Hansard: NA: Unrevised hansard

House: National Assembly

Date of Meeting: 01 Sep 2015

Summary

No summary available.


Minutes

TUESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

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PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

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The House met at 14:00.

 

The Deputy Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.

 

NOTICES OF MOTION

 

Mr B L MASHILE: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:

 

That the House debates the impact of illegal or undocumented foreign nationals on our socioeconomic conditions.

 

Ms M L DUNJWA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:

 

That the House debates the importance of saving water in our country.

 

Mr K Z MORAPELA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the EFF:

 

That the House debates the persistent practice by some farm owners in the Northern Cape and the Western Cape who continue to pay farm workers by giving them a plastic bag with a piece of paper with their names and farm-grocery-shop debt written on it; the amounts already deducted, some of which are on alcohol; and, as a result, many farm workers take home less than R20 of their wage.

 

Mr R W T CHANCE: I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the DA:

 

That the House debates the long-term and potentially job-jeopardising impact of imposing a 10% duty on steel imports.

 

Mr P G MOTEKA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the EFF:

 

That the House debates the importance of building state and government capacity, which will lead to the abolishment of tenders, considering that R500 billion, almost half of the annual budget, is spent as a result of inefficient and poorly administered tender listing, and it is poor people who suffer the most.

 

Mr M D KEKANA: Hon Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:

 

That the House debates the National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding framework and student bursary allocations to align with government allocations, so as to avoid late Treasury allocations to students.

 

Mr C H H HUNSINGER: Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the DA:

 

That the House debates the R2,8 billion of misappropriated funds at the Passenger Rail Agency of SA, Prasa.

 

Mr T E MULAUDZI: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the EFF:

 

That the House debates the development of a university of technology whose primary focus will be technologically innovation to lead the industrial development requirements of the country.

 

Mr W HORN: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the DA:

 

That the House debates the water supply problems experienced by the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and the insistence of the ANC-controlled council to address this by building a pipeline from the Gariep Dam, despite the availability of sustainable alternatives at a much lower cost.

 

Ms T M A TONGWANE: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:

 

That the House debates ways to stabilise the labour environment so as to improve dispute resolution and shop-floor relations.

 

Dr H CHEWANE: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the EFF:

 

That the House debates developing standards for our hospitals and other health institutions to ensure that they are run by properly qualified personnel with adequate health care experience.

 

Ms V KETABAHLE: I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the EFF:

 

That the House debates the implementation of a minimum wage of R4 500 for all domestic workers in South Africa who continue to suffer gross dehumanisation working in the homes of those who once enslaved us.

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO: Hon Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the EFF:

 

That the House debates the National Treasury and the SA Revenue Service, Sars, approach towards tax avoidance which serves to protect multinational corporations’ profits and blame, following the dictates and practices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the OECD, that make it easy for multinational corporations to avoid taxes.

 

Ms M O MATSHOBA: Deputy Chair, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:

 

That the House debates empowering people with disabilities so as to reduce the inequality and poverty affecting them.

 

Prof N M KHUBISA: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the NFP:

 

That the House debates the spate of road accidents in our region.

 

DEATH OF ROLAND MQWEBU

 

(Draft Resolution)

Mr S M RALEGOMA: Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes with sadness the passing of legendary actor, Roland Mqwebu, from renal failure at the eThekwini Heart Hospital and Heart Centre on Friday, 28 August 2015;

 

  1. further notes that the 74-year-old is known for his role as Ntate Mkhize on SABC’s 1, classical sitcom Emzini Wezinsizw;

 

  1. acknowledges that Ntate Mkhize was really passionate about his acting career and has appeared in different sitcoms, including Shaka Zulu, for our believe that this departure is a loss to the arts and culture fraternity as he was one of the remaining legends who shared their knowledge and mentor the youth;

 

  1. conveys condolences to his wife, Pinky Mqwebu and their four children.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections, I put the motion.

Mr G GARDEE: Condolences to the family, but we object to the opportunistic conduct of the ANC. Thank you.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Motion fall away.

 

SUCCESS OF THE PEOPLE OF CALA RESERVE IN THE EASTERN CAPE

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA: Deputy Chair, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes the success of the people of Cala Reserve in the Eastern Cape, and that this happened when they successfully challenged decision by the Royal Family, the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs and the premier to impose a head burn on this community, and the people of Cala Reserve had made their choice of the headman in the name of Gideon Sitwayi, whose name had been rejected by the Royal Family, MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs and the premier;

 

  1. further notes that the judgment by the Bisho High Court that the headman chosen by the people should be recognised is appreciated, and that the people of Cala Reserve had spoken, people should govern, power to the people, not to the authorities, and the customary laws should upheld, not violated by the authorities.

 

Thank you.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections, I put the motion.

 

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE ANC: The ANC objects. Thank you.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Okay.

 

FIVE PEOPLE ARRESTED AT OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr M S MABIKA: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes that five people were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after being found with undeclared currency totaling R73,2 million by officials of the South African Revenue Service on Friday, 28 August 2015;

 

  1. further notes that five suspects were passengers who were scheduled to leave South Africa on United Arab Emirate flight to Dubai; and

 

  1. finally notes that the arrest is as a result of earlier risk profiling by Sars custom officials who had identified the passengers.

 

Wherefore, we call upon this House to:

 

  1. commend the officials of Sars for timorously identifying the suspects and affecting the arrest; and

 

  1. encourages all customs officials to remain vigilant to counter the illegal flight of undeclared currency from South Africa.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections, I put the motion.

Mr M M DLAMINI: Speaker, we object the repetition of newspaper reports.

 

CONDOLENCES MOTION: KENNETH MABU, MP

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes with great sadness the passing of our friend, brother and the Shadow Minister of Public Works, hon Kenneth Mubu MP, in the early hours of Monday morning;

 

  1. further notes that before joining the DA Parliamentary Caucus, hon Mubu served as the Director for Africa at the International Relations and Partnerships Directorate at the University of Pretoria;

 

  1. acknowledges that hon Mubu was born in Lusaka, Zambia; holds a BA in Education from the University of Zambia, an MA in Journalism and Public Relations from Ball State University, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Leicester University, as well as a Certificate in Public Relations Management from the Public Relations Institute of South Africa;

 

  1. that hon Mubu’s contribution to building South Africa’s constitutional democracy, through the various roles he held in his lifetime, and the DA’s presence in the greater Pretoria region will never be forgotten and will be built upon by generations to come;

 

  1. send condolences to his family, especially his wife Nombulelo, and children, Kenneth Junior and Tari. [Applause.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections, I put the motion.

 

Mr N S MATIASE: Deputy Speaker, wish our sincerest apology and condolences to the family. The EFF objects.

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: An order! End of order!

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members?

Mr B M BHANGA: Floyd, you are out of order.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order, hon members! Hon members? Hon Maimane? Hon Maimane, please take your seat! No, take your seat hon member! Be orderly! No, take your seat hon member! Please take your seat hon members! Let’s proceed. Yes, hon member.

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: I was rising on a pointy of order.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: What’s the point of order, hon member?

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: The point of order is that the DA must not do that to ...

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: That’s not a point of order.

 

Mr B M BHANGA: Jonga [look], Floyd. Floyd, Jonga [look] nonsense yourself. That’s wrong. That’s nonsense.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, take your seat!

 

Mr B M BHANGA: Voetsek!

 

That’s nonsense, even yourself. That’s wrong! We are not scared of you!

 

The Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Mr B M BHANGA: Floyd, that’s nonsense!

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members? Hon Bhanga, take your seat! Hon members, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that this matter was referred to the Subcommittee of the Rules to deal with it. It comes up again. Hon Didiza raised his appeal to members of this House to set this matter out urgently, and I think the Subcommittee on Rules is operating at the pace of a village cow. Can you please move quicker, so that we have this resolved?

 

SA ATHLETES AT IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN BEIJING, CHINA

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms C N MAJEKE: Deputy Chair, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes that Sunette Viljoen, a 31-year-old Javelin thrower who represented South Africa in the 2015 IAAF athletics in Beijing has won a bronze medal during the finals on Sunday;

 

  1. further notes that she is the only female winner from the South African team that participated in the IAAF 2015 athletics held in Beijing to add medal 3 in our pocket;

 

  1. recognises that the category was tough this year on her 5th attempt Viljoen threw 65,79 meters, which was overtaken by 66,13 meters throw by Huihui Lyu from China; her excitement was short-lived by German’s thrower Kathrina Molitor who threw 67,69 meters to snatch the Gold and break the world’s longest record;

 

  1. congratulates her for her achievement and closing South Africa’s women month with a big smile.

 

The Deputy Speaker: If there are no objections, I put the motion.

 

Dr H CHEWANE: Deputy Speaker, we congratulate, but the EFF objects.

 

ASSAULTED FOR WEARING EFF CLOTHES

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr K Z MORAPELA: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House —

 

  1. notes that Mr Lekgasu Mollo was travelling from Gauteng to Mookgopong village in Zebediela, Limpopo Province, when a taxi driver named Vusi Lekgwabe asked him ...

 

... Hobaneng o apere diaparo tsena tsa sethoto seo, Julius Malema? [Why are you wearing clothes of that fool called Julius Malema?]

 

Mr Mollo replied that it was his right to wear what he wants;

 

  1. observes that the assailant started assaulting the victim in front of his colleagues and passengers leaving the victim unconscious;

 

  1. accepts that Mr Mollo’s uncle opened a case of assault and grievous bodily harm at Magatle satellite office, after which the police visited him at Polokwane provincial Hospital;

 

  1. acknowledges that the police promised to visit him at home since his condition was very bad and he could have died;

 

  1. recognises that Mr Mollo believes that he was protected by his ancestors, but expressed shock and disgust at the conduct of Captain Sekotlong who withdrew the case without the victim’s knowledge;

 

  1. admits that the call by the Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, when he called young communist party to kill the EFF was the root cause of sponsored assaults by the ANC, political intolerance and violence towards EFF members.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, are there any objections to the motions?

 

Dr C P MULDER: Hon Deputy Speaker, I object.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: In light of the objection, the motion without notice may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice now becomes notice of a motion on the Order Paper.

 

GRENADE THROWN AT WOMAN

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms S J NKOMO: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. extends its deepest condolences on the brutal killing of a woman in Amanzimtoti, South of Durban;

 

  1. notes that the woman had two hand grenade thrown at her allegedly by her husband at their home;

 

  1. realises that it is particularly sad and completely unacceptable that women continue to suffer domestic physical abuse;

 

  1. acknowledges that this took place during women’s month whose mandate is to celebrate, empower, protect and advance women’s rights;

 

  1. calls on the public and the relevant authorities to assist in apprehending the perpetrator who is still at large.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, are there any objections to the motions?

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Hon Deputy Speaker, we object. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: In light of the objection, the motion without notice may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice now becomes notice of a motion on the Order Paper.

 

MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL ABDUCTS AND RAPE 14 YEAR OLD GIRL

 

(Draft Resolution)

Rev K R J MESHOE: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House —

 

  1. notes with concern that a municipal official received a five year suspended sentence for the abduction and rape of a 14-year-old girl in Makwassie township after pleading guilty to the charge;

 

  1. further notes that the perpetrator has been behind bars since October last year for setting an ANC councillor’s house alight and is still receiving his monthly salary;

 

  1. recognises the anger and fears expressed by the teenager, whom the accuse reportedly abducted at gunpoint and drove in a municipal truck to a stadium in Makwassie where he locked her in a room and rape her;

 

  1. regrets that despite the efforts of Child-line North West, who sought the intervention of the Centre for child law to appeal the sentence with the National Prosecuting Authority;

 

  1. regrets that they are not in a position to take the matter on appeal as appeals in criminal matters are at the discretion and behest of the prosecution; and 

 

  1. calls on the state to appeal the conviction and sentence imposed on this municipal official who failed to be a good example to the community.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, are there any objections to the motions?

 

Mr M S MBATHA: Hon Deputy Speaker, we object.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: In light of the objection, the motion without notice may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice now becomes notice of a motion on the order paper.

 

35 PASSENGERS DIE IN EASTERN CAPE BUS ACCIDENT

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms H H MALGAS: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House —

  1. notes with sadness the death of 35 bus passengers on the R408 between Butterworth and Willowvale in the Eastern Cape; when the bus driver lost control of the vehicle on a winding road on Saturday 29th August 2015;

 

  1. observes that the only 9 passengers who survived the horror accident were sent to different hospitals in the Eastern Cape;

 

  1. believes that the passengers were transported from a nearby rural area to Butterworth town when the bus fell into a cliff;

 

  1. acknowledges that some of the victims were trapped inside the bus for a long time before the rescue operation started; and

 

  1. conveys condolences to the families of all those who died in the horrific accident and wishes the injured passengers a speedy recovery.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, are there any objections to the motions?

 

Mr P MOTEKA: Hon Deputy Speaker, we object.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: In light of the objection, the motion without notice may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice now becomes notice of a motion on the order paper.

 

Dr M MOTSHEKGA: Hon Deputy Speaker, you have made the observation that the Rules Committee is working at a ... [Inaudible.] [Interjections.]

 

Mr G GARDEE: Hon Deputy Speaker, on a point of order ... [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Don’t interrupt another member whilst speaking. Take a seat. I will give you a chance to speak ...

[Inaudible.]

 

Mr G GARDEE: Hon Deputy Speaker, I am rising on a point of order ... [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The hon member requested to speak and I allowed him to speak. You will get your chance to speak.

 

Dr M MOTSHEKGA: Hon Deputy Speaker, you made an observation that the Rules Committee is working at a snail’s pace. All political parties in this House are represented in that committee which is not making progress. We continue to use a Rule which leads us to futile exercise. Why should these matters be on the Order Paper when we know that they won’t yield any outcomes? We are making this House a laughing stock. I think that this matter should not be before this House.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Motshekga, as we said, all political parties are instructed from the Chair to speed up the handling of the matter. I wouldn’t like us to go back to this matter.

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Hon Deputy Speaker, I want to quickly address what was said by the hon member who just sat down now. There is nothing happening in this House which is against the rules. Everything else happening in this House is as per the rules of the National Assembly. So, there is nothing untoward here. We are allowed as political parties to object to motions and if there is no unanimous concurrence about a particular motion, it falls away. [Interjections.] That is the practice of this House. If we do not agree with a particular motion we have the right, protected by these rules, to object to such a motion after being read here. So, let us not short-circuit processes.

If you want to change rules, go ahead because this is what you do every day. You change rules for convenience purposes. Go ahead and do it. You passed the rule that says we must be assaulted and we let you do it. Allow us to do what we are doing here. Do not impose on us things that are not as per the rules of the National Assembly. Let us all abide by the existing rules of this House up until such a time that they are changed. As things stand, it is so far so good. Thank you very much.

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon Deputy Speaker, on a point of order.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, hon member.

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon Deputy Speaker, I think it is very important to acknowledge that in a House of Parliament, there are rules that are written and there are rules that are unwritten. These form part of what is called the precedence of the House, that is, the tradition of the House. I want to say to you, this House has reached probably its lowest point yet when a single party can object to the condolence motion of a fellow Member of Parliament who has passed away. [Interjections.] So, whilst we have written rules, there are also unwritten rules of human decency, compassion and care for fellow man. [Interjections.] It is very clear that the nasty party has none of that. [Applause.] [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, hon member. Order, hon members!

 

Mr G GARDEE: Hon Deputy Speaker, on a point of order. Hon Deputy Speaker! Hon Deputy Speaker! Hon Deputy Speaker!

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members! [Interjections.]

 

Mr G GARDEE: “Ja, you can clap and vote together. Let them clap! Let them ... “Ja, go ahead and do it, you vote together! [Applause.] I will show you the middle finger if you do that! Eh, hon Deputy Speaker, I am rising on a point of order!

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: What is your point of order, sir?

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon Deputy Speaker, my point of order is that, the hon Chief Whip of the Opposition here has actually insulted members on this side of the House. He called us a nazi or a nasty party. [Interjections.] Can you please rule on that whether it is parliamentary or not? Otherwise we are not going anywhere with this House today. Please. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, sir. [Interjections.] Hon members, I am afraid, that is a political statement. Hon member Mokgalapa, please go ahead!

 

PEACE DEAL SIGNED IN SOUTH SUDAN ON 25 AUGUST 2015

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr S MOKGALAPA: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House —

 

  1. notes that on Wednesday, 26 August 2015, a peace deal was signed in South Sudan, Juba, marking an end to a 20 month military conflict in South Sudan;

 

  1. also notes that a peace deal was signed between rebel leader, and former Deputy President, Riek Machar and South Sudan President Salva Kiir;

 

  1. further notes that the 20 month conflict had 1,6 million people displaced, 600 000 fled to neighbouring countries, 200 000 sought refuge in the United Nations Base and 4,6 million faced famine;
  2. acknowledges that at least seven ceasefires have been agreed to and shattered since the conflict started 20 months ago;

 

  1. calls for calm and the acceptance of the peace deal, and all partners to ensure that the deal’s conditions are adhered to fully to ensure a long lasting peace in South Sudan; and

 

  1. congratulates the people of Sudan and the stakeholders involved in the peace deal negotiations and wish them all the success for the long peaceful road ahead.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are there any objections to the motion? Yes. In the light of the objection, the motion may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice will now become notice of a motion.

 

ANASO JOBODWANA WINS BRONZE AT INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATHLETICS FEDERATIONS

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr M L W FILTANE: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House —

 

  1. notes that a 23-year-old Anaso Jobodwana, hailing from Phakamisa Township in the Eastern Cape, took on the best in the world and succeeded;

 

  1. further notes that, he made this history on a day after compatriot Wayde van Niekerk won gold in the 400m final at the International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF, World Championships and shared the podium with none other than the world-record holder, the Jamaican, Usain Bolt;

 

  1. acknowkledges that Jobodwana broke the South African record for the event finishing in 19,97 seconds and securing a bronze medal;

 

  1. further acknowledges that it has been 65 years, since a South African athlete won an International Championship Sprint Medal - thanks to Van Niekerk and Jobodwana, the country now has two;

 

  1. congratulates Jobodwana for his outstanding performance that has put our country on top of the world; and
  2. further congratulates his coach and management team for a job not only well prepared for, but also well executed.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are there any objections to the motion? Yes. In the light of the objection, the motion may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice will now become notice of a motion.

 

PASSING OF NORTHERN CAPE EDUCATION MEC GRIZELDA BONIWE CJIEKELLA-LECHOLO

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr S M RALEGOMA: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House —

 

  1. notes with sadness the passing of Northern Cape Education MEC, Grizelda Boniwe Cjiekella-Lecholo, at the age of 45 on Thursday, 27 August 2015, after a short illness;

 

  1. recalls that Comrade Zaza, as she was affectionately known, was the Provincial Chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the Northern Cape and also served in the national executive committee, NEC, of the women’s league;

 

  1. acknowledges that she began her services in the province as the regional secretary to the ANC Youth League and steadily climbed the ranks to be the Deputy Speaker of the provincial legislature among her many achievements;

 

  1. believes that her passing at such a young age is a tremendous loss to the people of the province and the country at large; and

 

  1. conveys heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Comrade Grizelda.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections, I put the motion ... [Interjections.]

 

Ms M MOKAUSE: Deputy Speaker, there is an objection. Those are internal matters of the ANC. We object!

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, hon member.

 

Ms S C N SHOPE-SITHOLE: Hon Deputy Speaker, I just want, most humbly, to draw the attention of all hon members, that when we meet in this House, we meet at the cost of the taxpayer. We cannot come here and just do what we are doing now. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

Ms M MOKAUSE: Hon Deputy Speaker, on a point of order. Hon Deputy Speaker, on a point of order.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, hon member, what is your point of order?

 

Ms M MOKAUSE: Hon Deputy Speaker, my point of order is that, it is totally out of order for that hon member to stand up and grandstand in this House. There is nothing that we are doing as the EFF that is outside the rules of Parliament. [Interjections.] For us to object or accept the motion is within our right. So, for her to come and grandstand here is totally out of order. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, hon member.

 

DEATH OF NINE PASSENGERS NEXT TO CRADOCK

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms H H MALGAS: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House —

 

  1. notes with sadness the death of nine passengers when a minibus taxi overturned on the R61, between Cradock and Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape, on Saturday, 29 August 2015;

 

  1. further notes that five other passengers were injured and taken to hospital;

 

  1. acknowledges that a child has died in the accident; and

 

  1. conveys condolences to the families of the deceased passengers and wishes the injured people a speedy recovery.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are there any objections to the motion? Yes. In the light of the objection, the motion may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice will now become notice of a motion.

JULIUS MALEMA MEETS SECURITY GAURDS, DOMESTIC AND GARDEN WORKERS IN ALEXANDRA TOWNSHIP

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr N S MATIASE: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House —

 

  1. notes and acknowledges that all the security guards, domestic and garden workers in Alexandra came in thousands to interact with their only trusted and best leadership which represents their interests at all times;

 

  1. acknowledges that unlike the other racist and fascist parties – whose members claim to acknowledge the plight of domestic workers but when  arriving in their comfortable homes still continue to treat the same domestic workers in the same way they use to do during the apartheid by, for example, forcing them to carry dom passes when entering their suburbs and who also treat their fellow Members of Parliament like their own domestic workers - the commander in chief, CIC, the President of the EFF, President Julius Malema, the president in waiting of this country, spent the Sunday afternoon listening to security guards, domestic workers, garden workers without making any vision 2026 false promises to the people who have waited for 20 years not to go to bed hungry;

 

  1. recognises that domestic workers continue to work long hours but paid small wages and treated like slaves;

 

  1. further acknowledges that many domestic workers all over the country - in suburbs, in townships and in rural areas - are left with the responsibility to raise their children and yet continue to be disrespected;

 

  1. calls on the Department of Labour to convene all stakeholders, domestic workers in particular, to revisit the current prescribed minimum wages, which many employers do not adhere to, and increase wages of domestic workers to a decent living wage;

 

  1. further calls for an increase in the number of inspectors to inspect the working conditions of the domestic workers as the future of this country belongs to those who work and prepare it now - the grandchildren of the domestic workers. [Applause.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Are there any objections to the motion? Yes. In the light of the objection, the motion may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice will now become notice of a motion.

 

LACK OF HOUSING IN WARD 54 AND 60 NELSON MANDELA METRO

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms P NTOBONGWANA: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes the selling of Reconstruction and Development Programme, RDP, houses in Ward 60 and Ward 54 in the Nelson Mandela Metro;

 

  1. finds the violence against honest and committed members of the community who lead the charge to expose corrupt activities despicable and shocking;

 

  1. acknowledges the death of seven family members of the same family who died as a result of lack of proper housing in Ward 60;

 

  1. sends our deepest condolences to the family who lost their loved ones due to a tragic event that could have been prevented had the ANC government prioritised building houses over corruption; and

 

  1. calls on for speedy delivery of decent housing to restore dignity of millions of our people who suffer as they continue to be homeless and landless throughout the country.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections I put the motion.

 

An HON MEMBER: Objection.

 

An HON MEMBER: We object.

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Thank you, Deputy Speaker.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: The hon member at the back there, please. I will come to you.

Ms S J NKOMO: Thank you very much, Deputy Speaker ... [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Nkomo, you’ll be doing that for the second time. Let him speak. You’ll get a chance.

 

20TH WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr M L SHELEMBE: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes that the 20th World Transplant Games was hosted in Mar del Plata, Argentina from 23 to 30 August 2015;

 

  1. also notes that 46 athletes who are organ transplant recipients represented South Africa in this year’s World Transplant Games;

 

  1. further notes that team South Africa was placed third out of 44 competing countries;

 

  1. finally notes that our athletes won a staggering total of 89 medals: 41 gold, 24 silver and 24 bronze in a variety of events;

 

  1. calls upon this honourable House to congratulate the transplant athletes of team South Africa who have won medals and achieved overall third position amongst all the countries competing at this year’s World Transplant Games, and

 

  1. expresses its admiration for the athletes who had overcome difficult circumstances to compete and who return triumphantly to South Africa on Tuesday, 1 September 2015.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections I put the motion.

 

Mr T E MULAUDZI: The EFF objects.

 

REMARKS PASSED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE ANC

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr M N PAULSEN: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House -

 

  1. notes the remarks passed by the President of the ANC, Jacob Zuma, on the occasion of the commercial launch of the Medupi Power Station’s Unit 6 in Lephalale, Limpopo province on Sunday;

 

  1. further notes that President Zuma, commenting about the economy, said that his government was in the “business of running the country, and the private sector is in the business of running the economy;”

 

  1. acknowledges that these treacherous remarks, while a confirmation of the ANC’s position on the economy for many years and therefore not surprising, these were a unique acknowledgement by the leader of the ANC that his party has all but abandoned its developmental role and is content with scavenging for crumbs from the tables of white monopoly capital;

 

  1. further acknowledges that these remarks were of a person who has lost all hope, lost all sense of direction, lost all vision for the country, who is now appealing for the white monopoly many died fighting against to come to the rescue of the economy;

 

  1. further notes that these comments by the economics illiterate President once and for all dealt with the ANC’s double speak on the economy, dispelled the myth of this being a developmental state, and should have shattered the hopes of the communist in the alliance if they were still there;

 

  1. calls on President Zuma to thank his lucky stars that the only communists he has left in the alliance are the likes of Blade Nzimande, from whom we are still waiting an explanation of where he was in the struggle for national liberation; and

 

  1. further calls on the few remaining genuine voices of the reason in the ANC, the outgoing governing party, to abandon that ship before it sinks further into obscurity.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections I put the motion.

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Objection.

 

NISHANI HARINARAIN GRADUATE WITH A PHD IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms S J NKOMO: Hon Deputy Speaker, I think just before I put in the motion I would like to state that as the IFP we support the statement which was said by hon Sheila as well as the statement which was made by the DA ... [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker.

 

Ms S J NKOMO: ... on the passing on of your member. On behalf of the IFP I hereby move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. congratulates Nishani Harinarain, who is not just the first woman but the very first person to graduate with a PhD in Construction Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal;

 

  1. notes that the 35-year-old mother of two is a phenomenal woman who entered the male-dominated industry of quantity surveying years ago;

 

  1. further notes that in the last 10 years there has been a steady growth in the number of females entering the programme and making inroads in the industry;

 

  1. acknowledges that this is a great accomplishment and a great addition to the much needed increase to the number of PhD graduates in this country;

 

  1. further acknowledges that this is a great example of an inspirational woman and more so as we come to an end of woman’s month; and

 

  1. wishes Ms Harinarain more success in her future endeavours and encourages more people to accomplish what she has.

 

Ungasukuma-ke sisi [Uhleko.] [You can stand now, hon Member. [Laughter.]]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: If there are no objections I put the motion.

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Deputy Speaker, we congratulate her but we object. It’s not a surprise that you are supporting the ANC, you always do. Therefore, hon Nkomo, don’t come here and tell us that you are supporting which motion. If a motion is objected to it falls off.

 

EFF STUDENTS COMMAND CONTESTS STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Mr K Z MORAPELA: Deputy Speaker, the EFF moves without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes that the EFF students command contested Student Representative Council, SRC, elections for the very first time since its establishment on June 16, 2015;

 

  1. further notes that on 27 August, the EFF students command contested elections in five of the Tshwane University of Technology’s campuses across three provinces;

 

  1. notes that the EFF students command which is barely three months old received nearly as many votes as the twenty-one-year-old SA Students Congress, Sasco, in all campuses except Tshwane University of Technology, TUT, Mbombela where there was gross election maladministration;

 

  1. further notes that all opposition student structures have filed for a rerun of elections in TUT Mbombela and it would be irresponsible for the institution to overlook this request;

 

  1. highly condemns the physical assault of EFF student command leaders, the intimidation of the EFF student command members, the vandalism of their property and the dirty, thuggish election tactics used by Sasco before, during and after elections;

 

  1. condemns TUT management’s protection of Sasco hooligans and its victimisation and persecution of EFF student command leaders through unfair suspensions in an attempt to ensure they do not qualify to be in the SRC;

 

  1. further condemns the ruling party’s interference in students’ politics and their draconian disregard of law which has since trickled down to its student bodies;

 

  1. further condemns how the ruling party through management, its student bodies and campus security have turned institutions of education into mini apartheid states where draconian apartheid tactics are used to silence the opposition including attempted murder;

 

  1. declares that no one can intimidate or suspend an idea whose time has come, Sasco has long reached its sell by date, and students have affirmed this;

 

  1. further declares that students are hungry for change, they are tired of neoliberal, antiblack education system which is all about making profits than educating the African child;

 

  1. extends its gratitude to all the students who are giving the EFF student command a chance to lead them and promises we won’t disappoint them; and

 

  1. further declares that the EFF student command will have presidents and all other strategic portfolios in all TUT campuses.

 

ONGOING CORRUPTION IN NORTHERN CAPE MUNICIPALITIES

 

(Draft Resolutions)

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Deputy Speaker, I hereby move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes the ongoing corruption in the Northern Cape Municipalities, particularly Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality;

 

  1. further notes that the rural development node that was loudly held up by the ANC-led government, which was promoted by the Former President, Thabo Mbeki, has collapsed;

 

  1. notes that Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality and its twin sister Joe Morolong Local Municipality were identified as the important rural development nodes that will be piloted to showcase measures to take the poor rural communities out of hunger;

 

  1. acknowledges that sadly, under the corrupt administration of President Zuma the municipality is now serving as an ATM of corrupt ANC leaders, including the ANC secretary of Northern Cape, Zamani Saul;

 

  1. further acknowledges that the municipality is now infamous recipient of disclaimer audit opinions from the Auditor-General for eight years in a row;

 

  1. notes that the poorest people of Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality in Kuruman have been hard-hitted by the effects of the cadre deployment and corruption, courtesy of the ANC;

 

  1. further notes that the municipality was systematically destroyed by the criminal intent in the form of cronyism, corruption and cadre deployment;

 

  1. calls on the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, if he has a courage of his convictions to place the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality under administration because the corrupt MEC of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in the Northern Cape, Alvin Botes, will not do so.

 

LIVING CONDITIONS OF WORKERS AT GRAPE FARMS IN KAKAMAS

 

(Draft Resolution)

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Deputy Speaker, I hereby move without notice:

 

That the House -

 

  1. notes the living conditions of people working at the Grape farms in Kakamas, Northern Cape Province;

 

  1. note that these are men and women who left their families to seek employment at this farms, hoping to receive a living wage;

 

  1. notes that the white racist farmers continue to generate huge income yet exploiting the poor people;

 

  1. further notes that this type of behaviour cannot be tolerated;

 

  1. calls on government to investigate living conditions in all the Northern Cape grape farms;

 

  1. further calls on government to investigate the remuneration of farm workers in all Northern Cape grape farms and charge all those not complying with government’s wage proposals.

 

OFFICIAL OPENING OF MEDUPI POWER STATION UNIT 6 BY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms V BAM-MUGWANYA (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC welcomes the official opening of unit 6 of Medupi Power Station by President Jacob Zuma and the leadership of Eskom in the Limpopo town of Lephalele this past Sunday. This is a significant step in our efforts to ensure that the country has sufficient energy sources to meet the demand and supply power to all households and stakeholders in the economy.

 

The unit was first synchronised to the national grid on 2 March 2015 and it will now provide an additional 795 megawatts to our national grid. This will assist Eskom not to resort to loadshedding when faced with high electricity demands. We applaud the government and the leadership of Eskom for delivering Unit 6 of Medupi Power Station and we call on them to continue working to ensure that the entire power station comes on full stream in 2019 as planned.

 

Siyaqhuba. [Kwaqhwatywa.] [We are moving ahead. [Applause.]]

 

DA CONDEMNS EFF THUGGERY AT ELSENBURG COLLEGE

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms A STEYN (DA): Deputy Speaker, the DA is shocked by the behaviour of the EFF aligned students at Elsenburg Agricultural College today. Yesterday the students put locks on the doors of the classrooms and stop other students from entering the breakfast rooms. Today, these same students arrived at the college armed with sjamboks and a fight broke out at the campus. We received a complaint from one of the students that was hit with a sjambok this morning. We respect students’ rights to protest about language policies and other issues, but this thuggish behaviour must be condemned in the strongest terms. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

Mr M N PAULSEN: Speaker, we object. [Interjections.]

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Deputy Speaker, I think perhaps the nasty party needs some guidance on the Rules. You can’t object to a member’s statement. [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes. Can we have the EFF statement?

 

Mr M N PAULSEN: On a point of order, Deputy Speaker. I want to correct that.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: No, no no. Can we have a statement from the EFF?

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Deputy Speaker, ...

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: We need a statement from you, Sir.

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: On a point of order. Please do not allow this racist party to refer to the EFF as a nasty party. It’s not parliamentary to do so. [Interjections.]

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, please, let’s have a statement from the EFF.

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Please don’t allow the racist party to refer to us as a nasty party. It’s not allowed to do so.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Look at it this way, hon member. Listen to your own language. So, how do I make a ruling on that? Can we avoid that? Let’s go ahead with the statements. Go ahead, hon member.

 

NO REMUNERATIONS FOR MAGWATHINI FARM WORKERS AT LUSIKISIKI

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms A MATSHOBENI: Thank you, Deputy Speaker.

 

Kwiinyanga ezimbalwa ezidlulileyo saphakamisa umba wesithili saseMagwathini eLusikisiki, eMpuma Koloni, apho abasebenzi begqiba iinyanga ezilishumi elinesithathu besebenza, kodwa bengahlawulwa. UMphathiswa wezoLimo, uMnu Senzeni Zokwana, waza apha wathi thina singabe-EFF sithetha ubuxoki. Siphuma eLusikisiki kule veki iphelileyo apho abantu besalila khona ngenxa yokungahlawulwa kwabo. Uthini urhulumente ngalo mba?

UMphathiswa uSenzeni Zokwana wathi bathethile noosomashishini ngento yaseMagwa. Okwesibini wathi abantu bayahlawulwa. Abantu abadala abasebenza kulaa fama bayabhubha ngenxa yokuxhatshazwa ngokwasemphefumlweni ngoba abakwazi kuhlawula amatyala abo. Umntwana womnye umzali uphumile esikolweni ngenxa yokuba umzali wakhe engenayo imali, kodwa yonke imihla uvuka aye emsebenzini esithi uye kuphangela.

 

Bagqibela ukufumana imivuzo yabo ngoJulayi kunyaka ophelileyo. Ukuza kuthi ga ngoku abakahlawulwa kodwa wona umsebenzi awumanga kuyasetyenzwa kangangokuba apha kuSeptemba iza kuvunwa iti. Sikhala ngemisebenzi engekhoyo kurhulumente kodwa kule ikhoyo kudlalwa ngabantu. Siyacela ukuba bancedwe abasebenzi baseMagwa. Ndiyabulela. [Kwaphela ixesha.] (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follows.)

 

[A few months ago we raised the issue of the Magwathini district at Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, where employees have gone for thirteen months without being paid their wages. The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Senzeni Zokwana, came here and said that we, EFF members, are telling lies. We came from Lusikisiki just last week, where people are still complaining about not being paid. What does the government say about this?

 

Minister Zokwana said that they had spoken to businesspeople about the issue of Magwa. Secondly, he said that people are being paid. Old people that work on that farm are dying because of the emotional abuse they suffer as a result of being unable to pay their debts. A child of one parent has dropped out of school because the child’s parent does not have money, yet every day the parent wakes up to go to work.

 

They last received their wages in July last year. Since then they have not been paid yet they continue to work, so much that tea is going to be harvested in September. We are complaining about the lack of jobs, yet in the jobs that are available people are being abused. We appeal for help for the workers of Magwa. I thank you. [Time expired.]]

 

CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES AND BRIDGES TAKING PLACE AT NDWEDWE IN KWAZULU-NATAL

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr E N GCWABAZA (ANC): Hon Deputy Speaker, the ANC welcomes the development and service delivery at Ndwedwe in KwaZulu-Natal.

 

Sikhuluma nje manje kunezindlu ezakhiwa nguhulumeni eziyizinkulungwane ezinhlanu. Kulezi zindlu eziyizinkulungwane ezinhlanu, eziyizinkulungwane ezimbili namashumi amane seziphelile. Kuthi izindlu ezingamakhulu ayisishiyagalombili seziya ekupheleni. Siyakuqinisekisa futhi ukuthi isabelo sezimali salezi zindlu ezisasele sikhona, kanti nezindlu zangasese ziyakhiwa kuleya ndawo. Ngikhuluma nje umkhandlu weLembe sewuthe uzongeza izindlu zangasese eziyinkulungwane ngoba baningi abantu abafikayo kule ndawo yaseNdwedwe bezokwakha khona.

 

Okunye futhi, kulesi sikhathi sekwakhiwe isiteshi sikagesi laphaya eNdwedwe ngowezi-2013 ugesi ubulokhu ufakwa. Ngikhuluma nje manje ugesi ufakwa emawadini alandelayo 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 kanye no-15. Kanti futhi kufakwa netiyela emigwaqweni laphaya endaweni yaseNdwendwe. U-P100, P712, P14 ufakwa itiyela kanti kunamabhuloho amabili uMcathu noMona akhiwayo kuleya ndawo. [Kwaphela isikhathi.] (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)

 

[As we speak now there are 5000 RDP houses which are being built by the government. Of the 5000, 2040 have been completed and 800 are near completion. We guarantee that there will be a budget for the incomplete houses and the toilets are being built and in addition to that, the iLembe District Municipality has promised to deliver 1000 toilets to provide for the growing population in Ndwedwe.

 

Furthermore, a power station was built at Ndwedwe and since 2013 the electricity installation has been in progress. As we speak the electricity is being installed in wards 6, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15. Three roads: P100, P712 and P714 are currently being tarred and two bridges namely, Mcathu and Mona are under construction there. [Time expired.]]

 

HIGH PORT CHARGES IN RESPECT OF THE EXPORT OF VALUE-ADDED GOODS

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr J A ESTERHUIZEN (IFP): Deputy Speaker, high port charges in respect of the export of value-added goods, compounded by serious inefficiency in rail and port freight logistics are hurting our export industry. The cost of the export of value-added tradable goods has for some time been higher than both the costs for export of primary commodities and the import of tradable goods.

 

It is common knowledge that South Africa’s port charges are amongst the highest in the world. The regulator recently found tariffs for the port of Durban, for example, to be 874% above the global average, in respect of container handling fees.

 

The Transnet National Ports Authority has also recently called for a tariff hike to fund its R2,4 billion capital expenditure plan and a further R57 billion to expand its port terminals.

 

Astronomically high tariffs do not foster growth in an already struggling economy. What does the Minister intend doing to assist export-driven business in South Africa? I thank you.

 

STUDENT PROTEST AT ELSENBURG COLLEGE

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Dr P J GROENEWALD (VF PLUS): Agb Adjunkspeaker, die VF Plus betreur die gebeure wat gister en vandag by the Elsenburg-landboukollege in Stellenbosch plaasgevind het. Dit was gister deur die hoof se kantoor mondelings, direk aan my verseker dat die veiligheid van die dosente en studente gewaarborg sal word.

 

Met die gebeure van vanoggend is dit baie duidelik dat hulle nie in staat is om hulle veiligheid te beskerm nie, dit nadat daar studente in rooi oorpakke en sambokke opgedaag het en medestudente aangerand, geslaan en aangeval het.

 

Ons doen ’n beroep op die provinsiale en die nasionale regering, sowel as die Minister van Polisie, om in te gryp, daadwerklik op te tree en die konflik te ontlont. Hulle moet doodseker maak dat mense se veiligheid gewaarborg word. Hulle het ons teleurgestel deur nie betyds op te tree om die probleem by Elsenburg-landboukollege op te los nie.

 

Ons doen ook ’n beroep op die bestuur van die Elsenburg-landboukollege om sodanig op te tree, om ongemagtigde studente die kampus te wyer en saam met die polisie te werk. Dit is die grondwetlike reg van enige student, dosent en individu om beskerm te word en dat hulle veiligheid nie bedreig word nie. Ek dank u. (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement in follows.)

 

[Dr P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS): Hon Deputy Speaker, the FF Plus deplores the events that occurred at the Elsenburg College for Agriculture, yesterday and today. Yesterday, I was personally and verbally assured by the principal’s office that the safety of the lecturers and students is guaranteed.

 

The events of this morning make it abundantly clear that the principal’s office is not in a position to protect the students and lecturer’s safety, as students in red overalls and sjamboks arrived there and assaulted, beat up and attacked fellow students.

 

We call on the provincial and national government, as well as the Minister of Police to intervene and to really take action in order to diffuse the conflict. They must make absolutely sure that people’s safety is quaranteed. They disappointed us by not acting timeously to solve the problems at Elsenburg College of Agriculture.

 

We also call on the management of Elsenburg College of Agriculture to act accordingly by removing unauthorised students from the campus and working with the police. It is the constitutional right of any student, lecturer and individual to be protected and not to have their safety threatened. I thank you.]

 

NINE-POINT PLAN OF GOVERNMENT

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr M U KALAKO (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC government’s nine-point plan can arrest the economic slowdown and increase growth by 1 to 3% over the next three years. [Interjections.] It is a realistic plan that recognises and tackles constraints to economic growth. The nine-point plan will push the economy forward by, among others: resolving energy challenges, upping the agriculture value chain, ensuring mineral beneficiation, having a high impact on Ipap, encouraging private-sector investment, moderating work place conflict, unlocking SMMEs’ and co-ops’ potential, reforming state-owned companies, rolling out broadband and ensuring water and sanitation.

 

On the other hand, Operation Phakisa will grow the ocean economy and improve infrastructure at our ports and within the marine industry.

 

Efforts to integrate the Southern African Development Community, SADC, ocean economy are also underway and this includes the finalisation of outstanding issues in the Tripartite Free Trade Area negotiations, which will grow markets in Africa. As Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said recently, these will offer limitless opportunities to world markets such as Japan. It will also boost intra-African trade and for the first time, the World Trade Organisation, Ministerial Conference, WTO MC10, will be held in Africa, in December 2015.

 

REDUCTION IN QUAERTERLY GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms D CARTER (COPE): Deputy Speaker, President Zuma has finally come to accept that the economy is sick. He acknowledged that it could no longer be business as usual. He is recognising the dragging effects of inadequate electricity on the economy. He urged Eskom to work with speed.

 

According to Statistics SA, our country’s gross domestic product has contracted to 1,3%, quarter-on-quarter. This is really bad news.

 

Cope wonders whether President Zuma had consulted Ministers Nzimande, Patel and Davies before declaring that it was business’ responsibility to run the economy.

 

The function of a government, he said, was to run the country. Will the Ministers endorse the above statement without any equivocation? If they disagree with the President, they must resign from Cabinet. Are they prepared to do that?

 

Belt tightening that President Zulma called for must still get tighter. Government is super big and mega expensive. It has to narrow at the waist.

 

President Zuma agrees that it is not business as usual. We wait to see how we are going to remove binding economic constraints, support business growth, motivate consumer confidence, revitalize agriculture, resuscitate industrialisation and tremendously boost small businesses. Will the government take the bit of medicine it knows it has to take? We will wait and see. Thank you.

 

STEEL PRODUCT TARIFFS

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms J FUBBS (ANC): Hon Deputy Speaker, the ANC welcomes the decision of the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies, to approve the 10% duty on certain steel products that are currently pouring into South Africa, duty free.

 

This has been linked to no further retrenchments of workers in these lines during the next three years. The ANC government is committed to developing an enabling environment that will retain workers and combat retrenchments.

 

The approval of Minister Davies follows the recommendation of the International Trade Administration Commission, Itac, who proposed a duty on several of these products.

 

The increase also requires that ArcelorMittal SA invest an additional R250 million in its colour line and that Safal Steel invest an additional R300 million in its metal coating line by 2017. However, Itac will also conduct a review of the duty structure to determine its impact on the industry value chain, three years from the date of the duty implementation.

 

The Minister has also insisted that there will be no price increases for these steel products, following the tariff adjustment and further, that pre-existing commitments to cut prices on some produces are honoured.

 

The ANC welcomes the establishment of the committee. I thank you.

 

CALL FOR A DEBATE ON VISA REGULATIONS

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr J VOS (DA): Mr Deputy Speaker, the clearest indication yet of the ANC’s indifference towards unemployment is the Speaker of the NA’s rejection of the DA’s call for an urgent debate on the indefensible visa regulations. Earlier this month¸ I wrote to the Speaker, calling for a debate of public importance, in terms of the NA Rule 103 on the impact of the new visa regulations on our economy and jobs. In her responding letter, the Speaker outright rejected my call.

 

Clearly, the Speaker does not think job losses, as a result of these visa regulations are important. This, despite the fact that in 2014, the new visa regulations cost the South African economy R2,6 billion and more than 5 800 jobs. These figures are increasing.

 

Government must now face what is fast becoming a job crisis in our country and suspend these regulations without any further delay. Thank you.

 

YOUTH ASSISTED BY THE NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

 

(Member’s Statement)

Ms S Z DLAMINI-DUBAZANA (ANC): On 7 August 2015, at the Msunduzi Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, the National Youth Development Agency, NYDA, identified 300 youth from historically disadvantaged families across the spectrum. They will be assisted with grants and vouchers to further develop their businesses such as spaza shops, salons, construction companies and manufacturers. For example, we have identified that a few of the youth are manufacturing toilet paper, but they didn’t have machines.

 

The NYDA has already assisted 100 young people who were trained as plumbers at the Pietermaritzburg FET College. These 100 youth, as we speak, are employed by the Msunduzi Municipality to correlate their theory with practice.

 

Last but not least, the NYDA has offered assistance to the 2015 matriculants from the poorest of the poor families, who wish to further their studies at colleges or universities. Indeed, the NYDA is alive, visible and delivering. I thank you.

 

MATATIELE WATER CHALLENGES

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA (AIC): Deputy Speaker, the community of Maluti Township in Matatiele has been without water for more than a month now. As water and sanitation competencies of the district, the broken pipes and old ones are neither repaired nor replaced by the dysfunctional Alfred Nzo District. The water trucks that are supposed to assist in delivering water to the people are seldom seen in that area. This was reported to the district but no response was received. We have long been calling, as the AIC, for the abolishing of these district municipalities because they are of no assistance to the people and their work is just a duplication of the local municipalities.

 

We would appreciate an intervention from the Department of Water and Sanitation to bring a solution to this challenge and plight of the Maluti community. This House must also recall that a sum of R28 million meant for sanitation that was stolen by certain comrades was never recovered and the culprits were released inexplicably - in a way that cannot be explained. As long as the government does not pay attention to corruption taking place in that district, the delivery of services to the people of that area will remain a dream. Water is very important in the lives of the people. We therefore call for the immediate investigation into the alleged corruption that is taking place in the Alfred Nzo District. Otherwise, ... [Interjections.]

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, your time has expired.

 

Mr L M NTSHAYISA: ... the comrades are just spoiling the name of the stalwart of that area, Alfred Baphethuxolo Nzo. Thank you very much.

 

MINISTER COMMENDED FOR SUPPORTING SPORTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr D D GAMEDE (ANC): Deputy Speaker, recognising that we come from a divided past where sports was used to divide South Africans - more especially in the rural communities - it is appreciated that the Minister of Sport, hon Fikile Mbalula, saw it fit to support the deep rural areas of Mvutshini, Ward 10 in Nkandla Municipality by sponsoring a youth day with all types of sporting kits and that he actually attended the sports day.

 

These are areas that are not known by others in this House. But this proves that the ANC-led government is committed to serving all communities, especially those in rural areas, in promoting and reviving all sporting codes. Whilst a lot is being done in sports, we urge the Minister to continue prioritising rural areas. I thank you. [Applause.]

MGUNGUNDLOVU MUNICIPAL ACCUSED OF FRAUD

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Mr D W MACPHERSON (DA): The DA has learned with dismay that the uMgungundlovu District Municipality has diverted R4 million of a R10 million conditional grant by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial treasury which was supposed to be used for a wastewater project to fund the shortfall of the annual Mandela Day Marathon. At this council meeting held on 27 August 2015, the municipal manager, Mr Sibusiso Khuzwayo, is alleged to have misled councillors when questioned about the diversion. He said, and I quote, “Yes I can confirm that the R4 million is a sponsorship from Cogta.” This, Deputy Speaker, is factually untrue as Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Cogta, had earlier in the year indicated to the municipality that it would no longer be funding the event due to it being outside of its core function.

 

The municipality has been plagued by water shortages and draughts of late and to divert a conditional grant which is meant to be used to improve the lives of rural residents is totally unacceptable and in contravention of Treasury Regulations. The mayor, municipal manager and ANC councillors must be held accountable for their actions. The DA fully supports the Mandela Day Marathon. However, it cannot be at the expense of improving the lives of rural residents and good governance.

 

Minister Gordhan must get to the bottom of this scandal and ensure that those that push the diversion through are sanctioned and that the wastewater project is brought back on line to service the needs of residents.

 

ANC WELCOMES LAUNCH OF APPLY NOW/KHETHA CAREER GUIDANCE CAMPAIGN

 

(Member’s Statement)

 

Ms D KEKANA (ANC): The ANC welcomes the launch of the 2015 Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance campaign at the University of Johannesburg by the Department of Higher Education and Training. The event was held at the Gloria Sekwena Gate of the University, which is named after the late parent who lost her life during a stampede in January 2012.

 

The campaign is aimed at encouraging learners, especially those who are in Grade 12, to take action and apply on time for admission at post-school learning institutions. The campaign brings together two components which are, Apply Now/Khetha Career Guidance and Counselling campaign because a learner cannot be in a position to apply early if he or she has not chosen a correct career path.

 

The ANC believes that the campaign will go a long way in curbing late registrations, walk-ins and long queues, which can cause deadly accidents as witnessed in 2012. We urge our Grade 12 learners to heed the call and apply on time for the 2016 academic year.

 

Mošomo o tšhaba diatla. [There is progress.]

 

Thank you.

 

NINE-POINT PLAN OF GOVERNMENT

REDUCTION IN QUAERTERLY GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

STEEL PRODUCT TARIFFS

 

(Minister’s Response)

 

The MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY: Deputy Speaker, I want to respond to the statement by the hon Fubbs, the hon Kalako and to some extent the hon Carter. I think it’s very important to understand that our country is confronting a serious economic situation - to a very large extent created by the latest wave of the global economic crisis ... [Interjections.] ... which, if we don’t understand, this situation has been with us since 2008 but its drivers have been shifting, its epicentres have been shifting and that right now, the most important impact on us is the decisive end of the Commodity Supercycle, meaning the fall in mineral prices and also a glut of global steel.

 

The gluts of global steel pose a very serious threat to the future of steel manufactured in South Africa. It’s something which I don’t think we can take lightly; we could have the possibility of us exiting the production of steel in this economy. For a long time we have seen problems in the pricing of steel products, and so the tariff which the hon Fubbs has referred to is one way we are seeking to provide short-term relief to the industry. It is not the only thing that we are doing in trying to improve the performance of the industry but we have set it against conditionalities and those conditionalities mean that they will not be able, as a result of the tariff, to raise the prices by an amount equivalent to the tariff. If they do so, there is a series of checks and requirements that will be met to counter this.

 

I think that the attitude of the negotiations with the steel producers has improved, and that points to the need for us to act to address urgent challenges while at the same time continuing to make progress on the long-term structural transformations of the economy, moving it up the value chain. I believe that the hon Kalako’s summation of the nine-point plan shows that is the direction we are moving in, that we making progress.

 

The hon Chance made a notice of motion which I think the tone of which was that he was about to oppose the tariff increase on the steel products. I would invite him to stand up before thousands of workers in the steel industry and say that the DA does not care about their jobs, is happy to see them go down the tube and to tell the entities the steel manufactures in this country ... [Interjections.] [Time expired.]

 

NO REMUNERATIONS FOR MAGWATHINI FARM WORKERS AT LUSIKISIKI

STUDENT PROTEST AT ELSENBURG COLLEGE

 

(Minister’s Response)

 

The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Deputy Speaker, first, on the issue of Lusikisiki tea plantation let me report that we had a meeting on 6 August with all the traditional leaders in Johannesburg looking not only at the fate of the tea plantations which are facing a problem due to markets, but we were looking at how we can make sure that agriculture is improved in those areas.

 

Present in that meeting were almost all the kings of the Pondo nation. A team is going down to the Eastern Cape to ensure that the process is undertaken to improve the situation. As I speak, 200 hectares of the Magwa tea plantation will be transformed into avocado plantation because of the global need of avocado plantation. The decision was not reached with EFF but with communities and kings. We don’t need a permission from the EFF to decide what we need to do going forward. We are convinced that what we are doing is correct and that it is going to make sure that there are changes. The people of that area have been engaged. But more than that, I hope that the hon member will do her research so that she can know that it is the Eastern Cape Development Corporation, ECDC, which is currently controlling those tea plantations - a matter we are dealing with - so that they fall under our department. We are not trying to avoid taking care of the issues where we are involved. We have met the people in that area and we have got programmes to deal with this matter.

On the issue of Elsenburg, I think we need to agree that it is the right of student organisations to put forward their demands, to march and do everything. But locking buildings, preventing other students from studying and beating others cannot form part of what we understand to be right to march. [Time expired.]

 

CONDEMNATION OF VIOLENCE AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER LEARNING

APPLY NOW CAMPAIGN A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

 

(Minister’s Response)

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Hon Deputy Speaker, indeed, we condemn any form of violence happening at all our institutions of higher learning. We call upon all members of the higher education community to treat one another with respect and conduct difficult and painful debates in a humane and constructive manner.

 

However, the Stellenbosch University must now work on the culture and attitudes of the whole of its community and constituency as everyone must be treated equally and have a fulfilling experience at the university.

 

Indeed, the Apply Now Campaign has been a resounding success.

Siyabonga ukuthi niyawubona umsebenzi lungu elihloniphekile Nkadimeng. [We are grateful, hon Nkadimeng, if you are aware of the work done.]

 

We launched the campaign in 2012 following the unfortunate incident that happened at the University of Johannesburg. Since then we have managed to successfully reduce the long queues at our institutions of higher learning and walk-ins have been minimised at all our institutions of higher learning. Thank you very much, Hon Deputy Speaker. [Interjections.] ... the ANC. Thank you.

 

NINE-POINT PLAN TO BOOST ECONOMY

 

(Minister’s Response)

 

The MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Hon Deputy Speaker, I just want to say to hon Carter that he must note that from 2010 up to 2015, globally, we have been having a drop in terms of growth and the leadership of South Africa through its national development plan and through its national growth path and the present nine-point plan - it’s the one that has shown that there is resilient and a vibrant leadership to avoid us getting into a recession.

If we were to note and read properly in terms of the various contribution of the different countries you would have noted that all countries - most of the advanced countries, have revised down their growth ... [Interjections.] ... from 40% to ... [Interjections.]

 

Mr M M DLAMINI: Hon Deputy Speaker ... [Interjections.] ... on a point of order?

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Deputy Minister, please hold on. Yes, hon member?

 

Mr M M DLAMINI: Is that the Deputy Minister? You must clarify, please.

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: No, take your seat. Don’t joke. [Interjections.] Do your work, hon member. Proceed, hon Deputy Minister.

 

The MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: I just wanted to indicate to her that if she can look at the data, she will realise that most of the countries have revised down their growth but about 40% when South Africa has been revised only to 33%. Also just to indicate to you - yes, we are worried about our growth and worried about the various areas and the performances of various provinces, as you would have realised that we are worried about the Western Cape that has actually lost its employment by 4% from the previous quarter and the 10% from the Northern Cape. The ten-point plan is going to assist us to have be resilient and be able to make us to begin to grow up so that our growth can actually be adjusted to a higher level. Thank you very much. [Applause.]

 

SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND ON LOCAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE SOLUTIONS THERETO

 

(Subject for Discussion)

 

Ms B L ABRAHAMS: Hon Deputy Speaker, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament and the gallery guests.

 

Agb Adjunkspeaker, dit is inderdaad ’n groot voorreg vir my om vandag deel te neem in die debat. [Hon Deputy Speaker, it is indeed a great privilege for me to participate in the debate today ...]

 

... on the socioeconomic impact of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse in our communities and on local development and the solutions thereto. In the ANC Strategy and Tactics document adopted by the 52nd National Conference in Polokwane in 2007 ... [Interjections.] ... Yes. ... pronounces that ... [Interjections.] comprehensive social transformation entails changing the material conditions of all South Africans for the better, but also ensure that we forge a nation inspired by values of human solidarity. It is recommendation of these factors that describe the civilization of national democracy that the ANC seeks to uphold.

 

In advancing this policy position, the ANC social transformation programme is always and continues to ensure that it upholds a better life for all South Africans. This the ANC government has done by ensuring that the basic essentials such as housing, water and sanitation, education, safety and security are provided to all South Africans. Whilst working progressively to create this type of society, certain challenges prevail that hamper the achievement of the central aim of transformation.

 

The social ills that are predominant amongst those communities that are impoverished, such as the abuse of substances is an area of deep concern of the ANC. The ANC continues to provide direction through its “strategies for social transformation which seeks to empower to lift themselves out of poverty while creating adequate social nets to protect the most vulnerable in our society.”

 

In die openingsrede van die tweede biannual summit on substance abuse [halfjaarlikse konferensie oor dwelmmisbruik] wat in Durban in 2012 gehou is, het President Zuma hom as volg uitgespreek: Oor die afgelope dekade was daar ’n snelle vermeerdering in die gebruik en misbruik van alkohol en ander dwelms deur burgers van alle ouderdomsgroepe, mans en vroue, seuns en dogters. Dit is kommerwekkend dat die ouderdom van die eerste eksperimentering met dwelms verlaag het van tieners tot by kinders tussen die ouderdomme van nege en 10. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)

 

[In the opening address of the second biannual summit on substance abuse held in Durban in 2012, President Zuma spoke out as follows: Over the past decade there has been a rapid increase in the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs by citizens of all age groups, men and women, sons and daughters. It is alarming that the age of the first experimentation with drugs has dropped from teenagers to children between the ages of nine and ten.]

The ANC has continuously committed itself and its government to mobilise communities around the healthy lifestyle campaign, including the anti-tobacco campaign and the campaign against alcohol and substance abuse. This is because early diagnosis of alcohol and drug abuse are twin scourges that impact negatively on all aspects of South African society., hence among its intervention, the ANC government established an Interministerial committee to develop a implementer campaign, to reduce the impact of alcohol abuse and drug use. The ANC has and will continue to work with communities ... [Interjections.] ... to make the neighbourhood safer ... [Interjections.]

 

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, hon member. Hon Abrahams, please take your seat.

 

Mr I OLLIS: Would you ask the hon Abrahams if she would take a question?

 

Ms B L ABRAHAMS: Absolutely not, ... [Interjections.] ... especially the anti-crime awareness and introducing stronger legislation to combat substance abuse. In commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking, the ANC government appointed an Interministerial committee and combating alcohol and substance abuse through the Central Drug Authority, the National Drug Master Plan, NDMP, of 2013-17 is being implemented. The plan is roadmapped on how South African can move forward together and strengthen the work of the government to fight the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse.

 

On 21 August 2015, President Zuma and the delegation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers visited Eersterus to intervene in the scourge of substance abuse and the social ills that is ravaging the community. An imbizo was held where the delegation interacted with the community and resolved on the programmes of action. It shows, the hon Deputy Speaker, working together you can do more. [Laughter.]

 

The City of Tshwane has registered 1 024 indigent families from the community of Eersterus who are receiving free basic services. During the road show held in July, the city also assisted in a further 187 families who needed urgent intervention. The National Youth Development Agency, NYDA, will open an office in Eersterus before the end of November this year to provide information to young people about education, career, employment and economic opportunities.

 

The NYDA, working together with the City of Tshwane and the Gauteng province plans to implement a YouthBuild Infrastructure Development Programme in Eersterus where young people from this community will build 100 houses. To address the housing shortage, the 100 young people will be trained in housing, building, plumbing, etc.

 

Sixty nine prime intelligence operations have been conducted so far in the area and have led to the arrest of 55 alleged drug dealers. Police are now working with community-based anti-crime organisations and security cluster partners in conducting awareness campaigns against drugs and crime in general in the area - as well as other operations such as school campaigns through police visibility, stop and search operations and other initiatives.

 

The majority of individuals who are vulnerable to drug abuse are the youth. The ANC government, in a recently drafted National Youth Policy of 2020 notes that “the youth are unduly burdened with all key social challenges including unemployment, substance abuse and HIV and Aids prevalence.”

 

The work of the President Youth Working Group will be taken forward through five work streams to promote our goal of achieving economic freedom. These are economic participation and transformation; education skills and second chances; health care and combating substance abuse; nation building and social cohesion and building effective and responsive youth development institutions.

 

Hon Deputy Speaker, the Local Drug Action Committees are key components of the NDMP that operate at a local level with an amount of people. The LDACs are responsible for combating substance abuse at local level. The mayor of each municipality of which they are at present 238, must establish a local drug action committee consisting of interested persons and organisations dealing with the combating of substance abuse. By June 2013, 250 LDACs were active with the community participants throughout the country ensuring that communities manage their own preventative work at a local level.

 

All provincial substance abuse forums and active LDACs continue to carry out substance awareness. As the ANC moves South Africa forward in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse, the ANC and government will strengthen the central drug authority to enable it effectively to implement and monitor the Prevention and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act and the Implementation of the National Drug Master Plan which is due for reviewing in 2015-16; solidify the preparations of third Biennial Anti-Substance Abuse Summit which will be held in February 2016; strengthen the implementation of the provincial Drug Master Plans and support the effective functioning of local drug committees.

 

In conclusion, this is not a one person challenge, but I believe working together as public representatives in collaboration with government in our communities, we can beat the scourge of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse in our communities. Together we can. Yes, we will fight this and we will have a healthier and better South Africa. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

Ms S P KOPANE: Hon Deputy Speaker, I would like to dedicate my speech to a brother, a friend and a colleague, hon Kenneth Mubu, who passed away yesterday morning, may his soul rest in peace. [Applause.] Today I stand here with a heavy heart. The debate today is about an issue that poses a real and serious threat to our society.

 

The reality is drug, alcohol and substance abuse is a major threat to our nation. It’s a threat to the society, to our economy and is a threat to our democracy. We must be willing to do more together to fight this major social problem in our country. Apartheid was an evil system that has denied many South Africans the opportunities to improve their lives.

Yet, when we worked together, we were able to free ourselves from this oppressive system. This is proof that when South Africans stand together we can defeat any enemy.

 

For the past six years I have been the member of this House, I have spoken to many members in this august House regarding this issue. It was clear to me, from these discussions, that many of us are the victims of drugs, alcohol and substance abuse. It was clear that many of us feel a sense of helplessness as victims.

 

In the name of drugs, many of us, also in this House, have lost our children. Many of us have lost our families. Many of us are divorced, or are in the process of getting divorced. Many of our children are in and out of jails. Many of our children are school dropouts. Many of our children are in an out of rehabilitation centres. The fact is that drugs and substance abuse does not know any political affiliation, doesn’t know any social status and doesn’t know any race.

 

The devastating effect of substance abuse in our communities is clear in the instances of theft, rape, murder, child abuse drunken driving etc. Drug and alcohol abuse undermines the safety and wellbeing of our communities. Law enforcement is struggling to deal with this scourge as resources are limited. We have seen a steady increase in drug-related crimes from 63 000 in 2004 to over 260 000 last year.

 

These crime statistics are but a small indication of the extent of the social impact of substance abuse. Considering the extent of the problem of substance abuse in our country, one would have thought that more resources would be allocated to collect the data on substance abuse patterns in our communities, to identify the underlying factors that contribute to substance abuse and to access the implementation of the current programmes to treat substance abuse.

 

The DA understands this desperate need for more resources. It is for this reason that for the past five years we have doubled our budget to almost R93 million to the Substance Abuse, Prevention and Rehabilitation substance programme. The Central Drug Authority, CDA, established under the Department of Social Development, has not been able to publish any truly representative recent data on the extent of addiction in our country.

 

Last year, the CDA was allocated only R12 million, to carry out its mandate, from which it has to pay salaries and allowances for board members. Little remained to carry out their mandate to assist in the fight against substance abuse in the country and to oversee the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan, NDMP.

 

In March this year the CDA told the Portfolio Committee on Social Development that no impact assessment of the NDMP has been done. This is particularly wrong considering the extent of substance abuse in our country. This government is ill prepared to take decisive action to deal with these problems.

 

Far more research needs to be done on the extent of the impact of substance abuse. This research is vital to fully understanding both the scope and the impact of substance abuse. CDA’s Dr Ray Eberlein stated in 2011 that substance abuse in South Africa is estimated to cost the economy more than R130 billion per year.

 

This is a remarkable statement and one would think that a socioeconomic problem such as substance abuse with a R130 billion annual price tag would warrant action or more resources to be allocated into research on how to deal with this scourge.

 

It is estimated that substance abuse in South Africa is almost double the international norm. In fact, the United Nations, UN, have already identified South Africa as a transit hub for drugs and is increasingly being considered a drug capital. But maybe we need to ask ourselves why the ANC led government has closed the most effective unit within SA Police Services, SAPS, SA Narcotic Bureau that was fighting this evil in our country.

 

The DA recognises the extent to which substance abuse poses a serious threat to the communities especially the youth. That is why the DA-run Western Cape has increased the number of drug rehabilitation centres over the last five years from 7 to 24. Talk is cheap. As a country we cannot fight substance abuse if we do not know the real extent of the problem.

 

The resources must be made available to gather credible data and to be able to effectively monitor substance abuse. The specialised unit like the SA Narcotic Bureau within the SAPS must be re-established to gather intelligence and investigate and prosecute the drug cartels operating in South Africa.

 

Hon Minister Nhleko, South Africa is saying to you, we are tired of this enemy or this threat in our society. We need to make resources available to fund the rehabilitation centres and anti-drug use education programmes must be rolled out and maintained in our schools and communities, in all our places of employment and both the public and private sectors.

 

Hon members, I am appealing to each and every one of us, let’s stand together and fight this evil for the sake of our nation and for the sake of our children. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

Mr N S MATIASE: Deputy Speaker, for as long as the economy of this country remains in the hands of Oppenheimers or the Ruperts and their ilk, the debate on alcohol and substance abuse will forever remain with us and this is reflected in the manner in which Ministers and members of this House go out and make statements, reckless, that EFF members should be killed when they are high on something, on alcohol and then the next day they turn up and say, no, it was a figure of speech.

 

The figure of speech se voet and this is the extent to which alcohol abuse is serious in this country. [Interjections.] Members of this House making irresponsible statements because of that. Often we have had this subject of the impact of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse in communities, as we debate it today, always focussing on misguided and misplaced areas and the source of the problem.

The tax paid by the alcohol and the tobacco combined through turnover tax, Pay As You Earn, PAYE and other forms of tax does not even begin to even make a fraction of the expenditure by government to mitigate the impact of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse. According to a Review of the Taxation of Alcoholic beverages in South Africa by the National Treasury, based on conservative estimates.

 

National and provincial governments allocated more than 17 billion to deal with the direct consequences of alcohol abuse. Only R890 million of revenue was collected from these industries, that’s just under 5% of the cost of the fight against alcohol and substance abuse. Alcohol abuse is the third largest contributor to death and disability.

 

The main reason of work related injuries and increased absenteeism as well as high employee turnover, yet we talk about abuse of alcohol without reflecting on the industry itself. It is a fact that the alcohol and drugs industries are killing industries and until society starts viewing it in that way and talk about it that way, the impact caused by alcohol and drug abuse will continue to be appalling.

 

And for the ANC government to think they can deal with alcohol, drugs and substance abuse by holding shebeen owners responsible for actions of people they sell alcohol to, highlights the lack of insight by government in addressing the problem confronting our society. Even more alarming, in the Western Cape, the DA government sits idle and folding their arms while wine farmers continue to pay farm workers with alcohol.

 

More fundamentally alcohol abuse is directly linked to economic apartheid. For as long as the economy of this country is untransformed and for as long as it remains in the hands in the hands of the few and for as long as the economy and the commanding eyes are not nationalised, we will forever sit with the problem of alcohol and substance abuse.

 

People with no access to economic opportunities and who are predominantly black are the most affected by alcohol abuse while white people who are the owners of this industry continue to benefit from the misery of black people. [Interjections.] The solution to the socio-economic impact of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse is to vote the ANC out of power [Interjections.] and replace it with the militant, radical and socialist protest movement, the EFF. [Applause.]

 

For as long as the economy of this country is shared between the black capitalists who are emerging and their friends overseas, we will forever debate this matter today. Long live the spirit of the EFF, long live. [Time expired.] [Interjections.]

 

Ms L L VAN DER MERWE: Hon Deputy Speaker, we stand, today, as a nation at a moral crossroads. Drug abuse in South Africa is twice the global average. In alcohol consumption, we are among the top 10 nations in the world.

 

This is not a hidden social evil. Daily, our newspapers carry the individual stories that represent what is happening in our families and in our community, at large. We know about the woman who is forced to use her social grant to buy her husband’s fix while the children go hungry. We know about the neglected babies whose mothers are under the influence of alcohol, and the men who sell their children to sexual predators for drugs. We know that drug lords are often alerted before police raids and that some officers are drug dealers and users, themselves.

 

What has led our nation down this path of self-destruction? One answer is that of poverty and despair, which are a direct result of the ruling party’s failed economic policies and the high unemployment rate. However, there are undercurrents too, of abandoned values and moral decay, and government solutions presently in place are failing us. This is supported by the Department of Social Development’s Central Drug Authority, which reported that many municipalities are failing to implement the National Drug Master Plan.

 

We also lack adequate human and financial resources to fight substance abuse at local level. Provincial and national departments are not submitting reports and, at the most basic level, there are not enough public treatment centres for addicts who want to recover. Clearly, there is a lack of political will and resources, which is hindering our fight.

 

So, what is the solution? Strengthen and resource the Central Drug Authority. Hold to account departments which do not play their part in fulfilling their mandate. Crack down on rogue police officers and outlaw taverns near schools. Without concrete, preventative measures, however, the tide will not turn.

 

The IFP promotes values that affirm and strengthen the family. We believe in rewarding discipline, academic achievement, involvement in community programmes, and completing treatment for addiction. Learners must be made aware of the damage wrought by substance abuse on their bodies, their minds, their emotions and potential. We need to offer alternatives, including sports facilities and youth groups, so that young people can fulfil their need for self-expression and peer acceptance. Much more can be done to enhance parenting skills, as well.

 

Finally, our greatest offensive and defensive action would be that of ensuring that this government is up to the task of creating jobs. This would be the very first step in turning the tide against this crisis, which is destroying our nation. I thank you.

 

Mr S C MNCWABE: Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, alcohol, drugs and substance abuse is the single most dangerous threat to the social fabric of South Africa, with a devastating effect on individuals, families, communities and society, as a whole. The World Health Organisation statistics show that South Africa is amongst the countries showing the highest risk patterns of alcohol consumption in the world. Our average annual per capita consumption of alcohol is 27 litres per person, compared to the global average of 10 litres. These are frightening statistics, particularly when we consider that this heavy alcohol consumption is estimated to cost the local and national government approximately R17 billion each year.

The economic cost of drug dependence and other substance abuse remains a matter of conjecture, but it is probably safe to say that it equals or could be worse than the estimates of alcohol abuse. Recent studies showed that alcohol abuse was not only robbing the country of money, it was also the third largest contributor to death and disability after unsafe sexually transmitted infections and interpersonal violence, both of which are influenced by alcohol consumption. Once again, it would be safe to say that the abuse of drugs and other substances is, in equal measure, a factor that drives dependency-related deaths and disabilities.

 

The causes of alcohol and other forms of dependency and substance abuse are multifold. These range from our porous borders, which invite an inflow of drugs to our country, to the glamorous image the media creates of alcohol use and the extreme helplessness that people feel because of poverty and unemployment.

 

The response of government to the scourge of drugs and substance abuse has been to draft and implement the National Drug Master Plan. This is to be commended and supported. However, we believe that any attempt to change social behaviour will be fruitless unless a climate is created that will address the socioeconomic circumstances in which alcohol and drug abuse flourish.

 

It would be highly idealistic and impractical to suggest that there is a quick fix, but we need to start somewhere. We suggest that a renewed focus on job creation and economic prosperity for all would be a suitable starting point. We also wish to see increased police action, enforcing the laws of our country, in particular, the laws that regulate the licenced sale of alcohol and the laws that prohibit underage drinking of alcohol. I thank you. [Time expired.]

 

Ms R N CAPA: Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, the debate taking place today is very important, not only for us as members, but for our communities in various constituencies, as well. It takes place when there has been a call for such a conversation to be had in this House by a number of hon members. I am convinced this intervention will culminate in another similar engagement throughout the country.

 

As already stated by other speakers before me, the matter of drugs and substance abuse is, indeed, ravaging our beautiful country, leading to social crimes, family disintegration and domestic violence. The President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, is leading a campaign against this scourge in the provinces. Communities are also creating their own initiatives, and inviting the President to work with them on those initiatives. In other provinces, the premiers have also hosted the antidrug and substance abuse programmes in their own offices, as special programmes included in the Moral Regeneration Movement that has already been put in place.

 

For the benefit of some of us who haven’t been able to appreciate what steps have been taken, I must give some examples. South Africans who were problem abusers in 2010 numbered 270 901. Those who are problem substance abusers number 1,97 million. I am speaking from concrete, experiential learning from our oversight visit.

 

We found that about 50 cases per 1 000 school-entry children have foetal alcohol syndrome disorder, a living example being in areas of the Northern Cape: Kimberley, Galeshewe and Roodepan. Here it was found that 60% of Grade 1 children have irreversible brain damage. That hinders their growth, both cognitively and physically. The Lerato Place of Safety that the committee visited in the Northern Cape accommodates such children, who are living examples of cognitive damage that is caused by this foetal alcohol syndrome. Even though these children were in their mid-teens, their physical stature was that of children younger than 10.

 

We often hear media reports of our own children, as South Africans, especially young girls, being used as drug mules in foreign countries. One was, sadly, sentenced to death in another country. The problem is, indeed, enormous.

 

The ANC-led government has established at least seven public treatment centres and is also supporting 48 registered private treatment centres. Five treatment centres are currently under construction in five provinces, and 73 outpatient treatment service centres are in operation. There are also after-care support centres. Almost 17 000 patients have gone through these doors and received treatment. Reintegration is also implemented and supported by support groups.

 

This is too little, however, if one looks at the magnitude of the problem out there. If one looks at world trends versus South African trends in access to treatment, one in three patients has access to treatment in North America. One in four patients has access in Oceana, but one in 18 in South Africa! Given the government and community efforts, as we speak, and the rate of spread, more effort is required by ourselves. The country, as a whole, will have to go back to basics.

 

The White Paper on Families now being implemented by the Department of Social Development emphasises the importance of families and thus establishes interventions aimed at strengthening these family institutions. It is critical that its implementation must be fast-tracked and accelerated. In addition, the promotion of both family life and parental guidance under these circumstances is extremely important.

 

The time has come for parents and children to spend more family time together. More parenting values and skills, those written, as in policies, and those unwritten, passed down from generation to generation, are key to the strengthening of families, as they promote our ubuntu. A family unit, when it is supported and strengthened, can be the best vehicle to prevent substance and drug abuse.

 

Furthermore, social cohesion has to be strengthened, as families and individuals who are affected by this scourge are often stigmatised by their communities. We also need to use existing infrastructure in all these provinces for recreational use and to find ways to keep our youth busy and developing their skills, as they find themselves abusing drugs because they have nothing to do.

 

Kunesidina lapha phandle umangabe ungenzi lutho. [It is boring out there if you do not have anything to do.]

 

My conclusion to this would be that the evil that occurred where we are today is because we woke up landless, with nothing to own, wanderers in our own country. This is also the reason for us facing the foreign habit of drug abuse ...

 

Utywala kudala baselwa kodwa kwakungenje kuba noko sasibutya sihluthi. Ndiyabulela. [Liquor has always been there and people drinking it but not the way it is today because back then we would drink with our stomachs full. Thank you.]

 

Ms C N MAJEKE: Deputy Speaker, hon members. Alcohol and drug use amongst children in adolescence are causes of increasing concern in South Africa. They are major contributors to crimes, violence, intentional and unintentional injuries, as well as to other social health and economic problems.

 

Findings from the youth risk behaviour survey of 2011 and the Western Cape school survey point to high prevalence rates for binge drinking and lifetime cannabis use among youth. Heavy drinking by school goers is significantly associated with absenteeism, academic failure, risky sexual behaviour, increased sexual victimisation and increased likelihood of other drug use.

 

Given the high rates of alcohol and drug use, a significant proportion of South African adolescents are at a risk of developing alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems. This is however compounded by the reality that specialist treatment centres catering for youth are few and far between. There is a real need for treatment centres, more age appropriate services, including ancillary that is psychological and medical care should also be made available to young people. There is a need for effective interventions that target South African youth. Prevention programmes that are grounded in evidence that have shown to be effective are needed both at school and after school, like family strengthening programmes.

 

The rural communities continue to be played by alcohol abuse and the number of children born with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders remains a grave concern. Brief intervention and referral treatment should be a norm at maternal obstetric units. All pregnant women should be screened, referred and the use of outreach mobiles to reach women who do not access care should be encouraged.

 

Findings from a study conducted by the Medical Research Council suggests that these social service offices conveniently located in it’s district of the province help people from poor communities overcome many of the structural barriers to accessing care for substance use disorders.

 

Finally hon Deputy, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the transition in to adolescence often increase children’s susceptibility to development of problem behaviours. It is at this stage early adolescence, that children are often exposed to substance abuse for the first time, especially when parenting becomes ineffective. Literature has consistently shown that two potential influential protective factors are the quality of relationship with parents and adolescence serve a steam perception. I thank you.

 

Dr C P MULDER: Hon Deputy Speaker its always amazing for me to see how absolutely committed the factors from other parties are when they join the ANC. It’s almost as if they have to prove themselves, the hon Abrahams was the perfect example this afternoon, quoting from ANC policy documents when she was still a member of the DA, opposing those plans, it’s amazing. [Interjections.]

 

You see Chairperson we are dealing with a serious matter today, the whole question of drugs and alcohol abuse in South Africa and it’s a vital, it’s a terrible problem that we’ve got, but the problem obviously is that all the programmes, and the ANC is very good with the programmes and campaigns, with that they are excellent. But the problem is they would like to always treat the symptoms but they shy away from the causes. The causes are not dealt with in South Africa by the ANC.

 

Now the problem is basically this, if you look around the international community around the whole world today you will find only five economist countries left, only five, North Korea, Cuba, China, Laos and Vietnam. And then you can look throughout the world, and then you can look in terms of economic comparisons and you will be amazed that you will find South Africa very closely at number six. That’s a problem, that’s why we have a drug problem in South Africa because our economy is not growing, our country is suffering from a very serious disease, and it’s called socialism and communism.

 

The ANC cabinet there, the hon Minister is looking away but he is not creating jobs [Interjections.], yes you are not creating jobs that are the problem. Our economy is in a dive, our economy is shrinking all the time and people are despondent out there. So you can have all the campaigns, and you can have all the programmes but unless you get the economy to grow and create jobs that people have hope again, and they can find work for themselves, you will not solve this problem.

 

Look at your policies, look at your economic policies, our partners in Africa are growing, wonderful, but South Africa is not growing because the President said the other day, and it was quoted this afternoon that is for government to look after politics and the economy should be looked after by big business. If only you did that, yes but only if you did that, but because of your policies it is impossible to do exactly that. So you are not creating jobs, you have this huge amount of people who can’t find jobs and people are despondent and they turn to drugs.

 

Nobody should underestimate the tragedy in each and every family which has to deal with that kind of situation. No campaign and no programme will solve that, let’s get the economy growing but then we must first get rid of the disease that is so rife in those benches. Thank you, Chair.

Ms D CARTER: The use of alcohol in our country is unfortunately and tragically a compulsive way of life for many people, addiction as a result. There are many socio economic consequences of alcohol and substance abuse, these include missing out on education, skills, limitation, reluctance to work, unemployment, inability to keep a job, violence, crime, sexual risk behaviour, unwanted pregnancies, disruptions to family life, poor work performance and gangsterism.

 

Where such abuse of alcohol and substance is located within the community or locality the whole community becomes dysfunctional, crime ridden and poverty stricken. There’s also a direct and indirect effects on the health and nutrition of abusers and this place is a heavy demand on the provision of health care. Illegal and unmonitored shebeens across South Africa have led to uncontrolled abuse of alcohol and of substances. The misuse of alcohol and substance over the weekend leads to many stabbings and killings, and hospitals comes under considerable strain during weekends and holidays.

 

While individuals aged between the age of 35 and 44 are generally the biggest offenders, teenagers are tragically lured into experimenting with alcohol and narcotics. Alcohol abuse researchers have found it’s a major course of malnutrition and it also has a detrimental affect on the liver and the digestive system, substance abuse has a similar effect. We need to treat the root cause and not the symptoms. We can detail at length all of the negative effects of alcohol and substance abuse because of abundant research done on this topic. However, it is very important for us to focus on drastic and urgent solutions.

 

Government must give attention to enhancing social control within communities because increasing modernisation and urbanisation is actually exacerbating the problem. Our solution is to create a system of semi-autonomous township government, as a sub-structure of local government. It is unfortunate that I don’t see anyone from the Ministry of Cogta here. All elected ward councillors for a given township should constitute such a structure and have a township office attached to a community hall. Frequent conferencing with the community will yield desired results and socioeconomic benefits.

 

If Social mores in a community as well as laws work in harmonious combination, communities will start more self-regulating more effectively. Township governments must have budgetary support for creating and maintaining sports and recreational facilities. Sports and counselling in schools must receive priority attention. A bottom up approach will work more effectively in creating social norms that will regulate drinking. The COPE urges government to create township government sub structure of local government to face substance and alcohol abuse and to deal with the wide range socio economic problems, I thank you [Time expired.]

 

Ms M A SCHEEPERS: Thank you Deputy Speaker, hon Ministers, hon Deputy Ministers, hon members and our distinguished guests; the devastating effect of poverty, inequality and unemployment as well as the material conditions under which the majority of South Africans live represent the greatest challenge to the advancement of social cohesion and nation-building. It is significant to create strong families, cohesive communities and the winning prosperous nation that promotes social cohesion and stable communities.

 

The fight against substance abuse is a key aspect in this regard because substance abuse is a scourge that has the potential to destabilise our nation. Deputy Speaker, the impact of alcohol and substance abuse continues to ravage families, communities and society; The use of alcohol and illicit drugs impact negatively on the users, their families and communities.

 

Drugs and substance abuse have serious implications for millions of South Africans and contributes to crime, gangsterism, domestic violence, dysfunctional families, verbal, physical and sexual abuse and death. It has only a negative impact on the health sector and the families of addicts are placed under significant financial pressures due to the cost associated with the crimes committed by the users, such as legal fees as well as the cost of treatment.

 

The emotional and psychological impacts on families and the high levels of crime and other social ills have left many communities under siege. Substance abuse is slowly eating into the social fibre of our family structures, which is counter to the ANC’s endeavour of mobilising South Africans to strengthen the nation’s moral fibre informed by human compassion and solidarity.

 

Deputy Speaker, a recent heart rending letter to President Jacob Zuma by mothers in the Eldorado Park south of Johannesburg, narrates the grim reality of the ravaging impact of drugs facing families and communities. It says and I quote: “We no longer get together to boast about the achievements of our children but rather to share our lives of living hell and despair.

 

In 1994, the then Minister of Justice, Dullah Omar, on behalf of President Nelson Mandela delivered a speech at the UN International Drug Control Programme, informing the workshop that drugs affect all communities; the youth in particular and that government and South Africans had to face the problem and act decisively. Between substance abuse and the spread of HIV/Aids, adolescents, who use alcohol and other drugs are more likely to engage in unsafe sex than those who abstain from using drugs and other substances.

 

Majority of South Africans is black and nonworking, and are thus more affected by the scourge. It is estimated that one in every three South Africans are addicted to drugs. This includes over the counter and illegal drugs. Deputy Speaker, a plan of action was developed and adopted as follows: To develop policy review and align legal legislation; to educate and create awareness on substance abuse; to promote equal access to resources across South Africa; to respond to policies and legislations with regards to drugs and organised crime; to review institutional mechanisms; to prevent and manage alcohol and drug use in the country. President Jacob Zuma is unambiguous in his view that and I quote:

 

The most powerful weapon in fighting drugs is to reduce the demand and close the markets especially amongst the youth. We have to educate children and the youth to say “No” to drugs.

 

The government is planning to expand treatment centres and to ensure accessibility even in rural areas. The view of the national data management protocol is the decriminalising or criminalising substances or the users is not enough to win this war but the variation of strategies.

 

In conclusion, Deputy Speaker, our main focus on the scourge should be that, this is not only a governmental problem, but all households, schools, communities and churches should be focused on, and work together in fighting this demon. Our children are losing their lives, our families, their values, and our education is being affected. Let us get back to a society where we say, and show that my child is yours, and yours is mine so that we can all live in a better safe South Africa.

 

Deputy Speaker, despite all the challenges that we as the ANC-led government, are moving forward. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

Rev K R J MESHOE: House Chairperson, our nation is facing a serious crisis caused by the easy availability of highly dangerous and addictive drugs such as Nyaope and Whoonga. Children as young as six years of age are part of a younger generation whose future is being destroyed by enemies who make a living from selling drugs to children. Drug dens operate freely in some communities, while drug lords are driving around with flashy cars, even though they are known to be unemployed.

 

Furthermore, children are dropping out of school in increasing numbers because they need to find ways to support their life-threatening addiction. The ACDP calls on government to reinstate specialised drug units to focus on removing drug lords from our communities and eradicating drug trafficking.

 

Chairperson, the ACDP applauds the sterling efforts being made in drug busting and sincerely hopes that these efforts will continue. We also appreciate and support honest, hardworking police officers who are working hard to fight drug trafficking. However, we are deeply concerned by reports of police collusion with drug lords, some of whom are said to be on their payrolls.

 

We used to have a national police commissioner who was not ashamed of his association with a notorious drug lord. Now we have a provincial police commissioner who is facing corruption charges and who is similarly reported to have links with someone accused of being a drug lord.

 

For as long as police officers are friends of drug dealers, our country will never win the war against drugs. Corrupt police who protect or work alongside the drug dealers must be identified and purged from the service. Additionally, more pressure should be placed on the government to use sniffer dogs when raiding homes that are reportedly used as drug dens.

 

The ACDP supports and commend all initiatives to raise public awareness about the dangers of drug and substance abuse, including that of Recovering Addicts Empowering Lives, RAEL Orange Friday initiative. We do however, note that awareness initiatives and anti-drug summits, on their own, are not enough to stop drug trafficking in our communities, and far more still needs to be done to ensure that we eradicate this scourge from our communities.

 

The ACDP is opposed to the suggestion by Prof Jannie Hugo that Nyaope be legalised so that it can be better controlled. Nyaope, Whoonga and other dangerous drugs are destroying the lives and future of our children, and should be eradicated from society and not controlled.

Lastly, on behalf of the ACDP, I wish to convey our condolences to the family, friends and members of the DA of the passing away of their member and our former colleague, hon Kenneth Mubu; may his soul rest in peace. [Applause.]

 

Mrs Y N PHOSA: Hon House Chair, hon members, it is once again a pleasure to join you today as we debate the topic, The Socioeconomic Impacts of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse, in this august House.

 

The theme for our debate today ... [Interjections.]

 

HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members. Continue hon member!

 

Mrs Y N PHOSA: The theme for our debate today narrates the story of varying challenges facing today’s youth. A study on economic and social consequences of drugs abuse and elicit trafficking found that drug abuse occur most frequently among young people in the 15-35 age group, with a particular concentration in the 18-25 age group. This includes school-going youth.

 

Indeed, alcohol, drug and substance abuse among the youth is cause for increasing concern in our country. The impact of such abuse is as follows. It affects the academic life of students in our institutions. They have been linked to academic difficulties, absenteeism and drop-outs in our schools and tertiary institutions. As this type of abuse has been proven to decrease learning capacity, it becomes increasingly difficult for learners and students who abuse alcohol and other substances to maintain certain levels of academic standards, except of course if those standards are those of failure.

 

In addition alcohol, drug and substance abuse by students who drop out before completion, or take more time than necessary to complete their education, is a loss to the economy, the state, society and households. This is money that could otherwise have been used by many deserving students.

 

Alcohol, drugs and substance abuse also affects the culture of many institutions of higher learning and students’ social lives. The abuse is also a major contributor to crime, violence, intentional and unintentional injuries as well as to other health, economic and social problems, including risky sexual behaviour.

 

Recent news stories publicising alcohol-related deaths at campuses of post-school institutions are really disturbing. Alcohol misuse among students at institutions of higher learning is taking its toll, not only on the students who drink alcohol in excess, but also on other students affected by the behaviour of their drinking peers, including the institutions’ infrastructure which often sustains heavy damage or vandalism from unruly students.

 

One serious result of the presence of illicit drugs at institutions of higher learning is the violence that usually accompanies it. Students who abstain from alcohol and substance abuse often suffer secondary effects from the behaviour of students that abuse substances. Nonbingeing and abstaining students may become the targets of insults and arguments, physical assaults, unwanted sexual advances, vandalism, humiliation or even death.

 

We are facing a challenge whereby alcohol is readily available to students because it is sold on campuses or within walking distance from campus.  Drinking of liquor by students, especially during weekends, is as a result of liquor outlets remaining open until late at night or even into the early morning hours, exposing them to dangers of violence and other crimes.

 

The mass media also play a role in glamourising alcohol use. The exposure to the advertising of alcohol in various forms of media facilitates drinking problems in young people. For example, the use of high profile sportsmen in the advertising of alcohol encourages students to drink as they want to identify with their sporting heroes.

 

Substance abuse also affects communities and individuals in a deep and sometimes irreversible manner: Families are broken because of fathers, mothers and youngsters who abuse substances; the abusers become a financial and health burden to their families and communities; crime increases; and destruction of property and municipal infrastructure becomes the order of the day.

 

For example, if you go to many graveyards and community halls in our townships, you will find that the palisade fences are down because the metal bolts holding them together have been stolen by nyaope/whoonga abusers. Instead of recording progress, our municipalities announce losses.

 

In addition, substance abuse leads to an increase in disabilities in our communities, and this leads to more people depending on the state for their survival. People who abuse alcohol become involved in accidents due to impaired concentration and vision, resulting in them being disabled and causing the disabilities of many other innocent passengers and bystanders, if not death.

 

During the execution of crime, some are injured by criminals and police, resulting in physical or mental disabilities that they would otherwise never have experienced were it not for substance abuse.

 

Furthermore, substance abuse leads to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV infections, and, an increase in abortions performed in or around tertiary campuses and in our communities. Many girls fall prey to rapists after drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, and when they fall pregnant they do not know who the father is. Thus they regularly visit abortion clinics to get rid of unwanted pregnancies and be treated for infections that they cannot explain.

 

To counter the scourge of substance abuse on campuses, the Department of Higher Education and Training has embarked on the First Things First campaign. As Matric pupils leave school and start a new chapter in their lives, they are exposed to new environments at a life stage of greater personal independence. This requires them to be equipped with the knowledge and awareness of HIV risk factors, including unprotected sex and alcohol and substance abuse.

 

The Department also encourages post-school education institutions to draft their implementation plans for combating substance abuse on their campuses, and to have substance abuse policies.  The other intervention to address this scourge, I suppose, is that: The municipalities who issue out liquor licenses, should not issue them out to businesses closer to learning institutions; and those liquor outlets operating illegally should be shut down.

 

As I conclude, I remain confident that the battle against this scourge can be won if we work in partnership as a social cluster. Working together we can help our young people make healthy choices that will benefit them and many generations to come. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

Mr Z N MBHELE: Ngiyabonga Sihlalo. [Thank you, Chairperson.]

 

It is clear that one of the key challenges with addressing substance abuse is inadequate resources. Long waiting lists at existing rehabilitation and treatment centres emphasise the enormous need for more of these facilities and more budgets for treatment programmes. A DA national government would devote more funds to rehabilitation and that is what we have been doing in the Western Cape as mentioned by the hon Kopane.

 

Now that is interesting, that why the Western Cape is spending R92,6 million on substance abuse prevention and treatment this year. The Gauteng Department of Social Development spends only R19 million more at R121,3 million despite Gauteng having almost more than twice the population of the Western Cape. I think that says all you need to know.

 

Central to the solutions to substance abuse must be the understanding that economic inclusion is the foundation for social inclusion. When so many of our fellow citizens are on the margins of the economy, unemployed and often unemployable, they are deprived the sense of dignity and purpose that comes from having a sustained livelihood. They may become hopeless and thereafter more vulnerable to slipping into social ills like alcohol and drug abuse in order to dull the harshness of their bleak daily reality.

 

That is why the DA highlights in our values charter that our country needs an economy capable of creating work and indeed the two pillars of a DA-led government action programme as per our Vision 2029 would be improving education and growing the economy to create real jobs. In this way, we would not just be mopping up the flow by dealing with substance abuse at the point of treatment programmes but also be closing the tap that fastens the problem that needs to be mopped up later.

 

The hon Abrahams mentioned all the provisions that have come from the ANC-led government. She listed water, sanitation, housing and education. Fair enough, but she missed the big one – job creation! The ANC has failed dismally on that score. As I have explained, that is crucial to closing the tap on addressing these issues.

 

I must say also that the Eersterust operations would be a matter of course if the Narcotics Bureau was still operating. So, we are playing catch up because the specialised unit to deal with drugs was shut down. She spoke about lots of strengthen, “We are strengthening the Central Drug Authority” and “Strengthening programs.” Well, it seems according to the ANC: When we aren’t strengthening; we are intensifying. When we aren’t doing that; we are radicalising! When are we going to get the basics right and just get down to implementing?

 

I must now turn to the hon Matiase who requires a bit of attention. He blamed the Western Cape Government for the dop system wherever it may still exist in the province. For his edification, he needs to first be informed that the responsibility for labour law compliance monitoring rests with the national Department of Labour. So, you must please direct your complaints to Minister Oliphant.

 

Secondly, the Western Cape Government has not simply set back and folded its arms in complacency. The provincial Department of Agriculture has long created a reporting hotline where such offences can be brought to the attention of the department and they would be referred to the national Department of Labour for follow up through labour inspections.

 

For this further edification, I would also like to inform the hon Matiase that the Western Cape is in fact the only province to have a government-funded and government-supported Farmworkers Forum where the provincial Department of Agriculture liaises with the farmworkers community representatives to listen to their issues and concerns, showing that the DA-led provincial government does indeed care about farmworkers. So, the hon Matiase will be well advised to check himself before he wrecks himself.

It goes without saying that the impact of alcohol, drugs and substance abuse in our communities is nothing short of devastating. It destroys the potential of individuals, creates conflicts within families and shreds the fabric of communities. What we need to address this is political will and leadership. We need real manning and concrete programs, and the Western Cape DA-led government is indeed leading the way. Thank you. [Applause.]

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Hon Chairperson, alcohol, drug and substance abuse or use is a global complex challenge that faces our country and the rest of the world. It involves those who produce the drugs and the substances, those who traffic it, money launderers, and criminals and it is certainly transnational. It does not only afflict the poor; but it also afflicts those who are rich and, indeed, the more affluent countries are indeed a wonderful source of attraction to those who deal in drugs.

 

South Africa itself, consumes in excess of 5 billion litres of alcohol annually, which equates to 9–10 litres of pure alcohol per person. That is consumption, not by the poor, but by the more affluent and rich. In other words, those who imbibe alcohol are not necessarily poor. Twenty-six percent of it is homebrewed, but the rest of it is acquired and purchased at huge costs. The direct consequences of alcohol and drug abuse cost the government 1,3% of the gross domestic product, GDP, and South Africa has one of the riskiest drinking patterns, ranking fifth in the world. South Africans drink on average 53% more than the rest of Africa. So, South Africa becomes the global leader amongst those who basically indulge in risky behaviour.

 

It is important that we understand the context and content of this debate; it is not about what the Western Cape does, what the ANC or the DA does. It is about the future of our children. I am not going to stand up here and say the incident of foetal alcohol syndrome is the highest in the Western Cape and because it is the highest here, therefore, the Western Cape government is accountable for it. I would want to stand up and say that it has certainly reached endemic proportions. We, as the government, irrespective of where we are allocated, have a particular responsibility to further the best interests of our children. [Applause.]

 

I will not argue in a parochial and politically opportunistic way that we have more treatment centres. The reason for it is quite obvious; it is relative to the problem that exists in the Western Cape. Go to our schools and look at drug abuse in them, it exists in Gauteng, but certainly it is much more dominant in the Western Cape. Please, I did not interrupt your speakers. This is the discipline of the Western Cape – they want to make politics about everything else. [Interjections.] It is indeed sad that you want to argue about the fact that you say you disagree with the EFF and the EFF is indeed correct.

 

The dop system has contributed directly to the use of drugs and indeed it persists and the vestigial remain in the Western Cape. The question is what has the Western Cape ...

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO: I rise on a point of order to check from the Deputy Minister because we are from the same city and the same area. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Why are you rising, hon member?

 

Mr A M MATLHOKO: I want to ask him a simple question.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Deputy Minister, are you prepared to take a question?

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: I am not going to take it. We will discuss it after the debate. Thank you very much, hon Chairperson.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Continue, hon Deputy Minister.

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Hon House Chairperson, you know it is easy to speak glibly about the economy and what you’ve got to do about it. But I think political forebears of Mr Mulder are responsible for the plight of the poorest of the poor and for those who are, in fact, labouring and suffering under difficult economic hardships. The dop system was certainly initiated by them with their approval and condonation and certainly, they did nothing to intervene. Now, to blame this democratic government for the past is really opportunistic.

 

I think it is important for me to say what it is that we are doing about it. Let us look at what the Department of Education is doing. We have the national strategy on alcohol, drug and substance abuse, which is basically aimed at, - and the Western Cape does not have one, a national strategy which is adopted by the Western Cape Department of Education. They comply with it and they see its value. In fact, they utilise it as a guide, so please, keep your mouth shut.

 

Secondly, we also have a manual that guides in that case ...

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members!

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Hon House Chairperson, this is the difficulty out here; we are trying to have a sensible debate on a very sensitive issue here. The colleagues on the left hand side will not allow us to debate and have a proper discourse. It is the level of tolerance that we have from their side; I suppose I would imagine that there may be some kind of substance that is affecting their conduct. [Laughter.]

 

With regard to the issue ...

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Deputy Minister, you may continue.

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Hon House Chairperson, I do believe that you can intervene and interject, but certainly, you cannot distract the person when ...

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Just continue, hon Deputy Minister. Order, hon the Chief Whip of the DA.

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: The issue that has been raised by the Western Cape is why have we closed the narcotics branch? The reason for it is quite obvious, drug dealing is basically transversal. It involves money laundering and criminal activity and it is not confined to drugs per se. What the SA Police Service has done is indeed to strengthen its ability in terms of forensic, improve and enhance the quality and skills of its detectives to ensure that they are able to detect crime and indeed, we have made several busts in the past few months, which really speak to this particular reality and allow them the opportunity to develop these skills. It does not prevent or prohibit the SA Police Service from ensuring that they have dedicated skills to deal with these particular issues. They could prioritise it and drugs are indeed a priority crime which receives the utmost and foremost attention of the SA Police Service.

 

Under the leadership of the Minister of Social Development, we have interministerial committee and she has been able to put together the Ministers of Justice and Correctional Services, Police, Transport and Education. This is what they have done; they said with regard to tarvens, we’ve ensured that the Minister of Trade and Industry has published legislations which would ensure that the tarvens are not established within a particular distance of 500 metres from a school or a place of worship.

 

With regard to transport, the Minister of Transport has introduced and, in fact, there is rough legislation available that will reduce the alcohol content from 0,5 to 0,2 to ensure that we indeed do that. With regard to health, we ensured that we work closely with the Department of Basic Education to ensure that there is appropriate advocacy. With regard to education, the Department of Basic Education has ensured that it embeds this particular issue in the curriculum. There is particular training that is provided to educators to ensure that drug awareness becomes a reality and that they are able to detect that.

 

With regard to the manner in which we deal with the issue of drugs as it affects our youth, one should look at how the restorative justice system is applied by the Department of Justice to ensure that it is not punitive, but really to recognise that it affects the social fibre of society and that our youth should be given an opportunity and the community should be mobilised in a way that it shows that they are caring in the relationship with the youth who are affected. They demonstrate the spirit of ubuntu, a spirit which certainly will draw inspiration from the ruling party.

 

Drugs, alcohol and substance abuse contribute directly and indirectly to huge suffering amongst our people. At a domestic level, there is evidence, in America as well as in South Africa, that approximately 92% of violence that occurs between intimate partners, is associated with either drug or alcohol abuse. And it is something that we have to look at; but this is not all bad news. In South Africa, 51% of our male population and 79% of our female population do not indulge in alcohol. Well done women. What we have to do is to say: How do we curb this particular habit amongst our people?

 

One of the ways of doing it is to ensure that we do not have alcohol advertised; we do not have it in the media so that it could have an impact and influence our youth. We’ve got to ensure that we do not have alcohol companies or beverages that are being used for the promotion of sport. We should rather ensure that we provide opportunities through sport so that our youth and children are not distracted. So, drugs and alcohol affect the social, economic, physical, psychological elements within society and therefore, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that together we can do more.

 

As I conclude, I support what the EFF has raised in terms of the malice that we face. The only difference is basically to suggest and that maybe another hallucination that the 6% party will then be ruling this country is really far from the realities and one has to ask: Under what influence were you when you said that? I thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: I rise on a point of order to say that we are the government in waiting. The reality is that come 2019, we will win elections and we will turn this country around. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, order! Hon member, that was not a point of order. That concludes the debate.

 

Debate concluded.

 

ESTABLISHMENT OF AD HOC COMMITTEE TO ENQUIRE INTO WHETHER THE PRESIDENT SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 89(1)(a) OF THE CONSTITUTION

(Draft Resolution)

 

The MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Chair, I rise on a point of order. I think it is incumbent upon me as the Cabinet member responsible for justice, and the first respondent in the earlier matter in the court a quo as well as the first applicant in the pending appeal, to indicate that this debate has the risk of us treading on our own rules in terms of Rule 66 which we are all aware of. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order hon members!

 

The MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: I would like to record ... it may well be too late to pre-empt or to intercept this debate, but it must be stated that this House is going to find itself in a difficult position of having to prosecute a debate that deals with the substance which is before a court. I feel it is important that going forward, the Rules Committee applies itself to this unfortunate and very difficult constitutional matter. I thank you.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Minister ... [Interjections.] I will be with you now, hon member. This matter has been discussed in various forums in Parliament. There was also a discussion in the National Assembly Programming Committee and the Speaker took a decision that this debate should continue. We are mindful of the fact that there is a process in the court at the moment; however, we must also remind ourselves as a National Assembly that we are certainly not that court, and that we will proceed with the debate as approved by the Speaker. Hon Maimane? [Applause.]

 

The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chairperson and hon members, bagaetsho, dumelang. [my fellow people, I greet you.] Each of us in this House today is faced with a choice. We can choose a future based on the rule of law, where every person is equal before the law no matter what position they hold or the wealth they have acquired, and where the life of every person has equal value. Or we can choose a future based on the rule of big men, where might is right; where rich and powerful politicians literally get away with murder; and where the lives of ordinary African people are cheap and expendable. In other words ladies and gentlemen and hon members, our choice today is between the rule of law or the rule of war. [Interjections.] If you don’t believe me hon members, I would like to read an extract from the Washington Post ... [Interjections.] ... dated 1 July 2004.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order hon members, order! Hon Maimane, will you take your seat please? Hon members, can we just get something straight for this afternoon’s debate please. Hon members, all political parties in the House have a right to speak on this topic and different members of parties will articulate those views. Whilst interjections are allowed, you cannot drown the speaker at the podium with the levels of ... [Interjections.] ... hon members! You cannot drown the speaker at the podium with your interjections because that will lead to a situation where we don’t hear one another. It’s important for the speakers later in the debate to be able to respond to what the hon member who has moved the motion has said to the House. Proceed hon member.

 

The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: I would like to read an extract from the Washington Post dated 1 July 2004. It says:

 

At first light on Sunday, three young women walked into a scrubby field just outside their refugee camp in West Darfur. They had gone out to collect straw for their family’s donkeys. They recalled thinking that the Arab militiamen who were attacking African tribes at night would still be asleep. But six men grabbed them, yelling Arabic slurs such as zurga and abid, meaning black and slave. Then the men raped them, beat them and left them on the ground.

 

It was one of the survivors, 22-year-old Sawela Suleiman, who told a journalist, “They grabbed my donkey and my straw and said, black girl you are too dark. You are like a dog. We want to make a light baby.”

 

As this young woman recounted her story, she displayed the slashes on her thighs where her attackers had repeatedly whipped her as they raped her. It is hard to imagine, but by surviving this unthinkable ordeal this young woman was one of the lucky ones.

 

Bagaetsho, go  feta ... [My fellow people, it is...]

 

... over 400 000 men, women and children were killed in the genocide in Darfur. They were killed on the orders of a murderous tyrant by the name of Omar al-Bashir. The International Criminal Court, ICC, found that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Omar al-Bashir is criminally responsible for intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population. The charges against him include the murder, extermination, forcible transfer, rape, torture and genocide of fellow Africans. On another day we can debate the merits of the ICC, but this debate is about the Constitution of this country. [Applause.]

 

Omar al-Bashir represents everything that is dark about the world we live in. He joins the ranks of genocidal dictators from across the globe – Hitler of Germany, Pol Pot of Cambodia, Stalin of the Soviet Union and chairman Mao of the People’s Republic of China. These are the big men of our times, and like all bullies they are broken men; broken men whose self-esteem depends on bending others to their will; broken men who will stop at nothing in the pursuit of power; broken men presiding over broken societies.

 

When Nelson Mandela said that, “human rights will be the light that guides our foreign affairs”, he issued a warning to all such broken men. He said no more would South Africa protect dictators at the expense of ordinary people. All will be equal under the law. This government officially abandoned Nelson Mandela’s commitment to a human rights-based foreign policy on 15 June. [Applause.] That was the day Omar al-Bashir was smuggled away from South African soil in defiance of an order of the North Gauteng High Court. It was an escape aided and abetted by President Jacob Zuma himself. In fact, the African Union, AU, chairperson, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, confirmed during a media briefing after the AU summit, that Zuma said President al-Bashir would not be arrested.

 

Indeed, on 6 August in this House, the President acknowledged that the decision to allow al-Bashir to escape was based on a decision by his Cabinet to grant al-Bashir immunity. On that day when President Jacob Zuma helped a mass murderer escape justice, he trampled on the legacy of Tata Madiba and ultimately violated this Constitution. On that day when President Jacob Zuma chose to violate a court order, he attacked the very foundations of our constitutional democracy. Our broken President broke the law to protect yet another broken man.

 

This is why we have tabled a motion today to set up an ad hoc committee to look into the impeachment of President Zuma. The Constitution of our country provides for impeachment proceedings when a President commits such a serious violation of our Constitution. There is no doubt that the President has committed such a constitutional violation. Here are the facts:

 

Firstly, on 12 June the ICC’s ambassador came to South Africa to request the South African government. The ICC made it clear that South Africa is under an obligation to arrest al-Bashir. Specifically, the ambassador was reminded that the Security Council had lifted all immunities and South Africa could not invoke any other decision, including that of the AU, negating their obligation of the arrest;

 

Secondly, on 14 June an interim order was granted by the North Gauteng High Court prohibiting al-Bashir from leaving the Republic; and

 

Thirdly, this was followed by an order on 15 June by the same court that found that the failure to arrest al-Bashir was “inconsistent with the Constitution” of this country and that the decision by Cabinet to do so was unlawful.

 

There is a higher calling on those that lead our nation as the President of our Republic. It is an honour reserved only for those with the deepest commitment to the laws of our country. Yet on 15 June, President Jacob Zuma held a constitutional order in contempt by aiding and abetting the escape of a convicted war criminal. The President contravened both international and domestic law.

 

Nothing ... nothing illustrates further the ANC’s slide into a moral abyss under President Jacob Zuma like this does. What is factually true is, gone is the party that once stood for constitutionalism and the rule of law. Gone is the selfless struggle of President Nelson Mandela. Instead, in its place we find a shell that reverberates with empty rhetoric; a party hollowed out by President Zuma and a corrupt clique around him ... the people who would bring us nkandlagate, guptagate, spygate, and coming soon to a tender near you ... nucleargate.

 

I know that many in these benches are worried about the direction your party is going in. In fact your national general council, NGC, document says exactly that. It says that the negative trends are an injunction for the ANC to mend its ways. I can’t agree more.

 

However, the best way for you to mend your ways is in fact ... you simply can’t fix a broken President. You can recall him today. You have done it before; you can do it today in this House. [Applause.] Ladies and gentlemen, it is your opportunity to put South Africa on track.

 

Someone once said that a crisis should never be wasted. We stand at the crucible of a constitutional crisis. Today this House has a choice of either being colonised by the executive to defend President Zuma or to uphold the oath of our Constitution.

The separation of powers with each branch of government checking and balancing each other ... I can’t think of a better way to affirm the supremacy of our constitutional order. So ladies and gentleman and hon members, join us today. Don’t let this constitutional crisis go to waste. Vote to impeach President Jacob Zuma, this broken man.

 

Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika; Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso [God bless Africa; Lord bless our nation.]

 

I thank you very much. [Applause.]

 

The MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: House Chairperson, I am sure that many of our people sitting at home are getting tired of this so-called “broken this, broken this, broken that.” [Interjections.] As a matter of fact, this very Constitution ...

 

Mr G G HILL-LEWIS: We are tired!

 

The MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: ... these members are busy talking ...

 

Ms D KOHLER: It is ridiculous!

The MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Do you see? They are sick of the Constitution. [Interjections.] This very Constitution that they can come and wave in front of us here – we are proud members of the ANC, and we brought it to where it is today. [Applause.] This very Constitution that we will continue to respect is the Constitution that we drew, writing it with the blood and sweat of members of the ANC, as members of this country. [Interjections.] [Applause.]

 

This future that some members talk about is a future that we decided upon many years ago. This Constitution that they wave in front of us ...

 

Mr I M OLLIS: You should be ashamed!

 

The MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: ... and, by the way, former President Rolihlahla Nelson Mandela, this President that they today claim to have loved so much, these are the very same people who 30 years ago could not have imagined themselves standing up to receive him in this House. [Applause.]

 

Hon members, I wish to state from the start that the ANC will not support this motion. It is a motion aimed at discrediting the leadership of the ANC, as led by President Jacob Zuma. [Interjections.] It also aimed at undermining the role and responsibility of South Africa in the peace-building processes on the African continent. Further, it is aimed at undermining the political, economic, and diplomatic relations that South Africa has with the AU member states – not EU member states, AU member states. [Applause.]

 

The ANC-led government has always respected and upheld the rule of law and has always acted in line with the letter and spirit of the Constitution. This motion comes from a party whose members, I daresay, have never set foot in any of the countries on this continent. [Interjections.] These are members who have never known what it is to stand between warring factions to stop the war, members who have never known what it is to duck blows and bullets whilst working towards peace, security and stability on the continent. [Applause.] [Interjections.]

 

To the members who are asking me whether I have, if you have the capacity to read, go into the history of the role South Africa played in bringing peace to the continent. Then you will know.

 

The question of whether South Africa has a legal obligation to arrest a sitting foreign head of state is a complex matter concerning both international and domestic law that has far-reaching complications for the conduct of international relations, including those on the continent. [Interjections.] You will never set foot where you are talking about. You know that you won’t set foot there. [Interjections.]

 

In terms of customary international law, sitting heads of state and government are accorded criminal and civil immunity in domestic jurisdiction of another state, as well as inviolability of the person. In terms of section 232 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996, customary international law is law in South Africa unless it is inconsistent with the Constitution or Acts of Parliament. [Interjections.] Furthermore, section 4 of the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act, Act 37 of 2001 specifically incorporates the customary international law rule pertaining to immunities of sitting heads of state and government into the South African domestic law. The International Court of Justice and other foreign jurisdictions have upheld the principle of immunity from criminal jurisdictions and inviolability of sitting heads of state.

 

It is submitted that the complex issues in South Africa’s domestic law regarding the immunities and inviolability of the sitting presidents for whom the International Criminal Court, ICC, has issued a warrant of arrest have not been finally considered by the South African courts, as the legal process has yet to be exhausted. The High Court presently is considering the government’s application for leave to appeal the decision of the High Court on the matter of South Africa’s obligation in this regard. [Interjections.] Stop howling! [Interjections.] A number of procedural and legal grounds for appeal has been advanced in this regard. The outcome of the appeal process, which may also reach the Constitutional Court, should not be prejudged, as it may ultimately result in a different decision.

 

It should be noted that the indictment of President Al-Bashir potentially would have destroyed efforts led by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, as well as the AU, in bringing about peace in the region and the country. In addition, it would have affected South Africa’s standing in relation to its national and diplomatic relations on the continent and beyond, and here we sit with members who never lifted a finger to even help us build the diplomatic relations that we have with the African continent. [Interjections.] [Applause.] Again I repeat that I would like to see them in Cameroon, in Sierra Leone, in Senegal, in any of the African countries. I have never met one of them there – all these members sitting this side. [Interjections.]

 

I wish to remind this House that it was in the main because of the efforts of the ANC under the leadership and guidance of former President Nelson Mandela and his principles of achieving peaceful solutions to conflict-related challenges that South Africa is free today from the demon of apartheid. The evidence of South Africa’s commitment to the promotion of peace, stability and development on the continent is premised on our foreign policy, is clearly demonstrated in our successful interventions, as led by former Presidents Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, and resonates even today through the leadership of President Jacob Zuma, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and, indeed, the current chairperson of the AU, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, our own. [Applause.] This is South Africa’s leadership par excellence. [Interjections.] I doubt that some of the hon members left of the House consider this as progress for the African continent. [Interjections.]

 

South Africa will therefore continue to uphold its national interests – national interests which are not understood by some members on this side of the House – and that of our continent, on the basis that we believe that our development is intrinsically linked to that of our neighbours and is premised on the prioritisation of the African Agenda. Through our collective efforts, we jointly are championing Africa’s blueprint for development: Agenda 2063.

 

As we speak to the people of South Africa, these are the facts. In relation to our obligation under international law, South Africa ratified the Rome Statute in 2000 and adopted implementation legislation in 2002. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court provides in article 27 that official capacity, such as heads of state or government, would not exempt a person from criminal jurisdiction under this statute. However, article 98 also provides that the court may not proceed with a request for the surrender of a person which would require the requested state to act inconsistently with the obligation under international law, with respect to the state or diplomatic immunity of a person or property of a third state unless the court can first obtain the co-operation of the third state for waiver of such immunity. No such waiver has been obtained from Sudan which, in our view, renders the request from the International Criminal Court to South Africa to arrest and surrender President Al-Bashir inoperable. [Applause.]

 

We have stated consistently South Africa’s obligations to the African Union and, therefore, our responsibility under the Constitutive Act of the African Union. The principles of the Constitutive Act of the African Union include, amongst others, sovereign equality and interdependence among states and noninterference by member states in the internal affairs of another. Thank you. I think we have stated our position, and it is understood. [Time expired.] [Interjections.] [Applause.]

 

Mr G A GARDEE: House Chairperson, it is a contradiction of the natural laws of justice for a serving Minister to sing for her dinner and expect to say anything to disappoint the dinner provider. We are not surprised that the NA Rules provide for the unleashing of the executive to also discuss whether they should debate a motion to impeach a person they serve at his pleasure. Notwithstanding that, Chairperson, the EFF does agree with the motion that the President should go. It is long overdue, actually he should be thrown in the dustbin of history because he was an electoral disaster. However, the EFF does not agree with the reason for his impeachment, actually here are the reasons for his impeachment: He should be impeached because he is running away from 783 charges expanding from corruption in his conduct with Schabir Shaik; for closing his eyes on the Nkandla spending wherein he unduly benefited and is in total disregard to the findings of the Public Protector; for the senseless killing of our people in Marikana, Relela, Mothotlung and the death of Andries Tatane in Ficksburg, these should be the reasons for his impeachment.

 

Mr Zuma should actually be impeached for quite a number of reasons including the slow pace of our economic growth, the more than 50 000 jobs lost in the previous quarter of the year and more yet to be lost before the end of this year. The President should be impeached for allowing the disrespect of constitutional institutions that support democracy. That should be the reason for this impeachment, lest we forget quite a number of reasons for his impeachment. [Applause.] Mr Zuma should be impeached for sending our young people to countries of conflict to protect the business interests of his nephew in the Central African Republic. [Applause.] Those should be the reasons for his impeachment.

 

The President should be impeached and prevented from taking further destructive decisions such as the nucleargate that is haunting the country, the cost of which the country cannot even afford, money that we do not have. Mr Jackson Mthembu, I hope that you are hearing me very well. [Applause.] The EFF will support the establishment of an ad hoc committee to inquire holistically on the incapacity of the President to hold office not only because he refused to get Mr Al-Bashir arrested. Those who want Mr Al-Bashir, they can take the next available flight to Sudan, look for him somewhere in a town called Khartoum or somewhere in Darfur where our young people are conducting peacekeeping activities there but not in our country. That should be a declaration of war to another state. [Applause.]

 

In conclusion, House Chair, makahambe uZuma [Zuma must go] he just has to go. Hy moet loop [He must go.] but not for the reason of Mr Al-Bashir but for the reasons that the EFF is advancing that he is in total disrespect of the Constitution. [Interjections.]

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY: Chairperson, on a point of order.

 

Mr G A GARDEE: Chairperson, what is this now?

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Just take your seat, hon Gardee. Why are you rising, hon Chief Whip?

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY: Hon House Chair, We do not ask that the hon Gardee should like the President but at least he must call him hon President Zuma. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Gardee ... [Interjections.]

 

Mr G A GARDEE: There is nowhere in the provision of the NA Rules that any person must be called an honourable, he is Mr Zuma. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Gardee, your time has expired. [Interjections.]

 

Mr G A GARDEE: Thank you, but they have heard me. [Applause.]

 

Makahambe uZuma, phansi ngoZuma. [Zuma must go, down with Zuma.]

 

MEMBERS: Phansi. [Down.]

 

Mr M A MNCWANGO: Hon Chairperson, it is not a coincidence that this matter is brought before this House on this first day of spring. There is strong argument that South Africa and its governance is in desperate need of a thorough spring cleaning. Hon Chairperson, when a government abuses its executive authority by utterly and contemptuously derogating from international and domestic legal obligations, it strikes a clear blow to the very heart of the foundation stone of the rule of law in our country. It dismisses with contempt everything that a democratic and constitutionally supreme South Africa was build upon and stands for.

 

President Bashir is a wanted man. The United Nations estimates that he is responsible for the deaths of over 300 000 people since 2003. South Africa, through its ascension to the Rome Statute in 2000 obligated itself to arrest Omar al-Bashir as soon as he landed on South African soil. Article 86 of the statute expressly confers the duty on state parties to:

 

Co-operate fully with the court in its investigation and prosecution of crimes within the jurisdiction of the court.

 

Our executive through what can only be assumed to be orders from the state President not only failed to arrest Al-Bashir when he landed in South Africa but also dismissed with great contempt its own High Court ruling he be detained pending the conclusion of the application brought by the SA Litigation Centre when it acted positively in allowing him to quietly depart via Waterkloof Air Force Base. In so doing we flouted not only international law but also our very own domestic law. As has been correctly stated in the Draft Resolution before this House today, a number of foundational legal principles have been trampled upon by this government, namely, sections 1, 2, 83(a), 85, 165 and 231(4) of the Constitution, the Rome Statute of 2002, the interim order of the North Gauteng High Court on 14 June 2015, the court order of 15 June as well as the judgment on 23 June.

 

This government through its actions has defiantly destroyed any standing it held within the community of nations. On any international stage, the message is loud and clear under this government and President. South Africa is not to be and cannot be trusted to perform. The IFP will support the establishment of an ad hoc community into the fitness of the President. [Applause.]

 

Prof N M KHUBISA: Chairperson, hon members, the motion before us calls for the establishment of an ad hoc committee to inquire whether the President should be removed from office on the grounds of serious violation of the Constitution in accordance with section 89(1)(a). The NFP stated before that the preamble to the constitution of our party binds us to uphold and defend the supremacy of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. We will not shy away from our responsibility to do so even today.

 

The whole question regarding the arrival and departure of Sudanese President Al-Bashir has presented our government with a dilemma. On the other hand there was a legal obligation upon the government to respect our Constitution which requires us to give effect to international instruments to which we are a signatory. There is also an obligation to respect the doctrine of the separation of powers and adherence to the rule of law. On the other hand our government desired to identify with and show sympathy to the Pan Africanist by not arresting Al-Bashir. Whilst sympathising with the Pan Africanist, view we believe that it is incumbent on the government to withdraw as a signatory of the International Criminal Court, IEC, if it is unhappy with the way it operates.

 

Chairperson, having said that, I think that we need to look at the broader matters that are affecting our country, it is not time to be defensive and shift the blame to business at this time. The ANC government through bad forecasting, poor planning and maladministration has led all of us to this quagmire. The NFP wants to make a clarion call that it is time for everybody to stand up and heal the economy of the country. Let us bring together all the people, business, labour, government and everybody because our country is now in a crisis.

 

We are facing an economic meltdown and we are on the verge of recession. This administration has steered the country to oblivion. The mining sector could lose jobs to the tune of 11 798 and unions say that job loses could be as high as 19 000. This is the situation that I point to you that really there is a need for an ad hoc committee. Look at all these matters in our country. We are in an economic slump, textile agricultural sectors have also been hard hit and jobs would be lost. Most companies are already experiencing a pinch in commodity sales as well as a slow down in profits and shares.

 

The NFP has always called upon government to make sure that it speeds up job creation and levels the ground for small, medium enterprises, SMEs, to thrive in our country. There is a lot that is untoward in this country. We need to come up with a robust plan for industrialisation in our country, not only around cities but also in rural areas. The energy crisis, failure by government to normalise labour employers, business relations, and poor management in state owned enterprises have all led the country to this quagmire. Therefore we will call for an ad hoc committee that will look at all these matters. Ordinary people are now facing the ... [Inaudible.] [Time expired.]

 

Mr J SELFE: Hon House Chairperson, the Minister of Small Business Development came to this podium and she waved the Constitution around said that she, as the proud member of the ANC, had brought the Constitution to us. [Interjections.] You know what, House Chair, I was a member of the constitutional assembly, but I don’t recall the Minister of Small Business Development being there. [Interjections.] That’s why I tend to know what’s in the Constitution, unlike the Minister.

 

Hon House Chair, the motion before this House seeks to set in process the removal of President Zuma from office on the grounds that he has committed a serious violation of the Constitution or the law. That, in part, is the wording of section 89 of our Constitution. This House is not being asked whether we like President Zuma or we don’t like him. We are not being asked whether we think he has done a good or a bad job as President. We are not even being asked whether or not we like President Al Bashir. These are all matters of opinion, but in this motion we are not being asked our opinion. We are being asked whether or not President Zuma committed a serious violation of the Constitution or the law. That is a determination on the facts.

 

When he was sworn in as President, Jacob Zuma undertook, I quote, “to obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic”. But as a matter of fact, when President Al Bashir came to South Africa in the middle of June, President Zuma did not “obey, observe, uphold and maintain the Constitution and all other law of the Republic”. [Interjections.]

 

President Zuma knew that South Africa had acceded to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, ICC. He knew that while he was Leader of Government Business, this Parliament passed a law called the Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act, Act 27 of 2002, to implement it. That is a “law of the Republic”. He also knew that on or about the beginning of June 2015, President Al Bashir had been invited to and proposed to attend the African Union, AU, Summit in South Africa. This much is confirmed by an affidavit attested to by Dr Lubisi, the Director-General in the Presidency and the secretary of the Cabinet.

 

According to Dr Lubisi, President Zuma also knew that the International Criminal Court had issued two warrants of arrest against President Al Bashir for various crimes as defined in the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, as Dr Lubisi puts it. Let us be less delicate. These various crimes are crimes against humanity, genocide, gang rape, ethnic cleansing and forcible displacement of the people of Darfur. In fact he knew or he ought to have known that on 28 May the registrar of the ICC spoke to our embassy in the Netherlands (a) to alert South Africa that President Al Bashir was attending the AU Summit and (b) to advise the government what its obligations were under the Rome statute.

 

That notwithstanding, the Cabinet held a meeting, according to Dr Lubisi’s affidavit to decide “whether the Republic of South Africa is required to arrest President Bashir while attending the AU Summit”. The Cabinet, then deliberately decided, under President Zuma’s leadership, despite the explicit provisions of the Implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act, Act 27 of 2002 not to arrest President Al Bashir in terms of the ICC warrant. What that means is that the President and the Cabinet deliberately resolved to break the law. The President decided that the law did not apply to him and his government. That is a fact; no one can dispute it, but it gets worse, because on Sunday, 14 June ...

 

The MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: On a point of order. Chairperson, if you look at the draft resolution, part two of it, paragraph a-h ...

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members! I can’t hear the hon Minister.

 

The MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: ... specify the specific matters which will be the subject of the enquiry by the ad hoc committee that is sought to be established. What hon Selfe and before him, his own leader, sought to do is to preampt the work of that committee ... [Interjections] ... by putting to this House as fact that other subject of an enquiry by the committee. Could you rule whether these assertions are actually proper and relevant?

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you, hon Minister. As I indicated earlier, we are dealing with a political debate and we will proceed within the ambits of the motion as it is in front of us. Continue, hon member. [Interjections.]

 

Mr J SELFE: Thank you, House Chair. As I was saying, it gets worse. On Sunday, 14 June, the Gauteng North High Court issued an order in the following terms and I quote it: “President Omar Al Bashir of Sudan is prohibited from leaving the Republic of South Africa until a final order is made in this application and the respondents, that is the government, are directed to take all necessary steps to prevent him from doing so”. All necessary steps. Instead of giving effect to this court order, President Zuma’s government took every care to flout its provisions.

 

They allowed Al Bashir’s plane to be moved from O R Tambo to Waterkloof Airforce Base, units of the police escorted Al Bashir to Waterkloof Airforce Base, instead of arresting him, they assisted him to escape. [Interjections.] Now to flout a court order constitutes a conspiracy and contempt of court. But then when the President and the Cabinet have already resolved to break the law, should this really surprise us.

 

When the secretary general of the ANC accuses the courts of what he calls “judicial purism” and says, I quote, “court orders like this will from time to time be disregarded”, what do you expect? When the Minister of Higher Education accuses the judiciary of “sailing too close to the wind”, should this astonish us? Now, the President took an oath to “uphold the Constitution and all law”, but as a matter of fact he hasn’t.

 

Now, hon members must vote on this motion. We, likewise all took an oath, I quote “to obey, respect, and uphold the Constitution and all laws of the Republic”. We have no choice as hon members in all conscience, but to vote in favour of this motion. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mr N L S KWANKWA: Hon House Chair and hon members, if this motion had been brought to Parliament for any reason other than Al Bashir, the UDM would have supported it. However, on the basis that this matter is about Al Bashir, we do not support this motion.

 

Sithetha kanye laa nto ibithethwa ngohloniphekileyo uGardee. [We are saying the same thing that the hon Gardee was talking about.]

 

There are many other issues that we should have brought into the issue to talk about it. We strongly believe that we must have a rethink as we say that. Our power to protect and promote the rule of law for it, among other things, fortifies the mechanisms that enforce and safeguard our human rights. The circumstances surrounding the departure of President Al Bashir and resulting tensions between the judiciary and the executive as Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng quite correctly put it recently that the situation provides a moment of deep reflection.

 

Indeed, it is in reflecting honestly on these issues that will make us more deeply aware of the profound truths that will lead us to the right path. Let us not delude ourselves, hon members, arresting a sitting president would have been foolhardy and would have constituted a declaration of war. It would have scappered all our efforts to bring peace and stability in Sudan and the rest of the continent. It would have also alienated us from the continent.

 

My fellow compatriots, contrary to popular belief our success as a country both economically and otherwise is inextricably linked to that of the continent. If you just look in terms of trade, without Africa, we are completely insignificant. Borrowing the words of John Donne in his poem No man is an island, we should understand, that South Africa, I quote: is not an island entirely of itself, all of us are a piece of the continent, a part of the main.

 

Therefore, reflecting on these issues compels us to pose the question: If it is international practice to grant diplomatic immunity to leaders for such events, why should the situation be different for the African Union? The challenge here is that the implicit suggestion is that the AU is an illegitimate institution to which no international practices or standards should apply which is both unfortunate and completely unacceptable.

 

In addition, what we should be looking at is from a legal perspective. We should establish and rectify the inconsistencies that seem to exist between our laws and the AU statutes. In the meantime, I venture to suggest that the real debate should be about how to prevent the abuse of diplomatic immunity by bad leaders.

 

In conclusion, we should establish whether in its current form the ICC supports our cause of building an African continent in which we all look forward to the sunrise of our tomorrow.

 

Asisayi kuba ngabantu abazinikela ekusetyenzisweni kwizinto ezilingwayo [guinea pigs] ze-ICC. La masela! [We will not be used as the ICC guinea pigs. These thieves!]

 

Dr P J GROENEWALD: Hon House Chairperson, if the ANC members are so sure that the hon President is innocent, why don’t they support this motion? Then they have the opportunity to prove his innocence. [Interjections.] However, if they do not support it, then it seems as if they have something to hide and they doubt themselves. If they are members and they want to ensure that they comply with their responsibilities, they will support this motion or else they also become runaway Members of Parliament like the runaway President. That is what is happening.

Agb Huisvoorsitter, as die ANC so seker is dat die President nie die Grondwet oorskry nie, hoekom is dit dat daar ’n gesprek tussen die Grondwet regters, die regbank en die regering moet plaasvind? Dit in opsig self dui aan dat daar ’n probleem is.

 

Net verlede week vergader hulle en daar word ooreengekom dat die regering en die regbank mekaar nie sal kritiseer nie. Skaars ’n paar dae daarna kom die agb Minister van Hoër Onderwys – kommunis no 1 – en wat sê hy? Hy maak ’n aanval op die regbank en sê hulle skep onderskeid tussen ryk en arm mense in die hof; en mense met hoë profiele. Ek het nêrens gehoor dat daar ingetree was nie. Maar verbaas dit vir ons?

 

Wat is die uitgangspunt van die agb President oor die Grondwet? Kom ek lees vir u. In 1996 haal die Eastern Province Herald en die Natal Witness hom aan waar hy op 17 November lede toegespreek het in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Hy sê die volgende: (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)

 

[Hon House Chairperson, if the ANC is so certain that the President is not contravening the Constitution, why is it that a conversation needs to take place between the constitutional lawyers, the judiciary and the Government? That in itself indicates that a problem exists.

Only last week they met and agreed that the Government and the judiciary would not criticise each other. Barely a few days later the hon Minister of Higher Education – communist no. 1 –comes forward and what does he say? He launches an attack on the judiciary and says they are creating a distinction between the wealthy and the poor in the courts, and people with a high profile. Nowhere did I hear that there had been any intervention. But does this surprise us?

 

What is the view of the hon President regarding the Constitution? Let me read it to you. In 1996 the Eastern Province Herald and the Witness quote him where on 17 November he was addressing members in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This is what he said:]

 

The ANC was more important than the Constitution. No political force can destroy the ANC. It is only the ANC that can destroy itself, and the Constitution was only there to regulate matters.

 

Dit is wat die agb President van die Grondwet dink. Ek wil vandag vir u sê, dit suurdeeg tot op grondvlak. Die agb President is bekommerd oor 141 mense wat die naweek in 110 motorongelukke gesterf het. Die mense is wetteloos! Hy stel die voorbeeld! Ek wil vir u sê ... ’n boer sal vir u sê dat ’n bontpoot-bosluis het die vermoë dat as hy net eenkeer ’n bees gebyt het, word die bees siek en gaan hy dood. Ek wil vir u sê die President is soos ’n bontpoot-bosluis. As hy die reg verontagsaam, sal die mense op grondvlak dit ook verontagsaam. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)

 

[That is what the hon President thinks of the Constitution. I want to tell you today, this is yeast right down to grassroots level. The hon President is worried about 141 people who died in car accidents over the weekend. People are lawless! He sets the example! I want to tell you ... a farmer will tell you that a cattle tick has the ability after biting an animal only once, to cause the animal to become sick and then die. I want to tell you that the President is like a cattle tick. If he disregards the law, people at grassroots level will also disregard it. [Applause.]]

 

Mr S N SWART: House Chair, the ACDP believes that there may be some validity to the argument that the International Criminal Court, ICC, has shown bias towards prominent African figures whilst ignoring serious human rights violations elsewhere. There may also be legitimate legal questions about whether President al-Bashir was actually on South African soil while attending the African Union, AU, summit in Sandton, or whether by way of a legal fiction he was temporarily on territory under AU control.

 

However, even if we were to accept both these positions as the government seems to have done, these arguments should have been made while following the due process of international and domestic law. These arguments were in any event rejected by the full bench of the North Gauteng High Court.

 

Even if we accept these positions, the way to resolve the argument – and it is a complex matter where one is almost between a rock and a hard place – is through the due process of international and domestic law. South Africa is free to withdraw from the Rome Statute that brought the ICC into being. We are free to. We have not withdrawn from it; therefore we are bound by it.

 

The government is also free to apply for leave to appeal the North Gauteng High Court judgment, as it is doing. It has done this. What the government is not free to do is to ignore its obligations under international law or to act in violation of the Constitution, and basically to display contempt for the High Court; all of which, by allowing President al-Bashir to leave and perhaps even assisting him to do so, it has done. Any flight from Waterkloof airbase cannot take place without government’s knowledge.

 

We know that in a democracy there are few things as important as the rule of law. So let’s separate the issue here. Our Constitution recognises this by naming the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law as the founding provision right at the beginning in section 1. Everything else in the Constitution and therefore in the rest of the law flows from this and depends on this. In the absence of the rule of law we are left at the mercy of arbitrary, capricious, unacceptable and unaccountable rule – exactly the kind of which we saw in operation when President al-Bashir was allowed to leave. The ACDP will support this motion. I thank you. [Applause.]

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: House Chair, the Constitution is very clear on how you can dishonour a sitting President. [Interjections.] It says that the National Assembly, by a resolution adopted with a supporting vote of at least two-thirds of its members, may remove the President from office only on the following grounds: A serious violation of the Constitution or the law; a serious misconduct; or inability to perform the function of office. [Interjections.]

 

Despite President Zuma not having being dishonoured by this House, his office and his person continues to be abused in this House as demonstrated by this DA motion. The AU and President Al-Bashir matter is not a President Zuma matter. It’s the government of the Republic that was brought before the South Gauteng High Court. I can also assure you that it is our government that is appealing the judgment of that High Court. Therefore, the ANC rejects with contempt any notion of an ad hoc committee to enquire into the fitness of President Zuma to hold office. There is no Constitutional or Parliamentary basis for such an ad hoc committee to be established.

 

By the way, this is not the first time President Zuma suffered abuse from hon Maimane and the DA. [Interjections.] During the state of the nation address 2015, this hon member called President Zuma dishonourable; he even called him a broken man. [Interjections.]Indeed, hon Maimane you played the man; you did not play his politics. You also did not play his party’s politics. [Interjections.] However, we understand why you did that; it is because you are trying all attempts to outdo the EFF in the vile and insults stakes. Hon Maimane has moved away from informed and decent plurality of debate into the gutter EFF politics. [Interjections.] That is where you are. That is where you are sitting. [Interjections.]

When the EFF, which parades itself as the 1930 Hitler’s Nazi outfit, disrupted the state of the nation address 2015, and abused the President... [Interjections.]

 

Mr G A GARDEE on a point of order: Chairperson, this member who wants us to refer to him as an hon member, has got the guts to refer to EFF as something nearer to Nazi and Fascist organisation. [Interjections.] And if you will allow that; and he does not withdraw that – and you don’t make a ruling – in fact there is a precedent in this House that you shall never refer to any person next to anything associated with Nazi and Hitler. [Interjections.] Can you withdraw that farce that he is allowed to speak, otherwise, he is going to have a problem. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order! Order! Hon members! Order! Hon Mthembu, did you refer to the political party in that way? [Interjections.]

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: Hon Chair, I said it parades itself as the 1930 Hitler’s Nazi outfit. That is how it parades itself. I never refer to it. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick) Hon Mthembu, will you withdraw the reference please?

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: As it pleases you, sir.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Mthembu, will you just withdraw please?

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: I withdraw, sir.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you. Continue hon member!

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: and the EFF continued to abuse the President, Parliament and the voters of this country. Hon Maimane supported their abuse of the President by marching out of the Chamber with them and challenging in a Court of Law the instrument that Presiding Officers used to remove them from this Chamber. [Interjections.] In fact, that support of the EFF by the DA has emboldened ... [Interjections.]

 

Mr K Z MORAPELA on a point of order: House Chair, I think I am going to agree with ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): No. What is the point of order? [Interjections.]

 

Mr K Z MORAPELA on a point of order: Chair, I am making my point. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Yes, what is the point of order? [Interjections.]

 

 

Mr K Z MORAPELA: Ye, I am making my point - then you rule me out after I have made my point. [Interjections.] Can you give me an opportunity? [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Can you briefly make your point of order please? [Interjections.]

 

Mr K Z MORAPELA: House Chair, I am doing so. The hon Minister of Defence to say that we need to bring a breathalyser in this House ... [Interjections.]... some people. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): No, hon member! That is not a point of order. In fact, we must not abuse the point of order to make a certain view. Your party had an opportunity to participate in the debate. . [Interjections.]

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: That support of the EFF by the DA ... [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Hon House Chair! Hon House Chair! May I address you? [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): On what? [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: The attitude that comes from your Chair and your Table makes this House to degenerate. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member! Hon member!

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Can you treat all of us like hon members? [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): We expect ... [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: If an EFF member stands up and speak you continue to intimidate them. Can you stop that? [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you hon member. Will you take your seat please? [Interjections.]

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: Hon Maimane, it is your support for the EFF, and the DA support of this outfit that has emboldened them to object to everything in this House. They object to every Bill, they object to every treaty, they object to every committee report and they object to every motion without notice - making a farce of this august House.

 

The EFF continues to abuse the President by disrupting his question and answer sessions in this house. On one occasion, by the way, the President was stopped from finishing his answers to questions posed by the House, whilst, on another occasion the President was literally stopped from even starting to answer the questions. Hon Maimane marvelled at the abuse of the head of state to an extent where he could not address this House. He never raised a finger, let alone threatened to go to court in defence of the President and his constitutional obligation; so much for his warped sense of defending the Constitution. [Interjections.]

 

Through his sanctioning of the EFF abuse of the President, the sanctioning of its anarchy in this House; the sanctioning of its disrespect in this House; the sanctioning of its rudeness in this House; the sanctioning of total disregard ... [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE on a point of order: House Chair, I think it is time we bring a breathalyser inside this House ...  [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member that is not a point of order. [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: ... [Interjections.]... because some members from the other side who took the podium they behaved as if they are ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member it is not a point of order! [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: ... and I think we need to bring a breathalyser ... [Interjections.] ... in this House. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Will you take your seat hon member? [Interjections.]Take your seat hon member! It is not a point of order! [Interjections.]

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: We cannot be called names and be casted aspersions by the member. [Interjections.] The member must refrain from casting aspersions to EFF members. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member take your seat. Hon member I am asking you now to take your seat! [Interjections.]

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: Your sanctioning of their rudeness and total disregard of our Parliament rules and ethics has indeed turned our democratic Parliament into a laughing stock and a joke amongst our people, the people in this continent and the people of the world - thanks to you hon Maimane. [Interjections.]

 

Whilst we are pained ... [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: Chair, on a point of order. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Mthembu! Order! [Interjections.]Order! [Interjections.]Order hon members! [Interjections.] Hon members! [Interjections.] Order! [Interjections.] Order hon members! [Interjections.] Order hon members! [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: Chair, on a point of order. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): What is your point of order, hon member? [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: Chair, on a point of order. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T frolick): Order! Hon members! [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: Hon Chair, [Interjections.] EFF has never abused the people of South Africa. [Interjections.] EFF has defended the people of South Africa ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member that is not a point of order. [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: It is! It is! [Interjections.]

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): It is not a point of order. [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: It is! It is! [Interjections.] We shall defend the people of South Africa when the Head of State used by Guptas, [Interjections.] selling our own Public Protector to the Guptas. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member, it is not a point of order, take your seat! [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: We will defend the people of South Africa. [Interjections.] We will defend them. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member, will you please take your seat? [Interjections.] Hon member! [Interjections.]

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: We will defend them. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member, please take your seat? Hon member, please take your seat? [Interjections.] Hon Mthembu, continue please! [Interjections.] Order hon members! Order! [Interjections.]

Mr J M MTHEMBU: Whilst we are pained by these antics we will continue to fight them ...

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): There is another point of order, what is your point of order hon Minister?

 

The Minister of small business development: Chair, my point of order is that the hon member who was speaking just now said “Voetsek!” he must withdraw that - and very quickly.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member did you use that word?

 

Mr S P MHLONGO: UNgqongqoshe wama-kip-kip akangizwanga. [The Minister of the popcorns did not hear me.]

 

I have never said it.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, just calm down. Take a deep breath and calm down. I will check the recording to hear what the hon member said and then if indeed there is a problem with what the hon member said, then I will comeback to the House and make a ruling on that regard. Continue hon member Mthembu.

Mr m m dlamini: On a point of order, Chair.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): What is the point of order, hon member?

 

Mr m m dlamini: Can you teach the anc members that this is not a shebeen ... [Interjections.] they are making noise as if we are in a shebeen! [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): No. I am not a teacher, I am a presiding officer. I am no longer a teacher [Interjections.] Hon members, we want to continue and conclude this debate. I have the whole evening; really I am not in a hurry to leave. So, if you want to continue interjecting you are going to create a problem.

 

Nksz M S KHAWULA: Sihlalo, bengifuna ukwazi nje ukuthi kungani uma kusukuma uNjomane njengeLungu lePhalamende elivumelekile, kuvelwe kuhlekwe abanye bakhulume yonke into. [Ubuwelewele.] Uze nje usho le nto ayishoyo yingoba abamhloniphi. Kungani bangamhloniphi ngoba naye umele abantu baseNingizimu Afrika? Ngiyacela ukuthi niyilungise leyo nto. Makungabibikho umuntu obhekelwa phansi. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)

 

[Ms M S KHAWULA: Chairperson, I would like to know why every time hon Njomane rises to speak as a suitable Member of Parliament, people laugh and others speak all sorts of things. [Interjections.] He said what he said just because they do not respect him. Why he is not respected since he too is a representative of the South Africa people? I am requesting you to correct that issue. Let there be no one who is looked down upon in here.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you. Order, hon members! I am appealing to you to respect the House. I am appealing to you to assist us so that we can continue with the debate. [Applause.] Order, hon members! Let us treat each other with the necessary respect as members of this House.  Continue hon Mthembu.

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: Chair, whilst we are pained by these antics of the DA and the EFF we will continue to fight them with everything at our disposal, including the new instrument that we recently approved in this House. Nonetheless, we know that there is a common purpose between the two – we know that. You are joined at the hips by a strong desire for a regime change in this country. You want the President and the ANC removed from seat of government through foul means - through foul means. You are following dictates of owners of the DA who are sitting comfortably somewhere in Washington in London, who infected you to merge with Dr Mamphela Ramphele and effect this regime change. [Interjections.]

 

The EFF was born out of hatred for the ANC and its leaders, including President Zuma, for expulsion of Floyd Shivambu and Julius Malema. You are ... [Interjections.] because you are angry.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Mthembu, take your seat. Yes, hon member why are rising?

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: House Chairperson, Chapter 5 of the Rules the National Assembly ... [Interjections.] ... provides for the rules of the debate; and part of the rules there in Rule 50 is on irrelevance repetition. In essence that rule is saying that members who debate must not be irrelevant. We understand his limitation that he might be under the influence of something but he is irrelevant. There is an issue on the table here about the establishment of the ad hoc committee with regard to ... [Interjections.] he is irrelevant.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you, hon member; you have made your point.

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: He must speak to the issue that is on the table and not just throw some cheap insults which are not assisting with anything ... [Interjections.] please make a ruling on the relevance of this guy. [Interjections.]

 

Dr Mulder: Chairperson, I am trying to understand the point of order refers to Rule 50, which says irrelevance; and if I understand the hon Shivambu correctly, he says by referring to the EFF the speaker is irrelevant. I understand that because of the irrelevance they should ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): I think you and the hon Shivambu can discuss that in another forum. However, hon members, as I have indicated here this is a political debate that is taking place here in the House. And I will allow the debate to continue within the ambit of the resolution as it is there. Hon Mthembu, will you continue?

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: Hon Chair, we said the motion was brought into this House as a form of abuse for President Zuma. We are continuing in that vein by saying that this outfit called the EFF was born out of hatred for President Zuma and other ANC leaders precisely because they were ejected from the ANC. [Applause.] Therefore, it is very unfortunate that the DA is supporting a group of people who are here to move Parliament to settle its scores ... [Interjections.] and are driven by personal vendetta ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick):

 

Mr G A GARDEE: Chairperson, the speaker ... [Interjections.] it will not help you to haul, I am here to ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Gardee, put your point of order, please. 

 

Mr G A GARDEE: I was never expelled from the ANC. He can’t make aspersions and mislead ... [Interjections.] and lie here in this hon House that we were ejected from the ANC ... [Interjections.] were you there! [Interjections.] He is casting aspersions and misleading the House. We were never expelled maan!

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Gardee that is not a point of order! Will you take your seat now, please?

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: People of this country know their history. I am confident that the people of South Africa will judge the DA and the EFF for what they are – unpatriotic compatriots of opposites. This DA animal is a far different animal from the organisation that was lead by the likes of Mam Helen Suzman who is probably shaking in her grave for witnessing what her organisation has become; a pitiful shadow of its former self. The likes of Frederick van Zyl Slabbert, Tony Leon, Colin Eglin, and Sheila Camerer were robust and fierce interrogators of government and its programmes.

 

They did not abuse the head of state. They located themselves within the ambit of the Constitution whilst not shying away from their opposition role. I am quite certain that they too are embarrassed by what hon Maimane has made out of their organisation. You have got their organisation to the lowest of lows, politically and otherwise.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Mthembu, will you take your seat.

 

Ms S P KOPANE: House Chair, can you please ask the hon member to stick to the debate ... [Interjections.] he is fumbling around!

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): That’s not a point of order. Hon Mthembu can you conclude the debate?

 

Mr J M MTHEMBU: Despite their resenting the abuse of our President through motions and other antics in this House, President Zuma remains unbroken and he continues to lead South Africa with distinction. The same can be said about the ANC. We are unstoppable, unbreakable and ever ready to be of service to our people.

 

It is for this reason that the majority of South Africans will continue to vote for the ANC and President Zuma. We reject this motion with the contempt it deserves. [Applause.]

 

Mr T GODI: Hon Chair, comrades and hon members, to the APC this resolution, though clothed in legal niceties, is no more than a political programme for the DA whose end goal, we do not know. [Interjections.] As such the APC will not be a horse to be ridden by the DA jockey to win its prize. [Applause.] The form is different but the content is the same. We have debated motions of no confidence hardly a year after the general elections. It looks like no more than an attempt to subvert and undermine the majority rule, the same way the Right Wing Republicans have been doing to Barack Obama in America. So, as the APC, we don’t support this resolution. We have stated before that we would not have supported the humiliation and provocation of attempting to arrest a sitting head of state, an African one, against the expectations of the continent. [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members!

 

Mr T GODI: When the then Israeli Foreign Minister Tzip Livni landed in London, there was a warrant for her. Not only was she allowed to fly out, the then British Prime Minister Gordon Brown phoned her to apologise and promised that British laws would be amended so that no Israeli Minister could ever be arrested in Britain. [Interjections.] The expectations of the imperialist, their political and NGO beachheads that South Africa would attempt to arrest President Omar Al Bashir is founded in a neocolonial mindset. [Applause.]

 

The poverty, unemployment and inequality that deny the majority of our people the material benefit of freedom is what must be at the centre of our debates and work in this House. President Al Bashir is in Sudan, but the poor of our country are here with us. [Interjections.] They will soon be remembered for their votes, yet they are not a priority in the daily soapie in this House. The APC does not support this motion. [Applause.]

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: House Chair, hon members, the shortcomings of this motion are quiet obvious. In their draft resolution the hon Maimane refers to the Constitution and the rule of law, but the matter is currently before the court. The ANC-led government has applied for leave to appeal. Taking a matter to court means applying and upholding the rule of law. The President in fact is not even one of the twelve respondents in the matter.

 

Our argument in broad terms is over the relationship between the interpretation of the implementation of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court Act and the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act. I am not going to go into those arguments; it’s a legal question and one which is up to the courts to determine. Only a court, and not the hon Maimane or the hon Selfe, can decide whether or not we are in contempt of court.

 

The context that needs to be considered as I explained when this matter was debated previously – because this is the second time we are debating it – is the impact that the arrest of President al Bashir or even preventing him from leaving will have on South Africa. It would have imperilled our bilateral relations with Sudan, the African Union and other states on the continent.

President al Bashir was in South Africa at the invitation of the African Union for the African Union Summit and therefore we accepted that he had the diplomatic immunity - on the same basis as to why the United States of America does not arrest foreign heads of states when they attend the UN General Assembly. Does the hon Maimane care about the impact of arresting a sitting head of state attending an African Union Heads of States Summit at which he understands ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members.

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Does hon Maimane really care about the people of Sudan? Our former President Thabo Mbeki, the Head of the African Union High level Implementation Panel, recently said that President al Bashir is a critical component of the peace-making process in Sudan, based on the wishes of the people there. He said, and I quote:

 

Among the Sudanese, both Sudan and south Sudan. Over the years that we have worked with them; what they have been saying is that they need President Bashir there in order to get him to help them achieve peace. That is what the Sudanese have been saying to us. People who are required to achieve peace, to end wars, to end conflicts; you can’t take that person away and say in the interest of justice we are going to take him away.

 

That is the quote from President Mbeki, as Head of the African Union High Level Implementation Panel.

 

The issue is not around whether we support genocide or we don’t. And all these hecklers about the support for genocide are missing the point, and in fact missing what Mr Selfe said earlier. But hon Maimane and the DA care more about the United States of America and Britain than they do about Africa and the African Union. [Applause.]

 

On the issue of diplomatic community, it is bitterly ironic - and hon Godi made this comment - that less than a week after South Africa was criticised to the high heavens for claiming that President al Bashire had the immunity as the sitting head of state, that the United Kingdom gave full diplomatic immunity to the former Israeli foreign Minister, Tzipy Livni, also accused of war crimes - to attend an event on her private capacity. And barely a word was said about it ... [Interjections.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members.

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ... both in the United Kingdom or internationally. Definitely not, hon Maimane, in The Washington Post. [ Interjections.] No, I am not justifying the granting of the diplomatic immunity, but I am raising this example to show the hypocrisy of the DA and its supporters – the Afropessimists who cannot believe a black government can do anything right. [Applause.]

 

The Times, that is, our SA The Times and not the international one - reported on the seminar I attended where one of the speakers stated that South Africa will become a rogue state if it refused to arrest persons accused of war crimes. The speaker would not respond as to whether he regarded Britain as a rogue state for granting immunity to Livni. The Times, in reporting the matter claimed that it said, “South Africa was in fact becoming a rogue state” which is not what he said. This is a serious allegation. And when I wrote an article correcting this, they refused to publish it. That’s The Times. That is the freedom of press for some people.

 

But this debate is not about Sudan or even Africa. It’s about headlines and more media coverage for the hon Maimane. Hon Maimane is a hollow man presiding over a hollow party. [Interjections.] A party which, Business Day calls, all bright lights and hashtags. And to quote the Business Day,

 

But when it comes to the bottom line ...

 

And Business Day is not exactly an ANC supporting newspaper but, they write:

 

... the actual ideas and policies that will make or break it in government, the pantry is bare. Not a thing. Just the promise of something to come. Sometimes. Somewhere. Somehow.

 

A hollow man presiding over a hollow party devoid of substance. [Applause.] The hon Maimane is, as the poem, The Hollow Man, by TS Eliot says,

 

Shaped without form,

Paralysed force,

gesture without motion.

 

In his draft resolution, the hon Maimane speaks of constitutional duties to uphold the law and the Constitution. But how well does he know the Constitution? In the statement issued by the DA ...

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members.

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: ... on 4th August, it says, and I quote:

 

The DA will move to have the motion debated in the House ... whereupon a vote by a third of the House will be required to establish an ad hoc committee to investigate the impeachment charge. [Interjections.]

 

That’s from your statement Mr Steenhuisen. Read your statement on your website. Now excuse me ... [Interjections.] ... you can’t count because nowhere in the Constitution or the Rules does it state that the House may pass a resolution by a one-third support. The only place in the Constitution that refers to one-third is section 80, which has nothing to do with today’s motion.

 

The DA knows shockingly little about the Constitution or the Rules of this House. On 29 June this year the DA released a press statement in which the hon Maimane said, and I quote:

 

When Parliament reconvenes in August we will be presenting the Marikana victims compensation special appreciation bill to the Minister of Finance.

 

A Bill that appropriates money is the Money Bill. In terms of section 73(2) only the Minister of Finance may introduce the Money Bill into the National Assembly. [Applause.] The hon Maimane is not the Minister of Finance, but anyway maybe it made good headlines. And as for his August deadline - August has come and August has gone, but the DA has produced nothing. But all of these are probably not surprising given that the Leader of the Opposite was fast tracked into the limelight by Helen Zille and has little over a year’s experience in Parliament.

 

And how, does the hon Maimane uphold the Constitution? During his 2014 sermon he referred to gay people and Moslems as sinners. Now the Constitution explicitly guarantees the right to freedom of religion as well as the right not to be discriminated against on the basis of sexual orientation. But the hon Maimane clearly sees himself above the Constitution. And it gets worse in his televised debates against the hon Wilmot James he said that would accept a public referendum on same-sex marriages. In other words let the public decide the issue despite the Constitution guaranteeing that right and the Constitutional Court ruling that same-sex couples have a right to marry.

 

Hon Maimane, the Bill of Rights in our Constitution is there to protect the vulnerable and the disempowered from the vagaries of popular opinion – its called “know your constitution 101” [Applause.][Laughter.] So, you are a hollow man presiding over a hollow party making empty promises with the sole of aim of grabbing headlines.

 

Chairperson, the motion and the establishment of this ad hoc committee is yet another DA pipedream, another empty promise, another empty DA headline. There is not an iota of substance to it. Let us spend our time in this House dealing with the real issues affecting the people of South Africa. And I thank you. [Applause.]

 

The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chairperson, these are indeed desperate times when Deputy Ministers arrive to sing for their supper - desperately so. The issue has nothing to do with al-Bashir. It has everything to do with the fact that your Cabinet, your President broke the law of the Republic of South Africa. That’s what our court said. [Applause.] But here is the tragedy.

Secondly, the issue of the fact is that President Nelson Mandela, even though he may have disagreed with the courts, but accepted the ruling of the court. What does your President do? He runs away from all the responsibilities.

 

Thirdly, this speaks to the fact that even your documents, the ANC’s documents, say the following things. Deputy Minister John Jeffery, it says that over the past few years a general impression of systemic corruption has been created, ranging from unsavoury developments in state-owned enterprises, strange machinations within security and tax authorities

 

They further say that the ANC has a failure to account to relevant constitutional bodies such as the Public Protector and the judiciary. [Applause.] It is your documents, and not mine. Ultimately, this is what you say to the people of this country. When it is political experience for you, you will turn a blind eye to someone who will destroy African lives. You will allow Africans to die because black lives stop mattering to you.

 

I move this motion for the establishment of the committee. Clearly, President Zuma is unfit to hold office. I so move. Thank you, Chairperson [Applause.]

 

Debate concluded.

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Chairperson, there is a bit of confusion. This is not an impeachment motion. It’s a motion to establish an ad hoc committee.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): What is your point of order, hon Deputy Minister?

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

The hon Maimane is calling for an impeachment, but that’s not what the motion says.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Chairperson, we have been discussing the motion on the Order Paper... [Interjections.]

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chairperson, I would like to address you in terms of Chapter 3 of the Rules, if I may. Chapter 3 deals with the election of the office bearers in this Parliament. It talks about the Speaker and the three House Chairpersons, but I am battling to find out where it deals with the herd boy because clearly John Jeffery sings... [Interjections.] [Applause.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member, that is not a point of order. Order, hon member!

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Chairperson, we want to move an amendment to the motion as the EFF. Can I proceed and do so? Those of you who have the Order Paper must read from the blue paper. The proposal of the EFF is that in the draft resolution of the Leader of the Opposition, the DA, move an amendment:

 

  1. keep 1 (a) to (c), but in (c) section 83(a) to section  83(c) of the Constitution;

 

  1. remove (d)

 

  1. paragraph 2 (a) to (d) removed completely and replaced as follows:

 

  1. enquire into the capacity of the President to hold office in light of the massacre of mineworkers in Marikana by his administration;
  2. for allowing wasteful and irregular expenditure in his home to continue despite the constitutional obligation to jealously guard against wasteful expenditure of government resources;

 

  1. his failure to censure his members of the executive from making disparaging remarks about the judiciary;

 

  1. for dismally failing to understand and provide lasting solutions to the economic crisis that is confronting South Africa and leading to job losses, poverty and massive suffering;

 

  1. for voting with imperialists to murder Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and abandoning the African agenda for political expedience;

 

  1. for failing to provide lasting solutions to the financial exclusions of students in institutions of higher learning; and

 

  1. for disrespecting the remedial actions of the Public Protector, that he should pay back the money used for the illegal construction of his residence in Nkandla.

 

  1. keep (e), but add section 89 (1) (b) and (c);

 

  1. keep (f);

 

  1. (g) should read, the chairperson of the committee so established shall be chaired by a Member of Parliament who is not from the same party as the President; and

 

  1. (g) and (h) shall be (h) and (i) respectively.

 

Dr C P MULDER: House Chairperson, although, obvious, the EFF has the right to move an amendment, I would like to suggest that this is not an amendment, but a different new motion. They are entitled to bring that motion and we will debate it. This is not an amendment of the current motion.

 

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Chairperson, I need some guidance from you in this matter. You will be aware that this is the first time that we debate a motion in terms of section 89 of the Constitution in the House and our Rules are silent on it. We are being provided subsequently for Rule 102 which is a motion on confidence. But this is the first time.

 

Section 89 of the Constitution is quite specific. It says, and I quote -

 

...may remove the President from office only on the grounds of –

 

(a)      a serious violation of the Constitution or the law;

(b)      serious misconduct; or

(c)      inability to perform the functions of office.

 

You need to have a substantive case to bring a motion in terms of section 89. We chose to do that in terms of the al-Bashir matter and our political view point has been shared in the debate. We believe that there was a violation of the law of the Republic and of the Constitution and the President’s Oath of Office.

 

We submit to you a motion both in terms of a wide range and I certainly agree that the President has shortcomings in many of these. But I think it would render us a constitutional difficulty if we were to bring a motion of that general nature when we actually have not substantiated it today during the debate in terms of section 89. I seek your guidance, Chair.

 

Mr N F SHIVAMBU: We have a lot of teachings to do here. Section 89 of the Constitution provides for three grounds upon which a sitting President could be removed: firstly, is a serious violation of the Constitution or the law; secondly, is a serious misconduct; and thirdly, is inability to perform the functions of office.

 

Holistically, all issues that we have highlighted here are violation of the Constitution, inability to perform the functions of the office, and also they amount to serious misconduct. Instead of focussing narrowly on the issue of al-Bashir, let us holistically look into the suitability of a sitting President to continue holding office. Let us constitute an ad hoc committee. That is the amendment that we are moving, and I think the ANC will agree to establish the ad hoc committee because they want to get rid of him as well.

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, we will do the following, and I will apply my mind to the matter. I will put the amendments first.

 

Question put: That the amendment as moved by Mr N F Shivambu be agreed to.

 

Division demanded.

 

The House divided.

 

AYES - 17: Chewane, H; Dlamini, M M; Gardee, G A; Ketabahle, V; Khawula, M S; Matiase, N S; Matlhoko, A M; Matshobeni, A; Mhlongo, S P; Mokause, M O; Morapela, K Z; Moteka, P G; Mulaudzi, T E; Ntobongwana, P; Paulsen, M N; Shivambu, N F; Sonti, N P.

 

NOES - 310: Abrahams, B L; Adams, F; Adams, P E; America, D; Atkinson, P G; Bagraim, M; Baker, T E; Bam-Mugwanya, V; Bapela, K O; Basson, L J; Basson, J V; Bekwa, S D; Bergman, D; Beukman, F; Bhanga, B M; Bhengu, P; Bhengu, F; Bhengu, N R; Bilankulu, N K; Bongo, B T; Booi, M S; Boshoff, H S; Bozzoli, B; Brauteseth, T J; Breytenbach, G; Brown, L; Capa, R N; Capa, N; Cardo, M J; Carrim, Y I; Cassim, Y; Cebekhulu, R N; Cele, B H; Cele, M A; Chance, R W T; Chikunga, L S; Chiloane, T D; Chohan, F I; Chueu, M P; Coleman, E M; Cronin, J P; Cwele, S C; Davies, R H; Davis, G R; De Freitas, M S F; De Kock, K; Dirks, M A; Dlakude, D E; Dlamini, B O; Dlamini-Dubazana, Z S; Dlodlo, A; Dlomo, B J; Dreyer, A M; Dunjwa, M L; Edwards, J; Esau, S; Esterhuizen, J A; Faku, Z C; Figg, M J; Figlan, A M; Filtane, M L W; Fubbs, J L; Gamede, D D; Gana, S M; Gcwabaza, N E; Gina, N; Goqwana, M B; Gqada, T; Groenewald, P J; Grootboom, G A; Gumede, D M; Hadebe, T Z; Hanekom, D A; Hill-Lewis, G G; Hlengwa, M; Holomisa, S P; Hoosen, M H; Horn, W; Hunsinger, C H H; James, L V; James, W G; Jeffery, J H; Joemat-Pettersson, T M; Johnson, M; Jongbloed, Z; Kalako, M U; Kalyan, S V; Kekana, P S; Kekana, H B; Kekana, E; Kekana, C D; Kekana, M D; Kenye, T E; Khoarai, L P; Khosa, D H; Khoza, M B; Khoza, T Z M; Khubisa, N M; Khunou, N P; Kilian, J D; Kohler, D; Koornhof, G W; Kopane, S P; Kruger, H C C; Krumbock, G R; Kwankwa, N L S; Landers, L T; Lees, R A; Lesoma, R M M; Letsatsi-Duba, D B; Loliwe, F S; Lorimer, J R B; Lotriet, A; Lovemore, A T; Luyenge, Z; Luzipo, S; Maake, J J; Mabasa, X; Mabe, B P; Mabija, L; Mabika, M S; Mabilo, S P; Mabudafhasi, T R; Mackay, G; Mackenzie, C; Macpherson, D W; Madella, A F; Maesela, P; Mafolo, M V; Magadla, N W; Magadzi, D P; Magwanishe, G; Mahambehlala, T; Mahlalela, A F; Mahlangu, D G; Mahlangu, J L; Maila, M S A; Maimane, M A; Majeke, C N; Majola, T R; Majola, F Z; Makhubela-Mashele, L S; Makondo, T; Makwetla, S P; Malatsi, M S; Malgas, H H; Maluleke, J M; Maluleke, B J; Manana, D P; Manana, M N S; Manana, M C; Mandela, Z M D; Mapisa-Nqakula, N N; Mapulane, M P; Marais, E J; Martins, B A D; Masehela, E K M; Maseko, L M; Mashego-Dlamini, K C; Mashile, B L; Masina, M C; Masondo, N A; Masuku, M B; Masutha, T M; Maswanganyi, M J; Mathale, C C; Mathebe, D H; Matlala, M H; Matsepe, C D; Matshoba, M O; Matsimbi, C; Mavunda, R T; Maxegwana, C H M; Maynier, D J; Mazzone, N W A; Mbhele, Z N; Mc Gluwa, J J; Mchunu, S; Mcloughlin, A R; Mdakane, M R; Mhlongo, T W; Mileham, K J; Mjobo, L N; Mkhize, H B; Mkongi, B M; Mmemezi, H M Z; Mmola, M P; Mmusi, S G; Mncwabe, S C; Mncwango, M A; Mnganga - Gcabashe, L A; Mnguni, P J; Mnguni, D; Mogotsi, V P; Mokgalapa, S; Mokoto, N R; Molebatsi, M A; Molewa, B E E; Moloi-Moropa, J C; Morutoa, M R; Mosala, I; Motau, S C; Mothapo, M R M; Motimele, M S; Motshekga, M A; Motshekga, M S; Mpumlwana, L K B; Msimang, C T; Mthembu, N; Mthembu, J M; Mthethwa, E M; Mudau, A M; Mulder, C P; Muthambi, A F; Nchabeleng, M E; Ndaba, C N; Ndabeni-Abrahams, S T; Ndongeni, N; Nel, A C; Nene, N M; Nesi, B A; Ngcobo, B T; Ngwenya-Mabila, P C; Nkadimeng, M F; Nkomo, S J; Nobanda, G N; November, N T; Nqakula, C; Ntombela, M L D; Nxesi, T W; Nyalungu, R E; Nyambi, H V; Nzimande, B E; Ollis, I M; Pandor, G N M; Patel, E; Peters, E D; Phaahla, M J; Phosa, Y N; Pikinini, I A; Pilane-Majake, M C C; Rabotapi, M W; Radebe, G S; Radebe, B A; Radebe, J T; Ralegoma, S M; Ramatlakane, L; Ramokhoase, T R J E; Rantho, D Z; Raphuti, D D; Redelinghuys, M H; Robinson, D; Ross, D C; Scheepers, M A; Schmidt, H C; Selfe, J; Semenya, M R; September, C C; Shabangu, S; Shelembe, M L; Shinn, M R; Shope-Sithole, S C N; Sibande, M P; Singh, N; Sisulu, L N; Sithole, K P; Siwela, E K; Sizani, P S; Skosana, J J; Smith, V G; Stander, T; Steenhuisen, J H; Steyn, A; Stubbe, D J; Surty, M E; Swart, S N; Tarabella Marchesi, N I; Terblanche, J F; Tleane, S A; Tobias, T V; Tom, X S; Tongwane, T M A; Tseke, G K; Tseli, R M; Tsenoli, S L; Tshwete, P; Tsoleli, S P; Tsotetsi, D R; Tuck, A; v R Koornhof, N J J; Van Dalen, P; Van Damme, P T; Van Der Merwe, L L; Van Der Walt, D; Van Der Westhuizen, A P; Van Dyk, V; Van Rooyen, D D D; Van Schalkwyk, S R; Volmink, H C; Vos, J; Walters, T C R; Waters, M; Whitfield, A G; Williams, A J; Wilson, E R; Xasa, T; Xego-Sovita, S T; Yengeni, L E; Zokwana, S; Zulu, L D.

 

ABSTAIN - 1: Godi, N T.

 

Question not agreed to.

 

Amendment accordingly negatived.

 

Question put: That the amendment as moved by Mr N F Shivambu be agreed to.

 

Division demanded.

 

The House divided.

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Those in favour of the motion will say eye.

 

Hon MEMBERS: No!

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Those against will say no.

 

Hon MEMBERS: No!

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Those wishing to abstain on the motion should press the ‘abstain’ button.

 

Hon MEMBERS: No!

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Have all the members voted? The voting session is now closed. Order, hon members! Order!

 

AYES - 100: America, D; Atkinson, P G; Bagraim, M; Baker, T E; Basson, L J; Bergman, D; Bhanga, B M; Boshoff, H S; Bozzoli, B; Brauteseth, T J; Breytenbach, G; Cardo, M J; Cassim, Y; Cebekhulu, R N; Chance, R W T; Davis, G R; De Freitas, M S F; De Kock, K; Dreyer, A M; Edwards, J; Esau, S; Esterhuizen, J A; Figg, M J; Figlan, A M; Gana, S M; Gqada, T; Groenewald, P J; Grootboom, G A; Hadebe, T Z; Hill-Lewis, G G; Hlengwa, M; Hoosen, M H; Horn, W; Hunsinger, C H H; James, L V; James, W G; Jongbloed, Z; Kalyan, S V; Khubisa, N M; Kohler, D; Kopane, S P; Kruger, H C C; Krumbock, G R; Lees, R A; Lorimer, J R B; Lotriet, A; Lovemore, A T; Mabika, M S; Mackay, G; Mackenzie, C; Macpherson, D W; Maimane, M A; Majola, T R; Malatsi, M S; Marais, E J; Matsepe, C D; Maynier, D J; Mazzone, N W A; Mbhele, Z N; Mc Gluwa, J J; Mcloughlin, A R; Mhlongo, T W; Mileham, K J; Mncwabe, S C; Mncwango, M A; Mokgalapa, S; Motau, S C; Msimang, C T; Mulder, C P; Nkomo, S J; Ollis, I M; Rabotapi, M W; Redelinghuys, M H; Robinson, D; Ross, D C; Schmidt, H C; Selfe, J; Shelembe, M L; Shinn, M R; Singh, N; Sithole, K P; Stander, T; Steenhuisen, J H; Steyn, A; Stubbe, D J; Swart, S N; Tarabella Marchesi, N I; Terblanche, J F; Van Dalen, P; Van Damme, P T; Van Der Merwe, L L; Van Der Walt, D; Van Der Westhuizen, A P; Van Dyk, V; Volmink, H C; Vos, J; Walters, T C R; Waters, M; Whitfield, A G; Wilson, E R.
 

NOES - 211: Abrahams, B L; Adams, P E; Adams, F; Bam-Mugwanya, V; Bapela, K O; Basson, J V; Bekwa, S D; Beukman, F; Bhengu, P; Bhengu, F; Bhengu, N R; Bilankulu, N K; Bongo, B T; Booi, M S; Brown, L; Capa, R N; Capa, N; Carrim, Y I; Cele, B H; Cele, M A; Chikunga, L S; Chiloane, T D; Chohan, F I; Chueu, M P; Coleman, E M; Cronin, J P; Cwele, S C; Davies, R H; Dirks, M A; Dlakude, D E; Dlamini, B O; Dlamini-Dubazana, Z S; Dlodlo, A; Dlomo, B J; Dunjwa, M L; Faku, Z C; Filtane, M L W; Fubbs, J L; Gamede, D D; Gcwabaza, N E; Gina, N; Godi, N T; Goqwana, M B; Gumede, D M; Hanekom, D A; Holomisa, S P; Jeffery, J H; Joemat-Pettersson, T M; Johnson, M; Kalako, M U; Kekana, P S; Kekana, H B; Kekana, E; Kekana, C D; Kekana, M D; Kenye, T E; Khoarai, L P; Khosa, D H; Khoza, T Z M; Khoza, M B; Khunou, N P; Kilian, J D; Koornhof, G W; Kwankwa, N L S; Landers, L T; Lesoma, R M M; Letsatsi-Duba, D B; Loliwe, F S; Luyenge, Z; Luzipo, S; Maake, J J; Mabasa, X; Mabe, B P; Mabija, L; Mabilo, S P; Mabudafhasi, T R; Madella, A F; Maesela, P; Mafolo, M V; Magadla, N W; Magadzi, D P; Magwanishe, G; Mahambehlala, T; Mahlalela, A F; Mahlangu, D G; Mahlangu, J L; Maila, M S A; Majeke, C N; Majola, F Z; Makhubela-Mashele, L S; Makondo, T; Makwetla, S P; Malgas, H H; Maluleke, J M; Maluleke, B J; Manana, D P; Manana, M N S; Manana, M C; Mandela, Z M D; Mapisa-Nqakula, N N; Mapulane, M P; Martins, B A D; Masehela, E K M; Maseko, L M; Mashego-Dlamini, K C; Mashile, B L; Masina, M C; Masondo, N A; Masuku, M B; Masutha, T M; Maswanganyi, M J; Mathale, C C; Mathebe, D H; Matlala, M H; Matshoba, M O; Matsimbi, C; Mavunda, R T; Maxegwana, C H M; Mchunu, S; Mdakane, M R; Mjobo, L N; Mkhize, H B; Mkongi, B M; Mmemezi, H M Z; Mmola, M P; Mmusi, S G; Mnganga - Gcabashe, L A; Mnguni, P J; Mnguni, D; Mogotsi, V P; Mokoto, N R; Molebatsi, M A; Molewa, B E E; Moloi-Moropa, J C; Morutoa, M R; Mosala, I; Mothapo, M R M; Motimele, M S; Motshekga, M A; Motshekga, M S; Mpumlwana, L K B; Mthembu, N; Mthembu, J M; Mthethwa, E M; Mudau, A M; Muthambi, A F; Nchabeleng, M E; Ndaba, C N; Ndabeni-Abrahams, S T; Ndongeni, N; Nel, A C; Nene, N M; Nesi, B A; Ngcobo, B T; Ngwenya-Mabila, P C; Nkadimeng, M F; Nobanda, G N; November, N T; Nqakula, C; Ntombela, M L D; Nxesi, T W; Nyalungu, R E; Nyambi, H V; Nzimande, B E; Pandor, G N M; Patel, E; Peters, E D; Phaahla, M J; Phosa, Y N; Pikinini, I A; Pilane-Majake, M C C; Radebe, B A; Radebe, J T; Radebe, G S; Ralegoma, S M; Ramatlakane, L; Ramokhoase, T R J E; Rantho, D Z; Raphuti, D D; Scheepers, M A; Semenya, M R; September, C C; Shabangu, S; Shope-Sithole, S C N; Sibande, M P; Sisulu, L N; Siwela, E K; Sizani, P S; Skosana, J J; Smith, V G; Surty, M E; Tleane, S A; Tobias, T V; Tom, X S; Tongwane, T M A; Tseke, G K; Tseli, R M; Tsenoli, S L; Tshwete, P; Tsoleli, S P; Tsotetsi, D R; Tuck, A; v R Koornhof, N J J; Van Rooyen, D D D; Van Schalkwyk, S R; Williams, A J; Xasa, T; Xego-Sovita, S T; Yengeni, L E; Zokwana, S; Zulu, L D.

 

ABSTAIN - 17: Chewane, H; Dlamini, M M; Gardee, G A; Ketabahle, V; Khawula, M S; Mashabela, N R; Matiase, N S; Matlhoko, A M; Matshobeni, A; Mbatha, M S; Mhlongo, S P; Mokause, M O; Moteka, P G; Ntobongwana, P; Paulsen, M N; Shivambu, N F; Sonti, N P.

Question not agreed to.

 

Motion accordingly negatived.

 

The House adjourned at 18:27.

__________

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

THURSDAY, 27 AUGUST 2015

 

TABLINGS

 

National Assembly and National Council of Provinces

 

  1. The Minister in The Presidency

 

  1. 2015 Second Quarterly Report of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) for April – June 2015, tabled in terms of section 23(1)(c) of the National Conventional Arms Control Act, 2002 (Act No 41 of 2002).

 

2.      The Minister of Finance

 

(a)      Report and Financial Statements of the Land Bank for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) for 2014-15  [RP 224-2015].

 

FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 2015

 

TABLINGS

 

National Assembly and National Council of Provinces

 

1.       The Speaker and the Chairperson

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of Vote 2 – Parliament of the Republic of South Africa for 2014‑15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of Vote 2 for 2014-15, tabled in terms of section 60 of the Financial Management of Parliament Act, 2009 (Act No 10 of 2009).

 

2.       The Minister of Environmental Affairs

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of Vote 30 – Department of Environmental Affairs for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of Vote 30 for 2014-15 [RP 327-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the South African National Biodiversity Institute for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15. 

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the South African Weather Service  for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 242-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the South African National Parks (SANParks) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 143-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

3.       The Minister of Finance

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Financial Services Board for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 292-2015].

 

4.       The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of Vote 22 – Department of Military Veterans for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of Vote 22 for 2014-15 [RP 146-2015].

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

National Assembly

 

Please see page 3255 of the ATCs.

 

MONDAY, 31 AUGUST 2015

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

National Assembly

 

The Speaker

 

1.       Introduction of Bills

 

  1. Mr Z N Mbhele

 

  1. Protection of Critical Infrastructure Bill [PMB 4 – 2015] (National Assembly – proposed sec 76) (see below) [Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No. 39147 of 28 August 2015.]

 

Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Police of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160.

 

In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bill may be submitted to the JTM. The Bill may only be classified after the expiry of at least three parliamentary working days since introduction.

 

Please see pages 3258-3276 of the ATCs.

 

TABLINGS

 

National Assembly and National Council of Provinces

 

  1. The Speaker and the Chairperson
  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Financial and Fiscal Commission (FFC) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Public Protector South Africa for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the South African Local Government    Association (SALGA) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 165-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 223-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 141-2015].

 

  1. The Minister of Finance

(a)      Report and Financial Statements of the Financial Intelligence Centre for 2014-15,  including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. The Minister of Tourism

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of Vote 35 – Department of Tourism for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of Vote 35 for 2014-15 [RP 156-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of South African Tourism (SAT) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

5.       The Minister of Trade and Industry

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Gambling Board for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 306-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Lotteries Commission for 2014-14, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 and the Financial Statements of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Credit Regulator (NCR) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 14-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Consumer Tribunal for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Consumer Commission for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 219-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Companies Tribunal for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Metrology Institute of South Africa for 2014-15, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 261-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 218-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 277-2015].

 

  • Report and Financial Statements of Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) SOC Ltd  for 2014-15, including the  Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 157-2015].
  2. Report and Financial Statements of the South African Council for the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction for the period April 2014 to 31 March 2015.

 

  • Report and Financial Statements of the Technology and Human Resources for  Industry Programme (THRIP) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

National Assembly

 

Please see pages 3280-3283 of the ATCs.

 

TUESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2015

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

National Assembly

 

The Speaker

 

Please see pages 3291-3294 of the ATCs.

TABLINGS

 

National Assembly and National Council of Provinces

 

  1. The Minister of Science and Technology

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Research Foundation (NRF) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 170-2015].

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the National Advisory Council on Innovation for 2014-15.

 

(g)      Report and Financial Statements of the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

(h)      Report and Financial Statements of the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15 [RP 307-2015].

 

  1. The Minister of Public Enterprises

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of the South African Forestry Company SOC (Limited) (SAFCOL) for 2014-15, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2014-15.

 

  1. Report and Financial Statements of Alexkor SOC Limited for 2014-15, including the  Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2014-15.

 

National Assembly

 

  1. The Speaker

 

  1. Petition from residents of the East Rand, calling for an investigation into reasons for the chronic underfunding of its child welfare organisations, submitted in terms of Rule 312 (Mr M Waters MP).

 

  1. Petition from residents of Struisbult, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, calling for the eradication of their informal settlements and improved service delivery in respect of housing, submitted in terms of Rule 312 (Mr M Waters MP).

 

  1. Reply from the Minister of Public Enterprises to recommendations in Report of Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises on Budget Vote 9 and Strategic Plan for 2015‑16 – 2018‑19 of Department of Public Enterprises, as adopted by the House on 2 June 2015.

 

Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises.

  1. Reply from the Minister of Science and Technology to recommendations in a motion (moved without notice by Mr S C Mncwabe MP) agreed to by the House on 16 April 2015.

 

Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

National Assembly

 

Please see pages 3297-3310 of the ATCs.

 


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