Hansard: Questions for oral reply: Deputy President ; Cluster 2: Social Services
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 01 Nov 2011
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 106
WEDNESDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2011
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
The House met at 15:01.
The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
NEW MEMBER
(Announcement)
The Speaker announced that the vacancy which had occurred owing to the resignation of Ms N N Sibhidla had been filled, with effect from 28 October 2011, by the nomination of Mr T Bonhomme.
The member had made and subscribed the Oath in the Speaker's office on 1 November 2011.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Question 9)
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START OF DAY
Question 9:
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon Speaker and hon members, the Programme to Support Pro-Poor Policy Development, PSPPD, is a research and capacity-building programme which is located within the National Planning Commission of the Presidency. It is a partnership between the Presidency and the European Union. The PSPPD is a five-year programme which started in October 2006 and will end on 31 December 2011. It will then enter a 6-month closure period to conduct final evaluation and final audit processes, effectively closing at the end of June 2012.
The programme was developed to improve the effectiveness of public policy interventions. To achieve this, the programme has focused on strengthening policy-making around poverty and inequality through the use of research within the social and economic clusters.
The programme has focused on promoting evidence-based policy-making through research on poverty and inequality; developing the capacity of researchers to contribute evidence to policy; developing the capacity of policy-makers to understand how to use research evidence; supporting government's monitoring and evaluation system to help it evolve in a way that contributes effectively to evidence-based policy-making; and collating, documenting and sharing examples of the use of evidence with stakeholders.
To date, the programme's activities have seen the culmination of inputs and linked activities since the start of the implementation. In August this year a two-day conference was held in Gauteng where 13 research papers were presented to an audience of policy-makers and academics. In addition to this, a series of articles were published in the print media showcasing some of the research studies for a wider audience. Also, the PSPPD funded activities that resulted in a draft National Evaluation Policy Framework, and a scoping exercise and workshop for the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation was done to define citizen-based monitoring.
The PSPPD Phase 2 Proposal is currently being processed by the European Commission in Brussels and a decision is awaited by the Commission on the General Budget Support programme. Thank you.
Ms B N DAMBUZA
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The DEPUTY PRESIDENT
IsiXhosa:
Ms B N DAMBUZA: Ndiyabulela Sekela-Mongameli ngenkcazelo yakho egabalala necace gca. Kodwa ke, ndinqwenela ukwazi ukuba kwezi ziphumo ezithe zafumaneka kolu phando, nolubonakala ngathi luya esiphelweni, zikhona kusini na iimpawu ezibonakalisa ukuba kuza kufuneka kubekho utshintsho kuMgaqo-nkqubo okanye kwiRegulatory Framework esinayo apha eMzantsi Afrika? Enkosi.
IsiXhosa:
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Somlomo, olu phando lwenziweyo luncedise kakhulu ekuhloleni nasekuhlalutyeni izinga lokusebenza, yiyo loo nto ebangele ukuba namhlanje sikwazi ukuluhlalutya izinga lukusebenza kwamasebe.
English:
It is due to this research. In fact, as I indicated, both the Human Sciences Research Council and nine universities are involved in this programme. So, we stand to benefit practically from this research in ways of eradicating poverty. It is very pertinent and important. We believe that the second phase of this programme should be welcomed by all, once Brussels has decided positively in our favour. Thank you.
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION
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The DEPUTY PRESIDENT
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Mr Speaker, the PSPPD's research facility has funded and commissioned papers into both youth unemployment and the youth wage subsidy proposal. These are matters which are not only high on the programme's agenda, but also no doubt high on the Deputy President's agenda, as the political head of the war on poverty campaign.
However, the government continues to stall on the implementation of the much-needed youth wage subsidy. Had the wage subsidy been implemented on 1 April 2010, it could have benefited almost 225 000 unemployed young people thus far. With every day that passes, the delay in implementing the wage subsidy denies even more young South Africans the chance to move out of poverty and into meaningful employment.
Mr Speaker, will the Deputy President tell us whether the government will implement the youth wage subsidy by the target date set by the National Treasury of 1 April 2012? If not, what is its justification for denying hundreds and thousands more young South Africans access to work opportunities? Thank you. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Thank you very much, hon Mazibuko. Let me take this opportunity once again to congratulate you, my dear sister.
The youth wage subsidy is being discussed at Nedlac and, as you know, Nedlac is made up of four chambers. The reason for it is that we need buy-in. It is important that when it is implemented, it should not be resisted and opposed by unions who are of the view that it would casualise labour, that young people who would benefit from it would end up being treated as though they were permanent employees as it were, and that it would depress overall wages. It is the fear of competition by employed workers.
We believe that through discussion in Nedlac consensus will emerge. I am sure you know that a number of accords have already been signed at Nedlac level by all the key stakeholders. We are quite positive that a positive outcome will emerge out of the discussions. Thank you.
Mrs J D KILIAN
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The DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Mrs J D KILIAN: Speaker and Deputy President, South Africa suffered a 70% decline in foreign direct investment during 2010, compared to 2009. During the same period in 2010, Angola increased their foreign direct investment significantly, and attracted 20% of Africa's total foreign direct investment. This is according to research done by the University of Johannesburg.
In the same period, other middle-income states, like Chile and Indonesia, were ranked in 19th and 20th place respectively, while South Africa lagged behind at 128th in the world in 2010.
Does the Deputy President agree that this is a serious problem and that so-called economic freedom marches by the ANC Youth League add to concerns about South Africa as a safe investment destination, which ultimately leads to growing unemployment? Does he also agree that the best pro-poor policy is to create sustainable jobs for the 25% unemployed people in our country? Thank you.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon member, let me start with your second point. Yes, I do agree that the creation of employment opportunities, permanent jobs actually, for the poor is the correct policy.
With regard to the loss of foreign direct investment and how we compare to Angola, I think all the sceptics - those who think that we are, through our pronouncements and actions, driving away investors - have been eloquently answered by the country's assessment conducted by Walmart. Walmart has done the country's assessment and it gives us the thumbs–up, that it actually wants to be in South Africa and that that is where other investors ought to be. I can't find a more eloquent response to all of these doubts and questions than the country's assessment done by Walmart.
What it means is that no other American company will have to do a similar assessment, because it has already been done. They will simply follow. That is why the Walmart investment here in South is a very important step. [Interjections.]
Well, the point is that they went through everything. They did a thorough country assessment, they went through the Competition Tribunal and they got the thumbs-up. These are processes that are in place. The point I'm making is that they are saying all investors must come to South Africa. That is what I'm saying. We are very happy that this is what they have done. Thank you.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Question 10)
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The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Question 9)
Question 10:
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon Speaker and hon members, as you are aware, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act directors-general of departments, as accounting officers, are responsible for managing the finances. They are therefore responsible for addressing the shortcomings and implementing the recommendations identified in the Auditor-General's reports. As Ministers are ultimately responsible for the overall performance of their line departments, they are expected to take appropriate steps to ensure that accounting officers act on the Auditor-General's recommendations.
In order to strengthen the performance monitoring system, the Presidency has put in place the following measures: the Director-General of the Presidency is the Chairperson of the Forum of South African Directors-General, Fosad. With Cabinet approval, Fosad has started to monitor the implementation of key improvements to management and administration in the Public Service. The Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency is facilitating this monitoring on behalf of Fosad, and it provides the Fosad Management Committee with regular reports on progress towards improving a number of key administrative problems. The aim of this monitoring is to increase the focus of accounting officers on addressing these matters and to provide Cabinet and the President with periodic reports on progress in this regard.
The Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation is currently working with the Department of Public Service and Administration to revise the performance assessment system for accounting officers, to increase the role of the Presidency and the Offices of the Premier in this system, and to ensure that the managerial and administrative performance of a department is a key factor in the performance assessment of the accounting officer of that department.
Fosad started monitoring managerial and administrative performance issues three months ago. This will be an ongoing process until managerial and administrative performance improves. The new performance assessment system for accounting officers is planned to start in the 2013-14 financial year. In the meantime, the existing performance assessment system for accounting officers will continue. I thank you.
Mr N SINGH
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THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Mr N SINGH: Hon Speaker, I thank the Deputy President very much for that response. While I accept that the accounting responsibility of any department resides with the director-general or the head of department as we know it, I think it is very important for us as Members of Parliament to know that somebody is going to crack the whip when these directors-general do not perform their functions. The Auditor-General's report on the national outcomes suggests that a number of departments are struggling to maintain sustainable controls within the financial environment.
Now, we have seen the positive effect the hon Minister of Home Affairs has had in cracking the whip in her department, and there has been a wonderful turnaround in the Department of Home Affairs.
So, Mr Deputy President, we as the IFP believe that the proverbial buck stops with members of the executive. It is for them to ensure that the heads of departments do the kind of work that they are supposed to do and that clean audits become something on which the hon Ministers are assessed in terms of the performance agreement. I would like to know if the hon Deputy President can comment on that aspect. Thank you, Sir.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon Speaker, yes, indeed, I agree that the buck stops with the political head. However, the point I was clarifying is that it is the accounting officers who will have the responsibility of ensuring that the recommendations and points made by the Auditor-General in his report are attended to and implemented. Indeed, when we think of government administration or Public Service administration, it is the directors-general who are in charge. That is why, together with the senior managers, they need a great deal of support and, indeed, the political heads, the political leadership, ought to give them all the requisite support, as well as direction. Yes, I agree with that. Thank you.
Mr N J J VAN R KOORNHOF
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THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Mr N J J VAN R KOORNHOF: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Hon Deputy President, will you agree that the Ministers are the leaders in their ministries and therefore in their departments, and that they should always set an impeccable example in how they run their own ministries? If so, is the fact that they all too often book into luxurious hotels, ... [Interjections.] ... maybe travel too much, maybe drive the cars they should not, not sending the wrong message to the departments, who can then say: The ministries do not care, so why should we as departments?
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon Speaker, I thank the hon member very much. Yes, I agree that as Ministers we are supposed to set a good example, but the accounting officers would not, or should not, sign off on any instruction that is likely to get them into trouble. If they do so, they should ask that the instruction be in writing so that down the line they have proof that they came under pressure.
To put the question differently, as the President indicated the other day in a public debate, he has no control over renovations in his office. In positions of leadership, such as that of the President or a Minister, we also have to submit to being managed.
What do I mean by this? You know, I may get into the car here and know the destination. If the driver turns in the opposite direction, I cannot give him instructions and say, "Look, turn this way, because it is shorter. It will be quicker." That is because of what happens down the line. [Interjections.] You may say to me, "You have the authority. Why don't you do it? It would save petrol and wear and tear on the car," and so on. However, the reality is that the way the system works is that we should not ... [Interjections.] No, the point I am trying to illustrate is that if we get used to giving these kinds of instructions, down the line something like the following will happen. Tomorrow when somebody that I dislike intensely crosses the road, I may say to them, "Shoot him!" [Interjections.] So, there must be no ... [Interjections.] I am trying to explain a principle, that we must accept being managed and that those who manage us must have that authority so that they can be accountable as well.
An accounting officer such as a director-general should not accept unlawful instructions. Yes, that is the point I am making. It is teamwork. However, we do say that the buck stops with the political head. We cannot avoid taking responsibility for that. When the newspapers say a certain amount of money has been spent on flowers, I do not want the flowers myself. I think I can do with plastic flowers actually! [Interjections.]
Ms A M DREYER
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THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Ms A M DREYER: Mr Speaker, the Public Service Commission recommends that senior managers who do not submit financial disclosures should be charged with misconduct. Yet months after due date there has been no action. The Public Service Act states that criminal charges must be laid for financial misdemeanours of R100 000 or more. Yet, most officials found guilty of this offence receive only a written warning. Perhaps this is why, in one year, fruitless and wasteful expenditure by national departments increased by 200% and irregular expenditure rose from R13 billion to R21 billion.
Mr Deputy President, why do you allow this phenomenal failure in implementing the law on financial management in the civil service? [Interjections.] [Applause.]
IsiXhosa:
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Ndiza kuphendula, mlungw' am.
English:
Indeed, where the law is very specific and clear, it should be implemented. There is no excuse for not following the law and therefore I would proffer no excuse for such delays. In fact, it is something that should happen on an urgent basis. There is no reason why, other than just inefficiency, really, such people - once the assessment and report indicate that they have acted irregularly – should not have actions instituted against them. But, of course, we also have labour laws which prescribe procedures, and so on. [Interjections.] So, the point is that it has to be followed procedurally, but there is no excuse for any delays. Thank you.
Adv T M MASUTHA
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THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Adv T M MASUTHA: Speaker and Deputy President, central to the objectives of the ANC is an improvement in service delivery for the betterment of the lives of our people. [Interjections.] Now, clearly ...
The SPEAKER: Order, order! Order, order!
Adv T M MASUTHA: Now clearly, in the report that the Auditor-General has just released and that hon Singh is alluding to, not only are we seeing the challenges that are being highlighted – some of which seem to be persisting – but we are seeing some positive stories as well. To cite an example, the Department of Home Affairs has been withdrawn from ICU and placed as a shining example of how improvement can be achieved, thanks to the current Minister of Home Affairs. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Now, Deputy President, taking that as an example, will government ensure that there are more positive stories such as those, by seeing to it that Ministers continue to play a leading role to ensure that departments which have persistent challenges begin to address them seriously so that we can begin to celebrate the achievements? Thank you. [Time expired.]
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Speaker, I agree with the hon member that that is something that should be achieved. Clean audits should be achieved by all ministries, basically. Thank you.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Question 12)
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The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Question 10)
Question 12:
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon members, a significant part of government's programme in the fight against substance abuse is led by the Central Drug Authority. This is a statutory body made up of a number of government departments, nongovernmental and community-based organisations, academics and substance abuse experts.
It has the responsibility to co-ordinate efforts to reduce the supply of and demand for drugs and substances of abuse; strengthen efforts aimed at eliminating drug trafficking and related crimes; promote the integration of substance abuse issues into the mainstream of socioeconomic development programmes; ensure appropriate intervention strategies through awareness raising, education, prevention, and early intervention and treatment programmes; and promote partnerships and the participation of all stakeholders at local and provincial levels in the fight against substance abuse.
The objectives and plans of the Central Drug Authority are captured in a National Drug Master Plan. The government departments involved in this plan include Arts and Culture, Correctional Services, Basic Education, Higher Education and Training, International Relations and Co-operation, Health, Home Affairs, Justice and Constitutional Development, Labour, Social Development, SA Police Service, Sport and Recreation, Trade and Industry, and Transport, as well as the SA Revenue Service. Particular government departments are charged with drawing up and implementing operational plans, referred to as Mini Drug Master Plans, in line with their core functions. Youth substance abuse has been identified as one of the key priorities in the Drug Master Plan.
In recognising the critical situation of growing substance abuse in South Africa, Cabinet has set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Substance Abuse, IMC, chaired by the Minister of Social Development. Eight Ministers and Deputy Ministers are part of this committee. Youth substance abuse has been a specific focus of the IMC. Plans to reduce substance abuse, which have taken into account local and international best practice, have recently been adopted by Cabinet.
Given the importance of obtaining wide stakeholder involvement in substance abuse strategies and plans, the Department of Social Development and the Central Drug Authority hosted a Substance Abuse Summit in March 2011. This was attended by 750 stakeholders, comprising the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Substance Abuse, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the World Health Organisation, the Parliament of South Africa, provincial executives, legislatures, substance abuse forums, Local Drug Action Committees, organised labour, the House of Traditional Leaders, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations, community-based organisations and youth structures.
The government and other stakeholders signed a declaration committing to accelerated action to ensure the implementation of the resolutions adopted by this summit. These resolutions have been incorporated into the main plans of the Inter-Ministerial Committee. I thank you.
Mrs Y R BOTHA
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THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Mrs Y R BOTHA: Speaker, arising out of the hon Deputy President's reply, the festive period is around the corner and I want to know from the hon Deputy President whether the government can implement some of these steps, especially the resolutions of the Biennial Substance Abuse Summit; and can they be implemented now, to alert and conscientise youth and their parents about the dangers of substance abuse during this period, since many see the festive period as the season to be merry?
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon Speaker, all organisations which were participants at the March summit, including the government, members of this august House, and all other formations, have the obligation to implement the resolutions. Thank you.
Mr M G P LEKOTA
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THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Speaker and hon Deputy President, I think the problem of drugs is one that is threatening us as a nation from all sides. No less a voice than that of Mr Jackson Mthembu has made a heart-rending appeal to the people of our nation to stand up and fight in this battle because of what it is doing to his family personally. Therefore I would like to ask this question: What is the Presidency's plan to convince the nation that it is determined to uproot this scourge?
A senior Cabinet Minister's wife was recently convicted of drug trafficking. Had he declared the income from this trade, because Ministers also have to declare what their families' income is, and the proceeds from drug trafficking are big? Has that been declared? [Interjections.]
What is the government doing to ensure that Cabinet, the core leadership of government, is clean in regard to this crime? [Time expired.][Applause.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Speaker, on a point of order: The hon Lekota has just launched an unacceptable personal attack on another member of this House, for which there is no basis. We would request him to withdraw it.
The SPEAKER: I will study the Hansard and come back with a ruling on the matter. Hon Deputy President, if you wish to respond, you may.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon member, the activities of the hon Minister's wife were obviously clandestine and that is why it took lots of crime intelligence activity to keep tabs on her, and to eventually nail her and the other drug pushers, the partners in crime.
Now, your question, sir, is: Did the Minister declare the income from this activity? The activity itself is not only unlawful, but it is a criminal activity. The Minister does not regard that as gainful employment - he is employed as a Minister. He could not have been party to such activity; otherwise he would be behind bars himself.
I think in all fairness the answer must be no, he did not declare that as income of the family, because obviously he was unaware and not implicated in the matter in any manner. The matter went through the courts and a determination was made, and at no stage was he ever called in, either as a witness or as a partner in the crime. I wouldn't want to go in that direction. I suppose it is sufficient to simply say that the likelihood is that he would not have declared such income. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs H LAMOELA
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THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Mrs H LAMOELA: Mr Speaker and Mr Deputy President, in 2004 this government closed down the Narcotics Bureau. If I remember correctly, it was closed down then by the now discredited Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi, and this has resulted in centres of excellence being destroyed.
The DA, through our national spokesperson, hon Dianne Kohler-Barnard, and our MEC for Social Development in the Western Cape, Mr Albert Fritz, has repeatedly called for the re-establishment of these specialised units. When will the Deputy President reinstate these units? If not, why not; and if so, what steps are being taken to do so and what is the timeline thereof? I thank you. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon member, I am not in a position to give a clear answer on that one, since I am not privy to any discussions in the Cabinet on the restructuring of the police. Therefore, if the hon member desires that the Narcotics Bureau should be re-established, she should make the proposal and I will communicate it to the relevant Minister for attention. Thank you.
An HON MEMBER: What is your view, Mr Deputy President?
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: My view is that all the law enforcement units that we have should be in the frontline of combating the spread and peddling of narcotics, and that the kingpins, the real masterminds behind these activities, should be nailed, brought to book and sentenced. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs C DUDLEY
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THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Mrs C DUDLEY: Speaker and hon Deputy President, do we know of any particularly successful prevention campaigns anywhere in the world that we can draw on or are drawing on? Will the government be prioritising relevant prevention campaigns in line with the recommendations of the Medical Research Council, and will funding be made available for this?
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon member, the summit that I alluded to made very specific resolutions with regard the fight against substance abuse. Now, prevention means that we should ensure that there is no supply. We must cut off the supply pipes and inspire young people to engage in friendlier activities. We should also ensure that even adults who are a bad example diminish in number. We must promote sports for young people and make sports facilities available.
In other words we must provide better examples to ensure that the majority of the people in communities and in families inspire younger people not to veer into activities involving substance abuse. If we do that, and eradicate poverty and give meaning to life to ordinary people, I think we will be able to achieve a drug-free society, yes. Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH (Question 231)
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The DEPUTY PRESIDENT (Question 12)
Question 231:
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Thank you, hon Speaker. This is the answer to the Question 231 to the Minister of Health, in relation to the private health sector's being labelled "brutal". I have had a discussion with the Minister and my response is based on that discussion.
The Minister of Health labelled the private health sector system as being "brutal", where people are denied access to care in private facilities, even in emergency situations. In some cases, due to administrative problems with their medical aid cover, they are expected to pay tens of thousands of rands upfront, immediately, before they are attended to medically. Also, in some cases where the medical funds are exhausted prior to the full treatment being provided, they are refused further treatment.
There is no problem in the relationship of the ministry and the Minister with the private sector. The Minister himself meets regularly with representatives from the private sector. The concern of the Minister is the affordability of private health services in South Africa; hence the proposal that has been made, of a National Health Insurance, NHI, system.
We would like call on all South Africans, in both the public and the private sector, to embrace the World Health Organisation, WHO, Guidelines in finding solutions through the NHI system to effectively managing the hospital-centred system, which has a strong curative focus instead of a disease prevention and promotion focus; secondly, to deal with the fragmentation in the approach of health programmes and service delivery, so that we build an integrated health system that is more effective; and, thirdly, also together to deal with uncontrolled, unregulated commercialisation of health care which undermines the principles of health as a public good.
In some instances, even financially stable families are thrown into poverty due to the high and unjustifiable cost of health care. Some examples of costs which are high and unjustifiable and which have been brought to the attention of the ministry include: R18 000 for what we call a D&C, which is Dilation and Curettage, mainly for women who have had an incomplete abortion or abortions; R30 000 for perianal abscess, which can be a relatively minor operation; and R67 000 for the evaluation of a person who had a car accident and came into the hospital walking. Then there was R500 000 - half a million rand - for a laparotomy for peritoneal abscess, and in addition there were separate surgeon's fees of R23 000 and separate anaesthetic fees of R3 000. Finally, there was another R700 000 for the same patient for a repeat of the operation, and that was just before the patient died! Other overservicing by the private sector was where, instead of a procedure that was worth R200 that a child of 10 years needed, an offer was made for a root canal treatment worth R20 000.
I have no doubt that hon Member Waters and the House will appreciate the choice of words of the Minister of Health, given that he had to save taxpayers' money recently. He effected a saving of R4 billion meant for HIV-positive, mainly poor patients, from the claws and jaws of the pharmaceutical industry just recently. This money was meant for antiretroviral treatment, ART. If the Minister had not intervened, it would have become part of the profits of this industry.
The Minister has signed a service level agreement with the President to increase the life expectancy of South Africans. He is taking his job seriously. Let us continue supporting him in this endeavour and ensure that we built partnerships. Thank you. [Time expired.]
Mr M WATERS
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THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
Mr M WATERS: Thank you, Speaker. It is unfortunate that the Minister of Health is not here to reply on his own remarks. The high costs in the private sector can be attributed to the lack of regulation by the department itself, and the Minister and Deputy Minister's failing to do their duty in regulating the private sector. If we are to improve the quality of health care in the public sector, we will need the expertise of the private sector. Labelling them "monsters" and "brutal" is not only destructive, but reminds us of our recent past, where the previous Minister would have made such irresponsible statements.
Our top priority must be to bring together both health sectors in order to improve the quality of health care for all in this country. In order to show his commitment and maturity in achieving this gaol, the Minister should apologise unconditionally for his remarks to the private sector.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: The Minister is not labelling any individual person in the private sector. Also, the Minister and the ministry have certainly leveraged the expertise in the private sector, and we will certainly need the expertise in the private sector as we build an NHI system and a better health system. The Minister is objectively assessing, which we agree with, the state of the private health system as it is, and as South Africans currently feel it.
I must also say that this is not unique to South Africa. The three areas that the WHO Guidelines deal with, including the uncontrolled commercialism of health care, are not unique to South Africa. It is an international problem that all of us, public and private sector, must come together and join the ministry in dealing with. I thank you.
Mr G B D MCINTOSH
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THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
Mr G B D MCINTOSH: Thank you, Mr Speaker. I have three short questions for the Deputy Minister.
The SPEAKER: Just one is enough.
Mr G B D MCINTOSH: Okay. I think, Mr Speaker, we are well aware of the differences in costs. Recently it was publicised what the difference in costs is in both the private and state hospitals for circumcision or male genital mutilation.
We also know that, for example, many people prefer to go private hospitals. Even my old friend, the late Harry Gwala, chose a private hospital before he would go to Grey's Hospital, which was a good state hospital.
My question to the Minister is: Would the Minister not consider three examples of public-private partnership hospitals which are extremely well run and are in the Eastern Cape as examples of places where private medicine and state medicine work together very constructively? They are the hospital in Humansdorp, the Settlers Hospital in Grahamstown, and the hospital in Port Alfred.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: As we discuss the whole question of the NHI system, I think those are the case studies that we need to look at, in regard to whether they will assist to achieve the objectives of the NHI. We also recall that in the Green Paper that has been released for public comment the NHI also indicates that the service providers will be accredited. So, if those are the models that are in line with the objectives of affordability, efficiency and effectiveness in regard to the health of the population in that area, they will be assessed accordingly and, if found appropriate, they will be accredited. So, indeed, the health system is integrated and the ministry is committed to working with all South Africans in that regard.
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE
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THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE: Thank you, Mr Speaker. The question is about how the Minister intends to improve his relationship with the private health sector. The Deputy Minster has answered and said that there is no problem with the relationship between the Minister and the public health sector, but then why does he use words such as "monsters" and "brutal"? What type of a relationship is it then, if people call each other "monsters" and "brutal" and so on? I think the right thing to do is for the Minister to withdraw what he has said and apologise, as that will improve the relationship.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Hon Speaker, on Wednesday I left Cape Town for Bloemfontein and the region of Gariep, as part of my district visits. I incidentally sat next to a woman who was one of the professionals, a psychiatrist, who was going home to her mother. When I had explained the NHI to her, she actually shared with me that she had been jogging, had sprained her leg and had gone to the nearest hospital, where she was refused treatment because she did not have a credit card and could not pay upfront; and she could not prove that her medical aid cover would cover her. So the system is monstrous and brutal, and it is unacceptable.
The Minister has no problem in relating to the private sector. He works very well with the private sector. He consults the private sector and they enhance his work. I think we should agree that these incidents are inhumane - some call them capitalism without a heart. Thank you.
Mr D A KGANARE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 109
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
Mr D A KGANARE: Thanks, Speaker. Deputy Minster, the truth is that maybe the people are not happy with the use of the words "monster" and "brutal".
Furthermore, the truth is also that even if you have a medical aid and you go to a private hospital, at the point at which the funds are exhausted you are told to get out! That is really the issue that the private sector must apologise for to the people they chase out after finishing their medical aid funds. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Indeed, I think many South Africans, especially the middle class, who are members of medical aid funds, know that during this period, towards the end of the year, most of their cover is exhausted. Furthermore, if they have catastrophic illnesses like cancers, or they land in ICU, they may actually be told to get out, in a way, because their funds are exhausted.
So let's work together. The Minister is working with the private sector and the Ministerial Advisory Committee. Even the NHI has the private sector involved in it, and a number of ministerial advisory committees in various areas have private sector industry involved with them and there is continuous dialogue. Let's find common solutions to this problematic system. Whether we call it monstrous or brutal, it is inhumane.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (Question 204)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 110
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH (Question 231)
Question 204:
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: Hon Speaker, the Minister and I have discussed this question and I thank the member for asking it. The essence of the question asked by the hon Dambuza is the empowerment of people to construct their own houses. When people construct their own houses, as in the case of the People's Housing Process, PHP, they help with the reduction of undesirable dependence upon state resources. It is Vukuzenzele; it is Letsema.
To be more specific, the authority for the enactment of legislation, the introduction of policies, and the establishment of co-operatives vests with the Minister of Trade and Industry. My department, therefore, works within the policy and legislative framework put in place by the Department of Trade and Industry. Through this department the Co-operatives Act of 2005 was enacted, supported by the policy.
However, in view of the fact that housing co-operatives may apply for developmental capital and capacity building assistance in terms of national housing programmes for social housing and institutional housing subsidies, the Department of Human Settlements has developed guidelines for housing co-operatives. These guidelines will assist housing co-operatives to apply for accreditation with the Social Housing Regulatory Authority, SHRA, and applied development capital available through the national housing programme. Once the said guidelines are approved, they will be forwarded to SHRA for finalisation and communication with the housing co-operatives.
The SHRA will also be requested to develop a specific strategy to generate momentum towards delivery of housing co-operative opportunities. The SHRA regulations presently being drafted will take into account measures to promote and support the co-operatives within the human settlement sector. The housing co-operatives and PHP are the future for human settlements beyond the cut-off date. These programmes will be relevant. They are about broadening the housing and the building market. I thank you, Speaker.
Ms B N DAMBUZA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 110
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Ms B N DAMBUZA: Thank you very much, hon Deputy Minister. Given the fact that the Social Housing Regulatory Authority, SHRA, does not fully accommodate housing co-operatives, we have been in discussion with the department on this, and the department has agreed that they are really not fully accommodated. This is because their objectives and the principles are not the same. SHRA accommodates rental, which has to do with profit, and co-operatives have to do with ownership.
Given the fact that we have had discussions, I want to put this question to the Deputy Minister. Has the department recognised a dire need, or does the department agree with the House that there is a dire need, to develop a dedicated policy and legislation for the housing co-operatives? I ask that because even the response that the DTI is responsible for that is not convincing - the DTI is responsible for registration. We believe that the management and administration are supposed to be managed by the Department of Human Settlements. We can refer to the resolutions of the ANC conference of 2002, that the Department of Human Settlements was given a mandate to ensure that there was this policy. I thank you. [Time expired.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: Chairperson, I understand what the chairperson is asking around the issue of co-operatives and I understand the fact that the SHRA is not fully accommodative to the co-operatives at the moment. Let's agree that when we do the guidelines, they must be specific so that they are able to cover this element.
However, at the same time, the directorate in the department that deals with the issue of the PHP must fully work out the nitty-gritty and the practicalities of helping, particularly the co-operatives that fall outside the framework of the SHRA, so that no co-operative is left without support. This is because the housing programmes are designed to help ordinary people. So, if the current policy is not able to cover that, we will look at the guidelines and be able to assist.
Fortunately, this process is not complete. As I have said, the guidelines are in the process of being drafted. So, we will be able to get in touch with the portfolio committee, because they are the people who understand and are to ensure that at the end of the day the co-operatives are practical and we have a user-friendly approach. So, allow us to go back and revisit the issue, member. Thank you.
Mr A M FIGLAN: House Chairperson, I think I am covered by the answer that was given by the Deputy Minister. Thank you very much.
Mrs C DUDLEY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 110
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
Mrs C DUDLEY: Thank you, Chair. Hon Deputy Minister do you know whether not there are sufficient, well-informed support institutions for the effective development and management of housing co-operatives; if not, why not, and what are the relevant details around that? Will the Minister apply the necessary pressure to ensure that these support institutions are put in place? Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: We do have support institutions. As I have said, there is a directorate for the PHP in the department. There is a chief directorate that deals with the issue of the PHP, and that includes co-operatives. That is why we have South African Women in Construction as part of the co-operatives.
That is the entry level, and we need to ensure that they graduate through the different levels. Once they graduate to a superior level, which is Level D, that is a level where they are part of the DTI. This means we are monitoring from the basic level. Within the Department of Human Settlements they are on Level 1. Once they get to Level 4 of the DTI it means they are fully-fledged and can operate on their own. However, when they are on Level 1, they are still with the Department of Human Settlements, getting support from us. Thank you.
Mr K P SITHOLE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 110
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
IsiZulu:
Mnu K P SITHOLE: Ngiyabonga kakhulu ngezimpendulo eziphendulwe nguSekela Ngqongqoshe, kodwa ngiyacabanga ukthi,futhi uma ngibheka uNgqongqoshe ufuna ukucasha ngogodo uma ezokhuluma ngezindaba zezohwebo nezimboni.
Thina umbuzo esinawo futhi esibheke kuwo ukuthi phansi abantu impilo yabo incike kulezinkampani esisebenza ngokubambisana. Ngicabanga ukuthi uMnyango Wezezindlu yiwona Mnyango oqondileyo okufanele ukuthi wakhe lezinkampani ezisebenza ngokubambisana. Okwesibili, uma ekhuluma ngeSHRA nangokuthuthukiswa imihlahlandlela, umbuzo enginayo ukuthi izohanjiswa nini futhi izophela nini lemihlahlandlela. Nizokwenza kanjani ukuthi niyilethe masishane eMnyangweni Wezezindlu ukuze sikwazi ukuzibheka ukuthi zinceda kanjani abantu ngoba kufanele kusizakale abantu lapha. Ngiyathokoza.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: I just want to explain to the House that I am not telling stories when I speak about our assistance with regard to the issue of co-operatives, and how women in particular are involved, because co-operatives support women in construction. That is why people are asking about co-operatives.
In Kimberley, in August, I handed over a number of certificates to people who have graduated from Level 1 to Level 4, which means that they are already at the level of being assisted. When we say that they must go to the Department of Trade and Industry, it doesn't mean that we dump them there. We don't do that. We in Human Settlements work with the Department of Public Works, because Level 4 is given to them by the Department of Public works. This is an integrated approach and every department is assisting.
So, when we talk about assisting the different entities, it means that we are satisfied that people are graduating. We can say that people must go and build houses but, if they are not in a position to build proper houses, those houses are going to fall down. So, we have to make sure that when they graduate, we give them a certificate and are satisfied that their company can stand on its own. I thank you. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH (Question 216)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 111
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS (Question 204)
Question 216:
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Hon Chairperson, in order to promote the optimal utilisation of primary health care facilities, the department has embarked on a process of re-engineering these services in order to make them the first point of contact, based on convenience, quality and accessibility, as well as the effectiveness thereof.
This intervention of re-engineering is outlined in the Green Paper for the National Health Insurance system and it involves three aspects, the first one being the attracting of specialist teams in each district nationally. These specialist teams involve paediatricians, obstetricians, gynaecologists, anaesthetists, family physicians, advanced midwives, and primary healthcare and nursing specialists, amongst others. Each district, regardless of whether it is rural or urban, will have these teams responsible for the health outcomes of the health system.
The second area of intervention is introducing and strengthening school health services.
The third area is establishing municipal, ward-based health teams nationally. There are just over 4 000 municipal wards in the country, and we believe that having home-based caregivers under the guidance of the local clinic will assist, not only in health care services, but also in preventing diseases and promoting health amongst our people.
To date, the department has audited over 2 000 health facilities, including clinics, to ensure infrastructure needs are also met. I thank you.
Ms B T NGCOBO
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 111
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
IsiZulu:
Nkz B T NGCOBO: Sekela likaNgqongqoshe sibonga impendulo yakho, kodwa okwamanje sisalindele ukuthi kulungiswe kabusha usizo lwezempilo olusezingeni lokuqala (primary health care). Yini engenziwa ukuthi imitholampilo ibenazo zonke izinsiza ezisheshe zisize abantu, njengemithi. Abantu baya ezibhedlela ngoba emitholampilo imithi ayikho. Ngiyabonga.
English:
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Chairperson, indeed, the issue of availability of medicines is a key area of monitoring that the department has identified, and I must say that from the physical visits that we have made the country has improved greatly in this area, due to the systems that we have put in place. We are also introducing technology, including m-health, or mobile health, to ensure that we support patients that are on chronic medicines. I thank you.
Mrs C DUDLEY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 111
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
Mrs C DUDLEY: Chair and hon Deputy Minister, since the reality is that people tend to go to hospitals, regardless of how many primary health care facilities you have in an area, is the department going to determine to place primary health care facilities at hospitals, so that you can actually implement your plan without trying to change a whole culture of thinking? Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Chairperson, indeed, where it is convenient for patients to have what we call "gateway clinics" on hospital premises, these have been introduced as primary health care facilities. But ideally the primary health care facilities should be closer to communities, and in most cases they are communities where hospitals are at a distance. Yes, indeed, where primary health care facilities can be introduced on hospital grounds, it has been done. Thank you.
Ms E MORE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 111
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
Ms E MORE: Chairperson and Deputy Minister, according to the General Household Survey for 2010, the quality of health care services at clinics still remains very poor, and this is most unacceptable to the DA. On what basis does the Deputy Minister guarantee that the steps she has alluded to will be implemented and monitored in order to improve the quality of health care services at our clinics? I thank you. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Chairperson, we have acknowledged that steps which are much more decisive need to be taken to assure the public of quality services throughout the health system, especially in the public health system. Indeed, clinics and primary health care facilities are included in this regard.
We have a monitoring system at the national level which is also assisting us in this regard. We have shared this monitoring system with the MECs for Health of all provinces, and we will be standardising the monitoring system. In addition, there are regular visits by senior management and us to ensure that we have first-hand experience, something to which I alluded earlier on.
I must say that the experience so far is that there is a mixed situation, and where we need to intervene we immediately take steps to ensure that the provinces do intervene. Where we need to support the provinces, especially in areas that are geographically vast, we also look at how we can work with provinces to ensure that all our primary health care facilities provide quality, reliable health care at all times. Thank you.
Mr D A KGANARE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 111
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH
Mr D A KGANARE: Deputy Minister, the problem here is a combination of perception and experience. The latter is where people have gone to the primary health care centres and experienced bad service. On the other hand, the former is where people sometimes have the perception that the service is not up to standard. The issue is how to address both, and the truth is that there are primary health care clinics which are providing good service.
Have you, as the department, decided on a programme of mobilising people to understand the importance of going to primary health care clinics before they go to hospitals and, secondly, dealt with the issue of ensuring that the service provided at these centres is up to standard?
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH: Hon Chair, statistically over 40% of the primary health care facilities that we have were built during this time of the democratic era. So, there has been a great effort to improve services and situate them closer to where people live.
Secondly, the introduction of clinic committees has also helped, where the public and the communities participate in ensuring that they oversee and support the health management, and in ensuring that the quality of the services is responsive to their needs.
The other important intervention is the programme of the re-engineering of the primary health care system. In many instances, patients walk past primary health care services because there is no doctor. I think we have a doctor-based system and there isn't adequate appreciation for the fact that our nurses are highly trained. You can actually also appreciate that by the rigour with which other developed countries poach our nurses.
I agree with you that education, mobilisation and active participation of communities will ensure that we achieve the objective of ensuring that primary health care services are more accessible and of good quality. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (Question 236)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 112
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH (Question 216)
Question 236:
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Chairperson, in response to the first question, at the time of my request for the KPMG report I was informed that there was no report, as the audit firm had failed to submit the report within the agreed stipulated time frame. This led to the termination of their contract and the appointment of Adv Jannie Lubbe. The Audit Committee of Council gave an undertaking to furnish me with the report once it had been submitted.
Secondly, KPMG was contacted by my department, but they indicated that they were not at liberty to disclose their report, as they were acting on behalf of the Central University of Technology, CUT, Council in this matter. Their agreement with the CUT council was to submit their draft report to Adv Lubbe. I'm informed that KPMG's draft report dated 16 September 2011 was subsequently submitted to Adv Lubbe.
Lastly, I was not informed. I am, however, aware that Adv Lubbe was appointed to finalise the investigation and I will therefore be requesting that the university council furnishes me with both the draft KPMG report and the Lubbe report as well. Thank you.
Dr J C KLOPPERS-LOURENS
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 112
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Dr J C KLOPPERS-LOURENS: Minister, regarding your answer, when will you request that a copy of the version of the KPMG report that was ready on 2 September this year be made available to the members of the portfolio committee via Education and Training, in order for them to fulfil their oversight role in this regard? When will you see to it that it gets published by the university?
If the evidence and findings contained in the report are of such a nature that it is clear that the conduct of the current council and Vice-Chancellor compromises the integrity of the Central University of Technology in Bloemfontein, are you prepared to appoint an administrator to take over the responsibilities and functions of the council or the Vice-Chancellor in order to rescue this institution? Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Chairperson, as a matter of fact, by the end of today I will have written to the chair of the university council to ask for both reports to be forwarded to my department. If any wrongdoing is found in the information contained in these reports, I will definitely not hesitate to act.
As to what kind of action will be taken, of course, one cannot say now because it will depend on the nature of the transgression. A transgression may sometimes require more than just dissolving the university; it may require taking legal action or handing people over to the police or whatever the case may be.
If there is any wrongdoing that actually requires that we take action along the lines we are suggesting, we will definitely not hesitate to do that as a department. Thank you.
Mr Z S MAKHUBELE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 112
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Mr Z S MAKHUBELE: Chairperson, hon Minister, given the apparent lack of clarity or certainty on the state of the report and the process in order to conclude the matter, can Parliament and the public be assured that you will do everything in your power to ensure its logical conclusion as a matter of urgency?
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Chairperson, I just wish to underline the fact, and also to assure the House, that I will do everything in my power to get the reports and also to act on this, because at the end of the day we are talking here about public universities who are supported by the public. It is the taxpayers' money. It is our responsibility as the department to at least ensure that these monies and funds are actually handled properly and that these institutions are able to act in a manner that is beyond reproach.
So, I assure you that I will stop at nothing, and I will not delay if there is any information that points to the fact that I need to act. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (Question 245)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 113
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (Question 236)
Question 245:
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: Hon House Chair, I appreciate the question from the hon member Kganare. Under normal circumstances I would answer his question by saying, no, I am not aware, or I have not been informed, of any whistle-blower. That is because otherwise I would have to go and search all over for this information, as the hon member's question was not clear. However, because I have done some homework, I hope that my answer will satisfy the hon member.
Yes, I am aware of a particular case in the Free State where two people employed by Bloem Water were dismissed from work after they had informed us of certain anomalies in the running of the affairs of Bloem Water. We then instituted an investigation to determine what had happened and what had led to that, and to follow the case very closely in order for us to be able to determine what should happen to these employees.
It should also be noted that this is not the normal procedure to be followed, given our labour laws in this country. However, we detected that this was a case where there was the potential for these people to be fired because of their being whistle-blowers, and for this reason we are following it up as we are doing. Thank you.
Mr D A KGANARE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 113
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mr D A KGANARE: Hon Chairperson, I thank the Minister. On 7 April 2011 a letter from the South African Municipal Workers Union was sent to the Minister, raising concerns about the activities of the members of the board, in collaboration with the chief executive officer, CEO, of the board. On 20 June 2011 another letter was sent to the Minister's office via her special advisor, referring to serious activities of tenderpreneurs on this particular board, where the chairperson of the board, some members of the board and the CEO were quoted. It is also very clear that a lot of thieving has been taking place here at this particular board.
The question is this: Instead of allowing these whistle-blowers to be expelled, is the Minister willing to take drastic steps to get rid of this particular board and the CEO; to ensure that these workers are reinstated; and to ensure that a proper investigation is finalised as a matter of urgency?
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: House Chair, I should also bring it to your attention that this question about the activities of the board, the anomalies, the alleged misappropriation and so on, was asked by the hon member as a written question, and we duly responded to it. We indicated that currently investigations were going on. For now I was responding in regard to the allegations that people who are employees have been dismissed. In both instances there are ongoing investigations. Thank you.
Mr G R MORGAN
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 113
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mr G R MORGAN: Thank you, House Chair. Thank you for the answer, Madam Minister. I don't know the exact details of the case, but let me thank you for being so frank about it and doing an investigation.
It's important to note that it has been exactly a year since you took over the portfolio of Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs and you have committed yourself to good governance, which I thank you for. Indeed, I have seen some very positive changes in the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs over the past year. You took over a department with serious governance problems, which you are well aware of, and since then many senior officials have been disciplined and some have been fired. I have no doubt there are many problems that you don't know about, and as the Minister you want to know about them.
Therefore, with your having taken over this department and your commitment to good governance, I ask whether you have personally reaffirmed in your department a whistle-blower policy to the effect that if there are problems a person knows about, he or she should speak out about them. If so what are the relevant details; if not, why not?
Secondly, do you as Minister have an open door policy where staff members can come and raise issues with you about fruitless, wasteful expenditure or corruption? I ask this because, of course, I know there are lots of problems in your department and sometimes staff members may fear retribution inside the department from senior staff members above them. Thank you, Madam Minister.
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: Hon House Chair, may I remind the hon member that the whistle-blower policy is actually a policy of government as a whole, and it is being implemented.
In fact, we would probably not have known about the case under discussion if somebody had not written a letter to alert us of this. That is why we are investigating it. The same applies to the activities at the board level. We were informed by people, and we were able to follow it up because they wrote to us.
The open–door policy is what is applied throughout - in my office, in the director-general's office and the Deputy Minister's office, and all over. We also continuously hold meetings with employee representatives, and they also meet with our special advisors, where it is necessary to do so, and they have done so previously. These are just some of the incidents I am referring to in order to illustrate the open-door policy that we have in action, and not just in theory. Thank you.
Mrs D R TSOTETSI
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 113
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mrs D R TSOTETSI: Thank you, Chairperson. Minister, we thank you for being procedural and not risking a situation where you have to reinstate employees, a situation that has financial implications. Thank you for that.
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: I suppose it is a welcome comment. Thank you, hon members, all of you.
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (Question 218)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 114
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (Question 245)
Question 218:
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: Hon House Chair, some of the most common challenges that are encountered by the Department of Water Affairs in respect of compliance with water resource protection are the following: illegal water use in areas or instances, where activities occur after licensing; noncompliance with licence conditions, such as not meeting the effluent discharge requirements; not installing appropriate meters where it is necessary to install them; and lack of consistency in the recording of water use. These are only some of them.
With the recent establishment of the Directorate of Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, for example, the department has stepped up the regulation function in order to ensure that there is a specialised focus on this function. Through that the department is also focusing on the training of personnel in the regulation field, coupling this with the capacitating of this Directorate.
There are also stakeholder engagements and capacity building, which will result in sector participation in self-regulation. As time goes on we would like to believe that because of these efforts the identified challenges will be reduced. Definitely, the assessment will happen under normal circumstances as the regulation function is continuously strengthened.
Workshops and meetings are also being held with municipalities in order to strengthen their capacity and to determine the areas of need. This is so that the department can provide support where necessary, especially during the incentive-based regulation process for Green and Blue Drop Certification.
Coupled with these efforts, a review of relevant regulation tools, which are regulation strategies, guidelines and so on, is currently under way. This review will confirm the suitability and relevance of these tools. Such tools include amongst others, the development of guidelines for waste water management for different industries; and the revision of current effluent standards, determining charge rates for the implementation of the waste discharge system. Indeed, the deterioration of water quality there due to non-compliance would impact negatively on industrial produce and influence financial viability of such industries, which in turn would impact on the economy. As we are saying, we note that this kind of challenge will lead to an impact on the economy. It will also affect the quality of raw water and directly increase the water treatment costs. Thank you. [Time expired.]
Ms P BHENGU
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 114
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
IsiZulu:
Nkz P BHENGU: Ngibonga kakhulu kumhlonishwa uNgqongqoshe ngempendulo yakhe ecacile. Kuyiqiniso ukuthi kunabantu nezimboni ezisebenzisa amanzi ngezindlela ezingekho emthethweni, yize benawo amalayisensi. Ngemuva kokuba umnyango ususungule i-Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, phecelezi i-CME Directorate, bangaki abantu noma izimboni esezibekwe amacala ngalesi senzo sokwephula umthetho. Ngiyabonga.
Engish:
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: Hon Chair, we really must appreciate the work that is being done through the Portfolio Committee on Water and Environmental Affairs, of which the hon Bhengu is a member, and the great contribution that they are making in this department by pointing directly at areas where there are challenges; for example, where there are unlicensed water use and challenges of water pollution, and where the need for protection is great. Thank you.
Mr G R MORGAN
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 114
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
Mr G R MORGAN: Madam Minister, thank you for a very comprehensive reply in regard to all the various actions the department is taking. I would like to focus on the issue of the Directorate of Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, the so-called Blue Scorpions, who are very important. Indeed, we need to protect our water resources. We certainly do not have enough. There are a number of pollution threats to our water sources, including failing waste water treatment plants, and industrial pollution.
The question I have, though, is about the number of Blue Scorpions there are and how dedicated they are, not in terms of their personal commitment but in terms of whether they have many other functions besides being Blue Scorpions. Only one province, Mpumalanga, has a dedicated Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement office. In the other 8 provinces, as far as I know, Madam Minister, the so-called Blue Scorpions also have to perform other functions, which I'm sure you will agree is not the perfect situation.
Could you please give us an idea of when you intend to have dedicated Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Units up and running across the country in your regional offices? I thank you.
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS: Thank you very much, hon member. I guess it is very obvious that if we were to establish dedicated units for compliance and monitoring, we would have to establish the Blue Scorpions, the Green Scorpions and maybe even the Brown Scorpions. It is necessary to understand that as government we would like to ensure that we actually utilise our teams in such a manner that they make a difference wherever they work.
The current team of Green Scorpions are obviously deployed all over for industrial pollution, air quality, even water quality, and so on. We probably need Blue Scorpions. However, the establishment of another dedicated team, if we are to establish it, will have to depend on the strengths of the teams that we are to set up in different provinces as we continue to strengthen the compliance and monitoring system, and even the teams.
At the national level we recently established the directorate. It used to be one directorate lumped with policy formulation. We have separated them now.
We are now establishing a dedicated team at the national level. Naturally, that will follow even in the provinces and regions where we are, because we call them regions. Those kinds of teams should then flow from the national team. It depends on the amount work that they have, and on the amount of work that the Green Scorpions currently have. Only then will we be able to determine whether we need more and more teams. This is the beginning of setting up these compliance teams and their functioning. By the way, they do a lot of good work as well. We will then be able to decide at that time whether to expand on these teams or not. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (Question 206)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 115
The MINISTER OF WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS (Question 218)
Question 206:
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Chairperson, in order "to build a caring society in which children are inspired, motivated, involved and protected", the department has put in place a number of policies, strategies and programmes which are informed by the Children's Act, Act 38 of 2005, which came into effect on 1 April 2010. The following are critical to the development and protection of our children.
In regard to early childhood development, ECD, the department plays an important role in the provision of access to early childhood development programmes. In the human life cycle, the early childhood phase - from birth to nine years - is considered the most important phase for every human being. Giving children the best start in life means ensuring that they have good health, proper nutrition and access to early learning. This contributes towards motivating and inspiring children while they are still young.
Our records show an increase in the number of registered early childhood development sites, as well as the number of children subsidised by the department. There has been an increase in the number of registered ECD sites, to 18 826. The number of children in ECD sites has also increased, to 789 424. The subsidy payment ranges between R11 and R14 for the daily attendance of children at the centres. There are 717 657 children who benefitted from the subsidy as at the end of March 2011.
What we also need to specify is that we are moving towards standardising the subsidy for all children throughout the country at R15 because it has been different, more especially in the rural areas, where it has been between R11 and R12. We are saying the rights of children in the rural areas are equal to the rights of children in the urban areas.
One other thing is that we are running a campaign where we are trying to ensure that we roll out 3 000 ECD centres in the rural areas over a period of three years, because that is where you find that there is a lack of ECD centres.
We also need to give praise where it is due. KwaZulu-Natal and the North West are the only provinces where the subsidy is equal. It is R15 in the rural areas and in the urban areas.
With regard to child protection, the promotion ... [Time expired.]
Mrs H LAMOELA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 115
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mrs H LAMOELA: Thank you, House Chair. Thank you, Minister, for the detailed report and your answer to that question. My question is this. According to a Parliamentary reply on the Child Protection Register, the register has proven to be utterly and totally dysfunctional. It only reflects a single name and that one single entry has cost the taxpayers a whopping R1,7 million. So, for R1,7 million the country is now aware of the identity of a single person deemed incompetent to be working with children.
Minister, this is a derogation of your responsibility to protect the children of South Africa. So, perhaps you could enlighten this House as to what it is you intend to do about it. If nothing, then how soon can that R1,7 million be back in the country's coffers? Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Thank you very much, Chairperson. The number of names in the Child Protection Register is now 22. Yes. [Applause.] Maybe we should thank you for pushing us. But the important thing that we should all know is that 3 672 people have been screened and, out of those people, none have been found to be unsuitable.
One other thing that we should understand is that the fact that there is a conviction does not necessarily mean automatic placement on the register. After a person has been convicted, a presiding officer must declare that person unsuitable to work with children. It is only then that a name can be placed on the register. We must remember that South Africa is a democratic country and even convicted criminals have rights. To try to ensure that we avoid unnecessary litigation, as has happened before in other countries, it is important for us to follow the law to the letter. Thank you.
Mrs C DUDLEY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 115
THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Mrs C DUDLEY: Thank you, Chair. Hon Minister, in view of the impact of family or lack of family on the lives of children, and with reference to the AU-endorsed Social Policy Framework for Africa of June 2008, which states that family-centred development efforts are key to socioeconomic development and that it is important for African governments to strengthen the family as part of an integrated and comprehensive approach to sustainable development, will the Minister undertake to encourage and support the effective implementation of the key recommendations of the Plan of Action on the Family in Africa and develop policies and legislation aimed at strengthening and preserving the family as an institution? Thank you.
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Thank you, Chairperson. The department has developed a Green Paper on Families - not family, but families, because there are different types of families. We need to promote family life and strengthen families through a coherent, well co-ordinated and synergistic framework for all government policies, programmes and civil society initiatives. But, it is also important for us to understand that the family is the first line of defence for members of the family. That is why it is important for us to strengthen the family.
We should also understand that strengthening the family is not the responsibility of government only. It is the responsibility of a number of sectors, as well as individuals and society at large, to ensure that we are able to deal with the issues that affect children.
In the Children's Act this is stated very clearly. There is a provision that parents must ensure that children access their rights, but they must also understand that children have responsibilities. So, this is not a one-way responsibility of government only; it is a two-way responsibility involving communities as well as government. Thank you.
Ms MAKGOBA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 115
THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Ms MAKGOBA: Thank you, Chairperson.
IsiZulu:
Ngithokoze, ngithanda ukuzibuzela kuNgqongqoshe kodwa ngaphambi kwalokho, ngithanda ukuphawula ngokuthi, ukwakha umphakathi onakekelayo, lapho izingane zethu zizoba nogqozi, zibe nentshisakalelo, zibambe iqhaza futhi zivikeleke. Lowo umsebenzi engicabanga ukuthi ngowethu sonke kungabi yinkinga kuphela ebhekene nabezokuthuthukisa umphakathi.
Lokhu ngikusho ngoba akufanele lapha sikhulume ngalezo zingane eziswelayo, ngesinye isikhathi zizothatha imali yesondlo kuMnyango Wezokuthuthukiswa koMphakathi. Kukhona izingane, abazali bazo abakwazi ukuzenzela izinto, kodwa nazo zidinga ukuvikelwa ngoba isikole siphuma ligamenxe ihora lesibili emini kuze kushaye ihora lesithupha abazali bangekho basemisebenzini.
Yilapho lezi zingane ziphuza khona utshwala, zidle izidakamizwa, zilalane zikhulelisane, ziphinde zisulelane ngengqulazi. Bengithi kuyinkinga yini ukuthi uMnyango Wezokuthuthukisa uMphakathi uma usuhlangene neminye iminyango efana noWezobuciko naMasiko, ezemiDlalo, iMfundo eseMazingeni Aphansi, sengathi kungaba nohlelo olwenziwayo ukuze lezi zingane zikwazi ukuba nezinto ezizenzayo ngalesikhathi abazali bazo bangekho ngaso.
UNGQONGQOSHE WEZOKUTHUTHUKISwA KOMPHAKATHI: Ngiyabonga Sihlalo, ngibonge kakhulu nelunga elihloniphekile, ngibona ukuthi uyishaye esikhonkosini le ndaba. Kodwa into esemqoka kakhulu ukuthi vele akuwona uMnyango Wezentuthuko nokuVikeleka koMphakathi obheka izindaba zezingane.
Izindaba zezingane zibhekwa nguMnyango Wamaphoyisa ziphinde zibhekwe uMnyango wezeMfundo, Wezobulungiswa nokuThuthukiswa koMthethosisekelo, uMnyango Wezempilo, uMnyango Wezasekhaya uMnyango wezemiDlalo kanye noMnyango Wezobuciko kanye naMasiko.
Ngakho-ke sihlanganyela ndawonye nabo bonke laba. Ukuthi ngokomthetho nangokuya ngoMthetho weziNgane yithina esihola noma esihambha phambili ekubhekeleni ukuthi uMthetho weziNgane uyasebenza yini. Ngiyabonga kakhulu.
Mr M WATERS
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 115
THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
English:
Mr M WATERS: Thank you, Chair. I would like to thank the Minister for her reply, particularly regarding the Child Protection Register. The Minister did say that there are now 18 000 early education development centres in the country. Can she please give an indication of how many of the people working with children at these centres have been verified against the Child Protection Register? Thank you.
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Chairperson, I think this is a new question, but we are prepared to give you information on it.
NOICES OF MOTION - Mr N J J VAN R KOORNHOF
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (Question 206)
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr N J J van R KOORNHOF: House Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House discusses whether the hunting of mature bull elephants with impressive ivory should be allowed in the associated private game reserves adjacent to the Kruger National Park, and also the development of alternative methods to raise funds for ecological reasons.
Mr M SWART
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mr N J J van R KOORNHOF
Mr M SWART: Madam Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That the House debates the serious financial problems experienced by municipalities, and comes up with solutions to resolve the matter.
Mr S B FARROW
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mr M SWART
Mr S B FARROW: House Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That the House debates the outcomes of the 7th World Congress on High Speed Rail that some members of the Transport Portfolio Committee attended, and the applicable lessons learnt that could be applied to South Africa.
Mr P M MATHEBE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mr S B FARROW
Mr P M MATHEBE: House Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House debates the role and contribution of the Commonwealth countries in the upcoming climate change conference, the 17th Conference of the Parties, known as COP 17.
Mr L S NGONYAMA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mr P M MATHEBE
Mr L S NGONYAMA: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of Cope:
That the House debates the imminent collapse of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, stemming from two factions of the governing party in that region's fiercely and unrelentingly contesting who should be appointed as the municipal manager, thereby leading to a situation of chaos, instability, uncertainty and financial ruin.
Mrs J M MALULEKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mr L S NGONYAMA
Mrs J M MALULEKE: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House debates the measures needed to deal with school vandalism.
[Applause.]
Ms N A MNISI
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mrs J M MALULEKE
Ms N A MNISI: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House debates mechanisms to address housing backlogs, particularly for backyarders.
[Applause.]
Mrs J D KILIAN
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Ms N A MNISI
Mrs J D KILIAN: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of Cope:
That the House debates the issue of the irregular appointment processes followed at the SABC and other entities reporting to the Minister of Communications.
Mrs C DUDLEY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mrs J D KILIAN
Mrs C DUDLEY: House Chair, noting that the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is 2 December, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ACDP:
That the House debates the implications and consequences of human trafficking as the modern slavery, and the urgent need for the passing of comprehensive legislation to effectively monitor, investigate and prosecute human trafficking crimes.
Mr A M MAZIYA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mrs C DUDLEY
Mr A M MAZIYA: House Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House debates mechanisms to strengthen our maritime and air borders, as protection against illegal immigrants.
Mr N SINGH
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mr A M MAZIYA
Mr N SINGH: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the IFP:
That the House debates the measures that are and need to be put in place to cushion the South African economy from the current Eurozone debt crisis and, more specifically, the implications for South Africa in the event of a total collapse of the euro.
Mrs D M RAMODIBE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mr N SINGH
Mrs D M RAMODIBE: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House debates the strengthening of preventative measures to combat the prevalence of intimate femicide in our communities.
Ms K R MAGAU
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 116
Mrs D M RAMODIBE
Ms K R MAGAU: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House debates the role of Western countries in determining the African agenda.
Mr W M MADISHA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 117
Ms K R MAGAU
Mr W M MADISHA: House Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of Cope:
That the House debates the factors that contributed to the 70% decline in foreign direct investment in South Africa during 2010 compared to 2009, while foreign direct investment increased in neighbouring African countries, as well as in Indonesia and Chile.
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 118
Mr W M MADISHA
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The Late Ms Christina Scott)
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Chair, I move without notice:
That the House–
(1) notes that on 31 October 2011, acclaimed South African science journalist, Christina Scott, died in a tragic vehicle accident in Cape Town;
(2) further notes that Ms Scott was the managing editor at Research Africa, a stalwart of African science journalism, an author, a broadcaster and a journalist of repute;
(3) acknowledges that she hosted the weekly Science Matters programme on South Africa's main national English language station, SAfm;
(4) further acknowledges that Ms Scott authored the book, Nelson Mandela: A Force for Freedom; and
(5) conveys its heartfelt condolences to her mother and three children.
Agreed to.
Mr S B FARROW
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 118
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
DEVASTATION AND DEATHS FROM MAJOR FLOODS
CAUSED BY MONSOON SEASON IN THAILAND
(Draft Resolution)
Mr S B FARROW: Hon Chair, I move without notice:
That the House–
(1) notes that Thailand has suffered widespread devastation due to the monsoon Season's causing major floods, which have since July 2011 claimed the lives of more than 427 people;
(2) acknowledges the hard work and dedication shown by rescue services in assisting with emergency relief work;
(3) extends its condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in these events; and
(4) sympathises with the Thailand government and the people of Thailand during this time of adversity and sorrow.
Agreed to.
Dr W G JAMES
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 118
Mr S B FARROW
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The Late Prof Lawrence Schlemmer)
Dr W G JAMES: Hon House Chair, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that acclaimed South African social scientist, Prof Lawrence Schlemmer, died on Wednesday, 26 October 2011 at the Constantiaberg Clinic in Cape Town at the age of 75;
(2) further notes that Prof Schlemmer taught at the University of the Witwatersrand before moving to the University of Natal (Durban) where he set up and ran the Centre for Social and Development Studies;
It was there that he was part of the supervision of Dr Blade Nzimande's PhD thesis. I continue:
(3) acknowledges that Prof Schlemmer served in various positions during his distinguished career, including as director of MarkData, director of the Inkatha Institute, chairman for the Centre for Policy Studies in Johannesburg, vice-president of the Human Sciences Research Council, vice-president of the South African Institute of Race Relations, strategy director for the Urban Foundation, consultant to the Centre for Development and Enterprise, and director of the Helen Suzman Foundation;
(4) further acknowledges the many positive contributions that Prof Schlemmer made to South Africa through his writing, research and policy analysis;
(5) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Prof Schlemmer; and
(6) laments the loss of a truly great South African.
Agreed to.
Mr M WATERS
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 2 November 2011 Take: 118
Dr W G JAMES
BIRTH OF WORLD'S 7 BILLIONTH PERSON ON 31 OCTOBER 2011
(Draft Resolution)
Mr M WATERS: Hon Chair, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that according to a United Nations report the world's 7 billionth person was born on Monday, 31 October 2011;
(2) further notes that it took until 1804 for the world's population to reach 1 billion and at the current growth rates, there will be 8 billion people by 2025;
(3) acknowledges that this growth in world population has been characterised by not only an increase in average life expectancy, but a decrease in fertility and infant mortality rates;
(4) further acknowledges that the growth in world population poses challenges for food security and environmental sustainability, particularly climate change; and
(5) calls upon the community of nations to respond to the needs of our planet's citizens and to align policies, programmes, research and innovation to cater for the maintenance and improvement of food security, human health and environmental health in the context of this growing population.
Agreed to.
The House adjourned at 17:14.
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