TUESDAY, 12 APRIL 2005 __

                PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ____

The House met at 14:02.

The Deputy Speaker 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

Ms S RAJBALLY: Madam Deputy Speaker, I shall move on behalf of the MF that we are devastated by the number of street children forced to beg on our streets. Many children are found selling goods at our robots and elsewhere to earn a living for their families, even though child labour is prohibited in our country.

Childline has shockingly reported that parents are loaning their kids to beggars for nominal fees. A 10-year-old Phoenix boy says his parents drop him off at the Blue Lagoon, where he sells and begs, on Friday afternoons and fetch him on Sunday evenings. We have numerous laws in place to prohibit this. The police and the child units are trying to contain the situation, but are facing much difficulty.

Many of these families receive child grants of R180 per month, but, as that is not enough to survive on, these children return to the streets where many earn as much as R300 per day. Many people are urging motorists to assist in the situation by not giving these begging children anything, but how do you turn away an innocent child fighting to survive?

We hope the House will devise ways to remove these children from the streets to stop the exploitation and abuse of children. But with poverty on the rampage, how do we dissuade these households from getting an income that puts food on the table? We need to address this situation with all earnestness. Thank you.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, hon member. That was actually a statement, not a notice of motion.

EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF OPERATION OF SECTIONS 51 AND 52 OF CRIMINAL LAW AMENDMENT ACT

                         (Draft Resolution)

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Chief Whip I move the draft resolution printed in his name on the Order Paper, as follows:

That the House gives its consent that the President, by proclamation in the Gazette, extends the period of operation of sections 51 and 52 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, Act 105 of 1977, in terms of section 53(2) of the said Act, a further period of two years, with effect from 1 May 2005.

Agreed to.

        SADC SALUTED ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 25th ANNIVERSARY

                        (Member’s Statement)

Mrs M M MAUNYE (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC salutes the Southern African Development Community on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. Twenty-five years ago, on 5 April 1980, the SADC – then known as the Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference – was formed. This regional body in Southern Africa was founded by a group of states in the frontline against apartheid. At that time the principal focus was to add momentum to the anticolonial struggle and launch the final assault against the citadel of minority racist rule.

On this day we remember the sterling leadership of outstanding African leaders, such as Julius Mwalimu Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Samora Machel, Agostino Neto and Ketumile Masire, who spearheaded the formation of the SADC. The formation of the SADC helped in the finish push against the apartheid regime.

As we observe the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, we congratulate the SADC on its endeavours to achieve economic independence. The regional co-operation by the 14 member states organised in the SADC contribute to Nepad and the African Renaissance. The SADC makes a critical contribution in ensuring stability and peace in the Great Lakes region and the DRC.

The attainment of political stability and peace is critical in the overall programme of Nepad. Aluta! [Applause.]

                       DISSOLUTION OF THE NNP

                        (Member’s Statement)

Dr A I VAN NIEKERK (DA): Die DA wil graag die agb Marthinus van Schalkwyk gelukwens met sy besluit om die NNP, wat onder sy leiding feitlik al sy ondersteuners verloor het, die genadeskoot te gee en te ontbind en so van sy leierskap te verlos.

Die ontbinding van die NNP bevestig die troubreuk tussen die NNP-leierskap en sy ondersteuners, wat tot samewerking verbind was en die versekering van die NNP-leier geglo het dat eenwording met die ANC nie op die tafel is nie. Tweehonderd en vyftigduisend ondersteuners het in 2004 onder valse voorwendsels vir die NNP gestem. Hulle is nou sonder ’n politieke tuiste. Hulle is welkom by die DA, wat sy erewoord gestand doen en nie as opposisieparty voor die ANC sal gaan lê of buig nie. Naas boedeloorgee en die slaafse versterking van die ANC-meerderheidsregering om die doelwit van ’n eenpartystaat in Suid-Afrika te verkry, het die NNP die demokrasie versaak en die opposisie se belangrike rol in die Parlement verswak. Ek dank u. [Tussenwerpsels.] (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)

[Dr A I VAN NIEKERK (DA): The DA would like to congratulate the hon Marthinus van Schalkwyk on his decision to give the NNP, which under his leadership lost practically all its supporters, the coup de grâce and to dissolve it, thereby rescuing it from his leadership.

The dissolution of the NNP confirms the breach of trust between the NNP leadership and its supporters, who were committed to co-operation and believed the assurance of the NNP leader that a union with the ANC was not on the table. In 2004 250 000 supporters voted for the NNP under false pretences. They now have no political home. They are welcome in the DA, which is true to its word and will not, as the opposition party, go bowing and scraping in front of the ANC. Apart from its bankruptcy and the slavish strengthening of the ANC’s majority rule to achieve the aim of a one-party state in South Africa, the NNP has abandoned democracy and weakened the opposition’s important role in Parliament. I thank you. [Interjections.]]

                      DANGERS OF DRUNK DRIVING

                        (Member’s Statement)

Mr T E VEZI (IFP): Madam Deputy Speaker, many people lose their lives and many more are injured on our roads each year as a result of people who do not take the law seriously by driving under the influence of alcohol. In spite of the efforts and campaigns warning people of the dangers of drinking and driving, there are still those who continue to do so as they think that they will probably just get a fine.

It is with this in mind that the IFP welcomes the decision by a magistrate in George in the Western Cape who sentenced a serial drunk driver to an effective six years in prison. The convicted man has a history of drunken driving, and has already had eight previous convictions for drunken driving.

We hope that this sentence serves as a wake-up call to all those who continue to drive while under the influence of alcohol despite all the potential dangers that this poses to the driver and other innocent road users. I thank you.

                 CORRUPTION REGARDING WELFARE GRANTS

                        (Member’s Statement)

Mnu L D MADUMA (ANC): Sekela-Somlomo, umbutho wesizwe, i-ANC,uyamxhasa urhulumente kwiinzame zakhe zokulwa kwanokuncothula neengcambu zawo urhwaphilizo. Singamalungu alo mbutho siyakholelwa ekubeni urhwaphilizo aluphelelanga kwizinto ezinxulumene norhulumente kuphela koko luchaphazela namashishini abucala.

Umbutho wesizwe, i-ANC, uyasamkela isibhengezo esenziwe nguMphathiswa wezoPhuhliso loluNtu kuzwelonke, uGqr Zola Skweyiya, sokuphan da abasebenzi bakwarhulumente, oogqirha kwakunye namalungu athile esipolisa seli lizwe, kubandakanywa namalungu athile oluntu nabakwigumgedle lokuhlisa ngomlenze iimali zikarhulumente ezijongene nokulwa indlala nentlupheko.

Apha naphaya kungakho uphazamiseko kwinkqubo yokunikezela ngemali yendodla kubantu abambalwa kuba kusenziwa olu phando. Ngoko ke sibongoza abantu bakuthi ukuba babe nomonde. Singamalungu alo mbutho ukhankanywe apha ngentla sibongoza kwaye sidomboza amasebe ethu kunye nabahlali ngokubanz i ukuba abimbasane noMphathiswa kweli phulo lokuvumbulula le migewu. Enkosi. (Translation of Xhosa member’s statement follows.)

[Mr L D MADUMA (ANC): Deputy Chairperson, the majority party, the ANC, supports the government in its endeavour to fight and eradicate corruption. As members of this organisation, we believe that corruption does not only involve government officials but the private sector as well.

The ANC welcomes the Minister of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya’s notice of intention to investigate public officials, doctors, some members of the Police Service, and those members of the community who are involved in corrupt activities that may derail the fight against hunger and poverty.

Here and there we may find interruptions in the pension payout system during these investigations. We would like to plead with our people to be patient. As members of the organisation mentioned above we call on all the departments and communities to work with the Minister of Social Development in his campaign aimed at rooting out these corrupt individuals. I thank you.]

              DEVASTATING FIRES IN INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

                        (Member’s Statement)

Ms S N SIGCAU (UDM): Madam Deputy Speaker, every single year around this time we experience events that are predictable and horrifying in their regularity. I am referring to the onset of winter that painfully exposes the extent of the housing crisis in our country. Every single year we witness devastating fires sweeping through informal settlements and these are often combined with massive flooding in certain areas during the same period.

In the process, tens of thousands of people are displaced and lose their belongings. Many lives are lost. Those with employment have their job security threatened by their inability to attend work, and school attendance plummets. It is predominantly poor and working-class people who end up being plummeted into deeper poverty and suffering as a result of these disasters.

Given the severity and regularity of these occurrences, the UDM appeals to the relevant national, provincial and local government departments to explain why they have not done more to avert these tragedies. We also appeal to them to at least demonstrate that they have made the necessary advance preparations to deal with the thousands of displaced people. After all, these are not unexpected events. If they have not made proper preparations, they are guilty of gross negligence in dealing with a known problem. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.

                   FRAUDULENT SOCIAL GRANT PAYOUTS

                        (Member’s Statement)

Adv A H GAUM (NNP): Deputy Speaker, good governance in terms of fighting corruption is one of the important challenges facing government. Therefore the NNP commends the swift action by the Minister of Social Development with regard to fraudulent social grant payouts. More than 37 000 public servants could be involved in social assistance fraud and corruption. The department has stated that it will take various measures to reduce and finally eliminate fraud and corruption within the grant administration system.

Currently, government loses about R1,5 billion per annum to fraud and corruption. It is expected that the antifraud and corruption campaign will drastically reduce this amount. Those in government departments who are aware of corrupt practices and refrain from reporting them should also be held accountable.

We commend Minister Skweyiya for his commitment to do everything in his power to ensure that everyone guilty of defrauding the system is dealt with accordingly.

           ROLE OF TAIWAN IN SOUTH ASIAN TSUNAMI DISASTER

                        (Member’s Statement)

Dr P W A MULDER (VF Plus): Mevrou die Adjunkspeaker, ek wil vir die agb Kraai van Niekerk net sê: Jong, daardie 250 000 Natte waarna hy verwys het, was al by die DA. Hulle is nou op pad na die VF toe. [Gelag.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)

[Dr P W A MULDER (FF Plus): Madam Deputy Speaker, I just want to say to the hon Kraai van Niekerk: Those 250 000 Nats to whom he referred, have already been to the DA. They are now on their way to the FF. [Laughter.]]

The FF Plus believes that it is a mistake for countries and international organisations to use international health issues to obtain specific political goals. Disasters and diseases recognise no national boundaries.

The World Health Organisation has played a very important role in the recent South Asian tsunami disaster. The World Health Organisation co- ordinated and distributed massive amounts of contributions from all its members.

The Republic of China (Taiwan), as one of the largest trading countries of the world, has shown its willingness to join these relief efforts led by the World Health Organisation. However, Taiwan is hampered by the fact that it is not a member of this organisation and has been refused participation in any event of the World Health Organisation. During the tsunami disaster Taiwan delivered more than 172 metric tons of relief provisions. Furthermore, Taiwan collected a total of US$70 million in donations from the people and the government of Taiwan for emergency relief funds for the affected countries.

The World Health Organisation is to hold its annual meeting in Geneva from 16 May to 25 May of this year. Taiwan has been campaigning to be readmitted as a member of the World Health Organisation. The Congress of the United States of America and the European Parliament support Taiwan’s efforts. It is sincerely hoped that the South African government and delegation will also support Taiwan’s endeavours before another deadly epidemic spreads through the world while the WHO argues politics. Mixing international politics and health issues is shortsighted and irresponsible. I thank you.

 ELEPHANT AND RHINO SECURITY AGENCIES CO-ORDINATE ACTIVITIES AGAINST
                              POACHERS


                        (Member’s Statement)

Ms P N MNANDI (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC applauds the initiative taken by the elephant and rhino security agencies from seven African countries to plan and co-ordinate their approaches against the cruel activities of poachers. The meeting was convened by the South African elephant and rhino security agencies at the Doubledrift Nature Reserve in Port Elizabeth. The meeting was attended by conservation law-enforcement agencies from seven African countries, members of the police, the Green Scorpions and the environment desk of Interpol.

The ANC urges all stakeholders in the fight against poaching to involve local community members so as to make our people aware of the importance of preserving our biodiversity and to make sure that we leave something for our children. I thank you.

               GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR TEXTILE INDUSTRY





                        (Member’s Statement)

Mnr R K HENDERSON (DA): Agb Adjunkspeaker, die Britse regering het gister ’n lening van R75 miljoen aan MG Rover, ’n Britse motorvervaardiger, gegee om te help met die aanpassing teen internasionale kompetisie.

Hulle het dit gedoen omdat hulle besef het die sluiting van die organisasie sal 6 000 poste verlore laat gaan by die fabriek en 15 000 poste sal verlore wees vir afhanklike nywerhede in die motorbedryf. Vergelyk dit met ons regering wat staan en toekyk dat 35 500 poste verloor gegaan het in ons tekstiel-, klere- en skoensektore verlede jaar. Dieselfde regering doen niks om sukkelende maatskappye, byvoorbeeld Rex Trueform, van sluiting te red nie.

Verlede jaar het die Chinese regering aan Suid-Afrika ’n bedrag van R3,7 miljoen gegee om ons tekstiel- en klerebedryf te help om aan te pas by Chinese invoere, maar dit is tragies dat ons regering net sê die geld is tot dusver nog nie gebruik nie. Dit is nie goed genoeg nie. Die DA doen ’n beroep dat die geld onmiddelik gebruik moet word om te help keer dat werkgeleenthede in die tekstielbedryf verlore gaan. Die tyd het aangebreek dat die regering bewys dat hulle ernstig is om Suid-Afrikaanse maatskappye en werkers te help om hulle werke te behou. Ek dank u. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)

[Mr R K HENDERSON (DA): Hon Deputy Speaker, yesterday the British government granted a loan of R75 million to MG Rover, a British car manufacturer, to assist with the adjustment to international competition.

They did this because they realised that the closure of the organisation would lead to the loss of 6 000 jobs at the factory, and that 15 000 jobs would be lost in independent industries in the automotive industry. Compare this to our government, which looked on as 35 500 positions were being lost in our textile, clothing and shoe manufacturing sectors last year. The same government does nothing to save struggling companies, such as Rex Trueform, from closing down.

Last year the Chinese government gave South Africa an amount of R3,7 million to help our textile and clothing industry adjust to Chinese imports, but it is tragic that our government simply says that the money has not been used yet. This is not good enough. The DA calls for the money to be used immediately to help prevent jobs in the textile industry being lost. The time has come for the government to prove that they are serious about helping South African companies and workers keep their jobs. I thank you. [Applause.]]

                COMPLIANCE WITH EMPLOYMENT EQUITY ACT


                        (Member’s Statement)

Mr N T GODI (PAC): The PAC of Azania notes and applauds the Employment Equity Act as a tool for the transformation of the workplace. However, it notes that the Act is unfortunately so lenient that reportedly an estimated 80% of employers are not legally bound to implement affirmative action.

The PAC is perplexed by the fact that a report by the Commission for Employment Equity has shown that about 99% of companies have no plans for equity; and that even the approximately 1% that has complied has done so only on procedural matters and not on substantive aspects.

The PAC is concerned that in the past employers did not need inspectors to implement legislation, but some of them now have the audacity to object to notices from the Department of Labour that they not complying with the law. The PAC therefore calls on the House to join it in its call on employers in particular and white South Africa and its political leadership in general to demonstrate in much more meaningful ways their commitment to this new dispensation and their sense of appreciation that in this new dispensation they got away with too much. Finally, the PAC calls on the Department of Labour to vigorously pursue the full implementation of legislation. Thank you.

                  PROMOTION OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE


                        (Member’s Statement)

Ms M M MALUMISE (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC believes that the promotion of healthy lifestyles is an integral part of the campaign to reduce communicable and noncommunicable diseases, as well as high levels of injuries and violence. The campaign includes the promotion of good nutrition, regular physical exercise, safe sexual behaviour, and extensive interventions aimed at decreasing smoking, alcohol and substance abuse.

As our campaign for a healthy lifestyle gains momentum, six leading United Nations agencies are holding an international consultative meeting in Durban. The meeting started on Sunday 10 April and it will continue to Wednesday 13 April. The hosting of this meeting is an important development for South Africa. It is important because the world community affirms the approach of the ANC-led government; namely that issues of food security in general and good nutrition in particular must become an integral part of our response to diseases, including HIV and Aids. The international consultative meeting provides a platform for us to share our experiences with the international community. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]

                     CHANGING OF PRETORIA’S NAME


                        (Member’s Statement)

Mev D VAN DER WALT (DA): Agb Adjunkspeaker, ten einde te betoog teen die ANC se ondeurdagte voorstel om die hoofstad Pretoria se naam na Tshwane te verander, dien ek later vandag hierdie petisie met handtekeninge van sowat 32 000 beswaarmakers by die Parlement in.

Daar het niks gekom van die voorgeskrewe konsultasieproses met die plaaslike gemeenskap en ander rolspelers nie. Inteendeel, die voorsitter van die SA Pleknaamraad het self voorgestel dat ’n konsultasieproses nie nodig is nie.

Die ANC beweer dat die geraamde koste van R1,5 miljard deur die sakesektor gedra sal word. Hierdie koste sal inderdaad op die skouers van reeds oorbelaste belastingbetalers val. Dit is duidelik dat die ANC-beheerde stadsraad met dié ondeurdagte aksie desperaat is om die aandag weg te lei van hul swak en onvoldoende dienslewering aan die armes van Pretoria.

Die DA maak ten sterkste beswaar teen die voorgestelde verandering. Pretoria is Pretoria! Dankie. [Tussenwerpsels.] [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)

[Ms D VAN DER WALT (DA): Hon Deputy Speaker, in order to protest against the ill-considered proposal to change the capital Pretoria’s name to Tshwane, I will hand this petition, with the signatures of 32 000 protesters, in to Parliament later today.

Nothing came of the prescribed consultation process with the local community and other role-players. On the contrary, the chairperson of the South African Geographical Names Council suggested that a consultation process is not needed.

The ANC alleges that the estimated cost of R1, 5 billion will be shouldered by the business sector. These costs will indeed fall on the shoulders of the already overburdened taxpayer. It is clear that the ANC-controlled city council is desperate to divert the attention away from their poor and inadequate service delivery to the poor in Pretoria with this ill- considered action.

The DA objects vehemently against this proposed change. Pretoria is Pretoria! Thank you. [Interjections.][Applause.]]

        BUDGET FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH AND INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE


                        (Member’s Statement)

Dr R RABINOWITZ (IFP): Madam Deputy Speaker, following a presentation to the health committee by the Medical Research Council, the IFP commends the council for its major contribution to health care in South Africa, in particular with regard to HIV vaccine research, the impact of lifestyle on disease, such as smoking and obesity, monitoring the effectiveness of educational programmes and policies, and most particularly its pioneering work on indigenous knowledge and medicinal herbs.

In this regard, all departments attempting to develop South Africa’s vast storehouse of traditional knowledge are hamstrung; firstly, by inadequate legislation for intellectual property on discoveries as compared to inventions; and secondly, by weak legislation on benefit sharing, which would assist the people of South Africa to share in the wealth that would come from developing our biological gold mines.

Therefore, we call on government to increase the budget dedicated to medical research above its current 9% of the Health budget and on the Ministers of Trade and Industry, Health and Science and Technology to develop an in-depth programme to draft laws that would result in our country’s indigenous knowledge playing an important role in the modern trend of healing, using knowledge from the ancient past. Thank you.

                TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR INMATES

                        (Member’s Statement)

Mr M S MOATSHE (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC-led government believes that imprisonment should be aimed at re-education and not vengeance. In an outstanding display of great courage and proof that our rehabilitation efforts within the Department of Correctional Services are working, Mr Jessie Dlamini, a former inmate, passed his matric and he is currently a college student about to embark on a successful career in human resource management.

This story is a testimony to the strength and conviction of the human spirit to triumph over obstacles, and should serve as a source of inspiration to other inmates that imprisonment does not mean an end to one’s growth.

The ANC wishes to congratulate Mr Dlamini on his outstanding efforts and his positivity. We saw him achieve excellent results in his studies.

We also wish to commend the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, which awarded him R10 000 to further his education. The encouragement and support that they are providing to Mr Dlamini will, no doubt, ensure that he becomes a truly productive member of our society. I thank you, Minister and Deputy Speaker. [Applause.]

             THE PRETORIA NAME CHANGE AND REHABILITATION

                        (Minister’s Response)

The MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Deputy Speaker, there is really not much to respond to regarding the statements. I will definitely respond to the last one on Correctional Services, but with regard to the others, particularly the one about Tshwane and the Pretoria name change, my only response is: Jirre! [Laughter.]

On the issue of rehabilitation, the issue that hon Moatshe is raising is a very good one. It is at the centre of what we do as Correctional Services - rehabilitation and correcting offending behaviour. And, when we see some of our former inmates going into business like Mr Dlamini, and being able to say that they are one of those who have been rehabilitated by Correctional Services, we can only give thanks for the work that my officials are doing within the department. Thank you very much. [Applause.]

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Thank you, hon Minister. Hon Minister, I live in Sinoville; I don’t know whether you want me to add “Jirre” as part of my address. If I remove “Pretoria” or “Tshwane”, should I add “Jirre”? But I think I can take that up with you after the sitting.

The House adjourned at 14:28.