Hansard: NA: Unrevised Hansard
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 02 Mar 2017
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
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THURSDAY, 2 MARCH 2017
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
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The House met at 14:03.
The Deputy Speaker took the Chair and requested members to
observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
Ms N V MENTE: Deputy Speaker, I just want to check: Do we have a
quorum to sit today? Can we proceed with the business of the
House with so few people?
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, hon member, we can proceed. The quorum
has not arisen as a question so far.
NEW MEMBER
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(Announcement)
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, before we proceed, I would like
to ... [Interjections.] Order, hon members! Members are walking
in as we speak so let‘s not raise that now.
I wish to announce that Ms B P Mabe has been nominated with
effect from the 24 February 2017. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
She fills the vacancy which occurred in the NA owing to her loss
of membership in 2016. The hon member has made and subscribed
the oath in the Speaker‘s office. We welcome the member in the
Assembly. [Applause.]
CONSIDERATION OF LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE NATIONAL
CREDIT ACT, ACT 34 OF 2005, SUBMITTED BY THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I see hon Williams is standing in for hon
Fubbs. Go ahead.
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Mr A J WILLIAMS: Deputy Speaker, our country is an over indebted
one ...
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Williams, please take your seat. There
is a mistake we are making here. [Interjections.] Hon Chief
Whip, please proceed. [Interjections.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, I move
that the House, in terms of Rule 273(3), gives permission that
the legislative proposal be proceeded with. I thank you.
Question put.
Agreed to.
Mr A J WILLIAMS: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Our country is an
over-indebted one and we as the ANC-led government need to act
so that the poor can get some limited debt relief. It is very
important that we look at this holistically and not as a matter
of just allowing people to write off a limited amount of debt so
that they can get back into debt. The committee is planning to
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use this legislation to promote savings in our country and also
to disincentivise reckless lending by dodgy financial service
providers.
Our country cannot continue down this road of just borrowing
money to pay off debt. It has led us to the situation that we
are now facing. The Committee on Trade and Industry therefore
requests Parliament to allow it to proceed with this legislation
so that we as a collective can bring much-needed relief to our
poor people. I thank you.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Chief Whip, we would now like you to
move the same draft resolution as earlier because it is now that
the committee can proceed.
PERMISSION FOR LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL TO BE PROCEEDED WITH
(Draft Resolution)
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: [Laughter.] Deputy
Speaker, at times we don‘t know whether it is the egg or the
chicken, or both. Be that as it may.
I move that the House in terms of Rule 273(3) gives permission
that the legislative proposals that are now before ...
[Interjections.] ... the House ...
Prof N M KHUBISA: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes! Finish that.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: ... be proceeded with.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, what is your point of order?
Prof N M KHUBISA: Deputy Speaker, I thought that you had asked
the Chief Whip to say the same thing earlier on.
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The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, that is why I went back to him
and said, this is where it should be happening and not earlier
on. I take responsibility for that.
So, can I confirm that there are no objections to the committee
proceeding with what has just been introduced? There are no
objections, hon members? Hon Singh?
Mr N SINGH: Chairperson, no objection, but we would like an
opportunity for a declaration. [Interjections.]
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, do you still want to say
something?
Prof N M KHUBISA: Deputy Speaker, I wanted to say after he
proposed we then make declarations. Thank you very much.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: It‘s fine, thank you very much. Hon members,
the following allocations will apply today as agreed to in the
Chief Whip‘s forum and elsewhere. The ANC will have seven
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minutes. The DA will have five minutes. The EFF will have four
minutes, and all other parties will have three minutes.
Declarations of vote:
Mr G G HILL-LEWIS: Deputy Speaker, this discussion has some
parallels to the discussion on land reform we had in this House
two days ago. This is so because the National Credit Act in its
current form provides the government with awesome power to
protect consumers from unscrupulous and predatory lenders. It
also gives the government the power to give immediate relief to
South African families who find themselves trapped in debt.
The trouble is that this power is currently seldom used, hence
the parallel.
Few of us can imagine the stress and anxiety that so many
millions of South Africans live with everyday because they have
become entrapped in a debt prison and can see no way out. Every
month they go to work just to make the minimum payments on their
loans in order to keep the loan sharks away and so that they can
be allowed to lend more to eat and live.
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A very significant portion of these loans to these South
Africans are defined as reckless credit under the existing Act
and can be fairly easily written off in their entirety.
Before we discuss any amendment to the current Act, we need to
use the powers available to us in the current Act to their full
potential. If there are truly bona fide amendments to the Act
that can strengthen it even further, then the DA is of course
happy to consider those and will participate fully in the
process.
However, we must also ask ourselves why it took 18 months of
pleading by the DA before the regulator agreed to conduct a full
audit of the nearly 2 million African Bank customers‘ loans to
be checked for reckless credit. Had this been agreed to when we
first asked for it, millions of South Africans could potentially
already be free of billions of rands in reckless credit granted
to them by the former African Bank. This could have been the
real, tangible and immediate debt relief.
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While we are pleased that a full audit is now finally underway,
we say doing so does not require any amendment to the Act. Not a
single thing needs to be changed in order to do this. All of the
power lies there for you to use.
Why has no similar audit been agreed to for all the victims of
the so called Satinsky 699 scam? There are another 25 000 South
Africans who could get debt relief right now. Why did it take so
long - more than a year, in fact – to issue new rules for credit
insurance? In the meantime, companies were still selling
disability insurance to people who already had disabilities or
loss of income insurance to people who are unemployed? Why is it
that the private industry, civil society and wealthy
philanthropists have to be relied upon to take the initiative to
take all of these dodgy garnishee orders and unscrupulous
lenders to court when the Act gives you, the government, all the
powers to do that proactively if you wanted to?
All of this power and more is there for you in the current Act.
And yet we are now told that more amendments are necessary. This
is another example of government scapegoating existing
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legislation to explain its failure to act. If this government
were serious about debt relief, it would use the incredible
powers it already has to deliver debt relief now. We will be
making proposals for this Amendment Bill to achieve exactly
that. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Ms E N LOUW: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. The report we are
discussing today shows that at the end of June 2016 a total of
24,8 million consumers in South Africa were credit active. Of
these, 14,41 million consumers were in good standing while
9,67 million had impaired records. This points to the very big
gap in the legislative framework that governs lending and
[Inaudible.] ... the necessary leniency by state creditors. This
indicates that the National Credit Act is not doing as well as
it should in constraining the imprudent credit provision which
leads consumers into indebtedness.
We therefore support the proposal by the Portfolio Committee on
Trade and Industry, and we will seek to influence the Bill to
ensure that, amongst other things, it relieves consumers of
their debt distress. Without this universal clearance of
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people‘s debt ... lifting them off the credit bureau listings
... our economy will not be able to grow and our people will
remain forever indebted. We therefore support this report.
Mr J A ESTERHUIZEN: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Through
legislative applications the National Credit Act is trying to
ensure the best possible scenario for consumers and this is to
be commended. However, the fact of the matter is that cash loans
are still far too easily available, even while South Africa is
consumed by a credit crunch. This is confirmed by the Reserve
Bank‘s data which gives an indication of the crisis.
From 1994 to 2010, South Africa‘s exposure to credit in the
private domestic sector increased from R230 billion to close to
R2,1 trillion with the value of credit granted to consumers
increasing by R10,22 billion for the quarter September to
December 2012.
One of the most serious problems still seems to be that the
total cost of credit has not been fully disclosed even though
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this was one of the clear intentions of the National Credit Act.
The reason for this is that the credit life has not been capped.
To plug this irresponsible behaviour, the Minister of Trade and
Industry published the National Credit Act Policy Review
Framework awhile back, as well as the amendment Bill which is
meant to tackle reckless lending with a raft of mechanisms that
includes proposals for enhanced consumer education and literacy,
and proposing standard assessing credit affordability.
Debt counselling as a debt relief remedy is not ideal for
everyone and if an individual doesn‘t have an income they fall
into a grey area between sequestration and debt counselling.
Currently there is no remedy for this and it must be addressed.
Positively, credit providers are now required to calculate
discretionary income as well as all existing debts and
maintenance obligations in order to make a call on whether the
consumer can afford a loan.
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Unfortunately, South Africa has its back against the wall when
it comes to consumer credit. Maybe this draft Bill doesn‘t go
nearly far enough to change the situation which is technically
out of control; however, without it South Africa would also be
poorer off. This has been a long time coming and has taken far
too long. The IFP will support this proposal.
Prof N M KHUBISA: Hon Deputy Speaker and hon members, the NFP
welcomes the report of the Portfolio Committee on Trade and
Industry tabled here today. Unfortunately, the 2014 amendments
to the National Credit Act resulted in a number of new and
continuing challenges, and these are addressed in the amendments
proposed here today.
A person in debt is a person in chains. It is well established
that South Africans are increasingly becoming more heavily
indebted and it is crippling households across the country.
Statistics show that South African consumers owe the bulk of
their monthly salaries — up to 75% — to creditors, whilst almost
60% of the population is struggling to meet their monthly
obligations to pay home loans and credit cards.
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Most alarming is that more than 11 million of South Africa‘s
credit active consumers are described as overindebted. The issue
of overindebtedness is a great cause of concern because there
are regulations in place to prevent credit providers from
engaging in reckless lending which could result in
overindebtedness. We have to question why we have any
overindebtedness despite regulations in place and why we have
40% of credit active consumers in South Africa with impaired
credit records.
The NFP agrees with the Portfolio Committee on Trade and
Industry that overindebtedness must be addressed with great
urgency and that a targeted intervention must not be delayed. In
fact, we believe that it should be accelerated. In particular,
we are in full support of capped debt relief to promote
fundamental changes in the borrowing and spending habits of our
indebted consumers.
There is however a possible negative consequence of tightened
legislation. With strict enforcement of the national credit
legislative provisions, there is a real chance that accredited
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credit providers will get far more selective about whom they
lend money to and this could drive more people towards loan
sharks and other unaccredited moneylenders. The problem is that
very often these fringe players do not adhere to the National
Credit Act and the Debt Counselling Rules System, and the NFP
would welcome any intervention that would assist the National
Credit Regulator to police this segment of the credit market.
In conclusion, the NFP is in favour of further amendments to
existing legislation which aims to reduce our national level of
consumer overindebtedness and increase the degree of compliance
by all players in the credit provision sector.
Mr N L S KWANKWA: Deputy Speaker ...
IsiXhosa:
... siyabulela, siyavuya ukubona, unqabile. I-UDM iyaluxhasa
oluhlengahlengiso. Akukhonto eyodlula ukuba sibonelele ngesiqabu
kubantu boMzantsi Afrika ...
English:
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... due to the reckless nature in which banks and other lenders
lend to our people.
IsiXhosa:
Ndifuna nje ukubuza umzekelo omncinci.
English:
They have been doing this thing with impunity. You have your
credit life which is mentioned here. A client for instance ...
IsiXhosa:
... isuke ithengiselwe i-inshorensi, icredit life, ingakhange
ixelelwe yibhanki.
English:
The person becomes retrenched and the very same bank ...
IsiXhosa:
... engamxelelanga iyamgqogqa ithi makahlawule.
English:
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For instance, in instances where people ...
IsiXhosa:
... abahlawula i-inshorensi, icredit life, baphinde bafake
izicelo zentlawulo ...
English:
... even though it‘s for a six-month period, they start
harassing clients in the second month by saying, you must pay;
yet your insurance has already paid ...
IsiXhosa:
... lo mali leyo.
English:
They harass you to must pay back, and in those instances what
they do is to pay it in advance, say for that six-month period,
but the very same client will then be told that his or her
account is in arrears. How so?
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I‘ve never understood the other part. For example, it makes
perfect sense when you are applying for a personal loan. You go
there and there is a huge administrative fee which, in my view
as an ex-banker, is unnecessary. Why must you pay an
administrative fee on a monthly basis? What administration do
they do?
What the system never does is to manage the accounts that are
okay. It would only generate an exception report where your
account is in arrears. That is when you should be paying an
administrative fee. So the rest of it ... they are turning it
into ... like it‘s a transaction account that ... over and above
the fees that they charge you ... the interest is exorbitant ...
they must also charge you a host of other fees. It‘s absolute
nonsense. You see, we need to review the structure of the fees
in the banking industry as a whole, in its entirety because ...
look for instance as a client, if you go to all these financial
institutions, especially the major ones, for returned items they
will charge you R400 a month. If you earn R3 000 a month how
much are you left ...
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IsiXhosa:
... ukuze ukwazi ukuhlawula ezinye iindleko.
English:
They charge you because of those returned items without
considering the economic situation. It‘s what the very same
financial institutions do. I am an ex-banker so I know this.
IsiXhosa:
Nina bantu batyebileyo niza kumane nivuya kuthiwe ...
English:
... we must wine and dine you.
IsiXhosa:
Babeka phantsi koxinzelelo ...
English:
... their own consultants and bankers to charge you extra so
that they can finance the wining and dining that they do ...
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IsiXhosa:
... nabantu abanemali abafana nani. Asinamali thina kaloku.
English:
They give them targets to do these things. So I‘m saying we need
to review the structure of banks.
As a side issue, I also don‘t understand for instance ... while
I understand the political dynamics around the appointment of
hon Brian Molefe as a Member of Parliament, why it would make
more headlines than the manipulation of the currency in South
Africa. All of a sudden ...
IsiXhosa:
... siza kuhlala sisitya loo nto.
English:
The manipulation of the currency has been relegated to footnotes
of the news ...
IsiXhosa:
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... kodwa yinto enkulu nayo.
If we steal R50 it‘s a problem; if they steal billions it‘s not
a problem.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Kwankwa, your time has expired.
IsiXhosa:
Mnu N L S KWANKWA: Amasela.
English:
The DEPUTY SPEAKER Hon member, before you start take your seat
there. Take your seat. Members, let‘s welcome boys from
Rondebosch Boys High School up in the gallery. [Applause.]
Welcome boys, as well as your staff if they are there. Go ahead,
hon member.
Mr S N SWART: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Well, the ACDP trusts
that the boys from Rondebosch will listen carefully on how to
avoid getting into too much debt. This is what we in South
Africa are faced with — a society that is overindebted. Maybe
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our schools need to have more teaching about credit and debt,
how to avoid those debt traps and as far as possible to only pay
cash.
From our side we will be supporting this report in principle.
Many people have said that when the National Credit Act was
first passed it went a long way to help us withstand the credit
crisis ... the banking crisis in 2019. We had the 2014 amendment
which ensured that debts could not be claimed where they had
prescribed in other significant amendments. Now, this committee
Bill ... maybe to also commend the committee from our side
because it‘s not often that a committee brings a Bill to
Parliament. This aims to provide a simpler and more rigorous
enforcement of the credit Act; criminal prosecutions of
unscrupulous lenders who contravene the Act; and then legal
certainty on the in duplum debt rule. This means that interest
cannot double, double, double. That will avoid interest becoming
a snowball that many people are faced with. Also of course, an
effective debt counseling framework and capped debt relief to
promote a change in borrowing and spending habits.
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I am in agreement with the view that was expressed, of ensuring
that the existing provisions are implemented before we start
amending the legislation further. Clearly we also need to ensure
that where we have reckless credit which is written off, that
loaners and lenders then do not just incur further debt which
will then again place them in a significantly bad position when
it comes to creditworthiness.
It is a matter of great concern that 9,67 million of the
24 million credit holders have impaired records. So, from our
perspective, Parliament should not encourage reckless lending on
the one hand and equally irresponsible borrowing on the other.
Chairperson, Mrs Fubbs, I fully agree with your sentiment that
you expressed in this regard.
We also need to be careful of engendering a climate of
irresponsible borrowing by consumers. So, we from the ACDP look
forward to seeing the draft committee Bill which is aimed at
encouraging a change of behaviour, both on the part of lenders
as well as borrowers.
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Adv A D ALBERTS: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. The FF Plus will
support the legislative process of the committee subject to a
comprehensive regulatory impact assessment taking place, as was
noted.
Afrikaans:
Ons moet ook verstaan dat hierdie proses slegs ‘n pleister op
die sweer van Suid-Afrika se ekonomiese probleme plak.
English:
The answer to the plight of the indebted people of this country
is to ensure economic growth that creates jobs, and that is
something that has not taken place for a couple of years now
with state departments employing more people than the private
sector. Mrs Fubbs, as for the lenders themselves, including
large banks, they must also take responsibility to ensure that
bad debt does not harm the economy, and we must hold them to
account.
People in debt are vulnerable. We have to protect them. This
also means that we must take steps to stop and to ensure that
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sales in execution of assets below their market value cannot and
does not take place at all.
The FF Plus will participate in this process to ensure a
balanced approach between lenders and the indebted at the end of
the day.
Declaration of votes:
Mr S M JAFTA: Deputy Speaker, the AIC commends the proposed
revision of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005. What is symbolic
about the proposal is the attempt to curb the current interest
rates accruing to all manner of loans.
The proposed sector loan interest will affirm the National
Credit Act‘s objective to prevent reckless credit lending.
However, our fear is that a large chunk of homeless people
applying for mortgage and joint bonds will be on the receiving
end of the stick. Credits providers are now likely to have a
shrinking share on unpaid loan mortgage and are likely to place
extra cautionary measures to screen mortgage applicants.
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The plight of the poor will be worsened, least the current
status quo where the ANC land programmes have not helped the
situation. In terms of section 15 of the National Credit Act,
the national credit regulator is enjoined to monitoring the
consumer credit market and industry to ensure that prohibited
conduct is prevented or detected and prosecuted.
The proposed amendment seeks to make it mandatory to all credit
providers defined in the act to be registered with the
regulator. The AIC welcomes this contribution in the credit
sector for all what it is worth. We are sure to have a credit
industry that will serve the interest of consumers who are often
on the sidelines of access to credit markets and discriminatory
credit practice. I thank you.
Ms J L FUBBS: Deputy Speaker, hon members and guests, good
afternoon. I am sure it has been of interest to hon members that
there has not been one dissenting voice. I think that is a great
achievement in this House. [Applause.] The reason why there is
no dissenting voice is not because of love ... [Laughter.]...
But because of what the world economic forum referred to
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recently is the increasing in equality in the world, not only in
our country, but in the world, globally. It is growing to such
an extent that it makes the dark ages look bright ...
[Interjections.] [Laughter.]
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, hon members, lets listen to hon
Fubbs.
Ms J L FUBBS: Yes, I would appreciate it if you would listen to
the next few words and that is this, you see, when we look at
this, I must first before I forget thank the hon Adrian Williams
for cheering the subcommittee and those like yourself hon HillLewis, you were represented there and from time to time other
committee members. You have done a fine job. Thank you very
much. [Applause.]
When it first came about - you will recall - we spoke about debt
forgiveness - there was a hue and a cry. What do you mean you
going to forgive them; they will start all over again. That is
what the ANC does, forgive and forget, like we got running a
conditional. We are not. [Laughter.]
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What we are doing is that we are recognising reality. That is
what we are doing, because as you know, hon Prince Buthelezi,
throughout our country today we have financial institutions
acting with impunity and disregarding legislation. Yes, we do
have legislation, the National Credit Act, we do. That is what
saved South Africa. It saved us from the global financial crisis
created by the greatest capitalist of this world, the Americans.
What we are saying is that, this debt - how did it become a
reality? It is true that South Africans in general have a
culture of credit, in general. However, let us also acknowledge
that financial institutions in South Africa have become a
protected species in our business. So, they acted with impunity.
There is legislation that makes reckless lending a criminal
offense. Yes, yes, yes, yes. So, why aren‘t they behind bars?
Why not, why not? I will tell you why. They are too many vested
interests.
So, what we are appealing for is that every member of this House
does what it is doing now, it puts the people first. [Applause.]
And it acknowledges that the majority of South Africans don‘t
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have assets. We have yet to fully resolve issues like the land
question and we don‘t have sufficient generosity, sufficient
honesty and the financial sector to acknowledge publicly, not
privately one to one.
You know what, we ignore the legislation. What they are doing
now is saying, but you know, Chair can‘t you sought to try and
understand - no I can‘t. I cannot understand why any financial
institution would rob the poor, no! That is what‘s happening.
Secondly, credit is not only acquired by cash, it also acquired
by a purchase of assets like furnisher, a stove, a fridge and
also borrowing one‗s loved ones. What happens then, you are
persuaded to take out insurance but when you are in this
dreadful state you forget you paid the insurance. Let me tell
you, they don‘t bother to remind you. But when the insurance has
lapsed then you get a visit from the sheriff who actually takes
back the goods.
What do we do about it? Up to now, we have not been able to do
much. However, I am pleased to learn and to hear in the House
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today, that there is not one party that disagrees with the
reality that it is time we did something realistic to address
the debt situation. And not let people off and allow getting
into further debt, but rather to develop instruments through
legislation and adopt measures which will respect the culture of
savings and also prevent reckless lending. The ANC fully
supports this Bill.
There was no debate.
The Chief whip of the majority party: Deputy Speaker, I move
that the House, in terms of Rule 273(3), give permission that
the legislative proposal be proceeded with.
Motion agreed to.
Permission accordingly given to the Portfolio Committee on Trade
and Industry to proceed with the legislative proposal.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC
EDUCATION ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO CAPRICORN AND VHEMBE EDUCATION
DISTRICTS IN LIMPOPO PROVINCE
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Mr T Z M KHOZA: Deputy Speaker, the committee undertook an
oversight visit to Capricorn and Vhembe education districts in
Limpopo province. The purpose of the oversight visit was to
assess the state of schooling and examination readiness for the
2016 school year in Limpopo province.
The education districts of Capricorn and Vhembe ...
The portfolio committee also sought to oversee the
implementation of key priority areas in respect of the
improvement of the quality of basic education. There was an
additional need to provide support to the Limpopo Provincial
Education Department and the two identified districts in respect
of finding effective ways to solve the challenges they face.
The portfolio committee focused on, among other things, the
following crucial areas to assess the state of readiness of the
identified districts and Limpopo in general for the National
Senior Certificate, NSC, examinations and other assessments. The
portfolio committee assessed the interventions made in
preparation for the NSC examinations or other assessments;
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support for progressed learners; teacher development programmes;
the state of security systems for the printing, distribution and
storage of examination question papers; the procedures in place
to conduct the examination; and the training of invigilators.
The portfolio committee assessed the state of schooling in the
province in terms of the following key priorities: the provision
of learner-teacher support material, LTSM; staff establishments
– that is, post provisioning norms; support received from
districts; the availability of learner transport and school
nutrition programmes for qualifying learners; the functionality
of school governing bodies and school management teams; the
state of schools‘ infrastructure and the availability of school
furniture; inclusive education; the utilisation of ICT in
schools and in the area; the implementation of social cohesion
programmes; and whether the necessary support and advice to deal
with the challenges are given.
The portfolio committee selected the Limpopo province based on
the challenges that emerged in some of the regions of the
province. The Vuwani area of the Vhembe district experienced a
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wave of protests between 3 May and 10 August 2016 which set back
teaching and learning.
The committee found the following and observed that, in terms of
examination readiness, it was satisfied that the province was
ready to administer the 2016 NSC examination, despite some
challenges noted.
The portfolio committee further noted the range of intervention
programmes designed to prepare learners for the NSC examinations
and other assessments, including the catch-up programmes for
Grade R to 11 and Grade 12 learners in the Vuwani area of the
Vhembe district.
We also wanted to look at the progress made in terms of
inclusive education provisioning. In this regard, we are
satisfied with the incremental procurement of assistive devices
and large print.
We were also satisfied with regard to the overall state of
schooling in the province. The committee noted some improvements
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since the previous oversight visit in 2015 as well as a stronger
will and sense of purpose from the province in addressing its
challenges.
The committee also visited one of the well-functioning teachers‘
centres in the country, Mustek, as well as some resilient
schools in the Vhembe education district such as Mpilo Secondary
School. Despite having large classes, Mpilo has consistently
produced excellent results in Grade 12 for over a decade,
particularly in the critical subject areas of Mathematics and
Physical Science.
However, there were challenges. The committee also observed
several areas requiring attention in the province, as
highlighted in the report. These include infrastructure
backlogs, improving communication with stakeholders, the filling
of vacancies ... Thank you. [Time expired.]
Ms H S BOSHOFF: Hon Deputy Speaker, the purpose of the oversight
visit to Limpopo in September 2016 was to, inter alia, asses the
province‘s state of readiness for the 2017 National Senior
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Certificate examination. This included assessing the state of
security systems for printing, distribution and storage of
examination question papers, as well the procedures in place to
conduct these examinations, especially in the areas where
schools had been ravaged in the wake of widespread protests that
had taken place earlier in the year.
Further visits were conducted to full service schools, and those
left me gobsmacked, to say the least!
The question one must ask is: What is the purpose of our
oversight visits?
As portfolio committee members, we must investigate the
situation on the ground, ensure that our findings are discussed
with the relevant officials, and set time limits for
implementation so that all provincial departments are held to
account. But it is abundantly clear that these oversights are
not taken seriously by the Department of Basic Education or by
the other provinces.
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If I consider the oversight visits conducted to schools in the
province that were burnt and damaged last year, then I have not
once seen a report on the findings from the Limpopo Education
Department. I am absolutely certain that, if I were to return to
these schools, I would find that little to nothing has changed.
The provincial education department must be made to provide this
House with regular reports on its progress. At best, the
department is incapable of delivering on its mandate; at worst,
it is complicit in sending more children away after schooling
without sound education, thus contributing to our ever-growing
lost generation.
There are educators out there who are passionate about their
work and want to see that learners are provided with the
education they deserve. In one instance, the principal of Khwara
High School refused to go home, and patiently waited in the dark
for two hours so that he could share his experiences with us.
This, to try and improve the situation of his learners. Hon
members, that is what I call dedication. His dedication should
be nurtured as it would help his students and teachers to reach
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the goals that have been set. We were informed that books were
burnt and that computers, science kits, school records,
furniture and a staff room – previously built by the parents –
were not spared. Opening in August after the local government
elections, he was still awaiting teacher-learner guides. Totally
unacceptable! The only items provided to him were two mobile
classrooms, for which he expressed his heartfelt appreciation.
Afrikaans:
Agb Adkunkspeaker, ‘n saak na aan my hart is leerders met
gestremdhede. In Limpopo is dit duidelik dat sulke leerders en
leerkragte aan hulle eie lot oorgelaat is. Die vorige spreker
van die ANC het gesê hulle is tevrede met wat aangaan in
onderwys vir leerders met gestremdhede. Ek wil graag met hom
verskil.
Rivoniskool is ‘n skool vir blindes. Hulle het nie eens die
dienste van Braille opvoeders nie. Hoe op dees aarde gaan
hierdie leerders – wat glad nie kognitiewe probleme het nie – ‘n
ordentlike opvoeding ontvang en hulle matriek slaag?
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English:
Setotolwane, another school that caters for the blind, does not
even have top-up Braille books. This leaves me speechless!
It would appear that learners with disabilities are being
unfairly treated. The sooner we address this issue, the sooner
we will reap the benefits.
Education is the bedrock of our society and, as Madiba said,
―Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to
change the world.‖
If we do not address these challenges head on, there is no way
that the goals set will be realised. The lost generation will
simply grow larger and larger. Thank you. [Applause.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: [Interjections.] The EFF went on this
oversight visit and we were able to confirm that what we have
long believed is indeed true. The country has no basic education
system. We continue endangering the future of our children and
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of our country if we do not fix loopholes in our basic education
system as fast and radically as possible.
The aim of the visit was to assess the state of schooling and
examination readiness for the 2016 school year in the province
in the identified districts.
What we found during this visit was nothing new. We have
consistently spoken in this House about a lack of co-ordination
between the national department and the provincial departments
of education. We have consistently spoken about the lack of coordination between provincial departments and their district
offices, and that this lack leads to massive corruption at a
district level.
There were 897 schools that only had pit latrines that needed to
be addressed in terms of norms and standards for school
infrastructure. Of the 897 schools, the department needed to
build 16 811 toilets to provide sufficient sanitation. In the
visited districts, 45 schools were without adequate water.
Sixteen schools did not have electricity. There was a need for
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6 843 ordinary classrooms and 4 913 Grade R classrooms in that
province.
The question is: What do we do after tabling this report? We
just move on as if nothing has happened. We move on in the
comfort of the luxuries that public money affords us as Members
of Parliament, and we do nothing.
We therefore cannot accept this report because we know it will
gather dust just like many others before it, and nothing will be
done. Thank you. [Applause.]
Prof C T MSIMANG: Deputy Speaker, members of the portfolio
committee were disappointed with the findings in the Vhembe
district, in especially at Vuwani. This is the area that had
been engulfed by the violent protest action which saw about 29
public schools erased by arson.
What is deplorable is that the protest had nothing to do with
schooling, but schools were identified as soft targets by
communities who were defying the rulings of the demarcation
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board who sought to disestablish or amalgamate certain
municipalities in Limpopo. This brought schooling and learning
to a stand still, affecting thousands of learners, especially
those who were doing Grade 12.
The infrastructure damaged to the schools in Vuwani was
estimated at R348 million. Before the portfolio committee
proceed to Limpopo in September 2016, it had been informed that
the situation was back to normal. Yet, when we arrived at the
scene the situation was exactly the opposite. In one of the
visited schools, the Principal informed the committee that the
chairs he had provided for us were the only chairs left at the
school. He was at a loss as to where the Grade 12 learners were
going to sit when writing exams. The school library and computer
room had be guttered with all the books and computers in such
rooms destroyed.
He complained bitterly that the provincial department had not
replaced the teaching and learning materials in spite of
repeated requests. In a number of other schools we met with the
same lack of furniture and learning materials. I must confess
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that I was pleasantly surprised on seeing the matric results
from Vuwani, because they were so good as to be beyond
expectations.
A number of schools in Limpopo complained about the high bills
of electricity rates that are charged by their municipalities.
We plead with Department of Co-operative Governance and
Traditional Affairs, Cogta, to look into this matter because
schools simply do not have resources to settle such exorbitant
accounts. There is also an outcry about many teenage pregnancies
in our schools. The teachers along cannot resolve this problem,
all communities and governments should find a solution.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, your time has expired.
Prof C T MSIMANG: The problem is not limited to Limpopo but is
becoming a national disaster. [Time expired.]
Prof N M KHUBISA: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Education is the
backdrop on which a society builds its hope for the future, as
an investment in future growth and progress. And it is a gateway
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through which we may get achievement and freedom for our people
when we have an educated nation that can take its place among
the nations with pride.
However, we still have a long way to go in archiving our goal of
quality free education for all. The oversight visit to Capricorn
and Vhembe districts in Limpopo gave the portfolio committee an
insight; once again, of how deep the structural inequalities in
our national basic education remain, 22 years after we have
attained our freedom.
The pressing backlog in the infrastructure development reminded
the portfolio committee, once again, that the average black
child in South Africa is still denied complete fulfilment of
their rights to quality and free basic education. Because
without the basics such as the running water, dignified toilets,
and electricity, it is difficult to create a learning
environment in which the talent of our children can blossom and
grow to their full potential.
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And 70% of the learners in Grades 8 and Grade 9 and lower Grades
in the province of Limpopo had not received stationery for
several days after the schools had officially opened. Vacancies
remained unfilled and there is still little evidence of support
for teachers‘ development or the rolling of inclusive education.
All of these obstacles are well within the jurisdictions and the
mandate of the provincial department of basic educating to
resolve. The sooner that can happen the better it will be for
the children of Limpopo. However, the problems faced in Limpopo
must not be viewed in isolation. The problems that the portfolio
committee encountered there are mirrored in virtually every
province in South Africa; some more so than the others.
What we have to accept is that not enough has been done to
address the social inequalities which have been inherited from
the unjust past. Our children and in particular our black
children in rural areas continue to suffer these inequalities.
We have to speed up all intervention programmes which will
result in rapid infrastructure development and make every effort
to raise the level of competence of our educators. If these two
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issues can be addressed together with the visible commitment
from the government to attend to the obstacles that our children
are faced with then South African may well come closer to
achieving its goal of quality free education for all our
children in our lifetime.
Deputy Speaker, this is what we are tabling as a concern and it
must be attended to. The report is welcomed.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you. Hon member ANC, I was told that
someone would be declaring there.
Mr D MNGUNI: Deputy Speaker, the ANC supports this reports that
has been tabled and it also appraises the progressive work done
by these provinces to change the lives of our communities since
our visits there. We had numerous recommendations that were
done. For example, that the Limpopo department should fast-track
the realisation of small and nonviable schools including
ensuring that there is sufficient infrastructure provision of
scholar transport as well as nutrition.
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We also had another recommendation that there should be fasttracking of the filling of vacant posts which includes the
promotion of post as a matter of urgency. Yes, I heard the hon
Boshoff saying that the department does not take findings of the
committee seriously. Let me say to you that after our visit the
department delivered the Learning and Teaching Support
materials, LTSM, to the schools as was requested as well as on
the languages as the schools requested. This includes schools
like Setotolwane School for the blind, on brail workshop.
Siswati
Kulabantfwana labadzinga ema-assistive device, sakhuluma kutsi
letikolwa leti atinikwe lama-assistive device; nangempela
bakwenta loko njengobe sasishito.
Noko-ke angati kutsi i-EFF yona ikhuluma ngani, ngobe phela
beyingekho nekuba ngekho lapha. Asizange siyibone. Kusho kutsi
bayatibhudzela nje ngekulungelwa kwetikolwa kulesa sifundza.
Sakhona kubaniketa tidzingo ... [Kuhlaba Lulwimi.]
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The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, please take your seat. Yes, what
are you rising on, hon member?
Ms N R MASHABELA: Deputy Speaker, on a point of order, that
member must stop misleading the House. I was there during that
oversight visit. No! He must withdraw! Otherwise he is not going
to speak here! I was there during the oversight! No!
[Interjections.] ... He can‘t talk! No! He must stop talking
lies!
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, hon member! Take your seat hon
member! Take your seat, the House knows that you we there. Take
your seat! Proceed, hon member.
Mr D MNGUNI: Thank you very much. The Province is busy now ...
[Interjections.]
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: No, no, no! Hon member you have said that,
take your seat! Proceed, hon member.
Mr D MNGUNI: Yes, she must ... [Inaudible.]
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Ms N R MASHABELA: Eh, eh! This man must not talk there.
Mr D MNGUNI: The province is now busy with the provision of
water and sanitation projects with amount to ...
[Interjections.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: No! He must withdraw. I was there, I was
there! He must stop lying to the House. No! You must stop lying.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member! I said, you can‘t just rise and
speak without being recognised. I told you to take your seat.
[Interjections.] Take your seat! Continue, hon member!
Siswati:
Mr D MNGUNI: Bahlonishwa kanye nemiphakatsi yonkhe emakhaya,
sinenking yalaba bongcamngceshe lababuka lokubi kuphela.
Ms E N LOUW: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker ...
[Interjections.]
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The DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is the point of order about?
Ms E N LOUW: Deputy Speaker, our member has raised a point of
order that her integrity is harmed by this member because she
did attend the oversight; and you must let that member withdraw
or rule on the matter. Because that is infringing on her rights,
and her integrity, that she did not do her constituency work.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, hon member, you can‘t challenge
a ruling that has been made ... [Interjections.] No! Let me
explain.
Ms E N LOUW: No! I can, it was wrong! I can, who are you. No! If
you are wrong, I can who are you?
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, if you want to question the
ruling ... [Interjections.] ... hon member! Take your seat, let
me explain to you. Take your seat, hon member! [Interjections.]
Hon members, if you object to the ruling that a presiding
officer has made, you know what the rules say you must do! You
can‘t debate the ruling in the House here.
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Mr M S MBATHA: On a point of order, Chair.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I have already ruled on that matter, hon
member; if you are rising on the same thing ... [Interjections.]
what are you rising on?
Mr M S MBATHA: I am rising on a point of order, chair, your
ruling was wrong. The man lied ... [Interjections.]
Ms H HLOPHE: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, I have ruled on this matter, if
it is on this matter, it is not going to be allowed, hon member.
[Interjections.] Hon members! I am talking to an hon member
don‘t interrupt me with your points of orders whilst I am
talking, I will not accept that!
Ms H HLOPHE: I am rising on point 92, Deputy Speaker.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: What does it say?
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Ms H HLOPHE: It says a point of order.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: What are you rising on, hon member, what is
the principle? [Interjections.]
Ms H HLOPHE: Please be patient.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I want to hear on what rule? If you do not
indicate what the issue is and what rule you are rising, on you
can sit down.
Ms H HLOPHE: On rule 92(1) I am rising under 92(1) is that
difficult to understand?
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, what are you rising on?
Ms H HLOPHE: Deputy Speaker, I am saying this thing of the ANC
of sending old people here in this Parliament is a problem. This
hon member did not even see that the member was there. It is a
problem; you must send young people here!
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Siswati:
Mr D MNGUNI: Ngiyabonga Sekela Lasomlomo, kulabantfu
lenisitfumelela bona, laba labaphikisako, abakuncomi loku
lokuhle. Ase uhambe-ke wena DA uye lapha eGigulethu, Emseni
Primary School, lekhona lapha eNtshonakoloni. Kusukela ngemhla
ka 27 Ingongoni 2016, bothishela abakabhadalwa ngobe nine
ninenkinga naletikolwa letilapha kulela lokishi.
Tinhloko tenu tifanana neteTindlulamitsi ngoba nitsandza kubuka
tono talabanye bantfu nishiye leti tenu tono.
English:
We have made a key recommendation in the portfolio committee,
and I have alluded to some of them. But let me add some that are
there. Limpopo should ensure that matters of inclusive education
continue to receive focused attention including fast-tracking
the provision of assistive divisive as I have said earlier on,
like filling of critical posts such as the occupational therapy
and house mother and father in needy schools as well as the
effective training and development of educators.
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The other recommendation is that the Limpopo education
department should provide Parliament with the report on the
infrastructure needs of the schools in the province and the
action plan with timeframes to address the backlogs in order to
facilitate the oversight of Parliament. The report should
include incomplete projects and school furniture.
The committee also requested the provincial education department
to check the infrastructure needs of the schools as raised in
the committee report against the province infrastructure
assessment report and update the portfolio committee on the way
forward on this matter. May I drink my water? Cheers!
We also recommended that the Limpopo education department should
ensure that the schools experiencing shortages of textbooks and
workbooks receives the necessary assistance as a matter of
urgency as well as the National School Nutrition Programme,
NSNP, shortcoming.
On the issue of critical vacancies, when you look at newspapers
...
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Siswati:
... emaphephandzaba abagcwele ema-adverts lasuka kulesifundza.
Inkinga yenu nina baka-EFF kanye nani nine baka-DA anifundzi
nine bekunene.
English:
Reading is power. Go and check the Rivoni School for the Blind
what we have done as the ANC. All that shows the progress, done
by the ANC-led government!
Siswati:
Umphakatsi awuyekele tonkhe letingcalamba letilibala kukhuluma
tibange umsindvo la. Tsine njengaKhongolose asiketi lapha
kutawulalela loku lokushiwo nguletingcalamba. Lapha sitewuchuba
umsebenti webantfu esiveni sakitsi.
English:
I therefore, hereby propose that the House accept this report.
Ngiyabonga kakhulu. [Thank you very much.] [Tandla.]
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The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Chief Whip, we have listened to the
introduction and the declarations on the report. What do you
wish the House to do, sir?
There was no debate.
THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, I move
that the report be adopted by this House.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The motion is that the report be adopted,
are there any objections? I will now put the question. Those in
favour will say aye.
Hon MEMBERS: Aye!
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Those against will say no.
Hon MEMBERS: No!
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I think the ayes have it.
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Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted (Economic Freedom Fighters
dissenting).
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM ON
OVERSIGHT VISIT TO MPUMALANGA PROVINCE
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM ON
OVERSIGHT VISIT TO NORTH WEST PROVINCE
Ms L S MAKHUBELA-MASHELE: Hon members, good afternoon, the sole
objective of this oversight visit we undertook as the portfolio
committee was amongst others, to access the state of tourism in
the provinces, to access the implementation of the tourism
social responsibility initiative projects, to access the level
of stakeholder participation both in public and private sector
tourism activities. Our oversight was geared towards accessing
the achievements of evaluating challenges and prospects for
growth, particularly in rural areas and the extent of government
support at provincial and local levels. This oversight has been
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significant in giving the committee a clear perspective on how
the Department of Tourism implement their social responsibility
implementation projects and how it collaborate with provinces
municipalities on a number of strategic issues to grow the
potential for tourism.
I must indicate that the committee learnt that there are
provincial intergovernmental forums that have been established
in an effort to ensure integration planning amongst the tourism
sector that is chaired mostly by the MECs of Economic
Development. It was encouraging to see that the local tourism
organisations have been established in some local municipalities
such as Bushbuckridge and Steve Tshwete.
The interventions by the Department of Tourism to pilot local
tourism organisations in Bushbuckridge are commended. We need to
roll out this project in many municipalities across the country
to foster co-ordination between the private sector and
government. The Middleburg Visitors Information Centre in Steve
Tshwete Local Municipality was a good model on how the
Department of Tourism should implement the information centres
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throughout the country. This project was jointly funded by the
municipality and the department. Upon completion, the
information centre was handed over to the private sector for
operations. The centre is well managed by the private sector
under a close oversight and supervision by the municipality. If
this model is replicated in all information centres across the
length and breadth of the country, it can assist the
municipalities in fulfilling their constitutional mandate of
promoting local tourism effectively.
The committee also visited a number of social responsibility
implementation projects implemented by the department. In
general, the committee was concerned about the infrastructure
projects. Some of the observed challenges include poor
institutional arrangements; ownership and operations of these
projects; the value for money; poor planning for new projects
including lack of feasibility studies; environmental impact
assessments and the choice of location of the projects. The
committee was however encouraged by the efforts but the
department is correcting these challenges and has a working plan
to ensure that they bring this project back to line.
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Before embarking on this oversight, specifically to Mpumalanga,
the committee have noted a number of concerns raised by the
stakeholders in the historic tourism town of Pilgrim‘s Rest. In
the engagement with the stakeholders on the ground, the
committee learnt that the town does not fall under the
municipality but belongs to the Department of Public Works which
leases the buildings to tourism businesses. Most of the
challenges emanated from these arrangements and urgent
intervention is needed by the Department of Public Works so that
this tourism business can go back and work optimally.
I submit this report before this august House and ask for its
adoption. Thank you.
Declarations of vote:
Mr J VOS: Hon Deputy Speaker, these oversight visits clearly
demonstrate the urgent intervention required from government to
support regional tourism which typically will support small
town‘s economy around the country. The reality of this is that
it impacts on the ability of such places to generate much-needed
revenue and economic opportunities for those communities.
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This clear evidence shows that the department is either being
flippant with the truth regarding the state of domestic tourism
or it is unaware of the true situation. The DA submits that both
possibilities are untenable and therefore we recommend that the
department starts fulfilling its mandate.
Entrepreneurship can also become ‗tourismpreneurship‘ with the
help of an engaged government. Millions of South Africans live
below the poverty line. Therefore the key focus of the
Department of Tourism must include programmes that will address
the current discourse between tourism and poverty alleviation
because the mere fact that tourism takes place does not imply
that the money trickles down to the poor. We need real measures
that will ensure that tourism does reduce poverty in our
country.
Following the Budget announcement last week of the additional
funding for tourism, we submit that the allocation should be
utilised with the establishment of tourism infrastructure and
the development of products that will drive demand and make
business sense. The lesson for government and the Department of
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Tourism is to make sure that the tourism landscape comprise of
products and services that are market ready before spending
millions of rands on further marketing programmes.
Having said this, the DA believes that every town and every
community throughout our country has tourism potential and
therefore this additional funding must be allocated towards
programmes that will develop skills, knowledge and business
opportunities while developing tourism products and
infrastructure that will specifically address the limited
geographic spread throughout our country.
Before I conclude, allow me to express my disappointment in the
Home Affairs Ministers for not dealing decisively with the
immigration fiasco at the O R Tambo International Airport.
Earlier this week we received reports of only up to three
immigration officials present at counters and this comes after
the Minister has announced with much fanfare that an additional
R25 million will be allocated to the appointment of an
additional 58 immigration officials.
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Since last year, more than 800 passengers missed their
connection flights as a result of the constraints at these
counters. This is simply unacceptable considering that our
airports are major points of entry displaying the capability of
our country as a destination of choice for travel and trade.
Without any further delay, more should be done to prepare our
immigration officers for the influx of tourists to our country.
In real terms, the industry has suffered a loss of R7,5 billion
as a result of this disastrous travel regulations that were
introduced two years ago. The Minister should cut his losses and
do away with his ill-conceived regulations and implement
international best practice measures such as electronic visas
that will streamline tourism facilitation to our country. Thank
you. [Applause.]
Mr T RAWULA: The EFF did not participate in the oversight visit
to both Mpumalanga and the North West. We did not do so because
we refused to go holidaying when we know the subject of the
visit is something we know fully well. We have in the past
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registered our appreciation of the critical role tourism placed
in growing the economy and its potential to mass job creation.
It is currently unable to realise its full potential because of
the nature and the structure of tourism industry itself. The
industry operates like a mafia controlled by few tourism players
who have access to amenities such as hotels, bread and breakfast
establishment and recreational farms. They absorb the bulk of
the revenue from tourism, appoint few black people as labourers
and pay them peanuts. It is one reason why the land question is
so important. Without radically changing land ownership
patterns, tourism will continue benefitting a tiny minority. In
the North West, the top 10 attractions in the province are Sun
City with 54, 2%, Pilanesberg National Park with 42,1%, Madikwe
Game Reserve with 14,1%, Hartebeespoort Dam with 13,2%,
Hartebeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park with 10,8%, Waterfall
Mall with 7,7%, the Cradle of Humankind with 7,5%, Klerksdorp
Matlosana Mall with 4,4%, Brits Mall with 4,4% and Potchefstroom
University with 4,3%. With the exception of Madikwe Game
Reserve, all these are unfortunately white-owned establishment.
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The province needs serious investment or tourism sites. In
Mpumalanga, instead of investing on new tourism sites, the
provincial government has set aside money to the tune of
R18 million to the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency to
upgrade the tourism facilities at the Blyde River Canyon,
Manyeleti Game Reserve, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, it does not
help diversity in the industry and perpetuates unequal
distribution of tourism. We further note of course the
idiocratic move by the ANC caucus in the province to erect Mr
Zuma‘s statue. We can tell you, putting Zuma as a statue will be
a tourist detraction in the province and we are advising you to
stop doing it. We reject this report because we know it is of no
consequence to our people. Thank you.
Declaration of vote:
Mr J A ESTERHUIZEN: Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Having read both
the reports a short while ago I do this recreation on behalf of
our member of tourism the hon Inkosi R N Cebekhulu.
The promotion of domestic and the national tourism in all our
provinces is essential to have a continued economic growth and
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development and such as the responsibility of all spheres of
government. Tourism is one of the key economic drivers and also
plays an important role in job creation.
Afrikaans:
Ek moet aansluit by die DA-lid wie gesê het dat desondanks
teenkanting van sekere departemente, toerisme met die een van
die kleinste begrotings die meeste waarde toevoeg. Dit is te
danke aan die bevoegdheid van die Minister van Toerisme, mnr
Derek Hanekom, en sy departement.
English:
An oversight visit to the North West province sought to provide
frank assessment of the state of tourism in the province and to
identify the areas to be targeted for possible growth and
development. The leadership and enthusiasm of the MEC for
Tourism and the province must be commended. A department without
hands on leadership is a department doomed to fail.
Cultural tourism should be more greatly promoted, for instance
the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village has a significant value to the
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area as a tourist destination. Dr Credo Mutwa, as we all know,
is well known international, religious and philosophical
cultural circles.
Afrikaans:
In Mpumalanga is ons bekommerd oor die gebrek aan
staatsondersteuning in Pelgrimsrus en die verval van die gebied.
Daar is ten tye soveel vakante besighede, en in toerisme in
hierdie eens groot toeriste aantreklikheid is heeltemal tot
niet. Die staat, deur middel van die Departement van Toerisme,
het ‘n plig om hierdie area weereens te bemark en te bevorder.
English:
In conclusion and in respect of the issues that were identified
by the oversight committee, the IFP agrees that through a closer
co-operation between the national and provincial tourism
department, as well as the private sector stakeholders, many can
be resolved; and we urge the government to adopt such an
inclusive consultation going forward. The IFP supports the
report.
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Declaration of vote:
Mr N M KHUBISA: House Chairperson, hon members, tourism remains
one of our few national resources which have a life skill
potential to address the twin evils of poverty and unemployment
in our country.
Tourism currently employs or supports almost 712 000 directs
jobs which is one of only a few sectors of our economy where
there is positive employment growth. However, tourism is a very
competitive sector and if government guidance, assistance and
planning is lacking in substance, then it will remain an avenue
which is under exploit and underutilized. Mpumalanga is indeed
breathtakingly beautiful; in particular the eastern part of the
province which is also the area most geared for tourism.
Sadly, the failure of the government sponsored tourism
development projects in the province is casting a dark cloud
over the benefits of tourism for local communities. It was
anticipated that the project discussed in the report would
benefit and empower women and youth and act as a blueprint for
inclusive future tourism development.
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However, the report clearly shows that these projects are in
varying degrees of implosion. The ones striving pilgrims rest
crown jewel among the tourist attractions in Mpumalanga is now a
stuck tattered remainder of how tourism development should not
be approached by the government.
In North West we see that the province too is faced with
inadequate, uncoordinated, inconsistent and fragmented tourism
planning. This is similar to the situation in Mpumalanga and we
would venture to say the same is prevalent in other provinces
too.
This lack of co-ordination between the government department and
the provincial government is something which will have to be
addressed if we are to ensure the growth of tourism in our
country. When we look at the recommendations contained in the
report, it is evident that the department, the Mpumalanga and
the North West provincial governments are facing a huge
challenge.
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These recommendations favour accountable, transparent and
efficient governments, whereas at the same time it requires a
close co-operation between the department and the provincial
government. Only time will tell if sufficient signage can be
mastered between them and meet these challenges. The NFP
supports the report. Thank you.
Ms B T NGCOBO: Thank you very much, Chairperson. My declaration
will cover both Mpumalanga and North West. In Mpumalanga there
was quite a lot of problems with the Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRIs, that is the legacy projects.
However, as we speak now, those legacy projects are being
aggressively addressed because for Zithabiseni there is already
a turnaround strategy that the department has come up with; to
have a private sector look into the issues of that area so that
it becomes revamped and works with the communities around that
area. This one I think will improve a lot of these legacy
projects.
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When it comes to those legacy projects that are nonfunctional at
all, the department has used Growth Through Energy Community
Health, GTECH, which is helping with the engineering and also
taking out of the tourism books those projects that are not
necessarily profitable for tourism; but some of them had been
handed over to the municipalities.
With the North West province, North West is a primarily a rural
province. They talk of small towns and dorpies and that is where
they are looking into. We were impressed that they have got home
stays which are used by tourist particularly around Pilanesberg
where tourists stay, at the people‘s homes and they live with
the people. They do what the people do. If that could be
replicated throughout the country I am sure it will also look
into the area of rural tourism.
The other experience that we saw in North West is that it is
very cultural and a lot of areas can be developed into cultural
heritage site, which will actually attract a lot of tourist. In
Pilanesberg which is a cultural village, there is also an
indigenous knowledge system.
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We were at that particular oversight together with the
Department of Science and Technology. They were looking into the
indigenous traditional medicines; and we were looking into the
cultural practices that were done in that area. That is one area
that would really attract tourist to come to Pilanesberg and to
visit the province.
The other issue that was of interest is, they have got hotel
schools which are attracting students from all over the country;
from North West, from Limpopo even from the Eastern Cape. These
students are trained and some of them are actually working. In
the Mafikeng hotel school there is also support from the French
people. The Taung hotel school is training young people into
hospitality as well as the scarce skills that are needed by the
country. If this could be a success it will be of big assistance
to the country.
However, we would like to put a recommendation to the Ministers,
the Minister of Tourism in particular and the Minister of
Transport. If the Minister of Tourism can communicate with the
Minister of Transport to assist the tour operators from this
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province so that they are able to assist tourist that come from
OR Tambo going to North West.
We would also ask the Minister of Tourism to have a meeting or a
communication or actually even the intergovernmental relations
where the national tourism and the provincial in Mpumalanga as
well as public works, and local government in Mpumalanga should
talk around the issue of pilgrims rest.
There is a lot of potential of tourism growth if that area can
be revamped and be looked at; and be given the actual home of
the role of the municipalities. For example: What role can the
municipality play and what role, can tourism play. And what is
the role of the public works as the owner of the pilgrims rest.
So, we would really like the House to support this report. Thank
you. [Applause.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Thank you, House Chair. I
move that the report be adopted by this House. Thank you.
Question put
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Motion agreed to.
Reports accordingly adopted (Economic Freedom Fighters
dissenting).
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG RENAMES BUILDING AFTER ANTI-APARTHEID
JOURNALISTS
(Draft Resolution)
Mr D M GUMEDE: Hon Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1)
notes that the University of Johannesburg is set to
rename the Die Perskorporasie van Suid-Afrika, Perskor
Building after anti-apartheid journalists Percy Qoboza
and Aggrey Klaaste today, Thursday, 2 March 2017;
(2)
further notes that the building became the
headquarters of the media giant Perskor in 1976, and
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that on the same year Qoboza was named Nieman Fellow
at Harvard University and when the Soweto uprising
took place;
(3)
acknowledges that Qoboza and Klaaste were at the
forefront of the black consciousness ideology which
they articulated through their contributions in
newspapers;
(4)
recalls that they fought for the dignity and value of
black people oppressed and dehumanised by the
apartheid regime, using the media as a mighty weapon;
(5)
understands that Qoboza became the editor of The World
newspaper in 1968, and that the paper would go on to
be the most circulated black newspaper in South Africa
by 1974;
(6)
further understands that Klaaste became the editor of
The Sowetan newspaper from 1988 until 2002, and that
he is famously credited for having introduced the
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concept of nation-building, which was aimed at
actively repairing the damage apartheid inflicted on
the nation as a whole; and
(7)
commends the University of Johannesburg for
acknowledging the role played by the journalists in
the democratic South Africa.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON: Hon members, all of you who are going to
read these motions without notice, please keep in mind that
there is a time limit on these motions without notice. It is one
and a half minutes. It is not until the end when you finish or
intend finishing the motion. DA, do you have a motion without
notice?
Agreed to.
CONDOLENCES TO SHEILA HENDERSON
(Draft Resolution)
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Mr R LEES: We do indeed. House Chairperson, I move without
notice:
That the House –
(1)
expresses its condolences to the family of Sheila
Henderson of Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal;
(2)
also expresses its gratitude for the contribution that
Sheila made towards bringing about a democratic South
Africa, and for working tirelessly for its success;
(3)
notes that Sheila died peacefully in her sleep on
Sunday, 19 February 2017, at the age of 94 years;
(4)
also notes that she was a founder member of the Black
Sash movement in the 1950s as well as being a founder
member of the Progressive Party;
(5)
further notes that she was a friend of Helen Suzman
and sadly turned down a request by Suzman to stand for
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election as a candidate of the Progressive Party, sad
because she would have made an outstanding Member of
Parliament, MP at a time when Suzman was a lone voice
in Parliament;
(6)
recalls that she remained active in politics right to
the end, even at the age of 93, confined to a
wheelchair, she was greeting voters during last year‘s
elections;
(7)
also recalls that she was an historian of note who
ensured that history was viewed from all points of
view, she, with a small band of committed people and
with funds she squeezed from donors, established the
now world renowned Talana Museum in Dundee;
(8)
acknowledges that she inspired a whole generation of
historians including the recently retired Chief
Archivist of South Africa; and
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(9)
conveys our profound condolences to the family and
friends.
IsiZulu:
Hamba kahle Sheila. Siyathemba ukuthi uNkulukulu
usosisiza kuthi siphinde sikubone ezulwini.
Agreed to.
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT RULING ON BONGINKOSI KHANYILE BAIL HEARING
(Draft Resolution)
Ms H O HLOPHE: House Chair, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1)
notes that the last prisoner of the FeesMustFall
movement, Bonginkosi Education Khanyile, was granted
bail after a prolonged period of imprisonment;
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(2)
notes that his imprisonment was unjust, unfair and
directly infringed on his liberties;
(3)
we further note that this struggle for free higher
education is just a beautiful and progressive
struggle;
(4)
also notes that the Constitutional Court ruled
yesterday that this decision by lower courts to deny
Education Khanyile bail were irrational and ignorant
of the fact that he was a human being entitled to
human
(5)
liberties;
further note that the Constitutional Court expressed
concern that was being detained without a trial date
for a long period of time and questioned why he was
the only a student leader to remain behind bars
despite protest action had come to an end;
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(6)
acknowledge that Khanyile has been in detention for
more than six months and his only sin was to lead
students in their struggle for free quality education;
(7)
applauds the Constitutional Court for being the
towering steward of our constitutional democracy,
without fail, time and again; and
(8)
wishes Bonginkosi Khanyile well for his future.
Agreed to.
STORMERS BEAT BULLS IN NEWLANDS
(Draft Resolution)
Ms Z C FAKU: House Chair, I move without notice:
That the House –
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(1)
congratulates the Stormers for beating the Bulls 37 24 at Newlands on Saturday, 25 February 2017;
(2)
notes that the Stormers scored five tries to the
Bulls‘ four in their Super Rugby season opener match;
(3)
believes that the Stormers had a strong tactical
performance and dominated the Bulls at the scrums,
with strong attacking and defensive breakdowns; and
(4)
wishes the Stormers success in their upcoming matches.
Agreed to.
INANDA SEMINARY IN DURBAN TEAMS UP WITH ZENEX FOUNDATION TO
LAUNCH TEACHER INTERNS PILOT PROJECT
(Draft Resolution)
Mr N SINGH: Chairperson, I move without notice:
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That the House –
(1)
notes that the legendary Inanda Seminary in Durban
teamed up with the Zenex Foundation to launch a pilot
teacher-interns project in eight rural primary schools
in KwaZulu-Natal;
(2)
further notes that the Maths, English and Science
programme will see 12 teacher-interns studying towards
Bachelor of Education degrees through University of
South Africa, Unisa, placed at schools around
Ndwendwe;
(3)
acknowledges that the aim of this pilot project is to
ascertain whether the already successful model of preservice teacher training can work in a rural setting;
(4)
further acknowledges that it is the vision of the
programme manager to train and grow inspired, high
quality teachers from disadvantaged backgrounds
through hands-on and school-based professional
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development, thus raising the quality of teaching and
learning in our schools;
(5)
applauds the initiative taken by these organisations;
and
(6)
encourages Government – I am looking at you across to adopt more forward-thinking whilst working together
with the citizenry in order to ensure a better future
for our country.
Agreed to.
SILOAH LUTHERAN TB HOSPITAL IN DLOMODLOMO NONGOMA UNDER THREAT
OF IMMINENT CLOSURE
(Draft Resolution)
Mr S C MNCWABE: House Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House –
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(1)
notes that the Siloah Lutheran TB Hospital at
Dlomodlomo near KwaNongoma is under threat of imminent
closure when the funding agreement expires next month;
(2)
further notes that the possible closure of the
hospital will affect many people who depend on this
hospital to get their medication and the services of
medical staff;
(3)
also notes that the management is currently working on
a retrenchment plan for about 95 workers, which if
implemented, will hit low-income families in
particular;
(4)
finally notes that Statistics SA has revealed that
Tuberculosis was the leading underlying natural cause
of death in 2015-2016, accounting for 7.2% of all
deaths nationally; and
(5)
call upon the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to
make every effort possible to ensure that the doors of
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this crucial medical facility remain open to serve the
desperate need of the Northern Zululand region.
Agreed to.
SARS CONGRATULATED FOR MASSIVE OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CRYSTAL METH DRUG BUST
(Draft Resolution)
Ms M C C PILANE-MAJEKE: House Chairperson, I move without
notice:
That the House –
(1)
congratulates South African Revenue Service, Sars, for
intercepting 100kg of crystal methamphetamine, Crystal
meth worth about R30 million at OR Tambo International
Airport;
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(2)
notes that the cargo came from Cameroon via Istanbul
in Turkey;
(3)
further notes that the substance meth is referred to
as ―tik" in the Western Cape and is one of the most
commonly abused drugs in Cape Town;
(4)
acknowledges that meth is highly addictive with
addicts becoming aggressive and psychotic; and
(5)
commends Sars for a job well done in assisting by
intercepting this drug and in ensuring our sustained
effort to keep all drugs off our streets and help keep
our communities safe.
Agreed to.
70 SICK LEARNERS FROM MANCAM JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN MQANDULI
(Draft Resolution)
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Ms C C MAJEKE: Chairperson, on behalf of the UDM, I move without
notice:
That the House —
(1) notes with sadness that on Monday and Tuesday, 27 and 28
February respectively, about 70 young people from Mancam
Junior Secondary School in Mqanduli rural area, they had
to be rushed to Luthubeni Clinic and Zithulele Hospital
after suffering from mass hysteria;
(2) further notes that these young pupils were reported to
have complained of headache and stomach ache and
dizziness, a situation that could not be explained nor
controlled by the school authorities;
(3) recalls that the incident at Mancam comes less than two
weeks after the people died at Bhekisizwe Junior
Secondary School and doesn‘t others were rushed to
hospital after they fell victims of similar sickness;
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(4) commends the decision and leadership of the school and
the parents to allow pupils not to attend school
yesterday, Wednesday, which was 1 March 2017 in the
interest of safety of all the children;
(5) further commends the arrangements made by the school and
parents to mobilise the broader community and religious
fraternity for the prayer service as they all
accompanied the pupils back to school today, being
Thursday, 2 March;
(6) calls for the maximum unity of all sectors of the
affected community in an endeavour to bring an end to
this cruel incident;
(7) wishes all the affected pupils who were rushed to
various health facilities for a speedy recovery and
return to peaceful teaching and learning environment;
and
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(8) expresses our condolences with the family and the school
of the 15-year-old grade 8 pupils, who died two weeks
ago.
Agreed to.
A FIVE-YEAR-OLD BOY, FELL DOWN ON AN OPEN, UNPROTECTED AND
ABANDONED 1KM DEEP MINE SHAFT
(Draft Resolution)
Prof B BOZZOLI: Chair, I hereby move on behalf of the DA a
motion without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that on Saturday, 25 February 2017, a five-yearold boy, Richard Mohlala, fell down on an open,
unprotected and abandoned 1 km deep mineshaft near his
home in the impoverished informal settlement named with
dark irony, Jerusalem, in Boksburg Ekurhuleni;
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(2) also notes that to date he has not been found and his
parents are distraught and his community has marched in
a violent protest to demand his rescue;
(3) further notes that Jerusalem informal settlement is one
of no fewer than a 119 informal settlements in an ANCrun Ekurhuleni and is likely others blighted to the
neglected place, built on unstable foundations with no
prospects of remedy in a bleak post-industrial
landscape, which is littered with open and abandoned
mineshafts down which is alleged bodies are frequently
thrown;
(4) acknowledges that Richard‘s case highlight the need for
local and national government to urgently address the
rehabilitation of opened and abandoned mineshafts and to
ensure that the interest of communities are wherein
mining activities occur are better protected;
(5) calls for the continuation of the search for Richard,
the closure and protection of all mineshafts and the
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provision of alternative housing for Jerusalem and all
the 119 informal settlements in Ekurhuleni; and
(6) conveys our heartfelt sympathy and support to the
Mohlala family and the community of Jerusalem.
Agreed to.
THE INSOURCING OF WORKERS FROM LABOUR BROKER AND SERVICE
PROVIDERS
(Draft Resolution)
MR T RAWULA: I rise on behalf of the EFF to move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that the struggle for the insourcing of workers
from labour brokers and service providers is not yet
achieved;
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(2) further notes that the #FeesMustFall movement, which
amongst many demands call for the insourcing of
university workers from labour brokers;
(3) acknowledges that it is discouraging to note that
workers here in the Parliament of the Republic of South
Africa are still subjected to a slavery system of labour
brokering by unscrupulous labour service providers
parading as service providers;
(4) further acknowledges that about 42 workers in the
cleaning division with the majority of them being
females are employed by a service provider and get paid
a gross salary of less than R3000 00 per month after
deductions. This poor workers go home with about
R1300 00 as a net salary;
(5) further notes that the longest worker has been working
here for nine years and the most recently employed has
been employed for at least 18 months, this is a
violation of workers dignity;
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(6) calls upon Parliament to lead by example in the
protection of workers rights and to respect and protect
workers rights; and
(7) further notes that Nehawu has abandoned their cases
because of some of those shop stewards whilst discussing
the plight of those workers they are also submitting
their CVs. Thank you.
The House Chairperson (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, if there
are no objects, I put the motion.
Ms M C C PILANE-MAJAKE: We are objecting, House Chairperson.
The House Chairperson (Mr C T Frolick): Your objection is noted.
Hon members, the Whips must please follow the proceedings and
object at the appropriate time. The motion is not agreed to.
APPOINTMENT OF SIYA KOLISI AS THE NEW STORMERS CAPTAIN
(Draft Resolution)
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MR GUMEDE: The ANC moves without notice:
That the House —
(1) welcomes the appointment of Siya Kolisi as the new
Stormers captain;
(2) recalls that he was included in the Springboks squad
when he turned 21 in 2012;
(3) further recalls that Siya earned his first Springbok cap
in 2013, as a substitute for Arno Botha in a match
against Scotland in Nelspruit;
(4) remembers that he played extremely well and he was
chosen as the man of the match in that game;
(5) further remembers that Mr Kolisi has already amassed 76
Stormers caps; and
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(6) believes that his appointment proves that the team has
absolute trust and confidence in his leadership, as well
as his abilities and wishes Siya Kolisi much success in
his future endeavours.
The House Chairperson (Mr C T Frolick): If there are no
objections I put the motion.
An HON MEMBER: The EFF object.
The House Chairperson (Mr C T Frolick): There is an objection
and the motion is not agreed to.
1 MARCH 2017 HAS BEEN DECLARED ZERO DISCRIMINATION DAY
(Draft Resolution)
MS M C C PILANE-MAJAKE: House Chairperson, the ANC move without
notice:
That the House —
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(1) notes that on 1 March 2017 has been declared a zero
discrimination day;
(2) further notes that this day is a UNAIDS campaign for
solidarity against racism, discrimination at work,
discrimination at school and other activities that
reduce people‘s ability to participate fully and
meaningfully in society;
(3) believes that discrimination undermines the efforts to
achieve a more just and equitable world and causes pain
and suffering for many; and
(4) calls for South Africans to unite and fight
discrimination that divides the nations in order to
create a world free of stereotypes that are a hindrance
to development of the people of South Africa and promote
ill-informed opinions.
The House Chairperson (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, if there
are no objects, I put the motion.
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An HON MEMBER: I object.
The House Chairperson (Mr C T Frolick): There is an objection
and the motion is not agreed to.
SELECTION OF PHENDULANI BUTHELEZI AND SANELE NOHAMBA, TO PLAY
FOR THE SA RUGBY SEVENS
(Draft Resolution)
Ms Z C Faku: House Chairperson, the ANC move without notice:
That the House –
(1) welcomes the selection of Phendulani Buthelezi and
Sanele Nohamba, who are learners at Durban High School
to play for the SA Rugby Sevens Schools under 18 team in
Windhoek, Namibia, on the weekend of 4 to 5 March 2017;
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(2) notes that the two talented rugby players are the first
to be selected amongst the school rugby players for the
Saru Sevens Schools under 18 squad;
(3) further notes that they are not only representing their
school, but are also exclusively representing KwaZuluNatal as they are the only two players selected from the
province amongst all the other rugby playing schools;
(4) recalls that the two players were initially selected at
the Sevens Rugby Tournament at DHS last year, where they
were invited to attend a training camp along with 18
other players from around the country;
(5) recognises that because of their talent at the training
camp, they were selected for the recent announced 13-man
squad; and
(6) wishes them success in their match in Windhoek Namibia
over the coming weekend. I thank you.
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Agreed to.
KENILWORTH SECONDARY SCHOOL GOT 100% PASS IN 2016
(Draft Resolution)
MR DE FREITAS: House Chair, I hereby move on behalf of the DA
without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that Kenilworth Secondary School in Kenilworth in
the south of Johannesburg has obtained 100% pass in
2016, with 80% bachelors and 20% diploma pass, making it
the best performing school in the district for the
second consecutive year;
(2) notes that this school, with a learner population of
100% black learners from poor communities, has produced
these excellent results because there is a great
partnership with parents and the school governing body,
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led by the vibrant and passionate school principal, Mr
Morgan Radebe;
(3) notes that the teachers are dedicated and passionate,
and they do more than what is expected of them by giving
up their weekends and holidays to ensure that their
matriculants excel and not allow unions to interfere
with their teaching;
(4) further notes that Kenilworth Secondary School is an
example to all other schools, particularly in poor
communities, where such schools enjoy no extra luxuries
and facilities; and
(5) acknowledges and congratulates the dedicated teachers,
parents of the learners of Kenilworth Secondary School,
as well as the principal of this school.
Agreed to.
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TATJANA SCHOENMAKER BECOMES WORLD’S SECOND FASTEST IN
WOMEN’S 200M BREASTSTROKE
(Draft Resolution)
Ms M C C PILANE-MAJAKE: Hon Chairperson, the ANC moves without
notice:
That the House -
(1)
congratulates Tatjana Schoenmaker for achieving a world
championship qualifying time in the 200m breaststroke
on 25 February 2017 at the Swimming SA Grand Prix in
Stellenbosch;
(2)
notes that her achievement qualifies her as the second
fastest time for women‘s 200m breaststroke in the
world this year;
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(3)
further notes that she also made a clean sweep of the
breaststroke events over the weekend, touching the
wall first over the 50m, 100m, and 200m distances;
(4)
believes that this 19-year-old rising star‘s great
swimming abilities will bring glory to South Africa;
and
(5)
wishes her success in her future endeavours.
Agreed to.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, that
concludes Motions Without Notice.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Chair!
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Yes, hon member!
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Just on a point of order,
hon Chair, if you may: Our Rules on the Motions Without Notice,
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first say that the notices must come in at a particular time, go
to the office of the Secretary, and the Secretary will then
alert all parties. So if there are five parties that disagree
with the motion, then such motion will not come to the House.
Now, I am raising this so that perhaps you can look: Whether the
Motions Without Notice that have been objected to, including the
EFF one ... [Interjections.]
IsiZulu:
Awulaleli mani!
English:
Whether - including the ANC ones – all of the notices went
through all these processes; and whether parties, informed by
our Rules, did indeed object in terms of the Rules to these
motions?
If such a process wasn‘t followed, I would respectfully request
that we don‘t go back to where we came from: That you correctly
reconsider the rulings that you have correctly made in relation
to the Motions Without Notice that were rejected today. That is
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all that I am asking. You just go back there, look at the
process - whether all these processes were followed, and whether
parties followed what is contained in our Rules - so that we
don‘t go back to that terrible animosity that would characterise
Motions Without Notice in this House. Thank you very much.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Chief Whip, we will
do that: We will get the report from the Table Staff and we will
have it ready for this further discussion in the Chief Whips‘
Forum which you happen to Chair as well. The next item on the
Order Paper is Member Statements. [Interjections.] Hon
Steenhuisen?
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chairperson, can I
address you in terms of Rule 132(5) of the Rules of the National
Assembly?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Yes, you may!
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chairperson, section 92
of the Constitution says that members of the executive are
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accountable to this House for the exercise of their authority.
The oversight and accountability model adopted by this
Parliament, in section 3, recognises Members‘ Statements as one
of the mechanisms to hold the executive accountable.
Today, we are now on the situation where we‘ve got two Ministers
in the House, and I really think it‘s making a mockery of this
tool of oversight. I mean, even if they wanted to, they couldn‘t
respond to the six statements because they just don‘t have
enough members here. The Leader of Government Business undertook
to the Presiding Officer that this situation would improve; it
has gotten worse. Could I press up on the Presiding Officers to
please take this up again with the Leader of Government
Business? We need the executive in this House accounting to
members as per the Constitution and our own oversight and
accountability model. [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you, hon
Steenhuisen. The matter is a concern. I have just quickly
checked. There are two Minister and four Deputy Ministers
present. However, it is a mater that was previously raised in
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the House and we will definitely take it up with the Leader of
Government Business to ensure that we do deal with these
statements and the replies thereto in accordance with the Rules.
MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS
SA-CHINA MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON BEEF EXPORTS
(Member‘s Statement)
Ms T M A TONGWANE (ANC): House Chair, the ANC welcomes the
recent Memorandum of Understanding on the Entry and Exit Animal
Inspection and Quarantine between South Africa and China, which
will present an opportunity to smallholder farmers to access the
Chinese market.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister, Senzeni Zokwana,
signed the Memorandum and the Protocol on the Export of South
African beef to China on Friday, 24 February 2017, to give
effect to the export of South African beef to China. The
Minister signed the agreement with the Chinese Vice Minister of
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General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and
Quarantine during the launch of the Operation Phakisa:
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development by President
Jacob Zuma in Roodeplaat, Pretoria.
President Zuma announced during the state of the nation address
on 9 February 2017 that South Africa would begin exporting beef
to China this year. The agreement will further enhance and take
forward the strong relations and strategic partnership between
South Africa and China.
The programme aims to enhance and transform the agricultural
sector and accelerate land reform to ensure an inclusive rural
economy. Operation Phakisa: Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
Development also seeks to address constraints ... [Time
expired.]
IRREGULAR CONTRACT BETWEEN CPS AND SASSA
(Member‘s Statement)
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Ms B S MASANGO (DA): House Chair, yesterday marked the one-month
countdown to the termination of the invalid, irregular contract
between Cash Paymaster Services, CPS, and the SA Social Security
Agency, Sassa, to distribute 17 million social grants to poor
and vulnerable South Africans.
Since June last year, the DA has done everything in its power to
gain clarity and get answers from the Minister of Social
Development and Sassa on their plans to institutionalise the
payments of these crucial grants. We have asked questions, oral
and written. We have written to the committee, calling for the
Minister to be summoned to present her takeover plans. We have
written letters calling for clarity. All have been to no avail.
The Minister and her department have shown nothing but
obfuscation and evasion on this matter. She has disdainfully
disregarded every conceivable parliamentary oversight mechanism
and still, we have no plans before us. We are sitting on a
ticking time bomb and playing with the lives of 17 million South
Africans. Thank you. [Applause.]
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ARREST OF CLLR KHOLEKILE LANGE
(Member‘s Statement)
Mr M S MBATHA (EFF): Chair, the EFF welcomes the arrest of Cllr
Kholekile Lange in the Eastern Cape and wishes to congratulate
the Hawks in the Eastern Cape on a job well done.
Last Thursday, the Hawks arrested the criminal mastermind of
fraud and the embezzlement of public money, Cllr Kholekile
Lange, current Speaker of the Walter Sisulu Local Municipality
and an ANC leader the in the Eastern Cape. This ANC leader was
charged with fraud and embezzlement of about R7 million of
public money. [Interjections.]
We call on the MEC of the Department of Co-operative Governance
and Traditional Affairs and the national Minister, weekend
special, Des van Rooyen, to get rid of Cllr Kholekile Lange with
immediate effect. We also call upon the law-enforcement agencies
to pursue all criminals without fear or favour, irrespective of
their political backgrounds. In addition, we all call upon our
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courts to impose the harshest possible sentences on the thieves
of public money, such as this ANC cadre, Cllr Lange.
STATE-OF-THE-ART CLINIC AT EMBALENHLE TOWNSHIP, MPUMALANGA
(Member‘s Statement)
Mr A F MAHLALELA (ANC): House Chair, on 25 February 2017, Deputy
President Cyril Ramaphosa opened a state-of-the-art clinic at
Embalenhle Township in Secunda, Mpumalanga. The opening of the
clinic was a source of pride and joy to the people of Embalenhle
and was a reflection of the ANC‘s shared commitment to build a
compassionate society in which all have access to quality health
care.
This was a demonstration of our nation‘s ability to bring social
partners together to create a more humane and inclusive society.
The project was done in partnership with Sasol as a valued
partner for social development. The company has embraced the
vision of a united, just and equitable society. We therefore
wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sasol for being a
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trusted ally of our people in working to transform and improve
the health care system that we inherited from a past of neglect
and deprivation.
We further wish to extend our appreciation to the clinic staff
for their dedication in attending to the needs of our community
under such difficult conditions before this state-of-the-art
clinic was built. We thank the leadership of Sasol for the
investment of R9 million. [Time expired.]
HOUSING CRISIS
(Member‘s Statement)
Mr K P SITHOLE (IFP): Hon Chairperson, the realities that the
people of our country are still faced with are very unfortunate
and disheartening. Proper housing or the lack thereof continues
to be the bane of many people‘s existence in South Africa.
People have become victims of the severe contraventions of their
constitutional right to dignity, life and housing. These are
fundamental rights and are to be enjoyed by us all equally, as
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human beings. Yet, every single day of their lives, people worry
about securing a home of their own. The dream of accessing
housing is still a very distant reality for many people.
The struggle for a decent home is real, and corruption is rife.
The corruption within the system is a huge problem. It has left
people living in limbo, not knowing whether they are coming or
going. Waiting has become an intrinsic part of the narrative,
while people remain living in squalor. The fact that it has been
recently reported that there are still people with C-forms
dating back to 1996-97 is disappointing and, certainly, sad.
Perhaps another issue that needs to be highlighted is the issue
of people illegally occupying houses that are not assigned to
them using intimidation and deceit. [Time expired.]
SASSA CRISIS
(Member‘s Statement)
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Mr S C MNCWABE (NFP): House Chairperson, the looming Sassa
crisis reminds us very much of a similar situation recently,
when South Africa was held hostage by load shedding. The
manufactured energy crisis was used as the means to enrich a few
connected individuals through lucrative coal-supply contracts.
The damage suffered by business and in investor confidence cost
us billions, and the daily lives of ordinary people were
disrupted.
Once again, we are on the verge of being held hostage. This
time, it is our most vulnerable people in South Africa who will
pay the price for the enrichment of a few. The NFP believes the
Minister of Social Development is instrumental in creating this
new crisis. She has done nothing over the past months to put in
place plans to ensure that grants are distributed to 17 million
of our people at the beginning of April. All the while, she
continues to jealously guard her apparent links to those BEE
members who formed part of Belamant R10 billion bid for the
tender, which was awarded to CPS under corrupt circumstances.
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Then NFP supports the suggestion that National Treasury should
be mandated to step into the looming void to ensure that grant
payments are effected expeditiously. We believe that the
government should not be allowed to outsource its
responsibility. [Time expired.]
Dr C Q MADLOPHA (ANC): Hon Chair ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member ... Alright,
you go ahead, but please note, the other member was on her feet,
as well. Continue, hon member.
EXPANDING OF FREE WI-FI IN ETHEKWINI
(Member‘s Statement)
Dr C Q MADLOPHA (ANC): Thank you. The ANC has prioritised
rapidly expanding access to and use of ICT infrastructure by
ensuring that the government supports and develops free Wi-Fi
areas in cities, towns and rural areas. The ANC commends the
eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality for practically implementing
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ANC policy by launching R30 million free Wi-Fi services across
eThekwini, including townships and rural areas.
This project will be rolled out in phases, with the pilot phase
including the laying of fibre optic cable. So far, the City of
eThekwini has rolled out over 1 500 km of fibre optic cable. The
City of eThekwini expects to connect all public facilities and
to provide free Wi-Fi in all municipal libraries, as well as to
launch free Wi-Fi in major townships, rural areas and areas
around universities, or where there is a high concentration of
students. Furthermore, it also plans to set up 750 Wi-Fi access
points within the next three years.
The ANC trusts that this project is going to benefit everyone,
but mostly young people in the townships and rural areas, where
access to digital technology is paramount. This project seeks to
help young people search for jobs online. [Time expired.]
LEANERS’S RIGHTS VIOLATED
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(Member‘s Statement)
Rev K R J MESHOE (ACDP): House Chairperson, too many learners‘
rights to education and human dignity have been and continued to
be violated as a result of substandard sanitation facilities.
The ACDP is very concerned that even though government is aware
that there is a massive backlog of schools that need proper
toilets for learners, there seems to be no urgency to correct
the shortfall.
In August 2015, a nongovernmental Organisation, NGO, called
Blessman Ministries International approached the Limpopo
Department of Education to offer their assistance to build this
much needed toilets in needy schools. After submitting all the
required documents an undertaking was made that a memorandum of
understanding would be signed between the department and
Blessman Ministries International, BMI. In order to get the
memorandum of understanding, MOU, signed so that the project
could commence, an appointment to meet the then acting head of
department was requested. However, despite a number of attempts
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since, BMI are yet to be granted a meeting to finalise this
agreement. BMI approached me to assist them.
On 6 February 2017, I requested an appointment with the Minister
of Basic Education to raise this urgent matter but to date her
office has not given an appointment. The ACDP urges government
not to wait until another child falls into a filthy disgusting
pit latrine before they respond to offers to help from NGOs such
as BMI. Chairperson, there are many people who want to help
schools with this dire situation but because of government red
tape and an uncaring attitude, people who want to help are
denied the opportunity to do so. Thank you.
FUNDING GIVING FARMERS IN THE EASTERN CAPE A BOOST
(Member‘s Statement)
Ms N DAMBUZA (ANC): Chairperson, part of the ANC strategy on
rural development is premised on growing sustainable rural
enterprise and industries through strong rural and urban
linkages, increased investment in rural industries and access to
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local markets and financial services. Therefore, the ANC views
this initiative by its provincial government as a step in the
right direction to enable them to be participants in the agro
processing value chain. As a result, the farmers in the Eastern
Cape are for the first time able to sell their super maize meal
and samp at a retail supermarket in King Williams Town. This
includes a branded maize products produced by six Mqanduli
farming cooperatives to the local retail sector.
This effort ensued the launch of the rural cooperatives from the
Mqanduli Rural Enterprise Development Hub as commercial farms
and food processors benefitting from the land through
government-funded initiatives. The ANC believes that the
development of small businesses and cooperatives are critical
means to empower our people, draw new entrants into the economy,
strengthen inclusive growth, build the social economy and
communities should be encouraged to use the land to be
productive. I thank you.
MEDICAL EQUIPMENTS FAILURE
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(Member‘s Statement)
Dr W G JAMES (DA): House Chairperson, when medical equipments
fails people die. The Auditor-General in his health sector
report for 2015/16 reported that the DA-run Western Cape was the
only province that consistently passed the following rigorous
tests:
First, ensuring that there was enough money for procuring and
maintaining medical equipments throughout the year. Secondly,
rigorously implementing approved standards for operating
procedures for procurement and maintenance of equipment.
Thirdly, ensuring that there were no delays in the process of
procuring new equipments. Lastly, ensuring that medical
equipments are used properly by having trained staff,
appropriate infrastructure, routine maintenance and
instantaneously repair of broken machines.
Chairperson, the Northern Cape and Limpopo failed four out of
the AGs categories. KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the
Eastern Cape failed five out of the six categories. The Free
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State and the North West failed every single one of these
categories. By any standards these are shockingly poor
performances except for the Western Cape, the Auditor-General
found that medical equipments consistently passed in every one
of these categories. All provinces are welcome to come and look
at how the Western Cape does it. I thank you. [Applause.]
SOLIDARITY PLEDGE WITH THOLE FAMILY
(Member‘s Statement)
Ms N V MENTE (EFF): Chairperson, the EFF pledges solidarity with
the Thole family whose five-year-old son has been trapped in an
abandoned mine since 25 February 2017. The five-year-old Richard
Thole has since not been found at the Boksburg disused mine to
date. Rescue operations have been temporarily suspended and the
rescuers have alerted the family that chances of Richard being
found alive are minimal. The blame must be put squarely at the
feet of mining companies whom after exploiting our mineral and
labour resources leave open holes that now serve as grave
swallowing our people alive.
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It must be the duty of the day to prioritise the safety of our
people and to prevent such avoidable tragedies. There are
thousands of disused mines in this country left without proper
mine closure procedures and the department has not done anything
to hold these mining companies accountable. We call on a full
government project to attend to attend to all abandoned and
disused mines to ensure that safety measures are put in place
and that the responsible mining companies face the full might of
the law including compensation to communities and affected
families. We call on all the people of South Africa to join in
prayer and solidarity with the Thole family in the hope to find
their five-year-old son. Our unity in times of human tragedy is
utmost important. Thank you.
UNIVERSITIES TO IMPROVE ACCESS FOR DISABLED
(Member‘s statement)
Mr E K SIWELA (ANC): House Chairperson, the ANC has undertaken a
commitment to make it compulsory that all public buildings are
accessible to people with disabilities. In line with this
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commitment the ANC government has invested about R175 million to
ensure that students and staff with disabilities have improved
access to university facilities. This multimillion rand project
follows the ANC government‘s strategic decision three years ago
to support all universities with funding to improve or expand
facilities and infrastructure for students and staff with
disabilities. Some of the upgrades at the country‘s universities
include improvements to areas such as lifts and walkways,
general accessibility, assistive learning hardware,
magnification of printed text, enhancement software, low vision
aids, braille embossers, computers, software, hardware and
accessories.
Furthermore, the ANC is pleased that the government has
finalised the process of its disability policy, which will help
guide the postschool education and training sector on how best
to harness the skills of the disabled. The ANC will continue to
implement policies and programmes that are geared towards the
protection and promotion of the rights of people with
disabilities to ensure uninhibited and open access to all
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facilities for students and staff with disabilities. I thank
you.
CLAIMANTS WIN AGRI-PROJECT
(Member‘s Statement)
Mr M DIRKS (ANC): Chairperson, the ANC is proud to showcase one
of its many success stories amongst its restitution programme.
As evident, yes indeed, after KwaZulu-Natal ANC government
together with the Commission for the Restitution of Land Rights,
officially handed over title deeds worth R140 million to the
residents of Nkanini-Qwabe in Stanger. This community was
dispossessed of their land rights in 1971. Currently this
community of Nkanini-Qwabe is able to participate in the
agricultural economy. The provincial government also launched
the Qwabe-Nkanini sugarcane Project, which has received about
R16 million in funding for management and infrastructure
development.
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Further, this enterprise grows sugarcane, bananas, nuts, litchis
and flowers. The Nkanini farming project employs 75 people with
the expectation that as the project develops more than 117 jobs
will be created. Furthermore, the Qwabe Secondary co-operative
has a total of 992 beneficiaries with 349 people employed by the
co-operative with an expectation of 87 additional jobs to be
created. The ANC believes this project ... [Time expired.] Thank
you very much. [Applause.]
WESTERN CAPE STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADRESS
(Member‘s statement)
Mr G G HILL-LEWIS (DA): Chairperson, the difference that the DA
government makes was on full display for South Africans to see
last week. In comparison to the R11 million spent on the Sona
and the obscene security design to exclude the public, the
Western Cape state of the province address was an example of the
government that knows it serves the people not the other way
round. The DA is showing what is possible when South Africans
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vote for the party that actually delivers a better life for all
not just talks about it.
Consider the evidence, unemployment in the DA-governed Western
Cape is a full 13,8% point lower than the national average.
Rural unemployment is 14% lower than the national average. The
75% of South Africa‘s venture capital deals are done in the DAgoverned Western Cape. International tourist arrivals are up to
16% in the last year. The DA has half the backlog in issuing
title deeds making people owners of their properties and giving
them meaningful land reform. Employment in farming and
agriprocessing has increased 40% in just two years.
This is what happens where the DA governs. It is what will
happen in Johannesburg, Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay too. It
is a sad day when the ANC in Johannesburg blocks the opening of
a brand new clinic designed to better serve the community of
Alexander like they did on Tuesday morning.[Time expired.] Thank
you. [Applause.]
NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION HOST SMMEs
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(Member‘s Statement)
Mr N Capa: Chairperson, the ANC commends the initiative of the
National Planning Commission to host various dialogue sessions
with Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises throughout the country
from March until May. The ANC believes that this will have a
tremendous impact in developing and strengthening Small, Medium
and Micro Enterprises as a vehicle to empower our people, draw
new entrance into the economy, strengthen inclusive growth and
create large number of jobs.
Moreover, the ANC is of the view that the dialogue sessions are
also going to play a vital role in information gathering on the
limited success of entrepreneurial activity by locals in
townships and rural areas. Therefore, its findings will assist
in the gaining of deeper insight into the context and challenges
faced by township and rural economies. Furthermore, the dialogue
sessions will also assist in giving direction in the formulation
of strategies to deal with the challenges faced by township and
rural Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, SMMEs, open up
opportunities for black-owned firms and smaller businesses
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thereby promoting inclusive growth and redress skewed ownership
patterns in South Africa. I thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): That concludes the
member‗s statements. Are there any ministerial responses?
Mr N SINGH: Chairperson, may I rise on Section 135(2) which was
raised earlier in support of the hon Chief Whip of the
Opposition. I want the hon Chief Whip to take note. Madam Chair,
may I proceed?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Section 135?
Mr N SINGH: Section 135(2), members of the executives to answer
questions.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): It is Section 132 not
135.
Mr N SINGH: I mean ... sorry, sorry Section 132(5), I got it
confused. Thank you for bringing that to my attention.
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The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Thank you.
Mr N SINGH: Chairperson, may I proceed. I have noted the
contents of the 15 statements that were made from both sides of
the House only two relates to minister; one to a deputy minister
and one to the national Minister of Rural Development. The rest,
none of the ministers are here. I think it is important that the
leader of Government Businesses be informed so that we don‘t go
through the motions and waste an entire hour seating here,
particularly on a Thursday afternoon going through these
statements. Thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms M G Boroto): Thank you, the message
will be conveyed to the relevant office and I believe something
will be done about that. Thank you for that.
SCHOOLS WITHOUT WATER AND SANITATION A VIOLATION OF DIGNITY TO
OUR LEARNERS AND EDUCATORS
DEFENCE ASSISTING FAMILY OF THE FIVE-YEAR-OLD AND THE COMMUNITY
IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME
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(Minister‘s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Hon Chairperson, the hon
Meshoe is correct in that schools without water or sanitation
are indeed a violation of the dignity of our learners and
educators. Whilst we have made significant strides in terms of
the provision of water and sanitation in schools, I do believe
that any co-operation and collaboration with the private sector
is most welcomed.
I would invite the hon Meshoe to bring or provide me with the
details of his request then I shall certainly raise that with
the hon Minister. It is important to know that in the years
since the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative,
Asidi, programmes, we were able to develop or deliver 59 stateof-the-art-schools. The year there after, 51 state-of-the-art
schools that is on average more than a school per week. In this
financial year, the provinces and the national department were
able to deliver more than a 110 schools as replacement on new
schools.
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So, we are making strides, but the challenges are huge and
enormous and therefore, we certainly would welcome any
contribution from the private sector and if indeed, we have to
facilitate it, we certainly would take the responsibility.
Again, we invite the hon Meshoe who might be the Minister in the
future, but is the Minister in terms of his religious standing
to certainly provide me with the information.
May I conclude by reaching out to the family of the five-yearold and the community out there; we certainly empathise with
them and we have learned that the Defence or the army would be
there to assist in this particular endeavour. Thank you very
much.
EXPORTS OF BEEF TO CHINA
FUNDING A BOOST TO RURAL COMMUNITIES
CLAIMANTS WIN AGRIPROJECT
(Minister‘s Response)
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The MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND LAND REFORM: Hon Chair, we
want to thank the hon members of the ANC who raised a matter
about the beef export to China and so on, and hon Dambuza about
the enterprises in rural areas. I wish to just state here hon
Chair that last week we had two days consultative workshop with
all of the districts because we have appointed all the district
mayors irrespective of their political parties. District mayors
of the DA and all of other districts were part of that. We have
appointed them to be political champions of agriparks.
In the Western Cape if you go to Witsenburg, I am sure if the
hon members visit there, they will see a big transformation. You
will see that in Bushbuckridge, Dr J S Moroka in Mpumalanga,
Limpopo and everywhere and you go to Ncorha in the Eastern Cape
those are big projects that will now be controlled between the
districts and the national departments.
Next weekend we are meeting with all municipal mayors and
traditional leaders beacuse we will appoint them to look at the
one household one hectare programme, which is very powerful in
terms of fighting inequality, unemployment and poverty. One
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household, two dairy cows, we have started in implementing that
and it is again a wonderful programme. Our people must own these
things.
We also deal with the question of one ward one integrated
community development centre, because our people in deep rural
areas do not have those facilities, that is why we are doing and
we will continue doing that. It will take time, but we will
succeed.
Hon Chair, let me just make a comment about what I have
observed: I think hon members are going to fall into a trap of
affirming corruption, when they begin to think that reading some
things in the media it is the truth. When they do that
inadvertently they will affirm corruption and corrupt officials,
when we fight against corruption in our departments and they do
not apply their minds, they just think it is the truth. Next
week or next time when the report comes to this House, we have
referred that report to the Public Protector and ask the Public
Protector to do a lifestyle audit on me since 1994, it will come
to this House and you will be disappointed. Thank you.
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DIALOGUE TO BE HELD FROM MARCH TO MAY TO ASSIST SMALL, MEDIUM
AND MICRO-SIZED ENTERPRISES
(Minister‘s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Hon
Chairperson, I would like to respond to the statement made by
hon member Capa, in terms of the dialogues that are going to
held from March to May and hope that with the partnership of the
Department of Monitoring and Evaluation, we would be able to get
to the progammes that will be able to help us, but also
understanding from the dialogues what are the felt needs of
those Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises, SMMEs, and how
can we assist them in terms of making sure that their SMMEs are
sustainable and we are able to assist them in terms of the jobcreation. Indeed this will be talking to the National
Development Plan, NDP, as it states that the 11 million jobs
that we must create by 2030, 90% of them, will come from the
small businesses.
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So, I hope in that particular regard then these dialogues are
assisting us in terms of making sure that we can be able to see
progress in terms of assisting townships and the rural
economies. For if you remember the Nine-Point Plan, it states
exactly that and point seven states exactly that we have to
revitalise the township economy and make sure that the township
economies can be able to be strengthened and the rural areas.
So, exactly this is going to lead us up to that because we
believe that this is the right direction.
Thank you hon Capa, I think we will be able to move and make
sure that we can create a lot of entrepreneurs than job-seekers.
For those who do not know me: I am Elizabeth Thabethe, the
Deputy Minister of Small Business Development, working with
Minister Zulu. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
NOTICES OF MOTION
Ms M TONGWANE: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
ANC:
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That the House debates the pitfalls of inclusive economic
growth caused by corruption, both in the public and private
sectors.
Mr T J BRAUTESETH: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that
on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
DA:
That the House debates the Minister of Social Development‘s
evasion of accountability by not being present at scopa
meetings to provide answers as to how the social grants
crisis will be averted. I thank you.
Mr PAULSEN: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the
next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of EFF:
That the House debates the lack of planning to mitigate the
impact that the severe and recurring drought has had on the
agricultural sector across the country. I so move.
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Mr M A DIRKS: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
ANC:
That the House debates the eradication of all forms of
discrimination wherever they appear. Thank you very much.
Mr M A MNCWANGO: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
IFP:
That the House debates the surge in the illegal slaughter
of animals since last year with thousands hides found
hidden in warehouses and backyards, and the increase of the
sale of donkeys to aid such practices. I thank you.
Mr A M SHAIK-EMAM: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that
on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
NFP:
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That the House debates on the effects of the socioeconomic
impact on past and present farm workers and their families
who were paid with alcohol resulting in alcohol Foetal
Alcohol Syndrome affecting many generations, and the
negative impact this has had on their lives so that this
affected families are compensated accordingly. I so move.
Mr E K SIWELA: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
ANC:
That the House debates disciplinary measures to be taken
against perpetrators of fake qualifications, including
prosecuting and publicly naming and shaming those caught
doing so.
IsiXhosa:
Mnu N L S KWANKWA: Sihlalo weNdlu ohloniphekileyo, ndenza
isaziso sokuba, xa le Ndlu ihlala kwakhona, ndiza kwenza
isiphakamiso egameni le-UDM:
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Sokuba le Ndlu-
ixoxe lo mba wokusilela kukarhulumente wokushukuxa
imiba yentlalo-qoqosho ebangela ukuba abantu bakuthi
babenolaka, baphele bekrwempana kwaye bebethana
nabantu bangaphandle.
Enkosi.
Mr R K PURDON: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of DA:
That the House debates allegations of corruption at the
South African Weather Service.
IsiZulu:
Nk M S KHAWULA: Sihlalo, nginikeza isaziso sokuthi uma iNdlu
ihlala ngokulandelayo ngizophakamisa egameni le-EFF:
Ukuba le Ndlu ibe nenkulumo mpikiswano ngodaba
lwasemapulazini lapha eWorcester, kunenkinga yabalimi
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abatshala amawolintshi abangafuni ukuqasha abantu balapha
eNingizimu Afrika. Baqasha abantu bangaphandle ngenhloso
yokubaxhaphaza ngenxa yemali. Ngiyabonga.
Ms N B DAMBUZA: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
ANC:
That the House debates transforming the structure of the
economy through industrialization. I so move.
Ms C DUDLEY: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the
next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of ACDP:
That the House debates the need for greater oversight in
improving conditions for old people and holding departments
accountable in order to restore society‘s lost compassion
and respect for the elderly and vulnerable. Thank you.
Mr N CAPA: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the
next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of ANC:
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That the House debates consistent farm evictions and slave
wages in South Africa. I thank you.
Ms C Q MADLOPHA: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
ANC:
That the House debates the meaning of radical economic
transformation for women and girls. Thank you.
Mr M S F DE FREITAS: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice
that on the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on
behalf of DA:
That the House debates an Airports Company South Africa
report by the Auditor-General which recommends that
appropriate steps be implemented to prevent the continued
irregular, wasteful and fruitless expenditure and why these
recommendations have been ignored to date. I thank you.
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Mr F MAHLALELA: House Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the House, I shall move on behalf of
ANC:
That the House debates 100 years of Palestinian resistance
and struggle for self determination. I so move.
The House adjourned at: 16:39.