Hansard: NA: Unrevised hansard- Vote 36

House: National Assembly

Date of Meeting: 11 May 2016

Summary

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Minutes

UNREVISED HANSARD 
WEDNESDAY, 11 MAY 2016
PROCEEDINGS OF EXTENDED PUBLIC COMMITTEE – NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAMBER

 

Members of the Extended Public Committee met in the National Assembly Chamber at 10:00.

 

 

House Chairperson Mr C T Frolick, as Chairperson, took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.

 

APPROPRIATION BILL

Debate on Vote No 36 - Water and Sanitation:

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: Hon Chairperson, hon chairperson of the portfolio committee and committee members, Deputy Minister Tshwete, hon Members of Parliament, colleagues, chairpersons and chief executives of the water boards and other water-sector entities, honoured guests, fellow South Africans, sanibonani. [Good morning.] We are here to present to Parliament and the people of South Africa the budget of the Department of Water and Sanitation for the financial year 2016-17.

 

As guided by the precepts and imperatives of the National Development Plan, NDP, the ANC’s manifesto, and the second National Water Resource Strategy, our department continues to put water provision and sanitation services at the centre of the government’s programmes. Guided by the NDP, we continue to steer South Africa towards radical socioeconomic transformation to create jobs, reduce inequality, and push back the frontiers of poverty. Furthermore, as part of transformation, we seek to ensure that there is inclusive growth, the creation of new industries, and the promotion of knowledge-based solutions, and that water will contribute to peace and stability, as well as act as a cross-cutting agent for change.

 

The broad vision of the NDP for Water Resources and Services is that, by 2030, all South Africans will have affordable access to sufficient, safe water and hygienic sanitation to live healthy and dignified lives.

 

Through this budget we are presenting before you, fellow South Africans, what we seek to ensure is that, amongst others, we increase the pace of service delivery and ensure that it is accelerated, and pay more attention to further developing resilient infrastructure that will help us meet the needs of households, industry, commerce, and the environment.

 

In September 2015, together with 192 other countries and through the United Nations, our country committed itself to the realisation of the targets set in the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs. For the very first time, water and sanitation were adopted as a stand-alone Goal 6 that promotes the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

 

The implementation of the SDGs requires us to pay attention to the quality of projects in order to ensure quality and reliability, as underscored in the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

With this budget, we will continue working hard to ensure that, through bringing quality, dignified sanitation within their reach and in their respective households, women like Mama MaDlamini from uMkhanyakude and Mme MaChauke from Giyani will cease to be victims of indecent assault and humiliation.

By way of a reminder, South Africa is a water-scarce country that has never fully explored mixed water use. For some time now, our country has been in the clutches of a severe drought, largely due to climate change and the rise in temperatures.

In response to the aforementioned challenges, the g overnment, under the leadership of President Jacob Zuma, established an interministerial task team with representation from different sectors. Within the water sector, in order to mitigate the effects of the drought, dam-operating rules have been applied to 35 dams and four systems, where restrictions are currently applied with regard to the water resource.

To mitigate the effects of the drought on water users, the department has spent over R500 million on emergency and short- term interventions in KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, North West, the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, the Western Cape and the Northern Cape. These include water conservation and water-demand management through the implementation of the project, War on Leaks; surface-water resource management, where we seek to optimise the operation of the Vaal River System; groundwater resource management, which also uses drilling and equipping of boreholes as an intervention; the carting of water using a fleet of motorised tankers; the provision of static storage tanks and storage reservoirs; and water transfers, such as the emergency transfers from Tugela to Goedertrouw and uThongathi River transfer to Hazelmere.

The medium- to long-term interventions seek to ensure that we are more climate-change resilient and we should, of course, reduce the risks for future drought mitigations. In this area, our focus is primarily on domestic rain-water harvesting; integrating groundwater and surface-water use in the future; going full scale, and at a larger scale, in the area of desalination; and investing in innovative solutions, such as Drop the Block, a water-saving mechanism designed by Prasheen Dokie, a young chemical engineer from KwaZulu-Natal. Prasheen is here today and we want to acknowledge his presence. [Applause.]

We also seek to incorporate all municipal and privately owned dams into the management system for the future. We will also be promoting the building of additional storage capacity, using innovative solutions.

Lastly, we will roll out the large-scale reuse of water, focusing on effluent recycling in coastal towns, where treated effluent is disposed of via sea outfalls and not taken into account in return flows.

Hon members and fellow South Africans, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all South Africans who have been involved in the unprecedented humanitarian support that other South Africans have received from civil society and business during this difficult time of the drought. Many organisations, including the Nelson Mandela Foundation, all joined forces with Operation Hydrate and launched what can only be described as the biggest water drive ever seen. They have delivered more than 13 million litres of water.

Furthermore, we must extend our sincere appreciation to the Defence Force, for putting the necessary infrastructure and resources in mitigation of the drought. Dankie. Siyabonga. [Thank you.] [Applause.]

Since our last presentation, this department has been hard at work, reflecting on its own capacity and ensuring the implementation of the strategic plan and the annual performance plan. As mentioned before, we have been working closely with the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs to implement the Back to Basics programme, so as to address the challenges faced by local government.

Progress on the Back to Basics implementation has had the most impact in those municipalities that have been placed under administration. In this regard, the most notable impact is seen in the municipalities of Ngaka Modiri Molema and Madibeng, in the North West province; Makana, in the Eastern Cape; uMkhanyakude, in KwaZulu-Natal; and Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga. In these particular cases, funds have been consolidated to fund projects. And what we have observed is the rapid reinstatement of water supply due to dysfunctional infrastructure; the immediate revitalisation, restoration, and repair of water services, particularly in uMkhanyakude, Ramotshere Moiloa, Tswaing, Mahikeng, and Ditsobotla, in Ngaka Modiri Molema; the optimisation of water treatment and wastewater treatment in the area of Brits, where we focused on the water treatment works in Madibeng and the pump stations and water treatment works in Makana, in the Eastern Cape; and the facilitation and implementation of capital projects to expand the capacity and improve water quality such as in Mahikeng, Brits, and Makana.

 

When we tabled the budget last year, we outlined our strategic priorities. These are water resource management; water infrastructure development; water and sanitation services; and the exercise of regulatory and policy responsibilities.

We do recognise, however, that a large number of the municipal water systems and sewage systems are in a very poor state of operation, and we are committed to fixing this.

Recognising the aforementioned challenges, an interministerial task team endorsed and supported the implementation of a proposal by the department, which is about a radical approach to operations and the maintenance of water and sanitation in South Africa. It is our intention that where there have been service delivery failures and incidents of pollution, we will intervene, working in partnership with provincial governments and the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

 

We wish to remind you of the concept of the water and sanitation revolution that was intended to give more impetus and pace to the achievement of our strategic priorities. I wish to reiterate our resolve to further intensify the pursuit of this chosen path that will have a catalytic effect on our socioeconomic transformation agenda. The how is based on the following pillars: a robust infrastructure programme, investing in the game changers, facilitating a water and sanitation revolution, working in partnership with the strategic water partnership network that is strategically positioned to be our strong partner in the space, and expanding the water family.

The South African water industry has been too small, over time, and dominated by the traditional players. We want to both expand and diversify this industry. The Water Research Commission has been tasked to expand their technology assessment programme so as to assist new entrants into the water and sanitation sector.

Technology and innovation remain one of the key ingredients of success. Together with the Water Research Commission, we are working jointly with the Department of Science and Technology to implement some of the alternative solutions, both in sanitation and water storage capacities. [Applause.]

With regard to infrastructure planning and development, since we have made commitments on the infrastructure roll-out of major projects in the current administration, progress has been made. I wish to mention just some of it.

 

In the Eastern Cape, our plan on the Mzimvubu River Water Project is finally on track. [Applause.] It comprises two dams - a large dam at Ntabelanga and a small dam, combined with a hydropower facility, at Elaleni. The completion of detailed designs will enable us to commence with construction, which is scheduled to take place during the second quarter of the 2016-17 financial year.

This scheme includes bulk distribution and water treatment infrastructure for the benefit of a whopping 540 000 indigent domestic users in the O R Tambo, Alfred Nzo, and Joe Gqabi District Municipalities, and a 2 800 ha irrigation development around Tsolo, targeting primarily the emerging farmer.

 

Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is required in order to augment the Vaal River System. The water delivery component of this project involves the construction of a new dam, Polihali Dam, the Polihali-Katse Tunnel, and associated infrastructure. We estimate the cost of this project to be to the tune of R22,9 billion, with water delivery scheduled for 2024. As the benefit of the water delivery accrues to South Africa, the latter is also responsible for funding the water delivery component.

Building on the successes of our immediate and short-term interventions to manage and deal with the problem of acid mine drainage in the Witwatersrand area, we wish to announce that government has decided to implement a much more permanent solution to this challenge. This long-term approach is aimed at transforming acid mine drainage into fully treated water, thereby substantially increasing water supply to the Vaal River System and meeting the needs of South Africa’s economic hub,

Gauteng. In this regard, in a week’s time, we will make an announcement on site, because we have since appointed the Trans- Caledon Tunnel Authority, TCTA, as the implementing agent for a long-term solution, and we will shortly provide details next week, in Gauteng, on the West Rand.

In the Northern Cape, the Vaal Gamagara project involves the development of additional groundwater resources to supply the anticipated water demands in support of the mining areas. We are pleased to announce that plans aimed at the Lesotho Highlands Water network to Botswana have commenced through the development of the Vaal Gamagara. Water knows no boundaries. That is why we are partnering with Botswana, because peace and stability in Botswana will contribute to prosperity in South Africa. The expected completion for this phase is March 2018. The total project budget, without Botswana, is R13 billion, and the total project budget, including Botswana, is estimated at R18,4 billion.

On the Clanwilliam Dam, in the Western Cape, we are happy to announce that the diversion of the N7 through the work that was done by the SA National Roads Agency Limited, Sanral, was a precursor to the raising of the dam. It has since been completed, thanks to Sanral. Plans are also in place to extend

the distribution system of the Clanwilliam Dam to cover areas beyond Matsikama and the Cederberg areas, thus making Clanwilliam Dam a catalyst for development in the West Coast region of this province. We are also in consultation with the Departments of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and Rural Development and Land Reform, to ensure that beneficiaries in the land restitution process also have access, so that we redress the imbalances of the past. [Applause.]

On the eradication of the bucket system in the formal townships that was left by the apartheid system and has robbed communities of the right to decent and basic sanitation for all, we have made drastic interventions. Through a verification process, we confirmed some 55 000 bucket toilets, predominantly in the Free State, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and North West. [Interjections.] I am dealing with your mess that you left behind! [Interjections.] [Applause.] The reality of water scarcity, the geographic spread of communities in relation to services, and the availability of supporting infrastructure underscore the challenges of this project.

To give effect to some of the revolutionary principles, we have already started implementing a grey water recycling system in the Nketoana and Setsoto Local Municipalities of the Free State.

[Interjections.] In Britstown, the department eradicated some 398 bucket toilets in the Northern Cape and once that was done, completed and handed over the new project. [Applause.] The community will now use a low-water flush system.

 

We are proud to announce that it is in this community that Mme Joyce, together with 13 other senior citizens, all of them above the age of 80, received, for the first time, an adapted toilet. This will allow easy access for them directly from inside the house, limiting the walking distance, and improving comfort and safety. [Applause.] For the first time in 80 years, this 22- year-old government has been able to make that difference.

In the Springbok area of the Namakwaland, the department has eradicated a further 192 toilets in seven villages. The department will also intervene in some municipalities that are struggling to fund the provision and maintenance of the bulk infrastructure.

In the North West, where only 231 bucket toilets were recorded, the department can announce, today, that this province will join Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, and Mpumalanga as having rid themselves of the legacy of the bucket toilet system in the formal and old, established townships. [Applause.]

In the Eastern Cape, out of the three projects, the department has completed its programme in Nemato, in the Ndlambe Local Municipality, and Paterson in the Sundays River Valley where

1 390 and 1 245 bucket toilets, respectively, have been, eradicated. This was the legacy left even by those who were premiers in the Eastern Cape and who are sitting on the other side. [Interjections.]

By far the most challenging province is the Northern Cape with its flat terrain.

With regard to delivery of dry sanitation through the rural household infrastructure grant, we have another good story to tell. Our efforts at augmenting the municipal programme of eradicating the sanitation backlog in the 27 priority district municipalities are on track.

As a contribution to inclusive growth, we implemented initiatives that support resource-poor farmers with access to water through the rainwater harvesting programme. Cumulatively, 862 rainwater harvesting tanks have been installed.

In August 2015, we launched the War on Leaks programme that seeks to build the capacity we require. Phase 1 of the project

is currently under way and a total of 2 827 learners are engaged in the learning process across all nine provinces. [Applause.] The second phase will commence in July 2016.

With regard to water and sanitation as a transformative agent, since taking this portfolio, we have travelled the length and breadth of the country, getting to grips with the economic and social implications. However, we do also recognise that over the years, the water sector has not been transformed and it could not even transform itself as it should have, nor have our people actively benefited from the sector, other than being recipients of toilets and water.

What is to be done now? During the 2014-15 financial year, the expenditure on procurement amounted to R13,3 billion. The amount that was spent on black emerging contractors, young people, and people living with disabilities, for the period of 2014-15, was a mere R592 million. We seek to change this drastically by applying set-asides at 30% for women, 15% for young people, and 5% for people living with disabilities. We want them to design, construct, operate, and also, to maintain water infrastructure. [Applause.] They also deserve to accumulate wealth out of the work that we are doing.

We are committing ourselves to fundamentally transforming the sector. We know that we have to invest in skilling, especially, young people. We must create an enabling environment for job opportunities and hence, our partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry. We have to ensure an equitable water allocation and also use the principle of use it or lose it - when you overuse, you pay. When you do not use, we redirect those resources to those who are in need.

 

Hon members, to effectively carry out our mandate, Programme 1 of this department has been allocated an amount of R1 659 488 000. Examples for this are about the implementation of the Programme Management Unit.

 

 

Programme 2 covers Water Planning and Information Management to the tune of R841 817 000. Here, we will be looking at, amongst other things, the work that we are now focusing on in the study for the uMkhomazi project, in KwaZulu-Natal, and the Lusikisiki surface and groundwater, in the Eastern Cape.

 

 

On Programme 3: Water Infrastructure Development,

 

R11 696 415 000 will be invested in uMzimvubu, Clanwilliam, Tzaneen, Nwamitwa, Vaal Gamagara, and the augmentation of Gariep.

Programme 4: Water and Sanitation Services focuses on resource- poor farmers.

 

 

The last programme is on the Water Sector Regulations. It will be about the establishment of catchment management agencies and support to water institutions.

 

We are embarking on policy reform. Amongst other things that we will be doing in this financial year is to amalgamate uMhlathuze Water and Umgeni Water into a single, wall-to-wall KwaZulu-Natal Water Board. [Applause.]

 

 

We will also be working on the process of setting up a water infrastructure agency in the department so that we reposition ourselves to realise the goals of the National Development Plan.

 

 

As we alluded to earlier, the department continues to build and support the creation of new infrastructure. The following is what we will also accelerate. In KwaZulu-Natal, we will focus on the uMdloti Development Project, which at the initial cost of R528 million, is progressing well.

 

In Limpopo, we will look at the Groot Letaba Augmentation Project, which will also help us to accommodate the district of

Mopani, in Limpopo. The Giyani Groundwater Augmentation focuses on the Giyani wastewater treatment.

 

 

On regional bulk infrastructure, we do have a number of municipalities that we will be focusing on. This includes implementing the Presidential Intervention Project for the Mthatha King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality and the supply for the Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Rustenburg. We will also be focusing on the Jozini Ingwavuma Bulk Water Supply Project for the Jozini Local Municipality.

 

In Gauteng, the unlocking of bulk infrastructure development will be implemented in the Lion’s Park and Syferfontein projects to promote integrated human settlements and build a nonracial Gauteng.

 

 

In the Limpopo area, we will focus on the intervention that we have already started in the Polokwane Local Municipality, which will help unlock development that has been stifled due to water shortages. We will spend R200 million in that regard.

 

 

In the Free State, we will be working very closely with our water board there on the Caledon River Pipeline to deal with the area of the Gariep Dam that supplies water to Mangaung. We also

have the Nooitgedacht Low Level Water Scheme in the Eastern Cape that seeks to unlock water service provision for both social and economic development in the Coega region.

 

In Mpumalanga, the Lushushwane Bulk Regional Water Supply within the Gert Sibande District Municipality is also targeted for completion in 2017.

 

 

We have the Namakwa Bulk Water Supply Project in the Northern Cape that we will also be focusing on. A total amount of

R648 million will be used and 42 500 people will benefit. [Applause.]

 

There will also be an upgrade of the Mogalakwena Bulk Water Supply and uMkhomazi Water Projects. [Applause.]

 

 

We are also committed and working, again, under the notion that water knows no boundaries. We will be working with other international bodies to ensure that, indeed, we promote peace, stability, and prosperity across the world, within Africa, and in the SADC region. [Applause.]

 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank, amongst others, the director-general of the department and her team, the

chairperson and members of the portfolio committee, and you, the South Africans who have been walking with us on this journey.

 

 

Remember, it has taken us 22 years to deal with a target of 80% that others failed to do in 300 years. [Interjections.] The life of a black person has to be dignified through the support and the provision of clean water and decent sanitation. Dankie.

Ngiyabonga. [Thank you.] [Applause.]

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members, before I call upon the next speaker, I would like to welcome our guests in the gallery and remind them that they are here to observe but not to participate in the proceedings. [Interjections.]

 

 

Mr M JOHNSON: Chairperson, comrades, colleagues, and fellow South Africans, today marks yet another milestone in the history of our democracy through this budget, whose sole objective is that of taking our country forward.

 

 

We gather to recommit ourselves to yet another step in the direction of improving the lives of our people for the better. The ANC stands ready to put the interests of our people at the centre of our programmes, as demanded by our historical mission

of serving our people. For these reasons, above, the ANC endorses the R15,2 billion budget for 2016-17. [Applause.]

 

 

Fellow South Africans, water remains a basic human right, as enshrined in our Constitution. A journey towards the provision of safe drinking water and dignified sanitation became one of the priorities of the new, ANC-led government in 1994. I must say that this journey was a painful one, as some died, whilst others were forcefully exiled and jailed. Lest we forget! It is the same journey that continuously prioritises the vulnerable human groups: the aged, the women, children, and the disabled.

 

 

Colleagues, this august House must be on constant reminder that water provision before 1994 stood at around 60%. We can pride ourselves today on the fact that this figure has since been reduced tremendously through the strides of the ANC interventions. Today, that figure stands at around 10%.

 

Bantu base-Nzhelele, base-Lamontville nase-Vergenoeg ... [People of Nzhelele, Lamontville, and Vergenoeg ...]

 

... the late President Nelson Mandela once said, “Let there be work, bread, water, and salt for all.”

It seems as if Madiba knew that one day, some amongst us would go against the wishes of the masses. This begs the question regarding those who are against this budget: Who do they really represent?

 

 

Fellow South Africans, be warned about whom you support with your X, as some in this House are openly saying no to this budget - a budget whose intention is to improve the lives of ordinary people, the so-called coloureds, Indians, Africans, poor white compatriots, the disabled, the youth and the women. Equally, this budget seeks to provide opportunities for black industrialists to thrive, yet some of us in this very House of Parliament are saying a big no to this progressive budget ...

 

 

Mense van Mitchells Plain, Galeshewe ... [People of Mitchells Plain, Galeshewe ...]

 

 

... people of Wentworth, and people of Zwide, these services must be positioned at the centre of the social and economic activities of our people.

 

 

The recently launched War on Leaks campaign has started yielding some results through raising awareness among our communities about the need to save water and protect our infrastructure.

This campaign has started contributing immensely to changing the lives of young people in our country. This bears testimony to the fact that, indeed, the ANC-led government cares. As this campaign garners shape, embedded in it must be an earnest programme of maintenance and protection of our infrastructure, aged or otherwise.

 

 

Comrade Minister, there is a general consensus across the political landscape that this is a balanced budget, fit for occasion. This budget is 3,2% less than the 2015-16 appropriation. However, more can still be done with less. And this is evident in the way in which this Budget Vote sets out to address current South African water and sanitation needs.

 

 

The current needs range from access to water and sanitation services and the protection of water resources from pollution and overexploitation to water demand management, drought relief, and infrastructure development management ...

 

 

... Bantu base-Khayelitsha, base-O R Tambo, base-Madibeng nase- Botshabelo... [... people of Khayelitsha, O R Tambo, Madibeng and Botshabelo ...]

... the Statistics SA General Household Survey of 2014 and the Institute of Race Relations tell us that 90% of households had access to piped water, in 2014, which is an improvement from 79%, in 1996. Indeed, South Africa drinks from the tap.

 

 

On the other hand, access to Reconstruction and Development Programme, RDP, standard sanitation stood at 79%, in 2014, which is an improvement from 16%, in 1996. This means that only 10% of households lack access to piped water and 20% of households lack access to RDP standard sanitation.

 

 

Again, who in his or her right mind would vote against such a revolutionary budget? That person or party does not care about you, the people of Tshwane. They don’t care about you, the people of Majakaneng, Manenberg, Vhembe, or Pongolo, benefiting from these programmes towards changing your lives for the better.

 

 

To the DA members, here and abroad, you are reminded, once again, that this budget seeks to redress the injustices of the past in the area of access to water and sanitation. You should all know who really is and has been responsible for such injustices.

People of the North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, South Africa is in the midst of its worst drought in at least two decades, which threatens agricultural output, pushes up food prices, and causes water supply shortages. With an additional R500 million to be administered by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, this is further confirmation that this Budget Vote seeks nothing but to ensure the availability of water resources and universal access to water and sanitation services, and to facilitate equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development.

 

 

Members and supporters of the EFF and DA, did you give your leaders a mandate to object to this budget, a budget that seeks to improve your lives for the better? [Interjections.]

 

 

To the director-general, as regards infrastructure development and management, it is worth noting that 78% of the total budget for this Budget Vote will be spent on infrastructure development. This infrastructure will ensure access to reliable, sustainable, quality water to 192 000 households, and 26 865 rural households will also have access to sanitation.

Young people, businessmen and -women of our country, in addition to providing water and sanitation services, the infrastructure development programmes will also create thousands of temporary and permanent job opportunities across the country. These programmes will also impart various skills to the local communities in which these projects are implemented. These skills will enable these communities to join the mainline job market and some may even become independent contractors for their local municipalities and communities. These are some of the benefits that would accrue to you, young people and business persons of our beautiful country, through the adoption of this budget.

 

 

Minister and director-general, in so doing, you shall have done a great deal in helping these black businesses thrive. However, when you do such but do not pay them in time, you are killing them, thereby reversing the gains we are making in promoting such black businesses.

 

 

The focus of this budget over the medium term will be a mass of policy reviews in order to align water policies with the priorities of the National Development Plan, NDP, and the 2014-

19 Medium-Term Strategic Framework, MTSF, amongst others. For example, the NDP calls for the removal of all legislative

impediments to development, such as water-use licence timeframes or turnaround times. In response to this, 80% of water-use authorisation applications will be processed within 300 working days from the date of receipt. This will ensure the equitable allocation of water resources for social and economic development.

 

 

Minister and Deputy Minister, as the committee whose task it is to oversee your work, we shall, indeed, play our role more robustly this time around.

 

The review of legislation will also ensure the establishment of the remaining seven catchment management agencies and nine regional water utilities. This will, in turn, improve the efficiencies and effectiveness in the delivery of water and sanitation services.

 

 

In conclusion, the ANC looks forward to the implementation of your annual performance plan and strategic plan, despite the reduction in the budget. All the programmes that make up this Budget Vote are geared towards ensuring the availability of water resources; facilitating equitable and sustainable socioeconomic development; and ensuring universal access to water and sanitation services, for example, the international

agreements that are supported through various commissions, such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

 

 

It also suffices to quote a French proverb: Rome was not built in a day. This proverb sums up well that, with time, all shall be served with enough, good quality water and dignified sanitation services. It will not happen overnight, however.

That’s why, in 1996, a few households had access to piped water but today, 90% of the total number of households in South Africa have access to piped water. It is the 10% that this Budget Vote seeks to satisfy, while maintaining the access of the 90% households.

 

President Madiba taught us well: What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the lives we lead. Thank you.

 

 

Mr L J BASSON: Chairperson, water is life. Sanitation is dignity. This is the slogan of the Department of Water and Sanitation. To achieve this, South Africa needs a government that is committed to upholding the Constitution and placing the people of South Africa first - a government that is transparent and has the capability to spend its budget, and maintain,

upgrade, and create new infrastructure to deliver quality water and sanitation.

 

 

Do you see that government here today? No.

 

 

HON MEMBERS: No!

 

 

 

Mr L J BASSON: If we had an honest and transparent government, it would not have been necessary to bring a Promotion of Access to Information Act application to release the Blue Drop and Green Drop Reports.

 

 

The 2014 Green Drop Report is shocking: 824 sewage plants, receiving 5 000 million litres of sewage per day, were assessed. These plants are designed to clean 6 500 million litres of sewage daily. In short, there is only 22% capacity available for future demand.

 

In reality, many plants have no surplus capacity and are running at full capacity or over capacity. According to the 2014 Green Drop Report, 84% of sewage plants are in critical risk, high risk, or medium risk, with only 16% of sewage plants in low risk. This implies that millions of litres of untreated or

inadequately treated sewage are illegally discharged into our rivers and streams every day ...

 

 

An HON MEMBER: Shocking!

 

 

Mr L J BASSON: ... and 82% of South African rivers are considered threatened by pollution. This is a result of noncompliance in the monitoring and enforcement by the Blue Scorpions.

 

 

In a written reply from the Minister, she indicated that only 85 of the 177 posts have been filled and as yet, no officials have been designated as environmental management inspectors in terms of the National Environmental Management Act. This is shocking!

 

Chapter 1 of the National Water Act empowers the Minister to act on behalf of the nation; and it is the Minister’s ultimate responsibility to fulfil certain obligations relating to the use, allocation, and protection of and access to water resources. This is a constitutional mandate, and Minister Mokonyane can and should be criminally charged for allowing the pollution of our rivers, streams, and groundwater. [Interjections.]

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members!

 

 

Mr L J BASSON: In a report by Action Aid, it is noted that more than R300 billion must be allocated for spending on infrastructure to avoid a full-scale water crisis over the next four years. Currently, only R11,6 billion is budgeted for this, with a shortfall of R63,4 billion, in this financial year.

 

 

Despite the huge challenges in infrastructure funding, this department agreed with National Treasury to reduce their budget by R827 million. Why? The answer is simple. The Minister knew that they would, once again, underspend in this financial year, as they did with R2 billion in the 2014-15 financial year, losing the R1,6 billion that was not rolled over to the 2015-16 financial year.

 

An HON MEMBER: Keep quiet!

 

 

Mr L J BASSON: The continued nonspending of allocated funds has a knock-on effect, and infrastructure projects need to be rescheduled, year after year. This backlog is becoming bigger and bigger under this government, with ANC-led municipalities and water boards owing this Department of Water and Sanitation R2,9 billion and seeking assistance from Co-operative Governance

and Traditional Affairs to recover the money from municipalities. In the event that this cannot be recovered, the budget will be revised downwards again.

 

It is important to note that no money is owed to the Department of Water and Sanitation by DA-controlled municipalities. [Applause.] [Interjections.] Minister, here is your report. For this reason, it is no surprise that nine out of the top

10 municipalities are governed by the DA and the 10 worst municipalities are governed by this side of the House. [Interjections.]

 

The DA acknowledges that South Africa has made progress in the provision of access to drinking water to our people but this trend is rapidly reversing due to the crumbling infrastructure under ANC control. [Interjections.]

 

 

Twelve months after Madibeng was placed under administration and six months after I informed this House in November, last year, the horror story that the Minister will never tell is still continuing. This old lady, Johanna Nkgweng, lives in a township called Lethlabile in Madibeng, which, ironically, means “place of water”. She still rolls a 200 l drum full of water from a

borehole for 2 km to her house, where she had running water just more than two years ago. [Interjections.]

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members!

 

 

Mr L J BASSON: She uses half of her pension money to pay for this water. She is one of millions of South Africans struggling without water - not because of drought, but because of poor infrastructure, corruption, and mismanagement by the ANC-led government. [Interjections.]

 

 

South Africa, on 3 August you have two choices: Stick to this government and be part of the worst-run municipalities in South Africa, suffering without water, or vote DA, which will bring freedom, fairness, and opportunities to your municipality ... [Applause.] ... and deliver to you the quality services that you deserve. I thank you. [Applause.] [Interjections.]

 

 

Nks M S KHAWULA: Sihlalo ... ngicela nithule bafethu ngizosiza nina la. [Ubuwelewele.]

 

Siyinhlangano ye-EFF sithi siyasichitha lesi sabelomali. Kuyimanje laphaya eBhayi kusigceme samashumi amabili nane abantu bahlala nomfula onukayo phu, i-Swartkops. Ayikho into eyenziwayo

ukuthi abantu bathole amanzi ahlanzekile. [Ubuwelewele.]

 

(Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)

 

 

[Ms M S KHAWULA: Chairperson ... I request you to keep quiet, fellow members, because I have come to assist you here. [Interjections.]

 

As the EFF, we reject this Budget Vote. As we speak now, people in Port Elizabeth, in Ward 24, live next to a very stinky river, called the Swartkops River. Nothing is done for the people to get clean water. [Interjections.]]

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members! Continue, hon member.

 

Nks M S KHAWULA: Ngiyabonga, eyi, ngiyayidinga imizuzu yami bandla. [Ubuwelewele.]

 

 

Laphaya KwaZulu-Natal, e-Mooi River, kusigceme sesithathu, amanzi awekho kodwa emgaqweni uthola amapayipi aqhumile egxaza amanzi, izitamkoko ngicela nizibuke ukuthi zinjani. Ngqongqoshe, izimali zabantu ... kubelungu ngeke uyibone yenzeka lento ... kuphonseka ngisho nabantwana phakathi. Ngilaleleni, ngiqondene nani ngqo ngizonisiza.

Kwezinye izindawo ezinenkinga kakhulu ise-Mayville esigcemeni sekhulu nanye Inkinga yakhona ukuthi lo hulumeni enilokho nithi uyaqhuba, uyaqhuba, wakha izindlu asimfuni uHulumeni oqhubayo sifuna osebenzela abantu. Abanazindlu zangasese abantu bakuleya ndawo, abanawo ugesi, abanawo amanzi. Abantu besifazane bonke basebenzisa indlu yangasese eyodwa, elilodwa, buka nje ihlazo, iminyaka engamashumi amabili nantathu nibusa. Qaphela, Makondo. [Uhleko.]

 

 

EPhoenix – ngifuna ulalele njalo Ngqongqoshe asixabani ngiyakusiza ... [Ubuwelewele.] ... uma abantu abamnyama bengenawo amanzi, kuthiwa banezikweletu, kuvalwe ompompi, kuthiwe basebenzise imali kaNkulu ... baphucwe wonke amanzi. Kodwa e-Phoenix kunompompi laphaya kusigceme samashumi amahlanu nane kwaRatane, lendlu yangasese iyaxhaxhaza amahora angamashumi amabili nane ngosuku. Kanjalo lo mpompi awuvalwe, ngoba umpompi lo uvuza kuze kuse. Ngicela nilale ngoba ngikhulumela abantu bakithi abamnyama. Nina anibanakile nhlobo.

 

 

Sifuna uHulumeni ozonaka abantu abakithi, hhayi ozolokhu ematasa ethi uvikelana noMongameli. Sifuna umuntu ozovikela abantu bakithi ukuthi abantu bathole izinto zabo, ngiyadlula njalo ngoba hheyi sikhathele inina.

Siyi-EFF sizimisele ngokubona abantu bala eNingizimu Afrika bephuza amanzi ahlanzekileyo ikakhulukazi emakhaya. Emakhaya bayahlupheka abantu besifazane, babeletha izingane baye emfuleni beyokha amanzi bavika izingwenya.

 

 

Laphaya - Eshowe niyayazi inkinga yakhona kodwa ayikho into ekhulunywayo esikhundleni salokho nina nakhela abamhlophe amadamu, kudlule amapayipi ayophuza koJozini futhi nalento le enilokho nicula ngayo la njalo nje isomiso, isomiso, noma izulu likhona. Nina inkinga yenu njengoHulumeni we-ANC ninalento yokuthi anifuni ukucabangela abantu abamnyama bala eNingizimu Afrika abawumsinsi wokuzimilela ikakhulukazi nisingatha abase ntshonalanga futhi lento isiphatha kabi futhi iyasihlukumeza thina ukuthi kanti yonke leminyaka thina sasilwela obani.

 

 

Ngqongqoshe, mina ngiyakucela, ungabalaleli laba badlala ngawe. Wena, lalela thina, sizokusiza thina, uZuma unamanzi laphayana, unayo yonke into, asisivumi lesi sabelomali. Ngicela ukunika uNgqongqoshe izithombe. [Kwaphela isikhathi.] [Uhleko.]

 

 

ILUNGU ELIHLONIPHEKILE: Mnike azibone. (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)

[Ms M S KHAWULA: Thank you. Hey, I need my minutes. [Interjections.]

 

 

In KwaZulu-Natal, there is no water in Mooi River, in Ward 3, but you will find burst pipes and water flowing in the street. I also want you to look at the state of sewage manholes. Hon Minister, people’s monies - you will not find such a thing in white people’s areas - even children fall in there. Listen to me, I am directing this straight towards you as I have come to assist you.

 

Mayville, Ward 101, is one area that has many problems. The problem is that this government that you always say is moving forward, is moving forward, builds houses. We do not want a government that is moving forward but we want one that is working for the people. People who are living in that area do not have toilets, no electricity, no water. All the women are using one toilet - one - what a disgrace, after 23 years of your being in government! Beware, Makondo. [Applause.]

 

 

In Phoenix – I want you to listen, hon Minister, we are not fighting but I am just assisting you ... [Interjections.] ... if the black people do not have water, it is said that they have debts, water is cut, and they are told to use God’s money ...

denied complete access to water. But in Phoenix, there are taps in Ward 54 at Ratane, where water is flowing 24 hours a day from a toilet. Therefore, that tap must be switched off because water from that tap flows day and night. I am asking you to listen because I am advocating for our black people. You do not care for them at all.

 

 

We want a government that will care for our people, not one that will be busy protecting the President. We want a government that will protect our people so that they can get what belongs to them. I am moving on because we are tired of you.

 

 

As the EFF, we are committed to seeing the people of South Africa drinking clean water, especially in the rural areas. People are suffering in the rural areas. Women strap their children on their backs and go to the river to fetch water, fending off crocodiles in the process.

 

You know the problems that Eshowe is experiencing but you are saying nothing about them. Instead, you are building dams for white people, pipes cross there to transport water from Jozini Dam, and there is this issue of drought that you are always preaching about, saying there is drought, drought, although there is rain.

Your problem, as the ANC-led government, is that you do not want to think for the black people of South Africa, who are the indigenous people of this country, but you embrace people from the Western countries, and that saddens and disturbs us because we ask ourselves who we were fighting for all these years.

 

Hon Minister, I am requesting you not to listen to these people, as they are making fun of you. You need to listen to us; we will assist you. Zuma has water at his place, he has everything.

 

 

We do not support this Budget Vote. I request to give the Minister these photos. [Time expired.] [Applause.]

 

An HON MEMBER: Give them to her for her to see them.]

 

 

Mr R N CEBEKHULU: Chairperson, as this department is a new department with the added function of delivering sanitation services, and as South Africa is still in the midst of a water and sanitation crisis, we would have expected the department to have received a greater budget.

 

 

Drought conditions continue to ravage our country. Our dams are at critically low levels. Livestock and agricultural produce are suffering. We have had to import millions of tonnes of maize

just to ensure sufficient food security levels for our people over the coming months. This drought has also led to food price hikes.

 

Yet, we are not being proactive about maintaining the little water we do have. Alien plants exist in abundance and research advises they consume inordinate amounts of water. We continue to pollute our surface water and the fact that we are even considering fracking, which could pollute our entire underground water table, is just ludicrous.

 

 

Mines are another source of large-scale water pollution. We have been warning this government about the dangers of acid mine water for years now, only to be met with ridicule from Ministers and departments. Well, now we have a serious problem and no effective solution to deal with it.

 

 

Another grave source of pollution is our local municipalities, who are failing dismally at the maintenance, upkeep, and management of sewage pipes, which often burst and lead to waste effluent entering our streams and rivers. This contributes greatly to both human and livestock illnesses.

Why is it that we do not maximise and conserve the water we have? Precious water is simply allowed to flow into the sea. More dams must be built.

 

This department also has the responsibility of funding the building of bulk water reservoirs to assist local municipalities with the storage of water.

 

 

Without water, businesses cannot prosper. Water is key in terms of agricultural irrigation, which is the leading sector in water usage, followed by mining and industry and then, human beings.

 

Water is life. Yet, it is not being prioritised and safeguarded by government. Greater planning, oversight, and accountability will ensure proper service delivery.

 

The IFP supports the Budget Vote. I thank you.

 

 

Mr M L SHELEMBE: Hon Chairperson, South Africa is currently in the grip of a crippling drought, which is creating havoc with our water reserves. In some provinces, people have to rely on untreated water from muddy dams and rivers, which they have to share with livestock and wild animals. Elsewhere, others stand in long queues for water tankers, which may or may not come on

any particular day. These include the residents of Imbali, in Pietermaritzburg, more specifically, those living in Unit BB, Dambuza, and Sinathing, where they often go three to four days at a time without water and are forced to go to other areas to fetch water.

 

When we look at the budget for the Department of Water and Sanitation, it becomes easy to see why we have a situation where our people do not have universal access to clean, safe, drinking water. It also becomes easy to see why some of our people still have to suffer the indignity of bucket toilets.

 

 

The total budget allocation to the water and sanitation needs of our people is R15,7 billion, an amount which the NFP believes is totally inadequate. It is outrageous that the allocation for this department has been reduced, rather than increased, at a time when we face critical water shortages.

 

Hon Minister, the NFP believes that we should learn from the current drought, acknowledge that government was caught unprepared, despite all warning signals of the imminent arrival of the El Niño cycle, and start planning now to deal with this cycle more effectively in future.

With this in mind, the NFP is incredulous to note that the Administration programme is allocated more funds than the Water Planning and Information Management programme and the Water and Sanitation Services programme combined. How is this possible?

Even more bizarre is the decrease in the allocation for the Water and Sanitation Services programme from the previous financial year, and the further projected decrease for the 2018-

19 financial year.

 

 

Hon Minister, how is it possible to decrease the allocation for the delivery of sanitation at a time when we are faced with an unprecedented urbanisation rate? How is it that we can reduce this programme’s funding when we still have people using the bucket toilet system, which impairs their dignity in the very same way they suffered under apartheid?

 

 

The NFP wishes to extend an invitation to the hon Minister to come and pay a visit to the Zululand District Municipality, where the NFP is in governance. Come and see what efforts we have made to provide our people with clean and safe drinking water. Come and see the absence of bucket toilets.

 

We believe that it is possible to provide all South Africans with clean and safe drinking water and dignified sanitation if

the political will is present. The NFP will continue to provide this basic service to our people and will do so in all the municipalities where we will govern after the local government election.

 

 

Water is a basic right and the NFP understands that very well. Our people shall have water - and that is not a promise, it is an undertaking.

 

 

Ngiyafuna-ke ukuqinisekisa ukuthi singakuthathi sakudlala ngoba abanye oNgqongqoshe abagadelwa okungapheli, bagadelwa ukuthi abawenzi umsebenzi wabo, abadilivi bese abantu bayateleka ngoba

... [Kuphela isikhathi.] (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)

 

[I want to ensure that we should not take this as a joke because some Ministers are not only guarded for the sake of it but are guarded because they are not doing their jobs. They do not deliver, and as a result, people revolt because ... [Time expired.]]

 

 

USEKELA MPHATHISWA WESEBE LEZAMANZI NOGUTYULO LWELINDLE: Sihlalo

ohloniphekileyo, Mphathiswa weSebe lezaManzi noGutyulo lweLindle, uNomvula Mokonyane, namasekela akhoyo kwiNdlu yoWiso-

mthetho, amaLungu ePalamente, iibhodi zezamanzi esizaziyo ukuba ziyasebenza, iindwendwe zethu zonke ezilapha, manene nani manenekazi, ndiyanibulisa.

 

Imbali yeli lizwe yimbali yocalu-calulo ngokobuhlanga. Ngaphambi kowe-1994, iinkonzo zikamasipala zazijoliswe kubantu abamhlophe kuphela. Yiyo loo nto ubona ohloniphekileyo uBasson ephethe iifoto zabantu abaNtsundu. Akusokuze kubekho umntu omhlophe oqhuba ikiriva esuka kukha amanzi kude. Asiloyiki elo foto thina kuba siyayazi ukuba basekhona abantu abaNtsundu abasenza njalo.

 

 

Nina nalungiselelana nodwa ngexesha lenu. Yiyo le nto uphethe ifoto elinabantu abaNtsundu abaqhuba ikiriva – khawuphathe ezabelungu. Akukho nomnye umlungu oza kuqhuba ikiriva esikha amanzi kude. Kaloku nina ngaphambi kowe-1994 benijonge abantu benu bodwa. Khanisiyekeni senze umsebenzi nabantu bethu abaNtsundu. [Uwelewele.]

 

 

Abantu abaNtsundu bebefumana iinkonzo ezifana namanzi nogutyulo lwelindle phaya ezidolophini kwiindawo zikawonke-wonke. Ukanti emakhaya bebesela emilanjeni besebenzisa iintili, amahlathi namatyholo ukuzinceda ngasese. Uyabona ukuba amatyholo angayithetha imbali yawo angasixelela izinto ezinkulu.

[Kwahlekwa.] Sibulela urhulumente we-ANC ngokubuyisa izidima zethu.

 

 

Sihlalo, njengoko sonke siqaphela ukuba le nyanga yinyanga yabasebenzi, khawukhe uze nefoto yomlungu eqhuba ikiriva enamanzi. [Kwahlekwa.] Olu hlahlo-lwabiwo-mali lufana naba nibatoyi-toyisayo ezitalatweni ze nina nihlale ezindlwini. Nisekelezele ekukhuliseni iimpula-zikaLujaca abangeenandawo, ingakumbi oomama nolutsha. Yiyo loo nto sisithi namhlanje, siza kwenza uhlahlo-lwabiwo-mali olujolise kwezaa mpula zikaLujaca zingazange zilungiselelwe yiDA.

 

 

Uhlahlo-lwabiwo-mali maluqondwe njengesicwangciso sokusebenza nokukhanyisela imigama esele siyihambile ekuphuhliseni iimeko zokuphila kwethu. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follow.)

 

 

[The DEPUTY MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: Hon Chairperson,

 

the Minister of the Department of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, the Deputy Ministers present here in the National Assembly, Members of Parliament, our efficient water boards, all our visitors present here, ladies and gentlemen, I greet you all.

The history of this country is one of racism. Before 1994, the municipal services were meant for white people only. That is why you see the hon Basson carrying photographs of black people. You will never see a white person pushing a wheelbarrow fetching water from a distant water source. We are not scared of that photograph because we know there are black people who are still doing that.

 

 

In your time, you did everything you could to make life more convenient for one another. That is why you are holding a photograph of black people pushing wheelbarrows. Why don’t you hold photographs of white people? You will never see a white person pushing a wheelbarrow to fetch water away from home.

Before 1994, you only concentrated on your people. Please leave us alone so that we can continue working with our black people. [Interjections.]

 

 

Back then, black people got water and sanitation services only in public places in urban areas. In the villages, they drank water from the rivers, and used the valleys, forests, and bushes as their toilets. If the bushes could talk, we would hear things. [Laughter.] We thank the ANC-led government for reinstating our dignity.

Chairperson, as we all acknowledge that this is Workers’ Month, please try to bring a photograph of a white person pushing a wheelbarrow with water. [Laughter.]

 

This Budget Vote is like what you do to the people you rent to go to demonstrations while you are sitting in your houses. You continue perpetuating destitution of the underprivileged who are homeless, especially women and the youth. That is why we say, today, we are going to create a budget directed exactly at the poorest of the poor, who were never catered for by the DA.

 

 

The Budget Vote must be viewed as a framework and a means to highlight the strides already made in improving the conditions of our lives.]

 

 

In the last financial year, the department assembled women from the length and breadth of our country, in Gauteng, to engage them on mechanisms and strategies in the development of water and sanitation infrastructure. These women represented planners in government, public representatives, community-based organisations, nongovernmental organisations, academic institutions, and women in water and sanitation and the business sector. These women are now working with the department as part of the Women Incubator Support programme.

I am pleased to report that the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will be presenting the Water Research Commission with the 2016 Water Award for outstanding commitment to providing sustainable access to water resources, water supply, and sanitation in South Africa, on 30 June 2016. [Applause.]

 

In co-operation and collaboration, the department ...

 

 

 

... ewe, abanengqondo. Ngumlungu onengqondo. [Uwelewele.]

[... yes, the righteous ones. He is a virtuous, white man. [Interjections.]]

 

 

... on operations with various provinces, municipalities, and the business sector ...

 

... njengaba bethu, banayo ingqondo; nina aninayo ... [. just

 

like ours, they are virtuous; you are not ]

 

 

... ensured continued provision of water in areas that were severely affected by the drought, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State.

 

 

The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs has now called on municipalities to set aside up to 8%

of their operational budgets for the maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure.

 

 

We have always maintained that government cannot work alone, and to that effect, we are grateful for the citizenship that has been displayed by various business partners in providing relief to drought-affected areas of our country. Operation Hydrate has, to date, supplied over 3 million litres of drinking water to various municipalities in Peddie, in the Eastern Cape, and in Winburg, in the Free State.

 

Business partners in the construction industry have also made undertakings to contribute to skills development in the water sector as part of youth empowerment. [Applause.] In partnership with business partners, once again, we have exposed and connected more than 3 500 learners and 100 educators to the latest technology. Five media classrooms were awarded in the last financial year to five schools in the Free State, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. Thank you, MTN!

 

 

The civil society partnerships established during the last financial year resulted in the development of water and sanitation community forums in 21 of the 27 distressed

municipalities. This work will continue in this financial year. These forums will be underpinned by common terms of reference adopted at the national level.

 

Through our newly established Water and Sanitation Hotline, members of the public will have a central point where they can access information and register water and sanitation service challenges. The hotline will ensure a speedy response and improve customer satisfaction level. The toll-free number ...

... mamelani ... [... listen ...]

 

 

The toll-free number is 0800 200200 and the SMS number is ...

 

 

... siyaqhuba ... [... we are moving forward ...]

 

 

... the SMS number is 4517 and is accessible between ...

 

 

 

... yayingekho le nto. Mamelani! ... [... this never existed. Listen! ...]

 

... between 06:00 and 22:00 on weekdays ...

 

 

 

... awumameli ... [... you do not listen ...]

... and from 08:00 to 16:00 on weekends.

 

 

The War on Leaks programme, which you are against, was launched in Nelson Mandela Bay in August 2015. Yhooo, nifane nathi, “Yhooo”. [Wow, you can say, “Wow”.] Currently, it has about

3 000 trainees in the system, who are being trained as plumbers, water agents, and artisans - for the first time in South Africa. Viva, ANC, viva! [Interjections.]

 

 

At the beginning of the project, it experienced some challenges. These included the following: We know that there were long distances between training facilities and areas of residence of some trainees, and some trainees confused this training with employment.

 

 

These challenges have since been resolved and our recent visit to Mpumalanga has shown that both the administration and trainees in the facilities are happy that the Minister - my Minister - and the President brought on this War on Leaks training programme. For the first time, they are students.

 

 

Nabaya abantwana bam, halaalaaa! Siyaqhuba. [Kwaqhwatywa.] Nina kaloku nilibele kukuxhibithekisa abantu abaNtsundu ezitalatweni nihlale apha nina nimhlophe. [Uwelewele.] [There are my

children, hooray! We are moving forward. [Applause.] You are busy sending black people on a wild goose chase in the streets while you, white people, are chilled in here. [Interjections.]

 

The department, in its quest to deliver water and sanitation to our people, considered the importance of building relations with strategic global partners, as they are critical ...

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order!

 

 

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: In the past

financial year, the department prioritised engagements based on the foreign, strategic policy of the country, led by the Department of International Relations and Co-operation. These were interventions to share expertise, transfer skills and technology; share notes and collaborate on different platforms; and invest in the water sector development programmes.

 

 

Through these partnerships, the Department of Water and Sanitation in South Africa said we would enhance and broaden our scope on water mix and maximise the use of groundwater. We are happy to report that the multilateral participation at the highest level will allow South Africa to influence the Global Agenda and Narrative on Water and further enhance the African

position derived from Agenda 2063 and our own National Development Plan and its related indicators and priorities.

 

 

The quality of water ...

 

 

... mamela ke ohloniphekileyo uBasson ndikuphendule. [... hon Basson, listen as I respond to you.]

 

 

The quality of water service operations in South Africa is reflected in the Blue Drop and Green Drop Reports. Most of the municipalities are now active participants in the Blue Drop certification and Green Drop assessments. I don’t know ...

 

... ukuba le ngxelo yakho uyithatha phi ... [... where you get your information ...]

 

 

... on the potable water and wastewater.

 

 

Inoba yeyakudala. [It is probably old.]

 

 

 

The quality of drinking water has significantly improved for the better and management of the wastewater has greatly reduced raw sewage spillages into the rivers. This has been done through the

rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plants across the country.

 

 

The recent drought conditions in the country mobilised all the water services authorities to audit their infrastructure; plan for improved infrastructure; and use modern technology in the water provision and sanitation services.

 

 

Ndiyacinga ukuba umamele. [I believe you are listening.]

 

 

The department has currently detailed water and sanitation services needs and plans integrated into the 2016-17 financial year budget plans. These are also accompanied by the new technological innovations.

 

This new Integrated Wastewater Treatment and Reuse Package Technological System has an instant-use capability, which enables it to directly discharge water that helps to replenish the natural water resources.

 

 

Secondly ...

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon Deputy Minister, your time is up. [Interjections.]

USEKELA MPHATHISWA WESEBE LEZAMANZI NOGUTYULO LWELINDLE: ...

 

siyaluxhasa uHlahlo-lwabiwo-mali lweSebe lezaManzi noGutyulo lweLindle singu-ANC. [Kwaqhwatywa.] [... as the ANC, we support the Budget Vote of the Department of Water and Sanitation. [Applause.]]

 

Nkul T MAKONDO: Mutshamaxitulu, ndzi yime laha ndzi yimela vandla ra ANC ku seketela Vhoti ya Mpimanyeto ya Ndzawulo ya swa Mati na Nkululo.

 

 

Hi ti 27 Dzivamisoko 2016, Afrika-Dzonga a yi tlangela Siku ra Ntshuxeko. Ntirho lowu a wu khomeriwe erivaleni ra mitlangu ra Giyani. Vanhu a va tile hi xitalo hi magidigidi va huma kule na le kusuhi ematlhelo hinkwawo ya Giyani ku ta yingisela mbulavulo wa Phuresidente.

 

 

Xavumbirhi, vaaki va le Giyani a va lava ku khensa mfumo lowu rhangeriweke hi ANC loko wu tisile xintshuxo eka nkayivelo wa mati lowu a wu ri kona eGiyani.

 

 

Sweswi ndzi vulavulaka mati ya kona eGiyani, hambileswi ka ha sele miganga ya 29 leyi nga kumeki mati hi xitalo siku hinkwaro. Vanhu va ka hina va tshemba no swi tiva leswaku mfumo lowu rhangeriweke hi ANC wu le ku lunghiseni ka swiphiqo swa wona.

Hikokwalaho, Ndzawulo ya swa Mati na Nkululo hi ku tirhisana na Bodo ya swa Mati ya Lepelle, leyi nga ejensi ya ndzawulo, va le ku hoxeni ka tiphayiphi leti nga ta endla leswaku vanhu va ka hina va kuma mati hi ku hetiseka.

 

 

Tiphayiphi to hangalasa mati leti a ti ri kona ta asibesitosi a ti helele hi nkarhi, naswona a ti pfutisa mati. Hikokwalaho, mati a ma nga koti ku fikelela vanhu va ka hina hi ku hetiseka.

 

 

Hambiloko mavandla yo kaneta ma nga ya emahlweni ma vukula, vanhu va ka hina va rhandza ANC, naswona va yi tshemba ku hundza mavandla lamatsongo lama ya ha ku fikaka ePalamende sweswi.

Hambi kuri lava va EFF lava va nga hlambanya kwala Palamende leswaku vaaki va le Giyani va nge kumi mati sweswi vo salela ku nyuma hikuva sweswi vaaki va le Giyani va kota ku kuma mphakelo wa mati wo ringanela.

 

 

Lava va DA na vona hi fambe na vona ku ya kambisisa ntirho lowu ndzawulo yi nga le ku wu endleni eGiyani. Nkulukumba Leon Basson u tlhele a vulavula na vaaki va le Giyani hi ku tirhisa xitichi xa rhadiyo ya vaaki xa Giyani a khensa Ndzawulo ya swa Mati eka ntirho lowu yi nga le ku wu endleni. U tlhele a vula leswaku u tsakisiwile hi ndhawu yo basisa mati leyi va Lepelle va nga yi aka. Ha hlamala loko namuntlha a ta a ta ba huwa kuri leswaku

wa swi tiva leswaku ndzawulo yi le ku tirheni ka mitirho ya yona. (Translation of Xitsonga paragraphs follows.)

 

 

[Mr T MAKONDO: Chairperson, I rise on behalf of the ANC to support the Budget Vote for the Department of Water and Sanitation.

 

South Africa commemorated Freedom Day on 27 April 2016. This event was held at Giyani Stadium. People in their thousands came from far and wide around Giyani to come and listen to the President’s address.

 

 

Secondly, the residents of Giyani intended to thank the ANC-led government for providing a solution to the scarcity of water that was being experienced in Giyani.

 

 

At this point in time, whilst I am addressing you, there is water at Giyani, although there are still 29 villages which do not receive water throughout the day. Our people believe and acknowledge that the ANC-led government is addressing their concerns. Therefore, the Department of Water and Sanitation, in collaboration with the Lepelle Northern Water Board, which is a departmental agency, are busy with the installation of pipes, which will ensure that our people have an adequate water supply.

The asbestos water supply pipes that were there have reached the end of their life span, and they were leaking water. Therefore, water is not able to reach our people adequately.

 

Even if the opposition parties continue to criticise, our people love the ANC, and they trust it more than the minority parties which are new in Parliament. Even the EFF, who have just made a declaration here, in Parliament, that the residents of Giyani will not get a water supply, are now ashamed because they are now able get it.

 

 

We also went with the DA on an oversight visit to see what the department is doing at Giyani. Mr Leon Basson also addressed the residents of Giyani through the Giyani Community Radio station, applauding the Department of Water and Sanitation for the work that they are doing. He also indicated that he is impressed by the water purification scheme that Lepelle built. We are taken aback today when he criticises, even though he is aware that the department is performing its tasks.]

 

 

South Africa remains at the top of the driest and most water- scarce countries in the world and amongst the hardest hit by drought in Southern Africa. The ANC will continue to ensure that in this programme, Water Planning and Information Management, we

balance the equitable allocation of water for domestic use and economic development.

 

 

Since 1994, over 90% of our people, especially those who were marginalised systematically by the apartheid regime, have drinkable water. Those who do not have access to water must know that the ANC-led government has programmes and plans to ensure that they have drinkable water.

 

Currently, we have two catchment management agencies in South Africa. The Department of Water and Sanitation is in the process of establishing seven new catchment management agencies to bring them to nine. These catchment management agencies will go a long way in managing our water resources and rehabilitating our river systems. These catchment management agencies will also assist in monitoring those who pollute our water resources and pose a danger to our environment.

 

 

Government will come up with concrete, permanent solutions to acid mine drainage over the medium term to avoid imminent danger. Part of our solution will be to resolve the fragmentation of legislation in the awarding of mining licences. This will ensure that all departments involved work together.

The principle of polluter pays must be seen to be working, and not just be a slogan. The Blue Scorpions must be visible in the mining areas and not only come when the crisis has emerged.

 

Local government will have to take its place as regards maintaining water and sanitation infrastructure. We urge big companies which have the financial capacity to come to the party in employing alternative solutions to conserving our water resources by recycling or reusing, so that those who do not have water get water.

 

 

Hi hluvulela xihuku eka tikhamphani to fana na Coca-Cola na Avis leti hlayisaka mati. Coca-Cola yi hlantswa mabodlhela ya vona hi nkahelo; kasi ku sukela hi 2007 ku fika 2014, Avis yi kote ku hlayisa mati ku fika kwalomu ka tilitara ta 557 wa timiliyoni hikwalaho ka ku basisa mati lawa ya tirheke. (Translation of Xitsonga paragraph follows.)

 

 

[We take our hats off to companies such as Coca-Cola and Avis, which conserve water. Coca-Cola steam-cleans its bottles; and from 2007 to 2014, Avis was able to conserve water of up to approximately 557 million litres through water recycling.]

We appreciate the work of the department and the Ministry for revising the water use licence regulatory framework in accordance with the integrated licence approach. This will go a long way towards transforming the regulatory regime for water licences and will address and advance sustained growth and boost investor confidence.

 

 

Hi ku hetisela, a hi ta kombela leswaku mi nyika nkulukumba Shelembe nkarhi wa leswaku va ta va ta seketela Vhoti ya Mpimanyeto leyi hikuva Manana Magwaza-Msibi va ta va va hlundzukile swinene hikwalaho ko va va nga swi kotanga ku yi seketela. I nkomu, Mutshamaxitulu. (Translation of Xitsonga paragraph follows.)

 

 

[In conclusion, we are requesting that you afford Mr Shelembe the opportunity to support this Budget Vote because Ms Magwaza- Msibi will be very angry with him for his failure to support it. Chairperson, I thank you.]

 

 

Adv A D W ALBERTS: Chairperson and Minister, as South Africa currently teeters on the edge of another session of loadshedding, with a barrage of television warnings that we need to switch off all appliances and lights, few people in this

country know how close we are to teetering on the edge of water shedding.

 

 

Wat wel alreeds ’n algemene gesig is in bykans elke dorp is die afvoer van afval in riviere en damme, die swak onderhoud van waterstelsels, die styging van swaar metale in ons watervoorraad, die vernietiging van riviere, vleie en die omliggende ekostelsels waar swaar industrieë, veral myne, bedryf word, en die minagtende houding wat vele stadsrade het as dit by waterbestuur kom. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)

 

[What is already a common sight in almost every town is the discharging of effluent into rivers and dams, the poor maintenance of water systems, the increase in heavy metals in our water supply, and the destruction of rivers, wetlands, and the surrounding ecosystems, where heavy industries, especially the mining industry, operate, and the contemptuous attitude of many city councils when it comes to water management.]

 

 

For us, the most disconcerting aspect of this silent water crisis creeping up on us are the plans that the government has in store for us in the future. As if it is not enough that the government did not plan for this cyclical drought that hits the country roughly every 30 years or so, we now find ourselves on

the precipice of a catastrophe of epic proportions, due to what the ANC has planned for the future.

 

 

We need to prepare ourselves, as the ANC is continuing its plans, despite the warnings of Minister of Finance Gordhan and ex-Minister of Finance Nene, to introduce that wonderful feature of nuclear power that is going to gobble up millions of litres of water. But wait, that is not all.

 

The ANC is offering us a package deal. You see, together with the nuclear option, we will also receive the complimentary gift of extensive fracking in the Karoo, surely, also soon to be seen at a town near you. The gift will ensure that all the water arteries in the Karoo will, eventually, be contaminated.

 

 

Die ANC-beheerde regering het vir 21 jaar min, indien enige, aandag aan die onderhoud van waterinfrastruktuur in die land gegee. Net soos Eskom gedink het planne vir die toekoms is nie nodig nie, so het die talle munisipaliteite, provinsiale regerings en die ANC-beheerde regering op nasionale vlak gedink die feëtjies gaan die waterstelsels instandhou. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)

[For 21 years, the ANC-led government has paid little, if any, attention to the maintenance of water infrastructure in the country. Just like Eskom thought that plans for the future were not necessary, the various municipalities, provincial governments, and the ANC-led government on national level thought that the fairies would maintain the water systems.]

 

 

Now, the chickens have come home to roost in a dry and dangerous country. I guess we can’t complain about the lack of excitement, thanks to the ANC’s inability to plan and its lack of insight into the dangers posed by Wild West ventures, like fracking.

This is what one gets when arrogance meets greed – and the ANC just wants to start projects to line their own pockets.

 

 

The fact is we do not need the power generated from nuclear or fracking, as Eskom is, itself, complaining about its diminished client base.

 

Die probleem rakende kragopwekking is besig om op sigself opgelos te word en daarom is enige planne om waterbesoedelende projekte aan te pak nie meer nodig nie. Die departement moet hom nou eerder daarop toespits om die basiese reg te kry, soos die onderhoud van al die nasionale waterstelsels in Suid-Afrika en die suksesvolle vervolging van diegene wat besoedel.

Dit gebeur nie. Ons kan maar net kyk wat in elke dorp gebeur, hoe afval in die waterstelsel inkom en in die riviere afvloei. Ons kan maar net kyk hoe omtrent elke rivier in Nelspruit en omgewing, asook in die Hoëveld, vernietig is weens onwettige mynaktiwiteite of aktiwiteite wat wel gedoog word deur die regering, waar daar nie behoorlike lisensies uitgegee is of waterregte bekom is nie.

 

 

Minister, dit is uiteindelik jou verantwoordelikheid om te verseker dat ons land se waterbronne skoon en veilig is. Ons is egter baie bekommerd, want ons sien dit nie gebeur nie. Dankie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)

 

[The problem regarding the generation of power is, in itself, being resolved, and therefore, any plans to tackle water- polluting projects are no longer necessary. The department must rather focus on getting the basics right now, like the maintenance of all the national water systems in South Africa and the successful prosecution of those that pollute.

 

 

This is not happening. We only need to look at what is happening in every town, how effluent enters the water system and flows down the river. We only need to look at how almost every river in Nelspruit and surrounds, as well as in the Highveld, is being

destroyed by illegal mining activities or activities that are actually being permitted by the government, where proper licences have not been issued or water rights obtained.

 

Minister, it is, ultimately, your responsibility to ensure that our country’s water sources are clean and safe. We are very worried, however, because we are not seeing this happening.

Thank you.]

 

 

Manana N K BILANKULU: Muchaviseki Mutshamaxitulu, Holobye Manana Mokonyane, Xandla xa Holobye Manana Tshwete, vachaviseki hinkwenu, vuyeni bya hina, vaakatiko va Afrika-Dzonga, vaswirhundzu ni vamatlhari, ndza mi losa. Hina tanihi ANC hi seketela mpimanyeto lowu averiweke ndzawulo. A hi fani na lava nga tshama eka voko leri. A va nge swi koti ku pfuka va mi tirhele nchumu hikuva xa vona i ku ta ala hinkwaswo. Ku tirhela vaaki mi swi tirha ntsena loko mi ri na mali leyi pimanyetiweke leswaku mi ta yi tirhisa mi tlhela mi pfumelelana na yona.

 

 

Ndzi twa ndzi xiximiwe ngopfu ku va un’wana wa lava va nga na xiave eka njhekanjhekisano wa Vhoti ya Mpimanyeto ya Ndzawulo ya swa Mati na Nkululo – Vhoti ya Nomboro ya 36. Mati i vutomi kasi nkululo i vutinyungubyisi bya hina. Mfumo lowu rhangeriweke hi ANC i mfumo lowu nga le ku tirheni ku antswisa vutomi bya vanhu.

Ndzi rhandza ku hoyozela Holobye Mokonyane eka ku nghenelela ka n’wina endzhaku ka loko mi twile leswaku Giyani a yi nga vi na mati naswona na sweswi a yi na mati. Eka ndhawu ya Giyani hi karhi hi vona mihandzu ya ku nghenelela ka n’wina. Mati ya kona ma karhi ma huma eka miganga yo ringani 54 laha migingiriko ya ku andlala tiphayiphi ya ha yaka emahlweni. Ku andlariwa ka tiphayiphi ku angarhela muti hinkwawo wa Giyani.

 

 

Ku engeteriwa ka khumbi ra damu ra Tzaneen na ku akiwa ka damu ra N’wamitwa i phurojeke leyi nga ta sungula hi n’hweti ya Hukuri 2016. Mitirho ku ta va matutu vana va Ntavasi. Hi vona ku nghenelela ka n’wina eka xibedhlele xa Khensani laha na kona a ku nga ri na mati. Nakambe hi vone vukorhokeri bya n’wina emugangeni wa Tikiline laha na kona a va nga ri na mati, kambe sweswi va nga na mathangi ya tiJojo laha va kumaka kona mati. Hi ri khanimamba manana. Yisani emahlweni ku tirhela vaaki. [Va phokotela.]

 

Eka mbulavulo wa Presidente loko ku simekiwa manifesito u te, ndza n’wi tshahaa:

 

ANC yi tiyisisa ku ya emahlweni yi aka rixaka ro kala xihlawuhlawu xa tindzimi, rimbewu, leri nga na vun’we, xidemokirasi na ku humelela. ANC i nhlangano wu ri woxe lowu

nga na nongonoko wa mafambiselo ya vukorhokeri eka vaaki wu tlhela wu va na mpimanyeto xikan’we na ku seketela mikavelo leyi nyikiwaka tindzawulo.

 

A hi fani na lava.

 

 

 

Eka 22 wa malembe lawa hi nga fuma wona, hi kotile ku yisa vukorhokeri na ku nghenisa mati emindyangwini ya 90%, naswona nkululo eka 75,5% ya yona. Hi mayelana na mphakelo wa mati ya mahala eka swisiwana, hi 2007 a hi ri eka 7 225 387 wa

mindyangu, kasi hi 2013 a hi ri na 11 734 526 wa yona.

 

 

 

I ntiyiso lowu heleleke leswaku tanihi mfumo lowu nga eku fumeni na ku va mfumo lowu nga rhangeriwa hi ANC, hi kote ku khumba vutomi bya vanhu vo tala lava a va tsoniwe mfanelo ya mphakelo wa mati yo tenga. Sweswi ndzi vulavulaka ku na ku nghenelela loku va ku endleke va ndzawulo hi ku rhangeriwa hi Manana Mokonyane. Hi vulavula hi ndhawu ya Bushbuckridge eMpumalanga laha ku nga na miganga ya 14 leyi va nga vona leswaku a yi nga ri na mati, kutani va nghenelela. Sweswi yi na mati. Hi vulavula hi le ka xifundzankulu xa North West, eMadibeng, laha va vulavulaka hi kona lava nga tshama hala na le Ngaka Modiri Molema laha sweswi va nga ku voneni leswaku vanhu va kona va kuma mati. Hi vulavula hi le KwaZulu-Natal laha Manana Khawula

va humaka kona ku na makungu lawa holobye va nga na wona ku vona leswaku mati ma kona.

 

 

Ku na mapfhumba lawa ya nga kona ku antswisa ku fikeleriwa ka mahungu eka vaaki. Xirho xo xiximeka, hi ta hlanga ehandle leswaku ndzi ta mi hlamusela. Ku na mapfhumba lama ya nga kona, ku fana na Adopt-a-River, War on Leaks na Water Recycling lama nga sunguriwa eFree State.

 

Ndzawulo ya swa Mati na Nkululo yi na tiforamu leti lavaka ku fikelerisa hungu eka vaaki hinkwavo. Tolo Holobye Mokonyane a va ri karhi va simeka phurojeke ya Worcester Bulk Water Supply leyi nga ta phakela mati eka ku tlula 146 000 ya mindyangu. Lowu i nongonoko wo herisa nkayivelo wa mati. Yingiselani. (Translation of Xitsonga paragraphs follows.)

 

 

[Ms N K BILANKULU: Hon Chairperson; Minister, Ms Mokonyane; Deputy Minister, Ms Tshwete; all hon members; our guests; the South African public; ladies and gentlemen, I salute you. We, the ANC, support the budget that has been allocated to the department. We are not like those on the opposition’s side. They will never render any service for you, and theirs is to oppose everything. One is able to be of service to the community if he

or she has funds budgeted for it, and one has reached a consensus about it.

 

 

I feel so honoured to be one of those who are taking part in the Budget Vote debate for the Department of Water and Sanitation: Vote No. 36. Water is life, and sanitation is our pride. The ANC-led government is a government at work to improve the lives of the people. I would like to applaud Minister Mokonyane in your intervention after you heard that Giyani has a shortage of water and, indeed, to date, it does not have it. We can see the fruits of your intervention at Giyani. Water is available in

54 villages where the laying of pipes is in progress. The pipe layout involves all the villages of Giyani in its totality.

 

 

The raising of the Tzaneen Dam wall and the building of the N’wamitwa Dam are projects that will commence in November 2016. There will be jobs galore. We have also seen your intervention at Khensani Hospital, where there was no water. We have also seen your services at Tikiline Village, where they did not have water, and to date, they have Jojo water tanks, from which they draw water. We say a big Thank you, madam. Continue to be of service to the people. [Applause.]

In the address by the President when he launched the manifesto, he said:

 

 

The ANC reaffirms its commitment to building a nonracial, nonsexist, united, democratic, and prosperous society. The ANC is the only party that has a programme of action to render services to society, has the budget, and supports the budget that is allocated to the departments.

 

We are not like these ones.

 

 

 

In the 22 years that we have been in power, we were able to render services and supply water to 90% of the households, and sanitation to 75,5% of them. With regard to free water supply to the poor, we had 7 225 387 households in 2007, whereas in 2013,

we had 11 734 526 of them.

 

 

 

It is absolutely true that, as the government that is in power and being the government that is led by the ANC, we have been able to touch the lives of so many people who were denied the right to a clean water supply. At this point in time, there is an intervention by the department under the stewardship of Ms Mokonyane. We are referring to the Bushbuckridge area in Mpumalanga where there are 14 villages which did not have water,

but she then intervened. There is water now. We are referring to Madibeng in the North West province, which the opposition parties referred to, and also in Ngaka Modiri Molema, where she is now ensuring that its residents have water. We are referring to KwaZulu-Natal, where Ms Khawula hails from, where the Minister has plans afoot to ensure that there is water.

 

 

There are initiatives to improve the dissemination of information to the public. Hon member, we shall meet outside so that I may explain to you. There are campaigns, such as Adopt-a- River, War on Leaks and Water Recycling, which have been established in the Free State. The Department of Water and Sanitation has forums which seek to disseminate information to the general public. Yesterday, Minister Mokonyane launched the Worcester Bulk Water Supply Project, which will supply water to more than 146 000 households. This is a programme to eradicate the scarcity of water. Pay attention.]

 

There is a realisation and emphasis in South Africa that water and sanitation services generate substantial benefits to human health, the economy, as a whole, and the environment. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation reduces health risks, frees up time for education and other productive activities, and increases productivity in the labour force.

In 22 years, there is something that we did ... [Interjections.]

 

 

HON MEMBER: But you’re going backwards. You’re going backwards!

 

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon member, don’t address them.

 

 

Ms N K BILANKULU: ... to improve the quality of the surface water, which benefits the environment ...

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order!

 

 

 

Ms N K BILANKULU: ... and the economic sectors that depend on water as a resource, for example, fishing, agriculture, and tourism. [Interjections.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order! Order! Order, hon members! [Interjections.]

 

 

Ms N K BILANKULU: This is clearly illustrated in the way in which the budget allocation for Programme 4: Water and Sanitation Services has decreased, from R1 366 492 billion, in 2015-16, to R701 945 million, in 2016-17 ...

Mina Xikwembu xi ndzi nyike rito ra kahle. [God has given me an audible voice.]

 

 

... with an emphasis on the importance of local government structures mandated and taking responsibilities for water and the provision of sanitation services.

 

An HON MEMBER: Why don’t you spend your budget?

 

 

Ms N K BILANKULU: The decentralisation of the function of water and sanitation services from national to local has been strongly underpinned by the prescripts in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. The prerequisite application of these fundamental pieces of legislation - the National Water Act, the Water Services Act, the Public Finance Management Act, and the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act - act as strong accountability measures to access the importance of investing and turning finance into services for 2015, and beyond, at national, provincial, and local spheres of government to ensure that all citizens have access to safe and equitable water and sanitation services.

 

 

Water and sanitation services to ensure access to all citizens has been a fundamentally important principle in our evolving

democracy. However, increasingly, over time, the fundamental rights to basic water and sanitation also open the debate on how improvement to water and sanitation can also yield massive returns on investments.

 

 

Nakambe ku na nongonoko lowu pfunetaka varimi lava pfumalaka. Varimi vo ringana 1 348 va pfunetiwile hi mali ku endla mugero eka swifundzankulu hinkwaswo, swik. 188, eEastern Cape; 84, eFree State; 179, eKwaZulu-Natal; 608, eMpumalanga; 102, eNorthern Cape; 15, eNorth West; na 172, eWestern Cape. Hi nongonoko lowu, ndzawulo yi tumbuluxile 318 wa mitirho. Mathangi ya mati yo ringana 862 ya nyikeriwile eka varimi lava nga si hluvukaka na le ka varimi hinkwavo lava nga pfunetiwa hi nhluvukiso wa swa vurimi. Swilo leswi va swi endlaka i swiboho leswi hina tanihi ANC hi nga teka eka nhlengeletano ya hina ya tiko hinkwaro ya vu53 eMangaung hi 2012. A hi endli ntsena kambe hi endla hi ku landzelela swiletelo leswi nga kona leswi hi fambisaka. (Translation of Xitsonga paragraph follows.)

 

 

[Again, there is a programme which gives assistance to the needy farmers. Approximately 1 348 farmers throughout the provinces have been given financial assistance to plough, for example, 188, in the Eastern Cape; 84, in the Free State; 179, in KwaZulu-Natal; 608, in Mpumalanga; 102, in the Northern Cape;

15, in the North West; and 172, in the Western Cape. The department has created 318 jobs with this programme.

Approximately 862 water tanks have been donated to small-scale farmers and to all those farmers who have been assisted in farming development. The things that she is doing are the resolutions, which we, as the ANC, took at our 53rd national conference, in Mangaung, in 2012. We do not just do it, but we do it in accordance with the prescripts that guide us.]

 

 

According to the African Ministers’ Council on Water, Amcow, study, Water Supply and Sanitation in South Africa: Turning Finance into Services for 2015 and Beyond, the enabling environment for facilitating service delivery in South Africa is well developed, and South Africa has performed well with respect to the development building blocks.

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon member, your time has expired.

 

 

Manana N K BILANKULU: Eka vaakatiko, mi tivonela ku ya hlawula lava nga tlhelo leri. A va nga mi pfuni hi nchumu. Fambani emahlweni mi ya vhotela ANC hi ti 3 ta Mhawuri. Hi seketela Vhoti ya Mpimanyeto leyi. [Va phokotela.] (Translation of Xitsonga paragraph follows.)

[Ms N K BILANKULU: To the citizens, be careful of going and voting for the opposition parties. They will not help you a bit. Go and vote for the ANC on 3 August. We support this Budget Vote. [Applause.]]

 

 

Ms T E BAKER: Madam Chair, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” These are the words of Robert Burns. You see, hon members, the ability to plan is not a problem for the Department of Water and Sanitation. The implementation of these plans is its Achilles heel.

 

 

Minister, you should not stand here and speak so proudly about uMkhanyakude. The people in Mtubatuba in St Lucia have not had water since 9 April 2016. [Interjections.] How dare you? People have been killed in service delivery protests for water, in Bushbuckridge. Shame on you, ANC! [Interjections.]

 

 

Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is being hailed as the panacea which will put paid to water shortages in Gauteng. All well and good, but this project should have been up for completion in 2018 at a cost of under R10 billion. The target date has now been moved to 2024 at an increased cost of R24 billion, which means an additional six years of water cuts for Gauteng residents.

The raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall project is another story of delays. This project was first approved in 2011 with a budget of R91 million. We are told that construction has now begun with an increased budget of – wait for it – R359 million, with no fixed completion target date, as yet. [Interjections.]

 

Further inland, we have the uMzinyathi district and the story of a 36 km pipeline, which is to pump water from the Craigie Burn Dam to the town of Greytown. The target date for this is already three years late, with a new date set for July 2017. First conceived in 2008, agreements were only finalised in 2014.

Construction began in 2015. The initial budget was R290 million. Currently, it is R500 million.

 

 

Let’s move further afield to a province plagued by the most violent service delivery protests in the country, Limpopo. Over a period of more than 10 years, R500 million has already been spent. Yet, the problems still persist.

 

 

In August 2014, the Wonder Woman Minister of Water and Sanitation arrived to declare an end to the water woes of the people of Mopani was in sight. A task team was formed and a budget of R96,4 million was allocated. Within just three months, this budget escalated to R502,6 million. How in the world? Yet,

sadly, the water woes of Limpopo, just like the budget, have also escalated to an intolerable level.

 

 

The Bucket Eradication programme, Minister, really, is another story of deadlines missed, over and over again. First initiated in 2005, 91% of the targeted 252 254 toilets was achieved by the end of March 2008, a remarkable achievement in just three years by the ANC-led government of the time. The remaining 9% should have been a walk in the park.

 

 

Fast forward to 2016, and here we sit, with a budget of

R975 million and a backlog of 88 000, or 67 000, or 55 000. Who knows? It changes all the time. That’s the number of buckets still in the informal settlements today. How in the world is this even possible?

 

 

Green Drop Reports? Ha! Well now, there is a disaster for you, with 66% of the country’s assessed wastewater treatment plants currently listed as being in a critical condition – 44 plants in the Free State and 40 in Mpumalanga. No wonder the streets of Embalenhle, Emalahleni, Senekal, and Zastron are flowing with sewage. The top 10 best-performing plants, which scored 95% or above, are found in the Western Cape, followed by KwaZulu-Natal.

Gauteng received a mere five Green Drop awards. But the biggest shocker – wait for it - is Tshwane, where none of the plants received a Green Drop award. Not even one! The top-performing metro was the City of Cape Town - welcome to the city! - no surprise, because where the DA governs, we govern well. [Interjections.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order!

 

 

Ms T E BAKER: Now, let’s just consider, for a moment, the impact the current drought has had on ordinary South Africans. [Interjections.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon members, order!

 

 

 

Ms T E BAKER: The department’s response to this disaster can best be described as lackadaisical, in most cases, with the department only taking action after the damage was done - much too little, much too late.

 

 

We have reports of over 627 towns and 47 dams which ran out of water in the past year, alone. I put it to the hon members that just like the President, so, too, has the Minister violated the rights of millions of South Africans by depriving them of their

right to water. She, too, should be brought to task for this flagrant negligence to protect and uphold the Constitution of our country.

 

Fellow South Africans – yes, you must listen - the time for change is now. Bring on 3 August. The DA is ready to govern. Siyeza! [We are coming!] [Applause.]

 

 

Mr D MNGUNI: Chairperson, Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete, hon members, ladies and gentlemen, may I start by supporting Budget Vote 36’s allocation on water and sanitation on behalf of the ANC? [Applause.]

 

Firstly, hon Baker, all the increases that you see are because of the world economic downturn. [Interjections.] The Budget is always reviewed, because we want it to be done accordingly by this government.

 

 

Secondly, hon Cebekhulu, the decrease in the budget is not done by the Minister or the department, but by the Treasury because of the same economic meltdown. So, it is a directive. It’s not the Minister.

Hon Shelembe and Alberts, you spoke about fracking and nuclear. This is the Department of Water and Sanitation. It is not the Department of Mineral Resources or Energy. If you want to go and debate that, go to that one.

 

 

I heard the hon Leon Basson saying the DA-led municipalities are well run in terms of sanitation. [Interjections.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order!

 

 

Mr D MNGUNI: Go to Khayelitsha and see what is happening there. In Khayelitsha, people do not have access to basic sanitation. They share inadequate, temporary facilities, like the chemical toilets and mapota-pota [Porta Potties]. You are a disgrace, because you only spend 1% of the total percentage on the formal informal settlement in Khayelitsha. [Interjections.] You are really a disgrace! [Interjections.]

 

In the past, water and sanitation infrastructure development, with the required investment and capital funding and financing, was limited to certain geographically white sections of South Africa. But post 1994, the ANC-led government, in working towards meeting its rights-based obligations, has had to make major decisions, relying on investment in and funding and

financing of water and sanitation infrastructure development to promote efficiency, establish sound and consistent sector policies, and support institutional arrangements for the execution of sustainable, economical, and equitable water and sanitation infrastructure for all citizens.

 

Coming back to the hon Leon, you have shown us some pictures of a person pushing drums of water. Why didn’t you assist that person? What car were you driving - a Mercedes-Benz? [Interjections.] [Applause.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order!

 

 

 

Mr D MNGUNI: Hon Khawula, I tried to look at your pictures and they were not visible. Did you take them at night? Next time, you must use a flashlight so that we can see them properly. [Interjections.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order! Order!

 

 

 

UMnu D MNGUNI: Lenkinga yemanti akusiyo yalamuhla. Sibuya nayo le elubandlululweni - bokhokho babo belumbi bebasicindzetela nasemantini iminyaka ngeminyaka. [Kuhlaba Lulwimi.] [This water problem does not emanate from now. We have come with it from way

back during the apartheid era - the forefathers of the whites oppressed us even with regard to water, year after year. [Interjections.]]

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon members, screaming in the House disturbs the decorum of the House. I am addressing all of you, hon members. Order! Order!

 

 

UMnu D MNGUNI: Bebakha emadamu lalingene bona. Batifakela timpompi nasetindlini. Nome bewuhlala nabo usisebenti sasekhishini, edladleni, nome usisebenti sasengadzeni, njengobe besibitwa kanjalo, bebanganandzaba natsi. Nyalo sebafuna sikugucule loko ngaleminyaka lenge-22. Nome bangeke baluvume lolwabiwomali, ngulokutsi bete liciniso.

 

Konkhe loku kubuya kulomkhulu wasbo phela longuHendrik Verwoerd lowatsi sive lesimnyama site ingcondvo. Semukwa nelilungelo lekwati tibalo ngoba ... [Kuhlaba Lulwimi.] (Translation of Siswati paragraphs follows.)

 

 

[Mr D MNGUNI: They used to build dams, just enough for themselves. They installed for themselves water taps, even in their houses. Even if you stayed with them as their employee working in the house, as a kitchen girl, or working in the

garden, as a garden boy, as we were referred to, they never cared about us. Now, they want us to change that in just

22 years. Even if they do not support this Budget Vote, it is because they change colours like a chameleon.

 

 

All these come from their grandfather, Hendrik Verwoerd, who said the black people are brainless. We were even disadvantaged of our right to learn mathematics because ... [Interjections.]]

 

 

Mr M L SHELEMBE: On a point of order ...

 

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon member Mnguni, take your seat. What are you rising on, hon member?

 

 

Mr M L SHELEMBE: Sihlalo, ngithi ake ungikhuzele ... Sihlalo, nginephuzu lesincomo. Ngithi ake ungikhuzele kusikhulumi laphaya ukuthi lokho ebesikusho ethi bekushiwo yimi siyangiphuphela nje angikaze nje ngikusho. [Ubuwelewele.] (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)

 

 

[Mr M L SHELEMBE: Chairperson, on a point of order ... Chairperson, I have a point of order. Will you please call to order the speaker over there, that I never said what he claims I said. [Interjections.]]

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon member, your point of order is not sustained. Proceed, hon Mnguni.

 

 

UMnu D MNGUNI: Ngulomkhulu wabo lowatsi sive lesimnyama site ingcondvo. Semukwa nemalungelo ekwati tibalo ngobe watsi kute lapho tsine sitatisebentisa khona. Ngaleminyaka-nje lenge-22 yembuso welinyenti, labatukulu bakhe letibalo sebatifuna ngadli! Emanyuvesi ngisho nasemantini imbala letibalo. (Translation of Siswati paragraph follows.)

 

 

[Mr D MNGUNI: It is their grandfather who said black people have no brains. We were even stripped of our rights to learn mathematics because he said we wouldn’t use it anywhere. In a mere 22 years of democracy, his generation now want mathematics with so much vigour from universities and even search for it under the waters!]

 

 

The black-majority capability was really undermined, which still exists in the minds of most of the DA members.

 

Emandvulo nabefika benta shangatsi bayasitsandza, njengobe benta nanyalo. Emva kwaloko balintjontja live letfu. Basisusa etindzaweni tetfu basifudvulela etindzaweni letite emanti. Safa ticojana lesibangisana ngato netilwane. Sabehlula ngelukhetfo

Lwanga-1994. Sebabuyile, baboneni-ke bagcoke tikhumba tetimvu letikhuluphele, banemali. Batsi bavoteleni. Tsine singuKhongolose sitsi ningayengeki malula. Anikho endalini-la. Siyawuhlala sinikhatsalela nonkhe. [Kuhlaba Lulwimi.] (Translation of Siswati paragraphs follows.)

 

[In the olden days, when they came, they pretended to love us, as they are doing now. After that, they stole our land. They moved us from our places and pushed us to places with no water. We are tired of water springs that we compete for with animals. We defeated them in the 1994 elections. Now, they are back, wearing skins of fat sheep. They have money. They say vote for them. We, as the ANC, are saying you should not be easily misled. You are not for sale. We will forever take care of all of you. [Interjections.]]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon member Mnguni, take your seat. Hon member, what are you rising on?

 

 

Mr B M BHANGA: Hon Chair, whilst you were listening to the Table Staff, the hon member ... [Interjections.] I am very worried. He said something so wrong, that the children who are sitting there are listening to it. He fails to understand that the National

Party had a merger with the ANC. Let us teach the children ... [Interjections.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Hon member, that is not a point of order.

 

Mr D MNGUNI: In addressing the above, I focused on the global concept of what constitutes appropriate and fit-to-finance water and sanitation infrastructure development for our evolving democracy. [Interjections.]

 

 

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms Y N Phosa): Order! Order! Hon members! Please, don’t drown out the speaker.

 

 

Mr D MNGUNI: The pertinent question I raised in my address is the extent to which the seven perspectives related to the fit- to-finance fit in with the work of the department and its entities to be in line with the National Development Plan, NDP, and the ANC resolutions and manifesto. This was highlighted in the recent study undertaken by the World Water Council in 2015, entitled, Water: Fit to Finance?, upon which the ANC has been grounded since 1994.

The following are issues that strongly permeate the work of the department, as applauded by the ANC in its determination of work, and strongly embedded in financial considerations: water security; the importance of multipurpose water infrastructure; creating an enabling environment; using competition and innovation; overcoming inefficiency; balancing financial risk and reward; and accessing new and old finance.

 

 

The ANC welcomes and supports development by the department on water infrastructure development by the allocating of funds over the medium term to achieve the programme’s purpose and objectives, stressing the importance of sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

 

For 2015-16, more than R11 billion of the R15 billion has been allocated; for 2017-18, more than R12 billion; and for 2018-19, over R13 billion. Siyachuba-ke tsine, mhlon Leon. [We are moving forward, hon Leon.]

 

 

Over the medium term, the portfolio committee agreed that the department should continue to focus on water infrastructure, including raw water infrastructure, such as dams and canals, hon

Baker, and reservoirs and pipelines, for which is budgeted more than 78% of the total budget, to achieve Vision 2030.

 

 

To ensure that water is available for households and farmers, the ANC supports the department, through its implementing agents, to complete two mega projects and 12 large water and wastewater infrastructure projects over the medium term.

 

 

These are funded through the regional bulk infrastructure grant, which is allocated R15 billion. There are other examples, like over R54 million that has been set aside for the Xonxa Dam water supply to Lukhanji Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, for

52 000 households; and over R150 million for the upgrading of the Wolmaransstad Wastewater Treatment Works in the Maquassi Hills Local Municipality in North West, for 12 700 households.

 

Asicamthi-ke tsine la. Siyaqhuba. Sishoda ngawe! [Tandla.] Nayo- ke i-EFF ne-DA. Batsi abayivumi lebhajethi. Ngabe batsi kubantfu bakitsi ... [We do not give empty talks here. We are moving forward. We are short of you! [Applause.] There goes the EFF and the DA. They are saying that they reject this Budget Vote. They should be saying to our people ...]

Are you saying to our people they must not have water; they must not have economic emancipation; they must not have job creation? Shame on you! [Interjections.]

 

As I conclude, my principled Minister, in consultation with the Minister of Environmental Affairs, may I draw your attention to the necessity of also investing in maintaining the ecological infrastructure to add value to water and sanitation built infrastructure in South Africa?

 

 

The recent discussions on the nexus between investment, the built infrastructure, and ecological infrastructure show that strategic investment in ecological infrastructure lengthens the life of existing built infrastructure – often with significant cost savings - and assists in coping with climate change.

Degraded ecological infrastructure leads to the reduced capacity and lifespan of dams, increasing the cost of maintenance and increasing the cost of funding.

 

 

Yes, there are challenges facing the water and sanitation infrastructure development programme. But the fact is that post 1994, investment has begun to reshape the South African landscape for the full realisation of economic and social constitutional rights for all citizens.

Nine bekunene nitabe solo nitikhukhumeta ngebantfu laba-20 000 kulenkhundla letsatsa bantfu laba-30 000 kule manifesto launch yenu. Nguliphi lelibala belilaphaya. Bebakuphi-ke laba labamhlophe, njengobe nigcwele la nine. Nidlala ngalendlu lemnyama. Ngiyakholwa kutsi bebatihlalele etindlini tabo letinkhulu nasemabhishini babukela ema-TV lamakhulu. Babukela labanntfu bakitsi labamnyama labababita ngekutsi tingobiyane netimfene, babhizi bashiswa lilanga.

 

 

Namuhla-ke nalelijaji lelingu Mabel Jansen liyengeta litsi kubantfu labamnyama kugcwele badlwenguli. Labanye benu banikwe netimali base bayakhuluma batsi ... (Translation of Siswati paragraphs follows.)

 

 

[Ladies and gentlemen, you will continue being proud of 20 000 people in this stadium, which accommodates 30 000 people in your manifesto launch. What colour was there? Where were the white people, as you are all here? You are fooling around with black people. I believe that they were relaxing in their big mansions and on the beaches, watching big TV sets. Watching our black people whom they call “baboons” and “monkeys”, busy being burnt by the sun.

Even Judge Mabel Jansen is adding on, today, saying that there are so many rapists among the black people. Some of you were given money and then started saying ...]

 

... “We want change!” What change? Change from what? [Interjections.] From good to where? Back to the sufferings and the things that you are doing today? [Interjections.]

 

 

Hhayi, bantfu bakitsi dlanini leyo mali. Niyati lapho nichamuka khona. Iseyindze lendlela. Tsatsa imali uvotele Khongolose! [No, our people, spend that money. You know where you come from. The road is still long. Take the money and vote for the ANC!]

 

Tsatsa imali! [Take the money!]

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members!

 

 

 

HON MEMBERS: Vote for ANC!

 

 

 

Mr D MNGUNI: The less I say about the EFF, the better. You have moved from hatred of not only the ANC and its individuals but to hatred of the entire people you claim to be representing.

You know, anger is like flowing water, which I presume to be normal, as long as it flows. It’s just that it denies itself freedom to flow. The hatred which you, the EFF, possess, is like stagnant water. You know, stagnant water is likely to do the following: become dirty, stinky, disease ridden, poisonous, and deadly. [Interjections.]

 

 

You are chaotic, rejecting every bit of progress; violent; and most of all, you lack the African and God-given principle of respect, hon Khawula - with the DA imitating you, lately.

Nibadzala, man! [You are too old for that, man!] We are aware of this wedge driver. We are watching your poisonous tongues, as Oliver Tambo once warned us of people like you. You have troubled waters.

 

My fellow South Africans, Oliver Tambo said at the ANC’s 48th national conference in Durban:

 

 

We did not tear ourselves apart because of lack of progress at times. We were always ready to accept our mistakes and to correct them. Above all, we succeeded to foster and defend the unity of the ANC and our people in general.

My fellow South Africans, do not despair. Qhuba [Move forward], ANC, qhuba! [move forward!] [Interjections.]

 

 

Sishoda ngawe Mprofeti; sishoda ngawe Mfundisi; sishoda ngawe sangoma; sishoda ngawe ekhaya; sishoda ngawe emkhukhwini; sishoda ngawe edolobheni; sishoda ngawe etaksini; sishoda ngawe ejele; sishoda ngawe emayini; sishoda ngawe eyunivesithi.

Khongolose usebentile! Khongolose uyasebenta! Khongolose usetawusebenta ... [Kwaphela Sikhatsi.] [Tandla.] Ngiyabonga kakhulu. (Translation of Siswati paragraph follows.)

 

[We are short of you, Prophet; we are short of you, Reverend; we are short of you, sangoma; we are short of you at home; we are short of you in the shack; we are short of you in prison; we are short of you in the mines; we are short of you at the university. The ANC has worked! The ANC is working! The ANC is still going to work ... Thank you very much. [Time expired.] [Applause.]]

 

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: Hon Chairperson, I want to address some of the issues that have been presented positively here through the chair of the portfolio committee and other hon members.

Yes, indeed, we never said that we would perform a miracle within a period of 22 years. We committed ourselves to never resting until South Africa is free, both socially and economically, and that we also believed in the notion that South Africa belongs to all those who live in it. Hence, some of our interventions in this province, where you are resisting declaring some of the informal settlements formal townships - and hence, you are not serving them. You are serving a minority that is out in the suburbs and you forget about Khayelitsha and Site C. [Interjections.] You are amongst those who are resisting appreciating that things are better compared to how they were some years ago.

 

 

Many of you will carry placards of black people, of Africans, because you see us as objects. Shame on you! [Interjections.] Remember, there is a big difference now when you see those young stars and elderly people carrying water. It is happening because we have, at least, tried to bring water closer, compared to what you have done here, in the Western Cape ...

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members!

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: ... giving people buckets as a form of toilet and expecting them to sleep in the house with that? Shame on you! [Interjections.]

 

I really also want to indicate that, amongst other things, why we have contamination of our own sewage system and spillages is because we no longer have influx control. Our people are at liberty to move from one part of the country to another, and hence, we have rapid urbanisation.

 

 

Your separate development that is being perpetuated in Midvaal is the one that will make your Green and Blue Drop status look better. Yet, it is at the expense of the African child. [Interjections.] Shame on you!

 

We also want to remind you that amongst other things that we are now dealing with is the lack of capacity that has been there in the state, because yours was about serving a minority over the majority. We will transform this sector and bring black industrialists and professionals who must come and work. Most importantly, we will direct our resources where they are highly needed.

Hon member Baker, tell no lies, claim no easy victories. Today, in an area called Mashonamini Village in Mkhuhlu, Bushbuckridge – the hon Deputy Minister Madala Masuku comes from that area – they have clean water, including fire hydrants, to make that village a better village where people can live peacefully and there can be prosperity. [Interjections.] Compare this to what you are doing in the Midvaal, where you continue to keep our people living and eating with the pigs because you want to maintain the dominance of the DA in that area. [Interjections.]

 

 

The other thing that I want to talk about ...

 

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon member!

 

 

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: ... yes, every time we empower a black business person, we are told we are lining our pockets. The time has come that we do not only rely on the capacity of big, white-owned companies. [Interjections.]

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon member! Hon member, contain yourself!

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: We will give the young, we will give women, we will give black-owned companies, known or

unknown by you, to be the ones that are now going to deliver in this particular sector. Call it lining our pockets: It is time for us to create wealth amongst our own black people. We are not shy about that. It is time for us to empower women and we are not shy about that. Call it lining our pockets: It will be up to you to continue saying that!

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon member!

 

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: It is time for the African people to be involved in the construction, and not only in the consumption, of water.

 

 

As I conclude, I also want to remind ubaba uShelembe ukuthi laphayana KwaZulu kunje kunempucuko. [Mr Shelembe that there, in Zululand, there is civilisation.] It is because of our regional bulk infrastructure grant projects. We have bailed you out in that area because we care for every South African. South Africa belongs to all those who live in it.

 

 

Mama uKhawula, ngenhlonipho nangomoya wesonto, uyazi ukuthi lezi zindawo okhuluma ngazo ukuthi yizindawo obekuyizindawo zabantu lapho intuthuko beyingekho khona. Siyasebenza khona manje. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)

[Hon Khawula, with all due respect and in the spirit of church- going people, you know that these areas that you referred to are the areas that were previously set aside for rural people where there was no development. We are working now.]

 

 

And in fact, on the lie that it is only the DA-controlled municipalities that are doing well, eThekwini is one of the best

- worldwide, that is. It has been assessed independently. What I have to tell you is that we will never tire of serving our people and we know that we are all alone!

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order!

 

 

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: Member Basson, I dare say to you, show me Mrs van Niekerk getting water in the way that you have shown us Mrs Shabalala does.

 

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Minister, your time has now expired.

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: That is a racist attitude and exploitation of our people. We will work and we know that we are alone and we hope the electorate knows!

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Minister, your time has now expired.

 

 

The MINISTER OF WATER AND SANITATION: It is only the ANC that can bring a better life to South Africa. Dankie. Ngiyabonga. [Thank you.] [Interjections.] [Applause.]

 

The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order! Order, hon members! Hon members ... [Interjections.] ... hon members, this is a debate. Do not allow your emotions to run away with you. Be in control of yourselves. [Interjections.] I cannot control you. Your emotions belong to you. Order! [Interjections.] Order!

 

Members are reminded that the Budget Vote debate on Energy will take place at 14:00 in the National Assembly and the Budget Vote debate on Defence and Military Veterans will take place in the Old Assembly Chamber.

 

 

Debate concluded.

 

 

 

The Committee rose at 11:52.

 

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