National Council of Provinces - 13 September 2005
TUESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2005 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
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The Council met at 14:00.
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.
WELCOMING OF DEPUTY PRESIDENT TO COUNCIL
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P Hollander): We would like to welcome Her Excellency the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and all our hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers present here today. Please feel welcome here with us. I am informed that the Whippery has agreed that there will be no notices of motion or motions without notice today.
We shall now proceed to the questions as printed on the Question Paper. Before we proceed, I have an announcement to make. The Minister of Health is unavailable and she will submit written responses to the questions. The Minister in The Presidency is unavailable and is attending a meeting, and the Minister of Provincial and Local Government is unavailable. He has an appointment with his doctor. The Minister of Education will respond on his behalf.
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL REPLY
Deputy President:
Constitutional and economic implications of changing willing-buyer, willing- seller government policy
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Mr JW le Roux asked the Deputy President:
(1) Whether she studied the (a) constitutional and (b) economic implications of changing government policy from the current position of willing buyer, willing seller prior to her statements at the land summit on or about 27 July 2005 with regard to this matter; if not, on what research basis did she reach the conclusion that political considerations outweighed the constitutional and economic implications which she propagated at the summit; if so, (i) what implications did she consider and (ii) why did she reach that conclusion;
(2) Whether she has taken any action since the summit to give effect to her views; if not, when does she intend taking action in this regard; if so, what action? C211E
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Deputy Chairperson, let me start off by repeating what I said recently in the National Assembly in reply to a similar question. The leader of the hon member’s party then asked this question and I quote from my answer:
I really doubt if anyone in this House can deny that there are enormous problems with landownership patterns in our country. The fact that we have these problems is not surprising, given the centuries of wars of dispossession and later racially based colonial and apartheid policies designed specifically to drive black people off the land. It is as a result of this history that by 1994 some 87% of agricultural land was owned by white people. I am convinced that no one in this House will deny that land redistribution has been moving too slowly. Government has set a target of redistributing 30% of agricultural land to the previously disadvantaged by 2014. By June this year, only three per cent had been distributed. One of the reasons for the slow pace of land distribution is the problems experienced with the willing-buyer, willing-seller approach. This approach often results in protected land market negotiations and grossly inflated land prices. It also limits the land available to what is on the market, which in some cases is poor-quality land containing failing enterprises. Put another way, the market did not, on its own, create the skewed landownership pattern in our country, nor can it be expected to change the situation.
In fact, we hardly know of the market correcting itself in favour of customers, let alone poor customers. The concerns expressed regarding the willing-buyer, willing-seller principle were shared by the land summit, which recommended that the state should intervene more actively in the land market by, amongst others, using expropriation, scraping the restrictions on the subdivision of land and regulating land use to optimise social benefits. These proposals are being looked at by the government. Government will do everything within its power to avoid a situation where people become so desperate about the land situation that they resort to desperate means. Let me also assure all the stakeholders that in its endeavour to address the snail’s pace at which land reform is moving, our government will always act in line with and be guided by principles prescribed in the Constitution.
In this regard, let me remind the hon member that the willing-buyer, willing-seller approach is not something that is specified in our Constitution. More active state intervention in the land market will not necessarily be in conflict with the property clause of the Constitution. The Preamble of the Constitution enjoins us to recognise the injustices of the past and, in adopting the Constitution, to heal the divisions of the past. Our Constitution therefore requires us to deal with land redistribution. [Applause.]
Mr J W LE ROUX: Thank you, Deputy Chairperson. I am Wilhelm le Roux and Mr Watson is our leader who is sitting over there. Deputy President, thank you very much for your answer. I would like to say that the fact that the land reform is not going fast enough, we all agree with you. The fact that only 3% of land is being redistributed is not the market’s fault. It is a lack of funds from the government’s side and many other reasons. I would like to ask the Deputy President: Does she not agree that land ownership is paid market prices?
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Hon member, to begin with, we did not say that we would only be concentrating on the willing buyer willing seller principle. We are reviewing everything that does contribute to the slow pace as far as land reform is concerned. The fact that the issue of land reform is one that enjoys publicity is because the press and other interested parties have decided to highlight that, more than anything else. We will do everything - tighten up our administrative process, and so on. As to you wanting me to give you a yes or no answer, I think it is a yes and a no.
Mr M A MZIZI: Thank you, Chairperson. Deputy President, the question of willing buyer and willing seller principle . . .
Ngabe le nqubo akusiyo yini lena esibambezela ukuthi singafiki lapho siya khona, ngokwempendulo yakho njengoba usho uthi ayikho kuMthethosisekelo? Ngakho-ke lokhu ukuthi kuvunyelwane ngokuthi ngizothenga ngizothengisa kudala ukuthi lo othengisayo abize imali engaphezulu, enze lokhu amaBhunu athi . . . ``hy is bokant my vuurmaakplek’’[it is beyond me.] . . . uze ungabe usawuthola umhlaba. Ngabe uhulumeni akaboni ukuthi kufanele siwushintshe lowo mgwaqo? Ngiyabonga. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[Is it not this principle that is slowing down our pace in achieving our goal? According to your response, this is not in the Constitution. Therefore, the principle of willing-buyer, willing-seller results in a seller demanding an exorbitant price, with the buyer saying it is out of my league. Is the government considering changing this approach? Thank you.]
IPHINI LIKAMONGAMELI: Ngiyabonga, lungu. Ngiyavumelana nawe ukuthi le nto yokuqophisana phakathi komthengi nomthengisi yenza ukuthi laba okufanele ukuthi laba okufanele basithengisele bafune ukusimba eqolo. Uma besimba eqolo-ke bethatha imali yokuthi bona bakwazi ukudla izambane likapondo thina sibe sidla izambane likazuka, yenza ukuthi imali le esinayo noma ingencane kakhulu isheshe iphele ngoba kufanele kukhokhelwe umuntu oyedwa ngepulazi elilodwa imali eningi. Yingakho nje sizama ukwenza indlela yokuthi imali siyenze ukuthi isebenzele ukuthi isize abantu abaningi.
Enye into eyenzekayo ukuthi uma sizolinda ukuthi abantu basidayisele, labo abafunayo ukusidayisela, basinika nje noma yini. Amanye amapulazi amabi kakhulu angakwazi ukusebenziseka kahle.
Enye into esifuna ukuyenza ukuthi thina njengabathengi, njengoba nomthetho usivumela ukuthi ukuze sikwazi ukulungisa isimo esitshekile ezweni, siwathathe amapulazi abantu abangawasebenzisi. Umthetho uyavuma ngakho asizukwenza into engekho emthethweni. Umuntu uma enesikhalazo akahambe ayosimangalela enkantolo. (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)
[The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Thank you, hon member. I agree with you that, indeed, the willing-buyer, willing-seller demand causes the prices to rise. When they increase the prices, they forget that they are rich and we are poor. That alone costs us the little money we have, and you find that we have to pay one person a lot of money for just one farm. That is the reason we are trying to seek ways of putting aside a sum of money that would cover many people.
Another challenge is that those who are willing to sell to us sometimes sell us anything. Some farms do not have good conditions for farming.
Another thing that we need to do as prospective buyers is to take all those farms that are not being used, as the law permits us, so that we can improve the situation. The law permits this, therefore we will not be doing anything illegal. Anyone who has a complaint can go to court.]
Responsibilities of Deputy President
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Mr A Watson asked the Deputy President:
What responsibilities have been allocated to her by the President and (b) what steps does she intend taking to restore public confidence in the Deputy Presidency? C238E
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Madam Deputy Chairperson, the tasks that have been allocated to the Deputy President are as follows: Chairing of the SA National Aids Council; development of the second economy; achieving an economic growth rate that is above 6% by 2014 – I know that there are journalists who are making nonsensical statements to the effect that we think we are going to achieve that this year; linguistic and traditional matters; the moral regeneration movement; being Leader of Government Business; aspects of international work, including specific binational commissions that are pitched at the level of Deputy President; and assignments, from time to time, as the President may see fit.
As I said when I was responding to a similar question in the National Assembly recently, in the light of the delegations I have mentioned above, our priority is to harness the goodwill of all South Africans, in their organised formations as well as in their individual capacities, to support, in practical terms, government’s agenda to grow the economy such that we create jobs and reduce poverty, while we continue to grow the first economy.
We also want to ensure that government and all our social partners respond systematically to the issues raised by the Beijing+10 Platform on the challenges facing women and children, and that we are able to implement optimally legislation, policies and programmes that we have already passed in this regard.
As far as the second part of the question is concerned, I do not know what public confidence the hon member is referring to. As you know, the Deputy Presidency is part of an integrated presidency and a Cabinet team led by the President to implement the programmes of government. We will continue on that path and further strengthen our commitment to responding to the needs of our people, and thus continue to consolidate the confidence that our people constantly display in our government.
Lastly, based on the work done by the former Deputy President, I have inherited very good stakeholder relations and work that is robustly in progress. Thank you.
Mr A WATSON: Hon Chair, I thank the hon Deputy President for her reply, and I must say that I am specially pleased to hear that she is going to pay attention to moral regeneration.
On the point of having already replied to questions in the National Assembly, I think, hon Deputy President, you must bear in mind that we are a separate House with our separate sittings, and that we don’t have the advantage of listening to answers to questions in that House. [Interjections.] Can I have protection from the floor, please, Chair? … Deputy President and not Mr Tolo.
In regard to the second part of the question, again I agree that she’s part of a team, but I think that there can be no denying that in recent weeks and months there have been some factions, which remain unnamed, that have tried their best to attack the person of the Deputy President. However, I’m more concerned about the Office of the Deputy President being protected.
I’d really like to know what steps you are taking to ensure that the adverse publicity in the media, especially the aspects that were not broadcast, is stopped and that the Office of the Deputy President is protected from now till eternity. Thank you.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Madam Deputy Chairperson, regarding the manner in which that Office is run, I have not come across anything that is untoward and requires me to put in place extra protection measures. I have a staff, some of whom have opted to leave and some of whom work together gladly and happily – and they are doing an excellent job. They are committed to their work. My commitment, like any person who comes into a new job, is to being a new broom and sweeping clean, and doing my best. Beyond that, I don’t think that there’s anything extraordinary that I’m required to do. After all, hon members, we actually work as a team, and I’m depending on the members of the team, including the staff that I have inherited. Thank you.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P Hollander): Hon Watson, I want to remind you that we are two Houses, but one Parliament. Thank you very much.
Mr M O ROBERTSON: Chair, I would like to ask if our hon Deputy President would agree that the question by hon Watson represents the DA’s desperate agenda always to send a message of despair by portraying crises where none exist?
Mr A WATSON: On a point of order, Madam Deputy Chairperson, that is not a follow-up question.
Mr M O ROBERTSON: . . . I don’t know what the saying is in English, but the tactic used by the DA is what we refer to in Afrikaans as “Gogga maak vir baba bang.” [Here comes the bogeyman.]
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: You can always cross, it’s quite nice this side. That’s an open invitation.
Ms N D NTWANAMBI: Deputy Chair, this is a follow-up to Mr Watson’s question to the Deputy President. When you were Minister of Minerals and Energy, you did sterling work in empowering women in the minerals sector. How do you see yourself accelerating the empowerment of women in the second economy, seeing that the second economy is one of your main briefs?
Hayi yonke le mibuzo ibuzwa ngabantu abangazi kusisa ndawo. [Not all asked questions that are not going to take us anywhere.]
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Madam Deputy Chairperson, I thank the hon member. What we are doing is to build bridges between the first and the second economies. Maybe I should say to hon members that the second economy is, in many ways, a euphemism for “marginalisation”.
As you know, the majority of the people who are marginalised are women. If we were to do work in the second economy without changing the conditions of women, we would just have to know that we have not even started doing work in that sector.
The number of women who are registered voters, for instance, is 54%; the number of women who are domestic workers is more than 90%; the number of women who live in poverty is more than 50%. Those figures and statistics tell you that even though women have a major contribution to make in this economy and are taking their political responsibility seriously, we need to do more in order to make sure that we bring them up through empowerment.
So in our reviewed comprehensive strategy we are seeking to locate women very strategically across the sectors. I would hope to share the little experience that I’ve gained as Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and as Minister of Minerals and Energy and to work collectively with the other Ministers to make sure that in every sector we find an entry point where we would be able to push women forward.
Furthermore, I hope we will be able to pay attention to the delivery of social services because, as we know, where there are no social services, women are the most negatively affected. Thank you.
Freedom Day celebrations at Schaapplaats requiring financing by emerging farmers
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Ms J F Terblanche asked the Deputy President:
1) Whether, with reference to the North West Freedom Day celebrations on 27 April 2003 at Schaapplaats, where the President handed a farm to five young emerging farmers, it was required of these farmers to finance preparations for the Freedom Day celebrations to the value of R39 000 from a Land Bank production loan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why;
(2) whether any measures are in place to assist the young emerging farmers to settle this amount; if not, why not; if so, what measures? C244E
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P Hollander): Hon members, we are now on question 3. Because the member is not in the House, I will read Rule 236(5), which reads:
If a member does not rise when a question for oral reply, standing in that member’s name, comes up for reply, the question lapses unless the person who is to reply to the question elects to reply to the question or tables the reply.
We are now going to ask the hon Deputy President if she would like to reply to that question or not.
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Chairperson, I would like to table the reply.
Reply tabled with leave of House:
The answer to the Question is no, the farmers concerned were not required to finance preparations for Freedom Day celebrations from a Land Bank loan.
Allow me to set out all the facts of this matter.
The Land Bank, the National Youth Commission and Umsobomvu launched the National Youth Development Programme in order to assist young aspirant farmers in making meaningful contributions in agricultural development and economic growth.
As part of this programme, the Land Bank identified, consolidated and allocated the farms Klippaan and Schaapplaats to young emerging farmers on a lease basis with an option to purchase. Klippaan and Schaaplaats are properties owned by the Land Bank and were part of an insolvent estate.
The Land Bank granted a medium-term loan of R4000 000, repayable in 10 years, for the purchase of cows and a short-term loan of R1 000 000,for annual crop production, particularly sunflower and maize.
A portion of the production loan, that is R39 376,90, was utilised for cutting grass and khaki bush and refurbishing infrastructure on the farm. These costs coincided with the State President’s visit to the farm in 2003 but would have been incurred even if the President had not visited the farm. The payment was made with the understanding that the Land Bank would reimburse the R39 376,90 incurred by the farmers. Indeed the Land Bank has since reimbursed them for this expenditure.
We are pleased to note that the young emerging farmers planted approximately 300 hectares of sunflower this current season with support from a neighbouring commercial farmer who is the mentor for the project. It is expected that the young emerging farmers will utilise the proceeds of the sunflower crop to settle their Land Bank production loan. The livestock sector of the farming enterprise is also on track with approximately 45 weaners to be marketed between August and October 2005.
Cabinet decision to lend Zimbabwe US$1 billion in taxpayers’ money
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Mr G R Krumbock asked the Deputy President:
Why did Cabinet decide that lending US$1 billion of South African tax payers’ money to Zimbabwe was in line with the mandate given to the Government by the voters during the 2004 general election and (b) in light of protests from various communities regarding the extent of delivery by the Government, how will the Government explain why Zimbabwe’s needs take precedence over the needs of South Africans? C253E
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Madam Chairperson, let me start by clarifying to the hon member that South Africa has not agreed to lend US$1 billion to Zimbabwe.
In line with the election manifesto, according to whose mandate the ANC-led government was elected, we are exploring a way of providing assistance to our neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, as part of our commitment to SADC. Cabinet, therefore, on 3 August stated that, in principle, government was open to such assistance – which was not US$1 billion - including provision of a loan facility in relation to Zimbabwe’s obligations to the International Monetary Fund.
Our approach on this matter is premised on the principle that such assistance should be for the benefit of the Zimbabwean people as a whole, within the context of their programme of economic recovery and political normalisation. We were also encouraged by the IMF and other international bodies to assist wherever we can. We want to contribute to the resolution of the challenges that that country is currently facing and also to protect South Africa and the people of Zimbabwe from the consequences that would result from the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy.
It is incorrect and misleading to say that the needs of Zimbabwe take precedence over the needs of the South African government’s priorities, as contained in the national Budget and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, which remain fixed and will not be amended or reprioritised midstream. In fact, we always increase rather than decrease allocations to programmes when there has been an unforeseen and unexpected expenditure midstream. Hypothetically, if any loan was granted in any case it would not result in a reprioritisation of government programmes or affect delivery of services to our communities. Thank you.
Mr G R KRUMBOCK: Madam Deputy President, you are correct. The loan has not yet been agreed to. But, as confirmed by the Minister of Finance yesterday, you are, of course, still negotiating the amount, structure, financing and the conditions of the loan and, of course, the collateral. So you are clearly talking about it.
If you look at the latest statistics taken from the South African survey, they will indicate for example that, as of July 2002, an amount of 6,4 million South Africans or 14,2% of our population are living with HIV/Aids. Another example: As of March 2003, 43% of South African households do not have access to free basic water.
These are pretty basic needs and indicate the very dire circumstances that many South Africans find themselves in. Under those circumstances, how can we even be considering to give this money to Mugabe when the need in our own country here is clearly so much greater?
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: If the situation were to be worse in Zimbabwe, it would also be worse in South Africa. So it is actually shortsighted to think that by burying our head in the sand we are going to be able to protect and insulate ourselves from the effects of a changing and declining economy in Zimbabwe. [Applause.] Mr J B TOLO: In the spirit of Nepad, is South Africa not obliged to help other countries in dire need, especially given that all those countries did not say that they had to look at their situation first before they helped us during the time of the struggle?
The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: I can only concur with the member.
Minister
New question:
Safety guidelines for school transport
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Ms D Robinson asked the Minister of Education:
(1) Whether, in light of the bus accident in Cape Town on 25 August 2005 in which four people died, including three learners, she will ensure that all provincial education departments, and schools falling under those departments, follow prescribed safety guidelines regarding the use of buses to transport school children; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether such guidelines will include that (a) bus companies subject their buses to quarterly roadworthy checks, (b) a basic roadworthy check is carried out by a designated educator or education official who has received the necessary training to do so and (c) the bus driver undergoes a breathalyzer test prior to departure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether any other measures to protect the safety of school children will be considered; if so, what measures? C243E
The MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Deputy Chairperson, the reply to the question is as follows: I am, along with all members of the public, as well as members of this House, very concerned about the number of accidents involving learners in our country. Our department is looking at developing safety guidelines, which, I hope, will assist educators in ensuring that buses or vehicles that transport learners to various destinations are in compliance with the National Road Traffic Act.
In response to question 2(a), (b) and (c), it’s my view that the guidelines will only assist educators in determining whether such a bus or vehicle has been issued with a valid roadworthiness certificate disc, and whether the driver has been issued with a driver’s licence relevant for that class of vehicle, as determined by the Act.
Unfortunately, my department cannot serve as an enforcement agent. Hence, we cannot administer roadworthiness tests or breathalyser tests. It is not within the ambit of the function of our department to administer breathalyser tests and roadworthiness tests, etc.
I would hope, of course, that educators, when using various transport services, would be able to examine – themselves - the condition of a vehicle. And if indeed, in their view, it is in a very bad state, they would determine not to expose our children to the hazard of travelling in such a vehicle. Of course, if a driver who has a valid driver’s licence is clearly inebriated and unfit to drive, I hope that the educators will insist that children not board a bus driven by such a person.
Essentially, what we hope is that all of us will become more concerned and active in ensuring that we protect our children.
With respect to the third part of the question, once guidelines have been developed, schools will be issued with a pretrip checklist which, I hope, they will use in order to determine whether the bus or driver is fit for the trip.
I will also be engaging in discussions with my colleague, the Minister of Transport, to find out how we can have tighter rules and regulations in this area, because I do think that we need to take far more stringent measures to ensure that we protect our children.
Ms D ROBINSON: Thank you, hon Minister, for the comprehensive answer.
I would just like to know whether you can give us the assurance that these measures are going to be implemented as fast as possible, and that measures will be laid down for the school authorities when arranging trips like these, so that they can ensure that safety will be taken into account, that we have got the skills, safety, roadworthiness and so on, and that it is not a matter of awarding contracts to people that you may know or be related to so that there is no element of favours for friends. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Deputy Chairperson, with respect to whom you hire, it is very difficult for us to ensure that you hire a person who is totally, objectively removed from the school. That would be a function of the school authorities, school principals or the teachers arranging the travel.
But I hope that, with these key lists that we will provide, for every school trip, we will have a record that particular steps and guidelines have been followed so that we begin to lift the bar of protection and safety for our children because, at the moment, there is nothing. In many schools, we don’t even see the signing of indemnity forms, for example; parents’ permission is not always sought. So we really need to raise the bar of care much higher.
I think the first step is these sorts of regulations that I am talking about. I believe my department must act with haste so that we enter 2006 with a set of guidelines in place, which indicate that we are taking this matter as seriously as our country and ourselves as authorities should.
I would like to see stronger action. I would hope that the forces that are involved in traffic, monitoring and so on, as well as our police services, whenever they see a bus on the road, would be encouraged to give much more attention to it. They should also pay attention to the speed at which the person is travelling, whether indeed the rules of the road are being observed and so on, because we have to stress the need to be far more concerned about protecting our children than we actually see occurring at the moment. So, we will try to be as speedy as possible. It’s an area of concern that we must attend to.
Question standing over from Tuesday, 23 August 2005
Presidential urban nodes in Western Cape
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Ms N D Ntwanambi asked the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
What gains have been achieved by the two nodal points (names furnished) in the Western Cape in terms of (a) economic empowerment and development and (b) growth and revenue to the Western Cape’s economy? C216E
The MINISTER OF EDUCATION (on behalf of the Minister for Provincial and Local Government): Chairperson, in reply we answer as follows: With respect to (a) in the question, the response on economic empowerment and development is as follows: There are two presidential urban nodes in the Western Cape and they are located in Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.
Since the inception of the Urban Renewal Programme, numerous projects have been implemented in these two nodes by the various agencies of government. All of these projects are aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of communities in the nodes.
In Khayelitsha, one of the significant projects is the Khayelitsha Central Business District. This project represents more than R500 million of investment into this previously neglected area through a partnership between all spheres of government, the private sector and the community.
The Khayelitsha CBD was established on a 70-hectare site that is now the home of quality social facilities, social housing, public transport facilities and a large retail complex. Departments such as home affairs, justice, social development, sport and transport were all active partners in the creation of this exciting project. I, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Minister of Home Affairs went to see the court the other day and it is a very lovely facility, which is well appreciated by the community.
In Mitchells Plain significant public and private investment is changing the lives of this community. A few of the projects, which one can highlight, are the upgrading of the central business district as well as the building of the prominent retail centre, which is 51 000m² in size. We will also have new taxi facilities, a new bus terminus and an informal trading market.
Within these two urban nodes, all government’s spheres and agencies have shown commitment to investing in improving the lives of these previously neglected communities. In the area of growth and revenue for the economy of this province, the areas in question fall within those parts of South Africa which under apartheid were reserved for the less privileged people of our society.
This government introduced the nodes for purposes of redressing the imbalances of the past. Thus, the two nodal points will, in the short term, probably not have a significant impact on the Western Cape’s economy. However, we believe that the enormous investments made into social facilities, housing, transport and public spaces, will, in the long term, stimulate economic growth and wealth creation in the Western Cape as a whole.
Ms D ROBINSON: Chairperson, the Look Out Hill Centre site is something that was looked on with great excitement and pride when I was still the city councillor and I know that a great deal of money was spent there and it was something that we all looked forward to. But I have heard and, on a fairly recent trip, I discovered that there has been quite a lot of vandalism and that many of the improvements that have been made there had been destroyed, in a sense.
I feel very sad about this and I am just wondering what is being done to try and encourage people to protect what has been achieved so that we can have pride in the achievements.
The MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Chairperson, it is a new question really, but let me say that part of the response to acts of vandalism and lack of attention to protection of new facilities is, of course, the community involvement that is so much a part of especially the Khayelitsha CBD development.
I think we really would have to ensure that as sites are developed, the Khayelitsha community actually takes an interest in ensuring that these are protected. So, both in Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha, and throughout our country, community support and community care for facilities that are for the community are extremely important and it is probably part of an acquired behaviour that we have to inculcate.
But I think added to this is the need to ensure that facilities are provided for all inhabitants in the particular communities because what you sometimes had with the initial developments were that you were developing shopping areas rather than recreational facilities. So, at times when people were seeking recreation, they would go to the new business development site and spent a lot of time running down the facilities.
The integration that we have seen between our administrative facilities, business facilities and recreation is a very positive development in this regard. So, I hope we will see more. I will ask Minister Mufumadi to look at Look Out Hill and see whether there is something that could be done to address the decline that you have referred to.
New questions:
Irregular municipal loans at Steytlerville Municipality
- Mr J W le Roux asked the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
(1) With reference to his reply to oral Question 5 on 7 June 2005
regarding unauthorised loans of R169 186,94 to members and
officials of the Steytlerville Municipality; what (a) total
amount remained to be repaid by these members and officials to
the municipality as at 31 July 2005, (b) is the name and
position of the person or persons who issued the cheques or
money to these members and officials and (c) was the date
contained in the letters of demand whereby the loan amounts had
to be repaid;
(2) whether the letters of demand were followed up with legal action
in respect of those members and officials who have not repaid
the full loan amounts; if not, why not; if so, with what result;
(3) why have criminal charges not been pursued against the persons
authorising the loans?
The MINISTER OF EDUCATION (on behalf of the Minister for Provincial and Local Government): Chair, in response to the question, the answer to the first part is as follows:
The total amount to be repaid by former members and officials, as at 31 July 2005, is R169 186,94. The names of the people who were responsible for these loans and advances are Mr S M B Spogter, the former mayor of Steytlerville TLC, and Mr W Ross, the former treasurer of Steytlerville TLC.
The answer to the third part is that no date of repayment had been indicated on the letters of demand that were received with respect to this debt. However, it was mentioned in those letters that arrangements for repayment had to be made before 26 November 2004.
In two, the answer is that legal advice was sought from the lawyers representing the concerned members and officials. They informed this council that the debt should be written off since a period of three years had lapsed without this debt being enforced. Council’s legal advisers concurred with the lawyers of the concerned members and officials.
In the third part, advice from the provincial departments of housing, local government and traditional affairs was sought after this stalemate was reached, and we are still awaiting their response.
Mr J W LE ROUX: Chair, I want to thank the hon Minister for her reply. Minister, it’s obviously not your responsibility and you are working very hard. We do all feel very sorry for you. But the fact is that this issue has now been dragging on since 2000, and it is the taxpayer’s money that’s being wasted in this way. I think it is totally disgraceful. I would like to ask the Minister if she could possibly assist us to get this whole issue behind us, because it reflects very badly on the governing ANC. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Chair, the hon member knows that I’m trying to introduce no-fee schools, because I don’t wish to be a debt collector. So, really, as the Minister for Provincial and Local Government has indicated, his department has sought answers from the province and we hope an answer will be forthcoming.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P Hollander): The next question is by the hon Terblanche. She asked a question to the Minister of Correctional Services, but seeing that neither of them is in the House today we are going to apply Rule 236.
Mr A WATSON: Deputy Chairperson, on a point of order: We have had communication from the Minister’s Office that he is unavailable to be here due to a death in the family, but that he will submit a written reply directly to Ms Terblanche’s office.
Separation of mining inspectorate from the Department of Minerals and
Energy
-
Mr A Watson asked the Minister of Minerals and Energy:
Whether her department intends to hive off the inspectorate of mines health and safety to a self-funding body or self-funding public enterprise; if not, what are the relevant details of the long-term planning in regard to mines health and safety; if so, (a) what are the details of the planned separation of this inspectorate from her department, (b) by what date is it envisaged that this will be effected and (c) what is the future position of the staff of this inspectorate? C254E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY: Deputy Chairperson, the answer to Question four is as follows: The decision to separate the mine inspectorate from the Department of Minerals and Energy was made by Cabinet in 1999. This decision calls for the integration and consolidation of occupational health and safety laws and institutions. The Mine Inspectorate will, in terms of this decision, ultimately become part of an integrated national institution, which will be housed or associated with the Department of Labour.
The Department of Labour is the lead department for this process and the Chief Inspector of Mines has participated in the development of the policy, draft law and business case to give effect to this decision. The Department of Labour is to finalise and submit these documents to Cabinet at a date in the near future. Ringfencing of health and safety activities within the department in which they are currently situated is a necessary precursor to this decision and to the process going forward.
In the Department of Minerals and Energy this involves consideration of the activities of both the Mine Inspectorate and the Mine Health and Safety Council, which is already a public entity and for which the Chief Inspector of Mines is the accounting officer.
With regards to (a) the reply is: The separation of the inspectorate from the Department of Minerals and Energy, and into the public entity already established to house the operations of the Mine Health and Safety Council, depends on the availability of funding and the support of mining stakeholders. This is a consolidation process consistent with the integration process. A detailed timeline is still to be developed and is subject to the outcomes of the current Medium-Term Expenditure Framework process.
The timeline will provide for consultation with the tripartite partners, that is, labour, government and the department as required by the Mine Health and Safety Act and for the necessary amendments to the Act. The consolidated Mine Health and Safety Public entity is an interim structure that will ultimately be incorporated into the new national structure at the appropriate time.
While this entity is still associated with the Department of Minerals and Energy, it will be possible to take stock of the functions that support mineral development and promotion which are currently undertaken by the Mine Inspectorate and establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure these functions continue to be done on a sustainable basis.
The response to (b) is as follows: The date for establishing an integrated national occupational health and safety institution is not known at this stage and is dependent on Cabinet approval of the business case, policy and draft Bill and thereafter, Nedlac consideration of these issues. Once the Nedlac process is complete, the Bill will come before Parliament for enactment. The current health and safety laws would need to be repealed at that point. Only at that stage will the new integrated institution have a formal legal mandate.
The response to (c) is: No major changes are anticipated by the Mine Inspectorate staff in respect to their roles and responsibilities. The physical location of the interim and final institutions may result in some changes in their daily routines. Once the final institution is established the staff of the Mine Inspectorate will report to the Department of Labour. Thank you.
Mr A WATSON: Madam Deputy Chair, Minister, thanks very much for a very comprehensive reply to my question. I really appreciate it. May I just ask that you please also supply me with your answer in writing so that I have it on record? Just a small follow-up: Do I understand you correctly in saying that the old associations like Nosa, which was also associated with labour and the other bodies around the Department of Labour, and the Chamber of Mines Safety Division; will that all be incorporated into one body, or will it just deal with mine safety and health?
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY: Chair, my response will be recorded in Hansard. Regarding his second question on the participation of different NGOs: The mining industry in particular, and also the trade union movement, all participate in Nedlac and therefore will have full exposure to the Bill and the processes. They will also be invited to make their inputs. Thank you, Chair.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P Hollander): We then move to the next question. The hon S Chen is not here. We will apply Rule 236. Question 6 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has been withdrawn. We then move to Question 7.
Mr G R KRUMBOCK: Chair, on a point of order: This House, in terms of the Constitution, represents the provincial interests. This is a question coming from the province, and one of the most important aspects of our role here is the oversight role.
This question was put to the MEC for Environmental Affairs in the KwaZulu- Natal legislature in May and has been followed up by follow-up letter. We have had no response, hence the question to the national Minister. If we cannot get an answer from any Minister at any level of government, what are the people of Oakley Avenue in Umngeni conservation area supposed to think? What are the residents of Siphumelele Township supposed to do? I need to get an answer for my question.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P Hollander): Hon Krumbock, can I call you to order, please? It is not on my Question Paper here and your question has been withdrawn. Can we then follow up? [Interjections.] Why are you shouting?
Mr G R KRUMBOCK: [Inaudible.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Chairperson, I think this House has a constitutional right to perform oversight over the executive. If there is anything that the member feels did not go according to procedure, I think that matter can be investigated in a very orderly manner instead of taking this House and changing it to make it look like a stokvel, shouting and doing all those things.
I really agree that the question will have to be followed up so that the constituency that the member is serving gets the relevant answers to that particular question. May I propose that the matter be investigated outside this House? Thank you.
THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P Hollander): Question 7 is also from the hon Mzizi to the Minister in the Presidency. The Minister in the Presidency is not here, hon Mzizi. We are therefore going to apply Rule 236.
Court Process Project objectives and performance
- Mr M A Mzizi asked the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development: Whether the Court Process Project has met the intended objectives and the expectations of her department; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) how is the performance of this project being measured? C258E
The MINISTER FOR JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Hon Deputy Chair, the reply is as follows: Yes. The court process project has met the intended objectives and expectations of the department. These objectives and expectations were to demonstrate that automation could successfully be applied to the judicial process and by doing so in a pilot format. Thus when the pilot project was established to test the development of an integrated solution with regard to functionality and interaction between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Department of Safety and Security, the Department of Social Development and the Department of Correctional Services, it was indicated that this could also be used to reduce case cycle times and backlogs. It could also address the question of lost dockets, which you know is a problem, improve the efficiency of the processes, improve identity verification and all this must be done whilst maintaining a high level of security.
The performance of this project is measured in terms of the benefits it is bringing to all Justice officials as well as society at large and these include, inter alia, improved administration and tracking of dockets and case files, reduced delays leading up to trials, reduced number of lost case dockets, reduced postponement of cases due to misplaced files or exhibits, improved docket or exhibit administration, improved administration of prisoner admissions and releases, timely notification of events, improved access to information, reduced duplication of data entry and verification of identities.
It is clear from the following information provided by the Clerk of Court in Durban that this project is performing very well. We have information here that indicates, for example, that 166 dockets have been recovered to date and in fact 41 of this number this year, 2005, and about 98% of all cases on the roll have been entered into the system. Almost no cases are being postponed because of administrative issues. Almost a million pages have been scanned since 2003. Almost 10 000 biometrics have been taken and in 2005 this was 2,5.
The Department of Social Development has made use of the system to prepare reports on minors and the Department of Correctional Services has used it to improve the administration of prisoner admissions and releases.
The system is now integrated into the work processes of the clerks of the courts. It is possible to give attorneys and other interested parties access to relevant case information without exposing the physical files, and I think this is really a great improvement, if one considers where we come from. The system is important and key in the modernisation of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
Mr M A MZIZI: Chairperson, I want to thank the Minister for the answers that he has given.
Minister, the reason that this question has been put is that on oversight visits we often get asked such questions. When these projects were launched we all welcomed them, especially the movement of prisoners from where they had been incarcerated, to make sure that the movement is known right through. Despite that fact we still have escapees; such as people going to court and never coming back. This is because of incorrect record-keeping.
When these questions get asked to the authorities personally when we are there in the prisons department, you often hear an answer that says: Yes, it was intended, but we do not have enough finances to continue with the project. We do not know exactly where the truth lies, because more often when you get reports from the department you find that the information you get there always differs with what you get when you go out into the prisons. [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: What is the follow-up question?
Mr M A MZIZI: The follow-up question, Sir, is: How effective is it? When we go to the prisons when we are making oversight visits, the authorities would tell that it was intended, but that they did not have enough finances to continue with it. Now where does the problem lie?
The CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Yiyo leyo inkinga, baba uMzizi. [This is a problem, Mr Mzizi.]
The problem is that we do need to invest more money in the project. If you recall, in my input I did mention that this was a pilot project. Now I am saying that the pilot project is working and that if you are talking about transformation of the justice system as a whole, this also has to do with modernisation, with improving efficiency, and this is one pilot project that indicates that we can address all the problems across the whole cluster system, so we do need, in fact, to begin to move towards rolling out and we need to review the outcomes that we have before us of the pilot project - this KwaZulu-Natal programme. So I do agree with you that perhaps we have to move with speed towards a roll-out.
Development of the property industry transformation charter
-
Mr C J Van Rooyen asked the Minister of Public Works:
Whether any progress has been made with the development of the transformation charter for the property industry; if no; what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? C260E
The MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS: Deputy Chair, the answer is that the progress in the development of the property industry transformation charter is at a final stage. The property sector transformation process committee has submitted, to the Minister, the final draft charter document, which she has studied and made comments on.
The draft document has been referred back to the aforementioned committee for further discussion and debate. Once these discussions and debates have taken place, the final draft document will be submitted by the Department of Public Works to the Department of Trade and Industry, for acceptance and gazetting. Thank you.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Before I call for the follow-up questions, may I bring members’ attention to the fact that members must make follow-up questions, not statements. That is in line with our procedures and rules, and also in the interest of time. I therefore call for follow-up questions to the hon Minister of Public Works.
Questions transferred from written to oral reply upon request of the relevant member (Rule 239):
Electoral Commission’s recruitment and selection strategy
- Mr D A Worth asked the Minister of Home Affairs: [Written Question No 94]
(1) Whether the Electoral Commission (EC) takes the cultural and
language profile of local communities into account when it
appoints personnel in specific voting districts for (a) voter
registration and (b) election campaigns; if not, (i) why not and
(ii) what factors are taken into account in making such
appointments; if so, (aa) what specified factors are taken into
account and (bb) what weighting is given to each specified factor
when deciding on the appointment of personnel;
(2) whether EC personnel whose cultural and language profile is
different from the majority of voters in the area in which these
personnel are posted are given any (a) training, (b) guidelines
and/or (c) policy directives to assist them in overcoming any
cultural and/or language barriers; if not, (i) why not and (ii)
how are such problems overcome by these officials; if so, what
are the relevant details in each case;
(3) whether all EC officials are required to attend training to
ensure that they are fully conversant with any policy and/or
guidelines in this regard; if not, (a) why not and (b) who is
required to attend such training; if so, what are the relevant
details;
(4) whether returning officials are given any specific training in
how to manage problems relating to language barriers, religious
criteria and/or any other cultural matters; if not, why not; if
so, what are the relevant details? C203E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Thank you. Chairperson, in regard to (a) and (b), in terms of the Independent Electoral Commission’s recruitment and selection strategy, amongst the underlying factors that should determine the recruitment of all voting officers are that they should be familiar with the area where they will be working and that they speak the predominant language of that area.
Fluency in minority languages used in that area is an additional requirement. English proficiency is also required, as all training and all IEC legislations; regulations, training material and communications with IEC structures are in English.
With regard to number two, due to the recruitment policy to recruit persons from the community in which they will be working, no specific training is offered in terms of culture and language. The training of officials is geared to ensuring that staff is competent to manage the election or registration as prescribed by law.
Staff is also trained to ensure that in the performance of their functions, members of the public are treated with dignity and respect.
In relation to question number three, all staff involved in the recruitment of voting station staff is familiarised with this strategy.
The answer to the fourth question is: in so far as returning officers are concerned, the IEC does not have returning officials as part of its structures. Apart from the point two above, presiding and counting officials do not receive training in respect of religious criteria and or other cultural matters. Thank you.
Mr D A WORTH: Thank you, Deputy Chair. Yes, I would like to ask the hon Deputy Minister, in light of the constitutional requirements that the electoral commission be impartial and exercise their powers on functions, without fear, favour or prejudice, what mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that all personnel, whether permanent or temporary, understand and meet this requirement?
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Chairperson, in terms of section 2 of the response we gave, I would like to quote again:
The training of officials is geared to ensuring that staff is competent to manage the election or registration as prescribed by the law. Thank you.
Ms H LAMOELA: Chair, I just want to know from the Deputy Minister: if a person is an active member of a political party, may that person be appointed as a presiding officer at a voting station?
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Deputy Chair, the question doesn’t arise from the question which we were provided for, because in the Department of Home Affairs, we do not appoint members of the IEC or staff and personnel of the IEC. We would need to find the specific reference of the person to which the question is referring; we would need to find the specific answers from the IEC. In that regard, I cannot stand here, and pull out my hair, which I don’t have, to try and figure out who exactly is this member of a political party to whom the hon member is referring.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Thank you very much, hon Deputy Minister. I will therefore make a ruling that the question does not constitute, in any sense, a follow-up question, but it is a new question. The hon member is at liberty to direct that question through the relevant processes.
I will then proceed to the Minister of Correctional Services. Nobody is standing in for the Minister. In the light of that, can I be allowed to rule that we defer this question? It should be a written reply to the member concerned. Can I do that thing with the member’s consent? Thank you very much.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: I will therefore proceed to the question of Mr Thetjeng to the Minister of Health. Is there any one standing for the Minister of Health? Mr Thetjeng, will you allow me to rule that you will get this question as a written reply?
Mr O M THETJENG: Chairperson, can we have it stand over until the Minister is available, if it is acceptable? Thank you.
Government Printer owed money by provincial and national departments
-
Mr O M Thetjeng asked the Minister of Home Affairs: [Written Question No 99]
(a)Which provinces and national departments owe the Government Printer money, (b) how much does each owe and (c) (i) how and (ii) by when will the money be recouped? C208E The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Chairperson, all nine provinces owe money to the government printer. The national departments owing money to the government printer, alphabetically, are; Correctional Services, Defence, Education, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Health, Justice, National Intelligence Agency, National Treasury, Office of the President, Social Development, the SAPS, Trade and Industry, and Transport.
Other organs of state that owe money include the Auditor-General, the Central Computer Services, Cipro, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Gauteng Sars, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, SA Management Development Institution, the Seta, Statistics SA, and the Unemployment Insurance Fund.
Other state institutions owing money include municipalities, schools, universities and statutory bodies.
To list, per province, departments and institutions, how much they owe, may take me some time. I would request that the hon member allows us to give him the written reply, but safe to say that the total owing is R106 404 542,78.
The government printing works is a trading entity operating on regular business principles. Its financial viability depends on its ability to generate sufficient revenue from services rendered, to defray all operational and capital expenditure. Consequently, its ability to collect monies due from services rendered is paramount.
Unfortunately, as a result of inefficiencies and deficiencies within the government printing works, there have been difficulties in terms of obtaining payments from departments and other debtors. Consequently, the debtors’ book started accumulating until the balance was significantly high and difficult to manage and collect. It has taken time to establish and implement effective and efficient steps for debt collection.
To address the challenges of inadequate capacity, a debt-collection manager was recruited with vast experience in debt collection, to manage the debt- collection section, and to ensure the reskilling of current personnel within the component. Subsequent to this appointment, 12 new posts have been created, five of which have already been filled, whilst the seven outstanding will be finalised by the end of September 2005.
This has the effect of significantly improving the management procedures and the collection patterns to such an extent that the GPW for the past two financial years, which ended 31 March 2005 and 2005 respectively, had closed the periods with favourable bank balances, as opposed to the bank overdraft position of over R100 million, for the past four years, as indicated below.
By the end of September 2005, the government printing works would have developed all internal processes and capacity issues with regard to collection of outstanding debts, and by July 2006 it would have recovered long overdue amounts from provinces and national departments.
As I have said, the details of the response is contained in the written text. Thank you.
Mr O M THETJENG: Chairperson, I just want to say that I will appreciate having that response in writing. I would also like to check whether he can assure us that all the monies owed will be collected, so that we do not have any money owed to this institution. Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Chairperson, a politician would never miss an opportunity to speak. The assurance that we can give is that the government printing works, in its totality, is being transformed. We are building new capacity, as well as new leadership. Therefore the problems that led to the accumulation of the debtors’ book in the past are being addressed. The debts that are owed are being collected. So, to that extent we do have the confidence that we are creating capacity sufficient for us to collect these debts, so that by July 2006 we have moved drastically towards collecting all overdue debts.
Staff shortages of skilled social workers
-
Mr O M Thetjeng asked the Minister of Social Development: [Written Question No 101]
Whether his department is experiencing any staff shortages of skilled social workers; if not, why are there long queues at the service points; if so, which skills are affected? C210E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Chairperson, in reply to this question, the answer is yes. There is a general shortage of skilled social workers in the department. In the provinces, the shortages range from 15% in the case of Gauteng to 45% in KwaZulu-Natal.
The professional skills of this occupational class are affected. Social workers are multiskilled professionals and are identified as having a scarce skill. The Department of Social Development is currently addressing the matter through the development of a retention strategy that aims to retain social workers within the country and the profession. The department has implemented the first phase of the said strategy, which addresses the regrading of salaries. I thank you.
Mr O M THETJENG: Thank you for the response and the fact that you are developing plans in terms of retaining those particular skilled members that are there. The situation of the shortage of staff is a great concern because during lunch time, in those institutions where services are provided – service points, the shops are closed and members are sent out and told to come back an hour later. So I just wanted to know whether Batho Pele is, as in this situation, part and parcel of what is being done to address service at these particular service points? I thank you.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES: Hon Deputy Minister, I am not sure whether you would like to respond to that, but I sensed that it is a new question altogether because it deals with the question of what interventions the department is making in the light of the shortage of staff. That is something you have alluded to but you are at liberty to respond if you want to.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Chairperson, I agree with you that this is a different question about staff, because the initial question was about social workers and their particular skills. I thank you.
Debate concluded.
The Council adjourned at 15:16. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
FRIDAY, 26 AUGUST 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Referrals to committees of papers tabled
The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the
relevant committees as mentioned below:
-
The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration and the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local Government:
a) General Report of the Auditor-General on the Audit Outcomes of Local Government for the financial year ended 30 June 2004 [RP 73-2005].
2. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Foreign Affairs:
a) Report of the South African Delegation to the Third Ordinary
Session of the Pan-African Parliament, 29 March 2005, held at
Gallagher Estates, Midrand.
b) Report on Information and Update Workshop for Pan-African
Parliament Standing Committee on Cooperation, International
Relations and Conflict Resolution, 1-2 April 2005.
3. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance. The Reports of the Auditor-General and the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements are referred to the Standing
Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Reserve
Bank for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
b) Report and Financial Statements of the Development Bank of
Southern Africa for 2004-2005, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-
2005.
c) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial Services
Board for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005. [RP 51-
2005].
4. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance for consideration and report:
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Republic of Malaysia for the
Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Double Taxation Convention
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and
the Government of the Republic of Malaysia.
5. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance:
(a) Activities Report of the Development Bank of Southern
Africa for 2004-2005.
(b) Development Bank of Southern Africa – Footprints of
Development 2001-2005.
(c) Government Notice No 1114 published in Government Gazette
No 27773 dated 15 July 2005: Amendment of the list of public
entities as contained in schedule 2 and 3 of the Public
Finance Management Act, 1999.
(d) Proclamation No R.32 published in Government Gazette No
27766 dated 8 July 2005: Appointment and Re-appointment of
members of the Tax Courts in terms of the Income Tax Act,
1962 (Act No 53 of 1962).
6. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Communications. The Report of the Independent Auditors on the
Financial Statements is referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African
Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) for 2004-2005, including the
Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial
Statements for 2004-2005.
7. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Public Enterprises. The Report of the Independent Auditors on the
Financial Statements is referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of Escom Holdings Limited
(Escom) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-
2005.
8. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration and
report:
(a) Report on the provisional suspension from office with
remuneration: Mr K Sulliman, an additional magistrate at the
Durban Magistrate Court.
(b) Report on the provisional suspension from office with
remuneration: Mr M S E Khumalo, magistrate and Head of
office at the Amsterdam Magistrate Court.
(c) Report on the provisional suspension from office with
remuneration: Mr M F Mathe, an additional magistrate at the
Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.
9. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice and Constitutional Development:
(a) Proclamation No R.26 published in Government Gazette No
27719 dated 27 June 2005: Referral of matters to existing
Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunal in terms of
the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act,
1996 (Act No 74 of 1996).
(b) Proclamation No R.27 published in Government Gazette No
27719 dated 27 June 2005: Referral of matters to existing
Special Investigating Unit and Special Tribunal in terms of
the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act,
1996 (Act No 74 of 1996).
(c) Government Notice No R.614 published in Government Gazette
No 27719 dated 27 June 2005: Amendment of Regulations in
terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000
(Act No 3 of 2000).
10. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Defence. The Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial
Statements is referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Armaments Corporation
of South Africa Ltd (ARMSCOR) for 2004-2005, including the
Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial
Statements for 2004-2005.
11. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Agriculture and Land Affairs for consideration and report:
a) International Plant Protection Convention, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996 (Act No 108 of
1996).
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the International Plant Protection
Convention.
12. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Labour:
a) Recommendation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
– Recommendation No 195 concerning Human Resource
Development: Education, Training and Lifelong Learning,
adopted by the Conference at its 92nd Session – Geneva, 17
June 2004.
13. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Education. The Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial
Statements is referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of Umalusi – Council for
Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and
Training for 2004-2005, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-
2005.
14. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The Reports of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements are referred to the Standing
Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Johannesburg World
Summit Company for 2002-2003, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2002-
2003.
b) Report and Financial Statements of the Johannesburg World
Summit Company for 2003-2004, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2003-
2004.
-
Membership of Assembly In terms of Rule 319 of the National Assembly Mr J H Jeffery, formerly counsellor to the Deputy President, has been designated as Parliamentary Counsellor to the President and Ms S D Motubatse- Hounkpatin has been designated as Parliamentary Counsellor to the Deputy President. Both designations are with effect from 18 August 2005.
-
Bills passed by Houses – to be submitted to President for assent
(1) Bill passed by National Council of Provinces on 25 August 2005:
i) Constitutional Matters Amendment Bill [B 22B – 2005]
(National Assembly – sec 75)
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report of the South African Law Reform Commission on the Repeal
of the Black Administration Act, 1927 (Act No 38 of 1927).
MONDAY, 29 AUGUST 2005 ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Minerals and Energy
i) Diamonds Amendment Bill [B 27 – 2005] (National Assembly –
sec 75) [Bill and prior notice of its introduction published
in Government Gazette No 27929 of 19 August 2005.]
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 30 August 2005.
In terms of Joint Rule 154, written views on the classification of
the Bill may be submitted to the JTM within three parliamentary
working days.
- Classification of Bill by Joint Tagging Mechanism: The Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) on 29 August 2005 in terms of Joint Rule 160(4), classified the Forestry Laws Amendment Bill [B 24 – 2005], introduced in the National Assembly, as a section 76 Bill and as a Bill falling within the ambit of section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Municipal Demarcation
Board for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 149-2005].
- The Minister in The Presidency
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the International Marketing
Council (IMC) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
TUESDAY, 30 AUGUST 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Referral of Bill to National House of Traditional Leaders
The Secretary to Parliament has, in accordance with section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003), referred the Forestry Laws Amendment Bill [B 24 - 2005] to the National House of Traditional Leaders, which must within 30 days from the date of this referral make any comments it wishes to make.
-
Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) National Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2005, submitted by the Minister of Transport on 26 August 2005. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Transport and the Select Committee on Public Services.
(2) National Land Transport Transition Amendment Bill, 2005, submitted by the Minister of Transport on 26 August 2005. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Transport and the Select Committee on Public Services.
(3) Electricity Regulation Bill, 2005, submitted by the Minister of Minerals and Energy on 30 August 2005. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy and the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector and Training Authority (Foodbev SETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 91-2005].
-
The Minister of Arts and Culture
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Market Theatre Foundation for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005. (b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Film and Video Foundation for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 144-2005].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Voortrekker Museum for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Natal Museum for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005
WEDNESDAY, 31 AUGUST 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Finance
i) Special Pensions Amendment Bill [B 28 – 2005] (National
Assembly – sec 75) [Bill and prior notice of its
introduction published in Government Gazette No 27981 of
30 August 2005.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Finance of
the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging
Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160, on
1 September 2005.
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.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Electoral Commission
(IEC) on the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Fund
for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 67-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Public Protector of South
Africa for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
- The Minister of Public Works
a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 6 – Department of Public
Works for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 175-2005].
- The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Perishable Products Export
Control Board (PPECB) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
- The Minister of Communications
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Independent
Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) for 2004-2005,
including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial
Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 106-2005].
-
The Minister of Education (a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 154-2005].
-
The Minister of Arts and Culture
a) Report and Financial Statements of The Playhouse Company for 2004-
2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial
Statements for 2004-2005.
b) Report and Financial Statements of Iziko Museums of Cape Town for
2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 53-2005].
c) Report and Financial Statements of Business and Arts South Africa
for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on
the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
d) Report and Financial Statements of the War Museum of the Boer
Republics for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 127-2005].
e) Report and Financial Statements of the National Library of South
Africa for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 145-2005].
f) Report and Financial Statements of the Afrikaans Language Museum
for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, as co-chairpersons, presented the First Report of the Joint Rules Committee for 2005, dated 25 August 2005:
The Joint Rules Committee, having considered the report of the Joint
Subcommittee on the Review of Rules on 3 June 2005, recommends the
following amendments to the Joint Rules:
1. In Joint Rule 1(1):
Interpretation
To insert the following definition in the appropriate alphabetical
position:
“Act” means the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and
Provincial Legislatures Act, 2004;
2. In Joint Rule 32:
General Powers (of joint committees)
To insert the following new Joint Rule 32(3) and (4):
(3) Subject to the approval of the Speaker and Chairperson,
the Secretary may pay to witnesses summonsed in terms of
section 14(1) of the Act or rule 32(1)(a) of the Joint Rules a
reasonable sum for travelling and attendance time and for
transport expenses actually incurred.
(4) Prior to a witness giving evidence before a House or
committee, the member presiding shall inform the witness as
follows:
“Please be informed that by law you are required to answer
fully and satisfactorily all the questions lawfully put to you,
or to produce any document that you are required to produce, in
connection with the subject matter of the enquiry,
notwithstanding the fact that the answer or the document could
incriminate you or expose you to criminal or civil proceedings,
or damages. You are, however, protected in that evidence given
under oath or affirmation before a House or committee may not
be used against you in any court or place outside Parliament,
except in criminal proceedings concerning a charge of perjury
or a charge relating to the evidence or documents required in
these proceedings.”
3. In Joint Rule 160:
Referral of Bills to JTM
To insert the following new Joint Rule 160(5A) after Joint Rule
160(5):
(5A) The JTM must also make a finding whether a Bill pertains to
customary law or customs of traditional communities in
accordance with section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and
Governance Framework Act, 2003.
4. In Joint Rule 163:
Reclassification of Bills
To insert the following new Joint Rule 163(3):
(3) The JTM may change the classification of a Bill in respect of
whether the Bill pertains to customary law or customs of
traditional communities in accordance with section 18(1) of the
Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003, and
amend its finding in terms of rule 160(5A).
5. In Joint Rule 167:
Process in committee
To insert the following new Joint Rule 167(3)(i):
[(3) The committee
(i) may report to the House in which the Bill was
introduced if the Bill was classified as being subject to
section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and
Governance Framework Act, 2003, only after 30 days have
passed since the referral to the National House of
Traditional Leaders in terms of Assembly Rule 332 and
Council Rule 255.
6. In Joint Rule 216:
Fast-tracking
To insert the following new Joint Rule 216(7):
(7) This rule does not apply to a Bill classified as being
subject to section 18(1) of the Traditional Leadership and
Governance Framework Act, 2003, which is still before the
House where it was introduced for a period of 30 days since
the referral to the National House of Traditional Leaders
in terms of Assembly Rule 332 and Council Rule 255.
The Committee recommends accordingly.
Report to be considered.
B MBETE, MP M J MAHLANGU, MP SPEAKER: CHAIRPERSON: NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
THURSDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(i) Electricity Regulation Bill [B 29 – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75) [Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 27984 of 31 August 2005.] 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 2 September 2005. 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.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 88-2005].
-
The Minister in The Presidency
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004- 2005 [RP 118-2005].
FRIDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER 2005
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Finance
(a) Government Notice No 806 published in Government Gazette No 27878 dated 5 August 2005: Determination on interest rate for purposes of paragraph (a) of the definition of “official rate of interest” in paragraph 1 of the Seventh Schedule, tabled in terms of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
-
The Minister for Provincial and Local Government
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Municipal Infrastructure Investment Unit (MIIU) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 72-2005].
-
The Minister for the Public Service and Administration
(a) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory memorandum to the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.
-
The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Bala Farms (Pty) Ltd for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 133-2005].
-
The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Construction Sector Education and Training Authority (CETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 85-2005]
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 97-2005].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Sector Education and Training Authority (CTFL SETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 87- 2005].
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Primary Agriculture Education and Training Authority (PAETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 106-2005].
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the Diplomacy, Intelligence, Defence and Trade Education and Training Authority (DIDTETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 100-2005].
(f) Report and Financial Statements of the Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority (THETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 104-2005].
(g) Report and Financial Statements of the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 84-2005].
(h) Report and Financial Statements of the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 105-2005].
(i) Report and Financial Statements of the Local Government, Water and Related Sector Education and Training Authority (LGWSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 95-2005].
-
The Minister of Arts and Culture
a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Museum for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 141-2005]. (b) Report and Financial Statements of the Northern Flagship Institution for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 128-2005]. (c) Report and Financial Statements of the Freedom Park Trust for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005. (d) Report and Financial Statements of Blind South Africa (Blind SA) 2004-2005, including the report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004- 2005. (e) Report and Financial Statements of Performing Arts Centre of the Free State for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005. MONDAY, 5 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Assent by President in respect of Bills
(i) Sectional Titles Amendment Bill [B 10B – 2005] – Act No 7 of 2005 (assented to and signed by President on 08 July 2005). National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
-
Message from National Assembly to National Council of Provinces in respect of Bills passed by Assembly and transmitted to Council
(1) Bills passed by National Assembly on 30 August 2005 and transmitted for concurrence:
(i) Armaments Corporation of South Africa, Limited Amendment Bill [B 14B – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75). (ii) Defence Special Account Amendment Bill [B 15 – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75). The Bills have been referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs of the National Council of Provinces on 30 August 2005.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Sector Education and Training Authority for Secondary Agriculture (SETASA) for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 107-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 83-2005]
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 93-2005].
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 92-2005].
TUESDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(i) Precious Metals Bill [B 30 – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75) [Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 27929 of 19 August 2005.] 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 7 September 2005.
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
Referrals to committees of papers tabled
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Municipal Demarcation Board for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 149- 2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Food and Beverages Manufacturing Sector and Training Authority (Foodbev SETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 91-2005].
-
The following papers are referred to the Selector Committee on Education and Recreation:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Market Theatre Foundation for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Film and Video Foundation for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 144- 2005].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Voortrekker Museum for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Natal Museum for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(e) Report and Financial Statements of The Playhouse Company for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(f) Report and Financial Statements of Iziko Museums of Cape Town for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 53-2005].
(g) Report and Financial Statements of Business and Arts South Africa for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(h) Report and Financial Statements of the War Museum of the Boer Republics for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 127- 2005].
(i) Report and Financial Statements of the National Library of South Africa for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 145- 2005].
(j) Report and Financial Statements of the Afrikaans Language Museum for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(k) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 154-2005].
(l) Report and Financial Statements of South African Council for Educators (SACE) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(m) Report and Financial Statements of Artscape for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
-
The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on Social Services:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Electoral Commission for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 66-2005].
-
The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on Social Services and the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Electoral Commission (IEC) on the Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Fund for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 67-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Public Protector of South Africa for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Public Services:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 6 – Department of Public Works for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 175- 2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Ncera Farms (Pty) Ltd for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
-
The following papers are referred to the Selector Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 106-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the International Marketing Council (IMC) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 54-2005].
-
The following papers are referred to the Selector Committee on Justice and Constitutional Affairs for consideration:
(a) Report of the South African Law Reform Commission on the Repeal of the Black Administration Act, 1927 (Act No 38 of 1927).
TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Compensation Fund for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Services Sector Education and Training (Services SETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 78-2005]
-
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 28 – Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 170-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African National Biodiversity Institute for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of South African Tourism for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
WEDNESDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
Referrals to committees of papers tabled
-
The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 88-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Bala Farms (Pty) Ltd for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 133-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004- 2005 [RP 118-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Finance:
(a) Government Notice No 806 published in Government Gazette No 27878 dated 5 August 2005: Determination on interest rate for purposes of paragraph (a) of the definition of “official rate of interest” in paragraph 1 of the Seventh Schedule, tabled in terms of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration for consideration and report: (a) Report and Financial Statements of Municipal Infrastructure Investment Unit (MIIU) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 72-2005].
-
The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration for consideration and report:
(a) Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory memorandum to the Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Construction Sector Education and Training Authority (CETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 85-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 97-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Primary Agriculture Education and Training Authority (PAETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 106-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises, the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs, the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence and the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Diplomacy, Intelligence, Defence and Trade Education and Training Authority (DIDTETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 100-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises, the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs and the Select Committee on Education and Recreation for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Education and Training Authority (THETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 104-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 84-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 105-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration and the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Local Government, Water and Related Sector Education and Training Authority (LGWSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 95-2005].
-
The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on Education and Recreation for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Museum for 2004- 2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 141-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Northern Flagship Institution for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 128-2005].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Freedom Park Trust for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of Blind South Africa (Blind SA) 2004-2005, including the report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
e) Report and Financial Statements of Performing Arts Centre of the Free State for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005. -
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report: (a) Report and Financial Statements of the Sector Education and Training Authority for Secondary Agriculture (SETASA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 107-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Education and Recreation for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
-
The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 83-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 93-2005].
-
The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Social Services for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 92-2005].
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Draft Notice and Schedule in terms of section 2(4) of the Judges Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act, 2001 (Act No 47 of 2001), determining the rate at which salaries are payable to Constitutional Court judges and Judges annually, with effect from 1 April 2005, for approval by Parliament.
(b) Draft Notice and Schedule in terms of section 12(3) of the Magistrates’ Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993), determining the rate at which salaries are payable to magistrates annually, with effect from 1 April 2005, for approval by Parliament.
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The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Government Notice No R.741 published in Government Gazette No 27813 dated 29 July 2005: Amendment of Regulations relating to Debt Collectors, 2003 in terms of the Debt Collectors Act, 1998 (Act No 114 of 1998).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Council of Provinces
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Report of the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs on the South African Abattoir Corporation Act Repeal Bill [B 21 - 2005] (National Assembly - sec 75), dated 6 September 2005:
The Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs, having considered the subject of the South African Abattoir Corporation Act Repeal Bill [B 21 - 2005] (National Assembly - sec 75), referred to it, reports that it has agreed to the Bill.
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Report of the Select Committee on Finance on the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Malaysia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, dated 7 September 2005:
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 Malaysia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on IncomeAppropriation BillAppropriation Bill, referred to it, recommends that the Council, in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, approve the said Agreement.
Report to be considered.
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Report of the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs on Oversight visit to the Kruger National Park, dated 6 September 2005:
The Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs, having undertaken an oversight visit to the Kruger National Park, reports as follows:
A. Introduction
In its meeting held on 24 February 2005, the Committee envisaged and unanimously agreed to visit to the Kruger National Park to meet and discuss with the officials of the Department on Environmental Affairs and Tourism on issues around environmental affairs and tourism.
- Objectives of the visit
The Committee unanimously agreed that a delegation from the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs undertake an oversight visit to Kruger National Park from 2 – 5 March 2005, to meet with the Departmental officials to discuss the following issues:
(a) Tourism-related issues; (b) The land-claim issue the park finds itself in; (c) Various environmental issues within the park; and (d) The role the park plays in the upliftment of the local and surrounding communities, especially with regard to the objectives of creating new jobs for previously disadvantaged people and the local communities.
- Delegation
A multiparty delegation, under the leadership of the Chairperson, Rev P Moatshe (ANC) included Mr CJ Van Rooyen (ANC); Ms BN Dlulane (ANC); Mr RJ Tau (ANC); Ms HF Matlanyane (ANC); Mr A Watson (DA); Mr F Adams (NNP) and Mr AA Bawa (Committee Secretary).
An attempt was made to obtain a valued balanced view with input from various sources, senior officials from the Department, Executive Director, Heads of Departments, Managers as well as Regional Managers.
B. Overview of the report
The report sets out the findings and recommendations of the delegation as it emerged from the presentations by the various officials and on-sight tours of the facility. It also provides an analysis of issues and problems identified at Kruger National Park and recommendations put forward by the committee.C. Overview of the KNP
1.1 Core functions and mission statement
The core functions of the Kruger National Park are to ensure biodiversity and wilderness tourism while its mission statement is to maintain biodiversity in all its natural facets and fluxes; to provide for tourism and other human benefits and build a strong constituency; and to preserve as far as possible the wilderness qualities and cultural resources associated with KNP. Its constituency building focuses mainly on communities within the park and other stakeholders and economic development looking also at communities outside the park. The whole theme around constituency building in KNP is getting people involved, making them understand what is going on around them, making them aware of how they can benefit by looking after their natural environment and how they can ultimately benefit, also through learnership programmes where students are more actively involved. KNP receives approximately 1 million visitors per annum.1.2 Location and Sections within the Park
The KNP is situated in Limpopo and Mpumalanga and consists of Municipalities, 30 Tribal Authorities, and 68 Wards with community forums. Of the 1 800 people employed by the park, 80% are from the local communities. Since 2003 the park has also trained approximately 506 people from local communities to work in KNP as receptionists, game warders and rangers Management of the park is sub-divided into various sections such as corporate governance; infrastructure maintenance; finance; human resources; public relations and corporate investigation services not only for the park but for the entire SANPARK.1.3 Size of the KNP and its species
The geographical size of the Kruger National Park (KNP) is roughly 2 million hectares 19 000 km2 with 1 800 permanent workers. It has 1 982 plant species; 404 woody plant species; 224 grass species; 147 mammal species; 517 bird species; 119 reptile species; 52 fish species (including three exotics) and 35 amphibian species.1.4 Net Operating Income
The Net Operating Income (NOI) of KNP is divided into four regions, namely the Far North Region, Northern Region, Central Region and Southern Region. The table below indicates the Net Operating Income for the four regions:
| Region | Amount expressed in millions |
| Far Northern Region | R 4 092m |
| Northern Region | R 16 972m |
| Central Region | R 15 322m |
| South Region | R 66 262m |
The Northern Region and Southern Region are the two biggest
earners within the KNP borders. The Far Northern Region is
operating at a negative amount and for this reason the
management is thinking of joining the Far Northern Region
with the Northern Region so that they can be managed as one
region.
For the year 2004/5 KNP has enhanced SANPark’s Integrated
Community Development and Constituency Building Programme,
such as Kids in the Park and cultural mapping.
KNP is also BEE compliant: 40% of all their procurement is
from BEE-compliant suppliers. Currently they are busy re-
organising its management structure with an aim to
establish SANParks as a preferred employer and also
consolidating the HIV/Aids initiatives into a comprehensive
HIV/Aids management strategy.
The Italian Government has made an undertaking to assist
the park with its Aids Programme, because there are a
shortage of clinics within the park as well as a lack of
proper equipment.
A study is currently underway to give authorities a clear
indication as to how serious the Aids epidemic is at the
park so that a plan of action can be formulated to address
the problem.
1.5 Employment Equity
The park is ahead of target when it comes to Employment
Equity and is currently revising the Employment Equity Plan
so that they remain compliant.
1.6 Land claims
A land claim is the biggest challenge facing the park. Some
claims have been settled and others are yet to be settled.
See Chart Below
| Name of communities lodging land claims | Size of the land |
| The Makuleke | 25 000 ha |
| Four Ba-Phalaborwa Tribes | 179 069 ha |
| Mathebula (Makhuva) | 100 000 ha |
| Hoyi Community | 984 ha |
| Ntimane (Phabene) | 3 541 ha |
| Makahane-Marithenga | 89 773 ha |
| An additional 27 land claims lodged against | Not available |
| Pretoriuskop, Nambi and Dunnel Farm |
The only claim settled thus far is the Makuleke claim of 25
000 ha, but it is now a contractual park which is still run
by KNP and privately owned.
According to the officials, contractual parks are not easily
managed because the idea of nature conservation may differ
between the two parties concerned.
The biggest problem with the claims, especially the Ba-
Phalaborwa claim, is that it will literally cut the park up
into various sectors and create too many contractual parks,
making it unmanageable. Ultimately, the claims could cause
the Kruger National Park to cease to exist.
There is a misconception amongst some people claiming land.
This is that if they own a piece of KNP land, they will
become instant millionaires. That is why the option of
remunerating people for the land is being looked at, because
it solves a host of geographical problems.
The KNP has, in conjunction with neighbouring communities,
set up a Community Economic Empowerment Council that aims to
assist the local communities to sell their produce /
products inside the Park. All structures in the park, such
as restaurants and shops, are encouraged to buy goods from
these communities in an attempt to uplift them and create an
environment of better understanding between them.
1.6 Decline in international tourists visiting the park
The other gaps or challenges that face the KNP is the
decline in international tourists visiting the park. This
is linked to the strengthening of the rand and the decrease
in revenue the park receives from concessionaires within
the park.
The park is also in need of an immediate revamp to improve
its facilities in order to compete with other private
operators and wishes it to be graded under the new grading
system. Currently, they cannot start the process because
they will not receive a favourable grading with which to
attract tourists. There is an urgent need for more funds to
upgrade the park’s facilities, making it more appealing to
tourists as most of them stay outside the park and come in
as day visitors.
1.7 Staff leaving the KNP
KNP is currently losing many expert and experienced staff.
Most of them are accepting better positions with higher
salaries in the provincial departments and private sector.
Funds are also needed to keep marketable salaries that are
in line with other sectors so as to avoid resignations of
these experienced staff members.
Research and marketing of the park also require a financial
boost if they wish to increase the number of people
visiting the park. KNP wishes to upgrade its facility in a
manner that offers value for money, which would make the
park accessible to everybody, especially those from
previously disadvantaged communities.
1.8 Skills Development
The KNP, in conjunction with Department of Trade and
Industry, have undertaken a programme called Community
Public Private Partnership (CPPP), where DTI will assist
the local and surrounding communities with skills
development, to empower them in becoming entrepreneurs.
This is aimed at improving relations with the outside
communities through various forums to make them better
understand how they can benefit from the park.
1.9 Medium-term Strategy
Its strategy looks at a number of aspects and how they are
being improved, such as: financial sustainability;
increased and expanded tourism revenue; wildlife sales;
fundraising; biodiversity conservation management; working
within the landscape; biodiversity custodianship and park
management plans; statutory compliance; elephant
management; disease management and control; sustainable
tourism development; refinement of the tourism development
model; new business development and product mix; enhanced
marketing and branding strategy and campaign; tourism
infrastructure upgrading; concession management and
development; SANParks 2010 readiness; constituency
building; community relations; environmental interpretation
awareness: guiding and education; social-science research;
local economic empowerment; local socio economic
development; leadership support – national, provincial and
local; cultural resource management and indigenous
knowledge; human resource strategy and management; Park HR
information management system; reward management; human
capital development; capacity resource management; labour
relations; employment equity; health and safety;
performance management; disability policy expansion;
corporate governance; institutional compliance; supply-
chain management; co-operative management; improvement of
reporting mechanisms; customer service; customer
relationship and retention; trained, competent and
efficient customer-facing staff; customer environment and
experiences - look and feel of facilities; capacity and
efficiency of processes; risk management; skills losses;
safety in the parks; fire management; contract management;
restitution; all other enterprise-wide risks; enhancing
financial sustainability; business development and
sustainable revenue-generating initiatives; fund-raising
strategy; building the KNP core competencies; risk-
management framework; project management; improved
management information systems; improved legal services;
building a business performance management capability;
implementing the balanced scorecard system – for efficiency
and effectiveness of strategy implementation; state of
parks management; improving the reward system - moving
towards “Cost to Company”; implementation of National
Environmental Management Act; developing protected areas
management plans; executing the elephant management
strategy; improving health-care facilities and adherence to
occupational health regulations; and Integrated HIV/Aids
Strategy and programme.
1.10 Veterinary Wildlife Services
Veterinary Wildlife Services (VWS) forms an integral
function of the Kruger National Park (KNP), because it is
responsible for: restocking of new parks (translocation);
game sales; policy and strategy management (animal disease
control); problem animals; treatments and research.
One of the main functions of the park is the
restocking/relocating of game, especially big game, to
other parks. Most of the newly formed parks lack huge game
populations whereas the KNP has a huge big-game population
due to the moratorium banning the culling of animals. The
KNP not only translocates animals to neighbouring and sub-
Saharan countries but also exports animals internationally
to countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand,
Singapore and the USA.
The money received from the sales of animals is used
primarily to buy more land to expand the park and create
new parks. It is also used to fund various projects and
conduct research. It is the responsibility of the
Veterinary Department to facilitate the capture,
examination, wellbeing and transportation of the animals.
The translocation of animals into Limpopo has been taking
place since 2001. The last translocation under the trans-
frontier programme to Limpopo took place in October 2004,
when an entire herd of elephants was captured, fitted with
radio collars, transported and released in Limpopo. These
elephants were monitored by means of their radio collars to
see where they had gone and how they had adapted to their
new home. Some of them managed to find their way back home
to the KNP, whereas others stayed and made a new home.
SANParks is the South African implementing agent for four
areas, namely the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, the Ai-
ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Conservation Area, the
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and the proposed
Limpopo/Shashe Transfrontier Conservation Area. SANParks is
also involved through Golden Gate Highlands National Park
in the establishment of the Maloti/Drakensberg
Transfrontier Conservation Area.
The most recent estimates of the numbers of mammals are as
follows:
|Name of mammal |Number | |Lion | 1 500 | |Leopard | 1 000 | |Cheetah | 200 | |Wild dog | 350 | |Spotted hyena | 2 000 | |White rhinoceros | 5 000 | |Burchell’s zebra |32 000 | |Hippopotamus | 3 000 | |Warthog | 3 800 | |Giraffe | 9 000 | |Buffalo |23 250 | |Eland | 300 | |Roan antelope | 70 | |Sable antelope | 550 | |Greater kudu | 5 000 | |Nyala | 300 | |Bushbuck | 500 | |Waterbuck | 5 000 | |Reedbuck | 300 | |Mountain reedbuck | 150 | |Blue wildebeest |17 000 | |Tsessebe | 200 | |Impala |150 000 | |Crocodile | 5 000 |
1.11 Role of Veterinary Department
The Veterinary Department is also responsible for the
control of diseases when new and foreign animals are
introduced to the park because this ultimately affects
conservation and livestock living within the park. It also
takes care and assist with problem animals within and
outside the park as well as in other game parks. It is
responsible for the treatment of injured animals due to
human contact or natural injuries.
Most of the department’s emphases are on research and
getting more people involved in the wildlife veterinary
field. Because veterinary studies are very long, intense
and costly most people do not enter this field of study and
if they do, they specialise in treating domestic animals,
which is why the KNP assists with various training
programmes nationally and internationally.
The park has created a veterinary intern position where
students can work while they are studying. This is aimed at
exposing them to this field of study to generate interest,
especially amongst black students, whom they want to
attract to this field. There are also plans to create an
internship programme for veterinary technologists with the
aim of achieving their objective of having students from
all races enrol and complete their studies within five to
10 years.
This Department has over the years developed a highly
specialised operations wing that deals with the capturing
and transportation of wildlife, especially dangerous big
game. This wing consists of highly skilled people operating
very specialised equipment. Some of this equipment was
designed by the staff in the park to accommodate their
needs to facilitate the capturing and transporting of
animals, causing the least amount of harm and stress to the
animals, such as elephants and rhinoceros.
South Africa has two of the biodiversity hot spots of the
world, with more than 20 000 plant species, and is regarded
as one of 17 mega-diverse countries of the world, like
China, Brazil and Indonesia. KNP collectively holds 66% of
the world’s biodiversity. Unfortunately only 5% of South
Africa is officially protected, SANParks making up 53%,
provincial nature reserves 34% and private nature reserves
13%.
1.12 Outsourcing of camps
Most of the rest camps have been outsourced recently and
private concessions are given to understand that nature and
the natural habitat should not be disturbed as far as
humanly possible, when people live in the bush in tents to
experience the outdoors or when going on hiking trails.
1.13 Fences along KNP borders
The management team of KNP is in the process of changing
the current zoning act to comply with the new Protected
Areas Act. The fence along the KNP borders poses a unique
problem because these fences were initially designed to
keep diseased animals from entering KNP. The fence belongs
to the Department of Agriculture and has not been properly
maintained for a number of years, leading to certain
problems such as animals leaving the park and entering
surrounding neighbourhoods, causing property damage and
sometimes death, which becomes the problem of KNP. Poaching
of elephants and rhino for commercial gain is also a major
problem as poachers enter through the broken fences.
1.14 Current projects
One of the current projects that KNP is busy with is the
removal of the fence separating KNP from Limpopo National
Park. Approximately 20% and 20km of the fence has already
been removed, but progress is slow because it is very
costly to remove the fence.
The artificial supply of water was also reversed to a
situation where nature once again takes care of itself, but
the introduction of fire breaks was necessary due to the
increase of man-made fires threatening the natural habitat
of the park and the introduction of alien plant life. The
other project is the translocation and sale of some of KNP
animals, but since the moratorium banning the culling of
elephants, their numbers have grown dramatically, posing a
major threat to the natural vegetation and endangering the
survival of other animals. In certain areas, such as the
Amboseli Park, elephants have destroyed virtually all the
natural vegetation and forest, impacting heavily on the
wildlife of that area. The potential for human conflict has
also increased with a number of deaths having already
occurred.
Because of huge tourist potential, local communities
approached KNP management on the issue of not wishing to
claim land but rather to annex land as part of KNP and be
taught how to run these lands as conservation parks.
The park allows people from the local communities to sell
locally produced goods inside the park and run a car-wash
project, both of which have been a success. The KNP
management encourages the participation of local
communities in any developments happening in the park, such
as getting local people to help fix the fence on the
eastern boundaries and perform basic maintenance, also
educating and training local people to apply for tenders
inside the park and in other sectors of government as a
means of upliftment.
The park has also tendered safaris and game drives, which
are outsourced and are very expensive. The park has now
decided to have their own safaris and game drives which
will be run by people from the local communities at a
reasonable rate with the intention of attracting more
people from South Africa and neighbouring countries.
1.15 Accessibility to the park
Accessibility to the park plays a major role in
constituency building and does cater/allow for locals who
wish to perform cultural rituals in the park.
Local communities are also taught about invasive plant life
and endangered plants and how they impact on the natural
vegetation and, with the help of local communities, alien
plants are being eradicated, ensuring the survival of rare
plants. Medicinal nurseries are also being established
inside the park so that people do not have to go into the
park itself but rather to those areas where they are being
grown and collect whatever they need from there.
With regard to tourism, recent statistics show that of the
number of people entering KNP, not many people are staying
overnight. This is a direct result of the state of the
accommodation at KNP, which has not been upgraded for a
number of years. There has also been a decline in
international tourists because of the strengthening of the
rand and not all local visitors find KNP affordable. To
remedy this, the park has decided to have a different entry
fee for international visitors and local visitors, with the
intention of attracting more local visitors.
The park has also decided that whoever enters the park with
these outsourced game drives and safaris will pay the
international entry fee into the park.
1.16 Challenges facing the KNP
From a marketing point of view, the biggest problem facing
KNP is the poor state of the accommodation. In order to
attract visitors and tourists to stay, the accommodation
has to be upgraded and maintained to meet acceptable
standards. The park is now marketing itself locally, trying
to inform people as to what it is all about and what they
can experience by visiting the park.
D. On-site visits
The Committee took an on-site tour of the compound and the
following were their findings:
1. The guest accommodations and campsite used by campers are
in need of major upgrading.
2. Not enough accommodation suitable for individuals who are
wheelchair based/physically disabled.
3. No proper drainage system in place in the campsite.
4. Ablution facilities are inadequate and need upgrading.
Seven ablution facilities servicing 84 campsites had no
proper lighting and are not accessible to those in
wheelchairs.
5. People use KNP as a short cut to cross to neighbouring
countries. Most of them overnight in the park and this also
bring revenue for the park. It was suggested that an extra
fee should be charged to haul heavy vehicles through KNP
and such fee will contribute to road maintenance.
6. No adequate housing complex for ground staff. To address
the problem, proper infrastructure is needed to accommodate
the staff.
7. One clinic situated near the staff quarters is not enough
to service all the staff within the park.
8. Prices charged at shops inside KNP were exorbitant,
putting local tourists at a disadvantage.
9. The tendered contract period for businesses like
restaurants and gift shops are too long and this
disadvantaged local communities from taking such
opportunities.
10. Many services were outsourced and local communities are
not given opportunities to offer those services.
E. Conclusion and Recommendations
Having noted the shortcomings relating to insufficient housing,
lack of proper sanitation, infrastructure upgrading and
accessibility, lengthy contracts, outsourcing of services,
inadequate clinic facilities, exorbitant prices and salaries,
the Committee concludes and recommends that:
The management of South African National Parks should during the
third term of the Parliamentary Committee Programme be invited
by the Committee to brief members on mechanisms to be put in
place to address the above-mentioned shortcomings.
F. List of participants
Dr Bandile Mkhize: Executive Director, Kruger National Park
Dr Markus Hofmeyer: Head of Department, Veterinary Wildlife
Services
Dr Freek Venter: Head of Department, Conservation Services
Ms Lucy Nhlapo: Head of Department, Tourism and Marketing
Ms Helen Mmethi: Head of Department, People and Conservation
Mr Danie Pienaar: Head of Department, Scientific Services
Mr Ken Maggs: Head, Corporate Investigation Services
Mr Ronnie Steinbrucker: Head, Finance
Ms Sarah Sefanyetso: Manager, Hospitality Services (Skukuza Rest
camp)
Ms Nasiwe Virginia Nelani: Regional Manager, South Kruger
National Park
Mr Derek Visagie: Manager, Infrastructure and Project Management
Dr Harry Biggs: Programme Manager, Systems Ecology Research &
Scientific Services
Report to be considered.
THURSDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
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Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Finance
(i) Auditing Profession Bill [B 31 – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75) [Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 27981 of 30 August 2005.] Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Finance of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160, on 9 September 2005. 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.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
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The Minister of Finance (a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 8 – National Treasury for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 51-2005].
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The Minister of Education
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
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The Minister of Arts and Culture
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Nelson Mandela National Museum for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 160- 2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Heritage Resources Agency for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 182-2005].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the National Heritage Council for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 157-2005].
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The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Accession of South Africa’s Membership of the International Centre for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI), tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum Accession of South Africa’s Membership of the International Centre for Scientific and Technical Information (ICSTI).
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The Minister of Health
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Medical Research Council (MRC) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 91-2002].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) for 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005.
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The Minister of Sport and Recreation
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Sports Commission for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 65-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 161-2005].
FRIDAY, 9 SEPTEMBER 2005
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
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The Speaker and the Chairperson
Report of the South African Parliamentary Delegation to the 18th Plenary Assembly Session of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, held at Ezulwini, Swaziland from 29 May to 3 June 2005.
The full report is available from office of Clerk of the Papers.
Executive Summary of the Report
Introduction
This report constitutes the report of South Africa’s parliamentary delegation to the 18th Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum’s Plenary Assembly held in Ezulwini, Swaziland from 29 May – 3 June 2005. The delegation comprised of the following:
• The Hon Speaker Ms B Mbete (Head of the Delegation) • The Hon Ms F Hajaig • The Hon Ms M Madlala • The Hon Mr W J Seremane • The Hon D J SitholeSupport staff included: Ms A Barnard, Ms G Constable, Dr F Khan and Ms N Mpuntsha.
The theme and main focus of the 18th Plenary Assembly was ‘Challenges in the implementation of SADC Protocols’.
The meetings were attended by the Presiding Officers and representatives of 11 of the 12 Member States of the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF or the Forum).
Opening Session – Addresses
The host Speaker, Hon S’gayoyo Charles Magongo, highlighted the commitment of the Parliament of Swaziland to the Principle of the Rule of Law, good governance and the promotion of gender equity and gender mainstreaming.
The Chairperson of SADC-PF, Hon Amusaa Mwanamwambwa highlighted the fact that SADC celebrates 25 years of progress this year, which presented an opportunity to take stock and measure the extent to which the quality of life had improved in the region.
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Swaziland, the Rt Hon Absalom Themba Dlamini noted that for 25 years, SADC has acted as a forum to discuss problems and matters of common interest in the region – it could thus be a shining example to the rest of Africa.
In her Vote of Thanks, the Speaker of the South African Parliament, the Hon Ms Baleka Mbete, stated that the destinies of Swaziland and South Africa are linked, in many instances, through family ties and that integration among the countries of the region was important despite the artificial boundaries imposed by colonial history.
Executive Committee Meetings – Key Issues
• The Legal Sub-Committee considered the admission of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to SADC-PF and recommended that the DRC be admitted. • The Steering Committee on Human Resources facilitated the appointment of seven professional staff members to the Secretariat. • The Chairperson of SADC-PF reported on a courtesy visit paid to the President of South Africa, His Excellency, Thabo Mbeki, at which the issue of the establishment of a SADC Parliament was discussed. • The Secretary–General reported on the election observation programme, in accordance with which elections will be observed in Mauritius and Tanzania this year, and in Zambia, Angola and the DRC in 2006. • The Treasurer reported that, in order to cope with rising expenditure, annual mandatory contributions from Member States would be increased to R858 000 p.a. Member States were also urged to pay their current contributions and settle their arrears before June 2005.
Standing Committee Meetings – Key Issues
• The Committee on Democracy, Gender and Conflict Resolution /
Peace-building noted that:
o SADC-PF Chapters should be established at national
Parliaments.
o In terms of election observation, while the principle of
sovereignty would be upheld, it was nonetheless
important to continue the practice of observing
elections in Member States.
o While Country Reports showed a trend towards greater
gender sensitivity, there are still many gaps in the
implementation of the SADC Declaration on Gender and
Development.
• The Committee on Inter-parliamentary Co-operation noted that:
o There were inadequate lines of communication and
exchange of information between the Forum and other
regional (such as the Pan African Parliament – PAP) and
international parliamentary bodies.
o National Parliaments should create awareness of the work
and importance of the Forum.
o SADC Heads of State need to be sensitised about the
importance of establishing a SADC Parliament.
• The Committee on Regional Integration noted that:
o National Parliaments should play a decisive role in the
approval of loans and that parliamentarians should
reinforce their oversight role and ensure that loans are
used for their stated purposes.
o There was insufficient information about NEPAD and that,
in order for the contribution of parliamentarians to be
more effective, there needs to be more consultation at
both grassroots and parliamentary levels.
• The Committee on HIV and AIDS noted that:
o Despite all the interventions and programmes detailed by
the various Country Reports, the infection rate is on
the rise.
o The proposed Action Plan, which addressed the problems
identified, should be implemented.
• The Committee on the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus
noted that:
o Advocacy and lobbying missions to encourage greater
women’s representation in national Parliaments will be
undertaken to Mauritius, Zambia and Angola this year.
o While women’s representation rose from 17,9% to 19,2%
during the 1997 - 2005 period, the levels of
representivity remained below 15% in most Member States.
Plenary: Thematic Session – Key Issues
The theme of this session was ‘Challenges in the implementation of SADC Protocols: The role of parliaments in the management of cross border natural resources’. The key points made were:
• There is concern over the slow ratification of SADC
Protocols.
• The latest three Protocols to be ratified all deal with the
management of cross-border natural resources, viz. the
Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses; the Protocol on
Fisheries; and the Protocol on Wildlife Conservation and Law
Enforcement.
• The objective of these Protocols is to establish common
approaches to the conservation and sustainable utilisation of
cross-border natural resources on a basis of equity, and to
assist with the effective enforcement of laws governing those
resources.
• Common challenges for all the Protocols include: lack of
political will; limited financial and human resources; high
poverty levels.
• Parliaments need to play their role in facilitating the
ratification and implementation of SADC Protocols.
Another theme dealt with in this session was the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It was noted that:
• The MDGs set a number of goals and targets for monitoring human
development by 2015.
• Few Less Developed Countries (LDCs), which include some SADC
countries, will meet these targets by 2015.
• The attainment of the MDGs will not succeed without a very significant
increase in both resources and effort.
• The attainment of the MDGs is inextricable from the attainment of
larger freedoms such as peace and security; good governance; human
rights; effective socio-economic policies.
Plenary: Policy Session – Key Issues
• The establishment of a SADC Parliament:
o A decision is required on the establishment of a SADC
Parliament.
o The concerns of some Heads of State, to the effect that the
expenses for this institution would be a drain on the region’s
resources, should be addressed through the provision of more
data on the budget required for its establishment and operation.
• Application by the DRC:
o The Plenary Assembly unanimously approved the application by
the Parliament of the DRC for admission as the 13th member of
SADC-PF.
• MDGs:
o Unsatisfactory progress is being made by the region in
attaining the MDGs.
o Funding for measures to attain the MDGs should be reflected
in the budgets of national Parliaments.
• African Debt:
o Parliaments should initiate relevant constitutional and
legislative reforms to ensure that their role in the debt
contraction process is further enhanced and institutionalised.
• HIV and AIDS:
o A plan of action for national Parliaments (which covered prevention,
treatment, discrimination, cultural practices and the care of
Orphans and Vulnerable Children) to address the continued increase
in the rates of HIV infections was approved.
• Future Plenary Sessions:
o The 19th Plenary Session will be held in Botswana in December
2005 and the 20th in Mozambique in June 2006.
Issues for the South African Parliament to follow up:
• Submit Country Reports for all five Standing Committees.
• Submission of reports on the Global Fund showing amounts accessed to
date; utilisation of such amounts and problems encountered.
• Consideration and finalisation of the draft Protocol on the
Establishment of the SADC Parliament.
• Submission of a report on the ratification of all SADC Protocols to
date.
• Submission of a report on the establishment and support for a national
woman’s parliamentary caucus.
• Submission of a report on action taken at a national level on SADC’s
Norms and Standards of Elections, the SADC Principles on Democratic
Elections, and South Africa’s electoral laws.
• Submission of a report on action taken at a national level on the SADC
Declaration on Gender and Development.
• Submission of a report on action taken at a national level on NEPAD
initiatives.
• Submission of a report on action taken at a national level on PAP
initiatives.
-
The Minister of Housing
Report and financial statements of the National Housing Finance Corporation Limited for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
-
The Minister of Labour
Report and Financial Statements of Vote 17 – Department of Labour for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 113-2005].
-
The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Government Notice No 763 published in Government Gazette 27846 dated 05 August 2005: Correction Notice to amend Government Notice No 533 published in Government Gazette No 27641 dated 10 June 2005 to substitute the word “Calitzdorp” for “Ladysmith”.
(b) Government Notice No 767 published in Government Gazette 27846 dated 05 August 2005: Notice of List of Protected Tree Species, made in terms of section 15(3) of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998)
(c) Government Notice No 780 published in Government Gazette 27859 dated 01 August 2005: Rates and charges, made in terms of section 11 of the Water Research Act, 1971 (Act No 34 of 1971).
(d) General Notice No 1391 published in Government Gazette No 27877 dated 05 August 2005: Publication of draft Forestry Laws Amendment Bill for comment.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Council of Provinces
-
Report of the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs on the Defence Account Amendment Bill [B 15-2005] (National Assembly - sec 75), dated 7 September 2005:
The Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs, having considered the subject of the Defence Account Amendment Bill [B 15- 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, reports that it has agreed to the Bill.
-
Report of the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs on the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, Limited Amendment Bill [B 14B-2005] (National Assembly - sec 75), dated 7 September 2005:
The Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs, having considered the subject of the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, Limited Amendment Bill [B 14B-2005] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, reports that it has agreed to the Bill.
-
Report of the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs on the Judicial Matters Amendment Bill [B 2B-2005] (National Assembly
- sec 75), dated 7 September 2005:
The Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs, having considered the subject of the Judicial Matters Amendment Bill B 2B- 2005, referred to it, reports that it has agreed to the Bill.
The Committee wishes to report further, as follows:
Regarding clauses 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the Bill as referred to the Select Committee, dealing with various amendments to the Debt Collectors Act, 1998, the Committee has taken cognisance of a letter of Black Sash addressed to it and the report of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, requesting the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to investigate the viability of all debt collectors, attorneys included, falling under the ambit of a single statute, that is the Debt Collectors Act,
- The Select Committee wishes to endorse the sentiments expressed in the letter of Black Sash and the Portfolio Committee in this regard and requests the Department to finalise its investigation as soon as possible and to report to Parliament on the outcome of this investigation.
Clause 12 of the Bill amends section 12 of the Debt Collectors Act, 1998, among others, by requiring the Debt Collectors Council to publish the register containing the names and particulars of all registered debt collectors on the website of the Council and to make the register available for inspection by members of the public at the places and times which are determined in the regulations to this Act. The Committee, while agreeing with these amendments, requests the Department, when drafting the regulations required under this provision, to bear in mind that not all members of society, particularly marginalised members of society, have easy access to websites, Government Gazettes and even national newspapers - mediums which are proposed in these amendments. The Committee consequently requests the Department to make sure that the places which the register is available for public inspection, include places which are accessible to as many people as possible. The Committee also requests the Department and the Debt Collectors Council to explore ways of making the activities and aims of the Debt Collectors Council known as widely as possible so that members of society who are confronted with what they consider to be abusive practices by debt collectors know what their rights are and what mechanisms are in place to which they can take their grievances for investigation or where they can find out whether the debt collector in question is in fact a registered debt collector, falling under the jurisdiction of the Council. The Department, in conjunction with the Council, must report back to this Committee as soon as possible with a plan of action on how this is to be achieved.
Report to be considered.
MONDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 2005
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Translations of Bills submitted
(1) The Minister of Trade and Industry
(i) Wysigingswetsontwerp op Patente [W 17– 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75) This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the Patents Amendment Bill [W 17 – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75). -
Membership of Committees
(1) The following changes have been made to the membership of Joint Committees, viz:
Budget: Appointed: Mabe, Ms L L; Nene, Mr N M (Alt)
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Finance
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Accounting Standards Board for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 108- 2005].
-
The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa Limited for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 160-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 115-2005].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of Khula Enterprise Finance Ltd for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the National Lotteries Board for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the Competition Commission of South Africa for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 62-2005].
(f) Report and Financial Statements of the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(g) Report and Financial Statements of South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 163-2005].
(h) Report and Financial Statements of the Competition Tribunal for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 127-2005].
(i) Report and Financial Statements of the National Advisory Manufacturing Advisory Centres Trust (NAMAC) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
(j) Report and Financial Statements of the National Gambling Board for 2004-2005 (plus inclusion of one page into the Annual Report of the National Board i.e. Page 51 “under the heading: Gambling Tax/Levy contribution per gambling mode – all modes – the Total R9 925 million” is replaced with R925 million), including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 131-2005].
National Council of Provinces
-
The Chairperson
(a) Draft Notice and Schedule in terms of section 2(4) of the Judges Remuneration and Conditions of Employment Act, 2001 (Act No 47 of 2001), as amended by the Judicial Officers (Amendment of Conditions of Service) Act, 2003 (Act No 28 of 2003), determining the rate at which salaries are payable to Constitutional Court Judges and Judges annually, with effect from 1 April 2005, for approval by Parliament.
(b) Draft Notice and Schedule in terms of section 12(3) of the Magistrates’ Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993), as amended by the Judicial Officers (Amendment of Conditions of Service) Act, 2003 (Act No 28 of 2003), determining the rate at which salaries are payable to magistrates annually, with effect from 1 April 2005, for approval by Parliament.
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report. TUESDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER 2005 ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
-
Message from National Assembly to National Council of Provinces in respect of Bill passed by Assembly and transmitted to Council:
(1) Bill passed by National Assembly on 13 September 2005 and transmitted for concurrence:
Patents Amendment Bill [B 17B – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75). The Bill has been referred to the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs of the National Council of Provinces.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
1. The Minister of Finance
(a) Annual Economic Report of the South African Reserve Bank for
2005.
-
The Minister of Transport
(a) National Household Travel Survey for 2003 – Key Results.
(b) National Household Travel Survey for 2003 – Technical Report.
-
The Minister of Public Enterprises
(a) Report and Financial Statements of arivia.kom for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005.
-
The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Productivity Institute (NPI) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 48-2005].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (MERSETA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 97-2005].
-
The Minister of Health
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Council for Medical Schemes for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 146- 2005].
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Council of Provinces
-
Report of Select Committee on Social Services on Oversight Visit to the Northern Cape 08 – 12 August 2005, dated 13 September 2005:
BACKGROUND
The Select Committee on Social Services undertook a study tour to the Northern Cape Province from 08 – 12 August 2005. The purpose of the study tour was for the Committee to exercise its oversight function, as mandated by the Constitution. The primary objectives of the provincial visits included:
• To conduct oversight over the management and quality of services rendered in respect of social development, health and home affairs. • To inspect various health, social development and home affairs facilities, in order to determine the state of physical infrastructure and equipment. • Identify progress made and challenges that are being experienced by all the stakeholders.
A. Meeting with MEC and HOD: Social Services and Population Development
Foreword by the MEC
The Select Committee on Social Services met with the Member of the
Executive Council (MEC): Social Services and Population Development,
Mr Ackerwaray, on Monday 08 August 2005.
The MEC informed the committee that the presentation to be given is
not to analyse the Department but to ascertain how the activities were
implemented. The department, the MEC stated, took a strategic approach
to look at the internal environment, i.o.w. its capability. The
department also had to take a look at the external factors, including
the policies, that affects the department. The service delivery
structures had to be looked at, e.g. social workers, to address the
vacancy rate, the physical needs (e.g. availability of computers, fax
machines etc.). The devolution of authority will form an important
part of this process, and managers will have to take responsibility
for their actions.
The MEC noted some specifics as well. These include: the number of
backlogs with regard to the grant processing of grant applications was
reduced from 16 000 to 2 000; the turn-around times, which includes
the appropriateness of facilities, where the department, as stated by
the MEC, has done very well.
The MEC stated that the finances have stabilised, backlogs have been
eradicated and staff are motivated.
For 2005 the MEC noted that the infrastructure will have to be in
place when the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) becomes operational
in 2006. Focus will be placed on intervention programmes e.g.
substance abuse. The state of the department and NGOs will have to be
looked at. The department also increased the subsidy to NGOs to 50% to
enable them to do their work effectively. The department will also be
looking to minimize internal fraud and corruption.
1. Presentation by Ms Y. Botha – HOD: Social Services and Population
Development
The HOD gave a brief summary on the vision and mission of the
department.
The HOD highlighted that the challenges faced by the department are
many and diverse, and in saying this, the department made a concerted
effort to roll out programmes to the rural and vulnerable communities
of the Province.
Human Resource and Management and Development
The HOD stated that 100 persons were appointed in Social Auxiliary
Work Learnerships. The Department started giving stipends of R500 per
month to the 289 volunteers in their Victim Empowerment Programmes,
Isolabantwana etc. The department has also implemented the Social Work
Retention Strategy and 22 Probation and Assistant probation Officers
have been appointed in their social crime-prevention programmes.
Social Assistance Grants
The HOD noted that backlogs in grant processing of grant applications
have been reduced from about 16 000 to 1 721 and the processing of the
huge backlogs in appeal cases have been reduced to about 90 cases.
Achievements include:
• The province’s professional foster-care programme is rated as
the best practice model in the country for family preservation.
• The Isobalantwana Project and the Neighbour-Helping-Neighbour
Campaign has been rolled out to several towns in support of
vulnerable children.
• An additional 15 early childhood development centres have been
registered and the subsidy has increased by 30%.
• Funding for services for the aged increased from R78 per person
to R120 per person.
• The development of a Mini Drug Master Plan.
• An Elder Persons forum has been established in the Pixley-ka-
Seme region.
• Resources have been allocated to start the first multi-purpose
centre at Resthaven.
Development Implementation Support Services
The HOD stated that the focus areas of the department for the 2005/06
financial year included the following:
• addressing the socio-economic problems leading to unemployment,
poverty and HIV and Aids.
• The facilitation and implementation of the poverty relief
programme.
• The establishment of new community-based economical projects and
the strengthening of existing ones.
• The implementation of new poverty relief initiatives.
• The provision of social development services to women, children,
youth, disabled persons, orphans and children infected and
affected by HIV and Aids.
Food Security
The HOD stated that the major focus of this programme would entail:
Food-parcel distribution and food gardens, where the targeted group
will be 9 550 households.
Drop-in-Centres, and at these centres there will be HIV and Aids
awareness and the provision of nutritious meals. Another targeted
service will be the provision of nutritious supplements, the payment
of stipends and the establishment of child-care forums.
Children/Youth Awaiting Trial
The number of young people entering the criminal justice system in the
province range between 279 – 290 per month. Probation Officers in the
different magisterial districts are assessing all these young people,
in order to determine appropriate placement options.
The HOD informed members on the statistics regarding the referral of
young people who are being assessed:
Residential-care placement is being implemented as a last resort and
emphasis is being placed on community-based intervention options in
terms of life-skills development and support to young people and their
families.
The HOD stated that there are currently 12 child-headed households in
the Pixley-ka-Seme Region.
Issues raised
• The department responded on the issue of the facilities at pay
points and stated that at all pay points there are ablution
facilities, cover (tents) for the beneficiaries and water and
these points are in a 5km radius from the beneficiaries. The HOD
stated that the department is currently busy upgrading pay
points further and they are working with local government and
the churches in the various areas. The department also provides
the disabled with wheelchairs (if they need one) or the Service
Provider provides them. The department stated that on the day of
the payout to beneficiaries, the payouts begin at 08:00 in the
morning and by 11:00 all pay points are finished with payments.
• There are 228 pay points in the province. There are security at
these pay points, they are fenced and CPS are present. Community
volunteers are present and they are trained in customer care,
which are provided for by the service provider and at the end of
the year a year-end function is held for these volunteers. The
MEC stated that SAPS have also been asked to drive around at the
various pay points on the day of payments, since this is a
visible form of crime prevention. The HOD stated that the only
people within the fence are the service provider and the
beneficiaries, with the result that any other person must do his
business outside (e.g. Mzansi).
• The department stated that beneficiaries are advised that grants
are paid on different dates. The MEC stated that beneficiaries
had a choice and these were: that they can take the cash payment
or load the money on to the smart card. The MEC reiterated that
it was all about choice.
• The HOD stated that a grant-abuse communication strategy was a
priority for the department: strategies included going from door
to door and reporting abuse in the system to the department and
where the department would come up with strategies to curb this.
The HOD stated that this was very difficult since many of the
people were illiterate.
• With regard to the food parcels, the HOD stated that the
province did provide food parcels, but not as many as they used
to. The HOD further noted that the department had to link up
with the Department of Agriculture, but this never materialised.
• The HOD stated that the department wanted to see a smooth
transition of the personnel to the SA Social Security Agency.
She noted that there was an increase in the number of disability
grants, the reason being that of the increase in asbestos-
related cases, the high risk of TB, etc.
• The HOD stated that SOCPEN did indicate which beneficiaries’
benefits would expire and these beneficiaries were informed
three months before it expired. The MEC stated that the
department was committed to make payments on time and not to
delay the process.
• The Chairperson enquired whether or not there were any rollovers
and the MEC stated that the department was spending accordingly.
The MEC further noted that the department frequently met to
discuss the patterns of spending of the department; to determine
early warning signs in the system. The MEC said that the
department spent 100% of its budget (R1, 2 Billion).
• The HOD stated that the department dealt with the backlogs and
that there had been a significant increase in the number of
backlog cases.
• Recommendations
• That the Department implements the Grant Abuse Communication
Strategy, because of the many cases of fraud and corruption.
• That the Department links up with other departments, e.g. talks
with the Department of Agriculture will have to resume.
-
Meeting with Regional Directors: Social Services – Northern Cape and North West
Kgalagadi district is a cross-boundary municipality and the Committee met with the two district Regional Managers of Social Services of the Northern Cape and the North West.
Northern Cape
The Regional director informed the committee that the district was served by 51 workers: 27 permanent staff members, 6 contract workers and 18 learnerships.
Kgalagadi District is served by eight permanent personnel. The Regional Director stated that with the establishment of the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), some thinking needed to be applied regarding the transfer or absorption of the personnel. It was stated by the department that beneficiaries served in the area amounted to 2 562, compared to 9 340 in the district.
The department stated that certain factors influenced the access to grants and these include: • Foreign documents: in the cross-border areas, this is very high • Lack of IDs: In Deben an ID campaign was conducted and more than 500 people without IDs were found in four days. This could be contributed to the limited access to Home Affairs services. • Farms that did not have access to Home Affairs services.
The seven pay points serving the Kgalagadi area are well equipped with the necessary amenities required for payments. Only one was too small for the beneficiaries, namely Deben community hall.
The Welfare/Pension/Cash Pay Committees at all pay points are managed by volunteers of six to 10 people per pay point, with name tags showing their status. At the end of the year, the department, with CPS, shows them gratitude in the form of money (R400) and/or a food hamper - this differs from year to year.
The Regional Director informed the committee that priority was given to low-income households who spent less than R200 per person per month and divisions per town were determined by population size and poverty status in the area.
The Regional Director stated that other institutions such as NGOs, clinics, hospitals, SAPS, Schools, DOTS, home-based care workers and municipalities were involved in one way or the other to help with the food distribution in the form of storage of food, transport, use of telephones etc.
Complaints which the department received included: maize distribution was small, leaking of cooking oil, damage to hampers, assessment not fair and volunteers victimized.
The Regional Director stated that the challenges regarding the food security includes: • The needs exceed the supply of hampers • “Duplicated” services by the departments of Health and Social Services • Inevitable lengthy explanations to people as to why they do not qualify • Limited transport for delivery • Portuguese communities of Dingleton felt left out • Enforced list of beneficiaries from community leaders
The department stated that the future of the programme would be to establish drop-in centres for feeding those who do not have food at home, and that these were being piloted. With regard to the Integrated Social Development Services Grant (ISDSG), this programme used “funds” amongst the beneficiaries of social grants to start investments into poverty-alleviation projects.
The Regional Director informed the committee that the department relied on NGOs to render specialised services, which included: Substance-abuse service, services to people with disabilities, Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs), services to Older Persons, Victim Empowerment Services.
The Regional Director stated that services to youth awaiting trial are one of the department’s early intervention service functions. He further noted that statistics differed from month to month and in most cases only parental care and secure care facilities were being utilised. Youth awaiting trial in the Kgalagadi district had the privilege of being diverted into life skills and educational programmes at Moffat Mission, Kuruman, have been funded by the department for this purpose. The probation officer of Kathu also serves the Kuruman Magistrate office and works cross-border in this part of the Northern Cape. Re-assessment of youth in prison is being done on request and according to statistics and lately it is only children from the North West province who were in the Kuruman prison.
With regard to Mental Health Services, no organisation exists for this service and no exploration is underway to assess the degree of the need because of a shortage of personnel.
Statutory services
Foster-care placement: the Regional Director informed the Committee that the number of finalised cases were – Kuruman (72) and Deben/Kathu (40); the number of children benefiting – Kuruman (150) and Deben/Kathu (82); and there were no backlogs in either of these regions.
Services to children and families
The department is currently busy with the formation of a programme called - Isolabantwa (Eye on the child) where an interest group of stakeholders is formed to establish a structure focusing on the protection of children.
New emerging NGOs
Through the Presidential Nodes projects, the Kuruman office is facilitating three organizations towards independent status as NGOs. These projects receive once-off funding staggered for three years.
Challenges
The department stated that the challenges included the following:
• Planning for the absorption of the Northern Cape workers after the end of the cross-border arrangement • Difficulty of accessibility to Home Affairs services • Resolve the tricky issues of foreign documentation for IDs and accessibility to grants • The poverty level, which overwhelms such approaches as income- generating projects, food hampers, soup kitchens, etc. • Stability of experienced, skilled workers to help with the establishment of NGOs • The slow establishment of strong NGOs that can make a difference in helping to manage the social problems the department faces • Businesses exploiting people in terms of the smart cards. Issues raised
• Mr Sulliman enquired regarding the use of the smart card. The Regional Director stated that the problem in the Northern Cape (NC), i.t.o. its Service Level Agreement was that it had to come up with value added service. The department has the task to educate people on the use of the smart card. The department must do more regarding training and informing people. With regard to businesses exploiting this system, the regional director stated that it was difficult to get affidavits from people to identify who these businesses were. He further noted that the SAPS were visible at the pay points. • With regard to grants, there are no long waiting periods. There were backlogs, but now the department is on track and people are working hard to eradicate the backlogs. The district also has a good relationship with the judiciary. • Ms Lamoela enquired whether there were any shortages with regard to social workers. The Regional Director stated that social workers were a scarce skill in the region. The district did not have a policy in place to deal with the issue. He proposed that these social workers be provided houses in the remote areas. • The Regional Director stated that 18 auxiliary workers have been trained in the area and bursaries had been given to exceptional persons. A major concern for the region is that when jobs are advertised the department receives very few applications. • Ms Vilakazi wanted to know whether the department had any link with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). The Regional Director said that due to the fact that DHA had a shortage of staff, the mindset of officials and the vast area made it difficult for DHA. The district had a campaign regarding this issue and there are mobile units (one in Upington and one in Kgalagadi) and this must improve. • The Chairperson raised the issue of drop-in centres and NGOs. The Regional Director informed the Committee that there were no drop-in centres in the region, but now the province decided where the need existed to establish these centres. Previously this was done by the national department. He further noted that there were two in the province (one at Upington and one in the Namaqua region). • With regard to NGOs the regional director said that the NGOs were not skilled enough, and there was the need for these NGOs to be sustainable, the reason being that it was risky if these NGOs were dependent on the state. • The Chairperson also enquired regarding the food parcels. The department stated that the whole process was done through tender (nationally) and provinces just had to distribute the food parcels. • The department informed the committee that grants were processed on time and the waiting time now is three months. • The Executive Mayor stated that the district had many enquiries regarding burials. The department stated that they used to fund burials to those who could not afford it, but now there were no more funds available to render this service. The Committee undertook to take this issue up with the National Department of Social Development.
Recommendations
• The SC on Social Services stated that they would take up the burial assistance to the poor with the national department.
Department of Social Services - North West
The Regional Director stated that the challenges in the Moshaweng Service Point was that the shortage of staff hampered service delivery and that a normal ratio was one social worker to 5 000 people. This was the same in Gasegonyana Service Point.
With regard to office accommodation, there is a lack for Moshaweng Service Point and efforts taken to secure a building were and are still unsuccessful. Both service points are still accommodated in one building, and as result there is overcrowding of personnel who have to share offices.
In Moshaweng there is one subsidised early development childhood centre and in Gasegonyana four.
Children in conflict with the law
The presenter stated that in the social worker never received requests for pre-trial reports for children awaiting trial for both service points.
Food security During the 2003/04 financial year, Moshaweng food parcel allocation was 8 000 and Gasegonyana 5 000. In the 2004/05 financial year, Moshaweng received 1 250 food parcels and Gasegonyana 750.
The reduction in the food parcels hampered the programme in terms of reaching the majority of the vulnerable people. The Regional Director stated that there was no synergy between the Departments of Agriculture and Social Development.
Integrated Social Development Grant (ISDSG)
The Kgalagadi District has been identified as an area to start a drop- in centre. The Regional Director stated that children were identified in order to be assisted with school uniforms: in Moshaweng 28 children and Gasegonyana 28 children.
NGO funding
The Department is presently working hand in hand with community-based organisations (CBOs), as there are no NGOs in the North West part of the district. The department further noted that all CBOs and projects have affiliated with the CBO network which was launched last year.
Challenges • Shortage of staff • Shortage of office accommodation • High influx of applicants for disability grant • Foster-care backlog • No appointed probation officers for both service points. A social worker focuses on both generic work and probation work • A serious turnover of staff due to the fact that there is no retention strategy for people to stay in the area.
Issues raised • The committee enquired what the number of people applying for indemnity in the region was. The presenter stated that there were quite a lot of people applying for indemnity, but she was unable to give the exact figures of how many applied. • The food-parcel distribution was a challenge for the district, but they had local committees to monitor the whole process. On the issue of the decrease in the number of food parcels, the district stated that this was due to a decrease in the budget. • With regard to facilities at pay points, e.g. shelter and chairs, a tender was awarded to a company where the department ensured that local contractors were appointed to deliver the services. At pay points the department makes provision for people in need of wheelchairs. • The department stated that there was a shortage in foster care due to the shortage of social workers and a submission has been made to the province to fill these positions.
Recommendations • That the shortage of social workers be addressed in the region.
- Meeting with the Regional Director: Social Services (Frances Baard District)
The Regional Director began his presentation with the pay-point development in the region. He stated that there were 51 pay points in the region and that one pay point had been developed and that 12 pay points needed upgrading and another 11 existing structures needed to be upgraded.
He further mentioned the challenges w.r.t. social security in the region:
• The high demand for disability grants due to the high unemployment rate within the region • Resources are limited • Problems with CPS machines at shops where they (shopkeepers) provide loans and the beneficiaries remain in debt • The rise in disability grants because of the rise in HIV/Aids cases • There is a big demand for food parcels as a result of unemployment • The abuse of social grants
The department noted that there were 118 cases of HIV and Aids in the region. A number of 435 care givers received a stipend of R500 per month and 372 food parcels were distributed to child-headed households and the social-relief programme also supported them. The Department has also given burial assistance to 41 HIV and Aids-affected families from April – June 2005.
The number of cases handled by social workers increased from 117 242 cases and the children’s court is booked up to November for foster- care placements. The NGOs have a serious shortage of social workers and in nearly every NGO there is a social-work post vacant. Then it becomes the responsibility of the department to render a service in this vacant area. Another challenge is the shortage of vehicles for social workers to render an effective service.
Social Assistance Grants The presenter stated that the total amount of beneficiaries receiving grants in the region were 52 572 people.
Food Parcels With regard to the food-security parcels, the region distributed 1 850 food parcels. The target group for these food parcels are: orphans and young children, youth, people living with HIV and Aids, vulnerable families infected and affected by HIV and Aids, women and people with an income of less than R200 per month.
Child-Headed Households
In the region there are 114 child-headed households. The department is assisting families and child-headed households to access birth certificates and grants. The department is also trying to link and place children/youth in mainstream schooling. Youth are placed in the Adolescent Development Programme (ADP) to restore self-worth and self- esteem and parenting education to teenagers who are heading households. The department will also assist in the establishment of a community food garden in order to teach subsistence farming to young people and families.
In the Frances Baard region there 81 children awaiting trials - 39 at Molehe Mampe Secure Care Centre and 42 at Lorato Place of Safety. There are nine children in prison.
NGO funding and services
The Frances Baard region has twenty (20) NGOs with a monthly funding of R16 822 and R2 018 688 annually. The presenter stated that the department relied mainly on non-profit organisations to render specialized services, which included substance abuse, services to people with disabilities, etc.
In the Frances Baard region there are 46 child and family organisations, 27 Homes for older person’s, six children’s Homes, 179 ECD centres, one shelter for children on the street, five protective workshops, three residential facilities for people with disabilities and 21 service centres for the elderly and disabled.
Issues raised
• The presenter stated that the abuse of grants was a major problem in the region and that the region did not have a specific unit that dealt with this abuse and that the need existed for a dedicated team to deal with this issue. There are volunteers in the region to assist the social workers with their already huge caseloads. • With regard to burials of people who cannot afford it, the department stated that they tried to assist where there really was a need. The department makes provision for this in the conditional grant for burials, which are HIV and Aids related, but it is a dilemma. The presenter stated that the municipalities were supposed to budget for this service. The department further noted that they were educating and encouraging people to take out burial policies. • The presenter stated that the region was trying its very best to cope with foster care in the region and they were able to do only that much. The department spends a lot of time on each individual case before it goes to court. The department stated that they had an excellent relationship with the Department of Justice and that they also had a Child Forum, where they met to discuss problems and bottlenecks with the Department of Justice. • On the issue of orphans, the presenter stated that the department was trying to speed up the process and that there were volunteer workers who assisted the department well, with the result that the social worker only did investigations. The aim was to place the child as soon as possible. • With regard to people living with HIV and Aids the presenter stated that the region had done data research on, for example, what was needed to assist those living with HIV and Aids. The aim is also to speed up assistance to people who are terminally ill. • The presenter stated that the physical infrastructure at pay points needed minor attention, e.g. fixing toilets, tiling, etc. If any developments were to take place at these pay points, the department involved CPS and the local municipality and the department had a healthy relationship with municipalities. The presenter also informed the committee that payouts at the various pay points only happened till 14h00 and if payments were done after 15h00 the department had a service-level agreement with the service provider to provide the beneficiaries with food. • The presenter stated that regarding the CPS machines in shops, the last option was to remove them from shops. He further noted that it was the people themselves who abused the system and at the end of the day the department would be responsible. The HOD stated that another problem was that the shop owners themselves abused the system by hiking the prices in their shops and they also kept the smart cards of beneficiaries. • With regard to probation services in the region, the department has what they call the Home-based Provision Programme, which is only in the Frances Baard district. They are planning to roll it out in other regions. The children are trained in life skills to assist them and to keep them busy while they are waiting to go to court. The monitoring is done by the assistant probation officers and they also have people assisting them. The presenter stated that this programme started as a pilot but now the region could not do without it and they were becoming indispensable. • On the issue of food-parcel distribution, the department looked at various factors, e.g the number of people in a household, the number employed in this household, etc, and this is when the department intervenes. The presenter stated that the department was making a concerted effort to assist the needy, the poor and the vulnerable in the region. • The presenter stated that the department tried their best to rid the department of corruption. For example, when beneficiaries cannot write, they take the thumbprint of the beneficiary and they make sure structures are in place to minimize corruption. • With regard to the amnesty process in the region, the presenter stated that the process is ongoing. • The presenter stated that the department was moving away from old-age homes and they made sure that they are multi- purpose centres. • The presenter stated that more needed to be done to assist NGOs in the region and the issue of subsidies to NGOs needed to be addressed as well. • The department stated that there was a relationship with the religious organizations in the region, but these relations must be further strengthened and improved. Many of the soup kitchens in the region are run by faith-based organisations and without them the department would be truly lost, as the presenter stated.
Recommendations • That the department has to minimise the abuse of grants and that they will have to develop a strategy to deal with this abuse of the system. • The SC on Social Services stated that they would address the burial assistance to the poor with the national department. • To speed up the process of foster care in the region, they have to liaise with the Department of Justice to alleviate the situation. • The provincial department must get the assistance of the national department w.r.t. the establishment of NGOs in the region. They must strengthen the relationship with the faith- based organisations.
- Visit to Ethembeni Community and Trauma Centre – De Aar
The centre was initiated in May 2002 and registered as a NPO in 2004. The objective of the centre is the provision of a comprehensive 24- hour service for vulnerable groups, which include children, woman and men in the community.
The core functions of the centre include: • Children on streets • Soup kitchen - the presenter stated that they also provided food to older persons if they were sick and the previous month (July) they had 307 people whom they were feeding, including unemployed people. • Home-based schooling - the emphasis is on the street children and the centre teaches them how to deal with various problems • Drop-in centre - they applied for funding • Trauma centre – to be used for counseling purposes, because the police refer people to the centre. • Shelter and other services
The presenter stated that the centre received little assistance from the Department of Health.
The challenges of the centre include: • Resource allocation – the presenter stated that at one stage the centre had 10 administrative ladies assisting them, but people leave because they do not receive any salary/stipend. There are no money to deliver services to older people • Sustainable source of income • Additional and sustainable volunteer basis • Medical practitioners and forensic services • Strong broad-based partnerships • Assistance from the Department of Health • Repair of essential infrastructure and equipment (electricity, washing machines, stoves, windows and burglar bars) • Upgrading and renovation (paint, flooring, clean up)
Commitments from the Department of Social Services and Population Development include: funding for two development workers and one coordinator. The department also envisages funding in the current financial year for a list of needs as indicated by the centre. The HOD stated that the department of Social Development is responsible for the running costs of the centre. The presenter stated that Spoornet owns the building which the centre is occupying and the children at the centre is receiving no funding.
Recommendations • The committee emphasised that the Department of Health will have to come on board and assist with the centre. • The committee went on a tour through the centre and found that the kitchen, stoves, etc are in bad condition and that the department will have to link with other stakeholders to better the situation. • Because the building is old, many repairs will have to be done, e.g painting, broken windows, etc.
- Visit to Resthaven Old Age Home – Kimberley
The Select Committee on Social Services visited the Resthaven Old Age Home on Friday 12 August 2005.
The presenter stated that Resthaven had been identified as a pilot project for a multipurpose centre to initiate a comprehensive one-stop service centre for older persons. The new facility will host a basket of services, e.g. service centre, frail care, day care, transport and laundry services, meals on wheels, information centre, health and beauty, etc.
The facility has bed occupancy for 48 residents and there are currently 25 frail and 23 independent residents who are taken care of. The facility is in receipt of a monthly subsidy of R48 487.60 from the Department of Social Services and Population Development.
The management board comprises of 10 members and meetings are held on a monthly basis. The management committee consists of volunteers who are elected every two years. Monitoring and evaluation is the responsibility of the Department of Social services and Population Development.
Funding has been allocated for the following: • a 25-seater bus of R485 000 • office equipment of R34 000 • renovation of the home and the construction of a 200-seater hall to the amount of R2 million. This forms part of the transformation of services to the elderly and people with disabilities to provide infrastructure for the implementation of community-based services.
The challenges of the home include: • Implementation of proposed organogram, i.e. Sub-directorate for Special Needs • Promotion of community involvement • Strengthening of partnerships, interdepartmental as well as the private sector • Research on needs of older persons in communities • Training for management and staff • Awareness campaigns in communities • The frequent change of committee members affects the organisation negatively, and consequently the organisation is continuously confronted with labour-relations issues.
The committee enquired from the one sister who worked at the centre and she informed the committee that the following were some of the challenges faced by the centre: • That the infrastructure of the centre was not created for an old- age home and that the centre was originally built as a centre for the abused and neglected. • In the centre currently there are more frail patients. • She noted that the current staff members needed extensive training to deal with frail patients, because there was huge strain on the current professional nurses • The centre needed a sluice room, because currently they were improvising • The centre needed a sick bay
Recommendations include: • Liaison with the department of Public Works in order to address infrastructure challenges • They must revisit the staff establishment of the facility • Budget allocation will have to be reviewed
- Visit to Mohele Mampe Place of Safety The types of intervention at the centre include: • prevention, which includes outreach programmes • early intervention services • sport and recreational programmes • educational programmes, etc.
Challenges at the centre include: • infrastructural challenges • the budget allocation • lack of computerized tracking system to link with continuum of care services • Recidivism of young people
Issues raised • Members enquired whether submissions had been made regarding the budget. The presenter stated that the senior management of the Department of Social Services was making allocations and that the centre would have overspending and the issue was being addressed. • The presenter stated that the overcrowding was “artificial”. He stated that the centre was seasonally overcrowded, i.e. over the Christmas and Easter season. • The presenter stated that the some of the dormitories had been vandalised and that the Department of Public Works would be coming the following week to do maintenance work on the buildings.
Recommendations from the Committee: • that the strategic plan of the centre must include the budget as well • that partnerships will have to be formed with other various departments, e.g. Public Works
Tour of Mohele Mampe Centre • The committee observed that the dormitories differed in size, e.g. one bed, two beds, four beds • Some of the dormitories are vandalized.There are 10 dormitories and six are vandalised • There are telephones available for the children to phone their family members • There is a woodwork workshop, which belongs to the provincial Department of Education, where the children can do welding, etc. • The centre also supplies the boys with clothes • In the laundry the machines are old but still in a working condition. The sewing machine is broken down. • The boys receive breakfast at 7am, lunch at 1pm, supper at 5pm and a snack at 8pm. • In the principal’s office there are screens from where the principal can monitor the movement of the boys.
- De Aar Clinic
The committee visited the clinic on 08 August 2005.
Tour of clinic • The presenter stated that PMTCT was a pilot project at the clinic • The members noticed a waiting room - this was where patients got the date and time for their appointments. On the day of the visit the waiting room was not packed and the presenter stated that it was seldom packed and that there were no long queues and waiting time at the clinic • There is an administration office which is occupied by sisters, since there are no administration staff. • No TOP is performed at the clinic, and this service is referred to Kimberley • The presenter stated that they see about 120 – 180 patients per week • The consultation rooms are open from 07:30 – 16:00 • The presenter stated that the equipment of the clinic was satisfactory, but that they were acquiring more • The clinic performs general primary health care • Doctors visit the clinic twice a week • Number of staff at the clinic: one professional nurse, one nurse and three councilors
B. Meeting with MEC and HOD of Health
The MEC stated that the province had increased its number of ARV sites from five to nine and they hoped to increase this number further. The department envisaged the accreditation of other sites and also to strengthen other sites.
The province is in the process of training caregivers who earned a stipend of R500. On completion they would receive a stipend of R1 000.
The MEC stated that the conditional grant of the department was currently R48 million.
- Presentation by the HOD of Health
The HOD stated that w.r.t. Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), the antenatal clients undergoing HIV testing for 2004/05 was 79% and for 2005/06 70%. With regard to Voluntary Testing and Counselling (VCT), the numbers for 2004/05 was 71% and for 2005/06 87% attending clinics. He further noted that the Northern Cape had the second-lowest HIV prevalence by province among antenatal clinic attendees in the country. The HOD stated that according to statistics the tuberculosis incidence in the Northern Cape is 361/100 000 people in 2003.
Comprehensive Plan The HOD stated that the department envisaged a comprehensive service at every consultation and that this should be integrated with routine services provided for by the department. This can be done if the whole health system is strengthened. VCT services will be broad based as well. This will lead to a quality service, as stated by the HOD.
Community Health Workers There are currently 1 009 community health workers in the province and these health workers, as stated by the HOD, must be trained on this comprehensive service. A 59-day training will commence in August 2005 and an accredited service provider is doing this and the curriculum is nationally approved. The HOD said that there was limited support for orphans and vulnerable children, but the department was doing what they could for these children, e.g. provision of nurses, diapers, etc, but the department’s involvement was limited.
With regard to the ART programme, the HOD stated that there were 5 200 patients who had been assessed (registered) and 2 400 of these were not requiring ART yet, and 2 800 requires ART and of those requiring ART 1 600 are on preparation and 1 200 on treatment. The HOD stated that it was a major challenge to get doctors and nurses to the rural areas to be able to increase the number of sites and another challenge was the transport, because of the vastness of the province.
Strategic Priorities The HOD stated that the strategic priorities of the department included: • Awareness and prevention – to prevent people who are HIV negative from becoming infected, to promote the health of people living with the virus, etc. • Care and support – to implement effective community-based and home-based care as part of the comprehensive plan, supporting compliance for life for those on treatment • Treatment – providing appropriate, evidence-based ART and managing the implementation of care packages in a responsible, accountable, transparent manner • Human rights – to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the clients and to provide integrated HIV and Aids care through the Employee Assistance Programme • Monitoring and Evaluation, Research and Surveillance – to provide appropriate, evidence-based information for action and to monitor quality and evaluate performance through standardized annual surveys and strategic academic partnerships.
Health Infrastructure
The HOD stated that the Hospital Revitalisation Programme was making good momentum. Two level one facilities, in Colesburg and Calvinia, have been completed and current revitalization Projects include: Specialist Mental Health Facility (R250m), Barkley-West Hospital (R40m), Upington Hospital (R230m) and De Aar Hospital (R200m).
The HOD further stated that a number of new projects were under way in the province.
Issues raised • Members raised concern regarding the retention of staff in the Northern Cape. The HOD stated that it was difficult to retain professional staff because of the migration to other provinces. He stated that if, for e.g., the Northern Cape (NC) were to increase the salary of professionals, other provinces (e.g. Gauteng) would increase theirs too, with the result that the Northern Cape could not compete with the other provinces. He noted that the department had to look at other incentives, e.g. looking at the environment people are working in, i.o.w. look at “softer” issues. • On the question of whether there are clinics that offer 24-hour services, the HOD stated that there were none thus far and that this was never implemented. The reason for this is the shortage of personnel. • With regard to security at hospitals and clinics, the department’s expenditure is R18m a year. The Committee said that they will take up the issue regarding security at clinics with the National Department of Health. • With regard to the Infection Register, the department stated that they had these registers at the hospitals and clinics. The HOD noted that specimens were taken quarterly and nurses were trained for this purpose. Kimberley Hospital has a unit dedicated to dealing with the infections at the hospital. • Members raised concern regarding the number of ambulances in the province. The HOD noted that 30 new ambulances had been bought. These were fully equipped and personnel had been trained as well. The HOD stated that a further 55 new ambulances would be received by the province, which would include eight 4x4s. • The HOD further stated that because of the vastness of the Northern Cape it was envisaged that the department would make use of helicopters to fly patients to hospitals. This would be much cheaper than what is currently operational, where these long distances are being driven.
Recommendations • That the department looks at implementing clinics on a 24-hour basis. • That the department undertook a study on the feasibility of utilizing helicopters in the Northern Cape.
- Meeting with Regional Manager of Kgalagadi District: Northern Cape
All primary-health-care (PHC) facilities are run eight hours a day, five days a week and negotiations are in place to extend the clinic hours.
The VCT uptake in the region for the last three months is: 1 081 pre- test counselled, 1 036 tested and 358 were positive (34,56%) and 293 (27%) were self-referred.
The TB cure rate for the first quarter of 2004 was 54.16% and the treatment completion rate 13.88%, the failure rate 1.38% and the transfer-out rate 8.32%.
With regard to PMTCT, in the first quarter of 2005 the antenatal (ANC) first visits was 333, HIV tests done on ANC clients was 178 (53%), ANC clients HIV positive 41 (23%), Nevirapene dose to ANC positive 30 (73%) and live birth to women who are HIV positive 23.
Termination of Pregnancy The presenter said there was only one professional nurse trained in TOP in the region and no TOP was being done at present because of the lack of infrastructure and TOP is currently referred to Kimberley.
NGO sector
• Aganang – This is a home-based care and health Education group and 28 trained volunteers are assisting • AnCRA – this is a land-rights organisation and their operational area is the Kgalagadi district (cross boundary) • Aids foundation (funding for stipends) – they fund Dingleton and Van Zylsrus CHBC
Challenges The presenter stated that the challenges included: • Infrastructure • Office space • Transport • Emergency medical services, ambulances and trained personnel • The effect of HIV and Aids on health services • Lack of equipment • Budget and expenditure • Shortage of logistics • Governance and community participation • Implementing normal deliveries at all PHCs
Kuruman Hospital
The presenter also gave a brief overview of the Kuruman Hospital. She stated that there were 64 beds in total and occupancy rate of 98%. Ward A is the maternity and surgical; Ward B is medical and surgical and there is a casualty ward and an infection control room. Also at the hospital is a operating theater, radiology department and a pharmacy.
The HR of the hospital are as follows: Hospital Manager (vacant), Chief Medical Officer (one), permanent doctors (three), community doctors (four), pharmacist permanent (one), pharmacist community (two)
All doctors do primary health care on a weekly basis. Issues raised • The presenter stated that there was no staff who were interested in being trained in TOP and the regional department tried to motivate people to go for the training. • There is one ambulance serving Van Zylsrus (110km gravel road) and one ambulance for Dingelton and two for Kuruman. There are two paramedics to assist in severe accidents, but two more are still in training. The presenter stated that Kimberley said that they would supply more ambulances, but the region was still waiting. • There are no primary-health-care facilities which operated 24 hours, and there is no security at the clinics, only at the hospital. The presenter stated that the district was looking at extending the working hours, but they needed the infrastructure to do so. Dingleton has the infrastructure to do so, because they have three professional nurses at the clinic. • The presenter stated that, with regard to infections control, two staff members had been trained in July – one at PHC and the other at Kuruman Hospital. • The Chairperson enquired regarding the infrastructure at the hospital and clinics. The presenter stated that the department looked at upgrading Kuruman Hospital, but they found that it was not going to be adequate to do so. The district is in the process of upgrading the clinics. • Mr Sulliman enquired what the conditions were like at the HIV and Aids testing sites and Ms Lamoela enquired on hospital management and governance at hospitals. HIV and Aids testing is done at PHC level and it is a normal visit and counselling is done as well. With regard to hospital management and governance, she further stated that there were measures in place for community participation, but currently there were no community committees yet, but there is a health forum in which the department partakes. • With regard to Human Resources, posts have been advertised and Kimberley has done the short-listing. The presenter stated that what was needed for these professionals are accommodation and the rural allowance. The presenter further noted that the province was busy looking at a retention strategy. • Ms Vilakazi enquired with regard to the kilom/eters travelled to clinics. The presenter stated that the only mode of transport for patients to clinics was public transport (taxis) and they were expensive for somebody who cannot afford it. The presenter also stated that the province had patient transport: if the patient was referred from the PHC, then transport would be available. • A major problem in the district is that of private doctors. Patients from these doctors stay in the public hospital, and the doctor receives his money from this patient while he/she is staying in the public hospital. There was resistance from the private doctors when the provincial department stopped this “practice”.
Recommendations • The region has taken up the situation regarding the availability of ambulances with the provincial Department of Health • That the TOP service is an important service and this service has to be available in the region and that the Department of Health should make a concerted effort to rectify the situation. • The operation of clinics 24 hours a day has to be looked at • The region has to look at a strategy to attract and retain personnel
- Meeting with Regional Director Kgalagadi District – North West
Primary Health Care Facilities There are 23 facilities in the district providing comprehensive PHC services, including maternity services. Two facilities are open 24 hours, seven days a week and four facilities render service 12 hours a day, seven days a week and 21 facilities render services eight hours a day, five days a week.
The cure rate of TB in the region is 71%. All clinics provide VCT.
Management and quality of services
The Regional Director informed the committee that the clinical and admin management team was in place. Programme Managers are at Assistant Director level. Facility managers are in place for clinical supervision. Quality-assurance structures are in place in the hospital and patient and staff satisfaction surveys are being done. A Batho Pele indaba was held in the subdistrict where the community participated and where the community was encouraged to critique the department. The department is also looking at various complaint mechanisms.
Human Resources Human Resources for the district are: approved 289, filled 216 and vacant 73.
Governance The Regional Director stated that six governance structures were de- established on the 3rd of September 2004.
Finances of hospital • The hospital/PHC management is delegated to authorise purchases up to R50 000 and items on tender/contract no limitation. • Authority up to R100 000 with district Bid committee • Minor maintenance budget with hospitals
The PHC services for 2004/05 expenditure were R30m and the allocation for 2005/06 is R42m. For hospital services, the expenditure for 2004/05 was R42,6m and the allocation for 2005/06 is R35m, but the Regional Director stated that it will be around R45m.
Termination of Pregnancy Patients receive appropriate counselling from trained staff. This service is available on request at the hospital and PHC services. An average of 21 TOP per quarter are performed.
Challenges • The physical structure of the hospital • The attraction and retention of skilled personnel and (cross boundary) of professional nurses • Slow progress of capital projects • Equipment for upgraded clinics • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have only two vehicles • The road infrastructure is not good for the life span of the vehicles • Vehicle Replacement Plan • Accommodation for nurses is a major problem • Maintenance of buildings
Issues raised • Ms Lamoela asked whether the district had a strategy to retain and/or attract skilled staff and also enquired regarding the issue of infections. The presenter stated that the issue regarding the retention and attraction of professionals was three-fold: • those doctors who are doing community service, if they are medical officers, to promote them to, for example, Chief Medical Officer. • Training all professional nurses to dispense • Improving the accommodation and providing basic furniture to professionals. • On the question of how CBOs are monitored, the presenter stated that these organisations were required to submit evidence on how they spent the money given to them by the provincial Department of Health. • With regard to infection-control mechanisms in the clinics, the presenter informed the committee that all institutions had policies and standards in place and last quarter no infections were detected, despite the poor infrastructure at some of these institutions. • The Executive Mayor stated that the district had been promised two-roomed clinics, but nothing was delivered. Even when she tried to intervene, still nothing was delivered. The department stated that the two-roomed clinics would come in the 2006/07 financial year. • With regard to the revitalisation programme, the presenter stated that he was not able to say where the new hospital would be built, but that the funding had been approved and that they (provincial department) only had to decide where to build the hospital.
Recommendations • The region has to look at a strategy to attract and retain personnel. • The issue of the two-roomed structures will have to be followed- up with the provincial Department of Health. • That the department takes up the issue of the hospital boards.
- Meeting with Regional Director of the Frances Baard Health District
Management and quality of services Six PHC clinics in the Sol Plaatje Municipality render a full package of PHC, and two are due after training to commence in ANC (antenatal) services. Four clinics have been identified to provide 24-hour service and staffing plans are under way. A new clinic is also going to be built in Barkley-West. Clinic supervisors are to be appointed to enhance quality management. Other clinics will also be providing health services beyond 18 hours a day. One community health centre provides 24-hour maternity services for the population of Sol Plaatje Municipality.
Human Resources The presenter gave a breakdown of each of the three municipalities regarding its human resources and it was clear to the Committee that there is a shortage of staff in the region.
Facility Infrastructure The representative of the department noted that most clinics “can do” with revitalization.
Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) The Regional Director stated that the service was provided at the Galeshewe Day Hospital (CHC). The presenter stated that from February 2005 to July 2005 an average of 246 people per month requested TOP. It was stated that persons who were over 12 weeks pregnant were referred to Kimberley Hospital.
Challenges • Unsuitable PHC facilities, where buildings are too small to handle the daily patient load • The cross-boundary issues at Hartswater and Jan Kempdorp, where 60% of PHC clients at clinics are from the North West province. The presenter informed the Committee that previously the North West (NW) gave one nurse, and her salary was paid by the NW. In July, the NW took her back and now the Northern Cape wants to continue with the agreement as it was before July • Functional integration – challenges of dual management: confusing and conflicting messages • Insufficient vehicle allocation to PHC services and shortage of mobile units to render PHC services in some grey areas • Inadequate and inefficient patient transport management especially in the Vaalharts area. The presenter stated that the budget for vehicles had to be addressed. • The poor community participation, where very few facilities have functional clinic committees. They must begin to start setting up hospital boards. • Recruitment and retention of professional nurses for rural areas. The presenter stated that the scarce skills allowance that the staff received was taxed, with the result that they received very little after it had been taxed. • Platfontein is a challenge – the department tried to put two youngsters from Platfontein through nursing, but the whole experience was a “cultural shock” for the two of them, and they did not finish the course. • Clinics are not getting empty, but the department is busy with health promotions.
Issues raised • With regard to TOP the department stated that they had two nurses performing TOP, but not anymore. The nurses did not want to perform this service any longer and one of the reasons was that they had to perform this service to a particular young girl about three times. The presenter stated that provision was made for pre-counselling before the training began. • On the question of the relationship between the department and traditional leaders in the region, the department stated that they had a summit in July where it was envisaged that the department and the traditional leaders be brought together and that this was still an ongoing process. He further noted that the traditional leaders were involved in STIs, TB, etc. • The presenter stated that TB is a major problem in the region. One of the factors contributing to this is the fact that many of these patients are seasonal workers who contract TB, the clinic treats them and after this they disappear. The department stated that they have had talks with farmers to assist the department and this is ongoing. • On the issue of the two-roomed structures, the department stated that the Northern Cape had containers as clinics, which were serviced by mobile clinics, and in the region there were two. The department would want to have more, but the budget was not sufficient. • With regard to the hospital boards, the department stated that in July they had discussions with politicians in the region to assist the department with the nomination of people to sit on these boards, and positions were advertised as well and they also hoped that this would cascade down to clinic committees as well.
Recommendations • That the TOP service is an important service and this service has to be available in the region and that the Department of Health make a concerted effort to rectify the situation • That the relationship with the traditional leaders be strengthened • That the region develops a strategy to deal with patients not doing the full cycle of the TB programme • The department take up the issue of the hospital boards
- Tour of Galeshewe Day Clinic
The Select Committee on Social Services visited Galeshewe Day Clinic on 11 August 2005. The management of the clinic took the committee on a tour of the clinic.
• In the foyer of the clinic, the committee noticed that there was a suggestion box • At the entrance was a registration section, which indicated to patients where they should go • Management stated that the provincial Department of Health was busy revamping the clinic • Management informed the committee that there were no fax facilities at the clinic, and if they wanted to fax documents they had to go to Kimberley Hospital to do so • One of the major problems at the hospital is the shortage of staff • The post of manager at the clinic is advertised and they hope to fill the position soon • Maternity section • There is a waiting room for family members • In the first stage there are three beds, in the labour ward four beds and in the post-natal ward nine beds • There is a shortage of staff in this section • In this section there are two nurses per shift, but the need is for three sisters, and there is one student midwife • The section is operational 24 hours per day. • The TB room is confined • Management stated that a ARV and ART site still had to be identified, and the first ARV room that was identified was too small. • Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) • There is one sister for performing TOP and she is trained and registered • This sister is assisted by two students • If the pregnancy is over 12 weeks, the patient is referred to Kimberley Hospital • In this section there is information on the wall • The clinic has a paediatric department • Information regarding breastfeeding is on the walls • Management stated that there were two doctors: one every week and now and then two, sometimes three per week
Dispensary • The supply of medicines is not good, with the result that there are shortages • There is only one fridge in the dispensary • The storage room is opposite the dispensary • There is one pharmacist • Three assistants assist the pharmacist • The clinic has only one phone, which is in the clerk’s office. If the clinic wants to fax documents, they have to go to Kimberley hospital.
Recommendations • That the SC on Social Services will address the issue regarding the telephones and fax machines with the Department of Health.
- Visit to Manne Dipico Hospital – Colesberg
The visit to the Manne Dipico Hospital was not on the programme of the committee, but the committee decided to go and see the revitalization programme of the Department of Health, and the committee did not regret visiting the hospital, even though it was out of their way.
Manne Dipico Hospital is a 45-bed hospital situated in the centre of Colesberg. This is a centre of best practice with multiskilled staff, who are able to render all the services that are being rendered by a level-one hospital around the clock. All the registered nurses are trained in primary health care, so when they are on duty, the sorting and assessment of clients at the casualty department is done by a clinical nurse practitioner.
The hospital is committed to preventing the spread of infectious diseases as well as foetal alcohol syndrome, which is a major challenge in the province.
The hospital renders rehabilitative services from the very first day of patient admission till the discharge date by talking to the patients and referring them to the relevant sources, e.g. social worker, psychologist etc. Physiotherapy as well as occupational therapists is available at the hospital on a three-weekly basis.
There is a pastor in the hospital who serves as a counsellor and is available four hours a day for four days a week for spiritual as well as counselling needs. A female counsellor is available if patients choose to be counselled by a female.
Forensic services are also rendered by the hospital. The forensic room is situated next to the casualty entrance so that patients who have been molested maintain their privacy and dignity by not walking through long hospital corridors to be seen by everybody. There is one forensic nurse available 24 hours per day, failing which the casualty nurse on duty will contact the relevant people for attention. Patients are seen in the forensic room, examined and all the necessary tests are done there. Even the police statement is taken in the same room by police, patients are then given a chance to bath and they are given a consolation box with underwear, soap, face cloth and a perfumed powder.
All patients are urged to go to the primary health care centre first before coming to the hospital with their problems. At the primary health care centre they are seen by a doctor if needs be and then referred to the hospital. Patients who are by-passing the clinics are going to be charged a fee and a casualty fee. If a patient comes in for X–rays, be it private or public, an X-ray form must be filled in properly by the referring doctor.
The management team of the hospital consists of: • A hospital manager • HR Manager • Finance Manager • Nursing Service Manager • Medical Officer
An information corner is identified which will help people with any information they want about the hospital and the services rendered.
An overnight facility is available at the hospital to accommodate people who brought their families to hospital or for people who are involved in motor-vehicle accidents as the area is a high accident zone because of the N1 road.
For the staff, the hospital has a district psychiatry co-coordinator who is also excellent in the rendering of stress-related counselling as well as physiotherapy. Alternatively, the hospital manager is a trained trauma debriefer and she introduced an open-door system for people who feel like talking to her. Once a month the staff get together for a casual gathering, where there is an open floor for staff to talk about their problems, be it work related or otherwise.
Tour of Manne Dipico Hospital • This is a level one, 45-bed hospital (35 public and 10 beds of choice) • In the high-care centre there are seven beds and there is a trauma centre and the manager informed the committee that the hospital is mercury free • The rates of the hospital are calculated according to the income of the patient • The manager stated that if a patient was not critical, he/she would be treated by the hospital, but if he/she was critical, he/she would be referred to either Kimberley or Bloemfontein • The hospital has five ambulances, which are all fully equipped, because of the many accidents that occur on the N1 road. • In 2005 the hospital was awarded the Premier’s Service Excellence Award • There is a staff room and a tea room • The committee observed that the equipment of the hospital is well equipped and that the hospital is very clean • One sister has undergone training in TOP in Kimberley and she is now busy with practical training • The theatre is equipped with new equipment • The committee also observed that suggestion boxes are visible through the entire hospital • The nurses station is near to patients to tend to them • The hospital is busy with the construction of a further 10 beds of choice • In the burn unit there is one bed. • In the laundry all the machines are in good working order • The bodies in the mortuary are kept for 48 hours, after which the family members have to pay. There are 18 shelves in the mortuary, all in working order. • The autopsy room is also being utilized by SAPS
Recommendations That the Manne Dipico Hospital (Colesberg) be used as model by the Department of Health for their revitalization programme across the country.
- Kimberley Provincial Hospital
Background
Kimberley Hospital has rapidly grown from a level-two facility to a level-three facility, rendering a variety of specialist services. With this expansion in service, the demand for upgrading and expansion of the physical infrastructure was inevitable. This has lead to various portions of the building being upgraded to meet the demands in space and physical work areas.
Recent infrastructure upgrading • The main theatre block was upgraded in 1999 in order to maximize activity flow and increase efficiencies in operations. • In 2001 major upgrading was done to the main hospital building and included the following areas: front gate, main reception, pharmacy, main hospital passage, specialist clinics and the establishment of a hospital radio station. • Soon after this, private wards were constructed, allowing all clinical disciplines to admit private patients and thus increase the opportunities for revenue generation. • In 2003, three new lifts were installed in the older section of the hospital. • A short-stay ward was constructed in 2003 as part of the accident and emergency unit. • A sound booth for hearing testing was installed in 2004 as part of the speech therapy and audiology unit. • Radiology department was upgraded with the installation of a CT scan in 2003 and a MRI in 2005. • Satellite pharmacy was built in 2004 to serve the specialist clinics. • Expansion of the main theatre block to five theatres. • Establishment of a head and neck unit, including the following services: ENT, Maxio-facial surgery, dentistry, Speech and Audiology.
List Of Projects • ENT upgrade • Quality-assurance offices • Physiotherapy upgrade • Occupational-therapy extension • ICU and Isolation upgrade • Neonatal ICU relocation / upgrade • Signage • Oncology / Congo fever unit / Paediatrics wards • Pharmacy bulk store • Consulting room air conditioner – private wards • Resource centre • Casualty door replacement • Fire detection • Satellite X-ray • Kitchen upgrade • Staff cafeteria • Rehab centre upgrade • Renal unit relocation • Transit station • X-ray department upgrade • Records department upgrade • Visitors’ waiting area at front gate • Establishment of maxi-facial unit • Clinic engineering workshop relocation • Laundry sluice • Mortuary cold room • Flats for staff accommodation
SUMMARY OF DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE HOSPITAL • Clinical Services • Internal Medicine • General Cardiology • Dermatology • Lipidology • Clinical Immunology • Clinical Haematology • Intensive Care • Burn Unit • Colorectal Surgery • General Surgery • Hepato-biliary Surgery • Vascular Surgery • Ear/Nose/Throat (ENT) • Ophthalmology • Neurosurgery • Maxilo/Facial Surgery • Orthopaedics • Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery • Accident and Emergency (A & E) • Neonatal ICU • Medical Oncology • Tertiary Oncology • Nephrology (Renal Dialysis) • Spinal Injury Management • Paediatric • Obstetric and Gynaecology • Specialist Clinics • Private Consultation • Anaesthetics • Complex Radiology (CT Scan and MRI)
Clinical Support Services • Pharmaceutical • Physiotherapy • Occupational Therapy • Speech Therapy • Social Work • Dietetics • Orthotic and Prosthetic • Psychology • Radiology
Quality Assurance • CSSD • Compliance Service • HIV/Aids • Infection Control • Occupational Health
Partnership AMS (Red Cross) – Outreach Services
QUALITY ASSURANCE The Quality Assurance Department was established in 2001 after a need was identified to improve service delivery at Kimberley Hospital Complex. The receiving of numerous awards, including two Premier’s Awards, is evidence of success. The activities of the department are as follows: -
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Patients/clients or relatives are encouraged to “tell us their views” by means of either a written or a verbal complaint or compliment. These are posted in complaint boxes, which are strategically placed in every department and are collected on a daily basis, sorted out and acknowledged within seven days as per protocol. All the complaints/compliments are handled in line with the complaints procedure.
The complaints are a mechanism of the institution to encourage criticism or compliments from the community. Batho Pele principles and the Patient’s Rights Charter are workshopped to patients and staff on a regular basis and are strategically placed in all the departments for everyone to see.
RADIO TALK SHOWS Community involvement and development are imperative in this department and as a result radio talk shows are conducted twice weekly with two radio stations, viz Radio KHC, which is institutional, and the national radio, which is Radio Motsweding. Experts on subject matter are deployed to deliberate on topics as per the National Health Care Calendar.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Ongoing in-service training is carried out on Quality Assurance continuously and training needs as per gap identification is addressed by means of in-service training with close liaison with Human Resource Development.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT Each and every department has a Quality Improvement representative acting as a resource and policing quality care issues in their respective units. All these individuals are part of the Quality Improvement Team that is responsible for overseeing Quality Improvement in the Institution. Planned inspections and spot checks are done randomly in the Institution at regulated intervals.
OTHER ACTIVITIES The other functions that are carried out are the following: - - Clinical Audits - Patient’s Satisfaction Surveys - Process Mapping - Staff Satisfaction Surveys
These are all carried out as a form of research to ensure that the department is still functioning in line with the expectations of the National Policy on Quality Assurance.
C. Visit to Department of Home Affairs Office in Kuruman
- Northern Cape The Provincial Manager gave the committee a short presentation on the Department of Home Affairs in the Northern Cape:
Introduction The Northern Cape is the largest province, but it has the smallest population (984 327) of all nine provinces in SA. The Northern Cape (NC) is divided into two subregions, namely Kimberley and Upington. The province has an approved establishment of 172.
ID Status The presenter stated that with regard to the ID status, the number of IDs collected are 14 432, uncollected IDs 3 768 and the department in the NC travels on average 65 267km per month.
Distribution methods for uncollected IDs • Posting IDs direct from Head Office(HO) • Priority mailing from offices to clients • Over-the-counter handing over of IDs to applicants • Door-to-door deliveries when mobiles re-visit areas e.g. Saturdays • Stakeholder cooperation through availing of distribution lists • Maintaining database of cellphone numbers, if available, to introduce SMS to clients in August 2005
Birth on-line registration This service is available at Kimberley Hospital, Kuruman Hospital, Central Karoo Hospital (De Aar), Gordonia Hospital (Upington) and Dr Van Niekerk Hospital (Springbok).
ID Campaign The presenter stated that five mobile units were deployed within the province. The Department also has relationships with various media sources in the NC, which include newspapers, TV, radio, etc. Stakeholder relationships include various political parties, e.g. ANC, DA, UCDP, ACDP, FF, PAC, etc., different organs of state (departments) and others, e.g. farm unions, Nicro, SALGA, traditional authorities, etc.
Flexihours The Provincial Manager stated that the province embarked on a project ensuring that the Home Affairs Offices become more accessible to the public through the extension of their operational hours. He noted that all offices in the NC will be open to members of the public from 07:30 until 15:30 and offices are also open on Saturdays from 08:00 until 13:00. These working hours are all done on a voluntary basis and no overtime is being paid.
Achievements include • Five hospitals online for birth registration • Counter corruption successfully – seven officials suspended since April 2005 • Four multi-purpose community centres operational • Upgrading of IT equipment
Challenges • Managing flexihours with limited staff • The vast distances peculiar to the Northern Cape • Huge vacuum in management, especially the sub-region Kimberley (Deputy Director, Assistant Director, three Senior administrative officers vacant in Kimberley)
Northern Cape Immigration Services The Provincial Manager indicated to the Committee that the Northern Cape borders on two SADC countries namely Namibia and Botswana. The region consists of 12 port-control offices. The region consists of five internal tracing units responsible for internal tracing, investigations, repatriation/deportations and prosecutions.
The Provincial Manager gave the committee a breakdown of the operational background of the 12 port-control offices indicating where they are situated, their operating hours, traveller’s statistics (South Africans and foreigners).
Issues raised • The members raised concern regarding the deportation process. The provincial manager stated that the department did it directly, where they arranged with Botswana and Namibia. He further noted that if they deported to Zimbabwe, they take them to Lindela, from where they are deported. If the deportee is a Lesotho citizen, they take him/her to Bloemfontein, and from there to the Maseru Bridge, from where they take him/her to Lesotho. • A concern of the committee was the availability of mobile units, because of the province’s vastness. The Provincial Manager stated that the mobile units were launched in June 2004 and Head Office did not award any to the Northern Cape. The provincial manager stated that the department wanted to open a satellite office in Postmasburg and in Prieska, but the budget allocation was totally inadequate and they asked for R3m additional funds. • Security is done centrally from Head Office and the department had problems in Kimberley, but it has been solved. • The presenter stated that photographs remained a problem in the rural areas and he further noted that the department procured cameras, but according to the Treasury people still has to pay for their photographs.
Recommendations • That the issue of the mobile units in the Northern Cape be raised and discussed with the top management of the Department of Home Affairs. • The issue of photographs is taken up with the department.
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Presentation by the Regional Manager: Department of Home Affairs – Kuruman Offices
The presenter informed the committee on the strategies that they use to distribute IDs
• They advertise their visit in the local newspaper on a weekly basis • They hold community meetings/imbizos • Mobiles – door to door delivery of IDs • Submit a list of IDs according to places to stakeholdersThe state of unclaimed IDs in the region are: Kudumane Rural Areas (North West) 506 IDs and Kuruman (NC areas) 427 IDs.
With regard to the quality of service delivery, the Regional Manager stated that a vigorous campaign was being launched to the rural areas regarding the identity-document campaign. This included: • Proactive approach is being implemented • The involvement of various stakeholders • The distribution of the list of unclaimed IDs • Opening of the satellite office in Postmasburg to serve the surrounding areas.
Human Resources The office establishment personnel structure makes provision for a staff component of 17 officials. The office has two teams for mobile units (two officials per team).
Physical Infrastructure and equipment The office relocated to a new building in 2004 with new furniture, new vehicles and equipment. Of the new vehicles received, two are 4x4s, which will be used for mobile units because of the bad gravel road.
Information Technology New PCs replaced old PCs. The office received 12 new PCs and eight printers.
Challenges • The unavailable infrastructure, for instance no accommodation, telephone and electricity, especially in the Kudumane region • Places without water and toilets are not served • Places served by Social Services for payment are not utilized by Home Affairs • No camera films for the Lokisa Ditokomane Campaign • Shortage of staff • Shortage of user IDs for the interns
Issues raised • On the issue of the relationship between the departments of Social Services and Home Affairs, the presenter stated that in cases where the mother of the child was not in possession of a valid ID (mother is awaiting her ID) and the grandmother had one, the department of Social Services would assist. The relationship was previously that Social Services accompany Home Affairs when they went out with the mobile units. • The Regional Managers stated that there was sufficient security at the offices, e.g. alarm system. • The presenter further noted that the staff was made aware of the risks involved in fraud and corruption and they have regular meetings to discuss these issues. • The office constantly monitors the time spent in the queues and all officials at the four points cover most of the services rendered by the department. In the office there are “floor workers” as well, who assist patrons to ascertain what services they require.
Recommendations: • That the relationship with the department of Social Services has to be strengthened again. That the Regional Manager and her counterpart in Social Services must begin talks and starts implementing strategies. • With regard to the number of Ports of Entry, the committee stated that it was up to them to make a proper study if necessary to determine whether this number of Ports of Entry is really needed.
- Meeting with Department of Home Affairs Offices – Kimberley The Regional Manager stated that the office is ideally situated in the CBD and close to a taxi rank. The office operates on a daily basis from 07h30 – 15h30 and on Saturdays from 08h00 to 13h00. The office opened a fixed service point in Galeshewe and this is a fullyfledged office.
The presenter informed the committee on how fraud can occur and the prevention of fraud methods on the following: marriages, identity documents, passports, migration, and finance/face value.
With regard to risk management, staff are rotated every year to curb officials manipulating the system to their advantage. Staff is continuously exposed to training. The applicant must collect the identity document personally and if that is not possible, the applicant must give written permission that the bearer of the letter can collect the document.
The presenter stated that the office has five vacant posts and six posts of which the officials are on suspension. Two of the clerk posts are permanently placed at the Galeshewe Safety Centre. She further noted that the remaining staff must be applauded as they are performing their duties and the vacant and suspended officials’ duties on a daily basis without complaint. The proposed office in Prieska is in the pipeline and the staff establishment was allocated, but the funding is still awaited.
Information Technology • All the old mainframe computers were upgraded to new systems and a total of 13 systems were received. • There is an IT technician that assists all the offices as far as Springbok. Previously the office had to contact Head Office and wait for a technician to be called out. • Six officials in the office has access to e-mail facilities • The department moved over to a new system regarding user IDs and this is the log-on system for every official open for the mainframe.
Challenges • The suspensions of officials place a heavy burden on the office • The low staff morale after the arrests and subsequent suspensions • No overtime is paid to officials
Issues raised • With regard to the registration of births, the department stated that, because many of the people cannot give the names of the children in the hospital (where they have to consult with other family members) these mothers are given a return date to register and they pre-complete the form. • On the issue of foreign marriages, the presenter stated that they first bring the couple to the immigration officer to conduct an information session and after this an intensive interview is held at the residence of the couple. Every year the immigration officer checks to make sure that the couple is living together. If the Department is not happy with the situation the couple are de-registered. The presenter stated that the rate declined after the suspension of the officials. • The presenter stated that six officials were suspended and more than 20 people were arrested. The marriages of those people involved were declared null and void. The presenter stated that Pakistanis and Bangladeshis were mostly involved in these fraudulent marriages. There were under-cover police at the office to collect evidence. • Officials were bought from Upington to assist in Kimberley for two months. The presenter stated that during the winter the situation was worse when, for example, up to nine people were off sick on a particular day. She further noted that the office had five Senior Administrative Officers and now has only one and the office is trying to get stability. • The presenter stated that there was no compromising of user-IDs in the Kimberley District Offices. Officials in the Kimberley Office are rotated and multiskilled. • With regard to the mobile unit in Prieska, the Provincial Manager stated that a lot had been done and a memo has been sent two months ago and reminders have been sent as well. • The Provincial Manager stated that officials worked voluntarily on Saturdays. The officials are rotated every week and at the counters they perform all functions. • The Provincial Manager stated he was not assisted by, for example, a Deputy Director to manage the Northern Cape.
Recommendations • That the issue of the mobile units be addressed with the Department of Home Affairs. • That officials working overtime be raised and discussed with the Department of Home Affairs. • The issue of middle managers be taken up with the department • The issue of no assistance to the provincial director (Deputy Director)
WAY FORWARD
• The committee will undertake follow-up visits to the province, in order to provide oversight and monitor progress made with regard to some of the challenges raised by stakeholders during the oversight visit. • The committee will take up some of the issues raised with the Department of Health and will continue to provide oversight on departmental strategic plans to ensure that the relevant issues are taken up in strategic and operational plans.Report to be considered.