National Assembly - 25 September 2002
WEDNESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2002 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 14:02.
The Deputy 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 0000.
ANNOUNCEMENT
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order! Order! I wish to announce that, due to unexpected developments in the Burundi peace process, the Deputy President is not able to attend today’s sitting to answer questions. He has requested me to convey his apologies to the House for any inconvenience that this may cause. The impact on the parliamentary programme will be discussed at tomorrow’s meeting of the programme committee.
Order! We now come to notices of motion.
Ms E THABETHE: Chairperson, in terms of the agreement regarding programming, and according to the Order Paper, we should start with the statement by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, followed by the questions and thereafter the motions. That is how we understand the Order Paper.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: One moment, let me just consult.
Order! Since there is an agreement, we will take the statement, but immediately after the statement, we will take the notices of motion in order to meet the three o’clock deadline to begin the questions. Is that agreed to?
Mr M J ELLIS: Mr Chairman, I am not sure if this matter was fully discussed at the Chief Whip’s Forum this morning, but quite frankly, I do not understand why we cannot take motions first, which is a customary procedure, except when questions are on the Order Paper. There are questions on the Order Paper, but that is only for three o’clock this afternoon. I believe it will be in the interest of Parliament if we start with motions this afternoon.
Ms E THABETHE: Chairperson, our understanding is that questions take precedence every Wednesday, but today, based on the agreement reached, we must deal with the statement first, thereafter questions and thereafter motions as the scheduled procedure of this House.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Hon Thabethe, the point is that when we start at three o’clock, indeed, questions do then take precedence. Today, however, we are starting at two o’clock, and there is no agreement. If there was an agreement, the Chair would have been bound to observe the agreement. What we will then do is: We can begin with the statement and take the notices immediately after, or as Mr Ellis is suggesting, we can begin with the notices of motion and then take the statement.
Mr M J ELLIS: Mr Chairman, may I draw your attention to the programme, which I think all parties were party to, that was produced at the Chief Whip’s Forum this morning. It states quite clearly that at two o’clock the first order of the day is notices of motion.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Then I would like to rule that we take the notices of motion. Because it is accordingly printed on the document which I have in front of me, I am going to take the notices of motion.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr L J MODISENYANE: Mr 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 -
(a) reports that troops from Zimbabwe, Angola and Rwanda are pulling
out of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and
(b) that this is a result of months of negotiations aimed at ending
the war in the country;
(2) believes that peace and security are important preconditions for economic prosperity on the African continent;
(3) welcomes the withdrawal of foreign troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo; and
(4) urges the people of the Congo to strengthen the peace processes in the country and in the region.
Mr A J BOTHA: Mr 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 President Mbeki’s refusal to support the expulsion of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth puts Nepad at risk;
[Interjections.]
(2) further notes that, if a government which replaces the rule of law with a reign of terror is welcome in the Commonwealth, then the Commonwealth itself loses its integrity and international respect;
(3) recognises that Nepad is being subverted by President Mbeki’s apologetic approach to the Mugabe regime; and
(4) calls on President Mbeki to put the interests of the Southern African region and the suffering majority of Zimbabweans ahead of his personal and party obligations, and to support principled action against the Zanu-PF. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order!
Prince N E ZULU: 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) applauds the SABC’s channel three for its Heritage Day Celebration of the Anglo-Boer war on their screen with all the passion and pain these two nations endured before they became what they are now;
(2) congratulates the South African nation for being bold enough to bring these matters to the fore, not in hate, but in a spirit of remembrance and commemoration in order to heal the wounds of the past; and
(3) calls on those who are at the pinnacle of power to accept the challenge of our recent past, repent and reconcile honestly and truthfully.
Mr G P MNGOMEZULU: Mr 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 -
(a) that 213 young Israeli democrats have refused to serve in what
they termed ``an army of occupation"; and
(b) 483 reserve officers and soldiers have signed a ``refusenik
petition";
(2) believes that this reflects a growing desire by the Israeli democrats for a realisation of the goal of peaceful coexistence between the state of Israel and the establishment of an independent and sovereign state of Palestine;
(3) commends these brave young Israeli democrats for raising high the flag of peace amidst the ever-increasing tide of Israeli military aggression against the people of Palestine; and
(4) reiterates its long-held view that a lasting solution to this crisis lies in peaceful negotiations, conducted in line with United Nations resolutions.
Mev M E OLCKERS: Mnr die Voorsitter, hiermee gee ek kennis dat ek by die volgende sitting van die Huis namens die Nuwe NP sal voorstel:
Dat die Huis kennis neem dat -
(1) die Nuwe NP hom ten sterkste uitspreek teen die beoogde daaglikse loterytrekking wat deur die Loteryraad goedgekeur is;
(2) groter loterybedrywighede geensins sal bydra om die las van die armes in die land te verlig nie; (3) die droom van Suid-Afrikaners vir beter lewensomstandighede nie gebou moet word op die waag van ‘n kans nie, maar deur die daarstelling van werklike welvaartskepping deur buitelandse investering en groter werkskeppingsprogramme; en
4) die jongste poging om meer geld te bekom nie die onvermoë van die
Nasionale Loteryraad sal verbeter ten einde te sorg dat die geld by
bedoelde teikengroepe uitkom nie, maar moontlik nog 'n stukkie brood
uit 'n honger kind se mond gaan haal omdat die geld vir brood en
melk nou daagliks weggedobbel gaan word. (Translation of Afrikaans notice of motion follows.)
[Mrs M E OLCKERS: Mr Chairperson, I give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the New NP:
That the House notes that -
(1) the New NP strongly opposes the envisaged daily lottery draw approved by the Lottery Board;
(2) more extensive lottery activities will in no way contribute to relieving the burden on the poor in the country;
(3) the dream of better living conditions for South Africans should not be built on the basis of a gamble, but on the creation of real prosperity by means of foreign investment and greater job-creation programmes; and
(4) the latest attempt to obtain more funds will not improve the inability of the national Lottery Board to ensure that the money reaches the target groups it was meant for, but would possibly only take another piece of bread from the mouth of a hungry child because the bread and milk money will now be gambled away daily.]
Prof L M MBADI: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the UDM:
That the House -
(1) acknowledges that the National Lottery was instituted with the understanding that funding generated in this fashion would go towards worthy causes that focus upon uplifting the poor and disadvantaged;
(2) condemns the slow pace of distribution of funds from the National Lottery to worthy causes;
(3) in light of the above, rejects the planned institution of daily draws, given the probable impact on the poorest of the poor and the absence of proper research into the socioeconomic impact of daily draws; and
(4) calls upon the Government to immediately intervene to ensure that distribution is speeded up and expanded, and to prevent the institution of daily draws that will only impoverish the poor.
Ms M C LOBE: Mr 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 -
(a) President George Bush of the United States of America will visit
South Africa early next year; and
(b) this visit follows an endorsement of the New Partnership for
Africa's Development by the United Nations General Assembly;
(2) believes that this visit represents another breakthrough in the successes made in mobilising international support for Nepad and the rebirth of the African continent; and (3) welcomes the plan by the President of the United States to visit South Africa.
Rev K R J MESHOE: Mr Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the ACDP:
That the House -
(1) notes with shock that President Mbeki and the Nigerian President Obasanjo decided to defend and protect Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe when it was proposed that Zimbabwe be expelled from the Commonwealth for causing pain and suffering in his country;
(2) further notes that by giving Mr Mugabe yet another six months, his unacceptable behaviour is endorsed, he and his supporters are allowed to continue undermining the rule of law, and the suffering that is already experienced by many in that country is perpetuated;
[Interjections.]
(3) believes that President Mbeki’s refusal to endorse Zimbabwe’s expulsion means the actions of a regime that conducts a systematic reign of terror is condoned, which also puts Nepad at risk;
[Interjections.]
(4) fails to understand why the two African Presidents would believe that a man who undermines the Commonwealth and democratic principles, like Mr Mugabe does, can restore democracy in his country;
[Interjections.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order!
(5) agrees with comments by the editor of The Citizen, who said that ``if Mbeki and Obasanjo cannot be relied upon to uphold human rights in the Commonwealth …’’ [Time expired.] [Applause.] [Interjections.]
Mr L N DIALE: Mr 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 -
(a) the Israeli army continues to occupy Palestinian territories;
(b) President Yasser Arafat of the Palestinian Authority and his
colleagues are reported to have been trapped in their
headquarters in Ramallah as a result of this latest round of
occupation; and
(c) this has effectively denied President Arafat and his colleagues
freedom of movement and has been condemned by the international
community; (2) believes that -
(a) the continuation of the military onslaught against the people of
Palestine only fuels war and instability in the Middle East
region; and
(b) the resolution of this conflict lies in peaceful negotiations;
and
(3) calls on -
(a) the Israeli troops to withdraw from Palestinian territories; and
(b) leaders in the Middle East to work towards the peaceful
resolution of the Middle East conflict.
[Time expired.] [Applause.]
Mr C M LOWE: Mr 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 unease the storm-trooper tactics of the ANC in their campaign of harassment and intimidation against the DA during the by- election in Claremont, Durban;
(2) further notes that ANC mobs -
(a) blocked a street to prevent a DA motorcade from passing;
(b) ordered a DA canvasser to appear before a kangaroo disciplinary
committee; and
(c) refused a DA canvasser access to certain streets;
(3) recognises that the ANC’s commitment to democracy vanishes when it starts to lose support; and
[Interjections.]
(4) believes that the ANC’s tactics are a portent of worse things to come.
[Applause.] [Interjections.]
Mrs I MARS: Mr 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 that the fire that gutted four carriages of a commuter train at New Canada Station between Johannesburg and Soweto, might have been the result of an act of arson;
(2) further notes that, according to an official of the SA Police Service, a commuter allegedly approached the control room at Park Station and warned that he intended to start a fire, but he was not taken seriously;
(3) hopes that, if arson was the cause of the fire, the person responsible is arrested and brought to book; and
(4) urges people with any information about the cause of the fire to assist the authorities in their investigations.
Mr R P ZONDO: Mr 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 -
(a) the Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, released
statistics on crime recently; and
(b) these statistics revealed that motor vehicle hijacking, cash-in-
transit robbery and bank robbery have declined by 18% over the
past four years and that crime is stabilising;
(2) believes that this reflects the commitment and successes by the ANC- led government in fighting crime and building safe and secure communities; and
(3) commends the Government for bringing down the levels of crime in the country.
Mr D M BAKKER: Mr Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move on behalf of the New NP:
That the House -
(1) notes with concern the parlous state of security at our courts which has led to a number of lawless security lapses, and which is damaging to the rule of law and the administration of justice;
(2) accordingly draws the attention of the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development to the following recent incidents, namely -
(a) the escape from the Cape Supreme Court's holding cells by Pagad
member Ebrahim Jeneker and two fellow accused last Thursday -
being the second such escape by Jeneker;
(b) the shooting incident last week at a magistrate's court in the
Eastern Cape in which an accused and a witness were killed; and
(c) recent assassinations and assassination attempts perpetrated
against magistrates hearing gang-related cases; and
(3) therefore calls on the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, as a matter of urgency, to take immediate steps to beef up security at our courts and regarding judicial officers, including the allocation of adequate resources and the prosecution of corrupt officials.
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved without notice:
Ukuthi le Ndlu -
(1) njengoba yazi-
(a) ukuthi iqembu leBafana Bafana linqobe ngamagoli ama-3 kweli-1
kade idlala neMalawi, e-Blantyre, ngoMgqibelo mhla ka-21
September 2002, futhi
(b) ukuthi ngokokuqala ukuba iqembu leBafana Bafana lifike
emdlalweni wamanqamu emncintiswaneni we-COSAFA Cup,
(2) ngakho-ke-
(a) ihalalisela umqeqeshi uShakes Mashaba neqembu lakhe ngokudlala
ngobunyoninco obukhulu kulowo mdlalo, futhi
(b) ibafisele impumelelo emdlalweni womzuliswano wesibili ozodlalwa
neqembu laseMalawi, eThekwini, kule mpelasonto yakusasa.
Ndizani Bafana Bafana Ndizani! (Translation of Zulu notice of motion follows.)
[The Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved without notice:
That the House -
(1) notes that -
(a) Bafana Bafana won 3-1 in a match against the Malawian side in
Blantyre on Saturday, 21 September 2002; and
(b) Bafana Bafana has reached the finals for the first time since it
started participating in the COSAFA Cup competition;
(2) congratulates the coach, Shakes Mashaba, and the team on their sterling performance in this match; and
(3) wishes them every success in the second match against the Malawian side in Durban this weekend.
Ndizani Bafana, Bafana Ndizani.]
Agreed to.
WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(Statement)
The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: Thank you very much, Chairperson and hon members. The Johannesburg World Summit was the biggest United Nations conference ever held. It was attended by 1700 official delegates to the UN segment, including 105 heads of state in government. Altogether 180 countries were officially represented at the World Summit, and in addition 500 parallel events took place in Johannesburg and elsewhere in the country.
It is estimated that the total number of international delegates attending the World Summit and the range of parallel events was in the region of 37 000 people. In our view the World Summit on Sustainable Development has opened the way for the world to take new strides in the foremost challenges of our time - the eradication of poverty and the closing of the gap between the rich and the poor, combined with the protection of the environment.
What mattered as representatives of over 180 countries grappled with the whole range of complex and interrelated issues, was that there should, at the end of it all, be a critical mass of agreement on a new agenda for practical action that could decisively alter the global framework for sustainable development.
The World Summit constituted a huge victory for human development and for the environment. It fulfilled a number of key objectives. Firstly, the World Summit created the correct balance between the three pillars of sustainable development, that is, social development, economic growth and the protection of the environment. This is a decisive shift from the predominantly wrong perspective over the past decade that sustainable development equals the protection of the environment.
Secondly, the World Summit emphatically pronounced that sustainable development cannot be achieved separately from the quest to eradicate poverty, and that the growing gap between the rich and the poor is one of the biggest threats to sustainable development. Among the decisions in this regard was the decision to establish a world poverty fund.
Thirdly, the World Summit introduced a major shift from the donor-recipient paradigm to one which focuses on the obstacles to economic growth in poor countries, posed by the unfair global economic system. While there is agreement to increase aid from rich to poor countries, there is, more importantly, an acknowledgement that by far the biggest obstacle to poverty eradication is a lack of market access and an antipoor trade system.
Fourthly, the cause of the African continent was greatly advanced with the practical focus on Nepad.
Fifthly, sustainable development is now recognised as being everybody’s business. There was high-level involvement in the summit and the summit- related activities of the private sector, the trade union movement which, incidentally, held its biggest ever conference on matters related to sustainable development and the environment in Johannesburg, the courts with the conference of the judges, Parliament, youth, women, local government and religious institutions.
In the sixth place, the World Summit served to advance the course of multilateralism during this troubled time in the world. It has asserted the centrality of the United Nations and called for democratic global governance. The summit brought global focus on the state of the environment and a renewed high level of commitment to environmental protection.
The Johannesburg plan of action which was adopted by consensus, includes programmes to deliver water, energy, health care, agricultural development and a better environment. The new targets that have been set in this plan will have an enormous impact on the global agenda. In addition to the already agreed upon target of halving the number of people living in poverty by 2015, there was a particular focus on each of the details of the millennium development goals, for example, the goal to halve the number of people without access to drinking water.
New targets then included a decision to halve the number of people without access to basic sanitation by the year 2015. Countries also agreed to reverse the trend in bio-diversity loss by 2010, and to restore collapsed fish stocks by 2015. It was also agreed that chemicals which have an adverse effect on the human health and the environment should be phased out by 2020. And then there was an important agreement that energy services be extended with access to energy being granted to 35% of African households within 20 years.
We believe that the Johannesburg World Summit shifted the focus of world leaders from policy debates to the task of making it happen and achieving high-level commitments by heads of states and leaders from all walks of life. As testimony to this many concrete actions, partnerships and funding targets were announced by countries and stakeholders. Over 300 partnerships were launched. These include 32 energy initiatives, 21 water programmes and 32 programmes on bio-diversity and eco-system management.
It is my pleasure to note that the South African Parliament played an instrumental role in the WSSD. The extraordinary meeting of the interparliamentary union that was attended by an official multiparty delegation of 25 members from this Parliament, and the workshop on clean air and clean water facilitated by Parliamentarians for Global Action, co- hosted by our own Cabinet Ministers, are events that contributed significantly to the final success.
The parliamentary workshop on clean air and clean water, for example, was a unique forum that brought together members of parliament from over 100 countries, including our own, of course, with leading environmental experts, NGOs and business leaders, to highlight the success of legislation aimed at reducing air and water pollution and illustrate the potential to implement similar actions internationally.
Members of Parliament also played a prominent role in the global civil society forum. Government is in the process of developing a detailed response to the Johannesburg decisions. It has already been decided that all Government departments are to integrate the Johannesburg plan of implementation into the work of their departments. It is Government’s view that sustainable development should not be regarded as an add-on, but that it should be an organic part of what we do. We must avoid the danger of making sustainable development the responsibility of just one organ of state. Sustainable development is really about integrated government.
Research was commissioned by Government and conducted by the Bureau of Market Research based at the University of South Africa, Iqwa Structured Financial Products and economists from Urban Icon, and the economic impact of WSSD has, on a preliminary basis, been assessed. Government’s investment in the WSSD amounted to about R449 million. This includes funding from all three spheres of Government. The leverage effect of Government’s contribution from the private sector amounted to about R620 million, of which 60% came from international sponsors and donor agencies.
Ms A VAN WYK: Chairperson, the sound is nonexistent. We cannot hear.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order! Hon members, even the voting system is down. I think with the virus and the flu, cold and fever have affected the sound system. The Minister himself is unable to respond, because I think he has a frog in his throat. Technicians are attending to the problem right at this moment. May I also then make an appeal to hon members to desist from communicating with one another. Proceed, Mr Minister.
The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: Thank you, Chairperson. A question of access to energy, I suppose.
Based on the delegates’ expenditure of R1,53 billion and the investment leverage from the private sector, it is estimated that more than R8 billion of new business sales was generated by the summit.
We had also established a target of 30% in the procurement procedures for the summit in favour of black economic empowerment. At this stage, we already expect that the target would have been exceeded and the figure would be closer to 48%. I think this will be shown once all the bookkeeping has been done.
Four hundred and twenty-two hotels were used in the process, and 400 homesteads; 300 000 visits were made to Ubuntu Village; 3 900 members of the media were registered; 25 demonstrations took place, and I am told that 2 300 personal computers or PCs were made available. This resulted in some 60 km of cabling for the networking.
According to Mr Nitin Desai, the secretary-general of the summit, this was the best organised event of the big United Nations conferences. [Applause.] On behalf of Government, I would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the many South Africans from all walks of life whose diligence and hard work brought us the praises of the global community. All government departments, Gauteng province, Johannesburg Metro and others deserve credit for their dedication and excellence. The South African Police Service and other security agencies of the state need special credit for successfully and confidently undertaking one of the world’s most complex security operations.
In all of this, I would like to extend a special congratulations to the citizens and the City of Johannesburg for doing the nation proud in the manner in which they rose to the occasion by hosting the summit in an impeccable manner.
The summit dealt with a complex set of questions on sustainable development. The agenda of the summit brought together the work and challenges of all other major international processes, including international trade and the World Trade Organisation, the work of the IMF and the World Bank, the World Health Organisation, the achievement of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals, various multilateral environmental agreements, including the conventions on climate change and biodiversity, Nepad, food and agricultural organisations, the United Nations environment and development programmes, habitat and those international processes dealing with energy and water.
In these complex and wide-ranging negotiations, South Africa had the responsibility of pursuing its national interests. However, at the same time, in its capacity as presidency and host of the summit, South Africa was called upon to play a facilitating, mediating and leadership role.
It is with pride that I report today that all of the intellectual, management and technical support to the Government to perform its role effectively was provided by directors-general and the South African Public Service. I must, on behalf of Government, use this opportunity to give recognition to the dedication, skill and professionalism of our public service. [Applause.]
Lastly, I think we must all, once again, extend our gratitude to the thousands of Gauteng citizens who volunteered to participate in the activities of the WSSD. Hon members would have seen the volunteers - women and men - in the volunteers’ uniform at the summit. These are women and men who volunteered to work, some of them for two to three weeks for absolutely no pay whatsoever. This has once again proved that the spirit of volunteerism, the spirit of Vuk’uZenzele, does exist amongst South African people. I hope that hon members will join me in expressing our deepest gratitude to these volunteers. [Applause.]
Ms J A SEMPLE: Chairperson, there has been much debate on the success or failure of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. This viewpoint very much depends on which side of the developmental, environmental or poverty divide one sits.
The DA is on record for congratulating the organisers on the great logistical success of the summit which, contrary to many prophets of doom prior to the event, was a triumph. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase South Africa and all her assets. We are sure that this was just the kickstart our emerging tourism enterprises need. The target set by the summit includes halving the number of the world’s poor by 2015, significantly improving the life of at least 1 million slum dwellers by 2020, halving the proportion of people without water and sanitation by 2015, reducing HIV/Aids prevalence by 25% by 2005, restoring fish stocks and reducing biodiversity loss.
Prior to the summit the major stumbling block appeared to be around the provision of sanitation. This is incomprehensible to anyone not living with a poor or without any sewerage system, such as the many South Africans having to cope with the bucket system. How is it possible to have clean water without sanitation? Some NGOs were not happy that access to water was still seen as a basic need rather than a human right.
However, most of us will agree that this target was a great achievement. The DA is concerned that no targets were set for the reduction of environmentally harmful fuels such as coal and oil, nor were targets set for the use of renewable energy. The Minister himself chaired the session on renewable energy and has come in for some criticism for not taking a stronger stand on this issue. Geoff Davies, the Anglican Bishop of Umzimbulu, recently commented on the inspiring example set by Costa Rica.
The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: Chairperson, I rise on a point of order. I think the speaker is mistaken. She is quoting an incorrect newspaper report that I chaired a session on renewable energy. There was no such session. I did not chair any such thing. It is a wrong newspaper report.
Ms J A SEMPLE: My apology.
The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: I think the Speaker will address it.
Ms J A SEMPLE: I would like to thank the hon Minister for that correction. I would like him to tell us which session he did chair.
The Anglican Bishop believes that South Africa’s commitment to reach a target of 3% of renewable energy by 2015 is laughable when our access to sunshine would allow us at least 50% by then. Davies questions whether this is due to protecting the ``vested interests of Eskom, with its polluting coal power stations and pebble-bed nuclear reactors’’. Perhaps the Minister would like to make some comment on this.
The MINISTER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY: Chairperson, just to correct the hon member, that figure that she has quoted is also inaccurate. [Interjections.]
Mr M J ELLIS: Chairperson, I think this is getting out of hand. The member is quite entitled to say what she wants to say, and people can draw her attention to the situation afterwards, but there is a form of harassment in the House.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Order! I think what we can do is that members who are going to succeed Ms Semple, can actually take the opportunity to make corrections, and I would like to ask anyone who feels that that should happen to take that opportunity. Ms Semple, you may carry on, please.
Ms J A SEMPLE: Chairperson, the Ministers are clearly feeling quite itchy about this particular statement, perhaps I will state the correct information further. [Interjections.]
The agreements have now been reached, but in order for the Johannesburg plan of action not to be seen as yet another talk shop, the agreements must be implemented, funds must be mobilised to achieve these goals and targets must be measured.
During the Interparliamentary Union meeting at the summit, delegates commented that perhaps some of the failure in implementing the objectives of Agenda 21 after Rio, was the fact that parliaments were not involved in that implementation. Let us not make that mistake again. This Parliament must set its own targets for measuring the objectives of the Johannesburg plan of action to ensure that they are successful. Then we can truly say that the world summit held in South Africa was a success and we will remember it as such. [Applause.]
Dr R RABINOWITZ: Chairperson, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism deserves unqualified praise for the outcomes of the WSSD. [Applause.] A chain is as strong as its weakest link, and ultimately it was the hon Minister who welded the loose ends together and negotiated agreements where there could have been better division, even over energy.
Our greatest failure will result in action'', remains a buzz word of the
summit and partnerships for action do not materialise. And for this to
happen we need, in summit speak,pet and a prop’’ which, when translated,
means to put aside petty populist politics and to apply pragmatism
appropriately to resolve our problems. Taking the summit outcomes one at a
time, with the essential task of relieving poverty, the equate initiative
demonstrated the value of decentralisation, strong civil society and co-
operation with local government achieve not patronage, but productive
programmes that give people jobs and - surprise, surprise - improve the
environment and the GDP.
Our Government centralises power and adds to the bureaucracy that impedes sound programmes to relieve poverty. We have a lot to say about US farm subsidies, but we burden ourselves with bizarre red tape when it comes to maize tariffs that are resulting in imported rice becoming cheaper than our own home-grown maize.
As for Aids, the warning that the crisis unchecked could lead to unrest in the country seems to fall on deaf ears, while solutions stare us in the face. Government’s drive to get its hands on all the global funds, while KwaZulu-Natal has ample capacity to use it as intended, is an indication of a lack of goodwill and a failure to put progress before politics. This is not ``pet or a prop’’. Although energy targets were not adopted, as per flawed Kyoto, at least governments committed themselves to increase renewables such as wind, sun and biomass.
South Afrca has the predicament that there is little incentive to improve solar energy supply, particularly as rural people regard it as second grade. Eskom currently supplies only 4% of energy through solar power. Clean coal power generation technologies, improved biomass cooking stoves, solar technology and cleaner fuel technologies could all be introduced through active partnerships and technology transfer with the USA and other countries eager to compensate for their own role in polluting the globe. We must actively pursue these research possibilities to suit local conditions and to establish local industries using international support.
Sanitation, seen as a major triumph at the summit and in South Africa, is also less a success story when one looks at the realities of chronic water service cut-offs, particularly in rural areas, and water service dysfunction. Repair to communal taps and to prepaid meters is haphazard, and up to three quarters of RDP projects have allegedly broken down.
There are instances where tariffs for water to the rural poor are greater than those to urban employed. We need human solutions, and not mere mechanical ones. It is surprising that the department also remains totally committed to pit latrines when the summit showed us an excellent enviro-loo option which is much more environmentally sound, and this also appears to be neither ``pet nor prop’’.
The issue of rooibos tea did not come up at the summit. However, we think that it would be a good issue for the Minister of Trade and Industry to take up at the world agenda, so that the issues of patents for biotechnology can be addressed to suit both camps that argue for total patent rights or for no patents on life forms.
One of the faults of the summit was its failure to take parliamentarians on board. And for this, many of us have to pay special tribute to Globe, which enabled us to move freely on the summit precincts. As members of Parliament we must hold the executive to account, encourage them and participate in partnerships. [Time expired.]
Mnr J W LE ROUX: Mevrou die Speaker, ek voeg graag my stem by dié van my kollegas en die Minister wat die organiseerders van die wêreldberaad gelukwens met ‘n puik vertoning. Daar bestaan geen twyfel nie dat die beraad, uit ‘n organisatoriese hoek gesien, ‘n reuse sukses was en dat dit groot voordele vir Suid-Afrika inhou.
Daar word beweer dat hierdie beraad die grootste was wat nog ooit aangebied is. Van buite gesien, het dit gelyk of alles seepglad verloop en geen teken van paniek was ooit te bespeur nie. Dis egter duidelik dat dit nie sonder maande se beplanning en harde werk moontlik was nie. Uit ‘n reklamehoek gesien, was die beraad ‘n groot sukses en ons toerismebedryf behoort onmiddellik die voordeel te geniet.
Hierdie suksesvolle beraad het iets baie belangriks bewys, naamlik dat as Suid-Afrikaners genoegsaam gemotiveer is en as ons almal saamwerk, kan ons groot suksesse behaal. Hierdie sukses behoort ons almal aan te spoor om ons ander probleme, soos Vigs, misdaad, besoedeling en armoede met nuwe ywer aan te pak en te probeer uitwis. As ons dit kan regkry om hierdie brandpunte as nasionale projekte te identifiseer, en as ons die pogings uit die politieke arena kan haal, is daar hoegenaamd geen rede hoekom ons nie sal slaag nie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mr J W LE ROUX: Madam Speaker, I would like to add my voice to those of my colleagues and the Minister who congratulated the organisers of the world summit with an excellent show. There is absolutely no doubt that the summit, seen from an organisational point of view, was a major success and that it holds enormous advantages for South Africa.
It is alleged that this summit was the biggest one ever hosted. Seen from the outside, it seemed as if everything went off well and no sign of panic was ever detected. It is, however, clear that it would not have been possible without months of planning and hard work. Seen from an advertising point of view, the summit was a huge success and our tourism industry should immediately enjoy the advantages.
This successful summit proved something very important, namely that if South Africans are motivated enough and if we all work together, we can achieve great successes. This success ought to motivate us all to try and tackle and eradicate with new zeal other problems such as Aids, crime, pollution and poverty. If we can succeed in identifying these focal points as national projects, and if we can take the efforts out of the political arena, there is no reason why we will not succeed.]
Chairperson, the progress from rhetoric to delivery is the next major challenge. To improve the standard of living of millions of African people who do not enjoy even the most basic needs of food, water, shelter and safety, is an almost impossible task. Even in South Africa, where we have a stable government, excellent infrastructure and a sound economy, squalor is on the increase. In South Africa we have everything in our favour, including the political will to solve the poverty problem, yet we are only partially successful.
There are obviously many reasons for our lack of progress, and many debates in this House have focused on reasons and solutions. One major stumbling block we must overcome is the fact that the major powers who control 80% of the wealth and investment capital of the world are sceptical about Africa’s total commitment to good governance and our potential to succeed.
African leaders spending huge amounts on arms instead of development, President Mugabe’s deplorable actions and Colin Powell being heckled have not done Africa’s cause any favours. Africa needs billions of rands of aid and development capital. The ball is in our court to prove that we as Africans can and will succeed.
We trust that the success of the world summit will change some of the negative perceptions developed countries might have. Njing L M MBADI: Mhlalingaphambili, phambi kokuba ndivule umlomo ndicela uMphathiswa lo athabathe izinto zakhe amamele.
Le ngqungquthela ebe iseRhawutini ifikile, yadlula. Ukudlula kwayo ishiye isithembiso. Okokuba uMphathiswa uyakhumbula mhla wayesenza kwa ingxelo efana nale kwalapha ePalamente, ndaphakamisa izinto abantu basemaphandleni, ngakumbi ezilalini kule ndawo ndivela kuyo, abalindele zona. Le ngqungquthela iseRhawutini iza kuba zisela ntoni? Ewe, uyiququzelele le ngqungquthela kunye nesebe lakhe, yaze yayimpumelelo. Sibamba ngazibini kuye, uMphathiswa, into kaMoosa nesebe lakhe.
Kuzo zonke ke ingxaka-ngxakana athe wadibana nazo kula mazwe ngamazwe ebehlangene, kuqulunqwa ikamva lelizwe ngokubanzi, phaya ezilalini abaya bantu balambile bafana neentaka. Amantshontsho entaka alindele umfunzelo oya kuvela ngentla, akhamisile enjenje. Sikhamisile ke phaya ezilalini, salindela into yokuba kuza kubakho into eza kuvela apha. Asinayo nale R2,50 yokuthenga itikiti lelotto phaya ezilalini. Ke ngoko bekunzima okokuba abantu bethu bangaya buqu phaya.
Balindele kuye ke umhlekazi okokuba kubekho imifunzelwana abaya kuthi bazichole iziimvuthuluka naphantsi kwetafile. Kambe akukhange kude kube njalo kuba kaloku izithembiso ezi azityiwa. (Translation of isiXhosa speech follows.)
[Prof L M MBADI: Chairperson, before I open my mouth, I would like the hon Minister to take his headset and listen very carefully. The summit that was held in Gauteng came and went. There were promises that were made there. If the hon Minister can remember the day when he was giving a similar report in this very same Parliament, I announced the things that people in rural areas, especially those in my own village, are expecting. What can they expect from the conference held in Gauteng? Indeed, the hon Minister and his department organised this conference very well and, sure, it was a success. We would like to thank Minister Moosa and his department for it.
In all the problems that he encountered with the different countries that met there, discussing and shaping the future of the country in general, in the rural areas people are hungry like birds. The chicks are waiting for their meals from above and their little mouths are open like this. Our mouths are as wide open as that in rural areas, as we wait on the provisions of the conference. We cannot even afford the R2,50 to buy a lottery ticket. It was therefore difficult for our people to attend.
They are waiting on the hon Minister for whatever little he may be able to provide them with, even if it is crumbs that have fallen off the table. Well, their expectations have not been met because, as you know, one cannot eat promises.]
Mrs R M SOUTHGATE: Deputy Chairman, at the outset the ACDP commends the Government and Josco on the successful hosting of the recent world summit.
The figures quoted in the newspaper and by the Minister seem to vary significantly, and the economic impact of this summit, unfortunately, is not seen or experienced by the poorest of the poor.
The concept of sustainable development encompasses several Biblical themes, including creation, stewardship, love for your neighbour, justice and human nature. Many involved in the summit are asking, ``Why hasn’t there been more progress in ten years?’’ The ACDP is on record as desiring to positively contribute to debate surrounding the plans and targets in the six priority areas of health, education, water and sanitation, energy, food security and technology, as set out in the Johannesburg declaration.
We are particularly pleased that the reference to reproductive health rights was removed from the final text. We, however, wish to express our disapproval of the emphasis that was placed on the evolution theory as, according to the creation theory, we believe man was created in the image of God and in His likeness. [Time expired.]
Dr M S MOGOBA: Chairperson, the PAC congratulates the organisers of the summit. This was no mean undertaking, the largest gathering in the world to date. What is particularly remarkable is that there was very little violence. It was almost reduced to zero. I want to say that if this can happen when the summit is there, why can it not happen every day?
On a critical note, the summit presented two summits. It was a tale of two cities: Alexandra and Sandton. Somebody called it a dialogue of the deaf. Our country is two worlds, the first and the third worlds. The summit was in the first world and the third world was almost a spectator. The wide gulf between the two worlds is widening.
I want to commend particularly our black craftspeople who displayed outstanding work, and I want to say that unfortunately most of them had to pack their bags for Transkei, Zululand, Sekhukhuneland and Venda. I suggest that we now organise regular, orderly exhibitions where we can have the people given an opportunity to sell what they have. It is absolutely urgent and I think we owe this to them. [Time expired.]
Mnr C AUCAMP: Mnr die Voorsitter, die AEB wil die Minister, die organiseerders en alle betrokkenes gelukwens met die aanbied van ‘n baie suksesvolle wêreldberaad. Logisties het alles goed verloop en in die geheel het die profiel van Suid-Afrika gestyg. Doemprofete wat van Suid-Afrika ‘n piesangrepubliek wil maak, is deur dié beraad verkeerd bewys.
Die profiel van Suid-Afrika wat deur die aanbied van dié beraad gestyg het, mag egter nie die knelpunte wat daar in die land bestaan, verberg nie, maar moet juis as inspirasie dien vir ‘n meer toegewyde benadering. So ‘n groot okkasie kan maklik ‘n valse gerustheid bring, want bolangs vertoon dit goed en onder draai die duiwel rond.
Van die duiwel gepraat, die laagtepunt van die beraad was natuurlik die applous wat iemand soos Mugabe ontvang het, terwyl ‘n gerespekteerde leier soos Colin Powell uitgejou is: ``It’s a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack!’’ (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mr C AUCAMP: Mr Chairperson, the AEB wishes to thank the Minister, the organisers and all those concerned on the hosting of a very successful world summit. Logistically, everything went well and, on the whole, South Africa’s profile has been enhanced. Those prophets of doom who wish to turn South Africa into a banana republic have been proved wrong by this summit.
However, South Africa’s profile, which has been enhanced by the hosting of this summit, may not conceal the bottlenecks that exist in the country but should, in fact, serve as an inspiration for a more dedicated approach. Such a grand occasion can easily bring about a false sense of security because, on the face of it, things are going well, whereas behind the scenes there is chaos [“onder draai die duiwel rond”].
Speaking of the devil, the lowest point of the summit was, of course, the applause received by someone like Robert Mugabe, while a respected leader like Colin Powell was booed: “It’s a strange, strange world we live in, Master Jack!”]
The party’s over and South Africa is back to business. Let every role- player prove to the world that the successful World Summit was not a flash in the pan. May South Africans and our Ministers exercise the same consideration, reconciliatory approach and realism in addressing the conflicting issues facing a pluralistic society in South Africa. [Time expired.]
Mr M U KALAKO: Mr Chairperson, hon members, not only was the World Summit on Sustainable Development a success. It also helped to bring to the fore the importance of linking socioeconomic development issues with a need to protect our environment. Despite the lukewarm and noncommittal attitude of the Bush administration towards the summit, developed and less developed countries agreed on one thing, that is, in order to create a future for coming generations, the people of the world need to take responsibility of Mother Nature. Whilst we exploit our natural resources in order to satisfy our wants, we must always be mindful of the fact that we must preserve nature for future generations.
One of the important elements was the linking of good governance at all levels with sustainable development. The fact that the Russian Republic signed the Kyoto Protocol was one of the important achievements of the summit. Locally South Africans benefited during the summit in many ways, especially our small and medium enterprises, as they were part of those who provided services and transport during the summit. The summit succeeded in dispelling the myth that Johannesburg is the crime capital of the world, and this will go a long way to benefit our tourism industry. As a result of hosting the summit, there are already spin-offs for our hospitality industry, which is one of the important sectors of the tourism industry.
This success has prompted a global hotel chain group, Le Meridien, to make itself felt with the development of hotels in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The group had proposed two hotels at a cost of $200 million each, with a room capacity of 250. The awareness generated by the summit to the people of South Africa must be commended. The fact that the summit for the first time brought the significance of environmental preservation to our schools and homes, especially in and around Johannesburg, is an important achievement.
One of the important events of the summit was the hosting of the partnership conference under the theme, African Process for Development and Protection of the Coastal and Marine Environment. This process, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, is a contribution to the environment action plan of Nepad, and it helps to define the way forward to sustainable development in Africa by fostering partnerships. The African Process provides opportunities for a range of regional and international partners to work together with local stakeholders and nationally based projects.
The summit has also enhanced our foreign relations with a number of countries and has once again brought to the fore the interdependence of states, that the neglect of the environment by one affects other countries and ultimately the entire world. Surely, what remains now is the challenge to make sure that the countries honour their commitments around issues of sustainable development, and that targets set for implementation are completed within the time schedule set by the summit. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
The House adjourned at 17:36. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
FRIDAY, 20 SEPTEMBER 2002
TABLINGS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces:
Papers:
- The Minister of Education:
(a) Annual Report and Financial Statements of the South African
Qualifications Authority for 2001-2002, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002.
(b) Annual Report and Financial Statements of the National Student
Financial Aid Scheme for 2001-2002, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002 [RP 145-
2002].
- The Minister of Public Enterprises:
Annual Report and Financial Statements of arivia.kom for 2001-2002.
- The Minister of Safety and Security:
(a) Annual Report and Financial Statements of the South African
Police Service for 2001-2002, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002 [RP 172-2002].
(b) Summary of the Annual Report of the South African Police Service
for 2001-2002 [RP 173-2002].
National Assembly:
- The Speaker:
(1) Fifth Report of the Working Group on the African Union, dated 19
September 2002:
(1) Introduction
The Working Group on the African Union was established on 16
November 2001 to consider the implementation of the
Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU). The Working Group
has tabled four reports on its functioning and one report on
the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic
Community Relating to the Pan African Parliament, which have
all been adopted by the National Assembly. In the first half
of the year two seminars, specifically for Parliamentarians,
were held. Both seminars were aimed at familiarising members
of Parliament with the African Union and the issues arising
in the course of its establishment.
2. Process
In order to more effectively perform its task, the Working
Group has established the following Task Teams to consider
specific areas related to the African Union:
(1) Task Team on the Implementation of the Constitutive Act of
the African Union
The Task Team will, inter alia, consider the functioning
of the four priority organs of the African Union (i.e the
Assembly of the Heads of State, the Executive Council of
Ministers, the Permanent Representatives Committee and
the Commission), as well as consider any proposed
amendment to the Constitutive Act.
(2) Task Team on the Pan African Parliament
The Task Team will, inter alia, consider the
establishment of the Pan African Parliament (i.e on
conceptual, functional and logistical levels), popular
participation in the Pan African Parliament and the
empowerment of Parliamentarians.
(3) Task Team on Building African Unity
The Task Team will consider the development of the
African Union and implementation of Nepad and economic
integration. The Task Team will also examine the
involvement of civil society in the process, as well as
institutional arrangements.
3. Recommendations
(1) The Working Group, as it has not finalised its task,
should be mandated to continue with its work on the
African Union.
(2) The National Assembly should -
(a) request Parliamentary delegations to international
meetings, including the next IPU Council meeting in
September 2002, to raise awareness of the African
Union.
(b) interact with other African Parliaments and
Parliamentary formations, including the SADC
Parliamentary Forum, in order to:
i. promote early ratification of the Protocol and
the implementation by the Assembly of the
African Union of a recommendation from the
meeting of African Parliaments held in Cape
Town, South Africa on 27-28 June 2002, to
establish a "representative steering committee
of Parliamentarians" to facilitate the
establishment of the Pan African Parliament.
ii. jointly consider the advisability of having a
conference or workshops of Parliaments to
discuss, among other things, the role of
National Parliaments in furthering the African
Union.
(3) The Working Group proposes that a further workshop be held
before the end of 2002 for members of Parliament (South
Africa) to engage further in the establishment of the
African Union and its organs and focus particularly on
the role of Parliament in that regard.
Report to be considered.
MONDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 2002
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces: The Speaker and the Chairperson:
(1) The following Bill was introduced by the Minister for Justice
and Constitutional Development in the National Assembly on 23
September 2002 and referred to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160:
(i) Insolvency Second Amendment Bill [B 53 - 2002] (National
Assembly - sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior
notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No
23860 of 19 September 2002.]
The Bill has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice
and Constitutional Development of the National Assembly.
In terms of Joint Rule 154, written views on the classification of
the Bill may be submitted to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
within three parliamentary working days. National Assembly:
- The Speaker:
The following members have been appointed to serve on the Committee
mentioned, viz:
Ad Hoc Committee on Intelligence Legislation:
African National Congress
Bloem, D V
Cwele, S C
Goniwe, M T
Gumede, D M
Landers, L T
Lobe, M C
Modise, T R
Pieterse, R D
Scott, M I
Sosibo, J E
Van der Merwe, S C
Zondo, R P
Democratic Party
Jankielsohn, R
Schalkwyk, P J
New National Party
Olckers, M E
Inkatha Freedom Party
Ferreira, E T
United Democratic Movement
Abram, S
African Christian Democratic Party
Green, L M
Pan Africanist Congress of Azania
De Lille, P
United Christian Democratic Party
Mfundisi, I S
Freedom Front
Groenewald, P J
TABLINGS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces:
Papers:
- The Minister of Finance:
Report and Financial Statements of the National Treasury - Vote 7,
including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements
for 2001-2002 [RP 176-2002].
- The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry: (a) Report and Financial Statements of the Water Research Commission for 2001-2002, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002 [RP 137-2002].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Trans Caledon Tunnel
Authority for 2001-2002.
(c) Government Notice No R 488 published in Government Gazette No
23342, dated 26 April 2002: Invitation to submit written comments
on the Proposed Regulations in terms of section 53 of the National
Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998).
WEDNESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2002
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces:
- The Speaker and the Chairperson:
(1) The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development on 22
September 2002 submitted a draft of the Administration of Estates
Amendment Bill, 2002, as well as the memorandum explaining the
objects of the proposed legislation to the Speaker and the
Chairperson in terms of Joint Rule 159. The draft has been
referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional
Development and the Select Committee on Security and
Constitutional Affairs by the Speaker and the Chairperson,
respectively, in accordance with Joint Rule 159(2).
(2) The following Bills were introduced by the Minister for Justice
and Constitutional Development in the National Assembly on 25
September 2002 and referred to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160:
(i) Administration of Estates Amendment Bill [B 54 - 2002]
(National Assembly - sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill
and prior notice of its introduction published in
Government Gazette No 23860 of 19 September 2002.]
(ii) Judicial Matters Amendment Bill [B 55 - 2002] (National
Assembly - sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior
notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette
No 23870 of 23 September 2002.]
The Bills have been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice
and Constitutional Development of the National Assembly.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of
the Bills may be submitted to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
within three parliamentary working days.
(3) The Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) on 25 September 2002 in terms
of Joint Rule 160(3), classified the following Bill as a section
75 Bill:
(i) Intelligence Services Control Amendment Bill [B 50 - 2002]
(National Assembly - sec 75).
TABLINGS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces:
Papers:
- The Minister of Finance:
Annual Report and Financial Statements of the South African Revenue
Service for 2001-2002, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2001-2002.
- The Minister for Safety and Security:
Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Independent Complaints
Directorate for 2001-2002, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002 [RP 149-2002].
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
National Assembly:
-
Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Appointment of Public Protector, dated 25 September 2002:
The Ad Hoc Committee on Appointment of Public Protector wishes to report as follows:
The Committee was established by resolution of the National Assembly on 7 May 2002, and held its first meeting on 26 June 2002. Initial advertisements were placed in several newspapers, nominations were received and the Committee conducted interviews before reporting to the House on 28 August (see Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports, p 1365). The House noted the first Report of the Committee, and instructed the Committee to continue with its task and to report by 15 October 2002 (Minutes of Proceedings of the National Assembly, 12 September 2002, p 1434). Consequently, new advertisements were placed in newspapers in September, thus reopening the nomination process. A further eight nominations were received in response to these advertisements. The Committee met on 17 September 2002 to consider all nominations, including those of candidates previously interviewed. Further interviews were conducted on 18 and 20 September 2002. After due consideration of all nominations received and after having applied its mind, the Committee therefore recommends, in terms of section 193(4) of the Constitution, that the House make a recommendation to the President to appoint Mr Mabedle Lawrence Mushwana as Public Protector.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Conditions of Service of Public Protector, dated 25 September 2002:
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, in terms of section 2(2) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 (Act No. 23 of 1994), recommends that the House amend the remuneration and other terms of conditions of employment of the Public Protector, determined on 13 September 1995 and amended on 18 October 1996, as follows:
The substitution for paragraph 3.1 of the following paragraph:
3.1 On vacation of office a gratuity calculated in accordance with the formula - D/7 x 2 x (E + 3) x F, in which formula the factor -
(a) D represents the salary (basic per annum) which at the time of his or her vacation of office was applicable to the office of the Public Protector; and (b) E represents the period in years of his or her period in such office; and (c) F represents the provision for the calculation of income tax calculated at a marginal rate of 40%.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Employment Conditions of Public Protector Staff, dated 25 September 2002:
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, having considered a document dated 24 July 2002 regarding the remuneration, allowances and other conditions of employment determined by the Public Protector for staff in his office, tabled in terms of section 3(11)(a) of the Public Protector Act, 1994 (Act No. 23 of 1994), and referred to the Committee, recommends, pursuant to section 3(11)(b) of the said Act, that the determination, as set out in the said document, is in order and that the House take no further action.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Employment Benefits of TRC Staff, dated 25 September 2002:
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, having considered documents regarding the remuneration, allowances and other employment benefits of the staff of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, tabled on 19 March 2002 in terms of section 9(2)(a) of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, 1995 (Act No. 34 of 1995), and referred to the Committee, recommends, pursuant to section 9(2)(b) of the said Act, that the determination, as set out in the said documents, is in order and that the House take no further action.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Suspension and Removal from Office of Mr R M Nongena, Additional Magistrate, Humansdorp, dated 25 September 2002:
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, in view thereof that the Magistrates Commission, due to the judgement in the case of Van Rooyen and Others v the State and Others 2002 (8) BCLR 810 (CC), is in the process of arranging an urgent disciplinary hearing to be conducted at which Mr R M Nongena will have the opportunity to respond to all the charges proferred against him, recommends that the House take no further action at this point in time.
Report to be considered.