National Council of Provinces - 05 August 2004
THURSDAY, 5 AUGUST 2004 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
_____
The Council met at 14:04.
The Deputy Chairperson took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col –000.
NOTICES OF MOTION
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Hon members, thank you very much. Welcome back from your constituencies after a long recess. I hope we’re all ready for a very big job in this session.
Minister, you are also welcome. I am not too sure whether you were in recess yourself, but you’re most welcome to come and address us on a very important subject today.
Rev E ADOLPH: Deputy Chairperson, I would like to give notice that on the next sitting day of the Council I shall move:
That the Council-
(1) notes with shock and profound sadness the untimely and tragic
death of Ms Maud Grové (age 45) who was burnt in her shack this
morning at 04h45 at No 34 Parkwood Avenue, Parkwood Estate;
(2) further recognises that the other three families, namely
Abrahams, Knight and Button also lost everything during the fire;
(3) expresses its thanks to the Red Cross and Woolworths in Tokai
for supporting the families in these terrible conditions and calls
on the entire community of Parkwood to render their support
accordingly; and
(4) joins the Grové family and friends in sharing the grief and
sorrow of this tragic loss.
Ms D ROBINSON: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the Council I shall move:
That the Council-
1) notes the ill-considered action of the SAPS in the Western Cape
in suspending the activities of reservists involved in community-
funded crime-watch programmes in Milnerton, Table View and
Doornbach;
2) believes that community involvement in the fight against crime
must be encouraged and nurtured;
(3) conveys its commiserations to those residents who have become
the victims of the resulting rise in crime in those areas, and to
the family, friends and colleagues of police reservist Ian McGowan
whose tragic death was precipitated by these and related events;
and
(4) calls on the SAPS to reconsider its decision in the interests of
greater safety for all the people.
FARM EVICTIONS
(Draft Resolution)
Rev P MOATSHE: Hon Chair and hon members, I move without notice:
That the Council-
1) acknowledges that a number of laws have been passed in this
Parliament to protect the unlawful eviction of farm workers;
(2) recognises that many farmers have accepted this reality and are
playing a meaningful role in terms of helping the government to
address past patterns of land dispossession;
(3) notes with concern, however, reports of the continuation of farm
evictions in Brits, ten years down the line;
(4) acknowledges that this state of affairs does not bode well for
our democracy and the process of nation-building and
reconciliation, which we seek to promote;
(5) notes that the victims of the evictions have won one of the
cases and the other one is still pending in the court of law; and
(6) calls on those farmers who have applied for eviction orders to
display a greater level of tolerance and to help with the
reconstruction of our country instead of pursuing their own self-
centred interests.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Ngiyabonga mgcinisihlalo. Ngitsandza kutsatsa lelitfuba kutsi ngiphakamise kutsi lendlu yemkhandlo wetifundza yenyule make M N Olifant njengasihlalo wemakomidi. Ngiyabonga. [Thank you, Chairperson. I would like to take this opportunity to announce that the National Council of Provinces elected Mrs M N Oliphant as the Chairperson of Committees. Thank you.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): As there is no speakers’ list, I shall now put the question, and the question is that the motion be agreed to. As the decision is dealt with in terms of section 65 of the Constitution, I shall first ascertain whether all delegation heads are present in the Chamber to cast their provinces’ votes. Are they all present? They are. In accordance with Rule 71, I shall first allow provinces the opportunity to make their declarations of vote if they so wish. Is there any province that wishes to do so? There are none.
We shall now proceed to the voting on the question. I shall do so in alphabetic order per province. Delegation heads must please indicate to the Chair whether they vote in favour or against, or whether they abstain from voting. Eastern Cape?
Ms B N DLULANE: Sihlalo, i-Eastern Cape iyahambisana nombono, mhle. [Chairperson, the Eastern Cape is in favour of this view, it is good.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Free State?
Mr T S RALANE: E ya seketela. [We support.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Gauteng?
Ms N M MADLALA: Se a vuma sehlalo. [We support.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): KwaZulu-Natal?
Mr Z C NTULI: E a vuma. [We support.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Limpopo?
Ms H F MATLANYANE: Re tsamaišana le ona. [We support it.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Mpumalanga?
Ms M P THEMBA: IMpumalanga iyawusekela. [Mpumalanga supports.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Northern Cape?
Mr M A SULLIMAN: The Northern Cape supports.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): North West?
Mr Z S KOLWENI: Ke wa rona. [We support.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Western Cape?
Ms K A MQULWANA (Western Cape): The Western Cape supports.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): All nine provinces voted in favour. I therefore declare the motion agreed to. Mrs Mildred Oliphant is now the Chairperson of Committees. [Applause.]
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Ngibonge futsi, mgcinisihlalo. Ngitsandza kutsi ngiphakamise kulesikhatsi sanyalo kwekutsi lesigungu setifundza sikhetse babe T S Setona njengelisekela sihlalo wemakomidi. Ngiyabonga. [Thank you once again, Chairperson. At this point I would like to announce that the National Council of Provinces has elected Mr T S Setona as the Deputy Chairperson of Committees. Thank you.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): As there is no speakers’ list, I shall now put the question, and the question is that the motion be agreed to.
As the decision is dealt with in terms of section 65 of the Constitution, I shall first ascertain whether all delegation heads are present to cast their votes. I hope you are all present in the House?
In terms of Rule 71, I shall first afford provinces the opportunity to make their declarations of vote if they so wish. Is there any province that wishes to do so? There are none.
We shall now proceed to the voting on the question. I shall do so in alphabetical order in terms of the provinces. Delegation heads must indicate whether they vote in favour or against, or whether they abstain from voting. Eastern Cape?
Ms B N DLULANE: Iyaxhasa. [We support.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Free State?
Mr T S RALANE: E ya seketela. [We support.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Gauteng?
Ms N M MADLALA: Se a vuma sehlalo. [We support.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): KwaZulu-Natal?
Mr Z C NTULI: KwaZulu-Natal seconds.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Limpopo?
Ms H F MATLANYANE: Limpopo e dumalana le ona. [Limpopo agrees with it.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Mpumalanga?
Ms M P THEMBA: Mpumalanga e o tlatsa go menagane. [Mpulanga totally supports it.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Northern Cape?
Mnr M A SULLIMAN: Die Noord-Kaap steun. [The Northern Cape supports.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): North West?
Mr Z S KOLWENI: Ke wa rona. [We support it.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Western Cape?
Ms K A MQULWANA (Western Cape): The Western Cape supports.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Nine provinces have voted in favour of the motion. I therefore declare Mr Setona now fully elected as the Deputy Chairperson of Committees. [Applause.]
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
Before I proceed to the next item on the Order Paper, I wish to congratulate both the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson. I can only say you’ve got a mammoth task ahead of you to co-ordinate the work of those committees and make sure that legislation is processed in time, but also that quality legislation is produced, not just a large quantity of legislation.
Managing the work of the committees is quite a mammoth task ahead of you and I wish you good luck, but you’ve got the support of the presiding officers and the Chief Whip’s office. If you work as a team, I have no doubt we’ll all succeed in dealing with the job that has been given to you.
Chairperson of Committees, I’m not too sure whether you want to say a word. You’ve got one minute if you wish to do so. I wish to be very kind. You know it’s the women’s month and I wouldn’t like to deny you the opportunity to say something.
Nksz M N OLIPHANT: Ngiyabonga Sihlalo, okokuqala ngizocela ukubonga amalungu ale Ndlu ukuthi asekele ukukhethwa kwami njengo Sihlalo wamaKomiti kanye neSekela uMnu Setona. Ngibonge futhi ebuholini ikakhulukazi be-ANC nanokuthi ukuxhaswa esikutholile selokhu siqalile kube uxhaso oluhle nolwemukelekayo nolugqugquzela ukusebenza kwethu ngokubambisana ikakhulukazi nehhovisi likaSotshwebhu oMkhulu woMkhandlu. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[Ms M N OLIPHANT: Thank you, Chairperson. First I would like to thank members of this House for supporting my appointment as the Chairperson of Committees and that of the Deputy, Mr Setona. I would also like to thank the ANC leadership in particular and that the support we have received since we started is good, acceptable and such that it encourages us to work together, especially with the office of the Chief Whip of the NCOP.]
WOMEN CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF DEMOCRACY
(Subject for Discussion)
The MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION: Thank you, hon Deputy Chairperson, and all members of this august House.
As I lead in this debate this afternoon, I think I need to raise two issues. I must, firstly, say it was not an easy debate to prepare for, and the reason it was not easy is that there are so many issues to raise. We come from a particular history and we are busy with a march into a future, and that’s what makes it complex. So I will try in the time allocated to me to reflect on our past, because I think there’s a need to do so; to look at 1994 and to look at where we are at the moment.
I will also share stories and one of those airs what is called shattering gender stereotyping. In going back in history, I want to reflect on our past and on the struggles in which the women of this country participated. I will go back to 1913 and the Orange Free State where there was an attempt to implement a pass system. African women at that point in time were able to organise massive demonstrations in protest, to collect thousands of signatures in petition and to co-ordinate civil disobedience campaigns and demonstrations until the permit requirement was withdrawn.
In the 1950s – and I now reflect on the province in which this august House finds itself – as the then regime prepared to designate the Western Cape a “coloured preference area” thousands assembled in Langa to protest with Dora Tamana, a member of the ANC Women’s League, declaring:
We women will never carry these passes. This is something that touches my heart. I appeal to you young Africans to come forward and fight. These passes make the road even narrower for us. We have seen unemployment, lack of accommodation and families broken because of passes. We have seen it with our men. Who will look after our children when we go to jail for a small technical offence – not having a pass?
Thus a way was paved for what was to become a landmark campaign throughout South Africa, as preparations began for the first nonracial conference of women to be held in Johannesburg in April 1954. At that conference the Federation of South African Women was formed, with the objectives that were contained in its constitution:
…to bring the women of South Africa together, to secure full equality of opportunity for all women regardless of race, colour or creed, to remove social, legal and economic disabilities, to work for the protection of the women and children of our land.
It was at this conference that the Women’s Charter was drafted. It called for universal suffrage, for equality of opportunity in employment, equal pay for equal work, equal rights in relation to property, marriage and children, and the removal of laws and customs that denied women such equality. The charter demanded “paid maternity leave, childcare for working women and free and compulsory education for all South Africans”. This is a reflection of the march of South African women. I also want to go to our Constitution, and the founding provision of the Constitution says in section 1, entitled “Republic of South Africa”:
The Republic of South Africa is one, sovereign, democratic state founded on the following values:
a) Human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms.
b) Non-racialism and non-sexism. c) Supremacy of the Constitution and rule of law.
d) Universal adult suffrage, a national common voters roll, regular elections and a multi-party system of democratic government, to ensure accountability, responsiveness and openness.
This is our Constitution, the central law of the land, something many of us fought for and what I believe not only the women of South Africa, but the people of South Africa must treasure, must fight for, must believe in.
I stated earlier that in 1994, what we had as part of the founding values of the Constitution, was demanded by the women of South Africa, so we’ve walked that road. Where are we today? The 9th of August 2004, the 10th year into our democracy, the 10th anniversary of South African Women’s Day, marks the achievements of women of this country in fighting for equality in the home, equal opportunity in the workplace and a general recognition of the particular contribution that we have made to intellectual thought, the struggle against oppression and the raising of the next generation of our leaders. All our policies, our documents that reflect on the implementation of the vision of this government point to the commitment of building a nonracial and nonsexist society.
We and the people of our country have all the right to indicate at times when we think things are not going as fast as they should. We should also reflect when we believe that there’s a consolidation of patriarchy that has the potential of squeezing out what we have fought for and what we are nurturing, and what we should actually ensure is the central part of our future.
We can proudly say that the South Africa of 2004 is a more progressive and empowered place for women and the girl child in which to develop, to learn and to act. To a large degree we have been true to the spirit and the values of our Constitution and in the Constitution in particular, from the Bill of the Rights that enshrines the core basic values of equality and freedom from discrimination, through the legislation that has brought about wide changes in basic mechanisms that give effect to this principle of equality, we have undoubtedly created a society that, in intent and purpose, is free from discrimination based on gender.
Key to what would determine our success as activists fighting apartheid was the belief that as a society we would not truly be free until women were free. And we are proud of the fact that our leadership has remained true to this principle of liberation.
The success of our transformation can be seen in the following areas – and I will touch on the challenges, because there are indeed challenges we need to address. We have seen change in the representivity of elected officials in Parliament and women holding key positions as members of the executive. To give one figure: 47% of Cabinet consists of women. More than 50% of Deputy Ministers are women. President Mbeki has clearly reflected he does not merely pay lip service to ensuring that women are given a leadership role in society. South Africa is now one of the most representative democracies in the world, leading established First World democracies such as the United States, Britain and Germany, and we are proud of that.
The changing demographics in the Public Service is also something we see as a major achievement and now, more than ever before, the women occupy senior and middle-management positions. Let me just remind members where we come from, lest we forget. In 1994 less than 4% of women were in senior management, and there was not one black woman, not one. At this particular point in time the representation of women at senior management level is about 26%. What have we not done? We have not met the 30% target of women in senior management positions we have set ourselves. We need to ensure that we make that happen.
The Public Service is actively encouraging women to enter professions previously deemed the preserve of men. The fact that we have highly successful women in positions, such as the Ministers of Minerals and Energy, of Foreign Affairs, of Home Affairs and for Agriculture and Land Affairs, to mention but some, positions previously filled largely by male counterparts, is a key reflection of this.
Women are being actively recruited into the sciences and information technology, and at Houwteq we have trained women in the highly specialised use of information technology.
We have introduced legislation to ensure that domestic workers are treated in accordance with the basic conditions of service. And whilst we take issue with the fact that the vast majority of domestic workers are women, we acknowledge that these regulatory improvements are critical in ensuring that the women of this country, who are effectively raising the children of others and managing the homes of others, are treated with the respect and professionalism they deserve.
Amongst other constitutional structures that we have established, we have the Commission on Gender Equality and the Human Rights Commission that actively protect the rights of women, while also undertaking educational programmes to promote awareness and understanding about the different forms that discrimination can take and how this should be addressed.
Improving health care has greatly improved the life chances of our women, particularly with regard to providing free primary health care to pregnant women. We have reduced the numbers of women who die from preventable conditions in pregnancy and childbirth, making South Africa a safer place for mothers.
And by providing freedom of choice - and I want to emphasise that – to women to terminate unwanted pregnancies, we have offered to women trapped by poverty, abusive relationships, and unfavourable life conditions the opportunity to choose what happens to their bodies and how. This issue is emotive and difficult, most specifically for the women who are faced with such an agonising choice, and we recognise that. There can be no harder choice to make, but we stand by the freedom of women to make this choice in the context of safe and sanitary medical care.
Recently Parliament heard once again how many women, particularly young women, still die as a result of abortions performed by untrained butchers in dirty conditions. Our women deserve better than this. And we are proud of the fact that we have given them this choice, difficult as it may be.
Our vastly improved education system has opened up opportunities for women to learn and develop in a number of ways. Previously the girl child was the first casualty of poverty, when families believed that they needed their daughters at home to cook and clean or to work in the field, and if there was a choice about who to send to school, the son was sent to school, because he was seen, after all, as the breadwinner or the head of the household. Now we ensure that all children, including our girls, are being educated and afforded opportunities to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
Allow me to read a story by a 17-year-old girl. If a school blazer is anything to go by, 17-year-old Charmaine Mahaya is an achiever. Her blazer is decorated from the lapel to the bottom of the hem with a series of badges symbolising sporting and academic success at her Johannesburg semi- public school. The final badge is the one she is proudest of: it says “head girl”. And for her mum, a single mother, the honour has been doubled, because Mahaya is also a junior school head girl. Mahaya has a head for figures. She says:
I want to be an investment banker, but I don’t know where to go about looking for a sponsor for information.
It is precisely for girls like her, those aged between 14 and 18 years, that one of our cellular phone companies, Cell C, has started a national take-a-girl-child-to-work day, a concept to shatter gender stereotyping, and to encourage young schoolgirls to go into different careers. We know about the young girl from Gugulethu in Cape Town who went to Nasa. She had a chance that was never there before, for young girls in this country and especially for African young girls. This is part of the opportunity.
Through vastly extending the net for social grants, particularly aimed at children and the aged, we have ensured that not only girls and our “gogos” [grandmothers] have direct access to a means to survive, but that we lighten the burden of care that often falls on women.
Within Parliament the process of the gender budget has been developed, and we need to take that forward. The gender budget reviews the extent to which expenditure is supporting the rights and needs of women. This process is groundbreaking and has reflected to the international community the extent to which South Africa has internalised and recognised the need to address gender-related issues, but we need to do better in this regard.
Expanding our support to small and emerging businesses, we have enabled women who cannot find sympathetic ears amongst the commercial financing institutions with the means to become productive and successful businesspeople, creating employment and enabling economic growth.
The awards given by the Department of Agriculture to women achievers in this sector are a case in point. These women have ventured into the traditionally male arena of commercial farming, and show that perhaps it is not only green fingers but also a woman’s touch that helps crops grow.
At the macroeconomic level, women are a significant force with which to reckon, but we need to ensure, as we are implementing black economic empowerment, when we look at the financial charter, that black women also get the low-hanging fruits that are there from BEE. I said earlier that patriarchy is universal, and if we are not careful, our brothers will elbow our sisters out.
Our own first lady, Mrs Zanele Mbeki, has shown by example the vast contribution women working together can make to uplifting the conditions of others. Through the Women’s Development Bank, many small businesses owned and managed by women have benefited. I think many of you know about the Aconwu project that she has been engaged in.
We also know about the Women’s Dialogue, the Sawid project that goes forward, and there are many more such examples we can cite of the vast changes that democracy has brought to the women of South Africa. Hence we have reason to celebrate.
However, we also need to ask ourselves: Has our democracy, our freedom impacted on every woman in this country? We have heard earlier about the woman in Parkwood who died in a shack fire. We also need to look at what it means for the women in Khayelitsha who are still living in poverty, with tangible threats of shack fires; for the women of the rural Transkei who, in some instances, have to pay money they do not have to travel to the nearest town to access basic services; to the women of Alexandra township who live with the threat of physical abuse, rape and even death.
So while we acknowledge how far we have come, we acknowledge the challenges we must confront, and challenges we will confront, and challenges we are confronting. We must pay careful attention to the women for whom the benefits must be made even more tangible, the women who are at the moment in the second economy, who can only aspire to the joys of the benefits that are there in the first economy. And we cannot and will not tolerate a society in which our baby girls, such as Tshepang and baby Kayla, won’t get the opportunity to live normal lives, in which young women are abducted and abused.
We need to ensure that women have the freedom of their homes, their streets and their communities, that they have freedom of the day and that they can claim and own the night. We have the legislative framework in place, we have the Constitution, and we need to ensure the implementation of those programmes through the services that we have in place. We need to ensure that the public sector, the private sector and civil society play the required role in order to ensure that we own and claim all aspects of our society.
So we are not going to lament it. We are not simply going to reflect and throw our hands in the air. Remember, we have been walking this path - I just went back to 1913 – and women have come out, not as victors, but as survivors, as participants, as activists, and we walk forward.
I want to close at this point by quoting another woman from elsewhere in the world, who, in her autobiography They Shall Not Pass stated some things that I thought we could relate to. Her name is Dolores Ibárruri, and she was a Spanish communist. She was known as La Pasionaria, and I just want to read some words from her autobiography. The following is said of her:
… during Spain’s most critical years, the most hope-filled ones and the saddest, Dolores had been at the side of the workers and peasants, who yearned to build in freedom a future of peace and democracy. They Shall Not Pass is a recollection of a time gone by, miraculously recaptured with simplicity and warmth.
I quote her call to the future, to the young people of Spain:
This youth is our hope. I am sure they will march, as they have already begun, down the only road for the ordinary people, the heroes and the builders of a new life, of a new world, down the road of the struggle for democracy, for peace …
In this book she says:
I wish to offer testimony to the traditions of struggle of the Spanish people and to set forth the truth about our war in answer to the lies of reactionary propaganda of yesterday and today. Above all and very especially, I wish to show the unwavering heroism of the republican fighters, the abnegation, grandeur and the spirit of sacrifice of the fighters of the international brigades, of which you were a part, my dear esteemed friends, you in whom our people saw the fraternal representatives of the people so far from Spain, yet so near in our affection and in our hearts. Years and days have passed. The old hatreds have abated and time has closed the wounds which the wars opened in the bodies and the consciences of millions of men. New generations now step into the arena of struggle and there are those who, not having been in war or lived through war, raise anew the banner of democracy, of liberty and justice, for which the most heroic fighters of our war of liberation gave their blood and their lives. And when again in the streets of our cities young people devote themselves to the future of our democracy, proclaim their desire to make Spain a free country open to progress, in which the civil liberties for all Spaniards and the freedom of action of all political groups will be possible, we will think our struggle was not in vain. After the long fascist night, the dawn of a new day now rises over Spain. The fruits of the sacrifices of our people are beginning to mature, fruits whose seed was watered by the tears of our women, with the blood of our best men, with the sweat of all who fought for Spain, of peace, liberty and democracy.
Why did I draw on this quote? It is because I also believe that we have a new dawn, and as we walk into that, we should allow for the young ones to walk this path and understand what comes before. We should not take an approach that many young women and the girl children will simply ignore our past. They must understand it, in order to understand why we must nurture and build this democracy. They must understand it in order to understand why we must build and deepen a nonsexist, nonracial country. We owe it not only to the past, but to the future, to the beautiful ones who have not yet been born. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Ms M P THEMBA: Hon Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members, this is women’s month. Ten years ago at the opening of the first Parliament of our democracy, former President Nelson Mandela echoed the goals and visions of the ANC-led government on women when he said, and I quote:
Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from
all forms of oppression, unless we see in visible practical terms
that the condition of women in our country has radically changed for
the better, and that they have been empowered to intervene in all
aspects of life as equals with any other member of society.
On Monday next week, Chairperson, we will be celebrating national Women’s Day as part of celebrating our 10 years of democracy. It is then necessary to take stock of what has been achieved by women since 1994. At the same time we need to take note of the challenges and obstacles that women still face. We can learn lessons from our achievements, gains and plans - and how we can improve on service delivery in the next decade.
Since 1994 great progress has been made in empowering women of all levels of our society, in political, social and economic life. No one can question that. The focus of my speech is the improvement of the social life of women. Let me briefly draw a picture for you of where women were before 1994 so that you can clearly see the achievements of the ANC-led government during its 10 years in power. I know some of you listen to the bad remarks in the media about our government and begin to think like the Israelites who felt that it was better in Egypt under the cruelty of Pharaoh.
During the apartheid period women in South Africa, especially African women, experienced triple oppression: as women, on the basis of race and class, and all were vulnerable to various forms of oppression and discrimination. For a number of women this has manifested in a lack of education and consequently in illiteracy, lack of employment and poverty.
Women have been subjected to violence in their homes and community, sexual assault, harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Women were exempted from decision-making roles and did not have legal power. This gave men complete power to run our lives. We were treated as minors who could not even have access to the property of our own husbands when they died. My son, being male, had more power than I had.
As women we did not take the oppression lying down. A lot of women played an important role in the liberation struggle as members of the ANC and its alliance partners. On Monday it will be the anniversary of the Great March of Women to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in 1956 to denounce the pass laws. It is therefore fitting that when we celebrate Women’s Day, we should remember with pride all those women who fought fearlessly for the liberation of women. I salute all the fallen spears of the struggle that were not able to taste the freedom that we are enjoying today: Lillian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Griffiths Mxenge and others. I also salute the living great stalwarts of the struggle: Albertina Sisulu, Adelaide Tambo, Gertrude Shope, Ruth Mompati and Comrade Madikizela-Mandela. We are where we are today because of the sacrifices of these leaders fighting for the emancipation of all women.
A lot has been achieved, as the hon Minister has said. The mere fact that we have achieved a democratic government based on the Constitution, which respects human rights, guarantees every citizen’s equality before the law and the elimination of all forms of discrimination on the basis of sex and gender, is an achievement and a cause for celebration. During our campaign as the ANC before 1994 we promised women that we would make sure that we put in place institutions that would specifically look at gender equality and would create a mechanism for the emancipation and empowerment of women, both within and outside government.
We have lived up to our promises. Gender machineries for equality were established in government at all levels: first in the Office on the Status of Women in the Presidency and then in the Premiers’ offices and in all departments. Gender focal points were created in all the departments to ensure that each department takes responsibility for addressing gender issues in their policies and programmes.
However, in some departments the gender focal points are not fully functional. This needs to be addressed within the second decade of our democracy. In Parliament we have the women’s caucus that was never there before, during the days of the apartheid government. We are seeing to it that the capacity of women in Parliament is being built.
We have the Joint Monitoring Committee on the Improvement of the Quality of Life and Status of Women that will ensure that sensitive interventions in legislation encourages the public, particularly women, to participate in the law-making process. We need to acknowledge the good work of all these institutions. The Commission for Gender Equality is one of the main independent statutory bodies that were established to monitor the progress and achievements towards gender equality. I really congratulate our government for creating an enabling environment for women’s empowerment and ensuring that in the first decade of our democracy women are free from the bondages of the past.
In terms of the representation of women in Parliament, the hon Minister has said, with regard to the Cabinet and other public offices, that such representation in South Africa has increased dramatically since 1994 and this has been influenced by the adoption of the quota system by the ANC.
The approval of programmes to provide basic services of water and sanitation to millions of people, women in particular, in the rural areas means that they no longer have to walk long distances to fetch water. We used to go to the rivers with a child on our backs and a bucket of water on our heads to go and fetch water.
We have provided electricity through the integrated electrification programmes and free basic electricity initiatives. Through the use of electricity the time spent by women in collecting wood for cooking has been reduced. It also encourages women to use electricity as a source of economic development in the rural areas, for example by selling meat.
The school feeding schemes are feeding millions of children. Tax law reforms are removing discrimination against women with regard to income tax. The introduction of the child support grant ensures equitable access for all South Africans to social assistance benefits.
I want to share with you that during the constituency period, when we were conducting imbizos, one energetic old man who works for himself said: “Today the children are receiving the grants, why can I not get that grant?” He was demonstrating how the children are really catered for under the ANC-led government. He made a joke by saying that men must also be included. This grant ensures equitable access for all South Africans to social assistance benefits. There was an outcry from women who were benefiting from maintenance grants when child support grants were introduced. They preferred the status quo to remain, so as to be the only ones to benefit from government assistance.
There are challenges, despite the achievements we have made. Women’s and children’s rights are violated and they are subjected to violence despite impressive laws. This shows that legislation alone cannot change the quality of life of our people. They only provide the legislative framework in which the values of equity and dignity can hold and grow. As the ANC we call upon the police and all in the justice system to show zero tolerance with respect to all crimes against women and children. At the same time, increases in violence against women and children illustrate the need for radical transformation in gender relations. We need to teach our girls and boys at home that they are equal.
The major challenge facing our government in the second decade of democracy is the implementation of our laws and strengthening the monitoring mechanisms to monitor the progress on women’s emancipation. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Ms D ROBINSON: Hon Chair, Minister and members, we South African women have much to celebrate after a decade of democracy. The influence of women, particularly in the political sphere, has made us one of the leaders in Africa. No other country in Africa can boast the degree of female representation in their cabinets.
Many excellent laws have been passed, but in many respects government has failed to implement laws to improve the life of the ordinary woman. We need much better law enforcement and policing to reduce the frightening incidence of rape, abuse and murder of women. Like Ms Themba, I would like to quote former President Mandela:
Freedom cannot be achieved unless women have been emancipated from
all forms of oppression.
This is the yardstick against which we must judge our situation today. We are certainly celebrating 10 years of democracy, but we cannot celebrate freedom from fear and crime - and oppression. News headlines tell a chilling story. We are bombarded daily with tragic stories of murder, rape and abuse of women and girl children. A study done by the MRC’s gender and health group and the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation states that every six hours a woman is killed by her intimate partner. South Africa has the highest rate of femicide.
We read further that courts are losing the battle against rape. This is the yardstick against which we must measure the government of the day. This is where we can see what still needs to be done to achieve freedom from oppression. Women and children are the most vulnerable of citizens. They are so often the victims of assault and abuse, whether rich or poor.
Although the Family Violence Act is a good piece of legislation, it cannot be implemented properly because of the enormous backlogs in the courts. The absence of some legal aid or counselling for civil matters is a shortcoming. Family violence courts should be established. More female magistrates and prosecutors who have a greater understanding of the emotional and physical pain suffered in such circumstances should be appointed. Family divorce courts were set up about four years ago to relieve the pressure on the other courts, but the only problem is that there is only one magistrate to officiate. It takes up to six months to get a date for a hearing. Better funding is required so that more staff can be appointed to ensure the proper implementation of the legal system and reduce delays. Family law centres could advise on maintenance and custody matters, also the winding up of estates.
While we have an excellent Constitution, many people are ignorant of the law and their rights, and are often subject to financial, physical and emotional intimidation. Legal know-how is urgently needed. Attorneys should be appointed to assist those who cannot afford their own representation.
Women are often marginalised when it comes to senior promotion posts in the courts and police services. Tokenism should not be tolerated. The role of social workers should be given far more prominence. The poor salary scales and the vast caseloads lead to demotivation and do not encourage people to enter the profession. Yet, their interventions could assist in stemming the tide of violence, helping to uplift and counsel victims and perpetrators.
We need people to work in the field of conflict resolution and restorative justice in our schools to empower young people to cope with life. More centres such as the Saartjie Baartman Centre for abused women and children are needed. We need to break the spiral of violence and callous disregard for the sanctity of life.
Inadequate funding for medical services also affects the quality of life of women. Pap smears and mammograms are available only to those who already have cancer. No routine preventative checks are available. This is unacceptable. This, too, needs to be addressed if we are to celebrate freedom. Serious consideration needs to be given to how state funds are spent.
Funding also affects the number of DNA tests that are done, and that are essential to establish the guilt of rapists and getting convictions. There needs to be a commitment to eradicate the scourge of rape. The police needs special training and also a willingness to take reports seriously and to act on them promptly and efficiently. From prosecutors and magistrates we expect firm action.
Communities are showing their disgust by taking the law into their own hands through kangaroo courts. The government cannot fail its people. So, too, communities should be encouraged to assist the police with law enforcement. Crime watches should not be summarily disbanded and reservists dismissed. Women and children will bear the brunt of this disregard for their safety and security. Liberate our women and our children from the oppression of crime so that we can be truly free in this first decade of democracy. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr F ADAMS: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister and hon members, Women’s Day is the story of ordinary women as makers of history. It is also a day to commemorate women’s struggle for change, and to celebrate the progress towards improving the quality of life of women. It is a day for reaffirming our commitment to working towards the liberation of women. While many aspects of the situation of women have been improved, much remains to be achieved.
Women need to be in positions where they can make a difference, and we acknowledge the work that the government has done so far in this respect. Even though the apartheid struggle is over, women are still involved in a daily struggle for their rightful place. Women’s roles have changed dramatically over the past years. Women have to compete in the workplace to prove their worth, while they have to take care of a family at home. The gap between the participation of women and men in policy formulation and decision-making needs to be nonexistent.
Many issues need to be focused on as we celebrate Women’s Day. One of the things the NNP is very concerned about is violence against women. Violence against women in South Africa has reached epidemic proportions. The World Bank estimates that one in four women are in abusive relationships. In South Africa one woman is raped every 23 seconds and one woman is killed by her intimate partner every six days. Research has also found that an average of 80% of rural people are victims of domestic violence, and these are only reported cases.
Most incidents of domestic violence and rape are not reported to the police. The global report on human rights states that domestic violence is a leading cause of female injury in almost every country in the world.
How many more women need to be slaughtered before we take a firm stand against all types of abuse? A policy of zero tolerance must be followed against offenders. There must be a strong focus on prevention. We must protect our wives, mothers, sisters and daughters.
It is incumbent upon each and every one of us to be agents of change to win the battle against sexism, violence and abuse against women and to shape a new nation. A historic opportunity exists for us to determine our own future and to go forward with pride and confidence into a prosperous future in our country. Let us act true to the ideals of the unsung women who have made sacrifices throughout the years so that we could reach our destiny of a truly nonracial and nonsexist democracy. I thank you.
Ms H F MATLANYANE: Chairperson, I am dedicating my speech today to all the women of the world, those who have passed away and those who are alive, who are torchbearers of families, even at difficult and trying times.
We meet today on the occasion of women’s month, on the eve of our national Women’s Day. In celebrating 10 years of freedom, we gather here today to reflect and give account of how far we have come in creating an enabling environment for women’s empowerment and ensuring that the first decade of freedom becomes an embodiment of the emancipation of women.
Our movement has long realised that no meaningful freedom can be achieved without the genuine emancipation of women. As we reflect on the progress recorded in the first decade, I stand here with the firm conviction that there is cause for celebration today. Giant strides have been made in this country and I, like millions of other women, feel proud to be a South African. This is not just about addressing past wrongs, but also about delivering to women in a very meaningful way.
The ANC-led government has, in the first decade, created a platform for gender diversity and inclusion to unearth the full potential of South African women. This has resulted in opening up opportunities, not only to develop women at the top, but also at all levels of the workplace. Gender equality is now not only about getting numbers right, but about enabling women to make meaningful contributions to the social, political and economic aspects of society.
Celebrating 10 years of gender transformation communicates to us that a new dawn has arrived. Ten years ago the thought of women celebrating 10 years of freedom was both a dream and regarded as impossible. Within 10 years our country has undertaken a journey and I say without fear of contradiction that ours has been a journey towards true humanity, a journey from the apartheid state to true democracy. Indeed, the picture looks very different when compared with a decade before. This clearly shows that remarkable advances towards gender transformation have been registered.
A legislative framework has been established to support gender transformation. One of the most significant features of our Constitution is the right to equality. It is upheld as one of the cornerstones of our Constitution and entrenches a number of different rights that are very significant to women. National machinery for the advancement of gender equality has been set up within government, the legislatures and independently of government. The Office on the Status of Women in the Presidency has been established to co-ordinate gender units in all government departments. The Department of the Public Service and Administration is to promote gender equality within the Public Service. Provision is also made for gender desks within departments.
Structures in legislatures include the women’s empowerment group, the parliamentary women’s group and the Joint Standing Committee on the Improvement of the Quality of Life and Status of Women. There is also the Commission on Gender Equality that has been established as an independent body to monitor and evaluate policies and practices of organs of state, business, statutory bodies, etc.
The achievements of Parliament in relation to women include the support of finance for the women’s budget initiative, the recognition of 9 August as national Women’s Day, the provision for ownership by women in land and housing legislation, and that recess time has been aligned with school holidays.
In just a decade we have managed to increase substantially the number of women in the political sphere. As the hon Minister has said, the representation of women in Parliament has jumped from 27,7% in 1994 to almost 33% after the 2004 elections. At provincial level the representation of women has increased from 24% in 1994 to 32,3%. Currently Gauteng has the highest number of women in their legislature, where 42,4% of all members of provincial legislatures are women. The number of women in the Cabinet has also increased, as the hon Minister has indicated. This represents profound and critical confidence in women by our government that is very much needed to make a difference in the struggle to promote women’s rights.
This has also been very important in promoting a range of policies and pieces of legislation that will benefit women. South Africa will now move up in the global ranking of women in parliament, from 15th to 11th place. South Africa will now move to first position in the SADC ranking of women in parliament.
While the ANC is the only South African political party with a quota for women, ANC women account for 79% of the total number of women in South Africa’s third democratic Parliament. This further marks the ANC’s commitment to mobilising women to participate in the struggle for their emancipation within society as a whole.
This is a direct translation of the strategic objective of a democratic, nonracial, nonsexist and united South Africa. South Africa has the third- highest proportion of companies employing women as senior managers and the eighth-highest proportion of women in senior management posts. The latest findings of the annual business owners survey reveal that 75% of businesses in South Africa employ women in senior management positions, in contrast to the global average of 59%, giving South Africa the third-highest proportion of companies employing women as senior managers. The survey also reveals that 26% of the total number of senior management posts in South Africa are filled by women, which beats the global average by 7% and places South Africa eighth in the world.
This survey’s results are indicative of the progress made by both government and women during our 10 years of freedom. The government must therefore be commended for putting all these measures in place, because they laid a solid foundation for the meaningful participation of all the groups that were previously discriminated against in the economy of our country.
The development of women entrepreneurs in information technology in South Africa was boosted recently with the launch of a women’s IT academy in Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape. The initiative will be duplicated across the country.
Efforts have been made to move women in business from the periphery to the mainstream of the economy. The acceleration of women’s empowerment and the development of women-owned enterprises has encouraged women to participate actively in our country’s socioeconomic transformation.
Recent statistics show that the number of small and medium-sized companies owned by women in South Africa grew by 39,5% in 2003 and that South African women now occupy 17% of senior executive management, 25% of senior management, 24% of middle management and 38% of junior management positions. A considerable number of women have played a visible role in economic development and participation in economic forums. However, performance in this area needs to be broad-based to accommodate ordinary women.
While SMMEs have grown rapidly, we want to see more women in the decade ahead breaking the ceiling and entering into micro-oriented business opportunities. We cannot as government find comfort until we have achieved the economic emancipation of women and confronted all obstacles facing the advancement of women in every aspect of society.
The ANC-led government is a caring government and because of that programmes have been better placed to improve the quality of life and enhance the status of women. The very fact that significant progress has been recorded in the first decade proves that ANC policies are a correct response to the challenges facing our women and the youth.
As we celebrate August as women’s month, it is perhaps appropriate that we reflect on the progress we’ve made since 1994. This reflection should also acknowledge some of the mistakes that we have made as a country and the challenges that we still face in terms of gender equality.
While I’m speaking of celebration, allow me to acknowledge the significant role played by Comrade Zanele Mbeki, as displayed by her effort in bringing together women from different factions in the Congo to a dialogue on the problems facing their country. This intervention will lay a strong foundation in building peace and unity in the DRC. This intervention further demonstrates the practical meaning of women marching together into the African century.
President Thabo Mbeki once said:
The recognition by the peoples of the world of the fact that we have established ourselves as a winning nation, as a people determined to succeed … [Time expired.] I thank you.
Mrs J N VILAKAZI: Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members, today, and throughout the month of August 2004, women all over the country are celebrating ten years of democracy. Celebration means that a lot has been done, a lot has been achieved to protect and promote the status of women.
Looking back to 1994, the birth of democracy in South Africa, it is indeed very important that we consolidate the gains of the first 10 years of democracy. The Constitution of South Africa is one of the most progressive worldwide, entrenching a number of different rights that are very significant for the status of women, such as, for instance, the right to equality, the right to be free from all forms of violence, whether public, private or domestic; the right to property; the right to social security; the right to adequate housing, etc. I can mention a lot – there is a litany of rights.
One of the most significant features of the Constitution is that the right to equality has been held to be the cornerstone of the Constitution. All other rights must be interpreted to give effect to equality.
Since 1994, women in higher positions can be found across the broad spectrum of occupations, as the Minister has said. Through the efforts of the women of South Africa, acting as agents of change and peace, under the leadership of Mama Mbeki, women of South Africa contributed to the Congo women’s peace talks.
They played a tremendous role in negotiating for a Nigerian woman, Amina Lawal, who was facing the death sentence. This is quite laudable. [Applause.]
At the present moment Mama Mbeki, as the patron of Sawid SA Women in Dialogue, is involved in peace negotiations with the women of Burundi. We highly commend this as women of South Africa. It is indeed an achievement.
Mphathisihlalo ohloniphekileyo, kuyintokozo enkulu kakhulu kuthina abesimame ukugubha usku lomama inyanga yonke kaNcwaba (August). Kulomgubho sibukeza iminyaka elishumi uhulumeni wentando yeningi athatha izintambo, kusukela ngo 1994. Yini esiyizuzile thina besimame na? Kuhulumeni wobandlululo wayemunye vo owesimame, uHelen Suzman, owayemele iDemocratic Party. Namhlanje siyinqwaba ePhalamende, kulo hulumeni obusayo wentando yeningi. Sebeshilo ozakwethu.
Inzuzo enkulu kabi leyo kuthina besifazane. Ukubhekela amlungelo ethu, luningi ushintsho olwenziwe ePhalamende ukuba sikhuseleke kahle emsebenzini nasemindenini yethu. Amaholide ezikole ahambisana nawethu, okwakungenzeki ngaphambili. Sasingekho vele. Kunemithetho eshayiwe yiPhalamende ukuvikela isithunzi sowesifazane ekuxhashazweni - amalungelo alinganayo kuwo amazinga. Ukuxhaphaza umuntu wesifazane noma ngayiphi indlela yicala elibomvu lelo. Ukubhekela isondlo sabantwana, uhulumeni uvule isandla lapho. Imishado yesintu inamalungelo agcwele, ukuvikela ukuxhashazwa komuntu wesifazane. Ukwenyuselwa ezikhundleni eziphakeme akunambandela kulesi sikhathi. Owesifazane unelungelo elifanayo nowesilisa. Amanzi nogesi afakiwe ezindaweni eziningi, noma kusasibhedela-ke thina basemakhaya. Siyethemba kuyoze kulunge. Isimo asilakungi. Kuningi okusadinga ukwenziwa kulezi zindawo. Ukwakhiwa kwezindlu ezingcono kunemikhukhu kubasizile abantu abaningi. Omama ababa nenkinga yokukhulisa abantwana babo kukesi simo esisuke sibheda. Siyethemba uMnyango wezeziNdlu ozokwenza ngcono lesi simo unyaka nonyaka.
UMthethosisekelo wezwe uwabeke aba sobala wonke amalungelo abseifazane. Kufanele kule nyanga abesimame bagubhe banxuse uMdali ukuthi uHulumeni aqhubeke nokubhekela amalungelo abo. Kunye nje okuphatha kabi abesimame: ubudlova nobugebengu emphakathini. Obunye bungaphakathi emndenini.
Kukhona namakomidi ePhalamende abhekele amalungelo abesifazane ekuhlukunyezweni, nasodlameni olunhlobonhlobo, olunye olungaphakathi emndenini, njengoba ngishilo. UMthethosisekelo wezwe nemithetho eshayiwe ePhalamende ikhomba ukubhekelwa kwamalungelo abesifazane. Kufanele sijabule ezweni lonke, kule nyanga. Impela siyahalalisa. [Ihlombe.] (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)
[Hon Chairperson, it is a great pleasure for us women to celebrate Women’s Day for the whole month of August. During these celebrations, we review 10 years since the democratic government took the reins in 1994. What have we women gained? During the apartheid government’s term of office, there was only one woman in Parliament, Helen Suzman, who represented what is now the Democratic Party. Today there is quite a lot of us in Parliament in this democratic government. My colleagues have spoken.
That is a huge gain for us women. To ensure that our rights are catered for, there are many changes that have been effected in Parliament in order to protect us in our workplace and our families. Our vacations have been aligned with school holidays, which is something that never happened before. Anyway, we were not here during that time.
There are laws that have been passed by Parliament to protect the dignity of women and to protect them from exploitation – equal rights at all levels. The abuse of women, in any way, is a serious criminal offence. The government has taken steps to ensure child maintenance. Customary marriages are fully recognised in order to protect women from exploitation. Promotion to higher positions is no longer conditional these days. A woman has rights that are equal to those of a man.
Many areas now have water and electricity, though we still live in poor conditions in rural areas. Nevertheless, we hope that the situation will improve in future. For now, the situation has not yet improved, and there is quite a lot that still needs to be done in these areas. Many people have benefited from the houses that have been built, as compared to shacks. It is mainly women who face problems of raising their children under these bad conditions. We hope that the Department of Housing is going to try to improve this situation each and every year.
The Constitution of this country has clearly laid down all the rights of women. During this month, women should celebrate and pray to God that the government will continue to look after their rights. Women have one major concern: violence and crime in communities. Some of that happens inside families.
There are parliamentary committees whose function is to protect women from abuse and different forms of violence, some of which happens inside families – I have already mentioned that, earlier on. The Constitution of this country and the laws that have been passed by Parliament are indicators that the rights of women are taken seriously. We should all be happy throughout the country during this month. We definitely express our joyfulness. [Applause.]]
Rev E ADOLPH: Madam Chair, hon Minister and members of this House, there has always been a dichotomy between the contributions of women to a new democratic South Africa and the challenges they face. On the one hand they gave their tears and their blood to lay the foundation for our new democracy, but on the other hand they are still faced with challenges and numerous obstacles to becoming really free. As the Minister said earlier: “There is no freedom unless we free our women in South Africa.”
We need to recognise and honour the contributions of women in South Africa. They were often threatened with harsh brutality, beatings, imprisonment and sometimes death. They must continue to lobby and advance the cause of women at every level of society - in business, government and the community - to ensure that gender issues remain on the agenda.
We set the example in the ID, where we have the first woman political leader in South Africa’s history. We all know that she consistently fights for the rights of women. We also have to commend government for creating a platform to enhance, empower and capacitate women. It is significant that 47% of Cabinet members are women.
But we are not free as yet. The Medical Research Council has proven recently that sexual and domestic violence is rampant in South Africa. One in six women who are murdered has been killed either by her husband or a partner close to her. One in four women in South Africa between the ages of 20 and 24 years old is a victim of HIV or has been affected.
It is sad to note that women comprise 52% of the adult population in South Africa, but only 41% of the working population, according to the SA Women Corporate Leadership Census. I am appalled by the fact that one in three women will be raped during her lifetime in South Africa. We have to expose this. Please get real, people! Women are still suffering and they are still the victims of triple jeopardy in terms of discrimination.
Professional black women are still being exploited, even by our own members at home. Due to the cultural role of women, subordinate roles are being allocated to them. We need to free women. Government must use its power and influence to improve the status of women in South Africa. Although women are equal according to our Constitution, there is no guarantee that their rights will be equal. We have to commend the achievements and we have to praise government for the little victories that we achieve, but the struggle is not over. Aluta Continua! We have to fight until we have a woman as President. Then only, I believe, we will be free. I thank you, Madam Chair.
Mrs M VANTURA (Western Cape): Madam Chair, let me start by thanking this House for inviting us to participate in this important debate. Our department and indeed the Western Cape provincial government feel honoured to participate in this debate in one of the highest institutions of our country.
Celebrating national Women’s Day immediately conjures up memories of sadness and pride for the majority of South Africans. This is the day when we march down memory lane as we take stock of the history of our country. We are celebrating our national Women’s Day just as we are rejoicing about 10 years of democracy and freedom in our country. Let us also note at this point that these significant events are taking place when we are also celebrating the International Year of the Family.
Women around the world, and in South Africa in particular, have been at the forefront of the struggle for recognition and liberation. They have been the most affected by apartheid and they had to endure triple oppression – at home, in the workplace and in terms of race and gender. South African women, the mothers of struggle heroes and heroines such as Solomon Mahlangu, Hector Peterson, Sparrow Umkontho, Ruth First and many others, suffered the pain of witnessing their children die under the ruthless and evil hand of the apartheid empire. Because of their determination and commitment, today we proudly gather in this important House of the national legislature to look back at the road travelled in order to give birth to the new South Africa we all fought for.
We note with pride the recent statistics revealing that our country, South Africa, was rated number 12 in the world when it came to the representation of women in cabinets. We should further applaud government for having made significant strides in bettering the lot of women in positions of decision- making. Recent research shows that women represent just below 28% of the South African Public Service management. But this is not enough, as government’s 2014 vision targets women’s representation at 30%.
Statistics released by the British Broadcasting Corporation show that Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland, the Netherlands and Germany had all reached the 30% goal of parliamentary seats taken by women by the end of 2002. Along with Argentina, Costa Rica, South Africa and Mozambique, these countries met the target through quota systems. Despite these gains, however, women still have to work hard to ensure that they advance on all fronts of social, economic, political and academic life.
Whilst we acknowledge the important developmental initiatives by both the private and the public sectors in improving the positions of women, in rural areas the picture is totally different. The imbizos our department held in rural areas around the Western Cape recently revealed the disturbing picture of women still living under bondage and oppression on farms.
These women narrated compassionate and painful stories of how some farm owners forced them to work abnormal and lengthy hours under harsh conditions. One of these wives and mothers, Rita van Staden, a farm labourer in De Doorns in the Boland, told us how a certain farmer had forced her son, who was completing his matric, to choose between going to university and working on the farm. The farmer threatened to chase the boy away from his land if the student continued with his studies. He wanted him to work on the farm. The mother told us how she had to see her son leave the farm as he refused to work for the farmer. This is a typical case study of life on farms in South Africa.
Let us bear in mind that as we celebrate our 10 years of democracy and liberation in our country, many poor people in poor communities, farms and rural areas have nothing to celebrate yet other than just being able to vote for the party of their choice. They are still living in squalor, are beaten up and ill—treated by some farmers, and have to go through their daily lives with their heads bowed down as they fear for their lives.
Yes, Chairperson, many women are facing violence and fear in their lives every day, but unless there is a change in the mindsets of our men and society at large, this will take place. We can have hundreds of policemen on patrol past a house during the day or at night, or when it is twilight, but once those curtains are drawn no one will know, not even those hundreds of policemen patrolling, that the father is raping his daughter, abusing his wife physically, emotionally or in whatever way.
We can have hundreds of family courts, we can have hundreds of places of safety, we can have hundreds of Saartjie Baartman Centres, but unless our society changes, unless we undergo that paradigm shift, things will continue. We have to tackle that. Policemen can patrol, like I said, but the battering will go on unless the community takes charge of it, and unless men in particular address the violence in our community as well.
As women we salute those men who speak out against violence against women and children. We thank those men who treat their women as equal partners in their relationships. We respect those men in business who recognise the potential of women colleagues and create the space for them to reach their potential, and do not use them as tokens.
Not only do South African women leave their indelible mark in the public sector, but also in the private sector. Statistics released in July this year reveal that the number of small and medium-sized companies owned by women in South Africa grew from 30,5% to 35,5% in 2003. According to information released by the Businesswomen’s Association South Africa, women now occupy 17% of senior executive management, 25% of senior management and 24% of middle management positions. South Africa has the third-highest proportion worldwide of companies employing women as senior managers and the eighth-highest proportion of women in senior management positions.
Today we can proudly look back at the road travelled by our stalwarts, our struggle heroines such as Lillian Ngoyi, Adelaide Tambo, Albertina Sisulu, Winnie Mandela and others. Because of their sacrifices South Africa boasts one of the world’s most highly recognised constitutions.
This Constitution protects, most importantly, the most vulnerable in our society, which are the children, the disabled, the elderly and the women. This very House in which we are speaking, was part of a process that produced one of the best pieces of legislation aimed at protecting the poor and advancing the democratic values enshrined in our Constitution.
Our government has been playing a leading role on the continent and around the world. Our involvement in the establishment of the Pan-African Parliament has seen many war-torn countries begin negotiations, and our own Deputy President, the hon Jacob Zuma, is leading peace talks in Burundi. We have seen our President, the hon Thabo Mbeki, lead discussions on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. This is a blueprint strategy aimed at attracting international investment for the improvement of the continent’s infrastructure and economy.
Our own Minister of Foreign Affairs, the hon Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, leads very successful foreign diplomatic talks in the continued strive to establish foreign relationships around the world. Our government not only saw fit to increase the number of women Ministers and Deputy Ministers, but a significant number of them have also been appointed to strategic positions such as Home Affairs, Housing, Minerals and Energy, Social Development, Provincial and Local Government, Trade and Industry, and Public Service and Administration.
Our government, through continued strategic engagement with communities, nongovernmental organisations, religious organisations and the private sector, continues to seek solutions to our political, economic and social problems. We believe that it is only through working together as one that we will achieve a prosperous, nonracial and democratic South Africa.
We are indeed a very long way away from that cold winter’s day in 1956. South Africans are now a free people, but we have to be wary of complacency as we continue to seek solutions and answers to developmental questions facing our country. Malibongwe! [Praise!] Thank you. [Applause.]
Ms J F TERBLANCHE: Madam Chair, hon Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, hon members, I would first like to express my deep disappointment at the low attendance in this House for this very important Women’s Day debate.
As we celebrate 10 years of democracy as a nation, women in particular have specific reasons to celebrate on Monday, 9 August. They could celebrate 10 years since all women in this country could have a say at the voting polls. They could celebrate the increased number of women in Parliament representing them, as well as the number of women that are Ministers and Deputy Ministers in this third Parliament.
The other side of the coin is that in certain areas discrimination against women still exists, and that still has a profound impact on the lives of women.
As mothers of the nation, women should be treated with respect and as equals in all spheres of society. One specific area that is close to my heart is the effect that the HIV/Aids pandemic has on women. Through my involvement with the Hospice Potchefstroom and the Amapelo School for children infected and affected by the virus, I have realised that a lot of work still needs to be done to empower women to know their rights, especially their rights in respect of their own bodies and sexuality.
As I am speaking, there are 83 children at the Amapelo School. Forty-four of those children are infected with the virus, and of those only 37 still have their biological mothers to take care of them. Fourteen children’s names are already on the wall of memoriam at the school, 14 too many, if taken into account that the school only opened two years ago.
According to a report released in July this year by the joint United Nations programme for HIV and Aids, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, and the United Nations Population Fund, 48% of all adults living with HIV/Aids are women. Of the 37,8 million people infected worldwide, 17 million are female. It is even worse in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women make up 57% of those living with HIV. Young women between 15 and 21 are three times more likely to be infected than their male counterparts.
Critical areas for empowering women in this respect are HIV prevention treatment, care-giving, education, gender-based violence and women’s rights.
Women have the right to education and information needed to protect themselves. They have the right to demand condom use. They also have the right to say no. As many women said before me, culture and tradition should not be used as an excuse to abuse women’s rights.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 1815-1902, said:
Women’s degradation is in man’s idea of his sexual rights. Our religion, laws and customs are all founded on the belief that women were made for men.
I also quote UN FPA executive director Thorya Obaid:
Abstinence is meaningless to women who are coerced into sex. Failed faithfulness offers little protection to wives whose husbands have several partners, or who were infected before marriage.
She further states that social and economic empowerment is key.
In a worldwide study done in 2002 it was found that women comprised more than 50% of the world’s population, did about 60% of all the work, earned 20% of the income and owned 5% of the property. It is thus appropriate to ask: Are we doing enough to educate women about HIV and Aids and to empower them to defend themselves against violence and abuse? We should do more to ensure that government’s commitments to gender equality on paper are implemented in practice.
Also, we need many leadership positions to speak out, like Secretary- General Kofi Annan did on 11 July, addressing the Aids conference in Bangkok. What is needed is real positive change that will give more power and confidence to women and girls, change that will transform relations between women and men at all levels of society.
I also want to celebrate the husbands and partners who have the emotional strength, the vision and the wisdom to recognise that women are their equals, and to grant them the space and opportunity to take up leadership positions in society. I salute you.
In conclusion, “Wathintabafazi, wathint’ imbokotho.” [If you touch a woman, you touch a rock.] [Applause.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Thank you, hon Chair. I want to express my sincere congratulations to you on your unanimous election as Chairperson of Committees. I want to commit my office, as Chief Whip, and say that we will work together and support the work that you are doing.
May I say to our brand new hon Chairperson of Committees that I would like to take this opportunity to say that I felt it was necessary for me as Chief Whip to participate in this debate, not only as Chief Whip but also as a male member of the House, because issues relating to the emancipation of women do not belong only to the female forum. They are very important.
We also agree with and echo the sentiments of the hon Ms Terblanche regarding the disturbing absence of other members of this House. Our hon Minister should not be discouraged when we say that she should come to this important debate, only to find that some of us are not present.
Equally, I must say that it was very disturbing to note that as she was addressing the House, other women members of the House were engaged in conversation. I will not say that they were from the DA corner, because we do not have a corner for any party in this House. However, it becomes a challenge for me as a man to say to our fellow countrymen that they should respect the dignity of women when some of them do not show that respect when a senior woman Minister of our country is speaking.
May I say that the ANC’s objective as an organisation and as a government is to transform our country into a nonracial, nonsexist and democratic South Africa. Our goal of a nonsexist society derives from our particular history, which has been characterised by the triple oppression of women. It is also informed by our vision of human rights, which recognises that women and men have equal rights. This year’s national Women’s Day provides us with the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made in our first decade of liberation.
In assessing the progress we have made towards the creation of a nonsexist society, we need to reflect on the impact that our policies and programmes have made on the quality of life and status of women in South Africa. We need to establish the extent to which our policies and programmes have contributed towards achieving gender equality and transforming gender relations in our society. However, it is difficult to appreciate properly the progress we have made in engendering our society without reflecting on the legacy we inherited.
As we know, under apartheid women’s life roles were laid down at birth, in the first place by skin colour, in the second place by sex, and in the third place by economic class. African women in particular carried on their backs a vast superstructure of discriminatory laws and customs, which condemned them to the bottom of the pile of humanity. Addressing this legacy was one of the key challenges when the ANC took over the reins of government, and remained very much at the centre of our national agenda during our first decade of liberation.
Gender equality is not a buzzword for the ANC, as it is for some other parties. It is one of the fundamental principles that define our organisation. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the various policy and pragmatic approaches that we have elaborated on since 1994. To mention a few: we have a progressive Constitution that prohibits discrimination on the basis of, amongst other things, sex and gender; the promulgation of laws such as the Maintenance Act, the Domestic Violence Act, the Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act, the Employment Equity Act and the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, all of which are cornerstones of gender equality; the institutionalisation of gender equality through the establishment of national machinery consisting of the Office on the Status of Women, gender units in all government departments and, as was mentioned earlier by the hon Mrs Vilakazi, the Joint Standing Committee on the Improvement of the Quality of Life and Status of Women.
We also need to mention the ratification of conventions and agreements such as the Beijing Platform of Action, where hon Minister Geraldine Fraser- Moleketi also actively participated in its formulation and adoption. Through these interventions women are progressively regaining their dignity and taking responsibility for their lives.
Under the leadership of the ANC our country has also emerged as a beacon of hope for women all over the world, and especially in Africa, because in our country women are seen as not only participating in, but also actively shaping, the nature and form of our democracy. Other speakers have alluded to the good work that our first lady, Mrs Mbeki, is doing by taking Women in Dialogue to all the countries in Africa that are experiencing conflict.
During the Codesa talks, for example, the ANC Women’s League spearheaded a major campaign by mobilising women and organising a huge demonstration at the World Trade Centre, demanding that all political parties in Codesa should have women representatives. The campaign was supported by the ANC, and as a result all the parties were forced to send women representatives to the negotiations. Their presence around the negotiating table ensured that women’s concerns were integrated into the discussions that were defining the nature and form of our democracy. It also ensured that the empowerment and emancipation of women was acknowledged as a central concept in the reconstruction and development of our post-apartheid society.
The question of gender equality is central to our programme of reconstruction and development in our country. We are saying that the basis on which to judge the liberation of our country is to note the extent to which its women are free, because we will agree that while there are challenges, better conditions have been created for our women than was the case ten years ago. This was acknowledged by our President, Thabo Mbeki, when he said:
The progress we make in the genuine emancipation of women in our country should therefore serve as a litmus test of the advance we are making towards fundamental social transformation. Failure to move forward towards gender equality can only mean that we are not advancing significantly towards the creation of a new South Africa.
There is enough evidence which suggests that the policies and programmes of the ANC are beginning to have an impact on women. One of the most significant changes is the increased participation of women in governance. This has also moved us ahead of many established democracies in terms of the participation of women in Parliament, many of whom have been appointed as Ministers and Deputy Ministers, as the hon Minister has already stated.
Also, our presiding officers in this Parliament, as deployed by the ANC, are women in leadership. We may also look throughout our provinces. Most of the provincial Speakers deployed by the ANC are women, and the ANC has deployed many women to be district and local municipality mayors, as well as Speakers.
In the Cabinet women are no longer appointed to the usual women-related portfolios, but are now being appointed to portfolios that are critical to the reconstruction and development of our country, such as Trade and Industry, Minerals and Energy, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Education, Health, Agriculture and Land Affairs. I will leave it to hon members to count the other departments that are led by women Ministers that I have not mentioned.
I must say that during the second decade of liberation we must consolidate and deepen the gains we have made in promoting gender equality in our country.
As I am aware that I still have four minutes left, Madam Chairperson, may I say that women need to ensure that they use their numerical increase in structures of government also to change the lives of other women. As MPs we are strategically placed to play a leading role in advancing gender equality in decision-making. We are decision-makers who can directly influence policies and the programme of government. We can ensure the identification and amendment of laws discriminating on the basis of gender and pass gender-sensitive and empowering laws. As part of our oversight role we must monitor the implementation of national, regional and international commitments on gender equality. In our constituencies we must sensitise our constituents to the fact that gender equality is a human right and a democratic imperative.
I wish to conclude by issuing a clarion call to all our fellow countrymen to stop exploiting, abusing, raping, killing and maiming women, because we believe that God created us to live harmoniously. Let us do so. I thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION: Thank you very much, Madam Chair of Committees. I also want to add my voice to those who have congratulated you on your appointment. I think we could not have chosen a better month to do so, because this is also the path of ensuring that we do indeed reflect, through the face of Parliament, our determination to build a nonsexist society. We are also confident, Madam Chair of Chairs, that you will ensure that those women in the remotest part of our country will feel the impact of your role in this House.
Having said that, I think it is appropriate to conclude this debate with a poem written in 1913 by a certain Mrs A C Dube, called “Africa: My Native Land”. I think if we listen to it carefully, we will hear the importance.
Africa: my native land How beautiful are thy hills and dales I love thy very atmosphere so sweet Thy trees adorn the landscape rough and steep No other country in the world could with thee compare It is here where our noble ancestors experienced joys of dear ones and of home Where great and glorious kingdoms rose and fell Where blood was shed to save thee, thou dearest land ever known But alas, the efforts were all in vain for today others claim thee as their own, No longer can their offspring cherish thee, No land to call their own, but outcasts in their own country Despair of thee I never, never will, Struggle I must for freedom, God’s great gift Till every drop of blood within my veins shall dry upon my troubled bones, O thou dearest native land.
This was 1913, three years after the promulgation of the Land Act, the infamous land Act. And we had an African woman who wrote so profound a poem. I think it is still profound for us today.
The reason I thought I should raise it is that I believe the inputs from everyone to this very important debate were that, as everyone reflected, we should not forget our past. Look at our present in order to build on it for the future.
I listened very carefully to the inputs and contributions that were made, and I think we saw very clearly the tracing of our history. We had the acknowledgement of heroines from our history, who clearly contributed to our present. I think we all dealt with the issue of, yes, we have an enabling environment; yes, we have a profound Constitution, but let’s look at implementation. But I want to join those who said, as we look at the issue of implementation, and as we look at the role of the government and state, that we should also bear in mind the need and importance of the role of community.
Now I want to make a few points here today, and I am going to make some very direct points, having thanked everyone for participating. I want to raise some points in which I would like to challenge some members in this debate. I want to challenge, very pertinently, Mrs Robinson as well as Ms Terblanche. The reason I want to issue the challenge is this. My understanding of your party is never really so much one of appreciating the centrality of the role of government and state. It is my party that talks about the centrality of that role, and yet, in your input, Mrs Robinson, you suggested that the role of government would be tested in terms of the extent to which we have achieved freedom from fear.
Surely that is not the role of government alone. It cannot be, because if we see it solely as the government’s role, I think we are missing the point completely. I think there is a need to ask ourselves: What is the role of every component of society? Let me make it even more personal to us. All of us in this House today, what role models are we giving our sons and daughters? Are we developing our families and providing guidance in such a manner that each of our sons will understand that when a young women says no, that that is indeed no? Are we playing that role, or do we expect someone else to do that? Do we expect the government to do that?
I think a second point I want to make is a question I have asked. To what extent have we taught our children, or are we teaching our children, to understand the importance and the value they add in the family, in the community, in broader society? Have we assisted them to understand the importance of appreciating what is raised in this Constitution of ours that says that everyone has the right to bodily and psychological integrity, which includes the right to make decisions concerning reproduction, to security in and control over their body, and not to be subjected to medical or scientific experiments without their informed consent? Or do we ensure that in the family we teach our sons and daughters to understand human dignity, as captured in the Constitution, and the fact that everyone has inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected?
Do we also teach in our homes, and in the varying roles we play in the community, the fact that equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms, to promote the achievement of equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons or categories of persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination?
Do we also inform them that no person may unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds in terms of section 3. Let me just remind us what section 3 says. It states very clearly that there is a common South African citizenship, that all citizens are equally entitled to the rights, privileges and benefits of citizenship and equally subject to the duties and responsibilities of citizenship, and that national legislation must provide for the acquisition, loss and restoration of citizenship. Do we do that, or do we assume that this education must be undertaken by someone else?
If we have listened to the inputs today, and if we have heard about the practices that still take place in our country, there were examples of farms and what happens on farms, don’t some of us have relatives who own farms, or know people who own farms, whilst others among us may have relatives who are actually farm labourers or farm workers?
What are we doing to contribute to the transformation of society, or do we grumble like that hon member over there, who says, how relevant is this? The relevance is that if we celebrate, we should also ask: What is our responsibility as members of this House in order to ensure that we as legislators contribute to building a nonsexist and nonracial society?
We have a responsibility to understand what is in this Constitution, because I think many of us forget this document. It is there, and we may not even remember it or sometimes do not know or appreciate that as legislators we have a responsibility not only to live out this document, but also to make this Constitution a reality of our country. It is sometimes an easy cop-out to say: Well, someone else should do it. But yes, Government will play the role that is required in respect of implementation and, yes, it is your responsibility to remind us where that role is not played.
That is why we have various programmes, such as the Batho Pele programme. I would like the NCOP to study this programme very closely and say: In this month of August, what of Batho Pele, and the Batho Pele programme and principles, will make gender equality a greater reality in all corners of our country? How will we make that happen? How can we ensure that we take it forward?
So let us not just look at what others should do, or what the various services must do; let us also look at what contribution we are making and how we actually make a difference. I think that too often we are outward- looking, and we forget to be inward-looking. We also think that, as we challenge and oppose, we should look for someone else to fix the problem, and we are not like Mrs Dube, who said:
Despair of thee I never, never will Struggle I must for freedom, God’s great gift Till every drop of blood within my veins shall dry upon my troubled bones, o thou dearest native land …
We should do so proudly. I want to join all those, and in particular the Chief Whip, who has said the struggle for the emancipation of women is not a struggle of women alone, but a struggle of both men and women. I want to say to one or two of those individual men who today spoke about “liberating women”, that liberation is not done “for” women, but “with” women. The freedom of women will not be achieved by others “for” women, but we will fight for our freedom together, because it is after all men and women who will make this beautiful country of ours indeed an emancipated country, a truly nonsexist country, a truly nonracial country, and one that is a united country. I think we should see how we can make that happen.
So, yes, we do want freedom from fear, freedom from want, and we want all the freedoms that our Constitution captures and enshrines, but we are not going to be spectators in achieving that. We will make it happen in every area possible. We will make it happen in the shrines where we worship, in the mosques where we worship, in the synagogues where we worship, in the churches where we worship, and also where we engage in worshipping our traditional religions.
We will ensure that we make a difference in our homes and indeed, as was stated earlier, no number of policemen and -women will be able to prevent the crime of violence against women that happens within the private and personal sphere, within the home. We as a country have taken the bold step actually to commit ourselves to the convention on discrimination against women, which also says that even within the personal sphere we should try to prevent violence taking place there. We need to ensure that we build the foundation stones, that we contribute towards men and women in this country, that we contribute in the upbringing of our children indeed to make a difference so that they will assist in ensuring that we build a new culture.
We come from a society that has been very traumatised, and overcoming the trauma is not something that will happen in a flash of light, or simply by wiping clean the blackboard. It is going to require a cultural change. If we truly want to build ubuntu in South African society, we all need to make that happen.
We will give no inch on the Public Service, the parastatals and all other state machinery playing the role required. We just need to ensure that we take it forward, because the challenge is much beyond us.
So let me say today: Let us as legislators take forward our responsibility and say that we have come a long way in terms of the emancipation of women in South African society. We have much to be proud of. But we have an even longer road ahead and the challenges ahead are even greater than the challenges that we have overcome. Thank you very much, Chairperson. [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Thank you, hon Minister. I want to take this opportunity to thank all hon members who have participated in this debate, and the hon Minister for participating in the debate, as well as for highlighting the achievements of the government, particularly for women.
I think we also need to thank the women of this country who have been part of the liberation struggle, who fought for their rights. They have shown that by voting for the government of their choice during the general elections. Debate concluded.
The Council adjourned at 16:06. ____
THURSDAY, 01 JULY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Government Notice No 663 published in Government Gazette No
26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires in
open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns Vhembe District Municipality (formerly Soutpansberg areas),
in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of 1984).
(b) Government Notice No 664 published in Government Gazette No
26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires in
open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns Mopane District Municipality (formerly Letaba and
Pietersburg Districts), in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No
122 of 1984).
c) Government Notice No 665 published in Government Gazette No 26407
dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires in open air,
the destruction by burning slash and clearing or maintenance of
firebelts by burning and the execution of block-burns: Districts of
(a) Ermelo, Eerstehoek, Carolina and Waterval-Boven, (b) Piet Retief
and Wakkerstroom, in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of
1984).
(d) Government Notice No 666 published in Government Gazette No
26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires in
open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns: Districts of Nelspruit, White River, Pilgrim's Rest,
Lydenburg, Belfast, Waterval-Boven, Carolina and Barberton, in
terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of 1984).
(e) Government Notice No 667 published in Government Gazette No
26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires in
open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns: KwaZulu-Natal, in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122
of 1984). Clearing or maintenance of firebelts by burning and the
execution of block-burns: KwaZulu-Natal, in terms of the Forest
Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of 1984).
____
THURSDAY, 8 JULY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(i) Energy Regulator Bill [B 9 - 2004] (National Assembly -
sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its
introduction published in Government Gazette No 25994 of 6
February 2004.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Minerals
and Energy of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the
Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint
Rule 160, on 9 July 2004.
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.
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Energy Regulator Bill, 2004, submitted by the Minister of
Minerals and Energy on 2 July 2004. Referred to the Portfolio
Committee on Minerals and Energy and the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs.
(2) Sterilisation Amendment Bill, 2004, submitted by the Minister of
Health on 28 June 2004. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Health and the Select Committee on Social Services.
National Council of Provinces
- Referrals to committees of papers tabled
The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the
relevant committees as mentioned below:
(1) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Report of the Executive Officer of the Financial Services
Board on the Road Accident Fund - 10th Report for 2002-2003.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Sasria Limited for
2003.
(c) Government Notice No 423 published in Government Gazette
No 26203 dated 31 March 2004: Amendment of the Rules of the
Government Employees Pension Fund in terms of the Government
Employees Pension Law, 1996 (Act No 21 of 1996).
(d) Government Notice No 445 published in Government Gazette
No 26219 dated 31 March 2004: Supplementary adjustments to
local government allocations for 2003-2004 in terms of the
Division of Revenue Act, 2003 (Act No 7 of 2003).
(e) Government Notice No 446 published in Government Gazette
No 26220 dated 1 April 2004: Local Government allocations for
2004-2005 in terms of the Division of Revenue Act, 2004 (Act
No 5 of 2004).
(f) Government Notice No 444 published in Government Gazette
No 26230 dated 1 April 2004: Allocations made to the provinces
in terms of section 7 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2004
(Act No 5 of 2004).
(2) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance and to the Joint Budget Committee for consideration:
Submission of the Financial and Fiscal Commission on the Division
of Revenue Bill for 2005-2006, tabled in terms of section 9 of the
Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Act, 1997 (Act No 97 of 1997).
(3) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Report of the Judicial Inspectorate on Prisons and
Prisoners for 2003-2004 [RP 72-2004].
(b) Draft Directions by the National Commissioner of the South
African Police Service, in terms of section 34(3)(c) of the
Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act
No 12 of 2004).
(4) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Land
and Environmental Affairs:
Government Notice No 732 published in Government Gazette No 26295
dated 30 April 2004: Request for written comments are invited from
the public on the Draft Water Services Amendment Bill and
Explanatory Memorandum.
16 JULY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Trade and Industry
(i) Companies Amendment Bill [B 10 - 2004] (National Assembly
- sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its
introduction published in Government Gazette No 26506 of 25
June 2004.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and
Industry of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the
Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint
Rule 160, on 15 July 2004.
(2) The Minister of Home Affairs
(i) Immigration Amendment Bill [B 11 - 2004] (National
Assembly - sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior
notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No
26507 of 24 June 2004.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Home
Affairs of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint
Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule
160, on 15 July 2004.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the
Bills may be submitted to the JTM within three parliamentary working
days.
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Companies Amendment Bill, 2004, submitted by the Minister of
Trade and Industry on 8 June 2004. Referred to the Portfolio
Committee on Trade and Industry and the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs.
National Assembly
- Appointment of Whips of the National Assembly
African National Congress
Baloyi, Mr M R
Bapela, Mr K O
Fihla, Mr N B
Frolick, Mr C T
Gumede, Mr D M
Jacobus, Ms L
Kannemeyer, Mr B W
Kondlo, Ms N C
Lekgoro, Mr M M S
Louw, Mr S K
Maloyi, Mr P D N
Malumise, Ms M
Manie, Mr M S
Masutha, Mr T M
Maunye, Mrs M M
Mentor, Ms M P
Mnandi, Ms P N
Mngomezulu, Mr G P
Mofokeng, Mr T R
Moloto, Mr K A
Montsitsi, Mr S D
Motubatse-Hounkpatin, Ms S D
Mthethwa, Mr E N
Mzondeki, Mr M J G
Ngaleka, Ms E
Olifant, Mr D W A
Oliphant, Mr G G
Sefularo, Mr M
Sekgobela, Ms P S
Sosibo, Ms J E
Tshwete, Ms P
Van den Heever, Mr R P Z
With effect from 17 June 2004
Democratic Alliance
Ellis, Mr M J
Kalyan, Ms S V
Lee, Mr T D
Maluleke, Mr D K
With effect from 23 April 2004
Doman, Mr W P
Schmidt, Mr H C
With effect from 24 May 2004
Inkatha Freedom Party
Mpontsane, Mr A M
Seaton, Ms S A
Van der Merwe, Mr J H
With effect from 4 May 2004
United Democratic Movement
Madikiza, Mr G T
With effect from 23 April 2004
Independent Democrats
Harding, Mr A
With effect from 5 May 2004
New National Party
Greyling, Mr C H F
With effect from 4 May 2004
African Christian Democratic Party
Green, Mr L M
With effect from 3 May 2004
Freedom Front Plus, United Christian Democratic Party, Pan Africanist
Congress of Azania, Minority Front and Azanian Peoples' Organisation
Mfundisi, Mr I S
Mulder, Dr C P
With effect from 5 May 2004
-
Referrals to committees of papers tabled The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the relevant Committees as mentioned below:
(1) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance:
(a) Report of the Executive Officer of the Financial Services Board on the Road Accident Fund - 10th Report for 2002-2003. (b) Report and Financial Statements of Sasria Limited for 2003. (c) Government Notice No 445 published in Government Gazette No 26219 dated 31 March 2004: Supplementary adjustments to local government allocations for 2003-2004 in terms of the Division of Revenue Act, 2003 (Act No 7 of 2003). (d) Government Notice No 446 published in Government Gazette No 26220 dated 1 April 2004: Local Government allocations for 2004-2005 in terms of the Division of Revenue Act, 2004 (Act No 5 of 2004). (e) Government Notice No 444 published in Government Gazette No 26230 dated 1 April 2004: Allocations made to the provinces in terms of section 7 of the Division of Revenue Act, 2004 (Act No 5 of 2004).(2) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration:
Government Notice No 423 published in Government Gazette No 26203 dated 31 March 2004: Amendment of the Rules of the Government Employees Pension Fund in terms of the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996 (Act No 21 of 1996).(3) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture and to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
Letter from the Minister of Arts and Culture to the Speaker of the National Assembly, in terms of section 65(2)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999), explaining the delay in the tabling of the Annual Report of the National Library of South Africa for 2002-2003.(4) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance and to the Joint Budget Committee for consideration:
Submission of the Financial and Fiscal Commission on the Division of Revenue Bill for 2005-2006, tabled in terms of section 9 of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Act, 1997 (Act No 97 of 1997).(5) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services:
Report of the Judicial Inspectorate on Prisons and Prisoners for 2003-2004 [RP 72-2004].(6) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security:
Draft Directions by the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, in terms of section 34(3)(c) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 12 of 2004).(7) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs and Forestry:
Government Notice No 732 published in Government Gazette No 26295 dated 30 April 2004: Request for written comments are invited from the public on the Draft Water Services Amendment Bill and Explanatory Memorandum.
National Council of Provinces
- Referrals to committees of papers tabled
The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the
relevant committee as mentioned below:
(1) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs:
(a) Government Notice No 663 published in Government Gazette
No 26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires
in open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns Vhembe District Municipality (formerly Soutpansberg
areas), in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of 1984).
(b) Government Notice No 664 published in Government Gazette
No 26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires
in open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns Mopane District Municipality (formerly Letaba and
Pietersburg Districts), in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act
No 122 of 1984).
(c) Government Notice No 665 published in Government Gazette
No 26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires
in open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns: Districts of (a) Ermelo, Eerstehoek, Carolina and
Waterval-Boven, (b) Piet Retief and Wakkerstroom, in terms of
the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of 1984).
(d) Government Notice No 666 published in Government Gazette
No 26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires
in open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns: Districts of Nelspruit, White River, Pilgrim's Rest,
Lydenburg, Belfast, Waterval-Boven, Carolina and Barberton, in
terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No 122 of 1984).
(e) Government Notice No 667 published in Government Gazette
No 26407 dated 28 May 2004: Prohibition on the making of fires
in open air, the destruction by burning slash and clearing or
maintenance of firebelts by burning and the execution of block-
burns: KwaZulu-Natal, in terms of the Forest Act, 1984 (Act No
122 of 1984).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Communications
(a) Decisions of the 1999 Beijing Congress - Universal Postal Union
(Final Text of the Acts signed at Beijing), tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Decisions of the 1999 Beijing
Congress - Universal Postal Union.
National Council of Provinces
- The Chairperson
(a) The following statement has been submitted to the National
Council of Provinces by the MEC for Housing and Local Government
in the Northern Cape in terms of section 106 of the Local
Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000).
Committee of Inquiry into the affairs of Sol Plaatje Municipality,
Northern Cape.
Referrred to the Select Committee on Local Government and
Administration.
Copies of the statement are available from the office of the Clerk
of Papers.
(b) Notice received from the MEC for Local Government and Housing in
the Province of the North West regarding the intervention in the
Mamusa Local Municipality, in terms of section 139(4)(a) and (b)
of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No
108 of 1996).
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and
Administration.
Copies of the statement are available from the office of the Clerk
of Papers.
(c) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter,
dated 2 July 2004, to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces informing Members of the Council of the employment of
the South African National Defence Force:
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN SUDAN IN FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION
This serves to inform the National Council of Provinces that I
authorised the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Sudan as part of the
African Union Observer Mission in Sudan.
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 10 members are employed for an initial period of 21
months. The members will be rotated after 12 months.
The African Union will provide air tickets and a daily
subsistence allowance to cover meals, accommodation and
expenses of the Military Observers. The total estimated cost
to be borne by South Africa for the deployment of personnel to
the mission until 31 March 2006 is R 2 044 602,00 to cover the
standard Republic of South Africa allowances for foreign
deployments and mid-term home visit air travel.
The Department of Defence will accommodate the expenditure
within its current allocation for Peace Support Operations.
I will communicate this report to the Members of the National
Assembly and the Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee
on Defence, and wish to request that you bring the contents
hereof to the notice of the National Council of Provinces.
Regards
SIGNED
T M MBEKI
29 JULY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
(1) Postal Services Amendment Bill [B 40 - 2003] - Act No 33 of 2003
(assented to and signed by President on 9 July 2004).
(2) National Health Bill [B 32D - 2003] - Act No 61 of 2003
(assented to and signed by President on 18 July 2004).
(3) National Environmental Management Second Amendment Bill [B 56B -
2003] - Act No 8 of 2004 (assented to and signed by President on 9
July 2004).
NOTE: The name of the Act is the National Environmental Management
Amendment Act, 2004.
(4) Communal Land Rights Bill [B 67D - 2003] - Act No 11 of 2004
(assented to and signed by President on 14 July 2004).
(5) Appropriation Bill [B 3 - 2004] - Act No 15 of 2004 (assented to
and signed by President on 22 July 2004).
(6) Taxation Laws Amendment Bill [B 8 - 2004] - Act No 16 of 2004
(assented to and signed by President on 22 July 2004).
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) International Arbitration Bill, 2004, submitted by the Minister
for Justice and Constitutional Development on 10 June 2004.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional
Development and the Select Committee on Security and
Constitutional Affairs.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Appointment of a Chairperson and Members to the Financial and
Fiscal Commission (FFC), in terms of section 221(1) of the
Constitution, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996), section 5 of the
Financial and Fiscal Commission Act, 1997 (Act No 99 of 1997), and
section 5 of the Organised Local Government Act, 1997 (Act No 52
of 1997).
(b) Government Notice No R788 published in Government Gazette No
26521 dated 30 June 2004: Exemption in terms of section 74 of the
Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act No 38 of 2001).
(c) Government Notice No 722 published in Government Gazette No
26510 dated 25 June 2004: Commencement dates of certain sections
of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003
(Act No 56 of 2003).
(d) Government Notice No 1261 published in Government Gazette No
26513 dated 28 June 2004: Draft Treasury Regulations published for
public comment in terms of section 78 of the Public Finance
Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
(e) Government Notice No 773 published in Government Gazette No
26511 dated 1 July 2004: Delays and exemptions in terms of section
177 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act,
2003 (Act No 56 of 2003).
(f) Government Notice No R749 published in Government Gazette No
26487 dated 21 June 2004: Exemptions in terms of section 74 of the
Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act No 38 of 2001).
(g) Proclamation No R24 published in Government Gazette No 26231
dated 1 April 2004: Commencement of the Government Employees
Pension Law Amendment Act, 2003 (Act No 35 of 2003).
(h) Government Notice No 569 published in Government Gazette No
26324 dated 31 April 2004: Statement of the National and
Provincial Governments' revenue, expenditure and national
borrowing as at 31 March 2004 in terms of the Public Finance
Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999) and Division of Revenue
Act, 2003 (Act No 7 of 2003).
(i) Proclamation No 36 published in Government Gazette No 26522
dated 30 June 2004: Commencement of section 46(2) of the Financial
Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act No 38 of 2001).
- The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Government Notice No 824 published in Government Gazette No
26552 dated 16 July 2004: Transformation of the Clanwilliam
Irrigation Board, Magisterial district of Clanwilliam, Western
Cape Province, into the Clanwilliam Water User Association, Water
Management Area Number 17, Western Cape Province in terms of
section 98(6) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(b) Government Notice No 825 published in Government Gazette No
26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the Vanderkloof Water
User Association, Magisterial districts of Philipstown, Hopetown
and Herbert situated in the Province of the Northern Cape and
Fauresmith situated in the Province of the Free State, Water
Management Area Number 13 in terms of section 92(1) of the
National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(c) Government Notice No 826 published in Government Gazette No
26552 dated 16 July 2004: Transformation of the Koppies Irrigation
Board, Magisterial districts of Koppies, Heilbron, Province of the
Free State, into the Renoster River Water User Association, Water
Management Area Number 9, Free State Province in terms of section
98(6) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(d) Government Notice No 827 published in Government Gazette No
26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the Stella Water User
Association, Magisterial district of Vryburg, North West Province,
Water Management Area Number 10 in terms of section 92(1) of the
National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(e) Government Notice No 828 published in Government Gazette No
26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the Tosca/Molopo Water
User Association, Magisterial district of Vryburg, North West
Province, Water Management Area Number 10 in terms of section
92(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(f) Government Notice No 829 published in Government Gazette No
26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the Louwna/Coetzersdam
Water User Association, Magisterial district of Vryburg, North
West Province, Water Management Area Number 10 in terms of section
92(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
National Council of Provinces
- The Chairperson
(a) Report on the Investigation in Kannaland Municipality in terms
of section 106 of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act,
2000 (Act No 32 of 2000).
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and
Administration.
Copies of the report are available from the office of the Clerk of
Papers.
(b) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 21 July 2004 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces informing Members of the Council of the employment of
the South African National Defence Force:
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN
FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC
OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE REPUBLIC OF BURUNDI
This serves to inform the National Council of Provinces that I
authorised the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Republic of Burundi to
provide protection services to Burundian political leaders.
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 475 personnel are employed until after Burundi
general elections, but not later than 31 December 2004. The
said elections are envisaged to take place at the end of
October 2004.
The total estimated cost to be borne by South Africa for the
deployment of personnel to the mission until 31 December 2004
is R 39 million.
The Department of Defence will accommodate the expenditure
within its current allocation for Peace Support Operations.
I will communicate this report to the Members of the National
Assembly and the Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee
on Defence, and wish to request that you bring the contents
hereof to the notice of the National Council of Provinces.
Regards
SIGNED
T M MBEKI
-----------------------
2 AUGUST 2004
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister in The Presidency
Report and Financial Statements of the Media Development and Diversity
Agency (MDDA) for 2003-2004, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2003-2004 [RP 108-2004].
5 AUGUST 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
- Membership of Committees
(1) Ms J M Masilo has been elected Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Social Services with effect from 4 August 2004.
(2) Mr T S Ralane has been elected Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Finance with effect from 4 August 2004.
(3) Rev P Moatshe has been elected Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs with effect from 4
August 2004.
(4) The following changes have been effected to the membership of
Select Committees, viz:
Economic and Foreign Affairs
Discharged: Van Rooyen, Mr C J (Free State)
Appointed: Mabe, Ms E S (Free State)
Labour and Public Enterprises
Discharged: Van Rooyen, Mr C J (Free State)
Appointed: Mabe, Ms E S (Free State)
Land and Environmental Affairs
Discharged: Mabe, Ms E S (Free State)
Appointed: Van Rooyen, Mr C J (Free State)
Public Services
Discharged: Mabe, Ms E S (Free State)
Appointed: Van Rooyen, Mr C J (Free State)
- Referrals to committees of papers tabled
The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the
relevant committees as mentioned below:
(1) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs and to the Joint Monitoring
Committee on the Improvement of the Quality of Life and Status of
Women for consideration and report. The committees to confer and
the Joint Monitoring Committee on the Improvement of the Quality
of Life and Status of Women must report:
(a) Decisions of the 1999 Beijing Congress - Universal Postal
Union (Final Text of the Acts signed at Beijing), tabled in
terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Decisions of the 1999
Beijing Congress - Universal Postal Union.
(2) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Appointment of a Chairperson and Members to the Financial
and Fiscal Commission (FFC), in terms of section 221(1) of the
Constitution, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996), section 5 of the
Financial and Fiscal Commission Act, 1997 (Act No 99 of 1997),
and section 5 of the Organised Local Government Act, 1997 (Act
No 52 of 1997).
(b) Government Notice No R788 published in Government Gazette
No 26521 dated 30 June 2004: Exemption in terms of section 74
of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act No 38 of
2001).
(c) Government Notice No 722 published in Government Gazette
No 26510 dated 25 June 2004: Commencement dates of certain
sections of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management
Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003).
(d) Government Notice No 1261 published in Government Gazette
No 26513 dated 28 June 2004: Draft Treasury Regulations
published for public comment in terms of section 78 of the
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
(e) Government Notice No 773 published in Government Gazette
No 26511 dated 1 July 2004: Delays and exemptions in terms of
section 177 of the Local Government: Municipal Finance
Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003).
(f) Government Notice No R749 published in Government Gazette
No 26487 dated 21 June 2004: Exemptions in terms of section 74
of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act No 38 of
2001).
(g) Proclamation No R24 published in Government Gazette No
26231 dated 1 April 2004: Commencement of the Government
Employees Pension Law Amendment Act, 2003 (Act No 35 of 2003).
(h) Government Notice No 569 published in Government Gazette
No 26324 dated 31 April 2004: Statement of the National and
Provincial Governments' revenue, expenditure and national
borrowing as at 31 March 2004 in terms of the Public Finance
Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999) and Division of
Revenue Act, 2003 (Act No 7 of 2003).
(i) Proclamation No 36 published in Government Gazette No
26522 dated 30 June 2004: Commencement of section 46(2) of the
Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 (Act No 38 of 2001).
(3) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs:
(a) Government Notice No 824 published in Government Gazette
No 26552 dated 16 July 2004: Transformation of the Clanwilliam
Irrigation Board, Magisterial district of Clanwilliam, Western
Cape Province, into the Clanwilliam Water User Association,
Water Management Area Number 17, Western Cape Province in
terms of section 98(6) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No
36 of 1998).
(b) Government Notice No 825 published in Government Gazette
No 26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the Vanderkloof
Water User Association, Magisterial districts of Philipstown,
Hopetown and Herbert situated in the Province of the Northern
Cape and Fauresmith situated in the Province of the Free
State, Water Management Area Number 13 in terms of section
92(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(c) Government Notice No 826 published in Government Gazette
No 26552 dated 16 July 2004: Transformation of the Koppies
Irrigation Board, Magisterial districts of Koppies, Heilbron,
Province of the Free State, into the Renoster River Water User
Association, Water Management Area Number 9, Free State
Province in terms of section 98(6) of the National Water Act,
1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(d) Government Notice No 827 published in Government Gazette
No 26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the Stella Water
User Association, Magisterial district of Vryburg, North West
Province, Water Management Area Number 10 in terms of section
92(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(e) Government Notice No 828 published in Government Gazette
No 26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the Tosca/Molopo
Water User Association, Magisterial district of Vryburg, North
West Province, Water Management Area Number 10 in terms of
section 92(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of
1998).
(f) Government Notice No 829 published in Government Gazette
No 26552 dated 16 July 2004: Establishment of the
Louwna/Coetzersdam Water User Association, Magisterial
district of Vryburg, North West Province, Water Management
Area Number 10 in terms of section 92(1) of the National Water
Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(4) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) The President of the Republic submitted the following
letter dated 2 July 2004 to the Chairperson of the National
Council of Provinces informing Members of the Council of the
employment of the South African National Defence Force in
Sudan.
(b) The President of the Republic submitted the following
letter dated 21 July 2004 to the Chairperson of the National
Council of Provinces informing Members of the Council of the
employment of the South African National Defence Force.
(5) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Labour and Public Enterprises:
Report and Financial Statements of the Media Development and
Diversity Agency (MDDA) for 2003-2004, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2003-2004 [RP 108-
2004].
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
Annual Report of the South African Reserve Bank - Bank Supervision
Department for 2003 [RP 20-2004].
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Council of Provinces
-
Report of the Select Committee on Finance on the Convention between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, dated 4 August 2004:
The Select Committee on Finance, having considered the request for approval by Parliament of the Convention between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, referred to it, recommends that the Council, in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, approve the said Convention.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Select Committee on Finance on the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the State of Kuwait for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, dated 4 August 2004:
The Select Committee on Finance, having considered the request for approval by Parliament of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the State of Kuwait for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, referred to it, recommends that the Council, in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, approve the said Agreement.
Report to be considered.