National Assembly - 15 May 2007
TUESDAY, 15 MAY 2007 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 14:02.
The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
WELCOMING OF BOLIVIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION
The SPEAKER: Order! Hon members, I have the honour to recognise the presence in the gallery of guests of Parliament who are members of the Bolivian Parliament led by the hon Dr Sacha Llorenti. I would like to ask them to rise. [Applause.] I take this opportunity to welcome you to South Africa. The delegation has come to exchange with us in South Africa the experience of constitution-making. You are welcome. Please be seated. [Applause.]
NEW MEMBER
(Announcement) The SPEAKER: The vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr E T Vezi has been filled by the nomination of Ms S P Lebenya with effect from 1 April 2007.
OATH
The member had made and subscribed to the oath in the Speaker’s office on 12 April 2007.
Where is the hon member? I take this opportunity to welcome you into the House. [Applause.] Hon members, I wonder why you are excited. [Laughter.]
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE: Madam Speaker, I have the answer to your question why all hon members are excited. It is because our new member is the most beautiful and most intelligent woman in this House. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Van der Merwe, you speak like a very loyal Chief Whip. [Laughter.]
APPOINTMENT OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY UNDERSECRETARY: TABLE ADMINISTRATION
(Announcement)
The SPEAKER: Ms Regina Mohlomi has been appointed to the post of National Assembly Undersecretary: Table Administration with effect from 1 May 2007.
I shall ask her to rise. [Applause.] Congratulations to Regina and good luck.
NOTICES OF MOTION
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I shall move:
That this House —
1) notes with dismay that the ANC has neglected, failed or refused to
take any action in respect of those members convicted of criminal
offences in the Travelgate saga despite the recommendation of the ad
hoc committee and the approval of their decision by this House.
[Applause.]
Mr I O DAVIDSON: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I shall move the following motion:
That this House — 1) notes South Africa’s slump from 38th to 50th position in the Swiss- based International Institute for Management Development’s economic competitiveness ranking; and
2) resolves to debate how the implementation of Asgisa could be speeded
up and made more effective so that it may contribute to improving
South Africa’s economic competitiveness to the required extent.
Dr P J Rabie: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I intend moving the following motion:
That this House —
1) notes the continuing delay of the appointment of the licensed
operator for the national lottery; and
2) resolves to debate the handling of the appointment of the new
national lottery operator by Minister Mandisi Mphahlwa, and the
relevant entities under this authority.
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Ms Thoko Mabena)
The ACTING CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes with shock and profound sadness the passing away of hon Thoko Mabena on Friday, 20 April 2007, whilst on an official visit to Australia;
(2) further notes that at the time of her death hon Mabena was a member of the African National Congress Women’s League and a member of the Mpumalanga provincial legislature, serving as Chairperson of Committees;
(3) recalls that hon Thoko Mabena started her political life in the 1980s as a member of the then Chemical Workers Industrial Union (CWIU), and also worked as its administrator until 1994;
(4) further recalls that her sterling work in Cosatu’s National Gender Forum made her one of one hundred South African Women who attended the Malibongwe Conference in Amsterdam in the Netherlands in 1990;
(5) remembers that hon Mabena has been a member of Mpumalanga Legislature since 1994; and (6) conveys its condolences to the Mabena family, the African National Congress, the Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Communist Party.
Agreed to.
The SPEAKER: The condolences of the House will be conveyed to the Mabena family.
CRASH OF KENYAN FLIGHT KQ 507 TO NAIROBI
(Draft Resolution)
The ACTING CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House —
(1) notes that last Saturday, 5 May 2007, Kenyan flight KQ 507 en route to Nairobi crashed shortly after take-off from Douala Airport in Cameroon;
(2) further notes that the ill-fated airplane had 114 passengers on board, amongst them seven South Africans; (3) commends the Cameroonian and Kenyan authorities on their search and rescue efforts that have led to the identification of the scene of the disaster;
(4) expresses its confidence that the civil aviation authorities of both countries will thoroughly investigate the matter to determine the cause of the accident; and
(5) conveys its condolences to the Cameroonian and Kenyan governments and people, the families and friends of the deceased, as well as the South African families who have lost their loved ones.
Agreed to.
The SPEAKER: I would assume that there are no objections. The condolences of the House will then be conveyed accordingly.
CONSTITUENCY WORK
(Member’s Statement)
Mr T M MASUTHA (ANC): Madam Speaker, as public representatives, Members of Parliament are elected every five years in a general election to do exactly that, namely, to represent the people in government. One way in which they perform this constitutional function is by establishing constituency offices, which provide a service to the local community throughout the year.
This service is aimed at ensuring that all members of the public residing in that constituency area are assisted to access all available government services due to them at all levels of government, irrespective of the political party to which they belong.
During the recesses of Parliament, which often coincide with school holidays, Members of Parliament make themselves personally available to their constituencies generally and at their constituency offices in particular, where their local communities are free to raise concerns relating to services provided by government and to obtain assistance to access such services.
During the recent parliamentary recess in April and early May this year, several constituency offices were launched or relocated where ANC Members of Parliament were deployed. These include the Galeshewe constituency office in the Northern Cape, the Sibasa and Lambane constituency offices in Limpopo and the Baviance constituency office in the Eastern Cape. The constituency offices provide public representatives with better insight into the various challenges hampering service delivery to enable them to exercise effective oversight and to enable them to alert government to these challenges and assist in finding solutions. I thank you. AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM REPORT
(Member’s Statement)
Mr W J SEREMANE (DA): Madam Speaker, as a matter of prudence government must immediately accept the African Peer Review Mechanism, APRM, report on South Africa. Government seems to reject all reports and commissions that criticise its management of the country. Other examples of this rejection include the Competitiveness Index and the TRC report.
In 2005, after observing South Africa’s poor ranking on the United Nations Human Development Index, President Mbeki said that he was: “Quite convinced that the report is wrong.” South Africa slipped another place in the 2006 report. The APRM report was an important step in highlighting the work that must still be done in the country to improve democratic governance and socioeconomic conditions. Government’s rejection of the report is unconvincing and self-defeating in the face of necessary criticism. I thank you. [Applause.]
RENAMING OF STREETS IN KWAZULU-NATAL
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M B SKOSANA (IFP): Madam Speaker, two weeks ago Cabinet responded swiftly to the disturbing developments in KwaZulu-Natal regarding the idea of renaming streets and buildings–and rightfully so. However, that the Cabinet delegation will carry with it the wisdom and fortitude to bring about an amicable resolution to the problem in order to effect peaceful coexistence in the province, becomes our fervent wish and prayer.
The strong emotional responses sparked all round as a result of this undertaking became reminiscent of the genesis of the African internecine war in this province. The peace that broke out in the early 90s appeared to have been a mere papering over the cracks as the demons of hate and intolerance are resurrected to remind us, as one African author wrote about the conflicts of our country: “The graveyards are not yet full.”
The critical national question is: Must the author be proven right? It is clear that the vision of the current ruling elite in KwaZulu-Natal to work for African unity and reconciliation is seriously handicapped by their inability to overcome the horrors of the past black-on-black conflict. If they are not properly counselled, their poor judgment in this dispute is likely to trigger a replay of that human tragedy, where more than 20 000 lives were lost.
For this reason, the IFP appeals to this august House to prevail on the Cabinet delegation to minimise party-political dominance in this process and insist on establishing an independent process presided over by a body of renowned historians, sociologists, anthropologists, trade unionists, religious leaders, business leaders and political representatives, preferably selected by the President and party leaders nationally.
The intention is to strike a constructive and conciliatory, historical perspective in line with the uniqueness of the socio-political developments in this province. I thank you.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT
(Member’s Statement)
Mme M L MATSEMELA (ANC): Mmusakgotla, puso e e eteletsweng pele ke mokgatlho wa ANC e itemogela maikaelelo phitlhelelo a tsogelo kgatlhanong ya temokerasi ya bosetšhaba, ka go bona baagi ba metseselegae e nna bajaboswa tota kwa Bokone Bophirima kwa Moses Kotane, gonne Setswana sa re, khutsana e sa sweng e emetse monono.
Monono o, o sijwa ke porojeke ya disisele eo e tlhomilweng semmuso ngogola. Porojeke e, e thapile baagi ba metseselegae e e latelang, Madikwe, Pella, Tlokweng, Seshibitswe, Uitkyk, Vrede, Koffiekraal le Brakuil. Gareng ga bathapiwa, bontsi ke baša ba ba feditseng mophato wa marematlou. Maikaelelomagolo a porojeke ke go mekamekana le lehuma le botlhoka tiro. ANC e rotloetsa le go tshegetsa se. Ke a leboga. (Translation of Setswana member’s statement follows.)
[Ms M L MATSEMELA (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC-led government is achieving its aim of sustaining national democracy. This is evident with the residents of the rural areas of Moses Kotane district municipality in the North West province, who are benefiting from these efforts. There is a Setswana saying: “Perseverance is the mother of success.”
The sessile project, which was established by government last year, is the one that brings these treasures. This project employs the residents of the following villages: Madikwe, Pella, Tlokweng, Seshibitswe, Uitkyk, Vrede, Koffiekraal and Brakuil. The aim of this project is to eradicate poverty and unemployment. The ANC encourages and supports this. Thank you. [Applause.]]
ASCENSION DAY
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs C DUDLEY (ACDP): Madam Speaker, Ascension Day used to be a holiday in South Africa. With the recent calls for government to drop other significant international holidays such as Good Friday and Christmas Day, many Christians are concerned that important days on the Christian calendar are under threat.
The ACDP along with Christians worldwide will celebrate Ascension Day on Thursday, 17 May 2007. The ACDP has observed that Christians, who are in the majority in South Africa, are beginning to take a stand on issues that violate their beliefs.
Secular humanistic holidays and celebrations such as Workers’ Day, Freedom Day, Youth Day, Women’s Day and Human Rights Day now dominate the South African calendar. The abolition of Ascension Day, a previously long- established public holiday, is significant because Ascension Day deals with authority.
The ascension proclaims the Lordship of Christ in all areas of life. Jesus has all authority; Jesus is Lord over the world of business, sport, entertainment and government. Jesus Christ is Lord over schools, shops, cinemas, factories, hospitals, law courts and Parliament. There is no area of life outside of His authority. The ascension proclaims the ultimate victory of Christ. Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. I thank you. [Applause.]
MOSSEL BAY CREOSOTE PLANT PROBED
(Member’s Statement)
Mr L W GREYLING (ID): Madam Speaker, the ID took Parliament to the people over our most recent constituency period. One example of where we have made a difference with an issue close to the hearts of South Africans is the creosote factory in Mossel Bay.
It was our reputation as a no-nonsense, solutions-driven party that saw a desperate resident of the Rheebok community approach the ID to deal with the wood treating factory. For years this factory has spewed out its dangerous emissions, including arsenic, into the surrounding communities of Tergniet and Rheebok.
Despite numerous complaints to the local and provincial government from as far back as 2002, no action was taken against this company and the residents were left to suffer numerous skin and breathing ailments. The ID immediately called a public meeting of the two communities and we invited Mr Lushaba from the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to hear the residents concerns. Even though we only gave him a day’s notice, Mr Lushaba flew down from Pretoria and, after ascertaining the facts, he issued a notice of intent to close the factory.
The ID wishes to commend Mr Lushaba for being a role model for all public servants in responding so quickly to the issues of the community.
The ID also wants to warn other polluting companies who dare to breach the law and interfere with people’s constitutional right to a clean environment that we will not hesitate to deal with them. I thank you, Madam Speaker.
PASSING AWAY OF AARON “BB” PEMBA
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M JOHNSON (ANC): Madam Speaker, our nation has learnt with sadness of the passing on of Comrade Alven Bennie, affectionately known as Aaron “BB” Pemba, on Wednesday 25 April after a long illness.
“BB” Pemba was a patriot who spent his life in the struggle for peace, democracy and social justice for our country and the broader humanity. He was born in Korsten, Port Elizabeth, on 16 December 1930. At a young age he became an active ANC Youth League member and a member of the underground structures of the SA Communist Party. He was a volunteer in the 1952 Defiance Campaign against unjust laws and was frequently arrested for various offences during the course of the 1950s. He was also part of the campaign to collect contributions to the Freedom Charter.
Comrade “BB” discharged his responsibilities with dedication, discipline, diligence and humility. The life of this great leader epitomises heroism and commitment to the cause of humanity.
Our condolences go to the Bennie family, the bigger ANC and the surrogate SA Communist Party and the labour movement.
Robala ka kgotso Ntate “BB”! [May your soul rest in peace, Mr “BB”!][Applause.]
NAME-CHANGING PROCESS
(Member’s Statement)
Ms M M MDLALOSE (Nadeco): Madam Speaker, enormous, fierce clouds have shielded our rainbow. The storm that threatens to erupt is as a result of political mudslinging that has overtaken the name-changing process.
We can neither erase the violent storms of the past from our history books nor can we replace rain with sunshine where there was none. We are here today as a result of a history that was heartbreaking and we shall indefinitely be part of that identity.
Just as a rainbow appears in the sky after a storm, the telltale signs of the storm do not mysteriously disappear in an instant. South Africans pride themselves on the fact that they are instrumental in every aspect of the growth of our young democracy. The name-changing process should be no exception.
As different political parties, we all have members who have played a strong role and feel that they deserve to be entrenched in history. Let us allow South Africans actively to take part in this process, which has evolved into an emotive exercise.
Every committee in the different municipalities that has been tasked with this mandate should have historians who should spearhead the process. This will ensure that a variety of South Africans will feel part of a transparent operation.
Madam Speaker, the rumbling thunder in the distance can be silenced if it is taken into account that as much as we are a rainbow nation that represents all South Africans with their differences – racial, ethnic, religious, cultural and political, including their idea of political heroes and heroines–we cannot deny South Africans the ability to embrace their past and their history. Thank you, Madam Speaker. [Applause.]
FORMER CAPE CORPS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr L M GREEN (FD): Madam Speaker, the FD wants to reiterate its position that was previously stated in this House regarding the former Cape Corps members.
We need the Minister of Defence to address the grievances voiced by families who are asking the Ministry to consider providing family support to spouses of deceased members of the former Cape Corps, but who were not incorporated into benefit schemes such as pensions and social assistance grants.
Members of the former Cape Corps feel that certain actions during the integration process led to attempts to minimize the historic relevance of the regiment as a proud force serving its country and having fought in the Second World War.
When the liberation forces were integrated into the SANDF, these forces enjoyed greater prominence and respect than the former Cape Corps. As a result of the dissolution of the regiment, many of the then permanent force members had their defence force jobs taken away from them.
A further concern is that members of the Cape Corps who have been integrated into the new SANDF structures feel that they are marginalised. They feel they are being isolated from doing promotional courses while soldiers from other integrated forces are fast-tracked with an eye to future promotions.
We wish to bring to the attention of this House that the integration process has not benefited all groups and that the Cape Corps is a case in point. For the sake of justice and the honour of our people, we call on the Minister of Defence, the hon Lekota, to arrange a meeting with concerned members of the former Cape Corps to find ways to address these legitimate grievances. I thank you, Madam Speaker.
MAYOR MOKGATLE
(Member’s Statement)
Me A M DREYER (DA): Mevrou die Speaker, die voormalige burgemeester van Mogale City, adv Lentswe Mokgatle, woon reeds 15 maande lank, nadat hy nie meer die pos beklee nie, op die luukse landgoed buite Magaliesburg wat die munisipaliteit as amptelike burgemeesterswoning aangeskaf het. Hy het nie sy aanbod om die eiendom te koop deurgevoer nie, maar hy gaan verder: Hy weier om uit die burgemeesterswoning uit te trek en hy weier ook om huur of vir munisipale dienste te betaal.
Mokgatle is dus ’n plakker. Die inwoners van Mogale City dra nou die finansiële las om ’n oneerlike, gewese burgemeester van gratis akkommodasie en munisipale dienste te voorsien.
AGB LEDE: Skande!
Me A M DREYER: Mokgatle beskik oor ’n goeie geleerdheid. Vele geleenthede lê vir hom oop, maar hy herlei beperkte munisipale bronne weg van diensverskaffing aan duisende arm inwoners na homself toe. Dit is ’n siniese en selfsugtige uitbuiting van staatsgelde.
President Mbeki het Mokgatle aangestel as burgemeester. Die vraag is nou, wat is president Mbeki se benadering tot hierdie optrede? Die inwoners van Mogale City wag gretig op ’n antwoord. (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)
Ms A M DREYER (DA): Madam Speaker, fifteen months after vacating his post the former mayor of Mogale City, adv Lentswe Mokgatle, continues to live on the luxury estate outside Magaliesburg, which the municipality acquired as official mayoral residence. He has not made good on his offer to purchase the property, but he goes further: He refuses to vacate the mayoral residence, and he also refuses to pay either rent or for municipal services.
Mokgatle is therefore a squatter. The residents of Mogale City now carry the financial burden of providing free accommodation and municipal services to a dishonest former mayor.
HON MEMBERS: That’s a disgrace!
Ms A M DREYER: Mokgatle is well educated. Many opportunities are available to him, but he diverts limited municipal resources to himself, away from service delivery to thousands of indigent residents. That constitutes cynical and selfish abuse of public funds.
President Mbeki appointed Mokgatle as mayor. Now the question is what is President Mbeki’s take on this behaviour? The residents of Mogale City eagerly await a reply. [Interjections.] [Applause.]]
POOR CONDITION OF ROADS
(Member’s Statement)
Mna L N DIALE (ANC): Mohlomphegi Mmagorena Sepikara, ditsela tša rena tša mabu tšeo di šomišwago ke difatanaga kua magaeng ga di hlokomelwe ka go kgorwa. Ke bolela bjalo ke etšwa ga Sekhukhune, mmušong wa selegae wa Makhuduthamaga, Limpopo.
Ke kopane le Mokhanselara wa Ward 27 motseng wo re dulago go wona wa Mohloding, ra botšišana gore goreng ditsela di sa kgorwe. Tsela ya Mohloding e sa le e kgorwa ka kgwedi ya bo lesomepedi. Mokhanselara o re o ngwadile mangwalo a mmalwa a ngwalela ga mmasepala gomme ga go na phetolo.
Bjale, re kgopela lefapha la Mešomo ya Setšhaba gobane le na le dikgoratsela, eupša ga di šomišwe ka tshwanelo. Difatanaga tša rena di a senyega, gagolo motseng wa Mohloding.
Re a tseba gore mmasepala ga o na dikgoratsela le gore o sa beakanya mananeo a go di reka. Re kgopela thušo go lefapha la Mešomo ya Setšhaba gore le thuše lenaneong le. Ke a leboga. (Translation of Sepedi member’s statement follows.)
[Mr L N DIALE (ANC): The hon Speaker, the gravel roads that we use in the rural areas are not properly maintained. I say this because I am from ga- Sekhukhune, in Makhuduthamaga District Municipality in Limpopo.
I met the councillor of ward 27 at Mohloding village where we live, and we both questioned why the roads are not properly maintained. The Mohloding road was last worked on in December last year. The councillor stated that he sent several letters to the municipality but there has not been any response.
We therefore appeal to the Department of Public Works to use their roadrollers for proper maintenance of the roads. Our cars are getting damaged, especially in Mohloding village.
We know that the municipality does not have the roadrollers and they are still working on programmes to purchase them. We appeal to the Department of Public Works to help in this programme. Thank you. [Applause.]]
CRISIS REGARDING ENATIS
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs S A SEATON (IFP): Madam Speaker, the IFP notes with grave concern the crisis that has unfolded over the past four weeks relating to eNatis–South Africa’s upgraded transport information system that has cost government and the taxpayers a staggering R408 million. From the word go, the system was off to a shaky start, with authorities in most provinces reporting hiccups, constant technical failures and long queues of angry motorists.
Although we know that teething problems are normal, we are, however, perturbed by the report that the system was not properly tested before implementation. It was reported at the weekend that the implementation of the system was rushed by senior project managers and politicians to meet unrealistic deadlines. It also seems that the staff of the Department of Transport has not received adequate training on the new system and is therefore unable to handle the current crisis.
Furthermore, the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, which represents about 7 800 businesses, has indicated that transactions of vehicles and equipment totalling more than R1,5 billion cannot be completed as no vehicle licensing documents can be obtained for submission to financial institutions. Many businesses are at a standstill and are unable to trade.
The IFP would therefore like the Minister of Transport to clarify the issue about training and the implementation of the system. The IFP would like to know when the public can expect the system to be working at full capacity as it is clearly having a dire effect on the economy. [Applause.]
ELEPHANTS IN PHALABORWA
(Member’s Statement)
Nkul M R BALOYI (ANC): Manana Xipikara, ku hangalaka hi xitalo ka swihari leswi xungetaka nhlayiseko wa vanhu na nhundzu ya vona ku andzile eka muganga wa Phalaborwa. Vanhu a va ha dyi byi rhelela hikuva va chava ku onheriwa ni dlayiwa hi swona swihari leswi, ngopfu ngopfu tindlopfu, leti se ti nga kombisa manyala ya tona hikuva yin’wana ya tona yi dlayile mutirhi wa le purasini ra swihari ra Grike, emugangeni wa Hosi Maseke, yena Manana Ida Mbokota Ndlovu, hi siku ra 13 Dzivamsoko 2007. Mhaka leyi yi humelela kuri leswaku Nkulukumba Sambo wa le Kurhula eka Hosi Majeje u lo pona ri ahlamile hi ku hlaseriwa hi yona ndlovu yoleyo kwale purasini ra Grike.
Mhaka leyi yi tisa ku chava lokukulu eka vatirhi va purasi rero, lava va sindzisekaka ku famba hi milenge va ya emintirhweni ya vona hikokwalaho ko pfumala swo famba. Ku vula ntiyiso, hileswaku ndlopfu leyi yi nga ho onha yi ya emahlweni hikuva vini va purasi leri va yimelela hambi loko yi hlasela vanhu. Minhlaselo leyi yi tele, na le ka Hosi Seloane, Hosi Shai na Hosi Malatji, laha vanhu va nga ku onheriweni swinene hi swihari swa muxaka lowu. Hi matshamelo lawa a swi fanerile leswaku kuendliwa xan’wanchumu ku sirhelela vutomi na nhlayiseko wa vanhu eka ndhawu ya Phalaborwa. Hofisi ya muganga yi simekile komiti ya ku kambisisa mhaka leyi na ku nyika swiviko na swibumabumelo hi ku hela ka nh’weti yoleyi ya Mudyaxihi 2007. Inkomu. (Translation of Xitsonga member’s statement follows.)
[Mr M R BALOYI (ANC): Madam Speaker, the number of animals that are scattered and threatening the safety of people and their properties has increased in the village of Phalaborwa. People are no longer free because they are afraid of being killed and having their properties damaged by these animals, especially elephants, which have now shown their destructive nature by killing a worker, Mrs Ida Mbokota Ndlovu, of Grike Game Farm, which is under Chief Maseke’s jurisdiction, on 13 April 2007. Coincidentally Mr Sambo of Kurhula village under Chief Majeje’s jurisdiction had recently narrowly escaped an attack by the same elephant on the same farm.
These incidents have brought great fear to the farm workers who have to walk to work due to a lack of alternative transport. Truly speaking, this elephant may continue to cause damages because the farm owners are defending it whereas it as attacking people.
These attacks are rife and have also occurred in jurisdictions of Chief Seloane, Chief Shai and Chief Malatji, where people are sustaining severe damages to their property from these types of animals. Under these circumstances, something needs to be done to protect the lives and safety of the people of Phalaborwa. The constituency office has set up a committee to investigate this matter and to give a report and recommendations by the end of this month, May 2007. Thank you.]
DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF HOME AFFAIRS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M SWART (DA): Madam Speaker, the Department of Home Affairs needs a full- time director-general to turn it around. As we all know, it’s in shambles. The new appointee, Mr Mavuso Msimang, cannot be that person if, as was recently indicated in a parliamentary reply, he holds 22 company directorships in addition to facing a sexual harassment lawsuit.
Mr Msimang leaves the State Information Technology Agency behind with numerous loose ends and scandals, such as the one over the annual Sita- funded luxury junkets to thank senior government officials who are obliged to make use of the Sita’s services anyway.
The Sita board, despite its lack of funds and its lacklustre performance, approved almost R4,9 million in remuneration for Mr Msimang for the last two financial years – more than half of which were performance bonuses. There is simply no way that such high remuneration levels can be justified for a part-time Home Affairs director-general.
The hon Minister of Home Affairs must urgently address these matters. [Applause.]
COUNCILLORS’ CODE OF CONDUCT DURING CONSTITUENCY PERIOD
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs X C MAKASI (ANC): Madam Speaker, one of the constituency-focused areas for ANC MPs since the beginning of this year was to check compliance by the councillors with their codes of conduct. Among other things, they have to report to their community wards at least four times a year.
On average, councillors lived up to what was expected of them, as reflected in the consolidated report on constituency work. However, there are challenges for some municipalities which have different approaches to the establishment of ward committees and interact with communities through structures such as wards in KwaZulu-Natal and more particularly in the Western Cape, where the DA’s attitude towards ward committees is so hostile as to suggest that they exist in a local government dispensation that is not part of South Africa.
The challenge that we have as a nation is whether these different approaches in the Western Cape in particular will at all times facilitate strong interaction between councillors and the general public, to ensure the realisation of our objective to make local government work better for our people. I thank you, Madam Speaker. [Applause.]
NAME-CHANGING PROCESS
AFRICAN PEER REVIEW MECHANISM REPORT
POOR CONDITION OF ROADS
MOGALE CITY MATTER
CAPE CORPS
ANTIPOLLUTION DRIVE OF ID
ELEPHANTS IN PHALABORWA
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Madam Speaker, I hope to satisfy Mr Lee with his strident calling. Certainly, we would hope, as government, that the process of name-changing would be an inclusive one. This is indeed the manner in which the various rules associated with name-changing are set out.
I have to express some disappointment at some of the remarks of the hon member of the IFP. I think it behoves members of this House, when they speak in the public domain, not to refer to threats of war and conflict, but rather to urge our people towards democracy and peace. Whatever the stringent challenges that may be confronting us, we are committed to ensuring that the names of places, institutions and other structures in the country are fully inclusive of the full fabric of South African society. No leader can stand in this House and threaten a return to conflict and internecine warfare in response to name-changing processes.
So, I would urge hon members to temper their interaction in the public domain on this matter and in fact to ensure that they make submissions when they are called for, and to participate in the democratic process of indicating their view with respect to names for places throughout the country.
As far as I am aware, there has been no rejection by government of the African Peer Review Mechanism, APRM, report. Government has considered the report. There were aspects of the report on which government felt it needed to make detailed comments. Those comments have indeed been made and are being submitted. What the hon member may be asking for might be a broader reflection, debate and tabling of the report in the country. As the member is aware, the report is first dealt with by heads of states in their assembly and the appropriate committee of the AU. So, government can’t have a public process-if that is what the hon member was referring to-but there is no sense in which government could be cited as having rejected the APRM report and process.
On the matter of the roads and the need to ensure that services are indeed provided, I am sure the hon member who referred to the village in which the roads are not yet in good order, in Mohlodi, would continue to use the good offices of his constituency office to engage with the municipality to ensure that, indeed, the roads are repaired.
On the Mogale City matter, the hon member seemed to be asking the President to respond to this. I would think the hon member would want to place questions to the President, if that is her wish. However, it would seem to me that the Mogale City Municipality should indeed take action to remove the person from the house if he is occupying it illegally.
Could I also say that, on the matter of the Cape Corps, again the hon member is able to raise this as a question to the Minister of Defence in order to get a definitive reply. I am not absolutely familiar with the matter. It seems to be more appropriate as a question to the Minister of Defence.
I must congratulate the ID on the antipollution drive that it says it has taken on. I think we need to do far more as Members of Parliament about promoting the protection of the environment, and particularly observance by the private sector of the need to attend to issues of sustainable development.
The matter of Phalaborwa and the wandering around of elephants is something that, again, we should ask the environmental services to assist us with so that the animals are looked after safely, and that members of the public are also guaranteed safety. I thank you. [Applause.]
CHRISTIANITY AND RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Madam Speaker, I would like to respond to the statement made by the ACDP. In some ways, it’s not really deserving of a response, but on the other hand, what was said here in this House cannot go unchallenged.
The Jesus Christ that I know about was a man of flesh and blood, who fought against injustice; who suffered for humanity; who embraced all people; who was not exclusive; and who embraced people who were rejected by the rest of society. I think that is the Jesus Christ that most of us here honour and worship in various different ways. [Applause.]
The majority of ANC members are Christians. The Christians in the ANC are people who embrace everyone, as Jesus Christ did; who embrace religious tolerance; who fought for religious tolerance; and who will continue to do so. [Applause.] They are people who embrace everyone on the basis of equal rights as equal human beings who deserve equal respect.
As far as I know, we have a Good Friday to celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ; we have an Easter Monday; we have a Christmas Day; and we have a holiday the day after Christmas Day. We do not have a single public holiday for Muslims, for Jews, for Hindus and for Buddhists in our country. So, I think you really have to rethink what you are saying.
We come from a society where there was no religious tolerance and where a perverted kind of Christianity was forced upon all of us. That is what we would like to fight against. It is very dangerous to make statements of this nature. It is a perversion of Christianity. It is not the Christianity that any of us can respect. I thank you. [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: That is the end of Ministers’ responses and that concludes the business for today.
I wish to remind members that Extended Public Committees are scheduled to start at 15:00 in the Old Assembly Chamber and in Committee Room E249. So, you can still catch a cup of coffee. Thank you very much.
The House adjourned at 14:49.