Hansard: NA: Unrevised hansard
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 13 Sep 2022
Summary
No summary available.
Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
TUESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2022
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Watch: Plenary
The House met at 14:00
The House Chairperson Mr C T Frolick took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
JAGERSFONTEIN MINE DAM BURST FLOOD
(Member’s Statement)
Mr B A RADEBE (ANC): Hon Chairperson of the House ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Radebe, may I just ask your colleagues there at the back to lower their voices so that we can hear you. Please continue, hon Radebe.
Mr B A RADEBE (ANC): Thank you, House Chairperson. The ANC has noted with sadness the incident that took place in the Free State province, Jagersfontein, where three people lost their lives and many injured after a dam wall collapsed, causing a mudslide. The disaster unfolded at about 6am on Sunday, 11 September in the diamond mining town, which is situated in the Kopanong Local Municipality.
About 40 people have since been taken to hospital after sustaining injuries, while four people have been confirmed to be missing. Homes and vehicles were swept away, people were displaced and others lost property, power was down, water supply had been disrupted and telecommunication lines had been disturbed in the area.
The ANC expresses appreciation to the role played by the provincial, national and local government in providing support and assistance to the affected communities. We urge communities to remain calm and allow the investigation to take place. We call upon the mining industry to take responsibility for the environmental protection. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the people who lost their lives in the incident. We wish the injured survivors a speedy recovery and a positive outcome in the search for missing residents. I thank you, Chair.
GOVERNMENT THAT HAS STOPPED CARING ABOUT PEOPLE
(Member’s Statement)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION (DA): House Chair, a cocktail of bad economic policies, corruption are cowardly stunts on the Russia and Ukraine war and the government that stopped caring about those it is meant to serve has led us to the cost of living crisis that we face today. Thirty million South Africans live under poverty, in fact, 41% of people cannot feed their families ...
BUSINESS INTERRUPTED ON THE VIRTUAL PLATFORM DUE TO TECHNICAL ERROR AT 14:05 AND RESUMED AT 14:38.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: [No sound] ... Ukraine war and the government that stopped caring about those it is meant to serve has led us to the cost of living crisis that we face today. Thirty million South Africans live under poverty, in fact, 41% of people cannot feed their families while 81% are already skipping meals daily. Seven out of 10 young people remain unemployed with no prospect for a future. All this while our government dithers.
To understand the priorities of this government one only has to look at the repairing of a single pothole by the President in Mpumalanga to much fanfare. The casualties of this detached government are the millions of people who look to the people in this House for solutions to the problems that they face.
This is why last week the DA tabled a number of solutions to cushion the most vulnerable from crushing poverty. Cut the fuel taxes and levies to lower the cost of transport, reallocate the R50 million donation to Cuba to struggling South Africans, review the zero rated food items which have become staples in many homes, like chicken, tin food, wheat and baby food. We implore this government to immediately implement these solutions if they are serious about combating poverty.
ROAD BETWEEN MATSHENG AND MOLELEMA, DR RUTH S MOMPATI DISTRICT
(Member’ Statement)
Mr M N PAULSEN: Thank you very much House Chair, we will stay with roads. There is a road between Matsheng and Molelema, D206, in the Dr Ruth S Mompati District in Greater Taung Local Municipality that is being upgraded from gravel to tar. The project started in September 2019, and this project was supposed to be finished by July 2021.
It has been three years and the project has been stopped completely. The squabbles between the provincial Department of Public Works and Roads in the North West and the contractors have left people without a reliable road.
In fact, the people were better off with their gravel road. It is not the public’s fault that the provincial department understated the project and did not plan properly. We have tried to reach out to the Minister to ask for his intervention. It is clear now that there are people who do not want the road to be completed.
The fact that the project is being done by the provincial department does not absolve you the Minister of Transport. We would like to know why the D206 project stopped and when will it be resumed?
The project started when I was deployed to Dr Ruth in 2019, and people were relieved that finally there was a road. But today, they are worse off than they were before the road was started. Thank you very much.
DA KICKED OUT OF KNYSNA COUNCIL
(Member’ Statement)
Mr F JACOBS: Thank you House Chair, DA kicked out of Knysna Council. It would be remiss of the ANC to not welcome the recent developments in Knysna where the DA’s reign in that area came to an end. On 31st of August 2022 ... of the councillors passed a vote of no confidence against mayor Davis and his deputy, Mark Willemse.
The vote of no confidence, which was tabled by the ANC, and it coalition partners, carried 11 votes against 10.
Aubrey Tsengwa from the ANC has taken over the post of mayor from Davis, the DA member, whose coalition was with Willemse’s Knysna Independent Movement.
The ANC also secured the position of speaker, which is occupied by Mncedisi Skosana, who praised Tsengwa as “the face of the town”. The Plaaslike Besorgde Inwoners’s Alberto Marbi was elected deputy speaker.
We wish all the newly elected members well and hope that they serve the people of Knysna with fairness, transparency and commitment. Thank you.
SOUTH AFRICAN HEALTH SYSTEM HAS INEQUALITY
(Member’ Statement)
Mr K P SITHOLE: Thank you, hon House Chairperson, South Africa’s public health care system is grapple with inequality and inadequate resources and more importantly, a lack of health care professionals. With only 70% of South Africa’s population depend on health care. This is a great injustice.
South Africa, has foreign qualified medical doctors available for... sadly they cannot practice their profession, due to administrative delays and incompetence on the part of Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Many foreign qualified medical graduates have been waiting for years to be admitted at the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Is only ... [Inaudible.] ... means of expanding board examinations. The continuous shifting sand of procedure by Health Professions Council of South Africa to gate keeping
the entry of foreign qualified medical practitioners is not just incompetent but ... [Inaudible.] ... criminally.
The government and HPCSA owe it to the people of South Africa to provide as many qualified health professionals as possible, to capacitate our overburden hospitals and clinics.
Foreign qualified health professionals who have academically trained for years showed up in numbers to offer their skills to our declining health care system. However, they are continuous met with restrictions, limitations and delays and sit idling for months and sometimes even years waiting for opportunity to write their medical board examinations. The IFP
... [Interjection.] [Time expired.]
COMMUNITY OF JAGERSFONTEIN
(Member’ Statement)
Mr W W WESSELS: Thank you House Chairperson, the recent disaster that hit the town of Jagersfontein, could most probably have been prevented. The community of Jagersfontein has for several years been complaining about the risks posed by the tailings dam. This was brought to the attention of the
Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, but the department failed to act.
According to a thorough investigation, House Chairperson, is needed and if the possible negligence and non-compliance by the mine, are confirmed, those responsible must be held to account.
The Minister and his department will also have to account as to why the department did not do the necessary to ensure compliance and to prevent these type of mining disasters.
Government will have to act concertively to assist the Kopanong Local Municipality to effectively deal with this disaster. The disrupted water and electricity supply to the town as well as the destroyed sewage plant, should be priority.
This is an ecological disaster with soil and water contamination. Further damage and tragedy should be mitigated by preventing access of the public to the affected area. The tailings most probably contain toxic substances, which poses serious health risks to humans and animals. Access control is currently lacking.
The FF Plus House Chairperson, conveys our heartfelt condolences to the community and especially to those who have lost loved ones, their homes and possessions in this tragic event. I thank you.
DA LOSING GRIP ON CITY OF JOHANNESBURG
(Member’ Statement)
Ms J TSHABALALA: Thank you House Chairperson, the DA is losing grip on the City of Johannesburg. Accusing the ANC of the eyeing municipality budgets in the battle for control of the City of Johannesburg. The DA national leader, John Steenhuisen will do well to focus on the facts that there’s a reason why the minority parties including the ATM and Cope and Al
Jama-ah, amongst others are working together to remove the DA’s mayor, Dr Mpho Phalatse.
Just recently on the first of 1st of September 2022, the DA speaker Vasco da Gama was voted out in council meeting. The motion for his removal was tabled by the PAC, was backed by the ANC and the EFF. His removal was due to his overreach administratively, when he went ahead with the appointment of Mr Molekwa despite a council resolution to the contrary and
also sought to mislead council and the council meeting, held on the 11 and 15 August by fronting Mr Kubika and the Acting Secretary of Council, when in fact Mr Molekwa has been acting in that capacity from the 15 July 2022. Shame on the DA.
The DA through that typical undermining and patronising behaviour has created a political environment for this party to unite against it. This was not caused by the ANC but the DA’s unwillingness to deliver services to residence. All six parties together ... [Interjection.] ... the DA mayor is out, it’s a matter of time, she is coming out that Dr Phalatse ... [Interjection.] [Time expired.]
POSA FAILED TO MAKE PAYMENT
(Member’ Statement)
Ms D KOHLER: House Chairperson, since the revelations last week that the Post Office hasn’t paid some R700 million towards their staff medical aid contributions, I’ve had a great deal of information sent to me.
In the Communications Portfolio Committee, we were told that the member’s portion was paid over, but the management portion was not.
The documents I have say otherwise. Post Office managers from various provinces have said the full amount is deducted from their salaries monthly, but that it was not paid over and indeed not only is the medical aid now cutting off their membership in 10 days’ time, but that the outstanding amount which runs to tens of thousands of rands for each individual, will be deducted from their pensions. Let me repeat - these contributions have already been deducted from their salaries.
This proof will be forwarded today to Lieutenant General Lebeya of the South African Police Service’ Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Hawks, who I have asked to do a full investigation. Additionally, there is proof that
pensions, Unemployment Insurance Fund, UIF, Pay As You Earn, PAYE and Value Added Tax, VAT, are taken from the staff salaries, and not a cent is paid over to the relevant bodies. Now, if I did that as an employee, I would be expected to be arrested.
The Post Office, PO, is in the process of closing 130 of its offices, has blown through the last R80 billion bailout, and has now asked for an additional R2,4 billion from Treasury.
The Hawks will soon reveal who exactly is scoring from this fraud, and the next step on the part of the DA will be to lay criminal charges. Minister, wherever you are, are you going to suspend the board and top management today, and if you won’t, explain to this House why on earth not. Thank you.
STATEMENT ON CRIME IN DIEPSLOOT
(Member’ Statement)
Rev K R J MESHOE: House Chairperson, reports that thugs with pangas are terrorising residents of Diepsloot near Johannesburg are concerning indeed. Despite additional police resources and personnel that were recently introduced to reduce crime in the area, armed gangs are, reportedly, continuing to rob people on the streets and hack some of them to death.
Residents say that there was a difference in the first two weeks after Police Minister, Bheki Cele introduced 50
additional police personnel and 16 vehicles to help fight crime in the community in April, but now, crime is increasing again and residents are living in fear for their lives.
As police efforts seem to be failing to eradicate crime in Diepsloot, the ACDP believes that the Police Minister and his management should go back to the drawing board to sketch out a new strategy to fight crime in that area, and also introduce new or advanced measures that will teach criminals that crime does not pay. This has to be done as a matter of urgency so that residents of Diepsloot can start living in peace and safety again.
Until then, the ACDP calls on the Police Minister to tell South Africans, particularly the people of Diepsloot, what his government and department in particular is planning to do to restore law and order in the country, so that our residents, commuters and those using public transport can be assured of safety wherever they live, work or travel. I thank you.
ANC CONDEMNS INCIDENT WHERE FIVE WOMEN WERE GANG RAPED IN LIMPOPO
(Member’s Statement)
Sepedi:
Moh C M PHIRI (ANC): Le a rasa! Modulasetulo, ke a go tamiia. Rena bjale ka mokgatlo wa badimo le batho - mokgatlo wa ANC, re re re kgahlanong le go fetiia ka tiragalo yeo e diragetiego kua ga Mathabatha, seleteng sa Capricorn ka Limpopo. Go bile le dipiheiamare goba go ile gwa ba le tiragalo yeo e sa kgahliiego le gatee ya gore banna ba tsenelele basadi ba ba kate. Re le mokgatlo wa badimo le batho, re re taba ye e fediiwe. Ga re e rate le gateetee, ebile re re se se diragetie kua seleteng sa Capricorn kgauswi le tsela ya R37 ka Sontaga kgweding yona ye. Pele batho bao ba dirilego molato woo ba tihaba, ba ile ba utswa le tihelete yeo re ka se bolelego gore ke bokae ka gore ga re tsebe ebile ga re na nnete ya gore ke bokae. Ba tieere le dillathekeng tia batho bao ba iomago kua motihari leo ka Sekgowa re le bitiago “funeral parlour”.
Mokgatlo wa badimo le batho o bitia kgothekgothe ya badudi ba Ga-Mathababatha le badudi ba Afrika-Borwa ka bophara. A re thuianeng ka go nyakiiiia, re thuiane le maphodisa gore re sware bao ba dirilego dipiheiamare tieo. Ba swanetie ba tswalelelwe ka tronkong goba ba ye go dula le diphoofolo ka ge e se batho bao ba swanetiego go dula setihabeng le batho. Re na le tshepho le tumelo ya gore Kgoro ya Sephodisa yeo e
etilwego pele ke ntate wa rena Bheki Cele o tla dira ka tsela yeo e swanetiego. [Nako e fedile.] Ke a leboga, Modulasetulo.
GOOD ENCOURAGES RESPONSIBLE MINING AFTER JAGERSFONTEIN DISASTER
(Member’s Statement)
Mr B N HERRON (Good): House Chair, we also want to address the Jagersfontein disaster. Just last week Good spoke about the role of the mines in our economy and their relationship to the environment. We appealed for the environment to obligations assessments and rehabilitation guarantees of mine operations to be enforced and restructured so that mines protect and restore our environment’s post operations. This tragedy also underlines the duty of mines to ensure the safety of communities, their health, their lives and their homes.
The first thing that must be triggered when a mine is closed or sold is disc assessment, as well as the financial obligations the mines have to restore the environment to how they found it. Jagersfontein is a textbook example of this, and the community have been warning the local and provincial governments that the dam proximity and its structural
integrity was worrying. It is alarming that the sale of the mine’s assets just months before, triggered nothing. No risk assessment, no quality control checks, and to top it off, the dam was not even registered with the Water department of Mineral Resources. We must use this as a call to action to improve our control of mining obligations and we must also be in a position to respond rapidly to disasters – manmade or natural.
If mining is to continue to be the economic backbone of this country, a nationwide movement of inspections and regulations has to be redone. Water pollution, air pollution, ... [Inaudible.] ... and destroyed ecosystems are already part of our proud mining culture. We have to balance the need to support them and encourage responsible mining as it is a major economic sector. And we also have a duty not to allow communities to live with the hazard on their doorsteps. Thank you.
TENTH PERSON ARRESTED FOR R28 MILLION LOOTING OF FUNDS MEANT FOR FARMERS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr N CAPA (ANC): The ANC welcomes the arrest of the tenth person in relation to the R28 million stolen from a fund meant for the farmers in Mpumalanga farmers. The official, Yolanda Nontsikelelo Nkambule, appeared before the Malelane Magistrate’s Court after she was arrested by the Nelspruit- based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit for fraud. She forms part of the previous nine trustees who were arrested on 14 April 2022.
It is alleged that between December 2019 and October 2020, the accused looted Mpumalanga farmers’fund, through misrepresentation by creating and submitting fictitious invoices to RCL Food Distributors and Akwandze, stealing from the funds and prejudicing both entities, causing an actual loss amount of R28 million. All the accused face charges of fraud and money laundering. The ANC applauds the work done by the Hawks. The government, working with the people, will defeat corruption. Thank you.
PRISON PERIMETER FENCES VANDALISM IN GOODWOOD POSES SAFETY RISK
(Member’s Statement)
Ms A L A ABRAHAMS (DA): The Goodwood prison perimeter fences were extensively vandalised and stolen over recent years. This poses a safety risk to residents and motorists using the N1 as well as the many correctional services officials and their families residing on this grounds. The ANC government continually demonstrate very little care for the safety of South Africans.
We recently debated the impact of theft and vandalism of public infrastructure and here we have yet another example of an ANC government which cannot perform the ... [Inaudible.]
... that is maintaining the prison perimeter fence. Driving along the N1 the derelict buildings on the ground are an eyesore, and are being stepped day by day. The Western Cape has experienced a rapid increase of land invasions in recent years. Perhaps the Ministers of Correctional Services and Public Works are waiting for this parcel of national government land to be invaded first before they take any action. Thank you.
SABOTAGE OF ESKOM OPERATIONS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr K CEZA (EFF): Chair, there is a serious crisis of sabotage of Eskom operations with the intention of collapsing electricity distribution and subjecting our people to unnecessary black outs. They do this because they want to irritate us. And when they sell Eskom for R100, they wish that we keep quiet and say good riddance.
We want to ensure the people of South Africa that all malicious efforts to handover Eskom to private interest linked with the establishment will not happen under our watch. Last week when we adopted the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Scopa, report of the oversight visit to Eskom, we gave practical solutions to stabilise and prevent blackouts.
These are the solutions we have put on the table because we are aware of the cost of these blackouts on municipalities and small businesses. We requested that all corrupt independent power producers, IPP, contracts imposed on Eskom that are not sustainable and affordable should be scrapped, since you failed to renegotiate prices. Let’s build a coal mine near Kusile as it was initially planned. Kusile and Medupi must train engineers and we must only fix the defects with equipments that our engineers are familiar with. Lastly I would like to ask if there is a reason Andre de Ruyter is ...
[Time expired.] ... despite the fact that he is protected by whiteness, Minister, because he has proved ... [Time expired.]
... that he is incompetent. He must go!
ANC CONDEMNS BEHAVIOUR OF KWANDENGEZI PUPILS FOR BURNING THEIR SCHOOL AFTER POLICE SEIZE CELLPHONES AND DRUGS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr T V MASHELE (ANC): The ANC strongly condemns the burning of classrooms and vandalism that took place at a high school in KwaNdengezi in KwaZulu-Natal last week. The incident followed an operation by the police where cellphones, weapons and drugs were confiscated. Shortly after police left, pupils started burning and torching the premises.
The ANC believes ill-discipline by learners including destruction of property is a serious threat to many gains made to improve the socioeconomic conditions in the country.
Schools should never be sites of violence and drugs. The confiscation of cellphones, weapons and illegal substances is in line with the school’s code of conduct. Our schools should be centres of excellence, not sites of violence and other criminal behaviour.
We call on parents, guardians and relatives and all the stakeholders to actively play their role on matters of discipline to assist educators and schools to overcome misconduct, delinquency and violence by learners.
FORMER HAWKS POLICEMAN 15 YEARS JAIL FOR STEALING GUNS AND FOR POSSESSION OF AMMUNITION
(Member’s Statement)
Mr A M SEABI (ANC): The ANC welcomes the 15-year sentence given to a former Hawks policeman, Warrant Officer Daniel Reynecke on Wednesday 31 August 2022, for stealing confiscated guns and possession of ammunition and explosives. Magistrate Anand Maharaj found the 64-year-old Reynecke guilty of a string of offences related to the theft of firearms from police custody and possession of ammunition.
The behaviour of police who are involved in corruption is a disgrace. This incident confirms the strongly held view of the prevalence of corruption within the Police Service. We call on the government to continue cracking down hard on corruption within the police service.
Members of society look to law enforcement to assist and protect them. They expect them to be persons of integrity and beyond reproach. This reprehensible behaviour by Warrant Officer Daniel Reynecke goes against the ethos of the police to serve and protect people. We hope this sentence would serve as a deterrent to police officers contemplating similar conduct.
THUGS TERRORISING DIEPSLOOT RESIDENTS SABOTAGE AT ESKOM
FORMER HAWKS OFFICIAL SENTENCED INCIDENT OF GANG RAPE IN LIMPOPO KWANDENGEZI PUPILS BURN SCHOOL
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF POLICE: Chair, I would like to invite the reverend that we go and walk the streets of Diepsloot, then you realise how peaceful that place is since there was an intervention in that place and many people were arrested who were terrorising the community there, and indeed one person committed crime and that person has been arrested.
As we all know that criminals would be forever there but the police will respond. So, I am inviting the reverend for us to
go and walk the streets of Diepsloot together and forget this Diepsloot you see on TV. Let’s go to the real Diepsloot so that we are together. There at Eskom, you know that we have a special team that has been formulated and quite a several people that have been committing sabotage there have been arrested. We also welcome the arrest of this police officer that was supposed to do the work but committed crimes ... not the only one, there are quite several of them, one in Port Shepstone and the one in Harding has been sentenced to 165 years, a former police officer but committed crimes in the taxi industry. But that does not mean that all police officers are bad. There are many men and women in blue who are doing their work and we really applaud them and we support them. We are calling on the community ... we are working with the community to find those people that raped women in the ... [Inaudible.] ... there.
Lastly, we are calling on parents with the issue of KwaNdengezi, where police went to school because they had information ... They found things that are not supposed to be in school, but it is telling us that some parents are supporting the students for revolting after the police have done their work to get things that were illegal from the school. So, the call is on parents here and the communities to
work together with the police to eradicate crime. Thank you very much.
JAGERSFONTEIN MINE DAM BURST FLOOD
POST OFFICE SOUTH AFRICA FAILS TO MAKE PAYMENT CORRUPTION – SA GOVERNMENT STOPS CARING
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: House Chair, good afternoon to you members, let's appreciate the statements by several members that relate to Jagerfontein firstly, indeed we sent our condolences to the communities there but also wish those who are still in the hospital a speedy recovery. The President was in Jagerfontein yesterday to see for himself first, leading the government’s intervention. One of the issues there was first to respond in terms of providing support to the communities.
All departments were on site, the Department of Health providing health services, providing counselling also together with the Department of Social Development, but also providing support in terms of relocation of families. We can say to hon our members and South Africans that none of the families is
actually staying in the halls, they’ve been provided with alternative accommodation for those who have been displaced. And also in terms of rebuilding and looking at the communities, we have started, for example, the National Home Builders Registration Council, NHBRC, from the Department of Human Settlements has gone into the community to start assessing the structural integrity of the buildings so that we know that there's work that is being done. From the Department of Water and Sanitation, water tankers have been provided.
From the Department of Police, divers have been there in terms of search and rescue to be able to support the community. So indeed the District Development Model, DDM, is at play where you have national, provincial and local governments working together to respond to that.
In relation to the mining activity, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Minister Mantashe, is onsite dealing with specifically that. There has been an issue around this issue where the mining dumps were declared by the Supreme Court of Appeals, SCA, not to be in terms of the mining rights and within the legal framework and they are now regarded under labour, and this is an issue that Minister Mantashe is taking up with to say, this is ... he sees it as judicial overreach and, therefore, there is a need to look at it for avoiding
future implication. I want to respond also to the issue around the post office, Minister Ntshavheni is not here, she's actually hosting ... [Inaudible.] ... but I know for sure that she will definitely take the matter up in terms of the post office. She's been working very hard to turn around the post office, including ensuring that the separation between the post office and Post Bank happens with the appointment of the board there. She's been working to ensure that the systems are in place. And I do believe that if those allegations are true, she will definitely act and act accordingly as she has been actually championing the work that she's doing.
To the DA Chief Whip, on the issues around the cost of living, just as I conclude, Chair, is that it's not correct that the government doesn't care. The government has intervened through the Department of Mineral Resources and Treasury, where we've been able to cushion South Africans around the cost of fuel, which contributes to the cost of living. If we look at the prices of food, you start noticing from June actually that has gone down. Thank you very much, Chair. [Time expired.]
DA LOSING GRIP ON THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG THUGS TERRORISING DIEPSLOOT RESIDENTS
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: House
Chairperson, I want to respond to the statement by hon Judith Tshabalala, and I fully agree with her with regard to the ANC and the partners they're working with within the City of Johannesburg. It is not a backdoor process. It is a process provided by the law. What is happening in the City of Johannesburg to collapse the marriage of convenience between the DA and the other partners that they were having? The people and the other organisations have seen the true colours of the DA, that they're still yearning for the years of apartheid where services are only delivered in a racially skewed manner.
In a manner that is following the apartheid special planning, only looking after the affluent suburbs and only those of white colour. But the ANC, as it works with all the coalition partners, intends to provide services to all the citizens of the City of Johannesburg, irrespective of their colour, political affiliation or creed. So this is not a backdoor.
It's a front door and it is part of democracy that the DA must accept because it's provided for by the laws of the City of Johannesburg. So they must not cry foul that there is any
intention to look at the kitty by the ANC. The ANC’s not after the kitty, but the ANC wants to provide services to all the people of the City of Johannesburg as it has provided before. And it will continue to do so in the City of Tshwane, the City of Ekurhuleni and the City of Nelson Mandela Metro because the ANC provides services to everyone, irrespective of their colour.
So, hon Steenhuisen must not want to hide behind the ANC for their ill deeds and all the maladministration that they've done in all these metros. It is not the ANC. It is their lack of service delivery. It is their maladministration. It is their failure to administer all these metros that makes these other parties that they have been working with to want to leave the marriage of convenience because they see through the eyes of the DA. that the DA is not for governance.
It is only interested in providing services to the people that they want in a racially skewed manner as it was done under apartheid. They're still yearning for the apartheid type of spatial development. But we were not yearning for that as the ANC. We are yearning for a development that is for the benefit of all people, irrespective of their colour, irrespective of their creed. And I also want to assure Reverend Meshoe,
whether are we able to assure South Africans of their safety, that indeed the biggest deterrent of crime is the fact that someone who commits a crime knows that one day he or she will be arrested, will be prosecuted and will be convicted. And that is what the criminal justice system ... [Time expired.]
SABOTAGE AT ESKOM
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES: Thank you, Chair, and good afternoon to you and hon members, I wish to refer to the points made by the member from the EFF and remind him, firstly, that the President’s comprehensive plan ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Ndlozi, you have not been recognised. You are interrupting the Minister. Please proceed, hon Minister.
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC ENTERPRISES: Let me repeat,
Chairperson, that the President on 25 July presented an integrated plan for energy adequacy and meeting the energy crisis in South Africa across all of the government
departments. We now have an integrated plan. We have a structure within the Presidency, which looks at each element of the plan and ensures that it is executed. Regrettably, we have had mishaps at several power stations over the last week or so. I have been in meetings with the Eskom board and management earlier today, and will once again meet them later today in order to ensure that we communicate the urgency of Eskom performing much better than it currently is in relation to the coal-powered power stations that it has within its control. It is completely misleading, if not incorrect, that Eskom or any part of Eskom can be sold for R100. And this is the permanent narrative that regrettably comes from this party which seeks to plant the wrong kind of ideas around privatisation on a repeated basis, notwithstanding that there is no factual basis for it.
The next point, Chairperson, is that climate change is experienced in all parts of the world. It was experienced in KwaZulu-Natal in April this year. And renewables in one form or another and movement away from coal over a 30 or 40-year period is going to be the future that we are all going to inherit.
Similarly, Kusile as a power station probably has another 40 years of life it being a relatively new power station and it will consume coal for that particular period as well. So in some ... at the moment, we have an energy deficit in South Africa, we have planned over the next year to ensure that that energy deficit is covered by renewables, by gas and by other technologies including a better performance by the coal generating plants within Eskom itself. Thank you, Chairperson.
REGISTRATION OF FOREIGN QUALIFIED DOCTORS
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF HEALTH: Hon Chairperson of the sitting, I wish to respond to a statement from a member of the IFP concerning registration of foreign qualified doctors. Just to correct the member that not 70% of the population which relies on public health - is actually 85% upwards of the South Africans who rely on public health. So, indeed, we do require all the human resources to be able to provide the services.
Now the Health Professions Council of South Africa has a responsibility to uphold very high standard in accrediting
health professionals to practice in our country in order to make sure that South Africans are protected.
I am sure hon members are aware from time to time we heard some horrible stories. At the current moment I think we are all aware of a bogus doctor in the Free State who also inflicted pain on a patient by raping the very patient who thought that she was coming to see a doctor. So, these are the kind of things which the Health Professions Council is meant to prevent in terms of very high standard of accrediting professionals as you know this particular one was masquerading as a doctor when he was not. So, that include also in our country even in the local universities they have education committees which make sure that the standard of teaching and training is upheld. Also, in terms of foreign qualified professionals they have to make sure that the universities which they qualified from are properly scrutinise if not already recognised and they provide systems through which these professionals can then be assessed.
It’s true that there are weaknesses. I can say to the hon member that I have worked very closely with the Chief Whip of the IFP, hon Narend Singh, in addressing this matter in a number of occasions. There are still niggling weaknesses and
we are following up with the Health Professions Council to make sure that those who deserve who have a proper qualification can be given the necessary opportunity. There were times when some wrote the board exam to verify their standard of qualification but then there was a delay in releasing those results. So, these are matters which will be following up but I want to assure the hon members that we give full support from time to time some governance weaknesses, some management and performance weaknesses but from our Ministry and department we are monitoring these and giving support to the Health Professions Council to make sure it can continue to protect South Africans in terms of making sure we have quality protections. Thanks very much, hon Chair. [Time expired.]
VANDALISM IN GOODWOOD
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE: Hon
Chairperson, the question from the member of the DA, I do not have all the details about the correctional facility today. I will get all the details from the department and then will
respond to the hon member as soon as possible. Thank you, hon Chair.
NDENGETHO HIGH SCHOOL IN KWANDENGEZI IN KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCE
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Chair, Minister Cele has responded on the social ills that we the Basic Education is working together with police and they were doing their work. we really condemn what the learners have done especially in the province of KwaZulu-Natal where we are still battling with resuscitating the schools that were flooded by the floods.
So, they are taking us back because what they do in that school will not be in the list anytime soon. So, we really condemned what has happened but we are working together with the Department of Police, Social Development and other departments that we are conscientising the children and the parents not to destroy education facilities. Thank you, Chair.
CONSIDERATION OF CANDIDATE NOMINATED FOR APPOINTMENT AS INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF INTELLIGENCE SERVICES
(REPORT OF JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE)
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Paulsen, can you lower your voice, please. Will you read the Order again, please?
Mr J J MAAKE: Thank you very much, House Chairperson. We were here on 15 June 2022, debating this same issue. We explained that this position is one of the most important in the intelligence environment. Our motivation on the best candidate fell through and failed. This teaches us that not the best always wins. As we celebrate the life of one of the finest sons of South Africa, Steve Bantu Biko, who was murdered by the security forces of the apartheid regime 45 years ago, we must be reminded that it is for this reason that we have institutions like the office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence Services, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, the Civilian Police Secretariat, the Interception Judge, the office of the Public Protector, etcetera. The aim of all this was to stop impunity of the security and intelligence structures as it used to be. I think it is not necessary to repeat what was said on that fateful day, if I was to call it that, when we debated this. Therefore, should I say I was disappointed in the ACDP that voted against their
own Mfundisi ... [Laughter.] ... This goes to show that sometimes politics get in where it is not necessary or supposed to be.
House Chairperson, may be it is necessary to explain the functions of this committee of ours which is shrouded in secrecy all the way, where we don’t go into meetings with anything, be it a handbag for ladies, a cell phone, or a scrap of paper, etcetera, where our programme and agenda are classified. People tend to take us members as spooks ourselves. Let it be very clear that we are not spooks, but we are simply overseeing spooks and we are not operatives. The fact that people don’t have an idea what goes on in our closed meetings lead to a lot of speculations, some of which are far from reality and are unfounded. I can stand here today and assure everybody in here that we do know politicking in that committee and that in 99% of the issues we deal with we agree as all members of all parties. We effectively don’t recognise party politics in the way the work we do.
House Chairperson, the office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence Services is the only tool or instrument that is available to this committee which we can investigate operational issues and dig deeper and report to this
committee. One can imagine if this instrument is demobilised. What will happen or what happens? The High-Level Review Panel report recommended the restructuring of the Intelligence Services. The legacy report of those that came before us also made recommendations, and lastly, the Zondo Commission did the same and this committee is tasked with overseeing the implementation of those recommendations. If we were to talk about our tools of trades of this committee, the office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence Services is one of them, without which we are handicapped. Politicking and fighting is a luxury we can’t afford in the committee as we are faced with the security of the nation and not of the state. Our work is, therefore, clearly cut before us in all what we do and all of that is in our programme ... [Interjections.]
Dr M Q NDLOZI: When will you motivate for the candidate, maar?
Mr J J MAAKE: Our work is, therefore, clearly cut before us in all what we do and all of that is in our programme which, unfortunately, is classified. The committee here today present Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel as a candidate nominated for appointment by the President to the position of Inspector-General of the Republic of South Africa. [Time expired.]
There was no debate.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: This guy.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Thank you, hon member. Hon Ndlozi, you are very familiar with the rules and it’s not the first time now this afternoon that you simply switch on your microphone. Please adhere to the rules so that we got ... [Interjections.]
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Sorry, House Chairperson, I should have called a point of order on relevance because the hon member obviously wasted time ... [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): I haven’t recognised you, hon member. You are not recognised. Hon members, I will now recognise political parties wishing to make a declaration and the usual times for declaration of votes will apply. The Democratic Alliance!
Declarations of vote made on behalf of the Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party, African Christian Democratic Party, National Freedom Party, Al Jama-ah and African National Congress.
Declarations of vote:
Ms D KOLHER: Thank you and I agree with 99% of what the Chairperson of the committee has just said, nobody understands what we do or how difficult it is. Now, some three months ago there was a vote in this House to fill the position of the Inspector-General of Intelligence Services and my two colleagues, hon Stubbe, Labuschagne and I attend every single committee meeting and we had marked each and every interview very carefully. Today our number one choice is before this House. Those who attend the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, JSCI, a few days ago were unanimous in their decision. After what happened with the Cecil Burgess debacle when it took years to find a replacement everyone would accept the committee has this Parliament wisely I believe ranked those interviewed. That’s when the first choice put to this House was not agreed to, the committee was ready with the next choice, there wasn’t going to be another three-year delay.
Indeed, this was the number one choice on the part of the Democratic Alliance who scored 96%, Mr Imtiaz Fazel. In the live and broadcast interviews had you watched, you would have seen that he showed an encyclopaedic knowledge of the workings of the office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence Services, and indeed, he was the only candidate who presented
innovative solutions to current and possible future issues. He showed real out-of-the-box thinking. One of the strong points in his favour was that he was from outside the office of the Inspector-General and thus, more likely to be able to deal with the various and inevitable factions within as well as with all of those who applied as sometimes for the second time for this post. Oddly enough, after the process was complete some of us received anonymous messages making a ... [Inaudible.] ... claims about Mr Fazel. Yet, there is to our knowledge no record of any grievance ever laid against him for any matter whatsoever.
I’m told by my colleagues on the Public Works Portfolio Committee that as an acting director-general he pushed the performance of Public Works up from 62% to 69% for the key performance areas, KPAs, in terms of their latest annual report, and that’s a job well-done and ... [Inaudible.] ... stable of the department. Additionally, he was the deputy director-general, DG, for risk and compliance there and has glowing references in terms of his efficiency and willingness to assist from my colleagues on the portfolio. He was the chief operating officer, COO, at the office of the Inspector- General from 2004 until 2013. Therefore, add to that a masters
in security studies and he has the grounding in the business, he doesn’t go in cold.
I must say that the previous Inspector-General Doctor Dintwe came second in our grading proved to have a backbone of ... [Inaudible.] ... fighting the attack by Arthur Fraser. Let me reiterate, that the initial choice by our ANC colleagues, the Reverend Frank Chikane is a gentle and delightful man. He has a strong background in fighting apartheid, but the question we asked ourselves was whether an ANC cadre would stand up an active when an issue arose against the lifelong colleague, perhaps the Minister, he would have been put in an impossible situation. It’s a matter of credibility, it is highly unlikely a working member in one of the three services ... [Inaudible.]
... the State Security Agency, crime or defence intelligence who believe that he would take their side rather than that over good comrade. Now, whether this reply out of such was not is irrelevant the perception would remain. As an elder he should really not be put in that sort of position nor should a staff of those entities be put in the position of wondering who side he would champion.
This is a specific position that need someone who will not be given to pressure from Ministers attempting to protect certain
favourites within their departments. Decisions have to be taken and pushed ahead no matter how unpopular they are. We had huge expertise amongst those candidates, but the person most likely to do well in tackling this difficult and complex job would be Mr Fazel. The entire thrust of the High-Level Review Panel report was that intelligence must be a political not supported by any governing party faction and seldom has been a time when the factions have been as strong. The High- Level Review Panel report proved what we as the DA have long said that these intelligence agency is notably the State Security Agency, SSA, were doing the bidding of a faction of the ANC. This is the man we believe has the ability to deal decisively with people who have looted hundreds of millions of rand as was all laid out on technical detail during the Zondo Commission. The DA will vote for this proposal.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): The EFF! Is there speaker from the EFF? Okay, hon members, just give me an opportunity we will proceed and when the hon speaker from the EFF is then online we will allow them. The IFP!
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Sorry, House Chairperson, I’m here.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): You wanted to speak the whole afternoon and when we call you to speak you’re not available. Please proceed, hon Ndlozi.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: House Chairperson, that comment is not necessary, your own party is bringing this country into a difficult oppressional condition by switching off electricity all the time. Therefore, I take those comments very seriously. We are being disrupted by network here. Can I make my contribution now?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): We are waiting for you, hon member.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Yes, I’m here can I proceed?
THE MINISTER OF SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (Ms S T Ndabeni-
Abrahams): Yes, stop talking too much, proceed.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, hon members! Hon member, I’ve called you a few times you must proceed.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Thank you, House Chairperson. We disagree 100% with the comments made by both members of the ANC and the DA that the work of the JCSI cannot be comprehended by society. That’s a serious insult to our people’s intelligence. There’s nothing special by the way that happens in that committee which our people cannot comprehend. Therefore, I think that majority of the things that happened in there which consist of corruption have to be exposed, and the committee in executing that particular task has been failing to this extent. However, in relation to the current candidate proposal, we as the EFF will not be opposing this proposal today. We want stability in that office and we want a progressive move forward.
We want to impress upon the incoming Inspector-General of Intelligence, IGI, hopefully when the House agrees, that the immediate task that will be bestowed upon them, which calls them into action immediately, is to look into the abuse of the Intelligence Services within crime intelligence as well as the SSA in executing the protection of Phala Phala Farm of President Cyril Ramaphosa. The usage of Intelligence Services there has to be immediately investigated by the IGI to protect the integrity of those processes from political abuse.
Therefore, we want to impress upon this candidate that they must go and investigate Phala Phala without any fear or
favour, and we have no doubt that they are going to come to the same conclusions as Mr Arthur Fraser has in his affidavit which is obviously well-known at this stage. So, indeed, hon House Chairperson, we will not be opposing this proposal of Mr Imtiaz and we urge all political parties to support this so that there can be stability in the IGI office can move on.
Thank you very much.
Inkosi R N CEBEKHULU: House Chair, given the extremely sensitive nature of the mandate and information dealt with by the State Security Agency, SSA, it is necessary to have an Inspector-General of Intelligence who is bound according to the Constitution and in terms of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act, to report to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, JSCI, and the President.
The strength and health of the JSCI is inseparable from the Inspector-General who reports to it. The position requires an individual whose conduct is irreproachable. The IFP previously made it clear that we believed that Rev Frank Chikane is good and fit for the position. With the level of knowledge of the intelligence services that Rev Chikane brings to the table, he would have enabled him to perform this oversight role with due diligence.
This said, it is our belief that Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel has both the reputation and the experience to fulfil this role with the competence and moral fortitude that it requires. There is no doubt that the task that Mr Fazel faces is not for a faint-hearted person. Partisanship within the intelligence services has resulted in a dangerous departure from the constitutional order. Competent oversight by a strong operational leader with prior knowledge of the intelligence services realm is desperately needed. Our only reservation with Mr Fazel lies in his propensity towards academia which could result in a disjuncture between the theoretical positions and intentions of the IGI and the practical workings of the IGI’s daily operations. The position has taken a troublingly long time to be filled, however, we are pleased that this delay is now over.
The IFP supports the nomination of Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel to the position of Inspector-General of Intelligence. I thank you.
Mr W M THRING: Chair, I will make no comment on our own statement, but let me continue by saying that the ACDP notes from the report of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence on the position of the Inspector-General of
Intelligence that it was advertised on 02 June 2021. The advertisement process yielded 25 CVs. Out of the background screening and shortlisting, 12 candidates were shortlisted and the committee resolved to nominate Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel for approval by the National Assembly and recommendation by the President.
I have had the pleasure of working with Mr Fazel in the Public Works department and I have certainly found him to be an astute, knowledgeable and competent individual. The ACDP is keenly aware that section 7 of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act, Act 40 of 1994 provides that, the Inspector- General would monitor intelligence and encounter intelligence activities of the State Security Agency and the intelligence divisions of the SA Police Service and the National Defence Force and will be accountable to the JSCI and responsible to the President and relevant Ministers. Furthermore, the ACDP notes that the Office of the Public Protector must complement the Office of the Inspector-General of Intelligence. This is because the roles of these two institutions relate to the monitoring and review of the activities of the executive arm of government to ensure that there is no abuse of power and that there is compliance with the applicable laws by the executive and its employees.
In the light of the Dollar gate or the Phala Phala scandal, the ACDP calls on the Office of the Public Protector and the new to be appointed Inspector-General of Intelligence to fulfil their mandate in holding the President to account without fear, favour or prejudice. The ACDP supports the nomination. I thank you.
Mr B N HERRON: House Chair, we support the nomination. Thank you.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Chairperson, I just want to raise my concern of the hon Maake. Sometimes we have the qualifications, but we do not deliver the goods. Sometimes we have experience, but we don’t ... Sometimes we have both. You can see the state we are currently, in many, many departments or structures throughout the country. But in the case of Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel, we are satisfied that he has the necessary qualifications, skills and, more importantly his performance speak volume on his ability to be able to perform his duty without any fear or favour. What is required are ethical standards - someone who is objective. I think given the fact that Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel knows and understand some of the challenges that this department faces currently he has already
identified solutions. There is a long way and it augers well for the future. I think he will do justice to it.
We are satisfied that department and the portfolio committee particularly has done everything possible. They have identified the best candidate in this current situation. The NFP supports this nomination. Thank you.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Hon House Chair, we have heard earlier that there must be oversight on our spooks. Here I am talking about oversight especially to those spooks to ensure that they do their job which they should have prevented done at the last unrest. Many business people are kidnapped especially those who are soft targets like the Muslim business people. We don’t have the SA Police Service, SAPS, in the mass calling for what amounts to be a call for jihadist in the case of kidnapping Mr Parker and Imam Abdullah Haron.
Personal safety in our homes and in our streets, shopping centres and in front of our businesses must be the priority of Mr Fazel, otherwise he has failed. We feel that he will do that and he will make a success of the job. Al Jama-ah supports his appointment. Thank you very much.
Ms M C DIKGALE: House Chair, the ANC supports the nomination of Mr Imtius Achmat Fazel for approval by the National Assembly to the President for the appointment as the Inspector-General for Intelligence, IGI. The position of the IGI plays a critical role in the intelligence services as it, amongst other things, ensure the monitoring and review of the operations of the intelligence services of our country. The role of the IGI and his or her office must be understood of that of the foot soldiers of the JCI. The Inspector-General goes to the areas which the JCI cannot access due to time and other constraints and then report to the committee. A stronger IGI result in stronger oversight of the committee.
The recommendation for the President to appoint Mr Fazel as the IGI comes at a critical time in our country as our government is in the process of restoring and strengthening the capacity of intelligence to ensure peace and stability in our country.
The recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the public sector including organs of state better known as the Zondo Commission did not come as a surprise to the JCI. They
confirmed what we already knew and were hard at work addressing them.
In addition, the High Level Review Panel and the Report of the Expert Panel into the July 2021 Civil unrests made an important recommendation that should be considered for implementation by the intelligence services. One of the overarching recommendations was the splitting of the State Security Agency into domestic agency and a foreign service. As the JCI we await the Bill to separate the agency. Amongst other things the Expert Panel on July 2021 unrests observed the failures of the relevant institutions to conduct timely risk assessments despite the constant attacks on the authority of the state by some individuals and organisations.
The report further recommends that there is a need to strengthen the work of the security services in general and the intelligence community in particular. Many South Africans have raised concerns regarding the level of crime and the need to strengthen state capacity to prevent acts of criminality.
This is a concern we do share. We however believe that the government is moving in the right direction to strengthen the capacity of the security services. We are encouraged by the appointment of senior officials within the security cluster by
the President and believe that these appointments will continue to strengthen the capacity of the security services. The appointment of Mr Fazel is supported in this context of the process of the capacitation of the security services.
Mr Fazel brings the experience and skills acquired throughout his years of service to our people. Despite his current position as the deputy director-general in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Fazel also served as a consultant to the Ministry of Intelligence services between 1997 and 2000 and as acting chief operating officer, COO, in the Office of the IGI from 2002 to 2003. It was during his tenure in the Office of the IGI that he gained invaluable experience and knowledge of the intelligence services. His Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the University of Pretoria adds to his knowledge and expertise in the sector security. As the Joint Standing Committee of Intelligence we will continue to play oversight role to ensure that Mr Fazel is appointed and his team remains accountable to the committee. We will ensure that they perform their duties for the safety and stability of our country. We recommend that the President appoint Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel to the position of Inspector-General of Intelligence. The ANC supports the nomination. Thank you.
Question put: That the nomination of Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel for appointment as Inspector-General of Intelligence Services be approved.
The HOUSE CHAIPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, in terms of section 7(1) of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act of 1994, the person nominated for appointment as Inspector- General of Intelligence Services must be approved by a two- thirds majority of members in the National Assembly. Although a division was not demanded, but members are required to record their support for or against the nomination. The bells will be rung for five minutes.
The Speaker had determined that, in accordance with the Rules, a manual voting procedure would be used. A quorum has been established. Having confirmed that we have a quorum present in terms of Rule 98(1), we now proceed. The question before the House is that, the House approves the nomination of Mr Imtiaz Ahmed Fazel for appointment as Inspector-General of Intelligence Services. Voting will now commence.
The doors of the Chamber will remain locked and members are not allowed to enter the virtual platform until voting is concluded. I now request the Whips to confirm the number of
their members in the Chamber and on the virtual platform, and also indicate if they vote for or against the question.
AYES – 334: [TAKE IN FROM MINUTES].
Question agreed to.
The two-thirds supporting vote required in terms of section 7(1) of the Intelligence Services Oversight Act, Act 40 of 1994, obtained.
Mr I A Fazel accordingly recommended for appointment as Inspector-General of Intelligence.
CONSIDERATION OF RECOMMENDATION OF CANDIDATES TO FILL FOUR VACANCIES ON INDEPENDENT COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (ICASA) COUNCIL
Mr B M MANELI: Hon House Chairperson, hon members, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, committee support staff and fellow South Africans, the Portfolio Committee on Communications after having received referral from the Speaker of the National Assembly in line with the request from respective Ministers for the filling of vacancies, Independent
Communications Authority of South Africa, four vacancies in particular, it met on 15 March 2022, and the committee unanimously agreed to the adopted report circulated to all hon members of this House.
The committee taking into account both existing boards, the council members and the candidates to be recommended in the respective entity in this case, ICASA, looking at skills demographics, task at hand and the performance of candidates during the interviews made the recommendations to this august House on 24 March 2022 in a consolidated report that took into account the filling of vacancies in the Media Development and Diversity Agency, MDDA, the South African Broadcasting Corporation, SABC and the four vacancies at ICASA. The committee recommended the following for ICASA Council: One, Adv Dimakatso Qocha, the ... [Inaudible.] ... council; two, Ms Nompucuko Nontombana; three, Ms Dikeledi Mushi; four, Ms Thabisa Faye; five, Ms Ntombiza Sithole; six, Ms Sesethu Gqomo; and seven, Ms Rossana Gell.
The key observation to make in the recommendation, as I have stated, is the seven names instead of the six names requirement in terms of the Act. This is informed by financial prudency on the side of the committee in case of the declines
given the time it has taken to finalise the report. Hon House Chair, a letter dated 02 June 2022 was received from the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies requesting the Assembly to approve the appointment of the following four candidates for appointment to the ICASA Council in terms of section 5(1)B of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, Act 13 of 2000, which is; one, Adv Dimakatso Qocha; two, Ms Nompucuko Nontombana; three, Ms Dikeledi Mushi; and four, Ms Thabisa faye.
While the committee was in the process of considering the Minister’s request, a letter dated 18 August 2022, was received from Adv Dimakatso Qocha indicating that she was no longer available for appointment to the ICASA Council. A letter dated 22 August 2022 was received from the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies indicating to the National Assembly that Adv Dimakatso Qocha’s name has been withdrawn from the process as a prospective councillor of ICASA and that Ms Ntombiza Sithole has been recommended as the fourth candidate.
Hon House Chair, on 23 August 2022, the committee met and recommended to the National Assembly to approve the appointment of the following four candidates, namely; Ms
Nompucuko Nontombana; Ms Dikeledi Mushi; Ms Thabisa Faye and Ms Ntombiza Sithole for the appointment to the ICASA Council. We present the Report for consideration by the House and for the approval by the Minister to proceed to appoint the four councillors for ICASA. I thank you, hon House Chair.
Declarations of vote:
Ms T BODLANI: Thank you, Chairperson. Chairperson, while the work of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa might mean very little to the man on the street, the work that this entity does touches every aspect – I beg your pardon, Chairperson – touches every aspect of the people’s lives. As the Democratic Alliance, we believe that the onus is on us as elected public representatives to ensure that state- owned companies such as ICASA do deliver on their legislative mandate.
At the inception of the ICASA board of directors’ nomination,
71 nominations were received but 69 were considered for shortlisting following the withdrawal of two candidates from the nomination process. Chairperson, it is worth noting that the various committee discussions that finalised the recommendation subsequent to the shortlisting were refreshingly inclusive of all parties in the subcommittee and
sort consensus to ensure that there is a fair balance and accommodation of different parties’ preferred candidates based on their skills and expertise.
The Democratic Alliance notes that the ranked candidates are based on performance in interviews and sound understanding - I beg your pardon - of the requirements to fulfil the obligations as ICASA Council members. The committee further recommended extra two names to avoid a situation where it will have to reconvene interviews in the event of the candidate not being able to take up the position for one reason or another.
Chairperson, in welcoming the new board members the DA notes that the June resignation of the former chairperson of ICASA, Dr Keabetswe Modimoeng, this came as a shock to the portfolio committee and indeed to the sector. Dr Modimoeng and his team oversaw the successful completion of South Africa’s long- awaited spectrum auctions sale, achieving what he became the elusive government pet project raking in R14,4 billion to the National Treasury which the DA hopes will be reinvested into the sector to help improve access to telecommunications, especially in the rural areas of South Africa. Now, back to the matter at hand.
In a letter dated 02 June, Minister Ntshavheni provided the Speaker of Parliament with a preferred candidate. With this process we finalised the appointment to the council in line of the provisions of the ICASA Act. The new board members will be led by acting board chairperson, Dr Charley Lewis, who has been appointed in the interim until April 2023, when the vacancy would have been finalised. The DA congratulates Ms Nompucuko Nontombana, Ms Dikeledi Mushi, Ms Thabisa Faye and Ms Ntombiza Sithole on their appointment as board members of the council. As I conclude, Chairperson, the DA thank these women for raising their hands to serve this country and remind them that they carry the country’s hope for an open opportunity society for all. The DA supports the Report. Thank you, Chairperson.
Mr M N PAULSEN: Chairperson, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa is a crucial institution and vital for the growth of our democracy. It has to create opportunities for smaller participants in the communications and broadcasting industry to stake their claim.
The recent announcement to make more radio frequencies spectrum available to telecommunications operators wanting to provide broadband services is an indications of the important
role it can play. But only if it can shed the factional political interest and serve the people of the country impartially. To do this, it needs leaders who transformational and committed to the growth of the media space in the country, particularly community radio stations.
We are pleased that all the names recommended for appointment are women and one of them previously served a term as a councillor at Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA. We are also pleased that there are no immediately identifiable links between the names and the ruling party politics that has characterised appointments to public bodies in the past. We would like to plead with the incoming councillors to work towards resolving some of the issues ...
BUSINESS INTERRUPTED ON THE VIRTUAL PLATFORM DUE TO TECHNICAL ERROR AT 16:10 AND RESUMED AT 16:36.
Ms Z MAJOZI: Chairperson, the report highlights the processes that the committee on communication undertook and the candidates recommended to fill the four vacancies at the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa, ICASA.
ICASA states that the persons appointed to the Council must be committed to fairness, freedom and expression, openness and accountability and must be representative of a broad cross section of the population of the republic. In this regard, we find that the candidates meet and fulfil these criteria.
However, the report falls short in providing the public with insight as to why and how ICASA would be strengthened in their presence.
In a letter dated 02 June, the Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies recommended the appointment of the following four candidates. Adv Dimakatso Qocha, Ms Nompucuko Nontombana, Ms Dikeledi Mushi and Ms Thabisa Faye. Following the withdrawal of Advocate Dimakatso Qocha, the Minister recomemded Ms Ntombiza Sithole as the fourth candidate.
In light of the revelation made during the Zondo Commission, the lack of transparency around the Digital Vibes contract and the recent Phala-phala saga, government needs to do all it can to regain public trust in our institutions. Unfortunately, most if not all entities are being painted with the same level of distrust. The department must show the public that the persons recommended are selected with the best interest of the country in mind.
The nominees will be watched closely by the public on their ability and successful implementation and mandate of ICASA. With sound and ethical leadership being a backbone of their work. The IFP considered these candidates with regards to their competence, professionalism, diligence and their potential to deliver a visionary leadership style.
We are pleased to see that the four candidates are women from diverse backgrounds who represent a broad cross section of the population of the republic. This is an important feat of transformation especially at the corporate board level. As it shows a significant shift in implementing a call for more women to be integrated into high level positions. The IFP approves all names submitted and the process was fair and transparent.
In closing, we would like to note that ICASA is currently being led by an acting chief executive officer, CEO. This is a crucial role in the organisation. We call on ICASA not to delay the process of appointing a suitable CEO. The IFP accepts the report. Thank you.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Chairperson, in support of this nominees, I want to raise an important point. I see a lot of emphasis is
being put on the fact that all these nominees are women. And we might be undermining them if we only refer to them as women in the information that is provided. I am not a member of this committee. We are quite satisfied that they have the necessary qualifications, expertise, the skills, the capacity and the integrity to take this particular council forward.
I thought I must just raise this because otherwise we could start looking as if we are nominating these people and or appointing them because they are women specifically and that will not be doing justice to these candidates who I believe have fared very well with the very large number and the laborious task that the committee had in being able to identify particularly these four candidates as the best candidates for the position of council. The NFP supports this. Thank you.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Hon House Chair, we must recognise those recommended as being very competent as also as being women. It is very important that we push the women agenda. We hope that the four new appointees will result in some policy changes. It was not correct for Independent Communication Authority of South Africa, ICASA for all the years to deny opposition political parties airtime and on community radio stations.
Which prevented them from holding the executive to account in all three spheres of government.
The community radio stations are dead scared to give members of opposition political parties airtime because they are questioned whether it is equitable. There must be freedom for community radio stations to give opposition political parties airtime, so we can hold all three spheres of government accountable. We wish the four candidates well if they are appointed by this Assembly. Thank you very much, hon Chair.
Dr M BASOPU: Hon Chair and hon members, the third edition of the Deloitte Africa Center for Corporate Governance publication indicates that the recent legislative efforts and other initiatives have helped bringing women representation and the board to higher levels globally. However, nearly 90% of the world’s boards are still occupied by men. The late Joan Ruth Bader Ginsburg who was an American lawyer and jurist once said and I quote:
Women belong to all the places where decisions are being made.
Chairperson, the African National Congress supports the appointment of Nompumelelo Nontombana, Ms Dikeledi Mushi, Ms Thabisa faye, Ms Ntombiza Sithole onto ICASA Council. We are confident that they will enhance the work of the board, and they will ensure that the regulator efficiently and effectively executes its mandate.
Hon Chair, in March this year, ICASA successfully concluded spectrum auction to which it was able to raise R4,4billion towards the national fiscus. This marked a significant milestone in government economic reform agenda as the last auction was conducted 17-years ago. The ANC applauds the good work of the regulator as led by its former board chairperson as well as the CEO. The licencing of the spectrum demands has been accompanied by agreed social obligation to connect
18 520, public schools 5 731 public health facilities, 8 241 offices of traditional authorities as well as 1 150 police stations over a period of three-years. This will benefit many communities in the rural areas and townships in our country.
The allocation of high demand spectrum increases broadband connectivity and lowers the cost of voice and data communication. Network operators are also using broadband spectrum allocation to expand 4G and 5G technologies. As the
President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa once said and I quote:
The minerals that lies beneath our soil, radio spectrum is a valuable natural resources that needs to be used for the benefits of all South Africans.
Hon members, the covid-19 has exposed digital devide that exist in our country. It is therefore incumbed among us to work tirelessly to ensure that as we embark on a long journey of reconstruction and recovery no one gets left behind. The 5G network must help us accelerate the process towards universal
... [Inaudible.] ... on activity ensure that all South Africans are empowered. It must also facilitate the deployment of digital technologies and services that are driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. These are important for our economy to remain agile and competitive.
The ANC notes that ICASA have started initiating the second phase of licencing process in order to make a radio frequent spectrum available to prospective licences, to provide mobile broadband wireless accessible ... [Inaudible.] ...
The CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): You may proceed, hon member.
Dr M BASOPU: We hope that, hon Chairperson the process is going to make soon for smaller players to participate. Hon Chairperson and members, the ANC calls on the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies to speed up the process of reduction of the cost of communication in South Africa. As far back as 2019 the Competition Commission initiated that the data market enquiry submission following a submission of concern from the then Minister of Communication coupled with persistent concerns by the public about the high cost data in our country.
While we note that there have been some strides since the release of the competition’s report in 2020, the ANC believes that more still needs to be done. Data affordability is absolutely essential for the people and the economy. The Competition Commission late last year released a report measuring the concentration and participation in the South African economy, which found that the mobile market is highly concentrated.
Hon Chairperson, Vodacom and Mobile telecommunication company, MTN, together have consistently accounted for more than 70% of various mobile markets. Later market entrants still play a ... [Inaudible.] ... with consistent subscribers share of under 3%.
In conclusion, we trust that the second phase of spectrum auctioning will allow smaller players to also participate. Opening up for new entrants and deconcentrating the mobile operator sector will give people more options and foster a reduction in data prices thereby making it easier for all of us to participate in the digital economy. There being high levels of concentration, we are saying today can be regarded as thieving economy inclusion. Once again, hon Chairperson, the ANC supports this report and its recommendations. Thank you very much, hon Chairperson.
Question put: That the nominations of Ms N Nontombana, Ms D Mushi, Ms T Faye and Ms N Sithole for appointment to the Council of Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, ICASA, be approved.
Question accordingly agreed to in accordance with section 5(1B) of the Independent Communications Authority of south Africa Act, 2000 (Act No 13 of 2000).
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR APPROVAL BY PARLIAMENT OF PROTOCOLS RELATING TO THE AMENDMENTS TO ARTICLES 50(A) AND 56 OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION IN TERMS OF SECTION 231(2) OF CONSTITUTION, 1996
Mr M J ZWANE: House Chair, let me take this opportunity to ... [Inaudible.] ... and thanks for the opportunity, for the committee to come and present a Report before this National Assembly for consideration of requests for approval the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Transport of protocols relating to the amendments to articles 50(a) and 56 of the Convention of International Civil Aviation.
The International Civil Aviation Organisation is United Nations linked structure which has 193 countries afflicted and deals with important air transport policy and standardisation innovations, which are approved by member states which constitutes the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly or by the Council which the assembly elects.
According to article 50(a) of the protocols, the International Civil Aviation Organisation Council shall be a permanent body responsible to the assembly. It shall be composed of 36 contracting states elected at the assembly. Whilst, article 56 is that a Navigation Commission shall be composed of 19 members appointed by the council from among the nominated contracting states.
The amendment to articles 50(a) of the conviction deals with increasing the membership of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, from 36 to 40 members. This is due to the increase in the membership of the organisation and it attempting to achieve a balance in the membership of the council. The amendment of article 56 of the convention deals with expanding the membership of the Air Navigation Commission, from 19 members to 21.
This will enable further skills and capacity, as well as experience, to impact on the commission. There is a value added to the country in its support of the amendments to the Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organisation. The International Civil Aviation Organisation develops new civil aviation transport policies and ensures that the operations of the industry occur on global standards.
Therefore, South Africa should remain at the helm of new international policy thinking and standards for the functioning of the domestic and regional civil aviation industry. These amendments will have a positive impact on the development of African airspace, as the organisation seeks to accommodate increasing membership and ensure a balance of members in the council and on the Air Navigation Commission.
It is important that the civil aviation mode of transport is enabled to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, as it has not fully recovered to its peak prior to the Covid-
19 pandemic. The civil aviation industry in our country has been negatively impacted upon during this period. It is therefore critical that this mode of transport is able to recover, both domestically and in the region.
Our country must remain a leader in enforcing international best practices in the civil aviation industry. Our economic development also depends on the development and growth of the civil aviation industry as a critical mode of transport. The tourism industry is a critical point of inclusive economic growth and development.
However, given the country's geographical location, most of the international flights from and to the country, which bring international tourists to our country, are very long distance flights. Therefore, it is imperative that we adhere to the international protocols and conventions in the international civil aviation industry.
The Portfolio Committee on Transport, having considered the request for approval by Parliament, of the protocols relating to amendments to articles 50(a) and 56 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 7 December 1944 and 1994, respectively, recommends that the House, in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution of 1996, approve the set conditions. Based on the Report to the House, the portfolio committee has approved the Report and submits this Report for the consideration and approval of the assembly. I thank you
Declarations of Vote:
Mr C H H HUNSINGER: House Chair, under section 231(2) of the Constitution, the National Assembly and the NCOP are herewith approached to approve the two aviation articles. By ratifying, South Africa will be able to fulfil its responsibilities to other countries in the field of civil aviation. Additionally,
this will strengthen the backing for South Africa’s economic growth and act as a spur to increase trade tourism and job creation.
The 39th Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly, held in Montreal six years ago, approved the two protocols that amend the Convention on International Civil Aviation articles 50(a) and 56, respectively.
All contracting states, including South Africa, were since then urged by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, Icao, to approve these revisions. On 25 October 1990, during the 28th Session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation Assembly, the council’s membership was raised from 33 to 36, a change that became effective on 28 November 2002. After a further 10 sessions, the trigger resolution for today's request was granted in October 2016.
The DA welcomes the progress made in ratifying this amendment, as 128 contacting states must accept and adopt these revisions for it to take effect. The Air Navigation Commission’s membership will increase from 19 to 21 members, thanks to the amended and amendments to article 50 (a) of this agreement;
while the council will be expanded from 36 to 40 members, as a result of an amendment to article 56 of the same treaty.
The DA believes that having more contracting states represented will benefit more than only the admission of each new member state. It would also improve the scope for input, contribution and role. With more nations joining and participating in the current trend of increasing international air travel expansion, this increased representation will support many nations as national economies.
The Department of Justice, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation, Dirco and the Department of Constitutional Development have all provided convincing Reports, and as such, the DA was convinced that ratification would not violate any domestic law. Scrutiny has shown that it is in accordance with South Africa’s international commitments as well as international law. Furthermore, Dirco has confirmed that this protocol is covered by section 231(2) of the Constitution of South Africa.
The Department of Transport would be responsible for putting together the instrument of ratification when Parliament has given its approval to the two protocols. The instrument of
ratification will next be signed by the Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, after which Dirco should send it through diplomatic channels to the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Additionally, the information regarding ratification is required for the registration of agreements with the United Nations. Lastly, it is anticipated that this convention modification would be integrated in the current institutional framework of the South African aviation industry. I thank you.
Ms N J NOLUTSHUNGU: Chairperson, the proposal is to amend article 50(a} and 56 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation 1944, usually referred to as the Chicago Convention, to increase the size of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, Icao, to 40 members.
South Africa was ousted from the International Civil Aviation Council in the 1960s, but returned as a member of the International Civil Aviation five years after declaring its intention to return to the council. As a result, the council membership increased from thirty-three to thirty-six.
We are in support of the aims and objectives of the convention, which focus on safety, air navigation capacity, aircraft registration and efficiency. However, we are not pleased that it has taken this long to deal with this matter. The protocols were adopted in 2016, but only presented to the committee six years later.
Additionally, there are no guarantees on involvement of other African states with the increase in membership, from 36 to 40. Protocols will only be effected upon formal consent by 128 states. It has taken six years for 70 counties to give consent. Does it mean another six years for the remaining 50+ states? It is concerning that such an important body which prides itself with ensuring safety and efficiency allows such behaviour. Overall, we are in support of the protocol
Mr K P SITHOLE: Honourable Chairperson, the Convention on the International Civil Aviation established the International Civil Aviation Organisation, Icao, a significant organisation that builds voluntary membership with national governments to cooperate on air transportation matters. Articles 50(a) and 56 of the Convention speak to the increase in membership of the council. The increase in membership is welcomed, as the IFP supports the diversity and inclusion of input from an array of
members in how best practise could mutually benefit the aviation industry.
Whilst the Icao is not a global regulator of air travel, it relies on consensus from its large membership to adopt new standards in the industry. The approach of this organisation is to maintain a level of independence for member states, whilst agreeing on the standards and diplomatic agreements in air travel.
Chairperson, whilst South Africa is a member of this specialised agency, as a nation, under the current and prior democratic administration, we could not keep a sustainable airline company that delivered a profit afloat. One of the global priorities of this agency is to stimulate economic growth.
The IFP believes that we should capitalise on our membership to the Icao, given the current economic strain that our country is under. The Department of Transport must engage thoroughly with this organisation to understand how South Africa may benefit from its membership. For instance, we could establish ourselves as a leader in bolstering aviation safety
requirements, to reach the target of zero fatalities by the year 2030 and improve our economic industry.
The Minister has an important role to play when looking to improve and promote economic development and tourism in this country. South Africa must position itself as a world leader in contributing to aviation safety standards and innovation. We must seek to build our economy through the development of industries that service and manufacture large scale air travel components. The IFP supports the request for approval. I thank you.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: House Chairperson, the NFP supports the report tabled here today. I think this will go a long way in enhancing travelling, particularly international travel, and more importantly across the tourism sector in the country which we know has suffered, particularly under COVID-19.
The only concern of the NFP is that one of the challenges we have with domestic travel is that when more air routes are provided, they put added pressure on airlines and because of the limited number of travellers, they find themselves in financial difficulties. That’s why we have a history of airlines closing down. It is my only concern. Other than that,
I think this is a very positive step although lots of work still has to be done to ensure many other countries participates in this. The NFP does and will support the report. Thank you.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Thank you very much, hon House Chair, drones will play a very important role in the silencing of the guns in Africa. We need more African states to sign so that we reach 128 as we have heard, seventy is not enough. Then additional protocols can be introduced to help with monitoring civil airspace and also keep out the hostile foreign countries drones so we do not have a Libyan scenario that led to the death of a brother, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Al Jama-ah supports the report.
Tshivenda:
Muf M M RAMADWA: Mulangadzulo wa Nn?u, Tshimebi Tshihulwane Vho Pemmy Majodina, Muthusa Tshimebi Vho Dorris Dlakude, Dziminisita na Vhathusa Dziminisita vha re hone, mira?o ya Buthano ?a Lushaka na vhadzulapo vha Afrika Tshipembe, ndi a ni resha ano mathabama a ?uvha ?a namusi.
English:
I am rising on behalf of the ANC to support the report on the ratification of protocols relating to the Amendments to Articles 50(a) and 56 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation. South Africa has been a member of the Convention on International Civil Aviation ... ratified the Chicago Convention on 4th April 1947.
This organisation supports diplomacy and co-operation in air transport amongst member states who were signatory states to the Chicago Convention in 1944. The core competence of the organisation is to facilitate dialogue and co-operation in air transport as well as develop and explore common global standards for international air travel amongst member states. It was established on the basis of equality of opportunity and operated soundly and economically to avoid friction and to promote co-operation between nations and people upon which peace of the world depends.
South Africa, traditionally maintain the highest international standard in the civil aviation industry from a regulatory and safety point of view, and therefore has a safety record second none.
The civil aviation industry is an important mode of transport for the country and to ensure us that there is international access for the country and its international visitors.
The economic development of the transport and tourism sectors depends on civil aviation as an efficient mode of transport. The amendments are necessary due to an increase in the membership of the International Civil Aviation Organisation, ICAO, and the expansion of international air transport. The current membership of the ICAO needs to strike a balance of new members of the organisation.
Whilst we are in support of the rational to the amendments to protocols to expand the council and the air navigation commission, the critical point for our support is that other African member states will be accommodated in the ICAO Council, and therefore the development of the African airspace. The ANC supports the amendments to Article 50(a) and
56 of the Convention on ICAO as the country continues to uphold and abide by all of the Convention on ICAO.
Tshivenda:
Ndi khou tikedza tshanduko dzo vhigwaho nga mudzulatshidulo ngauri dzi ?o ita uri hu vhe na tshumisano yavhu?i ?ifhasi ?o?he nga u angaredza.
Muhulisei Mulangadzulo wa Nn?u, musi ndi tshi pendela, kha vha ntendele ndi ambe zwa uri vhashumisani na n?e kha komiti vho fulufhedzea vha amba zwe ra amba kha dzulo ?e ra vha na?o. Kha vha vha vhandele zwan?a ngauri ... [U fhululedza.] ... ndi ngazwo vho kona u vhona mu?we na mu?we a khou tikedza. Ri?e sa ANC ri khou tikedza. Aa.
Question put.
Agreed to.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT ON OVERSIGHT VISITS TO MPUMALANGA, NORTH WEST AND KWAZULU-NATAL PROVINCES FROM 19 TO 23 APRIL 2022
Mr M J ZWANE: Chairperson, thank you once more for the opportunity. Let me also start by appreciating the good relationship that the committee members have across the parties in this committee. When we disagree, we disagree
genuinely and as we agree, we agree genuinely. I want to thank everybody that has contributed positively.
Allow me, Chairperson, to continue and present before the National Assembly the report of the committee on an oversight visit to the Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces for consideration.
The committee conducted oversight in Mpumalanga, North West and KwaZulu-Natal provinces from 19 to 23 April 2022.
The oversight to Mpumalanga was a follow up on a previous oversight visit to look into the matter of the delay of the Moloto rail corridor development post; a complaint from the Moloto corridor concerned resident.
A follow up visit was scheduled post the meetings with the Department of Transport and National Treasury. This report back occurred and the Moloto Road project was to be undertaken whilst the Moloto rail project was being assessed by the Department of Transport and National Treasury, in terms of availability of funding.
The visit to the North West province was necessitated through the committee requesting to understand the progress made in relation to the implementation of the Integrated Public Transport Network in the Rustenburg Local Municipality and the implementation of the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant.
The Bus Rapid Transport, BRT, project faced a number of challenges in terms of its implementation. In this regard, the BRT project requires proper management and completion to enable it to become functional and this includes bus stops and other related infrastructure.
The road infrastructure, which was visited, requires ongoing maintenance and the committee sought to understand this challenge in relation to the Provincial Road Maintenance Grant.
A large number of roads in the province have also been transferred to SA, National Roads Agency SOC Ltd, SANRAL. It is important that with current budget constraints that the Road Maintenance Grant is optimally utilised for achieving that goal.
The visit to the Okhahlamba Local Municipality, that is KwaZulu-Natal province, was necessitated through a petition from residents calling on the National Assembly to investigate the state of roads in the community. The committee met with the delegation which submitted a petition and undertook oversight of the roads in that area. A separate report has been submitted to the House on this matter with observations and recommendations.
The oversight visit to the Msunduzi Local Municipality to focus on the implementation of the Integrated Public Transport Network Grant as the department reported, delays in the implementation of the Integrated Public Transport Network Grant.
The project was suspended in 2019 and most of the infrastructure has been completed. The project delays were due to the project development objections and non-responsive bidders. The municipality sought the reinstatement of the project. The report makes important observations and recommendations on each of the visits.
The department must provide the committee with reports on the Moloto road and rail projects.
In relation to the North West province, the department and municipality require to ensure the development of the BRT system within three months. And if the service is not functional then, funding should be withdrawn in six months.
The committee requires regular report on the provincial road maintenance grant as this is critical for ensuring that there is maintenance of the road network.
It is critical that there is value for money in relation to the road maintenance contracts.
The development of the BRT system in Msunduzi Local Municipality, if reinstated, will also have to ensure its full implementation of ... and the committee will seek reports on the progress of this project.
The committee, as part of its heightened oversight, assesses the budget and actual spend of these projects as it is a critical part of developing an efficient public transport sector.
Public transport is an important part of ensuring job creation and inclusive economic development.
The portfolio committee approved the report and submit this report for the consideration of the National Assembly. Upon adoption of the report the committee endeavour to ensure the implementation of its recommendations. Thank you, Chair. [Applause.]
Declarations of vote:
Mr I S SEITLHOLO: Hon Chair, let me say on the onset that the DA supports the report as tabled by the Chairperson of the portfolio committee.
The purpose of these oversights to these provinces, hon Chair, as per the briefing notes that we received were to establish the progress and feedback on the Moloto corridor in Mpumalanga, the Integrated Public Transport Network as part of the Public Transport Network Grant in Rustenburg, North West, and Msunduzi, KwaZulu-Natal.
The committee further engaged with the community of uKhahlamba as per the petitions submitted by hon L Flees on the state of local and provincial roads within the municipality.
Hon Chair, let me say this, it is time that the ANC and in particular the Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula, to come
clean to all South Africans and tell them that they were never serious about the Moloto corridor.
From 2007-08 National Treasury had consistently refused to fund the Moloto corridor or the rail project. And yet back in 2006 the R60 billion project was announced by government and in 2014 a R34 billion budget was announced by government. In 2016 the community was reassured of this project when a
co-operation agreement was signed by government with China to build the rail corridor. In reality, the Moloto corridor was nothing but another e-toll to the ANC.
Every election cycle the ANC signs the same hymn of promises regarding the e-tolls, much like it has been the case with the Moloto rail corridor and yet nothing ever happens. One wonders what the tune for the e-tolls will be come 2024.
We know that SANRAL will now be responsible for the Moloto Road upgrades with Phase 1 of the project intended for completion in 2028, with SANRAL to receive an allocation of R4,2 billion between 2019-20 and 2022-23 financial years respectively.
The reality is that the very horrific and tragic accident the portfolio committee members witnessed in the same day on the same road of our oversight, is almost a daily occurrence for the people using the Moloto Road. And yet the ANC could care less as they’ve been using the Moloto issue as a political football for their campaigns.
Chair, another ANC-created tragedy in the failed state of the North West province, from roads to overall service delivery, the province is a mess.
Setswana:
Tota Rre Tautona Lucas Manyane Mangope ...
English:
... did speak about ...
Setswana:
... mmuso wa mapantiti ...
English:
... and here we are.
The Rustenburg Rapid Transport Bus service has well over five postponements to the commencement of that bus service while almost R4 billion of taxpayers’ money has been spent and yet there’s no full of operation of that particular bus service, with only Phase 1A of the project has been introduced two months ago.
The less said this failed province the better.
Setswana:
Bokone Bophirima e bodile ...
English:
... and all this because of the ANC.
Today some of those people who were part of the complete collapse of that province are seated right here in this House, completely exonerated from their corruption, mismanagement etc.
This is indeed shocking. But it is expected from a party that continues to show South Africans the middle finger on a daily basis without fail.
Chairperson, all the people of Okhahlamba wanted was for both the provincial and local government in KwaZulu-Natal to recognize the economic damage that the condition of the roads have had on both their lives and their livelihoods in as far as tourism is concerned. The indignity of having to carry your loved one in a coffin because the hearse cannot access the area.
But instead of taking the portfolio committee seriously and honouring our invitation and come to discuss the submitted the petition, we were sent officials who clearly had no idea what they doing at the oversight. They clearly did show that they had absolutely no regard for the people of Okhahlamba during a public meeting that we held.
It is for this reason, Chair, that after almost five months the people of Okhahlamba are planning to again write to the portfolio committee Chairperson, Mr Zwane, as nothing has been done in order to resolve the road conditions in that particular municipality.
This isn’t at all surprising given the service delivery track record of the ANC.
The reality is that these injustices happening to the people of this country will come to an end in 2024 when a new coalition government takes over the national and provincial government from this incompetent party; a coalition government led by the DA under the capable leadership of John “vuli’gate” Steenhuisen. Thank you, Chair.
Mr M M CHABANGU: Chairperson, I took part on all these oversight visits ...
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): The EEF! EFF! There is a speaker here on the floor. There is a speaker here for the EFF on the floor.
Mr M CHABANGU: Who’s the speaker?
IsiXhosa:
USIHLALO WENDLU (Mnu Q R Dyantyi): Uza kumva xa ethetha! [Laughter.]
English:
Ms N J NOLUTSHUNGU: Thank you, Chair. [Laughter.]
IsiXhosa:
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Qhuba sisi!
Ms N J NOLUTSHUNGU: Chairperson, the oversight visits revealed that the country is in a long way from having reliable and safe public transport infrastructure.
In the North West the committee saw the degeneration caused by years of neglect of public transport infrastructure and the fact that the long awaiting BRT system has all but been abandoned despite the huge investments made on this infrastructure over the years.
In Mpumalanga, despite the many years of complaints about the dangers of the Moloto Road, nothing of substance has been done by the department to tackle the problems encountered by the drivers on the road.
In fact, while the committee conducting these visits there was an accident on the road, proving that anything can happen anytime and lives continue getting lost in the road.
This is also despite the fact that Mpumalanga is riddled with potholes everywhere. Small town such as Ermelo are disasters
waiting to happen and are testaments of decades of neglect by the deeply corrupt government.
In KwaZulu-Natal the committee experienced first-hand the devastation caused by the floods in that province and observed that had the province had a solid road infrastructure, perhaps the devastation would not have been as bad as it got to be.
Taking into account the pace at which repair work is being done in that province, we are convinced that it will take years for the road infrastructure to be refurbished in KwaZulu-Natal. In the meantime ... [Interjections.] ... aim I protected, Chair?
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Proceed, honourable!
Ms N J NOLUTSHUNGU: Taking into account [interjections.] ... oh no! Taking into account the pace at which repair work is being done in that province, we are convinced that it will take years for the road infrastructure to be refurbished in KwaZulu-Natal. In the meantime, our people will be subjected to substandard roads, risking their lives every day.
The report doesn’t print a comprehensive picture of the true state of affairs in these provinces and we reject it. Thank you.
Mr K P SITHOLE: Hon Chairperson, South Africa’s road infrastructure is experiencing a total failure in term of the transportation system. Our public road infrastructure was and still is one of our key dependents in keeping our economy functional. We rely heavily on our road infrastructure, for almost every sector of our economy. We travel between work, schools, shopping malls, province, etc. The road infrastructure ins also vital for keeping our major cities and provinces well-stocked, in terms of goods and services.
If we look back to the 2021 July unrest under the ANC leadership, we recorded a total state of uncertainty in terms of the ability to transport goods to the province of KwaZulu- Natal, as the road network remains unsecured. [Inaudible.] ... to reason that the government needs to pay serious attention to the maintenance of road infrastructure.
The oversight conducted by the committee finds shameful delays by government in maintaining existing road infrastructure, which places all road users at risk, including cyclists and
schools. This is due to the lack of proper signage, lighting and sufficient space for pedestrians, as well the danger created by potholes.
In the North West province, the committee reported that farmers who contribute to our economy through taxes, but job losses led to frustration that they had their own fundraisers to repair potholes. This is deeply concerning, as this area is industry intensive and contributes to job creation, sustainability and the economic development of our country.
In the Okhahlamba Municipality, the roads, especially, the R74 are badly damaged and needs to be attended to with urgency.
The potholes make it increasingly difficult for people to access their homes, jobs and places of work, given the absolute decay of the road infrastructure.
Potholes are not the only threat to our economy that remain a grave concern. Another threat is the lack of fast, affordable and rapid infrastructure who severely limit people’s ability to earn a daily living wage. For instance, the bus rapid transit system in Rustenburg has been in development since 2012, with not real operations been conducted. Further, it is
reported that there were 150 bus stops on the two corridors, yet these figures do not seem to add up.
The Minister must account for each of these stops to show us the current figures and if they really do indeed exist, as they are listed under the department’s key achievements.
In closing, the Minister must ensure that projects related to
... [Inaudible.] ... are implemented in order to ... [Time expired.] The IFP supports.
Afrikaans:
Mnr P MEY: Voorsitter, ...
English:
... during our oversight visit to Mpumalanga, the North West province and KwaZulu-Natal, the community of Mpumalanga heard that the National Treasury has indicated that in the Moloto Rail Corridor, the rail part of the project will be discontinued and that the focus will be on widening the road, part of which has been handed over to Sanral. It is unacceptable that the policy is to move from road to rail.
Tens of thousands of people were killed on our roads over the last 13 years. Therefore, rail must be part of the solution.
We noted on our oversight visit that in all the provinces, the biggest problem is road maintenance, which should be followed up. The committee is grateful for the project announced by the Minister of Transport during August to repair potholes, and hopes it will be a success.
The roads in the area of Bergville have become a serious danger and the impact is not only about the roads but has a negative influence on tourism.
Afrikaans:
Die paaie is van so ’n swak gehalte, dat die motors nie eens die gastehuise kan bereik nie. Ons het met ons aankoms gevind dat baie van die werkers buite gestaan het en gesoebat het dat die paaie herstel moet word, anders gaan hulle hul werk verloor.
English:
Rustenburg in North West was a real disappointment. Fleet vehicles were bought two years ago for the amount of R4 million. The whole fleet was parked, as a result of a court case.
Afrikaans:
Daar is gesê dat hulle die eerste jaar R100 miljoen betaal het en toe is hulle gesê dat die prys gelaai is en die munisipaliteit het geweier om verder te betaal. Dit is ’n skande! Ek wil vir u sê, ... [Tussenwerpsels.]
English:
The traffic department was inspected and of 21 vehicles, only three are in operation, as a result of the inability to procure vehicle parts.
Afrikaans:
Die rede is dat die munisipaliteit nie die rekening by die onderdele-afdeling betaal nie.
Daar is geen verkeersdienste nie. Ek het vir van die verkeersmanne gevra en toe sê hulle dat hulle bedags maar in die kantoor sit, om die tyd om te kry. Die munisipaliteit in Rustenburg is in so ’n swak toestand, dat ek dink daar net een oplossing is en dit is dat ’n forensiese ondersoek gelas sal moet word. Baie dankie.
Mr W M THRING: Hon House Chairperson, as we consider this report from the Portfolio Committee on Transport, the ACDP is reminded of the words of the renowned statesman, late Dr Mile
Munroe, who stated: “Whatever you do not manage, you will lose.” He went on to say that, if you don’t manage your car, you will lose it, if you don’t manage your house, you will lose it, if you don’t manage your marriage, your business or your finances, you will lose it.
This report on the oversight visit of the Portfolio Committee on Transport to Mpumalanga, the North West and KwaZulu-Natal is one of poor management, which, if not addressed, will result in the loss of continued billions of Rand. R17,9 million was spent on a feasibility study on the Moloto Rail Corridor project. The concern is that residents complain that government has made numerous promises on the finalisation of the project, as far back as 1996 and failed to deliver.
The roads in and around Rustenburg Local Municipality are in a state disrepair, full of potholes and have poor road markings. Rustenburg Rapid Transport route project is in a shambles.
Vehicle licenses on three buses have expired. Roofs at bus stations were either collapsing or damaged and just under half a billion-rand worth of new vehicles have not been used for two years, due to court cases on tender irregularity.
Remember, what you do not manage, you will lose.
The visit to Msunduzi in KwaZulu-Natal can be summed up from the following quote from the report: “The members wanted to know why they should support the reinstatement of the grant, after what they had observed on the road as responses by officials’ on-site inspection, left much to be desired.” The passengers gained nothing out of what was constructed so far. The municipality could not do basic maintenance on the route, such as grass cutting or fixing dysfunctional traffic lights. The nonmotorised transport section looked of poor quality and did not look like it would last.
Now, this despite some R991,15 million, close to R1 billion, spent from the provincial transport network grant on the integrated provincial transport network.
The responsible national, provincial and municipal transport authorities are failing to manage our roads and transport networks. They should just hand it over to the ACDP, if they fail to manage or they will lose it. I thank you.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Hon Chairperson, year in and year out, all departments go on all the sites, come back, adopt these reports, take them, throw them into the bin, subject closed. Six months later, they go on another oversight, live in the
most beautiful hotels, get the podium, come back, exactly the same thing, adopt the report and that is it.
Now, what is new about the crumbling infrastructure, whether you talk about road network? Rail, water and sanitation, the police building, the health sector, every other infrastructure is collapsing. We have not learned anything over the last 10 or 20 years, as far as infrastructure maintenance is concerned.
Now, I will give you some statistics. In developing countries, on public transport, a commuter ought to be paying 10% of their income. In South Africa, in the metro, this figure sits as high as 50,4%, while in our country’s rural areas, the figure sits just over 20%. Now, look at the amount of money the most vulnerable people in this country spend, but look at the state of our road and rail network. Look at the number of accidents that are caused and the damage to these vehicles.
Even the insurance companies have now come in and decided to go out there and fix these potholes.
The question is: What are we going to do about it? There is no point in coming here and adopting these reports all the time and then do very little or nothing about it. Then the question
we need to ask is: Are we achieving anything from these oversight mechanisms and processes we have and the money we have to spend? Are there any consequences for people that are failing to provide these services, despite money being allocated for these things?
So, the NFP will support this, but what we are calling for is urgent attention, as far as the oversight mechanisms that we have in place are concerned. Is it yielding positive results, and more importantly, why is there no consequence management? Why are people still holding these positions when they are failing to deliver? In the private sector, this will not happen. They will be fired. In the public sector, you will employ them again and again and again. So, the NFP will support it, but wanted to express our concern. Thank you.
Mr L N MANGCU: Hon Chairperson, ...
IsiXhosa:
... unmtshana wamaMfene, ...
English:
... Ministers, Deputy Ministers present, Chief Whip of the Majority Party, colleagues, hon Members of Parliament from
both sides of the House, in particular our colleagues from the Portfolio Committee on Transport, with whom we work very, very well, I endorse what the chairperson said earlier; we really appreciate the support. Fellow South Africans, I rise on behalf of the ANC to support the report as presented by the chairperson of the portfolio committee.
The oversight visits, as already alluded to by most of my colleagues was certainly an eye opener to all of us. The Moloto Road and Rail Corridor projects are well documented. The people in that area camped at the Union Buildings, which was one of the things that caused us to go there to listen to the people.
We met the king of the area and he raised similar concerns. As the ANC, we are calling on the Minister and the department to find closure on the whole issue of the Moloto Rail Corridor, as has been promised to the people.
In Rustenburg, we raised a lot of concerns, particularly on the completion of the BRT system, as it is commonly known. We are concerned that, despite most of the project almost completed, there has been no benefit to the people of that areas. Therefore, we call on the department to support the
municipality, to ensure that this project is completed and that the people can benefit.
Having gone to Okhahlamba District, of major concern in that area was, in particular, the noncompletion of a memorandum of agreement between the province of KwaZulu-Natal and Sanral to take over the road, commonly known as the R74, which is in a bad state.
As the ANC, we call on the Minister and the department to ensure that that agreement is concluded, so that that road can be fixed and so that the people of that area can benefit from their economic lifeline, which is tourism and which will also create jobs, in line with the economic recovery plan of the President of the country and that of the ANC.
In the Msunduzi Municipality, of course, as the colleagues have said, once more, the concerns are similar to those of Rustenburg, because of the noncompletion of the BRT system, despite a lot of money that has been spent. We call also on the Minister of Transport and the department to ensure that that municipality is supported, as we cannot allow the money that has been used to go to waste and the people of the municipality to not benefit.
We are convinced that the department is hard at work and we believe that with the co-operation within the portfolio committee and our continued oversight, we will be able to see much more improvement in all these areas, such that the people can benefit.
The ANC is in support of this report and we are sure that we will be able to improve in most of these areas. I thank you very much for the opportunity.
There was no debate.
Declarations of vote made on behalf of the Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Inkatha Freedom Party, Freedom Front Plus, African Christian Democratic Party, National Freedom Party and African National Congress.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved: That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters dissenting). Report accordingly adopted.
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF PARLIAMENT ON PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA’S 2021/22 MID-YEAR PERFORMANCE
CONSIDERATION OF REPORT OF JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF PARLIAMENT ON PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA’S 2021/22 THIRD QUARTER REPORT
Mr B A RADEBE: Hon Chair, I think hon Mabe might be having network problems. I do not know whether we can wait a little bit and allow other parties to come in?
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyanti): No.
Mr B A RADEBE: Alright. Hon Chairperson of the sitting, the Ministers, the Deputy Ministers and the members of this august House. Today, I present the report on behalf of the chairperson and first of all, which we had to deal with is this mid-term report which we have to deal with is that it was presented when we still had an Acting Secretary to Parliament. So, the new Secretary to Parliament was not party to that.
But, what I can attest to is that those reports are clean. What do I mean about them being clean? I mean, when the
Auditor-General’s report come back you will find out that we are going to have a clean audit of the 2021-22 financial year.
Mr M N PAULSEN: Hon Chairperson, on a point order: I just want to know what is hon Radebe doing? Have you recognised him to present the report?
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyanti): Thank you, hon Paulsen, you are in order. Thank you, you now can sit. Proceed hon Radebe with your report.
Mr B A RADEBE: Thank you, hon Chairperson, as I said that this report is going to cover the mid-term report of Parliament and the third-term of Parliament. As I said before that those two reports were presented when the former Secretary to Parliament was still acting. What is very important about those reports is that they show the efficiency and effectiveness in which the parliamentary staff is dealing with the budget of Parliament. What is critical is that there are certain things in which we raised as the joint standing committee. The issue of the performance management system of Parliament. You will find that it was too minimalistic in nature. So, that is why when we engage with the new secretary we have told him very
clearly that the performance system must change so that we can access the impact of the budget itself.
Just to make an example today, this sitting was delayed because there was load shedding. This is a National Key Point where we are supposed to be having a back-up generator. So, the issue is why did the generator did not switch on when electricity went off? Those are the issues which I think that we highlighted as the joint standing committee of Parliament. There are certain things that when you look at the budget of Parliament that they must have an impact on it.
What is also very important is what was raised in those reports, the issue of vacancies which are existing in the structure of Parliament. We are very happy now because the Secretary to Parliament has been appointed. When we engaged him we made it very clear that we want all the posts which are not filled to be filled. I must confess that as the joint standing committee we have agreed that we are not going to fill them before the Secretary to Parliament is appointed so that he can be part of the process.
Again, we raised very sharply the issue of the CFO to Parliament that when the CFO is appointed the permanent
Secretary to Parliament must be part of the outfit so that whoever is going to be appointed he must be part of the process of appointing. So, what we are presenting today is that Parliament has done it once more. We are on a road to clean audits but we can improve. Thank you.
Declaration of vote:
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon House Chair, Parliament has four functions: to elect the President, to hold the Executive to account, to pass legislation and to be the centre of public debates and the most pressing issues of South Africa. In fact, this Parliament has also resolved that its mission is to be an activist and responsive People’s Parliament.
Judging by the function and mission of Parliament alone, we should have a national legislator that has its finger on the pulse ready with solutions on the crisis of the day.
Unfortunately, this has not been the case when one looks at Parliament’s mid-year review. It is easy to produce a shopping of list of targets and met milestones but when we ask what are we actually measuring? Are we measuring the real impact of Parliament on ordinary people who look to us in this House for solutions to their problems? There is also a misconception
that is widely held that Parliament belongs to the politicians who occupy these benches when in fact this national legislator belongs to the people we are meant to serve.
This is why there are three key issues that are preventing Parliament from fulfilling its constitutional obligation. Number one, there is a detachment of the of the business of the House from the business of the people. It is absolutely critical that the work that we do here is directly linked to the issues that are occupying the minds of South Africans. We should be judging the efficacy of this House by how many times the budget has been sent back to the Executive so that it can provide a safety net for those who are crippled by poverty. We should be assessing our work based on the pieces of legislation that are passed to seek the ... [Inaudible.] of crime and outlaw harmful practices like cadre deployment.
IsiXhosa:
Bekufanele ukuba sihlala phantsi, sishukuxe umcimbi wentswela- ngqesho egubungele abantu abatsha beli lizwe ...
English:
... instead we howl and scream to each other about the things that have got no value to the ordinary person.
Number two, the big obstacle is the limited functionality of Parliament for the MPs and the public.
IsiXhosa:
Ukutsha kwePalamente ekuqaleni konyaka kudale ukuba sizibone siswele indawo yokudibanela khona ukuze senze umsebenzi esithunywe wona ngabantu boMzantsi Afrika.
English:
Concerning it has taken eight months to get a report on the status of the damage to the Houses of Parliament. One only shudders to think how long it will take to rebuild the institution. Many will argue, like hon Hope used to do that the work of Parliament can be done virtually. They do so ignoring the fact that what we do here spends far beyond making speeches from time to time. Holding government to account fully means reaching across the aisle sometimes to find solutions to difficult problems that are facing our country. So, Parliament must come back to work.
It is therefore, important that every cent is geared towards the rebuilding of the institution. That is why it is very odd for us as members of the opposition to find out that the Secretary to Parliament has agreed to the splurging of two new
vehicles for Presiding Officers when the current cars are under two years old. It is weird that the contract was allegedly awarded to the disgraced former Secretary to Parliament Mr Mgidlana had a great public cost.
Number three, the issues facing Parliament is the abuse of the majority that renders Parliament useless. The country watched with horror as details of Parliament actions were revealed during the Zondo Commission. Former Presiding Officers even offered public apologies for Parliament’s role in aiding and abating the looting of the public money by those some of us who are still sitting here. Now we have an opportunity to rectify what we neglected what we to do by holding the government to account. At every turn, efforts to demand answers are blocked by the ANC MPs that enjoy the majority in this House. We sincerely hope that your time is soon running out. [Interjections.]
Questions on the allegedly – House Chair, may you please protect me from the howlers in the House? Questions on the alleged abuse of the public institutions on the President’s farm are often blocked. MPs are sent from pillar to post from the Speaker to the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and now rejected once again. The Zondo Commission reports have
given us a diagnosis of where the gaps are in our own systems and in our own rules. We should be ignoring these at our own peril. Hollowing out Members of Parliament is for short political gain and factional interests will work now but it will cost the country dearly for generations to come.
The caucus that I lead will ensure that we are doing what we are sent to do. We will fight attempts to render Parliament useless at every turn. Let us hope that in the next assessment period, Parliament will have a better story to tell. I thank you.
Mr M N PAULSEN: Hon Chairperson, the EFF rejects the report of the Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament on 2021-22 Third Quarter Report and the 2021-22 Mid-year Performance Report. Both reports deal with side issues. This is evidence in the repetition of observations and recommendations. We are going to deal with more substantive issues because there are more pressing matters that we must address.
We want to reiterate our call that Parliament must be fully reopened. All members must meet physically to conduct
business. We want to pass legislation and exercise oversight over the executive and we want to do so physically.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Hon Paulsen, take your seat.
Hon members, you can interject, but, you do not do what you are doing. Especially on my right. We cannot hear the speaker on the podium.
Hon Linda Moss, I am not going to call you again.
Please proceed, hon Paulsen.
Mr M N PAULSEN: Empty vessels.
We want to pass legislation and exercise oversight over the executive and we want to do so physically. We cannot do it if we are being prevented by an incompetent administration that cannot find the venue quick enough.
The measures that were put in place during COVID-19, especially the restriction on the number of people who are allowed to come to Parliament, are no longer valid.
We want to come to work and give citizens a sense that there is a legislature.
I the meantime while we process the Bill to relocate Parliament to the City of Tshwane permanently, we have proposed to the Chief Whips Forum that we move Parliament to the Oliver Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha as a temporary place for all National Assembly plenary sessions. We cannot use ...
[Interjections.]
Yes, Khayelitsha. Is there something wrong with Khayelitsha? Because that is where you put our people.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Hon Paulsen! Hon Paulsen!
Mr M N PAULSEN: The committee does not address issues ...
Hon Chairperson.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): You do not directly speak to hon members, please peak through the Chair and continue with your speech.
Mr M N PAULSEN: They do not speak to me through you, Chair.
We cannot use the burning of Parliament as an excuse to have limited number of members in the House.
The committee report does not address issues of the poor capacity of Parliament to assess members in drafting Bills. We raised these matters even in the third term, but nothing was done.
We have submitted to the National Assembly Programming Committee a practical and implementable plan to build legislative capacity for Parliament to assist members with Bills. We have yet to receive a response. We raised the issues of budget cuts for Language Services which means some members cannot get translation and interpretation services timeously.
We continue to prioritise English and Afrikaans as though they are the only two languages. All the recommendations made in the report will just be filled and nothing will be done as has been the case with other quarterly reports that were tabled before this National Assembly. Thank you very much.
Ms Z MAJOZI: Hon Chairperson, the performance and operation of Parliament has undeniably been seriously impacted
by the global pandemic and the devastating fires in January 2022, which caused irreparable damage to the National Assembly. Due to these challenges, we had to
urgently find solutions to ensure effective public engagement, participation and above all, effective oversight of the executive.
Although at times, the hybrid operation of plenary
and committee meetings has been challenging, it has also presented us with an opportunity to use technology to reach the public more effectively. As much as we were faced with difficult obstacles, we were also faced with unique opportunities to evolve as Parliament.
In this regard, the IFP acknowledges the efforts
made to ensure information communication was strengthened. As the 2021-22 third quarter report shows, Parliament had
strong infrastructure support, enabling effective broadcasting and digital streaming of select committees.
We, however, should continue expanding and building on this information technology, IT, capacity and, importantly, invest in the capacity of our members in this regard.
The recent workshop, hosted by the National Assembly
in August 2022, was therefore highly welcomed by the IFP. We strongly support the development of the technical competencies of all members. We believe even more can - and should - be done in this regard.
We must remind ourselves that at the core of our constitutional mandate is the need to ensure that the public, the people of South Africa, feel the institution represents them and their views. There cannot be a disconnect between Parliament and the people we represent.
It is therefore highly concerning that statistics have shown a strong decline in trust in the institution of Parliament.
According to 2021, results of surveys conducted
by AfroBarometer - a highly respected research network - trust in Parliament continues to decline. Only 27% of respondents apparently trusted Members of Parliament. Even more concerning, is the fact that these surveys have shown that trust in Parliament is considered the weakest among younger respondents, in the age group of 18 to 25, where just 19%
have been shown to trust the institution.
These results show a clear disconnect between Parliament and the people it represents.
We cannot ignore this reality. Although the reasons for such decline are multifaceted and arguably aggravated by the extent of state capture, we need to work harder and more
effectively in reaching the public and ensuring their voices are heard – especially those in rural areas, who do not have access to technology. The IFP accepts both reports of the committee. [Time expired.]
Mr S N SWART: Hon Chairperson, the ACDP, would like to focus on one aspect and that relates to the reference in the both reports to improving committee oversight in relation to the budget circle in particular, to allow more time in the parliamentary programme for oversight activities and by encouraging committees to undertake such activities jointly.
Now this is obviously very key and this is the essence of the parliamentary oversight as parliamentary committees are the engine room of Parliament. One aspect where the Chief Justice Zondo in his State Capture Report did give credit to was the Public Enterprise Portfolio Committee when it conducted a very effective Eskom oversight and a lot of that evidence was then
taken across to the State Capture Commission. I think that is really something that we can really build on as it improves accountability of Parliament and bearing in mind that Chief Justice Zondo concluded that Parliament’s failure to hold the executive to account contributed to the state capture project.
Now it is important to note that he also recommended a number of items and it was referred to on by previous speakers and recommendations that need to be implemented. Such as leaders of political parties should provide the political space for individual Members of Parliament, MPs, to ask difficult questions without prejudice to themselves.
Now what we are alluding to here is study groups before committees where MPs are given their marching orders.
Zondo recommended that the assurance should be given to such MPs that their concerns to be taken seriously and properly answered.
Now the ACDP agrees with this and trust that those recommendations of the Zondo Commission would be implemented to ensure that parliamentary oversight is improved along the lines of that Eskom oversight which was highly regarded.
The next item that I would quickly like to deal with it is of course the fire and that is referred to in the report as well. The devastating fire in Parliament. Whilst we appreciate that this matter is receiving ongoing attention as indicated eight months to get a full report as to damages, the cost to damages and the restoration costs. Clearly we know that in terms of heritage legislation, this building must be restored to its full extent. Obviously those costs must be incurred.
In the meantime, all efforts must be made to ensure that the National Assembly meets physically and does its oversight work and law-making effectively.
As far as the other recommendations are concerned and I see there are references to filling of vacancies and other issues of alignment, repeated in both of these reports. The ACDP trust as the reports says that there must be responses within
30 days of adoption. The ACDP supports these reports. I thank you.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Hon Chairperson, allow me to apologise. I am in a motor vehicle with the other engagement.
The NFP will support both these reports.
However, we want to express our serious concern, Chairperson.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Just a pores, hon member! Hon membrs, I do not know what excites you now. Please, please! Hon members, can you please remain calm. The hon Shaik Emam!
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Chairperson, can I go ahead.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Yes. You can witch off your camera now.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Oh, I am sorry.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Thank you. Go ahead.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Thank you, Chairperson. Yes, in supporting both these reports, the NFP wants to express its very serious concern.
We have now appointed after a very long period of time the Secretary to Parliament. I know that government generally has always speaking about dealing with the issues of cadre deployment and ensuring that people that are appointed have
the necessary capacity, ability and the qualifications to do the job.
I am very disappointed that we seem to play lip service. An ideal example is this that while there are critical posts that are vacant, extension of contracts has been given to particularly an employee in Parliament who the Public Service Commission found guilty when one of our employees, Mr Garane committed suicide. More importantly, Chairperson, the audit committee reports indicated clearly that this particular manager Mr Sithole does not have the necessary qualification and did not have the qualification and the experience when he was originally appointed in the first place.
Now an eight-month contract was given to him. Now a further one-year extension has been given to him. What is worse Chairperson, that that position does not appear in the current structure, yet an extension was given and all the Secretary to Parliament can tell us Chairperson, is that no he had to make some appointments, but yet there are critical positions that are vacant and they are not attended to.
He decided and chose to do that with very little information, he says and he promised to come back on that.
Now, if that is the way we are going to conduct ourselves, Chairperson, then clearly it does not ogre well for the future and for the running of Parliament. That is why I can understand the concerns that are being raised by my fellow colleagues.
The NFP is supporting these reports because these reports are not the current ones. Thank you very much.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Thank you very much, hon House Chair. Hon House Chair, we are looking forward to this Parliament to once again becoming a people’s Parliament. With all due respect, there’s no people in this Parliament. The people are not here. So, how can it be people’s Parliament? We also know that, the parliamentary constituencies extends the footprint of Parliament all over the country, about 400 Members of Parliament, at least 400 parliamentary constituency officers. It is sad that, nothing is said in the two reports about the footprint of Parliament.
So, we are not the people’s Parliament because our footprint is confined to a very small space, and that is not what we want. Thank you very much, hon House Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Thank you, hon Hendricks. Let me just tell you that, there are over 800 people here in this Parliament. You can join us tomorrow. Thank you.
Mr X S QAYISO: Thank you very much, hon House Chairperson, Members of the Joint Standing Committee and the nice nicely clad, Chief Whip of the Majority. As the ANC, we view in the midyear, I don’t know, why this hullabaloo because, if we look on the right side, the members of the ANC are in a good attendance, seats are full. But when you look on the opposite side, you see a different picture.
Therefore, it is good to first inspect your house, before you jump onto other people’s house. So, as the ANC, we view a midyear report on the performance of Parliament as a critical point to assess whether the strategic plan of the Sixth Parliament and its policy priorities remain aligned, and that we can actually see ... [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON (Mr Q R Dyantyi): Just a pause, hon member. Please just take a seat. Hon Dipuo Peters and hon Nasreen Paulsen, you are creating a deliberate noise. You are sitting across each other, and you are starting a conversation while
the member is on the platform. Please desist from that, refrain from doing that. Thank you. Proceed, hon member.
Mr X S QAYISO: So, the plan of the Sixth Parliament and its policy priorities remain aligned, and that we can usually see the performance measured against the intention of the plan and policies. The same applies for the third quarterly report on the performance of Parliament. For this, we need credible evidence and facts measured against the legislation that governs Parliament, the protocols and procedure, which regulates how we are meant to conduct oversight and the operational running of the institution.
We restate what we said in 2021 that, we do not agree with the highly compromised performance management methodology that Parliament has clung to. Despite severe criticism that in its design and methodology, the measurement of quality of performance has reduced to quantitatively meeting targets.
Individual member’s satisfaction, is a very subjective way of measuring performance in the absence of our great key performance areas, greed key performance indicators and agreed standards.
We are pleased that so far that, Parliament has undertaken to move away from this methodology, to the one which is more conventional and get to measuring of performance in which we then base decisions on what we need to change or strengthen. A midyear review of performance is not only an exercise in measuring the performance of the administration, but it is also about measuring the performance of the political functioning of the Parliament.
Whether it is addressing it through its work, the political economy of South Africa in intervening in setting the national agenda and debate, it is intervening in influencing the shifting of resources of the national fiscus to areas that we have identified as greatest needs through our oversight work. It takes up petitions of the public to those who serve petitions at Parliament, etc. This is what makes the Parliament relevant in the eyes of the people.
Our reporting performance on both midyear and quarter has become stuck in the binary. We report as if we are reporting to the Auditor-General. Of course, in terms of the financial management of Parliament and Provincial Legislature, we have to account diligently and specifically, and with regards to finances, this is done. However, the Parliament in its
reporting, has got to demonstrate the correlation between policy priority, strategic plan, our daily operations and what the Parliament has on the country’s development objectives.
The ability to do this, will render us to the binary every quarter, on looking at figures and postulating on why a certain amount was spent in a particular way. Rather than looking on outcomes and impact for auditing purposes, we certainly should commend a high level of consistency in audit outcomes. But finance is a means to deliver on policy objectives and that requires far more critical engagement going forward. The presentation on performance we received, and the members’ satisfaction was measured in terms of percentage and detailed financial accounting.
What we need from the drafters of the reports, is the regular analysis with evidence, as whether we are on track, measured against the strategic plans and policy priorities, an annual outcome and impact. These, in turn, should inform the Annual Performance Plan, APP. This is the shift on how future reports should be drafted. Therefore, going forward, besides reporting on what amounts have been allocated to core business and other programmes.
How much was spent or not spent and why, we need to get assessment on our performance on core business of Parliament. Our committee work, our oversight work, our constituency work, etc. This is what makes the Parliament relevant to the people. The ANC would want to propose that, for the better functioning of Parliament, all members’ interests be dealt with on a monthly basis in the forum chaired by the House Chair, hon Boroto, so that, these don’t end up in a Multiparty Chief Whips Forum and the National Assembly Programming Committee, which are meant to deal with programming, not the members’ interests.
Reports from multi-forum can be inferred through to a quarterly report of performance to a Joint Standing Committee. This a matter of the other institutional matters which we would argue. A new multi-forum led by the House Chair of the Committee and Secretary to Parliament should convene to deal with institutional technical matters. This will then allow the Joint Standing Committee to oversight processed matters instead of trying to process them in a Joint Standing Committee.
This will also allow the committee time to engage on policy performance, financial oversight and provide guidance informed
by the processed items. Oversight requires substructures to carry out a technical work and report to Joint Standing Committee. In this way, we will have more systematic way of working. The ANC supports both these reports. Thank you.
Mr F JACOBS (ON BEHALF OF THE CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY):
House Chair, we move that the reports be adopted.
[Take in from Minutes.]
Motion agreed to
MINING DAM BURST IN JAGERSFONTEIN IN THE FREE STATE
(Draft Resolution)
Ms R C ADAMS: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the ANC:
That the House –
(1) notes with sadness the passing on of three people after a mining dam burst its banks – flooding parts of
Jagersfontein in Free State on Saturday,
11 September 2022;
(2) further notes that 40 people have since been taken to hospital after sustaining injuries, while four people have been confirmed to be missing;
(3) understands that homes and vehicles were swept away, people were displaced and others lost property;
(4) commends the government of the Free State for responding in time and coordinated the multi- disciplinary teams consisting of the SA Police Service, emergency medical services, health, disaster management, social development, search and rescue personnel and engineers who offered services; and
(5) conveys its condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes all the injured people speedy recovery.
I thank you.
Agreed to.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF PROFESSOR MAAKE MASANGO
(Draft Resolution)
Ms T BODLANI: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the DA:
That the House –
(1) notes that Professor Maake Masango, an emeritus professor of Practical Theology at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria, was born on 27 October 1947;
(2) further notes that Professor Masango has served as a senior minister in the Presbyterian Church of South Africa since 1977;
(3) acknowledges that Professor Masango became the first black lecturer appointed at the University’s Faculty of Theology and Religion after his appointment as Associate Professor;
(4) recognises that Professor Masango has supervised 1 217 honours and postgraduate degrees, 168 masters and over
50 PhD candidates during his illustrious academic career;
(5) celebrates the immense contribution Professor Masango has made to nation building through his work as a dedicated clergyman and great academic; and
(6) congratulates Professor Masango on his achievements and wishes him well in all his future endeavours.
I so move.
Agreed to.
WILLIAM RUTO TO BE SWORN IN AS THE PRESIDENT OF KENYA
(Draft Resolution)
Mr M N PAULSEN: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the EFF:
That the House –
(1) notes that today, 13 September 2022, William Ruto will be sworn in as the President of Kenya, following recent elections in that country in which he defeated the candidacy of Mr Raila Odinga;
(2) further notes that Mr William Ruto was Deputy President of Kenya for the past nine years, deputizing outgoing President, Uhuru Kenyatta;
(3) acknowledges that even though the outcomes of the elections were contested in court, all parties have now accepted the decision of the Supreme Court in Kenya, certifying the victory of Mr William Ruto;
(4) further acknowledges the maturity with which all those involved conducted themselves, which led to no reported incidences of violence following the election and the announcement of the results;
(5) commends the work of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya for conducting elections that were largely considered to be free and fair; and
(6) sends its congratulations to the new President of Kenya and wishes him well on his new responsibilities.
I so move.
Agreed to.
LATOZI MADOSINI MPAHLENI HONOURED WITH HONORARY DOCTORATE IN MUSIC
(Draft Resolution)
Mr M NONTSELE: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the ANC:
That the House –
(1) notes that the legendary Eastern Cape traditional music artist, Mama Latozi Madosini Mpahleni has been honoured with Rhodes University’s highest honour, an honorary doctorate degree in music on Saturday,
3 September 2022;
(2) further notes that Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela officially handed over a hood and gown to Dr Latozi Madosini Mpahleni in full view of her family and the community at Mkhankatho village in Libode, outside Mthatha;
(3) understands that the award is the recognition of her immeasurable contribution as the matriarch in preserving and promoting IsiXhosa music;
(4) acknowledges that the robing formed part of a Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition event organised by the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture;
(5) remembers that some of the instruments played by Dr Madosini includes uhadi, umrhubhe and isitolotolo; and
(6) congratulates Dr Madosini on receiving the award and applauds Rhodes University for having honoured our living legend.
I so move.
Agreed to.
THE PASSING OF LIGHTWEIGHT BOXER, SIMISO “GANDAGANDA” BUTHELEZI
(Draft Resolution)
Ms Z MAJOZI: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the IFP:
That the House –
(1) notes the passing of lightweight boxer, Simiso “Gandaganda” Buthelezi;
(2) further notes that he passed away at a Durban hospital, following reports that he sustained a brain injury during a match, which resulted in internal bleeding;
(3) acknowledges that on 5 June 2022, Simiso participated in a boxing tournament hosted by Starline Boxing Promotions at Greyville, Durban, where the incident took place;
(4) extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends, as well as Boxing South Africa,
on the untimely passing of this young and promising athlete; and
(5) calls on the government to facilitate a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, and to ensure that there are additional safety measures adopted by the sport to safeguard athletes, without diluting the thrill and excitement that comes with the sport of boxing.
I so move.
Agreed to.
KROONSTAD IN THE MOQHAKA LOCAL MUNICIPALITY IN THE FREE STATE WON THE KYKNET TOWN OF THE YEAR COMPETITION
(Draft Resolution)
Ms T BREEDT: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the FF Plus:
That the House –
(1) congratulates the town of Kroonstad in the Moqhaka Local Municipality in the Free State for winning the KykNet Town of the Year Competition;
(2) acknowledges that this feat was achieved by the hard work and dedication of the Kroonstad community who united as one under the banner of the Ignite and Revive Kroonstad movement;
(3) further acknowledges that local businesses and residents are working hard to improve the state of Kroonstad and the Moqhaka Local Municipality as a whole;
(4) applauds the spirit with which this community stands together to make their town a better place; and
(5) wishes them all the best for their future projects.
I so move.
Agreed to.
RADIOLOGISTS LAUNCHED AN ADVANCED MEDICAL RADIATION WORKERS’ MONITORING SERVICE, DOSIMETER SERVICES
(Draft Resolution)
Mr N V XABA: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the ANC:
That the House –
(1) notes that radiologists, Dr Nonceba Koranteng, Dr Palesa Mutshutshu and Dr Jacintha Adrigwe have recently launched an advanced medical radiation workers’ monitoring service, Dosimeter Services;
(2) further notes that this company monitors occupational radiation exposure to assist employers with their responsibility to ensure that doses are monitored and reported;
(3) acknowledges that Dr Koranteng chose to specialise in radiology because for her, it has so much possibility for assisting people through non-invasive means and the diagnoses are the core of guiding surgeons and physicians in treating patients; and
(4) further acknowledges Dr Mutshutshu wanted to build a legacy for her daughter and to make a name for black women in medicine, in radiology, and in health ownership representatively; and
(5) Dr Adrigwe chose radiology as a speciality, because radiology is a discipline that is at the intersection of others and this was important for her;
(6) understands that the business venture started due to the lack of female radiologists, especially black ones; and
(7) congratulates all of three doctors and wishes them much success as a nation.
Thank you.
Agreed to.
THE MURDER OF CAPE TOWN MAGISTRATE AND FORMER PROSECUTOR, ROMAY VAN ROOYEN
(Draft Resolution)
Mr S N SWART: House Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the ACDP:
That the House –
(1) expresses its profound shock and sadness at the murder of Cape Town Magistrate and former Prosecutor, Romay van Rooyen, who was found dead by a relative in her house in Marina da Gama this past Saturday afternoon;
(2) notes that Van Rooyen started her career with the National Prosecuting Authority in 1997, prosecuting in the district and regional courts before becoming a State Advocate in the Western Cape High Court;
(3) further notes that she was then employed as an acting magistrate in 2016, where she was the presiding officer in matters heard in the maintenance, domestic violence and criminal courts;
(4) recognises that her death is indeed a loss to the judiciary and the justice system as a whole;
(5) expresses its heartfelt condolences to Van Rooyen’s family and friends; and
(6) trusts that the SA Police Service will leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this horrendous crime to justice.
I so move.
Agreed to.
11- YEAR-OLD CALEB PAYNE NOMINATED FOR LEADING YOUTH ARTIST IN FEATURE FILM
(Draft Resolution)
Mrs V VAN DYK: Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the DA:
That the House—
(1) notes that the Young Artist Academy in Hollywood has honoured 11-year-old South African Caleb Payne with a nomination for leading youth artist in a feature film;
(2) further notes that since 1978, the Young Artist Academy has produced Hollywood's first and longest- running youth awards held in Los Angeles, and is affectionately called the Youth Oscars by The Huffington Post;
(3) acknowledges that the academy has worked with some of the biggest names in entertainment, with previous nominees and winners including Scarlett Johansson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence;
(4) recalls that Trevor Noah received an honouree award for journalistic excellence in 2020 and The Gods Must Be Crazy was given a merit award in 1984 for best foreign film;
(5) recognises that Caleb's nomination is the first South African nomination for acting;
(6) further recognises that Caleb’s nomination is even more unique since he is getting recognised for his performance in the movie Good Life, a small independent South African movie filmed in Cape Town in
the hard lockdown of 2020, which is available on Apple TV, Amazon and Netflix; and
(7) congratulates Caleb on his nomination, and wishes him success at the awards.
Agreed to.
QUEEN OF ENGLAND DIES
(Draft Resolution)
Mrs N J NOLUTSHUNGU: I move without notice on behalf of the EFF:
That the House—
(1) notes that on the 8th of this month, Queen Elizabeth, the ceremonial head of state to many countries that were colonised by Britain, died;
(2) further notes that Queen Elizabeth had reigned for
70 years as the head of an institution that is synonymous with the pain and suffering of many native
people across the world, particularly here in Africa, where British colonialism led to massive land dispossession, the indiscriminate slaughter of those who opposed colonialism and the jailing of many more;
(3) acknowledges that to this day the country still suffers as a consequence of British colonialism, that its minerals are still owned by those who benefitted from colonialism and that the land still belongs to the settlers that were set up by the British colonial regime;
(4) further acknowledges that King Hintsa was killed and had his head taken to Britain by forces of colonialism, that King Cetshwayo was humiliated and imprisoned by British colonialism, that Chief Maqoma was harassed all his life by British colonialism and was eventually killed on Robben Island and baptised on his deathbed against his wishes by the Anglican Church, an appendage of the British royal family; and
(5) also notes that the EFF sends its condolences to the descendants of Dedan Kimathi the Mau Mau freedom fighter who was killed by British forces in Kenya, and
to the Rharhabe royal house, for the death of King Sandile ka Ngqika at the hands of the British royal forces in 1878. [Time expired.]
Agreed to.
SOUTH AFRICA HOSTS FIRST EVER RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS
(Draft Resolution)
Mr S H MBUYANE: Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the ANC:
That the House—
(1) notes that South Africa hosted the first ever Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town on Saturday the 9th until Sunday the 11th of September 2022;
(2) further notes that the 2022 tournament, comprising of
24 men and 16 women’s teams, was played at the Cape Town Stadium;
(3) understands that the eighth edition of the Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament was hosted for the first time by an African country in its three decades’ history;
(4) acknowledges that hosting world cup tournaments are not only important in boosting the economy and creating employment, but also for uniting residents and people from all walks of life;
(5) remembers that thousands of residents and visitors attended the tournament; and
(6) congratulates Fiji and Australia that were crowned Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 winners in the men’s and women’s events respectively, as they both defeated reigning champions New Zealand in two exciting finals.
Agreed to.
BUSINESSMAN KHALID PARKER SHOT DEAD IN ATTEMPTED KIDNAPPING
(Draft Resolution)
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Chairperson, I move without notice on behalf of the NFP:
That the House—
(1) notes that on Friday, 9 September 2022, a businessman Khalid Parker was murdered in what was an attempted kidnapping;
(2) further notes that the said murder was allegedly committed by three unknown assailants in Lansdowne, Western Cape;
(3) also notes that kidnappings are on the rise;
(4) realises that businessmen and children of business owners appear to be soft targets;
(5) further realises that kidnapping syndicates are operating countrywide;
(6) understands that Khalid Parker, a 40-year-old citizen, was a very valuable member of the community and together with his father, contributed immensely to the
wellbeing of many vulnerable people, particularly in the Western Cape;
(7) condemns, with the contempt it deserves, the attempted kidnapping and murder of Khalid Parker;
(8) extends its condolences to the family of Khalid Parker;
(9) calls upon the SA Police Service to leave no stone unturned in identifying the perpetrators of this barbaric crime and ensuring that the criminals face the full might of the law; and
(10) further calls on the SA Police Service, together with Crime Intelligence, to intensify the fight against kidnapping in South Africa.
Agreed to.
JUSTICE MANDISA MAYA APPOINTED AS DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE
(Draft Resolution)
Mr T S MPANZA: Chair, I move without notice on behalf of the ANC:
That the House—
(1) congratulates Justice Mandisa Maya on being appointed as the Deputy Chief Justice;
(2) notes that the former president of the Supreme Court of Appeal took office on Thursday, 1 September 2022, and is the first woman to hold the position;
(3) acknowledges that Judge Maya is a capable judge, who without any doubt will advance the interests of justice and of women in the judiciary;
(4) believes that Judge Maya will add new value and contribute tremendously to the transformation of the judiciary, and will serve as a role model and a symbol of hope to South African women; and
(5) wishes her the best in her new position of responsibility.
Agreed to.
UN INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PRESERVATION OF OZONE LAYER
(Draft Resolution)
Mr P M P MODISE: Chairperson, I move without notice on behalf of the ANC:
That the House—
(1) notes that the UN International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on
16 September every year;
(2) further notes that this event commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987;
(3) understands that the theme for this year is Global co- operation protecting life on earth;
(4) acknowledges that the theme recognises the wider impact that the Montreal Protocol has on climate
change and the need to act in collaboration, forge partnerships and develop global co-operation to address climate challenges and protect life on earth for future generations; and
(5) calls on all of us to not just acknowledge the Montreal Protocol but to show that by acting together we can slow climate change, feed the world’s hungry and protect the climate that we all depend on.
Agreed to.
DUNCAN SWART’S SELFLESS CARE IN HELPING HIS COMMUNITY
(Draft Resolution)
Afrikaans:
Me A M M WEBER: Ek stel sonder kennisgewing voor namens die DA:
Dat die Huis—
(1) kennis neem dat Duncan Swart op die ouderdom van sewe jaar met ’n gehoorgestremdheid gediagnoseer is;
(2) verder kennis neem dat, toe Duncan 12-jaar oud was, nieteenstaande sy gehoorgestremdheid, die kanse aangegryp het om ’n noodhulpkursus by te woon;
(3) besef dat Duncan, na afloop van die kursus, sy opleiding, saam met ER24 personeel, gebruik het om noodhulp by sportdae te verskaf;
(4) erkentlikheid toon dat Duncan as vrywilliger by ER24 se noodplan aangesluit het nadat hy sy vlak 3 opleiding voltooi het, en ook dat hy die geleentheid gebruik het om ’n noodhulpprojek te loods wat hy vir sy jong kinders by skole aanbied;
(5) erkenning gee dat Duncan ’n goeie voorbeeld gestel het dat jou gestremdheid jou nie hoef terug te hou in die lewe nie en dat jy steeds ’n groot bydra tot jou gemeenskap kan lewer;
(6) Duncan bedank vir sy voorbeeld van onbaatsugtige omgee van sy medemens wat hy vir ons stel; en
(7) hom voorspoed toewens met sy voortgesette aktiwiteite om ’n bydra in sy gemeenskap te lewer.
Goedgekeur.
GRASSROOTS EDUCARE TRUST’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
(Draft Resolution)
English:
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Hon Chair, I move without notice on behalf of Al Jama-ah:
That the House—
(1) notes the 50th anniversary of the Grassroots Educare Trust, which began operations in 1972 to alleviate the plight of children of working-class parents, who were without good care and stimulation;
(2) further notes that the principal of the preschool was our beloved Prof Dickie van der Ross, who later became the rector of the University of the Western Cape;
(3) acknowledges Grassroots for the thousands of preschools that it has helped establish since 1972;
(4) also notes that the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority, ETDP Seta, has awarded the status of organisation of excellence to Grassroots for three years in a row;
(5) also acknowledges that Grassroots’ model across various sectors has been recognised with global institutions such as the UN International Children's Emergency Fund, Unicef, which has given great honour to South Africa;
(6) understands that Al Jama-ah acknowledges that thousands of preschool classrooms benefit from Grassroots’ site learning programme, developed in co- operation with hundreds of frontline practitioners;
(7) recognises that I served as human resources advisor to Grassroots for several years; and
(8) congratulates the Grassroots Educare Trust.
Agreed to.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SIVENATHI NONTSHINGA
(Draft Resolution)
Mr O MATHAFA: Chairperson, on behalf of the ANC, I moved without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that Sivenathi “The Special One” Nontshinga from the Eastern Cape won the vacant International Boxing Federation, IBF, light flyweight belt in a closely fought and gruelling encounter against Hector “Baby Bull” Flores of Mexico, on a 12-round split decision at the Centro de Usos Multiples in Hermosillo, Mexico, on Saturday night, 3 September 2022;
(2) understands that Nontshinga dropped Flores in round two, but Flores battled his way back with non-stop punching;
(3) further understands that Flores suffered a cut on his forehead from a head clash that bled profusely over the second half of the fight;
(4) acknowledges that the scores were 116-114 and 114-
113 for Nontshinga and 115-112 for Flores;
(5) further acknowledges Nontshinga, age 23, became the only current South African fighter to hold a title from one of the main boxing organisations, and claimed a South African record of winning a main organisation title after only 11 fights; and
(6) congratulates him on his win and wishes him much success in his future fights.
Agreed to.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Ms P N ABRAHAM: House Chairpersons, I hereby move on behalf of ANC that in its next sitting the House debates fast tracking the development of entrepreneurs, small-medium entities, including large-scale infrastructure development and enhancing
the capacity of the state to intervene in key sectors of the economy.
Mr A C ROOS: House Chair, I hereby move on behalf of the DA that at its next sitting this House debates the dire state of Home Affairs services at South African foreign missions.
Mr T M LANGA: Thank you very much, Chairperson, the Matlala Clan which is the community in Limpopo Burgersfort, and most recent community in Free State, Jaggersfontein, to name a few, are left destitute because mines are not doing due diligence profit is put before the lives and livelihood of our people; and I rise on behalf of the EFF that the House in its next sitting debates the safety of people residing around mining areas and that it is ensured that local people benefit from these mining companies and that their safety in prioritised before any mining can take place and after.
Ms J TSHABALALA: House Chairperson, I hereby move on behalf of ANC that in its next sitting the House debates the importance of electronic communications infrastructure and universal service and access by focusing on increased deployment of fibre and mobile communication infrastructure to cover the length and breadth of South Africa.
Ms Z MAJOZI: Thank you, hon House Chair, on behalf the IFP, I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting that this House debates the continued institutional failures at the HPCSA and alternative solutions to accelerate absorption of foreign qualified medical doctors into our healthcare system in South Africa.
Mr P A VAN STADEN: Thank you, hon Chairperson, I hereby give notice on behalf of the FF Plus that I shall move at its next sitting:
That the House-
(1) debates the matter of unpaid salaries of health professionals employed in public hospitals and clinics; and
(2) the devastating effects that these problems have on the everyday life of these health professionals; and a long time strategy to overcome and solve these problems.
Ms D R DIREKO: Thank you, Chair, I hereby move on behalf of ANC that in its next sitting the House debates the potency of
social media influence in the political landscape in South Africa.
Mr W M THRING: Hon House Chairperson, I move on behalf of the ACDP that this House debates at its next sitting the infrastructure and maintenance budget spend in local municipalities in South Africa and its resultant socioeconomic effect.
Mr J J McGLUWA: Thank you House Chair, I hereby move on behalf of the DA that at its next sitting this House debates the financial state of the municipalities in the North West province, and the effect of the ANC’s policies of cadre deployment the North West Municipalities.
Ms S M MOKGOTHO: Thank you, hon House Chair, I rise on behalf of the EFF and move that in the next sitting the House debates the portholes left by municipalities after conducting repairs and the dangers presented.
Ms T MGWEBA: Thank you very much, House Chair, I hereby move on behalf of ANC that in its next sitting the House debates elevate and amplify the understanding of Ubuntu-Botho which is already widely embraced as a worldview.
Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Thank you, Chairperson, on behalf of the NFP, I hereby move that at its next sitting this House deliberates on the poor state of local government, corruption and looting and measures that need to be put in place to prevent further corruption, looting and state capture at the local level.
Mr T S MPANZA: Thank you, House Chair, I hereby move on behalf of ANC that in its next sitting the House debates approaching global relations anchored in the pursuit of global solidarity, social justice, common development and human security.
Mr T V MASHELE: House, Chair, I hereby move on behalf of ANC that in its next sitting the House debates understanding the root causes of populism and acts of xenophobia against migrants within our communities.
Mr D JOSEPH: Thank you, House Chair, I hereby move on behalf of the DA at its next sitting the House debates the extortion of the construction industry through threats, intimidation and killings as part of organised crime, and how the government must respond to this challenge.
Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Thank you, hon House Chair, I move on behalf of Al Jama Ah that this House discuss the need to establish a special ‘State Intelligence Gathering Structure’ to prevent and defend business people, especially those involved in uplifting communities, from being kidnapped or abducted.
Ms L N MJOBO: Thank you, Chairperson, I hereby move on behalf of ANC that in its next sitting the House debates creating a cohesive society tasked with the duty of fighting and defeating racism in all its manifestations, through policy and practical implementation.
The House adjourned at 18:52.
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