Hansard: NA: Consideration of Rental Housing Amendment Bill; Consideration of Report of PC on Defence and Military Veterans on Defence Amendment Bill; Subject for discussion (Ms M R Semenya): Expanding agricultural production to achieve food security as well as the New Growth Path target of 300 000 new smallholder agricultural producers by 2020

House: National Assembly

Date of Meeting: 27 Oct 2014

Summary

No summary available.

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Minutes

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

28 OCTOBER 2014

PAGE: 1

 

 

 

TUESDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2014

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

______________

 

The House met at 14:00.

 

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

 

NOTICES OF MOTION

 

START OF DAY

 

 

 

NOTICES OF MOTION

 

Mr G G HILL-LEWIS: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the vacuum of leadership in matters of the economy and the absence of a plan to grow the economy and create jobs in South Africa.

 

 

 

Mr N L S KWANKWA

 

Mr G G HILL-LEWIS

 

 

 

Mr N L S KWANKWA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the lack of investment by government in renewable energy in the former homelands and rural provinces and the negative impact of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s slow process in the approval of land tenure applications submitted by willing private renewable energy investors in former homelands and rural provinces.

 

 

Mr D L TWALA

 

Mr N L S KWANKWA

 

 

 

Mr D L TWALA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House—

1. notes the plans of the Israeli government to expand more than 1 000 new exclusive Jewish settler homes in the annexed East Jerusalem;
2. further notes that the illegal acquisition of land by Israel for exclusive Jewish settlements in Palestine territories violates international law and human rights;
3. condemns the extension of the illegal occupation of Israel and the continued harassment of women, children and the elderly in that region of the world ...

 

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Deputy Speaker, on a point of order ...

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Yes, hon member, you may speak.

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Deputy Speaker, I ask you to please examine the latest admission into Hansard and to see whether that is actually a valid motion.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, all right, we will do that, sir. Who is next? Hon member at the back there, why are you rising?

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: I rise on a point of order, Deputy Speaker. The Member of Parliament from the EFF had not finished the motion he was reading when there was an interjection – for reasons we do not understand, basically. He has to finish his motion and then a decision on the objection should be made.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The member himself chose to sit down. [Interjections.] I did not rule it. In any case, I thought he noticed that his boundary was a bit problematic. [Interjections.] Yes, thank you, I agree, hon member. Hon November, please proceed.

 

 

Ms N T NOVEMBER

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER

 

 

 

Ms N T NOVEMBER: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the development of strict measures to deal with the use of unroadworthy trucks on South African roads, given that such trucks are causing road carnage of great magnitude, which could have been avoided.

 

 

 

 

Ms P E ADAMS

 

 

Ms N T NOVEMBER

 

 

 

Ms P E ADAMS: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the pursuance of aggressive entrepreneurship that would drive and create an enabling environment that would make it easy for South Africans, particularly the youth, women and people with disabilities, to start and maintain businesses.

 

 

 

Ms N K BILANKULU

 

Ms P E ADAMS

 

 

 

Ms N K BILANKULU: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates placing the economy on a qualitatively different path, one that would ensure more rapid and sustainable growth, higher investment, reduced inequality and the deracialisation of the economy.

 

 

 

 

Ms S V KALYAN

 

Ms N K BILANKULU

 

 

 

Ms S V KALYAN: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the report on the African Peer Review Mechanism.

 

 

 

 

Prof N S KHUBISA

 

Ms S V KALYAN

 

 

 

Prof N S KHUBISA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House discusses the contribution that the Sector Education and Training Authorities, Setas, have made to community development since the dawn of democracy in our country.

 

 

 

 

Mr N P KHOZA

 

Prof N S KHUBISA

 

 

 

Mr N P KHOZA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the transformation of the higher education sector and means to attract aspiring black academics and to keep them in the academic world.

 

 

 

 

Rev K R J MESHOE

 

Mr N P KHOZA

 

 

Rev K R J MESHOE: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the causes of the reported state of near collapse of local government in the Free State, where nine municipalities have been declared non-functional, and comes up with recommendations to rehabilitate the municipalities so that proper service delivery can become a reality in the affected areas.

 

 

 

Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD

 

Rev K R J MESHOE

 

 

 

Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the state of both Police and Department of Health forensic laboratories in terms of their contribution to the fight against crime.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO

 

Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD

 

 

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO: Deputy Speaker, as a result of the violent crimes that our country has experienced in recent times, the EFF rises to move that in its next sitting:

 

The House debates the link between the high incidence of violent crime, the general decline of the country’s moral compass and the lack of economic freedom in our country.

 

 

 

 

Mrs C DUDLEY

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO

 

 

 

Mrs C DUDLEY: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the issues that led to the lengthy postal strike and the department’s short-term and long-term response to this situation.

 

 

 

 

Mr A P VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

 

Mrs C DUDLEY

 

 

 

Mr A P VAN DER WESTHUIZEN: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:

 

That the House debates the enforcement of the Public Service Charter signed on 28 June 2013, as well as the commitment to and implementation thereof by public servants and the effects this has had on service delivery for this country.

 

 

MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE – Mr M S MALATSI

 

NOTICES OF MOTIONS

 

 

 

 

DEATH OF SENZO MEYIWA

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr M S MALATSI: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House—

 

1. notes that over the past weekend the nation was shocked to learn of the murder of the captain of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates, Senzo Meyiwa;
2. acknowledges that Senzo had a bright future ahead of him, having captained the national side in the last four Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers;
3. recalls that in the four AFCON qualifiers he played for Bafana Bafana this year, he was yet to concede a goal;
4. further acknowledges that his untimely death is a great loss for soccer in South Africa, Africa and the world.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Ms C N MAJEKE

 

Mr M S MALATSI

 

 

 

 

UCT SCHOOL OF MEDICINE ANNOUNCED IN TOP 100 UNIVERSITIES

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms C N MAJEKE: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House—

1. notes that the University of Cape Town School of Medicine was the only university in Africa to make the top 100 universities in the world;
2. further notes that it was named the best of its kind in Africa and in the world university rankings compiled by The Times of London’s higher education newspaper supplement;
3. acknowledges that the University of Cape Town received an excellent review from the Health Professions Council of SA, which commended it for its clinical training; and
4. congratulates the University of Cape Town for making it into the top 100 universities in the world and for all its outstanding achievements.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Mr B A RADEBE

 

Ms C N MAJEKE

 

 

 

 

DEATH OF MBULAENI MULAUDZI

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr B A RADEBE: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House—

1. notes with great sadness the tragic passing of Olympic silver medallist Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, who died in a car accident in the early hours of Friday, 24 October 2014, when his car overturned on the R555 road;
2. remembers that Mulaudzi was a former 800 meter Athens 2004 Olympic silver medallist and a Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medalist;
3. further remembers that he also won a gold medal for the 800 meter race at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin, Germany;
4. recalls that Mulaudzi was the flag bearer for South Africa at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Athens and he became South Africa’s first black athlete to be ranked number one in the world;
5. believes that his death is a major loss to the nation and Athletics SA as he brought pride to South Africa;
6. further believes that he excelled in his sport, was one of South Africa’s most decorated athletes and made a conscious effort to invest in the development of young people to become better athletes; and
7. conveys its condolences to the Mulaudzi family, relatives and friends.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Ms L L VAN DER MERWE[mn1]        

 

Mr B A RADEBE

 

 

 

 

CELEBRATING NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms L L VAN DER MERWE[mn2] : Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House—

 

1. recognises that the country will be celebrating National Disability Rights Awareness Month between 3 November and 3 December 2014;
2. further recognises that 3 December is International Day of Persons with Disabilities and is also celebrated as National Disability Rights Awareness Day;
3. acknowledges that people living with disabilities, whether of a mental, emotional, physical, cognitive or developmental nature, face daily challenges in terms of accessing their basic human rights; and
4. calls on all South Africans to reach out in their communities and assist those living with disability to remove the obstacles to an improved quality of life through tangible action.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Mr P G MOTEKA

 

Ms L L VAN DER MERWE[mn3] 

 

 

 

 

47 PEOPLE MURDERED DAILY IN SOUTH AFRICA

(Draft resolution)

 

Mr P G MOTEKA: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House—

1. notes that although the tragic end to Senzo Meyiwa’s life is a loss to the country, at least 47 people are murdered daily in South Africa;
2. acknowledges that their deaths are not given as much attention, perhaps because they are nameless and do not have the social status to demand our attention;
3. further notes the death of 19-year-old Sandiso Makhambabhotya, who was shot six times by an unknown passer-by in Khayelitsha on Saturday night, 25 October 2014;
4. recognises that Sandiso’s is among the many lives that are cut shot, including eight murders that occurred on the Cape Flats over the past weekend;
5. further recognises that the police have no leads nor a reward for anyone with evidence that may lead to the arrest of the killers of Sandiso;
6. further acknowledges that violent crime is a persistent cancer in our community, especially where the majority of black people live; and
7. conveys its condolences to the family of Makhambabhotya, who have lost the life of a young black man and all his potential.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Ms D Z RANTHO

 

Mr P G MOTEKA

 

 

 

 

CELEBRATING NATIONAL DISABILITY RIGHTS AWARENESS MONTH

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms D Z RANTHO: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House—

1. notes that the Botswana Democratic Party has won the majority of the seats in the country's parliament, following that country’s general election on Friday, 24 October 2014;
2. further notes that the BDP secured 33 of the 57 parliamentary seats, while only 29 were needed to take power;
3. recalls that three parties competed to win over the 824 000 registered voters who directly elected their new members of parliament;
4. further recalls that the opposition group Umbrella for Democratic Change won 14 seats, while the Botswana Congress Party took two seats; and
5. congratulates the Botswana Democratic Party and its President, Ian Khama, on getting another five-year term in office.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

 

Ms D Z RANTHO

 

 

 

 

MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT IN ITS ATTEMPTS TO METE OUT JUSTICE TO BOKO HARAM

(Draft Resolution)

 

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

 

            That the House -

(1)        notes that despite a ceasefire agreement with the government of Nigeria, Boko Haram has allegedly killed 17 people and abducted no less than 30 young men and women in north-eastern Nigeria over the past week alone;

 

(2)        further notes that apart from these senseless murders and abductions of innocent civilians, the group continues raiding villages in the unstable Borno State, stealing hundreds of farm animals and entire harvests from the people;

 

(3)        acknowledges that the 276 schoolgirls remain missing, six months after being abducted by Boko Haram;

 

(4)        strongly condemns these ongoing killings and abductions in Nigeria at the hands of Boko Haram; and

 

(5)        conveys our sincere message of support to the Nigerian government as they attempt to bring the perpetrators to justice, find the hundreds of missing abductees and establish a long-term, sustainable solution to this very serious threat to peace in the region.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Ms L M MASEKO

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

 

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO MOZAMBIQUE FOR SUCCESFUL AND PEACEFUL ELECTION

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms L M MASEKO: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House –

(1) notes that the ANC congratulates the people of Mozambique for running a successful, peaceful election when they went to the polls in their fifth presidential election, which was held on Wednesday, 15 October 2014. Regional observers from SADC gave a positive assessment of the presidential and legislative election outcomes as generally “free, fair and credible”, with their European Union election observers mission counterparts concurring that overall in their observation the voting and counting process was well organised and conducted in a calm atmosphere;

 

(2)        further congratulates our sister organisation Frelimo for once again winning the election in Mozambique and welcomes the encouraging commitment by the main opposition party, Renamo, to the peaceful use of democratic engagement in resolving post-election challenges and bringing about democratic and conclusive solutions as the only way forward;

 

(3)        remembers that the ANC believes that the free, fair and credible elections held in Mozambique will go a long way towards deepening democracy and mass participation in improving public service, as well as offering fresh hope for peace and prosperity;

 

(4)        also remembers that the ANC is of the view that the strengthening of democracy and the acceleration of economic growth has the potential to turn Africa into one of the centres of rapid industrialisation and social development.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Ms N L MASHABELA

 

Ms L M MASEKO

 

 

 

 

BEST WISHES FOR GRADE 12 CLASS OF 2014, UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS IN END OF YEAR EXAMINATIONS

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms N R MASHABELA: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

(1)        notes that learners in the Grade 12 class of 2014 are sitting for their exams;

 

(2)        extends its best wishes, particularly to all those who have been learning under poor conditions;

 

(3)        acknowledges that education is the cornerstone of economic freedom and that all learners must make sure they secure an education in order to secure economic freedom in our lifetime;

 

(4)        acknowledges that the higher education and training sector has not expanded enough to take in the majority of learners, who continue to roam the streets without any opportunity to better themselves;

 

(5)        further calls on the Department of Higher Education and Training to prepare itself to take as many of these learners as possible to institutions of higher education, not just domestically but also abroad;

 

1. wishes to extend our appreciation to those who will not do well and have been failed by the system; and discourages them from committing suicide;

 

1. further wishes all university and college students well in their end-of-year examinations.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Mr M WATERS

 

Ms N R MASHABELA

 

 

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AND CONGRATULATIONS TO 2014 CURRIE CUP WINNERS AND ALL TEAMS, COACHES, PLAYERS, FANS AND SPONSORS FOR SUCCESSFUL TORNAMENT

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr M WATERS: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

(1)        notes that Western Province broke Golden Lions supporters’ hearts on Saturday by being crowned 2014 Currie Cup winners;

 

(2)        further notes that the final score at Newlands Stadium was 19-16 in favour of the home team;

 

(3)        acknowledges that a victory parade is taking place in the streets of Cape Town and Gugulethu today;

 

(4)        congratulates the winning team and coaching staff, Allister Coetzee, Robbie Fleck and Matt Proudfoot;

 

(5)        further congratulates all teams, coaches, players, fans and sponsors who ensured that the 2014 Currie Cup tournament was a roaring success; and

 

(6)        conveys its message of support to all South African teams in their preparation for the Super Rugby tournament, where we know our nation’s flag will be flying high.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

Ms A MATSHOBENI

 

Mr M WATERS

 

 

 

 

DILMA ROUSSEFF RE-ELECTED AS BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms A MATSHOBENI: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House-

 

1. notes the peaceful, free and fair presidential elections in Brazil;

 

1. congratulates President Dilma Rousseff on her re-election; and

 

1. further congratulates the Brazilian Workers’ Party on its victory.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! If there are no objections, I put the motion.

 

Mrs C DUDLEY: Deputy Speaker, I have an objection. Thank you.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Sorry, is that member objecting?

 

An HON MEMBER: Yes!

 

Mrs C DUDLEY: Apologies, we are battling to hear. That was not the motion I object to. It is fine, thank you.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! That motion is agreed to. Hon Khubisa? [Interejctions.] No, sorry, hon member, I had promised the member here the opportunity to move a motion. You are the next member to move a motion.

 

 

 

 

Mr B A RADEBE
The DEPUTY SPEAKER

 

 

 

 

SA ATHLETES PERFORM SPLENDIDLY IN FINA WORLD CUP

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr B A RADEBE: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House-

 

1. notes that the South African Olympic gold medallist Chad le Clos bagged four more gold medals, bringing his season tally to 21 at the recent Fina World Cup series in Beijing; 

 

1. further notes that on Friday, 24 October 2014, on the opening day, Le Clos took gold in the men’s 100m freestyle, 50m butterfly and 200m butterfly;

 

1. recalls that his training partner, Myles Brown, also delivered a solid performance, pocketing three medals at the two-day meeting;

 

1. further recalls that veteran sprinter Roland Schoeman rounded out another impressive showing by the South Africa contingent, taking gold in the 50m breaststroke final and bronze in the 100m breaststroke; and 

 

1. congratulates Chad le Clos and the rest of the South African athletes for displaying a splendid performance once again at an international event.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Prof N M KHUBISA

 

 

Mr B A RADEBE

 

 

 

 

SOUTH AFRICA NEEDS MORE PROFESSIONALS IN CRITICAL FIELDS

(Draft Resolution)

 

Prof N M KHUBISA: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House-

 

1. notes that the Republic of South Africa needs more professionals in the areas of accounting, auditing, economics, science and technology;

 

1. acknowledges that our learners, particularly females, need role models to look up to in these critical fields of study and career choices;

 

1. recognises that Nonkululeko Gobodo was the first female chartered accountant and that she founded Gobodo Incorporated, which later partnered with SizweNtsaluba VSP to form SizweNtsalubaGobodo, SNG;

 

1. further notes that SNG has done a lot of auditing and accounting work for both the private and public sectors and their pioneering and enterprising spirit set the tone and example of professionalism, customer care, openness, honesty, value for money, service excellence and timeliness;

 

1. commends Nonkululeko Gobodo for her sterling work in the accounting and auditing industries, and for leading by example and successfully executing many multimillion rand assignments; and

 

1. wishes her well in her new business ventures when she retires as nonexecutive chair of SNG.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM

 

Prof N M KHUBISA

 

 

 

 

EFF LAUNCHES POLICY DISCUSSION DOCUMENTS

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House-

 

1. notes the official launch of the policy discussion documents of the EFF on 27 October 2014;

 

1. further notes that the 12 publicly available documents are aimed at encouraging public discourse to sharpen our ideas in pursuit of an alternative to the neoliberal reality of the past 20 years;

 

1. notes even further that in these documents we move for all our wealth to be shared equally by our people; and

 

1. recognises this historical moment for the third largest party in South Africa.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! If there are no objections, I put the motion.

 

Mrs C DUDLEY: I have an objection, Deputy Speaker.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The motion is objected to. So, the motion falls away.

 

 

 

Mr D L TWALA

 

Mr A J MNGXITAMA

 

 

 

ILLEGAL ACQUISITION OF PALESTINIAN LAND BY ISRAELI GOVERNMENT CONDEMNED

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr D L TWALA: Deputy Speaker, thank you for your understanding. We are still on a learning curve. I move without notice:

 

That the House-

 

(1)         notes the plans by the Israeli government to expand on the more than 1 000 new, exclusive Jewish settler homes in East Jerusalem;

 

(2)         further notes that the illegal acquisition of land by Israel for exclusive Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories violates international law and human rights;

 

(3)         condemns the extension of the illegal occupation of land by Israel and the continued harassment of women, children and the elderly in that region of the world;

 

(4)         calls on Israel to withdraw its decision to expand by building 1 000 Jewish homes in Palestinian territories; and

 

(5)         further calls on Israel to allow Palestinian expelled from their homes the right of return.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! If there are no objections, I put the motion.

 

Mrs C DUDLEY: Objection, Deputy Speaker.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The motion is objected to and so it falls away.

 

 

 

Mr M L W FILTANE

 

Mr D L TWALA

 

 

 

 

BANYANA BANYANA MIDFIELDER NOMPUMELELO NYANDENI’S 100TH APPEARANCE FOR SA

(Draft Resolution)

 

MR M L W FILTANE: Chairperson, I hereby move without notice:

 

          That the House—

 

1. notes that Nompumelelo Nyandeni, the Banyana Banyana midfielder, has joined the elite group of players who have made 100 appearances for their country;

 

1. further notes that she reached this milestone when she played in the one-all draw against Cameroon on Wednesday, 15 October 2014;

 

1. recalls that she made her Banyana debut at the age of 15, being the youngest player ever to play for the Senior Women’s National Team; and

 

1. congratulates her on her contributions to the successes of the team and her momentous achievement.

 

1.  

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

Ms D CARTER

 

Mr M L W FILTANE

 

 

 

 

TRAGIC, ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF TWO CHILDREN TRAPPED IN PARKED CAR

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms D CARTER: Chairperson, I hereby move without notice:

 

          That the House—

 

1. notes with great sadness and shock the untimely death of two children and the critical condition of three others who were accidentally trapped in a parked car in Springs, on Monday, 27 October 2014;

 

1. further notes that the car, which was parked in the yard of the house, did not have working handles inside and, as the temperature at 15:00 on the day was 30°C outside, the temperature inside the car would have been double that and, since the children could not get out, two of the five children tragically lost their lives;

 

1. acknowledges that such an unexpected and sudden loss of two children is an unbearable grief for any family and requires people to rally around them to help them come to terms with their enormous loss; and

 

1. conveys its sincere condolences to the bereaved family and relatives.

 

Agreed to.

 

 

 

 

MEMBER STATEMENTS - Ms T P MANTASHE

 

MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE - Ms D CARTER

 

 

 

 

SOUTH AFRICA WINS UNITED NATIONS INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE AWARD

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms T P MANTASHE (ANC): Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the ANC we want to share with the world and the country the fact that South Africa has won another outstanding investment performance award. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, has recognised South Africa’s achievements in attracting foreign direct investment.

 

During the grand opening of the UNCTAD world investment forum currently being held in Geneva, 31 projects from 29 agencies were short-listed for awards. South Africa received an award for outstanding performance in attracting foreign direct investment that supports sustainable development.

 

Indonsa, which means the morning star in isiZulu, is one of the projects assisted by Trade and Investment SA, Tisa, a division of the Department of Trade and Industry, that was nominated in this category. Indonsa is a state-of-the-art dried foods production plant outside Durban, producing the Aromat, Knorr, Knorrox, Rajah and Robertsons brands.

 

As Minister Davies has pointed out, this is a global first for the Unilever group in terms of advancing its focus on advanced sustainable green technology. Successes such as these are pace-setters for other players in the private sector.

 

The ANC congratulates Unilever’s chairperson, Marijn van Tiggelen, on setting new global standards... Thank you. [Time expired.]

 

 

 

 

Mr G R DAVIES

 

 

Ms T P MANTASHE

 

 

 

 

CADRE DEPLOYMENT CAUSE OF CRISIS AT SABC

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr G R DAVIES (DA): Deputy Speaker, the SABC is in crisis. Television audiences are down by 10% over the last two years. Irregular expenditure is up by a staggering R3,3 billion in the last year.

 

The SABC has an acting CEO, an acting CFO and, until recently, an acting COO. There is an acting head of news, an acting head of sport and an acting head of strategy. In fact, there are more people in acting positions at the SABC than on the set of Generations! [Laughter.]

 

This is what happens when you deploy cadres to run a multibillion rand entity like the SABC. You turn it into a soap opera. Hlaudi Motsoeneng and Ellen Tshabalala are both products of the ANC’s cadre deployment policy. There is evidence that both lied about their qualifications to give their appointments a veneer of respectability.

 

Fortunately, we are winning the battle against cadre deployment by the SABC. It was the DA’s request that led to the parliamentary enquiry into Ellen Tshabalala. It was the DA’s application that led to the court ruling that Hlaudi Motsoeneng must be suspended and disciplined.

 

It is time that members on that side of the House admit that their policy of cadre deployment has failed. If this government really wants to sort out the SABC, it will put a stop to cadre deployment once and for all. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

 

 

Ms N V NQWENISO

 

Mr G R DAVIS (DA)

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT AVOIDING QUESTION TIME IN PARLIAMENT

(Member’s Statement)

 

MS N V NQWENISO (EFF): Hon Deputy Speaker, it is indeed embarrassing to learn that the President has appeared in Parliament to answer oral questions only once this year. The President, as the head of state, has a constitutional responsibility to account to Parliament in terms of sSection 65, which states that the legislature must exercise oversight over the eExecutive. The rules of Parliament demand that the President faces leaders of opposition parties and answer questions four times a year.

 

This is in the spirit of democratic accountability and transparency. The President has a constitutional obligation to account to Parliament. So far, he has deliberately disregarded this important principle, putting this institution of Parliament into disrepute.

 

Question time in Parliament offers the President an opportunity to account not only to Parliament but to the broader South African public. The ANC has so far the shielded the President from being held accountable, arguing that he will focus on the imbizos instead of coming to Parliament to account. They have decided to disregard the rules and disrespect the institution of Parliament in protecting one man: Jacob Zuma. [Interjections.] They see nothing wrong in the fact that he is currently refusing to account to Parliament. [Time expired.]

 

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, call her back to insist on respect. Even if she hates the man, he is hon Jacob Zuma, not Jacob Zuma. [Interjections.]

 

 

 

 

MR T Z M KHOZA (ANC)

 

Ms N V NQWENISO

 

 

 

 

HANDING OVER OF A NEW PRIMARY SCHOOL TO THE COMMUNITY OF HEIDEVELD

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr T Z M KHOZA (ANC): Deputy Speaker, as the ANC we want to share with the House that on 16 October 2014, the Department of Basic Education handed over a state-of-the-art school to the community of Heideveld. Heideveld Primary School is one of the schools built through the Rural Community Development, RCD programme. The community of Heideveld was very appreciative of what the department has given them. They were appreciative of the government led by the President J G Zuma and acknowledge the fact that the RCD programme was the brainchild of the President.

 

This act really shows the commitment of our government to changing the lives of our people for athe better. Heideveld was established in 1966 and after 48 years, our caring government managed to bring dignity to the lives of learners in that community. As the ANC, we would love to encourage the community to take good care of such a beautiful facility and we also commit to continue serving the people of our country and closing the inequality gap that was created by apartheid. [Applause.]

 

 

 

 

MR M HLENGWA

 

Mr T Z M KHOZA (ANC)

 

 

 

 

WISHING GRADE 12 LEARNERS WELL IN EXAMS AND ALERTING NSFSAS ABOUT READINESS FOR THEIR ADMISSIONTHE COMING STUDENTS

 

MR M HLENGWA (IFP): Deputy Speaker, yesterday over 688 000 matrics started their exams. This House wants to wish them well as they embark on this all-important journey. It will impact on their future, depending on the results they get. We hope the good start that has been reported will continue so that at the end of the day the results will be credible. We hope the young people who are writing can make a meaningful change in their lives with the results they get.

 

We hope that the focus is not going to be ion on the quantitative pass but rather on the qualitative pass and that at the end of the day, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme will be ready to receive the students, particularly those who come from previously disadvantaged communities who still find themselves disadvantaged at present.

 

We also hope that the Post Office strike is not going to hinder the applications of young people as they try to access higher education. In this regard, we want to thank the teachers who guided these students for all these 12 years. We now call on all South Africans and ask that, during this all-important time, that they rally behind the students to ensure that at the end of the day they are able to write the exams in a conducive and an enabling environment for them to make a meaningful contribution to South Africa’s development.

 

Education remains a tool that we must use to make better this country better and to correct the many wrongs that continue to plague our country. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

 

 

PROF N M KHUBISA

 

MR M HLENGWA (IFP)

 

 

 

 

VIOLENT CRIME

(Member’s Statement)

 

Prof N M KHUBISA (NFP): Deputy Speaker, everyone has a right to life. This is one of the fundamental rights contained in the Bill of Rights, which is the cornerstone of democracy in our country. The Bill of Rights enshrined the rights of all people in South Africa and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. Simply put, the Bill of Rights says that each one has the right to life but in reality what is happening in our country today is contrary to that.

 

The recent incident, including the shocking and disgusting cold-blooded murder of a national icon, Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa, is but one case in point. Meyiwa’s brutal murder is a serious indictment of how cheap life has become in South Africa. This particular incident, which shook the entire continent and received global condemnation, happened just as the country was coming to terms with the horrifying murder of law student and model Reeva Steenkamp.

 

Just over a year ago, five- year-old Anelisa Mkhonto and cousins Yonelisa and Zandile Mali were kidnapped, raped and murdered, and their bodies dumped on a dump site in a public toilet in Diepsloot. There are many such incidents that go unmentioned or briefly get the coverage of the media. Among us as we sit here is an hon member who escaped a life-threatening robbery atin an ATM, Jackson Mthembu. Thank you. [Time expired.]

 

MS B L ABRAHAMS

 

PROF N M KHUBISA (NFP)

 

 

CONDEMNATION OF HIGH MURDER RATE OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms B L ABRAHAMS (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC condemns in the strongest terms possible the ongoing brutal and senseless killings ofto the women and the youth of the country by people who have no respect for life. We are outraged by the killing of the two young community members of Eldorado Park in surrounding areas recently. Maritza Mathews, a 20-year-old young woman who lives in Extension 2 at Eldorado Park was shot and killed on her way back from work on Saturda, 18 October 2014, in Turffontein.

 

On the very same day, a grade 11 Geraldine Jacobs, a grade 11 learner, came from school and was killed by her ex-boyfriend. She was attending her extra maths lessons at the Eldorado Park Secondary School. On the way back home, Geraldine was approached by the suspect, and allegedly her ex-boyfriend, and taken to his parent’s home by force. There she was stabbed 19 times and later died of multiple stab wounds. According to spectators the suspect, who handed himself over to Eldorado Park Police Station, claimed that if he could not be in a relationship with Geraldine, nobody could. The ANC says the law must take its course quickly so that these culprits get the sentences they deserve.

 

The ANC sends its condolences to the Jacobs and Mathews families. We also call on our society to go back to our moral values and refrain from disregarding human life. I thank you.

 

 

Mr M G P LEKOTA

 

Mrs L B ABRAHAMS (ANC)

 

 

DEATH OF SENZO MEYIWA

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr M G P LEKOTA (Cope): Deputy Speaker, the death of Senzo Meyiwa is a very sad incident for the youth of our country, for all the people of our country and, indeed, for society as a whole. A nation’s measure must be gauged by how well it looks after its children. One of the nations of the world has even declared that its measure is the manner in which it looks after its animals. If we cannot look after our children, we have lost our sense of the value of life. Some citizens of other countries are even contriving to bring family members to our country to come and kill them here. That is how far the image and standing of our country has gone down.

 

I think it is critical for all of us, the ruling party as well as the opposition, to make the determination, as a people, that we will do something about making sure that life is not taken as lightly as it is at this time. We must not compromise on this issue. If it needs us to mobilise communities, to mobilise people in the countryside and in urban centres, we must do so.

 

 

Ms M R M MOTHAPO (ANC)

 

Mr M G P LEKOTA(Cope)

 

 

SADC BRINGS STABILITY IN LESOTHO

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms M R M MOTHAPO (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC commends the excellent efforts by the Southern African Development Community, SADC, in bringing about stability in Lesotho. Through the SADC mediator, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, who facilitated the signing of the Maseru Facilitation Declaration by Lesotho’s main political players. The reopening of the parliament was a key first step in the peace deal, which followed the 30 August coup attempt, and it is envisaged to culminate in early elections, to be held on February 2015.

 

The reconvening of Lesotho's parliament by King Letsie III on Friday, 17 0ctober 2014, was therefore a remarkable step in the resolution of the crisis in that country. It has ushered in a new spirit and the self-assertiveness of the people of Lesotho to chart and determine their own course in their political journey to restore democracy and economic growth.

 

The ANC views the progress that has been made so far as a move in the right direction towards the consolidation of democracy and the promotion of good governance. This situation gives us confidence and hope that we are on the right path towards a possible just world and a better Africa for humankind. We can today proclaim that a just world and a better Africa is a possibility. Thank you.

 

 

 

Mr D J MAYNIER (DA)

 

Ms M R M MOTHAPO(ANC)

 

 

SPY SATELITTE FOR DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr D J MAYNIER (DA): Deputy Speaker, it is time that the Minister makes a public statement about the bungled top-secret R1,2 billion Russian spy satellite deal for defence intelligence. We now know that on 26 May 2006 a contract was signed with the Russian company to develop and launch a spy satellite for defence intelligence. We know that the project’s name is Project Flute. We know that the objective of the project was to develop a spy satellite for defence intelligence. We know that the estimated cost of this spy satellite was R1,2 billion and we know that the project to develop the Russian spy satellite has incurred fruitless and wasteful expenditure of R200 million. However, most important of all, we know that after eight years and expenditure worth R1,2 billion, the satellite is still on the ground and not in space.

 

So, will somebody - anybody - please explain how, after eight years and R1,2 billion worth of expenditure, the satellite is still on the ground and not in space? Will somebody - anybody -please explain why the Russian spy satellite is necessary and on whom the Russian spy satellite will be spying? Thank you.

 

Mr P J MNGUNI (ANC)

 

Mr D J MAYNIER (DA)

 

 

ANC CONDEMNS VANDALISM OF O R TAMBO PORTRAIT

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr P J MNGUNI (ANC): Deputy Speaker, I rise on behalf of the ANC to commend the swift action taken by the task team appointed to investigate the recent vandalism of the statue of ANC stalwart Oliver Tambo at the heritage site in Bizana. Three suspects have been arrested in relation to said act. It is reported that memorabilia including portraits, files and a bronze bust highlighting the life and times of the great Tambo were burnt down during this incident. This unfortunate event happened just after Heritage Month and it happened to a monument that was declared a heritage site by the then President Thabo Mbeki in 2006.

 

The ANC views this misguided incident as absolutely despicable. As the ANC we always believe in engagement and consultation to resolve differences and we are of the view that no amount of anger should force people to commit such anarchy and hooliganism. This incident happened while the government is busy with the process of upgrading the existing facility. Phase one of the construction of the statue of the great O R Tambo, which the family and community desired, is currently under way.

 

Tambo is a father of our nation whose efforts led to South Africa’s democracy. He is the longest-serving ANC president and led the party for 30 years during a difficult era. The fact that we are living in a democratic South Africa today is living testimony and proof of Tambo’s legacy. Thank you very much.

 

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA (AIC)

 

Mr P J MNGUNI (ANC)

 

 

ALLOCATING TEACHERS WITHOUT CONSIDERING CURRICULUM

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA (AIC): Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the AIC I would like to raise some educational issues that need to be corrected. In order to put education in the right direction, we need to correct some of the following issues: The curriculum and the allocation of teachers to schools should be reviewed. It is not fair to allocate teachers to schools on the basis of the number of learners without considering the curriculum.

 

You can imagine the issue when the ratio is 1:40 - when a teacher has to teach 40 learners in a classroom. Then imagine a school with 400 learners being allocated only 10 educators while the school offers 15 learning areas. What about the five subjects that are supposed to be taught? That is not fair.

 

Again, as the AIC we were very surprised when we learned that SADTU rejected the idea of the signing of performance contracts by head masters. It means that these people do not like to be assessed. SADTU again rejected the biometric reporting system. Does this mean that teachers should not be checked when they are absent from school?

 

 

Ms L MABIJA (ANC)

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA (AIC)

 

 

BRICKMAKING CO-OPERATIVE SET FOR BIGGER THINGS

(Member’s Statement)

 

Tshivenda:

Mufumakadzi vho L MABIJA (ANC): Mufarisamulangadzulo, ndi a livhuwa.u fhiwa tshifhinga tsha u amba hezwi zwi tevhelaho, zwa uri ANC i toda u amba nga hezwi zwauri ...

 

English:

After struggling to find work, 11 people from Ga-Chuene village in Limpopo realised that making bricks had potential for growth and could help them to earn money. They decided to form the Baitapishi Brickmaking Co-operative and supply the local community. The group is made up of five women and six men.

Their business started in 2004. They approached the Limpopo Economic Development Agency for assistance. The agency assisted them with a tractor loader backhoe machine to help with the day-to-day running of their business.

 

Now the co-operative has grown and has big plans for the business, which include partnering with government in order to supply bricks for low-cost housing for the community, to be built by the government. Furthermore, their plans encapsulate the involvement of young people in the business, as well as plans to register and secure a licence with the SA Bureau of Standards so that they can also supply bricks to big companies. Thank you very much

 

 

 

Ms A T LOVEMORE

 

Ms L MABIJA

 

 

 

 

MATRICULATION EXAMINATIONS

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms A T LOVEMORE: Deputy Speaker, matriculation examination time is here. It is our privilege to wish the Grade 12 learners writing their final examinations good fortune, coupled with the encouragement to stay focused and to study hard.

 

We know that challenges have been multifold during the school careers of these learners. We know that many young learners have, at times, been at risk of leaving the schooling system. In some provinces, children who are not performing are actively encouraged to leave, so that their school’s matriculation pass rate might improve. In the Western Cape, children are actively encouraged to stay.

 

The Western Cape has the lowest dropout rate in the country. We know that many young people have dreams of going to university and becoming qualified for their career of choice. In the Western Cape, the percentage of children succeeding in that dream is, by far, the highest in the country. We know too that the real matriculation pass rate is higher in the Western Cape than it is anywhere else in the country. [Interjections.] We take pride in that and we are ready to share our lessons for the benefit of all the children of this potentially great nation. [Applause.]

 

 

 

 

Ms L M MASEKO

 

Ms A T LOVEMORE

 

 

 

 

ELECTIONS IN MOZAMBIQUE

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms L M MASEKO: Deputy Speaker, the ANC congratulates the people of Mozambique on running a successful, peaceful election when they went to the polls in their fifth presidential election, held on Wednesday, 15 October 2014. [Interjections.]

 

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member ... [Interjections.]

 

Ms L M MASEKO: Sir? [Interjections.]

 

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! All right, go ahead.

 

Ms L M MASEKO: The Southern African Development Community gave a positive assessment of the presidential and legislative elections outcome as generally free, fair and credible, with their European Union Election Observation Mission counterparts concurring ... [Interjections.]

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker: Is the hon member of the ruling party reading again? [Interjections.] First, it was a motion without notice; now, as a member’s statement. Do they not perhaps have something else to share with this House? Thank you. [Laughter.]

 

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Proceed, hon member.

 

Ms L M MASEKO: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. We further congratulate our sister organisation, Frelimo, for once again winning the election in Mozambique ...

 

Ms S V KALYAN: May I address you on a point of order, Deputy Speaker?

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, what is your point of order, madam?

 

Ms S V KALYAN: The point of order is: Will you give a ruling whether it is acceptable for the member to put the same thing as a motion without notice and as a statement? It is exactly the same thing! [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, I will come back with a ruling. [Interjections.] Finish your statement, madam.

 

Ms L M MASEKO: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. [Interjections.] We also welcome ...

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker ...

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! What is your point of order, hon member?

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: The point of order is simple, Deputy Speaker, and you need to rule on it.

 

THE DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, I will.

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: We want this House to stay awake and to deal with serious issues. We cannot repeat the same boring things, Deputy Speaker. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, I will keep you awake, hon member. Continue, hon Maseko.

 

Ms L M MASEKO: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. We also welcome as encouraging the commitment by the main opposition party, Renamo, to the peaceful use of democratic engagement in resolving post-election challenges and bringing about a democratic and conclusive solution as the only way forward.

 

Furthermore, the ANC believes that the free, fair and credible elections held in Mozambique will go a long way towards the deepening of democracy and mass participation in improving public service, as well as offering fresh hope for peace and prosperity. Moreover, the ANC is of the view that the strengthening of democracy and the accelerating of economic growth has the potential of turning Africa into one of the centres of rapid industrialisation and social development. I thank you.

 

 

MINISTERS RESPONSES

 

MEMBERS STATEMENTS

 

 

 

CONDEMNATION OF VIOLENCE IN OUR SOCIETY

(Minister’s Response)

 

The MINISTER OF POLICE: Deputy Speaker, we would like to take this opportunity to associate ourselves with the widespread condemnation of the levels of violence in our society. We further commit ourselves to following the dictates of the National Development Plan regarding the issue of engaging actively with the South African citizenry to take responsibility for their social circumstance. We would also like to commit ourselves to responding effectively to some activities of criminality and specifically with regard to issues of violence committed against fellow members of our citizenry. Thank you. [Applause.]

The MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

The MINISTER OF POLICE

 

 

 

 

PRESIDENT AVOIDING QUESTION TIME IN PARLIAMENT

(Minister’s Response)

 

The MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Deputy Speaker, I wish to assure the House that all members of the executive are committed to appearing before the House to execute their obligations in respect of accountability. [Interjections.] This commitment begins at the top, from President Zuma … [Laughter.] … down and through to every member of the executive. [Interjections.] However, if it is the case that appearing before this House means being faced by a babble of noise rather than having the opportunity to respond, then I think it becomes very difficult, if not impossible, to honour the obligations to which we are committed.[Interjections.]

 

When responding to a statement by an hon member, already one can see 50% of the reason that it is difficult to appear before this House. [Interjections.] We are committed, Deputy Speaker. What we need from the House is an equal commitment to its own democratic conduct. I thank you. [Interjections.] [Applause.]

 

Ms N V NQWENISO: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker: If we do have the right to ask questions, as the Minister says we do, can she illustrate to us what she means when she says that Cabinet cannot come and account when they are going to face a noise. Are we making noise when we are asking questions?

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! That is not a point of order. Go ahead, hon member. [Interjections.] Minister, would you like to respond to that? [Interjections.]

 

The MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Yes, Deputy Speaker. I do not recall using the word noise. [Interjections.] I referred to a babble. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, please! Order! [Interjections.]

 

Ms N V NQWENISO: Deputy Speaker, the Minister mentioned that the Cabinet cannot come here if they are going to face a noise. I repeat: Are we making a noise when we ask questions? [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! We wish to proceed to the Deputy Minister of Basic Education. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Deputy Speaker, I am just waiting for the noise to subside. I do not know what I am hearing, but it sounds like a noise. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Hon members, please mind your language and your gestures! Deputy Minister, please proceed.

 

 

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION

 

MINISTERS RESPONSE – MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

 

 

 

MATRICULATION EXAMINATIONS

(Minister’s Response)

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank the hon members for wishing our more than 550 000 learners well for the matric examinations. This is the culmination of their journey after 12 years of schooling, and we certainly thank all the political parties, including the EFF, for the kind wishes and sentiments.

 

We thank the hon member for drawing the attention of the House to the delivery of the Rural Community Development schools in the Western Cape. The President and the Minister have previously done so and on Friday I too will enjoy the benefit, for the second time, and deliver a school in the Western Cape. We do not discriminate against nor distinguish among our learners. Our learners across the country are treated equally and are a precious resource.

 

I thank the DA for its kind words but at the same time it is rather unfortunate that they use this as the platform to try and distinguish and differentiate between the Western Cape and the other provinces. [Interjections.] The reality is - and they find it difficult to accept this truth - that in the previous year the first province was the Free State, the second was the North West, the third was Gauteng and the Western Cape performed at number four. [Applause.] Now they are trying to justify their lack of achievement on the basis of the fact that they have a better percentage pass. [Interjections.] It is Gauteng that produced the greatest number of bachelor’s passes! [Applause.]

 

To me a celebration of our learners, irrespective of where they are - whether they are in the Western Cape or anywhere else - is an achievement that we must celebrate without distinction and discrimination. [Applause.] This is our country and this is our system of education. I do not think we can be tolerant anymore of this particular reality. The fact is that this ruling party and this government are delivering state-of-the-art schools to the Western Cape. We have already delivered five and the sixth one will be delivered on Friday. This suggests one thing and one thing only: that our commitment to our children across the country is the same and that we would not use education as a political tool to score political points. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION

 

 

 

 

BRICKMAKING CO-OPERATIVE SET FOR BIGGER THINGS

(Minister’s Response)

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: Deputy Speaker, I am standing to support the statement made by the member about the brickmaking co-operatives, particularly if such a co-operative is run by women. I want to say that as the Department of Human Settlements we have set aside 30% of all housing projects in all the provinces for women. So, this kind of an initiative will help us to ensure that those women have the opportunities they desire.

 

We also urge these housing and brickmaking co-operatives to join SA Women in Construction, Sawic, so that they will have exposure to more opportunities in the construction industry. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF STATE SECURITY

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

 

 

 

 

SADC BRINGS STABILITY IN LESOTHO

(Minister’s Response)

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF STATE SECURITY: Deputy Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the statement that was made by the hon Mothapo when he commended the excellent effort by SADC in bringing about peace and stability in Lesotho. This is in pursuance of the South African government’s effort and it links very well with the South African national priorities. It is also about promoting political cohesion in the Southern African region and to ensure that there is peace and stability in our region.

 

We will continue to strive to create a better South Africa and contribute to a better and safer Africa in a better world. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSTION: Deputy Speaker, I am sorry but the hon Maynier tabled a member’s statement today about the spy satellite and I see no one is rushing to answer it. [Laughter.]

 

 

The MINISTER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND POSTAL SERVICES

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSTION

 

 

 

 

SPY SATELLITE FOR DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE

(Minister’s Response)

 

The MINISTER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND POSTAL SERVICES: Deputy Speaker, I would like to respond to the matter raised by Maynier, because it is important… [Interjections.] Sorry, the hon Maynier. This House has had a convention since 2002 on how to deal with national security issues. If the hon Maynier wants to breach that convention, then he must approach the presiding officers to say that those forums we as this House have created to deal with matters of national security are no longer relevant. He must bring the motion to the House. Then we will be able to deal with the matters. We are not going to come here to deny or confirm what he said. But we know what is behind it. Some hon members present are here to defend a certain state’s actions and contracts. We are not here to deal with that until the matter is resolved by this House. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

FIRST ORDER

 

MINISTERS RESPONSES

 

 

 

 

RENTAL HOUSING AMENDMENT BILL

(Consideration of Bill and Report thereon)

 

Ms N N MAFU[mm4] : Deputy Speaker, members of the executive who are in the House, hon Members of Parliament, in a bid to address apartheid laws, the democratic government enacted a range of policies that supported the institutionalisation of housing provision. These included, among others, the Housing Act of 1997 and the Rental Housing Act of 1999, all stemming from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which explicitly states that everyone has the right of access to housing.

 

In 2010, the Rental Housing Amendment Bill was gazetted following a monitoring and implementation process whereby the Department of Human Settlements discovered that not all provinces had established Rental Housing Tribunals. Some provincial departments had only recently established tribunals and only after the intervention of the department. These tribunals are fully operational in Gauteng, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.

 

Furthermore, it was found that there were several local authorities that had not established the Rental Housing Information Offices, according to the Department of Human Settlements, despite the dire need for such offices.

 

The Rental Housing Amendment Bill seeks to amend section 7 of the Rental Housing Act in order to render the establishment of tribunals in every province and the establishment of Rental Housing Information Offices in every local authority mandatory. Some of the important features of this Bill include the establishment of the Rental Housing Tribunals, the introduction of the unfair practices regulations and the repeal of the Rent Control Act of 1976.

 

In 2007, the Rental Housing Amendment Act was passed, which made several amendments to the Rental Housing Act, perhaps the most important being the criminalisation of constructive evictions. This is defined as the cutting of services without a court order. Landlords have, among other rights, rights that prompt the regular payment of a rental or charges that may be payable as part of a lease, and can recover unpaid rental or other amounts due after obtaining a ruling by the tribunal or court order.

 

They have a right to terminate the lease on grounds that do not constitute unfair practice but are specified in the lease. A landlord must give a tenant at least two month’s written notice of the intention to increase the rental. All these challenges had to be addressed by the proposed amendment in the Bill.

 

The fourth Parliament therefore looked at this and the NA made amendments, which then went to the NCOP. The NCOP made a few amendments. Unfortunately, because the fourth Parliament finished with its work, they could not conclude this Bill.

 

So, the fifth Parliament, at its inception, through the Portfolio Committee of the Human Settlements, looked at those amendments and, in a meeting of the portfolio committee, which sat in August, the amendments were passed.

 

We have to report that in that portfolio committee meeting, the DA and the EFF abstained from voting on this Bill. Therefore, I put it in this House that the Bill be looked at and passed. I thank you. [Applause.] 

 

There was no debate.

 

 

 

 

THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE RULING PARTY

 

Ms N N MAFU

 

 

 

 

THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE RULING PARTY: Deputy Speaker, I move:

 

That the Rental Housing Amendment Bill be passed.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER[mm5] : Order! Are there any objections to the Bill being passed? [Interjections.]

 

Ms K LITCHFIELD-TSHABALALA: We would like to place on record the EFF’s objection to the Bill. [Interjections.]

 

THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Deputy Speaker, the DA would like to make a declaration on the Bill.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER[mm6] : Order! All right, who else? [Interjections.] Requests for declarations of vote having been received, we will now allow up to three minutes for declarations to be made. Proceed, hon member.

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Xitsonga:

Nkul M GANA: Muhlonipheki, ndzi khensa ku nyikiwa xinkadyana lexi leswaku ndzi vula switsongo hi Nawumbisi lowu.

 

English:

While the DA supports this Bill, we are concerned that the Housing Tribunal is not able to deal with situations where there are no existing written rental agreements. This will affect the poor the most as it is them who are less likely to know how to draft the agreements. Most of us in this House know about the difficult relationships between backyard dwellers and landlords [abomastandi]. One of the primary objectives of the rental housing offices should be to ensure that poor people are educated and assisted to ensure that they benefit from this Bill and tribunal.

 

Xitsonga:

Hina va vandla ra DA hi seketela Nawumbisi lowu. Ndza khensa, muhlonipheki.

 

 

 

 

MR K P SITHOLE

 

MR M GANA

 

 

 

 

Mr K P SITHOLE: Deputy Speaker, the Rental Housing Amendment Bill was tabled during the fourth Parliament. It aims to extend the powers of Rental Housing Tribunals to provide for a peer process; to require all local municipalities to have Rental Information Offices; and to provide for norms and standards related to rental housing and other related matters.

 

The Bill was sent to the NCOP for concurrency but was referred back requesting that certain names or definitions be changed, like “local authority” to “municipality”, and other amendments, like the substitution of the word “Parliament” for “National Assembly”, which were not a problem.

 

Where we take issue and find difficulty is with the concepts of landlords and landowners. We submit that within the South African context, these terms cause confusion because we have scenarios in our rural areas where land is owned by chiefs [amakhosi] but has been occupied by the same family for generations. They are fettered landlords but are not landowners. The dwelling on the land belongs to the resident but the land does not. The resident can rent land out to a third party but he remains a landlord; not a landowner.

 

In the township, one can own the house or dwelling but not the land. In these circumstances, the substitution of the expression “landlord” with the expression “landowners” will not be supported. I thank you.

 

 

 

 

MS P NTOBONGWANA

 

MR K P SITHOLE

 

 

 

 

Ms P NTOBONGWANA: Deputy Speaker, much as we do not advocate for anarchy, this Bill pretends to operate in an ideal South Africa, displaying total ignorance of the history of the dispossession of our people. The current ownership of land and property still reflects this reality: The majority of blacks are tenants while the majority of whites are the owners of property and land. The EFF’s view of the Rental Housing Amendment Bill is that it seeks to regulate the illegitimate ownership of property by a mostly white minority at the expense of the black majority, which remains landless and property-less.

 

It is our view that the majority - which is the black majority - are tenants in the country of their birth. The only solution is to expropriate land without compensation, review the current ownership of property and differentiate between property that was acquired through legitimate means and that which was stolen from our people through violent means.

 

Current ownership of property and land still reflects the racist colonial project, which the ANC today regulates in the interest of many foreigners who own property and do not even live in South Africa. [Interjections.] It is our view as the EFF that unless we regulate ownership, Africans will remain permanent tenants and visitors in the country of their birth.

 

We see no point in regulating the relations between tenants and owner if the ownership still reflects the racist colonial project. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

 

 

MS N N MAFU

 

MS P NTOBONGWANA

 

 

 

 

Ms N N MAFU: Deputy Speaker, I wish to state that the concept of “landlord” can be traced back to a long time ago, to the Roman Empire and to the practice of peasants who became bound to the land and depended on landlords for protection and justice.

 

The European feudal system of governance made these relations popular. This concept found its way into Dutch Law and came to South Africa with the Dutch in the 1600s. [Interjections.] It has since formed part of our common law and is most popular in contractual law.

 

Common law has been evolving, with the Roman and other archaic concepts being replaced with simple English to make legislation simple and to avoid doubt and ambiguities. The committee resolved to replace the concept of “landlord” with “landowner”. [Interjections.] The definition remains the same but the archaic concept of “landlord” has been updated in line with the use of simple language in the legislation. [Interjections.]

 

This amendment is neither unfair nor unreasonable but will assist with better understanding of this legislation. [Interjections.] It simply aids interpretation. Most importantly, the definition only applies to the law concerned and we are confident that this amendment will not cause any ambiguities in the interpretation. The ANC therefore supports the Bill. [Applause.] [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER[mm7] : Order! Hon members, the motion is that the Bill be passed. Are there any objections? [Interjections.]

 

Motion agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters and Inkatha Freedom Party dissenting).

 

Bill accordingly passed.

 

MR N SINGH: Deputy Speaker, will you kindly record the objection of the IFP?

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER[mm8] : Yes, that will be recorded.

 

 

 

 

SECOND ORDER

 

Second Order

 

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS ON DEFENCE AMENDMENT BILL

(Consideration of Bill and of Report thereon)

 

Mr M S MOTIMELE: Deputy Speaker, hon members, the Defence Amendment Bill, Bill No. 8 of 2013, was introduced and referred to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans in the Fourth Parliament on 2 October 2013. It was presented to the committee by Mr David Maynier on 26 February 2014. The purpose of the Amendment Bill is to amend the Defence Act of 2002 so as to ensure that the procurement of armaments is subject to Parliamentary oversight.

 

The Bill proposes that Parliament receives early warning through quarterly reports of cost, overruns and schedule slips in armaments acquisition projects being implemented by the Department of Defence. Due to various reasons, time constraints in particular, the Bill could not be processed and the committee resolved that the Bill be referred to the Fifth Parliament.

 

At the beginning of the Fifth Parliament the Bill was referred to the committee, on 29 July 2014. After presentation by the initiator, the department responded and the committee subsequently considered the Bill and the views of the department. The department is of the opinion that sufficient provision is made for reporting on arms acquisition in the current reporting mechanism. This includes the reporting of the department to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on such issues and that closed sessions can be arranged for such reports if the need arises.

 

The special defence account budget allocation in the Estimate of National Expenditure, ENE, sets out the funding for acquisition. The final appropriation and actual expenditure of the spatial defence accounts for the financial year is included in the Defence annual report.

 

In addition, the department felt that such reports would compromise the national security of the country in the long term, reveal critical intelligence, damage the competitiveness of our defence industry, jeopardise third party agreements and have adverse financial implications due to the loss of revenue for the defence industry.

 

In terms of the NA Rules and specifically the interim measures relating to Bills initiated by Assembly members in their individual capacity, the committee should, after due deliberations, consider a motion of desirability on the subject matter of the Bill. The committee complied with the related procedures on 3 September 2014 and the majority of members present were not in favour of the Bill. The motion of desirability was thus rejected and the committee tabled its report accordingly.

 

It needs to be stressed that the majority of the committee members felt that the Bill will have duplicated existing reporting mechanisms by the department to Parliament. Sufficient provision is made for such reporting in the existing legislation and procedures. The provision in the Rules for closed sessions will accommodate requests and concerns raised in the Bill and other existing parliamentary Rules and procedures provide sufficient mechanisms to ensure that information relating to arms procurement is received by Parliament. I thank you, hon Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]

 

There was no debate.

 

THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, I move:

 

That the Report be adopted.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER[mm9] : Order! I have received requests for declarations of vote and will now allow up to three minutes for declarations to be made. Proceed, hon member.

 

 

Declarations of vote:

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Chairperson, we have to face the fact that there has been a complete breakdown of scrutiny and oversight of defence acquisition in Parliament. Stung by the political fallout from the arms deal, the Department of Defence now refuses to disclose virtually any information about defence acquisition to Parliament. That is the reason that it is only through leaked documents that we learned about Project Hoefyster, a R15 billion defence acquisition project to acquire 258 Badger infantry combat vehicles. That is the reason that only through leaked documents did we learn about Project Flute, a R1,2 billion defence acquisition project for a Russia Kondor-E spy satellite. But the Department of Defence’s own policy on acquisition is very clear about parliamentary oversight, and I quote:

 

The Department of Defence will submit biannual and ad hoc reports to the relevant committee on defence on all acquisition activities. The Department of Defence will keep the relevant committee on Defence abreast of all its cardinal acquisition programmes.

 

However, for the past five years the biannual reports and the ad hoc reports have never been tabled in Parliament. Worse, for the past five years the Joint Standing Committee on Defence has never scheduled a hearing on defence acquisition in Parliament. That is why I introduced the Defence Amendment Bill, which is designed to focus a bright, shining light on the murky world of defence acquisition in this Parliament. But of course in the end the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans rejected the Defence Amendment Bill. We know why the committee rejected the Defence Amendment Bill: It is because the committee wants to cover up development failures, cover up schedule slips, cover up cost overruns and cover up huge inefficiencies at Denel. But most of all the committee wants to cover up corruption.

 

In the end the committee should hang their heads in shame because the victims of the decision to reject the Defence Amendment Bill are the ordinary soldiers who are deployed in dangerous conflict zones without the equipment they need to execute their mission. So, hang your heads in shame for not supporting the Defence Amendment Bill. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

 

Mr D J MAYNIER

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

 

 

 

 

Ms K LITCHFIELD-TSHABALALA: Hon Chair, I will not take three minutes; this is a simple argument. The Bill proposes that Parliament should be given early warning of any defence packages. This what we as the EFF argue: Why must we continue buying externally? We need to inculcate and develop that skill internally. It was done in the past, by the way, by a government lambasted for having being racist - but it did develop technical skills. The Drakensberg, the Rooikat and the Rooivalk were all built in South Africa. [Interjections.]

 

Why must we continue buying? We keep lamenting that we are suppliers of raw materials and importers of finished goods. Well, if we say this Bill should be passed, we are reinforcing exactly that problem. If we build internally, we are bringing back the skill, the scientific knowledge and everything else that this country requires, plus we are creating jobs and making our nation less dependent on grants. So, for that very simple reason, we object to this Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

 

Mr B M BHANGA

 

Ms K LITCHFIELD-TSHABALALA

 

 

 

Mr B M BHANGA: House Chair, the Bill before this House was presented to the committee. The committee had serious deliberations on the very Bill before the House. As a committee, we felt that the issues raised by this Bill are issues that were already covered by other legislative frameworks provided for by the legislation, for example the Public Finance Management Act. There are issues that will be covered by the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the majority of the members of the committee voted against this particular Bill because we would be indulging in a lot of rhetoric on legislation that we may not be able to implement. So, as the ANC we reject this Bill with the contempt it deserves. [Applause.]

 

 

Mr M A MNCWANGO

 

Mr B M BHANGA

 

 

 

Mr M A MNCWANGO: Madam Chair, while the IFP supports any additional proposals to enhance the current transparency around issues of defence acquisition, our concern is about the lack of implementation, even of the measures that are currently contained in the Defence Act and the Public Finance Management Act No 1 of 1999. We are therefore saying let us make sure that we implement what is there now and as we go on we will see where the gaps are and then fill those gaps. The IFP feels that this matter must go back to the committee for further canvassing.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! I will now put the question to the House. Those in favour will say “aye” and those against say “no”. [Interjections.] May I do it again? [Interjections.] I did not hear you. [Interjections.]

 

Mr M S MBATHA: On a point of order, Chair: It is not our business if they were sleeping. [Laughter.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! No, hon member, I have to be clear regarding what I rule on. [Interjections.] No, I have to be. [Interjections.] Hon members, please! If you make that noise you will cause me not to proceed and then we will not finish. I am going to repeat the question because I could not make out ... [Interjections.] [Inaudible.] ... with the advice of the Table.

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: Chair, on a point of order: You divided this House, as you should, and you called for indications of how people are voting. It came out clearly: The no’s have it very clearly. So, that is the ruling of this House today. On what basis are you taking this vote again?

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam House Chairperson, we have a precedent in the House. Every time that that side of the House wins an oral declaration, it is taken as given. This side of the House has now won an oral declaration - but now it is subject to scrutiny and different rules! [Applause.] Is this a fair and proper hearing that we are getting today?

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! Hon members, the clapping of hands will not help because I, as the officer presiding here, am saying that I did not get it correctly. I am now going to do that. [Inetrjections.] I am going to repeat the question. [Interjections.] What is wrong? You will do the same. Hon members, please behave correctly.

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO: We are behaving!

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): That is what I want. You are already up, hon member, and I have recognised you. [Interjections.] Ms Kalyan, there is a speaker at the back. Speak, hon member.

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO: Hon Presiding Officer, we must observe the Rules here. If you as presiding officer fail to stick to the Rules of this House, then we are going to run into problem. You called for a division, we voted and you lost. Now you want to repeat the vote!

 

Ms S V KALYAN: Madam House Chair, I would like you to quote the Rule that you are now applying. In terms of which Rule are you going to put the question to the House again, because a decision has already been made? Thank you. [Applause.]

 

Mr B A RADEBE: Hon Chairperson, because of the chaos being created on the other side, the ANC calls for a division. [Applause.]

 

Mr M S MBATHA: Chair, on a point of order.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! Hon members, I can see three people standing. Can I have only one, please. Thank you.

 

Ms K LITCHFIELD-TSHABALALA: Hon Chair, we are still waiting for your response. The DA asked under which Rule we were proceeding.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! Okay, now listen to my ruling. Right, as I ... [Interjections.] How can I speak if you make such a noise? Please, can I make a ruling here so that we can continue? [Interjections.] Am I not audible?

 

Hon members, as I said, I have been advised by the Table that when I said I could not hear well, they said, “You can call.” [Interjections.] But listen to this. After what you said, I was prepared to continue, as there is no Rule that forces me to take the second question. Now, here we are and there is a call for a division from the ANC, so that is where we are going. [Applause.]

 

The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Chairperson, I am not objecting to the call for a division. I am suitably challenged, though, that when members on that side loose a debate and an argument, they call it chaos - and they use the same Rule to hide their President. I find that offensive and against Parliament and I ask the member to withdraw it. [Applause.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Hon member, I think that we are somewhere else now. A division has been called for and that is where I, as the presiding officer, am going. I have made a ruling. I do not know what those hands are against now. [Interjections.]

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: Chair, … [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! Can we please give the hon member a hearing?

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: Chair, you are going to give the ruling party what it wants from you. That is fine, but I think that this House and the nation must know that today the debate was won by the opposition parties - in fact, even the vote was won by the opposition parties - but you are not happy because the hon members on that side were asleep and they have no argument. And now they are collapsing this House again!

 

Chair, it must go on record that it is the second time that the presiding officers of this particular Parliament display clearly biased behaviour that undermines the integrity of this House. You are not the first; you behave in this manner all the time, which suggests to us that the ruling party has no ideas and has nothing to offer to our people but the protection of the Chair.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Hon member, we are not in a debate now, please. I have made a ruling and I said that whatever you were going to say now I would not take because I had made a ruling. The ruling says that the ANC has called for a division. A division has been called and the bells will be rung for five minutes. After the bells have rung, members should be seated. I would also like to remind members that they may only vote from their allocated seats. Thank you.

 

Division demanded.

 

The House divided.

 

AYES - 178:  Abrahams, B L; Adams, P E; Adams, F; Bam-Mugwanya, V; Basson, J V; Bekwa, S D; Beukman, F; Bhengu, P; Bhengu, F; Bhengu, N R; Bilankulu, N K; Bongo, B T; Bonhomme, T J; Booi, M S; Boshielo, S P; Buthelezi, M G; Capa, R N; Capa, N; Cele, B H; Cele, M A; Chabane, O C; Chikunga, L S; Chueu, M P; Cronin, J P; Cwele, S C; Dirks, M A; Dlodlo, A; Dlomo, B J; Dlulane, B N; Dunjwa, M L; Esterhuizen, J A; Faku, Z C; Frolick, C T; Fubbs, J L; Galo, M P; Gcwabaza, N E; Gina, N; Goqwana, M B; Gumede, D M; Hanekom, D A; Hlengwa, M; Holomisa, S P; Jafta, S M; Jeffery, J H; Johnson, M; Kalako, M U; Kekana, P S; Kekana, C D; Kekana, M D; Kekana, E; Kenye, T E; Khoarai, L P; Khosa, D H; Khoza, M B; Khoza, T Z M; Kilian, J D; Kota-Fredricks, Z A; Kubayi, M T; Lesoma, R M M; Letsatsi-Duba, D B; Loliwe, F S; Luyenge, Z; Maake, J J; Mabasa, X; Mabe, P P; Mabija, L; Mabilo, S P; Madella, A F; Madlopha, C Q; Maesela, P; Mafolo, M V; Mafu, N N; Magadla, N W; Magadzi, D P; Mahlalela, A F; Mahlangu, D G; Mahlangu, J L; Maila, M S A; Majeke, C N; Majola, F Z; Makhubele, Z S; Makondo, T; Makwetla, S P; Maluleke, J M; Manana, D P; Mandela, Z M D; Mantashe, P T; Mapulane, M P; Martins, B A D; Masehela, E K M; Maseko, L M; Mashego-Dlamini, K C; Mashile, B L; Masuku, M B; Masutha, T M; Mathale, C C; Mathebe, D H; Matlala, M H; Matshoba, M O; Matsimbi, C; Mavunda, R T; Maxegwana, C H M; Mchunu, S; Mdakane, M R; Memela, T C; Mmemezi, H M Z; Mmola, M P; Mmusi, S G; Mncwango, M A; Mnganga - Gcabashe, L A; Mnguni, D; Mnguni, P J; Mogotsi, V P; Mokoto, N R; Molebatsi, M A; Molewa, B E E; Moloi-Moropa, J C; Mosala, I; Mothapo, M R M; Motimele, M S; Mphethi, S S A; Mpontshane, A M; Mpumlwana, L K B; Msimanga, C T; Mthethwa, E M; Mudau, A M; Nchabeleng, M E; Ndaba, C N; Ndabeni-Abrahams, S T; Ndongeni, N; Ngcobo, B T; Nkadimeng, M F; Nkomo, S J; November, N T; Nxesi, T W; Nyalungu, R E; Nzimande, B E; Oliphant, M N; Oosthuizen, G C; Pandor, G N M; Patel, E; Phosa, Y N; Pikinini, I A; Pilane-Majake, M C C; Qikani, A D N; Radebe, B A; Radebe, G S; Ralegoma, S M; Ramatlhodi, N A; Ramokhoase, T R J E; Rantho, D Z; Semenya, M R; September, C C; Shabangu, S; Shope-Sithole, S C N; Sibande, M P; Singh, N; Sithole, K P; Siwela, E K; Sizani, P S; Skosana, J J; Smith, V G; Tleane, S A; Tobias, T V; Tongwane, T M A; Tseke, G K; Tseli, R M; Tsoleli, S P; Tsotetsi, D R; v R Koornhof, N J J; Van Der Merwe, L L; Van Rooyen, D D D; Van Schalkwyk, S R; Xasa, T; Xego-Sovita, S T; Yengeni, L E; Zokwana, S; Zulu, L D.

 

NOES - 89:  America, D; Atkinson, P G; Bagraim, M; Baker, T E; Basson, L J; Bergman, D; Bhanga, B M; Boshoff, H S; Bozzoli, B; Brauteseth, T J; Breytenbach, G; Cardo, M J; Carter, D; Cassim, Y; Chance, R W T; Davis, G R; De Freitas, M S F; De Kock, K; Dreyer, A M; Dudley, C; Esau, S; Figg, M J; Gana, S M; George, D T; Greyling, L W; Grootboom, G A; Hadebe, T Z; Horn, W; Hunsinger, C H H; James, L V; James, W G; Jongbloed, Z; Kalyan, S V; Kohler, D; Kopane, S P; Kruger, H C C; Krumbock, G R; Lees, R A; Lotriet, A; Lovemore, A T; Mackay, G; Mackenzie, C; Macpherson, D W; Madisha, W M; Maimane, M A; Majola, T R; Malatsi, M S; Marais, S J F; Marais, E J; Masango, S J; Mashabela, N R; Matlhoko, A M; Matsepe, C D; Matshobeni, A; Maynier, D J; Mbatha, M S; Mbhele, Z N; Mc Gluwa, J J; Mcloughlin, A R; Mhlongo, T W; Mileham, K J; Motau, S C; Mulaudzi, T E; Ntobongwana, P; Ntshayisa, L M; Ollis, I M; Rabotapi, M W; Redelinghuys, M H; Robinson, D; Ross, D C; Shinn, M R; Stander, T; Steenhuisen, J H; Steenkamp, J; Steyn, A; Stubbe, D J; Swart, S N; Tarabella Marchesi, N I; Terblanche, J F; Van Damme, P T; Van Der Walt, D; Van Der Westhuizen, A P; Van Dyk, V; Volmink, H C; Vos, J; Walters, T C R; Waters, M; Whitfield, A G; Wilson, E R.

 

ABSTAIN - 3:  Mabika, M S; Mncwabe, S C; Shelembe, M L.

 

Question agreed to.

 

Report accordingly adopted.

 

 

 

 

Third Order

 

SECOND ORDER

 

 

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF SECOND REPORT OF RULES COMMITTEE - GUIDELINES FOR MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

There was no debate.

 

THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chair, I move:

 

That the Report be adopted.

 

Question put: That the report be adopted.

 

Declarations of vote:

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chair, obviously the Rules of Parliament have come under some scrutiny as the eyes of the nation are on this House and the events that have occurred here. So, it is very important as we embark on processes that amend and change the Rules that we look not only at the intended consequences but that we also look at the unintended consequences that arise.

 

We believe and we argued very strongly in the Rules Committee that what essentially is happening with this Rule change is like merging rules of soccer and rugby and expecting hockey results. We have seen this over the last couple of days at the sittings of the House, where this particular item has still remained despite the fact that there have been a round robin and agreements in the Rules Committee about how these things were going to operate. We are still seeing problems with them: The ANC had a problem with a motion without notice last week, and we have had issues with circulation here.

 

 

Our belief was that the existing system was perfectly acceptable; it had been developed as a series of protocols and practices in the House. Be that as it may, we are going to accept the report today but obviously we do not believe that this Rule is going to change it. But what we believe is that if we are going to look at these sorts of Rules, we need to look at them in totality.

 

And so, the next Rule that I would like to look at is the one dealing with the President’s accountability to this House ... [Interjections.] … because we are now fiddling around the edges with matters like this but the President is supposed to come here four times a year. He has come here once. We would like to know when he is going to be here.

 

Perhaps what we need to do is to bring that in the Rules Committee and have a good hard look at how we can hold him to it and make sure that the man who occupies this seat here is accountable to this House. [Interjections.] Because without that, we see what the situation is now - when the President is able to give the middle finger to Parliament and say that he does not want to come here because he does not like the environment here in Parliament.

 

Well, shame on him. Politics is not for sissies. If he wants to run away from this House, it behoves this House or members of this House to go and grab the President by the scruff of the neck and tell him to come and take a seat here and be accountable. [Applause.] [Interjections.]

 

 

 

 

Mr N SINGH

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION

 

 

 

 

Mr N SINGH: Chairperson, the IFP will support this report of the Rules Committee. We had many hours of discussion in the Chief Whips Forum and in the programming committee over motions without notice. We know that at some time in the House there was “chaos” with regard to motions without notice.

 

We believe that this is an interim measure and the Rules provide for interim measures to be put in place until the Rules themselves are finalised. We understand that that is a long and laborious process. There is a subcommittee on Rules that is dealing with the amendment of the Rules and hopefully, when the Rules are finalised, we will have Rules before us without the need for Interim Rules. But in the meanwhile, we support this report.

 

We would also like to talk about motions because a number of motions are moved in this House. In fact, sometimes 30 minutes of motions are moved on subjects for discussion but 99% of those motions get constipated in the corridors of Parliament. Now, we must ask whether it is really worth moving all these motions. I believe the Rules Committee can deal with that. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM

 

Mr N SINGH

 

 

 

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM: Hon House Chair, the EFF also wants to raise its voice on this issue of the Rules. Firstly, we have to make Rules to govern how this House operates, but it cannot be that Rules are not applied consistently. We need consistency in the application of Rules that we all agree on in this House.

 

Therefore, we must not stay with superficiality, in the sense that we listen to the application of Rules out of context and always try to suppress substantive questions. We are here as leaders of this nation and this House must be allowed to deal with serious issues that affect our nation, in particular to hold accountable the executive and the President.

 

What is the point of us saying we have Rules here when the President of this country can, through the majority party, say that he will not come to this Parliament to account? We are basically rendering this House useless by displaying the kind of behaviour Blade Nzimande is displaying now - howling - when we are making serious interventions. [Interjections.] Therefore, we support the move to make and clarify Rules, and we need to clarify one important Rule: Is the President of this country going to come to this Parliament four times a year, as is required? Otherwise we are rendering this House not useful to the interests of the majority of our people.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Hon Mngxitam, as I thank you, please let us refrain from calling people by their name. We know you are talking about the Rules but let us not falter in our application of them. Thank you.

 

 

Mr M R MDAKANE

 

Mr J A MNGXITAM

 

 

 

 

Mr M R MDAKANE: Hon House Chairperson, the ANC supports the report as it was discussed in the Rules Committee meeting last week. The President of our country has always made himself available to answer questions in the House. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! Hon member, speak, please.

 

Mr M R MDAKANE: The President is always available to come to the Chamber and answer the questions from Members of Parliament. The issue that hon members are raising is that this is an interim arrangement until the revised Rules of the National Assembly are presented to the Chamber for adoption. [Interjections.] That is why the ANC is very happy with these Rules. In fact, all the parties in the meeting were very pleased with the Rules. They supported the report because they were satisfied. The ANC is trying to assist even them to understand the Rules of the Chamber in terms of the accountability of the executive. [Interjections.]

 

Therefore, the ANC is very happy, and that is why we are supporting the report. Thank you.

 

Motion agreed to.

 

Report accordingly adopted.

 

 

SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION - MS R M SEMENYA

 

THIRD ORDER

 

 

EXPANDING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION TO ACHIEVE FOOD SECURITY AS WELL AS THE NEW GROWTH PATH TARGET OF 300 000 NEW SMALLHOLDER AGRICULTURAL PRODUCERS BY 2020

(Subject for Disussion)

 

Ms R M SEMENYA: Hon Chairperson, hon members of the House, good afternoon. The year 2014 has been declared “the year of agriculture and food security” by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the UN International Year of Family Farming. It is therefore important to recognise the critical role played by the smallholding farmers in reducing poverty and improving global food security.

 

The ANC manifesto and the NDP reiterate the need to expand agricultural production through increasing smallholder participation that is aimed at partly restructuring the national agro-food value chain and also at bringing about a more just, equitable and environmentally sustainable rural economy.

 

The initiatives that seek to promote and support smallholding farmers are a critical mass and are geared towards broadening the base of rural economic growth through the production of market-oriented surplus from the smallholding farmers.

 

The necessary conditions for smallholding agricultural growth hinge on favourable institutional and policy frameworks that are specifically designed to expand smallholding farmers. There are several policy areas that require tenacious support with regard to the development of supply capacity from smallholding farmers at the micro-level and meso-level local economy to stimulate and facilitate the demand for local agricultural produce at the macro level.

 

Another area that needs attention to successfully expand smallholding agriculture is the agro-value chain that continues to change. This is becoming more integrated with the increase and demand on food quality and safety, including having local and regional fresh produce markets.

 

Currently there are typically three marketing destinations that are most common for smallholding farmers: fresh produce markets, informal markets and supermarket chains. Smallholding farmers must be integrated into the agro-food value chain existing markets, as well as the fresh produce export markets. 

 

The overarching policies that serve the purpose for smallholding agricultural development are the Agricultural Policy Action Plan and the Integrated Growth and Development Plan. To achieve this, the smallholding farmers require research and knowledge-sharing systems in relation to the plant and animal health issues that are responsive to their needs, access to markets, information regarding markets, market intelligence and effective farmers’ organisations, among other needs.

 

Improving smallholding agricultural production must be through targeted support in a favourable environment and the development of physical and institutional infrastructure in agro-logistics. The efforts of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are most welcome in their delivery of improved varieties of seeds, fertilisers and other inputs that come with technical support in order to realise higher yields. This can definitely result in the expansion of maize production as the domestic staple food in order to improve food security and reduce dependence on food imports.

 

Food security is a human rights issue that should be respected, protected and afforded to all South Africans. It must be mentioned that there has been a divergent approach to food security in terms of unlocking the supply-side constraints through increased production from smallholding farmers and addressing the demand-side constraints through access to food that is largely embedded in markets, incomes and prices.

 

The integrated food security strategy advocates for improved household food production, trade and distribution, of which the Fetsa Tlala food production initiative, launched by the President, Comrade Jacob Zuma, is one. [Interjections.]

 

Smallholding farmers face a number of constraints that impact on the levels of production and the economic growth potential of this subsector. Marketing constraints can be understood along three dimensions: physical access, structure of markets and farmers’ lack of technical skills and knowledge.

 

The launch of the Fetsa Tlala food production initiative has successfully opened up markets for smallholding farmers though the UN World Food Programme and has made it possible to channel and distribute maize meal to the World Food Programme, WFP, activities in Lesotho. Such programmes are welcomed and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is encouraged to strengthen the co-ordination and integration of the provision of technical support and access to financial institutions, as well as market support services, in order to improve the productivity of the agricultural system, especially in developing the smallholding farmers.

 

Given the escalation of food prices, which makes poorer household unable to buy food, the active participation of families and households in food production can increase the local agricultural output, which will eventually lead to lower domestic food prices.

 

Extensive research has found that agriculture improves the nutritional status of households, but only when production generated substantial monetary income, or when it enabled a substantial reduction in household food expenditure. Thus the main relationship between agriculture and nutrition is indirect and dependent on the contribution of agriculture to the income generation. It can be concluded that ... [Time expired.]

 

Ms Z JONGBLOED

 

Ms R M SEMENYA

 

 

 

Ms Z JONGBLOED: Hon Chair, it is with deep disbelief that I, on occasion, listen to our hon Minister paying tribute to his predecessor, the hon Joemat-Pettersson, for her leadership and successes. The truth is that the hon Joemat-Pettersson’s catastrophic management of fisheries has wreaked havoc and all but destroyed a once-flourishing industry, leaving it in complete chaos. It leaves one wondering if the sector has the capacity to recover fully from years of mismanagement and contribute to the target of one million jobs by 2030.

 

Afrikaans:

Net hierdie week, agb lede, het ons ’n voorbeeld gesien van die agb Joemat-Pettersson se bestuurswyse. Ek verwys hier spesifiek na die gemors wat op die oomblik in die kreefbedryf aan die Weskus aan die gang is.

English:

The hardship and resultant economic chaos caused by the failed 2013 fishing rights allocation process will haunt us for many years to come. The department still has not come up with a fix. Instead, it introduced an interim relief programme as its answer to the chaos, thereby creating a mechanism to promote the enrichment of a few to the detriment of thousands.

 

Please, stop the hand-outs and create commercial alternatives. Please, grow our country’s fishing and fish-farming economies instead of destroying value by taking away our current quotas or dividing them among more and more people, forcing them into poverty. Cutting up the fish pie into smaller and smaller slices does not reduce poverty, create jobs or attract investment. I will show you how to create jobs in the fishery sector and truly push back the frontiers of poverty, instead of dishing up poverty as your doing now.

 

First expand pond-based fresh-water farms such as those for tilapia to encourage small-scale fish farming. Expand the value of the seaweed sector by investing in resources to develop more lucrative markets. Develop an alikreukel fishery. It is a high-value inshore resource that can be exploited by small-scale fisheries. Develop herring fisheries. Free up dead water space and factories space in habours such as Hout Bay and St Helena to support oyster and mussel farming instead of being fixated on abalone alone.

 

But to achieve all these we must be able to do the basics right. We must be able to allocate fishing rights legally and efficiently. That is the cure needed for the industry to breathe and prosper. It is at the root of achieving the dream of one million jobs. If you do not move expeditiously to rectify these failings, you will be failing hundreds of thousands of coastal people who have been promised a better life.

 

At a different level there is a simmering discontent in our farm-worker communities, coupled with the scandalous political exploitation of their plight. Unless we address this situation effectively and have open and honest dialogue about the changes faced by generations of ... [Time expired.]

 

C/W   Mnr B D JOSEPH

 

C/W   Ms Z JONGBLOED

 

 

Afrikaans:

Mnr B D JOSEPH: Voorsitter, agb lede, sowel as besoekers in die Huis vandag ... 

 

English:

South Africa has a population of over 52 million and this figure is set to shoot up exponentially over the next few decades. Of the total population of South Africa, 12 million people are starving. This is according to the recent Oxfam report. It is a shame that 12 million South Africans go to bed hungry every night. Hunger is the most brutal form of murder. It is vicious and it should be declared a crime against humanity. We are a country that cannot feed its people and are therefore complicit in eroding away human life. The promise of a better life for all remains a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained under the leadership of the ANC in the framework of the National Development Plan.

 

Essentially, the ruling party has no policy or intention to redistribute land in order to give people the ability to produce for themselves. In 1994 we were promised 30% of the land back to the black people by 1999. Twenty years later only 8% of the land has been redistributed back to black people, at a cost of more than a billion rand. Essentially, this legitimises the criminality and savagery through which our land was violently taken. We need land to produce food, but 70% of South African land is still owned by a few white individuals. Even government departments are renting from the same minorities 20 years after democracy.

 

The fathers and mothers of the liberation movement must be turning in their graves that those who inherited their movement, the ANC, have turned out to be perpetual promise makers. They are protecting the interests of their white masters while enjoying the crumbs that fall off their tables.

 

Though South Africa is said to be food secure in terms of agricultural production, many South African households are food insecure because they cannot afford to buy their own food. They do not have land to produce it and oftentimes those who do receive no support from government as far as implements and drought relief are concerned. The promise to have 300 000 smallholders by 2020 is one of the ruling party promises that will never be realised because it is not premised on the radical redistribution of land. Almost 90% of South African food production come from 37 000 commercial farmers, most of whom are whites, while the majority is struggling because of the restricted nature of agricultural trade.

 

In addition to this, only less than 10% of South African land is sustainable for rainfall agriculture and this is dropping as a result of the changing climate. South Africa’s approach to agriculture over the years been has inimical to the country’s professed goals of expanding agricultural production.

 

The abolishing of agricultural subsidies and the opening of South African markets to the external competition has all but decimated the country’s agricultural sector. That South Africans are experiencing hunger on a daily basis is not because of the poor choices, but because of the poor policy choices made by the government for the people... [Time expired.]

 

 

 

 

C/W Mr P J MNGUNI

 

Mr B D JOSEPH

 

 

 

Mr P J MNGUNI: Hon House Chair, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and hon members of the House, as we alluded to earlier, yesterday the great giant O R Tambo would have celebrated his 97th birthday. The likes of such a leader and other fallen heroes of our movement would rejoice and ululate to know that this honourable House continues to debate such important issues as the topic that we are discussing today, as proposed by the ANC’s own hon Semenya, who has just spoken and introduced the topic.

 

Indeed, there are tools that have been introduced by our own government. Firstly, if one looked at the New Growth Path, we would acknowledge that through the New Growth Path, South Africa faces the core challenges of mass joblessness, poverty and inequality. These can be directly linked to the obvious legacy of colonialism and apartheid. These challenges are felt most in the former homeland areas.

 

The New Growth Path therefore identifies the creation of more and better jobs, also called “decent work” in that document, as a means to address these challenges. It elaborates on up to seven sectors to be visited. Today we are dealing with one in particular, which is the agricultural value chain, which takes place, in terms of my bias, in the context of land reform.

 

We now go on to look at what the provisions are in terms of the New Growth Path with respect to land reform and rural development that the ANC, through its own government – I will just paraphrase here quickly ...

 

IsiXhosa:

Ndingathetha ngesiXhosa ningavi nenye into. Ndiyathanda nje ukuthethe ngolwimi lwenu kuba ndifuna ukunenzela lula. Sithi apha urhulumente we-ANC unamabhongo kwaye uyazingca ngomngama osele uhanjiwe kuba ukusebenzisane neSebe lezoLimo namaHlathi, nezokuLoba kunye neSebe loPhuhliso lwaMaphandle noHlengahlengiso lwezoMhlaba. La masebe athe asekwa aze anikwa imigaqo ekufuneka eyilandele.

 

English:

Among those aspects that fall under land reform, the New Growth Path proposes changes mainly to the restructuring of land reform to support smallholder schemes, with comprehensive support around infrastructure, marketing and extension services; the upgrading of employment and commercial agriculture, especially through an improved worker voice; and measures to support growth in commercial farming, while addressing price fluctuations in maize and wheat, among other measures.

 

Some of the core actions proposed in the government policy documents include a review of land reform to maximise the creation of livelihoods through smallholder schemes, the strengthening of agri-BEE support for rural co-operatives and the fast-tracking of land claims, especially on commercial farms.

 

Regarding the elements that we want to highlight in terms of our own good story to tell with respect to rural development, the NGP proposes a potential employment target of measurable improvement in livelihoods for 500 000 households, as well as substantial new employment from increased construction plus growth in manufacturing and in services.

 

IsiXhosa:

Singumbutho wesizwe siyafuna nje ukugqitha kwindawo yokuba, ulimo olu lunendawo yalo kuqoqosho lwesizwe.

 

English:

Therefore, it is appreciated that the democratic government inherited a country with unequal distribution of land in which 60 000 commercial farms were owned by white people. On those farms, there is a large population of marginalised groups of people, commonly referred to as the farm dwellers, whose tenure rights are insecure and who have limited access to services when compared to other citizens of this country. On the other hand, the majority of South Africans lived on the reserves or in the Bantustans. These are communal areas in which more than 13 million people lived. The situation presents a dual agrarian structure in which well-developed large-scale commercial agriculture co-exists with less developed, mainly small-scale subsistence farming.

 

The ANC is mindful of the contradictions in which commercial agriculture is embedded. By just glancing quickly at it, one can see that commercial agriculture’s contribution, as part of the GDP, has been in decline from 19,3% in 1910 to 15% in 1915 and to 2,2% by the year 2012.

 

What does this mean for us, in short? This calls for and reaffirms the ANC’s position for what is now termed the radical economic phase of our own national democratic revolution. It therefore calls for a serious intervention of the state to cushion the effect of global processes in which there is an overconcentration of agriculture in the hands of a few white male elites. Therefore, the ANC affirms the developmental state as suggested in the New Growth Path.

 

With respect to land reform, we are proud to highlight in our own good story to tell the legislative framework that has been so developed over the past two decades. The Constitution of the Republic, in terms of sections 25 and 26, presents certain obligations to the state to ensure equitable access to land. There are quotes that I will have to leave out owing to time constraints that elaborate on what the Constitution says and how far our own ANC-led government has actually come.

 

We are proud to also highlight some successes with respect to land restitution. These include restitution, which has transferred 3 million hectares of land at a cost of R15 billion to the benefit of about 368 090 households, including a total of 134 873 female-headed households.

 

Also, with respect to restitution, we are proud as the ANC that through our government and the Commission on Restitution of Land Rights we have processed 69 000 land claims, which are at various stages of settlement at this point in time. Further progress in restitution, of course, is hindered by the valuation of properties and, in this regard, the issue of a valuer-general is a proposal that is on the table.

 

On tenure reform, we, as the ANC, are confident that the acid test on tenure reform is based on the inherited agrarian structure of South Africa. The conditions of the majority of South Africans living in the former Bantustans and on privately owned commercial farmlands actually bear testimony to this acid test.

 

Communal land tenure security is another area in which we feel that our government, as the ANC, has taken some strides towards fulfilling the targets that are in the topic under discussion. We note as a problem statement the policy area related to the 13% of the land designated for occupation by black people, in terms of the 1913 and the 1936 Land Acts, in that no less than a third of the country’s population live in these areas.

 

We are proud to highlight the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s policy review process, which began in 2009, resulting in the Green Paper on Land Reform, as approved by Cabinet in August 2011. The objectives of this, among other objectives, are to promote of rural economic transformation and to clearly define authority and responsibilities.

 

We are proud that the processes of the redistribution of land are under way. Therefore, as the ANC, we are confident with regard to this topic that we are indeed on track to deliver in terms of the mandate. Thank you very much, hon House Chair. [Time expired.] [Applause.]

 

 

 

Mr M HLENGWA

 

Mr P J MNGUNI

 

 

 

 

Mr M HLENGWA: Hon House Chairperson, the IFP welcomes the opportunity to participate in this all-important discussion because it speaks to the very heart of the realities of poverty. Therefore, today we must call a spade a spade and a shovel a shovel. At the outset we must not make the mistake of thinking that 2020 is some distant destination; 2020 is now. It is today; people are hungry today; the food shortage is today.

 

The targets and objectives as spelled out in the New Growth Path must not become a lullaby to allay the anxieties of our people but rather become a daily pursuit. During the Budget Vote on 16 July, I said:

 

We in the IFP will support efforts geared towards the revitalisation of the agriculture industry, to give rise to job creation, poverty eradication, hunger alleviation, nation-building and social cohesion. The department is strategic and well positioned to be a worthy vehicle in which we can travel as we seek and strive to get South Africa working.

 

South Africa is faced with an ever-increasing problem, challenge and a serious inability to create jobs. The agriculture industry is a key job driver and economic growth and development catalyst which must begin creating new progressive linkages with the education sector to solicit the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise for young people to be active participants of agriculture. Surely, the land, particularly farms that have been redistributed, must be utilised better.

 

In this regard, we welcome the plans. They are nice, they are very fancy and the rhetoric is very sweet, but all these niceties, in the absence of action and implementation, actually mean absolutely nothing. We have been down this road of plans and statements of intent before, and they have all come to naught.

 

The main issue here is political will not being translated into political action, and not actually responding to the challenges facing our people. Poverty is a reality; hunger is a reality; suffering is a reality; unemployment is a reality; and unfortunately, failure to implement on the part of this government is also a reality. This must change. The IFP has, since time immemorial, advocated and upheld the principles of self-help and self-reliance in keeping with the green revolution. We believe in giving our people a hand-up and not a hand-out. We need to get South Africa working.

 

The role of government is to create a conducive and enabling environment for smallholder producers to thrive through the provision of skills development, infrastructure development, water provision and technological advancement. Smallholder producers require assistance on modern knowledge on farming, and easier access to finance so that they do not regress into failure. We hope to see a rapid, speedy and proactive approach in this regard.

 

The red tape hindering small businesses and co-operatives must be changed and become the red carpet in order to allow the economy to grow. The time for talking is over and therefore, hon Minister, as I said to you during the Budget Vote, and I want to say it again, you are now called on by our dire economic, hunger and unemployment straits to politically man-up and get things done. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

 

 

 

Mr M L SHELEMBE

 

Mr M HLENGWA

 

 

 

 

Mr M L SHELEMBE: Hon Chairperson and hon Members of Parliament, the NFP is aware that the South African government is attempting to attain food security and is driving a programme to have 300 000 active small farm holders by 2020 in South Africa. In addition, the hon Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries recently said that the fight for food security in our country should start at the family level, with vegetable gardens in all suburbs. While both these initiatives are commendable, we ask ourselves whether it is sufficient to ensure our food security.

 

There is a distinct downward trend in the number of commercial farming units and the extent of land underutilisation. The faltering land reform programme of the government is resulting in existing utilised land falling fallow as new landowners are not receiving any significant support and training to enable them to maximise the productivity of the land.

 

The NFP believes that the key to food security in South Africa does not lie in the attainment of numbers of small farmers as such, but in practical support extended to these farmers in a way that will ensure the sustainability of effective and optimal land use without degrading the environment and the capacity of the land to yield produce. The government, in its programme of support, should include continuous skills transfer programmes, rapid response programmes for natural disasters, financial assistance in the form of subsidies and visible commitment to the safety and security of all farmers.

 

Another venue to explore in our endeavour to promote food security, and aligned to the call of the hon Minister for the creation of home-based gardens, is to make a concerted effort to counter the rapid urbanisation of our people. The provision of adequate infrastructure such as roads, electricity, sanitation and decent housing will make it possible for people to stay in rural areas and on their farms. Such a programme to stem urbanisation should ideally be coupled with a strategy to encourage the development of light industries in towns to provide employment opportunities. This will promote farming and local trade exchange.

 

The NFP believes that South Africa has a history of change and is a country that adapts well to social and political changes. Once again, we need to draw on our common strengths and our commitment to mobilise our resources and change. We need to realise that all South Africans are affected by the health of our agricultural sector and our ability to secure our food supply. Sustainable solutions and a multidimensional approach will require collaboration between government, industry, agricultural producers, and the scientific and conservation community. [Time expired.]

 

Mr M L W FILTANE

 

Mr M L SHELEMBE

 

 

 

 

Mr M L W FILTANE: Hon Chairperson and hon members, food, food everywhere, but no food for some. The role of agriculture can be expanded to form part of a larger plan to grow the economy and create sustainable jobs and prosperity for all. The strengthening and expansion of small-scale farmers will ensure that households are able to produce food that can properly support them, and at the same time engage in food production for commercial purposes to cater for their other needs, thereby making it possible to achieve the set targets of the New Growth Plan.

 

However, this demands practical commitment on the part of government and the provision of farming incentives like agricultural machinery, fertilisers, crops and livestock in an equitable results-driven manner rather than just statistics, as is currently the case. The subsidisation of small agricultural producers and enabling them to compete fairly against their international counterparts needs to be aggressively implemented. Currently, this remains but a campaigning slogan.

 

Various agricultural schemes and initiatives, like Zero Hunger, are launched and get discontinued without any satisfactory reasons being given. Accelerate the distribution of land and encourage people to return to, or even remain in, rural areas and start productive enterprises right there. This should be supported by the establishment of one-stop agricultural service centres in rural areas where emerging farmers can ask and receive immediate, consistent and relevant advice, veterinary services and access to the necessary tools and knowledge to run their farms as a business with a market for their produce.

 

Introduce special units specifically involved in rural safety through the deployment of reserve forces and other government security agencies to provide safety and enhance border control, and to curb livestock theft and smuggling. Grassroots education methods to enhance the livelihood of smallholders, targeting value creation, best farming methods and relevant tools of agricultural productivity, must be considered.

 

While enhancing technology innovations to improve productivity and quality, farming methods that rely on labour-intensive practices, such as hand-weeding and harvesting, composting agricultural waste and tending livestock for manure, should be encouraged. Local government, working together with traditional leaders and institutions, must be given a greater role to support national government in the expansion of agricultural production.

 

Communities and civil society must play their active roles in terms of legislation and responsibilities. For example, a government and private sector-driven skills development programme for the expansion of agricultural production in South Africa must be implemented with sufficient funding and special institutions mandated to drive such a programme. I thank you.

 

 

 

Dr P W A MULDER

 

Mr M L W FILTANE

 

 

 

 

Dr P W A MULDER: Chairperson, we all took notice of the recent Arab Spring uprisings in different countries; how conflict and revolution brought governments down overnight. The question is: What is the possibility that the same may happen in South Africa?

 

Recently, a prominent leader in South Africa said that the strategic essentials to avoid a revolution in South Africa are defence, police and intelligence. He is wrong. The strategic essentials are not defence, police and intelligence. They are water, energy and agriculture. Cut the power, cut the water, cut the food – and then you will see what happens about the possibility of revolution.

 

Now, feeding South Africa requires efforts to increase food, on the one hand – food production – and, on the other, to ensure that the poorest in our society have the purchasing power to buy food, otherwise you do not have food security. To achieve this, smallholder farmers are important, as this motion states.

 

Technically, we need more smallholder farmers, as they feed their own and they bring political stability. However, in the end, these smallholder farmers must become commercial farmers – that must be the ideal. As Deputy Minister of Agriculture, I said more than once that we needed more successful black commercial farmers.

 

Let me quote, if I may, Mondli Makhanya, the previous editor of the Sunday Times, when he wrote:

 

As this column has argued previously, we are wasting valuable time and energy trying to restore people to their peasant ways ... Large-scale, highly mechanised commercial farming is now the way of the world. You cannot turn the clock back four decades. That’s a reality. Furthermore, all the young people, as has happened elsewhere, have simply upped and headed for the towns and cities. Yet, we continue to nurse the notion that we can reverse the inevitable march to an urban future. We keep wanting to fight the logic of large-scale commercial farming ... The money and energy that is spent on getting peasants back into subsistence farming would be better used to create a strong class of black commercial farmers who actually do farm for commercial rather than sentimental reasons.

 

Afrikaans:

Meneer, voor 1994 was daar oor 100 000 wit en swart kommersiële landbouers. Vandag is daar ongeveer 37 000 oor - maar hierdie 37 000 produseer 95% van alle voedsel in Suid-Afrika.

 

Kom ons aanvaar dat in die 50 miljoen bevolking is daar 10 miljoen wat na hul eie voedsel kan kyk. Dan bly daar 40 miljoen mense oor, waarvan die meerderheid in die stad gaan wees, binnekort, en wat nie hulle eie kos produseer nie. Met 37 000 kommersiële landbouers, beteken dit elkeen van hulle maak vir 1 100 mense kos. Die omgekeerde: As een van hierdie boere vermoor woord, soos hierdie week gebeur het in Leeudoringstad, dan beteken dit 1 100 mense is sonder voedsel.

 

Kom ons waardeer hierdie boere en hou op om hulle sondebok van alles te maak, uiteindelik, en ons kry meer swart kommersiële boere by om, uiteindelik, seker te maak die mense in die stede kos het. Dít is die toekoms van ’n ontwikkelde, moderne land. [Tyd verstreke.]

 

 

 

 

Ms D CARTER

 

Dr P W A MULDER

 

 

 

 

Ms D CARTER: Chairperson, it is 12 years since the Department of Agriculture published the integrated food security strategy for South Africa. Have we addressed the five key challenges that the department identified?

 

We have seriously inadequate safety nets. In half of South Africa’s homes, income is uncertain while dependants are numerous. Although 16 million people receive state grants, the situation of increasing dependency on state support is neither sustainable nor desirable.

 

The department was concerned about the weak support networks within agriculture. After 12 years, little has happened to create an effective and well-structured system to deal with disastrous droughts, insects, fungal infestations, storms and other natural disasters. Farmers are facing stock theft, disease control and losses due to predators. What are we doing?

 

Hunger and malnutrition are the daily realities for half of our population. Three out of five children go to bed without a meal. As government resources dry up, households will face a double debt jeopardy.

 

Many households lack adequate purchasing power because the jobless queues remain as long as ever and nearly 40% of potential workers remain unemployed. The costs of electricity and food have gone up so that, with diminishing resources, families are hard pressed to buy adequate food.

 

The food that many South Africans consume also lacks essential nutrients, contributing to lifestyle diseases impacting on the health of our nation. The department itself noted that 25% of children under the age of six are stunted.

 

Twelve years later, the problems have intensified. We are no nearer to a solution. We must escalate the question of food security to a crisis level.

 

Sadly, agriculture as a percentage of GDP has consistently decreased over the past four decades. In 1960, agriculture accounted for 9,1% of the total economy. Last year’s agricultural contribution was only 2,2% of GDP. In the past, our country was a net food exporter. Today, we are a net importer. As the costs of imports rise and escalation increases, food security will be greatly imperilled.

 

The time for talk is now past. We, as a country, simply must expand agricultural production in order to achieve food security. Four years ago, I asked the then Minister of Agriculture the following question: Will you allow a mechanic to do brain surgery on you? Why is this government doing that to our farmers? We are taking land and putting farmers with no experience onto the land. Why are we not assisting them? Thank you, Chair. [Time expired.]

 

 

 

THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

 

Ms D CARTER

 

 

 

 

The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Hon House Chairperson, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, other Deputy Ministers present, members of the executive council responsible for agriculture, hon chairperson and members of the portfolio committee, Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. The ANC defines its vision for South Africa as that of a national democratic society, a society in which the values of human freedom, socioeconomic rights and progress prevail.

 

The departure point of the ANC has always been to acknowledge that the colonialism of a special type left a legacy of three interrelated contradictions, which are class, race and gender. Those contradictions also manifest themselves in the economic superstructure that defines the South African agricultural economy today.

 

Defining a policy response and interventions in revitalising the agricultural sector must therefore seek to interrogate the following questions: Firstly, does the existing agrofood complex advance the basic objectives of creating jobs? Secondly, in which ways does the current structure of the agricultural sector undermine or advance the goals of the New Growth Path?

 

The State of Food Insecurity, as reported recently by the World Food Survey, shows that 226 million Africans are undernourished and that approximately 24% of those are found in the sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, rural households are generally more vulnerable and South Africa is no different. About 40% of South Africa’s underprivileged population resides in rural areas and are dependent, either directly or indirectly, on land for their livelihood. However, vulnerability to food insecurity is not exclusive to rural communities. It has, in fact, become very pronounced in urban areas due to high levels of rural-urban migration in the search for jobs and livelihoods.

 

One of the reasons that most households are regarded as food insecure in South Africa is the fact that people are net consumers of food purchased rather than producers thereof. Access to food therefore becomes a function of household cash income and thus cash deficit households continue to experience inadequate access to food. We need to inculcate a culture of food production by families in their own gardens.

 

We need to inculcate a culture of planting households, so that our gardens are green not because of grass but because of food planted. Our department has gone on a national campaign to distribute fruit and vegetable seeds, to make sure that communities are beginning to plant their own food.

 

Bringing the statistics home to South Africa, about 13,8 million South Africans go to bed hungry every day. A report by Oxfam, titled “Hidden Hunger in South Africa: The faces of hunger and malnutrition in a food secure nation”, puts a face to the number of South Africans who are facing hunger. It is still very difficult to imagine how so many people are facing this indignity every day. We have to do something.

 

I find myself asking whether we need more money or need to find more effective ways of spending the money we have. As a department, we disburse a lot of money to provinces. What we need to do is to make sure that provinces do account and those who fail be made to understand that they need to account so that funds disbursed are used to improve agriculture.

 

I happen to be in the Western Cape recently, a province regarded as glorious and successful. To my surprise, I found a group of farmers who are defined as smallholders, as if being a smallholder is a title of success. In my book being a smallholder is only a stage in the development of a farmer and should never be made into a decision that one should work towards.

 

To connect the poor, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries makes sure that, through the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme, Casp, we promote Fetsa Tlala programmes. We make sure that communities are given access to implements and other very important instruments, so that they produce and plough on their own land. We therefore need to make sure that, on the issue of food security, people are made aware that we have to plant our own food rather than remain dependent on the fluctuating food prices caused by our shops.

 

I am always being warned that whenever I travel in a village, like a postman, I must never listen to anyone who may try to distract me from what I am doing, because I will not be judged on the basis of listening to those who make a noise instead of coming up with proposals to go forward.

 

Through meetings that I held in the Western Cape, one of which was in Kraaifontein on Saturday and the other in Paarl on Sunday, I found that there is a distinction between the glorious, well-run farming areas owned by the others, while I could see the conditions of the other farming communities who are threatened with removal by the very government that claims to be concerned about productivity and the means to go forward. [Interjections.]

 

Upskilling our youth is just one of numerous ways in which we can create employment while investing in the agriculture sector. Extension officers have been a very sore point for many smallholder farmers who require assistance with livestock and crops. Sufficient training for extension officers will equip them with the necessary skills to adequately provide advice. The livestock sector plays a crucial role in our economy. About 40% of livestock in South Africa is owned by black smallholder farmers, and we owe it to them to continue to expand our animal improvement schemes to transform this sector.

 

On the trade front, the opening up of new markets for producers is at the top of our agenda. While not listening to those who make a noise, I had a meeting yesterday with the citrus fruit producers. They are proud of the fact that our government has created structures in the embassies to make sure that we are able to market our produce. Together with them, we agreed that there is more to be done, in partnership. I am not like a bird that looks at a scarecrow and do not know what I should be doing. [Interjections.] [Laughter.]

 

In this process, therefore, the debate with organised farming as well as with ... [Inaudible.] ... is about making sure that there are synergies and that mentorship is not something that is enforced. I want to say that commercial farmers must accept that they have a role to play in this field.

 

In terms of markets for our produce, space is being opened up in Russia and China - I believe there is a call for our apples to be sent to China. We are doing everything to make sure that those things are achieved.

 

There are examples of areas that we are tackling regarding the issue of job creation, as a means of advocating security and to make sure that the youth is part of what we are doing. I wish to draw your attention to the young people who have joined us today to witness this debate. I ask them to stand up so that those who say we are doing nothing must not do so just because they do not know what is going on. They must see it happening. Can the young students who have graduated and who are in the gallery seats please stand up? [Applause.] [Interjections.]

 

Ms N V NQWENISO: Chairperson!

 

The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: In the DA, those people ... [Interjections.]

 

Ms N V NQWENISO: Chairperson, I rise on a point of order: Can the Minister just order people to stand up, without your authority?

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order! Hon member, let me consult on this issue.

 

The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: I wish to draw your attention to the young people who have joined us today ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Hon Minister, please wait a moment. [Interjections.] Hon members, I am advised that asking guests to stand is a practice here and that there is nothing out of order about that. Thank you. Please continue, hon Minister. [Applause.]

 

The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Those young graduates were in a programme at Stellenbosch and Paarl as part of an 18-month learnership that our department has been embarking upon, so that we can address the issue of extension officers and make sure that young people see agriculture as a field of work and not just as an activity for when they retire, as many do.

 

The National Development Plan sets out various methods and targets to eradicate poverty, reduce unemployment and eliminate inequality by 2030. It identifies food and nutrition insecurity as a key element of both poverty and inequality. As a result, the NDP makes reference to a number of steps that will improve food security, including the expanded use of irrigation and the security of land tenure, especially for women and the youth.

 

The decision to approve the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security by Cabinet in September last year demonstrates the will of the current government to lead the people of South Africa out of the shackles of hunger and poverty. Given that this is a complex issue characterised by interdisciplinary approaches, the policy seeks to provide an overarching and guiding framework to maximise a synergy between the different strategies and programmes of government and civil society.

 

We therefore believe that the objective of my speech is to locate the discussion of agrarian transformation and food security within the wider context of an agricultural food economy that emphasises its impact on socioeconomic development.

 

Over the last 20 years, the dominant policy approaches to alleviating food security or addressing agrarian transformation have been mainly based on increasing production in order to increase the availability of food in the market. It is one area that I believe we need to change and to make sure that we do not depend on markets to determine whether people have access to food.

 

South Africa’s food industry has followed the industrialisation trend, and what could be considered a modern food network is now the overwhelmingly dominant structure. This has been accompanied by a rise in the role of supermarkets in both urban and rural areas as the gatekeepers of consumer access to food. Therefore, we need to make sure that when we deal with these matters, we deal with the issue of loss after harvest that many farmers experience because of the fact that they have to transport their food after harvesting.

 

Although the real contribution of agriculture, forestry and fisheries between 1994 and 2014 has been only 2,7%, the decline of agriculture in terms of employment did not begin yesterday. As farmers became more mechanised they began to employ fewer people. We need to change that by making sure that we promote agriculture in rural areas. In 1970 the total figure for jobs lost was 73 000 - not because there was a proposal to transform the land, but because farmers chose not to produce at the level they had been before.

 

Our reality is that despite some progress since the birth of democracy in South Africa, one in four people currently suffers from hunger on a regular basis. At the same time, it is recognised that despite the strategic role of the agricultural sector in respect of food security, it is also the case that agriculture, forestry and fisheries is underfunded.

 

Transformation therefore has three pillars that we need to look at: the issue of food security for all, increasing the contribution of agriculture to economic growth and gross domestic product, and demonstrating the sector’s ability to produce one million jobs by 2030. To this end, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries will publish the Integrated Growth and Development Policy, along with the Agricultural Policy Action Plan, Apap, which seeks to focus its interventions on strategically identified commodities included in the National Development Plan.

 

The Apap drives a more inclusive market agenda. The objectives include the following: to create a fair, accountable and sustainable food industry that ends bad practices such as price-fixing and food waste and does more to enable small-scale producers and informal traders to prosper; and, in partnership with the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, to improve rights to land and the means of production, such as water, seeds, fishing equipment, finance and skills training, for small-scale producers.

 

Another objective is to create climate change adaptation plans with the full participation of people. Climate change is a challenge to our farmers and we have come up with measures to make sure that we mitigate against this through the introduction of new cultivars and that we understand what can be done better.

 

We also aim to address our dependence on imported processed foods by integrating market, trade and production opportunities and stimulating the production and processing of key commodities, including wheat, of which we import 50% of our local consumption.

 

The export of animal products still suffers due to challenges in biosecurity, and will be addressed through the National Abattoir Rating Scheme, compulsory public service for newly qualified veterinarians, and the delivery of mobile veterinary clinics to remote rural communities to make sure that small farmers do not suffer the scourge of what has been happening before.

 

As the state, we need to invest in Apap. Key national departments and sector organisations have participated in the development of the Apap programmes. Apap aims to benefit the commercial and emerging sector alike, because they are still excluded from mainstream agriculture.

 

Agriculture is the most labour-intensive sector. Therefore, Apap is very specific about job creation in the commodity value chains, which it prioritises. It is in all of our interest that Apap succeeds. One of the members spoke about the fact that the fishing sector is suffering. I do not know whether she has been around and understands that one of the debates around the ocean economy is about improving ... [Interjections.]

 

Mr F ADAMS: She comes from the North West!

 

The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: ... that process to make sure that through aquaculture we are able to augment the depleted species in our oceans while we continue accessing the most important protein resource in each of our fisheries.

 

I hope that those who say we have not done enough to transform will join us in our call on the big companies fishing the oceans of our country to transform and embrace the fact that all in South Africa should benefit from the processes of our economy. [Interjections.] I look forward to receiving your responses and proposals on how best we can take this sector forward; not through interjections and points of order but through engagement because the department is prepared.

 

Lastly, on the issue of land reform, I have listened to organised farmers - AgriSA, African Farmers of SA, Afasa and many others - and they are saying – and this is not what those on my left are saying - that land reform can lead agriculture forward if everybody participated. We will not listen to scarecrows but to those who are in the agriculture sector. Thank you very much. [Applause.]

 

 

Mrs C DUDLEY

 

The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES

 

 

Ms C DUDLEY: Chair, expanding agricultural production to achieve food security as well as the target of 300 000 new smallholder agricultural producers by 2020 may take some serious out- of- the- box thinking to ensure real buy-in and sustainable projects. Now, here is a novel idea: Firstly - and I must say I do wonder what young South African women will have to say about it, but it does demonstrate some out- of- the- box thinking - after years of following the more traditional beauty pageant formula, organisers applied the theme of promoting agriculture entrepreneurship among the youth through the Miss Uganda competition. This they did in partnership with nor less than the Ugandan army, which has major business interests in agriculture.

 

The 23-year-old winner of the competition, Leah Kalanguka, who studied computer engineering and science at Makerere University in Kampala, where she lives, said she was so happy and overwhelmed to be crowned Miss Uganda. The prize, we are told, was a small car. She was one of 19 finalists in the competition who exchanged the glamour of the catwalk for an army-sponsored boot camp on a farm. They had to milk cows and work with goats and sheep.

 

Wearing a gold dress, tiara and a sash during an awards ceremony, she told the media that the youth will love agriculture because it goes hand in hand with beauty, adding that right now farming is mostly done by elderly women. She said it was a great direction, because the agriculture sector had great opportunity for jobs, so “I am simply grateful that it took that direction and I would really love to see it promoted in our country because agriculture is the backbone”.

 

At the awards ceremony, finalists were quizzed about farming on stage and cCo-host Roger Mugisha, a Ugandan radio presenter, told the audience that Miss Uganda has to represent Ugandan values. “Agriculture is a Ugandan value and we salute that,” he said. Organisers said the top finalists will eventually be used to market produce, including potato flour, mango juice, cornflakes and honey.

 

Whether or not this particular idea would work in South Africa, I do not know. If I am anything to go by, I would not be too hopeful, but – it is a great example of thinking out of the box. - Ffor that, I salute you, Uganda – and kudo’s to those amazing young women who pioneered this kind of pageant, putting the needs of their country first. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA

 

Ms C DUDLEY

 

 

 

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA: Chairperson, hon members, what a great vision that by 2030 that we would have reached the target of 300 000 new smallholder agricultural producers. I think by then my president Gallo willwould be the President of this country. Is it, not so, my comrade? [Interjections.]some of you.

 

We all agree that agriculture is the most important aspect of our economy in South Africa. We really depend on agriculture and we wish that full attention can be paid to this great potential in agriculture.

 

We need to produce a lot in agriculture in order to achieve so- called food security. People out there are hungry. It is not that they are boycotting food. They are very hungry. They need food. They want something on the table. To achieve food security, we should join hands as a government and as the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and assist our smallholder producers, be it the small farmers or the small-scale fisheries. Those are the people who need a lot of assistance because they are poor. It is then that we will realise the dream of the New Growth Path and achieve the so- called that target of 300 000 new smallholders producers by 2020. But something has to be done now. We should start now because 2020 is just around the corner. If we just fold our hands and do nothing right away, we will never achieve that and that dream will never be realised.

 

Food security is very significant in our activities as this department. As I said before, that people would like to have something to eat. If you go to the doctor, they will give you medication and say that you must take this before meals, after meals or with meals. It means food is very important. And again, as the government and as the department, we have got to help, especially the people at grassroots level, because those are the people who really need our assistance. We have to ... [Time expiredInterjections.] [Applause.]

 

 

 

 

MR M A PLOUAMMA

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA

 

 

 

 

Mr M A PLOUAMMA: Hon Chair,  South Africa should not have people who does not have food to eat, for that this country has so many natural resources to satisfy our needs. Without repeating the obvious, it must be said that we are nowhere near the optimal exploitation of our agricultural potential.

 

It is an open secret that this country is blessed with a wealth of agricultural skills and experience within our commercial farming sector. The real question is: Can they voluntarily come out to impart this vast knowledge to new smallholder agricultural producers? We know of a few examples, but much more commitment is needed fromto those who benefitted from the past to uplift the emerging smallholder agriculture.

 

The real problem with this country is that in 1994, our leaders forged peace and unity with unrehabilitated and greedy former oppressors., Those oppressors who refused to recognise that there would never be any true forgiveness or reconciliation without them recognising the urgent need to participate without conditions in the upliftment of the socio-economic conditions of the majority of this country.

 

Today, what we have is a government heold hostage by capitalism and paying lip service to the needs ofto our people. A revolutionary movement has become the champion of millionaires. Capitalism has succeeded in swallowing our leaders. This Parliament is dictated to by the markets. We need brave leaders who willto stand up; who will never surrender to temptation; who will serve our people with selflessness and fearlessness.

 

Agang cannot afford to be neutral or central. The Arab Spring would be a picnic compared to what will happen in this country. This government must change the status quo. My advice to those who benefitted from apartheid is that they must adopt communities aof new smallholder agricultural producers. That is how, as citizens, we will ultimately share our destiny together. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

Mr A STEYN

 

Mr M A PLOUAMMA

 

 

Ms A STEYN: Chairperson, allow me also to welcome the students. I just want to tell the students that I hope that when they become farmers, they will pay their workers the minimum wage. [Laughter.]

 

There are times when I think it would be better to die than to live like this, but then I tell myself that I must persevere. We go hungry on a regular basis, mainly because of a shortage of money. We spend days and sometimes even weeks without proper nutritious food in our homes. Hunger is genocide of the mind because it affects the mind – it fosters negative thoughts; the spirit – it creates a state of hopelessness; as well as the physical being.

 

These are the words of people who face hunger on a daily basis. Maybe it would do the ANC government good to listen to these words and actually read and think about this. These are the words of real people facing hunger on a daily basis. This comes from a research document by Oxfam. The Oxfam document found – or the research did - that the number of people facing hunger in South Africa on a daily basis can be estimated at some 13 million South Africans every day. Women face hunger more often than men due to disparities in income, limited access to employment or means of production, and cultural practices that put them last or allow them smaller portions when food is in short supply.

 

Fewer than 2% of households grow the majority of their own food, and the majority of small-scale producers in rural areas are unable to feed their families.

 

For subsistence fisher folk… Hon Minister, I would like you to listen to this: For subsistence fisher folk, restrictive fishing quotas mean that they are legally restrained from collecting enough food for their families. Communities also reported cases of corruption and maladministration blocking their access to productive resources. To put another plan on the table is just not good enough. What have you done to ensure that the Fisheries people get their policies and their fishing rights back? Nothing to date.

 

Community members in Fetakgomo, Limpopo province, have to travel for an hour at a cost of R200 to reach the nearest market. Commodity prices for maize have increased by 50% in a year and electricity prices have rocketed by over 200% since 2010, forcing people to make stark choices between food and energy.

 

Almost a third of food production in South Africa is wasted across the food chain. The highest costs of waste, R22,4 billion a year, are associated with fruit and vegetables, followed by meat at R17,3 billion, and fish and seafood at R7,8 million a year.

 

The SA National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey revealed that 26% of the population actually faced hunger in 2013, and that a further 28% was at risk. This gives us more than 50% of our population. Minister, that is what you need to deal with in your department.

 

If you look at the above, it is clear that hunger is a whole lot more than just the unavailability of food, and that it needs a co-ordinated effort to eradicate hunger and malnutrition.

 

South Africa is a food-secure nation; one of only three in Africa, but still we have more than half of South Africa facing hunger on a daily basis. We need to look at some facts if we want to understand why more than half of South Africans live with the risk of being hungry.

 

Many proposals were made over the years but no real overarching plan was ever put in place. Since 2002 we have seen the Integrated Food Security Strategy, the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Programme, the Zero Hunger programme, the President’s own Masibambisane Rural Development Initiative, now we have Fetsa Tlala, and I also just heard the Minister saying the fishermen must wait for the New Oceans Economy plan. So, another plan!

 

Today we are discussing the topic of expanding agricultural production to achieve food security as well as the New Growth Plan target of 300 000 new small-holder agricultural producers by 2020. That is the topic. The mere fact that we are discussing this and not the proposal of the National Development Plan to create one million jobs by 2013 shows that we are without a clear plan. We do not know which plan to follow.

 

If we look at the proposals in the National Development Plan, it gives us clear direction of the areas we need to focus on. The NDP focuses on specific sectors with high job-creation potential. It tells us directly where to focus and what to do to ensure job creation.

 

Ms L FUBBS: Hon Chair...

 

Ms A STEYN: Yes, I will take a question...

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Is that a point of order?

 

Ms L FUBBS: No, Chair, not at all. I never raise those. It is actually a question. [Laughter.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Hon member, are you prepared to take a question?

 

Ms A STEYN: At the end of my speech, yes.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Oh, not now?

 

Ms A STEYN: The proposals in the NDP were developed with the input of the agricultural sector and formed the basis of a plan that could work. All we need is the political will of the Minister to put these plans into action. If we keep on going like we have been keeping on going all along, we will see more of the following trends, Minister.

 

Afrikaans:

’n Pluimvee slagplaas is in 2012...

 

English:

That is a chicken farm, for those who do not understand Afrikaans.

 

Afrikaans:

... vir R7 miljoen in Grahamstad gebou. Tot vandag toe is daar nie ’n enkele hoender geslag nie. Daar was nog nie eens ’n hoender op die plaas nie.

 

Magwa teeplantasie in die Ooskaap vra nou weer ’n verdere R66 miljoen van die regering as ’n reddingsboei. As die geld aan hulle toegestaan word, is daar R200 miljoen in die laaste vyf jaar aan daardie plantasie toegestaan.

 

Hierdie tipe van begrotings, waar ons net begrotings wil spandeer en geen inkomste verwag nie, moet onmiddelik gestop word, Minister. Daar kan nie net geld gegee word aan goed wat oor en oor gedoen word sonder dat daar enige reaksie gesien kan word nie.

 

Landbou kan nie misbruik word vir politieke speletjies nie, deur elke jaar met groot fanfare ’n nuwe beleid voor te stel nie. By hierdie voorstellings word daar miljoene rande se T-hemde uitgedeel en dieselfde ou program word dan maar net met ’n nuwe naam as ’n nuwe program voorgestel. Dis nou tyd om die bul by die horings te pak en te verseker dat die ongeveer 200 000 kleinskaal boere met ’n strategiese plan gehelp word om genoegsame voedsel te produseer sodat hulle dit kan bemark en geld daaruit kan maak. Mense kan nie planne eet nie. Ons moet nou aksie sien.

 

English:

Hon Mnguni, you were taking part in the debate in this House. You said we were debating the topic here and that was an achievement for the ANC. That is exactly the problem. We talk and talk and talk and we produce plans but when you go to the ground level, nothing is happening there. I am telling you, more people are facing hunger today than in 1994. This is the problem today. So we cannot just talk about plans and have nothing in...

 

You talk about the AgriBEE support. I just want to tell you that last year the Department of Agriculture gave that R230 million to Treasury because they did not implement their black economic empowerment, BEE, plans. So, this is the department itself not doing anything about it. [Interjections.] Yes, you can ask where. It is there.

 

Also, regarding tenure rights, perhaps, hon Mnguni, you are not aware that government does not transfer... [Time expired.] [Applause.]

 

 

 

Ms R SEMENYA

 

Ms A STEYN

 

 

Ms R M SEMENYA: Chairperson, let me thank those who have participated in this debate. I have seen that most of us are ready to take each other’s hands and take South Africa forward.

 

To those who are still lamenting, it is their own problem. It is not our problem. [Interjections.]

 

Sesotho:

Rona re re ho batho ba Afrika Borwa, setjhaba sa heso, a re boeleng masimong. Lefapha la temo le tlo tlisa dipeo, manyolo, le tlise le diterekere re leme, re rue, re je. Re be le dijo Afrika Borwa.

 

English:

And to our smallholder farmers, our government will continue to support you... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Order, hon members, please!

 

Ms R M SEMENYA: The government has a comprehensive plan to support you. The President of this country has even established the Ministry of Small Enterprises to make sure that ... [Interjections.] … our willingness to assist our smallholder farmers to produce is going to happen. [Interjections.]

 

Sesotho:

A re boeleng masimong baheso. Mehoma etswe ka matlung re ye ho lema. Ba ruang dikgomo ba ruwe.

 

English:

We have veterinary services...

 

Sesotho:

...mahaeng, moo le tla fuwa meriana ya ho phekola dikgomo le dinku, ho be le dijo Afrika Borwa.

 

English:

And we want to say, those who want to carry forward... [Interjections.]

 

Sesotho:

A re tshwaraneng ka matsoho, re ise Afrika Borwa pele. Re leboha haholo. [Mahofi.]

 

Debate concluded.

 

The House adjourned at 17:29.

 

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