Hansard: Statement by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation on South Africa's State of readiness to host COP 17/CMP7
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 08 Nov 2011
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
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WEDNESDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 2011
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
The House met at 15:03.
The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
NEW MEMBER – ANNOUNCEMENT
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START OF DAY
NEW MEMBER
(Announcement)
The SPEAKER: Order! I have to announce that the vacancy caused by the resignation from the National Assembly of Mr S J Masango has been filled by the nomination of Mr A Watson, with effect from 8 November 2011. In terms of section 48 of the Constitution, members of the National Assembly must swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution before they begin to perform their functions in the National Assembly.
OATH
The SPEAKER: Is the member ready to be sworn in? Thank you. Will the two members, Mrs S V Kalyan and Mr D J Maynier, please accompany the member into the Chamber? [Applause.] Mr Watson, will you now take the oath?
Afrikaans:
Mnr A WATSON: Ek, Armiston Watson, sweer plegtig trou aan die Republiek van Suid-Afrika en dat ek die Grondwet en alle ander reg van die Republiek sal gehoorsaam, eerbiedig en onderhou; en ek beloof plegtig om my funksies as lid van die Nasionale Vergadering na die beste van my vermoë uit te voer.
English:
The SPEAKER: Please raise your right hand and say, "So help me God."
Afrikaans:
Mnr A WATSON: So help my God.
English:
The SPEAKER: Hon member, I welcome you to the National Assembly. [Applause.]
Hon members, before we proceed, I wish to say that I have been informed that the hon Watson has been appointed as the Chief Whip of the Opposition. Congratulations, hon member, on your appointment. [Applause.]
Mr T D LEE
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The SPEAKER
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr T D LEE: Mr Speaker, on behalf of the DA I hereby give notice that I shall move at the next sitting:
That this House debates the internal governance of Cricket South Africa, and measures that need to be taken to regain public confidence in our national cricket administrators.
I thank you.
Mr N SINGH
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Mr T D LEE
Mr N SINGH: Hon Speaker, on behalf of the IFP I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting of this House:
That the House debates the appropriateness of the fact that full salaries and other benefits are being paid to government officials after they have been implicated in fraudulent or corrupt activities or maladministration, and suspended from employment.
I thank you.
Ms M R MORUTOA
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Mr N SINGH
Ms M R MORUTOA: Hon Speaker, on behalf of the ANC I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting:
That the House debates the role of interfaith forums in promoting moral regeneration, religious tolerance, social cohesion and development.
I thank you.
Mr N J J VAN R KOORNHOF
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Ms M R MORUTOA
Mr N J J VAN R KOORNHOF: Hon Speaker, I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting:
That the House debates the reasons why Moody's downgraded South Africa's debt outlook from positive to negative.
I thank you.
Mr M I MALALE
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Mr N J J van R KOORNHOF
Mr M I MALALE: Hon Speaker, on behalf of the ANC I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting:
That the House debates mechanisms to do away with unregistered independent schools and vocational colleges.
I thank you.
Mr T D HARRIS
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Mr M I MALALE
Mr T D HARRIS: Mr Speaker, on behalf of the DA I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting:
That the House-
(1) debates how the Consumer Protection Act can be used to improve service delivery in municipalities, regardless of their capacity; and
(2) comes up with recommendations to improve the application of this Act.
I thank you.
Mr J B SIBANYONI
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Mr T D HARRIS
Mr J B SIBANYONI: Mr Speaker, on behalf of the ANC I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting of the House:
That the House debates mechanisms other than resorting to the courts for resolving political matters.
I thank you.
Ms D CARTER
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Mr J B SIBANYONI
Ms D CARTER: Hon Speaker, on behalf of Cope I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting:
That the House debates-
(1) the continued uncertainty in the agriculture sector, which has translated into a drastic decline in the number of commercial farmers from 128 000 in 1980 to 40 000 today; and
(2) the impact this has on employment and food security.
I thank you.
Mr J H STEENHUISEN
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Ms D CARTER
Mr J H STEENHUISEN: Hon Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House-
(1) debates the deplorable state of the police accommodation at Somtseu Court, Laetisia Court and Natalia Court in Durban;
(2) notes that Somtseu Court was declared a health hazard in 2007, yet remains in use; and
(3) comes up with solutions to improve the living conditions of these affected police personnel, who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
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Mr J H STEENHUISEN
APPOINTMENT OF MS P TLAKULA AS NEW CHAIRPERSON OF IEC
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that on 8 November 2011 Ms Pansy Tlakula was appointed the new Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission;
(2) further notes that she replaces the outgoing Chair, Brigalia Bam, who chaired the IEC from 1999;
(3) also notes that Ms Tlakula held a previous post at the IEC as the Chief Electoral Officer; and
(4) congratulates Ms Tlakula on her appointment.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
21ST ANNUAL HIMALAYAN STAGE RACE WON BY D BRAUN
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that the South African multisport enthusiast Deon Braun, aged 44, from Durban won the 21st annual 100 mile Himalayan Stage Race, held from 18 to 22 October 2011;
(2) also notes that Braun finished the race in a time of 18 hours and 16 minutes;
(3) further notes that Deon Braun won the gruelling opening 37 km stretch of the race, starting from Manebhanjang at 2 100 m above sea level, climbing 1 500 vertical metres to the finish at Sandakhpur National Park at a height of 3 636 m above sea level;
(4) acknowledges the dedication and training involved in preparation for this taxing race that runs its course through low oxygen high mountainous altitudes, steep inclines, gale force winds, rapid declines, intense cold and dense humid subtropical forests; and
(5) finally commends Braun for his incredible achievement.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(Seven Zion Christian Church members)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that seven Zion Christian Church, ZCC, members died in an accident in Limpopo on Monday, 7 November 2011, whilst returning from Zimbabwe where they had attended a ZCC Prayer Convention together with about 70 000 other church members; and
(2) extends its condolences to the families who lost their loved ones, as well as the entire membership of the ZCC, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
2011 SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY AWARDS
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that the pride of Springbok Rugby was recently honoured at the 2011 SA Rugby Awards ceremony held on 3 November at Gold Reef City, Johannesburg;
(2) further notes that SA Rugby honoured its top players, support staff and coaches, as 16 awards were won across all age groups and competitions in 16 categories;
(3) acknowledges that Schalk Burger, commended for his superb form in the Vodacom Super Rugby Tournament and the recent International Rugby Board, IRB, Rugby World Cup, was deservedly named SA Player of the Year, as voted for by the accredited rugby media;
(4) further acknowledges that Bismarck du Plessis was chosen as SA Players' Player of the Year, as voted for by all professional rugby players in South Africa;
(5) congratulates all nominees and winners, which include the MTN Golden Lions, Absa Team of the Year; Lions Coach John Mitchell, Absa Currie Cup Coach of the Year; Lions Captain Josh Strauss, Absa Currie Cup Premier Division Player of the Year; Patrick Lambie, Absa Young Player of the Year; Sevens Player Cecil Afrika, Springbok Player of the Year; and Sibusiso Sithole, Supersport Try of the Year;
(6) further extends its appreciation to two retiring Springbok stalwarts, Victor Matfield and John Smit, who were also honoured by the SA Rugby Union at this event for their contribution not only to Springbok Rugby, but also to the game as a whole; and
(7) wishes all nominees and winners the best for their future playing careers and personal endeavours.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
RELAUNCH OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN LARGE TELESCOPE IN SUTHERLAND
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that on 7 November 2011, the SA Astronomical Observatory, SAAO, the National Research Foundation, NRF, and their international partners relaunched the Southern African Large Telescope, Salt, in Sutherland, six years after it was first launched in November 2005;
(2) further notes that some major problems had to be overcome to bring the telescope to its full capability, leading to the relaunch of the facility;
(3) also notes that the relaunch was a reaffirmation of the international partnership that has been working on the Salt project since its inception;
(4) acknowledges that all the international partners in the project are allocated time, the extent of which depends on their interest in the telescope, with South Africa's allocation being one third; and
(5) congratulates hon Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, for the good initiative.
Agreed to.
Mrs S V KALYAN
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
ANNUAL WORLD RADIOGRAPHY DAY
(Draft Resolution)
Mrs S V KALYAN: Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that Tuesday, 8 November, is annual World Radiography Day;
(2) further notes that this day supports the international initiative to raise awareness, create further interest with respect to radiography as a career, and also focus on the shortage of radiographers;
(3) recognises that on this day in 1895 Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen first discovered the wonderful field of radiography; and
(4) calls upon health authorities to raise awareness of this career field, and to inform and educate the public and prospective students on the vital role of radiography within the professional health sector.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
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Mrs S V KALYAN
UN WORLD TELEVISION DAY
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that the United Nations' World Television Day is annually observed in many places around the world on 21 November;
(2) further notes that the day recognises that television plays a major role in presenting different issues that affect people;
(3) recognises that television is one of the most influential forms of media for communication and information dissemination; and
(4) acknowledges that television can be used to educate many people about the world, its issues and real stories that happen on the planet.
Agreed to.
Adv A H GAUM (ANC)
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
2011 PUBLIC SECTOR INNOVATION AWARD
TO DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
(Member's Statement)
Adv A H GAUM (ANC): Speaker, on 4 November 2011, the Department of Home Affairs was the recipient of the annual Public Sector Innovation Award for 2011 from the Centre for Public Service Innovation. The award attests to the solid framework the department has been able to implement to ensure that our government delivers quality services to all our people.
The recognition of the Department of Home Affairs as leading the turnaround strategy for better services to the citizenry is therefore truly well deserved. This award follows the first unqualified audit opinion for the department since 1994.
In addition, the Department of Home Affairs was rated in the top 10 of the Humanities and Law section of Magnet Communications Survey 2010-2011 for the employer of choice category.
The ANC conveys its sincere congratulations to the Minister and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, supported by their able management team, for their dedicated efforts to ensure that the Department of Home Affairs is able to create a better life for all. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr D J MAYNIER (DA)
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Adv A H GAUM (ANC)
PURCHASE OF VIP BUSINESS JETS FOR PRESIDENT AND VICE-PRESIDENT
(Member's Statement)
Mr D J MAYNIER (DA): Speaker, we were all shocked to learn this weekend that the hon Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Lindiwe Sisulu, is on yet another shopping trip, this time for brand new luxury VIP business jets for President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. I am sure I speak for the House when I say that it is an outrageous extravagance for President Jacob Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe each to have a dedicated long-range business jet, operated for their exclusive use by the SA Air Force.
The price tag, reportedly estimated to be R1,6 billion, is the tip of the iceberg, and would probably double if the operating and maintenance costs were factored in. The fact is that it is simply wrong to spend R1,6 billion on new business jets when millions of people in our country do not have housing, do not have access to primary health care, and do not have access to basic services. [Interjections.]
The President, Deputy President and Minister should be using military aircraft, or chartered aircraft only in exceptional circumstances. [Interjections.] If Prime Minister David Cameron can fly British Airways, there is no reason why President Jacob Zuma cannot fly SA Airways. [Interjections.] It's high time that more members of the Cabinet begin to enjoy the chicken or beef served up by SA Airways. [Applause.]
Mr G P D MACKENZIE (Cope)
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Mr D J MAYNIER (DA)
CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA INVESTIGATION
(Member's Statement)
Mr G P D MACKENZIE (Cope): Speaker, Cope welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Sport and Recreation regarding the judicial inquiry into the financial affairs of Cricket South Africa, CSA.
We believe that the Minister was responding to a written question by Cope regarding this very matter. In September, Cope asked the hon Minister whether he intended to take any action in respect of the dismal financial management by CSA.
That the Minister has done what the cricket fraternity is demanding is indeed very gratifying. Corruption in all walks of life must be defeated, and those who are destroying the social fabric of our nation must be exposed for the crooks they are.
The jailing of three Pakistani cricketers in England is an indication of the determination by governments of different countries to stamp out fraud, manipulation and corruption, particularly in sport. Cope supports the Minister in his efforts to stem the tide of corruption in CSA.
It is clear that the majority of the board members in CSA perceive themselves to be a law unto themselves. Their ganging up against Dr Nyoka, the president of CSA, will be to no avail, as a judicial commission will have powers to lay bare all that is rotten in the CSA. All South Africans and cricket-loving fans should hail Dr Nyoka for waging a lone battle.
Now the matter is before Judge Nicholson and he has been empowered by the terms of reference of the inquiry to dig deeper into the affairs of CSA. We hope that, as a result of his work, South Africa will learn of how CSA abused the trust of players and cricket lovers. If it finds people have acted corruptly and fraudulently, then the country must subject such people to the full rigours of the law. We in Cope want justice to be served and the truth to be revealed. I thank you.
Mrs M T KUBAYI (ANC)
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Mr G P D MACKENZIE (Cope)
CORRUPTION IN DA-RUN MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY
(Member's Statement)
Mrs M T KUBAYI (ANC): Speaker, earlier this year, the DA employed an election propaganda programme aimed at duping people into believing that Midvaal was a clean, perfectly managed municipality. Voters were promised that, should they vote the DA into more municipalities in Gauteng, targeting Johannesburg, they would be run in the same way as the Midvaal Municipality.
We are thankful that the voters saw through the DA's lies and ensured that its bid to secure more municipalities in Gauteng failed. As the Public Protector's report revealed, governing other municipalities like Midvaal would have meant further opportunities for party leaders to illegally take millions from the public purse and breach municipal, financial and administrative laws.
By profiting from contracts worth millions, using his access to information to score contracts for his illegal firm, and illegally doing business with the very municipality he leads, Mr Andre Odendaal has at last unmasked the real frightening face of his party. Now the nation knows that the DA, far from being the champion of good governance, is riddled with hypocrisy, fraud, deceit and moral bankruptcy. Criminal charges must now be laid against Mr Odendaal and other municipal leaders and staff who colluded with him.
The DA leader, Helen Zille, must now eat humble pie and apologise to the Midvaal community for the damage the municipality has caused, which includes compromising access to housing, and to the nation for the lies she has spread regarding the Midvaal Municipality. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE (IFP)
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Mrs M T KUBAYI (ANC)
SADTU STRIKE COULD DISRUPT EXAMINATIONS
(Member's Statement)
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE (IFP): Mr Speaker, once again, shockingly, teachers belonging to the SA Democratic Teachers' Union, Sadtu, are threatening to strike in the middle of the matriculation examinations.
Sadtu wants 53 000 Eastern Cape teachers to strike from Friday. They demand that the provincial education department reinstate about 4 000 temporary teachers whose contracts were terminated last year. Sadtu also claims that the department failed to consult them over the number of teaching posts the department will fund next year.
Almost every year now, Mr Speaker, teachers aligned to Sadtu find some or other excuse to disrupt examinations and put the learners' futures in jeopardy. Teachers should respect the rights of learners to education. Teachers should also demand that their union, Sadtu, realise that every teacher has the right to uninterrupted teaching, especially during exam times.
It is only a matter of weeks before all schools close and learners begin their annual holidays. Why must the strike be called now? Is it only to punish innocent learners, or pure blackmail?
The IFP strongly condemns the actions of Sadtu. We call on the Department of Education to demand that teachers put a stop to disrupting schools during examinations. It is time that "the Blade" did something. [Applause.]
Mr L B GAEHLER (UDM)
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Mr J H VAN DER MERWE (IFP)
FOOD PARCELS IN LIEU OF MONEY FOR EPWP WORKERS
(Member's Statement)
Mr L B GAEHLER (UDM): Speaker, in today's Sowetan it was reported that over 500 Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, workers from Limpopo have downed tools. They accuse the Department of Public Works of unfair labour practices, because for two years the department has given them food at the end of each month instead of money. It is beyond our level of comprehension how our people are expected to cater for other basic needs under these circumstances.
While the UDM understands the food-for-work policy of the department, which allows it to reward EPWP workers with food and not with money in some projects, we believe that this policy needs to be reviewed urgently, as it deprives our people of the freedom to choose and prioritise their consumption and decisions. In fact, this policy is no different from the method used by farmers under the apartheid regime, where farmworkers were given food parcels and alcohol for a month's work. Every Expanded Public Works Programme worker must be given a stipend for a month's salary. Thank you.
Mr D W MAVUNDA (ANC)
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Mr L B GAEHLER
EUROPEAN UNION DONATION TO AFRICAN ARTS INSTITUTE
(Member's Statement)
Mr D W MAVUNDA (ANC): Speaker, the ANC believes that building social cohesion through the support and promotion of arts, culture and heritage activities at all levels is very important. Thus the recent support and generous donation from the European Union to the African Arts Institute is welcomed.
The funding is earmarked for leadership training programmes in the arts in all African hubs, and aims to have people in every African country with the skills to train artists in cultural policy, fundraising and marketing.
This is important as it allows for the development of effective skills to develop creative industries on the continent and to look after the interests of artists in Africa. The African Arts Institute is partnering with GoDown Arts in Kenya, Groupe 30 Afrique in Senegal, Doual'art in Cameroon, Casamémoire in Morocco and the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg to promote regional and interregional and also international partnerships.
Also of significance is that this is an African project, undertaken by Africans for Africans, and it re-enforces local ownership and building strong leadership in the African creative sector. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms A M DREYER
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Mr D W MAVUNDA
LIFE-THREATENING BLUE LIGHT BRIGADES
(Member's Statement)
Afrikaans:
Me A M DREYER (DA): Mnr die Speaker, Suid-Afrikaners sien die afgelope tyd al hoe meer Ministers in ampsmotors met flitsende blou ligte jaag en wetsgehoorsame burgers eenvoudig van die pad af dwing. Die houding spreek duidelik, "Te hel met die publiek!"
Verlede Saterdagoggend, 5 November, is Thomas Ferreira, 18-jarige matriekleerling aan die Hoërskool Bastion in Krugersdorp, niksvermoedend op pad met sy selfgeboude klein motorfietsie. Hy ry rustig oor die interseksie op die hoek van Windsor en Paardekraalweg, want die verkeerslig is vir hom groen.
Maar, Humphrey Mmemezi, provinsiale minister in Gauteng, is op pad met flitsende blou ligte. Sy bestuurder steek links verby die stilstaande voertuig voor hom, oor die geel streep, oor die rooi verkeerslig, en tref die jong man op sy motorfiets. Die ongeluk gebeur reg voor ander mense in stilstaande voertuie. Party neem fotos en ander wil help. Mmemezi, egter, gee vinnig pad.
Thomas lê nou in die Krugersdorp-hospitaal in 'n koma. Sy lewe hang aan 'n draadjie. Burgers boet met hulle lewens vir 'n outoritêre regime wat hulle mag misbruik met aggressiewe blouligbrigades. Soos diktators, dink hulle hulle is bo die wet verhewe. [Tussenwerpsels.] [Applous.]
Ms M D NXUMALO (ANC)
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Ms A M DREYER (DA)
LAUNCH OF TECHNO GIRL PROJECT BY MINISTER OF
WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
(Member's Statement)
English:
Ms M D NXUMALO (ANC): Speaker, the ANC-led government has been consistent, with the number of laws and policies it has enacted, in empowering women to improve the quality of their lives and open up their space so that their voices can be heard on matters concerning their lives.
Last Friday, 4 November 2011, the launch of the Techno Girl project by the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities was another step further in ensuring that we redress gender inequality and invest in the future of the young girls in the country.
The programme, a partnership between the government and the private sector, seeks to empower young girls with scarce and critical skills, such as mathematics, science, engineering and technology. It exposes them to the world of work and gives them skills that are desperately required by the economy.
The project aims to place 4 000 disadvantaged girls in structural job-shadowing programmes in participating provinces, and expose them to the world of work, so that they can make informed career choices. The girls are therefore placed in an organisation whose core business activities are focused on scarce career fields and occupations where women are underrepresented, such as engineering, construction, forensics and science.
Such programmes equip young girls with skills, confidence and self-assurance to create a better life for themselves and contribute qualitatively to their communities. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms H N MAKHUBA (IFP)
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Ms M D NXUMALO (ANC)
.
ID VERIFICATION INITIATIVE LAUNCHED BY DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS
(Member's Statement)
Ms H N MAKHUBA (IFP): Hon Speaker, the IFP congratulates the Department of Home Affairs on its recent launch of an ID verification platform, in partnership with the SA Banking Risk Information Centre. This initiative, which was launched yesterday, will allow banks access to the Home Affairs national identification system, enabling them to verify information given by their clients with the Department of Home Affairs.
We are certain that this initiative will go a long way in reducing identity-related fraud, theft and corruption, and as such is both necessary and welcomed by the IFP. Furthermore, it is an indication of the high level of confidence placed by private banking institutions in the department, and for that both the Minister and the department must be applauded. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr M A NHANHA (Cope)
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Ms H N MAKHUBA (IFP)
TEACHERS' DISPUTE WITH EASTERN CAPE
PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
(Member's Statement)
Mr M A NHANHA (Cope): Speaker, while Grade 12 learners elsewhere in the country were simply nervous because of the approaching final examinations, Grade 12 learners in the Fort Beaufort district in the Eastern Cape were dealt a blow – they were abandoned by teachers in 80 schools, who refused to return to the classroom because of a dispute with the provincial department of education. The Fort Beaufort district was named the worst performing district in 2010. It only managed a disappointing 44% pass rate!
It is clear that the SA Democratic Teachers' Union, Sadtu, has taken over education in this country and is a law unto itself. Sadtu made it impossible for the Minister of Basic Education to perform her constitutional duty of taking over that dysfunctional department, until President Zuma intervened. Sadtu has now brought learning at 80 schools in the Eastern Cape to a screeching halt.
Cope wishes the class of 2011, especially learners in the Fort Beaufort district, luck in their final exams.
We also wish to urge all communities and parents in the Eastern Cape to support Superintendent-General Modidima Mannya in his endeavours to revive the Eastern Cape education system and achieve a pass rate of 65% this year. Thank you, Speaker.
Mrs L S MAKHUBELA-MASHELE (ANC)
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Mr M A NHANHA (Cope)
INFANT AND MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE REDUCTION IN GAUTENG
(Member's Statement)
Mrs L S MAKHUBELA-MASHELE (ANC): Somlomo wePhalamende [Speaker of Parliament], the ANC welcomes the interventions implemented by the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development which have resulted in a decline in infant and maternal mortality rates in the province.
According to a report tabled before the Gauteng legislature's Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, preliminary data for 2008 to 2011 show an improvement in the maternal mortality rate from 166 to 144 deaths per 100 000 live births. Data for the first quarter of 2011 also indicate a decrease in the prenatal mortality rate from 33,5 per 1 000 in 2010 to 28,7 per 1 000. Neonatal deaths were also reduced from 11,7 per 100 to 10,5 per 100 in the same period.
These reductions are due to the interventions implemented last year, such as improvements in the neonatal units at the Natalspruit and Charlotte Maxeke Hospitals, as well as infection control at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. The East Rand and Sebokeng hospitals were also improved by installing waterless antibacterial handwash dispensers in the neonatal wards.
The ANC regards the reduction in maternal deaths as an indication that Gauteng Province is making progress in achieving the Millennium Developmental Goal target of reducing the number of baby deaths. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr J R B LORIMER (DA)
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Mrs L S MAKHUBELA-MASHELE (ANC)
FINDINGS OF PUBLIC PROTECTOR IN MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY
(Member's Statement)
Mr J R B LORIMER (DA): Mr Speaker, where the DA governs, we strive to do our best for the citizens we serve. When mistakes are made, we go out of our way to ensure that they don't happen again, and we are open with the public about our shortcomings - we don't try and hide wrongdoing.
Despite the overblown adjectives from that side of the House, the Public Protector found no evidence of corruption in Midvaal Municipality. She did find some instances of maladministration. In each of these instances the municipality had already begun a process of remedial action. The Mayor of Midvaal, Timothy Nast, has committed himself to carrying out the recommendations of the Public Protector.
The DA leadership takes a special interest in the performance of the governments under its control; hence our leadership have indicated that they will be closely monitoring Midvaal to ensure that its systems and processes are improved further.
Following the Public Protector's report, the DA will be reviewing the rules that govern the actions of its public office-bearers. In the weeks ahead, we will take steps to prohibit DA office-bearers in local government from doing business with DA governance. This is in line with the Western Cape Procurement (Business Interests of Employees) Act, 2010, that the DA has passed in the Western Cape.
The DA is proud of its achievements in Midvaal. It is ranked the number one municipality in Gauteng for quality of life, and number one for job creation. [Applause.] It is the only municipality in Gauteng with a debt collection rate of 100% and it has received unqualified reports from the Auditor-General for the past eight years. [Applause.]
Mrs H H MALGAS (ANC)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 162A
Mr J R B LORIMER (DA)
ADMINISTRATION OF NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
(Member's Statement)
Mrs H H MALGAS (ANC): Speaker, in 2010 the examination quality assurance body, Umalusi, said that there was a clear indication of marked improvement in the manner in which all assessments, as well as the final examination, had been administered.
The provincial education departments have continued to demonstrate their remarkable ability to administer and manage this high-stakes examination with fervour. The Department of Basic Education also committed itself to the fact that in the 2011 National Senior Certificate, NSC, examination it would continue with its agenda of building a credible national examination and assessment system. We in the ANC commend the hon Minister and the department for a job well done thus far.
The running of the examination must be hitch free. All learners sitting for the examination in public schools are duly registered. All public centres have been evaluated to ensure that they satisfy the criteria for registration. The 325 question papers that have been set have been subjected to high scrutiny and security in regard to printing, packing and distribution.
We firmly believe that when the examination draws to a close all scripts will be safely returned to the provincial offices and to the marking centres. We look forward to a good marking process and to the release of the final results on 5 January 2012.
We in the ANC congratulate the hon Minister and the department on the good preparation, and hope that the detailed analysis of the 2011 NSC results will assist in bringing more and better child support to schools in order to improve the quality of our education. I thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 163
Mrs H H MALGAS (ANC)
LAUNCH OF TECHNO GIRL PROJECT BY MINISTER OF
WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
CORRUPTION IN DA-RUN MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY
FINDINGS OF PUBLIC PROTECTOR IN MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY
(Minister's Response)
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Hon Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank the hon Nxumalo for her comments about the Techno Girl project, which was launched by Minister Lulu Xingwana to assist girl students with disabilities to access skills.
This shows the ANC government's commitment to skills development and gender equality. But, much more importantly, it shows our commitment as government to improving opportunities for the disabled. The Department of Higher Education and Training has, amongst other things, for this financial year set aside R77 million for bursaries at universities for students with disabilities, as part of expanding this support. [Applause.]
Hon Speaker, allow me also to observe that it is interesting that only now in 2011 is the DA discovering that it must prevent its own leaders from fishing, from dipping into the finances of governments that they control, something which we discovered a while ago. The response that has been given here does not tell us what they are going to do with the people they have caught with their fingers in the till. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order, hon members!
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: It is high time that the DA did what it normally preaches, which is now being exposed as not being true. Thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 163
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
SADTU STRIKE COULD DISRUPT EXAMINATIONS
TEACHERS' DISPUTE WITH EASTERN CAPE
PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ADMINISTRATION OF NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION
(Minister's Response)
The MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Speaker, let me first respond to the Cope member on Sadtu and section 100(1)(b). I think, truth be told, that Sadtu has been very supportive of section 100(1)(b). The challenges that we had, which made us change the way we were intervening, had nothing to do with Sadtu. It was something else and not Sadtu. Sadtu has been supporting and continues to support section 100 (1)(b). So, let the truth be told.
On Sadtu and the examination, as referred to by the IFP member, I also have to say with some sadness, hon member, that we are very disappointed that Sadtu has decided to go on strike for many reasons, which are even beyond the dispute around post provisioning.
Yesterday I had a meeting with the officials from the national and provincial sectors. I can report that we got an assurance that the examination will be protected. The strikers will make sure that the integrity of the examination is not compromised.
The reasons for their strike are also located in the broad challenges in the province beyond the current conflict, but I agree with you that it is quite disappointing.
I also want to thank my chair for the comments on the exams. We are quite relieved, as a department, that we are coming towards the end. This is a very complicated exercise with high risks and serious problems of criminality, but we are very relieved that so far it has been going quite well and the integrity of the examination has been protected. Thank you very much, chairperson. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 163
The MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION
LAUNCH OF TECHNO GIRL PROJECT BY MINISTER OF
WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
CORRUPTION IN DA-RUN MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY
FINDINGS OF PUBLIC PROTECTOR IN MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY
(Minister's Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Speaker, thank you very much. Minister Nzimande has covered what I had to say very well. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 164
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SOUTH AFRICA'S STATE OF READINESS TO HOST COP17/CMP7
(Statement)
The MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION: Hon Speaker, hon Ministers, hon members of the House, comrades and friends, in less than three weeks from today South Africa will once again be the focus of the world, when we will in Durban be hosting about 20 000 people from all over the world for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, UNFCCC, and the 7th Conference of Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties, CMP7, to the Kyoto Protocol.
You will be aware, hon members, that South Africa is participating in this event as a party in the negotiations, and also as the host and president of the conference. Hon Minister Molewa has been leading us in playing the former role, and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is playing the latter role.
We have, however, established an IMC, or Inter-Ministerial Committee, at the level of the Cabinet to ensure coordination and synergy of the two roles, as well as that of hon Minister Manuel, who is representing Africa on the Transitional Committee for the envisaged Green Climate Fund. It was important that we defined the delineation between the roles, as this has in the past caused challenges in Cop gatherings elsewhere in the world.
The global awareness of the threat posed by human-induced climate change to our planet and civilisation began in the late 1970s, culminating in the adoption of the UNFCCC, which came into force in 1994, the year of our freedom. This convention established a secretariat based in Bonn, and provided for an annual meeting of parties known as the Cop, that is, the Conference of Parties.
The Kyoto Protocol established in terms of the UNFCCC, which was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005, commits some developed countries, known as Annex 1 countries, to emission reduction obligations. In terms of this Protocol, the first commitment period for these countries expires in 2012. A new commitment period must be negotiated and agreed to if the Kyoto Protocol is to have any relevance in the future, and this is what is at stake in Durban. The Kyoto Protocol also provides for an annual conference of parties. So, what will be taking place in Durban, hon Speaker and members, is the 17th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC and the 7th Conference of Parties, CMP7, serving as party members of the Kyoto Protocol.
With South Africa's opening its arms of ubuntu for Cop17/CMP7, it will be the third time that an African country will host this global climate change event. South Africa follows in the footsteps of Morocco, which hosted Cop7 in Marrakech in 2001, and Kenya, whose capital Nairobi received Cop12/CMP2 in 2006. Each of the two Cops made a historic contribution to the global climate change negotiations and the implementation of the UNFCCC. While Cop7 with its Marrakech Accords is remembered for having consolidated the definition of the rules in the protocol and set the stage for the coming into force of this protocol, Cop12/CMP2 for its part gave birth to a five-year programme of work to provide support to developing countries in the adaptation efforts to climate change, namely the Nairobi Work Plan.
There are other developing countries whose names are synonymous with the UNFCCC climate change negotiations. The most spoken about meeting today in circles of climate change discourse is Cop13/CMP3, which Indonesia hosted in 2007 and which produced the famous Bali Roadmap, whose purpose was to enhance the implementation of the UNFCCC convention on the basis of four pillars, namely mitigation, adaptation, technology and finance. Cop16/CMP6, which Mexico hosted last year, will be before the negotiators in Durban, as its Cancún Agreements have to be operationalised in Durban.
Today, hon members, we pay tribute to all the countries that have hosted the Cop in the past. There are indeed other countries in the North who have hosted this event with distinction, and whose contributions we will always remember for their historic significance. Each of the sixteen Cops and six CMPs that preceded us was an important step on the road to Durban. We will do our best to follow their high standard and stellar example.
Hon members, we have said that Cop17/CMP7 must be an African Cop. By that we mean three things: The conference should be leveraged to advance African issues on sustainable development in general and climate change in particular; it should showcase Africa's success in regard to sustainable development, including our green projects; and it should harvest international partnerships for Africa's green initiatives, especially with respect to mobilising the necessary means of implementation in the form of finance, technology, and capacity-building.
As we prepare for this important global event, we have concentrated our efforts in the main on the following three areas, namely logistics, substance, and build-up, communication and outreach.
On logistics, we have an interdepartmental team, including KwaZulu-Natal Province and eThekwini Municipality, leading us in this area. We continue to monitor risks in the area, but in the main we are happy with our state of readiness. You will be aware, hon members, of our website, the logo, and the slogan of the conference, which is "Working together, saving tomorrow today". The 2010 Fifa World Cup experience has prepared our cities for the hosting of events of this magnitude.
On the state of readiness, logistical arrangements for the hosting of the Cop17/CMP7 conference are now at an advanced stage. The Host Country Agreement was signed in Panama on 3 October 2011. The UNFCCC secretariat is currently relocating to Durban on an incremental basis. The official website, which I've already referred to, is very much live, and hon members can get more information from there. The InkosiAlbert Luthuli International Convention Centre is the official venue for the conference. Hotel accommodation arrangements for the visiting delegates are at an advanced stage. Assistance required by the least developed countries, LDCs, and the small island developing states, Sids, is receiving priority attention. Transport requirements are detailed in the transport plans. Security plans are at an advanced stage, supported by a detailed implementation plan. All accredited UNFCCC delegates will enjoy free entry visas for this very important meeting, and the media and communication streams are also in place.
Substance is where risk to the success of the conference lies. The Cop is a party-led process – parties negotiate from the standpoint of their sovereignty and national interest, which are not always in sync with each other.
The disarticulation of the North-South and developed-developing countries divide comes out sharply in this respect. With each of these "developing" and "developed" country categories are other groupings, each participating in the negotiations to extract concessions that will further what is sometimes conflicting interests.
South Africa is participating in this configuration of forces, through hon Minister Molewa, in the Brazil, South Africa, India and China, Basic, group; the G77 plus China; the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment, Amcen; the African Union's Conference of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, CAHOSCC, process; and the Africa Group.
Our approach with the Cop presidency followed three phases. Early this year we did the rounds, consulting with all party members, which culminated in the final round at the intersessional negotiations forum in Panama. We think that in all these phases our interaction has paid off and our credibility as the incoming Cop presidency remains intact.
Hon members, there are two competing visions of what should come out of the conference in Durban, even though the gap is now beginning to narrow. One vision wants to limit Durban's focus to the operationalisation of what came out of Cancún last year. The other wants Durban to focus on both the Cancún Agreements or outcomes and the finalisation of matters still outstanding from the Bali Road Map.
In this context there are a number of messages we are hearing from the parties, and topping the list is the second commitment period to the Kiyoto Protocol, and indeed the operationalisation of what came out of Cancún. The conclusion of issues from the Bali Road Map is still outstanding. Africa has singled out adaptation, adaptation and adaptation as the key highlight of what should come out of Durban. Therefore, in Durban we'll have to work hard to close gaps among the parties on these key issues.
Hon Speaker and members, as mandated by the Cancún Agreements, South Africa as the incoming Cop17/CMP7 president earlier undertook a number of informal consultations, which I have already referred to, at the ministerial and negotiator levels. Also, one of the important meetings was the Leaders' Dialogue that took place in New York on the sidelines of the 66th United Nations General Assembly, led by President Zuma and President Calderón of Mexico.
Informal ministerial meetings, which were cohosted by the outgoing presidency of Mexico and me, have paid off very well and have been very positive, because at these meetings Ministers emphasised that there was a gap between the current level of ambition for emission reduction targets and the level required according to science.
The resolution of questions relating to the legal form of the final outcome and the next steps under the Kiyoto protocol need further attention as key elements of the Durban outcome. The dialogue initiated as part of the ministerial segment was considered highly constructive and the incoming Cop presidency was encouraged to continue the dialogue, moving towards Durban. As the incoming Cop presidency, we continue to make sure that, as I said earlier on, we close up the gaps that we have identified.
Hon Speaker, key messages that we are getting from this are that the outcome in Durban should be balanced, fair and credible, an outcome which preserves and strengthens the multilateral rules-based response to climate change. The approach in order to reach a balanced, fair and credible outcome in Durban must be informed by the principles that form the basis of the UNFCCC climate change negotiations. These principles include multilateralism, environmental integrity, fairness, common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities and equity, and honouring all international commitments and undertakings made in climate change processes.
The Cancún Agreements must be operationalised and the focus for developing countries is, again, on the establishment of the Green Climate Fund. For Durban to be successful, we have to do more than make the Cancún Agreements operational.
Finally, the outcome in Durban has to be adequate to adhere to the principles of environmental integrity, but also to continue to talk to party members to make sure that multilateralism indeed remains key.
Hon Speaker, we will also be focusing on making sure that in Durban we work together with both developed and developing countries to deliver a desirable outcome. We built up an outreach, where we undertook road shows in the country to speak to other sectoral organisations, because climate change negotiations are not just the preserve of governments, but also include the role of the Civil Society Committee, C17, and other stakeholders.
When we hosted the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002and gave the world the Johannesburg Declaration, we demonstrated our commitment to the global struggle for sustainable development. At the end of the month we will do the same again when we host Cop17/CMP7. Hon members, failure in Durban will affect what will happen in Brazil next year in Rio Plus 20, and in India the following year in the biodiversity meeting. As our leaders emphasised at the India, Brazil and South Africa, Ibsa, summit, the three countries cannot disappoint the world. The success of Durban will be a huge victory for multilateralism. In Durban, our collective muscle as the international community must triumph as we are "working together to save tomorrow today".
One of Africa's great champions of the environment passed on recently. I am referring here to Africa's Nobel laureate, the late Prof Wangari Maathai, whose struggle to save and protect our environment won her respect the world over. One of her many words of wisdom she left with us was, and I quote: "It's the little things citizens do. That's what will make the difference. My little thing is planting trees."
In Durban we must pick up her spear and continue planting trees where Wangari Maathai left off in order to continue working together to save tomorrow today. I thank you for your attention. [Applause.]
Mr G R MORGAN
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 165
The MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND CO-OPERATION
Mr G R MORGAN: Thank you to the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation for her statement on our readiness. I certainly agree that Durban, the city that I come from, is ready to host the approximately 20 000 people that will come to our shores for these important climate negotiations, an annual event which, the Minister has said, has taken place for a number of years across the world, including on two other occasions on the African continent.
Durban is an excellent venue for these negotiations. It has hosted a number of other large negotiation meetings and forums in the last 15 years, including the those of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, CHOGM, the World Aids Conference, and the Non-Aligned Movement. It is capable of hosting this event and, indeed, we will put on a very good show for the 20 000 people who attend the event.
The designation of responsibilities between the various Ministers is exactly right. I am happy that the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation is able to co-ordinate the actual negotiations, freeing up the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs to conduct the negotiations on South Africa's behalf and to put our country's position during the negotiations.
Indeed, this must be an African Congress of the Parties, COP. The impacts of climate change are going to affect the people of Africa disproportionately. We are not responsible for the historic emissions that are trapped in the atmosphere at this moment; yet the people of Africa are going to have a disproportionate burden foisted upon them. Therefore, it is very important that the question of adaptation is addressed at COP 17 in Durban. Much of the emissions that have already gone up since the Industrial Revolution are trapped, and we have yet to even see the impacts of those emissions on the world.
It is very important that we have a negotiated deal that continues to honour the principle of historic and differentiated responsibility. It is the burden of the developed world to take the big cuts necessary to stabilise the climate. South Africa and other emerging economies deserve the space to continue to grow.
The focus of Durban is going to be on operationalising many of the agreements that came out of Cancún last year; indeed, it is the right thing to do.
However, the big question which will be on everyone's mind is whether there will be a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol – the Kyoto Protocol first commitment period ends at the end of December next year. This is going to be exceptionally difficult for the South African negotiators to achieve. Indeed, this is about national interest, and although our negotiators may do their best, there is not much we can do in this regard. Many countries, including Japan, Canada and Russia, have no interest in a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol. Therefore, it is very important that we keep the negotiations alive, and that we salvage the most important instruments under the Kyoto Protocol so that flexible mechanisms like the Clean Development Mechanism are still able to survive, even if there is no second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.
In some sense there is going to be a political deal in Durban, and that is something that we must certainly fight for, bearing in mind that our principal negotiating position is that there must be a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.
I think South Africa will be a very good host. There is much that we can bring to these negotiations. We as a country negotiated ourselves out of years of oppression. We must bring this to bear on these negotiations and remind other countries of the world, particularly developed countries, of the moral imperative to come up with a fair, balanced and credible climate change outcome. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs H N NDUDE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 166
Mr G R MORGAN
Mrs H N NDUDE: House Chair, the world will again be watching South Africa in anticipation when we host the seventeenth session of the Conference of the Parties, COP, in a little over two weeks. This specific conference will shape the future of the global climate change regime and hopefully voice Africa's concerns. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we stand out above the rest in the way we do things when we host this conference.
Climate change is a multilateral and global issue. It should therefore be addressed in a co-operative manner to ensure that a more viable and long-term climate change approach originates from the conference. The extensive involvement of the global community and business, as well as nongovernmental organisations, is of paramount importance.
While there remains a North-South divide regarding the unlikely second commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, South Africa can pursue debate around vital issues that will include all countries' committing to furthering the global fight against climate change. It is most important to voice Africa's concerns and to include those who are most vulnerable.
South Africa will be entering the negotiations as the host nation and therefore as a leader. Previous lessons learned from the COP meetings should be taken into account. While it is an exciting time being the host nation of a major international gathering, the time post the conference is most vital. This will be the time for government to lead South Africa into a more rigorous fight against the effects of climate change and to further educate all South Africans regarding the issue.
Cope has confidence that we will be successful in hosting another major international event. We wish the negotiating team, the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, and the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, the best in this important endeavour. Make us proud! Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Mrs C N Z ZIKALALA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 166
Mrs H N NDUDE
Mrs C N Z ZIKALALA: Chairperson, I wish to thank the hon Minister of International Relations and Co-operation for her statement, and must say that I draw much confidence from same regarding our country's logistical readiness to host the upcoming COP17 Climate Change Conference. I am sure that this conference will be an absolute success.
South Africa is now perfectly poised upon the world stage to assume a leadership role in the fight against climate change. It is no coincidence either that we have been given one of the toughest COP conferences to host, as the world knows very well that South Africa is a veritable crucible in which miracles can and do occur.
It is in this spirit that the IFP wishes all participants a safe, productive and, ultimately, very successful 17th Conference of the Parties. I say this in memory of Prof Wangari Maathai. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr L W GREYLING
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 166
Mrs C N Z ZIKALALA
Mr L W GREYLING: Chairperson, I have no doubt that as a country we are ready to host COP17 and that we will put on a great event for the thousands of people who will be descending on Durban. I certainly hope and trust that I won't be proven wrong.
The real question, however, is whether the world is ready for COP17, and on that front I have less faith.
This will be the fifth COP that I have attended over the last decade and, unfortunately, they have not left me inspired with a sense that the international community is resolute in its commitment to avoiding dangerous climate change.
Minister, your position as President of the COP is an unenviable one, as I believe that we have reached a stalemate in many of the most pressing issues facing these negotiations.
As an African COP though, I believe that we cannot compromise on the overriding message, namely that we want to see a legally binding commitment that will see real reductions in the greenhouse gases that threaten the livelihoods of so many people on this continent. It is time for the world to truly hear the voice of Africa on this issue. I thank you. [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, there are too many members standing around in the passages having conversations. Could I ask those members to take their seats, please?
Mr B H HOLOMISA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 168
Mr L W GREYLING
Mr B H HOLOMISA: Chairperson and hon members, Cop17 could have been used more effectively as a rallying point to create awareness and educate South Africans about the dangers of climate change. We need to make sure that beyond the Cop17 Conference our policies are adequately integrated to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The position of the developed countries on climate change is well documented. In this regard, this debate cannot be separated from the politics of the global economy which are characterised by duplicity and a lack of consensus on the modus operandi for the protection of intellectual property rights.
Given this lack of consensus among the stakeholders at the World Trade Organisation on trade policy issues, it is unlikely that there will be any international climate change policy agreements now and in the future. However, we wish our team success during the negotiations. Thank you.
The DEPUTYMINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 168
Mr B H HOLOMISA
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Chairperson, South Africa's constructive role in the multilateral arena will be put to the test as the host of Cop17. Moreover, South Africa will have to succeed in playing a double role during Cop17. On the one hand there is the objective role of chairing this important event. On the other hand, there is the fact that we should use this event to highlight the impact of climate change, specifically on South Africa, but also on the African continent, which has been the hardest hit by climate change effects.
In Copenhagen South Africa made certain commitments. "Practise what you preach" is a well known saying. The Cop17 platform will provide South Africa with an opportunity to successfully showcase the implementation of its own green initiatives. We must be able to show our future plans to implement, nationally, appropriate mitigation actions, which must result in the reduction of emissions by 34% by 2020 and by 42% in 2025.
Afrikaans:
By vorige Cop-byeenkomste was daar geen verwysing in die finale besluite na die rol van landbou nie, hetsy in die bevordering of die bekamping van klimaatverandering nie. As ek my ander hoed as Adjunkminister van Landbou opsit, is dit belangrik dat die byeenkomste in Suid-Afrika in sy finale besluit die landbou moet inkorporeer en daarmee saam die verskille tussen die ontwikkelende en ontwikkelde lande uitwys, en ook dan die verskil wys in terme van voedselversekerheid en ontwikkeling in hierdie gevalle. Ek dank u.
Mrs C DUDLEY
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Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 168
The DEPUTYMINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES
English:
Mrs C DUDLEY: Chair, the ACDP notes the Minister's assurances that Cop17 is on track and we hope that Cop17 will be successful in every way.
At the heart of this Cop17 agenda, as I understand it, is the need for an extended commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. This will be an important interim legal instrument while a new instrument is developed and agreed to by participating countries.
South Africa, we agree, needs to be committed to advancing a common African position at the conference.
Clearly it is every country's responsibility to adapt in response to the effects of climate change. Mitigating these effects, or ensuring that the effects of climate change are less severe, and that the negative impact on human and natural systems is minimal, however, requires a global response. The effects of action or inaction may not be obvious in the short term, but will impact significantly on future generations.
South Africa's commitment to emission reduction and carbon budgets is impressive, but will require sustained effort and co-operation from all spheres, including individual citizens, in choosing eco-friendly lifestyles and habits.
We congratulate you, hon Minister, on your election as president of Cop – a big challenge! We have full confidence that you will do an excellent job and wish you everything of the best in fulfilling the function. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr R B BHOOLA
UNREVISED HANSARD
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Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 168
Mrs C DUDLEY
Mr R B BHOOLA: Hon Chairperson, the much anticipated conference is here. In his 2010 state of the nation address the hon President committed government to ensuring that the country's environmental assets and natural resources would be valued, protected and continually enhanced. When the world descends on Durban, in the beautiful kingdom of KwaZulu, South Africa's government has the chance to lead and to ensure an important aspect, that this continent, which is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, will benefit abundantly.
Tourism must seize the opportunity to market our country in the global arena. We are glad that we have been given the green light.
The MF is also glad of the Minister's assurance that everything is ready, which adds value to the fact that South Africa will be hosting this most successful conference on the global threat, Cop17.
In regard to readiness, the MF cherishes the hope that the resolutions coming out of Cop17 will be implemented in the goals and objectives in the strategic and performance plans of every government department. They should take the lead, as the issues of climate change and carbon emissions at the household level must be dealt with to pave the way for a successful, bright and living tomorrow, as Africa is the continent hardest hit by climate change. Thank you.
Mr H T MAGAMA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 169
Mr R B BHOOLA
Mr H T MAGAMA: House Chairperson, hon Minister and hon members, let me take this opportunity to thank the Minister for her statement on our country's preparedness to host this august event and the progress made in that regard. In less than a month, we will be hosting the world in Durban to deliberate on what I regard as matters of life and death.
This conference and meeting of parties are as much about climate change as they are about the future growth and development trajectory of the world, in particular that of the least developed nations and developing states. As repeated many times before, this will not be an easy Conference of the Parties.
The conference takes place when the world is facing, amongst other things, dire economic conditions, which are, of course, crystallised in occurrences in Greece, Spain and so on. Despite these difficulties, we must remain firm in our conviction that it is our responsibility to protect Mother Earth, and we must act now.
I concur with the Minister when she said it was clear that it was the end of the line for some of these pressing issues. We cannot delay any longer. During the World Economic Forum on Africa conference that was held in Cape Town in May 2011, President Zuma characterised this dilemma in the following manner when he said:
We have to be firm about who is responsible.
As a global community, we have no alternative but to respond to the challenges of climate change. ... we cannot wait, we need to act now.
The thing we have to be very firm about is where are the problems and who is responsible for delaying us moving forward so that we can focus on those who are finding it very difficult.
Of course, the problem is always the differing interests that come into play when we have to take very serious decisions.
We need to persuade those who are finding it very difficult. For the sake of humanity, I think we need to take very concrete decisions.
We are different. The common thing is that we are all being threatened. We have to react and act and contribute in different ways.
All of us have different capacities, different contributions to make - some of us would have no contribution to make ...
In executing its constitutional mandate of exercising oversight and scrutiny over government action through its Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Co-operation, Parliament received briefings from the Minister and her department about our country's readiness to host the 17th Conference of the Parties, Cop17. We understand that the single most important task of the President of Cop is to facilitate an ambitious and balanced outcome.
In spite of the cynicism of some people's predicting that Durban will be the death and burial of the Kyoto Protocol, I have news for them – South Africa has never hosted a failed event, never in the past. Indeed, we remain confident that countries will raise their level of ambition in respect of the outcomes of Durban, and that focus will be placed not only on the implementation of the Cancún Agreements, but also, as the Minister has elucidated, on the fact that those elements that were left out at Cancún will be brought back to the negotiating table.
It is common cause that African and developing countries are deeply committed to seeing finality in regard to the second commitment period to the Kyoto Protocol. Africa is also keen on tracking progress in regard to the setup of the Transitional Committee and the establishment of the Green Climate Fund. In this regard, the matter of governance and institutional arrangements should, as a matter of course and principle, be addressed in such a way as to ensure accessibility and an equal voice for small and developing countries.
Furthermore, we draw inspiration from the concluding statement of the Minister and incoming President of Cop, following the pre-Cop ministerial meeting that was held in Stellenbosch in October of this year. She said:
All parties appear to be in agreement that the outcome in Durban should be balanced, fair, and credible, that it should preserve and strengthen the multilateral rules-based (system and its) response to climate change. The approach to reach a balanced, fair and credible outcome in Durban must be informed by the principles that form the basis of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiations. These principles include multilateralism, environmental integrity, fairness based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities, equity and honouring of all international commitments and undertakings made in the climate change process ...
Climate change is as much the responsibility of Parliament as it is the responsibility of government, civil society and business. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that, in regard to the environment, we make our contribution to the fight against climate change and its consequent devastating effects on those small island states and least developed countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Afrikaans:
Agb lede, die debat oor klimaatsverandering is inderdaad die storie van oorlewing vir die hele mensdom. Dit vereis van ons om nou die moeilikste besluite te neem.
English:
It is in this regard that we are encouraged by Parliament's own plans, such as the greening of Parliament, waste minimisation, and reducing our usage of paper with a view to creating a paperless environment. Furthermore, in an attempt to contribute to the broader climate change debate and build a broad constellation of forces around the country's position towards Cop17, Parliament held a consultative seminar on climate change just two weeks ago. It was attended by various stakeholders, ranging from religious bodies, and business and civil society, to provincial and local government.
The challenge for us today, as legislators and representatives of our people, is to ensure that the climate change debate is nuanced in such a way that it finds resonance with our people. Up until this point the debates that have been taking place around this climate change matter, crucial as they may have been, have always been somewhat technical and aloof, removed from the ordinary people.
As such, it is our responsibility as legislators and as Parliament to ensure that as a matter of urgency we make climate change everybody's concern, because it is indeed everybody's business. This is in order for us to have a significant impact on the public discourse and influence our collective and individual behaviour. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 171
Mr H T MAGAMA
Consideration of report of joint committee
on ethics and members' interests
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party: Chairperson, I move:
That the report of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members' Interests be referred back to the Joint Committee for reconsideration, the committee to report to the House as soon as possible.
There was no debate.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Dr G W KOORNHOF
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 171
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party
Consideration of Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report of
Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on performance of department of public enterprises for 2010-2011 financial year
Dr G W KOORNHOF: Chairperson and hon members, it is my privilege to introduce this report to the House on behalf of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises. I am happy to say that the Department of Public Enterprises is one of only three national departments that have consistently received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General for a number of years in succession, and again done so.
For the first six months of the current financial year, from 1 April to 30 September this year, the department managed to sustain its excellent financial management performance. This is a great achievement for the department – an indication of good managerial skills on the part of management and also a reflection of strong financial management systems and internal controls that are effective and efficient.
The portfolio committee urged the department to ensure that they sustained this performance and suggested, in line with the request from the office of the Auditor-General, that the department should share these successful strategies with other government departments.
The Department of Public Enterprises acts as a shareholder of very important state-owned companies, including Eskom, Transnet, SA Airways, SA Express, Denel, Safcol, Broadband Infraco and Alexkor. These state-owned enterprises, SOEs, fulfil an important role in contributing to the developmental state, including developing skills and creating jobs.
The portfolio committee resolved to undertake a visit to the head office of the Department of Public Enterprises to familiarise itself with the operations and oversight mechanisms that the department has put in place to ensure shareholder management responsibilities over state-owned companies. As a matter of fact, we will visit before the end of the fourth term.
In conclusion, the following recommendations have been made: Firstly, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts should consider paying more attention to fruitless and wasteful expenditure reported in the annual reports of state-owned companies, especially the irregular expenditure of R8,3 billion and fruitless and wasteful expenditure of R36 million reported at Transnet.
Secondly, the Department of Public Enterprises should finalise the report, with recommendations, on executive remuneration in state-owned companies.
Thirdly, the department should provide the portfolio committee with shareholder compacts of state-owned companies, to enhance the oversight work of the portfolio committee.
I present the Budgetary Review and the Recommendation Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to the National Assembly for adoption. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party: Hon Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Mr L T LANDERS
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 172
Dr G W KOORNHOF
CONSIDERATION OF BUDGETARY REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
ON PERFORMANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR 2010-11 FINANCIAL YEAR
Mr L T LANDERS: Hon Chairperson, we present to you some of the key issues in the Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report of the portfolio committee, especially specific recommendations relating to requests for additional funding for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.
The recurring qualified audit opinion relating to the adequacy of the Third Party Funds' financial and control system and to irregular expenditure remains the chief concern of the portfolio committee. This concern has been echoed by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
We acknowledge that our concerns are also shared by the director-general, her senior staff, and the Ministry. Although there has been progress, the committee will continue to monitor this in its quarterly meetings with the department.
Vacancies in the department and the National Prosecuting Authority remain a key concern. The department has improved its vacancy rate overall in the past years to 9,8%. However, its vacancy rate in critical positions, for example in the chief financial officer's office, which was at 24% at the end of February 2011, and in senior management, is too high, given that the department must address key governance and operational challenges.
The committee is sympathetic to the department's requests for additional funds for the repair and maintenance programme and its provision for persons with disabilities. We have observed first-hand the state of disrepair that prevails at many courts.
We have learnt that in some cases working conditions are so compromised by the state of the buildings that officials are unable to carry out their duties effectively and efficiently. In one case, a magistrate's court building had raw sewerage running down the corridors and into court rooms. Although court managers have a role to play in the daily maintenance of courts, it is the Department of Public Works that is directly responsible for the maintenance of these facilities.
It is the committee's strong view that maintenance of courts and facilities might be better achieved were the Department of Justice to assume responsibility for this function. [Applause.] Accordingly, the committee has requested the department to investigate this possibility. We have been informed that this matter is a concern to all departments within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security, JCPS, Cluster, and is being addressed at that level, with a proposal being prepared for submission to Cabinet on how to proceed.
The committee is dismayed that, despite the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Review and the Seven-Point Plan, which were intended to address blockages in the system, the IT systems of the JCPS cluster departments continue to operate in silos. The intention of the review and Seven-Point Plan was that these systems be integrated to allow for seamless tracking of offenders as they progress from arrest, to prosecution, to conviction and beyond.
The department concedes that this is a challenge, that sufficient progress has not been made, and that it intends to address the problem. The committee requests that the department provide it with a detailed action plan to address this issue together with targets and time frames.
Recently, litigation against the state has increased significantly. The committee believes that a framework to manage state litigation, including the use of alternative dispute resolution, is necessary and will assist in keeping costs to the state in check.
The committee also learnt recently that the department has difficulty in collecting monies it disburses on behalf of client departments in legal proceedings. We are extremely concerned at the negative effect this has had on the department's already tight budget and have asked for a full report on this matter.
Moreover, the absence of a specific policy to manage briefing patterns by client departments creates difficulties in ensuring that briefs are assigned to maximise representivity, in terms of both race and gender, amongst legal practitioners and to encourage the passing of knowledge and skills from senior to junior practitioners.
The committee also takes this opportunity to convey its deepest gratitude to Justice Dunstan Mlambo for his outstanding contribution to the provision of legal aid services while head of Legal Aid South Africa, Lasa. [Applause.] With Judge Mlambo as Chairperson of the board, Lasa has become a centre of excellence. The committee is extremely grateful for his leadership, and his presence will be sorely missed because he is moving on. We wish him well in his future endeavours. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, I move:
That the report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Mr M S MOTIMELE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 173
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF BUDGETARY REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS ON
PERFORMANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS
FOR 2010-11 FINANCIAL YEAR
Mr M S MOTIMELE: Hon Chairperson and hon members, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has interrogated the outputs of the Department of Defence and its two entities Armscor and the Castle of Good Hope as per section 5 of the Money Bills Act.
Armscor has to satisfy the defence materiel requirements of the SA Defence Force, SANDF, and any other organ, and it has fairly competently acquitted itself of this task. Challenges that require attention include the funding and staffing of Simon's Town dockyard, and the transformation of its staff profile as well as the targets set for broad-based black economic empowerment. It received an unqualified audit report, and total revenue increased by 9,9%.
The Castle's objectives are to preserve and protect the heritage of the Castle, to optimise its tourism potential and to enhance the accessibility of the Castle to the public. Although it has met these objectives to a large extent, it does not have clearly stipulated targets nor is the gender and racial composition acceptable. It does not have a strategic plan, while performance is not regularly managed or appraised. The Castle received an unqualified audit opinion for the period, but note is taken of its noncompliance with the submission of quarterly reports and supply-chain management policies and procedures.
The Auditor-General expressed a qualified opinion in regard to the department due to challenges with the management of its moveable and immoveable assets. This is, however, an improvement from the seven audit qualifications in the financial year 2007-08. Currently it is one audit qualification.
The 2010-11 annual report highlights the impact a limited budget has on the ability of the department to maintain and sustain its core capabilities necessary to fulfil its mandate. The report focused on eight programmes, among others Administration, Landward Defence, Air Defence, Maritime Defence, Defence Intelligence and General Support. The recurring challenge in all the programmes is the inadequate budget, which impacts not only on morale, facilities and maintenance but also on operational readiness, jeopardising the fulfilment of the department's constitutional mandate.
Consideration should be given to the following: the deployment of the SA Navy in an antipiracy role, an added responsibility; the dire need to upgrade the prime mission equipment of the landward forces; the urgency with which the facilities and their maintenance should be addressed; the establishment of the Department of Military Veterans and the forthcoming implementation of the benefits as encompassed in the Military Veterans Bill; and the further roll-out of Operation Corona in which the SANDF returns to guarding our border. It is clear that the department's request for additional funding is justified and can thus be supported by the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans.
Besides recommending an increased budget, the committee recommends that the current Defence Review process should take this reality into account and ensure that the outcome is on par with the department's current expanded role domestically and in Africa, as well as its constitutional mandate. Thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 174
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE
ON OVERSIGHT VISIT FROM 2 to 5 AUGUST 2011 AND 10 to 12 AUGUST 2011 TO POLICE STATIONS IN GAUTENG: DIEPKLOOF POLICE STATION, JOHANNESBURG CENTRAL POLICE STATION, HONEYDEW POLICE STATION,
DUDUZA POLICE STATION, PRETORIA CENTRAL POLICE STATION,
WIERDABRUG POLICE STATION AND LOATE POLICE STATION
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, I move:
That the report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Mr S G THOBEJANE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 174
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON
PRIVATE MEMBERS' LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AND SPECIAL PETITIONS
ON LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL TO REGULATE BUSINESS INTERESTS
OF STATE EMPLOYEES (MR I O DAVIDSON)
Mr S G THOBEJANE: Hon Chairperson and hon members, we are discussing the Report of the Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions on the Legislative Proposal to Regulate the Business Interests of State Employees, sponsored by the hon I O Davidson of the DA.
The Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions, having considered the legislative proposal to regulate the business interests of state employees in terms of Rule 211 of the Rules of National Assembly, having consulted with the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, and the Ministry of Public Service and Administration, and having had the presentation by hon Davidson, recommends that the permission not be granted to the member to proceed with the legislative proposal.
The committee wishes to make the following observations with regard to its recommendation. Firstly, the legislative proposal of the hon Davidson pre-empts legislation soon to be introduced by the Department of Public Service and Administration. Secondly, the objectives of the legislative proposal are largely similar to the legislation envisaged in the Public Sector Integrity Management Framework published by the Department of Public Service and Administration. Thirdly, the legislation envisaged in the framework will apply to public servants in the national, provincial and local government spheres in relation to the regulation of their business interests when doing business with the state.
Fourthly, the proposed legislation will cover the acceptance of gifts, hospitality and other benefits. It will cover disclosure of financial interests of public servants, and it will amend the financial disclosure form of public servants. It will give conditions for public servants with business interests seeking to conduct business with government. It will place restrictions on public servants doing remunerative work outside the Public Service, and it will regulate post-Public-Service employment.
Fifthly, the proposed legislation will, in addition, provide for the appointment of an Ethics Office to ensure compliance, as well as provide for employment agreements of public servants to include specific key performance areas that will bind and commit employees to complying with the measures.
It is further envisaged that a special unit will be established, which will liaise closely with the Ethics Office to investigate all instances of conflict of interest and to ensure that disciplinary measures are taken when necessary.
Finally, the undertaking of the Minister for the Public Service and Administration that the proposed legislation will be tabled in Parliament before the end of the 2011-12 financial year was specifically noted. The committee resolves that, in its monitoring, the progress made by the department will always be under scrutiny. We move that this report be adopted by the House. Thank you.
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, I move:
That the report be adopted.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you, hon member. A request has been received that there be declarations of vote. I will now allow for declarations.
Mr P J C PRETORIUS
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 175
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick)
Declarations of vote:
Mr P J C PRETORIUS: Thank you, Mr Chairman. I gladly follow the hon member Thobejane. The DA will support this report, but we need to point out why we are doing so with some reservations.
This private member's proposal by Mr Davidson aims to regulate business interests of state employees. It is based on existing legislation already in operation in the Western Cape.
The Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions considers proposals in terms of six technical criteria, one of which is whether Government is intending to introduce similar legislation soon.
The committee was informed in person by the then Minister for the Public Service and Administration, Minister Baloyi, that Government was indeed going to introduce its own legislation that would cover the ambit of the proposal. Minister Baloyi confirmed that Government's legislation would be introduced before the end of the current financial year. That submission formed the basis for the committee's resolution to recommend that the proposal of Mr Davidson should not proceed, since it pre-empted similar legislation to be introduced by government.
Mr Chairman, a worrying factor, though, is that government has a very bad record when it comes to giving undertakings on its own legislative plans. On 18 August this year, I pointed out in a declaration of vote on another proposal by the DA that was blocked on the basis that it pre-empted government legislation, that that particular legislation was at that stage already four months late. It is now a further three months later, and sadly there is still no sign of the promised Executive Members' Ethics Bill by Government. The committee took a similar resolution in respect of the proposal to repeal the South African Boxing Act. Government's deadline for the introduction of its own Bill has now also passed and the promised legislation is nowhere to be seen. And now in this case we are again forced to accept Government's word.
I urge the new Minister for the Public Service and Administration to personally involve himself in the matter and to ensure that undertakings and deadlines are met. For this committee, the Committee on Private Members' Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions, to be able to do its work and to be taken seriously, it needs the support and cooperation of Government. We will support this report before the House, but we urge the Executive to take this committee and Parliament seriously. Thank you.
Mrs M T KUBAYI
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 175
Mr P J C PRETORIUS
Mrs M T KUBAYI: Thank you, House Chairperson. I think it is not fair for the hon member to come here and re-read what we as the committee agreed upon. We as the committee agreed on the recommendations; we understand what the rules say in regard to how we should operate; and I feel that it is not fair to this House and the public for the DA to come and grandstand on what was agreed upon in the committee and the concerns that are recorded as part of the report.
I do not want to speak for long, Chair, but let me say that I don't think standing and showing mistrust in the Executive is fair. We have members of the Executive who have treated Parliament with respect, and what is happening here in what hon member Pretorius is doing is he is casting doubt on the Executive in regard to the commitment that they have made to Parliament, and I don't think it is fair.
As a committee we have committed ourselves to monitoring what needs to happen, as part of the work that we do, and the commitment that the Minister has made. I don't think there is anything that warrants our coming and saying we don't think it is going to happen. There is proof that the Minister for the Public Service and Administration is currently busy with the process and they have presented where they are in terms of their progress. I think they should be allowed space and come to Parliament to report as they have promised to do.
So we should not give the public an impression that the Executive does not keep to the commitments that they make, or that they do not deliver on the commitments that they make to Parliament, because that would be incorrect, and I think that we need to set the record straight on behalf of the committee as well. Thank you very much, Chair.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Dr G W KOORNHOF
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 176
Mrs M T KUBAYI
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
ON PUBLIC ENTERPRISES ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO DENEL
Dr G W KOORNHOF: Chairperson and hon members, it is my privilege on behalf of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises to introduce this report to the House for consideration and adoption. Our committee undertook an oversight visit to Denel on 24 June 2011. The purpose of the visit was to familiarise the committee with the challenges facing Denel SAAB Aerostructures, DSA, which is one of the business units in the Denel Group.
The committee learnt that DSA has been operating in an uncertain and unstable business environment which is filled with complexities. The environment requires DSA to remain competent and competitive in the industry.
The committee furthermore observed some strengths of DSA, amongst others, firstly, the ability to develop and certify complex metallic and composite structures for the international and commercial markets and, secondly, the development of highly skilled professions and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
DSA plays a leading role in the aerostructures industry in South Africa in regard to world-class design and manufacturing, and produces highly skilled graduates in engineering. On the continent and globally it continues to be the powerhouse for ability, opportunity and innovation in the aerospace industry. Locally, it plays a critical role in the promotion of local manufacturing and local skills through broad-based black economic empowerment.
At the same time, however, DSA has recorded significant financial losses over the past five years for a number of reasons, of which two are the delay and development cost overrun of the Airbus A400M transport aircraft programme, and the suboptimal pricing of the A400M work packages. In addition, in terms of the shareholders agreement between SAAB and Denel, SAAB exercised its put option in March 2011 and exited Denel SAAB Aerostructures.
Going forward, DSA has embarked on a fundamental restructuring process to improve its financial and delivery performance, including: a net loss improvement; cash utilisation improvement; a reduced workforce; a reduced rental footprint; improvement in the operational environment; negotiation on the Airbus A400M work packages to secure market-related recurring cost prices; importantly, a drive to secure new orders; and, lastly, a focus on skills development and retention.
During the visit to DSA, the portfolio committee also visited the Denel Training Academy, DTA, where we learnt about the training methodology, inspected the facility, interacted with the students and were briefed about the challenges facing DTA. Since our visit in June, Denel has provided our portfolio committee with a DSA restructuring progress report on the DSA turnaround status, the status of their negotiations with Airbus on the A400M, and the status of its funding.
In conclusion, the portfolio committee regards the oversight visit to DSA as successful. There we learnt first-hand about the challenges facing DSA within its own facility and organisation. Going forward, the committee will monitor the progress made by DSA on its restructuring plan; interact with the Department of Public Enterprises on the end state of Denel; conduct a meeting with the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans regarding orders by the Department of Defence from Denel; and receive an update on the defence acquisition strategy.
Chairperson, I hereby submit this report on the oversight visit to Denel SAAB Aerostructures to the House for consideration and adoption. I thank you.
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: House Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Dr M B GOQWANA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 177
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH ON
OVERSIGHT VISIT TO CECILIA MAKIWANE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN CAPE
Dr M B GOQWANA: Chairperson and hon members, in March this year we went as a committee to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in the Eastern Cape. This was prompted by the death of 29 babies and infants during the month of February 2011.
On the visit we wanted to confirm if it was true that 29 babies had died in one month. Secondly we wanted to assess what the cause of death was, if it was possible to find the cause of death. Thirdly, we wanted to see whether this could have been prevented or not.
We visited the hospital and we took a walk around it. We went to the labour ward, the neonatal ward, high care, ICU and the area where the mothers lodge. We went to meet the professionals – the doctors and nurses – and the hospital management. We didn't meet the MEC and the provincial officials at that time.
We definitely confirmed that 29 babies and infants had indeed died, and that the cause of death for all of them was natural causes. Specifically it was infections, and some of them died of septicaemia.
Our conclusion was that these deaths were unnecessary and could have been prevented if there had been a good referral system and a good ambulance service. If there had been no shortage of good, working equipment, these deaths could probably have been prevented. If there had been consumables, those for cleaning the hospital, this could probably have been prevented. If there had been no overcrowding in the wards because of the poor referral system, we think this could have been prevented. If there had been no shortage of staff, especially the professional staff – the nurses and doctors – this would probably not have happened. If there had been decentralisation of some of the work and good primary health care, this could have been prevented. Lastly, if there had been good family planning, we think this could have been prevented.
We recommended that the management make sure that consumables were ordered early and that they were used to make sure that the hospital was clean. We recommended that the shortage of staff should be addressed as a matter of urgency. We also recommended that they should make sure that the equipment was working and that it was in good condition, especially things like the cardiotocographs, CTGs. We wanted them to make sure that primary healthcare and the referral systems were working well in the Eastern Cape in order to ensure that those things did not happen.
Chairperson, let me just analyse the Eastern Cape a little bit. The Eastern Cape Department of Health is one of those departments that started working after 1994, with all the challenges that came with the apartheid system. The Eastern Cape Department of Health, like the departments in all the other provinces, started at a very negative point.
Then what happened is this. They started working, the morale of the staff was going on well, and they were united. They started building clinics and hospitals in the Eastern Cape. In fact they worked so hard that at a certain stage – I am sure some of us don't know this – they had an unqualified audit report in the Department of Health in that region! That showed that at least something was happening in the Eastern Cape Department of Health.
The problems started when the then leadership of the Eastern Cape interfered with what was happening in the Department of Health. You know, in 12 years in the Eastern Cape there were two MECs and two HODs. That was in 12 years. After the disaster of the interference by the leadership started, I think within four years there were four changes of MEC and the problems started. The interference was caused by the leadership that were in the ANC then, but fortunately all of them moved over to Cope, which shows that those were the people who actually destroyed the Eastern Cape Department of Health. Thank you very much.
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, we must congratulate Cope for getting back their luggage. I move that the report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Mrs E M COLEMAN
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 178
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON PUBLIC HEARINGS ON
SMALL, MEDIUM AND MICRO ENTERPRISES' ACCESS TO FUNDING
Mrs E M COLEMAN: Hon House Chair, we are introducing the committee report on the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises', SMMEs', access to funding hearings that were held in November last year. The report was published in the ATC in April this year.
The purpose of the hearings was to provide a platform for small, medium and micro enterprises and their microfinance stakeholders to give their first-hand experience and raise their concerns regarding microfinance services offered by government.
The committee also wanted to ascertain the extent to which government's SMME services were reaching the people and addressing their needs.
Furthermore, as a committee we hosted these hearings so that we could involve the public in establishing relevant intervention mechanisms that would enhance the delivery of appropriate services to the SMMEs who needed them the most.
In addition, the portfolio committee wanted to ascertain the role that Parliament and the department should be playing in order to intensify the fight against the high levels of unemployment and poverty, and the huge income gap that is plaguing South Africa.
Finally, we wanted collective participation in finding solutions to the high failure rate of SMMEs in the country.
With that, we would like the House to approve the report, with special attention to observations and recommendations, as it appears in the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports, ATC, tabled on 8 April 2011.
Furthermore, the committee would like to thank all those who participated in the public hearings. We submit the report to the House for approval. Thank you.
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, I move:
That the report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
Mr M E NCHABELENG
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Wednesday, 9 November 2011 Take: 179
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON LABOUR
ON PROGRESS MADE BY DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR TOWARDS
ATTAINING 2014 MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDGs)
Mr M E NCHABELENG: Hon Chairperson, this is a report of the Portfolio Committee on Labour on the progress made by the department towards attaining the 2014 Millennium Development Goals, MDGs. This progress concerns the Department of Labour and its entities.
The first Millennium Development Goal, MDG, applicable to labour is MDG 1: "Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger". In order to contribute to this target, the committee recommends that the Department of Labour should fast-track the new review extension of social protection to certain categories of workers who are currently not covered by the Unemployment Insurance Fund, UIF. These include public servants, migrant workers and the youth registered for learnerships. Furthermore, the department needs to amend the relevant legislation to ensure that vulnerable workers such as domestic and farm workers are covered as beneficiaries in the compensation fund.
With regard to MDG 3: "Promote gender equality and empower women", and in the light of the slow progress in meeting national targets to empower women in the workplace, the committee recommends that the department must accelerate implementing stricter regulations as promulgated by proposed employment equity amendments.
In regard to MDG 6: "Combat HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases", the committee recommends that the department should ensure that occupational health and safety regulations are promulgated and implemented through effective enforcement services.
On MDG 8: "Develop a global partnership for Development", the Department of Labour must strengthen the Southern African Development Community's, SADC's, regional partnerships, as relations within this region have a direct impact on South Africa's development. Furthermore, Parliament must actively participate in regional forums that will have a direct impact on the country's labour policy development.
South Africa, being a labour-receiving country, should deliberate on migrant labour challenges and work towards reaching progressive agreements to address challenges faced by migrant workers in the SADC region, as this has a direct impact on the country's labour policy developments.
We make the following recommendations. Firstly, Parliament must ensure that government delivers on decent employment in order to curb growing inequalities in society. Through oversight, Parliament should ensure that departments and entities align their programmes with a decent work programme.
Through oversight, Parliament must ensure the institutional capacity of the Department of Labour to prevent discrimination in the labour market.
Although sheltered employment factories play a positive role in equipping disabled people, they have the potential to unnecessarily isolate individuals from the rest of their communities. Rather than lessening obstacles to employment for persons with disabilities, this segregation actually contributes to lowered expectations and negative public attitudes. As a result, Parliament, through joint oversight by committees, should ensure that policies encouraging the active participation of disabled people not only focus on sheltered employment, but also on employment in the mainstream economy.
Parliament must ensure that the Department of Labour monitors employment trends in the informal sector. It should further ensure that policies recognise and improve conditions in the informal economy, where most poor women and men earn their livelihoods, as these policies are critical to poverty reduction.
Through proper oversight and monitoring Parliament must ensure that labour market policies can create an environment for job creation, productivity and wage growth. The Portfolio Committee on Labour must conduct oversight and hold joint meetings with other committees that fall under the Economic Transformation Cluster, such as Economic Development, to ensure the alignment of employment legislation and other economic promotion strategies.
Parliament recognises the country's state of skills and that South Africa faces challenges of serious skills shortages in a number of critical fields. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
There was no debate.
THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, I move:
That the report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
The House adjourned at 17:12.
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