National Council of Provinces - 17 May 2006
WEDNESDAY, 17 MAY 2006 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
____
The Council met at 14:00.
The Chairperson took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr M A MZIZI: Chairperson, on behalf of the IFP, I will move on the next sitting day:
That the Council -
(1) notes that even in this era, there are people who still think that the only way of solving their problems is through the barrel of a gun;
(2) further notes that yesterday a security guard, Lucky Buthelezi, shot and wounded his girlfriend before killing himself;
(3) wishes the wounded woman a speedy recovery; and
(4) urges anyone who witnesses unusual behaviour displayed by any person to report this to the police, to prevent more of such tragic occurrences.
Mr J W LE ROUX: Chairperson, I will move at the next sitting of this House:
That the Council notes -
(1) with outrage the damage done to private properties by the striking security personnel of SATAWU yesterday;
(2) that members of the public were assaulted and robbed in the centre of Cape Town;
(3) that the SA Police Service was unable to protect properties of South African citizens;
(4) that the union and its leaders should be held responsible and punished for these unlawful deeds; and (5) that law and order in South Africa is at all times of a low standard.
Ms J F TERBLANCHE: Chairperson, I hereby give notice that I intend to move on the next sitting day.
That the Council –
(1) together with the National Assembly, should appoint a joint ad hoc committee consisting of representatives of all parties to enquire into all aspects of the abuse of travel vouchers by MPs;
(2) investigates whether Members, office bearers and officials of Parliament have co-operated in all aspects of the investigation into the abuse of travel vouchers as well as whether the Scorpions have an acceptable explanation for the untiring investigation which they have conducted;
3) further considers what steps, if any, should be taken by Parliament
against MPs involved in the abuse – whether they should be charged,
tried and convicted . . . [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, hon Member! There’s a point of order.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Chairperson, it is not a point of order. The hon member is not audible enough – at least to me and I think to the other members as well. It is difficult to hear her. I’m not sure whether it’s her voice or the sound system. Can that be rectified?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Those who deal with the sound system should please correct it.
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Reverend A Maart)
Mr N J MACK: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
1) notes with immense sadness the passing away of anti-apartheid
activist and minister of the Bethel Congregational Church in Paarl
East, Reverend Abe Maart, who passed away on Thursday, 11 May 2006;
2) acknowledges that “Meneer”, as he was affectionately known, was a
community and spiritual leader par excellence;
3) further recalls that he endured the scorn and indignity directed at
him by unprogressive forces in his community and detention by the
previous security forces while in pursuit of the noble cause of a
just society;
4) recognises the enormous contribution that Rev Maart had made in the
execution of his pastoral duties that transcended the artificial
racial boundaries that were foisted upon the Paarl and surrounding
communities;
5) believes that Rev Maart leaves behind a legacy of selflessness and
humility; and
6) conveys its deepest condolences to the Maart family, his
congregation and the Paarl community as a whole.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Mr J F Aulsebrook) Mr D D GAMEDE: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1) notes the untimely departure of the hon J F Aulsebrook, a member of the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature since 1994; and
(2) resolves to convey its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members, relatives and the party to which he belonged.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Prince Gideon Zulu)
Ms A N T MCHUNU: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council –
(1) notes with great sadness the passing away of one of the greatest sons of South Africa, Prince Gideon Zulu; (2) further notes that he made history and that he was history himself – a selfless person who served all, the poor and the rich, with great commitment; and
(3) resolves to convey its condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Minister Stella Nomzamo Sigcau)
SOSISWEBHU WEMKHANDLU WEMAPROVINSI: Sihlalo lohlon, ngiphakamisa sishukumiso lesingakabikwa ngaphambilini:
Kutsi –
leNdlu Yemkhandlu Wemaprovinsi ivakalise kushaceka
nebuhlungu, ngekusishiya emhlabeni kwemhlon Indvuna
Stella Nomzamo Sigcawu.
[Kuhlaba lulwimi.] (Translation of Siswati paragraphs follows.)
[The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Hon Chairperson, I would like to move:
That the Council –
notes with profound sadness the passing away of Minister Stella
Nomzamo Sicgau, who passed way on Sunday, 7 May 2006.
[Interjections.]]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! I am sorry, Chief Whip. I didn’t hear any interpretation of the speech. Where are the interpreters? Can the interpreters indicate whether they are there or not. Are there any interpreters there?
SOSISWEBHU WEMKHANDLU WEMAPROVINSI: Mgcinisihlalo, nome kute lohumushako kodvwa ngicinisekile kutsi lesishukumiso sibhaliwe ngeSingisi kulama- Odaphepha. (Translation of Siswati paragraph follows.)
[The CHIEF WHIP OF THE NCOP: Chairperson, even though there is no interpretation, I am sure that this motion is printed on the Order Paper.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Is it on the Order Paper? OK, you can then continue. We will refer to what he is reading, which is mostly in English, on the Order Paper. However, it’s not acceptable that we should not have interpretation when we need it. All languages have to be spoken in the House. Therefore there must be simultaneous interpretation. Ms Secretary and the Table’s staff, this is not acceptable!
SOSISWEBHU WEMKHANDLU WEMAPROVINSI: Ngiyabonga kakhulu, Mgcinisihlalo. Nami ngiyakusekela ngobe nami ngitigcabha kakhulu ngaleSiswati sakitsi. Ngitsandza kutsi nangisikhuluma nalaba labanye bekunene bakhone kuva kutsi ngitsini ngekutsi batolikelwe.
Bengisasho-ke kutsi leNdlu -
(1) ivakalisa kushaceka nebuhlungu ngekusishiya emhlabeni kwemhlon Indvuna Stella Nomzamo Sigcau, losishiye emhlabeni ngeLisontfo mhla tingu 7 ku May kuwo lomnyaka;
(2) futsi sitawukhumbula kutsi umhlon Sigcau wacala ngekuba yiNdvuna yeLitiko leTemisebenti yaHulumende Nebantfu kusukela nga 1994 kwaze kwaba ngu 1999,emvakwaloko, umhlon Sigcawu wase uba yiNdvuna yeLitiko leTemisebenti yeMiphakatsi kusukela ngalowo mnyaka wanga 1999 kwaze kwaba lilanga lekusishiya kwakhe emhlabeni;
(3) futsi sikhumbula indzima layidlala ngemsebenti wakhe labekawenta njengelilunga Lekomidi Lenkhulu Yavelonkhe ku-ANC, sikhumbula futsi nekutsi Indvuna Stella Sigcau ube livulandlela nelihambambili lelacala kutinikela ekwakhiweni kweNingizimu Afrika lenenchubekela embili; lengakhetsi muntfu ngekwelibala, ngebulili kantsi futsi ibusa ngekwedemokrasi;
(4) siphindze futsi sidvumise indzima ledlalwe ngumhlon Sigcawu ekwakhiweni kwaledemokrasi yetfu, ngekutsi abe lilunga leNdlu yeSishayamtsetfo saVelonkhe aphindze abe lilunga leKhabhinethi kuhulumende lomkhulu;
(5) sitsandza kusho kutsi siyetsemba kutsi iNdvuna ishiye umlandvo wekusebenta ngekutinikela ngaphandle kwekutibukela yena ngekwakhe;
7) (6) ekugcineni, leNdlu bese ivakalisa buhlungu nendvudvuto
kuyo indlunkhulu yaseQawukeni, nakumndeni wakhe kanye nasembutfweni
we ANC.
Ngiyabonga. (Translation of Siswati motion of condolence follows.) [The CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Thank you, Chairperson, I do agree with you, because I am very proud of my language. However, when I do use it, I would nevertheless like to be heard by all present in all the official languages.
As I was saying, I move:
That the Council –
(1) notes with profound sadness the passing away of hon Minister
Stella Nomzamo Sigcau, who passed away on Sunday, 7 May 2006;
(2) recalls that Minister Sigcau served as Minister of Public
Enterprises from 1994 to 1999 and as Minister of Public Works from
1999 until her untimely death;
(3) further recalls that through her work as a member of the ANC’s
National Executive Committee, Minister Sigcau was a patriot who
devoted her life to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist,
democratic and proserous South Africa;
(4) acknowledges the great contribution that Minister Sigcau made in
the making and shaping of our democracy, both as a member of the
National Assembly and the government;
(5) believes that Minister Sigcau leaves behind a legacy of
dedicated service and selflessness; and
6) conveys its deepest condolences to the Qawukeni Royal House, all
her loved ones and the ANC.
I thank you.]
Mr J W LE ROUX: Chairperson, I would like to address you on the fact that Mr Watson is seriously ill and is in a hospital in Durban. He asked me to convey my condolences on his behalf.
Thank you, Chairperson. The DA expresses its condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the late Minister Stella Sigcau. She was a very special person and an African princess who devoted her life to the betterment of South Africa and her people. She devoted her life to bringing dignity to the rural women of the former Transkei and fearlessly fought for democracy in South Africa. She set a very special example of dedication and service; and will sorely be missed by all South Africans; we sadly regret her passing away. I thank you.
Mnu M A MZIZI: Sihlalo, iNkatha Freedom Party izwakalisa ukudabuka nokuletha induduzo kumndeni, kubangani nakuwo lo Mkhandlu wesishayamthetho. Xa kunje amaXhosa aye athi: “Akuhlanga lungehliyo, lala ngenxeba.” Phofu ke siyazi ukuba inxeba ukuba asinto ongalala phezu kwayo xa lisopha.
Siyamcela uNkulunkulu ukuthi abophe izinhliziyo ezophayo. AbeSuthu baye bayikhulume kangcono le ndaba izwakale kahle. Bathi: (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)
[Chairperson, the IFP conveys its condolences to the family, friends and this very legislative House. When offering their condolences at times like these, Xhosas often say that you should lie on the side where you are wounded. However, we know that one cannot really do that if a wound is bleeding.
We pray that God consoles the bereaved hearts. The Sotho people put it more eloquently. They say:]
Ba re lefu ke ngwetsi ya malapa ohle. Ha le tjhatisa, le boloka mofu o nahane mme, o be o hopole le wena hore hosane letjhato leno le tla be le le ha hao. [Death knows no bounds. When there is a wedding or a burial, we must always keep in mind that tomorrow it might be you or me.]
Siyazi bake bamhasha abamaziyo, behasha ubuqhawe bakhe. Mina-ke ngiyalazi lelo qhawe. Abaningi benu bazokhumbula laphaya eThokoza okwake kwaba nempicabadala kulwa amaXhosa namaZulu. Yafika inkosazana, hhayi njengoba besenimbona emathunzi ayewuka nje, kwakusenguye esanyathela ngabantwana. Yafika inkosazana ihamba nenkosi uNdamase nomntakaHolomisa uBantubonke.
Ubuqhawe la engabubona khona ukuthi ayesabi le nkosazana, kwathi sezingena ezikaZulu zithi yibambeni imikhonto niyiphakamisele phezulu okungenjalo uyosala phansi, yasukuma inkosazana ngabona ibheka ngapha nangapha. Yathi:
Hheyi bafondini, asiyo ndawo ekufanele sibe kuyo le, masihambeni. Ngasho ngathi yiqhawe leli. (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)
[Those who knew her sang her praises; they praised her heroism. I personally know her heroism. Most of you will remember when there was a fight between the Zulus and the Xhosas. The princess came; she was still young and beautiful then. She was accompanied by iNkosi Ndamase and Bantubonke Holomisa.
Then I noticed her fearlessness when the Zulu warriors came to the meeting, singing their popular song, which, loosely translated, says, “Let us take our spears and raise them high lest we shall be killed”. She stood up and looked at both sides decisively, and said: “Gentlemen, we are not supposed to be here. We should leave.”
I say this is a heroine.]
Mr N D HENDRICKSE: We also want to join the rest of the House and all South Africans to bring honour to a woman who in her time used all the facilities at hand to bring a better life to our people. We also want to convey our condolences to her family. Thank you.
Nkskz A N D QIKANI: Mphathisihlalo, sithe thina maMpondo enyanda edla amadliwa sakuva ukuba awaseQawukeni afikelwe lizulu elithe lagqekeza lawisa umthi omkhulu, kwathiwa, “ilele inkosazana; ulele uMaFaku.” Kwatsho kwashukuma uMzantsi Afrika wonke kuba kaloku kulele umntwana wegazi.
Siza kumkhumbula thina kwela lethu lamaMpondo uMaNyawuza, uZiqelekazi, uDakile, ngemisebenzi yakhe, uphuhliso loomama nololutsha ngokubanzi. Asazi ke ngoku ukuba siza kukwazi na ukuthi wagwetywa ndlala kumntu oza kungena ezinyaweni zakhe.
UThixo esimthembileyo akasusi nto angabeki nto. I-UDM ithi: Phumla ngoxolo, Nyawuza, Thahla, Ndayeni, Hlamba ngocabeko amanz’ ekhona, Ngqungqushe, Ziqelekazi. Enkosi. (Translation of isiXhosa speech follows.)
[Ms A N D QIKANI: Chairperson, the Pondo clan heard the news that the princess had fallen, and they and the whole of South Africa were filled with shock and immediately realised how shaken the whole nation would be because a child of the royal house passed away.
The Pondos will remember MaNyawuza, Ziqelekazi, Dakile for all her good deeds, especially her efforts towards the development of women and the youth. As we are engulfed by sadness, we cannot help but wonder who would listen to and hear our cries of sorrow and pangs of hunger when they become insurmountable.
The God we believe in will certainly provide a suitable substitute. The UDM pays tribute to the daughter of the Pondos, to Nyawuza, Thahla, Ndayeni, Hlamba ngocabeko amanz’ ekhona, Ngqungqushe, Ziqelekazi. Thank you.]
Ms L MATLHOAHELA: Mr Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, the ID herewith proffers our deepest and sincere condolences with the passing on of our hon Minister of Public Works, Ms Stella Sigcawu. The country has lost a mother and the traditional royalty has lost a princess. Thank you, Mr Chair.
Debate concluded.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: We now come to voting on the motion on the Order Paper as printed in the name of the Chairperson of the NCOP. As there is no speakers’ list, I shall now put the question. The question is that the motion be agreed to.
As the decision is dealt with in terms of section 65 of the Constitution, I shall first ascertain whether all the delegation heads are present in the Chamber to cast their provinces, votes. Are all delegation heads present? Present.
In accordance with Rule 71 I shall first allow provinces the opportunity to make their declarations of vote if they so wish. Is there any province that would like to do so? None.
We shall now proceed to voting on the question. I shall do so in alphabetical order per province. Delegation heads must please indicate to the Chair whether they vote in favour, against or abstain from voting. [Interjections.] Eastern Cape?
Ms B N DLULANE: Iyaxhasa. [We support.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Free State?
Mr T S SETONA: In favour.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Gauteng?
Mr E M SOGONI: Siyavuma. [We support.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: KwaZulu-Natal?
Mr Z C NTULI: Elethu. [We support.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Limpopo?
Ms H F MATLANYANE: We support.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Mpumalanga?
Ms F NYANDA: In favour.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Northern Cape?
Mr M C GOEIEMAN: Steun. [We support.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: North West?
Mr Z S KOLWENI: Ke a rona. [We support.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Western Cape?
Mr N J MACK: Support.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: All nine provinces have voted in favour. I therefore declare the motion agreed to in terms of section 65 of the Constitution.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
APPROPRIATION BILL
(Policy debate)
Budget Vote No 18 – Social Development:
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Hon Chairperson, hon delegates, Deputy Minister of Social Development, members of the provincial and executive councils, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it has been said that the life and the character of Oliver Tambo are an example of our struggle for human rights, democracy and social development. I would like to draw on the wisdom of this illustrious son of our country to present Budget Vote 18 of the Department of Social Development, and I quote:
We believe that we must stand together in creating the new South Africa. When our work is done, let us all look at the new South Africa with hope and encouragement. Hope and encouragement because she will have demonstrated that it is possible for people of different colours and different races and nationalities to live together in peace and friendship sharing a common sense of nationhood and humanity.
This extract is from the speech made by Oliver Tambo in Johannesburg on 19 February 1993 during the conference titled “From Apartheid to Peace, Democracy and Development”.
Budget Vote 18 is an expression of our promise to deepen and improve the quality of life of all those who are impoverished, vulnerable and socially excluded. In line with our Constitution, we will continue to accelerate equitable access to services whilst ensuring freedom from discrimination and harassment.
In the context of our developmental state, the principle of equitable access requires that we pay special attention to the most remote areas of our country. We therefore set aside over R58 million over the MTEF period to promote sustainable livelihood strategies, principally in the nodal areas of the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development and Urban Renewal Programme. These strategies are based on national surveys as well as the lessons learnt from two innovative sustainable livelihood pilot projects in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
Let me take this opportunity to salute the efforts of numerous individuals, the private sector and civil society organisations who, in partnership with the Independent Development Trust, IDT, the National Development Agency, NDA, and Kaelo Worldwide Media, have contributed to these projects. We will launch one of these projects on Friday in the community of Dutyini, in the Alfred Nzo district municipality in the Eastern Cape.
These community-level efforts will complement the allocation to provinces, via the equitable share, of a sum of R388 million as part of the integrated social development grant.
The late Oliver Tambo, speaking on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Soweto uprising, remarked upon the fact that our young people had begun the countdown for their recognition and inclusion as a main contributing force to political and economic liberation 30 years before then. The youth of Soweto, Mamelodi, Gugulethu and other parts of our country arose in unison and declared that South Africa belongs to all, young and old, rich and poor.
In commemoration of their heroism and in continuation of their efforts, on 1 June 2006, in Galeshewe, we will launch the social aspect of the youth development framework, which was adopted by Minmec last year. Through this framework we will improve the material conditions in which young people grow up, study and play; strengthen social cohesion and establish the people’s contract at local government level; and professionalise youth and childcare work.
I would like to remind delegates to the NCOP that on 29 May 2006 we will be launching child protection week. Please wear a green ribbon as a symbol of our commitment to nurture and protect our children’s future.
The empowering and systematic involvement of our young people is vital to attaining the target of the 6% economic growth rate set by our accelerated and shared growth initiative. The social sector as a whole, through conditional grants and the equitable share, has set aside R4,2 billion for the Expanded Public Works Programme so as to realise the objective of skills development and the creation of work opportunities in the home- and community-based care and early childhood development sectors.
With the support of the Business Trust, the social sector has identified the critical path for the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, and we have begun to address the capacity and project management deficits that have been identified. The sectors we wish to target for the Expanded Public Works Programme are largely managed and run by nonprofit organisations, NPOs, often with very little state and private sector support. We have therefore set aside R51,9 million over the MTEF period to enhance policy, create an enabling environment and improve service standards in the NPO sector. The strengthening of the regional offices of the National Development Agency will complement these funds.
Our ultimate objective is to eradicate absolute poverty and our social assistance programme contributes to this effort. Through our income-support programme we provide vital assistance to more than 11 million poor people in our country. Disbursements in Gauteng province, the Western Cape and Northern Cape are now conducted under the supervision of the SA Social Security Agency and by March 2007 all provinces will disburse over R57,7 billion in social grants under the auspices of the agency.
What remains is the deepening of our comprehensive social security system through, amongst other things, improving access and linking contributory and noncontributory schemes. Our ultimate objective is a system of social protection that protects against particular vulnerabilities and risks, addresses retirement needs and promotes economic and social development.
The building of a comprehensive social security system requires both vigilance and persistence in preventing leakages, and we will continue to enhance our antifraud campaign and other activities. Government has already instituted criminal proceedings against more than 900 of the 12 000 public servants who, we believe, are unlawfully accessing social grants. We have also suspended payments to all 12 000 public servants and dismissed 100 public servants in this regard. In order to help rectify our financial losses, 2 000 public acknowledgements of debt have been signed and we will recover R7 million through these means.
We intend to investigate each and every one of the 35 000 cases of potential fraud and corruption that have been reported by the public to our antifraud hotline, and we will be comparing databases with other government agencies and the private sector.
Through all these efforts aimed at improving the integrity of the grant payment system, government has managed to save about R1,2 billion in the past financial year. We will not rest until the right people get the right grants, in an appropriate manner that respects their dignity. We will also accelerate our efforts to ensure that our clients know their rights and receive the best possible services. In this regard we will continue to work towards attaining the norms and standards. I am prepared and pleased to announce the substantial progress that has been made in some areas, such as Pietermaritzburg, were the aim is, and I am informed actually of this, that the turnaround time for processing of the social grant in KwaZulu-Natal is well within the 48 hours standard, that is in KwaZulu-Natal.
We will now deepen in these efforts by communicating to our people, wherever they are, in the language of their preference. This we will achieve through innovative partnerships such as the one we have developed in the context of Telephone Interpreting Service for South Africa, with the Department of Arts and Culture.
This service which will cost R31 000 000, will ensure that all government information and services are available to the public in any of the official languages, including indigenous languages. Hon Chairperson, access to services is not only restricted by language barriers, but also by deficiencies in our capacity.
The quality and numbers of critical social service professionals are decreasing, and as such our social worker corps is inadequate. We are implementing critical elements of the social work retention strategy. This includes skills enhancement for all social service professionals, reviewing and revising the salaries of social workers in the Public Service, awarding more bursaries for further education, curriculum improvement and recruitment campaigns. We intend to revise the outdated Social Service Professional Act and to ensure that it addresses the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Chairperson, the work on the legislative front to address key policy and legislative gaps continues. To this end we will firstly reintroduce the section 76 elements of the Children’s Bill, which deals with provincial competency and services. And I hope the NCOP will assist us in that.
Secondly, we will introduce the social relief fund so as to consolidate all the relief funds administered by the department; and finally introduce amendments to the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Bill, to address the scourge of substance and drug abuse.
Hon members, we all know that while the appropriate policies and legislation are vital to enable us to realise the hopes and dreams of our people, by themselves they are insufficient. The implementation of these policies and pieces of legislation is also a critical success factor in achieving a better life for all.
We have therefore set aside R19,4 million over the MTEF period to monitor and evaluate our implementation activities. We must be able to ascertain that we are indeed fulfilling the aspiration, hopes and dreams of the thousands of our people, who marched to the Union Buildings some 50 years ago.
To mark and celebrate this particular act of struggle we will host a world summit for rural women in September this year. The aspirations and hopes and dreams of our people require that we are exemplary in our struggle for human rights, democracy and social development.
I trust that hon members will support this Budget Vote. More importantly I would really like to emphasise your remark, Chairperson, as we started here that most of our articulations and addresses to such institutions as the NCOP should be available to everybody, hence the issue of language and interpretation becomes very important.
At this time it might probably not be a nice way of saying it, but one question is quite clear: The majority of our people do not hear us, they do not understand what we are saying because we are all speaking in English. We run away from what we know. We ought to be speaking in our own languages, at our homes, because I know that some of us speak in English to our children.
But the reality is that the ordinary people do not understand us and hence the reality of such an institution as the NCOP, being able to say in time, and in substance, to reach our people it becomes very important to all of us that we use our own languages. I think Parliament has been talking about that for the past 12 years: that all languages are equal and they should be made accessible to all our people, and that is what we ought to be doing.
Unfortunately there are very few groups that do that - except the people who speak Afrikaans who demand it, rightly so. I support them very much. They demand to be heard and to use their language.
All of us are becoming a little bit coy about it. We feel that everybody will think that we are not educated enough if we speak our mother tongue. If we do not do that, surely the rest of the world will look down upon us. Let us speak our own languages.
Ms J M MASILO: Motlotlegi Modulasetulo, Tona ya lefapha le Motlatsa-Tona, badirikanna, Mokaedi-Kakaretso wa lefapha, botsamaisi jo bo kwa godimo, bomme le borre . . . [Hon Chairperson, Minister and Deputy Minister of the department, colleagues, the director-general of the department, top management, ladies and gentlemen . . .]
… on 8 May 1996, the people’s representatives of our country adopted a Constitution for the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996. The year 2006 thus marks the 10th anniversary of our Constitution as has been celebrated by the two Houses recently.
The freedom we attained through the adoption of our Constitution will, later this year, best be explained and demonstrated through the 50th anniversary of the heroic women’s march to the Union Buildings on 9 August
- The 50th anniversary of the women’s march should therefore exhort us to assess progress we have made and challenges recorded through the years in our effort to achieve gender equity and the advancement of women’s rights.
On 22 March 2006, the Department of Social Development briefed the select committee on its strategic plan and also unveiled its financial plan for 2006 to 2007, which amounts to R62 005 460 billion. The objective of the briefing was for the Department of Social Development to account to the committee on how they intend to use their budget to achieve intended service delivery programmes related to the following: administration, comprehensive social protection, social security transfers and administration, social welfare services, development and research, strategy, regulation and oversight.
Departmental challenges are the following: the finalisation of the South African Social Security Agency and the implementation of infrastructure and personnel in all provinces; outstanding pieces of legislation; ever- increasing demand for services as a result of various social and economic challenges such as HIV/Aids and migration; leakages due to fraud and corruption, though minimised; the filling of critical middle-management vacancies especially in the regions. Out of 598 approved posts, only 399 are filled and 199 are still outstanding; the number of youth in the development programme for 2005-06 are not explained; in Programme 4, 80 loveLife groundbreakers have been trained to reach out to farms and informal settlements, but excluding the rural areas or villages.
To congratulate the department, by the end of the previous 2005-06 financial year, 98% had been spent, which shows good spending patterns. It met the basic employment equity targets of 62% women, 80% Africans, 2% people with disabilities, and facilitated and approved 29 internal and external policies. In Programme 4, on the department’s achievements of the 2005-06 financial year, it finalised the Expanded Public Works Programme sector plan; the HIV/Aids training programme for the government policy-makers and planners was reviewed and implemented; 57 community-based multipurpose centres have been established and funded, 352 organisations have been funded and 6 976 caregivers have been trained; and research has been done in monitoring the community-based home care projects.
Regarding the Expanded Public Works Programme, the Department of Social Development is responsible for providing the framework for the implementation of the two Expanded Public Works Programmes. The first is the home- and community-based care programme for people living with HIV/Aids. In 2005-06, an amount of R138, 4 million was allocated for the implementation of the programme. The grant was to be transferred to the provinces for implementation. Equally important is the fact that community- based caregivers, though receiving a small income, should also be provided with skills.
The select committee will engage with the provincial departments on the oversight role on the expenditure patterns with regard to the programme, as well as assessing the impact of the programme at the community level. Finally, the select committee will attempt to get an understanding of the nature of skills transferred through the programme as well as the responsibility for the provision of training.
With regard to the South African Social Security Agency, I would take this opportunity firstly to congratulate the CEO of the agency, Mr Fezile Makiwane, on his appointment, as well as his senior management.
The following are the issues to be considered by Sassa: the increase in the allocation for the establishment of the SA Social Security Agency from R135 million in 2006 to 2007 to R167 million in 2008 to 2009. Will this increase be adequate for the agency to take up its grant administration responsibilities in all provinces? What kind of service-level agreements has the department entered into with the agency to ensure that it carries out its functions satisfactorily? To what extent have personnel, employed by grant payment service providers, been found to be involved in defrauding the social grant system? Also initiate antifraud measures to improve the integrity of social grant administration.
The committee came up with recommendations and the tasks for the Department of Social Development to continue to implement the comprehensive antifraud strategy; to launch the national security agency in all provinces; to set up 100 new youth advisory centres and to enrol at least 5 000 volunteers to help vulnerable children.
This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the June 16 events. This anniversary, within the context of social development, is a significant symbol to instil hope of empowerment and development in our youth.
In conclusion, in the age of hope - a national effort for faster and shared growth in social development sectors - I would like to thank the ministry, all the senior management under the administrative leadership of Mr Vusi Madonsela for the support and dedication they gave to the select committee at all times.
Last but not least, I would like to thank the dedicated members of the committee for a sterling job well done, moreover on the pieces of legislation passed during the financial year 2005-06; especially the Children’s Bill and Older Person’s Bill, after many days of deliberations and heated debates. God bless you all in this phase of hope in our country.
The committee commends the Department of Social Development on its strategic plan and Budget Vote 18 presentation, and pledges to support Vote
- Thank you. [Applause.] Ms H MALGAS (Eastern Cape): Thank you, hon Chairperson. Hon Chairperson, hon Minister and the Deputy Minister, and hon members of this respected House, I greet you in the name of Mpuma-Kapa. Now I’ll go over to the language that came to South Africa by boat! [Interjections.]
The ANC would like to congratulate the Minister responsible for social development on his comprehensive and clear speech. It sets out a number of policy areas which include a historical vision of the People’s Contract of 25 June 1955 as enshrined in the Freedom Charter, as well as the manner in which the national initiatives would influence the mandate of the department in the Eastern Cape in promoting the development of our people according to Asgisa, the Provincial Growth and Development Plan and the social needs cluster priorities of the province and the excision of the social security to the capable hands of Sassa.
Chairperson, the ANC in the Eastern Cape feels it is befitting to congratulate the Minister because the task he has of managing his department is an enormous and complicated one. However, it is not his task only. It is the task of his support staff and the communities of South Africa, and requires guidance from us, his colleagues within the provinces. It is a collective responsibility. We thank him and his deputy. Malibongwe! [Praise!] In his budget speech, the MEC of the department in the Eastern Cape says the following:
This budget will demonstrate how my department has begun a journey to align its targets with the commitments articulated in the Freedom Charter, and in government priorities both at national and provincial levels.
Our hon Minister quoted the late hon O R Tambo and the MEC quoted ex- President hon Nelson Mandela as the beacon of light of our people. He further states that the Freedom Charter we so much rely on is an inspiration to the people of South Africa as it shows continuity, consistency, steadfastness and stability when it comes to our policy positions which we adhere to within the ANC and which are also espoused in section 27 of the Constitution of South Africa. Everyone has a right to basic health, food, water and social security included in clauses in the Bill of Rights pertaining to the welfare of our people.
Chairperson, it is very important to showcase what has been done in this department in the Eastern Cape. I won’t be long on that.
The department has managed to develop a new service delivery model aligned with the national one to accommodate a new paradigm shift that was followed by the development of an organogram. The department has intensified its fight against fraud and corruption in conjunction with the law enforcement agencies and manages to deal decisively with syndicates targeting social security systems; but there have been casualties. The Minister did refer to that.
We could mention the child support grant and the manner in which he dealt with food shortages. I think what is important is that the department has served as a centre of service excellence in the field of technology. We can quantify our programmes for HIV/Aids, projects for youth, women and co- operatives, income generation and food security.
I would like to thank our Minister because we are celebrating 50 years of the women’s march to Pretoria. We thank you for the funding that you make available to us, Minister. We appointed 150 social workers. It’s not enough but the retention policy, about which the Minister talks, is important and I am going to take that message back to the Eastern Cape. A victim empowerment centre was also opened at kwaNobuhle in Uitenhage. Those are but a few.
Our budget is R762 772 000. An amount of R182,089 million was allocated for administration needs, R448,955 million for social welfare service and R131,726 million for development and research.
The department has priorities such as transformation, poverty reduction, HIV/Aids Programmes, victim empowerment, and so forth. The department will be championing the social sector Expanded Public Works Programme and the Minister has already referred to community-based care and early childhood development. We thank the Minister and his department for the funding. The department is also championing the moral regeneration programmes of the province.
Chairperson, I would like to highlight our challenges because it is important to look at both sides of the coin. The budget needs to fill critical vacancies with new organ grams. There are problems. The budget to extend social welfare services to many NGOs rendering services, but not yet funded by the department, comes with its own challenges. The budget to extend sustainable social development services to many needy communities will still not be enough. Technical issues in the current year around support services to Sass also pose a challenge.
We would like to have clarity around accountability, the reporting matrix, because people on the ground will still look at the department and the MEC because there are grey areas around the agreement. The matter about sharing offices, rent and the telephone would need to be sorted out internally as it relates to housekeeping.
In conclusion, I would like to reiterate the department’s commitment to a new social development approach that will empower the poor and vulnerable to regain power and control of their lives, to eradication of poverty and growing the second economy, and victim empowerment. The department will use its current allocation strategically, in line with its priorities, although the needs of our communities are greater than the funds available.
All in all, the department will always be mindful of its obligation to give meaning to the President’s dictum of the Age of Hope. I would like to tell the hon. Minister that we will support him and we will be there in full force when he launches the community project at Duty in the Alfred No Municipality. The Eastern Cape supports Vote No 18. Thank you. [Applause.]
Ms H LAMOELA: Minister, Deputy Minister, hon. Chair and hon. members, recently members of the Select Committee on Social Development were surprised with beautiful diaries for 2006 from the department. Today, it being 17 May, I would like to quote from Katrina Costa’s quotation for today in this diary when she said:
Today is the day to complete what you worked towards Yesterday and a wonderful new opportunity to achieve what you Dream to accomplish tomorrow.
In 2004 the Social Security Agency Act of 2004, and the Social Assistance Act of 2004, were signed into law. These Acts provide for the establishment of the SA Social Security Agency, known as Sass. Sass is tasked with the management, administration and payment of social grants. The establishment of Sass is part of government’s efforts to provide services to the poorest of the poor and to ensure restoration of the dignity of the most vulnerable, especially older people, people with disabilities, women and children.
For too long beneficiaries could not access their grants within the said period and for too many their grants were processed when they were dying or had been buried. Several families, older people and children had to endure many hardships while awaiting the processing and finalisation of grants for pensions they had applied for. Eventually the system was thwarted by corrupt government officials; even medical doctors were conniving to rip off the Department of Social Development. Last year, corruption in Social Development was costing the state R1,5 billion per annum. More than 35 000 new cases of social grant fraud have been uncovered, despite a government amnesty last year. In 2005 more than 12 000 public servants, who are ineligible, were found to be receiving social grants. Of those 900 have been successfully prosecuted. This should reflect on their employment record, and on a case-by-case basis, the worst offenders should be dismissed. These individuals must bear full responsibility for their crimes.
It has come to my attention that the department provides a comprehensive social security system as proposed by the Taylor commission. However, if you are an able-bodied male between the ages of 14 and 65, or a woman between the ages of 14 and 60, there is very little provided by government with regard to social grants.
The Taylor Commission clearly supported the introduction of the basic income grant for the poorest of the poor and so does the DA. While the DA is supportive of South Africa’s social welfare system, and, indeed, would extend it to provide a basic income grant to the desperately poor, we are concerned that much of the growth the grant takes up appears to come from fraudulent claims and administrative failures.
Another point of grave concern for the DA is that of a chronic lack of social workers, which, according to the department, is getting worse, virtually by the day. Two very important Bills were passed by Parliament recently, namely the Children’s Bill and the Older Person’s Bill. Both these Bills depend heavily on social workers and both are doomed to fail without the necessary number of social workers.
To implement the new Children’s Bill we will be needing more or less 16 000 social workers. The international norm is one social worker to 1 500 people, which translates into South Africa needing 29 879 positions. This would give us a shortfall of 92%; these chronic shortfalls of social workers is getting worse and not better. The disgracefully heavy workload placed on our social workers owing to these shortages is compounded by, firstly, the impact of HIV/Aids; secondly, the ever-increasing child abuse statistics; and, thirdly, the additional responsibilities placed on social workers by the two Bills I have just mentioned.
Dit is dan nou baie duidelik dat as ons ons droom van suksesvolle dienslewering wil bereik, daar na dringende oplossings aangaande maatskaplike werkers gekyk moet word, omdat hulle ‘n kardinale rol in die implementering en uitvoering van bogenoemde wetgewing speel.
Miskien moet daar na maniere in die stelsel gekyk word om maatskaplike werkers van die geweldige administratiewe funksie te bevry sodat hulle dít wat eintlik van hulle verwag word, kan doen. Hulpwerkers kan die werklading verlig en so ‘n bydrae lewer tot meer effektiewe dienslewering van maatskaplike werkers.
Tydens my besoek aan Sassa se kantore in die Wes-Kaap, hier in Kaapstad, was ek aangenaam verras deur die durf en ywer van hierdie instelling se personeel om eens en altyd die instelling een van die effektiefste komponente van dienslewering in die Staatsdiens te maak. Toegewydheid, ywer en ‘n intense fokus op dienslewering kon bespeur word. Aangenaam was ek verras toe ek meegedeel is dat staatstoelaes en pensioene op ‘n een-dag- aansoek-basis in Bellville-kantore goedgekeur kan word – iets waaroor ek baie jare lank gedroom het.
Intense opleiding en strategie vorentoe word steeds bepaal om die mees afgeleë areas, veral dié in die platteland en landelike gebiede te akkommodeer. Baie geluk aan Sassa met dié prestasie, en onthou die spreekwoord sê: “The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” [As mens dit opgeëet het, weet jy hoe dit smaak.]
Ons kyk gretig na volgende jaar om te sien of al die beleidsrigtings steeds op dreef is. Begunstigdes van pensioene en toelaes moet ingelig word betreffende verskillende toelaes, veral tydelike toelaes. Inligtingsessies, radio-advertensies en strooipamflette, veral op die platteland en landelike gebiede, word aanbeveel.
Die staat kan nou voortaan slegs die rol van reguleerder en voorsiener van maatskaplike dienste speel, en sodoende verseker dat … (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[It is indeed very clear now that if we want to achieve our dream of successful service delivery, urgent solutions with regard to social workers should be looked at because they play a crucial role in the implementation and execution of the above-mentioned legislation.
Perhaps one should look at the system to find ways to free social workers from their enormous administrative function so that they can do what is actually expected of them. Assistant workers can relieve the workload and in this way make a contribution to social workers delivering a more efficient service.
During my visit to the Western Cape offices of Sassa, here in Cape Town, I was pleasantly surprised by the enterprise and diligence of the staff of this institution, for once and for all to make it one of the most efficient components of service delivery in the Public Service. Commitment, diligence and an intense focus on service delivery could be detected. I was pleasantly surprised when I was told that government grants and pensions could be approved on a one-day-application basis at the Bellville office – something that I have been dreaming of for years.
Intensive training and strategies for the future are still being determined to accommodate the most remote areas, especially those in the rural areas. Congratulations to Sassa on this performance, and remember the proverb: The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
We are eagerly looking forward to next year to see if all the policy trends will still be on track. Beneficiaries of pensions and grants must be informed about the different types of grants, especially temporary grants. Information sessions, radio advertisements and flyers, especially in the rural areas, are recommended.
The state can henceforth only fulfil the role of regulator and provider of social services, to ensure that …] … paying the right social grant to the right person at the right place is implemented. Surely this will ensure that the Department of Social Development uses the opportunity to achieve what they dream to accomplish tomorrow. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr M A SULLIMAN: Chairperson, hon Minister, Deputy Minister and hon members, let me start by saying that my MEC would have loved to have been here himself, but owing to other commitments it is not possible for him to be part of this debate today.
Our President, President Mbeki, focused much of his attention in the 2006 state of the nation address on the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa, known as Asgisa, and on the role government envisages this strategy will play in ensuring that the poor and the marginalised communities share in the growth and development of our country.
The other important facet of government’s antipoverty strategy is the provision of social assistance. It is also clear that up to 10 million people in South Africa are receiving these social assistance grants, 7 million of whom are children. Given the resources allocated to this function, it is imperative that the system functions effectively and efficiently and that corruption is rooted out in its totality. We also know that government has repeatedly signalled that it has wanted to ensure that its expenditure on services to the poorest communities are well targeted, and that the benefits reach those who most need them. This would that require different departments work together to ensure that government services are offered in an integrated manner.
The establishment of Sassa, the SA Social Security Agency, as a semi- independent government agency has implications for the links between social assistance and other social service departments, as well as services offered by other government departments.
Someone who is in receipt of an old age grant for example, may have to be registered as such with the local government for the purpose of rebates of services on fees and taxes. Simultaneously, a person in receipt of a child support grant should qualify for a school fee rebate.
We are not raising these things because we have problems with Sassa, but what we are wanting, hon Minister, is to synchronise our programmes, because one would not like to see a situation in which the poorest of the poor suffer.
At the end of the first decade of our democracy, we can confidently claim that the social transformation agenda is on track, with great strides having been made in addressing poverty. Yet we can acknowledge that the legacy of deprivation under apartheid was so deep that we are left with a huge task of many and diverse challenges that still have to addressed.
The grant system is clearly one of the most effective tools in addressing poverty. To that end, the Northern Cape has focused on the efficiencies in the management of our systems. Today the result is that not only did we eradicate all blockages, but we are now also able to process and respond to these applications within 22 days.
As we hand over the services to Sassa, we are confident that we hand over an efficient and streamlined service. Of course, with the relocation of a large part of the function of the Department of Social Services to Sassa, we have to refocus our energies on the plethora of other needs in our society.
Crime does impact on the ability of a society to uplift itself. To that end, we have to focus on the wellbeing of the family, the problem of substance abuse, and the glorification of things like alcohol. These things hold us back. However, we need an environment in which young people can achieve their potential.
For the 2006-07 financial year the Northern Cape has decided to increase its focus on the substance abuse programmes. A substance abuse summit was held in October 2005 to lay the foundation for such action.
Social crime prevention is another focus area, with the department of social services having decided to build an additional secure-care facility in the province during this particular financial year.
Our elderly have to be treated with dignity and respect in their old age. Programmes are already under way to intensify these support services to the elderly, such as multipurpose service centres which the elderly who live in the communities can visit on a daily basis to interact with their peers and to receive a basket of services.
Another programme is the establishing of fora for the elderly at provincial and local levels. These fora are to assist and lobby for the rights of the elderly. What also assists us a great deal is the Older Persons Bill that is still with us in Parliament, which was introduced in 2003. It took quite a lengthy process to deal with this particular Bill, but we are in the final stages of passing this particular Bill and it will also assist us a great deal.
I just want to highlight something that happened a couple of days ago in Platfontein near Kimberley when the Minister of Home Affairs visited us, the !Xun, the Khwe and the Khomani San communities, and handed out birth certificates, ID documents and so forth. That was a good gesture from the Department of Home Affairs, because I believe that Social Development and Home Affairs must work very closely together so that our people can obtain these grants and so forth.
There is still much one can speak about, but my time is a bit limited. We have not even said anything about disability and HIV/Aids in our provinces, but we do have proactive programmes in place on how to deal with these problems and the interventions we can make as a province. With those few words I want to thank the Minister, the Deputy Minister and her team for dealing with us in such a good way in the select committee. They are always available when we call on them, and we are looking forward to working with them for the rest of the year. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Nkk J N VILAKAZI: Sihlalo ohloniphekileyo, mhlonishwa Ngqongqoshe nomnyango wakho, amalungu onke ahloniphekile akule Ndlu amalungu asekhulumile ngaphambi kwami. Akubeke kwacaca ukubaluleka kwezidingo lo mnyango obhekene nazo. Mhlonishwa Ngqongqoshe, kulesi sabiwomali kuyosithokozisa kakhulu ukubhekelwa kwalokhu okulandelayo – kuyosithokozisa impela. Okokuqala, umnyango awuqhubeke nokulwa nenkohlakalo ekhona ekukhishweni kwezimpesheni. Yebo, kukhona umnyango osukwenzile kodwa kunesidingo seso elibukhali elizoqhubeka njalo ukucwaningisisa ukuhamba kwezinto. Okwesibili, kwababhalisela ukuhola, asinciphe isikhathi sokulinda kwabo belambile futhi akube khona indlela engenziwa kulabo bantu abasuke bengenazo izincwadi ezifanele, okuvamise ukwenzeka uma kufa izihlobo ngokuzuma. Kukhona abantwana abancela isithupha okufanele ukuba ngabe bayahola inkinga kube ukuthola izitifiketi zokuzalwa.
Okwesithathu, ukuncipha kwesibalo sosonhlalakahle. Sebeshilo abakhulume ngaphambi kwami. Sengathi isikhalo esigcwele yonke indawo lesi. Umnyango sengathi kulesi sabiwomali kungaba khona ukuthi lesi sidingo sibekwe eqhulwini. Okwesine, ukuhlukumezeka kwabadala kanye nezingane akumile, kuqhubeka ngelikhulu izinga leli. Akukhona okoMnyango wezokuThuthukisa ezeNhlalakahle kuphela kepha iqhaza lalo mnyango liyadingeka kulesi simo. Abantu abadala kanye nezingane basaqhubeka nokuhlukunyezwa emindenini nasemphakathini.
Okwesihlanu, indlala nobubha kudala ukuhlukumezeka ngoba kweminye imindeni amantombazanyana aseyalotsholwa bese eyaganiswa eseneminyaka emincane kakhulu. Asazi ukuthi qhaza lini umnyango ongalibamba kulokhu. Sicela umnyango wenze imizamo ekukhuphuleni isabiwomali sokwandisa amathuba emisebenzi ukuze abantu bangaphenduki izilwane. Indlala yenza abantu babe yizilwane badlane bodwa.
Okwesithupha, ukulungiswa kwezindawo zokuhola imali kadekle makuqhubeke. Siyakubona kodwa kusahamba kancane. Abantu abadala badinga ukuphatheka kahle eminyakeni yabo yokugcina. Uyobusiseka Ngqongqoshe nomnyango wakho uma wenze njalo. Asinciphe isikhathi – sebeshilo laba abanye ontangayethu – sokuhlala belinde abazobaholela kusukela ekuseni kuze kube ntambama ngoba laba bantu basuke benoshukela, i-High Blood Pressure, baphathwa amadolo, amaqakala kanye nokunye.
Okunye esiye sikubone futhi kwezinye izindawo ukuthi bahola langa linye nalaba abahola imali yesondlo edume ngokuthi eyeqolo. Kanti azehlukaniswe izikhathi. Ekuseni akube ogogo nomkhulu bese kuthi ntambama kube yilaba bemali yeqolo. Okwesikhombisa nokokugcina, ubugebengu obukhona ngelanga lomholo kuxetshulwa imali yogogo nomkhulu abunambinethi kahle. [Kuphele Isikhathi.] Inkatha Freedom Party iyaseseka lesi sabiwomali. Ngiyabonga. [Ihlombe.] (Translation of isiZulu speech follows.)
[Mrs J N VILAKAZI: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister and your staff, hon members who spoke before me in this House, the members have clearly stated the importance of services that are rendered by this department. Hon Minister, with this budget, we would be grateful if you could address the following issues.
Firstly, the department must continue to fight corruption in pension payments. Yes, the department has done a lot, but a greater effort must be made. We must have a sharp eye that will continue to check the progress of things. Secondly, we must eliminate the backlog in pension applications. We must also have ways of helping those who do not have the necessary documents, which is usually the case when there is the unexpected death of a relative. There are some children who are supposed to be getting grants, but do not get them due to birth certificate constraints.
Thirdly, there is a decrease in the number of social workers. Those who spoke before me said it all. Everywhere, they are complaining about this. The department must make this issue a priority in this budget. Fourthly, the abuse of children and the aged is growing in leaps and bounds. This is not only the job of the Department of Social Development, but the active participation of this department is also desired. Children and the aged are still abused in their communities and families.
Fifthly, hunger and poverty are the basis of abuse, because in some families underage girls are subjected to forced marriages. We are not sure what role the department can play with regard to this. We will be once again be appreciative if the department could increase the budget for job creation so that people won’t turn into animals. Hunger is the reason that people become animals and eat each other.
Sixthly, the construction of pension points must continue. At the moment it is going at a snail’s pace. The aged need to be treated with dignity in their last days. They must not wait in queues from the morning until afternoon because they have diabetes, blood pressure, arthritis, etc.
The other thing that we have noticed is that in some places they get their pensions at the same time as those who get child support grants. In the mornings they must deal with the aged and in the afternoons they must deal with those who are getting child support grants. Crime on pension days, when the elders are robbed of their money, is intolerable. The IFP supports this budget. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Dr B T BUTHELEZI (KwaZulu-Natal): Hon Chairperson, hon Minister Dr Skweyiya, Deputy Minister Dr Benjamin, special delegates from provinces and hon members of this House, I wish to open my deliberations by singing from the same hymn book as this House in offering our condolences to the national government, colleagues, comrades, family and friends of the late Minister of Public Works Nkosazana Stella Sicgau, of the Pondo Royal Family, who was laid to rest with her forebears in Lusikisiki yesterday.
In the same breath, on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal portfolio committee on social welfare and population development, I would like to offer our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the Zulu Royal Family, colleagues and friends of the member of the provincial legislature and the former KwaZulu-Natal MEC for social welfare and population development Prince Gideon Layukona Zulu kaMnyayiza kaNdabuko kaMpande, who was called to serve in high office yesterday evening at Durban’s Parklands hospital following a long illness. May their souls rest in peace.
In coming to this debate, I would like to thank the hon Minister for a comprehensive report on his budget for Social Development. In KwaZulu-Natal the 2006-07 budgetary allocation for Vote 13, which is social welfare and population development, has been significantly decreased to R894,1 million, compared to the baseline budget of R13,6 billion for the 2005-06 financial year. This decrease can be attributed to the transfer of the function of social assistance grants to the national SA Social Security Agency.
For the past five years the function of social assistance has represented the greatest portion of the budget for Vote 13, and the historic overspending trends in this programme have negatively impacted on the remaining programmes for this budget.
However, we have some serious concerns, hon Minister, about the transfer of the social assistance function to the SA Social Security Agency, because not only was Sassa not ready to take over the function of the disbursement of social assistance on 1 March 2005 as originally planned by the national government, but the allocation of social assistance grants during the 2005- 06 financial year was in the form of a national conditional grant payment through the Division of Revenue Act.
In the 2004-05 financial year KwaZulu-Natal incurred overexpenditure of R676,7 million, which had to be paid back by the province to the national government. On 29 March 2006 the province reimbursed national government by R465,4 million of the debt. This leaves a balance owing to national government of R211,3 million, but we hope that National Treasury will write off this balance.
As in the other provinces, hon Minister, the KwaZulu-Natal social welfare and population development budget for the administration and disbursement of social assistance grants has been transferred to Sassa for the 2006-07 financial year. In this regard, our province has the following concerns. The first is that it was reported to the provincial portfolio committee that the SA Social Security Agency was not yet ready to operate without the assistance of provincial departments. Until it is in a position to do so, the provincial departments of social welfare and population development will continue to administer the personnel transferred to Sassa.
It was also reported to the portfolio committee that the province had been given an assurance from national government that any direct cost incurred by the province in this regard would be reimbursed, and we will closely monitor this to see if it really happens.
The second concern that we have is that in the transfer of the function of social assistance to Sassa, there are still a number of concerns not yet clarified in the agreement between national government and the provincial governments. The first concern is the payment of interest on pension debtors. The second concern is the litigation costs incurred prior to the transfer of the social assistance function to Sassa, borne as a direct result of this function.
It would be unfair for the province and other provinces to be left with this debt, because we believe in the principle of funds following function. Also, our position as KwaZulu-Natal is that the transfer of the social assistance function to Sassa should include a transfer of both assets and liabilities.
Therefore the province will monitor the outcome of these negotiations in the hope that an amicable solution will be reached in which Peter will not be robbed to pay Paul. Thank you very much.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister, hon members, and distinguished guests, 50 years ago, the women of South Africa staged a historic march to protest against the implementation of the pass laws and against the marginalisation of the poor and rural masses of our country.
Yesterday we buried a South African woman, an icon, Comrade Nomzamo Stella Sigcau who, until the last moment, strived to improve the quality of life particularly of rural communities.
We salute the late Comrade Stella for her untiring efforts in improving the quality of life for our people, particularly in the rural areas.
I am proud to be associated with Budget Vote 18 which represents the social dimension of the age of hope and promises to deepen the efforts of this department to improve the quality of life of all those who are marginalised, vulnerable and excluded.
As part of our work to ensure the sustainability of the social assistance system and translate the vision of development into action, we are looking at ways to link social grants to economic activities. In close collaboration with the Department of Labour, we are working to ensure that South Africans not only have access to the right to social security, but also take responsibility to enhance their capabilities to enjoy the dignity of gainful employment.
To this end, the department aims to expand the provision of social relief of distress to support those who are vulnerable but do not qualify for the main social grants. The vulnerable referred to here includes people who face particular barriers to entering, remaining in and progressing in employment, including educated youth, the disabled, people with certain health conditions, single parents and persons over 50 years of age.
I would therefore like to say to the DA that perhaps they should look beyond the basic income grant to address the problems of those people who are not eligible for grants, because the department is doing that. The poorest of the poor and those who have given up hope of employment need support to become gainfully employed.
For the poor, the dignity, self-confidence and respect that come with work are important. The objective of the new framework is to redesign the role, responsibilities and contribution of social grants in alleviating poverty but predominantly in providing better opportunities for the poorest of the poor to generate their own income through self-employment or at least to pursue job opportunities.
The poor need to be given the necessary support to achieve either self- employment or to secure skills and employment.
I would like to bring the attention of this House to the 2006 Homeless World Cup Soccer, which will be hosted by the Big Issue, South Africa, as from 24 to 30 September 2006 in Cape Town.
The Big Issue is a nonprofit organisation established in 1996 as a job creation initiative for unemployed homeless people particularly women and youth. Our department will be hosting the Social Dialogues alongside the Homeless Soccer World Cup to exhibit our programmes and to obtain public commitment and action towards poverty eradication and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. There is no doubt that substance abuse is touching the roots of our society, for example: our children; our family lives; increased criminal behaviour; HIV/Aids infection; poverty; unemployment; car accidents and other forms of trauma; violence and other forms of abuse; loss of productivity and in fact almost every facet of our social fabric.
Substance abuse is a scourge that threatens the future of our society and it necessitates our urgent attention. During this Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period, the National Drug Master Plan will go to Cabinet for approval. The new plan proposes an array of drug control, prevention and treatment initiatives, which will inform new legislation and programmes.
As indicated by the Minister, the Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse Amendment Bill will be introduced to Parliament during this financial year. The Bill will provide for the transformation of services in the field of substance abuse, including community-based services. It places more emphasis on community-based interventions to ensure that communities takes charge of their drug problems, and are capacitated to do so in an effective manner.
I am pleased to share with you that the department has developed and approved the national minimum norms and standards for treatment centres in order to standardise services, facilitate transformation, ensure protection of human rights and effective monitoring and for the evaluation of these facilities. These measures will enable the newly appointed Central Drug Authority and the provincial MECs to ensure that drug-related services complying with minimum norms and standards are provided in all areas of South Africa, and that communities are mobilised to take care of their own drug problems.
The department further plans to host an international summit on substance abuse during the third quarter of the 2006-07 financial year in order to share best practice at national, regional and international levels in managing the problem of substance abuse.
International Day against Substance Abuse will be celebrated in KwaZulu- Natal this year. The Youth Model for Prevention and Treatment of Substance Abuse will be launched during this celebration. We commend the MEC for the Northern Cape for the initiative in hosting a substance abuse summit to develop a strategy accepted by all role-players and stakeholders in October last year. This year will see the roll-out of an integrated strategy to address substance abuse. We encourage other MECs to follow this example.
A policy framework for services to people with disabilities within the social development context has been developed, and the research on the needs of people with disabilities is being conducted.
In terms of assistance to people with disabilities, in particular care- dependent children, the department has finalised the assessment tool and guidelines for implementation in terms of the new Social Assistance Act of
- This will require a campaign to create awareness of the improved benefits to recipients as well as capacity-building programmes for all officials to ensure that they apply the new legislation correctly.
The 23,2% increase over the 2006 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period in the social crime prevention subprogramme relates to the implementation of the Child Justice Bill to improve the functioning of the integrated justice system. Policies to promote the wellbeing of children will be aligned to the new Children’s Act and implementation by all provinces will be managed and progress evaluated. Programmes and policies for children awaiting trial are being implemented, and will be monitored to assess progress and its impact. This department is working towards the 60% reduction in children in police cells and prisons during this financial year.
Norms and standards for secure care centres will be implemented and 40 assistant probation officers will be trained. Five hundred volunteers will be trained as assistant probation officers as part of the National Youth Service Programme during this financial year. A professional board for youth work will be established.
With an 8,8% increase in the allocation to our HIV/Aids programme, the department will strengthen and expand the role of home community-based care and support, and will ensure that 50% of home community-based care projects comply with the norms and standards of service delivery. Groundbreakers will be trained and linked to the Expanded Public Works Programme on farms and in informal settlements.
The delivery of developmental social services necessitates the creation of an enabling environment for social service practitioners. To this end, the Social Service Profession Act and the Social Services Act will be reviewed and implemented. All professions in the social welfare services sector will be graded appropriately, and job descriptions will be benchmarked for child and youth care workers as well as social auxiliary workers.
Finally, the acute shortage of social workers in our country remains a major challenge to the effective rendering of services. In addition to the efforts of the department, which includes a retention strategy and reviewing of salaries, a limited number of bursaries for matriculants to enter the profession have been made available. I would like to use this opportunity to appeal to the private sector to make more bursaries available, particularly for matriculants from rural areas.
Honourable members, delegates, as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s March and the 30th Anniversary of the Soweto uprising, paying tribute to our women veterans and our young lions, let us all, together, do our utmost to promote economic independence and to give effect to building a better South Africa and a better world. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms L MATLHOAHELA: Hon Chair, I thank and greet you, the hon Minister, Deputy Minister, and all hon members of the House. My speech relates to state and citizen in partnership, shared and accelerated growth in social and community development, and to local joint initiatives. It was noted in the Budget Speech of 2006 that the joint resources and initiative of the public and private sectors need to be mobilised. However, when citizens try their very best to accomplish this, many obstacles are encountered. I have an example of a small export biltong factory project that is about to be started in Victoria West in the Northern Cape.
A citizen begged the state to participate. The citizen has struggled since
- Finally he has now managed to accomplish it on his own. I believe he still requires assistance with this project. I trust that in future when members of the public show great interest in social and community development greater interest will be shown by the state. I thank you.
Nkk A N D QIKANI: Ndiyabulela, Mhlalingaphambili. KuMphathiswa neNdlu yakhe namalungu onke ale Ndlu, kuqala ndithi mandibulele, okuthe kwenziwa nguMphathiswa ngokuba afake uchintsi kwimali eyamkelwa ngabantwana nabadala, nangona sisakhalaza sisithi oku akwanele, ngenxa yemithwalo yabantu basemakhaya nangenxa yamaxabiso anyuke kakhulu ezinto ezivenkileni. Indlala esagqubayo emakhaya nentswela-misebenzi iyitsho le mali ingabonakali.
Nangona sikwamkela ukunyuswa kweminyaka yabantwana abafumana isondlo kwaya kuma kwi-14, sinenkolo yokuba inganyuka kancinci kwakhona iye kuma kweli-16 iminyaka, ngoba bahluthwa ukutya emlonyeni kanye xa beqala ukungena kumabanga aphezulu, ukanti bebeza kutsho bakwazi ukuzifunela intwana-ntwana zabo abazidingayo. Mphathiswa, ziseninzi kakhulu iindawo abema ixesha elide kuzo abantu benethwa zimvula, bekwatshiswa nalilanga xa beze kufumana le mali. Langa eli sebe lingayiqwalasela kakhulu loo nto.
Sihlalo, okunye okwenzekayo kwiindawo ekwamkeliswa kuzo abantu, kukuthathelwa kwabantu abadala iimali zabo ngolunya ngabantu abathi babazalisela imali ebebeyibolekile, oomatshonisa, nababazalisela ngenzala enkulu engahlawulekiyo. Mphathiswa, besicela ukuba abo bantu benza loo nto kwezi ndawo batshutshiswe nguMthetho, ngoba oomakhulu bethu babuya ngengaphethanga mali, itshone kwaba bantu. Oonovenkile nabo babanika ukutya ngamatyala angaphezu kwemali abayifumanayo. Yingozi embi kakhulu leyo. I- UDM iyaxhasa. Kea leboga. (Translation of isiXhosa speech follows.)
[Mrs A N D QIKANI: I thank you, Chairperson. The Minister and his department, members of this House, firstly, let me express our appreciation of the Minister’s efforts for increasing the child support grant and the old age grant. But we still maintain that it is not enough because of the responsibilities that these people are faced with and the effects the inflation rate has on them. Enormous hunger and unemployment diminishes the value of the grants.
Although we accept the amendment to the age of a child receiving a support grant to 14 years, we would be pleased if the age could be increased to 16. The grant is stopped at a crucial stage, when a child is starting higher levels of education and when the money is most needed. Minister, there are still a number of areas in which people are exposed to rain and sun while waiting for their payouts. I wish that the department could look at that.
Chairperson, instances where moneylenders take elderly people’s money forcefully at payout stations have been reported. Elderly people are given loans at very high interests. Minister, I plead with you that those who rob the people must be prosecuted. The communities’ shop owners contribute to this by allowing them credit that exceeds their grants. This is very risky. The UDM supports this vote. I thank you.]
Ms N M MADLALA-MAGUBANE: Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister, and hon members, this is the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s input that I was asked to render to you. The provincial government acknowledges the significant improvement it has made in the lives of the people of Gauteng in the first decade of democracy. However poverty and unemployment have been identified as critical challenges that remain in our province. In addressing these challenges a key part of the social development agenda will be to take the lead in restoring the dignity of poor and vulnerable people in order to build a better life for them and sustainable communities.
Our programmes will provide the basic means for the target groups effectively to participate in our democracy dispensation to improve their material conditions. With social assistance migrating to the South African Social Security Agency, Sassa, the department will intensify its service in respect to statutory and developmental social services by leading and facilitating the integration of prevention, intervention and rehabilitation strategies.
When working with communities the departmental paradigm calls for approaches that are people-centred and sustainable, redefining development in terms of exploring the strength and vulnerabilities of the poor, marginalised and vulnerable target groups, and the knowledge and expertise of individuals in the communities to creatively and innovatively use resources available in the environment to address the socioeconomic needs.
It also promotes holistic development of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized women, youth, and people with disabilities. Last year we committed ourselves to working with communities and NGOs to support and empower people who are unable to work and have special needs such as the most vulnerable children and youth in distress. Social welfare services have historically been rendered by government and civil society organizations.
Government acknowledges that many formal organisations have the skills, expertise, infrastructure and other resources that could contribute to reconstruction, development and the provision of services. The Department of Social Development does not have the capacity to facilitate rendering of all services mandated to it without the assistance of NGOs, community-based and emerging organisations, which are often the best places and have the potential to render services to the marginalised poor.
We acknowledge and appreciate the partnership with the non-profit organisations and value their contribution to service delivery to the poor, vulnerable and marginalized people in our province. The Gauteng provincial government during this year proved that it is living up to its endeavour to be a caring government.
Additional funding was appropriated during the August budget by the MEC for finance and economic affairs for financing the NPO sector, which would be carried through the other years. This has contributed to the alleviation of the funding crisis facing the NPO sector. Service-level agreements were entered into with 825 NPOs rendering social welfare services to 223 000 beneficiaries. Responding to the impact of HIV/Aids epidemic on children, families and communities focusing on special needs of children and the most vulnerable we also have 98 community-based care programmes focusing in the main on 151 236 orphans and vulnerable children infected and affected by HIV/Aids.
The increased allocation of R30 million is in line with the social sector response to the Expanded Public Works Programme and will be utilised to ensure that 1 700 volunteers become job incumbents in a newly created two- year contract, and are given training as caregivers, community developers and auxiliary social workers. These programmes are linked to the 98 HIV/Aids community home-based care sites. These funds will also be used for job creation and training the child care workers and early child development practitioners.
When coming to youth development let me say that in honour of the brave youth who 30 years ago made valuable contributions to the democratic process, increased attention is being placed on youth development. Youth unemployment and underdevelopment impose a heavy cost upon individuals, employers, trade unions, governments and society. Rising unemployment and underdevelopment among youth may be a source of social instability, increased drug abuse and crime. The department will conduct moral regeneration programmes in all local government areas to equip 5 000 youths with life skills to master these circumstances. Through the Integrated Social Development programme we plan to work with communities, NGOs and local government to create alternative lifestyles and develop skills for 1 042 youths living and working on the streets.
Last year the province committed to the development of a package of services to improve the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable children - the Bana Pele [Children First] programme. It was launched on 1 June 2005 by the Premier of Gauteng in Claremont, west of Johannesburg. Bana Pele has achieved the first targets.
The Gauteng provincial government departments’ contributions to the programme can be summarised as follows. Statutory social work: in recognition of 10 years of our Constitution the department will intensify its mandate contained in section 26 of the Bill of Rights by improving the efficiency and equitable provision of the statutory services that we provide such as foster care and adoption.
Foster care services have become one of the critical statutory community- based services responses to children who are in need of care, abandoned, neglected or orphaned. The department and its social services partners, who are accredited welfare organisations in terms of the Child Care Act, have provided foster care services to 35 972 children in Gauteng province. Due to the HIV/Aids pandemic the demand for the provision of foster care services has increased by 50%. The service providers experience acute resource shortages and a concerted effort is required to accommodate all children who need this kind of care. The programme aims to deal with the backlog of cases as well as increasing the targeted number of children to be placed in foster care to 45 000 children.
Additionally, there has been an initiative to ensure that children who are part of the backlog and awaiting finalisation for placement into foster care will be given temporary assistance in the form of social relief of distress. Early childhood development is a priority area for the Gauteng provincial government. Investment in ECD is seen not only as a means of giving children a good start, but also of developing their families and contributing to the socioeconomic development of the province. In the Premier’s 2005 speech he highlighted the fact that an ECD strategy focusing on children at risk in the most disadvantaged communities will be implemented. As a result of this the following has been achieved.
The department provides services to 19 915 children in 270 registered ECD facilities in terms of the Child Care Act. Services include the home visiting programmes on basic care skills, educational stimulation, toy library and other child minding services. A budget of R25 million is set aside for this function.
When coming to substance abuse, the province is experiencing an increase in the number of people abusing substances. The people that are most affected by this scourge are the youth. The department has accepted the challenge of ensuring that the capacity of the departmental facilities and those of NGOs needs to be improved. Together with this there is a need to ensure interdepartmental collaboration and co-ordination to promote a healthy lifestyle and make youth believe it is cool to be sober.
The department maintains the state rehabilitation centre of Magaliesoord which cares for 300 adults and children requiring inpatient treatment for drugs and alcohol abuse. Furthermore the department subsidises 80 treatment centres in Gauteng that … The Gauteng provincial government supports the budget. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Mr N D HENDRICKE: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister, hon members, the need for a realistic social safety net which involves input from all departments needs to happen - given the uptake of grants for the elderly and child support grants. At a more practical level the social pension is still relatively insignificant as many families, especially in rural areas, rely solely on it – given the high unemployment in those areas.
In terms of human resource challenges, the shortage of social workers in some institutions requires a developmental approach. Perhaps there could be a scarce-skills allowance incentive to train, recruit and retain these professionals as they play a huge support role in the sector.
The establishment and operation of the South African Social Security Agency, SASSA, that manages the social grant system will result in a more efficient and hopefully a less corrupt list, especially for old age pensions.
The National Development Agency has for far too long been plagued with inactivity, bad management and dysfunctionality. Although disbursement ratios to civil society organisations have improved, much needs to be done to address and empower civil society to engage effectively in poverty relief programmes, especially in coastal and rural areas.
The implementation of the Older Persons Bill is unnecessarily long overdue
- given that the aged have always been on the back burner and featured on the periphery of society.
While the ineffectiveness of the National Drug Master Plan is unfortunate, given the crises of addiction especially in the Western Cape where ``tik- tik’’ addiction has reached record levels, the Central Drug Authority has a capacity for challenges related to monitoring work. The Victims Empowerment Policy will play a central role in assisting victims in adjusting back into society. A short implementation period is required in order to fast-track processes.
Key challenges are in an integrated approach, interdepartmental co- operation and programme alignment in order to assist in improving social welfare services. This forms part of a developmental state necessary for South Africa, given the level of underdevelopment in our society.
Even with the high incidence rate of HIV/Aids infections and related deaths, we could see high uptakes for caregivers of orphan children.
Whilst the departments via the policies play a leading role in terms of social developmental functions, their budget via allocation and programme efficiency is well received by the UIF and is supported as such. Thank you, Chairperson.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Hon Chairperson, I am happy that the debate today has not been very much politicised. It is not because people do not want to represent their parties’ political views, but because the policies of the ANC in this country are morally, ideologically and philosophically uncontested. I would like to thank members of the opposition who, despite their posturing to negate even every positive thing they have said in support of this budget vote, have agreed, by and large, with the positions and programmes that are provided by this department.
Of course, it is normal in South Africa that, over time, we will have to overcome our opposition that is permanently in a state of twisted logic of a perpetual mode of opposition - even where they agree with the government.
Hon Lamoela has succinctly and unequivocally supported everything that the department has done to do what it is supposed to do from the beginning to the end. But she has raised concerns and these concerns are legitimate ones. These are concerns that our people in communities are raising; and we agree with her. But because of being trapped in this twisted logic of perpetual opposition, she did not find it enough to complete her speech without posturing an opposition kind of politics. However, I think we will be able to overcome this over time.
I have prepared a speech, but I think most of the issues have been covered by and large by all hon members. I really want to express my appreciation to the hon member who spoke before me for emphasising the developmental trajectory of social development in South Africa. In the light of increasing joblessness that is facing SA and the ravaging pandemic of HIV/Aids, which continues to rob our labour market of an active labour force, there is certainly no way in which South Africa will find it sustainable to eradicate poverty if it only insists on the provision of grants. So, it becomes critical that as parliamentary elected representatives of our people and as a democratic government, of course also elected by our people, we join our hands and brains to begin to profile in a more robust and systematic way the developmental trajectory of social development.
What kind of things ought we to do for our communities of the Eastern Cape where there is poverty? What kind of initiatives do we need to unleash in our communities in the Free State, particularly in QwaQwa which has been declared a rural node by our President, to support initiatives by women who are not employable in any Seta, but women who have had the courage to respond accordingly to the clarion call of our President of Vukuzenzele to initiate income-generating projects?
I think we have a basis in South Africa for a developmental trajectory of social development. If Parliament in particular - and the Department of Social Development through your leadership, hon Minister - can begin to profile this, some of our colleagues outside there in the civil society will actually even begin to agree that some of the positions which it is ideologically sound to call for, such as the basic income grant, BIG, as the mother of all solutions of the problems of poverty in South Africa, are not the only option. In fact, it is one of the options that have been proven unsustainable globally. South Africa cannot take that particular action at this point in time.
I would like to thank the Minister, the Deputy Minister and all hon members who have participated in this debate. The debate has once more reignited that light of hope to the people of South Africa that despite the problems and challenges we have before of us, there is hope for a better future. As our President has said, we are in an age of hope. Thank you very much, Chairperson. [Applause.]
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Mr Chairman, I do not think I will contribute much that is new, especially after the speech of the last speaker, Mr Setona.
It is quite obvious that all of us, all the parties, have always agreed that the issues that we are facing in South Africa are issues of social development. They are basically issues of uplifting the poorest of the poor, so that there can be a better life for almost everybody. On such issues we dare not, and I repeat, we dare not differ. The only thing we can do is to see how we can work amongst ourselves and for ourselves in improving that. As such I do agree in principle with almost everything that has been said.
As regards the issues Mr Setona has just spoken about, first of all we have to understand that when we took over the state and divided it into provinces, those provinces were not equal as far as development was concerned. The public servants we had at the time did not necessarily understand what had to be done, and might not have had the necessary skills, etc.
We were completely different, and as we progress, we will always find that one province is a little bit more skilled as far as continuing the services are concerned than the others, especially in those in which there were Bantustans before 1994. That is the point we have to accept. I know it is very painful for people to accept that. We tried to say at the time that we were not equal, that the provinces were not equal. We did not spell it out, but some of the provinces are really much better off than the others in terms of skills, experience and basically how they use the resources at their disposal. I therefore think we have to accept that.
Despite that I would like to agree in principle with what has been said here generally by quite a number of people. I think we have definitely agreed here in this House on many occasions that the basic income grant sounds very nice, but as Mr Setona said, it is sometimes not possible to make it a big one. Principally we would like to have it. We, the ANC, actually stated that as early as 1994 or 1995. After discussing it for longer than two or three years, however, we had to come to the conclusion that it was not possible for us to implement it at that time. After that we appointed the Taylor Commission, which also agreed that there was no possibility of doing it, but suggested it, and it did not necessarily receive the necessary support from everybody.
One of the things we agreed on is that the people who are entitled to it according to our Constitution – if those people could be served, if we had the necessary mechanisms to ensure that everybody is served - at the time it was people from six years old and younger. Later we moved to eight, after that to nine, then 10, and now it is 14 years of age.
Quite obviously we found that it was very difficult to do that, and at the same time we did not have the necessary resources. This does not mean that we will not proceed with it in future, should the means, the resources and the ability of the public service enable us to do so. We have stopped at 14 so that everybody who is entitled to this at that age should be able to say: I have and I can receive that from the government. And up to 98% or 99% of elderly people know that. We had to work on that. We have also tried our best as far as disabled people are concerned.
Having done all that, however, we came to the conclusion that there is a little bit of exploitation as far as this issue is concerned. There are people who are not entitled to this grant who are receiving it. We therefore had to go back and clean up that data, and we are still doing it. We have to thank the public here for the way in which they reacted. More than 89 000 people came forward and said who were getting grants to which they were not entitled. Amongst those people we found that there were 12 000 people whom we told we were not going to give them any lenience about this, because they knew from the start that they were not entitled, as public servants. At present we are therefore still trying to clean it up, and we are working with all the law enforcement agencies to achieve this.
The last time we found, from the public themselves, that there were 35 000 people who were getting these grant, though they were not supposed to get them. Members of the public came forward themselves and said: So and so, my neighbour, still gets it. We know beyond any reasonable doubt that he is not entitled to it, because he earns a lot. We therefore want to say to those people who were able to give us that information that we are thankful and grateful for the questions that they have raised, and that we as government will do everything to ensure that this is stopped.
The main thing is not the question of the police being able to do something, but the important thing is our involvement. As representatives of the people in government, we should know which people in our constituencies who are supposed to get it, but are not getting it, who are getting it who are not supposed to be getting it. As members of Parliament we should be able to say that a person is getting it, that it should be stopped and he must pay back that money. Some will not be able to do that and it will not work for all of us. This goes not only for the national and provincial government, but for all local government representatives there.
What we want is that this function should work at the local level. Everyone in each locality should be able to say: I know and I’m entitled to that.
We should be able to do the same thing that the churches are doing amongst us at present. We would never have been able to service the majority of people in South Africa if the non-governmental organisations, especially the religious, faith-based organisations, were not doing what they are doing. I therefore think this is an issue that we should never forget, ie that it is our duty and that some of the things are still our responsibilities.
I think the R2 billion we were able to save – I am sure this is the amount for the last year, and it can even be more next year – was saved because we were able to arrest the people and we have been able to stop them receiving that money, and we were able to say: This is the money we have. In other words, I think this is what all of us are supposed to do. It has to be done though it might not be very popular.
As far as the question of the shortage of social workers is concerned, I agree in principle with Miss Lamoela of the DA that there is a shortage, and we’ve been saying that for a long time. We have agreed in the NA that all of us who are able to assist must work together. We have agreed with the DA itself. Members of the DA in the National Assembly have agreed to work with the department and I to encourage people to assist us in solving this problem. We should be able to use matriculants and people with degrees but no work, encompass them in this so that we can employ them and be able to say: Train them, and afterwards, in a year’s time, bring them back to work in this area. I think what happens in the end, should also happen in the NCOP.
As regards KwaZulu-Natal and what Mr Buthelezi was saying: Yes, do a little research, my dear comrade from the KwaZulu-Natal IFP, and you will find that there is nothing wrong with the Treasury demanding back its money that has been used by our department in that area when they were not supposed to use it. The issue at stake is that the Minister, the KwaZulu-Natal province took about R696 million from their budget for social assistance between the years 2005 and 2006 and used it to write off their previous year’s deficits. The Treasury disagreed with them and the Treasury has every right to demand that money back. There is no one who is going to get it back from us, except that we demand our money back and I think I’ll stand with Trevor on that.
As regards the amount owed to the province, another problem he raised is that In terms of the Division of Revenue Act and the Appropriation Act of 2005, the social assistance budget was allocated as a conditional grant in line with the shifting of this function from the province to the national sphere of government. Your province was therefore not allowed, by law, to use this money for any other purpose except …
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B J Tolo): We would appreciate it if you would round off.
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: I am rounding off, but I have to answer here. [Laughter.]
To use the money for any other purpose than social assistance grants is determined by the Division of Revenue Act. The National Treasury is therefore acting within the ambit of the law to demand that money back. I think if you do a little bit more research you’ll be able to agree with me.
In principle I would like to say . . . The hon Chair is harassing me. [Laughter.] One thing I would like to say is that we should all understand that provinces are still not the same. Therefore, when we introduce these agencies, it is easier for us to work in Gauteng and the Western Cape than it is to work in the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo and other provinces. This is simply because those systems were not there before 1994.
People do not know that they are entitled to that. In those other three provinces that we are talking about people do know and they make their demands, and they have access to all these other issues. We as Members of Parliament must accept these issues, ie that you cannot put the Western Cape in the same position in which you would like to put Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. That has been proved beyond any reasonable doubt. In other words, in those provinces where there were Bantustans there are more problems than in the Western Cape, Gauteng or in the Northern Cape. As we work amongst ourselves and understand the situation there, we would be able to resolve the issues that we are supposed to.
On behalf of the department I would like to acknowledge the work that has been done, first of all by my sister, Comrade Stella Sigcau, whom we buried yesterday in Lusikisiki – and we convey our condolences – in a very different and difficult province.
I would also like to convey my condolences, specifically to Chief Zulu, the former Minister for Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal. Unfortunately for Dr Buthelezi, he understood the issues much better than Mr Buthelezi. [Laughter.] He told me many times that there are a lot of problems here, and some of these people get grants to which they are not entitled. The majority of people that come from Swaziland, Mozambique and Lesotho, claim their grants and go back. If Mr Buthelezi can stop that he will resolve some of the problems and understand why they exist.
We were able to use this question for me to basically put a lot of pressure on some of the provinces, especially those that were run like the Eastern Cape, to try to resolve some problems. I won’t say I am using my powers or the ANC’s in order to suppress any other person, but in KwaZulu-Natal we had a bamba-kahle bamba-yeka [touch and leave] problem with the way in which we were doing it, with the way you people in KwaZulu-Natal voted on all these other issues. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
The TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON (Mr B J Tolo): Before we adjourn, I would like to thank the Minister and the Deputy Minister on behalf of the House for having participated in this debate. Every time they come here we as the NCOP feel that we are blessed. I would also like to say that while you were making your closing remarks, the majority of members here, across party lines, were actually nodding, which means people did agree with what you were saying and with what the department is doing. We want to congratulate you on that. [Applause.]
The Council adjourned at 16:13. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
MONDAY, 3 APRIL 2006
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Safety and Security
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the Republic of Uganda on Police Co-
operation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution,
1996.
FRIDAY, 7 APRIL 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bill submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159 (1) Sectional Titles Amendment Bill, submitted by the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs on 30 March 2006. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs and the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs.
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
- Referrals to committees of papers tabled
1. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Government Notice No 115 published in Government Gazette
No 28469 dated 3 February 2006: Determination of the daily
allowance in respect of meals and incidental costs for purposes
of the Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
(b) Government Notice No 177 published in Government Gazette
No 28550 dated 24 February 2006: Fixing of rate per kilometer
in respect of motor vehicles for the purposes of section
8(1)(b)(ii) and (iii) of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of
1962).
2. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Public Services for consideration:
(a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Public Works for 2006-
2010.
3. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Social Services:
a) Co-operation Agreement between the Government of the Republic of
Tunisia and the Republic of South Africa on Public Health and
Medical Sciences, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
4. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Report of the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons for 2005-
2006 [RP 27-2006].
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report on withholding of remuneration of Magistrate M S Makamu,
a magistrate at Benoni, in terms of section 13(4A)(b) of the
Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(a) Government Notice No 231 published in Government Gazette No
28620 dated 14 March 2006: Invitation to interested persons to
submit names to fill vacancies on the Board of South African
Weather, in terms of the South African Weather Service Act, 2001
(Act No 8 of 2001).
(b) Government Notice No 232 published in Government Gazette No
28620 dated 14 March 2006: Invitation to interested persons to
submit names to fill vacancies on the Board of South African
National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in terms of the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2001 (Act No 10 of
2004).
(c) General Notice No 425 published in Government Gazette No 28636
dated 20 March 2006: Draft policy on the Allocation of White Shark
Cage Diving Permits and the Management of White Shark Cage Diving
Industry for Public Comment, in terms of the Marine Living
Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
- The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Bloem Water for the year
ended June 2005, including the Report of the Independent Auditors
on the Financial Statements for the year ended June 2005.
National Council of Provinces
- The Chairperson The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 17 March 2006 to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces informing Members of the Council of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in the Union of Comores:
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN COMPLIANCE
WITH THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
TOWARDS THE UNION
This serves to inform the National Council of Provinces that I
authorised the employment of the South African National Defence Force
(SANDF) in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic
of South Africa towards the African Union, through participation in the
African Union Mission in the Union of Comores, to ensure a secure
environment conducive to credible, free and fair elections.
This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of
section 201(2)(a) 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 371 members will be deployed to the Union of Comores as part
of the African Union Mission to the Union of Comores for a period of
three (3) months.
The expected costs for the deployment of personnel for the period to
the Mission are as follows:
Personnel and administrative costs R16 207 375
Logistic costs R75 202 038
Total R91 409 413
The Department of Defence is responsible for the costs of this
deployment and is able to accommodate it in its 2006/2007 peace support
operations allocation.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly and
request that you bring its contents to the attention of members of the
National Council of Provinces.
Regards
signed
PRESIDENT
TUESDAY, 18 APRIL 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Assent by President in respect of Bill
1) Repeal of Black Administration Act and Amendment of Certain Laws Bill [B 25D – 2005] – Act No 28 of 2005 (assented to and signed by President on 7 April 2006).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Report of the Joint Budget Committee on Departmental Expenditure for the Second and Third Quarters of 2005/6 Financial Year – July to December 2005[1], dated 24 March 2006:
Part A: Second Quarter Expenditure Report: July - September 2005
By the end of the second quarter of the 2005/06 financial year, departments had spent an average of 47.50%. The Department of Education was the highest spending department at 75.18%.
Table 1:Highest spending Departments at the End of the second quarter Expenditure
| R’000 | Total Budget | Total | % Total |
| Expenditure | Expenditure | ||
| to date | to date | ||
| Education | 12397064 | 9319735 | 75.18% |
| Social Development | 56549127 | 30147594 | 53.31% |
| Environmental Affairs and | 1723111 | 895724 | 51.98% |
| Tourism | |||
| Housing | 5191712 | 2695612 | 51.92% |
| Minerals and Energy | 2117585 | 1062673 | 50.18% |
Table 2 identifies that the Department of Land Affairs was the lowest spending department, spending 27.71% at the end of the second quarter.
Table 2: Lowest spending Departments at the End of the second quarter Expenditure
| R’000 | Total Budget | Total | % Total |
| Expenditure | Expenditure | ||
| to date | to date | ||
| Land Affairs | 3881513 | 1075561 | 27.71% |
| Statistics South Africa | 691257 | 228785 | 33.10% |
| Sport and Recreation South | 203628 | 72283 | 35.50% |
| Africa | |||
| Public Service and | 167726 | 61210 | 36.49% |
| Administration | |||
| Provincial and Local | 15580777 | 5979990 | 38.38% |
| Government |
Table 3: Overall Expenditure at the end of the second quarter
| R’000 | Total | Total | % Total |
| Budget | Expenditure | Expenditure | |
| to date | to date | ||
| Voted Amounts | 221405759 | 105162886 | 47.50% |
| Central Government | 27593328 | 11009271 | 39.90% |
| Administration | |||
| The Presidency | 213463 | 87614 | 41.04% |
| Parliament | 677255 | 332376 | 49.08% |
| Foreign Affairs | 2595071 | 997483 | 38.44% |
| Home Affairs | 2972711 | 1241252 | 41.75% |
| Provincial and Local | 15580777 | 5979990 | 38.38% |
| Government | |||
| Public Works | 5554051 | 2370556 | 42.68% |
| Financial and Administrative | 15329901 | 6856359 | 44.73% |
| Services | |||
| Government Communications and | 249130 | 108060 | 43.37% |
| Information Services | |||
| National Treasury | 13990708 | 6349285 | 45.38% |
| Public Enterprises | 91983 | 45300 | 49.25% |
| Public Service and | 167726 | 61210 | 36.49% |
| Administration | |||
| Public Service Commission | 82050 | 40120 | 48.90% |
| SA Management Development | 57047 | 23599 | 41.37% |
| Institute | |||
| Statistics South Africa | 691257 | 228785 | 33.10% |
| Social Services | 81371732 | 45167669 | 55.51% |
| Arts and Culture | 1082699 | 445885 | 41.18% |
| Education | 12397064 | 9319735 | 75.18% |
| Health | 9825237 | 4608418 | 46.90% |
| Labour | 1313977 | 573754 | 43.67% |
| Social Development | 56549127 | 30147594 | 53.31% |
| Sport and Recreation South | 203628 | 72283 | 35.50% |
| Africa | |||
| Justice and Protection | 65272095 | 28139503 | 43.11% |
| Services | |||
| Correctional Services | 9234085 | 3769074 | 40.82% |
| Defence | 22459432 | 9411528 | 41.90% |
| Independent Complaints | 49522 | 23839 | 48.14% |
| Directorate | |||
| Justice and Constitutional | 5072061 | 2152777 | 42.44% |
| Development | |||
| Safety and Security | 28456995 | 12782285 | 44.92% |
| Economic Services and | 31838703 | 13990084 | 43.94% |
| Infrastructure Development | |||
| Agriculture | 1684738 | 813039 | 48.26% |
| Communications | 1017503 | 439624 | 43.21% |
| Environmental Affairs and | 1723111 | 895724 | 51.98% |
| Tourism | |||
| Housing | 5191712 | 2695612 | 51.92% |
| Land Affairs | 3881513 | 1075561 | 27.71% |
| Minerals and Energy | 2117585 | 1062673 | 50.18% |
| Science and Technology | 1986639 | 850527 | 42.81% |
| Trade and Industry | 3076331 | 1268513 | 41.23% |
| Transport | 7602159 | 3276244 | 43.10% |
| Water Affairs and Forestry | 3557412 | 1612567 | 45.33% |
Current, Transfer and Capital Expenditure
Departments were already running behind with their capital and current expenditures. In this regard, Departments had recorded an average of 43.81%, 50.09% and 29.52% on Current, Transfer and Capital expenditure respectively.
Current Expenditure
Table 4: Overall Current Expenditure at the end of the second quarter
| Current | Current | % Current | |
| Budget | Expenditure | Expenditure | |
| R’000 | to date | to date | |
| Voted Amounts | 71110801 | 31151462 | 43.81% |
| Central Government | 7761070 | 3745402 | 48.26% |
| Administration | |||
| The Presidency | 188986 | 75246 | 39.82% |
| Parliament | 527756 | 257628 | 48.82% |
| Foreign Affairs | 2014234 | 917537 | 45.55% |
| Home Affairs | 1299059 | 642510 | 49.46% |
| Provincial and Local | 229018 | 109966 | 48.02% |
| Government | |||
| Public Works | 3502017 | 1742515 | 49.76% |
| Financial and | 3257125 | 1351795 | 41.50% |
| Administrative | |||
| Services | |||
| Government | 170351 | 64055 | 37.60% |
| Communications and | |||
| Information Services | |||
| National Treasury | 2074879 | 931149 | 44.88% |
| Public Enterprises | 72698 | 32295 | 44.42% |
| Public Service and | 163971 | 60217 | 36.72% |
| Administration | |||
| Public Service | 80138 | 39514 | 49.31% |
| Commission | |||
| SA Management | 30996 | 9872 | 31.85% |
| Development | |||
| Institute | |||
| Statistics South | 664092 | 214693 | 32.33% |
| Africa | |||
| Social Services | 2768390 | 1191574 | 43.04% |
| Arts and Culture | 168770 | 117373 | 69.55% |
| Education | 463424 | 167738 | 36.20% |
| Health | 699810 | 278314 | 39.77% |
| Labour | 891039 | 409381 | 45.94% |
| Social Development | 432763 | 189905 | 43.88% |
| Sport and Recreation | 112584 | 28863 | 25.64% |
| South Africa | |||
| Justice and | 51437910 | 22638460 | 44.01% |
| Protection Services | |||
| Correctional | 7858725 | 3291199 | 41.88% |
| Services | |||
| Defence | 12837175 | 5632954 | 43.88% |
| Independent | 48293 | 21116 | 43.72% |
| Complaints | |||
| Directorate | |||
| Justice and | 3949180 | 1600662 | 40.53% |
| Constitutional | |||
| Development | |||
| Safety and Security | 26744537 | 12092529 | 45.21% |
| Economic Services | 5886306 | 2224231 | 37.79% |
| and Infrastructure | |||
| Development | |||
| Agriculture | 790689 | 253214 | 32.02% |
| Communications | 247141 | 116649 | 47.20% |
| Environmental | 481988 | 207102 | 42.97% |
| Affairs and Tourism | |||
| Housing | 240851 | 67977 | 28.22% |
| Land Affairs | 787380 | 325896 | 41.39% |
| Minerals and Energy | 462700 | 171479 | 37.06% |
| Science and | 156607 | 60669 | 38.74% |
| Technology | |||
| Trade and Industry | 640454 | 236113 | 36.87% |
| Transport | 534675 | 162849 | 30.46% |
| Water Affairs and | 1543821 | 622283 | 40.31% |
| Forestry |
Table 5 represents the departments with the highest overall current expenditure at the end of the second quarter.
Table 5: Highest Current Expenditure at the end of the second quarter | |Current |Current |% Current | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | |R’000 | |to date |to date | |Arts and Culture |168770 |117373 |69.55% | |Public Works |3502017 |1742515 |49.76% | |Home Affairs |1299059 |642510 |49.46% | |Public Service |80138 |39514 |49.31% | |Commission | | | | |Parliament |527756 |257628 |48.82% |
Table 6 represents the departments with the lowest overall current expenditure at the end of the second quarter.
Table 6: Lowest Current Expenditure at the end of the second quarter | |Current |Current |% Current | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | |R’000 | |to date |to date | |Sport and Recreation |112584 |28863 |25.64% | |South Africa | | | | |Housing |240851 |67977 |28.22% | |Transport |534675 |162849 |30.46% | |SA Management |30996 |9872 |31.85% | |Development Institute | | | | |Agriculture |790689 |253214 |32.02% |
Transfers
Table 7 represents the departments’ overall transfer payments at the end of the second quarter. Table 7: Overall Transfer Expenditure at the end of the second quarter |R’000 |Transfer |Transfer |% Transfer | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Voted Amounts |144139747 |72194333 |50.09% | |Central Government |17703909 |6894851 |38.95% | |Administration | | | | |The Presidency |19222 |11465 |59.65% | |Parliament |97171 |48582 |50.00% | |Foreign Affairs |348927 |56907 |16.31% | |Home Affairs |894215 |470545 |52.62% | |Provincial and Local |15345969 |5867643 |38.24% | |Government | | | | |Public Works |998405 |439709 |44.04% | |Financial and |12024632 |5473033 |45.52% | |Administrative | | | | |Services | | | | |Government |76469 |41799 |54.66% | |Communications and | | | | |Information Services | | | | |National Treasury |11903138 |5404642 |45.41% | |Public Enterprises |18758 |12829 |68.39% | |Public Service and |361 |157 |43.49% | |Administration | | | | |Public Service |183 |0 |0.00% | |Commission | | | | |SA Management |24788 |13212 |53.30% | |Development Institute | | | | |Statistics South |935 |394 |42.14% | |Africa | | | | |Social Services |78443732 |43934645 |56.01% | |Arts and Culture |909567 |328508 |36.12% | |Education |11889082 |9144876 |76.92% | |Health |9097514 |4324571 |47.54% | |Labour |350368 |147313 |42.05% | |Social Development |56111169 |29946478 |53.37% | |Sport and Recreation |86032 |42899 |49.86% | |South Africa | | | | |Justice and Protection|10519254 |4431269 |42.13% | |Services | | | | |Correctional Services |38124 |54312 |142.46% | |Defence |9357388 |3778574 |40.38% | |Independent Complaints|149 |125 |83.89% | |Directorate | | | | |Justice and |695622 |420795 |60.49% | |Constitutional | | | | |Development | | | | |Safety and Security |427971 |177463 |41.47% | |Economic Services and |25448220 |11460535 |45.03% | |Infrastructure | | | | |Development | | | | |Agriculture |864993 |519155 |60.02% | |Communications |763882 |319497 |41.83% | |Environmental Affairs |1190330 |666127 |55.96% | |and Tourism | | | | |Housing |4947840 |2624893 |53.05% | |Land Affairs |3058267 |742033 |24.26% | |Minerals and Energy |1647942 |890847 |54.06% | |Science and Technology|1829227 |789100 |43.14% | |Trade and Industry |2424187 |1029835 |42.48% | |Transport |7057209 |3111702 |44.09% | |Water Affairs and |1664343 |767346 |46.11% | |Forestry | | | |
Table 8 represents the departments with the highest overall transfer expenditure at the end of the second quarter.
Table 8: Highest Transfer Expenditure at the end of the second quarter |R’000 |Transfer |Transfer |% Transfer Expenditure | | |Budget |Expenditure | | | | |to date |to date | |Correctional Services |38124 |54312 |142.46% | |Independent Complaints |149 |125 |83.89% | |Directorate | | | | |Education |11889082 |9144876 |76.92% | |Public Enterprises |18758 |12829 |68.39% | |Justice and |695622 |420795 |60.49% | |Constitutional | | | | |Development | | | |
Table 9 represents the departments with the lowest overall transfer expenditure at the end of the second quarter.
Table 9: Lowest Transfer Expenditure at the end of the second quarter |R’000 |Transfer |Transfer |% Transfer | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Public Service |183 |0 |0.00% | |Commission | | | | |Foreign Affairs |348927 |56907 |16.31% | |Land Affairs |3058267 |742033 |24.26% | |Arts and Culture |909567 |328508 |36.12% | |Provincial and Local |15345969 |5867643 |38.24% | |Government | | | |
Capital Expenditure
Table 10 represents the departments’ overall capital expenditure at the end of the second quarter.
Table 10: Overall Transfer Expenditure at the end of the second quarter
| R’000 | Capital Budget | Capital Expenditure | % Capital |
| Expenditure | |||
| to date | to date | ||
| Voted Amounts | 6155211 | 1817091 | 29.52% |
| Central Government | 2128349 | 369018 | 17.34% |
| Administration | |||
| The Presidency | 5255 | 903 | 17.18% |
| Parliament | 52328 | 26166 | 50.00% |
| Foreign Affairs | 231910 | 23039 | 9.93% |
| Home Affairs | 779437 | 128197 | 16.45% |
| Provincial and Local | 5790 | 2381 | 41.12% |
| Government | |||
| Public Works | 1053629 | 188332 | 17.87% |
| Financial and | 48144 | 31531 | 65.49% |
| Administrative | |||
| Services | |||
| Government | 2310 | 2206 | 95.50% |
| Communications and | |||
| Information Services | |||
| National Treasury | 12691 | 13494 | 106.33% |
| Public Enterprises | 527 | 176 | 33.40% |
| Public Service and | 3394 | 836 | 24.63% |
| Administration | |||
| Public Service | 1729 | 606 | 35.05% |
| Commission | |||
| SA Management | 1263 | 515 | 40.78% |
| Development Institute | |||
| Statistics South | 26230 | 13698 | 52.22% |
| Africa | |||
| Social Services | 159610 | 41450 | 25.97% |
| Arts and Culture | 4362 | 4 | 0.09% |
| Education | 44558 | 7121 | 15.98% |
| Health | 27913 | 5533 | 19.82% |
| Labour | 72570 | 17060 | 23.51% |
| Social Development | 5195 | 11211 | 215.80% |
| Sport and Recreation | 5012 | 521 | 10.40% |
| South Africa | |||
| Justice and | 3314931 | 1069774 | 32.27% |
| Protection Services | |||
| Correctional Services | 1337236 | 423563 | 31.67% |
| Defence | 264869 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Independent | 1080 | 2598 | 240.56% |
| Complaints | |||
| Directorate | |||
| Justice and | 427259 | 131320 | 30.74% |
| Constitutional | |||
| Development | |||
| Safety and Security | 1284487 | 512293 | 39.88% |
| Economic Services and | 504177 | 305318 | 60.56% |
| Infrastructure | |||
| Development | |||
| Agriculture | 29056 | 40670 | 139.97% |
| Communications | 6480 | 3478 | 53.67% |
| Environmental Affairs | 50793 | 22495 | 44.29% |
| and Tourism | |||
| Housing | 3021 | 2742 | 90.76% |
| Land Affairs | 35866 | 7632 | 21.28% |
| Minerals and Energy | 6943 | 347 | 5.00% |
| Science and | 805 | 758 | 94.16% |
| Technology | |||
| Trade and Industry | 11690 | 2565 | 21.94% |
| Transport | 10275 | 1693 | 16.48% |
| Water Affairs and | 349248 | 222938 | 63.83% |
| Forestry |
Table 11 represents the departments with the highest overall capital expenditure at the end of the second quarter.
Table 11: Highest Capital Expenditure at the end of the second quarter |R’000 |Capital |Capital |% Capital | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Independent |1080 |2598 |240.56% | |Complaints | | | | |Directorate | | | | |Social Development |5195 |11211 |215.80% | |Agriculture |29056 |40670 |139.97% | |National Treasury |12691 |13494 |106.33% | |Government |2310 |2206 |95.50% | |Communications and | | | | |Information Services| | | |
Table 12 represents the departments with the lowest overall capital expenditure at the end of the second quarter.
Table 12: Lowest Capital Expenditure at the end of the second quarter
| R’000 | Capital | Capital | % Capital |
| Budget | Expenditure | Expenditure | |
| to date | to date | ||
| Defence | 264869 | 0 | 0.00% |
| Arts and Culture | 4362 | 4 | 0.09% |
| Minerals and Energy | 6943 | 347 | 5.00% |
| Foreign Affairs | 231910 | 23039 | 9.93% |
| Sport and Recreation South Africa | 5012 | 521 | 10.40% |
Part B: Third Quarter Expenditure Report
The first quarter expenditure report indicated that departments started the financial year with a low expenditure of 5% in April 2005, increasing sharply to 11.13% in May and decreasing to 7% in June 2005. This resulted in an overall expenditure of 23.14% at the end of the first quarter. At the end of the second quarter average departmental expenditure increased to 43.81%. By the end of the third quarter, expenditure increased to an average of 70.47%.
Table 13:Overall departments’ expenditure at the end of the third quarter |R’000 |Total Budget |Total Expenditure |% Total | | | | |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Voted Amounts |225656770 |159024684 |70.47% | |Central Government |28219765 |18837036 |66.75% | |Administration | | | | |The Presidency |216463 |130166 |60.13% | |Parliament |672412 |511063 |76.00% | |Foreign Affairs |2693766 |1607516 |59.68% | |Home Affairs |3032461 |2140533 |70.59% | |Provincial and Local |15960427 |10632235 |66.62% | |Government | | | | |Public Works |5644236 |3815523 |67.60% | |Financial and |15562426 |10181606 |65.42% | |Administrative | | | | |Services | | | | |Government |249130 |167872 |67.38% | |Communications and | | | | |Information Services | | | | |National Treasury |14172795 |9326986 |65.81% | |Public Enterprises |92653 |61300 |66.16% | |Public Service and |187271 |111126 |59.34% | |Administration | | | | |Public Service |86106 |62019 |72.03% | |Commission | | | | |SA Management |57047 |37229 |65.26% | |Development Institute| | | | |Statistics South |717424 |415074 |57.86% | |Africa | | | | |Social Services |82081554 |65230686 |79.47% | |Arts and Culture |1108944 |690374 |62.26% | |Education |12613190 |11489262 |91.09% | |Health |9952861 |7088117 |71.22% | |Labour |1308738 |853933 |65.25% | |Social Development |56640033 |44996060 |79.44% | |Sport and Recreation |457788 |112940 |24.67% | |South Africa | | | | |Justice and |65710461 |42901177 |65.29% | |Protection Services | | | | |Correctional Services|9324220 |5877445 |63.03% | |Defence |22670482 |13523590 |59.65% | |Independent |49522 |36231 |73.16% | |Complaints | | | | |Directorate | | | | |Justice and |5185733 |3264965 |62.96% | |Constitutional | | | | |Development | | | | |Safety and Security |28480504 |20198946 |70.92% | |Economic Services and|34082564 |21874179 |64.18% | |Infrastructure | | | | |Development | | | | |Agriculture |1967768 |1186745 |60.31% | |Communications |1031683 |624408 |60.52% | |Environmental Affairs|1753307 |1290751 |73.62% | |and Tourism | | | | |Housing |5265672 |4111809 |78.09% | |Land Affairs |3897117 |1782509 |45.74% | |Minerals and Energy |2252371 |1565809 |69.52% | |Science and |2041936 |1518930 |74.39% | |Technology | | | | |Trade and Industry |3907420 |2409993 |61.68% | |Transport |8029654 |4899222 |61.01% | |Water Affairs and |3935636 |2484003 |63.12% | |Forestry | | | |
The Department of Education was the highest spending department at the end of the third quarter, with a recorded expenditure of 91.09%. The department with the second highest expenditure at the end of the third quarter is the Department of Social Development.
Table 14:Higest spending departments at the end of the third quarter expenditure
| R’000 | Total Budget | Total | % Total |
| Expenditure | Expenditure | ||
| to date | to date | ||
| Education | 12613190 | 11489262 | 91.09% |
| Social Development | 56640033 | 44996060 | 79.44% |
| Housing | 5265672 | 4111809 | 78.09% |
| Parliament | 672412 | 511063 | 76.00% |
| Science and Technology | 2041936 | 1518930 | 74.39% |
Sport and Recreation South Africa was the lowest spending department at the end of the third quarter, with a recorded expenditure of 24.67%. However, departments have generally spent a large portion of their budgets.
Table 15: Lowest spending departments at the end of the third quarter expenditure |R’000 |Total Budget|Total |% Total | | | |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Sport and Recreation South|457788 |112940 |24.67% | |Africa | | | | |Land Affairs |3897117 |1782509 |45.74% | |Statistics South Africa |717424 |415074 |57.86% | |Public Service and |187271 |111126 |59.34% | |Administration | | | | |Defence |22670482 |13523590 |59.65% |
Current, Transfer and Capital Expenditure
Departments spent an average of 67.77%, 72.49% and 54.33% in Current, Transfer and Capital expenditure respectively. The slow trend of spending on capital expenditure is similar to that of previous financial years.
Current Expenditure
Table 16 represents the departments’ overall current expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 16: Overall Current Expenditure at the end of the third quarter
| Current | Current | % Current | |
| Budget | Expenditure | Expenditure | |
| R’000 | to date | to date | |
| Voted Amounts | 71840748 | 48689761 | 67.77% |
| Central Government | 8147126 | 5833336 | 71.60% |
| Administration | |||
| The Presidency | 186881 | 113122 | 60.53% |
| Parliament | 556929 | 398941 | 71.63% |
| Foreign Affairs | 2089476 | 1392068 | 66.62% |
| Home Affairs | 1451093 | 1076761 | 74.20% |
| Provincial and Local | 248939 | 177571 | 71.33% |
| Government | |||
| Public Works | 3613808 | 2674873 | 74.02% |
| Financial and | 3193449 | 2077458 | 65.05% |
| Administrative | |||
| Services | |||
| Government | 167409 | 104548 | 62.45% |
| Communications and | |||
| Information Services | |||
| National Treasury | 1974940 | 1350405 | 68.38% |
| Public Enterprises | 75586 | 48114 | 63.65% |
| Public Service and | 182624 | 105192 | 57.60% |
| Administration | |||
| Public Service | 84175 | 60930 | 72.38% |
| Commission | |||
| SA Management | 29806 | 17204 | 57.72% |
| Development Institute | |||
| Statistics South | 678909 | 391065 | 57.60% |
| Africa | |||
| Social Services | 2940682 | 1934069 | 65.77% |
| Arts and Culture | 171506 | 182691 | 106.52% |
| Education | 508856 | 255949 | 50.30% |
| Health | 714706 | 416115 | 58.22% |
| Labour | 952341 | 599563 | 62.96% |
| Social Development | 469469 | 430013 | 91.60% |
| Sport and Recreation | 123804 | 49738 | 40.17% |
| South Africa | |||
| Justice and | 51326059 | 35317270 | 68.81% |
| Protection Services | |||
| Correctional Services | 7873216 | 5071712 | 64.42% |
| Defence | 12760614 | 8916338 | 69.87% |
| Independent | 46989 | 33088 | 70.42% |
| Complaints | |||
| Directorate | |||
| Justice and | 4017696 | 2501407 | 62.26% |
| Constitutional | |||
| Development | |||
| Safety and Security | 26627544 | 18794725 | 70.58% |
| Economic Services and | 6233432 | 3527628 | 56.59% |
| Infrastructure | |||
| Development | |||
| Agriculture | 777553 | 401873 | 51.68% |
| Communications | 278601 | 177759 | 63.80% |
| Environmental Affairs | 495988 | 296144 | 59.71% |
| and Tourism | |||
| Housing | 242875 | 112531 | 46.33% |
| Land Affairs | 829459 | 507465 | 61.18% |
| Minerals and Energy | 481114 | 265459 | 55.18% |
| Science and | 161637 | 127336 | 78.78% |
| Technology | |||
| Trade and Industry | 695053 | 388271 | 55.86% |
| Transport | 567696 | 280077 | 49.34% |
| Water Affairs and | 1703456 | 970713 | 56.98% |
| Forestry |
Table 17 represents the departments with the highest overall current expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 17: Highest Current Expenditure at the end of the third quarter | |Current |Current |% Current | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | |R’000 | |to date |to date | |Arts and Culture |171506 |182691 |106.52% | |Social Development |469469 |430013 |91.60% | |Science and |161637 |127336 |78.78% | |Technology | | | | |Home Affairs |1451093 |1076761 |74.20% | |Public Works |3613808 |2674873 |74.02% |
Table 18 represents the departments with the lowest overall current expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 18: Lowest Current Expenditure at the end of the third quarter | |Current |Current |% Current | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | |R’000 | |to date |to date | |Sport and |123804 |49738 |40.17% | |Recreation South | | | | |Africa | | | | |Housing |242875 |112531 |46.33% | |Transport |567696 |280077 |49.34% | |Education |508856 |255949 |50.30% | |Agriculture |777553 |401873 |51.68% |
Transfers
Table 19 represents the departments’ overall transfer expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 19: Overall Transfer Expenditure at the end of the third quarter |R’000 |Transfer |Transfer |% Transfer | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Voted Amounts |147416790 |106858531 |72.49% | |Central Government |18133241 |12205318 |67.31% | |Administration | | | | |The Presidency |25827 |15078 |58.38% | |Parliament |96826 |72873 |75.26% | |Foreign Affairs |373013 |164569 |44.12% | |Home Affairs |955958 |765277 |80.05% | |Provincial and Local |15705000 |10451571 |66.55% | |Government | | | | |Public Works |976617 |735950 |75.36% | |Financial and |12295839 |8049456 |65.46% | |Administrative Services | | | | |Government |76539 |59170 |77.31% | |Communications and | | | | |Information Services | | | | |National Treasury |12176094 |7956839 |65.35% | |Public Enterprises |16540 |12876 |77.85% | |Public Service and |419 |291 |69.45% | |Administration | | | | |Public Service |202 |1 |0.50% | |Commission | | | | |SA Management |24785 |19509 |78.71% | |Development Institute | | | | |Statistics South Africa |1260 |770 |61.11% | |Social Services |79048273 |63246775 |80.01% | |Arts and Culture |933076 |507608 |54.40% | |Education |12090008 |11225504 |92.85% | |Health |9200577 |6663339 |72.42% | |Labour |341671 |245288 |71.79% | |Social Development |56153969 |44542436 |79.32% | |Sport and Recreation |328972 |62600 |19.03% | |South Africa | | | | |Justice and Protection |10809492 |5493184 |50.82% | |Services | | | | |Correctional Services |39205 |59272 |151.18% | |Defence |9644999 |4607252 |47.77% | |Independent Complaints |149 |68 |45.64% | |Directorate | | | | |Justice and |697133 |545991 |78.32% | |Constitutional | | | | |Development | | | | |Safety and Security |428006 |280601 |65.56% | |Economic Services and |27129945 |17863798 |65.85% | |Infrastructure | | | | |Development | | | | |Agriculture |1145546 |714038 |62.33% | |Communications |746382 |439192 |58.84% | |Environmental Affairs |1201240 |959681 |79.89% | |and Tourism | | | | |Housing |5017836 |3995084 |79.62% | |Land Affairs |2991888 |1261268 |42.16% | |Minerals and Energy |1764314 |1299216 |73.64% | |Science and Technology |1879494 |1390090 |73.96% | |Trade and Industry |3194666 |2018635 |63.19% | |Transport |7447470 |4616632 |61.99% | |Water Affairs and |1741109 |1169962 |67.20% | |Forestry | | | |
Table 20 represents the departments with the highest overall transfer expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 20: Highest Transfer Expenditure at the end of the third quarter |R’000 |Transfer |Transfer |% Transfer | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Correctional Services |39205 |59272 |151.18% | |Education |12090008 |11225504 |92.85% | |Home Affairs |955958 |765277 |80.05% | |Environmental Affairs |1201240 |959681 |79.89% | |and Tourism | | | | |Housing |5017836 |3995084 |79.62% |
Table 21 represents the departments with the lowest overall transfer expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 21: Lowest Transfer Expenditure at the end of the third quarter |R’000 |Transfer |Transfer |% Transfer | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure| | | |to date |to date | |Public Service Commission |202 |1 |0.50% | |Sport and Recreation South |328972 |62600 |19.03% | |Africa | | | | |Land Affairs |2991888 |1261268 |42.16% | |Foreign Affairs |373013 |164569 |44.12% | |Independent Complaints |149 |68 |45.64% | |Directorate | | | |
Capital Expenditure
Table 22 represents the departments’ overall capital expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 22: Overall Capital Expenditure at the end of the third quarter |R’000 |Capital |Capital |% Capital | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Voted Amounts |6399232 |3476392 |54.33% | |Central |1939398 |798382 |41.17% | |Government | | | | |Administration | | | | |The Presidency |3755 |1966 |52.36% | |Parliament |18657 |39249 |210.37% | |Foreign Affairs |231277 |50879 |22.00% | |Home Affairs |625410 |298495 |47.73% | |Provincial and |6488 |3093 |47.67% | |Local Government| | | | |Public Works |1053811 |404700 |38.40% | |Financial and |73138 |54692 |74.78% | |Administrative | | | | |Services | | | | |Government |5182 |4154 |80.16% | |Communications | | | | |and Information | | | | |Services | | | | |National |21761 |19742 |90.72% | |Treasury | | | | |Public |527 |310 |58.82% | |Enterprises | | | | |Public Service |4228 |5643 |133.47% | |and | | | | |Administration | | | | |Public Service |1729 |1088 |62.93% | |Commission | | | | |SA Management |2456 |516 |21.01% | |Development | | | | |Institute | | | | |Statistics South|37255 |23239 |62.38% | |Africa | | | | |Social Services |92599 |49842 |53.83% | |Arts and Culture|4362 |75 |1.72% | |Education |14326 |7809 |54.51% | |Health |37578 |8663 |23.05% | |Labour |14726 |9082 |61.67% | |Social |16595 |23611 |142.28% | |Development | | | | |Sport and |5012 |602 |12.01% | |Recreation South| | | | |Africa | | | | |Justice and |3574910 |2090723 |58.48% | |Protection | | | | |Services | | | | |Correctional |1411799 |746461 |52.87% | |Services | | | | |Defence |264869 |0 |0.00% | |Independent |2384 |3075 |128.98% | |Complaints | | | | |Directorate | | | | |Justice and |470904 |217567 |46.20% | |Constitutional | | | | |Development | | | | |Safety and |1424954 |1123620 |78.85% | |Security | | | | |Economic |719187 |482753 |67.12% | |Services and | | | | |Infrastructure | | | | |Development | | | | |Agriculture |44669 |70834 |158.58% | |Communications |6700 |7457 |111.30% | |Environmental |56079 |34926 |62.28% | |Affairs and | | | | |Tourism | | | | |Housing |4961 |4194 |84.54% | |Land Affairs |75770 |13776 |18.18% | |Minerals and |6943 |1134 |16.33% | |Energy | | | | |Science and |805 |1504 |186.83% | |Technology | | | | |Trade and |17701 |3087 |17.44% | |Industry | | | | |Transport |14488 |2513 |17.35% | |Water Affairs |491071 |343328 |69.91% | |and Forestry | | | |
Table 23 represents the departments with the highest overall capital expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 23: Highest Capital Expenditure at the end of the third quarter |R’000 |Capital |Capital |% Capital | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Parliament |18657 |39249 |210.37% | |Science and Technology |805 |1504 |186.83% | |Agriculture |44669 |70834 |158.58% | |Social Development |16595 |23611 |142.28% | |Public Service and |4228 |5643 |133.47% | |Administration | | | |
Table 24 represents the departments with the lowest overall capital expenditure at the end of the third quarter.
Table 24: Highest Capital Expenditure at the end of the third quarter |R’000 |Capital |Capital |% Capital | | |Budget |Expenditure |Expenditure | | | |to date |to date | |Defence |264869 |0 |0.00% | |Arts and Culture |4362 |75 |1.72% | |Sport and Recreation South |5012 |602 |12.01% | |Africa | | | | |Minerals and Energy |6943 |1134 |16.33% | |Transport |14488 |2513 |17.35% |
Conclusion
Departments had spent a significant portion of their budgets at the end of the third quarter. However, the research unit had not been able to contact departments regarding their expenditure trends due to time constraints.
Sources
• Statement of National and Provincial Governments’ revenue, expenditure
and National borrowing as at 30 September 2005; National Treasury.
• Statement of National and Provincial Governments’ revenue, expenditure
and National borrowing as at 31 December 2005; National Treasury.
Report to be considered.
-
Annual Report of the Joint Budget Committee, dated 28 March 2006:
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2005, DATED 24 MARCH 2006 -
Name of the Committee: Joint Budget Committee (JBC)
Co-Chairpersons: Ms L L Mabe, MP (NA) and Mr B J Mkhaliphi, MP (NCOP)
Committee Secretary: Mr K Dlamini
-
Co-Chairpersons’ overview:
During the year under review, the Committee continued implementing its mandate. A major milestone reached during the year was the Committee’s adoption of its strategic plan which incorporates a report envisaged in item 9 of its Terms of Reference.
Challenges persisted. To gain a clear picture of progress made, the Committee will have to embark on a strategic session in order to appreciate the extent of work done in comparison with its long term programme. Challenges that are being encountered include, amongst other things:
- the absence of dedicated members to this Committee
- the frequent restructuring of Committees which brings about change in this Committee
- the description of this Committee as a Joint Budget Committee as it creates an impression that it operates like any other joint committee yet its mandate is complex and elaborate.
Amongst the things that the Committee has realised during the year is the strengthening of co-ordination with other Committees, like the two sectoral Committees on Finance. Deliberations with these Committees gave the Joint Budget Committee insight with relation to the functioning of the economy and fiscal monitoring exercise.
Another challenge with regard to resources is the absence of a dedicated researcher. As a Committee which is still in a developmental stage and whose mandate is so complex, it is imperative that we are provided with a dedicated researcher.
-
Vision and mission of the Committee
3.1 Mandate
The JBC’s mandate is found in its Terms of Reference as resolved by
both Houses of Parliament on 25 June 2004. The resolution established
the Committee to:
(1) consider proposed allocations in the Medium-Term Expenditure
Framework and the Appropriation Bill and whether these allocations are
broadly in keeping with the policy directions of the Government;
(2) make proposals regarding the processes Parliament should follow
with regard to its role in the developing of budgets in accordance
with constitutional requirements;
(3) on a regular basis monitor monthly published actual revenue and
expenditure per department, and to ascertain whether they are in line
with budget projections;
(4) consider, when tabled, the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement,
with the exception of those sections dealing with the macroeconomic
situation and revenue;
(5) conduct hearings on the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and
Budget Policy Review Document, with the exception of those sections
dealing with the macroeconomic situation and revenue;
(6) exercise those powers in Joint Rule 32 that may assist in carrying
out its functions;
(7) report—
a) on the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement regarding the matters
referred to in paragraph 5; and (b) quarterly regarding the
matters referred to in
paragraph 4; and
(8) consider and make proposals regarding the nature of its functions
relative to those of other committees in respect of the budget process
and conducting oversight, the Committee to report thereon from time to
time as may be necessary and to submit a final report by not later
than the end of the next budget cycle in Parliament.
The Committee’s vision and mission are incorporated in its strategic
plan adopted by the Committee on 22 June 2005 and ultimately by
Parliament on 16 November 2005.
3.2 Vision
The JBC’s vision is that of having an effective role in budget
management, facilitating improved spending outcomes in terms of:
i) aligning spending outcomes with government priorities; and
ii) ensuring value for money.
3.3 Mission
The Joint Budget Committee’s mission is to practise effective
oversight over state spending on consolidated budget.
-
List of public entities over which the committee exercises oversight
The Committee monitors monthly expenditure by all government departments and reports to Parliament quarterly.
-
Number of meetings held and cancelled
No of meetings held: 31
(Thirteen of the above meetings were held jointly with the Finance
Committees and one with the Focus Group on Money Bills)
No of meetings cancelled: 9
(Of the above called meetings, four were cancelled because attendance
was very poor [less than four members]).
Generally, attendance of meetings is very poor, especially when the
Committee is meeting separately from the Finance Committees.
-
Legislation referred to the committee (Finalised and not finalised): indicate the following:-
None
-
Papers (International Agreements, Protocols, Reports etc) referred to the Committee: indicate the following:-
| Paper/ Report | Referral | Adoption | ATC | Debate Date | Debate |
| Date | Date of | publication | in NA | Date in | |
| Committee | Date | NCOP | |||
| Report | |||||
| Expenditure | 31 /01/ | 22 /06/ | 03 /08/ 2005 | 16 /11/ 2005 | 14 /09/ |
| Statements | 2005 | 2005 | 2005 | ||
| for the third | |||||
| quarter of | |||||
| 2004/5 | |||||
| financial | |||||
| year | |||||
| (October, | |||||
| November and | |||||
| December | |||||
| 2004) | |||||
| Expenditure | 30 /04/ | 22 /06/ | 03 /08/ 2005 | 16 /11/ 2005 | 14 /09/ |
| Statements | 2005 | 2005 | 2005 | ||
| for the | |||||
| fourth | |||||
| quarter of | |||||
| 2004/5 | |||||
| financial | |||||
| year | |||||
| (January, | |||||
| February and | |||||
| March 2005) | |||||
| Expenditure | 31 /07/ | 31 /08/ | 15 /09/ 2005 | 16 / 11/ | Pending |
| Statements | 2005 | 2005 | 2005 | ||
| for the first | |||||
| quarter of | |||||
| 2005/6 | |||||
| financial | |||||
| year (April, | |||||
| May and June | |||||
| 2005) | |||||
| Medium-Term | 31 /10/ | 11 /11/ | 14 /11/ 2005 | 15 /11/ 2005 | 16 /11/ |
| Budget Policy | 2005 | 2005 | 2005 | ||
| Statement | |||||
| (MTBPS) 2005) | |||||
| Submission of | 06 /05/ | Committee | |||
| the Financial | 2005 | not | |||
| and Fiscal | required to | ||||
| Commission on | report | ||||
| the Division | |||||
| of Revenue | |||||
| for 2006-2007 |
-
Local oversight visits
The Committee did not undertake any oversight visits but Messrs Mkhaliphi and Nene attended three meetings of the Budget Council during the year, two in Pretoria and one in Mpumalanga.
It is by convention that Chairpersons of the Budget and Finance Committees attend the meetings of the Budget Council as observers.
The Budget Council consists of the Minister of Finance, the MECs of Finance and National and Provincial Treasuries. Its main function is to co-ordinate the different interests of national and provincial governments and to make sure that agreement is reached on how to share revenue.
These meetings assist in providing the Co-Chairpersons with insight into the discussions and activities taking place during the budget preparation phase. Such insight then translates into proper guidance and direction of the whole Committee when the budget is tabled in Parliament and referred to the Committee.
-
International Visits:
The Committee did not undertake any visits during the period covered by the Report. However, it is the Committee’s intention to undertake an international study tour of a country where the Budget Committee has been fully operational for a long time.
At the request of the Speaker and the Chairperson of the NCOP the Co-
Chairpersons met with the following international delegations which
visited Parliament:
- Speaker of the Zimbabwean Parliament
- Speaker of Cote d’Ivoire
- United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and National
Institute of Public Finance
-
Budget Vote
There was not a budget vote officially referred to the Committee. However, the Committee deployed some of its members to attend various Portfolio Committees’ hearings on departmental budget votes. The Committee is yet to develop a work method for interacting with sectoral committees when dealing with budget votes.
-
Annual reports of the Executive (30 September)
In exercising its monitoring function over departmental expenditure, the Committee does refer to the contents of various annual reports although such reports are not officially referred to the Committee.
- Other committee activities (briefings on other issues, workshops, conferences)
12.1 Workshops
The Committee held two workshops as an ongoing exercise of unpacking its Terms of Reference. 12.1.1
The first workshop was held in Parliament in February. Out of the workshop a new internal discussion document was produced.
12.1.2
The second one was held in Gordon’s Bay in May. A report, incorporating the Committee’s strategic plan as well as a report envisaged in item 9 of the Terms of Reference, was produced and tabled in Parliament.
• Consideration date by the committee – 22 June 2005 • Report publication (ATC date) – 14 November 2005 • Debate in the House – NCOP: 14 September 2005 NA: 16 November 200512.2 Hearings
Hearings were held on the following:
12.2.1 Provincial expenditure Hearings on Provincial expenditure were held jointly with the Select Committee on Finance on 18 and 21 February 2005. The following institutions and individuals appeared before the Committees:
➢ Pandor, Ms N (MP): Minister of Education ➢ National Department of Education ➢ KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education ➢ National Department of Housing ➢ KwaZulu-Natal Department of Housing ➢ National Department of Health ➢ Eastern Cape Department of Health ➢ Gauteng Department of Health ➢ KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health ➢ Limpopo Department of Health ➢ National Treasury
Report on hearings was tabled by the Select Committee on Finance.
12.2.2 Budget for 2005-06
The Committee sat jointly with Finance Portfolio and Select Committees during the hearings on the 2005-06 budget from 25 February to 04 March
- The following institutions and individuals appeared before the Committee: ➢ Manuel, Mr T (MP): Minister of Finance ➢ National Treasury ➢ South African Revenue Services (SARS) ➢ South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) ➢ Business Unity of South Africa (BUSA) ➢ Chambers of Commerce and Industry South Africa (CHAMSA) ➢ Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) ➢ Ballim, Mr G: Chief Economist – Standard Bank ➢ Nhlapo-Hlophe, Ms J: Human Development Policy Analyst ➢ Twine, Mr T: Director and senior economist: Econometrix (Pty) LTD ➢ Kosch, Prof, S: Tax expert – University of Pretoria
Report on hearings was tabled by the Finance Committees.
12.2.3 Appropriation Bill
The Appropriation Bill was, amongst other Committees, referred to the JBC on 23 February 2005 and in line with its mandate, the Joint Budget Committee held its own hearings on the Bill on 23 May 2005: The following Departments appeared:
➢ Agriculture and Land Affairs ➢ Health ➢ Public WorksThe Committee adopted its report on 22 June 2005 and it was published in the ATC on 3 August 2005. It was debated in the NCOP and NA on 14 September 2005 and 16 November 2005, respectively.
12.2.4 Expenditure Reports
The Committee, having identified irregular spending patterns, called the Department of Communications for a hearing on 22 June 2005. The Committee compiled a Report on the hearings and adopted it on 31 August 2005 and it appeared in the ATC on 15 September 2005. The Report was considered and adopted by the NA on 16 November 2005 and is due to be considered by the NCOP.
12.2.5 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)
The MTBPS was tabled in Parliament by the Minister of Finance on 25 October 2005 and was referred to, amongst other committees, the JBC for consideration in line with its mandate.
The MTBPS is aimed at providing a pre-budget view on the macroeconomic context, assumptions and projections underlying the Budget, the medium- term fiscal policy framework, and the main divisions of revenue between functions and spheres of government.
Having been briefed by the Minister of Finance (Mr T A Manuel) and National Treasury, the JBC held hearings on the MTBPS from 27 October to and 02 November 2005 and adopted its report to Parliament on 11 November 2005.(See table under par 7).
The following Departments, institutions and individuals appeared before the Committee and made presentations:
A. DEPARTMENTS ➢ Department of Agriculture ➢ Department of Communications (Minister I Matsepe-Cassaburi) ➢ Department of Correctional Services ➢ Department of Defence ➢ Department of Education ➢ Department of Health ➢ Department of Home Affairs ➢ Department of Housing ➢ Department of Justice and Constitutional Development ➢ Department of Land Affairs ➢ Department of Provincial and Local Government ➢ Department of Public Works ➢ Department of Safety and Security ➢ Department of Social Development ➢ Department of Trade and Industry ➢ Department of Transport ➢ Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
B. OTHER INSTITUTIONS
➢ BUSA ➢ FEDUSA ➢ NAFU ➢ People’s Budget ➢ SALGA
C. INDIVIDUALS
➢ Mr C Mlatsheni ➢ Ms N King-Conradie ➢ Ms N Moola
D. WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS (no oral presentations)
➢ Idasa ➢ Institute for Security Studies
-
Budget of the committee
Amount allocated for 2004-05 = R333 532 Less: Total Expenditure = R166 425 ————————— - Catering = R12 379 - Provincial Visits = R60 817 - Public Hearings = R58 625 - Workshops = R31 104 - Research (MTBPS) = R 3 500 ——————– Less: Transfer to Consolidated Fund R 79 103 Transfer to Staff Travel R 10 100 —————————- Balance (as at 02 December 2005) R 77 904
-
Outstanding matters: Committee reports on Expenditure Statements for the second and third quarters of 2005-06 financial year (July, August, September October, November and December 2005).
• Referral date – 30 August 2005 • Consideration date by the committee – Outstanding -
Support Staff
Control Committee Secretary: Mr L Pakati Committee Secretary: Mr K Dlamini Committee Assistant: Mr B Viljoen Secretary to Co-Chairperson (NA): Ms Z Vice Secretary to Co-Chairperson (NCOP): Ms Z Mkutukana Researcher (Research Unit): Ms B Diutlwileng (until 10 October 2005) Report to be considered. THURSDAY, 20 APRIL 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
(1) Electronic Communications Bill [B 9B – 2005] – Act No 36 of 2005
(assented to and signed by President on 11 April 2006).
2) Precious Metals Bill [B 30D – 2005] – Act No 37 of 2005 (assented
to and signed by President on 15 April 2006).
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill, 2006, submitted by the
Minister of Health on 4 April 2006.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Health and the Select
Committee on Social Services.
(2) Deeds Registries Amendment Bill, 2006, submitted by the
Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs on 9 April 2006.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land
Affairs and the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs.
3) Corporate Laws Amendment Bill, 2006, submitted by the Minister of
Trade and Industry on 5 April 2006.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry and
the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs.
-
Membership of Committees
1) The following changes have been made to the membership of Joint Committees, viz:
Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women: Appointed: Mdaka, Ms N M
Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons: Appointed: Mdaka, Ms N M
WEDNESDAY, 26 APRIL 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces The Chairperson
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
(1) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs and the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence:
a) The President of the Republic submitted a letter dated 17
March 2006 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces informing Members of the Council of the employment
of the South African National Defence Force in the Union of
Comores.
(2) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration:
a) Strategic Plan of the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD)
for 2006-2009 [RP 28-2006].
(3) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Republic of Uganda on Police
Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(4) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs:
a) General Notice No 381 published in Government Gazette No 28591
dated 7 March 2006: Invitation to interested persons to submit
names for vacancies on the Board of South African Tourism, in
terms of the Tourism Act, 1993 (Act No 72 of 1993).
b) Government Notice No 223 published in Government Gazette No
28618 dated 10 March 2006: Amendment of fees payable for the
use of fishing harbour facilities (fishing harbour fees), in
terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of
1998).
c) Government Notice No 231 published in Government Gazette No
28620 dated 14 March 2006: Invitation to interested persons to
submit names to fill vacancies on the Board of South African
Weather, in terms of the South African Weather Service Act,
2001 (Act No 8 of 2001).
d) Government Notice No 232 published in Government Gazette No
28620 dated 14 March 2006: Invitation to interested persons to
submit names to fill vacancies on the Board of South African
National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), in terms of the
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2001 (Act
No 10 of 2004).
e) General Notice No 425 published in Government Gazette No 28636
dated 20 March 2006: Draft policy on the Allocation of White
Shark Cage Diving Permits and the Management of White Shark
Cage Diving Industry for Public Comment, in terms of the Marine
Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
(5) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Land
and Environmental Affairs for consideration:
(a) Government Notice No 298 published in Government Gazette
No 28582 dated 3 March 2006: Karoo National Park: Exclusion of
Land, in terms of the National Environmental Management:
Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No 57 of 2003).
(6) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Land
and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Bloem Water for the
year ended June 2005, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended June
2005.
(7) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report on withholding of remuneration of Magistrate M S
Makamu, a magistrate at Benoni, in terms of section 13(4A)(b)
of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Safety and Security (a) Proclamation No R.4 published in Government Gazette No 28533 dated 20 February 2006: Notification by President in respect of entities identified by the United Nations Security Council in terms of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004).
(b) Proclamation No R.6 published in Government Gazette No 28544
dated 24 February 2006: Notification by President in respect of
entities identified by the United Nations Security Council in terms
of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and
Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004).
(c) Proclamation No R.9 published in Government Gazette No 28611
dated 10 March 2006: Notification by President in respect of
entities identified by the United Nations Security Council in terms
of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and
Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004).
(d) Proclamation No R.13 published in Government Gazette No 28648
dated 22 March 2006: Notification by President in respect of
entities identified by the United Nations Security Council in terms
of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and
Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004).
(e) Proclamation No R.14 published in Government Gazette No 28649
dated 22 March 2006: Notification by President in respect of
entities identified by the United Nations Security Council in terms
of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and
Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004).
- The Minister of Sport and Recreation
(a) United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) Convention Against Doping in Sport, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996 (Act No 106 of 1996).
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the United Nations Education,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention Against
Doping in Sport.
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(a) Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on
the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996 (Act No 106 of 1996).
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Joint Convention on the Safety of
Spent Fuel Management and on The Safety of Radioactive Waste
Management.
National Council of Provinces
-
The Chairperson
a) Statement received from the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Traditional Affairs regarding an investigation at the Mkhambathini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal in terms of section 106(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000).
(b) Notice received from the MEC for Housing and Local Government
in the Northern Cape regarding an investigation at the Sol Plaatje
Municipality in terms of section 106(3) of the Local Government:
Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000).
(c) Statement received from the Minister for Local Government,
Housing and Traditional Affairs regarding an investigation at the
Umsunduzi Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal in terms of section 106(3) of
the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of
2000).
(d) Statement received from the Minister for Local Government,
Housing and Traditional Affairs regarding an investigation at the
Ezinqoleni, Ulundi and Ilembe Municipalities, KwaZulu-Natal in
terms of section 106(3) of the Local Government: Municipal Systems
Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000).
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration.
THURSDAY, 4 MAY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
a) Deeds Registries Amendment Bill [B 5 – 2006] (National
Assembly – sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior
notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No
28751 of 20 April 2006.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on
Agriculture and Land Affairs of the National Assembly, as well as
referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification
in terms of Joint Rule 160, on 4 May 2006.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of
the Bill may be submitted to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
within three parliamentary working days.
-
Calling of Joint Sitting
The Speaker and the Chairperson, on 4 May 2006, called a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, as follows:
CALLING OF JOINT SITTING OF PARLIAMENTThe Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms B Mbete, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr M J Mahlangu, have, in terms of Joint Rule 7(2), called a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament for Monday, 8 May 2006 at 14:15 in celebration of the Tenth Anniversary of the Constitution.
B MBETE, MP M J MAHLANGU, MP
SPEAKER OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
MONDAY, 8 MAY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Trade and Industry
a) Corporate Laws Amendment Bill [B 6 – 2006] (National Assembly –
sec 75)
[Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its
introduction published in
Government Gazette No 28765 of 21 April 2006.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Trade
and Industry of the National Assembly, as well as referral to
the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms
of Joint Rule 160, on 9 May 2006.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the
classification of the Bill may be submitted to the Joint
Tagging Mechanism (JTM) within three parliamentary working
days.
TUESDAY, 9 MAY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
(1) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
a) Proclamation No R.4 published in Government Gazette No 28533
dated 20 February 2006: Notification by President in respect
of entities identified by the United Nations Security
Council in terms of the Protection of Constitutional
Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004
(Act No 33 of 2004).
b) Proclamation No R.6 published in Government Gazette No 28544
dated 24 February 2006: Notification by President in respect
of entities identified by the United Nations Security
Council in terms of the Protection of Constitutional
Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004
(Act No 33 of 2004).
c) Proclamation No R.9 published in Government Gazette No 28611
dated 10 March 2006: Notification by President in respect of
entities identified by the United Nations Security Council
in terms of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy
against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No
33 of 2004).
d) Proclamation No R.13 published in Government Gazette No
28648 dated 22 March 2006: Notification by President in
respect of entities identified by the United Nations
Security Council in terms of the Protection of
Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related
Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004).
e) Proclamation No R.14 published in Government Gazette No
28649 dated 22 March 2006: Notification by President in
respect of entities identified by the United Nations
Security Council in terms of the Protection of
Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related
Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004).
(2) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Education and Recreation for consideration and report:
a) United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) Convention Against Doping in Sport,
tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the United Nations Education,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Convention
Against Doping in Sport.
(3) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs for consideration and report:
a) Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and
on The Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, tabled in
terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Joint Convention on the Safety
of Spent Fuel Management and on The Safety of Radioactive
Waste Management.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs
(a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Foreign Affairs for 2006 to
2009.
- The Minister of Transport
(a) Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment,
tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Protocol to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile
Equipment on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment, tabled in
terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(c) Explanatory Memorandum to the Convention on International
Interests in Mobile Equipment and the Protocol to the Convention
on International Interests in Mobile Equipment on Matters
Specific to Aircraft Equipment.
-
The Minister of Safety and Security
a) Report of the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) for January 2003 to December 2003, in terms of section 18(5)(c) of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998).
-
The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Draft Practical Guidelines for Employees in terms of section 10 of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000.
b) Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of the Presidents’ Fund for 2003-2004 [RP 229-2005].
c) Report and Financial Statements of the Judicial Service Commission for 2005.
d) Proclamation No R.3 published in Government Gazette No 28528 dated 17 February 2006: Commission of inquiry to conduct an investigation into alleged illicit activities of certain South African companies or individuals relating to the United Nations Oil-For-Food Programme in Iraq, in terms of the Commissions Act, 1947 (Act No 8 of 1947).
e) Government Notice No R.159 published in Government Gazette No 28528 dated 17 February 2006: Terms of Reference of the President of the Republic of South Africa for the establishment of a commission of inquiry to conduct an investigation into alleged illicit activities of certain South African companies or individuals relating to the Oil-for-Food Programme in Iraq, in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
-
The Minister of Education
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Education for 2006 to 2010.
- The Minister of Sport and Recreation
(a) Strategic Plan of Sport and Recreation South Africa for 2006 to
2010.
-
The Minister of Minerals and Energy
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Minerals and Energy for 2006/07 to 2010/11.
WEDNESDAY, 10 MAY 2006
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Council of Provinces
-
REPORT OF THE VISIT TO THE FREE STATE PROVINCE BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND RECREATION: 17 October 2005 – 21 October 2005.
-
Introduction
The Select Committee on Education undertook a provincial visit to the Free State Province between 17 October 2005 and 21 October 2005.
- Objectives
The main objective of the visit to the Free State province was to exercise oversight. The Select Committee on Education and Recreation exercise oversight over the following departments; Education, Sport and Recreation, Arts and Culture and Science and Technology.
The committee focused on the following:
Education
• Primary School Nutrition Programme
• School sanitation and water supply
• Early Childhood Development
• Adult Basic Education and Training
• Education for Learners with Special Education Needs
• Governance in schools (School Governing Bodies)
• Progress on removal of learners under trees
• Programmes on HIV / Aids
• School vandalism and sexual abuse
• School staffing and availability of classrooms
• General challenges facing the schools
Sport and Recreation
• School sports and extra mural activities
• Programmes for the disabled and disadvantaged
• Rural sport development
• Women’s sport
• Funding policy for sport development
Arts and Culture
• Ongoing projects and programmes started as a major area in the
provinces that needs to be developed.
• The committee also visited the Cultural Heritage sites, to help the
province preserve and declare sites as national treasures, and promote
a culture of national pride.
- Delegation
A delegation from the Select Committee under the leadership of Mr BJ Tolo, Chairperson of the committee included, Ms FN Mazibuko- Gauteng, Mr JO Thlagale- North West, and Mr M Thetjeng- Limpopo. The Committee Secretary, Ms C Gcasamba accompanied the delegation.
- Overview of the visit
On the first day of the visit the committee met with both the departments of Education, and Culture and sport. The delegation also visited the following sites; Vredeford Dome, Flavius Mareka FET College, Zamdela Arts and Culture and Mass participation, Thiboloha School, Kgola Thuto School, Maluti FET College, Basotho Cultural Village, Modderpoort, Mmabana Cultural Centre, Vulamasango Secondary School and Tjebelopele Primary School. The visit was concluded by a debriefing session with Education MEC, Ms MA Tsopo and the officials from sport and culture department.
- Briefing by the Director General of Education, Mr Rakometsi
The Director General, Mr Rakometsi gave the overview of the province on issues relating to Education, as follows:
The province is made up of five districts; namely, Motheo, Xhariep, Lejweleputswa, Thabo Mofutsanyana and Fezile Dabi. The province has 1 922 schools, 23 554 educators and 694 790 learners.
The total expenditure for the current financial year was at 47% at the end of September.
PROGRESS ON BUILDING OF SCHOOLS
The province does not have learners under trees but there is a high problem of overcrowding. Currently the province is building more schools, through the departmental allocation grant allocated to schools affected by floods and incentives for the best performing schools. The department received additional funding from treasury to cater for renovations. Other projects include building of flush toilets, septic tanks and conversion of pit toilets, resource centres, green patch hostels and administration blocks.
PROCUREMENT AND DELIVERY OF LEARNER TEACHER SUPPORT MATERIAL TO NON-S21 SCHOOLS
These were issued on the 8 September 2005. About 40% has been received at the warehouse to date. Stationery was issued on the 22 September; about 50% has been received at the warehouse to date. Distribution to schools will commence on the 07 November 2005. Arrangements have been made with the Districts to get contact numbers of Educators or School Governing Body members who will be receiving LTSM five days after the school had closed. The cooperation and the long standing mutual relationship between the Department and publishers, stationery suppliers and distributors and the dedication and commitment of book packaging officials will guarantee that 100% LTSM will be distributed to all Non-Section 21 schools by the first day of school in January 2006.
NO FEE SCHOOLS FOR 2006
The amount that is allocated in the first quintile is R703 per learner. Schools in quintile one will be persuaded to be no fee schools in 2006. Total budget for all the schools is R341million. Currently the number of schools in quintile one is 1 237 and 174 in quintile two.
LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS
The province has 19 special schools scattered in four districts. Learners in the Xhariep district are accommodated in the Motheo district. The nature of learners at special schools includes the deaf, mentally mildly impaired, intellectually severely impaired, physically disabled, visually impaired and neurologically handicapped.
FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The province has four FET institutions, namely, Flavius Mareka (3 campuses), Maluti (8 campuses), Motheo (13 campuses) and Goldfields (2 campuses). All the campuses offer the following fields: agriculture; manufacturing, engineering and technology; physical planning and construction, business, commerce and management studies; physical, mathematical, computer and life sciences; and hospitality and services.
ADULT BASIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING
The province has 201 centres, 197 centre managers and 1 842 educators.
EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT
There are 887 ECD practitioners and 22 687 beneficiaries. The sites include community-based, free-standing, school-based, Flemish-funded and learnership projects.
LEARNER SUPPORT PROJECTS
The projects were introduced last year. Included are the National School Nutrition Programme, hostels and learner transport. The total allocation for the project is R36 830 million. Currently, the number of farm school learners is 1 011, learners benefiting from NSNP is 75 000, vulnerable learners (orphans) receiving food parcels is 23 475 and the number of transported learners is 364. It was indicated that not all routes are covered due to lack of service providers.
154 schools in all five districts have started with food gardens. Workshops were held to capacitate schools. The vegetables are given to the community over the weekends.
- BRIEFING BY MR TA JONAS, SENIOR MANAGER: ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS
Mr Jonas briefed the delegation as follows:
The cultural affairs programme comprises of four sub-programmes; namely; management, cultural affairs, museum and heritage resource services and language. a) Visual and Performing Arts:
This unit aims at advancement of performing, creative and visual arts in the province contributing towards poverty alleviation and the improvement of quality of life through projects and programmes and promotion of performing arts in the province by staging Macufe and to support other performing arts programmes.
b) Musicon
Musicon promotes and teaches music in the province to ensure skills and people development and job creation.
c) Mmabana Cultural Centre
Its goal is to maintain and further develop community arts centres in Thaba Nchu, Thabong and Zamdela to serve the arts and culture needs of the communities so that people’s development and job creation takes place.
Mmabana has nine units, namely, dance, theatre, drama, sewing, arts, music, folkloric, food production and Early learning centre.
GOVERNANCE
The centre in Thaba-Nchu has been governed under the old Boputhatswana dispensation and in September 2005 the Free State Legislature repealed the Mmabana Foundation Act. This means that the centres will be fully integrated into the department. A new financial manager was employed in September to assist in streamlining and putting financial systems in place for the three centres. Only recently in September the coordination process was started between the department and local municipalities, who are pilots of Rural Policy Initiatives.
FINANCE ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT UNIT
The main purpose of the unit is to support the core units of the Mmabana cultural centre, the Thabong Arts and Culture Centre and Zamdela Arts and Culture Centre that are satellite centres of Mmabana.
Production units find themselves in a compromising situation when they cannot carry on with their tasks due to budget constraints. Money brought in barely covers the running costs of the centre. Service delivery has been affected due to high vacancy rates in the component. The centre has lost professional positions, and key positions that are supposed to be adding value to our communities.
The Mmabana concept, to a certain degree has become irrelevant due to the activities being isolated and instructors being oblivious to developments taking place in the arts and culture industry on a daily basis.
In transforming Mmabana to fit into the department programme, a consultative approach should be engaged. This will allow the department to understand the Mmabana concept and how to fit it in within its strategic programme, without dampening Mmabana’s ability to develop and nurture talent.
TRAINING
With funds from Investing in Culture in 2004, the department managed to send dance instructors from Thabong and Zamdela Arts Centres to Durban on two occasions to attend training.
Challenges:
• Funding of outreach programmes.
• Creation of more posts for a diversity of dance disciplines needs to
be considered.
• Teaching and choreographing are two special areas. The two should be
separated in order to have prolific results in the development of
dance. This approach will allow for job creation as performing
companies can be formed.
• The centre is faced with the situation that equipment and machinery
have aged beyond repair.
• Outdoor play equipment is not sufficient for the early learning
centre.
• There is a poor student intake due to unemployment of parents.
FUTURE PLANS
The department plans to:
• Establish a community theatre linked to community arts centres in a
way of job creation.
• Take part in more national drama.
• Educate and inspire existing and prospective audiences.
MEMORANDUM OF CO-OPERATION BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS OF CULTURE AND EDUCATION Both parties expressed their willingness to co-operate in provision and promotion of Arts and Cultural Affairs.
ONGOING PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES;
Visual Arts and Crafts
• Investing in culture projects:
These projects are funded directly by the National Department of Arts and Culture (DAC). The provincial department only monitors the progress of the projects. There are currently four projects in the province that are being funded. All of these projects were already operational when funds were allocated and some products were being produced. In most cases, the allocation is used to further develop the products, give further training, and to buy better equipment and market the products.
The projects are the following:
Afriwo projects in Mangaung
Two projects merged for the purpose of funding. One part is the production of paper maché masks and wood sculptures. Five people are involved. The other part of the project is involved with the production of various craft items like wire and bead products and wooden objects. Ten people are involved. The project received funding of R217 000.
Ikgopoleng project in Thabong Ikgopoleng produces various sewing products and a variety of beadwork. Fifteen women are involved. Thabong Cultural Centre manages it. Ikgopoleng received R300 000 funding.
Bompodi project in Virginia
Bompodi produces handmade paper products, sewing products like embroidery and beadwork. Fifteen women are involved; R153 104 funds the project.
Menwana Clay and Buttons projects in Clocolan
Menwana produces clay beads, buttons and other clay objects. Twenty women are involved. The management of the project and support for accessing markets will be given by an established pottery studio near Ladybrand (Mud Studio). A retail outlet will also be established in the town of Clocolan. R290 500 funds the project.
Past Projects (Poverty Alleviation)
Fourteen projects in the Free State received funding between 2000 and 2003 from DACs poverty alleviation funds. In most cases, the allocation was used to further develop the products, give further training, and buy better machinery or equipment and to market the products.
It was reported that some of the projects are currently much better off than before and are self- sustainable and income generating, although no profits are made. Examples are Kutloano Papermaking project in Welkom, the Thusano Beads project in Viljoenskroon, the Tshwarisanang knitting project in Qwaqwa, Namahadi Craft project in Frankfort and the Intabazwe candle- making project in Harrismith.
The Free State Craft Development project was also funded from poverty alleviation funds from DAC, but implemented by the provincial department’s Visual Arts and Craft section. This project aimed to develop the quality and improve the variety of Free State craft through product development, workshops, marketing actions, distribution network and exposure for crafters. The implementation of the project started in October 2003 and will continue until the end of 2005.
Thaba Blinds Grass Weaving Factory
The factory was established as a joint project between Department of Arts and Culture and Social Development. It has been in operation since August
- It mainly produces grass blinds for the home decoration industry and the blinds are of a very good quality, while a wide variety of designs are available. The raw material for the weaving all comes from the Qwaqwa rural area and is collected by the people of the area.
The project created 30 full time jobs and was providing a regular income for more than 100 people in the poverty-stricken rural area of Qwaqwa through its grass-harvesting programme before it ran into financial difficulties and had to stop operating. Currently it is not in production.
Various efforts to secure further funding to save the factory from closing down have produced only promises so far, but no funding. A skeleton staff is still keeping the factory open, but very little has been produced since June 2004. Business partners and funding are needed.
- Briefing by Ms K Thlakudi, Assistant Manager; Mass Participation
Mass Participation
Background:
Mass Participation project is a national project initiated by Sport and Recreation South Africa running in all 9 nine provinces to establish a cultural movement of mass participation through active involvement in positive leisure activities within the field of sport and recreation.
Mass Participation in Free State
Free State has identified 22 hubs. Three activity coordinators were appointed in each hub, and an additional three coordinators at Mmabana, Zamdela, and Thabong cultural centre. Activity Coordinator (AC) 1 is responsible for aerobics and general gymnastics. AC 2 is responsible for soccer, handball, basketball and fun walks or fun runs. AC 3 is responsible for indigenous games and managing the hubs. Assistant Provincial Coordinator is responsible for administration and coordinating the programme within the province.
There are 73 Activity coordinators (AC), 20 Hub Coordinators and 1 Assistant Provincial Coordinator in mass participation. The total number currently is 94.
On 18 April 2005 until 22 July 2005, AC 1 and AC 3 were trained, AC 1 in General Gymnastics and Aerobics and AC 3 in Netball and Volleyball at Mangaung Community Development Centre.
On 24 July 2005 – 28 July 2005 district training was conducted for hub coordinators, AC 1, AC 2, AC 3 on Administration, Indigenous games, Fun Runs, Fun Walks and Life Skills at Thabo Mofutsanyane District.
At the end of October 2005 training in Baseball Event Management, First Aid and Life Skills will be conducted for all MPPs in Motheo district.
EQUIPMENT
All 20 municipalities have received equipment. Only three ACs are still outstanding.
PARTICIPATION
Total participants from April stand at 97 765 Number of women: 56 620 Number of youth: 95 616 Number of disabled: 877 Number of elderly: 13 500 The target for 2005/6 is 346 400
The following challenges were highlighted:
• Insufficient funding
• The department is seriously understaffed
- FLAVIUS MAREKA FET COLLEGE
The college offers programmes that have been previously offered in technical colleges. It also offers learnership programmes and short courses with municipalities. Engineering is the main stream in the college.
CHALLENGES
The main challenge highlighted is funding. The college depends on transfer funds, which are not stable. There is no staff establishment for the college. Buildings belong to somebody else and it is difficult to maintain them. The equipment is not enough.
- ZAMDELA ARTS AND CULTURE CENTRE AND MASS PARTICPATION
The centre offers outreach programmes for the community. It helps the prisoners with sewing classes and also helps Orangeville residents with exhibiting their products.
There are 6 hubs and 19 coordinators. Elders are involved in indigenous games.
CHALLENGES
Equipment is insufficient. A delay was highlighted regarding the payment of stipends for activity coordinators.
- Kgola-Thuto Secondary School
Kgola Thuto is one of the Dinaledi schools in the Free State. The school has 24 educators, 898 learners and 30 classrooms. The teacher learner ratio is 1:34. The school performs section 21 functions. The school has a functional school governing body. The exemption policy is used in the school and parents are encouraged to apply for exemption. The principal further reported that the school is successful due to team spirit prevailing among all staff members. Educators are focused, motivated and have a positive attitude. The school management teams always come up with developmental programmes.
The following challenges were raised:
• Changing the negative perception of most of the parent community
towards the previously disadvantaged schools in comparison to the
previously advantaged schools.
• Feeder schools push over-aged learners to the school and that brings
disciplinary problems. Parents of these learners do not support the
school and do not attend parents meeting.
• Training for OBE and NCS is inadequate. It is only now that educators
are being exposed.
• Departmental workshops that are called over school holidays cause a
serious inconvenience, as the school cannot run its vacation classes.
This year, the school could not run such classes during Easter and
winter vacation.
• The school is still using ventilated pit latrine toilet system
• There is no school clerk since 2000. Teenage pregnancy has gone up.
• Insufficient laboratory and library equipment
- Thiboloha Primary School
Thiboloha is a school for the disabled with 261 learners and 30 educators. The school has been started as pilot resource centre. After Grade 9, learners are taken to technical institutions to prepare them for the labour market. The school is currently in the process of building a lab.
The school is facing the following challenges:
• The school requires the services of health proffesionals
• The school buys medicines and assistive equipment from the school
allocation.
• Sport facilities needs to be upgraded
• Exemption policy is not properly applied, it needs some revision
• The school fencing is poor.
• Some parents do not co-operate.
- MALUTI FET COLLEGE
The college has eight campuses. These campuses are located in Bethlehem, Bonamelo, Harrismith, Itemoheleng, Kwetli-song, Lere a Tshepe Tseki, Sefikeng and Main Campus. The college is offering the following fields, Educare, Engineering, Public Management, Business Management, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Human Resources Management, Hospitality and Catering, and Management Assistant.
Challenges:
• Funding was mentioned as a major problem.
• All campuses need full renovation that is, walls, and razor wire
to ensure maximum security.
• Additional classrooms and office space is required.
• Training needs.
• Inaccessible and unsafe built environments.
• Student support services are insufficient.
- BASOTHO CULTURAL VILLAGE
This friendly village lies in the scenic Qwaqwa National Park in an area rich in natural beauty. The village houses a traditional Sotho museum, a sandstone amphitheatre, a restaurant and a curio shop. The museum introduces visitors to the South Sotho (Basotho) nation, from its inception through its history till their present day existence. Guided tours of the museum are conducted daily, seven days a week.
- MODDERPOORT
Modderpoort with its historical cave, priory, buildings and farms has been in the care of Anglican Diocese of Bloemfontein since 1865. It is located between Ficksburg and Ladybrand. Buried there is one of the most revered of local saints recognized by the Basotho by the name Anna Mantsopa Makhetha, a prophet. She was the most famous Mosotho woman of the 19th Century. Her prophecy turned out to be an excellent description of what took place at the Battle of Viervoet Northwest of modern day Ladybrand when major Warden and Baralong troops from Thabanchu were badly defeated by the Basotho.
Challenges:
The missionaries are refusing to give the site to the department of Arts and Culture so as to declare it a Heritage site.
- VULAMASANGO HIGH SCHOOL
Vulamasango is a section 20 school, with 816 learners and 30 educators. It is one of the schools that has been chosen for the beautification project and also qualifies for minor repairs. The school received seven computers from the department of education. It was clearly indicated that the school is operating under difficulties; 200 learners have been exempted from paying school fees.
Challenges:
• Learner performance declined since the introduction of OBE
• Educators are demoralized
• Buildings need major renovations
• Sport facilities need an upgrade
• Shortage of support staff
• Learners are not disciplined
• The community is very poor, learners come to school without food.
- TJEBELOPELE COMBINED SCHOOL
The school started in 2001 as Bothahadi but due to increased enrolment, Tjebelopele was born in 2002. The school has 1 342 learners and 40 educators. 83 learners have been exempted from paying school fees. The school has a morning and afternoon session due to lack of classrooms.
The majority of learners are poor and the school is working with the Red Cross Society to provide food parcels to learners. The school has a school garden, which also provides for the community over the weekends. The principal indicated that the school is getting full support from the district and the staff is committed. The SGB is very committed.
Challenges:
• Buildings are not acceptable (prefabs)
• There is overcrowding
• There is a shortage of furniture for the learners
• Learners are not safe especially those that attend the morning session
• There is no nutrition programme from the department
- DEBRIEFING SESSION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND SPORT
Mr Tolo, leader of the delegation briefed both departments on findings, which were the following:
• In Zamdela, the payment of stipends to activity coordinators is
delayed
• Equipment is not sufficient, that affects the work of the
activity coordinators
• The Department of Sport is understaffed
• Clarity is required as to who should be responsible for
libraries and museums, in terms of governance, between Local
government and Arts and Cultural Affairs
• The FET Colleges require more funding to facilitate smooth
running
• Equipment in Flavius Mareka is obsolete
• Thiboloha Primary requires renovations
• There is an urgent need of medical staff in Thiboloha Primary
• Thiboloha is buying medicine for the school out of its own funds
• In Mmabana Cultural Centre, the Early Learning Centre needs
urgent attention from the Department of Education
• The theatre group is completely neglected; there are no
resources to continue with its work
• The gymnasium has been privatized
-
CONCLUSION
In the five days the committee visited a number of schools, Further Education and Training Colleges, Heritage sites and Community Art Centres.
The committee is of the opinion that although schools visited may not necessarily be a representative sample of all the schools and colleges in the province, they provided the framework for the Committee to better comprehend the state of education in the province. Most of the issues that were identified during the site visits were also highlighted during the briefing session.
Despite the challenges facing the province, the committee would like to express its appreciation to the province for its input during the visit.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Select Committee on Education and Recreation for the Provincial visit to the Western Cape (South Cape Region), 13-17 March 2006.
-
INTRODUCTION:
The Select Committee on Education and Recreation undertook a provincial visit to the Western Cape Province (South Cape Region) between 13 March and 17 March 2006.
The objective of the study tour was to exercise oversight and to undertake the monitoring function of the committee and to get a report on issues highlighted below:
• National School Nutrition Programme
• Exemption policy in schools (school fees)
• Progress report on removal of learners studying under trees and
hazardous conditions
• Water supply and sanitation in schools
• Governance in schools (Schools Governing Bodies)
• Readiness of the province to implement National Curriculum
Statement
• General challenges facing schools
-
DELEGATION:
• Mr. BJ Tolo - Mpumalanga (Leader of the delegation), • Ms JM Masilo - North West • Ms NF Mazibuko - Gauteng • Mr M Thetjeng - Limpopo • Ms JN Vilakazi - KwaZulu Natal • Ms AND Qikani - Eastern Cape • Mr JO Thlagale - North West • Ms C Gcasamba - Committee Secretary • Ms C Sheldon - Committee Assistant
-
BRIEFING BY REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
3.1 Overview of the region
There are 227 mainstream schools, 5 special schools, 57 preprimary and Educare centres and 14 private schools.
3.2 NATIONAL SCHOOL NUTRITION PROGRAMME
The three national focus areas of the programme are providing meals at schools, facilitating food gardens or other food production projects in schools and educating learners and the community at large about good nutrition.
The programme is expected to target public schools serving previously disadvantaged schools and the poorest communities, with particular priority given to farm, rural and informal settlements for school feeding. It is funded through a conditional grant with which the province buys goods and services.
Below is the statistics of the distribution of the programme in the region:
| Number of | Type of School | Number of | Number of |
| Schools | Learners to be | volunteers | |
| fed | |||
| 162 | Primary schools | 28 094 | 292 |
| 18 | Secondary/High | 2 446 | 18 |
| Schools | |||
| 2 | Special schools | 161 | 2 |
| 182 | 30 701 | 312 |
The programme is presently piloting hot menus / cooked menus in the EMDC in seven schools. The gradual roll-out is anticipated from July 2006 to all other schools not on the pilot. Learners are still being fed peanut butter, jam, bread and energy drinks.
The Province has added high schools to the programme, at the beginning of the 2006 school calendar. There are 18 high schools on the programme. In each high school, 200 learners are targeted.
The programme in the province received additional funds from the National Department. The Southern Cape Region utilized the funds in supplying mobile units for storage and preparation of food at a cost OF R55 000 per unit, per school. These funds are given to schools with no storage and/ or food preparation facilities. The EMDC has 12 of these schools.
An amount of R4 500 was allocated to all schools in anticipation of the roll-out of the cooked menus to purchase kitchen equipment: gas stoves, pots, eating bowls, spoons, stirring spoons and gas cylinders with gas.
The volunteer honorarium has been increased from R50,00 per person per month to R250,00 per
Food gardens are encouraged at each school so as to supplement the food sourced from government. Schools are urged to develop these gardens in their grounds and also seek the participation of the school and surrounding communities.
3.3 STATE OF READINESS OF GRADE 10 NATIONAL CURRICULUM STATEMENT (NCS) IMPLEMENTATION
All public high schools (41) in the district were reported to be implementing the NCS. and 832 educators attended the five-day orientation session in July and September in three venues in the South Cape. Other educators attended workshops in Worcester and Cape Town, for smaller subjects.
All public schools submitted the registration of their grade-10 subject choices. The EMDC indicated that support could be given in all grade 10 subjects except for Accounting, Dance, Art, IT, Visual Arts, Computer Aided Design, Foreign Languages and Religious Studies.
School visits to support specific schools were carried out. Learning programmes of schools were checked. Isolated problems are experienced in learner support material not being enough and educators not being trained for specific subjects.
- MEETING WITH GEORGE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODIES (SGB)
The committee had a meeting with the SGBs from George, in which the following concerns were raised:
• The poverty ranking of schools is not clear. The schools have
been over-ranked. The whole process needs to be reviewed.
• There is racial imbalance in terms of deployment of educators.
Black teachers are rarely deployed to ex-model-c schools.
• Formula used for allocation of teachers needs to be reviewed
• Sport facilities are not of acceptable standards
• Special schools needs more attention and health specialists
should be deployed to schools.
• Grade 12 certificates are expensive. The department should
devise other means to finance the issuing of certificates.
- SCHOOL VISITS
5.1 Mzoxolo Primary School
Mzoxolo is a quintile one school, with 901 learners and 22 state employed educators.
434 learners are fed. The school also started a vegetable garden, last year but it is not well established.
The school governing body is fully functional. It is only 20 % of learners that pay the school fees. Some parents have requested to be exempted from paying school fees.
5.1.1 Challenges faced by the school
• Classrooms are not enough such that a library has been converted into
a classroom.
5.2 Tyholorha Primary School
Tyholora is a quintile three school, with 1 324 learners and 34 educators.The school is also making use of eight teacher assistants in the foundation phase.
700 learners are fed and that has improved school attendance. The nutrition programme is also supplemented by a vegetable garden. The school receives full support from parents.
The school has survived through donations from different bodies such as the lottery, Fancourt etc.
5.2.1 Challenges faced by the school
• Classes are overcrowded
• Furniture shortage
• No computer lab, a class has been converted into a lab
5.3 Outeniqua High School
Outeniqua is an ex-model-c high school, with 1 650 learners and 46 educators. The school is also making use of four additional temporal educators.
Oteniqua is one of the schools that sold the land to private owners. The land was sold for R64m.
450 learners have been exempted from paying school fees.
Oteniqua is one of the well-resourced schools that is running fairly smoothly.
5.3.1 Challenges faced by the school
• The school has been using mobile classes for almost nine years
• Toilets are not enough
5.4 Hoekwil Primary School
A quintile five school, with 121 learners and three educators. One educator is employed by the School Governing Body.
The school has no nutrition programme since it falls under quintile five. The School Governing Body is fully functional and parents assist with fundraising for the school.
5.4.1 Challenges faced by the school • Multi-grading • Shortage of teachers
5.5 Touwsranten Primary School
Touwsranten is a section 54 school with 229 learners and six educators. The school accommodates learners with learning disabilities.
180 learners are fed. The school also has a vegetable garden but is not well established
5.5.1 Challenges faced by the school
• The school has no library
• There is no staff room
• Insufficient classrooms
• No open space for playgrounds
• More teachers are required
• Multi-grading, especially in the foundation phase.
5.6 Lancewood Primary School
A farm school, with 64 learners and three teachers. The school survives through donations from different donors. The school has a crèche that is sponsored by the farm owner. The nutrition programme is well run. A vegetable garden has been started through a donation from BMW. 5.6.1 Challenges faced by the school
• Multi-graded classes makes teaching ineffective
• There is no scholar transport
• Learners cannot participate in sporting activities due to lack of
transport
5.7 Percy Mdala High School
Percy Mdala is a quintile one high school, with 1 164 learners and 33 educators. Percy Mdala is one of the Dinaledi Schools.
The school is functioning very well due to the cooperation among teachers, community and the municipality. The school governing body is functioning very well.
5.7.1 Challenges faced by the school
• Shortage of teachers due to increased numbers
• There is no school hall. The school makes use of the community hall of
which at times there are problems such as clashes in terms of time.
• In terms of scholar transport, the bus contracts needs to be revised
• The school cannot take learners to education tours due to lack of
funds.
• Parents are inactive, especially on issues that relates to
fundraising.
• The teachers expressed discomfort with the centralisation of services,
for example, finance and personnel offices located in Cape Town.
5.8 Sunridge Primary School
Sunridge is a quintile three school with 1 268 learners, 32 state educators, and two SGB teachers. At the foundation phase, the school is making use of 8 teacher assistants.
270 learners are benefiting from the school nutrition programme. The scholar transport caters for 450 learners; 143 learners have been exempted from paying school fees.
5.8.1 Challenges faced by the school
• No sporting facilities
• No visits from the department
• High unemployment rate and it affects the participation of parents in
school activities
5.9 Chris Nissen Primary School
Chris Nissen is a quintile three school with 650 learners.
The nutrition programme is running smoothly and is also supported by the Anglican Church in Knsyna. In relation to school fee exemption, only few parents responded. Support from parents is minimal.
5.9.1 Challenges faced by the school
• School library has been converted to a classroom
• Political intolerance in the area
• Insufficient playgrounds
• There is a need for more toilets especially for ECD phase
5.10 MM Mateza Primary School
Mateza is a primary school with 1 507 learners and 38 educators.
438 learners benefit from the school nutrition programme; 25 % of learners have been exempted from paying schools fees. The community is very poor and this impacts on the participation of parents in school activities.
5.10.1 Challenges faced by the school
• Buildings need renovations
• Classes are not friendly to physically challenged learners
• Sporting facilities are in a poor state
• Classes are overcrowded
• The school needs a media centre
- CONCLUSION
The visit to the Southern Cape has been an eye-opening exercise. Overall the region is doing fairly well except for few things that need attention. Differences between ex-model-c schools and public school have been noted. The region is still lagging behind in terms of transformation. Multi- grading is one major problem that needs to be addressed. The committee feels that it should be abolished.
The committee expresses its sincere appreciation to the Province, specifically the Southern Cape Region for the cooperation.
Report to be considered.
FRIDAY, 12 MAY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Introduction of Bills
1) The Minister of Sport and Recreation(a) South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill [B 7 – 2006] (National Assembly – 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 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, on 15 May 2006.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bill may be submitted to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) within three parliamentary working days.
-
Draft bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport Amendment Bill,
2006, submitted by the Minister of Sport and Recreation on 5 May
2005. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation
and the Select Committee on Education and Recreation.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(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).
- The Minister of 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) 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.
(p) 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.
(q) 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.
(r) Explanatory Memorandum on the Financing Agreement between the
European Community and the Republic of South Africa concerning EPRD
Audit/Evaluation Facility (SA/006/05).
(s) 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.
(t) 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.
(u) 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.
(v) 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.
(w) 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.
(x) 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.
(y) 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.
(z) 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.
(aa) 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.
(bb) 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).
(cc) 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.
(dd) 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.
(ee) 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.
(ff) 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).
(gg) 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.
(hh) 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).
(ii) 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 of Congo,
tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(jj) 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 of Congo.
(kk) 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.
(ll) 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).
(mm) 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.
an) 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).
(oo) 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.
ap) 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.
(qq) 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.
(rr) 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).
- The Minister of Labour
(a) Preliminary Annual Report of the Department of Labour for 2005-
2006 [RP 45-2006].
- The Minister of Correctional Services
(a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Correctional Services for
2006/07 to 2010/11.
TUESDAY, 16 MAY 2006
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Introduction of Bills (1) The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Sectional Titles Amendment Bill [B 8 – 2006] (National Assembly – sec 75) [Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 28798 of 12 May 2006.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the JTM for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160, on 16 May 2006.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bill may be submitted to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) within three parliamentary working days.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister for Provincial and Local Government
a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) for 2004-2005, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2004-2005 [RP 21-2006]
National Council of Provinces
- The Chairperson
(a) Notice of the written statement in terms of section 106(3) of
the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of
2000): Nokeng Tsa Taemane Local Municipality.
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and
Administration.
WEDNESDAY, 17 MAY 2006
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Arts and Culture
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Arts and Culture for 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2009.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
- Report of the Select Committee on Public Services on the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, dated 10 May 2006: The Select Committee on Public Services, having considered the request for approval by Parliament of the Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air, referred to it, recommends that the Council, in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, approve the said Convention.
Report to be considered.
[1] All tables and graphs were compiled by authors using National Treasury data.