National Assembly - 15 August 2006
TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST 2006 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 14:02.
The Acting Speaker Mr G Q M Doidge took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
NEW MEMBERS
(Announcement)
The Acting Speaker announced that the vacancies caused by the vacation of seats in the National Assembly by Mr N A Ramatlhodi, Ms C E Gillwald, Ms S N Sigcau and Mr R S Ndou had been filled by the nomination, with effect from 24 July 2006, of Ms M D Seadimo, Mr T L Mahlaba, Ms Z N Nawa and Mr P S Gabanakgosi respectively.
The Acting Speaker further announced that the vacancies caused by the vacation of seats in the National Assembly by Mr L S Gabela, Mr D V Mabuyakhulu and Ms H Blose had been filled by the nomination, with effect from 7 August 2006, of Mr N W Ngcobo, Mr M J Nene and Mr M E Mbili respectively.
OATH
Ms M D Seadimo, Mr T L Mahlaba, Ms Z N Nawa, Mr P S Gabanakgosi, Mr N W Ngcobo, Mr M J Nene and Mr M E Mbili, accompanied by Ms E Ngaleka and Ms J E Sosibo, made and subscribed the oath, and took their seats.
NELSON MANDELA’S 88th BIRTHDAY
(Draft Resolution)
Mrs R A NDZANGA: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that 18 July 2006 was the eighty-eighth birthday of Nelson Mandela, the first President of a democratic Republic of South Africa;
(2) congratulates the former President of the Republic on his birthday and hopes that he will see many more; and
(3) wishes Tatu uMadiba a happy belated birthday. Agreed to.
APPOINTMENT OF MRS ZANELE MBEKI AS FIRST CHANCELLOR OF CIDA CITY CAMPUS
(Draft Resolution)
Ms I W DIREKO: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that –
(a) last Saturday, 12 August 2006, the First Lady Mrs Zanele Mbeki
became the first Chancellor of Cida City Campus; and
(b) Mrs Mbeki has been involved with Cida University since 2002;
(2) congratulates the First Lady on being appointed chancellor of the University; and
(3) wishes her success in her new role.
Agreed to.
JOY AT HAVING OWN HOME AT AGE OF 87
(Member’s Statement)
Ms M D NXUMALO (ANC): Chairperson, the ANC is committed to ensuring that the rights of people to live where they choose, to be decently housed and to bring up their families in comfort and security is realised.
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the 1956 women’s march, for the first time in her life, Mama Letia Hlongwane, who is 87 years old, took ownership of a house which is truly her own. She had been renting from other people until she decided to erect a shack. Mama Hlongwane said, and I quote: ``People overcharged me for renting backrooms until I erected a small two- roomed shack. I was forced to share the two rooms with my elder daughter, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren’’.
Mama Hlongwane was amongst the 50 women from Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, who received houses as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the women’s march to the Union Buildings. The ANC is firmly committed to the realisation of a better life for all. I thank you. [Applause.]
DA’S POSITION ON GEOGRAPHICAL NAME-CHANGING
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs D VAN DER WALT (DA): The DA’s position on geographical names is that we are committed to nation-building and we believe that South Africa should be shared by all who live in it. New names must rectify imbalances and reflect the cultural diversity as demographically and historically applicable. New names should only be formalised and announced once adequate and transparent consultation with relevant role-players has taken place.
Any name change should enjoy the popular support of the community where the site is located. It should not be a matter of controversy and contention and should not have the effect of dividing a community or creating controversy, which will rebound against the naming authority.
Name-changing should only be undertaken after the direct and downstream financial impact of the proposed change has been quantified, has been found to be affordable and has been properly budgeted and planned for.
Wat deur die ANC-regering duidelik gemaak moet word, veral aan hulle lede op plaaslike vlak, is dat die geskiedenis van alle Suid-Afrikaners erken en behoue moet bly.
In die geval van Potchefstroom wat in 1838 gestig is en die eerste munisipaliteit van die Transvaal was, is die proses onaanvaarbaar en die voorgestelde naam van Tlokwe, wat na ‘n volstruis verwys, nie aanvaarbaar nie. Dit is uiters belangrik dat hierdie Huis ‘n sinvolle debat voer oor naamsverandering in Suid-Afrika. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[What the ANC government should make clear, especially to their members at local level, is that the history of all South Africans must be recognised and preserved.
In the case of Potchefstroom, which was established in 1838 and was the first municipality of the Transvaal, the process is unacceptable and the proposed name of Tlokwe, which refers to an ostrich, is unacceptable. It is of the utmost importance that this House has a meaningful debate on name changes in South Africa. [Applause.]]
OPERATION IRON FIST
(Member’s Statement)
Mr V B NDLOVU (IFP): Chairperson, Pretoria police arrested 300 suspects for serious offences over the past weekend as part of Operation Iron Fist. Amongst those arrested where suspects sought for robbery, rape, murder, attempted murder as well as various other crimes. Almost 600 illegal immigrants were also arrested. Firearms and drugs were also seized during the raid.
Special operations such as Operation Iron Fist - which was conducted with other law-enforcement agencies - are necessary if we are to control our streets by tackling the criminals and ensuring a safe environment where people can live without fear of intimidation.
We congratulate the relevant law-enforcement agencies that conducted these operations and hope that similar initiatives are conducted on a regular basis in the provinces throughout the country. We need to get the upper hand and drive the criminals and criminal activities out of the community. I thank you.
MINEWORKERS’ STRIKE OF 1946
(Member’s Statement)
Mr K MOONSAMY (ANC): Comrade Chair and hon members, last Saturday, 12 August 2006, marked the 60th anniversary of the great mineworkers’ strike of 1946. The strikers demanded higher wages and better working conditions. The strike continued for a week in the face of police terror in which, officially, 1 248 workers were wounded and a very large number killed. The resources of the then racist state were mobilised, almost on a war footing, against unarmed workers. The ANC salutes the gallant mineworkers and the working class of South Africa for their sterling contribution to the transformation of our country. I thank you. [Applause.]
HEROIC ACTION OF MR ACHMAT HASSIEM
(Member’s Statement)
Rev K R J MESHOE (ACDP): The ACDP wishes Mr Achmat Hassiem, the lifeguard whose foot was bitten off by a shark at Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg, a speedy recovery. We commend him and other lifeguards for their commitment to save the lives of swimmers who get into difficulties while at sea.
The ACDP in particular salutes him for doing what was expected of a responsible elder brother when he deliberately attracted a shark that was about to attack his younger brother, Taariq. Although his heroic action costs him his foot, he surely saved his younger brother’s life.
In view of the increasing number of shark attacks on some of our beaches, the government needs to urgently review its policy concerning the safety of thousands of bathers in areas where sharks have been spotted before.
In particular, the ACDP calls on the authorities to extend and improve the shark-spotting programme and to also consider installing shark nets to protect the swimmers. I thank you.
CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST
(Member’s Statement)
Mr A HARDING (ID): Mr Chair, a United Nations-mandated ceasefire in Lebanon took effect at 07:00 South African time yesterday. It is by no means clear what the immediate consequences of the cessation of hostilities will be and whether the implementation of the ceasefire will hold. The ID therefore supports the call by Human Rights Watch on the UN to set up an international commission of inquiry to investigate Israeli war crimes.
Israel’s ongoing aggression, carried out with open US support, leaves no doubt that any ceasefire will only be a pause in the Israeli-US drive to destroy Hezbollah, driving Lebanon towards the status of a protectorate and thereby creating the conditions for a wider war against Syria and Iran.
The military offensive by Israel has caused more than a thousand civilian deaths and has turned a million people into refugees. The ceasefire resolution in no way establishes the basis for a genuine peace. It does not restore Lebanese sovereignty nor does it condemn Israel’s war crimes.
The Israeli Defence Force – IDF - will be permitted to maintain its occupation of South Lebanon until the multinational force is assembled. And that will take weeks. This does not mean that the danger of a new and wider war is easing either.
The US, facing a deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and Iraq, is locked into a quest for a global hegemony, and it must be anticipated that … [Time expired.]
FLOODS IN THE WESTERN CAPE AND THE EASTERN CAPE
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs X C MAKASI (ANC): Chairperson, the ANC conveys its condolences and sympathy to all residents in the southern parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape who suffered damage and loss of life during the recent floods in the areas. The areas that were particularly hard hit during the floods include Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Port Elizabeth. The damage resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people in the Nelson Mandela Metro and caused damage to infrastructure amounting to R115 million.
The floods hampered economic activity. Apart from causing major traffic congestion, road closures and power cuts, they also led to the closure of schools and factories in the area for two days. Hundreds of residents from informal settlements in low-lying areas had their dwellings completely destroyed by heavy rains.
We appreciate the contribution by the residents who, in the spirit of ubuntu, donated clothes, food and blankets to needy families. The establishment of an emergency relief fund for affected areas is likely to benefit people who lost their possessions and shelters during the floods.
The ANC further calls on the government to accelerate relief measures for affected areas and to work together with the communities in rebuilding their lives. [Applause.]
DELAY IN PAYMENT OF RETIRED TEACHERS’ PENSION BENEFITS IN THE NORTH WEST PROVINCE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr B E PULE (UCDP):Chairperson, hon members, the UCDP has noted with concern that there are educators in the North West Province who retired at the end of 2005 and have still not received their pension benefits. As a result, their debit orders pertaining to car purchases have not been authorised by banks, hence the vehicles are being repossessed. Their medical aids and insurance policies have lapsed.
We wrote a letter to the MEC for Education in North West on 1 June 2006 and he assured us that he would ensure that documents were sent to the pension section of the Department of Finance in Tshwane. Individual investigations have indicated that they are in the Department of Finance’s pension section, although some of them arrived as late as July and August 2006.
The UCDP calls upon the relevant departments to ensure that people are paid immediately to enable them to salvage whatever property and benefits they still have, if there are any, and of course to survive.
It is disheartening that most of them had served the Department of Education for almost 40 years and then had to endure such suffering when they should have been enjoying the fruits of their labour.
COMPREHENSIVE ANTI-RAPE STRATEGY IN THE WESTERN CAPE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr L M GREEN (FD): Chairperson, hon members, the FD is very encouraged by the groundbreaking comprehensive anti-rape strategy unveiled by the Western Cape Provincial Government yesterday. This new strategy will hold many more role-players accountable to the victims. All government departments will, for the first time in the history of our country, be involved in taking a big picture approach to rape in co-operation with nongovernmental and community-based organisations.
The FD also applauds the 172 new volunteer rape counsellors who will work at 18 Cape Town city police stations.
The FD would like to recommend that our national government also implement similar strategies nationally to reduce the incidence of rape throughout South Africa. I thank you.
WORKING AGREEMENT BETWEEN ANC AND ID
(Member’s Statement)
Mr R COETZEE (DA): Chairperson, a report by the provincial secretary of the ANC in the Western Cape Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha, exposed today in Die Burger, talks about how best to implement the working agreement between the ANC and Patricia de Lille’s ID, which the two parties established after the 2006 election.
In exchange for the ID’s support in all Western Cape municipalities the ANC would support the ID’s mayoral candidates in five of those municipalities. This contradicts what the hon Patricia de Lille told the South African public during negotiations. The ID has been negotiating in bad faith from day one.
One would have thought that South African politicians would have learnt a lesson from the hon Marthinus van Schalkwyk, who betrayed his voters in order to secure a position for himself and destroyed his party in the process. Well, evidently not.
The Tafelsig by-election showed that the voters recognise that the hon member cannot be trusted. The ID is now a two-province party and shrinking fast. After 2009, it will have vanished completely.
RACIST REMARK ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN BATSMAN HASHIM AMLA
(Member’s Statement)
Mr E (Cassim) SALOOJEE (ANC): Chairperson, the ANC expresses its abhorrence at remarks attributed to television commentator and former Australian test batsman, Dean Jones, during a live broadcast of the Second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka.
The racist remarks made against Protea batsman, Hashim Amla, happened when the player took a brilliant catch to dismiss one of Sri Lanka’s batsmen. Jones, who was commentating at the time, was heard saying: “The terrorist has got another wicket.”
This incident is reflective of a growing malaise in the world of religious and racial intolerance, characterised by increasing stereotyping and discrimination. It further illustrates that sport around the world will have to deal decisively with players, former players and misfits who exhibit such unacceptable behavioural tendencies.
The fact that Hashim Amla unconditionally accepted the apology of Jones speaks volumes for this young South African’s humbleness and the values taught to him. Under difficult circumstances, and amid an international outcry over the incident, he has conducted himself in a dignified manner and displayed good leadership qualities.
The ANC calls on all sportspeople to eradicate racism in sport as a contribution to the creation of a society based on nonracialism, nonsexism and human dignity. Thank you. [Applause.]
POLLUTION OF MSUNDUZI RIVER
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M W SIBUYANA (IFP): Chair, it is with great concern that the IFP has learnt that last Thursday industrial effluent was once again deliberately released into the Msunduzi River. The effluent, with very high alkalinity levels, was found in the Darvill wastewater treatment plant. This incident follows one in July when the same type of effluent was deliberately dumped into Pietermaritzburg drains at night, killing fish and other river life in the Msunduzi River.
At this point the polluter has not yet been identified but Umgeni Water and the Msunduzi Municipality are investigating and are close to identifying the offending factory or business.
The IFP calls on the relevant authorities to impose the strictest sanctions possible on the offenders as soon as they have been identified. Our laws make provision for the “polluter pays” principle, and the offender should also bear the cost of treatment of the illegal wastewater, the environmental rehabilitation costs and any other extra costs incurred. [Time expired.]
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE TO SOWETO INVALID
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs M M MAUNYE (ANC): Chairperson, the ANC is heartened by the efforts of the community of Emdeni in Soweto, who assisted Mr Joseph Mposula after his plight was highlighted in the City Press last week. Mr Mposula, whose legs have been paralysed since he was knocked down by a car six years ago, has been sleeping on the floor as he did not have a bed. With no family to help, he was left to fend for himself. Occasionally he was visited by a social worker and a teenager who took pity on him and visited him once a week.
Since Monday last week help began to come in. A community member, Thembi Majola, donated a sleeper-couch to replace the makeshift bed Mr Mposula has been using for the past six years. A delighted Mr Mposula said: ``I am so happy. This couch is very comfortable. I wish I had received it when the winter season began. But I’m still very grateful.’’
Members of the Ubuntu Project will, with his consent, make daily house calls and a care worker will bath him, cook, clean and fetch his medication.
The ANC calls on members of our communities to join hands with our government in the effort to build a caring and compassionate society. I thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]
INVOLVEMENT OF PRESIDENCY IN ARMS DEAL
(Member’s Statement)
Mr E W TRENT (DA): According to the latest edition of the Sunday Times, there is evidence that the Minister in the Presidency, Essop Pahad, met with Alain Thetart, South African representative of Thales International on 23 February 1999. We also have evidence which points in that direction.
If the meeting did take place, it would have been irregular and constitutes a possible conflict of interest. The Presidency was clearly deeply involved in a whole range of arms deal activities, which were not formally documented or registered. In the interests of transparency and accountability, he needs to explain why those meetings took place, and what was discussed.
According to documents in the DA’s possession, the then Deputy President Thabo Mbeki met with representatives of Thales International in December
- Now it appears Minister Pahad also held meetings in 1999. This is the same Minister who said in a letter to me that these meetings were of such import that they held no meaningful significance. Now, I ask the Minister: If they had no meaningful significance, why don’t you tell us about them and what you spoke about?
This means that two members of the Presidency held irregular meetings with companies involved in the arms deal. On July 14, in a letter to the DA, Minister Pahad claimed that this matter had been thoroughly investigated and dealt with. Clearly, that has not happened.
Apart from the President himself, Minister Pahad and Ambassador Masekela, there are others that also need to be questioned, for example Schabir Shaik … [Time expired.]
LAUNCH OF SA RUGBY UNION ACADEMY
(Member’s Statement)
Mr P M MATHEBE (ANC): The ANC welcomes the official launch of the SA Rugby Union Academy today at the headquarters of Supersport in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
The South African Rugby Union Academy will be situated at Bushman Sands in Alicedale, just outside Port Elizabeth. The construction work on the facility that will house 60 young rugby players will commence in January
- This area in the Eastern Cape is known as the traditional stronghold of black rugby and boasts a rich tradition of nonracial sports.
During the construction phase, jobs will be created for the local community and skills training programmes will ensure that locals are employed at the academy. The academy is based on a joint venture between the SA Rugby Union, Supersport, government and a local entrepreneur called Adrian Gardiner, who, together with the provincial government, have turned the former ghost town into a hive of opportunity that boasts a 98% employment rate. The SA Rugby Union Academy plans to annually draw the top rugby players from the under-19 level upwards from across the country to receive world- class coaching and tuition whilst based at the facility.
The ANC believes that this is a step in the right direction to ensure that talented youngsters are groomed from an early stage to ultimately represent our country. It also serves as an incentive for disadvantaged players to pursue the game beyond school. Thank you. [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order! Hon members, please lower your voices. I know you haven’t seen each other for a long time, but let’s pay attention to the business before the House.
INVOLVEMENT OF PRESIDENCY IN ARMS DEAL
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Chairperson, for some time now or quite a long period of time we have consistently as this House and as the nation, been bombarded with allegations relating to the strategic defence packages.
I think it is very important at some point, as the people, that we should be able to say that if there is any concrete evidence that can actually be tested in the courts of our country or in international courts, such evidence must be made available. We will remain, as the ruling party, quite open to a thoroughgoing open process at home or anywhere else around the world, provided that when we go into such an arena, concrete evidence that can be cross-examined is then tabled.
I find it absolutely unacceptable that a critical instrument of national security such as the SA National Defence Force, serving our country at home and the interests of the people of Africa, should be placed under a perpetual cloud that evaporates every time you try to go into the matter.
The situation becomes even more intolerable when the head of state of a
democratic South Africa apparently is placed under this kind of cloud
without anybody coming forward, offering a sworn affidavit and saying: I
was in this meeting, and this is what happened’’ or This Minister of
Cabinet was with me in the meeting and this is what we agreed to do’’.
I have said to this House before that we sit today with the ignominy of not having the deputy president of our party here, in deference to the decisions the court took once evidence was tabled.
Why is it so difficult? Why is it not happening that evidence that is available can be tested in a similar way? I’d like to appeal to members of the House to remember that we owe it to our country and to ourselves to be able to say that we will fight corruption from wherever it comes. Nevertheless, we need a reliable process that can be followed and can produce results. I thank you. [Applause.]
RACIST REMARK ABOUT SOUTH AFRICAN BATSMAN HASHIM AMLA
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Chairperson, I want to respond to two issues, the Hashim Amla and SA Rugby Union Academy issues.
Hashim Amla is a bona fide and law-abiding citizen of South Africa. He is a Muslim by choice and our Constitution affords him total freedom to choose what religion he must associate himself with.
To be attacked as a terrorist is not only an affront to his religion and our Constitution, but is also a reflection of the stereotype held by some bigots who shame their own religion and their own country.
Amla displayed magnanimity of the African spirit. He readily forgave this racist. And we should applaud Amla’s stance, and work very hard to eradicate racism in sport and the rest of society. [Applause.]
On Alicedale, part of the unique developments in that area was the evolution in 2002 of a programme that saw a town that had literally died coming back to life, and the decision to put the high-performance rugby centre there will definitely contribute to this revival of Alicedale in Komga.
In our understanding, this is the only example of such development that has taken place in the whole country. Located as it is this facility, in the rural areas, will contribute greatly to the betterment of the lives of the people of Komga. It will also place a high-performance facility on the doorstep of the largest group of rugby-playing youngsters in our country.
We strongly support the initiative. [Applause.]
DELAY IN PAYMENT OF RETIRED TEACHERS’ PENSION BENEFITS IN NORTH WEST
PROVINCE
(Minister’s Response)
TONA YA LEFAPHA LA THUTO: Modulasetulo, ke dumalana le moemedi wa UCDP fa a tshwenyega ka go sa duelweng ga barutabana ba ba tlogetseng go ruta. Re re ee, totatota ba diretse setšhaba mme ga re a tshwanela gore re se ba duele fa ba setse ba tlogetse tiro ya bona, ba batla go ikhutsa. Re setse re e buile kgang e. Re dumalane le baemadi ba mafapha a thuto mo lefatsheng la rona lotlhe gore re tlile go netefatsa gore batho ba, ba duelwe ka nako. Re setse re buile le Lefapha la Matlotlo, le le tshwaraganeng le go duelwa ga batho ba. Totatota ke selo se se re tshwenyang thata. Re a leka ka maatla a rona otlhe go dira gore fa motho a tlogela tiro, a ya go ikhutsa, a nna kwa gae, a duelwe ka nako. Ke batla go bolelela moemedi gore tiro e, ke tiro e ke tshwaraganeng le yona. Re tlile go dira gore re siamise selo se se maswe se, se se re tshwenyang thata jaana. Ke a leboga. [Legofi.] (Translation of Setswana speech follows.)
[The MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Chairperson, I agree with the UCDP representative for being concerned about the retired teachers not being paid. We agree that indeed they worked for the nation and it is unfair for us not to pay them when they have now retired. We have already discussed this issue and agreed with the representatives of the education department in our country that we are going to ensure that these people get paid on time.
We have already spoken with the Department of Finance, which is in charge of the payment of the people. This is indeed disturbing us. We try with all our powers to make sure that when a person retires, he receives his money on time. I want to tell the representative that I am dealing with this task. We are going to correct this thing; this is really disturbing us. Thank you. [Applause.]]
DECISION OF SPEAKER TO ESTABLISH AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO INQUIRE INTO
OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS BEING EXPERIENCED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC
PROTECTOR
(Ratification of Decision)
There was no debate.
Decision of the Speaker to establish an ad hoc committee to inquire into operational problems being experienced by the office of the Public Protector ratified.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move the draft resolution printed in my name on the Order Paper as follows:
That the House -
(1) noting -
(a) that 2006 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the 1956 Women’s
March on the Union Buildings in Pretoria against pass laws
imposed by the apartheid regime;
(b) that the trafficking of persons has been identified as a serious
threat to human security and development globally and that the
effects of human trafficking are manifold;
(c) the 1949 Convention for the Suppression of the Trafficking in
Persons and the Exploitation or the Prostitution of Others,
the 1979 Convention on the Rights of the Child, the 1979
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination
Against Women, the 1993 United Nations Declaration on the
Elimination of Violence Against Women, the 1995 Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action, the 2000 Convention
Against Transnational Organised Crime and the Palermo
Protocol;
(d) the regional instruments aimed at eradicating violence against
women and girl children such as the 1997 Southern African
Development Community Declaration on Gender and Development,
the 2002 Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s
Rights on the Rights of Women, the 2004 Solemn Declaration on
Gender Equality in Africa; and
(e) the lack of regional international instruments specifically
addressing human trafficking;
(2) believing -
(a) that the socio-economic vulnerability of women and children and
the lack of a protective legal framework render them prime
targets for trafficking syndicates, that the prevalence of
gender inequality facilitates the trafficking of women and
girl children;
(b) in the need for States to enact national legislation and put in
place measures to prevent and ultimately eradicate human
trafficking; and
(c) that States cannot effectively deal with the human trafficking
in isolation but require cross-border co-operation, that
Africa is not only a region of origin for trafficking in
persons, but also a transit and destination site, that the
majority of women and children trafficked in Africa are
trafficked in networks, some of which are linked to global
syndicates; and
(3) resolves -
(a) to call upon the Executive to establish an inter-ministerial
Committee on human trafficking to play a strategic and co-
ordinating role in South Africa’s efforts at eradicating human
trafficking;
(b) to call for the urgent tabling of legislation aimed at
eradicating human trafficking and providing a national
normative framework to further promote and protect the rights
of women and children;
(c) to call upon the Executive to initiate an inter-departmental
response to developing intervention strategies, including
access to support services, appropriate repatriation and
social integration programmes for persons who have been
trafficked and the adequate training of law enforcement and
other relevant government officials;
(d) to call upon the media, civil society organisations and the
private sector to collaborate in exposing human trafficking
and raising awareness in society, including raising awareness
through the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women
Campaign and other public campaigns and programmes aimed at
eliminating violence against women;
(e) to call upon the Executive to encourage States to collaborate on
prevention of human trafficking, arrest and prosecution of
offenders and the eradication of crime syndicates; and
(f) to call upon the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association and Pan African Parliament to
facilitate the introduction of national legislation in all
Member States and co-ordinate the harmonisation of laws to
ensure the effective eradication of human trafficking.
The MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Chairperson, hon members of the House, friends and comrades, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March on the Union Buildings in Pretoria against pass laws imposed by the apartheid regime. More specifically, women were protesting against a law which extended the obligation to carry the hated “dompasses” to women.
That document was used as a tool to oppress and discriminate against the majority of the people of South Africa. Today this document, which is now called an ID, must be seen as one of the most important enabling documents, a key and a gateway to a better life that gives one an identity and restores the dignity of South African people.
A number of factors have given rise to the increased prevalence of human trafficking and its link to the increased exploitation of the most vulnerable in our society - women and children. These include globalisation, the growing gap between rich and poor as well as the greater ease with which people can travel, coupled with a growth in organised crime. Hence the importance of having a document which identifies who you are.
The trafficking of persons has been identified as a serious threat to human security and development, globally. What we do not know, however, is the extent of this problem. The SA Law Reform Commission is considering policy options to recommend to government. The process of developing solutions has had its limitations, given our own country’s environment, in the first place, and the global issues affecting the debate on trafficking throughout the globe. [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order! Hon Minister, give me a minute, please. Hon members, please lower your voices. Proceed, hon Minister.
The MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: It is after lunch, and it’s understandable. Key amongst these issues, as noted in recent research and studies, is that in our country the debate and public discourse is limited by the lack of information.
The Institute for Security Studies’ critique of our dialogue noted that, before the process of the SA Law Reform Commission, our country had not had enough research on issues concerning trafficking both from high-level conceptual issues such as definition down to the practical issues of perpetuation and necessary steps that have to be taken. The study noted that we urgently need information on the extent of the problem, the prevalent types of trafficking, the profiles of victims and traffickers, key contributing factors and, generally, the levels of awareness and knowledge about trafficking.
While not all the recommendations will require legislative intervention, it should be noted that the Sexual Offences Bill, which is currently before Parliament, contains provisions aimed at dealing with the trafficking of persons for sexual purposes. It may be that other recommendations will mean that we will have to be more vigilant and creative in implementing laws already on our books in order to protect women and children.
We have, for instance, to be concerned at recent reports that the number of unaccompanied children crossing our borders is on the increase. These children, many of whom are refugees, travel without documentation. They run the very real risk of being abducted or lured by traffickers and exploited. Our laws do provide that such children are children in need of care and should be brought before a children’s court. But the sad reality is that when children do not have documents they may become victims when they cannot be traced or identified.
I’m pleased therefore that this debate is taking place today before specific recommendations are proposed and before specific legislation is debated in Parliament. It is good that we debate the general principles before we debate the details. We must debate this issue in an honest, dispassionate and robust manner so that we establish a solid basis for the eradication of the harmful and unacceptable practice of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a form of forced migration. As I have indicated, its basic roots, as with other forms of forced migration, lie in the social problems of our society such as poverty, underdevelopment, disease and, of course, prejudice. Trafficking has also been seen to feed wars with many young children being forced into dangerous situations of being child soldiers. Of course, in most patriarchal societies it targets women.
We’ve seen children disappearing and surfacing in films being used as tools for child pornography. Women are forced to work for survival and, in certain instances, also forced to bear children for the sole purpose of providing labour for their masters. It is a form of slavery.
Promises of lavish jobs are made and then suddenly women land themselves in prostitution. It is never voluntary. We are dealing here with well- organised parasites who have decided to feed on the vulnerability of those who already suffer great subjugation as a result of prejudice and oppression. The continued existence in today’s society of great disparities and unequal development should therefore be the main bearer of the burden of blame in the rapid growth of human trafficking over the past few decades.
The world response to this sketch therefore should recognise these fundamental causes and ensure that any solution that we find is intended to be comprehensive, to the extent that it can make a contribution in addressing these ills. Of necessity, such a response and solution should be global. It should be comprehensive whilst being specific enough to address certain prevalent trends of the sketch, such as the deliberate targeting of women and children.
I am sure that is the premise from which the Palermo Protocol of the United Nations provides a useful attitude in honing this global response. Its preamble declares correctly, and I quote:
… effective action to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children, requires a comprehensive international approach in the countries of origin, transit and destination that include measures to prevent such trafficking, to punish the traffickers and to protect the victims of such trafficking, including by protecting their internationally recognised human rights.
This declaration defines in real terms what the challenges for us are as we define South Africa’s role. Our response as a country therefore will need to define in concrete terms what preventive measures we shall take. In concrete terms, our response should deal with punitive measures for the perpetrators and, most importantly, the need to ensure the protection of victims of this vile crime.
I am encouraged by the fact that women in our country are starting to develop a common programme and institutions that champion issues of women in a more unified manner. I have no doubt that the recent launch of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa heralds new opportunities to propel the aspirations of women to the fore, including those on the issue of combating violence against women by trafficking.
We recognise the work of nongovernmental organisations and we recognise the need to work together and to collaborate with government, particularly around issues of trafficking of women and children.
Once again, allow me to thank you for the opportunity of being part of the debate. I am aware that what we are starting here today is an important process that should finally involve the rest of our people in discussing this issue.
As public representatives, we have a responsibility to stimulate and lead our people in such public discourse and spur them to action. I am already convinced that we will not fail. I thank you, Chair. [Applause.] Ms N J NGELE: Chairperson, hon Ministers, hon members, invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, in memory of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings in 1956, 50 years later on 9 August 2006, women came in their thousands and marched to the Union Buildings to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Women’s March.
The 1956 march to the Union Buildings was to demonstrate women’s disapproval of the pass laws, and to present a memorandum to the then Prime Minister, Mr Strijdom.
This debate comes as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings in 1956. This showed the strength of women at that time, not forgetting that in 1956 there were no cell phones and no telephones, no televisions and no radios. The means of communication and resources were very limited. Through strength and determination, women from all over South Africa were mobilised to participate in this historic event.
The regime of that era announced that they did not want to see any women in the Union Buildings that day. Women used all sources of transportation they could get in order to ensure that they participated in the march. They travelled by train, by bus and even by donkey.
They managed to mobilise about 20 000 women from all provinces. Those women who could not make it to the Union Buildings, mobilised themselves in their provinces in support of the women who were at the Union Buildings. Strijdom felt the strong impact of the women who were marching.
The march was not solely composed of black women, but of women of all races. There were women from the ANC, women from white communities, women from the Indian organisations and also women from the coloured organisations.
Strijdom could not face the power of women and so he ran away. When the women could not find him, they left the stairs of the Union Buildings. One woman requested a moment of silence. That time, you could hear a fly passing by. Another woman raised her voice and said: ``Hey wena Strijdom: Wathint’ abafazi! Wathint’ imbokodo uzo kufa!’’ [Strijdom: You strike a woman! You strike a rock and you will die!]
Women were not there to fight; they were there to hand over the petition that they were not going to comply with the pass laws. Women felt that the pass laws …
…yayifana nelitye elinzima elibekwe phezu kwabo. […were like a heavy rock that was put on them.]
Women were visionaries. They could see that the pass laws would lead to more racial discrimination, influx control, the Group Areas Act, etc. By imprisoning women for not carrying the passes, the racist regime was able to destroy black families further. How do you take a mother away from her breastfeeding children? Who is to ensure that children are fed, that children go to school, and who is going to do the executive work that is done by a woman at home?
At this stage, let us salute the women who participated in the 1956 march such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, Bertha Gxowa, Ruth Mompati, Mrs Malindi, and not forgetting those women who worked tirelessly in the provinces, such as Mildred Lesia and many others.
The lessons learnt by women of today from the women of 1956 are unity, collectivity, togetherness, consultation and quite a lot more. The government of today, which is led by the ANC, has prioritised women issues. We have laws that are gender-sensitive and we have gender machinery, though we need to assess this machinery. Women are now deployed in strategic positions. There are women in the Cabinet and in Parliament and women holding key positions in parastatals and the business sector.
The action of the women who marched in 1956 led to women forming the Progressive Women’s Movement in 2006. The memorandum that came out of the conference of 6 to 8 August 2006 was handed over to the President.
UMongameli khange abaleke njengoStrijdom, uye wema wayamkela. [The President did not run away like Mr Strijdom did; he stood up and accepted it.]
At this stage, let’s salute Ms Baleka Mbete and Ms Noluthando Sibiya, who are the co-conveners of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa. [Applause.] The women’s movement is aimed at uniting the women of South Africa from all walks of life to fight the impact of patriarchy on women. Patriarchy creates a series of backlashes such as violence against women, subordination of women and men’s domination, the feminisation of poverty, underdevelopment and unemployment, undermining of women, sexual harassment of women in workplaces, and trafficking of women and children.
On 4 and 5 August 2006, we held a Women’s Parliament. The main focus was to combat the trafficking of women and children. This was identified as a serious threat to human security and development, globally. We support the declaration that came out of the Women’s Parliament. The African continent looks up to the South African women to lead on the emancipation of women. [Applause.]
Ms J A SEMPLE: Chairperson, human trafficking is a modern form of slavery. It is a total violation of human rights and completely disregards our constitutional right to be free from violence. Trafficking occurs into and across South African borders and, more alarmingly, it occurs within South Africa. It is quite mind-blowing that in a modern democratic South Africa this crime against humanity is not criminalised under South African law even through we are signatories to various international protocols. Very few South Africans even know that there is such a thing as trafficking of men, women and children and that thousands of human beings are trafficked all the time all over the world.
What we do know is that this is a major money-making operation for individuals, gangs and syndicates in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and other parts of South Africa. It is said that the trade in human flesh is more profitable than drugs. However, we have very little idea of how many people are affected.
Many people think that all women who are trafficked are prostitutes. There have been several examples of women from Eastern European countries who are held against their will in Johannesburg, without access to their passports and who are given no option other than to sell their bodies in order to pay for their survival.
Many women who are trafficked are forced into prostitution against their will. They are beaten, raped and abused. They go to other countries under false pretences and promises of good jobs, educational opportunities and offers of marriage often with the ambition to make a better life for themselves, their children and their families.
Some women lack the education they need to find a good job while others are professionals who cannot find work in their chosen professions. They are students, accountants, nurses and teachers - ordinary people just like us.
Trafficking is not just about sexual exploitation. Throughout the world human beings are trafficked into forced labour, illegal adoptions and forced marriages, for begging and criminal activities, to transport and sell drugs, into gangs, conflict areas and armies, and for their organs and body parts or for cult rituals.
The Mail & Guardian recently highlighted the miserable death of a 29-year- old domestic worker, Marie Rachel Kleinveld, who was recruited to work in Cape Town by an unregistered job agency. It is alleged by the Department of Labour that more than 300 women arrive in Cape Town from the Karoo every week with only their labour to sell. Apparently, the Scorpions launched an investigation into unregistered agencies, which totally ignore statutory conditions, but this has been dropped until Parliament enacts legislation barring human trafficking.
Young women from rural towns all over the Karoo, the Boland and the Eastern Cape are lured with a promise of work. Once employed, they work long hours for very little pay and are often not paid for the first few months to cover the agency fee paid by the employees.
Just as Cape Town is seen as a shining city on the hill by unemployed women in rural areas, South Africa is seen as a magnet for economic prosperity by people from other African countries.
Abandoned children are particularly vulnerable. Without parents or anyone else to take care of them, they often end up on the streets. They lack education, do not have proper identity documents and have no obvious means of economic support. This situation makes them easy targets for traffickers who promise them opportunities in another country and an easier life. Children disappear every day on the streets of our cities and we have no idea how many of them end up being trafficked.
From the examples given above, it is clear that we don’t only need legislation to criminalize the gross abuse of human rights but we also need interdepartmental co-operation and an integrated national policy approach.
Victims of trafficking are often treated as criminals. They are prosecuted for prostitution and deported while the trafficking syndicates have the money and influence to escape prosecution. Earlier this year, in a speech on trafficking, I said:
Madam speaker, we as Parliament need to urgently deal with this problem, get the legislation passed and enacted so that South Africa no longer acts as a haven for this terrible crime. Let us make this commitment on International Women’s Day, 2006.
The resolution passed at the women’s Parliament earlier this month – and hopefully by this House later today - makes that commitment. Let’s do it. [Applause]
Ms C N Z ZIKALALA: Chairperson, hon members, it is fitting that we have this debate on trafficking of women and children today, just less than a week after Women’s Day and about two weeks after the conclusion of the Women’s Parliament for 2006, which had this very topic as its main theme. These events have again focused our minds and attention on the many political, social and economic challenges that confront women on a daily basis.
We welcome the fact that women’s rights and issues have featured so prominently on the public agenda in the past few weeks but find it disappointing that the public eye now appears to turn to women’s issues only when national celebrations, commemorations or conferences take place. That is simply not good enough. Women’s issues must be the daily focus of our Parliament, decision-makers and communities.
In the 12 years since the end of apartheid, this Parliament has passed more than 900 pieces of legislation that have changed the country almost beyond recognition, from the rights perspective. Yes, great strides have been made to remove gender discriminatory laws and replace them with affirmative and progressive laws that entrench the rightful position of women. However, it is deplorable that in 12 years and after more than 900 new laws we have yet to pass a law that deals directly and comprehensively with trafficking of women and children. This, despite the fact that we ratified the Palermo Protocol that obliged us to create specific anti-trafficking laws as far back as 2000.
Thus, for at least half of the period of our freedom, we have known about the need to deal with trafficking in terms of legislation, yet what do we have right now? We only have a few palliatory clauses in the sexual offences Bill that has been before this Parliament since 2003. Trafficking is only dealt with in relation to sexual offences, which are important but only touch on certain aspects of the wider problem of trafficking of women and children.
Six years after agreeing to the Palermo Protocol we are still waiting for comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation that will address the existing statutory gaps satisfactorily and provide protection and legal recourse to the victims of human trafficking. Yet, while we are waiting, more than a million people, every year, are illegally transported across international borders, including our own.
The IFP therefore calls on the President to instruct the relevant line- function Ministers to immediately table comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation in this Parliament to show their commitment and seriousness to addressing the scourge of the modern-day slave traders who trade in humans, especially women and children. I thank you.
Ms S N SIGCAU: Sihlalo namalungu abekekileyo, i-UDM iyavumelana nombono wokuqinisa amatyathanga obuhlobo namazwe aphesheya, ukubekwa kwemithetho engqongqo ekulunyikisweni koluntu, nokuqiniswa konxibelelwano phakathi kwamasebe athile. Ke ngoko kufuneka siyisele iso imeko yokuba eneneni ufuduso nokubiwa kwabantu, kunye nezinye iziganeko njengokudlulisa iziyobisi kwenzeka lula emideni yeli.
Ukungena nokungeniswa ngokungekho mthethweni kwabantu bamanye amazwe neempahla kubonisa ukuba bukho ubuthathaka obuthile kwiSebe leMicimbi yezeKhaya kunye nasemapoliseni. Eli sebe malibambisane kunye nelezokhuseleko ukuze kunyuswe umgangatho.
Zininzi ezinye iingxaki ezibangwa kukusebenza ngesantya sofudo kwabasebenzi beli sebe abasemagunyeni nakwamanye amacandelo. Ukuze kuqiniswe iphulo lokulwa nolwaphulo-mthetho lokubiwa nokuthunyelwa kwamabhinqa kwamanye amazwe ndicebisa ukuba eli sebe kufuneka lizeke mzekweni. Ndiyabulela, Sihlalo. [Kwaqhwatywa.] (Translation of isiXhosa speech follows.)
[Ms S N SIGCAU: Chairperson and hon members, the UDM concurs with the view of strengthening ties with overseas countries, the setting up of strict regulations in warning people, and the strengthening of communication between certain departments. Therefore, we must look at the fact that human trafficking, and other incidents like drug trafficking, take place easily across our borders.
The smuggling in of people and clothes from other countries indicates that there is some weakness in the Department of Home-Affairs and the police. The department should work together with the Department of Defence so that the standard can be improved.
There are many more problems that are caused by the fact that management workers in this department and other sections are working at a slow pace. To intensify the campaign against the crime of trafficking women to other countries, I suggest that this department must follow suit. I thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]]
Mr L W GREYLING: Chairperson, the trafficking of women and children is a global multibillion-dollar industry. It is second only to guns and drugs in terms of the money that is earned through illicit activities. South Africa has unfortunately also been brought into this illicit web. As a country we need to play a leading role in stamping out these activities, which occur both across and within our borders.
One of the motions today calls on the government to table legislation that will address this issue. While the ID agrees with this call, there are existing pieces of legislation that can, in the interim period, be used to address aspects of this problem.
The section on child trafficking in the recently passed Children’s Act needs to be fast-tracked. This would make child trafficking an offence and allow the state to prosecute people throughout the various levels of the crime syndicate. It will also mean that children will have to be accompanied when they are returned to their parents, as opposed to simply being dumped at the border as some of them are experiencing now.
Another piece of legislation that can be used more effectively in combating and dealing with the effects of trafficking is the Proceeds of Criminal Activities Act. The ID maintains that the proceeds that are confiscated from these syndicates must in some way be passed back to the victims of this crime.
This could be done through a victim’s fund, which provides assistance in terms of psychosocial counselling, medical and educational assistance and funding for their economic reintegration into society.
I would imagine that some of these recommendations are contained in the SA Law Reform Commission’s report on a compensation fund for victims of crime. I wouldn’t know though, because the Minister of Justice has sat on that report for the past two years and Parliament has never been able to debate its findings.
The ID welcomes this debate today, and we will support any action that helps us stamp out this terrible trade in human beings. It is an assault on all our dignity and makes a mockery of the ideal of a common humanity. I thank you.
Mr S N SWART: Chairperson, the ACDP welcomes the fact that human trafficking was highlighted during the recent Women’s Parliament. It is estimated that 4 million people are victims of trafficking worldwide. It is mostly women and children from the Third World who are sold as prostitutes and slaves.
South Africa, unfortunately, is a major destination and transit point for human trafficking. It serves as the economic heart of Africa and provides a market for the services of victims of trafficking. This modern-day slavery must be eradicated.
We, as the ACDP, also heed the concerns of the NGO, Doctors For Life, which has called for tough laws to stop trafficking, particularly in view of the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa. According to this NGO, an estimated 40 000 women were trafficked from the Far East and east bloc countries into Germany to work as prostitutes during this year’s World Cup.
The ACDP welcomes the fact that as an interim measure and pending the adoption of legislation to comply with our international obligations, the Criminal Law Sexual Offences Amendment Bill for the first time criminalises trafficking in persons for sexual purposes. However, there are various other offences such as trafficking of persons for labour and bodily organs that are not covered by this Bill. There is thus an urgent need for legislation to deal comprehensively with human trafficking.
We need to act swiftly as lawmakers as we cannot fail our vulnerable women and children. The ACDP will support this motion. I thank you.
Mr M I MOSS: Igama lamakhosikazi! [The name of women!]
HON MEMBERS: Malibongwe! [HON MEMBERS: [Praise!]
Mr M I MOSS: Chairperson, hon Deputy President, I am privileged to participate in this very important debate. I dedicate my speech to all the women, especially those who are not with us any more - the stalwarts who played a big role in our liberation struggle and still play a big role to this day - and the ordinary women who have sacrificed their lives for our beloved country.
Women are faced with many challenges, as correctly pointed out by speakers before me, especially the Minister of Home Affairs. When one thinks of the trafficking of women and children, domestic violence, poverty, unemployment, HIV/Aids and many more issues, it is crystal clear that the total emancipation of women in general is needed to overcome these challenges.
I participated in the Women’s Parliament on 3 and 4 August in the Old Assembly Chamber. There were women and men from all over our country and from all walks of life. The topic under discussion was: “Protecting the rights of women and children: Combating the trafficking of women and children”. That is what I would want to concentrate on today.
The trafficking of people, especially women and children, is, in layman’s terms, when people are taken against their will to unknown places and destinations in other countries under false and untrue pretences. They are then exploited in many ways, for example prostitution and sexual exploitation, forced labour and other activities.
Trafficking takes place everywhere and anywhere. It affects all classes of society, especially the poor and the vulnerable. A case study done by the SA Law Commission on trafficking in South Africa has revealed that there are no official statistics on the number of persons being trafficked either into or out of South Africa.
This makes it difficult to give an accurate overview of the problem and determine its extent and nature. Further, the majority of known trafficking cases involve women and children who have been trafficked for sexual exploitation.
The trafficking of men in South Africa and across the borders is under- reported, because most NGOs, if not all, are rendering services to women and children victims of trafficking only. The ANC is a caring party, especially when it comes to families. We are addressing all these problems that children and vulnerable persons are facing in our country. It is not right that children are taken away from their parents and society and placed in difficult conditions.
One must distinguish clearly between trafficking in persons versus smuggling in persons. Trafficking involves the continued exploitation of the victim, whilst smuggling is the procurement of illegal entry into a state by a person who is not a national or a permanent resident of that state. In this case the territorial integrity of the state is at stake. The smuggler is loosely paid a fee or other reward, and his or her involvement with the smuggled person ends once the illegal entry into the country has been secured. Therefore, the intention of the smuggler is not to exploit nor otherwise to subject the smuggled person to abuse of any kind.
The SA Law Commission noted that the distinction between trafficking and smuggling in persons is not always clear. A trafficking case may start off as smuggling, but once the person has been smuggled into the country of destination, the smuggler may decide to force him or her to work in the sex industry or another exploitative practice.
Chapter 18 of the Children’s Act, recently assented to by the President, although not yet in operation, addresses the issue of trafficking in children. The Act gives effect to the UN Protocol on Trafficking in Persons, criminalizes child trafficking and provides for a fine or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both a fine and such imprisonment for anyone convicted of this crime. This is in addition to any other offence for which a person may be convicted. This means that if a person convicted of the crime of trafficking in children has also raped the victim, that person can also be prosecuted for the crime of rape.
The legislation development process is evidence of the seriousness with which South Africa views this global challenge. Parliament now seeks to highlight this problem by building it into the focus of the Women’s Parliament, ensuring growing awareness towards both preventing and correcting this wrong.
This is also consistent with the consolidation of Parliament’s Africa agenda for human rights and equality. With human trafficking on the increase across the world and here at home, South Africa is under pressure to enact legislation in combating it. More legislation is needed in this regard.
In spite of the fact that the overwhelming majority of women of this country suffered triple oppression under apartheid laws because they were black and women, women have made big achievements, especially since our new democracy after 1994. In Parliament, women occupy senior positions. The Leader and Deputy Leader of Parliament, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, are both women. The Deputy President of our country, who intimidated me before I came to speak, is a woman. Several Ministers and Deputy Ministers in Parliament are women. Amongst the leaders of committees in Parliament like chairpersons of committees and whips there are also women.
Hon Bloem, are you not applauding? The heads of government, like directors- general … [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order, hon member. Do you have a point of order, hon Skhosana?
Mr W M SKHOSANA: Chair, it’s just a question to hon Moss.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Let’s first find out whether he will take a question. Hon Moss, will you take a question?
Mr M I MOSS: Chairperson, I will take a question when I am finished. I think I will have time for that.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Unfortunately, hon Skhosana, you will have to wait.
Mr M I MOSS: Chairperson, the heads of government such as directors- general, deputy directors-general, chief directors, directors and other senior positions are also filled by women, including chapter 9 institutions.
In business, the private sector, sports and administration women have also made their mark. While men are still dominating many of the above positions, women are still faced with many challenges. Women’s Day has come and gone. This month of August is the month of women. A lot is being done to highlight the many difficult issues faced by women in South Africa. The plight of women should be highlighted every day for 365 days of the year. Every day must be a women’s day. [Applause.] You may ask your question, hon member.
Mr W M SKHOSANA: Chairperson, I was interested in the specific form of intimidation which the Deputy President meted out to hon Moss. What did she say?
Mr M I MOSS: Chairperson, maybe what I should say is that the Deputy President visited my constituency during the constituency period and she once more highlighted the role women should play. Girl learners from surrounding schools came to my area and she emphasised the point that there are opportunities. They can become pilots, a field being dominated by men. I think she actually wanted me to say that. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mnr P J GROENEWALD: Agb Voorsitter, elke spreker wat vanmiddag hier gepraat het, het met erns gepraat oor ’n baie ernstige probleem in Suid-Afrika.
Ek dink nie daar is een regdenkende mens in Suid-Afrika, en ek wil eintlik sê in die wêreld, wat nie sal saamstem dat daar streng opgetree moet word teen die aspek van mensehandel, spesifiek waar dit gaan oor die handel van vrouens en kinders nie.
Ons moet ook vir mekaar sê dat as ons ernstig met mekaar hierso in debat tree, dan moet ons ook vir onsself vra wat was gedoen tot nou toe om te verseker dat dit nie plaasvind nie? (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mr P J GROENEWALD: Hon Chairperson, everybody who has spoken here today, spoke in earnest about a very serious problem in South Africa.
I don’t think there is a single right-minded person in South Africa, and I actually want to say in the world, who would not agree that strong action needs to be taken with regard to human trafficking, particularly the trafficking of women and children.
We should also tell one another, as we seriously engage with one another, that we should also ask ourselves what has been done up to now to ensure that this does not happen?]
I want to quote from News 24 of 22 May 2002:
Parliament’s Committee on the Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Children on Wednesday called for more information about the extent of child trafficking in South Africa, days after Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula denied its prevalence.
As die agb Minister van Veiligheid en Sekuriteit die voorkoms van kinderhandel misken of ontken en nie behoorlik aandag daaraan gee nie, hoe kan ons dan nou vandag hier ’n debat kom voer en vertel hoe ernstig is die probleem? Dit was al in 2002.
In 2004 word die projek Priscilla geloots en word daar ’n direkte lyn beskikbaar gestel vir kinders wat dalk ontvoer word, wat dan kan skakel. Ons is nou weer twee jaar daarna. My vraag is aan die agb lede van die uitvoerende gesag, die agb ministers wat vrouens is, die agb Minister van Onderwys, die agb Adjunkpresident, die agb Minister van Landbou, die agb Minister van Binnelandse Sake - wie se man die Minister van Veiligheid en Sekuriteit is. Wat doen u in die uitvoerende gesag? Is u magteloos om iets te doen? [Tussenwerpsels.] [Tyd verstreke.]] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows)
[If the hon Minister of Safety and Security fails to appreciate or denies the prevalence of the trafficking of children and does not attend to it properly, how can we now debate it here today and say how serious the problem is? That was back in 2002.
In 2004 Project Priscilla was launched and a direct line was made available for children that may have been abducted, who could then use it. It is now two years later. My question is to the hon members of the executive, the hon ministers who are women, the hon Minister of Education, the hon Deputy President, the hon Minister of Agriculture, the hon Minister of Home Affairs – whose husband is the Minister of Safety and Security. What are you doing in the executive? Are you powerless to do anything? [Interjections.] [Time expired.]]
Mr T M LIKOTSI: Deputy Chairperson, human trafficking, especially in women and children, has become a lucrative business to some criminal elements internationally. It is estimated that, annually, up to US$19 billion changes hands in this industry. The continent of Africa has not escaped unscathed from this beastly industry. According to research, annually, between one and four million people are trafficked internationally.
This debate is aimed at raising awareness of trafficking for us as legislators and the nation at large. Although Chapter 2 of our Constitution
- the Bill of Rights – enshrines the protection of the dignity, equality and freedom of our citizens, this institution has still to legislate on the trafficking of women and children.
The International Organisation for Migration describes human trafficking as a modern-day form of slavery. The PAC of Azania’s position on human dignity is very clear. A man is a social being and not an economic animal. I thank you.
Ms S RAJBALLY: Igama lamakhosikazi! [In the name of women!] Chair, the MF expresses its disgust and contempt for all forms of trafficking in women and children. Traffickers are in no way human and the fact that human trafficking is one of the most lucrative means of profit for organised crime internationally is appalling.
In acknowledging the seriousness of human trafficking globally, the MF feels that South Africa needs to take a more active stand in combating it by initiating research into the statistics of human trafficking in South Africa. At present, however, the fact is that South Africa is being utilised as both a destination and a transit point for human trafficking.
We call on the House to fulfil its undertakings made in signing and ratifying the United Nations Palermo Protocol by introducing legislation that would establish a regulatory framework for both victims and perpetrators of trafficking. This legislation should also provide for foreign victims of trafficking being harboured in South Africa. We also need to establish proper facilities to assist victims and to train law- enforcement officers in handling victims with care.
Further, noting the seriousness of HIV/Aids in South Africa and the vulnerability to infection posed by trafficking, the MF once again calls for immediate action to be taken against the trafficking of women and children. Thank you, Chair.
Mr S SIMMONS: Madam Chair, this issue of trafficking in women and children is a phenomenon that has been haunting us for centuries, despite courageous efforts from most governments of the world. Legislation to combat this practice in itself should not be seen as the final solution, as it has to be effectively policed and that is easier said than done.
The United Party of SA is of the opinion that this issue needs to be made a greater priority of the relevant law-enforcement agencies. Perpetrators - those who misuse women and children - must feel the full force of the law and they should be stripped of every economic benefit they acquired through this practice.
The private sector, churches and NGOs that are currently combating this issue of trafficking in women and children are to be congratulated and they must continue with their noble efforts, as it is usually the vulnerable and poorest of our community who are caught up in this vile net.
The current resources and programmes available to combat this inhumane practice are, to say the least, inadequate. Government needs to be more resourceful in the allocation of its finances in order to create adequate infrastructure to effectively combat this practice. Government has to be mindful that it has an obligation to protect the basic human rights of these victims as enshrined in our Constitution.
Failure to effectively combat this practice will further add to the escalation of the HIV/Aids pandemic, and therefore there is no room for failure in this matter. I thank you. Mr L M GREEN: Chairperson, hon members, the FD believes that our government has sufficient information on the trafficking of women and children to act decisively and to outlaw this scourge.
What we as members must ask our government today is when a draft Bill on the prevention of trafficking in women and children will be submitted to Parliament, so that we as public representatives will have the opportunity to deal a decisive blow to the trafficking of women and children.
Our Parliament has been debating this issue for the past 10 years, yet very little has been done to stop this scourge. We have signed and ratified all the international charters, which elevates South Africa’s international status, but does nothing for the women and children who are being trafficked by international syndicates on a daily basis.
The International Organisation for Migration published research in 2003 stating that South Africa is a main destination for trafficked women and children. Traffickers operating in South Africa include Nigerian networks, Chinese triads, Russian and Bulgarian mafia and various groups of organised criminal syndicates. Victims trafficked in South Africa often end up in Europe and Asia.
In South Africa there is some legislation that outlaws sexual acts with children, such as the Child Care Act. The Immigration Act does criminalize trafficking, and the Sexual Offences Act is being reviewed in order to include legislation and penalties relating to trafficking.
However, the 2004 Issue Paper by the SA Law Commission recommends protocols to prevent, suppress and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and this has not been authorised by our government. The FD supports this draft resolution, and we hope that our government will take action without delay. I thank you.
Mrs S M CAMERER: Chairperson, for the past three years the DA has been campaigning in Parliament for the passing of legislation that outlaws the trafficking in women and children.
In April 2003, we submitted a Private Member’s Bill to amend the Child Care Act in order to render trafficking in children a criminal offence. This was approved by the Private Member’s Legislative Proposals Portfolio Committee and forwarded to the relevant departments, namely Justice and Social Development, for action.
The new Children’s Act contains a comprehensive provision that outlaws trafficking in children; which is a start. But I understand though that the Act has now been signed into law and has not yet been implemented.
When the Sexual Offences Bill was before the Justice Committee in 2003, the DA proposed - and it was agreed - to include a provision outlawing trafficking in women and children for the purposes of sexual exploitation. This has now been included in a revised Bill, which is presently before the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development. We are doing our best to ensure that this Bill becomes law before the end of the year.
Some organisations that are concerned with violence against women and children have argued against the inclusion of this provision on the basis that it is too narrow in focus, dealing as it does with trafficking for sexual exploitation. They pointed out that the full gamut of trafficking for domestic work and other forms of labour, forced marriages, adoption, organ sale and so on is not covered. They have asked us to delay until the SA Law Reform Commission drafts the comprehensive piece of legislation.
The DA believes that this is too long to wait. The commission has only just published its discussion paper on trafficking in persons for comment. It may be years before we have proposals for the commission for the comprehensive legislation that we would all like to see. We believe, however, that a start must be made.
The SAPS has, for years, been calling for a specific law to outlaw trafficking. Last year the SAPS’s Sexual Offences and Child Protection Unit as well as specialists in sexual offences from the National Prosecuting Authority briefed Parliament, both deploring the fact that South Africa has no specific legislation to outlaw trafficking in persons in spite of years of requests by these authorities.
The NPA pointed out that it is extremely difficult to prosecute successfully for trafficking in the current legal environment. The SAPS also made the point that sexual exploitation appears to be the main form of trafficking in South Africa at this point in time though this may change.
Accordingly, although Parliament’s approach has been somewhat piecemeal, the DA believes it is important to get the prohibition of trafficking contained in the Sexual Offences Bill on to the Statute Books and to get the Children’s Act provisions implemented to give the police that extra weapon to fight the scourge.
There is widespread evidence that trafficking is on the increase in our country and in our sub-continent. The International Organisation for Migration contends that there is one ``long grass’’ pathway between the DRC and Cape Town with minimal border control and the main destination of victims of trafficking from sub-Saharan Africa is South Africa.
The bottom line is that as things stand now South Africa has also not complied with its international obligations to criminalize trafficking and the government has not yet provided adequate assistance to law enforcement agencies to combat this growing scourge in our sub-continent.
We cannot wait for the SA Law Reform Commission. We must pass this legislation now. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Mrs W S NEWHOUDT-DRUCHEN: Hon Chairperson, before I start with my presentation, I would like to point out to the hon Groenewald of the FF Plus that he should not point fingers at our women Ministers in the Cabinet. We have learnt from our women, especially those in Parliament, that the demand for sexual exploitation comes from men and that men in this House should stop demanding and help us eradicate this problem. Don’t point fingers at us as women, please. [Applause.] Thank you very much.
From this debate this afternoon we can agree that the issue of trafficking of women and children is a serious issue. Trafficking means the recruitment, transportation, transferring, harbouring or receipt of persons by means of threat or use of force or other forms of cohesion, abduction, fraud, deception, the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control of another person for the purpose of exploitation.
In simple language, it is when a woman or a child is taken away forcefully, without consent and taken to a place that she or he does not know, to be used for sexual exploitation or forced labour. In other cases a woman or child is sold for money or promised money without that woman or child’s consent and taken away.
In cases that we have heard of during the Women’s Parliament young people, in the hope of finding employment, see an advertisement in the newspaper for jobs in places like Dubai. On arrival in Dubai, they are forced to do work that they didn’t expect to do or have to work as sex slaves.
In this case, one mother who was a participant in the Women’s Parliament mentioned that her daughter, who was working in Dubai, wanted to leave the country, only to find that the agency refused to give back her passport. The daughter was then told that she owed huge sums of money to the recruitment agent and that she had to pay back travel money and she must stay to work to pay back that money. Fortunately the mother had a friend in Dubai who was able to assist the daughter to get away. But what about our many other young people who are stuck in unpleasant situations with no means of coming back home?
Trafficking happens all over, in places that we as parents are not even aware of. Many parents drop their children at shopping malls and leave them there, little knowing that these are the malls targeted by traffickers. Those involved in trafficking can be people whom we trust such as teachers and pastors. We need to know and we need to inform our constituencies that we serve that at all times we must know where our children are. We must know that our children are safe.
We also heard about young women who are being sent back to their communities to recruit other young people so that they can earn money. Young girls are lured by the promise of nice clothes and money that the person who is doing the recruitment is talking about.
We also need to understand that trafficking of humans, regardless of sex or race, is also a way to obtain organs without consent. We have cases of people going missing and being killed for their organs. These cases all involve money. People are willing to pay for organs, and people are willing to traffic in humans for the sake of money, but our people do not realise that when they sell their children or when their children go missing it is because of organs that other people need. There are many doctors who are involved in trafficking of organs. Many of the doctors will find a match for organs and will sell these organs because they are getting paid for them.
Disabled people are not exempt from trafficking. We have heard of blind people from neighbouring countries are being brought here and used to beg for money on the streets. Money received is not used for themselves, but that money goes to the person who brought them into South Africa. How much worse for a person who cannot see and cannot speak English or any of our African languages and therefore cannot ask where they are? Deaf women are used to marry someone from another country, then trafficked out of South Africa. There was a request that accessible information goes out to people with disabilities about the issue of trafficking.
In our South African Constitution, there are a number of sections that are relevant to the protection of women. For example, section 9 deals with the right to equality, section 10, the right to dignity, and section 12, the right to freedom and security of persons, especially the right to be free from all forms of violence, from either public or private sources.
The Constitutional Court has held that equality is the cornerstone of our Constitution. In addition, equality has been interpreted by the court to have a substantive rather than a formal meaning. This may well impose duties on government to ensure women’s safety rather than to refrain from interfering with women’s safety. This means that the citizens can demand that resources be allocated to shelters, victim empowerment programmes, training of law-enforcement agents and other projects aimed at the protection of women and children from violence.
The ANC has always called for a caring society, a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world. In 2005, the Women’s Parliament took place against the backdrop of the 10th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as the United Nations Conference on the Commission on the Status of Women, which took place in 2005.
One of the themes of group discussions was the trafficking of women and children. Out of the discussions, key challenges were mentioned, such as legislation, children, rehabilitation services, government and civil society, sex workers, illegal immigrants, and recommendations were made for victim support, legislation, awareness campaigns and building partnerships.
When the hon Speaker made her closing remarks, she remarked that the trafficking of women and children emerged as the single biggest challenge facing the continent. The Women’s Parliament resolved to do as much follow up as possible. We as the Women’s Parliament and as Parliament need to give hope to the victims and to wage war against human trafficking. Therefore in the Women’s Parliament of 2006, the full theme of this Parliament was “The trafficking of women and children”. The main objective was to raise awareness of and the mobilisation of South Africans against the exploitation of women and children through trafficking.
I would like to thank the Office of the Speaker for having this topic, namely “Trafficking of Women and Children” as a way of highlighting this serious issue. This issue is not new; it’s an old issue.
Hon Chairperson, I would like to mention to the hon members that when I was a young teenager, I took out a book from the library about the white sex slave trade, where white women were taken from their homes and sent as sex slaves to other countries. After that, I studied in America about slavery and the abolition of slavery. Well, I thought that the white sex slave trade had been abolished, only to read about human trafficking today, this time about trafficking of women of all races and ages, and also of children, both boys and girls.
Therefore, it is important to repeat that many of us in this House, and people on the ground, are not deeply aware of the seriousness of trafficking in women and children. I would also like to pay tribute to the women who attended the Women’s Parliament in 2006 for their important contributions.
The ANC has for many years acknowledged that true transformation of our society will only have meaning if it addresses the state of the triple oppression suffered by women. The struggle for women’s emancipation has always been linked with that of the struggle for national liberation in South Africa.
Our President has signed the Children’s Bill into effect. There is an important section in the Children’s Bill that mentions trafficking of children. This Bill now needs to be implemented so as to prevent trafficking of children within and outside of South Africa.
Our President said at the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March at the Union Buildings, “South Africa will not be free until the women of our country are free”. [Applause.] He also said:
That we are to refrain from hurting the women of our country and to comfort those who are sad means that we must approach the task of achieving gender equality, of the emancipation of women, the guarantee of their safety and security, the eradication of poverty and the enhancement and defence of the human dignity of the women of our country with the greatest determination and unwavering commitment.
He went on to say that not only government, the police and social workers face this challenge, but that it confronts all of us as South Africans.
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Women’s March, we have to address the scourge of women and child abuse. We have to defend the view that women’s rights are human rights. We have to unite to defeat poverty and poor access to resources experienced by many of our womenfolk.
Together as a nation, we must uphold the view that none of us is free unless the women of our country are free from race and gender discrimination, free from poverty and the loss of human dignity, and free from fear and violence.
Like the women attending the Women’s Parliament 2006, who adopted the declaration to urge our government and Parliament to eradicate human trafficking, so should we as Members of Parliament work to make sure trafficking of women and children of South Africa, Africa and other countries is indeed eradicated. Hon Chairperson, I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Motion agreed to.
2010 FIFA WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA SPECIAL MEASURES BILL
SECOND FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP SOUTH AFRICA SPECIAL MEASURES BILL
(Second Reading debate)
The MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Hon Chairperson, hon Deputy President, and hon members, this Bill endeavours to give effect to the organisation association agreement of 2004, which was signed between the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Fifa, and the SA Football Association, Safa, for the hosting and staging of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The Bill also provides a legal framework to give effect to the guarantees issued to Fifa by a number of government departments, and collectively by our President.
The only institution in the world with whom the authority to organise, promote and supervise football resides is Fifa. South Africa, through Safa, placed a bid to host and organise the 2010 World Cup on behalf of Fifa. The latter then provided Safa with a list of requirements regarding the staging and hosting of the final competition of the 2010 World Cup.
The government of South Africa supported Safa, and undertook to issue all guarantees requested in the list of requirements to ensure the success of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Our government also guaranteed to take all measures necessary in order to comply with these guarantees.
Our government saw, in the opportunity to host the Football World Cup, a whole range of benefits for South Africa and the African continent. In anticipation of such positive spin-offs, President Mbeki dubbed the 2010 World Cup an ``African World Cup’’. The notion of an African World Cup captured the imagination not only of Fifa and the African countries, but also of our fellow Africans in the diaspora. The notion of an African World Cup has been well received by most South Africans, especially young people.
We believe that hosting the 2010 World Cup affords us the biggest opportunity to banish Afropessimism. Hosting the biggest event in the world will go a long way, we believe, in strengthening our bond as one nation, and boost our image amongst the nations of the world. Although we do not intend to replicate Germany 2006, or to compete with the Germans, we firmly believe that the same spirit of national pride that we saw and experienced in Germany can be achieved in South Africa. This, if we work together, can be achieved with a unity of purpose.
Hosting the 2010 World Cup, we believe, provides our government with a golden opportunity to boost our tourism and sports industries, and push our economic development to a higher notch. The tournament assists us to address the infrastructure backlogs such as roads, transport facilities, telecommunications and broadcasting networks.
Our electricity and water needs and upgrades will receive a great boost. In a word, hosting the 2010 World Cup will fast-track the attainment of some elements of the 2014 Millennium Development Goals and those of the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa.
In 2010, 31 countries will converge on South Africa. In terms of languages, follow-ups of the national teams will exceed 32 competitors, South Africa being the 32nd competing nation. This affords an immense opportunity for our young people to learn foreign languages and the cultures of other people. This, together with the skills they must be trained in, will improve the skills base of our young people. It will also expose them to other cultures and teach them to respect diversity even more. 2010 will help us fight xenophobia and unite the African people.
Social services such as disaster management, public health services, safety and security and so on are already in advanced stages of planning for the 2010 football tournament. These services will be accessible not only to the followers of football, but to our people before and long after 2010.
I am trying here to articulate some of the issues that our government took into account in our support for Safa’s bid to host the World Cup in South Africa in 2010. We were acutely aware of what the preparations would contribute to our broad plans of transformation and development. We are alert to the contribution this programme will make towards social cohesion and nation-building. Seeds of this are already discernible in some areas.
Since June 2004, both Safa and our government have been involved in discussions on the list of requirements for hosting the World Cup. A number of departments have been involved in these discussions. As such, this Bill traverses a number of functions that belong to departments other than Sport and Recreation South Africa.
This Bill is one of the very keys to whether or not Fifa should continue entrusting us with their World Cup in 2010. So far, Fifa is very pleased with our preparations, and they are pleased, not as observers, but as participants in all our Local Organising Committee meetings.
The Bill is designed to facilitate the hosting and staging of the Fifa World Cup in South Africa in 2010. It enables and empowers the Minister of Trade and Industry to stipulate a date later than one month after the competition has been completed as the date on which the protection of the 2010 World Cup as a protected event ends.
The Bill empowers the Minister of Sport and Recreation to declare, by notice in the Gazette, certain stadia and venues as stadia and venues that have been identified and selected to host matches, under the auspices of the LOC, of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa. The Bill also ensures that all national flags and anthems of the countries represented by a team at the World Cup may be flown or sung. It also facilitates the issuing of visas and work permits by the Department of Home Affairs to Fifa delegates, and permits by the Department of Home Affairs to personnel and commercial affiliates of Fifa. The Bill also suspends, during the duration of the World Cup, such restrictions regarding marketing, distribution and consumption of liquor, sale of unregistered medicines, etc.
The Bill also facilitates the accreditation of foreign medical contingents and the approval of certain permitted and scheduled substances and medical devices. The Bill provides for the promulgation of regulations by the Minister of Sport and Recreation and the Minister of Safety and Security.
The opportunity to host the Fifa World Cup may never be afforded to South Africa again in the lifetime of most of us who must determine the fate of this Bill. To support this Bill is a legacy in its own right. Let us all be part of that legacy. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr B M KOMPHELA: Thank you very much Chairperson and the Deputy President. Baba Skosana, I am not going to be intimidated, because the Deputy President has invited me to go and play soccer with her because, as she said, she is a good goalkeeper.
Firstly, the ANC and the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation would like to send a message of support to hon Donald Lee, his family and his party, the DA. Hon Donald Lee was with us for the past two weeks when we were in recess and deliberating on the Bill. At the moment he is ill in a hospital in Port Elizabeth. We wish him a speedy recovery. We need him to be part of this army that is tackling the 2010 Fifa World Cup. [Applause.]
I did talk to hon Donald Lee after he was taken out of the oxygen unit.
Before he left the meeting on the last day of our deliberations on the
Bill, just as we were finishing, he said to me Butana, I want to ask a
question.’’ I saidYou can ask the question, Mr Lee.’’ He said: I want
to ask all the departments that are here: Are you satisfied with the manner
in which this committee has dealt with the Bill to enable you to meet the
guarantees that your Ministers have signed to host the World Cup?’’ He went
on and said:We must put all our efforts into making sure that the pieces
of legislation that are here will be enabling legislation for us to be able
to stage this legacy of the 2010 World Cup without a waste of time.’’ We
appreciate that a lot, and we convey that to his party.
We would like to thank all the parties that were involved. General Holomisa, your inputs were very valuable during our deliberations. We appreciate your time spent with us up until the end of the deliberations. We would also like to thank the MF and all other parties. In particular, we would like to send a message of appreciation to members of the ruling party
- the ANC - because without any of them we could not have managed to pass the Bill in time.
We made history against the odds by beating the dateline in passing this Bill. We were delighted and were singing because we managed to pass the two Bills four days before the time to prove to our opponents again that they were wrong.
The committee went on to call for public hearings on these two Bills, precisely because there is a lot of interest to South Africans, businesspeople and ordinary people who are neither businesspeople nor any but ordinary citizens of this country. I would like to report to this House today that it was amazing that we got such a vibrant and very committed group of people who came to the committee to make their submissions.
One of the most important submission was made by an individual called
Advocate Holiday. After he made his submission, he asked the committee
Why do South Africans need this legislation?’’ We replied that we needed
the legislation because the original legislation, as it stands, is not
necessarily creating enabling conditions for us to stage the World Cup. And
then he asked: Do we have any experience of the pattern around the world
where the World Cup has been hosted? We said we had the pleasure, as
members of the National Assembly, of being allowed to go to France and
Germany. All those countries had passed a similar Bill because this is a
piece of legislation that relaxes strict measures that the countries had in
their original legislation. Then he said:Now, I understand why we have
to have this kind of legislation.’’ We were very impressed about that.
The key element of the Bill that the Minister spoke about is that the Minister of Trade and Industry is going to stipulate the dates before and after in which this Fifa event will not be a protected event. Between those dates this will be a protected event in terms of a proclamation by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Therefore, the Bill also provides that the Minister of Trade and Industry must be able to stipulate a date when this protected event of Fifa is going to lapse.
The Bill also provides that the Minister of Sport and Recreation must declare the stadia or any other venues, because if those are not declared in a Gazette, they might not necessarily be the venues that are going to host this very important occasion of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
We were confronted at the public hearings by businesspeople, Absa, Vodacom and others. The most important matters raised during these debates were that as Absa and Vodacom, who have built their names for the past 13 years in South Africa around sport, what they are requesting is that they don’t want money from Fifa but are asking the Minister what their role could be during the 2010 World Cup, like any other person.
Many roles were clarified, thanks to our own Danny Jordaan, because during the public hearings he had the entire Fifa delegation come and explain their understanding and our own understanding of the interpretation of these pieces of legislation, so that we do not go wrong because we think that we are creating conditions that are going to enable South Africa to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup, yet we are preventing such conditions. That’s why we had to call in the Fifa delegation so that they could give us a more detailed explanation of what their conceptualisation and understanding around this World Cup is.
The police were called in and they gave their own understanding of the guarantees that were signed by the Ministers of Safety and Security, Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Trade and Industry and Health.
Parts of this legislation before us today relate to an inquiry following the Ellis Park disaster, when people died there. Therefore, this piece of legislation provides that in the event of such a disaster occurring, we must minimise the scale of that disaster through this piece of legislation, because one matter that the police raised, and that was also raised in the commission, was that helicopters had to be able to land at the stadium, and ambulances had to be able to move freely. There was a blockage preventing free movement of ambulances there, hence quite a number of people died. Otherwise, that could have been prevented. Therefore, the police are now requesting the search and seizure, the removal and refusal of vehicles that are likely to obstruct the open area that would be designated for such eventualities.
With regard to health, there are assistive devices that are going to come with the 32 teams that will be coming to South Africa. Therefore, this piece of legislation provides that when those people come into this country with medical devices we must be able to ask them to take them back. Because if we do not do that, Deputy President, it is said, in terms of the original Act, that we will have to pay for those assistive devices.
… asizifuni ngoba bezize ebholeni. Sicela ukuba babuyele nazo emva. [… we do not want them, because they brought them to the World Cup. We ask them to take them back.]
Therefore, this is enables them to take those devices back home – after the event.
However, the most important thing was the very vibrant debate around the issue of flags, which was clearly explained to us by Foreign Affairs so that there is no ambiguity about it. The flags that are going to be flown during the World Cup are the national flags of the countries – not any other flag. So, let us not blow this out of proportion. It is very clear and we have accepted that as a fact and there should be no ambiguity about the issue.
The committee, however, proposed that in the regulations we must outlaw any other flags or symbols that might antagonise some people and thus spoil this very important event. Therefore, regulations will deal with that, because it could not be placed in the original Act or in this one. We will check, Minister, to see if it is there.
The issue of designated areas was dealt with the police and also by the local organising committee. People were saying that Fifa wants a 1 km- designated area and that issue was cleared up during the deliberations. According to Fifa the fence surrounding the stadium is the beginning of that area and anything inside that fence falls within the jurisdiction of Fifa. Anything that is outside the fence does not, as Mr Palma explained, fall within the jurisdictions of Fifa. The reason is that members were asking: What will happen to the boerewors, peanuts, tshisanyama, hats, ginger beer and other things that our people sell at the stadiums?
Fifa was forthright and said that they were not going to interfere with those people that sell boerewors and other things. The bonus is that, in any event, there is no conflict of interest and there will be no boerewors sponsor of the Fifa World Cup. Therefore people can go and sell the boerewors and eat it; there is nothing wrong in doing that. Therefore those that come to the World Cup feeling hungry …
… julle moet die boerewors kry, manne. Daar is nie probleme met daardie pap en boerewors van julle nie. [… you must get the boerewors, guys. There is no problem with that pap (porridge) and boerewors (sausage) of yours.]
So, I think that is what was important. The other matter that was very important was that Fifa said that people who are part of SMMEs, in terms of the original Act of Trade and Industry, and those who want to sell things that have Fifa trademarks, should apply and be given a licence and a certain space where they could sell these items.
Fifa does not have the capacity, Deputy President, to go and sell their T- shirts at the stadium. But everybody who is a South African citizen will have to apply through the proper channels and will be given a place where he or she can sell the T-shirts during the 2010 World Cup. Those articles belong to Fifa and people must get permission to sell them. So, we can all benefit from the Fifa event and it is not as dark and gloomy as we probably thought it would be.
We are absolutely delighted today to address this House to assert, Minister, that the ANC totally supports these two Bills.
On 7 July 2006, the President received a torch in Germany, which had to be taken to South Africa. On the very same day, South Africa unveiled the World Cup 2010 emblem. What is important is that at the time Germany did not unveil its logo on time. Yet, South Africa unveiled its logo when they were receiving the torch and there was no major reaction as a result of that. There was no agitation in saying that Germany was late and so on. It unveiled the banner long after it was supposed to do so.
We had requested Parliament that we wanted to go and see the teething problems that were facing people in Germany during the World Cup. When we arrived in Germany we found that the stadium was not yet completed – six months before the World Cup – and that they were busy building a grand international train station. The German people were still dealing with the construction of that grand train station because they were running against time - but nothing happened and nobody complained. There was no train smash.
On the other hand, we have just received the torch and the green light on 7 July, to deal with the issues of Fifa. It is only the 8th month today, but the kind of pressure put on the South African government and the people of South Africa is amazing. We have made many gains during this short period of time and I think we need to pat ourselves on the back and say we are ready.
Finally, Minister, the message that the committee sends to you is that we join the President in saying that Africa is truly ready and that South Africa is ready. It is our time. We must rise with the tide and make it the best World Cup so that people will never forget it. We thank you. [Applause.]
Mr S J MASANGO: Deputy President, you are going. Chairperson, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, hon members, it is now just under four years before South Africa hosts the 2010 Fifa World Cup. No doubt, it will be a memorable occasion; a chance for South Africans from all walks of life to celebrate hosting a once-in-a-lifetime tournament in our own country.
The mere fact that today we are debating the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill should serve as an indication to all those involved in preparations for the 2010 Fifa World Cup that South Africans and Africa as a whole want to see this tournament being run successfully, and not fail.
As the chairperson has said, the Bill in front of us today “seeks to relax a specific set of laws and regulations that are necessary to facilitate the hosting and staging of the World Cup”. In fact, there is little to debate. The Bill simply sets out what we have already agreed to in the guarantees we have signed with Fifa.
Passing this Bill is more of a legal obligation than a result of a considered independent process. However, that doesn’t mean that it is not important, or that the content should not be analysed and discussed.
The Bill achieves a number of different practical objectives, but also represents an undertaking, a commitment by South Africa, to deliver a set of conditions and an environment in which it is possible to host not a good World Cup, not an excellent World Cup, but the best World Cup.
There is something very particular and specific about a guarantee. Apart from the legal obligation, it means that we have given our word that we will deliver. Every element of our society must now do its part to ensure that we make good on our promises. We should use this tournament to show the rest of the world just how good we are.
The tournament in Germany has been one of the most successful, not just for the ball skills displayed on the field, but also for the wonderful organisation that was done behind the scenes. South Africa should continue where Germany has left off, but, unfortunately, there is still a lot to be done to get where the Germans have left off.
Five departments were involved in the drafting of this Bill, and they participated through their input. Those five departments must now ensure that every effort is made not just to comply with the requirements of this Bill, but to exceed them. That should be the approach that defines the 2010 Fifa World Cup for South Africans and the rest of the world, that we’ll not just do that which is necessary, but we’ll take the organisation and the running of this famous tournament to a new level. We’ll raise the bar and we’ll exceed every expectation, and we’ll be the best.
The Department of Sport and Recreation, as the hosting department, must take most of the responsibility. Together with a whole range of departments and the local organising committee, it needs to ensure that the venues are available and in order, and on a par with Fifa requirements.
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Mr Jabu Moleketi, who heads a technical task team, including senior officials from all the Ministries involved in the 2010 project, is responsible for ensuring that South Africa meets the 17 guarantees made to Fifa. He has an awesome responsibility, but at the same time he has an awesome opportunity.
That is a challenge that faces every South African. It is time that South Africans came together in support of a successful 2010 Fifa World Cup. We can do this by rallying behind the local organising committee - the DA will definitely do that – the SA Football Association, Safa, the coach and his technical team and, lastly, the team. Bafana Bafana, siyavena! [Bafana Bafana, we are winners!] Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]
Mr E J LUCAS: Chairperson, there’s no doubt about the mass appeal that football has. It is played by over 240 million players, in 1,4 million teams and in 300 000 clubs across the world. This is without doubt the most favoured sport, and we, in South Africa, are in the privileged position of hosting the Fifa World cup in 2010.
This event is broadcast to hundreds of countries around the world, with billions of people watching the many games. Although we have successfully hosted major international sporting events in the past, such as the Rugby and Cricket World Cups, no single sporting event comes close to the mass appeal and sheer size of the Fifa World Cup.
The excitement and publicity that this tournament generates was obvious for all to see with the recently completed event that was successfully hosted by Germany.
I think that we can also remember clearly the euphoria that was experienced when South Africa was announced as the hosts for the 2010 event. The organisation and hard work that go into the successful hosting and staging of a tournament of this magnitude is mind-boggling. These two Bills before us today have been drafted to facilitate the hosting and staging of this event.
The eyes of the world will be focused on South Africa and Africa for the duration of the tournament. It is, therefore, imperative that we use the resources at our disposal to successfully host this tournament and prove to many pessimists, who are saying that we are not ready to host the World Cup, that we are capable and we’ll stage the best event yet.
These Bills will go a long way towards assisting our cause. Much has been said about the many benefits and opportunities that will come about as a result of the event. There will be increased revenue from advertising, increased occupancy at hotels and other lodgings, as well as numerous other benefits. It is, however, important that all South Africans, and not just a select few, benefit from these opportunities.
We must also do our utmost to ensure that the positive effects and spin- offs of the World Cup will last long after the event is over and will have a sustainable effect. We don’t want a situation where the unemployment rate increases drastically after the tournament. We must strive for sustainability.
As much as I’d like to go on about all the positive effects and spin-offs that this tournament will generate, not just for South Africa, but, hopefully, for the entire continent of Africa, the harsh reality is that there is still an enormous amount that has to be done and much that has to be corrected before we are ready to host an event of this magnitude.
We have to look at the situation and ask ourselves, honestly, whether we will have the capacity to deal with this influx of tourists. Will our police service have the capacity to ensure that many visitors will have a safe stay? Will our transport services have the capacity to transport tourists safely and comfortably to their destinations? Will our airports cope with the added visitors? These are just a few of the many genuine concerns that we must find solutions to.
Besides all the hard work that is necessary to ensure that the actual football tournament itself is to be conducted successfully, for example the completion and readiness of the stadia and facilities to be used directly in the tournament, we must also remember that there is going to be an unprecedented number of visitors to our country at one time. Their stay in South Africa must be as pleasant an experience for them as possible to ensure that they will come back to our country for a return visit after the World Cup.
Although we are faced with many challenges and obstacles, I do believe that with the relevant stakeholders working together and being open and honest when identifying these obstacles and areas of weakness, we will be ready to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup successfully.
The thought of hosting the World Cup is a very daunting, but even more exciting prospect, especially for a continent such as Africa with such a great love for the game of football and home to many great players, who’ve brought joy to the people over the years. This is our chance to show the rest of the world what we are capable of.
To make this a truly memorable World Cup, we must do all we can to ensure that this event is affordable to, and can be enjoyed by, the average person. Although it is important to learn from the experience of other countries, it is imperative that we do not replicate them. This is an African World Cup and as Africans we have a different rhythm, a different climate and a unique way of doing things. Let us embrace our uniqueness and make this a proudly African World Cup.
We, in the IFP, believe that with the right support and dedication, South Africa will be ready to host the most successful World Cup yet. These two Bills before us today assist in making this a reality. We support these Bills. I thank you. [Applause.]
Die ADJUNKMINISTER VAN SPORT EN ONTSPANNING: Voorsitter, as ons na hierdie twee wetsontwerpe voor ons kyk, dan moet ons die land en die Huis meedeel dat ons as regering en die Ministerie van Sport en Ontspanning so vinnig was dat Fifa ons, ná twee regswerkswinkels met hulle, gevra het om nie in Desember verlede jaar nie, maar eers vanjaar hierdie wetgewing voor die Parlement te bring omdat hulle ons van sekere antwoorde moes voorsien.
Om dit reg te kry moes ons baie spesiale samewerking kry van die Leier van Regeringsake, die Speaker en die Voorsitter van die Nasionale Raad van Provinsies, die Swepery, die Parlementêre Adviseur van die President, mnr John Jeffery, en natuurlik die portefeulje- en gekose komitees, en ons sê baie dankie vir die samewerking en ondersteuning wat ons gehad het as departement om hierdie wonderlike wetsontwerpe vanmiddag voor ons te hê.
Fifa, wat die wêreldbeheerliggaam van sokker is, is wêreldwyd daarvoor verantwoordelik om deur middel van opvoedings- en ontwikkelingsprogramme die sport sokker te bevorder en toesig oor internasionale wedstryde te hou. Die wetsontwerpe voor die Huis is opgestel om die gasheerskap van die 2010- Fifa-wêreldbeker in Suid-Afrika, ons wonderlike mooi land, te akkommodeer.
Kortom, dit is wetsontwerpe op spesiale maatreëls wat multidissiplinêre wetgewing is en daarop gemik is om die 17 regeringswaarborge aan Fifa te beliggaam. Die regering van Suid-Afrika het hierdie waarborge verskaf omdat ons ’n plig het om belangrike ontwikkelingsdoelwitte na te streef. Trouens, die Grondwet vereis dit van ons as ’n regering.
Die verdere breë inisiatiewe van die regering om armoede teen 2014 hok te slaan word deur die mense van Suid-Afrika en ook die Verenigde Nasies wêreldwyd onderskryf. Die uitdaging wat ons as regering het, is om met die toepassing en implementering van ons waarborge ’n balans te handhaaf tussen die breë nasionale belang en die spesifieke belange van Fifa. Ek glo ons het daarin geslaag met die daarstelling van die artikel 75- en 76- wetsontwerpe. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Chairperson, when we look at these two Bills before us, then we have to inform the country and the House that we as government and the Ministry of Sport and Recreation were so quick that Fifa asked us, after two legal workshops with them, not to bring this legislation before Parliament in December of last year, but rather to do so this year, because they had to provide us with certain answers.
In order to accomplish this, we had to get very special co-operation from the Leader of Government Business; the Speaker and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces; the Whippery; Mr John Jeffrey, the Parliamentary Counsellor to the President; and, of course, the portfolio and select committees, and we are very grateful for the co-operation and support we have had as a department in order to have these wonderful Bills before us this afternoon.
Fifa, which is the world governing body for football, is responsible for promoting the sport of football around the world through education and development programmes and supervising international matches. The Bills before the House have been drafted to facilitate the hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, our wonderful country.
In short, these are special measures Bills which are multidisciplinary and are aimed at encompassing the 17 guarantees given by the government to Fifa. The government of South Africa gave these guarantees because we have a duty to pursue important development goals. For that matter, the Constitution requires that of us as a government.
The additional broad initiatives by the government to eradicate poverty by 2014 have been endorsed by the people of South Africa and also the United Nations around the world. The challenge that we face as a government is to strike a balance between the broad national interests of the Republic and the specific interests of Fifa when applying and implementing our guarantees. I believe we have accomplished this with the introduction of these section 75 and 76 Bills.]
When Fifa decided in 2001 that the 2010 World Cup should be held on African soil for the first time, the continent of Africa rejoiced, not only for the love of the game, but also knowing that it would help us make this a century of African growth and development. The 2010 World Cup brings the unique opportunity to ensure that the world learns more about the strengths and opportunities of a country and a continent undergoing far-reaching reconstruction and development.
In 1996 President Mbeki captured Parliament and the world when he delivered a speech and declared: “I am an African.” That speech is, like the Minister of Sport and Recreation says, simply indelible on the mind. “I am an African,” the African Renaissance, Nepad and the African World Cup of 2010 seem to fit into one another. They give us as Africans a rare opportunity to look into the President’s logical, systematic and brilliant mindset.
This characteristic of being an African engenders caring, compassion and sharing. It gives birth to the model order of empathy, helping others and having feelings for them. In a nutshell, this is ubuntu, a philosophy of the collective, of the community as opposed to individualism.
The 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa has been marketed as an African World Cup, so the preparations for this tournament, its hosting and long thereafter must bequeath to our people and our nation a legacy we can all be proud of. Let me say that part of the legacy we must leave behind is to eradicate and root out racism and tribalism. The challenge for us as South Africans is to make the best of the opportunities offered by 2010.
Geleenthede gaan veel verder as net die aanbied van ’n suksesvolle 2010- wêreldbeker. As regering kyk ons na waar Suid-Afrika een dekade ná 2010 moet staan. Die aandag van die wêreld is op ons gevestig. As regering het ons die planne, die strategie, die strukture en die wil om ’n blywende en volhoubare erfenis te skep en na te laat. Deel van die erfenis wat ons moet nalaat, is die uitwissing van rassisme en diskriminasie.
Die vraag is of ons as Suid-Afrikaners verenig is in ons strewe om 2010 ’n sentrale punt van ons vaderlandsliefde en van ons patriotisme te maak. Patriotisme is mos wanneer ’n mens die belange van die land ’n hartsaak maak en dan dienooreenkomstig optree. Die vraag is: streef ons almal na dieselfde eenheidsgevoel van trots wat ons in 1995 gehad het toe die Springbokke die Rugbywêreldbeker gewen het? Want toe, in 1995, het almal gejuig en ons het almal één gevoel. Almal was toe trots Suid-Afrikaans.
Die vraag is: is ons almal eenparig in ons strewe om 2010 ’n nasionale doelwit en ’n nasionale sukses te maak? Juig ons almal regtig en is ons almal nog so trots Suid-Afrikaans soos in 1995? Ek vra hierdie vrae en elkeen van ons hier in die Huis en daar buite sal eerlik hierop moet antwoord. Natuurlik is dit so dat elke goeie Suid-Afrikaner wil hê dat Fifa se 2010-sokkertoernooi moet plaasvind en dat hulle alles moontlik sal doen om dit te laat geskied, maar die ander kant is ook waar.
Ongelukkig is daar ook diegene wat deur allerlei foefies en eierdansery ’n stokkie daarvoor wil steek. Ek sê vir hulle, vir daardie eierdansers, hulle moet gereken word saam met die vyande van ons land. Die tyd het aangebreek dat politieke leiers oor die spektrum heen uitstyg … [Tussenwerpsels.] Ja, die agb mnr Tony Leon ook! [Tussenwerpsels.]
Die tyd het aangebreek dat u ook ingelig word en die inligting wat u het, lees en reg aan die media oordra. Die tyd het aangebreek dat politieke leiers oor die spektrum heen uitstyg bó eng partypolitieke belang en hulle ondersteuners aanmoedig om die geleenthede wat 2010 bied aan te gryp.
Kom ons neem een voorbeeld: gaan uit, mnr Leon, gaan uit, dr Mulder, gaan moedig u mense aan om breë swart ekonomiese bemagtiging te bevorder, aan te help en te skep. Moenie vrees nie, daar is geleenthede vir almal daar buite. [Tussenwerpsels.] President Roosevelt het gesê die grootste ding wat ons moet vrees, is vrees self.
Kortom, die bome van Suid-Afrika het genoeg koelte vir almal in die somer en hulle laat genoeg son deur vir almal in die winter. Ons moet dit net erken en vir mekaar gun in die gees van ubuntu.
Die borge van 2010 het reeds $2 miljard by Fifa gedeponeer. Dis nou die tyd om, soos die borge van 2010, vertroue in die regering, die land en die organiseerders te toon en jou energie, jou entoesiasme te deponeer en so te help dat 2010 ’n sukses vir almal is. Almal van ons het ’n plig om ’n versoeningsbydrae te lewer tot ons demokrasie. Ek is van oordeel dat sport in die algemeen, en dan meer spesifiek die 2010-sokkertoernooi, ’n waardige voertuig is om hierdie belangrike inisiatief ’n hupstoot te gee. Ek is egter erg bekommerd dat Afrikaanssprekende kinders nie die geleentheid kry om op skool kennis te maak met sokker nie. Dis die geval bloot omdat daar nog skoolhoofde is wat die sportsoort van hulle skoolterreine uitsluit. Hierdie gesindheid en ingesteldheid impakteer nie net op die geleenthede wat ons kinders ontneem word nie, dit kortwiek ook transformasie.
As ek na die media in Suid-Afrika kyk – en ek is nie in ’n geveg met hulle nie, ek maak net ’n punt – en die Afrikaanse koerante lees en by die sportblaaie kom, dan sien ek rugby, rugby, rugby en so ’n klein beriggie oor sokker. Lees ek die Engelse media, byvoorbeeld die Sowetan, dan sien ek net sokker, sokker, sokker, ’n bietjie krieket en so ’n klein beriggie oor rugby. Die vraag is: moet ons nie begin om eweredig, gelykhandig te rapporteer nie?
Luister ek na RSG, dan saai hulle baie min sokker uit. Die vraag moet gevra word of ons nie miskien Woensdagaande, wanneer die Premiersokkerliga aan die gang is, dit op RSG en miskien selfs ook op SAUK3 moet uitsaai nie.
Ons spreek hierdie leemtes aan in ’n gees van versoening op pad na 2010 en daarná. Ons koester regtig die hoop dat ons as Suid-Afrikaners die struikelblokke self sal oorkom. Dan alleen sal ons as Suid-Afrikaners saamdrink by die fonteine van nasietrots en sal ons ’n eenheid wees in ons verskeidenheid. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.) [Opportunities embody more than merely the hosting of a successful 2010 World Cup. As government we look at where South Africa should be one decade after 2010. The eyes of the world are on us. As government we have the plans, the strategy, the structures and the will to create and leave behind a lasting and sustainable heritage. Part of the heritage that we have to leave behind is the eradication of racism and discrimination.
The question is whether we as South Africans are united in our endeavour to make 2010 a pivotal point in our love for our home country and our patriotism. In fact, patriotism is when one takes the interests of the country to the heart and then acts accordingly. The question is: Are we all pursuing the same united sense of pride which we had in 1995 when the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup? At that time, 1995, we all rejoiced and had a sense of unity. Everyone was proudly South African.
The question is: Are we are all unanimous in our endeavour to make 2010 a national goal and a national success? Are all of us really rejoicing and are all of us still as proudly South African as we were in 1995? I am asking these questions, and all of us in the House and out there will have to answer them honestly. Of course, every good South African wants the Fifa 2010 Soccer Tournament to take place and will do everything in their power to make it happen, but the opposite is also true.
Unfortunately, there are also those persons who want to hamper the process through various gimmicks and egg-dancing. I say to them, those who are guilty of egg-dancing, that they should be counted among the enemies of our country. The time has come for political leaders across the spectrum to rise above … [Interjections.] Yes, the hon Mr Tony Leon as well! [Interjections.]
The time has come for you to be informed as well and to read the information that you have and convey the correct message to the media. The time has come for political leaders across the spectrum to rise above narrow party-political interests and encourage their supporters to embrace the opportunities which are presented by 2010.
Let us take an example: Go out there, Mr Leon, go out there, Dr Mulder, go out and encourage your people to promote, further and create broad-based black economic empowerment. Do not be afraid; there are opportunities for everyone out there. [Interjections.] President Roosevelt once said that our greatest fear is fear itself.
In short, the trees in South Africa cast enough shade for everyone in summer and let through enough sun for everyone in winter. We just have to recognise this and not begrudge anyone this in the spirit of ubuntu.
The sponsors of 2010 have already deposited $2 billion with Fifa. Now is the time for us, like the sponsors of 2010, to demonstrate confidence in the government, the country and the organisers, and to deposit our energy and enthusiasm and thus help to ensure that 2010 is a success for everyone. All of us have a duty to make a reconciliatory contribution towards our democracy. I am of the opinion that sport in general, and the 2010 Soccer Tournament in particular is a worthy, as a worthy vehicle to boost this important initiative.
I am, however, deeply concerned that Afrikaans-speaking children do not get the opportunity at school to get to know soccer. This is the case simply because there are still school principals who exclude the sport from their school grounds. This attitude and predisposition not only impacts on the opportunities which our children are deprived of, but also handicaps transformation.
When I look at the media in South Africa – and I am not quarrelling with them, I am merely making a point – and read the Afrikaans newspapers and come to the sport pages, then I see rugby, rugby, rugby and a short article on soccer. When I read the English media, for example the Sowetan, then I only see soccer, soccer, soccer, a little bit of cricket and then a short article on rugby. The question is: Should we not start to report in a proportional, symmetrical way?
When I listen to RSG, they do not broadcast much soccer. The question must be asked whether we should not perhaps, when the Premier Soccer League is taking place on Wednesday evenings, broadcast matches on RSG and maybe even on SABC3.
We are addressing these shortcomings in a spirit of reconciliation on the way to 2010 and thereafter. We are really hopeful that we as South Africans will overcome the obstacles ourselves. Only then will we, as South Africans, drink together from the fountains of national pride and be united in our diversity.]
The 2010 Fifa World Cup must leave behind a South Africa and Africa that are better than we have now. Both the Millennium Development Goals and the national development plans must guide what we do, and ultimately we must be united in our diversity. We cannot fail. Afrika, ke nako! [Africa, it’s time!] Together we shall deliver the best Fifa World Cup ever in 2010. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr L R R REID: Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister and hon members, South Africans are sport mad and we’ve had numerous international sporting events in South Africa. We’ve also hosted certain World Cup events, such as the Rugby World Cup in 1995, the Cricket World Cup in 2003 and, last year, the Ladies Golf World Cup. These World Cup events cannot be compared with the Football World Cup, because the scope of the 2010 Fifa World Cup is of such magnitude that it requires special measures to allow South Africa to stage the world‘s biggest sporting spectacle in 2010.
I must also say that our people out there are very optimistic about 2010, to such an extent that last Friday in Johannesburg, where we attended a conference of Women in Sport, the women demanded that Fifa should also stage a World Cup for women at the same time as the World Cup for men. With this great sense of optimism, amongst the majority of the people of this country, it’s about time that those ultra pessimists, who question our ability to host a successful World Cup, have a change of heart. It’s about time for them to start embracing this World Cup, because as the Freedom Charter says, South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white. This also says that this World Cup belongs to all South Africans, black and white. [Applause.]
The 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill, both the first and the second one, are in compliance with the government’s guarantees. That was said by the Fifa delegation that met with us at the portfolio committee. These Bills are enabling legislation, because they make provision to remove all the red tape in allowing persons to come to South Africa to watch soccer or to work during the World Cup.
In terms of clause 4 of the Bill, the Minister of Home Affairs may grant a visa in terms of section 10(a) of the Immigration Act to a person from a country that is not exempted from complying with visa requirements to attend the 2010 Fifa World Cup. I think this is very much important, because only a handful of countries are exempted, for example, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and other British overseas territories, whereas players from the majority of soccer-loving countries, in South America and right across the world, need to comply with visa control regulations.
Any person, including team members, intending to perform work in the Republic in connection with and also for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, must submit a letter to the Minister of Home Affairs from Fifa approving the work to be performed. The Minister of Home Affairs may also allow dignitaries identified by Fifa to be admitted to our country for the duration of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa in terms of section 31(2) of the Immigration Act.
A list containing the personal particulars of dignitaries prepared by Fifa should be received by the Minister of Home Affairs at least 30 days before these dignitaries arrive in the Republic. We know that many of these people who will be coming here, will be performing work to earn money. Therefore, these measures also make provision for those people who intend to perform work or invest in businesses in our country for a period exceeding six months in connection with the 2010 Fifa World Cup. When they apply for a work or business permit, they must provide the Director-General of Home Affairs with proof of accreditation by Fifa at least 30 days before they travel to the Republic.
As I said earlier, only a few countries are exempted and these special measures would make it possible for players and visitors coming from the rest of the world to attend this Fifa World Cup.
In terms of declaring, this excludes those around or adjacent to a stadium, a venue or other place or facility. One must also state that in those areas, only prescribed commercial activities will take place as identified by the LOC and those not in possession of such accreditation will be prohibited from doing business in such an area.
In terms of drawing up the perimeters of these exclusive zones, the LOC will take into account local conditions in a particular area and, as such, those areas won’t include residential areas or small businesses around the stadium. In an area like Durban, for example, where we have the ABSA stadium and where the new stadium is being build right next to the ABSA stadium, the perimeter will not include the ABSA stadium, but will be between the new stadium and the ABSA stadium.
That also creates a problem because the ABSA stadium has certain ABSA branding on it, and when the TV cameras are out there, they will be focusing on those areas. Therefore, ABSA will get an unfair advantage over the official sponsors of the event. In terms of the cleaning of the stadia procedure, those signs will be removed.
As regards tickets for the World Cup - and that is being raised all the time - there will be 3 million tickets printed by Fifa. One third of those tickets will be available to ordinary South Africans. I must state that the availability of tickets and not the cost of tickets is the determining factor.
As regards the 3 million tickets, that number is determined by the sitting capacity at all our stadia for the entire duration of the World Cup. More tickets could not be printed to accommodate every person; even fans from international teams will not all be accommodated in our stadia. [Interjections.] You better listen, then you will get a better understanding of what is happening here! [Interjections.]
I have difficulty with people who never attend any portfolio committee meetings to speak about sport. You know that Danny and his team were blamed that South Africa was not ready while the World Cup was being played in Germany. If they had attended the portfolio committee meetings, they would have known that there was a request from Fifa that we should not overshadow Germany. That is why we can only start implementing our plans now. Next time, you must come to our committee and you will get clarity. [Interjections.]
This person who is speaking was a Minister of Local Government in the Western Cape and he made a mess of it. [Interjections.]
As regards providing facilities to see these matches, local municipalities, especially those in the remote rural areas, should … [Interjections.] I am not interested in you, man! I am talking to my own people! [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Ms C-S Botha): Order! Please members. Order! Please.
Mr L R R REID: You were one of the people who questioned our ability to host this World Cup, sending out a negative message to the entire world. Where is your loyalty to South Africa? [Interjections.] What are you saying? What are you? What are you? [Interjections.]
As I said, municipalities should interact with the local organising committees to enable them to host fanfares. These fanfares should ensure the creation of atmosphere at our stadiums. [Interjections.] Listen here! I am not paying attention to what you are saying. [Time expired.]
Mr B H HOLOMISA: Chairperson, hon Minister and hon Deputy Minister, hon members, I want to say to the hon chairperson of the committee, Butana Komphela …
… siyabulela Mhlekazi ngokusikhokela kakuhle kule komiti. [… we thank you, sir, for youra good leadership in this committee.]
The UDM supports the section 75 and 76 special measures Bills. These Bills are meant to pave the way for South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 Soccer World Cup and give expression to the guarantees given by government to Fifa. As hosts, we have an obligation to provide such guarantees but, simultaneously, we must balance the pursuit of these agreements with Fifa against the overwhelming developmental needs of the country in general. It means that there are potentially huge spin-offs and also that we face huge challenges to ensure a successful event.
However, I must express my fears regarding the commitment and discipline of the Department of Sport and Recreation officials. How can we trust them to properly implement these laws and related matters when the tardiness and lack of participation by senior officials was a major delaying factor in processing these Bills? I doubt if they are even here in this House today but we will leave that to the Minister.
Equally disturbing was the seemingly contradictory legislative goals of the Department of Trade and Industry versus those of the Department of Sport and Recreation. How is it possible that, at this late stage, these two departments seem not to be communicating about such a major initiative? [Interjections.] Chairperson, could you please talk to the people on my left because they are making a noise.
We have taken note of the composition of the local organising committee. However, the President might need to delegate a senior member of the Cabinet to co-ordinate the efforts of the various government departments involved and those of the LOC. If needs be, the whip must be cracked to ensure that everybody is pulling in the same direction.
The football establishment in South Africa, under the leadership of Safa, is also expected to implement a plan to develop a competitive national team to participate in this event. It is unfortunate that R61 million donated by Fifa for the development of the Bafana Bafana squad is now being used to build Safa offices. This demonstrates their priorities. Hopefully, the taxpayer’s money is not going to end up cross-subsidising this type of extravagance.
These Bills have made reference to the financial implications without spelling out the details. However, we are informed that the Department of Finance might soon submit a Bill and we hope that this will explain in detail the financial arrangements related to this event. This should include specific mechanisms for recouping the taxpayer’s money invested in privately-owned stadiums which are to be upgraded.
We would also expect clarity on the exact tender procedures that will be followed in the awarding of all contracts, especially because government will be working closely with Fifa and local football officials. One assumes that government tender procedures will take precedence since the taxpayer will be footing the Bill. The onus is now on all those involved, and who are in the know, to begin to educate the public on the expected spin-offs, especially in the field of the economy and job creation.
There is a perception, rightly or wrongly, that our police service lacks proper crowd control skills. Everybody in this House has seen the footage of how they have dealt with community protests and labour protests. Government now has the opportunity to immediately start improving crowd control skills and methods of the SAPS in general. Such a reorientation of the SAPS away from the “skop, skiet en donner” attitude to crowds would benefit the image of the SAPS and the country long before and quite apart from the 2010 World Cup.
In conclusion, big business now also has a chance to connect and work with the LOC, government and local communities to grab sponsorship opportunities. For instance, they could buy stretches of highways that lead from airports and points of entry to stadiums and beautify them by planting trees and flowers. These types of sponsorship investments need not wait until just before 2010, they can start today and then South Africans can immediately see the spin-offs and job opportunities. I thank you. [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): Thank you, hon Holomisa. Although two minutes were added to your time you didn’t utilise all of that time.
Mr V C GORE: Hon Chair, hon Minister and hon members, the two Fifa special measures Bills before this House today are crucial for South Africa’s preparation for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Despite the technical nature of these two Bills, it is essential that they are viewed as an integral part of this country’s commitment to this tournament.
These Bills will serve to cement the assurances South Africa has given to football’s world-governing body in order to be awarded the privilege of hosting this prestigious event. It is essential to the success of the tournament that all South Africans and all sectors of South Africa’s society rally behind this initiative.
It is the ID’s desire that the passing of these Bills act as an example for the rest of the country in supporting and building toward a memorable event for all. Here, hon Minister, I would like to pause for a moment and ask to make an impassioned plea to you to make this event accessible to all people, including people with disabilities, particularly around the issues of transport and accessible stadiums, and not to make the mistakes that were made during the Cricket World Cup and Rugby World Cup. It is essential that everyone commits themselves and follows the lead given by the national legislature, and that that filters through to the provincial and local legislatures and administrations.
It is extremely unfortunate and disappointing that even at this late stage there are certain sectors of this society that choose to be negative and prefer to be obstacles to our success. The ID is extremely excited about making Soccer World Cup 2010 a once-in-a-lifetime event for this country. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr S M RASMENI: Ministers and Deputy Ministers, members of Parliament, the chairperson Mr Komphela …
… re ya leboha ka kenyakenya ena ya mosebetsi eo o e tshwereng. Setulo sena se o se dutseng se se holo ha holo. Ha e sale sa Komiti feela ya tsa dipapadi, ke ya dikomiti tsohle tse shebaneng le kenyakenya ena ya mosebetsi wa 2010 Fifa World Cup. Rona ba tswang lefapheng la Dithekiso le Indasteri re ya leboha ka ketello-pele ya hao ntate. (Translation of Sesotho paragraph follows.)
[… we are grateful for this huge responsibility that you are facing. The position that you are holding is crucial, not only for the sports committee, but for all the committees that are working on this immense project, the 2010 Fifa World Cup. We, as the Department of Trade and Industry, are very grateful for your leadership.]
The 2010 Fifa World Cup marks yet another milestone in celebrating our second decade of freedom. This occasion does not come just as an event; it is indeed a culmination of struggles waged by our people, led by the ANC, to free our country from apartheid oppression, and to integrate our nation with the people of the world.
We salute and pay tribute to the women of our country who have since the early 1900s engaged in different struggles. I refer in particular to the one on 9 August 1956, when they staged a protest march in Pretoria and when they said ``Passes mean suffering and misery for every African family. Passes mean hunger and unemployment. Passes are an insult.”
The strategic consideration of the 2010 World Cup should seek to redress the legacy of apartheid and its pass laws that caused suffering and unemployment in our country. In terms of the Merchandise Marks Act and the Trade Practices Act, the Department of Trade and Industry has designated the 2010 Fifa World Cup a protected event. The prohibition of ambush marketing, marketing by association with the event but without the permission of the organisers or without being the sponsor of the event, will apply.
Hare e hlalosa, ho tla ba le mabala a dipapadi ao dipapadi di tla tshwarelwa ho ona jwalo ka Rustenburg. Re tshwanetse re hlokomele hore ambush marketing ena e bolela eng? E bolela hore ha batho ba bang ba ka rungwa ke khampane e nngwe e ba rwesa dikepisi tsa yona hore ba lo dula mane empa khampane eo esa tshehetsa mosebetsi. Ke yona ambush marketing eo. Kapa khampane enngwe esa tshehetseng mosebetsi e be e beha folaga ya yona ere e tshehetsa Fifa World Cup lebaleng la papadi empa e sa dumellwa le hona ke ambush marketing. (Translation of Sesotho paragraph follows.)
[What this means is that there will be stadia where matches will be played, such as Rustenburg. Therefore we need to understand what ambush marketing is. Ambush marketing is when a company sends people to sit on the stands, wearing caps that have its logo, while it is not supporting the event. If a company that is not supporting the event hoists its flag at the stadium, claiming to support the Fifa World Cup, without having permission, that is also ambush marketing.]
The protection also prohibits the producing and selling of counterfeit goods. The Department of Trade and Industry is also required to suspend certain restrictions regarding marketing …
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): Are you raising a point of order, hon Skosana?
Mr M B SKOSANA: It is just a question, Chairperson.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): Are you prepared to take a question, hon Rasmeni? Mr S M RASMENI: Yes, Chairperson.
Mong M B SKOSANA: Ke utlwa Mohlomphehi Rasmeni are ``ambush marketing’’ ke ha batho ba ka tla mono ba ronngwe ke ba bang, ba kentse dikepisi tsa bona jwalo jwalo le dikipa batlo rekisa ke ambush marketing. Jwale ke ne ke batla ho tseba, ke teya mohlala, bomme lapeng mane ha ba bona re le bangata re tlile bolong, ba be ba se ba impopa ba etsa diphaphatha tse ngata mono, ebe ba isa mono ba lo rekisa, na batla tejelwa le bona?
Ke nahana hore e utlwahetse potso ena, ntate Rasmeni o ka araba.
Mong S M RASMENI: Ntate ha ba no tebelwa, empa ho tla ba le melao hore ha batlo rekisa sebakeng sa thekiso - “restricted zones” – ba tla tlameya ho latela melao hore ba rekise diphaphatha. Ha ke ntse ke tswela pele ke tla e hlalosa taba ena ke ya leboha. (Translation of Sesotho paragraphs follows)
[Mr M B SKOSANA: I heard hon Rasmeni saying that ambush marketing is when people come to the stadium following somebody’s orders to sell, putting on caps and wearing T-shirts. Now I would like to ask this question, using this example: If women from households see people coming to the stadium in large numbers, and they group themselves to bake vetkoek to sell, will they be chased away?
I think that question is clear, hon Rasmeni, you can respond. Mr S M RASMENI: Hon member, they will not be chased away, but there will be rules concerning selling in the “restricted areas”, and they will have to abide by those rules when selling their vetkoek. I will explain this, when I continue, thank you.]
You got me lost, hon Skosana, but I will be fine.
Chairperson, it is important to underline that the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill should be seen in the context of facilitating the event, and harmonising the requirements of Fifa with the laws and polices of our country, South Africa. While it is important to facilitate the efficient hosting of the 2010 World Cup, this should not be at the expense of socioeconomic development of our people.
Jwalo ka bao o neng o ntse o bua ka bona Mohlomphehi Skosana. Ke hona moo ba tshwanetseng hore le bona ba une molemo ho ya ka maano a naha ena ya rona. [These are the people that you were talking about, hon. Skosana. That’s where they should benefit, according to the policies of this country.]
The Asgisa - the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa
- principles are going to apply. There must be continuity in the support for small, medium and micro enterprises, continuity in the support for co- operatives, and continuity in the support for preferential procurement programmes. In fact these programmes must actually benefit from the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Asgisa principles must apply.
We must ensure that growth and economic benefits of the 2010 World Cup are shared with the ordinary citizens of our country. We call on all of our people, especially the disadvantaged communities, to position themselves so that economic benefits are not taken for granted and only accrue to the allies. Our ordinary citizens should benefit.
Sithetha ngoomama abasemaphandleni, aba bekubuzwa ngabo apha, nabangaphaya eGcuwa. Ezinye iindawo azinawo kwa amabala emidlalo. Ziyafuna nazo ukuzilungiselela ukuba zisingathe amanye amazwe. Zamkele abantu abavela kwamanye amazwe ukuba baze kuhlala kwezo ndawo zabo ukuze bakwazi ukuzuza nabo ngokwezoqoqosho kwesi siganeko sale tumente inkulu kangaka yehlabathi. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[We are talking about the women in the rural areas, the ones about whom questions were raised here, and those from Butterworth. Other places do not even have playgrounds. They also want to prepare themselves so that they can host other countries and welcome people from other countries, so that they can come and stay in their places so that they too can enjoy some economic benefits from this big world tournament.]
We call on all government departments and their agencies to now start implementing their support and funding measures, so that SMMEs and co- operatives are key beneficiaries of the Fifa World Cup in 2010.
We in the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry wish to support the Bill, and we are looking forward to the regulations that are going to be drafted. We are going to participate, together with all other stakeholders
- meaning other committees of Parliament - so that we ensure that the regulations themselves are going to conform to all the objectives and policies of our country. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr H B CUPIDO: Chairperson, many concerns have been voiced about the perceived consequences of the first African Soccer World Cup in 2010. In the interest of democracy, it is important that these issues are raised and addressed. Thereafter we must, without further delay, turn our attentions to honouring the commitments that South Africa has made to Fifa and the world.
The ACDP is sure that South Africa would not have made a bid to be the host country and believed that such a bid would be successful, unless the relevant impact assessments had taken place. We are also sure that coherent plans are in place to meet the infrastructure requirements by the due dates.
Plans mean nothing without delivery and delivery means nothing without meticulous adherence to set timeframes. High competency levels in project management will be the key to a successful 2010 World Cup and to ensure that the after-effects of the event will be largely of a positive nature.
A great many of the activities geared towards the guarantees to Fifa will have to be implemented at a local level. Now is good a time as any for our municipalities to rise to the occasion and prove that it is not so much a lack of capacity, but lack of commitment to timeframes.
If ever there was an opportunity for South Africans to work together as a nation, it is now. Let us not only play together but also work together to make a great success of the African World Cup. We support the Bills.
Mnr W D SPIES: Agb Voorsitter, die Amerikaanse digter en filosoof Ralph Waldo Emerson het op ’n stadium gesê dat wat voor ons lê en wat agter ons lê, maar baie klein is vergeleke met wat binne in ons lê. Terwyl die wêreld se oë op Suid-Afrika gerig is en kritici baie te sê het oor Suid-Afrika se vermoë om die 2010-Wêreldbeker aan te bied, kan die land ook hierdie wyse spreuk sy eie maak.
Die versoeking vir baie Suid-Afrikaners is dat hulle hierdie taak wat voorlê oorskat, om teen die grootte daarvan vas te kyk en die uitdagings wat voorlê eerder te vermy as om dit kaalvuis te pak en uit te sorteer. Vir baie ander Suid-Afrikaners gaan die versoeking weer wees om te bly vaskyk in die verlede, om hulself voortdurend te herinner aan die ongelykhede en onregte van die verlede, en in die proses die nuwe geleenthede vir groei, vooruitgang en internasionale blootstelling mis te kyk.
Dit is juis hierdie benadering wat dikwels gepaard gaan met ’n byna krampagtige versugting tot beheer oor elke detail en aspek van die samelewing en wat ook ten opsigte van hierdie wetgewing gelei het tot suggesties dat maatreëls ingestel behoort te word, teen die gebruik van sekere vlae by sportgeleenthede. Die VF Plus wil eerder pleit vir verdraagsaamheid.
Terwyl die VF Plus hierdie wetgewing steun, is dit ons droom dat die Wêreldbekertoernooi van 2010 werklik ’n geleentheid kan word waarin alle Suid-Afrikaners kan leer, dat die uitdagings wat voor ons lê en die geskiedenis wat agter ons lê, niks is in vergelyking met die drome, die talente, die geloof en die vermoëns wat binne in ons lê nie. Ek dank u. (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mr W D SPIES: Hon Chairperson, the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once said that what lies behind us and what lies ahead of us is very small compared to what lies within us. While the eyes of the world are on South Africa and critics have had a lot to say about South Africa’s ability to host the 2010 World Cup, the country can make this wise remark its own.
Many South Africans are tempted to overestimate this task that lies ahead; to see only the size of the event and consequently avoid the challenges that lie ahead instead of tackling them unflinchingly and sorting them out. On the other hand, many other South Africans will be tempted to remain obsessed by the past, to keep on reminding themselves about the inequalities and injustices of the past, and in the process overlook the new opportunities for growth, prosperity and international exposure.
It is, in fact, this approach that often goes hand in hand with an almost obsessive desire to control every detail and aspect of society and that has also, with regard to this legislation, led to suggestions that measures should be introduced to ban the displaying, of certain flags at sporting events. The FF Plus rather wants to plead for tolerance.
While the FF Plus supports this legislation, it is our dream that the World Cup tournament of 2010 will really become an occasion through which all South Africans can learn that the challenges that lie ahead of us and the history that lies behind are nothing compared to the dreams, the talents, the confidence and the abilities that are within us. I thank you.]
Mr M M DIKGACWI: Hon Chairperson, Minister, Deputy Minister, colleagues, I greet you. It is a great pleasure and an honour to support this legislation in the NA. It paves the way towards making a living reality for all South Africans of their right to participate in the international arena and to be involved during the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Indeed, the special measures Bill now before this House gives expression to a major South African achievement. It represents the building of an unprecedented partnership that will allow government, the public, the private sector, Fifa and the soccer federations in South Africa and the continent and sponsors to work together to redress the legacy of imbalances in access to the soccer world. It represents an important step towards the fulfilment of the pledge enshrined in our Constitution that all citizens shall enjoy recreation and freedom to participate in sport, including the viewing of sporting events of national interest.
The journey from 1992, when we were readmitted to participate internationally, has been long and complex. If it has evoked some impatience and frustration amongst those eager to benefit from support for soccer development, it has been thorough in seeking consensus in a complex sector of our society. Conferences, consultations, research and public hearings, not to mention debates in the soccer fraternity, have left the imprint of wide-ranging views and opinions on this piece of legislation. We believe that the work has been done to allow the NA to put the final parliamentary seal on the special measures Bill.
Generations of oppression and domination have left our emerging democracy with a skewed perception that we cannot host a successful Soccer World Cup, despite the successful World Cups that we have hosted in the past for cricket and rugby.
Bubuvuvu nobuxoki bomshologu ukucinga ukuba asizi kukwazi ukubamba ngempumelelo iNdebe yoMhlaba yeFIFA ngowama-2010. Loo nto indenza ndifune ukukhupha, ibe ngathi ndimginyile lo mshologu kwaye ungaphakathi kum; ndinge ndingasuka ndimthi tyeke. [Kwahlekwa.] (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[It is fallacious and dishonest and malicious to think that we will not be able to host the 2010 Fifa World Cup successfully. That makes me want to throw up; as if I have swallowed the malice and it is within me; how I wish I could spit it out![Laughter.]]
Whilst some progress has been made in changing this misconception since the achievement of democracy, it is only a very small beginning compared with what is needed …
… ngenxa yezi zikhwasilima zimelene nokugxeka zigxwale. [… because of these critics who always criticise and howl.]
Only 3 million tickets are going to be available for the World Cup. On the other hand, in South Africa alone we have approximately 45 million people and we all know for a fact that most of those tickets will only be accessible to the few South Africans who can afford them. The Bill seeks to accommodate people from the rest of Africa, who cannot afford to view all the games, be it in Kakamas or Qoboqobo, but will still enjoy the games at various viewing stations that will be put up; at the same time enjoying their “amarhewu”, their pap en vleis [porridge and meat], amagwinya [vetkoek], Castle Lager, boerewors, mogodu, njalo njalo, bantu bakuthi [offal, my countrymen].
None of us would want a situation in which our people are restricted in any way. However, within the confines of the stadium there will be restrictions. These restrictions will, however, be compensated for by the stadiums to the shops in the stadium that would be limited to brands that are licensed by Fifa. Fifa will pay a compensation fee to the stadium to compensate for losses that may be incurred due to the restrictions on the nearby shops within the stadium. By and large this will be addressed by city and stadium agreements.
This is an African century and as such Fifa has contributed a huge amount for the African legacy, which will cover the African school of excellence and the renovation of stadium pitches in the 52 Fifa member states on the African continent. Though 2010 host cities must be able to fulfil their promises to Fifa, if these issues had not been addressed timeously in the world cup special measures Bill, which has passed through the Cabinet and which is set to address these concerns, they would be likely to impact negatively on those cities’ to host a successful World Cup.
When the agreement was announced, only Fifa’s requirements were published. The Bill, therefore, will deal with the misconception that there are seven city managers who signed the agreements and made promises they could not keep without special legislation. The government agreed to support the host cities in executing their World Cup obligations. The government has signed an agreement for special legislation to be passed to enable the cities to execute their duties under the agreement and for the indemnification of host cities. These issues raised by the Bills are important because they cover whatever concerns have been raised in public meetings by all interested parties.
On 16 June we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Soweto uprising and in August we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Women’s March to the Union Buildings to protest against the pass laws. The commemoration of these events, which were key contributors to the downfall of the apartheid regime, as well as the birth of our new democracy, gave us an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifices made by women, and many people in this country who were committed to ensuring that we can enjoy what President Mbeki has called the Age of Hope.
The commemoration also enables us to reflect on what contributions we may have made to the realisation of the dream harboured by the youth of 1976, the women who marched in 1956, as well as all those who sacrificed their lives so that we could become a proud, strong and united nation.
When the late Mama Stella Sigcau called on construction industry leaders, tertiary institutions and built environment professionals to participate in the National Construction Week scheduled for 27 July – 3 August, this nationwide campaign was aimed at attracting youth and women to an industry that is going to grow in the next five years. This is a result of increased infrastructure spending by government as part of Asgisa. The investment will have a direct impact on the skills requirements of the construction industry.
The construction of stadiums for the 2010 Soccer World Cup will have to model the national construction project in order to ensure that women and youth are active participants and beneficiaries in the construction of the stadiums. To achieve this there needs to be an urgent and vigorous drive to attract the youth and women into the construction sector. We cannot rest on our laurels and assume that all is going to be well. In fact, the tender specification should highlight that our women and the youth should participate directly. The Department of Trade and Industry tends to allay fears in respect of how small business will benefit from the event by mentioning that 30% of the money received by the LOC as a budget from Fifa has been secured. The DTI also suggested that a database for small businesses must first be created across the country in order to share equally from the amount. It is therefore imperative that the DTI insists on criteria that benefit women, the youth and the disabled in respect of its allocation policy as regards the 2010 construction programme.
The LOC should also adopt the national construction week as its annual event to ensure that women and youth are enabled to participate fully during bidding for the right to build and the actual construction of the 2010 stadiums. These programmes should aim to re-engineer the profile of the emergent construction sector. The national procurement policies should be strictly adhered to and the appointment of the construction companies should be in accordance with our national BEE statutes.
Siza kuwatya amanqina, ulusu kunye nenyama, kooMzoli nakooMaphindi, xa sibukele kwiindawo eziza kulungiselelwa abantu abanje ngam, abangena mali, kwaye abangathathi ntweni. Siza kusela umqombothi kunye ne-Black Label ke, General, kwezi ndawo. [Kwahlekwa.]
Bubuvuvu obu buthethwayo, bokuba zonke iindawo ekubukelwa kuzo kuya kufuneka ukuba kuselwe ze kutyiwe izinto ezithengiswa zinegama leFifa; ayikho ke leyo. Ndiyahleba ke ngoku: IFifa inike iSafa imali yokuba ilungise iqela lethu ukuze libe nokuqina, kwaye likwazi nokudlulela kwimijikelo elandelayo, singoyiswa kwasekuqaleni. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follows.)
[We are going to eat trotters, offal and meat at Mzoli’s and at Maphindi’s place, while we are watching matches at places that are going to be set up for people like me, who do not have money and who are poor. We are going to drink sorghum beer and Black Label, General, at these places. [Laughter.]
It is just hot air to say that products people drink and eat at all the places that are set up to watch matches, will have to have a Fifa label.
I am speaking off the record now: Fifa has given Safa money to prepare our team, so that it can be strong and go to the next rounds, and not be eliminated out at an early stage.]
No wonder we can afford to pay a coach R1 million a month.
Azi ukuba oko kuza kunyusa umgangatho weBafana Bafana na? Mhh! Asazi. Siza kungxola qho, de kwaphuk’ okwaphukayo. Enkosi. [Kwaqhwatywa.] [I wonder if that is going to improve the performance of Bafana Bafana? We are going to make a noise until there is change. Thank you. [Applause.]] Mr T M LIKOTSI: Chairperson, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association, Fifa, has placed some of the responsibilities on Safa and the government of the Republic of South Africa to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Fifa has a list of requirements to be met and a firm undertaking on guarantees to be made by the government of the host country.
The Minister of Sport and Recreation is empowered through this Bill for government to meet its obligations. The second Bill empowers the Minister of Trade and Industry and other affected Ministers to facilitate other related matters, such as merchandising, foreign medical contingents, etc.
The PAC of Azania hopes that the 2010 Fifa World Cup will create the much- needed opportunities for the struggling masses of our country and eradicate poverty. Mfundisi, the whole country is anxiously preparing itself for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Amaqela emigulukudu yobundlobongela obucwangcisiweyo kwilizwe jikelele nawo ayazilungiselela ukuze abone ukuba angeza kwenza ntoni ukwenzela ukuba izinto zethu zingahambi kakuhle apha kweli lizwe lethu. Kuyafuneka ke ukuba siqinise macala onke ukuze izinto zethu zikwazi ukuba zihambe kakuhle.
ISafa mayilunge, iqoqoshe zonke ezisaseleyo, umzekelo umba womqeqeshi wesizwe, iqela eliza kumela isizwe, eliya kuthi liyiphumelele le ndebe ngowama-2010, ukwenzela ukuba indebe ingangeni iphinde iphume kweli lizwe lethu.
Kufuneka siqalise kwangoku ngamaphulo okukhuthaza abaxhasi ukuba baye ngobuninzi babo emabaleni ukuze baye kukhuthaza abafana bethu ukuze bakwazi ukuba badlale kakuhle. Kufuneka sibonise ilizwe jikelele ukuba sisisizwe esiyithandayo imidlalo. I-PAC iyawuxhasa lo Mthetho Usayilwayo. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follows.)
[The organised crime syndicates are also preparing themselves in order to find out what they can come and do to disrupt our plans in this country. Therefore we must plug all the loopholes, so that everything goes according to plan.
Safa must be organised and tie up all the loose ends, for instance, the issue of the national coach as well as the team that will represent the nation - a team that will win the 2010 World Cup, so that the Cup trophy does not come into this country only to leave again.
We must start now with campaigns to motivate the supporters to attend the matches in large numbers to encourage the team so that they can play well. We must show the whole world that we like sport. The PAC supports this Bill.]
Re a e tshehetsa Bili ena. [We support this Bill.] Mr R B BHOOLA: Chairperson, hon Minister, South Africa’s winning of the bid to host the Fifa World Cup has evoked national and international excitement. Having a good reputation for hosting such international sporting events as the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, the Women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005 and 2006, and not forgetting the A1 street race in Durban in January this year, we are confident that we will deliver the best Fifa World Cup ever to the world.
The MF wishes to state that hosting the Fifa World Cup should be an event uniting the wills and efforts of all role-players to create a success greater than the success of any country that has hosted the World Cup thus far. Just like any other country, South Africa will also have its trials and tribulations, but after every fall South Africa is sure to rise to a higher level than before the fall. It is imperative that we realise the valuable contribution sport and recreation makes in terms of social and economic growth and development.
It is estimated that this event will contribute R21,3 billion to the GDP and, in terms of stadium venues, there is an estimated saving of approximately R1 billion that promises that this event will be more auspicious in terms of profit. South Africa has won the interest of many big foreign investors such as the Middle East.
The Bills, drafted to guide our processes in hosting this event, cover a number of issues relevant to the success of this event. This is the greatest opportunity for South Africa to metamorphosise as a great attraction for investment. Job creation, social development and, most of all, poverty alleviation all form part of the 2010 vision. Opportunities for small and medium businesses are all at our fingertips.
The MF acknowledges the value the 2010 bid has to our nation and we visualise its success, wishing it to be a reality through the implementation of the special measures Bills. We don’t want to be just any country hosting the 2010 World Cup. We simply want to be the best. The MF supports the Bill.
Mr S SIMMONS: Chair, the United Party of SA wishes to applaud the government for its relentless efforts to create a favourable environment for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. This event, as we all know, brings with it a number of challenges and, subsequently, concerns on my part. The objective is not to be negative, but rather to make a genuine attempt to seek solutions.
On the positive side, this giant event will have, amongst other things, economic spin-offs owing to the development of infrastructure, such as roads, the building and upgrading of stadiums, the improving of the hospitality sector, to name but a few. More jobs will be created: 129 000 are being mentioned, but this could be more. It will result in the improving of skills of our workforce and it will have an enormous effect on tourism. This, in turn, will address unemployment and poverty in our country. Eleven host cities in the country will be affected directly and so will the rest of the Republic of South Africa.
The concerns I referred to are the issues of, firstly, logistics and time constraints. Are we really on schedule with the building of the necessary stadiums? Will our infrastructure meet the demands of such an event? We need to avoid a situation in which we mislead ourselves with what we can really achieve in the remaining few years.
The biggest concern of the United Party of SA is the current state of crime in South Africa. We need to convince the rest of the world that we can ensure their safety during this period. The current crime wave we are experiencing suggests that we have a long way to go to stabilise crime in South Africa.
Will we, for instance, be able to ensure that the objectives of section 6 of the 2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill are achieved? If we are to achieve the objectives of this Bill, then we need to answer these questions in an honest fashion. The United Party of SA supports both Bills. Thank you.
Mr R COETZEE: Hon Chair, hon Minister, the 2010 World Cup presents our country and, through us, all of Africa with a unique opportunity to shine on the world stage. By making a success of the event, we can help to redefine the image of Africa in the eyes of the world, replacing the stereotypes of poverty, war and wildlife with a clear view of the potential for success our continent harbours.
Now, there are some among us who say that the World Cup is too expensive and that the money could be better spent on delivery to the poor. Those people, if they are well intentioned, make a reasonable point, but they miss the bigger point, because there’s something the World Cup can deliver to our people that no amount of money ever will: a priceless example of everything we can be as individuals and as a nation – evidence of our ability, proof of our will to succeed, a legacy of success and a reservoir of self-belief that will benefit us long after the final whistle has blown.
But to succeed we must fixate on one clear objective and work with laser- like intensity towards it to produce the best World Cup ever. We must not simply match but surpass the achievements of every host nation that has come before us. Our World Cup must be more efficiently run, our hospitality warmer and more generous, and our streets safer than anything experienced before. To make this happen, we need inspired leadership, a clear management structure and obsessive attention to detail.
Come 2010, we must be the proud architects and agents of our own success, not hand-wringing victims of circumstance or shifty-eyed excuse makers. There are three issues about which I wish to provide a warning. The first is corruption. Our country is still processing the experience of the arms deal in which billions of rand in contracts were up for grabs – a temptation that proved too great for too many people.
Access to the ruling party has come to mean access to wealth and as an ANC regional secretary put it in the Mail & Guardian last Friday: “You can’t discuss building a road without someone looking at how it can make them rich.” Well, lots of money is going to be spent on roads and on other infrastructure projects in the run-up to the World Cup, and we must ensure that this is not seen as an opportunity for illegal and inappropriate self- enrichment on anyone’s part.
Second, it is imperative that we extend ownership of the World Cup to all the people of South Africa. It is alarming that Cosatu is threatening to clash with Safa and the government over inclusion in the organising committee. Mr Vavi is on record as saying that the failure of Safa to include Cosatu will lead to an unprecedented confrontation between Safa and Cosatu. To the best of our knowledge, a meeting is yet to take place between Cosatu and Mr Danny Jordaan, who promised to meet the union.
Threats of blackmail reflect very poorly on the Cosatu leadership. The World Cup should not be turned into what the left used to call a site of struggle but, equally, this means recognising that the World Cup is a national project. It should not belong to any political party or sector of society. We need the whole country to pitch in and take ownership of it.
This government has a tendency to exclude people of goodwill. Perhaps it fears that someone else will steal its credit. Perhaps it is a reflection of the ANC’s confusion of itself with society as a whole. But, whatever the case, the World Cup provides our country with an opportunity to work together and we should grab that opportunity with both hands.
Finally, the South African public cannot take ownership of the World Cup if it can’t afford tickets to the games. Our committee must insist that Fifa understands and responds to the economic reality of millions of people in our country. It would contradict the very purpose of bringing the World Cup to Africa to price Africans out of the market for tickets. At the same time, South Africans must appreciate the need to plan ahead to ensure that they get seats at the games, and I think a personal medium-term expenditure framework might not be a bad idea.
The DA is 100% behind the World Cup. We stand ready to play our part in making it the best one ever. If we criticise, then it will be out of concern that we are failing in that objective and, when we celebrate, it will be as part of a proud nation that has learnt through communal effort the real measure of its own potential. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr C T FROLICK: Chairperson and hon members, firstly, it is an honour to participate in this debate on behalf of the ANC and to have been part of a team of comrades and members from other political parties who worked tirelessly to provide the legal framework to ensure a successful 2010 Soccer World Cup.
The Soccer World Cup is second in importance only to the Olympic Games and it appeals to billions of supporters and viewers around the globe. It is thus interesting to note that 161 countries are affiliated to Fifa, compared to 157 that are members of the United Nations. This is just one example of the size of the Soccer World Cup.
If one wants to compare the event to other events we have successfully hosted, come 2010 it will be like hosting the Rugby World Cup, the African Cup of Nations, the World Summit on Sustainable Development, the antiracism conference and the Cricket World Cup all at the same time within 30 days. That is the sheer magnitude of what we will be dealing with.
When we were awarded the right to host the 2010 World Cup, all of us celebrated the announcement with a deep-rooted conviction and commitment that our country would be able to deliver the best World Cup ever. However, during our deliberations in the portfolio committee and the public hearings, certain sounds emanated from quarters from which we really had not expected them.
In the online publication South Africa Today on 23 June 2006, the DA leader planted the seeds of doubt by suggesting that the ANC in Parliament was delaying the passing of the world cup Bills when he said: “But we have so far as a nation failed to deliver. One example of our sluggishness is our Parliament’s failure to pass legislation that will enable South Africa to conform to Fifa’s requirements for the tournament.” The hon Leon then went on to say that the deadlines wouldn’t be met.
Now, what has happened since then is that everything that was said by the DA leader turned out to be fiction and was completely removed from reality. One is surprised that he did not check the facts and consult two of his members, one of whom participated in this debate, who never raised these issues and were quite comfortable with the process as it unfolded.
What are the facts? The special measures Bill was not introduced in Parliament last year, as the hon Leon claimed. It was only introduced on 6 June 2006. After the portfolio committee recommended that the Bills be split, the Bills were only reintroduced on 20 June – three days before we went into a constituency period.
The ANC component on the committee then recommended that we have public hearings and those took place. At the same time, Comrade Komphela and the Office of the Leader of Government Business communicated these developments to Fifa and the LOC, and they were quite comfortable with the process. The portfolio committee adopted the legislation on 25 July – that was almost a week in advance of the perceived deadline.
The comments of the DA leader were subsequently followed by those of the Herstigte Nasionale Party, which went so far as to write a letter to the President of Fifa saying why we were not ready to host the 2010 World Cup. It thus came as no surprise that before President Mbeki was handed the baton and the rights on behalf of South Africa to host the 2010 World Cup, the media campaign in South Africa – the anti-South African campaign – gained momentum to such an extent that the President of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, himself had to come out and say: “These people either don’t understand what is happening or they don’t love their country.”
It is becoming abundantly clear that the rest of the world has more faith in our ability to host the World Cup than some individuals and organisations in our country. This is illustrated by the fact that Fifa and the local organising committee, in a very short space of time, achieved the following. Commercial sponsorship amounting to US$21 billion has been secured four years before the World Cup takes place. [Applause.] That is in comparison to the US$14 billion that Germany made out of the 2006 World Cup.
In terms of legal matters, today the National Assembly will pass the Bills. Already, on 26 May, the 2010 World Cup was declared in the Gazette as a protected event. The financial measures Bill should be finalised by Parliament soon, and the host city agreements between Fifa and the different cities have been concluded, as have the stadium contracts. I think Fifa and the LOC deserve a round of applause for the work they have been doing. [Applause.]
On top of that, the emblem launch for 2010 took place in Berlin on 7 July, with the theme focusing on an African World Cup. This logo was conceptualised and designed by the South African companies Switch and Global Interface, that are 100% owned by black women from this country. The African Legacy Programme was also launched at the same time; and the 2010 ambassadors, who include football greats like Pele, Roger Milla, Lucas Radebe and Mark Fish, were introduced to the audience.
For those prophets of doom – the hon Mr Simmons – stadium construction is scheduled to be completed by June 2009, a year before the actual event takes place. On top of that, the five venues for the Confederations Cup have been announced, and if Fifa wishes to host that tournament tomorrow, the five venues are ready for the event to take place. The hon Skosana raised a question with the hon Rasmeni that dealt with the restrictions that will be imposed on certain types of merchandise within the specific controlled areas. Now, from our experience in Germany there is actually very little activity in terms of the broader followers of soccer inside the controlled environments around stadiums. Most of the action and most of the spectators are outside those areas. In those areas no restrictions apply, except for elements of ambush marketing that must be curbed.
The focus has now shifted to South Africa, and it is crucial for all our government departments and the municipalities to work closely with the 2010 World Cup unit and the LOC to ensure that we meet our commitments. In a short space of time – 30 days - the municipalities will host 64 World Cup matches. This will require that they work very closely with and use the best expertise available to prepare for that event.
While we are saying that, Minister, we acknowledge the sterling work that has already been done by some of our cities. The majority of them are ahead in their preparations, and this includes Cape Town, because very often we see that the media throws out this thing about the Green Point stadium and what is going to happen at Green Point. The media reported again on some of the residents in the area who are vehemently opposed to the construction of the new stadium in Green Point.
Fortunately, we are dealing with a few die-hards who, when compared to the rest of the people of Cape Town, make up a minute percentage of the population. The majority of the people of Cape Town and of the Western Cape want the new stadium, and we should not allow disgruntled groups who are politically mobilised to stand in the way of our national objectives.
The City of Cape Town has signed the host city agreement and must follow through on the undertakings that have been made. Under no circumstances can we allow a precedent top be set in that legal contracts concluded with international bodies are reviewed after elections when there is a change in the party governing the specific city.
In conclusion, South Africa and Africa stand to benefit a lot from the hosting of the 2010 World Cup. While we say that, there were certain things that were mentioned in the debate, and I want to refer briefly to one or two of them.
The hon Holomisa referred to the US$10 million that has been received from Fifa to build Safa House, and that is correct. That is what the money was intended for. But, General, on top of that US$10 million, another US$10 million was given to prepare the team to be ready for 2010, and that is where our work lies now. We must work now in the portfolio committee; call Safa and hold them to account to give us the plans to prepare a successful team to compete in the World Cup.
At the end, the hon Coetzee also raised some concerns about corruption, the ownership of the World Cup, the extent of goodwill, etc. We are making progress, and we are absolutely certain that we will achieve the original objectives that we have set for ourselves.
By hosting this World Cup, we will not only advance the African Renaissance, but will also instil a sense of national responsibility and pride in our people and will prove our ability to work together towards a common goal despite our divisive past.
Moving towards 2010, we can prove to the rest of the world that as a country we are an honest and reliable partner that can be trusted to deliver on our undertakings and the commitments we have made. This will be achieved as we are spurred on by unity of purpose and by being united in our diversity. The ANC supports the Bills. Thank you. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Chairperson, hon members, let me first of all associate our department with the sentiments expressed here by hon Komphela wishing Mr Donald Lee a speedy recovery. We just heard about it and we share the feeling that he should be given all the support he deserves to come back right here and be part of us all. This Bill, as many people have said, attempts to do what needs to be done in order for the 2010 World Cup to take place in our country. It also seeks to pre-empt disasters such as those that were experienced by our people in Ellis Park and elsewhere. For that reason, it insists that we should do everything to ensure that the stadiums where the 2010 World Cup will be played as well as the infrastructure that will facilitate access to them, comply with the specifics of Safa and with what Safa expects of an event of this nature.
For this reason, the Ministers mentioned in the Bill are empowered to pass regulations and gazette them to ensure that these things happen according to the specifications. The regulations will also outlaw any other symbol that is antisocial because this would be in compliance with our own Constitution, which discourages the encouragement of such kind of antisocial symbols or songs or behaviour.
We understand the pressure, which many South Africans seem to be putting on our shoulders. We understand it to be a product of the anxiety, which all of us must share because if you are going to organise an event, even if you are going to organise a sitting of this House, you must be anxious about its success or otherwise. You want it to succeed – then you must be anxious.
We are as anxious as all South Africans in this respect. But we are more informed than many of them, which is why our anxiety is not excessive over. Our anxiety is controllable – the scientific understanding of what can be done and what will be done controls it. So, the anxiety that is overtly expressed in many cases is unwarranted, although it is fully understandable.
Somebody said here we have given our word and there is no bigger guarantee in Africa than when a person gives you his or her word. That is all. It was before hon Van der Merwe. You people introduced the Roman Dutch law. We relied on people giving their word and that was good enough and people stuck by their promises.
The framework that this Bill provides has taken into account the development goals of our government, which must be balanced with the primary objectives of Fifa, because Fifa primarily wants a football world cup that will generate income for themselves. They concede this is their major fund-raising exercise and they want to make money out of it. But we don’t want to make money out of this. We really want this event to contribute towards our development goals for 2014.
Fortunately, there is a great deal of confluence between the legacy Fifa wants to leave behind and what we want our communities to access in terms of infrastructure, human resource development and all related developmental issues. It is very important for South Africans to position themselves now. I agree with the speakers. Now is the time for South Africans to position themselves to benefit from these spin-offs. For that reason the local organising committee has published, two weeks ago already in the Sunday Times, a whole list of areas where our people can begin to prepare themselves as participants – vetvoek, tripe and all those things, catering, transport. A whole list is already there and it is our responsibility as public representatives to assist our people in those endeavours.
We can assure you, hon Holomisa, that procurement laws are already in place. They have been promulgated by the LOC and in many respects they replicate the laws that the government applies in these cases. There would be fairness. There would be justice. There would also be transparency in their application. But, of course, transparency should not be confused with nakedness.
The local organising committee (LOC) is a section 21 company, and as such must subscribe to the Companies Act of this country. There are things that will remain the purview of the board members of the company.
We are comfortable with our compliance control mechanisms. We are confident that we will meet the stipulated deadlines. We are not just comfortable from the heart. We are not just making statements of face. We are stating these things on the basis of assessments by professionals and technical people who deal with these things on a daily basis. They deal with them in South Africa and in many parts of the world. All of them are not owned, Mr Coetzee, by the ruling party. These companies are owned by people who have no membership whatsoever of the ruling party.
Is it expensive? It depends on which way you are looking at it. If you look at it in terms of contributing to those millennium goals – contributing to those 2014 strategic objectives of our government - then there’s no way that you can say it is expensive. It is because by its very nature, transformation and development cannot be cheap; it comes in a very expensive way. But, indeed, it offers us an opportunity to present ourselves to the world for what we really can be. It presents us with an opportunity, which no money can buy.
I agree that some people do get excluded from a number of these programmes, not by design but sometimes by their own commission. If you call a public meeting, like we did in Port Elizabeth two weeks ago, and some people do not attend that public meeting, you cannot say they were excluded. They have actually excluded themselves. So, we must begin to attend public meetings in our communities.
Better still, the LOC empowered Mr Danny Jordaan that whenever he is invited by whatever political party, he must go and explain what is going on in our country. So, the doors are open.
Indab’ inendodana, uyise akanatyala. [The ball is in your court.]
I want to pay special tribute to the Deputy Minister of Finance, Jabu Moleketi, the Chairperson of the TCC who has the unenviable responsibility of co-ordinating all these departments. Their managers bring them together and hammer out the policies that must be followed, negotiate with Fifa and all other stakeholders and move them in the direction in which we want these things to go. I think he has done an outstanding job. [Applause.]
I also want to recognise the work done by the Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation, Mr Gert Oosthuizen, who I had entrusted with the responsibility to monitor the developments around this Bill and to pilot and indeed to be a navigator of this Bill to make sure that nothing gets left out that will obstruct the passing of this Bill.
I want to congratulate the managers of all the 19 different departments that have participated. It was not always easy. The temptations to go at a tangent were always great, as the hon Holomisa pointed out today, but Jabu was always there to bring them back to where they must be. I thank them for their diligence in that respect.
The portfolio committee under the leadership of the hon Butana Khompela has done an outstanding job within a very short period of time. [Applause.] When you said the Bill must be divided into two Bills, I nearly fired our law advisers because I thought they should have been the ones to know that beforehand. But, you were patient with them and you chaperoned them in the right direction. Not only were you meticulous in going through the Bill, but you did not neglect to be diligent and to recognised the urgency of making sure that these things happen.
So, you have already laid the foundation for what the members are talking about here – our ability to do what must be done. I want to thank you one and all. You have made South Africa very proud and the confidence of Africa and Fifa in this country will in many ways be boosted by the way you dealt with this Bill. I thank you one and all. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
2010 Fifa World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill read a second time.
Second Fifa 2010 World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill read a second time.
POINTS OF ORDER
(Ruling)
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): Order! Before the House can adjourn, there’s a ruling that I need to deal with.
On 21 June, the Chief Whip of the Majority Party moved a motion regarding a Parliamentary Observer Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The hon Mr M J Ellis raised a point of order concerning a perceived breach of good faith as the code and rules that govern observer missions contained in the motion had not been discussed by the Chief Whips Forum.
In response to the remarks by the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, Mr Ellis again rose on a point of order. The remarks that gave offence relate to the Chief Whip of the Majority Party saying: “I want to really table it that we will not be blackmailed into consensus when the issues that we are raising are crystal clear.”
I undertook to study the Hansard. I’ve now had an opportunity to study Hansard and wish to give my ruling as follows: Firstly, points of order should relate to a point of procedure of order or order during proceedings of the House. Mr Ellis’ first point of order is an opinion on the course the draft code of conduct should have followed prior to its coming before the House and is therefore not a point of order.
On the second point of order, the remark by the Chief Whip of the Majority Party that “we will not be blackmailed into consensus” was used within a figurative context and therefore the remark is not unparliamentary.
The House adjourned at 18:04. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
THURSDAY, 22 JUNE 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on 21 June 2006 in terms of Joint Rule 160(3) classified
the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
(a) Firearms Control Amendment Bill [B 12 – 2006] (National
Assembly – sec 75).
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
1. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Joint Budget Committee for consideration and
report:
a) Submission of the Financial and Fiscal Commission on the
Division of Revenue Bill for 2007-2008, tabled in terms of
section 9(1) of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Act,
1997 (Act No 97 of 1997).
2. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance:
a) Report of the Registrar of Long-term Insurance for 2004.
b) Report of the Registrar of Short-term Insurance for 2004.
c) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial Services Board
on the Registrar of Friendly Societies for 2004.
d) Government Notice No 317 published in Government Gazette No
28699 dated 31 March 2006: Adjusted allocations in terms of the
Division of Revenue Act, 2005 (Act No 1 of 2005).
e) Proclamation No R.16 published in Government Gazette No 28675
dated 29 March 2006: Fixing of date on which certain sections
respectively must come into operation, in terms of the Revenue
Laws Amendment Act, 2005 (Act No 31 of 2005) and Revenue Laws
Second Amendment Act, 2005 (Act No 32 of 2005).
f) Proclamation No R.17 published in Government Gazette No 28675
dated 29 March 2006: Fixing of date on which section 103(1)
shall come into operation, in terms of the Revenue Laws
Amendment Act, 2002 (Act No 74 of 2002).
g) Government Notice No 316 published in Government Gazette No
28698 dated 31 March 2006: Commencement of the provisions in
terms of the Auditing Profession Act, 2005 (Act No 26 of 2005).
h) Government Notice No R.238 published in Government Gazette No
28627 dated 17 March 2006: Determination of fees payable to the
Registrar of Securities Services in terms of the Securities
Services Act, 2004 (Act No 36 of 2004).
i) Government Notice No R.239 published in Government Gazette No
28627 dated 17 March 2006: Determination of fees payable to the
Registrar of Friendly Societies in terms of the Friendly
Societies Act, 1956 (Act No 25 of 1956).
j) Government Notice No R.240 published in Government Gazette No
28627 dated 17 March 2006: Determination of fees payable to the
Registrar of Financial Services Providers in terms of the
Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002 (Act No
37 of 2002).
k) Agreement between the Government of the Federal Republic of
Germany and the Government of the Republic of South Africa
concerning Financial Cooperation in 2004, tabled in terms of
section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
l) Explanatory Memorandum on the Agreement between the Government
of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Government of the
Republic of South Africa concerning Financial Cooperation in
2004.
m) Financing Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of South Africa concerning Support to the Risk Capital
Facility (SA/007/04), tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
n) Explanatory Memorandum on the Agreement between the European
Community and the Republic of South Africa concerning Support
to the Risk Capital Facility (SA/007/04).
o) Financing Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of South Africa concerning EPRD Audit/Evaluation
Facility (SA/006/05), tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
p) Explanatory Memorandum on the Financing Agreement between the
European Community and the Republic of South Africa concerning
EPRD Audit/Evaluation Facility (SA/006/05).
3. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Health:
a) Project Agreement between the Government of South Africa and
the Government of Ireland on a Project for Supporting the
Prevention, Care and Support of HIV and AIDS and the reduction
of its impact in the Limpopo Province, through the Provincial
Department of Health, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Project Agreement between the
Government of South Africa and the Government of Ireland on a
Project for Supporting the Prevention, Care and Support of HIV
and AIDS and the reduction of its impact in the Limpopo
Province.
4. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local
Government:
a) Strategic Objective Grant Agreement NO. 674-0332 between the
United States of America and the Republic of South Africa for
Increased Sustainable Local Government Service Delivery, tabled
in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Strategic Objective Grant
Agreement No. 674-0332 between the United States of America and
the Republic of South Africa for Increased Sustainable Local
Government Service Delivery.
c) Financing Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of South Africa concerning Support to Urban Renewal
Programme in the Eastern Cape (SA/001/05), tabled in terms of
section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
d) Explanatory Memorandum on the Financing Agreement between the
European Community and the Republic of South Africa concerning
Support to Urban Renewal Programme in the Eastern Cape
(SA/001/05).
5. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance, the Portfolio Committee on Education, the Joint Monitoring
Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women and
the Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life
and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons:
a) Strategic Objective Grant Agreement NO. 674-0328 between the
United States of America and the Republic of South Africa for
Increased Access to Quality Education and Training, tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Strategic Objective Grant
Agreement No. 674-0328 between the United States of America and
the Republic of South Africa for Increased Access to Quality
Education and Training.
6. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land
Affairs:
a) Amendment number five to the Grant Agreement between the
Government of the United States of America acting through the
United States Agency for International Development and the
Government of the Republic of South Africa for the Increased
Commercial Viability of Existing Small and Medium Agribusiness,
tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Amendment number five to the
Grant Agreement between the Government of the United States of
America acting through the United States Agency for
International Development and the Government of the Republic of
South Africa for the Increased Commercial Viability of Existing
Small and Medium Agribusiness.
7. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance, the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional
Development and the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local
Government:
a) Strategic Objective Grant Agreement No 674-0330 between the
United States of America and the Republic of South Africa for
Democratic Consolidation Advanced, tabled in terms of section
231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Strategic Objective Grant
Agreement No 674-0330 between the United States of America and
the Republic of South Africa for Democratic Consolidation
Advanced.
8. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Social Development:
a) Financing Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of South Africa concerning Programme of Assistance to
the Victim Empowerment Programme of the Department of Social
Development in the South African Government (SA/003/05), tabled
in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Financing Agreement between the
European Community and the Republic of South Africa concerning
Programme of Assistance to the Victim Empowerment Programme of
the Department of Social Development in the South African
Government (SA/003/05).
9. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs and Forestry:
a) Letter of Agreement for the Provision of Funds from the
National Forest Programme Facility, through the Food and
Agricultural Organization of the United Nations to Department
of Water Affairs and Forestry of the Government of the Republic
of South Africa, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Letter of Agreement for the
Provision of Funds from the National Forest Programme Facility,
through the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United
Nations to Department of Water Affairs and Forestry of the
Government of the Republic of South Africa.
10. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry:
(a) Financing Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of South Africa concerning Economic Development
Support Programme in the Eastern Cape (SA/003/04), tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Financing Agreement between
the European Community and the Republic of South Africa
concerning Economic Development Support Programme in the
Eastern Cape (SA/003/04).
(c) Strategic Objective Grant Agreement No 674-0331 between
the United States of America and the Republic of South Africa
for Support for Economic Growth and Analysis, tabled in terms
of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(d) Explanatory Memorandum on the Strategic Objective Grant
Agreement No 674-0331 between the United States of America and
the Republic of South Africa for Support for Economic Growth
and Analysis.
11. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance, the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and the
Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration:
a) Financing Agreement between the European Community and the
Republic of South Africa concerning African Union/Nepad
Capacity Building in Governance and Public Administration
(SA/006/04), tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Financing Agreement between the
European Community and the Republic of South Africa concerning
African Union/Nepad Capacity Building in Governance and Public
Administration (SA/006/04).
12. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and the Portfolio
Committee on Safety and Security:
a) Agreement between the Government of the Swiss Confederation and
the Government of the Republic of South Africa concerning
Operational Police Commanders Training in the Democratic
Republic of Congo, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Agreement between the Government
of the Swiss Confederation and the Government of the Republic
of South Africa concerning Operational Police Commanders
Training in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
13. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and
Tourism:
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark regarding
the Urban Environmental Management Programme in South Africa
(2006-2010), tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Agreement between the Government
of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the
Kingdom of Denmark regarding the Urban Environmental Management
Programme in South Africa (2006-2010).
14. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance, the Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs and Forestry and
the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local Government:
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa through its National Department of Water Affairs and
Forestry, and the Government of Switzerland through its Swiss
Agency for Development and Cooperation concerning the
Masibambane – ‘Local Government Capacity Building through
Knowledge Sharing’ Project (01.04.2005-31.03.2008), tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Agreement between the Government
of the Republic of South Africa through its National Department
of Water Affairs and Forestry, and the Government of
Switzerland through its Swiss Agency for Development and
Cooperation concerning the Masibambane – ‘Local Government
Capacity Building through Knowledge Sharing’ Project
(01.04.2005-31.03.2008).
15. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Labour for consideration:
a) Preliminary Annual Report of the Department of Labour for 2005-
2006 [RP 45-2006].
16. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Correctional Services for consideration:
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Correctional Services for
2006/07 to 2010/11.
TABLINGS:
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Report of the South African delegation to the 114th Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya 7-14 May 2006.
REPORT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO THE
114TH INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) ASSEMBLY IN NAIROBI,
7-14 MAY 2006
- Introduction
Established in 1889, the IPU is the international organisation of Parliaments of sovereign states.
Over one hundred and thirty national parliaments are currently members of the IPU. Seven regional parliamentary assemblies are Associate Members.
It is the focal point for worldwide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation amongst peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.
The IPU supports the efforts of the United Nations, whose objectives it shares, and works in close co-operation with. It also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organizations as well as with international inter-governmental and civil society organzations that are motivated by the same ideals.
The organs of the IPU are the Assembly, the Governing Council, the Executive Committee and the Secretariat.
- Agenda
The agenda for the 114th IPU Assembly was as follows:
• Election of the President and Vice-Presidents of the 114th Assembly • Consideration of possible requests for the inclusion of an emergency item in the Assembly agenda • General debate on the political, economic and social situation in the world with the overall theme of Promoting democracy and helping to build democratic institutions • The role of parliaments in strengthening the control of trafficking in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition (Standing Committee on Peace and International Security) • The role of parliaments in environmental management and in combating global degradation of the environment (Standing Committee on Sustainable Development, Finance and Trade) • How parliaments can and must promote effective ways of combating violence against women in all fields (Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights) • Approval of the subject items for the 116th Assembly and appointment of the Rapporteurs
- Delegation
The delegation to the 114th IPU Assembly consisted of:
Members
Hollander, P (Deputy Chairperson and Leader of the Delegation) (ANC) Bapela, K O (ANC) Dreyer, A (DA) Greyling, L (ID) Lucas, E (IFP) Madikiza, G (UDM) Mgabadeli, H (ANC) Njikelana, S J (ANC)
Officials
Ahmed, K Cwaile, Kebadirang (Assistant to the Leader of the Delegation) Matyolo, L (ASGP representative) Paulse, C
- Delegation Briefing Meetings
The Delegation met at least once a day to plan for the day’s meetings and discussions. Decisions on attendance of meetings and strategies to be employed in those meetings were discussed before hand by delegates.
- Governing Council
The Governing Council is the plenary policy-making body of the Inter- Parliamentary Union. A number of committees and working groups are subordinated to it and report to the Council on their work.
The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, currently Mr. Pier Ferdinando Casini of Italy, is ex-officio President of the Governing Council
The Council establishes the annual programme and budget of the Union, is responsible for the admission or suspension of members and Associate Members, and establishes the list of Assembly observers. Occasionally, the Council considers substantive issues and adopts thematic resolutions and policy statements, the most recent of which are listed below. The Governing Council is composed of three representatives from each member parliament.
The three representatives from South Africa at the 114th IPU were: (1) Ms P Hollander, (2) Mr O Bapela and (3) Mr L Greyling.
The Vice President, Ms Mensah-Williams, opened the Council.
The Chinese delegation nominated the Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya as the President of the 114th Assembly. He was unanimously appointed.
IPU Membership and Observer Status
Four organizations applied for observer status, namely:
▪ Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) ▪ Inter-parliamentary Commission of the economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa ▪ AMANI Forum – The Great Lakes Parliamentary Forum on Peace ▪ Association of Senates Shoora and Equivalent Council in Africa and the Arab World
The debts owed by the Dominican Republic, Georgia and Madagascar have been forgiven.
The IPU Governing Council readmitted the National Congress of Paraguay and the transitional parliament of Somalia and admitted Qatar as new IPU Member. It also amended the modalities of the rights and responsibilities of observers at IPU meetings so as to be able to grant observer status to international political party federations to attend future IPU Assemblies.
Report of the Secretary General
The SG provided an overview of his report. He highlighted the following issues:
▪ Conference of Speakers of Parliament was a highlight of 2005 ▪ 22 meetings organised in 2005 with a total of 4000 MPs attending the meetings ▪ The IPU website has 180,000 documents and received 600,000 hits in 2005 ▪ A bi-monthly e-bulletin is being developed and it is suggested that this bulletin be forwarded to all Members
Election of the Secretary General
The Executive Committee members unanimously proposed the re-election of the Secretary General by acclimation. In addition, a working group will be set up to look at the new conditions of service for the SG and will develop a proposal for nominating and appointing a new Secretary General.
Human Rights Committee
The Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee, British Member of Parliament Ann Clwyd indicated that there was a record number of human rights cases being considered by the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.
In her report to the Governing Council, Mrs. Clywd said that during its 112th session, the Committee had examined 64 cases in 35 countries and held 12 meetings with delegations. The Council approved 12 resolutions concerning the cases of 118 parliamentarians in 21 countries all over the world, among them public cases in Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, Eritrea, Honduras, Indonesia, Israel/Palestine, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Syrian Arab Republic, Turkey and Zimbabwe.
- Assembly
The IPU Assembly is the principal statutory body that expresses the views of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on political issues. It brings together parliamentarians to study international problems and make recommendations for action.
Mr Kaparo, Speaker of the National Assembly of Kenya, was appointed as President of the Assembly.
Opening Comments from the Vice President
Ms Mensah-Williams, Vice President of the Executive Committee, standing in for President Cassini, commented on the international and local democracy deficit. She noted that the IPU had developed a guide on democracy. The guide spoke to the following issues amongst others:
▪ Increasing democratic values in a responsible way ▪ Strengthening parliaments ▪ Identifying objectives of a democratic parliament ▪ Notes that Parliaments should be representative, transparent, accountable, accessible and effective ▪ Identifies the common challenges facing parliaments ▪ Identifies good practices
She noted further that it was important to develop ICT capacity amongst Parliaments and that a partnership has been set up with UNDESA to develop ICT capacity.
Co-operation with the United Nations
The head of the UN Fund for International Partnerships and representative of the Secretary General, provided an overview of the UN’s Democracy fund. The fund currently:
▪ Has a total of $50 million ▪ Is intended to be a tool to enhance participation in democratic processes ▪ Is aimed at marginalized communities ▪ Received applications from Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to access the fund
It was noted further by the UN representative that:
▪ There are several democratic models and that the UN does not favour any particular model ▪ A Peace Building Commission has also been set up to assist countries that have emerged from violence ▪ He noted further that the relationship between the IPU and UN has increased significantly ▪ It was also important that international issues need to be placed on national agendas
Comments by President of the Parliament of Somalia
The President provided an overview of the last 15 years in Somalia. He noted that:
▪ A civil war existed for more than a decade ▪ This has annihilated government agencies and departments ▪ The Transitional Federal Parliament Members are unpaid but rely on allowances provided by donor funding ▪ Donor support is critical for the survival of Somalia ▪ The Parliament faces enormous challenges and wishes to visit other Parliaments to learn from their experiences
Address by the Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Raphael Tuju
▪ The dominance of free market economies had resulted in changed lifestyles and an unprecedented improvement of living standards around the globe. ▪ Despite the positive effects of this economic model, the influence of big business in governance, the political process and campaign finance was increasing. ▪ Parliaments had to be concerned about whether that influence would help or subvert democracy. ▪ It was Parliament’s role to act as the voice of the voiceless and to protect vulnerable persons against the emerging dictatorship of international capitalism. ▪ He noted that laws were not always made in the interests of the people and it was therefore critical that parliamentarians ensured that legislation was pro-people.
Address by Prof Wangari Maathai MP and Nobel Peace Laureate
▪ There is an inherent connection between the environment and peace building and it was important to recognise the link between peace, sustainability and good governance. ▪ The Green Belt Movement used the tree as an entry point to communities, as a sign of hope that could give a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment. ▪ The Movement questioned the link between peace and security in the context of environmental management, since there needed to be an equitable sharing of resources in order to ensure peace. ▪ Parliamentarians had to encourage dialogue, the pursuit of truth and common good, listening, forgiveness and reconciliation, and to provide space and patience for those things to happen.
Address by David Nabarro, Senior United Nations Co-ordinator for Avian and Human Influenza
▪ Avian flu is spreading rapidly across the world: in the last four months, it had spread from 15 to 47 countries. ▪ Difficult decisions had to be taken to achieve a balanced response. The disease must be controlled while livelihoods were protected. ▪ Parliamentarians had to ensure that their countries were ready to deal with the potential impact of Avian flu.
As part of the general debate on democracy, Mr Obed Bapela MP, provided an input on behalf of South Africa. He stated that:
▪ Firstly, South Africa is based on a constitutional democracy with the Bill of Rights playing a central role in shaping the values adopted by the country. ▪ Elections cannot be regarded as the main or only base of a working democracy. As a result, it was imperative that countries consider adopting a constitution that will act as yet another tier of ensuring democracy. ▪ However, a country’s citizens have to agree to this constitution. ▪ Secondly, institutions that help to foster and build democracy, such as independent electoral commissions, have to be developed, maintained and protected. ▪ Finally, countries need to become involved in peace building efforts beyond their borders in order to ensure that democratic values are adopted as widely as possible.
Emergency Item
A representative of six Arab countries suggested that the issue of religious freedom be discussed as an emergency item, whereas India believed that the avian flu crisis was far more critical.
Ultimately, the Drafting Committee on the Emergency Item decided that the suggestion forwarded by Kenya on aid to poor populations in Africa, would be the subject of the emergency item.
Mr Njikelana, from South Africa, was nominated by the Africa Group, to form part of the Drafting Committee.
In a resolution entitled The need for urgent food relief in order to combat drought-induced famine and poverty in Africa, for the world’s most industrialized nations to speed up aid to the continent and for particular efforts to be made to reach desperate and poor populations, IPU delegates urged “the governments concerned to take every appropriate measure to facilitate access to the affected areas for the speedy delivery of food supplies and to provide security”. The delegates also called on all parties to ensure that food relief programmes are not used for political ends and that food is distributed to those in need without political interference
The 114th Assembly recommended that parliaments in the affected countries monitor the delivery of food relief programmes and invited them to report on their findings to the IPU. They called upon the governments of the countries concerned to make every effort to implement the Millennium Development Goals, “in particular those relating to the reduction of poverty, and to this end, to pursue sustainable development strategies”. Those strategies “must aim to promote good governance and respect for human rights, eradication of corruption, sustainable food production, development of infrastructure to provide access to communities, and, most importantly, security for the population”
Standing Committees
First Standing Committee
The parliamentarians adopted a resolution entitled The role of parliaments in strengthening the control of trafficking in small arms and light weapons and their ammunition, in which they urged parliaments to combat SALW proliferation and misuse as a key element in national strategies on conflict prevention, peace-building, sustainable development, protection of human rights, and public health and safety
They urged parliaments not only to promote and ensure the adoption at the national level of legislation and regulations required to control SALW and to combat its proliferation and misuse, but also to promote the development of an international arms trade treaty (ATT) to strictly regulate arms transfers on the basis of State obligations under international law and internationally accepted norms and human rights standards.
Parliaments should promote greater international regional efforts to develop common standards to control the activities of those brokering or otherwise facilitating arms transfers between third countries and to ensure the existence of strong legal sanctions for those who provide SALW to children, or who recruit and use children in conflicts or armed operations. Legislators also urged parliaments “to ensure the existence of legal sanctions at the national level for those who commit crimes/atrocities against vulnerable sections of society such as the elderly, women and children”. Special attention should also be given to capacity-building, with a view to overcoming some of the barriers in the implementation of SALW commitments.
The delegation of India expressed strong reservations on the text of the resolution as a whole, since it had requested that the resolution deal exclusively with illicit small arms and light weapons.
Second Standing Committee
On The Role of Parliaments in Environmental Management and in Combating Global Degradation of the Environment, legislators recommended that parliaments “include in their budgets clear indicators of the financial and non-financial costs related to environmental degradation”, and “promote the development of new and broader tools and methods of measuring GDP and other standardized economic concepts”.
They paid tribute to the special role of women in environmental protection and called for the mainstreaming of women in environmental decision-making processes, from which they have traditionally been excluded, and that women be given more equitable access to land ownership. Looking to society at large, and in the spirit of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (UNDESD), the resolution underscores the need for “governments and parliaments to advocate environmental awareness and educate the public about coordinated action against environmental degradation”.
On energy, conservation and other aspects of natural resources management, the resolution adopted expressed reservations on the use of nuclear power as part of the energy mix and called for more research on the problems posed by the decommissioning of power plants, storage of nuclear waste and accidental leakage of radioactive materials. In contrast, unconditional support is given to the implementation of 3R (Reuse, Recycle, Reduce) approaches in conjunction with “the development of environmentally-friendly products […] and of a sound material-cycle society.” Finally, legislators called upon parliaments to work towards limiting to 2°C the rise in mean global temperatures compared with pre-industrial levels
South Africa formed part of the drafting committee.
Following the adoption of the resolution, the delegation of India expressed reservations on operative paragraphs 4 and 16, which it felt should appear in the preambular section, and pointed out that the European Union proposal referred to in operative paragraph 4 could not be seen as enjoying universal support. The delegation of Australia said that two of its four members wished to register a reservation on operative paragraphs 10 and 11 of the resolution. The delegation of Venezuela expressed reservations on operative paragraph 10 because it failed to mention by name the single biggest atmospheric polluter of the environment. It also regretted that paragraph 13 of the initial draft, which referred specifically to the work of the Nobel Prize laureate, Ms. W. Maathai of Kenya, had been deleted from the final draft, and proposed therefore that honorary IPU membership be bestowed on Ms. Maathai and that a special resolution be adopted to this end. The delegation of Niger seconded the proposal.
Third Standing Committee
Delegates adopted a resolution entitled How parliaments can and must promote effective ways of combating violence against women in all fields. They called upon governments and parliaments to give priority to and raise awareness about violence against women as both a cause and a consequence of the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS and to include these considerations in their national strategies; and to implement the United Nations General Assembly resolution on Crime prevention and criminal justice measures to eliminate violence against women; in particular to punish all acts of violence against women perpetrated by State or non-State actors in the public and the private spheres; to establish courts specialized in hearing cases of such violence; and to establish a governmental body promoting the prosecution of all acts of violence.
South Africa ensured that disabled women were specifically mentioned in the resolution which calls upon parliaments, when debating methods for gathering evidence and devising measures to punish sex offenders, to give special attention to the fact that children and mentally disabled and other disabled women - who are especially vulnerable to sexual violence - find it difficult to testify in court.
Governments and parliaments should promote public awareness of the problem of violence against women, and “enact and enforce legislation against the perpetrators of practices and acts of violence against women and children, including tough and clear measures to combat recidivism”. Moreover parliaments are urged to “review legislation to detect practices and traditions that impede the attainment of equality between the sexes and to eliminate inequality in all spheres, in particular in education, health and access to property and land”. Changes in social and cultural attitudes to gender roles and the elimination of patterns of behaviour that engender violence should also be encouraged, as should cooperation with the media.
Parliaments are also urged to denounce and combat the extreme forms of gender violence against women that are derived from the violation of their human rights and that are shaped by a set of misogynous conducts which can involve impunity and which have culminated in homicide and other forms of violent death of women.
Finally, parliaments and governments are requested to make rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution, forced pregnancy, enforced sterilization, or any other form of sexual violence of comparable gravity crimes under their domestic legislation and to repress them as such. With reference to human trafficking, parliamentarians stressed the need to build international and regional cooperation among the countries of origin, transit and destination, through instruments such as bilateral agreements and international treaties.
Following the adoption of the resolution, the delegation of Australia indicated that two of its members had expressed reservations on the reference in operative paragraph 1 to the CEDAW Optional Protocol. The delegation of Iran (Islamic Republic of) expressed reservations on preambular paragraph 8 and operative paragraph 12.
- Women Parliamentarians
More than 170 women legislators from 117 countries attended the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians. The President of the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians, Kenyan Assistant Minister of Education and Member of Parliament, Beth Mugo, denounced the prevalence of rape and sexual violence during armed conflict. She pointed out that the untold suffering of women in Western Sudan, Darfur, in the hands of militants is a worrying trend that must be stopped. Of greatest concern are the reported cases of rape and murder.
Referring to the situation in Kenya, Assistant Minister Mugo explained that the Kenyan Parliament was debating a bill for enactment of the Sexual Offences Bill. It prescribes stiffer and enhanced penalties for sexual offences as way of combating sexual violence against women. She added that the state of a society is determined by the consciousness of its women. As leaders, mothers and policy makers of the world, woman have the opportunity to make a difference by lifting these words off the pages, into concrete, lasting and progressive solutions to the many problems affecting society.
Welcoming the participants, the Speaker of the host Parliament, Francis Ole Kaparo, said that women all over the world form the backbone of every home, every society and every nation. He urged women not to relent in their efforts to have their voices heard and their efforts recognized.
Speaker Kaparo highlighted the fact that women legislators will discuss positive action mechanisms to promote women in politics. Women in positions of power need to be assertive. They need to develop mechanisms that will enable them to function well so they can achieve results. Women in authority need to be good role models for young girls. He argued that in today’s rapidly changing globalized world, the role of women parliamentarians is truly essential.
The Vice-President of the IPU Executive Committee, Namibian deputy Margareth Mensah-Williams, addressed the Women Parliamentarians Meeting on behalf of the IPU President, Mr. Pier Ferdinando Casini. She welcomed the men parliamentarians attending the meeting by reminding that men of quality don’t feel threatened by women’s equality. She went on to say that women hold half the world but not half of the power and the reason why women have the special place to discuss these issues at the IPU is because the IPU Secretariat together with the Executive Committee and the President saw that it is very important to give women a specific time where they can continue discussing pertinent issues around the world and how to build a network with each other and how to be role models for each other.
Mrs. Mensah Williams paid tribute to the President of the IPU Women’s Coordination Committee, Canadian Senator Joan Fraser - who ended her mandate at the 114th IPU - for her dedication to the cause of partnership between men and women in politics
Speaking on behalf of the IPU Gender Partnership Group, British Member of Parliament John Austin expressed support for efforts carried out in Kenya to put an end to violence against women through the development of strong legislation on the question.
Ms Dreyer and Mgabadeli attended the Women Parliamentarians meeting. The primary decisions taken at the meeting related to the filling of vacancies. The following vacancies were filled:
President (Uruguay) First Vice President (Philippines) Second Vice President (Bahrain)
- Panel Discussion on HIV/Aids
The IPU gathering included a panel discussion on children and AIDS featuring Stephen Lewis, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for AIDS in Africa. Lewis said that the lack of treatment for HIV-positive children amounts to a death sentence. Without treatment, half of these children will die before their second birthday – 80 per cent before they reach the age of five.
Lewis indicated that these children are missing out on treatment because they are still missing from national policies. They are forgotten by the public, who see AIDS as an adult disease, and forgotten by leaders who focus on adults when it comes to laws, policies and budgets.
The panel focused on concrete ways that parliamentarians can support children affected by HIV/AIDS:
▪ Break the silence and end the stigma and discrimination of those affected by HIV and AIDS. ▪ Ensure that there are comprehensive policies and/or legislation for HIV and AIDS that include children, and that there is adequate funding. ▪ Protect, support and strengthen families and communities most affected by HIV and AIDS. ▪ An essential part of this is to work for abolishing school fees, which prevent many children from getting a basic education
Veneman urged parliamentarians to “Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS,” invoking the global partnership initiative as a platform for urgent and sustained programs, advocacy and fundraising to limit the impact of HIV/AIDS on children and help halt the spread of the disease.
He stated that the world must be alerted to the reality that HIV/AIDS is robbing tens of millions of children of childhood itself and that Parliamentarians must continue to act together, decisively and urgently, to put children at the centre of the HIV/AIDS agenda and ensure an AIDS-free generation.
- Meeting with SADC
The meeting was opened by the Speaker of Zambia and Chairperson of the SADC- PF, Hon Amusaa K Mwanamwambwa. Three countries were represented at the meeting namely, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa.
The Speaker noted the loss of the former Namibian Speaker of the National Assembly and held a moment of silence.
A representative of the SADC-PF Secretariat provided a brief overview of SADC-PF’s new strategic plan. It was noted that from 2000-2005 SADC-PF focused strongly on democratic governance and more specifically, election observer missions. The 2006-2010 plan focuses on gender mainstreaming, improved democratic governance in the SADC region and effective implementation of regional integration programmes amongst others.
A Parliamentary Leadership Centre has also been established to enhance the capacity of Members and staff by developing their skills and knowledge of parliamentary processes.
The Speaker also suggested that SADC-PF focus on establishing a SADC Parliament and that Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa have already agreed in principle to move from a Forum to a regional Parliament.
Hon M Mensah-Williams, Vice President of the IPU Executive and Namibian MP, provided an overview of the issues that will be discussed at the IPU Assembly. She noted the following matters:
▪ Out of 143 Member States, only 31 have submitted reports to the IPU. She urged that Members ensure that their respective Parliaments submit reports to the IPU. ▪ There are three countries, including Liberia, who have not paid their subscriptions for three years and therefore are not allowed to participate in the IPU. However, a task team has been set up to meet with Liberia to discuss this matter. ▪ It was noted that thirteen countries from Africa still do not form part of the IPU, including Lesotho. It was suggested that the SADC-PF Chair approach Lesotho to consider membership to the IPU. ▪ On the question of the UN’s reform process, it was suggested at the Executive Committee, that the IPU move from observer status to being included in the work of the UN. ▪ The 12 plus group expressed concerns about the process around the appointment of the Secretary General. They believed that an advert should have been placed whereas the rest of the Executive agreed that the letter by the President to all Parliaments inviting nominations for the post was sufficient. However, since no one was nominated as an alternative to the current Secretary General, it appears as if the current Secretary General will be re-elected. In Geneva, it will be proposed that a Deputy Secretary General be appointed to take over from the current Secretary General. ▪ It was suggested that SADC Parliaments develop a database of Members who could serve on various IPU/UN panels. Two immediate panels that will be held in June and September are on HIV/Aids and broadcasting respectively. ▪ Bangkok will host the IPU in 2007, and South Africa stands a good chance of hosting the IPU in 2008. One potential problem is that Venezuela has also requested to host the IPU in 2008. However, it appears unlikely that Venezuela will host the IPU in 2008. ▪ The emergency items were not discussed, but it is suggested there should not be a serious problem in agreeing to a single topic, which will in all likelihood be the topic on religious freedom. ▪ Vacancies: women’s group President and two Vice Presidents, plus four positions per region (two titular and two substitute members). ▪ A Task Team on the IPU Reform process has been suggested. One representative per region has been requested. It was further suggested that SADC delegates should meet regularly before the IPU meetings in order to better co-ordinate a collective strategy as a region. As the current chair of SADC-PF, Zambia was tasked with co- ordinating SADC meetings prior to the IPU Assembly.
- Bilateral Meetings
The South African delegation had a few bilateral meetings that were primarily requested by the Head of the Delegation as well as by Heads of other delegations to the IPU. The bilateral meetings held were as follows:
Bilateral with Belarus
The Leader of the Belarus delegation, Gennady Novitsky, Chairman of the Council of the Republic, welcomed the leader of the SA delegation and Mr Bapela. He indicated that:
▪ While the two countries are situated far apart, there is much in common ▪ The primary sphere of co-operation is economic and trade relations ▪ It was also important for the two countries to co-operate at a multilateral level in the various institutions that both countries participate in ▪ It was suggested that the two countries have close contacts in order to foster co-operation so that as representatives of the people, Parliamentarians could give effect to their respective mandates ▪ At a cultural level, it was important that the countries share their various experiences ▪ It may be useful to establish a friendship group between the two countries to manage relations. This group could carry out joint projects.
The Leader of the SA delegation responded that: ▪ The Belarus Ambassador had already visited her at Parliament ▪ They discussed issues of trade relations ▪ She stated that South Africa has a new programme referred to as ASGISA and requires more engineers and chemists ▪ An invitation has been received by the NCOP to visit Belarus ▪ The matter has been referred to the Presiding Officers and will be decided upon shortly
Both Leaders exchanged information on how their respective Parliaments operate.
Mr Bapela indicated that with respect to the issue of a friendship group, that Parliament was still in the process of developing an international relations policy, and that once this policy had been finalised, we would revert to the Belarus delegation.
The Leader of the SA Delegation indicated that she would also raise this matter in the political committee meeting and encouraged Mr Novitsky to contact the Deputy President of RSA regarding trade relations.
Mr Novitsky indicated that the Russian Federation and the surrounding countries, including Belarus are in the process of developing a common currency and eliminating border controls in the region.
He indicated further that this first meeting is a symbol of the beginning of relations between the two respective countries.
Bilateral with Iran
Seyed Mhsen Yahyavi, MP, Islamic Consultative Assembly and Deputy Oil Minister introduced his delegation.
He indicated that he had visited SA in the past and was thankful for the position taken by SA on the issue of nuclear energy. He stated that at some stage Iran was going to run out of oil, and it therefore needed to develop technologies that could produce sustainable nuclear energy.
SA’s position has been logical, fair and friendly and he stated that he was thankful for our support.
The Leader of the SA Delegation indicated that she was grateful for the opportunity to meet and that there was no reason to look at the issue of nuclear weapons or nuclear energy since the President has pronounced himself on this matter.
Mr Bapela indicated that a delegation of SA Parliamentarians had visited Tehran to attend a conference on Palestine. He stated that they tried to meet with the Energy Committee but was unable to do so. However, the SA delegation met with the Iranian Atomic Energy Agency.
He stated further that the Speaker was in the process of arranging a visit to Iran and that in August, a women’s meeting would hopefully be arranged between the two countries.
Mr Greying asked about Iran’s strategy with respect to the issue of nuclear energy. The Leader of the Iranian delegation responded that the strategy is to focus on the issue of nuclear energy as an environmental issue i.e. the argument is that since oil is a finite source of energy, Iran is under an obligation to look at alternative sources of energy.
There are therefore two options: to rely on energy sources from outside the country or to develop energy sources within the country. It is the Leader’s position that it is better to develop energy sources, including nuclear energy, within the country. He provided the example of Ukraine and Russia in which Russia trebled the price of oil and that Ukraine had no choice but to accept this increase in oil price.
In addition he indicated that the letter sent to the United States questions the US on various foreign policy decisions.
He stated further that a large majority of Iranians are in favour of Iran’s foreign policy position.
Mr Lucas raised three issues: (1) the importance of energy (2) the misuse of energy and (3) what do we do about the waste produced by nuclear energy. He suggested that it was essential that waste be dealt with in the most environmentally friendly manner possible.
The Leader of the Iranian delegation responded that if Iran could avoid nuclear energy, they would. Unfortunately, with respect to waste, it appears as if burying the waste is the only option at this stage. However, ideally, this waste could possibly be recycled.
He concluded that diplomacy channels are always open but that Iran will not withdraw from developing its nuclear capabilities for energy purposes.
Bilateral with Kenya
Beth Mugo (Deputy Minister for Education) met with the Leader of the South African Delegation, and Mr Bapela, Lucas, Greyling and Madikiza to talk about Kenya’s experience of hosting the 114th IPU.
Ms Mugo indicated that: ▪ An Inter-Ministerial Committee (primary ministries: Foreign Affairs, Transport, Security, Local Government, Health, Tourism, Immigration) was formed to plan the 114th IPU. ▪ Five MPs, who had been involved in the IPU before, and senior staff met to form smaller committees who focused on various issues such as transport, accommodation etc. ▪ Four full-time staff worked on the organisation of the Committee. ▪ The senior staff chaired the smaller committees that included, tourism, transport, protocol etc. ▪ Initially, the committee met every two to three weeks and then eventually everyday. ▪ The entire Committee travelled to the IPU hosted by Philippines to develop a sense of what the issues were. ▪ The IPU Geneva Secretariat requests a certain number of rooms, equipment etc that must be fulfilled. ▪ The IPU Secretariat will provide a host agreement setting out these requirements.
- African Parliamentary Union
Ms Mensah-Williams provided an overview of the IPU Executive Meeting. She indicated that the Africa Group has to elect a Member to the IPU Reform Committee.
It was noted further that the Africa Group should not arrange meetings on the same day that the Women’s Group meets. This issue caused some concern subsequent to the APU meeting since names of women that did not necessarily reflect the wishes of African women delegates, were forwarded to the Meeting of Women Parliamentarians as candidates for vacant posts. The matter was subsequently resolved after African women delegates met separately to discuss this deeply concerning trend of the APU to hold its meetings at the same time than women delegates met.
Emergency Item
The Egyptian delegation stated that the Arab group had met and decided on a single topic amongst their delegates. This topic will centre around religious freedom.
Vacant Posts
Ethiopia, Niger, Uganda (proposed by Mensah-Williams), Mali and Gabon nominated delegates to the Co-ordinating Committee of Women Parliamentarians.
Cameroon nominated a delegate to the Committee on Human Rights.
Secretary General
It was agreed that Mr Johnsson’s term as Secretary General is renewed for another four years.
IPU Working Group
Ghana and Cameroon nominated delegates to the IPU Working Group.
Drafting Committees
South Africa and Sudan (sustainable development), Zambia and Uganda (international peace and security), and Benin (unspecified) nominated delegates to form part of various drafting committees.
It was decided that all nominated delegates should meet and decide amongst themselves who should act as the Africa region’s representatives. Names are to be forwarded to the Secretary General of the APU.
Any other Business
The President of Association of Shoora, Councils and Legislative Assemblies requested support from the APU to obtain observer status at the IPU.
- Meeting with Secretary General of the IPU
Mr Johnsson welcomed the Deputy Chairperson and Mr Bapela and explained that the President of the IPU, Mr Cassini has had to return to Italy to deal with the political turmoil in his country.
Mr Bapela explained the negotiations with Ethiopia regarding the hosting of the 2008 IPU Assembly and indicated that Ethiopia had agreed that South Africa could host the IPU in 2008.
Mr Johnsson stated that they have always adopted the first come, first serve principle. He indicated that Thailand would host the conference in 2007, Venezuela in 2010 and Vietnam in 2011.
In the Executive Committee, there was some confusion about South Africa hosting the 2008 Assembly. It was decided that Mr Bustos, head of conferences at the IPU, would travel to South Africa to assess the facilities available to determine whether South Africa is suitable to host the conference. A final decision will be made in Geneva in October 2006.
He suggested that we set up a structure within Parliament to manage the 2008 Assembly. This group should study the protocols and plans, make the necessary arrangements, and then invite Mr Bustos to view the plans. This has to be completed before the Geneva meeting in October 2006.
Mr Johnsson argued that the fact that two conferences are taking place in Africa after each other, should not be an issue, since the first 70 conferences were never held in Africa at all.
He suggested that we organise two meetings with the Kenyan and Thai organising committees and that we read through the protocol document as soon as possible.
- Future IPU Meetings
115th Assembly October 2006 Geneva, Switzerland 116th Assembly April 2007 Bangkok, Thailand 117th Assembly April/May 2008 South Africa 118th Assembly October 2008 Geneva, Switzerland 119th Assembly April/May 2009 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Subject Items for the 116th Assembly (Thailand)
The following subject items and co-rapporteurs were approved for the 116th Assembly (Thailand):
First Standing Committee
Ensuring respect for and peaceful co-existence between all religions, communities and beliefs in a globalised world.
Co-rappoteurs: Mr P Bieri (Switzerland) Mrs S Masri (Jordan)
Second Standing Committee
Job creation and employment security in the era of globalization Co-rapporteurs: To be appointed
Third Standing Committee
Promoting diversity and equal rights for all through universal democratic and electoral standards
Co-rapporteurs: Mrs N Narochnitskaya (Russian Federation) Mr J D Seelam (India)
- Implications of the Resolutions and Decisions Adopted at the 114th IPU for the South African Parliament
▪ The resolution adopted on the emergency item recommended that parliaments in the affected countries monitor the delivery of food relief programmes and invited them to report on their findings to the IPU. This commitment, agreed to by South Africa, requires follow-up by Members of the delegation to the 114th IPU and ultimately by Parliament itself. The implication for Parliament is that it needs to investigate food relief programmes in South Africa either through the Portfolio and Select Committees dealing with agriculture and food security or by setting up a task team to investigate this matter further. The matter may also be highlighted when this report is adopted by Parliament.
▪ Similarly, the resolutions adopted by the three Standing Committees have to be discussed and followed-up. In particular:
o Parliaments are urged not only to promote and ensure the
adoption at the national level of legislation and regulations
required to control SALW and to combat its proliferation and
misuse, but also to promote the development of an international
arms trade treaty (ATT) to strictly regulate arms transfers on
the basis of State obligations under international law and
internationally accepted norms and human rights standards.
o Legislators recommended that parliaments include in their
budgets clear indicators of the financial and non-financial
costs related to environmental degradation, and promote the
development of new and broader tools and methods of measuring
GDP and other standardized economic concepts.
o Parliament are called upon to give priority to and raise
awareness about violence against women as both a cause and a
consequence of the rising incidence of HIV/AIDS and to include
these considerations in their national strategies; and to
implement the United Nations General Assembly resolution on
Crime prevention and criminal justice measures to eliminate
violence against women; in particular to punish all acts of
violence against women perpetrated by State or non-State actors
in the public and the private spheres; to establish courts
specialized in hearing cases of such violence; and to establish
a governmental body promoting the prosecution of all acts of
violence.
▪ SA Parliament delegates, at the insistence of Hon Sisa Njikelana, discussed the issue of the World Social Forum. He suggested that a formal request be submitted to the Secretariat of the Forum for an introductory meeting before October 2006. A report of the proposed meeting should be submitted at the 115th Assembly.
▪ The Zambian Parliament needs to be reminded of its commitment to better co-ordinate meetings of SADC delegates prior to IPU meetings.
▪ In Geneva, it will be proposed that a Deputy Secretary General be appointed to take over from the current Secretary General. It is therefore imperative that SADC and African countries meet to discuss this matter.
▪ It was suggested that SADC Parliaments develop a database of Members who could serve on various IPU/UN panels
▪ A workshop needs to be arranged to prepare delegates attending the IPU on matters that will be discussed and to capacitate them adequately to engage in debate at the Assembly.
▪ The capacity of the International Relations Section to follow-up on the resolutions and recommendations made at the IPU needs to fast-tracked to ensure that Parliament meets its obligations vis a vis the IPU resolutions.
▪ Furthermore, the International Relations Policy has to finalised as soon as possible in order to ensure that the necessary structures are in place to manage Parliament’s approach to international matters and to track whether Parliament’s policies are aligned with that of the IPU’s.
▪ In terms of hosting the IPU in 2008, the Secretary General suggested that we set up a structure within Parliament to manage the 2008 Assembly. This group should study the protocols and plans, make the necessary arrangements, and then invite Mr Bustos to view the plans. This has to be completed before the Geneva meeting in October 2006.
National Assembly
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The Speaker The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 13 June 2006 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in fulfillment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the DRC in support of the electoral process. Elections in the DRC are scheduled to take place on 30 July 2006.
This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of
section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,
1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of
2002).
A total of thirty nine (39) members are employed until 15 July 2006.
The total cost to be borne by the Department of Foreign Affairs from
the African Renaissance Fund for the deployment of the personnel is R
49, 547, 145.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of
Provinces and to request that you bring the contents hereof to the
attention of the National Assembly.
Yours sincerely,
signed
THABO MBEKI
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Annual Report of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development
JANUARY – DECEMBER 2005 -
Introduction
Our committee forms part of a pool of portfolio committees that the National Assembly appoints from among its members to shadow the work of the various national government departments. It is a portfolio committee for the national department of social development, previously known as ‘welfare’. Like all portfolio committees, it has 15 full members, and 3 alternate members. It is mandated to consider bills, deal with departmental budget votes, oversee the work of the department they are responsible for, and enquire and make recommendations about any aspect of the department, including its structure, functioning and policy. Furthermore, its work is not restricted to government – it may investigate any matter of public interest that falls within their area of responsibility.
- Administration and management of the committee
Committee Chairperson: Mrs TJ Tshivhase Secretary to the Chairperson: Ms D Makhetha Committee’s Management Team: Mrs TJ Tshivhase - Chair Mr TM Masutha – ANC Party whip Mr B Solo – Committee Member Mr LPM Nzimande - Committee Member Mr MC Fukula – Support staff Mr F Abrahams – Support Staff
Committee’s support staff
Committee Secretary: Mr MC Fukula Committee Assistant: Mrs A Kakaza Committee Researcher: Mr F Abrahams Committee Controller: Mrs T Lyons
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Vision and mission of the committee
I. The mission
To serve as the representatives of the people in reviewing, developing and monitoring the implementation of appropriate legislation that responds to the social development needs of the people and that assists in reducing poverty and social exclusion, and ensuring public participation. The Committee will also, through its oversight function, ensure that the policies and social development services implemented by Government are focused on comprehensive protection against vulnerability and on strengthening the social fabric.
II. The vision
A caring society free from poverty, in which all people are able to develop their full human potential, supported by an integrated family and community centred system of social development services.
- Chairperson’s overview:
The bulk of our committee’s time in the year 2005 was, by and large, consumed by its work on legislation, namely the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced as well as the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003]
The year saw our committee wrapping its work on the much anticipated and topical Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced. Our committee is greatly indebted to everybody that has contributed in making its work on the latter such a resounding success. Subsequent to finalising its work on the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced, our committee was referred to the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003] for its consideration. The committee’s work strategy on the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003] entailed first soliciting public comments on the Bill, making good use of the vehicle of public hearings and afterwards engaging with the Department of Social Development in deliberating the solicited public comments. The public input and interest manifested on the Older Persons Bill was very inexplicably heart warming. Our committee sincerely salutes all those individuals and organisations that responded so positively to its call for public comments.
In the course of working on the legislation before it, our committee’s oversight responsibilities were however not neglected. Notwithstanding the constraints emanating from its focus on legislation, our committee still managed to keep a sharp eye on the developments in respect of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in particular and other entities falling within the domain of social development. An oversight visit to North West province was, for instance, undertaken with the following objectives: ❑ To look at the delivery systems within the context of social security. ❑ To interact with stakeholders and service providers active within the purview of social security delivery. ❑ To interact with social development officials with the ultimate view of ascertaining their level of awareness regarding the broader social security changes as well as the pending transfer of some of the staff from the Department of Social Development to the South African Social Security Agency. ❑ To visit different paypoints in order to look at changes and challenging areas that needed urgent intervention.
The North West province oversight visit was intricately linked to our Committee’s mission of reviewing, developing and monitoring the implementation of appropriate legislation that responds to the social development needs of the people and that assists in reducing poverty and social exclusion, and ensuring public participation. Ensuring that the policies and social development services implemented by Government are focused on comprehensive protection against vulnerability and on strengthening the social fabric. The outcomes of the visit will to be used by the committee in its future engagements with the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency.
The other oversight activities included hosting hearings on the Department of Social Development’s budget vote 18 for the 2005/06 financial year, with the main focus being on the strategic plans of the Department and entities reporting to it. The Portfolio Committee engaged with Budget Vote 18: Social Development through a series of meetings with the Department of Social Development, as well as those entities reporting to the national Minister of Social Development. The Committee met the Department of Social Development on 1 and 2 March 2005. The Committee was further briefed by the National Development Agency (NDA) and the Disaster Relief Fund on 8 March; and the Central Drug Authority (CDA) and the South African Council for Social Services Professions on 9 March 2005. Due to time constraints and various commitments on the side of senior departmental officials, the briefings and discussions on 1 and 2 March could only focus on the areas of social assistance, the transformation and financing of social services, HIV and AIDS care and population and development. That effectively meant that our committee could therefore have to deal with other aspects of the department’s programmatic work after the completion of the budget cycle.
In the discussions on the various budget items, members of the committee noted their interest in the establishment of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the impact that this will have on improving the delivery of social grants. The committee therefore expressed its intention to closely monitor the establishment of the SASSA through briefings and progress reports. The question of the role of social grants and other forms of social aid to persons living with HIV and AIDS was also raised. In addition, members expressed concern about the manner in which the food emergency scheme was managed, and about the fact that the developmental aspect of the Integrated Nutrition Strategy has not been implemented.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the entire membership of my committee for the self-less manner in which its has contributed to the realization of our committee’s vision and objectives. I would also like to congratulate my committee’s support for its availability in ensuring that the committee moved ahead with minimal glitches. A word gratitude also goes to the officials from the Department of Social Development for the amount of work they have put in making our committee a success.
- List of public entities over which the committee exercise oversight 5.1 South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) – is the statutory regulatory body for the social service professions in South Africa. It was established and functions in terms of the Social Service Professions Act, 1978 (Act 110 of 1978) as amended. It evolved from the erstwhile SA council for Social and Associated Work established in 1980, the SA Council for Social Work and SA Interim Council for Social Work.
5.2 National Development Agency (NDA) - The NDA, as a statutory body that is governed by NDA Act, No 108/1998 as amended, contributes towards the eradication of poverty and its causes through the provision and facilitation of:
❑ Development funding;
❑ Capacity building;
❑ Research and debate on development policy; and
❑ Dialogue.
5.3 Disaster Relief Fund – the object of the Disaster Relief Fund in terms of the Fund-Raising Act, No 107 of 1978, is to render, with due regard to the financial position of the Fund and the requirements of each case, to persons, organizations and bodies who or which suffer damage or loss caused by a disaster such assistance as the Disaster Relief Fund Board may deem fair and reasonable.
5.4 Central Drug Authority was established in accordance to Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act 20 of 1992, as amended. It performs the following tasks: ❑ Protects communities from the health risks and other damages associated with drug misuse ❑ Ensures that drug misusers and their families have access to counseling and services ❑ Develops and implement training programmes on the detection of substance abuse, its prevention and treatment for all role-players ❑ Establishes and maintain a substance abuse information system ❑ Enters into agreements with other countries and organizations in order to secure mutual legal assistance, intelligence sharing and co- operation in anti-drug efforts and training
5.5 Advisory Board on Social Development – is an advisory board that was established through the Advisory Board on Social Development Act of 2001.
The objectives of the Board are-
(a) To advise the Minister on- ❑ Measures to promote the transformation; ❑ Measures to promote social development initiatives; ❑ Measures to include local government in the provision of integrated; ❑ Proposals for new legislative frameworks for the social development; ❑ The introduction of local and international best practices in social
(b) To act as a consultative forum for the Minister to discuss social development matters, including- ❑ Improving the quality of provincial and national social development; ❑ The introduction of new policy and successful policy implementation in the government and non-governmental environment; ❑ Facilitating consultation between stakeholders and government regarding the implementation of social development; ❑ Ensuring effective review of formulation, implementation and evaluation of social development policies, programmes and legislation, as informed by the needs and priorities of society; ❑ Inputs from the social development sector to international forums and protocols; social development services; service delivery at local government level; sector and amendments to existing legislation; and development services.
5.6 South African Social Security Agency – the agency is established through the South African Social Security Act, No.9 of 2004 as a juristic person. It is established as a sole agent that must: ❑ Ensure the efficient and effective management, administration and payment of social assistance; and ❑ To serve as an agent for the administration and payment of social security.
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Number of meetings held and those cancelled
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Legislation referred to the committee (Finalised and not finalised) 7.1 Children’s Bill [B70-2003] The Children’s Bill was not referred to our committee in 2005. It was an outstanding work that carried over from last year.
Referral date – 15 June 2004
7.2 Briefings by the department/s
7.2.1 Briefing date: 18 January 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Committee’s draft programme (2005) and draft annual report for 2004.
7.2.2 Briefing date: 19 January 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the member-Departments of the Steering Committee on the Children’s Bill.
The following persons were in attendance: ❑ Mrs Lana Petersen – Parliamentary Officer – Ministry of Social Development. ❑ Ms Agnes Muller – Deputy Director Children, Department of Social Development ❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Chief Director Children, Youth and Families, Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs. Ronel van Zyl – Legal Drafter, South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Dr J Coetzee – Director Formal Education, Department of Correctional Services ❑ Mr. F Engelbrecht - Deputy Commissioner Personal Wellbeing, Department of Correctional Services ❑ Ms Anne-Marie van Zyl - Executive Manager Employment Standards, Department of Labour ❑ Mr. SI Nawa – Deputy Director: Legal Services, Department of Education ❑ Mr. S Pienaar – Assistant Commissioner, Social Crime Prevention, South African Police Service ❑ Ms M Mathye – Chief Director, Equity and Development, Department of Provincial and Local Government ❑ Mr. Z Matebese – Senior Planner, National House of Traditional Leaders ❑ Mr. S Mogotsi – Director: Legal Services, Department of Home Affairs ❑ Mr. E Kritzinger – Director: Status Services, Department of Home Affairs. ❑ Mr. A Goosen – Acting Director: Port Control, Department of Home Affairs ❑ Ms M Rantia – Director, Office of the Rights of the Child: Presidency ❑ Ms P Moodley – Acting Director, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Adv. P du Rand – Chief Director, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Mrs. K Shabalala – Chief Director, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Ms C Kok – Senior Legal Administration Officer, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Mr. Otto Kelner, State Law Adviser ❑ Mr Fernel Abrahams, Parliamentary Researcher
7.2.3 Briefing date: 20 January 2005
Meeting agenda: Continuation of the briefing by the member-Departments of the Steering Committee on the Children’s Bill – the Department of Home Affairs responding to the questions raised and presentation by Ronel focussing on the matrix.
Officials present: ❑ Anne-Marie Van Zyl – Department of Labour ❑ Mr Silas IM Nawa – Department of Education ❑ Mrs Corlia Kok – Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Ms Pat Moodley - Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Elroy Machelm – Legal Aid Board ❑ Mrs Lana Petersen – Parliamentary Officer – Dept of Social Development. ❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Chief Director: Children, Dept of Social Development ❑ Freddie Engelbrecht – Department of Correctional Services ❑ Ntombizodwa K Chiloane - SAPS ❑ Mr Tertius GeLdenhys – Assistant Commissioner – SAPS ❑ Mrs Antoinette Brink – Senior Legal Administration Officer – SAPS ❑ Zongezile Matebese – National House Of Traditional Leaders ❑ Mihloti Mathys – Department of Provincial and Local Government ❑ 14. KS Mogotsi – Department of Home Affairs
7.2.4 Briefing date: 21 January 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefings by the Departments of Labour, Correctional Services and Education on the Children’s Bill and presentation by Mrs Ronel Van Zyl, legal drafter, on the prepared matrix.
Officials present: ❑ Mr Otto Kellner – State Law Advisers Office ❑ Mr E Kritzinje – Home Affairs ❑ Mr J Coetzee – Correctional Services ❑ Ms Susan Pienaar – South African Police Services ❑ Ms Antoinette Brink - South African Police Services ❑ Anne-Marie Van Zyl – Department of Labour ❑ Mr Silas IM Nawa – Department of Education ❑ Elroy Machelm – Legal Aid Board ❑ Mrs Lana Petersen – Parliamentary Officer – Dept of Social Development. ❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Chief Director, Dept of Social Development ❑ Freddie Engelbrecht – Department of Correctional Services ❑ Ntombizodwa K Chiloane – South African Police Services ❑ Mr Tertius GeLdenhys – Assistant Commissioner – South African Police Services ❑ Mrs Antoinette Brink – Senior Legal Administration Officer – SAPS ❑ Zongezile ❑ Mr Z Matebese – National House Of Traditional Leaders ❑ KS Mogotsi – Department of Home Affairs
7.2.5 Briefing date: 02 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the national Department of Justice on the Child Justice Bill and Children’s Bill Reintroduced with the aim of exposing the Committee membership to possible gaps and overlaps between the two Bills. Status – Postponed 7.2.6 Briefing date: 04 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] reintroduced with particular focus on how the Bill was structured.
Status – Postponed
7.2.7 Briefing date: 08 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefings by the Department of Health and Social Security Branch of the Department of Social Development on issues emerging from the previous briefings by the member Departments of the Steering Committee on the Children’s Bill [B70-2003]
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Dr Maria Mabetoa - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Ronel van Zyl- SA Law Reform Commission
❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman – SA Law Reform Commission
❑ Mr P du Preez – Department of Social Development
❑ Ms Sebotle Ngake – Department of Health
❑ Dr Mohlabi - Department of Health
❑ Ms Estelle de Klerk =- Department of Health
❑ Ms Ann Behr - Department of Health
❑ Mrs Agnes Muller - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Unathi Mguye - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Selwyn Jehoma - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Lana Petersen - Department of Social Development
7.2.8 Briefing date: 09 February 2005
Meeting agenda: ❑ Presentation by the Social Security Branch of the Department of Social Development on grants to children. ❑ Presentation by the Department of Social Development on Sections 75 and 76 issues.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Mr Otto Kellner – Principal State Law Advisor ❑ Dr Maria Mabetoa - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs Ronel van Zyl- SA Law Reform Commission ❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman – SA Law Reform Commission ❑ Mr P du Preez – Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Brian Heber - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs Agnes Muller - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs Unathi Mguye - Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Selwyn Jehoma - Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Tertius Geldenhuys – Assistant Commissioner; SAPS
7.2.9 Briefing date: 15 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Presentation by Department of Social Development on clauses and issues that must be moved from Section 76 of the Children’s Bill [B70- 2003] (composite bill) to the Section 75 Children’s Bill [B70-2003- Reintroduced
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mr Otto Kellner – State Law Advisers Office
❑ Mr E Kritzinje – Home Affairs
❑ Mr J Coetzee – Correctional Services
❑ Ms Susan Pienaar – South African Police Services
❑ Ms Antoinette Brink - South African Police Services
❑ Anne-Marie Van Zyl – Department of Labour
❑ Mr Silas IM Nawa – Department of Education
❑ Elroy Machelm – Legal Aid Board
❑ Mrs Lana Petersen – Parliamentary Officer – Dept of Social
Development.
❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Chief Director, Dept of Social Development
❑ Freddie Engelbrecht – Department of Correctional Services
❑ Ntombizodwa K Chiloane – South African Police Services
❑ Mr Tertius GeLdenhys – Assistant Commissioner – South African Police
Services
❑ Mrs Antoinette Brink – Senior Legal Administration Officer – SAPS
❑ Mr Z Matebese – National House Of Traditional Leaders
❑ KS Mogotsi – Department of Home Affairs
7.2.10 Briefing date: 16 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] reintroduced – going through the Bill clause-by-clause starting from Chapter 2.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Mr Pierre du Preez – Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs Agnes Muller – Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs Ngcobo-Mbere - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs Lana Petersen – Parliamentary Officer – Dept of Social Development. ❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Chief Director, Dept of Social Development ❑ Mr Otto Kellner – State Law Advisers’ Office
7.2.11 Briefing date: 18 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] reintroduced – going through the Bill clause-by-clause starting from clause 12.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mr Pierre du Preez – Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Agnes Muller – Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Ngcobo-Mbere - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Otto Kellner – State Law Advisers’ Office
7.2.12 Briefing date: 22 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] reintroduced – going through the Bill clause-by-clause starting from clause 30.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mr Pierre du Preez – Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Agnes Muller – Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Ngcobo-Mbere - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Otto Kellner – State Law Advisers’ Office
❑ Mr Daniel Plaatjies – National Treasury
❑ Mrs Ronel Van Zyl – South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman - South African Law Reform Commission
7.2.13 Briefing date: 25 February 2005
Meeting agenda: Deliberation on the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – going through the Bill clause-by-clause starting from clause 239 – facilitated by Ms Lowesa Stuurman and Mrs Ngcobo-Mbere.
❑ Mrs Ngcobo-Mbere - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Otto Kellner – State Law Advisers’ Office
❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman - South African Law Reform Commission
7.2.14 Briefing date: 01 March 2005
Meeting agenda: Department of Social Development’s Budget overview – facilitated by the Department’s Director-General, Mr Vusi Madonsela and the Department’s Chief Financial Officer, Mr C Pakade.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mr A Adendorff – Senior Manager, Office of the Auditor-General
❑ Mr F Makiwane – Department of Social Development
❑ Mr V Madonsela – Director-General, Department of Social Development
❑ Mr C Pakade – Chief Financial Officer, Department of Social
Development
7.2.15 Briefing date: 02 March 2005
Meeting agenda: Budget overview for the 2005/06 financial – Briefing by the Department of Social Development – continuation.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mr Leon Swartz - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Nomathemba Kela - Department of Social Development
❑ Ms Malegu Ogewekga - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Lana Petersen - Department of Social Development
❑ Me Selwyn Jehoma - Department of Social Development
❑ Ms Vuyelwa Nhlapho - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Coceko Pakade – Chief Financial Officer, Department of Social
Development
7.2.16 Briefing date: 08 March 2005
Meeting agenda: Budget overview for the 2005/06 financial – Briefing by the Disaster Relief Fund.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Dr Lulama Makhubela – Director: Research and Development –
National Development Agency.
❑ Mr Moitswadi Mofokeng – Chief Financial Officer - National
Development Agency.
❑ Mr Khulu Mbongo – Stakeholder Manager: National Development
Agency.
❑ Ms Bridget Masango – Director: Marketing and Communications -
National Development Agency.
❑ Mr Dave Willcox – Company Secretary - National Development Agency.
❑ Mr Reuben Mogano – Director: Projects Management
❑ Pastor Mzanempi Nhlapho – Chairperson: Disaster Relief Fund Board
❑ Mr RJ Molife – Director, Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Jimmy Kekana – Assistant Director, Department of Social
Development
7.2.17 Briefing date: 09 March 2005
Meeting agenda: Budget overview for the 2005/06 financial – Briefing by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) and the Central Drug Authority.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Dr J Lombard – CEO: SACSSP
❑ Mrs Boitumelo Setlalentoa – President: SACSSP
❑ Ms Evodia Mabuza-Mokoko – Deputy-Director: SACSSP
❑ Ms Connie Nxumalo – Department of Social Development
❑ Prof S Rataemane – Chairperson: Central Drug Authority
7.2.18 Briefing date: 15 March 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on the Courts Chapter in the Children’s Bill [B70-2003]
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mrs Corlia Kok – Deputy Director, Child and Family Law: Department
of Justice and Constitutional Development
❑ Mrs Pat Moodley – Acting Director, Family Law: Department of
Justice and Constitutional Development
❑ Mr PA du Rand – Chief Director, Court Services: Department of
Justice and Constitutional Development
❑ Mrs Ayesha Johaar – Senior State Law Advisor
❑ Mr Otto Kellner - Principal State Law Advisor
❑ Mr S Ebrahim – Senior Family Advocate, W, Cape
❑ Mrs Lana Petersen – Department of Social Development
❑ Dr Maria Mabetoa - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Agnes Muller - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Pierre du Preez - Department of Social Development.
7.2.19 Briefing date: 16 March 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the Master’s Office on issues related to the Children’s Bill [B70-2003 – facilitated by the Acting Chief Master, Mr Baloyi.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mr JS Baloyi - by the Acting Chief Master: Department of Justice and
Constitutional Development
❑ Ms Petunia Seabi – Chief Family Advocate: Department of Justice and
Constitutional Development
❑ Mrs Pat Moodley – Acting Director, Family Law: Department of Justice
and Constitutional Development
❑ Mrs Ayesha Johaar – Senior State Law Advisor
❑ Mr S Ebrahim – Senior Family Advocate, W, Cape
❑ Dr Maria Mabetoa - Department of Social Development
7.2.20 Briefing date: 06 April 2005
Meeting agenda: Deliberation on the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – going through the Bill clause-by-clause starting from clause 254 to 272, in Chapter 17 – facilitated by Mrs Ronel van Zyl.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mrs Ayesha Johaar – Senior State Law Advisor
❑ Mr Otto Kellner - Principal State Law Advisor
❑ Mrs Lana Petersen – Department of Social Development
❑ Dr Maria Mabetoa - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Pierre du Preez - Department of Social Development.
❑ Kinsey Rasebitse - Department of Social Development.
❑ Ms Rose Mnisi - Department of Social Development.
❑ Ms Frances Viviers - Department of Social Development.
❑ Mr Brian Heber - Department of Social Development.
7.2.21 Briefing date: 08 April 2005
Meeting agenda: Deliberation on the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – going through the Bill clause-by-clause starting from clause 273 to 296, in Chapter 18 – facilitated by Mrs Ronel van Zyl.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Mrs Ayesha Johaar – Senior State Law Advisor
❑ Mr Otto Kellner - Principal State Law Advisor
❑ Dr Maria Mabetoa - Department of Social Development
❑ Kinsey Rasebitse - Department of Social Development.
❑ Ms Rose Mnisi - Department of Social Development.
❑ Ms Frances Viviers - Department of Social Development.
7.2.22 Briefing date: 12 April 2005
Meeting agenda: Policy Workshop on unclear policy issues related to the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – Day One
7.2.23 Briefing date: 13 April 2005
Meeting agenda: Policy Workshop on unclear policy issues related to the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – Day Two
7.2.24 Briefing date: 17 May 2005 Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – Deliberating on the forwarded draft amendments – focussing on Chapter 1 starting from clause 2 onwards.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Department of Social Development ❑ Mr P Du Preez – Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs M Ngcobo-Mbere - Department of Social Development ❑ Ms P Moodley - Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Mrs R van Zyl – South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman - South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Mrs A Muller - Department of Social Development ❑ Ms P Naicker - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs U Mguye - Department of Social Development ❑ Ms A Johaar – State Law Advisor’s Office
7.2.25 Briefing date: 18 May 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – Deliberating on the forwarded draft amendments – focussing on the revised Chapter 3 of the Bill.
The following officials were in attendance:
❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Department of Social Development
❑ Mr P Du Preez – Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs M Ngcobo-Mbere - Department of Social Development
❑ Ms P Moodley - Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development
❑ Mrs R van Zyl – South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman - South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Mrs A Muller - Department of Social Development
❑ Ms P Naicker - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs U Mguye - Department of Social Development
❑ Ms A Johaar – State Law Advisor’s Office
❑ Ms Matlhogonolo Sebopela - Department of Social Development
7.2.26 Briefing date: 20 May 2005 Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – Deliberating on trafficking in children in chapter 18 including the definitions.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Department of Social Development ❑ Mr P Du Preez – Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs R van Zyl – South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman - South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Ms A Johaar – State Law Advisor’s Office ❑ Mrs Lana Petersen - Department of Social Development ❑ Ms Matlhogonolo Sebopela - Department of Social Development
7.2.27 Briefing date: 23 May 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – Deliberating on the proposed amendments to chapter 5 facilitated by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Mrs KB Shabalala - Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ❑ Mr Rob Skhosana - Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. ❑ Mrs Corlia Kok - Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
❑ Dr M Mabetoa – Department of Social Development
❑ Mr P Du Preez – Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs M Ngcobo-Mbere - Department of Social Development.
❑ Ms P Moodley - Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
❑ Mrs R van Zyl – South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Ms Lowesa Stuurman - South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Mrs A Muller - Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs U Mguye - Department of Social Development
❑ Ms A Johaar – State Law Advisor’s Office
❑ Mr Otto Kellner - State Law Advisor’s Office
7.2.28 Briefing date: 24 May 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced - Deliberation on the proposed draft amendments, starting from Clause 124.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Mrs L Petersen, PA – Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs U Mguye, Deputy Director, Social Security - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs MV Ngcobo-Mbere, Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs A Muller, Deputy Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs A Johaar, Senior State Law Advisor – Chief State Law Advisers’ Office ❑ Mrs R van Zyl, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Dr M Mabetoa, Chief Director, Children - Department of Social Development
7.2.29 Briefing date: 26 May 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] reintroduced – deliberations on the proposed amendments forwarded by the Department of Social Development, starting from clause 249.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Mrs L Petersen, PA – Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs A Muller, Deputy Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs A Johaar, Senior State Law Advisor – Chief State Law Advisers’ Office ❑ Mrs R van Zyl, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Dr M Mabetoa, Chief Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs U Mguye, Deputy Director, Social Security - Department of Social Development ❑ Pierre du Preez, Legal Officer - Department of Social Development
7.2.30 Briefing date: 27 May 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s response to reviewed aspects of chapter of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced and Deliberation by the committee on the proposed draft amendments, starting from Clause 254. The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Mrs A Muller, Deputy Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs A Johaar, Senior State Law Advisor – Chief State Law Advisers’ Office ❑ Mrs R van Zyl, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Dr M Mabetoa, Chief Director, Children - Department of Social Development
7.2.31 Briefing date: 31 May 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced to be preluded by a report back by the Department of Justice on issues pertaining to chapter 5 of the Bill.
The following persons were in attendance: ❑ Mrs R van Zyl, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Ms L Stuurman, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission ❑ Dr M Mabetoa, Chief Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Pierre Du Preez, legal Advisor – Department of Social Development
The following State Law Advisor/s was/ere present: ❑ Mrs A Johaar, Senior State Law Advisor – Chief State Law Advisers’ Office
7.2.32 Briefing date: 01 June 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] reintroduced – deliberations on the amended Children’s Bill – with input from Minister Z Skweyiya and Deputy Minister J De Lange on Chapter 5 of the Children’s Bill.
7.2.33 Briefing date: 10 June 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] Reintroduced – deliberating on the amended Bill. The following persons from the Department of Social Development were in attendance:
❑ Mrs MV Ngcobo-Mbere, Director, Children - Department of Social
Development
❑ Mrs A Muller, Deputy Director, Children - Department of Social
Development
❑ Mrs R van Zyl, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Dr M Mabetoa, Chief Director, Children - Department of Social
Development
❑ Mr Pierre Du Preez, legal Advisor – Department of Social Development
The following State Law Advisor/s was/ere present: ❑ Mrs A Johaar, Senior State Law Advisor – Chief State Law Advisers’ Office
7.2.34 Briefing date: 14 June 2005
Meeting agenda: Completion of the final consideration of the Children’s Bill [B70-2003] reintroduced process – starting from Chapter 16 of the draft amended Bill.
The following persons from the Department of Social Development were in attendance:
❑ Mrs R van Zyl, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Ms L Stuurman, Researcher- South African Law Reform Commission
❑ Dr M Mabetoa, Chief Director, Children - Department of Social
Development
❑ Mr Pierre Du Preez, legal Advisor – Department of Social Development
❑ Deputy Minister J de Lange - Department of Justice and Constitutional
Development.
❑ Mrs Ayesha Johaar – Senior State Law Advisor, State Law Advisor’s
Office.
The following State Law Advisor/s was/ere present: ❑ Mrs A Johaar, Senior State Law Advisor – Chief State Law Advisers’ Office
7.2.35 Briefing date: 24 August 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the Central Drug Authority.
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Miss Connie Nxumalo – Director: Substance abuse and CDA, Department of Social Development ❑ Ms Evodia Mkoko – Deputy-Director: CDA ❑ Mr Jonathan Marwala – Assistant-Director: CDA, Department of Social Development
7.2.36 Briefing date: 26 August 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003]
Officials in attendance: ❑ Mrs Thuli Mahlangu – Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Pierre du Preez - Department of Social Development
7.2.37 Briefing date: 07 September 2005
Meeting agenda: Joint briefing facilitated by the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) on:
SASSA
❑ Reporting mechanism of SASSA to Parliament
❑ SASSA’s business plan as well as on progress made and challenges
currently experienced with regard to its rollout plan and its general
transitional arrangements, update on the HR issues, namely the
transfer of staff and assets.
Department of Social Development
On progress made with regard to the finalisation of regulations and
amendments to the Social Assistance Act; new definition of disability
grant etc.
❑ The structured reporting line, if any exists, between our committee
and your department with regard to the South African Social Security
Agency (SASSA) and the frequency of that reporting.
❑ Shed more light on what it is doing to facilitate the smooth
establishment of SASSA.
The officials in attendance: ❑ Mr Hlubi Radebe – South African Social Security Agency ❑ Mr Fezile Makiwane - South African Social Security Agency ❑ Mr Vusi Madonsela – Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Panyaza Lesufi - South African Social Security Agency ❑ Ms Maloka – Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs Lulu Pemba - Department of Social Development
7.2.38 Briefing date: 09 September 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the issues raised during Public Hearings on the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003] held on 30-31 August 2005.
The officials in attendance: ❑ Mrs Thuli Mahlangu, Director: Older Persons – Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Pierre du Preez, Legal Advisor - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs MV Ngcobo-Mbere, Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mrs A Muller, Deputy Director, Children - Department of Social Development ❑ Mr Gideon Hoon, Principal State Law Advisor – Chief State Law Advisers’ Office
7.2.39. Briefing date: 12 October 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the redraft version of the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003] as resolved in the 09 September 2005 committee meeting.
The officials in attendance: ❑ Ms Nomathemba Kela, Chief Director, Social Welfare and Transformation
❑ Mrs Thuli Mahlangu, Director: Older Persons – Department of Social
Development
❑ Mr Pierre du Preez, Legal Advisor - Department of Social Development
❑ Mr Gideon Hoon, Principal State Law Adviser - Office of the Chief
State Law Advisor
❑ Mrs Lana Petersen, Parliamentary Officer – Ministry: Social
Development
7.2.40 Briefing date: 19 October 2005
Meeting agenda: Hearings on the Dept’s Annual Reports (2005)
❑ Briefing by the Department of Social Development on its Annual Report
for 2005
❑ Briefing by the South African Social Service Professional Council on
its Annual Report for 2005
❑ Briefing by the Central Drug Authority on its Annual Report for 2005
❑ Briefing by the South African Social Security Agency on its Annual
Report for 2005
7.2.41 Briefing date: 04 November 2005
Meeting agenda: Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the redraft version of the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003].
The following officials were in attendance: ❑ Ms Nomathemba Kela, Chief Director, Social Welfare and Transformation
❑ Mrs Lulu Pemba, Director: Legal Services – Department of Social
Development
❑ Ms Vuyelwa Nhlapho, Deputy Director-General - Department of Social
Development
❑ Ms Isa Sikawana – Department of Social Development
❑ Mrs Lana Petersen, Parliamentary Officer – Ministry: Social
Development
7.2.42 Briefing date: 09 November 2005
Meeting agenda: Consideration of the Public Hearings Report on the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003]
7.2.43 Briefing date: 16 November 2005
Meeting agenda: Presentation by the Department of Social Development on the draft proposed amendments to the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003]
- PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.1 Public Hearings on the Older Persons Bill [B68B-2003]
8.1.2 Dates: 30-31 August 2005
8.1.3 Institutions that sent submissions: ❑ Cape Jewish Seniors Association (CJSA) ❑ Ikamva Labantu ❑ Highlands House (The Cape Jewish Aged Home) ❑ Grandmothers Against Poverty and Aids ❑ Kerklike Maatskaplike Dienste Raad (KMDR) ❑ Church Council For Social Services ❑ Action on Elder Abuse South Africa (AEASA) ❑ SA Human Rights Commission ❑ NG Ministry of Caring ❑ NAWONGO ❑ A branch of NG Welfare, North West ❑ Pretoria Council for the Care of the Aged ❑ Alzheimer’s South Africa ❑ Women’s Legal Centre ❑ Department of Health - CT ❑ The Black Sash ❑ Joint Forum for Policy on Ageing ❑ RAPCAN ❑ Southern African Catholic Bishops Conference ❑ Alliance for Children’s Entitlement to Social Security ❑ Law Society of South Africa ❑ South African Council of Churches ❑ Media Monitoring Project ❑ Commission on Gender Equality ❑ Action on Elder Abuse SA ❑ South African Association of Homes for the Aged ❑ The Body Corporate of La Belle Vie
8.1.4 Individuals that sent submissions: ❑ Elizabeth M Xaba ❑ M.D.S Motshumi ❑ Thandiwe Joyce Mbongo ❑ Lucas Mangala ❑ Raliphi Master Push Xolelizwe ❑ HJJ Laubscher ❑ Peter Laubscher ❑ Mr FE Warner
8.1.5 Adoption: Yes, on 09 November 2005
8.1.6 Report publication – 22 November 2005
8.1.7 Debate in the House – not yet.
8.2 Hearings on the Annual Reports of the Department of Social Development and the entities reporting to it.
8.2.1 Date: 19 October 2005
8.2.2 Institutions that made presentations: ❑ Department of Social Development ❑ National Development Agency ❑ South African Social Service Professional Council ❑ Central Drug Authority ❑ South African Social Security Agency
8.2.3 Adoption – not yet
8.2.4 Report publication – not yet.
8.2.5 Debate in the House – No
- Papers (International Agreements, Protocols, Reports etc) referred to the Committee: indicate the following: -
9.1 Report on the submission of the annual reports by the Department of Social Development and the National Development Agency.
9.2 Referral date: 31 September 2005
- Oversight (Local) visits
10.1 Oversight trip to North West province
10.1.1 Objectives of the trip
❑ Look at the delivery systems within the context of social security.
❑ Interact with stakeholders and service providers active within the
purview of social security delivery.
❑ Interact with social development officials with the ultimate view of
ascertaining their level of awareness regarding the broader social
security changes as well as the pending transfer of some of the staff
from the Department of Social Development to the South African Social
Security Agency.
❑ Visit different paypoints in order to look at changes and challenging
areas that needed urgent intervention.
-
Dates: 01-05 August 2005
-
Delegation
| NAME | POLITICAL PARTY |
| Direko, Ms W | ANC (delegation leader) |
| Makasi, Ms XC | ANC |
| Masutha, Mr TM | ANC |
| Nzimande, Mr LPM | ANC |
| Weber, Ms H | DA |
| Mars, Ms I | IFP |
| Godi, Mr T | PAC |
| Rajbally, Ms S | MF |
-
Adoption of the oversight trip report – The report is ready and is awaiting delegates’ input. It is thus not adopted.
-
International Visits: Our Committee has undertaken no international trip this year.
-
Budget Vote
11.1 Budget Vote 18
11.2 Referral Date: 02 March 2005 11.3 Briefing by the Department on Budget Vote 18: 16 March 2005 11.4 Public Hearings: There were no public hearings owing to time constraints. 11.5 Date of report publication: 29 March 2005 11.6 Debate in the House – NA – 05 April 2005; NCOP – 26 May 2005.
- Annual reports of the Executive
- Referral date: 30 September 2005
-
Date of the briefing by department: 19 October 2005 12.3 Public Hearings: There were no public hearings held. 12.4 Date of the report publication: The report is not yet adopted.
- Other committee activities (briefings on other issues, workshops, conferences)
13.1 Workshop The Portfolio Committee on Social Development held a two-day workshop on 12 and 13 April 2005 in order to seek clarity on certain policy issues related to the Children’s Bill [B70 – 2003 (Reintroduced)]. The workshop was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and was attended by Members of Parliament, representatives of civil society organizations, child protection practitioners, academics, legal advisors and officials from the Department of Social Development.
- Date: 12 and 13 April 2005
-
Agenda: To seek clarity on certain policy issues related to the Children’s Bill [B70 – 2003 (Reintroduced)].
-
Presenters: ❑ Ms Paula Proudlock, Children’s Bill Working Group (CBWG ❑ Advocate Anne Skelton, Centre for Child Law, University of the Witwatersrand ❑ Mr Hendrik van der Merwe, Office of the Master of the High Court ❑ Ms Suraya Williams - Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) ❑ Ms Linda Mngomezulu, South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) ❑ Carol Bower, RAPCAN ❑ Dr Moses Thindisa, Doctors for Life ❑ Dr Eva Seobi, Doctors for Life ❑ Dr Janet Giddy, Director of HIV Programmes at McCord’s Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal ❑ Jackie Lofell – Johannesburg Child Welfare Society ❑ Professor Julia Sloth-Nielsen – University of the Western Cape ❑ Mr July Nkutha – Disabled Children’s Action Group ❑ Jody Kollapen, Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). ❑ Denni Leppan – Commissioner Wynberg Children’s Court ❑ Zeni Thumbadoo – National Association of Child Care Workers. ❑ Prof Himonga, UCT
-
Resolutions:
At the end of the proceedings, it was felt that the Committee could not spend much more time debating policy issues, and that the next step would be for the Department’s legal drafters to provide the Committee with alternative drafts of those clauses that had been identified for further refinement. These drafts would be considered when the Committee next met after the recess.
-
Budget of the committee
- How much was allocated to the committee: R534.280.00
-
Expenditure: R265, 842.29 ❑ Catering – R38, 422.76 ❑ Provincial Visits – R157, 904.00 ❑ Overseas Trips - None ❑ Public Hearings Advert – R40, 016.900 ❑ Transfer to staff travel – R29, 500.00
-
Balance: R268.437.11
-
Outstanding matters
❑ Consideration and adoption of the Hearings Report on the Annual Reports of the Department of Social Development and entities reporting to it. ❑ Consideration and adoption of the Committee’s Annual Report. ❑ Consideration and adoption of the North West oversight visit report.
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FRIDAY, 23 JUNE 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Assent by President in respect of Bill
1) Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Amendment Bill [B 32F – 2005] – Act No 3 of 2006 (assented to and signed by President on 19 June 2006).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism on consideration of Budget Vote 27 of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, dated 6 June 2006:
The Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism having considered and adopted 2006/07 Budget Vote 27 of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism in terms of Rule 201 (c) of the National Assembly which states that:
A Portfolio Committee may monitor, investigate, enquire into and make recommendations concerning any such executive organ of the state, constitutional institution or other body or institution, including the legislative programme, budget, rationalization, restructuring, functioning, organization, structure, staff and policies of such organ of state, institution or other body or institution [1], reports to Parliament as follows:
- Introduction and Overview
On 26 May 2006, Members of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism and the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs were briefed in a joint meeting on Budget Vote 27 the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. The Departmental briefing focused on 2006/07 strategic priorities and budget allocation of programmes dealing with Administration, Environmental Quality and Protection, Marine and Coastal Management, Tourism, Biodiversity and Conservation and, Social Responsibility and Projects.
In terms of the MTEF allocation for 2006/07, compensation of employees accounts for 13,5%. The Departmental Agencies such as Marine Living Resource South African Tourism, South African Weather Services, South African National Biodiversity Institute, South African National Parks and Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park Authority, accounts for 48,9%, Social Responsibility and Projects accounting for 19,6%
The operational budget related to administration, environmental quality and protection, marine and coastal management, biodiversity and conservation and social responsibility projects accounts for 16,2% .The budget allocation per economic classification including compensation of employees, goods and services, transfers to provinces and municipalities, departmental agencies and accounts, households, machinery and equipment and software is R2 018 053, 00.
The Medium Term Expenditure Estimate for administration will cover sub- programmes such as the Ministry, Deputy Minister, Director General, Chief Operation Officer, Planning and Coordination, Communication, International Cooperation and Resources, International Marine and Biodiversity Cooperation, Human Resource and Transformation and Strategic Performance Management.
For the period 2006/2007, the MTE Expenditure estimate of the environmental quality and protection will cover sub-programmes related to Management, Regulatory Services, Pollution and Waste Management, Environmental Impact Management, Air Quality Management and Climate Change, Buyisa –e-Bag and South African Weather Service. The total amount allocated for 2006/07 is R 216, 559, 00.
The MTE Estimate for marine and coastal management will cover sub- programme such as Administrative Support Services, Antarctic Supply Vessel, Antarctic and Island Research and Marine Living Resources Fund. The total amount allocated for 2006/07 is R 260, 723 .2006/07 MTE Expenditure estimate relates to sub-programme such as Management, tourism Support, Tourism Development and South African Tourism. The total amount allocated is R. 559, 254, 00.
The Biodiversity and Conservation’s 2006/07 medium term expenditure estimate relates to sub-programme such as Management, Biodiversity and Heritage, Trans-Frontier Conservation and Protected Areas, Greater St Lucia Wetland Park Authority, South African National Parks and, South African National Biodiversity Institute. The total amount allocated to Biodiversity and Conservation programme is R 348, 508. The MTE expenditure estimate of the social responsibility and projects relates to sub-programme such as the Expanded Public Works Programme. The total amount allocated for 2006/07 is R 447,660, 00.
In relation to missing of marine vessels, coordination of Tourism Indaba and progress made in respect of skills development, the members of the portfolio and select committees were then informed that the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) are aware that a number of marine vessels have gone missing at sea and that the causes of these incidents are being investigated by the Department of Transport.
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism carries no responsibility for the incidents, as to who is liable will be determined after the Department of Transport concludes its investigation. Compensation for those affected by the tragedies is set out in legislation by the Department of Labour.
The recently held Tourism Indaba in Durban was essentially a trade fair held under the banner of SA Tourism, being led by government. The Indaba is a culmination of events, whereby all interested parties may participate and promote their products and services. The Indaba is not necessarily an event intended to attract only the private sector, but rather promoting South Africa as a tourist destination. The Department is however open to suggestions as to how to improve participation, especially that of the private sector during future Indaba’s.
A strong relationship exists between the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and SA Tourism, as SA Tourism is a public entity marketing South Africa domestically and internationally as a tourist destination. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has taken cognizance of the recent spate of attacks on tourists and in conjunction with the Department of Safety and Security and the South African Police Service are busy working on a safety strategy to ensure the safety of all those who visit South Africa.
The Department is currently busy with a skills development assessment, assessing what type of skills the department requires, offering bursaries as an incentive in order to gain the skills required. The Department is also looking at ways of retaining current skilled employees in the Department, boosting its capacity in service delivery. The issuing of pollution permits, which is supposed to be issued by Local Government, still resides with the National Department, as this transfer process will take approximately 2 – 3 years. However once the transfer process is complete and Local Government assumes the responsibility of issuing permits, they are still governed by the minimum air pollution standards set for the issuing of such permits.
The Local Government however, cannot issue permits to themselves, for places such as municipal incinerators, as such permits have to be issue at a provincial level. The current budget allocated of R 435 million allocated to tourism falls short of the R 1 billion that the Department foresees to market South Africa effectively, locally and internationally in preparation for 2010.
The Department welcomes any assistance from both Committees in acquiring more funds from Treasury. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism does not fund Local Government to promote tourism, but rather assists Local Government in building capacity. Local Governments do not see the long-term value of tourism, which is why the Department is trying to get Local Government to develop a tourism action plan and incorporate it in their Integrated Development Plan (IDP).
The Department does however render financial assistance to SMME’s within Local Governments, with the aim of promoting tourism. The budget of R 35 million allocated for the upgrading of the South African National Parks is not the total amount as this amount is only for the 06/07 financial year, increasing each year thereafter. The Department is therefore confident that the South African National Parks will be ready and graded by 2010.
The Department has spent 99.6% of its budget, with a roll over of R 6 million in respect of the construction of the Marion Island basin. The 99.6% expenditure is a reflection of the actual budget spent and not commitments to spend by the Department. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism together with the Departments of Water & Forestry, Agriculture and Land Affairs are in the process of compiling a policy document addressing the aquaculture issue. As soon as the Draft Policy has been finalized the Department will forward it to both Committees.
- Conclusion and recommendations
Having been briefed on 2006 Budget Vote 27, the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism concludes that it has considered and adopted the budget and further wishes to recommend as follows:
• The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism should starting from 2006 third term of parliamentary session submit monthly and quarterly reports to Parliament.
• The Department should submit a database on Social Responsibility and Projects including locations and beneficiaries in Provinces.
• The Department should during 2006 the third term parliamentary session come and brief the Committee on progress made in respect of Buyisa-e-Bag campaign.
MONDAY, 26 JUNE 2006
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
1) Draft Rules in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act,
2000 (Act No 2 of 2000).
2) Draft Rules in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice
Act, 2000 (Act No 3 of 2000).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons, having considered the request from National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to further consider its report dated 2 June 2006 as published on the ATC of 5 June 2006 (page 1152) with regard to recommending the appointment of commissioners to the President for the filling of vacancies on the National Youth Commission reports as follows:
The Committee has previously reported that it had invited the public to nominate persons for consideration and recommendation to the President for the filling of vacancies on the Commission. Nominations and applications were received from 54 candidates. The Committee met on 12 May 2006 to consider the nominations, and agreed that the following persons be shortlisted and interviewed on 24 and 26 May 2006 respectively.
Mr Xolile Majola, Ms Nobulumko Degracia Nkondlo, Mr Elroy van Rooyen, Mr Magic Nkhwashu, Ms Vuyiswa Gladys Tulelo, Ms Ntombikayise Nomawisile Sibhida, Mr David Xolile Kham, Mr Khululekani Ntshangase, Ms Lefika Chetty, Mr Sithembele Africa Peter, Mr Olwethu Sipuka, Mr Mothupi Phaladi Modiba, Ms Nonkululeko Mohomane, Mr Mntuwekhaya Sheperd Daki, Ms Rene Alicia Smith and Mr Donald Kubayi. Out of the 16 short listed candidates, Mr D Kubayi was not allowed to exchange his opportunity for the interview with Mr V Mukharhi, a friend and was subsequently disqualified.
Having further considered its report of 2 June, the Committee, in terms of section 4 of the National Youth Commission Act, advises that the President appoint the commissioners from the following list of recommended candidates:
Mr Modiba Mothupi
Ms Nkondlo Nobulumko
Mr Ntshangase Khululekani
Ms Sibhida Ntombikayise
Mr Sipuka Olwethu
Ms Tulelo Vuyiswa
Mr Van Rooyen Elroy
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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE - JANUARY – DECEMBER 2005
-
Name of the Committee: Joint Standing Committee on Defence
Chairperson: Mr S D Montsitsi
Committee Secretary: Mr Johnny Ramrock
-
Vision and mission of the Committee
Vision:
To be a Parliamentary Committee with a high level of expertise, dedication and resources to effectively oversee the Department of Defence that should have the appropriate level of capacity, morale and state of readiness to defend and protect South Africa’s territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the Constitution.
MISSION:
To ensure that the Department of Defence provides, manages, prepares and employs defence capabilities commensurate with the needs of SA, as regulated by legislation and parliamentary and executive direction.
-
List of public entities over which the Committee exercise oversight a. Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) b. National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC)
-
Number of meetings held and those cancelled:
The Committee had two (2) meetings
-
Legislation referred to the committee (Finalised and not finalised): None
-
Papers referred to the Committee: *Letters from the President on the Employment of the SANDF to areas outside the borders of the country.
Referral dates Consideration date ATC date Debate in House 03 Nov 2004 16 Nov 2005 16/11/05 27 Jan 2005 16 Nov 2005 16/11/05 03 Feb 2005 16 Nov 2005 16/11/05 03 Feb 2005 16 Nov 2005 16/11/05 10 June 2005 16 Nov 2005 16/11/05 04 Aug 2005 16 Nov 2005 16/1105 05 Oct 2005 16 Nov 2005 16/11/05 -
Oversight (Local) visits: None
-
International Visits: None
-
Budget Vote
• N/A to Committee.
-
-
Annual reports of the Executive (30 September) • Committee constituted on 21 October 2005
- Other committee activities (briefings on other issues, workshops, conferences) • None •
- Budget of the committee • No budget yet.
13 OUTSTANDING MATTERS: None
- Attach the following documents i. Master attendance list ii. Copies of minutes of all meetings
NB. Please note that the Committee was only constituted near to the end of 2005 (21 October 2005) hence the few activities for the period (Jan – Dec 2005) of the report.
-
SUPPORT STAFF
Committee Secretary: Mr. Johnny Ramrock
Control Committee Secretary: Mr. Ben Kali Committee Assistant: Mr. E T Lourens Secretary to Chairperson: Ms N Lwana
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APPENDIX II
REPORTS TABLED:
|Report on Letters |To inform the NA and the |ATC – 16/11/05 | |from the President|NCOP | | |on Employment of | | | |SANDF | | |
MONDAY, 3 JULY 2006
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Safety and Security
1) International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear
Terrorism, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution,
1996.
2) Explanatory Memorandum to the International Convention for the
Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism 1) Government Notice No R.385 published in Government Gazette No 28753 dated 21 April 2006: Regulations in terms of chapter 5 of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
2) Government Notice No R.386 published in Government Gazette No 28753
dated 21 April 2006: List of activities and competent authorities
identified in terms of sections 24 and 24D of the National
Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
3) Government Notice No R.387 published in Government Gazette No 28753
dated 21 April 2006: List of activities and competent authorities
identified in terms of sections 24 and 24D of the National
Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
TUESDAY, 4 JULY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
Assent by President in respect of Bill
1) Electricity Regulation Bill [B 29D – 2005] – Act No 4 of 2006 (assented to and signed by President on 27 June 2006).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
1) Report of the Auditor-General on a performance audit completed at
the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development – May 2006
[RP 92-2006].
- The Minister of Safety and Security
1) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic
of South Africa as represented by the Department of Safety and
Security and the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as
represented by the Ministry of Interior on Police Cooperation,
tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
MONDAY, 10 JULY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bill by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on 26 June 2006 in terms of Joint Rule 160(3),
classified the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
a) 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 13 –
2006 (Reintroduced)] (National Assembly – sec 75).
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Membership of the Assembly
1) The following member vacated his seat in the National Assembly with
effect from 16 May 2006:
Khumalo, M S.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson 1) Report of the Auditor-General on a performance audit completed at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) – May 2006 [RP 93-2006].
2) Quarterly Report of the Auditor-General on the submission of
financial statements by municipalities and the status of audit
reports as at 31 March 2006 for the financial year ended 30 June
2005 [RP 100-2006].
TUESDAY, 11 JULY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker
- Withdrawal of International Convention
A letter dated 6 July 2006, was received from the Minister of Safety
and Security, requesting the withdrawal of the International Convention
for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism and the Explanatory
Memorandum to the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts
of Nuclear Terrorism, tabled on 3 July 2006 in terms of section 231(2)
of the Constitution, 1996.
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
1. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local
Government:
a) Government Notice No 416 published in Government Gazette No
28795 dated 12 May 2006: Setting out particulars of the area
demarcated by the Municipality of Emalahleni which shall
constitute as an urban development zone, in terms of section 13
quat of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
2. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance:
a) Government Notice No 357 published in Government Gazette No
28742 dated 19 April 2006: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2006 Natura pure gold coin series, in
terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of
1989).
b) Government Notice No 358 published in Government Gazette No
28742 dated 19 April 2006: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of the year 2006 Protea coin series, in terms of
the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
c) Government Notice No 359 published in Government Gazette No
28742 dated 19 April 2006: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of the year 2006 R1 and R2 pure gold coin series,
in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90
of 1989).
d) Government Notice No 360 published in Government Gazette No
28742 dated 19 April 2006: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of the year 2006 Crown size 2½ ct sterling silver
coin series, in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act,
1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
e) Government Notice No 361 published in Government Gazette No
28742 dated 19 April 2006: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of the year 2006 sterling silver coin series, in
terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of
1989).
f) Government Notice No 602 published in Government Gazette No
28798 dated 12 May 2006: Listing and classification of public
entities, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999
(Act No 1 of 1999).
g) Government Notice No 403 published in Government Gazette No
28771 dated 26 April 2006: Notice to be issued in terms of
section 18A to determine public benefit activities for purposes
of deductible donations to certain public benefit
organisations, in terms of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (58 of
1962).
3. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism for consideration:
a) General Notice No 657 published in Government Gazette No 28854
dated 19 May 2006: Proposed guidelines as part of the
implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations
in terms of section 24(5) of the National Environmental
Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
b) Government Notice No R. 494 published in Government Gazette No
28869 dated 2 June 2006: Regulations: Qualification criteria,
training and identification of and forms to be used by
environmental management inspectors, in terms of the National
Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
(c) Government Notice No R.385 published in Government Gazette
No 28753 dated 21 April 2006: Regulations in terms of chapter 5
of the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107
of 1998).
d) Government Notice No R.386 published in Government Gazette No
28753 dated 21 April 2006: List of activities and competent
authorities identified in terms of sections 24 and 24D of the
National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of
1998).
e) Government Notice No R.387 published in Government Gazette No
28753 dated 21 April 2006: List of activities and competent
authorities identified in terms of sections 24 and 24D of the
National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of
1998).
4. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism:
a) Convention on the Conservation and Management of Fishery
Resources in the South East Atlantic Ocean (SEAFO), tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
5. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Provincial and Local Government for consideration:
a) Draft Local Government: Municipal Performance Regulations for
Section 57 Employees, 2006 in terms of section 120(7) of the
Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of
2000).
6. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Education, the Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality
of Life and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons and the
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development for
consideration:
a) Report of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on
the Public Hearing on the Right to Basic Education, 2005.
7. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Transport for consideration and report. The Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements is referred to the Standing
Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Road Accident Fund (RAF)
for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 34-2006].
8. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Defence and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence:
a) The President of the Republic submitted a letter dated 13 June
2006 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members
of the Assembly of the employment of the South African National
Defence Force in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
9. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration:
a) Draft Rules in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information
Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000).
b) Draft Rules in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice
Act, 2000 (Act No 3 of 2000).
10. The following papers are referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts for consideration:
a) Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of
the Marine Living Resources Fund for 2001-2002.
b) Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of
the Marine Living Resources Fund for 2002-2003.
c) Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of
the Marine Living Resources Fund for 2003-2004.
d) Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of
the Marine Living Resources Fund for 2004-2005.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
1) Amendment to the Water Boards pricing structure, tabled in terms of section 42(4) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003) and supporting documents required in terms of section 42(3) of the same Act.
FRIDAY, 14 JULY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Classification of Bill by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) (1) The JTM on 23 June 2006 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6) classified the following Bill as a section 76 Bill:
a) Second 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 16 – 2006] (National Assembly – sec 76).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
a) Government Notice No 667 published in Government Gazette No 28847
dated 26 May 2006: Listing and Classification of public entities,
in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of
1999).
b) Government Notice No R.491 published in Government Gazette No 28884
dated 29 May 2006: Pension Funds Amendment Regulations for 2006, in
terms of the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act No 24 of 1956).
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
a) Government Notice 611 published in Government Gazette No 28945
dated 19 June 2006: Consultation process: Blyde River Canyon Nature
Reserve and indigenous forest management areas, in terms of the
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act
No 57 of 2003).
b) Government Notice No R.612 published in Government Gazette No 28938
dated 23 June 2006: Commencement of Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations for 2006, in terms of the National Environmental
Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
c) Government Notice No R.613 published in Government Gazette No 28938
dated 23 June 2006: Notice in terms of section 24 and 24D:
Amendment, made in terms of the National Environmental Management
Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
d) Government Notice No R.614 published in Government Gazette No 28938
dated 23 June 2006: List of activities and competent authorities
identified in terms of Sections 24 and 24D, made in terms of the
National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (Act No 107 of 1998).
e) Government Notice No R.615 published in Government Gazette No 28938
dated 23 June 2006: Repeal notices in terms of Sections 21(1) and
22(1), made in terms of the Environmental Conservation Act, 1989
(Act No 73 of 1989).
f) Government Notice No R.616 published in Government Gazette No 28938
dated 23 June 2006: Repeal of regulations, made in terms of the
Environmental Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No 73 of 1989).
National Assembly
- The Speaker
1. Reports of the Public Service Commission
a) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Measuring the
Efficacy of the Code of Conduct for Public Servants for 2006
[RP 30-2006].
b) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on an Audit of
Affirmative Action in the Public Service for 2006 [RP 6-2006].
c) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Second
Consolidated Public Service Monitoring and Evaluation Report
for 2006 [RP 7-2006].
2. A letter dated 3 July 2006 was received from the Minister of
Communications, requesting the National Assembly to submit a
shortlist of candidates for appointment as councillors of the
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) in
terms of section 7 of the Independent Communications Authority of
South Africa Amendment Act, No 3 of 2006, once promulgated.
Dear Madam Speaker
APPOINTMENT OF COUNCILLORS IN TERMS OF SECTION 7 OF THE INDEPENDENT
COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY OF SOUTH AFRICA AMENDMENT ACT NO 3 OF
2006.
The ICASA Amendment Act No 3 of 2006 (hereinafter referred to as
“the Act”) was assented to and promulgated on 15th June and 22nd
June 2006 respectively.
Further to the above, I have duly forwarded a proposal to the
President to proclaim the commencement of the ICASA Amendment Act
No 3 of 2006 and Electronic Communications Act No 36 of 2005 to be
1st July 2006.
There are three Councillors whose terms of office have expired on
30 June 2006. Since the assent and promulgation of the Act, the
appointment process for new Councillors should be conducted in
terms of the Act. I have extended the term of office of two
councilors namely: Ms Nadia Bulbulia and Ms Mamodupi Mohlala, for a
period of forty-five (45) days in terms of Section 7(4) of the
ICASA Act No 13 of 2000.
I draw your attention to section 7 of the Act, which provides that
the National Assembly must invite the public to participate in the
appointment process of Councillors and also publish a shortlist of
candidates for appointment to the Council, and thereafter provide
the Minister with a shortlist of suitable candidates to be
appointed.
Yours sincerely
Signed
IVY MATSEPE-CASABURRI, MP
MINISTER
TUESDAY, 18 JULY 2006
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Safety and Security
(a) (Protocol to the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating
of Terrorism, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum of the Protocol to the OAU Convention on the
Prevention and Combating of Terrorism.
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Proclamation No 23 published in Government Gazette No 28825 dated
12 May 2006: 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).
WEDNESDAY, 19 JULY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
1. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Communications for consideration and report, the committee to
report as soon as possible:
a) The letter dated 3 July 2006 that was received from the
Minister of Communications, requesting the National Assembly to
submit a shortlist of candidates for appointment as councillors
of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
(Icasa) in terms of section 7 of the Independent Communications
Authority of South Africa Amendment Act, 2006 (Act No 3 of
2006) now promulgated.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Transport
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 195-2005].
TUESDAY, 25 JULY 2006
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Transport
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Botswana regarding the Co- ordination of Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Botswana regarding the Co-ordination of Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
- Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Appointment of Auditor-General, dated 28 June 2006:
The Ad Hoc Committee on Appointment of the Auditor-General, having considered the matter of the filling of the vacancy of Auditor-General, referred to it, reports as follows:
The Committee was established by the Decision of the Speaker on 18 April 2006, in terms of Rule 214 of the National Assembly.
Its mandate was to recommend a person in terms of section 193 of the Constitution for appointment as Auditor-General.
The Committee, through advertising in all the leading national print press, invited the public to submit nominations or applications to it.
Nominations and applications were received. At the close off date of submission of applications, the Ad Hoc committee had received a total of 12 applications.
Short-listing of candidates was done on 20 June 2006 and the following candidates were short-listed for interviews:
1. Mr Abdul Kariem Hoosain
2. Mr Terrence Mncedisi Nombembe
3. Ms Diatile Elizabeth Zondo
4. Mr Imitiaz Fazel
All of the short listed candidates were interviewed on 26 June 2006. Interviews were conducted in an open meeting where the press and public were present. Committee members present and who took part at the interviews were as follows:-
Mr. VG Smith (ANC) (chairperson)
Mr. SE Asiya (ANC)
Mr. M. Johnson (ANC)
Ms. BA Hogan (ANC)
Ms. LM Mashiane (ANC)
Dr. GG Woods (NADECO)
Mr. EW Trent (DA)
Ms. AM Dreyer (DA)
Mr. K Bekker (IFP)
Mr. S Simons (UPSA)
Having interviewed the candidates and deliberated on the performance of each candidate during interviews, the Committee unanimously recommends to the National Assembly the name of Mr Terrence Mncedisi Nombembe for appointment by the President as Auditor-General in terms of section 193 of the Constitution.
The Committee further wishes to propose that the term of office be seven years.
Report to be considered.
THURSDAY, 27 JULY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bill (1) Deeds Registries Amendment Bill [B 5 – 2006] – Act No 5 of 2006 (assented to and signed by President on 14 July 2006)
(2) Sectional Titles Amendment Bill [B 8 – 2006] – Act No 6 of 2006
(assented to and signed by President on 20 July 2006)
(3) Appropriation Bill [B 2 – 2006] – Act No 7 of 2006 (assented to
and signed by President on 14 July 2006)
(4) Repeal of Black Administration Act and Amendment of Certain Laws
Amendment Bill [B 11B – 2006] – Act No 8 of 2006 (assented to and
signed by President on 20 July 2006)
(5) Small Business Tax Amnesty and Amendment of Taxation Laws Bill
[B 14 – 2006] – Act No 9 of 2006 (assented to and signed by
President on 20 July 2006)
(6) Second Small Business Tax Amnesty and Amendment of Taxation Laws
Bill [B 15 – 2006] – Act No 10 of 2006 (assented to and signed by
President on 14 July 2006).
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill, 2006, submitted
by the Minister of Sport and Recreation on 18 July 2006.
- Withdrawal of tabling and referral to Committees (1) A letter dated 18 July 2006 was received from the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, requesting the withdrawal of the Draft Rules made in terms of section 79(1) of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000), and the Draft Rules made in terms of section 7(3) of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act No 3 of 2000), tabled on 26 June 2006.
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Submission of Private Members’ Legislative Proposals
(1) The following private member’s legislative proposal was
submitted to the Speaker on 24 July 2006 in accordance with Rule
234:
(a) Fund for Victims of Violent Crime Bill (Ms D Kohler-
Barnard)
In accordance with Rule 235 the Speaker has referred the
legislative proposal has been referred to the Standing Committee on
Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) General Report of the Auditor-General on the Provincial Audit
Outcomes for 2004-05 [RP 99-2006].
National Assembly
-
The Speaker
(a) Letter dated 18 July 2006, received from the President of the Republic of South Africa informing Parliament of the employment of the South African National Defence Force for service in fulfillment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa:
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the employment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in fulfillment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the DRC in support of the electoral process. The Elections in the DRC are scheduled to take place on 30 July 2006. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of twenty seven (27) members are employment as from 19 July 2006 to 15 August 2006. The total estimated cost to be borne by the Department of Foreign Affairs from the African Renaissance Fund for the deployment of the personnel is R 3, 131, 937. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces and the Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. Regards TM Mbeki MONDAY, 31 JULY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159 referred to Committees (1) National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill, 2006, submitted by the Minister of Sport and Recreation on 18 July 2006 (see ATC 27 July 2006, p 1709) is hereby referred to the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation and the Select Committee on Education and Recreation.
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Submission of Private Members’ Legislative Proposals
(1) The following private member’s legislative proposal was
submitted to the Speaker on 27 July 2006 in accordance with Rule
234:
(a) South African Schools Act Amendment Bill (Mr G G Boinamo)
In accordance with Rule 235 the Speaker has referred the
legislative proposal to the Standing Committee on Private Members’
Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions.
- Speaker
DECISION BY THE SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO ESTABLISH AN AD HOC
COMMITTEE
I have, after direct and indirect consultation with the Chief Whips and
party representatives, decided, in terms of Rule 214, to establish an
Ad Hoc Committee to inquire into operational problems being experienced
by the office of the Public Protector as reported to me by the Public
Protector;
The committee to:-
a) investigate the operational problems experienced in the office of
the Public Protector;
b) consist of members of the Assembly as follows: African National
Congress 3, Democratic Alliance 2, Inkatha Freedom Party 1, and
other parties 1;
c) exercise those powers in Rule 138 that may assist it in carrying
out its functions; and
d) submit a report with its findings and recommendations to the House
by 25 August 2006.
Baleka Mbete, MP
Speaker of the National Assembly
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Annual Report of the Bank Supervision Department on the South
African Reserve Bank for the year ended 31 December 2005.
b) Government Notice No 797 published in Government Gazette No 28937
dated 23 June 2006: Listing and classification of public entities
in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of
1999).
c) Government Notice No R.621 published in Government Gazette No
28953 dated 23 June 2006: Determination of limit on amount of
remuneration for purposes of determination of contribution in
terms of section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Contributions
Act, 2002 (Act No 4 of 2002).
d) Government Notice No R.609 published in Government Gazette No
28938 dated 23 June 2006: Determination of amounts in terms of
sections 1 and 5 of the Military Pensions Act, 1976 (Act No 84 of
1976).
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
a) Report of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate for 2005-2006 [RP
108-2006].
THURSDAY, 3 AUGUST 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bill submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(a) Children’s Amendment Bill, 2006, submitted by the Minister of
Social Development on 27 July 2006. Referred to the Portfolio
Committee on Social Development and the Select Committee on Social
Services.
- Membership of Committees
1. The following changes have been made to the membership of Joint
Committees, viz:
Budget Committee
Appointed: Van Dyk, Dr S M
National Assembly
-
Membership of Committees
- The following changes have been made to the membership of Portfolio Committees, viz:
Education Appointed: Ellis, Mr M J (Alt) Science and Technology Appointed: Dreyer, Ms A M Discharged: Boinamo, Mr G G -
Referral to Committees of papers tabled
1. The following paper is referred to the Standing Committee on
Public Accounts and to the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and
Local Government for consideration:
a) General Report of the Auditor-General on the Provincial Audit
Outcomes for 2004-2005 [RP 99-2006].
2. The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Transport:
(a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Republic of Botswana
regarding the Co-ordination of Aeronautical Search and Rescue
Services, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the
Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government
of the Republic of Botswana regarding the Co-ordination of
Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services.
3. The following paper is referred to the Joint Standing Committee
on Defence for consideration and to the Portfolio Committee on
Foreign Affairs for information:
a) Employment of the South African National Defence Force in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, for service in fulfillment of
the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa
towards the Democratic Republic of Congo.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Marine Living Resources Fund for 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005, including the Reports of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 [RP 41-2006].
National Assembly
- The Speaker
(a) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Overview
of Financial Misconduct for 2004-2005 Financial Year [RP 228-
2005].
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Forty-First Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Media Development and Diversity Agency, dated 15 March 2006:
-
INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Media Development and Diversity Agency for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:-
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified. -
CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Media Development and Diversity Agency is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General.
-
-
Forty-Second Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: High School Vorentoe Disaster Relief Fund, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the High School Vorentoe Disaster Relief Fund for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:- AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the High School Vorentoe Disaster Relief Fund is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Forty-Third Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Business and Arts South Africa, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Business and Arts South Africa for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:- AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Business and Arts South Africa is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General.
4 Forty-Fourth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: SASRIA, dated 15 March 2006: 1. INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the
Annual Report and the Report of the Independent Auditors on the
Financial Statements of SASRIA Limited for the year ended
31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports
as follows:
-
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Independent Auditors, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of SASRIA Limited is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Independent Auditors. -
Forty-Fifth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Disaster Relief Fund, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Disaster Relief Fund for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: -
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Disaster Relief Fund is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Forty-Sixth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Pelladrift Water Board, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the
Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements of the Pelladrift Water Board for the year
ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it,
reports as follows:
2. AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by
the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will
be equally unqualified.
3. CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with
the Accounting Authority of the Pelladrift Water Board is
necessary for the financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the
Report of the Auditor General.
-
Forty-Seventh Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Bloem Water Board, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Bloem Water Board for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: 2. AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified. 3. CONCLUSION The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Bloem Water Board is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Forty-Eighth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Albany Coast Water Board, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Albany Coast Water Board for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:-
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.
3. CONCLUSIONThe Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Albany Coast Water Board is necessary for the financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General.
-
-
Forty-Ninth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Office of the Public Protector, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Office of the Public Protector for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: 2. AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified. 3. CONCLUSION The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Office of the Public Protector is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Fiftieth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Nelson Mandela Museum, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Nelson Mandela Museum for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: 2. AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified. 3. CONCLUSION The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Nelson Mandela Museum is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Fifty-First Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: 2. AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified. 3. GENERAL MATTERS: The Committee further noted with concern that: • The internal audit function and a risk management strategy, incorporating a fraud prevention plan was not established; • NEMISA did not have Treasury approval with regard to its supply chain management policy. 4. RECOMMENDATION The Committee recommend that NEMISA report to Parliament within 60 days after receipt of this resolution on: • the status of implementation of its risk management strategy and plans regarding the establishment of the internal audit function; and • Treasury approval of its supply chain management policy. 5. CONCLUSION The Committee is of the view that, except for the aspects highlighted above, no further interaction with the NEMISA would be necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General. -
Fifty-Second Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Market Theatre Foundation, dated 15 March 2006:
-
INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Market Theatre Foundation for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:
-
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.
-
CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Market Theatre Foundation is necessary for the financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General.
-
-
Fifty-Third Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Mhlathuze Water Board, dated 15 March 2006:
-
INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Mhlathuze Water Board for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:
-
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.
-
CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Mhlathuze Water Board is necessary for the financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General.
-
-
Fifty-Fourth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Lepelle Northern Water Board, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Lepelle Northern Water Board for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: 2. AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.-
CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Lepelle Northern Water Board is necessary for the financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General.
-
Fifty-Fifth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Government Communication and information System, dated 15 March 2006:
-
INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Government Communication and Information System for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:
-
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.
-
3. CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with
the Accounting Authority of the Government Communication and
Information System is necessary for the financial year under
review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the
Report of the Auditor General.
-
Fifty-Sixth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: ETDP- SETA, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the ETDP-SETA for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: 2. AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions shall be equally unqualified.- GENERAL MATTERS
The Committee finds it totally unacceptable that ETDP SETA did not respond to Parliament’s resolution of 2004. The Committee further requests ETDP SETA to supply a thorough explanation why the 60 days deadline was not met.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that, except for the aspects highlighted above; no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the ETDP-SETA is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Fifty-Seventh Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: MERSETA, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the
Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements of the Manufacturing Engineering and
Related Services (MERSETA) for the year ended 31 March 2005,
tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:
2. AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by
the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will
be equally unqualified.
3. CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the
Accounting Authority of the MERSETA is necessary for the
financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the
Report of the Auditor General.
-
Fifty-Eighth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Council for Medical Schemes, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Council for Medical Schemes for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:- AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified. 3. CONCLUSION The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Council for Medical Schemes is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Fifty-Ninth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Council for Higher Education, dated 15 March 2006:
-
INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Council on Higher Education for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:
-
AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.-
CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Council on Higher Education is necessary for the financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General.
-
-
Sixtieth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: Botshelo Water Board, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Botshelo Water Board for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows: 2. AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the Botshelo Water Board is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. FRIDAY, 4 AUGUST 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bill
(1) The Minister of Sport and Recreation
a) National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill [B 17 – 2006]
(National Assembly – proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of
Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in
Government Gazette No 27787 of 22 July 2005.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Sport and
Recreation of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the
Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint
Rule 160.
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.
National Assembly
The Speaker
-
Membership of Committees
- The following changes have been made to the membership of the following Portfolio Committees, viz:
Defence Appointed: Jankielsohn, Mr R Discharged: Shah, Mr R
Environmental Affairs and Tourism Appointed: Shah, Mr R Discharged: Morgan, Mr G R
Health Appointed: Morgan, Mr G R Discharged: Kohler-Barnard, Ms D
Safety and Security Appointed: Kohler-Barnard, Ms D Discharged: Jankielsohn, Mr R
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 13 – 2006 (Reintroduced)] (National Assembly - sec 75), dated 25 July 2006:
The Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation, having considered the subject of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 13 – 2006 (Reintroduced)] (National Assembly - sec 75), referred to it and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill, presents the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 13B - 2006]. -
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation on the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 16 – 2006] (National Assembly - sec 76), dated 25 July 2006:
The Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation, having considered the subject of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 16 – 2006] (National Assembly - sec 76), referred to it and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 76 Bill, presents the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Special Measures Bill [B 16B - 2006]. TUESDAY, 8 AUGUST 2006
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
a) Government Notice No 671 published in Government Gazette No 29004
dated 14 July 2006: Exemptions of 1.1 (IDC and its subsidiaries –
Findevco (Pty) Ltd, Konoil (Pty) Ltd, Impofin (Pty) Ltd, Export-
Import Finance Corporation of SA (Pty) Ltd, 1.2 (Foskor Limited.),
1.3 (Debt Restructuring subsidiaries of the IDC.), in terms of
section 92 of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of
1999).
-
The Minister of Public Enterprises a) Report and Financial Statements of Eskom Holdings Limited (Eskom) for 2005-2006, including the Reports of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2005-2006.
-
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
a) Government Notice No 682 published in Government Gazette No 29027
dated 14 July 2006: Natal National Botanic Garden: Change of Name,
made in terms of the National Environmental Management:
Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Sixty-First Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: FAIS OMBUD, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the FAIS OMBUD for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:-
AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by Auditor- General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.
-
CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the FAIS OMBUD is necessary for the financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General.
-
Sixty-Second Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: PAETA, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Primary Agriculture Education and Training Authority (PAETA) for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:- AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of PAETA is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Sixty-Third Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: FASSET, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the FASSET for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:- AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.- CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the FASSET is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Sixty-Fourth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: CTFL – SETA, dated 15 March 2006:
- INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Education and Training Authority (CTFL-SETA) for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:-
AUDIT OPINION The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will be equally unqualified.
-
CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with the Accounting Authority of the CTFL-SETA is necessary for the financial year under review. The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor General. -
Sixty-Fifth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts: BANKSETA, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the
Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements of the BANKSETA for the year ended 31 March
2005, tabled in Parliament and referred to it, reports as
follows:
2. AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by
the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will
be equally unqualified.
3. CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with
the Accounting Authority of the BANKSETA is necessary for the
financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the
Report of the Auditor General. 6. Sixty-Sixth Report of Standing Committee on Public Accounts:
Construction Industry Development Board, dated 15 March 2006:
1. INTRODUCTION
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts, having considered the
Annual Report and the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements of the Construction Industry Development
Board (CIDB) for the year ended 31 March 2005, tabled in
Parliament and referred to it, reports as follows:
2. AUDIT OPINION
The Committee noted the unqualified audit opinion expressed by
the Auditor-General, and trusts that future audit opinions will
be equally unqualified.
3. CONCLUSION
The Committee is of the view that no further interaction with
the Accounting Authority of the CIDB is necessary for the
financial year under review.
The Committee therefore awaits the next Annual Report and the
Report of the Auditor General.
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works on the Government Immovable Asset Management Bill [B 1-2006] (National Assembly – sec 75), dated 31 May 2006:
The Portfolio Committee on Public Works having considered the subject
of the Government Immovable Asset Management Bill [B 1-2006] (National
Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, reports as follows:
1. During the meeting of the Portfolio Committee held on 3 May 2006,
the Committee was informed by the Department of Public Works of the
existence of complexities on the extension of the scope of the Bill
to local government. The Department was directed to revisit and do
extensive consultation on those complexities and also include a
chapter on local government, which the Department undertook to do.
2. At the meeting of the Committee held on 24 May 2006, pursuant to
and in response to the meeting of 3 May 2006, the Department
reported to the Committee on the outcome of their consultation with
the Department of Provincial and Local Government (DPLG). The
Department proposed that the Bill be passed in its current form and
a future amended Bill incorporating a local government chapter be
considered at a later stage. Further that the Committee recommends
to the House that the extension of the scope of the Bill to local
government be referred to the Departments of Public Works and
Provincial and Local Government for further consultation and
consideration.
3. The Committee noted the proposals by the Department but referred
the Department back to consider the Bill, as reasons advanced for
not incorporating a local government chapter were unconvincing and
unacceptable.
4. At the meeting of the Committee held on 31 May 2006, the Department
informed the Committee that it did not sufficiently consult with
DPLG and South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and
proposed that the Bill could either be withdrawn from the current
parliamentary session or be passed in its current form, and
thereafter an amendment to be incorporated into the Bill be fast
tracked.
Recommendations
The Committee considered the matter and resolved that:
• The House requests the Minister of Public Works to withdraw the Bill for reconsideration. • A chapter on local government be incorporated into the Bill and the Bill be reintroduced as soon as possible.
Report to be considered.
FRIDAY, 11 AUGUST 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Membership of Committees
1. The following members have been appointed to serve on the Ad Hoc
Committee on Operational Problems in the Office of the Public
Protector, viz:
African National Congress
Asmal, Prof A K
Njobe, Ms M A A
Johnson, Ms C B
Democratic Alliance
Camerer, Ms S M
Joubert, Mr L K
Inkatha Freedom Party
Van der Merwe, Mr J H
Independent Democrats
Harding, Mr A
2. Prof A K Asmal has been elected as Chairperson of the Ad Hoc
Committee on Operational Problems in the Office of the Public
Protector with effect from 10 August 2006.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Safety and Security
a) International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear
Terrorism, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution,
1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the International Convention for the
Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
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MONDAY, 14 AUGUST 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Membership of Assembly
(1) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr N P Nhleko vacating his
seat in the National Assembly with effect from 1 September 2005,
had been filled with effect from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of
Mr V H Nhlapo.
2) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr N A Ramathlodi vacating his
seat in the National Assembly with effect from 22 September 2005,
had been filled with effect from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of
Ms M D Seadimo.
3) The vacancy which occurred owing to Ms C E Gillwald vacating her
seat in the National Assembly with effect from 31 January 2006, had
been filled with effect from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of Mr T
L Mahlaba.
4) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr M K Lekgoro vacating his
seat in the National Assembly with effect from 23 March 2006, had
been filled with effect from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of Ms P
Daniels.
5) The vacancy which occurred in the National Assembly owing to the
death of Ms S N Sigcau on 7 May 2006, had been filled with effect
from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of Ms Z N Nawa.
6) The vacancy which occurred owing to Rev M S Khumalo vacating his
seat in the National Assembly with effect from 16 May 2006, had
been filled with effect from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of Ms M
F Tlake.
7) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr G P Ngomezulu vacating his
seat in the National Assembly with effect from 1 June 2006, had
been filled with effect from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of Mr A
J Nyambi.
8) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr R S Ndou vacating his seat
in the National Assembly with effect from 9 June 2006, had been
filled with effect from 24 July 2006 by the nomination of Mr P S
Gabanakgosi.
9) The vacancy which occurred owing to Mr L S Gabela vacating his seat
in the National Assembly with effect from 15 May 2006, had been
filled with effect from 7 August 2006 by the nomination of Mr N W
Ngcobo.
10) The vacancy which occurred in the National Assembly owing to the
death of Mr D V Mabuyakhulu on 12 July 2006, had been filled with
effect from 7 August 2006 by the nomination of Mr M J Nene.
11) The vacancy which occurred owing to Ms H Blose vacating her seat in
the National Assembly with effect from 7 August 2006, had been
filled with effect from 7 August 2006 by the nomination of Mr M E
Mbili.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance 1) Convention between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Spain for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
2) Explanatory Memorandum to the Convention between the Republic of
South Africa and the Kingdom of Spain for the Avoidance of Double
Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes
on Income and on Capital.
3) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania 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.
4) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United
Republic of Tanzania for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the
Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income.
TUESDAY, 15 AUGUST 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Introduction of Bill (1) The Minister of Transport
a) Carriage by Air Amendment Bill [B 18 – 2006] (National Assembly – proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 29118 of 10 August 2006.]Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Transport of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160.
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.
National Assembly
The Speaker
-
Designation of Acting Speaker and Deputy Speaker
As both the Deputy Speaker and I will be absent from Parliament during the period 11 to 15 August 2006, in accordance with the resolution adopted by the House on 24 June 2004 I designate House Chairperson Mr G Q M Doidge to act as Speaker and House Chairperson Mrs C-S Botha to act as Deputy Speaker for this period.
As I will further be absent from Parliament for the period 16 to 18 August 2006, in accordance with the resolution adopted by the House on 24 June 2004 I designate Deputy Speaker G L Mahlangu-Nkabinde to act as Speaker and House Chairperson Mr G Q M Doidge to act as Deputy Speaker for this period.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
1) Interim Report of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for the
period April 2005 to September 2005.
- The Minister of Finance
1) Government Notice No 972 published in Government Gazette No 29033
dated 21 July 2006: Minister of Finance, acting in terms of Section
66(3)(b) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of
1999), approve that the accounting authority for Rand Water may
commit to a shareholder’s loan of USD 245 000, a performance bond
of USD 1 470 000 and provide bid security amounting to USD 122 500
for the Joint Venture with the Vitens International BV of the
Netherlands pursuant to effect the management contract awarded by
the Ghana Water Company, in terms of the Act. The above approval is
granted subject to Rand Water not exceeding their debt limit
provided in the Government Gazette Notice 23450 of 31 May 2002.
2) Government Notice No 669 published in Government Gazette No 29010
dated 21 July 2006: Notice setting out particulars of arrears
demarcated by Municipality of Matjhabeng in terms of section 13quat
in terms of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
[1]See, Rules of the National Assembly, 4th Edition, January 2004, 53