Hansard: JS: Debate on Opening of Parliament Address
House: Joint (NA + NCOP)
Date of Meeting: 19 Jul 2024
Summary
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Minutes
UNREVISED HANSARD
JOINT SITTING
FRIDAY, 19 JULY 2024
PROCEEDINGS AT JOINT SITTING
Find here: Debate on Opening of Parliament Address
Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces assembled in the Cape Town City Hall at 10:31.
The Speaker of the National Assembly took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayer or meditation.
The SPEAKER: Hon members, I would like to apologise and explain to you as it has been explained to your Chief Whips that the delay has been as a result of the audio system where they have a tripping line which they have been trying to find and at the moment have not been so successful. So, they have tried to isolate some of the things that are plugged in so that we can have at least the mics working so that we can continue with our business.
We really apologise for that. It is something that we had unforeseen because all the preparations were done and tested
and checked, but unfortunately there is always something that sometimes can go wrong when you least expect. I hope members will accept our apology. Thank you very much.
Now, the Secretary will read the order of the day.
DEBATE ON THE OPENING ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY (Mr M Ntuli): Madam
Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Deputy President of the Republic and esteemed Members of Parliament, in his masterful book titled The Frontiers: The Epic of Africa’s Creation and the Tragedy of the Xhosa People, the historian Noël Moster recount the tail from the 19th century when the Boer general extended an offer an alliance to King Hintsa of amaXhosa to resist the encroaching British forces. The offer was ultimately rejected by King Hintsa likely informed by a deep-seated mistrust of both the Boers and the British.
Yet again in 1902, the Treaty of Vereeniging was signed between the British and the Boers, ending a South African and establishing a self-government under British rule in the Transvaal and the Orange Free State.
Yet, the Africans who valiantly fought at that war were excluded from the negotiating table. Among the Boer generals it is said were those who championed the inclusions of Africans to address the native question, but their voices were equally ignored.
We can only speculate on the trajectory our country would have taken had taken, had King Hintsa accepted the alliance that was offered to him, nor will we ever know where our country would be today.
Madam Speaker, will also know that Zululand had been broken up into 13 smaller territories by the British government and later realised that the futility of breaking up the Zululand and restore Kin Cetshwayo as the paramount leader. However, they left uZibhebhu kaMaphitha with his land intact. When King Dinizulu succeeded his father King Cetshwayo kaSenzangakhona he contested succession with uZibhebhu. In that contest, King Dinizulu appealed to the British for support, but received no response. He then offered rewards of land to the Boer farmers from the Utrecht and Vryheid to join sides with him and help to restore order to unite Zululand and the Zulu Kingdom.
Madam these episodes are a microcosm of our nations flawed journey. They serve as appoint and reminder of the intricate dynamics that have shaved our past. They highlight the profound significance that of alliances and consequences of our choice.
When people are faced with the threads of annihilation, they come together and or seek one another to overcome the thread for their continued existence and to drive. Our democratic breakthrough is under threat, and it is not business as usual.
As the ANC we have invited our people to join in a reasoned and robust debate towards the reconstruction and development of our country, rather than depending on charismatic populism which often defines our national discourse.
The processes which started with the arrival at the Cape of the Dutch settlers resulted resulted in the transformation of our country into a settler colonial state. What we characterise as colonialism of a special type. As the settler colonial state, ours did not differ from how similar settler colonial state such as the United States, US, Australia and Israel behaved towards the indigenous population. They dispossessed the indigenous population of its country handed
it over as a property of the settlers and treated indigenous population as subordinates and subhuman.
The difference between us and the US is that our indigenous population united in spite of their language and tribal divide remain by far the overwhelming majority relative to the settlers.
Madam Speaker, this is what made it possible for this majority in 1912 to unite under the banner of the ANC to rise up to end settler colonialism state and to proclaim that South Africa belongs to all who lives in it black and white.
A united South Africa declared in the Constitution that South Africa belongs to all who lives in it, united in our diversity.
The ANC is unwavering in its objective to create a united, democratic, nonracial, nonsexist and a prosperous South Africa in a peaceful world. We are the first to admit that despite the progress we have made, together over the past 30 years more still needs to be done to create a South Africa that is truly united and prosperous. To build a nonracial society, to
create development opportunities for all South Africans and of course to improve the quality of life of all our citizens.
Madam Speaker, a towing giant of our struggle for freedom, Inkosi Albert Luthuli, in his message to the Congress of the People gathered in Clifton Park in 1955, 69-years ago today, he had the following to say and I quote:
The task of gaining freedom in our multiracial society is of considerable magnitude and will tax severely the determination and the courage of the best of us. But the need and the urgent for the task and the justice of the course demand of us to be willing to pay the supreme price for the noble course.
Madam Speaker, his words is steep ... [Inaudible.] ... in the profound wisdom and courage, resonate through the corridors of time and remind us of the immense responsibility we carry today of building better life for all our citizens.
The outcomes of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections undoubtedly send shock waves throughout our movement and national democratic movement, the continent and rest of the world in which the ANC emerged as a party that is without the
minimum 50% and plus one of the support. Of Course, we have to admit that it is not difficult to identify the reasons for the increasing support of the ANC in the past elections.
The socioeconomic situation in our country was changing for the better, directly benefitting the masses of our people. The gross domestic product, GDP, growth at an average of 3,6%, a number of people with jobs increased from eight to 14 million, the average GDP per capital increased by almost 40%, access to basic services such as water, housing electricity, energy and infrastructure was expanded.
However, the period between 2008 and 2022 saw a major reversal of some of the strategic gains. That constituted a major setback on the advancement of the national democratic revolution. The outcomes of the May National and Provincial Elections confirmed that reality.
Despite all of that, the ANC resolved to forge unity among South Africans across race, religion and creed and that support is unwavering.
All our policies are based on creating a prosperous South Africa that truly belongs to all who live in it united in their diversity.
Madam Speaker, in the words of our beloved leader and President Comrade Oliver Tambo in which he said and I quote:
Without unity, we are weak. Without action, we will remain oppressed. To move forward, we have to act in unity and unite in action.
We truly have to act in unity and unite in action. The gains of our freedom and democracy must be defended, consolidated and advanced to realise socioeconomic rights as demanded by the Constitution of the Republic.
We proceed from the understanding that our Constitution represent the genuine will of our people and their desire to build a better life for all. And therefore, that as their democratically elected representatives this a task that we can neither updicate nor delegate.
We need to continue to engage within and outside these Chambers to ensure that our society unites and thrive to act
in unity, consistent with the call that was made by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa yesterday that our country must converge in a national dialogue to determine our collective future.
The ANC remains by far the largest party and has pulled together other parties to ensure that we continue the journey started in 1912 and consolidated in successive governments since 1994 to bring about national cohesion and stability to the democratic state and continue to advance to the better life for all.
This unprecedented experience is not a deviation from the national democratic revolution, but rather a fulfilment of its objectives aimed at building a united and a nonracial society.
Madam Speaker, over the past 30 years, our policies have driven social and economic transformation, and we intend to accelerate this trajectory. Thus, the vision of the government of national unity is to address the comprehensive needs of the masses of our people. Unlike coalitions that narrow their focus to political power management.
Madam Speaker, the statement of intent has its underlying pillar, rapid inclusive and sustainable economic growth driven by a commitment to industrialisations and high rates of investment, job creation and social change.
President Cyril Ramaphosa through his opening address yesterday, has outlined the programme of the executive for the year ahead. As the ANC parliamentary caucus we stand ready to support the Seventh Administration to ensure stability and prosperity of our country and the continent while ensuring strict fidelity, accountability and transparency.
We must renew our commitment to breach the gap between the people and their Parliament and their government. In this regard we pledge to work collaboratively with all political parties represented in this august House. Recognising of course that each party carries the legitimate voice and the aspirations of its constituency. Our political differences should not make us enemies, nor should they invalidate anybody’s rights as enshrined in the Constitution or call to question our patriotism. This is the spirit with which the ANC parliamentary caucus commit to conduct itself.
Madam Speaker, our commitment to the principles of the national democratic revolution remains unwavering. We believe that the part to the united and prosperous society presented to us by the current context lies in our ability to pull together across party line. This is not merely a political strategy, but a moral imperative rooted in our shed history and our collective future. Thank you very much. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Dr M J HLOPHE: Madam Speaker, in view of time constraints, I will simply say all protocol observed. Thank you - in view of time constraints. I rise here on behalf of MK Party, the party which I lead in Parliament to respond to the speech that was made by the President last night. Our position is as follows: The establishment of the Government of National Unity is singularly a very cruel joke by the Ramaphosa faction of the ANC and the DA, perpetuated against the oppressed and downtrodden masses of our people.
Our people are painfully aware that it would be impossible to create a united nation in South Africa unless the legacy of colonialism and apartheid was addressed. For a very long time, South Africans have been constituted by two nations, one black, poor and economically disempowered and excluded, and
the other white, rich and in command of most of the means of production, material and incorporeal resources and advantages of our society. These are not my words; these are the words of the former President Thabo Mbeki. He uttered these words many years ago, and nothing has changed. [Applause.] Nothing has changed fundamentally since Thabo Mbeki made those remarks.
My question to you, President, is this: Through what magic do you hope to forge a national unity of the oppressor and the oppressed, the exploiter and the exploited ... [Applause.] ... the rich, capitalist and the toiling and exploited working class? Our position is very clear: When the ANC could not secure majority it became desperate, and the so-called Government of National Unity was no more than a desperate and deliberate attempt to hold on to power. That’s what it’s all about.
Now, if the ANC formed the so-called Government of National Unity on the basis that it was the largest party, you ask yourself, why was that principle not extended to the province of KwaZulu-Natal? [Applause.] It is a fact that the MK Party always won the province of KwaZulu-Natal convincingly. [Applause.] We know that and it is a fact.
Now, if there was consistency in the principle on the party which has the largest majority, one would have expected that to be done in KwaZulu-Natal. The students of political science, Mr President, will tell you a simple fact, you don’t form a Government of National Unity when there is no crisis. A Government of National Unity is formed when there is a crisis. We had it in 1994 in this country because there was a crisis, and we were emerging from apartheid. There is no crisis - the only crisis is that the ANC has lost the majority.
We understand why the ANC has lost the majority and you know it too. What I find striking is this: There were so many parties that campaigned openly against the ANC. There were many parties that said they will never work with the ANC, but when they were offered blue lights, they suddenly fell in love with the ANC. [Applause.]
Quite frankly, I respect someone like Minister Gayton McKenzie, whose views were always clear. He said he will work with any party, and he has been consistent in that regard.
There are parties here which campaigned against the ANC, but when the opportunity to be on the gravy train came, they went for it. [Applause.]
The MK Party is very clear. We are aware that your propagandists have been spreading the lie that a national unity government in South Africa could help deepen democracy because it means no one political party can impose this agenda on all and sundry, but we are not fooled, Mr President, we are not fools.
It is very clear that the DA has a veto power in respect of the so-called Government of National Unity. [Applause.] The MK Party was excluded and denied participation in the sellout GNU because we do not agree with the ANC and the DA racist on many fronts. In our manifesto we were loud and clear, I quote: “The MK Party is committed to transformative change across all sectors of South African society. Our policies are designed to address the most pressing challenges we face today ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order! Order, hon members! Can we all be in order and allow the speaker on the podium to proceed?
Dr M J HLOPHE: I will go back to our manifesto:
The MK Party is committed to transformative change across all sectors of South African society. Our policies are designed to
address the most pressing challenges we face today, economic inequality, inadequate access to quality education and healthcare, national security threats, inequitable land distribution and the need for robust traditional leadership and foreign policies that reflect our values and aspirations. Through our manifesto as the MK Party, we aim to lay down a clear path towards a more equitable, secure and prosperous future for all South Africans.
The restitution of land to black South Africans remains a yardstick against which the sellout ANC and DA GNU’s performance will be measured. Land has symbolic value to us; it means so much to us. As President Mandela once said in 1995: “With freedom and democracy, came restoration of the right to land, and with it, the opportunity to address the effects of centuries of dispossession and denial.” In a similar vein, president Luthuli of the ANC once declared the following, he said: “Without land there is no dignity”. [Applause.]
Our own President, Umsholozi, said the following ...
IsiZulu:
... izinkinga zethu zaqala ngesikhathi kufika abamhlophe kuleli. Bathatha umhlaba wethu, bathatha nomcebo wethu. Bafika nomthetho wabo bazenzela unothanda nje. Namhlanje asinamhlaba, namhlanje asinamfuyo. Konke kwathathwa ngesihluku.Salwa silwela umhlaba wethu asizange sivele sibanike abelungu.
English:
At this point I want to recognise our traditional leaders who are here as part of the MK Party because in MK Party we believe that the land belongs to the nation and the land belongs to the people. [Applause.] His Majesty the King of the Khoi and the San people, Glen Taaibosch, His Majesty King Dalindyebo Matutu, His Majesty King Zwelethu Mthethwa is here and finally, our own president is a king, ubaba uZuma ... [Interjections.] ... yes, he is ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order! Hon members ... hon members, when we are hackling, we can do so without drowning the speaker. If we want to converse among ourselves, we can also do so without drowning the speaker. Can we please allow the speaker to proceed?
Dr M J HLOPHE: Our position is very clear: The MK Party was formed because we believe that the ANC of Ramaphosa is not capable of delivering, it has failed dismally ...
The SPEAKER: Order! Hon speaker, can you take a seat? Hon
Ndlozi, what’s the point of order?
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, there are people in the House who are drowning the speaker. We never disrupted anyone ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order, hon members! I want to hear the point of order. What is the point of order, hon Ndlozi?
Dr M Q NDLOZI: I am saying that you are not protecting the speaker on the podium, he is being drowned ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: I’ve just done that ... [Interjections.]
Dr M Q NDLOZI: ... because people are losing their heads here, I don’t know. You lost votes and now you are losing your heads. Listen to the hon judge with discipline ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order! Order! Hon Ndlozi, take your seat ... [Interjections.]
Dr M Q NDLOZI: ... please, protect the speaker on the podium
... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: ... take your seat! Order, hon members! When we make points of order, we do just that, we don’t have a debate. Can we now ask the hon to proceed with his speech.
Dr M J HLOPHE: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, and I am going to proceed ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order! The Chief Whip of the DA, what’s your
point of order?
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I believe during his point of order, the hon Ndlozi referred to the speaker at the podium, the Leader of the Opposition, as judge . I don’t think that an impeached judge can be called a judge anymore. Thank you, Madam Speaker ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order! Order, hon members! Hon members, I have ruled. Can we all be in order and allow the speaker on the podium to proceed? Hon member, you have your point of order?
Dr M J HLOPHE: Well, I am not going to decern to that level, I have better titles ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon speaker, can you take your seat. Yes, hon member, what is your point of order?
IsiNdebele:
Num M D SKOSANA: Somlomo, ngibawa into yinye ...
English:
... I know that you are not seating there as ...
IsiNdebele:
... umuntu wakwagogo. Sibawa iNdlu ibe nokuthula ngombana into eyenzeka njenganje izokubangela bonyana nasele kunabanye
...
English:
... in particular the racists ...
IsiNdebele:
... bakhuluma la, nathi sizokuphendula ngendlela efanako. Sibawa ijaji u, umrholi wethu, aliswe aqede ikulumo yakhe. Simlalele uSosibebhu we-ANC ngaphandle kokumthikameza.
IsiZulu:
USOMLOMO: Ngicela ukuthi amalungu ahloniphekile ale Ndlu yesiShayamthetho sonke silalelane. Ngikhulumile nani nonke ngathi sicela ukuthi sinikeze umuntu oseqongeni akwazi ukukhuluma. Kodwa nonke uma senikhuluma senixokozela akazukwazi ukuthi simuzwe. Nathi thina esimxhasayo ngicela ukuthi sonke simlalele. Qhubeka, lungu elihloniphekile.
Dr M J HLOPHE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Mr President, in 2022 the World Bank reported that South Africa is a country which has a problem to do with inequality. It reported that 80% of the country’s wealth was in the hands of 10% of the population, and it is the black population who factor most in the poorest category. The report places the blame for the income disparities directly on race. The legacy of colonialism and apartheid rooted in Russia segregation continues to reinforce inequality in South Africa - the report stated.
This is clear proof that the end of formal apartheid in 1994 did not end the real problems that we have in this country. Against that, I’m asking you, President, how are you hoping to sustain the so-called Government of National Unity when your interests are fundamentally and diametrically opposing the so- called Government of National Unity?
As the MK Party, who are interested in genuine and real transformation of South Africa, this cannot simply mean having a nice toothless constitution or so-called world’s best constitution. We are not and can never be satisfied with our judges regurgitating Roman law, which was imported into this country through the genocidal force and forced down our throats.
When we were colonised, we had our own systems of justice in place, African customary law, which is close to our heart.
Colonisation brought with it a foreign legal system, Roman Dutch law, and this was done in order to protect and preserve the interest of those who colonise us.
I challenge you to give me a single country in Europe which is governed by African law - a single country in Europe which is governed by African law. If you can’t tell me, why do we allow
Roman Dutch law, which does not reflect the views and the aspirations of the majority of the people in this country? Why do we allow that to be a system in place? The conclusion is inescapable that that legal system is there to preserve the interest of the privileged white minority in South Africa at the expense of millions of poor black people that we represent in this Parliament.
It is our considered view that the speech that was delivered by the President yesterday fails on so many fronts. The President mentioned building infrastructure in rural areas. I don’t know when that is going to start. He has never done it before, what would make us believe that he would suddenly now focus on rural areas as a priority? Why would he suddenly do that now? You have never done it before, Mr President.
It is our considered view that if we want to bring about fundamental changes, we need to invest in infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Now the problem is where is money going to come from, because we keep borrowing money every day, Mr President.
Our view is further that we need serious agrarian revolution in this country to turn things around in agriculture. We need
agrarian revolution which has been lacking. Rural areas in the main have not been taken seriously. Whilst of course the struggle continues for section 25 of the Constitution to be amended, we are not apologetic about our stance. We remain firm that section 25 of the Constitution must be amended. It is our considered view ... [Applause.] Thank you. It must be amended to make provision for expropriation of land without compensation. That’s the only way we can redress imbalances of the past and ensure that each and every South African has access to land in this country.
Once there is access to land, so many of the problems that we have will be dealt with. For example, there will be no influx control. We all know people leave rural areas because they are not developed and are poorly resourced. They leave rural areas and go to big cities like Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, looking for better opportunities. When they get there, there are no opportunities. If land were to be restored to our people, they will be confined in those areas, provided they are developed. There will be no need for them to leave those areas and go to urban areas. [Applause.]
Furthermore, access to land will ensure that everybody has bread on the table. I know there are members in some of the
parties who would say there is Ingonyama Trust land, for example, in KwaZulu-Natal and that land is not being used. That is clearly a lie. People who live in those areas are not dependent on your R350 per month, Mr President. They are serious farmers, they practice subsistence farming in those areas, they are not dependent on your R350 for them to live. We need to invest in agrarian revolution and make sure we turn things around.
The other way of generating jobs, which is covered in our manifesto, we should reintroduce compulsory militant training that will absorb our young men and women who have no jobs and teach them to be disciplined. It will immediately turn things around, there is no question about it.
We clearly need to reduce spending as a result of this bloated Cabinet. It’s all about blue lights, fancy cars, and you have forgotten the reason why you were elected, Mr Ramaphosa, in the first place. You have forgotten the reasons. To put it bluntly, you have sold out. [Applause.]
We, in the MK Party, will continue to fight for section 25 of the Constitution to be amended. We will continue to fight for the improvement of the quality of the lives of our people,
particularly those who live in rural areas who are by and large black – and I am using the term ‘black’ generically. Until those aspirations we will continue to fight, we will do it in a peaceful and lawful manner.
There are parties here, some of them are in the Government of National Unity - I’ve heard some Ministers advocating the death penalty. That is unconstitutional and nobody has said they are acting unconstitutional. [Applause.] The death penalty was outlawed in this country way back in 1995. Now to find a Cabinet Minister advocating death penalty without the Constitution being amended is ridiculous. Where we come from in the MK Party, we will continue to act within the law, and it is our right as politicians to act within the law so that the law can be changed to benefit the majority of the people in this country. [Applause.]
Until such time that Africa and Africans are free, the struggle will continue, and insulting us and howling at us and or pretending that we are talking nonsense is not going to help as long as the question of land is not being addressed in this country ... [Interjections.] ... as long as the question of land is not being addressed seriously, as long as we are being ridiculed, we will continue to fight. That is why, for
example, we are challenging these election results because they were rigged ... [Interjections.] ... They were rigged. We know as a fact and we won certainly convincingly, even in KwaZulu-Natal, and we know that as a fact. Our votes were stolen and given to certain people who are now comfortably. We will continue with the fight until such time that we get our land back. Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE: Madam Speaker, thank you for this wonderful warm welcome from the Hadeda benches. Mr President, for far too long the enormous potential of our country has been held back and held captive by political forces that seek to break down rather than to build up ... [Interjections.] ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi, what is your point of order?
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, I wanted to address this member by his rightful title of matriculant, as there is confusion of titles today. This is a judge. Now, you have a matriculant.
The SPEAKER: Hon members, so you have been given a briefing after your election. You have been told what the rules and points of orders are. It is very disappointing that some of
you are doing exactly the opposite. Hon Ndlozi, that was not a point of order, and it is actually spurious. Hon Steenhuisen, you may proceed.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE: ... Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I think that the grannies and the pensioners and the stokvel clubs, who had their money stolen from them at VBS Bank, do not sleep any better knowing that the people who stole from them have doctorates and master’s degrees.
Repeatedly they have used populist politics and racial rhetoric to breakdown any attempt at building a consensus over the growth enhancing reforms that our economy so desperately needs. They have done so deliberately because it is only by sowing division and preventing reform that they can keep institutions weak, keep the taps of corruption flowing and stay out of jail for their many misdeeds.
For far too long we have allowed those who seek to break our country down for their own personal benefit and gain. To hold back the builders who yearn for a South Africa with a growing economy that creates millions of new jobs. The 2024 election where the people of South Africa chose a new path by not giving any party a majority and forcing us to create a multi- party government. Offers the most important opportunity and
the most powerful opportunity in recent history to overcome the suffocating grip that the breakers have held on to our economy and society.
The Government of National Unity, GNU, is South Africa’s chance to free itself from populism, division, and economic decline. This is our opportunity now to build South Africa into the prosperous country that we know it can be together. And that is exactly what the Democratic Alliance is going to do in government.
We are in this GNU because we have said loud and clear that we want to build South Africa. We do not want to break South Africa. Last night, the President said, and I quote:
The Government of National Unity will pursue every action that contributes to sustainable rapid economic growth and remove every obstacle that stands in the way of growth.
In all of the portfolios where the DA is represented both in the executive and in Parliament, we are already moving with speed to do exactly that. We have proudly answered the call, Mr President, to serve South Africa first. And, Mr President, the DA’s weaver birds are already eagerly at work.
In agriculture, we are building a South Africa by partnering with the private sector to enhance bio security, extension services, international trade and to turn the agricultural sector into an engine room of economic growth and job creation. In public works and infrastructure, we are exposing corruption and building the foundations to turn South Africa into a giant construction site that grows our economy.
At home affairs, we are tackling the visa backlog that you referred to, Mr President, and reforming the system to bring in the valuable skills we desperately need to build our country. In forestry, fisheries, and environment, we are unlocking funding to get the just economic energy transition partnership, to build the industries of the future.
In basic education, we are restoring the dignity of our children by reducing pit toilets and building the skills of the future. And in communications and digital technologies, we are building a new digital ecosystem to drive the modernisation and digital transformation of our society. But it does not end there. In finance, trade and industry, energy, higher education, small business development, water, and sanitation, the DA Deputy Ministers are also helping to weave the reforms that we need to grow our economy.
In Parliament, the DA weaver birds are just as busy helping to build the home that we all want. Our portfolio committee chairs are going to drive reforms through the legislature to ensure that we remove all legislative obstacles that stand in the way of unleashing the growth that our country needs.
Mr President, the recent Cabinet Lekgotla that you convened has given us the key ingredients ... [Interjections.] ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Steenhuisen, please take your seat. Hon member, what is your point of order?
Mr V G REDDY: Madam Speaker, I am Wiseman Reddy of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, I rise in terms of Rule 81, and I seek your guidance in terms of the speakers’ list. The speaker who is on the podium right now, is he speaking on behalf of the DA? Or as a Minister of Agriculture? Thank you.
The SPEAKER: Hon member, that is not a point of order. The members of the executive also belong to their parties, so that is not a point of order. Hon member, you may proceed.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE: He may be ready, but I am able. The GNU has identified the apex priorities, to unleash rapid
and inclusive economic growth, to create jobs as our apex priority. To achieve this, we have identified and committed to a responsible fiscal path that reduces the national debt in order to free up more money and resources for productive investment. The planned review of the sectoral master plans to identify obstacles to growth, emphasise and focus on our need for exports, slashing red tape, crowding and private sector investment. And these are the key ingredients that we need.
We welcome the interventions to expand the basket of VAT-free goods, so we can put food on the tables of more South Africans at a cheaper price. Specialised policing units to fight violent crime and the construction mafias. These policy changes are some that the DA has long advocated for, and we believe they will make a meaningful impact on our people.
While the GNU has met the requirement for sufficient consensus outlined in the statement of intent, some key matters of economic policy and other issues around how we deal with problems going forward. It is important to acknowledge that there are still some areas of divergence that require attention. This is a natural feature of any multi-party government anywhere in the world.
For example, the need for universal access to basic healthcare for every citizen, regardless of the economic status, is important. And there are some discussions going on about the best way to achieve that to ensure that we can fast track it. The same goes for the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill.
However, in all of these areas of divergences, which are natural, when you bring ten parties together. I am convinced that we can find a way forward. It will be requiring us to be honest and diligent about where differences exist and to work in good faith with one another to find solutions in the best interests of all of the people of South Africa.
Hon Speaker, if this GNU succeeds in delivering on its apex priority of growing the economy and creating jobs, then the builders will defeat the breakers once and for all. This is because if we rapidly expand growth and job creation, we will diffuse the populist tinderbox that the breakers continuously exploit for their own gain.
Let me tell you right now that the single greatest fear of the breakers in this House is that the GNU succeeds in growing the economy and making South Africa a better place. The greatest fear of the breakers is not that South Africa fails. It will
suit them simply fine. If the country goes up in smoke, it will fuel the politics of division and hatred upon which they thrive. No, the breakers’ greatest fear is that South Africa succeeds, and our people prosper. Because if that happens, it will destroy the foundation upon which the breakers have built their ugly politics of resentment and populism.
However, the choice between building and breaking is not ours alone. The creation of the GNU means that every South African now stands before an important choice. Who wants to be a builder rather than a breaker, and we need those citizens who want to be builders to strengthen the GNU’s hand. To be clear, the GNU will not be a Kumbaya chorus. No multi-party government ever is. And if you have seen successful weavers’ nests, you will know quite clearly that things do get noisy from time to time.
But this GNU represents the broad interests, and the truth is that the builders in our society have to make this government work because the parties who sit on the opposite side of the GNU want to break South Africa beyond all repair, through their looting, their populism, their Gupta selling out, their VBS looting and their violence.
And so, to every South African, I say, now is a time for the choosing. Are you a builder or are you a breaker ... [Interjections.] ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Steenhuisen, please take your seat. Order hon members! What is your point of order?
Mr M P MOTUBATSE: I just want to check with hon Steenhuisen if he really does understand what he is saying.... [Interjections.] ...
The SPEAKER: That is not a point of order. Thank you very. Hon Steenhuisen, you may proceed with the debate.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE: ... When you drive from here, you will find a magical part of South Africa known as the Kalahari. When you get there, you know that the most successful weaver nests are the ones with as many birds as possible, work as hard as possible to build and protect their shared home. Whenever they see a boomslang coming there to try and steal the eggs, they work together to sound the alarm and protect their home, and so it must be for South Africa.
To the breakers, I simply say, even the wiliest boomslang does not stand a chance when sixty million weaver birds unite to build and defend the home that we love. And that is exactly what South Africa must do now. South Africa, are you a builder, or are you a breaker? Thank you very much.
The MINISTER OF MINERALS AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES: Hon Speaker
of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza; Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane; the President of the Republic, His Excellency, Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa; Deputy President of the Republic, His Excellency, Paul Shipokosa Mashatile; hon members of this House, we start this debate with a big temptation to engage one another on peripheral and marginal battles, rather than focusing on the task at hand. However, we have chosen not to succumb to that temptation nor to pay attention to the gallery, but opted to engage on real and important issues ...
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Speaker, I wanted to check if it is parliamentary for hon Mantashe to put the wrong button in the wrong hole. [Laughter.]
The SPEAKER: Order, hon members! [Interjections.} Order! Hon Ndlozi, can you please take your seat.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: I am protecting the dignity of the GNU now.
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi! Can we take ourselves and each other seriously too? This is an important debate, and I don’t think it is an honour for us to cast aspersions or to impugn on another person’s character.
The MINISTER OF MINERALS AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES: Thank you,
hon Ndlozi, for helping me out. [Laughter.]
The real challenge facing us in this House is to put our heads together and find lasting solutions to the massive problems facing our country. ... [Inaudible.] ... is not a helpful approach to that. It is better to be in the rain and battle on real issues.
It is in this context that I will focus on one apex priority of the Government of National Unity, GNU, as announced by the President and that is, inclusive economic growth and employment creation. That is quite important. It is a burning crisis for the country.
The National Development Plan, NDP, 2030 enjoins us to eliminate poverty, reduce inequality, and make it a priority
for all of us to create employment opportunities for the people of South Africa.
If we subscribe to the objectives of the NDP and agree that we have a collective responsibility to urgently address the high unemployment, we must, therefore, put our heads together and come up with a formula that will work and ensure that employment is created.
To this end, I am going to focus on the primary sectors of the economy. The primary sectors of the economy are important in the sense that it is strong primary sectors that will ensure that there is sustainable secondary and tertiary development in the economy. So, those primary sectors are mining, agriculture and petroleum. Those are the primary sectors of the economy.
Therefore, in our view, we need to deal with and address them decisively, to set the foundation for secondary and tertiary development in the country. We must also respond to the outcry of our people that our jobs are being taken by foreign nationals. It is the cry. It is not getting the right interpretation. The reality of the matter is that it is the bottom end of the labour market that needs our attention.
For example, we support the visa reforms, as envisioned, to attract skills and investment into the economy. We support that fully, but we are saying that it should be complemented by us paying attention to the fact that we are not paying attention to the lower end of the market. That is where the employment crisis is. In other words, we make the point that it is not xenophobic to say, please, protect sectors that do not want complicated skills. [Applause.] That sectors would be hospitality, farm work, construction. I am sure, people who took time to monitor the George crisis and disaster, will know that it exposed our laxity in dealing with the construction sector.
The attractiveness for employers is that in those sectors it easy to invite anybody at substandard wage rates. It is this government that has a responsibility to deal with that issue and monitor it.
Every time, I go to a restaurant ... I will not mention the names, because I normally say it is upmarket, when it is not even upmarket. That is the result of being a rural boy. When I go to a restaurant, I hardly get served by a South African. We cannot accept that. [Applause.] You go to a farm, including shepherds and people who look after livestock in rural areas,
are recruited from the neighbouring countries. And then we say that we have an unemployment crisis. We must deal with that issue.
Having said that, it is quite important therefore that we confront the question of cheap labour being an attractive alternative to employment creation. We must deal with that issue.
We must draw lessons from the mining sector – the sector I worked in - which used to have 70% of its labour force drawn from the neighbouring countries. Today, that portion is less than 20% and there is a process that took us to that stage. That process can be used as a lesson to educate us in dealing with challenges facing our society.
For us in the mining sector, as we set sight on addressing the obstacles on granting of mining permits and licenses, we must translate these into the emergence of new mines, irrespective of size. If we accelerate dealing with the backlogs, new mines must be built, and people must be employed.
We firmly believe the R400 million state capital provided by the department working with IDC is a good start because mining
starts with exploration, where you discover the quality and quantity of the mineral. Then you can mine and then you can process and go on.
Linked to this is the question of supporting the artisanal miners. We are going to the main financial institutions and companies to support that ... [Inaudible.] ...to go and train artisanal miners. Many people ask me what an artisanal miner is. It is a miner who uses a chisel and a hammer to mine. That section of the workforce is going to deal with the problem of attracting illegal mining, sterilizing marginal deposits of the mine. Therefore, those must be used to expand the labour base of the mining industry.
Our country is endowed with petroleum deposits that are not yet exploited. We appeal to all South Africans to appreciate that our quest for the exploration of oil and gas deposits is not just nice to have, but it is important to turn around the composition of our economy and therefore, that will translate into the growth of the economy.
It will require an additional intervention. Let us deal with foreign funded NGOs that block exploration of gas and oil, because that is blocking economic development, and we must
confront it and deal with it and allow that. That does not mean that we are not serious about responsible mining and exploration. Do that, but don’t block development, because employment is a function of economic growth and development.
So, we are making that submission. The justice system will need to look into that reality of a view of find lasting solutions, as all these cases end up in court. ENI that moved to Côte d'Ivoire was taken to court 67 times. They packed their suitcases and went to Côte d'Ivoire and made discovering of oil in Côte d'Ivoire. Let us deal with that. The Justice system must accelerate the process.
We must, therefore, accept, unreservedly, that we need responsible mining and petroleum exploration that is conscious of preserving the environment, while accelerating development.
Beneficiation is an issue that has been in our vocabulary for many years. It is time for it to be implemented practically. Beneficiation is a nice word, but its meaning is value addition. We must not export raw commodities, as they are; we must add value here and not export jobs. [Applause.] There are interventions needed there.
Firstly, for beneficiation to happen, we must have reliable, efficient, and affordable electricity supply. If you don’t have that, beneficiation will collapse. Secondly, we should have an incentivise scheme for beneficiation. Beneficiation is an economic activity in the value chain of mining. It should be treated as an incentive that is important to that sector.
That may include granting taxologies to attract at the beginning of that sector. It can also mean that taxing exports to discourage the export of raw commodities. Therefore, we must engage business to introduce a particular electricity dispensation. For example, there is nothing wrong with developing a commodity price linked to electricity tariffs. We did have it in this country. We can look into those alternatives.
As far as the question of unemployment and development for inclusive growth is concerned, we should bear in mind that involving black South Africans in economic activity is not a favour, it is a necessary intervention, because for many years, South Africans were not active in the economic activity. Therefore, the question of black economic empowerment and affirmative action is a necessary intervention for the economy.
Access to land – I am not talking in the same way as hon – but the point I am making is that access to land is a capital asset for economic inclusion. Therefore, it is going to be more than ... [Time expired.]
Mr J S MALEMA: We want to acknowledge the leadership of all political parties that form part of the progressive forces here in Parliament. This includes the leadership of the MK party, the ATM, the UAT, and the NCC. We want to salute the people of South Africa who have rejected the former liberation movement that has enjoyed political power for the last 30 years. Today, that era has come to an end.
It is beyond doubt that the former liberation movement failed to turn the political power into economic power. As our forefathers in the liberation struggle in the African continent said, political power without economic power is meaningless. Mr President, you indeed spoke like a badly wounded buffalo yesterday. You spoke like a given-up soul.
Nothing inspirational came from that tired speech yesterday. You didn’t speak like a person who declined electoral support with 17% to less than 50%. How on earth do you repeat a speech that made you lose elections? You were saying to South Africans yesterday in not so many ways that you learned
nothing out of these historic elections to an extent that you want to continue business as usual. We grew up being told that some of you were collaborators, but we gave you some benefits of the doubt. It was said in this House that you personally wrote a letter to the apartheid police accusing your fellow comrades of planting communist ideas in your head, and we refused to believe that story at that time.
It now makes sense that despite the apartheid regime being so oppressive against all freedom fighters, you peacefully and uninterruptedly attended university and you were given your first job by the ambassadors of apartheid, capitalism and colonialism. Without a hassle, you bought yourself a first car and a house with the assistance of the Urban Foundation, which was anchored by the Ruperts and the Oppenheimers while your comrades were sleeping under trees in exile and languishing in jails. We asked ourselves as to how did you form a union of mine workers without being a mine worker. But no, you were the conveyor belt between the workers and the super-exploitative mining capitalists in South Africa after the Oppenheimers and Anglo Americans had concluded that the mine workers must be organised.
Our elders in the struggle have made allegations before in
this House that throughout the struggle against apartheid, you were insulated from any form of arrest and harassment by the apartheid system. Towards the end of apartheid, you shockingly placed yourself at the centre of the negotiation for the end of apartheid. No one knows how you arrived to be at the centre of the negotiations of our liberation. It now explains as to why so many compromises and capitulations were made leading to a situation where economic power remained in the hands of the white minority.
The CHAIRPERSON ON THE NCOP: Hon Malema, could you take your seat. There is a point of order. The Deputy Chief Whip?
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Hon Chairperson
of the NCOP, you instructed that the hon member, hon Malema must sit down before I raise my point of order. The hon Malema is casting aspersions on the President - on the persona of the President. Can he please bring in a substantive motion to support statements that he is making in the House. Thank you.
The CHAIRPERSON ON THE NCOP: Thank you very much, hon Chief Whip. The order is sustained. Rules does make provision that if the member imputes improper motive against another member, you may do that by way of a motion and therefore that has to
be substantiated and therefore hon Malema, can you then proceed with your speech. I see there’s another point of order that’s been raised by the DA. [Interjections.}
Mr J S MALEMA: Withdraw what?
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: House Chair, I rise on a point of order in terms of Rule 92(10), which indicates that when a point of order is raised during the debate, the member called to order must resume his or her seat and after the point of order has been stated to the presiding officer by the member raising it, the member raising the point of order must likewise immediately resume his or her seat when she has concluded his or her submission. Can I just get clarity on the fact when the hon, the Deputy Chief Whip of the ANC raised the point of order, the member at the podium remained standing and I would just like your ruling on that. Thank you.
The CHAIRPERSON ON THE NCOP: Hon Malema, we have requested that you take your seat but despite that ... You did, thank you very much. As I have ruled on the previous order that was raised by the Chief Whip, hon Malema, can you take your podium and apologise for what you just said. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Must I apologise for not sitting down?
The CHAIRPERSON ON THE NCOP: Could you take your seat, hon Malema. [Interjections.] The order was raised with regards to casting aspersions on the President. Can I be allowed time, hon members, and then I will give you space. Order, hon members. The order was raised with regards to the hon member casting aspersions on the President and accordingly. Hon members, can you please take your seat. I have not recognised you, hon Shivambu. Can you please take your seat. I have not concluded. [Interjections.] Hon member, can you allow me to conclude?
Hon Malema, you can take the podium, but please - can you please withdraw or rather not repeat what you have said earlier on, as you proceed with your speech. [Interjections.] Hon members, please can you ... Hon members! Hon members! Hon Malema, can you sit down? Hon Shivambu?
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: On a point of order, House Chair. We are going to forgive you because you are new, and you don’t know the Rules of this Parliament. [Interjections.] When a point of order is raised, you must specify on the Rule, a specific sentence or a phrase that you say this is a violation of the
Rules of the National Assembly. What the commander-in-chief is doing is to give a political characterisation of a phenomenon. That is a point of debate. It’s not casting aspersions. How else do we deal with political questions without giving context to what got transferred to where we are now?
Where else do we say that except here in this Parliament? You can’t suppress political debate because of your misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the Rules. Please allow the speech to be finished and then when we later on go to the Rules Committee, we are going to illustrate to you with proper evidence when we are inducting you that the Rules do not say what you are saying that you must withdraw. Please be patient with this process, you are going to understand them when time progresses. Currently, your application is incorrect.
The CHAIRPERSON ON THE NCOP: Thank you, hon Shivambu. Hon members, Rule 53 makes provision that if a member makes personal reflection on the members’ integrity that are equally offensive or damaging, which cannot be necessarily substantiated, therefore, that should be done by a way of a motion so that a member can substantiate what he has been saying. At this point in time, hon Malema has cast aspersions
against the President, which needs to be substantiated accordingly. Therefore, the order remains sustainable. Hon Malema, as you proceed with your debate, can you kindly refrain from making such aspersions. Thank you very much. You may proceed. [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Must I proceed? Thank you very much. It now explains as to why so many compromises and capitulations were made, leading to a situation where economic power remained in the hands of the white minority, leaving black people with meaningless political power.
We can today confirm that it was pure infiltration by forces of darkness. When it was clear that President Mandela is not going to make you the first deputy president of the democratically elected South African government in 1994, you threw tantrums and even boycotted his inauguration. The same President Mandela you asked us to celebrate yesterday, you missed the historic moment to do so in 1994 because of personal aggrandisement.
Like many people in South Africa, I stood here in this house and said we will give you the benefit of the doubt, believing that the allegations against you of being a collaborator might
not be true. I will tell why I am giving you this personal account. It is necessitated by your activities, actions and decisions over the past weeks since the electoral defeat of the former liberation movement, which demonstrated clearly that in the battle against neo-apartheid and neocolonialism, you chose the side of the oppressor like you did in the past, yet pretending to be with us, the oppressed people.
Why will the apartheid beneficiaries say that among all black political leaders, you are the only one they can work with to an extent that you are called a better black with a better accent, and you believe them over us. They call us criminals who must be arrested whether we have committed any crime or not because we disagree with them politically and you believe them over us. Your own brothers and sisters who come from Tshiawelo and Venda with you, are today looked down because of you.
You have committed to be a representative of the oppressor. The white capitalist establishment is willing to turn a blind eye to even serious allegations of wrongdoing against you because through you they believe that they will perpetuate the exploitation of the oppressed class and reverse the gains of the political freedom attained in 1994. It doesn’t matter what
you say, but we want to state categorically that the coalition between the DA and the former liberation movement is a sell- out position, typical of collaborators who sacrifice and compromise the struggle against apartheid and colonialism.
White minority arrogance has increased under your term of office. You should have seen them yesterday when you were speaking, it was like you are a true qabane kagogo Helen Zille [friend of granny Helen Zille].
You boldly take these counter-revolutionary and reactionary decisions because you know you have a full protection of white capitalist establishment. All the things you said yesterday are meaningless because they are exactly what you said in the six state of the nation addresses you have given since you became President in 2018. None of the commitments you made during this state of the nation addresses have been met.
You state here that the vision you are operating under is still the National Development Plan, NDP, Vision 2030 whose targets have never been met and will never be met. The NDP had targeted to create a certain number of jobs, but joblessness has increased. The NDP’s target was to reduce unemployment by 14% in 2020, but today unemployment is 32,9% and more than
12 million people are jobless. Even if you meet the target tomorrow of achieving 14% unemployment, the fact of the matter is, you miss the target here. The NDP target was to reduce poverty from 39% by 2030, but poverty today is more than 50%. More people live on poverty under your presidency than any other period in the past 30 years.
The NDP target was 10% of the GDP for infrastructure investment, but between 2010 and 2022, public sector infrastructure investment was not more than 5,8%. The NDP target was to grow the economy by an average of 5,4% for it to be practical to achieve any of the NDP goals. But in the past
10 years, the economy has not grown by more than 2%.
Mr President, yesterday you shocked all of us and will never recover from that shock. You said nothing about international relations while we are living in a world defined by shifting global balance of forces. The West, under the guidance and protection of the United States of America, is agitating for a world war which will be defined by recolonisation of the African continent and the Global South, and you never said anything about that.
There is an ongoing aggressive war by apartheid Israel over Palestine, and you never said anything about that because your coalition partners are all fanatics of a Zionist apartheid Israel. Shame on you that you said nothing about the genocide committed right in front of us because ulava poso [you want the position]. You chose glory over the dying children and women of Palestine because you are scared to offend your coalition partners. President Mandela, a close friend of President Arafat, who you said we must celebrate yesterday, should be turning in his grave.
The trade embargo against Cuba is still intact despite the fact that Cuba played a role in the struggle against apartheid, you never said anything about that. There is instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South African soldiers are dying in that war and you never said anything about that. There is a real threat of instability in the entire the Southern African Development Community, SADC, region and you never said anything about that. There is loss of life in South Sudan, but you had nothing to say about that. The Brics Forum has been joined by additional countries such as Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, Iran and United Arab Emirates and you never said anything about how South Africa should maximise these strategic relations to grow the
economy. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, is agitating for a world war through its admission of Ukraine into NATO alliance and you never said anything about that.
This is happening while South Africa has discovered strategic oil and gas natural resources, which in itself, Minister Mantashe, is a cause for global security - but your president said nothing about that. Even if the global balance of forces does not matter to you, there is nothing tangible you said about the high levels of crime happening in South Africa. In the past year, South Africa had more than 27 000 murder cases and you never said anything about that.
Are we being handed over to the imperialists to take over as South Africa? Mr President, there are more than
300 000 students who have passed and attained their certificates, diplomas and degrees, but owe universities and universities of technology huge amounts of money. We will cancel student debt and introduced free decolonised education. Now, you claim to have created 2 million jobs through your Presidential Employment Stimulus, but there are no additional
2 million jobs that were created since you took office in 2018. If you want to argue this point, go and argue with Statistics SA.
Another issue we need to highlight is that Kusile Power Station added an additional 800 MW into national grid two weeks ago. You never mentioned anything about that. Instead, you chose to mention 256 MW of unreliable energy by independent power producers, which was plugged into the grid in the North West province.
This is evidence that in addition of selling fictional buffaloes at Phala Phala, you are also a salesperson for independent power producers. These independent power producers were at the centre of why South Africa experienced perennial load shedding for years until two months before the elections. The land which our people desperately needed for human settlements, agriculture, public service, and business was left in the hands of the oppressors. Our people were told about willing-buyer, willing-seller, in a situation where violence and genocide were used to learn disposition of the Khoi, the San, and all indigenous people of our country. We’ll amend section 25 of the Constitution in our lifetime to allow expropriation of land without compensation. [Interjections.]
South Africa, our country, is being traded. We, the progressive forces, need to constitute an alternative radical agenda. Let us do everything in our power to rescue our
country from being traded on a silver platter. We call on all workers movements, civil society, religious leaders, and traditional leaders to reject this grand coalition led by the DA under the pretence of the so-called Government of National Unity. We as the EFF, will not form part of a fractional and a decoy of the so-called national dialogue which happens after the government has already committed budgets and programmes to this agenda. We are not in the business of talk shows.
We are in an agenda to realise true economic emancipation of our people. No matter what it takes, we will never associate with the collaborators and the sell-out agenda of the establishment.
Sepedi:
E re ke le botieng, nonyana phakuphaku e bea lee le tee. Ga re tihoie ke maru a go tla bosele. Motho wa go ba le ...
English:
... matric who has never been subject to a peer review, comes here and calls us VBS looters. I understand that the mind of a rat will not comprehend that it is actually sitting with VBS looters themselves in the Government of National Unity. The same matriculant is a beneficiary of the loot of R20 billion
of Steinhoff that was invested by Public Investment Corporation, PIC. No amount of nonsensical threats of arrest can silence us. Not even death can silence us, because Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela’s voice has multiplied. Ours is a generational mission. We shall overcome. Victory is certain. We want to tell you now that your days are numbered. Thank you very much. [Interjections.]
The MINISTER OF CO-OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL
AFFAIRS: Hon Speaker, hon Chairperson of the NCOP, Your Excellency, the President, hon members of the 7th Parliament, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity.
Parliament has changed, portfolios have changed. Cabinet has changed, and the government has changed. The people of South Africa who went to the polls on 29 May placed the future of our country for the next five years in the hands of a coalition government.
Up front, I must declare that the IFP is committed in making the government of national unity stable and successful, for it is the result of the will of the people of South Africa. The GNU is not about politics but is about the will of the people and the future of our country. We campaigned and expressed our views to the electorate, but the electorate in response, said
work together. Your Excellency, the IFP has been frank and honest about the state of our country and the needs of our people. For 29 years, the IFP led by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi remained in this House as a voice of reason, urging those in power to do the right thing. The late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, whether he spoke as a leader of a constructive opposition or as a Minister of Cabinet or as an acting President of the Republic. He taught us in the IFP of the duty we have, to speak loudly on behalf of the people. We will continue to play that role constructively in the GNU for the good of our country.
The GNU is a bold and necessary step in the right direction. We have repositioned South Africa to embark on a journey of rebuilding herself and the future of our generation and the generations to come. The real work of changing the lived reality of every South African must proceed with utmost haste. The change that voters demanded needs to be practically seen, felt and experienced in the next few months.
The IFP welcomes the plan laid out yesterday evening by the President in pressing the recent button and opening a new chapter for our country under a collective wisdom, skills and capabilities of leaders who chose to work together for the
sake of the people of South Africa. The IFP welcomes the position taken by the President about a review of the municipal funding model to ensure that municipalities can become fully functional. This will mark a turning point in our 30-year history as we build on the foundations laid, let us build with new energy.
The IFP believes that the local government is a critical sphere of government to impact the lasting development in change in the lives of the people of South Africa. It is for this reason that Cogta budget speech this week was themed “Every municipality must work”, as the Minister of Cogta, I am determined to see all municipalities receive the administrative, technical and financial support needed to become viable, able to deliver and able to maintain the infrastructure, because that is what is mandated to do. I also, thank the President for his commitment to appoint the political champions of the district development model to fast- track the one plan solution with the DDM institutionalised, champions working tirelessly and Cogta playing its role. We will ensure that every municipality works. Traditional and Khoisan leaders are key role-players in a stable democracy, the IFP will champion the interest and deepen the working in partnership with the traditional and Khoisan leaders.
Hon members, climate change has placed us and the challenging times, disasters are happening in rapid succession, necessitating a new approach to disaster management that is proactive, less bureaucratic and timeous. The IFP is committed to the continued development of a new approach in dealing with disaster management. This week, I undertook assessment visits to areas in the Cape metro and KwaZulu-Natal where communities have been devastated by floods and fires. Our deepest condolences remain with all who have lost loved ones in these disasters. As the line function Minister for disaster management, I gained a clear insight from these victims into the needed interventions enabling us to engage with communities with multiple departments putting together solutions.
The Government of National Unity must be revealed as a responsive, empowering force for good. It must work, as the IFP has always done, hand in hand with the people. The IFP is committed to a national dialogue to address social cohesion, landlessness and the growing gap between the rich and the poor. We are committed in creating a stable GNU that is responsive and delivers. This is the commitment of the IFP to the people of South Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION: Thank you
very much Chairperson of the House, Madam Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Your Excellency, President Ramaphosa, hon Your Excellency Deputy President Mashatile, hon members, ladies and gentlemen.
In 2010, a group of young people who were leading the ANC Youth League at that particular time went to Zimbabwe to do a study. They had an opportunity to meet with the late President Mugabe. I was a part of that delegation and some people of course who are no longer in the ANC. We were told something that I felt has actually guided some of us, in agreeing and celebrating the government of national unity, GNU.
The late President Mugabe said to us when he went to visit President Kwame Nkruma in Ghana, he said, “You must never sacrifice principle at the altar of political experience.” [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF NCOP: Hon Minister, there is a point of order. May you kindly take your seat, please. Hon Ndlozi! Can you please take you seat, Minister.
The MINISTER OF PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION: Do I take
a seat? Okay!
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Minister, who led the delegation to Zimbabwe? Can you give us on the record. Please take South Africans into confidence as to who led the delegation of the ANC Youth League to Zimbabwe? [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF NCOP: Hon Ndlozi, can you please take your seat. Allow the Minister to continue with her speech.
The MINISTER OF PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION: I will
not answer that question.
We did say that in order to guide us politically, so that in we must always remember what constitute a principle, in our plight to grow in politics. In this regard, Your Excellency, President Ramaphosa, I would like to congratulate the members of the GNU, because they did put their political differences aside and came together to build a government which would now take South Africa forward.
They forgot whatever it is that they believed against each other and said: What do we need to do to sever South Africa;
and what do we need to do to ensure that South African moves forward. So, we do respect the electorate that put us where we are. So, congratulations Mr President and congratulations to the members of the GNU. In most cases GNUs are constituted after a long period of time. With us, it was constituted within a month. So, for that I would like to say you did very well; you sticked to principle and that is what needs to guide us and make us move forward.
Hon members, in April 2024, 30 years of democracy was actually celebrated in South Africa. We did that by commemorating this milestone when the President launched the 30-Year Review Report on 8 May 2024. That report that presents the government’s assessment of progress from 1994 to date.
The review was based on a set of 13 themes identified from the National Development Plan, NDP, and the priorities that were also done in the sixth administration. On the 30 Year Review and Social Transformation, the orientation of the public service has shifted from serving the minority to serving all sections of the population. Consequently, by 2022, the number of households with access to electricity, piped water and sanitation was above 80%. This has removed millions of households from deprivation, thereby improving indicators on
Multidimensional Poverty Index, MPI, and the Human Development Index.
South Africa’s social wage is one of the most comprehensive in the world and has proven to be an effective antipoverty tool. The social wage covers health care services, free water and electricity for the indigent, fee-free schools, public housing, school nutrition, early childhood development, and expanded financial support for students at universities and TVET Colleges through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS.
Priority 2 that the President has spoken about in the MTBP has actually spoken to this, and we will be building on top of what we have already done before, in the 30 years to ensure that our people are served. Our country is moving towards universal access to education at all levels, improved overall educational outcomes and skills development opportunities, resulting in improved population-level educational outcomes, such as literacy and levels of educational qualifications per age cohort. These are important pillars for a modern, knowledge-based society.
Equally, we have improved access to healthcare, and are now working towards an ambition of universal access to health. Among others, the expansion of clinics, hospitals, and other health infrastructure, increased access to Primary Health Care, PHC, has already serviced more people and it has also included the fact that we are almost accessing what we had set for ourselves. We are also seeing that there are plenty of health diseases that have reduced, such as Aids-related deaths.
The National Development Plan, NDP, remains our lodestar and long-term plan as adopted by all parties in 2012. Its goals are to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality and reduce unemployment. The 10-year review of the NDP highlighted that insufficient progress had been made, but also proposed corrective actions for the remaining six years of this implementation. It is for this reason that in the 2024-29 MTBP, on the seventh administration, we will concentrate on making sure that we move the needle as it relates to the priorities of the NDP.
To support the implementation of the NDP, Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-29, MTDP 2024-99, the five-year plan I just spoke about has been developed. This was based, of
course, on the fact that we needed to align to the NDP; but it has also been informed by the fact that, as the GNU, we had a statement of intent that we came together to agree upon for the sake of South Africa.
Emerging areas of priority, which have been outlined in the address by the President last night, are centred around inclusive economic growth and job creation. Hon Malema, the President did speak about international relations. He has alluded to the AFCTA and many other things. I wish you could have listened because you would have heard exactly how we are going to move forward as it relates to make sure that we do intensify economic development as it relates to economic diplomacy. He did speak about that.
This is a full appreciation, of course, of what I have already said, and of a major task we have to get the economy to perform at its full potential and create employment and economic opportunities for the people of South Africa, Africa and the world. In order to improve co-ordination and agenda setting during this term, the Presidency will be strengthened to improve coordination of policy, integrated planning and oversight in support of development outcomes.
The MTDP 2024-29 will be supported by evidence-based results – not just things that we think about or gossip – but evidence- based outcomes and framework that will enable the integrated monitoring of progress against the set indicators and targets. Government clusters will support the MTDP with their own implementation plans which will also allow them to respond to emerging issues.
Priorities will also be cascaded in the institutional plans, strategic plans and annual performance plans of departments and entities. It will also be able to assist us to draw up and establish performance management systems of government which will allow us to be able to monitor them. There is a greater focus on accelerating implementation, supported by application of relevant monitoring and evaluation tools.
As it relates to the district development model, DDM, it is designed -= of course, as we all know - to address problems with service delivery by allowing all spheres of government to work together in a more effective and co-ordinated way. This is intended to assist municipalities – just like the Minister of Cogta has said here - to better plan, budget and also implement programmes, to ensure that the work of municipalities is managed. We are planning to make sure that
we do strengthen the DDM so that we can better monitor and evaluate the performance of government in all spheres of government.
Given the governance and performance of SOEs, as the President has said yesterday, he established a Presidential SOE Council, PSEC, in 2020 to reform, reposition and revatilise state-owned enterprises. He did that to ensure that we do have state-owned enterprises that are effective and are also used as instruments of economic transformation and development.
The Presidential SOE Council noted the critical developmental role of SOEs and recognised serious deficiencies in the South African model and functioning of SOEs. As a result, it has now been able to come up with recommendations that said we needed to strengthen our SOEs. As a result, it has recommended that we need to ensure that we create a centralised shareholder model, as the President said yesterday, which will allow us to strengthen our SOES and ensure that whatever it is that they do, they do not ... [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Minister, can you kindly rap up?
The MINISTER OF PLANNING, MONITORING AND EVALUATION: Okay. Let
me just close by saying that there is plenty of things that this government has done. As a result, we have got a lot that we are going to build on. It doesn’t help that we keep on talking about new things, but it helps that we build on what we have already established.
As a result, what we will be doing will be to strengthen but also to improve and ensure that whatever it is that we are doing grows better and it also reached other people. If we have been able to do something for 10% in this seventh administration, we will definitely make sure that we do it for 100%. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: Hon Chair, Madam
Speaker, hon Cyril Ramaphosa, hon Deputy President Paul Mashatile ... President, let me thank you for making sure that what our people fought for during the election found expression in the plans of the Government of National Unity, GNU. We have the sovereign wealth fund, we are speaking about the issue of minerals being exported and most importantly, gang violence ... You have listened to us, President. I would’ve been a sell-out if I was sitting outside. My people
walked in the rain, they did door to door ... for their issues to be represented.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Minister, take your seat.
There’s a point of order. Hon Ndlozi?
Dr M Q NDLOZI: I would like to call a point of order, Chair, because a government Minister cannot deliberately mislead the House. There is no sovereign wealth fund in this country. You must withdraw that. There is no such thing. At this stage where you are, it’s not those talks on the streets you have. You must speak facts on behalf of the government. There is no sovereign wealth fund in this country. You must withdraw that. Take us serious here.
The MINISTER OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE: You always talk about education, hon Ndlozi. Your peers are delivering papers while you’re an ice boy being sent around here. [Laughter.] You must not come to me. Don’t tell me about education.
President, I want to thank you. President, a man at the airport called me a racist and I asked him why he said I was a racist. He said that whenever I speak I only speak about coloured people. It’s coloured people, coloured people. I
engaged him, and President, let me tell you that the issues of coloured people have not been addressed yet. I want you to be the first President to address the national question. All Presidents were scared to address the national question. If you can address the national question, you shall be the first.
I want to tell the GNU that what we have achieved is remarkable. It is the best thing that could’ve happened to this country. South Africa is going to go forward together. The ones who want to remain, let them remain. The GNU is going forward. I will tell you a secret. The only reason why they call us sell-outs is because they are not on the GNU train.
They bought the wrong ticket. [Laughter.]
President, I want to tell you I salute you because what you have done is to put South Africa first. We’ve had many differences between us. You’ve put that aside and you’re saying my differences with McKenzie cannot stop me from taking a decision for the benefit of this country. I want to salute you.
I want to say to the hon Judge that I was sitting there and I was shocked because you have sent many of my old friends to jail with Roman-Dutch law, which you enjoyed. [Laughter.]
You talk about the blue lights but while you were getting the perks as a judge you never saw anything wrong with Roman-Dutch law. Today, when you’re no longer there, you see something wrong with Roman-Dutch law. It cannot be. I’m going to pay for everybody who was sentenced by you to appeal because according to you, you sentenced them with the wrong law. Thank you very much. [Laughter.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, hon members. Can you please take your seats, hon members. Hon Ndlozi, there’s no speaker on the floor. What are you rising on?
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Chairperson, there need not be a speaker on the floor for me to raise an order. I hope we can agree on that.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: You can proceed, hon member.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Thank you very much. The judge wrote a thesis when he was on the bench attacking Roman-Dutch law. Your illiteracy ... [Inaudible.] This judge wrote papers against Roman-Dutch law when he was on the bench. You come here and you lie! You lie! This judge spoke about decolonisation of the law from the bench. Don’t lie here, man! You must read extensive well-researched papers that are peer reviewed.
Yissus! He didn’t say anything about Sport and about the Arts.
He gets there ...
Sesotho:
... o bua ka tjhankana, batho ba batla ho tseba hore ...
English:
... what’s going to happen about the Arts?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Ndlozi, can you please sit down? Hon members, can I bring the following to the attention of the House? Members, please don’t abuse your privilege or your right to raise a point of order. What we’ve just seen from hon Ndlozi is unbecoming and therefore it will not be sustained in the House.
The MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Through you, hon
Chairperson, to the hon President, the slogan of the FF Plus in this last election was, Restore and build. Now, the question is, what must we restore and what must we build? Hon Chair, to understand that we must identify the problem and we must be honest with each other. We are living in a broken country. We have economic growth of less than 1%. However, for
Africa, the average economic growth is 3,7%. There is a problem.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Minister, can you please take your seat? There’s a hand at the back. Hon Van Rooyen? Hon members, can you please take your seats? For the last time, hon members, I’m requesting you to take your seats. This can’t go on like this, hon members. Can we allow hon Van Rooyen to speak?
Mr D D D VAN ROOYEN: Chair, I just wanted to check if hon Groenewald is ready to take a question.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Groenewald, are you prepared to take a question? Can you respond? Hon Groenewald?
Afrikaans:
Die MINISTER VAN KORREKTIEWE DIENSTE: Agb Voorsitter, ek reageer nie op onsinnighede nie.
English:
Mr D D D VAN ROOYEN: I didn’t hear the answer. I’m not wearing
my interpreter.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Van Rooyen, you can take your seat. Hon Groenewald, can you continue with your debate?
Mr D D D VAN ROOYEN: Oh, I just wanted to check with him if he’s ready to tell the nation who killed Chris Hani. Who killed Chris Hani?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Van Rooyen, you are abusing your right to speak on the floor. Hon Groenewald, please take to the podium.
The MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Another aspect we must also realise, hon President, is criminality in South Africa and that crime is of such a nature ...
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Groenewald, can you take your
seat? There’s a hand at the back. Hon member?
IsiZulu:
Mnu F B MFIKI: Sihlalo, nginephuzu lokukhalima okuphambukayo, u-Frans Mfiki lona wase-Mqanduli ... Nxamalala! Msholozi! [Ubuwelewele.]
English:
Welcome to this Parliament. [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon member, what you are doing is not allowed in the House. Hon Groenewald, can you proceed please?
The MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Our people do not feel safe in South Africa. To address that, we will have to look at the criminal justice system as a whole because that plays an important role if we want to build the economy.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Groenewald, can you take your
seat please? There’s a hand right at the back.
Mr M G MAHLAULE: My apologies, hon Groenewald. I’m not raising an order against you. I’m rising on Rule 40(c) of the Joint Rules with regard to people who deliberately undermine the authority of the Chairperson. Action should be taken in terms of that because what we see here are members deliberately acting disorderly in the House. Chair, I want to ask you to put an end to that. We are not in a circus here. Hon Ndlozi just rises and gives a lecture as if he’s a pastor here in the House. Thank you very much.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, we are all expected to respect the decorum of the House and therefore as such all of us have the responsibility to conduct ourselves in a manner that is befitting. What we’ve been doing is unheard of. Please don’t push us to take decisions that we are not interested in
... [Interjections.] ... and therefore, can we please allow hon Groenewald to continue with his debate?
The MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Crime must be addressed
... the criminal justice system. We know that unemployment in South Africa is about 42%. When we refer to young people of South Africa, we talk about 60% unemployment.
The question that must be asked is about what the hon President said yesterday. He said it is the priorities we will have to attend to. Everyone must ask him or herself if they agree that the policies and the matters that the President has put on the table are priorities. If we deal with the priorities then we can have success.
What is also of utmost importance is our local governments. If you establish a factory or a business, it is part of a specific municipality. We must look at the infrastructure.
The FF Plus also very strongly supports the fact that appointments must be based on merit. We must ensure that we get the best people to do the job. We must be honest with each other. At the moment we have officials, whether they are cadre deployments, who are not qualified to do their job. Then we have people who are qualified but they don’t do their job. We must ensure that that is corrected.
Afrikaans:
Die VF Plus het vir die kiesers van Suid-Afrika in sy veldtog gesê, kom ons herstel en bou. Ons is almal deel van Suid- Afrika. As die skip sink, sink ons almal saam. Dit maak nie saak aan watter politieke party jy behoort nie. Omdat die VF Plus gesê het ons moet herstel en bou, is daar besluit om te sê hier is ’n geleentheid om te sê kom ons herstel en ons bou.
English:
However, we must also be honest. We can’t have policies only on paper. We as government, and note I say we, have the responsibility to ensure that it is implemented. We have the responsibility to ensure that we implement those policies. As the hon President once said, the seat you have in Parliament does not belong to you but to the people. We must be
accountable to the people and the FF Plus will ensure that we restore and build.
The PREMIER OF LIMPOPO (Dr P C Ramathuba): Hon Madam Speaker, the Chair of the National Council of Provinces, the President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa; the Deputy President ... [Interjections.] ...
Mr N NDHLELA: Hon Chair, we have the former statesman in the House, he has not been recognised. Please, recognise President Jacob Zuma for being in the House!
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon premier, can you, please, take the podium.
The PREMIER OF LIMPOPO (Dr P C Ramathuba): Hon Deputy President ...
Xitsonga:
Tatana Mashatile ...
English:
Members of the two Houses, ladies and gentlemen, I rise on behalf of the descendants of the warriors of Sikhukhune, the
descendants of the warriors of Makhado, of the descendants of the warriors of Nghunghunyane, of Mokopane and of many other great warriors whose land we continue to make the lives of their residents better.
I rise on behalf of the sons and daughters of the rain making queen and on the rain making powers of queen Mojaji to welcome and support the opening address by our President ...
Tshivenda:
... Vho-Matamela, Matamela Zwivhuya Ramaphosa, vha ne vha tshi posa misevhe yavho ya sala yo ima ngeno ya vho iwe vhanwe i tshi wela fhasi.
English:
Which has chartered a path that we shall follow as we grow this country together. I stand here today on the shoulders of mme Charlotte Maxeke, Stella Mabitse-Sexwale, Mam’Lydia Ngwenya-Komape, Kgoshikgadi Madinoge and the pioneering spirit of Manche Masemola. I am here under the tutelage of the great Peter Nchabeleng, Joyce Mashamba, Vuledzani Bulala, Norman Mashabane and Tshifhiwa Muofhe. It is the youthful and revolutionary poise of Peter Mokaba, Collins Chabane, Tracey Malatji and Frans Mohlala that set me at peace here today.
Pharephare Mothupi, Elias Ramalivha, Lawrence Phokanoka, Mark Shope and many other sons and daughters of Limpopo have fought to see where Limpopo is today, they have paved the way for our democratic government and service provision in Limpopo.
Reflecting on the achievements of the Limpopo government since 1994, it is evident that we have made significant progress in consolidating democratic governance and providing basic services to our residents. The people of Limpopo that we rise on their behalf have consistently shown their support for the democratic system, as evidenced by their recent election of the ANC as the ruling party. Rejecting all those, hon , who desperately tried very hard along tribal lines using our traditional leaders to try to divide our people hence you saw the 74%.
Our province has seen remarkable improvements in the provision of essential services such as – if you go back to 1976, electricity supply was at 36% today we are at 97% hon Minister Ramokgopa; access to piped water was at 33,5% in 1996, in 2010 we improved to 84%; and we know what happened in resulting to it dropping to 69,1%. We welcome your pronouncement, Mr President, in making sure that the people of Limpopo rural as they are, deserve water because they also form part of the
liberation struggle. Our rural communities must be provided with clean drinking water. 2022), in 1996 sanitation was at some stage at 27% today we are at 63,1%. Our roads from
2 500km in 1994 that were tarred to today at 7000km that has been either tarred or paved.
Despite many challenges this and many other developments have made Limpopo the great province that it is today. We have greatly enhanced the quality of life for our residents.
Limpopo’s economy has undergone significant transformation since 1994. Despite facing challenges such as slow economic growth, unemployment and inequality the province boasts a wealth of mineral resources, fertile agricultural land and tourist attractions that have contributed to its economic development.
Mr President, we are a rural province, and I must emphasise, and building an inclusive economy which also drives rural economic transformation is what we need the most currently. Our province has consistently demonstrated the ability to feed itself. Our people have already demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that even without large tracks of farm land, they are farmers in their own right who can produce for their own livelihood.
Recent statistics show that Limpopo is leading in food security, its people can cultivate food for their own survival. This fits well with your directive of prioritising rural development and together we must focus on supporting them to now use agriculture for commercial purposes. They have proven to you that they can farm, so, what more do you want from them except support them.
We have started engagements with business focusing on enhancing manufacturing capability, agro-processing of agricultural produce and establishing mineral beneficiation capacity in Limpopo, with an aim of reducing the transportation of raw material that could easily be processed in our province and thus create jobs. Gone will be the days very soon that of exporting all tomatoes raw as they are without having to manufacture tomato source. Gone will be the days when we continuously export timber but have to import a toothpick.
As a province we need to start there. It might appear small but it will go a long way in creating jobs for our people. The mining sector which accounts for 26% of the province’s GDP in 2023 has been a key driver of economic growth, creating employment opportunities and fostering sustainable
development. Similarly, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, tourism, and the gaming sector have contributed significantly to the province’s economy, highlighting the diverse economic landscape of Limpopo.
Looking ahead to the Seventh Administration, our strategic focus will be on water and road infrastructure development, youth empowerment through skills development and job creation, and economic transformation through mining beneficiation,
agro-processing and renewable energy initiatives. We are committed to accelerating industrialisation of Limpopo by finalising the establishment and operationalisation of the Special Economic Zones, SEZs, our Musina-Makhado and the Fetakgomo-Tubatse. These will drive economic growth, attract investment and create sustainable enterprises.
We are actively engaging with the national government to expedite the approval of the Fetakgomo-Tubatse SEZ proposal and upgrade the Gateway International Airport to serve as a vital cargo hub in the Southern African Development Community, SADC, region. Our other catalytic projects including the revitalisation of industrial parks in Seshego, Lebowakgomo, Shayandima and Nkowankowa and the Polokwane logistics hub,
aims to enhance economic opportunities and promote the development of local industries.
Limpopo has been consistently ranked amongst the top three destinations for both domestic and international tourists. I still insist that up to this day, when God created a man, I don’t want to even imagine where He was and what inspired Him to create this gender, but I can without fear of contradiction that when God created a woman He was situated in Waterberg inspired by the beauty of its biosphere. We would want to capitalise on this market, especially the region of international travelers who must come to explore more routes that we shall have develop, including the route that celebrates Limpopo’s contribution to the liberation wars against colonialism and freedom with direct links to the rest of the SADC region.
It is an open secret that even the uMkhonto weSizwe, the real uMkhonto weSizwe, when it was formed they were inspired by King Sekhukhune when he led the ...
Sepedi:
Sebatakgomo.
English:
By harnessing the potential of tourism and ... [Inaudible.]
... market, we seek to further boost economic growth and create employment opportunities in Limpopo. When hon members in your different provinces you speak about the big five, we in Limpopo, the descendants of Makhado in Vhembe District we speak about the big six. You will be asking me what is that? I am inviting you to visit this district where you will see the biggest Boabab tree in the whole world. [Applause.]
Madam Speaker, youth development is a key priority for us and we are committed to reskilling young people to meet the demands of an industrialised economy. In addition to our industrialisation strategy, we have prioritised skills development as a key pillar to advance sustainable youth development programme. We believe that even if we ... Our partnership with Tshwane University of Technology and the Department of Higher Education and Training will in not so distant future see a new university campus in Giyani established. The province is committed to see the successful completion of this university.
As I conclude, road infrastructure is another key enabler of inclusive economic growth especially for our local rural
economy. Therefore, road maintain is not only key for locals to access services such as schools, healthcare, police stations, grave yards and traditional councils amongst others, but also to move their goods from one area to another as I have already indicated that they are farmers in their own right. Out of more than 20 000km roads that we have in the province, 13 400km are neither tarred nor paved. Hence, we agree with you, Mr President, that yellow fleets must be able to reach those areas.
In my language, in my province, we call them Dikgeregere. Hence, we have Dikgerekgere Wednesday. I must declare to this House that Dikgerekgere project has nothing to do with a tender, many of you will be salivating to think of another project. It is an insourced programme where we are currently using the yellow fleet that we have and the staff that we have.
What we need from the Minister of Transport and the Minister of Public Works is more allocation towards Dikgerekgere. In conclusion, I am reminded of the words of Desmond Tutu who said: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” [Time expired.]
Mr R A P TROLLIP: Hon Chairperson, hon President, sadly, last night was a déjà vu moment for me and all too many South Africans. Your understandable sales pitch for your new government and promises might have sounded fantastic to the naïve amongst us, but the electorate who showed their jaundice towards your last government know that these were flights of fantasy because, hon President, we don't trust you anymore, we don't believe you anymore.
We haven't seen a smart city; all we see is broken cities. We've heard your we will do speeches so often, but we've never heard you say “we have done” speech in Parliament before. You have started your second term in office badly by appointing almost 20% of the people in this Parliament to your Cabinet.
That says to the people of South Africa that your government is more important than they are. While some in this House are going to go to court about what you call your government, we don't care.
If I can borrow from Romeo and Juliet, “What's in a name? That which you call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”
South Africans want change. They want security, dignity and the independence of a job. They took your previous majority away because you couldn't grow the economy, create jobs, deliver services to them effectively and keep them safe in their homes. You need to repair our international reputation before we will be able to attract the foreign direct investment so badly needed to grow our economy. Investors want political stability. They want policy certainty. You need to get us off the international grey listing. You need to stop corruption.
You need to eradicate violent crime. Being one of the most violent nations in the world where women are objectified, routinely abused and murdered is a disgrace. Criminality is entrenched in our society, and we experience it daily with wanton and uncontrolled theft, vandalism and destruction of our economic and service delivery infrastructure. This drives away investment and destroys our economy. Last night, you claimed that 80% of all passenger rail services are operational again. That is not a fact. It's not true.
South Africa has extraordinary mineral and agricultural wealth, virtually unparalleled environmental endowment, including an incredibly richly diverse marine life with a
spectacular coastline. But most importantly, what South Africa has is the most prized attraction of 400 years ago and remains so now, is our geopolitical global positioning and marvellous climate. Why can't you leverage that? With all these bounties, we should be a thriving country with a world-topping economy. We know that our history has militated against this and prevented us achieving our full potential. So, let's not entrench our uncontrollable volition to undermine ourselves and to continue to drive ourselves apart.
In this regard, I want to caution South Africans and your government not to be distracted nor to succumb to the self- harm disorder that some political parties display in this House. As Hamlet pondered in Shakespeare's soliloquy, these parties display a schizophrenic characteristic, “to be or not to be.” Their paradoxical offer won't fix anything.
We need an El Salvador rehabilitation such as that being led by President Nayib Bukele Ortez, from being the most violent country in South America to the most peaceful country in South America in two years. You need to stop crime. You need to stop corruption. You need to stop the service delivery mafia by declaring war on those who perpetrate these crimes. In this
regard, ... [Interjections.] ... it can’t be. It can’t be
time.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: There is a watch in front of you, hon member.
Mr R A P TROLLIP: I beg your pardon? I can’t hear you.
[Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: There is a watch in front of you, hon member, please round up.
Mr R A P TROLLIP: I am going to round up like the previous speaker for a while. As we watch the inevitable public exposure of the incorrigible theft of the poor people’s live savings from the VBS Bank, you must know that this is going to detonate the inevitable demand for public exposure of the Phala Phala saga and your government’s survival will depend on your innocence or guilt because, Mr President, corruption, large or small, must be dealt with equally. We will not fall in the trap that your newfound partners have of equivocation and making odious comparisons of extent.
We will not allow Phala Phala to become this Parliament’s fire pool disgrace. We as Action SA, will give you a benefit of doubt as you are a new government, but if you do not fix the problems of this country ... [Interjections.] ... I’m just rounding up like the previous speaker ... the elections ... [Interjections.] ... I’m rounding up. [Time expired.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, the time is 13:00. We are breaking for lunch. We are expected to come back at 14:00. I am told lunch is served at the Banquet Hall on the second floor. Bells will be rung 10 minutes before the start of the next session. Thank you very much.
BUSINESS SUSPENDED AT 13:03 AND RESUMED AT 14:02
Business resumed at 14:02.
The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mr A Winde): Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker and let me congratulate you. This seventh administration really feels very different having a Madam Deputy Speaker such as yourself calling me to the stage. Mr President, Mr Deputy President, Ministers and hon members, I must say that yesterday when the President made his speech on a very appropriate date in this august City Hall, I could
feel the spirit of Tata Nelson Mandela in this very House. Mr President, I could feel the spirit of hope and optimism for our country and I could feel the same thing in the lekgotla over the weekend. Hope and optimism ... something that together we are going to build a better future for our children and our grandchildren. ... the responsibility given to each and every one of us by the voters in this country and to me by the voters in this very province.
Mr President, the weavers and builders of the Western Cape are ready to play their part in building South Africa and to play their part in supporting this Government of National Unity, GNU. However, Mr President, we will not only support the GNU but we will also make sure that the Western Cape plays its part in building a better future. However, Mr President, at the same time we have a lot of work to do. We will also hold this GNU to account on behalf of the citizens of the Western Cape. Sometimes there will be robust debate because I am absolutely committed to making sure that at the same time, on behalf of the citizens of this great province of the Western Cape, we do the very best we can to build a better Western Cape while we are building a better South Africa. [Applause.]
Mr President, I want to base everything I do in saying that we need to give everyone an absolute fair chance. Therefore, my first point that I want to raise on behalf of the citizens of this province of the Western Cape is that we need to make sure that we get our fair share. Mr President, we know that this province is currently the fastest-growing province in South Africa. We heard that at the lekgotla from the Statistician- General. We know that we are now the province with the third most citizens; the third largest population in our country.
However, Mr President, we get the fifth largest budget. We need to make sure ... and I will fight in this province for our fair share of the Budget. [Applause.]
Mr President, I will also work with the province of Gauteng and the province of KwaZulu-Natal. They also need to make sure that they get a fair share of the Budget because we are fast- growing. I promise you it is education and it is health that feel the brunt because we have more and more learners ... and more and more patients in our hospitals.
However, Mr President, I really do welcome the call yesterday. I welcome this GNU’s positioning that we feel around a massive disaster. As I speak and as we walked out for lunch it was still pouring with rain in this province. We have had more
than a week of solid rain and devastating weather, with more than 200 000 citizens in this province displaced because of this weather incident that has now been declared a disaster. There are more than 44 000 structures damaged and destroyed
... many, many roads. As I stand here, more than 70 roads are still under water.
However, Mr President, it is about disasters and I must say to Minister Hlabisa and to the Deputy Minister, for the way that you reacted to this disaster, there's a new feeling behind this GNU. On Friday we wrote to the Minister, saying this needs to be declared a disaster. On Friday, we got an answer that said yes. [Applause.] On Monday, the Minister and the Deputy Minister came to visit. I want to say thank you very much. There's a new feeling of building a new and better country.
However, Mr President, we will still fight in policing. Minister Mchunu, thank you very much for coming to visit us tomorrow to come and listen because our citizens feel gangsterism and crime every day. I am still going to work with you but I'm going to fight for more devolution of power. I do believe it's the right thing to do and I believe we will base it on data and evidence. Together we will come up with
solutions that will make it safer for the citizens in our province. [Applause.]
Mr President, I will support you on infrastructure because if we don't have infrastructure that enables the growth and economic growth of our province and our country, we will not be able to deliver what we need to deliver, which is electrical infrastructure, road infrastructure ...
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon Premier, your time has expired.
The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mr A Winde): Do I not get a closing comment, Madam Deputy Speaker?
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Sorry, no.
The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Mr A Winde): I can't even do what was done before lunch. I hereby commit the Western Cape to building a better South Africa and to supporting the GNU but we will make sure that this province gets its fair share while we are playing our fair part. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF TRADE, INDUSTRY AND COMPETITION: Deputy
Speaker, presiding officers of Parliament, President and Deputy President of the Republic, members of national executive, Members of Parliament, ladies and gentlemen. Quite clearly, our country is standing at a crossroads. On the one hand, we face a tipping point if we maintain the status quo responsible for South Africa not realising its full potential. On the other hand, we can positively disrupt this status quo with pragmatic interventions that yield positive outcomes. As the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, group, our decision is clear, in working to support and enhance the programmes instructively outlined by the President in his speech last night. This is important especially if we calculate the costs of poverty which constitutes 60% of the national budget. The reality is that we have to adopt a mission-oriented approach to industrial policy and strategy as articulated by Mariana Mazzucato. As Mazzucato argues, “such a strategy is about co-creating markets instead of fixing markets and designing reciprocal partnerships around shared goals that produce shared value.” She further argues that “It requires a view of the state not just as a market fixer, but rather as a market shaper”.
As such, we must implement with laser focus, the programme of priorities outlined in the Government of National Unity, GNU, to benefit all South Africans, most particularly, women, youth and people with disabilities. If we do not implement these programmatic priorities of social justice, redress, and poverty alleviation, then our nation-building and social cohesion projects will remain an elusive ideal. In line with what was said by the President when talking about smart industrial policy, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition group will implement sectoral plans building on the successes recorded in the automotive, clothing and textiles, retail, and agro-processing sectors. Every year, the South African economy spends 25% of the national wealth created on imported goods. Not only is this propensity to import much greater than our competitor countries, but it is also out of sync with our developmental needs. We will reverse this in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, green industries, food products and manufactured goods amongst others.
Smart industrial policies and programmes are being implemented to respond to the global market trends towards electric vehicles. As you know, in February this year the Minister of Finance announced that the government will introduce an investment allowance for new investments. This will see
producers having the opportunity to claim 150 percent of qualifying investment expenditure ... [No Recording.]
Mr W M THRING: [Inuadible] ... the ACDP agrees, Mr President, that we have a responsibility for each other, and our
well-being cannot be separated from that of our fellow South Africans. This is a responsibility that we as politicians and indeed you, Mr President, cannot renege on four, we are our brother’s keeper.
The first two government of national unity, GNU, priorities of driving inclusive growth and job creation, and secondly, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living is going to be a mammoth task. Why? Because we are currently facing a fiscal crisis. We have a debt to gross domestic product, GDP of some 74%, a budget deficit of over 300 billion, which will be added to the already accumulated debt of over five trillion.
Our debt service costs are crowding out key service delivery programs from our different departments. We have a shrinking check space, where three million taxpayers, contribute 95% of government revenue. We have one of the highest unemployment
rates in the world. Budgets in most departments have been cut and austerity measures implemented.
Mr President, the red tape that you have spoken of, over so many years. Has now become so long that it is strangled, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, SMMEs, and economic growth. This, Mr President, has happened under your watch. Adding five more years to your nine wasted years.
So, what budget cuts mean is that for the next financial year, service delivery will be impeded. Your third priority of building a capable and ethical and developmental state, points to a current incapable state. Incapable of carrying out programs set in our department’s annual performance plan, APPs, incapable of carrying out effective service delivery, evidenced by all of the service delivery protests across the country.
Incapable of protecting our communities, evidenced by our high crime rate and drug infested communities where police men and women are under attack. Additionally, underscored by a murder rate of 70 people per day and over 130 women that are raped in South Africa every day.
And so, when we speak of building a capable ethical developmental state. It is against this backdrop that it has to be created.
Mr President, our President Dr Moshoe warned you about inviting the judgment of God upon yourself and your party, regarding the hypocritical international position taken on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, let this be your second warning.
The ACDP agrees with the economic growth that is inclusive and transformational. We disagree on the how paradigm and have stated multiple times that race based policies are a hindrance to structural reform and economic growth.
The ACDP has an unselfish love and commitment to the people of South Africa. We strive and will continue to strive to use our skills, talents and resources to enhance South Africa’s competitive and comparative advantages and leverage on our economies of scale, so as to grow our industrial base and reduce unemployment. This is the commitment of the ACDP to South Africa. Thank you. [Time expired.]
Adv G BREYTENBACH: Madam Deputy Speaker, hon members, as a matter of legal history, it is broadly accepted that there
were two primary evils of the apartheid legal order: parliamentary supremacy and strict legal positivism.
Parliamentary supremacy in simple terms, meant that Parliament could pass laws in an unconstrained manner, and those who applied the law had to give effect to these laws, irrespective of whether they believed it to be right or wrong.
In this regard, former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke pointed out that:
Under apartheid, Parliament enjoyed supremacy and no Constitution or Bill of rights provided any fetter on its legislative powers. Oppressive laws passed by Parliament could, for the most part, not be challenged by the courts. The apartheid regime was sustained by a lack of accountability and the construct of parliamentary sovereignty. At the time when the South African Parliament enjoyed parliamentary sovereignty, the Appellate Division - and the judiciary more generally - was a weak check on Parliament’s powers.
Parliament was able to make laws without substantive constraints; it essentially enjoyed a monopoly on power.
Other academic legal scholars have also analysed the damage caused by the system of parliamentary supremacy and the related tendency for other state organs to simply apply the laws.
In this regard, one such commentator remarked that it is essential that we should learn to say no to unwarranted parliamentary violations of human rights. And advocated for the establishment of a true human rights culture in our country, arguing forcefully there to achieve this rule of law must be strongly supported.
Deputy Speaker, hon members, this commentator is none other than Dr John , in a learned article in the South African Law Journal of February 1995. It is very same Dr who now proclaims that our legal system, the one transformed from an apartheid-enabling system to one founded on the rule of law and human rights, is nothing but a system imposed upon us by our former colonisers and is, if not the problem, then at least part of the problem, in our country.
He is of course now the leader of the MK party in this House. A cursory reading of the election manifesto of the MK party
makes it very clear that they are not constitutionally inclined.
Their goal, clearly stated, is to destroy our Constitution. A Constitution painstakingly drafted, lauded internationally and one that has served us well. MK would replace our constitutional democracy with a government of parliamentary supremacy. Now we know from our painful history that it is precisely that structure of government that gave rise to apartheid, the passing of racially discriminatory laws and causing of untold misery to all South Africans.
Yet, upon entering the service of South Africans in this House, all MK Members of Parliament, MPs, like all other MPs, swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution.
Those who drafted our Constitution did not contemplate a situation where those found wanting when entrusted with upholding our Constitution, could simply move to another position, where the same obligation is to be sworn to.
However, the drafters in their infinite wisdom gifted us with a safeguard that to break down constitutional supremacy and
the rule of law requires the support of least 75% of the members of this House.
They did this because they realised that we needed a definitive break with parliamentary supremacy if our constitutional democracy is to withstand those who try to subvert it. This firewall we will work ceaselessly to protect.
The parliamentary leader of MK also swore an oath to uphold the Constitution when he became a Judge. An oath that he regarded with such frivolity that he has become the first Judge to be impeached in democratic South Africa, for behaviour so odious, so beyond the pale that he was found guilty of gross misconduct by the Judicial Services Commission.
Now this is the man who is before you all today. A man who swore an oath, repeatedly, to defend and uphold our Constitution, yet he now has now stated intent to destroy our constitutional democracy. This is the type of political smoke and mirror game that is to be expected, a true homecoming for someone who has seemingly always seen himself as a politician. A man who cannot be trusted. [Applause.]
Our Constitution embodies a “never again” moment ...
[Interjection]
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon member, would you please take a seat. There is a point of order.
Adv B J MKHWEBANE: Deputy Speaker, I rise on the point of order: Rule 53 is very clear that we can’t have a member insinuating or insulting and disrespectful to another Member of Parliament. Rule 53 is very key, so if hon Breytenbach can withdraw that because she forgets herself that she’s from National Prosecuting Authority NPA, she was charged criminally. So, she can’t impugn this to another member of Parliament. Thank you.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, hon member, in your point of order, you in fact did the exact same thing as what you are accusing the hon member on the podium. Hon members, order. Hon Breytenbach you came extremely close, to falling foul of Rule
53. So please proceed.
Adv G BREYTENBACH: Deputy Speaker, I see it as a ... our Constitution embodies a “never again” moment: never again will we allow the rule of men to threaten our democracy, our human
rights and our freedoms. We will work ceaselessly during this seventh administration, from one debate to the next, to expose those who yearn for the system that enabled personal ambitions to trump the law. I thank you.
Mr S O R MAHUMAPELO: Madam Deputy Speaker and the collective of the presidium, the President and the collective of the executive, the collective of the hon members who are the first line and the last line of defence in executing oversight over the executive, all members who are following the proceedings of today here on the debate of the speech of the President, from the outset, we need to make it plainly clear that our quest to build a better Africa and a better world is a necessary strategic goal that we need to strive for.
This necessary strategy goal is anchored on three pillars. The first pillar is our national interest which must under all circumstances supersede any other interest. The second pillar is the necessary understanding that the struggle we prosecute to build a better Africa and better world is the struggle that is in perpetuity. It is like a road that is perpetually under construction. The third pillar is based on the understanding that the ANC is not in the business of political pendulum
because the ANC ideologically is very much steadfast. It
doesn’t act like a pendulum.
Therefore, this necessary understanding of the third pillar is important because building a better Africa and a better world is something which we, as the leadership collectively, have to understand that its dynamics are based on us having to internalise the fact that we must master the art of managing contradictions globally. It is in this context to not only understand, but to internalise the reality that the leadership to whom we bestow the responsibility to build a better Africa and a better world must at all material times seek to improve their individual and collective understanding, as I’ve already said.
We must also make it patently clear that our approach as the ANC on matters of international relations and co-operation is premised on solid principles of democracy, peace, respect for sovereignty, anti-imperialism, co-operation, respect and adherence to the rule of law, among other things. Bequeathed to us as this House and the society in general, it is the unparalleled international solidarity work done by President Oliver Tambo and the ANC when they spared no energy, no strength, to do work with the international community to bring
about democracy in this country. Everything that they embarked upon to make sure that we annihilate, throttle, weaken, and ultimately defeat the monster of colonialism and apartheid which was declared a crime against humanity by the United Nations, was done to precision and at all material times, making sure that the entire globe is mobilised behind that task.
In the same context, beseeched to us as a living generation is the practical step as part of our international solidarity.
Undertaken, we welcomed and supported - which was welcomed and supported by the Algerian people - when Nelson Mandela went out as part of practical expression of solidarity and got training for military purposes of executing the struggle in our country.
When the Land Act was introduced by our oppressors in 1913, the leaders of our people, through the then SA Native National Congress, Sanac, sought to embark on various initiatives internationally, as part of diplomacy through deportations and petitions to make sure that Britain hears the call of South Africans here, for them to get their land back. One-hundred and eleven years later, we are still firm on the international solidarity work to build a better Africa and a better world.
This work that we do, whether it’s on Palestine, whether it’s making sure that we participate in the United Nations and all its ancillary bodies, making sure that there’s peace in the African continent, making sure that we as a country, the SADC work that is aimed at - not only developing SADC economies - but also making sure that we co-operate with our SADC countries to build neighbourliness is part of our approach as the ANC on international relations.
We have 370 trade agreements. Those trade agreements in the long term should find expression in the type of South Africa we seek to build which is non-sexist, non-racial and prosperous. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, Brics, work that we do with countries that have been in Brics and those that have joined Brics, is aimed at nothing else but making sure that we continue our quest to build a better Africa and a better world.
The economy of Africa that we are trying to build integrate and grow through the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, is aimed also at making sure that part of the integration of the African continent includes necessary matters of growing its economies. I want to, Madam Speaker as
I conclude because I can see the time is running out, to quote Pixley ka Isaka Seme. Pixley ka Isaka Seme said:
Today, we as the African people, the animosity that exists between the Zulus and the Tongas, between the Basutos and every other native must be buried and forgotten; it has shed among us sufficient blood! We are one people. These divisions, these jealousies, are the cause of all our woes and of all our backwardness and ignorance.
We, the African people, it is utmost necessary to bequeath to future generations. A crystalized solid and shakeable African unity upon which a non-racial, non-sexist, and a proper society will be built. This is an almost solemn prerequisite for us to succeed in building a better Africa and a better world.
Setswana:
Ke a leboga Mmusakgotla. [Legofi.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE NCOP: Hon Deputy Speaker, Hon Speaker, Mme [Ms] Didiza, hon Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mme Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of South Africa, President
Ramaphosa, the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, the President of SA Local Government Association, Salga, hon members.
The official opening of the democratically elected 7th democratic Parliament yesterday marked yet another important chapter in the evolution of our constitutional democracy.
We are truly humbled that the official opening of the 7th Parliament took place on a day that is dedicated to honour and celebrate the indelible legacy of the icon of global peace, humanity and freedom, the late former President Nelson Mandela.
As we honour the iconic life of President Nelson Mandela in his self service to humanity, we reaffirm our pledge to continue to work untiringly to liberate all our people from the persistent bondages of the legacy of poverty, deprivation, suffering and all forms of discrimination and suffering that our people face.
We do so because we me live and see in practice the concept of ‘The People Shall Govern’ that the Freedom Charter spoke of in 1955.
To achieve this, we must have a People’s Parliament and Parliamentary Constituency Offices that are used as springboards for community outreach work. These offices must be the hubs for advice, the engine rooms for discussion and centres where communities can receive.
We must appreciate the confidence in which our President took us into by convening the 7th Parliament, this Joint Sitting, to be able to take through the priorities that the Government of National Unity, GNU, has identified.
This is a confirmation that as the 7th Parliament, we reassure you, President, that this will be an activist Parliament.
The President has correctly characterized the 29 May national and provincial elections and their outcome that will go down in the narration of the profound stories for our democratic transition as one of the key chronicles of change since 1994. They are among the most critical watersheds in the evolution of our democracy.
We deeply appreciate the role that our masses, our people and their political mass democratic movements, religious formations, women, youth, business, traditional leaders have
played in making sure that these elections further reaffirm our common destiny.
As the ANC we take part in this debate with clear conscience that the formation of an inclusive Government of National Unity under the leadership of the mighty ANC remains a viable reality dictated by the popular will of the people.
And as the Freedom Charter proclaims, there is no government that can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.
We commit to rally the 7th Parliament behind the President’s vision because it is based on the government’s 30-Year Review of South Africa’s democracy, which provided detailed boilerplate of the state of our nation and documents in greatest detail the significant successes that our nation has made since fall of apartheid in 1994.
Of course, it also narrates stark challenges that our people still face as we steadfastly wage a concerted battle against the legacy of apartheid, colonialism, segregation and apartheid spatial settlement.
The malignance of corruption, hard-pressed state capacity to provide basic services to the people, especially the local government and the poor economic performance are among the critical setbacks and challenges of the democratic state over the recent past that the President has correctly identified as among key strategic priorities for the 7th Administration.
As identified in the Diagnostic Report of the National Planning Commission, the fragmented planning, competing roles and poor policy coordination are among the key areas in the three spheres of our democratic governance, that has to be attended to.
Hon President, as the ANC we reaffirm our pledge to the people of South Africa to work with everyone and all sectors of our society in pursuit of Nelson Mandela’s vision of a better future. We owe it to the legacy of President Nelson Mandela to join all our efforts in ensuring that our constitution remains the firm and sole roadster that binds in to the shared agenda, founded on values of human dignity.
The Constitution locates the National Council of Provinces as the only legislative chamber whose oversight straddles across the three spheres of system of democratic governance. This
gives it the unique and differentiated oversight role with immense possibilities not only to strengthen integrated
co-operative governance amongst the three spheres of our system of democratic governance, these three sphere that are distinct, interrelated and interdependent. But, therefore, the role of the NCOP at the cutting edge of strengthening our system of local government cannot be overemphasized.
The NCOP has flagship programmes that we’ll be pursuing as part and parcel of strengthening Parliament as activist one: Taking Parliament to the People, the NCOP Provincial Week Programme and the NCOP Local Government Week. These programmes have deepened dialogue among the three spheres.
Also, as the 7th Parliament, we recommit ourselves to ensure that the District Development Model will also be on our radar.
Mr President and hon members, among the abiding critical lessons of the last 30 years of our democracy ere three interrelated fundamental questions that require honest conversation and policy rethink if we are to turn our system of local government around in a more meaningful way. Firstly, is the current funding model for local government appropriate to address the developmental challenges of our communities?
Secondly, how do we measure up the success of our democracy and the intervention of Parliament in the midst of municipalities that fail to fulfil their obligations in terms of the Constitution?
And lastly, to what extent has our current public participation model foster a responsive activist People’s Parliament?
The planning cycle of the committees of the 7th Administration will definitely ensure that these three fundamental questions are responded to.
But critical to that is the issue of public participation. Because, Mr President, in the seminal Lamosa judgement the court has outlined two interrelated important points when it comes to the importance of public participation. Firstly, the duty of Parliament to provide meaningful opportunity for participation; and secondly, the obligation and commitment by Parliament to demonstrate the willingness to integrate people’s voices in the policy making, and if not so, evidence to the effect why the views are not being integrated.
In the same breadth, the success of our oversight must be measured by the impact that it makes in changing the lives of our people. This will require conscious and deliberate scrutiny of the reports of the relevant Chapter 9 institutions and partnering with them around key service delivery issues.
Mr President allow me, in conclusion, to assure you and the collective leadership of the ANC that we are fully behind you and history will vindicate you for having risen to the challenges when it was so much required by avoiding to play to the public gallery by avoiding nearer choices narrow choices that could have deepened the polarisation of this country along the identities defined by the apartheid colonial heritage.
You have stood true to the historic mission of the founding fathers of the ANC to unite the people in their diversity for the pursuit of one common national destiny of a better quality of life for all.
We pledge ourselves to continue supporting you, your efforts to liberate all our people from the continuing bondages of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender oppression and other discrimination.
We recommit ourselves to working tirelessly to ensure that the reconstruction of our nation is complete and triumph in the effort to implant hope in the hearts of our people. Ke a leboga, Motlatsammusakgotla. [Legofi.] [Thank you, Deputy Speaker.] [Applause.]
Mr N L S KWANKWA: Hon Deputy Speaker ...
IsiXhosa:
... mna andizi kuthetha ngeentaka ndidibene nazo apha endleleni.
English:
Hon Deputy Speaker, democratic governance is always in a state of flux. It goes through various phases, which is constructed, deconstructed, and reconstructed. South Africans have asked us to reconstruct our democratic systems of governance. In so doing, I think what is important for us is the development of an overarching national narrative about what should be the priorities and development goals of our country as we go forward. And we do so in a manner that ensures that there is no contradiction between our founding principles or whatever programme we are going to develop and the social realities on the ground.
The other important issue, President, is that it is clear when you hold to account the various government departments where there has been no alignment between the National Development Plan, NDP, and some of the annual performance plans of the different departments. If plans are going to be developed for the next five years, it is important the medium-term development plan you were talking about, and it is important that there is alignment so that people are held to account for the targets that they are going to set going forward.
President, South Africa faces a cost-of-living crisis of gargantuan proportions with rocketing food and fuel prices, while aggressive interest rate hikes erode our people’s disposable income.
According to research conducted recently, the annual average of household food basket has increased by whooping 64% from 2019 to 2023, and Statistics SA General Household Survey showed an indication that in 2022, social grants became number two source of income for households in our country, which means our people are living in poverty. But what is even worse is that while the R350 which provides our people with a much- needed relief is important, it falls short of the inflation adjusted national food poverty line, which stands at about 760
per person, per month, which means we require the introduction of a basic income grant. Considering the issues and the myriads of socioeconomic challenges facing the country, such as the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment, it is morally difficult to justify a minimalist state that provides no social security net for the poor.
However, a durable solution to our problem in our country centres around the issue you were cited yesterday, which is reigniting the economic growth of our country and putting our economy back on track. One of the issues you cited was the importance or the need for the reindustrialization of the South African economy. We support that entirely. Why? Because economic literature is replete with empirical evidence about the relationship, especially the positive coloration that exists between reindustrialization or industrialising and development in the country. However, it means that when we implement the new reindustrialization strategy, it must be done in a non-conventional sense: Firstly, for example, it cannot be the domain of one department. We must ensure that it requires an intensive co-ordination across a range of government departments for it to work.
The other issue is that we need to maintain intersectoral linkages that are important to enhance and inform the
robustness of the industrial policy design and implementation across government, meaning it is a mindset, it is not a once of issue.
President, one of the issues which is important for us to consider is where we need to make sure that we maintain our energy independence as much as we are trying to move towards an energy mix because without energy independence, you lose your sovereignty as a country.
Crime intelligence is a challenge and violent crime is a problem in South Africa, which requires the attention of South Africa and us to invest money because our people in communities are living in fear. I have cited this in the Budget Vote of Police ... [Time expired.] ... It is well worth repeating because that is what is destroying our economy.
Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr S S ZIBI: Hon Deputy Speaker, Mr President, the hon Deputy President, members of the executive, and hon members, Mr President, there is little to disagree with in what you said last night in outlining the matters that need yours and our collective urgent attention. The issues keeping South Africans awake at night have been self-evident for years. The goals we
set for dealing with the same are also obvious. Which President would not say they want the best schooling for their country’s children to guarantee a better future for them and our nation? Which President would not say they want safe, prosperous communities? So, Mr President, you said many of the right things.
It is also true to say that we live in a time that demands more of you and demands more of us in this House. We need a new language that reflects a new attitude on the same issues that are the symptoms of our ills as a society. We are a society where public servants live in fear of getting killed, such as Advocate Naude, who was doing work for Sars. She was shot and critically injured in Ethekwini yesterday in broad daylight. She was shot by assailants who strolled over to their getaway car. The Ridge Walk and Drive around, surrounded by people armed with firearms bigger than those carried by your protectors, Mr President. They send a message that says our state is weak and not the centre of democratic power it must be. We are becoming numb to human suffering. Millions of people that in today’s weather, get to confront the depths of the indignity that torments their lives, and that this is where many children are born into inhumanity, grow up in
inhumanity, lose hope, and die poor having never seen the promised land. That, Mr President, is a profound crisis.
It was in this building just over 34 years ago, Mr President, that you, as a much younger man, held the bull’s horn for a revered Madiba as he addressed the South African people the day he walked out of prison. As you know, that was also a time of crisis. It was a crisis so deep that the very birth of our democracy was hailed as a miracle.
Today, we have another profound crisis that needs another miracle. The symbolism of this venue and the fact of Madiba’s birthday yesterday offers you and all of us an opportunity to challenge ourselves anew. I want to challenge you, Mr President, that in your response next week, you speak to the South Africans so. I ask you to do more than offer objectives and targets. I ask you to inspire to unite, not just your Cabinet, but an entire nation crying for new hope. Yesterday you promised that in due course you will revert with clear targets and timelines and fiscal and locations for all the themes you addressed in your speech. Urgency is the currency of the times in which we now live. Bring those commitments back to this House so they can form the basis of the contract Parliament uses to hold the executive accountable. There are
many of us who understand that being here is a sacred duty, so we will do our duty vigorously, but always in good faith, because this is exactly how the founders of our democratic system wanted it to work.
Mr President, you represent the last of the generation that both fought for freedom and lived to lead in what was supposed to be the promised land. None of us has the luxury of time.
Our system of government gives us five years to write a different legacy, and to hand over a patron filled with hope for future generations, who have an opportunity to write through our actions, a brilliant narrative for the next 30 years of our national life. To paraphrase a great Dalibunga, we dare not linger for with freedom come responsibilities. I thank you, Madam Speaker. [Applause.]
Afrikaans:
Mnr V GERICKE: Agb Adjunkspeaker, in die belang van tyd gaan ek net sê, alle protokol gehandhaaf. Gisteraand se openingstoespraak van President Ramaphosa sou mense wat vir die eerste keer na hom geluister het in ekstase en in opgewondenheid gehad het. Dit was gevul met goeie stories en vol beloftes. Ek het ook gehoor van klaarblyklike suksesse, van werkskepping en ekonomiese groei. Ek is meteens herinner
daaraan dat dieselfde storie van beloftes en ’n beter lewe vir almal ook by die President se Thuma Mina toespraak in die 2018 state of the nation address [staatsrede] voorgehou was.
Na sy joviale toespraak en beloftes het egter bitter min vir agtergeblewe Suid-Afrikaners gebeur. Inteendeel, onder die regering van President Ramaphosa het die werkloosheidsyfer die hoogte opgeskiet, informele nedersettings het toegeneem, meer besighede het hul deure toegemaak, dienslewering protesoptogte het toegeneen en geweld en misdaad het deel van ons volk se daaglikse bestaan geword. [Applous.]
As ’n bruin Suid-Afrikaner is ek hewig ontsteld dat my mense se omstandighede onder die Ramaphosa regering verder uitgegaan het. Mnr die President, die bruin volk het ’n vergete volk onder u regering geword. Die bruin volk leef aan die krummels van die base se tafels af. Ons identiteit is vining besig om te verdwyn nadat die grond van ons voorouers met alle mag onder ons aan die ryk wit ontwikkelaars uitverkoop word.
Onder u regering is daar bitter min gedoen om die grondregte van die Khoi en die San volk te herstel. [Applous.] Die sogenaamde proses van restitusie het ’n vae droom vir miljoene bruin mense geword. Bruin mense leef in erger en groter
verdrukking as voor 1994. Swart en bruin kinders sit met kwalifikasies en grade sonder werk. Dit terwyl u daarin roem dat twee miljoen werksgeleenthede deur u regering geskep is. Dit maak nie sin nie. Ons kan dit nêrens sien nie. [Applous.]
Bruin mense in die Wes-Kaap leef in haglike omstandighede. Bendegeweld het ’n daaglikse verskynsel in ons woongebiede geword. Bejaardes, vroue en kinders is gevangenes in hul eie huise en omgewing. Gebiede soos Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha, Guguletu, Hanover Park, Eersterivier, Eldorado Park en vele meer het oorlogsones geword en no-go areas [geen gaan gebiede] geword. Dit terwyl wit gebiede dag en nag deur die SA Polisiediens gepatrolleer word.
’n Totale sosiale verval is veral in bruin gebiede aanwesig. Tienerswangerskappe het die hoogte opgeskiet. Hierdie jong meisies het geen vooruitgang op ’n beter toekoms nie. Hulle enigste hoop is die social grant [maatskaplike toelaag] om hulself en hul kinders aan die lewe te hou. Dit alles is as gevolg van hul omstandighede soos oorbevolking in klein huisies. Baie van hulle het hul oë in ’n agterplaas oopgemaak, in ’n hok groot geword en kinders in dieselfde hok gekry. [Applous.] Dit is die uiterste patetiese omstandighede waarin ons mense hulle onder ’n ANC regering in Suid-Afrika bevind.
Daarom sukkel ek persoonlik om te verstaan waar dit so goed in ons land gaan as die arm massas in sulke omstandighede lewe. [Applous.]
Gesondheidsorg het in groot dele van ons land verval maar u regering wil die National Health Insurance Bill [Nasionale Gesondheidsversekeringswetsontwerp] in ons volk se kele afdruk. Daar is baie gekwalifiseerde dokters wat werkloos is maar tot ’n skande word meer geld onder u bewind gesteel as dokters wat aangestel word.
Die ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... van korrupsie het grootliks onder u regering toegeneem en ’n voetesleep om korrupsie te arresteer het ’n trademark [handelsmerk] van u regering geword. Diegene wat in die binnekring is, is onaantasbaar. Staatsmasjinerie word eerder ingespan om politieke teenstanders te elimineer. [Applous.] Hulle wie die duurste met hul lewens betaal het om ons land van apartheid, diskriminasie en kolonialisme te bevry het dit alles verniet gedoen. Die ideaal van ’n vrye en demokratiese samelewing is in die drein af die oomblik toe u die nasate van apartheid argitekte en begunstigdes in die sogenaamde Regering van Nasionale Eenheid opgeneem het.
Ironies genoeg is die grootste begunstigdes weereens wit Suid- Afrika wat baat by die onderdrukking van bruin, Indiese en swart mense gevind het; weereens wit Suid-Afrika wat baat by mags- en menseregte vergrype gevind het. Hulle vind nou baat. Hoe kan ons vrede maak met ’n Regering van Nasionale Eenheid as die proses van versoening en vergifnis nog nie afgehandel is nie? Ons leef nie in die verlede nie, Mnr Gayton McKenzie.
English:
We don’t live in the past ...
Afrikaans:
Ons leef in die realiteit waarin ons onsself in ’n hedendaagse
Suid-Afrika bevind.
English:
I close, to the embarrassment and disgrace of all freedom fighters and peace-loving people in our country. Some of your Cabinet Ministers, Mr President, defend the inclusion of “Die Stem”, in our National Anthem. [Interjections.] “Die Stem” is a racist, antitransformation, filthy apartheid song that has no place in our democratic dispensation. [Interjections.] It is hurting the racists, the millions of South Africans who suffered the evil of racist white South Africa. “Die Stem” is
a cause of trauma to millions who were oppressed, discriminated against, subjugated, evicted, and forcefully removed in this place.
Today, Mr President ... I close. The EFF reminds you of the Arab Spring of 2010. The facts that led to the uprise were human rights violations, corruption, economic decline, unemployment and extreme poverty, such as experienced in South Africa today.
Your Government of National Unity ... [Time expired.] ... will not be able to stop a similar event if you do not take decisive action and restore the ... [Inaudible.] ... by doing justice to the marginalized poor and vulnerable section of our community. [Interjections.]
Mr M A MAIMANE: Hon members, fellow South Africans, Mr President, Mr Deputy President.
Setswana:
Bagaetso, dumelang.
English:
Let me begin by welcoming last night's address by the President on the Opening of Parliament. I think none of us can deny that the ideals that the President put forward can be things that are not desirable to the people of this country.
The speech in its entirety outlined 12 priorities to which I think none of us could deny the fact that we're in desperate need of those things, and many of them we've heard them before.
But as Build One South Africa, I want to reaffirm that we want to play a constructive role in being able to hold the executive to account and speak about where we go in terms of this Government of National Unity. It's in the light of that spirit that I want to, Mr President, look at perhaps a 30-year period since 1994, and I head to 2030, highlighting some lessons we can learn.
The first is perhaps the period between the year 2000 to 2010. What could be defined from unity to execution? We had one priority, which was to focus on delivering a sensible World Cup. We averaged growth of 3,5% because we did one thing, we narrowed priorities.
We prioritised policing and started to spend more on policing, and saw the reduction of murder. We borrowed to fund infrastructure rather than to keep our social spend. Mr President, it's worth noting the fact that at that time that Cabinet was much smaller than what it is today. I guess the lesson we can learned from that decade is that when we prioritise choose priorities, we deliver growth. Twelve priorities are just too many, Mr President.
I would urge we narrow them down and give South Africans a singular focus. We can achieve collectively as a people.
Secondly, Mr. President, I would urge that in learning from that, let's not borrow to fund our social spend. Let's borrow to build infrastructure. That way we can deliver growth.
The second thing to look at is a decade between 2010 to 2020. This was a decade of great interest to many South Africans, because in many ways we moved from public finance, becoming personal finance. The state became a tool for individuals, and so I urge, we can have a Government of National Unity, but we dare not forget that we've lived through a decade of Venda Building Society, VBS, of Steinhoff, of State Capture, and I would urge, Mr President, all acts of corruption must be arrested. Unity does not erase it, I ask.
Chairperson, can you protect me?
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order hon members, let the speaker on the podium have his say.
Mr M A MAIMANE: So, Mr. President, let me ask, rather than funding very important person, VIP security, let us fund the National Prosecuting Authority, NPA and the Special Investigating Unit, SIU and get us the wrong doers.
I welcome your focus on local government, Mr President, but again, I urge you, local government doesn't fail for lack of summits. It fails primarily because State Capture is still occurring there.
Let me go to the third decade because that's going to be the most important, from 2020 to 2030. I cite this because six years from now will be 2030 and the National Development Plan, NDP was meant to be done. Mr President, this will be a period defined by geopolitics.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Start rounding up.
Mr M A MAIMANE: So, in this period, let me highlight a few things that COVID-19 have taught us. The first is that we introduce a R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant, SRD grant. Mr President, let me ask you, let's convert this to a basic income grant so that we can budget for it in the midterm.
The second is, let's educate our young people. They're not competing against each other, they're competing with the world, So, I would urge, Mr President, let's ensure that we scrap the 30% pass mark. Lastly, Mr President, let's move from fossil energy to sustainable energy and make this country the battery centre of this world. We do this by 2030, we will tell our children that we are able to grow an economy and develop a future for our people. Thank you.
Mr D R RYDER: Deputy Chairperson, Mr President, Madam Speaker, and all South Africans. What a historic moment in our young democracy’s evolution, this is. What an honour it is to be part of this historic joint sitting and what an honour it is for me to be part of the team in Parliament where we hope to restore the reputation of our Parliament to one that performs rigorous oversight over the work of the Ministers and their departments.
The role of the National Council of Provinces has previously been the target of pejorative nicknames, and this has been partly deserved as the dominance of one party overwhelmed the rest, diluted the oversight role and reduced our House to little more than a rubber stamp. That time is over.
Section 42 of the Constitution directs the National Council of Provinces to ensure that the interests of provinces are furthered during the creation of legislation and in the subsequent monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of these laws. Importantly though, section 44 gives an additional role and charges the House with the performance of a senatorial role over legislation that does not directly impact provinces.
What this means is that, noting the new composition of the National Council of Provinces, Money Bills and section 75 legislation will no longer be able to be rushed through the NCRP with a predetermined outcome. Indeed, we saw substantial amendments to, amongst others, the Public Procurement Bill and the Bela Bill as they were put through our committees in the National Council of Provinces in the Sixth Parliament, that will continue.
Senates and upper Houses around the world are retained for their moderative influence over legislation in a less politically charged environment than the bigger assemblies. The National Council of Provinces is no different.
The voters of South Africa delivered a clear message to political parties during the election. That message told us that no one party has all the answers and that we will need to put our heads together and seek solutions to take out our diverse nation’s needs into consideration as we find ways to rescue South Africa from the steep downward trajectory that has been driven by those who would break down what we have.
We have been given a mandate by the electorate to cooperate and find the best in each other. Compromising our solutions, but only when there is a better option that puts South Africa first. Where a whole new solution needs to be crafted, this must be done. That is the work of the President and the executive.
As we enter a new era of balance and compromise, it will be the role of both Houses of Parliament to ensure that the laws presented meet this mandate and that the implementation of these laws and the wider focus of government departments as
well, all meet the standards that South Africans wish to see from this government.
Mr President, your speech last night was filled with hope. You reassured us that you know where the problems lie, and you know what direction to take to set things right. So, if I can repeat the line from my speech from the Joint Sitting when we debated the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, I said, bring the good legislation and we will help you pass it. Our position on this has not changed. We are here to build South Africa.
The select committees of the National Council of Provinces, we will do our part to ensure that good legislation is passed and to ensure that Bills are improved following consultation with provinces and with the public, and then we will monitor the departments on the implementation.
Mr President, congratulations on your election, congratulations on filling a Cabinet that reflects the response to the mandate that the voters have given us. We look forward to hosting you in the National Council of Provinces along with your Deputy and the Ministers. You will be called there to account for all your decisions. If you have done your
job as demanded by South Africans, it will be a comfortable affair. But where there are failures expect to be called out and asked to explain what solutions you are proposing.
For many years, Mr President, I've ended my speeches with a Sesotho call to action, because I am after all, from Gauteng. That call to action has never been more apt.
Sesotho:
Re tswela pele kaofela. Ke a leboha.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS: Hon House Chair
Chairperson, the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, Mdumiseni Ntuli, the President of the Republic of South Africa, the Deputy President, hon Paul Mashatile, hon members and fellow South Africans, allow me to greet you. Today, I stand on this pedestal to reaffirm our commitment to the progressive policies that have guided our nation over the past three decades. As we address the critiques raised by the doomsayers, and the new political apprentice, it is crucial to highlight the consistent progress we have made and our unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of South Africans for the better. Our efforts in human settlements have played a pivotal role in the broader vision outlined by the President, during
his Opening of Parliament Address, on contributing significantly to creating a capable state.
In his Opening Address to Parliament, President Ramaphosa highlighted our nation’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity. He spoke of our collective efforts to rebuild and recover from natural disasters and economic challenges. His emphasis on inclusive growth, healthcare reform, and social equity, aligns with our long-standing commitments. He likened us to weaver birds, known for their ability to work collectively to build complex and resilient structures. This analogy beautifully captures the essence of our strength which lies in our unity and collective efforts. Our achievements over the past 30 years are a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together towards a common goal.
President’s address underscored our commitment to pro-poor interventions. Our efforts in human settlements, such as providing housing, supporting the indigent households, and ensuring access to basic services, are clear examples of these interventions. These initiatives are designed to uplift the most disadvantaged, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Mr President, your focus on driving inclusive economic growth and job creation, mirrors our strategies over the past three decades. Our labour-intensive projects, support for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises, SMMEs, and skills development initiatives are crucial components of this agenda. Our policies have created millions of jobs and provided economic opportunities to those who need them the most.
Our targeted human resource development initiatives, particularly in Tvet colleges and skills training, are essential for building a capable workforce. The President’s emphasis on these areas underscores their importance in driving economic growth and reducing inequality.
Over the past three decades, the ANC-led government made significant strides in providing title deeds to millions of South Africans. Homeownership is fundamental to empowering individuals and ensuring long-term economic stability. Since 1994, we have issued over one million title deeds, giving many citizens the legal recognition of their properties. This has provided security and enabled homeowners to leverage their properties for economic activities and investments.
Hon members, social housing programmes have been pivotal in creating inclusive and integrated communities. We have developed over 300 000 social housing units through partnerships with other institutions. These initiatives have revitalised urban areas, reduced informal settlements, and provided quality housing near economic opportunities, improving living standards and fosters social cohesion and inclusivity.
Infrastructure development is the backbone of sustainable human settlements. We have invested significantly in infrastructure, including water and sanitation systems, roads, and public transport. The roll-out of these projects has improved living conditions and created numerous job opportunities. For instance, the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP has provided over eight million work opportunities, contributing to skills development and economic empowerment.
The human settlement sector has been a major driver of job creation and skills development. Infrastructure projects, housing construction, and maintenance activities have created thousands of jobs, particularly for youth and women. Skills development programmes associated with these projects have
equipped many individuals with valuable skills, enhancing their employability and economic prospects. The sector’s contribution to GDP and economic growth cannot be overstated, as it stimulates various industries, from construction to manufacturing and services.
Mr President, our government investment in the youth is evident through various programmes aimed at education, skills development, and employment. Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Tvet colleges have played a crucial role in equipping young South Africans with practical skills. Youth-targeted initiatives, such as the Youth Employment Service, Yes have provided job opportunities and work experience, paving the way for their future careers. Over the past decade, these programmes have benefited millions of young people, preparing them for active participation in the economy.
Gender equality is at the core of our development agenda. We have implemented numerous programmes to support women empowerment, including access to housing, finance, and employment opportunities. Women-led housing projects and co- operatives have been established, providing both housing and economic opportunities for women. Our commitment to gender
equality is further demonstrated by policies that ensure women benefit equitably from government programmes and initiatives.
Our progressive legislative framework has been instrumental in driving transformation and ensuring social justice. As we continue this path, let us remain focused on our goals and committed to improving the lives of all South Africans. Our achievements are a clear indication that we are on the right track, and with continued effort and dedication, we can achieve even greater success. [Time expired.]
Mr M M PETER: Hon Speaker, hon President, Deputy President, Gwede Mantashe...
IsiXhosa:
... molweni...
English:
... and hon members. Hon President...
IsiXhosa:
... i-UDM ayixolanga ngeNtetha yokuVulwa kwePalamente. Izolo uvule iPalamente ngezithembiso waze awanika zinkcukacha zokuba uza kungena njani kule mingeni yonzakalisa isizwe. Mongameli,
ukusukela ngowama- 2018 ungenile kulawulo, asibonanga ziqhamo zincumisayo. Ulutsha lusajonge enkalweni, lujonge imisebenzi. Kuzo zonke iintetha ngobume belizwe usoloko uthembisa ngemisebenzi. Kwalo rhulumente unguMongameli kuwo, ukhupha iinkcukacha-manani ezibonisa ukuba abantu abaqhashwa. Izinga labantu abadinga imisebenzi linyuke laya kuthi ga, kuma-32 ekhulwini...
English:
... the same government that you are presiding over.
IsiXhosa:
Andazi nokuba anithethi niziphikisa na Mongameli? Omnye umba, ngowokuba apha ...
English:
... in South Africa, there is no water.
IsiXhosa:
Sithi, amanzi yimpilo, Mongameli.
English:
Water is life.
IsiXhosa:
Xa engekho amanzi, iphi na impilo? Mandiyikhumshele le ndawo, mhlawumbi uza kuva kakuhle.
English:
Earlier this year, the former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, released alarming crime statistics for the Quarter 3 of the 2023/24 financial year showing that communities across South Africa are under siege from violent criminals in major cities. Gqeberha is ranking number 8 in the list of the most dangerous cities in the world.
IsiXhosa:
IGqeberha le ndihlala kuyo, ikwisibhozo ngolwaphulo-mthetho. Abantu eGqeberha bayabulawa mihla nezolo. Ootitshala ezikolweni bafundisa besoyika kuba baxuthelwa iiselula zabo. Abefundisi ezicaweni, bashumayela besoyika kuba bayakhuthuzwa. Amapolisa...
English:
... the same policemen and women that you are under their protection...
IsiXhosa:
... bayakhuthuzwa, baxuthelwe imipu kukhuthuzwe ngayo. Ikwayara yakho ayikuncedi ndawo. Sithetha ngelizwe ngoku. [Kwaqhwatywa.]
English:
President Cyril Ramaphosa, my hon President, you spoke about deploying modern technology to end crime.
IsiXhosa:
Siyayibulela loo nto Mntwan’omhle, siyayamkela kwaye sithi
ayonelanga...
English:
... we need the visibility of the police in our rural areas.
IsiXhosa:
Amajoni ahlelele ntoni ezinkampini abantu besifa ezilokishini? [Kwaqhwatywa.]
English:
People are dying everyday in our townships...
IsiXhosa:
... agade bani, ziphi iimfazwe, Mongameli? [Kwaqhwatywa.]
English:
People are being massacred across the country but you never, through your speech, touched that pain. [Applause.]
IsiXhosa:
Ngangendlela abantu ababulawa ngayo, abantwana boyika nokudlala phandle.
English:
We are traumatised. Hijacking is high.
IsiXhosa:
Masibayeke abaculi bekwayara, siza kubuya ngabo. [Kwaphela ixesha.] [Kwaqhwatywa.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE (Mr A N Sarupen): I want to start my remarks today Mr President by emphasising that the DA commits itself absolutely to driving inclusive growth and creating opportunities for all South Africans. We believe that the Government of National Unity, GNU has rightly identified the apex priority of this administration, to drive inclusive growth and job creation. Because, when you look at the at the data, it is the single most important thing that we can do over the next five years.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon member please take your seat. I see a hand up there. What is your point of order and which Rule are you rising on?
Mr V PAMBO: On a point of order hon Chair. The speaker cannot speak ...
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: On which Rule are you rising on hon member?
Mr V PAMBO: The speaker cannot speak ...
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Sorry, on which Rule?
Mr V PAMBO: Yes, give me a chance.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Please quote the Rule number.
Mr V PAMBO: Chair! Chair! Chair! Listen.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I am listening. But if you have a point of order, you must tell the Rule.
Mr V PAMBO: Chair, okay, that is fine. I am rising on Rule 40. Chair may the speaker please respect this House. You are addressing the nation. You can’t address the nation sitting down, please. Stand up and address the nation properly.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No, that is not a point of order. Continue hon Deputy Minister.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF FINANCE (Mr A N Sarupen): I suppose now that I am at the Treasury anyone involved in VBS Mutual Bank is going to get a bit hot under the collar. [Applause.] But, regardless, I will keep a close eye on those matters Mr President. We will look into VBS Mutual Bank, I commit.
Mr President, we face a deepening unemployment crisis with the youth being the hardest hit. More than half of young people cannot find jobs. We must acknowledge that this unemployment crisis has its roots in the failure of past administrations particularly between 2010 and 2018. Some parties try to pretend that they were not involved during that time unfortunately.
We now need to create the conditions conducive for economic growth. We must get back to growth. This Government of
National Unity, GNU presents us with the unique opportunity to get onto this growth trajectory. Our success or failure as the GNU will be measured Mr President collectively by whether or not we get this economy moving.
When you said that, our experience over the past 30 years has shown that when our economy grows, jobs are created. When it economy contracts, there is no job creation and jobs are lost. It is a self-evident and it is bizarre to me that there are parties who seem to deny this relationship, but we know the truth.
In fact, the relationship between economic growth and job creation has only strengthened since the dawn of our democracy as it transforms and services economy. The more we grow the, the more jobs will be created. Mr President, we also agree that growth must be inclusive and transformational. The transformation that we need is to pull millions of people out of poverty and into the middle class, because this will be felt by all by all South Africans.
In addressing the role of municipalities, Mr President you mentioned that municipalities must become both the providers of social services and facilitators of inclusive economic
growth. The DA has experience in this particular area- expertise, I must say. In Cape Town, Midvaal, Umgeni and elsewhere.
We are ready to extend the hand of friendship and lend this expertise across the state. [Applause.] Because, local government can be a driver of growth, but it can only work if we stop pushing unfunded mandates onto local government. We must make that local government complies for this core constitutional mandate of service delivery.
We must also make sure that we inject capital into infrastructure at local government level to prevent a collapse of service delivery. It is both an economic and moral imperative. We also support Mr President your call to simplify regulations on public-private partnerships, to enable greater investment in social and economic infrastructure. We must move with speed to investing in infrastructure that targets areas that both enable economic opportunities and rescue them form collapse and failure particularly in roads, rail, energy, and ports.
Mr President, I welcome in particular your commitment to stabilising debt and reducing the cost of servicing our debt.
I have been very critical in the past of this factor. But Mr President I can see today, that again certain parties are pretending to be new in this accumulated debt when they corrupted and bailed out state-owned enterprises, SOEs to a tune of R500 billion between 2021 and 2018. We must not let them get away with that and pretend they did not do it.
We must acknowledge the root cause of these bailouts and failures was state capture. And now to meet our fiscal targets Mr President, we must make sure that we have the political will to not bailout these SOEs anymore. We need a paradigm shift from the 2010 to 2018 administration sitting over there. We must invest in growth, not bailout failure.
Mr President, we fully endorse the proposal to expand the zero-rated VAT baskets and the comprehensive review of administered prices. Administered prices have been a significant driver of inflation and market-related prices as opposed to administered prices have actually had lower levels of inflation. But we do have points of divergence and of course it is around black economic empowerment, BEE. Every party included in the GNU agrees that we must achieve better economic outcomes for the poor and address historical imbalances.
Mr President, I can say proudly that the DA strongly believes in redress. But we do not support creating new systems of exclusion. In the state, we do not use race to determine who gets a social grant or an RDP house. But these interventions have been very successful precisely because they use poverty as a marker of who to empower, not race. [Applause.]
It is moving to that system or broadly which will end the rent-seeking and abuse by politicians who enrich themselves repeatedly at the expense of the state. We must also clean up public procurement because we cannot continue as normal. The status quo is plagued with corruption particularly at municipal level. We need stronger mechanisms to prevent corruption in public procurement and get value for money.
Mr President, we need one third area of reform and you have mentioned this. It is on the Master Plans. It is not good when government tries to pick winners or losers. We must move our industrial policy to interventions to those that grow exports and target activities such as investment infrastructure and innovation rather than to pick winners or losers.
We must move our industrial policy to interventions to those that grow exports and targeting activities such as investment
infrastructure and innovation rather than to pick winners or losers. with that formula Mr President, there is much in your economic agenda to celebrate. As the new Deputy Minister of Finance, you have my support. I thank you. [Applause.]
IsiXhosa:
Mnu V ZUNGULA: Sihlalo weNdlu, namhlanje kufuneka kungafihlwa amakhuba kulinywa. Makuthethwe iinyani zodwa. Inyani ...
English:
... that the country is in a crisis. A crisis that is leading the country to be a failed state. At the core of the crisis, is how the democratic project of 1994 did not address the systematic racial and economic structure of the country. The economy and wealth of the country is still in the hands of few white families. While the majority of black South Africans do not know where their next meal is coming from.
The government can have many interventions but if they don’t address the structural design of the economy, none of those interventions are going to work. We are clear as the ATM that, the unemployment, poverty and inequality keep on increasing because we have an economic system that is only benefiting a selected few. We know many political leaders ...
IsiXhosa:
... ezikhoyo apha ...
English:
... have been co-opted by the system. These leaders don’t represent the aspirations of the poor. They are there to ensure that the system keeps on eating and eating. Those leaders that are here proclaiming to be the servants of the people, but they are opposing the transformation that is going to benefit the citizens.
Thirty years into democracy, we must speak the truth and the truth is that this system is not working nor is it sustainable. We need a government that will drive fundamental changes to the economy and not cosmetic changes that won’t systematically address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Land must be returned to its rightful owners. The mineral wealth of the country must belong to the people. The commanding heights of the economy must reflect the racial demographics of our country. [Applause.] The government must embark on a local production drive to ensure that we produce what we consume, and we consume what we produce.
The government spending must be more than 50% on small, micro and medium enterprises, SMMEs. There is a crisis of illegal immigration here. That is a national security risk. Every week we hear of military aged men arrested in other countries coming to South Africa. These men are not refugees because there is no refugee that would flee war or persecution ...
IsiXhosa:
... bashiye abantwana nabafazi babo.
English:
It is very clear that these men settle in our communities unvetted and have taken over the township economy. You, Mr President ...
IsiXhosa:
... othi uza kubaxhasa ngayo
English:
Mr President, it is very clear that we need to deal with crime. We need to make sure that criminals are the one who are living in fear, not the other way around.
Lastly, as the ATM we are of the view that this grand coalition has got nothing to offer the people because it is a partnership of hypocrites who were once opposed to a bloated Cabinet. But now that they are being driven around in blue lights, the bloated Cabinet is not a problem.
Mr President, your speeches as a head of state are not a public speaking contest. Your favourites can applaud you because of your tone, body language or whether you said something new. The most important thing is the people of our country. The people are going to judge you harshly in terms of your speeches, because your Presidency of the past six years has been characterised by the increasing crime in corruption, unemployment and poverty.
IsiXhosa:
Mongameli, wohlulekile hlala phantsi.
Sesotho:
Dula fatshe.
English:
Thank you. [Applause.]
Dr M Q NDLOZI: You are wrongly seated, come this side. You call orders. You are on a wrong Chair. You sit this side. German cut...
IsiZulu:
... buya ngapha.
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON MEMBERS’ SUPPORT AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS (Mr B A Radebe): Take your seat.
IsiZulu:
Dkt M Q NDLOZI: Buya ngapha.
English:
You are seated in a wrong side. Come this side because your job is those things of points of order.
IsiZulu:
Buya ngapha, ulahlekile.
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON MEMBERS’ SUPPORT AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS (Mr B A Radebe): Hon Ndlozi, take your seat. You can only rise on a point of order. Take your seat.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Come this side.
IsiZulu:
Woza! Ulahlekile phela.
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON MEMBERS’ SUPPORT AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS (Mr B A Radebe): Usher, would you please take that mic.
IsiZulu:
Dkt M Q NDLOZI: Hawu, msizeni.
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON MEMBERS’ SUPPORT AND INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS (Mr B A Radebe): Take that mic.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Hon House Chair,
Chairperson of the women’s league, my Minister and my premier
from Gauteng, we told you that we will take the lead. Hon
President, you phoned me, and we fought about whether I must be a Deputy Minister or a Deputy President. I am very happy to be a Deputy Minister under a wonderful Minister who supports me.
The opening address by the President is commendable in that it confirms that government will not back down from its decade- long promises stipulated in the National Development Plan Vision 2030. The President reiterated that it remains the defining blueprint for our country’s growth and development to reach its target to effectively address inequalities and poverty by 2030 and is an ambitious task. I hope that it will be achieved. These are the informed prioritise we heard last night. The Minister of Agriculture gave it 99% thumbs up.
Remember, I gave you 10 out of 10.
Yesterday, we celebrated Mandela International Day, also known as the 67 Minutes for Madiba, to reaffirm our commitment to human rights and dignity for all. In Cape Town, as part of its
67 Minutes to Madiba, Al Jama-ah launched the renewed campaigns, namely, boycott genocide and ban apartheid Israel. The President has and rightly so described Nelson Mandela as a global icon for peace, justice and reconciliation. In honour of Mandela’s memorable legacy, I appeal to the conscience of
the world that we support the boycott genocide and ban apartheid Israel campaigns to stop the Zionist state of Israel’s genocide of Palestinians. They have not only ignored the International Court of Justice’s, ICJ’s legal decisions, but the world’s voice to stop their pathological acts of ethnic extermination and racial cleansing.
As a South African and anti-Zionist, I and millions of South Africans cherish and rejoice our freedom. These expressions of joy, all of us desire for our Palestinians too. In fact, all South Africans except those who identify with the Zionist ideology wish that Palestine gains its liberation in our lifetime. All of us should remember the words of our respected late leader, Mandela, who publicly stated, and said:
We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.
The President further stated that South Africa and the world, millions of people marked Mandela Day with deeds of service and solidarity, and I quote you hon President—
... their actions give life to a fundamental truth that we drive our humanity from the humanity of others.
Viva Mandela! Viva Palestine! From the river to the sea. Viva Mandela!
Ms S M MOKOENA: House Chairperson, I would like to greet the Madam Speaker, Mr President of South Africa, Deputy President, hon members, but more than anything, I would like to do a special welcome to my party President, President Zuma ... [Applause.] ... We thank you. We thank you, President Zuma, that you were able to be confident enough to formulate uMkhonto weSizwe as a party for the people. Mr President, your state of the nation address was filled with promises, projections, self-congratulations and visions and optimistic forecast. Yet, the only thing that was clear yesterday was that the MK together with the Progressive Charter will now be the only beacon of hope for the people of South Africa come 2026. [Applause.]
If you were in touch with the average South African, you will realise that a bloated Cabinet is actually a laughing stock in the face of corruption and great poorness in our country.
People can barely put bread on the table. The average person is driving a car they can no longer afford because of the weakening rent. Coronavirus disease, COVID-19, hits our families hard. Well, it seems that our government has easily
recovered more than 60% of South Africans are listed in the credit bureau. Therefore, I will remind you that previously the Leader of the DA, hon John Steenhuisen, once said “the Zuma years were actually much better off.” [Laughter.] [Applause.]
We sit here today listening to stories about South Africa becoming a construction site with yellow machines. Mr President, our people are actually looking for solutions to reconstruct their very lives. You mentioned economic growth as though it was a given. Yet, we are waiting for that growth to translate into tangible benefits, recovery on the horizon you say. Yet, for many of us, horizon is quite distant.
The past two weeks, we’ve seen the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, contracts being cancelled left, right and centre, meaning that the youth is once again faced with the problem of hopelessness and unemployable situation. The gap between rich and poor continues to widen, and economic inequalities persist as a barrier to national unity and progress. The proposed economic policies of the Government of National Unity, GNU, Mr President, lack clear implementable strategies
IsiZulu:
Ubuyiswa nini umhlaba wabantu owantshontshwa? [Ihlombe.] Asizwanga lungu bab ‘uMongameli ngezinkinga ezibhekene namakhosi asiphethe.
English:
... as a delegate of the NCOP in the KwaZulu-Natal I was quite intrigued that none of the traditional leaders made it as part of your GNU government. [Applause.] There was also nothing said about the everlasting presence of gender-based violence. As a woman in South Africa, I’m quite sensitive about ... [Interjections.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT: Hon House Chairperson, if I may rise on a point of order and clarify that the Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, is the traditional leader. Thank you. [Applause.] [Laughter.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr B A Radebe): With due
respect, hon Hlengwa, that was not a point of order. It was a point of debate.
Ms S M MOKOENA Thank you, House Chair. Furthermore, we must address the issue of informal economy closer.
IsiZulu:
Omama bethu abadayisa emgwaqeni nithini ngabo njenge-GNU? Lithini ipulani lokubanika amathuba omsebenzi babe yingxenye yalomnotho. Nazo izinto ebesizilindele kuwena Mongameli nomkhankaso wakho weThuma Mina. Abantu bakithi bafanele ...
English:
... a government that not only acknowledges the challenges, but also delivers concrete and effective solutions. The GNU has left nothing but a vacuum for us, and it is our commitment as uMkhonto weSizwe together with the Progressive Charter to ensure that these issues are addressed at every step of the way. The reason why, Mr President ...
IsiZulu:
... sizoqhubeka sicule ...
English:
... revolutionary songs, is because of our heroes like Chris Hani or Hector Pieterson, or Steve Biko ...
IsiZulu:
... abantu abayifela le nkululeko. [Ubuwelewele.] Le nkululeko okudayiswe ngayo. Ngiyabonga.
The MINISTER OF POLICE: House Chair of the NCOP, greetings to the President of the Republic and the Deputy President and hon members, I join those who have commended the address by President last night. Thank you very much, Mr President. South Africans across the country including all of us here in this Parliament feel and believe that crime is on the increase in our country, and it has become highly intolerable. These crimes include murder, rape, gender-based violence and femicide, GBVF, hijackings and kidnappings. All of these are on the increase. In addition to this, it is important to observe that most of these crimes are being committed by gangs and organised groupings in several provinces, hence the surge behind this criminality. Our Priority number 1 is to ensure personal safety, family safety and safety of the whole communities. [Applause.]
In this regard, we believe that it is going to be important firstly to acknowledge all the efforts to fight crime in the sixth administration, and we will build on those efforts. We recognise them. Where there are weaknesses shown in the last administration, we will close those gaps and build from there. Where there are strengths, we will build from those strength. However, it is important that we recognise work done in sixth administration.
One of the things that we believe we need to do is to contribute to the enhancement of the security cluster in the country so that we are more co-ordinated, we are stronger, and we are sharper. This includes all formations in the country that are geared to fighting crime that we come together because it is our enemy number one where people live. We need all kinds of weapons and techniques and every other instrument to fight crime to be targeted towards criminals in the country.
The safety and protection of women and children are non- negotiable priorities ... [Applause.] ... Quite a few units in the SA Police Service, SAPS, have been established to deal with this particular issue including child protection.
Furthermore, there are awareness campaigns out there, but we’ve identified the great needs to co-ordinate closer with Social Development as a sister department so that we can work in tight co-ordination with the police. Police are trained more to fight crime than to work as social workers. However, there are units that are built but they are not adequate.
Therefore, we need to co-ordinate closer with Social Development.
We have identified a need to work with the Department of Correctional Services. Quite a number of crimes are increasingly getting co-ordinated, and even committed inside prison cells. Therefore, it is important that we meet, and we discuss this matter. Thirdly, the phenomenon of so-called repeat rapists needs to be brought to an end ... [Applause.]
... and we need to focus on these people who are rapists, let alone repeat rapists.
One of the weaknesses that we are identifying is technology in the SAPS, we are very low on technology. We cannot run behind on horses, and in cars chasing criminals, it’s getting more and more impossible. Therefore, we need to enhance technology to this effect. We will review our budget so that we push a little bit of money into technology. We will do that. [Applause.]
The other area that is important is to strengthen crime intelligence which we regard as a backbone of intelligently driving crime-fighting in the country by SAPS. The next priority is to deal with crime and partnerships. We will be partnering with everybody, us on one hand with a concept of building a functional police station, because several of our police stations are not functional, and we know that is a
concern in the community, unless police stations that are existing and the ones that are going to be built are highly functional. Even communities and organisations that want to assist us, that want to work with us, it will be impossible.
Of course, we need to professionalise SAPS. Therefore, in the process of professionalising them we need to remove those who are in cahoots with criminals in the country. Communities are very concerned about this, and they are pointing at them. They even know them by name, that so and so, and so and so is in cahoots with criminals. Therefore, we will work very hard and ensure that these police who are tarnishing the name of ... otherwise is very good police men and women out there will have to be dealt with.
In conclusion, we need to do what Martin Luther King Jnr said at one point. He said, I quote:
We must combine the toughness of the serpent and the softness of the dove, a tough mind and a tender heart.
This what we are going to do. We are going on one hand to be very tough, and on the other where we need to be soft, we will be soft. We are starting in the Western Cape tomorrow. We will
be meeting stakeholders here with the view to gathering information and things that are worrying them. However, that is not the only thing that we are going to do, this is the first step in a programme that we are rolling out in the Western Cape to fight crime. This includes drugs because the usage of drugs is quite rife, and it leads to criminals. I am pleased that police are poised to pounce on some criminality in relation to crimes into drugs in Limpopo any minute from now. Now, we will proceed to the Eastern Cape ...
IsiZulu:
... ubaba we-UDM ubekhala ukuthi sebefile ubugebengu e- Gqeberha.
English:
... that is where we are landing on Sunday morning to do what we will start in the Western Cape and do in the Eastern Cape. We will leave no stone unturned in both provinces ... [Applause.] ... it’s not a one day or a one-week programme, it will last until we are able to overcome these criminals. We know that they are very few criminals compared to people who are law-abiding, and we will overcome and defeat them. Thank you very much. [Applause.] [Time expired.]
Mr L MPHITHI: Hon Speaker, Chairperson of the NCOP, hon President, hon members, some of history’s most important moments occur when political leaders take the risk of rising to seemingly insurmountable challenges because they know the alternative to not doing so leads to certain disaster. It is in these times that we see who the true builders of society and who the true breakers of society are. [Applause.]
Hon members it must never be lost on us that many in our country placed their votes in the ballot box in hopes that their struggle will be our number one agenda in this House. It cannot be business as usual when South African’s are denied their potential and their dreams: When their talents are ignored; when their hopes are destroyed; and when their trust continues to be broken. It is at this time that true builders must stand up and ignore the breakers of society.
Hon Speaker, one of the issues that urgently require this governments attention is access to adequate housing. Across the length and breadth of South Africa, many people remain destitute and without the dignity. The promised in our Constitution under section 26 remains unfulfilled.
We need to urgently focus the attention on the fast-tracking and the rolling out of title deeds to give people security. In doing this, we give people the opportunity to leverage property to raise capital; to enable property owners to pass down formal title down to their family, and to improve access to credit and so much more. We need a focus on the fast tracking of the digitisation of the housing list because with each passing moment this omission continues to strip the people of South Africa of the dignity that they deserve.
There are 2,5 million households on the National Housing Needs Register as of February 2023. This indicates that the need for housing is urgent and deeply material for South Africans.
Housing should be means to numerous ends and not as an end in itself. We do not own, occupy, or rent a house merely to do so. Instead, a house provides security, shelter, and supports good health of families. It is a space for livelihoods; a place from which to grow food or to operate home-based enterprises. Therefore, its denial is a denial of constitutional imperative.
The environment and the climate require the machinery of government to move much faster than it has. The recent heavy rains across our country have already displaced as much as 15
000 people, who remain without homes as we speak. The expansion of Social housing for people who earn between R1 500 and R15 000 per month, particularly for individuals who do not qualify for housing bonds or breaking new ground housing is vitally important.
We want to suggest that there should be an increase to rental housing stock, specifically formulated to assist target sections of the population for which the demand for rental housing is particularly high. This includes, but not limited to, students, young professionals, single headed households, and the elderly. It will also be important to ensure revision of the income thresholds annually in line with inflation.
We strongly that there is a firm focus on the low spending of provincial and municipal grants as this is important that people are able to receive the funds that government has set aside for them. It is deeply unfair and unjust that funds are simply not being spent whilst millions of South Africans remain outside of formal housing.
We further ask that government pays attention to blocked projects across our country, where projects are entering the 3rd, 4th or 5th year without completion, which delays dignity
for millions of South Africans. Many of us will leave here today and go back to our homes however the people that we represent have no homes to go to. The people of South Africa need us to be builders in this House because there is so much at stake; there’s too much on the line, we have to succeed.
The breakers believe that when other people succeed, they themselves are somehow diminished. They try to take down everyone else who is trying to build, so they can stand out. In church, they say there are two kinds of people in this world: Those that are born again; and those that are born against. WE know who those individuals are in this House.
South Africans have called us to make their struggles the number 1 agenda in this House, and the DA will – and has – answered that call. We repeat to say hope and help is on the way. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr F ADAMS: Hon speaker, House Chair, Mr President, hon Deputy President, hon members, I just need to put it on the record that I find it deplorable that this House cannot recognise a former President of this country, but it was willing to recognise an apartheid President in F W DE Klerk. If former President Jacob Zuma is still here, welcome sir. [Applause.]
House Chair, I want to ask that you listen; you might just learn something. [Interjections.] You know, Mr President, I listened to your speech, last night, and it wasn’t a terrible speech. However, I have heard six of them before, and the outcome has always been the same - another year of nothingness!
Mr. President, as I speak to you now, it is raining in Cape Town, and it is raining bullets on the Cape Flats. No plan has been put forward to save the long-suffering-coloured child. Mr President, I’m going to say to you today, that when he was speaking last night, the cheers from the right wing were so loud, I could have sworn Verwoerd was standing in the front here.
However, Mr President, listen when I tell you. Graca Machel says, “When my oppressor applauds me, know that I betrayed you.” [Applause.] Mr President, the NCC is here to ask a question. Has Solomon Mahlangu been betrayed by you and what purports to be an ANC? Has the memory of Ashley Kriel been betrayed by you, and what purports to be an ANC? Mr.
President, the ANC is no more.
Mr. President, it is interesting to hear the white supremacists raise the issue of VBS, as if Phala Phala never happened. [Applause.] It is interesting, Mr President, that Phala Phala is being swept under the rug by the same people who brought it up. Mr President, the NCC has the national question; it is not the coloured question: Was Phala Phala’s money the deposit for the sale of the poorest rights in South Africa?
Minister Mackenzie, my brother, my broer, you have lauded the President for bringing the coloured question. Why has it taken this man 6 years? Why are our people still dying? Mr President, your fine speech offers no warmth to those feeling cold today. Your fine speech does not put away the pains of hunger suffered by millions of our people, induced by the DA and their predecessor, the National Party.
To the Government of National Unity, let me give you a message: WE shall overcome, in spite of what you do. We shall overcome! Thank you.
Ms H S BOSHOFF: Hon President, hon members and fellow South Africans I greet you.
Afrikaans:
Agb President, ek staan vandag voor u as ’n trotse lid van die nuutgestigte Regering van Nasionale Eenheid, RNE. Hierdie regering verteenwoordig ’n betekenisvolle draaipunt in die Suid-Afrikaanse geskiedenis. Dit is getuienis van ons kollektiewe toewyding tot die eenheid, versoening en vooruitgang van ons demokratiese bestel. Soos almal bewus is, was daar nie ’n verkiesingsuitslag in die onlangse verkiesing nie en geen party het die meerderheid gekry nie. Dit is ’n klinkklare bewys dat Suid-Afrikaners oor die spektrum ’n regering begeer wat samewerking en verantwoordelikheid omhels. Dit is dus ons plig, agb President, om te verseker dat die Parlement sy uiterste doen om die vaardigheid van elke Suid- Afrikaner te bevorder.
English:
Hon President, the formation of this government is entrusted to us by voters to deepen our nation’s commitment to the principles that underpin our democracy and to advance the human dignity, equality and freedom of every South African. It speaks to the strength of the Constitution’s guarantees which include inclusivity, accountability and transparency. We as representatives of different political parties are united by one common goal which is to serve the people of South Africa.
Our allegiance is to the nation, transcending party lines and ideological divides.
Afrikaans:
Een van die primêre doelwitte van die RNE is om toe te sien dat dringende ekonomiese uitdagings aangespreek word om sodoende te verseker dat werkloosheid, armoede en ongelykhede uitgewis word.
English:
The energy crisis, high incidents of crime and failures in basic delivery are the enemies of economic growth, and it is to these issues that the Government of National Unity, GNU, should look first. By taking concrete steps to reduce the cost of living, stimulate the growth of small, medium and micro enterprises, SMMEs, and attract much-needed investment, we can build a prosperous society for all South Africans.
Afrikaans:
Deur ons hulpbronne en kundigheid saam te voeg, streef ons daarna om beleide te implementeer wat ekonomiese groei sal stimuleer, belegging sal lok en wat sal lei tot die skepping van broodnodige werksgeleenthede. Deur ’n kollektiewe poging moet daar toegesien word dat ’n veerkragtige ekonomie gebou
word wat alle Suid-Afrikaners sal bevoordeel, veral die mees kwesbare in ons samelewing.
Derhalwe, agb President, verwelkom die DA u progressiewe aankondiging gisteraand dat daar van ons beleide opgeneem is in u lys van prioriteite. Dit is ’n duidelike aanduiding dat ons aanvraag na ’n program gebaseer op ’n vinnige groeiende ekonomie en werkskepping aangehoor is. Nou, President ...
English:
... together as the GNU we must implement it.
In closing, to every South African out there, we stand here today not as members of different parties but as united representatives of South Africa’s people. You have entrusted this Parliament with the extraordinary responsibility of ensuring that whatever it does, it does to ensure a better life for all. I’m sure that my colleagues will agree with me when I say that we intend to do just that. Together we will strive to fulfil the promises of our vibrant democracy, ensuring that South Africa remains a beacon of hope, unity and progress.
Afrikaans:
Agb President en Suid-Afrikaners daar buite, die DA het ’n verkiesingsbelofte aan die kiesers gemaak om ons wonderlike land te red en daarom sê ons onomwonde dat die RNE u regering is, nie ons s’n nie. Saam sal ons dit maak werk. Ons gaan dit laat maak werk en ons nooi u uit om saam met ons hierdie pad te stap na ’n beter toekoms. Ek dank u. [Applous.]
The MINISTER OF LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT: Hon Chair,
hon President and hon Deputy President, the opening of Parliament speech is a cement plastered on the new paradigm that has emerged out of the 29 May 2024 general elections wherein the voters publicly and collectively expressed their wishes and aspirations to press the button and research the governance of our beloved country.
The outcomes of the elections gave a mandate to the 18 political parties to make the five year period between 2024 and 2029 a driving force for the change and transformation. PAC understands the voice of our people democracy. We have dutifully responded to our people whom we were declared to serve with our hearts and minds in what Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe described as an undying love of the African people. We are ideologically clear about the unity of the opposites the
negation of the negation and eventually transformation of quantity into quality.
The citizens of the country are decisive. We have heard them and will act on their behalf doing what they are calling for. We are guided by the idea of establishing African nationhood as understood by Kwame Nkrumah, Kwame Ture, Zephania Mothopeng, A P Mda and others in that league of patriots and struggle heroes. The opening of Parliament speech is focused on what needs to be addressed and attended urgently. The influence of the Government of National Unity, GNU, is most certainly reflected in this speech.
We particularly agree with the forecast to highlight the Land Reform and Rural Development. We are committed to spatial justice and equitable to land use. With more resolve, with more resources, and with more emphasis we intend on implementing deliverables that are aimed at relieving systematic injustice on access to land and the right to improve their quality of life.
We are, President, committed to improve the quality of lives of our society through building sustainable rural infrastructure to curb urban rural migration. We will build
rural enterprises that are based on area specific comparative advantages. We are spiritually connected to land and PAC long stand remains; land first and all shall follow. Thank you very much.
Ms K J MAIMELA: Hon Speaker, Chairperson, your Excellency the President and the Deputy president, and hon members, as we welcome the opening of Parliament address we take a reflection on the background of the state of Basic Education in our country. On 26 June 1955 South Africans striving for the liberation of their country from the yoke of apartheid gathered in Kliptown to adopt the historic Freedom Charter which outlined the country we decide to live in and formed the basis of the ANC policy today.
That festival of the oppressed and justice loving people of South Africa unequivocally pronounced that the doors of learning and culture shall be open to all who live in the country, which was an affirmation of the demand and education Africans had made in 1943 through the ANC’s African claims document. Acutely aware of the reality that education is not class neutral nor is it free from the chains of the dominant ideology over the epoch. The Freedom Charter articulated the education required to take South Africa forward by making the
point that the aim of education amongst others shall be to teach the youth to love their people and to their culture to honour human brotherhood liberty and peace.
This point was succinctly put by Comrade Zwelakhe Sisulu when he explained the concept of people’s education for people’s power to the National Education Crisis Committee in 1986 when he said and I quote: “We are no longer demanding the same education as whites since this is an education for domination. People’s education means education at the service of the people as a whole education that liberates, education that puts the people in command of their lives.”
Since the 1994 democratic breakthrough the ANC government has been implementing different interventions to achieve people’s education for people’s power which is an antithesis to apartheid education philosophy. The investment in education the ANC is the government has made since 1994 and through the passing of the seminal 1997 South African Schools Act and the 2024 the Basic Education Laws Amendment, BELA, Bill produces an education system which seeks to redefine the place of Africans in South Africa.
We have transformed to the education curriculum to advance human rights for all and the objectives envisaged in the Atlantic Charter and the Freedom Charter which was consolidated after the democratic breakthrough in our Constitution. In the past 30 years we have made strides to close the inequality gap between what was understood as model C schools and schools in our rural areas without adequate facilities and learner teacher material. Today that distinction between model C schools and public school is as good as nonexistent.
Today, lenders from different class positions are able to get equal education and they’re able to get equal education due to the investment done by the ANC government to ensure majority of its expenditure is an investment in the people. To tackle the social ills impacting learners’ social ills such as alcohol, drugs and bullying we must promote sports and cultural participation for the holistic development of our children. This is a commitment we should realise.
The education system is driven by learning outcomes and various factors which contribute to learners’ ability to succeed. In the Seventh Administration the ANC prioritised focus on early childhood development and the foundation phase
to improve learning outcomes and indicators such as reading with meaning and numeracy read. We must strengthen the relationship between Higher Education and Basic Education. This will ensure an unexciting pathway for learners in the rural areas and townships and it will enhance access and success in the learning progression. We are prepared to support the Seventh Administration and in our true nature we will undermine ... [Time expired.] ... as we club side by side with all learners and ... [Time expired.] ... all teachers.
Thank you. [Time expired.]
The ACTING HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr B A Radebe): Hon members of the House, I will now suspend proceedings until 16:45. The bells will be rung to alert members to the resumption of business. The business of the House is now suspended. Thank you.
Business suspended 16:30.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): The next speaker is the Premier of Gauteng.
The PREMIER OF GAUTENG (Mr A P Lesufi): Presiding Officer, Nasi ISpani, hon President, hon Deputy President, Chief Whip,
hon members, Mr President, besides the three priorities that you so beautifully outlined, I was left excited with your emphasis on the following points: Elimination of red tape.
President, if we can get this right, our government will function. If we can get this correct, we'll unlock lots of potential opportunities that are available to our people.
The second area of interest, President, that you correctly highlighted, is the intervention and the need to strengthen local government, in particular our metros and the urgent need to intervene where the national government should intervene.
We want to welcome your intervention, President, that you have alluded to in terms of the Durban Metro or eThekwini Municipality.
I want to extend my invitation to you, President. We need to reclaim Johannesburg and reposition Johannesburg city to where it comes from. We can’t inherit Johannesburg from the apartheid regime and make it worse under a democratic government. We need a second opportunity to reclaim Johannesburg and ensure that the Johannesburg CBD is back to where it was, a beautiful city of gold. The third area, President, that we're excited about as the Gauteng government that you have correctly captured in your statement, President,
is reducing the cost of living, and the simplest way to reduce the cost of living, President, is when the government does what the government must do.
President, imagine if the government was offering quality health services where there would be no need for us to have medical aid, how much will we save as a country? Imagine if the government was offering quality education where all our children are in the public education system, how much would we save? Just imagine, President, if the police were doing what the police should do, how much would we save from alarms, private security and many other things? Therefore, reducing the cost of living, means we need to start where we need to start as the government, for the government to provide quality public good so that the government can be in a position to reduce the cost of living.
But from our side, President, as Gauteng, we want to bring you, President, to something crucial and feel was missing in your input, the ability to raise, defend, consolidate and support township economies. Townships are the new gold and townships are the new economic opportunities in our areas. We believe our townships, informal settlements and hostels are the new backbones of economic growth, and that they need
guidance, they need support, and they need all the relevant resources so that they can be in a position to prosper. We present, President, on the table a partnership fund of
R300 million that we are directing to ...
IsiZulu:
... ogogo nomkhulu ...
English:
... that are selling on the street so that they can sell even when it rains so that they can sell even if it's night. We want to give them that opportunity to have proper infrastructure to sell their goods. We also want new investments that are coming to the townships, to be investments that will incorporate those entrepreneurs who opened the shops that you and me bought from ...
IsiZulu:
... umama uMa’Khumalo noma ubaba uMthimkhulu ...
English:
... who had that corner shop in the townships. We are remodelling those shops, and we are providing the additional resources that are needed in that particular area. Comrade
President, we've identified 10 high-growth areas in Gauteng and your speech provides that opportunity for us to integrate some of our provinces so that we can be in a position to have economic opportunities for all in our areas.
One good area is for us to ensure that Gauteng becomes the hub for the automotive sector. We want to continue to work with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and also work with the Department of Science and Innovation as well as original equipment manufacturers, OEMs, to develop a South African supply network as we cross over to the new frontier of automobility. You are right, Comrade President, the future belongs to electric vehicles.
You are right, Comrade President, the future belongs to the automotive industry which is capable, and able and it is possible for this industry to create more jobs. It is our humble view that South Africa has earned its stripes to move up the value chain of this sector. We are ready to support the infrastructure development that has been proposed to link Tshwane and East London so that a new corridor can be developed to transport motor vehicles to that corridor and create new opportunities. The Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, SEZ, is ready to showcase its commitment to the
auto sector and, Mr President, we welcome the work of the Southern Rail Corridor linking Tshwane to the new Port of Ngqura. Our commitment is to support this initiative. But we are nothing without the new Fourth Industrial Revolution,4IR, and we present ourselves to be at the centre of that 4IR.
The centre of the new 4IR in Gauteng is what you projected as the Lanseria Smart City, and I can report back to this honourable House that the Lanseria Smart City is about to rise. We have pooled all the necessary resources from the investments that were needed to ensure that bulk services ... and the support that we have just received from the Department of Human Settlement. The Lanseria Smart City will be ideal for digitalisation. Lanseria Smart City will be the home of the Internet of Things.
The Lanseria Smart City will be the home of cloud computing. The Lanseria Smart City will be the enterprise resource planning, virtual manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and most importantly, intelligent robotics. We want collaboration with the national departments, hence our argument, President, that red tape must be minimised and red tape must make things to be possible. We are also excited that, together with the Premier of Limpopo and, President, Limpopo and Gauteng are
interlinked and organically unified. We need a speed train that will move from Tshwane to Limpopo and connect with Maputo, and we are ready to take advantage of that opportunity and expand the Gautrain to that area. We are excited about this idea, President.
We are only requesting one thing and one thing from you, President. Red tape must fall and allow this opportunity to rise so that we can have a train between the two provinces.
We are also excited that we have finalised discussions with the Airports Company South Africa, Acsa. President, the new economy is cargo. We need to move cargo from one point of our province to another point of our province and we have entered into an important agreement with the O R Tambo International Airport where they are expanding a new cargo section that is going to increase the opportunity of transporting cargo in our province. We are excited about this opportunity, and we believe it is an important opportunity for all of us.
President, we have started to revitalise one of South Africa's oldest industrial hubs called the Vaal region. The Vaal Megacity Programme got a capital injection from Citibank from the UK to establish a hydrogen valley that will create almost
30 000 new opportunities in our province. This is another confirmation that if we work together with the private sector, we can create opportunities for all. Comrade President, there are some people in this House who questioned your commitment when you said there were two million opportunities that were created in the last 18 months of our government. I want to confirm almost one million opportunities that came from our Nasi ISpani Programme in Gauteng. We agree, President, that we need tangible jobs. We agree, President, that we need firm jobs, but while you are still developing your industrial policies, while you are still developing quality jobs, the poor and the unemployed must eat every day without failure, and our opportunities, therefore, can fill the entire FNB stadium, it can be filled by people who from today, President, they are not asking money for Vaseline or any other thing. They can go to the shop and buy on their own because they've earned those opportunities.
Comrade President, I want to close with this call, and my apologies to those that are partners in the Government of National Unity, GNU. Comrade President, there is something called the Basic Education Amendment Laws. I'm asking you, President, politely and respectfully to, sign that law. Sign that law. There must be no institution here, President when
the Sixth Administration and this House have passed that law. And the law is simple, President. We are prepared to listen to any other person that wants to raise any view.
But the law is simple. All our children must be in the same classroom and taught by the same teacher. What's wrong with that proposal? What's wrong with that proposal? That the language of teaching must incorporate all 12 languages, and that there must be no language that is excluded. What's wrong with that proposal? Every child that is in early childhood development, ECD, must have a formal education system starting from the ECD. What's wrong with that proposal? Therefore, President, sign that law. We'll debate later with all the other people. Thank you so much. [Applause.]
Mrs M O CLARKE: House Chairperson, hon Speaker, hon Deputy Speaker, hon President, today we stand at a critical juncture as we discuss the National Health Insurance, NHI. While the DA has always championed universal health care and access to health care, we must ensure that our solutions are both practical and sustainable. As part of the Government of National Unity, GNU, it is our duty to uphold our principles while offering constructive recommendations.
The ANC's NHI proposal aims to centralise power, eliminate private medical options and impose significant tax burdens on our citizens. These elements are fraught with risks and could undermine the very goal of equitable health care for all.
Firstly, the extensive powers granted to the Minister of Health are deeply concerning. The Minister will essentially control the fund, from setting prices to having the ability to determine which service providers would be entitled to provide services over another. The concentration of power invites corruption and inefficiency as we have seen with state-owned entities. The DA proposes an independent watchdog to oversee health entities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Secondly, the elimination of the two-tier health care system will overwhelm our already strained public health care sector. Forcing citizens into a single, overburdened system will degrade the quality of care for everyone. Instead, we should enhance private health care access through a social reinsurance system, lowering costs and improving benefits, while cross-subsidising care for the poor.
Thirdly, the financial viability of the NHI is questionable. Without a recent feasibility study, we cannot accurately
assess the costs of the NHI. Treasury's reluctance to commit full funding exacerbates this uncertainty. The DA recommends a phased approach, beginning with fixing the current public health care infrastructure and ensuring sustainable funding mechanisms before full implementation.
Additionally, the Act fails to address provincial debts such as the Eastern Cape's massive medicolegal claims which raises serious concerns about its financial sustainability. We must ensure that provinces are not left to bear these burdens alone.
Furthermore, the accreditation process for health providers is unworkable in its current form. Most facilities, especially in rural areas, lack the resources to meet the stringent standards. The DA advocates for practical solutions to improve rather than penalise our health care providers.
Lastly, the creation of a national health information system raises significant privacy concerns. We must ensure robust protections against data breaches and maintain the practicality of such systems in areas lacking basic infrastructure. The recent cyberattacks on the National Health Laboratory Service, NHLS, proves just how debilitating
vulnerable information and communications technology, ICT, infrastructure can be.
Mr President, last night in your speech you said, “there is broad agreement that we must draw on the resources and capabilities of both the private and public sectors to meet the health care needs of all South Africans equally.” You also stated, “In implementing NHI, we are confident that we will be able to bring stakeholders together and that we will be able to resolve differences and clarify misunderstandings.” As the DA, we welcome these discussions and will be watching this space closely.
In conclusion, while we support the goal of universal health care, the National Health Insurance Act as it stands is not the answer. The DA's recommendations offer a balanced approach that addresses corruption, enhances accountability and improves access to quality health care for all South Africans. Let’s work together to build a health care system that truly serves the needs of our people. Mr President, the DA is committed to working with your team of weavers, tabling recommendations and ensuring that we achieve the necessary outcomes enshrined within section 27 of our Constitution in terms of quality health care. I look forward in working with
my colleagues of the GNU within the Committee on Health achieving the best possible outcomes for every South African in this country. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms T BREEDT: House Chairperson, I was full of hope yesterday when we had an opening of Parliament that didn’t have the usual chaos by our colleagues in the red. I thought that this year we might get to the job at hand and that we would really be able to restore and build South Africa together. However, I was wrong.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Order, hon members. Please allow the speaker at the podium ... Hon Breedt, will you take a seat for a moment please? Hon Manyi?
Mr M MANYI: Chair, I’m rising in terms of Rule 92 read with Rule 85(1). In terms of that rule, a member may not cast aspersions. The member is casting aspersions on our organisation.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Hon member, aspersions have to be cast on individual members and I believe the hon Breedt actually appreciated your behaviour of last night. [Interjections.] Hon Breedt, please continue. Hon Mathys?
Ms L MATHYS: I’m standing on the same point of order. House Chair, you are also out of order so I’m calling an order on you. This is not the first time. You did the same thing during the Budget Votes. You don’t know how to chair a House and we are not going to sit here and allow you and your white supremacist speaker there to come and talk about us disrupting the House.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Hon Mathys, please take your seat.
Ms L MATHYS: No, I won’t sit. Do your job properly ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Hon Mathys?
Ms L MATHYS: ... or don’t come here. We can’t be insulted by
you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Hon Mathys, I have made a ruling. In terms of the rules if you are not happy with that ruling please write to the Speaker. Hon Breedt, please continue.
Afrikaans:
Agb President, vir die eerste keer sedert ek die politieke arena as ’n student betree het voel ek dat Suid-Afrika op die pad na groter en beter dinge is. Die planne was vir eens realisties. Ons moet fokus op ekonomiese groei en werkskepping, armoede asook lewenskoste moet verlaag word en ons moet ’n bekwame en etiese staat van ontwikkeling daarstel. Ek dink wel dat hierdie planne ons kan oorweldig en moet ons eens wees en vir mekaar sê dat hierdie goeie planne gaan misluk as daar nie werklike dienslewering op voetsoolvlak geskied nie. Dit beteken dat ons op ons munisipaliteite gaan moet fokus.
English:
During this week’s Budget Vote debates I raised the issue of Kroonstad’s wastewater treatment works and how after
R105 million was allocated, phase 1 was completed and phase 2 was supposed to be completed in June of 2024. Not much can be said of this treatment works. The Deputy Minister however expressed his concern and I cannot wait for our oversight at this treatment works because this is how we will restore South Africa. Similarly, sticking to Moqhaka ...
Afrikaans:
... die Hillstraat-kliniek val uitmekaar uit. Die plafonne het gate en die toilette en wasbakke is gebreek. Daar is sekuriteitsprobleme, daar is ’n tekort aan personeel en dan nog is die personeel wat daar is se kontrakte nie hernu nie.
Die fotostaatmasjien werk nie en die rekenaars is gesteel. Daar is ten minste telefone wat hulle aan die naburige Boitumelo Hospitaal moet leen want hulle telefone werk al sedert Januarie nie; basiese dienslewering wat daar nie is nie.
Laat ek sommer op die punt in verband met gesondheid bly en dit sê. Die Nasionale Gesondheidsversekering, NGV, gaan nie skielik en magies hierdie omstandighede in klinieke en hospitale omkeur nie. Dit gaan hierdie instellings in die steek laat. Ons het nodig om eers ons hospitale en klinieke op te gradeer, bevoegde personnel aan te stel, onder andere aspekte soos ... [Onhoorbaar.] ... en die talle Suid-Afikaanse mediese praktisyne wat werkloos is en by die huis sit aan te stel alvorens ons NGV kan oorweeg of implementeer. Dit is hoe ons Suid-Afrika gaan herstel.
English:
Hon President, you spoke about South Africa being a water- scarce country and that we need to protect our water resources
but in many municipalities such as Ngwathe, Mafube and Emfuleni to name but three, sewage is running rife in our rivers and it affects those ecosystems. We need to hold municipal officials to account and not allow pollution to occur. The FF Plus requested the Ministers to be the first in line to lay these complaints against accounting officers where there is pollution in our rivers and I urge you to keep an eye on them for doing that.
Afrikaans:
Mnr die President, u het ook genoem dat daar ’n verhoging in die kapasiteit van die energienetwerk gaan wees. Dit is belangrik maar ons moet eers op die herstel van ons huidige netwerk fokus. Dorpe soos Parys in die Vrystaat wat veronderstel om ’n toerisme spilpunt te wees het munisipaal- ingestelde beurtkrag omdat hulle netwerk nie die lading kan hanteer nie. Dit natuurlik op sy beurt lei tot ’n tekort aan water en pompe wat breek wat dan weer ook nie water vir die dorp gee nie.
English:
It is however not just cynicism from my side. I have tremendous gratitude for the announcement of an expanded basket of basic and essential items, and particularly the fact
that girl children will be able to have access to sanitary products at school. A third of our girl children regularly miss school because of this and it is not right.
Afrikaans:
Suid-Afrika is ’n ongelooflike land met astronomiese potensiaal wat ons net moet realiseer. Die Regering van Nasionale Eenheid bied vir Suid-Afrika die geleentheid om te herstel en bou. Ek dank u, Voorsitter.
Ms K L N SANGONI: House Chair, His Excellency Comrade President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Comrade Paul Mashatile, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, hon members, fellow South Africans. Your Excellency Mr President, we cannot create jobs and build an economy of the future with skills of the past. Yesterday’s impossibilities, like driverless cars, voice and face cloning, drone warfare, robots performing complex surgery are the realities of today. We must understand, adapt and adopt all risks being left behind.
Technology and innovation are key in achieving all the sustainable development goals, SDGs and realising Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan, NDP. There’s no sector of government that can function and policy or programme that can
be implemented or achieved without strengthening information and communication technology, ICT and harnessing technology in the interests of efficiency and optimal service delivery.
Furthermore, we cannot eradicate the inequalities that exist in our society without focusing on the catalytic role, technology can play in development. As the hon President said last night, economic growth has to be both inclusive and transformational. We must draw on the skills and capabilities of all in society, especially those who are marginalised. This is particularly true when it comes to advancing the digital economy.
Every care must be taken to ensure that the existing socioeconomic divides are not worsened by the digital divide. With its growing and youthful population, high levels of smartphone penetration and advanced digital infrastructure, South Africa is perfectly poised to be at the forefront of the digital economy. The focus on network industries including telecoms under the growth enhancing structural reforms is expected to unlock further benefits for our economy and the South African people. We are already reaping the benefits of these competitive advantages.
Our country is one of the leading destinations in Africa for ICT investments. Information and communication technologies have been major investors at successive South African investment conferences. We have a thriving startup culture. So, we welcome the Seventh Administration’s focus on the digital economy and creating jobs and digital services. We are building a country and an economy of the future, and we’re already hard at work. But we must do more, we must do better, and we must do it faster together.
We must harness the collective energies of all South Africans, the public and private sectors and civil society. As South Africans across political divides, race, gender and creed, we must ensure that we work faster. For our part as the ANC, we will never cower from the need to build a co-operative approach where all South Africans work together to realise, as the president called it “our shared destiny.”
We will never be blackmailed by those who wish to pigeonhole us into a black party. The ANC is a nonracial party, not a black party. We do not now, nor have we ever hated white people.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Hon member, please take your seat for a moment. Hon Manyi, why are you rising?
Mr M MANYI: Chair, again in terms of Rule 92 red with Rule 83, a member is not supposed to read her speech word for word.
Those are the Rules. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Thank you, hon member. The Rules ... [Inaudible] ... from the notes and the Rules say, do not read as far as possible. I see another hand, hon Mahlaule.
Mr M G MAHLAULE: Hon Chairperson, I rise on a point of order on hon Manyi who for the second time is quoting the wrong rules. We are using the Joint Rules not the National Assembly Rules. Hon Shivambu, you have a responsibility to educate your member there. Thank you very much.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr W Horn): Hon members, yesterday when we came here for the Opening of Parliament Address. All of us were supplied with a Joint Rules Book. Please use them. Hon member, please continue. My apologies for the interruption.
Ms K L N SANGONI: House Chair I repeat, the ANC is a nonracial party, not a black party. We do not now and never have we
hated white people. We hate white supremacy and the system that perpetuate it. We do not believe that it is the colour of a person’s skin that determines whether or not a person is progressive or reactionary, but rather the content of their politics. For example, it makes no difference how black you are, but you call for a regression to feudalism, where government accounts to unelected traditional leadership that is right-wing and reactionary to the core, regardless of how one tries to signal left.
Hon President, it is for this reason that the ANC supports and welcomes the opening address you gave yesterday. It speaks to the progressive policies, politics and manifesto of the ANC and the mandates that people have elected us to deliver on. It addresses job creation, building an inclusive economy and tackling the high cost of living, amongst other things that people sent us here to advocate for.
Hose Chair, the building of a new digital world and an economy of the future begins at the very foundational level in our schools. Last month, amendments to the national curriculum were gazetted, which introduced robotics and coding even at Grade R level. Smart schools are equipped with cyber
laboratories developed by State Information Technology Agency,
Sita and they’ve been launched around the country.
They include, amongst them, Little Flower Combined School in Ixopo KwaZulu-Natal, Manoe Secondary School, Ga-Kobe Limpopo, Ntafufu Senior Secondary School, in Lusikisiki Eastern Cape, Phakela Combined School in North West, Ba Ga Lotlhare Secondary School in Kuruman in Northern Cape. All these areas hon are in rural areas. Those with eyes to see and ears to hear will affirm that it is a lie to say this government does nothing in rural areas.
In these schools, they all have 40 computers, desks and interactive boards. We are working with traditional leaders and we have also facilitated connectivity to 937 traditional authority offices ...
IsiXhosa:
... iinqila namakomkhulu.
English:
Through this initiative, our communities in rural areas gain access to broadband connectivity, helping them to access the endless opportunities that exist in the digital world. Hon
members, with this razor-sharp focus on skilling our population and building an economy of the future, with a focus on inclusivity that ensures that technology narrows inequality and does not deepen it, and with the necessary political will, we can, and we will build the economy of the future together. I thank you.
Mr M BILLY: House Chairperson, Speaker of the National Assembly, President, Deputy President, hon members. Mr President, it is a great honour to have the opportunity to respond to your address opening the Seventh Parliament.
While voters did not give any party an outright majority, South Africans from all walks of life are represented and their vote matters, as political parties across the political spectrum form part of this Seventh Administration’s Cabinet. Mr President, with no doubt this brings hope to South Africans, as it does to many of us here.
Mr President, you can rest assured that, as the DA in both Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, along with the Ministers from the DA you have appointed in your Cabinet, we will be active participants in the government and provide our inputs as well as support,
provided that we all participants uphold the Constitution of our beloved country and the rule of law.
In recent times, we have seen elements from questionable actors that have threatened the integrity of the Constitution and the rule of law. We have seen rogue elements masquerading as political parties actively campaigning against the Constitution seeking to replace it with anarchy, chaos and confusion, while the looting efforts in our country intensify.
Mr President, our people are desperate for a stable and working government. A government that creates a conducive environment for investment and job creation. Our people are desperate for jobs, to feed their families, to build homes, to live in peace, free from criminals and construction mafias who have terrorised communities and interfere with the progress of much needed development in our country.
Mr President, that is why we welcome your intervention and your commitment yesterday to deal decisively with the construction mafias which are a huge problem in our country. [Applause.] Our people are desperate for a reliable public transport system that doesn’t force our people to wake up at the crack of dawn to travel for hours and then do it all over
again at night costing them a large portion of their salaries. This cannot be, Mr President.
Like many South Africans, I was born in extreme poverty and experienced the hardships of growing up living in an informal settlement in Reservoir Hills, eThekwini. I lived in the village of KwaBhala in Flagstaff in Eastern Cape. I lived in the hardest townships in eThekwini, Umlazi and Clermont.
Mr President, in 1994, when our country’s first democratic elections took place, as young as I was, I still recall my late mother, who was a domestic worker, with her siblings and friends, excited to cast their votes. To them, it was a momentous occasion and the beginning of a new era. An era of jobs, of houses, the introduction of electricity and running water. The building of schools and hospitals, providing free compulsory quality education for many of them.
Mr President, to date, those communities remain informal settlements, in Reservoir Hills. My village KwaBhala in the Eastern Cape still does not have running water. Crime is at its worst in Clermont and in Umlazi eThekwini. Mr President, as the Government of National Unity, we must change that. We
must do things differently. We must bring hope to all our people.
It is true that good progress has been made in our democracy, but many continue to live without quality access to water, sanitation, and electricity., So, more must be done and more will be done under the Government of National Unity.
In conclusion, Mr President, the DA is committed to the Government of National Unity. Ministers from the DA will work diligently in their in their respective departments. You would have seen as you highlighted yesterday that there was excitement. Indeed, there is excitement.
Our Ministers have started working quite hard, you would have seen that. That is why we commit to what you have initiated and what we are part of. That is why we will never be part of
... [Inaudible.] Mr President, let us stand for South Africans, as the strength of our nation lies in our collective commitment to justice, equality, and the rule of law. [Applause.] [Time expired.]
Mr L W MAHLATI: House Chair; the President of Africa, Jacob Zuma; ... [Applause.] ... the President of the Republic; ...
Sesotho:
... kgotso, ntate
Sepedi:
Motho ke motho ka batho.
English:
... the Deputy President of the Republic, ...
IsiZulu:
... ubuntu ...
English:
... one of my favourites, but the concept is meaningless when there is no relation. There must be justice for a statement to have a meaning. If I say, I am because of you, it is difficult to be I am because of you, when you have something that belongs to me. There must be justice in that. When there is injustice, it is difficult to be you or to be who I am because of you. If you give back my land, then I am because of you.
So, to the Minister of Land Reform and the President of the Republic, while waiting on the amendment of section 25, ... We do not have to wait; we can always utilise the candidates that
exist in other laws. There is land that is vacant, land that is abandoned, land that is acquired illegally, land that is neglected that we can still expropriate, while we are waiting for the amendment. Then we can discuss the modality.
At a certain point, now, I am referring to all African leaders in this House ... It is okay, I am talking about leaders, not you, ma’am. [Interjections.]
President, in a township, each and every house has a brother, or a sister or a cousin that is under the influence of this drug called Nyaope. I appeal to you - even if you look at me as a rival in a way – to put money and investment in saving these kids. Let these kids experience the economic freedom in our lifetime.
Let us put these kids in our plans. These kids are black kids; they are African kids. So, I appeal to you, leadership, that while we are talking about all these beautiful things, except for policies, because there were no policies yesterday in the speech, let us think of our people. Our people are hungry, and our people are under the influence of drugs. Let us save our kids.
IsiZulu:
Izwe lethu!
Ms D C CHRISTIANS: Hon Chairperson, hon President, hon members, fellow South Africans, we are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. The President’s address has set the stage for our collective future, and the focus must be on harnessing the transformative power of education. Our journey in the DA has been defined by relentless advocacy, rigorous scrutiny, and a vision for a better tomorrow. Today, we renew our pledge to the children of this country, to their families, and to every citizen who dreams of a brighter future through the power of education.
While South African learners cannot read for meaning, while they attend schools in unsafe environments, and while they sit in overcrowded classrooms with overworked and underqualified teachers forced to teach an overloaded curriculum, the department continue to face immense challenges in implementing effective plans to turn the situation around and save this generation.
The President’s acknowledgment of the dire state of school infrastructure is a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead.
Afrikaans:
Dit is ’n skande dat daar in 2024 steeds talle skole is wat ontbreek aan noodsaaklike fasiliteite soos lopende water en behoorlike sanitasie. Die tragiese voorval onlangs waar ’n driejarige in ’n puttoilet geval het, is ’n hartverskeurende herinnering aan die gevaarlike omstandighede, wat baie kinders daagliks ervaar.
Hierdie tragedie, asook die katastrofiese ongeluk, wat die lewens van 11 jong leerders in Carletonville geëis het, beklemtoon die dringende behoefte aan veiliger skoolomgewings en betroubare vervoerstelsels. Puttoilette en onveilige strukture moet binne die volgende regeringsperiode verwyder word. Elke kind verdien ’n veilige omgewing om in te leer.
English:
We cannot ignore the critical shortfall in funding allocated to key areas such as infrastructure development, teacher training, and learner support services. The shortfall to these
critical areas is deeply concerning and threatens the safety and quality of our learning environments.
The importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. The childhood education lays the foundation for lifelong learning. The DA supports the President’s call for high-quality early childhood education and safe spaces for children in ECD centres. We urge the department to expedite plans for educational programmes for three to five-year-olds and provide systematic support to home-based care and learning initiatives.
As the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill awaits the President’s sign-off, we must remain vigilant about its implications. While efforts to streamline educational administrations are necessary, the DA has consistently raised concerns about clauses that could excessively centralise power away from the provinces to the Minister and undermine the critical role that parents play in their children’s education.
Despite efforts from the homeschooling sector, the department has failed to have proper engagement on how the sector should be regulated, with the Bill still imposing excessive regulatory burdens on parents who opt for homeschooling.
While amendments to the Bill now do allow schools to opt out of centralised procurement, the process must be streamlined to eliminate any delays in delivery.
As we look towards the future, the establishment of a Government of National Unity offers a unique opportunity to forge a new path. The inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives will strengthen our democracy and enhance our policy-making processes. In this new era, we envision a DA-led Ministry of Basic Education that brings innovation, accountability, and unwavering dedication to our educational landscape.
Regardless of which party you belong to, we all want to see our people and children live a life of dignity and be part of the solution that breaks the chains of intergenerational poverty.
Afrikaans:
Aan die ouers en voogde, ons verstaan julle hoop en vrees vir jul kinders se toekoms. Aan die onderwysers, julle toewyding vorm die leiers van môre. Aan die leerders, julle is die hartklop van ons nasie, en julle drome moet ons missie hier dryf.
English:
We will move forward with courage, determination, and an unyielding belief in the transformative power of education. Together, we can overcome our challenges and create a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you.
Ms T I LEGWASE: Hon House Chair, His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency the President and hon members ...
Sepedi:
... ke a le dumediia.
English:
I want to agree with you President when you said yesterday:
In recent days we have witnessed runaway fires in the KwaZulu-Natal in which 14 people including six firefighters lost their lives. The fire has caused the destruction of homes, livestock and grazing land due to climate change.
Therefore, hon President, I would like to send our deepest condolences to the families. The impact of climate change is no longer a distant idea, but a livid reality globally.
Climate change has social economic and environmental implications that pose a risk to the sustainability and livelihoods of life itself. As a nation we have an obligation to join global efforts to reduce greenhouse emissions and to move towards a low-carbon economy that protects our national interests. As we speak today the floods in the Western Cape are impacting the most vulnerable in informal settlements and the homeless. Floods do not only have a social impact but also an economic impact as they lead to damage the infrastructure.
In 2022, the floods impacted KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and North West and, we experienced a high deaths rate and a displacement in our communities. This tragic experience has taught us several lessons including the need to build resilience system and capabilities to respond to the disaster management with low casualties and low impact. The National Council of Provinces in the sixth administration had a focus approach of oversight jointly with the National Assembly to oversee and monitor the response of government.
Parliament made several observations, and we need to continue to monitor and follow through the key recommendations. This requires the government to co-ordinate national framework of disaster preparedness and adaptation of mitigated plans. We
need to maintain this objective efficiently. Climate change should be a critical element in the formulation of policies. The disaster intervening capabilities should be developed. In our communities we must enhance awareness in our household on how to respond to natural disasters. We must ensure that our municipalities have a particular level of preparedness to tackle a disaster.
In the seventh administration the government needs to closely measure and monitor the capability of the state in relation to disaster management capabilities and capacity. We must also implement a disaster facing strategy which mitigates the risk of social and economic loss and ... [Inaudible.] ... efficient funding system which enables implementing agents to respond to a disaster. We need to also develop regional and continental disaster financing institutions to leverage the capacity of countries and to enhance the continent’s ability to respond.
Responding to apartheid, spatial planning is another fundamental consideration in shaping development. In green development planning is important as part of the philosophy and human settlement and land use planning. Another climate change risk is drought which impact many communities particularly in rural areas. Dependence on subsistence farming
drought also negatively impacts on the agricultural sector. We must take decisive measures against deforestation, which is rampant in protected areas. We must strengthen law enforcement agencies to tackle the problem of deforestation as the wood industry has a risen due to load shedding.
Hon President and members, conserving our natural resources is critical for the sustenance of our resources and future generations to benefit from the wealth and the richness of our natural resources. Hon members, economic development is local, and our municipalities should be at the centre of creating enabling environment for local economic development. our municipalities capability has spillover effect on the local economic activities, and we believe that when we have effective planning at a local level, opportunities and many jobs can be created in communities where our people live.
Hon President, we should ask ourselves some critical questions. If we are to respond to development at a provincial and local level, we must ourselves when last did you adequately capitalised on provincial development financial institutions. We should also question whether such development agencies at the provincial and district levels are having a desired impact. We believe that we need believe we need to
support the agency and ensure it is capacitated with persons with the requisite skills and capabilities to manage development corporation.
Hon members, long-term planning should not be a strategic function largely undertaken at the national level but also at a provincial and district level. For the District Development Model to work efficiently intergovernmental planning should also be done at a conceptual level not just to integrating plans. Long-term planning will enhance the predictability of policy which enables a better proportion for long-term investment. The Government of National Unity creates opportunity to ... [Inaudible.] ... all social partners towards a developmental path which will enable distribution, redress, transformation and improved living conditions in our country.
Tackling the high level of unemployment is a commitment the ANC has made to the people of South Africa, and through municipalities, our metros and the province we realised our commitment. We welcome the focus on addressing the financial structural factors impacting municipalities, mainly in rural areas and those revenue challenges. The bulk of challenges impacting South Africans daily is service provision to our
communities. Yes, the cost of living and the overall economic environment ... [Inaudible.] ... the youth and those above the age of 35 who are unemployed. We must ensure that our youth, women and entrepreneurs are involved in manufacturing of construction sector input.
We must leverage the infrastructure spending to also transform the linked value chain. We must be intentional with industrial development and localisation. We believe that we can create many economic opportunities by supporting and investing local ecosystem in villages, townships, farms, schools, colleges, and civil society. Lastly, the African National Congress undertakes a process of organisational renewal. This renewal is not for itself but to persevere the ANC as an instrument in the hands of South Africans to transform their living conditions. Lastly, President ...
Setswana:
... nko ya kgomo mogala tshwara ka thata, e se re o utlwa sebodu wa kgaoga. Ke a leboga. [Legofi.]
THE MINISTER OF TOURISM: Hon House Chair, hon President and Deputy President. The May election was a major step in the realignment of South Africa’s political landscape. The
Government of National Unity, GNU is not the final destination, it's an important junction in the road. It has the ability to implement policies and programmes that will strongly influence where our country heads next.
The GOOD party joined the GNU for two reasons. Firstly, to contribute positively to the realignment process, and secondly, because the statement of intent was closely aligned to our policy pillars of social, economic, spatial and environmental justice.
When we enter Cabinet meetings these days, we don't just leave our phones outside, but our party hats. We have a mandate rooted in the Constitution, directed by the approved policies and legislation, and led by the President. Outside of Cabinet, we will continue to be sensible, constructive, critical and add value wherever we can.
We want to be part of finding a better, more inclusive country. The GNU means putting politics aside and not wasting the opportunity. As the GNU, we must be careful not to structure our message as if nothing has been done in the past. We must not send out a message that the GNU has now discovered all the mistake. The GNU Ministers must know that when you
inherit a department, you inherit with the good and the bad, and you must fix it. When you are called to serve in the executive, you serve the people of the country. Because the needs and the pain of our people knows no political affiliation.
Madam Speaker, the first case is not in a good space. Therefore, all departments must introduce zero based budgeting as we agreed in the sixth administration. We must do more with less.
Mr President, like Minister Parks Tau, I also want to quote one of your economic advisors Ms Mariana Mazzucato in her book Mission Economy and I quote:
“Government has bought into the ideology that their role is
simply to fix problems, not achieve bold objectives. Government cannot limit itself to reactively fixing markets but must explicitly co-shape markets to deliver the outcomes society needs.”
Tourism is one of these bold objectives to co-shape markets and ensure inclusive growth that creates jobs for our people. And we are already busy with it. In 2023, the tourism sector
grew by 49% compared to the previous year. Like Mr President said, a demand led approach to skills development will empower our people. I see tourism as an enabler that will absorb many unskilled and semi-skilled citizens in a growing and thriving tourism industry.
Madam speaker, we must not take the patience of our people for granted. Like weaver birds, what is left for the GNU now is to implement, implement and implement. Lastly, I’ve been waiting long to say this. Hon Minister Steenhuizen always accused Minister McKenzie and myself of working with the ANC. He can no longer accuse us of that, you are now part of the ANC. Thank you.
Mrs N N CHIRWA-MPUNGOSE: Chairperson, greetings the commander in chief of the EFF Julius Sello Malema, EFF officials, commissars, the leaders of the progressive caucus and sympathizers of the revolutionary movement in Africa that turns 11 years old on the 27th of July.
To be young is to be in a stage of becoming, of working towards your goals and aspirations to transition from being dependent to independent. However, the youth of this country are perpetual children, and some will never know independence
until their old age. At the realisation of how doomed we are under our leadership, Mr President, thousands continue to give in to nyaope and young women and girls amount to bottle girls for you and your friends at the peak of their vibrancy and zeal for life and prosperity.
We live with our parents and finding a 40-year-old man asking his mother for bread is more common than otherwise. This phenomenon is known as the Ramaphosa economy. Joblessness, poverty, and constantly questioning if we are truly the young adults of today.
In 2018, Mr President, you launched the Jobs Summit and promised the youth of this country 275000 jobs per year, you failed. In 2019, you promised 2 million jobs and an end to hunger halving of crime and empowering the school curriculum where a 10-year-old will be able to read for comprehension, you failed.
In 2020, you unveiled R100 billion fund to create jobs in the public sector for the youth, you failed. You launched the National Strategic Plan, NSP against gender-based violence, GBV and femicide, and four years later, on the eve of
elections 2024, the murderer of Kedisaletse Elsie Ndonje, was granted bail of R2000, you failed.
In 2021, you spoke about building new cities and the National Youth Development Agency would fund 1 000 young entrepreneurs in 100 days, you failed. In 2022, plagued by your own failures over the years, you promised the National Youth Service would create a modest 50 000 jobs in its first phase, you failed. In 2023, you came here and praised yourself for the Youth Employment Service that pays 100 000 youth in piece jobs that lasted nothing more than 12 months, once again, you failed.
Yesterday, you came to this House and promised 2 million jobs to the youth of South Africa and that's fair and deliberate to then say that this time next year the result will once again be not achieved and failed.
When you became President in 2018, youth unemployment was sitting at 43% and nearly seven years into your Presidency, youth unemployment currently sits at 45% for individuals aged
15 to 34 and a whopping 59% for young people aged 15 to 24.
Your Presidency is characterised by many and many promises and many, many failures.
It is now apparent that as the youth of today, we must ready ourselves psychologically, like the youth of 1976, for the biggest fight against the establishment. The establishment has charged you, Mr President, at the forefront as the weapon that is formed against us.
The youth of today, like Nelson Mandela, who is now hailed as an icon of peace, must be ready to be called terrorists. We must be ready to be called criminals. We must be ready to be jailed for crimes we did not commit. We must be ready to be character assassinated like Ida Mntwana, Robert Sobukwe, Onkgopotse Tiro, Steve Biko, Winnie Mandela and Julius Malema.
But amongst ourselves as the youth of this country, we know who the true criminals are. We know who stole our land from our grandmothers. We know who stole our minds. We know who stole COVID-19 funds that were meant to keep our people alive. We know who stole Tembisa Hospital money. We know who stole SA Airways, SAA, Iscor, Sasol and Telkom.
We know who is now stealing Eskom, Transnet, Prasa, and even privatising our water, all the while you are creating an impression that these are natural disasters, despite the fact
that they are orchestrated by the true criminals of the government of today deployed by the Oppenheimers.
We know who stole the money that is meant to eradicate pit toilets in the Eastern Cape. We know who stole the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS money. We know the mafias of the Steinhoff heist. We know the thieves of the Skills Development Fund and we definitely know who the number one money launderer is.
There is absolutely nothing that the establishment masquerading as a Government of National Unity can do to deter us, the youth of today, from seeking out our generational mission. The government of the ANC has not fooled all of us.
It is under the ANC that we saw privatisation of state-owned entities at a large scale, much higher than that of the apartheid government. A trail of privatisation that is so aggressive that even our healthcare isn’t spared through the National Health Insurance, NHI.
The rise of the establishment and the collapse of the state takes shape under the government of the ANC. That is the legacy of the ANC today. The positive outcomes of all this
neoliberal facade of the government of the day is that we now rightly characterise the new liberal agender encompassing of all its participants, who are part of the GNU coalition. We now know who the enemy of economic freedom is.
Even if in the past they pretended to be a part of us and spoke like the forefathers of the emancipation movement, the battle lines have been drawn. It is the subject of the Oppenheimer, the GNU coalition versus the people of South Africa.
The youth of this country will continue to chant economic freedom in our lifetime. We will continue to present Bills in this House that call for expropriation of land without compensation. We will continue to call for nationalisation of mines, banks and other strategic sectors. We will push back against your corruption and hold the captains of the ruling class accountable. We will fight for the scrapping of student debts and continue to call for quality free and decolonised education in our lifetime. We will continue to call for free healthcare, housing, water and sanitation. We will continue to remind you that the young people in this country deserve real jobs...
Sepedi:
... e sego meiomo ye ya go topa dipampiri, ya go tiea ...
English:
... six months. We want industrial development, insourcing of security guards and cleaners, free pads, Mr President, and all those rand manipulators to be arrested and to rot in jail. The people's power is rising in Africa, and we will not be left behind.
The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES: House
Chairperson, let me take you to church. The scripture reminds us that there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the sun. This is the time for all patriotic South Africans to rise beyond the borders of our partisan to join hands in working towards what is in the best interest of our count. The results of the 2024 elections delivered the season that needs real leaders to unite against the instability that our country must fulfil the dream of a better life for all.
So, I speak on behalf of my colleagues that my party, the DA, is proud to be part of the Government of National Unity. [Applause.] We would rather be part of the solution that
stares South Africa towards prosperity rather than perpetuate the problems that deny millions of South Africans to live in a stable and thriving country. Unlike some johnny-come-lately, who are masquerading as wannabe red and camouflage socialists having no shame while they are exhibitors of opulence gained through the proceeds of crime and corruption, we would rather find solutions to uplift poor South Africans out of poverty. [Applause.]
Mr President, the department you have mandated me to lead has the potential to unlock unimaginable opportunities for millions of South Africans through widening access to broadband connectivity so that no one is left behind. By the end of this financial year, we will be able to connect approximately two million households through the public Wi-Fi hotspots programme. As part of our efforts to building a digitally inclusive society, we will be able to connect over
20 000 government facilities. These include over 4 000 health
facilities, 16 000 schools, 900 traditional authorities from those of us who live under traditional leaders, and 570 libraries over the next 36 months. Notwithstanding this, there are major obstacles that are imposed by the over regulation that exist in the information and communication technology sector, which make it impossible to reliably connect millions
of South Africans to the digital world. Smartphones and smart devices should be a basic essential for learning, doing business, and even for personal entertainment. [Applause.] Yet one of the most obvious inhibitors to connectivity is the cost of smartphones and devices. Their classification as luxury goods drive their prices to the extent that they are unaffordable for many South Africans. So, to this end, Minister Godongwana, we will be engaging with you to consider the introduction of a price threshold for the determination of smartphones as luxury goods.
Mr President, we welcome what you said about the need to simplify legislation to encourage investment. We will become obsessed with making evidence-based decisions so that we remove every regulation and policy that impedes opportunities for investment and job creation in this sector.
House Chairperson, progress is not linear. It is a series of small steps, sometimes forward, sometimes sideways, but we know that progress always endures turbulence. It attracts pessimism from doubting Thomases, and there are many in this House. But with every persistent effort towards prosperity, making progress is possible. So, the digital universe needs to be able to connect to every single child in every village
throughout our country. If we do this, we will be able to discover a generation of geniuses that will spare innovation in the digital world. [Applause.] So, I would like to challenge all the mobile network operators and telecommunications companies to work together with government to put devices in children’s hands. And before I end with the scripture, hon Ndlozi and hon Pambo, have you relegated your intelligence to trolling other members because of their wardrobe or height? [Interjections.] Please do justice to your own intellect. But to end the scripture, many are called but few are chosen. [Time expired.] The Government of National Unity has been chosen by people. Thank you. [Applause.]
Cllr B STOFILE (SALGA): House Chairperson, the Speaker of National Assembly, the Deputy Speaker, the Chairperson of the NCOP, the President of the Republic ...
IsiXhosa:
... uMhlabuhlangene, woMzantsi Afrika, Sekela Mongameli welizwe lakowethu ...
English:
... it is my honour and humbling privilege, on behalf of the SA Local Government Association, Salga, and the sector to
welcome the opportunity given to us and also to be the first person to congratulate you on your elections as the Seventh Administration that will take this country to new heights.
President of the Republic, the SA Local Government Association and the entire 257 municipalities in the country felt so happy to hear the news that you announced yesterday that there will be a focus in changing the funding model of municipal system in the Republic of South Africa. And these are news that comes after 24 years of struggle led by Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, Amos Masondo, Thabo Manyoni, Parks Tau, Thembi Nkadimeng, Sebenzile Ngangelizwe ... [Inaudible.] ... whom we waged the struggle that ultimately there should be a different way that municipal system in South Africa is funded and that made us to be very happy to be quite honest, that ultimately you managed to close that debate. So, I am trying to say that at least as the SA Local Government Association and the entire municipal system in the country, we feel proud about that, and we are looking forward to the implementation.
The second issue that President we wish to bring to your attention is our appreciation that ultimately there is a recognition in South Africa, and you have made it very clear in your opening statement yesterday that the government must
stop operating in silos. You said it is important for the government to ignite the co-operative nature that the government ... [Inaudible.] ... to in South Africa, and this must be appreciated to us as SA Local Government Association because it is a problem that when the government operate in silos, it creates problems of lack of service delivery.
Therefore, your call to us means we must understand that we are government that we have elected, that is supposed to act as a single unit in responding to challenges of our people. I think President you then spoke directly to the words that were uttered by Dr Nelson Mandela, the founder of our democracy, in 1996, when he addressed us as counsellors, he said:
You have the task of doing whatever is necessary to ensure that our new local government system serves the needs of our communities. You have the responsibility to make their voice heard and to provide an effective instrument for them to improve their lives.
It is against this backdrop that we proudly join the President in calling upon the Seventh Administration to ensure that all spheres of government support local government as the sphere closest to the people. Implementing this request, will be in line with our belief that to achieve a state that can play a
developmental and transformative role ... if we are serious about reversing the legacy of apartheid, local government is strategically positioned and a key pillar to play a fundamental role in building a capable state. We agree with the President that the role of municipalities, and particularly our cities, given their importance as engines for economic growth and job creation, and in dealing with the spatial transformation and the legacy of spatial transformation is key. We do want to do this work; however, it adds that this should come with a particular focus and reflection on the powers and functions necessary to execute that mandate and why devolution and assignment are critical to the management of the integrated spaces. However, President, in respect of exploring opportunities for stimulating rural development, as detailed in your address, local government can play a meaningful role in the implementation of the effective and innovative development programme. We therefore have high expectation that the Seventh Administration will find ways to reinforce rather than undermine the role of developmental local government so that municipalities can address poverty, inequality, and begin to develop rural communities. Having said this, while focusing our discussions on necessary ingredients for building a capable and developmental state, we
should not and cannot ignore the current topical issues confronting the local government.
Madam Speaker, whilst admirable progress has been made, substantial work remains to be done. During the Seventh Administration, frustration with the continuing lack of fundamental economic transformation and inequality are real, and President has spoken to this when he was talking about economic growth. The Seventh Administration must therefore address the stubborn challenges that continue to bedevil the local government progress. These include governance and oversight challenges, including strengthening community involvement and ownership of development in municipalities.
Integrated development and safe inclusive human settlement, in particular dealing with the key levers required to enable local government to effectively transform our municipal spaces and direct development confronting our energy and infrastructure challenges and making long-term sustainable choices - and that is why we appreciate Dr K Ramokgopa and the Department for interacting with us on issues of energy transition.
Intergovernmental debt and rising consumer indepthness, as well as the declining revenue base of municipalities and linked thereto, the viability and long-term financial sustainability of the sector - local government.
Safety and security of councillors, municipal officials, traditional leaders, and people that are representing the interest of our communities ... I think President, I have heard the Minister of Police and I think it is a plan that we need to support in trying to fight the challenges ... I think this morning or afternoon he raised some issues. We support the President’s emphasis on co-operative governance. It is our respective submission as the Salga that the promulgation of the Intergovernmental Monitoring Support and Intervention Bill, which is currently a subject consultation, will create a standardized framework of the support to municipal system and thereby make municipalities to operate as a single unit in responding to our challenges.
As I conclude, noting the details unpacked by the President in his address, the journey of local government in South Africa has been an impactful transition. We stand proud to support the commitment made by President and his Cabinet. We must, however, say the cause on policy is still long. It requires
the unity because united, we can prosper. The last issue to us, we must be careful of what I call auto deficiency syndrome, where systems begin to contest and destroy each other with no progress and prosper of our communities. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr P Govender): Thank you very much, House Chair ... [Interjection.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Deputy Chairperson, would you just take a seat, please. I want to recognise hon Ndlozi. Hon Ndlozi.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: House Chair, you are amending the program, ambushing us. We don’t have the program of this speaker. And I think it would have been prudent either to share or explain rather than just ambush us. We have agreed times, is to how long this debate must take place. Speakers have been released and now, there’s someone here.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Yes ... no thank you hon Ndlozi, the speaker’s list has been updated, and it is incumbent on the table staff to ensure that all the chief whips of parties get the speakers list. The hon Deputy
Chairperson of the Council is the next speaker. Hon Deputy Chairperson, you may proceed ... [Interjection.]
Dr M Q NDLOZI: How long does he have?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): ... the hon Deputy Chairperson, will you proceed? Please get the speaker’s list for hon member.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: We didn’t get ... I started by saying we haven’t received it ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Yes, they will ensure that you get it all ...
Dr M Q NDLOZI: How long does he have?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): ... Yes, they will ensure that you get it all ... hon member, the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP will now proceed. Please ensure that the speaker’s list is provided to the whippery of the EFF.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr P Govender): Thank you very much, once again House Chair, the President of the
Republic of South Africa His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the Deputy President, National Speaker of the National Assembly, Deputy Speaker, House Chairpersons, the President of the IFP, the hon V F Hlabisa, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, hon Members of Parliament, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
At the outset, Mr President, we want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the six firefighters, who tragically lost their lives in the KwaZulu-Natal, KZN, Midlands whilst bravely battling the R617 Boston Road, fire.
These were first respondents, Mr President and colleagues. These are first respondents that risk their lives to save the lives of other citizens in our province. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families and the survivors, and we wish them a swift and speedy recovery.
Yesterday, the hon Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the President of the IFP, the hon V F Hlabisa made statements in this House, which have resonance with this joint sitting.
In starting a new chapter in our country history. Undeniably, the title of this chapter is the Government of National Unity. From this chapter our pages will be filled by one common theme of reshaping and the political landscape of our nation. And leading to the moulding of a coalition government that reflects the collective will of the South African electorate.
Hon House Chair, the IFP’s unwavering commitment to the government of national unity, serves as a testament to our principled dedication to the well-being of our nation. We have always been a party that prides itself on constructive engagement, rooted in a belief, in unity and progress for the betterment of our country.
As IFP, we pledge to never let go off the values of servant leadership. Our participation in the NGU means that we are now have a greater responsibility of transparency, accountability, for the upliftment of all South Africans.
We are undoubtedly called by a diverse group of South Africans to find each other, reconstruct the fabric of our society and rebuild the nation’s pride.
The legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, characterized by statesmanship and advocacy, continues to resonate within the chambers of this Parliament. His steadfast commitments to justice and equity stands as an enduring example for all those who seek to serve our nation. As we navigate the complexities of the changing climate and socioeconomic landscape, the IFP’s advocacy for responsive government and tangible outcomes resonates deeply.
It is our resolve to foster a stable and effective GNU that should be a testament to the unwavering belief in the transformative power of collaboration and collective action.
I thank the President of the country for recognizing the poor condition of eThekwini’s infrastructure. Mr President, I grew up in eThekwini. This is the only metro in Kwazulu-Natal and is the economic hub of our province. Sadly, it is no longer the shining gem it once was.
But I feel encouraged by the government of national unity that has found traction in the province. And the commitment by the President in his address last night to restore eThekwini, to his former glory. Mr President, I would hold you to that.
Emphasis must be placed on the continued and far-reaching impact of natural disasters on the lives of the vulnerable communities in Kwazulu-Natal, which requires better intergovernmental coordination to effectively address prevailing challenges.
The National Disaster Management Centre should strive to ensure that all provinces meet a minimum set of requirements in disaster response readiness. Addressing the current unevenness in provincial capabilities. The sets of standards are not a one shoe fits all, but must rather be a response to the individual needs of each province.
And while the reference has been made to KwaZulu-Natal, in this instance, we must not forget other provinces who have been through climate change and natural disasters. It is imperative that all stakeholders in the disaster response chain, act urgently aligned with the gravity of the national disasters and be able to respond to those communities who have been affected.
While we acknowledge the recent commencement of the seventh dispensation, we expressed gratitude to the KwaZulu-Natal
Premier, the hon A T Ntuli, and his Cabinet for their commendable response to disasters in the region.
Hon members, the NGU will face judgment by the people of this country, in providing services, and this is the essence of why we are in this type of government. We must not fail our people and as the government of national unity, we must commit to ensure that the needs of the people come first.
Seventh leadership must be the cornerstone of everything that we do. And I thank you, hon President, hon members. [Time expired.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: House Chairperson, commander-in-chief in the struggle for total economic emancipation in the entire African Continent, the leadership of the progressive caucus here in the Seventh Parliament, let me do what should have been done by now and acknowledge the presence of the former President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma in our Parliament here today.
President, we have said in the Budget Vote on the National Treasury that we as the EFF stand categorically opposed to the government of the so-called Government of National Unity. We correctly stated that a sensible approach should have been to
construct a revolutionary government, a progressive government of forces whose umbilical cords are buried in the same yards. Maybe we were wrong to think that and believe that we share a common heritage and perspective with those that choose to constitute the government with neoliberal and neocolonial forces.
Instead of constituting a progressive government, the President of the ANC assembled the bloated executive of Oppenheimer puppets of semiliterate matriculants, of apartheid apologists, of ex-convicts, of waffling careerists and called them a Government of National Unity. That is what we are dealing with now. As if that is not enough, he comes here yesterday he calls them birds
Xitsonga:
Swinyenyana. Se hi fambisiwa hi mfumo wa swinyenyana.
IsiZulu:
Izinyoni. Uhulumeni wezinyoni.
Sesotho:
Mmuso wa dinonyana.
English:
That is what we are dealing with. So, he like his government as government of sociable weaver birds which are well known for building sophisticated nests. One thing that you must know about birds is that only those that look Alike flock together. They identify with each other. However sophisticated and beautiful the nests that they build will be they will never even allow the most peaceful of birds, a dove, to enter that nest. So, these social weaver birds that you are bragging about will always associates with themselves. Maybe you are correct that, that is what you intends to achieve as a social weaver birds, 75 birds in the bloated executive.
Xitsonga:
Swinyenyana swa 77.
English:
Which are supposed to be the government of South Africa who are supposed to be constituting the government. Now, on the 15 July 2024, the National Film and Video Foundation, NFVF, issued the call for South Africans to nominate people who must receive the award for the SA Film and Television Awards. I want to propose here that we should nominate Mr Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa for the SAFTAs awards, for best fiction. [Laughter.]
If there is no such a category we must introduce a category of even a lifetime achievement award on fiction because everything else that he represents is just fiction.
So, the NFVF Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture is a very important instrument in the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. So, before you introduce the sporting code of spinning mostly stolen cars you should pay attention to the NFVF, so that you can deal with all of these issues clearly, that is all we are dealing with. Now, the nomination is based on the following facts, in 2018, after the coup d’etat which we regrettably supported as the EFF.
What Mr Cyril Ramaphosa said was; we are determined that expropriation without composition should be implemented in a way that increases agricultural production, improves food security and ensure that the land is returned to those from whom it was taken under colonialism and apartheid. Did that happen? No. He said it again starting this year, free education and training will be available to first year students from households with a combined gross income of
350 000. Is that happening? No. There is no free education in South Africa. He said that we will forge ahead with the localisation programme through which products like textile
clothing, furniture, rail, rolling stock and water meters are designated for local procurement. Do you have local procurement for those products? No.
He further said that we will improve our capacity to support black professionals, deal decisively with companies that resist transformation. Is he dealing with that? No. He said that moving forward young South Africans would move to be at the center of the economic agenda. Are the young people at the center of our economic agenda? No. He even further said that government will honor its undertaking to set aside at least 30% of public procurement to small, medium and micro enterprises co-operatives and township and rural enterprises. Is such happening? No.
He even said that he will accelerate the land redistribution programme not only to redress the grave historical injustice but also to bring more producers into the agricultural sector and to make more land available for cultivation. Is that happening? No. So, this person deserves a lot of awards. The closing date for that nomination for SAfTAs awards for best fiction is the 9 August. Let us make sure we nominate him so that he is awarded for all these fictions.
Yesterday, he came here to even add to a lot of fictional imagination claiming 2 million jobs that are not there. Leave the 2 million jobs whom you have said you created yourself, there are no 2 million jobs that were created since you took over as the President yourself in South Africa. Where does the
2 000 000 come from? It only comes from the figments of your imagination. It comes from the creative writing skills which you must be awarded for in terms of what is expected. Now, even if these fictions were possible there is no money to finance such.
Currently we have debt obligation of upward of R5 trillion. We have spent R384 billion on debt service costs. That is the biggest expenditure item on the budget of South Africa and that debt is rising. From your Cabinet Lehotla, the Cabinet of birds the only thing that you changed was to say from the Medium-Term Strategic Framework to Medium Term Development Programmes but the content and the essence of what the government stands for has not changed. You have not even made a commitment that are going to move away from the debt obligations that characterises the state. Now, let us call in Thomas Isidore Noel Sankara he says that;
Debt is neocolonialism, in which colonizers have transformed themselves into “technical assistants.” We should rather say “technical assassins.” They present us with financing, with financial backers. As if someone’s backing could create development. We have been advised to go to these lenders. We have been offered nice financial arrangements. We have been indebted for 50, 60 years and even longer. That means we have been forced to compromise our people for over 50 years.
Under its current form, controlled and dominated by imperialism, debt is a skilfully managed reconquest of Africa, intended to subjugate its growth and development through foreign rules. Thus, each one of us becomes the financial slave, which is to say a true slave, of those who had been treacherous enough to put money in our countries with obligations for us to repay. We are told to repay, but it is not a moral issue. It is not about this so-called honour of repaying or not.
We will give a far much more substantial perspective of what needs to be done moving forward. However, what I should not want to highlight is that South Africa should optimally utilize its strategic partnerships with countries in the BRICS. Brazil, Russia, India and China forums, and of course,
now with countries like the United Arab Emirates, UAE, Ethiopia and all these other countries. If you are to check what Ethiopia got to benefit out of its strategic partnership with the People’s Republic of China is that, over the past 15 years Ethiopia’s economy has grown to an average of 10%.
They had built a railway from Addis Ababa to Djibouti, which is a neighboring country which is coastal of 759 kilometers to lead an export led industrial development manufacturing plan which is reducing poverty and is giving jobs to our people That is what is happening in that country and that is through proper meaningful usage of strategic partnerships with countries that relate with.
The commander-in-chief is correct that when you exclude the global balance of forces in trying to design domestic politics you will completely lose the point, you will never achieve anything domestically without locating it within the global economy. South Africa this is not going to go anywhere. They disagree on everything; on the Basic Education Laws Amendment, Bela, Bill, on the NHI, on the source of energy. The ones of the DA even those in the department are saying that we must discontinue coal. You can’t discontinue coal in South Africa as a source of electricity.
We have to have a clear agenda. There is no developmental state that is not based on a common sound ideological perspective. All developmental state must be founded on a sound ideological basis. What you have created now is confusion which is going to take South Africa backward. That is what we stand for ... [Time expired.] ... We are inspired that the progressive caucus will take South Africa forward and take political power from this government of national confusion. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Mr G MICHALAKIS: Hon House Chair, even though some in this House are still in denial, the fact remains that South Africa now has a Government of National Unity, GNU, in place. They can launch frivolous court challenges to contest that fact, but that will not stop adults in the room from getting on with the business of governing and delivering for all South Africans. [Applause.] As we celebrate the GNU, we must ensure that Parliament remains robust. Without debate, without constructive criticism, no administration and no country can succeed, and no republic can survive.
Parliament is a separate branch of government, independent of the executive and the judiciary. Part of our constitutional mandate is to hold the executive to account. The opposition
does not have a monopoly on this role. In a robust democracy, the active participation of back bench Members of Parliament from all parties is vital as it adds value to the legislative oversight role of Parliament. So, Mr President, it is up to us as Parliament to ensure that the strategic objectives put before us last night, are monitored by every committee, that we get the public engaged and that we help where we can to make it succeed. And we will do the same to ensure that laws passed in this House create the freedom and jobs we need. We will help your executive to deliver on this by holding them to account and monitoring their progress every step of the way.
We must make this Parliament and this Government of National Unity work because there is no real alternative.
When the hon Malema in 2014 started taking all the EFF’s speaking time for himself, I thought I would never hear anything more boring. I was proven wrong this morning when we all lost 30 minutes of our lives that we will never get back because for something to be a meaningful contribution, it has to not only be constructive, but also intelligent and entertaining. What we have heard this morning form the Leader of the Opposition, meets none of those three criteria. If there is one contribution that the official opposition does make, it is to serve as a visible and audible reminder of the
trouble we will be in if we don’t succeed. Their caucus attendance register reads like the index to the Zondo report. With one notable absentee, the face of state capture. Usually in Nkandla, but today pulling the strings from the gallery. [Laughter.] The man who was apart all the looting, was once responsible for the largest Cabinet in the world, hon Mokoena.
And then we have the EFF. Overalls serving as a cover up for empty Gucci suits paid for by now starving gogos [grannies] whose money went into VBS Bank. And as I have said before in the other House, if the MK and the EFF is the future, Mr President, the future is not very bright. [Laughter.]
Afrikaans:
Dan het ons ook die agb Adams wat duidelik nog ontsteld is oor die feit dat hulle sy voël gevat het. [Gelag.]
English:
Mr M P MOTUBATSE: Chairperson you see, we have respect ...
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): What is your point of order?
Mr M P MOTUBATSE: ... listen Chairperson, we just want to put this thing in perspective. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon members ...
Mr M P MOTUBATSE: You must respect our leader, and we are actually not going have a white man coming here to disrespect our leader in front of us. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member, that is not a point of order.
Mr M P MOTUBATSE: That we must actually say it’s not point of order. [Interjections.] It’s not making a point of order. If a white boy is going to come here and disrespect our leader in a manner that he is actually doing, that is going to ... [Interjections.] [Inaudible.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon member, please take your seat. Hon member, please look at the Rules of the Joint Sitting. You cannot get up and just start speech. You rise on a point of order, you say what your point of order is, and then a ruling will be made. So please do not do that again. Follow the Rules. Please continue, hon member.
Mr G MICHALAKIS: Thank you, House Chairperson. So many buttons were pushed there.
Afrikaans:
Terug by die agb Adams se voël. Agb lid, jy moet na jou voël kyk. Ek sal myself geskaam het as ek jy was.
English:
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Hon Michalakis, please take your seat. Yes, hon member. [Interjections.] Hon members, I can’t hear the speakers from the floor if you also comment. So please give me a fair chance to also make a ruling.
Dr M Q NDLOZI: Chair, to be insulted by a white man led by an illiterate is a crown we wear with pride.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): No, hon member. That is not a point of order. Please proceed, hon member.
Mr G MICHALAKIS: Thank you, House Chair. But there is hope for those who have been seeking opportunity and real freedom. There were some breakthrough announcements by the President last night that the DA has put on the table over the past few
years. Suggestions that will get South Africans into jobs again.
Mr President, thank you for including these constructive suggestions that we agree on, and thank you to the millions of South Africans who backed these initiatives, such as the review of the fuel price model, the increased baskets of vat excluded food items, to abolish cadre deployment and end political interference in the public service. [Applause.] And the release of state land is a priority for meaningful land reform, to mention a few.
We have to make the GNU in defence of our Constitution work, because the alternative is simply too ghastly to contemplate. [Applause.] We wish the President and his executive well in this mammoth task. We do so with one message Mr President.
Where you should be held accountable, you will find a Parliament that stands ready to do its oversight duty as required by the people of this country, and where you act in their interest, you will find us standing behind you in support. We wish you and this government well. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr J S NGUBANE: Hon Chairperson, hon Speaker, I rise here in respect of the son of the soil, the only patriot in this country. The dedicated servant of this country, who has served the people of this country with dedication, President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma. So, we would like to thank you for coming and then to see your team performing today. President, thank you very much for coming. [Applause.]
On another note, I would like to convey a message of condolences to a family member of the DMV who passed on yesterday. A lot of Military Veterans in this country are not treated as the veterans of the other colour. So, we pay condolences, the member passed on yesterday on 18th of July.
Antonio Gramsci, in his prison writings, cultural hegemony describes how the state and the ruling capitalist class used their power in state machinery to suppress the same people they claim to be representing. This is evident with the former ruling party ANC. Gramsci calls it a pitfall of national consciousness. History has taught us that liberation movement in Africa becomes irrelevant to the society after 30 years in power. Typical examples are the Chama Cha Mapinduzi, a party that was led by late Julius Mwalimu Nyerere in Tanzania.
Frelimo in Mozambique, led by late Samora Machel. SWAPO in
Namibia, led by the late Sam Nujoma and Andimba Toivo, Ya Toivo and the last one to be rejected is the ANC of Ramaphosa on 29th of May. [Applause.]
The people of South Africa said it loud and clear to the ANC, they said ...
IsiZulu:
... hamba ANC asisakufuni.
English:
They gave you below 50%, which means you failed the society of South Africa on the 29th of May. It was the people of South Africa that decided their fate, not the market, as usually you used to say that it’s a market that you respect more than the people who voted for you. As usual, Mr President, you started to use Chapter 9 institution, IEC, which is not independent anymore, but rather became the subcommittee of the ANC to do your dirty job. What happened to the IEC? We were there. We were watching. The IEC is riddled with loopholes. It needs to either be reformed, revamped and be redone from scratch. That institution, all political parties are only able to monitor it on the voting day and on the counting day only. Anything else from there on capturing of the slip, on auditing.
[Interjections.] You need to know this because you don’t know about the IEC institution that you are running. It is riddled with loopholes, and from there onwards, the officials they do, as they please. They capture numbers that do not tally with the slip, and they are not monitored. That is why, as the MK, we do not recognise this President because the election was stolen.
That institution you can see one of the executives is Dr Maseko. It doesn’t audit its executive, a member stole millions in the bank, but the member comes and work for the IEC. The whole of that institution does not vet its staff. They are all full on their working unvetted because they do the bidding for the ANC. With all the evidence we provided to the IEC, we did everything in our power. We provided every piece evidence, and then we’re still going to challenge that in court through and through. We’re not going to give up on that. [Interjections.] The GNU...
IsiZulu:
... abakufuni, abakufuni ku-GNU ...
English:
... because you were blocking the IPP’s.
IsiXhosa:
Abakufuni tata.
English:
The GNU is a group of people who are trying to protect the President that his time has passed. It is ballooned and the President says he needs to save cost and there is no money in the country, but you are busy ballooning the executive. [Interjections.] In your speech, Mr President, you spoke about the inclusive economic growth. Whatever name it is, there is no inclusive growth that you’ve ever seen. [Interjections.] Most of the businesspeople that I know in the middle classes, they are not included in your economic growth. You are busy assisting the monopolies to grow in their economies, but our SMEs and our middle-class businesspeople are in poverty. You have neglected the poorest of the poor. [Interjections.]
You spoke about the reduction of poverty. There is no reduction of poverty. During your tenure, the poverty has escalated, the cost of living of our people is so expensive. There is no reduction of poverty, and the tackling of cost of high living, you have not done it. You have failed even on that one.
You spoke about the redistribution of wealth. Wealth is not being redistributed. There are no opportunities for black middle-class poor people, worse with the ones at the lowest level. In your speech, there is too much of, we will, we will, we will. It is empty promises as usual. [Interjections.] The “will” stands for promises, as people say in politics, but yours are empty promises. Remember, Mr President, the first opening of Parliament in your Presidency, how you were dramatic with the “Thuma Mina” song of Hugh Masekela, telling people that you will remove the red tapes. You will remove the barriers to entry in business. You said, you will restructure the economy. You said, you will reduce the monopolies in our economy. It was dramatic, but today all we see are those, “we will”, again which are flat.
You said, we are simplifying the regulations on public-private partnerships to enable greater investment in both social and economic infrastructure developments. You must explain it. How is this going to be done to us, as people. As your Government of National Unity, you said we are resolved to intensify its investment drive, encouraging and enabling business to invest in productive capacity. Your investment conference has yielded nothing out of all of this. You spoke of trillions and
trillions in these investment conferences, but there is nothing. Instead, the country is deep in debt.
You spoke about red tape debilitates the creation of jobs. Every department and every public entity have been directed to reduce the undue regulatory burden that hold black businesses from creating jobs. Where’s this directive? You spoke about the directive that you will say the department must remove the red tapes. There is no directive that you will issue, Mr President, to these entities. It is just a cheap talk and a cheap talk that you said. There is nothing, no directive.
Nothing that you have given to these departments. [Interjections.]
Worse, you have used the EPWP for electioneering. We have seen it in KZN after finishing the voting, it was cancelled again. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr C T Frolick): Order, hon members! Order!
Mr J S NGUBANE: You see, President, I cringe because I know that this has nothing to do with the people of South Africa. All these things you are saying. Even the investment you speak
about that you are going to invest in Africa and above it is all a cheap talk. All what we are going to see is monopolies, going to Zambia opening malls, Shoprite and Clicks. However, there are no black people of ours that will go out in the Africa and invest. Your speech, Mr President was hollow. It was cheap talk, and there was nothing that we can applaud you on.
You wasted our time, yesterday. Completely wasted our time. [Applause.] Instead, Mr President, if you wanted our black people that you want to push to the African country. You must push the Drip businesspeople that are selling shoes. You must push the Bhatu to Africa to open the market for them, you must push the Xhosa clothing brand, the gentleman that sells Xhosa clothing. You must push the brand with Zulu clothing brand.
You must push the Tsonga shoes. There is a gentleman who sells the Tsonga shoes. Those are the people you must push when you go and invest in the brands in Africa, but you are failing again to do that. You only push the monopolies, the Shoprite, the Pick n Pays; all the Stellenbosch they have opened all the businesses in Africa and abroad. You leave our people here and you do not push them to open the business in the African countries. So, your speech was hollow. It is not bringing hope
to our people, and it does not give us anything to benefit from. Thank you, Mr President. [Applause.]
The Minister of Electricity and Energy: House Chair, my warm and sincere greetings to hon President Ramaphosa, hon Deputy President Paul Mashatile. I must say that 12 minutes can be a very, very, very long time when you don’t know what to say. [Laughter.] [Interjections.]
And I want to say the following to the previous speaker that I think he’ll be served exceptionally well by directing their arguments against the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC, to the Electoral Court. So, I really want to pursue you not to withdraw the case but to pursue that case and hopefully you’ll be able to be ... [Inaudible.] [Interjections.]
So, on the occasion of the inaugural Lekgotla of the
7th Administration, the President made an inspired decision to invite one of the preeminent and prolific political economy scholars in the country, Mr JP Landman.
Mr Landman delivered a compelling paper, and that paper is titled: From crisis to opportunity, a path to sustainable growth.
And that decision is inspired at two levels. The first one was that it is important that we are able to invite outside parties who will be able to provide a critical analysis, a critique of the performance of the South African economy in this instance, and we are able to get better insights on how best we improve the situation going into the future.
What Mr Landman did was to compute a longitudinal study of the South African economic performance over an extended period of time. And he was able to illustrate that, that period is punctuated by a number of tectonic events; and these events include The Great Depression of 1929, The Oil Crisis of the 1970s, The Financial Crisis of 2008, and the most recent headwinds of COVID-19 of 2019, amongst the others.
He was able to illustrate that we are on a correct path, but there are things that require our collective attention.
In his own independent computation, contrary to what has been shared before us here, was that we have returned to pre-covid levels, from a position of faifier to use multiple matrixes including the issues around jobs, that we had been able to claw back those jobs, although we still have a lot to do for us to be able to address this situation. [Applause.]
But it’s also important because there has to be a greater appreciation that ... unlike what has been deposited here by Dr , he makes the point that the scholars of political science suggest that Government of National Unity, GNU, are only constructed to respond to an emergency or a crisis.
I want to suggest to you that there’s more contemporaneous studies that suggest that is not only about emergency or crisis, but the possibility of collectively pursuing an opportunity that presents in the context of geopolitical crisis. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
I am making this point because as the good Doctor would know is that we’ve got both an intellectual and academic responsibility to surface alternatives - and if you like - countered use, when we pose it an argument.
In fact, what we have done amounts to – if you like - an intellectually and academically incompetent argument, and I’m saying that with the greatest of respect. [Laughter.] So, it’s important that we are able to pull this together. [Interjections.]
And then the issue of GNU. I must say that the ANC entered into this arrangement, and it has not lost its character. We have always and remain of the following view, in our characterization of the South African conflict that is underpinned by three interrelated and antagonistic contradictions of race, class and gender. And the resolution of this question gets to be articulated in the most substantive fashion, in the crisp apex priorities of this 7th Administration.
I want to say to hon Maimane that we are not all over the place. We simply identify the three priorities; I’ll unpack those.
As I confront what I refer to the Malema oxymoron. What do I mean by the Malema oxymoron? [Interjections.] So, it is acceptable for the EFF to enter into an arrangement with the DA and other parties to displace the ANC in Tshwane, Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg, but when we do that, we get to be labelled. [Laughter.] [Interjections.]
The oxymoron goes further, he makes the following point, he says that ‘this is a sellout arrangement’ and essentially what President Matamela Ramaphosa delivered yesterday was authored
by the Oppenheimers. And then in the same argument he says ‘but this is a repeat of what Matamela Ramaphosa has been saying all along.’ So, this articulation really belongs to us. He’s the originality of this ... so, that is the oxymoron I’m referring to. [Laughter.] [Interjections.]
Let me go the substantive issues. The first issue on inclusive growth and job creation. President Ramaphosa makes the following point, that there’s a need for us to beneficiate the minerals.
Hon Shivambu says that the geopolitical consideration should be factored in the speech. Of course, there’s an undercurrent of that in his articulation.
What do we know about the clean conversation about the just transition? We know that the western industrialized north are likely going to introduce artificial barriers in the form of carbon border adjustment mechanisms. So, it is important that for us to protect our industry, that the generation that supports the production of these products that serves the western and industrialized markets should come from cleaner forms of technology.
And what do we know about the possibility of clean forms of technology? Is that we have to have an appreciation of the entire value chain, that there are minerals that constitute what I refer to as the battery economy. So, this is cobalt, nickel, copper, rare earth elements, platinum group metals, PGMs, to mention but a few. And a significant number of those are found here.
And that’s why on the back of an industrial policy, having concluded the cadastral system that Minister Mantashe is referring to, we are able to articulate in the most comprehensive and coherent manner what these opportunities present as we evolve towards the electric cars, the displacement of internal combustion engine to be replaced by electric vehicles. South Africa’s marker is much bigger than
... that’s the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, but the possibilities go beyond.
And when you go to the issues around green hydrogen, the appreciation is even much better. The hard to abate sectors who are sitting with those endowments and South Africa is sitting pretty to exploit these opportunities going into the future. So, that sits in that articulation of President Ramaphosa.
Just a few months ago we got to be accused that the kind of a progress we are making, spectacular progress, in the resolution of the preeminent and existential question that is facing the South African economy, that of loadshedding. We were accused as we were moving closer to the elections, by all quarters, by the way, that this is an election gimmick, that in fact after the elections loadshedding will come back. And in fact, the leader of the EFF, hon Malema, was even prophetic and said on the 29th of May at 10 the lights will go off, we are 113 days today without loadshedding. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
And when I was advised to respond to this question, when I looked deeper as I said it doesn’t warrant a response. But in fact, what it calls for is education. It’s a very complex engineering question to understand ... [Interjections.] [Laughter.] ... and I’m going to give myself time to be able to educate you so that there’s a greater level of appreciation.
On the issues of reducing poverty and tackling high cost of living, President Ramaphosa makes the point about expanding the floor of the social wage.
When I’m talking about the social wage I’m not only talking about transfers, the R350 Social Relief of Distress, SRD, Grant, is the threshold of water and electricity that we give to the poor, and the zero rating, the expansion of the zero Value Added Tax, VAT, rating of the basket of food. [Applause.] President Ramaphosa refers to that in his articulation. Surely, someone who defends and expands the social wage can’t be a sellout. He’s someone who’s on the side of the poor and doing everything to ensure that we address this question. [Applause.]
I want to say, as I move closer to conclusion, that we are going to protect, also, the interest of the poor to the extend that their wages and their disposable income are eroded by the exponential increases, with regards to electricity tariffs.
And it is at this point that we are going to super exploit our renewable endowments in the form of the sun and windspeeds that are found in the Cape provinces [Applause.] and in this way we are able to green faster, cheaper, more affordable and we’re able to achieve universal access as we continue the agenda of reindustrialising the South African economy, as we articulate a comprehensive economic growth policy undergirded by an industrial policy and an energy policy, and we’ll be
coming out to articulate the integrated energy plan going into the country.
The last one is around building a capable, ethical and developmental state. The turnaround, as an example, that we are seeing in Eskom is not an act of miracle, it is a deliberate, calculated, orchestrated engineering effort to respond to an existential problem on the economic front [Applause.] by competent men and women of Eskom who are diligent.
Chalmus Johnson, one of the foremost scholars on the political economy of countries, when he studies the Asian tigers he makes the point that what is common about those Asian tigers is that the state was never in retreat, the state led the developmental agenda and was able to aggregate all of society including business, are behind a common agenda.
The second one he makes is the concentration of pockets of excellence, what we call state-owned entities, SOEs, those are the major drivers, were able to push back state capture at Eskom and that’s why the lights are on, it’s because of the honest men and women. [Applause.]
But that’s not only restricted to the public sector. The private sector also has an obligation and we can see the decimation, the devastation that has been visited on VBS. The poor who have spent all of their savings with the intention of retiring happy, their lives were destroyed, but the greedy and those who don’t have the interest of the poor at heart. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
As I conclude this, I want to say the following, drawing from the counsel of President Mandela, he has the following to say:
Difficulties break some men but make others. No axe sharp enough to cut the soul of a man who keeps on trying, one armed with hope that he will rise even in the end.
And I’m confident that with this GNU we’ll deliver the results
for our people.
President O R Tambo makes the point on the occasion of the burial of Joe Xabi he says, “The future is bright, the end is glorious, the intervening period is dark and bitter but finds glory in acts of struggle.”
The GNU will deliver us. Thank you, Mr President. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
The House adjourned at 19:10
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