Hansard: NA: Unrevised Hansard

House: National Assembly

Date of Meeting: 26 May 2017

Summary

No summary available.

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Minutes

FRIDAY, 26 MAY 2017
 

MINUTES OF PROCEEDINGS OF MINI PLENARY SESSION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Members of the mini-plenary session met in Committee Room E249 at 10:02.


House Chairperson Ms A T Didiza took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.


APPROPRIATION BILL


Debate on Vote No 3—Communications:


The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Honourable House Chairperson, good morning to everybody, the Ministers who have come here to support, portfolio committee members, Deputy Minister, my babies in the gallery, the Chairs and acting Chairs and acting-whoever in this portfolio — all the actors and the non-actors in our portfolio —

 

but believe me, the Deputy and I are looking into the filling of positions.


I stand here today in front of this august House as a woman, a mother, a sister and a friend. The mere fact of my gender communicates a message to some that I can be raped, maimed and killed.


Notwithstanding many of the laws enacted such as the Domestic Violence Act of 1998, the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 2007 and the Protection from Harassment Act of 2011, many women in our country remain vulnerable and targeted. Many have died at the hands of people who professed to love them. Many women of our country continue to be harassed and some of our laws in many instances still treat perpetrators of these crimes leniently.


Warsan Shire, a Kenyan-born Somali poet, when asked about how it feels to be a woman subjected to these forms of abuse, wrote this poem, and I quote:


Later that night, I held an atlas in my lap Ran my fingers across the whole world
And whispered
 

 

Where does it hurt? It answered
Everywhere, everywhere, every where.


We meet at a time when the social fabric of our society is severely tested. The recent spate of brutal attacks and murders of women and children has sent shockwaves throughout society.


However, we need to do more than just be outraged. The hurt and pain that we all rightly feel should be channelled into action that will protect the most vulnerable amongst us, and instil a sense of heightened vigilance amongst women and civil society at large. We need to say enough is enough, and act so that no woman or child ever again falls victim to abuse, rape or murder.


We must talk about why our men and boys are so violent? Where does it hurt with them and what can we do together about that?


It is in our hands to become the change we want to see, to be that country that not only theorises about our commitment to non- sexism.
 

I am heartened that a united civil front is emerging to deal with the many complex issues that drive child and women abuse. Many have said, not in our name, and we need to sustain that commitment and momentum. [Applause.]


I can assure you that, for its part, government will continue to lead the way but ultimately we need society to stand together to fight this scourge. My department and its various entities will be at the forefront of a campaign by Brand South Africa to rally South Africans to protect our nation’s women and children.


The fundamentals of a budget are interlinked to the political economy, the bread and butter issues, the essence and nerve centre of service delivery. It impacts directly and indirectly on the quality of life of our society, our citizens and, ultimately, ordinary women, men and children. With this powerful instrument called the budget, we seek to allocate the most valuable and scarce resource of a country to the ever-changing demands and needs of our people.


The Department of Communication plays a pivotal part in a sector that has asserted itself in modern days as a game changer that is fundamentally transforming human life. There cannot be a dispute

that information and communication technologies, ICTs, has become a life-line service that changes lives of people. This is succinctly articulated by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab when he said, ―this time is different‖. Klaus asserts that—


Simply put, major technological innovations are at the brink of fuelling momentous change throughout the world – inevitably so. We are at the beginning of a revolution that is fundamentally changing the way we live, work and relate to one another. In its scale, scope and complexity, what I consider to be the fourth industrial revolution is unlike anything human kind has experienced before.


South Africa as a country has a choice either to be a significant player in the global technological development or to be the recipient and consumer who trails behind innovation. It might be too late to position ourselves as leaders; however there is scope to be a meaningful player. Not to assert ourselves in the innovation and development engine room will render us vulnerable to global economic and technological advances.


Yesterday we celebrated Africa Day under the theme ―The Year of O R Tambo: Building a Better Africa and a Better World‖. Amongst

many of O R’s achievements, we salute him as a freedom fighter, global fighter against racism and sexism, science teacher, choral music lover, a communicator, a global colossus, as Madiba described him, who strode the globe so that we can be free, promoting unity, deepening ties of solidarity between us and the world.


Our continent is filled with promise and in our relatively young and determined population we have abundant human capital to drive Africa’s future. I would like to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of some of those determined young people who join us today. They are all sitting over there. They are Shirelle Daniels, Darren Morris, Renae Shishonga, Leyla Devar, Joshua Mabasa and Paballo Mabasa. I had the ... [Interjections.]


I hope my time will not be affected.


I had the pleasure of meeting these beautiful young South Africans at a recent Own Your Freedom dialogue with learners from various schools in Gauteng about what freedom means to them.


Together with the energy of young people such as these and our guiding continental development goals of Agenda 2063, we can

achieve an Africa with strong cultural identity, values and ethics. It is further underpinned by the African Union’s vision to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa that is a dynamic force in the international arena.


Today marks 40 days since 1 500 Palestinian prisoners embarked on a hunger strike to demand basic rights in Israeli jails. I was part of a group of South Africans who joined a solidarity hunger strike on 14 May to highlight the continued injustices on the people and children of Palestine. We should always remember that we were once beneficiaries of a global solidarity movement during our fight against apartheid. We owe it the world to give back.


It is a great honour to present the Department of Communication’s 2017-18 Budget Vote. Since the establishment of the Department of Communication in 2014, a number of developments have taken place and I will outline these later.


I first want to highlight the vitally important subject of governance across the various entities under the Ministry of Communications. Good governance is absolutely essential and is non-negotiable. In this regard I am pleased to say that the Department of Communication, the Government Communication and

Information System, GCIS, and all other entities continue to adhere to the prescripts of the Public Finance and Management Act of 1999, and are on track to meet their performance indicators.


Budgets are being spent wisely and we are working at ensuring financial stability across all entities, while capacity constraints are being addressed through the filling of vacant positions.


On the matter of budget, I hereby present the total budget for the department as R4,558 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, which is allocated as follows: R1,45 billion in 2017-18, R1,520 billion in 2018-19 and R1,612 billion in 2019-20.


In the current financial year, the Department of Communication will be allocated R100 million; GCIS, R404 million; Brand South Africa R194 million; the Film and Publication Board, FPB,
R91 million; the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Icasa, R430 million; the Media Development and Diversity Agency, MDDA, R30 million; and the SABC, R178 million.


This funding will be used to accelerate our mission to create an enabling environment for the provision of inclusive and

universally accessible communication services to all South Africans in a manner that promotes socioeconomic development and investment through broadcasting, new media, print media and other new technologies, and brand the country locally and internationally.


The Ministry of Communications is mandated to implement Chapter 15 of the National Development Plan, NDP, which is translated to Outcome 14 on Nation-Building and Social Cohesion.


With the NDP as our anchor, we have been working hard to ensure citizens have access to information, which is a crucial tool to ensure they are able to claim their rights and move their lives forward, united by common goals and a sense of patriotism. Our cherished goal is to ensure that all South Africans are informed on what is going on around them. This was not always the case. The Department of Communication, the GCIS and the various entities will continue to do more to increase access to government communications and services so that citizens are informed about our policies and programmes, and can access services in order to improve their lives.
 

 

I am sure you would agree with me on the vital need of ensuring that our communication dividend benefits all South Africans.


A firm foundation for the effective functioning of the department has been laid with the approval of the organisational structure and the 2015-16 to 2019-20 strategic framework.


In the 2015-16 financial year — its first year of operations — the Department of Communication received a clean audit. The department will ensure it strengthens its internal controls and compliance to the legislative prescripts during implementation of our strategic objectives and deliverables.


Since its inception, the Department of Communication has hit the ground running. Broadcasting Digital Migration remains a flagship programme of the department as it has the potential to improve the lives of all South Africans. The roll-out of the programme further brings tangible benefits that will have a lasting impact across our society and economy. These include the revitalisation of the electronic manufacturing industry.


This development would also see South Africa leading the continent in the manufacturing of integrated digital television.

I am happy to say that significant progress has been made in the implementation of digital terrestrial television, DTT, programme. To date, we have switched off 18 analogue transmitters in the core towns of the Square Kilometer Array, SKA, and we have registered
185 000 qualifying households.


My department will be working to promote media diversity and media transformation that advances our democracy by ensuring all South Africans are given a voice.


In the words of renowned American linguist, philosopher, historian, social critic and political activist — one of my favourite authors — Noam Chomsky: ―Public opinion can be influential; the media can be influential.‖


In the era of fake news and misleading narratives, these words ring true. Our interactions and discussions with the industry and key stakeholders will therefore further extend to the phenomenon of fake news, and how it has the potential to harm democracy by driving false and misleading narratives. This must go hand in hand with discussions on racism and hate speech.
 

 

According to an input by Abongile Vanqa at the Fake News Roundtable held on Wednesday this week:


The solution for fake news will not be found in a technology, rather it will be found through extensive engagement between the journalism profession, government and civil society on what are the parameters we wish to put in place when defining this phenomenon.


Once all social partners define the general applicable standards of what is regarded as news and what is fake, it will be easier to communicate a South African perspective.


Print and broadcast media organisations can learn from some of the best practices at the FPB which have publicly consulted on standards aimed at articulating what child sexual abuse material is. These standards are universally applicable for any company wishing to distribute material within the Republic of South Africa.


As we finalise our Community Broadcasting Support Strategy after consultations with the affected stakeholders, we will continue to

focus on regulatory policy formulation, and funding for the sector through the MDDA.


The Budget Vote takes place during exciting times with digital convergence driven largely by innovation and creativity opening new possibilities and opportunities for our citizens. On the policy front we have exciting plans to capitalise on these new opportunities. The Draft White Paper on Audio-Visual and Digital Content for South Africa will be submitted to Cabinet for approval to be gazetted for public comments, after consultation with relevant stakeholders and provinces. It is envisaged to be published in the Government Gazette by the end of July 2017.        We will ensure that the White Paper is aligned with the Integrated ICT White Paper approved by Cabinet to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of policy within the ICT sector, Deputy Minister Stella Nkabinde.


During 2017-18, we intend finalising our work around the Broadcasting Amendment Bill of 2015 in order to develop and implement a stable corporate governance model on the long-term stability and sustainability of the SABC. We are committed to a strong, independent and relevant public broadcaster, which is accountable and performs optimally.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the staff at the SABC. These are dedicated media professionals who continue to work night and day to ensure that the SABC continues to educate, inform and entertain South Africans in all official languages. [Applause.] We will ensure that the SABC platforms continue to drive meaningful content that touches the lives of ordinary people daily and assist them to make informed decisions.


Hon members, in the coming year we will continue to support and build our community media sector. The importance of community media cannot be overstated. They are often the heartbeat of vibrant smaller communities. Since 1994 the footprint of community media has grown steadily and has begun to emerge as an alternative voice to the mainstream media. We must therefore ensure that community radio remains true to the purpose of informing, educating and entertaining our communities. I view the community broadcasting sector as a channel to bring citizens and government closer and ensure community members are included into relevant government public participation processes.


The MDDA is intensifying our support for the community media sector. We are pleased that in the current financial year, the MDDA will present the 10-year impact study which seeks to assess

the effectiveness of the impact made since the MDDA’s inception in 2002. The MDDA must continue supporting projects that promote the active role of people with disabilities into the sector and that place greater emphasis on correcting gender imbalances.


More on the MDDA will be laid out by the Deputy Minister.


The Film and Publication Board has a critical role to play. We will then be tabling the Films and Publications Amendment Bill of 2015 which will provide a broader understanding and skilling of children, youth, parents and teachers to deal with the new digital environment. Deputy Minister Mahambehlala will expand on these developments.


Hon members, radio and TV will deliver public value broadcasting by supporting the five key priorities set by government, namely job creation, education, health, rural development, eradication of crime and combating corruption, including the Nine-Point Plan.


The work of Brand South Africa remains crucial in bringing together our socially diverse nation, while striving to unite people through their love for our country. To manage the nation’s brand reputation, Brand South Africa conducts research and

analysis of domestic and international perceptions of the nation’s brand. Through analysis of external indices, Brand South Africa is able to measure the performance of the nation as a brand. The outcomes of these analyses are shared with stakeholders for better understanding of the national brand and to inform decision- making.


Recently, South Africa took second place in the Africa Competitiveness Report and the country’s global ranking for 2016- 17, improved by nine places from 56 in the 2014-15 report to 47 out of 138 countries.


This work is vitally important and we all have a role to play in building our nation. Now is the time for a spirit of patriotism and optimism. Now is the time for all South Africans to play their role as conscious brand ambassadors. All too often outside investors only get to hear the negative stories about our great nation. It is up to us to highlight the many positive things about our nation and our people.


Brand South Africa will lead this charge by using various multimedia campaigns, national TV and radio and, internationally, CNN and CNBC, to better profile the image of South Africa locally,

on our continent and abroad. This message will be further amplified on global platforms by Brand South Africa in collaboration with National Treasury and other departments in the economic cluster.


Icasa is currently working to increase competition in the broadcasting sector with an investigation into South Africa’s pay- TV industry. It is also working to promote choice and diversity in the free-to-air TV broadcasting sector in South Africa.


A Notice of Inquiry into Subscription Television Broadcasting Services has been published. While an invitation to apply for commercial free-to-air television broadcasting service and Multiplex 3 spectrum licences have been published.


The new local content regulations published in 2016 for effective and impactful broadcasting will be effective in 2017, and for TV broadcasting services, in March 2018.


The implementation of the local content quotas for the current regulations shows that sound and TV broadcasting services are already generally compliant with the quotas.

During the 2017-18 financial year, Icasa will facilitate investment and access to broadband infrastructure for sustainable socioeconomic development. It will also promote competition and facilitate access to a broad range of communications services at an affordable cost.


This now brings me to the work of the GCIS, which remains an integral part of the Department of Communication and to citizens having access to information. Next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the GCIS, and this milestone offers us a great opportunity to evaluate its impact and effectiveness against its founding principles. We profoundly thank many architects of the system and hope that they will celebrate this great milestone with us next year. We salute great compatriots such as Mr Joel Netshitenzhe, Dr Essop Pahad and Mr Tony Trew. [Applause.]


As a Ministry we have a responsibility to narrow the gap between government and the people by ensuring access to government information and constantly communicating the work of government. Our work is to inspire hope and empower citizens with tools to meaningfully change their lives and that of their communities.

Over the 2017-18 MTEF periods, the GCIS will continue focusing on providing strategic communications and facilitating active citizen participation through our conventional forms of communication as well as through new cutting-edge products. Over the medium term, the department plans to directly engage with communities through
10 458 outreach programmes. During these programmes, we will be taking government to the people in the villages and communities where they live.


There is no doubt that our government works and continues to change lives. Many South Africans who reside in the most far-flung parts of our country will attest to this. We will continue to reach out and be part of the changes aimed at bringing a better life for all in villages, at taxi ranks, in shopping malls and throughout the length and breadth of our country.


Hon members, to help government communicators better convey government’s message to citizens, we will hold 14 strategic engagements with them during this financial year. We applaud many of the government communicators who continue to improve their competencies and in this instance acknowledge the Government Communicators Programme, which is now accredited at National Qualifications Framework Level 3. This programme has been running

for more than a decade and requires more support from all government departments.


Hon members, having outlined our plans and programmes allow me to briefly touch on some highlights that the GCIS achieved in the past financial year. The Government Communication Policy has been finalised and will soon be taken to Cabinet for approval. This policy seeks to establish norms and standards to professionalise and strengthen the government communication system to ensure that it is well-integrated, better co-ordinated and professional, and allows for citizens to interact with government.


The GCIS has given support to the community radio sector through the placement of adverts and conducting radio talk shows on community radio. A fortnight ago, we celebrated the success of Eden FM in George in the southern Cape, which has been operating for 14 years servicing communities in the Karoo, Hessequa, Kannaland, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Uniondale — which also happen to be my constituencies.


The GCIS has continued to conduct media placement on behalf of government departments and their agencies.
 

Through this budget, the Ministry seeks to, among others, improve universal access to broadcasting services; ensure equitable allocation of spectrum to public, private and community players; broaden access to information by all citizens; support the growth and development of the creative industries; manage digital broadcasting migration; and market the country locally, regionally and internationally.


The business sector also plays the most crucial role from the perspective of innovation, technology advancement, growing the economy, creating jobs and making South Africa internationally competitive.


The Ministry of Communication will, at all times, support and work with all private sector players. We will support their development, growth and competitiveness. However, we wish to warn against oligopoly, prohibitive cost and uncompetitive behaviour.


During this past year we have accelerated our work of ensuring that our people derive benefits from the communications dividend. There is every reason to be confident in our future prospects.
Working together we can ensure that more South Africans derive

benefits from the communication space at an accessible and reasonable cost. Thank you. [Time expired.]


Mr C H M MAXEGWANA: Hon Chairperson, greetings to the Minister Ayanda Dlodlo, Deputy Minister Thandi Mahambehlala, members of Parliament present, members of the portfolio committee, Chief Whip of the majority party present, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, comrades and friends I must upfront say that the ANC supports the Budget Vote three. As we started this 5th Parliament in 2014, was declared the Activist Parliament based on the 53rd resolutions of the ANC in support of the National Development Plan, NDP, I nearly said democratic revolution; the President restructured the Information and Communication Technology, ICT, sector by proclaiming the formation of a new department and reconfiguration of an existing one. Such a move was necessary considering the slow pace of transformation in the communications sector still dominated by a few companies. The intent of such reconfiguration was also to rationalise some state institutions and consolidate the communications sector such that government plays a catalytic role, particularly on reversing the communications sector apartheid oriented patterns of ownership; control and distribution; to leverage on policies already developed to deepen peoples’ democracy, by way of access to

regular government activities and information in a manner transparent and accountable; consolidation of government institutions that serve the purpose of communications and branding of the country. That is the Film and Publication Board, FPB, previously reported to Home Affairs, whereas the Government Communication and Information System, GCIS, reported to the Presidency; and that government communication should reach all citizens and be in all languages. Such consolidation was necessary to ensure a cohesive strategy, to the transformation of the communications sector. Central to this commitment is the review of the implementation of the Communication Task Group, Comtask, Report recommendations and the ruling party’s commitment to increase financial and other resources to support the transformation and efficiency of the communications sector.


Now more than ever, in the advent of the rise of fake news, the importance for a co-ordinated national communications strategy is evident as a basis to uphold the constitutional values of our democracy. While national dialogue is harnessed through a diverse debate, it is important that government is able to communicate with one voice and articulate accordingly programmes of government in a co-ordinated fashion.

We are concerned about the funding challenges that threaten to render the Budget Vote irrelevant. I want to pay particular attention to the budget constraints of the department and its entities, and pay attention to entities where such budget constraint can have negative effect to the new democratic dispensation and the ideals of our Constitution.


Allow me to qualify the latter statement. The communications sector has in the past been hit hard by the convergence phenomenon not to mention the rapid technological advancements that put tremendous pressure on our government and its quest to make its citizens relevant in an information society and knowledge economy. However, we still have a mandate as a signatory to many international treaties that have a direct bearing on the success of our economy and its people. It is within this context that we must base our argument for faster transformation such that our people, culture and heritage remains relevant in a globalized world.


The relevance of locality will always play a part to ensure that our people maintain and grow the aspects that make South Africa unique. On the NDP objectives the 2014-2019 electoral mandate, specific to the Budget Vote, focuses on the radical economic

transformation; radical economic growth and job creation; contributing to a better Africa and a better world; social cohesion and nation building.


The challenges of the country are indeed unique in nature and indigenous to the South African political landscape. This non transformation practices reflect negatively on our government and its quest to meet the constitutional obligations for a robust communications sector that supports the democratic principles of the Republic as enshrined in our Constitution. If as Parliament do not give particular attention to this Budget Vote, we stand a chance of reversing the positive progress achieved thus far albeit that it is insufficient and the environment continues to transform at a rapid pace that overtakes the legislative, policy and regulatory processes of government.


Currently, the department faces a multitude of challenges as a result of budget constraints. To begin with, the department has been struggling to operate independently of the GCIS posing serious risks to the smooth running of the department in order for it to meet the legislative mandate.

Coming to the Digital Terrestrial Television, DTT; South Africa is at the brink of missing the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, deadline for switch off and analogue transmitters ... shut up
... [Interjections.]


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order!


Mr C H M MAXEGWANA: ... is written in the speech! Shut up is written in the speech ... of the many issues including the clarity around the encryption which the e-television has taken government
...


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Hon Maxegwana can you pause. I just want to remind members not to use unparliamentary language. Shut up is an unparliamentary language. So, can we please ask the member to withdraw?


Mr C H M MAXEGWANA: I am very sorry Chair. I withdraw.


South Africa is at the brink of missing the International Telecommunication Union, ITU, as I said.

The proliferation of digital televisions means that South Africa was still debating on the policy, new TV sets with built-in digital transmitters; - this is important; ... – were being rolled out across the world. Here we are arguing about control access and yet the technology has developed further rendering the very Set- Top-Boxes, STB, redundant. This means that by the time the roll out of STB to the broader public takes place, there will be TV sets available to the market that have internal digital transmitters. Coupled with this, will be a technological dumping of old TV sets under the guise that they are digitally ready. Our citizens will buy these TV sets at exorbitant prices and find out later that in actual fact they bought analogue TV sets. This is a very serious challenge that the country faces now, and it is the commitment of the portfolio committee to attempt to stimulate debate around the issue.


On the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC, and the Media Development and Diversity Agency, MDDA, as it stands; we have witnessed how some of the entities reporting to the department have dominated the news for all the wrong reasons in particular the SABC which in recent times has been consistent in the erosion of public trust. Fundamental to the challenges of the broadcaster is the funding model which in earnest, the Parliament has failed

to build and maintain public confidence of the South African Broadcasting Corporation by ensuring that this national key point entitled with the public broadcasting mandate is adequately funded.


The Parliament is responsible to ensure adequate funds are made available to key programmes that support the attainment of NDP goals. Also at the SABC troubles is the challenge of governance, it is the commitment of the portfolio committee to ensure that the public broadcaster returns to its glory and the public trust is restored.


We commend the work of the ad hoc committee into the fitness of the SABC Board and the subsequent recommendations made to Parliament. Our immediate focus is ensuring that the interim board is able to carry out its mandate as it has started within the prescribed six months, as per the inquiry on SABC report and recommendations. It is of outmost importance that we also focus our energies on ensuring that the SABC is financially stable. We must rid the culture of unnecessary pay outs of staff and in fact ensure that we retain skilled and experienced staff. Over the period of 10 years the SABC had paid out over R40 million in pay

outs to CEOs and other senior staff members; and we this cannot be business as usual.


The staff morale is so low and we need to do something. Thank you very much. [Time expired.]


Ms P T VAN DAMME: Chairperson, I would like to begin my speech by again welcoming Minister Ayanda Dlodlo and Deputy Minister, Tandi Mahambahlala to the Communications Ministry. I have said this before, and I will say again. We want you to succeed in this portfolio. We want you to succeed in restoring good governance and public and industry confidence in this department, something that was completely destroyed by her predecessor, Faith
Muthambi.


It is a tragedy that Muthambi has not been held accountable for a tenure that was nothing short of catastrophic, especially for the SA Broadcasting Corporation, SABC.


I would like to remind this House that the 60 day deadline for the laying of criminal charges as set in the report of the Ad Hoc Committee on the SABC Inquiry expires on 5 June 2017. That is in
10 days.

It was a recommendation in this report, adopted by most parties in the National Assembly, including the ANC, for Parliament to lay criminal charges against persons who misled or provided false information during the inquiry.


Minister Muthambi was indeed one of those people and as such and as such, must be held accountable in terms of the Powers and Privileges and Executive Ethics Code.


Hon Chairperson, over the next two years, while the ANC is still in power, Minister Dlodlo has the opportunity to be the antithesis of Muthambi, or risk her legacy being that of Minister Dololo.


Over the next two years, the DA would like to see her bring much needed stability; legislative and policy certainty; root out corruption and deliver quality communications, educational and entertainment services to South Africa's people.


The DA will of course be there, at every single step, to hold the Minister accountable, to ensure that she does not fail the people of this country.

I would like to devote the rest of my speech to assisting the Minister in this task. The DA is not a party that is only about pointing out problems, but we also provide solutions.
As a first step, I think it will be very important for the Minister to be open and honest about where the problems are, and what the solutions will be. She has done so, thus far, but I will caution her not to fall into the trap of shrouding the Department of Communications and its entities in secrecy - quite ironic as her predecessor did.


Keep South Africa informed at all times about the work of government, but do so without being the Minister of Propaganda. Lets the people of South Africa be the ultimate judge about the government’s work.


The role of the Government Communication and information System, GCIS, therefore, is not to disseminate propaganda, but to inform. It is also not there to send out media advisories on behalf of obscure pro-Zuma WhatsApp groups.


Hon Chairperson, the Department of Communications is allocated a budget of R1,3 billion for the 2017-18 financial year. By the admission of the Minister's own officials, this amount is too
 

 

little, and under severe economic pressure, the department runs risk of running out of money before the year is done.


It was therefore quite alarming to hear that the department intends on purchasing new cars for the Minister and her Deputy.
I again urge the Minister reject these purchases and set the example of austerity for the rest of government. Do not become yet another Minister Wabenzi.


Chairperson, the Minister's biggest task is mantaining much needed oversight over the department's entities without unduly interfering.


It is imperative that the relationship between the Ministry and its entities is codified in a publicly available Shareholder Compact, so it can be subjected to constant scrutiny.


The biggest problems are obviously at the SABC. We are pleased that the interim board is steadfastly implementing the recommendations of the SABC inquiry report. The DA commends the interim board for the stellar work that they have done thus far. [Applause.]
 

 

It is our worry, however, that the interim board appears to be moving rather slowly in instituting disciplinary proceedings against staff implicated in causing the rot at the SABC, such as Chief Financial Officer, James Aguma and former Company Secretary, Theresa Geldenhuys.


It is unfathomable why these two are not on suspension, and Ms Geldenhuys is said to be assisting in the Special Investigating Unit, SIU, forensic investigation. That is like asking a fox to watch the henhouse.


Both should be suspended immediately and subjected to disciplinary proceedings. Together with the SABC board, we would like also to see the Minsiter set up a panel of experts to investigate innovative means to increase the SABC’s funding.


At R178 millon, the funding provided by government to the SABC is obviously quite insufficient. The solution to this, however, is not additional license fees for mobile devices. The DA will stand firmly in opposition to any further taxation of the already overburdened taxpayer.
 

 

Chairperson I have had several complaints from musicians that payola is still very much in existence at SABC radio stations. Music played on the public broadcaster's radio stations should be chosen on merit, not based on who has the biggest bribe.


I will be submitting a formal request to the department for a full-scale inquiry into payola at the SABC radio stations and for all staff implicated to this, to be brought to book.


Restoring staff morale at the SABC is of utmost importance.

It was absolutely heartbreaking to hear talented staffers at the SABC recounting gut-wrenching accounts of being hounded and terrorised by Hlaudi Motsoeneng and his enforces because they refused not dance to his beat.


It is a disgrace that to date, SAPS’s investigations into the attacks and the threats against the SABC eight have not been finalised. I would strongly suggest that the Minister personally request an update from the Police Ministry about this investigation.
 

 

How is it that our journalists are terrorised in their own homes, and one even shot in the face, and not a single person has been arrested.


With regards to the other, equally important entities in this portfolio, at the Film and Publication Board, FPB, it is important that the issues relating to its top leadership are resolved and a new chef executive officer, chief operating office and chief financial officer appointed urgently.


It must never happen again Minister that the entities in this portfolio table badly drafted, unconstitutional legislation in Parliament.


The FPB Amendment Bill is a legal quagmire that has taken this committee over a year to finalise, and it will take longer still, because that is how bad that door is.


The ongoing litigation between Independent Communication Authority of South Africa, Icasa, and the Minister of Telecommunications regarding spectrum auctioning must be resolved.
 

 

There is absolutely nothing wrong with Icasa seeking to auction off its spectrum, in order to increase wireless access in South Africa to boost economic growth and job creation.


Finally, Chairperson, I would like to thank my colleagues on the Portfolio Committee on Communications, from across the political spectrum, under the Chairpersonship of Humphrey Maxegwana, who was labelled naughty earlier.


I think this a greatly ... He was naughty.


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Hon van Damme, you are equally naughty, you didn’t say hon Maxegwana.


Ms P T VAN DAMME: Hon Maxegwana! I think this is a greatly improved committee from previous one. Although we have very heated debates, and we disagree often, I believe most of us are committed to fixing the problems in this portfolio. I look forward to working with you over the next two years maintaining vigorously oversight over the Department of Communications. I thank you. [Applause.]
 

 

Sesotho:

Mong L G MOKOENA: Ke a le dumedisa mme ke dumedisa le mohlomphehi, Modulasetulo.


English:

Order, hon members! There is a speaker on the podium. Hon Macpherson, you can come closer to the Deputy Chief Whip. Thank you.


Mr L G MOKOENA: Let me state at the outset that the EFF rejects Budget Vote 3 of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services. There are three reasons for this. Firstly, the purpose of the Broadcasting Act of 1999, amended in 2002, was, amongst other things, to establish a strong, committed and independent broadcasting service, which would service the needs of all South Africans. Central to the purpose of the Act is the important role of fulfilling the public’s right to know; hence an independent, adequately funded and accountable public service broadcaster is a crucial component of the public’s right to know.


This department must fight until the SABC is what it must be: an independent broadcaster that serves to inform the public, impart ideas and respect journalistic freedom. This is why it must move
 

 

with swiftness to appoint a permanent, credible and capable board

and leave the SABC to perform its constitutional mandate with journalistic freedom, independence and a healthy, distant proximity from government and ANC politics.


Secondly, three years later we are still not clear why Mr Zuma decided to split telecommunications and communications as departments, a misguided decision which has led to nothing but duplication and confusion and a waste of resources. While international trends and innovation are moving towards streamlining and integrating broadcasting and communications, this administration has decided to do the opposite.


And, unlike the previous Minister who was incompetent, we hope the current one is effective, but that is besides the issue. The issue here is that this department should never have been created in the first place, and bringing in a new Minister will not solve anything. Under its stewardship, the Independent Communications Authority of SA, Icasa, is still not performing its mandate and has no teeth; and the Government Communication and Information System, or the GCIS, is not an effective body – it paddles propaganda and its mandate is confusing and duplicate in character.
 

 

Thirdly, for the Department of Communications to even suggest that the implementation of broadcast digital migration got off to a slow start is misleading the public. The truth is that incompetent people with corrupt intent were tasked with the implementation of the migration, and they failed to do so. As a result, the migration deadline was postponed to 2018, a decision that was never substantiated with cogent argument.


We stand here as the EFF to make the following proposal. It is never too late to close this department and reintegrate it back into telecommunications. Minister Ayanda Dlodlo – as effective as we hope she will be - can go back to the Public Service, and if the President insists on Minister Muthambi in his Cabinet, she can be Minister Without Portfolio.


The EFF has long called for the amendment of the Icasa Act and for the institution to be made a Chapter 9 institution. No amount of propaganda and so-called ―good story to tell‖ will change the fact that the ANC has reached its expiry date and that we must move on. The GCIS is not performing its duty. Thank you very much.


SiSwati:
 

 

Sihlalo Wendlu(Ms A T Didiza): Ngitawucela lilunga lelihloniphekile uMhlonishwa van der Merwe. Malunga lahloniphekile aLendlu yeSishayamtsetfo, asitiphatseni njengemalunga lahloniphekile. Kunelilunga lelitawukhuluma ledlulise umlayeto walo. Bengicela nitiphatse kahle nine bekunene. Lunga lelihloniphekile ungachubeka.


Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: Hon House Chairperson, let me at the outset and on behalf of the IFP, congratulate the Minister and the Deputy Minister on their appointments. The IFP pledges its support to both of them. And, let me also, at the outset, thank the people of Nqutu who voted overwhelmingly for the IFP in yesterday’s by- elections. [Interjections.] [Applause.]


The CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon members!


Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: We thank them for trusting the IFP. We hope that the people of Nqutu ... [Inaudible.] ... will be ...


The CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order! Hon Radebe, let’s allow the member to rejoice a bit. What is the point of order?
 

 

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Chairperson, I

rise on a point of order.


The CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): What is the point of order?


The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: I am informed by Rule 60(A): irrelevance. [Interjections.]


Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: Not at all. [Interjections.] [Laughter.] No, no – I’ll get there. I’ll get there. I’ll get there.


The CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order!


Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: Wait, wait. I’ll get there.


The CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon member! While I appreciate your point, hon Chief Whip, I have already allowed that the member ... She was within her rights to congratulate and thank the people of Nqutu. She can proceed with her speech. Proceed.


Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: Chief Whip, I’ll make it relevant. Hang on.
 

 

So let me repeat: I thank the people of Nqutu for voting for the IFP overwhelmingly in the by-election and we hope that the people’s story will be told and that the seismic change that we are seeing in the body politic of South Africa will be adequately reflected on the SABC’s radio and TV stations.


Hon House Chairperson, the IFP recognises that the battle to save the SABC is far from over. Almost five years ago, the IFP marched to Auckland Park. We did so because our public broadcaster had become a state broadcaster. It was no longer the voice of all South Africans.


Overwhelming evidence to this effect was recently presented to the ad hoc committee probing the affairs of the SABC. The committee also heard how successive SABC boards had failed to carry out their duties and how their chairpersons had failed to provide leadership. It also heard of the abuse of power by executives, rendering the SABC’s governance structures weak.


But this begs the question: What had led to the SABC being managed by successive, weak and incompetent boards? The IFP has always argued that the process of appointing SABC boards is a deeply flawed process. It relies on us as politicians to recommend names
 

 

to serve on the board, a process that some in the ANC have routinely abused. Political interference has been built into the system and ruthlessly exploited.


At the heart of the crisis were individuals who ran the SABC like it was their own personal property. They feared no one. At the heart of the crisis were a captured board, captured newsrooms and an editorial policy that so desperately tried to stea
l the ANC from negative publicity. This situation must never repeat itself.


And now the interim board must try to unravel the mess. The IFP supports them in this massive undertaking, and we commend them for the great work that they have done so far. But, Minister, we also need to have a conversation here at Parliament as to how we start to appoint SABC boards that are no longer beholden to politicians, but that are truly independent and a true reflection of our society at large. This must happen here at Parliament before we embark on a process of finding another permanent board for the SABC.


Money lost to corruption and mismanagement must be recovered. Some guilty parties, such as Mr Motsoeneng, Ms Faith Muthambi, Mrs
 

 

Ellen Tshabalala and Mr Ben Ngubane must be held personally responsible. This was also assist the SABC is repairing some of the reputational damage it has suffered over many years, failing which, the SABC will struggle to regain the public’s trust and reverse its declining viewership numbers.


Let me also state that the IFP rejects the proposal for fees for mobile devices, and we believe that vacant posts must be filled without further delay. It also remains unthinkable that while the SABC is facing financial ruin, while it cannot pay hardworking local artists and performers, that Mr Motsoeneng continues to earn a whopping R4 million-something salary for doing nothing. We are hopeful that the hearing into his conduct will be completed swiftly.


Chairperson, I recently had the privilege of spending a week with four journalists of the SABC eight - #SABC8. What struck me about them was that despite the fact that they had been harassed, threatened and vilified by the likes of Mr Motsoeneng, their deep loyalty and commitment to the public broadcaster remained intact. They, like many of the other hardworking journalists here at Parliament and elsewhere, remain the vanguards of the values and
 

 

ethics that the SABC should espouse. We thank them for their service to the nation.


Minister, at the beginning of your speech you conveyed condolences to all the women and children who had lost their lives owing to gender-based violence, and I would like to make a plea to you today. I also serve on the Portfolio Committee on Social Development and the Portfolio Committee on Women in Presidency.
Government has a flagship call centre, which is meant to assess women that face abuse at home and elsewhere, but this government call centre is invisible. I would like to appeal to you to make sure that you use GCIS and the SABC to ensure that this call centre is widely publicised so that every woman and every child know about this call centre and is able to access it.


In conclusion, we support the recommendations of the portfolio committee as they pertain to the other entities, and for the very first time, in a long time, the IFP will support your budget. I thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]


The DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister of Communications, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo, leadership of the entities reporting to our department, distinguished guests, fellow
 

 

South Africans, allow me to greet you. As we mark Africa Month it would be remiss of me not to condemn the high concentration of patriarchy, and the concerted violence against women and children. I stand here as a woman and invoke the words of the immortal African Revolutionary Thomas Sankara and I quote his words:


The revolution and women’s liberation go together. We do not talk of women’s emancipation as an act of charity or out of a surge of human compassion. It is a basic necessity for the revolution to triumph. Women hold up the other half of the sky.


Men must know that women play an integral part in our society, any form violent abuse and oppression against them is a betrayal of the African revolution and its values.


Hon House Chairperson and hon Members of Parliament, the call to build a better Africa starts here with us. During the state of the nation address the President of the country, His Excellency President Zuma, articulated a problem that plagues our society he said and I quote, ―Twenty two years into freedom and democracy, the majority of black people are still economically disempowered. They are dissatisfied with the economic gains from liberation.‖
 

 

Fellow South Africans, President Zuma’s call for the radical and socioeconomic transformation is the call for industries to reflect the composition of all those who live in this country. It is a call for South Africa not to be ruled by a corporatocracy.


As the Ministry of Communications, our role is not only to articulate what radical socioeconomic transformation means but also to implement it in the industry through various entities we oversee. Our interventions as a Ministry need to form the basis for structural transformation in the media industry and through the National Development Plan, NDP, we are required to transform the psychological structure of our society by creating an environment in which social cohesion thrives and nation-building is the order of the day.


This will not be achieved by casual and sentimental activities. We must be committed to one simple cause of action that is the implementation of the Freedom Charter in its truest form. Our people can no longer stomach the modification of an economic system they did not design.


Fellow South Africans, the Minister has entrusted me with the full responsibility of working with Films and Publications Board, FPB,
 

 

to ensure that the television content, games and films consumed by our children is suitable for their consumption. In the next month we will mark the opening of the Child Protection Week. With the evolution of technology and digitisation of broadcast media, it is critically important that our society is educated about the role of FPB which is to ensure that our kids interact with suitable content amongst other things. [Applause.]


This nation has a long history of sociopolitically motivated violence which has sustained itself in many parts of the country. This is evidenced in high occurrence of criminal violence, with severe consequences for children. This requires us as government to have an intersectional and integrated collaborated response.


Through the work of the FPB, we are at the forefront of safeguarding our society from harmful online content which is made more accessible due to greater access to information and services in the digital area.


To combat the prevalence of explicit online content, the FPB is intensifying its awareness campaign to empower citizens; particularly children on being responsible digital citizens. The board will roll out cyber safety awareness campaigns in six
 

 

provinces, targeting 200 parents, 800 learners and up to 400 educators.


The research commissioned by FPB with the University of South Africa, Unisa, has shown that children have been desensitised to violent content while adults no longer concern themselves with violence in the media. This is of particular concern as close to 40% of films and games rated by the FPB contain mild to extreme violence.


However, there is hope fellow South Africans, in a first for the African continent, the FPB in collaboration with Unisa has established a content classification academic qualification that will improve the quality of education and skills development in the sector.


This will benefit society and provide a more efficient service to customers. The FPB has commenced implementation of its online content regulation system that moves the organisation away from the manual processes that often resulted in backlogs. The FPB is working closely with our law-enforcement agencies to ensure compliance. Last year, 39 441 CDs and DVDs valued at R3,9 million were confiscated.
 

 

As the Ministry, we will work closely with the portfolio committee to make amendments on the Film and Publication Board Amendment Bill. I encourage all South Africans to participate in the consultation processes of the Bill. It is through these conversations that we as a country can articulate our values and norms and how we would like to see them reflected through the media content we consume.


Compatriots, in the gallery we have the cast members and the producer of award winning South African feature, Kalushi. This film won the Best Film Award at the Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt. Furthermore Thabo Rametsi’s portrayal of Kalushi earned him the Best Actor accolade in the Brazil Russia India China and South Africa, Brics, International Film Festival of India. [Applause.] This extraordinary film tells the story of Kalushi, also known as Solomon Mahlangu. Kalushi is the young man who stood up bravely against the apartheid regime. [Interjections.]


Chill, hon Van Damme.


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon Deputy Minister, they would like to see the person you just mentioned.
 

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Listen to my speech. [Laughter.]


IsiXhosa:

Sanukungxama.


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order! Is Thabo here?


The DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Hon Chairperson, you are disrupting me, can I proceed.


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): I have not taken your minute, it is just that members were hauling wanting to see the person.


USEKELA MPHATHISWA WEZONXIBELELWANO: Bayeke, bayeke, Sihlalo.


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): If the member is not here, thank you, hon member you can proceed.


The DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Chairperson, the Generations and the Yizo Yizo actor is amongst us as a Member of Parliament. Applaud. Mh.
 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, Deputy Minister, there is a point of order. Hon member, what is a point of order?


Mr L G MOKOENA: Hon Chairperson, I appreciate the appreciation that I get from the members here, but it was 14 years ago. Can we get over it please.


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Hon member, can you take your seat please? [Laughter.] Order! Hon members; that is not a point of order. It is a point of information. Thank you, very much, but not relevant for today’s debate. Continue Deputy Minister.


The DEPUTY MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Hon Chairperson, Kalushi is a young man who stood up bravely against the apartheid regime, and was hanged by the unjust apartheid regime in the gallows at Pretoria Central Prison on 6 April 1979. Coincidentally the 6th of April happens to be the day upon colonialism in the form of Jan Van Riebeeck descended on our shores. It is Kalushi’s statement which keeps the desire in us to ensure that South Africa becomes truly liberated and I quote his words when he said, ―My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom. Tell my
 

 

people that I love them. They must continue the fight.‖ [Applause.]


We are Kalushi and Kalushi is us.


Biopic films of our national heroes form part of a vital historic narrative that tells the story of our country’s proud resistance to colonialism and apartheid. These stories are relevant to all our generations, including young people searching for answers and seeking inspiration from our own national stories. I would like to congratulate the following individuals – could they please stand as I mention their names: Mr Mandla Dube who is the director of this movie, unfortunately he could not be with us today, Mr Walter Ayers the producers of this film and all of the other actors who represented by Mr Zweli Dube who is also an actor on Muvhango. [Applause.] Mr Zweli Dube portrays the character of an exiled commander of the people’s army uMkhonto weSizwe, Minister Ayanda Dlodlo.


I am pleased to announce Chair that this Ministry will also play its part over the next couple of months; we will be working closely with the team to screen Kalushi in communities whom traditionally would not have the means to view this film.
 

 

[Applause.] In so doing we educate communities about fundamental parts of our history and use it as an opportunity to share awareness on how film content is classified by the FPB.


Let me remind you that we have a duty to support the producers of local content in the arts and other industries. In so doing, we draft our own narrative and also create jobs in local industries as well as brand identity for our young people.


Hon Chairperson, it is high time that Parliament allows local community media and gives them full access to Parliament like mainstream media. [Applause.]


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Hon Deputy Minister, if you can round up your time is up.


Thank you, Chairperson. A proper implementation of the Digital Terrestrial Television, DTT, Programme will ensure that all South Africans are part of the digital revolution particularly those in the community media space, this means that community radio stations can expand their broadcast across the country. In the past month I have visited a number of community radio stations
 

 

across the country. Amongst those were... Thank you very much, Chair. [Time expired.] [Applause.]


Prof N M KHUBISA: Hon House Chairperson, hon Minister, Deputy Minister, Ministers present, Deputy Ministers, hon members, guests in the gallery ...


IsiZulu:

Angisho ngithi mhlonishwa, Ngqongqoshe, siyakuhalalisela noSekela Ngqongqoshe siyanihalalisela emsebenzini.


English:

You have our support, as the NFP. We hope that you will be able to do this work with the necessary diligence. Of course, you do have a challenge ahead of you.


Having said that, this department has an important mandate to develop an overarching communications and broadcasting policy and strategy for the country; to provide ways to disseminate information and publicity in order to promote and inform the citizenry ...
 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): Order, hon members! Let’s allow the speaker at the podium to be heard. Let’s not converse loudly.


Prof N M KHUBISA: ... and finally, to promote and inform citizenry; and to promote South Africa abroad as a brand to assist the country in its efforts to attract investment and foster economic growth and the creation of employment opportunities.


Having said that, I think it is of paramount importance, hon Minister, that I touch on some of the very pertinent issues that were put forth by the ad hoc committee. I say this taking into full cognisance that we have the chair of the portfolio committee and the interim board that has taken over. I want to say we acknowledge the work that the interim board has begun to do and the vigour and, of course, the courage with which they are doing their work. It is commendable, in light of what has been happening at the SABC, in particular.


I believe the Minister and Deputy Minister have an arduous task ahead of them. There are recommendations, chairperson of the portfolio committee, that were put forth by the ad hoc committee, such as the remedial action that was proposed by the Public
 

 

Protector. I think that will be actioned, and I’ve seen that the board has also begun to action some of the findings of the Auditor-General. I believe that these are pertinent. We say these things with that patriotic spirit to ensure that we build the SABC, in particular. I have already said, of course, that you have our support.


There are other matters that were reported by the ad hoc committee. I believe that the portfolio committee and interim board are going ahead with them, as well, like ensuring the termination of those irregular deals and tenders, etc, because they were not part and parcel of the procedure, of the way the SABC should be working.


I have also seen that the interim board has begun to ensure that senior positions and middle-management positions are filled. No organisation can function properly if there are vacant posts and people only acting in those positions. I believe that that task will be done.


Deal with corruption. Deal with it head-on, because it tarnishes the good name of the broadcaster. I agree with other members who have said it is not good news to hear there is a shortfall of
 

 

R509 million, or so, within the organisation. That might be wrong

we get it from the media, after all – but I hope you will deal with that, turning around the finances of the SABC, dealing with internal controls and dealing with the audit measures within the SABC.


We have to ensure that we bring back that stature, that image of the organisation. Of course, we must make sure that other entities do their work so that the SABC becomes the mouthpiece of the public and informs in a nonpartisan, accountable and efficient manner. I believe we have to bring this issue to the table, hon Minister, with the aim of building and working together. You have our support. We support the Budget Vote.


Mr W M MADISHA: Hon Chairperson, please permit me to welcome the new Minister and her Deputy Minister. I hope that they will ensure that the working together that presently permeates the working committee is ossified. I want to emphasise that the portfolio committee works together and the majority of resolutions are arrived at in unison.


Communications and the challenges I will talk about here that face us, as a country, are momentous. Thus, they need enough resources,
 

 

both material and financial. Hence, I don’t know whether to support the Budget Vote, or not. [Interjections.] I say this because, in my view, more is needed. Having gone into the whole matter, having had discussions, having discussed this as the portfolio committee, we know that a lot has got to be looked into. Hence, I say that I don’t know whether we should, at this point, arrive at that particular stage.


The challenges I refer to include, but are not limited to, the problems faced by the workers. I talk here about the posts or positions that are not safe. The future of the workers in the media, both public and beyond, is not as it should be. We need to talk about this and see how we can have them protected. Some of these people are in the commercial media circles. We, as a country, need to talk about that and see how we can have it handled.


The other matter is time. A lot of time is given to the national and very minimal time is given to the rural or smaller milieu. We must address that, urgently. Therefore, Minister, I shall say that you must sit down with us, the committee, and we need to look into that. It is a very serious problem.
 

 

Through you, Chairperson, I must thank the SABC Board for having done their best. Thus far, they have been able to do their best. I want to emphasise that. There have been very serious problems there. For example, you have a man – and it’s not only him - who gets even more than the President of the country, per month. You have a man who gets bonuses of R14 million; and then, in the future, he was going to get R33 million. However, we told the board to look into this so that we can then deal with it as a matter of urgency. Motsoeneng cannot be allowed to do this because the SABC belongs to the people of our country.


Now, there are other areas, such as eTV, for instance ...


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms A T Didiza): You have half a minute left. Can you round up, sir?


Mr W MADISHA: Alright. There are other media institutions, such as eTV. I remember, about two or three years ago, we went and interacted with them, and others, and we said we’d come and see them again. We have not done that and I think we need to do it.


As I sit down, I say that there are those, such as ANN7, who have stolen our money, the monies of the people, and that has got to be
 

 

returned. To the board and the portfolio committee, thank you very much. [Time expired.]


Ms M O MATSHOBA: House Chairperson, hon Minister, Deputy Minister, hon members, hon Chief Whip of the Majority Party, distinguished guest, hence I can debate here in Parliament without fear of reprisal. Thank you, Minister for your commitment to taking up a campaign on violence against women and we would like to invite social partners to participate in the campaign. I also call on ordinary citizens to support the clarion call for creating safer communities.


I would also like to plead with the judiciary not to be lenient with the killer of Karabo Mokoena. The family must not be victimised twice, a victory of Karabo is a victory for all South Africans, my solidarity pledge to all men continue to respect women. I saluted them and I am still continuing saluting them.


The campaign is in line with the Department of Communication mandate, Minister, of caring, inspire hope and carries aspiration of our people. The entities under your leadership Minister are entrusted with enormous responsibility of creating a platform for
 

 

South Africans to have a conversation with each other. This is a commitment that the ANC-led government made to its people.


The other entity protects citizens from viewing content that might not be of value for both their ages and choice through classifications. It educates citizens to ensure that they are careful about the content they post about themselves in particular children. Once more, this is a reflection of the ANC-led government to building a rights based society and protecting the vulnerable citizens.


While the MDDA is responsible for an empire that citizens are able to used media platform to develop a common course on issues that affect them. Through its financial support it provides an opportunity for communities to identify common ground and bridge the social class gaps. Open lines of communications are critical for lasting solutions into complex.


The past financial year saw an ongoing strides made in transformation of the media, with the MDDA approving more community media projects than it had in any previous years since it awarded its first project in 2004, and major initiatives in
 

 

progress that will positively impact on the future of the agency and its contribution to a sustainable and vibrant media sector. Despite the fact that transformation of the media remains a challenge for the South African democracy, the media landscape has changed considerably since 2004 with the MDDA being the largest contributor to enabling access to control of and management of the sector by historically disadvantaged individuals. Of more than 200 community radio stations in existence, 135 were and more than 80 still are funded by the MDDA.


Hon House Chairperson, considerable progress was made in 2016-27 in developing a second, more encompassing strategy. The Khayelitsha and Gugulethu social integration strategy in the Western Cape based on the existing Radio Zibonele in Khayelitsha. Community leaders from other townships are also indicating their wish to be part of the process of an African Communities radio station.


House Chairperson, with greater access to the internet and advanced mobile devices, it becomes easier to access content; at times content with is harmful to children. The internet has become the biggest threat not only to children but to the national security at large. Despite its benefits when it comes to knowledge
 

 

sharing, improved communication, education and entertainment, the internet is also a haven for questionable characters and forces of darkness, which prey on innocent and unsuspecting citizens. The ANC supports the budget. [Time expired.] [Applause.]


Mr S N SWART: House Chairperson, hon Minister, may I first on behalf of the ACDP congratulate you hon Minister and the Deputy Minister on your appointments, and we wish you well. We also share your sentiments in condemning acts of violence against vulnerable women and children, and that we as men need to do more, we on the justice committee also need to do more and its our share - #not in my name.


My particular interest although I don’t serve in this portfolio committee is of course with the SABC having served on the ad hoc committee and we commend the interim board. It is making good progress in implementing the recommendations of the ad hoc committee. [Applause.] Thank you.


It is also heartening, and I raised it in the Justice Committee that the SIU should step in and assist the SABC. I am pleased that that recommendation is being implemented, because I believe that the SIU will go a long way in obtaining a speedy proclamation to
 

 

assist in the forensic inquiry for the wasteful irregular and corrupt expenditure.


That inquiry was a learning curve for all of us who serve as Members of Parliament, and we trust from the ACDP side that we would be able to similar investigations such as into Eskom. One of the telling findings was that the former Minister – and this was the finding of Parliament – displayed incompetence in carrying out her responsibilities as shareholder representative. We trust hon Minister that you will perform your duties in a far more efficient manner and we do wish you well in this regard.


We urge the portfolio committee to be most vigilant given the inquiry’s finding that we, Parliamentarians, remember that was me again, may have relinquished our duty to hold the executive and the consecutive board to account, and this may have rendered Parliament – remember the finding was Parliament, including me - complicit in the gradual declined in good governance accountability at the SABC. So, we have a very important role to exercise oversight.


We also note and remind the Minister and the portfolio committee on the finance on the Broadcasting Amendment Bill, if I understood
 

 

you correctly, Minister you said you are reconsidering that Bill. But it does present problems for Parliament in as that it removes our role in the appointment and the dismissal of board members. So we need to look at that very carefully.


We also from my perspective, I studied the Auditor-Generals management letters, and that is something we need as parliamentarians to look into. We tend to focus on the auditor- generals reports, but the management letters that came in before and in this regard we were able to obtain that. It indicated that the SABC had a serious cash flow problem already at the end of last year. And we inserted that into the report.


Clearly we need to look at the refunding of the SABC and we need to understand what it requires them to do – those stringent conditions. We need to look at that and at the same time we need to stop cross-subsidisation of rival broadcaster such as the ANN7 and the Dstv.


What was also disconcerting to us was the intimidation that we saw witnesses coming to Parliament, the SABC Eight. We are grateful that that matter has been attended to; and we would like to comment all staff of the SABC, and of course the other entities
 

 

that are represented here for the commitment. And that we as Parliament are now stepping up our oversight role to ensure that proper oversight is expressed and done. These entities will fulfil their constitutional mandate.


Just the last concluding comment, hon Minister, as far as fasting in solidarity with Palestinians prisoners is concerned, we as Christians are taught to remember all those that are in prison as thought we are there with them. So, we will broaden our prayers in this regard to include all prisoners worldwide, particularly those vulnerable men and women who have been suffering for their faith and have been killed for their faith. And we see those horrendous things that we saw in Syria, Iraq, where Muslims, Christians, Jewish people were killed for their faith. So, let us also from our side urge the broadening of that to look the persecuted church, persecuted faiths across the world. We will support this budget vote. I thank you.


Mr M GUNGUBELE: Hon Chairperson, Minister, Deputy Minister, various institutions that you are leading and hon members of Parliament, I greet you all in the name of a great country South Africa.
 

 

I think biggest challenge we are faced with is the understanding of the essence of communication that even the kind of budget that we give to the department needs to interrogate whether we have a common understanding about the essence of communication in nation building. Because the biggest problem if there is no information clarity is casualty. When people don’t know they get worried, if they continue not to know they become tense and they fight of light and instability becomes the game of the day in the lack of clarity because of the absence of information.


But how you have actually entered this department, you have demonstrated the understanding and number of issues that were not understood about SABC you quickly came to clarify them, because you knew the toxicity of uncertainty how it kills any nation.


Now, until 1912 liberation struggle in South Africa would have been viewed as pure black versus white tussle. This situation would have at times and it did at times mobilise racial alliances. During this unfortunate era of division, humanity as a basis for human Connect would have been sidelined in favour of racism and ethnic stereotypes. It’s during this period that mere race and or ethnicity determine both human alliances and wars.
 

 

Until 1912 in particular 1969, when ANC theorized our struggle for human triumph became a preferred ideal to race and ethnicity. Once ANC theorised and communicated worldwide the purpose of the struggle, the world descended in our shores to pledge allegiance to the cause of humanity and not race.


The South African miracle only came to fruition when humanity crossed racial lines to share or exchange their views on the basis of human interests outside racial trivialities. It is at this point that the great leaders of Luthuli in dealing with the sinnism of racism and preferring to resolve our problems peacefully through communication and negotiation, he has this to say when he was asked what did you think the PAC stand for after splinting from the ANC and I quote: ―am not sure if I know however if they say Africa for Africa I agree but if they say Africa for the indigenous they are no different from the enemy we are fighting, for you cannot fight a racially exclusive oppression with the racially exclusive resistance at a risk of confusing our children‖.


What Chief Albert Luthuli was trying to do here, was commit theoretically as per our movement the importance of articulating to those who didn’t understand what we stood for so that we can
 

 

find one another. Our forebears knew that the defeat of these stereotypes cannot be an event. It calls for endless conversation amongst us using all means at our disposal and that is why Chief Luthuli asserted at all times that ours was not a struggle against race but a racial system.


I therefore appreciate that interventions are made in actually understanding this that unless communication is actually dealt with and we intervene, this historic mission of our country will become a pipedream. I therefore appreciate when you look at GCIS the fact that the set of objectives that are aligned seek to deal with this matter.


A responsive cost effective complaint and business focus organisation and amongst other listed objectives in particular a professionalised communication of course enhancing image of government honestly. A service that promote governance and a programme that boost the share of government voice in public honestly, and research investment that ensure that the manner in which we interact with our people is in fold.


This department is actually committing to ensure that 10458 outreach programmes are in place and publishing 111 edition of
 

 

communicator products and also productions and distribution of 18,7 million copies of the vukuzenzele and the amount of monies committed to intergovernmental coordination is commended.


In the citizen participation a 1200 communication development project and 1800 community and stakeholder lesson visits per year On the ICASA side, with their mandate they focus on the Electronic Communication o Broadcasting of Postal Services which is the areas of their mandate.


In taking this mandate forward, the authority has selected areas of focus such as universal service and access to broadband services, improved organisational service delivery, common national identity and social cohesion, improved stakeholder and consumer experience.


The authority is commended for organisational realignment process.


And more importantly, ICASA main responsibility is to ensure that what is communicated and accessible is fairly reflective of the diverse South African attitudes of our lives. This is done through ensuring all South African languages are used and reaches the
 

 

entire human geography of our country. It is here where the attributes of developmental state should find expression.


At a risk of losing time, the authority holds a vision for the expansion and modernisation of the ICT sectors as enabler for economic growth. The vision finds expression in the following manner, titled: National outcomes for the ICT, competitive market structure that can facilitate lower communication costs, countrywide availability of affordable broadband infrastructure enabled through implementation of a digital agenda and an angle institutional frame work for effective regulation that enables the sector to meet stakeholder needs


And the five year plan is also continues to be adaptable to the following; migration from analogue to digital broadcasting platform, increasing demand for broadband services, increasing demand for broadband services and need for assignment of the radio frequency spectrum.


I also want draw you attention to the risk that they are articulating in particular the budget issue and I think this matter, with all members of Parliament because communication is key because the objective of nation building in South Africa
 

 

remains the primary one for the prosperous society. I therefore say only when conversation and only when we converse, communicate, account too amongst one another and the world that will become a dependable, predictable, reliable nation, that we can unleash energies of all South Africans and that of the world for the pursuit of our fundamental noble nation to realise a national democratic society.


Naturally, ANC will support the budget but however I wanted to say to the EFF that I agree with what you have said but if you don’t support the budget how are we going to fund those things you are actually proposing?


Ms V VAN DYK: Hon Chair, members of this House, corruption, maladministration and wasteful expenditure can be traced back to almost every single communications entity.


On 17 June 2015, due to the inapt action by the department, our country failed to meet the analogue switch-off date, as was set by the International Telecommunication Union. During a committee meeting this month, we were informed that we could once again miss the 2018 deadline. It seems that, in the ANC government, deadlines are delivery dates for failure.
 

 

Afrikaans:

Vertragings in die uitrol van digitale migrasie het ’n groot impak op spektrumbeskikbaarheid. Dit benadeel die uitsaaibedryf ernstig, veral met betrekking tot gemeenskapmedia. ’n Moratorium op die lisensieëring van gemeenskapsradio’s in September 2015, kan nie gelig word, as gevolg van die feit dat daar nie voldoende spektrum is nie. Die DA sien, dat die ANC nie by hul belofte hou om gemeenskapmedia en diversiteit te bevorder nie.


English:

It should come as no surprise to us, but there is also a delay in the finalisation of the media transformation and diversity policy. According to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA, the White Paper on Audio-Visual and Digital Content will take another four years to complete. The DA knows this will have a further impact on Digital Terrestrial Television, DTT, migration. Yet again, the ANC does not keep its promises.


The largest budget increase in the department is seen in Programme 4: Entity Oversight, which increased by R94,3 million. However, no amount of money thrown at this problem will rectify the widespread maladministration in entities. There is also an increase of R33,1
 

 

million for communication and branding, which seems rather excessive in a country where citizens are literally starving.


Afrikaans:

Ons sit met ’n entiteit soos Brand SA, wat poog om Suid-Afrika te promoveer, terwyl die ANC President sukkel om te tel hoeveel skade hy berokken. Rommelstatus, danksy ’n rommelregering.
Meer geld word spandeer aan die versterking van bestaande gemeenskapmedia, as om nuwe geleenthede te skep. Die DA versoek dat die befondsingsmodel van gemeenskapmedia ernstig hersien word. Belastingbetalers betaal ongeveer R21 miljoen om Brand SA- landshoofde in die VSA, China en die Verenigde Koninkryk te akkommodeer. Die oogmerk om die land se reputasie te bestuur en te bemark is basies ’n duplisering van SA Toerisme se pligte. Beide entiteite het elk kantore in genoemde lande. Parlementêre vrae het uitgewys dat doelwitte in die Verenigde Koninkryk en die VSA nie bereik is nie, dit wil sê, doelwitte vir twee uit die drie lande was onsukselvol. In die ekonomiese tyd waarin ons tans is, is landshoofde werklik ’n prioriteit?


English:

In 2014, the Media Development and Diversity Agency, MDDA, had a vacancy rate of 50% and until recently, the status remained
 

 

unchanged. The chair of the board even appointed herself as acting CEO, and lied about it in a committee meeting.


We have nothing to show for all these increases, except a department and entities, like the SABC, that are so cooped up in corruption that they have failed to serve the people in South Africa.


Afrikaans:

Die DA vra vandag, wat doen entiteite om geld te bespaar? Muthambi, Motsoeneng, Zuma. Hoekom raak die ANC nie ordentlik van sy probleemkinders ontslae nie? Watter vertroue boesem entiteite werklik in by die publiek? Daar is net geen gevolge vir wanprestasie in hierdie regering nie.


English:

Corruption is killing opportunities. The ANC is killing opportunities. Just ask the nine million people in South Africa that cannot find a job.


We need to stop rewarding institutional failures. We need to stop investing in corruption. Come 2019, the South African public has
 

 

the chance to vote against corruption and the failure of the system. I urge every citizen to make their votes count.


Afrikaans:

Ons land verdien beter as die ANC.


Mr M U KALAKO: Chairperson, Ministers and Deputy Ministers who are still here, let me first say that men who rape and murder women and children are not worthy of being and do not deserve to be called men. [Applause.] They are animals. We therefore propose to our Chief Whip, and he must convey this to the other Chief Whips of all other parties that they must mobilise men in Parliament, including staff, to picket with placards saying, Not in our Name. [Applause.]


This is the Year of O R Tambo. Let me open my speech by quoting what comrade President Mandela said about Comrade O R Tambo: ―In paying tribute to our comrade president, I am addressing not only the unrivalled qualities and achievements of the individual, Oliver Tambo, I am addressing also the man as the crystallisation and personification of what the ANC is and became under his leadership.‖
 

 

Indeed, we are indebted to Comrade O R Tambo for his sacrifice in and contribution towards shaping our nonracial democracy.


I want to focus my contribution to this debate by quoting the ANC’s characterisation of the present communications environment. In its draft discussion document on communication, the ANC states that we are in a contested communications environment characterised by the rapid uptake of social media by many of our citizens. Social media use is fast surpassing traditional media consumption in countries around the world. Interconnectivity means that many sources of information are consumed on multiple devices, and an ongoing battle of ideas has assumed global dimensions unprecedented since the advent of modern media.


The ANC calls for the strengthening of communication capacity of the executive and legislative branches of government; developing of a roadmap towards the realisation of Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan, NDP, and within this context, the development of a programme towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution; radical transformation of the media industry; and the building of plurality of voices within society.
 

 

Government, guided by the NDP, must focus, as it has started in some areas to prepare South Africa for the digital economy and Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by the increased use and adaptation of information and communications technology, ICT, tools in all human activities. Technological developments have now made machine-to-machine communication robots and autonomous systems able to operate with or without human intervention in spheres of human activity.


The Fourth Industrial Revolution contains within it possibilities of disrupting profoundly current economic and social structures over the next 20 to 50 years. The task for the South African government and private sector is to plan effectively, position the country optimally, and engage proactively with rapidly evolving technologies. We invite the private sector to this endeavour.


Available research estimates that, by 2025, there will be more machine-to-machine communication than connected people in the world. This marked shift from personal contact to new, trajectory- driven machine-to-machine communication will forever alter the local, national and global economic landscape.
 

 

It is important that government focus on the impact of the impending disruptive changes on citizens and society and ensure that the discussion is not about technology in and of itself, or isolation from its associated societal impact. Radical shifts in social and economic systems as a result of the Fourth Industrial Revolution will include shifts across all industries and result in irreversible disruption of the business processes of existing companies, reshaping how goods and services are produced, consumed, transported and delivered.


The Fourth Industrial Revolution is expected to increase the wealth of nations and individuals, surpassing figures attained during previous economic epochs. There will be winners and losers. Without government intervention through policy formulation, there is a danger that technological changes can reinforce the prevailing disparities, widen the existing digital divide, perpetuate economic exclusion with gaps in between the highest and lowest paid in society, and exacerbate gender discrimination and social insecurity.


Modern innovations, in and of themselves, will not automatically deal with existing social and economic challenges. It is likely that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will reproduce some of the
 

 

inequalities and related challenges that have characterised the previous eras. These challenges will assume forms such as those of the past, characterised by the skewed distribution of resources between the haves and have-nots and between nation states.
Furthermore, it will have a serious impact on the distribution of incomes and jobs between and inside countries.


The ANC’s approach to the Fourth Industrial Revolution is premised on the need to ensure shared growth and development, involving all citizens as active participants in the new economic and social environment. This is what the ANC is putting before you, South African people, to consider, as we enter the Fourth Industrial Revolution.


In closing, I want to go back and contribute to those who have described what O R Tambo was, and what he still inspires us to be. One of this comrade president’s attributes was his ability to listen to the views of others and to pay attention to detail. He had the capacity to unite people. He reproduced himself through others, as shown by the calibre and quality of leaders he nurtured to later lead the ANC. He had the ability to develop tactics and strategies to overcome difficult situations. Comrade O R Tambo was an outstanding communicator.
 

 

Comrade Chair, I cannot close without sharing with you these very interesting developments. The wheels are coming off the Mini Cooper, unholy coalition between the DA and small opposition parties. [Interjections.] We always knew that would come – an unholy alliance founded on anti-ANC foundations and a return to the status quo of minority rule. Deep differences that have shown themselves openly in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Council between Deputy Mayor Bobani and Mayor Trollip point to more differences to come. [Interjections.]


The fact that the EFF and others voted with the ANC on major issues of the agenda exposes the DA for what it is ...


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R MDAKANE: Please conclude.


Mr M U KALAKO: ... the representative of monopoly capital and white minority interests.


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R Mdakane): Thank you.


Mr M U KALAKO: There will never be a harmony of interests in a situation ...
 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R Mdakane): Thank you. Thank you, hon member.


Mr M U KALAKO: ... where slave masters expect slaves to assist them to defend their system of slavery against a progressive protestant movement ...


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R Mdakane): Thank you, hon member.


Mr M U KALAKO: ... that is bringing freedom to slaves. [Applause.] The DA wants to dictate to and impose its agenda on ...


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R Mdakane): Your time is up.


Mr M U KALAKO: ... small parties but those who are committed to

...


The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M R Mdakane): Hon member!


HON MEMBERS: Time! Time!
 

 

Mr M U KALAKO: ... will resist that, as shown by Deputy Mayor Bobani. Viva, Bobani, viva! Qhuba [Lead], Bobani, baqhube [lead them]! Amandla!


The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: You know, House Chair, unfortunately ...


The DTI and the Department of Communications will issue a policy directive on compulsory specifications which will refuse certain analogue television sets from being imported into the country. [Applause.] But also, working together with Minister Cwele, two things will happen: We will ensure that voice and data communications is not prohibitive. So, as we move from here, the cost of data and the cost of voice communications must fall. [Applause.] Voice communications. [Laughter.]


With Minister Cwele we will also expedite the move towards honouring the deadline of December 2018. We will also bring in Treasury to assist us with the procurement processes, because we would like to be as far as possible from that process as we could be.
 

 

No, I’m not going to finish now. I’m going to say to you: Thank you very much, hon members, members of the portfolio committee and chairperson of the portfolio committee for the inputs that that we have received today ... you are members of the portfolio committee
... for the inputs that you have given today – even to those who have not supported this budget. We hope that, with your interaction in Parliament with us, you will give us the support that we need.


Thank you very much, DA, for supporting our budget and also thank you very much, Cope, for supporting our budget. The IFP and every other political party, except for the EFF. [Interjections.]


Mr C MACKENZIE: Chairperson, I am sorry to interrupt the Minister in her conclusion. Just on a point of order: The Minister is misleading the House. The DA did not say they were supporting this budget. [Interjections.] Thank you, Chair.


The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Oh! Oh, my apologies, Chairperson. I always think that silence means consent. [Laughter.] [Applause.]


I would also like to thank the people who I found in the entities in the departments for the support that they have given ever since
 

I arrived at the department. I would also like to thank the young, agile and energetic Deputy Minister for her support and friends and family who have come to support me today. To the industry players – without you this sector will not thrive. We rely on you to support us. Thank you. [Applause.]


Hon MEMBERS: Malibongwe!


Debate Concluded.


Mini Plenary session rose at 12:05.
 

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