Hansard: NA + NCOP - Unrevised Hansard
House: Joint (NA + NCOP)
Date of Meeting: 11 Feb 2016
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
JOINT SITTING
Thursday, 11 February 2016 Take: 1
THURSDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2016
PROCEEDINGS AT JOINT SITTING
_____________
Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly at 19:04.
The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU
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START OF DAY
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Speaker ... Hon Speaker and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, may I please have your attention?
The SPEAKER: No, hon Shivambu. I would not like to give you attention at this point. Could you please take your seat?
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: I want some assurance because we want to know the Rules that are constituting this House – if they are all applicable, because we have been having ... [Inaudible.] ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, please take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: ... press conferences that say that these are not applicable. Are you going to be able to recognise me later?
The SPEAKER: Please take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Are you going to recognise me later?
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, please take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: I will take my seat but I am going to come before the President comes so that we get clarity in terms of the Rules that are going to be applicable in this House, because we must know what guides this House ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, please take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: [Inaudible.] ... that we are speaking about these issues.
CALLING OF JOINT SITTING
The SPEAKER: Hon members, the President has called this Joint Sitting ...
Mr J S MALEMA: But Speaker, can we be recognised, please.
The SPEAKER: ... of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces ...
Mr J S MALEMA: On a point of order, hon Speaker.
The SPEAKER: ... in terms of section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution ...
Mr J S MALEMA: Hon Speaker, can you please recognise me on a point of order because ...
The SPEAKER: ... of the Republic of South Africa ...
Mr J S MALEMA: ... points of order are part of the Rules and you can’t refuse like that as if points of order are not part of the Rules.
The SPEAKER: ... read with Joint Rules 7(1)(a) in order to deliver his state of the nation address.
Mr J S MALEMA: The Rules are very important because they govern this House. All of us must be governed by the Rules, Speaker. [Interjections.] Because, without the Rules, we are going to have a problem.
The SPEAKER: This sitting ... Hon Malema, please take your seat. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Can I ... I am rising on a point of privilege, Speaker.
The SPEAKER: Take your seat. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Can I rise on a point of privilege, Speaker?
The SPEAKER: No, hon Malema. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Are we not running according to ...
The SPEAKER: Allow me to finish. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Please, I don’t want ...
The SPEAKER: Allow me to finish, hon Malema.
Mr J S MALEMA: I don’t want to stand up when the President is there. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, allow me to finish. This sitting is meant specifically for the purpose of affording the President an opportunity to deliver the state of the nation address. On this occasion, no business other than the address by the President is entertained. [Applause.]
We also wish to remind members that the debate on the address will take place on 16 and 17 February when members will have an opportunity to fully engage and debate the President’s address.
On 18 February, the President will reply to the debate.
The above is consistent with the message that the presiding officers conveyed to the whips of all political parties represented here. We trust that all political parties will ensure the smooth and orderly running of proceedings today.
Hon members, I request that points of order and questions of privilege be dealt with in the sittings of next week ... [Interjections.] ... unless they have a direct bearing on the current sitting. [Interjections.]
Hon members, I now call ...
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Speaker, but you have proposed that we must not use points of order and what-what here. We are not ... [Inaudible.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu ... [Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: You can’t ... [Inaudible.] You don’t have the power to decree a Rule. You are not God! [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: We have the power of the Chair.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: You must allow us to decide whether ... [Inaudible.]
The SPEAKER: We have the power of the Chair. [Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Allow us to speak! We are obeying the Rule process here, and you are saying no. [Inaudible.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, we have the power of the Chair. That’s the power we have. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Which Rule is that? Where is the Rule? Point us to that Rule. [Interjections.] The Rule ... Tell us the Rule. Which Rule? We must be governed by Rules here, not by emotions. We must be told which Rule gives you such powers to suspend a Rule of the Joint Sitting. [Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: Which Rule?
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema ... [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Speaker ... My international award-winning Speaker of non-violence. [Laughter.] [Inaudible.] ... to be recognised. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Honourable ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Please, take a point of order.
The SPEAKER: I have made ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: You have made a proposal, hon Baleka Mbete. You must put it to the House. [Interjections.] You are saying that we must suspend certain Rules today under certain conditions ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: ... my international award-winning hon Speaker of non-violence ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Please help us ... because you went to a press conference and threatened that you were going to undo the Rules of Parliament. So now we realise you want to make a proposal. Allow us to engage with that proposal, please.
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi, today’s sitting is convened to enable the President ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: But I want to respond to your proposal.
The SPEAKER: ... to deliver his state of the nation address.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: No problem! You are the one who introduced the point of proposal.
The SPEAKER: ... and we told you that hon members will have the opportunity next week to engage ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Then you should have proposed that next week! You should have made that proposal next week, not here. But since you have made it, let us debate your proposal. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon members, take your seats! [Interjections.] Take your seat, hon Ndlozi.
Dr H CHEWANE / Nvs / TAKE 1 ENDS AT 19:11:07.
The SPEAKER
Dr H CHEWANE: Hon Speaker, we don’t always have to go to the Constitutional Court for you to run the business of this House properly. We don’t always have to do that. We don’t always have to do that and we don’t need to do that. You have demonstrated that to flout the Rules of this Parliament ... You have demonstrated by allowing illegal commissions to take place in this Parliament. So, please, there has never a time where a sitting is going to go on in this Parliament and Rules suspended. Please, guide us. We need to run this House as hon Members of Parliament.
The SPEAKER: Hon members, Joint Rule 14(g) provides that:
If the presiding officer is of the opinion that a member is deliberately contravening a provision of the Rules, or that a member is in contempt of or is disregarding the authority of the Chair, or that a member’s conduct is grossly disorderly, he or she may order the member to withdraw immediately from the Chamber for the remainder of the sitting.
We would now like hon members to co-operate, otherwise we are going to have to ask you to withdraw from the Chamber.
Ms T J MOKWELE: Hon Speaker ...
Setswana:
Mme T J MOKWELE: Motlotlegi Mmusakgotla, ke kopa go botsa gore a molao o o fetsang go bua ka ona o a dirisiwa mo Ntlong eno? Ke botsa jaana gonne wena ka sebele, o buile mo mmediyeng gore go na le melao mengwe e o sa tleng go e dirisa gompieno. Ke botsa gore ke melao efe e re tshwanetseng go e dirisa le gore ke efe e re sa tshwanelang go e dirisa?
English:
The SPEAKER: I have not recognised you, hon member.
Setswana:
Mme T J MOKWELE: Motlotlegi Mmusakgotla, ga o ise o neye ope tšhono fa e sale ngangisano e simolola gompieno. Re kopa gore o re neele tšhono.
English:
The SPEAKER: I have not recognised you, hon member. Please take your seat.
Ms H O HLOPHE: Speaker, can you recognise me, please.
The SPEAKER: What are you rising on? [Interjections.]
Ms H O HLOPHE: On a point of order: 14(c).
The SPEAKER: What is the point of order?
Ms H O HLOPHE: The point of order is that, Madam Speaker, in the press briefing that you had yesterday you suspended some Rules ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: That’s not a point of order.
Ms H O HLOPHE: We want clarity on that one before we start.
The SPEAKER: That’s not a point of order, hon member. I am now not going to allow any more points of order. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: On a point of order, I am rising on Rule 14(c) because it looks like you are using the same Rules we are using.
The SPEAKER: What is the point of order, hon Malema?
Mr J S MALEMA: The point of order, hon Speaker, is that we want an assurance from you. We have no problem that these Rules are going to apply today. And if we are going to go with the proposal you have made, then put it to the House. You cannot just come and announce that this is what is going to happen in a democratic Parliament. Please put that proposal on the table and let’s discuss it, and if the need arises ... [Interjections.]
THE SPEAKER: Un-uh.
Mr J S MALEMA: You can’t say un-uh ... [Laughter.] ... because there is a Rule here. We work according to the Rules, Speaker. Please let’s debate this matter.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, take your seat.
Prince M G BUTHELEZI: Hon member Mr Ndlozi is saying you must put it to the House. I propose that this matter be put to the House whether we go on or not, and let us vote on it.
The SPEAKER: Hon members, Joint Sittings are not for debates or taking of decisions. Joint Sittings have one item. This particular one has one item.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Respectfully ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi, take your seat.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: There is a member who is taking videos.
The SPEAKER: Hon member, your conduct is now not only interfering with the ability of Parliament to conduct the business of today, but you are also disregarding the authority of the Chair. If you do not take your seats and co-operate with the Chair, we will have no option but to ask you to leave. I am not recognising you now. I am not allowing you to raise any more points. I now, hon members ... [Interjections.]
Hon Chief Whip?
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I raised my hand first. [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: You stood up; I raised my hand. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: I didn’t see his hand. I saw his hand.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, he stood up; I raised my hand. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Speak, hon Chief Whip.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: In the same Rules book that everybody is using on the procedures of Joint Sittings, Rule 13(2) says: “No vote or decision may be taken by or in a Joint Sitting.”
I move that it is the same Rule that everybody is using. So, there is no Rule applying to our voting or taking decisions. The President must just address the House, and we will debate next week.
The SPEAKER: I recognise the hon Steenhuisen.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. We have Rules of Parliament to govern the sittings of this House. This Joint Sitting is no exception. The Rules are very important because they ensure that there is a proper, free flow of debate in the House and that everybody has a right to have something to say. The point that needs to be made however, Madam Speaker, is that if you expect us to abide by the Rules then you, Madam Speaker, must abide by the Rules yourself. You have no right to unilaterally come to the House today and remove Rules from the Rule book. If you had wanted to do that, the opportunity was on 11 November last year when the Joint Rules were reassessed. You did not choose to do that. You have no power, Madam Speaker, to come here and make Rules up or remove Rules that exist in this Rule book on your own volition. We want to abide by the Rules, Madam Speaker, but you need to abide by the Rules as well and set the example. [Applause.]
Dr C P MULDER / GC/ LB (check) / TAKE ENDS AT 19:18
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION
Dr C P MULDER: Hon Speaker, I think we can proceed. I don’t think there should be a problem, because the Rules make provision for what we need to do. Rule 14(u) makes provision for points of order to be taken, but a point of order needs to deal with procedure. So, I would suggest that we cannot just suspend a Rule in this fashion. We cannot also take a decision on that. So, if somebody should make a point of order in terms of Rule 14(u), you can rule from the Chair that it does not deal with procedure and rule it out of order and the proceedings can continue. That is the way that we should do it. We cannot suspend Rules on the run today.
Mr J S MALEMA: Speaker, you must withdraw that proposal, please. [Laughter.] Hon Speaker, you are winning awards now. Just carry on like that. This type of conduct may compromise your chances of winning more international awards ... please. Now you are going to win a Sankara award once you withdraw that one, please.
The SPEAKER: Can I just remind you of what I said a few minutes ago. I said to you that what you were raising as so-called points of order had no direct bearing on this sitting. [Interjections.]
The HON MEMBERS: No!!
The SPEAKER: In other words, they were out of order and that is what I was doing. I was ruling them out of order. And I really now, hon members ...
Mr G A GARDEE: Madam Speaker, let us talk to you.
The SPEAKER: ... am not going to allow you to continue disrupting us. [Interjections.] I am going to ask that you either co-operate or you don’t. If you don’t, we will have to ask you to withdraw from the Chamber. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Hon Speaker, with due respect, we are not disrupting.
The SPEAKER: Yes, you are.
Mr J S MALEMA: No, we are not.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, I am not going allowing you any more now.
Mr J S MALEMA: When you said to us we must sit down, we sat down.
The SPEAKER: No, hon Malema. You have raised what you said were points of order, and I told you that they had no bearing on this sitting. And I am saying now: Take your seats so that we can proceed, or, if you don’t want to co-operate, leave the Chamber.
Mr J S MALEMA: No, we are co-operating, hon Speaker. All we are asking is that these Rules of a Joint Sitting must be reaffirmed by you that these are the Rules which are going to govern ...
The SPEAKER: ... which is why I ruled your points of order as being out of order. And I am saying we are now going to proceed. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Chairperson of the NCOP ...
The SPEAKER: So you ...
Mr J S MALEMA: ... don’t sit there; intervene.
The SPEAKER: ... you will now ...
Mr J S MALEMA: You are co-chairing; it’s a Joint Sitting.
The SPEAKER: We will now ask you to leave the Chamber, hon Malema ... [Interjections.] ... because you consistently continue with spurious points of order, which are not points of order. [Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: They have no bearing on this sitting.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Hon Speaker ... Hon Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: I have not recognised you, hon Shivambu.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Yes, I am asking for recognition; I am aware. I would have spoken if I had been recognised. I am asking for recognition.
The SPEAKER: On what point?
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: On point 14(c) of the Joint Rules of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces. It says that this House may not be interrupted unless there is a point of order or point of privilege ... May I please finish before you interrupt me? And we came to ask here that before we proceed ... you had said from the Chair there that you were going to unilaterally – alone - declare and decree that the Rules had been suspended. And we are saying to you that such is not procedural. All the sittings of the NCOP, of the NA and of Joint Sittings are governed by Rules. So, let us use the Rules to govern the entire process without suspending any of those. Because if you continue in the manner you have proposed, we are going to make certain interventions and then you will criminalise us: calling those thugs to come and assault us here, like you did in the previous sitting. And we don’t want such to happen. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, I have been very patient with you and the other members of the EFF. This Joint Sitting is governed under the Joint Rules that were adopted in November 2015. And we are going to proceed on that basis. We are not going to allow you any more opportunity to continue disrupting us. And I now, hon Malema, prevail on you to give leadership to the EFF sitting in those benches to co-operate with this sitting, because we are going to continue with the Joint Sitting as convened today for the state of the nation address.
Mr G A GARDEE: May we assist you, Madam Speaker?
The SPEAKER: Hon Gardee, I am not recognising you.
Mr G A GARDEE: Only if you can just ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: I am not recognising you.
Mr G A GARDEE: ... listen a little bit ... [Inaudible.]
The SPEAKER: I am not wanting to listen. And I am not going to allow you to disrupt any more. [Interjections.] I am not going to allow you to disrupt any more.
Ms N V MENTE: Madam Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: Hon members, take your seats.
Ms N V MENTE: Madam Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: Members of the EFF, make up your minds whether you want to stay in the Chamber or whether you want to withdraw. [Interjections.]
The HON MEMBERS OF THE EFF: We want to stay here. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: No, but you want to disrupt. And I am not going to allow that. [Interjections.]
Ms N V MENTE: No, you are threatening us. You are threatening us. [Interjections.] You can’t say we are disruptors. We are hon members of the House.
The SPEAKER: Take your seat.
Ms N V MENTE: We are not disruptors. You are threatening us.
The SPEAKER: What you are doing is not honourable.
Ms N V MENTE: You allowed DA members to speak. You allowed uTata we-IFP [father of the IFP] to speak. You allowed the FF Plus to speak, but when it comes to us, we must not speak.
The SPEAKER: Take your seat.
Ms N V MENTE: Who are we?
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker ...
Ms N V MENTE: We belong to this House. Mama, ndiyacela. [Please, Madam.]
IsiXhosa:
USOMLOMO: Niyasilibazisa.
English:
That’s what you are doing.
IsiXhosa:
Nksz N V MENTE: Asinilibazisi, Mama. Musa ukusigrogrisa, siyakucela.
USOMLOMO: Niyasilibazisa.
English:
Hon Maimane?
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION /MS/ Checked (LB: Eng)/TAKE ENDS
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THE SPEAKER
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I can’t see where this thing is going. In fact, I think all of us agree that the EFF have accepted that we are going to operate on the Joint Rules. We cannot delay this thing. South Africans are waiting for their answers to be put forward. Can I ask that we proceed and get the state of the nation on the go? Please! [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: Your point of intervention is sustained, hon Maimane, and I now call on the hon the President to address the Joint Sitting. [Applause.]
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
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The SPEAKER
ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Thank you very much, hon Speaker. Speaker of the National Assembly; Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces ...
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly ...
Mr M G P LEKOTA: On a point of order, Madam Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... and the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP ...
Mr M G P LEKOTA: On a point of order ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa; former President Thabo Mbeki ...
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker, on a point of order ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng ...
The SPEAKER: I have already said that I will not take any further points of order. [Interjections.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker, may I rise on a point of order?
The SPEAKER: No, hon Lekota. I appeal to you to take your seat to allow the President to proceed to deliver the state of the nation address.
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker, I ...
The SPEAKER: I prevail on you, hon Lekota, to take your seat.
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker, I’m rising specifically and ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota ...
Mr M G P LEKOTA: ... precisely on that point. Please, Madam Speaker!
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota, I appeal to you to take your seat.
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker, may I rise on a point of order? You can’t rule me out of order before you hear ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota, on the basis of what I have already explained, I am prevailing on you to take your seat and allow the state of the nation address to be delivered.
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker, there is a point of order in these proceedings. May I please state my point of order? [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota, please take your seat.
Mr M LEKOTA: May I state my point order? [Interjections.] You may rule against it, but I want to state it. I want to state it and you can rule against it.
The SPEAKER: Hon President, please take your seat. [Applause.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Madam Speaker, the hon President has already admitted before our nation in the Constitutional Court ... [Interjections.] ... that he broke his oath of office. [Interjections.] No, I must say this. He broke his oath of office. He is no longer honourable ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota ...
Mr M G P LEKOTA: ... to deliver the state ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota ... [Interjections.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA: No ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota, that is not a point of order. [Interjections.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA: We cannot listen to somebody who has broken his oath of office. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order, hon Lekota. [Interjections.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA: We cannot sit here and listen to him. [Interjections.] He is no longer fit to lead our people. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota, will you leave the Chamber?
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Excuse me?
The SPEAKER: Will you leave the Chamber?
Mr M G P LEKOTA: If you are saying ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: ... because that is not a point of order. [Interjections.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA: That is a point of order - he has broken his oath of office.
The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. It has nothing to do with the proceedings of this sitting.
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We will not listen to somebody ... [Inaudible.] [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: So, you are free to leave the Chamber. [Interjections.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Thank you. Thank you very much. [Interjections.] We cannot listen to somebody ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Lekota ... [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Xitsonga:
Nkul V E MTILENI: Ndzi kombela ku vulavulanyana.
The member thereupon withdrew from the Chamber.
The SPEAKER / LB (Eng check) / TAKE ENDS AT 19:31
Nkul V E MTILENI
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The SPEAKER: We note that all the members of Cope have left the House, and we now ask the hon the President to proceed with the state of the nation address. [Applause.]
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA: Thank you, Madam Speaker. All esteemed members of the judiciary, President of the Pan-African Parliament Mr Roger Nkodo Dang, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, premiers and speakers of provincial legislatures, Chairperson of the SA Local Government Association or Salga, and all executive mayors present, the heads of Chapter 9 institutions ... [Interjections.] ... Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, leaders of faith-based organisations, former Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Frene Ginwala, invited guests, veterans of the struggle for liberation, members of the diplomatic corps, and fellow South Africans: good evening, sanibonani, molweni, dumelang, goeienaand, lotjhani ... [Interjections.] [Applause.] ... riperile, ndimadekwana.
Thank you for the opportunity to address Parliament and the nation. Today marks the 26th anniversary of the release of President Nelson Mandela from prison ... [Applause.] ... which was one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of our country. It is also the 50th anniversary of the declaration by the National Party regime that District Six would be a whites-only area, leading to the forced removals of more than 60 000 residents. The year 2016 also marks the 20th anniversary of the signing into law by President Madiba of the Constitution of the Republic. The signing took place in Sharpeville on 10 December 1996.
We are proud of our democracy and what we have achieved in a short space of time. Our democracy is functional, solid and stable. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Compatriots, the Constitution, which has its foundation in the Freedom Charter, proclaims that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. A lot has been done to promote inclusion and a nonracial society. However, the journey to a nonracial society has not yet been completed.
The nation was shaken last month when racism reared its ugly head on social and electronic media, causing untold pain and anger. There is a need to confront the demon of racism. Human Rights Day, 21 March, will be commemorated as the national day against racism this year. It will be used to lay the foundation for a long-term programme of building a nonracial society.
Compatriots, I would like ... [Interjections.]
Mr G A GARDEE: Madam Speaker, in terms of Rule 14(c), may I raise a question of privilege? The President has spoken, and the matter I need to raise is materially relevant to what the President has spoken about. Madam Speaker, could the President sit down so that I can raise a point of privilege? [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon President, please take your seat.
Mr G A GARDEE: Thank you. Sit down, Mr Zupta.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Gardee ... Hon Gardee ...
Mr G A GARDEE: The issue that is materially ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Gardee, hon Gardee ...
Mr G A GARDEE: ... relevant and is a question of privilege is ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: On what point are you rising?
Mr G A GARDEE: It is 14(c), a question of privilege. A matter that is materially relevant to the paragraphs that the President has already read. The question here, Madam Speaker is: in four days we had three Ministers and the unprecedented reaction of the market that actually cost the country R500 billion. Four paragraphs have been read and the President has not said anything. Can he ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Gardee ... Hon Gardee ...
Mr G A GARDEE: [Inaudible.] ... that he is going to raise the matter.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Gardee, you said you were rising on a point of privilege. You also said it was relevant to what the President ... [Inaudible.]
Mr G A GARDEE: Very, very relevant – R500 billion gone, Madam Chairperson.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Gardee?
Mr G A GARDEE: I’m listening, Madam Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I have not heard the relevance to the current debate on the point of privilege that you are quoting.
Mr G A GARDEE: Maybe I should repeat myself, Madam Chair, so that you can hear me well. [Interjections.] The President has read almost two pages but has not said anything about the loss of R500 billion – having three Ministers in four days ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Gardee ...
Mr G A GARDEE: ... unprecedented ... [Inaudible.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Gardee, you have not raised a point of privilege. Please take your seat.
Mr G A GARDEE: Okay.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you. Hon President, please proceed.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: The nation was shaken last month when racism reared its ugly head on social and electronic media, causing untold pain and anger. There is a need to confront the demon of racism. Human Rights Day, 21 March, will be commemorated as the national day against racism this year. It will be used to lay the foundation for a long-term programme of building a nonracial society.
Compatriots, I would like to remind you of a few other important anniversaries. The year 2016 marks 60 year since the Women’s March to the Union Buildings to demand an end to the pass laws.
We are happy to have in our midst ... [Interjections.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... Ms Sophie de Bruyn, who was among ...
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker?
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... the heroic leaders of that historic march. [Applause.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker?
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: We also acknowledge the former president of the Black Sash ...
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker, point of order.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... Ms Mary Burton. [Applause.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Point of order, hon Speaker.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: We acknowledge the organisation’s track record ... [Inaudible.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... in fighting for human rights, justice and equality.
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: This year also marks 40 years since the landmark June 16 student uprising in Soweto. [Applause.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: We welcome ...
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... photographer who shot the famous photograph of Hector Pieterson carried ... [Applause.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Chair of the NCOP ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... by Mbuyisa Makhubu with his sister Antoinette ... [Laughter.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... Mr Sam Nzima. [Applause.]
IsiXhosa:
Mnum M S MBATHA: Thixo.
English:
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: We also salute the class of 1976 for their bravery ... [Applause.]
Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Modise ... Point of order, hon Speaker.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... in standing up against the brutal apartheid regime. We acknowledge ...
Mr M S MBATHA: Point of order, hon Speaker.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... one of the activists of that era, the Deputy Secretary ...
The SPEAKER: Hon President, I regret to have to ask you again to take your seat so that we can perhaps make progress in dealing with this point of order. What is the point of order, hon Mbatha?
Mr M S MBATHA: Thank you very much, hon Speaker.
IsiZulu:
Mnu M S MBATHA: Bengicela ukubuza umbuzo Mongameli.
English:
The SPEAKER: No.
IsiZulu:
Mnu M S MBATHA: Ungawuthatha umbuzo?
English:
The SPEAKER: No.
IsiZulu:
USOMLOMO: Cha!
Mnu M S MBATHA: Kwenziwa yini Mongameli ukuthi ... [Ubuwelewele.]
English:
The SPEAKER: No, hon Mbatha, this is not a time for questions.
IsiZulu:
Mnu M S MBATHA: ... usinikeze oNgqongqoshe abaningi kangaka?
English:
The SPEAKER: Hon Mbatha ... Hon Mbatha, this is not an opportunity for questions.
IsiZulu:
Mnu M S MBATHA: ... bengicela ukubuza nami?
USOMLOMO: Cha, awuzukwazi, awuvumelekanga ukuthi ubuze.
English:
The SPEAKER: Hon Mbatha, you are not allowed to ask questions on this occasion. And, really, hon members, I think I have to now clarify, for the understanding of all, that a point of order or question of privilege is only allowed if it calls attention to a transgression of a Joint Rule or an accepted parliamentary practice or a privilege. Freedom of speech is one of the privileges that members enjoy in the exercise of their constitutional obligations to represent their constituencies. This privilege is subject to the Rules and orders. Hon members, privileges are provided for in the Constitution and in the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.
Spurious points of order are an abuse of the Rules and privilege of freedom of speech. [Applause.] Improperly interfering with or impeding the exercise or performance by Parliament of its authority or function constitutes a breach of privilege. Other breaches include improper interference with the performance by a member of his or her functions as a member, or threatening or obstructing a member proceeding to or going from a meeting of Parliament or a House or committee. I read this into the record so that we all understand what a point of order or privilege is about. It’s about these proceedings. Hon members, on those grounds, I am really prevailing on all of us to allow the state of the nation address to be delivered. [Applause.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Speaker, may I please address you?
The SPEAKER: No.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Why?
The SPEAKER: I have explained why.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Okay. I am rising on a point of order, hey.
The SPEAKER: No, hon Ndlozi.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: I don’t want to interrupt ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi, we have spent a lot of minutes ... / AR / LB (Eng check) / TAKE ENDS AT 19:46
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Mr M Q NDLOZI
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi, we have spent a lot of minutes with the EFF interrupting and being disruptive. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: On a point of order ... On a point of order, Speaker. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: You are being disruptive, members of the EFF.
Mr J S MALEMA: Please don’t address us as a group. Address us as individuals. [Interjections.] You can’t say you have been dealing with the EFF. We are speaking here as ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: I have.
Mr J S MALEMA: No. We are speaking here as members of this Parliament ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Everybody has been seeing it. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: ... and you shall address us as individuals and not an assault on our party. We are standing ... Yes, like that. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, you are not coming here to lecture us about how to run the proceedings of this sitting. [Interjections.] I am asking that you co-operate or make up your mind that you want to withdraw.
Mr J S MALEMA: We are not withdrawing, Speaker, and you are not going to tell how we must participate here. We were elected to come here and represent our constituents.
The SPEAKER: But you are also not going to come and be disruptive to the proceedings of the House. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: We are standing up procedurally, and we ... [Inaudible.] ... the Rules ...
The SPEAKER: No, hon Malema.
Mr J S MALEMA: You may not agree with us, but we are rising on a point of privilege and order.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema ... Hon Malema! I really have to prevail on you to leave the Chamber ... [Interjections.] [Applause.] ... because you are not interested in these proceedings.
Mr J S MALEMA: No, Speaker, you never asked me to sit down and I defied you; I am co-operating.
The SPEAKER: But what you are doing is continuously interrupting the proceedings.
Mr J S MALEMA: No. I stood up on a point of order that you must not call us as a group. So, I am co-operating with you. I am sitting down.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, I am calling on you to play your leadership role.
Mr J S MALEMA: Please!
The SPEAKER: I am calling on you to play your leadership role, as I have requested all political parties to make sure that we can have smooth state of the nation proceedings.
The MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Speaker, would you please allow the business for which this sitting has been called to continue. We are here to receive the state of the nation address, which we are very ready to debate next Tuesday and Wednesday. So, could you allow the business of the House, which is called for in terms of the Joint Rules and the Constitution, so that the President can present the state of the nation address? And would you, Speaker, please assist us by not having extended dialogues with members of the House and allow us to continue. [Applause.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Hon Chairperson of the NCOP?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Shivambu, you have not been recognised.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: I am asking for recognition, like you recognised the hon Pandor. We are equal ... [Inaudible.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: On what point are you rising?
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: I am rising on a point of order.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Yes, sir, which point of order?
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: When the Speaker is dealing with members of the EFF ... Someone has switched off my microphone. [Interjections.] [Applause.] Someone has switched off my microphone. Can it go on, please? [Interjections.] It is not on yet. Can you switch it on, please? Switch on my microphone, please. The Chair of the NCOP had recognised me. Can I continue?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: On what point of order - that was the ...
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: The principle issue that we are raising is that there is no Rule that says that you can deal with a political party as a whole caucus: to say that EFF members are doing this and that. There are lots of Members of Parliament who have not said anything. The hon Dlamini has not said anything today. The hon Chewane has not said anything. You can’t say that all of you are a problem and if you want to leave you must leave. That is not how this House is run. If you have a problem with a specific member ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Shivambu, I have heard you. That is not a point of order.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: But it’s a point of order.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: That point was made by the hon Malema. Please take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: But is my point noted, Chair?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: That is not a point of order. Please take your seat. Hon members, it might be nice to spend time doing what we are doing. I don’t think we are earning South Africa any credit doing what we are doing. [Applause.] The Rules are every clear. On 20 November 2015 the Joint Rules adopted the Rules which govern the proceedings of today. Can we please respect those Rules and allow the business of this sitting to continue?
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Chair, may I please address you like other members have?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Ndlozi, please take you seat.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: May I please address you, Chair?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please take your seat.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Chairperson, I am ... [Inaudible.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Ndlozi! I am pleading with you to take your seat. Thank you.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Chair, this is a problem.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Ndlozi, thank you.
Mr M M DLAMINI: On a point of order, Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: There is no point of ...
Mr M M DLAMINI: Wait, wait. Let me speak. Why do you allow ANC people to speak and when it comes to us you don’t allow us to speak? What is wrong, man?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon member, you will excuse me as I do not know your name, but you are not going to address the Chair in that way.
Mr M M DLAMINI: Wait! You don’t have to know my name - that is not a problem. Why do you allow ANC people to speak and when it comes to us we are not allowed to speak here? [Interjections.] All of us must account to this House and to this nation ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Dlamini, you were not recognised and you were not given the floor. Please take your seat.
IsiXhosa:
Nksz N V MENTE: Mama, ndicela undimamele.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Ma’am, I am not going to give you the floor. We started this sitting going round and round in circles.
Nksz N V MENTE: Ndicela undivumele ndithethe.
English:
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No.
IsiXhosa:
Nksz N V MENTE: Ubavumele abanye abantu.
English:
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, rising on spurious points of order is not going to help this House.
IsiXhosa:
Nksz N V MENTE: Nisebenza njani kanti apha? Ukuba ubusivumela sithethe ngesigqibile ngoku.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please take your seat, Ma’am.
Nksz N V MENTE: Mama, ndiyakucela.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I am asking you to take your seat.
Ms M O MOKAUSE: On a point of order, Chairperson of the NCOP ... Point of order, Chairperson of the NCOP ...
Setswana:
Ke kopa gore o ntshireletse kgatlhanong le Tonakgolo ya Kapa Bokone gonne o a ntshosetsa ka go nkaya ka monwana. Ke letlelesegile go bua mo Ntlong eno ntle le go go tshosediwa.
English:
On a point of order ... Chairperson of the NCOP ...
Setswana:
Modulasetilo wa NCOP, ke kopa gore o re letlelele go bua mo Ntlong eno jaaka maloko a EFF, o seka wa letlelela maloko a ANC fela. Go gatelelwa ga maloko a Ntlo eno ga go mo molaong ebile o itse sentle ka seo. Ke kopa gore o fedise kgatelelo, Mme.
English:
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mokause, the points you have made ... Hon Mokause, please take your seat.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: E, sekela lapho Somlomo. Sekela, Sekela, Sekela. Bengicela Nkosi yami, asizile ukuzodlala ake nisilaleleni. Ngoba okokuqala nje lo Mongameli akakaxolisi ngento ayenzile yezimali ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Khawula, please take your seat.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Ngoba okokuqala nje lo Mongameli akakaxolisi ngento ayenzile yezimali ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Khawula, you are ordered to take your seat.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Angikuzwa ukuthi uthini khuluma ngesiZulu.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Khawula, you are ordered to take your seat.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Angikuzwa ukuthi uthini. [Ubuwelewele.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Khawula, if you do not take your seat I have no alternative but to ask you to leave this House.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Angikuzwa ukuthi uthini. Mina ngingumZulu ngisuka e-KZN. [Ubuwelewele.]
ILUNGU ELIHLONIPHEKILE: Khuluma ngesiZulu.
Nk M S KHAWULA: Mina ngavota ngo-1994. Ngivotela ukuthi sikhulume izilimi zethu. Ngicela ungikhulumele ngesiZulu, asixabene. [Uhleko.]
USIHLALO WOMKHANDLU KAZWELONKE WEZIFUNDAZWE: Mhlonishwa uKhawula ngicela uhlale phansi.
Nk M S KHAWULA: Ngiyezwa-ke kodwa ake udedele uMongameli sike simbuze owethu lo Mongameli.
USIHLALO WOMKHANDLU KAZWELONKE WEZIFUNDAZWE: Mhlonishwa uKhawula, ngicela uhlale phansi.
Nk M S KHAWULA: Ngiyabonga.
Dr Y C VAWDA ///tfm\\\/PB iszl\ LB (Eng check) / TAKE ENDS AT 19:56
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP
Dr Y C VAWDA: Hon Speaker, hon Chair, please allow me to greet you with As-salaamu-alai-kum. I want to indicate that we have a difficulty here, because you cannot ask a person to sit before the person has expressed himself. According to your interpretation of the Rules, you have indicated very clearly that you will rule whether it is a point of privilege or a point of order. You are only going to know that after you have listened to the hon member. And this is the dilemma that you are being faced with. You are making it very difficult for us to continue with the business of the day by not allowing people to stand on points of order and to make themselves very clear. Thank you, hon Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Vawda, you are doing very well. Take your seat. Hon members, we will not allow any points of order. [Interjections.] We will not allow any points of order because all the points of order that you have put before this House today have nothing to do with the proceedings or the content of this House.
Ms T J MOKWELE: Hon Chair ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mokwele, I am speaking and you cannot address me when I’m speaking.
Ms T J MOKWELE: I’m requesting you to recognise me, Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I am speaking!
Ms T J MOKWELE: But I am requesting your recognition. It’s according to the Rules.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mokwele, take your seat.
Ms T J MOKWELE: You must recognise me, then I will sit down. Do you recognise me?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please take your seat. Hon members ... Hon Maimane? [Interjections.]
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: We can tonight discuss the job of one man, who was a Minister last year, Mr Nene, or we can discuss the jobs of 8,3 million. That is the decision we’ve got to make. Can I request, Madam Speaker: We’ve heard the points, you can rule on those, but can we proceed because, I think, 8,3 million South Africans deserve to know what happened to their jobs? Can I request that we proceed on that basis, please? [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, hon members ...
Ms H O HLOPHE: Chairperson of the NCOP ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, I have not recognised you. I am ...
Ms H O HLOPHE: Can you recognise me?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No.
Ms H O HLOPHE: But, Chair, why are you treating us differently to other political parties? The hon Mmusi Maimane stood up, and then you just gave him the go-ahead. Why? We are equal in this House. [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Hlophe, please take your seat.
Ms H O HLOPHE: Can you recognise me, hon Chair? Then I will take my seat.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Hlophe, hon Dlamini, hon Mente, hon Mokause, hon Khawula, hon Mokwele, hon Vawda, please leave this House. [Applause.]
Mr J S MALEMA: You are out of order, Mme Thandi. You are out of order. You are out of order because you cannot expel people for speaking in this House. We are not going to allow that. We are not going to allow that. This is so undemocratic.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Malema ...
Mr J S MALEMA: No, Chairperson, they listened to you and they went to sit down. Now you just call them from nowhere. This is incorrect. It is unacceptable. It’s unacceptable.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Malema ...
Mr J S MALEMA: You are prepared to ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Malema, you were not recognised ...
Mr J S MALEMA: You are prepared to ... [Inaudible.] ... the whole party which has been elected by the people in defence of one man.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Malema ... [Inaudible.] ... must leave this Chamber.
Mr J S MALEMA: There is nothing that Zuma deserves from us in a form of respect. Zuma is no longer a president that deserves respect from anyone. [Interjections.] He has stolen from us; he has collapsed the economy of South Africa; he has made this country a joke and after that he has laughed at us. [Interjections.] We cannot allow Zuma to do as he wishes in this country. We are not going to allow that. We are doing what we are doing because we do not recognise him as our president.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Can the Serjeant-at-arms ... the Usher of the Black Rod please remove the member ... [Inaudible.]
Mr J S MALEMA: He is not our President. Please. [Interjections.] Zupta must fall. Zupta must fall. Zupta must fall. Zupta must fall. Zupta must fall.
EFF MEMBERS: Zupta must fall. Zupta must fall. Zupta must fall.
Ms H O Hlophe, Mr M M Dlamini, Ms N V Mente, Ms M S Khawula, Mr Y C Vawda, Ms T J Mokwele, Ms M O Mokause and Mr J S Malema, having disregarded the authority of the Chair, were ordered by the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces to withdraw from the Chamber for the remainder of the day’s sitting.
The members thereupon withdrew from the Chamber.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC LB (Eng edit)/EKS/ TAKE ENDS AT 20:02
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA: Hon Speaker, let me proceed from where I was. [Interjections.]
We also salute the class of 1976 for their bravery in standing up against the brutal apartheid regime. We acknowledge one of the activists of that era, the Deputy Secretary of Parliament, Ms Baby Tyawa, who is in our midst. This year we also mark 30 years since the ambush and brutal killing of the Gugulethu Seven by the apartheid police in March 1986. The University of Fort Hare celebrates its centenary, which is a critical milestone in the liberation history of not only our country, but the continent. The national celebrations will take place on 20 May. Let me in that context recognise uMntwana wakwaPhindangene, the leader of the IFP, who is a former student of the university. [Applause.]
The year 2016 also marks the centenary of the battle of Delville Wood in France, which took place during the First World War. Scores of soldiers dies there – including black soldiers – who fought in the war and were treated badly due to the colour of their skin, including separate burials in separate places. A memorial that will restore their dignity and humanity is scheduled to be unveiled in July this year in France. [Applause.]
Compatriots, allow me as well to recognise three special guests who are also with us today, the chairperson of the National Church Leaders Forum and Archbishop of Cape Town, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. [Applause.] Archbishop Daniel Matebesi, the President of the National Interfaith Council of South Africa [Applause.] and Bishop Zipho Siwa, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and the President of the South African Council of Churches. [Applause.]
A resilient and fast-growing economy is at the heart of our radical economic transformation agenda and our National Development Plan. When the economy grows fast it delivers jobs, workers earn wages and businesses make profits. The tax base expands and allows government to increase the social wage and provide education, health, social grants, housing and free basic services faster and in a more sustainable manner.
Our economy has been facing difficulties since the financial crisis in 2008. We embarked on an aggressive infrastructure development programme to stimulate growth. Our reality right now is that global growth still remains muted. Financial markets have become volatile. Currencies of emerging markets have become weak and they fluctuate widely. The prices of gold, platinum, coal and other minerals that we sell to the rest of the world have dropped significantly and continue to be low. The economies of two of our partners in Brics, Brazil and Russia, are expected to contract this year. The third, China, will not register the kind of robust growth that it is known for. Because our economy is relatively small and open, it is affected by all of these developments. Our economy is also affected by domestic factors such as the electricity constraints and industrial relations which are sometimes unstable.
The IMF and the World Bank predict that the South African economy will grow by less than 1% this year. The lower economic growth outcomes and outlook suggest that revenue collection will be lower than previously expected. Importantly, our country seems to be at risk of losing its investment grade status from ratings agencies. If that happens, it will become more expensive for us to borrow money from abroad to finance our programmes of building a better life for all, especially the poor. The situation requires an effective turnaround plan from us. It is about doing things differently and also acting on what may not have been acted upon quickly before.
I will share a few points that we believe would make a difference. First, our country remains an attractive investment destination. It may face challenges, but its positive attributes far outweigh those challenges. We must continue to market the country as a preferred destination for investment. This requires a common narrative from all of us as business, labour and government. If there are any disagreements or problems between us, we should solve them before they escalate. This is necessary for the common good of our country.
We have had fruitful meetings with business, including the high level meeting with CEOs on Tuesday this week. We have heard the suggestions from the business community on how we can turn the situation around and put the economy back on a growth path. We have heard the points about the need to create the correct investment support infrastructure. Government is developing a “One Stop Shop/Invest SA” initiative to signal that South Africa is truly open for business. We will fast-track the implementation of this service in partnership with the private sector. Such an initiative requires that government removes the red tape and reviews any legislative and regulatory blockages. We have established an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Investment Promotion which will ensure the success of investment promotion initiatives.
We have heard the concerns raised about the performance of state-owned enterprises and companies. Many of our state-owned entities, SOEs, are performing well and Sanral has built some of the best roads in Gauteng and in many parts of the country. These make us the envy of many parts around the globe. The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority has constructed dams of varied capabilities and capacities, thus making it possible for our people to have access to safe drinking water. Transnet has built rail infrastructure which has enabled our country’s mines to move massive bulks of commodities through our ports to markets around the globe. Eskom, in spite of the challenges, still manages to keep the economy going, against all odds. Our development finance institutions such as the Industrial Development Corporation, IDC, or the Development Bank of Southern Africa and others have provided finance for infrastructure, various industries and agricultural businesses without fail, even in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.
For the state-owned companies to contribute to the successful implementation of the National Development Plan, they must be financially sound. They must be properly governed and managed. We will ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the presidential review commission on state-owned enterprises, which outlines how the institutions should be managed. The Deputy President chairs the inter-ministerial committee which is tasked with ensuring the implementation of these recommendations.
We have to streamline and sharpen the mandates of the companies and ensure that where there are overlaps in the mandates, there is immediate rationalisation. Those companies that are no longer relevant to our development agenda will be phased out. Government departments to which they report will set the agenda and identify key projects for the state-owned companies to implement over a defined period. Proper monitoring and evaluation will be done. These interventions are essential for growth and also for the reduction of national debt levels.
We must take advantage of the exchange rate as well as the recent changes of visa regulations, to boost inbound tourism. South African Tourism will invest R100 000 000 a year to promote domestic tourism, encouraging South Africans to tour their country. We have heard concerns from companies about delays in obtaining visas for skilled personnel from abroad. While we prefer that employers prioritise local workers, our migration policy must also make it possible to import scarce skills.
The draft migration policy will be presented to Cabinet during the course of 2016.
We have heard the appeals for policy certainty in the mining sector, especially with regard to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Bill. The Bill was referred back to Parliament last year. We await Parliament to conclude the processing, which we trust will be done expeditiously.
We need to empower SMMEs to accelerate their growth. Access to high-quality, innovative business support can dramatically improve the success rate of new ventures. The Department of Small Business Development was established to provide such targeted support to small business. Economic transformation and black empowerment remain a key part of all economic programmes of government. One of our new interventions is the Black Industrialists Scheme which has been launched to promote the participation of black entrepreneurs in manufacturing. We urge big business to partner with the new manufacturers, including businesses owned by women and the youth, as part of broadening the ownership and control of the economy.
We are proud of our Top 10 ranking in the World Economic Forum competitiveness report with respect to financial services. Maintaining and indeed improving our ranking is important to our competitiveness as a country. It is also fundamental to our ambition to become a financial centre for Africa.
The banks, through the Banking Association of South Africa, are to launch a project aimed at establishing a centre of excellence for financial services and leadership training. This will ensure that as a country we can attract, nurture, develop and retain the best talent in financial services in our country and across our continent. They will work with the Minister of Finance and the National Treasury to get this done. We believe that this will over time ensure that we can expand the pool of financial skills and broaden the job opportunities for many young people. This strategic project from the banking sector is a positive and encouraging outcome of our engagement with business this week. Together we move South Africa Forward! [Applause.]
IsiZulu:
Uma sekunengxoxompikiswano bobe bengazi ukuthi bekuthiwani laba ababanga umsindo.[Uhleko.] Bayobheda babheke le nale. [Uhleko.]
English:
We have made an undertaking to spend public funds wisely and to cut wasteful expenditure, but without compromising on the core business of government and the provision of services to our people.
In 2013, the Minister of Finance announced a number of cost containment measures. Excessive and wasteful expenditure has been reduced, but there is still more to be done to cut wastage.
I would like to announce some measures this evening. Overseas trips will be curtailed and those requesting permission will have to motivate strongly and prove the benefit to the country. The sizes of delegations will be greatly reduced and standardised. Further restrictions on conferences, catering, entertainment and social functions will be instituted. The Budget Vote dinners for stakeholders hosted by government departments in Parliament after the delivery of budget speeches will no longer take place. The Minister of Finance will announce more measures and further details in the Budget Vote Speech on 24 February. [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, members! Don’t drown out the speaker at the podium.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA: They are just saying the people are listening in the country. And that the people listen,
IsiZulu:
Bezwe kahle bandla.[Uhleko.]
English:
The executive management and boards of public agencies and state-owned companies must undertake similar measures. I also invite the premiers of all nine provinces as well as mayors to join us as we begin eliminating wasteful expenditure within government. I trust that Parliament and the judiciary will also be persuaded to consider the implementation of similar measures.
A big expenditure item that we would like to persuade Parliament to consider is the maintenance of two capitals - Pretoria as the administrative one and Cape Town as the legislative capital. We believe that the matter requires the attention of Parliament soon. The executive has looked into this matter and the cost is too big to be maintained, because means, particularly with the executive, that we must have two Houses – one in Pretoria and one in Cape Town. [Interjections.] We must have two cars – one in Pretoria and one in Cape Town. [Interjections.] We must have a number of officials travelling up and down and because they have got no infrastructure, they use hotels. This is a matter to be considered on an urgent basis if we are to save costs. [Applause.] We all have a lot to do to turn the economy around and to cut wastage. We will go through a difficult period for a while, but when the economy recovers, we will be proud of ourselves for having done the right thing.
I would now like to report back on the undertakings made last year. During the state of the nation address in February 2015 I announced the nine-point plan to respond to sluggish growth. The nine-point plan consists of: revitalisation of the agriculture and agro-processing value-chain; advancing beneficiation adding value to our mineral wealth; more effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial Policy Action Plan; unlocking the potential of SMME, co-operatives, township and rural enterprises; resolving the energy challenge; stabilising the labour market; scaling-up private-sector investment; growing the Ocean Economy and; cross-cutting areas to reform, boost and diversify the economy - science, technology and innovation; water and sanitation; transport infrastructure; broadband roll-out; and state-owned companies. We have made significant progress in the implementation of the plan.
Progress has been made to stabilise the electricity supply. There has been no load shedding since August last year, which has brought relief for both households and industry alike. Government has invested R83 billion in Eskom, which has enabled the utility to continue investing in Medupi and Kusile, while continuing with a diligent maintenance programme. Additional units from Ingula power station will be connected in 2017, even though some of them will begin synchronisation this year. The multiple bid windows of the Renewable Independent Power Producer programme have attracted an investment of R194 billion. This initiative is a concrete example of how government can partner with the private sector to provide practical solutions to an immediate challenge that faces our country.
Sesotho:
Ka nnete.
English:
In 2016, government will select the preferred bidders for the coal independent power producers. Request for proposals will also be issued for the first windows of gas to power bids. The nuclear energy expansion programme remains part of the future energy mix. Our plan is to introduce 9 600 megawatts of nuclear energy in the next decade, in addition to running Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant. We will test the market to ascertain the true cost of building modern nuclear plants. Let me emphasise that we will only procure nuclear on a scale and pace that our country can afford.
Our government, through the Department of Trade and Industry, introduced a number of initiatives in the past few years to boost investments in the manufacturing sectors, especially textiles, leather and the automotive sectors. Progress has been made in these sectors. The incentives for the automotive sector have attracted investments of over R25 billion over the last five years. We welcome key investments from Mercedes, General Motors, Ford, Beijing Auto Works, the Metair group, BMW, Goodyear and VW.
The clothing and textile sector has also been successfully stabilised after a difficult few years. Multinational companies such as Nestlé, Unilever Samsung and Hisense have also affirmed South Africa as a regional infrastructure hub. They have retained and expanded their investments in new plants. Indeed the progress made in manufacturing has certainly demonstrated that the incentive programmes are effective and attractive to investors.
I announced programmes for the revitalisation of agriculture last year. We introduced the agriparks programme, aimed at increasing the participation of smallholder farmers in agricultural activities. Construction has begun in at least five agriparks, which are: Westrand in Gauteng, Springbokpan in North West, Witzenberg in Western Cape, Ncora in the Eastern Cape and Enkangala in Mpumalanga. The agricultural programmes must empower women farmers as well.
Allow me to introduce the winner of the Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2015, Ms Julia Shungube, from Nkomazi municipality in Mpumalanga. [Applause.] She has succeeded, having come from the security sector. She worked in security and in the process of her work started farming. And that activity led her to become the best female farmer in South Africa. [Applause.] Well done!
Land reform remains an important factor as we pursue transformation. I spoke about the 50-50 policy framework last year, which proposes relative rights for people who live and work on farms. Twenty seven proposals have been received from commercial farmers and four are being implemented in the Eastern Cape and the Free State.
I also announced the Regulation of Land Holdings Bill which would place a ceiling on land ownership at a maximum of 12 000 hectares and would prohibit foreign nationals from owning land. They would be eligible for long term leases. The draft Bill will be presented to Cabinet in the first semester of the year. We also announced the re-opening of land claims for people who had missed the 1998 deadline. The number of new land claims that have been lodged stood at close to 120 000 as of December last year.
As we are aware, five provinces have been seriously affected by drought, namely North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Government provides relief to affected communities.
IsiZulu:
Isomiso sixakile impela, bakwethu, ezifundazweni eziningi. Imfuyo iyafa kanti nezolimo zisilele emuva. Yisikhathi esinzima lesi, ikakhulu kubalimi nakubantu basemakhaya. Uhulumeni uzoqhubeka nokuxhasa abalimi kanye nokusiza imiphakathi ngamaloli athwala amanzi.
English:
Let me take this opportunity to commend the civil society initiative Operation Hydrate and others for the provision of water relief to many communities in distress. The building of water infrastructure remains critical so that we can expand access to our people and industry.
The first phase of the Mokolo and Crocodile Water Augmentation project in the Lephalale area in Limpopo is fully operational. It will provide 30 million cubic meters of water per annum.
The raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall in the Western Cape entails raising the existing dam level by 13 metres to provide additional water supply. To curb water wastage, the Department of Water and Sanitation has begun its programme of training 15 000 young people as artisans.
On improving labour relations, we welcome the agreement reached by social partners at Nedlac on the principle of a national minimum wage. Deliberations continue on the level at which the minimum wage must be placed. It is important to emphasise that the national minimum wage should be implemented in a manner that does not undermine employment creation, the thriving of small businesses or sustained economic growth. We are also encouraged by reports from Nedlac that a framework to stabilise the labour market by reducing the length of strikes and eliminating violence during strike action is being finalised.
We have heard the concerns of labour about the Tax Amendment Act that I signed into law in December, following its passing by Parliament. Government is in discussion with Cosatu about the matter and a solution is being sought. Discussions are also ongoing within government, led by the Department of Social Development and National Treasury, with regards to finalising the comprehensive social security policy.
Only a few years ago, our mining sector was in turmoil, especially on the platinum belt. The situation has improved and we commend business and labour for the progress made. Another positive development in the mining sector was the Leaders’ Declaration to Save Jobs, which was signed by mining industry stakeholders in August 2015. We urge the parties to implement the agreement and to continue seeking ways of saving jobs. We appeal to business again that retrenchments should not be the first resort when they face difficulties.
In 2014 we launched the popular operation Phakisa big, fast results methodology and implemented it in the ocean economy, health, education and mining sectors. R7 billion has been committed in new port facilities, following the adoption of a public-private partnership model for port infrastructure development by Transnet National Ports Authority. We were concerned that South Africa did not own vessels while we are surrounded by about 3000 km of coastline. Through the oceans economy segment of Operation Phakisa, we are trying to solve this challenge. I am pleased that two bulk carrier vessels have been registered in Port Elizabeth, and a third tanker in Cape Town under the South African flag. Another positive Operation Phakisa development has been the launch of a fuel storage facility here in Cape Town, bringing an investment of R660 million.
Aquaculture appears to be an important growth area within the oceans economy segment of Operation Phakisa. Close to R350 000 private sector investment has thus far been committed in the aquaculture sector. Nine aquaculture farms are already in production. These farms are located within the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Northern Cape.
We continue to promote innovation within the Nine Point Plan programme. The Department of Science and Technology will finalise the Sovereign Innovation fund, a public-private funding partnership aimed at commercialising innovations that are from ideas from the public and the private sectors. Government will fast-track the implementation of the first phase of broadband roll-out to connect more than 5000 government facilities in eight district municipalities over a three-year period. Funding to the tune of R740 million over a three-year period has been allocated in this regard.
A lot of work was done in the social sector as well in the past year. Government has responded to the financial shortfall arising from the zero percent university fee increase, as agreed in meetings with students and vice-chancellors last year. The Minister of Finance will provide the details of education shortfall funding in the Budget Speech. I have appointed a judicial commission of inquiry into higher education. We urge all stakeholders to co-operate with the commission and help ensure its success.
On the health front, the life expectancy of South Africans for both males and females has significantly improved and is currently 62 years across genders, which is an increase of eight and a half years since 2005. The HIV policy turnaround in 2009 led to a massive roll-out of HIV testing and treatment for 3,2 million people living with the virus. This has contributed immensely to healthier and longer lives for those infected. We acknowledge the contribution of partners in the SA National Aids Council which is chaired by the Deputy President. Our next step is to revive prevention campaigns especially amongst the youth. The Minister of Health will soon announce a major campaign in this regard.
I am also happy to announce that the state-owned pharmaceutical company Ketlaphela has been established.
Sesotho:
Ke Tla Phela.
English:
The company will participate in the supply of antiretroviral drugs to the Department of Health from the 2016-17 financial year. Meanwhile, the White Paper on National Health Insurance was released in December aimed at improving health care for everyone in South Africa.
Local government elections will be held within three months after 18 May, the date of the last elections. We urge all citizens who are over the age of 18 to register to vote during the first registration weekend of 5 and 6 March 2016. We urge the youth in particular who are turning 18 years of age this year to register in their numbers for this first ever opportunity to cast their votes.
Our Back to Basics local government revitalisation plan was launched in September 2014 and 2015 has been the year of intensive implementation of this programme. In this second phase of implementation, national government will engage in more active monitoring and accountability measures. This includes unannounced municipal visits, spot checks of supply chain management processes, the implementation of recommendations of forensic reports, site visits of Municipal Infrastructure Grant-funded projects and increased interventions to assist struggling municipalities. A 10-point plan of Back to Basics priority actions has been developed to guide this next phase. The plan includes the promotion of community engagement, which is absolutely critical to enable communities to provide feedback on their experience of local government. I already undertook a walkabout at Marabastad taxi and bus rank in Pretoria on Monday to speak to informal traders and commuters. The majority of complaints and issues raised related to municipal services. They would like the Tshwane Municipality to clean the area and also to fix some broken sewerage pipes. Traders said they need it and were prepared to pay. They alerted me that many people in Elandspoort receive RDP houses, but instead of occupying them, they either sell them or rent them out other people and they asked government to intervene.
Mrs Baloyi, who runs a small business, complained about nyaope drug addicts who steal goods from traders. Other commuters said I must visit Kwaggafontein in the former KwaNdebele to see the lack of service delivery. I will visit the area soon. I was also able to speak to foreign nationals who said they queue daily to apply for documentation from the Department of Home Affairs. We will continue to visit communities to hear their concerns and suggestions. Issues raised during the visit will be followed up by the respective departments – in this instance the head of the office at Marabastad of home affairs responded to all issues raised by foreigners. It was clear that some of them did not understand the procedures, but of course we also said there must be communication between the office there to the people who are outside. And I’ve already spoken to the Minister of Home Affairs about making it a point that those people were they stand, we prepare a better place. [Interjections.]
The SA Police Service is undergoing a turnaround and has adopted the Back to Basics approach in management to rebuild the organisation and to improve performance at all underperforming police stations. We note, sadly, as well that 57 police officers have been murdered to date during the 2015-16 financial year. We condemn this criminality strongly. We urge the police to defend themselves when attacked, within the confines of the law.
The African continent remains central to our foreign policy engagements. South Africa continued to support peace and security and regional economic integration through participation in the African Union and the Southern African Development Community initiatives. We continued to assist sister countries in resolving their issues, for example in Lesotho and South Sudan.
The SA National Defence Force represented the country bravely and remarkably well in peacekeeping missions on the continent. We are truly proud of our soldiers. They will be showcasing their capability in Port Elizabeth from 13 to 21 February at the celebration of Armed Forces Day.
The Agreement by Brics nations on the New Development Bank or Brics Bank came into force and the bank is envisaged to approve its inaugural projects in April this year. We participated in the India-Africa Summit as well as the forum on co-operation between Africa and China as we strengthened these important partnerships. China announced investments of US$50 billion of which South Africa will receive US$10 billion for infrastructure, industrialisation and skills development.
On North-South co-operation, we continued our engagements with the European Union as a bloc which is our largest trading partner and foreign investor. Over 2000 EU companies operate within South Africa creating over 350 000 jobs. South Africa’s relations with the USA and Canada continue to strengthen, especially in the areas of economy, health, education, energy, water, safety and security, capacity-building and the empowerment of women. The renewal and expansion of the African Growth and Opportunity Act provides a platform for the enhancement of industrialisation and regional integration. All outstanding issues around the African Growth and Opportunity Act are being attended to.
We extend good wishes to all athletes who have qualified for the Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. We encourage participation in several programmes aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and nation-building. These include the National Recreation Day, the Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day; the World Move for Health Day, the Golden Games and the Andrew Mlangeni Golf Development Day.
A committee has been established to co-ordinate the participation of our performing arts legends in nation-building activities in the country. The Living Legends committee is chaired by playwright, Mr Welcome Msomi, working with music icon, Ms Letta Mbulu, as deputy chairperson. We are also happy that musicians and actors, amongst others, heeded our call to unite and have formed the Creative Industries Federation of South Africa. The Presidency has established the Presidential Creative Industries task team to support our artists.
To achieve our objectives of creating jobs, reducing inequality and pushing back the frontiers of poverty we need faster growth. In the National Development Plan, we set for ourselves an aspirational target growth of 5% per year, which we had hoped to achieve by 2019. Given the economic conditions I painted earlier on, it is clear that we will not achieve that growth target at the time we had hoped to achieve it.
The tough global and domestic conditions should propel us to redouble our efforts, working together as all sectors. In this regard, it is important to act decisively to remove domestic constraints to growth. We cannot change the global economic conditions, but we can do a lot to change the local conditions. Let us work together to turn the situation around. It can be done. I thank you. [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you, Mr President. Order! After I have adjourned the Joint Sitting, members and guests should please remain at their places until the procession has left the Chamber. The guests in the gallery should remain seated until the ushers indicate that the doors are open.
The procession will leave the Chamber in this manner. It will be led by the Serjeant-at-arms, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, the President, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, the Deputy President, the Secretary to Parliament.
Business concluded.
The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces adjourned the Joint Sitting at 21:16.
TAKE ENDS AT 21:15
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