize that yes, I do have the right to access to basic health care by the state but I also have responsibility to keep myself healthy. And, I want to emphasize that with every right also goes a responsibility - and that is to keep ourselves healthy.

Fourthly, Madam Deputy Speaker, we also want to call on or encourage all South Africans to adopt a healthy lifestyle by eating healthily, exercising regularly and also embark on healthy lifestyle practices. That includes all of us, even in this House. Thank you, Deputy Speaker.

Mr N T GODI

END OF TAKE

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES

 

 

 

FIFTEENTH REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT AND REPORT OF AUDITOR-GENERAL ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2007

 

SIXTEENTH REPORT: ANNUAL REPORT AND REPORT OF AUDITOR-GENERAL ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS FOR FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2007

 

SEVENTEENTH REPORT: CONSIDERATION OF THE APPROVAL OF UNAUTHORISED EXPENDITURE INCURRED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

(Consideration of Reports of Standing Committee on Public Accounts)

 

Mr N T GODI: Hon Deputy Speaker, comrades and hon members, we are bringing before the House three reports from our committee, on the Departments of Public Enterprises and of Public Works, the 2006-07 annual reports and the report on the unauthorised expenditure incurred by the Department of Public Enterprises.

The unauthorised expenditure, totalling R11 006 245, incurred during the 1997-98 and 1999-2000 financial years in terms of the Exchequer Act of 1975 relates to the contravention of procurement procedures. We recommend that the House approves the unauthorised expenditure as the accounting officer confirmed that the services received were to the satisfaction of the department, control measures are in place to prevent these from reoccurring and that systems have been put in place to address expenditure control and financial management.

The Department of Public Enterprises got an absolutely clean report from the Auditor-General. When they appeared before us, it was more to appreciate their achievement and to showcase a rare success story. Except for concerns raised around staff turnover, especially with regard to skills and contract levels, as well as fruitless expenditure of R80 000 relating to a late cancellation of a conference. We are satisfied that the Department is exemplary in its financial management.

The budget of this department is almost equal to that of Home Affairs. This proves that there is no reason Home Affairs should not properly account for its expenditure, when the Department of Public Enterprises can get a clean audit.

We also found that leadership and teamwork are cornerstones for the department's success. This is something to be emulated.

In the Department of Public Works' annual report, the committee raises concerns about a number of issues which need correction or attention, namely the high vacancy rates, especially in senior management and highly skilled levels. The impact of such vacancies is obvious on service delivery, compliance and effective management. We recommend that Parliament be given quarterly progress reports on how the department is addressing this issue.

There are significant shortcomings in the management and control of assets owing to, among other things, inadequate monitoring and inadequate policies and procedures. We would like to see these inadequacies addressed, including the training of staff, and disciplinary action taken for deviations or noncompliance with policies and procedures.

We also report on significant internal control weaknesses which impact on rental debtor's recovery, implementation of policies and procedures and noncompliance with applicable legislation. This is definitely unacceptable. We would like to see managers managing and monitoring to ensure full compliance with control measures. I thank you.

Mr E W TRENT

END OF TAKE

Mr N T GODI

Mr E W TRENT: Madam Deputy Speaker, as it is my custom, I'm not going to deal with those aspects of the reports that we are all able to read. I rather want to deal with the macro issues involved. I would like to just repeat what the hon Godi has said, that managers must manage.

There are fundamentally two government departments that must carry the lion's share of the responsibility to ensure that effective and efficient management of public resources takes place. These are the departments, obviously, headed by the Minister of Finance and the Minister for the Public Service and Administration. It is critically important that these two Ministers work hand in glove with each other, and I've noticed that neither of them is here this afternoon, as usual.

In reply to my question of February 2008, the hon Minister of Finance announced that amendments to the Public Finance Management Act would be tabled during June. He said that he had initiated a review of the Public Finance Management Act with the objective of, amongst other things, strengthening the accountability of departments and public entities to Parliament, and he was going to align its provisions with those of the Municipal Financial Management Act.

He said that the tabling of the amending Bill had followed extensive consultations. Well, we applaud that. In fact, I withdrew a Private Member's Bill as the Minister had promised me that they were going to come with amendments.

I believe that it should be compulsory for departments - those that drag their feet on tabling their annual reports - to be required to submit the annual audit report independent of the annual report as is the requirement or a provision in the Municipal Finance Management Act.

An example of this is Home Affairs, which submitted its annual report for the 2007 financial year about a month ago. This is just not good enough. It makes it difficult for the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to do its work within reasonable timeframes. We welcome the Minister's announcements in this regard, but, as I have said, they are long overdue. This Act is now eight years old.

The Act is an outstanding piece of legislation, but after eight years problems have arisen with regard to implementation. Amendments must allow for a higher level of accountability, begin to be more performance and value-for-money-oriented and make it possible for aspects such as fruitless and unauthorised expenditure to be monitored far more effectively.

In the very limited time I have available, and before I move on to the Minister for the Public Service and Administration, I would like to raise just two further issues.

Firstly, I firmly believe that to simple update the schedules, Schedules 1, 2 and 3 of the Public Finance Management Act, by amending the lists of entities is simple not good enough. The Minister has to go further and look at these more than 300 entities that we have in South Africa as to whether they are in fact the most effective and cost-effective way of delivering services.

We can't just go on and accept that these entities are good in doing the job. That is the experience we are having in SCOPA. I have no doubt that the portfolio committee has found the same thing. We must get rid of those that aren't working and stick with those that are. I think that is very important.

Secondly, I think the Minister must be reminded that this Parliament is rapidly drawing to a close, and I want to appeal to the Minister to do everything in his power to make sure that the amending Bill is dealt with before the end of the year. If he fails to do that, with the election coming and a new Parliament being elected, I fear that this Bill will wait another two years before it is amended. Why is it important, because we want to improve public finance management; it's as simple as that.

Speaker, one of the entities that, without doubt, do sterling work is the Commission for Administration. This commission has researched and tabled at least thirty reports over the past two years on a wide range of issues that directly relate to the performance of our Public Service, most recently the indebtedness report of the Public Service - and I will highlight just a few issues of this report. This is shocking. Some of you are familiar with it.

Public servants had their wages docked to the tune of more than

R1 billion in just a year as their levels of indebtedness rose massively, raising fears that this could increase fraud and corruption. This is one of the opportunities that you need for fraud. Opportunities and indebtedness are two of those issues that create fraud.

I also believe that this indebtedness could have an adverse effect on productivity of these employees. They are psychologically affected and they are not productive. The report recommends, inter alia, that government should amend the service regulations to compel senior managers to declare their loans liabilities and, in addition, their private business interests.

In conclusion, I want to say that it's one thing to amend the Public Finance Management Act, but unless the recommendations of the Public Service Commission are taken seriously by the Minister and amendments to the Public Service regulations and the necessary legislation are made, then the total effect on our Public Service will not be at the desired level. Thank you. [Applause.]

Mr H J BEKKER

END OF TAKE

Mr E W TRENT

Mr H J BEKKER: Madam Deputy Speaker, with the exception of the Department of Public Enterprises, it seems to me that every time this House debates Scopa reports on the audited financial statements of state departments, the same weaknesses appear over and over again.

Just over two weeks ago, this House debated various Scopa reports. The major failings of the relevant departments were high vacancy rates, high staff-turnover rates, poor assessment in terms of asset management and weak internal controls. Today those very same weaknesses are evident in the Auditor-General's report for the relevant departments we are discussing today.

I confidently predict that in future we will find exactly the same problems in other departments when we again debate Scopa reports. This clearly indicates the pervasive nature of the weaknesses in our public administration.

South Africa is experiencing a skills shortage in all sectors. However, it appears to the IFP that this problem is very serious in our state departments, which have obvious consequences for service delivery and for accountability to Parliament.

The problem of high staff turnover rates is also of major concern. Clearly, a large number of public servants are being lured to the private sector. However, we must question whether the Public Service has done enough to retain personnel, especially those that have received on-the-job training in the government departments.

The IFP has already welcomed the President's announcement that all Public Service vacancies should be filled within the six months period after such a vacancy occurring. But our fear is that even if the vacancies are filled, there is no guarantee that those persons will remain in the Public Service for very long.

The continuous problems of poor asset management and poor internal controls concern us greatly. These weaknesses have to be addressed urgently by the accounting officers of these departments and Parliament must be a great deal more vigilant in its oversight in order to ensure that they actually take the steps expected of them to rectify these shortcomings. I thank you. [Time expired.]

Mr G T MADIKIZA

END OF TAKE

Mr H J BEKKER

Mr G T MADIKIZA: Madam Deputy Speaker and hon members, the 15th report on the Department of Public Enterprises confirms that the Auditor-General has given the department an unqualified audit report for the 2006-07 financial year.

Nevertheless, two issues of concern are raised, namely fruitless expenditure of R80 000 and a skilled staff turnover of nearly 11%. The latter is cause for concern since this is one of the most common factors in departments that regularly fail to deliver or satisfy PFMA requirements.

The report on the Department of Public Works raises once more the familiar theme of capacity constraints as a result of staff shortages. Vacancy rates, especially in critical positions, remain at an unacceptably high level. This causes or exacerbates other problems such as insufficient control over asset registers and internal control weaknesses. The UDM supports the four recommendations made in the report.

The 17th report of Scopa... [Time expired.] [Applause.]

Mr S N SWART

END OF TAKE

Mr G T MADIKIZA

Mr S N SWART: Madam Deputy Speaker, the ACDP commends Public Enterprises for receiving an unqualified audit opinion. In view of the large number of qualified opinions and exclaimers in other departments, this is a rarity and should be commended, but it should be the rule and not the exception. We also share the concerns expressed by Scopa regarding the high turnover of personnel, especially skilled persons in the report on Public Enterprises.

The lack of skilled personnel, as pointed out by the speakers, permeates the Public Service and is also highlighted in the report on Public Works that has an average rate of 17,5% for vacant posts, of which a high proportion relates to critical posts. We support the proposals from Scopa to address this issue.

The Public Works report also highlights significant shortcomings in the managements of state assets. This is our family silver and we need to protect it. We can't afford to lose these assets worth billions of rands. We also note the significant control weaknesses regarding the recovery of rentals. The state could be losing millions of rands if these rentals are not followed up, particularly considering the three year prescription period. The ACDP will, however, support these reports. I thank you.

Mr P J GROENEWALD

Mr S N SWART

END OF TAKE

Afrikaans:

Mr P J GROENEWALD: Adjunk Speaker, dié verslag raak basies twee aangeleenthede aan: Die eerste is, byvoorbeeld, die vrugtelose uitgawes by Openbare Ondernemings wat die gevolg is van wanadministrasie deurdat deurdat 'n kongres gekanselleer het. Maar daar word nie opgetree teen hierdie amptenare nie, want hulle het die diens verlaat. Dit word 'n mode onder amptenare om wanadministrasie te pleeg en dan gaan hulle net eenvoudig uit die departement uit en daar word nie teen hulle opgetree nie.

Die tweede aspek gaan basies oor personeel: die een geval van 10,8% van omset in personeel by Openbare Ondernemings en 17,5% van personeelvakatures by Openbare Werke. Die vraag is: Hoekom gebeur dit juis daar?

Daar moet weereens gekyk word van die ANC-regering se kant of dit nie as gevolg van regstellende aksie is nie. Daar is mense wat aansoek doen vir poste, maar omdat hulle nie kan deelwees van regstellende aksie nie word daai poste nie gevul nie. Dalk moet u luister na die agb Kader Asmal wat sê, "die ANC-regering moet indringend herbesin oor regstellende aksie." [Tyd verstreke.]

Mr R B BHOOLA

END OF TAKE

Mr P J GROENEWALD

Mr R B BHOOLA: Madam Deputy Speaker, the MF once again stresses the importance for us to operate in a system of transparency and checks and balances. We need to firmly institute our responsibility and answerability to the people. Scopa plays a vital role in securing this.

In view of the 15th report we join Scopa in applauding the Department of Public Enterprises in its apt management and share in the concerns of a 10,8% turnover for 2006-07 and the fruitless expenditure of R80 000 regarding the late cancellation of a conference. We hope the Scopa recommendations are met with keen considerations.

The 16th report of Scopa on the Department of Public Works comes with great concern regarding the large number of vacancies in the department; some of which are absolutely crucial positions. The MF hopes that we may comb through the unemployed and find people with whom to fill these posts fast.

The 17th report of Scopa regarding unauthorised expenditure by the Department of Public Enterprises in 1997-98 to 1999-2000 is satisfied by the fact that measures have been taken to secure that this will never reoccur. The MF will support the reports.

Mr D M GUMEDE

Mr R B BHOOLA

END OF TAKE

Mr D M GUMEDE: Hon Deputy Speaker, comrades and colleagues, I shall restrict myself to the listed reports. Of these reports, two are financial reports of which one is qualified and the other contains a request for approval of unauthorised expenditure.

In each report there are challenges in a number of areas, which I shall highlight, starting with the financial report of the Department of Public Works.

Beginning with the brief historical background of the Department of Public Works, it is patchy, indicating that progress is made in some areas, with constant challenges in others.

Areas of concern include the weaknesses that have been identified in the key systems of some of the departments, especially at regional level.

These include lack of monitoring and general control over systems; asset registers for movable and immovable assets; data control; lease portfolio, where reconciliation is not done on time, leading to right-offs; procurement systems that appear to have no control over and to be not in line with Treasury specifications; and unauthorised expenditure, because we have a number of funded vacancies that are unfilled, especially for skilled personnel and management.

Affirmative action is necessary and has to happen for South Africa to be stable. There is no way we can run away from affirmative action. [Applause.]

The reports we are dealing with today has those control problems that I have talked about. There are, however, also areas of the ICT environment that are of concern. Given that there are vacancies at senior management level, positions that are responsible for exercising control using available skills and capacities, it is not surprising that we have problems in areas of control and monitoring even where the Auditor-General indicated a need for intervention in the previous years. We therefore view the filling of vacancies as a matter of urgency so as to address problems that the department has, including those listed above.

This will provide resources and capacities that are required in line with due execution and stewardship of public resources and capacities by the accounting officer. We humbly request that the portfolio committee assist where it can, and we are prepared to be guided by them in areas where we may not have the necessary insight.

I now come to the annual report of the Department of Public Enterprises and we commend the department for its unqualified report. The committee is of the view that the department has to establish reasons for the high staff turnover, otherwise we request that they continue with their good work as reflected in the annual report.

Lastly, coming to the unauthorised expenditure incurred by the Department of Public Enterprises, one has to explain why this expenditure exceeding R11 million was approved by Scopa. The first amount arose from the extension of an existing contract with consultants. As restructuring of state assets had to continue, this contract, which was perfectly legal, had to be extended. The extension required that the State Tender Board ratify it before the consultants could continue with their work. What rendered this expenditure unauthorised is that the department used more than it had foreseen when its budget was allocated.

The second amount arose from consultancy fees that were invited without official tenders, thus incurring unauthorised expenditure, and unauthorised expenditure remains unacceptable and undesirable.

However, looking at the nature and possible impact of the unauthorised expenditure, we felt that because the unauthorised expenditure was fruitful, we received value for the money. Furthermore, there are control measures in place to prevent a recurrence.

The officials concerned with procurement were trained to ensure that future procurement is in line with the supply management request. We should approve the expenditure because there was value for money and the objectives of the budget were met.

We were satisfied that the required systems, capacities and controls are in place and that services were rendered in line with the objectives of the budget. Scopa proposes that the unauthorised expenditure be approved by Parliament.

Coming back to what was proposed before, that we should upgrade the requirements for financial management, I think in principle we should not disagree. However, at the same time we've got to look back to see what skills, resources and capacity the country has. Then we can move on, Mr Trent. Thank you very much. [Time expired.] [Applause.]

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

Mr D M GUMEDE

END OF TAKE

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, we move that the report be adopted.

Debate concluded.

Motion agreed to.

Reports accordingly adopted.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

END OF TAKE

POINTS OF ORDER

(Rulings)

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, during the debate on the President's state of the nation address on 13 February 2008, the hon Minister of Housing raised a point of order around whether it was parliamentary and acceptable that in his speech, the hon Chief Whip of the Opposition should "find that black women and engineers are mutually exclusive". By way of interjection, the hon Mr Lowe then said, and I quote: "We already know that you are stupid, you don't have to show it".

A further point of order was then raised by hon Ms Mentoor around whether such an interjection was parliamentary. On a further point of order, Mrs Seaton then informed the House that the hon Minister of Housing had shouted that members on this side of the house are stupid.

In addition - at a later stage in the debate - various questions were posed during the hon Dr Delport's speech around his reference to "my mense", his people.

Having had the opportunity to study the unrevised Hansard, I would now like to rule as follows: The Minister of Housing's initial point of order is a matter of debate, and not a point of order. Although the interjection by the hon Mr Lowe is audible on the recording, the remarks ascribed to the Minister of Housing are not.

I have ascertained that the word "stupid" has indeed on occasion, although not consistently, been ruled unparliamentary. However, as the full exchange that took place was not audible and therefore could not be captured by Hansard, I cannot rule on the matter.

With regard to the general quality of the debate that took place on the day, including during the hon Dr Delport's speech, I would like to caution hon members to moderate their language and to conduct themselves in such a way that contributes positively to the level of debate in the House.

The House adjourned at 15:11.


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