Hansard: NA: Debate on Vote 13: Women (OAC)
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 12 May 2015
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
EPC - OLD ASSEMBLY CHAMBER
TUESDAY, 12 MAY 2015
PAGE: 1
APPROPRIATION BILL
DEBATE ON VOTE 13: WOMEN
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: Hon Chairperson, hon chairperson of the portfolio committee, hon members, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen I stand here with a heavy heart, moved by the passing on of Mama Ruth Mompati last night.
This stalwart of our revolution was a mother, a trained soldier, a teacher and a mentor to many of us. We dedicate this Budget Vote to this veteran on whom the ANC bestowed the highest honour of Isithwalandwe, Seaparankwe for her uninterrupted role in the struggle for liberation.
Mme Ruth is one of our leading lights of the same ilk of OR Tambo, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Lilian Ngoyi, Albertina Sisulu and others. Mme Mompati was also one of the leaders of the 1956 women’s march and a renowned leader of the ANC Women’s League.
While in exile she never lost her passion as a teacher. She continued with the empowerment of girls who went into exile and played a critical role in the education of young girls and women.
She continued to hold the fort in building the women’s movement and women empowerment, including in this very Parliament when she became part of the corps of leaders who served in the 1st Democratic Parliament. She also contributed by identifying young women in Parliament who could serve as diplomats.
May I ask Parliament to rise and observe a moment of silence in honour of this fallen heroine of our liberation struggle. May her soul rest in eternal peace! I thank you.
As we mourn the passing of Mme Ruth Mompati, we also celebrate her life. Her passing on must unleash a new impetus in all of us to attend to the unfinished business of ensuring radical economic transformation in our lifetime. As this Parliament, as a country and as women we owe it to her to pick up the spear.
Mme Ruth, tell Helen Joseph, Lillian Ngoyi, MmaSisulu and all our departed comrades that 21 years into our democracy we are living in a country that truly belongs to all who live in it. Also tell them that we are still faced with the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
May I take this opportunity to report to Parliament that our former Director-General, Ms Veliswa Baduza, resigned at the end of January 2015 to pursue other career opportunities. I am pleased to introduce our new Director-General, Ms Jenny Schreiner, who was appointed from 1 April 2015.
I stand here, as Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Women, to present the Budget Vote of the Department of Women, Vote 13.
In 1955, the National Action Council, in preparation for the Congress of the People, issued a leaflet mobilising the people across the length and the breadth of our country
It made this call, which, amongst other things said, and I quote:
Let us speak together of Freedom. And of the happiness that can come to men and women if they live in a land that is free. Let us speak of freedom. And how to get it to ourselves ...
I am saying this because this year South Africa celebrates 60 years of the Freedom Charter and we are living that dream. Today the men and women of our beautiful country live in a land that is free. As we celebrate this 60 anniversary, we are encouraged that today we can boldly affirm that South Africa indeed belongs to all who live in it, black and white.
In 2016 we will be celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March.
I am proud to be an ANC Minister because the ANC has been consistent in putting the struggle of women at the centre of the National Democratic Revolution. The strategic objective of the national democratic revolution has been and remains the creation of a nonracial, nonsexist, democratic and united South Africa.
Let me acknowledge the presence of some of our ANC Women’s League veterans, who have been part of this history.
President OR Tambo, without fail, in his various speeches addressed the plight of women, their role in the struggle for liberation and their place in society. Women’s emancipation and gender equality has always been at the helm of the ANC’s work. The establishment of this department and its overall mandate attests to this.
This track record of the struggle for women’s rights and empowerment was reinforced by our commitment to the Beijing Platform for Action. South Africa played a pivotal role in crafting this platform for action to mainstream gender relations, transformation and focus on the empowerment of women across government and society.
The Beijing Platform for Action recognises that, while the achievement of gender-mainstreaming in all departments across the tiers of government and throughout society is the desired outcome, there is a need for a Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women to champion and monitor this cause.
The transfer of the functions and programmes related to the rights of people with disabilities and children to the Department of Social Development has been concluded.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Department of Social Development, the Department of Public Service and Administration and National Treasury for their co-operation, guidance and assistance.
In August 2014, we undertook our first departmental, strategic planning session as the Department of Women located in the Presidency to develop a 2015 to 2020 five-year strategic plan.
In reconfiguring and restructuring the department, we have engaged on how to programmatise its mandate in a manner that contributes meaningfully to the achievement of the National Development Plan, NDP: Vision 2030 and the various implementation strategies that support the NDP.
The first phase of the realignment and the restructuring process has been finalised with the department tabling the Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan, APP, in Parliament in March 2015.
It is particularly important for any department with a new mandate to review its plans and improve the service delivery. We will continue to do this on an annual basis, as is required by the planning framework.
I have, in April 2015, signed off on a structure aligned to our mandate, which is currently receiving the attention of the Minister of Public Service, whose concurrence is required. The next three months will see completion of the job descriptions and skills requirements of the core business posts and a skills audit and matching and placing process of existing staff, as well as+ an intense recruitment drive to build the capacity of the department for improved delivery.
The department will grow incrementally over the Medium Term Strategic Framework period, both in relation to its staffing and in relation to its budget. At face value this may appear to be a simple task, but the task is complex and will require careful attention to annual planning responsibilities.
The department’s budget allocation for the 2015-16 financial year is R187 002 000, of which R67 689 000 is transferred to the Commission of Gender Equality, CGE. This leaves the department with an operational budget for 2015-16, of R119 313 000 for this financial year.
The money for this financial year is allocated across four budget programmes, as follows: Administration, with an allocation of R80 451 000; Social, Political and Economic Participation, with an allocation of R87 230 000, which includes the transfer to CGE; Research, Policy and Knowledge Management, with an allocation of R6 170 000); and Monitoring, Evaluation and Outreach, with an allocation of R13 151 000.
Therefore, I want it to bring to your attention that we intend to engage National Treasury to ensure that we are adequately resourced. We note that the budget allocation for the department is inadequate to enable effective planning and delivery on the key performance areas of the department. The seamless recruitment process that we followed in appointing the new director-general should be applauded.
Building on this achievement, the director-general will embark on recruiting of the requisite skills relevant to the mandate of the department. Our mandate, the socio-economic empowerment of women, requires that we ensure gender-mainstreaming on all the MTSF Outcomes.
This task is daunting, but not insurmountable. The work of our department is directly linked to Outcome 14 of the MTSF: Nation-Building and Social Cohesion. To realise this vision of nation-building and social cohesion, our budget programme structure will be strategically positioned to enable us to continue to fight against structural gender imbalances and patriarchy in all its forms and manifestations.
In particular, we will continue to partner with other government departments and civil society in our fight against gender-based violence with a focus on prevention, strengthening response, support, and awareness raising interventions, as well as improving communication and information-sharing.
Through Budget Programme 3, my department will review the achievements and implementation of measures in the fight against gender-based violence in the country in order to understand the challenges that result in a failure to protect women from violence and abuse.
Since the dawn of democracy, the ANC-led government has enacted a number of reforms and legislative frameworks to address gender-based violence and established a number of institutions to protect the survivors of gender-based violence.
It is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions, given the on-going scourge of violence against women. The department will embark on national dialogues thus reaching out to communities in all provinces. Our main target is rural communities because we want to consciously give women a voice.
Our approach as the Department of Women is to move away from an event-driven 16 Days of Activism for No violence Against Women and Children to a programme which must last for 365 days. Hence the launch of #365Days campaign for no violence against women and children, where I have mobilised members of society, including men, to join hands with government against this scourge, with the theme, Count me in.
Let me at this point recognise a group of parolees who partnered with us in this campaign and in building social cohesion.
The participation of government departments, national, provincial and local, contributed to the massiveness of the campaign, which left behind parks for children and food gardens in communities, as well as sportsmen and women mobilised as ambassadors for no violence against women.
In this campaign, we reached out to 46 African countries, reaching about half a billion people through One Gospel, SABC, ANN7, etv and other media platforms. The interfaith organisations and civil-society organisations have been critical in social mobilisation and have expressed appreciation of the closer partnership in the campaigns against gender-based violence.
We are inspired to be joined today by a number of these religious leaders and we will continue to work with them.
Our August-month programme this year will be a build-up towards the 60 Anniversary of the Women’s march. Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’imbokodo!
We will be intensifying the integration of planning of Women’s Month activities to ensure that the outreach is maximised and all line-function departments focus on gender issues related to their specific mandate.
This August we will also release a report on the status of women, as promised in 2014. The National Development Plan, NDP, aspires to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 through uniting South Africans, unleashing the energies of its citizens, growing an inclusive economy and building capabilities, as well as enhancing the capability of the state and leaders working together to solve complex problems.
The focus of the department here is to fight poverty, in particular as it impacts on women, and ensure gender mainstreaming in the economy across all sectors. In 2030, the NDP will be judged on whether women are at the centre of its achievements or not.
The reality is that poverty tends to be more severe for women and poses greater challenges for women who bear the burden of caring for children, the sick and elderly under very difficult circumstances.
The United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, states that women account for a growing percentage of the world’s poor, with about 70% of the world’s poor being women.
Addressing this august house in 1994, President Nelson Mandela cautioned us that-
Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.
He also said, and I continue to quote:
Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.
In line with Outcome 4: Decent employment through inclusive growth, it is our view that no economy can grow by excluding any part of its people, and an economy that is not growing cannot integrate all of its citizens in a meaningful way.
This means that women, who constitute 52% of the population of South Africa, must be incorporated in the economic development plans in order for South Africa to fully develop.
Let me welcome the work done by Stats SA both in the Quarterly Labour Force Survey and the Gender Series: Volume Economic Empowerment 2001-2014, focusing on gender disparities in economic empowerment, for providing accurate figures on women’s participation in the economy, which lays a basis for the development of strategies to effect improvements.
The study shows the need to intensify our fight against poverty and dismantle the feminisation of poverty which is a direct manifestation of patriarchy. Amongst other things, our department will be working with departments of the economic cluster to review the impact of the existing funding model on women’s empowerment in our country.
We are concerned that the levels of funding to women is far from adequate and will be working with development finance institutions, DFIs, and their departments to turn this around and to ensure the disaggregation of data.
Access to funding is critical for empowerment of women in the economy and we ask the question as to whether the current criteria and processes of DFIs are friendly to women or do they unintentionally contribute to marginalisation of women? Do they change the ownership patterns in society? Do they change participation at all levels including the boardroom?
To empower women to participate fully in economic life, across all sectors, is essential to building stronger economies that create jobs and accessible opportunities for women. We all agree that an improved economy can improve the lives of women and children and thereby build stronger families, stronger communities and a stronger society.
Our department will also add value to Outcome 2: A long and healthy life for all South Africans, supported through Budget Programme 2. We welcome the good work of the Department of Health in the improvement in reduction of maternal mortality, but we will share with the Minister of Health our concerns about the issue of unequal access to health for women.
We are conscious of the causal link between maternal mortality, poverty and access to health services, and must make sure that our government takes health services and health infrastructure to where women are.
The departments’ work in support of Outcome 13: An inclusive and responsive social protection system, will be taken forward through Programme 2, with particular emphasis on the burden of housework and care responsibilities on women, particularly in female-headed households.
The extension of social protection to women and children is a very significant contribution to household income and hence impacts on poverty reduction, but the department will be supporting the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, to provide women with skills as a transition to establishing themselves in formal employment and in the social economy.
The aspects of social protection that include shelters for women and the provision of child care are important for releasing women for more effective participation in the economy and society.
South Africa has ratified regional and international instruments that seek to protect the rights of women as an integral part of human rights and to pursue the socioeconomic empowerment of women.
These instruments include the Southern African Development Community, SADC, Protocol on Gender and Development; the African Unit, AU, Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa, SDGEA; the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa; and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, Cedaw.
Our role as a lead department is to make sure that our country complies with its international obligations. We will, therefore, continue to facilitate gender-mainstreaming in legislation, policies, plans and programmes of government as a whole.
We need to strengthen our international reporting obligations as a country, therefore all outstanding reports will be submitted on time. The process of restructuring and realigning the work of the department will assist in ensuring a more responsive, efficient, effective and timeous reporting on our obligations.
Our reporting obligation as a lead department requires stringent and clear systems of monitoring and evaluation. I am pleased to report that we are currently finalising the Cedaw report for consultation with all stakeholders. This report will be tabled before Cabinet and thereafter here in Parliament. Following this process, we are confident that the report will be gazetted for public consultations in June 2015.
Chairperson, our Budget Vote debate takes place at a time when the global community has just emerged from the successful 59th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, UNCSW.
It provided member states with an opportunity to reflect on how far they have come in implementing the Beijing Platform and Declaration for Action, Beijing +20, adopted at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995.
Let me take this opportunity to thank civil society organisations for their invaluable contributions towards the drafting and the finalisation of our country’s report.
As promised, there will be further consultations with all stakeholders. [NO SOUND UNTIL HERE.] Our approach is that the UNCSW is not an event but an ongoing process in improving and refining delivery for our women.
Arising out of our Beijing +20 Country Report, it is clear that there are several major gains made and milestones reached in the progress toward women’s empowerment and gender equality in the country.
Major achievements for South Africa in this regard are demonstrated by the sound human-rights-based legislative framework in the country; the institutional mechanisms put in place to promote women’s human rights, dignity, empowerment and gender equality; and the remarkable achievements in the representation of women in decision-making structures and processes both in the public and the private sector.
This is why, as the ANC-led government, we pride ourselves on our history and on building the future. However, greater effort is still required of the private sector, and my department will continue to work with corporate South Africa in order to ensure that it also complies with the commitments made in 1995.
As government, we are encouraged by initiatives such as the 30% Club, which is a global team of listed companies that has committed to ensuring that there is at least 30% representation of women on their boards.
Increasingly, the private sector is realising that gender diversity at the top echelons of companies is not only about numbers but also about improved performance. The study of PWC, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, on women on boards shows that a more diverse board of directors has a better understanding of markets which are themselves diverse in terms of gender.
The assessment of women’s representation in Parliament indicates where we are today, that it is only the ANC which has 50% women’s representation. [Interjections.] [Applause.] We challenge other parties also to embrace the principle of gender parity and stop paying lip service.
The African Union has put women at the heart of the developmental agenda of our continent, and we are halfway through the 2010 to 2020 African Women’s Decade under the theme: Grassroots approach to gender equality and women’s empowerment. [Interjections.]Can you hear? Patriarchy — it’s men who are busy oppressing us again! [Applause.] [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon members, order!
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: South Africa is proud of getting an opportunity to host the AU Summit of Head of States in June 2015.
This provides an opportunity for South Africa as a leading country on the gender equality programme to set another milestone. The AU Heads of States have declared 2015, the Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development Towards Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Consonant with this theme, as South Africa, we will be hosting two important meetings on women in June in our country during this summit, namely the 2nd High Level Panel on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment and the meeting of AU Ministers in charge of gender and women as part of this Summit.
The Africa Union has taken a decision that by 2020, all African countries must have achieved parity in women’s representation in decision-making and participation in the economy. We welcome this decision which challenges patriarchy in Africa. In challenging patriarchy, the key strategic outcome of the AU’s Agenda 2063 is the destruction of the economic and political glass ceiling that restricts women’s progress.
As we move towards Africa Day we must be mindful of the conditions faced by many women in our continent who are at the coalface of poverty and underdevelopment. We are, however, encouraged by the Africa 2063 Agenda which, for us, is a source of renewed hope. As South Africa we must always remember that we are not an island; we are Africa! [Applause.]
In the African Agenda 2063, amongst other things, the AU commits itself to-
Catalyse education and a skills revolution and actively promote science, technology, research and innovation, to build knowledge, human resources, capabilities and skills for the African century.
[Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon members! Can we please listen to the debate?
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: When assessing the quality of education in relation to fields of study, employed persons with a tertiary education are more likely to be qualified in the economic and management sciences. On the other hand, women were more likely to be in possession of qualifications in the field of social studies and health sciences.
It is clear that despite efforts to give women greater access to education, women are still concentrated in certain disciplines, other than the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and most professions continue to be sex-segregated.
During this financial year, the Department of Women will continue to work with other departments, civil society and corporate South Africa to ensure empowerment and education of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, fields. In this regard we will partner with the Department of Science and Technology and the Human Sciences Research Council to take forward the recommendations of the recently held African Gender Summit aimed at enhancing gender and the STEM fields.
However, we continue to have concerns about the levels of attrition of women working in the hard technical fields with the appropriate qualifications. To address this challenge, as the department, we will work with all stakeholders to address the shortcomings and reinforce best practices.
These are practices such as the Uweso Technogirl, a civil-society initiative which facilitates job-shadowing programmes for the girl child in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Let me recognise the Technogirls and their alumni who are here in the gallery. Good luck. Keep up the good work as young women and future leaders of our country. [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Hon Minister, your time has expired.
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: In addition, ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon members! Order!
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: The Presidency, in partnership with Cell C, will host the Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work, on 28 May 2015.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Hon members, can you please be quiet. I have informed the Minister that her time has expired and there is no need to make a noise.
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: May I take this opportunity ... [Interjections.] [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order! Hon members, may I ask our guests in the gallery that in terms of Parliament’s Rules you can observe, but you are not supposed to participate. What that means is that even if you may be excited about a point, you can’t clap hands. It also means that if you are not happy, you can’t howl or make noise.
Order, hon members! Secondly, while one appreciates that this is one of the debates that almost has a full house and a lot of people are here, we also would be disappointed if our conduct demeans the status of the debate.
When we started, I thought a number of parties, some of which have come from their congresses, might have moved a step further to ensuring that they take gender-sensitive policies and also policies that will increase women’s participation. [Interjections.] But what it also means is that we should respect, even in terms of our conduct, the women who participate in the debate.
Ms T C MEMELA
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza)
Ms T C MEMELA: Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister, hon Members of Parliament, MPs, distinguished guests in the gallery, ladies and gentlemen, in terms of policy orientation, the ANC, in its document, Ready to Govern: ANC Policy Guidelines for a Democratic South Africa, asserted its support of the principle of equal rights for women and men in all spheres, and the creation of special agencies to ensure that equal opportunity operates in practice.
The ANC further committed itself to ensuring that mechanisms are built into the system to enable women to participate in decision-making and administrative structures at all levels of government. Women must be brought into the decision-making process. Programmes must be designed to equip women with skills to enable them to participate.
In this regard, special attention will have to be paid to the rural areas, where women are disproportionately located. The patriarchal system of law and land rights has deprived women of independent access to land and control over the products of their labour.
This must be addressed by ensuring that women have the same rights as men in regard to all land-related issues and they must be given special assistance to realise these rights.
At the ANC’s national conference in Polokwane in 2007, it was noted, as follows:
The ANC has led South Africa in ensuring that the empowerment of women is brought to the centre of development. South Africa has addressed issues of women empowerment through all government departments by monitoring through the gender machinery set up in the Presidency.
In continuing to champion women’s economic empowerment and gender equality, the ANC took a decision in Polokwane to establish a women’s Ministry, focusing on the development of women as many of our women are not yet part of the economic mainstream, including access to economic opportunities.
We resolved that we must increase access to economic opportunities for women. This includes targeted procurement from women’s companies and small, medium enterprises, SMMEs, and it includes transforming the economy to represent the demographics for women.
We must also ensure that we work with the rest of society and, in particular, the private sector, to ensure that women are part of the decision-making structures in society and that women are part of the mainstream economy.
In this regard, we welcome the proposal by the Ministry of Women in the Presidency, with which we must engage to ensure that it achieves its goals. In addition, we must continue to monitor the implementation of this important policy proposal.
I turn to consolidating the gains of women in the first 20 years of our democracy whilst we continue to champion women’s economic empowerment and gender equality. This is linked to Programme 2: Social, Political and Economic Participation and Empowerment.
Since 1994, remarkable progress has been made in raising the voice of women through the creation of participatory spaces and structures. Two decades on, there is an increase in the number of women in Parliament and government. This development can be attributed to the introduction of important legislation that empowers women, including the establishment of statutory bodies and the Women’s Ministry to advance equality.
It is a known fact that women have, for decades, played a critical role in the struggle for liberation. They have also contributed immensely to the process of building a united, democratic, nonracial, nonsexist and prosperous South Africa.
The gains in the fight against gender inequality have opened the way for the women of today to progress in all aspects of society through progressive legislation that stipulates a woman’s rightful place as equal to a man’s in all aspects of life. Women have equal rights before the law, which did not exist before 1994.
Initiatives to create gender equality post-1994 began to be realised with the building of institutional machinery to promote it, such as with the establishment of the Office on the Status of Women in 1997.
In that year, Parliament also passed legislation to establish the Commission for Gender Equality, with a mandate to monitor, evaluate, conduct research on, investigate complaints and conduct public awareness of and education on women’s rights and gender equality.
Women are benefiting from increased access to basic services at the household level, which is also resulting in positive outcomes for children and families. Before 1994, women were not allowed to legally buy or own a home or land. Compared to the further oppression and discrimination they experienced during the apartheid era, women have equal rights before the law, including the right to make decisions regarding reproduction.
The amended Divorce Act protects women’s property rights in the case of divorce. The amended Recognition of Customary Marriages Act of 2000, recognises customary marriages in favour of women, especially with regard to inheritance. Women are now also able to obtain a mortgage.
Through the implementation of ANC policy through legislation, an enabling environment has been created for women to access, own, control, use and manage land, and access credit. This has led to an increase in female-headed households benefiting from land reform.
Progress has been made to ensure that women are now actively involved in the decision-making structures in society and in government. In addition to the progress made by government in the development of women, civil society structures are now involved in the campaigns that focus on the establishment of centres that focus on women abuse.
The passing of the Employment Equity Act, and now the promulgation of the Employment Equity Amendment Act on 1 August 2014, marked a turning point in our history in terms of opening up opportunities.
The Employment Equity Act of 1998, facilitated access to formal employment for women. Employers are legally required to work towards more equitable representation based on gender, race and disability.
One of the key achievements for women through the Employment Equity Amendment Act is the new provision calling for equal pay for work of equal value. Unequal pay based on gender and other listed grounds in the Constitution and the Act is unfair discrimination and is illegal.
The number of women in wage employment in the nonagricultural sector is an important indicator of progress made both in gender equality and women’s empowerment in the labour force. Specific policies on maternity benefits and protection in the workplace have assisted women of child-bearing age to retain their jobs, while supporting their reproductive roles.
The implementation of women’s empowerment in South Africa has contributed to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 1, MDG 1, on hunger and poverty reduction and to economic growth, directly through women’s increased labour-force productivity and earnings.
In this regard, progress has been noted in many areas, in particular addressing the economic empowerment of women through the establishment and creation of women’s co-operatives; support of women in agriculture and farming; in energy, particularly the green-economy projects and solar energy; mining; the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP; and grants and funds.
Major progress in ensuring women’s right to sustainable development has been the reform of South Africa’s land policy. Land reform has had a particularly positive impact on rural women. The South African White Paper on Land Reform laid the policy framework for the abolition of all laws that discriminate against women in relation to property ownership. This has significantly advanced rural women’s access to ownership and control of land.
When we look at what has happened recently – at the so-called xenophobia ... [Interjections.] ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon members!
Ms T C MEMELA: ... or whatever adjective you want to use ... [Interjections.] ...
An HON MEMBER: It’s not an adjective!
Ms T C MEMELA: ... as I’m standing here, some people are enjoying what happened to our people.
HON MEMBERS: No, no! [Interjections.]
Ms T C MEMELA: However, the fact of the matter is that most of these people from the broader Africa were protected. [Interjections.]
And HON MEMBER: “These people”? They still died.
Ms T C MEMELA: They were protected. And it’s a pity these attacks happened because when such things happen, women are exposed to danger. [Interjections.]
We, as the ANC, are endorsing the Budget Vote. Thank you, Chair.
Mrs D ROBINSON
Ms T C MEMELA
Mrs D ROBINSON: Hon House Chair, The Department of Women in the Presidency was established in 2014, having been divested of the additional responsibilities of children and persons with disabilities, which were then transferred to the Ministry of Social Development.
The Ministry of Women has been mired in controversy since its establishment due to a lack of clear direction and lack of leadership. We are so glad, hon Minister, that you are not missing in action and that you did turn up.
The department has shifted its focus towards an emphasis on the socioeconomic empowerment and equality of women through mainstreaming, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation, but, the DA asks: What is being done? How effective are the measures undertaken?
In 2015-16 financial year it received its first standalone budget of R187 million, which is expected to increase to R200 million by 2017-2018. This is the smallest allocation of all departments and it is of concern when one considers that this department is responsible for the socioeconomic interests of 50% of the population.
This budget clearly needs to be managed very carefully to achieve its mandate and to combat the plethora of societal ills that the department is tasked with combating.
Given this, it must then be asked: Why was it necessary for a consultant to be appointed to design a communication strategy at great cost? How successful was it? Why did we not see more about the Commission for Gender Equality, CGE, in the media?
In a country ravaged by gender violence, where women and children often have to flee for their lives, more shelters and Thuthuzela Care Centres are needed. How can government turn its back on the mothers and children of this country?
Perhaps the same lame excuse will be regurgitated once again that there is no extra funding and budget cuts have to be applied. Why does government not apply its cautionary penny-pinching mentality to gross luxuries, excessive travel and the personal indulgences of vast homesteads like Nkandla and others which are for the use of the rich and powerful but does not care a jot for the poor and marginalised?
It is a sad, sad story that the government pays little attention to those who put them in power, except when distributing the odd food parcel. Eighty percent of this budget allocation will go through administration, “to provide effective leadership, management and support services to the Minister”.
There is an urgent need for gender-rights education and awareness programmes at early childhood and development centres, ECD centres, to primary and secondary schools throughout this country in rural areas and towns.
In these programmes, the dignity of women and girls must be reinforced. Our people must be given the knowledge and affirmation that girls and women are not second-class citizens but are equal partners in growing our economy so that more jobs can be created.
Men and boys need to be involved so that gender stereotypes and social attitudes can be changed. Incidents of gender-based violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex, LGBTI, people, continue unabated.
The Commission for Gender Equality, CEG, receives by far the largest allocation of funds from the Ministry, at just over R67 million. It is mandated to promote, protect, monitor and evaluate gender equality. Yet, it spent 64% of its 2013-2014 budget allocation on compensation for its employees! How effective have they then been at carrying out their mandate?
The incidence of sexual crimes in South Africa is extremely high. There were 171 sexual offences committed every day in 2013-14. We are so used to these figures that we are inured to them and they no longer shock us as they should. [Applause.] But what are the Ministry and the CGE in particular, doing to try to decrease the rate of violence?
Regarding child-maintenance defaulters, over nine million children are growing up in single-parent households, with the majority headed by mothers. The campaign launched by the DA Women’s Network has received resounding support from communities across the country. Yet, clause 11, which would enable blacklisting of offenders, has been removed by the ANC Parliamentary caucus. Where are the women standing up for the rights of mothers and children? [Interjections.] [Applause.]
The needs are endless, but it seems that the CGE preoccupies itself with working on employment quotas at universities and other institutions instead of focusing on major issues of gender inequality and violence on the ground. The everyday horrors of violence that people have to endure in their homes, the streets, the playgrounds and, not least, in schools which are often no longer safe spaces for children.
The failure of the much-applauded National Council for Gender-based Violence in South Africa is a serious setback to gender justice. It was meant to lead, monitor and implement a 365-days plan of action against gender-based violence for children and people with disabilities.
It was a high-level, multisectoral, national response to the scourge of gender-based violence to be chaired by Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe. Sadly, lack of proper planning and funding led to its closure.
Minister Shabangu, what came of the petition that was presented to your director-general in November 2014 by 5 000 people who clamoured at the gates of Parliament wanting to see you?
The people want answers. They want to see some political will. They want a Ministry that will collaborate with and monitor the Department of Justice and SA Police Service, SAPS. They need your department to be a catalyst for action to change their lives and to ensure that women can walk in safety, unhindered.
There are many issues and problems that desperately need attention and intervention. Unfortunately, it seems that the Minister is content to spend the majority of the department’s budget allocation on administration rather than supporting projects that could make a real difference to the lives of the girls and women of this country.
The people say: Kwanele, kwanele! Genoeg is genoeg! (Enough is enough!). Let us show some political will, Minister. [Interjections.] The people are angry with the lily-livered approach of this Ministry. We must work together, identify and change the quality of life for every woman and child. Thank you! Enkosi! [Applause.]
Ms M S KHAWULA
Mrs D ROBINSON
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Ngibonge Sihlalo, ... [Ubuwelelele.]
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order! Can we allow the speaker on the podium to make her input.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Ngiyabonga Sihlalo ukungivikela. Thina njenge-EFF ngempela ngempela asikakakuboni ukukhuselwa kwabantu besifazane baseNingizimu Afrika. Inkinga eyenza ukuthi ngisho lokho yingoba eKapa la eduze abantu besifazane basahlala endaweni enuka phu okukhombisayo ukuthi ngabantu abamnyama. [Ubuwelewele.] Izingane zabo zidlala ngendle. Izindlu zabo phakathi zintanta indle. Indlu ngayinye engumjondolo kuhlala abantu abayishumi nesihlanu ukuya emashumini amabili kule minyaka engamashumi amabili nanye yenkululeko. [Ubuwelewele.]
ENdwedwe kuwadi le-19 kanye newadi le-10 abantu besifazane khona uma kukhulunywa ngamalungelo abazi lutho ngoba akekho umuntu oya khona abafundise ngawo. Basahlukunyezwa ngokocansi. [Ubuwelewele.] Baphinde bahlukunyezwe nangobaba bekhaya ngemithetho ebacindezelayo ... [Ubuwelewele.] ... ukuthi uma ngumuntu wesifazane kufuneka wenzenjani.
USIHLALO WENDLU (Nk A T Didiza): Mam’uKhawula awume kancane nje.
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Hon members, can we please not make gestures and point at each other across the floor? Can we please show respect to those who are on the podium? Even if we speak, let’s not drown the speaker at the podium.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Ngiyabonga Sihlalo, eNdwendwe abantu bakhona besifazane basemakhaya basacindezelwe ngenxa yemithetho ebacindezele ukuthi uma ungumuntu wesifazane yikuphi okufanele ukwenze futhi yikuphi okufanele ungakwenzi. Yizo zonke izinto lezi ukufanele sibone ukuthi bayafundiswa ngazo. Basavuka ekuseni babelethe izingane emhlane bayokha amanzi ngehora lesine emfuleni. Uma kwenzeka kufika le moto ethwala amanzi ifika ebusuku ngamabili izonikeza abantu amanzi nalapho atholwa yilabo abaseduze komgwaqo. Lalela njalo ukuhlukumezeka komuntu wesifazane; uyabuya lapho uyolima emasimini, lokho kudla akulimayo ayikho indlela yokuthi akwazi ukukudayisa athuthuke ngokonomtho.
Izikole zasemakhaya ziyihlazo elikhulu, izingane zakhona zihleli phakathi ezikhotheni. Amanzi awekho kepha kule minyaka engamashumi amabili nanye uthishanhloko nengane basenkingeni yokuthi kufanele uma beyozikhulula bahambe ibanga elide ukuze bayozikhulula. Aniboni ngani ukuthi le nto yokudlwengulwa kwezingane nabantu kulele kunina njenge-ANC ethi iyabusa. Anikabusi nina, funeka nibuze ukuthi nobusa nini. [Ubuwelewele.]
Eziteshini zamaphoyisa kunamacala okudlwengula kwabantu besifazane. Lawo macala madala futhi uma uthi uyawalandela agcina ngokunyamalale ngoba phela asuke ethinta abathize. Ngesinye isikhathi amaphoyisa athi kubantu abahambe bayoxoxisana nabayeni babo. Imikhuba yenu njalo nemithetho yenu le efana nalena eseniyishaya manje yokuthi emajele abantu besifazane abahambe bayolala neziboshwa. Ngamanye amazwi ngiqonde ukuthi kule lizwe akuqhubeke kuliwe. [Kwaphela isikhathi.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order hon members! Can we please give the member at the podium an opportunity to present her input?
Ms L L VAN DER MERWE
Ms M S KHAWULA
Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: House Chairperson, the Minister of Women in The Presidency and Members of Parliament, on behalf of the IFP let me also take this opportunity to convey our condolences on the passing of Mama Ruth Mompati.
This is a debate that transcends party politics. I am first and foremost a South African woman and my constituency is the women of our country, regardless of our political affiliation, the language we speak or where we come from. Our stories are the same and our challenges are the same whether we are single mothers living in rural areas or pregnant teenagers.
My mother was also a pregnant teenager, although not by choice. My late mother did not finish matric and so a life
of low-paying jobs awaited her. That today is still the story of many young South Africans. Her story and her challenges became mine, as I had to give up my dream of studying further in order to care for an ailing mother.
Therefore, while many may disregard the importance of this department, gender issues are very important to me and so it should be to every South African. My message today to every young girl is that no matter your circumstances, you can rise and face your challenges. [Applause.]
While gains have been made since 1994 to entrench women’s rights, many failures have loomed large. Allow me to highlight a few concerns.
The state fails to provide adequate funding from the national Budget to fund women’s issues and fight gender-based violence. This, despite the fact that last year KPMG estimated that violence against women will cost our country, at a very minimum, R28,4 billion per year.
The question that must be asked is: How is it possible that after two decades of being guided by a Constitution which entrenches women’s rights and gender equality, we still have a gender-blind budget?
Following on from that, I must ask whether there is real political will to end gender-based violence, considering that the National Council Against Gender-Based Violence, NCGBV, established by President Zuma in response to the brutal death of Anene Booysen, never received one cent.
Moreover, we still do not have a clear plan to fight gender-based violence, neither do we know if any of the tools that we are currently using are yielding any results. That is the status quo, despite the fact that we have made an international commitment to halve our cases of gender-based violence by 2015.
Its 2015 now, yet we have not made any progress. Clearly, we need to prioritise the development and implementation of a properly researched and resourced national plan for gender-based violence.
Minister, you must be congratulated for ensuring that opposition parties were included in your delegation that went to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Clearly, however, considering our financial challenges, we must keep our delegations smaller. We also need to spend less time on workshops, conferences, events, seminars and lunches. We need every cent to be spent in a manner that will effect real change.
We need to deal resolutely with all the barriers that impede women’s empowerment, whether it is a lack of quality education; teenage pregnancies; or the gender pay gap which still sits at 35%, which means that in South Africa a woman will earn in a year what a man earns in eight months.
The IFP will pledge its support for this budget, however the reality is that the budget we are debating today is simply not enough. If we do not start addressing the lack of adequate funding for the empowerment of our women, debates like these will be mere exercises in futility. Let me leave you with the words of Kofi Annan who said:
Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.
Ngiyabonga kakhulu.
Mr S C MNCWABE
Ms L L VAN DER MERWE
Ms C N MAJEKE: Thank you Chairperson, with due respect, I request the extra two minutes of the hon S C Mncwabe, who is not here.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R MDAKANE): Proceed with your speech.
Ms N C MAJEKE: Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers and hon members, the UDM conveys its heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mama Ruth, Dr Ruth Mompati.
In supporting this Budget Vote, the UDM wishes to make the following comments. Society must be mobilised against the ever-rising reported incidents of intimate-partner violence. As we debate this Budget Vote today, there are no less than three reported cases of the alleged murder of women by their partners, let alone those not reported. In fact, yesterday three men appeared in the Johannesburg courts on charges of murdering their partners.
The Medical Research Council reported in 2014 that in South Africa a woman is killed by her intimate partner every six hours. It does not matter what the reasons are, but this cruelty against women must stop.
Stakeholder co-ordination framework is not enough. We need to have practical and programmatic engagement with all social movements, nongovernmental organisations, NGOs, and community-based organisations of people to drive an aggressive campaign for 365 days a year, in defence of the rights of women.
Chairperson, we can never claim to be doing better in the work of emancipation of women when they continue living in fear of other human beings. Whilst we appreciate that the department is fairly new and has received its first standalone budget allocation, for the first time a deliberate focus on the rural women must be one of its priorities. Much work has to be done to empower rural women.
Accordingly, the departmental advocacy work must target these vulnerable groups of women. As the Commission for Gender Equality ensures that its provincial offices are adequately resourced, these offices and resources must be accessible to the majority of rural women.
Chairperson, on partnering with local government on education and outreach programmes, the Commission for Gender Equality must go beyond the council and/or formal structures. It must also include ward-based community structures whilst persuading municipalities to adopt women-friendly Integrated Development Planning, IDP. In this regard, a criterion to adopt the IDP may have to include gender balance or women-friendliness.
In conclusion, Chairperson, for the realisation of the departmental vision and mission, a multidimensional approach should be adopted. Such approach should include amongst others, creation of community based support networks, placing of the user friendly and reliable information at the disposal of rural women, in particular and educating them on their rights and recourse mechanisms.
A wide-range of social forces and role-players must be engaged to be activist for the total emancipation of women.
Chairperson, the UDM supports the Budget Vote. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr M G P LEKOTA
Ms N C MAJEKE
Mr M G P LEKOTA: Chairperson, when all of us swore allegiance to the national Constitution, we also swore allegiance to work for gender equality. So strictly speaking, all of us, as members of the House, are bound by the obligation to work for gender equality.
Secondly, there are none of us who does not have a mother; and insofar as each one of us has a mother, we are duty bound, we must have a conscience which says that as long as women are treated as less than other human beings, then we are not worthy of being proud of our parents; because every women who is violated, represents a violation of our mothers.
It is not an issue for point-scoring. It is an issue of seriously examining our conscience. Now, I want to say we ought to be saying to ourselves that as long as there is gender inequality in our society, we have not been faithful to the women who brought us into this world and who loved us until we reached the age that we have reached.
Gender equality must not be reduced to arresting somebody who has assaulted a woman or something like that. It has to be raised to the level at which we can say the women of our country, young and old, are living a life that is worthy of us too; that is similar and equal to us. If we can’t say that, we, ourselves, are responsible for the gender equality.
Primarily, this is a social problem because it is in the home where we are educated. This social attitude towards women is taught in the homes where we come from. We must listen to the language we use. The sayings we use such as, “Women talk too much” —women this, women that, and all those phrases are stock statements in various languages and they educate the mind to look upon women as being less than others.
We may now say we can give this budget, we can increase this budget, but if in the homes in which we are we do not teach correct social attitudes, then we are agents of gender inequality.
We would like to say that following from what happens in the homes and in the churches, the foundation must be laid in the homes, in the schools and in the churches. It must be carried forward emphatically in the institutions of learning. If our education does not find ways in which the syllabi educate for gender equality, we will not win this battle. Thank you. [Applause.]
Ms M O MATSHOBA
Mr M G P LEKOTA
Ms M O MATSHOBA: Hon Speaker, hon Minister and Deputy Ministers, guests in the gallery, hon Members of Parliament, MPS, I greet you all.
Isixhosa:
Le ngcinga ethi oomama baadalelwa ukuba balawulwe ngootata kuba iingqondo zabo zincinci ayikho. Lo ngumkhuba ubungomnye weziqhamo zengcinezelo nocalucalulo.
Le, yeminye yemikhuba umbutho wesizwe wathi wazimisela ukuba uya kuyilwa, de ayincothule neengcambu. KuMgaqo-siseko wethu siyibeke yacaca, gca oku kwekati emhlophe ehlungwini, into yokuba inkululeko yethu iyakuba lilize ukuba isininzi sethu sisacinezelekile ngokwesini. Inkululeko yethu esayizuza ngowe-1994, izise inkqubela phambili enkulu ingakumbi koomama. [NO SOUND]
English:
I want to tell you, Ms Robinson, that this province is under siege under the DA administration. Helen Zille has no programme for women abuse and child abuse.
Young women who have graduated are unemployed under the Helen Zille administration. [Interjections.] A girl and four boys were shot dead in New Crossroads... [18:14] ... [NO SOUND]
Mr M WATERS: [NO SOUND] Chairperson, on a point of order: ... it is actually ridiculous. Does the President of South Africa speak out on every rape and murder that happens in our country? What is the hon speaker’s point?
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon Waters, sit down. That is not a point of order.
Ms M O MATSHOBA: It is a province led by a woman with no vision for women and children. Helen Zille has created no jobs for black and coloured communities. Her priority is white women from affluent communities like Constantia. [Interjections.] De Lilla, the Mayor of the City of Cape Town ... [Interjections.] ...
AN HON MEMBER: De Lille!
Ms M O MATSHOBA: De Lille — whatever.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon members, please give the hon member the opportunity to proceed with her speech.
Ms M O MATSHOBA: She puts on a mask when visiting black communities and there are no programmes implemented for women and children. [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Two members rose at the same time. Who must I pick?
Ms S V KALYAN: You choose, Chairperson.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): You may proceed — your mic is on.
Ms S V KALYAN: Thank you, Chairperson. I should like to address you on a point of order.
In terms of the relevance of the subject and in terms of the Rule relating to the relevance of the subject matter being debated and in terms of the spirit of the debate, the Presiding Officer before you encouraged the House to debate in a good spirit and manner, yet the speaker at the podium is attacking two females in a typical pull-her-down syndrome. I submit that that is not parliamentary.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Very well. Thank you.
Ms M O MATSHOBA: Amazingly, De Lille ... [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Order, hon members. [Interjections.] Hon members, please give me an opportunity to respond to the point of order. The point of order raised is not sustained. It is the member’s opinion and it is a point of debate. Any other member who might speak after this and who believes the same, may make that same argument from the podium.
Ms M O MATSHOBA: Amazingly, De Lille’s photos are all over Cape Town bus stops, shelters and at the Cape Town International Airport stating, “I am addicted, and you?” There are, however, no programmes for the victims of drug abuse. Women and children, being the so-called leader of the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town ...
Ms M S KHAWULA: Hon Chairperson ...
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Is that a point of order?
Ms M S KHAWULA: Can the hon member at the podium be factual and stop misleading the House? [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): No, hon member. Please allow the hon member to express her views.
IsiXhosa:
Nks M O MATSHOBA: UMama uKhawula, owayesakuba nguceba waseNanda, wabaleka abantu apho. Akukho nto awayenzela abantu balapho. Uze apha ePalamente ... [Uwelewele.]
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Uxolo lapho ngaphambili we Sihlalo. Angazi noma kuzohlaselwana yini lana! Angikaze ngibe ikhansela eNanda; akabuze kimina ngimtshele! [Ubuwelewele.]
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Ms Khawula, is that a point of order you are rising on?
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Yebo yiyona.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): What is your point of order?
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Ngithi angakhulumi into angayazi; akobuza bese ngiyamtshela.
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon Khawula, sit down.
IsiZulu:
Nks M S KHAWULA: Okokuqala, kuleli lokuthi ngabaleka, angikaze ngibaleke mina.
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Order, hon Ms Khawula. That is not a point of order. Sit down.
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Uyabona mina njenge-EFF, angizange ngibaleke ngeza ngapha. Wena uma ufuna ukuza ngapha ungazizela mfwethu, amakhadi akhona; woza mfanakithi! [Uhleko.]
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Please proceed, hon member.
English:
Ms M O MATSHOBA: You object to everything in this Parliament.
IsiXhosa:
Kanti uzele ukuza kwenza ntoni apha? [Kwaqhwatywa.]
English:
You only think about looting the salaries of this Parliament. You have no vision for our women.
Ms E N LOUW: Hon Chairperson, on a point of order.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Is that a point of order?
Ms E N LOUW: Yes, of course it’s a point of order. I wouldn’t be standing if it were not a point of order. You heard me correctly. I said it’s a point of order. I wouldn’t be standing for anything else.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Yes, but I’m saying what is the point of order? That is what I’m asking you.
Ms E N LOUW: The point of order is: Is it parliamentary to say another Member of Parliament, MP, is “looting” a salary? [Interjections.] Because, if it is, she doesn’t know me. She doesn’t know anything about me. I have worked for my money.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon member, you have raised your point of order. [Interjections.] Please await the response.
Ms E N LOUW: Is it parliamentary for a member to say another member is looting?
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Can you now keep quiet, because you have raised your point of order. [Interjections.] Wait for the response.
Ms E N LOUW: I am waiting for your ruling, Chairperson.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Yes. Order, hon members. I’m requesting hon members ... [Interjections.]
Ms E N LOUW: I won’t sit at your command, I’ll sit on mine. You don’t control me.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon member, can you please keep quiet. It is ... [Interjections.] Order! Hon members on my right-hand side, you are making it difficult for me to preside.
Hon members, the ruling on this point of order is that this point of order is sustained. The hon member is casting aspersions on the member whom she referred to and I therefore request that the member withdraws the statement she made regarding looting.
IsiXhosa: Nks M O MATSHOBA: Ndiyadrowa. [Kwahlekwa.]
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Thank you very much. Can you round up, please.
Ms M O MATSHOBA: We understand you have no policies. You come here to this Parliament with an empty vision ...
Ms E N LOUW: Chairperson, on a point of order: The member knows perfectly good English. She must withdraw unconditionally. To “draw” is something completely different. Otherwise she must come to me: I will teach her proper English. She must withdraw unconditionally. [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon member, my understanding is that the hon member has withdrawn. Therefore, the hon member must be given the opportunity to finish her speech. Hon member, you have one minute left.
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Sihlalo, slihlalo!
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Is that a point of order?
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mnu B L Mashile): That is not a point of order.
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Yebo. Ngokukhulu ukukuhlonipha lapho ngaphambili, mhlawumbe usakhumbula ngelinye ilanga sihleli la nizosishushisa. [Ubuwelewele.] Manje bengicabanga ngoba phela nawe uyawazi umthetho, ake ulungise ngoba, uma ngicabanga nje, bese kufanele nimbizele onogada laba abagqoke okumnyama nokumhlophe bamkhiphe ngoba manje akayazi into azoyisho la ePhalamende! Uzokhohlisa abantu baseNingizimu Afrika, engabe uyangibuza mina ngizomtshela!
USIHLALO WENDLU (Mnu B L Mashile): Mam’ uKhawula, njengoba ngikuhlonipha nami ngicabanga ukuthi uzohlala phansi ngoba akulona iphuzu lokubuyisela endleleni lelo oliphakamisayo.
English:
Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: Chairperson, on a point of order ...
IsiXhosa:
Nks M O MATSHOBA: La maqina abasetyhini uwakhokelayo njengomama omdala akukho nto baza kuyifunda. Baze kungxola apha ...
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon member, there is a point of order.
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Bengike ngasho, Sihlalo! Nginenkinga ngoba asikaze sixabane nalo mhlonishwa ukuthi pho yini inkinga yakhe ... [Ubuwelewele.] ... noma ufuna ubulungu be-EFF? Woza! Amasango avuliwe! [Ubuwelewele.]
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Ms Khawula, you have not been recognised to speak.
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Awu ngiyaxolisa mhlonishwa, kodwa awukhuze eceleni kwakho!
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): You are going overboard. [Interjections.] Is that a point of order?
Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: Yes, Chairperson, on a point of order: The hon know-it-all must also know the Rules. She has to address you; she cannot enter into a dialogue with members across the floor. [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Thank you. Can you proceed, hon member, but address the Chair.
IsiXhosa:
Nks M O MATSHOBA: Into esiyibonayo thina apha ePalamente kukuba nina ningxola nje oku kweenyosi. Akukho kwanto enize nayo kule Palamente.
English:
Mr J J MC GLUWA: Chairperson, on a point of order: Will the horrible addicted member — I’m sorry, I mean the hon member — take a question?
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon member, please, don’t let the debate deteriorate. There is no “horrible” member.
Mr J J MC GLUWA: I meant to say the “honourable” member. Will she take a question?
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Will you take a question?
Ms M O MATSHOBA: No.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): The hon member said no. Please take your seat.
Ms M O MATSHOBA: Your leader, a chief of staff, went around ...
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Uxolo. Ngiyaxolisa, Sihlalo. Angixabani nhlobo nawe, ngizimisele ngokukuhlonipha. Ngiyakucela Sihlalo.
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon Khawula, is that a point of order?
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Yebo, yilona iphuzu lokubuyisela endleleni leli engiliphakamisayo manje.
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Can we hear?
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Ngiyacela ngane yakwethu, ake uzame ngempela, siyeke ukudlala. Uyabona umuntu uma esukuma, akasho ukuthi athi, “Angisukumi nalutho.” – nasesontweni bayasho! Hhayi ukuthi asukumele ukuthi yena uzogibela phezu kwamakhanda ethu! Angiyazi ngempela inkinga yakhe, ngicela ubize amaphoyisa manje amkhiphe! [Uhleko.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): No, no, hon member. Hon Khawula, ... [Interjections.]
Ms M S KHAWULA: Call the police! Call the security guards!
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Please sit down.
Ms M S KHAWULA: Call the police. Call the security to take this hon member out of this Chamber. [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Please sit down, hon member.
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Ngizoze ngisho kathathu, bese ngiyammema! Akaphume!
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Please sit down, hon Khawula. You are not chairing. Hon member, round up, please.
IsiXhosa:
Nksz M O MATSHOBA: Mama uKhawula andazi ke ukuba ... [Uwelewele.] ooh uMP uKhawula ...
IsiZulu:
Nksz M S KHAWULA: Sihlalo, lamula! Lamula! Akukhona esigcawini la! Hhayi hhayi hayi! Ngeke kuthi uma izingane zixabane ukhuze le okungeyona eyakho uyeke eyakho! Sengikhuluma isiZulu-ke manje! Ngicela umkhuze, asixabene! Ngicele umkhuze!
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon Khawula, a point of order is about procedure.
IsiXhosa:
Nksz M O MATSHOBA: Mandigqibezele kule ndawo ethi u-Commander in Chief uhambisa oomatrasi bamaziko okukhulisa abantwana beselula kwiinkampu ezilungiselelwe amaxhoba abantu abasuka kumanye amazwe. Ndifuna ukuthi ke ...
English:
Ms E N LOUW: Hon Chairperson, on a point of order: There was a ruling previously in this House that members who are at the podium cannot address another member. They must address members through you. That is the proper procedure. We came here to learn, after all, so we know the Rules. Please rule on that.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Thank you very much for the advice. Please proceed, hon member.
IsiXhosa:
Nks M O MATSHOBA: Hlukana nokuhamba uthatha iifoto; uhamba nabantu abathatha iifoto zenkunkuma wakugqiba uze nazo kule komiti yemicimbi yesebe. Indawo elahla inkunkuma ayifanelanga ukuba ifotwe. Ibhegi yakho igcwele ziifoto; ngoko ke siyacela ingaze iphinde yenzeke loo nto.
English:
In line with the convention mentioned above, the ANC mobilised women during the liberation struggle and employed quotas for women because of women’s active involvement in the struggle and their persistent demand for more equitable representation in postliberation politics.
Their active participation as a united women’s movement in the liberation struggle against the apartheid regime served as the foundation for fighting for gender equality in the democratic government.
In 1990, the ANC National Executive Committee, NEC, conceded that the emancipation of women is not a by-product of national liberation or socialism. [Time expired.] The ANC supports this budget.
Ms N I TARABELLA MARCHESI 18:31
Ms M O MATSHOBA
Ms N I TARABELLA MARCHESI: Hon Matshoba, South Africa does not have a place for racist like you. [Applause.] You should be embarrassed and ashamed of yourself. You stand here and you attack women, shame on you! [Applause.]
The DA will like to convey its condolences to Mma Ruth and her family. May her soul rest in peace.
Hon Chairperson, in July 2014, a Presidential Proclamation revised the focus of this Ministry for women and necessitated the review of its strategic approach to attain its goals. This aims to champion the socioeconomic empowerment of women and gender equality.
The department’s five-year strategic plan tells us that gender inequality and divisions are to be considered in the historical context of apartheid.
Hon Chair, it is well known that apartheid compromised the fabric of our society, particularly the family structure. In order to move forward, however, this department’s budget needs to reflect that it is truly committed to addressing the gender inequality that still to this day punctuates society.
South African leaders must recognise that gender discrimination and the related violence is a worldwide phenomenon, grounded in cultural values, prejudice and preconceived ideas that go beyond apartheid. Let us all wake up to that.
Hon Chairperson, South Africa is a signatory to a number of regional and international treaties that try to address gender discrimination and gender equality; a societal ill world over, which amongst other things, prevents economic growth and the eradication of poverty.
This department is now located in the presidency for a reason, which is to review all existing legislation and it should be consulted on all proposed legislation to ensure that gender mainstreaming and gender equality happens at all levels.
Yet, hon Chair, when we look at the revised strategic focus of the Department of Women in the Presidency, the interventions are not clearly outlined; they lack measurable outcomes and clear goals. Also, the department’s budget, which continues to be the lowest, remains utterly insufficient.
The department’s mission is to accelerate socioeconomic transformation and implementation for women’s empowerment and participation through oversight, monitoring, evaluation and influencing policy. However, it will take over 15 years for all national departments to comply with gender-responsive budgeting. Is this the acceleration that the department is targeting? Is this how long it is going to take for South Africa women to see gender-responsive budgeting in government?
With regard to gender-based violence intervention, we are talking about a decrease of 12% per year over five years, which is a target of the Ministry.
Minister, we still have cases like the Alexandra Balaclava serial rapist. This rapist continues to elude police who blame understaffing for their inability to catch him. How can this reduction in gender-based violence be achieved? Where is the commitment, hon Minister?
Talking about the science, technology, engineering and mathematics intervention, you said that 2 000 women a year will be inducted and trained. That is impossible. But who is funding such programmes and is there appropriate funding? Moreover, who will ensure that these qualified women are eventually employed?
In terms of promotion of women’s access to industrialisation and beneficiation intervention, we see no plan. Yet, hon Speaker, amongst various problems that the Electricity Supply Commission, Eskom, faces, beneficiation is one of them, and there have been squabbles and in-fighting between connected female individuals and board members.
This makes a mockery of the Black Economic Empowerment, BEE, process. In the promotion of women’s access to opportunities, could the hon Minister consider revising the collateral banking system, which is a well-known impediment to accessing funding for women?
There is a need to find nontraditional ways of accessing credit and entrepreneurial support and that is where you should start, Minister.
Hon Minister, as the departmental organogram remains outstanding, the executive in fact gets the largest budget for training. These staff members should already be well qualified. What warrants such further academic training? Could the department not use such funds for scholarships for underprivileged girls?
Also, hon Minister, with regard to the Maintenance Bill, it is common knowledge that parents go without paying maintenance. Maintenance defaulters must face the full might of the law as the children are usually the ones who are disadvantaged by this.
The DA maintains that Clause 11 must be reinstated in the Bill to stop irresponsible parenting. Irresponsible parenting is not prevented by handing out condoms to 10-year-old girls nor will we be fostering the changing of social attitudes by doing so.
Hon Chairperson, the recently freed girl hostages of Boko Haram in Nigeria tells us that political will is all it takes to achieve results.
Hon Speaker, hon Minister, this budget does not reflect on any revised focus or any different strategies from what this House has seen before. An inflation-adjustment budget of R190 million, of which R80 million — that is 67% — is allocated for administration, leaves the department with only R39 million to actually be able to complete its mammoth task.
Women need real interventions that are tangible and that will bring a change in the lives of women in this country. Thank you. [Applause.]
Ms G K TSEKE
Ms N I TARABELLA-MARCHESI
Ms G K TSEKE: House Chairperson, hon Minister of Women in the Presidency, hon members and distinguished guests in the gallery, I greet you.
Let me start by responding to the issue that was raised by the hon Robinson of the DA. I think that she has an interest in the gender-based council.
The Minister was very clear in the portfolio committee that as of now, they are reviewing that council because it does not have enough resources to make sure that it does the work that is supposed to do.
Hon Robinson, I think you have a forked-tongue because you have never supported the previous Minister, Lulu Xingwana, when she was establishing this council. We did indicate ...
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON: (Mr B L MASHILE): Just hold on a second. Is that a point of order?
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, may I address you?
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON :(Mr B L MASHILE): Proceed.
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, saying that a member has a fork-tongue for me is unparliamentary and casts aspersions on the member’s integrity. I ask you to rule on that, please.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON: (Mr B L MASHILE): Just hold on a second.
Ms G K TSEKE: Oh, this is dishonest. [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON: (Mr B L MASHILE): Order, order! Let us request the speaker to withdraw the statement that the member has got a forked-tongue, because in principle she is saying that the member was lying and I think that is not correct. It’s just an idiom that actually refers to that. Can you assist us by withdrawing that and proceed?
Ms G K TSEKE: Chair, I withdraw.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON :(Mr B L MASHILE): Thank you very much. Proceed.
Ms G K TSEKE: We need to be careful, hon Robinson, about being populist and grandstanding. In the committee we have agreed with you. Please be innocent and honest in regard to the cause of women.
With regard to the Commission for Gender Equality, CGE, it is a Chapter 9 institution and it is directly accountable to Parliament, not to the Ministry of Women.
It is accountable to the Portfolio Committee on Women, so do you want to tell the country that you have failed in making sure that you conduct your oversight over this Chapter 9 institution? [Applause.] This is unfair.
Again, I must say, comparing the performance of the CGE to what it was way back in 2010, they are improving day in and day out. We are therefore happy as the portfolio committee in terms of their performance. [Applause.]
Shame on you, hon Tarabella-Marchesi! The party that you are representing actually violates the rights of women, especially in the Western Cape. The people of Khayelitsha; the people of Phillipi and the people of Gugulethu want houses, proper sanitation and clean roads. You are violating the rights of the people of this province. Shame on you! [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON :(Mr B L MASHILE): Order! Don’t drown out the member!
Ms G K TSEKE: Its shocking, hon Chairperson ... [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON :(Mr B L MASHILE): Order, hon members! Don’t drown out the speaker. Proceed, hon member.
Ms G K TSEKE: On behalf of the majority party, which is the ANC, I wish all the mothers a belated happy Mother’s Day. It takes someone really brave to be a mother, someone strong to raise a child and someone special to love someone more than herself. In this world you are a mother not only to your family and us, but to the whole world. Happy Mother’s Day!
May I also put it on record that I am participating in this critical debate in honour of the role played by the great women leaders of our movement. Among them are Lillian Ngoyi, Albertina Sisulu and many more, who saw fit to make their mark in the struggle for liberation. Women of substance indeed!
Setswana:
Ke bomme ba ba neng ba tshwere thipa ka fa bogaleng; bomme ba ba reng fa ba inama, ba bo ba ikantse motlokolo. Re motlotlo ka bona!
English:
Let me also send our deepest condolences to the family of Mrs Ruth Segomotsi Mompati, the ANC stalwart who died last night. Mama Ruta, as she was affectionately known, played an indelible role in both the liberation and the development of our country and our generation. We owe her an immeasurable debt of gratitude.
Setswana:
A moya wa gagwe o robale ka kagiso.
English:
As a proactive government, the ANC undertook to establish rural development policies in order to address the distorted nature of the economy and to create opportunities for rural people through balanced and sustainable rural development. In order to achieve this, rigorous and aggressive measures for job creation programmes that will include infrastructure provision and skills enhancement to improve the productive capacity of the rural areas, would raise the living standard of the poor people living in the rural areas.
These programmes, among other things, yield fruit for people in the rural areas, particularly women. Therefore our Ministry must be at the centre to make sure that those programmes benefit the women of this country.
The Department of Women in the Presidency is a powerful department that will make sure that it champions the achievement of women’s socioeconomic empowerment and rights through mainstreaming, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation.
What a powerful Ministry we have, taking note that it conducts its oversight over all government departments and the private sector. We have noted the challenges it is facing, among other things, a limited budget and shortage of skills. But we have recommended as the portfolio committee that working and partnering with like-minded institutions, like CGE, and other government departments will assist a lot.
Let me, through you, hon Chairperson, jog the memories of those who have forgotten how the apartheid practices have left a serious and an ugly dent of social injustice on our people living in rural areas. Perhaps, to be more specific, those who went to a conference but emerged with contradicting policy positions.
Hon members, the ANC-led government has set out a policy that encourages gender-responsive programmes which will help women to participate in the mainstream economy and to provide for their households.
We have witnessed the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform making inroads in developing our rural areas which are, of course, areas that were characterised by poverty and underdevelopment where the majority of women were unemployed and where there was no proper sanitation, electricity or water.
In Msinga, Kwa-Zulu Natal, for example — hon Khawula, I know you have an interest in that area — we have seen the President of this country launching a massive infrastructure project for the construction of a bridge where water is channeled to the irrigation scheme; an animal sale yard project and animal handling facility; a vegetable pack house; arts and culture projects; and many more. Women are at the forefront of those projects.
Thanks to the ANC-led government, Msinga is now a better place than it was in 1994.
Therefore, hon members, through you, Chairperson, it is our responsibility to make sure that we conduct our oversight in those areas and, if there is a need, to meet the relevant communities.
It is our constitutional mandate to do so. Together as a multiparty committee we have a role to play in making sure that the women of this country are economically empowered.
The government’s encouragement of initiatives by women to form co-operatives promotes social and cultural wellbeing and it stimulates women’s opportunities in the mainstream economy.
Women co-operatives are agents of change in the concept of economic emancipation of women through poverty alleviation and the promotion of financial and social inclusion.
Through the initiatives of the ANC-led government there are small medium-sized and micro enterprises, SMMEs, dominated by women which are key tools in economic transformation.
We should all note that it is through the bold steps taken by the ANC, which has never in its existence claimed any provincial muscle, as is the case in the Western Cape, yet continues to enjoy recognition at both the national and international level.
Hon members, in responding to the clarion call made by the Freedom Charter that the land shall be shared among those who work it, through its policies the ANC-led government ensures that women become the critical beneficiaries of the land, especially the rural women, farm dwellers etc.
South Africans, the ANC is a moving train and we should therefore caution those who cannot transform but instead hold on to a uniform which was used to discriminate against our people – they know who they are.
Our mothers, who were working as domestic workers, wore aprons and overalls, therefore, they are reawakening the remnants of apartheid memories.
As the mighty ANC, we embrace our precious gold, green and black colours which represent the rainbow nation. We stand resolute, we mean business, and we will continue to break the neck of the remnants of socioeconomic stereotyping. We are unstoppable! We are the fire, we consume, we reform and engage cynics and yet we continue to express our open and inclusive call for all to work together to free women from the shackles of a racist past. Siyaqhuba! [We are moving forward!]
Several programmes like the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture, which includes Agricultural Development Finance Programme are there to ensure that women take the center stage in making sure that there is food security. In addition to these, it is a firm commitment of the ANC to make sure that land care projects are geared towards empowering communities, out of which women and children are at an area of focus.
Also, the Comprehensive and Agricultural Support Programmes, Casps, benefit rural women across the country as this is a way of transforming the rural economy and the including women in the mainstream economy. Our rigorous oversight over the Department in this regard will greatly help to ensure that systems are put in place to yield positive outcomes. We therefore acknowledge ... [Interjections.] [Time Expired.] The ANC supports the Budget Vote. Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY
Ms G K TSEKE
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: Hon Chairperson, thank you to those who supported the budget. I sincerely thank my brother, hon Lekota, for being a leader who has a vision and realises the importance of women and the socialisation of society when it comes to that.
I also want to deal with the issue raised by hon Robinson. I’m very worried about the inconsistencies of hon Robinson. We sit in committee meetings where she agrees.
I am so worried about the inconsistencies, but I must also say that I don’t know what strategy she’s referring to. She knows better; I don’t remember bringing in consultants to write a strategy for us so it means that she’s better informed. I don’t know; she must tell me which strategy that is. Unfortunately ... [Interjections.] Can you keep quiet man, jissis! [Laughter.]
So, I just want to put the record straight, we have not used consultants ... [Interjections.]
Ms S P KOPANE: Chairperson, on a point of order.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Just a second, hon Minister. Hon members, we have conducted the debate and it is important that we hear the response from the Minister. Therefore, we should try by all means to be quiet so that we hear the response. Thank you very much.
Is that a point of order?
Ms S P KOPANE: Chairperson, yes, I’m rising on a point of order.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): What is your point of order?
Ms S P KOPANE: Is it parliamentary for the Minister to say “jissis” while addressing hon members? [Interjections.]
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: You’re making a noise.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): It’s an expression.
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY (Ms S Shabangu): You are making noise. [Interjections.]
IsiZulu:
ILUNGU ELINGAZIWA: Awuthule ... uzoswaba wena.
English:
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): It’s just an expression. Can you allow the Minister to proceed.
An HON MEMBER: Jesus!
Ms S V KALYAN: It’s blasphemy. May I address you on the point of order?
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Order, hon members! Is that a point of order?
Ms S V KALYAN: Yes, sir. The word that she used is not an expression, it’s actually blasphemy and I submit it is unparliamentary. [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Order, hon members! Order, hon members! As I have said, it’s just an expression and it is not unparliamentary. Can we get your support, hon members, for this debate to be concluded? It is not unparliamentary. Let’s agree on that one. Can we allow the Minister to close the debate?
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, may I address you, first of all? We need ... [Interjections.]
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Order, order, hon Waters! Is that a point of order, hon Waters?
Mr M WATERS: Chairperson, I’ve found it hard to believe that the Table gave that kind of advice to you. On the one hand we say “nonsense” is unparliamentary, and you can’t say “nonsense” ... [Interjections.]
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: No, it’s very different.
Mr M WATERS: Yes, it has been ruled that “nonsense” is unparliamentary, but you can say “jissis”, which is an insult to certain members’ religion. It is blasphemy and the Minister should withdraw it.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B L Mashile): Hon members, order! I need to continue to indicate that it’s not unparliamentary. It’s an expression. Order!
Just hold on for a second. Hon members, order! [Interjections.] Order, order, hon members! [Interjections.] If you are not walking out, hon member, you’ve got no reason to make noise. [Interjections.] Can you keep quiet then? Hon Mothapo, I was saying that if you are not walking out you’ve got no reason to make noise because you are not aggrieved. Thank you very much.
Hon members, the expression that has been made is an expression that is normally made when somebody is frustrated by something that they do not understand, for instance when a member does not understanding what has been debated. You can say that as an expression, it is not unparliamentary on its own.
Can we allow the Minister to continue with her speech? Thank you very much. Proceed.
The MINISTER OF WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY: Chairperson, I want to put on record in the absence of those who walked out that this is a party that sits in the committee and agrees with us, but comes here and grandstands.
It is a party that is unable to agree with us and disagrees on everything, but what strikes me today is the approach and what they are doing in terms of taking us back to the past. That’s my concern.
Where are they going? Where is the honesty from a party that intends to advance the interests of women?
They’re raising issues that don’t exist. I must also say they’re talking about a petition which they know I am not aware of.
We have tried by every means to be inclusive and we’re consulting with various civil societies including the ones they’re trying to talk about today.
When we raise the issue of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence, NCGBV, on what basis do you create a structure that has no aims and objectives? Do you start with a structure or do you first define whether you need a structure and what its responsibility will be?
I am very puzzled and I’m not sure whether this party stands for the interests of women or if it’s just flip-flopping. Is it part of their congress? Coming out of their conference seems to have made them even more desperate so that they are unable to articulate their vision.
I’m raising these issues. Where does Nkandla fit in here? We’re not debating Nkandla. I agree with hon Lekota in that what is meant to bring us together in this House is advancing the interests of women in our country. The key issue for us is that patriarchy is the enemy of humankind and human development, and it needs all of us to fight it. [Applause.]
I must also say that the network is latching on to what we’ve put in place when it comes to maintenance. I think it’s the responsibility of all of us in this House to make sure that those who don’t pay maintenance start paying maintenance.
I want to challenge them by saying that the network means nothing when they are unable to advance the women in their own Parliament; they only have 30 women out of 87. At what point are they going to make sure that their socialisation and their policies talk to the empowerment of all women, not about the few?
We, in the ANC, are proud to advance the issue of women and we also allude to our weaknesses; we don’t push them aside. I am proud as a member of the ANC that we are here and we will continue to steer the issue of women in our country.
I must say that I welcome the IFP, once again, supporting us and for being constructive. Indeed, we don’t have a big enough budget ... [Applause.] ... and we hope that this Parliament is going to help us move forward.
Fight with us to make sure that we get enough money. It’s not going to help us to say that we don’t have money and you sit back and point fingers. This challenge is bigger than us as a department and as a Ministry. It needs all of us to make sure that we move forward.
Hon Mma Khawula, please help me ...
IsiZulu:
... ngincede dadewethu.
English:
You know, all of us ...
IsiZulu:
... sikhethwa abantu bethu futhi omunye wemisebenzi yethu njengamaLungu wePhalamende ukuthi njengoba silapha masingakhombani ngeminwe kodwa sibambane ngesandla sithi siyanjani kulezi zinto esizenzayo, sincedisane ukuphucula impilo yabantu besifazane. Uma uzoza la uthi kunendle kunani lana nalana ...
English:
... and so what at the end of the day.
IsiZulu:
Ngoba leyo nhlupheko nobunzima kuyaqhubeka ebantwini besifazane. Okwamanje ngicela ukuthi ...
English:
... as women we might come from different parties, but our issues and challenges are the same. [Applause.] It’s issues that need all of us to fight together. I want you ...
IsiZulu:
... mhlobo wami sihambe siye emakhaya simikise impucuko, sikhulume siphinde sikhulule abantu besifazane kodwa singathi kuze uKhongolose noma i-EFF ngoba i-EFF, uKhongolose kanye nabanye ...
English:
... at the end of the day leaves us as women still suffering. So I just want to say to you help us to move forward and to make sure that South Africa changes.
To Tarabella, today he was talking more sense than ever before. We agree and they must help us to get a bigger budget. I’m not sure whether ...
IsiZulu:
... iva liyahlaba manje babona ukuthi kunzima futhi kungcono basukume baphume eNdlini. Ukuphuma Endlini akuxhazululi izinkinga zethu. Into engiphatha kabi ukuthi, kulabo baba be-DA abangaka yibo abakhokhelayo futhi yibo abaqhubekela phambili kule nkulumo-mpikiswano belokhu bethi “helele-helele”. Uyazibuza ukuthi inkululeko yabantu besifazane ku-DA ikangakanani. Ingabe bayabapha yini ithuba lokuthi baphathe noma babuyele emuva? Kodwa i-Federal Congress yabo isibonisile ukuthi kubuyelwa emuva. Munye-qha umama ebuholini babo. Ngakho-ke siyazibuza ukuthi bayanini phambili. Thina siwuKhongolose sizohlabela phambili futhi sizozilwela singabomama senzele ukuthi kungabi nalutho oluma phambi kwethu. Ngiyabonga maLungu ePhalamende, malungu awo wonke imibutho esixhasile. Masibambaneni, sisebenzele abantu besifazane baseNingizimu Afrika. Ngiyabonga.
Debate concluded.
The Committee rose at 19:03.
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