Hansard: NA: Mini-Plenary 2
House: National Assembly
Date of Meeting: 24 Nov 2023
Summary
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 2023
PROCEEDINGS OF VIRTUAL MINIPLENARY SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
Watch video here: NA: Mini-Plenary 2
Members of the mini-plenary session met on the virtual platform at 10:00.
The Acting Chairperson Mr F D Xasa took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
The Acting Chairperson announced that the virtual mini-plenary sitting constituted a meeting of the National Assembly.
VIRTUAL SITTING RULES
(Announcements)
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon members, before we proceed, I would like to remind you that the virtual mini-plenary is deemed to be in the precinct of Parliament and constitutes a meeting of the National Assembly for debating purposes only. In addition to the rules of virtual sittings the rules of the National Assembly including the rules of debate apply.
Members enjoy the same powers and privileges that apply in a sitting of the National Assembly. Therefore, members should equally note that anything said in the virtual platform is deemed to have been said to the House and maybe ruled upon.
All members who have logged in shall be considered to be present and are requested to mute their microphones and only unmute when they are recognised to speak. This is because the mics are very sensitive and will pick up any noise which might disturb the attention of other members. When recognised to speak, please unmute your microphone and where necessary you can also switch on your video.
The secretariat will assist in alerting me if there’s any member who has raised hand, and I will recognise such a person. When using the virtual system, members are urged to refrain from unnecessary points of order or interjections.
Lastly, I wish to remind you that we are meeting in a mini- plenary session and, therefore, any decisions will be taken in a full plenary session of the Assembly. The first item on the agenda is a discussion in the name of hon Shivambu on “Water Provision Crisis in South Africa.” Hon Shivambu, the floor is yours.
WATER PROVISION CRISIS IN SOUTH AFRICA
(Subject For Discussion)
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Acting House Chairperson, section 27 of South Africa’s Constitution guarantees everyone access to health care, food, water and social security. Section 27(1)(b) specifically emphasises that everyone has the right to sufficient food and water. Therefore, in the parting sentence of the EFF’s founding manifesto, the cardinal pillar number one emphasises the importance of water provision that must be sustainable and guaranteed to all the people of South Africa and the entire African continent. This is for a simple reason that water is life that the sustainability of human development depends on water, whether it is in the rivers, lakes or in the form of rainfall. Water is essential for all living ecosystems.
The fact that we as the EFF 10 years ago when we found that emphasised the centrality of water in a developmental project is testimony enough that we are the most reliable voice for the waterless people of South Africa. It is also the state’s duty and obligation to provide clean water to all its citizens. The crisis of water provision in South Africa is a man-made crisis. It’s not a result of some unforeseen natural disasters. There is absolutely no sense and no justification on why many areas where those who are subjects of apartheid capitalism where they live, they still do not have water.
There is no reason, none whatsoever.
The 2022 National State of Water Report acknowledges that part of the crisis provision of water in South Africa is that water infrastructure is aging and becoming dysfunctional. An aged infrastructure results in huge water losses and water supply backlogs. The National Water and Sanitation Master Plan acknowledges that South Africa might face a 17% water deficit by 2030, but it also acknowledges that 56% of the more than
1 000 municipal wastewater treatment works and approximately 44% of the 962 water treatment works in the country are in poor or critical condition and need for urgent rehabilitation and skilled operators, and more than 11% of those are completely dysfunctional. 41% of municipalities do not
generate revenue from water and 35% is lost through leakages. This is despite the so many numerical commitments and indications that are given by the ruling party to say that there is water stability in South Africa. There isn’t water stability in South Africa.
We, therefore, take this opportunity as the Economic Freedom Fighters to resonate the voices of the waterless communities, districts, municipalities, townships, informal settlements and villages. We do so because everywhere we go our people are complaining about access to water, and they’re correctly saying that their voices are not heard and resonated in Parliament, despite the fact that this institution is supposed to express the interest of our people.
We’re, therefore, here as the EFF to resonate the cries of all the people of uThukela District Municipality in all the municipalities of Alfred Duma Local Municipality, of Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality, particularly the people of Hlathikhulu in Inkosi Langalibalele Ward 11. We are here to resonate the cries of the people of uMhlabuyalingana ... [Inaudible.] ... Jozini, Mtubatuba and Big 5 Hlabisa in uMkhanyakude District who do not have water despite the huge
dam, Jozini Dam, which both the ANC and the IFP governments are failing to reticulate water from.
We know that all the 61 wards of the uMzinyathi District Municipality, Msinga Local Municipality, Nquthu Local Municipality, Endumeni Local Municipality, Umvoti Local Municipality have got huge crisis of water and there’s no solution inside that will bring water to the people of uMzinyathi District Municipality. We know that for more than
15 years the people of Tumahole in Ngwathe Local Municipality and Fezile Dabi District Municipality have no access to dependable and clean.
Xitsonga:
Hi vulavula hi vanhu va le Giyani leswaku a va si kuma mati ni le ka nkarhi wa sweswi.
English:
Despite the billions of rands that have been spent to take water from Nandoni Dam ...
Xitsonga:
... leswaku ma ya eGiyani, kambe mati a ma si fika eGiyani na sweswi.
English:
It’s more than 30 years now without reliable water supply in Giyani. We know that for more than 20 years now, all the villages that are bothering the Kruger National Park, in Collins Chabane Municipality, in Musina Municipality, and Thulamela Municipality, there is no water for our people.
Therefore, this is a testimony that the entirety of Vhembe region has got more than 110 areas of villages and townships that do not have water.
In Waterberg it’s more than 31 areas that are affected, particularly in Lephalale, Thabazimbi and Modimolle– Mookgophong Municipality. In Sekhukhune we have got more than
30 areas that do not have water. In Capricorn we have got more than 40 areas that do not have water. We know that in the Western Highveld areas of Mpumalanga, and particularly Thembisile Hani Municipality in Verena, in Kwaggafontein, in Mathanjana and Dr J S Moroka Municipality, there is no water for our people.
We know that in the Eastern Cape, in Ncuma Municipality, there’s a crisis of water. Sarah Bartman District is the most affected in terms of water crisis in the Eastern Cape, with the towns of Humansdorp of Macana, former Grahamstown, Addo,
Cookhouse in Blue Crane Route Municipality, in Kouga Local Municipality, and Jeffreys Bay, there’s no dependable supply of water. In O R Tambo District, in Bizana where Winnie Madikizela Mandela was born, and where O R Tambo was born, there is no dependable supply of water in Bizana and in Nyandeni Local Municipality – Libode, in Flagstaff. In Mqanduli, in Qumbu, in Tsomo, in Tsolo, there is no water supply.
In the Northern Cape, the entirety of the John Taolo Gaetsewe District Municipality does not have dependable supply of water. More than 200 areas do not have dependable supply of water. In ... [Inaudible.] ... in Kanana, in Maropeng in Mathibestad. The Northwest district of Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality does not have reliable supply of water. Greater Taung Local Municipality is the most affected with more than 81 areas without supply of water. In Kagisano– Molopo Municipality there’s more than 83 areas. In Moretele Local Municipality there’s more than 70 areas that do not have supply of water.
We are speaking about all these areas because every time we interact with these communities, they say that we have been waterless for more than 15, 20, 30 years and no one has raised
our voices in the relevant platforms to say that we need water, and water is life. It’s water that must be availed to everyone and it is the obligation of the state. We want to take this opportunity as the Economic Freedom Fighters to assure all communities that we have mentioned here and those that we have not mentioned that they’ve got the crisis of water that the waterlessness that have defined them for many years will come to an end when the EFF takes government. We will, of course, start with the areas where already we have been exposed to government, in the city of eThekwini. In the areas of Ntuzuma, uMzinyathi Informal Settlement, not uMzinyathi the district, Inanda, in Umlazi, in KwaMashu, in Hambanathi in all the affected areas.
If the National Treasury stops with the childish and opportunistic withdrawal of grants allocated for water provision in eThekwini, we will make the necessary and relevant progress in the provision of water for all the people of eThekwini. We will also assure that all the people of Ekurhuleni, particularly in Oakmoor Informal Settlement because it’s a new informal settlement, are going to be given access to quality and drinkable water. What we want to assure the people in South Africa is that to have dependable supply of water which must be priority for all municipalities, you
need a competent, reliable government, and that government can only be the Economic Freedom Fighters. We will prioritise water over everything else so that we’ve got sustainable life to provide to our people. It is our obligation as the state, and as government to provide water.
The statistics that are being brandished about access to water are false. There are so many areas. If we were to go each and every area that has got water crisis in South Africa, it will take us the whole day. Therefore, we’re here to resonate the voices of our people and assure our people that come 2024, the Economic Freedom Fighters, the economic emancipation movement, will start with the programme which is going to provide 100% dependable water supply to all our communities. Thank you very much, Acting House Chair.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION (Mr M D Mahlobo):
Hon Chairperson, and hon members, one of the best revolutionaries would have said, and I quote:
Tell no lies, Claim no easy victories. Do not mask our difficulties.
The ANC-led government has worked for the last 29 years to redress the imbalances of the past. Back then, South Africans were denied access to water, including the economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits of water.
As the ANC-led government, we had to address that point, where we had to roll out infrastructure to many of those that we denied. As we speak, 90% of South Africans have access to water in terms of our latest departmental statistics, apart from the support statistics that we have been given by Stats SA.
Nobody can deny the burden that was actually given to women who had to walk long distances and the girl children who were denied the right to go to school and participate in all these other economic activities, the ANC has reversed all that.
Nobody can deny the fact that access to water has improved the issues of removing the burden of diseases like waterborne diseases, hunger and poverty.
Our country remains a water-scarce country. But as the ANC, we want to assure South Africans that our water balance, in terms of the existing demand and on a national scale, we don’t have a problem with water scarcity. However, we must admit that
there are localised deficits on the basis of climate change as we have seen in Nelson Mandela Bay and some parts of Gauteng where this demand on the basis that the Lesotho Highlands Water Project was been delayed.
We must indicate that the ANC-led government to ensure that we don’t run out of water on the basis that our economy and our population have grown, we have been in a position to unlock many of the major infrastructure projects that were delayed in our own country. We also know that South Africans, in as much as we might not run out of water, there is a deterioration of water quality on the basis of human activities, whether it is industrial, whether it is domestic use, that impacts water quality.
Then there are issues around municipal distribution systems, the issues of water losses, then the impact of climate change. Most of the delays around the implementation of water supply development projects have been unlocked. For example, the situation that you had of Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project that had to supply Gauteng and other neighbouring provinces, is costing R40 billion. His Excellency President Ramaphosa has been to the Kingdom of Lesotho, the
sod-turning ceremony has been done and that project has been unlocked.
But in the meantime, Gauteng does not have a problem with the availability of water. Still, we do have the problem of the supply in terms of the system and the issues around consumers and we have been in a position to address those issues by working with municipalities and fighters. Fighter Shivambu, you will know that he can’t throw stones because some of these MMCs he is talking about are from the EFF. We are the ones with the Minister of Water and Sanitation who is helping them to address these issues. That’s why in the last close to two months in Gauteng, most of the reservoirs are actually in a healthy state.
We have finalised all the offtake agreements on the challenges of water in KwaZulu-Natal in terms of water security, and the uMkhomazi Water Project will unlock a number of economic opportunities for five districts, including EThekwini at R26 billion. We are working with the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority, TCTA, and going to the market to ensure that the people of KwaZulu-Natal, don’t have problems with water.
We are also intervening in UMkhanyakude, fighter Floyd where you can see that UMkhanyakude Jozini Dam which was a single- purpose dam is now a multipurpose dam table. Infrastructure is already on the ground. Umgeni and UThukela are working with UMkhanyakude. We are also working with Zululand to address the scheme there.
We are helping EThekwini as you would know with their sewerage systems and ten of them have an agreement that our water boards manage more than two-thirds of the sewerage system because they have capacity. And we are using them as service providers for these communities because no one will be left in the lurch by the ANC-led government.
In the Northwest, we do have Operation Bulela Metsi and we have put resources in place. A main project, the Umhlolo Crocodile Waste System that has been delayed for a number of years, we can indicate that contractors are on the ground now in terms of the budget facility and R4 billion has been made available to ensure that those mining communities until Lephalale they do have access to water.
People from Sekhukhune to Peter Mokaba region to Water Berg, the Olifants River Water Resources Development where you can
take water from the De Hoop Dam. We are working with the private sector and we have already made all the arrangements so that the water can be diverted. There is no community that our water infrastructure will go through and these communities will be denied access to water. That is why we are working hard on this. Don’t let people lie to you that we are not working.
In terms of supporting municipalities to work with the private sector, we have the Vaal Gamagara Water Supply Scheme in the Northern Cape. We are now in phase 2 and R10 billion have been mobilised. So we have no problems with access to water. In the Eastern Cape, uMzimvubu is now back on track. All the necessary infrastructure for access to the facility, including confirmation of funds, R8 billion for the building of Ntabelanga Dam. Back to Limpopo again, to the Tzaneen area, especially where you come from, the Groot Letaba Water Augmentation project is underway at a cost of half a billion, and the expansion of this dam is underway.
We should not tell lies, around the communities of Giyani, these communities are in the meantime being supplied with water from the groundwater that is there, but also from the intermittent supply. We can confirm that water has flowed from
Nandoni to Ntsami. As we speak right now, in the village of Homu, people already have water in their homes. More than 24 villages will be supplied with water by December next year.
In your own area, fighter Shivambu, you are going to have that pipeline of clean water to Malamulele coming from Nandoni, it is going to be in a position to supply water. There are many of these communities whether it is Capricorn or KwaZulu-Natal. In Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Sekhukhune, in the Loskop Dam, we have invested more than R1,2 billion to ensure that the communities around Elias Motsoaledi, Thembisile Hani and JS Moroka do have water.
We are hard at work around the Berg River Voelvlei Augmentation Scheme in the Western Cape wherein R1,2 billion has been allocated, and the work has started. Recently, our Minister was down in the Clan Williams’ Dam so that we could unlock that particular community.
The issues around green drops and blue drops. These are not new issues. They were raised by the ANC-led government because the wastewater systems of our municipalities must be helped.
Regardless of whether the municipalities are led by the ANC, the EFF or the IFP, all our municipalities are struggling with
sanitation systems. You can look at Tshwane, the City of Cape Town, Emfuleni and EThekwini. That is why we are intervening in all these municipalities.
The ANC-led government has put money on the table because infrastructure is the foundation of the state. Already this financial year, R61,7 billion is being allocated to support municipalities and many municipalities are addressing the problem of water leakage.
We can indicate that one of the challenges we face is the issue of the sustainability of the sector, the issues of the escalating debt, those South Africans who can afford to pay, must pay for water and other services, including you as public representatives. But for those South Africans who are poor and vulnerable, the ANC-led government has provided social security. We do have free basic water and South Africans must use it. It is part of the equitable share. But we must know that water is a finite resource. We can’t just use water in an irresponsible way.
We are supporting all the municipalities all over the country. There are intervention plans for each province. At the very same time, we are ensuring that working through the District
Development Model, we do have the plans for the deployment of engineers helping them to plan so that they can have business plans, they do have the technical, report and feasibility studies. And the response by local government over the last 29 years, they have been at the centre of dealing with some of these issues. As I conclude, the water boards are there to support our municipalities and the ANC will leave nobody behind. We will deliver decent water... [Time Expired.]
Mr L J BASSON: Chairperson, if you think load shedding is bad, water shedding is far worse.
Afrikaans:
Elke dag hoor ons van stede en dorpe in Gauteng wat dae sonder
water is. In ander dele van ons land loop krane droog. Rustenburg, Lichtenburg, Mangaung en baie ander dorpe regoor
Suid-Afrika is ook sonder water. Dit is nie net onmenslik nie maar hou ook gesondheidsrisiko’s vir mens en dier in.
English:
Fresh drinking water is decreasing in quality because of the increase in pollution, with more than 4 200 million litres of untreated or inadequately treated sewerage discharged illegally into 82% of our rivers and streams every single day.
And ... the culprits? Corrupt ANC municipalities with a licence to kill the environment.
Afrikaans:
Wat doen die ANC regering hieroor? Absoluut niks!
English:
Access to a secure, safe and sufficient source of fresh drinking water is a fundamental requirement for the survival, wellbeing and socioeconomic development of all humanity. Yet, government continues to act as if fresh water is an everlasting resource. Well, it’s not. National government is the custodian of water resources on behalf of South Africans and government acts through the Minister to fulfil this constitutional mandate.
Afrikaans:
As die Minister en die Departement van Water en Sanitasie nie gaan optree om besoedelaars te stop om ons waterbronne te besoedel nie, is die Minister net so skuldig soos diegene wat ons waterbronne besoedel.
English:
It is common knowledge that South Africa is a water-scarce country and therefore the lack of infrastructure maintenance and the failure of infrastructure is a major contributor to our water crisis. Currently, more than 20% of the rural population lack access to a reliable water supply, and over 26% of all urban and rural schools and 45% of clinics have no water access.
South Africans must become water wise and government must create public awareness around the reality of the effects of climate change. We must use less water.
Afrikaans:
Stad Kaapstad en sy inwoners is die eerste ter wêreld wat
daarin kon slaag om hul water verbruik met meer as 50% in slegs drie jaar te verminder.
English:
While Cape Town and the greater Western Cape managed to narrow down water usage to prevent a disaster, danger still looms for the rest of South Africa reaching day zero.
The country’s non-revenue water loss averages at 41% with individual municipalities as high as 70%. Non-revenue water is costing us more than R10 billion per year.
Afrikaans:
Dit, terwyl Stad Kaapstad hul water verliese na 17% afgebring
het en spaar miljoene liters water elke dag.
English:
Current and future infrastructure projects are also at risk, with municipalities that owe water boards over R15 billion,
and municipalities and their water boards in turn owing the Department of Water and Sanitation close to R20 billion.
Afrikaans:
Dit is baie duidelik dat die ANC regering die bal laat val het
om hul grondwetlike mandaat na te kom.
English:
This ANC government is failing South Africa, with millions of people struggling without water because of poor infrastructure, corruption and the mismanagement of our water resources.
In conclusion, South Africa, the change is in your hands. Vote this useless, corrupt ANC out of government next year and vote in a DA-led government that ... rescue South Africa. I thank you.
Ms S A BUTHELEZI: Hon Chairperson, it has been almost 30 years since the first promise of a better life for all, yet the government has failed dismally to provide one of the most basic human rights to its citizens, which is access to clean, potable water. There are people who still do not have access to water due to collapsed water infrastructure, whilst some communities do not have water infrastructure at all. This means that their only source of water is through water tankers, which only come once a week. A classic example is the uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
I will be doing the people of this country a huge disservice if I did not ask the following crucial and pertinent question. How many dams have the current government built? Our country is riddled with poor and underfunded catchment planning and management, which is perhaps a telltale ... that our government is in the dark when it comes to the dire effects of water insecurity that will plague this country.
Currently, the government’s efforts stand minuscule to the needs and demands of the country, both present and in the future. Unfortunately, there is no hope for this crisis to be resolved as almost 6% of municipal conditional grants have been cut by the National Treasury.
While climate change contributes to the crisis, poor planning and inaction remain the biggest culprits. Already strained reservoirs lie abandoned and at best unmaintained, which inevitably compromises our storage capacity. Additionally, an equitable share of water services has never been equitable at all, and if we confront ageing water infrastructure and water provision backlogs ...
On the other hand, water boards such as uMngeni charge municipalities exorbitant tariffs while indigent communities are increasing. As a result, water boards make a lot of profit at the expense of municipalities’ capacity to provide water, which in turn fuels the water crisis.
Sadly, water-intensive industries that serve as the backbone of employment in the country will come under threat due to foreseeable water rationing, a tune that has been sung and ignored since the early 2000s. Worsening and unpredictable
climate change is precisely why we need proper planning for the dry years, a possibility that the government remains blind to. Instead of facing the water crisis head-on, the government often funds campaigns to encourage people to save water but it is an impossible task to attempt to save something that is not there. I thank you.
Mr P MEY: Chairperson, I am not going to make use of my video, because I have a problem.
Afrikaans:
Die mens kan nog sonder elektrisiteit oorleef, maar nie sonder water nie. Die watersituasie in Suid-Afrika is ’n baie groter krisis as ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... en kan tot gevolg hê dat miljoene mense as gevolg van honger en dors sterf. Die ANC- regering ignorerr die waterkrisis en is totaal onbevoegd, om die ramp te voorkom.
Die Griekse mitologie vertel van Koning Midas, wat alles waaraan hy raak, in goud laat verander. Met Suid-Afrika en die ANC is dit net die teenoorgestelde. Alles waaraan hy raak gaan ten gronde. Ons het so pas gesien hoe die Suid-Afrikaans hawens besig is om ineen te stort en die ekonomie te verswak.
Terwyl reuse uitdagings oor waterverskaffing die regering die afgelope dekades in die gesig gestaar het, het hy skaars daarin geslaag om enkele krane in agtergeblewe gemeenskappe te installeer. Van die bestuur van bestaande waterbronne, instandhouding en toekomsbeplanning was daar weinig sprake.
Vandag het dit in ’n krisis ontaard, wat soos krag en elke ander probleem in die land, nie langer weggeredineer kan word nie.
Die ANC-koning is nakend, want die gewaande kleed van apartheid, wat al sy gebreke moes bedek, bestaan nie meer nie. Faktore soos bevolkingsgroei, verstedeliking, klimaatsverandering het net sake vererger, en het druk op waterinfrastruktuur geplaas. Intussen het die probleem ’n krisis geraak in die krisis op ’n ramp stuur af.
Die ANC is bloot ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... om iets hieraan te doen. Wanbestuur en korupsie binne die watersektor het die regering se enkele poging om die krisis te... [Onhoorbaar.]
... ondermyn. Hiermee saam het erge droogte die laaste jare groot druk op bestaande waterbronne geplaas, terwyl die skaarse bronne toenemend besoedel word. Weereens vanweë ’n onbevoegde regering.
Klimaatsverandering vererger hierdie kwessie en droogte sal net meer gereeld en intenser raak in die afsienbare toekoms. Die gebrek aan behoorlike infrastruktuur vir waterberging, asook die behandeling en verspreiding van water dra by tot die krisis. Verouderde pype, lekkasies, onvoldoende bergingsgeriewe lei tot 35% waterverliese.
Die vinnige bevolkingsgroei en verstedeliking plaas ook geweldige druk op bestaande waterbronne en infrastruktuur. Die verhoogde vraag na water oorskry toenemend die aanbod, en die water raak letterlik op. Ons het dit net so pas in die Oos- Kaap beleef. Die gevolge hiervan is reeds duidelik. Een daarvan is gesondheidsrisiko van wateroordraagbare siektes soos cholera en diarrhea.
Die ekonomiese inpak van die tekort aan water begin ook duidelik by nywerhede, landbou en toerisme wys, want dit is sterk van water afhanklik. Die moontlike oplossings is voor die hand liggend. Beplanning rondom infrastruktuurontwikkeling en instandhouding is die wese daarvan. Waterbesparing moet aangemoedig word en alternatiewe waterbronne sooos ontsouting, reënwwater en die behandeling afvalwater moet ontslyp word.
Die bogenoemde beklemtoon die behoefte aan beter bestuur en beplanning, om volhoubare waterbestuur in Suid-Afrika te verseker. Die kort- en langtermynoplossing in Suid-Afrika is die onmiddellike oprigting van watertenks by bestaande ... [Onhoorbaaar.] ... en alle nuwe blouplanne moet voorsiening maak vir die oprigting van watertenks.
Die VF Plus pleit sedert 2019 by die regering om dringend aandag te gee, maar geen poging is nog aangewend om dit te doen nie. Volgens waterkenners behoort inwoners in sekere gebiede van Suid-Afrika, soos byvoorbeeld, Johannesburg en Pretoria, onafhanklik te wees van watertenks vir voorsieining van water deur munisipalitiete, weens die goeie reënval.
Die oprigting van watertekens was 70 jaar gelede die antwoord om waterskaarste te voorkom en sal in die toekoms dieselfde doel dien. Miljarde rande was tydens die Covid-19-pandemie bestee. Waarom kan die regering nie nou al begin om in waterteks te belê nie? Miljone mense in Suid-Afrika beskik nie oor die finansiële vermoe om waterteks te koop en op te rig nie, en sal die regering die voorsiener moet wees.
Ek luister na die Adjunkminister wat praat hoe baie hulle doen. In Port Elizabeth in die Oos-Kaap, waar ons so pas ’n
waterkrisis beleef het, die ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... waterskema Fase 3 is seker drie, vier of vyf jaar later ... [Tyd verstreke.]
Die beste voorstelle moontlik om die probleem op te los sal egter niks ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... solank die ANC aan bewind is nie. Dankie.
Ms M M MATUBA: Hon members, no one can dispute the fact that the ANC led government has, since 1994, implemented massive water infrastructure across the country, amounting to billions of rands. The rolling out of this important water infrastructure by our democratic government is done to progressively realise the right to access to safe, clean drinking water, especially by the historically disadvantaged population, blacks in general, and Africans in particular with women, the elderly and children as the government prioritizes.
The Democratic government has delivered water infrastructure for the benefit of the receiving communities. However, what has been lacking is the communities taking ownership of and protection of this important infrastructure to ensure that there is a constant water provisioning by the state service authorities. Gone are those days when communities saw any
government property or infrastructure to be vandalized and demolished because the communities did not recognise the government of the day.
Communities must be made to understand that this government is a government for the people and by the people and government property is community property. There's also a need to foster a culture of payment for water services rendered to guarantee consistent water provision maintenance.
Hon Chairperson, it is the fact that post 1994 ANC government inherited a racial system where most of black South Africans were not provided with access to basic municipal services such as water, sanitation, refuse collection and electricity. It is a fact that before 1994, the black population in South Africa suffered therefore, under a double deprivation in relation to water. Lack of water services were compounded by a lack of access to water for economic purposes including irrigated agriculture.
It is a fact that by the time of the elections in 1994, at least 12 million South Africans did not have access to potable water. The majority of marginalized were blacks. The water law reforms in South Africa as a result of historic elections of
1994. They above stated facts, not opinions. Thanks to the people of South Africa for voting the ANC into power and giving the ANC the mandate to redress the imbalances of the past.
Hon House Chair, according to the 2018 statistics report, South Africa's 257 municipalities are old, more than R72,4 billion by households and businesses for services
rendered. This is a sizable sum of money that if households and businesses can pay it, will ensure the sustainability and financial viability of Water Services Authorities.
Water Services Authorities would be in a better position to plan and budget for maintenance, repair and refurbishment of old broken water infrastructure. Improving communication between communities and Water Services Authorities, hon member, if all of us here agree that water is life, in other words, access to safe and clean drinking water should always be available every day and every hour, and when there is no water, communities should be informed accordingly.
Setswana:
Ga ntsi re phela re bua ka maleme a merafe ya rona e sa a tlhaloganyeng. Re bua ka ona go fetisa melaetsa e e botlhokwa
ya gore metsi a tlabe a se teng nako mang le gore go etsagala eng. Ke nagana gore fa Palamente ya Aforikaborwa le bommasepala botlhe ba ba re eteletseng kwa pele baka kgona go bua le merafe ya rona ka dipuisano tse di tlhapileng gore re tshwanetse re itse gore dinako tse metsi a leng teng ke nako mang. Gore dinako tse re tshwanetseng re somarele metsi ke nako mang gonne fa o lebelela dipalo, di a bontsha gore bontsi ba maAforikwaborwa ba dirisa metsi ka tsela e e sa siamang. Re dirisa metsi a mantsi thata go feta dinaga tse dingwe mo go sa dirising metsi a rona sentle. Gape Modulasetilo ...
English:
... we call for the Water Services Authorities to use just a simple language and encourage all Water Service Authorities to use all forms of communications that are effective, efficient, and available in various communities,
Hon House Chairperson, our democratic system is based on representation and participation in democratic processes, where communities not only elect representatives but also participate directly in how services are rendered.
Participation is an important legacy of our liberation struggle captured injunction people’s power through alternative structures. However, most of the time, many
government structures tend to emphasize representation over community participation.
Across the country, we have witnessed a growth in the number of crimefighting forums commonly referred to as anti-crime community forums, which work independently of the SA Police Service, SAPS. Our communities use both the anti-crime system and SAPS to report incidences of criminality in their areas.
We must therefore encourage and foster good working relations between community forums, the Water Service Authorities, and the SA Police Service to address the scourge of vandalism and theft of water infrastructure, which inhabits constant water provision to our communities.
Hon members, we must ensure that the signage between community structures and our government in fighting for the scourge of vandalism and theft of water infrastructure. Hon Chairperson, the ANC led government has created over a million opportunities through Community Work Programme, CWP, and the Extended Public Works Programme, EPWP with the purpose of ensuring that you have clean, conducive and healthy living environment.
As this is an important task, our government has to explore ways to train and power this massive workforce to attain to water infrastructure challenges to supplement the Water Service Authority workforce. In fact, the Department of Water and Sanitation has to engage with Salga and the Energy And Water Sector Education Training Authority to make funds available to train some of the participants in both the CWP and EPWP with the necessary skills to become the first respondents to water leaks while waiting for the Water Service Authority employees who are professionals in their work so as to avoid and reduce water losses and ensure the water provisioning is sustainable and conserved for future generations.
Hon Chairperson, as the ANC, we are the first to publicly admit that water losses are a result of water leaks and that we have called for an urgent intervention by all stakeholders in the water sector. The impact of water leaks is not only social but also has an economic aspect as well. Water leaks have resulted in some communities not having reliable access to safe and clean drinking water for a number of days in the year. The training and the empowerment of the CWP and EPWP to be first respondents in instances of water leaks is one of the interventions among others.
Hon Chairperson, in our deliberations in the portfolio committee, we have recommended for the department encouraging Water Service Authorities to utilise young people that participated in War on Leaks Programme as an additional human resource. And then this can be funded through either the Presidential Youth Fund stimulus package or through the Social Employment Fund.
In the past, we have called on the Department of Water and Sanitation to also encourage Water Services Authorities to cooperate and collaborate with further education and training colleges that specializes in training artisans for the transfer of skills. Hon members, we are confident that through these various interventions, we will be able to address the
so-called water provision.
In conclusion Chairperson, with a high level of humility, I, as a member of the ANC, hope that South Africans will use this opportunity to ensure that they vote in their numbers and vote for the caring government, which is the ANC. I thank you.
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): The next speaker, hon Moore, is making a maiden speech. Welcome, hon Moore, from the DA.
Mr S J MOORE: Thank you, House Chairperson. Hon members, I rise to speak on the continuing water crisis in my home province, Gauteng, and how it is indicative of South Africa’s growing water crisis. Hon members, it is long overdue that we pay heed to this serious issue, which quite literally threatens the lives of South Africans.
South Africa is a young and growing country, for instance, Gauteng’s population has grown from around 12 million in 2011, to over 15 million today. Rand Water, Gauteng’s main bulk supplier, also provides water to Mpumalanga, the North West and Free State, as it aims to cater for 18 million residents.
A fast-growing population also requires that water supply grows to match its pace. In Gauteng, however, due to ANC failure, we have the opposite ... I have been muted, Chair.
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): It is hon
Shivambu, I was asking him to mute and hon Ngwenya from the ANC. Can you mute? We are disturbing the speaker who is giving his maiden speech, please. Continue hon Moore.
Mr S J MOORE: ... Bulk water provision has barely grown in the past decade, with projects to enable additional production
being plagued by poor governance. To make matters worse, there has been a systemic failure at the municipal level to maintain water infrastructure, particularly, but not limited to water reticulation piping. This has led to a massive increase in water leaks in cities and towns across the province, with the average amount of losses reported by the Department of Water and Sanitation being 35%. This figure excludes water stolen from the system or lost due to other non-technical issues.
What does this mean? Rand water supplies four of our nine provinces and produces a reported and optimistic average of
4 906 megalitres of water each day. Of this, Rand Water loses around 6% or 329 ml due to leakages, before it reaches provinces and local governments. Local governments then lose 35% of that water to physical loses, leaving only 2 975 ml per day to reach South Africans on the ground. Of almost 5 000 ml produced for South Africans, only around 3 000 ml reaches them. A loss of 40%. This is a shocking governance failure by the ANC. While South Africa is a water-scarce country, this government is irresponsible with the water it has.
Hon members, while the ANC scapegoats its failures, those are the facts. As 40% of water is wasted, this also means that government lose revenue – revenue needed for service delivery.
This is a systemic threat across the country, for example, the City of Johannesburg still needs to pay Rand Water, regardless of whether water is used or wasted. When Joburg loses so much water, it loses revenue and cannot maintain its local infrastructure or pay Rand Water. When Rand Water is not paid, this not only threatens Gauteng, but also the residents of Mpumalanga, the North West, and Free State - a total of
18 million South Africans. When Rand Water loses money, it cannot pay the department, and this threatens the entire country.
This downward spiral is a trend replicated across South Africa, from eThekwini, Goven Mbeki, Rustenburg, and Mangaung. My colleague, hon Basson has spoken more eloquently than I on the seriousness of this national crisis but like Eskom, we must highlight the warning signs. The ANC did not act swiftly enough on electricity, and they now do the same with water. As we currently sit in the dark with load shedding, the electricity crisis significantly threatens our economy. This impending water crisis, however, is a direct threat to the very lives of South Africans. As the department has already admitted in its master plan, water demand will exceed available supply before 2030. Put plainly, South Africa is running out of water. The lives of South Africans are at risk,
and it will be the fault of the ANC. Water is a human right and a basic requirement of life.
As this ANC government continues to fail to stabilise water supply, communities across South Africa have descended into chaos. Given delays in key water projects like the Lesotho Highlands project, which has been delayed by the political interference of past ANC Ministers, chaos due to water outages will be the new normal. South Africans should have no confidence that the ANC can fix the messes that it creates.
Fortunately, next year, South Africans have the opportunity for change. South Africans can choose a government that will fix the water crisis. A government that will never allow South Africa to reach day zero. Voters must choose a DA-led government to rescue South Africa. I thank you.
Mr M R MASHEGO: Good morning, Chairperson and good morning to everybody in this meeting. I am struggling to get my picture unfortunately I will not be able to show my face today.
Hon Chairperson, fact must never be changed for politicking. It is not true that the declaration of water as life and sanitation as dignity came into the fore through the birth of a party called EFF 10 years ago. You can go back to 1913, to
1948 and to 1955, you will find that the history of water being declared life and sanitation declared dignity, therefore water supply being the key to life.
It is not necessarily through the birth of the EFF that that becomes an issue.
Xitsonga:
Mutshamaxitulu, loko hi ya eGiyani, vanhu va le Giyani va swi tiva leswaku loko hi fika eGiyani, kambe ku nga ri Giyani yi ri yoxe kambe Mopani, Vembe, Malamulele, Homu A, Homu B, Xikukwani na tindhawu letin’wana, mati a ma nga ri kona kambe damu ra Nandoni a ri pupuma hi mati. Hi ri mfumo wa ANC hi vonile leswaku leswi a swi kahle. Hi yile ku ya vulavurisana na tihosi, vanhu na varhangeri va matiko leswaku hi teka mati eNandoni Dam hi ma yisa eka vanhu lava nga hava mati. Vanhu va le Nandoni, Mopani na tindhawu letin’wani a va kalangi va ala na mati. Va pfumerile kambe va ku na hina hi kombela leswaku hi ma kuma. Ma nga hundzi ma ya eGiyani hina hi ri hava.
Hikwalaho, hi endlile sweswo. Mopani va na mati, tindhawu ta Venda ti na mati, Giyani ku ya fika ePhalaborwa hi karhi ku va nyika mati.
Vanhu va le Giyani va swi tiva leswaku hi... [Interjections.]
English:
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon Moore please mute. Hon Mashego continue.
Xitsonga:
Tat M R MASHEGO: Vanhu va le Giyani va swi tiva leswaku leswaku hi endlile mugero, mugero wo pfuleka lowu rhwalaka mati kusuka eNandoni Dam kufika eNsami Dam. Mati ya le Nsami Dam a ma nga swi koti ku pompeka ma ya eGiyani hikuva a ma ri matsongo. Ku pfuriwile mugero wa 40 km lowu sukaka eNandoni Dam wu ya fika eNsami Dam. Wu pfulekile hikwalaho wu na swiphiqo swa wona. Tihomu ta wela na vanhu va wela kambe hi ta swi lunghisa. Kambe mati 12 wa mamiliyoni ya ti megawati ta mati hi siku ma ya eNsami Dam kutani ma tekiwa ma yisiwa etindhawini to hambanahambana to fana na le ka Xikukwani, Homu, Giyani na man’wana.
Ina, ha ha ri eku akeni hikuva mphakelo hi timasipala ha swi tiva leswaku a va na matimba ya mali ya leswaku va va na tinjhini letikulu hikwalaho ha va pfuna tanihi ndzawulo leswaku va aka switirhisiwa swo phakela mati. Eka Homu va ta pfulela mati sweswi ku nga ri khale hikuva hi va nyikole.
Ku na 57 wa matikoxikaya eGiyani, 24 hi ta ma nyika Mopani, leman’wana ma ta tirhiwa hi mifumo ya miganga na hina va mfumo hi ta pfuna leswaku vanhu va kuma mati.
IsiZulu:
Masingakhohliswa kuthiwa kunemijondolo ebizwa i-Aukmore.
Xitsonga:
A hi vutshamo kambe ...
English:
... it is an illegal occupation of land by the EFF.
IsiZulu:
Akunamanzi, akunandlu yangasese, abantu bahlaliswa esigangeni yi-EFF eyenza lokho.
English:
They are just giving people land even if there is no infrastructure and then they say let there, quickly be infrastructure.
IsiZulu:
Uyazi naye u-MMC ukuthi akukho bhajethi yokufaka amanzi laphaya. Akukho bhajethi yokufaka ugesi. Ngihlala khona eKurhuleni mina.
English:
I know. So, the hon Shivambu cannot come here and want to politic about it the Aukmore District because it is an illegal occupation of private owned land. We are affecting businesses that are there in that area of Aukmore.
The hon Basson I think whilst you are still on that we must agree with you that water is being ill-treated. However, the areas that you are talking about are not ANC run areas.
Hamanskraal is your mayor Brink and it was your mayors before Brink came. We have now accepted that we must help you because the DA run Tshwane is failing to give people water.
You cannot say it is the ANC corrupt officials because it is your officials as let by the executive mayor Brink who is failing to give the people of Tshwane water. In actual fact, there was a crisis in Hamanskraal you know up until we intervened. So it cannot be correct that you want to blame it on ANC corrupt officials.
The IFP has been in power in KwaZulu-Natal, not only 30 years ago. Since 1975 when it was born, it was in power in KwaZulu- Natal and if they have not given water to people for 40 to 50 years ago since they have been in power, why must people believe that in 30 years’ time they could do better?
The ANC can only be the party that can give water to the people and the people of KwaZulu-Natal knows that.
There is a party called FFPlus here represented by the hon Mey. This is the biggest party that has not given our people water. For they claim to have the so-called water rights and in those water rights there are farmworkers who are employed by them, but they do not want to share that water with them. In actual fact, they deny them water in the likes of them having rights and those rights, for the people of South Africa must know that they were given racially to white male Afrikaans speaking Afrikaners only. You cannot get water owned by white English speaking or female Afrikaner speaking. It is white male Afrikaans speaking people who are refusing our people access to water. They better share the water with animals and trees as compared to sharing it with our black people who are working for them and helping them to make money.
So, it must never be thought of by anyone that the hon Mey when he says he wants to give people water he means it. The opposite is true, he wants to preserve water to only Afrikaner boere who are Afrikaans speaking and that only.
I am sure we shall know that the City of Johannesburg, the hon Moore, it is the city that has been run by the DA coalitions and so forth. So, for you to want to believe that only the ANC corrupt officials and the DA ones who have just removed your mayor must not be looked like that, it is incorrect.
Hon Chairperson, the ANC with all these problems, have realised that the water boards that we have, were too silo planning, were too many and inefficient. It is for that reason that the Minister, the hon Senzo Mchunu, has streamlined all those boards. We now have only nine water boards because we have nine provinces. They are province orientated, very efficient, very effective and able to do a very simple oversight. I am sure through that process, the ANC must be given the responsibility to do oversight on those nine water boards in order for us to give water to our people who are in need of water. It is not necessarily true that there is a water crisis in South Africa. There is a crisis of management of water through municipalities that do not have capacity and
a revenue base, therefore not able to retain their very, very efficient workers because they must be paid a salary. The salaries are not enough because they do not have money. Their revenue base is eroded and therefore the people are going for greener pastures and the municipalities are struggling to sustain them. It is for that reason that the Department of Water and Sanitation as led by the hon Mchunu is now getting in through section 63 to section 154 also even through section
139 to help municipalities that those interventions are not punitive. It is interventions that seeks to want to help municipalities to do better where they cannot not because of their own making, but because there is no revenue that gives them that.
Of course too much water is lost plus minus 40% of water that we are supposed to supply is lost through water leaks and through unsustained infrastructure that is decaying.
Of course there is also what is called construction mafias who are as and when you build infrastructure they go and brake it because they want to supply water using their water tanks and so forth. It is in correct to believe that each and every water tanker belongs to an ANC official because we can tell you that we have seen most of them they are not politically
inclined they are just thugs and criminals who are preying on the municipalities that are very ineffective.
It is for that reason that we want to implore the Minister of Water and Sanitation to continue the interventions he is making in order for the ANC to keep on helping the people of South Africa to have water. The ANC shall always be on the side of the people and South Africans please come 2024, there is one party you think you must vote, we want to implore you to vote and that party is the ANC. Thank you, Chairperson.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Hon Chairperson, so the perspective by Amílca Cabral which was selectively quoted by the Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation reads in full that:
Hide nothing from the masses of our people, tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories.
The self-praise and the premature celebrations by the speakers, particularly from the ruling party is hiding everything from the people.
The simple fact is that the ruling party does not have the political, ideological, technical, mechanical and moral capacity and willingness to resolve South Africa’s water crisis. We have a deep water crisis in South Africa and the ruling ANC had 30 years. Thirty years is too long a period to fail to provide a basic right, a basic necessity such as water.
To come here and mention billions that and billions that without water is meaningless. It means absolutely nothing. Thirty years of failure to provide water to all the areas is a dismal failure and the ruling party must be able to accept that.
There are people who are adults now who were born 30 years ago. Some are married with children, but we still have a government in 30 years’ time has failed to provide water to our people. And you come here to justify that there is water to all the communities. There are projects there and project that. There is no such a thing that is giving water to our people. People have been without water for 10, 20 and for 30 years now. At the pace that you are moving now, there are so many areas that are still not going to have water if then we were to gauge the ruling party in terms of the delivery of
water there are areas who are still going to not have water in
50 and 60 years’ time because that is the manner in which you have handled these issues.
Now here are the facts. There is not a single drop of water that is provided to the people of Giyani that is coming from Nandoni Dam currently. There are promises and false promises that is been given that ...
Xitsonga:
... vanhu va le Giyani va ta kuma mati ma huma eNandoni Dam. Ku hava mati eGiyani sweswi.
English:
It is ground water which is not even dependable. It is not properly reticulated. It is not properly sanitised to could become portable and clean water for majority of this 24 villages that you are claiming. It is really a lot that we are dealing with.
In relation to the Western part of Malamulele in Collins Chabane Municipality, it is not just the lack of water. There is not even a project that is running now, there is not even pipe water or an attempt to pipe water in the Western part of
Malamulele. And if what you have been doing in a distance which is less than 45 kilometres from the Nandoni Dam to Nsami Dam if that is the pace that you are going with it means that to move from Nandoni Dam to the borders of the Kruger National Park will take another 30 years because that is the pace that you have been going through.
This is definitive of almost all areas of Northern KwaZulu- Natal. The Zululand District, there is a huge dam of Jozini in uMkhanyakude, but majority if not all areas in that particular district of our country do not have water. Abaqulusi does not have dependable supply of water. Nongoma does not have supply of water. Ulundi does not have supply of water, eDumbe does not have supply of water this also apply to uMzimkhulu, this also applies to Ubuhlebezwe Greater Kokstad in the Harry Gwala District, in Mandeni, in Ndwedwe, Kwadukuza, in Mzumbe, Mehlomnyama does not have water in KwaZulu-Natal.
Despite all these realities, you come here to claim easy victories. You come here to tell lies. You come here to hide everything to our people. It is an act of desperation. If you are failing to do something just admit that you cannot do it. Thirty years is too long a period to could not deliver water to our people. It is the most vulnerable of society that
suffer from this neglect. The elderly, the disabled, the children, those who are sick at home and in hospitals, women in rural areas the bare the most brandt of this neglect of the provision of water. They are forced to go to ...
Mr H G APRIL. Chairperson, on a point of order.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: And they get exposed to risks of criminality and abuse. There has not been insignificant in water provision
...
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon Shivambu, can you just wait. What is the point of order, hon April?
Mr H G APRIL: The point of order is: Is it parliamentary for the member to say that someone is telling lies? Can the word lies be withdrawn, Chairperson.
Ms H O MKHALIPHI: Yes, it is parliamentary. It is parliamentary if they are telling lies.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Hon members I am chairing and I am presiding. So, I think the person who was
asking he wanted me to give guidance. I think there is no order in that. Can you continue, hon Shivambu.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Hon Chairperson, also we must understand we are making reference to Amílca Cabral. Perhaps Amílca Cabral is above the understanding. Amílca Cabral is correct to say that hide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies, expose lies whenever they are told. Mask no difficulties.
Mistakes fail us. Claim no easy victories.
The reality of the matter is that whatever can be said even if you can stand on top of the Table Mountain or on top of any Mountain of Kilimanjaro to claim that you have brought water to our people, our people do not have water. We interact with these people they ask us what are we doing about the crisis of water and this is due to the failure of the ruling party. The only solution is to take them decisively out of power in 2024 and establish a socialist government of the EFF. [Time expired.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION (Mr M D Mahlobo):
We showed them flames in Msunduzi, leadership!
Ms H O MKHALIPHI: Deputy President of the EFF!
Debate concluded.
REVIEWING THE ECONOMIC POSITION OF WOMEN AND MEASURES TO ACCELERATE WOMEN’S ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
(Subject for Discussion)
Ms Z NKOMO: Hon House Chairperson, greetings to the hon members in the platform. In 1994, the newly established democratic government inherited a deeply divided society marked by significant socioeconomic disparities among racial groups. Beyond racial division, certain segments of the population faced additional exclusion in marginalisation, influenced by both patriarchy and the historical legacy of colonialism.
Patriarchal structures expose women to persistent challenges such as unemployment, compromised health and limited education opportunities. These difficulties were further compounded by the lasting impact of colonial policies that perpetrated inequalities. The impetus for change originated from a commitment to policy change and the establishment of robust institutional framework aimed at addressing and redressing the challenges inherited from both patriarchy and colonialism.
The success and growth of women in both their professional and personal lives are intricately linked, emphasising the interconnected nature of the work and home environment. Rather than existing as separate spheres, these two facets of life should be viewed as mutually reinforcing. A workplace that acknowledges and supports the unique needs of women, promoting a balanced life environment not only enhances individual well- being but also contributes to a more inclusive and empowering professional landscape. Similarly, a positive home environment can act as a catalyst for professional success, allowing women to navigate their careers with resilience and dedication.
There have been significant achievements in gender equity within civil matters, specifically in recognising the full legal status of women under customary law. Previously in customary marriages, a black woman was considered a minor, with the husband acting as a guardian, a status that changed after the repeal of the Black Administration Act. The Customary Marriages Act ensures equal status and capacity for women in such marriages.
Despite this advancement, numerous women struggle to assert their basic rights within the confines of traditional and family life. The vestiges of poverty predominantly where a
feminine expression in South Africa as women endured triple oppression. This oppression stems from being impoverished black women, creating a unique intersectionality that compounds challenges. The enduring and triple burden of poverty, inequality and unemployment disproportionately impact women compared to men.
To realise women empowerment goals, secured employment becomes paramount as it does not only provide job stability but also equalises economic opportunities between men and women.
Previously reliant on male partners for resources, savings and assets, women from female headed household may have shifted the role of providers onto the state. Furthermore, access to productive resources constitute a crucial step in the right direction, reducing women’s dependency on potential abusive men, thereby impacting on gender-based violence.
Recognising the diverse needs of women is essential as women constitute a heterogeneous group with varied experiences.
Specific vulnerability exists amongst women in rural areas and those with disabilities. Hence, it is crucial to re-evaluate the precision in targeting beneficiaries during social interventions to ensure real and impactful outcomes.
Despite the importance of gender mainstreaming budgeting, it has not yet become a mainstream activity across various government departments. While some sectors of public finance have spoken to this initiative, actions in implementation have not been satisfactory. There is a great need for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to gender mainstreaming budgeting across all spheres of government expenditure to effectively address the diverse need and challenges faced by women in society.
Examining the period of 2004 to 2019, South Africa witnessed an increase in a proportion of parliamentary seats held by women rising from 33,3% in 2004 to 46,0% in 2019. In the public sector, men predominantly occupy senior management positions and middle management positions. The composition of senior management positions ranges from 58,4% in 2018 to 56,2% in 2021, while their female counterparts occupy 41,6% in 2018 and slightly increased to 43,8% in 2021.
In 2022, Statistics SA reported that nearly half of South African women aged between 15 and 64 were economically inactive. The gender pay gap persists across industries, contributing to a higher poverty rate, especially among black women who are more vulnerable to unemployment. Despite South
African celebrated parliamentary gender representation, this achievement has not translated into meaningful transformation in various industries.
In 2021, women in leadership census by the Businesswomen Association of SA revealed that women make 23,1% of vice chancellors roles at higher education institutions, 40% of directorship at state owned entities, 36,7% representation in the professional service industry and only 26,9% of directorship positions at JSE listed entities. It is imperative for all industries to actively contribute to the advancement of women’s empowerment.
Recognising the vital role rural women play in farming for survival, efforts should be directed at mainstreaming and elevating their standards to meet commercialisation criteria. Providing rural women with access to technology and financial resources for co-operative initiatives can significantly enhance their capacity, leading to improvement in both quality standard and market participation.
Deliberated social and labour plans with the mining sector should focus on empowering women to actively participate. This can be achieved by exposing women to essential expertise in
the sector through scholarship training programmes and empowerment initiatives. The collaborations between the private and public sector in procuring goods and services from women-led co-operatives further contributes to their economic empowerment.
By ensuring inclusive practices across various industries, we can collectively work towards creating a society where women, especially those in rural areas, are technologically empowered and have equal opportunities for growth and participation in both formal and informal sectors.
The ANC acknowledges progress in promoting women economic participation, but emphasise the need to intensify efforts, particularly in empowering women in ... [Inaudible.] ... and addressing the specific needs of rural women and women with disabilities. Advocating for financial support and technology in agriculture, the ANC aims to modernise and commercialise activities.
Creating a conducive private sector environment is crucial for women advancement into leadership roles. Moreover, the ANC urges increased government investment beyond policies of mainstreaming women’s issues, emphasising allocation of
resources to actively integrate women’s concerns into various sectors for meaningful and sustainable progress in gender equality. Collaboration between the private sector is emphasised to achieve effective women empowerment. I thank you, House Chair.
Ms N K SHARIF: Thank you very much, House Chair. The economic position of women in this country has been stifled due to the lack of opportunities and economic participation that is available to lift women out of poverty and provide a life of dignity. That is the bottom line! There are no real viable opportunities provided to women in this country, and there are no plans besides the use of quotas and hoping for the best.
The ANC-led government does not have any plan to create an environment for jobs and access to the economy. If the ANC was serious about the economic empowerment of women, then they would have prioritised legislation, like the Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill. This Bill was put on the backfoot by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities by claiming capacity constraints and that they can only focus on one or two Bills.
This is pathetic for a five-year term. The two Bills the department has ... [Inaudible.]
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): I am not sure whether it is me or the speaker who is drowning.
Ms H O MKHALIPHI: It is the speaker, Chair, because we are here. [Interjections.]
Ms N K SHARIF: Access to the economy and putting food on the table. [Interjections.] The obstacles women face is simply too much to bear. Chair, can I continue?
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Continue please.
Ms N K SHARIF: The inequality as well as disproportion ... [Interjections.]
Ms J S MANANISO: Chair, can you advisor speaker to switch off the video?
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Yeah, that is the advice, hon Sharif. Can you switch off your video?
Ms N K SHARIF: No problem. Chair, am I audible?
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr F D Xasa): Yes, you are.
Continue.
Ms N K SHARIF: Thank you. Chair, the inequality of opportunity and the difference in salaries as well as disproportionately having to shoulder childcare responsibilities, puts added pressure on to women that limit their opportunities to have a job and earn money. The need to look after families from a young age and the lack of opportunities to grow in their chosen careers because of patriarchy and gender stereotypes are barriers that must be addressed.
The DA’s economic justice policy outlaws and has crafted policy to reduce these barriers in order to make it easier for women to access opportunities and get jobs. You cannot seek to improve economic participation of women without dealing with these issues by increasing access to education and increasing access to social grants through encouraging the private sector to invest more and create good quality jobs, to provide basic services and to put a stop to race based filters and cadre deployment.
These are the answers to the question posed today. The DA is the only viable option to take over government in 2024. The DA has a plan - and it is a plan that we have proven has, and will, work. She if we are to talk on measures to accelerate women’s economic empowerment, then we must talk about how hard it is for women to find a job compared to men. And, that women earn less than men do. Approximately for every rand a man makes in South Africa, a woman makes 69 cents in median hourly wages.
The inequality and gender pay gap continue to leave women behind. Doing the same job and getting less pay is dehumanising. Women only occupy 22,9% of senior positions and 7% of executive director positions on boards. This will not be fixed by quotas, but rather through a holistic approach to open and create spaces for women, by providing an equal footing to compete for top jobs based on competency, skills and talent.
Women tend to shoulder the majority of childcare responsibilities in homes and this skewed societal and legal realm remains a gender inequality issue that must be addressed. A study done by the Social Research Foundation found that the responsibility of single parenting falls upon
women far more in comparison to men. Raising children as a single mother is hard enough. The rising cost of living is making it even more difficult to put food on the table, while load shedding disrupts our lives every day.
The rising crime statistics and constant violence women face and the lack of trust in state entities and institutions deny women of justice. This government continues to burden this country with no shame and will come here and talk about themselves as caring. Well, I beg to differ. They are the reason we are in this mess, and we must hold the ANC accountable.
We cannot allow for gender and parental responsibilities to limit the potential of women in the advancement of their chosen careers or the quality of their lives. In order for this to change, as women, we must use the power of our vote and make a concerted effort to unite and rally behind the only party was a proven track record in creating jobs.
The DA has shown that, with our policies, we are able to provide opportunities for jobs. We are able to make society safer and we are able to rescue South Africa. We do not need to accept the carelessness and disregard from this ANC-led
government. Do not forget your power as woman and the power to determine the direction of this country. This is our chance! I thank you.
Ms B MATHULELWA: Chairperson, the plight of women in South Africa is well documented and it stands as a symbol of how little has changed since our first democratic elections 29 years ago. In almost three decades, since the attainment of political freedom in South Africa, the position of women in our country has not changed in any fundamental manner.
Socially, economically, politically and culturally, women are more often at the receiving end of the most brutal forms of oppression as gender equality changes persist.
Despite the there being institutions in place which are mandated by the Constitution to achieve gender parity, we know this to be true as women. Black women in particular, remain invisible and often stand as a mere token, participating on the margins of the economy.
Women still face underrepresentation and gender discrimination, with gender representation remaining a mammoth task which government has yet to overcome. Earlier this year, the global Gender Gap Report, which tracks global progress
towards gender equity, ranked South Africa 20th out of 146 countries, with African countries like Namibia and Rwanda ranking ahead, at number 8 and number 12.
It is also worth noting that in the year 2006, South Africa ranked 18th on that same report, showing that for the past 17 years, there has been no improvement in gender parity ranks in the country, while other more progressive countries, such as Namibia have improved their rank significantly from being number 38 in 2006, to being number 8 in 2003.
Under the leadership of the ruling party, women’s economic empowerment remains unfinished business, with women still being more likely than men to live in poverty. Chairperson, allow me to outline some of the facts of that unfinished business that should be of particular concern to all of us.
The unemployed rate for women in this country is higher than the national average, with 35,7% of women currently without t work and actively looking for work.
Women are more likely to be unemployed than men in South Africa, with black women fairing far worse, with an unemployment rate of 39,8%, which is higher than the national
average and higher than that of other population groups. More women than men work in venerable low paid or undervalued jobs in this country. Women remain overrepresented as contributing formal workers and informal workers.
Women are still mainly found clustered in lower paying jobs, such as serving as caregivers in education whilst men dominate higher paying sectors, like technology and finance. We all know that employment is the most effective economic empowerment strategy for women. Yet, gender inequalities in the labour market persist.
The gap in salary earning between women and men continue to widen and women continue to be underrepresented in certain industries and occupations, with black women continuing to enjoy double operation and more economic exclusion than any other race. Economic empowerment of women matters, Chairperson. It matters in that it increases women’s access to economic resources and opportunities, including jobs, property and skill development.
It is fundamental to strengthening women’s rights and enabling women to have control over their lives and extend influence in society. As the EFF, we have on various occasions consistently
called for more opportunities for women and women-led initiatives. Women contribute to the country’s economic and social well-being. Their employment is therefore vital and it enhances the quality of life not - only of the individual - but of society as a whole.
Therefore, more needs to be done in investing in women empowerment. There also need to be more representation and economic participation of women in all sectors, both public and private. Closing the gender gap is therefore an effective strategy to promote growth. More needs to be done in changing the mindset of men and changing cultural practices, where gender stereotypes and patriarchy are still deeply embedded, as these are the factors that hinder progress.
Existing policies have to be amended or implemented correctly, so that women can contribute equally to the economic growth and capacity building in the country. In closing, the gender gap is a human rights issue and there can be no economic freedom for women to speak of it. If this gap still exists, there will be no gender-gap closure. Thank you, Chairperson.
Ms M D HLENGWA: Hon Chair, the realisation of women's rights will remain out of our reach for as long as we do not champion
the meaningful economic participation and contribution of women. The IFP notes with concern that almost 30 years into democracy, women are still underrepresented in the South African economy. While we appreciate that our world-class Constitution is often praised for its inclusion of women and the equality it seeks to provide women. We remain concerned that our policy objectives will remain nothing but a pipeline dream if we do not anchor women's ability to participate equally in existing markets, much to the detriment of society.
It is the IFP that contributes to the women ... for the last
... where in KwaZulu-Natal where all the women were promoted to be inspectors and principals of schools, the IFP recognises women.
IsiZulu:
Yilokho esikushoyo njenge-IFP. I-IFP ayikaze ibabukele phansi abantu besifazane. Yabakhuphulela ezikhundleni eziphezulu ngokwemisebenzi yabo.
English:
If we do not prioritise women’s access to and control over productive resources, access to employment, as well as an increased urgency and contribution to economic decision-
making, we will forever remain a nation that is persistent in side-lining and marginalising its biggest possible economic players, women.
Women’s economic empowerment remains central to the realisation of women’s rights and gender equality. Despite this, departments and entities that have been entrusted with safeguarding and advancing the interests of women continue to labour in futility and at best, they provide fertile grounds for women to be paraded as placeholders meant to simply fill quotas.
Despite the fact that women of working age account for more than 46% of the labour force in the country and contribute almost 50% of the national GDP, there are still societal and economic imbalances in the favour of men. The task of bridging the gender parity gaps remains enormous as women are still being overlooked for managerial or senior official roles.
IsiZulu:
Siyanxusa ukuthi abantu besifazane bayakwazi ukwenza izinto. Ake banikezwe amathuba nakulo Hulumeni baphathe.
English:
I thank you.
Ms T BREEDT: House Chairperson, Toni Morrison said when speaking about women, “Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” That to me is the crux of why we are always talking about women's empowerment and not seeing measurable steps in true women's empowerment. Women have not taken ownership of their freed selves, and in particular, in South Africa, we try and correct this by adding quotas to everything instead of focusing on what needs to be done to truly empower women to a level they can competitively compete with men.
When looking at the statistics, it is quite dismal. Statistics SA found:
Globally, women who are looking for work and are available to work have a tougher time finding work than men. This phenomenon is more pronounced in South Africa, with higher unemployment rates for the general population as compared to the rest of the world. In 2020, 47% of South African women recorded as economically inactive. This means that almost half of the working-age women in South Africa are out of the labour force compared to 35% of their male counterparts. The
latest global labour force participation rate for women is about 47% compared to 72% for men. The productive potential of South African women in the labour market remains unused.
In a research article Access to Finance: Why Aren't Women Leaning in? Hanan Morsy, the director of the Macroeconomic Policy and Research Department at the African Development Bank found that worldwide, women's access to finance is disproportionately low. In sub-Saharan Africa, only 37% of women have a bank account, compared with 48% of men. A gap that has only widened over the past several years. Morsy states that:
These striking figures raise urgent questions for decision- makers in Africa. What continues to fuel gender disparity in access to finance across the continent? And why, despite all efforts, is the gap even wider today than a decade ago?
All is not lost, however, the statistics also speak to what women have to offer. UN women have found that when more women work, economies grow. Women's economic empowerment boosts productivity and increases economic diversification and income equality in addition to other positive development outcomes.
Increasing women's and girls’ educational attainment
contributes to women's economic empowerment and more inclusive economic growth. Education, upskilling and reskilling over the life course, especially to keep pace with rapid technological and digital transformations affecting jobs, are critical for women's and girls’ health and wellbeing, as well as their income generation opportunities and participation in the formal labour market. Increased educational attainment accounts for about 50% of economic growth in OECD countries over the past 50 years.
Women's economic equality is good for business. Companies greatly benefit from increasing employment and leadership opportunities for women, which is shown to increase organisational effectiveness and growth. With this in mind, it is important to note that true empowerment is not putting ill- equipped women into power for the sake of equality. This does more harm than good. It is important that we as a country start focusing on our girl children from a young age. This is the only way we will attain true empowerment and equality in the labour force. We need to ensure that our grown children attend school and that barriers like insufficient sanitary products, transport, and the lack of mother tongue education and so forth do not hamper them from attending school and excelling.
This can only happen if we, as women, start enforcing this. We, as women need to take a stance against quotas and focus on true empowerment from a young age. To quote Beyoncé, “We need to reshape our own perception of how we view ourselves and to step up as women and take the lead.” I thank you.
Mr K B PILLAY: Hon Chairperson and members of the executive, members of the legislature, women of our nation ...
IsiZulu:
... Wathint’ abafazi ...
English:
... compatriots. The 1954 Women’s Charter called for a single society that recognises that women do not form a society separate from the men, and therefore, share in the problems and anxieties of a man and join hands with them to remove social evils and obstacles to progress. The Women’s Charter was adopted a year before the historic Freedom Charter of 1955, which is the blueprint of our internationally acclaimed Constitution and democratic order. The 1954 Charter was further reviewed in 1994 under the Women’s National Coalition, which adopted the Women’s Charter for effective equality.
Both charters called for a society where women are free from discrimination and prejudice. They called for a society which respects women and enforces their rights and inherent human dignity. Racial discrimination during the colonial and apartheid era profoundly shaped the South African society and resulted in rampant inequalities. Women face an additional burden of discrimination, purely, on the basis of gender.
Chairperson, our democratic breakthrough in 1994 represented the beginning of our journey to an inclusive society that cares for all.
Successive democratic administrations have committed to a progressive legislative framework and a human rights agenda that is strongly informed by the principles of gender equality, women’s emancipation and empowerment, guided by the ethos of our Constitution. The three arms of state have demonstrated efforts. In building a nonracial, nonsexist and united nation and promoting a human rights culture. Tomorrow marks the start of our 16 days of activism and no violence against women and children. The 25th of November to the 10th of December, under the theme, “Accelerating actions to end gender-based violence and femicide: leaving no one behind,” we promote 365 days of activism.
Indeed, Chairperson, this is an appropriate time for the House to engage in such a debate. Section 9 subsection 2 of the final Constitution provides that legislative and other measures may be taken up by the state to advance persons or groups of persons who have previously been disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. Since 1994, this Parliament has passed progressive pieces of legislation, aimed at creating a more equal and just society and advancing the position of women, and these examples include, the
Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, PEPUDA, Equality Act, Domestic Violence Act, Divorce Act, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act and Labor Relations Act.
Last week, this august House passed the Divorce Amendment Bill, which is as a result of a Constitutional Court judgment in the case of Women’s Legal Centre Trust versus the President of the Republic of South Africa and others. The court recognised the need for the importance of protecting Muslim women and in children of Muslim marriages, particularly, upon the dissolution of a Muslim marriage. The court recognised that the nonrecognition of Muslim marriages in civil law, has the effect that a person married in terms of Islamic law, only has no right to approach a court of law for a decree or
divorce. I must note that the Department of Home Affairs has started the process of an omnibus which is the Marriage Bill, and it must also be noted that Muslim marriages which is referred to as Nikah, can now be registered at the Department of Home Affairs.
In addition, a number of institutions were established to give effect to Chapter Nine of the Constitution and to support democracy, including the Commission on Gender Equality and the SA Human Rights Commission, SAHRC. We have also seen the establishment of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disability within the Presidency. Within Parliament, as early as 2008, a Multiparty Women’s Caucus was established to provide a platform for more women across political parties to raise matters as they relate to women in the activities undertaken by Parliament, to influence discussions on issues affecting women and to act in an advisory capacity in some instances.
In this democratic dispensation, the number of women Members of Parliament has increased significantly. According to the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, 45,86% of the Members of Parliament in the South African Parliament, are women, and 35,29% of all the Members of Parliament are under the age of
45. Let me be so boldly to say, House Chair, that the ANC contributes significantly to these figures as we have taken a firm decision to ensure that women leaders are represented in the National Assembly in numbers. Chairperson, it is well documented that the commencement of the new constitutional democracy in 1994, the bench comprised of 165 judges of which
160 were white men, three black men, two white women and no black women.
Racial and gender discrimination were deliberately used to oppress women and keep them away from a profession previously reserved for men. Women were not considered to be persons enough to practice law. Legal means were used to advance patriarchy and oppression. This year, the nation commemorated
100 years of women in the legal profession. While the profession has been in existence for centuries, it was only in 1923 that women in South Africa could enter the noble profession. Women have contributed significantly to the body of law and jurisprudence. Our Deputy Chief Justice, Mandisa Maya, is one such example. Her ascendency to the highest echelons of the judiciary is not only is only an indication of an illustrator’s judicial career but inspires hope and also serves as a reminder to every woman, that women are more than just capable.
A notable example is a dissenting minority judgment in the Minister of Safety and Security versus F in the SCA. The matter involved a claim for damages arising from the rape of a woman by an off-duty policeman. The majority of the court held that the Minister was not liable, as the policeman was not on duty at the time of the rape. In her minority judgment, she focused on the constitutional role entrusted to the police and the responsibility of police officers to conduct themselves properly to foster the community’s trust in this situation.
The Constitutional Court upheld Justice Maya’s judgement in F versus Minister of Safety and Security. Chairpersons, we know that violence against women, rape, murder, and other physical and verbal and psychological evils that women experience daily, mean that we should strive to ensure that a safer, caring society includes a concerted focus on women’ safety and protection.
With our democratic dispensation, strong institutions have been created and led by legally trained women within the justice family, a unit that would specialise in dealing with gender-based violence, sexual and other offences known as the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs, SOCA, unit, was set up. The Sexual Offences Courts were established to ensure, among others, the institutionalisation of prosecutor-led
investigations in cases of gender-based violence, GBV, and violence against children, as well as the co-ordination of service for an efficient and responsive criminal justice system. The SOCA unit developed and introduced the Thuthuzela Care Centre, TCC, model, as an integrated multidisciplinary model, which is victim-centred, with the prosecutor guided investigation.
To date, we have TCCs across the country, and through them, secondary trauma to victims of sexual offences has also been reduced significantly. We remember that our President, Ramaphosa, expressed the country’s commitment to addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide, GBVF, and announced the emergency response plan to address GBVF, which includes strengthening the applicable legislative framework. As the legislative arm of the state, we were seised with the duty to create laws to this effect. Parliament considered and passed what is commonly referred to as the three Bills on gender-based violence, three pieces of legislation are the Criminal and Related Matters Act, the Domestic Violence Amendment Act and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offenses and Related Matters) Amendment Act.
Chairperson, in this democratic dispensation, we have seen the rise of women to the highest echelons of power. In the public service, we continue to see progressive change for women, even in the private sector, we have women as business executives.
While there is a record of many notable successes in improving the status of women, it would be disingenuous of us to pretend that we have achieved everything. Studies show that in South Africa, women remain underrepresented in the area of permanent academic staff, as they comprise approximately 43% in public higher education institutions. This inequality becomes even more pronounced at senior academic positions, where women account for approximately 18,5% women professors, and 29,8% as associate professors. This is despite the fact that women professors tend to have strong publication records and high qualifications.
This gap also manifests itself in the salaries that women receive compared to their male counterparts. The issue of unequal pay is not limited to the higher education sector only. We welcome policies such as Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment, BBBEE. They are necessary for transformation. We have seen the acquisition of South Africa’s liquid bulk fuels import terminal by a black female-owned subsidiary. This is a key milestone in the energy sector’s transformation journey.
Chairperson, as legislators, it is important that we continue making laws to correct the legacy of patriarchy which dilapidated women's self-actualisation. If the economy is not growing, the gender gap will widen.
Chair, the recent census results once more confirmed that we have a greater female population than male in the country. The weekend that has passed again, revealed that a greater number of women have again registered to vote. Women continue to take the lead in society, and indeed, show a greater interest in the affairs of our country and its democracy. We owe it to the women of our nation to make them our priority. Let me end with the words of our former President, Thabo Mbeki:
No government in South Africa could ever claim to represent the will of people if it failed to address the central task of emancipation of women in all its elements, that includes the government we are privileged to lead.
I thank you.
Ms P T MPUSHE: Hon Chair, may you please allow me to switch my video? Hon House Chair, hon Minister and Deputy Ministers
present, hon members and fellow South Africans, allow me to greet you in the glorious and mighty name of the ANC. It gives me great pleasure to participate in this debate.
IsiXhosa:
Sihlalo, ndivumele ndikhahlele, ndinike isidima kumanina omzabalazo wona atyhiliza asivulela indlela. Namhlanje...
English:
... we can have much women representation in this House.
IsiXhosa:
Ndithetha ngamaqhawekazi oomama uCharlotte Maxeke, Lillian Ngoyi, Albertina Sisulu, Helen Suzman, Ruth First, Winnie Madikezela-Mandela...
English:
... to mention just a few. Why we believe that we can do better than the 46% of women representation. This is a noteworthy milestone which reflects a gradual increase over the years from 30% in 2000 since the inception of a democratic government in 1994. The Reconstruction and Development Programme directs that focus should be on ensuring a full and
equal role for women in every aspect of the economy in society. Further, it states that:
We must unlock boundless energies and creativity suppressed by racism and oppression.
Let us all be encouraged by the Parliament of Rwanda which is the first country in the world with female majority in Parliament at 61%. Indeed, women belong in the struggle, in offices of power and authority and in the boardrooms. We currently have the first female Auditor-General who is recently elected as the external auditor of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Unesco and has, with her team successfully recovered some of the financial loses identified in the Judge Zondo Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State. Those who are howling “amasela” will never fight corruption.
IsiXhosa: Asoze balunge.
English:
Where were you when the structuring of the economy was based on capitalism and the economic exploitation and the systemic underdevelopment driven by an oppressive ruling class and its external imperial superiors. Hon former President Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela, when delivering his speech on the Woman’s Day in 1996, has this to say:
The legacy of oppression weighs heavily on women. As long as women are bound by poverty and as long as they are looked down upon, human rights will lack substance. As long as outmoded ways of thinking prevent women from making a meaningful contribution to society, progress will be slow. As long as the nation refuses to acknowledge the equal role of more than half of itself, it is doomed to failure.
It is against this backdrop that the ANC has always advocated for women emancipation and as the oldest liberation movement which at least though lost as she is, hon Gwarube, acknowledges that we are the only organisation to date that endorsed a 50/50 Gender Representation Policy. ANC-led government has made great strides in developing the legislative framework and implementing programmes to fast- track women’s active and full participation in all economic and social spheres.
At the centre of these efforts, is our progressive Constitution which provides for equality of all persons, coupled with policies such as the 40% Public Procurement for Woman-owned businesses, among others. Hon Chairperson, we remain concerned that, while government is making strides towards inclusivity and empowerment of woman, the private sector seems to be lagging. In the recent 2021 Study of Commission for Employment Equity Report, only 24% of women were in leadership positions in the private sector.
According to a PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, PWC Report of 2019, women constitute only 3,3% of Chief executives in the JSE-listed companies while females professionals increased from 45,9% in 2008 to 51,1% in 2020. Women in managerial positions grew by only 1,8% since 2008 to 31% in 2020. A hearing conducted by the Commission for Gender Equality in 2022/23 at the ArcelorMittal South Africa reviewed that the company had no female representation at the top management level. At all levels throughout the organisation the representation was low sitting only at 12%. This is an indication on how most companies within the private sector are reluctant to change and transformation. This is no way representative of the demographics of our country and derails our transformation agenda.
Evidence in South Africa is that men are more likely to be in paid enrolment than women while women are more likely to be doing unpaid work. The proportion of men hired is higher than that of women. Therefore, the unemployment rate among men is lower compared to that of women. To make ends meet in order to support themselves, their families, many women end up in informal sector. This place of course, comes with its challenges and disparities.
Many informal economy workers under very unfavourable conditions with no proper infrastructure and are situated in township and rural parts of our country with a population of around 17 – 20 million people respectively and women form the majority. This gives impetus to the urgent need for financial and nonfinancial support for these woman-owned businesses for not only to foster inclusivity but to have them formalised and grow these businesses to create opportunities for the others and to better their livelihoods.
It has been proven that when women have income and assets this contributes to increased productivity and national development. It also leads to better human development and poverty reduction outcomes as women control over assts is linked to improvement in family welfare and child nutrition.
More support from both public and private sector needs to be targeted at women’s small, medium and micro-sized enterprises SMMEs, the informal sector and low skilled jobs.
We take pride in that Statistics South Africa report indicates the contribution of SMMEs to total business turnover in South Africa is growing. The ANC welcomes the recent statement made by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Second Presidential SMMMEs and Corporative Awards on 17 November 2023. He said:
Focusing on SMMEs and cooperatives can trigger growth, create jobs and build a more inclusive economy.
Furthermore, he has tasked the Red-Tape Reduction Unit which has been established in the Presidency to work with the Ministers of Small Business Development, Science and Innovation and Finance to resolve the regulatory burdens and to focus on the National Small Enterprise Development Strategic Framework to address market concentration and enable market access especially SMMEs owned by women, youth and other under said communities.
He applauded the Competition Commission which has done excellent work in identifying and addressing anticompetitive
behaviour and collusive practises in the private sector. The recent work done in the retail sector has resulted in shopping malls phasing out exclusivity agreements. He also mentioned the fact that they have tilted state procurement to benefit SMMEs especially those from the designated groups.
We have also had success in opening private sector supply chains through our Enterprise Development Programmes but more needs to be done to open these opportunities for townships and rural enterprises. We also welcome the recent developments of converting the Post Bank into a fully fledged state bank that is going to take cognisance the needs of the previously disadvantaged and marginalised in our society.
Equally, the establishment of a cooperative bank which is going to assist women, youth and persons with disabilities with their own businesses who bare the brunt of exclusion by commercial banks. That will empower our women. Equally, more needs to be done to ensure that women gain access to education, lifelong learning and skills development. We go a long way in addressing a relatively low levels of formal education and business trust among women in the informal sector and various other low sectors.
We are encouraged to note that our government is amplifying and leading the way in investing in the girl child to women of this country. Out of 1,3 million students that have been funded by National Student Financial Aid Scheme, Nsfas this year, 64% of them are females. We continue to advocate for gender-based budgeting and financing in both public and private sector.
Gender responsive budgeting refers to the allocation of financial resources in a manner that is equal response to the needs and interests of women men which will ensure that each gender benefits comfortably from the service delivery using resources.
IsiXhosa:
Phaya kula ncwadi inomlomo obomvu...
English:
... it is said that each one according to his needs, each one according to his ability. The ACDP will know better...
IsiXhosa:
... kuba bangamakholwa.
English:
A gender responsive budget takes into account material differences and deploy resources in a manner that accommodates those differences thereby allowing for a more gender balanced distribution of resources. Hon House Chair, it is important to note that the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, SDG recognise that action in one area will affect outcomes in others and that development must balance social, economic and environmental sustainability hence SDG 5 provides for an achievement in gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls and seeks to end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls’ rights.
It provides for the adoption of strengthening of sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls at all levels. As a country, with the world-renowned Constitution that works for the greater good of the people of South Africa should take centre stage in leading transformation agenda.
Hon Chair, allow me to share this quote from José Martí:
The sun burns us with the same light that warms us. The sun has spots. The ungrateful only talk about the spots. The grateful talk about the light.
[Inaudible.] Connectivity
There is a song that has been released and will continue to be released entitled...
IsiXhosa:
... uRamaphosa uyamthanda umahlalela. [Kwaphela ixesha.]
Afrikaans:
Me G OPPERMAN: In 1908, 'n eeu gelede reeds, het vroue vir die eerste keer geprotesteer vir beter werksomstandighede. Meer as
100 jaar later, is byna die helfte van Suid-Afrikaanse vroue ekonomies onaktief. Volgens die nuutste data van Statistiek SA, sukkel 47% van ons land se vroue wie kan werk om werk te kry.
Suid-Afrika is die mees ongelyke land ter wêreld en hierdie ongelykheid is grootliks geslagsgebaseerd. Die bevoordeling van mans bo vroue in die arbeidsmark het sedert 2012 onder die ANC regering toenemend hoog gebly. Swart vroue in besonder
word die ergste geraak deur hierdie tendens. Die werkloosheidskoers vir vroue bly die afgelope 10 jaar al bo die nasionale gemiddelde.
In Suid-Afrika het vroue die laagste indiensnemingskoers en ’n aansienlike gaping wat by berekening eers oor 18 jaar ingehaal sal word, bestaan tussen mans en vroue. In hierdie land, moet ’n vrou maar tevrede wees met kwesbare werke, waar lae lone, lae produktiwiteit, swak werksomstandighede en swak vooruitsigte vir bevordering die norm is. As vroue is ons meestal beperk tot klerkskap, verkope, versorging en huishoudelike werk.
Elke jaar in Augustus herdenk ons die geveg vir geslagsgelykheid, terwyl diskriminasie teen vroue in die arbeidsmark onverpoos voortduur. Volgens die nuutste Wêreld Ekonomiese Forum se verslag oor die globale geslagsgaping, verdien vroue tussen 23% en 35% minder as mans vir dieselfde werk. Statistiek SA bereken hierdie gaping in vergoeding op 30% regdeur die bank. Alhoewel vroue 51% van hierdie land se bevolking uitmaak, is daar geen spesifieke doelwitte vir vroue in die Nasionale Ontwikkelingsplan nie.
Maar, eerder as om vinger te wys na die onbevoegde ANC regering, sal die DA met voorstelle en oplossings vorendag kom. Wat ons benodig is meer wetgewende hervorming gefokus op die bemagtiging van veral vroue in landelike gebiede. Ons benodig opvoeding insake geslagsgelykheid en geslagstransformasie, en jaarlikse geslagsoudits.
English:
Our budgets should be a tool for the economic transformation of women. We need to constantly measure the progress of the Women’s Charter. The departments of Health, Social Development and Education that get almost 80% of the allocation, need development plans that speak directly to women’s empowerment. These plans must prioritise gender transformation so that women at ground level can start to reap the benefits. We should institutionalise gender reporting and interrogate the strategic plans of each department, continuously asking where women’s issues on each agenda are.
We need to completely reform how data is reported to Parliament. Gender mainstreaming should always be part of our oversight and a standing item on Parliament’s agenda to ensure constant monitoring and evaluation.
Afrikaans:
Ons verneem maar van die bevordering van vroueregte wetgewing wat in die toekoms ter tafel gelê sal word. Ons verneem maar van die Minister van Samewerkende Regering en Tradisionele Sake se privaat wetsontwerp wat die gaping in salarisse tussen mans en vroue sal bekamp. Maar hierdie termyn loop op ’n snelle pas afdraand en die vraag weergalm, wanneer, wanneer, wanneer? Dankie.
Ms Z NKOMO: Thank you, House Chair, and also thank you to hon members for taking part in this crucial debate. However, as the ANC, we acknowledge that we have done so much and there’s still more that needs to be done in terms of women emancipation. Numerous progressive policy development have been implemented aligning with international best practises. Despite this effort, effectively translating legislative aspect into actions to read a minimum level of equity has proven challenging. There is still considerable room for improvement and certain areas requires attention to ensure a more comprehensive and impactful intervention towards gender equity in South Africa.
The ANC-led government has laid the foundation for promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in South Africa by
establishing a robust institution with a comprehensive framework. In 1997, the Office of the Status of Women was created within the Presidency, initially tasked with formulating a national gender policy framework. In 1997, Parliament passed legislation to create the Commission on Gender Equity, CGE as Chapter 9 institution mandated by the Constitution. Governed by the Commission on Gender Equity Act in 1996, the CGE is tasked with monitoring, evaluating, research and investigating complaints related to gender equality.
In 2009, there was a significant restructuring leading to the creation of the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, later renamed the Ministry of Women, Youth and Personal with Disabilities. These underscores the ANC government’s commitment to mainstreaming women’s issues and prioritising the socio-economic inclusion. These institutions have resulted in notable progress with increased representation of women in key spaces such as legislature and executive roles. However, the impact of these changes needs to extend further into society while there’s been a rise in the enrolment of young women in university degrees. It is imperative that they are present is also reflected in high-
ranking position within both the public and the private sector, ensuring that they do not go unnoticed and overlooked.
In 2022, national status report on Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment revealed concerning trends in national economic empowerment, particularly highlighting the continued under representation of women in crucial areas such as management control and ownership. Despite women holding 50% or more shareholding, their present on company boards or where significant decisions are taken, remains disproportionately low.
A survey by the Commission of Gender Equality focusing on ... [Inaudible.] ... three listed companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange revealed that only two African female health non-executive position indicating substantial gender disparity. The report emphasises the need for the private sector to recognise its role in promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. Between 2020 and 2022, there was economic stagnation, particularly evident in the lack of progress in black women’s ownership, which remained at the 14% mark. This sluggish advancement calls for proactive measures.
The B-BBEE Commission and the Commission of Gender Equity are urged to lead by actively enforcing President Ramaphosa’s 40% set aside mandate across government agencies, provincial government and municipalities. The B-BBEE Commission should improve its efficiency in inspection and compliance reporting, reducing reliance on consulting agencies vulnerable to commercial influences. The emphasis is on enforceability required institutions which substantially impact capabilities.
In conclusion, gender responsive budgeting can be initiated by purposefully procuring goods and services from women, especially black women, ensuring the realisation of the President's 40% directive. Essential to this process is reinforcing the legal authority of the B-BBEE Commission, aligning it with the determined approach seen in the Competition Commission. The ANC-led government is the only government that cares and continues to advocate for women emancipation. Our people must continue to believe in the ANC for better life for all. Our communities must come out in their numbers in the next election and vote for the ANC like they did in Msunduzi. I thank you, House Chair.
Debate concluded.
The mini-plenary session rose at 12:17.
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