Hansard: NCOP: Unrevised hansard

House: National Council of Provinces

Date of Meeting: 18 Jun 2021

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Minutes

 UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

FRIDAY, 18 JUNE 2021

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVIINCES

Watch video here: NCOP Plenary (Virtual) 

 

 

The Council met at 10:02.2.

 

 

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

 

 

The Chairperson announced that the virtual sitting constituted a sitting of the National Council of Provinces.

 

 

APPROPRIATION BILL

 

 

(Consideration of Votes and Schedule)

 

 

Vote No 1 – Presidency – put.

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Chairperson, we reject the Budget Vote of the Presidency. We do so because we are convinced that we only have a President by name only in this country while the powers

 

 

and functions associated with the Presidency lies somewhere else. Mr Ramaphosa’s Presidency have to be the biggest disaster post-1994. Under him we have seen entrenchment of corruption symbolised by the looting of monies meant for personal protective equipments, PPEs, a collapse of the public health care sector and the demonisation of black professionals in the public sector - the most devastating consequences of Mr Ramaphosa’s incompetency.

 

 

However, it is the manner he has handled the coronavirus pandemic. Up to this day South Africa has no serious vaccination programme. Thousands of people are going to die in the third wave of the virus whilst our leaders are gallivanting like headless chickens not knowing whether they are coming or going.

 

 

Over 42% of people who are eligible for work are not working in this country. And over [Inaudible] percent of young people cannot find jobs. The Presidency and the ruling party’s handling of the economy in this country is disastrous for black people. We understand that Mr Ramaphosa may be handling the economy on behalf of those who made him an overnight millionaire. That’s where power lies, not with him and not with the ruling party. He is leading the biggest project of

 

 

state capture we have ever seen in this country. We reject this Budget Vote with the contempt it deserves. Thank you, Chair.

 

 

Mr S J MOHAI: Hon Chairperson, the Budget Vote is a reflection of what is required to finance the constitutional mandate of the Presidency. We have, in our engagement with the Presidency in the National Council of Provinces, been able to receive the current reports of the work that has been done to build a capable developmental state. The designated target inputs of this Vote are to be found in the infrastructure development, investment in the country and more broadly the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

 

 

The Budget Vote provides financial support for five key areas, namely, better co-ordination and focus of the cluster work, support for the integrated planning, promotion of competency, promotion of ethical governance and support of the co- ordination of anticorruption initiatives. As part of the ongoing constitutional imperative to transform our nation, the Vote provides finances to enhance efficacy and effectiveness of service delivery by all spheres of government.

 

 

Through the Presidential Co-ordinating Council, the Presidency has successfully held consultative discussions with all spheres of government on various pertinent issues and also ensures that there is coherency in this regard.

 

 

The Presidential Infrastructure Commission is another critical intervention that has been referred to in their debate under the Economic Reconstructions and Recovery Plan. The council has responsibility of co-coordinating development, maintenance, implementation and monitoring of infrastructure plan which will be expediting the implementation of 15 infrastructure projects worth R340 billion in investment.

 

 

The Presidency, in executing its constitutional responsibility in galvanising government and society behind the implementation of the electoral mandate through the co- ordination of the critical interventions to support this work, has demonstrated that funds allocated to it will play a critical role.

 

 

Chairperson, with all accumulated challenges, the Presidency refused to pander to narrow sectorial politics in pursued of its own glory, but the President took South Africans in confidence about the difficult challenges and exciting

 

 

successes together with all sectors of South African society as Amilcar Cabral said tell no lies, claim no easy victories. We support the Budget Vote of the Presidency under his leadership, President Cyril Ramaphosa. The ANC supports this budget. Thanks.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus and Democratic Alliance dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 2 – Parliament – put

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Mr T JBRAUTESETH: Hon Chairperson, my colleague, hon Delmaine Christians debated eloquently on this Vote in the policy debate. I would however like to drive a few points home today. Parliament derives its primary mandate from chapter 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa 108 of 1996 which sets out the composition powers and functions of Parliament.

To this end, the institution strives to conduct its business in line with the following values: Openness, responsiveness, accountability, team work, professionalism and integrity.

 

 

The proposal on the Vote today is to cut Parliament’s budget

 

by a whopping R187 million. The judiciary stands alongside

 

 

Parliament as the primary guardian of the Constitution, but the Justice budget is being slashed by an eye watering

R2 billion. Whilst these reductions differ vastly in scale, they point to a steady erosion of the ability of these protectors to do the democracy justice. To do their work to protect our democracy.

 

 

Hon Chairperson, Parliament is like a car — the vehicle of our democracy. You may consider not washing it for a period or not upgrading the sound system but you should certainly always maintain the tires, brakes and engine in tip top condition.

And you certainly would not throw out the steering wheel and replace it with a shifting spanner. All the suggestions of course rests on the premise that the governing party actually wants Parliament to work.

 

 

President Ramaphosa recently raised the eye of many South Africans by stating that some parliamentarians are struggling to make ends meet despite earning hefty salaries. This may be true, but what really upset South Africans is the perception that they are not getting value for money. When will we consider a model of true accountable representation to our constituencies? When will we demand that MPs spend time amongst the members of the communities? When will we require

 

 

certain levels of personal oversight work to fight the good fight for the voters that put us here? When will we insist that parliamentary questions are a vital mechanism and decisively sanction Ministers when they arrogantly ignore them? And when will we lose patience with petitions taking over 18 months to reach a committee after being served on the chairperson’s office?

 

 

When we get these issues in order, when we take our work seriously and hold ourselves accountable, then South Africans will be satisfied that they are getting bang for their buck. My party, the Democratic Alliance, is more than ready to ace that test. We are a party of good value. A party that respects this institution and will fight for its role to protect the Constitution and all the people of our country. Do the right thing. Do not cut this budget. I thank you.

 

 

Mr M I RAYI: Hon Chairperson, let me first convey a word of condolences to Dr Kaunda’s family and the loving people of Zambia for the passing away of President KK Kauda.

 

 

With regard to the ANC’s support of this Budget Vote No 2 — Parliament, we say: To meet the needs of people both Parliament and its public representatives require the

 

 

necessary relevant capacity and capability to respond to both our constitutional mandate and the demands of our people. The Vote supports our oversight work and provides support for public representatives to legally interpret legislation.

 

 

In the Budget Vote debate a range of issues were raised which the Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management on Parliament needs to take forward between now and the Medium- Term Budget Policy Statement, MTBPS. As it was said in that debate, Parliament has to give ongoing specialised training throughout the duration of a five-year term so that select committees are able to produced enhanced oversight, better quality outputs and better quality outcomes.

 

 

Here we refer to specialised service providers who could be contracted to work with committees on identified areas, in particular our monitoring and evaluation tools need to be sharpened and we look forward to further engagements in this area. Further capacitation of public representative is necessary and this Budget Vote will need to address in particular specialisation. Our oversight work and the challenges we face reinforce the need for Parliament to dedicate far more resources to outreach and constituency work.

 

 

As the governing party we know how important this is and constituency offices are often packed with communities needing support. Being rooted amongst the people means constituency offices become advice centres and platform for which the concerns of a community in a ward are mapped out. These offices become the network point to access government programmes and projects, and for the different spheres of government to intervene. It is one of the most important responsibilities we have as public representatives but such offices are sustained with meagre resources.

 

 

Outreach is Parliament’s concern and future parliamentary

 

budgets should begin to reflect a seriousness of this. Currently what is being allocated is far too little given the responsibilities of public representing.

 

 

Allow me again, hon Chairperson, to wish former President Thabo Mbeki a happy birthday. The ANC supports this Vote. Thank you.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, the Vote is agreed to and the objections of the FF Plus, EFF and DA are noted.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Chairperson, we had indicated that we are going to make a declaration on this Vote.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Okay, I did not notice that in the message but now that you say so, please proceed.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Chairperson, having noted our objection, the Speaker of Parliament went to the Zondo Commission and tried to act holy there acknowledging that Parliament had failed to exercise its oversight control over the executive during the destructive Zuma years. She distanced herself from all of you. If ever there was to be an example of crocodile tears, then the concern that the Speaker pretended to have at the Zondo Commission over Parliament’s failure to hold the executive to account must be the most suitable example.

 

 

Both the National Assembly and the NCOP are used to rubberstamp decisions of the ruling party. You use this House to shield each other and prevent each other from ever accounting for the various sins you are committing in the country. You do this, Chairperson, while at the same time drastically reducing the capacity of Parliament to perform its functions. The capacity of the legal services has been dramatically reduced, making it impossible for members to

 

 

initiate legislations. Bills are not processed in the fast and thorough manner, and for those who pass both these Houses we have no mechanism to ensure that the President signs these Bills in a quick manner as possible. Our law making functions as well as our oversight functions have been compromised at the altar of internal factions of your party the ANC. This has rendered parliament toothless and useless as far as running this country is concerned. We therefore reject this Budget Vote with the contempt it deserves. Thank you.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Freedom Front Plus, Economic Freedom Fighters and Democratic Alliance dissenting).

 

 

Vote (No 2 – Parliament) agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 3 - Co-operative Governance — put.

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Mr S ZANDAMELA: Chairperson, the EFF rejects this Vote. For more than two decades, intervention by the provincial governments in municipalities has not worked. The overall intervention system in local government needs to be overhauled. Local government has collapsed. Only eight percent of municipalities are functional, and they are all district

 

 

municipalities where there are no actual service delivery operations.

 

 

The reality is that we do not have local government. That sphere of government has completely collapsed and it is one sphere of government that was supposed to work, because, when our people talk about government, they are talking about local government. When our people want water, electricity, sanitation and infrastructure, they want it from the municipalities that are at ... [Inaudible.] ... but cannot raise their own revenue. This means that the equitable share and conditional grants that municipalities receive through the Division of Revenue Act is their main source of economic activity in the municipalities, hence we see infighting amongst councillors and municipal officials over tenders and positions. This is how the ruling party has been able to maintain apartheid spatial planning, because even municipalities such as metros, which are able to raise revenue, prioritise mostly affluent areas and white residents while our people in informal settlements and townships continue to live in apartheid-structured ... [Inaudible.]

 

 

[Inaudible.] ... have descended deeper and deeper into a state of chaos, and, if we do not change the Division of Revenue

 

 

Bill, our municipalities will never be financially sound. We will continue to see hopelessness, disillusionment and frustration marked by service delivery protests, violent crimes and corruption, instead of solving the problems of poverty, eliminating inequalities and reshaping our societies. Our municipalities do not have capacity and everything is outsourced through tenders.

 

 

The 2019 general elections suggested that 60% of revenue reflected on the books of municipalities would never be paid; that 8% of the 257 municipalities received clean audits and they were district municipalities; and that irregular expenditure totalled R32 billion was incurred by local municipalities.

 

 

The ANC has failed to take firm political decisions to impose strict financial controls, quality management and good governance. On 27 October, the EFF will govern the municipalities and usher in government that will benefit our people, especially the previously disadvantaged. The EFF will expose corruption and maladministration. It is the EFF that is reliable and practical in planning for jobs and land and capable municipalities. The EFF rejects this Budget Vote.

Thank you, Chairperson.

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

Mnu X NGWEZI: Ngiyathokoza kakhulu, Nyambose, Sihlalo woMkhandlu Kazwelonke Wezifundazwe, ngibingelele kubahlonishwa bonke, ...

 

 

English:

 

Colleagues, we send our condolences to the Kaunda family on the passing of a stalwart of freedom of Zambia and also for the people of South Africa. We know that he is the one who actually advised the Prince of kwaPhindangene to form a membership-based organisation. The existence of Inkatha actually came from him, and the honourable Tambo and many others then took over the establishment of ...

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

 ... Inkatha noMntwana kaPhindangene. Sidabuke kakhulu ngokudlula kwakhe. Sihlalo nomhlangano wonke, kuyaphuthuma ukuba kuleli lizwe kwakhiwe isisekelo esiqinile soHulumeni basekhaya ngoba intuthuko yonke yenzeka ezindaweni zasemakhaya kodwa kuyashaqisa ukuthi isabelomali esinikezwa omasipala sincane kakhulu uma siqhathaniswa neminyango neminye imikhakha kaHulumeni ophezulu. Ngakhoke ...

 

 

English:

 

 

 ... we are calling for the increment of the budget that is given to municipalities. Second to that ...

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

 ... sicela ukuba kulungiswe udaba lwendima yamakhosi kulo Hulumeni wentando yeningi ngoba udaba lwendima yamakhosi luchazwe nje ngemigqa embalwa kabi kuMthethosisekelo wezwe. Akukwazi ukuthi amakhosi abizelwa komasipala ukuthi nje ayohlala eyolalela amakhansela ethatha izinqumo ngabantu abahlala ezindaweni zamakhosi wona amakhosi angabi nazwi uma kuthathwa lezo zinqumo.

 

 

Ngakhoke sithi akuphuthume ukuthi kulungiswe. Okokugcina, okunye esicela ukuthi kusheshe kulungiswe ukuthi iningi, Nyambose, imali elahleka komasipala nakuHulumeni ngenxa yemibango ye ...

 

 

English:

 

... intervention under section 139 (a) (b) or (c).

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

Kubangwa ngoba udaba lokwenziwa kokungenelela ezindaweni eziningi kuyapolitikwa, Nyambose, bese kuloko kuliwa izimpi okufanele ngabe leyo mali iya ngqo ekulethweni kwezidingo.

 

 

Ngakhoke sithi akusheshwe kulingiswe lezo zinto, Nyambose. Ngalokho-ke noma simemezela kanje kodwa cha siyayeseka ...

 

 

English:

 

... in the interest of our people ...

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

 ... Nyambose, iVoti leSabiwomali le esikusona soMnyango Wezokubusa ngokuBambisana Nezindaba Zendabuko. Ngiyabonga.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Mnr S F DU TOIT: Agb Voorsitter, die huidige stand van munisipaliteite is duidelik toonaangewend van die sogenaamde sukses van die regering, asook die regering se onvermoë om die belange van die burgers bo dié van ’n politieke party te plaas.

 

 

English:

 

The ANC is the chief architect of the demise of South Africa. The inability to act and govern responsibly and the unwillingness of the executive to hold cadres accountable have tarnished the responsive and once-responsible relationship between the political structure and the constituents.

 

 

There are currently 278 municipalities in South Africa, and most of these municipalities are not financially sustainable. According to the Financial Mail, the sector’s aggregate cash shortfall is now a staggering R50,7 billion, up from

R32 billion in 2019 ... [Inaudible.] ... or face collapse.

 

 

Government’s efforts to bring stability to municipalities through the implementation of section 139 interventions have proved to be unsuccessful ... [Inaudible.] ... seldom succeeding in turning municipalities around, are only deployed and redeployed without performance agreements.

 

 

Afrikaans”:

 

Munisipale infrastruktuur is verval en min tot geen instandhouding het die afgelope 27 jaar plaasgevind nie.

 

 

English:

 

No amount of money will be sufficient to save municipalities if the rot of corruption and maladministration is not removed.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Omkeerstrategieë sal slegs werk as korrupte ANC-ontplooide kaders en hul medepligtige helpers vervolg en uit munisipaliteite, en provinsiale an nasionale strukture

 

 

verwyder is. Suid-Afrika bloei en die ANC het dit veroorsaak. Die VF Plus ondersteun nie hierdie begroting nie. Dankie, Voorsitter.

 

 

Mr T S C DODOVU: Hon Chairperson, the ANC’s vision for local government is located in our theory of a developmental state, a state that directs market and non-market forces towards socioeconomic transformation in order to address the needs of our people and to qualitatively change their hopes and aspirations for a better life.

 

 

Our people look to local government with the hope that it will improve their conditions and provide them with basic services, and they elected the governing party, the ANC, in many municipalities to meet their aspirations.

 

 

Local government is arguably one of the most important spheres of government that is responsible in terms of the work of the NCOP in order to ensure that the NCOP performs its oversight responsibilities.

 

 

Our September 2020 local government week provided us with the opportunity to engage in friendly debate on the challenges that our municipalities are facing. We have been frank and

 

 

honest about these challenges and we raise our anticipation in that, through our oversight function, these particular challenges will be addressed.

 

 

The danger of any declaration by parties on this Budget Vote of local government, as important as it is, minimises what has been achieved, whilst others are only doing so in order to demonstrate their brinkmanship. This Vote is for the finances to ensure that municipalities are capable of addressing the developmental objectives of our society.

 

 

This Vote provides for the ongoing ... [Inaudible.] ... strategies for local economic development. As part of the development plans of our municipalities across the districts, we have greater and better alignment through the district development model, or DDM, to ensure that we achieve the predetermined objectives.

 

 

Audits on the current capacity of local economic development units in municipalities, also supported by Vote 32 in terms of the district priorities, will ensure that at the end of the day we don’t just establish the district development models but also achieve the objectives.

 

 

It is in that sense that the ANC fully supports this Budget Vote on Co-operative Governance to enable the Minister and the department to implement their plans. On that note, I want to wish, once more ... [Inaudible.] ... Thabo Mbeki and many, many returns. Thank you very much, hon Chairperson.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 4 – Government Communication and Information System –

 

put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Hon Chairperson, I will be taking the Declaration of Vote on behalf of the hon Arnolds.

 

 

Hon Chairperson, we want to state it categorically clear that we do not support this Budget Vote. As the EFF, an organisation, we believe that a government which deprives its

 

 

people of information is a very dodgy and incapable government.

 

 

Under the scandalous department, we have witnessed the closure of community radio stations throughout South Africa. The only means to communicate to rural communities has been taken away from them.

 

 

Chairperson, dodgy tenders awarded to those close to the Minister of Communications and Telecommunications and to the ANC is just but one of the example of why we cannot support such dodgy Budget Vote.

 

 

We do object to this Budget Vote. Thank you.

 

 

Mr T B MATIBE: Hon Chairperson and hon member’s greetings. Frantz Fanon’s famous quote when he said, “Each generation must out of relative obscurity discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it.” It has inspired countless generation of young leaders.

 

 

Chairperson, in this Youth Month, we must acknowledge the many challenges faced by young people of South Africa and their role in the recovery of their economy.

 

 

Information and education around economic development and job creation opportunities are essential in ensuring that energies of young South Africans are mobilised behind this programme.

For instance, the President’s release of the fourth progress report on implementation of the Presidential employment stimulus last month. This report showed that by the end of March 2021, over 520 000 people had directly benefitted from this stimulus including, 423 000 jobs created and retained and

110 livelihoods supported.

 

 

The ANC commends the Government Communication and Information Systems, GCIS, for keeping the engagements going with the youth even under the conditions of the pandemic.

 

 

It is young people that have the dynamic role in assisting the elderly and the people in communities to register to get vaccinated.

 

 

Hon Chairperson, we must also welcome a R111 million of the Media Development and Diversity Agency, MDDA, budget over the medium-term that is earmarked for grant funding and distributed to 60 community broadcast projects. The additional R6 million which will be set aside to assist 18 communities and small commercial media projects is also critical in providing

 

 

assistance to small players in the sector and ensuring that media diversity is promoted.

 

 

It is only those who are in denial such as the EFF who are blind to the good work done by the GCIS. Their rejectionist attitude blinds them from seeing the performance of the department which has consistently ... [Interjections.]

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: You are out of order.

 

 

Mr T B MATIBE: ... obtained clean audit outcomes over the years. The ANC supports this Budget Vote. Thank you very much. [Applause.]

 

 

Vote agreed to Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 5 – Home Affairs – put

 

 

Ms N E NKOSI: Hon Chairperson, for the sake of time the ANC will not be making a declaration thank you.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Hon Chairperson, even though we did not make a declaration, however note the objection of the EFF.

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms S E Lucas) Raise your hand, hon Nkosi.

 

 

Ms N E NKOSI: Hon Chairperson, even though we do not make a declaration, however, we would like to say as the ANC we fully support this Budget Vote No 5. Thank you.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus Inkatha Freedom Party and Democratic Alliance dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 6 - International Relations and Cooperation – Put

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 7- National School of Government – Put

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided.

 

 

AYES-31: Bartlett, M; Bebee, L C; Carrim, Y I; Dangor, M; Dodovu, T S C; DubeNcube, N; Gillion, M N; Lekganyane, N M; Lucas, S E; Lwana, V; Mahlangu, D G; Maleka, A D; Malema, P;

 

 

Mamaregane, M L; Mncube, B; Mmoiemang, K M; Modise, T C; Mohai, S J; Moshodi, M L; Mthethwa, M E; Nchabeleng, M E; Ncitha Z V; Ndongeni, N; Ngwezi, X O; Nkosi, E; Njadu, E Z; Ntsube, I; Phaladi-Digamela, R; Rayi, M I; Sekoati, S C; Shaikh, S.

 

 

NOES-17: Aucamp, W A S; Bara, M R; Boshoff, H S; Brauteseth, T J; Christians, D C; De Bruyn, M A P; Du Toit, S F; Mathevula, B T; Michalakis, G; Moletsane, M S; Motsamai, K; Nhanha, M; Ryder, D R; Sileku, I M; Smit, C F B; Visser, C; Zandemela, S.

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 8 – National Treasury - put

 

 

Declaration(s) of Vote:

 

 

Mr D R RYDER: Hon Chairperson, it was in this very House, several weeks ago, that I asked the Minister to explain three components of this Appropriations of the National Treasury. He said that, while he did not want to sound like the Minister of Police, he honestly did not know. Our Minister of Finance, responsible for Treasury Vote 8, the Vote under which State

 

 

Security Agency, SSA, derives its funding, could not explain why the SSA was receiving more money.

 

 

He could only say that the President has told him to do it. Is this accountability? Colleagues, this is fuelled with official confidence to approve the appropriation of this money. More money than last year, in spite of the general need to reduce spending; more money than last year, in spite of the wealthier track record and clear evidence of abuse of this Appropriation of SSA in the past. We are Members of Parliament, we are here to exercise oversight of the executive, and the spending of money that is supposed to benefit South Africans.

 

 

Yet, the response that we get from our Minister is, I did it, because the President said so. So, where is the oversight? If you support those Vote, members, as the Members of Parliament, and as public representatives, you are not doing your job. The DA rejects this Vote. Thank you, Chair.

 

 

Mr M S MOLETSANE: Hon Chairperson, the National Treasury has brought serious concern about the effect of the reductions in funds. It is unfortunate that at this time, when many people are desperate for jobs and training opportunities, lot of infrastructure that needs maintenance and repair, the most

 

 

people who will suffer most, are the poor and the vulnerable, in particular, those in rural communities. These budget reductions are going to make matters worse.

 

 

The National Treasury decreased the allocation, which will affect many departments. The budget cuts in the SA Police Service, SAPS, and the SA National Defence Force, SANDF, remains a serious concern, given the high crime statistics. These cuts, will worsen the police population ratio to above 1 is to 400, against the norm of 1 is to 220. Also, it will lead to limited recruitment and increase case backlog.

 

 

The National Treasury is failing to ensure that any budget licks such as irregular, unauthorised, fruitless and wasteful expenditures, are eliminated. It also fails to make sure that, wherever there is wrong doing by the individual, consequence management is implemented with immediate effect. Therefore, the EFF rejects this report. Thank you, Chair.

 

 

Mr Y I CARRIM: Hon Chairperson, firstly, we have raised this before, people seems to conflate the engagements on the debate, the overall Appropriations report with Budget Vote No

8. We are looking specifically on Budget Vote No 8, which is a Budget Vote allocated specifically to National Treasury. So,

 

 

we should be really talking about National Treasury’s performance over the last year, how much money has been allocated and to what extend has it justify. Now, we are hearing from Mr Ryder about the SSA.

 

 

All over the world and in most countries, even the most established open democracies, the allocations to the security agencies, whatever they might be called, are dumbed in a particular way, that they must take into account the national and global security. The allocation of our government, the expectation particular to SSA, presumably meets the requirements of the legislation and the Constitution,

 

 

otherwise have forced the DA and other parties to run to the courts and ultimately, the Constitutional Court.

 

 

So, whatever it is that it has been done, I can’t remember what the Minister said, maybe he wasn’t adequate in his reply, but whatever he has hone, it doesn’t on behalf of the government as a whole and it does it in terms of the law and the Constitution. So, there’s nothing he has done that is irregular, it is a matter that has to be referred by the policy on. I agree that we must have an oversight over the State Security Agencies, and there’s a law that define that,

 

 

it’s not a pivotal committee, the National Treasury just oversees the budget.

 

 

On the EFF again, they are focusing on the police budget, and there’s yet a Vote on that, and that should be left on that committee, when it actually deals with that budget. Now, he talks about irregular expenditure, fruitless expenditure and so on, and that the National Treasury is not doing anything about it. Where is the evidence for that? I heard nothing, it’s a gliptin. He can say that today, he can say that six months from now, and another year from now. So, from Medium- Term Budget Framework, MTBF, every national budget, when it comes to the Appropriations we can repeat that, where Mr Moletsane is the evidence.

 

 

Then he goes on to say other things about consequence management. Yes, we all agree across political parties, obviously, there has to be consequence management. ...

[Interjections.] ... Everybody is calling for it, but what is it that you are offering as evidence that there is no consequence management.to the National Treasury? Can you site few examples of National Treasury officials who have been in errand; who have done something wrong, and the Minister and

 

 

the Director-General have failed to act? We did the Budget

 

Vote 8, that’s what you should have raised.

 

 

So, it’s a gliptin statement that one can make forever, and carries no value until the evidence comes before it, that’s a National Treasury official that has acted wrongly and that the Minister and the Director-General have failed to act against them, and that the entire committee, not at least the ANC, will agree that the Minister and the Director-General must account. Bring the evidence. Thank you.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided.

 

 

[Take in from Minutes.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 9 - PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION – put.

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Chairperson, as the EFF, we object without doing a declaration. Thank you.

 

 

Mr I NTSUBE: Thank you very much, hon Chairperson of the Council and hon Chief Whip, we are not surprised that the EFF said nothing. Thanks very much, hon ... [Interjections.]

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: What are you saying, hon Ntsube? Say whatever you want to say and leave the EFF alone. [Laughter.]

 

 

Mr I NTSUBE: Chairperson, planning, monitoring and evaluation is essential to ensure that government ... [Interjections.]

...

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Ntsube, don’t start a fight. [Interjections.]

 

 

The CHAIRPESON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, although a bit of heckling or voicing your opinion may be allowed, but you cannot drown the speaker. Surely, the speaker has a right to be heard in the same way that when your time comes ... [Interjections.]

 

 

Mr I NTSUBE: Thank you very much, Chairperson of the Council, planning, monitoring and evaluation is essential to ensure that government programmes and policies are effectively implemented through the facilitation of the implementation of the National Development Plan, NDP.

 

 

There is a need for government to assess its progress and ensure that departments are aligned to their strategic and annual performance plans. Monitoring and evaluation is crucial to assess the effectiveness of government in all spheres of government, particularly local government as a result of our state of municipalities.

 

 

Greater attention by the department must be assessed to provide for better planning and co-ordination. Coherence, particularly at local government must improve the alignment of budget cycles, especially at local government. Improving how government interacts with the people is one of the objectives of the ANC.

 

 

The presidential hotline is one of the platform which members of the public can utilise to lodge complaints and queries, and we hope that the department will attend to all queries and complaints lodged by the members of the public. This is what a responsive government does. Implementing the values of Batho Pele ...

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please proceed, Ntsube. You are at the moment audible.

 

 

Mr I NTSUBE: Am I audible, Chair?

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Speak to the microphone.

 

 

Mr I NTSUBE: Understanding the shortfall caused by COVID-19, the budget allocation of the department will ensure the proper implementation of all Sona priorities, monitor and evaluate their progress.

 

 

Ensuring a competent public service requires constant and proper monitoring and evaluation and allows for proper implementation of government programmes and objectives.

However, the department still needs to pay much intended attention to the special planning and development.

 

 

Hon Chairperson, the ANC moves in support of the planning, monitoring and evaluation Vote. Thank you very much.

 

 

Vote agreed to. (Freedom Front Plus, Economic Freedom Fighters dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 10 - Public Enterprises — put.

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Mnr S F DU TOIT: Agb Voorsitter ...

 

 

English:

 

... the SA Airways, SAA, the so-called phoenix that’s supposed to rise from the ashes and take flight like an eagle, soaring on the vortex of taxpayers’ money conveniently self-diagnosed dementia government suddenly forgetting about the volumes of rands wasted; splurged on an ideology.

 

 

The department has failed dismally in its own mission. The mission of the department is to provide clear strategic direction and oversight to the department’s state-owned companies, SOCs, seeking to ensure that the SOCs are financially sustainable, adequately funded and operationally robust; have operating models that keep in pace with global development and innovation; provide high quality and cost effective services and infrastructure to the industry of our citizens; secure investments and funding for strategic industrial development aligned with national developmental objectives. It failed in all of these.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

 

Die ANC het met wetgewing ... regstellende aksie veroorsaak dat kundiges hierdie entiteite verlaat het en het weer met wetgewing ... swart ekonomiese bemagtiging verhoed dat die aanstellings op die basis van kundigheid en meriete plaasvind.

 

 

English:

 

We now recently had an audited loss of R1 billion in the 2019-

 

20 compared to a loss of R1,7 billion in 2018-19 financial years. This was mainly driven by poor programme management and liquidity challenges that constrained operations and affected sales.

 

 

Eskom has over the last three financial years slipped up R136,7 billion. This was for assistance with only debt service costs and not operational costs. Not even talking about the cost to the economy ... all South Africa’s economic position is as a result of Eskom’s failures.

 

 

The FFPlus wants government to privatise these state-owned entities and stop cadre deployment, black economic empowerment, BEE and affirmative action. Prioritise like Sasol. It contributes to job creation and the economy of South Africa.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Skaf regstellende aksie en swart ekonomiese bemagtiging af sodat aanstellings op ’n gelyke basis kan plaasvind en kundigheid die katalisator van groei kan wees. Ons ondersteun nie hierdie begroting nie, Voorsitter.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Chairperson, I will be doing the declaration on his behalf. Please note the objection of the EFF towards this Budget Vote.

 

 

Chairperson, when President Ramaphosa and Minister Pravin are done with whatever is it that they are busy with, South Africa will be left with no public enterprise of any strategic significance. What is happening today is the biggest form of scam, the biggest form of state capture we have ever seen.

State companies are being auctioned to next to nothing, to the benefit of people who financed the presidential aspirations of Mr Cyril Ramaphosa. We need to know the details of the sale of the SAA to a company owned by ANC politicians. Were there other bidders, Chairperson? That’s what we need to know. Was the criteria followed, Chairperson? No, that’s for sure. What is it that Mr Jamnandas is benefiting out of this sale? Why is there such a very huge appetite to privatise state-owned companies in South Africa? What implications will it have? Is

 

 

it opening up space for publicly funded by privately-owned independent power producers have on the ability of Eskom to produce and distribute electricity to the most marginalised? Why is this department moving us towards two-tier electricity regime where we have one for the poor and one for the rich, which will ...

 

 

Mr Jamnandas, Eskom does not need competition, it needs to be fixed. You have been doing your damn best to ensure that Eskom is destroyed. We reject this Budget Vote with the contempt it deserves. We also reject Mr Jamnandas here. Thank you, Chairperson.

 

 

Mr M NHANHA: Thank you very much, Chairperson, hon members, a week or so ago, this House debated the very same Budget Vote of Public Enterprises. More often than not, opposition parties are falsely accused of bashing and opposing for the sake of doing so without providing sensible solutions.

 

 

Well, in the Budget Vote debate, the DA presented sensible solutions to the difficulties facing our SOEs. Not surprising though that our proposed solutions fell on deaf ears because they are not what the governing party wants to hear.

 

 

Deputy Minister Masualle, in his closing remarks during the debate said that what has failed in other countries does not mean it will fail in our country. I fully agree with the Deputy Minister. However, the socialist model of running our SOEs has already failed in our country and it continues to fail. His defence was a moot point or was baseless. Remember, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing all over again hoping for a different result.

 

 

The DA, hon Chairperson, in good conscience, cannot support this Budget Vote. Thank you.

 

 

Mr T B MATIBE: Thank you very much, hon Chairperson, just for a start, we are not debating individuals but the Budget Vote. The ANC supports Budget Vote 10 on Public Enterprises.

 

 

The SOEs operates in strategic sector of the economy and makes an important contribution to job creation. Over the past number of years, the SOEs were negatively affected through state capture and corruption. The department has systematically dealt with this issue and is still dealing with the issue.

 

 

The new boards and management are working with law enforcement agencies to ensure that consequence management and legal action is taken against those involved. Financial recoveries have occurred as in the case of Medupi, which are substantive.

 

 

The SOEs also makes an important contribution to the local economy and job creation in different provinces where they are operated. Eskom is currently the sole supplier of electricity in the country and must be restructured in terms of the roadmap into generation, transmission and distribution to ensure expansion of the sector.

 

 

Transnet plans to expand the Durban ports and other major ports to heighten imports and exports activity into the country. The movement of freight and goods from road to rail will also enhance Transnet’s rail.

 

 

The SAA is going to be relaunched shortly and play an important role in reviving the economic activities in tourism industry to the benefit of many provinces. The SA Forestry Company Limited, Safcol, chairperson has much potential for entering downstream industrialisation upon securing its upstream wood resources. Much work needs to occur to restore

 

 

Denel to financial and operational sustainability as it too has an important role to play.

 

 

The department has its work cut out. The programmes of the department for the renewal and restoration of SOEs must be supported as this aims to positively contribute to economic reconstruction and recovery.

 

 

The opposition merely focuses on corruption on SOEs, which is being dealt with and is not capable on commenting on the role and function of the SOEs to enhance economic growth and development as well as job creation.

 

 

In conclusion, ...

 

 

Tshiven?a:

 

Ri?e sa ANC, ri khou tikedza houno Voutu ya Mugaganyagwama wa

 

10. Ndo livhuwa.

 

 

English:

 

Question put.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided.

 

 

Voting

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES.]

 

 

Agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 11 - Public Service and Administration - put

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided.

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

Question put.

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 12 - Public Service Commission - put

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

Question put.

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 13 - Public Works and Infrastructure - put

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Mr M A P DE BRUYN: Chairperson, with the current rate of corruption in the department, especially with regard to infrastructure, this budget, the same as the previous budget, cannot be trusted. As the Minister herself has admitted that South Africa is left with unfinished projects due to construction sector being the most corrupt in the country. And with all due respect, the fact that an anticorruption unit was brought to life is nothing to get excited about as we have time and again seen these units pop up with great enthusiasm only to be dismantled a year or two later with nothing to show for the expense of the unit itself.

 

 

With the dilapidated state of Infrastructure South Africa, it is shameful that this department has allowed this excessive corruption for so many years. Public Works and Infrastructure are a laughing stock at this stage and no amount of money will turn this department around as long as the officials underperform and ... [Inaudible.] ... with no real consequences. Therefore, the FF Plus would not be supporting this budget. Thank you.

 

 

Mr K M MMOIEMANG: Chairperson, the ANC rise in support of Vote No 13 by virtue of its centrality in enhancing government foremost in infrastructure programme and also its property portfolio. It is important to note our support because the programme and the plans are able to ensure that indeed job creation across all provinces utilising this infrastructure avenue is indeed well co-ordinated. This co-ordination is informed by our broader commitment to leverage the infrastructure development as part and parcel of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.

 

 

We do this also by identifying a window for opportunity for expanding the Expanded Public Works Programmes avenue so that we are able to reach out to the marginalised and the poor.

This programme has been strengthened to include skills

 

 

development that is indeed technically oriented so that we are able to ensure that the sustainability income through the creation of small business operations, particularly also ensuring that the artisanry platform is indeed enhanced. We are looking into opportunities like electricity, plumbing and many other areas.

 

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created economic hardship to many of the working class and the poor. Therefore, this programme has a responsibility to mitigate the devastating impact. There is much that needs to be done and improved and we appreciate the commitment made as we raise in the budget debate as displayed by the leadership of the department, particularly to ensure that it is done as we implement the critical infrastructure development programmes. We are to ensure that there is inclusive economic growth. We also want to ensure that at the centre of that, job creation, like as indicated, does happen.

 

 

The opposition has no concrete programme for ensuring social delivery to historically disadvantaged communicates and therefore no programme for transformation of the ordinary lives of South Africans. The opposition levels of criticism do not drive the programme of the department to forward in any progressive way to ensure that delivery and accountability in

 

 

Parliament takes place. The historical injustices of the apartheid past must be corrected at all levels and the work of the Department of Public Works is critical in that regard.

 

 

In conclusion, the ANC stands in support of Budget Vote No 13.

 

 

Sepedi:

 

Ke a leboga.

 

 

English:

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided.

 

 

Question put.

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 14-Statistics South Africa – put.

 

 

Declarations of votes:

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Chairperson, we are not going to be making any declaration but we want to state clear that we object to the Budget Vote due to the budget cuts. We are well known of supporting this vote throughout the years, including in the NA. Thank you, Chairperson.

 

 

Ms M N GILLION: Hon Deputy Chairperson, the ANC support this Budget Vote.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 15-Traditional Affairs – put.

 

 

Declaration of vote:

 

Mr Z MKIVA: Chairperson, I just wanted to say this is Zolani Mkiva. On behalf of the ANC, we fully support this Budget Vote and this Budget Vote is pretty much in line with what is expected by our rural communities in particular as well as the institution of traditional leadership in the country. We believe that through this Budget Vote, we will achieve the

 

 

objectives which are advanced by the government of the ANC. And therefore, we fully support this Budget Vote.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 16-Basic Education – put.

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Mr M A P DE BRUYN: Chairperson, for the sole coming of infrastructure at schools across South Africa, one can wonder how many children could have rather benefited from the

R7 billion spent on 320 000 in the system with no experience hired by the department to apparently aid teachers getting the Covid-19 pandemic ... [Inaudible.] ... per day.

 

 

Even before Covid there were never really no need for assistance for our teachers. Instead of allocating funds to better the quality of education or to promote mother tongue education so that every child regardless of race has the

 

 

opportunity to be educated in his or her own language. The department rather waste funds on unneeded assistance.

 

 

This is only one of many examples where this department keeps on failing the young people of South Africa. Year after year this budget is adjusted. And year after year, the conditions of schools worsened and the quality of education and standard drop. Until this department truly put the needs of education of our young people before reckless spending and corruption. The Freedom Plus will not be supporting this Budget Vote.

Thank you.

 

 

Ms S B LEHIHI: Minister ... [Inaudible.] ... Covid-19 in the country more especially on the young children below the age of

18 years. Are you not concern that you are not solving ... [Inaudible.] ...

 

 

Mr M I RAYI: Not oral questions.

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Rayi, can you allow hon Lehihi to continue. The sound is very bad but we can hear what she is saying. Can we please allow her to continue?

Continue, hon Lehihi.

 

 

Ms S B LEHIHI: Are you not concern that not closing schools even though the current infection rate includes young children unlike in the past. You and your department are basically exposing young kids to harmful and very vicious virus that will end their lives. How can as the department fail to comply with Covid-19 regulations and alert level three new rules where only 50 people are allowed to gather. Schools like Boitumelo and Tiragalo in the North West have over 60 students in classes.

 

 

Minister, let me put it to you that the death of a child in South Africa this year ... [Inaudible.] ... in your way. In February you said that you have lost more than 1 300 educators through Covid-19. Yes, you are not prepared to save the lives of young people ... [Inaudible.] ... Two days ago as part of the ... [Inaudible.] ... and spoke about your department alleviating against poverty and creating job opportunities for young people. Minister the job creation you are speaking about is a joke of a high note. You cannot potentially be proud that you have given job opportunity only for a period of four months. That is going to happen to the rest of the year until you take over 300 000 whom today you remain uncalled however you are bloating that you elevating poverty and you are

 

 

creating student’s opportunities as such. Young people want permanent jobs ...

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Three minutes has passed. Thank you, hon Lehihi.

 

 

Ms D C CHRISTIANS: Hon Deputy Chairperson, South Africa has far too many vulnerable children who are still deprived from quality basic education 27 years after democracy. Recently, the Covid-19 pandemic case emphases these challenges such as gaps in Early Child Development Services, disparity indigenous literacy as well as access to internet. Even more concerning has been escalated incidents of abuse because of extended period at home as well as the discontinuing of the only hot meal they received at school.

 

 

Yet, the Department of Basic Education’s budget is being cut by whopping R1,23 million from the school nutrition budget and R93 million from the curriculum development budget. There are still thousands of children walking to school, children who are exposed to danger and has it rain as they walk to and from schools because education is the only way out of poverty.

 

 

Children are not safe on our school premises because the department has been unable to eradicate mud schools, asbestos classrooms and pit toilets. Yet, the infrastructure budget has been cut by a massive R1,9 billion.

 

 

Chairperson, while the children of South Africa are not receiving quality education, while the children of South Africa are hungry and while the children of South Africa are not safe, we cannot support this budget. Thank you.

 

 

Ms N NDONGENI: Deputy Chair, morning.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Morning.

 

 

Ms N NDONGENI: The children of our nation and their development are critical aspects of creating a better future for the nation and better world. The cognitive development of the children is one area our democratic government should improve in order to improve learning outcomes.

 

 

Education as an apex priority of the ANC government is to ensure that all South Africans have equal opportunity to play the better life.

 

 

In the mist of high unemployment, growing poverty and equality education, our nation for self-liberation becomes a necessity in the allocation of the national budget. Since 1994, the ANC government has made significant qualitative improvement in the education centre from building new schools, providing different facilities and equipment to improve learning in our schools.

 

 

The department has made progress in closing the inequality gap between schools in rural and urban areas. The fact that schools that are producing excellent results is not just a reserve of urban privileges in schooling but also for schools in rural and farm areas demonstrated the progress in closing the equality gap.

 

 

The ANC resort on the migration of early child development for school development to Basic Education in order to improve the provision of Early Childhood Development, ECD. This is a critical intervention which seeks to improve the cognitive development of children to ensure that all children are ready to schooling with literacy and numeracy and ...

 

 

The Department of Basic Education will be piloting major programmes for the changing world by introducing introduction

 

 

of coding and robotic in our schools. This is development we welcome as prefer learners for the changing world.

 

 

Through different Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative and Infrastructure Grant. Infrastructure development has been a key area of focus by the department.

The ANC approves the Basic Education Budget Vote 16. The ANC support it because it responds to the social and economic means for the development and transformation of our country. Thanks, Chair.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 17 — Higher Education — put.

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Mr S F DU TOIT: Deputy Chair, we have a declaration.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

 

Agb Voorsitter, volgens statistiek was jeug werkloosheid

 

gedurende die eerste kwartaal van 2021 ’n verbysterende 46,3%.

 

 

English:

 

Statistics SA indicated that ... 7,2 million unemployed persons in the first quarter of 2021, more than half — 52,4% — had education levels below matric, followed by 37,7% of those with matric. Only 2,1% of unemployed persons were graduates, while 7,5% had another tertiary qualification at the highest level of education.

 

 

Is the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS, another one of the South African government’s fundraising avenues that costs money but doesn’t yield results?

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Die Departement van Hoër Onderwys het ’n begroting van

 

R358 miljard oor die medium termyn en daar is studente wat sonder hierdie finansiële hulp nie sou kon studeer nie, en wat wel ’n sukses van hul studies maak. Welgedaan aan julle. Maar, kry die belastingbetaler van Suid-Afrika egter altyd waarde vir geld wat spandeer word?

 

 

English:

 

 

This culture of entitlement is so ever present, especially in this arena.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Die VF Plus stel voor dat daar toeganklike lenings aan voornemende kwalifiserende studente toegestaan moet word, wat na afloop van hul suksesvolle studies weer aan die fonds terug betaal moet word om ander studente in staat te stel om hulself te bemagtig en ’n sin van verantwoordelikheid te kweek, eerder as om slegs gratis hoër onderwys te ontvang. Hierdie inisiatief sal ook studente aanmoedig om nie hul studies onnodig uit te rek nie en te fokus op hul studies eerder as protes.

 

 

English:

 

Taxpayers’ money is used to fund this ... [Inaudible.] ... and furthermore, the Public Protector is investigating NSFAS for the R7,5 billion it incurred in irregular expenditure. The FF Plus does not support this Vote. Thank you, Chair.

 

 

Ms D C CHRISTIANS: Hon Deputy Chairperson, R24,6 billion has been cut from the Higher Education and training budget over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period. These reductions are R6,8 billion on the allocation of NSFAS loans and

 

 

bursaries, R5 billion on university subsidies and

 

R947,1 million on the Technical and Vocational Education and Training, TVET, college infrastructure grant. The NSFAS remains an entity in crisis, unable to get its administration house in order, even though it has been placed under administration twice over the past decade. The scheme has racked up R6,8 billion in irregular expenditure and there is also evidence of a syndicated fraud operation and corruption that led to more than 440 000 ghost students being funded.

There are more than 106 000 students who have not received their certificates due to debt owed to universities. This debt is estimated at R14 billion, yet university subsidies have been cut by R5 billion.

 

 

The reduction of R947,1 million from the TVET college infrastructure grant further delays projects for TVET accommodation, workshop equipment, as well as the overall expansion of the entire sector. This also has a direct impact on the safety of students. This department continues to fail many students through the maladministration and corruption in NSFAS.

 

 

While there are students who are denied education because of an incapable and corrupt government, the DA will not support this budget. Thank you.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Chairperson, may I take this declaration on

 

behalf of hon Lehihi? She’s struggling with her gadgets.

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms S E Lucas): The

 

declaration belongs to the party. So you may continue.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Chairperson, the EFF rejects this Budget Vote of Higher Education ... proposed austerity budget. As a point of departure, we must register that the budget for Higher Education is, first of foremost, a product of the feeble- minded economic policies that define South Africa today. By this we mean that there is a broader agenda in this country to chronically underfund and cripple social welfare and developmental efforts through cutting public spending with no reasonable prospects of achieving people-centred growth.

 

 

Education, the cornerstone of any society and a fundamental developmental indicator, is a victim of this deliberate attempt to subject South Africa to a permanent junior status in the world. The budget plan tabled here, ratified by the

 

 

select committee, is nothing but an endorsement of a failed state — failure that has defined this department ever since the so-called communist known as Blade Nzimande occupied the position over a decade ago.

 

 

When the department was ... [Inaudible.] ...

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms S E Lucas): Order, hon

 

Mokause. If you refer to the Minister, just refer to the hon

 

...

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: ... place it under ... [Inaudible.] We object to this Budget Vote. Thank you.

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms S E Lucas): Can we just correct the fact that you didn’t address the Minister properly. Can you just refer to this person as the hon Blade Nzimande please?

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Mr Blade Nzimande ... [Inaudible.]

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms S E Lucas): I didn’t

 

hear what you said but it’s fine. Hon Nchabeleng?

 

 

Mr M E NCHABELENG: Hon Deputy Chair, my bandwidth is compromised, so I will speak with my video off. Hon members, developing human capability is a key propeller of development and economic growth. The skills revolution requires a capable postschooling sector. The Higher Education Budget Vote responds to the need of expanding higher education and enabling the provision of quality higher education. The increase in financial aid support by NSFAS has enabled access for the poor. Our ... [no sound]

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms S E Lucas): Hon

 

Nchabeleng? Issues of bandwidth? We’ll give it a few seconds.

 

It seems as if the hon Nchabeleng is not coming back. So ...

 

 

Mr E M MTHETHWA: Can I finish, Chair?

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms S E Lucas): Hon

 

Mthethwa, if you have the declaration you may. Like I said, this is for the party, so you may.

 

 

Mr E M MTHETHWA: Lastly, the ANC supports this Budget Vote.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 18 – Health – put.

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Mr M A P DE BRUYN: Deputy Chairperson, with South Africa officially being in the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Department of Health is also the unfortunately the joke of the world. No other country has wasted so much funds, equipment, personal protective equipment, PPEs, vaccines and so forth as South Africa. The millions of vaccines that was and are again destroyed for various reasons clearly highlights the incompetence of this department and the lack of leadership and accountability. The state of hospitals and clinics are devastating, service delivery is shocking, hygienic conditions in healthcare centres are appalling and access to quality healthcare is non-existent. Corruption sends Digital Vibes to the spine and the list just goes on and on.

 

 

This is truly testament of the lack of regard government has for its citizens, - not only in general but also sadly in times of crises. No one in good conscience can support a government that is malfunctioning in every way imaginable. The FF Plus will certainly not support this budget.

 

 

Mr M R BARA: Deputy Chairperson, hon members, we are confronted with the third wave of the coronavirus pandemic whilst the vaccine rollout is not at the pace that we thought it would be. Numbers are rising at the faster pace in provinces like Gauteng. It is therefore quite critical and urgent that we gather pace in ensuring that South Africans do get the jabs.

 

 

It is of high concern that at this time Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize is alleged to be involved in the awarding of an irregular contract R150 million to a communications company Digital Vibes. We trust that the Special Investigative Unit, SIU, will get to the bottom of it with the Minister on special leave granted by the President.

 

 

Now that the acting Minister has been appointed, it is critical that South Africans are not punished for the transgressions of a Minister alleged to stuck his hands in the national cookie jar of public funds for personal benefit.

Acting Minister Kubayi-Ngubane has to hit the ground running. The vaccine rollout has been slow and has to move faster.

 

 

We welcome the move of 60-year olds walk-ins to be allowed without prior registration. However, it is of utmost

 

 

importance that all frontline and healthcare workers be completely vaccinated for they still remain vulnerable to the third wave of COVID-19 virus. Acting Minster’s priority should be to ensure continuity with all senior management in the department working along the Deputy Minister. once again, South Africans cannot be made to suffer shoddy services in the middle of a global pandemic. With President Ramaphosa waiting on SIU in order to act we are counting on Minister Kubayi- Ngubane to work as much as she could to get her priorities straight and her basics right. Thank you, Chairperson.

 

 

Ms M N GILLION: Chairperson, as the ANC we rise in support of Budget Vote 18. We do so because of the significant role it has in promoting the health system and accessibility for all South Africans. The revised strategic plans and annual performance plans for 2021-22 Financial Year validates the redirection and impact in promoting health care based on the primary health care approach.

 

 

The ANC-led government has set four priorities for the 2021-22 Financial Year. We accept and acknowledge the reprioritisation of the allocation of funds to defeat the COVID0-19 pandemic.

The budget will continue to hone in COVID-19 interventions as more efforts are put in place towards intensifying and

 

 

preventing the spread of the disease through non- pharmaceutical interventions and offering vaccinations to all eligible people in a phased manner in line with the vaccine rollout plan.

 

 

Deputy Chairperson, the third wave is upon and we are in the second phase of the roll out plan. We have experienced challenges with our vaccine rollout plan whilst the opposition largely the DA and EFF, have complained without given solutions about the manner in which the roll out plan has been administered.

 

 

We have received a firm commitment from the department that the challenges that have been confronted the system are being systematically and expediently addressed. The 300 000 that is expected to be in the country by Friday 18 June 2021 will be earmark for teachers are non-teaching staff and more vaccines will make their way to speed up what has been a slow start to the inoculation programme. We are aware of these challenges and we are keeping a firm eye on the commitment made. Unlike other ... [no sound] ... opposition parties, solutions based and working with communities through our constituencies to address challenges raised and expediting the vaccine rollout plan. Subsequently, we have to work together to ensure that we

 

 

defeat COVID-19 pandemic. We raise concerns under budget reduction of the 2021-22 Financial Year.

 

 

The implementation of the health insurance must happen and we have to work collectively together to ensure that all South Africans are afforded equal healthcare without fear or favour. The ANC supports Budget Vote 18. I thank you, Deputy Chair.

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

AYES-30: Bartlett, M; Bebee, L C; Carrim, Y I; Dube-Ncube, N; Gillion, M N; Lekganyane, N M; Lwana,V; Mahlangu, D G; Maleka, A D; Malema, P; Masondo, A N; Matibe, T B; Mncube, B; Mmoiemang, K M; Modise, T C; Mohai, S J; Moshodi, M L; Mthethwa, M E; Nchabeleng, M E; Ncitha, Z V; Ndongeni, N; Nkosi, E; Nkopane, N; Ntsube, I; Nyambi, A J; Phaladi- Digamela, R; Rayi, M I; Rosho, M Z; Sekoati, S C; Shaikh, S. NOES-18: Aucamp, W A S; Bara, M R; Boshoff, H S; Brauteseth, T J; Christians, D C; De Bruyn, M A P; Du Toit, S F; Lehihi, S; Londt, J J; Mathevula, B T; Michalakis, G; Mokause, M O; Nhanha, M; Ryder, D R; Sileku, I M; Smit, C F B; Visser, C; Zandemela, S.

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 19 - Social Development – put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Ms D C CHRISTIANS: Hon Deputy Chairperson, an estimated 40 millions of people go to bed hungry every night in South Africa and 31% of people are depended on social welfare currently. The country’s economy continues to be severely affected yet the Department of Social Development would do very little to alleviate this. As over the next three years, the social grants budget will decrease by a whopping R36 billion. Programme 2, social assistance will decrease by R5,9 billion.

 

 

This means that the Child Support Grant is cut by R14,5 billion. This reduction will plunge many vulnerable further into poverty and desperation. Programme 4, welfare services, is reduced by R745 million. This is despite the fact that South Africa has one of the highest gender-based violence cases than the rest of the world with the femicide that is five times higher than the global average.

 

 

The Department of Social Development and SA Social Security Agency, Sassa have no concrete plans to stop poverty and hunger in South Africa as it sadly becoming rooted in every city, every suburb and every community around the country. Well, this government continues to loot the country’s coffers while the people of South Africa remain poor and hungry. The DA cannot support this budget. Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

 

 

Mr X NGWEZI: Hon Deputy Chairperson, please allow me not to show my video because of network issues. IFP welcomes the budget of R3,7 billion allocated to the Department of Social Development in this financial year. In a previous debate, we indicated our support for the budget cut of R163 million in the 2021-22 financial year considering the existing fiscal consolidations. Despite these, we are concerned with the cuts made in the transfer payments to NPOs post amounting to R16,7million. We are worried that NPOs will not be able to provide their full range of services in this financial year and we sadly expect an increase in the social distress that will manifest in various forms such as gender-based violence, suicides, prostitution and substance abuse.

 

 

It is ironic that as an intended consequence this department will be promoting the very social ills that it is charged with

 

 

preventing. Therefore, we are saddened that corruption and crime are adding on the burden of the already compromised budget. The corruption scandal in KwaZulu-Natal where more than R30 million was spent in irregular personal protective equipment is unacceptable. Given the budget cuts for this financial year, we are worried that more corrupt activities will undermine the fight against poverty in our provinces. But with that being said, we support the budget hon Deputy Chairperson. Thank you.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Hon Chairperson, before hon Maleka, with due respect, can we be allowed to correct the statement that I made before and then we allowed to make a declaration?

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Mokause, you may continue.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Thank you, Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP. The EFF objects to this budget vote. Unemployment rate in South Africa has been persistently highly overtime. Above 20% over the last decade, South Africa’s unemployment rate rose to 35% in 2020 from 30,8%. It has been noted that Covid-19 has contributed to the rising poverty and deepening of inequality within the South African economy. It is an insult that this

 

 

department has people over this R350 special Covid-19 social relief of distress grant that has put our poor lives in more dangerous situations when it comes into infections and being infected with this pandemic.

 

 

It does not make why such an important department would make so much cuts in its budget. The largest contributor to the budget decline is the budget cuts of social relief of distress subprogram from R17,96 billion to R2,535 billion in 2021-22 financial year. This grant provides temporal income support, food parcels and other forms of relief people are experiencing undue hardships. Chairperson, we therefore cannot support this budget, thank you.

 

 

Ms A D MALEKA: Hon Deputy Chairperson, the ANC rises in support of the Budget Vote 19, Social Development. Deputy Chairperson, social development is important not only to our goal of poverty eradication, social inclusion and social cohesion. It is primary to the promotion and preservation of the right to dignity of our people. Therefore, this vote enables the ANC-led government to deepen its efforts to empower people and ensure that safety nets are in place to cushion the poor and the most vulnerable.

 

 

This vote progressively ensures that through the application of the development, social and welfare approach, the National Development Agency, NDA, the department and SA Social Security Agency, Sassa begin to collectively contribute to socioeconomic uplift of beneficiaries. Empirical evidence supports the progressive move as impacts studies conducted by the department and academic institutions revealed the significant impact of the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant of the lives of millions.

 

 

Work is underway to connect beneficiaries with employment opportunities, skills development, bursaries, internships programmes and entrepreneurial programmes such as forming co- operatives and small businesses as well as to ensure sustainable livelihood opportunities to enhance community development throughout the country. We commend the platform that will be created for informal workers to participate in the social security coverage. All of this is not worthy because it is increasingly shifting the focus of the department and the two entities towards the practical unlocking of human capabilities into actualities driving sustainable livelihoods supporting transversal partnership and taking stock to our people.

 

 

Opposing is what the opposition parties exist for. As usually they fail to bring substantive issues which will contribute to the preservation and protection of the dignity of all of our people. Social development is not a portfolio we should be fighting over with but we should be working collectively and using it as a vehicle to improve the quality of lives for our people. The ANC believes that this vote continues to have the potential to contribute in qualitative improvement of lives of our people and eradicating poverty. The ANC supports the Budget Vote 19 of Social Development. Thank you.

 

 

Division called.

 

 

Voting.

 

 

Question Put.

 

 

Agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 20 – Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities - put

 

 

Declarations of Vote: Setswana:

 

 

Moh S LEHIHI: Motlatsamodulasetilo, ditheo le mabala a bašwa, ba ba tla iponelang ditlhabologo tseno, di fetogile dikhutlwana tsa boikhutso, bakeng sa mmuso o o sa kgathaleleng bašwa ... [Tsenoganong.] ... Tota motsogapele o ne a nepile fa a re, setšhaba se se se nang bašwa se a nyelela.

 

 

English:

 

There is absolutely nothing that the government is doing to empower non-governmental organisations, NGOs, and non-profit organisations, NPOs, in communities that are offering services to people living with disability. Minister, let us take ... [Inaudible.] ... for example, in the North West, there are over 10 NGOs, that are taking care of people living with disabilities, but as it is right now, there has never been financial support whatsoever towards these NGOs. The majority of the medical staff and the volunteers that are working in these NGOs did not receive anything from the government.

 

 

If they stop providing their services, what is going to happen from the majority of the people in those homes? For a very long time, people living with disabilities have been neglected by this government. Minister, do you even have a database on all the NGOs in the country that are providing services for

 

 

people living with disabilities. Is there a caring Minister that takes care of the responsibilities of the vulnerable?

 

 

Setswana:

 

A o na le maikaelelo a go bona gore basadi le bana ba ba tshelang ka bogole ba fiwa tlhokomelo le tshegetso e e maleba? Ga ke tshepe fa lefapha la gago le buelela ditokelo tsa basadi le bana ba ba tshelang ka bogole. Seno o se lemoga fa o tsena mo dikagong di le dintsi tsa ... [Go sa utlwale.] ... mme seo se tlhabisa ditlhong bakeng sa puso. Go tla fitlhelela leng gore re nnele go tsewa jaaka batho ba ba paletsweng? Ke a leboga, Motlatsamodulasetilo.

 

 

Ms M L MAMAREGANE: Hon Deputy Chairperson, as we celebrated June 16 early this week, let me first pay homage and commemorate the youth of 1976 who stood up fiercely against the oppressive government of apartheid. Young people today are facing numerous challenges such as high levels of unemployment, gender-based violence, poverty and mental health related issues. All these could have contributed to the high levels of unemployment, which were exacerbated.

 

 

However, the struggles of the young people can never be ignored, that is why through the Presidential initiatives such

 

 

as SA Mobi, in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency, NYDA, creates platforms, pathways and networks for young people to get access to work opportunities. These also includes programmes that train youth in skills required for job opportunities and funding of youth entrepreneurs.

 

 

The NYDA is currently running an initiative of supporting 15000 youth start-up as announced by the President. Hon Deputy Chairperson, the government takes into serious consideration gender-based violence in a manner that it introduced the three Gender-Based Violence Bill that will help to fight gender- based violence and femicide by being harsher to sex offenders and perpetrators of gender-based violence. As government, we want to ensure that we can never fail women, children and members of the LGBTQIA+ and all the members of the country.

 

 

It is unacceptable that some members of the society can enjoy their freedom, and some cannot. We must instil a culture of tolerance in our society. The government alone cannot fight gender-based violence. We need all members of society to fight this scourge. We need communities, families and friends to be in the spirit of fighting gender-based violence. The ANC moves in support of Vote 20 of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. I thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: The Vote is agreed to. The objections of the FF Plus, EFF and DA are noted. Hon Du Toit, do you want to repeat?

 

 

Mr S F Du TOIT: No, I am covered, thank you Deputy Chair.

 

 

THE HOUSE SUSPENDED AT 13:12 AND RESUMED AT 14:01

 

 

Vote No 21 – Civilian Secretariat for the Police Service - Put

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

AYES-27: Bartlett, M; Bebee, L C; Carrim, Y I; Dangor, M; Dube-Ncube, N; Gillion, M N; Mahlangu, D G; Maleka, A D; Malema, P; Masondo, A N; Matibe, T B; Mamaregane, M L; Mkiva, Z; Mmoiemang, K M; Modise, T C; Mohai, S J; Moshodi, M L; Mthethwa, M E; Ncitha, Z V; Ndongeni, N; Nkosi, E; Nkopane, N; Njadu, E Z; Ntsube, I; Nyambi, A J; Rayi, M I; Shaikh, S.

 

 

NOES-16: Aucamp, W A S; Bara, M R; Boshoff, H S; Brauteseth, T J; Christians, D C; De Bruyn, M A P; Du Toit, S F; Lehihi, S;

 

 

Londt, J J; Mathevula, B T; Michalakis, G; Mokause, M O; Ryder, D R; Sileku, I M; Smit, C F B; Visser, C.

 

 

Vote agreed to AGREED TO.

 

 

Vote 22 – Correctional Services – Put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Mr K MOTSAMAI: Thank Chairperson. The EFF rejects the budget vote. We are not in support with the parole system which the Minister highlighted the Parliament Committee about the state that you serve only five years if you were sentenced to 25 years which does not even categorise the kind of crime you are charged with. We reject it hon Minister.

 

 

Mr S J MOHAI: Why is hon Motsamai fighting when there is no need to fight?

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: [INTERJECTIONS.] Chairperson hon Motsamai is not fighting.

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Order all of you. Hon Mthethwa continue.

 

 

Mr E M MTHETHWA: Thank you very much Deputy Chairperson. The ANC raises in support of the of this Budget Vote 22, Correctional Services. As expanse in the Freedom Charter that the imprisonment should only be for serious crimes and should aim at re-education and not just [Inaudible]. The ANC position is one of the rehabilitating offenders, equip them with the necessary skills, reintegrate them back into society as law abiding citizens and having them contribute to the economy again.

 

 

Chair, the Department of Correctional Services is a critical component in the criminal justice system and it contributes to the humane detention of offenders and remain detained.

 

 

This vote contributed to the rehabilitation and social reintegration of offenders back into the communities. The Department of Correctional Services effectively contributes to the capable and ethical development state to social cohesion and served community as envisaged by the national development plan in 2004.

 

 

The department adopted the White Paper on correctional services as a policy document which lays out a vision for the department.

 

 

In the 2004 while the paper takes what is entrenched in the Constitution to a higher level in that it defines the rehabilitation as a core business of the department. The constitution provides the minimum standard of humane detention by those not articulating a right to rehabilitation services for offenders and inmates in particular.

 

 

This Chapter 3 of the White Paper details that correctional services is a societal responsibility and envisaged that members of the public will support internal rehabilitation programme.

 

 

The White Paper place the family at the primary level and the community in institutions at a secondary level at which correctional must take place. The department is placed at a tertiary level. The objective of this rehabilitation processes as summarized as in the White Paper is focused on correcting the offender’s behaviour, enhancing human development and promoting social responsibility and positive social value among offenders.

 

 

Various initiatives are spread ahead by the department to ensure that the offenders are not just incarcerated but

 

 

provided with programmes to skill them, address their criminal behaviour and shape their perspective on honest living.

 

 

Rehabilitating offenders and equip them with the necessary skills after incarcerated with contributing to a safe South Africa. Moreover, effective rehabilitation will contribute to reduce [Inaudible.] It must be safe and in human in line with the indicators of the Constitution. The ANC support this Budget Vote 22. I thank you.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 23 – Defence – put.

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Afrikaans:

 

Mnr S F DU TOIT: Dankie, agb Voorsitter.

 

 

English:

 

The military website ‘global firepower’ has published its military strength rankings for 2021, featuring 138 countries, South Africa ranked 32nd, behind Egypt, behind Algeria.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Finansiële uitdagings word as die grootste probleem ... wat die verdediging geïdentifiseer. Oorspandering op die salaris komponent en onderspandering op die instandhouding van voertuie en wapentuig is ’n groot bron tot kommer. En dan, die Kubane.

 

 

English:

 

National Treasury’s expenditure overview for the Minister’s area of responsibility notes the Department of Defence’s core activities are labour intensive, accounting for 61,4%, that’s R88,4 billion of its total expenditure of R140,2 billion over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, period.

 

 

The department spent more than R1 billion on Cuban mechanics instead of employing South Africans ... [Inaudible.] ... mouths ...

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

[Onhoorbaar.] ... weereens ’n bewys dat die ANC regering nie oor die welstand en veiligheid van Suid-Afrikaanse burgers besorg is nie. Ons landsgrense is nie veilig nie. Ekstremiste gluur deur die stukkende grensdraad maar Kuba kry voorkeur.

Die VF Plus ondersteun nie die begroting nie.

 

 

Setswana:

 

Rre K MOTSAMAI: Motlatsamodulasetilo, ga re tshegetse tlhopho ya tekanyetsokabo eno ka gonne baeteledipele jwa mafapha a puso ba na le dinwagangwaga ba senya le go itshunya mo mererong ya Lefapha la Bodiredi ba Tshireletso ya Naga le tiriso botlhaswa ya matlole a lefapha leno.

 

 

Ka jalo, ga re tshegetse tlhopho ya tekanyetsokabo ya lefapha leno. Ke a leboga, Motlatsamodulasetilo.

 

 

Mr M E NCHABELENG: Deputy Chair, the ANC supports and welcomes Budget Vote 23 for the 2021 financial year. The budget vote plays a central and key role in the process of implementing the mandate of the department. This budget vote is an instrument of policy implementation of the mandate of the South African defence.

 

 

It is through this budget vote that the SA National Defence Force, SANDF, will continue to protect the people of South Africa and territorial borders of the Republic.

 

 

It through this budget that the defence force will be able to continue protecting the people of South Africa and most importantly, to fight against any possible illegal invasion by

 

 

either state or non-state groups in these trying times of coronavirus pandemic, where states are facing challenges and are vulnerable to such actions.

 

 

The SANDF deployed 8 119 of regular personnel and reserve members to provide support to some government departments in fighting and combating COVID-19 through road blocks and patrols.

 

 

We are committed in transforming the department and hold it accountable on the use of the public funds, in particular the supply chain management department.

 

 

The budget will benefit all South Africans as it will enhance the programmes of the SA National Defence Force, particular the youth and women.

 

 

It is out of this budget that the South African people will be protected from any possible threat at the borders and internally.

 

 

Therefore, the ANC supports and welcomes Budget Vote 23, Deputy Chairperson. And I thank you.

 

 

Division called.

 

 

Voting.

 

 

Question put.

 

 

Agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 24 – Independent Police Investigative Directorate –

 

put.

 

 

Division called.

 

 

Voting.

 

 

Question put.

 

 

Agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 25 – Justice and Constitutional Development - put

 

 

Mr K MOTSAMAI: We don’t support the Budget Vote and there is

 

no declaration.

 

 

Ms S SHAIKH: Hon Deputy Chair, I think in the interest of time, I won’t make a full declaration but just to indicate that the ANC supports Budget Vote No 25. Thank you very much.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting)

 

 

Vote No 26 – Military Veterans – put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Mr K MOTSAMAI: Deputy Chairperson, we don’t support Budget Vote of Military Veterans. The beneficiaries of Military Veterans continue to live in poverty after they loved ones have passed on. They cannot even receive proper healthcare, even shelter to stay in. With that, we don’t support this Budget Vote. I thank you.

 

 

Mr M E NCHABELENG: Deputy Chairperson, the ANC support Vote No

 

26. Its only through this Budget Vote that the mandate of the Military Veterans Act will be implemented. The Department of Military Veterans is charged with a responsibility of providing support to the Military Veterans. The support that is required can only be provided through the Budget, in this nature. It is through this Budget that we will be able to

 

 

implement the mandate of the department and ensure that we improve the lives of the Military Veterans.

 

 

The Budget will help in ensuring that the programme of providing houses, free health service and education support given to Military Veterans and their dependants. The programme will provide support financially for tuition for both the children of the Military Veterans and the veterans themselves, and be implemented.

 

 

Through Budget Vote 26, it will enhance the work of the department. The Budget will benefit both the Military Veterans and their dependants while responding to the challenges that are faced by Military Veterans and their dependants. The Budget will continue to assist in the programme of building houses for the Military Veterans. The ANC welcomes Vote 26 as it will provide the necessary support for the department to fulfil its political and statutory mandate of providing support to the war veterans and ex-combatants. I thank you, Deputy Chair.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Inkatha Freedom Party, Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 27 - Office of The Chief Justice - put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Deputy Chairperson, we want to put it on record that we do support the Office of the Chief Justice. But, what we are not supporting is the Budget cuts towards this office because this is a very important office of the safeguarding of democracy and for holding all in society to account to whatever crime that is happening in this country. It is therefore concerning that there are allegations that some Judges may be in the pockets of politicians, particularly of the clique now leading the country to distraction.

 

 

The courts are the last line of defence for the people of this country who face bleak future because of leaders who have no interest in the development of this country, but who are obsessed with making money for themselves and their families. When the people of this country rise up to the challenge, this despotic and corrupt tendencies, the courts must never seek to close ranks with the rich and powerful.

 

 

Ms N E NKOSI: Deputy Chairperson, greetings to your good self, the Chairperson of the NCOP, members of the NCOP and the Chief

 

 

Whip, the ANC rises in support of the Budget Vote. Section 24 of the Constitution guarantees access to courts and other independent tribunals or forums. Unless ordinary people have access to courts and independent forums or tribunals to resolve their disputes, the version of society based on the rule of law, is envisaged by the Constitution will not be realised.

 

 

The right to effectively the representation and indispensable components of access to justice. As articulated by our forebears, personal liberty and freedom can only be guaranteed if judicial power is separated from legislative and executive power. The ANC’s 52nd National Conference resolved that the Chief Justice, as head of the judicial authority, should exercise authority and responsibility over the development and implementation of norms and standard for the exercise of judicial functions, such as the allocation of Judges, cases and courtrooms within all the court system and administration of courts, including any allocation of resources, financial management and policy matters relating to the administration of justice.

 

 

The Constitution 17th amendment entrenched the independence of the courts and acknowledged the Chief Justice as the head of

 

 

the judiciary who exercises the responsibility over the establishment and monitoring of norms and standards for the exercise of the judiciary functions of all courts. The Budget Vote, as a separate Vote, is a reflection of the ANC’s commitment to the doctrine of the separation of powers, a judiciary-led independence separation of administration and strengthen judiciary governance.

 

 

Despite the challenges passed by COVID-19, the Chief Justice directives and various measures by government, have ensured that courts and public service remains functional. The Office of the Chief Justice contributes to Chapter 14 of the National Development Plan, NDP, priority of strengthening judicial governance and the rule of law providing training to the judges and aspirant judges through South African Judiciary Education Institute.

 

 

With the Fourth Industrial Revolution upon us and the growing use of technology, South African Judiciary Education Institute, SAJEI, introduced online training platform. ...

[Interjections.] ... As I conclude, the South African Judiciary Education Institute has introduced an online portal for the easy access of training material by judicial officials.

 

 

The Office of the Chief Justice has partially implemented the court online system in the Gauteng Division of the High Court. This court online is an advantage outline based collaboration which is aimed at providing a platform to legal practitioners or litigants to file documents to the courts electronically over the internet. The ANC supports the Budget Vote No 27.

Chairperson, I submit.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 28 — Police — put.

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Mr X NGWEZI: Thank you very much hon Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP and I am sorry, may I be allowed not to appear hear?

 

 

The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: That’s fine.

 

 

Mr X NGWEZI: Thank you very much, hon Deputy Chairperson and hon members. The IFP takes notes of the high stats in crimes that are actually happening in this country and the lives that are vulnerable. And calls on the Department of Police to

 

 

actually increase its support that is given to the communities. But, also we are not happy as the IFP about the delays that are actually happening in the Department of Police, especially that of the applications of the competence to possess firearms and also the firearm licences and this matter has been in the public domain. And there seems to be very little assistance with that regard and but even if that is the case, then we support this budget vote but we are very worried and we request that urgent interventions be actually put in place to address those concerns. Thank you.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Mnr S F DU TOIT: Agb Adjunkvoorsitter, ek wil begin deur die mans en vroue in blou, wat ten spyte van al die uitdagings, politieke druk en tekort aan hulpbronne, steeds onverpoos hul werk met oorgawe doen en ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... landsburgers beskerm, te bedank. [Onhoorbaar.] ... tans met ’n tekort aan bekwame, opgeleide polisielede met voldoende toerusting en werkende voertuie.

 

 

English:

 

Deputy Chair, at this moment South African Police Services, SAPS, ... [Inaudible.] ... of the crime monstering the country. Deputy Chair, 58 people are killed per day, 116 are

 

 

raped per day. According to Independent Police Investigative Directorate, IPID, every 20 hours a person is killed on average as a result of police action.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Uit ’n verslag van 2019 wat op ’n vraag van Dr Pieter Groenewald van die VF Plus deur Mnr Bheki Cele beantwoord was, het dit geblyk dat die Suid-Afrikaanse Polisie, SAP, meer as 9,5 miljoen rondes ammunisie en 4 357 wapens verloor het, en hierdie tendens van die SAP wat wapens verloor duur voort.

 

 

English:

 

Some 2 000 firearms that were in police possession between 2007 and 2015 were stolen by SAPS member these guns were sold to gangs in the country. But according to News24, it’s believed that 1066 murders were carried out with these guns. And some of these firearms were stolen from police possession can be linked to the death of about 89 children. The Central Firearms Registry has a huge backlog and Mr Cele is outspoken that he wants no private citizen to own a guns for self- defence.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

 

Die afgelope drie maande is daar nog 84 polisievuurwapens in Gauteng gesteel. Die wettige vuurwapeneienaars het die reg om hulself te verdedig indien hul lewens bedreig word. Dit kan nie toegelaat word dat daardie reg ons ontneem word nie. Die VF Plus sê, lisensieer die eienaar en registreer die vuurwapen. Die brutaliteit van misdaad neem toe en ons almal het die reg om die veiligheid van ons kinders en ons gesinne te beskerm. Ons kan nie hierdie begroting goedkeur nie. Dankie Adjunkvoorsitter.

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Deputy Chairperson, as the EFF we object without the declaration. Thank you.

 

 

Mr G MICHALAKIS: Deputy Chair, every year we stand here to oppose the Police Budget after the murder rate in this country has again gone up under the ANC-led government. In a few minutes the ANC will rise and do a declaration supporting this budget. They will claim that they are not doing so because they are too spineless to go against the party line in the interest of the people. If they are not, at leaves one option, they are in favour of the budget. They cannot be in favour of it with reservations, Deputy Chair. It’s their government’s budget, they have the power to fix it.

 

 

So, let’s go through what we oppose and what the ANC supports.

 

We say no to an increase in budget to protect politicians. They ANC says yes to more body guards for ANC politicians. We say no to a budget that leave 85 000 people of Bonteheuwel without a police station with yet another year. The ANC says yes to a budget that will do nothing to equip specialised units to deal with gangsterism. We say no to a budget that will not deal with the backlog of forensic lapse, with firearms registration applications. The ANC says yes, to wasting money whilst rapists go free and rapist within the South African Police Service, SAPS ranks don’t get fired. We say no to legislation that will take away the right to self- defence. The ANC says to a budget that will do nothing ... [Inaudible.] We say no to ... [Inaudible.] ... salaries to officer generals when police officers have to serve in some places in this country as a many as 1800 people per officer. And the ANC gets excited at the thought of police vehicles standing on the bricks in scrapyard.

 

 

Instead of a police service that is tough on crime and can be trusted by civilian, the ANC and its ... [Inaudible.] ...

Minister has transform this service into an irrational force that would rather arrest someone who breaks curfew than a municipal official who steals and plunders. This is what the

 

 

ANC if voting for today. The people of South Africa don’t feel

 

safe.

 

 

There’s a handful of decent police who try their best, whilst the rest flame the corruption and the abuse of power. That handful deserves better than Minister Bheki Cele. We, South Africans deserve better than the ANC. The ANC will vote in favour of putting your lives at risk in a few minutes. We as the DA cannot do this. Thank you, Deputy Chair.

 

 

Ms N E NKOSI: Thank you very much hon Deputy Chair, indeed the ANC will vote in favour of the vote. The ANC welcomes the budget and vote for Budget Vote 28 of 2021. The main role of the South African Police Service is to ensure that all South Africans live in a secure, safe and protected society. The South African Police Service is charged with a responsibility to make sure that violent crimes are reduced by 50% in a decade.

 

 

The fight against the gender-based violence continues to be a priority for the South African Police Service. There is a need to ensure that the people viewed as the vulnerable groups in our society receive more protection from the police.

 

 

The Budget Vote will enhance the campaign by police on youth, children and the vulnerable group as they are doing today.

There’s has a deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA backlog in the last couple of months which made it difficult for the cases of rape and murder crimes to be concluded. However, we have found the solution and there is progress done in addressing the backlog. And the budget vote will enhance the police in doing their work and to ensure the perpetrators of gender-based violence are prosecuted and sentenced when found guilty.

 

 

The budget vote will assist in intensifying the work of family violence, child protection and Sexual Offensive Unit, which conduct the offences of this nature and further provide support to the victims in this regard. The Budget Vote 28, will further enhance the work of the police in addressing the backlog in the firearm registry and ensure that the clarion call of the department of making South Africa a safe and secure place for all is fulfilled.

 

 

It is through the Budget Vote 28 that we shall make South Africa a safe place for all and therefore as the ANC, we are in support of Budget Vote 28, Deputy Chairperson. Thank you very much.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided: [ Take in from minutes.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 29 – Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development –

 

put.

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Afrikaans:

 

Mnr S F DU TOIT: Dankie Adjunkvoorsitter.

 

 

English:

 

The vultures are circling around our country. More and more people are dependent on the state because of the government’s skewed ideology and mismanagement. More and more people are going to bed hungry as a result of this but still we are set in old ways. National Treasury has indicated that the Land Bank defaulted on its debt in April 2020 and received

R7 billion in recapitalisation in the medium term to put it on

 

a stable and sustainable path. We’ll see how that plays out.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

 

Die Landbank bevind hom tans in so ’n groot finansiële dilemma dat hy geen lenings in die buiteland meer kry nie. Die Landbank het sowat 50% van sy betalende kliënte die trekpas gegee aangesien hy nie in staat is om aan hul leningsbehoeftes te voorsien nie. Ten spyte hiervan, bly die Landbank se fokus

... transformasie en hulpverlening aan die regeringsbegunstigdes wat nie noodwendig grond as sekuriteit vir lenings kan bied nie.

 

 

English:

 

The Land Bank recorded a loss of R2,8 billion in the financial year 2019-2020.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Die Landbank het aangedui dat indien die regering met onteiening sonder vergoeding slaag, die Landbank se verantwoordelikheid sal groei en sy uitgawe behoefte meer sal wees. Die ironie is dat dit nie tans aan die huidige behoeftes sal voorsien nie, dat die finansiële fiskus sal verklein en dat beleggings in Suid-Afrika omtrent nul sal wees.

 

 

English:

 

Expropriation of land without compensation will not just take place. Think of the implications.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Die VF Plus ondersteun nie hierdie begroting nie.

 

 

Die ADJUNKVOORSITTER VAN DIE NRVP (Me S E Lucas): Dankie agb Du Toit. Agb Beyers Smit, wil jy ...

 

 

Mnr C F B SMIT: Ek wil ’n deklarasie maak asseblief,

 

Adjunkvoorsitter.

 

 

Die ADJUNKVOORSITTER VAN DIE NRVP (Me S E Lucas): Dan kan jy

 

voortgaan.

 

 

Mr C F SMIT: Hon Deputy Chairperson, when will this ANC-led government remove their blinkers and get over their group mentality and belief that black South Africans cannot function as individuals, but have to be forced into group activities and ownership? We were born as individuals who have different ideas, different needs and different dreams. We were not born as a group. [Interjections.]

 

 

AN HON MEMBER: That’s racist and ... [Interjections.]

 

 

Mr C F SMIT: Groups are formed voluntarily by people who share a common interest by choice. But this government is obsessed

 

 

with forcing people to do what they want because it makes them feel important and powerful. This budget does not speak to individual ownership and opening up of choices for people. The DA demands individual full title deed for the property of every single South African and more specifically those communities who stay on communally-managed land with government as a babysitter. The DA will not support this oppressive Budget Vote. Thank you.

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Deputy Chairperson, I’ll take the declaration on behalf of hon Arnolds. Let me put it categorically clear that expropriation of land without compensation is going to happen in our lifetime. We are going to start with those thieves, the descendants of Jan van Riebeeck who still sit with our farms, and give them to black people.

 

 

The ANC-led government promised in 1994 to return 30% of land to black people by 1999. Today, less than 10% of the land is in the hands of black people. The landless people of South Africa demand their land and it is going to happen in our lifetime.

 

 

The state under your government has dismally failed in their mandate to transform and better lives of the majority of the

 

 

landless in this country. After 27 years since the attainment of political freedom the majority of black people are still landless.

 

 

Minister, this department is one of the most incompetent departments that lack the ability to resolve land claims lodged since 1998 with only 9 033 claims outstanding. While our people remain landless, as the EFF, we are not going to support this Budget Vote and we are going to push for expropriation of South African land without compensation.

Those who want to leave South Africa can freely do so. Black people will ultimately receive their land in our lifetime.

Thank you.

 

 

Ms T C MODISE: Deputy Chairperson, the ANC is the only party with a progressive land reform policy with three known key pillars: land restitution, land redistribution and security of land tenure. Vote 29 is equally progressive as it will fund the programme aimed at fundamentally transforming and growing our agricultural economy. It will help to increase its share of contribution to the country’s gross domestic product, GDP.

 

 

The lack of transformation in the agricultural sector is most visible in the province of the Western Cape whereas the

 

 

farming enterprise is characterised by economies of scale and use advanced technology in the sector. On the other hand, we have a very small subsistence agricultural sector primarily located within former homelands.

 

 

Speaking of broad transformation, the ANC and inferior friends, in adopting the NDP, have a role among others, to pledge support for women and youth to own small businesses and cooperatives. The resolution contributes in helping to transform agriculture towards being more inclusive, participatory and competitive. Young people will benefit in Vote 29 allocation through the National Rural Youth Service Corps, Narysec and this includes women with disabilities. The Narysec Programme is implemented through the district model.

 

 

Climate change has undesired consequences for the agricultural economy as we are currently the larger exporter of processed food to the neighbouring countries. Access to water licence by the smaller farmers’ irrigation schemes is a challenge identified by the industrial policy action plan. Thus, it constrains the development of the agricultural sector. Most of the household subsistence farmers still make use of fertiliser and for this reason, it is important to continue support for household production and food security.

 

 

In dealing with access to the market, the trade and marketing of agricultural produce is central in helping transformation in the sector. Thus far, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has succeeded in transforming this sector towards greater productivity and international competitiveness.

 

 

In conclusion, I, on behalf of the ANC, stand to support Vote

 

29 for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. I thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 30 – Communications and Digital Technologies - put

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 31 – Employment and Labour – put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Chairperson, the EFF objects this Budget Vote based on that, this department is failing to assist workers when it comes to labour related matters. Vulnerable workers continue to suffer and brutally abused, especially farm workers, petrol attendants, cashiers, security guards and domestic workers.

 

 

This department speaks about inspection enforce plan on a daily basis but fails to do inspections in farms where farm owners exploit our people on a daily basis, especially in Letsitele in Mopani in Limpopo and other areas.

 

 

We must also put it clear that accessibility of labour centres in our country is limited. Our people have to travel miles to go and get assistance. To show that this department has failed to assist vulnerable workers, since the creation of EFF labour desk, it has assisted thousands of vulnerable workers through hardworking volunteers. I thank you, Chair.

 

 

Ms H S BOSHOFF: Deputy Chair, since the beginning of lockdown, the Department of Employment and Labour has really come to the fore by showing its true colours in allowing the increase of unemployment throughout all business sectors of South Africa.

 

 

In some instances, seeing many closing their doors, leaving many employees destitute. Despite the smoke in mirrors created with funds that you claim would grow the economy and minimise unemployment, the facts reveal otherwise, and not the drivel spewed by the Minister of unemployment.

 

 

The majority of jobs created was in the Western Cape, the province that is governed by the DA. A total number of ... [Inaudible.] ... [Interjections.] ... Sorry, can we ask the hon Chief Whip to switch off?

 

 

This province also saw a decrease in the unemployment rate and an increase of economic recovery. Furthermore, the Western Cape had the lowest expanded unemployment rate in the country, standing at 26,8%. This according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey. You must admit, this is absolutely remarkable under the circumstances and also when comparing it to the rest of the country, which is standing at 43,2%.

 

 

The ... [Inaudible.] ... corruption within this department, has added to the plight of many citizens of this country and we need yet to see the guilty parties being held accountable. Minister, we call upon you to face the music and admit that you and your department have failed miserably and seek

 

 

alternative measures to grow the economy, to allow for an economically just society in which economic opportunities are available for all. Thank you, hon Deputy Chair.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 32 - Environment, Forestry and Fisheries

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, we've been making this urgent call to end corruption in this department and its entities. The country currently is bleeding of corruption and the poor are suffering under this government under your watch, Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, and your party.

 

 

In a single year, irregular expenditure from this department jumped from R342 million to R2,9 billion due to inadequate

 

 

monitoring of compliance with the supply chain management laws and regulations. The taxpayers’ money under your watch Minister and the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP not spent in a responsible manner. Fruitless expenditure relates to prepayments made to implementing agencies, vendors, and suppliers for goods and services that were not in line with a contractual arrangement and agreed deliverables.

 

 

The cancellation of travels or no-show accommodation, payments of interest and accommodation, payments of penalties, payments or VAT charges of non-VAT vendors, damaged stock, misuse of vehicles and overpayment to suppliers continues, as usual, supply chain management irregularities also include procurement without inviting competitive bids.

 

 

This is a common trend in this portfolio. Eskom and Sasol are still two of the biggest polluters in this country, under your department, under your watch. The communities staying around forests and natural resources are not benefiting. The communities are not benefiting at all. The small-scale fishers that are in need of environmental justice are not enjoying the benefits of South African resources, therefore, Deputy Chairperson, we are not in favour of this budget. Thank you.

 

 

Ms L C BEBEE: Deputy Chairperson, greetings to you, colleagues, guests, special delegates especially from my province KwaZulu-Natal, special delegates, I greet you all this afternoon, section 24 of the South African Constitution provides a legislative framework and provides that everyone has a right to an environment that is not detrimental to his or her wellbeing, Budget Vote 32 of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.

 

 

It is important and directly contributes to the economy of the country. Our towns and cities must be kept clean and environmentally friendly. And I urge all South Africans to stop illegal dumping. The waste management compliance at the local government level remains one of the serious concerns for us as the ANC and the 54th ANC National Conference noted the economic potential of the sector in helping with poverty alleviation and also the creation of jobs.

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

Uma ngisho kanjalo, Sekela Sihlalo, ngisho ngoba ukuphinda ukusebenzisa kabusho kwezinto kubalulekile kakhulu kangangokuba thina eKwaZulu-Natal sinazo izinhlelo zokuphinda ukusetshenziswa kwabusha kwezinto lapho ubona intsha yenza

 

 

imifelandawonye ebhekene nokusetshenziswa kwabusha kwezinto njenge ...

 

 

English:

 

 ... collectors of plastic, collect-a-can, and collectors of bottles. And also women are embarking on these projects so that ...

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

 ... kungeke kubenzima kakhulu ukuthi kuzanywe impilo nokuthi kuxoshwe ikati eziko.

 

 

English:

 

This Vote 32 through the Expanded Public Works Programme and the Green Economy Project is geared and aimed towards the creation of job opportunities for young people of this country to ensure that they get the necessary work experience, the technical ability that will enhance their ability to find permanent employment. The wild and running veld fires have a devastating impact on the farming communities and production, as was evident in the wildfires that ravaged the Free State province last year with huge financial consequences especially for the smallholder farmers with no access to insurance and financial support.

 

 

The oceans and coast offer abundant opportunities for the poor communities living around coastlines given the importance of investment in the infrastructure projects and the repair of the five estuaries will contribute significantly about

R4 billion to the gross national income.

 

 

The ANC has called for the ... [Inaudible.] [Interjections.]

 

... to be controlled and owned by the communities living and allowing them in order to activate their economic potential. In conclusion ...

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

 ... uKhongolose uyasiseka lesi Sabelomali seVoti u-32. Ngiyabonga, Sekela Sihlalo. [Ubuwelewele.]

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 33 – Human Settlements - put

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Mr M A P DE BRUYN: Chairperson, election after election, in the last two decades, the ANC has promised better living conditions and housing for the masses. But that was just cheap

 

 

propaganda to gain the votes of the poor South Africans only to forget about the promises the day after the elections.

 

 

Hundreds of housing projects across the country ended in disaster due to corruption and incompetence at the expense of those in need who voted for the ANC. The majority of South Africans still do not have access to basic housing, water and sanitation and this while the government that gets live in excessive luxury.

 

 

One can’t help but wonder how many people could have received housing with the R246 million that we spent on the former President’s Nkandla house or the R250 million that was stolen in the asbestos project in the Free State or R120 million that vanished on the Ramkraal Project or even the R220 million that went towards the Gupta wedding, only to name a few. It is obvious that the ANC, in general, has collapsed into a self- serving organisation with no regard for the poor and this department is not doing any better. The Freedom Front Plus will not be supporting this budget. Thank you, Chair.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 34 – Mineral Resources and Energy – put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

 

Ms M O MOKAUSE: Deputy Chairperson, energy ... [Inaudible.]

 

... the development and growth of our country. Without energy an economy cannot create jobs, good service and people cannot move meaning that the stable supply of electricity needed for industrialisation cannot be guaranteed. The world’s economies in many ways are driven by energy, but in this country our energy situation continues to get worse.

 

 

South Africa’s electricity supply has been characterised by loadshedding and high electricity hikes. The ANC has done it again by putting south Africans’ interests ... [Inaudible.]. The approach of government to energy is failing the people of South Africa and the economy of this country is suffering because of this.

 

 

As the Economic Freedom Fighters we want to make it clear that in this department there is no improvement at all relating to energy. Our energy supply will not be established and the crisis in Eskom will continue to get worse while white monopoly wants Eskom to be broken down.

 

 

Chairperson, our mining sector is in disarray. We cannot allow white monopoly capital to get their hands also on the energy system. This happens whilst we use control supply to stop providing free electricity. Chairperson, when is this department going to open their eyes and make the right decisions? We are therefore not in support of this budget.

Thank you, Chair.

 

 

Mr C F B SMIT: Hon Deputy Chair, we sit with a serious energy crisis and an ANC-led government that is stuck in the middle ages in terms of thinking, whereas the rest of the world is speeding past us with innovative, greener and sustainable alternatives. We are heading for a train smash and we will be left in the dark if this government does not wake up and smell the coffee.

 

 

Unfortunately, this budget does not prepare us for the future nor does it set us up for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, not even mentioning the Fifth Industrial Revolution. The DA gets things done. Just look at the innovative and forward thinking initiatives implemented in the DA-led governments like the Western Cape, Midvaal and Stellenbosch which will be the first municipality to be off the Eskom grid.

 

 

The DA will not support this dark age inspired budget. Thank you.

 

 

Ms T C MODISE: Deputy Chairperson, the ANC supports the Appropriation Bill for Mineral resources and Energy. The department plays an important role in a critical sector of the economy and both mining and energy require renewal to ensure economy growth and development in the country.

 

 

The department in terms of its plan are busy with these critical important areas for functioning of the economy. The mining activity contributes to local economic activities and job creation in the province which mining occurs.

 

 

Eskom also makes an important economy contribution. The restructuring of Eskom must be concluded in the coming financial year to ensure that the new generation capacity can be transmitted and distributed to the grid. A process of reduction of loadshedding through the new generation capacity must be reduced and eliminated.

 

 

The fight against state capture and corruption must continue to its legal conclusion as it will enable Eskom to function as a state-owned entity which is accountable to restore financial

 

 

control throughout the electricity value chain. Co-operative governance still require improvement at Eskom for efficient financial control and procurement of goods and services for competitive price. Important decisions for the generation of the new capacity must be implemented. Independent Power Producers, IPPs, projects in the different sector provinces will positively contribute not only to the energy security, but also create a new economy and an industrial opportunity thereby positively contribute to job creation and the local economy.

 

 

Green ... [Inaudible.] ... the energy sector in the way of the future, but our large electrical demand requires the implementation of the integrated resource plan, IRP. Job creation and job preservation are key priority tasks for the sector as part of the economy reconstruction and recovery plan. The opposition is unable to even perform its basic parliamentary duty by contributing to support the Appropriation Bill of the department and ensuring accountability for spending as it oppose to the Appropriation Bill and any constructive activities by government to ensure change and transformation.

 

 

In conclusion, hon Deputy Chair, the ANC stands to support Budget Vote 34. I thank you.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

[TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 35 – Sciences and Innovation – put

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 36 - Small Business Development – put.

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Mr M A P DE BRUYN: Thank you Deputy Chairperson, the COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating and lasting effect on our economic and small businesses in general. Our small businesses ... [Inaudible.] ... existing and upcoming are on their knees. The

... [Inaudible.] ... economic development, basic services

 

 

delivery and a failing transport system as well unrealistic Black Economic Empowerment, BEE and affirmative action protocols make it almost impossible for small business to survive in South Africa today.

 

 

Rather dismantle this department and put the following towards economic development and service delivery, so that small business can survive in South Africa. The FF Plus will not be support this budget. Thank you.

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Deputy Chairperson as the EFF we reject this budget vote because this department continues pleading for more funds but fail to show for the number of business they have assisted. In a country where almost 80% of the youth are unemployed, this department should give a meaningful role in facilitating opportunities for young people in creating job, through supporting small business.

 

 

Almost 86% of small business owners have not yet received assistance from COVID-19 Relief Fund, and many have since end up being frustrated and closed. This department also says it promotes small business, yet still they confiscate the goods of street traders and fail to provide them with necessary measures in protecting them from contracting the virus.

 

 

The EFF has long suggested that the production of basic daily used goods such as glasses, cups, plates must be locally produced. I thank you Deputy Chair.

 

 

Mr M I RAYI: Thank you very much hon Deputy Chairperson, the Vote on Small Business Development, offers through its allocation both hope and potential for the unemployed, women and the youth. The programme allocation clearly indicates ongoing support to projects and policy initiatives of the ANC government. It does this through support for localisation, a key initiative of the governing party. And one of the key policy instruments to structure the economy.

 

 

It is precisely this localisation that creates jobs, offers specific set of ... [Inaudible.] ... that provide greater opportunities in the future. The budget vote also provides direct support to the township economy and rural economy.

Providing critical finance to dedicated programmes. Again these are all part of the governing party policies.

 

 

Whilst we have struggled many cooperatives initiatives, the lesson learned have brought about the necessary refocus of programmes and this remains important part of our broader economic and recovery plan.

 

 

The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, a small business development and cooparative are key drivers of job creation and set aside global research and the multilateral institution all place economic growth in these areas. The plan has among its key objectives the reindustrialisation of the economy for partnership between the state and private business, with the focus on small businesses and cooparatives. This has been based on the comprehensive discussion with social partners and therefore provide the base for greater success going forward. The ANC supports Budget Vote 36 –Small Business Development. I thank you, hon Deputy Chair.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 37 — Sports, Arts and Culture — put.

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Mr S F DU TOIT: Thank you, Deputy Chair.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Hoekom moet ons kinders onder die wrede rasgedrewe beperkende wetgewing wat kinders verhoed om op meriete hul volle potensiaal te bereik, ly? Gee kinders vrye teuels om hulself

 

 

op die sportterrein uit te leef om die regte lewenslesse te leer, naamlik harde werk, prestasie, erkenning en ook sukses wat dit tot gevolg het. Dan leer hulle ook om teleurstelling te hanteer.

 

 

English:

 

Keep politics out of sport... [Inaudible.] ... during the lockdown period government’s regulations ... [Inaudible.] ... the inclusion of arts general in the country. Many artists have lost their houses, the income, their livelihoods. This crime against artists can’t be rectified by one state funeral of a veteran actress. Government must be ashamed. Don’t play with people’s emotions.

 

 

Afrikaans

 

Dit is geen staatsgeheim dat die regering sekere kulture in Suid-Afrika onderdruk en probeer uitwis nie. Die ironie is dat die standbeelde, wat ten duurste deur die huidige regering opgerig is, ook nie in stand gehou word nie. Skandelik!

 

 

Een voordeel wat ons het is dat ons kultuur nie tot monumente en beelde beperk is nie. Ons leef dit. Ons praat dit. Ons koester dit na aan die hart. Ek doen ’n beroep op julle.

Besoek ons monumente. Ondersteun ons kultuurinstellings en

 

 

deel met trots ons volksverhale. Ons kan nie hierdie begrotingspos ondersteun nie, Voorsitter.

 

 

Ms N NDONGENI: Thank you Deputy Chair, the sport, arts and heritage sector have always been used by the ANC as the vehicle of transformation to advance social cohesion and nation building. They are significant to holistic development of our country. We are ... [Inaudible.] ... that constructing a just and inclusive society cannot be accomplished without drawing from the creative culture, heritage sporting capabilities of our people.

 

 

The sector is significant to the creation of sustainable jobs and to drive an inclusive growth. The vote advances a myriad of employment and skilling opportunity in the creative industry which are important in advancing social development.

 

 

The vote also provides to supporting and creation bodies. This continues to sector of collapsing and prevent jobs loses. We love the support given to the growth and stability of the creative industry. The ANC support the need to increase the local creative content share of royalties paid by both domestic and foreign broadcasters. We ask the public and the creative industry to make submission on the Performance

 

 

Protection and Copy Right Amendment Bill. This process is currently in front of the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition and closes on 9 July 2021. These Bills are important for the transformation that will seek in the creative industry. Royalties must be paid to all creative in South Africa. They must enjoy protection of their work.

 

 

The DA always reject this vote because in essence they are a party that opposes transformation. Instead of them coming to unpack to the nation how they are implementing their policy on arts, culture and heritage in the Western Cape, they reject the same budget which they are meant to be using to advance transformation. If they were serious about contributing to the sector both the DA and EFF should be contributing positively and progressively building the sector. But of course as it is, they are far from being progressive. The ANC supports Vote 37

– Sports, Arts and Culture. Thank you Deputy Chair.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 38 – Tourism - put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

 

Ms H S BOSHOFF: Thank you very much Deputy Chair. Lockdown has really brought the worst out of tourism. This department singlehandedly run this industry, leading to the increase in unemployment and the stagnation of this industry. The major problem was the Tourism Equity Fund, TEF. This project was all smoke and mirrors as the tourism sector did not grow. The facts Minister are real and the revelations are stuck.

 

 

On the other hand, where the DA governs, we govern well. I wonder why this would be, it is quite simple. We follow the five-point rule of capturing, clarifying, organising, reflecting and last but not least, we engage. Hon Deputy Chair, this was all done amid the devastating pandemic namely COVID-19, we did not sit back and wallow in our sorrows. We remained active behind the scene to ensure that we remain on top of our game.

 

 

By following these five simple steps, the Mother City, namely Cape Town, has once again shown that we are and remain a destination of choice. The 2020 World Travel Awards awarded the Mother City with a title of Africa’s Leading Festival and Events Destination. It is the third year in a row that Cape Town is named as Africa’s Top Party City. Table Mountain was picked up as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction. This title

 

 

is for the second consecutive year. Cape Town International Airport won the prize for Africa’s Leading Airport for the fourth consecutive year. The above affirms our status as a world class travel destination.

 

 

Excellence is the DA’s top priority. Therefore, it is important to the DA that Cape Town and the Western Cape remain front of mind to those looking to book their holiday and will continue to run our, We Are Open campaigns. Hon Deputy Chair, where we govern, we govern well and to the benefit of all.

Thank you very much.

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Hon Deputy Chair, the EFF objects with no declaration. Thank you.

 

 

Mr M I RAYI: Thank you very much again Deputy Chair. The ANC would like to thank Mr Sisa Ntshona, the outgoing CEO of SA Tourism for his hard work and dedication over the years. Mr Ntshona approached the board for an earlier exit as he was presented with a new career opportunity in the private sector. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

 

 

The Tourism Recovery Plan provides a good basis for recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Most importantly, it provides a

 

 

solid foundation on which South Africa can build an even better and more resilient tourism sector post the pandemic. To this end, one of its key areas of focus is improving an upgrading sites of heritage significance including liberation heritage which is well established in the Eastern Cape national parks, botanical gardens as well as rural and township precincts.

 

 

Over the 100 tourism infrastructure initiatives across the country, with a further 30 community-based projects have been prioritised and will be funded through Working for Tourism Expanded Public Works Programme. It is of great importance to ensure that such initiatives do not only benefit people in the urban areas, but also villages, townships and small towns.

Initiatives of the department such as the pilot programme on the Basic Quality Verification targeting homestays, not only ensure quality assured product but it also creates job opportunities for young people as quality assurers.

 

 

Government and its partners needs to drive initiatives that create employment opportunities for many of our people. While the DA is always so boastful about the recognition the Western Cape Tourism has received. We rarely get an indication of the employment created and what has been done to transform

 

 

ownership patterns. The prices of packages in most Western Cape establishments are exclusionary and only cater for the few elites.

 

 

Again as we said in the debate on this vote earlier this month, we condemn the attempts by AfriForum and Solidarity, the two right-wing organisations supported by the FF Plus and the DA, for their attempt to stop the transformation in the tourism industry and preserving white privilege using the courts. The Minister must continue pushing ahead the transformation agenda regardless of the right-wing attacks.

The ANC supports this Budget Vote hon Deputy Chair. Thank you.

 

 

Question put

 

 

Division demanded

 

 

The Council Divided

 

 

Voting: [TAKE FROM MINUTES.]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 39 – Trade, Industry and Competition – put

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting.

 

 

Vote No 40 – Transport - put

 

 

Declaration of Vote:

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: [Network challenges and signal lost.]

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

Ayes-29: Bartlett, M; Bebee, L C; Carrim, Y I; Dangor, M; Dube-Ncube, N; Gillion, M N; Lekganyane, N M; Mahlangu, D G; Maleka, A D; Malema, P; Matibe, T B; Mamaregane, M L; Mmoiemang, K M; Modise, T C; Mohai, S J; Moshodi, M L;

Mthethwa, M E; Ncitha, Z V; Ndongeni, N; Nkosi, E; Nkopane, N; Ngwenya, W; Ngwezi, X O; Njadu, E Z; Ntsube, I; Nyambi, A J; Phaladi-Digamela, R; Rayi, M I; Shaikh, S.

 

 

Noes-16: Aucamp, W A S; Bara, M R; Boshoff, H S; Brauteseth, T J; Christians, D C; De Bruyn, M A P; Du Toit, S F; Labuschagne, C; Londt, J J; Mathevula, B T; Michalakis, G; Motsamai, K; Mokause, M O; Ryder, D R; Smit, C F B; Visser, C.

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 41 — Water and Sanitation – put

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

IsiZulu:

 

Mnu X NGWEZI: Siyathokoza, Sekela Sihlalo Kazwelonke Wezifundazwe, amanzi bakwethu ayimpilo futhi ayilungelo elishicilelwe kuMthethosisekelo wezwe lethu kodwa siyazibuza njengeNkatha Yenkuleko yesizwe, umbutho omkhulu, ukuthi, kuyoze kube nini abantu bakithi benezinkinga zamanzi.

 

 

Kunezindawo ezinezinkinga zezingqalasizinda ikakhulukazi ezindaweni ezakhele amakhosi la KwaZulu-Natal njengakoMhlabuyalingana ngaphansi kwesifunda uMkhanyakude, koNongoma ngaphansi kwesifunda i-Zululand, oNkandla ngaphansi kwesifunda i-King Cetshwayo, kwaHlathi ngaphansi komkhandlu uThukela.

 

 

Yingani ngempela uHulumeni enza lento kubantu bakithi. Kunezindawo lapho okulinyazwa khona izingqalasizinda ngamabomu ezihlinzeka ngamanzi ukuze kuzuziswe izikhulu ezithize okusolakala ukuthi zisondelene neqembu elibusayo njengaku mkhandlu nje Ugu, umkhandlu uMhlathuze bese abantu besala

 

 

bahlale amaviki nezinsuku amanzi bengenawo njengoba sibonile ekuqaleni kwalo nyaka laphaya eMhlathuze abantu behlala amaviki amabili amanzi engekho.

 

 

Makusheshiswe ukulungiswa kwalesi simo, Sihlalo, nabahlonishwa bonke. Sinxusa ukuba le mali esizoyiphasisa njengeqembu leNkatha nanxa sikubona lokhu ukuba iphuthumise ukulungiswa kwalezi zinkinga ukuze abantu bakithi basizakale bakithi.

Siyabonga, Sekela Sihlalo.

 

 

Mr E J NJANDU: Hon DEPUTY Chairperson and hon members, good afternoon. With regards to Vote No 41 – Water and Sanitation, the ANC rises in support of this Budget Vote. We support this Budget Vote because of the significant impact and the role the department plays in the livelihoods of our people. We remain committed in ensuring that this sector is adequate hon Deputy Chairperson, in the development and regulating water services.

 

 

The ANC government will ensure that there is an increase water supply for the growing pollution and economy to ensure the water security by 2030.

 

 

Water is a public good. In our 54th National Conference resolution, we as the ANC resolved on the need of water

 

 

provision is addressed and the Water Act should be reviewed to ensure that water resources are effective and reflected in the master plan to emphasize redistribution to support farmers.

 

 

Hon Deputy Chairperson, it is through this Budget Vote that we still strengthen the support and capacity of municipalities as stated in section 154 of the Constitution of South Africa.

Also the District Development Model and the Operation Vulindlela will assist in strengthening local government and expediting service delivery to our people. This is a crucial objective listed in the National Development Plan, NDP, Chapter 13.

 

 

Lastly, hon Deputy Chairperson, we cannot expect the opposition parties such as the DA, the EFF and the FF Plus to understand the importance of this sector because they are not solution-based. When the ANC speaks of the importance of the transformation of the people of this country. The time is now and we are building as the ANC. The ANC supports this Budget Vote No 41. Thank you, hon Deputy Chairperson.

 

 

Mr S F DU TOIT: Thank you, hon Deputy Chair.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

 

Ek kan vandag met trots noem dat daar eens kundiges was wat wel infrastruktuur vir water en sanitasie gevestig het, sonder om ander te blameer dat daar niks was nie. Daar was inisiatief geneem om water uit moederaarde se boesem te trek, en inisiatief om damme te bou om in môre se behoeftes te voorsien en ook om hierdie hulpbronne te bestuur. Was daar tekortkominge? Ja, maar ander is nie daarvoor blameer nie.

 

 

English:

 

President Ramaphosa last week confirmed that we live in the water challenged country. Minister Sisulu has during the debate two weeks in a tirade blamed white people for sewerage running into houses and streets. She said she was happy about people living in the stench of sewerages. Blame shifting does not solve problems.

 

 

Deputy Chairperson, Minister Sisulu must take responsibility for her own failures and shortcomings and not make racist comments.

 

 

Deputy President Mabuza this week, confirmed that apartheid cannot be blamed for everything. Take responsibility. The ANC is to blame for the current water and sanitation failure crisis. Take responsibility for your failures! The FF Plus

 

 

does not support this Budget Vote. Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

 

 

Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

Schedule put and agreed to.

 

 

(Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus dissenting).

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF APPROPRIATION BILL AND REPORT OF SELECT COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS THEREON

 

 

Mr E J NJADU: Hon Chairperson, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, permanent and special delegates present, all of South Africans, it is my honour and privilege to table before this House a report on the 2021 Appropriation Bill, a report on behalf of the Select Committee of Appropriations in the NCOP.

 

 

Over the weekend the President of the Republic of South Africa, the excellency, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, was invited to the G7 summit in the United Kingdom, UK, as a guest; together with the leaders of South Korea, Australia and India.

 

 

This invitation was an acknowledgement of South Africa’s role in driving the African continent response to COVID-19 in our chair ship of the African Union, AU, and the contribution we can make to global progress.

 

 

It was also in recognition of the struggles South Africa is leading alongside India and more than hundred other countries who achieve a temporary waiver of the trade-related aspects of the intellectual property agreement at ... [Inaudible.] ... to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines.

 

 

The meeting provided an opportunity for South Africa to negotiate with the industrialised countries to raise the fiscal resources needed for the recovery of the global economy from the devastation visited by COVID-19 and to attract investment in our country.

 

 

I’m happy to report to this House that the committee have unanimously adopted the Bill without amendments while the DA reserved its right to adopt the Bill and the EFF and FF-Plus did not support the Bill.

 

 

On the 25th of March 2021 the Minister of Finance wrote to the Chairperson of the NCOP requesting Parliament to consider

 

 

amendments to the names of certain votes in the schedule to 2021 Appropriation Bill. The technical corrections were necessary to accurately reflect the name of votes to correspond with the names of the relevant departments.

 

 

Whilst proceeding the Bill, the committee observed and made the following recommendations: Despite the prevailing economic challenges and revenue collection decline, the committee welcomes the efforts by government to table an Appropriation Bill with a proposed allocation amounting to R980,6 billion within section 13(2)(a) of the Constitution, which is appropriated to budget vote 41.

 

 

However, the committee is concerned about the R36,8 billion decrease in the allocation from the 2020-21 revised appropriation of R1,017 trillion.

 

 

The committee welcomes the National Treasury’s efforts to economic structural reforms through Operation Vulindlela; not increasing certain taxes and ensuring that the current expenditure is reduced while infrastructure investment maintain.

 

 

We are concerned about the effects of the reduction in funds earmarked for the Extended Public Works Programme, EPWP, and the Community Work Programme, CWP, the Fundza Lushaka bursary programme, Information and Communications Technology and maintenance and other affected programmes. These programmes are essential for job creation and maintains our infrastructure.

 

 

The committee has raised concerns over the impact of appropriations of funds to catalyse state-owned entities, SOEs. In the view of the committee the R5 billion allocated to the Land Bank would negatively affect service delivery in departments where allocation has been reduced, particularly the security cluster, the police and the defence force.

 

 

The government’s guarantees to SOEs totalling about

 

R400 billion a major risk to fiscus. Equally, the inability of government and its negotiating partners in the public service to reaching common ground is a cause for serious concern.

 

 

We welcome the allocation of R6 billion for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines and R7 billion for the contingency reserve. However, the Department of Health has not been able to spend

 

 

all the allocation for vaccines’ procurement effectively and

 

efficiently.

 

 

The committee welcomes the fact that funds earmarked for census pilot could not take place last year due to COVID-19 have been rolled over to 2021.

 

 

We want to express our concern about the impact of budget reprioritisation on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS, in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Tvet, colleges. The reported interaction between Treasury and the Department of Higher Education which led to some reprioritisation within the sector has enabled Department of Higher Education to provide funding for NSFAS.

 

 

The committee remains concerned about the continuous failures to pay service providers within 30 days as required by the Public Finance Management Act, PFMA, and more cost escalation in government projects including as cruel as well as the continuous lack of governance and accountability systems in most government departments.

 

 

The committee made the following recommendations: The Minister of Finance together with the Cabinet should make sure that any

 

 

budget leakages such as irregular, unauthorised, fruitless and wasteful expenditure are eliminated.

 

 

All power of governance and accountability structures and frameworks need to be in place and function effectively.

 

 

Independent audit committees need to be appointed.

 

 

Functional internal audit units must be put in place.

 

 

Monitoring and evaluation units must be functional.

 

 

Each accounting officer needs to spend the allocated budget according to the provisions of the financial management prospects.

 

 

We call on the National Treasury to continue fast tracking the necessary economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela and other measures.

 

 

Budget reprioritisation, which affects frontline service delivery, should be avoided, whether possibly and we believe that a government policy intervention is required to protect

 

 

some of the pro-poor programmes such as the EPWP, Fundza Lushaka and NSFAS.

 

 

We urge the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Public Enterprise to ensure that SOEs are established, equity partners and found where necessary and a suitable SOE financial model is established without compromising the interests of the poor and the vulnerable.

 

 

The committee urges the government and public service unions to make every effort and find amicable solution in the current round of wage negotiations.

 

 

Government must ensure that clear plans and programmes are developed and implemented to mitigate the negative impact of budget reductions, especially to SA Police Service, SAPS, and SA National Defence Force, SANDF.

 

 

The Department of Health must spend the allocated funds effectively and efficiently without compromising the vaccination process and develop clear report frameworks and procedures to publish vaccine-related budget expenditure for accountability and transparency purposes.

 

 

Both the pilot project and the Census 2021 should be implemented by Statistics SA in the current financial year as planned in order to reduce spending pressure in the next budget period.

 

 

We call on government to take steps to investigate reasons for failure to pay invoices within 30 Days and the cost escalations in government projects. And further take steps address the matter as required by PFMA and Treasury relations. Consequence management measures must be taken against officials who fail to implement regulations.

 

 

Finally, we call on the Minister of Finance and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, CoGTA, to ensure that any unspent conditional grants, funds must not be approved for rollover, are returned to the fiscus by relevant municipalities and that will help local government equitable share is allocated and transferred accordingly to guard against the impact of withholding funds on the poor, vulnerable and rural communities.

 

 

In conclusion, I would like to thank the committee members, support staff and parties that made submissions to this process.

 

 

The committee recommends to the House that the Bill should be adopted without amendments. I thank you, Chair. [Applause.]

 

 

Declarations of Vote:

 

Afrikaans:

 

Mnr S F DU TOIT: Agb Voorsitter, dit is duidelik dat Suid- Afrika tans in a dilemma sit met verwysing na staatsfinansies, die beheer en bestuur daarvan van verskillende ministeries en die stand van provinsiale wetgewersake, asook die alombekende verval van munisipaliteite. Oor die jare het onderspandering van beskikbare fondse op die nodige projekte veroorsaak dat die agterstand van infrastruktuurontwikkeling en vaardigheid net meer en meer agteruitgaan en blaamverskuiwing vir gerieflikheidsonthalwe gebruik is om verantwoordbare politici te verontskuldig.

 

 

English:

 

Deputy President Mabuza confirmed earlier this week that apartheid is not to blame for all South Africa’s problems and failures. The truth hurts. Government and the ANC in particular has to be blamed for the regress and unemployment and ongoing corruption. At the moment, disasters and governments and municipal failures are used as new opportunities to psyfo funds from the fiscus. Every month we

 

 

hear about a new turnaround strategy, a new rescue plan ... [no sound] ... to prevent corruption, new grants and schemes to relieve the poverty that was created by the ANC and contribute to financially sustainably micro economies. Where are the success stories?

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Die fondse wat in hierdie begroting aan die verskillende departemente beskikbaar gestel was, is onvoldoende, selfs al word dit sonder korrupsie aangewend.

 

 

Die regering moet met hul transformatiewe projekte en rasgebaseerde wetgewing wegdoen. Dit kniehalter vooruitgang en beperk ekonomiese groei. Dit kweek rassekonflik. Werkloosheid gaan toeneem. Dit is reeds hoog. Munisipale verval neem steeds toe en onteiening sonder vergoeding is die doodsteek vir beleggings in Suid-Afrika. Daar is tans sowat 18,5 miljoen persone in die land wat afhanklik is aan maandelikse staatsubsidies. Staatsentiteite is afhanklik van konstante finansiële hulp en die finansiële voetspoor raak al hoe kleiner in Suid-Afrika met meer en meer mense wat nie in staat is om tot belasting by te dra nie.

 

 

English:

 

 

The only solution for South Africa’s problems is for voters to remove the ANC from government. The FF Plus does not support this Bill. I thank you, Chair.

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Chair, as the EFF we object and we don’t

 

have a declaration.

 

 

Mr D R RYDER: Chairperson, colleagues in the NCOP, we are the upper House, our debate should be more measured, less politicised and more focused on doing the right thing for our people across South Africa.

 

 

I remind you colleagues, of the excellent workshop that we had earlier on this year where it was emphasised that we are not the victims of these budgets. But the very people who have the final say on whether to approve it or not.

 

 

Let us focus then on what we are approving, in a time of massive and increasing need what are we being asked to spend taxpayer’s money on? In a time of 43% national unemployment, in a time of 75% youth unemployment, with COVID-19 continuing to ravage our economy, with the cost of borrowing increasing due to our junk status investment rating, after years of poor financial management and corruption. As more and more ordinary

 

 

South Africans are becoming reliant on the state, where are we focusing the public purse? We are focusing it on propping up failing state-owned enterprises that are failing to deliver on their mandate. The state airline is dead, Eskom is in Intensive Care Unit, ICU, there is no electricity to power the life support machines. Dennel, Transnet, Port net, South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC, Sanral all sucking the fiscus dry.

 

 

While once up on a time these entities could justify at least to the ruling party their increasing budgets on the fact that they were employing more and more South Africans. The deployment of the wrong people has meant that all of these entities are now forced to reneged on their wage agreements, forced to retrench and downsize. Yet, the government is asking us to allow them to double down at the expense of the poor and middle class South Africans.

 

 

We are cutting the funding to police, to education even health in a medium-term takes a hit. The funds to eradicate pit latrines in schools is cut, Tvet colleges is cut, education is cut but the very important person, VIP, protections is up though.

 

 

As South Africans get more desperate and times get tougher, the government “fat cats” take the bigger slice for themselves. This is unconscionable, colleagues. Taking from the poor to prop up failed ... [ no sound] ... businesses and to protect political elite.

 

 

If you support this Bill, you have forgotten the constituency that has put you here and you never deserve to come back. The DA rejects this Bill. Thank you, Chair.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Thank you very much. The next speaker is from the ANC.

 

 

Mnu X NGWEZI: Nyambose!

 

 

SIHLALO WOMKHANDLU KAZWELONKE WEZIFUNDAZWE: Hhayikhona baba,

 

yima kancane.

 

 

Mnu X NGWEZI: Inkatha icela ukukhuluma.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: The ANC will speak first. We will come back to you. When we called you, you were not here. We know that people have network problems and so on but please.

Let’s start with the ANC then we will come to you.

 

 

Ms M L MAMAREGANE: Chairperson, the context in which we consider the Appropriation Bill must inform our response so that we are able to make a distinction between possibility and reality. The economy is showing signs of recovery at a slower rate than the pre COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

While the budget exercises continued restraint on spending growth over the medium-term, nearly R3 trillion – almost 57% of public funds are allocated to learning and culture, health and social development.

 

 

The 2021 proposed allocation aims to shift the composition of spending from consumption to investments while also withdrawing the tax increases which were previously announced worth R40 billion in order to avoid the tax burdens to tax payers.

 

 

The Appropriation Bill continues to align the department spending objectives to the Medium Term Strategic Framework priorities as these are short to medium-term government priorities intended to achieve the overall objectives as outlined in the National Development Plan.

 

 

We welcome the proposed additional allocation of R11 billion to the spending framework of 2021-22 for the public employment initiative as a continued commitment by government on its central objectives of job creation, unemployment reduction and subsequently reducing the overall levels of inequality.

 

 

We welcome the R15 billion proposed allocation to manage further waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are encouraged by the overall government’s response to the pandemic. We are also in full support of the government initiatives that prioritises the health and the lives of South Africans.

 

 

We welcome the proposed allocation of R5 billion in 2021-22 to be funded through reprioritisation and another R2 billion in 2022-23, 2023-24, for the recapitalisation of the Land Bank.

In addition, we welcome the finances allocated to the ongoing fight against corruption. While noting the allocation reprioritisation and reduction to certain programmes especially in the Peace and Stability Cluster, which we are aware that there is ongoing engagement with the National Treasury overall, the thrust of the Appropriation Bill aligns itself with the message and priorities of the state of the nation address this year. The ANC supports Appropriation Bill 2021. I thank you, Chairperson.

 

 

IsiZulu:

 

Mnu X NGWEZI: Nyambose omkhulu, Sihlalo Womkhandlu Kazwelonke Wezifundazwe, ngiyakhuleka kuwena, ngiyakhuleka nakubahlonishwa bonke, egameni lombutho weNkatha sikhulekela nje ukuba zonke lezi zimali ... [Akuzwakali.]

 

 

Nk D G MAHLANGU: Kancane!

 

 

Mnu X NGWEZI: ... ngempela ngempela esiyobathemba ngokuthi baqinisekise ukuthi izidingo ziyaya ...

 

 

Debate concluded.

 

 

Question put: That the Bill be agreed to.

 

 

Bill agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.

 

 

SPECIAL APPROPRIATION BILL

 

 

(Consideration of Votes and Schedule)

 

 

Vote No 10 – Public Enterprises – put

 

 

Mnr S F DU TOIT: Voorsitter, soos per die Nasionale Tesourie se voorlegging ... [Onhoorbaar.] ...

 

 

English:

 

... lockdown in 2020 resulted in SAA Technical and Airchefs not being able to pay their employees their full salaries, with SAA Technical employees living on between 25% and 50% of their total salaries every month for the last year.

 

 

The Special Appropriations Bill is, in effect, a way to disguise these funds as an appropriation application, instead of what they actually are – unauthorised expenditure.

 

 

National Treasury indicated that after the liberation of SAA selling 51% managing share for R3 billion ... and said that SAA will never have to receive a bailout again. [Laughter.] Well, I’m not allowed to call them liars, but I think they might be strangers to the truth.

 

 

The Department of Public Enterprises still has a 49% share in this plucked chicken and needs to feed it in this competitive market.

 

 

Suid-Afrika sweet reeds ... [Onhoorbaar.] ...

 

 

English:

 

... [Inaudible.] ... to finance their 49% share. It is clear that government might have to provide guarantees for future SAA debt, and that is exactly the same as another bailout.

 

 

Afrikaans:

 

Die belastingbetaler het sedert ... [Onhoorbaar.] ...

 

 

English:

 

Mr M NHANHA: Chairperson, the NCOP has, many times, debated issues that continue to bedevil out state-owned entities. As I said in my earlier statement today, we as the opposition do provide sensible solutions to complex and difficult situations that continue to face our state-owned companies.

 

 

Let’s face it, hon members, we all know: if you don’t talk state control, all of your proposed solutions will fall on deaf ears.

 

 

We have proposed in the past and asked a question. Is it not about time that we leave business to people who know how best

 

 

to run business? Is it not about time that we reconsider the future of public enterprises as a department? Is it not about time that the state exists business, and leaves business to run business? In good conscience, the DA cannot support his budget. It is a waste of taxpayers’ money, once again.

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Chairperson ...

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Yes, hon Mathevula?

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Chairperson, this is not a question. I have a connectivity problem. I want to object to this Budget Vote and then we don’t have a declaration. Thank you.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Noted. The ANC ... hon Matibe?

 

 

Mr T B MATIBE: Chairperson, greetings to the hon members

 

 

The ANC supports the Appropriation Bill for Public Enterprises. We have already said in our declaration that, for us, the SOEs are strategic, and operate within the strategic sector of the economy, and therefore they are very important for us to contribute to job creation.

 

 

In that regard, the department has put in place a boss and management that seeks to make sure that whatever action needs to be taken in relation to issues of state capture and corruption is dealt with decisively.

 

 

We fully support the initiative undertaken in relation to SAA and how it is going to be re-launched shortly so that it can then play an important role in reviving the economy. We are in the process of economic recovery, and part of what the SAA can do for us and the economy is to assist us to recover.

 

 

We need to indicate that we are not going to wastre time dealing with ideologies. But for us, as the ANC, we seek to create a developmental state out of which we will be able to assist in economic recovery and the recovery plan as put forward by the President.

 

 

In that regard, the ANC supports the Appropriation Bill for Public Enterprises. Thank you.

 

 

Mr D R RYDER: Your ideology has failed!

 

 

An HON MEMBER: Ryder, behave!

 

 

Vote agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus and Democratic Alliance dissenting).

 

 

Vote No 18 – Health – put

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Chairperson, the EFF object with no declaration. Thank you.

 

 

Mr M R BARA: We object to the budget as well, Chairperson.

 

 

Ms M N GILLION: Hon Chairperson, I rise on behalf of the ANC to support the Special Appropriation Bill Vote 18 – Health. The ANC is of the view that this budget will assist us in making sure that all people of South Africa will experience better health, availability of the vaccine, primary health care and special projects to make sure that the inequalities that still exist in our society will be assisted. And also to ensure that the poorest of the poor will also enjoy better health care. I so move that we support it. Thank you.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

AYES-30: [TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

NOES-18: [TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

Vote No 19 – Social Development – put

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: Chairperson, the EFF objects with no declaration. Thank you.

 

 

Ms D C CHRISTIANS: Chairperson, DA objects and will not be making any declaration.

 

 

Ms A D MALEKA: Chairperson, the ANC supports with no declaration.

 

 

Division demanded.

 

 

The Council divided:

 

 

AYES-32: [TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

NOES-16: [TAKE IN FROM MINUTES]

 

 

Vote agreed to.

 

 

CONSIDERATION OF SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS BILL AND REPORT OF SELECT COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS THERON

 

 

Mr E NJADU: Thank you hon Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, hon members, permanent and special delegates present and fellow South Africans. In the past week there has been a lot of talk following the announcement of the strategic equity partner for the South African Airways, SAA. The partnership brings together South African public and private sector capabilities to reposition SA Airways.

 

 

As announced by the Minister of Public Enterprises under Pravin Gordan, the principle that underpins this partnership includes to relaunch a viable, scalable, agile and sustainable National South African airline that is no longer depending on the South African fiscus, to build an airline that the people propels growth of the South African economies, especially prison industry and to develop a high performance culture befitting of a world class airline which the SA Airways

 

 

aspires to return. This is an evidence that work towards stabilising our state owned enterprises is on track.

 

 

Hon members, it is my honour and privilege to table before this House the Report on the Special Appropriations Bill 2021, on behalf of the Select Committee on Appropriations in the National Council of Provinces, NCOP. The committee unanimously opted for the Bill without amendments, while the Democratic Alliance, the FFPlus reserved their rights and the Economic Freedom Fighters abstained. Chairperson, section 213(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa provides that money may be withdrawn from the National Revenue Funds, NRF, only in terms of an appropriation by an Act of Parliament.

 

 

In executing this mandate, the Select Committee on Appropriations has considered the report to the House in terms of the Section 4(3) of the Money Bill and Related Matters Act. The Special Appropriations Bill was tabled by the Minister of Finance on 24 February 2021 and it was referred to the committee for concurrence on Friday 04 June 2021. The Bill proposes additional R1,250 billion for the Department of Health to procure Covid-19 vaccines and to fund Covid-19 research projects. The R2,826 billion to the Department of

 

 

Social Development to fund the extension of the special Covid-

 

19 social relief of distress grant.

 

 

The R2,7 billion for the Department of Public Enterprises, DPE, to be earmarked for the restructuring of subsidising of SA Airways namely, SA Airways technical, Mango Airlines and Air Chefs. The committee further noted that the R2,7 billion is not a new allocation to the Department of Public Enterprises, DPE, but forms part of the R10,5 billion which was approved by Parliament in the 2020 Second Adjustment Appropriations Bill for restructuring of SA Airways under business rescue. Hon wonderful Chairperson, the committee notes that SA Airways is in the process to make salary settlement with its workers, including pilots. The committee is of the view that this matter should have been long resolved since the company received R7,8 billion for the business rescue practitioners to implement a rescue plan and deal with the challenges of this nature in 2020.

 

 

The committee makes the following recommendations; that the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Public Enterprises should ensure that there is a full compliance with all conditions prescribed for the R2,7 billion allocated to SA Airways subsidiaries as part of the R10,5 billion approved in

 

 

2020. Should there be noncompliance, the appropriations consequent management including the stoppage of funds, should be instituted expediently and the matter be reported to Parliament within a reasonable time, that the Minister of Public Enterprises should ensure that SA Airways ... [Inaudible.] ... challenge around the payment of the personnel as a matter of urgency, the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health should ensure that funds earmarked for the procurement of vaccines and to fund Covid-19 research projects are spent according to plans and that value for that is achieved, system to prevent wasteful fruitless unauthorised and irregular expenditure and illegal contracting should be put in place, clear reporting frameworks templates and procedures should be developed to publish vaccine expenditure reports for accountability and transparency purposes.

 

 

The Minister of Finance and the Minister of Social Development should ensure that funds earmarked for the extension of the special Covid-19 social relief of distress grant are spent according to plan and that value for money is achieved systems to prevent wasteful, fruitless, unauthorised and irregular expenditure should be put in place with immediate effect and clear reporting frameworks, templates and procedures should be developed to publish the expenditure on the Social Relief of

 

 

Distress, SRD, grant for accountability and transparency purposes.

 

 

In conclusion, Chairperson, I wish to thank all community members and community stakeholders who made submissions as well as committee support staff. Without these role players the process would not have been a success. The committee recommends to the House that the Bill be adopted without amendments. I thank you, Chair.

 

 

Declarations of vote:

 

Mr S F Du TOIT: Hon Chairperson, thank you. The Freedom Front Plus will not be making any declaration but we do not support this Bill. Thank you.

 

 

Ms B T MATHEVULA: The EFF objects, Chairperson, with no declaration. Thank you.

 

 

Mr W A S AUCAMP: Thank you, hon Chairperson. The DA objects and we will do a declaration. The Special Appropriation Bill contains three main components. The first component is to shift funds to enable the Department of Health to procure Covid-19 vaccines which should under normal under circumstances be a good move. However, looking at the total

 

 

inefficient way in which government held out these vaccine programs combined with the Minister of Health for his alleged involvement in irregularities, also combined with the lack of a proper planning by this government to implement a proper vaccine program, we cannot support this.

 

 

The Democratic Alliance was one of the first voices to be raised in order to alleviate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as with sometimes irrational Covid-19 lockdown regulations that have dealt a devastating blow to our country’s economy, leaving the most vulnerable people in our society without any means of putting food on the table. The DA therefore, welcome this grant. However unfortunately, the mismanagement by the Department of Social Development derailed the process to the point that it endangered the survival of many South Africans and therefore, we cannot support this.

 

 

Hon Chairperson, then we come to the third component, which is the contagious part of the Bill. The most contentious part of the Bill, it relates to the shuffling of funds to SA Airways Technical, Mango and Air Chefs. It is common cause that the operations of SA Airways Technical were in a shocking state long before Covid-19 hit our country. During 2019, there was a raft of flight delays as SA Airways and Comair planes were

 

 

grounded due to inadequacies at SA Airways technical. The audit done by the Civil Aviation Authority on SA Airways technical revealed numerous failures including a failure to address previous findings and unqualified personnel signing off on maintenance work.

 

 

The Civil Aviation Authority was at pains to point out that SA Airways technical failures had more to do with incompetence than with financial constraints. This led to Comair choosing to seek a different maintenance solution while more expensive could be trusted by them. It also made the loss of a valuable client which is not a good business model, hon Chairperson.

So, this request to throw money at an organisation that has proven to be badly managed, arrogant, intransigent and incompetent is not one that this House should just accede to. Without a better plan to make these subsidiaries sustainable or to close them down, this House should not be entrusting them with more money that it so desperately needed as South Africa battles in an economic war on so many fronts.

 

 

Hon Chairperson, this once again highlights the importance of a total privatisation of the SA Airways and all its subsidiaries. Privatisation is the only workable plan which will not only help the SA Airways and its subsidiaries to

 

 

become viable again, but it will also improve our country’s coffers by not having to subsidise it time and time again. Hon Chairperson, the recommendations of this report cannot be supported in the Democratic Alliance. Therefore, we reject this Bill. Thank you very much.

 

 

IsiXhosa:

 

Mnu Z MKIVA: Ndikhona Sihlalo. Mandithathe eli thuba ukuze ndiphefumle egameni lombutho wesizwe olawula eli lizwe.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Yes, please proceed. Hon Mkiva, proceed.

 

 

Mr Z MKIVA: Thank you Chair. Greetings to you, the members and the entire nation. The Special Appropriation Bill is a reflection of the necessary adjustments, that need to be done as a result of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our country and the economy, and the consequences of government’s restructuring programme. We are resolute that the appropriated additional funds of R1,2 billion to the Budget Vote of Health, supports the programme set in the pillars of the state of the nation address by President Ramaphosa, that of saving lives and defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. Without this additional allocation to procure COVID-19 vaccines,

 

 

implement a related COVID-19 vaccine research project, and rollout the vaccination programme, the nation will be vulnerable. Hence caring for the people is the nature of the governing party and their lives, health and wellbeing are paramount.

 

 

As we have all witnessed what COVID-19 has done, is to expose poverty in our country to an even greater extent. Hence the appeal from those who have been made vulnerable most by the COVID-19 pandemic, an additional R2,8 billion has been appropriated in order to fund the extension of the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant for an additional month. We are encouraged by ongoing discussions around a

...[Inaudible]... and the programme that has been made as an experience of the social relief of distress, has demonstrated just how important this has been in lifting those in absolute poverty and providing some relief to others.

 

 

On the matter of an additional allocation to the Department of Public Enterprises, let us be very clear that, this is not new money but rather in terms of the law which allows it, the use for a portion of an amount referred to in the schedule for a subsidiary SA Airways, for use by another subsidiary of SA Airways to address urgent funding needs. The R2,7 billion will

 

 

therefore fund critical subsidiaries of SA Airways and assist them to be functioning as a relaunch of a restructured SA Airways takes place. There must be no assumption on the part of the opposition that this is privatisation. There is a big difference between partnership and privatisation. This is a strategic intent to ensure that our national carrier hits the skies once again. We want to emphasize that, this is not privatisation.

 

 

Therefore, the ANC supports this Special Appropriation Bill without any figment of a confusion. We are focused as the governing party. This Bill must go through. Thank you very much Chair.

 

 

Question put: That the Bill be agreed to.

 

 

Bill agreed to in accordance with section 75 of the Constitution.

 

 

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Let me take this opportunity one more time to extend appreciation for the Minister and Deputy Minister for joining us and being part of these deliberations in the NCOP. Let me also acknowledge the presence and express my appreciation for all special delegates as well as the SA

 

 

Local Government Association, Salga representatives for availing themselves. The House is now adjourned.

 

 

The Council adjourned at 17:32.