Hansard: NCOP: Unrevised Hansard
House: National Council of Provinces
Date of Meeting: 02 May 2017
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
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TUESDAY, 02 MAY 2017
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
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The Council met at 14:02
The Chairperson took the Chair and requested members to observe a
moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr O S TERBLANCHE: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the
next sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That the Council –
(1) Debates President Jacob Zuma’s midnight cabinet reshuffle on
30 March 2017, and its sever impact on the South African
economy;
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(2) finds solutions to minimise the subsequent impact on the
country, and restore investor confidence to enhance
investments and create jobs. I so move.
Mr C HATTINGH: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next
sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That the Council debates the exorbitant expanses and rationale
for the deployment of Cuban engineers and technicians to the
Department of Water and Sanitation, and its impact on engineering
graduates.
Ms T G MPAMBO-SIBHUKWANA: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on
the next sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the
DA:
That the Council debates the negligence and disregard for the
Constitution by the Department of Social Development in executing
the Constitutional Court ruling; and the subsequent, continuing
illegal deductions.
Mr C F BEYERS-SMIT: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the
next sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the DA:
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That the Council –
(1) notes that the Mashamaite family have captured the
Mogalekwena Local Municipality by capitalising on its
resources for personal benefit;
(2) realises that the municipality is in absolute disarray due to
factional fighting by the ANC and subsequently service
delivery is affected negatively;
(3) regrets that the issuing of contracts and payment of
contractors are delayed or have been cancelled in the midprocess
(4) discusses the effect of nepotism, factionalism and corruption
on the growth of municipalities and job creation. I so move.
Mr M KHAWULA: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next
sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the IFP:
That the Council –
(1)
debates the increasing levels of road carnages in our country
over the Ester Weekend of 2017,
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(2)
regrets that South Arica lost more lives than in 2016, which
is a 51% increase, this becomes worse when it is the festive
seasons in the country. I so move.
Mr J W W JULIUS: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next
sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That the Council debates the causes and effects of South Africa’s
recent credit rating downgrades to a junk status, and its
subsequent impact on our economy and citizens, I so move.
Mr G MICHALAKIS: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next
sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That the Council debates the legality and constitutionality of
political parties having and employing their own military wings
post 1994, I so move.
Ms Z V NCITHA: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next
sitting day of the Council I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the Council –
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(1)
congratulates the Eastern Cape boxing sensation Zolani Tete
for winning and being crowned the new World Boxing
Organisation, WBO, bantamweight champion on 23 April 2017;
(2)
perceives with happiness that this was after his weekend
historic victory that saw him wining his second major world
championship in convincing points victory over the
Philippine’s Arthur Villanueva in England;
(3) observes that the former, IBF, junior-bantamweight Tete sets
his eyes on conquering the World Boxing Association, WBA, and
the International Boxing Federation, IBF, before he retires
from boxing;
(4) wishes the last born well for holding SA’s flag, the province
of the Eastern Cape, the Buffalo City Metropolitan
municipality as a boxing-maker for his best conquering of the
country.
FREE MEDICO-LEGAL SERVICES FOR FIVE VILLAGES IN THE EASTERN CAPE
(Draft Resolution)
Mr L V MAGWEBU: Sihlalo ngaphambili, ndibulela kakhulu [Thank you
very much Chairperson, I move without notice:
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That the Council –
(1)
notes that over the weekend, scores of people seeking medical
assistance and legal advice filled the community hall in Zozo
Village in the Eastern Cape where optometrists, nurses and
legal advisors offered up their time to serve the village
free of charge;
(2)
further notes that the community members were bussed in from
five villages in Kwelera in the Eastern Cape;
(3)
also notes that this medico-legal camp aims to bring much
needed help to rural areas so that community members need not
travel to clinics which most are unable to afford.
(4)
Also notes that this initiative was started by senior
prosecutor Althea Rhodes in 2015;
(5)
also recognises that this initiative shows that there are
people who still care about the poor and less fortunate in
the Eastern Cape; and
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(6)
congratulates Ms Rhodes and her team of professionals for
their noble sacrifice and wish them success in reaching out
to other villages.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
PRESIDENT ZUMA BOOED HECKLED AT BLOEMFONTEIN MAY DAY EVENT
(Draft Resolution)
Mr G MICHALAKIS: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1) notes that President Zuma was booed and heckled and other
things that here would have been deemed unparliamentary at
yesterdays May Day event in Bloemfontein;
(2) also notes that this public condemnation by the ANC’s alliance
partner Cosatu and its affiliate unions NUM, Sadtu and Nehawu
follows a series of anti-Zuma marches across the country by
various members and stalwarts of the ANC, SACP, opposition
parties and civil society;
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(3) further notes that President Zuma has publicly indicated that
he is willing to step down as President if it is the will of
the people and that the will of the people across party
political lines by now has been made quite clear;
(4) as representatives of the people, call upon President Zuma to
adhere to the public will by resigning immediately in the best
interest of the country; and
(5) alternatively, without interfering in the business of the
other House, call upon the hon colleagues in that House to vote
in the best interest of our nation and in the interest of those
who elected us when the motion of no confidence serves before
them.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Order members!
The motion has been objected to; it may not be proceeded with. The
motion without notice will now become a notice of motion. Hon
Julius, your hand was up? Okay.
WESTERN CAPE HIGH COURT JUDGEMENT AGAINST NUCLEAR ENERGY DEAL
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(Draft Resolution)
Ms B A ENGELBRECHT: Madam Chair, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1) notes that the Western Cape High Court judgement that the
process of procurement of 9,6 gigawatts of nuclear energy was
unlawful and unconstitutional;
(2) further notes that this judgement vindicates the DA’s stance
that this process was unlawful as it was not debated in
Parliament and there was a lack of public participation; and
(3) the DA will, as always, continue to hold the ANC national
government accountable for its unlawful actions.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: There is an
objection. The motion is not carried. It now becomes a notice of
motion.
CONDOLENCES FOR 20 KILLED IN TAXI CRASH
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(Draft Resolution)
Mr J W W JULIUS: Chairperson, I also note that the ANC is so divided
in this.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Is that a
motion without notice?
Mr J W W JULIUS: No Ma’am, my apologies for that note. I move
without notice:
That the Council –
(1)
notes that on Friday, 21 April 2017 one of the saddest
tragedies hit South Africa;
(2) further notes that 20 people died including 14 school
children when a taxi that transported the learners collided
with a truck on the Groblersdal Road outside
Bronkhorstspruit;
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(3) welcomes investigations into the cause of the accident and
hopes this will ensure that such incidents are reduced in
future; and
(4) sends condolences to the bereaved families.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
NQUTHU MUNICIPAL BY-ELECTIONS ON 24 MAY 2017
(Draft Resolution)
IsiZulu:
Mnu M KHAWULA: Sihlalo, ngiphakamisa ngaphandle kwesaziso:
Ukuthi lo Mkhandlu –
(1)
uyakuqaphela ukuba Umkhandlu kaMasipala waseNquthu uzobamba
ukhetho lwawo wonke amawodi ayishumi nesikhombisa ngomhlaka-24
May 2017;
(2)
ukuqaphele futhi ukuthi lokhu kwenzeka ngemuva kokuba iqembu
leNkatha elabe liwine lomasipala ngokhetho lukaAgasti ngo-2016
libanjwe inkunzi ngabasemagunyeni banquma ukuhlakaza umasipala
ngoba nje nakhu behlulwe ukwamukela ukuphuma emandleni;
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(3)
iqhubeke iqaphele ukuba sebeqalile ukusebenzisa izinhlaka
zikaHulumeni ukusabisa amalungu nabaholi beNkatha
ngokubabophela amanqina enyathi, babhecwe ngobende
kusetshenziswa Oklebe,
(4)
ukuthi kepha sithi, asipheli amandla, okhethweni siya ngodli
futhi kuyocaca;
(5)
sithi futhi ngesikhathi osibanibani ontabakayikhonjwa belibele
ukuklwebhana thina siqwashisa abantu ngengozi eyobehlela abantu
baseNquthu uma bengenza iphutha ebekade sebelilungisile; futhi
(6)
siphinde sithi, mphakathi waseNquthu, qhubekani nisethembe
siyi-IFP, asintshontshi, asigebengi, asisengi ezimithiyo,
sethembekile. Ngiyathokoza Sihlalo.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Ngiyathokoza
baba. [Thank you sir.] Motion has been objected to and therefore
becomes a notice of motion.
LEGENDARY NICK DURANDT DIES IN BIKE ACCIDENT
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(Draft Resolution)
Mr J M MTHETHWA: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1)
notes with profound sadness that a 53-year-old legendary
boxing trainer Nick Durandt died in a bike accident near
Clarens in the Free State on Friday 21 April 2017;
(2)
also notes that he was one of the top rated boxing trainers;
(3)
further notes that he produced 95 South African champs in all
17 weight divisions, 38 world champs and 27 international
champions through the World Boxing Council, WBC, World Boxing
Association, WBA, International Boxing Federation, IBF, World
Boxing Organisation, WBO, World Boxing Federation, WBF, and
International Boxing Organisation, IBO, organisations and he
was also the president of the Crusaders Bike Club that has
more than 500 members;
(4)
further notes that South Africa has lost one of its best
trainers in the history of boxing, who was not only a
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trainer, promoter, manager but also a father figure to his
stellar trainees who also represented and positioned our
country’s boxing talent among the best in the world;
(5)
further states that Durandt was recently awarded a lifetime
achievement award at the South African Boxing Awards last
year for his immense contribution to the boxing industry; and
(6)
finally charge the boxing fraternity to follow and keep his
legacy, may his soul rest in peace.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
CONDOLONCES FOR PAC STALWART PHILLIP KGOSANA
(Draft Resolution)
Ms L L ZWANE: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1)
notes with deepest sympathy that the Pan Africanist Congress,
PAC, stalwart, freedom fighter and former Tshwane
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Metropolitan Municipality councillor Phillip Kgosana died at
the age of 80 on 19 April 2017 and was laid to rest with a
Special Provincial Official Funeral on 28 April 2017;
(2)
also notes that as a PAC Western Cape Regional Secretary, he
led more than 50 000 anti-pass law protesters from Langa in
Cape Town, in a march to Parliament on March 30, 1960;
(3)
also notes that after the banning of political organisations,
he fled to Ethiopia and Angola where he gained military
training on guerrilla warfare and also pursued his studies
where he attained a Masters’ Degree in Economics;
(4)
further notes that he was a brave and devoted freedom
fighter, who dedicated his life to the emancipation of black
South Africans that saw him harbouring the establishment of a
farmer’s association in Winterveld, north of Pretoria; and
(5)
celebrates a life well spent for the people’s cause, may his
soul rest in peace.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
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CONDOLENCES FOR 20 KILLED IN TAXI CRASH
(Draft Resolution)
Ms L C DLAMINI: Hon Chair, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1)
notes with profound sadness and concern that the two adults
and 18 school children lost their lives in a head-on
collision between a bus and a truck on R25 road between
Bronkhorstspruit and Verena on Friday 21 April 2017;
(2)
also notes that this horrific accident happened while the
school bus was on its way back home, as it was turning in an
intersection when the truck hit it and a fire started to burn
all over;
(3)
further painfully notes that amongst the dead were a father
and his two children as well as three siblings and the pupils
attended the Refano Primary school and Mahlenga Secondary
School and were all from Wolvenkop and Verena in Mpumalanga;
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(4)
appreciates that both Gauteng and Mpumalanga provincial
governments had jointly worked to assist with the funeral and
other arrangements with the families; and
(5)
sends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families, the
schools and communities.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
your motion is exactly the same motion as the one read out by the
hon Julius. It is a motion of condolence. I think we should just
agree that the House will send the same condolence motion to the
bereaved families.
GIFT NGOEPE BECOMES FIRST AFRICAN-BORN PLAYER IN MAJOR LEAGUE
BASEBALL
(Draft Resolution)
Ms G M MANOPOLE: Chair, I move without notice:
That the Council –
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(1) notes with excitement that a 27-year-old, Gift Ngoepe, became
the first ever African-born player to enter Major League
Baseball, notching a hit in the first at-bat in his career and
helping his team the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs;
(2) also notes that even though they may not be able to say his
name correctly, that has not stopped sports commentators from
singing Ngoepe’s praises;
(3) further notes that it’s a dream come true for him because it’s
been his dream since he was a 10-year-old boy and that this
also means so much to the people of South Africa and baseball
in Africa;
(4) also further notes that the nation is proud to see a rising
star of Ngoepe’s calibre break barriers to become the first
African-born player in a Major League Baseball game, he has
done our nation proud; and
(5) finally encourages other aspirant sports players to use
Ngoepe’s achievement as an inspiration for them to reach the
highest levels of success.
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Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
FIRE CAUSES DESTRUCTION IN IMIZAMO YETHU
(Draft Resolution)
Ms T G MPAMBO-SIBHUKWANA: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1)
notes the destruction caused by the fire in Imizamo Yethu,
Hout Bay;
(2)
also notes that the City of Cape Town’s efforts to restore
dignity to the citizens of the Western Cape; and
(3)
thanks residents and NGOs who came to help out for their cooperation and the Department of Social Development for their
assistance during this trying time.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
DEATH OF 12-YEAR-OLD BOY IN COLIGNY
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(Draft Resolution)
Mr T C MOTLASHUPING: Hon Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1) notes with sadness the death of a 12-year-old boy in Coligny
after allegedly being assaulted by two farmers;
(2) also notes that the alleged murder of the boy was the reason
for violent protests in the area when residents went on a
rampage, burning and looting businesses;
(3) further notes that the family of the murdered boy identified
his body over the weekend making it possible to start with
funeral arrangements; and
(4) sends our deepest condolences to the family of the young boy
and hopes that the police will do everything possible to bring
the perpetrators to book.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
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TUMISANG BOJABOTSEHA DIES
(Draft Resolution)
Mr D L XIMBI: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1)
notes with sadness the passing away of the First Deputy
Provincial Secretary of the SA Communist Party in the Western
Cape, Comrade Tumisang Bojabotseha;
(2)
also notes that Comrade Tumisang was serving as political
advisor to the Chief Whip of the ANC and also served as an
organiser and a senior researcher of the ANC caucus in
Parliament;
(3)
further notes that Comrade Tumisang passed away at
Bellville’s Melomed Hospital on Sunday 30 April 2017 after a
short illness; and
(4)
conveys our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends
of Comrade Tumisang in these difficult times.
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Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
FORMATION OF SPONTANEOUS FREEDOM MOVEMENT BY CONCERNED SOUTH
AFRICANS
(Draft Resolution)
Mr O S TERBLANCHE: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1) notes the spontaneous formation of the freedom movement by
concerned South Africans from all walks of life;
(2) further notes their mass rally on Thursday 27 April 2017 in
Pretoria against President Jacob Zuma and further state
capture attempts; and
(3) debates the contributions made by demonstrations of this
nature to strengthen our democracy.
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Motion has
been objected to therefore it becomes a notice of motion.
SWELLENDAM MUNICIPALITY RECOGNISED AS SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP ECOFRIENDLY DESTINATION
(Draft Resolution)
Ms C LABUSCHAGNE: Chair, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1) notes that the Swellendam Municipality has been recognised as
South Africa’s top eco-friendly destination;
(2) further notes that the Luxury Travel Guide publication
selected Swellendam as the Eco-friendly Destination of the
Year in the South Africa - Africa - Middle East Awards for
2017 category;
(3) also notes that Mossel Bay Municipality has been named the
greenest local municipality in the country;
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(4) commends Mossel Bay Municipality’s decision to use the
R3.5 million prize money to fund more greening projects; and
(5) congratulates these municipalities on their achievements.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
DEBATE ON WORKERS' DAY
(Subject for discussion)
Mr M RAYI: Hon Chairperson, hon Deputy Minister of Labour, hon Chief
Whip, hon members, special delegates, officials from the Department
of Labour, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the leadership of the
institution for selecting me to be one of the speakers on the debate
on Workers Day and workers rights. I have been specifically
allocated an area of focus, which is the creation of retention of
decent work and sustainable livelihoods as a strategic response to
the major challenges facing our society, those being higher
unemployment, poverty, deepening inequality and rural
marginalisation.
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Since this is about Workers Day, let me give brief historical
underpinnings of May Day. 2017 marks 122 years since the first
celebrations of May Day in 1895, which took place in South Africa.
It signified for the first time a link between workers globally as
part of proletarian solidarity. It had been preceded by a long
period of strife between labour and capital and the development of
the ideas of proletarian internationalism within the international
workers movement.
The ideologues of these organisations espoused the ideas of
international unity and solidarity, a belief in the fraternity of
all nations. Proletarian class awareness and resolution to unite in
the struggle against social and economic oppression soon made them
realise that the appeal was better expressed in the working masses
to unite.
The idea of proletarian solidarity was first declared and
substantiated late in 1845 when Engels wrote in The Festival of
Nations in London, that:
The proletarians in all countries have one and the same interest,
one and the same enemy, and one and the same struggle. The great
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masses of proletarians are by their very nature, free from
national prejudices, only the awaking proletariat can bring about
fraternalism between different nations.
The creation of the International Workingmen’s Association, which
was to become known as the First International, on September 1864,
in St Martin’s Hall London, was a fundamental landmark in the
development of proletarian international solidarity under the banner
―Workers of the world unite, you have nothing to lose but your
chains and the world to win.‖ It was from the First International
that the co-ordination of strike across country borders developed
and mushroomed from the first internationally co-ordinated strike of
1866 covering England, Germany, France and Belgium.
The International Workingmen’s Association organised strike funds
for workers globally initiated by Karl Marx in 1869 in response to
brutal repression of workers on strike. The 1860’s and 1870’s were
characterised by a sharp rise in worker’s strikes and solidarity
campaigns conducted every month.
The Paris Commune of 1871 played a decisive in the evolution of
proletarian solidarity with the First International collecting money
for the commune. Frightened by the Paris Commune, as well as the
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influence of the First International, the majority of European
governments outlawed the International Workingmen’s Association.
In the 1880’s the class consciousness of the working people in
developed capitalist countries have reached a developed level as a
result of greater internationalism of the working class movement.
Facing a common situation, working people began to put forward
similar and common demands. The common demands were for an end to
exploitation of the working class and the granting of socioeconomic
rights to the working class. An eight-hour working day became
foremost amongst these demands and was held up as the slogan of the
international working class movement in the 1880’s.
A new international proletarian union, the Second International came
into being and at this stage an international day of holiday of
proletarian solidarity was promoted as a result of widespread
acceptance of the ideas of proletarian internationalism and a higher
stage of development in the consciousness of working people and
their class.
The Chicago events of the 3rd and 4th May, 1886, when American
workers organised by the international workers of the world held
rallies, marched in support of an eight-hour working day, resulted
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in all eight leaders being arrested, put on trial and seven of the
eight being hung in 1887. This was the culmination of what had
proceeded over decades and played a major role in establishing 1
May, May Day, as a workers holiday globally in 1890.
It is against this backdrop that the first May Day event in South
Africa took place in 1895. Massive May Day rallies took place in the
1920’s to the 1960’s. These were led through bitter struggles under
the leadership of the Industrial Commercial Workers Union; the
Council of Non-European Trade Unions; the first Nonracial Trade
Union Federation; The South African Congress of Trade Unions; and
COSATU over the decades.
Following massive May Day events in 1986, under pressure, the
apartheid regime was in 1987 forced to declare May Day as a paid
public holiday. 91 years of struggle had resulted in a day in which
workers could relax and celebrate their achievements with their
families. May Day has continued to be celebrated since then.
In the transitional executive period, discussions were concluded on
official days that will be recognised in a new democracy. May Day
was one of these. And after the April 1994 elections, the ANC
government announced Workers Day as a paid public holiday.
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In line with other countries whose mode of production is capitalist,
the term Workers Day has been adopted whilst the trade union
movement stick to the origins of this day in calling it more
correctly, May Day.
May Day remains an opportunity to consider how far we have come in
emancipating South African workers from economic exploitation and
ensuring a better life for workers and our people as a whole.
Together, the ANC and COSATU and other progressive trade union
formations ensured that the rights of workers are protected in our
Constitution and in many progressive laws. Chief, amongst these is
the right of workers to form and belong to trade unions which is
enshrined in the Constitution. The Constitution also states that,
―everyone has the right to fair labour practices, and that every
worker has the right to strike.‖
The ANC government has also enacted legislation to further protect
and advance workers rights - thanks to the struggles of workers over
the years. These laws includes: The Labour Relations Act; The Basic
Conditions of Employment Act; The Employment Equity Act; The Skills
Development Act; The Unemployment Insurance Act; The Occupational
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Health and Safety Act as well as the Compensation for Occupational
Injuries and Diseases Act.
These laws have been designed to protect the rights of workers,
guide wage determination and general working conditions of South
African workers. The laws protect children from being abused as
child labour, protects the rights of women to go on maternity leave
and not lose their jobs. It provides the rights of workers to be
trained and provided with the necessary skills.
Most importantly, the country’s labour legislation now protects the
rights of vulnerable workers, such as farm workers, domestic workers
and workers in the hospitality sector such as hotels and similar
establishments. These are all rights that were gained through the
hard work of workers in this country over a number of decades.
In the 2016 state of the nation address, further amendments to
labour legislation and a new labour regime aimed to further
improving the rights and protection of workers was announced.
In the transitional period immediately prior to the first democratic
elections, the ANC, in its major policy guide of 1992 ―Ready to
Govern‖ laid out a future democratic labour relations regime for
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workers.
The 52nd ANC national conference of 2007 in Polokwane emphasised
economic transformation and the creation of decent work
opportunities as the primary focus of economic policies. The
conference also resolved to transform the structures of production
and ownership of the economy for inclusive growth. This focus
included the expansion of an Expanded Public Works Programme and the
linkage of industrial strategy with key youth development programmes
in the form of an integrated Youth Development Strategy.
Seven years of implementation and evaluation of praxis in
implementing the creation and retention of decent work in the public
sector and of trying to ensure that the private sector adheres to
these principles of promoting equality and decent work at the
workplace shaped the content of the 2014 ANC national election
manifesto. The manifesto, in assessing the previous five years and
determining what needed to be done articulates that; an
investigation into the modalities for the introduction of a national
minimum wage as one of the key mechanisms to reduce income
inequality be undertaken immediately; the strengthening of the
enforcement of provisions of the Employment Equity Act that requires
that all employers report on disproportionate income differentials
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at all wage levels and submit plans for their progressive reduction
be undertaken; steps to ensure that collective bargaining takes
place in all sectors of the economy, and that bargaining councils be
used as vehicles to promote greater equity in the economy linking
access to state incentives and procurement to adherence to living
wage standards, and commitments to promoting wage equity in
collective agreements; steps to strengthen existing laws to ensure
faster change in employment equity in all workplaces be undertaken
by enforcing an accelerated implementation of employment equity
targets; greater protection for workers and employers in the
informal sectors; enforcement of measures to eliminate abusive work
practices in a typical work and labour broking.
The interventions that needed to deal with challenges to create
decent work and sustainable livelihoods were the following: Raising
levels of fixed investment in the economy by increasing private
fixed investment in productive sectors of the economy and also in
prescribed assets; that banks should reallocate capital to
productive investment as well as to SMME sectors - use of state land
and capital is pivotal herein; building inclusive growth thereby
reducing inequality by ensuring that growth must be accompanied by
transformation and linking redistribution with production is key.
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On investment in infrastructure, since 2008 investment in public
infrastructure has helped us to avoid a recession. The construction
industry is the biggest driver of new jobs growth.
In addition, the infrastructure build programme develops a value
chain, brings in private investment into the economy and often
results in joint financing.
On transforming the countryside, we have made a commitment to speed
up the return of the land to our people - land reform is a key
priority. Support programmes and access to markets is critical. The
introduction of Agri-parks will play an important role in this
regard.
The better use of the expropriation measures in the Constitution,
and the new Expropriation Bill, once passed will assist greatly.
With regard to reversing deindustrialisation, the key features of
reindustrialisation includes the improved linkages between the
primary and secondary productive sectors; a drive to remove
constraints to manufacturing-led, value-adding growth, with special
emphasis on labour-intensive sectors such as agro-processing and
clothing and textiles. Thank you, Chair. [Time expired.]
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Mr L V MAGWEBU: Hon Chairperson, members and fellow South Africans,
Brian Sandoval, an American politician, attorney and the current
29th Governor of Nevada once said and I quote: ―Unemployment,
foreclosures, bankruptcy - the cure is not more government spending,
but helping business create jobs.‖
This afternoon, as this House is in session, the intent is to
celebrate Workers’ Day, but I want to remind the House that rights
can only be celebrated when they are realised. So, it means people
must be employed for them to enjoy those rights.
Sadly, Chairperson and hon members, the problem that we have in
South Africa today is that we are unable to celebrate those workers’
rights and I will tell you what the problem is. We are living in a
country where 8 9 million fellow South Africans want to work but
there are no jobs. We are living in a country where the few jobs
that are there are either threatened or lost. South Africa is one of
the countries in the world with the highest unemployment rates.
Instead of losing jobs we should be creating more jobs. Instead of
threatening jobs we should be bringing stability to our economy so
that we can have more investors in order for our people to have
jobs. What is wrong? Why are we not able to create jobs? Why are we
losing even the jobs that we created? I will tell you why. The ANC-
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led government is failing to govern. Under the ANC government, the
poultry industry is in a crisis. European countries - mainly, have
been allegedly allowed to dump their chicken in South Africa. This
is surplus chicken way below their cost of production. While
consumers benefit from these cheap chicken prices, poultry imports
are causing job losses. This is the industry that supports nearly
50 000 direct jobs and 130 000 indirect jobs.
In February this year; Rainbow Chicken retrenched 1 350 workers,
including managers. As if this is not enough, Country Bird will
close down its Mahikeng Abattoir resulting in 939 direct and
1 605 indirect jobs, unless government intervenes.
South Africa’s poultry industry has a potential of creating a
whooping 26 725 direct and indirect jobs if South Africa’s
production can be competitively enhanced and marketed with
protection from dumping. The survival of the poultry industry, food
security, livelihood of rural economy and the future of
130 000 workers and their families is largely in the hands of the
ANC government that have failed so far to intervene as the crisis
has been there for almost four years for everyone to see. The only
government’s response has been to set up a committee to look into
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the matter which has only commenced this year. I repeat, ―to look
into the matter‖.
What is there to celebrate when our people are losing jobs? What
rights do they have when they are not employed?
Again, our citrus in Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape is in
the midst of a disaster due to an unknown phenomenon with up to 40%
of oranges dropping off the trees at the farms. Besides the huge
financial implications, it is a massive blow for those who rely on
seasonal jobs with the number of jobs down by a third already. Early
indications point to drought as a leading cause.
The ANC government was asked by various stakeholders, including the
DA, to declare drought a national disaster but they refused. Look at
the pain and the suffering they are causing today. Farmers could now
lose up to 40% of their yield for the year, slashing the industry’s
annual gross domestic product contribution of R1,5 billion by the
same percentage. This is a serious disaster to say the least,
considering that the citrus industry is the second biggest industry
in the Eastern Cape behind the motor industry.
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Again I ask, what is there to celebrate when the citrus industry we
have in our country is facing a looming disaster? Recently, our
beloved country has been reduced to junk status by various rating
agencies. Thanks to the ANC government! The ANC caused this crisis.
They fired performing Ministers and kept corrupt and incompetent
Ministers. [Interjections.]
According to Feng Shui, the Chinese proverb, and I quote, ―Birds
don’t fly, they are flown by the wind. Fish don’t swim, they are
carried by the water.‖ Our children are neither birds of the air nor
fish of the sea; they need to be adequately prepared for the world
of work, yet the ANC government is failing all those children as
they are offered poor basic education that does not prepare them for
the world of work. How do we then celebrate Workers’ Day, given all
this pain and suffering of our people caused by ANC government?
Hon Chairperson, members and fellow South Africans, it is clear that
the ANC cannot govern. The ANC that once championed the cause of the
poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden is no more. Hon
Chairperson and fellow South Africans, how do we fix this mess?
Well, there is a solution. The DA is the solution. We have a proven
track record of good governance and job creation. In the Western
Cape, we have the lowest unemployment rate. We will support a
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growing manufacturing sector. We will make sure that South Africa is
brought out of junk status as quick as we can.
IsiXhosa:
I-ANC yinkomo elele ngecala isengwa.
English:
The DA is ready to govern, come 2019. I thank you, Chairperson.
[Applause.]
Ms L C DLAMINI: Hon Chair, Deputy Minister, hon members, my
greetings, hon Magwebu ...
Siswati:
...bengicabanga kutsi utokhuluma ngemlandvo weDA nebasebenti...
English:
... but you did not do that. Instead you are talking about the ANC
and you are misrepresenting the history of the ANC and the workers.
Today we are talking about workers rights. You are not talking about
a history of the DA and workers because of your contribution and
involvement in the exploitation of workers during apartheid.
[Interjections.]
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Mr C HATTINGH: Hon Chair, the hon member goes on and on addressing a
member directly and she should address the Chair, please.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
please address the member through the Chair.
Ms L C DLAMINI: Magwebu, foam. As we all know ... [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
address the member through the Chair!
Ms L C DLAMINI: No Chair, ...
IsiZulu:
... ngikhuluma nge-foam amagwebu.
USIHLALO WOMKHANDLU WEZIFUNDA ZIKAZWELONKE: Angizwa? [Uhleko.]
English:
No. Order members! I do not understand what the speaker on the
podium is saying, therefore I cannot rule.
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Siswati:
Nks L C DLAMINI: Sihlalo, bengithi ngine-foam namagwebu la.
[Uhleko.]
English:
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Okay. Please
continue.
Ms L C DLAMINI: We, the African National Congress, stand humbled by
the contribution made by the workers of our beautiful country South
Africa. The country is what it is today because of the contribution
of workers. As we all know, the first day of May is Worker’s Day,
whereby as South Africans we pledged our solidarity with workers in
our country. It is also a day on which we reflect on our struggles,
as well as celebrating the power of the working class people in the
country that we love so much. That is what hon Magwebu was supposed
to talk about, their struggle as the DA with workers.
Workers have made South Africa a country of choice, preferred
destination, a country to live in. By all means we owe it to you,
our economic growth, not only South Africa — some countries today
are claiming that they are first world countries because of the
contribution of workers in South Africa and the world in general.
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Chairperson and the House, during the apartheid era where the DA was
part as the Democratic Party together with the National Party, ...
Siswati:
... basebenti bebanganakwa, bekungatiwa nekutsi banetidzingo. Kute
nalobekabacabangela kutsi bafuna emanti, gesi kanye netindlu.
Bantfwana bebasebenti nabo bebangebasebenti.
English:
Nobody bothered to protect children of workers as child labour.
Nobody cared that worker’s children need education and in terms of
pay they would decide whether to pay them or not and/or underpay
them; when to pay them if they decide to pay them. Workers did not
have a say. They never thought about women who had to give birth to
children. Some women would be made to work until the last day.
Chair, I indicated that my mother went in the morning to the farm
and came back with a child, meaning that ...
Siswati:
... bomake bebasebenta badzimate babelekele emsebentini.
English:
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Child labour was the order of the day.
We want to thank the ANC firstly because of the history of the ANC
with workers and the involvement of the ANC in the struggle. We did
not decide about this law now because we are in government, we come
a long way with the workers. When the ANC took over government, we
came up with progressive labour laws and social policies that saw
workers as human beings and not machinery, people who have needs,
who want to have easy access to water, sanitation, housing,
electricity, social grants, good roads, education policies, and
maternity leave for women.
Here is the impact of those policies that the ANC came up with: As a
woman when you come back from work, you do not have to go and look
for water somewhere; you just get water from the tap. They do not
have to go around looking for firewood because there is electricity,
and sanitation. We acknowledge that there are those who still need
those facilities but the policies that the ANC have come up with are
to ensure that all workers have access. These policies are made for
workers because ...
IsiZulu:
... ongxowankulu laba abazuzi ngoba ...
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English:
... they had everything on their disposal, it is only the workers,
Magwebu.
The ANC has a long history with workers’ struggle through the
unions. We recognise the role played by unions who stood up for
workers, when it was not fashion to be in unions at the time, unlike
now, but unions stood up for workers ... [Interjections.]
Mr W F FABER: And against Zuma.
Ms L C DLAMINI: ... and keep on ... we are saying as the ANC ...
[Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
please take your seat. Yes, hon member.
Mr W F FABER: Chair, the member must take a seat then I can go on.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
take your seat, I want to address this member.
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Mr W F FABER: Chairperson, I would like to know if the hon member
would take a question, please.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
do you wish to take a question?
Ms L C DLAMINI: I am still dealing with worker issues.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Please take
your seat again, hon member. I want to address you, sir. Hon
members, you do stand up on a point of order or on a point of
privilege. Accord the person who is presiding to give the
instruction. If you take the liberty to give the instruction
directly to the person on the podium that might come across as rude.
So, please, desist. I thank you, sir. She said she does not want to
take a question. Hon Dlamini, please continue.
Ms L C DLAMINI: Hon Chair, the tensions that all of them are
shouting about and Cosatu; we were expecting that as the ANC because
the ANC now is in government. For the ANC in government does not
mean that we have to ignore the rights of the workers. Unions are
representing workers, we are in government, so there will be
tensions and those are healthy tensions because we want to ensure
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that even though we are in government workers rights are still
observed. You must understand that those tensions are healthy
tensions. The President is the president of government and you must
know that ...
IsiZulu:
... ningakhulumi into kanti anazi ukuthi nikhulumani.
English:
Hon Chair, we are not surprised to see that there are people who
think that wearing overalls and gumboots is fashionable. We are not
surprised because they do not know worker issues. All that they see
is workers wearing those protective clothes. Anyway, I must inform
them that even those boots and overalls were fought for by the
unions, which the ANC was part of. These clothes were not there
before. They only wear those things when they are here in
Parliament, when they go out, they wear their expensive clothes and
they claim to be representing workers. It is an insult to workers,
they must desist, and it shows the shallow mindedness and knowledge
of worker issues.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
please take your seat.
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Ms B T MATHEVELA: Is the hon member prepared to take a question?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Dlamini,
are you prepared to take a question?
IsiZulu:
Nks L C DLAMINI: Sihlalo ngibhizi ngezindaba zabasebenzi.
English:
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon member,
she is not prepared. Please continue.
Ms L C DLAMINI: Chairperson, I want to talk about those supporting
...
IsiZulu: 14:59:15
... ongxowankulu futhi bahlala la ePhalamende ...
English:
... and claim to be concerned about worker’s rights. After they have
seen that the government has come up with laws that protect workers,
they went to foreign nationals for cheap labour on the expense of
our people, creating a tension amongst workers that all the scarce
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resources, such as work – the hon Magwebu was now saying that during
the ANC-led government there is a high unemployment rate. It is
because ...
IsiZulu:
... nivumela labo ngxowankulu enibasekelayo ukuthi balande abantu
...
English:
... they will exploit. [Interjections.] I do want to say that those
African people they import to the country, them too are workers,
they are human beings and they have rights and they need to be
protected.
We are saying that changing the environment should accommodate
women. Women must not be left behind, that’s what we are saying as
the ANC. Since 1994 we have focused on legislative reforms that
removed all forms of institutional discriminatory laws in the quest
for a free nonracial, nonsexist, peaceful and democratic South
Africa. As a result, we have made great progress in the empowerment
of women. To date, the number of women participating in politics and
at the work place has increased. Chairperson, I must say that in the
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private sector, senior management still reflects that of the
apartheid regime.
IsiZulu:
Sithi hambani niyotshela abangani benu ongxowankulu ukuthi
abayilungise leyo nto.
English:
We need to see women in senior positions in the private sector.
Thank you Chairperson. [Applause.]
Mr M M CHABANGU: Chairperson, let me start by reminding the previous
speaker that history is the study of the past to analyse the future
and to interpret the present.
On behalf of all disenfranchised workers in the country and on
behalf of all South Africans who are sick to the core of Jacob Zuma,
members of Cosatu showed Mr Zuma and his band of corrupt leeches,
like Ace Magashule, on May Day that they are not welcomed as our
leaders, anymore. By chasing Zuma away, the workers sent a clear
message to him and the ANC that they continue ignoring the voices of
our people at their own peril.
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At stake here is a country at risk of being undermined and looted by
a foreign Indian family and an unscrupulous Zuma family.
Sesotho:
Mof M L M MOSHODI: Ntlha ya tsamaiso ya ka ke hore setho se
hlomphehang se hlaisa ntlha e sa netefatswang ya hore Mopresidente
Jacob Zuma le wa mphato Ace Magashule ba bodile. Na seo se
tsamaisana le molao wa Palamente?
English:
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you, ma’am. Hon Chabangu?
Mr M M CHABANGU: May I proceed, Madam Chair?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Chabangu, the point of order is
that you are making an allegation about the President and Ntate Ace
Magashule as being corrupt. Can you say anything about it? Did you,
in fact, make that allegation in your speech?
Mr M M CHABANGU: Yes.
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Do you also recognise that if you make
such an allegation, you must actually put it in a substantive
motion?
Mr M M CHABANGU: It is not an allegation. The President is corrupt.
[Laughter.] [Interjections.] He has cases that are pending – over
100 cases.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Chabangu, there is an allegation.
That allegation still has to be tested in court. Until then, can you
provide us with a substantive motion stating that, indeed, you can
prove corruption, here? I am simply saying that, in trying to push
what you read and what you say is an allegation without grounds that
are weighty, in this House, you are impugning on a member who does
come into this House.
Mr M M CHABANGU: [Inaudible.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you, sir. Please proceed.
[Interjections.]
Mr M M CHABANGU: At stake, here, is a country at risk of being
undermined and looted by a foreign Indian family and an unscrupulous
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family. They loot our resources while workers in this country
languish in the misery of slave wages, slave-like working conditions
and rising unemployment. This is all a product of the ANC’s
inability to transform our country in any significant way.
Twenty-three years after the attainment of political freedom, the
vestiges of colonial and apartheid economic architecture are still
deeply embedded in our society. [Interjections.] I would like some
protection, Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: You are protected, sir. Proceed.
Mr M M CHABANGU: I will come and explain. I am a teacher.
[Laughter.] Twenty-three years after the attainment of political
freedom, whites still earn six times more than blacks in this
country. Twenty-three years after the attainment of political
freedom, more than 60% of working people earn less than R3 500 per
month. Twenty-three years after the attainment of freedom, about 40%
of our countrymen and women are unemployed. [Interjections.] Twentythree years after the attainment of political freedom, about
17 million South Africans depend solely on social grants for their
livelihood.
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Today, two white men own more wealth than the bottom 50% of the
population. It is for this reason that we commend those workers who
defied the factional leadership of Cosatu and chased Zuma away from
the Workers’ Day celebration.
Workers have been given the short end of the stick for far too long
in this country. It is the workers who are the producers of the
wealth. It is the workers who toil for hours in the mines of this
country in return for a pittance that is not enough to buy food for
their families, let alone send their children to school. The wealth
produced by workers is not for the benefit of the workers but for
big company bosses – who happen to be white.
It is for this reason that we, as the EFF, would want to rearrange
and redefine the nature of our society. This redefinition must,
first and foremost, be premised on the understanding that workers
are the producers of the wealth in this country.
Secondly, the wealth produced must be for the material and spiritual
satisfaction of the majority of our people.
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Thirdly, our society and social activity in education, culture, the
legal profession, the military, the police, and all sectors of
society must be ordered to conform to these ideals.
Our most immediate goals, however, are the following. We demand
equal pay for equal work, as a matter of urgency. We demand an
immediate abolishment of the labour-broking practice. We demand a
fair living wage for mineworkers, petrol attendants, taxi drivers,
domestic workers, security guards, farm workers and all
disenfranchised sectors of the working class.
None of this will happen without dismantling the colonial structure
of the South African economy. We need the land, the mines and the
strategic sectors of the economy back in the hands of the people. We
need a corruption-free government that is able to put the needs of
the people above the needs of the corrupt leaders. We need a united
working-class voice in order to win these struggles.
What Zuma has successfully managed to do is to divide the working
class. The largest voice of the working class we have in this
country now is the EFF. We will fight for growing consciousness
amongst the working class so that they realise there is no ANC to go
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back to. The ANC is deaf to the needs of the working class. The EFF
is the only hope of the working class. Thank you.
Mr M KHAWULA: Hon Chairperson, Ndabezitha, nkosi yesizwe [chief of
the nation], hon Deputy Minister, the Bill of Rights in the
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa gives expression to
workers’ rights in respect of fair labour practices. The key
question for consideration is whether, after 23 years of democracy,
workers in South Africa do experience the fruits of liberation at
their workplaces, economically, and in the rest of the country’s
atmosphere and environment. Do skilled personnel and professionals
get employed? Are unskilled personnel catered for conveniently and
do they get upgraded? Is the atmosphere in the country conducive to
the promotion and production of a quality workforce in the country?
It is quite correct. Over the past 23 years, South Africa has
produced some very progressive pieces of legislation aimed at
protecting and promoting workers’ rights. I note that the IFP has
been part of these processes through active involvement in
Parliament. However, when it comes to considering whether what gets
passed in Parliament does, in fact, get implemented, that is another
issue. South Africa is, indeed, poor at the proper and effective
implementation of legislation.
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When one looks at the challenges faced by workers in South Africa,
the challenges that remain unresolved seem to be engulfing the
labour sector more than the achievements of the past 23 years.
Exacerbating the intensity of the challenges is that the leadership
of our country is seen to be removed from the plight of the workers,
except when it comes to electioneering times. As might be realised
with the May Day experiences yesterday, workers have begun to say,
―Enough is enough‖ of being used as electioneering machines only to
be forgotten for the rest of the season.
Workers in South Arica suffer more due to the slow growth of the
country’s economy. This results in job losses when investors pull
out of our country to invest elsewhere in the world. This is coupled
with the mediocre leadership which is provided by our government. A
few of the reasons cited for our slow economic growth include:
domestic flip-flops; poor leadership; lack of vision; the corruption
hampering growth potential; lack of investment in research,
infrastructure and tertiary education and large amounts of wastage,
policy experimentation and cronyism. With mediocrity of performance
in leadership removed, these are issues that can be successfully
tackled and resolved.
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South Africa needs to cut down on the size and function of
government, which eats into the meagre resources of the country.
South Africa needs to arrest the activities of state capture, which
jeopardise the country’s efforts towards economic growth. Indeed,
the structural patterns of our country’s economy are skewed. These
result in the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer.
As a result of this, the inequality gap in our country rates amongst
the highest in the world. This is highly ironic, as South Africa is
blessed with an abundance of mineral resources. The tragedy is that
these do not benefit the entire populace of our country but only
those few who are connected to state capturers.
Therefore, structural changes leading to the transformation of our
economy are imperative. In the words of our former Finance Minister,
however, ―There can be no transformation without economic growth,
and there can be no economic growth without transformation.‖ These
two complement each other. The danger occurs when transformation is
used as a scapegoat for the looting of state resources.
The unemployment rate in South Africa remains unacceptably high,
especially amongst the youth. There is a need for the country’s
labour market to continually adapt to the changing workforce and
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digital age in order to keep up with new developments and the Fourth
Industrial Revolution. In addition, the education system must also
play a role.
In conclusion, for our country to truly celebrate our workers’
rights, we need to free South Africa from the bondage of ignorance,
from the bondage of capture and from the bondage of despotism. I
thank you.
Mr B G NTHEBE: Hon Chair, Deputy Minister, DM, chairperson of the
select committee, hon members and special delegates, it’s very clear
that some of the members who are debating today did not get the
script that today is a celebration of the toiling masses. It’s a
celebration and we are joining the masses of our people in
celebrating the peasantry - the toilers of the soil - so that we are
able to say to anybody who want to come and contest. Today, there is
no country in the world which can compete with South Africa in terms
of the labour protection laws that we have. [Applause.] Today, no
country in the world can compete with South Africa in terms of the
implementation of what our national democratic revolution
, NDR, called us to do, regularising and balancing the bucklers,
gender and race issues that we want to do. Yes, of course we have
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conflict arising from some of our hon members sitting here today and
we know what they represent.
Economic patterns of the present must transform in order for us to
realise the future we long for. This in the mean include skewed
patterns of ownership and accumulation. This is something some of
our members who are sitting here today will always miss. This also
includes the dismantling monopoly domination of our economy so that
workers can begin to tap into the possibilities that are there for
them. Special legacies of our past still relegate our workers in
particular to the periphery of the areas from their workplace. This
is clearer when you come to some of the provinces that we don’t
lead. Workers are still travelling and they spend lot of their money
travelling from and to their workplaces, and we know these things.
Unemployment, poverty and inequality remain our central pressing
challenge and a developmental state must be able to shape and direct
the economy for the broader benefit of all. We agree with the
chairperson of the select committee when he says that labour
brokerage is the exploitation of our lifetime and this must be dealt
with.
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Hon Chair, there are just a few things we want to agree. Hon
Magwebu, this did not happen and will not happen. He was not
properly briefed. He is saying to us that we must appreciate that
the duty of the government today is to assist business to create
jobs. That we know, but why are you silent on workers? Yes, we will
assist business to create jobs, and what about the workers? Yes, we
agree that investment is needed in the country, but why are you
absent on transformation? Yes, we know that there is a problem in
the poultry sector, but you should have been briefed that the
international bilateral agreements have specific clause in them that
protect all countries that are beneficiaries and parties to
international agreements. One of them includes that when a party to
an agreement makes an allegation that a poultry sector is suffering
because there is dumping, there needs to be an investigation done by
all parties. That is internationally recognised and is agreed by all
parties, not waffling about what needs to be done. He is saying that
this is not time to celebrate. Yes, we agree, but he is silent about
the input costs that are causing the poultry sector to also
downgrade, about mechanisation that is needed in the poultry sector
for us to be able to be competite and have competitive urge to those
who are competing with us.
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We have the party of the fake reds. Equal pay for equal work yet
they are silent on the arbitration order coming from the Commission
for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, CCMA, about your own
employees that you fired and did not pay. A simple CCMA order that
says you fired workers wrongly, reinstate them or reimburse them.
Xitsonga:
Manan B T MATHEVULA: Xana xirho lexi nga eka phodiyamu xi nga swi
kota ku teka xivutiso?
English:
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Order, hon
members! Hon Mathevula, I didn’t hear you, please, repeat your
question.
MS B T MATHEVULA: Can the hon member at the podium be able to take a
question?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Nthebe,
will you be able to take a question?
Mr B G NTHEBE: Yes, Chair.
Xitsonga:
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Manan B T MATHEVULA: Xana mi tirha eka vandla ra EFF leswi mi
vulavulaka hi swilo swa rona?
English:
Mr B G NTHEBE: Chair, I also speak Xitsonga. The question is, do I
work for the EFF. No, I don’t. But I can tell... [Interjection.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Mr Nthebe,
just a bit. Have you exhausted your question?
MS B T MATHEVULA: I still want to ask him.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Mathevula,
I am going to enable you to put a question which hon Ntheebe will
respond to, and when you are finish with your question please, take
your seat. Ask your question, please.
Xitsonga:
MS B T MATHEVULA: Xana timhka ta EFF to thola na ku hlongola vanhu
mi ti tivela kwihi?
English:
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Is that the
end of your question? Please, take your seat.
Mr B G NTHEBE: Chair, I know this information because is public
knowledge. You can visit their website now and you will find the
arbitration order from the CCMA. But I am telling you now, let’s
teach you politics. You are telling us that workers must not get
engaged into politics. I can put it straight to the EFF caucus that
critical areas of participation include, amongst others, political
involvement in all areas. You cannot be a worker at work and be just
an ordinary somebody when you reach your location yet there are no
services to the people while politics affects you. It is a political
decision even if how much of salt content you have in your food. Do
you know that? Simple politics!
We are told by hon Khawula that enough is enough. We don’t know what
enough is and we need to get an appreciation of what is enough
because we understand that a simple logic is that an employer and an
employee relationship is riddled with contradictions. Simple! Where
you find an employer and employee... [Interjections.]
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Mathevula,
please, don’t drown the speaker. Please, continue, sir. You can
heckle, but don’t drown the speaker.
Mr B G NTHEBE: As I was saying, it is not our intention from the ANC
and the broader alliance to outsource the independence of each of
our alliance partners. We remain independent, we remain committed to
our own constituencies and workers in their own right know that they
have nothing to lose but their chains. They will fight for their own
space, they will dominate their own space, they will fight for what
they deserve in this country and we give them that right to do so.
We will not come here and say that employer and employee
relationship is not riddled with contradictions when we know that it
is a struggle between what is new and a struggle between what is old
and dying. That will be seen as we move forward. From our part we
want to say to the workers of this country that nobody should occupy
your space.
Mr W F FABER: Chairperson, I am so glad that the member is in the
mood of taking questions. I would like him to also take my question.
As we hear that hon Nthebe is very serious about jobs, but don’t he
think that the President’s staying in as a president, and eventually
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downgrading our country with his friends, the Guptas, etc, has a
detrimental effect on the workers of this country?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Nthebe,
you are at liberty to answer or not to answer. The hon member is
asking you to speculate.
Mr B G NTHEBE: Chair, I understand it. I will not speculate, but I
will teach you. It is not Jacob Zuma’s responsibility to create jobs
- it is not. At least acclimatise yourself with the responsibilities
of the president. [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon Nthebe,
please, take your seat. Hon Faber, you had your question.
Ms C LABUSCHAGNE: Hon Chair, on a point of order: I would like to
know if the hon member would like to take a question.
Mr B G NTHEBE: Chair, could I be on record that this is the last
one.
Ms C LABUSCHAGNE: Hon Chair, I would like to ask the member. If that
is not the President’s job to create jobs why did he announce in his
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state of the nation address that the ANC will create nine million
jobs?
Mr B G NTHEBE: It is simple. As the head of the state and the leader
of government in charge you pronounce the statement of intent. You
go out and lobby investment so that there is investment in the
country. The creation of the labour relation laws and all the laws
that you have in the country create conducive investment environment
and can create jobs.
It is not amazing for us, and that is why I am taking all these
questions. It is not amazing. We know all what these members stand
for. We know that you stand for domination of monopoly over our
economy and you stand for those who are making profit. In this
country, today, workers build and assemble cars which they cannot
afford to drive. Workers in this country build houses in estates but
they cannot afford to live in, and let alone rent. Workers in this
very country go to work and come back and they don’t even know what
they are going to eat. Do you know what you do in celebrating
workers’ rights? You come here and talk about business as opposed to
workers. We know what you represent and that is why we forever say
to our workers that don’t seat on your laurels, take charge, move
forward and march on because the fight is bigger than this. We know
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that workers’ struggle is workers’ rights and are human rights. That
is why as the ANC we will continue to make sure that workers’ rights
are defended and we will accordingly amend the policies to make sure
that workers in this country continue to enjoy protection.
Here in the Western Cape you still have the farm community that is
exploited terribly and you said nothing about them. Thank you,
Chair. [Applause.]
Mr R R PILLAY (MEC FOR PUBLIC WORKS KZN): Chairperson, the Deputy
Minister, hon delegates let me first convey one greeting from our
premier Mr Willies Mchunu who wanted to be here and I am here on his
behalf. Of course, he has a history in unionism. Willies Mchunu cut
his teeth over two and a half decades in the National Union of Mine
Workers in KwaZulu-Natal as a whole. So, he is rooted in the
struggle for worker’s rights. He will not theorise about it. He
understands the struggle, the sweat and even the blood that was
shared in building the culture of human rights and workers rights in
particular. So, I convey his good wishes.
Thank you for the previous speaker for bringing me back to the
script as he put it, which was celebrating the 20th worker’s rights.
Yes, it has been a tremendous achievement. I mean, if we can’t pay
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tribute to those who struggled as they did and achieved what we have
over those 20 years that would be a terrible disservice. That
doesn’t mean you have no space for criticism by all means the
democratic state is about debate, discussion and criticism, but give
credit where credit is due. I think it’s a bit childish to do
otherwise. I, being a political party representative myself, can’t
help saying that having listened to what has been said of course,
there are those whose entire history is that of being in bed with
the bosses. Also there are those whose entire history is that they
were born, fed and bread by the likes of Anglo-American. That’s
where their roots are, and that is their culture; it is in their DNA
to be defensive of the boss’ interests. [Interjections.] But, what
surprises me even further is the lack of depth in some of their
arguments. I think the previous speaker tried to unpack it a bit,
but you see we are to talking about Rainbow Chicken. Rainbow Chicken
has a very large presence in KwaZulu-Natal. We personally know the
workers who have been retrenched. We had delegations to go and meet
with them and engaged with the union. We have met with the Congress
of South African Trade Union, Cosatu, who has intervened. EThekwini
Municipality to their creditors actually looking at possibility of
buying of a couple of those farms to see if those worker’s lives can
be re-established to some form of dignity and security. That is the
effort practical action, but more importantly the depth of the
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argument - because we have gone into this quite seriously and there
are two levels. Initially, we thought that this is part of the
Africa's Growth and Opportunity Act, Agoa, agreement and the
Americans wanting to enforce it, but actually, it is not. But even
then what is the argument because it is a trade off, and the Zulu
term which I have forgotten now, but it is tit for tat in the world
trade, and that is we have a strong automobile industry as indeed
many provinces have, Toyota for example these days in a very big way
and there is one brand of Mercedes Benz that we export directly to
the United States without any tax, - zero tax levels. Now, do we say
okay, we want to insist on you not putting your chicken here and we
are going to increase our tariffs to a very high level and tempt
their retaliation that they tax the imports of that brand of Toyota
to the risk of those thousands of very highly skilled jobs. So, it’s
a nuanced battle that we have to engage in and what is in the best
interest of the country as a whole and sometimes in the province.
Even here, there are issues with regard to European Union in
particular. Shall we forgo your grapes and your wine and say no,
fine, you can block it and put higher tariffs there so that our
chicken can be sold here. Those are the kind of arguments that the
government has to examine and make the decision in the best interest
of the country. So let’s have a more serious level of debate about
the difficulties of these kinds of decisions. And of course, we have
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our friends who were with us but really became populists and then it
becomes difficult to take seriously. Because as the ANC we have said
we are a broad church, but we always characterise ourselves as a
disciplined force of the left, a bias for the poor and that’s why
our history is so strongly intertwined with the organised trade
union movement and the South African Communist Party. So, that bias
to the poor will mean that we will always be closed to the workers
and understand their struggles very deeply. That is why the alliance
is so important to us and that is why it’s in fact its almost sacred
for those who has spent many decades building it, protecting it and
strengthening it. So, when it is threatened we are concerned and we
want to assure those who are salivating a bit at the prospects of
what might happen. It won’t happen. We have gone through many
challenges. We will overcome these as well.
But, let me come back to the script as my previous comrade has put
it and say that let us pay tribute to the courageous acts of Moses
Kotane, Moses Mabhida, Elijah Bilha and many other comrades which
led to the labour dispensation that prevails in this country.
Indeed, we find its roots in the Freedom Charter, adopted in Cape
Town where we said there shall be work and security. We went further
and said that all who work shall be free to form trade unions; to
elect their officers and to make wage agreements with their
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employers; the state shall recognise the right and duty of all to
work and to draw full unemployment benefits; men and women of all
races shall receive equal pay for equal work. A revolutionary
statement at the time; - a revolutionary statement of intent. That
is why when I think of what the hon Dlamini spoke of her sister who
went to work on a farm and came back with a chart that talks about
the reality of life and reality of oppression at that time. And
don’t belittle the struggle that it took to bring us to where we
are.
There shall be a 40 hour working week; a national minimum wage; paid
annual leave and sick leave for all workers and maternity leave on
full pay for all workers, something we take for granted today. But,
it was many decades ago. That was a dream for so many generations of
people.
In the ready to govern document, our organisation also says and I
quote,‖ We are committed to full participation in the international
labour organisation and we will adopt and implement high and low
conventions and appropriate recommendations.‖ Again we are fighting
battles on the ground always in internationalist perspective trying
to be at one with the best policy developments in the world. Of
course, there will be those who will want to try to claim our
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programme of radical economic transformation and there will be those
who would want to belittle it. But, we want to be quite clear that
we are serious about. In fact, in my province we say no, we must go
beyond the rhetoric, beyond the slow if we understand that there
must be a political will which we think there is and a very strong
political will at that. There must be a coherent policy framework
and we think we should buff a few tweaking which we hope to do in
June, we will have a very strong policy framework. We must be a
capable state. We are ...
Mr C F B SMIT: Hon Chair, I would like to hear if the hon MEC would
take a question from me?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES: Hon MEC, would
you like to take a question?
Mr R R PILLAY (MEC FOR PUBLIC WORKS KZN): I have a flight to catch.
So, I will give you two minutes outside before I leave. Let me spend
my time giving you what I came here to say all the way from KwaZuluNatal. [Interjections.]
So, I was saying we understand that we had to have a political will,
which we do. We have to have a coherent policy framework, which we
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do and will tweak in June. We must have a capable state and that is
very important. In fact, last week
... [Interjections.] ... we
hosted a Chinese delegation and through that exercise we are even
learning from the Chinese about how to build an efficient state. We
are looking at their practices. Of course not everything is the
same, but they have examples of efficiency and effectiveness which
we think we can learn from.
We understand that we have to have available budgets to fund these
programmes of radical economic transformation. We understand also
that those budgets must be effectively and properly spent. So, it’s
not a populists approach. This is a serious approach and a strategic
plan that will give us step by step an effective radical economic
transformation. But, let me respond to them. I’m on record on the
KwaZulu-Natal Legislature on many occasions. I refuse to be defined
by the Guptas. I condemned every thing that they stand for and I
will continue to do so. [Interjections.] They do not define who I am
Am HON MEMBER: Tell your President that.
Mr R R PILLAY (MEC FOR PUBLIC WORKS KZN): Now, today’s gathering is
crucial because it has given us the opportunity to reflect on all
these matters that I have highlighted. The Freedom Charter will
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continue to guide us as we build our plan going forward. But, I want
to pose some questions that I think takes the debate to a little bit
higher level because as the previous speaker has said we want the
organised working class to champion their own struggles. I want to
pose certain questions which I think will be relevant ... Thank you
for the opportunity.[Time expired.]
Mr J W W JULIUS: Chairperson, members and fellow South Africans,
workers in our country have fought hard for their rights and
political freedom. However, after 23 years, workers in South Africa
have gained only political freedom while many are still waiting for
the promise of economic freedom to be met.
Now, through you, hon Chairperson, hon Nthebe, this is actually a
celebration of yesterday’s booing masses. [Laughter.] Don’t be
blinded by that yesterday! You kept on saying ―we are silent on
this; we are silent on that‖. The workers are not silent. They booed
your President. They booed your leaders in all provinces where they
were. They were not silent.
But I thought you were going to speak about the 6 million jobs
promised by President Zuma in his state of the nation address. You
actually spoke as if you were the opposition! ―Workers don’t have
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this. Workers don’t have that.‖ That’s because you didn’t provide
for them! [Interjections.]
Unfortunately, the situation has worsened due to the treacherous
decisions of President Zuma who fires Ministers as he pleases to
satisfy the greed of the hand behind the throne.
When you are found to have acted unconstitutionally, it’s a criminal
act. What does it make you? [Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: [Inaudible.] ... a criminal.
Mr J W W JULIUS: Can someone answer me that question?
[Interjections.] What does it make you?
HON MEMBERS: A criminal!
Mr J W W JULIUS: And who was actually found to have acted
unconstitutionally?
HON MEMBERS: The President!
Mr J W W JULIUS: It was the President!
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Now, let me teach you, hon Nthebe. Let me give you a life lesson
here: Both Standard and Poor’s and the Fitch credit rating agencies
have cut South Africa’s long-term foreign currency debt, while Fitch
also cut our long-term local currency debt to subinvestment grade
after the midnight Cabinet reshuffle by President Zuma. This will
severely impact on a generation of workers in South Africa.
[Interjections.] Economics 101!
Downgrades will dampen economic growth and, if the economy does not
grow, no new jobs can be created. Retrenchment, honourable ... oh,
he caught his flight to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal ... of workers will be
on the cards. More workers will be unemployed and dependent on the
state for their livelihoods. We have already seen massive job losses
in the retail, mining and agricultural sectors.
Make no mistake: Jacob Zuma did not bring our country to a halt on
his own; the ANC is still defending him.
Even last night ... Deputy Minister, I wonder what you have to say
about this ... Last night, on Justice Factor, the President went on
record by saying we fully support President Jacob Zuma, that the
workers cannot tell them what to do; the branches of the ANC will
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tell them what to do. I wonder what your alliance partners will say
about this. What’s more, it was the Minister of Labour, of all
people, rejecting and actually degrading the voices of workers in
our country! [Applause.]
It cannot be claimed that Zuma and the ANC’s actions are in the best
interest of workers. How do we celebrate workers’ rights when so
many are still unemployed?
South Africans have noticed that, when the ANC finds itself being
rejected by the people, it resorts to the invention of slogans and
cheap rhetoric to pull the wool over the eyes of the electorate.
They say, hon Dlamini, that it’s healthy tension. Whoa, I want that
tension! [Laughter.] Your leaders and the ANC President were booed
by the workers. How can that be healthy? Healthy tension! I want
that term, please!
Another term that you are using lately is radical economic
transformation. It is the ANC’s new buzzword, but the ANC doesn’t
actually know what it would entail. In reality, if you want to be
radical, it means being faster or swift. You are actually
acknowledging that you have failed to transform the economy in the
first place! [Interjections.]
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The people of this country gave you a mandate 23 years ago to
transform the economy. You have failed dismally. In fact, we know
the ANC and President Zuma actually mean radical cadre
transformation — a new word for old tricks. Even Cosatu and the SACP
have called for President Zuma to step down. You don’t want to.
Workers are not fooled. This was illustrated yesterday at Cosatu’s
May Day rallies. Cosatu cancelled their rally speeches as the crowd
called for President Zuma or Zuma to go.
Deputy Minister, please acknowledge this. Tell us what happened
yesterday. What is the impact of this on your department? Is the
President actually hampering your job? Because more and more people
are losing jobs because of the President. When he opens his mouth,
jobs are lost in this country. [Applause.]
When we celebrated Workers’ Day this year ... [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Julius, I have a member on the
floor. Hon Zwane?
Ms L L ZWANE: Thank you, Chair. I just wish to know whether the hon
member would be willing to take a question.
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Julius, do you wish to take a
question?
Mr J W W JULIUS: Yes, I am obliged to. Such a beautiful lady ...
[Inaudible.] [Laughter.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Julius, I will not have that
condescending attitude towards female members of this House. You
will take a question, but not because she is a beautiful lady. Hon
Zwane, your question, please.
Ms L L ZWANE: Thank you, Chairperson. I just want to know when the
hon member is going to start telling the people of South Africa what
the DA is doing for the people, instead of talking about the ANC. If
he believes in the DA so much, why doesn’t he talk about the
programmes of the DA?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you, ma’am. Hon Julius?
Mr J W W JULIUS: I actually always talk about the programmes of the
DA. It’s actually very sad that you don’t want to listen. But, come
2019, I will stand here and tell you every day about the programmes
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that we will have in this country, because the ANC is a dying horse.
[[Applause.]
Chairperson, when we celebrated Workers’ Day this year, we should
have been celebrating the achievements in employment, increased
employment, and more happy homes in South Africa.
This is sadly not the case.
Honourable ... what’s his name now ... hon Pillay, do you know, you
are singing from the Bell Pottinger hymnbook, but you reject the
Guptas. I don’t know how you work! [Laughter.]
But today, in 2017, we see opposition parties, civil society, and
religious organisations coming together in a united front as the
Freedom Movement.
Change is coming in 2019. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr S I MALAZA (Mpumalanga): Hon Chairperson, Deputy Minister and hon
members of the House, you will pardon me I will ensure that I speak
to the debate because it’s worth it. As a former worker myself who
have led the struggles of workers it’s worth celebrating 20 years of
workers’ rights. Four days ago, on 27 April, we celebrated the
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destruction of apartheid and the completion of 23 years of
democracy. I am born of those men and women who had to travel
distances to access a place of work. I am a grandson of those who
had to queue at a house of a farm owner to collect a cheque after
having taught learners for a month and paid by the master because it
was his own farm and the school was built in the area that he claims
it belongs to him.
I am a son and daughters of those parents who were denied basic and
democratic rights, hence I say today that it is worth it that we
celebrate these 20 years of workers’ rights. Our parents educated as
they were, but the farm owner became their boss because the school
was built in his own farm. In some instances even telling them what
content they should give to the poor learners who were sharing the
same colour as mine. Our parents were forced to live and work where
the government of the day ordered them to do so at that time. They
were barred from all better paying jobs and even told them who they
could or could not marry. Despite challenges, thanks to the
struggles of the working class led by the tripartite alliance under
the stewardship of the ANC. Today, we have a democratic Constitution
and laws which guarantee freedoms and human rights. Today, workers
can vote, can join a party and can protest.
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Despite the challenges facing us at this current moment, workers are
better off today than before.[Applause.]
After decades of slavery
their condition has improved. It is a fact. Under this government
led by the ANC, workers have won important constitutional
guarantees: the right to a fair labour practice, right to form and
join a trade union, to strike and picket and a right to collective
bargaining. I am speaking here as a witness to that. I have enjoyed
those rights as a worker at some point myself.
Whatever the difficulties we are facing now and whatever the
problems may be today, workers will never be fooled for they know
and they know it to be true that a better South Africa is in the
hands of the ANC-led government. It is a fact that under the ANC-led
government the conditions of the workers have improved, hence today
we are celebrating 20 years of workers’ rights.
Today, more domestic workers have access to houses and when they go
home they have a different environment. They have a house that has a
flushing toilet and is electrified. These are things that they never
enjoyed before 1994. Today, more citizens who are workers have
access to antiretroviral treatment which is something that was never
given by any government, but this government led by the ANC under
the stewardship of President Jacob Zuma. They are not even
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discriminated in their working environment. However, Chair, we agree
that much still need to be done particularly on farm workers and
farm dwellers who are victims of their employers day by day by. We
expected some of the speakers who were here before to speak about
those farm dwellers and farm workers who are ill-treated by their
employers who are white in colour. Sadly, we only see them at some
point being transported by their employers at the back of a truck,
bakkies and tractors during elections times, of course, by those of
whom to them only their vote counts. To us in the ruling party,
since their lives matters, our task of the moment is to ensure that
we attend to these issues and continues to walk the journey with
them and improve their lives as farm dwellers and farm workers.
There are evictions of people from the farms on which they have
houses which they have occupied for a long time, for years, and they
are not even allowed to bury their loved ones. This is what our
people are experiencing in the farms that are owned by some
individuals who belong to particular political parties, and they
come here and grandstand and claim that nothing has been done. That
is also illegal and therefore we need to make sure that such
problems are addressed. However, for those who regard themselves as
our masters, it continues to be normal. Day by day people are killed
because they picked up a flower in a farm and because they
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understood to be normal it can be done anyhow, but a black child is
killed. For us as an ANC it’s worth celebrating today - workers
rights that we have gained.
Workers have continued to fight for their freedom that they can,
among other things, use to change their lives for better. In some
farms their lives continues to regress. They are being abused and
treated very badly, but those who come and stand before us here want
us to accept that it is normal. It is for that reason that as we
celebrate these 20 years of workers’ rights, we cannot forget where
we come from as a nation and as people. What has characterised
workers in our country has been the determination not to be isolated
from the rest of the society and not to be misled by the opinion
that unions must only concerns themselves with shop floor issues.
Today, workers have all these rights because they knew that workers’
rights could not be realised outside a democratic South Africa. They
have all these rights because we are free today.
Whatever the situation is facing us today in our country and what
our critics say and those in opposition we continue to say that we
are certain that workers’ rights and the life of workers are in the
better shape. Workers of this land know and they know it to be true
that it is only the ANC that has workers’ interests at heart. A
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journey has been travelled with workers side by side for decades.
The work to create a better South Africa continues and the struggle
to improve the conditions of workers continues under the stewardship
of the ANC and victory is certain.
Let’s therefore draw to conclusion and perhaps go back where we
started that what characterises us as the ruling party are the scars
and the pain that we have shared with our workers when we were
fighting for their rights. Many who are workers today know very well
the South Africa we leave in today as workers is a much better place
than the country they leaved in before 1994. The rights that are
celebrated today will continue to be celebrated for decades to come
and have been realised through the struggle of workers side by side
with the liberation movement.
New laws have been introduced and many have improved working
conditions in health and safety in the work place. We no longer have
a government that sees farmers as not deserving the same rights. No
longer will the use of child labour be allowed. As workers
themselves are their own liberators we will work with them to change
their lives for better. We are celebrating these workers’ rights
today with our heads held up high that a better tomorrow is coming
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and it is only in the hands of the ANC, come 2019. I thank you.
[Applause.]
Mr D JOSEPH: Hon Chair, hon Deputy Minister, hon members and fellow
South Africans, it is indeed a day for workers to celebrate. History
will remind us, as we reflect, that workers played a significant
role in the freedom that we as workers enjoy today. We are called
honourable members, but I think we should also call ourselves
honourable workers today. I think we can call ourselves honourable
servants because we are mandated and elected to serve.
As a previous shop steward, way back in 1982, I felt honoured to
have been elected as a shop steward in the work place. I had the
opportunity to represent and to speak for other workers. I stand
here because other workers in the work place have given me the
opportunity to come up the ranks and represent other work places.
However, I think there is a point that we are missing when we speak
about employer-employee relations. I have noticed that a farmer is a
worker. I have noticed that a CEO of a company is a worker, equal to
any other worker, irrespective of the designation. I think we as
members are workers, regardless of the position for which we are
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elected, be it the President, the premier, an honourable member or a
public representative.
After 1994, workers and employers had to bring hope in order to
build the economy of South Africa, for all to benefit and for
workers to become the captain of their own ship. When people work
and they are treated fairly at the workplace, there is a better
relationship. There is trust, respect for each other and it becomes
obvious and noticeable.
Workers should not be scared to speak out when there is any form of
discrimination. The workforce must know if they report such
incidents, there will be action. Transformation at the workplace is
work in progress.
The worker history should not be underestimated. The international
labour relations, national worker organisations, including our
organisations that were disadvantaged before apartheid have
contributed to a concept of organised labour after 1994. The famous
slogan will always remain with workers: An injury to one is an
injury to all. The more people are organised and the more determine
workers become, the more they will represent the issues of workers.
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Workers form the backbone of the economy and they deserve the
respect. Workers play that key role in agriculture, exports and food
security.
In the Western Cape, 23,6% of our people are unemployed of which
41,7% are the youth between the ages 25 and 44. Poverty and
inequality are the challenges of the day and when things go wrong,
we look for whom to blame. We show intolerance towards each other.
We show disrespect for life, property and for people. Let us debate
what we can do for the unemployed. Those people must also put food
on the table, pay their rent, buy electricity and pay for transport.
They are no different to us who earn salaries.
The Western Cape government, in its efforts, introduced a programme
called eco ... [Inaudible] ... schemes. This programme gives farmers
the opportunity to adjust their business models to include workers
in the profit that they generate, in particular farming communities
who have worked on these farms for decades. This programme includes
the identification of skills, the identification of various training
needs, the high level of work responsibility, and in some
incidences, ownership of the projects on farms. This programme is
not the end result but merely the beginning of addressing
inequality.
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It is important that we note that it was a constant battle for
better working conditions during the years of separate development,
but today we can say that we have achieved in South Africa. We have
achieved a lot in terms of worker rights and worker conditions, but
we also know that there is a lot that must still be done. As we have
reached another year of celebrating workers, we know that the
rallies, the meetings and the conversations we have are very
significant to build a united South Africa and workforce.
This battle for South Africans today continues and the struggle will
continue on a day-to-day basis so that people do not lose faith in
the system. All people have the privilege to work and celebrate
Workers’ Day. We must ensure that the standard of living and the
working conditions for all workers in the Western Cape where we
govern continue to improve day to day.
It is very important that, in the next debate that we have on this
topic, we compare the studies that we have done or that Stats SA has
done on the conditions of workers, to ensure equal opportunities and
rewards for people who want to promote themselves and other workers.
We must ensure that there is an assessment of it.
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I must also highlight that the work of the Western Cape government
is work in progress, in particular the stance that we must take in
terms of violence against farm workers, women and children. We must
take a stance, particularly where children under age are used. This
government will not tolerate it.
I need to say that we must accept that the downgrade in the economy
is putting us under pressure and it will affect the workers. I think
we must put our heads together and not only criticise, but bring
constructive criticism to the debate. We need to find solutions that
are of common interest to all of us. This Workers’ Day must remind
us that we have achieved, but there is a lot of work to be done. The
truth is that unemployed people are already experiencing this junk
status.
We must bring hope. It is expected of us as leaders to make the
right decisions, to create the right policies, to create the right
environment and to create equal opportunities for all. It is
expected of us to make decisions that will create the right economic
environment for the state and the private sector. We must create a
better climate and hope and build sustainable partnerships. Let us
put South Africa first and let us help South Africa to become a
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better place for all who live in it, including our workers. Thank
you. [Applause.]
Mr E MAKUE: Thank you hon Chairperson, the hon Deputy Minister, the
MECs still with us and members of the House. My noble contribution
to this debate is highlighting the ANC government’s commitment to
work tirelessly to create decent work and sustainable livelihood. It
is equally important to also highlight South Africa’s quest to
remain the forefront in the pursuit of a national, regional and
international agenda for the creation of decent work and production
of workers in general.
Already during 2005, the ANC has taken note of the strike action by
members of the congress of SA Trade Unions which began in the
Western Cape and the Eastern Cape on the 3 October 2005 as part of
the federations jobs and poverty campaign. When we celebrate workers
day in 2017, we want to revisit jobs and poverty together. In
embarking on this action, Cosatu members were exercising the hard
won right in pursuit of their interest and the interest of society
more broadly. The ANC has made significant, though not enough
progress since 2005.
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The ANC shares workers concerns about unemployment and job losses.
Cheap labour and lack of equity continues to be a serious violation
of the rights of the workers. The exploitations of foreign
nationals, domestic workers, casual labourers and farm workers
demand urgent redress particularly for us in this democratic
government. It is for this reason that the ANC has placed radical
economic development and job creation at the centre of its programme
and the National Development Plan of government.
The ANC is committed to minimise the number of strikes and work
stoppages in our efforts to grow the South African economy. We need
new attitude, especially from employers, the most important of which
is that pay must always accord with performance, not time spent on
the job. We also need to address the ocean of disparities and
inequalities between the workers in different industries and workers
in different roles. We inherited a system of apartheid capitalism
and what we in the ANC calling colonialism of a special type. The
reservation in particular of predominantly blue collar jobs for
privileged racial groups was an inherit part of apartheid’s racial
capitalism. We have heard some members coming to this podium longing
for those flash spots of apartheid. We won’t go back there - We will
build the South Africa where there is equal participation and
absolute respect for workers and their organisations.
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Job reservation is an injustice that’s still haunting some members
of this House and it is being defended by those parties in this
democratic Parliament and they are ignoring the fundamental rights
of workers and therefore hon Nthebe shouldn’t be surprised when they
promote the interest of bosses and say nothing about the workers.
The exploitation of workers, especially the exploitation of women in
the workplace in ensuring maximum profits for companies regardless
of the social consequences created a class of impoverished workers
called the working poor.
Mr C F B SMIT: Hon Chairperson on a point of order: I would like to
find out if the hon member will take a question from me.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Makue, are you willing to take a
question?
Mr E MAKUE: My apologies hon member but my time is confined here. We
can talk at a time that is convenient for the both of us.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please proceed. He won’t take it sir.
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Mr E MAKUE: Chairperson, labour brokers are aggravating such
exploitation. And those that are trying to intervene in my debate
will not succeed because as a member of the ANC, we are not just
advocating for jobs but we are advocating for decent work and decent
wages to go with that. In line with Section 23 of our Constitution
and the Bill of Rights, our progressive trade unions have been part
of the liberation struggle against colonialism and the apartheid
rulers whose voices are trying to distort me.
Trade Union Federations that you don’t know of hon member like South
African Congress of the Trade Unions, FOSATU, COSATU, NACTU, FEDUSA
and others, struggled side by side with the ANC and the Mass
Democratic Movement in ensuring that the rights of workers will be
respected and protected. And it is in commemorating the gains of
those trade unions federations that we are able to stand here today.
We are also mindful that each year millions of school leavers join
the labour market. Within this context, employers are becoming
capital intensive, investing in expensive machines to get the work
done with the minimum participation of workers. And this is
something that this government is giving attention to.
A small group of privileged trade union workers and a growing band
of unemployed, underemployed and also underpaid workers has become a
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new challenge for trade unions in this democracy. This reality is
threatening the unity of progressive trade unions and we see it
happening as we celebrate international workers day 2017. The ANC
endorses the international workers slogan that an injury to one is
an injury to all and we can proudly sing ...
IsiZulu:
Hlanganani basebenzi.
English:
The reality of our global economic framework militates for a lean
and trim workforce. Introduction of technology and particularly
within the context of the 4th industrial revolution pushes workers
towards a leaner workforce - This applies more to unskilled labour.
It is important that trade union leaders as we celebrate
international workers day this year, are mindful and understand the
changing environment that the workers are confronting at the moment.
The employment and exploitation of casual workers, farm workers and
domestic workers as well as short term employment contracts are
unable to provide sustainable livelihoods. Migrant workers have for
centuries been part and parcel of South Africa’s workforce. They
built the proud democracy at an economic level where we are today.
We will therefore not discriminate against migrant workers who have
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contributed towards the economic gains that we have made in this
country.
Chairperson, there may be instances where industrial relations
between employers and workers are more important for our survival
than wage increases and that we together get the labour movement
into better shape by cutting restrictive practices. South Africa has
to build on a labour movement with a reputation for realistic and
practical policies that benefit workers. The Nedlac serves as a
forum to promote negotiation and consultation between government
labour, business and civil society in what we call social partners.
It is this government that has made sure that Nedlac is not only
established but indeed that it works for our country and our people.
It is equally imperative that workers must experience maximum
rewards in wages and benefits complemented by indirect returns from
government by way of homes, health, education, training and social
benefit that the hon Dlamini has addressed for us earlier on.
Chairperson, it is this democratic government that in 1995
introduced the labour relations act no 66 promoting freedom of
association and general protection for workers. It sets a framework
for collective bargaining - It supports the right to strike and also
the right of workers to take action against lock outs – It
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encourages work place forums, the labour relation acts facilitate
the establishment of Trade Unions and employer organisations and
very importantly, sets dispute regulations mechanisms. This labour
relation act, developed, adopted and promoted by this democratic
government laid a foundation for industrial peace.
South Africa is in urgent need of a positive approach to challenges
that will reduce unemployment, increase wages and regain our
competitiveness in productivity. The world of work is undergoing
rapid changes! Our youth, in particular, has to be appropriately
skilled and trained for these changes. The SETAs have an important
role to play in this regard. The ANC led alliance continues to work
also on immediate measures to address job losses in specific
sectors, such as the roll out of a plan to respond to the crisis
facing the clothing, textile and footwear industry, as we are able
to peruse from the report of the Department of Trade and Industry
and the Department of Economic Development.
The automotive sector and the construction industry are those
industries that we will concentrate on during the year of 2017.
Chairperson, the challenge of creating work and fighting poverty
requires the co-ordinated actions of all sectors of society, working
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together to progressively realise the ANC’s goal of a better life
for all. Thank you Chairperson. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF LABOUR: Thank you very much, Chairperson of
the NCOP. I also want to thank members of the House for having made
this debate possible. I know that you had invited the Minister of
Labour to come and participate and give the perspective of the
Ministry and the Department of Labour.
Unfortunately, she has not been able to come by herself due to other
responsibilities demanding of her attention in the department.
She herself is a trade unionist and it is within her makeup that the
interest and rights of the workers be held paramount by the ANC-led
government.
I am not aware of what she said on television. I don’t know if Mr …
– oh! Mr Julius is here! But from what you said, it was something to
the effect that the President is the President of the ANC, the
country and the workers, especially members of Cosatu that were
there are as such members; and therefore the one need not
necessarily dictate to the other.
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As I say, I am not sure. I didn’t hear her but as has been said by
other hon members in this debate, we are an alliance of independent
bodies; and therefore there will be instances where there will be a
difference of opinion in a particular instance.
In fact, instead of lamenting what happened yesterday where the
President and other leaders of the alliance were not able to speak,
we should be applauding the fact that we are such a democracy. That
when workers in this particular regard, are not happy with what the
leadership is doing, they are able to express themselves.
Surely, therefore the leadership in the form of the alliance leaders
as well as, particularly the government, have to take heed of what
the citizens in this particular instance the workers, are saying. In
another instance in other era when we were led by the ancestors of
some of the other parties here the mighty of the state would have
been unleashed on those who dared to seek to prevent the President
from addressing the people that he wanted to address.
So these are the gains that we need to celebrate instead of using
them as a sign that all is wrong and that there is a state of chaos.
There are so many correct things, Madam Chair, that have been said
here, both by members of the opposition and members of the ruling
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party. For instance, the question of the high rate of unemployment.
It is a fact that the rate of unemployment is unacceptably high; but
the causes range from a number of issues. They cannot be attributed
surely to the ANC as a government.
As we all know the government led by the ANC has come up with all
sorts of policies, programmes, projects and laws that are aimed
exactly at addressing, among others, the problem of unemployment. It
is only last week that we were part of the discussions in the
International Labour Organisation, ILO in Geneva where we were
talking about, among other things, the question of unemployment.
The slow growth in the economy is one of the causes of this problem.
It is the problem that does not only afflict South Africa; it
afflicts other parts of the world. But what we have been able to
understand is that our problems are more acute compared to other
countries because of the history that we have. Our history is
obviously different from the history of the other nations.
We are still talking about twenty years of celebrating the rights of
workers. Yet other countries have had more time than we have to talk
about that phenomenon. I want to agree therefore with the Deputy
Chief Whip of the DA in the Western Cape, who said ―let us all put
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South Africa first‖. Let us be positive. Let us do what is necessary
for us to do instead of trying to pull each other down.
One of the speakers - I think it was from the DA, spoke about the
problem of the poultry industry at the present moment. He ridiculed
the fact that government has set up a committee to look into the
matter. You see, as everybody knows, we are living in a globalised
economic situation. You will be looking at one point only to find
that there are consequences that were not intended by the agreement
that we entered into.
The MEC Pillay has spoken about the motor industry that is
benefitting from some of the international agreements that we have
entered into, which have some how resulted in the loss of job
opportunities in the poultry industry. That could never have been
the intention that the international agreements we enter into with
the EU as well, would be intended to result in the destruction of
jobs for our poor people.
Nonetheless, the DTI has already imposed a 13% safeguard duty on
chicken from the EU which will be in place until the 03 July while
the investigation spoken about is being undertaken. The behaviour of
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the two companies also that have been affected by this problem of
the poultry industry controlling the industry, it also doesn’t help.
The competition tribunal, for instance, has issued the two companies
with anti-competition fines to indicate that the cause of the
problem is not merely the matter of the agreement that has been
entered into resulting in the dumping, as it has been said of the
poultry from other countries.
Ladies and gentlemen, hon members May Day celebrations as have been
said, have a long history in South Africa and are reported to have
been first celebrated as early as 1895 by South African workers.
These celebrations were however sporadic and held by white workers.
It was only in 1928 that the celebrations were taken up on a mass
basis by African workers.
It continued to be celebrated unofficially for many years until
1961, when the Nationalist Party government acted against Workers’
Day by excluding it from wage determinations and industrial council
agreements. After the re-emergence of the independent unions, there
was a strong campaign in the 1980s to win back May Day as a day on
which workers could celebrate their unity and struggle for improved
worker rights and working conditions.
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In early December 1985 the workers’ delegates from all over South
Africa met in Durban to bring into being the Congress of SA Trade
Unions, Cosatu. Let us remember that it is partly due to workers
struggles in the 1980s and 1990s that May Day is now officially
recognised as a day on which workers celebrate their unity and
struggle for improved rights and working conditions.
When the ANC came into power in 1994, May 1st became an officially
recognised public holiday in the country. On May Day South Africans
joins the world in celebrating International Workers Day. It is a
time when we celebrate international solidarity, the social and
economic achievements that workers, labour movements and progressive
governments have made across the world.
As we celebrate workers’ month, we should take time to remember some
of the stalwarts that made significant contributions towards
advancing the cause of the working people during the early days of
the SA Congress of Trade Unions, Sactu, the Congress of SA Trade
Unions, Cosatu, and other progressive trade unions in this country.
Amongst these heroes of the workers’ struggles we can count the
likes of Comrades Moses Kotane, JB Marks, Oscar Mphetha, Elijah
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Barayi, Billy Nair, John Gomomo, Emma Mashinini, Stephen Dlamini,
Mark Shophe, John Nkadimeng, Leon Levy, Cleopas Sibande, Lesley
Masina, Petrus Beyleveld, Lucy Mvubelo and many others.
During this month, it is important to look at the gains that workers
have achieved under this democratic government. One of the gains is
the ability to engage in collective bargaining. A number of members
have referred to this. Collective bargaining is central to our
labour market policy and to the Labour Relations Act.
Trade unions must indeed continue recruiting more members, to ensure
efficient, orderly and stable collective bargaining in order to
address the workers needs. This will obviously improve workers’
conditions of employment and lead to a competitive labour market. We
must always remember the purpose of the Labour Relations Act, which
is to advance economic development, social justice, labour peace and
the democratisation of the workplace.
Our labour laws have enabled us to extend protection to vulnerable
workers. There are workers who are covered by neither collective
bargaining nor unionisation. To further protect vulnerable workers
against abusive practices, we introduced the Basic Conditions of
Employment Act, which empowered the department to develop sectoral
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wage determinations. These sectoral determinations set minimum
employment conditions and wages, thereby reducing the vulnerability
of the workers.
Chairperson, the labour market continues to be plagued by atypical
forms of employment which threaten to reverse the workers’ gains. As
government we had to respond to the challenges posed by the
temporary employment services, or labour brokers, and introduced
measures to prohibit the abusive practices in the labour market due
to this phenomenon.
To this end, the labour law amendments we embarked on enabled
workers to claw back the core rights that were lost due to the
emergence of these atypical forms of employment. The government has
steadfastly strived for nonracialism, nonsexism and democracy in our
land. There can be no compromise on these principles and May Day
gives us a good opportunity to recommit ourselves to these
principles.
To ensure equity in the workplace and to eliminate unfair
discrimination, we introduced the Employment Equity
Act, which seeks to eradicate unfair discrimination on, amongst
other bases: race, gender, age and sexual orientation.
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This legislation also seeks to eliminate unfair discrimination on
issues of pay by ensuring equal pay for work of equal value. The
current low economic growth forces employers to downsize their
workforce by retrenching workers. Given the projected low economic
growth, it seems to us that retrenchments will be the order of the
day.
As government we have to ensure that we cushion workers from the
devastating effects of such loss of work. Chairperson, the
unemployment Insurance Fund stands ready to provide social
protection to the retrenched workers. We have recently amended the
Unemployment Insurance Fund Act to also extend workers benefits to
twelve months as opposed to eight months.
It is disheartening that even as we celebrate worker’s month,
workers across the land continue to be injured, maimed and
contracting occupational diseases at work. The penalties prescribed
by the Occupational Health and Safety Act do not seem to serve as a
deterrent to the offending companies.
To improve the protection of workers, we are amending the
Occupational Health and Safety Act to increase the penalties imposed
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by courts to the non -complying employers. Most importantly, we
have, amongst other things, ensured that employees leave a dangerous
work place when their health and safety are in danger without fear
of victimisation by the employer.
Very soon social protection will be extended to the domestic
workers. The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act
is being amended to give effect to this. The International Labour
Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at
Work, adopted in 1998, clearly states that workers’ rights are
universal and apply to all people regardless of their level of
economic development.
The rights include, Freedom of Association and Recognition of the
Right to Collective Bargaining, Elimination of Forced Labour,
Abolition of Child Labour and Elimination of Discrimination in
respect of Employment and Occupation. As a member state of the ILO,
South Africa firmly subscribes to these rights as demonstrated
through our labour laws.
We also continue to fiercely advocate for workers’ rights in
regional and international platforms that we participate in like the
SADC Employment and Labour Sector, the African Union Special
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Technical Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, G20 Ministers
of Employment and Labour Forum and Brics, to name but a few.
We also give effect to international co-operation, harmonisation of
decent work principles and worker rights through a number of
bilateral agreements that we have entered into with countries in
Africa and globally.
I hope workers will celebrate worker’s month knowing that South
Africa has joined other progressive countries that have introduced
the National Minimum Wage. As hon members know, Deputy President
Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that in May 2018 South Africa’s first
National Minimum Wage will be introduced. I am happy that no worker
will be paid below the set national minimum wage.
As a department we are strengthening the inspectorate to ensure that
no employer will avoid paying the set wage. To continue protection
of workers’ rights, our labour market needs strong trade unions now
more than ever. There are many challenges in the labour market and
many vulnerable workers that need the organisation and services
provided by trade unions. Weak trade unions reduce workers to
collective begging.
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Therefore, it is important for trade unions to recruit members to
remain representative and strong. To remain democratic, trade unions
must be member-driven and controlled.
As I conclude, let us celebrate the achievements and the
determination of the SA Trade Union Movement today. Let us also
celebrate the international labour movement. But let us be mindful
of the challenges that lie ahead and the responsibility that we all
share in assisting and protecting vulnerable workers, and to help
our country meet its developmental objectives.
As we celebrate workers’ month, we should recommit ourselves to the
achievement of the inclusive economic growth and the attainment of
social justice. With the few minutes left, Madam Chairperson, allow
me to say my sense worth of what have been said about the issue of
downgrade.
One of the hon members said that every time the President opens his
mouth we are downgraded and as a result workers lose jobs. We should
be careful therefore that we don’t say things that are going to lead
into such a situation.
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However, let us go beyond that. Let us talk about the system that is
such that if it disagrees with the head of state, democratically
elected, it decides a system to allow R90 billion to leave the
country. What is the conscious of these people who are doing this
telling them? Don’t they know that it is not the President who is
going to suffer? It is the workers, the million workers that we are
talking about that are going to suffer – the poor.
Why don’t we examine the system so that it also becomes accountable?
We were told that in order for a country to prosper in terms of its
economy in the free market system, there must be a democracy and
accountability. Now, why is it that you don’t question a system that
does as it pleases resulting in the damage that is costly to the
workers?
Why is it that we are not – who benefits most? Is it not the
capitalist and the business that are benefitting? As long as this
system that is unaccountable endures, I say let us be careful as
leaders whenever we do or say certain things.
However, I am saying, let us go beyond that and challenge the system
that continue to exploit us even as we subscribes to the tenets that
we were told are conducive to economic growth. We are a democracy
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and yet we are taken advantage of by people who don’t account and
who are not called upon to explain their activities.
Even so, as I said and as have been said, let us all work together.
The laws that we have in place, the laws that we say are not working
in the best interest of the people, lets us all ensure that they are
implemented, as leaders, as Members of Parliament and as members of
the representative parties of our Parliament. Thank you very much.
[Applause.] [Applause.]
Mr M RAYI: Thank you, hon Chairperson and also I would like to thank
members that have participated in this debate, especially the Deputy
Minister and special delegates.
Actually, the summary of the DA’s input in this debate is that we
should not celebrate achievements. Perhaps the main reason is that,
perhaps through you, hon Chairperson, is that they first don’t look
at these legislations that were passed in context as to what was the
situation before all these legislations were passed.
I would understand with regard to my honourable friend and also my
home boy. During the 1973 Durban strikes, he was only five-yearsold, so he won’t know the situation, because at that time workers
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were dismissed for demanding recognition of their trade unions. Let
alone wage increase, just the recognition of their trade unions.
Thousands of workers were dismissed. Today is very easy and simple
for trade unions to be recognised. If you can prove 50% plus one
majority, you are recognised and you don’t even have to go to the
streets to fight for that.
They say we must not celebrate these achievements, we know is true
that with the DA they don’t see why we should celebrate this
achievement. In fact, on 24th October 2013, the DA in the National
Assembly voted together with the ANC on the issue of Employment
Equity Act.
Several weeks later, the then leader of the DA wrote to Parliament
apologising that the DA voted in favour of the Employment Equity Act
and then you had to wait for that particular Bill to come to the
NCOP and in the NCOP they opposed that particular Bill, so we
understand why they are opposed to all these laws.
You can go to Hansard, starting with the Labour Relations Act, Basic
Conditions of Employment Act, Skills Development Act, and Skills
Development Levy you would see what their arguments against the
rights of the workers were. So, we are not surprised when they say
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they don’t see why we should celebrate, because what we do as
workers, we celebrate the achievement and then fight for more. So,
that is what is happening.
Also, with the organisation itself, the ANC, that is why we have
conferences on regular basis so that we assess the impact of our
policies and improve on those policies.
I agree with the hon Deputy Minister with regard to the issue of the
Constitution that this is democracy. What happened yesterday was an
expression of democracy as enshrined in the Constitution of the
country. I will just quote the actual section in the Bill of Rights,
and I quote: ―Everyone has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to
assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions‖.
That is democracy in practice, unlike what the DA is up to. I was
very surprised and shocked to what could happen if the DA were to be
in power. Prof Malikane, made his views on the economy as enshrined
in the Constitution, the right to expression. They demand that he
must be fired, for expressing his views, which is enshrined in the
Constitution that a person has a right to express his/her views.
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So, that is why then we are not surprised as the ANC. That is why I
would like, especially hon Joseph as you indicated through you Chair
that you were a shop steward. If you can mentor our Member of the
House, hon Magwebu and take him through what was the situation with
the right to strike, for example? What was the situation with regard
to maternity leave?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Rayi, your time is up.
Mr M RAYI: Thank you, Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order members. Hon members, I think we
should thank the special delegates for graciously coming to us. This
is indeed our first seating after a reasonable break and I am sure I
have seen a lot of members doing what is not so honourable in the
House, which is falling asleep.
No, it is actually disrespectable for the people who watch you on
television. It is because as much as one member said we are all
workers. We do earn. This country has made a distinction, in the
past, there were workers because you were getting a wage and you
were salaried because you were white collar. There was a
distinction.
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We all want to say that we earn our living and we earn that living
very honourably and that is staying awake and respecting the
electorate. So, I want to thank the special delegates, all of you
have been behaving beautifully and I hope that we see you over and
over again in the House.
And of course I want to thank the Deputy Minister, who has had to
rush off for coming to take part with us here.
Debate concluded.
The Council adjourned at 16:47.
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