Hansard: NA: Unrevised hansard (Mini plenary)
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 22 Jul 2020
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
MINI PLENARY - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 22 July 2020
VOTE NO 20 – WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITES
WEDNESDAY, 22 JULY 2020
PROCEEDINGS OF THE MINIPLENARY SESSION - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAMBER
Watch video here: Mini plenary- Vote 20: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Members of the mini-plenary session met on the virtual platform at 14:00.
House Chairperson Mr M L D Ntombela took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
The Chairperson announced that the virtual mini-plenary sitting constituted a meeting of the National Assembly.
APPROPRIATION BILL
Debate on Vote No 20 – Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities:
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES: Hon Chairperson, hon Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Women Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, hon members, ladies and gentlemen, it has been a very unique day
today. We start by condoling the family of Isithwalandwe, our father who passed away this morning Ntate Andrew Mlangeni. Again, condole the family of Amazizi, the Mandela family of the passing away of Zinziswa Mandela who passed away last week. I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the families of the Mlangeni and Mandela on the passing of these two giants like father and daughter.
It is an honour to deliver this year’s Budget Vote Speech about the Department of Women Youth and Persons with Disabilities. The department is central to our collective objective of inclusive development of our country. We also have an important role in the mainstreaming of gender, youth and issues affecting persons with disabilities. Our focus continues to be an intersectionally, because women, youth and persons with disabilities continue to face many challenges in our society.
Hon members, we are living in uncertain times.
Sepedi:
Godubegile. Guwile leruwaruwa. Lebitjo lalona bari ki-COVID-19.
English:
Those who live long say the last time they ever saw a global pandemic of this nature was in the 1920s. Unfortunately, this pandemic called coronavirus, collided here in South Africa with another pandemic of Gender-based Violence and Femicide. So, women in my country are confronted with this and they have nowhere to run to.
COVID-19 pandemic affected the global community and many people have lost lives. Many hospitals are packed all over the world including hours. In this regard, with COVID-19 pandemic, our government continue tirelessly implement various measures to save lives and livelihoods from the pandemic it is not easy. We are concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic and the national lockdown had made some people who are not so wise, Chairperson ...
Sepedi:
... bomabina goshulwa bamohuta omungwe ...
English:
... to take advantage on women and children, and take advantage of those they should be loving and taking care off during the lockdown. These women get raped, maimed, killed on daily basis by the people who should be taking care of them.
So, while the people around the world are facing one challenge of the pandemic, hours are being killed by those who should be taking care of them. Women in this country are saying enough is enough.
Our government has also adopted progressive interventions back to CVID-19 like to alleviate the worst social impact of COVID-19.
This included, but not limited to the establishment of homelessness shelters, provision of psychosocial support services, measures to ensure support to gender-based violence victims, including the declaration of Gender-based Violence and Femicide related services as an essential service so as to strengthen the capacity of Gender-based Violence and Femicide Command Centre.
On our part as the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has contributed to the COVID-19 response with a plan with a particular focus on mitigating the negative impact of the pandemic on women, youth and persons with disabilities.
The department has also partnered with the Department of Social Development with the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA, and water aid to ensure menstrual hygiene management is accessible to vulnerable women and girls. Furthermore, the department has been participating actively in government structures to co-ordinate the
response of COVID-19 including the key work streams at the National Command Centre. This is to ensure that the interventions that are made there are deliberately tided to these sectors and that these sectors benefit from social and economic relive packages.
Working with the department’s partners, we will ensure that women in poor communities have access to free sanitary dignity and products.
As the country continues to battle with this COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to encourage everyone in our country to ware their masks regularly, wash our hands with soap and sanitize and do our part to observe the social distancing.
Fellow South Africans, this is what can contribute almost 50% of saving our lives as this pandemic is going on.
Fighting on Gender-based Violence as I said earlier on, we need everyone. We need men and women. We need each and every member of the community because women do not kill themselves. They only need love and all they know is to give love.
You will recall that the Gender-based Violence and Femicide National Strategic Plan was approved by Cabinet in March this year. This plan will build on to existing structures that are working well at community level such as the police, victim empowerment programmes, religious organizations and civil society networks. They all say they are ready to work with us.
Cabinet has also established an Interministerial Committee, IMC, which is chaired by myself reporting to the President. We work with the Ministers of Police, Public Works and Infrastructure, Social Development and Treasury and also Justice and Correctional Services just to make sure that this Gender-based Violence and Femicide history.
While government is eager to establish the council, meaning that from the Cabinet we are supposed to have an IMC which we have, it will be incomplete if it does not form a council. The other part of the council would be made by civil society organizations who have who have requested that maybe we should rather legislate before we continue with our work. However, we are inundated by very highly knowledgeable members of the society who are saying while some members of society are waiting for a fully-fledged
council. They can work with us to make sure that we do not go wrong.
We send a weekly report to the President about the happenings and how safe are women in South Africa. South Africans are tired about Gender-based Violence and Femicide on daily basis.
From individuals to faith-based organizations as I have said earlier on, all say hands up and we want to be known for the good name of Mandela and the other ... [Inaudible.] ... rather than be known for these things that - it is a shame to all of us.
During the month of August, we will celebrate Women’s Month under the theme “Generation Equality Realising Women’s Rights for an Equal Future.” It is an opportunity to reflect on the journey South Africa has travelled in the quest for equal opportunities and total emancipation.
The department will continue to work with stakeholders including government departments, Parliament portfolio committees, civil societies as I said earlier on and all the interested parties so that we restore the dignity of South Africa.
The department will also work with other departments that are in the Interministerial Committee team to work on another responsibility that we have been given by the President.
As I said earlier on, we are because of COVID-19 having to save lives and livelihoods. So, generational equality would also be striving to make sure that women also get livelihoods and be empowered. We are looking forward when women would earn exactly what their counterparts earn in government civil service. However even the private sector heeds this call, that equality becomes a reality in action. The department remains committed to implementing its core mandate and programmes. We will continue to address the persistent inequalities facing women, youth and people with disabilities.
We recognize the women, youth and persons with disabilities in informal settlements and rural areas that have been the hardest hit by the COVID-19. In fact, we now know and being taught that we should start thinking of how to live the new normal. So, the new normal must find those in towns and villages able to grapple with this new reality.
We are pleased that for the first time the Medium-Term Strategic Framework of the Sixth Administration includes crosscutting deliverables relating to women, youth and persons with disabilities.
The President ensured that Ministerial Performance Agreements integrate with the relevant targets on women, youth and people with disability rights. The performance agreements of director- generals and other public servants and managers will also align with the same. Hon Chairperson, as you are calling me, I will say we are ready to fight COVID-19 and Gender-based Violence and Femicide. We know that in our lifetime and beyond we shall conquer. [Time expired.]
Ms C N NDABA: Hon House Chairperson, hon Minister and Deputy Minister, and other Deputy Ministers present here today, hon members and bahlali baseMzansi [People of South Africa.], let us thank House Chair that before we started our debate, we have seen that abahlali baseMzansi bayibukele inkulumo mpikiswano yethu yanamhlanje. [The people of South Africa are watching this debate of today.] They have raised issued that amanye amaLungu, [Other members.] have raised about the payment of the Unemployment Fund, UIF.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): The hon Ndaba. The hon Ndaba.
Ms N C NDABA: Am I muted?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): Yes. You are audible now.
IsiZulu:
Nkz C N NDABA: ngingaqala, Sihlalo?
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): No. The hon Ndaba. Qhubeka, [Go on, hon Ndaba.]
Ms C N NDABA: What I was saying is that before we started our debate, the issues of the Department of Employment and Labour not being able to pay people. So, what we have agreed myself and the Minister and the Deputy Minister, we promised that we will take the matter up and see to it that our people are being attended to with the Department of Employment and Labour.
The ANC government continues to intensify its actions towards attaining transformation and equality for women in all spheres of society. The ANC remains adamant in addressing the root causes of the socioeconomic challenges that affect women, youth and persons with disabilities. We continue to build society that is inclusive of all South Africans.
The ANC government will never be silent on Gender-based Violence and Femicide. Violence against children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual, plus LGBTQIA+ community. Government is determined in changing all forms of violence against vulnerable groups arising from antisocial beliefs. The government continue to review legislations and amend laws to assure that there are stringent bail conditions for sex offenders and perpetrators of gender-based violence.
The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities considered the current strategic plan, Annual Performance Plan, and the budget of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities as well as that of the Commission for Gender Equality and the National Youth Development Agency, NYDA. When considering these budgets and plans it is important to
reflect on the current global context especially as it related to the coronavirus COVID-19.
President Ramaphosa said that this coronavirus is taking a heavy toll not only on the health of our people, but also on our people’s ability to earn a living. To feed themselves and their families, to learn and to develop and to enjoy many of the basic freedoms that we daily take for granted.
The social and economic fallout for women, youth and people with disabilities has been significant. South Africa has seen a rise in Gender-based Violence and Femicide and unemployment. Over and above, these challenges issues related to mental health, specifically depression and anxiety have been raised as a growing concern for South Africans. This appears to be a global trend.
With this in mind, now more than ever, the department must ensure that their programmes and associated budget protect its citizens. This includes addressing issues concerning women in prisons especially those living with young children.
House Chair, the mandate of the department is to provide strategic leadership, co-ordination and oversight to government departments
and the country in mainstreaming, empowerment programmes on women, youth and persons with disabilities.
According to estimates of national expenditure for 2020, the department’s purpose, is to lead, co-ordinate and oversee and transfer its agenda for the socioeconomic empowerment, rights and equal treatment of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
While this function is understood, the department’s role needs to expand beyond advocacy in order to adequately address the needs of the socially vulnerable.
House Chairperson, the department has a very important role to play, as it focuses on women, youth and person with disabilities together making up the largest proportion of the population in the country. These groups are not homogenous and are inclusive of children, there is the girl child, the youth category and children with disabilities. The department indicated in its strategic plan that it would be collaborating with its key strategic partners, the Department of Planning and Monitoring, and the National Treasury to implement the framework for gender responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and auditing. The aim of the framework which was approved by Cabinet in 2019 is to ensure a more sustainable, comprehensive and multisectoral
approach to gender mainstreaming within the country’s planning, monitoring and evaluation and public financing systems.
Whilst the intention of this framework is commendable, it has yet to be tabled and referred to the committee for consideration.
Moreover, given the expanded mandate of the department, the focus cannot and should not only be on gender responsive budgeting at the expense of youth and disability mainstreaming.
Notwithstanding this, the department receives one of the operational smallest budget. The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has illustrated the importance of the need for a more comprehensive approach to dealing with the most vulnerable in the country. The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has a responsibility to mainstream gender, youth and disability that extends to the whole of government. Parliament too, has a key responsibility to ensure that mainstreaming is undertaken as a comprehensive manner.
Last month during Youth Month, the country has seen a significant number of brutal killings of young women. Altecia Kortjie and her daughter Raynecia were stabbed and left with stabbed wounds.
Naledi Phangindawo was hacked to death with an axe. Tshegofatso
Pule and her unborn baby, were stepped and hanged from a tree. The ANC supports this Budget Vote. [Time expired.]
Mr L MPHITHI: Hon Chairperson, when looking at the National Youth Development Agency, NYDA, you see exactly why the ANC government can never empower young people. The NYDA represents exactly the ANC way in confronting the dire challenges facing our society. It is a bloated bureaucracy ran by the ANC youth league cadres instilled as arbiters of patronage. The only difference of the NYDA of today is that it is less wasteful bloated entity when compared to most government departments, the Skhothanes of the NYDA of the past. Whilst it should be acknowledged for succeeding in cleaning up its act, it continues to leave, women, youth and people with disabilities in rural areas behind.
Looking at the budget adjustment of the NYDA, it most concerning to see the Programme 2 which deals with job opportunities for young people has seen a reduction of over R16 million. This is a devastating blow for young people across the country.
The International Labour Organization tells us that even before COVID-19, young people were already in three times more likely to be unemployed. Young people working in informal sectors, find
themselves in precarious conditions trying to fight off moderate to extreme levels of poverty at home. The NYDA has failed to address this in their budget. This has shown on how out of touch the Minister Nkoana-Mashabane is with the issues of our country and indeed the issues facing young people.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane you should know that you have failed to provide leadership to young people in the NYDA the very same way you have failed to exercise leadership in your own department. If indeed the Minister cared about young people, she would have called out the Minister of finance on his failure to mention anything significant on young people on his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane is in an entanglement be unresponsive. When we look and go back to the NYDA it is clear that it still does not have adequate plan to reach young people in rural areas. It is still unclear how its core mandate of funding entrepreneurs, supporting the youth businesses, providing bursaries and skills training for young people in rural areas is being achieved.
It was not long ago when the DA raised the fact that the board chairperson and chief executive officer, CEO, have personal
drivers that drive them around. Imagine the nerve of being celebrities at the expense of the taxpayer’s money. The NYDA’s focus should be on funding entrepreneurs, job creation and business development, supporting and providing bursaries to young people. It cannot be that there is less for our people and more to be consumed by the entity itself.
As the NYDA board interviews loom, I want to make it very clear that the DA together with the DA youth will stand against the further politicization of the NYDA. We did this during the shortlisting process and we will do it again during the interviews. The NYDA cannot be a graduation school for ANC cadres. Young people in South Africa also deserve a chance. We reject this budget. Thank you very much, House Chairperson.
Ms N P SONTI: Hon Chairperson, it saddens me that I must stand here and say what my comrades have said in numerous time on this platform. This is particularly painful because we now vote for the adjusted budget that is brought about as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have lost their jobs and many women are at home with their abusive partners or with their drug-addicted sons who have been failed by the society.
The greatest burden of poverty lies on the shoulders of women. It is the very same women who have been particularly ignored by not only this department, but by society as a whole. Repeatedly, we have stood up here as the EFF, to hummer home the point that a truly caring government and a truly people-centered government will be the one that places the interests at the most vulnerable people at the most important of its programmes.
Here we are today rejecting a Budget Vote for a department that willfully out of touch with the realities of the most marginalised and the most brutalised. They are women, youth and people living with disabilities.
There is nothing of substance from this department that seeks to address the continuing marginalisation and exploitation of the persons living with disabilities in this country.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): Hon Sonti.
Ms N P SONTI: You have been blind to their sufferings and deaf to their cries for a very long time.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): Hon Sonti, can I come in. Just be careful, but as you go on with your speech I will give you some more time – it is persons with disabilities, rather than people living with disabilities. So, just check that one please.
Thank you very much and you can go ahead.
Ms N P SONTI: Thank you, Chairperson.
The frustration brought by COVID-19 pandemic is surely going to make matters worse for them. The unemployment and the difficulty with movement, the physiological trauma and the shortage of support services will make the lives of persons with disabilities difficult.
At least, 7,5% of the people of the country are living with one kind of a disability or another. The disability is more prevalent amongst females, compared to males. With 8,3% living with disabilities compared to 6,5% of males.
We also note that the older people get more vulnerable. They succumb to disabilities. More than 53% of person of above the age
65 are living with disabilities. We cite these statistics to show you that we have a vast majority of our people who face daily
struggles, not catered for in this department’s operational plans. They have been silenced in society and now they have been silenced by the government.
Persons who live with disabilities continue to face numerous barriers to their full inclusion and participation in the lives of their communities. They have the proportionate levels of poverty, lack of access to education, health services, employment and their under-representation in decision-making and political participation, compared to their able bodied counterparts. This adjusted budget does not take this into account. We need more focused interventions to protect people who live with disabilities and promote their social and economic interest.
We urgently need to ensure that all government buildings and facilities such as police stations, hospitals clinics and universities are accessible to the people living with disabilities. Improved health care coverage and affordability for persons with disabilities as part of the universal approach to health care. Trained health care personnel on disability, inclusion and improved service delivery for persons with disabilities. Empower persons with disabilities to take control over their own health care and decisions on the basis of informed
health consent. Prohibit discriminatory practices on health insurance and promote health insurance coverage for assertive diversify and rehabilitation services. We reject this Budget Vote. Thank you, Chairperson.
IsiZulu:
Mnu M N NXUMALO: Sihlalo, ngilendele ukuthi baqede ukubongana.
Nkz H O MKHALIPI: Sizokubonga nawe mkhaya.
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): The hon Mkhalipi, the hon Primrose is through, let us give it to the hon Nxumalo now. The hon Nxumalo.
IsiZulu:
Nkz H O MKHALIPI: Usungakhuluma ke mkhaya! Isikhulumile i-EFF!
IsiZulu:
Mnu M N NXUMALO: Ngiyathokoza Sihlalo.
English:
Hon Chairperson, hon members and South Africans that are listening to this virtual debate. I want to quote the words President of the country Mr Ramaphosa when he said we find ourselves in the midst of not one, but two very devastating epidemics namely that of the COVID-19 pandemic and also that of Gender-based Violence. Now Chair, in managing the COVID-19, we must above all need to ensure that the state response to the epidemic of Gender-based Violence and Femicide is not undermined at this juncture.
Hon members, on the consideration of the budgetary readjustment relating to this Vote, the IFP recognises that COVID-19 has placed an immense constrain on our public resources and within general support the budgetary adjustment.
However, Chair, we need to note that we need to ensure that every precaution needs to be taken to limit the waste and the accountability that is enforced in this department. We have seen in the past that the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has failed to spend its budget on key programmes and has been slow in the filling of its vacancies.
In the midst of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic the stakes are simply too high to allow these important objectives to be undermined by poor performance by the department.
On consideration of the budgetary adjustment, the IFP is however concerned about the impact of the reprioritasation of funds of awareness raising about the department’s core programmes especially Chair, in reaching the vulnerable communities that lack access to digital technology.
One of the key interventions in terms of the recently published National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide involves open quote, “Eliminating the impact of the economic drivers of Gender-based Violence and all women.” One of the means identified to do this is to raise the awareness of women underpaid labour and initiate interventions.
The department has to take the lead in this hon Minister. This important objective however cannot simply be undermined in the face of COVID-19. We support the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities recommendations that the department should develop a strategy on how to relate to these vulnerable sections of the population, living particularly in
rural places and areas and communicate in languages used in such areas.
In conclusion Chair, in light of the latest surge of the horrendous gender-based violence cases in the country, the IFP believes that the supplementary budget should have reflected the states commitment to fighting Gender-based Violence and Femicide now more than ever. There is also an urgent need to establish the national council of Gender-based Violence and Femicide in South Africa. The IFP remains committed to monitoring developments in this regard carefully and we will not be a passive bystander in the fight against this pandemic of Gender-based Violence and Femicide that is raging in our beautiful country. However, the IFP Chair, like I have said does support this budget. I thank you, hon Chair. [Seningabonga ke bahlonishwa.]
Afrikaans:
Me T BREEDT: Voorsitter, in ’n samelewing waar daar werklik gelyke geleenthede en gelykheid heers, sal hierdie departement nie nodig wees nie.
English:
In a society where every department and private business have performed their due ... [Interjections.] ... House Chairperson, can you hear me?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): I can hear you, but I request members to please mute their microphones, otherwise they are disturbing the flow bit by bit. You can go ahead, hon member.
Ms T BREEDT: Thank you, House Chairperson. Should I start from the beginning or can I continue?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): Yes, you can.
Ms T BREEDT: Thank you, House Chairperson.
Afrikaans:
Voorsitter, in ’n samelewing waar daar werklik gelyke geleenthede
en gelykheid heers, sal hierdie departement nie nodig wees nie.
English:
In a society where every department and private business have performed their due diligence and ensured true empowerment through training and development of women, youth and persons with
disabilities, this department would be excessive. This should be the dream. This must be our goal. But alas ...
Afrikaans:
... ons is in 2020. Geslagsgeweld vier hoogty. Die Nasionale Jeug- Ontwikkelingsagentskap maak steeds soos hy lus het sonder ware ondersteuning aan die jeug, en ons persone met gestremdhede word steeds behandel asof hulle melaats is.
English:
This department’s budget has decreased whilst the pressure to perform its mandate during this pandemic has increased. I do not know how this department, even with adjusted targets and reprioritised funds will be able to scale this mountain before it. Furthermore, if there is no political will to do anything, nothing will happen once more.
Afrikaans:
Voorsitter, geslagsgeweld is baie genoem en word baie bespreek. Die President het dit selfs ’n prioriteit geklassifiseer. Daar is miljarde rand daarvoor begroot en menigte komitees saamgestel, maar 10 maande later en daar is steeds niks daarvoor te wys nie.
Met hierdie in ag genome, wil ek graag op ’n ander prioriteitsarea van die departement fokus wat ook min tot geen aandag geniet nie, tensy dit is om ’n teiken aan te haal. Daar word nog steeds gans te min gedoen wanneer ons praat van persone met gestremdhede en om hulle ware landsburgers van Suid-Afrika te maak en in die samelewing te betrek. My bekommernis is dat met ’n verdere
R27 miljoen se besnoeiing van die departement se begroting, persone met gestremdhede weereens aan die kortste toutjie gaan trek.
Alhoewel die Departement van Basiese Onderwys reeds in 2015 Gebaretaal as ’n eerste taal vak goedgekeur het en in 2018 die eerste matrieks dit geskryf het, word daar steeds te min gedoen vir ons dowe gemeenskappe.
English:
The settlement in March of this year that compels government to publish all textbooks of all subjects for all learners in Braille, is a step in the right direction and should be commended. A lot has also been said about Sign Language being acknowledged as South Africa’s 12th official language and many do regard it as that.
However, since the official request by the SA National Deaf Association to Parliament regarding the official inclusion of Sign
Language as our 12th official language, and this in 2016 already we have done nothing but virtue signaling to this request. We are elected by the people.
To not heed this call of the estimated four million deaf people in South Africa would be an injustice. Therefore, I beg my fellow members of this Sixth Parliament to let us be the Parliament to add our 12th official language.
Afrikaans:
Voorsitter, die Minister van Arbeid wil met sy nuwe billike indiensnemingswetgewing, nuwe sektor-spesifieke teikens, met ander woorde kwotas, vir persone met gestremdhede en vrouens daarstel.
English:
These quotas are however only cosmetic in nature and do not promote an equal opportunity society.
Afrikaans:
Die Minister moet my beantwoord. In hoeveel staatsdepartement kantore werk die hysbakke? In hoeveel staatsdepartement kantore is daar veiligheids- en ander nodige maatreëls vir persone met gestremdhede, en hoe dink ons gaan ons persone met gestremdhede
nie verder uitsluit en as tweederangse burgers laat voel as ons nie eers aan hul basiese behoeftes kan voldoen nie. Kwotas gaan nie ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... spreek nie; die basiese gaan.
English:
The time has come that this department stops window dressing issues.
Afrikaans:
... en hulle moet ophou agter die ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... wat hulle wil vertoon wegkruip ... [Tyd verstreke.] [Tussenwerpsels.]
’n AGB LID: Hoor, hoor! Listen! [Luister!] Hoor, hoor!
’n AGB LID: Ja, gaan huis toe!
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): Thank you very much, hon member. Hon members, please, behave. Please behave. We now call upon the Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
The DEPUTY MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES: Hon Chairperson, I cannot start my own video. I do not know whether I am audible.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): You are very much audible, hon member, you can just go ahead. Just the case we cannot see. It is just the case we cannot see you, but you are audible enough.
The DEPUTY MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES: Yes ... [Interjections.] ... due to start to be
... [Interjections.] ... thank you very much, hon House Chairperson. I would like to observe ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr M L D Ntombela): Hon members, I have requested the Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to take the podium, not any other person, please. Now we can see the Professor on the video. She can go ahead.
The DEPUTY MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES: Thank you very much, hon House Chairperson. I would like to observe protocol and just as an opening statement to
say that my Budget Vote address today is sadly delivered amidst a devastating outbreak that its impact will be felt for a long-time to come, particularly by women, youth, persons with disabilities and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, LGBTQIA+, community, as they continue to be the most disadvantaged in our society. These are unprecedented times, hon members, not only for South Africa, but global community.
This pandemic has laid bare the deep rooted fault lines of inequality that are entrenched in our society, not just from 1994, but the ones that are embedded in the history of mankind and institutionalised in our case and legalised during the colonialist and apartheid eras. Inequalities, discrimination, prejudice, bigotry, sexism and homophobia have a long history, which manifest in patriarchal, toxic and harmful practices and negatively impact the most vulnerable sectors of our society. I think in the context of this it becomes the fundamental line of understanding the problems of gender-based violence, discrimination and all the problems.
Hon House Chairperson, as a consequence of this unprecedented period, the department has adjusted its budget and targets in contributing to government’s response to addressing the pandemic.
We are still a government that cares and that is committed to uplifting the most vulnerable. The department continues to do work towards ensuring that women, youth and persons with disabilities are placed at the center of development programmes. Our response to inequality is premised on programmes being inclusive, geared towards rectifying imbalances of the past, and closing gaps in representation and participation. We continue to endeavor for dismantling stereotypes and misogynistic agendas, and unpacking structural drivers of inequality. We strive to break heteronormative and patriarchal systems that benefit conformity and a select group of privileged individuals.
Hon members will recall that in my Budget Vote address in 2019, spoke at length about the priority focus on economic empowerment and programmes initiated for women, youth and persons with disabilities. I wish to add that economic justice and rights continues to remain a top priority for the department and the country as a whole. Towards this, we need to optimise the economic zones interventions, in particular how we tap into multinational initiatives and ensure that they empower local people, especially young people in our country.
Youth, women and persons with disabilities are all under one roof in the department and this presents immense opportunities and inherent potential. Therefore, we must encourage strong leadership to ensure that government’s adjusted economic packages and interventions are optimised to turn the tide around for women, youth and persons with disabilities. We need activists and strong leaders from these sectors, especially young activists, who will be prepared to stand up and be counted. They must be able to unpack how the economic recovery programme of tomorrow addresses the needs of these sectors in an inclusive way while remaining cognisant that many industries are and will be facing their most devastating times to come.
The theme for the Youth Month in June this year was on “Youth Power”. Youth power must be harnessed now, so that they are the emerging leaders within the various communities. We are encouraging young people, including young people with disabilities, and those within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual, LGBTQIA+ communities to take up the cudgels of leadership and utilise this power they have to be the spark that ignites the change we are striving for.
Hon House Chairperson, in line with government’s strategy of implementing the district development model, we are convinced that interventions and implementation targeted at a district and local level provides opportunities to address specific issues pertaining to specific sectors at these levels. Thus strong leadership, I will emphasise that throughout by women, youth, persons with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ sector at these district and local levels is paramount, so that they grasp the power inherent in them to engage in economic opportunities, to change patriarchal societal norms and values are not undermined. The strengthening of the national gender machinery, the youth machinery and the disability machinery can only be embarked upon through the district model, where structures can be set up at district, ward and community levels to address inequalities from the ground up to tackle Gender-based Violence and Femicide, unemployment by the people, led by the people.
The district model must also be used to address issues concerning the systemic injustice, discrimination, exclusion and hate crimes that characterised our society. This year, the United Nations, UN, women is leading a global campaign called Generational Equality with a concerted focus on addressing issues through action coalitions led by select world leaders so that globally, we are
able to attain gender equality by 2030. His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has been given the honourable task of championing the action coalition globally on economic justice and rights. This meshes very well with His Excellency’s Chairship of the African Union this year, where the President is also focused on African women’s economic advancement on the continent, declaring the next
10 years the decade of financial inclusion.
All of this interfaces and intersect our strong focus on women’s economic justice and rights within the social relief and economic package. South Africa, like the rest of the global community, more than ever today, need young leaders who are committed. Hon House Chairperson, the country continues to be ravaged by the scourge of gender-based violence. Government is concerned that despite various instruments and undertakings also persons with disabilities continue to be marginalised. We need platforms that provide opportunities for all spheres of government and civil society to plan collectively. As legislatures, we have a huge responsibility to ensure that we take this struggle beyond words but our people begin to see the impact of our commitments.
Now, more than ever before, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities must establish itself as a center of
government department committed to mainstreaming programmes that respond appropriately effectively to the challenges facing women, youth, persons with disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ sector.
Malibongwe!
Ms M E SUKERS: Hon Chairperson, in considering this Budget Vote today, the ACDP wishes to recognise and thank the courageous women, youth and persons living with disabilities who serve at the frontline of our essential services. Our doctors, nurses, teachers, caregivers and cleaners, many of them are single mothers who need strong support networks and enhanced psychosocial support.
The ACDP notes the overall decrease of R133 253 million to the overall budget of the department, R107,3 million is related to the budgets of the Commission for Gender Equality and the national development of youth.
The ACDP wishes to focus however, not only on the impact of these adjustments, but on the efficacy on the role of the department to address the prevailing conditions and root causes of the gender- based violence, GBV, and increased poverty that leaves women and the children they raise vulnerable and exploitation and abuse.
Our appeal today is for the Minister and the department to recognise the role of the homelessness and the breakdown of the family units in perpetuating gender-based violence, economic vulnerability and poverty. Homelessness force these women to return to unsafe environments because she has nowhere to go and this puts herself and the children at risk.
There is a dire lack of long-term shelters for women that will allow her to take her and her children out of abusive situations and to participate in upliftment programmes.
During this lockdown, economic hardship on single mothers has contributed significantly to the economics vulnerability of the youth and women who have been affected by the late Unemployment Insurance Fund, UIF, payments or not paid at all.
The economic hardships of women keep her and her children in a systemic cycle of dependency and therefore vulnerability. This dependency mostly, on an abuser. The impact of sexual abuse on young boys is a contributor to producing angry men who then perpetuate violent acts, but this has not been addressed. Even though this department is meant to play a critical role in
championing the wellness of women, youth and people living with disabilities.
It is today that we need to stop the silence of sexual abuse on young boys and we need to investigate the role of that on the violent crimes that are increasing on our communities.
The downward adjustment of the budget means greater emphasis must be placed by the department on championing the course of women, children and people living with disabilities especially in these areas that can be considered as root causes for the violence that we are suffering in our communities. This department through advocacy and the efficient and empactive and economic resources should champion that course. Continued failure to do so, means failing our women children and people living with disabilities. I thank you.
Ms T L MARAWU: Hon House Chairperson and hon Minister, this pandemic of COVID-19 has showed us that we are still far away in terms of addressing the imbalances of the past. You know, the hospitals are full, not necessarily of COVID-19 patience, but with women who have depression because they are unable to feed their families they stay with during this pandemic period.
The unemployment rate of the youth has shown itself during this time of the pandemic. So, what we are saying is that the earlier the better that this department do the review of all the policies because apparently, it is clear that there are some policies that are at the workplace because what we have experienced is that some of the domestic workers were experiencing no work, no pay. That means it is unfair labour practice. That means this department has to make a point that there are some inhumane policies that are reviewed and some laws that are monitored by this department. For example, the Employment Equity Act. There are some departments and private sectors that are not implementing, the Employment Equity Act, especially affecting women.
What we are requesting hon Minister as the ATM is that on job creation make it a point that in all the department cutting across because we know that it is not your responsibility to create jobs. Jobs are created in different departments. So, you have to make it a point that the policies are in place that addresses the employment of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
I have already mentioned the matter of policy amendment in the workplace which is very critical. The creation of the victim centric system that protects women especially in rural areas. And
the introduction of justice space capital punishment for repeat offenders in crimes such as murders and rape. We are saying enough is enough.
What we are saying here hon Minister on gender-based violence is that, let us make it a point that the resolutions that were taken in the summit in November 2018, are implemented as such because the rise of this gender-based violence does not show any type of improvement in terms of implementing those resolutions. So, again what we are saying the issue of putting South Africa first.
If we can ring-fence the micro economy of this country for South Africans first, we cannot experience the high-rate of unemployment in our youth. So, we are saying it is time to introduce a skilled- based education system that allow the youth to make an impact in our socioeconomic and also bring about a better life for all. We cannot say this enough Minister that is let us prioritise and put South Africa first before issuing work permits to foreigners. I am not being xenophobic Minister by saying that. I support this budget. I thank you. [Time expired.]
Mr S N AUGUST: Hon Chairperson, South Africa is in crisis because the safety nets for our most vulnerable citizens, children, women
and people with disabilities are in tatters. We need more than the budget of the single department if we to extend the umbrellas of safety, equality and care to shelter these citizens. We need the whole of government and the whole of society to roll up their sleeves and get involved.
Today I would like to focus on discrimination against the disabled community. It is a community that continues to feel isolated.
Lives in perpetual poverty, and suffers the psychological scars of being regarded as pitiful or charity cases. Education and employment are at the center of what is needed to uplift, develop and make progress within the disabled community.
We know that we talk about it, but we actually need to do something about it. People with disabilities still struggles to be employed due to discrimination and stigma. Therefore, making them dependent through social grants to sustain their livelihoods. This is evident in national, provincial and local government departments who still fail to meet targets of employing people with disabilities. Department should not only meet their targets, but incede them. The money that we have should support the causes of women, children and people with disabilities must narrow the
gaps between the haves and the have nots, including between the abled and disabled communities.
The budget must address accessibility enable people with disabilities to participate in all aspects of life. People with disabilities need access to information which includes the use of Internet and information and communication technologies, ICTs, at the cost to the taxpayers. They need access to public transport and buildings. They need access to subsidised homes that consider their needs.
The whole system must be more accommodating to the disabled. Medical staff need to undergo training in dealing with the disabled physically and emotionally. Persons with disabilities are vulnerable to neglect, abuse and exploitation. They often find it difficult to access the criminal justice system. I hear of far too many cases where disabled victim or witness is not deemed credible due to the fact that they are disabled.
Lastly, disabled adults and children deserve equal access of educational opportunities. There are approximately 500 000 children with disabilities of school going age who are out of school. Children in special schools receive an inferior education
and the accessibility of middle stream schools to children with disabilities needs urgent attention.
Hon Chair, it is time to fix our society nets and address the dignity and humanity of disabled people. I thank you.
Mr S NGCOBO: Hon Chairperson, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, has failed dismally. This department, is supposed to play a key role in protecting the vulnerable groups in our society and improving their lives. Yet it has failed every turn.
Today we still see the increased levels of Gender-based Violence and Femicide in our country. We still see thousands and thousands of young people who are unemployed, who have brilliant business ideas, but are unable to access government funding which will help them get those businesses of the ground.
Today we still see the exclusion and neglect of persons with disabilities. The question then is: What is the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities doing to turn this situation around? The answer to this question is simple. Nothing.
The department has shown that it is not a caring one, by failing to prioritise the Disability Right Bill which persons with disabilities in this country has long being calling for. Instead of taking appropriate measures to advocate for and monitor the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The department has decided to remove a target from Programme 4 which deals with the rights of persons with disabilities. It has also cut R5,2 million from Programme 4 which was meant for strengthening the disability machinery. This clearly shows that the department is unprioritasation and lacks a proper plan to address the concerns that are being raised by persons with disabilities. This is deeply concerning. Given the fact that people with disabilities in our country still face exclusion and discrimination.
According to a research brief on equality and disability done by a South Africa done by the SA Human Rights Commission, it was estimated that eight in 10 persons with disabilities are unemployed. It further noted that persons with disabilities in South Africa still face discrimination in various social and economic spheres, including in education and economy.
Why has not Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane taken the necessary steps to dealing with the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and making sure that her department’s Annual Performance Plan and its targets are smart enough to alleviate these challenges?
Why is the Minister is not doing anything when her department fails to do the one thing that it was established for and that is: Advocating for the improvement of the lives of women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Now is the time for the Minister and her department to rise to the occasion and start listening and responding to the concerns of women, youth and persons and persons with disabilities.
As the DA we will continue to exercise artful oversight over the department to ensure that it plays its part in improving lives of women, youth and persons with disabilities. Chairperson, we reject this budget. I thank you.
Ms A S HLONGO: Hon House Chair, Minister and Deputy Minister of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with disabilities, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee the hon Ndaba-Ncube, fellow
South Africans, good afternoon. Our countries’ success depends on how it invests in its youth. It is therefore of utmost important to harness and incorporate young people’s creativity and energy in our country’s growth.
The ANC believes in the young people of this country to be more purposeful for the country’s socioeconomic growth. This relate to young people having and gaining access to fortune and economic opportunities, more employment opportunities, adequate access to education and significantly so, engendering activism to issues of development in creating more spaces for young people to be able to realise their utmost potential.
As a country we should always and constantly protect and advance the rights of persons with disabilities. Not merely as a matter of social grants, but to recognise their right to dignity and development and recognising their contribution to the welfare of our country.
Hon Chairperson, young people in South Africa face numerous challenges from the devastating unemployment that has significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, violence and substance abuse, the prevalence of HIV and Aids, Gender-based
Violence and Femicide and mental health issues such as depression. Most issues facing young people are implications of dire socioeconomic conditions that young people face today.
Chairperson, it is unavoidable that the adjustment budget cuts will have negative implications on certain programmes and activities directives and upskilling of young people. However, this is only temporary due to COVID-19.
As the ANC-led government, we remain resolute at ending the conditions that young people in our country find themselves. Government continues to implement interventions policy priorities that promote development and growth and create more different opportunities for young people such as Early Childhood Development and basic education.
Hon members the National Youth Development Agency, NYDA, remains an agency for change that benefits young people. The agency continues to provide training for young entrepreneurs even during the pandemic and continues to implement 1 000 businesses in 100 Days Campaign. It continues to assist young people to claim Unemployment Insurance Fund, UIF, benefits to gain access to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. It continues to subsidise young
entrepreneurs, whose businesses were negatively impacted by COVID-
19 through the Youth Micro Enterprise Relief Fund.
Hon Chairperson, the agency also released targets to assist young entrepreneurs to access both financial and nonfinancial business development support.
Hon members, the ANC is committed to make this country work for young people and continue to create pathways for our youth into the economy. Young entrepreneurs contribute immensely into the economy through job creation. COVID-19 has demonstrated the significance importance of technology and immensely shape the future of work in our country. It has provided more reasons to invest in cutting edge solutions and to increase spending on innovation and to reduce the cost of data. Affordable data allows young people the opportunity to have information. That is why the ANC-led government has created spaces and areas that are data free. Although COVID-19 might have caused the ANC-led government to outlet plans however, our commitment remains unshaken. As the ANC we support this Budget Vote. I thank you very much.
Malibongwe!
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Hon Chairperson, thank you for the presentation by the different Members of Parliament and the Minister and the team. Let me just start off by saying you know; as the NFP we do not believe in the one size fits all. The problem with gender- based violence and other things in our country is that it is deep rooted and I think we need to get to the root causes of those problems as to what is causing it.
Chairperson I think we must be mindful of one thing that every criminal and every penetrator of this gender-based violence is some body’s son. So, the question we need to ask is: Where did it go wrong, when did it go wrong, how did it go wrong and why did it go wrong?
So, we need to deal with the socioeconomic conditions and the problems that has caused or is the root cause of why people become these perpetrators of violence against women and children.
Now the other issue that we want to bring to attention is you know if you look at what has happened and the statement by a 20-year- old girl from Witbank who was set alight with paraffin by her boyfriend and appeared in court and fortunately the court did not give him bail. What she said she said she has so little faith in
the justice system of the country. She did not expect him to get out.
I will add to that Chairperson if somebody in the national government in one of the departments complained to me late last night about how a child in the North West province has a problem. The police are being threatened after being sexually violated appeared in court and how she has been threatened. So the problem is right now in the Western Cape alone. It is such an effort for them to go and take statements and deal with the matters. I think the problem is bigger.
I also want to say this; it is not just women alone that are being abused. It is not only the boys that are being abused. The very powerful women leader from the NFP Leader Zanele KaMagwaza Msibi. What was she expected to do a few weeks ago? With no mask, no social distancing put amongst so many people, men using them for the benefits of their own good. Putting the woman at risk knowing very well that she is not well.
Let me also add that in the Western Cape 52% is the population of women. Only 6% hold managerial positions in the Western Cape.
These are matters that we need to actually address and deal with
them because women are still being marginalised and they are still regarded as second class citizens in our country in South Africa.
Remember Chairperson is easy for us to come out and say that this department and that department is not doing that. We as men need to get this ball rolling. We need to play a pivotal role in making sure that our women, children and the elderly are safe in the country.
The NFP supports this adjustment budget. It is the only thing to do and it is the right thing to do because that is what is going to take us forward in protecting our women and children.
I want to lastly say Chair, the youth of today have a serious problem with substance abuse and that is another matter particularly with alcohol and I am glad that we had a presentation on that. I am calling on this department to deal with that matter. Thank you very much. The NFP supports this adjustment budget.
Ms N K SHARIF: Hon Chairperson, let me start by saying, you were absolutely right Deputy Minister, we are indeed lacking in strong leadership. If you tuned into this debate and get interventions by the Minister, you like me will remain disappointed.
They are busy talking about what the United Nations, UN, is doing, but they are just busy doing nothing. Sending weekly reports to the President, but no interventions on the ground.
Minister, you say that you work with other Ministers, like the Minister of Police, but there are still no rape kits at the police stations, So, what exactly are you people doing at the Interministerial Committee?
The DA rejects this budget. One of the reasons is the reduction of R10 million from the Commission for Gender Equality, CGE. This is a good indicator of how important women are to this ANC government.
Taking the budget directly away from institutions that are already underfunded and are at the forefront of fighting Gender-based Violence and Femicide, GBVF, is what the ANC seems to be good at.
The department would rather spend R93,3 million on staff and administration, but then take two years to develop the ... [Inaudible.] ...
Chairperson, the DA not only rejects this budget, but we reject the entire department.
Hon Ndaba, you spoke on the mandate of the department. Let us be honest, it is just embarrassing.
The argument that the department’s main focus is on advocacy oversight and to co-ordinate government’s response just does not cut it anymore.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane, as the political principal of this department, it forced to your office to change the mandate and the culture of the department and ensure that it moves towards directly changing the social fabric and the lack of opportunities we have in this country.
Deputy Minister, you spoke about patriarchy, but you conveniently failed to mention how the government you are part of perpetuates the very same patriarchy.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and Deputy Minister Mkhize, you have a direct seat at the table. You lead the Interministerial Committee,
and you sit at Cabinet meetings. It is in this government and in these spaces that patriarchy is alive and well.
So, before you address us again about patriarchy, start by acknowledging how your government has and will continue to institutionalise it. This department is just a mouthpiece for government and does nothing to make our lives safer. It fails to ensure the environment for opportunities and empowerment. It does nothing for the women in this country. I thank you.
Ms B MALULEKE: Hon members, good afternoon. Today we are here debating Budget Vote for the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Many women in our country suffer gravely at the hands of men. Patriarchal oppression is deeply embedded in our society and women experience the consequences of its agonising manifestation.
The feminasation of poverty, Gender-based Violence and Femicide, the hidden exclusion of women from the position of power and authority are all manifestations and consequences of patriarchy. We need to consciously uproot this evil monster from our society.
The ANC will effectively continue create and implement socio economic policies that empower women to fully realise their potential. Research has proven that the empowerment of women contributes enormously to the economy and the welfare of our society.
Sepedi:
Kinniti gebari, ge eka etwa ke e tshadi pele dinwa maswi. Bsadi kanniti baswarathipa kabogaling.
English:
It is therefore imperative that we put all the systematic conditions that we empower our women in our society.
Hon members, the ANC government has made strides in the 26 years since 1994 that has given millions of women and girls adequate access to education and equal opportunities, basic reproductive health care services and to feel more secure wherever they are. However, more still needs to be done to ensure that even women in the deep rural areas can also enjoy these benefits of our democracy.
Hon Chair, women are still not safe in many of our communities. They continue to be battered and they are abused in their homes and neighborhoods. This must just end. Gender-based Violence and Femicide cripple communities and must concern each and every one of us. Combating Gender-Based Violence can never be only government initiative. It requires the unity of each an everyone in our society. It calls for each an everyone to play the part in uprooting this demonic deed.
We call for men to include themselves and join the fight against gender-based violence and start to do everything in their power to protect women and girls.
While the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the wellbeing and lives of all human beings, the most impact of this disease and the responses of this pandemic are potentially felt by the most vulnerable particularly women and girls and people with disabilities.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is working with various stakeholders on interventions to help mitigate the negative impacts of this pandemic for women, girls and persons with disabilities. This includes ensuring that
sectoral responses take into account negative impacts on this vulnerable people especially those in rural areas.
The committee calls upon the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to monitor and work with all departments to ensure that women, girls and persons with disabilities enjoys the fruits of hard earned democracy.
The fight to respond to COVID-19 pandemic required government to reduce spending on certain programmes. The adjustment budget regressively has implications on the department. Due to COVID-19 and owing to the lockdown and restrictions to certain physical engagements and programmes that would have required mass gatherings have been postponed.
Affected programmes from the Commission for Gender Equality includes stakeholder engagement, public education, campaigns and gender mainstreaming.
However, noting that women, children and LGBTQIA+ persons our most likely to experience abuse, and considering that the magnitude of the problem government has endorsed the establishment of Gender- based Violence and Femicide Strategic Plan. The plan provides a
multisectoral coherence, strategic policy and programme, programming framework to ensure a co-ordinated national response to the crisis of gender-based violence.
Chairperson the ANC is satisfied that government continues to ensure that gender-based violence victims have adequate support structures, these include the setting aside of gender-based violence survivors shelters that also accommodate LGBTIQA+ persons, hiring of 650 additional social workers to offer psychosocial support at Thuthuzela Care Centers and setting aside funds to address toxic masculinity beliefs and attitude that lead to gender-based violence. The Commission of Gender Equality will proceed with advocacy, legal clinics, utilising platforms such as community radio stations and government communications and information system. The commission, we will also continue to host virtual meetings for stakeholders, engagement through the use of virtual platforms. The commission is also committed to attain gender-mainstreaming in all sectors of our society. Each provincial office will be working with two municipalities to assess their integrated development plans in terms of gender- mainstreaming.
The ANC government will continue to advance legislation, policies and initiatives that create an enabling environment, for, eliminating gender inequality inequalities.
As I conclude, Chairperson, I have to express that it was completely outstanding, in the manner in which the City of Cape Town law officials dragging a naked man out of his dwelling, such a degrading and humiliating and violent acts that violate human dignity should never be tolerated in our democracy. The ANC government is adamant about the need to eradicate any forms of discrimination, inequality, sexism and violence in our society.
The ANC government is determined to make South Africa says, protect all who live in this country and end any forms of oppression. Most importantly, women, children and the LGBTQIA+ persons. And persons with disabilities serves of a life free of all forms of violence.
Chairperson, I am just very sad and amazed when other hon members, especially from the opposition who are rejecting this budget? How do they think the department is going to do and carry out their mandate, if we do not appropriate this budget and adopt it? It is very much annoying and really very saddening if we hear hon members talking about this department, it is not the department
that is going to create, or job opportunities. But this department, its mandate, is to ensure that it advocate and monitor other departments to ensure that people with disabilities, women and youth are given the benefits that belongs to them. People with disability are getting employed in their different departments.
And if we are saying this budget must not be approved, then what is the department going to do?
Chairperson, is just a pity because some of these hon members, when we are in the committee, the always are the first people who agrees to say the department is working tirelessly to ensure that women are safe in this country. So the ANC supports this budget. I thank you, Chair. Malibongwe!
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES: Hon Chairperson and hon members that I most of the time get an opportunity did not listen to in the meeting of the portfolio committee. Firstly, let us say South Africa has 50% female in the Cabinet in this administration. Secondly, Cabinet has just approved just another director-general, DG, brand new director, general advocate, who is going to head the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. so, siyaqhuba. [We are moving forward.] We are also looking at matters of parity. We do
not run departments. Yes, we advocate for parity, we advocate for gender-budgeting in all the departments. That is why we have been given the mandate to write to Ministers who had to respond to us as to what is happening in their respective departments. [Interjections.]
Ms H O MKHALIPI: So there is nothing for your department!
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES: I have known the hon Shaik Emam, for a while in the portfolio committee to what he has said now.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms L S Makhubela-Mashele): Order hon members, can the mics be muted please!
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES: He is really very, very understanding of what is going on South Africa. So, I now know that there is sheriff inside Parliament like this, and the one where reality is dwelling. But that is politics and I think we should say it is alright.
Hon Shaik Emam, we really cannot agree with you more on matters of gender-based violence, the not Gender-based Violence and Femicide
needs the totality of society, not just a singular department or just the Justice and Security Cluster, but all of us. Worse when in the month of June, as I said earlier on, almost 31 women who were killed by their loved ones, were in the bedrooms. So, I do not know if even if we have an Interministerial Committee, IMC. We would have instructed the Minister Cele that next to every bedroom there must be a policeman peeping and listening that nothing is going wrong in that bedroom. Again, rights of South Africans, we would come into question. [Interjections.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms L S Makhubela-Mashele) Hon Mkhalipi, order!
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES: Through Parliament we have three Bills - I am talking about hon Lamola. Through the IMC, was the issue of parole. Remember there was a call by the United Nations, UN, that with the stampede when COVID-19 started. People who do not have enough spaces and people would die if they do not get parole. The clever hon Minister Lamola, worked with us. One of the constitutionalities that he put was let those who want to come out first and who have not and condition number one, was that those who will get parole would be not the people who have the committed
heinous crimes, secondly, those who have not touched women. Thirdly, they should be able or ready to share their DNA. Very few drag their feet on issues of DNA, because with the DNA, maybe through a friend, you have hidden that you have done something wrong and you managed not to put things on record straight, and then you can get parole. But through the DNA a lot of them were reluctant and the law takes its good cause there is no stampede in our correctional services. Things are still going the way they should, those who should be punished are punished. Those who do wrong things to women are also getting attended to.
Then other laws are around the stop order, because it was very easy for a woman to get manhandled and then on Monday, he calls her sweetheart and then the case get cancelled. That also had received attention.
On the very painful issue, which I want to end up with Chair of people with disabilities, they are our children, they are our cousins, there are our husbands, wives and relatives. They are part of the society. There are not the children of Maite or of the department of people with disabilities. They do not wake up every morning, asking for help but for support. Like the issues I raised earlier on. They need to be acknowledged as it were as another
form of diversity, that God wanted to show that He can also provide this. However, they can think, they can be deployed. And they are very good civil servants when employed. So, I am calling through this sitting other departments and private sectors to hire them. [Time expired.]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms L S Makhubela-Mashela) That concludes the debate and the business of the day.
Debate concluded.
The mini-plenary session rose at 15:45.
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