Hansard: NA: Motions
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 23 May 2012
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
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THURSDAY, 24 MAY 2012
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
___________________
The House met at 14:05.
The Deputy Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
NOTICES OF MOTION
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NOTICES OF MOTION
Mrs A STEYN: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That this House debates the effectiveness of the current land care in South Africa, and comes up with solutions to ensure a proper land management programme.
Mr J M MATSHOBA
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Mrs A STEYN
Mr J M MATSHOBA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That this House debates the need for an integrated approach to assist the three spheres of government, to work more effectively together.
Mrs D ROBINSON
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Mr J M MATSHOBA
Mrs D ROBINSON: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That this House debates the state of health care in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, and comes up with solutions to improve the situation.
Ms D G NHLENGETHWA
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Mrs D ROBINSON
Ms D G NHLENGETHWA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That this House debates mechanisms to make the local sphere of government more accessible for the public to participate – for there to be public participation.
Mr G B MCINTOSH
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Ms D G NHLENGETHWA
Mr G B MCINTOSH: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of Cope:
That this House debates the very high levels of infant mortality in South Africa, which are amongst the highest in the world.
Mr J J VAN DER LINDE
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Mr G B MCINTOSH
Afrikaans:
Mnr J J VAN DER LINDE: Adjunkspeaker, ek gee hiermee kennis dat ek op die volgende sittingsdag van die Huis namens die DA sal voorstel:
Dat die Huis die Nasionale Landelike Jeugdienskorps, Narysec-program van die Departement van Landelike Ontwikkeling sal debateer, omdat leerlinge of studente na opleiding geen duidelike werksomskrywing het nie, gevolglik eis hulle aan die einde van elke maand slegs hul besoldiging of stipendium, en aanbevelings sal maak om die situasie te verbeter.
Mr G J SELAU
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Mr J J VAN DER LINDE
Mr G J SELAU: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That this House debates mechanisms to ensure employment of adequate and competent personnel to deal with service delivery efficiently and effectively.
Mr P VAN DALEN
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Mr G J SELAU
Mr P VAN DALEN: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That this House debates the sustainability of South Africa's fisheries, and comes up with recommendations to improve the situation.
Mr A J WILLIAMS
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Mr P VAN DALEN
Mr A J WILLIAMS: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That this House debates means to regulate the informal economy as a way to stabilise conflict between foreign and local traders.
Mr G G BOINAMO
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Mr A J WILLIAMS
Mr G G BOINAMO: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That this House debates the recent incident in which residents of Dihatshana in the Northern Cape were forced to drink dirty water because the municipality failed to pay Eskom for pumping water for the residents, and comes up with solutions to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Mr G R MORGAN
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Mr G G BOINAMO
Mr G R MORGAN: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That this House debates the outcomes expected from the Rio+20 UN Conference on Sustainable Development.
MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
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NOTICE OF A MOTION: Mr G R MORGAN
PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE AMENDING BILL TO ADDRESS CONCERNS WITH LEGISLATION
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act), Act 32 of 2007, came into operation on 16 December 2007 but that, since promulgation, certain provisions in the Act, specifically those relating to the determination of offences, have been identified as potentially defective;
(2) further notes that the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development is proposing to introduce an amending Bill to address concerns with the legislation; and
(3) therefore-
(a) instructs the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development to publish the full particulars of its legislative proposal in the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports forthwith;
(b) grants the committee permission to proceed with the proposed legislation, notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 238(1) which specify the requirements for obtaining permission; and
(c) suspends Rule 241(1), (2) and (3), which specify the requirements of prior notice and publication, for the purposes of allowing the Bill to be introduced as an urgent matter.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
BEST WISHES TO THE MAYOR OF MIDVAAL MUNICIPALITY
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House-
(1) notes that on Saturday, 19 May 2012, the Mayor of the Midvaal Municipality, Timothy Nast, was awarded the Ikusasa Award in the category of Best Use of Advocacy;
(2) further notes that in December 2000, at the age of 19, Nast was elected as the youngest municipal councillor in South Africa, and while serving his term as councillor, he studied towards a B. Compt degree - accounting and auditing - through the University of South Africa, Unisa, and during this period he also completed his audit articles;
(3) recognises that in 2009, Timothy Nast was accepted as a member of the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa and is also the patron of Meyerton Child Welfare as well as the Midvaal Endurance Club;
(4) further recognises that in 2010, he was awarded a certificate of excellence from Professional Management Review, PMR, Africa and in 2011 he was named as one of the Mail & Guardian's 200 young South Africans;
(5) acknowledges that under his leadership, Midvaal is hailed as one of the best run local governments in South Africa and obtained nine unqualified audit reports;
(6) further acknowledges that following an extensive survey conducted by the Gauteng Planning Commission in November 2009, Midvaal was shown to offer the best quality of life in the province; and
(7) congratulates Nast on his achievement and wishes him all the best in his future endeavours.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY / MN/ END OF TAKE
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Mr M G Phadagi)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move the draft resolution printed in my name on the Order Paper, as follows:
That the House-
(1) notes with great sadness the death of ANC member and former Member of Parliament, Mr Muthundine George Phadagi, on 13 May 2012;
(2) remembers that Mr Phadagi served in various capacities within the government, including as a member of the executive council, MEC, for Public Works in Limpopo and as MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison in 2010 and 2011 respectively;
(3) further remembers that he also served as Mayor of Greater Thohoyandou Transitional Local Council and as a councillor in Thulamela Local Municipality;
(4) recalls that he held various political leadership roles within the ANC, including as chairperson of the Far North region of the ANC, co-ordinator of the Northern Transvaal Co-ordinating Committee for the United Democratic Front, Provincial Executive Committee member of the Northern Transvaal region, and as co-ordinator of the 1994 national elections as leader of the Subregional Election Committee;
(5) further recalls that towards the end of his parliamentary activities, Mr Phadagi, was involved in the development of school diaries, The Advertiser magazine and the now famous Valley Messenger newspaper;
(6) acknowledges his legendary sense of humor, quick wit, his business acumen and his willingness to serve his people in whatever capacity;
(7) appreciates his important contribution to furthering our democracy and his commitment and dedication as a public representative and community worker; and
(8) extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Mr Phadagi, friends, colleagues and members of the ANC.
Mr M M SWATHE
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
Mr M M SWATHE: Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker, for this opportunity.
Sepedi:
Motlatšasepikara, re le ba DA, re re ke ka manyami a magolo go ema mo lehono re iša mantšu a bohloko a matshedišo go lapa la mohl ntate Mathundine George Phadagi, metswalle, meloko le ba mokgatlo wa ANC. Motlatšamodulasetulo, mohl George Phadagi o belegwe ka ngwaga wa 1952 ka di 26 tša June motseng wa Tswinga kgauswi le toropo ya Thohoyandou, lefaseng la Venda. Ke morwa wa boraro wa bahu Mna Muthelo Andrie le Mme Nyamugamadi Johanna Phadagi. Mohu George Phadagi o hlokofetše ka di 13 tša Mei 2012 a le bookelong.
Ntate George Phadagi o thomile sekolo kua Tswinga Poraemari, a fetela Lwamondo Sekontari fao a ilego a dira foromo ya pele le ya boraro. Go tloga fao a ya Mphaphuli Sekontari a tšwelapele ka foromo ya bone go fihla ka ya bohlano. Gona sekolong seo ke moo a ilego a thoma dipolotiki, e le mokgokaganyi wa mokgatlo wa baithuti wa South African Student Movement.
Go tloga fao ntate Phadagi a ya go ithutela tša borutiši Kholetšheng ya Borutiši ya Venda e bitšwago gore ke Venda College of Education.. O ile a phetha le go atlega go hwetša lengwalo la diploma ya borutiši ka ngwaga wa 1977.
Dipolotiking o ile a beakanya pase ya go iša maloko a mokgatlo lehung la Mokhomoreiti Steve Biko ka 1977.
O šomile bjalo ka morutiši sekolong se se phagamego sa Holy Trinity kua Atteridgeville fao a ilego a tšwetša dipolotiki tša gagwe pele. A šoma le kua Saulsridge moo a ilego a kgethwa ke mokgatlo go tsenela dithuto tša dipolotiki. Morago a ithutela tša sesole sa Umkhonto we Sizwe le maloko a mangwe a mokgatlo.
O ile a gapeletšwa go ba leloko la mokgatlo wa barutiši wa Tuata. Ka nako yeo ke ge mokgatlo o šomišana le mmušo. O ile a se lefe tšhelete ya mokgatlo wa barutiši gomme a rakwa sekolong seo. Go tloga fao o ile a yo šoma sekolong se se phagamego sa Wallmansdal. O ile a swarelwa dipolotiki gomme a emelwa ke ramolao wa maemo a godimo ntate Dikgang Moseneke yo e lego Motlatšatona ya Toka wa Kgorotsheko ya Molaotheo ka se sebaka.
Morago ga gore a lokollwe kgolegong o ile a boela gae Venda go tšwetša mošomo wa gagwe wa borutiši pele. Yena o šomile dikolong tša sekontari sa Mphapuli le sa Muvhavha, tša praemari sa Murangoni le sa Guyuni. O ile a išwa praemari ka lebaka la dipolotiki gore a se huetše bana ka moya wa dipolotiki.
O ile a tlogela borutiši a yo šomela inšorense ya Metropolitan moo le gona a ilego a tšwetša dipolotiki pele. O ile a kgethwa go ba modulasetulo wa ANC Tikologong ya Far North. Ka 1995, nakong tša Transitional Local Councils, o ile a kgethwa go ba ratoropo wa Greater Thohoyandou. Ka 2001 a ba khanselara ya mmasepala wa Thulamela.
Ka ngwaga wa 2001 ANC e ile ya mo romela Palamenteng fao a ilego a šoma Komiting ya Photefolio ya tša Dikgokaganyo. Go tloga ka 2004 go fihla ka 2009 o ile a ba Komiting ya Photefolio ya Profentshe le Pušoselegae. Gona fao ke moo nna le Ntate Phadagi re ilego ra kopana gona, ka gore ka ngwaga wa 2004 ke wona ngwaga woo le nna ke tlilego Palamenteng ka wona.
Ke ile ka hwetša Ntate Phadagi e le motho yo bonolo, ntate wa go ba le tlhompho a kgona go tseba gore motho ge e sa le yo moswa o bontšhwa bjang mošomo. E be e le ntate wa tlhompho, yo borutho. Go nna e be e le motswadi wa lerato, wa maele. O be a rata kudu gore ke dule kgauswi le yena ge re ile dikopanong tša dikomiti tša diphotefolio, a rata go mpontša sela le sela.
Ntate Phadagi o be a mpha dikeletšo, a mpotša gape le ka tša kgwebo. O ile a mpontšha gape gore ke swanelwa ke gore ke re ke sa le yo moswa ke le mo dipolotiking ke tsebe gore ka le lengwe la matšatši ke tla fihla mafelelong a tšona. O ile a ntemoša gore ge ke fihlile mafelelong, ke swanetše go ba le kgwebo yeo e lego gore ke tla kgona go iphediša ka yona.
Ke bone maele a gagwe e le maele a bohlokwa mo bophelong bja ka. Ge ke seno kgethwa ke etla mo Palamenteng, ke thoma go ema mo podiamong ke bolela gomme maloko a mangwe a ntšhupa ka menwana ba nkgarola, yena o be a re ge ke feditše go bolela ka morago ga go dula ga Palamente, a re go nna: "Swathe oa gola, ke se seo se diragalago mo Palamenteng."
Ke mo gopola ka mantšu ao, le ka mokgwa wo a bego a nkeletša ka gona, le go mpontšha tša bophelo gobane ke motho yo mogolo yo e lego gore o be a šetše a bone tše dintši. Ka 2009, ge a tlo tloga Palamenteng, Ntate Phadagi o ile a ntaela a re: "Swathe ga ke sa tlo boa mo Palamenteng, ke boela gae ke yo hlokomela kgwebo."
Morago ga fao o ile a kgethwa go ba MEC ya Mešomo ya Mmušo go la Limpopo, fao a ilego a nteletša mogala a re: "Swathe ke biditšwe ke mokgatlo gore ke ye go thuša Limpopo ke be MEC." Ke ile ka mo lebogiša ka ba ka mo lakaletša mahlatse le mahlogonolo gomme le yena a thabela seo.
Mohu Ntate George Phadagi o tlogela mosadi wa gagwe Thinamaano, barwa ba babedi, barwedi ba babedi le setlogolo. Ba ga Phadagi ga la lahlegelwa ke motswadi le le noši, Afrika Borwa e lahlegetšwe ke mogale, moetapele wa mmakgonthe. Re le ba DA le setšhaba ka bophara, re re moya wa gagwe o robale ka khutšo. Re tla dula re mo gopola ge le hlaba le ge le dikela. Ke a leboga. [Legofsi.]
Mrs M A A NJOBE / Src(Eng)//Maggie(Sep)//ARM(Edited-Sep)/ END OF TAKE
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Mr M M SWATHE
Mrs M A A NJOBE: Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, Comrade Muthundinne George Phadagi was a hands-on man who worked for people and with the people. No wonder he was Comrade George to everyone. As a former educator, he naturally came into conflict with the authorities of the time because there was no secret about his political affiliation and political involvement. For a while he endured punitive transfers, but the time came when he decided to leave teaching and commit himself even more actively to politics.
He pursued politics at a time when it was extremely dangerous to do so. He went to prison, suffered solitary confinement and sacrificed everything, including life with his family. In the new constitutional democracy, Comrade George played his role in local, provincial and central government. However, the kind of commitment he showed seems to be passing away with the demise of people of his quality. It is a challenge to us who remain.
His family and friends will miss him, while his organisation will be wondering where to find a replacement for him. We in Cope salute him for his bravery and his contribution to South Africa as a whole. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues in the ANC. May the good work that he started continue with others in his family, in his organisation and in South Africa.
IsiZulu:
Sithi ndlelanhle bab'uPhadagi, usikhonzele kwabaphambili. Ngiyabonga. [Ihlombe.]
Mr V B NDLOVU
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Mrs M A A NJOBE
English:
Mr V B NDLOVU: Hon Deputy Speaker, it is sad, as a member of this House, when we come here every now and then to mourn the passing away of one of us. It is even worse when it is a family member who has passed away, because every now and then we are extended family of that family member who passed, and we always feel very bad about that.
IsiZulu:
Ukudlula kukamfowethu uPhadagi kube kubi kakhulu ngoba uwusebenzele umphakathi ngendlela enze ngayo, kusuka ekufundeni kwakhe kwaze kwafika lapho engena khona kwezombusazwe. Ukuba yilungu lomphakathi nelomndeni ukwenze ngokuhlonipheka. Nalapha eNdlini wenze umsebenzi wakhe ngokuhlonipheka kwaze kwafika ekugcineni lapho iqembu lakhe limphindisela emuva ukuba ayosebenza khona. Sidlulisa ukukhala kwethu njengeNkatha yeNkululeko ezihlotsheni zakhe, eqenjini lakhe, uKhongolose, nakubo bonke abaseduze nabakude naye ukuze ukukhala kwethu kuzwakale. Sengathi angahamba ngoxolo, alale ngokuphumula. Siyathokoza. [Ihlombe.]
Mr S Z NTAPANE
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Mr V B NDLOVU
Mr S Z NTAPANE: Deputy Speaker, hon members, on behalf of the UDM, accept our condolences on the loss of your son, brother, father, friend and comrade who passed away last week at the age of 60. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The late hon Phadagi was an exceptional politician and one of many people who contributed to the struggle for liberation. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Since the dawn of our democracy, the late hon Phadagi served South Africa in various capacities. In the early days of freedom, he became the mayor of what was known as the Greater Thohoyandou. Later he became a member of this House. Even at the time of his death, he was still working hard to ensure that our people were and felt safe. He served all these portfolios with distinction.
We know that nothing we say will ease your pain. However, we hope you will source somewhat from the shining legacy of selfless hard work he leaves behind. May his soul rest in peace. Thank you.
Mrs C DUDLEY
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Mr S Z NTAPANE
Mrs C DUDLEY: Deputy Speaker, the ACDP joins this House in conveying our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr George Phadagi who passed away on 12 May 2012. We understand that the death of Mr Phadagi is a great loss to the ANC and the Limpopo province. He had a reputation of being a hard-working man who made valuable contributions as a Member of Parliament, serving on the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local Government.
He also carried the responsibility of MEC of Public Works and was commended for his work as an adviser in the office of the premier in Limpopo, by Premier Cassel Mathale. It is our sincere hope that Mr Phadagi's family and friends have the assurance that he has gone to be with his Maker, and we pray that they will experience the peace of Jesus Christ at this time. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr I S MFUNDISI
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Mrs C DUDLEY
Mr I S MFUNDISI: Madam Deputy Speaker, hon members, we are today paying our respects to a man from Tswinga, a place that ordinarily would not appear in the Atlas map book, but this is no issue because even the Redeemer of this world was born in Nazareth, of all places.
I came to know George in the 2004 to 2009 session of Parliament and came to know him closer as we served together on the Portfolio Committee on Local Government and Traditional Affairs. His passion for the subject came out clearly because he was once a hands-on mayor of the Thohoyandou Municipality in Limpopo.
It also came out clearly that he made a choice to join the ANC when it was not fashionable. He was put through the mill as he was incessantly incarcerated, but he never gave up or caved in. He displayed his principled stance when he stood up and made it clear that his conviction would not be swayed by hunger, or hankering after positions. It occurred to me that he was in the struggle with the likes of the late George Ramudzuli, my former student, who paid the price for his views.
Mr Phadagi was a man with a quiet disposition who kept his peace. We in the UCDM believe that wherever he has been called to, it must be a better place for him.
As we salute this son of the soil and doff our hats to his dedication, our hearts go out to his wife and children, extended family and the ANC. May his soul rest in peace. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr L M MPHAHLELE
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Mr I S MFUNDISI
Mr L M MPHAHLELE: Hon Deputy Speaker, the PAC joins a mourning nation in bidding farewell to Comrade George Phadagi. Comrade Phadagi's untimely death leaves all of us the poorer. He served his party, the ANC, and the nation with distinction. He died at his post like the loyal people's servant he was. He leaves behind a rich legacy of selfless service.
As the PAC, we hope that the hon Phadagi's family will find solace and comfort in the fact that he lived for the noblest cause on earth: the liberation of humanity. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs N F MATHIBELA / JN (Eng/Zul) ///tfm///END OF TAKE
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Mr L M MPHAHLELE
Mrs N F MATHIBELA: Deputy Speaker, hon members, today we remember our hon comrade, Comrade George Phadagi. Comrade George Phadagi was born in 1952. May his soul rest in peace.
The loss of the hon Phadagi is also our loss as the ANC, his family and the government as well. He was a liberator who fought for the liberation of South African people under the ANC. He was a member of the UDF, and later became a chairperson of the Far North Region. He became the first mayor during the transitional local government, from 1995 to 2000. He was deployed to the National Assembly in 2002.
The hon George Phadagi and I arrived here on the same day and took our oath in the Speaker's office on 15 January 2002. When we came here, we were really learners, because we were orientated: we did not know Parliament. We used to go out to Ms Ayliff's office, but when we had to return we did not know the way back.
We used to come to this cross ... the carpet. We were looking at the red carpet. The red carpet would also go in the other direction, and we would turn and get lost.
Comrade Phadagi was a very quiet man who used to make a lot of jokes. We would then pull each other every which way, but, in the end, we would get somebody to show us the way.
He was a very, very good father. He used to stay with his children in Acacia Park, while his wife was at home. But he used to look very nicely and very well after his kids. During our time here, the hon Phadagi said to me: You know what? I want you to have a memory of this Parliament. I am going to make an album for you.
I asked him how. He then brought with him a camera. Most of the members who were here during that time knew the hon Phadagi with his camera. He took photos, and today I remember him through those photos. He did a very good job. The hon Phadagi was not a talkative person. He was very quiet. Even when we were in a caucus, he was quiet and would sit alone as if he could not understand anything, when, in fact, he was very brilliant.
I will remember him in years to come as the orderly person that he was. He was a person of good order. I still have this photo album today, thanks to him. He became a member of the Limpopo legislature when he did not return in 2009. He was MEC for Public Works, later became MEC for the Police, and then an adviser to the Premier of the Limpopo province, Premier Motale. May his soul rest in peace. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Agreed to, members standing.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you. The condolences of the House will be conveyed to the Phadagi family and the ANC.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
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Mrs N F MATHIBELA
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Mr N N Ramodike)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move the draft resolution printed in my name on the Order Paper, as follows:
That the House-
(1) notes with great sadness, the death of Mr Nelson Noko Ramodike, on Thursday, 3 May 2012, at the Tzaneen Mediclinic in Limpopo;
(2) further notes that Mr Ramodike began his political activism in the 1980s, and was a member of the Lebowa People's Party before joining the African National Congress after 1994;
(3) remembers that he played an important role during the pre-democracy negotiations as part of the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, Codesa, the multiparty negotiations which brought about the new democratic dispensation in the country;
(4) further remembers that he served as an ANC Member of Parliament before joining the United Democratic Movement, Pan Africanist Congress and the Alliance for Democracy and Prosperity;
(5) recalls that Mr Ramodike was forced to leave active politics in 2007 due to ill health and later rejoined the ANC in 2010;
(6) acknowledges his important contribution during the struggle for democracy; and
(7) conveys its deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Mrs N W A MICHAEL /Mosa/ END OF TAKE
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
Mrs N W A MICHAEL: Madam Deputy Speaker, today I stand before this House to pay tribute to former Member of Parliament Nelson Nako Ramodike. Mr Ramodike retired from active politics in 2006 due to ill health. He passed away at 70 years' old in the Tzaneen Mediclinic. He is survived by his two wives and 10 children.
Mr Ramodike had, to say the very least, a full and colourful political career. He was the former Chief Minister of the Lebowa homeland. He was a member of the then ruling party in the now defunct Bantustan, and in 1987 was made the Chief Minister following the death of Cedric Phatudi.
As resistance grew to apartheid minority rule in the 1990s, he formed the United People's Front and closed down the Lebowa People's Party. As a member of the United People's Front, he took part in the Codesa multiparty negotiations for a democratic South Africa.
Mr Ramodike certainly exercised his right to freedom of association, and then joined the ANC. The ANC included him on their party list for the first democratic election. He was, however, removed at the eleventh hour at the insistence of some party supporters from the Lebowa area. In response, he joined the PAC. Five years later, in 1999, he defected to the UDM and got his chance to serve in a democratic Parliament.
As a member of the UDM, he served as their spokesperson for minerals and energy and later for labour. He then formed the Alliance for Democracy and Prosperity. During the 2004 election, the new party formed a pact with the IFP. After the election, Mr Ramodike was not happy with the situation and left. He did, however, carry on life as a public representative by winning a seat in his home municipality, the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality. He served there as a councillor, but announced his retirement from politics in 2006. During his retirement, he announced proudly that he had returned to the ANC.
Madam Deputy Speaker, allow me to conclude by offering the family and friends of Nelson Ramodike my deepest condolences and those of the DA. Allow me to offer these words which, I hope, will bring some comfort:
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr D A KGANARE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 286
Mrs N W A MICHAEL
Mr D A KGANARE: Deputy Speaker, we are witnessing in quick succession the passing of those stalwarts who played a role in our freedom and the establishment of a constitutional democracy. Comrade Nelson Ramodike was a pragmatist who balanced what was possible with what was desirable so that, incrementally, and by bold leaps, the people of our country could move forward and realise their full potential.
The political choices he made reflected the dilemma of people in our country regarding the best vehicle for the most effective transformation of our society. He was not afraid to try different political homes because he was not conflicted about the necessity for change that mattered. He fully appreciated where political change had been driven from and where success came from, but it was the lack of economic change in the lives of the people that really caused him anguish.
To his wives, children, grandchildren, friends, supporters and colleagues, we extend our condolences and pray that the solutions that Nelson Ramodike was seeking for for his community and South Africa will be taken up within the Ramodike family so that what he strove for in life does not end with his passing away. We are all runners in a relay and the baton must be passed on so that somewhere in the future, the race is run and won. Rest in peace, Nelson Ramodike. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr V B NDLOVU
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 286
Mr D A KGANARE
IsiZulu:
Mnu V B NDLOVU: Somlomo neNdlu ehloniphekile egameni leNkatha Yenkululeko, okokuqala, ngifuna ukukhalela iqembu likaKhongolose ngokulahlekelwa ngu-Nelson Ramodike. Okwesibili, ngifuna ukukhalela umndeni wakhe ngokuhamba kuka-Nelson Ramodike. Kuzokhumbuleka ukuthi ubeyilungu lale Ndlu.
Sishilo isikhulumi sokuqala ukuthi ungene kumaphi amaqembu kodwa ugcine eseyilungu likaKhongolose. Ukuhanjelwa yilungu noma ngabe linhloboni noma ngabe linjani kubuhlungu kudlula konke okunye. Ukufa komuntu emhlabeni yinto okungelula ukuba uyikhohlwe futhi ayinambitheki noma ngabe iqhamuka ngayiphi indlela. Ngakho sithi umufi akalale ngoxolo, aphumule, umndeni wakhe uthobeke amanxeba. Sonke siyamlandela. [Ihlombe.]
Mr N M KGANYAGO
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 286
Mnu V B NDLOVU
Mr N M KGANYAGO: Deputy Speaker, we are gathered here once more to bid farewell to one of our outstanding South Africans, whom death has taken away from us. It feels like we are meeting far too often for this purpose, and this fills me with sadness.
Sepedi:
Morena Ramodike re mo tseba gabotsebotse ka ge re gotše le yena. Nna ke thaka ya ka. Botsebotse re mo tseba ge e be e sa le molaolasephetephete, wa go ba le kgang, wa go emiša makgowa mo tseleng nakong ya ge makgowa a be a sa emišwe. Bao ba bego ba šoma le yena ba mo laetše gore a emiše bathobaso fela eupša yena ge a fihla kua tseleng o be a emiša le makgowa. Re a e tseba taba yeo. Ka fao taba ya gagwe ya go lokolla naga ye, ga se ya thoma ka nako yeo go bego go lwelwa ditokelo tše dingwe, yena o lwetše le ditokelo tša gore batho ka moka ba swarwe ka go swana.
English:
On behalfof the UDM, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and to the ANC. As the former Chief Minister of the Lebowa homeland, the late hon Ramodike worked hard to serve the people of Lebowa. He was one of the few homeland leaders who embraced the Codesa negotiations and worked hard to ensure they were a success. In the new South Africa, the late hon Ramodike became a Member of Parliament for the United Democratic Movement in the period 1999 to 2004.
We are saddened by your loss, "Noko". We hope you will be somewhat comforted by the fact that you reached the highest pinnacle of legislative service for the country. Now his name will forever be recorded among the names of those democrats who served the nation with distinction. "Noko" actually means porcupine in English. A porcupine, for those who don't know, is a very small animal with thorns. He was thorny; very, very thorny.
Sepedi:
Robala ka khutšo, Noko, re re o re šometše ngwanešo; ga go be bjalo.
Mrs C DUDLEY GG//Mia (Eng)//MM (Sep)//ARM(Checked) / END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 287
Mr I S MFUNDISI
Mrs C DUDLEY: Deputy Speaker, the ACDP was sad to learn of the passing of former UDM Member of Parliament, Mr Nelson Ramodike, who died after a long illness. Our sincere sympathy and condolences go to his family, friends, the people of Tzaneen and his fellow comrades.
Mr Ramodike, who I am told joined at least about seven political parties in his lifetime, was also the last Chief Minister of the former Bantustan, Lebowa. The National Council of Provinces Chairperson, Mr Mninwa Mahlangu, who served in Mr Ramodike's Cabinet in the last years of the homeland system, in a recent news report recalled him as a political visionary.
As a Member of Parliament, he contributed greatly to parliamentary debates, and as UDM spokesperson for Minerals and Energy he will be remembered for his contribution to the Minerals Development Bill. That would have been during 2001, when I was also a member of the Minerals and Energy committee. I always think of that committee, the Chairman, Duma Nkosi, the committee clerk and the committee members as being some of my first and most memorable mentors in the oversight work of Parliament.
We pray that family and friends will experience God's presence and peace at this time. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr I S MFUNDISI
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 287
Mrs C DUDLEY
Mr I S MFUNDISI: Hon Deputy Speaker and hon members, the late Nelson Ramodike was a conformist who disbanded his Lebowa People's Party and formed the United People's Front to pave the way to participate in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, ordinarily known as Codesa, because he believed in change.
It is history that he made radical decisions, such as paying salaries equal to those paid to civil servants in the then central government of South Africa, to the chagrin of the De Klerk administration. It is unfortunate that despite the concessions Ramodike made to pave the way to usher in the new dispensation, the doors to entering Parliament were slammed in his face, owing to pressure from some members of the ANC. This, while he had the admiration of the leadership to the extent that he was among the entourage that toured the greater part of Europe with former President Mandela.
His never-say-die spirit saw Ramodike surface in Parliament in 1999 as a member of the then new kid on the block, the United Democratic Movement. As an alternate in the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy Affairs, where he was a full member, I sourced much from the late Nelson. His passion for the subject and issues connected therewith always surfaced during the discussions. Mr Ramodike had his full run in politics and there is no doubt that he completed a 360-degree journey by ending up a member of the ANC again.
We, in the UCDP, extend our condolences to his family, all those close to him, the community he lived in and the ANC for his political home. May his soul rest in peace. [Applause.]
Mr L M MPHAHLELE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 287
Mr I S MFUNDISI
Sepedi:
Mna L M MPHAHLELE: Mohl Motlatšasepikara, lehono re tlile mo go wa mabupudu go ba lapa la ga Ramodike. Mokgapa wo mogolo o wele. Noko ye kgolo ke kgale e dukologwa ke phiri. Re le ba mokgatlo wa PAC re re sepela ka khutšo ngwana wa mobu; ya gago tema o e hlagotše. Re tla go gopola ka mediro ya gago ye mebotse.
Ge ba bangwe re ipha mpa ya naga, wena le bagale ba bangwe le ile la šala gae ganong ga tau, la šala le hlaba kgolomodumo ka marumo le mesebo le le ka gare ga mpa ya yona.
Ba rile ba go fa tokologo ya mantlwantlwane, wa e gana o hloname, wa re tokologo ya makgonthe e tla ba gona mohla bagolegwa ba dipolotiki ba etšwa goba ba lokollwa sehlakahlakeng le dikgolegong nageng ka moka. Wa re tolologo ya nnete e tla tla mohla bafaladi ba boile gae.
O be o le gona go la Norway, Oslo, mohlang mainakago a bego a fiwa sefoka sa Khutšo sa Nobel. Se ke bohlatse bja gore o be o le gona ntweng ya tokologo.
Re be re lakatša gore o ka re phelela nako ye telele. O sepetše re sa go rata. Bjale re tla šala re ipotšiša dipotšišo di gana go fela, re re ke mahlatse mang a morwa mogwane, a rema molamo wa mogwane a itia phuti ya wela mogwaneng. Noko re hlokile mahlatse ka go fulara ga gago. Ka mantšu a latelago, sepela gabotse:
Mogale'a makwa molwa ntwa ya marumo.
Agee Mogoboya Noko'a Mphela'a Ranthana'a Malatji!
Phutimothokwe noko ga e na beng,
Noko o ka mphala ka boromo ka bošweu ke a hlaba
Ke tšhaba baditi batho ba lešaba.
Ke a leboga. [Legofsi.]
Mrs F F MUSHWANA /English: Marsanne//Robyn – ed Eng/ /MM (Sep)//ARM (Checked – Sep))END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 288
Mr L M MPHAHLELE
Mrs F F MUSHWANA: Deputy Speaker, first I want to thank the Members of Parliament seated on my right as because it is the last home where Mr Ramodike decided to reside. I met Mr Ramodike in 1991. When I met him I knew that I had to drive carefully because what he was doing then was check people who were speeding.
The hon Ramodike was one of the homeland leaders in Tzaneen. There were three of them: one for Lebowa, one for Gazankulu and one for Venda. When the time came for change it was easy to speak to Mr Ramodike in particular, because he understood that change was coming.
What was very interesting, as has been said here, is that Mr Ramodike joined a lot of parties. It was a worrying factor for us as the ANC. We realised that this leader was joining a lot of parties. As a leader you advise and influence your people, especially if you are a person who calls yourself the leader of the people. So we didn't know if people were going to copy him.
What's interesting is that Mr Ramodike embraced change. After joining all these parties, the ANC had to visit him. This was because the ANC was very active during those years – from 1991 until the time of the election. We visited him to explain to him that these particular changes were going to unite us; that there wouldn't be a need for him to join all the parties he was joining – to think properly and join the party that would drive this vehicle.
Mr Ramodike realised that we were not lying, and of course joined the ANC. He then called the people he called his people together. He informed them that change was here and that the only party that would take us forward was the ANC. More than half of the people that were governed by Mr Ramodike, we believe, followed him when he came to the ANC. [Interjections.] So, I want to thank ... [Interjections.] Okay, the ANC party is something that is copied from us. You see we are the first, so you don't have to worry too much about the party stuff.
What I want to say to the family of Mr Ramodike is that as the ANC we are going to miss him. We acknowledge that he worked very hard and was instrumental in change. He knew that the homelands did not have a future in this country as they were dividing us.
There is a story that I want to share with you before I take my seat. There was a time when there was a war between the former Lebowa and the former Gazankulu. Mr Ramodike and his people were on the one side of Khujwane and those from Nkowankowa were on the other side. This is not a joke. People were fighting; throwing stones.
Mr Ramodike assisted a lot on that particular day. He spoke to the group that were throwing stones at the people from Nkowankowa. He said the ANC was going to be a home for everybody. I was part of that throwing of stones anyway. [Laughter.]
As he continued talking to them something we picked up as the ANC was that he realised that the throwing of stones had to stop. But it couldn't stop if we belonged to all these other small parties that were there then. Through him it was clear that the people who believed in him should join the ANC. Trust me, from that day onwards the ANC was very big. He contributed a lot, and that is why I am thanking his family. I know one cannot speak to people who have passed on, but I say:
Xitsonga:
Etlela kahle Tatana Ramodike, u pfune ngopfu. U pfule mahlo ya vanhu.
Sesotho:
Batho ba bangata ba a tseba hore ANC ke lapeng.
Xitsonga:
Lava nga ala va ha khomelele kun'wana va lo ka va nga ku twi kahle.
English:
We will continue to tell them that like you, after you have joined all these other parties, please come to the ANC. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Agreed to, members standing.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you very much. The condolences of the House will be conveyed to the Ramodike family and the ANC.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY /NN/GC/END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 289
Mrs F F MUSHWANA
REVIEW OF MONEY BILLS AMENDMENT PROCEDURE AND RELATED MATTERS ACT BY STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Speaker, I move the draft resolution printed in my name on the Order Paper, as follows:
That the House-
(1) notes that the Third Parliament initiated and passed the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act in 2009, Act 9 of 2009;
(2) further notes that a number of technical challenges have become apparent with the implementation of certain provisions of the Act;
(3) instructs the Standing Committee on Finance to review the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act with a view to introducing amending legislation if necessary, the Committee to –
(a) evaluate the application of the legislation including, but not limited to, the time frames and sequencing associated with the different financial instruments and
bills, the procedures to be developed in the rules, and the functions and management of the Parliamentary Budget Office;
(b) report on any other matter related to the implementation of the Act;
(c) confer with the Standing Committee on Appropriations; and
(d) report to the National Assembly by 21 September 2012 on the progress that has been made.
Agreed to.
MEMBERS' STATEMENTS: Mr D M GUMEDE (ANC)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 289
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
TOURISM ENTREPRENEUR AWARD
(Member's Statement)
Mr D M GUMEDE (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC wishes to congratulate Mr Shaheed Ebrahim, the owner of the tour-operating company Escape to the Cape, on his distinguished performance in winning – first prize - the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awardfor 2012.
We further wish to congratulate the partners of the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award, Eteya, on their wonderful support that it has and will continue to provide to Mr Ebrahim. A special congratulation also goes to the nine finalists that have topped the Eteya awards. The ANC recognises all the good work that has been done to support black entrepreneurs and emerging enterprises by the national Department of Tourism in the tourism industry. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr S C MOTAU (DA)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 289
Mr D M GUMEDE (ANC)
YOUTH WAGE SUBSIDY
(Member's Statement)
Mr S C MOTAU (DA): Madam Deputy Speaker, the violence committed by some of Cosatu's members last week against the legal and peaceful DA march in support of the youth wage subsidy must be condemned by all who support the right to assemble and the right to march, as enshrined in our Constitution. The actions of some Cosatu members, and the lack of accountability by Cosatu leaders, raise serious concerns about their commitment to promoting democracy and the values of our Constitution.
The response from the leadership of Cosatu smacks of hypocrisy and arrogance. It has exposed the leadership for what it is: intolerant of opposing views. The right to march peacefully and legally is a fundamental right, which has been used by ordinary South Africans throughout our history to express ourselves against the injustices of apartheid and its human rights violations, the abuse of power and corruption. Cosatu's blocking of the youth wage subsidy at Nedlac cannot be justified. Cosatu's actions prove that it does not have the interests of the poor and the unemployed at heart. It proves that Cosatu is against creating jobs. The DA will continue to speak for the poor; the DA will continue to speak for the unemployed; and the DA will continue to champion an inclusive growing economy. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr D A KGANARE (Cope)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 289
Mr S C MOTAU (DA)
CORRUPTION BY ANC MEMBERS
(Members' Statement)
Mr D A KGANARE: (Cope): Hon Deputy Speaker, as members of Cope, we will not get tired of speaking about corruption by ANC Ministers, premiers, MECs, MPLs, MPs, mayors and councillors, despite the amount of protest from the other side of the House. As Cope, when members shout at us for exposing corruption, it means that they support corruption.
An amount of R9 092 789 was transferred from the Department of Social Development in the Free State to the Mafube Local Municipality. It is not surprising that the husband of the MEC of this department is the mayor of this municipality. The transfer was done under the so-called Operation Hlasela.
The municipality had to open another account for this money, which cannot be accounted for by the municipal manager and the CFO now. The reason why they cannot account for the money is because they were getting instructions from the provincial leadership of the ANC to disperse payment without knowing the reasons for paying. [Interjections.]
The politicians in the form of the premier and the MEC are keeping quiet, despite Operation Hlasela being their brainchild. As I say now, the poor chief financial officer and the municipal manager have to account, and they cannot account because the money was never used by them. The ANC, on the other side, is very happy because all of them are thieves. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr F BHENGU (ANC)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 289
Mr D A KGANARE (Cope)
INCREASE IN INCOME GENERATED BY TOURISM SECTOR
(Member's Statement)
IsiXhosa:
Mnu F BHENGU (ANC): Somlomo, sithetha esikubonileyo singqine esikuvileyo. Oongqondongqondo, abahlaziyi, abahleli, abaqononondisi besimo sokhenketho nabeenkcukacha-manani eMzantsi Afrika bathi kuphicotho lwabo ngezokhenketho luzigwagwisa ngengeniso ethe catha nge-15,1% kwisiqingatha salo nyaka, xa kuthelekiswa ngokulandelelana kweminyaka ukunyuka kwengeniso yonyaka ngamnye.
Ithi ke lento, ingeniso kwisiqingatha sokuqala kulo nyaka ibe zizigidi ezintathu nesiqingatha, ezingaxoxi nje tu. Le ngeniso ngumngeni kuMgaqo-nkqubo nophuhliso olungumkhombandlela we-ANC kwiziphakamiso ezenziwe nguMongameli kwesi sigqeba sale Ndlu ekuqaleni kwalo nyaka. Baz'indlebe!
Kuthelekiso lwenyanga ezintathu zokugqibela kulo nyaka uphelileyo wama-2011, ingeniso ibe lishumi elinesine eliphelekwa sisibhozo ekhulwini 14,8%. Abakhenkethi, iingcungcu ezimilomo mide, amaxhalanga noocwethe ngokufuma kweepokotho zabo, baxhase izindlu zokhenketho namanqugwalana okuqamalis' intloko ngoko kwahlukana kwawo.
Kwingeniso yelizwe ngokuqgibeleleyo [Gross Domestic Product,GDP,]ukutsho ke, ukhenketho ngaphambili belusoloko lumi kwisithathu ekhulwini, ngoku siqine kwisithoba ekhulwini [Laphela ixesha.]. [Enkosi.] [Kwaqhwatywa.]
IsiXhosa:
USEKELA SOMLOMO: Yibambe kuloo ndawo, mhlekazi, liphelile ixesha lakho neso siXhosa sakho esimnandi.
Mr R N CEBEKHULU (IFP) / Nb/ END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 290
Mr F BHENGU (ANC)
UNACCEPTABLE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS AT HOSPITAL IN KWAZULU-NATAL
(Member's Statement)
Mr R N CEBEKHULU (IFP): Deputy Speaker, the continual difficulties cancer patients face at the Ngwelezane Hospital is totally unacceptable. The cancer patients are allegedly forced to wait for as long as eight months to receive mammogram X-rays that could save their lives.
Ngwelezane Hospital is the only regional hospital servicing the uThungulo, uMkhanyakude and Zululand districts. This matter needs urgent attention so that the proper and required service can be rendered to the patients of these districts. Thank you.
Mr L B GAEHLER (UDM)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 290
Mr R N CEBEKHULU (IFP)
BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FRONTING
(Member's Statement)
Mr L B GAEHLER (UDM): Madam Deputy Speaker, the article in today's Cape Times about a Mrs Elizabeth Tsebe, a domestic worker from Limpopo ... [Inaudible.]
BEE fronting is a widespread problem in South Africa. BEE fronting companies continue to make billions of rand in government business every year. We are aware that steps are being taken to address this challenge.
However, the UDM is concerned by the inordinate amount of time it is taking to find a mechanism capable of drawing distinctions between the representation and substance of BEE deals. While we are completely opposed to the policy of black economic empowerment in its current form, we call on government to deal harshly with all forms of BEE fronting due to its detrimental effect on the economy. Transformation of the current socioeconomic imbalances – which were caused by the apartheid regime's misguided policies – is crucial for long-term political and economic stability. Thank you.
Mr J B SIBANYONI (ANC)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 290
Mr L B GAEHLER (UDM)
NEW COURT AT ASHTON IN THE BOLAND, WESTERN CAPE
(Member's Statement)
Mr J B SIBANYONI (ANC): Deputy Speaker, this statement is entitled "New court brings justice to Ashton in the Boland, Western Cape".
Owing to the fact that many South Africans, particularly the poor, interact with the judicial system at local court level, the ANC has committed itself to providing more resources to lower courts so as to improve their capacity and accessibility. Therefore, the ANC welcomes the opening of the multimillion rand red-brick Ashton Magistrates' court by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, the hon Jeff Thamsanqa Radebe on Tuesday, 15 May 2012.
After many years without direct access to services such as a family court and a magistrates' court, Ashton residents will have access to a continual civil justice service. The opening of this court will also help lessen the Montague court's backlog of cases. We therefore commend the ANC government for ensuring that rural communities, such as Ashton, will be able to easily access court services on their doorstep. Thank you.
Mr I S MFUNDISI (UCDP)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 290
Mr J B SIBANYONI (ANC)
EXHORBITANT FEES CHARGED BY SOUTH AFRICAN BANKS
(Member's Statement)
Mr I S MFUNDISI (UCDP): Deputy Speaker, bank fees or charges are a cause that we must pay considerable attention to. We all understand, vaguely, that the banks do charge too much, but closer attention paid to the "too much" reveals that we are actually being ripped off by South African banks. The poorest South Africans are the hardest hit.
I cannot find a possible explanation or reason for the fact that South African banks charge more than three times their international counterparts in fees. It is unacceptable that a South African can pay up to R22,50 to withdraw R1 000 from an ATM, while people in the developed world generally do not pay for such transactions. These fees increase significantly when a client uses an ATM other than that of their bank, with some banks charging a penalty fee that is more than double the usual rate, in addition to the charge per R100 withdrawn.
In an ideal world, the poor should not be charged for something as simple as withdrawing their funds from an ATM. Even more annoying is that South African banks offer lower interest rates on positive balances than their international counterparts.
Low income earners should not be expected to pay bank charges in the first place. Even though banks are commercial entities that must earn a reasonable return to provide the service they provide, they must understand and be sympathetic to the environment in which they operate. No-fee withdrawals for low-income earners are not impossible in South Africa if they are possible elsewhere. One wonders what is stopping South African banks from offering the same or a similar service, taking into account the poverty levels in the country. Thank you.
Mrs A T LOVEMORE (DA)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 290
Mr I S MFUNDISI (UCDP)
DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION'S FAILURE TO SUPPLY TEXTBOOKS TO LIMPOPO LEARNERS
(Member's Statement)
Mrs A T LOVEMORE (DA): Madam Deputy Speaker, last week Judge Jody Kollapen ruled that the Department of Basic Education had violated the constitutional right of children in Limpopo to a basic education by not having supplied textbooks to them almost halfway through the school year.
Judge Kollapin ordered that the books be delivered by 15 June this year, and that a catch-up plan be put in place by 5 June to ensure that the affected learners are prepared for their year-end assessments. These orders the Minister has accepted.
Judge Kollapen then ordered the Department of Basic Education to provide the plan and monthly progress reports to both the court and to section 27 – the law centre that brought the action against the department.
The Minister has complained that, and I quote, "This may compromise the functioning of government and set a wrong precedent." How, Minister? Section 27 and the court stood up for the rights of learners when the department did not.
The Minister must simply do the right thing and comply, put her energy and effort into ensuring that the learners of Limpopo – one of the poorest provinces in South Africa – have a quality education, and thus a lifeline out of the poverty cycle in which they are so often trapped.
Who knows? In two years' time, these young people might be the recipients of youth wage subsidies to kick-start their careers. It is all about opportunity.
Mrs X C MAKASI (ANC) / nvs / END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 291
Mrs A T LOVEMORE (DA)
IMPROVEMENT IN HEALTH CARE
(Member's Statement)
Mrs X C MAKASI (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC 52nd conference in 2007 identified health as one of the key priorities of the ANC. Much has been done by the ANC to implement these resolutions. The development of the road map for the reform of the health system and the 10-point plan for the health sector in 2008 provide strategic direction on how the resolutions of the 52nd national conference are to be implemented.
We thus welcome the new hospital which was officially opened in Khayelitsha recently. Strategically placed in Khayelitsha, it's a unique facility that not only has outreach clinics, but also incorporates green aspects in its infrastructure which include the maximum use of natural light and ventilation.
The new hospital is an important milestone in the ANC-led government's effort to extend quality health care facilities and services to communities that were relegated to the end of the health care system by the apartheid regime.
The principle of social solidarity lies at the heart of health reform, and the ANC government has embarked on seriously reducing inequalities in our health care system by improving quality and care of public facilities, boosting the capacity for our human resources and stepping up the fight against HIV and Aids and other diseases. I thank you, Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]
Ms H N MAKHUBA (IFP)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 291
Mrs X C MAKASI (ANC)
ERRORS IN SOUTH AFRICAN BANKNOTES
(Member's Statement)
Ms H N MAKHUBA (IFP): Hon Deputy Speaker, it has been reported that the SA Reserve Bank has outsourced the printing of R8 billion in R100 notes to a Swedish company, whilst hundreds of employees at its Pretoria bank-note-making company sit idle.
It was further reported that the Reserve Bank had to shred more than R3,6 million in R100 notes after errors were made with the serial numbers. The problem is compounded even more in that we are now told that the notes manufactured in Sweden are the incorrect size and colour and will, in all likelihood, cause problems when dispensed by our local automated teller machines. The IFP would appreciate further explanation of the matter for everybody's benefit. I thank you.
Mr N J J van R KOORNHOF (Cope)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 291
Ms H N MAKHUBA (IFP)
DEEPENING OF EUROPEAN ECONOMIC CRISIS
(Member's Statement)
Mr N J J van R KOORNHOF (Cope): Deputy Speaker, in the past 100 years Europe has had two major events which reshaped the continent, namely the First World and the Second World Wars. During that time they almost fell off the cliff.
What has happened since then is that in 1989 the world was turned upside down when the Iron Curtaincame down in Europe; then we 9/11, and, in 2008, the global financial crisis. Four years later this crisis is steaming forward and deepening by the day.
Europe stands before a vital moment, hovering over another cliff. The unity they were striving for is about to be tested in the interests of various nations' self-existence. Voters across Europe do not understand why it is necessary to cut down on state expenses. In Greece, 50% of the population under the age of 26 is unemployed; in Italy it is 32%; in Portugal it is 35%; in Spain it is 50%; and in France it is 22%; but in Germany it is only 8%. The relationship between Berlin and Paris is important for Europe to be successful, but the economic dominance of Germany irritates some nations.
Europe is our major trading partner, so South Africa must take serious cognisance of what is happening there and must use all its energy and efforts to vigorously explore new markets, especially in Africa.
Ms P N DANIELS (ANC)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 291
Mr N J J VAN R KOORNHOF (Cope)
MILITARY OMBUDSMAN OFFICE IN USE
(Member's Statement)
Ms P N DANIELS (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, in a further effort to improve the conditions of service of our military personnel, the ANC-led government has officially launched the Military Ombudsman Office in Thaba Tshwane.
In March this year, Parliament passed the Military Ombudsman Bill, which makes provision for the establishment of an independent office and the appointment of a military Ombud.
The objective for the establishment of this office is to investigate and ensure that complaints about SA National Defence Force members of all arms of service and those working at the SANDF headquarters are resolved in a fair, economical and expeditious manner.
The Office of the Military Ombud is also mandated to ensure observance and promotion of fundamental rights of military personnel and oversight of procedures followed by the military courts and prisons, especially with regard to the detention and dismissal of uniformed members. This is a positive development which prioritises the overall welfare of SANDF members. The ANC-led government cares. Thank you.
Dr W G JAMES (DA)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 291
Ms P N DANIELS (ANC)
FOOD SECURITY CRISIS
(Member's Statement)
Dr W G JAMES (DA): Deputy Speaker, our country is in the midst of food security crisis. At the heart of this problem is the fact that food prices are rising so rapidly that it is now financially impossible for the majority of poor South African families to meet their basic nutritional requirements.
An analysis of Statistics SA's latest consumer-price inflation figures indicates that poor South Africans suffer much more at the hands of high inflation rates than their richer counterparts. The poorer you are, the more you become subject to higher inflation accumulated on goods and services you generally depend on, such as bread and cereals.
On a recent visit to the Philani Child Health and Nutrition Projectin Khayelitsha I was taken aback and pained by how generations of South African children rely on inadequate sources of food to meet their daily nutritional intake.
The DA believes that we need to address the low levels of competition in order to deal ruthlessly with instances of collusion and make it easier for new food retailers to enter the market. In addition, we should simplify and strengthen import and export processes to allow our local food industries to grow.
Let us also support local food initiatives, such as vegetable gardens and community markets, to ensure a sustainable source of local produce. Colleagues, these steps will go a long way towards improving food security. I thank you.
Ms M C DUBE (ANC)
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 291
Dr W G JAMES (DA)
LAUNCH OF ITHUBALETHU ECHO VILLAGE HOUSING PROJECT
(Member's Statement)
Ms M C DUBE (ANC): Hon Deputy Speaker, in line with the 2009 election manifesto, the ANC is determined to increase access to secure decent houses for all its residents. In Gauteng the local government and the housing department launched the Ithubalethu Echo Village Housing Project in Mogale City.
The land has been restored back to the people in the area and the first phase of building 150 houses on this ancestral land of the people of Doornfontein has been approved.
In the 1970s, the area was taken away from the people by the apartheid government which also confiscated the people's livestock. But the people in Doornfontein never gave up and fought to get their land back and for their undeniable rights as citizens of South Africa.
The responsibility of the ANC-led government is to restore and bring back the dignity of the people.
The Gauteng local government and housing department is currently in negotiations with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to make sure that they finalise Phase 2. In Phase 2 there are 150 houses that will bring the total to 300 houses. It is a firm commitment of the ANC government to make sure that the lives of our people are changed for the better. Thank you.
MINISTERS' RESPONSES: The MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY/
/NN / GC / END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 292
MEMBER'S STATEMENTS: Ms M C DUBE (ANC)
BLACK ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FRONTING
DEEPENING OF EUROPEAN ECONOMIC CRISIS
FOOD SECURITY CRISIS
(Minister's Response)
The MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY: Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker. I will try to respond to three statements. First of all, I want to indicate to the UDM that we have taken the issue of BEE fronting very seriously. There was a draft Bill which was out for public comment. That public comment period is now over. We are just finalising a few aspects of that Bill. It should be in the House fairly shortly.
Secondly, on the hon Koornhof's statement, I want to say that we do not necessarily share all aspects of your analysis of the crisis in Europe, but the reality of the crisis in Europe is very evident and is having an impact on our trade relations. There is no country in the European Union with which our trade recovered last year to the level it was in 2008. Germany was the closest, where our total trade was R128 billion in 2008, and total trade was only R120 billion last year, 2011. In the most distressed countries in Europe our trade even declined last year. That is the reality; a fact of life that we have to come to terms with.
We are actually identifying trade diversification as a fundamental imperative. We are working hard on the regional integration programme on the African continent because that is our solid base. African industrialisation, diversification and infrastructure are very fundamental to all of that. We are also trying to strengthen our trade relations with fellow Bric countries - Brazil, Russia India and China - and particularly promote value-added trade. We are also looking at other dynamic economies around the world in the Gulf Co-operation Council, GCC countries. For example: Indonesia, among others.
I think that some of the challenges that we find are that quite often government is ahead of the game. We open the door. We go to all these places, we establish a framework and we have to then try to get our businesspeople to move ahead with us as well. I did say in our Budget Vote debate that I would be happy to have a much deeper conversation about this in the portfolio committee, because I do think that this is a matter of fundamental national interest.
The hon James, on the food price rises and the insecurity that this is creating, of course we agree with that. We also agree very much with the aspect of fighting any kind of collusion that takes place in ensuring a competitive environment. I should just draw attention to the House that one of the most robust findings of the competition authorities was on the bread price collusion issue. The commitment to continue that is very much there.
When he talked about new food retailers and simplifying imports, I am not quite sure that we would necessarily have a further unpacking to see where he is coming from. But our approach is that what we fundamentally need to promote food production is a production response. We need to be producing more food out of the ground and more agro-processing. The task that we are engaged in: trying to promote more production of foodstuffs and, in particular, agro-processing.
A few years ago, when South Africa, for once, had a deficit in food, it was not owing to the the crops on the ground but to agro-processing products. We are doing quite a lot of work to try to stimulate agro-processing industries in this country. We have had some success as we have had some fairly significant investments in the past few years. Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 292
The MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY
YOUTH WAGE SUBSIDY
CORRUPTION BY ANC MEMBERS
DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION'S FAILURE TO SUPPLY TEXTBOOKS TO LIMPOPO LEARNERS
(Minister's Response)
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS: Thank you, Chairperson. With regard to the hon DA member on Cosatu violence: we need to condemn violence from all sides. We need not be one-sided when we deal with violence. All sides involved in violence should be condemned, including the DA. However, we must ask the question ... [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: I have a point of order, Madam Chair. I have a point of order, Madam Chair. The DA had a legal march. It was not involved in violence. [Interjections.] The Minister must withdraw that statement.
Adv T M MASUTHA: House Chairperson, that is not a point of order.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): That is not a point of order.
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS: We must even ask the question, House Chairperson. Why did a political party march on a trade union on a policy matter? [Interjections.] We must also deal with the issue of the Cosatu members who were injured. Who injured them? Did they injure themselves? [Interjections.] That is why I am saying that we must condemn violence from all sides. [Interjections.]
Lastly, why did the leaders of the DA disappear when what they started turned nasty, including a member here? [Interjections.] Why did they run away? [Interjections.]
In relation to Cope ...
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, on a point of order: the hon Minister is misleading this House. Helen Zille and Lindiwe Mazibuko gave their speeches at the march ... [Interjections.]
Adv T M MASUTHA: House Chairperson, again, that is not a point of order!
Mr M WATERS: Of course, it is a point of order. The Minister is misleading the House.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Hon member, will you please sit down.
Mr M WATERS: And Helen Zille was hit by a brick as well.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Hon member, will you carry on. You have exactly 30 seconds to finish.
IsiXhosa:
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS: Thank you. Kushushu! Xa kushushu kubanjena kakade!
English:
On Cope, everybody should indeed speak out against corruption. But it is important that we speak the facts; not untested allegations. As we speak about that, we must also talk about the legacy of corruption left by some who held that office.
With regards to the delivery of books in Limpopo and the court decision, the Minister of Education, as one of those who are involved in the Limpopo intervention, has said it openly that she will not defy a court decision. She is in the process of implementation. The fact of the matter is that we had to clear up a lot of issues there and deal with administration even before we could make any further purchases. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 292
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS
LAUNCH OF ITHUBALETHU ECHO VILLAGE HOUSING PROJECT
(Minister's Response)
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: Thank you, House Chairperson. Allow me to thank the hon member of the ANC, Comrade Christina Dube, for this statement. The plan by the Gauteng department to build houses for the people of Doornfontein through the launch of the Ithubalethu Echo Village project shows the commitment of the ANC government in bringing back the dignity of our people.
As we say all the time: housing brings water, brings electricity, and brings sanitation; and, we will ensure, more than that, that there is job creation. We will ensure that as we build houses for these people, we improve the quality of life of the people in the area. At the end of the day, these people fought for a long time to get this land back. We want to ensure that those houses are of good quality. We will make sure that those people participate in the project, so the project itself benefits that community and improves their quality of life. This includes bringing in other departments because we want to ensure that those beneficiaries, particularly children of school-going age, are linked to bursaries so that we improve in totality the quality of life of those people.
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 292
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
ALLEGED CORRUPTION BY ANC MEMBERS
(Minister's Statement)
IsiZulu:
ISEKELA WEZOKUTHUTHUKISWA KOMPHAKATHI: Ngiyabonga Sihlalo, kwilungu elihloniphekile le-Cope, ubaba uKganare, kuyaphazamisa ukuthi uzwe ilungu elihloniphekile lenze engathi i-Cope yiyona elwa nokukhwabanisa. Kuyaziwa-ke ukuthi i-ANC yiyona ngokwayo elwa nobukhwabanisi kule lizwe. Iphumele obala lapho bubonakala khona ubukhwabanisi. Sithi-ke Umnyango uvulekile ukuthi nakule ndaba yokukhwabanisa okukhulunywa nguMnu uKganare sinikezwe imininingwane, hhayi ukuzwa ngoba besho. Ngiyakholwa-ke ukuthi uzoyidlulisela eMnyangweni ofanele imininingwane ukuze sibone ukuthi kuyiqiniso yini loku okhuluma ngakho.
Siyafisa belu ukuthi uma sikhuluma izinto ezifana nalezi, sizihlole nathi ukuthi ngaphambilini ekuphatheni kwethu sashiya senzeni emuva kwethu.
Mr D A KGANARE: The hon Deputy Minister is insinuating that the fact that we are talking about ... [Interjections.] I have not finished.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Could you just finish, hon member.
Mr D A KGANARE: My point of order is: Is it parliamentary for the Deputy Minister to insinuate that the fact I am raising the issue of corruption means that I committed corruption when I was in the same position?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Hon member, this insinuation that you are talking about is neither here nor there. So, I am not allowing that point of order.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: You covered me. He must never attribute his thoughts to the Minister's mind.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): The ministerial responses are over. Could we please get on with the work of this House. That concludes ... [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker ... Madam Speaker, on a point of order: this is the third time in as many months that I have to address the Chair on the glaring absence of Ministers in these sections of statements. [Interjections.] They can shout as much as they like. The fact of the matter is that the Minister are disregarding Parliament, where they should be. [Interjection.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Point of order! Point of order!
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: The Chief Whip of the Majority Party cannot take a point of order while I am giving ...
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Point of order!
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, on two ocassions I have raised a point of order on this, and I was promised that the matter would be attended to. It is a shame for South Africa that the Ministers have so little respect for Parliament. [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, the hon Watson is a member of the Chief Whip's Forum. He has a place where he can find out why Ministers are absent. We cannot use this forum to do that. [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chairperson, if the Chief Whip took the trouble to attend Chief Whip's Forums, maybe I could ask him.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Alright, could we get on with the business of the House. The Secretary will read the First Order of Day.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Chairperson, I apologise for interrupting the Table, but I raised a point of order which you have not replied to yet.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): I suggest you look at Rule 105/6. Look at that Rule. You ought to know that Rule because you are Chief Whip of that party.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: With all due respect, Madam, that is not a ruling. To tell me to read a Rule is not a ruling. Would you please make a ruling.
Adv T M MASUTHA: Chairperson, I think that the hon member does not understand English. In simple English all this means is that you do not have a point of order. [Interjections.] Full stop! There is no ruling to be made.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Mr Watson ...
An HON MEMBER: "Hon" Watson.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): The hon Watson – the hon Watson - double hon Watson – I will not take that point of order. Shall we continue?
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Could you please explain to me why you do not take it, Madam?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig: Look we have ... [Interjections.] Because there are various reasons why Ministers are not here. Do you understand that? [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: No, no ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig: We've had this before.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Chair, I did not ask ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): You have been here since 1994. Why are you trying to make a mess of this session of Parliament? Why are you trying ... [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: I am tempted to say something, but I will not. Could I just ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): You know very well what is happening here. You know very well that the Diaspora Congress is going on. All of those things! So why are you inhibiting the work of the Chamber? [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Chair, with all respect due to you, I did not ask you anything to enter into a debate with you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Yes, you are.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: I asked for a ruling. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Will you please sit down. [Interjections.] Carry on! If you like to sing; sing.
MINISTERS' RESPONSES: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION /Mosa/END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 294
FIRST ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE MEMBERS' LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS AND SPECIAL PETITIONS ON SPECIAL PETITION OF MRS A S E VAN RHEEDE VAN OUDTSHOORN (SUBMITTED BY MR BOSMAN, MP) PRAYING FOR PENSION
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
SECOND ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 294 & 295
FIRST ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO VARIOUS ENTITIES DURING JULY AND AUGUST 2011
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Chair, sorry but I have to address you again. We have taken two decisions, and I believe that we don't have a quorum as determined by the Rules.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, a quorum is a third. I don't know which quorum my hon dear friend is talking about. Maybe his arithmetic is wanting this afternoon.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): The quorum is a third. The Chief Whip of the Majority Party says that there is a quorum in the House. Can we continue?
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, with all due respect, how have you determined the quorum? I mean, you can't just take it on the ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): One third of the House.
Mr M WATERS: But have you counted?
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, I request that you call the DA to order, or they should leave the House because they are disruptive.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Hon members, give us two minutes to count the number of members in this House. Then we can ... [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Sincere thanks!
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): ... decide what we should do. ... [Inaudible.] ... 11 members short for a quorum. Alright. The bells will be rung for five minutes and we will then continue.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: May I just ask that the Chief Whip of the Majority Party withdraw his accusation against the DA. [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, between the time when I spoke and now, we don't know how many members left the House, so I can't withdraw. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Alright. The bells will be rung for five minutes and we shall wait to see whether we have a quorum to continue the business of this House.
Mr S B FARROW: Chair, could I have your attention. Could I make a suggestion?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): I think we have a quorum, Mr Farrow.
Mr S FARROW: Irrespective, I think the easiest way, besides doing a physical manual count, would be to just get everybody to go to their seats and press their button and we will get a record, and that will save a lot effort. Thank you. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Hon Farrow, we have taken your suggestion. Will you all take your seats now? I am waiting for some members to get to their seats. Chief Whip of the Majority Party, could you please take your seat. Are you all in place now, in your proper seats? Hon members, press your "yes" button so we can get a figure as to the quorum of this House. You may commence. Press the red button. [Interjections.] Have you all pressed the required button? [Interjections.]
Are there any problems? [Interjections.] Press any button. We want to see if there is a quorum in the House. So, press any button; just press a button. [Interjections.] Alright, have you all pressed a button? [Interjections.] Thank you. Hon Ainslie, is there a problem? [Interjections.]
We needed 134 votes. There were 134 people in the House, or hon members in the House. We now have 157 hon members in the House. So, we can continue with our work. [Applause.]
THIRD ORDER: Ms H H MALGAS / KC//A N N(ed)/ END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 295
SECOND ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO EASTERN CAPE, LIMPOPO AND MPUMALANGA BETWEEN 10 AND 19 JANUARY 2012
Mrs H H MALGAS: Hon Chairperson ...
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Yes, hon Chief Whip.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Could this House note the influx of people who left the House to create the impression ... [Interjections.] ... that members of this Parliament are not disciplined; they were not here.
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, the hon members were at a committee meeting. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Listen, you were complaining about the Ministers not being here. You were the ones complaining. You are now saying that your members were in a meeting. So, let us just leave this at that. When we did the quorum, your members weren't here nor were our members, so ... [Interjections.]
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, with all due respect, you supposed to be neutral when you are in the Chair. [Interjections.] It's not "our" members. It's members.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Yes. Our members. [Interjections.] Starting from there – our members.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): I think everybody has had their little bit of fun. Could we get on with the work of this House? Hon Malgas, please continue.
Mrs H H MALGAS: Hon Chairperson, the report, as has been said, is on the visit of the Basic Education committee to the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga, between 10 and 19 January. The purpose of the visit was to check school readiness. As a committee, especially from the ANC side, this was discussed broadly in our Budget Vote.
The problems that we picked up were: the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement, Caps; transport within the Eastern Cape; textbooks and workbooks; placement and distribution of teachers and temporary teachers; and administration on all levels.
I will just go to the resolutions, because under each school we visited we put forward a concern and a recommendation. I will just give an overall gist of all our recommendations. Number one: when it comes to district support, there is a need to intensify it and make it visible to schools, especially in assisting when it comes to maths and science, and giving leadership to schools and ensuring that each school has a turnaround strategy in place. There must be an action plan in place to absorb teachers into the system, that is our temporary and displaced teachers.
When it comes to Caps, the department should explore other measures to get buy-in from all unions to be part of the training processes of Caps. There is a need to revive the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign, QLTC, throughout provinces as it is not functioning according to expectations and the prescripts of the department.
Additional funds should be made available to cover all learners that qualify for scholar transport. That was very prominent in the Eastern Cape.
We have to look at the overall roll-out of the infrastructure plan and address bottlenecks in the system. When it comes to tranches, they must reach schools timeously. With regard to textbooks and workbooks, an assessment should be made to determine where the backlogs are when it comes to their requisition and delivery. This problem should also be addressed. Thank you.
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
FOURTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY / JM/UNH (Checked)/END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
THIRD ORDER: Ms H H MALGAS
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS ON VISIT TO NORTHERN CAPE FROM 27 TO 30 MARCH 2011
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
FIFTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
FOURTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE ON 2011 PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
SIXTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
FIFTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ENERGY ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO CENTRAL ENERGY FUND (PTY) LTD AND ITS ENTITIES FROM 1 TO 5 AUGUST 2011
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
SEVENTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
SIXTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL RESOURCES ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO SEKHUKHUNE, LIMPOPO, FROM 5 TO 8 SEPTEMBER 2011
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
EIGHTH ORDER: Mr E M SOGONI
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
SEVENTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO EASTERN CAPE FROM 23 TO 25 JANUARY 2012
Mr E M SOGONI: Hon Chairperson, I propose that the Report be adopted as reflected in the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports.
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
NINTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
EIGHTH ORDER: Mr E M SOGONI
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS ON FOLLOW-UP OVERSIGHT VISIT TO LIMPOPO AND MPUMALANGA FROM 5 TO 9 SEPTEMBER 2011
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
10th ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
NINTH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO MANKWENG, LOUIS TRICHARDT HOSPITALS AND MADOMBIDZA CLINIC IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE FROM 10 TO 12 AUGUST 2011
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
11TH & 12TH ORDERS: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
10TH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ARTS AND CULTURE ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO PUBLIC ENTITIES IN EASTERN CAPE FROM 3 TO 4 AUGUST 2011
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ARTS AND CULTURE ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO PUBLIC ENTITIES IN WESTERN CAPE FROM 26 TO 28 JULY 2011
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Reports be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Oversight Visit to Public Entities in Eastern Cape from 3 to 4 August 2011 accordingly adopted.
Oversight Visit to Public Entities in Western Cape from 26 to 28 July 2011 accordingly adopted.
3TH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
11TH & 12 ORDERS: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON LABOUR ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO FARMS IN WESTERN CAPE FROM 24 TO 27 JANUARY 2012
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
14TH ORDER: Mr T M MASUTHA
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 296
13TH ORDER: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
CONSIDERATION OF FIRST REPORT OF RULES COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 2012
Adv T M MASUTHA: Chairperson, it has been a long day, and I can see colleagues on my left have been quite busy and agitated today. [Interjections.] Could I say that I stand on behalf of the Speaker of the Assembly who is actually the Chairperson of the Rules Committee by virtue of being the chairperson of the subcommittee under the Rules which deals with Rule amendments, given the fact that this Report deals essentially with amendments to the Rule Book.
Essentially, the proposed amendments relate to Rule 105 which deals with Members' Statements and the responses thereto by Ministers, to Rule 106 which deals Ministers' Statements and to Rule 33 which deals with sittings of Extended Public Committees. Essentially, there isn't any new policy proposals that are being made, but rather the formalisation of practices that had been in place for quite some time - years.
In relation to Rule 105 which deals with Members' Statements, the proposal is to formalise in the Rules a practice where, although the Rules require or allows a maximum of 14 statements on a given day, in practice we have suspended that Rule to allow 15 statements, as you have noticed this afternoon. As far as Ministers' Responses are concerned, instead of five Ministers' Responses, which is the maximum allowed under the current Rules, the changes will allow for six Ministers' Statements in the Rules, which is the current practice.
In so far as Rule 106 is concerned, which deals with executive response statements, which is Ministers' Statements, the Rule, as it currently stands, is not consistent with our Constitution which prescribes the principle of proportional representation to guide our proceedings here because it states that a maximum of three minutes is allowed for members or parties to respond to Ministers' Statements. The proposal here is that the system of proportional representation, which informs the allocation of time in debates, should apply here. In other words, parties would be entitled to respond to Ministers' Statements and would be allocated time proportionate to their representation here. As I understand this, it ranges from eight minutes, which the ANC enjoys, to, I think, five which the largest opposition party ...
Mr M WATERS: Government in waiting!
Adv T M MASUTHA: Not in our lifetime. Keep dreaming, though. I think three minutes for Cope, and the others, I think, is two minutes, and the rest is one minute. That is the practice currently, and the practice is consistent with the Constitution. The idea is to make sure that the Rules comply with that practice.
Finally, Rule 33 deals with proceedings in Extended Public Committees in part three. The proposition is that whereas the current Rule does not specifically provide for ordinary members of this House to preside or to chair in Extended Public Committee meetings, the practice has been to suspend that Rule to allow the Speaker to nominate ordinary members to chair. So, the idea is to bring that Rule in line with the practice to formalise the authority of the Speaker to actually appoint ordinary members to preside in those meetings. That is, in short, what these Rule amendments are. Let me say on behalf of Speaker and the Rules Committee, I commend these Rule amendments. Thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
DEBATE ON AFRICA DAY: The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY /Mohau//Mia / END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 297
14TH ORDER: Adv T M MASUTHA
CELEBRATING AFRICAN CULTURAL RENAISSANCE THROUGH DIALOGUE
(Debate on Africa Day)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon House Chairperson, as we celebrate Africa Day, let us reflect on the roots of racism, slave trade and colonialism, which led to anti-colonial struggles, the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, OAU and African Union, AU, and the passage of the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance.
The slave trade and colonialism did not completely deprive the people of African descent of their identity and African national consciousness. Their Christianisation and the accompanying racism in church and state institutions, during the 17th and 18th centuries, catalysed the reawakening of African national consciousness. This led to the secession of the African clergy from white churches, missionary churches and the formation of African independent churches, which came to be known as Ethiopian churches. These churches were so called because they based their religious philosophy on African redemption or liberation, as contained in Psalm 68:31.
The revival or reawakening of the African national consciousness started in the United States and spread to Africa during the 18th century. This religious revival of the reawakening of the 18th century produced many African preachers, such as Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, AME, and Rev Manyena Maake Mokone, the founder of the Ethiopian Church of South Africa. Rev Manyena Maake Mokone was recently honoured by President Jacob Zuma as the founder of the Ethiopian African Liberation Theology. The African clergy and traditional leaders worked together to build independent churches and schools.
The totality of the experiences of slavery, racism and colonialism produced the slogan "Africa for Africans" and the "Back to Africa" campaign within the Ethiopian movement in the United States of America and the Caribbean. Thus Ethiopianism catalysed the birth of Pan-African nationalism. The founders of the ANC were profoundly influenced by both Ethiopianism and Pan-Africanism.
The Pan-African movement formally came into being at the first Pan-African Congress held in London, in 1900. The congress was convened by the Rev Sylvester Henry Williams and Bishop Walters, who were self-confessed Ethiopian Christians.
In his keynote address to the congress, W E Du Bois opined that racism would be the greatest challenge of the 20th century. The congress, which took place during the Anglo-Boer War, condemned British attempts to recolonise South Africa and the atrocities committed on the African people on both sides of the war.
After the war, some delegates to the Pan-African Congress, including the Rev Henry Sylvester Williams and Peregrino, a Ghanaian journalist, settled here in Cape Town. They joined with officials of the AME Church and Ethiopian Church clergy that had been ordained by Henry McNeal Turner, a pioneer Pan-African nationalist who popularised the slogan "Africa for Africans" within the Ethiopian movement. Thus the Ethiopian Christians and the Pan-African nationalists worked together to propagate the Pan-African identity and African national consciousness.
Sylvester Williams assisted Abdularahm and Sol Plaatjie to establish the African People's Organisation, APO, in 1902. It was the first African political organisation, which was preceded by the Natal Indian Congress formed in 1892.
Meanwhile, the African youth, who were studying in Europe in black church colleges in the USA, returned to South Africa and swelled the ranks of the native congresses, which were formed during the first decade of the 20th century. They came together in 1912 to form the ANC.
With regard to the birth of the Pan-African national vision, Rev John Langalibalele Dube, a teacher and pastor in the Congregational Church, gave a public lecture in 1892, in which, after his return from the US, he foretold the birth of a free Africa, which would be a spiritual, humane, caring and prosperous continent.
Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Dube's cousin, delivered a public lecture at Columbia University in 1905, titled The Regeneration of Africa. Seme said, and I quote:
The African already recognises his anomalous position and desires change. The brighter day is rising upon Africa. Already I seem to see her chains dissolved, her desert plains red with harvest, her Abyssinia and her Zululand, the seats of science and religion, reflecting the glory of the rising sun from the spires of their churches and universities. Her Congo and her Gambia, whitened with commerce, crowded cities sending forth the hum of business, and all her sons employed in advancing the victories of peace - greater and more abiding than the spoils of war.
Yes, the regeneration of Africa belongs to this new and powerful period. By this term regeneration, I wish to be understood to mean the entrance into a new life, embracing the diverse phrases of a higher complex existence. The basic factor, which assures their regeneration, resides in the awakened African race consciousness. This gives them a clear perception of their elemental needs and of undeveloped powers. It therefore must lead them to the attainment of that higher and advanced standard of life.
Seme recalled the great achievements of the indigenous African empires of ancient Egypt and Ethiopia to highlight the potential of Africa to create yet new civilisations. Seme was the first African leader to use the phrase "I am an African."
In his public lecture, he demonstrated that Africa would be reborn from the ashes of slavery and colonialism and create a new African civilisation.
He further said, and I quote:
The regeneration of Africa means that a new and unique civilisation is soon to be added to the world. The African is not a proletariat in the world of science and art. He has precious creations of his own, of ivory, of copper and gold, fine, plaited willow wares and weapons of superior workmanship.
Civilisation resembles an organic being in its development - it is born, it perishes, and it can propagate itself. More particularly, it resembles a plant, it takes root in the teething earth and, when the seeds fall in other soils, new variety sprout up. The most essential departure of this new civilisation is that it shall be thoroughly spiritual and humanistic – indeed a regeneration moral and eternal.
Here Seme embraced the values espoused by Dube and, more specifically, called for a moral regeneration movement. Seme and three other ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Hon Chief Whip, could you please just stop for a moment. I request that you people lower your voices. There has been incessant talking and, quite loudly, especially from the back and in the front.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: They are like that because they do not understand English and history. [Laughter.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms F Hajaig): Could you continue, hon Chief Whip.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Seme and three other lawyers: Richard Msimang, George Montsioa and Alfred Mangena convened the founding conference of the ANC on 8 January 1912. In his opening address, Seme called for unity and co-operation, and unity in diversity.
Concerning the ANC centenary, on 8 January 2012 we began our celebration of the ANC centenary; 100 years of selfless struggle for freedom, equality and justice for all, both black and white. The leadership of the ANC correctly characterised this centenary as the achievement of the people of South Africa, Africa and the world. Indeed, the people of Africa and the Diaspora gathered at Gallagher Estate, Midrand, to map out the collaboration of Africa and her Diaspora in the development of the continent and its people.
Any African development plan that is hatched should heed Seme's call for a new and unique African civilisation, based on spiritual and human values, underpinned by a moral regeneration programme.
The ANC dedicated each of the 12 months of 2012 to one of the 12 presidents of the ANC. May is dedicated to President Pixley ka Isaka Seme, the founder of the ANC. Our icon, Nelson Mandela, taught us that the seeds of the ANC were sewn in the Ethiopian movement, which espoused the values of human dignity, self-help and self-reliance. The ANC is a value-centred national liberation movement that derives its moral vision from religion and other diverse cultures and traditions.
The new and unique civilisation for Africa and Africans envisaged by Pixley ka Isaka Seme is inclusive of all South Africans, both black and white. The second president of the ANC, Sefako Makgatho, confirmed this in 1917. Chief Albert Luthuli also said, "Let us build a civilisation based on human values." Nelson Mandela has also said to us that his mission was to promote reconciliation.
I must say that what happened in Johannesburg recently, where art was abused, is unacceptable, is racist, is vulgar, and cannot be allowed in a democratic society like South Africa. [Interjections.] That event confirms the call by President Jacob Zuma that we need a national dialogue on unity in diversity.
We would want to thank the President for having initiated the Unity in Diversity project. As this Parliament, we want to propose that we partner with the Department of Justice and Constitutional development, in terms of our strategic objective of co-operative governance. This would be in order to ensure that this nation debate what values are common and acceptable to all of us, because we do not want an importation of the moral degeneration of Europe into Africa. [Applause.]
Africa wants to build a spiritual, humane, caring and prosperous country in which we have respect for the self and for others. We hope that we speak for the people of this country, who elected us, to say that what happened in Johannesburg has actually led to violence, which means disrespect for the rights of others. [Interjections.]
The violation of the dignity of our leadership is creating conflict and making the creation of a nation united in diversity difficult to achieve. We are happy that both white and black people, who are sensible, oppose that occurrence. Only the minority, which are still confused, accepted that. Thank you, hon House Chairperson. [Applause.]
Mr K S MUBU / LMM/ARM (Checked)/ END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 298
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY
Mr K S MUBU: Chairperson, the few Ministers here and hon members, the speakers' list in front of you says I am going to speak in Afrikaans. I was not asked what language I was going to use here, and I want to admit my Afrikaans is as good as my Chinese. So, I am going to speak in English. This year, we celebrate this important day under the theme: Celebrating the African Cultural Renaissance Through Dialogue.
It has been half a century since many African countries attained independence, and yet this massive continent still faces many challenges. At the heart of Africa's problems is poverty. It is said that Africa is the second poorest inhabited continent in the world after Asia. Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa are in the World Bank's lowest gross national income category of less than US$700. This is in spite of the fact that Africa is a resource-rich continent.
In the 1950s, we saw Africa awakening to independence prospects, with many African nationalists such as Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta, Kenneth Kaunda, Frantz Fanon, Amilcar Cabral and many others agitating for more say in the affairs of the colonised majority. Africa in the 1960s was a continent in transition. It is during this period that at least 31 countries attained their self-rule from their European colonisers. The wind of change was indeed blowing across the continent at the time.
In the 1970s, many challenges faced the newly independent states, as many of their economies remained in limbo. Development was difficult, regional and ethnic conflicts were rampant, and the Cold War was at its worst. In the 1980s, Africa was a continent in decline. Hunger and starvation were afflicting the countries of Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia, and there were raging civil wars in Angola, Sudan, Mozambique and other countries. The last decade continued to pose difficulties for the continent, as the economies stagnated and deteriorated.
However, parts of this continent have made significant gains over the past few years. In fact, some African countries consist of the fastest growing economies in the world today. This current decade has been described as a period when democracy in Africa is indeed coming of age. It is during this period that lawlessness and impunity are slowly disappearing from the continent. The recent political disturbances in Mali and Guinea-Bissau have shown that the continent is ready to condemn and punish rogue states by imposing punitive measures to restore law and order. In Malawi, the recent transition from the late President Bingu wa Mutharika to Joyce Banda, who is the second female president on the continent after the Sierra Leonean president, exemplifies what this continent has achieved in the past half century of independence.
The liberation struggle in Africa and particularly here in the Southern Africa pitted evil political systems against the aspirations of the majority of the oppressed people. The fight against apartheid was a major uniting factor against the total independence and liberation of the subregion. I was born in a country that played a critical role in the liberation struggle in Africa in general, and Southern Africa in particular. [Interjections.] I am going to tell you now.
I was born in Zambia. Zambia, the landlocked country, which was at the time led by Kenneth Kaunda, sacrificed much towards the total liberation of this subregion along with other frontline states. At the time, Kaunda's rallying call to all Zambians was, "Tiyende pamodzi ndimtima umodzi." In Nyanja, that means "Let's move forward in unity." It is no exaggeration to say that Zambia was home to probably the largest number of African liberation movements in this region including the ANC, the PAC of South Africa, the Zimbabwe African National Union, Zanu and the Zimbabwe African People's Union, Zapu, of Zimbabwe, the Liberation Front of Mozambique, Frelimo, the South West Africa People's Organisation, Swapo, of South West Africa which is Namibia now, the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola, MPLA, and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, Unita, to name but a few.
Many of South Africa's liberation heroes such as Tambo, Thabo Mbeki, Alfred Nzo and many others found refuge in Lusaka at a time when this country was a pariah in the eyes of the international community. Others include the late Herbert Chitepo, for example, Robert Mugabe, Joshua Nkomo, Samora Machel, Jonas Savimbi, Agostinho Neto and Holden Roberto of Angola and the list goes on. They found refuge in that country.
Nearly 20 years after the total liberation of Southern Africa, a new sprit is emerging. Democracy has taken root, and economic development and regional integration are the buzz words. But a lot still needs to be done, particularly in Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
There is a new scramble for Africa's resources. It is a scramble which says that Africa has to feed the huge appetite of raw materials that are needed to feed the industries in China, the Far East, America and Europe. To feed this huge appetite, Africa has become a producer of commodities that are sent out of the continent unprocessed and are only sold back to the continent as finished products. It is time for this continent to begin to develop beneficiation product industries in order to create employment opportunities for the people of this continent.
This year's theme is a call for Africans to engage in peaceful resolution of their differences. It is an appeal that requires that armed confrontation should be the last resort in resolving conflicts on the continent. The current standoff between Sudan and the newly independent South Sudan, for example, is an affront to the spirit of coexistence, tolerance and the spirit of the African Renaissance. Former President Nelson Mandela said, "I dream of the realisation of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine their efforts to solve the problems of this continent."
Africa is an enchanting continent. I have had the privilege of travelling across the continent, from north to south, east to west. I have marvelled at the beauty of the vastness of the Serengeti plains of Tanzania where thousands of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo and other animals travel in their annual migration that takes them to the Masai Mara in Kenya. I have been to the Kaleni Hills in northwest Zambia, where the Zambezi River begins from a small spring to become one of Africa's biggest rivers that sustains millions of people and livestock as it travels through Angola and forms the borders between Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and then goes on to Mozambique, to pour its contents into the Indian Ocean. At the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River plunges thousands of metres into the precipice that prompted the people that I belong to, the Lozi-speaking people, who call it, Mosi-oa-Tunya,the "Smoke that Thunders".
In North Africa, my memories of the Great Pyramids will forever remain indelibly marked in my mind. I have been to the point where the great Nile River empties its contents into the Mediterranean Sea, the body of water that separates Africa from the land of her former colonisers in Europe.
In West Africa, the Cape Coast Castle of Ghana and its dungeons are a reminder of the pain of millions of Africans who were brought there from the hinterland en route to far off and unknown lands to start new lives as slaves. Many perished during these perilous journeys across rough seas, consumed by fatigue, sickness and even fear.
The Namib Desert is a sight that I will always behold as I see the dry and scorched dunes as they meet the sea along the Skeleton Coast, so named because of the many ships that wrecked here and the many lives that were lost many years ago.
God's Window in Mpumalanga is an insight into the beauty, the mystery and the secrecy of God's power of creation. This is Africa, its beauty and mystery abound. This quotation by Richard Mullin, which I borrowed from the hon Koornhof of Cope - I don't see him here - sums this up and says, "The only man I envy is the man who has not been to Africa – for he has so much to look forward to." The late Trevor Huddleston once prayed, "God bless Africa, guard her people, guide her leaders, and give her peace." I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr L S NGONYAMA /AZM MNGUNI/VM /END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 299
Mr K S MUBU
Mr L S NGONYAMA: Hon Chairperson, as we celebrate Africa Day under the theme "Celebrating African cultural renaissance through dialogues," we remember that in 1994, former President Nelson Mandela used the theme of a single nation with many cultures for his inaugural celebrations to set us on a path of active reconciliation. Archbishop Tutu complemented Mandela speech in proclaiming us as the "Rainbow Nation" where our colours and cultures contributed to the radiance of a culturally diverse but united South Africa. Dialogue not accusations, they held, was the glue to keep us bonded.
Indeed, the adoption of the motto "!ke e:/xarra//ke" translated as "diverse people unite" underlines how consciously we are resolved to create the big paradigm shift necessary for cementing the commonalities that unite us. Dialogue, only dialogue, prevents the ethnicisation of politics and promotes co-existence.
In 2005, African leaders further reinforced the need for dialogue as a condition for harmonious existence and prosperity by endorsing the Draft Charter for African Cultural Renaissance. They recognised that art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs should provide the stimulus for respective peoples to learn from one another and to evolve to higher levels of development. Indeed, we grow by being acquainted with the more efficient ways of others.
During the colonial period, the depersonalisation of Africans, the falsification of their history, the disparagement of their values and the downgrading of their languages blunted African culture. Today African languages must be promoted both for their intrinsic values they hold, as well as being a basis for a more successful dialogue.
Cultural diversity and unity must exist in equilibrium. For too long Africa has been wounded and made to bleed from the outside as well as from within. During his term of office, President Mbeki made a seminal address on the theme "I am an African". This speech set the parameters for establishing the identity of an African. An African woman academic, Dr Bennet, encapsulated the point even more succinctly when she stated, "An African is not one who is born in Africa, but one in whom Africa is born." Mbeki and Bennet elevated the debate beyond the point of divisive and pointless contention. In so doing, they also intrinsically located the argument of who an African is inside the humanistic conception of ubuntu, namely "Umuntu umuntu ngabantu." [I am what I am because of who we all are.] Indeed, we are what we are as a result of who we all are. Our lives are interdependent, and dialogue is the lubricant of our existence without friction.
Wayne Visser echoes the same consciousness in beginning his poem with:
I am an African
Not because I was born there
But because my heart beats with Africa's
Cope agrees that the cultural renaissance must emancipate people. This requires a continent-wide mobilisation to promote dialogue between people, states and civilisations. Africa is torn by needless conflicts and wars arising from an intolerance of cultural diversities and identities, religious tensions and lack of appreciation for cultural diversity. Former victims of colonisation continue to victimise others among themselves. The slaughter of over 300 000 people in Darfur and the displacement of 2 million people of its people is a cruel example of this. Without continual dialogue, we will say: "I did not see. I did not know," as was the case in Rwanda, and as was the case in South Africa during apartheid. In this context, Cope fully supports ... Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Mr A M MPONTSHANE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 299
Mr L S NGONYAMA
Mr A M MPONTSHANE: Hon Chairperson, let me invite the hon members to listen to these few lines from a poem written by an anonymous African poet and writer. The title is "Let me be me."
Let me be me
I am not you!
Yet you cannot let me
Be me.
For God's sake
Let me be me!
This stanza summarises the whole tragedy of the African story, the tragedy of being denied the chance to define ourselves in our own African terms. We are today celebrating the hallowed values of the struggle, handed down from one generation to another. These values of unity and co-operation are embodied in the African philosophy of ubuntu-botho. [Human dignity].
But it is this very same African philosophy which was vehemently attacked by Western usurpers who argued that Africans had no philosophy at all and, by definition, that Africans did not have a way of their own to live life itself. This represented the first step of this tragedy, because this was followed by Africans rejecting their own. We rejected our own languages, because we were told that our languages resembled that of a bat who, in any way, would have liked to be a bat.
We rejected our customs, because missionaries had argued that it was "better to be a slave in a white Christian society than to be free in African savagery". There you are. The whole process of dehumanisation followed. We have been dehumanised. We have been turned into the status of a victim, because a victim will always whine and whinge. A victim will always imitate the master inside him. In other words, our minds have been colonised.
What must be done? First, some aspects of our culture may become archaic. Some thought patterns may become old-fashioned and must be discarded, but the whole of the society cannot be discarded. It must be transformed instead. Let us open a dialogue amongst ourselves because, I argue, playing pseudo-intellectual games amongst ourselves won't help our cause at all.
Therefore, our first responsibility is to reclaim what we lost. We must rehabilitate our languages; even our eating habits as many health professionals have observed that many Africans have acquired some chronic diseases like diabetes due to dietary practices.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Hon member, your time has expired.
Mr A M MPONTSHANE: Chair, this reminds me of what happened to us in Kampala, Uganda.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Hon member, your time has expired.
Mr A M MPONTSHANE: ... just a second to tell this story. [Laughter.] A young lady was serving us mushroom soup. When she came round to us, I said, "This soup is not nice." She turned to me and said, "You know what your problem is, you South Africans?". I said "No." She said "because whenever you cook, you cook for two colours". [Laughter.] [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Hon member, you cook overtime. [Laughter.]
Mr L W GREYLING
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 299
Mr A M MPONTSHANE
Mr L W GREYLING: Hon Chairperson, let me state it from the outset that I love this continent and I am extremely proud to call myself an African. My love for this continent was reinforced when, in 1997, I undertook a-year-and-a-half expedition through Africa where I was exposed to the wonderful diversity that exists throughout this continent.
During this expedition I was shown the resilience of the African people and how many of them are rising above intolerable situations by drawing on their own ingenuity. It is this ingenuity that must be harnessed if we are to overcome the myriad of problems that still beset our continent. It is because of this experience, though, that I knew that a cover of The Economist in 2000 where they called Africa "the hopeless continent" was devoid of truth and that they would be forced one day to eat their words. And eat their words they have, as many countries on this continent have progressively embraced democracy and some have experienced spectacular economic growth over the past decade.
Steve Biko once said that the great gift still has to come from Africa: giving the world a more human face. In order for us to achieve this, though, we have to replace bullets with words, tyrants with democracy, and oppression with a resolute commitment to human rights.
If we remain steadfast to this ideal, I am convinced that this will truly be Africa's century, and its glorious diversity will be celebrated by all. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr S Z NTAPANE / TN / END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 300
Mr L W GREYLING
Mr S Z NTAPANE: Hon Chairperson, hon members, the annual commemoration of Africa Day reminds us of the impressive strides the mother continent of Africa has made since the dark days of brutal colonial rule. It has not only been due to self-determination and excellent political leadership that Africa has been able to free herself from the yoke of oppression, but also largely due to a cultural value system that put the welfare of society above that of an individual.
While diverse and varied in nature, African cultures share one commonality. They are all built fundamentally on the principle of collective solidarity around survival issues. This defining feature of African cultures served as a propeller for the liberation agenda.
If culture refers to the behaviours and beliefs characteristic of a particular social or ethnic group, or if it refers to how we do things, then we should therefore ask ourselves whether enough is being done to preserve the elements of our cultures that give us a distinctive identity. This is because our cultural values and practices are critical in understanding the dynamics behind any thriving nation, community, business or organisation. They define the daily realities of our people, their attitudes and reactions to controversial artwork and hold the key to the success of many nations around the world.
Thus, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the African cultural renaissance through dialogue, we must question the extent to which we, the peoples of Africa, have neglected African culture, while accepting Western culture in toto. We should remain cognisant of the fact that any cultural renewal strategies that strive for excellence in Africa are likely to fail unless they are meaningfully linked to the continent's unique cultures. I thank you, hon Chairperson.
Ms K R MAGAU
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 300
Mr S Z NTAPANE
Sesotho:
Mof K R MAGAU: Modulasetulo, ke a leboha. Ke dumedisa maloko a hlomphehileng a Ntlo ena e kgabane ya Ketsamolao ya Afrika Borwa. Thapameng ena ya kajeno re tlo buisana hanyenyane feela ka mekete e tla tshwarwa hosasa ka letsatsi la Afrika.
English:
Chairperson, firstly, I would like to welcome all the delegates who have arrived in South Africa to attend the Global African Diaspora Summit currently under way. This is an important and significant event for us as Africans, as Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane said in her address to the ministerial meeting of the Global African Diaspora Summit on 23 May 2012, in that it symbolises a victory over colonialism and in our quest for Pan-African unity.
An important value within South African foreign policy is the concept of ubuntu, which is about humanity and the commitment to the establishment of mutually beneficial international partnerships. Premised on this principle of ubuntu, South Africa recognises itself as an integral part of the African continent and therefore understands its national interests as being intrinsically linked to Africa's stability, unity and prosperity. It is as a result of these values that South Africa focuses its resources on the continent's relations and missions in order to achieve peace and security on the continent through dialogue.
The strategic focus of South Africa's engagement on the African continent is to promote development, contribute to the resolution of conflicts and build an environment in which socioeconomic development can take place. In other words, the political circumstances of the continent should favour and be attractive to investment and development. It is for this reason, amongst other reasons, that we reject colonialism and other forms of oppression.
In this regard, the New Partnership for Africa's Development, commonly known as Nepad, has proven itself as a crucial African Union development tool for Africa's advancement. The New Partnership for Africa's Development is a pledge by African leaders, based on a common vision and a firm and shared conviction, that they have a pressing duty to eradicate poverty and to place their countries, both individually and collectively, on a path of sustainable growth and development, as well as to participate effectively in the world economy and body politic.
This initiative is premised on African states making commitments to good governance, democracy and respect for human rights, while endeavoring to prevent and resolve situations of conflict and instability on the continent.
South Africa has always been at the forefront of this move to take on the developmental challenges of the continent from the conceptualisation of Nepad to its launch and, even now, at its revitalisation.
In spite of the fact that Africa ...
Chairperson, the people on my left are conversing too loudly and they are disturbing me.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Hon members, please!
Ms K R MAGAU: ... especially, the hon Waters. [Laughter.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Hon members, please! This is a serious debate.
Ms K R MAGAU: Okay, thank you, Chairperson. In spite of the fact that Africa is endowed with ample natural resources, the continent continues to rely on other developed states for economic support. Hence, we believe that it is the shared responsibility of Africans to ensure a shift in power relations in global governance and, most importantly, in economic relations. We are of the opinion that a change in the global economy can be altered by a change in existing trading paradigms by restructuring economies to support industrialisation and intra-African trade.
In this regard, we commend the leadership of our President, His Excellency Jacob Zuma, which he has demonstrated through his chairpersonship of the African Union Nepad Presidential Infrastructure Champion Initiative, in terms of which he is championing the North-South Road and Rail Corridor project. Such a project will open up trade relations between African states.
This is an illustration of the commitment that Mr President made this year in the state of the nation address. He committed that South Africa will contribute to participating in the revitalisation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development, with a specific focus on the implementation of its infrastructure programme.
As we celebrate Africa Day, we should strengthen our resolve to make the organisation of Africans, the African Union, stronger. The African Union is very central to the realisation of the goals of the African Agenda. It is through its tools such as the African Peer Review Mechanism that the establishment of African solutions to African problems can be utilised. The African Peer Review Mechanism is a mutually agreed-to programme, voluntarily adopted by the member states of the African Union to promote and reinforce high standards of governance.
South Africa is committed to ensuring the full implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism. To further these ideals we have resolved to strategically position ourselves in the structures of the world in order to influence international policies through what we are best known for, that is dialogue. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Hon members, we have a few more speakers to come and I sense the attention span is leaving us. It wouldn't be a bad thing if some of you who want to converse would go outside. I'm talking about not disturbing the other speakers, please! I know that we have an attention span as adults, but that we sometimes lose it.
Mrs C DUDLEY / C.I//A N N(ed)/ END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 302
Ms K R MAGAU
Mrs C DUDLEY: Chair, the ACDP joins people across Africa in celebrating Africa Day tomorrow. We have participated in the steering committee for Parliament's Africa Day celebration at Gallagher Estate and we will also attend the Global African Diaspora Summit hosted by the African Union. The Diaspora Summit will be attended by 64 heads of state. The ACDP hopes that these events will provide the envisaged strategic platform for heads of state to share in discussions which will help build relationships and contribute to a revival of our global African family.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity, currently recognised as the African Union. The AU has honoured South Africa by bringing the continent of Africa together on South African soil to celebrate and to share the collective and unique challenges we face in Africa, with armed conflict, climate change and poverty never being too far from our consciousness. Africa Day is a celebration of African unity and its diverse culture.
The ACDP welcomes this opportunity for South Africans to not only welcome African heads of state and guests from other continents, but also to reach out to the many foreign nationals residing in South Africa, developing meaningful conversations, which can bring us closer together in appreciation of our oneness and our unique differences.
Often it is those who have left the land of their forefathers that cling more tenaciously to the culture they have left behind than those who remain in their homeland adapting to changing circumstances. We hear so much about the brain drain. Perhaps these very people, who make up the brain drain, could be converted into brain gain by acting as talent accelerators for the homeland's next generation through mentoring, internships and other training and educational possibilities.
The celebration of African cultural renaissance through dialogue is valuable in and of itself, but can be so much more than just talking. So, happy Africa Day, everybody here today, and to everyone on the African continent, and to everyone who has Africa in their heart. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs I C DITSHETELO
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 302
Mrs C DUDLEY
Mrs I C DITSHETELO: House Chair, it is good and well that we have these debates like the one we are having today. Over the centuries Africans have had very little to celebrate. The legacy of oppression and colonialism mean that Africa still has very little to celebrate. The spotlight is always on our conflicts, poverty, lack of resources, dying economies and diseases. It would be no surprise that elsewhere people think of Africa as a place of doom, even though all these problems are universal in nature and can be found in any region anywhere in the world.
But, today, even if it is just for today, we intend to celebrate Africa - the mother continent - where human life is said to have begun. When we celebrate Africa, we celebrate the essence of humanity, we celebrate life. We celebrate the beauty of our continent, of our being; we celebrate all that makes us African. We celebrate our landscapes – oh, our beautiful lands ... [Applause.] ... our gorgeous mountains and hills, our rivers and streams, our dark forests, the changing colours of the soil, the richness of our lands. We celebrate our languages, the beauty in our clicks, our art in choosing words, our art in dialogue which infuses values in the choice of words: if you address a child your choice of words differs from when you address an adult but you are saying the same thing with exactly the same meaning. [Applause.]
We choose different mediums to address different issues - that is our art. Our compassion and our passion are worthy of celebration. Most of what we say is infused with such passion. Our passion is what gives us the hope that, regardless of challenges we may be facing today, we shall triumph; we shall overcome, because that is the essence of humanity. It's the essence of Africans. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr L M MPHAHLELE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 302
Mrs I C DITSHETELO
Mr L M MPHAHLELE: Hon Chairperson, although South Africa is an African country geographically, economically and culturally it remains a European colonial outpost. Nothing highlights economic colonialism better than the ownership of the means of production, commencing with the land question.
Currently, Azania is not owned by Azanians. It is owned by the descendants of Maria and Jan van Riebeeck and the 1820 British settlers, together with global forces. The descendants of Doman, Adam Kock, Moshoeshoe, Shaka, Makhado, Hintsa, Ngungunyana, Khama and Sekhukhune own nothing or very little in the land of their forebears.
Africa Day should be an occasion to remind ourselves that the riches of Mother Africa are not controlled by Africans. This must be corrected. Malibuye izwe lethu! [Our land must be returned to us.]
Culturally, we want to make Africa a little Europe. The shameful public insult of Msholozi is not just an attack on the Presidency, it is greater than that. It is an assault of humanity and African personality. It has all the trademarks of white supremacy, now mutating into liberalism. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Ms T B SUNDUZA / LAK////tfm/// END OF TAKE
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Thursday, 24 May 2012 Take: 303
Mr L M MPHAHLELE
Ms T B SUNDUZA: Chairperson, ibuyile i-Afrika. [Africa has returned.] I would like to salute the heroes and heroines of the African liberation who met on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to form the Organisation of African Unity, the OAU. They had a vision of a united Africa and of developing an African economic community. They prophesied the African Diaspora that is happening today.
I will be speaking about the role of cultural integration and Africanism, linked to the development of an African economy. Cultural integration simply means the way of life of the members of a society, how they dress, their marriage customs, their food, and their religious ceremonies. Cultural integration is also a form of cultural interaction in which immigrants retain their culture, showing tolerance of cultural values of other nations and assimilating these. It is a relationship between the different cultures when they come together.
Globalisation has led to the intense and massive movement of people across borders, as they travel with their cultures and become integrated into host communities. This promotes tolerance and respect for others. If that is mastered, we can win the battle over Afrophobia, xenophobia and racism, and we will be on the right track to develop the economy of the African continent, strengthen the spirit of Africanism, the African Renaissance and the Nepad regional integration agenda. This also regards the Maphungubwe heritage route that connects the SADC countries.
But if you have people like Brett Murray, who are uncultured, displaying works of art at the Goodman Gallery that offend African people, particularly blacks, then this will never be achieved. Our Constitution must not be twisted so that people can infringe the rights of fellow citizens. Such disrespect is a sign of foolishness. Why didn't he paint the apartheid leaders and presidents who murdered African people? Why didn't he hang paintings of the Bothas in indoor galleries? Why didn't he paint the Verwoerds and the Vorsters who killed our people?
President Zuma is a President, a father, a husband and a citizen of South Africa. He fought for freedom alongside African leaders that we are honouring this month. The ANC taught us not to hate perpetrators, but to forgive them. Such actions have the potential to throw this country back again into racial hatred and anarchy.
Regarding developing an African economy, Africans have been skilled and civilised before those who came here with boats and ships claimed that they bought civilisation to Africa. The African nation had its own talents. This is proved by the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Bushmen and the Khoi paintings, and by the crafts, beadwork and artefacts.
You needed science to build the pyramids - it was African science. You needed science to make beads, and you do braids with mathematics. That is African mathematics. We were healed by African traditional doctors, not medical doctors from universities as they claim. Now they proclaim that the black culture is inferior. Africans are masters in arts and painting, and in carving wood and stones.
We made different clothing for our own different cultural groups without anyone coming along with civilised clothing. We wove baskets, and whatever we do we use it as a message for health and to support the gifted. They say that our herbs are wrong, but they are currently using them in modern medicine. Our music has been our heritage and when we were in slavery it united us. Let us promote it by purchasing it and supporting our African talent - few of the younger generation can play the concertina, which was part of the music played.
Let us promote our own unique talents and have our own unique civilisation for Africans. The African heritage and the indigenous knowledge systems must be promoted. Now, we can't even go to our own places where the Khoisan lived, because it is now claimed that they belong to people from Europe. Let us fight to get them back for Africa. Let us promote and speak our own African languages and encourage books to be written. Let us have African publishing companies as the current ones don't want to publish in African languages, even though they are in Africa.
In order for us to uplift the economy we need to embrace Africanism and start by wearing our clothes. I am wearing European clothing, and that's wrong. We must wear what is made in Africa. We must be cross-cultural and be identified by our brands.
IsiXhosa:
Kufanele sinxibe [we must wear] imibhaco, sinxibe isibhelane, sinxibe izacholo.
English:
When we have our weddings, we must – culturally - make them more than the important white dress. If there is a bigger demand, there will be more supply and job creation opportunities.
In India, even after independence, Indian women continued to wear saris as they are made of their own national cloth. The cloth is money. Let us drink umqombothi, and do braiding, dreadlocks and plaiting like me. Let us go back to the basics, and stop wearing imported weaves that we don't even know which country they come from. It is made from somebody's hair somewhere. [Interjections.] [Laughter.] Our houses must be decorated with African paintings and crafts. Let us identify ourselves before we lose our identity.
Africa is not about colour, but about what is in your heart. To develop our economy, trade amongst African countries must be strengthened, crass materialism must be eliminated and our own unique talents must be promoted. We tend to protect the tangible heritage and leave aside our intangible heritage, which is very important to the development of our economy.
Regarding the concept of co-operatives in communities, we must go back to farming. There was no pollution when Africans farmed. Let the indigenous knowledge systems be passed on from generation to generation. There is a lot of wealth, skills and knowledge which must be culturally integrated. Let us embrace the transfer of skills. There are some foreign nationals that come here with rich and scarce artistic skills from all African regions. If cultural integration can be handled well across the African continent, people can learn from one another. The transfer of skills will lead to improvement in terms of arts and culture products. This will lead to economic development and job creation. Let us embrace what is in the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance.
As we celebrate Africa Day, we call on all Africans to stand up, defend and preserve their cultural heritage. Africans must not be exploited. Let us sing, dance and honour our heroes. I call on young Africans, black and white. As I said, being African is not about colour. Let us move away from the past. These old people are still trapped in the past. Let us take this generation of Africa forward.
Now, I would like to honour our heroes of Africa: Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela, Thomas Sankara, Winnie Mandela, Samora Machel, Kenneth Kaunda, Jomo Kenyatta and many more that stood in this arena. [Interjections.] I will not be told who to mention; he was not there in 1963. We honour every African that played a role.
IsiZulu:
Siyabonga, asihlanganeni e-Midrand kusasa sibe bahle. Singama-Afrika ngeke sijike. Bab'uMphahlele sizoyinqoba le ndaba uma nje sihlangene. Ngiyabonga. Amandla! [Ihlombe.]
Debate concluded.
The House adjourned at 17:12.
JN ///tfm///
END OF TAKE
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