Hansard: NCOP: Unrevised Hansard

House: National Council of Provinces

Date of Meeting: 22 Nov 2018

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Minutes

TAKING PARLIAMENT TO THE PEOPLE: ALBERTON CIVIC CENTRE, ALBERTON, CITY OF EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY, GAUTENG PROVINCE

 


THURSDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 2018

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES


The Council met at the Alberton Civic Centre, Alberton, City of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng province at 10:00.


The Chairperson took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.


TAKING PARLIAMENT TO THE PEOPLE: “SEIZING THE MOMENT TO CHART A NEW COURSE OF ACTION AGAINST POVERTY, UNEMPLOYMENT, INEQUALITY AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT”


(Address by the President of the Republic)


Setswana:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Bagaetsho, re kopa tshebedisano.


English:


This is a formal sitting.


Setswana:

Ke kopa re ithlompheng. Kea leboga.


English:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, I have been informed that the Whippery has agreed that there will be no Notices of Motion and Motions without Notice. We now come to the address by the President of the Republic of South Africa as reflected on the Order Paper. I shall now invite the President to address this Council. Mr President. [Applause.]


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Hon Chairperson of the NCOP ... [Interjections.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order!


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, hon members of the NCOP, the Acting Premier of Gauteng, the Mayor of Ekurhuleni, MECs, and provincial speakers, premiers who are here amongst us, the national and provincial chairpersons of SA Local Government Association, Salga, the


Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, the religious community and traditional leaders, distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen...


Sesotho:

... dumelang.


Xitsonga: Avuxeni.


IsiZulu: Sanibonani.


IsiXhosa: Molweni.


Tshivenda:

Ndi matsheloni.


IsiNdebele: Lotjhani ...


Afrikaans:


... en goeie more.


English:

It is my singular privilege to have this opportunity once again to address the special sitting of the NCOP here in Ekurhuleni. This for me is very special, because it must be a special moment when we can bring the Parliament of our people to the people who elected its representatives. So, they are here today to interact with you. For me it is a real honour to have this opportunity to be amongst you.


Sesotho:

Ke lethabo le leholo honna.


Xitsonga:

... leswaku ndzi nyikiwa nkarhi wa leswaku ndzi kota ku yima laha emahlweni ka n’wina.


Tshivenḓa:

Ndo takala nga maanḓa.


English:

This NCOP is a vital part of our democracy and it gives voice to the diverse views, but it also gives voice to the needs and the interests of the people of South Africa. When we crafted our Constitution we took care to ensure that we would have an institution such as the NCOP that would be deeply rooted amongst our people and be an institution that would take the powers of our people from time to time. The NCOP is one of the most important instruments of the constitutional principle of co-operative governance, linking the national, provincial and local spheres of government.


It is in our provinces and municipalities that we are charting the course of our country’s development by providing various basic necessities that our people need such as water, electricity, housing, refuse removal, health care and a whole range of other services to our people. Most of the work of improving people’s lives happens here at the local level. It does not happen in the sky, it happens where our people live. The drafters of our Constitution recognised that a strong, effective and capable local government system is necessary for meaningful transformation and progress, particularly as we have to deal with the legacy of a horrible past regime of apartheid.
 

The Constitution clearly outlines not just the developmental duties of the most important level of government which is the municipalities, but also places an onus on national and provincial governments to support and strengthen them to enable them to perform their functions to the best of their abilities. As such, the NCOP can be justifiably proud of its innovative programme of Taking Parliament to the People. We thank not only the leadership of the NCOP, but the members of the NCOP seated here that they have had the foresight to continuously take Parliament to the people. We thank you for that. [Applause.]


Every year, our Members of Parliament conduct oversight activities to identify challenges with government’s service delivery programmes, and make recommendations on how these can be resolved. Just as I arrived speaking to the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, they started to outline to me some of the challenges that members of our communities here have told them about. They’ve told them about challenges of poor service delivery. They’ve told them about challenges of crime in our communities. They’ve told them about the struggles that people with disabilities have to live under.
 


They’ve told them about the challenge in this area of illegal mining. They’ve told them about the congestion in the areas where people are living. Therefore, this gives us that opportunity to interact with our people so that we can hear as the NCOP and in the end as government what the real challenges are people are living under.


We are striving and making all efforts to consolidate the gains of our democracy and we are also striving to chart a new path for development in difficult times. In the past few years, we have seen a rise in service delivery protests across the country. As we have seen these protests happening, we’ve also seen another worrying phenomenon of how these protests are accompanied by violence. Municipal IQ, an organisation that monitors local government, noted this year that 94% of the service delivery protests that were recorded so far in 2018, involved elements of violence. In some instances, people have resorted to the wanton destruction of public property where they burned buildings, where they burned municipal offices, where they even destroy clinics and schools and libraries. While there can be no excuse in a democratic society for violent protest and for the destruction of
 

 

prroperty, it is necessary that we own up to some of our failings as government.


When citizens complain about lack of services and are treated with condescension, indifference and they are also treated with a dose of arrogance, they resort to other unacceptable methods. As government, we must be honest enough that yes, there have been moments where we have failed and our communities have resorted to protests. However, even if as they protests, we would be calling on our people that yes, the right to protest is indelibly written in our Constitution however the right to protest must be exercise with due regard to the rights of all other people, and particularly we should not be destroying our own assets even as we complain. [Applause.] This tells us that we have sometimes strayed from the principles of compassion as government, service, accountability and transparency.


We have sometimes strayed from the principles of Batho Pele. The levels of disaffection and dissatisfaction highlight a growing impatience on the slow pace of service delivery as well as unhappiness with the quality of services that are provided. We are not meeting the expectations of our citizens


in a number of areas, but in a number of areas we are rising to the expectations that our people also have. What is important is that we need to outline the role of our MPs in providing oversight and in holding organs of state accountable for service delivery more effectively. This we will be able to do effectively when we face up in a very sober way to the realities that confront us. We need to face up to the fact that, despite improvements in some areas, the vast majority of our municipalities continue to achieve poor audit results.


This points to a lack of compliance and internal controls, and, in some cases, the outright abuse of state funds. We need to face up to the fact that many municipalities find themselves in a protracted financial crisis, unable to properly fulfil their responsibilities to the residents of the areas where the municipalities are - the reasons for this range from financial mismanagement and nonpayment for services to the absence of a meaningful revenue base and a weak economy. This requires the attention of all spheres of government and it requires the close attention of the NCOP. We need to face up to the fact that unless we are able to bring our economy out of this period of low growth of stagnation, we

will be unable to create a better life for the people of our country.


When our economy is strong, when our people have jobs, when government has more resources, our ability to deliver good, quality services is vastly improved. We have embarked upon a new path of growth, renewal as well as transformation. Our economy has faced a number of challenges over the past decade, resulting in the slow growth that we are seeing now but also resulting in one of the most challenging issues we have to confront which is deepening unemployment.


This has constrained our ability to increase social spending, build and maintain infrastructure, and above all, to create a conducive environment for the creation of jobs for our people. However, we have taken decisive steps to embark on a process to turn this around. In an improved political environment, and through a combination of economic recovery measures and policy reforms, we are working to restore the economy and also to capacitate the state to fulfil its developmental mandate. We are working to ensure that more effective delivery of houses, of social security, of education, of health care and other essential services does happen.


We are doing everything within our means to ensure that the growth of the economy benefits all, especially society’s most vulnerable people. In September this year, we announced an economic stimulus and recovery plan containing a range of measures to ignite economic activity, restore investor confidence but more importantly to create new jobs in our economy. It also included measures to address challenges in education and health care and improve municipal social infrastructure. We are reprioritising public spending to ensure that resources are directed to activities that have the greatest impact on growth and on jobs. In his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, the Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, announced that an amount of R50 billion has been reprioritised to address infrastructure and other challenges in public health and education systems to bolster the Expanded Public Works Programme.


It is a priority of this government to improve the old and ageing, and dilapidated outmoded social infrastructure that we see around us, whether it is in hospitals, clinics, schools, water and sanitation facilities or police stations. The Minister of Health particularly as we were looking at this

stimulus raised the issue of hospitals and said that we do not have enough doctors in hospitals. We do not have enough nurses in hospitals. We have now decided that yes, we are going to embark on a recruitment campaign for doctors and nurses to come into our hospitals and clinics so that we can deliver good health care to our people. [Applause.]


He also raised another important matter that is closed to the hearts of our people which is that many of our hospitals don’t have sufficient beds and that many of our people who go to our hospitals are having to sleep on the floor under other people’s beds and that there is no bed linen and there are no sheets in hospitals. We are now addressing that in a focus way, right now. [Applause.] All these are measures that we are taking to improve the situation of our people. We are also addressing the issue of pit latrines in the schools around the country having realised that we cannot carry on with pit latrines that finally lead to the deaths of the most vulnerable people in our society – our children. That programme is now underway and we are hoping that we will eradicate pit latrines and deliver better and more human latrines to the children of our country.


We are also going to be addressing issues that many of you in this area have to deal with. For instance, one of the hospitals in the area here, Tembisa Hospital which I happen to visit is facing enormous challenges and it is one of those that we are going address so that the overcrowding in that hospital and the challenges that we are facing should be addressed immediately without any fail. [Applause.] Of course, one of the things that we have to face is how we should enable our economy to continue growing as we address issues of social infrastructure improving service delivery to our people. We also need to look at how we can enhance the growth of our economy.


We therefore look at another important area of how we can reindustrialise our country and how we can turn our country into a world-class manufacturing centre. This is so relevant for here in Ekurhuleni. Ekurhuleni is the manufacturing capital of South Africa and we want to continue growing there. [Applause.] So, we want to reindustrialise and we want more factories to be built here in this area. We want more of our people to be employed. I was overjoyed a few weeks ago when I had to go and open a factory here in Ekurhuleni which makes trains or locomotives. The Gibela factory is the one that is

now being put up to even build trains for the rest of the African continent. Ekurhuleni is being upgraded to the level where it will soon be producing trains for the 54 countries on the whole continent, right here in Ekurhuleni. [Applause.]


Now, that is the process of reindustrialising our country. That is the process of reigniting our manufacturing capability, here in Gauteng. We are also establishing what we call an infrastructure fund to co-ordinate infrastructure initiatives across our country. This fund will be capitalised by government, but will also draw in resources from the private sector and international financial institutions.


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC (cont):

The economic stimulus and recovery programme also focussing on unlocking key growth sectors such as agriculture. We are increasing resources to provide support to black commercial farmers to increase their entry into the food value chains so that they can become serious farmers. We have almost 250 000 emerging farmers that we are focussing our attention on to make sure that they get into real agriculture and increase the food security in our country. We are facilitating the signing

of leases to enable farmers to mobilise funding for agricultural development.


We are only too aware of the legacy of apartheid when it comes to spatial planning that has resulted in the neglect of both townships and rural economies. That is why we have earmarked several industrial parks in these areas for revitalisation.
This will go a long way towards providing opportunities for entrepreneurship as well as job creation. We are clear that employment and economic opportunities must be created where people live. Getting our people working and providing a favourable economic climate for jobs to be created and sustained is the greatest task at the present.


In October this year, we convened a very successful job summit which agreed on a range of measures to create more jobs to avoid jobs being shed, to facilitate more investment in black- owned enterprises and to support a number of companies that are in distress. The summit was a collective show of strength of the partnership between our unions, business, government as well as community-based organisations. We look forward to the implementation of the framework that they have adopted that they agreed has the potential to create 275,000 jobs on an
 

 


annual basis. We are looking forward to those jobs being created. [Applause.]


We have also been immensely encouraged by the commitment made by the financial sector of providing R100 billion to support mainly black-owned businesses over the next five years. R100 billion will be made to support our small medium enterprises [Applause.] Recently, South Africa has successfully hosted two landmark investment summits which are the South Africa Investment Conference and the Africa Investment Forum. The overwhelming consensus at both of these events was that South Africa - despite the recent challenges that we are facing - is a favourable destination for investment and it is looked upon by a number of countries and companies as a place where they can come and invest. Largely, local companies as well as some international-based companies.


At that conference many of them being local and international, announced investments that they will make in our country. That is real investments in the next five years. They announced that they will be investing hundreds of billions of rands to invest in this economy. That will be a major boost for the economy of our country. These announcements together with many
 

 


other investment pledges that we have received, underline the critical importance of well run and capable provincial and local governments that are able to sustain the pipeline of investments. Whether it’s a factory or a mine, a call centre or a shop, every investment is located in a municipality. It is not located at the Union Buildings but right here in the local area. [Applause.]


It is therefore vital as we welcome all these investments that run into hundreds of billions of rands that municipalities themselves must create an environment where businesses are able to operate without difficulty, with access to reliable services and efficient regulatory processes. If investors want to come and invest in Ekurhuleni, they will expect – that, yes, they will put their money here, build the factory, employ people of Ekurhuleni right there and create jobs – that the municipality will be able to provide them with the water that is needed in their factory, they will expect the roads that are needed for them to transport their goods, they will expect that electricity should always be available for them to produce the products that they have.
 

 


There needs to be effective coordination between municipalities and provincial and national government bodies to remove these obstacles that may stand in the way of investment. Ultimately, our ability to deliver on our commitments – to fight poverty and inequality and grow our economy – finally rests on making the most efficient and effective use of limited resources that we have and also in being very efficient in providing those services that are needed by investors who have come here to create jobs. The people of South Africa have entrusted us with the responsibility of leading them and improving their lives.


We can and must attend to the core business of government and not allow ourselves to be distracted from carrying out this responsibility. We have registered significant gains in our quest to deepen democracy, to strengthen the capacity of the state to deliver and to deliver a better life for all. It is for this reason that as government, having been given this task, we are determined that we are not going to be distracted by noise makers on the side who want to distract us and make us not being focussed. We are not. [Applause.] Noise makers in the end have no responsibility. We have a responsibility to deliver for the needs of our people. [Applause.] That is where
 

 


our responsibility lies. We will make sure that we address whatever challenges that our people have and make sure that we deliver a better life to our people as a whole. We will not be distracted. [Applause.] We are emerging from a period of turbulence that we must now put behind us. The period of turbulence is what we must put behind us.


Mr J W W JULIUS: I am rising on a point of order, Deputy Chair.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, order, order, hon members. Order, Order, Order! Order, it is within his right. Let us allow him to say what he wanted to say. What is it that you are rising on, hon Julius?


Mr J W W JULIUS: Deputy Chairperson, you now that the Rules of this House states that ... [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I can’t hear. You see now, if you are making noise I will not be able to make a ruling or a decision around what ... [Interjections.]
 

 


Ms T J MOKWELE: Tell them about the Rules of the House. Tell them that they must keep quiet.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Julius, can I hear what you are saying. Can you speak to your microphone, Sir.


Mr J W W JULIUS: My apologies, Mr President, for stopping you, but this cannot continue. Deputy Chairperson, ...


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Members of the public.


Setswana:

Bagaetsho, fa Modulasetilo a ne bula kopano eno, o tlhalositse gore ke kopano ya Palamente. Sentlesentle ga le a tshwanela go tsaya karolo.


English:

... So, please, respect Members of Parliament. Allow them to say what they want to say. Then, we will respond to whatever. [Interjections.] No,no,no.


Ms T J MOKWELE: Talk to your rented mob, Chair. Talk to your rented mob.
 

 




The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon maMokwele, you are out of order. Hon Julius, can I hear what you want to say? Can you speak to your microphone?


Mr J W W JULIUS: Yes, Deputy Chairperson, it is precisely what is happening now. You have allowed our members in the public gallery to participate and they are not allowed. I actually waited for you all this time. I am sorry that I stopped the President. You failed to act on it. You kept quiet and you waited until one of us stood up to stop your rented crowd here. Can you please act on it? Thank you.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, that is not a point of order. Therefore, I do not consider that. Hon President, can you continue.


Ms T J MOKWELE: On a point of order, Chair! Chair, on a point of order. You see the results of a rented mob. They are disrupting the processes of Parliament.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Uh, uh, you see, you see now what you are doing ... [Interjections.]
 

 




Ms T J MOKWELE: You must tell them to keep quiet. Tell them to keep ... [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Members, members. Member Mokwele, can you take your seat? Can you take your seat?


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Members of the public, once more, I have raised the issue with you. Now there is an accusation that you are being allowed to participate, which is wrong. It has been raised to a few from the onset when the Chairperson opened the session to say that this is a formal
... stop engaging with the public even yourself.


Ms T J MOKWELE: We are engaging you, you. Not them.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mokwele, I addressed members of the public. Hon President, can you continue with the debate.


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Thank you Deputy Chairperson. Am I allowed to have some water?
 

 


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Uh, the President is asking for water. Oh! Okay.


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: We are emerging from a period of turbulence ... [Interjections.]


Ms T J MOKWELE: I wish Bosasa issue will be addressed.


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: ... that we must now put behind us.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mokwele, you are out of order. Can you continue, hon President.


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Now, more than ever we must send a very clear signal that we are an NCOP, a Parliament and we are a government that is committed to openness, to transparency and above all, to accountability. The National Council of Provinces and indeed our entire Parliamentary systems are constitutionally and ethically bound to these principles.
 

 


When local and national government is not working, it is parliamentary oversight that must put us back on course.
We must work with our municipalities to ensure greater levels of compliance. We must dutifully fulfil our functions as Members of Parliament to ensure that policies are being implemented at all local government levels.


Shortcomings must be identified, remedied and resolved.

We must take seriously and act upon information concerning corruption in our municipalities, where political patronage is being dispensed in return for favours, or where service delivery is suffering because a few well connected individuals are the beneficiaries. We must find lasting solutions for the many problems in local government, for when local government fails, indeed South Africa fails. Over the past year, you have traversed South Africa ... [Interjections.]


Setswana:

Moh N P KONI: Mo ntlheng ya kgalemo, Motlatsamodualsetilo. Melao e dirisiwe go botlhe. Ke tsaya gore re mo Ntlong ya palamente, batho ba ba ko morago ba tsaya karolo ka go opa diatla.
 

 


English:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, but the people are quiet.


Setswana:

Moh N P KONI: Nyaya, ba fetsa go opa diatla.


English:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Okay, fine.


Setswana:

Moh N P KONI: Ke kopa gore o tlogele go robala.


English:

You must wake up. Even if you cannot hear them, please, wake up.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, man, can you seat down, please. Can you take your seat! Can you take your seat!


Ms N P KONI: I will forgive you for sleeping. Thank you.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, no, no. Hon Koni, can you take your seat! Hon President, can you continue?
 

 


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: As the NCOP, you have conducted oversight visits, held public hearings, conducted monitoring and evaluation and made recommendations on how we can improve our programmes.


Your recommendations must be acted upon by all those responsible. As the NCOP you have been very dutiful in listening to the concerns of our people. South Africans expect of us that we as government must act to improve their lives.
There can be no higher calling than being of service and we are duty bound to ensure this is done with diligence and humanity. In this spirit of selflessness exemplified by the likes of uTata Nelson Mandela and uMama Albertina Sisulu – whose centenaries we are observing this year – let us take forward our task to correct past mistakes and build a better society.


The time you have left as the Fifth Parliament is very short and very brief. So, let us use it wisely and effectively. Let us finish the unfinished business and let the concerns raised during this year’s Parliament of the People be resolved. We are united in our commitment for co-operative governance, to enhance it and to make it more effective. Although we may have
 

 


political differences, of which some are played out here in the NCOP, we do however share a common sense of purpose and have a common duty to serve our people much as we may differ politically. It is when we work together – as different parties that are represented here in the NCOP, as different spheres of government, as different sectors of society – that we make the greatest progress in transforming our society and helping to build the new nation that Nelson Mandela envisaged. Let us continue walking in nelson Mandela’s footsteps and build a great South African nation. I thank you. [Applause.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Deputy Chairperson, His Excellency the President, the Premiers of the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and the North West, the Acting Premier of Gauteng, Speaker Mekgwe and Speaker Kiviet, MECs, hon members, Speakers, mayors, councillors, and our bosses the people of Gauteng, join me in thanking the Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni for allowing us to host this important event. Allow me to say thank you to the President for the speech but also to thank the President for always supporting the National Council of Provinces. [Applause.] We are meeting here under the theme “The impact of migration – deepening co-operative governance for accelerated service delivery and development”.
 

 




We know that, across the globe, people are always in motion. People are looking for safer places to live in. People are looking for better jobs. People are actually moving sometimes so that they are able to enjoy their fundamental freedoms, which they might not get in their home countries.


We know that our Constitution protects fundamental rights regardless of the status of whoever is within our borders. These rights include due legal process, life-saving medical care, and basic labour protections. We know without a doubt that planned and orderly migration has benefits and might actually increase skills in the host country. We also know that unplanned and disorderly migration can be disastrous for migrants themselves. We know here at home, our communities – the host communities – are also under stress. We have witnessed this over the last four years. We know that migration, if not properly managed, becomes a source of political tension and human tragedy. It leads to flourishing criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people and undermine local laws and regulations. We know the security vulnerabilities associated with migration. We have also noticed that, globally, migration remains very poorly managed.
 

 




Since the advent of democracy in our country, we have relaxed the restrictions of the past. Our people are free to move, to stay, and to work where they want, without fear, violence, or abuse. We know that, if we could, all of us would equally access the economic benefits that must accrue to us as citizens of this country. We know that we still have to do a lot to enable every South African to be economically active and to have economic freedom. We know that when we fought apartheid, one of the pillars of the liberation struggle was international solidarity. So, we have always believed in internationalism. South Africa attracts large numbers of migrants – skilled and unskilled. It is reported that whilst refugees and asylum seekers are able to claim a limited bouquet of rights, the vast majority of them here, almost 85%, are in the country without valid immigration documents and therefore are illegal immigrants.


Mr President, we do not believe that ignoring problems will make them go away or solve them. That is why, since the fifth administration of Parliament, we have aimed to address issues that we identified in specific provinces when embarking on the Taking Parliament to the People programme. That is why, in
 

 


2016, we went to the Eastern Cape on education. In 2017, we went to the Free State on health. In 2018, we are here in Gauteng on issues of migration because they impact the lives of South Africans who find themselves in this province. We have also initiated a report-back. We know this is our last Taking Parliament to the People week for this term, but we are very confident that whoever comes into the NCOP will report back to the people of Gauteng next year.


Research shows that the population of Gauteng is growing and that this growth eats away at and places a real burden on service delivery in Gauteng. We have listened to the members of the executive responsible for health, education and also the Minister of Health expounding on the dire consequences this growth has on service delivery. They have highlighted how schools, both primary and secondary, are affected and how clinics are really under pressure. Most government hospitals’ maternity units have been reported to be under very strong pressure. From the Minister of Health, we have also learned that almost 60% of all births are to non-South Africans.


We also have an issue with housing. Communities have spent this week detailing how they, as beneficiaries, are sometimes
 

 


overlooked by some amongst us. There are also some amongst us that sell their RDP houses to foreigners. They have asked us to be more vigilant in monitoring the beneficiaries, in monitoring how the houses are sold and to whom, in monitoring how foreigners get to possess the houses meant for the poor of South Africa. [Applause.]


During our previsits, and even now when we came here for the Taking Parliament to the People programme this week, we have learned that in over 60 communities, in over 60 sites that we visited – and this includes schools, immigration offices, Home Affairs, hospitals, police stations, correctional services, and early childhood development centres – that the issues are the same. We want resources. We want our own resources to prioritise us as South Africans. We want to get better services from the Public Service servants. We want to make sure that we have access to these facilities at any time when we get sick.


One community member said he or she doesn’t only get sick before 16:00 or between 09:00 and 16:00. We should ensure that we open as many clinics as possible so that especially the old people can have access. One young person stood here,
 

 


emotional, and said they tried, that they don’t have a clinic in the vicinity of their informal settlement. They tried to take somebody to hospital, and that person died in their arms. So, there is a dire need either for capacitation of the mobile clinics with personnel that respects patients and citizens of South Africa as the first clients or, alternatively, the upgrading of clinics that we have so that the people of South Africa can at least say they get the basics that their government promised them. [Applause.]


We have heard that the population of Gauteng has doubled since 1994. We have also listened to the premier bemoaning the fact that the equitable share has not followed the increase in numbers. We are raising it to say that it does then seem that even though Gauteng has better facilities, better qualified people, more of the equitable share ... even though the other provinces are worse off, in fact even from my own province, Premier of the North West, we burden Gauteng with patients, and we don’t always pay back to Gauteng. So, we are saying that these matters of provinces that have been growing need to be given more attention because then there is strain, and the quality of services to the people is affected.
 

 


We want to say that we want to recommend a closer eye is kept on the police. All communities that addressed us in this hall complained about the quality of policing. They said that our police officers are conniving. They said that our police officers know the perpetrators of violence and drug peddlers. They have said that they take bribes. They have said we must clean up the police. They have said they are not safe in their houses and on the streets. Therefore, we must do something about this. We do know that not all police officers are rotten, that there are very good men and women in the Police Service, and we must praise those, but we must deal with those who put the name of this country to shame. We want to say that we must do something. Women and children are feeling the pinch.
However, the communities did not just talk to us about these issues. The community of Reiger Park also requested a police station because a four-roomed house was converted into a police station. They have a population of more than 150 000. The police station is too small. They say theft and drugs are their main problems. They say the cable theft unit comprises six people, only three of whom are armed. Therefore, the thieves outrun and outgun them at any time. We want to make sure that we enable the men and women in uniform properly.
 

 


There is a horrifying story of a grandmother who addressed us and who said that 75 people are accommodated in the four- roomed house she is in. We are asking all the stakeholders to do something about it. Clearly, we have to do something about this.


We are concerned about bullying tactics in the workplace. A female fire fighter medico was fired for protesting against the poor conditions of the fire fighters after what happened in the City of Johannesburg. Her dismissal was because she marched to the Union Buildings wearing her fire fighter uniform. It may be wrong, but we are saying to the City of Ekurhuleni this government must be a government that listens, that directs, that educates, that is compassionate. Therefore, we appeal that the case be reviewed. [Applause.]


The deaf and blind community has addressed us and registered their concerns. They plead for two things. They say directions for the medication they receive in clinics must be written in Braille. They say they need sign language experts so that they are not misdiagnosed, as that might put their lives in danger. They say that sometimes they are ignored because they cannot communicate. So, we need to do something about it. The NCOP is
 

 


a champion for sign language. We want to make sure that throughout our communities and our society, all our people are recognised and that all forms of communication are respected, irrespective of how God created us.


We want to say that the elderly are saying unashamedly that their children and grandchildren are abusing them in their own houses. They are saying they have organised themselves into a programme of washing one another, of feeding one another, of keeping one another company. They are asking for help to get them a permanent old-age home where they will feel safe. I think it is a disgrace, especially in Africa, to hear a grandmother say she is being abused by her grandchild. We need to do something about it. It is not just a government thing.
Government can help provide an old-age home, but let us behave. Let us respect our old parents. Let us make sure that we protect those who brought us into this world. I think government has no role in how I behave towards my mother. I must remember who I am. [Applause.]


The communities are also saying they appreciate the good work. Some have said to us they now have state-of-the-art libraries, hospitals and clinics, but they say we can do more for other
 

 


communities and that we must do so. Also, as these issues were raised here, we noticed there are gaps in our policies and that perhaps we need to go back. Home Affairs definitely needs to go back and reconsider the policies and the law. Health needs to go back and reconsider how we are dealing with issues. We want to say that, throughout the week, we had members of Cabinets here, we had Deputy Ministers who were very diligent in responding to the public, and we had the National Youth Development Agency, which responded.


We must also say that the young people of Gauteng were here in full force. They said to us and insisted that the fact that they stay longer in school and at varsity means nothing if that education cannot be translated into jobs. They say to us they don’t necessarily want handouts. They have ideas. They have sponsored ideas on how the economy can benefit them. They are asking us to give them seed funding and mentorships. I think the Department of Labour must get closer to the young people of this country.


Even though I have said we had members of the executive present, when we track where we have come from since 2015 with the Taking Parliament to the People programme, we must raise
 

 


concern with some responses from the members of Cabinet. Some of them are excellent. They attend, they make commitments, and they follow up on their commitments. Some of them only speak. There is nothing. There is no action that follows the commitments to the public. [Interjections.] [Applause.] We want to raise that very sharply, Mr President.


We agree that Gauteng has a problem. We agree that Gauteng needs to be given attention, but we also want to say that, in fact, it is time that all the provinces are reviewed, that the numbers that represent the people in the provinces in the legislatures be looked at again, because the burden of doing oversight, if we continue the way we are, rests on very few shoulders, and they may allow things to slip through the cracks.


We are also saying that we must deal with the issues of illegal immigrants because we know this affects Gauteng very badly. We know that illicit flows of goods and services are here, and this puts pressure on the criminal justice system. Our National Development Plan says that —
 

 


... the state cannot merely act on behalf of the people – it has to act with the people, working together with other institutions to provide opportunities for the advancement of all communities.


It means that South Africans must wake up. We must hold hands. We must develop this country together. We can play politics, but there are times when we must work together to ensure that the people benefit. [Applause.]
We like public participation. We think it is what makes our people tick. It gets their voices into these hallowed chambers. It makes the people talk through us, but it enables them sometimes to talk directly to their government, to provide input into the policies we are making. So, we want to say that we want to encourage more and more public participation. We want to also say that it helps us to get closer to transparent and accountable governance. Emotions ran high in this House. People challenged the executive in this House, and we welcomed that because when we are elected, we must respect those who put us here.


I want to thank you very much for your attention and hope the walk and the talk of Albertina Sisulu and Nelson Mandela will
 

 


stay with us. We will be responsible. We will be accountable. We will continue to love our country. I thank you. [Applause.]


Mr F ESSACK: Deputy Chairperson, hon members in the House today, and of course my fellow South Africans, it is indeed great to be given this opportunity to debate on this platform and at this level.


As the President spoke so aptly of Tata Madiba and so did the Chairperson, mine is a very simple quote Mr President. Hon Mandela, Tata Madiba as we all knew him, said: “The struggle is my life”. I am confident you will remember this.


Therefore my colleagues, the struggle should not be taken lightly. This seems to have fallen on deaf ears with the current ANC leadership. My colleagues forgive me if I come out strongly but I am just going to state this debate as it is.


Therefore Mr President, the fight for human rights and equality is far from over. I say this to the ANC of today, with due respect, you have lost your moral compass; you are simply tired.
 

 


IsiNdebele:

... udakiwe, udiniwe ...


English:

... I don’t know, but you are indeed tired. [Interjections.]


Therefore my colleagues, I say to you with due respect: Give up before you completely eradicate the very few pieces of Madiba’s legacy that you claim to uphold. We cannot, honestly and sincerely, through our own conviction, speak of making South Africa a better place, if our colleagues, presidents, Ministers and Deputy Ministers continue to endlessly jeer this country into corruption, criminal activity, violation of basic human rights, lying to Parliament and of course, by consequence, the very dignity of our people.


My fellow South Africans, recalling the Freedom Charter, as you so would hon President, has become an insult to those who have been denied the freedoms that it encompasses — and this is having a direct effect and impact on our people. This is the ignorance that the ANC represents today. Yea, you can get a little jeered up – it is fine.
 

 


Speech after speech, 25 years later, we still do not have the South Africa we were promised. [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Hon Essack, just hold. Members ... [Interjections.]
IsiNdebele:

mphakathi ... mphakathi ... mphakathi


Setswana:

... batho ba kwa gae ...


English:

... I am pleading with you again. [Interjections.] Can somebody who has been assigned take responsibility for order in the public gallery? We assume that it is a public gallery because this is a formal sitting. You are sitting in the public gallery. [Interjections.] I am addressing the public, hon Mokwele.


Your behaviour is not assisting. I do not know what you are trying to achieve. Your behaviour is not assisting. Can you allow me address an issue? [Interjections.] Can you allow me
 

 


to address an issue? [Interjections.] Because you are out of order yourselves. [Interjections.]


Hon Mokwele and hon Koni, I am not going to raise this thing again with you. I am trying to address an issue here. This is our public. We are here to engage with them. This is an opportunity for them to then see how Parliament operates and how Members of Parliament engage and there is nothing that stops me from saying to them that as we are seated now here...


IsiXhosa:

Mamelani bantu bakuthi...


English:

... you are sitting in the public gallery, and by the Rules of Parliament, members who are invited and seated in the public gallery are not allowed to participate in the course of events of a sitting of a House.


So, please, I know that you might be tempted at times to cheer but restrain yourselves. Please ...


Setswana:
 

 


... itshwareng bathong. Fa a pota a a pote; fa a na le ntlha, a e tlhagise gonne na le tokelo ya go tlhagisa maikutlo a gagwe. A re dumalane gore a bue se a batlang go se bua, re rata kgotsa re sa rate gonne a na le tokelo ya go dira jalo. English:
Hon Essack, can you continue with the debate? [Interjections.] No, no, no, you do not worry about time – you are not losing any time.


Mr F ESSACK: Good. Deputy Chairperson, let me get on with the crux of the matter. As I was saying fellow South Africans, today’s ANC cannot deny the tragedies they have been responsible for in recent years. To name but a few, including; Marikana, Life Esidimeni, Nkandla, Eskom, the collapse of South African Revenue Service, Sars, economic recession, a rogue National Prosecution Authority, NPA, a judicial system that remains under threat, the state and quality of local government throughout our country, the attack on Chapter 9 institutions, and of course my favourite one, Jacob G Zuma.
Boy oh boy, didn’t you as the ANC screw up on that one. District municipalities... [Interjections.]
 

 


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Essack, did I hear you say screw up?


Mr F ESSACK: Screwed up.

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Oh, okay.


Mr F ESSACK: Let us move on. Boy oh boy, didn’t you as the ANC really screwed up on that one? But nevertheless, the district municipalities remain ANC cadre employment bureaus and you hon President can digest that immediate reference.


Today, more than ever, I say to you my colleagues, we need to go beyond the tragedy of unemployment, inequality...


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Essack, can I hear what the hon G G is saying? On what point are you rising hon member?


Ms G G OLIPHANT: Chair, I just wanted to ask whether the hon Essack wants to join ANC. [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, that is not a point to be considered. Can you continue wit the debate?
 

 




Mr F ESSACK: Can I carry on? Chairperson I am just worried about my time when I have to deal with pathetic issues like this.


Nevertheless Chairperson, today, more than ever, I say to you my colleagues, we need to go beyond the tragedy of unemployment, inequality and underdevelopment in our beautiful South Africa. I say to you, this ANC must turn the lens on themselves and look at their track record. I ask, what positive progress have we honesty made to eradicate poverty?
How are we changing the lives of vulnerable South Africans? What is the level of basic services provided to all South Africans? When will this empty electioneering rhetoric of the failing governing party eventually turn into tangible and sustainable results that will benefit this beautiful nation?


Mr President, with due respect again, I must ask, why then are

21 Esidimeni patients still missing? Why has the Gauteng government only allocated R118 million in the adjustment budget for further claims that are most likely to be over R200 million? And we know this in the Select Committee on
 

 


Finance. So, I speak to you with conviction, honesty and sincerity.


Homes for persons with disabilities and senior citizens are closing under your watch. Why is your MEC refusing to meet with representatives from welfare organisations? Please write that down Mr President.


The people of South Africa are well versed in the destruction created by the party of Jacob Zuma, Malusi Gigaba, Bathabile Dlamini, Ace Magashule, Nomvula Mokonyane, Jessie Duarte, Gwede Mantashe, and so many more. [Interjections.] I don’t know when this is going to end.


Nevertheless, unemployment is affecting many South Africans. The people of our nation need jobs but the ANC is continuously failing to create a business friendly economy that will bring about the creation of so many needed jobs.


Hon President, I have listened to you in the last few months about the stimulus package etc but with due respect, I will move on quickly to what a DA municipality is doing Gauteng.
 

 


A number of 117 483 potholes up until today has been repaired by a DA-run municipality in the City of Johannesburg, while 13 clinics have extended their hours, allowing patients access to healthcare during the evenings and weekends. The DA Mayor Mashaba and the Anti-Corruption Unit has also uncovered
R17 billion in corrupt activities from previous ANC administrations. A total of 4 417 title deeds have been handed out in Tshwane alone, giving residents ownership and title deed to be handed over to future generations to come.


The DA leadership of Mayor Msimanga, who would of course be the future Premier of Gauteng – and you can digest that also - has R704 million currently in the bank after inheriting a
R2 billion ...


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Essack, can you take a seat? Can I take the point?


Ms T J MOKWELE: It must be corrected. [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Can you speak into the mic please?
 

 


Ms T J MOKWELE: I am speaking to it but it makes noise. Maybe if you can switch that one off.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, can you speak to your mic please?


Ms T J MOKWELE: It must be corrected. The DA in Tshwane does not lead; it only has a Mayor. Thank you very much. [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, I am not going to open a debate on this matter. There was ... [Interjections.] Can I remind members of something? [Interjections.] Hon Mampuru, can I remind you of something? A similar insinuation was made in the previous sitting and I made a ruling that I am going to check Hansard to look at the factual nature of what was said. A similar statement was then made by hon Engelbrecht and I did exactly that. I came back to the House with a ruling. And at that time I said ... and I warned members not to make statements that would compromise a presiding officer to get involved in party arrangement. Those are arrangements that a presiding officer cannot make a ruling on.
 

 




So, hon Essack, I would refer you to that ruling please. Let us continue and conclude your debate.


Mr F ESSACK: Chairperson, thank you very much indeed and I want to say that a DA national government will create fair access to real and long-term jobs by creating job centres throughout South Africa.


Under the DA, we will definitely speedup delivery for residences within our municipalities and ensure speedier delivery of quality access to water, electricity and sanitation.


Chairperson, in conclusion ...


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Essack, your time has expired. [Interjections.]


Mr F ESSACK: ... a DA national government will bring the change we deserve. [Interjections.]
 

 


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Essack, your time has expired. [Interjections.]


Mr F ESSACK: Yes! A DA national government will finally create and bring one South Africa for all. It has been an honour to debate in front of the President and my fellow South Africans. I thank you.


The PREMIER OF THE EASTERN CAPE (P MASUALLE): The director of

the Ceremony, The Deputy National Chair, The Chair of the NCOP, The President of the Republic, The Esteemed Members of the NCOP, The Acting Premier of Gauteng and The Premiers from the other provinces, The Speakers as well as the leadership of the South African Local Government Association present and of course our people who are part of this August assembly today.


It really fills me with great appreciation to join and participate in the deliberations here today, convened by this NCOP, having done so before and we are quite happy to provide testimony that, during the visit of the NCOP in our province where at that time, the focus was on education and related challenges. Today we can report that, many of those schools visited, and of course through very rigorous follow up and
 

 


reporting, today enjoy much improved infrastructural conditions both in the level of sanitation as well as the environment for teaching in those schools.


That is all thanks to the NCOP and the rigorous oversight that was provided there. Of course it could not have been, had it not been the NCOP. The theme that was identified for the session was quite apt and it is going to assist all of us in focusing on the challenges that face the country.


Mr President, we join you in a very thorough account given here of how we are dealing with the challenges that the country is facing. I think from your wise words, I would like just to echo the wisdom you state when you say,


we should not be distracted; we should not be made to lose focus, because indeed the noisemakers are only attention seekers who have nothing to offer in this country.
We must see them for what they are because, even when such very deep challenges are enunciated here they have nothing else to say but to come here to trivialise such important matters, matters that are to do the basic necessities that our people require to which the President came here and made an
 

 


elaborate statement as to what is being done during the difficult times to deal with those matters. We only should see them for what they are.


In them there is not an aorta of DNA that could show ability to unite the country. This country was not united and led to where it is by those who were hot headed or perhaps only cared for few people. It is those who had the mind and the hearts for all the people of our country who had such policies that really make us advance in that path. We embrace your sentiments Mr President, that it is indeed difficult times but there is not a shadow of doubt that your ascendancy into the leadership not only of the ruling party, but of the country has brought about an air of hope and renewal for the rest of the country.


We want to say Mr President, and the collective that you lead, you can rest assured of our support. The people of the Eastern Cape are beginning to see some of the results that have to do with the changes that have been put into operation. They announced a stimulus package that you have made. We are already seeing the work that is undertaken in revitalising the industrial past. It has been the cry of the people of Dimbaza
 

 


in the Eastern Cape that they would like to see factories back into operation. It has been the cry of the people in Vulindlela and elsewhere in the country as well.


The work that is flowing from the announcement is building on what has been underway and is beginning to inspire our people with hope that indeed there shall be a dent made to the much difficult challenges that exist in respect of employment that is much needed in that area. For that we commend the efforts of the President. We want to say, it is correct that, the air of hope is premised in the understanding and the commitment that our people are seeing as demonstrated in the fight against corruption that the President and the collective is leading, which is quite an adamant and decisive one.


We think that this must be taken to all facets of the levels of government, local government not excluded and also in the private sector. We appreciate and applaud the work that is already under way. Some of the commissions that are taking place do reinforce the sense of hope that indeed, we are turning the tide towards the better. It is something that only the organisation that you represent is capable of uniting and leading the rest of society in attending to those matters.
 

 




IsiXhosa:

Phaya ekhaya...


English:

...in vernacular they say...


IsiXhosa:

...ehambayo ziyayikhonkotha.[Kwaqhwatywa]


English:


I may just for the respect of this platform not take any further, but indeed it relates exactly to the point you have made that, we should not bother ourselves by those who are making noise on the side lines. We have got to stay focused on the work that we must do and the work that we must do is to make sure that we impact in changing the lives of our people and for that you have very strong allies and companies from the province that I represent here today. I thank you very much. [Applause]
 

 


THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you very much Premier, before I call on hon Khompela. I want to bring something to your attention. This House, the President and of course what the Chairperson said, in so far as what the communities raised around the issue of how we respond to the challenges faced by our people challenged with physical disability.


The structure of our building does not allow hon Komphela to walk up and stand to address us, because of its structure.
Therefore I would allow hon Komphela to address us from where he is seated and apologise on behalf of the NCOP that the situation is like that but.... You know, if you have respected hon Komphela, you would not have behaved like that, you would not have behaved like that, but nevertheless hon Komphela you are allowed to address us.


Mr B KHOMPHELA (FREE STATE MEC OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT): Hon

Deputy Chair, hon Speaker and hon Chair of the NCOP, the hon President, hon Mayor of the beautiful Metro of Ekhuruleni, Ministers and Deputy Ministers present here today, Premiers and acting Premiers, colleagues and my friend comrade Lesufi
 

 


and MECs that are here, hon members and our friends from SALGA who are going to participate in this important debate today.


Hon Chair let me start by saying, the Free State Province applauds the President’s excellence in rekindling a hope that there’s a future tomorrow when many of us and many of the people in the Free State were thinking that there is no hope for tomorrow but today that zeal and the hope you have rekindled ...


Sesotho:

... ene bare batho ba Frei Stata, tshepiso ha e bole Mopresidente.


English:

We understand that all these years were never an end to itself but a means to an end comrade President. So, social conditions such as indigents, hunger, social deprivation, inadequate jobs, unemployment, crime poverty and the rest that bedevil this country comrade President. We have hope that these are going to end. But that hope hon President, has been brought by your big heart and the drive to bring the economy and lure investments in this country and say to them South Africa is
 

 


the best destination for you, South Africa is ready for you to invest in South Africa. It’s got a stable political condition, loving people, and best climate ever in the world and therefore we are ready to accept investments.


We join you hon President, in the little corners in which we are to call people and say we are stable, we are ready to put investments, come so that our people will be able to get jobs. The late President Nelson Mandela said “I walk the long walk to freedom, I tried not to falter, I’ve made missteps along the way but I have discovered a secret that after climbing a great heel, only to find that there are many more heels to climb.” So don’t ever have an ego and say I am on top of the mountain yet you have not been on top of the mountain. There are other heels that we have to climb. We in the ANC have never had the ego that we have arrived. We have done whatever our people are saying. There’s a lot that we have to do. Our people are not happy where they are. We need all men and women to put their hands on deck so that we at least make our people feel better.


Hon President the NCOP to us in the Free State, is an iota because it gives the pulse and the life of provinces. When
 

 


they were in the Free State 2017, we were boasting around to them and saying we have stable schools, state of the art schools, state of the art halls where our children can go and celebrate and do whatever they want to do. The crime in the Free State has subsided because we have a motto there.


Sesotho:

Re penya tsotsi!


English:

Hon President, I know your modesty around…


Sesotho:

... re penya tsotsi


English:

… but as soon as a person commits crime, his rights have been abandoned. We take that space and show him that he’s a criminal. That’s it!


The health in the province has stabilised hon President, hon Thandi and the rest, we have shown them the state of the gadget that would tell us when there are no tablets in Bolata
 

 


Clinic in QwaQwa and therefore it says we must interact with that clinic and find out why is the clinic 70 or 50% and therefore we are able to say to them…


Sesotho:

Tliliniki eo e shota dipilisi. Etsang hore dipilisi e be 90 kapa 100%.


English:

Therefore, it’s a year down the line. We have never run short of medication in our clinics through that gadget.
Hon President and hon Speaker, I would like to say many of the people who are talking about the human rights which in some instances have a temptation to say we have walked over those rights. But I want to say today, from 1910 in the union of the Republic of South Africa that has made the ANC to be born in 1912. It was the very same human rights that were obliterated not by black people but by white people of this country. They are best to say to us today we are not the best champions of the human rights Human rights in this country are born through the ANC, through the life and death of many of our people.
 

 


Comrade President our detractors must not make this running sore to run forever because we’re saying today, we have a job reservation. That policy was a stinking apartheid job reservation policy. Today we don’t have discrimination in this country because the ANC deemed it fit in its injunction, in its policy position in saying South Africa belongs to all who live in it. We will stand by that position up until death do us part. So, they must not say those things that we have never even committed ourselves to. Our ANC today even in its literature will say we must work with people, we must continue to adapt strategies that make people’s conditions better.
And in response to the prevailing conditions, the ANC must always at all times have an ear to listen to people but I want to say to Chairperson today, your last year’s visit to the Free State, Ntate Sello said I must say to the hon Chairperson Mme Thandi Modise, if you recall that young man who can’t sit because his back is straight, today he’s got a modified wheelchair. He said I must thank you on his behalf because had you not come to the Free State, and gone street by street and house to house, you could have not picked up the situation of this young boy and today he’s able to sit on his own wheelchair.
 

 


Ntate Thulo says hon Chair, that I must tell the President that the NCOP has never been irrelevant. It is more relevant than ever today because nobody can say they don’t know the NCOP. He says when we falter in the Free State ...


Sesotho:

... rona re tla bolella Mme Thandi. E tla re ha fihla le tla be le matha mona le tletsetletse le lokisa ditaba tseo ...


English:

... and the NCOP is our answer.


Sesotho:

Ene ke nnete re a matha ha re le moo ka lebaka la hobane, le tsamaya hohle, le kopana le bona hohle mme le re bitse re lokise ditaba tseo.


English:

That’s how we should work as and when we come across problems of our people. We must resolve them and give them hope.


Hon Speaker, amongst the defined and whether people in this country have human rights, have health care, social security,
 

 


where the rights of persons with disability are protected and all the children and the elderly people. All those things are here today. Three weeks ago we celebrated golden age of our people. The converge in the Free State, 3000 of them, hon Premiers of different provinces thank you for bringing them to the Free State. Out of that 3000 not one got sick, not one got water late, not one got food late and all of them had the galaxy of celebration in respect of the golden ages.


As I conclude hon Speaker, we must all celebrate the 3rd of November and December as a month of persons with disability. Cardinals to that hon Chair, persons with disability do not need anything, they say equalise opportunities, make conditions better for us so we can make a better output so that we can contribute to the economy of this country. As human beings and have our rights respected, thank you very much


Mr P A LESUFI (Acting Premier of Gauteng): Hon Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa, President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ministers and Deputy Ministers present, Premiers and Members of Executive Councils, delegates
 

 


to the National Council of Provinces, representatives of organised local government, the Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, fellow South Africans, let me start by also echoing sentiments raised by the Deputy Chairperson, to apologise to all members, especially those that couldn’t come here to speak on the basis of their disability.


Ntate Komphela, I want to apologise on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, but most importantly on behalf of our municipality – not t you alone, but to all people with disabilities. Let me also echo my apology as well to all citizens that were invited to come to this particular meeting.


We want to apologise, as the Gauteng Provincial Government, that you came here to participate to this important activity, but in return other people insulted you and said you are a rented mob. To us, you are not a rented mob; you are citizens of this province ... [Applause.] ... and you have the full right to participate in these discussions within the limited regulations of your participations. Please remind those that continue to insult you that next year is around the corner and you will deal with them appropriately. [Applause.]
 

 


On behalf of the Premier of Gauteng, hon David Makhura, it is indeed our privilege to contribute to this debate under the theme, Seizing the Moment to Chart a New Course of Action Against Poverty, Unemployment, Inequality and Underdevelopment.


Over the past three days, hon Members of the National Council of Provinces have been engaged in the important task of Taking Parliament to the People of Gauteng. Various service delivery sites were visited. Public hearings were also held. Overall, there is consensus that migration and rapid urbanisation are realities of our time. They have many advantages, but unfortunately, they also have disadvantages.


They tend to put enormous pressure on existing resources and infrastructure. Therefore, we want to put it quite clear as the Gauteng Provincial Government that regardless of the pressure that we see, we want to work together with all citizens of our province. We are quite aware, and thank you so much, Chairperson that you have raised the challenges that we have seen within the health sector in Gauteng.
 

 


Our public health system currently caters for 20 million patients annually, from 7 million patients per annum that we used to have in 1994. Our argument is very simple as Gauteng Provincial Government and our people are clear: We are willing to share these facilities, but we are saying that when we share them, please don’t chase us away from our own facilities.


Our people are very clear that we are willing to work together with those that are coming from other provinces and other countries, but they must respect the rule of law. We don’t want people that will come here and steal our services instead of accessing our services. We don’t want people who will come here and do wrong things to us and our children instead of working together with us.


Our message is very simple: We are prepared to share but let’s do this within the confinement of the law. We are indeed quite aware that also our education system is under pressure. Our education system used to have 1,2 million learners in 1994. As I stand here, our education system has 2,4 million learners that we need to take care of.
 

 


Even within this context, we are prepared to accommodate those that want to be within the education system. Our request is very simple: Get proper documents; you will get proper education within our system. [Applause.] With proper documentation, we will be in a position to account and to get resources that will allow us to attend to these particular matters.


We are indeed excited as well that to date we have built more than 1,2 million houses in Gauteng, benefitting more than
3 million people. However, our housing backlog remains at  1,1 million. We have taken a decision as the Gauteng Provincial Government that gone are the days of building 300 RDP houses there or building 200 RDP houses away from factories or building 35 RDP houses in areas where our people can’t get jobs.


From now on, as Gauteng Provincial Government, we have taken a sober decision that: When we build RDP houses, they must start in thousands; not in hundreds, because our people need houses immediately. The new Savannah Housing Project is a confirmation that we are taking this important trajectory so that: Our people can get houses closer to where they work;
 

 


they don’t have to spend more money on transport when they go to work; and that we also don’t build houses without proper facilities, like clinics, hospitals and schools. That is why our Mega Housing Project will assist our people to access these resources.


We have heard our people and thanks Chair on the opportunity for us to participate in these discussions. Our people are quite clear: They don’t mind to be on the waiting list of houses as long as that list is not corrupted by wrong people. [Applause.] Our people are also convinced that they just want to know: If they are on the waiting list: ...


Setswana:

Ba nomoro efe ke baagi ba ko kae gajaana mme ba tlile go nna nomoro mang morago ga gore go agiwe matlo ao? [Legofi.]


English:

This is so that they can track their own programmes and understand that they can be patient.


As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we also acknowledge that there are other people who say to government: Just service a
 

 


stand and give us a stand that has access to water, electricity and sanitation because we have the capacity build these houses on our own. [Applause.]


We are responding positively as Gauteng Provincial Government to what we call a Rapid Land Release so that the land which is in the hands of government, underutilised, must be handed over to our people, such that our people can build their houses immediately. [Applause.] We are quite excited that we are moving at a faster pace to deal with housing challenges.


While we celebrate these achievements, we are alive to the reality that a number of challenges still lay ahead. One of the biggest challenges we face as Gauteng is the issue of crime. Our argument is very simple: Police, do what you are hired to do; don’t make excuses, just hunt criminals and ensure that our children and families are safe. [Applause.]


Therefore, hon President, we are humbled by your gesture to release the Anti-Gang Unit to come and fight crime in Gauteng. Our message is simple: They must not be in one area; they must be all over Gauteng, so that our people can tackle this particular issue. [Applause]
 

 


Clearly, we need to chart a new course of action to respond to the challenges faced by our people. Therefore, we also need to bring things that we really believe. If we can’t bring them to your attention, we would have failed to deal with challenges that face the people of Gauteng. The people of Gauteng are clear and they are saying this quite audibly, that: When we see e-tolls, ...


Setswana:

... re a idibala! [Legofi.] [Nako e Fedile.]


English:

So, hon President, we are not saying we don’t to pay e-tolls or we are not acknowledging the debt thereof; we really believe that in the current format, the e-tolls are not assisting the people of Gauteng.


We want to appreciate your gesture. We also want to appreciate your willing ear, and that you are listening to us, working with national government to respond to the issue of e-tolls.
It is very simple: If the ruling party in this particular province, if our people in this particular province, the NGOs
 

 


in this particular province are saying no, ... [Interjections.]


Mr J W W JULIUS: Point of order! Point of order, Deputy Chair!


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Can I take a point of order, hon Lesufi?


Mr P A LESUFI (Acting Premier of Gauteng): Okay, let me summarise!


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, no, no! Let me take that one, hey! [Interjections.]


Mr J W W JULIUS: Chairperson, you already said the time of the hon member at the podium is up. His time is up; he must stop the debate and come to sit down. [Interjections.] You gave him an extra two minutes now, and he still wants to wrap up.
Sorry! [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No! You see, hon Julius,

... [Interjections.] Order! Order! Hon Julius, without going into detail, I will refer you to your own rules of the
 

 


National Council of Provinces in so far as the discretion of a Presiding Officer is concerned. I will refer you to that rule. I am not going into detail here because this is not a rules workshop. It’s not a rules workshop! Can you conclude, hon member?


Mr P A LESUFI (Acting Premier of Gauteng): Thank you so much, Chair. If I was a member, ... [Interjections.] If I was hon member Julius, ... [Interjections.]


Ms C LABUSCHAGNE: A point of order! A point of order! A point of order, Chair!


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Yes, hon Labuschagne!


Ms C LABUSCHAGNE: The point of order is: Hon Chair, there are rules set by the Rules Committee of this House. [Interjections.] The rule says that the time allocated on the Speaker’s List, is the time. The Chairperson can only have discretion when there is not time allocated in the case of the President. [Interjections.] This is the rule. Thank you! [Interjections.]
 

 


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Aah aah! Aah aah!

[Interjections.] Honourable ... [Interjections.]


Setswana:

Emang pele bathong! A ko le emeng!


English:

Be patient! Be patient; I have made a ruling. Therefore, a ruling of a Presiding Officer stands. [Applause.]


Mr P A LESUFI (Acting Premier of Gauteng): Thank you so much, Chair. If I was hon member Julius and the DA, I would not be worried about time. I would be worried about what the EFF has said about you: That in Johannesburg and Tshwane, you only have mayors; you don’t control the municipalities. [Interjections.] That should be what you worry about! [Interjections.] That’s what should worry you! [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Lesufi, your time has expired.


Mr C HATTINGH: Long time ago!
 

 




Ms T J MOKWELE: And we are going to do that with the Premiership next year! Rest assured!


Mr C HATTINGH: Stealing time!


Ms T J MOKWELE: We are going to do that with the Premiership of Gauteng next year!


HON MEMBER: Never! [Interjections.] We are going to reduce your seats in Gauteng! We are reducing your seats in Gauteng!


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Order, hon members! I don’t even know who is saying what or where from. Can you be in order. You see! You see now what you are doing? If you continue engaging with the public, I would not reprimand the public. [Interjections.] Because, obviously you are provoking!


Ms T J MOKWELE: On a point of order, Chair! On a point of order!


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: What is your point of order?
 

 




Ms T J MOKWELE: You know, Chair, you always do mention my name, even if I am not saying anything, ... [Interjections.] But now, it was hon Pinkie there at the back and that hon member. [Interjections.] They are both from Gauteng and they are members. So, it was not any community or Mokwele; it was these two! [Interjections.] One, two! [Interjections.] You see them?


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Okay, fine!


Ms T J MOKWELE: Haai lona [you people], I don’t worry about you. You are rented! [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Order! Members in the gallery! Members in the gallery, I am calling you to order! Hon Khawula, can you continue with the debate?
Mr M KHAWULA: Hon Chairperson, His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, the topic under discussion calling for country to seize the moment and chart a new course of suggests that something has been terribly wrong with the course of action we have been using.
 

 


As politicians, we usually emphasise in order to know where you are going, it is important to know where you are coming from. Likewise, for us to fully comprehend this new course of action, a question arises about how did we get here?


Hon Chairperson, allow the IFP to take the House on a little trip down memory lane once more. For the past nine years, South Africa was being run down to ashes, because of greed and self-centredness, provinces, national departments and state- owned enterprises, SOEs, were gradually captured in order to become vehicles for looting of the country’s purse and resources.


A few episodes of these scenes of capture involved the removal of capable Ministers and replacing them with stooges who would agree to every instruction.
The engineering of the placement of looting agents in SOE boards in order to drain all the resources of the SOEs; instilling a sense of fear to all accountability institutions including Parliament, so that oversight and accountability becomes meaningless; the opening of the country’s boarders freely to everyone so that the hooligans could easily help themselves to the country’s resources with their friends;
 

 


running down all the good prospects of good governance and creating a state of mediocrity; running down the economy of the country and create state of perpetually dependency to the state for voting purposes; the collapse all the state institutions that can sting, removing teeth from those which can bite, as it happened with the Scorpions and National Prosecuting Authority, NPA; with a close call Sars, to mention just a few.


IsiZulu:

Mnu M KHAWULA: Nakuba siyakhuluma mhlonishwa Mongameli


English:

The little that we have remaining, all thanks go to the Constitutional Court, the judiciary and the Office of the Public Protector under Advocate. Thuli Madonsela.


These episodes and many others not mentioned here, collapsed our economy, worsened our poverty levels, worsened our inequality gap, increased the burden of our unemployment and destroyed our country’s prospects to prosperous development.
 

 


I have heard the members of the ruling party arguing that twenty four years of democracy couldn’t have been enough to undo the 300 years damage of colonialism and apartheid. The impact of the damage of the past nine years is not very different from the 300 years damage of colonialism.


Mr President, this means that the country must brace itself for decades of an uphill in order to undo the past nine year’s damage. Whilst in 2009, South Africa debt to gross domestic product, GDP, was 31,3%. In 2018 South Africa’s debt to GDP is at 53,10%. While South Africa unemployment rate in 2009 was 24,9%, in 2018 the unemployment rate of the country is standing at 27,5.
The South Africa charges the highest petrol price per litre in the Southern African Development Community, SADC region. In 2009, a litre of petrol in South Africa was R7,2, in 2018 a litre of petrol cost R17,08.


In fairness to your leadership, one must acknowledge your efforts in trying to revive the economy of the country through investments. Your first round of this campaign secured investments pledges worth US$10 billion dollars each from the United Arab Emirates, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
 

 




The second round investment summit pledges worth R290 billion, Whereas this remains promises in order for them to become a reality, the country needs to tread carefully in areas such as policy, certainty, avoiding credit rating downgrades, adherence to the rule of law, political stability and other areas.


Whilst these efforts are taking place, the reality of the situation is that the cure and answers to the country’s ills of poverty, inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment will not be realised tomorrow.


On the other hand, the other reality is that these ills have created a great sense of impatience and intolerance. In fairness to your leadership again, one has to acknowledge that the past devastating nine years that seemed to bring our country to its knees, the hon. President was the co-pilot on deck in four of these nine years that Mr President is very unfortunate.


Allow me to also mention on a few issues that the Chairperson of the NCOP has touched on. I just want to mention some of the
 

 


things that the people of Gauteng have brought to our attention. The biggest issues that the people have raised with us are the manner in which the police are working. It is reported that people get killed and there are no arrests; there is a high levels of drug operations with no arrests; some known spaza shops in the townships sell drugs and there are no arrests.


The people claim that all this happens because the foreigners have money to bribe the police to turn a blind eye on these illegal operations. Ms Jennifer Motswami reported that the police will tell you in your eyes that they are underpaid and foreigners are able to give them extra cash to avoid arrests.


The other biggest challenge is the zama-zamas, who are operating illegally and colluding with the police. The people claim that their houses get cracked through zama-zamas; most of these zama-zamas are foreigners with no proper documents to be in the country. But they are never arrested because they are working with the police. I thank you Chairperson. [Time Expired.]
 

 


Ms W G THUSI (MEC OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: KwaZulu-Natal): Thank

you, hon Chairperson, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, his Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, his worship the Mayor of Ekurhuleni Councillor Masina, Premiers, Speakers, MECs and Members of NCOP and of course the important people in this room our bosses the citizens of Ekurhuleni.


I firstly want to express my disappointment with hon ESSACK who wasted his eight minutes of talking about the ANC and not telling the people what his has done for the people. The people of Ekurhuleni are not foolish. They know what the ANC has done for them since 1994. I am also disappointed with my colleagues from KZN; we inherited KZN as the ANC in 2004 that was led by a government that did not take care of people of the Province.


Mr President we commit to what you have just said that we must not listen to noisemakers, who want to derail us from giving service to the people of this Country. Asijiki siyaphambili. [We are not turning back, we are moving forward]. I wish to thank you hon Chairperson for allowing me to participate in this important debate. On behalf of the Province of KwaZulu- Natal I wish to start by congratulating His Excellency
 

 


President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa for delivering a very eloquent and inspiring address to the nation.


We now have very clear marching orders. We will never surrender in our war against underdevelopment. We will never surrender in our war against the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. As the Province of KwaZulu-Natal we understand our role as a coastal province, with access to the ocean, having a highly diversified manufacturing and agricultural base and massive potential both in the primary and secondary sectors.


We wish to take this opportunity to assure this Honourable House, the President and the country at large of our singular commitment to playing our role and in meeting our obligations towards the fulfilment of the country’s vision as encapsulated in the National Development Plan, (NDP). As His Excellency President Ramaphosa has indicated before, the NDP 2030 harnesses our people’s energies and talents towards building an inclusive economy, and a state capable of co-ordinating and driving efforts to end poverty in our united and prosperous South Africa.
 

 


Taking cue from our guiding document the Freedom Charter, in KwaZulu-Natal as the ANC-led government we were the first in 2016 to adopt a Provincial Growth and Development Plan that was fully aligned to the NDP 2030. This means that our strategy and plan are alive to the Country’s desired end state of 2030, but also that we have already started implementing key programmes that lead us to that future. We meet today as we approach the end of our government‘s five year term and therefore on the cusp of national elections in 2019.


In December 2017, the 54th National Conference of the ANC reaffirmed the ANC’s approach to state power as primarily informed by the Freedom Charter and the principle that “The People Shall Govern". The attainment of power by the ANC is therefore a means to fulfil the will of the people and to ensure a better life for all.


For us this is an opportunity to address the Honourable House on how we have responded to the Freedom Charter, the Constitution, the National Development Plan and the 54th National Conference of ANC to address underdevelopment, poverty, unemployment and inequality. In essence, we believe that to fight poverty we must provide economic opportunities.
 

 


We must also create an environment in which businesses, individuals and communities create work and economic value. This means creating an enabling environment for communities and individuals to access and best utilise this opportunities. It also includes providing a safety net in the form of social assistance, water, electricity and housing for the poor.


In this regard, during the State of the Province Address the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal hon Willies Mchunu announced a battery of state-led initiatives against underdevelopment, poverty, unemployment and inequality. We see free higher education as a genuine step aimed at eradicating poverty and equipping young people for the world of work our provincial bursary scheme is contributing significantly towards skills development drive. In addition, the Premier’s Discretionary Funds includes an allocation for 437 bursaries designated for orphaned and vulnerable youth.


Through our Human Resource Development Council we

co-ordinate stakeholders in the education and training sector to ensure that the youth and the disabled enter the technical fields, and are at the cutting edge of the fourth industrial revolution. We have created a number of youth focussed, work
 

 


integrated learning opportunities such as those under Sukuma

10 000. We are fast tracking the efficient implementation of the Poverty Eradication Master Plan.


In order to ensure maximum uptake of our interventions, we will make sure that we increase the percentage of functional Operation Sukuma Sakhe War Rooms from our projected 80% in 2020, to 100% ten years later. We will accelerate the roll out of the Poverty Eradication Master Plan. Through the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environment Affairs, we instructed the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund to work directly with the Black Industrialists Initiative.


I in addition MEC for EDTEA, has unveiled R200 billion worth of investments aimed at local and international investors. Our special economic zones are also attracting billions of rand worth of investments which will create thousands of jobs.
Furthermore, included in the Provincial Growth and Development Plan is the achievement of inclusive economic growth. We have also set our targets are as follows: 2030, KwaZulu-Natal will have experienced cumulative growth of 32 % in employment in order to increase this; we must increase our 2015 baseline of two million employed people to 3,777 in 2035.
 

 


Agriculture, as a Province, we have identified agriculture not only as a means to food security, but also as a potential mass employer. With regard to public works, we want to improve the efficiency, innovation and variety of government-led job creation programmes. With health, poverty is also reflected in unnatural deaths and noncommunicable lifestyle diseases.
Admittedly, KwaZulu-Natal remains the epicentre of HIV and TB in South Africa with disease and death potentially undermining the progress we are making against poverty. We have mobilised R419 million over a three year period from the Global Fund to implement prevention programmes aimed at reducing new HIV infections and to fight TB.


As we conclude according to the Anti-Poverty Strategy, poverty includes deficiency in an individual socio-economic capability. It is manifested in income, access to basic services, access to assets, information, social networks or social capital. This broad approach to poverty allows for engagement with real poverty and the combination of steps we should take to deal with it.


As the declaration of the 54th National Conference of the ANC states:
 

 


We shall, as urgently as possible, bring together, government, the labour movement, business and communities in a social pact to accelerate economic growth and create jobs. Our fundamental task is clear; it is to lead a concerted campaign aimed at addressing the persistent challenges of poverty unemployment and inequality.


I Thank You!


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I am told members of the public, because I was getting worried of the movement at the back that is followed by noise. I am told that members are lining up outside for launch. Let me assure you, no lunch is going to be served until the House is adjourned. It does not help for you go for lunch ngaphandle, angeke ukuthole ukudla until siceda lapha [you will not get food outside until we finish here].


Mr M MNQASELA (Western Cape-Salga Chairperson): Hon Deputy Chairperson, let me acknowledge the President of the Republic, the Chairperson of the NCOP, the premiers present here, hon members, mayors and of course SA Local Government Association, Salga and all councillors and speakers present here.
 

 


IsiXhosa:

Mandibulise nakubantu bakuMasipala oMbaxa Ekurhuleni...


English:

... and the entire people of South Africa. On behalf of the premier of the Western Cape, uMama uNontsapho Helen Zille, I would like to appreciate this opportunity hon President. Hon President, we need to congratulate the Western Cape government for achieving 83% of clean audits as announced by the Auditor- General. We must equally congratulate Gauteng for becoming number two at 53%.


IsiXhosa:

Noko Tata uLesufi niyazama apha eGauteng nithe chuu, siyancoma.


English:

Hon President, Operation Phakisa is our hope in this country and especially in the Western Cape, coupled with our very own baby Project Khulisa with special emphasis on ensuring that we create an environment that is conducive to create jobs. One of the greatest strides that we have been focussing on is the ocean economy. That is the area in which the premier has asked
 

 


me, hon President to request your assistance. Over 3 200 square kilometre coastal space remains unguarded and unsafe. That suggests that our own ocean resources are at high risk.


The Border Management Agency is now sitting in the NCOP to accelerate the programme. Let us please accelerate that process and guard all border posts including land border posts and the air space. That remains a crucial and urgent matter which the premier asked me to put it before you, hon President.


In the past 90 days with the deployment of the army and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in the Overstrand Municipality in the Western Cape, we have been able to save R150 million that could have been the part of the abalone poaching and that is through this deployment as part of Operation Phakisa. Hon President, for this project to succeed we must invest in ensuring that our border posts are controlled. So, we are requesting that the army in Gansbaai must please stay longer. We need some permanent presence in order to ensure that both the army and fisheries are there. We also need to ensure that the law enforcement agency, including the municipalities are working together to achieve the safety.
 

 


Hon President, I would to congratulate you on the issue of the deployment of the Anti-gang Unit. In the Western Cape we have been seeing the ANC playing party politics. The DA government is not going to allow party politics to get into the state of fighting crime. We would to request that you bring additional police because currently you gave us 95 and we need more. Over the last nine to 10 years more than 5 000 people were killed in the Cape Flats due to gang violence and that cannot be correct in this day and age of our government.


Let me just go straight to the theme of the day. Hon President, through you hon Deputy Chairperson ceasing the moment to chart a new course of action against poverty, unemployment, inequality and other development, for us it means that at this time of this debate we have got to answer the question of inequality and ensure that the deepening of it which has left almost 30 million unemployed. We cannot have more than 30 million people living under poverty line of R992 a month. That is the statistics that is coming from the World Bank Report earlier this year. It affirms the situation and says that South Africa remains the worst unequal country in the world. That is not something that should border well with all of us.
 

 


Hon President, we have got a situation where we need to ask ourselves that where did we go wrong. That question further goes to ask if we are going to rescue the ship. The question further says, if you have more than six million children in this country who are living below the poverty are we going to rescue the ship.


IsiXhosa:

Oomakhulu bethu abakhulisa abantwana banyuselwe ngamaR90 kwimali yabo yaya kuthi xhaxhe kwi-R1 700. Xa ujonga kwizibonelelo zabantwana bona banyuselwe ngeR10 nto leyo eyibeke kuma-R410 kodwa abantu abasezintolongweni bafumana ama-R350 ngosuku.


English:

This amounts to more than R10 850 a month. That is a shame. Almost 10 million South Africans are unemployed and about 3 million of those are young people. Out of this population of a tiny 56 million people, how do you explain only 16 million people working in this country? Where did we go wrong, Mr President? In the Western Cape, the lowest unemployment rate at 20,4% when the country sits at 23%.
 

 


Hon president, the Western Cape created a large number of jobs of about 95 000 new jobs in the last quarter when this entire country, all provinces put together, only created 93 000 jobs. Where did we go wrong, Mr President?


In 2009, I was sitting in the NA, your predecessor who you were deputising for that whole period, hon Zuma promised us
500 000 before the end of 2009. I can tell you now that we have lost so many jobs in such a way that we have 500 000 graduates that are unemployed in this country.


IsiXhosa:

Sithi abantwana mabaye ezikolweni baye kufunda kodwa xa babeya ezikolweni bengafumani misebenzi sithi mabaye phi?


English:

Where must they go? The Western Cape created 487 000 jobs between 2009 and to date. We have got to walk the talk. When we say we will create jobs for the people we must do so because people can no longer wait for jobs. Hon President, when we find people stealing public money let us not reprimand them. You need to remove them from their jobs. You must fire
 

 


those people who steal our money and steal from the poor. You must send them to jail and that is where they belong.


I wish that the Chairperson of the NCOP had spoken longer because she spoke a lot of sense. I appreciate what she had said because she did not stick to the party line but spoke to the members who are present here and to South Africa. For that, I worship you Madam.


IsiXhosa:

Wenze kakuhle kakhulu.


English:

We have at least 600 000 and more of people who have moved to the Western Cape between 2009 and today. I heard hon Lesufi also citing the Gauteng province situation, which is correct but in the Western Cape, at least 91 300 people a year move to the Western Cape, almost 100 000. That is good because they come to a place where jobs are created, health care is the best, roads are very good and infrastructure is provided. [Interjections.] What we need to hon Masualle is that he must please give us some buds heads and give them to us in the Western Cape and take some buds heads and give them to the
 

 


places where people are moving. That is a simplest request of saying to hon President that when the division of revenue is given to provinces, please give us more. We ask for more but next year hon President the DA will govern South Africa. [Interjections.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, I know that special delegates might find it difficult but please permanent delegates assist your special delegates because if a Special delegate seeks my attention and rises a paper or a hand, I may think that he or she wants the attention of a service officer and than it would sound or seem as if I am ignoring the special delegates. So, please assist them on how they should seek the attention of the Presiding Officer.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: May I therefore call hon Koni. [Applause.] [Interjections.] Aah! Aah! Aah!


Setswana:

Moh N P KONI: Ke a leboga Modulasetulo ... [Tsenoganong.]


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Aah! Aah!
 

 


Moh N P KONI: Ere ke tseye tshono e ke dumedise maAforika Borwa ka bophara ... [Tsenoganong.]


English:

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hold it hon Koni. Once more, I will never get tired ... [Interjections.]


Ms N P KONI: Me too, Chairperson.


The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Aah! Aah! Hon Koni, I am

addressing the gallery now. I will never get tired in calling you to order. Please! Please! Hold yourself. Even if ...


Setswana:

... o fisega, itshware fela. Tlogelang mme Koni re utlwe gore ditaba tsa gagwe di tsamaya jang.


Moh N P KONI: Tse di monate Modulasetulo - tse di monate. Ke a leboga Modulasetulo. Sebui se se buileng pele gaka, ke utlwile a leboga kganetsano ya ga mme Thandi Modise ...


English:

... But I dare him ...
 

 


Setswana:

... gore fa ele gore se mme Modise a ntseng a se bua o dumelana le sona, ke kopa gore a ye ko baetapeleng ba gagwe ba DA a ba reye are ba re neye lefatshe.


English:

But anyway ...


Setswana:

Lefatshe re a le tsaya, ba rata kgotsa ba sa rate.


English:

Chairperson, there is a say in English by the unknown, which says:


It takes one cockroach to identify another cockroach.


Thank you. Today’s debate is on seizing the moment to chart a new course of action against poverty, unemployment, inequality and under development. But everything that can be said on developing the country and tackling unemployment; we have said it before, in fact, last week to be exact. We will therefore
 

 


discuss the topic at hand but from a historical and African perspective.


From November 1884 to February 1885, the major powers of Europe gathered in Berlin, Germany, to discuss and negotiate how they were going to divide Africa amongst each other. At the table were the British, French, Portuguese, Germans, Belgians and a few other smaller European nations. While colonialism was not new on the continent at that time, in fact, it had been taking placing in Africa for over 400 years prior. The decisions taken at the conference cemented and formalised who would control what territories, and have a direct impact on the material conditions, but also, the psychology of all Africans till today.


It is important to remember that not a single African representative was present at the conference, but by the time the conference ended, the borders of Africa as we know them today were defined. Since then, our continent has been carved up with unnatural borders drawn up by criminals, barbarians, mass murderers whose only intention was to exploit the people and resources of the continent in their narrow and twisted pursuit of profit. The borders imposed on us by white
 

 


colonialists for the purpose of exploitation have been used to divide the people of Africa and the goal of total liberation of this continent and its people. The people will always remain distant if we cannot break down these physical borders, and the psychological barriers they have created.


Today in South Africa, where for over 350 years white people have murdered us, taken our land, destroyed our economies and packed us into glorified concentration camps where we welcome white foreigners today. But let a black man or women from another African country come to South Africa, whether they are from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo or Kenya, they will probably experience xenophobia, and exploitation by white bosses who abuse the fact that some immigrants are classified as illegal and are not properly protected by the law. So, the previous speaker is one of those people who are instigating these things.


The majority of South Africans have more in common with a Zimbabwean than a white tourist or even South African. But white foreigners are treated better in South Africa than our own fellow Africans from Africa. They do not come here because they want to leave their homes; they come here because they
 

 


have no other choice. They are forced to leave their homes because of war, economic collapse, and the consequences of centuries of colonialism, the destabilisation of progressive governments, and African leaders who have sold their countries to the highest bidders.


But still, Africans from across the continent are faced with xenophobic abuse and lies, even from government officials. But those in government are very quick to forget. We must remind them that it was our African brothers and sisters across the continent who embraced South Africans who had gone into exile. They risked their lives, their families and the futures of their countries to protect our liberation fighters as they prepared to liberate the country, despite immense pressure and violence from the apartheid security forces.


But we have a Minister of Health representing an organisation that spent decades in exile saying that the so-called foreigners are a burden on the health system, and are taking up resources meant for South Africans. The Minister must not blame others for his failures. Here in Gauteng, you can see how the Department of Health is failing. The hospitals are overcrowded; the clinics are under-staffed and with long
 

 


queues. The waiting list for specialised treatment can be over a year and, equipments are dysfunctional. Across many government departments you see this tendency of the ANC accusing foreigners of taking resources meant for South Africans when it’s in fact government officials being corrupt.


Since the ANC took power, they have embraced neo-liberalism, and because of this, we have been unable to develop the productive forces of the economy and the standard of living has not developed. If you want to create jobs, hon President, let me enlighten you, we need state custodianship of land for equal redistribution and strategic use; nationalisation of the commanding heights of the economy, along with the strengthening of old SOEs’ and the establishment of new ones; protection of infant industries, along with subsidisation, and state supported research and development; the creation of state financial institutions through the nationalisation of the reserve bank, the creation of state banks, and the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund which will redirect finance to young entrepreneurs, the economy and the national revenue.
 

 


You need the state to increase its capacity to provide services itself through the establishment of a state construction company and similar state entities. You need an education system that is quality and prepares for the next generation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the creation of a better society. And, we need to become more integrated and interdependent as African countries, economically and socially. This is the only course action which will bring an end to poverty, unemployment, inequality and under development in South Africa and the continent at large.


Now, because I still have some time Chairperson, let me address this revolutionary mandate. The EFF would like to take this opportunity to invite professional to our manifesto consultation forum that will be held in Sandton Convention Centre, tomorrow on the 23 November 2018 at 6’o clock. [Interjections.] It will be addressed by the Commander-in- Chief, President Julius Sello Malema ... [Interjections.] Thank you so much.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Order! [Interjections.] Thank you ma’am. [Interjections.] Order! Order!
 

 


Ms T MOTARA: Hon Chairperson of the NCOP, Mme Thandi Modise; the President of the Republic of SA, his Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa; the Chief Whip of the NCOP, hon Seyiso Mohai; the Acting Premier of Gauteng, MEC Panyaza Lesufi; our host, Mayor of Ekurhuleni Cllr Mzwandile Masina; the leadership of the Salga; Premiers; MECs; special delegates present and permanent delegates of the NCOP, greetings to you all. As I greet you, may I express my gratitude to all South Africans for being afforded the opportunity to participate in this debate today.


As I sat to prepare my input today, I looked through literature and words of wisdom on what it means to seize the moment. I was interested to interrogate as to what the sages of the time, the philosophers, the intellectuals, the academics and the leaders alike understood by what it meant to seize the moment. I came across the famous phrase used by the Roman poet Horace, Carpe Diem. His poem spoke to men to seize the day making the most of today trusting as little as possible in the future.


Others who may cause to seizing the moment spoke very little to the future but spoke about the here and now, the small
 

 


intimating pleasures that are neither sustainable nor progressive are not the type of moments we as the ANC led government are interested in seizing but rather look at the moment throughout as they present themselves as to how we capitalize on them and alter, and change the course of the future.


As the economic hub of the continent, Gauteng bears the brunt of economic migration. This migration is both internal and external, both legal and illegal. South Africa as a country and Gauteng in particular, has positioned itself as the gateway to Africa. Right now where we are physically located, this city is an aero topless, an airport city.


From an economic perspective to a socially progressive space, our geographical area must be transformed in such a way that it resembles and functions as exactly that, the gateway to Africa.


It goes without saying that economic migrants would mostly be young whether they come from our neighbouring provinces or outside our borders, young people remain our most vulnerable and at the same time our greatest asset.
 

 


The 54th conference of the ANC resolved that youth employment must be prioritised through effective public employment programmes, internships, job placements, youth set-asides, procurement from youth-owned enterprises and youth entrepreneurship programmes. It also resolved that black industrialist programmes should be strengthened and support programmes should be developed for other sectors.


As much as our figures and the stats that have been released show contraction which put us in a technical recession, hon Essack, it is important to understand the context, the measure of our GDP is in relation to the higher growth rate recorded in the end of the 2017. Therefore, given that we are coming from high base in terms economic growth, the subsequent quarters which follow the December growth were lower accordingly, hence a contraction in GDP.


What remains worrying is that our employment rate is at 27,2%, mostly young citizens. But Chairperson, should this moment of high unemployment not present us with an opportunity to shift our thinking towards creating employers as opposed to employees?
 

 


The productive industries are many and untapped; in fact, we have to scratch the surface when identifying them. For instance, high employing productive sector is in the production of entertainment content for that industry with many up and downstream employment opportunities, with authentic stories to tell, with many talented South Africans, this area needs to be explored more.


In an attempt to ignite the economy and create jobs, President Cyril Ramaphosa led the country to a job summit as well as the investor confidence some few months ago. The job summit emphasised the need for an intervention to support Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises, SMMEs. Some of the interventions included township economic revitalisation programme which is the pilot project of the Gauteng province in partnership with private sector players. It intends to support the growth and development of township-based businesses.


This project will create employment for young people in the areas in which they live. In 2017, 4 182 SMMEs benefited from opportunities to do business with the provincial government.
 

 


We welcome all and any commitment to invest in our country and that investment must favour South Africans. It must participate in the conditions that the ANC-led government has put in place in order to bring South Africans out of poverty.


Investment must not be the colonial type of investment of the past where our country will be left poorer and even in the worst condition than before; when investors have made their millions, they leave.


We are confident that this current investment is the investment that will address the moment we find ourselves in, seize it, but in seizing it, think and be obsessed about future generations that we may never meet, but we know that what we do today will change the world in the future.


Our young people, like many around the world, are living in the modern age of advance information and communication technology. Just by the introduction of disruptive technology, the world has already become borderless. I am a citizen of South Africa but can be in and participate in the country that is miles away in real time.
 

 


This age is more defined as the period of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterized by expensive data, internet of things, robotics, priddy-printing and artificial intelligence. This may have both positives and negatives impact on our economy. The Levels of productivity may go high, at the same time some labour will be laid off as the machines take over production processes.


The ANC’s 54th National Conference noted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a focus of attention as it contains within it possibilities of disrupting current economic and social structures profoundly over the next 20 years.


The task for South Africa is to plan effectively, position itself optimally and engage pro-actively with these rapidly evolving technologies.


It will also disrupt how democracies function, enhance public participation and accountability; and in preparation for such, we will need a breed of public representatives who are responsive, not a breed of public representatives who even today sat in this very chamber and refer to South African citizens exercising their constitutional right as a rented
 

 


mob. This is the height of insult to South African wishing to interact with its representatives and must be condemned in the harshest terms possible.


As a country, we need to find a balance with the application of technology in productive processes does not harm our national imperative of creating jobs for our people, especially the young; with the necessary training and skills to take advantage of the modern high skill technology jobs. The ANC-led government is cognisance of the above implications on the poor and unintended consequences of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.


Just here in Gauteng, our MEC for education, hon Panyaza Lesufi, introduced technology into the classrooms; whilst the counter revolutionaries looked at the costs, who will be the supplier of the hardware and other issues. However, the MEC surged on and today has opened a number of schools of speciality from e-Agriculture, nuclear, aviation and will soon open a specialisation school of maritime.


Today, those that were against these initiatives have been convinced of the long-term benefits and can’t wait for the
 

 


opening of the next school. Congratulations to you MEC for seizing the moment that was presented to you then.


In 2017, the Gauteng provincial government signed a memorandum of understanding with all Gauteng-based universities to foster collaboration on skills development and infrastructure development as well as the investment in innovation, research and development.


This initiative will assist the province with necessary skills to take advantage and to move the province with the times of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.


Let me conclude, Chairperson, by indicating to the President that every time any Gauteng deployee of public office gets the opportunity, we will raise the issue of e-Tolls. So, whether you are a Chairperson or Secretary of the organizational structures by night, MPs and MECs by day, our mandate remains the same, to communicate the resolution of our beloved organization that the burden of the high cost of living, particularly of the citizens of this province, are hindering our progress to create an equal and prosperous society. But
 

 


President, I know you have this one covered. I thank you. [Applause.]


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): Hon Chairperson ...

[Interjections.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Please continue, sir.


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): ... His Excellency, the

President of our country, hon Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, colleagues from provinces, hon members, distinguished guests, “ndimacheroni” [good morning]. Madam Chairperson, thank you very much for the privilege to speak to our people through this very important platform of the NCOP. Let me also thank the hon President for his powerful and reassuring message that he presented to us here. Indeed, any message is as good as its messenger. President Ramaphosa’s twin messages of Thuma Mina and investment attraction resonates with our people, both here at home and abroad because the messenger himself is a man of integrity and a man of his own words, and a man of action.
These are the leadership qualities that allow us to breathe life into the theme of today’s debate.
 

 


Sepedi:

Ba tle ba re ge ba bolela Bapedi ba re thoka go re o tla bolaya wa kwala marethong.


English:

We are called upon to seize the moment to chart a new course of action against poverty, unemployment, inequality and underdevelopment. Today we can say without any fear of being contradicted that South Africa has a realisable faith to lead this war against the people challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. As Limpopo, we are taking full advantage of the reality of our new dawn. Our efforts to attract investment into our province are to a greater extent succeeding because of the work that is taking place at national level. The ongoing efforts to institutionalise good governance and the practical steps against corruption and maladministration are earning us very good dividends. I am able to say that here today that Limpopo is harvesting the fruits of good governance. These fruits include an improved investor confidence, a growing economy and creation of much- needed jobs for our youth.
 

 


According to Statistics SA, Limpopo reported the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 18,9% in the third quarter of 2018. It is not me, it is Statistics SA. [Interjections.] Quarter to quarter comparison shows that Limpopo experienced an increased an increase in the number of jobs created with
41 000 new jobs and this increase is the highest in the country in terms of province to province comparison – including the Western Cape.


Let me address this issue where people expects us to credit them on the low-hanging fruits.


Sepedi:

Ba fela ba re mphayana wa mpharana o fula o dutše fase. Ba nyaka re ba retela gore ba fula mphayana wa mpharana ba dutše fase.


English:

Today the DA cannot tell us about good governance. They have been telling us about what they are doing in the Western Cape. We said to them that the ANC governed the Western Cape for more than 10 years, and it was doing exactly what the DA is doing today, it was even doing better. But we said to them
 

 


that they should go and find a situation that we find ourselves in, just like us in a rural province like Limpopo. Remember the Western Cape has always been a jewel of the apartheid government. Today the DA is governing in Limpopo - in a municipality called Modimolle-Mookgopong.


Sepedi:

Ba dirile masihlalisane - mafene. Ba dirile masihlalisane le bona.


English:

You are governing in Modimolle-Mookgopong Local Municipality, and that is the only municipality out of the two which, up until today, did not submit their financials to the Auditor- General. [Interjections.] Your own municipality! You are governing in Modimolle-Mookgopong Local Municipality ...


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon premier, please take your seat. Hon Smit?


Mr C F SMIT: Thank you hon Chairperson, I want to hear if the hon premier will take a question from a fellow member from Limpopo. [Interjections.]
 

 


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon premier, do you want to take a question? [Interjections.]


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): No.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: He is not prepared, sir. Please continue, premier. [Interjections.]


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): You must just be prepared to hear the mess that the DA is doing in Limpopo. [Interjections.] The complaint that they are putting across now, hon Chairperson, is that they did not get enough money.
Remember that those municipalities were under the ANC, and we did not change any budget, but those municipalities were at least submitting financials to the Auditor-General. These municipalities were at least providing water and sanitation services to our people. Those municipalities at least were able to pay Lepelle Northern Water.


Today, after two years of DA rule, that municipality is unable to do those simple things. So, next time if you come here and talk of good governance, talk about Modimolle-Mookgopong Local Municipality. You should also talk about Thabazimbi Local
 

 


Municipality that you have been governing together with the EFF for the past two years. Tell us about those municipalities. [Interjections.] Up until today, they are the only two municipalities in the province which did not submit
...


Ms T J MOKWELE: On a point of order.


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): ... which did not submit their financials to the Auditor-General.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon premier, there is a point of order. [Interjections.] Hon premier, take your seat. [Interjections.] Yes ma’am, what is your point of order? [Interjections.]


Ms T J MOKWELE: Chair ... [Interjections.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, no, no, no, no. Order! Order! [Interjections.] Hon Mokwele! Hon Mokwele, you are looking at me, talk.
 

 


Ms T J MOKWELE: Chair, the premier is misleading the country because Thabazimzi Local Municipality was under section 139(1)(b) of the Constitution for the past three years. It was unable to ...


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you, ma’am. No, ma’am ...


Ms T J MOKWELE: ... service the community. That is why the people voted them out.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mokwele ...


Ms T J MOKWELE: He must be ...


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please take your seat.


Ms T J MOKWELE: He must be honest.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: You are not going to debate from the floor when we have a member on the podium. That is not a point of order. Premier, please continue. [Interjections.]
 

 


Ms T J MOKWELE: You were failing. You know that you were failing.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please turn off your microphone.


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): Thank you, hon

Chairperson. Despite you saying that, it is still not justification enough to say that for the past two years you could not rectify that situation. In conclusion, hon Chairperson, let me come back to the issue that was raised by “the masihlalisanenis” ... [Interjections.] ... “the coachroaches”, because they came up with the metaphor, “the coachroaches”. They are ...


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon premier! Hon premier, don’t follow bad examples. Don’t refer to any member here as a coachroach. That is out of order. Please continue.


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): My apologies.


Ms T J MOKWELE: He must withdraw.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I have ruled.
 

 


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): Hon Chairperson ...

[Interjections.] Hon Chairperson, someone came here ...


Sepedi:

... a re o nyaka go re gabodiša. Ke nyaka gore a theeletše mogabolo wa mannete. [Tsenoganong.]


English:

He is telling us of nationalisation of the commanding heights of the economy ...


Ms N P KONI: On a point of order, Chairperson.


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): He is telling us ... I am sorry, I meant to say she is telling us about establishing ...


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: ... take your seat. What is your of point of order?


Ms N P KONI: Hon Koni whom you are talking about is me, and I spoke about nationalisation ... [Interjections.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: What is your point of order?
 

 


Ms N P KONI: And hon Koni is not about is not a “he”. [Interjections.] Hon Koni is a “she.” Number two, this guy is the “president of masihlalisane.” Number three, he must not refer to us as coachroaches. He is the “president of masihlalisane”. [Interjections.] Thank you.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you, please take your seat. [Interjections.] There were 19 seconds left. Hon premier? Hon premier, the member says that the point of order is that you should refer to the member as a “she”. [Interjections.]


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): Thank you very much. I take the criticism, hon Chairperson ...


Sepedi:

Le ge e le gore matšatši a ba apara marokgo kamoka, ga re sa tseba. [Tsenoganong.]


English:

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: That is out of order, hon premier.
 

 


Ms T J MOKWELE: You must withdraw! You must withdraw! [Interjections.]


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): I withdraw.


Ms T J MOKWELE: Yes! Good, good, good! [Interjections.]


Mr C S MATHABATHA (LIMPOPO PREMIER): You know that Amilcar Cabral said: “Tell no lies, claim no easy victories.” As a result, I also want to say to them that tell no lies and claim no easy victories because ...


Sepedi:

Le a palelwa! [Tsenoganong.]


English:

You know ... [Time expired.] In 2009 you were given a chance to govern Limpopo ...


AN HON MEMBER: Sit down! [Interjections.] Sit down! [Interjections.] Mathabatha, sit down!
 

 


Mr L B GAEHLER: Hon Chair, His Excellency the President, Members of Parliament, Good afternoon. First of all, let me thank you Chair, for giving direction to this debate but the hon Premier of the Eastern Cape...


IsiXhosa:

Le bhekile seyiphelile,ndikhangela iintsipho apho ndinokubetha khona, kodwa izinto ezininzi sele zithethiwe.


English:

Hon President, Gauteng is in the economic harbour of Africa but not only Africa but Europe as well. This causes everybody to want to live and work in Gauteng because of many opportunities. That causes a heavy strain to the many government departments, especially the delivery departments like Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Human Settlements to name a few.


In our visit to Gauteng, our people complained of the shortage beds, medicine, long queues, clinics that do not work and also lack of infrastructure. These shortages are not only immune to Gauteng. In the province of the Eastern Cape we have got the same problems, the province of the Free State and immigration
 

 


has got a part that it plays but there is a problem all over the provinces. These problems affect the poorest of the poor because we do not deliver services to the people, so it is very important that we get skilled people to do proper work in the Department of Health.


One of the main problems hon Chair is the decay of infrastructure in all provinces that is caused by what is called...


IsiXhosa:

...iinkamela,iinkamela...


English:

...are people when there are tenders...


IsiXhosa:

...apho beza kuthi Gaehler, hamba uye kufaka isiniki maxabiso ubuye uthwele imali ngomqolo uxele inkamela. Loo nto idala ukuba abantu bethu bangayifumani imisebenzi bangazifumani izakhono. Le nto ikuyo yonke indawo ungayiqaphela apha ezibhedlele nasezikliniki apho uzakufumanisa ukuba kupheka
 

 


inkampani enye, kugada inkampani enye iminyaka engama-20. Iyenzeka le nto nakweli lam iphondo.


Ndiyayiqonda ukuba ufike kunzima kodwa kuyafuneka ukuba ukhe uqonde ukuba ezi ziniki-maxabiso ziya koobani na, zeziphi ezi ntsapho zixhamlayo. Kutheni kungaxhamli aba bantu bahluphekayo? Kutheni xa kusakhiwa esi sibhedlele sase Tembisa kungaqeshwa abantu bakhona nje, bangaqeshwa njengabangxungxayo kuphela kodwa basebenze isigxina bafumane izakhono. Ayenzeki loo nto ngenxa yezi nkamela. Sinaloo ngxaki injalo.


Ndithethe ngabafuduki, bakhona abamhlophe. Ndiyabulela ngomvuzo ngokubanjwa kwemigewu kodwa loo migewu isebenzela bani?


English:

They work for Europeans who own brothel shops and night clubs.


IsiXhosa:

Iyenzeka uyibonile eKapa.


English:
 

 


It is the same with the African immigrants, there are good ones...


IsiXhosa:

... abanye beza apha bezokwenza izenzo zolwaphulo mthetho


English:

It is high time that from the European and the African, such people be removed and if you do not believe me about these European immigrants...


IsiXhosa:

...nanku omnye wabo ejele apha eRhawutini, umguvela lo ulapha, umguvela lo wangena ngondlela mnyama apha eMzantsi Afrika. Le nto masiyeke ukuyijonga kumaAfrika kuphela, masiyijonge nalapha kwaba bamhlophe, ikhona le ngxaki.


Ukubiyela kwimida yethu, akukho ndingayingqina loo nto. Ndingayiwela imida ndingenayo nencwadana yokundwendwela,. iyenzeka loo nto. Kufikelele ixesha lokuba ukubiyela kwimida yethu kulungiswe, kungangeni nokuba ngubani na eMzantsi Afrika. Masiphinde sithethe ngaba bafuduki, bathi bathengise izinto ekumele ukuba zithengiswa ngabantu bakuthi. Kudala
 

 


phaya, abantu bakuthi babethengisa amagwinya namarhewu bephila, namhlanje ivenkile navenkile yeyabantu basemzini, abananto bona emhlabeni wabo. Xa unokuya eAfrika, sokuze ubone umntu waseMzantsi Afrika oneshishini phaya.


English:

This is something that we need to look at as it is destroying our people. It is putting a burden on the government and we need to look at it. We are handling corruption, but corruption activities within the municipalities...


IsiXhosa:

... yingxaki. Nanku uMasipala weSithili, iOR Tambo, ongxelo yawo isithi kukhutshwe iziniki maxabiso zamanzi kwatyiwa imali karhulumente, Nkulu-mbuso yeka ukuphika, kwiphondo lakho kutyiwe imali karhulumente, ingxelo yezezimali icacisa ukuba ityiwe imali karhulumente. Sifanele ukuba sithathe amanyathelo ngezenzo ezinjalo, asikwazi ukuvumela into yokuba sithi sibhatala irhafu kubekho abantu abatya iimali zethu.
Ndiyayibhatala irhafu kweli lizwe, nala manina abhatala irhafu. Kubalulekile kakhulu ukuba izinto zenziwe ngendlela efanayo nelinganayo. Ngalo mazwi ambalwa mandibulele kakhulu ngolawulo lwakho kule ngxoxo. Siyabulela.
 

 


Mr S E KHOLWANE (Mpumalanga): Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, the President of the Republic of South Africa, our Acting Premier of Gauteng and all the other Premiers who are present here, our hon members, Speakers and fellow MECs who are also here, our Executive Mayor, Mayors who are present here and other Councillors who are present here, Members of Parliament at the Provincial Legislatures, our traditional leaders and also SA Local Government Association, Salga, leadership and also our guests.


Indeed, following your state of the nation address, hon President, it lays solid foundation and programmes in terms of how we can sustain ourselves looking at the future as the country. Your address galvanised the whole society around a common programme of addressing our economic challenges and also improving the socioeconomic situation of our people.


As people of Mpumalanga, we also heeded your call of “Thuma mina,” to seize the moment to make our neighbourhood ... [Interjections.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon MEC, can I disturb you, please?
 

 


Setswana:

Bagaetsho, bathapi bame, ke kopa gore fa lo bua lo buele kwa tlase gonne ga re kgone go utlwa dibui mopodiamong. Ke kopo. Ke a leboga.


English:

Ntate Kholwane, please adjust your microphone also to your mouth. Thank you. Please proceed.


Mr S E KHOLWANE (Mpumalanga): Thank you very much, Chair. I was saying, as people of Mpumalanga, we have also heeded your call, Mr President, to seize the moment to make our neighbourhood more welcoming, our streets to be safe and also, to be the necessary facilities for our communities.


For our part as a provincial government, we continue to invest the available resources to the pressing needs of our people, prioritising the programmes that will yield the necessary results and the actual improved educational outcomes, improved skills and raise the health profile of our communities.


Chairperson, creating sustainable job opportunities especially for women and the youth, is one of our priorities as the
 

 


provincial government, as it is part of your initiatives, Mr President. We fully understand the urgency of the task at hand, hence the need to accelerate socioeconomic transformation and take decisive steps to promote inclusive economic growth.


In this regard, as the provincial government, we are implementing various interventions that will secure the place of young people in key industries of the provincial economy such as agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing, to mention but a few. Mr President, there is also considerable progress in our provincial flagship programmes of Fortune 40. This is the programme which is focusing on young people. We have already released 15 farms as the provincial government and gave them to young people so that they can produce. [Applause.]


Mr President, we have not just stopped there. What we further did as provincial government, is to further declare ourselves to be a potential market for our people. All the food that is eaten in our hospitals, the school feeding scheme and also from food parcels, we buy them from our small-scale farmers which are run by our young people. [Applause.]
 

 


The second progress which we have made as the province, Mr President, is continue enhancing our forestry sector, as you know that majority of the forest in the country is in Mpumalanga. We are also saying that we are going to stimulate the production of furniture in the province. But we are not going to stop there, Mr President.


We want all the furniture in government offices and also in schools, to be bought from our young people who are going to produce this furniture, are moving forward. [Applause.] The last part where we want to intervene decisively as a province is, we agree that Mpumalanga is booming in terms of mining, the only worrisome factor is that it is only big companies that are occupying the space.


As the provincial government, we want to occupy that space and help our young people to become young miners that would also be able to benefit on our mineral resources as the province.
Mr President, we are hopeful that as we are taking this step, we would be supported by the national government so as to ensure that we move forward and improve the lives of our people.
 

 


The last part which we are doing following your call, hon President is, we have been building a lot of infrastructure and houses as the province. What we have done is to come up with social enterprise programme which we will be using to build many infrastructures, particularly in villages from which all the materials will be bought.


We are trying to get materials like bricks and others, coming from outside of the township. We want our own people to make their own bricks in order for us to buy them and other things from them. [Applause.] When we talk about the economic empowerment, it should become meaningful to our people, particularly in our township.


Hon President, we are saying, as we are continuing with government nutrition programmes, we want to ensure that we are going to: Revitalise agriculture and agro-processing value chain; support the development of emerging farmers and increase local farmer production. You know, Mr President, as the province, we are building a world-class international fresh produce market which we want in the main, to be supplied by our small-scale farmers, and not the current commercial farmers which are occupying the space.
 

 


Mr President, I’ve been listening to everyone here debating, for a moment, I thought that probably it’s a day of making requests. Therefore, I submit that in the next Cabinet sitting, the issue of Nkomazi Special Economic Zone be presented. On behalf of the province, I am here to request you, hon President, to make sure that in the next Cabinet meeting, the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone is approved, so that we can maximise the whole issue of the Maputo Corridor and create the necessary jobs for the people of Mpumalanga. I thank you very much.


THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you very much, sir.


Mr J T MOKGORO (The Premier of the North West): Hon Chairperson of the NCOP, hon President of the Republic of South Africa, Deputy Chairperson, all protocol observed, it is indeed an honour and privilege to be part of this participatory democracy session meant to take Parliament to the people. Participatory democracy on its own is a lasting legacy that our forebears fought for during those years of struggle for freedom and democracy.
 

 


Hon President, you continue to champion and lead this struggle as you have able demonstrated and as you continue to do so on a daily basis. We have recently in the North West followed in your footsteps where we embarked on a major attack on huge corruption in the North West and we are pleased to announce that not only did we remove senior public servants who were caught with their fingers in the cookie jar but we terminated major information and communications technology, ICT projects. We might be approaching acting premier Lesufi to advice us moving forward on ICT matters.


Every five years millions of our people take to the polls to renew our mandate as their representatives to the National Assembly as well as nine provincial legislatures to put in place legislation and systems meant to make sure that they lives do improve for better and to build a better prosperous South Africa for all who live in it. The centrality of our work as elected public representatives is to be willing to regularly account to those that have entrusted us with the responsibility to jealously guard over this democracy over every five years.
 

 


Hon President, it is my honest assessment - and we have already started to do so in the North West that they are often some challenges in our capacity both in elected and appointed representatives to engage with communities. And I think it sparks an explanation of why communities tend to ... [Interjections.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: The speaker on the podium is protected against you hon members!


Mr J T MOKGORO: ... embark on all kinds of protests. In this regard, we would like to emphasize the importance on the part of our elected as well as appointed representatives to sharpen their listening skills as they engage with our communities. In the same vein, public servants have an ability to put together good plans in the form of annual performance plans. However, most of them do that without even consulting those plans with the people they are meant to serve. This annual performance plans should be able to give you as an elected public representatives qualitative and quantitative indicators on how we are tackling the challenges facing our people in their daily lives and officials tasked with implementing them should be armed with the necessary skills to engage on a regular
 

 


basis with communities to improve on the feedback they should be getting regularly.


Our plans to improve the lives of our people do not sometimes adequately resonate with the hopes of the masses of our people. It is for this reason that we witness that such violent responses in all corners of country – but and quite shocking, we surprisingly get horrified at times why people behave this way and we are arguing that we need to sharpen our ability and our willingness to engage with our communities.


The poverty levels that we witnessed on a daily basis are as a result, often times of our actions as elected public representatives most of whom are unable to adequately respond to poverty challenges faced by millions of our people. We cannot as a government of people be distant from the electorate because at all times it is important that in this engagement we recall the electoral mandate that we have committed ourselves to.


Participatory democracy has a potential of giving back to our people their integrity, their dignity no matter the challenges that we confront. The people of South Africa have a right to
 

 


dignity as well as other rights and liberties as enshrined in the Bill of Rights and their rights should not only be a matter of election time but should be a matter of all times.


Chairpersons, we have realised – and I am sure we all agree that crime is one inhibitor to our democracy. People are unable to adequately enjoy the benefits of democracy. Often times we are also hindered in our engagement with communities because of crime. This is particularity the case during this time as we move towards the festive season. This is going particularly a challenge that we have to very vigilant against.


In the North West as a result of giving prominence and importance to collaboration in between communities and state structure, we have been able through effective policing and community policing forums, we have been able to crack three cash-in-transit heists before they were able to set off. We believe that these achievements underscore the value of collaborative governance where governance where government and communities work together in partnership in the course of service delivery.
 

 


Cllr B J MODISAKENG (Salga): Hon Chairperson of the NCOP, the acting Premier of Gauteng, ntate Panyaza Lesufi, hon premiers and MECs, hon Speakers of the provincial legislatures, hon Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, hon Deputy Speakers, hon Members of the NCOP, hon members of the provincial legislatures, hon Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni Metro, Babu Masina, my fellow councillors, there are very few issues facing our country, if any, that have more dire consequences for our collective future than the increasing rate of poverty, the persistent and rising level of inequality and unemployment. The impact on our youth is particularly concerning.


The majority of people living in this region we now call South Africa for the last half a millennium have been living in some or other form of poverty, or have lived lives of inequality.
All of these were deliberately enacted through social, economic and other forms of exclusion, through slavery, through colonialism and through apartheid. Our story is a story of underdevelopment and unequal development, while at the same time it also is a story of gold, diamonds, wildlife and wealth for some.
 

 


We need to drive a process where the wealth of this region can be shared equitably by all who live in it.


We appreciate the input of the President. The SA Local Government Agency, Salga, believes that the President is dealing with some of the issues that are holding growth and development back, which is why he is calling for accountability and administering consequences where there is malpractice.


We have called for this since our National Members Assembly in 2013 when we initiated our anti-corruption campaign which was followed by a call for consequences where there is poor accountability. This, we believe, is one of the cornerstones for turning our fortunes around.


We welcome the outcomes of the recent investment summit, the economic stimulus package as well as the jobs summit, all of which have yielded significant commitments from the private sector and global investors. This sets up the apparatus inside and outside government to respond to these initiatives.
 

 


The Salga National Members Assembly scheduled for 11 to

12 December shall certainly reflect on how municipalities are capitalising on the momentum of a new dawn to turn their respective local and regional economies around.


While we celebrate the new dawn, we need to raise one or two issues that face local government.


Our metros and cities need to be the focus of investment. The urbanisation of poverty has grown at an unprecedented pace as people migrate from the rural hinterland of our country as well as beyond our borders to the Gauteng metropolis.


Inequality is more pronounced both in terms of scale and degree. Unemployment statistics also have an urban bias because those who are actively seeking jobs move to the urban areas, which are unfortunately unable to absorb the large number of people seeking opportunities every day.


In order to drive investment, cities and particularly metros need to have the control of, or at least some significant influence over domestic investment decisions such as the location of special economic zones and industrial parks, the
 

 


investment into ports of entry, their operational efficiency, and decisions regarding their downgrade, closure or opening times, etc.


We accept that municipalities need to and will improve certain aspects of governance, management and processes in order to benefit from the opportunities being provided. However, we need to acknowledge that, as a country, we need cities to punch above their weight in order to reach their maximum potential. That means that the whole of government needs to be directed in a way that is favourable to the growth and development of cities on the international scale.


Many of our towns and rural areas are in dire need of investment. Our argument here is simple: We need regional level consideration and planning to facilitate investment at the level of town and rural areas. No one municipality is able to manage large scale investments especially where it crosses more than one municipality or where the impact is greater than one municipality. A good example of this is the prospect of shale gas. We need to set up a regional level fund from the fiscus to incentivise and facilitate regional planning by municipalities as a collective for regional investment
 

 


planning. This will assist in the long-term wellbeing of our rural and town inhabitants in this country.


Let me round up by saying we all, collectively – but I speak to local government first – need to do the following to reduce poverty, inequality and unemployment. We need to root out corruption; improve administration and reduce maladministration and malfeasance; make sure that procurement systems are geared to creating local jobs; have real participation with communities to ensure we all respond to their needs.


Fellow councillors, please bring our communities on board as partners. You will understand their needs much better. Work together as the various spheres of governments and sectors of society. We need the private sector and civil society to work with us as partners to respond to poverty and unemployment.


With regard to inequality, there are haves and have nots in our country. Where are the social platforms for greater cohesion in our communities? What is the single most important sector to influence inequality? It is education in this society. Education is associated with upward mobility in South
 

 


Africa. Whether you employ a domestic worker, you are a small business owner or you are the department of basic education. You can contribute to reducing inequality strategically and in your individual capacity


Let me appreciate again, the plans put forward by our President of the Republic. We welcome them and look forward to working with the impetus he has put in motion to chart a new path toward reducing poverty, unemployment, inequality and the overall status of development of this great country of ours. I thank you.


Mr J W W JULIUS: Hon Chairperson, Mr President, hon members and fellow South Africans at large, certainly, the most pertinent issue that came out from the people of Gauteng this week is corruption. Corruption in housing, economic development, education, security services, contracts and projects. You know, hon Lesufi, you can announce billions, but the hyenas are lurking. They are listening to you. We are bringing billion and then they want to steal half of that.
That is why projects cannot be completed in the whole of the country where the ANC is in charge because the first name and the last name is “corruption, corruption”. [Interjections.]
 

 


Hon Masualle, I need to give you a message. Dogs don’t only bark at moving cars, they also bark at the corrupt and thieves that are entering our fiscus. Chairperson, we must deal with corruption decisively because that is what the people of Gauteng wanted us to do this week, but before we do that, Mr President, let’s start from the top. I believe a fish rots from its head. President Ramaphosa, you publicly committed yourself to fighting corruption and indeed you are trying. It is thus appropriate for us that we start with you and the allegations of corruption against yourself and the lies. Now in response to a question in the National Assembly of the Leader of the Opposition and future president of this country Mmusi Maimane, on the R500 000 you received from Bosasa. [Interjections.] Your response was that your son received it through a legitimate contract and you have seen ... [Interjections.]


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Julius, just hold. Please allow the speaker on the podium to finish. No, no, no, hon Koni. What is your point of order?
 

 


Ms N P KONI: Hon Julius is misleading. He can’t call a racist to be the incoming president of this country. So, he must withdraw.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Koni that is not a point of order. Please proceed, hon Julius.


Mr J W W JULIUS: We won’t need your support for that.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please proceed with your debate, sir.


Mr J W W JULIUS: Thank you, Chairperson, but Mr President, you said that you saw it. You saw the contract of R500 000 for your son. Later on, you said it in Parliament, it’s on record. [Interjections.] Later on you said no, no, no ... [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: order, order!


Mr J W W JULIUS: That was a contract in your ANC campaign. Now I want to know Mr President: Did you lie to Parliament and the people of South Africa when you said that you saw the contract? [Interjections.] Are there more contracts that your
 

 


son received? How many contracts did your son receive? It is now the same case of former President Zuma and his son’s businesses in government. [Interjections.] I can only think what ...


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order!


Mr J W W JULIUS: I can only think what President Zuma’s reaction was, Mr President when he heard these news? He was laughing and said heh, heh, heh. He blamed me, but now he is in the same boat. Hon Lesufi, if I were you I would be very worried. Next year, in 2019 you will be relegated to the backbenchers of the Gauteng Legislature just like your team Moroka Swallows. [Interjections.] Mr President, we heard you saying that people are selling houses to foreigners and we have a problem with legal people in the country. Let me tell you, Mr President. We also heard from the Premier of Gauteng that 30% of people visiting health services in Gauteng are foreigners. He didn’t specify whether they are legal or illegal. Now, we shouldn’t discriminate without having proper facts in front of us.
 

 


Mr President, I visited the borders and I saw for myself that the fences have holes in it. The borders are porous. People are coming in and out as they please. There is a free will for all at our borders – I saw it for myself. You might as well say there are no borders in South Africa because it is a free for all. If you go to gate 6 in one of our border gates, people are just coming in and out there. When people come into our country, Mr President, they must be documented. We must actually invite immigrants to our country, but there must be documented. How else would you plan, especially our African brothers and sisters? We have an asylumseeker process, but these people are being neglected. If you go to these centres, they are sent from pillar to post and yet, these are the African brothers and sisters of ours. They need water. They need food. They need to be taken care of and we are not doing that. I am not saying that we should chase foreign nationals away because we have to. I am saying let them come to the through right channel and have them documented so that we can plan as a nation.


Chairperson, the ANC in Gauteng marched against themselves with the e-tolls. What a joke, hon Lesufi. You marched against your own President. [Interjections.] Who is fooling whom? I
 

 


have a message to you today. The people of Gauteng will never pay for e-tolls. We will not pay it. The DA fought against it and we will remain fighting for it. [Interjections.] We will not pay e-tolls. Chairperson, the premier also acknowledged earlier this year that the ANC neglected coloured voters. What a shame! What a shame of the ANC to neglect the certain part of South Africa. All people in South Africa need to be taken care of. We need to be worrying about coloureds, Indians, blacks and Africans because we are one nation. We must all get services from the government and not a certain few. Why did the ANC in Gauteng upon their own acknowledgement neglect coloureds voters for all these years? [Interjections.] Mr President, you are announcing a Cabinet reshuffle today, I hope hon Bathabile Dlamini will be part of that. Get rid of Bathabile. [Time expired.]


The CHIEF WHIP OF THE NCOP: Thank you Chairperson and the President of the Republic of South Africa, fellow hon members, comrades and friends, hon Julius and hon Essack did not disappoint, as trusted cheerleaders of the DA representing an anti-transformation agenda. [Applause.] Instead of them giving an account on issues that affect the people, they scream at the ANC asking for help ... [Interjections.]
 

 


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Smit, you are on your feet.


Mr C F B SMIT: Hon House Chair and my apologies to the speaker on the podium. Hon Chairperson, on a point of order: The members in the gallery are really loud. We can’t even hear properly. They are insulting us here at the back and it is out of control. We can’t go on like this, please Chairperson.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank your sir; your point of order is sustained. Members in the gallery, please do not insult the Members of Parliament but also please lower your voices if you have to converse. Please continue sir.


The CHIEF WHIP OF THE NCOP: Instead of engaging on the burning issues that affect the people, they choose to scream at the ANC and thus expose their ignorance. Hon Julius takes a platform here and thinks that by continuously falsifying information the DA will be believed by the people of South Africa. The President of the Republic of South Africa stood tall, without provocation, wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly and put the record straight about matters that the hon Julius referred to here. [Applause.] Only an organisation of the people that has the courage for self-
 

 


correction will always present and resolve matters in the interest of the people.


We are here to firstly reassure the people of South Africa by reaffirming that, ours is not cheap grandstanding motivated by the desire to be popular but to reconnect with them for the building of the national democratic society envisaged in the Freedom Charter. We do not have a crisis. We do have clarity and a vision. Comrade President, the testimonies of the last three days can attest that; ours is a fitting tribute to the legacy of two giants of our struggle, comrades Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. The legacy of comrade Mandela and Albertina Sisulu about whose centuries coincide with this event. Amongst the abiding legacy of Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu is the courage of conviction and to listen to our people even if we do not derive joy from what they tell us about the performance of government. In the past three days, in a disciplined manner, the people of Gauteng raised issues that affected them and vigorously demanded that the government should resolve them. One comrade, who stood here, the premier of Limpopo, borrowed from Amílcar Cabral and I want to say that, we were here to tell no lies and claim no easy victories as the ANC, but to listen and to and tell the truth as it is,
 

 


even if it coincides with our detractors. We are humbled that, despite many challenges, the Gauteng province is a collective pride of South Africa and its people in terms of good governance, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of our people. [Applause.]


The 100% clean audit of Gauteng is a living testimony of this. Why can’t you raise these matters hon Julius and hon Essack?
Contemporary history teaches that whenever there is a paralysis of thought and action by those entrusted with leadership to respond to the needs, concerns and fears of the people, anarchy and decay are bound to predominate. We should all concede that; the era of globalisation has precipitated the migration to be at the centre of global development and governance policy discourse. We don’t need rocket science to understand that the relative political stability and economic development of South Africa is bound to attract international migrants especially from poor African countries in search of better economic opportunities and livelihood. As the economic hub of the continent, the Gauteng province is equally bound to have highest concentration of the foreign nationals. Whilst we should concede that the overconcentration of these foreign nationals puts a strain on our already limited resources, we
 

 


must understand that the Department of Economic Development said:


The export of manufactured goods to the rest of the African continent has grown at a faster rate than to any other part of the world which sustains over a quarter million jobs in South Africa.


This represents both a challenge and progress. As this is your first annual address to the NCOP as the President of the Republic, the eyes of the people of South Africa are firmly cast on this event with a great sense of hope. Our people are keen to know as to how far you have gone since your state of the nation address in implementing these priorities you had outlined in your inaugural state of the nation address. I will do so with a blow-by-blow account. We raise this question cognisant of the global context of economic decline which is also affecting South Africa and thus limiting its choices for sustained inclusive growth and development. Following on the resolutions of the 54th national conference, you have outlined, amongst others, the following as the strategic priorities:
 

 


Isolating and rooting out corrupt elements in the public and private sector; Uniting government, labour, business and communities in a common partnership to mobilise international investments; Fighting poverty and unemployment We are proud that in less than a year of your tenure, South Africa and the international community can count on the successes you have made in turning around the economy for inclusive growth. [Applause.] Amongst the critical milestones you made are: Placing South Africa at the centre of key global institutions to boost jobs and growth, thus focusing on the Brazil Russia India China South Africa, Brics, countries; Convening the investment conference as it has been mentioned and the resultant benefit of R294 billion; Unbundling the economic concentration in the hands of monopolies thus opening opportunities for mass economic participation as outlined in the Freedom Charter.


We must say that many monopolies are foreign-owned. Many in the opposition benches of the DA are opposing this legislation of the Competition Amendment Bill because it will do away with the predatory pricing by the large players, thus reduce prices and [Inaudible.] small participants in the economy and thereafter raise the prices. But the DA is opposed to this
 

 


legislation. So you are smart in representing anti- transformation. So the people of South Africa should see you for who you represent. You represent the interests of the rich minority and even those outside the borders of the Republic of South Africa. [Applause.] We are proud of the manufacturers that build finished products that are competitive in the markets, thus reindustrialising the economy of South Africa and will in a massive way contribute to job creation and address unemployment. The scourge of crime and corruption should be defeated and you said, in the bold steps that you have taken which include, among others:


Re-engineering and overhaul the organizational and management architecture of the state-owned companies, SOCs which have been generally conceived as havens of corruption. It is the ANC that is doing that as we claim no easy victories and we tell no lies; The commission of inquiry into the Mal- Administration in the SA Revenue Services, Sars; The speedy appointment of the leadership of the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA; Addressing the Public Audit Amendment Act which gives powers to the auditor-general to recommend punitive measures against truant accounting officer;
 

 


The renewed confidence of the police to handle crime without fear or favour.


It is at this point that I want to say, the DA demonstrates a lack of governance in its narrow conception. It thinks that governance is like driving on a highway and counting how many poles you have passed. The ANC understands the complexities of governance. The DA is the last party to lecture us on justice and human rights. Your new mayor in Cape Town has been publicly accused of dealings with gangsters in the Cape Flats.


Ms C LABUSCHAGNE: Chair, on a point of order: I want to know if the hon Mohai would take a question on the performance of the DA.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mohai, will you take a question?


The CHIEF WHIP OF THE NCOP: When I am finished, yes, I would be glad to take a question.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Oh, when you are finished.
 

 


Ms C LABUSCHAGNE: It is fine.


The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Labuschagne, he is not taking a question. Please proceed.


The CHIEF WHIP OF THE NCOP: On that note, hon Labuschagne, when the mayor was an MEC, he cut the funding for community organisations, those who were involved in preventing crime. It is during Dan Plato’s first stint as mayor that the metro police’s budget was cut the biggest and this reduced the employment and deployment of metro police officers. But then what was the response of the DA, they called the South African government to deploy the army, for failing to deploy its resources to attend to the issues of crime and drugs in the city. With the mess that you have created, your last resort was to tell the people of South Africa that there is no co- operative governance in South Africa.


The DA tells us that it upholds the rule of law yet suffers successive court rulings against it in the Patricia de Lille case precisely because you hated her. [Interjections.] You just simply hated her. Why do you not raise these matters that now, this week, at Turffontein, one of the mayors in
 

 


Johannesburg made comments, if this is not xenophobia then what is and why the apology. Why don’t you come here and put your policy position straight because you are embarrassed to see these people here, you see them as voting fodder whereas this DA pronounced on a number of things but there crises in all the councils that are presided by the DA. There is a crisis in South Africa and let me say this here, hon Mnqasela, the first quarter and the second quarter labour surveys say that three provinces stand out when it comes to job creation and they are Limpopo, Gauteng and Mpumalanga. The Western Cape is at number 5 amongst the provinces that are creating jobs.
As we conclude this debate today, we must humble ourselves as selfless servants of our people to renew our efforts to serve South Africa both in deeds and words and in the true spirit of comrades like Nelson Mandela, Chris Hani, Winnie Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Lawrence Phoka Noka, Ahmed Timol, Barney Molokwane and many more heroes and heroines who passed on and left nothing for us, but the urge to keep the fires of revolution burning.


Allow me to conclude on by saying the following; comrade President, the ANC that you lead will never succumb to any form of bullying from whatever quarters ...
 

 


[Interjections.][Applause.] whether they are left or right. South Africa is looking upon you to break new grounds in defence of the legacy of our forebears. The people of South Africa have confidence in you and are prepared to defend you and when you rise, we will rise as one. I thank you. [Applause.]


AN HON MEMBER: The incoming new premier of the Free State!


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Hon Chairperson, hon members, hon premiers, hon MECs and councillors and all other invited guests; it is a real honour to participate in this debate.
Throughout the rich and vibrant inputs that have been made here this morning, the needs and the concerns of our people have been central to the inputs that many of the speakers made here.


This debate has really been about the work that we need to do to ensure that all our people are able to fully enjoy the social and economic rights that are enshrined in our Constitution. As government, we have an obligation and a duty to take appropriate measures towards the progressive realisation of our people’s rights on many fronts, be it
 

 


education, health care, sufficient foods and nutrition, land, water, a clean and healthy environment and just basic services as well.


As we have been reminded in this debate, we seek to do so and to proceed in a rapid manner, but also to respond to the challenges that urbanisation, which is taking place in our country in an unprecedented manner, puts before us.


Sixty-five percent of our country’s population now resides in urban areas and in cities – a number that has swelled in the past decade and is expected to increase even further. We have heard from the inputs from Gauteng and the Western Cape that people are flocking particularly to these two provinces.
Migration from rural areas into urban centres, coupled with natural population increase has exacerbated the challenges we face in providing adequate infrastructure and services.


The proliferation of informal settlements, increasing urban poverty, lack of suitable land for urban housing, and the burden placed on services such as healthcare and education are but some of the challenges that we have heard about today.
 

 


These are new and serious challenges that we have to address. During the course of this debate, we have also gained valuable insight into what is currently being done in all the provinces of our country to address poverty, unemployment, inequality and underdevelopment. I would want to come to some of the wonderful initiatives that are being taken in a variety or most of the provinces.


The hon Essack posed an important question. He asked: What progress have we honestly made in the past two years to end poverty? Despite the challenges that we continue to face as a nation, we can declare with confidence that we have made remarkable progress towards the achievement of a better society. That, we have done. [Applause.]


The South Africa that we live in today is markedly different from the South Africa that we lived in under apartheid. There is a vast difference. [Applause.] In 1994, just 50% of South African households had access to electricity. Today, that figure stands at 85%. Access to piped water had more than doubled since 1994 and is now at 87% of all households. Over four-fifths of people in our country now live in formal dwellings. We have achieved nearly universal primary school
 

 


attendance and have almost a million students in institutions of higher learning. [Applause.]


That is just some of the progress that we have honestly made to end poverty and to address some of the needs of our people. We know however that when it comes to the delivery of services and the creation of jobs, we could do better and, in fact, we must do better. We are going to do better. That is definitely going to happen.


Based on the initiatives that we are embarking upon, we will do better and jobs will be created. We are fully aware that in several areas of governance, we are still falling short of what our people expect of us. As a nation, we must be honest about this.


The Auditor-General reminded us this week that we have severe deficiencies in the financial management of public funds. The consolidated report on the 2017-18 financial year shows that unauthorised expenditure increased by 38% from the previous year to reach R2,1 billion. We cannot be proud of this.
Fruitless and wasteful expenditure increased by over 200% to R2,5 billion. The report also noted that the Department of
 

 


Health and the Department of Education need urgent intervention.


These are matters that we have to address. However, the good thing is that the Auditor-General is raising it as a burning issue, which we, at all levels of government, now need to take up and make sure we address. We are determined to give the Auditor-General the power and the capacity to take action against those who are responsible for wasting, losing and stealing public money.


The money that hon Gaehler spoke about here, when he put it so succinctly that this is the money that he is contributing as a taxpayer, and that money that is being paid by taxpayers must not be stolen and must not be wasted. There should be no fruitless expenditure of the money that we are paying.


This debate has made clear that our economic recovery needs to address infrastructure backlogs, measures need to be put in place to create new jobs and prevent job losses, but also that government spending needs to be directed to where it needs to go.
 

 


As we work hard to meet the needs of our growing and increasing urbanised population, we need to take extraordinary measures. Now, more than ever, we have to harness the principle of co-operative governance, to ensure that all spheres of government – national, provincial and local – do indeed join hands to have effective co-ordination.


We remain mindful of the need to deepen the democracy, involving our people in decisions that are taken, to make sure that the programmes that we put in place do get implemented.


We have heard through this year’s Taking Parliament to the People that laudable initiatives are in place to give our citizens a greater say in the matters of governance. Today, as this session of the National Council of Provinces draws to a close, we can say with confidence and conviction that we have heard the cries of our people, but also particularly here in Gauteng. We have heard the cries of our people from across the country from the representatives of our people.


We have also heard the progress that is being made in our provinces. This, for me, is what makes the National Council of Provinces to be a structure of our government or our state and
 

 


to really come alive, because it demonstrated that, as a whole, our country is moving forward.


The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: The Chairperson of the NCOP raised, indeed very sharply, the concerns and issues that are facing our people here in Gauteng, and particularly here in Ekurhuleni. Those issues will be addressed, including the issue of the equitable share that needs to be looked at, particularly in view of the movement of people who have come here to Gauteng. At the same time, the provinces where they have come from also need an equitable share that is going to be able to sustain their own development. So we do need to have a very good balance, particularly having heard from the Chair of the ... Council of Provinces.


Our Premier of the Eastern Cape, Premier Masualle, spoke very positively about the work that we are doing in revamping our industrial parks in the Eastern Cape, in Dimbaza and also going to Vulindlela. We are particularly pleased that, that work is beginning to have an impact. It is part of the stimulus package through which we are now going to focus more on revamping the industrial parks that we have in a number of areas in our country ... in a number of provinces to make sure
 

 


that those industrial parks come back to life and they are able to be the venues where factories can be established and where employment can take place. So I’m particularly pleased to hear that in the Eastern Cape it is a matter that is being looked at as an activity that can generate economic activity and create jobs.


The Eastern Cape remains, what I would call, the epicentre of agriculture in our country. It has fertile land and it can indeed become the food basket of our country. We want the Eastern Cape to rise to that occasion. We are particularly pleased that the stimulus package is also going to address issues of agriculture in the Eastern Cape.


MEC Komphela said that having longed for the road to freedom — he referred to that — there are still more hills that we need to climb. Yes, in the Free State there are many hills that we still have to climb; however, I was particularly pleased to hear that, following the holding of the NCOP’s Taking Parliament to the People in the Free State, we were able to record some progress, particularly in responding to the needs of our people, both at a global level as well as at an
 

 


individual level of those people who needed to be given a measure of compassion by government.


Acting Premier Lesufi talked about Gauteng and the various initiatives that are being embarked upon in Gauteng. I was particularly impressed by Gauteng’s response to the challenge of migration, because Gauteng’s response to migration is underpinned by solidarity ... having a good understanding of why people would flock to Gauteng, not only from other countries but from inside our own country as well. It is underpinned by understanding, but at the same time they need the support that they can have so that their schools and hospitals can be able to support the great influx of people who keep coming to Gauteng.


The mega-housing projects that they are embarking upon is something that we greatly support and their rapid land release projects is something that we believe needs to be looked at by a number of other provinces because it is going to lead to an increase in accommodating our people properly.


Acting premier and my hon Motara, on the issue of e-tolls, we can hear the cries of the people here in Gauteng about e-
 

 


tolls. However, at the same time I welcome your statement in saying it does not mean that the people of Gauteng are saying that they do not want to pay for the infrastructure. We welcome that because when we build infrastructure we all need to know we have a responsibility, on a user-pays principle, that as we use infrastructure, we should be able to contribute to the build up of that infrastructure. So on the issue of e- tolls, we are having a conversation with the provincial government and I’m sure that we are going to find solutions that will ensure that we do finance the construction of the roads that we have here. The participation of our people and indeed the provincial government is something that we need to look at. So I am positive and I am also pleased that we are not saying we are not going to pay for the roads. We will pay for infrastructure. We need to find mechanisms that will enable us to ensure that this infrastructure is paid for. So I welcome that and thank you very much for that. [Applause.]


Hon Khawula said that it is important for us to understand how we got where we are. However, he is also pleased to acknowledge that the situation is turning around; that there is policy certainty that is being instilled. He also welcomes the fact that we are attracting investments of up to
 

 


R290 billion and we are focussing on crime. These are the developments which we are engendering. We are focussing on all the things that need to be done to make our country more attractive. Hon Khawula, you are right; we are turning things around.


IsiZulu:

Ziyajika izinto ngempela. [Ihlombe.]\


English:

I was particularly pleased to hear the hon MEC Thusi reminding us of the National Development Plan, NDP. This is particularly important because soon after the NDP was drafted, KwaZulu- Natal immediately rushed to draft its own provincial development plan, and it is this provincial development plan that they have pivoted ... the progress that they are making in KwaZulu-Natal. We are grateful that KwaZulu-Natal, in focussing on the economic development that they need to focus on, using the NDP as a template as they craft and implement their own provincial development plan ... We are therefore particularly pleased with that.
 

 


We are also pleased that KwaZulu-Natal, having implemented the Sukuma Sakhe way of doing things — their war room — has been able to get communities in KwaZulu-Natal to co-operate; to work together on some of the most challenging issues, including HIV/Aids. Their HIV/Aids programme is being managed and implemented through this wonderful Sukuma Sakhe programme that they have implemented.


We are also particularly happy that the special economic zones that we are setting up in KwaZulu-Natal is generating economic growth, and that is focussing attention on the broader economic growth that we need to see.


My Comrade MEC Mnqasela from the Western Cape spoke glowingly about Operation Phakisa. It was particularly pleasing to hear someone from the Western Cape talking about Operation Phakisa and saying that Operation Phakisa is their hope. We are particularly pleased about that, particularly when it comes to the oceans economy. We are very supportive of the initiatives that you want to take, in the oceans economy as well, and will stand by you and support you.
 

 


The antigang unit that has been launched is something that we are going to spread throughout the country. We launched it in the Western Cape and we are now going to be spreading it throughout the country because we have got to get to grips with the crime activities of these gangs. We have got to make sure that we end criminality in various parts of our country. This antigang unit is going to be more focussed on ensuring that gangs have no room to play amongst our communities and that we bring crime to an end as soon as we can. [Applause.]


We must applaud the Western Cape for having up to 83% clean audits. This is something that we should applaud and seek to emulate because they have made progress year on year. This is to be applauded and all other provinces must seek to emulate that.


Hon Koni took us down memory lane and reminded us of how the colonialists carved out our continent but she also sought to give us little bit of umrhabulo [knowledge.] I will not get into that because she mixed up concepts like nationalisation and all that, which may not be particularly relevant in as far as generating economic growth in our economy ...
 

 


However, she also spoke about issues that we are working on. State-owned enterprises, SOEs, are being revamped. Hon Koni, we are determined to root out corruption from our SOEs and this is something that we are not going to turn back from.
Those who are corrupt; those who get involved in malfeasance are going to be rooted out. In fact, they will be charged with corruption because we are a country that should never tolerate corruption in our state structures. Hon Koni, we are going to do that.


THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC (cont): Hon Motara says that we should seize the day, carpe diem. Now hon Motara, I want to add into what you said by reading you a quotation from Shakespeare, where he says: There is a tide in the affairs of men, we should say women as well, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures. This is our carpe diem.


I am particularly pleased because you speak of us seizing the day. We must seize the day and make sure that we do what is right by grasping the opportunities that the Fourth Industrial
 

 


Revolution can yield for us. We must do what is right by creating jobs for young people. We must do what is right, right now by ensuring that our economy growth. This is what we are afloat on. We must therefore seize that day and know that this is the moment that our country now has to move forward.
We have been through storms and we are now moving away from these storms and must now do a full carpe diem and seize this day and move forward without looking backwards too much. [Applause.]


Premier Mathabatha speaks about us taking advantage of the new dawn. Indeed, we are now embarks on a new dawn. This is the moment that all of us should now seize and institutionalise good governance as he was saying. We must make sure that we improve investor confidence.


Limpopo has seen how when we increase investor confidence, we are able to attract investments. Limpopo is now attracting investments, is able to attract a number of investors from onshore and offshore that are going to lead to increase job creation. This is happening because we are turning our governance around in Limpopo and we are doing the right things. It is for that reason that we applaud what Premier
 

 


Mathabatha was saying. Thank you very much, Premier Mathabatha. [Applause.]


Hon Gaehler, poor service delivery indeed affects the poor more. The decay in our infrastructure is what we should deal with. We need to make sure that we take care of the tax monies that are paid by our people and root out corruption completely and we support you completely in that. In that, we are prepared to work with you to ensure that decaying infrastructure in all our provinces, not only in the Eastern Cape is something that we should focus on.


MEC Kholwane, he says creating jobs is a top priority and focusing on entry for young people is what Mpumalanga is working on. We applaud that. We applaud that approach because Mpumalanga is also seeking to show the whole country on how you can focus on opening path ways for young people, the Fortune 40 Initiative that they embarked on is going to bring a lot of young people into economic activity, the farms they are opening up and especially opening up for young people is what we need see more and more throughout the country. The Forestry Initiative to make furniture for the country is particularly what we want to see. Yes, we have heard you on
 

 


the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone, we will talk about that. [Applause.]


Premier Mokgoro reminded us of the importance of the role that we all have as elected officials. He says that as elected officials, we must know and remember that we are elected to serve our people. We are elected to address the needs of our people and not our own needs. That is particularly important. [Applause.]


Councillor Modisakeng stresses the issue of accountability and consequence management. This is particularly important coming from the SA Local Government Association, Salga.
Accountability and consequence management is something that we needs to focus on as a nation because we often find that people do wrong things and get away with it. They steal and still walk around freely in the country. They defraud government. They still walk around freely. It is very good to hear Salga saying there needs to be accountability and consequence management.


What it means is that if you steal money, you must be accountable. There must be consequence management. If you
 

 


steal and defraud our state, you should not just walk around freely. We must make sure that there is consequence management and people must be accountable. I particularly liked her approach on saying that cities must be centres of investment. Our cities must be reservoirs of investment and they should not be reservoirs of waste. This, I have found to be wonderful inputs that I believe have not been grandstanding, they have been inputs that live up to the principles of what the NCOP should be all about unifying our people, not being insulting, making sure that we build an effective co-operative governance as a nation.


I am not going to waste my time to honour hon Julius with a reply on some of the things he said. [Applause.] I truly don’t believe I should honour his input with any form of reply because he was just talking to the wind. [Applause.]


In the end, having heard all the concerns of our people, but for me particularly having heard the work that has been done at the provincial level, where all provinces were able to outline the work that they are doing for our people, I was particularly heartened. I wish to commend all our provinces that have participated here and I wish to commend members of
 

 


the NCOP for discussing these difficult issues. But more importantly, I want to commend our people who have through the past few days been putting their concerns, their aspirations and their great difficulties to the members of the NCOP.


The NCOP is truly coming into its own as being a structure of our state for being able to listen to our people. I want to thank you for ensuring that when we say we are “Taking Parliament to the People”, indeed, we are taking Parliament to come and listen to our people. So, it is incumbent on us as legislatures and members of the NCOP and members of the executive to proceed with urgency to address the issues that have been raised by our people to also strengthen some of the good things that we are doing in our provinces as outlined here. We must therefore harness all tools at our disposal to make for better and more integrated planning, budgeting and regulation. We remain committed to good governance to promoting accountability and transparency, but also to promoting clean administration and above all making the voices of our people heard.


The NCOP as a key instrument for deepening democracy must be congratulated for its work. It must also be encouraged to
 

 


continue in this manner as it goes from province to province, year after year. We are encouraged at the high level of participation that it has enabled for our people to participate.


As we work to decrease and ultimately eradicate poverty, we will continue to do so working hand in hand with our people. We will work together to ensure that everyone in this country does indeed have a better future with no one being left behind. I thank you. [Applause.]


Debate concluded.


The Council adjourned at 14:26.