National Assembly - 23 April 2004
FRIDAY, 23 APRIL 2004 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
Members assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly at 10:30.
The Serjeant-at-Arms announced the Honourable Chief Justice, Justice A Chaskalson, who was received by members standing.
The Chief Justice took the Chair.
The national anthem was sung by the Sivuyile Adult Choir.
The Chief Justice requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - see col 000.
MEETING OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
The Chief Justice stated that the meeting had been convened in terms of section 51(1) of the Constitution and requested members to swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution in terms of section 48 of the Constitution.
OATH AND SOLEMN AFFIRMATION
The following members made and subscribed the oath or solemn affirmation:
Abram, S; Ainslie, A R; Anthony, T G; Arendse, J D; Asiya, S E; Asmal, A K; Balfour, B M N; Baloyi, M R; Bapela, K O; Batyi, F; Bekker, H J; Benjamin, J; Beukman, F; Bhamjee, Y S; Bhengu, F; Bhengu, M J; Bhengu, P; Bhoola, R B; Bici, J; Biyela, B P; Blanché, J P I; Bloem, D V; Blose, H M; Bogopane-Zulu, H I; Boinamo, G G; Booi, M S; Botha, C-S; Botha, N G W; Burgess, C V; Buthelezi, M G; Cachalia, I M; Camerer, S M; Carrim, Y I; Chalmers, J; Chang, E S; Chauke, H P; Chikunga, L S; Chohan-Khota, F I; Coetzee, R; Combrinck, J J; Cronin, J P; Cwele, S C; Dambuza, B N; Davidson, I O; Davies, R H; De Lange, J H; De Lille, P; Delport, J T; Dhlamini, B W; Diale, L N; Didiza, A T; Dikgacwi, M M; Diko, M; Ditshetelo, P H K; Dlali, D M; Dlamini-Zuma, N C; Dodovu, T S; Doidge, G Q M; Doman, W P; Dudley, C; Durr, K D S; Du Toit, D C; Ebrahim, E I; Ellis, M J; Erwin, A; Farrow, S B; Fihla, N B; Fraser-Moleketi, G J; Frolick, C T; Fubbs, J M L; Gabela, L S; Gaum, A H; Gcwabaza, N E; George, M E; Gerber, P A; Gibson, D H M; Gigaba, K M N; Gillwald, C E; Godi, N T; Gololo, C L; Gomomo, P J; Goniwe, M T; Gore, V C; Green, L M; Greyling, C H F; Greyling, L W; Groenewald, P J; Gumede, D M; Gumede, M M; Gxowa, N B; Haasbroek, S F; Hajaig, F; Hanekom, D A; Hangana, N E; Harding, A; Henderson, R K; Hendricks, L B; Herandien, C B; Hogan, B A; Holomisa, B H; Holomisa, S P; Huang, S; Jacobus, L; Jankielsohn, R; Jeffery, J H; Joemat, R R; Johnson, C B; Johnson, M; Jordan, Z P; Joubert, L K; Kalako, M U; Kalyan, S V; Kannemeyer, B W; Kasienyane, O R; Kasrils, R; Kati, Z J; Kekana, C D; Kganyago, N M; Kholwane, S E; Khumalo, K K; Khumalo, K M; Khunou, N P; King, R J; Kohler-Barnard, D; Komphela, B M; Kondlo, N C; Koornhof, G W; Kota, Z A; Kotwal, Z; Labuschagne, L B; Landers, L T; Lee, T D; Lekgoro, M K; Lekgoro, M M S; Lekota, M G P; Leon, A J; Likotsi, T; Lishivha, T E; Lowe, C M; Louw, S K; Louw, T J; Lucas, E J; Ludwabe, C I; Luthuli, A N; Mabandla, B S; Mabe, L L; Mabena, D C; Mabudafhasi, T R; Madasa, Z L; Madikiza, G T; Madlala-Routledge, N C; Maduma, L D; Madumise, M M; Magau, K R; Magazi, M N; Magubane, N E ; Magwanishe, G B; Mahlangu-Nkabinde, G L; Mahlawe, N M; Mahomed, F; Mahote, S; Maine, M S; Maja, S J; Makasi, X C; Makgate, M W; Malahlela, M J; Maloney, L; Maluleka, H P; Maluleke, D K; Maloyi, P D N; Manana, M N S; Manie, M S; Manuel, T A; Mapisa-Nqakula, N N; Mars, I; Martins, B A D; Masala, M M; Masango, S J; Maserumule, F T; Mashangoane, P R; Mashiane, L M; Mashigo, R J; Masithela, N H; Masutha, T M; Mathebe, P M; Mathibela, N F; Matlala, M H; Matsepe-Casaburri, I F; Maunye, M M; Mayatula, S M; Maziya, A M; Mbeki, T M; Mbete, B; Mbombo, N D; Mdaka, N M; Mdladlana, M M S; Mdlalose, M M; Mentor, M P; Meruti, M V; Meshoe, K R J; Mfundisi, I S; Mgabadeli, H C; Minnie, K J; Mlangeni, A; Mlambo- Ngcuka, P G; Mkhize, Z S; Mnandi, P N; Mncwango, M A; Mngomezulu, G P; Mnguni, B A; Mnyandu, B J; Moatshe, M S; Modisenyane, L J; Mohlaloga, M R; Mofokeng, T R; Mogase, I D; Mohamed, I J; Mokoena, A D; Mokoena, M L; Mokoto, N R; Molefe, C T; Moleketi, P J; Moloto, K A; Monareng, O E; Montsitsi, S D; Moonsamy, K; Morgan, G R; Morkel, C M; Morobi, D M; Morutoa, M R; Morwamoche, K W; Mosala, B G; Moss, M I; Moss, L N; Motubatse-Hounkpatin, S D; Mpahlwa, M B; Mpaka, H M; Mpontshane, A M; Mshudulu, S A; Mthembu, B; Mthethwa, E N; Mtshali, E; Mufamadi, F S; Mulder, C P; Mulder, P W A; Mzondeki, M J G; Nel, A C; Nel, A H; Nene, N M; Ndlovu, V B; Ndou, R S; Ndzanga, R A; Nefolovhodwe, P J; Newhoudt- Druchen, W S; Ngaleka, E; Ngcengwane, N D; Ngcobo, B T; Ngcobo, E N N; Ngculu, L V J; Ngema, M V; Ngiba, B C; Ngwenya, M L; Nhleko, N P; Nhlengethwa, D G; Njikelana, S J; Njobe, M A A; Nkabinde, N C; Nkem- Abonta, E; Nkuna, C; Nogumla, R Z; Nonkonyana, M; Nqakula, C; Ntombela, S H; Ntshulana-Bhengu, N R; Ntuli, B M; Ntuli, M M; Ntuli, R S; Ntuli, S B; Nwamitwa-Shilubana, T L P; Nxumalo, M D; Nxumalo, S N; Nzimande, L P M; Olifant, D A A; Oliphant, G G; Oosthuizen, G C; Opperman, S E; Padayachie, R L; Pahad, A G H; Pahad, E G; Pandor, G N M; Phadagi, M G; Phala, M J; Pheko, S E M; Phungula, J P; Pieterse, R D; Pule, B E; Rabie, P J; Rabinowitz, R; Radebe, B A; Radebe, J T; Rajbally, S; Ramakaba- Lesiea, M M; Ramgobin, M; Ramodibe, D M; Ramotsamai, C M P; Ramphele, T D H; Rasmeni, S M; Reid, L R R; Roopnarain, U; Rwexana, S P; Saloojee, E; Sayedali-Shah, M R; Schmidt, H C; Schneeman, G D; Schoeman, E A; Seaton, S A; Sefularo, M; Sekgobela, P S; Selfe, J; Semple, J A; September, C C; Seremane, W J; Shabangu, S; Sibande, M P; Sibanyoni, J B; Siboza, S; Sibuyana, M W; Sigcau, S N (Stella Nomzamo); Sigcau, S N (Sylvia Nomatamsanqa); Sikakane, M R; Simmons, S; Sisulu, L N; Sithole, D J; Skhosana, W M; Skosana, M B; Skweyiya, Z S T; Smith, P F; Smith, V G; Smuts, M; Solo, B M; Solomon, G; Sonjica, B P; Sonto, M R; Sosibo, J E; Sotyu, M M; Spies, W D; Stephens, M; Steyn, A C; Surty, M E; Swart, M; Swart, P S; Swart, S N; Swathe, M M; Taljaard, R; Thabethe, E; Thomson, B; Tinto, B; Tobias, T V; Tolo, L J; Trent, E W; Tsenoli, S L; Tshabalala- Msimang, M E; Tshivhase, T J; Tshwete, P; Turok, B; Vadi, I; Van den Heever, R P Z; Van der Merwe, J H; Van der Merwe, S C; Van der Walt, D; Van Dyk, S M; Van Niekerk, A I; Van Schalkwyk, M C J; Van Wyk, A; Vezi, T E; Vos, S C; Vundisa, S S; Wang, Y; Waters, M; Weber, H; Woods, G G; Xingwana, L M; Xolo, E T; Yengeni, L E; Zikalala, C N Z; Zita, L; Zondi, K M; Zulu, B Z; Zulu, N E; Zuma, J G.
RULES FOR ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS
The Chief Justice announced that Rules as contemplated in item 9 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution had been made available to members.
APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS
The Chief Justice announced the appointment of Mr S Mfenyana as Returning Officer, and as Assistant Returning Officers, Mr K Hahndiek, Mr M Xaso, Mr K Mansura, Ms N Mpuntsha, Ms M Griebenow, Ms R Mohlomi, Mr A Mamabolo and Dr N Ismail.
NOTICE CALLING MEETING OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
The Returning Officer read out the following notice, dated 19 April 2004:
It is hereby notified for general information that under and by virtue of the power vested in me by section 51(1), read with sections 52(2) and 86(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, I, Arthur Chaskalson, Chief Justice of South Africa, have fixed Friday, 23 April 2004, at 10:30, as the date and time, and the Chamber of the National Assembly in the Houses of Parliament, Cape Town, as the place for the nomination and election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and 14:00 for the nomination and election of the President of the Republic of South Africa.
Signed on this 19th day of April 2004 at Johannesburg. A Chaskalson
Chief Justice
ELECTION OF SPEAKER
The House proceeded to the election of a Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Chief Justice reminded members that nominations had to be submitted in the prescribed form and duly seconded.
The Chief Justice informed members that in terms of item 4 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution no debate would be allowed.
The Chief Justice called for nominations.
Mr Nelson Letsau Diale, seconded by Ms Makhosazana Abigail Alicia Njobe, nominated Ms Baleka Mbete for election as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Returning Officer reported to the Chief Justice that the nomination paper had been properly completed.
There being no further nominations, the Chief Justice declared Ms Baleka Mbete properly elected as Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Chief Justice, on behalf of all present, congratulated Ms Baleka Mbete on her election as Speaker and requested her to take the Chair.
The Serjeant-at-Arms conducted the Speaker to the Chair and laid the mace upon the Table.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY SPEAKER
The SPEAKER: Honourable Chief Justice Chaskalson, hon President and Deputy President, hon members of the executive, hon members of the National Assembly, guests and members of the public, it is with great humility that I take the Chair as Speaker of the National Assembly. [Applause.] I’m sure you are not surprised. As Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa, I am awed by the confidence and responsibility bestowed on me. I will do everything in my power to conduct my duties as Speaker in a manner worthy of the trust expressed by the act of my election.
I wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outgoing Speaker, Dr Ginwala, in the gallery. [Applause.] I intend to ensure that Parliament appropriately bids her farewell. In so doing, as a people we should not only thank her for her contribution, but should also collectively take stock of the road we have travelled. It has been a brief but intense 10 years. It has been an historic time in its groundbreaking, foundation- laying achievement.
Dr Ginwala was part of it all. She made an indelible mark. Dr Ginwala, I salute you. [Applause.]
Hon members, no doubt most of us are exhausted from the election campaign. However, we have pressing work to fulfil a compelling mandate given by the South African people, who came out in their thousands on 14 April 2004. So we need to gear ourselves for a full programme in the weeks ahead. We dare not fail our people.
May I welcome the returning members back to the House. Most importantly, I welcome the new members to this honourable House. Thank you. [Applause.]
ELECTION OF DEPUTY SPEAKER
The House proceeded to the election of a Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Speaker called for nominations.
Prof Ben Turok, seconded by Ms Makwena Lydia Ngwenya, nominated Ms Gwendoline Lindiwe Mahlangu-Nkabinde for election as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Returning Officer reported to the Speaker that the nomination paper had been properly completed. There being no further nominations, the Speaker declared Ms Gwendoline Lindiwe Mahlangu-Nkabinde properly elected as Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.
The Speaker, on behalf of all present, congratulated Ms Gwendoline Lindiwe Mahlangu-Nkabinde on her election as Deputy Speaker.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY DEPUTY SPEAKER
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Madam Speaker, hon President, hon Deputy President, hon members, ladies and gentlemen, it’s an honour for me to address you this morning. I will try by all means not to follow in the steps of the Speaker by crying, but the tears are so close! [Laughter.]
I am humbled and very grateful for the confidence shown and honour bestowed on me by this House by appointing me to this prestigious position. I commit myself to serve this House and my country with diligence. I thank you. [Applause.]
BLESSING OF HOUSE
Sheikh Achmat Sedick of the Muslim Council, Chief Rabbi Daniel Sackstein of the Union of the Orthodox Synagogues of South Africa, Reverend James Buys of the South African Council of Churches, Mrs N Hoho, a representative of traditional African religion, and Guru Krishna of the South African Tamil Federation blessed the House.
Business suspended at 12:20 and resumed at 14:00.
ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC
The Speaker took the Chair and announced that the House would proceed to the election of the President.
The Chief Justice took the Chair as required under section 86(2) of the Constitution.
The Chief Justice called for nominations.
Ms Nosiviwe Noluthando Mapisa-Nqakula, seconded by Mr Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, nominated Mr Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki for election as President of the Republic of South Africa.
The Returning Officer reported to the Chief Justice that the nomination paper had been properly completed.
There being no further nominations, the Chief Justice declared Mr Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki properly elected as President of the Republic of South Africa.
The Chief Justice congratulated Mr Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki on his election as President.
The Speaker took the Chair.
The Speaker congratulated Mr Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki on his election as President, and thanked the Chief Justice for conducting the proceedings.
Parties and the President-elect were afforded the opportunity to address the House.
CONGRATULATIONS TO PRESIDENT-ELECT
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the DA, I would like to congratulate President Thabo Mbeki on his handsome victory. He has received a resounding mandate from the people of South Africa to serve a second term as our President. Today we celebrate his achievement. We also celebrate the way in which the President has come to power as a consequence of a free and fair election. [Applause.]
This peaceful convocation in the halls of Parliament honours the President. It also honours the entire nation and our Constitution. South Africa, as the President has been the first to observe, faces great challenges and the President faces great expectations. The gospel of Luke teaches us: ``For unto whom much is given, of him much shall be required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.’’ The issues that defined the political debate, Mr President, in the past election are the very same issues that will continue to define the South African reality in the months and years ahead of your continued presidency. I do wish to make it clear that the President will have the full support of the DA as he confronts these challenges. We will - and we do sometimes - disagree with the ANC … [Laughter.] … on how these challenges are to be met. We will and do occasionally oppose those policies that we believe are more likely to harm the people than help them. And yet we can and we will work together, Government and the opposition. We are rivals, not enemies, for whatever our political differences, we do share the same goals and the same dreams. [Applause.] All of us here today dream of a South Africa in which there is food on every table in every home every day. All of us dream of a South Africa where no one will live in fear of crime. All of us dream of a South Africa in which no one has to suffer and die from illnesses that are preventable and treatable. All of us dream of a South Africa in which each child has the same opportunities. The first decade of democracy has ended and the election of the President today is the heralding of the second. Let us dedicate this new decade to the welfare of the people of South Africa. Let us work to build a healthy relationship between Government and the opposition as well. And with hope for the future, I would like to extend my hand to President Mbeki, so that as Government and opposition we can honour our common commitment to the Constitution and the people of South Africa. Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Hon Madam Speaker, Your Excellency the President and Your Excellency Deputy President, hon members of the Cabinet and hon members of this House, I would like to say that both the IFP and I congratulate the President on his election and wish him success with his new Cabinet.
In the remarks I made during our last meeting of Cabinet before the elections, which were released to the media, I praised President Mbeki for the role he performed in promoting reconciliation within our country and internationally. During the past cycle a lot was achieved, and yet much was left to be completed.
We are at the beginning of a new cycle which holds both promises and concerns, and we hope that through his leadership the President will fulfil the promises and address the concerns of these times. The President has received a powerful mandate from the electorate, which ought to enable him to fulfil the many expectations our people have in respect of development, economic growth and progress.
We also hope that through his leadership, the Government will finally be able to resolve the crises of HIV and Aids, crime, unemployment, corruption and poverty. The President has received a clear and strong mandate to do so and the IFP wishes him success in his endeavours.
For 10 years the IFP actually worked in Government and throughout my campaign I stated that while the glass is half full, we must acknowledge that the Government has achieved many wonderful things. We will support any effort made to give a solution to these problems and promote economic growth and equitably distributed development. Within the strength of the mandate received by the President also lies the inexplicable concern that our democracy may be weakening.
We call on the President to exercise his maximum wisdom and prudence to ensure that our democracy will be strengthened during the next five years. This should include providing centrality into the role to be played by this Parliament, as well as ensuring the vitality of political pluralism and a properly functioning system of checks and balances.
The IFP remains committed to strengthening our democracy and we will support any effort made to this end, while countering any threat which the present situation may pose to further democratic evolution. A Dlamini! [Hail Dlamini!] [Applause.]
Mr B H HOLOMISA: Madam Speaker, my apologies, I keep forgetting that I am now the fourth largest political party in this House. [Laughter.] [Applause.] Madam Speaker, hon President, hon Deputy President and hon members, on behalf of the UDM, allow me to extend my congratulations to our newly elected President, President Thabo Mbeki, to the presiding officers and to each and every member of Parliament.
Today we have also sworn an oath or affirmation that extends beyond merely our separate duties to our constituencies. It extends beyond that to the greater good of the entire nation. I hope that whilst we represent our individual policies and constituencies in the coming five years, we will all remember that we should be working towards a greater and more prosperous South Africa.
Once again as a nation we have proven that we will continue to stay true to the political miracle that is South Africa post-1994. I hope that we can, in our various roles, set about the equally important task of attaining true economic and social freedom for all. Idasa deserves recognition for their advocacy on political funding, which in this election helped to improve the transparency and fairness of donations.
In the same vein I wish to thank the businesses and individuals who have contributed to a variety of political parties. The system is still far from perfect, but that is an issue for this House to resolve during this term.
In conclusion, hon President, the people have given you and your new executive or would-be new executive a mandate to create work and fight poverty. We wish you luck and want to assure that we will be there to make sure that this mandate is not betrayed. To the outgoing Cabinet members, just these few words: As a former colleague, we know that you are experiencing a lot of stress at this time. [Laughter.] If you do not receive a call before Monday, please do not call the hon President: it would be too late, and he’ll be too busy!
For those of us who will continue as public representatives, the task that awaits us is large and the time is short. It will require dedication and hard work. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs P DE LILLE: Madam Speaker, Comrade President, Deputy President, on behalf of the ID, the new kids on the block, we wish you well and we want to congratulate you on your election. It is well-deserved after a good fight, and it certainly is in the best interests of our country.
The ID looks forward to working with you in the next five years. We would like to be a constructive, but fearlessly independent opposition. We will certainly congratulate the ANC when they do well. We will certainly motivate you to do better, but although we will not rejoice about the mistakes when we see things are not going right, we will certainly want to criticise and add value to building South Africa. [Applause.] That is the mandate that we will bring to the table, to build South Africa.
We certainly want to ensure that we realise the constitutional rights of all South Africans. The Constitution is a product that has emerged out of many years of struggle and certainly the time has come to breathe life into that Constitution. We would like to also ensure that all those constitutional rights are realised. I also want to congratulate the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker on their election today and I certainly also look forward to working with them. The next 10 years, Comrade President, must be there to strengthen and deepen our democracy, and under your leadership I’m sure we will achieve that. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr M C J VAN SCHALKWYK: Madam Speaker, the New NP supports President Mbeki’s election. Mr President, we will work with you to create opportunities for all our people.
UMongameli uMbeki nguMongameli wabantu bonke. [Kwaqhwatywa.] Abantsundu nabamhlophe, abebala namNdiya, amadoda nabafazi. [Kwaqhwatywa.] Siya kusoloko sisebenzisana ukuqinisekisa ukuba le minyaka ilishumi izayo iba ngcono nangakumbi. Kufanele sikwenze oku ngenxa yabantwana bethu. Kwaqhwatywa.
[President Mbeki is the President of everybody. [Applause.] Black and white, coloured and Indian, men and women. [Applause.] We will always work together to ensure that the next ten years become even better. We should do this for the sake of our children. [Applause.]]
Die volgende paar weke, mnr die President, gaan gekenmerk word deur feesvierings, vierings van ons eerste dekade van vryheid asook van die nuwe Regering. Niks moet ons aandag aftrek van hierdie feesvierings nie, wat `n belangrike baken is van wat Suid-Afrikaners van alle gemeenskappe hier saam in ons land bereik het. [The next few weeks, Mr President, are going to be characterised by celebrations, celebrating our first decade of freedom as well as the new Government. Nothing should detract our attention from these celebrations, which are an important beacon of what South Africans from all communities have achieved together here in our country.] During the negotiations that started in 1990 we planted a seed in South Africa. At that time it was a seed that sometimes seemed to have fallen on barren ground. In 1994, with our first democratic elections, we began to give that seed the water that it needed to grow. With the adoption of our final Constitution the seed sent out strong roots into the earth of our country and began to reach skyward. By 1999 the seed was a strong sapling that has today become the solid tree of our democracy. Our South African democracy stands as a beacon and a reminder of how we’ve come this far. This growth was only possible with the help and participation of every South African community.
We gather now for the first time under the shade of that tree, to share in its fruits and to enjoy the bounty of our freedom together. The next 10 years in South Africa hold great challenges and even greater potential for all our people. As we move forward, building on what has been achieved, we will strengthen our shared South African patriotism and help to complete the process of national reconciliation. The New NP offers our congratulations to the President on his election and our best wishes for his second term in office. To him South Africa has entrusted the care of this tree of democracy, and, Mr President, we add our assurance that we will assist in nurturing it as it grows to even greater heights. Thank you. [Applause.]
Rev K R J MESHOE: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the ACDP I would like to extend congratulations to the new President, Mr Mbeki, on his second term in office as the President. [Interjections.] I’m going to address that one later on … moenie ``worry’’ nie! [… do not worry!] [Laughter.]
We are also very happy that the President has set a very good example that other heads of state should follow, by taking a principled stand not to extend his term in office to a third term. We say this because he welcomed the elections in Malawi and spoke against third-term presidents. [Interjections.] Last night, as my wife and I were leaving a restaurant, we came across an hon member of Parliament who seemed surprised to see me. Using the Pelindaba slang, he said: ``Kganthe o boile? Ke ne ke re re go phiahlantshitse!’’ [“Are you back? I thought we had smashed you!’’]
I said in reply: ``You can’t get rid of me.’’
King David once said: ``Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would soon have settled in silence.’’ I thank God for allowing my colleagues and me to be part of the third democratic Parliament that is facing the challenges of providing solutions to the many problems facing our nation. As the ACDP we will continue our promotion of solutions based on biblical principles and trust that our contribution to the building of our nation will result in a secure and prosperous future for all our children and grandchildren. We will continue to be a source of godly wisdom and caution in this House and we’ll give credit where it is due and constructive criticism where and when it is due. As the hon Leon correctly said, we are rivals and not enemies.
I wish all the hon members well throughout this term and trust that we will together not fall short of satisfying the needs and expectations of the electorate. I thank you. [Applause.]
Dr P W A MULDER: Madam Speaker, hon President, on behalf of the FF Plus I want to congratulate President Mbeki on his re-election for a second term. This is something President Bush of the United States wishes he’d already achieved. He’s still busy with that! [Laughter.]
When I look at our recent election results, I see that the ANC grew, but they grew only by about 4%. I must inform the President that the FF Plus grew by 33% in this House … [Laughter.] [Applause.] … and because of that growth rate we considered putting up a candidate against you, but we decided in the end not to do that! [Laughter.]
English is a strange language. In English they say a politician runs for nomination, he or she then stands for election and the elected becomes the sitting member. Therefore President Mbeki ran for nomination, he stood for election and now he’s become the sitting President, but South Africa’s problems are so serious, we cannot afford to have a sitting president, sir. The President must stand up and solve the problems! [Laughter.] [Applause.] Thank you, sir!
Reading history I learnt one lesson, and that is that a leader cannot solve all the world’s problems in one lifetime. You can only do your best and leave a strong base for the next generation to build on. In the next five years it is important that we tackle South Africa’s problems in such a way that we leave a strong base for the next generation of political leaders to build on. The decisions of this presidential term must leave clear guidelines for the next generation on how to address poverty and unemployment, on diversity and the cultural accommodation of all.
Namens die VF Plus wens ek die President geluk met sy verkiesing as
President. Suid-Afrika is nie n maklike land om te regeer nie. Met 11 tale
en nog meer godsdienste is Suid-Afrika n gemeenskap van gemeenskappe. Dis
belangrik dat ons in die volgende vyf jaar vorder met oplossings. Ons het
genoeg gepraat oor diversiteit. Daar moet nou konkrete goed gebeur wat die
verskillende gemeenskappe kan oortuig dat hier `n plek in die son vir
elkeen is. Ons moet die volgende vyf jaar konkrete riglyne neerlê sodat die
leiers wat ná president Mbeki kom, nie nodig het om al die debatte oor taal
en kultuur van vooraf te voer nie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph
follows.)
[On behalf of the FF Plus I want to congratulate the President on his election as President. South Africa is not an easy country to govern. With 11 languages and even more religions South Africa is a community of communities. It is important for us to make progress with solutions within the next five years. We have talked enough about diversity. Concrete things should be happening now which will be able to convince the different communities that there is a place in the sun for everyone. Within the next five years we must lay down concrete guidlines so that President Mbeki’s successors will not have to engage in all the debates about language and culture all over again.]
The FF Plus will be constructive in our approach. When we agree with solutions we’ll support the President in solving those problems. As in the past, we’ll be critical when we disagree and we’ll not be afraid to speak our minds. The President already knows, as a leader, that the higher you climb the mountain, the harder the wind blows. I want to conclude with advice, and share a quote that means a lot to me, with the President. President Abraham Lincoln said:
If I were to answer all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any business. I do the very best I know how, the very best I can, and I mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out right, what is said against me won’t amount to anything. If the end brings me out wrong, then angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr P H K DITSHETELO: Madam Speaker, hon President, Deputy President, hon members, we have just emerged from a successful national election. We must unreservedly thank all South Africans, who have demonstrated to the rest of the world that they value their democratic institution and its processes. Hence they went out in big numbers to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
Today we are witnessing a special event, namely the appointment of our country’s head of state. As we are about to officially celebrate 10 years of our democracy, the UCDP would like to take this opportunity to congratulate President Thabo Mbeki on his second term in office. We believe and hope that he will execute his mandate in the best interests of the country as a whole. We wish him well. As the opposition we will continue to engage him in a constructive manner that takes our country and democracy forward.
Motlotlegi Tautona, a Modimo yo o tletseng tshwaro o go tlhogonolofatse, o go fe thata le nonofo ya go busa lefatshe la Aforika Borwa. Fa Modimo o nesetsa basiami pula, o nesetsa le ba ba sa siamang tota [Legofi.] (Translation of Tswana paragraph follows.)
[Hon President, let the God of mercy bless you, and give you the power and strength to govern South Africa as a country. When the rain falls for the saints, it also falls for the wicked. [Applause.]]
Dr S E M PHEKO: Madam Speaker, hon President, hon Deputy President and hon members, I can see that this is a day for diplomacy … [Laughter.] … and I am not so sure whether I can abide by the diplomatic mood. [Laughter.] First of all, I would like to congratulate our eminent Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The PAC wishes to warmly congratulate President Thabo Mbeki upon his second term in this national office. The PAC will co-operate with his Government on all issues in which our policies converge.
In the past we have demonstrated this on matters such as Zimbabwe and Iraq. Today I stand here humbled and with deep gratitude to all the voters who voted for the PAC - the champion of the fundamental interests of the African people. They believed, against the odds, that the PAC would prevail and continue to be their reliable servant. We have fought a fierce political battle with hardly any funding. We literally faced the tanks of the rich with our fists … [Laughter.] … and stones. We defied the forces of plutocracy, which are determined to replace democracy with the government of the rich, for the rich, by the rich. [Laughter.]
Mr President, our country is endowed with enormous wealth and enough land for everyone. Let our policies be aimed at removing the shame of a two- nation syndrome of the extremely rich ones and the extremely poor others. [Laughter.] [Applause.] Mr President, once again, the PAC appeals to you, sir, to see that no former freedom fighters continue to languish in the prisons of this country as ``criminals’’. Once again, Mr President, warm congratulations and all the best. [Applause.]
Ms S RAJBALLY: Madam Speaker, hon President, may I, on behalf of the MF, extend to you sir, our heartiest congratulations on your second term. Madam Speaker, to you and the Deputy Speaker, we extend our heartiest congratulations as well. Malibongwe! [Let it be praised!]
Hon MEMBERS: Igama lamakhosikazi! [The women’s name!]
Ms S RAJBALLY: I also convey our heartiest congratulations, especially from my leader, Mr A Rajbansi, and the entire MF team, for your record-breaking success in obtaining 70% for the ANC in the elections. [Applause.]
To the ANC, I must say: nathatha amashansi, nathola amamiliyoni. [You took your chances and won millions.] [Applause.] [Laughter.] You have shown that you belong to the downtrodden masses of South Africa. You are a footsoldier who has his feet firmly on the ground. Sir, the leadership and guidance you have given our wonderful country in your first five years have built a strong foundation for a great future South Africa. The elections were, at times, quite dirty. You conducted yourself like one of our great statesmen, as negative tactics, billboards, radio, the print media and adverts did not deter you from the chosen path. [Applause.]
The coming or future generation will thank you and our great Madiba for prompting unity. The MF is one of the parties that responded to the unity call. For the record, the so-called Indian vote went strongly towards the MF and the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, for which we thank our community for their support and look forward to the same support in our by-elections and the local government elections. In the two giant townships of Chatsworth and Phoenix, the MF successfully gave our hon Tony Leon a thrashing at the polls. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
On this day the MF hopes that your call for unity will be heeded in the KwaZulu-Natal area. The MF will always support the call for unity in our great South Africa, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. We have a great country, a good Government, and we are the envy of the world with our standards. Our greatest document, our Constitution, builds our country on peace, unity and reconciliation. May peace prevail in our beautiful country all the time. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr P J NEFOLOVHODWE: Madam Speaker, the hon the President of the Republic of South Africa, not every person gets a chance in his life to congratulate a President. It is my privilege and honour to congratulate you. Possibly, this is my last chance to congratulate a President of a country. [Laughter.] [Applause.] On behalf of Azapo, …
… ri khou ri kha Vho Thabo Mbeki, ri vha tamela mashudu, na u vha ṱuṱuwedza uri vha bveledze phanḓa mushumo wa u fara lushaka zwavhuḓi, sa zwe vha itisa zwone kha luṱa lwavho lwa u thoma. Rine vha Azapo ri ḓo vha ri na vho. Ri ri kha ri ite mutingati u itela uri ri kone u ḓisa mvelelo na mvelaphanḓa kha lushaka lwashu. (Translation of Venḓa paragraph follows.)
[… we are saying to Mr Thabo Mbeki that we wish him all the success in his new term of office. We encourage him to continue doing the good job of leading the nation, as he has done in his first term. We as Azapo will support you all the way. We are saying, let’s work together in order to bring about good results and the development of our nation.]
Hon President, the greatest challenge we have is fighting poverty and joblessness. Ndaa. [Thank you.] [Applause.]
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Madam Speaker, hon President, hon members, distinguished guests and the people of South Africa, before I say a few words, I would like to say that as I was sitting here today, I remembered that when we came here to elect the President on the last occasion, there were 13 parties in this House. As democracy would have it, after a window opportunity for crossing the floor, the House had 17 parties. There were many voices, some of them were very humorous. [Laughter.] As democracy will have it, some of them are missed today. Only 12 parties came back with what a warrior would call ingozi nemihuzuko [wounds and bruises]. But that is the life of democracy.
It gives me great pleasure to address this august House on this wonderful occasion of the election of our hon President, Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki as the President of the Republic of South Africa. It is a wonderful occasion, because the election of the President takes place against the background of a massive vote of confidence in the ANC by the people of South Africa, giving it an increased majority on April 14. The overwhelming mandate from the electorate is a display of confidence not only in the ANC and its policies, but in its President, who has, over the last five years of leading our country, taken South Africa to greater heights through his outstanding leadership and commitment to improving the quality of life of the people of our country, especially the poor and marginalised.
On our election today, Zizi, the representatives of the people of South Africa are reconfirming the confidence that they have in you and the ANC, because of the manner in which you have led the country in working for a better South Africa, a better Africa and indeed, a better world. [Applause.] The massive mandate we have received has humbled us and reminded us of the responsibility we have of accelerating the delivery of basic needs and services, narrowing the gap between the haves and the have- nots and dealing with the issues that were raised by the people of our country in the massive door-to-door elections campaign we undertook in all corners of the country.
President, you heard them asking you for jobs, water, electricity, sanitation, proper roads, good education for their children and many other services. In celebrating the 10 years of our freedom this year, we look back with pride at the achievements we have made in a short space of time. We are also filled with great enthusiasm and vigour to work harder than ever before, to continue to undo the legacy of apartheid and colonialism in the next decade of freedom.
Through your leadership and previously that of our icon, former President Madiba, our country has become a respected member of the international community. Hon President, the celebration of our freedom on the day of your inauguration, 27 April, should mark a further consolidation of our democracy and a further commitment of the people of South Africa to continue working together as they have done over the last 10 years, to make ours a winning and prosperous nation.
The people have spoken: You are the President of all the people of South Africa. Let me, therefore, on behalf of all our people, say halala [congratulations], Mzizi!
HON MEMBERS: Halala! [Congratulations!]
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Dlamini! Jama! Sijadu! Ngcib’enoboya! Gugu lamaGwala! Gqabi! Nomana! Zulu! [Applause.] [Clan names of President Mbeki.]
Thank you. [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: It is now my honour to call upon the President-elect to address the House. [Applause.]
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Thank you very much. Madam Speaker, Deputy Speaker, hon Chief Justice, hon members of the National Assembly and distinguished guests, I would like to thank the hon members for electing me to the high post of the President of the Republic. I would also like to say thank you very much indeed for the statements of congratulation that have been made. I have taken note of what the leaders of our political parties have said concerning their willingness to participate and co-operate with Government in addressing the challenges that our country faces, while maintaining their independence and their right to criticise and take what they believe are correct positions.
Madam Speaker, I would like to say that I believe that the President and the Government should reciprocate those feelings of our political parties, and I think that is what should happen as we go into the next term. My thanks also go to our Chief Justice, Arthur Chaskalson, for convening our third democratic National Assembly … [Applause.] … and guiding its proceedings earlier today and this afternoon.
At the same time I am honoured to congratulate you, Madam Speaker and your Deputy, for the privilege you have been accorded to preside over the proceedings of this important Chamber. Similarly, I am pleased to congratulate the hon members on their election by our people to serve as their public representatives, and wish you success in your work over the next five years.
I think, Madam Speaker, I must particularly thank the hon Motsoko Pheko, the President of the PAC of Azania, for a highly diplomatic statement. [Laughter.] I trust that the Ministers and the Deputy Ministers have heard what the hon Bantu Holomisa said: please don’t call the President [Laughter].
During the election campaign, Madam Speaker, all the political parties represented in this House undertook that if elected to govern our country, they would do many things that would help to improve the quality of the lives of the millions of our people. Together we recognised and spoke about the reality that, despite the fact of our hard-won freedom and democracy, very many of our people continue to lead miserable lives. Together we spoke about the challenges of unemployment and poverty, of lives destroyed by disease and crime, of the unfinished work of ending the racial and gender imbalances that continue to characterise our society, and of the need to strive further to achieve the related goals of national reconciliation and social transformation.
I am certain that even those who only experienced the election campaign by watching its television coverage, could not have missed the great enthusiasm with which the electorate welcomed the opportunity to choose our national and provincial legislatures. This was both a vote of confidence in our democratic system and a message to all of us present here, of the expectations of the masses of our people that the legislatures and governments they would vote for would do everything necessary further to change their lives for the better.
Whatever anyone and all of us might have said during the election campaign, we are aware of our people’s sincere appreciation of the changes that have taken place during the last 10 years. That appreciation also tells us what else we need to do to respond to the needs of the people. The fact that our country has done what it has, also tells the people that we can do more. Indeed, it would be entirely logical and correct that these masses should expect that we will do even better than in the past, given the experience we have accumulated over the last decade.
Throughout the election campaign we also tried to inspire the people to participate and involve themselves in the process of the reconstruction and development of our country. As in the past, we must therefore continue to project the vision and actively encourage a people-driven process of change.
Gathered in this House, Madam Speaker, is an important segment of our country’s national leadership. This leadership has a continuing responsibility to ensure that together we respond to the needs of our people, about which we all spoke during the election campaign. We share a common responsibility to encourage our political organisations, as well as inspire and mobilise the people, to join hands in a popular national movement, to speed up the process towards the achievement of the goal of a better life for all our people.
I trust that in addition to your work as lawmakers, you will also contribute to the national effort to ensure that we actually do succeed further to improve the lives of our people. Equally, the national and provincial governments that are to be constituted next week will have the task of ensuring that we achieve faster and better progress in this regard, during the imminent first five years of our second decade of democracy. We, for our part, will do our best to encourage Government to live up to this responsibility. Once more, Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon members for electing me as President of the Republic, for the warm statements they have made, and look forward to working with you as we, together, continue to serve the people of South Africa as best we can. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. [Applause.]
The House adjourned at 14:55. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
TUESDAY, 2 MARCH 2004
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security on Oversight Visit to Eastern Cape and Gauteng, dated 4 February 2004:
CREDA INSERT Insert 1ATC0203e Report to be considered.
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security on Oversight Visit to Police Stations in Free State, dated 24 September 2003:
CREDA INSERT Insert 2ATC0203e
Report to be considered.
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security on Oversight Visit to KwaZulu-Natal, dated 24 September 2003:
CREDA Insert 3ATC0203e
Report to be considered.
- Report of Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on Annual Report:
CREDA INSERT INSERT 2ATC0203-ARe
WEDNESDAY, 3 MARCH 2004 COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs and Forestry:
CREDA INSERT Insert 1ATC0303-ARe
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs:
CREDA INSERT Insert 2ATC0303-ARe
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs on Annual Report:
CREDA INSERT Insert 3ATC0303-ARe
THURSDAY, 4 MARCH 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Bills passed by Houses - to be submitted to President for assent
(1) Bills passed by National Council of Provinces on 4 March 2004:
(i) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4B - 2004] (National Assembly
- sec 76)
(ii) Drought Relief Adjustments Appropriation Bill [B 5 - 2004]
(National Assembly - sec 77)
(iii) Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Bill [B 19B -
2003] (National Assembly - sec 75)
WEDNESDAY, 31 MARCH 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
(1) Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Bill [B 37D - 2003]
- Act No 49 of 2003 (assented to and signed by President on 9
March 2004); and
(2) Judicial Matters Second Amendment Bill [B 41B - 2003] - Act No
55 of 2003 (assented to and signed by President on 25 March 2004).
- Translations of Bills submitted
(1) The Minister of Social Development
(i) Wetsontwerp op die Suid-Afrikaanse Agentskap vir
Maatskaplike Sekerheid [W 51 - 2003] (National Assembly - sec
76)
This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the South
African Social Security Agency Bill [B 51 - 2003] (National
Assembly - sec 76).
(ii) Wetsontwerp op Maatskaplike Bystand [W 57 - 2003]
(National Assembly - sec 76)
This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the Social
Assistance Bill [B 57 - 2003] (National Assembly - sec 76).
(2) The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(i) Tweede Wysigingswetsontwerp op Nasionale Omgewingsbestuur
[W 56 - 2003] (National Assembly - sec 76)
This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the
National Environmental Management Second Amendment Bill [B 56
- 2003] (National Council of Provinces - sec 76). National Assembly
- Membership of Assembly
(1) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr B M Douglas vacating his
seat, had been filled with effect from 5 March 2004 by the
nomination of Mr D W Swanepoel.
(2) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr V C Gore vacating his
seat, had been filled with effect from 9 March 2004 by the
nomination of Mr A R Dutton.
TABLINGS
National Assembly
- The Speaker:
(a) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 18 March 2004 to the Speaker of the National Assembly
informing Members of the National Assembly of the employment of
the South African National Defence Force:
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN
COMPLIANCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF
SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION
This serves to inform the National Assembly that I authorised the
employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
personnel in fullfilment of the international obligations of the
Republic of South Africa towards the African Union Mission in
Comoros.
This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions
of Section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South
Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996), read with section 93 of the
Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002).
A total of 17 SANDF members will be deployed to Comoros to act as
military observers and in support of the south African Police
Service (SAPS) training effort. The Comoros Nation will be holding
Parliamentary elections over the period March to April 2004. The
AU commission has approached member states to contribute personnel
to the AU Observer Mission during the said elections. The
deployment will be as follows:
Seven military observers comprised of:
(a) One Colonel;
(b) Two Majors and a Lieutenant Commander;
(c) Two Navy Lieutenants;
(d) One Non-Commissioned Officer for Operations; and
11 members in support of the SAPS training effort comprised of:
(a) Two French-speaking Interpreters;
(b) Two Communication Technicians; and
(c) Seven Aircrew members.
The SANDF members will be deployed throughout the electoral
period, which is expected by the African Union (AU) to be for a
maximum period of four months. According to the AU practice, the
AU will provide return air tickets and daily subsistence allowance
of US$ 90 to cover meals, acommodation and incidental expenses of
the seven military observers. Members will also be paid the
standard Republic of South Africa allowances for foreign
deployment. The estimated cost for the deployment of the military
obervers is as follows:
(a) Republic of South Africa allowance R191 243
(b) Reserve Force wages, subsistence and travel allowance R 49
747 Total estimated cost R240 990
The Department of Foreign Affairs will be responsible for funding
the Republic of South Africa allowances and the Department of
Defence will be responsible for the rest of the cost from their
current budget allocation.
The cost for the 11 members deployed in support of the SAPS
training effort will depend on the actual operational
requirements, but is estimated as follows:
(a) Preparation and communication R61 728
(b) Two support flights, C 130 and Casa 212 Aircraft R960 062
(c) Allowances and accommodation R570 647 Total Estimated Cost
R1 592 437
The Department of Foreign Affairs will bear this cost.
I will also communicate this report to the Members of the National
Council of Provinces as well as to the Joint Standing Committee on
Defence, and wish to request that you bring the contents of this
report to the notice of the National Assembly.
Regards
T M MBEKI