National Assembly - 04 September 2007
TUESDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2007 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 14:08.
The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
CHANGE IN PARTY MEMBERSHIP
(Announcement)
The SPEAKER: Hon members, before we proceed with today’s business, I wish to announce that – and of course this is the month of announcements – Mr N T Godi had, on 3 September 2007, left the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, the PAC, and joined the African People’s Convention, the APC, a new party in the NA.
Ms C-S BOTHA STEPPING DOWN AS HOUSE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NA
(Announcement) The SPEAKER: Hon members must note that the hon Ms C-S Botha has stepped down as House Chairperson of the NA. I would like to take this opportunity to thank hon Botha for the exemplary service that she has rendered in her capacity as House Chairperson and her invaluable contribution in building and defining the role of House Chairpersons. Thank you very much, hon member. [Applause.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, in light of the hon C- S Botha stepping down as House Chairperson, I wish to place on record our appreciation of the distinguished service that Ms Botha has rendered to this Parliament, especially in her role as House Chairperson. In particular we appreciate her role in building and defining the role of House Chairpersons and recognise her reliable and constructive engagement as part of a collective in the Office of the Speaker.
Her service as House Chairperson, internal arrangement as the Chair of the quarterly consultative forum, is indeed appreciated. Well done and go well. Thank you. [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: Hon members, I would like to add to the remarks that have been made by the hon Chief Whip to say that as Speaker I would really like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Botha on behalf of myself and the Deputy Speaker. There is a lot that happens that the House does not see, that the public do not see in terms of the challenges that we face as the Office of the Speaker. We wish to place on record that Ms Botha worked unreservedly as part of a collective, very constructively and in a manner we will miss. So I take the opportunity to really thank you for that and we hope we will continue to keep in touch with you on matters we believe in which you can assist us in terms of some of the tasks that you have been handling.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move that the House appoints Mr M B Skosana as House Chairperson. Thank you.
Agreed to.
The SPEAKER: Hon Skosana, I wish to congratulate you. [Applause.]
Kgutso! Na e kaba ho na le setho se lakatsang ho etsa tsibiso ya tshisinyo? [Order! Is there any member who wishes to give a notice of motion?]
There is no interpretation? Are there any notices of motion? That’s what it means. Now you must get used to it.
NOTICE OF MOTION
Dr S M VAN DYK: Agb Speaker, hiermee gee ek kennis date k by die volgende sittingsdag van die Huis voorstel:
Dat hierdie Huis ’n debat voer oor die wenslikheid om die Suid-Afrikaanse Lugdiens te privatiseer ter wille van winsgewende, produktiewe, finansiële, administratiewe en operasionele bestuur en om die speelveld vir mededinging met ander lugrederye gelyk te maak.
Dankie. (Translation of Afrikaans notice of motion follows.)
[Mr S M VAN DYK: Hon Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That this House debates the desirability of privatising the South African Airways for the sake of profitable, productive, financial, administrative and operational management and to level the playing field for competition with other air lines.
Thank you.]
The SPEAKER: Any other notices of motion?
Na ekaba ho na le ditshisinyo kapa mohlomong tsibiso? [Are there any other motions or notices?]
UNVEILING OF STATUE OF NELSON MANDELA IN LONDON
(Draft Resolution) The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes the unveiling of a statue of Nelson Mandela in London’s
Parliament Square on 29 August 2007;
2) further notes that his statue joins other great leaders such as
Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln;
3) acknowledges British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s statement that
Nelson Mandela is the “most inspiring and greatest leader of our
generation” and that the statue is a “beacon of hope” to all;
4) further acknowledges Nelson Mandela’s statement that the statue
should symbolise all those who have resisted oppression, especially
in South Africa;
5) congratulates him on this great honour that has been bestowed on
him; and
6) further congratulates Graça Machel who will be made a dame by Queen
Elizabeth II for her humanitarian work tackling poverty in
Mozambique.
Agreed to.
NATIONAL ARBOR WEEK
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes that 1 to 7 September is observed by our country as National
Arbor Week;
2) further notes that the National Arbor Week serves to promote
awareness for the need to plant and maintain trees throughout South
Africa and that the United Nations Environment Programme has
launched a major worldwide tree-planting campaign under the theme:
Plant for The Planet: Billion Trees Campaign, and that the people,
communities, businesses, industry, civil society and governments
are encouraged to plant at least one billion trees worldwide during
2007;
3) recognises that forests form an important part of South Africa’s
natural resource base and make a significant contribution to the
economy and that trees are national treasures that provide wood,
habitat, clean air and drinking water for humanity and animals;
4) recalls that the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry is
undertaking a campaign from 2000 to 2015 to highlight two
indigenous trees every year, one tree common and the other rare,
that the Trees for Food Programme will see one million trees
planted annually starting this year during Arbor Day, and that the
common tree for this year is Gewone Taaibos and the rare one is
Poison Bride’s Bush or Gifbruidsbos; and
5) calls on all the people to prevent veld and forest fires, plant a
tree to provide economic opportunities to the nation to alleviate
poverty and hunger and plant a tree at every home.
Agreed to.
SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY TEAM IN FRANCE FOR THE RUGBY WORLD CUP
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes that last night, Monday 3 September 2007, with an
unprecedented wave of goodwill behind them, the South African rugby
team left our shores France to take part in the Rugby World Cup;
2) further notes that the official opening of the event will be on
Friday, 7 September 2007;
3) believes that the game of rugby is aimed at developing courage,
loyalty, sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork;
4) acknowledges that it is through discipline, ethical behaviour, fair
play, control and mutual respects for fellow athletes that the
spirit of the game flourishes; and
5) conveys its best wishes to the South African rugby Team and wishes
them success in their attempt to recapture the Webb Ellis Cup.
Agreed to.
FLOOR-CROSSING
(Member’s Statement)
Mr R P Z VAN DEN HEEVER (ANC): Madam Speaker, the practice of floor- crossing is consistent with the democratic traditions practised by developed democracies using the proportional representation electoral system across the world.
Over the 15-day floor-crossing window period, which started on 1 September 2007, the ANC will welcome any MP, Member of a Provincial Legislature or municipal council who subscribes to the policies, principles and objectives of the ANC.
We congratulate the councillors in the Drakenstein and Knysna municipalities who have joined the ANC to accelerate social transformation. To the communities in the two municipalities, we want to reassure them that we will accelerate the battle against unemployment, poverty, disease, crime, racial and gender imbalances.
The ANC calls on all public representatives who are committed to delivering services to our people to utilise this opportunity to join the ANC. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
CRIME NOT PRIORITY FOR SA POLICE SERVICE
(Member’s Statement)
Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD (DA): Madam Speaker, the SA Human Rights reported on Monday that it had been robbed for the seventh time since moving into its current Parktown premises in 2003. On this last occasion, the robbers, clearly familiar with the premises and equipment, asked the tied-up staff: “Where are the other computers, and didn’t the insurance pay out?” - with all the casualness of weekend shoppers at the mall.
If a Chapter 9 institution that seeks to ensure human rights are protected for all South Africans is treated in this way, it gives ironic insight into how ordinary South Africans are treated. A kind of besieged weariness comes upon us when we see our car has been stolen for the third time, or there has been a fourth attempted break-in within two months at home. We are held in contempt, our right to be secure in our own homes is held in contempt and our right to retain possession of things we have earned is held in contempt.
The SAHRC reported that the police have made no arrests nor provided any feedback on investigations into the previous burglaries.
It is a sick mockery of our rights when the very institution set up to defend them is violated and apparently nothing can be done about it. What chance do the rest of us have?
CO-OPERATIVE COLLECTIVES
(Member’s Statement) Mr M B SKOSANA (IFP): Madam Speaker, hon members, hon Ministers and Deputy Ministers, the developing nations of South-East Asia, South America, even North America and Europe are successfully revisiting the values and principles of participatory co-operative movement to buttress their historical, political and economic democracy in order to implement social justice. They are employing the credit, producer and consumer elements of co-operative movements effectively against rural and urban poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, poor health and child mortality. They have in the process enlisted the strong support of unions and social and economic collectives.
The unions in our country are doing well in looking after the interests and employment conditions of workers. However, they place too much biased emphasis on the dogma of “workerism” and ignore largely organising both the employed and the unemployed majority for ownership, control and management of the national economy to enhance the people’s political and economic freedom, except in the second economy.
It is said: Make more people owners, they will protect and preserve democracy and freedom. By the same token, the “propertyless”, the poor and jobless will be a menace to democracy, nation-building and reconciliation.
The IFP also suggests that in programmes of land restitution and distribution and reform, government should endeavour to make co-operative principles an integral part of any preparation and training for prospective landowners and farm-workers.
Thank you, Madam Speaker.
PROJECT TO DEVELOP CULTURAL TOURISM LAUNCHED IN LIMPOPO
(Member’s Statement)
Ms C NKUNA (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC, together with the majority of South Africans, work consistently to affirm and promote the rich and diverse expression of South African culture. Our effort is aimed at linking culture firmly to areas of national priority such as health, housing and tourism.
The ANC-led provincial government of Limpopo has launched a R104 million project to promote cultural tourism in the province. The project aims to help village artists, crafters and those involved in tourism to improve and be able to market their products. The objective of the project is to bring tourism to people in rural areas. It is funded by the provincial government, the Mopani District Municipality, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the European Union.
The project is in line with the provincial government, growth and development strategy which was adopted in 2004. We call on all South Africans, business and civil society to lend a hand in the promotion of cultural tourism as we deepen the efforts to create a better life for all. I thank you. [Applause.]
ZIMBABWEAN CRISIS
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs C DUDLEY (ACDP): Madam Speaker, Zimbabwe’s Roman Catholic Bishops have expressed concerns that the political and economic crisis in the country has reached a flashpoint and only democratic reforms can avert further bloodshed and a mass uprising. Contrary to President Mbeki’s insistence that Zimbabweans are confident that the talks are leading to free and fair elections, many are expressing grave concerns that the talks are changing nothing.
In fact, the Tsvangirai faction of the MDC have postponed the launch of its election campaign and party insiders say they are deliberating whether the party will participate in the elections at all. Morgan Tsvangirai has been quoted as saying: We will never go into an election that is predetermined. Both factions of opposition MDC are on record saying they will only participate in elections if conditions in Zimbabwe, prior to the elections, facilitate a free and fair contest.
In both Tanzania and Lusaka, the importance of conditions for free and fair elections in Zimbabwe, seem to have escaped SADC leaders altogether. President Mbeki’s diplomatic efforts are ignoring the cries of more than 11 million Zimbabweans who expect him and SADC to stand by SADC protocols and tell President Mugabe that there must be constitutional change before the coming elections. I thank you.
ANC PARLIAMENTARY CONSTITUENCY OFFICE IN ATTERIDGEVILLE APPLAUDS TEACHERS AND LEARNERS FOR MAKING THE RECOVERY PLAN WORK
(Member’s Statement)
Mr R S NTULI (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC-led government pursues a programme of providing education and training to all South Africans irrespective of race, sex and age. It is in this context that the ANC parliamentary constituency office in Atteridgeville applauds the principals, teachers and learners, especially in Grade 11 and 12, for effectively making the Department of Education’s recovery plan work.
Now, all high schools in Atteridgeville are offering learners in Grade 11 and 12 extra lessons in the afternoons and on Saturdays. We hope that this will assist the schools to reduce fluctuations in the performance of learners in the area at the end of the year. We also wish to record our gratitude and appreciation for the support provided by parents, school governing bodies and NGOs. Finally, we express the hope that this good practice is, and will be replicated in other areas for the betterment of our country. I thank you. [Applause.]
price of bread
(Member’s Statement)
Dr S E M PHEKO (PAC): Madam Speaker, the PAC is calling upon government to fix the price of bread. We are shocked at the news that the price of bread has increased by as much as 48 cents a loaf. The poor in our country, who depend on bread, will be hard hit. A loaf of bread must be affordable for every family in our country. People have traditionally used bread to gauge the cost of living.
If the recent prices are anything to go by, the cost of living has gone up for many people in our country. We need urgent action on the price of bread. Grassroots communities in rural areas are ultimately the biggest losers in the food price wars. Rural residents on average pay more for bread and maize meal due to the associated transport cost of delivery to outlying regions.
In addition to fixing the price of bread, government should immediately conduct an inquiry into the way the bread industry is monopolised. In the month of June alone wheat prices went up by 10%. The poorest consumers are already reeling from maize going up more than 50% so far this year. This will have disastrous implications for the nutrition of school children and people living with HIV/Aids. I thank you.
escape of seven awaiting-trial detainees from correctional CENTRE
(Member’s Statement)
Moulana M R SAYEDALI-SHAH (DA): Madam Speaker, the Minister of Correctional Services, hon Ngconde Balfour reassured us that heads would roll after seven dangerous awaiting-trial detainees escaped from the Wellington Medium Correctional Centre in Mthatha by sawing through burglar bars. We wonder if the right heads will roll.
It is unacceptable that security and supervision in and outside the prison is so lax that seven dangerous individuals had the time to saw their way through solid middle bars and leave the property without being detected.
In addition to security and supervision, there are a number of serious challenges facing the Department of Correctional Services, including overcrowding, lack of inmate vocational skills training and rehabilitation programmes, staff vacancies, inadequate health care facilities and much more. All of these issues contribute to or detract from an efficient and well - managed Department of Correctional Services. Despite the fact that the portfolio committee and other observers have raised concerns about these problems, not enough is happening within the DCS to correct and address them. The public needs much more than assurances after these facts. The public needs to see clear and decisive action being taken to address service delivery and performance within the DCS on an ongoing basis so that escapes such as these do not happen in the first place. Thank you.
Poverty eradication
(Member’s Statement)
Ms N D NGCENGWANE (ANC): Madam Speaker, poverty eradication is one of the ANC-led government’s priorities. Poverty is still experienced mostly in the rural areas; farm areas, by farmworkers; and the peri-urban areas, in particular those areas that were mining areas before the mines were shut down.
One of the main problems experienced by farmworkers is access to government services, eg, the child support grant, disability grant and the old-age pension due to some of them not having the necessary documentations, such as birth certificates and identity documents.
As Mogale City’s parliamentary constituency office, with the assistance of the Mogale City Local Municipality, we have embarked on an identity document and birth certificate campaign for rural, informal settlement communities and farmworkers in particular. The targeted areas are as follows: Tarlton, Hekpoort, Extension 2 and 3, Rietvlei and West Village’s informal settlements, Muldersdrift, and the Magaliesburg areas.
The Department of Home Affairs, together with the immigration unit, will have to assist in identifying the non-South Africans and the Department of Labour will educate rural workers and farmworkers on their labour rights. The Department of Social Development will assist to overcome the social- related problems like child and women abuse, alcohol and substance abuse.
The ANC-led government is the only hope that the poor and the exploited have. So, it is important and imperative for us to make sure that the people have the necessary documents in order for them to access the necessary services.
The ANC cares and is committed to protecting the rights of the poor. I thank you. [Applause.]
LACK OF SUPPORT FOR PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN
(Member’s Statement)
Prof E S CHANG (IFP): Madam Speaker, the Proudly South African Organisation was formed six years ago to motivate South Africans to buy locally produced rather than imported goods. We, as the IFP, were therefore shocked when we learnt that the DTI has withdrawn funding for this organisation. The DTI’s abandonment of this important organisation is really disappointing as this Proudly South African campaign has a really important role to play in the promotion and the advertisement of South African goods.
The DTI should not be proud of its action to part with this organisation. The government and the DTI should rather concentrate or increase their support to this important organisation and find ways of increasing its effectiveness to promote locally made goods of good quality and that could be bought by South African consumers. It is so important to realise that.
Proudly South African is not a profit-making organisation and should not be looked upon as such. If the DTI is serious about its efforts to promote South African produced goods, it has to support and provide funds to the Proudly South African organisation. Thank you.
SKILLS SHORTAGE AND EDUCATION LEVELS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr B M MKONGI (ANC): Madam Speaker, according to the SA Institute of Race Relations, the Fast Facts Bulletin, August 2007, South Africa’s total employment grew, on average, by 1,3% between 1995 and 2006 and can possibly grow by 3,2% between 2007 and 2012.
The number of artisans employed in the formal sector by level of education between 2001 and 2006 are those who have less than matric were 46 285 in 2001, but 54 268 in 2006. Those who have matric were 89 840 in 2001, but 90 865 in 2006. Those who had diplomas were 60 424 in 2001, but 74 807 in
- Those with degrees were 10 034 in 2001, but 10 656 in 2006.
However, in these encouraging developments we find disappointing results in trade tests written and passed between 1980 and 2006. In 1980, 9 016 people wrote artisanal tests and 5 033 managed to pass it. This was roughly 55,8% of the proportion that wrote the test.
However, in 2006, 7 622 candidates sat for the same test and only a disappointing 3 391 candidates manage to pass the test. This represents 44,5%. This is a matter of serious concern for the ANC government as the country seeks to address the skills challenge in our country. This situation is unacceptable to the ANC. Thank you very much.
DISPOSING OF AILING ALEXCOR
(Member’s Statement)
Dr S M VAN DYK (DA): Madam Speaker, state-owned diamond mining company, Alexcor, should be disposed of rather than being dependent on the state for its survival. It is not acceptable that the government is directing funds away from priority matters such as education and health to provide monthly financing to a business that is hugely capital intensive but from which our citizens do not benefit.
Last year, the government pumped R33 million into Alexcor. Yet, the company is still in the position that requires certainty about regular government assistance in order to remove doubt over its ability to function as a going concern. A settlement with the Richtersveld community, which lodged a land claim against Alexcor, was reached in April, thus paving the way to start disposing of the company’s assets.
This would be to the benefit of both the relevant communities, as well as the investment and growth energised private sector, as their entrance is such to make much better use of the opportunities which this ailing parastatal is enjoying. Thank you.
UMJINDI BARBERTON ROAD PROJECT
(Member’s Statement) Mr C L GOLOLO (ANC): Chairperson, construction has commenced earlier this year on both the Nelspruit to Barberton and Barberton to Bulembu-Josefsdal border post sections of the R40 road. While the Nelspruit section is a SA National Road Agency Limited project, the Bulembu section is now a Mpumalanga department of roads project with a contribution also from the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
The benefits of these two projects are both in terms of short-term job creation and long-term economic stimulation of a historically marginalised poverty pocket of the province and the country.
The two projects combined will employ around 700 people, who will work 260 000 man days over the two-year construction period. Total costs for the two projects will be R505 million. The projects are both run on the principles of the Expanded Public Works Programme in order to maximise the local and historically disadvantaged individuals’ beneficiation.
The R40 road is the core infrastructure component which will unlock the long-term economic development of the area. The construction of the R40 road from Nelspruit to the Swaziland border via Barberton marks the beginning of the economic turnaround of this area and the ANC is most happy to observe that good progress is being made. Thank you. [Applause.]
DISABLED PERSONS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr A F MADELLA (ANC): Chairperson, since its formation, the ANC and its allies have fought for equality of all sections of the South African society, irrespective of race, sex, culture, religion or physical and intellectual make-up.
People with disabilities continue to find themselves marginalised and socially and economically excluded. This continues to be the general situation 13 years into our democracy, despite the fact that the ANC government has introduced policies, programmes and legislation aimed at creating favourable conditions for the active participation of disabled people in all facets of our social lives inclusive of our economic and political spheres.
The establishment of the Office on the Status of Disabled Persons in the Presidency in 1995, which was followed by similar structures in the offices of all our Premiers, the adoption of the Integrated National Disability Strategy, the Employment Equity Act, the Social Assistance Act, etc, constitute part of the measures introduced by the ANC government to create conditions for a better life for disabled people in a democratic South Africa.
The ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the optional protocol to the convention adopted by this House on 30 March 2007 demonstrates further the ANC government’s commitment to improve the general conditions under which disabled people live.
It is, however, disappointing to note that despite the two per cent employment equity targets set for disabled people in both the public and the private sector, the levels of employed disabled people continue to be less than one per cent. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
TELKOM ASSET DISPOSAL
(Member’s Statement)
Mr C M LOWE (DA): Chairperson, the DA welcomes the news that Telkom has entered into discussions regarding the sale of its assets to private investors. We also hope that this signifies a turn in the tide away from the government attempting to increase its presence in the economy through the expansion of its state-owned enterprises.
It is important for government to ensure that Telkom’s assets are disposed of in a manner that will encourage and not reduce increased competition in the market where it is viable to do so.
In this regard the wholesale disposal of Iscor to Mittal Steel and the subsequent difficulties regarding the prices of steel for production inputs offered some valuable experience and should not be taken for granted. It is therefore encouraging to see that Telkom is discussing the sale of its fixed - line business and its 50% holding in the cellular phone company Vodacom with different prospective bidders.
In the light of the high costs of particularly fixed telecoms in South Africa, which ranks amongst the world’s highest, the manner in which the cell transactions are structured will be crucial, especially in terms of how it may impact on the unbundling of the local loop.
The DA will therefore be vigilant in its oversight at the sale of Telkom assets to ensure that growth, job creation and the consumer benefit. Thank you.
ESCAPE OF SEVEN AWAITING-TRIAL DETAINEES FROM CORRECTIONAL CENTRE
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Thank you, Chairperson.
Ek het belowe dat koppe sal rol. [I promised that heads would roll.]
The right heads will definitely roll. It won’t be the wrong heads. The awaiting-trial detainees’ escape in Mthatha is not acceptable at all. I’ve said it many times over and over again. One escape is one escape too many. Regional and national task teams are hard at work in Mthatha right now to find out who was posted where and why they didn’t do their jobs properly. Suspensions will be taking place this afternoon. A combined team of Correctional Services and SA Police Service has already re-arrested one of the offenders. By the end of the week, I do hope to get better news on all of them.
The upgrading of security in most of our centres is taking place all over the country. Mthatha is one of those that are being upgraded with a security fence, electric fence and with CCTV cameras. All four towers in Mthatha were manned when this escape happened and none of the people in the towers saw anything, and that is interesting - that they are in the towers and they didn’t see anything.
Somebody did not switch on the electric fence outside and somebody did not put the security lights on. Those people are going to be suspended this afternoon, not tomorrow. Thank you.
CO-OPERATIVE COLLECTIVES
ZIMBABWEAN CRISIS
PRICE OF BREAD
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF FINANCE: Chairperson, a few statements I would like to respond to - the first from the hon Skosana.
Congratulations on your new appointment, sir, but in respect of the statement and the co-operative movement I think it is something that the House would obviously support. I wish to draw attention to the fact that next Tuesday, 11 September, this House will debate the Co-operative Banks Bill, which is a very important step forward in the direction of supporting institutions that are multiple owned that can be advanced, and I’m hoping through organs of civil society a range of other co-operatives will be advanced, including in areas like housing where the profit motive has actually cut back quite tremendously on what people can be entitled to.
The second statement I would like to respond to is the one by the hon Dudley. Now, I think that part of what she is saying, is self-defeating, because it’s the many factions in organisations like the MDC and also in organs of civil society, including within the churches, that have actually created more difficulty. [Interjections.]
Sorry, Chair, I listened carefully. I didn’t interrupt her … and the key issue is that we must commit to a process. You can’t issue statements every day people have discussed issues. It’s going to take a while, but at the end of it, the statements that must be issued should be issued by Zimbabweans, because the individuals who participate in the process are able to secure the mandate from the respective organisations. That is the only way in which you can drive change in a country and that is what we must hold out for. The more we hope for statements that please this one or that one, the less chance of success there is in their endeavour.
The third statement I would like to respond to is the one by the hon Pheko. Are you still from the PAC, sir? Yes. The issue he raises is a very important and sensitive one, namely the price of bread. Now, across the world you have seen, as a result of climate change and also general commodity price cycles, changes in the prices of both wheat and maize. With maize it is partly because of its use in bio-fuel; subsidised maize is being used to produce fuels primarily in the United States. This is not a very good way to support food security, clearly, but in respect of wheat prices there has been a very significant change. Pasta across Italy, for instance, has increased by about 30% in the past six weeks. So, we are not alone in this and I think that part of it requires a national response.
If we try and cap prices here we will create all manner of difficulties for ourselves. Better we ask the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs to lead a process in the FAO – the Food and Agricultural Organisation - to ensure that we can deal with food security quite differently from merely looking at the price of basic inputs like maize and wheat as commodities in the same way as you would with metals, for instance. I thank you, Chair. FLOOR-CROSSING CO-OPERATIVE COLLECTIVES POVERTY ERADICATION
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS: Chairperson, I thank the Minister of Finance for the advice, but we have also asked the Competition Commission to look at food prices; starting at the producer, to processors, and also retail to look at what the impact is and also where the problems are at that level.
I also want to comment on floor-crossing and just remind members that it is not actually the ANC that wanted this floor-crossing. I think we must remember that it actually came from the DA and other small parties, and the ANC was just a democratic organisation as it always was in allowing people … [Interjections.]
Ms S KALYAN: Chairperson, on a point of order: I would like to know to which statement in particular the Minister is responding.
The MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS: I’m responding to the hon member here who talked about floor-crossing – the first statement - and I also want to say all we are doing is to welcome those people … [Interjections.]
Ms S KALYAN: Point of order, Chairperson: Was it a motion or a statement?
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order, order! We will allow …
The MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS: There was a statement on floor-crossing.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Continue, hon Minister.
The MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS: We are just responding and welcoming people who have seen the light and who realise which party is here for democracy and to deliver to our people.
I thank hon Skosana for his comments and I also want to support his views on co-operatives. Already the Department of Agriculture has a directorate that is working on building co-operatives; promoting them, also training our communities. Also, the Department of Trade of Industry has a huge co- operative unit and we are working together in building the co-operative movement in South Africa.
Lastly, I want to commend hon Ngcengwane for assisting farmworkers in her constituency, Mogale City, and want I to say that as government, the matter of farmworkers or farm dwellers is being attended to. A committee has been formed under the Deputy President, comprising the SA Police Service, Agriculture, Land Affairs, Justice, as well as the Department of Labour – led by the Department of Labour. Unions have also participated as well as the unions of farmers.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order, hon Minister, we are running out of time.
The MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE AND LAND AFFAIRS: Thank you very much. [Time expired.]
DISPOSING OF AILING ALEXCOR
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISES: Chairperson, I have it from an exceptionally reliable source, namely my colleague sitting in front of me, that there was a statement made in regard to Alexcor. Let me very briefly say that most members, I am sure, are familiar with this situation. There is a land claim that was made on that land; we’ve been negotiating with that community for a long time and we are very pleased that we have signed a broad framework agreement, which is a very comprehensive settlement package. I’m also pleased to say that on Friday we took a further step forward, a very important step forward. For Alexcor, this has been an exceptionally difficult time because we cannot capitalise given the negotiations, but these agreements have put us in a far better position to move forward. The next step is to go to court to make the settlement an order of court and at that time I will make a full statement on it. But, quite clearly, at the moment, any idea of the state suddenly withdrawing is not legally impossible, but it would be a real problem for that community and we will make a full statement when the court has ruled on this matter. Thank you.
CRIME NOT PRIORITY FOR SA POLICE SERVICE
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SAFETY AND SECURITY: Chairperson, may I indicate that crimes committed in this country that are reported by any individual, including the Human Rights Commission, are taken seriously by the police. No matter how many times such cases or crimes are committed, they continue to be a priority for the police in our country.
Currently, we have various teams that work on burglaries as part of our priorities and make sure that we apprehend any perpetrators who are involved in any form of criminal activity. I must also say that we currently have various partnerships in the SA Police Service really trying to fight crime in this country, including business, religious leaders and various civil society organisations in our country.
However, may I say that one of my major concerns in this House is that we also have to be careful with regard to how we deal with the police as they do their work on a daily basis. Hon Kohler-Barnard has never ever, in this Parliament, commended any good work done by the police. [Interjections.] I am just concerned and I want to know whether she is part of the people who continuously condemn the good work or any efforts made by the police in this country, or whether she is on the other side that continuously sees perpetrators of crime as heroes. We need to be very careful, because some of the statements she makes … [Interjections.]
Mr M WATERS: Chair, on a point of order: Is it parliamentary for the hon Deputy Minister to mislead Parliament by saying that the hon Kohler-Barnard has not complimented the police at all in their work and in catching criminals? [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order! Order! Hon member, that is not a point of order. Please continue, hon Deputy Minister. The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SAFETY AND SECURITY: Thank you, Chairperson. You are wasting my time, wena [you].
I want to challenge the hon Kohler-Barnard to please join us and be like all other South African citizens who are working together in combating crime. Businesses and individuals who have been victims of crime continuously engage with us. You must go to church and pray against crime and stop coming and heckling here. [Time expired.]
LACK OF SUPPORT FOR PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN CAMPAIGN
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (Ms E Thabethe): Thank you, Chairperson. I would like to respond to the statement made by the hon IFP member on the DTI dumping the proudly SA organisation. As far as I understand from the chief executive officer of Proudly SA, Miss Manana Moroka, the issue was under discussion with our DDG who is heading this particular sector. It is unfortunate then to come here and make the statement that we don’t care as the DTI and as government in terms of promoting locally manufactured goods. The DTI has plus-minus 20 agencies that it is serving and through that we have a lot of export promotions from our own people that we support. There are exhibitions abroad and we pay for people, including their tickets, accommodation and stands all the time. So it is not really just and fair to come and make such statements, but I will make the follow-up and check whether the problems that they had with the procedures of the funding mechanisms were sorted out or not, then I will come back to you.
Please, in future, don’t just come with such statements of the DTI not caring at all about promoting the locally manufactured goods. We are very aware and that is why we negotiated with the Chinese for a 30% quota, so go and get your facts right and then come and criticise on issues that you will be correct on. Thank you and we will come back to you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Thank you, hon Deputy Minister, and that concludes Ministerial Responses. Before we proceed with the business of the day, by agreement, I am informed that the Chief Whip would like to move a motion without notice. Hon Chief Whip Mogase.
CONGRATULATING THE PARLIAMENTARY RUGBY TEAM
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House - 1) notes that Parliament’s rugby team has won their two opening matches at the 2007 Parliamentary Rugby World Cup in France;
2) notes that our team beat the World parliamentary rugby team 10 – 3
in their first game on Friday, which they followed up by trouncing
France 22-12 on Monday; and
3) congratulates Parliament’s rugby team on their achievements and
wishes them well in their campaign to bring home the 2007
Parliamentary Rugby World Cup.
Agreed to.
REPEAL OF THE BLACK ADMINISTRATION ACT AND AMENDMENT OF CERTAIN LAWS
AMENDMENT BILL
(Second Reading debate)
Ms F I CHOHAN: Chairperson, hon members, usually justice debates are quite long and tedious in this House. I promise that this is an exception to the rule. This Parliament has enacted legislation to repeal what remains of the Black Administration Act of 1927 with effect from 30 September 2007.
However, the Department of Justice has advised that they are not in a position to meet the deadline and put in place new legislation which will effectively introduce a modern and constitutionally sound regime as it pertains to the role played by traditional leaders in the administration of justice in some parts of the country. Accordingly, the department is requesting Parliament to effect an amendment that in essence shifts the deadline for passing new legislation to 30th June 2008. The department offers by way of explanation that, in preparation of the new legislation, they face significant challenges including a more than expected number of disparate provincial laws and practices in this regard.
The portfolio committee was advised that a task team comprising officials of justice, land affairs, provincial local government and arts and culture had been constituted, which has prepared a discussion document in order to facilitate consultations with stakeholders but in particular traditional leaders.
The department has tabled a prepared scheduled outlining the processes leading up to the tabling of legislation in Parliament in 2007 in November, including the compulsory 30-day consideration by the House of Traditional Leaders which will finally culminate in the passage of the Bill in the NCOP by June 2008.
Hon members, it is crucial that the institution of traditional leadership, in particular its role in the administration of justice, be modernised and realigned with the fundamental principles contained in our Constitution.
We therefore trust that the process of tabling this long - awaited Bill be given priority by the Department of Justice so that the new deadline of 30 June 2008 may be met accordingly. I commend the Bill to the House and I trust members will support it. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Bill read a second time.
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR APPROVAL BY THE HOUSE OF THE EXCLUSION OF THE REMAINDER OF THE FARM HENDERSON 410 FROM THE ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK IN TERMS OF SECTION 21(1)(a) OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT: PROTECTED AREAS ACT, 2003 (No 57 of 2003)
Mr D K MALULEKE: Chairperson, the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism wishes to request the NA to approve the deproclamation of the remainder of portion 1 of the Farm Henderson 410 to the extent of 817,2515 from the Addo Elephant National Park and to proclaim another portion, one of the Farm Henderson 410 to the extent of 706,5253 into the Addo Elephant National Park in terms of section 21(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management Protection Act of 2003, Act 57 of 2003, which reads as follows: “(1) … a declaration under section 20 may only be withdrawn, (a) by a resolution of the National Assembly”.
The request for the approval is based on the necessity for the Addo Elephant National Park and Farm Henderson to swap land for purposes of integrating portion 1 of the Farm Henderson 410 to the extent of 706,5253 into the Addo Elephant National Park to Farm Henderson. The deproclamation will ensure that the Addo Elephant National Park does not extend northwards beyond the R400 provincial road for ecological and logical reasons. I thank you.
There was no debate.
Exclusion of the remainder of the Farm Henderson 410 from the Addo Elephant National Park in terms of section 21(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (No 57 of 2003) approved.
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR APPROVAL BY PARLIAMENT IN TERMS OF SECTION 231(2) OF CONSTITUTION - INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON OIL POLLUTION PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND CO-OPERATION, 1990 (OPRC CONVENTION)
CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR APPROVAL BY PARLIAMENT IN TERMS OF SECTION 231 (2) OF CONSTITUTION - INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF SHIPS’ BALLAST WATER AND SEDIMENTS – 2004 (BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT CONVENTION)
Mr J P CRONIN: Chairperson, a few years ago there was a very severe outbreak of cholera in a Brazilian port city and it resulted in thousands of infections and a number of deaths as well, and the source of this outbreak was traced to a ship that had pumped in ballast water in the Ganges Delta in India and then pumped it out again while it was in port in Brazil.
Here in Cape Town in our port the divers are reporting that the harbour is suffering from an infestation of green crabs which apparently are a foreign species and come from the Mediterranean and are devouring our local crayfish. The source of the green crab is almost certainly ballast water pumped out here in our port by visiting ships.
Now, those who have some familiarity with maritime matters will know that ships have ballast tanks into which and from which they pump water in order to balance themselves or to stabilise themselves, particularly when they are under way with a very light load, with a very light cargo, a ship needs ballast in order to be able to maintain stability and not bounce around like a cork.
But when it takes on cargo then it will pump out the water to compensate for the cargo and it is only really in the past decade or so that scientists have become increasingly aware of the health and biodiversity threats that are posed by the uncontrolled discharge of ballast water potentially containing harmful organisms and pathogens, and the 2004 International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, which we have in front of us, is a direct result of this growing awareness. Among other things the convention empowers nations to enforce the exchange of ballast water far out at sea - in our case we plan to make this some 50 kilometres off our coast. It also allows for the inspection of ships’ ballast water and for the installation of equipment on board ships that will monitor and also destroy harmful organisms in this water.
The second convention before us is the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation. The purpose of this convention is self-evident from its name. It is to ensure that member states put adequate measures in place to enable them to respond effectively to oil pollution incidents and, where applicable, to co-operate among states in order to deal with oil pollution incidents.
Cabinet has recommended that Parliament should ratify the ballast water convention and to agree on the accession in the case of the oil pollution preparedness convention. The transport portfolio committee has been fully briefed by the Department of Transport on these two conventions and we have also conducted a brief study tour and oversight visit to the Cape Town Port to familiarise ourselves with some of the practical and technical dimensions of these two conventions.
One of the encouraging features of our oversight visit was our engagement with the South African research group that is working here in the Cape Town port. This group, with the political support of the SA Maritime Safety Agency and the Department of Transport, are in fact now world leaders in the development of ballast water treatment technology. This is a very inspiring example and we urge the relevant public entities, and not least our Department of Transport, to continue to provide political support to this project. The committee has unanimously recommended to Parliament that these two conventions in question are respectively ratified and acceded to. Thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co- operation, 1990 (OPRC Convention) approved.
International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments – 2004 (Ballast Water Management Convention) approved.
The House adjourned at 15:11.
__________
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
FRIDAY, 31 AUGUST 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bill submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(a) Technology Innovation Agency Bill, 2007, submitted by the
Minister of Science and Technology. Referred to the Portfolio
Committee on Science and Technology and the Select Committee on
Education and Recreation.
- Translation of Bill submitted
(1) The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Wysigingswetsontwerp op die Reëling van Onderskepping van
Kommunikasies en Kommunikasie-verwante Inligting [W 9 – 2006]
(National Assembly – sec 75).
This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the
Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of
Communication-Related Information Amendment Bill [B 9 – 2006]
(National Assembly – sec 75).
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
(1) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance for consideration and report. The Report of the Auditor-
General is referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
for consideration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Public Investment
Corporation Limited for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007
[RP 187-2007].
(2) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism:
(a) General Notice No 900 published in Government Gazette No
30099 dated 20 July 2007: Prescription of a new form for an
application for a registration certificate or provisional
registration certificate, and the form of the registration
certificate or provisional registration certificate: For
public comment in terms of the Atmospheric Pollution
Prevention Act, 1965 (Act No 45 of 1965).
(b) General Notice No 955 published in Government Gazette No
30142 dated 3 August 2007: Notice is hereby given that the
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism intends
introducing the National Environmental Management Waste Bill
in accordance with the provisions of Rule 241(1) of the Rules
of the National Assembly.
(c) General Notice No 956 published in Government Gazette No
30142 dated 3 August 2007: Notice is hereby given that the
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism intends
introducing the National Environmental Management Second
Amendment Bill in accordance with the provisions of Rule 186
of the Rules of the National Council of Provinces.
(d) General Notice No 957 published in Government Gazette No
30142 dated 3 August 2007: Notice is hereby given that the
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism intends
introducing the National Environmental Management Laws
Amendment Bill in accordance with the provisions of Rule 186
of the Rules of the National Council of Provinces.
(e) General Notice No 954 published in Government Gazette No
30141 dated 6 August 2007: Notice is hereby given that the
Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism intends
introducing the National Environmental Management Integrated
Coastal Management Bill in accordance with the provisions of
Rule 241(1) of the Rules of the National Assembly.
(f) Government Notice No 711 published in Government Gazette
No 30164 dated 17 August 2007: Correction Notice:
Substitution of the map describing boundaries of the Vaal
Triangle air-shed priority area, in terms of the National
Environmental Management Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No 39 of
2004).
(3) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration and
report. The Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial
Statements is referred to the Standing Committee on Public
Accounts for consideration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Legal Aid Board for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 37-2007].
(4) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice and Constitutional Development:
(a) Government Notice No 736 published in Government Gazette
No 30173 dated 14 August 2007: Appointment of Subcommittee on
Amnesty, in terms of the Promotion of National Unity and
Reconciliation Act, 1995 (Act No 34 of 1995).
(5) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Arts and Culture for consideration and report. The Reports of the
Auditor-General and the Independent Auditors are referred to the
Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Market Theatre
Foundation for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 149-
2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the War Museum of the
Boer Republics for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP
149-2007].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Natal Museum for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of Blind SA for 2006-2007,
including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the Voortrekker Museum
– Isigcinamagugu for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2005-2006 [PR
107-2007].
(6) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism for consideration and report.
The Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements is
referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for
consideration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African
National Parks (SANParks) for 2006-2007, including the Report
of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007 [RP 173-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the National
Environmental Advisory Forum (NEAF) for 2006-2007 [RP 158-
2007].
(7) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Public Enterprises for consideration and report. The Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements is referred to
the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Alexkor Limited for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent Auditors
on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(8) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Communications for consideration and report. The Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements is referred to the
Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the International
Marketing Council of South Africa (IMC) for 2006-2007,
including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial
Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 144-2007].
(9) The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Education for consideration and report. The Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements is referred to the Standing
Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African
Qualifications Authority (SAQA) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for
2006-2007 [RP 168-2007].
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial and Fiscal
Commission (FFC) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 143-
2007].
- The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements Clothing, Textiles, Footwear
and Leather Sector Education and Training Authority (CTFL-Seta)
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 60-2007].
- The Minister of Arts and Culture
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Film and Video
Foundation (NFVF) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 150-
2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Iziko Museums of Cape
Town for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Industrial Development
Corporation of South Africa Limited (IDC) for 2006-2007, including
the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements
for 2006-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Competition Commission
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 102-2007].
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security on Proclamations No. R2, R24, R38, R44 and R51 notification by the President in respect of entities identified by the United Nations Security Council in accordance with section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), dated 29 August 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security, having considered the request for approval by Parliament of the Proclamations by the President in accordance with section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), recommends that the House, approve the said Proclamations.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism, dated 29 August 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism, having considered the matter relating to the exclusion of the remainder of Portion 1 of the Farm Henderson 410 from the Addo Elephant National Park in terms of section 21(1)(a) of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (No 57 of 2003), referred to it, recommends that the House approves the said exclusion.
Report to be considered.
MONDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
Membership of Committees (1) The following changes have been made to the membership of Joint Committees:
Constitutional Review: Appointed: Montsitsi, Mr S D Discharged: Schoeman, Dr E A Defence: Appointed: Schoeman, Dr E A Discharged: Montsitsi, Mr S D
National Assembly
The Acting Speaker
-
Officials authorised to receive forms on floor-crossing
I hereby authorise the following officials to receive, on my behalf, all submissions regarding change of membership of political parties; mergers of political parties; subdivisions of political parties; and subdivisions that have merged with other parties, occurring in the National Assembly during the period 1 – 15 September 2007, in terms of item 4 of Schedule 6A to the Constitution:
Mr M K Mansura, Secretary to the National Assembly; and Mr M Xaso, Undersecretary: House Plenaries, National Assembly.
Ms G L Mahlangu-Nkabinde, MP Acting Speaker of the National Assembly
-
Membership of Assembly (floor-crossing)
Membership status of the following members has in terms of Schedule 6A
of the Constitution (floor-crossing) changed as follows:
▪ Mr N T Godi has, on 3 September 2007, left the Pan Africanist
Congress of Azania (PAC) and joined the African People’s Convention
(APC), a new party in the National Assembly.
-
Membership of Committees (1) The following changes have been made to the membership of Portfolio Committees:
Agriculture and Land Affairs: Appointed: Mohlaloga, Mr M R Discharged: Nhlengetwa, Mrs D M
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Public Enterprises
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 9 – Department of
Public Enterprises for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 9 for 2006-2007
[RP 196-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Forestry
Company Limited (SAFCOL) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Pebble Bed Modular
Reactor (Proprietary) Limited for 2006-2007, including the Report
of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007.
- The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Umsobomvu Youth Fund
(UYF) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Commission for
Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) for 2006-2007,
including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial
Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 93-2007].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Chemical Industries
Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) for 2006-2007, including
the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for
2006-2007 [RP 59-2007].
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Manufacturing,
Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training
Authority (MER-Seta) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 71-
2007].
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the Information Systems,
Electronics and Telecommunications Technologies Sector Education
and Training Authority (ISETT-Seta) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007 [RP 68-2007].
(f) Report and Financial Statements of the Media, Advertising,
Publishing, Printing and Packaging Sector Education and Training
Authority (MAPPP-Seta) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 70-
2007].
(g) Report and Financial Statements of the Mining Qualifications
Authority (MQA) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 72-2007].
(h) Report and Financial Statements of the Forest Industries
Education and Training Authority (FIETA) for 2006-2007, including
the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for
2006-2007 [RP 64-2007]. 3. The Minister of Arts and Culture
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Northern Flagship
Institution for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 153-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Windybrow Centre for the
Arts for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Afrikaans Language
Museum for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 191-2007].
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the National Library of
South Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 175-2007].
(e) Report and Financial Statements of The Freedom Park Trust for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Weather
Service (SAWS) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 114-2007].
TUESDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism
(1) The Joint Tagging Mechanism, in terms of Joint Rule 160(6),
classified the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
(a) Local Government Laws Amendment Bill [B 28 – 2007]
(National Assembly – sec 75).
(2) The Joint Tagging Mechanism, in terms of Joint Rule 160(6),
classified the following Bill as a section 76 Bill:
(a) National Environment Laws Amendment Bill [B 35 – 2007]
(National Assembly – sec 76).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Office of the Public
Protector of South Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP
193-2007].
- The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Export Credit Insurance
Corporation of South Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African National
Accreditation System (SANAS) for 2006-2007, including the Report
of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
Please note: The following items amend items 4, 5 and 6 under the entry “Committee Reports” published on page 1392 of the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports of 25 June 2007:
-
Report of the Standing Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions on the Legislative Proposal to amend the Lotteries Act, dated 15 June 2007: The Standing Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions, having considered the Legislative Proposal to amend the Lotteries Act (Mr. L Labuschagne), and having consulted with the Department of Trade and Industry, recommends that permission not be given to the member to proceed with the proposal.
The Committee further recommends that the Department of Trade and Industry incorporates the proposal into the department’s reviewal process, and report to it six-monthly after adoption of the report by the National Assembly.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Standing Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions on the Legislative Proposal to amend the South African Schools Act, dated 15 June 2007:
The Standing Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions, having considered the Legislative Proposal to amend the South African Schools Act (Mr. G Boinamo), and having consulted with the Department of Education, recommends that permission not be given to the member to proceed with the proposal, since the education legislation covers the first two portions of the proposal. It further recommends that the issue of investigating the low rate of school attendance and the high rate of school drop- outs be referred to the Portfolio Committee on Education for further consideration.
Report to be considered.
-
Report of the Standing Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions on the Legislative Proposal to amend the Electoral Act, dated 24 May 2007:
The Standing Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions, having considered the Legislative Proposal to amend the Electoral Act (Mr. G Morgan), and having consulted with the Government Communications and Information Systems (GCIS) and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), recommends that permission not be given to the member to proceed with the proposal.
Report to be considered.