National Assembly - 26 October 2001
FRIDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2001 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 09:01.
The Chairperson of Committees took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - see col 000.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr S L DITHEBE: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House -
(1) notes that the President of the Republic of South Africa, the hon Thabo Mbeki, attended the launch of the New Africa Initiative, now called the New Partnership for the Development of Africa;
(2) further notes that South Africa will lead the Peace and Stability subcommittee and that the secretariat of the implementation committee will be based in Pretoria;
(3) believes that the strategic position that South Africa holds in this new partnership reflects the leadership role that the hon President Thabo Mbeki provided in the conceptualisation of this new partnership and all that it stands for;
(4) welcomes the New Partnership for the Development of Africa; and
(5) commends President Thabo Mbeki for his remarkable contribution to the cause of creating a prosperous Africa. Indeed, Africa’s time has come - ke nako ya Afrika. God Bless Africa. Forward to the African Century! [Applause.]
Mr W J SEREMANE: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the DP:
That the House -
(1) notes with grave concern -
(a) the tendency which is creeping into debates in this House in
terms of which racist hate speech and other unparliamentary
utterances are becoming ever more prevalent; and
(b) that the culprits are mainly but not only members of the ANC,
and that such conduct impacts negatively on the image and
conduct of business of Parliament; and
(2) believes that this negative behaviour should be eradicated forthwith in pursuit of the sacred ideals of the Constitution of our country, South Africa.
Mr J H SLABBERT: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the IFP:
That the House -
(1) learns with shock that nine men allegedly posed as policemen, soldiers and traffic officers to commit a spate of robberies at bogus roadblocks on the KZN South Coast;
(2) compliments the Durban police for arresting these hoaxers who roam our national roads and put at risk the lives of innocent motorists;
(3) appreciates the fact that they immediately appeared before the magistrate to face their charges; and
(4) believes and hopes that the law will take its course and put away these robbers for a long time.
Mr N M NENE: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House -
(1) notes with shock the attack on an elderly farming couple at Brookmanspruit in the North West Province, resulting in the wife losing her life and the husband being hospitalised in a critical condition;
(2) supports the statement of the Minister of Safety and Security that the killing of farmers amounts to sabotage since farmers are a lifeline of the country;
(3) expresses its sympathy to the bereaved and wishes the farmer a full and speedy recovery; and (4) condemns unequivocally such attacks on the farming community.
[Applause.]
Mr J J DOWRY: Mnr die Voorsitter, hiermee gee ek kennis dat ek op die volgende sittingsdag namens die Nuwe NP sal voorstel:
Dat die Huis -
(1) die Wes-Kaap gelukwens met die inisiatief wat geneem is om ‘n gedragskode vir landbou saam te stel, wat onder meer voorskrifte bevat oor sake soos grondhervorming, verblyfsekerheid en vroueregte, en in die toekoms sal dien as maatstaf vir landbou;
(2) kennis neem dat -
(a) dié kode die resultaat is van 18 maande se onderhandelinge
tussen meer as 40 verskillende organisasies;
(b) adv Wallace Mgoqi, hoofkommissaris van grondeise, gesê het die
kode sal na die res van die land uitgebrei word en dat al die
landbougemeenskappe daarby sal baatvind; en
(3) ‘n beroep doen om die Regering om die Wes-Kaap te ondersteun met die toepassing en monitering van die kode, sodat die inisiatief landwyd uitgebrei kan word. (Translation of Afrikaans notice of motion follows.)
[Mr J J DOWRY: Mr Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day I shall move on behalf of the New NP:
That the House -
(1) congratulates the Western Cape on the initiative taken to compile a code of conduct for agriculture which contains, inter alia, regulations pertaining to matters such as land reform, security of tenure and women’s rights, and which will in future serve as a yardstick for agriculture;
(2) notes that -
(a) this code is the result of 18 months of negotiations between
more than 40 separate organisations; and
(b) Adv Wallace Mgoqi, Chief Land Claims Commissioner, has said that
the code will be extended to the rest of the country and that
all the farming communities will benefit from it; and
(3) appeals to the Government to support the Western Cape in the implementation and monitoring of the code, in order to extend the initiative across the country.]
Mr S ABRAM: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House - (1) notes -
(a) media reports on the harassment of an Afrikaans-speaking
secretary, Ms Sumaya Salem, by some fellow employees and her
employer since she embraced the religion of Islam three months
ago;
(b) that she was subjected to a disciplinary hearing for
``attempting to deliberately incite your fellow colleagues,
business associates and clients, by arriving at work wearing an
Osama bin Laden T-shirt, knowing the sensitivity of this
topic'';
(c) that her employer swore at her, telling her that he was sick of
her and that she must leave the company; and
(d) that the employer's business associate shouted at her stating,
``You're a white Afrikaner, how can you wear this shirt? How can
you support these people?''; and
(2) therefore -
(a) calls upon all employers to respect the rights of freedom of
expression and association of all employees; and
(b) assures Ms Sumaya Salem that she and all other employees have
rights which are statutorily enshrined.
[Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order!
Mr S ABRAM: The employer is a member of the DP. [Applause.]
Mr R D PIETERSE: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC:
That the House -
(1) notes the statement by the S A Jewish Board of Deputies that the Minister of Water Affairs, the hon Ronnie Kasrils, is uninformed about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and was using his Jewish background to give credibility to the ANC pro-Palestinian stance;
(2) wishes to restate the ANC position that the lasting solution to the Middle East crisis lies in the upholding of the right of the Palestinian people to a nation state and the right of Israelis to exist within secured borders;
(3) believes that the attainment of these noble objectives lies in the resumption of peaceful negotiations to resolve the crisis in the Middle East; and
(4) reiterates Comrade Ronnie Kasrils’ view that the Israeli armed forces should stop committing atrocities against the unarmed and the defenceless people of Palestine. [Applause.]
Mr P H K DITSHETELO: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the UCDP:
That the House -
(1) notes with concern the announcement by SAA to retrench more than 2 000 employees before the end of the year;
(2) asks whether the Government, as a major stakeholder of the airline, is going to allow job losses in the light of the already high level of unemployment in the country;
(3) urges the Government to consider a special measure to save jobs at SAA, bearing in mind the effects of the terror attacks on 11 September 2001 in the US and the fact that the airline has to be saved from financial ruin; and
(4) believes that SAA has to clarify its position as it creates uncertainty with workers.
Prof B TUROK: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sittin day of the House I shall move:
That the House -
(1) notes -
(a) with concern that the Standard Bank of South Africa Ltd has
acquired a derelict building called the Empire Cinema on the
beachfront in Muizenberg;
(b) that the Standard Bank has made no effort to maintain or
demolish this building even though it is a danger to neighbours
and passersby;
(c) that the Bank denies any obligation or legal duty to attend to
these matters even though the condition of this building
constitutes a breach of section 29(f) of the National Building
Regulations of 1977 as well as the consolidated by-laws of the
City of Cape Town; and
(d) that the dilapidated and highly dangerous state of the property
is causing a measurable decline in the value of surrounding
properties and is a major factor inhibiting the campaign for the
renaissance of Muizenberg; and
(2) urges the DA-controlled City of Cape Town to support the people of Muizenberg and institute proceedings against Standard Bank.
Mrs G M BORMAN: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the DP:
That the House -
(1) notes that - (a) provincial government departments of the Eastern Cape owe district municipalities R72 million made up as follows:
(i) public works owes more than R47 million for services;
(ii) education owes R6 million;
(iii) health owes R8,5 million;
(iv) provincial housing, local government and traditional
affairs each owe more than R1 million; and
(v) several other departments owe R500 000; and
(b) district municipalities did not receive any of the equitable
share from the national division of revenue; and
(2) calls on the provincial and national departments of finance to set an example to the people of South Africa by paying what they owe to local government.
[Applause.]
Dr U ROOPNARAIN: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the IFP:
That the House -
(1) notes with deep concern the high incidence of rape and other forms of woman and child abuse, as well as the accompanying post-traumatic, physical and psychological damage; and
(2) believes that concrete measures are urgently needed, which should include -
(a) urgently speeding up education programmes for justice
administrators and SAPS officers, with the primary aim of
sensitising judges and officers to the alarming increase in the
incidence of violence against women and children;
(b) ensuring that police investigations are carried out in a proper
manner to ensure the conviction and incarceration of
perpetrators of violent crimes against women and children;
(c) ensuring that sentences are commensurate with the severity of
the crimes committed so as to serve as an effective deterrent to
the would-be criminal;
(d) ensuring that there are a sufficient number of trained
sensitised female officers to debrief victims of violent crime
and that a humanitarian ...
[Time expired.]
Mr P A C HENDRICKSE: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ANC: That the House -
(1) notes with dismay that the DA in Cape Town has made a mockery of public participation by holding so-called public workshops in the areas of the subcouncils to which relevant stakeholders were not invited and which were minimally advertised, resulting in minimal attendance by the public;
(2) believes that this cynical pretence at compliance with the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act - which states that integrated development planning must be based on community participation - is further proof of the DA’s shallow self-interest and opportunism; and
(3) condemns the DA for its abuse of power and its lack of commitment to the needs and aspirations of the poor, the majority of the citizens of Cape Town.
[Applause.] Mr J DURAND: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House -
(1) notes that -
(a) since 1994 unemployment has risen to 25%;
(b) in the past decade one million jobs in the formal sector have
been lost, and so has one in 10 jobs since 1997;
(c) economic growth has averaged under 2%;
(d) investment fell to below 15% of GDP, the worst since 1993; and
(e) R54 billion has left the country in foreign direct investment;
and
(2) urges President Mbeki to come down from the clouds so that he can see his Government’s devastating effect on the poor people of South Africa.
UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE
(Ruling)
The CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order! Hon members, before we come to the orders of the day, I wish to make a ruling on a point of order which was raised a week ago.
During the debate on the IPU Declaration on 18 October, the hon Dr Jordan raised a point of order asking whether it was acceptable for the hon Mr Van der Merwe, in his speech, to deliberately misconstrue the words of the hon Mr Mokaba, who had spoken earlier.
I have considered the point of order and, consistent with previous rulings on this matter, I wish to rule as follows: The Chair cannot be expected to judge on the accuracy of a member’s remarks in a debate. If a member wants to take issue with what is said in a debate, that member should seek an opportunity in the debate to present a different version. The member could either do that in person or request a colleague to present a corrective.
That is my ruling on the matter.
SUSPENSION OF RULE 253(1) IN ORDER TO CONDUCT SECOND READING DEBATE ON MEDICAL SCHEMES AMENDMENT BILL
(Draft Resolution)
The ACTING CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I hereby move the draft resolution printed in my name on the Order Paper, as follows:
That Rule 253(1) be suspended for the purposes of conducting the Second Reading debate on the Medical Schemes Amendment Bill [B 80 - 2001] (National Assembly - sec 75).
Agreed to. AFRICA INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA BILL
(Second Reading debate)
The CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Minister, I am sorry that they blocked your way - there was a road block!
The MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Chairperson, this Bill, the Africa Institute of South Africa Bill, is the culmination of the transformation process of the Africa Institute of South Africa, Aisa, as we now call it, that started with the 1997 review of science and engineering institutions by the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology.
The institute has been in existence for many years and I am happy that it has done a lot of work on the continent. If one wants any information, literally on any aspects of the African continent, one would find it at this institute.
We know that the previous regime used Aisa extensively as a source of information on African countries, and for conveying their carefully crafted view on development on the continent. It became a formidable depository of information on Africa, but because of the political climate of the time, it did not have the degree of interaction with scholars and others in the rest of Africa and the world that was to be expected of a research institution of its kind.
With the advent of democracy in 1994, South Africa’s relationship with the rest of Africa changed completely. With it came the need to rethink the role that Aisa should play. Also, the development paradigm of the African Renaissance and the challenge of a credible base of knowledge on development challenges on the continent called for a review of the research content in this area.
By 1997 it was clear that fundamental reform of the institute was necessary. The review panel that was then appointed came up with a number of options. After considering these options, this Bill was drafted. Amongst others, the review panel said that Aisa needed a double turn-around which is, firstly, a change in perspective that would help it to see Africa no longer through foreign eyes, but from within and, secondly, a change in its governance structure that will bring it under the umbrella of a larger body sharing that vision, thereby continuing its access to assured resources, but without reproducing its historic insularity and combining its traditional autonomy with a newly defined accountability.
The Bill now seeks to convert Aisa from a section 21 company to a statutory body that does research and will function under an Act of Parliament that is similar to those governing other science councils. By bringing Aisa into the family of science and technology institutions regulated by institution- specific Acts, the necessary interaction and multidisciplinary approaches will be promoted by this Bill.
By administering Aisa through a specific Act, we will, in collaboration with the council of Aisa, be in a stronger position to guide and evaluate the activities of the institute. Furthermore, by bringing Aisa into the system of science and technology institutions, funded by way of a science Vote, the allocation of funds according to national research priorities using, amongst others, a process of competitive bidding, will be promoted.
Members may be aware of of the financial reporting system that was instituted for science councils. This includes procedures for determining key performance indicators for these institutions and then reporting against them. This will be a most suitable vehicle for ensuring that Aisa, along with other institutions, performs according to expectations and justifies entrusting the responsibilities in this Bill to it.
The Africa Institute’s functions include the collecting, processing and interpreting of information on Africa, especially on South African affairs. It should do this by means of analysing, researching and then disseminating information, findings and analyses through suitable media. It is required to carry out this dissemination process through periodicals and other publications, seminars, workshops, conferences and commentary through the mass media.
As a principally state-supported and nationally based organisation for the study of African affairs, the institute has a public education role to inform South African society at large, including politicians, professionals and laymen, about trends and events in Africa. The council of Aisa is at present composed of six representatives elected by members of the institute through representatives from the South African universities and one representative appointed by my department.
With Government taking responsibility for appointing the chairperson and the majority of members of the council of Aisa, we will be in a better position to ensure the appointment of a competent council to promote the activities of Aisa against the background of South Africa’s interaction with the rest of the continent. The importance of this work is already evident in the current participation of Aisa’s work related to the new Africa Institute and the stature it is gaining in research circles of the continent.
Now that we are achieving these objectives, Aisa is required by this Bill to investigate matters of public interest and on the strength of its findings act in an opinion-forming and advisory manner. It should publish scientific reports and other publications. It is placed under an obligation to promote outstanding achievements in the different fields of African cultural life and to grant recognition for excellence. Aisa is already involved in encouraging more extensive coverage of Africa in social science education and it will continue to promote and generate interest in social science education.
Globally, there are numerous institutions, networks and groups that study Africa. Aisa will have the responsibility of establishing reciprocal arrangements with organisations that have similar objectives to its own locally and abroad, in order to promote the exchange of information and ideas. The major portion of its income will be derived from a parliamentary grant. This is to be supplemented by self-generated funds from commissioned contract, research and other consultancy services, as well as membership fees, donations from the corporate sector and income from the sale of publications.
I would definitely encourage members to interact with the portfolio committee and with the institution very closely. Aisa has grown in stature and established itself as an internationally recognised research and information centre. In focusing on the continent, I would also like to reiterate what President Mbeki said when he addressed us at the South Africa-Algeria binational commission. He said that we as the government and parliamentary structures should study French so that we could interact with all parts of the continent, not only Anglophone Africa. [Applause.]
Dr M W SEROTE: Chairperson, firstly, I would like to thank the members of the portfolio committee from all parties. Our deliberations on the three Bills indicated very clearly that we are living in a time in which we should address issues of democracy and inclusivity as we address the issue of transformation in our country.
The debates also indicated a maturity among us where we consistently sought the best solutions to whatever problems were confronting us. I would also like to thank the members for the fact that although we were faced by three Bills, almost one after the other, members attended the portfolio committee meetings consistently and participated with eagerness and vigour. I would like to thank them and also thank mme mmaNjobe, for being a good Whip in our committee. [Applause.]
When we approached this debate, I was asked to look at the three Bills at the same time ie the Africa Institute of South Africa Bill, the Academy of Science of South Africa Bill and the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act Repeal Bill, and give our impression on all of these at the same time. The key thing about the three Bills is that the department is consistently contributing towards the transformation of our society, in relation to nation-building, redressing the past, and in terms of trying to address issues of what we call the grassroots in our country and their participation. Each of the Bills, as one sees them, will be strong in contributing towards democracy and in terms of when people are selected to sit in execution of competence of those structures. One needs from them commitment, conviction and we paid a lot of attention to questions of accountability, both in terms of finances and social and political input in our country.
In my view, the Africa Institute, as the hon Minister has said, will also contribute very significantly to South Africans developing a continental patriotism, reversing perceptions on the continent about us and our perceptions about the continent, which were negative. It is appropriate that this Bill is passed at this point when our country is beginning to discuss the issues of the African Union and the New Africa Initiative.
It is also appropriate that this Bill is being passed now, because, as we remember, our President mentioned that this is the African century. There is no other better time for us to have an instrument of research and professionalism, which, in my view, will assist us to engage both the conventional and organic intellectuals of Africa.
In terms of the Academy of Science of South Africa Bill, we were faced by an issue which I thought may have indicated a problem emanating from the past. I am glad to say that I felt that the committee was very mature in the manner in which it approached it. Therefore, I feel that this also contributes to a process which has been unfolding since 1994 - the process of creating public awareness of science and technology in our country. It is also going to create a dialogue among professionals who, for a very long time, had no dialogue among them. That is very important.
I do not see the repealing of the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act in a negative light, but as a means of contributing to what has always concerned us right from the beginning since 1994 - the question of understanding that South Africa is a multilingual society. But, the whole lexicographical approach to language, in my view, is also an indication that we are very concerned about not only building multilingualism. As we contribute towards multilingualism, we will be contributing very significantly to understanding the diverseness of our culture and multicultural approach in our country. We will also be equipping our people to have a very broad-based approach toward the solution of problems because they will be approaching it from a multilingual as well as a multicultural position. I think that this is how we should look at the issues which are before us.
One could not fail to recall, as we are deliberating about all of these institutions that we are putting in place, that in the past seven years, we have put in place many structures with the intention and objective of creating them as pillars of democracy in our society. But, I think that we have arrived at a point where we should pose certain questions about all of these structures that we are putting in place. Are these structures functioning? Are they achieving the objectives that they were set in place for? Do we feel that the people who are working in all of these structures have conviction and are committed to what I would call the national priorities which our Government has set in place, and with the understanding that the structures which we are continually putting in place are actual pillars for the achievement of nation-building, nonracialism, nonsexism and democracy?
I raise this question in this manner because I also want to recommend that the question of the oversight role of Parliament, in my view, is long overdue. It is a matter that we should have already been experts at implementing. And, for as long as we continue to debate this issue and not resolve the manner of engaging oversight, we will never know whether the money that we are spending, in terms of the structures that we are putting in place, is really being utilised constructively.
I also think that we should find a manner of working out between the portfolio committee, the department and the Ministry, something that we can do to know how to put methods in place for ensuring that a consciousness develops among all of the people who are involved in these structures - a consciousness which says, ``we are expected to deliver’’. My suggestion is that a dialogue must first begin among us, the three blocks which are responsible for this area of work, where we can sit and begin to look at all the structures, in science, arts and language. If one looks at those, there are hundreds and hundreds of people who are doing one thing or the other to facilitate transformation, to entrench democracy and to ensure a process of inclusivity. [Time expired.]
Mr S E OPPERMAN: Chairperson, the Bill provides for the establishment, objectives and functions of a juristic person known as the Africa Institute of South Africa. The institute’s main functions are to collect, through its library and monitoring service, process, interpret, by means of research, and disseminate information, findings and analyses on African and especially Southern African affairs through periodicals, seminars, workshops, conferences and commentary to the mass media.
The ultimate objective of the Africa Institute, namely to contribute to the
peaceful development and prosperity of the continent of Africa, is a very
noble objective, which the DA believes falls within the broader framework
of the vision of the African Renaissance. Key words in the preamble such as
understand'',establish’’, maintain'',participate’’, support'',
contribute’’, development'' andrevival’’ emphasise the focused
approach to deal with the challenges and the opportunities the institute
envisages to address.
Die skep van vrede, veiligheid en stabiliteit, die belegging in die mense van Afrika, die ontwikkeling van Afrika se infrastruktuur en die groeiende belegging in inligtings- en kommunikasietegnologie is konsentrasiepunte wat deur behoorlike ondersoek, behoorlike beplanning en aksieprogramme van die instituut en ander instansies kan help om die oneindige potensiaal in Afrika te ontsluit.
Indien die navorsing wat deur die instituut gedoen is en gedoen gaan word, streng analities en nie dogmaties gegrond is nie, behoort die instituut die klimaat te skep om almal te betrek wat ‘n positiewe bydrae kan lewer om die prosesse van omvorming te versnel. Indien navorsing egter daarop gemik gaan wees om, soos in die verlede, ‘n regerende party se beleidsrigtings te kondoneer, sal doeltreffendheid en geloofwaardigheid ingeboet word ten koste van objektiewe bevindinge wat die regte reaksie tot gevolg sal hê.
Die instituut behoort ‘n eie navorsingsagenda te volg wat ongekontamineerde belegging in die mense van Afrika tot gevolg sal hê. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[The creation of peace, security and stability, the investment in the people of Africa, the development of Africa’s infrastructure and the growing investment in information and communication technology are focus points that can, through proper investigation, proper planning and action programmmes of the institute and other organisations, help to unlock the infinite potential of Africa.
If the research which has been done and is still to be done by the institute is strictly analitical and not dogmatic, the institute ought to create the climate to involve everybody that can make a positive contribution to accelerate the processes of reformation. However, if research is going to be aimed, as in the past, at condoning a governing party’s policy directions, efficiency and credibility will be sacrificed at the expense of objective findings that would lead to the correct reaction.
The institute needs to follow its own research agenda that will result in an uncontaminated investment in the people of South Africa.]
In the programme of action of the Millennium Africa Plan, African leaders are called upon, amongst other things, to strengthen mechanisms for prevention of conflict and conflict resolution, to promote and protect democracy and human rights in their own countries, to revitalise and extend the provision of education and health services, to institute transparent legal and regulatory frameworks for financial markets, to promote the development of agriculture, and to promote investment in infrastructure construction and sustainable operations.
These changes are enormous, but we in the DP and the DA believe that the Africa Institute of South Africa can and must play its role in a system with a realisation of this dream. The DP and the DA support the Bill. [Applause.]
Mr M F CASSIM: Chairperson, when hon members take a look at the hon Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology they will see around him an aura of paternal self-satisfaction. [Laughter.] This comes from the fact that he is father to so many offspring. Today he produced another two offspring and for that we need to say congratulations to him. This is a work of art, indeed, when hon members come to consider it very seriously and closely. It is a very fine work of art.
We in South Africa really ought to be conscious of the moment in history in which we are called upon to do what we are doing. Future parliaments and future members of parliament will not have the opportunity that we have, to bring into being the instruments that are going to make this country a great country indeed.
When one considers the history of Africa after each country received its independence, those countries raced quite rapidly towards an implosion. South Africa, on the other hand, is moving out. It is moving out with confidence, with courage, with vision towards a new Africa, towards the New Africa Initiative that the President of the country has embraced, towards the African Union. This means, then, that South Africa needs to be supported by people who are doing the research, who are doing the writing, who are producing the periodicals, who are producing, constantly, a flow of information to tell us just what is happening in Africa and to tell the rest of Africa what is happening here in South Africa.
Let us be constantly conscious of the fact that never in the annals of history did any country do what we did. We were able to resolve an intractable problem by sitting around the table. If one sees what is happening now in Ireland, then one sees that we are beginning to have an impact, not only on Africa, but even on Europe, which is supposed to have been the mother of parliament, the inventor of politics as we know them. So lowly Southern Africa is able to contribute to that.
So the Africa Institute of SA, this offspring by the way, has the very seductive female name of Aisa. Through Aisa, South Africa can hope to be able to make a much greater impact and allow the developments that are taking place here to be recorded, analysed and pronounced upon. This will also help the country in respect of contract research and consultancy. We know that South Africans are being called upon by the World Bank, the IMF and a number of other bodies to do such consultancy work, and the Africa Institute of SA, no doubt, will fulfil this role admirably.
We also need to be able to develop - as my colleague Dr Serote and the Minister himself said - continental patriotism. We need to be patriotic about Africa; we need to be patriotic about South Africa, because too often we begin to talk down the great achievements of this country and the things that we have already done. However when someone scientifically evaluates this and tells us that we are, indeed, doing a great job, then maybe we will begin to believe ourselves.
The New Africa Initiative and the African Union also require that we play our significant role in directing these developments so that they can begin to find an important niche in the whole African discourse. The issue that is most important for any parliament and a free parliament like this one is peace and prosperity in our time. All nations, all parliaments all over the world are continually searching for peace and prosperity. Peace and prosperity can only come from the basis of the knowledge that we have. The greater the knowledge, the greater our ability to ensure that there is peace and also prosperity.
So we are very happy indeed, and on behalf of the IFP we support the Africa Institute of SA. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Mev A VAN WYK: Mnr die Voorsitter, dit is altyd ‘n plesier om die welsprekende mnr Cassim op te volg, en dit is altyd interessant om te hoor hoe die Persiese tradisie van vertelling nog steeds in sy benaderingswyse leef.
Die liggaam waarmee ons hier te make het, is een van die menigvuldige prestasies van die SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns. Soos met die Raad vir Geesteswetenskaplike Navorsing, die Nasionale Letterkundemuseum, die instelling van die desimale stelsel in Suid-Afrika, die Nasionale Vakterminologiediens, die Stigting Simon van der Stel en die Buro vir Heraldiek, het hy die inisiatief geneem om die Afrika-Instituut te stig. Hiervoor, en vir sy onskatbare bydrae tot wetenskap en kultuur oor bykans ‘n eeu, is Suid-Afrika aan hom veel verskuldig.
Ongelukkig, terwyl ek daarvan praat, die vroeër uitmuntende Vaktaalburo het ongelukkig ‘n onderdeel geword van die departement, waar hy nou in ‘n burokratiese stagnasie verval het onder ‘n heerskappy waar onbekwaamheid met uitvoerende poste beloon word. Van veeltaligheid kom daar tot dusver nog ‘n kluitjie. Ek hoop nie so iets gaan nou ook met die Afrika-Instituut gebeur nie. Sy sterkte het juis in sy onafhanklikheid gelê.
Hy was in staat om ‘n uitmuntende biblioteek op te bou en hom as ‘n gesagbhebbende bronverwysing te vestig, wat ‘n wye nasionale en internasionale kliëntebasis bedien. Die Afrika-Instituut kon met reg beskou word as een van dié gesaghebbende liggame op die gebied van eietydse Afrika politiek en ekonomie. As sodanig geniet hy ook hoë aansien. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mrs A VAN WYK: Mr Chairman, it is always a pleasure to follow on the eloquent Mr Cassim, and it is always interesting to observe that the Persian tradition of story-telling is still alive in his approach.
The body with which we are dealing here is one of the many achievements of the SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns. As was the case with the Human Sciences Research Council, the National Literature Museum, the introduction of the decimal system in South Africa, the National Terminology Service, the Simon van der Stel Foundation and the Bureau of Heraldry, it took the initiative to establish the Africa Institute. For this, and its invaluable contribution to science and culture for almost a century, South Africa owes it a debt of gratitude.
Unfortunately, seeing that I am talking about this, the formerly excellent Bureau for Technical Terminology has became a subdivision of the department, where it has now fallen into bureaucratic stagnation under a rule in which incompetence is rewarded with executive positions. Nothing at all has come of multilingualism. I hope this is not going to happen with the Africa Institute as well. Its strength actually lay in its independence.
It was able to build up an outstanding library and establish itself as an authoritative source reference, serving a wide national and international client base. The Africa Institute could justifiably be regarded as one of the authoritative bodies in the field of current politics and economics in Africa. As such it also enjoys high regard.]
But hold your hearts. Not only will it no longer be a section 21 company, there will now be another one of these councils, which is fast becoming a recipe for the doom of many of our national assets. Just look, for example, at Unisa at present.
The council will consist of at least 7 members, but not more than 10, appointed by the Minister - I hope that does not mean departmental cronies
- in the prescribed manner; a representative of the department - as if the above were not enough; and a maximum of a massive two members co-opted by the council - we have to guard against too much experience possibly slipping in - and, just for further insurance, this has to be done in consultation with the Minister, etc. How much autonomy is there?
Nowhere in section 7 does it say anything about technical expertise apart from the provision that one member must have experience in financial matters. We read nothing about anyone having to know anything about political science, economics, African affairs, foreign diplomacy, legal matters, African languages or French. What kind of council might this body end up with?
Nowhere do we read anything about representation on its council of any of its primary client base, for example Foreign Affairs or the universities. How about someone from the body representing the heads of universities staying there? The present council does have three such persons. So far Aisa - and a charming acronym that is - has enjoyed a far more independent status than other research bodies. However, if the Minister also appoints the chairman of the council, as now provided for, one wonders whether a good balance between discipline related autonomy and accountability can be struck.
Ondanks hierdie, en ander, bedenkinge steun ons hierdie wetgewing, want dit is noodsaaklik. Die portefeuljekomitee het daarin geslaag om ‘n paar betekenisvolle wysigings aan te bring, veral die verwydering van die klousule waardeur die departement gepoog het om die raad as bankier te laat optree vir werknemers.
Ten slotte moet ek sê daar is in hierdie wetgewing, asook die ander wat ons vanoggend behandel, ‘n merkbare verbetering in die gehalte van die wetskrywing, en ek wil diegene wat daarvoor verantwoordelik is, bedank. Te veel van die wette in die verlede, soos byvoorbeeld dié oor nasionale instellings, is duidelik deur amateurs geskryf. Hopelik kan ons nou uitsien na meer goeie wetgewing.
Die Nuwe NP en die DA steun graag hierdie wet, en ons wens die nuwe te stigte liggaam sukses toe. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Despite these and other reservations we support this legislation, because it is essential. The portfolio committee succeeded in effecting a few significant amendments, especially the removal of the clause by means of which the department tried to have the council act as a banker for employees.
In conclusion I must say that in this legislation, as well as in other pieces of legislation that we will be dealing with this morning, there is a remarkable improvement in the quality of the drafting of legislation, and I want to thank the people responsible for that. In the past too many laws, for example the one about national institutions, were clearly drafted by amateurs. Hopefully, we can now look forward to more well-drafted legislation.
The New NP and the DP take pleasure in supporting this legislation and we wish the proposed new body every success. [Applause.]]
Nksk N B MBOMBO: Mgcinisihlalo, Mbomvu, tat’ uSerote, maqabane neNdlu ngokubanzi, ndiyanibulisa. [Chairperson, Mbomvu, hon Dr Serote, comrades and the House at large, I greet you all.]
As the Africa Institute of SA or Aisa, a section 21 company, is tasked, among other things, with collecting, processing, and interpreting information on Africa and Southern African affairs, the introduction of this Bill has put Aisa on a par with other institutions and science councils, eg the SA Medical Research Council and the Human Sciences Research Council. The chief executive officer of Aisa will now be in a position to sit with the president of the aforementioned councils and deliberate on budgetary issues, and agree on the allocation of such funds and not be given leftovers, as the situation has been up to now.
This Bill seeks to empower Aisa to meet the expectations of the state and the diplomatic community. Cognisance should be taken of the fact that Aisa has now only seven researchers and yet it serves the continent, while the other institutions in other African countries which are regionally based in terms of activities have about 30 researcher. Thus the Bill will empower Aisa with intellectual, monetary, physical and technological resources.
Because of this Bill, Aisa will now be able to receive and make donations, offer endowments and scholarships, acquire movable and immovable property, and borrow money - all these are things which are not possible while Aisa is still a section 21 company. Aisa will now be brought into the family of science and technology institutions funded by way of the Science Vote, whereby the allocation of funds will be in accordance with national priorities.
Aisa must also be seen in a new light. Our country is undergoing massive transformation. In the apartheid era there was a great determination to prevent black people from coming into the science field. This field was to be reserved for whites only. We are now reversing all of that. We are not only encouraging black people at every turn to become scientists, but we are also encouraging them to interact with other scientists and to become involved in the growth and development of science.
South Africa has a very bright future. Year after year, young people are leaving universities with skills and knowledge to support scientific research. These scientists will serve as role models for more young people to become involved in science. The Africa Institute, by conferring honours on outstanding scientists, will encourage research and publications. Every professional likes to operate competitively. Similarly, every scientist likes to be recognised and acknowledged. Aisa will afford scientists such an opportunity.
Seven years after the first democratic elections, we are a country striving steadfastly to create a better life for all. With an ever-increasing circle of scientists, both black and white, South Africa needs Aisa and indeed Aisa will work to stimulate greater interest in science. We, in the ANC, are delighted with this development and call on Aisa to give meaning and expression to the wishes we are expressing in this House. [Applause.]
Miss O N MNDENDE: Chairperson, the UDM supports this Bill because we believe it is important to have an autonomous institution which is the repository of knowledge and information on South Africa specifically and Africa in general. The autonomous nature of the institution guarantees that it cannot be politically or otherwise manipulated to enhance a sectoral agenda.
Africa has a wealth of information of archeological, historical, scientific, social, economic and political interest. Some of these can be sourced from oral traditions, and therefore need to be researched and properly recorded for posterity. Scholars of the future will find an invaluable resource in the institution for research and enrichment of our academic and cultural traditions.
It is also important to note that much of Africa’s history was written from a very selective and subjective viewpoint, by people who were advancing a partisan cause of establishing colonial hegemony over the continent. We all know that African affairs were recorded and understood as primitive and barbaric. The essential character of this historic record is biased in favour of the view that suited the colonisers. This institute will provide great opportunities to revise and rewrite African history in a way that portrays an objective historical perspective.
At a time when Africa has been given pride of place in our order of priorities, it is vital that when we conduct our own research about our continent, we articulate ourselves in the manner that facilitates our growth, development and wellbeing. The dialogue that will ensue as a result of the utilisation of the institute will nurture a tradition of scholarship and brainstorming. The UDM supports the Bill.
Dr M S MOGOBA: Chairperson, God works in a mysterious way His will and
purposes to fulfil, like the melting of swords into ploughshares. The
company, the Africa Institute of South Africa, is one clear example of this
phenomenon. We welcome the rebaptism of the institute and the changed name
juristic person'' instead ofcompany’’.
The institute is a remarkable resource collected over the years while the rest of Africa was still asleep. It is a Pan-African institution, a valuable national asset which will help restructure and transform Africa. We welcome this new development and pray that it will rise above petty party-political exercises and help to serve the whole of Africa, from Cape to Cairo, and from Malagasy to Morocco, izwe lethu [our land]. [Interjections.]
Miss S RAJBALLY: Chair, for 40 years Aisa has been a great asset to the nation in terms of its focus on Africa. With its in-depth analysis and research it has earned itself a reputation as a most resourceful source of information.
Aisa’s intention to become an independent authoritative centre of excellence for the production of education in Africa is supported. A nation that recognises the right of all to education should certainly support an equipped resource such as Aisa, to contribute to our learning process and that of our neighbouring countries in Africa. It is also aimed at promoting awareness, as well as the importance of unity, peace, prosperity and democracy on the continent - all attributes that are favourable to the continent and the Republic, which we are working towards.
The body is a great asset, and our support and appreciation is needed for this institute that serves us greatly by way of research and knowledge of issues that influence our actions in one way or the other.
The MF supports the Bill.
Mr S L DITHEBE: Chairperson, I think it is proper that we remember what the President said in 1998. He said: ``I am an African.’’ I think those words that he uttered could not be appropriate enough, especially on this day. And may I reiterate what the President said: I am an African.
The Bill before us transforms Aisa into a member of the family of science councils, and like all other science councils, the HSRC the CSIR, the MRC, etc, it existed during a particular period in the history of apartheid South Africa. Established in 1960 during the reign of H F Verwoerd and others, ironically in the year of the banning of the ANC and other political organisations, it existed as an entity whose main object was, and I quote:
The collection, processing, documentation and dissemination of information related to or affecting human wellbeing on the continent of Africa; the promotion, sponsoring and co-ordination of research and publications in respect thereof and all activities related thereto. Is it not ironic that here we had a body that was committed to research work in African affairs? Those of us who know the history of this country very well know that that particular assignment was not fulfilled in order to know more about the African continent, but to undermine countries in Southern Africa and indeed the whole of the African continent. It was an exercise of intelligence gathering, so as to know more about what was happening there, in order to undermine them, as I said.
There can be no denying the fact that Aisa has had, for many years, non- Africa-sensitive and non-Africa-literate intelligentsia. But today the call is being made - the call for the new partnership for Africa’s development. The call undoubtedly says the solution to Africa’s problems is possible because, as they say in Tswana: Motho ke motho ka ba bangwe or Zulu: Umuntu ngumuntu ngabanye. In English this means: I am because we are and since we are therefore I am. Fifty-three countries, 700 million people - we are one people, inhabitants of the cradle of mankind, the continent of Africa. Aisa must ensure that its research and related work undermines xenophobia and fosters - as other speakers before me have said - continental patriotism.
I cannot resist the temptation to conclude by saying that in the DA we are faced with a Janus-like creature - a creature with two faces, because, on the one hand, one of the components of that so-called alliance in the person of the hon Opperman supports the Bill and speaks very well of it, and, on the other hand, one has the hon Van Wyk who speaks in very disparaging terms about the powers of the Minister to appoint the chairperson and the powers of the council to co-opt members and so forth. The flipside of that whole issue which she has not demonstrated today is the fact that if one leaves a council with the power to appoint a chairperson, they could well be reduced to a faction or clique that fights amongst themselves never gets down to the business of what they have been called to do.
I think the truth must be told today, that when we sat in the portfolio committee, we looked at all those possibilities and when we inserted that clause, we did it with that in mind. And I have no doubt that Aisa, apart from what is contained in the Bill, because it has this history over many years of research work, will collaborate with institutions of higher learning, foreign embassies, the Department of Foreign Affairs itself and the Africa section in particular, and many other institutions. And I have no doubt that it is geared up more than ever before, and we have seen in its review process document that it is geared up more than ever before to ensure that not only does it continue to do research, but that, like other research councils - the HSRC and so forth - it is able at least to raise more than 30% of its income through other means, without relying solely on what Parliament has to offer it.
I think Aisa and the department must be commended on that. I think that under the able leadership of Dr Serote, we have been able to achieve that which was expected of us. I also want to say that Aisa must continue to inform the people of South Africa. And going back to the point that I made about undermining xenophobia and promoting continental patriotism, we have to learn, amongst others, about countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo. How many of us, for instance, know that the DRC is a vast territory of 2 345 406 km, and that it shares borders with nine other countries in East, Central and Southern Africa? [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Mr Chairperson, I would like to thank the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, the hon Dr Wally Serote, for giving an overview of the three Bills that are being presented today. What informs and infuses the three Bills is the transformative spirit in very responsible terms.
South Africa should be proud and thankful that, after 1994, the democratic governments that we have had have been very responsible in handling transformation issues. Therefore, I am rather disappointed with the hon Van Wyk because she always tends to look at the depressing side of things. I would really request the hon member to look at the stars and see the shooting stars. We have such clear skies in Southern Africa which are always an inspiration. Therefore, one looks at the positive side because we have the possibility of a rising trajectory rather than a falling one. [Applause.]
I just want to correct a bit of misinformation on the hon Van Wyk’s part. She has levelled criticism regarding the qualifications of council members. In all the appointments, we consult the portfolio committee. They are included in our considerations. We do not just go and do it all on our own. So, there is no reason why there should not be this consultation about the appointment of the council members. Clause 5(1) of the Bill specifies explicitly that council members should be persons who have special knowledge or experience in African affairs. Therefore, I think that this correction must be made for all members and for the country.
The other issue that I am pleased about is that all the parties, by and large, have been very positive about this Bill. There is a very positive sentiment towards the African continent and to our linkage with the rest of our sister countries on the continent. This is very positive because, whether we like it or not, South Africa is the most developed part of the continent and therefore we need to play a leadership role.
There are donor funds that have come from the EU to other organisations which are related to the continent, moneys that have not been used because of lack of capacity. We must work with the ACP and the EU, as South Africa, to help the continent absorb the funds in order to see to the improvement of the quality of life and the standard of living, because we have this capacity. The Africa Institute of South Africa will be a very important element in this continental approach, particularly when it comes to issues of sustainable trade and development that take care of the environment.
So, I would like to thank hon members for a very effective contribution and for helping us, the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, to work in a constructive way. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Decision of question postponed.
ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF SOUTH AFRICA BILL
(Second Reading debate)
The MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Mr Chairperson, I am just reminded by the hon member here that I must make sure that I have the right speech. [Laughter.] It reminds me of a Minister who used to be in charge of Bantu Affairs in those days, who went to open a high school only to find that his private secretary had given him the wrong speech. So, he came there and made a big speech about a bridge because he was supposed to be opening a bridge. [Laughter.] That bridge was going to help communities come together and everyone thought to themselves: We never knew that the Minister was so philosophical. [Laughter.]
The Academy of Science of South Africa Bill is a very important element in our transformative scheme. In South Africa different academies and similar bodies have up to now furthered the interests of different sections of our scientific community, often very competently. We are now ready to recognise a single representative body as an academy that can represent the interests of all sectors of the scientific community, rather than just specific subgroups.
To date the academy has functioned as an unofficial body. Its history goes back as far as 1989. During that year the need for the establishment of an academy that was truly representative of all scientific disciplines was first highlighted. It needed to provide a home for all branches of science, including natural science, social science, the humanities, economic science, engineering, health science and agricultural science. It had to be inclusive of all cultural communities.
After an extensive development and consultation process, the Academy of Science of South Africa came into being in 1996, at an inaugural meeting where its founding members accepted its constitution. Its membership includes a wide variety of scientists from all scientific disciplines and communities.
Government has a distinct need for an overarching academy that is the only officially recognised body representing the full spectrum of South African scientists. There are occasions when inputs from scientists are needed from a single reputable source. In the process of international co-operation, it is often appropriate to enter into co-operation agreements with academies in other countries, for which we need a local academy that has official status.
Scientists themselves, who have to consider accepting membership, need the assurance that the body that they are invited to join is indeed a distinguished body which it will be an honour to be a member of. We expect Assaf to meet the needs just mentioned and also that Government will productively utilise Assaf to provide advice on policy and strategy.
This Bill therefore establishes the Academy of Science of South Africa, or Assaf, which will seek to mobilise the whole science and technology community. Its objectives will be to promote common ground in scientific thinking across all scientific fields and in addition to promote optimum development of the intellectual capacity of all people in the country. It further provides effective advice and facilitates appropriate action in relation to the collective needs, opportunities and challenges of all South Africans in the field of science and technology.
The objectives of Assaf are designed to ensure that individuals who have made significant contributions to science act in concert across all disciplines in providing direction to the scientific community. They must facilitate appropriate action in relation to the collective needs, threats, opportunities and challenges of all South Africans.
The Bill provides for the establishment of Assaf as an autonomous body corporate with perpetual succession and legal personality. The expectation is that it will articulate scientific viewpoints, information and thinking within the scientific community. We anticipate that it will become a valuable source of advice on matters of government, science and technology policy.
It is regarded as appropriate that Assaf be established under its own dedicated legislation. This will provide full clarity regarding its functions and provide the basis for openness and transparency as regards its activities. Assaf will thereby become known to the public at large.
Large parts of the legislation are based on the content of the constitution according to which Assaf is already operating. To emphasise its status as the only officially recognised academy, this Bill therefore proposes the repeal of the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns Act. As a body corporate with perpetual succession and legal personality sanctioned by the Act, Assaf will enjoy international acceptance and credibility, as its reputation is thus recognised and its constitution or objectives cannot be changed at will.
Assaf differs from existing bodies such as the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns and the Engineering Academy of South Africa in that it serves all language and cultural groups in all disciplines of science. A slight correction is that the academy has opened its doors to the Engineering Academy. So it is quite representative of all scientists across the country. Nevertheless, we want to bring an acceptable single body to represent all sciences and these two bodies can become affiliated to Assaf, and of course, continue to contribute in a very constructive way to the generation of new knowledge and the leadership of this country.
Prof I J MOHAMED: Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members, on behalf of the ANC I welcome the opportunity to participate in this debate.
We welcome the establishment of the Academy of Science of South Africa by an Act of Parliament as the only academy of science to be recognised by Government. The Act provides for Government to direct the academy to perform acts on behalf of Government, consistent with its objectives. The Minister may make regulations in consultation with the academy for its smooth functioning to achieve its objectives.
Currently there are three academies of science, the Royal Society of South Africa, the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns and the Academy of Science of South Africa. The Royal Society has its origin in the South African Philosophical Society formed in 1877. In 1908 this society was granted the Royal Charter and the title Royal Society of South Africa. This is a rather elitist and exclusive society, with elected fellows and ordinary members. In early, racist South Africa blacks were, I suppose, excluded by default.
The Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns was established by an Act of Parliament in 1942. It is the successor to the Zuid-Afrikaanse Akademie Voor Taal, Letteren en Kunst established by an Act of Parliament in 1921. The Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns was intimately involved with the Afrikaner milieu and was aimed at advancing science, arts and the Afrikaans language in this setting, hence its membership then was exclusively white.
In 1997, or thereabouts, the Academy of Science of South Africa was formed as a nongovernmental organisation. It planned to be fully part of the new democratic South Africa, to embrace all communities, build science across all its various sectors, engage in science institutions, develop expertise and build across boundaries to create innovative ideas and products, so that industries may compete in the global market.
The Academy of Science of South Africa, established by this Bill, will have as it first council the council of this NGO and its initial membership will be that of the NGO. The NGO will be subsumed in the new Academy of Science established by Parliament. It will pursue the objects and functions briefly outlined above and popularise science and mathematics so that we can assume our rightful place in the world community and bring the poor and marginalised into the mainstream of society.
Thandi Modise reminded us very forcefully a few days ago that the struggle
we have been engaged in for decades must continue. Two of her phrases
constantly echo in my mind. She said: I was confronted by young white
soldiers and one groped in my groin, presumably looking for weapons''. On
another occasion, while she was giving birth, a young white soldier called
his mates and said:Kom kyk, die swart vrou kalf.’’ [``Come and take a
look, the black woman is calving.’’]
These barbarities did not just occur in particular strata of our racist past. I want to recall briefly two or three things out of so many that happened to me at university. I completed an honours degree in mathematics at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1954. A dinner function was arranged at the university for the graduates, but the professor of mathematics and head of the department, for whom I had such high regard, explained to me that the function was only open to white students.
I went to study for a Ph.D at London University in 1957 and then lectured at the University of Wales and the University of London. I was invited by a new professor and head of the department of mathematics of the University of the Witwatersrand to join his department. When I assumed my post at Wits in 1961, a cabinet minister made some threatening remarks in Parliament. I will not repeat them.
I joined the SA Mathematical Society, but was told by a member that I was
admitted to the society because a very prominent professor and member of
our department threatened to resign and leave the country if I was not
admitted. I went to express my appreciation for his support. In the course
of the discussion I remarked: Are these people so blind that they cannot
see the struggle going on in the country and that we are going to have a
black government?'' To my surprise he banged on his desk and shouted,
Never, never, never’’. This was unbelievable to me.
In 1962 I submitted a mathematical paper to be presented at the annual conference of the SA Mathematical Society. The president of SAMS came all the way from Pretoria to Wits and asked me not to turn up at the conference as the society may break up because of the participation of a black person. I went and presented my paper. I was well received, but at the end of my presentation, I was spirited away by a CSIR official under the pretext of showing me some of the facilities of the CSIR. In that time the rest of the conference went off to have a meal in a whites-only restaurant in Pretoria. I have no doubt that some of these things are still happening in a more subtle manner to black students at ground level and so we must, as Thandi has said, pursue our struggle. Some years later Wits university conferred a doctorate on me and SAMS, as part of its millennium celebrations, is awarding me a gold medal for my contributions to mathematics. I nevertheless have to make these remarks. [Applause.]
Mr V C GORE: Chairperson, the Academy of Science Bill is an uncontroversial Bill and the DA will support it. The Bill seeks to establish a single autonomous scientific state-recognised academy of science in South Africa. It is important to have an advisory body for Government on scientific matters. It can be argued, however, that some of these functions may be replicated in bodies, such as the National Advisory Council on Innovation and the National Science and Technology Forum. It is important that clarity of its role be obtained from the Minister.
The Bill also provides an invaluable foundation for promoting the intellectual capital of this country. For far too long our country has failed to effectively utilise the huge pool of academic excellence and, in particular, has unsuccessfully addressed national priorities such as poverty and HIV Aids. The DA has much faith that the academy will achieve these goals. However, there are a few areas of concern that need to be addressed. Stakeholders may comment on the previous version of this Bill during the latter part of 1999. According to some, they heard or received nothing further from the department and assumed that the process had died a dignified death.
It was, therefore, very surprising to see a redraft of the Bill before this House a few weeks ago, which seemed to have gone a long way to address the concerns raised by stakeholders but hurried through the parliamentary process without further consultation. In the words of one of the stakeholders: ``At this late stage in the process, any meaningful consultative comment, comment would not be possible.’’ It is a pity that this Government, which prides itself on its participative approach, so often shoots itself in the foot in this way during the last minutes.
Another worrying aspect of this Bill is the ability of any statutory body established by legislation to effectively bypass Treasury regulations. Government departments and some directories are accountable to the public through parliamentary oversight. The establishment of the Academy of Science opens up a possible avenue for abuse and the excessive use of taxpayers’ money. It would be necessary for the House to be able to receive assurances from the hon the Minister that this would not happen in this regard with the Academy of Science. It would also seem that it is not intended at this stage to provide a grant to the academy for the science Vote, but rather that the academy may receive project funds for specific tasks. Perhaps the Minister could comment on this interpretation.
There is a clause in this Bill which only allows South Africans to be members of the council of the academy, whereas permanent residents are allowed to be members of the council of the Africa Institute, covered in another Bill on today’s Order Paper. It is preposterous to think that such nationalistic tendencies and laager mentalities still exist in South Africa. How can we even contemplate that if we had an Einstein living in South Africa as a permanent resident he would not be allowed to serve on the council of the academy, but could serve on a council for the African Institute. This also runs counter to much of the spirit of the Bill which would allow the academy largely to run its own affairs.
Another clause in the Bill, which was removed on the insistence of the DA, made provision for the academy to lend money to employees or to provide collateral security, including guarantees. The question that needs to be asked is: Was the hon Minister attempting to establish a scientific think- tank or a banking institution?
Ideally, academic councils should consist of members who act from an objective scientific viewpoint and are independent of the state or government. They should consist of people who are nationally and internationally recognised for their scientific achievements and give of their time on a voluntary basis. One role of an academy is to act as a valuable, expert and independent sounding board for the state or government on scientific matters.
The DA is of the view that the Academy of Science of South Africa meets these board objectives, but cautions that independence from state involvement should be maintained at all times. We will be supporting this Bill. [Applause.]
Mr M F CASSIM: Chairperson, the IFP will be supporting the Bill. And, in saying that, I think it is important to let the House know that this Bill was not hurried through the portfolio committee. Had the portfolio committee felt that the Bill needed to be held for another two weeks or until the following year, it would have done so. So the impression that is created that it was it was hurried through and that serious consideration had not been given to all of the implications of the Bill is not true.
The question of whether the Bill should provide for someone who is not South African to serve on the council is really a side issue because the council is an administrative body. It does not really preclude anyone from joining the work of the academy as a whole.
It is significant that, for the first time, we have a body in South Africa that is representative of all the scientific institutions in the country. In addition, if it is possible, on an annual basis, awards could be created so that those who are the very best scientists in the natural sciences, social sciences, the humanities, economics, engineering, health and agriculture could be recognised. It will then provide the impetus for young and outstanding academics to reach for the stars as the hon Minister challenged a little while earlier.
In the United Kingdom the British are rightly very proud of the Royal Society because of the sterling work that that society has undertaken independently in that country. We hope and pray that the South African version of the Royal Society in the new body that we are creating will also be able to rise to the challenge and be able to help South African science to grow in the way we expect it to.
It is indeed well worth noting that Africa’s time has come, that this is the beginning of the African century, that we will need to promote common ground amongst all the top scientists of our country, so that, inspired by this commonality, they could actually help each other to become a great deal more productive and help this country achieve the success that it does.
We are quite happy about the fact that while the National Advisory Council on Innovation - or Naci - is the lead body in the country that is charged with innovation, we do not see that this body could also be innovative in respect of sciences, because when we talk of sciences, we are talking about innovation, and there is no doubt about it.
We also would like to encourage the new body to promote the optimum development of the intellectual capacity of South Africans. If we are going to search for a better life for all, how better than through bringing the top scientists of our country together, whether they are in the natural sciences or in agriculture, to work and strive together in order to help put South Africa at the very forefront of science and technology.
We are, indeed, very proud that the body has come into existence. We would like to watch its progress and trust that it would fulfil the objectives that have been set out for it.
Mrs A VAN WYK: Chairperson, allow me to congratulate, in his absence, Dr Adi Paterson on his secondment from the CSIR to the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and the hon the Minister on the fine catch he has made. It is to be hoped that in the year that the department will have the abilities of Dr Paterson at its disposal, it will effect some sound improvements in the governance of, at least, this part of the portfolio.
The new council of the Academy of Science of South Africa has, as a criterion for election as a member, the following: ``significant achievement in the pursuit, advancement or application of science’’, and from the ranks in the academy, the council will be elected by its peers. I think that that is excellent. It seems odd, though, that any kind of scoundrel - provided he meets this criterion - could theoretically become a member of the academy. Thankfully, clause 7 protects the council from having to elect such persons to run the body. I wonder who the Government thinks might be excluded from the academy should the same requirements of uprightness apply to ordinary members?
The potential for interference from Government in the composition of the council is very sensibly kept to a relative minimum, with the direct appointment of only one member of the National Advisory Council on Innovation. Congratulations to the hon the Minister. Oh, would he but follow this approach in the composition of the other councils under his supervision!
A council stuffed full of incompetents and yes-persons compromises the institution it is meant to govern, and provides an excuse for Government to interfere in the operational terrain of bodies that properly belong in the hands of professionals. One only has to look at the unfortunate dealings of this department with the museums and, should I say, daft appointments of some dubiously qualified persons to head some of these organisations.
Die SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns het in die vroeë negentigerjare, saam met die uitstekende Royal Society of South Africa, die leiding geneem om die Akademie vir Wetenskap van Suid-Afrika te stig. Sy Engelse akroniem is Assaf. Ná 10 jaar van harde werk kan ons vandag almal wat betrokke was by die totstandkoming van hierdie liggaam en vandag se wetgewing hartlik gelukwens en voorspoed toewens vir die groot taak wat nou voorlê. ‘n Mens sou kon wens dat internasionaal-gerekende deskundiges van buite ook op die raad moes dien, want dit sou status verleen aan die raad.
Hiérdie departement het hom ongelukkig onderskei deur sy onvermoë om die bates van die land almal na waarde te skat. Die wetsontwerp herroep die Wet op die SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns van 1959, en bepaal oorgangsmaatreëls vir voortspruitende sake. Die akademie is, ondanks talle versoeke, nie geken in die besluit van die Regering, in die finale stuk wetgewing, om summier die statutêre bestaan van die akademie te beëindig, of om, terugwerkend nogal, die klein, maar noodsaaklike, jaarlikse subsidie van R128 000 terug te trek nie. Miskien het Prof Mohamed se ervarings, waarvan hy ons vertel het, iets met hierdie besluite te make.
Dit moet egter benadruk word dat die akademie dit herhaaldelik beklemtoon het, en so ook die Royal Society of South Africa, dat hulle nie die aanvaarding van die wetsontwerp en die totstandkoming van die te stigte liggaam, waaraan hulle so ‘n gróót aandeel het, enigsins wil benadeel nie. Ek wil ook graag hulde bring aan die akademie vir die voortreflike werk wat dit sedert 1906 vir Suid-Afrika op soveel terreine verrig. Ek is oortuig daarvan dat dit tot die akademie se voordeel is om los te wees van die huidige regime, en dat dit nou éérs sal presteer. Ek dra my goeie wense en gelukwensinge oor aan Assaf.
Die Nuwe NP en die DA steun met graagte hierdie wetsontwerp. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[During the early 1990s the SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns, together with the excellent Royal Society of South Africa, took the initiative in establishing the Academy of Science of South Africa. The English acronym is Assaf. After 10 years of hard work we can today sincerely congratulate everyone who was involved in the establishment of this body and the legislation tabled before us today, and wish them everything of the best for the great task that lies ahead. One might almost wish that internationally renowned experts from outside could also serve on this council, because that would give status to the council.
This department has unfortunately distinguished itself by its inability to estimate the true value of all the assets of the country. This Bill repeals the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns Act of 1959, and determines transitional measures for consequential matters. Notwithstanding many requests, the academy was not consulted in the decision of the Government, in the final piece of legislation, to summarily bring the statutory existence of the academy to an end, or to withdraw - and retrospectively at that - the small but essential annual subsidy of R128
- Perhaps the experiences of Prof Mohamed, of which he told us, had something to do with these decisions.
However, it must be emphasised that the academy stressed repeatedly, as did the Royal Society of South Africa, that they did not in any way want to prejudice the passing of this Bill and the establishment of this body in which they have such a great stake.
I would also like to honour the academy for the exceptional work it has done for South Africa in so many spheres since 1906. I am convinced that it is to the advantage of the academy to be free of the current regime, and that it will now truly begin to perform. I express my good wishes and congratulations to Assaf.
The New NP and the DA are pleased to support this Bill.]
Miss O N MNDENDE: Chairperson, members of Parliament, the formation of the Academy of Science of South Africa as a body that is representative of all scientific disciplines and serves all language and cultural groups, will clearly serve the needs of all South Africans.
It is clear now that the definition and application of ``science’’ will not be confined to one particular scientific discipline, as it used to be. The Bill will provide a broader scope for other sciences, such as the social sciences, humanities and natural sciences in which to operate, so as to afford them equal recognition and respect.
The repeal of the Suid-Afrikaanse Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns Act of 1959 will also broaden the scope of active participation of all members of South African society across cultural and linguistic backgrounds. It will be important that consensus be reached first on a common definition of ``science’’, as it is still defined from one specific approach based on some specific cultures which excludes other cultures.
It is evident from the content of the Bill that science will not only be confined into a laboratory as humanities will also form part of the broad definition of science. Since the Academy of Science of South Africa Bill will establish national and international links with similar organisations, it will also encourage all South Africans to exchange ideas and participate on a multicultural approach to science internationally, which will accommodate everybody in the global village. The UDM supports the Bill.
Miss S RAJBALLY: Chairperson, hon Minister, the MF welcomes an academy that will serve as a representative to all scientific disciplines.
This centralisation will allow for direction and the ability to keep a close eye on all faculties of science within our ambit. The body is instituted not only for national advancement, but also to enhance international relations with faculties of its nature globally. The fact that its services will be rendered to all language and cultural groups in all disciplines of science is a wonderful thing, and this will certainly assist in a better interpretation of science in its various faculties.
It is noted that Assaf members will be employed based on their ability to perform and the highest level of scientific thinking and knowledge. This certainly ensures that the institute will be competent in terms of content. The MF supports the Academy of Science of South Africa Bill.
Mrs M A A NJOBE: Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members, the hon member Mr Cassim has already corrected some of the wrong perceptions given by the DA in this House with regard to this legislation.
However, it is clear that the components of the DA in this Parliament will never recognise the importance of empowering Ministers to carry out transformation. For Mrs Van Wyk to speak of interference by the Minister in implementing legislation, is actually not only missing the point, but also misleading the House and the public.
After listening to the hon member Prof Mohamed relating instances of nonrecognition and discrimination of black scientists by white scientists, I am sure that the House will agree with me that it is imperative that a democratic Government such as ours makes a decisive intervention.
The Academy of Science of South Africa Bill seeks to put an end to the gross waste of scientific intellectual capacity in this country, as happened under the system of apartheid. No wonder then that just two years after the democratic elections of 1994, progressive scientists came together to form the Academy of Science of South Africa, or Assaf for short. In its five years of existence, Assaf has been trying to find a place in the South African science system. This Bill seeks to empower Assaf to do just that, and to transform the science system in this country so that all South Africans, regardless of colour or belief, can participate.
The objectives of the academy, as stated in clause 3 of the Bill, give me confidence that transformation of the science system of this country is about to begin. Emphasis is placed on promotion of common ground in scientific thinking. The academy must address issues of public concern. The scope of its operation will be broadened across all disciplines - natural, human, social and economic sciences. The academy must link these to technology and engineering, Therefore, the challenge to the scientific community in this country is to discard the apartheid image, to be inclusive, to be transparent and to make a visible contribution that will impact positively on the lives of all our people.
The academy will encourage and promote innovative and independent thinking. Innovation must be guided by national needs and must address, among other things, issues of poverty and disease. South Africa needs to develop technology that will enhance productivity and the safety of food supplies. Health research should aim at combating infectious diseases.
Water studies and research should improve both the quantity and the quality of water. Information technology can be used to improve education, health, agricultural work, police work, including the combating of crime, social work and so on. Only on Wednesday this week, during question time, President Thabo Mbeki gave an example of how a video camera is used in a rural area to transmit pictures of a patient’s heartbeat, blood pressure, etc, to a central hospital for diagnosis and treatment, enabling timeous intervention by a doctor to prescribe treatment, thus saving the patient’s life.
The Academy of Science will stimulate and involve science councils, such as the CSIR, the Medical Research Council, the Council for Geoscience, Mintek and others in providing the necessary technology. Many rural schools do not have science laboratories, but still, however, teach science subjects. Information technology can thus be used to transmit laboratory work at the CSIR in a class in Pretoria to a rural school.
The legislation seeks to promote development of the intellectual capacity of all the people. No longer shall it be the case that only certain racial groups have the monopoly on scientific knowledge in our country. The Bill will address the collective needs of the people, identify and utilise opportunities, and respond to threats and challenges. It will be the vehicle to link with other scientific communities and bodies within South Africa, in the SADC region,in Africa and the rest of the world. The legislation will empower the academy to play a significant role and to contribute positively to the African Renaissance in developing co-operative Pan-African programmes and examining scientific issues of common concern. A glance at the analysis of the current membership of Assaf shows the usual pattern, resulting from decades of racial and gender discrimination in this country. Out of a membership of 201, 168 are male and only 33 female, 148 are white and 53 are black. There are more blacks in the humanities and life sciences; there are very few in economic, technological, physical and mathematical sciences. There are no blacks, for instance, in the earth sciences. During the committee’s visit to the CSIR in Pretoria last month, the delegation was informed that black scientists are still scarce. Therefore correcting this situation is one of the challenges facing the South African scientific community.
Clause 19 of this Bill is important in that it provides for transitional arrangements for the previous council, now dissolved by this Bill, to form a section 21 company in terms of the Companies Act, Act 61 of 1973. In my opinion the conditions under which this transition should take place are reasonable and fair. For example, the council retains all its assets free of any charges such as tax duties, fees and so on. Employees retain their rights and jobs under the new company. In the same way, no changes are envisaged either in the composition of the current Aisa council or its membership. However, during deliberations of this Bill the DP and the New NP were against the inclusion of this clause, which would have meant continuing the old council, undoubtedly an apartheid creation.
The ANC supports transformation for a better life for our society. Therefore, we support this Bill and we urge everyone to do the same. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Mr Chairperson, I would like to thank all the parties for a very informed and constructive debate on this Bill. Its time has come just as the continent’s time has come.
I went with Prof Gevers to Trieste in Italy, where we presented the South African academy to all the academies of Africa and, of course, other countries. Our formulation of the statute was highly praised because we emphasised independence and the role of giving sound advice to Government. Of course, it is acceptable for us to pay for projects that we commission with the academy.
We could not continue to fund the Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns, because it was an aberration. Normally academies are not funded by governments, so we could not make this exception in the case of the Akademie vir Wetenskap and Kuns. People must just accept that. We are part of the world now. We must employ and adhere to normal practice. There was enough correspondence between the akademie and my department to have settled all the issues. I am really surprised that this issue is surfacing again.
A new member is only accepted if four existing members propose him or her. It is very unlikely that scoundrels will slip through this type of net. The Minister has the power to prescribe, by legislation, a code of conduct for members. This allows the Minister to exclude scoundrels and prohibit any undesirable activities. This is going to be a highly respected body. We cannot trivialise it by saying these honourable scientific people will stoop so low as to include undesirable elements. So, I can reassure the House about this issue.
Also, with regard to the issue of duplication, there will be no duplication because the academy’s role is very clear and very distinct from that of the other statutory bodies such as the National Advisory Council on Innovation, the National Science and Technology Forum or any other statutory body that we have created. It is very clear.
I would like to congratulate Dr Adi Paterson, a senior person in Dacst - Dr Paterson has been a vice president of the CSIR. He still remains in the CSIR, but has been seconded to us to add value to our work. I would also like to congratulate Prof Sibisi, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for research at UCT, on having been confirmed by Cabinet as the new president of the CSIR.
We are moving forward steadily, creating absolute participation by all groupings and creating a new environment for our young people in the country. This will also include the thinking on the biotechnology strategy that Cabinet has adopted, which seeks to create a new industry in this country, as well as huge research and employment opportunities for our young people. I thank members very much for supporting this Bill. It is very constructive. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Decision of question postponed.
``WOORDEBOEK VAN DIE AFRIKAANSE TAAL'' ACT REPEAL BILL
(Second Reading debate)
The MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Chairperson, hon
members, ladies and gentlemen, it is an honour to be afforded the
opportunity to address the House on this Bill. The Bill provides for the
repeal of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal'' Act of 1973, and for
matters connected therewith. The following Acts are hereby repealed:
Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act, Act 50 of 1973, Woordeboek
van die Afrikaanse Taal'' Amendment Act, Act 9 of 1986 andWoordeboek van
die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Amendment Act, Act 22 of 1991.
I am really pleading with hon members to see this in a constructive light. I have had discussions with the Bureau of the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’, and they are in full agreement with what we are doing, because this is actually creating more space for them to play a very constructive role in the development of languages in this country.
The repeal of the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act is indicative of a fundamental change in the lexicographical landscape of our country. In the process of developing our indigenous languages, lexicography is arguably one of the main building blocks. However, it is imperative that all the indigenous languages share equally in the financial resources available for these building blocks. The inequality in funding in the past for dictionary or lexicographic units, owing to the previous policy of bilingualism, is now, I am happy to say, a thing of the past. This Bill therefore in many respects, represents a watershed in the management of language matters in this country as we take an important step towards fulfilling the lexicographic needs of a multilingual South Africa. The lexicography units that have been established for all our languages will each conserve, research and document the language concerned by compiling a monolingual defining dictionary and such other dictionaries as may be required to satisfy the target users of that language.
I would like to point out that this Bill was preceded by a long and inclusive process of consultation with all stakeholders over a period of five years. The process dealt with a wide variety of relevant issues such as the role of lexicography units in the context of the language policy and plan for South Africa, legislative implications, establishing norms for the recognition of existing units such as the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ and for new units for the other indigenous languages and also personnel matters.
The process was managed by the Pan-South African Language Board as part of
its mandate in collaboration with the Department of Arts, Culture, Science
and Technology. I wish to take this opportunity to convey my gratitude to
the board for the excellent work it has done in this regard. The board of
control of the Bureau of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal'',
established in terms of section 4 of theWoordeboek van die Afrikaanse
Taal’’ Act of 1973, is hereby dissolved in accordance with the transitional
provisions set out in the Bill.
The section 21 company established by the Pan-South African Language Board,
in accordance with section 8(8)(c) of the Pan-South African Language Board
Act, Act 59 of 1995, will be successor, in law, of the Bureau of the
Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal''. All assets, rights and obligations
of the Bureau of theWoordeboek van die Afrikaans Taal’’ will, upon
abolishment, devolve upon the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’
section 21 company without formal transfer, and without payment of any
fees, duties, taxes or other charges.
All employees of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal'' statutory body
will be employees of the Bureau of theWoordeboek van die Afrikaanse
Taal’’ section 21 company upon abolishment. It is important to note that
all the rights and obligations between the Bureau of the ``Woordeboek van
die Afrikaanse Taal’’ and each of its employees at the time of abolishment
will remain in force, as provided for in section 197 of the Labour
Relations Act of 1995. [Interjections.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order! Order!
The MINISTER: Chairperson, this will remain in force as if there were rights and obligations between the Woordeboek van die Afrikaans Taal company and each employee.
I would like to assure hon members that the conversion of the Woordeboek
van die Afrikaanse Taal'' statutory body to theWoordeboek van die
Afrikaanse Taal’’ section 21 company does not interrupt the continuity of
service of any employee. The conditions of service of each employee
continue as if the section 21 company was in fact still the Woordeboek van
die Afrikaanse Taal, except that it is now changed in law.
As successor to the Bureau of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal'',
theWoordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ section 21 company will be bound
by any and all collective agreements, as defined in section 213 of the
Labour Relations Act of 1995.
Agreements concluded with the trade union, staff association or any body that represents the interests of employees, will remain in force in respect of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal section 21 company, irrespective of whether or not the trade union, staff association or any body that represents the interests of employees has been registered, or has applied for registration in terms of the provisions of the Labour Relations Act. Also, the dismissal of any employee of the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal section 21 company will be subject to the provisions of Chapter 8 and Schedule 8 of the Labour Relations Act. I would like to emphasise that all activities of the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ will continue in the new lexicography dispensation that we are entering now.
I am positive that the important developmental work of compiling the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ to serve the Afrikaans language and all its users, will carry on at the same high level of professionalism and dedication that characterised its activities in the past.
Me N M TSHEOLE: Mnr die Voorsitter, ek wil eers om verskoning vra omdat ek vandag gaan probeer om Afrikaans te praat. [Applous.] Alhoewel my taal nie vlot is nie, het ek besluit om te doen wat my voorvaders en my ouers my geleer het, naamlik om ander mense se taal te eer. Ongelukkig is dit hierdie eerbetoning wat die apartheidsregering laat dink het dat ons tale nie belangrik is nie.
Hierdie wetsontwerp is weer eens ‘n positiewe stap op die transformasiepad. Met die herroeping van die Wet op die ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ verwelkom ons Afrikaans in die familie van al die tale van ons land, sodat dit nie meer gesien word as dié taal wat sy eie wette het nie. Die boodskap aan al die Afrikaanssprekendes is dat hulle taal nie vreemd is in Suid-Afrika nie. Dit is een van ons tale. Ek doen ‘n beroep op al die Afrikaanssprekendes dat hulle hierdie positiewe uitkoms met albei hande aangryp. [Tussenwerpsels.]
Vandag word die ideaal van ons Grondwet verder bewerkstellig. Ek is baie opgewonde. Ek is ook dankbaar dat die sprekers van ander amptelike tale van ons land tot dusver nie die Regering na die Konstitusionele Hof geneem het nie. Daardie angs is vandag iets van die verlede. Ek weet dat as dit wat in hierdie land gebeur het aan Afrikaans gedoen sou word, naamlik om ander tale meer geld te gee vir hul woordeboeke, die Afrikaanssprekendes hierdie Regering na die Konstitusionele Hof sou geneem het.
Ek is ook bly dat ek die Afrikaans wat ek geleer het nog kan onthou. Dit is nie maklik nie. Dit maak seer. Dit bring al die herinneringe van die verlede terug, van die dae toe ek deur my onderwysers gedwing is om Afrikaans te praat om pynpille te kry as ek siek was. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Ms N M TSHEOLE: Mr Chairman, at the outset I want to apologise because I am going to try to speak Afrikaans today. [Applause.] Although I do not speak the language fluently, I decided to do what my ancestors and my parents taught me, and that is to show respect for other people’s language. Unfortunately, it was this showing of respect which caused the apartheid government to think that our languages were not important.
This Bill is once again a positive step on the road to transformation. With the repeal of the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act, we welcome Afrikaans into the family of all the languages of our country, so that it will no longer be regarded as the language which has its own legislation. The message to all Afrikaans-speaking people is that their language is not foreign to South Africa. It is one of our languages. I appeal to all Afrikaans-speaking people to seize this positive outcome with both hands. [Interjections.]
Another step in the realisation of our Constitution is being taken today. I am very excited. I am also grateful that up to now so far those people who speak the other official languages of our country have not taken the Government to the Constitutional Court. That fear is something of the past today. I know that if what has happened in this country were to be done to Afrikaans, namely to give other languages more money for their dictionaries, the Afrikaans-speaking people would have taken this Government to the Constitutional Court.
I am also glad that I can still remember the Afrikaans I learnt. It is not easy. It hurts. It brings back all the memories of the past, memories of the days when I was forced by my teachers to speak Afrikaans in order to get painkillers when I was ill.]
The history of our country has shown that no language should be imposed on people. Although the apartheid regime succeeded in developing Afrikaans as a language to where it is now, a lot of damage was done to the image of the language itself and, unfortunately, to the speakers of this language as well. It is unfortunate that the FF members are not here, because they always claim to represent the speakers of Afrikaans. Today this Government claims that that responsibility is ours. We represent all the languages, including Afrikaans. [Applause.]
This Government is left with the arduous task of redressing the damage that was done by the previous government, of changing the image of Afrikaans speakers and that of Afrikaans as a language. Therefore it is important to note that success in this regard does not only depend on what the Government does, but also on what the speakers of this language themselves do. This partnership is very important. If the Afrikaans speakers were going to continue to complain, they would be endangering the future of this language. It is up to them.
Allow me to refer briefly to the developments that preceded this Bill. Consultation, as the Minister indicated, took place. We visited the bureau in Stellenbosch, and discussed the Bill with them. Since the PanSALB Act was also amended, we could have incorporated the repeal at the time when we were amending the PanSALB Act. However, we felt that we were going to give this special attention, because we respect Afrikaans and were aware of the consequences and the image that has been created. There are quite a number of things that one would not like to refer to that are happening in our country, because of the damage that has been done to this language of our country.
Afrikaans is not spoken anywhere else in the world. Although Flemish and Dutch could have relations with Afrikaans, Afrikaans belongs to this country. So I would like, as the theme of this debate, to say the following in Setswana.
Bana ba motho ba kgaogana tlhogwana ya tsie. [People share from the little resources they have at their disposal.]
We are not expecting to hear people complaining and saying that there is little money being given to the Afrikaans unit. We are going to share, as long as we agree that all the speakers of the languages in South Africa belong to one family.
Ke bana ba motho, … [They belong to the same parent … ]
… and they are going to share whatever resources we have. [Applause.]
Mnr S E OPPERMAN: Mnr die Voorsitter, die wetsontwerp wat die herroeping van die Wet op die Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal tot gevolg het, is daarop gemik om die WAT in ‘n posisie te plaas om, net soos ander leksikografiese eenhede, ‘n artikel 21-maatskappy te word. Hierdie verwikkeling val binne die breë raamwerk vir die ontwikkeling van leksikografie en terminologie van ons amptelike tale. Verskeie nasionale taaleenhede word reeds by tersiêre inrigtings regdeur ons land gehuisves, byvoorbeeld isiXhosa by Fort Hare, isiZulu by die Universiteit van Zululand, Sepedi by die Universiteit van die Noorde, Afrikaans by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch en Engels by Rhodes Universiteit.
Die verantwoordelikheid wat die Grondwet plaas op die staat om praktiese en positiewe maatreëls te tref vir die verhoging van die status en die bevordering van die gebruik van inheemse tale, kry ook beslag in die vestiging van hierdie eenhede wat onteenseglik sal bydra tot die bevordering van veeltaligheid.
Die tema van ons portefeuljekomitee vir hierdie jaar is ``transformasie vir rekonsiliasie’’, en ek dink dit is kragtig gedemonstreer deur die spreker wat my vooraf gegaan het, die agb Tsheole. Ek wil aan Dr Serote sê dat dit ‘n jammerte sal wees as dit net die tema vir die jaar bly, en nie by elkeen van ons ‘n leefwyse word nie, maar dán sal die konsep van rekonsiliasie die dinamiese dryfkrag in ons harte moet word.
Rekonsiliasie sê ons neem aan boord, ons haak by mekaar in, ons verwerp nie mekaar nie, al verskil ons van mening, en ons verander vyandskap in vriendskap. Dit beteken dat ons die klimaat sal skep om mense wat voorheen, na ons mening, ons groot skade berokken het, geleenthede sal bied om te help om die skade te herstel. Dit moet ook beteken dat ons, in die konteks van veeltaligheid, oneindige geduld en empatie moet hê met enige lid wat ‘n woord, ‘n naam, ‘n uitdrukking of ‘n sin probeer uitspreek in ‘n taal wat nie sy eie is nie. Rekonsiliasie beteken ons sal nie hoonlag as iemand Qwaqwa probeer sê nie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mr S E OPPERMAN, Mr Chairman, the Bill, whose objective is the repeal the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act, aims to place the WAT in a position to become, like other lexicographical units, a section 21 company. This development falls within the broad framework for the development of the lexicography and terminology of our official languages. Various national language units are already housed at tertiary institutions throughout our country, for example Xhosa at Fort Hare, Zulu at the University of Zululand, Pedi at the University of the North, Afrikaans at the University of Stellenbosch and English at Rhodes University.
The responsibility placed on the state by the Constitution to institute practical and positive measures for the improvement of the status and the promotion of the use of indigenous languages, is also given expression in the establishment of these units, which will make an undeniable contribution to the promotion of multilingualism.
The theme of our portfolio committee for this year is ``transformation for reconciliation’’, and I think this was powerfully demonstrated by the speaker who preceded me, the hon Tsheole. I want to say to Dr Serote that it would be a pity if this only remained the theme for the year, and did not become a way of life for each one of us, but in that case the concept of reconciliation will have to become a dynamic driving force in our hearts.
Reconciliation says we take on board, we link our arms, we do not reject one another even if we have differences of opinion, and we change enmity into friendship. This means that we will be creating the climate in which we give opportunities to people who, in our opinion, have harmed us tremendously in the past to repair the damage. This must also mean that we, in the context of multilingualism, must have endless patience and empathy with any member who tries to utter a word, a name, an expression or speak a sentence in a language which is not his or her own. Reconciliation means we will not laugh derisively when someone tries to say Qwaqwa.]
There will be no derisive laughter because of the wrong pronunciation of words.
Versoening beteken dat ons nie afwysend teenoor toegewyde terminoloë sal staan nie. Versoening sal ook beteken dat ons erkenning sal gee vir die positiewe bydrae wat die WAT lewer ten opsigte van die uitbreiding van alle leksikografiese eenhede. Veeltaligheid behoort by te dra tot die bevordering van doeltreffende kommunikasie. Dit sal ingeligte en deelnemende besluitneming bevorder.
Opvoeding en onderwys sal meer toeganklik en gelykwaardig word en daar sal begrip en aanvaarding wees vir ander tale en kulture, wat weer sal bydra tot die positiewe verandering van gesindhede. Die herroeping van die Wet op die Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal is na my mening ‘n deel van die legkaart van transformasie vir versoening wat in plek geplaas word. Die DP en die DA steun hierdie wetgewing. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Reconciliation means that we will not act in a dismissive manner towards terminologists. Reconciliation will also mean that we give recognition to the positive contribution that the WAT is making towards the expansion of all lexicographic units. Multilingualism should contribute to the promotion of effective communication. It will promote informed and participatory decision-making.
Education and training will become more accessible and equal and there will be understanding for and acceptance of other languages and cultures, which will in turn contribute to the positive changing of attitudes. Repealing the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act is, in my view, a part of the jigsaw puzzle of transformation for reconciliation that is being put in place. The DP and the DA support this legislation. [Applause.]]
Mnr J J DOWRY: Voorsitter, tydens die tweede lesing van die Wysigingswetsontwerp op die Pan-Suid-Afrikaanse Taalraad op Dinsdag 23 Februarie 1999, is onder andere die volgende gesê, toe ‘n agb lid soos volg na die WAT verwys het:
When one visits this project at the University of Stellenbosch, one recognises that it is one of the premier institutions of its kind on the whole African continent. It is very, very important for us to preserve and encourage the Woordeboek project and allow it to grow, because it has certain expertise that is of use to all other dictionary units in this country.
Daar is ook ‘n beroep gedoen op diegene wat betrokke is by die WAT -
… (to) share the expertise that they have with the rest of South Africa.
In die tussentyd het daar ‘n nasionale leksikografie-eenheid vir elk van die amptelike tale in Suid-Afrika onder beheer van Pansat tot stand gekom. Hierdie eenhede sal almal as artikel 21-maatskappye sonder winsoogmerk bestuur word. Die personeel van die Buro van die WAT het ‘n baie belangrike rol in dié proses gespeel, onder andere by die opleiding van personeel wat diens kan doen in hierdie eenhede, maar ook by die strategiese beplanning van hierdie nasionale leksikografie-eenhede. Aangesien hierdie nasionale leksikografie-eenhede deur ‘n proses van koöperatiewe leksikografie tot stand gebring is, is daar ‘n gees van samewerking gegenereer wat nie net in belang van hierdie eenhede is nie, maar in belang van die ontwikkeling en standardisering van al die amptelike tale van Suid-Afrika.
Die betrokkenes in die totstandkoming van die nasionale leksikografie- eenhede het geleer om mekaar en mekaar se tale te waardeer. Hulle gesamentlike taak is nou die optekening, bewerking en beskikbaarstelling van die taalskat van die amptelike tale van Suid-Afrika aan die gebruiker van hierdie tale. Met die herroeping van die Wet op die Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal, 1973, soos gewysig, bereik die proses van woordeboekmaak in Suid-Afrika ‘n baie mooi hoogtepunt. Voortaan kan die amptelike tale van Suid-Afrika saam woordeboeke ontwikkel in belang van al die tale en al hul gebruikers, aangesien nie net eentalige woordeboeke saamgestel sal word nie, maar ook meertalige woordeboeke, wat ook ‘n daadwerklike bydrae kan lewer tot die noodsaaklike bevordering van veeltaligheid in Suid-Afrika.
Die Afrikaanse taal kan nooit uitgebou en gehandhaaf word in eksklusiwiteit nie, maar alleen as die taal ook in diens staan van ander volke en tale, want so kan Afrikaans ‘n brugbouer wees tussen verskillende taal- en kultuurgroepe. Daarom moet ons geesdriftige taalbouers soos Dr Dirk van Schalkwyk, hoof van die WAT, wat ook op die gallery sit, bedank vir sy algehele toewyding om brûe te bou tussen verskillende taalgroepe. Hy het reeds Xhosa-, Zulu- en Peditaalgroepe met metodiek en die vestiging van direksies gehelp.
Verder in Afrika het Angola, Tanzanië, Namibië, Zambië en Gaboen baat gevind by dié buro se werksaamhede. Ook lande soos Noorweë en Duitsland het geholpe geraak met die kundigheid wat dié buro op Stellenbosch bied.
Dit is dus dié Parlement se verantwoordelikheid om toe te sien dat Pansat in ‘n posisie gestel word om dié nasionale leksikografie-eenhede doeltreffend te subsidieer. Dié eenhede het reeds in ‘n samewerkingsmodel ontwikkel, omdat die besef reeds baie duidelik posgevat het dat as ‘n mens iemand se taal respekteer, jy hom of haar ook respekteer. In die gees van die versoeningsrol wat taal vertolk en in die gees van die welwillendheid wat dr Dirk van Schalkwyk en sy medewerkers by WAT weerspieël het, behoort al die taalgemeenskappe van Suid-Afrika te sê: ``Viva die WAT, lank lewe die WAT in diens van Afrikaans en al die ander inheemse tale.’’
Die NNP en die DA ondersteun dié wetsontwerp. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mr J J DOWRY: Chairperson, during the Second Reading of the Pan South African Language Board Amendment Bill on Tuesday, 23 February 1999, the following was said, interalia, when an hon member referred to the WAT as follows:
When one visits this project at the University of Stellenbosch, one recognises that it is one of the premier institutions of its kind on the whole African continent. It is very, very important for us to preserve and encourage the Woordeboek project and allow it to grow, because it has certain expertise that is of use to all other dictionary units in this country.
An appeal was also made to those involved with the WAT -
… (to) share the expertise that they have with the rest of South Africa.
In the meantime a national lexicography unit for each of the official languages in South Africa has come into existence under the control of PanSALB. These units will be managed as section 21 companies not for gain. The staff of the Bureau of the WAT played a very important role in this process, amongst others in the training of staff who can serve in these units, but also in the strategic planning of these national lexicography units. Due to the fact that these national lexicography units came into being through a process of co-operative lexicography, a spirit of co- operation was generated which is not only in the interests of these units, but also in the interests of the development and standardisation of all the official languages of South Africa.
Those involved in the establishment of the national lexicography units learned to appreciate one another and one another’s languages. Their joint task is now the recording, processing and provision of the vocabulary of the official languages of South Africa to the users of those languages. With the repeal of the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act, 1973, as amended, the process of dictionary production in South Africa reaches a very fine culmination. In future the official languages of South Africa can develop dictionaries together in the interests of all the languages and all their users, because not only monolingual dictionaries will be compiled but also multilingual dictionaries, which will also make a decisive contribution to the essential promotion of multilingualism in South Africa.
The Afrikaans language can never be expanded and maintained in exclusivity, but only if the language is also at the service of other peoples and languages, because in this way Afrikaans can be a bridge-builder between different linguistic and cultural groups. For this reason we should thank enthusiastic language builders like Dr Dirk van Schalkwyk, head of WAT, who is also in the gallery, for his general commitment to building bridges between different linguistic groups. He has already helped Xhosa, Zulu and Pedi linguistic groups with methodology and the establishment of management boards. Further afield in Africa Angola, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and Gabon have benefited from this bureau’s activities. Countries like Norway and Germany have also been helped through the expertise offered by this bureau in Stellenbosch.
It is therefore this Parliament’s responsibility to see to it that PanSALB is placed in a position effectively to subsidise these national lexicography units. These units have already developed into a co-operative model, because the realisation has already very clearly taken hold that if one respects a person’s language, one also respects that person. In the spirit of the reconciliatory role played by language and in the spirit of the goodwill which Dr Dirk van Schalkwyk and his colleagues at WAT have reflected, all the linguistic communities of South Africa should say: ``Viva WAT, long live WAT in the service of Afrikaans and all the other indigenous languages.’’
The NNP and the DA support this Bill. [Applause.]]
Nkszn O N MNDENDE: Sekela sihlalo namalungu ePalamente akhoyo apha, ukurhoxiswa kwalo mthetho oyi`` die Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ ka- 1973, mthetho lowo ubunika ubungangamsha kwilwimi olunye phakathi kwelwimi ezininzi phofu apha esizweni, linyathelo elibaluleke kakhulu ingakumbi kwezolwimi ezaye zijongelwe phantsi nezathi azaxabiseka konke konke kuburhulumente bangaphambili. IUDM, nekholelwa kulingwano kwilwimi zonke iwamkela ngezandla ezishushu lo mthetho wokuba kwenziwe ingqokelela yezichazi magama zazo zonke iilwimi zabantu bomzantsi Afrika.
Le ngcamango yalo mthetho siwushukuxayo namhlanje, isisikhokelo esisingele ekubeni kuhlonipheke wonke ummi womzantsi Afrika, ingakumbi ngokwenkcubeko yabo bebecinizelekile ngaphambili. Kaloku iilwimi zabantu abantsundu bekusithiwa ziilwimi zabantu abangaxabisekanga. Bekusithi naloo nkwalambisa yayisithi ibekho ezikolweni, ibe ibhalwe yaqulunkqwa ngabantu abangabaziyo ubunzulu nobuncwane bolwimi olo. Loo nto ke, ibisenza ukuba zijongelwe phantsi kuba kwakusithiwa ziilwimi zamaqaba ngokwemeko yasemlungwini ke phofu. Loo nto ibisenziwa kukuba urhulumente wangaphambili ebejongele phantsi iilwimi zabantu abaNtsundu ephuhlisa kuphela ezabelungu. Loo nto yenza ukuba nabantwana bethu namhlanje bacinge ukuba iilwimi ezibhadlileyo neziphucukileyo zezo ingezizo ezo zabo, kwaye bekholelwa kananjalo ukuba aziyikubasa ndawo kuba kusithiwa zisemva, azikwazi kusa ndawo mntu kwaye azikwazi kudala misebenzi.
Phofu ke bethu, nakwiidyunivesithi, iilwimi zesintu bezifundiswa ngesingesi, nto leyo ibidala impixwano kwabo bantwana bazincace ebeleni iilwimi zabo. Olu xanduva lokuba kubekho izichazi magama zelwimi zonke ngokulinganayo nezizakuthi zibephantsi kwebhodi yeelwimi zomzantsi Afrika uPansalb, iyakuthi ibonise ukuba ngenene nenyani alukho ulwimi olungaphezu kolunye kubantu abaluthethayo. Loo nto ke iyakwenza nolutsha oluzinkokheli zangomso luzingce ngengcambu zalo. Akwaba lebhodi yelwimi zomzantsi Afrika iPansalb, iyakuthi ikhwentshele umsila ikhawulezise kungade kutshone ilanga sijonge enkalweni ukuze sizokwazi ukuthetha ngolwazi nobugcisa bemveli, sifundise ngamasiko nangezithethe zakwantu kananjalo sizokwazi ukuthetha ngebuyambo lokwenene okanye iAfrican Renaissance yoqobo.
IUDM iyawusekela lo mthetho. (Translation of isiXhosa speech follows.)
[Miss O N MNDENDE: Chairperson and members present here, the repeal of the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ Act of 1973, which gave preference to one language out of many in the country, is a very important step with regard to the previously marginalised languages. The UDM believes in language equity and therefore welcomes this Bill, which encourages the development of a dictionary of all the languages of the people of South Africa.
The Bill we are discussing today will restore dignity to all the citizens of South Africa, particularly those who were culturally oppressed before. Indeed, African languages were undermined. Even the little that was available was written and published by people who lacked in-depth knowledge of the language. This happened because, in the eyes of the white people, they were the languages of the uneducated. Thus, our children regard foreign languages as more important. They also believe that these languages cannot empower them because they are not developed and cannot benefit them in the labour market.
At universities, African languages were taught through the medium of English, which created confusion amongst the indigenous speakers of the languages. The development of dictionaries for all languages under the auspices of PanSALB will show that all languages are important. That will encourage the youth, who are the future leaders, to be proud of their roots. We hope that PanSALB will fast-track this process so that we can impart more knowledge about our traditions and values. It is only then that we can start talking about the real African Renaissance.
The UDM supports the Bill.]
Miss S RAJBALLY: Chairperson, we have undertaken in our Constitution to preserve the many languages of our nation. Afrikaans is one of them. Though not the sweetest of languages, it is the tongue of many of our citizens.
The repeal of this Bill is supported in the light of this and the acceptance of a diverse society that survives within the realm of diversity and unites in this very same diversity. The Bill seeks to dissolve the bureau that previously oversaw the ``Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal’’ and replace it with a body established under the Pan South African Language Board Act. If this is advantageous, it is supported.
May the preservation of our languages and the ways of doing so, be upheld by all sides. I earlier mentioned that we should survive as one nation. Our diversity, be it Afrikaans, English, isiXhosa or any other language, deserves the same respect. These languages represent us.
The MF supports the Bill.
Mnr C AUCAMP: Voorsitter, dié wetsontwerp gee beslag aan die belangrike beginsels van die gelykberegtiging van tale. Afrikaans sal nou, soos ander tale, bedien word deur die leksikografiese eenhede as ‘n artikel-21 maatskappy van Pansat.
Die AEB ondersteun dié wetsontwerp. Ons vra nie spesiale behandeling van Afrikaans nie. Ons vra nie dat Afrikaans as bedreigde spesie geklassifiseer en uitgesonder moet word nie. Ons vra dat daadwerklik beslag gegee word aan die beginsel van gelykberegtiging van tale. Veral in die wêreld van globalisering en kommersialisering is dit die algemene neiging om na die een gemeenskaplike taal, Engels, toe oor te skakel. Is dit dan nodig dat alle tale bemagtig moet word? (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mr C AUCAMP: Chairperson, this Bill gives expression to the important principles of the equal treatment of languages. Afrikaans will now, as in the case of other languages, be served by the lexicography units as a section 21 company of PanSALB.
The AEB supports this Bill. We are not asking for special treatment for Afrikaans. We are not asking for Afrikaans to be classified and singled out as an endangered species. We are asking that actual expression be given to the principle of the equal treatment of languages. Especially in the world of globalisation and commercialisation, there is a general tendency to switch to the one common language, English. Is it then necessary that all languages should be empowered?]
When Afrikaners advocate for Afrikaans, it does not mean that they deem it more important than other languages. Everyone has to advocate for his own case. We do not want to be the patrons of others peoples’ belongings. That is their own right.
Ons ondersteun die wetsontwerp. Ek wil bysê, ‘n taal kan nie onderdruk nie, mense kan onderdruk. Kom ons gee volle uiting aan die gelykberegtiging van alle tale in Suid-Afrika. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[We support the Bill. I want to add that a language cannot oppress, people can oppress. Let us fully endorse the equal treatment of all languages in South Africa.]
I conclude by saying that my three sons are coming down to Cape Town tomorrow and I am seriously looking for tickets for the rugby match, if anybody could help. [Laughter.] Nkskz C I GCINA: Sihlalo namalungu ahloniphekileyo, lo Mthetho oYilwayo uqhubela phambili inkqubo yenguqu. Ngo-1999, umthetho we-9 ka 1995 webhunga leelwimi zoMzantsi Afrika waguqulwa ngelilungiselela ukuseka amaziko eelwimi zonke ezisemthethweni.
Mandulo iilwimi zemveli zazithatyathwa njengezingabalulekanga, kanti kulo Rhulumente wethu siseke ibhodi yeelwimi efana yodwa, nevumela ukuba ishumi elinanye leelwimi zoMzantsi Afrika zibe ntanganye ngokubaluleka. Oku kwenzelwa ukuba kuqhutyelwe phambili zibekwe kumgangatho ofanayo nolinganayo ezi lwimi ebe zilityelwe mandulo.
Siyathemba ukuba oku kuvuselela, kwaye kukhuthaza abemi boMzantsi Afrika ukuba baqondane ngcono. Kwakhona, bakwazi ukuqhagamshelana ngcono ngeelwimi ezingezizo ezokuzalwa. Kananjalo, oku kulungiselela ukuziqhubela phambili iilwimi ezi, ze kukhuthazeke nokufunda. Kumaxa angaphambili, iilwimi ebe zisetyenziselwa ukufunda zivale amathuba okuba nakho ukukuqhubela phambili ukufunda. Ngokwenjenjalo, zavala amathuba okuba nakho ukukwazi ukuzenzela izinto ngeendlela ngendlela.
Ulwimi aluyo nto nje, koko luyinkcubeko yoluntu. Kananjalo lukwa yindlela yokuphila kwabantu. Le nguqu kulo mthetho ayizange ikwazi ukujongana nemiba yokutshitshisa lo mthetho. Ulungiso lwenzelwe ukuba umthetho uwathabathele ingqalelo nawo amaziko akhoyo ezichazi-magama, ukuze akwazi ukuba ukusebenza ngokweCandelo 21 loMthetho weeNkampani wango-1973.
Lo mthetho utshitshiswayo ubeka ulwimi lwesiBhulu kwinqanaba eliphezulu. Ngaxeshanye, siphethe umba wolingano ngokuphathelele ekuphuhliseni zonke iilwimi zethu zesizwe. Ezinye iilwimi zethu zemveli bezisoloko zingasiwanga so. Ngoko ke aziphuhliswanga, azikwazi ukusetyenziswa kwezinye izifundo ezifana nenzululwazi, ezobalo, nezopolitiko. Kodwa kukho ukuzingca nochulumancho kum ukwazi ukuba loo maxesha abekwe kwelokulibala ngoku, ngakumbi ngokutshitshiswa kwalo mthetho.
Ngoku uRhulumente wethu wesizwe ubonile ukuba ezi lwimi zilishumi elinanye mayibe zizo ezikhoyo apha. Siyambonga ke uRhulumente wesizwe okhokelwa yi- ANC ngokuthi asazi nathi bantu abalwimi zazingazelwe nto, nathi asibeke phambili namhlanje. Sithi kuMongameli, uZizi, uDlamini omhle makakhule angakhokhobi. [Kwaqhwatywa.] (Translation of isiXhosa speech follows.)
[Mrs C I GCINA: Chairperson and hon members, this Bill advances the process of change. In 1999 the Pan South African Language Board Act was amended in preparation for the establishment of centres for all official languages.
In the olden days, indigenous languages were considered to be unimportant, but in this Government of ours we have established a special board that makes eleven languages of South Africa equally important. This is to facilitate progress in placing the previously disadvantaged languages at the same and equal level.
We hope that this inspires and encourages the citizens of South Africa to have better insight, besides, so that they can communicate better in languages which are not their mother tongue. In addition, this is aimed at facilitating the advancement of these languages so that learning is encouraged. In previous times, languages which were used as the medium of instruction inhibited opportunities to advance learning. In doing so, they prevented people from being able to do things on their own in various ways.
A language is not just something, but it is a culture of a community. Again, it is also a way of life of people. The amending to this Act could not stand up to the issues of repealing this Act. Amending the Act is aimed at enabling the Act also to take into consideration the existing dictionary centres so that they are able to function in terms of section 21 of the Companies Act of 1973.
This Act, which is being repealed, affords Afrikaans a higher status. At the same time, we are engaged in bringing about equality with regard to developing all the languages of our nation. Some of our indigenous languages were never given any respect. They are therefore not developed, they cannot be used in some subjects like science, mathematics and politics. However, with regard to other aspects I am filled with pride and excitement to note that, in view of this Act, those times have now came to an end.
Our national Government has now deemed it fit to make these 11 languages official. We praise the ANC-led Government for recognising us, as well, whose languages were considered to be nothing, and for placing us in the forefront today. We are saying to the President, to Zizi, he must grow, but not to the extent of not being able to make us benefit from his deeds. [Applause.]]
The MINISTER OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLGY: Chairperson, I feel very proud to be a member of this illustrious Parliament. When I travel around foreign countries, people are amazed that we have 11 official languages. The issue of language is one of the most emotive and disruptive issues. It has led to genocide and suppression of minority rights, and created absolute chaos. But this Parliament, as well as the Government and people of this country, are handling these issues in such an expert and intelligent way that we do get accolades from many countries. [Applause.]
The handling of these three Bills has been an absolute manifestation of this spirit of building and working together. I thank the portfolio committee and Dr Serote, the hon Tsheole and other members of the committee, for creating this thematic concept of transformation for reconciliation.
This portfolio committee has contributed a lot to South Africa under the leadership of Dr Serote. They created the Year of Science and Technology in 1998, promoted the issue of symbols as a form of reconciliation and nation building, and they have been closely involved with huge issues in culture which lay the foundation for a united nation and a reconciled people.
We are a multicultural country and we need this reconciliation thrust through transformation. It gives a sense of certainty and security to any group in the country to know that any transformation that takes place in our country is for the good and benefit of all South Africans.
Debate concluded.
Bill read a second time.
AFRICA INSTITUTE OF SOUTH AFRICA BILL
(Decision of Question on Second Reading)
Question agreed to.
Bill read a second time.
ACADEMY OF SCIENCE OF SOUTH AFRICA BILL
(Decision of Question on Second Reading)
Question agreed to. Bill read a second time.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order! Hon members, I am aware that today you have the cricket final and tomorrow, the rugby final. Please do not shout yourselves hoarse, so that you are able to come and continue your work next week!
The House adjourned at 11:27. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPFORTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces:
- The Speaker and the Chairperson:
(1) Assent by the President of the Republic in respect of the
following Bills:
Counterfeit Goods Amendment Bill [B 27 - 2001] - Act No 25 of
2001 (assented to and signed by President on 24 October 2001);
and
Trade Practices Amendment Bill [B 34 - 2001] - Act No 26 of 2001
(assented to and signed by President on 24 October 2001).
National Assembly
- The Speaker:
The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the
relevant committees as mentioned below:
(1) The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts for consideration and report and to the Portfolio
Committee on Communications for information:
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the
Universal Service Agency and the Universal Service Fund for 1999-
2000 [RP 137-2001].
(2) The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts for consideration and report and to the Portfolio
Committee on Provincial and Local Government for information:
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the
Disaster Relief Fund for 2000-2001 [RP 133-2001].
(3) The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts for consideration and report and to the Portfolio
Committee on Trade and Industry for information:
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the
National Supplies Procurement Fund for 2000-2001 [RP 144-2001].
(4) The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts for consideration and report and to the Portfolio
Committee on Minerals and Energy for information:
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the
National Electricity Regulator Fund for 1997-98, 1998-99 and 1999-
2000 [RP 152-2001].
(5) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Education:
(a) Report of the Certification Council for Technikon
Education for the period 1 April 2001 to 31 August 2001 [RP
175-2001].
(b) Government Notice Number 415 published in the Government
Gazette No 22281 dated 18 May 2001, National Policy regarding
Further Education and Training Programme: Approval of
adjustments to the Economic Higher and Standard Grade Core
Syllabi for Grade 12, made in terms of the National Education
Policy Act, 1996 (Act No 27 of 1996).
(c) Government Notice Number 416 published in the Government
Gazette No 22281 dated 18 May 2001, Approval of an amendment
to the aggregate for Senior Certificate candidates offering
technical college instructional offerings as part of their
programmes, made in terms of the National Education Policy
Act, 1996 (Act No 27 of 1996).
(d) Government Notice Number 417 published in the Government
Gazette No 22281 dated 18 May 2001, National Policy regarding
Further Education and Training Programme: Approval of the
drafting and the documentation of National Education Policy
regarding the Gauteng Youth College Programme, made in terms
of the National Education Policy Act, 1996 (Act No 27 of
1996).
(e) Government Notice No 472 published in the Government
Gazette No 22334 dated 29 May 2001, Call for nomination to
fill a vacancy in the South African Qualifications Authority
caused by the resignation of the member representing the Adult
Basic Education and Training Sector, made in terms of section
4(3)(l) of the South African Qualifications Authority Act,
1995 (Act No 58 of 1995).
(f) Government Notice No 485 published in the Government
Gazette No 22345 dated 1 June 2001, Call for nomination to
fill a vacancy in the South African Qualifications Authority
caused by the resignation of the member from the National
Organisations Representing Colleges other than teachers and
technical colleges, made in terms of section 4(3)(l) of the
South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 (Act No 58 of
1995).
(g) Government Notice No 541 published in the Government
Gazette No 22374 dated 13 June 2001, Appointment of a
replacement to serve as a member of the South African
Qualifications Authority, made in terms of section 4(4) of the
South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 (Act No 58 of
1995).
(h) Government Notice No 650 published in the Government
Gazette No 22471 dated 12 July 2001, A focused study of the
development of the National Qualifications Framework with the
aim of streamlining its implementation, made in terms of the
South African Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 (Act No 58 of
1995).
(i) Government Notice No 703 published in the Government
Gazette No 22524 dated 27 July 2001, National Policy regarding
Special Needs Education: Approval of Education White Paper 6,
Special Needs Education: Building an inclusive education and
training system, made in terms of section 3(4)(l) and (o) of
National Education Policy Act, 1996 (Act No 27 of 1996).
(6) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Communications:
Report and Financial Statements of Telkom Limited for 2000-2001.
TABLINGS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces: Papers:
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development:
(a) Treaty between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho on Extradition,
tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Treaty between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho on Mutual Legal
Assistance in Criminal Matters, tabled in terms of section 231(2)
of the Constitution, 1996.
(c) Explanatory Memorandum on the Treaties.
(d) Statute of the Hague Conference on Private International Law,
tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(e) Explanatory Memorandum on the Statute of the Hague Conference on
Private International Law.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
National Assembly:
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Report of the Portfolio Committee on Education on the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Bill [B 57B - 2001] (National Council of Provinces - sec 76), dated 23 October 2001:
The Portfolio Committee on Education, having considered the subject of the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Bill [B 57B - 2001] (National Council of Provinces - sec 76), referred to it and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 76 Bill, reports the Bill without amendment.
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Report of the Portfolio Committee on Health on the Medical Schemes Amendment Bill [B 80 - 2001] (National Assembly - sec 75), dated 26 October 2001:
The Portfolio Committee on Health, having considered the subject of the Medical Schemes Amendment Bill [B 80 - 2001] (National Assembly - sec 75), referred to it and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill, reports the Bill with amendments [B 80A - 2001].