Hansard: NCOP: Appointment of returning Officers; Election of Chairperson of National Council of Provinces

House: National Council of Provinces

Date of Meeting: 22 May 2014

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Minutes

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UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

THURSDAY, 22 MAY 2014

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

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Members assembled in the Chamber of the National Council of Provinces at 10:40.

The Usher announced the hon Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, who was received by members standing.

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

The CHIEF JUSTICE

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

Start of Day

OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION

The Chief Justice requested members to swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution in terms of section 62(6) of the Constitution.

The following members made and subscribed the oath or solemn affirmation:

Chetty, M; De Beer, C J; Dikgale, M C; Dlamini, L C; Essack, F; Faber, W F; Gaehler, L B; Groenewald, H B; Khawula, M; Labuschagne, C; Londt, J J; Makue, E R; Mampuru, T K; Manopole, G M; Masango, B S; Mateme, H E; Matebus, M A; Mathys, L A; Mhlanga, MT; Michalakis, G; Mlambo, E M; Modise, T R; Mohai, S J; Mohapi, J; Mokoena, LG; Mokwele, T J; Motara, T; Motlashuping, T C; Mpambo-Sibhukwana, T G; Mququ, P C; Mtileni, V E; Mtimunye, S G; Nzimande, L P M; Nthebe, B G; Nyambi, A J; Parkies, J P; Prins, E; Rayi, M; Sefako, O J; Singh, A; Smit, C F B; Stock, D M; Suka, L; Tau, R J; Thobejane, S G; Tlake, M F; Van Lingen, E C; Vawda, Y C; Von Brandis, E J; Wana, T; William, J W; Ximbi, D L; Zondi, W P; Zwane, L Y.

The CHIEF JUSTICE

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHIEF JUSTICE

APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS

The Chief Justice announced the appointment of Mr M B Coetzee as Returning Officer, and as Assistant Returning Officers, Ms P Tyawa, Adv M E Phindela, Adv B N Nonyane, Ms V H Mnana, Ms S Bowers, Ms S Ally, Mr M K Skolo, Mr M C Mbebe and Mr L Nxelewa.

The CHIEF JUSTICE

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHIEF JUSTICE

ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

The Council proceeded to the election of a Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

The Chief Justice reminded the delegates that nominations had to be submitted in the prescribed form and duly seconded.

The Chief Justice informed members that in terms of item 4 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution no debate would be allowed.

The Chief Justice called for nominations.

Mr S Mahumapelo, seconded by Ms M C Dikgale nominated, Ms Thandi Ruth Modise for election as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

The Returning Officer reported to the Chief Justice that the nomination paper had been properly completed.

There being no further nominations, the Chief Justice declared Ms Thandi Ruth Modise properly elected as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

The Chief Justice, on behalf of all present, congratulated Ms Modise on her election as Chairperson and requested her to take the Chair.

The Usher conducted the Chairperson to the Chair and placed the Black Rod in position at the Chair.

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHIEF JUSTICE

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY CHAIRPERSON OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! I know that convention says and expects that I must say a few words. I will take the opportunity to do so.

My respects to the Chief Justice, Ntate Mogoeng Mogoeng, hon leaders of delegations and permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces, hon members, distinguished guests and fellow South Africans, the sun rose this morning to usher in new opportunities to all species above the surface of the earth. These opportunities, as usual, are accompanied by various challenges which punctuate the meandering road to the future we must all work for. It is in this spirit that I welcome and greatly appreciate the confidence I have received from all who have made it possible for me to be elected to this position in the National Council of Provinces today.

Under the leadership of the former Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ntate Mninwa Mahlangu, ably deputised by Ms Thandi Memela, this institution has distinguished itself as a major contributor to the national debate on the type of future we should fashion for our children. I think we must pay our respects and be grateful for the work that Ntate Mahlangu and all the others that came before him did to make sure that this House is respected. [Applause.] Whilst the outgoing Chairperson and I might be buying shoes from the same brand – the ANC – it is quite clear that, as a female, I do not have to fit my feet in his but remain committed to ensuring that his legacy, his aspiration to take this House somewhere, is maintained. I remain indebted to the African National Congress and my province, Bokone Bophirima, for ensuring that I form part of this multiparty set-up that is charged with the responsibility of making sure that our country is provided with responsive legislative instruments.

I look forward to better relationships and partnerships between this House and the provinces. Our hands can only be on the heartbeat of our communities through ensuring that our conception of integrated development embraces the reality and totality of the challenges faced in our different provinces and local municipalities. It is in this connection that I look forward to more intimate relationships with both the premiers and speakers of the various provinces.

In the same vein, I also look forward to better relations with the SA Local Government Association, Salga, and must emphasise that we have no choice but to ensure that the tide of discontent in the local government sphere is responded to adequately. [Applause.] Local government remains the sphere of government that is at the coalface of service delivery in our country.

As permanent delegates to the NCOP in this Fifth Parliament, I must implore all of you to move beyond party politics and to unite behind the pursuit of better responses to the vexing challenges facing our people. This is the legacy we should be able to leave behind at the end of our term. The National Council of Provinces has a unique and important role to play in South Africa's constitutional democracy. It represents the provinces to ensure that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government. It does this mainly by providing a national forum for public consideration of issues affecting the provinces.

One of the unique things about this House is that the Constitution directs it to provide for the participation of representatives of organised local government, thus making sure that the voice of all constituencies in this important sphere of government finds expression in this House. This is a unique feature that the NCOP has that I think we must not play with and that I think we should ensure really begins to form that platform for local government and provinces at the national sphere of government. Therefore, the success or failure of this House should be measured by whether it is able to contribute to effective government through ensuring that provincial and local concerns are recognised in national policy and law-making and that provincial, local and national government's work is effectively fused.

I am aware that more than 80% of us sitting here are people who have just been sworn in and who are brand new to this House. So, there is a need to move with speed to ensure that we understand the nature and character of this institution in order to fully discharge our duties in furtherance of our constitutional mandate. So, there is no time to waste. I am going with my first speech here and implore, and implore, and beg each and every member who is a permanent delegate here to take training very seriously, to understand the Rules and the procedures of this House, but also to understand the weight that we have on our shoulders, in fact representing all three spheres of government in this institution. Not all of us are experts. We must all be prepared to learn every day.

I want to quote the words of our former President Ntate Nelson Mandela who said that-

... democracy itself, cannot survive unless the material needs of the people, the bread and butter issues, are addressed as part of the process of change and as a matter of urgency. It should never be that the anger of the poor should be the finger of accusation pointed at all of us because we failed to respond to the cries of the people for food, for shelter, for the dignity of the individual.

I am willing to make my modest contribution to making ours a proud country. I invite you all to join me on this journey. Thank you very much. [Applause.]

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

ELECTION OF DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

The Council proceeded to the election of a permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP.

The Chairperson announced the appointment of Mr M B Coetzee as Returning Officer, and as Assistant Returning Officers, Ms P Tyawa, Adv M E Phindela, Adv B N Nonyane, Ms V H Mnana, Ms S Bowers, Ms S Ally, Mr M K Skolo, Mr M C Mbebe and Mr L Nxelewa.

The Chairperson reminded the delegates that nominations had to be submitted in the prescribed form and duly seconded.

The Chairperson informed members that in terms of item 4 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution, no debate would be allowed.

The Chairperson called for nominations.

Ms S Lucas, seconded by Mr C J de Beer, nominated Mr Johannes Raseti Tau for election as a permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

The Returning Officer reported to the Chairperson that the nomination paper had been properly completed.

There being no further nominations, the Chairperson declared Mr Johannes Raseti Tau properly elected as a permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.

The Chairperson, on behalf of all present, congratulated Mr Tau on his election as a permanent Deputy Chairperson and requested him to address the House.

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Chairperson of the NCOP, the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, the permanent and special delegates, delegates of Salga, distinguished guests, let me take the opportunity to recognise hon Mahlangu and hon Memela, the former Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP. I also want to make the point that it is with great humility that I stand here and thank you for electing me to the position of permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP. I believe this is your instruction, members, and that of your respective provinces, for me to be part of the collective that will steer the ship and ensure that the National Council of Provinces lives up to its constitutional mandate.

Let me take this opportunity to thank each and every South African who participated in the fifth national and provincial elections earlier this month, for ensuring that we have the democratic outcome that presents an opportunity for us to be here today. This democratic outcome must take this country forward. As a consequence of our people's confidence in the democratic processes of our country and young democracy, we have now fully established the National Council of Provinces whose mandate is primarily to represent and advance the interests of our provinces and local municipalities.

I would like to thank my province, the Northern Cape, for seeing it fit for me to be a permanent delegate of this House. This was indeed an important consideration, which I hope will facilitate continuity in the context of change, which is necessary for ensuring that our institutions of democracy remain vibrant. Importantly, I wish to thank the leadership of my organisation, the ANC, for the opportunity it has given me to serve in the leadership collective.

As we have seen with our previous Parliaments, each mandate period comes with its tasks, challenges and opportunities. It is because of this that we should approach each period ready to contribute to the overall agenda of improving the quality of life of our people. Given the fact that it straddles across the three spheres of government, the National Council of Provinces is a national forum of strategic value for the pursuit of the goal to ensure that South Africa is a united, democratic, nonsexist and a prosperous country. Its composition, location and mandate make it possible for its members to view government from a different perspective. Hence, it is important that we take advantage of the fifth mandate period of our Parliament to advance the task and mandate of the National Council of Provinces.

Therefore, I can say with confidence that the NCOP is now better positioned to further advance participatory democracy and ensure the Freedom Charter principle that the "people shall govern". It is also better positioned to serve as a mechanism to bring together our decentralised system of governance, and, importantly, it is better positioned to contribute to building social cohesion and a united nation.

All this would not have been possible without the deliberate efforts of the previous leadership to take this institution into a higher trajectory. It is up to us as activists to take forward the work that has been done so far and use the National Council of Provinces to further intervene in society in order to create better living and working conditions for our people. We owe this to those who suffered so that we could have freedom to decide and shape the future of our country for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Thank you.

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

ELECTION OF ROTATING CHAIRPERSON

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, we proceed. The next item on our agenda is the election of the rotating Deputy Chairperson. However, I am advised that there are several views on the matter. Firstly, the old practice is that it was rotational, and therefore provinces came in in alphabetical order. Secondly, the other view, which I am picking up, is that there are provinces that still want to consult on this matter.

Now this is the Fifth Parliament; I want to suggest that we defer this matter until all provinces have consulted. Then we can come back to this matter. In other words, let us not take a decision on this if other members still need to consult on the issue. Does the House agree?

HON MEMBERS: Yes!

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: If the House agrees, we will continue to the next item on the agenda.

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

ELECTION OF CHIEF WHIP OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

The Chairperson reminded the delegates that nominations had to be submitted in the prescribed form and duly seconded.

The Chairperson called for nominations.

Mr A J Nyambi, seconded by Mr L P M Nzimande, nominated, Dr Hunadi Euphemia Mateme for election as a Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces.

The Returning Officer reported to the Chairperson that the nomination paper had been properly completed.

There being no further nominations, the Chairperson declared Dr Hunadi Euphemia Mateme properly elected as a Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces.

The Chairperson, on behalf of all present, congratulated Dr Mateme on her election as Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces and requested her to address the House.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

ACCEPTANCE SPEECH OF CHIEF WHIP OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Our brand new Chairperson of the NCOP, our brand new Deputy Chairperson, our outgoing Chair and Deputy Chair, my leadership in the gallery, members of this august House, my late President said, and I may not quote this verbatim, that if you talk to a man in a language he understands, you're talking to his head; if you talk to this man in his own language, you're talking to his heart.

An HON MEMBER: And a woman!

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: And a woman, yes. [Laughter.] Chair, allow me to use my language, which is also one of the official languages.

Sepedi:

Ke leboga kudukudu sebaka se Ntlo ye e mphilego sona go tšea boikarabelo ... [Thank you very much for the opportunity that the House gave me to take responsibility…

English:

... a responsibility which, in all honesty, I must confess, I have no idea what it's all about. [Laughter.] [Applause.]

IsiZulu:

ILUNGU ELIHLONIPHEKILE: Uzofunda Mama. [You will learn, Madam.]

English:

From the 20 years I spent in the Limpopo legislature, going through a number of them, I have an idea, but as regard to a House of this stature, I have no inkling of what exactly I am expected to do.

As I was seated there, my mind went back to my childhood, to the kind of father who raised me. I am the second child in a family of 10; I'm the eldest daughter. Throughout my life, I saw people grow, become adults, take their positions in society, play their roles in life. Little did I know that it was training of some sort for the kind of responsibility that this august House would assign me in 2014. He used to say to me: Your siblings will do as you do, not as you say. He used to say to me: You lead from the front, at times also from the centre.

An HON MEMBER: And from the back sometimes!

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: I'll come to that one, madam – they didn't hear that one. Chairperson, that is me: humbled by this responsibility. I vow to join you on the journey. You invited us to join you on the journey, to contribute in making the lives of our people better. I'm one of your teammates. Chair, together I believe we are going to move South Africa forward like never before. [Applause.]

Those who know me say I may be soft-spoken and on the less assertive side, but I can also be a slave driver because I believe in results. What's the use of coming to a House like this with the mandate of the masses of our people and failing to produce results? Chairperson and hon members, I am your servant. I thank you. [Applause.]

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Congratulations, madam. Order! Hon members, I want to take the opportunity to express our gratitude to our Chief Justice, Ntate Mogoeng. You have done it again, sir ...

Setswana:

... re a go golola, kgosi ya ka. Re a leboga. [Legofi.] [We are releasing you, my king. Thank you. [Applause.]]

English:

Hon members, I have to admit that at this moment, I am not certain about who wants to, or whether everybody wants to make congratulatory remarks. I take the opportunity to invite provinces who wish to do so.

The PREMIER OF THE EASTERN CAPE (Mr P Masualle)

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

ADDRESS TO COUNCIL BY DELEGATION HEADS

The PREMIER OF THE EASTERN CAPE (Mr P Masualle): Chair, Deputy Chair, the Chief Justice who has just left, all hon members here, including those in the public gallery, and the leadership of all formations, it is an honour for us to take this opportunity to congratulate all those who have just been elected and assigned the responsibility of leading this important institution.

As the Eastern Cape, we pledge our commitment to co-operate with all the endeavours of this institution in terms of what it is meant to achieve. You can rest assured that in all your programmes, whichever programmes you may envisage, including Taking Parliament to the People, you will find us there, ready to make this institution play its meaningful role in society. Congratulations to everyone else. Thank you. [Applause.]

Mr J P PARKIES

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The PREMIER OF THE EASTERN CAPE (Mr P Masualle)

Mr J P PARKIES: Chair, hon premiers and members present, on behalf of the Free State, we would like to congratulate the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, and the Chief Whip of the Council. We pledge our fervent and unwavering support and commitment to serving our people with clarity of focus. Thank you. [Applause.]

The PREMIER OF GAUTENG (Mr D Makhura)

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Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

Mr J P PARKIES

The PREMIER OF GAUTENG (Mr D Makhura): Chairperson, as Gauteng, we would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate you as the newly-elected Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. We would also like to congratulate the permanent Deputy Chairperson the hon "Papi" Tau, the Chief Whip the hon Mateme, and all the hon members who have been sworn in today.

We pledge ourselves to supporting and working with the NCOP to realise the mandate of tackling the intractable problems of poverty, inequality and unemployment facing our people. We would also like to pledge our support to working with you in moving our country forward. Thank you. [Applause.]

The PREMIER OF KWAZULU-NATAL (Mr E S Mchunu)

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The PREMIER OF GAUTENG (Mr D Makhura)

The PREMIER OF KWAZULU-NATAL (Mr E S Mchunu): Chairperson, I think having spent a two-hour trip coming to Cape Town, I deserve this opportunity, and I thank you for it! [Laughter.]

Congratulations to this inaugural session of the NCOP in our country. Congratulations also go to those who have been elected to these important positions in this House. Indeed, you have our support in your work in these positions of responsibility, and you can count on us for co-operation all the time.

I believe that the NCOP has built a very good reputation over the years. Since it came into existence, it has been seen by our communities and by various sectors in our provinces doing its work and adding quality in the overall work that government has to do in the furtherance of the interests of our people. We trust you will continue to build on that reputation and add more quality and sharpness to the work that has been done over the years. We pledge our support to always work with you and trust that we will. We hope that there will always be very good communication, very good co-ordination and very good synergy between yourselves and our province.

Allow me to end by saying that, like in all operations, there must always be something to guard against any possible risk, and in case our province and provincial interests get forgotten, we have a very strong delegation from KwaZulu-Natal here ... [Laughter.] ... and we trust that they will ensure that the agenda of the province is never forgotten. We will keep in touch with them all the time. As individuals, they are men and women of reputation and with quite a lot of experience. Therefore, we have no doubt that they will all – as a collective and also as individuals within the NCOP – add quality. In case that does not happen, I will leave you with my number. Thank you very much. [Laughter.] [Applause.]

Mrs T K MAMPURU

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The PREMIER OF KWAZULU-NATAL (Mr E S Mchunu)

Sepedi:

Moh T K MAMPURU: Modulasetulo wa ntlo yeo e hlomphegago, Motlatšamodulasetulo, Sefepi sa rena ka gare ga ntlo, re le baromiwa ba go ya go ile bao ba emetšego profense ya Limpopo ka mo Lekgotleng la Bosetšhaba la Diprofense, re ikwa re thabišitšwe ke thekgo yeo re e filwego ya go phethagatša le go tšwetša pele thomo ya lekgotlapeamelao la profense. Kgale ge mogologolo a be a fahlegile o be a re: "Tša etwa ke ye tshadi pele di wela ka leweng." Ga e gona yeo taba. Monnamogolo o rile: "Go ruta mosadi ke go ruta setšhaba."

English:

... [Interjections.] We also hope that, in this House, each one will teach one. Socialism is the future. Let's build it now. Re a leboga. [Thank you.] [Interjections.] [Applause.]

Mrs L C DLAMINI

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

Mrs T K MAMPURU

Mrs L C DLAMINI: Chairperson, as Mpumalanga, we congratulate you, the permanent Deputy Chair and the hon Chief Whip of the Council. We want to say you have our support, especially after going through the door-to-door processes and understanding what the needs of our people are. After having understood or having known what has been done for the past 20 years – the good story – I think we are very clear on what needs to be done in this House. With us behind you, we are sure that we will be able to achieve what our people expect. We therefore pledge our support to you and the team to take South Africa forward. Thank you very much. [Applause.]

Die PREMIER VAN DIE NOORD-KAAP (Me S Lucas)

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

Mrs L C DLAMINI

Afrikaans:

Die PREMIER VAN DIE NOORD-KAAP (Me S Lucas) Voorsitter, premiers teenwoordig, Adjunkvoorsitter, al die permanente afgevaardigers, asook die leiers van ons beweging, dit is inderdaad vir ons as die Noord-Kaap 'n voorreg. Niemand besef dat die Noord-Kaap eintlik van vandag af hierdie Huis lei nie, want Thandi Modise is oorspronklik 'n kind van die Noord-Kaap. Dieselfde geld vir Johannes Tau. [Gelag.]

English:

That is why it is such a great honour for us to know that we are represented in this House.

Our mandate is to implement the National Development Plan and the manifesto of the ANC. We don't have any other mandate. In addition, we want to thank the people of South Africa for the trust that they put in our movement, in that we are the only organisation that can change the lives of the poor.

Afrikaans:

Met daardie paar woorde wil ek vir u baie geluk sê met u verkiesing tot Voorsitter van die Nasionale Raad van Provinsies. Ek wil aan mnr Tau, of Papi soos hy algemeen bekend is, ook baie geluk sê met sy verkiesing tot Ondervoorsitter. Ek wil vir my agb vriendin dr Hunadi Mateme – ons kom 'n baie lang pad saam – baie geluk sê en ook vir haar sê sy hoef nie nou te weet nie, maar sy sal baie gou weet. Sy hoef nie daaroor bekommerd te wees nie. Ek is doodseker daarvan. [Applous.]

Ek wil al die agb lede baie geluk wens en vir hulle baie sterkte toewens met die werk wat hulle veronderstel is om in hierdie Huis te doen. Ek wil vir die Voorsitter sê dat sy op ons volle samewerking kan staatmaak. Ons sal haar in alle opsigte ondersteun, want ons wil Suid-Afrika vorentoe neem. Baie dankie. [Applous.]

MOPERIMIA WA BOKONE BOPHIRIMA (Rre S Mahumapelo)

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

Die PREMIER VAN DIE NOORD-KAAP (Me S Lucas)

Setswana:

MOPERIMIA WA BOKONE BOPHIRIMA (Rre S Mahumapelo): E re ke tseye tšhono eno go go leboga motlotlegi Modulasetulo, Mme Thandi Modise, ke lebogele gore o tlhopilwe jaaka Modulasetulo. Tsela e re e tsamaileng mmogo e nnile tsela e e telele ya tirisanommogo go netefatsa gore re direla setšhaba sa rona. Jaanong, ke ne ke re mo boemong jwa porofense ya Bokone Bophirima ke go itsise jaaka Modulasetulo gore kemonokeng ya rona mo go wena e tlhamaletse. Re tla netefatsa gore re go ema nokeng le go tshwarana ka matsogo go dira tiro e ya rona ya setšhaba.

Motlatsa Modulasetulo, ntate Raseriti Tau, re ne re re le wena nkgonne re go leboge – o mokaubere, kwakwabidi – ka ntlha ya gore re tsamaile tsela e mmogo re godisiwa ke ANC. Re solofela fa o tla tswelelela go netefatsa gore o dira ka natla.

Mme Hunadi, le wena re ne re re re go lebogise jaaka Seme Segolo. Mmangwana o tshwara thipa ka fa bogaleng. Jaanong, le bomme le le babedi ke ne ke re le e tshware le seka la e tlogela. Ya rona tiro ke go isa Aforika Borwa kwa pele, mme mo lenaneong le la rona la go isa Aforika Borwa pele, re a go tsamaya re kopana le dikgwetlho. Re a go tsamaya mo tseleng e e magwatata, ba bangwe ga ba ye go rata ka mokgwa o re gatang re gatoga ka teng, mme rona re itse gore re direla setšhaba sa rona ka ntlha ya gore batho ba metsi, ditsela, ditleliniki, dipetlele le ditiro gore matshelo a bona a tokafale.

Jaanong ke ne ke re mo tseleng e le e tsamayang e, re tla le ema nokeng ebile re tla tsamaya le lona. Itseng gore fa le kopana le dikgwetlho, tselakgopo ga e latse nageng. E seka ya re fa le kopana le mathata la nyema mooko ka ntlha ya gore tsela e re e tsamayang e magwatata. Mme fa thoko ga ka fa ke ne ke re ke mo itsise gore re ne re ba kopa gore ba leke gore ditsebe di bulege le ka matlho ba bone gore kwa re yang rona re le baeteledipele ba naga e re le ANC ga re na bothijo, re tshwana le terena ya mafofonyane. Ke lebogile thata. [Legofi.]

UNDUNANKULU WENTSHONALANGA KAPA (Nkk O H Zille)

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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

MOPERIMIA WA BOKONE BOPHIRIMA (Rre S Mahumapelo)

IsiZulu:

UNDUNANKULU WENTSHONALANGA KAPA (Nkk O H Zille): Sanibonani nonke.

IsiXhosa:

Ndiyavuyisana nawe, Sihlalo.

English:

I know we go in alphabetical order, and whether they go in alphabetical order by surname or by province, I am very used to being last. [Laughter.] However, there is a lovely convention if you are last: It means that anybody else who didn't use their full speaking time gets it added to the person's who speaks last. So, thank you very much, indeed!

I would like to congratulate you most warmly, Madam Chair. You will see that we did not propose an alternative, because we believe that you are, as defined in the Constitution, a fit and proper person for this job, and we respect the mandate of the voters. [Interjections.] [Applause.] So, that is why, in respecting the mandate of the voters, we will only put up an alternative candidate if we believe that the candidate put up by the majority party does not conform with the requirements of the Constitution to be a fit and proper person for the office. We do believe, however, that you and the other people nominated are fit and proper people to hold office, and so, from the Western Cape, we would like to congratulate you most warmly. We will be looking to you to uphold the Constitution, to be impartial, and to lead this august House with the integrity that is required.

In the former dispensation, this House was called the Upper House, for a very good reason. This House has the critical constitutional duty of oversight and of checks and balances on the National Assembly, with a critical additional responsibility in our new democracy. This is to represent the voice of the provinces. That is a critical voice, because in this constitutional dispensation, there are no tiers of government, as there were in the last one. There are spheres of government. These spheres are autonomous, but each has a critical role to play and needs a voice in the highest forum in this land to represent them and to ensure that no legislation undermines the interests, the powers, the duties and the functions of the different spheres of government. That forum is the National Council of Provinces.

I would like particularly to recognise the premiers of the different provinces here today. I would like to recognise Premier Lucas, Premier Mahumapelo, Premier Mchunu, Premier Makhura, Premier Masualle, and, in their absence, Premiers Mathabatha, Magashule and Mabuza. [Interjections.] Was there a problem there? I would like to welcome them all, whether they are here or represented by others.

I read that list of premiers with great interest and delight because there is only one premier who is the odd one out, and it is not me. The odd premier out is the only one here whose surname does not begin with an M. Now, you may think that mine begins with a Z, but my legal name is Maree. [Laughter.] The surname of every premier in South Africa, except for Premier Lucas, begins with an M. So, Premier Lucas is the odd one out. I thought we could christen her with a name beginning with an M, but then I thought no one would want to be known as "Premier Mucus"! [Laughter.] So, we will accept her into the "Premier Club" as Premier Lucas. [Laughter.] Premier Lucas says her maiden name was Mdingi, but that doesn't count. It is your legal name in your ID book that counts. [Interjections.]

Afrikaans:

Ja, Maree. Dis reg.

English:

I would like to thank the premiers for being here. It is really a very important place to be, because this is the House that represents the sphere of government that is absolutely critical, with autonomous and original powers in the Constitution.

I would like to say to the provincial leaders of my own party – I see John Moody from Gauteng and Dr Meyer from the Western Cape, and I hope I haven't missed out any other provincial leaders – and any other provincial leaders of any parties, whatever they are wearing, hats or not ... [Laughter.] ... you are extraordinarily welcome in this most important House. The NCOP has a critical role to play. We have all just had a swearing of the oath of affirmation and faithfulness to the Republic of South Africa and obedience to the Constitution.

Now, I know that this isn't a debate, Madam Chair, and I will now be very careful not to enter into a debate.

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please don't.

The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mrs O H Zille): I definitely will not, despite what the preceding premier did. I will not enter into a debate. However, I would like to say to the members here who represent their provinces and who happen to come from the voters of our party who got them elected – you are not accountable to your party. You do not pay obeisance to your party. [Interjections.] Well, nobody else said that. You don't pay obeisance to your party; you pay obeisance to the Constitution.

You are not accountable to Breda Street, which is the DA's headquarters, or to Luthuli House. You are accountable to the Constitution and the law of South Africa. [Applause.]

An HON MEMBER: Well done!

The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mrs O H Zille): I have a copy of the Constitution right here. [Interjections.] This House is no rubber stamp. [Interjections.]

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Hon members, I will have order in this House!

The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mrs O H Zille): Thank you, Madam Chair. As everybody knows - and so, I am not saying anything controversial – this House is no rubber stamp. [Interjections.] This House considers, passes, amends, amends again, proposes amendments, or rejects any legislation before it. In addition, it can initiate legislation within its functional areas listed in Schedule 4, which refers to the powers of the provinces. So, this House has autonomous powers. It is obliged by the Constitution to fulfil those autonomous powers and never to be a rubber stamp for any party in the National Assembly ...

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Zille, will you please round up?

The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mrs O H Zille): I have now used up my time and a bit of the other time that was left over ...

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Yes.

The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mrs O H Zille): Congratulations to everybody. Thank you very much. Godspeed. [Applause.]

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, I do not want us to degenerate at the end. [Interjections.] The only thing that is right and that we must take away from this last input is that this House works on provincial mandates, and we will make sure that that happens.

Those provincial mandates come through the provincial legislatures. So, unlike the National Assembly, we will not degenerate into party positions except at the time when we are looking at legislation. Party positions can then come in. At any other time and with any other matter, we will be looking at provincial mandates, and I will be strict about it.

I would like to agree. We should all feel congratulated; we must all feel welcomed and accepted in the Western Cape, in the NCOP and into Parliament.

Hon members, we have executed the mandate of our first sitting. We can therefore say that the business of today has been concluded. [Interjections.] Salga? My apologies to Salga. [Interjections.]

Cllr M NAWA

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

Thursday, 22 May 2014 Take:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP

Cllr M NAWA: Chairperson of the NCOP, earlier on you said local government is the face of government at a local level. Therefore we take this opportunity to congratulate you, the Deputy Chairperson and the Chief Whip of the NCOP. We also take this opportunity to congratulate the premiers from different provinces and the permanent delegates of the NCOP.

We also take this opportunity to welcome you as part of our team that will build local government. We are certain that Mr Mahlangu helped us to create a platform and ensure that Salga is represented in the NCOP. We hope that working with you will change local government. Earlier on you referred to the fact that we will work together to make local government better. Delegates are aware that there are problems almost everywhere in our country. There are problems in Bekkersdal, Madibeng and across the whole nation.

We believe that the NCOP would ensure that local government is fully represented. Clearly you would know that in some cases the sphere of local government is not fully understood because it is hierarchical. We believe that working together with you, we would be able to make local government a proper sphere that is distinct, and we would be able to deliver what we are supposed to do.

It is historic that we have full members of Salga to represent local government in the House, and we are certain that they will attend all meetings, activities and programmes of the NCOP. We will ensure that we are fully represented. We will continue to pursue that local government be understood as a sphere. There are issues that we will present to you to ensure that we are fully supported and that local government is fully realised as is defined by the obligations of the country. By so saying, we congratulate you and hope to work with you. Thank you. [Applause.]

The Council adjourned at 12:09.

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