Hansard: NA: Unrevised hansard
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 15 Nov 2011
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2011
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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 prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mrs N T NOVEMBER: 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 prevent illegal land invasion.
Mr J R B LORIMER: 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 ways in which the abuse of blue-light convoys violates people’s rights and ways to curb use.
Mrs W J NELSON: 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 resolve the lack of provisions or resources for every learner, for every subject in every grade.
Mr N SINGH: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the IFP:
That the House debates the effectiveness of the criteria currently used by the National Lotteries Board in the awarding of grants.
Mr S C MOTAU: 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 governance controls of nuclear energy, including safety and the disposal of nuclear waste and recommendations to improve governance.
Mrs N F MATHIBELA: 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 prevent illegal electricity connections.
Mr G B D MCINTOSH: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of Cope:
That the House debates the Minister of Finance’s call for businesses to rethink executives’ salaries and fat bonuses in view of the economic crisis, glaring pay gaps and high unemployment rates.
Ms N GINA: 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 mechanisms to manage learners who drop out of high school.
Mr C M MONI: 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 urgent measures that are needed to deal with accommodation at university residences.
Mr G R MORGAN: 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 whether the former workers of the various Necsa installations have been adequately provided for in terms of workmen’s compensation, and recommendations to improve the wellbeing of these former workers, where necessary.
Mr G P D MACKENZIE: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of Cope:
That the House debates the call by the National Planning Commission to allow exploratory drilling for gas while investigations into its effect on the environment continue.
ANC CENTENARY
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that on 8 January 2012 the African National Congress, ANC, will be hundred years old;
(2) further notes that the centenary is a milestone achievement of the ANC as a liberation movement;
(3) recalls that the African National Congress emerged out of Africa’s battles for liberation and self-determination and the historic mission of the ANC, as reflected in the Freedom Charter, has always been to unite all South Africans towards the attainment of freedom;
(4) recognises that the centenary celebration has attracted interest from many people and organisations around South Africa, Africa and the world, particularly those involved in the struggle to eradicate apartheid, which was declared by the United Nations as a crime against humanity; and
(5) congratulates the African National Congress on this historic milestone.
Agreed to.
TABLE MOUNTAIN NAMED ONE OF NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF NATURE
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that on 11 November 2011 Table Mountain was provisionally announced as one of the new seven wonders of nature by the New 7 Wonders Foundation following an extensive global poll;
(2) further notes that the other six wonders of nature are the Amazon Rainforest, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo Island, Puerto Princesco underground river and Halong Bay;
(3) recognises that the consultation process that led to the announcement of the provisional list of the new seven wonders of nature on 11 November 2011 first started in 2007 with 440 contenders and the number of contenders was first cut to 77 and then to 28;
(4) further recognises that in October the National Assembly passed a motion calling on all South Africans to vote for Table Mountain via the Internet, SMS, Mxit or telephone;
(5) thanks all South Africans that voted for Table Mountain in the global poll;
(6) further thanks all the celebrity ambassadors, organisations and entities that contributed to promoting support for Table Mountain’s candidacy, including South African National Parks, the Department of Tourism, the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape provincial government and SA Tourism; and
(7) urges South Africans and visitors from around the world to visit and explore Table Mountain.
Agreed to.
20 PEOPLE DIE IN KAROO IN WESTERN CAPE
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that on 15 November 2011, 20 people died following an accident involving two minibus taxis and a truck in the Karoo, Western Cape;
(2) further notes that all the people who died, including two children, were the occupants of the minibus taxis; and
(3) extends its condolences to the families of all those who died in the accident.
Agreed to.
BAFANA BAFANA GAME AGAINST ZIMBABWE
(Draft Resolution)
Rev K R J MESHOE: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that Bafana Bafana will be playing Zimbabwe’s national team tonight;
(2) further notes that our national side is improving with every game under the guidance of our successful soccer coach, Pitso Mosimane;
(3) observes with great concern that at their last game our national team was subjected to unfair criticism, particularly Katlego Mphela, who seemed to be the main target;
(4) acknowledges that spectators boo certain players when they do not score goals;
(5) calls upon all South Africans to rally behind our national team with words of encouragement and support as they play Zimbabwe tonight; and
(6) wishes Bafana Bafana well.
Agreed to.
SA BEATS AUSTRALIA AT CRICKET
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that South Africa beat Australia by 8 wickets in test cricket at Newlands on Friday, 11 November 2011;
(2) further notes that the match was completed in only three days following the dramatic day two action in which a total of 23 wickets fell and the whole test consisted of only 1 007 deliveries, making it the seventh quickest test match since 1940;
(3) recognises that this is officially South Africa’s greatest come-from-behind win in test cricket, as they had to overcome a 188 run deficit after both teams had completed their first innings;
(4) congratulates Vernon Philander who won the Man of the Match award in his debut test match, after he took 8 wickets in the match, including 5 for 15 in Australia’s final innings;
(5) further congratulates the South African cricket players and coaching staff on this remarkable win; and
(6) wishes them well for the final test match in the series starting in Johannesburg on 17 November.
Agreed to.
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER VIOLENCE
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence is celebrated internationally and the campaign has been used as an organising strategy by individuals and groups around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of violence against women;
(2) further notes that this campaign, which runs from 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women through to International Human Rights Day on 10 December, has as its theme for the 2011 campaign: “From Peace in the Home to Peace in the World: Let’s Challenge Militarism and End Violence Against Women!”;
(3) recognises that despite having progressive legislation in place to protect women, South Africa has a rate of intimate femicide-suicide that exceeds rates for other countries; and
(4) calls on the government to resuscitate the multisector, multistakeholder 365-Day National Action Plan to End Gender Violence and for these structures to be replicated at provincial level.
Agreed to.
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR TOLERANCE
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that 16 November is annually observed as the International Day for Tolerance, as recognised by the United Nations since 1996;
(2) further notes that the purpose of this day is to acknowledge and promote human wellbeing, freedom and progress, so as to encourage tolerance, dialogue and cooperation within our diverse society;
(3) recognises that this day is significant to South Africa in the light of our oppressive, racially divided past; and
(4) calls upon South Africans to guard against polarisation within our society that may lead to deeper divisions and to work towards not only healing the rifts that may exist in our society, but also seeking to understand and respect our differences so that we promote increased peace and prosperity.
Agreed to.
CHAD LE CLOS SA SWIMMER OF THE YEAR
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that on 13 November 2011, South African teenager Chad Le Clos won the Fina Swimming World Cup Series in Tokyo;
(2) further notes that Le Clos claimed his 23rd gold medal on the circuit and clocked a time of 1 minute 43 seconds to win the men’s 200 m race;
(3) acknowledges that Le Clos also won silver in the 200 m individual medley;
(4) further acknowledges that Le Clos won a total of 35 medals in the series; and
(5) congratulates him on his magnificent victory and on being recently named South African Swimmer of the Year.
Agreed to.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Deputy Speaker, I move:
That, notwithstanding Rule 29(8) and Rule 113(1), Questions not be given precedence tomorrow.
Agreed to.
DEATH OF SOLLY TYIBILIKA
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M M DIKGACWI (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC is deeply saddened by the death of ex-Springbok Solly Tyibilika, who was gunned down by two men at KwaNtozi’s Tavern in Gugulethu on Sunday.
Solly Tyibilika was born in Port Elizabeth on 23 June 1979. He played for the Primrose Rugby Club and was spotted by the Sharks during an Easter weekend tournament in Johannesburg. While playing for the Sharks he was selected for the Springbok team in 2004 to play in the Mandela Cup match between Australia and South Africa. He played in eight test matches for the Springboks between 2004 and 2006. Apart from for the Sharks, he also played provincial rugby for Griquas, Golden Lions, Southern Kings and Border.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear and we urge the police to bring the culprits in this heinous crime to book. The ANC extends its condolences to his family, friends, community and former colleagues. Thank you.
BLUE LIGHTS ON OFFICIALS’ VEHICLES
(Member’s Statement)
Mr S C MOTAU (DA): Deputy Speaker, after the tragic incident in which Mr Thomas Ferreira was knocked down by a car transporting a Gauteng MEC, DA leader Helen Zille wrote to President Jacob Zuma, asking for his urgent intervention to put a stop to this lawlessness and force the Cabinet to comply with the law. This follows a previous appeal by the DA to the President in March 2010 to put a stop to the abuse of power by blue-light bullies.
The Western Cape provincial government has already taken steps to ban the use of blue lights by all government officials, including national Ministers visiting the Western Cape, except in cases of genuine emergency.
The national government must now stop hiding behind the excuses of urgent meetings and missed flights. The fact is that the abuse of blue lights is already against the law. The National Road Traffic Act provides that the blue lights may be used only by SAPS VIP units in the exercise of their duty, which is to protect the life of the Minister or the MEC. This does not include getting them to a meeting on time.
The DA offers its full support to the call by Justice Project SA to ban blue lights altogether. Judging by the response the petition has received in the days since it was launched, President Jacob Zuma should take note of the feelings of the ordinary people of South Africa about this abuse of power. He must act to stop it before others are hurt. Thank you. [Applause.]
MBOMBELA STADIUM INVESTIGATIONS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr W M MADISHA (Cope): Deputy Speaker, Cope is registering its objection to the discontinuation of the corruption investigations into the construction of the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. South Africans cannot allow this to happen after losing R1,2 billion.
Jimmy Mohlala’s wife and children and his extended family want to know why he was murdered and who murdered him. [Interjections.] The reasons given by the Mbombela Municipality are inadequate and flimsy.
The municipality’s decision to drop the investigations comes after millions were spent on the matter. Cope believes that dropping the investigations at this juncture will leave the people implicated under a cloud of suspicion. Their credibility and reputation will remain tainted.
We therefore urge the Minister of Sport and Recreation to intervene. Answers are still needed about whether Lefika Emergency Equity, which is managing the stadium, is entitled to the R43 million that was approved without their following the correct tender procedures. We want to know whether the company is corrupt or not. This ... [Time expired.]
CREATION OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN EPWP IN KZN
(Member’s Statement)
Ms N D NGCENGWANE (ANC): Deputy Speaker, a total of 25 138 work opportunities were created from April to September this year through the Expanded Public Works Programme in KwaZulu-Natal. The programme is supported by the KZN premier, Zweli Mkhize, the public works department, various provincial departments, Sukuma Sakhe, which is isiZulu for “Stand up and build”, the Wildlands Trust and the private sector.
One of the initiatives that led to work opportunities is the KZN Integrated Greening Programme. This community-based initiative provides employment for 1 395 people who are tasked with planting 1 million trees, collecting and recycling 75 000 tons of waste, restoring 1 000 ha of forest and conserving 25 000 ha of communal land.
An amount of R1,9 million was spent on stipends between April and September this year. As a result the department has received an incentive grant of R659 400 for creating jobs in its five departmental projects. This grant was used for increasing input in a poverty alleviation programme called Izandla Ziyagezana and the erection of HIV and Aids awareness campaign signboards.
The ANC welcomes this initiative and believes it should be fast-tracked to other areas. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
HORROR SMASH IN KAROO
(Member’s Statement)
Mr E J LUCAS (IFP): Deputy Speaker, 20 people have been confirmed dead in a horror smash that occurred in the Karoo this morning. This tragic loss of life happened while traffic authorities are in the process of setting up strategies to manage the increased volume of traffic during the upcoming festive season.
Driver negligence is one of the main causes of such accidents. A driver who causes an accident because he allows his vehicle to run out of fuel and is then unable to pull his vehicle completely off the road must be held accountable for the accident he has caused.
We appeal to drivers to plan their routes thoroughly, to keep enough fuel in their vehicles to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy, and to stop and rest before fatigue sets in.
The IFP extends its sincere condolences to the families of all the victims of this terrible accident, who must face the upcoming festive season without their loved ones. We can only hope and pray that drivers start taking responsibility for their actions so that the carnage on our roads ends.
CHAPTER 9 INSTITUTIONS – CURRENT PROFILE
(Member’s Statement)
Dr C P MULDER (VF Plus): Geagte Adjunkspeaker, die standpunt van die voorsitter van die Menseregtekommissie, adv Lawrence Mushwana, op 11 November 2011 te Kimberley, dat die Hoofstuk 9-instellings van die Grondwet nie tans ’n hoë profiel geniet nie, verdien aandag. Die vraag is of sy stelling waar en korrek is.
Die Hoofstuk 9-instellings is ingestel om grondwetlike demokrasie in Suid-Afrika te versterk. Dit bestaan uit die Openbare Beskermer, die Menseregtekommissie, die Verkiesingskommissie, die Ouditeur-generaal, die Kommissie vir Geslagsgelykheid en die Kommissie vir die Beskerming en Bevordering van die Regte van Kultuuur-, Godsdiens- en Taalgemeenskappe. Die Grondwet sowel as ander wetgewing bepaal die raamwerk waarbinne hierdie instellings hul taak moet verrig. In die finale instansie is dit egter die mense wat in hierdie instellings dien wat aan hulle lewe en die nodige profiel moet gee.
Die VF Plus is van mening dat adv Mushwana se stelling verkeerd is. Niemand in Suid-Afrika is onbewus van die uitstekende werk wat tans deur die Openbare Beskermer, die Ouditeur-generaal en die Verkiesingskommissie gedoen word nie. Adv Thuli Madonsela en haar span maak tans ’n groot sukses van haar werk en sy doen dit met presies dieselfde grondwetlike en ander bepalings wat vir haar voorganger, adv Mushwana, gegeld het. Die lae profiel wat tans bestaan ten opsigte van die Menseregtekommissie sowel as die Kommissie vir die Bevordering van die Regte van Gemeenskappe kan voor niemand anders se deur gelê word as die persone wat in daardie instellings dien nie.
Die VF Plus doen ’n beroep op die Nasionale Vergadering om sy oorsigrol in hierdie verband te verskerp, en vra die Minister van Justisie en Staatkundige Ontwikkeling om hierdie saak reg te stel. (Translation of Afikaans member’s statement follows.)
[Dr C P MULDER (FF Plus): Hon Deputy Chair, the viewpoint of the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Adv Lawrence Mushwana, expressed on 11 November 2011 in Kimberley, that the Chapter 9 institutions of the Constitution currently do not enjoy a high profile, merits attention. The question is whether his statement is true and correct.
The Chapter 9 Institutions were introduced in order to strengthen constitutional democracy in South Africa. They consist of the Public Protector, the Human Rights Commission, the Electoral Commission, the Auditor-General, the Commission for Gender Equality and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities. The Constitution, as well as other legislation, determines the framework within which these institutions should operate. However, in the final instance it is the people serving these institutions who should guarantee their existence and the profile required.
The FF Plus is of the opinion that Adv Mushwana’s statement is incorrect. Nobody in South Africa is unaware of the excellent work which is presently being done by the Public Protector, the Auditor-General and the Electoral Commission. Adv Thuli Madonsela and her team are at present doing a sterling job and she achieves it by means of the exact same constitutional and other provisions which applied to her predecessor, Adv Mushwana. The low profile that currently prevails with regard to the Human Rights Commission, as well as the Commission for the enhancement of the rights of communities, can only be laid at the door of the persons serving those institutions.
The FF Plus calls upon the National Assembly to intensify its oversight role in this regard, and requests the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to correct this matter.]
DONATION OF 600 HIPPO WATER ROLLERS
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs M N PHALISO (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC has welcomed the partnership between Nedbank and the Local Council of Kuruman in the Northern Cape. The partnership has resulted in the donation of 600 Hippo water rollers, drums able to carry a thirst-quenching 5 million litres of clean and drinkable water, to Magojaneng outside Kuruman in the Northern Cape.
With this device, women and children will no longer have to travel long distances to fetch water and struggle to carry this valuable resource. The water roller device can easily be pushed along the ground and across different types of terrain, thereby reducing the injuries sustained by women and children who previously had to carry buckets of water on their heads.
The ANC government will consolidate partnerships across society to strengthen social cohesion and ensure that our nation achieves the values of a caring society. This contribution by Nedbank will improve people’s lives while ensuring access to clean water. Similar donations have been made in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. The ANC encourages such partnerships in the hope that they will continue and also reach other provinces in similar situations. [Applause.]
CHAOS IN EASTERN CAPE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr K J DIKOBO (Azapo): Deputy Speaker, hon members, on 15 March 2011 the Minister of Basic Education, the hon Angie Motshekga, informed the NA of Cabinet’s decision to intervene in the running of the Eastern Cape department of education. We congratulated the Minister and expressed the hope that she would be strong enough to see the action through.
Azapo informed the Minister about previous interventions, including the fact that they had all died a natural death, as problems continued even after the task teams had left. Eight months have passed and it looks like nothing has changed. We hear of regular standoffs between the national team and provincial departmental officials. As a result, service delivery is being hampered.
We reiterate what we have said, namely that the decision to intervene was a good one. Azapo says that politicians and officials in the Eastern Cape should not be allowed to play games with the future of our children. For the sake of our country and the children in the Eastern Cape, we call upon government to strengthen the hand of the Department of Basic Education in order to stop the rot. The Eastern Cape is part of South Africa and it should not be allowed to act like a breakaway republic.
The reality is that as certain people continue to play games, the children of the Eastern Cape are suffering. Why is the tail being allowed to wag the dog? Who is benefiting from the mess?
NUCLEAR EXPANSION
(Member’s Statement)
Mr P VAN DALEN (DA): Deputy Speaker, it is essential that government is completely transparent in its planned procurement of a nuclear power fleet. This process, if it goes ahead, will be the single largest procurement of goods in South African history. No deal should be signed with regard to the nuclear expansion programme without the full terms of reference and any contracts coming before Parliament.
The nuclear industry is shrouded in secrecy. If South Africa is to do business with nuclear service providers, it must be made clear by government that these deals will be conducted in the full glare of public scrutiny.
As yet, there is no clarity on the cost of the procurement and the number of power stations government intends procuring. The bill for the planned nuclear expansion is rumoured to be between R400 billion and R1 trillion. Nothing about the proposed build programme should be inevitable: If we cannot afford it, then no deal should be signed.
The upfront price of nuclear expansion is always outweighed by the actual cost incurred. In particular, building delays and price escalations have a habit of dramatically increasing the final bill.
If government is intent on pursuing an expansion of nuclear capacity, it should do so with its eyes wide open. It needs to provide Parliament and the South African people with clear evidence that it has weighed up all factors and options. [Applause.]
FIGHTING POVERTY IN SCHOOLS IN NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN AREA
(Member’s Statement)
Mev H H MALGAS (ANC): Adjunkspeaker, die ANC wil die onderwysers en lede van die gemeenskap van die noordelike gebiede van die Nelson Mandela-metropool in die Oos-Kaap lof toeswaai. Die onderwysers en lede van die gemeenskap het dit op hulself geneem om te verseker dat armoede nie noodwendig ’n onoorkomlike hindernis is om gehalte- onderwys en ’n veilige leeromgewing vir hul leerlinge te skep nie.
Onderwysers en skoolhoofde in die noordelike en suidelike gebiede maak groot opofferings om geld, borgskappe en donasies vir hul skole in te vorder. Daar word verneem dat een skoolhoof uit sy eie sak vir leermateriaal vir sy matrikulante betaal het. ‘n Ander skoolhoof het openlik verklaar dat sy skool ’n geengeldskool is en het met fondsinsameling die funksionering van sy skool befonds. Ander prinsipale het hul skole oopgestel om tweelingskole te vorm met gegoede skole wêrelwyd, wat hul leerlinge tot voordeel strek.
Pogings van die skoolleierskap in die noordelike gebiede het daartoe gelei dat lede van die gemeenskap ingesluit is om te help met veiligheid en die gereelde skoonmaak van skole. Die Laerskool Sapphire in Booysenspark, onder die leierskap van die prinsipaal, mnr Bruce Damons, het ook ’n kliniek en ’n beradingsentrum wat deur vrywillige werkers bestuur word, op die skoolperseel vir die leerlinge geopen.
Die ANC prys en ondersteun dié goeie programme vir opvoedingsverryking deur onderwysers, skoolhoofde en lede van die gemeenskap. Die Departement van Basiese Onderwys het, as deel van die strewe tot gehalte-onderwys, ’n program vir opvoedingsverryking wat help om te verseker dat armoede nie ’n struikelblok is nie. (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)
[Mrs H H MALGAS (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC would like to praise teachers and learners from the community of the northern areas of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area in the Eastern Cape. The teachers and members of the community took it upon themselves to ensure that poverty was not necessarily an insurmountable obstacle in order to create quality teaching and a safe learning environment for their learners.
Teachers and principals in the northern and southern areas sacrifice a lot in order to collect funds, sponsorships and donations for their schools. It is understood that a principal single-handedly paid for the learning materials of his matriculants. Another principal openly stated that his school was a no-fee school and used fund-raising to fund the functioning of his school. Other principals opened up their schools for twinning with well-to-do schools all over the world, which benefits the learners.
Efforts by school authorities in the northern areas resulted in the inclusion of members of the community, who assisted with security and the regular cleaning of the schools. Sapphire Primary in Booysens park, under the leadership of the principal, Mr Bruce Damons, also opened up a clinic and a centre for counselling which are managed by voluntary workers on the premises of the school.
The ANC praise and support this good programme for educational enrichment by teachers, principals and members of the community. The Department of Basic Education has, as part of the endeavour to have quality teaching, a programme for educational enrichment which helps to ensure that poverty is not an obstacle.]
TOLL ROADS IN GAUTENG
(Member’s Statement)
Mr K P SITHOLE (IFP): Hon Deputy Speaker, the implementation of new toll roads in Gauteng must be scrapped. The citizens of this country can simply not afford it. The cost of living in Gauteng is already one of the highest in the country. An additional cost burden such as this will have a crippling effect, not only on the citizens that have to use the toll roads but also on our entire economy.
The price of food — in fact, the price of all goods and services — will increase for ordinary citizens due to higher transport costs. Again, small businesses, the poor and the most vulnerable are the ultimate losers. The IFP therefore rejects the imposition of new tolls on roads in Gauteng and will support opposition to this.
SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST 2013 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
(Member’s Statement)
Ms N R MABEDLA (ANC): Hon Deputy Speaker, South Africa hosted the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and now the ANC welcomes the news that the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football has awarded South Africa the hosting rights to the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Considering the political situation currently prevailing in Libya, the executive committee decided to swap Libya and South Africa for the 2013 and 2017 hosting of this tournament respectively. Further good news is that South Africa will also organise the 2014 African Nations Championship event, instead of Libya.
Given the fact that South Africa staged and won the continent’s prime football competition in 1996, we have no doubt that we will ensure the staging of a successful tournament. We wish the organisers much success in their preparations for hosting these events.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND JOB CREATION
(Member’s Statement)
Mr G P D MACKENZIE (Cope): Hon Deputy Speaker, the target of 5 million jobs by 2010, as envisaged in the New Growth Path, is a pipe dream. South Africans from all walks of life are increasingly waking up to this fact. Even the Minister of Economic Development has admitted that the target was always a stretch.
According to the Development Bank of Southern Africa, government is overestimating the employment intensity of growth by only aiming for 7%. We need growth of 10% or more in order to achieve set targets. This is a far cry from the roughly 3% we can muster currently, with not much promise of improvement in the future. This is evident in the continual downward revision of growth expectations by the National Treasury.
We will not be able to grow the economy by growing the public sector only. No country in the past has been able to do this and it will not change tomorrow. Our bloated executive is cutting the lifeblood of our long-term sustainable growth prospects. Government should play only a facilitating role in enabling, among others, the private sector to create jobs.
The state cannot continue to borrow money to drive consumption. We need greater emphasis on capital formation. We need to do everything in our power to promote skills development, with specific emphasis on entrepreneurial activity and innovation. Bureaucracy and red tape continue to curb potential. The little the government has done in this regard has been exposed by capacity gaps and institutional weaknesses. If we shift our focus to the amount of sustainable business created by 2020, we shall see employment naturally flowing from this.
RIGHTS AND COMPENSATION OF DOMESTIC WORKERS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr I M OLLIS (DA): Deputy Speaker, domestic workers are an important group in South Africa. Among the army of women who keep up the nation’s homes and families and, ultimately, the wellbeing of many households by working as domestics are many who are not afforded the same rights as other workers. Domestic workers do not have the same level of protection when they are sick or injured and they are not covered by the International Labour Organisation convention for domestic workers, which South Africa has yet to sign.
Domestic workers are the unsung heroes of our country and yet they are sometimes treated as second-class citizens by our labour dispensation. If other workers become injured or disabled at work, they are protected by the Compensation Fund and receive pension payouts to compensate for losses of income.
To remedy this, the DA will continue to seek an amendment to the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, Act 130 of 1993, in order to expand the Compensation Fund’s coverage to include domestic workers. We have formulated a comprehensive plan that would expand the rights of domestic workers. It would mean that whenever a domestic worker became injured or disabled because of their work, they would be eligible for compensation for their medical expenses and compensation for income, and could potentially receive punitive damages if employers had been negligent.
The implications for domestic workers are profound. It is shocking that government has failed for many years to act in support of domestic workers, who deserve the same protection as everyone else. The DA will continue to drive this issue until we see action.
IKHWEZI SOLAR MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN EASTERN CAPE
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs B TINTO (ANC): Deputy Speaker, the ANC welcomes the launch of the R10 million Ikhwezi Solar manufacturing facility by the Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters, in East London in the Eastern Cape on Friday, 28 October 2011. We believe the solar facility will assist government to meet its target of providing 1 million solar water heaters by 2014.
The opening of this facility, which was imported from Germany, created 23 jobs and has the potential to create a further 480 jobs for the installation of the hot-water systems and to train installers in the field of solar technology locally, through the manufacturing plant.
The Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters, said government was looking into solar water heating as a means of supplying hot water to underserved communities, especially in the rural areas. The ANC believes this facility will go a long way in addressing power shortages in the province and is in line with the ANC’s commitment to diversifying energy sources away from coal, including nuclear energy and renewables, especially solar power. This initiative should be fast-tracked to other provinces.
CREATION OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN EPWP IN KZN
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS: Deputy Speaker, thanks to the hon Ngcengwane. We appreciate the work done in the KwaZulu-Natal province in relation to the programme she referred to. I want to indicate that it is our intention to expand all such programmes to the other provinces. In fact, this is in line with the resolutions of the summit held two weeks ago by the Department of Public Works together with municipalities. We looked at the evaluation of the whole Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, and asked how we were going to massify and expand it because we believe it is central to fighting poverty and creating employment. [Applause.]
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH AND JOB CREATION
RIGHTS AND COMPENSATION OF DOMESTIC WORKERS
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY — NATIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION: Deputy Speaker, I have two brief observations. Firstly, regarding the statement made by the member of Cope about the 10% growth target, I would hope that as a country we recognise the importance of creating employment together. There are certain things I do not think should be party-political, so do not make it an executive responsibility but turn it into a South African responsibility. I happen to be of the view that the 10% target that the Development Bank of Southern Africa, DBSA, has spoken of is really a stretch growth target and we are not going to get there. We should be able to do with far less. [Interjections.]
The second observation relates to the statement by the hon Ollis. We would like to welcome the DA to the world of civilisation. Let us take up the struggles of vulnerable workers together. Thank you and welcome. [Applause.]
FIGHTING POVERTY IN SCHOOLS CHAOS IN EASTERN CAPE IN NELSON MANDELA METROPOLITAN AREA
(Minister’s Responses)
The MINISTER OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING: Deputy Speaker, I will speak briefly on two motions. First of all, we want to thank hon Malgas for highlighting the initiatives of communities who have taken it upon themselves to ensure that they intervene to improve education in the Nelson Mandela Bay area, especially in poor communities. We would like to assure her and the people of the Nelson Mandela Bay area that we support community initiatives of this nature and we wish to encourage all communities to do the same. Government are not able to change things alone, without the people themselves being the drivers of change. That is why our slogan remains relevant: “People’s education for people’s power”.
We would like to assure to the hon member, the leader of Azapo, that we are indeed working very hard in turning the situation around in the Eastern Cape. The Ministers who were assigned by the President to actually work with the provincial government continue to meet to discuss this. As a matter of fact, we are having the next round of talks with the Eastern Cape government this coming Friday. All sides are committed to resolving matters in the Eastern Cape and no one denies that there are serious problems there that need to be addressed. We are determined to turn the situation around in the Eastern Cape and nothing will stand in our way in this regard.
Of course, as an open government, we will continue to appreciate further ideas and suggestions from members of this House who are genuine about dealing with this matter of how we can take this exercise to a higher level. Siyabonga, Sekela Somlomo. [Thank you, Deputy Speaker.] [Applause.]
HORROW SMASH IN KAROO
TOLL ROADS IN GAUTENG
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT: Deputy Speaker, I wish to speak on two issues, both raised by the IFP. First of all, I want to welcome what was said by the hon Lucas and join him in expressing our condolences — and I am sure this comes from all parties — to the families of the 20 people who were tragically killed in the early hours of this morning on the N1 outside Leeu-Gamka. That included two children. We also wish a speedy recovery to those who have been injured.
The circumstances appear to be that a stationary truck was struck by a trailer of a minibus, which then overturned and was struck by a second minibus. All of the deaths occurred in the two minibuses.
I think I should just say that we all tend to be very antiminibus and antitaxi, but actually the fatality and injury figures suggest that in terms of the number of kilometres travelled and passengers transported by the minibus sector, they are actually safer than sedan cars, which many of us drive. In this case, a culpable homicide case has been opened.
What we really want to do is to appeal to all of us, whether we have blue lights or not – and I do not have blue lights — to please drive safely, to drive with care and respect for our passengers, ourselves and all other road users.
With regard to the other hon member from the IFP, who addressed the matter of toll roads, he said he was joining the opposition to any further toll roads. I am glad he is joining the SACP, the ANC and Cosatu, who have said that we really need to look twice at future tolling processes. Indeed, the Cabinet has said that we are investigating and putting a hold on any further expansion of tolls while we look at the merits of the case. [Interjections.]
However, let us also very clearly understand that freeways might be called freeways but they are not free. One way or another the public has to pay for them. I hope that the hon member from the IFP understands that when he joins the DA — I am not sure if he is joining the DA — and suggests that what we should do is increase the fuel levy, then what he is saying is that taxi drivers in Ulundi should be paying for the freeways that are being used and enjoyed by the middle classes in Gauteng. So I think we should be very clear about that. [Interjections.]
The key question is not tolls, but what we are spending our money on. What are the key priorities? I ask this because whatever we do costs us, one way or another. Surely public transport, getting freight onto rail and off the roads, and better urban planning are the key priorities. Certainly, those are the issues that we as a government are going to try to prioritise, keeping in mind the understandable public outcry around tolling and excessive tolling. We agree with the public that there are challenges on this front and that is what we want to focus on. We do not want to use it opportunistically, as some political parties are seeking to do. [Applause.]
STATEMENT BY MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION ON NATIONAL SPORTS INDABA
The MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Madam Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, the day before yesterday, on 13 November 2011, a young South African again made this nation proud with his bravura and victory in the Fina Swimming World Cup Series in Tokyo. Chad le Clos won this championship with flying colours, claiming his 23rd gold medal on the circuit. He clocked a time of 1 minute 43 seconds to win the men’s 200 m race. Today, Le Clos was named South African Swimmer of the Year for winning a total of 35 medals in the series. We congratulate him.
We would also like to take this opportunity to express our burden of grief and sadness at the untimely death of the former Springbok rugby player, Mr Solly Tyibilika, who was gunned down in New Crossroads on the outskirts of Gugulethu and Nyanga East. Mr Tyibilika made South Africans proud when he was selected to play for the AmaBokoboko in a Mandela Cup match between Australia and South Africa. May his soul rest in peace.
On 9 to 10 October 2008, Sport and Recreation SA, SRSA, the SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, Sascoc, and the broader sport and recreation movement met at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal to pause and take stock of the road traversed since the establishment of the first full-blooded Department of Sport and Recreation in the history of the Republic of South Africa and, at the same time, to make a way forward for the transformation of the sport system in the Republic. This was all done under the theme “From mass mobilisation to excellence — improving the integration and organisation of sport”.
At the centre of the debates at the 2008 National Sports Indaba was the issue of transformation. Delegates to the conference recognised the slow pace of and resistance to change in the sporting circles of our country. The conference believed that the journey to full transformation in sport and recreation was still far from over and delegates cited living examples in rugby and cricket that pointed to lingering prejudices. Delegates to the conference reiterated the necessity to transform and reminded players and administrators that transformation was not negotiable but part of our constitutionally mandated government agenda.
Matters relating to the broadening of access to all, the need to bring the building of sport and recreation facilities back into the fold of the Department of Sport and Recreation, and issues relating to the reviving of school sport and the promotion of physical education were highlights of the 2008 Sports Indaba. Four years down the line, here we are again, grappling with the same issues, raised at the 2008 National Sports Indaba.
In November 2010, the President of the Republic, President Jacob Zuma, reshuffled his Cabinet and afforded me the opportunity to lead the Department of Sport and Recreation in South Africa. In doing so, the President expected us to change the content and context of the sport and recreation landscape in South Africa. In fulfilment of this mandate, the Department of Sport and Recreation and the sporting community will be hosting a National Sport and Recreation Indaba from 21 to 22 November 2011 to reconstruct, revitalise and transform the sport and recreation sector under the theme “From policy to practice — not just another indaba”.
The birth of the National Sport and Recreation Indaba will be located in the context of our assertion when we outlined the vision of the new Sport and Recreation leadership appointed by the President in 2010. Even when we addressed the joint press conference with Sascoc in March, we reminded all South Africans:
Four years after the 2008 Durban National Sport Indaba and 16 years since the 1994 democratic breakthrough, our country is still overwhelmed by inequalities and uneven development in sport and recreation.
We agreed with Sascoc that we needed to move with speed to ensure that together we embarked on a broad consultative process that would involve the entire nation in a robust national debate on transformation and would culminate in a conceptual and contextual transformation framework for the country.
Our stated intention on this matter was to launch a rolling, interactive and forward-looking process that would build a people-centred developmental discourse that would continue to evolve organically from every nook and cranny of South African society, inspired by the thoughts and enhanced by the opinions of all sport-loving people, both in their organised and voluntary formations. This process would gain its own momentum and culminate in vibrant debate and a solid platform for a national dialogue that would culminate in the national indaba in November.
The aforementioned assertion provides SRSA federations and other stakeholders with the basis to outline for the nation the purpose of the National Sport and Recreation Indaba, as follows: retracing the road traversed by the people of South Africa since apartheid; reviewing the instruments, policies, strategies and tactics that have been relied upon over the past 16 years; aligning the Sport and Recreation Road Map’s strategic priorities with current and future policies and legislation; fast-tracking a Transformation Charter and delivery mechanism for all sectors and role-players; setting in motion campaigns, projects, strategies and tactics; dealing with the provision of facilities in disadvantaged communities; facilitating collective buy-in from all stakeholders into the National sports plan; streamlining implementation towards common objectives; considering feedback from the provincial indabas and the Sascoc/National Federations Indaba; and elevating public awareness of the national sports plan by means of an effective and targeted media campaign.
It is in this regard that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has hosted different sector-to-sector consultations, ranging from the national Sport and Recreation Civil Society Consultation Assembly, the sport and business forum, the Sport and Recreation Public Entities Engagement, to the Sport Media and Editors Consultation Forum, in order to afford an opportunity also to take stock of the road traversed in sport and recreation and follow a way forward that will assist the sport and recreation community in reconstructing and revitalising the sport and recreation sector for an active and winning nation, and to contribute to the struggle to improve the lives of all South Africans.
However, we expect that the content of the discussions and engagements in the indaba will firmly remember the words of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Ban Ki-moon, who said:
Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the walls, all the barriers. It is a worldwide industry whose practices can have a widespread impact. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and development.
In responding to the above, delegates will be called upon to equally and honestly respond to the commitments enshrined in the Multilateral International Convention Against Apartheid in Sports, as adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 10 December 1985, which stated the following:
The expression “apartheid” (and discrimination) shall mean a system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination for the purpose of establishing and maintaining domination by one racial group of persons over another racial group of persons and systematically oppressing them, such as pursued by South Africa.
“Apartheid in sports” shall mean the application of the policies and practices of such a system in sports activities, whether organised on a professional or amateur basis ... [We are] convinced that the adoption of an International Convention against Apartheid in Sports would result in more effective measures at the international and national levels, with a view to eliminate apartheid and discrimination in sport.
It is almost 15 years since the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic, and our people, through that Constitution, have given the developmental state a political mandate to strategically respond to the above-mentioned UN convention and transform all the institutions of the state and other undemocratic institutions and practices, based on the will of the people. Indeed, there is much to celebrate in the new and democratic South Africa, including reforms in sport and recreation, as instructed by the convention.
However, the strategic point of entry is a distinction between structural reform and social reform, as analysed by John Saul. Structural reform means community development and empowerment. With regard to contextualisation in a sport perspective, it involves the provision of sport facilities, the development of sport skills and the enhancement of sport opportunities among disadvantaged South Africans. This, in essence, requires a critical political context that integrates sports with other national goals and priorities.
In content, this process of the structural transformation of sport and recreation takes cognisance of areas such as education, health, the economy, transport, employment and community development. By contrast, the transformation of sport and recreation means redressing the imbalances of the past and isolated grievances. In the South African context, this refers strategically to the deracialisation of elite privileges in sport and recreation.
However, Dr Douglas Booth, in his book entitled South Africa: Elite Sport is Winning, cautioned us:
Sadly, one finds little evidence of structural reform in South African sport. While some former anti-apartheid activists use sport to empower local communities, the majority view it as a convenient route to self-enrichment or, at best, as a symbol of racial reconciliation. Few care about developing sport in disadvantaged communities.
This was said by Dr Booth in November 1995, a year after the first democratic elections in our country and hardly a year before the formal adoption of the democratic Constitution of the Republic.
We must all be combat-ready to join all South Africans in the battle trenches for a nonracial, nonsexist, democratic, accessible, integrated and united sport and recreation system, today and beyond today. We must do this collectively, inspired by the urgent task to build a collective case for sport and recreation in our national and global discourse and to sharpen our theory, analysis and organisation of sport and recreation in South Africa. Of cardinal importance is that we must do this to chart a common vision, a common implementation plan and common delivery mechanisms across all spheres of government for sport and recreation development and total transformation of our sector.
Our stated and unstated assumptions should be placed here in order to canvas public opinion and develop solutions to and recommendations for the challenges of our age. In this context, there must be no holy cows and we must leave no stone unturned in our quest to transform South Africa for the better.
Let us embark on genuine and constructive debates, fireside chats and conversations in regard to public discourse that will be rigorously interrogated and subjected to public scrutiny. We reiterate that this debate is open to all — peasants and farmers; rural and urban women; workers, teachers and students; fans, taxi drivers, players and coaches; sports administrators and managers; politicians and bureaucrats; and young and old.
Whenever and wherever South Africans meet, as we did with business, public entities, outstanding personalities and sport veterans, sport and recreation must exist and the ideals of a sporting and healthy nation should be our preoccupation and a clarion call.
Let us all seize the moment and make meaningful inputs and contributions for a better sport system. Let us make the vision of President Nelson Mandela live with all of us by collectively endorsing that:
Transformation and reconciliation are central to that vision which moved millions of men and women to risk all, including their lives, in the struggle against apartheid and white domination. It is inseparable from the achievement of a nonracial, democratic and united nation affording common citizenship, rights and obligation to each and every person, and respecting the rich diversity of our people. It is that if we are one nation with one destiny, then our first task is the collective eradication of the legacy of the inhuman system of apartheid (in sport and recreation and society in general) as a necessary step towards the reconciliation and reconstruction of our nation.
This was the address given by President Nelson Mandela at the opening of the President’s Budget Vote debate on 2 March 1999.
In conclusion, out of the National Sports Indaba of 21 to 22 November, for the first time South Africa will have a national sports plan that should be embraced by all.
Uzoyithola kanjani uhleli ekhoneni? Walala wasala. Asuka amaphepha; asala amabhokisi. [How will you get it if you are not working towards it? You snooze you lose. The action has begun.]
Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Mr T D LEE: Mr Chairman, the DA supports and promotes the idea that action should be taken to give special opportunities to those who currently suffer disadvantage because of past discrimination. We believe that the government’s role should be to facilitate and realise those opportunities and not to interfere with or impose a political agenda on South Africa’s various sporting codes and its institutions.
We believe that redress in sport should be done through development programmes designed to help the currently disadvantaged and to overcome the legacy of discrimination against them and their forebears. The DA does not believe redress should be done through the imposition of race quotas, because such quotas reinforce the racial ideology of apartheid. They are unjust and, above all, fail to properly correct the imbalances created by apartheid.
The DA believes that every South African, no matter what their circumstances, should have the opportunity to realise their own sporting talent, should they so choose. In addition, the DA believes that sport and the development of new sporting talent should be driven by the pursuit of excellence. This emphasis should define not only our country’s athletes but also the institutions designed to produce them.
We also have impediments, however. South Africa’s ability to compete properly at international level has been undermined on two fronts. Firstly, sport has become politicised and its administration subjected to sustained interference. Secondly, following on from this, a relentless drive for transformation and an ever-increasing hostility towards the pursuit of excellence has damaged our sporting institutions and resulted in a failure to produce a new and diverse generation of sports professionals able to compete on the world stage.
Adjunkspeaker, ons moet onsself twee vrae stel. Eerstens, waarom moes briljante spelers, soos Kevin Pietersen en Jonathan Trott, in murg en been Suid-Afrikaners, die land verlaat om in Engeland en later vir Engeland krieket te speel? Tweedens, waarom neem dit so lank om ’n opvolger vir Makhaya Ntini te kry, terwyl daar vandag ’n oorvloed van plaasvervangers vir hom moes gewees het, as ons maar net ’n sportontwikkelingsbeleid in plaas van ’n transformasiebeleid gehad het?
Ek weet die Minister tender vir ’n baie groot pos in die ANC by volgende jaar se ANC kongres. [Gelag.] Ek dink hierdie indaba is deel van sy program om sy beeld te bou vir volgende jaar. [Tussenwerpsels.] Hy moet net onthou waar die nasionalisering van myne sy kameraad, Julius Malema, laat beland het. [Tussenwerpsels.] As hy sport wil nasionaliseer, sal hy met meer as net die ANC te doen kry. [Tussenwerpsels.]
Laastens, hoop ek dat hierdie indaba nie net weer ’n verkwisting van tyd en belastingbetalers se geld sal wees nie, maar dat die sportmense van Suid-Afrika daarby baat sal vind. [Applous.]
Mnr A WATSON: Hoor, hoor! (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Deputy Speaker, we need to ask ourselves two questions. Firstly, why did brilliant players like Kevin Pietersen and Jonathan Trott, South Africans through and through, have to leave the country to play cricket in England and later for England? Secondly, why is it taking so long to find a successor for Makhaya Ntini, while there should have been a multitude of substitutes by now, if we had only had a sports development policy instead of a transformation policy?
I know the Minister is vying for a high position in the ANC at next year’s ANC Congress. [Laughter.] I think this indaba is part of his programme to build his image for next year. [Interjections.] He must just remember the difficulties in which the nationalisation of mines has landed his comrade, Julius Malema. [Interjections.] If he wants to nationalise sport, he will be up against more than just the ANC. [Interjections.]
Lastly, I hope that this indaba will not once again be just a waste of time and taxpayers’ money, but that the sportspeople of South Africa will benefit from it. [Applause.]
Mr A WATSON: Hear, Hear!]
Mr G P D MACKENZIE: Chairperson, the words of former President Nelson Mandela underpin the White Paper for the National Sport and Recreation Plan to be adopted at the indaba this coming weekend:
Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. Sport can awaken hope where there was previously only despair.
Participation is the key to achieving success in sport. This participation must be in schools, modified sport in communities and in recreational youth camps. Furthermore, performance is a key factor in determining sport success. This can be achieved through the identification and development of talented athletes, a sports academy and a sports science system. This can also be achieved by the establishment of clubs and leagues, education and training, quality coaching, volunteers, and addressing the backlogs in sports facilities, which is a major problem.
The new sports plan has policy imperatives that are crucial to its success, including total sport transformation; prioritisation of sporting codes; one national emblem and the same colours for the South African national sporting teams; and a monitoring and evaluation system for the plan. The implementation of the plan must further be underpinned by an effective funding model, a code of ethics and drug-free sport.
Minister, we applaud your efforts in and commitment to bringing this plan to fruition. Cope believes and supports this initiative as being the best model for our sporting success as a nation.
We caution, however, that the National Lotteries Board, which has a key role to play in the funding model, is squandering resources in a criminal manner, as was exposed this weekend. We urge your intervention to ensure that our people are not compromised in the development of sport in this country. [Time expired.]
Mr E J LUCAS: Hon Chairperson, the IFP welcomes the National Sports Indaba initiative by the Department of Sport and Recreation. It’s long overdue and is a both positive and necessary step towards transformation in sports administration and delivery in our country.
Besides our building cohesiveness and goal orientation through the National Sport Plan, we also welcome the fact that national access to sport, irrespective of geographic location, will become one of the plan’s main focus points. Our rural and disadvantaged communities must be singled out and be among the first recipients of sporting resources and facilities.
Sport and recreation are very necessary to the overall wellbeing of our citizens and they contribute positively to the lives of all South Africans and the country as a whole. The IFP fully supports the initiative.
Mr J J MCGLUWA: Chairperson, 17 years of our young democracy still leaves us short of a sound developmental sports plan. The Minister’s predecessors have failed this department.
Of course, Minister Mbalula, your hard work is reflected by sport and the platform created by yourself to discuss and adopt a sports plan. It is a sign that you care passionately about what happens with regard to school sports.
It also speaks volumes regarding your enthusiasm that Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation elected a chairperson only today, having been without one for nine months. Added to this is the cancellation of oversight visits in regard to school sports earlier this year.
You have broken the yoke when it comes to mass participation. There is a need for Members of Parliament to do oversight in this regard, as this issue is of importance to you. You are accountable to Parliament. This is indeed a tall order and we cannot engage with you on serious matters simply because you never attend.
Rev K R J MESHOE: Chairperson, the ACDP supports the broad aims and objectives of the National Sport and Recreation Plan. We believe that sport has the power to change attitudes and unify a nation, as we have witnessed during many world events, particularly the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup in our own country. Sport definitely contributes to peace and development, increases social and economic values and enhances healthy and fulfilling lives — as contained in the Minister’s statement.
The ACDP strongly supports and encourages the implementation of compulsory physical education in all our schools. Many school children are battling with health issues and problems because they are overweight. The envisaged recreation programmes will help to enhance healthy lifestyles among our children.
The ACDP hopes that the upcoming Sport and Recreation Indaba will not only be inclusive and representative, but also give the nation a clear strategy regarding how the plan will be implemented within clear timelines.
Mr L M MPHAHLELE: Hon chair, the PAC welcomes the National Sports Indaba as outlined by hon Minister Mbalula.
With the exception of a few sporting codes, like rugby, cricket and swimming, our country is generally punching far below its weight, especially in football. The football administrators in this country play shibobos and tsamayas on themselves. They dribble themselves to failure. Naked greed, power mania, ineptitude and corruption must be rooted out if ever we hope to reclaim our sporting glory.
Mr R B BHOOLA: Chairperson, you cannot advance and build a strong sporting nation on old and outdated policies; therefore policy directors are of paramount importance.
Let us also be reminded that one more child in sport is one more out of court.
The streamlining and implementation of common objectives is essential, bearing in mind that rural and disadvantaged communities have little or practically no support whatsoever in respect of amenities and infrastructure.
Prior to the new dispensation, there was a deliberate move to keep people away from using certain sporting facilities and long leases of up to 99 years with a very low rental were concluded. Minister, we call on you to intervene and address these injustices and we hope that the National Sports Indaba will address these imbalances and inequalities.
I am reminded of the words of the previous MEC for sports and recreation in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr A Rajbansi, when he said that no child should be deprived of his or her talent because of poverty. They must be given the latitude, the right and the opportunity also to win championships.
Mr K J DIKOBO: Hon Chairperson, the organisers of the National Sports Indaba could not have found a more appropriate theme. Azapo also says, “Not just another indaba!” The statement made in October 2008 — that transformation was not negotiable — still holds true today.
Sport is dying and in some cases, in certain township and village schools, it is already dead. There are no facilities to speak of, except in former Model C schools. How will the young ones, growing up in township and village schools, ever have a chance to play for the Proteas or the Springboks?
What has happened to boxing in South Africa, hon Minister? Many of us long for the days of Welcome Ncita, Dingaan Thobela, Baby Jake Matlala, Brian Baronet, Arthur Mayisela, Vuyani Bungu, etc.
Minister, you cannot leave these federations to themselves. If you do, the result will be what we have seen in cricket, where people have paid themselves huge sums of money at the expense of players — money that was supposed to be used for development. When you come in, Minister, you are to be assisting, not interfering. We will await the outcome of the sports indaba.
Mr M M DIKGACWI: Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers present, Deputy Ministers, colleagues and people in the gallery, the first issue is that the National Sports Indaba has nothing to do with the ANC conference! Those people cannot vote for the Minister, whether they like it or not, because they are not delegates to the conference. [Interjections.]
The other issue is that in the presence of Minister Stofile hon McGluwa sang his praises. Now that the former Minister is not here, hon McGluwa is saying that the man failed the department. Why didn’t he say that in his presence? Let us not wait until people are not here to defend themselves to make remarks.
Let me come to what I have been asked to do. Today marks almost the second last month before we celebrate our centenary as a liberation movement, both in South Africa and on the continent of Africa.
Kulilixa ke ngoko lokuba siqwalasele isivuno esithe sasifumana ekuphuculeni intlalo yoluntu oluNtsundu noluhlelelekileyo apha eMzantsi Afrika. Kananjalo kunyanzelekile ukuba siqwalasele ubume bethu nendima esithe sayidlala kwilizwekazi lase-Afrika. Kufuneka sikhangele ukuba iinjongo zethu nemimiselo yethu ihambe njani na kwaye ingaba isesekhondweni kusini na. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[It is therefore high time that we reflect on our productivity with regard to improving the lives of the African people and those who are also marginalised in South Africa. Furthermore, we must reflect on our situation and on the role we have played on the African continent. We must find out how our objectives and regulations have been implemented and if they are still relevant.]
The governance of sport in the country by the respective federations poses real challenges and is becoming hostile to the key agenda of transformation and development. You cannot speak about development without transformation or transformation without development. We need to be agents of change in sport, recreation and the social transformation of South African society. It is crucial that we confront the issues that hinder us in our quest to get the South African sporting fraternity to focus on what is beneficial to the growth of sport and dealing with the imbalances of the past.
We should understand that the sport setup for the previously disadvantaged was historically structured to serve a specific purpose in our society. They are generally separated in terms of operations, primarily because there was no coherent rationalisation under the past system in South Africa. This is a challenge for the South African Ministry of Sport and Recreation and this Parliament. If this were left unchallenged and were not addressed, it would be clumsy, inaccurate in some respects and inappropriate. Therefore we should constantly assess our progress and never compromise on the issue of transformation and development.
Our sports apparatus is so shocking — not to say pitiful — that we must first think of how to combat its defects, bearing in mind that these defects are rooted in the past, which has not yet been overcome, although it has been overthrown. We have not yet reached the stage where that particular culture has receded into the distant past. I say “culture” deliberately because in these matters you can only regard something as having been achieved when that thing has become part and parcel of our culture, social life and habits, despite those who seem to undermine this process.
As I continue to reflect on this I remind this House that we are not moving at the expected speed in transformation. Hon members will recall that during the 1992 to 1995 national sports unity talks, lengthy resolutions were taken. Two reforms were clearly at the cutting edge of the whole process, and would have given birth to a totally transformed national federation. Instead, the lack of development, transformation, social cohesion and unity has deepened. I therefore call upon those who lead sports to face increasing scrutiny which, I have no doubt, will inevitably result in questions regarding governance and practice.
The transformation of many sports from predominantly voluntary administration organisations anchored in an amateur ethos to professionally managed entities catering for a more sophisticated marketplace has created unique challenges for the governance of sport sponsorship. The above statement gives birth to a possible conceptual linkage between sport sponsorship and corporate governance. Principles such as accountability and transparency are nonexistent. How do you explain the issue of sponsorship commissions through sponsorship negotiations and brokering at the expense of broader development in South African football by the Premier Soccer League wing? How do you explain undisclosed bonuses in cricket? These are the challenges of governance.
As I reflect I arrive at the point where I am saying that there is a lack of integrative thinking and no application of common sense by the relevant stakeholders, particularly the decision makers, regarding issues of broader development when it comes to sponsorship transactions, commissions and bonuses. With the benefit of hindsight, one can see that this may have been ignited by the loophole in the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Act, Act 18 of 2007, with specific reference to the accountability framework or the clause on issues pertaining to sponsorship. It is not clear what significant role in respect of oversight both the Department of Sport and Recreation and Treasury are playing in regard to major sponsorship transactions. We need to look at this issue and I concede that we need to do that with the assistance of those who mistakenly believe they are entitled to millions in commission.
Commissions should not be ingredients of individual wealth. We should rather spend these millions on broader development, with particular reference to the expansion and progress of school sport. As a result, at the ANC Polokwane conference we affirmed that at some point government would have to integrate ubuntu principles into public policies so as to comprehensively correct the distortions and imbalances not only in our heritage, but also in our socioeconomic and industrial relations.
When the ANC did this, we were essentially saying the following: We need to encourage mass participation and ignite school sport. We need to involve women and people with disabilities with a view to promoting equity. All schools must have a minimum offering of extramural activities. Physical education must be offered as a compulsory subject for learners in Grades R to 12.
Izibhambathiso esizithathayo mazibe namazinyo ukwenzela ukuba zilume xa kufuneka. Ixesha looxomoyi noonomoyi abangafuni kutshintsha, hayi, liphelile elo xesha! [We need to intensify the vows we make so that we are able to use them against any transgressions. The time for antitransformation agents has expired.]
Dit is klaar. [It is over.]
Uza kuqhawuka ujingi abantwana bedlala ngoku. Kufa ayayo makwedini! [Rules are going to be tougher now. Let us pull up our socks.]
In connection with the above, it gives me pleasure to attest that some of the projected intentions of the Polokwane conference have been meaningfully executed. A case in point is school sport. Two departments, namely Basic Education and Sport and Recreation, and their respective Ministers did indeed institute and approve the planning framework and further developed an action plan on 22 and 23 June 2011. The interdepartmental task team met to consolidate the document and agreed on the implementation plan. As we speak today, multiple aspects have been covered, including school sport – but not Julius Malema. He is not a member. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS ON DIVISION OF REVENUE AMENDMENT BILL
There was no debate.
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
DIVISION OF REVENUE AMENDMENT BILL
(Second Reading debate)
Mr E M SOGONI: Hon House Chair and hon members, the ANC welcomes the tabling of the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill [B17 – 2011] as required by section 12(4) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, Act 9 of 2009. This Bill is being tabled in the context of a challenging world economic outlook, which has continued to perform below par since 2008. On the other hand, South Africa is faced with the daunting task of addressing inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment. Therefore, effective distribution strategies have been adopted.
Despite these huge challenges, South Africa has made considerable advances in its quest for the attainment of a quality life for all its citizens, including the poor. Ours is a caring government, as can be seen from the tools of intervention that government employs, for example the quick response in providing funds for the repair of damaged infrastructure, from housing to roads, schools, clinics, farms and so forth, as well as the number of people who are receiving welfare grants.
The Bill makes provision for additional funds for higher than budgeted for wage agreements across provinces. We must applaud the resources made available for staff at Further Education and Training, FET, colleges so that their posts become permanent posts, thus ensuring that FET college deliver on their mandate.
Also welcome is the breaking up of the infrastructure grant to provinces in order to establish the education infrastructure grant and health infrastructure grant, as well as the roads and transport and agriculture infrastructure grants. This includes the allocation of R700 million for school backlogs. This grant grows to R5,1 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, so that mud and dangerous schools become a thing of the past.
An amount of R73 billion is budgeted for the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, over the MTEF to create “short and longer-term jobs”. A lot of monitoring is required for this grant to ensure that there is value for money. The grant continues to be spent slowly, especially in the provinces, except for KwaZulu-Natal. The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and the Standing Committee on Appropriations carried out separate oversight visits to KwaZulu-Natal in order to learn best practice. In short, we found that in KwaZulu-Natal the EPWP item is a standing item on the agenda of the provincial cabinet and therefore departments are required to report on the progress of job creation in cabinet meetings. If the other eight provinces could adopt this approach, expenditure would improve tremendously.
The national Department of Public Works should also look at the design of the programme. Again, we have requested National Treasury and the national Department of Public Works to look at the design of various categories of municipalities, in order to improve productivity at that level.
Though government has introduced the Infrastructure Delivery Improvement Programme, where technical advisers are deployed to assist with building a skills base that enables infrastructure units to overcome blockages to protect implementation, the reality of the matter is that there is room for improvement in infrastructure delivery. Parliament must ...
... commend government for shifting the composition of spending to support higher levels of infrastructure maintenance and capital expenditure, as such investment will promote economic growth and job creation, and support an enabling environment for further investment by the private sector.
The ANC supports the Division of Revenue Bill, as introduced by the Minister. [Applause.]
Mr S N SWART: Mr Chair, the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill provides for the equitable division of revenue between the three spheres of government. The Bill now before Parliament will allow the flow of R562 billion in revenue to national government, R291 billion to provinces and R34 billion to local government.
When we look at the division of revenue, we in the ACDP are of the opinion that more funds should have been flowing to the local government area because that is where service delivery takes place. Nevertheless, the ACDP supports the Division of Revenue Bill and we feel that there are some good signs, like the increased expenditure on infrastructure, which will assist in creating jobs. Unfortunately, not enough has been spent in that area. Nevertheless, the ACDP supports the Division of Revenue Bill. [Applause.]
Mr L RAMATLAKANE: House Chair, Cope equally supports the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, known as Dora. However, we want to raise a few issues regarding its implementation.
Number one is that we continue to say that the Ministers who are managing the budget must look at it continuously. The increase in personnel expenditure is a problem. Basically, it’s spiralling out of control.
Number two is the investment in education. There is no doubt that there is a commitment in regard to investment in education. So far, 20% of the budget of government has gone to education. That demonstrates a commitment. However, we are concerned that quality output remains an issue for the Minister to manage and handle.
Equally, we are concerned about infrastructure issues, particularly pertaining to schools, and we believe that the Minister of Basic Education can and must deal with this particular question. One of the many issues flowing from this is the backlog in infrastructure. When we visited the Eastern Cape, we found conditions that were appalling, particularly at Manzana High School. It is without electricity and ablution blocks, yet across the street there is water and electricity. The difficulty is transferring this to the school. As we speak today, these conditions have not changed. We think the Minister can at least crack the whip so that these conditions change, because the quality and morale of teachers are affected by the conditions in which they find themselves at the school.
The last thing we want to raise is corruption. We believe that the money that is flowing down to all spheres of government must reach the right level, and not simply mean that it is time for certain people to eat, as is happening in Free State and Limpopo. However, we support the Bill.
Mr N SINGH: Chairperson and colleagues, the IFP will also support the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, but we have a few concerns.
One of them is the huge inefficiencies in government. We trust that Treasury can look at this, particularly when it comes to the Department of Public Works and its relationship with other government departments. Last week we heard, right here, a report from the Justice committee in which they suggested that they should rather be carrying out their capital works projects and maintenance themselves. I think this holds equally true for other departments because delays mean costs, and there are huge inefficiencies when it comes to Public Works and other departments.
Also, I think Treasury needs to look at cost-effectiveness, in regard to building a classroom, for example. At one stage in KwaZulu-Natal, with public-private partnerships, we could build a classroom for about R80 000 and it could be done in double-quick time. Yet if a similar classroom were to be built by Public Works, it would cost you R280 000 and take double or triple the amount of time. So, I think we really need to start looking at efficiency.
I also believe that the problem with the ability of municipalities to raise their own income are cause for concern. Provincial governments and municipalities should not continually rely on the Division of Revenue Act and wait for national government to dispense funds to them. The whole question of payment of outstanding rates and service charges in many of the municipalities, which run into billions of rand, needs to be seriously addressed.
On the question of conditional grants, we believe that there needs to be a continuous evaluation of these grants. At least every quarter there should be reports that are monitored, not just reports given for the sake of ticking a box to say, “Yes, we’ve given a report.” I mean, these are funds! We welcome the fact that Treasury has now taken it upon itself to transfer to others conditional grants of provinces or municipalities that don’t spend this money. This kind of initiative is very, very welcome.
We also applaud the fact that Treasury has taken measures to encourage and reward municipalities and provincial departments that accelerate the implementation of cost-effective service delivery to our citizens. This is also a positive step.
Lastly, there’s a lot of talk about toll roads and their high costs. Although we know that fuel levies are distributed to metropolitan municipalities, maybe it is time to come up with some innovative thinking about how conditional grants can ease the burden on some of the motorists, because at the end of the day this infrastructure is needed. South Africa is one country and whether the road is in Gauteng or going to the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape, these roads are needed and we’ve got to find ways of ensuring that the roads are paid for. We will support the Bill.
Mr S Z NTAPANE: Hon Chairperson and hon members, the complexity of the budget expenditure process necessitates that at times we gather here to discuss and make important amendments to the original division of revenue.
Necessarily, a large portion of revenue should be allocated to provinces and municipalities, because the nearness to the people of this government supposedly serves to make it more attuned to their needs. The service delivery mandate of national government resides in these two spheres of government.
It makes one despondent that these spheres have thus far, since the inception of our democratic dispensation, proven to be government’s weakest link. Irregular expenditure in some of the poorest provinces, such as the Eastern Cape, and across the country has increased exponentially from just a few million rand a couple of years ago to billions of rand by 2011. Corrupt government officials appropriate public funds for private use with impunity. This negatively affects both the pace and quality of the service delivery our people receive. As we have noted many times before, at the heart of the problem is a severe lack of skills, coupled with an institutional culture that celebrates ineptitude and turns a blind eye to cronyism and tender fraud.
With the economy still reeling from the effects of the recent global economic downturn, national government initiatives to strictly monitor and improve expenditure at provincial and local government level would be a welcome reprieve. Government is there to deliver value for the tax we are paying. We, the taxpayers of this country, are not getting value for our money.
As the UDM has indicated before, and still does, government is missing an opportunity to improve service delivery by providing jobs to qualified and skilled professionals and reducing reliance on expensive consultants. However, the UDM supports the Bill.
Die ADJUNKMINISTER VAN LANDBOU, BOSBOU EN VISSERYE: Geagte Voorsitter, rooi ligte en alarms oor die Suid-Afrikaanse begroting en die Regering se fiskale bestuur het die afgelope paar weke afgegaan. Dit was duidelik uit die agb Minister se toespraak, asook uit die reaksie van finansiële kundiges in Suid-Afrika en die buiteland. Die kernprobleem blyk te wees die herhalende verhoging in lopende uitgawes, insluitend die groei in die salaris- en lonerekening van die openbare sektor. Dit lei tot al hoe meer beperkinge op geld wat beskikbaar is vir kapitaal- en infrastruktuurbesteding aan die anderkant.
Ons word vandag in hierdie Huis gevra om deur hierdie wetsontwerp verskeie aanpassings aan die Begroting goed te keur wat presies hierdie punt illustreer. Kom ek gee vir u een voorbeelde. Aanvanklik het die Minister begroot vir ‘n 5,5% salarisverhoging in die Staatsdiens. Ná onderhandelinge en druk is ooreengekom op ‘n salarisverhoging van 6,8%. Die 1,3% wat die verhoging meer is as wat begroot is, klink onskuldig, maar die feit is dat dit daartoe gelei het dat ons vandag net vir die provinsies ‘n bedrag van R3,2 miljard ekstra moet goedkeur om hierdie salarisse te kan betaal.
‘n Nog groter probleem is dat baie staatsdepartemente nie daarin slaag om die kapitaalbedrae wat wel vir hulle begroot is, te bestee nie, so ons bestee aan salarisse, maar ons bestee nie kapitaal aan die anderkant nie. Hierdie wetsontwerp maak ook daarvoor voorsiening dat van daardie bedrae nou oorgedra kan word.
Die VF Plus wil die Minister bedank vir die bedrae wat wel vir oorstromingshulp aan boere begroot is. Dié hulp is uiters noodsaaklik, veral om infrastruktuur in die landbou te kan herstel. Natuurlik is dit nie genoeg nie, maar sonder dié hulp was die situasie baie slegter.
Ons bekommernis is egter dat die provinsies wat dit moet bestee hierdie geld nie altyd vinnig en doeltreffend genoeg bestee nie. Kom ek gee vir u een voorbeelde. Die oorstromings aan die begin van die jaar by Upington in die Noord-Kaap het meeste van die vloedkeerwalle langs die rivier weggespoel. Dit het baie skade veroorsaak. Binne enkele maande kom die reënseisoen weer en meer oorstromings kan plaasvind, maar die keerwalle is nog nie herstel nie. In my hoedanigheid as Adjunkminister sal ek my bes doen om hierdie probleme te probeer oplos, maar ek vra ook die Minister om te help ten einde te verseker dat hierdie finansiële hulp so spoedig en effektief moontlik met die nodige kontroles aangewend word. (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[The DEPUTY MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Hon Chairperson, red lights have lit up and alarm bells have been going off during the past few weeks because of South Africa’s budget and the Government’s fiscal management. This was clear from the Minister’s speech, as well as from the reaction by South African and foreign financial experts. The central problem seems to be the recurring escalation in running costs, including the increase in the salary and wages account of the public sector. On the other hand, this is leading to more and more restrictions on the funds available for capital and infrastructure expenditure.
Today in this House, by way of this Bill, we are being asked to approve various adjustments to the Budget, illustrating this very point. Let me give you one example. Initially the Minister budgeted for a 5,5% salary increase in the Public Service. After negotiations and pressure, a salary increase of 6,8% was agreed upon. The increase of 1,3% above what had been budgeted for may sound harmless, but this is what has really caused our having to pass, just for the provinces, an extra R3,2 billion in order to be able to pay these salaries.
An even bigger problem is that many state departments are unable to spend the capital amounts that have been budgeted for them, so that we are spending on salaries, but on the other hand we are not spending capital. This Bill also provides that some of those amounts can be transferred.
The FF wants to thank the Minister for the funds that have been budgeted for flood relief to farmers. This aid is absolutely essential in order to enable, in particular, the rehabilitation of infrastructure in agriculture. Of course it is not enough, but without this aid the situation would have been a lot worse.
We are concerned, however, that the provinces that are supposed to distribute this money are not always able to do so quickly and efficiently enough. Let me give you an example. The floods at the beginning of the year near Upington in the Northern Cape washed away most of the flood weirs along the river. This caused a lot of damage. In a few months the rainy season will be back and there may be more floods, but the weirs have not yet been repaired. In my capacity as Deputy Minister I will do my best to try to solve these problems, but I’m also asking the Minister’s help in order to ensure that this financial aid is allocated as speedily and effectively as possible, with the necessary controls.]
Mr G T SNELL: Hon Chairperson, hon members of the executive, Members of Parliament and comrades, as you have heard, the Standing Committee on Appropriations unanimously supported the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill which is before us for debate.
To simplify a complex and technical process, a budget is the alignment of figures with policy within a legislative framework. It is this framework that specifies the process and procedures of how the budget is to be passed and allocated. Various mechanisms are legislated regarding how it is to be allocated and ultimately accounted for.
According to Jeremy Heimans, the budget is the most important economic policy tool of government and provides a comprehensive statement of the nation’s priorities. Heimans adds that, as the representative of the people, Parliament is the appropriate place to ensure that the budget best matches the nation’s developmental priorities within available resources.
It is in the application of the various budgets that we as legislators are required to apply our minds to evaluating the optimal utilisation of state resources in achieving the national developmental agenda. The developmental state leads in the definition of a common national agenda.
The national agenda set by the developmental state is a product of a broad and extensive consultation with society. Our priorities are a product of inputs from the public and a scientific analysis of the obligations imposed by the challenges of the epoch on the state and its people.
The Constitution does not only provide for prohibitive obligations but imperative ones. The state must protect and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights — socioeconomic rights not excluded.
The developmental state’s structures and systems facilitate the realisation of the set agenda. Measures must not only be rationally linked to the purpose they are intended to realise but there must also be a reasonable likelihood that such measures will eventually lead to the achievement of the said purpose.
Legal instruments regulating powers and relations of the spheres of government must enhance meaningful co-operation among the said structures. There should be neither duplication of duties nor parallel functions where there is a convergence of interests. The means must be proportionate to the ends of poverty eradication, the elimination of inequalities and the obliteration of unemployment.
We must never undermine the progress that this government has made in the past 17 years of democracy. Being the progressive government that we are, we must provide meaningful responses to the glaring challenges that we face. Now is an appropriate time to reflect on a number of areas that may inhibit the implementation of national policies across all spheres of government.
Chapter 3 of the Constitution, dealing with co-operative governance, states that the national, provincial and local spheres are distinctive, independent and interrelated. It requires the spheres to provide effective, transparent, accountable and coherent government for the Republic as a whole. It is clear from the intention of these provisions that the drafters of the Constitution envisaged the various spheres’ working together to achieve the national agenda, while recognising the distinct and separate roles of each sphere.
The Division of Revenue Act allocates revenue raised nationally among the three spheres of government. The provincial and local spheres are allocated their share of national revenue by virtue of transfers and grants. The provinces’ equitable share is crafted into a provincial budget in the form of an appropriation Bill and this is subjected to provincial legislative processes prior to being enacted.
There are a number of government co-ordinating structures established at the national level that facilitate the alignment of the national budget to achieve national priorities by all spheres of government. These structures have the ability to influence the allocation of funds broadly in meeting the national policy objectives. However, their influence is limited in respect of aligning specific allocations with specific objectives pertaining to the national policies within a provincial budget. This may result in the national and provincial departments with concurrent competencies not utilising the revenue raised nationally to effect policy implementation in an integrated and co-ordinated manner. The net result is that service delivery is compromised and the state does not extract from the fiscus the optimum utilisation of its resources.
Besides relying on the provisions of co-operative government, the national sphere of government has no power over provincial departments other than to persuade provincial government to ensure that national policy is implemented at a provincial level. [Interjections.]
You guys really are missing Mr Ellis. You have to professionalise, you know! Amateurs! [Interjections.]
Compounding the problems associated with implementing a seamless system of government between the national and provincial spheres, both horizontally and vertically, within and between the spheres, is Chapter 5 of the Public Finance Management Act.
This chapter sets out the functions and responsibilities of accounting officers pertaining to their roles within departments or constitutional institutions. These functions and responsibilities are contractually specific to the department or the constitutional institution that the accounting officer is employed by.
In effect, this contract-specific employment of accounting officers creates a measure of autonomy and independence. This results in entrenching a silo-based approach to governance and leads to a fragmentation of service delivery. No central administrative authority is currently empowered to co-ordinate any integration across and between the spheres of government. Government relies on accounting officers embracing the letter and spirit of co-operative governance to implement government policies in a unified and co-ordinated manner, leaving much to chance.
Section 100 of the Constitution provides that when provinces cannot or do not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution or legislation, the national executive may intervene by taking appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation. This provision of the Constitution is utilised as a means of last resort by national government to maintain essential national standards or meet established minimum standards for the rendering of services. In no way can section 100 be seen or utilised as a mechanism in co-ordinating the day-to-day implementation of national policy at the provincial level.
In a unitary state, all other government bodies are subject to the authority exercised by the national government bodies. [Interjections.] Clearly, you don’t respect your Constitution. You should read it. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members!
Mr G T SNELL: The distribution of authority to other government bodies or levels can never restrict the authority of the national government to exercise its authority. The distribution of authority in a unitary state is never so extensive or entrenched that any authority is exercised totally independently of the national government and that national government is irrevocably divested of such authority.
Notwithstanding the unparalleled historic achievements of the ANC government to date in transforming the lives of South Africans, we must consider whether now is not the appropriate time to review the present legislative and constitutional structures pertaining to governance and to assess whether, in their current form, they are conducive to achieving the developmental objectives of a unitary state. [Interjections.] On this point, Comrade Ben Turok will agree with me because he penned it. We should bear in mind that a developmental state needs to be constructed with strong core institutions, capable of driving development. [Applause.]
Mr S N SWART: Chairperson, just to liven up the debate a little, let us recall what I have said previously from this podium. Seeing as we are throwing billions of rand around here, how long would you take to spend a billion rand if you were to spend R1 per second? It would take you 31 years! So, as we talk about the R288 billion which is going up to R291 billion, let us bear in mind that next year our national Budget is going to reach a trillion rand, which will take you 31 000 years to spend at R1 per second — 31 000 years! This is very interesting and it shows you the amount of money that we are throwing around and spending.
We on the Standing Committee on Finance have expressed our concerns about the spiralling public sector wage bill. A large part of the amount being discussed here today in the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill is the R3,24 billion that is being allocated, in addition to the provincial equitable share, to providing for higher remuneration increases than what was provided for in the main Budget, which Deputy Minister Mulder referred to earlier.
The public wage was up from 31% to 42% of government revenue. Clearly this is unsustainable, not only in the short term but in the medium and long term. We are loaning money to fund current account expenditure while not spending on capital expenditure. This is something on which we as the ACDP are in full agreement with the National Treasury when it said, “Over the medium term, salary increases for all role players need to be given careful attention.”
We note that the proposed budget framework provides a 5% cost of living adjustment. We would urge the government to look at this and not to accede to higher-than-budgeted salary increases next year. We saw that they were previously budgeted at 5,5%, they but went up to 6,8%. We do not want to come again next year to readjust the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill to pay for additional, higher than forecast public sector wage increases. The ACDP will support this Bill.
Mr R B BHOOLA: Chairperson, the MF notes with great sadness those affected by the disastrous floods in KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces and welcomes the funds made available for restoring damaged infrastructure for this financial year.
The three new grants — the agriculture, housing and transport infrastructure grants — will play a pivotal role in addressing poor infrastructure and the eradication of poverty. The additional allocation to education means that we must get value for money. The MF hopes to see the education backlog grants eradicate inappropriate school structures.
It is vitally important that there be proper monitoring of expenditure and also of outputs and services that are funded by government. The MF is concerned about rollovers, as this will make service delivery regress. We further note that in order to achieve the ultimately desired result, it is important to build institutional and human resource capacity, which will translate into efficient and effective service delivery. The MF will support the Bill.
Ms R M MASHIGO: Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, hon members and guests, 17 years ago we showed the world that we could unite around a common cause: a democratic, nonracial, nonsexist South Africa. We showed ourselves and the world that we could compete politically and find a shared understanding on a matter of common concern to all of us, namely building a better South Africa for our children and grandchildren. Now, we must use this remarkable national capability energetically and urgently to address the problems of jobs, growth and poverty.
The Division of Revenue Act lays down how the total government revenue should be divided and allocated among the spheres of government and within government.
Local government is represented on the Budget Council, where the Minister of Finance discusses the proposed budget with provincial and local government. The impact of the Budget is felt at the local level, where poverty, unemployment and inequality are found. That is where sustainable development is the key.
We all know what development is. It is defined by the World Conservation Strategy as follows: “development — interpreted as economic growth with desirable improvements in social conditions can be sustained if it takes into account social and ecological as well as economic factors.” The World Commission on Environment and Development also defines sustainable development, referring to it as development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs”. The South African definition of sustainable development, according to the National Environmental Management Act, includes and stresses, “to ensure that development serves present and future generations”. The budget should address the present in order to address the future of the next generation with regard to health, education, unemployment, inequality and human settlement.
The focus of this debate will be on local government and development. Sections 152(c) and 153(a) of the Constitution state that local government must promote “social and economic development”, and “structure and manage its administration and budgeting and planning processes to give priority to the basic needs of the community ...”
Here we are talking about local economic development, LED, which has the following objectives: the creation of employment opportunities for local residents and the encouragement of small, medium and micro enterprises; the alleviation of poverty and equal redistribution of resources and opportunities to all residents; alignment with the country’s macroeconomic strategy, which is focused on global markets and international investments; the creation of local LED units in the municipalities to empower, advise and support all economic initiatives and communities as a whole; the promotion of partnerships with relevant stakeholders; and self-reliance and sustainable development. All of this tells us that we need capacity, as well as social and physical infrastructure, to achieve these objectives.
One of the aims of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act is to provide for core principles, mechanisms and processes that are necessary to enable municipalities to move progressively towards the social and economic upliftment of the local economies. Larger municipalities have the capacity to borrow against their income to assist in achieving this aim of the Act.
However, smaller municipalities are unable to do this and therefore rely on grants. How, then, can the smaller municipalities plan for their future sustainability needs when their budgets and capacities struggle to meet their current needs? Let us think of those municipalities that can hardly raise their own revenue, especially those in the rural areas. How do we, as a unitary developmental state, ensure that the priorities of government are planned for and implemented in these municipalities?
Regarding public-private partnerships, PPPs, the financing, provision and maintenance of infrastructure are, in most cases, seen as the responsibility of government. The question is whether government, with its limited resources, can manage on its own to meet the whole nation’s needs. The involvement of the public and private sectors will benefit both, as well as civil society and the economy.
PPPs are based on the concept of sharing risk. They pursue common objectives and different partners provide complementary resources, contributing to programme design. However, it provides the illusion that funds are readily available for infrastructure repair, improvement and construction at little or no cost. This is not the reality. Investors ask for returns through user fees or future taxes.
On the government’s side, PPPs are used at all levels in co-ordination with key national legislation, such as the Public Finance Management Act, the PFMA, and the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act. At the same time, municipalities are as important for successful PPPs as the national government is for the success of service delivery.
Public entities must start doing roadshows. They should be known and accessible to the communities. These are developmental institutions and they have their role to play in changing the lives of the people for the better. Their impact should be felt and seen in the communities and they are well resourced to effect this.
Regarding annual performance plans, these must be linked to the municipal ward codes. This will enable links to the integrated development plans, IDPs, and assist the vertical planning from national, provincial and local governments. This will also assist us as public representatives when we do our oversight, because we will know where the projects are and what the community’s involvement is, because the plans in the area will be known to them. That will facilitate our oversight and enable us to do our oversight work better because we will know where the gaps are in the communities.
Provinces and municipalities continue to play an important role in accelerating growth and job creation. Taking into account the challenges, it will be exceedingly important in the period ahead to take strong action in pursuit of efficiency and better-targeted expenditure. Turning an economy around and achieving the kind of transformation required to draw the millions of unemployed people into the economy is not an easy task. We must be honest with our people about that.
This Division of Revenue Amendment Bill addresses government priorities. We must have the courage to make difficult choices about investment priorities, industrial policy options, spending priorities, technology alternatives and trade strategies. Expenditure priorities of provinces and municipalities need to focus on more efficient and effective service delivery, protecting the poor and creating employment.
None of us can rest or sleep peacefully until every South African can say, “I can see a better future. I can find a job. I can learn a skill.” Our people need hope. Our people want the ANC government to lead. We will lead. The ANC supports this Bill.
The bickering on this side must stop. The only thing you must do is to be gender-sensitive. Go and ask yourselves why you always believe in being, as leaders, surrounded by men. You have Helen Zille surrounded by men. [Applause.] [Interjections.] You have your current Leader of the Opposition ...
Mrs S V KALYAN: Chairperson, I rise on a point of order. [Interjections.]
Ms R M MASHIGO: ... surrounded by seven Whips ...
Mrs S V KALYAN: Chairperson, a point of order!
Ms R M MASHIGO: ... and only one female Whip.
Mrs S V KALYAN: What has that got to do with this debate?
Ms R M MASHIGO: Thanks very much. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Thank you, hon member.
Mrs S V KALYAN: Chairperson, on a point of order: I rose while the member was still at the podium. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): Order, please!
Mr A WATSON: The hon member must stay!
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): What is the point of order, hon member? [Interjections.]
Mrs S V KALYAN: I submit that what the hon member was saying was unparliamentary ... [Interjections.] ... and had no relevance to the debate at hand. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M B Skosana): I will consult the Hansard on that and come back with a ruling. [Interjections.] Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE: Thank you, House Chairperson, and thanks to all the members who participated in the debate. Thank you for your support of the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill. As we know, this Bill deals with the in-year adjustments as a consequential piece of legislation to the adjustments appropriation that we passed earlier.
The amendments we are talking about deal with provisions made for higher than budgeted for wage agreements that were concluded in 2011, which most of the members have raised as a concern. We fully share the concern that when the wage bill rises at the rate at which it is doing, crowding out capital expenditure, it is not sustainable.
Some funding, which amounts to R752,2 million and is for the repair of agriculture, housing, roads, education and health infrastructure damaged by floods, also goes to provinces. The concern that was raised by the hon Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the hon Mulder, is also noted. However, we want to urge that when these natural disasters strike, we should expedite the process of submitting claims to the department, so that the department is able to respond timeously. It does take a bit of time for us to get a proper costing that will enable us to deal with these issues. It also worries us that if we are still talking about the disaster that happened in 2010 at this time of the year, it is indeed late. However, this is a matter that we are addressing with the relevant structures.
An amount of R1,2 billion for conditional grants that were withheld in 2010-11 was rolled over where provinces could prove that such funds were committed to specific projects. This is one of our concerns, and members also alluded to it: If there is no proper planning and implementation of programmes, we shall have to withhold those funds. We will only release them once we are satisfied that they will be spent appropriately.
There were no adjustments to the local government equitable share, but various revisions were made to local government conditional grants. One of them was to cater for a newly established municipality in the North West after the municipal elections, and also to build in-house capacity and stabilise institutional and governance structures.
The chairperson of the committee, the hon Sogoni, spoke about an Expanded Public Works Programme model in KwaZulu-Natal, which he applauded for having worked exceedingly well. We join the committee in applauding them and hope that other municipalities and provinces will learn from the shining example of the glorious province of KwaZulu-Natal! [Laughter.] Hon Sogoni also emphasised the importance of oversight on this matter, in that the legislature and cabinet of KwaZulu-Natal take this seriously and ensure that the programme succeeds.
On the issue of more funds flowing to local government, which Mr Swart alluded to, we agree. However, at the end of the day, we also know that more funds flow to local government in a number of ways in addition to the equitable share. After all, grants are also part of this “outfit”.
The concern about implementation, which hon Ramatlakane always raises on this podium, is also shared. We trust that in working with legislatures, also on oversight, we will ensure that the implementation is done in a cost-effective and efficient manner and we will monitor this.
Hon Singh talked about inefficiencies, which is what our legislation seeks to address. I would imagine that oversight plays an important role in making sure that the inefficiencies are dealt with and that we are able to get value for the money that goes to these levels of government.
Mr Ntapane from the UDM also raised the issue of local government being at the coalface of service delivery. We fully agree with him and that is why we will ensure that once funds are deployed to this sphere of government, they will be monitored so that the desired outcome is achieved.
Mr Snell raised the issue of enhancing monitoring mechanisms, as well as the issue of the centrality of planning and monitoring. We share your sentiment, Comrade Snell, with regard to the governance model of ensuring that the silo approach is dealt with. You will recall that in the committee the Minister also enjoined you to please put together a paper that would serve before us, in order to see how that can be best enhanced. I would also like to refer you to the National Development Plan, which also talks to the issue of recognising the unitary state, even when it comes to governance, in regard to monitoring expenditure.
Hon Mashigo talked about rural municipalities that cannot raise their revenue. This is why we have put in place a differentiated approach to look at the allocation of resources to these municipalities, in order for them to be able to deliver the services required by our people on the ground.
Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank members who participated in the debate, as well as the Standing Committee on Appropriations, for having processed this legislation to this point. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Bill read a second time.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY ON REVISED INDUSTRIAL POLICY ACTION PLAN (IPP2), DATED 21 SEPTEMBER 2011
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to (Democratic Alliance dissenting).
Report accordingly adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY ON JOINT ATTENDANCE WITH PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF 61ST INTERNATIONAL ASTRONAUTICAL FEDERATION’S CONGRESS, DATED 22 JUNE 2011
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF BUDGETARY REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATION REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY – PERFORMANCE OF DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY FOR 2010-11 FINANCIAL YEAR
Ms J L FUBBS: Chairperson, I understand that I have four minutes and the clock is already ticking.
This is really in respect of the Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report, BRRR, process of the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry. We reflected on the achievements and priorities of the Department of Trade and Industry, DTI, notwithstanding the budget constraints that had to be managed by them. Indeed, we noted that some divisions and entities achieved this better than others and all but one achieved unqualified audits. We believe that the DTI can stand tall in that respect, yes.
The key priorities of the DTI are to develop an enabling environment to drive strategic regional and international trade and investment and, in that way, create sustainable jobs. But we all know that small and medium businesses create the most jobs. We believe that there is a need to underpin this and, should be there any opportunity to review the budget, we need to look in this direction.
In regard to international trade, South Africa has embarked on a number of strategies, among them more recently the tripartite free-trade area in Africa. Their total budget of R6,8 billion represented an increase of only 4,6%, of which 5,6% is transferred to entities.
Now, the main thing to say about this department is that industrialisation is the key instrument through which it is going to underpin the national strategy to create jobs, and policy. The conclusions that the committee reached in this regard were, broadly speaking, that underexpenditure had been noted with respect to the vacancy rate, but there was a total commitment on the DTI’s part to fulfilling a three-month commitment in this regard, which they are sticking to.
Regarding administration and recommendations in particular — also regarding vacancies — to keep this on track, we want quarterly reports in this direction.
Regarding industrial development, we certainly believe that there has to be a review, where possible, to increase certain resources in respect of this allocation.
On trade, investment and exports, the DTI was requested by the committee and the House, when it adopted the report, to submit a report on the return of investments of spending on trade promotion activities in the medium term and its measurable effect on trade levels, especially trade with the rest of the African continent, within six months of tabling this report.
Now that I have highlighted them all — I note that I have one and a half minutes left — I can expand on one or two areas, for example, the strategic objectives of Industrial Policy Action Plan 2, Ipap2. The DTI should undertake a strategic review of the performance of the National Industrial Participation Programme in regard to the investment and milestones. They have been reporting to us but there is a need to track this far more regularly.
With respect to the Auditor-General’s concerns, notwithstanding unqualified audits and so on, a concern was raised in respect of performance information. We would like underpin this and agree that, certainly the DTI can try to improve the information and the strategies that it implements in respect of the measurement validity and accuracy when it comes to the strategies and the achievements of the targets in that direction.
Something else that we should note, which was a serious recommendation, was underregulation. Many of us want to pooh-pooh standards and so on. The reality is that it is very important for our trade. The DTI should ensure that capacity and resources of the regulatory bodies and the Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation and Metrology, Sqam, institutions are increased to enable them to address the challenges they are experiencing.
Certainly this was a unanimously adopted report and the ANC, of course, led that drive. I want to thank the committee members, the support staff and the DTI for their co-operation.
There was no debate.
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to (Democratic Alliance dissenting).
Report accordingly adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL RESOURCES – OVERSIGHT VISIT TO NORTHERN CAPE ON 26 TO 30 JULY 2010, DATED 10 NOVEMBER 2010
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL RESOURCES - OVERSIGHT VISIT TO MINTEK ON 4 TO 5 AUGUST 2010, DATED 10 NOVEMBER 2010
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL RESOURCES – OVERSIGHT VISIT TO NORTHERN CAPE ON 22 TO 26 NOVEMBER 2010, DATED 10 AUGUST 2011
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL RESOURCES – OVERSIGHT VISIT TO COUNCIL OF GEOSCIENCES ON 2 TO 3 AUGUST 2010, DATED 10 NOVEMBER 2010
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERAL RESOURCES – OVERSIGHT VISIT TO SCHMIDTSDRIFT, NORTHERN CAPE, FROM 3 TO 4 JUNE 2011, DATED 10 AUGUST 2011
Mr M F GONA: Hon Chairperson, hon members, as mentioned we are tabling a series of reports here that were discussed and adopted by the portfolio committee.
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources undertook no less than three oversight visits to the Northern Cape province between July 2010 and June 2011. The purpose of the visits was to ascertain the extent of compliance by the mining companies with the mining laws, such as the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, the Mine Health and Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996, the Broad-Based Socioeconomic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining Industry and social and labour plans. We also wanted to assess the economic impact yielded by the investments in the mining industry in that province.
The portfolio committee interacted at various mines with the mine management teams; labour unions; health and safety representatives; officials of the Department of Mineral Resources; provincial legislature representatives, including the premier and some MECs; district municipality representatives; and various mining communities in the Namakwa and Kimberley regions.
We found that the mining companies were generally not complying with mining laws. In particular, they were not implementing the provisions of the Mining Charter. They were not even honouring their own commitments to social and labour plans.
This is borne out by the fact that the mining communities are trapped in abject poverty, despite the fact that mineral wealth is mined in the areas in which they reside. [Interjections.] We are discovering that this is a common phenomenon across the country and it confirms the triple challenges that face the country, namely high levels of poverty, a high rate of unemployment and huge inequalities within our society, as confirmed by the Gini coefficient process.
This democratic government has inherited these social ills from centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid misrule. These high levels of poverty in the Northern Cape province and in the country must be counterpoised to the findings of Citibank, which found that South Africa is the world’s richest country in terms of mineral wealth.
The question is how to redistribute this mineral wealth in a manner that ensures that the benefits of this common heritage accrue to all citizens of this country, as section 24(b) of the Constitution enjoins all of us to ensure.
The ANC, as a caring organisation, is addressing this matter directly through its proposal of the establishment of a state-owned mining company ... [Interjections.] ... which will, through legal means, amass the necessary resources to push back the frontiers of poverty and deal the huge economic backlogs a decisive blow. We are conducting research to determine a proper and co-ordinated manner of state-intervention in the mining industry.
In the face of these challenges, the role of the state in this industry cannot be limited to regulation only. The portfolio committee is also recommending that the Department of Mineral Resources improves its capacity, particularly regarding the inspectorate, to ensure compliance with mining laws by the mining companies.
The portfolio committee also undertook oversight visits to both Mintek and the Council for Geosciences in the period 2 to 5 August 2010. Mintek is the state’s research institution and has become a leading provider of mineral-processing and metallurgic engineering products and services to industries worldwide. Mintek is also poised to play a key role in developing technologies that will assist the country to beneficiate all our minerals locally, thereby creating much needed jobs.
The Council for Geoscience is mandated through the Geoscience Act, Act 100 of 1993, to undertake systematic mapping, reconnaissance and documentation of the geology of the earth’s surface, both onshore and offshore, and to undertake basic geoscience research on rocks and earth. This institution must also find advanced technology to curtail the unacceptably high rate of fatalities in the mines. As we speak they are working on early warning systems to detect occurrences of seismic events, like falling rocks and earth tremors, which have been discovered to be the greatest contributing factors to fatalities in the mining industry.
Both institutions are severely underfunded — a matter that we have discussed in the committee and are again raising here. Underfunding will pose a challenge to the endeavours of the country to build a democratic developmental state. In fact, South Africa must spend at least 3% of its GDP on research and development to be in line with international practice.
Chairperson, we hereby table all these reports.
There was no debate.
Ms K R MAGAU: Chairperson, I move:
That the Reports be adopted.
Mrs S V KALYAN: House Chairperson, the reports presented are actually not the reports agreed to in committee, so the DA objects to that.
Motion agreed to (Democratic Alliance dissenting).
Report on Oversight Visit to Northern Cape on 26 to 30 July 2010, dated 10 November 2010 accordingly adopted.
Report on Oversight Visit to Mintek on 4 to 5 August 2010, dated 10 November 2010 accordingly adopted.
Report on Oversight Visit to Northern Cape on 22 to 26 November 2010, dated 10 August 2011 accordingly adopted.
Report on Oversight Visit to Council of Geosciences on 2 to 3 August 2010, dated 10 November 2010 accordingly adopted.
Report on Oversight Visit to Schmidtsdrift, Northern Cape, from 3 to 4 June 2011, dated 10 August 2011 accordingly adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ARTS AND CULTURE ON OVERSIGHT – VISIT TO GAUTENG, LIMPOPO AND MPUMALANGA FROM 29 TO 31 MARCH 2011, DATED 7 SEPTEMBER 2011
There was no debate.
Ms K R MAGAU: Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON BASIC EDUCATION – ENGAGEMENT WITH DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION IN PRETORIA, DATED 30 AUGUST 2011
Mrs H H MALGAS: House Chairperson, the purpose of the visit of the portfolio committee was to engage and interact extensively with the department regarding their planned activities for the delivery under the planned programmes and subprogrammes.
We were keen to reflect on the department’s annual performance plan to ascertain if it was aligned to its strategic plan, including its budget. Other key factors that were of interest to the committee were the achievements and challenges they had encountered in the previous financial year, as well as their current priorities. These interactions would then also serve as a basis for our oversight visits to the North West, Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo provinces, to gauge service delivery for inclusive education, district development, and curriculum policy support and monitoring, including infrastructure development.
As ’n komitee het ons deeglike aanbiedinge ontvang met betrekking tot die volgende programme: Opvoedkundige verryking; kurrikulum ondersteuning en moniteringbeleid; onderwyseropvoeding; menslike hulpbronne; en inrigtingsontwikkeling.
Die aanbieding het goeie vordering getoon in die volgende aspekte, om maar ‘n paar te noem: die implementering van ’n geïntegreerde strategie ten opsigte van MIV en Vigs; die nasionale voedingsprogram, wat oor die 8 miljoen leerlinge in 20 520 skole deel aan het en waar werk geskep is vir gemeenskapslede wat die kos hanteer; die implementering van die Veiligheid in Skole program; die ontwikkeling van ‘n voorskoolse onderwyskurrikulum; die voorstelling van ’n intervensie en strategië vir wiskunde- en wetenskaponderrig. Die bostaande is maar ’n paar van die vooruitgaande aspekte van basiese onderwys.
Nieteenstaande die uitdagings, het die komitee die volgende aanbevelings gemaak: (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[As a committee we received sound presentations regarding the following programmes: educational enrichment; support and monitoring curriculum policy; teacher education; human resources and institutional development.
The presentations showed good progress regarding the following aspects, to name just a few: the implementation of an integrated strategy in respect of HIV and Aids; the national feeding scheme programme in which more than 8 million learners in 20 520 schools are participating and where employment was created for members of the community who deal with the food; the implementation of the School Safety Programme; the development of a preschool education curriculum; and the presentation of a intervention strategy for mathematics and science teaching. The above are only a few of the aspects of basic education where progress is being made.
Notwithstanding the challenges, the committee made the following recommendations:]
District development still needs more attention and there is a need to capacitate school governing bodies in respect of accountability for funds and the taking of decisions on recruitment. There is also a need for a uniform approach in dealing with learner pregnancies. The department must strengthen its focus on learners with barriers to learning. Furthermore, there is a need to look into intersectoral collaboration with the departments of Health and of Sport and Recreation and the SA Police Service. How was such collaboration coordinated and how effective was the work of the department, including the role played by municipalities? There is also a need for a broader meeting on the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION – PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION’S STATE OF PUBLIC SERVICE REPORT FOR 2010
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION – MEETING WITH THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS AND THE NINE PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURES
Mrs J C MOLOI-MOROPA: Hon Chairperson, quite briefly, in regard to the purpose of the report, the Public Service Commission tabled its State of the Public Service Report of 2010 in Parliament in November 2010. So, there is a process of tabling, a process of presenting the report and also a process of adopting the report. These come on different dates. The main purpose of the presentation is for the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration to formally table its recommendation on the Public Service Commission’s State of the Public Service Report 2010 in Parliament for consideration and adoption.
Effective parliamentary oversight over the executive is facilitated by, among others, working with and reporting to the Public Service Commission. It’s facilitated by those reports. One of the main functions of the Public Service Commission, as set out in section 195(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, is to promote the following democratic principles and values governing the public administration through the Public Service. I think most of those values are commonly known by members, but if they perhaps want to remind themselves of them, they can go through them on the screen. [Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: Can you read them to us?
Mrs J C MOLOI-MOROPA: I will spare you that.
As much as the committee resolved to report the findings of the Public Service Commission to the National Assembly, NA, intense engagements and proposals were directed at the style and methodology of and the approach to future reporting on the state of the Public Service. The committee expects a report that will give an overview of the entire performance in regard to the basic values and principles governing the public administration, as outlined in section 195(1) of the Constitution, as I have indicated.
During our oversight visit to the Public Service Commission this year, the commission presented an initiative relating to an instrument they had started developing for performance evaluation. We view such an instrument as a good move towards the achievement of an overarching evaluation of the entire Public Service, as expected by the committee on behalf of this Parliament.
Good discussion and interaction took place and meaningful progress has started on State of the Public Service reporting between the portfolio committee and the Public Service Commission itself. There has been thorough engagement in regard to how we move forward.
To fulfil its constitutional function, the Public Service Commission tabled its report on the State of the Public Service Commission in November 2010 and briefed the portfolio committee on 16 February 2011. This report was adopted on 13 April, after thorough deliberation and consideration. Of course there were some points of argument in reference to the Constitution and the relevance of the reporting itself.
Chairperson, the committee’s main concern was that the Public Service Commission’s report did not provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the Public Service as a whole, as defined broadly in section 195(1) of the Constitution. The values and principles of the public administration, in terms of this broad definition, are meant to apply to all spheres of government, organs of state and public enterprises. This is as outlined in the Constitution.
In this case, for instance, the Public Service Commission’s State of the Public Service Report for 2010 focused on integration, co-ordination and effective Public Service delivery. Its evaluation sample is too narrow in the sense that it focused only on government departments and on a specific theme, instead of dealing with all the variables relating to all the values and principles, as detailed in the Constitution. Another example is the Public Service Commission’s State of the Public Service Report 2009, which focused on the state of readiness of the public service for 2010 and beyond.
On the basis of this, and in line with section 196(4) of the Constitution, the committee recommends the following: The Public Service Commission should report every year on the implementation of section 195 of the Constitution by the administration of all spheres of government, organs of state and public enterprises in South Africa; the report of the Public Service Commission should be contained in the annual report of the entity that the Public Service Commission is reporting on every year, for the purpose of consistency, comparability, monitoring, evaluation and oversight against implementation of section 195(1) of the Constitution; the NA seeks to locate the budget of the Public Service Commission with Parliament’s Budget Vote in order to preserve the Public Service Commission’s independence from the executive and allow for the Public Service’s reporting budget to be aligned. As hon members will know, it used to be a standalone budget vote but it was collapsed for some reason. We recommend the recognition of that independence by giving it a standalone budget, as before.
The Speaker of the National Assembly — and this is much more important — should in future refer the Public Service Commission’s reports to committees for consideration and report. This will allow for the NA to mandatorily and critically contribute to the reporting style of the Public Service Commission and allow for the Public Service Commission’s information, reported to the NA, to contribute to parliamentary oversight.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, in this instance, presents these recommendations regarding the Public Service Commission State of the Public Service Report 2010 to the NA for consideration and adoption.
There was no debate.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move:
That the Reports be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report on Public Service Commission’s State of Public Service Report for 2010 accordingly adopted.
Report on Meeting with the Select Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and the nine provincial legislatures accordingly adopted.
The House adjourned at 16:43.
__________
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
FRIDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2011
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
1. The Speaker and the Chairperson
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MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2011
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
1. The Minister of Finance
(a) Government Notice No R. 644 published in Government Gazette No 34511 dated 12 August 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 3 (No 3/672), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(b) Government Notice No 668 published in Government Gazette No 34534 dated 18 August 2011: Allocations to Metropolitan Municipalities of General Fuel Levy Revenue, in terms of the Taxation Laws Amendment Act, 2009 (Act No 17 of 2009).
(c) Government Notice No R. 672 published in Government Gazette No 34541 dated 26 August2011: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/1/1428), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(d) Government Notice No R. 673 published in Government Gazette No 34541 dated 26 August 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 3 (No 3/673), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(e) Government Notice No 796 published in Government Gazette No 34631 dated 30 September 2011: Listing of public entities, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
(f) Government Notice No 797 published in Government Gazette No 34631 dated 30 September 2011: De listing of public entities, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
(g) Government Notice No 798 published in Government Gazette No 34631 dated 30 September 2011: Listing of public entities, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
(h) Government Notice No 799 published in Government Gazette No 34631 dated 30 September 2011: Listing of public entities, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
(i) Government Notice No 800 published in Government Gazette No 34631 dated 30 September 2011: Technical changes of public entities, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
(j) Government Notice No R. 844 published in Government Gazette No 34671 dated 14 October 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/1/1429), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(k) Government Notice No R. 845 published in Government Gazette No 34541 dated 14 October 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/1/1430), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(l) Government Notice No R. 847 published in Government Gazette No 34671 dated 14 October 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 3 (No 3/674), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(m) Government Notice No R. 867 published in Government Gazette No 34684 dated 21 October 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 3 (No 3/675), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(n) Government Notice No R. 868 published in Government Gazette No 34684 dated 21 October 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 4 (No 4/343), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(o) Government Notice No R. 869 published in Government Gazette No 34684 dated 21 October 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 5 (No 5/94), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(p) Government Notice No R. 870 published in Government Gazette No 34684 dated 21 October 2011: Amendment of Schedule No 6 (No 6/23), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(q) Government Notice No R.608 published in Government Gazette No 34477 dated 22 July 2011: Publication of proposed amendment of Regulations made under section 70 for public comments, in terms of the Short-term Insurance Act, 1998 (Act No 53 of 1998).
(r) Government Notice No R.609 published in Government Gazette No 34477 dated 22 July 2011: Publication of proposed amendment of Regulations made under section 72 for public comments, in terms of the Long-term Insurance Act, 1998 (Act No 52 of 1998).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
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3. REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TOURISM ON AN OVERSIGHT VISIT TO KHAYELISHA, GUGULETHU AND KWA LANGA, DATED 8 NOVEMBER 2011
Having undertaken an oversight visit to Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Kwa-Langa small business establishments, the Portfolio Committee on Tourism reports, reports as follows:
1. INTRODUCTION
The 2010 United Nations Millennium Development Goals country report, poverty and unemployment should be halved in the country by 2014. Many international tourism destinations have successfully used tourism industry to encourage other sectors of the economy and to generate new and innovative employment opportunities. Therefore, there is a realization of the important role that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) play in job creation, poverty alleviation and economic development. However, it is also reported that the enterprises have a high failure rate due to lack of market access and funding.
The committee took a decision towards the end of 2010, when it was developing a programme for the first quarter of 2011, to undertake a local oversight trip to Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Kwa-Langa tourism establishments. A key focus of the visit was to assess the challenges faced by the township SMMEs and to formulate a way forward to assist in the constraints faced by the sector within a context of economic development, job creation and poverty alleviation.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE VISIT
2.1 To provide a platform for the township small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to give their first experiences and raise their concerns regarding services offered by government.
2.2 To ascertain the extent to which governments offerings were reaching and addressing the needs of the small businesses.
2.3 To involve the public in establishing relevant intervention mechanisms that will enhance the delivery of the appropriate services to SMMEs.
2.4 Ascertain role the National Department of Tourism can play to intensify the fight against unemployment and poverty alleviation; and
2.5 Finally to secure collective participation in finding solutions to the high failure rate of SMMEs in the townships.
3. COMPOSITION OF THE DELEGATION
The delegation comprised of the following Members:
Table 1: Members of the delegation
Political Party
Representative/s
African National Congress
Mr D.M Gumede (Leaders of the delegation);
Ms. V. Bam-Mugwanya
Mr. L.P Khoarai
Ms. X.C Makasi;
Ms. J. Manganye
Democratic Alliance
Mr. G.R Krumbock
Congress of the People
Ms. M.A Njobe
Inkatha Freedom Party
Ms. C.N Zikalala
Support staff:
Mr J. Boltina, Committee Secretary
Ms J. Ntuli, Committee Researcher
Ms. S. Sixaso, Secretary to Chairperson
4. SUMMARY OF THE SUBMISSIONS AND KEY CONSTRAINTS
A number of factors were limiting the effectiveness of the township establishments to play a more meaningful role in the economy. Some of the key constraints were identified and classified as follows:
4.1 Transformation: the problem facing the industry is the poor involvement of local communities and previously neglected groups in the industry. While this has been largely due to the previous policies, the need to reverse the situation is of urgent importance.
4.2 Destination marketing: there was no marketing of townships and the marketing agencies were not creating access to markets for township products / destinations, for example, Cape Town Tourism. There was no clear understanding of how Cape Town Tourism markets townships. Township tours were marketed as poverty tours.
4.3 Policy: interventional policy was required to narrow the gap between established businesses and growing products, for example, the Broad Base Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE).
4.4 Competition: there was a serious challenge of competition between local tour guides and tour operators. Local tour guides are a threat to Tour Operators.
4.5 Tourism Support Structures: unless tourism is seen as a strategically important to the economy by all stakeholders of South Africa and the necessary plans, policies and resources to support the initiatives put in place, tourism will continue to be a missed opportunity.
4.6 Presentation of township destinations to international tourists / visitors: were being presented as high risk and unsafe, poor and poverty stricken areas. The perception was created and foretold to visitors.
4.7 Supply Chain Management (SCM) issues: Local suppliers were concerned that they were not considered even for events taking in the townships. Small businesses did not understand the decisions that support procuring non-local suppliers when capacity is available.
4.8 Local Tourism Organization: tourism support structures take too long to respond, Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP) and Khula were cited as example.
Subsequent to the oversight visit and for purposes of accuracy and fair reporting to Parliament, the committee invited the City of Cape Town to make a presentation on activities to promote sustainable tourism and to assess support provided to SMMEs. The briefing session was on the 8th March 2011.
5. RESPONSE BY CITY OF CAPE TOWN TOURISM ON ACTIVITIES TO SUPPORT TOURISM
Ms Mkefa, Director: Tourism City of Cape Town and Mr Ngondo, Manager: Product Development Manager appeared before the committee and mentioned tourism development goals for the City of Cape Town and focused on the issues and challenges that arose from the committee’s trip to the townships of Khayelitsha, Gugulethu and Langa to experienced tourism development first hand.
5.1 Context of Local Government: Municipalities had to lead, manage and plan for tourism development. Tourism was a function of local authority and local government had a responsibility to develop and market the tourism sector.
5.2 Functions to be delivered on a local level by local government: These included tourism training and capacity building, tourism research, provisions for tourist infrastructure and services. It also contained information, regulation and monitoring, and marketing strategy, planning, facilitation and implementation.
5.3 Key Focus areas and Policy Principles: It was to position Cape Town as a world class competitor in tourism and adhering to principles of sustainability, social equity, environmental integrity, economic empowerment, co-operation and partnership.
5.4 Definition of Tourism Development: These were sustainable development and maintenance of attractions, facilities and infrastructure. To meet the needs of tourists was to expand services and products as well as building a tourism culture and awareness. These should ensure that local businesses and disadvantaged communities also benefited from tourism was a key definition.
5.5 Tourism Developmental Goals: Amongst these were ensuring sustainability by protecting and conserving resources, linking products to markets by meeting visitor requirements, investing in people for a long term future, definition marketing and product development through marketing Cape Town more effectively as a unique, vibrant all year round destination.
5.6 Future focus on Cape Flats & Metro South East as well as City of Cape Town: Especially by emphasising the African vibe and untouched culture, making safety and security a subject of prime importance and investing in small business growth.
5.7 Explanation of Business Support and Skills Development Programmes: This included ensuring access to information, skills development, business development and procurement support as well as influencing policy and regulation. Digital business centres in underprivileged areas were also supported and hosted events focused on promoting entrepreneurship.
5.8 Product Development Programme: Focus on heritage and culture products, not only by supporting existing programmes but, also by developing new ones like nature based tourism. Examples were the False Bay project and implementing infrastructure to develop tourism such as the Khayelitsha Train Tour.
5.9 Addressing issues that were raised during Committee’s visit Khayelitsha: The main issue was a lack of any real voice in the townships and there was no existing unity among township product owners and a lack of marketing for them. Safety and risk perceived and / or real, was also a challenge for tourism.
6. OBSERVATIONS
The committee made the following observations that:
6.1 The SMMEs have insufficient information and awareness of available government services offered.
6.2 Lack of collaboration on development and training because of funding.
6.3 Lack of access to finance because of adequate equity capital and collateral often required by financial sector before they can fund small businesses.
6.4 Lack of interest by establishments to build partnerships with local communities and suppliers, the committee found there was some competition amongst businesses themselves. SMMEs were not complementing each other.
6.5 Lack of incentives to reward private enterprise to build or develop local capacity and create job opportunities.
6.6 SMMEs and cooperatives suffer from poor or non-existent business planning and marketing.
6.7 Government was not doing enough to support SMMEs development. The main challenge being the late payment, especially when one takes into account that cash flow is a critical element of a small business’s performance;
6.8 There was a need for strong and structured inter-agency referrals, tracking and after care system; and
6.9 The committee was impressed with the road infrastructure and cleanliness witnessed in Khayelitsha and surrounding areas.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
The committee recommends as follows:
7.1 The township SMMEs should be organised and have a structure so that their voice for business support could have an impact.
7.2 There was a need for government to provide SMME incubation process to focus on entrepreneurial stimulation and development, human capital development through training and mentoring.
7.3 Establish SMME mentorship programme which would provide opportunities for entrepreneurs at early stages to learn from and be guided by established business entrepreneurs and professionals through counselling.
7.4 Create networking platforms and establish SMME business opportunities and facilitate interaction between Development Funding Institutions and SMMEs and cooperatives.
8. CONCLUSION
The concerns and anxieties of the previously neglected groups need to be understood and adequately addressed in building a successful tourism industry in South Africa.
Report to be considered.
TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2011
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
1. Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM in terms of Joint Rule 160(6) classified the following Bill as a section 76 Bill:
(a) Rental Housing Amendment Bill [B 21 – 2011] (National Assembly – sec 76(1)).
(2) The JTM in terms of Joint Rule 160(6) classified the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
(a) South African Weather Service Amendment Bill [B 22 – 2011] (National Assembly – sec 75).
(3) The JTM, in terms of Joint Rule 160(6), classified the South African Languages Bill [B 23 – 2011], introduced in the National Assembly, as a section 75 Bill and as a Bill falling within the ambit of section 18(1)(a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No 41 of 2003).
2. Membership of Committees
(1) Mr J B Sibanyoni (NA) and Mr A G Matila (NCOP) were elected as Co-Chairpersons of the Ad Hoc Committee on Code of Judicial Conduct and Regulations on Judges' Disclosures of Registrable Interests with effect from 15 November 2011.
National Assembly
The Speaker
1. Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Health
(a) National Health Amendment Bill [B 24 – 2011] (National Assembly – proposed sec 76) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 34739 of 8 November 2011].
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Health 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 within three parliamentary working days.
2. Membership of Committees
(1) Mr R Mdakane was elected as the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation with effect from 15 November 2011.
(2) Ms D G Nhlengethwa has been elected Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs with effect from 15 November 2011.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
1. The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Proclamation No R.58 published in Government Gazette No 34677 dated 12 October 2011: Referral of matters to existing Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunal: Kopanong Local Municipality, in terms of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act , 1974 (Act No 74 of 1996).
(b) Proclamation No R.59 published in Government Gazette No 34713 dated 28 October 2011: Commencement of section 1 of the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No 65 of 2008): Highveld Ridge Magisterial District, in terms of the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No 65 of 2008).
National Assembly
1. The Speaker
(a) Reply from the Minister in The Presidency: National Planning Commission to recommendations in Report of Standing Committee on Finance on Budget Vote No 13: Statistics South Africa for 2011‑12 financial year, as adopted by the House on 25 August 2011.
Referred to the Standing Committee on Finance.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
1. Report of the Portfolio Committee on Communications on the filling of vacancies on the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board, dated 15 November 2011:
The Portfolio Committee on Communications, having considered the request by the Minister in The Presidency: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Administration to the National Assembly to recommend two candidates to fill the vacancies that will arise due to the expiry of the term of office of two members of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Board on 31 December 2011, referred to it for consideration and report on 3 August 2011 (see ATC, 3 August 2011), reports as follows:
The Committee invited the public to nominate persons for consideration and recommendation to the President for appointment to the Board by means of advertisements in the print media. The Committee received 36 nominations. However one of the candidates withdrew, leaving the Committee to consider 35 nominations.
On 8 November 2011, nine candidates were shortlisted to be interviewed (see ATC 8 November 2011), namely:
Mr Denis Lillie, Mr Lionel Adendorf, Prof Benjamin Khoali, Mr Phenyo Nonqane, Dr Bheki Shongwe, Mr Adam Haupt, Ms Rene Alicia Smith, Mr Mxolisi Mvimbi and Adv Sifiso Malunga.
After having interviewed the above candidates in an open meeting at Parliament on 9 November 2011, the Committee resolved that the House, in accordance with section 4(1)(b) of the Media Development and Diversity Agency Act (Act No 14 of 2002), recommends that the following candidates be appointed:
1. Mr Phenyo Nonqane
2. Ms Rene Alicia Smith.
Report to be considered.
15 NOVEMBER 2011 Page: 2 of 128
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