National Assembly - 16 October 2007
TUESDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2007 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 14:05.
House Chairperson Mr K O Bapela took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - see col 000.
WELCOMING TO HOUSE OF DELEGATION LED BY LEADER OF HOUSE OF CHIEFS OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): Order! I would like to take this opportunity to welcome in the Speaker’s bay a delegation from Botswana. The delegation is led by Kgosi Mothibe Linchwe, leader of the House of Chiefs of the Republic of Botswana. Welcome. [Applause.]
NOTICES OF MOTION
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Chairperson, I hereby shall move at the next sitting day of the House: That the House debate what implications it has for South Africa’s international standing that the National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi, has been in the past, and may well continue to be in the future, the subject of a criminal investigation.
Mr S N SWART: Chairperson, on behalf of the ACDP I give notice that at the next sitting day of the house I shall move that:
That the House –
1) discuss the public outcry surrounding the manner in which the
Judicial Service Commission has dealt with various complaints,
including that of the ACDP against Cape Judge President John Hlophe
and in particular its failure to give sufficient reasons for not
holding a full inquiry and, consequently;
2) debates the negative impact that the JSC’s approach has had on its
reputation and good standing in the eyes of the general public,
including eminent lawyers and legal academics.
Mr T J LOUW: Chair, I hereby move on behalf of the DA that the House:
debates the relationship between mining and the protection of the environment, with particular reference to the effects of acid mine drainage on water quality.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): You can’t move that. It is just a notice, right.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SPRINGBOKS ON BEATING ARGENTINA, AND WISHES FOR SUCCESS IN FINAL AGAINST ENGLAND
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Mr Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) congratulates the Springboks on beating Argentina 37-13 in the
semifinal of the 2007 Rugby World Cup on Sunday, 14 October 2007;
2) further congratulates Bryan Habana on scoring his eighth try of the
tournament, thereby equalling Jonah Lomu’s World Cup record;
3) recalls how the Springbok’s 1995 Rugby World Cup victory united the
country, bringing South Africans of all colours together shortly
after the 1994 elections; and
4) wishes them well for the final against England on Saturday, 20
October 2007.
Agreed to.
AUTHOR DORIS LESSING AWARDED NOBEL PRIZE FOR LITERATURE
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Mr Chairman, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that author Doris Lessing was awarded the Nobel Prize for
Literature on Thursday, 11 October 2007;
2) further notes that she is only the eleventh woman to have won the
prize since it was first awarded in 1901 and only the third since
1996;
3) recognises the fundamental role her work has played in speaking out
against racial and gender inequality on the African continent;
4) acknowledges the statement made by the Swedish Nobel Academy that
described Lessing as “that epicist of the female experience who with
scepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided
civilisation to scrutiny.”; and
5) congratulates her on this great honour that has been bestowed on
her.
Agreed to.
SHOCKING ACCIDENT AT ARMY COMBAT TRAINING CENTRE IN LOHATHLA, NORTHERN CAPE
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Chair, I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes with shock the accident that happened at the Army Combat
Training Centre in Lohathla in the Northern Cape on Friday, 12
October 2007;
2) recalls that the accident happened during the annual training
exercise, Operation Seboka, that involved 5 000 soldiers and
claimed the lives of nine national service persons, while 15 others
sustained injuries and had to be admitted to various hospitals in
Bloemfontein;
3) welcomes the South African National Defence Force’s investigation
into the cause of the accident and expresses the hope that
appropriate preventative measures will be taken; and
4) conveys its condolences to the families of the deceased, and wishes
the injured a speedy recovery.
Agreed to.
BEST WISHES EXTENDED TO ALL MUSLIMS AT END OF HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chair, I move without notice:
That this House -
1) notes that Saturday, 13 October 2007, marked the end of the holy
month of fasting known as Ramadaan;
2) further notes that during this day, Muslims across the globe wish
one another Eid Mubarak and families and relatives get together to
build a feeling of unity among each other, neighbours and fellow
South Africans;
3) believes that Muslims in this country have made a great contribution
to the defeat of apartheid colonialism and to the creation of our
democracy and that the holy month of Ramadaan affords Muslims a
unique opportunity to deepen their consciousness about the plight of
the poor in our society;
4) remembers that the religion of Islam preaches, among other things,
concern for the poor and needy and respect for humanity and
encourages peace and justice; and
5) extends its best wishes to all Muslims in our country and around the
world.
Agreed to.
GOOD WISHES TO SOUTH AFRICAN MATRICULANTS
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move without notice: That the House –
1) notes that on 8 October 2007 Grade 12 learners in our country
started sitting for their final examinations;
2) believes that the learners represent our vital investment in the
future of our country as we work to realise the goal of a better
life for all;
3) recalls that each year growing numbers of young South Africans write
the Senior Certificate examinations and more and more learners
succeed, demonstrating the success we continue to make in opening
the doors of learning to all; and
4) wishes all Grade 12 learners success in their 2007 examinations.
Agreed to.
STATEMENT TO BE MADE BY MINISTER OF DEFENCE ON SANDF ACCIDENT DURING
OPERATION SEBOKA
(Announcement)
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): Order! Hon members, I wish to advise the House that the Speaker has agreed to a request by the Minister of Defence to make a statement today in the House on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries of members of the SA National Defence Force. By agreement, party responses to the statement will be given on Thursday.
CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING DEATHS AND INJURIES SUSTAINED BY MEMBERS OF SA NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE DURING OPERATION SEBOKA
(Statement)
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Thank you, Chairperson. Hon members, on Friday, 12 October, the usual hustle and bustle of our national life was shattered by the shocking news of the tragic loss of the lives of some of our youthful troops, while on Operation Seboka at the Lohatla Combat Training Centre in the Northern Cape.
It is therefore with a deep sense of loss that I share with you the circumstances of this tragedy. Corps training is conducted at different corps training schools. On completion of corps training, companies, batteries and squadrons are allocated to operational units. Operational units conduct training at their units and at the combat training centre.
On 10 September 2007, the 10 Air Defence Artillery Regiment arrived at the Lohatla Combat Training Centre and commenced corps training, using dry firing only. On 27 September, the regiment joined other corps for integrated training. On 11 October, Battery 101 – the unit which was affected in this accident - prepared for firing exercises the following day. The equipment to be used was 35mm Mark V guns. The Mark V gun has two barrels that fire high explosives and practice ammunition. Each magazine can be loaded with 137 rounds. The exercise was to be conducted using eight guns in all.
On 10 October, two days before the accident, Battery 102 had done the same exercise and all eight guns had successfully fired between 500 and 800 rounds each. At 7h00 on Friday, 12 October, 101 Battery commenced with their firing exercise, with Captain Mpele as a safety officer. I may add that Captain Mpele is an experienced officer in these matters.
All eight guns were facing in the same direction, in this case the northerly direction; and they were positioned 20 metres apart for instructional purposes. The gun that caused the incident was on the far right – it was the furthest. In other words, it was number one from the east of the line. On this day, it was the first time live ammunition was to be used. Only ground targets of between 1 500m and 2 000 metres away were to be hit.
The gun can be set on manual or electric firing mode. But on this day, they were all set on manual. When on manual, the guns are sighted on target and thereafter the barrel is clamped into position so that the barrel should not move from side to side. When firing in electric mode, safety boundaries are computerised and the barrels are not clamped, but move within the boundaries set in advance. For each one of them, a gun crew consists of four members.
As all guns commenced firing, the gun on the far right-hand side had a stoppage. This is something that happens from time to time.
Technicians repaired this gun, while all the other guns continued firing. This is a very normal drill. As they continued firing and after the gun had been fixed, it swung completely to the left and one barrel fired off a burst of 15 to 20 shots in one eighth of a second.
The first gun immediately to the left was hit. This fatal burst then killed or injured members of all the guns to the left. The effect is, therefore, that all of those who either died or were injured, got fired at from their right and they either lost their right hands or right legs or otherwise, of course, lost their lives. The total number of fatalities is nine to date. I am aware that some media have reported that the figure went up to 10. That is wrong. The figure stands at nine to date. The total number of injured people is 15, bringing the total number of people affected to 24.
The sequence of events following the accident is that case evacuation drills commenced after the incident and incident reports were forwarded to the relevant stations. Acting General Officer, Commanding Air Defence Artillery Formation immediately left an army planning session at 8h00 for Lohatla. Chaplains from Pretoria were sent to visit the injured in hospitals in Bloemfontein.
The Chief of the Army sent Major-General Nkabinde to the Lohatla Combat Training Centre and Bloemfontein. Major-General Anderson established a funeral fund, which immediately gathered R25 000, which has now grown to more than R40 000. The Combat Training Centre established a nodal point with chaplains, the Chief of Services and army headquarters and placed the brigadier-general in the ops room, in addition to the duty officer.
The air defence artillery formation chaplain, in conjunction with the Combat Training Centre chaplain, arranged for the next of kin to be informed. This was completed by Saturday evening. The total number of fatalities, as I have already said, is nine. The total number of injured people is 15, bringing the total number of people affected to 24. I think that is a repetition.
On behalf of the Ministry and the Department of Defence, I would like to express our sincere shock and regret at what happened. Whilst we do accept that it is a highly dangerous environment in which Defence operates, we can underline that care is always taken to avoid such incidents.
We sincerely regret the loss of life and the injuries and wish to convey our deepest condolences to the affected families. I can now confirm that all the affected families have been informed and that the department is doing everything possible to assist them to go through this trauma.
A memorial service will be held in Kimberley next Wednesday, 24 October 2007, in the morning. High-ranking officials from the Department of Defence will attend. The next of kin will be taken to Lohatla to visit the site of the incident, after which they will depart.
Separate full military funerals for the nine deceased soldiers will take place from this Saturday onwards. However, most of the deceased will be buried next Saturday.
Before I complete the statement, I would like to take this opportunity to place on record the names of those who lost their lives in this tragedy. Of the nine who passed on, four were females and five were males.
They included Staff Sergeant J V Bezuidenhoudt; K L Malaza, a female; E T Mthimunye, a female; R M Mtileni, a female; S V Nhlabati, a female; T J Nkwana, a male; S V Nyembe, a male; R C Siphuma, a male; and B R Seipato, a male.
The following people received injuries of varying kinds, some of whom are receiving treatment: Captain M D Ndlovu, who is a male and has been booked off sick at the training centre; Staff Sergeant P Badenhorst, who is booked off sick at the training centre; Sergeant D M Mothibe, who is a male and is booked off sick at the training centre. S Hayes is in the Pelonomi Hospital with a lacerated right leg and right arm. He was operated on and his condition is stable. M M Myaka is booked off sick at the training centre. B Mabaso is at 3 Military Hospital with a wounded lower left leg. His condition is stable. M P Nkadimeng is at 3 Military Hospital in a stable condition after receiving a scapular wound. R M Nkga, who is in the Pelonomi Hospital, had her right forearm amputated and is currently stable. M S Nkogatse is a female who was admitted to the training centre’s sickbay. E L Ntlwana is in the Pelonomi Hospital after an operation on his right arm, and might possibly have to undergo another operation in the future. C F Pale whose right forearm was amputated is in the Pelonomi Hospital in a stable condition and will undergo investigative surgery.
I need only add here that the doctors do preliminary operations to see whether they can save a limb. If a limb cannot be saved, then of course they proceed to amputation or other procedures.
K M Pitso, the gunner on the gun that caused the injuries, is still at the training centre sickbay and is receiving intensive treatment for the trauma that she suffered. L A Seatlholo has been booked off sick at the training centre. A Shezi is still admitted at the training centre sickbay. H Simelela is a female who has had her right arm operated on at Pelonomi Hospital, and an investigative operation is to follow. That is the list of those who either lost their lives or were injured.
The SA National Defence Force has also despatched chaplains to the area so that they can assist the affected members. Training is continuing at the combat training centre.
Investigations as to the cause of the accident are being conducted by the SA Police Service assisted by forensic experts. Over and above this, the SANDF will hold a board of inquiry into the matter. The Chief of the Army has already appointed two retired generals to head the board of inquiry.
The Air Defence Artillery Formation, has commenced with its own investigation that will be used to supplement the board of inquiry instituted by the Chief of the Army. The results of the investigation will be made public as soon as possible after the investigation has been completed.
In this regard, we have observed that some persons have been pronouncing on the cause of the accident. Firstly, I would appeal to the media to avoid speculative reports on the causes of the accident. Secondly, I appeal to the public, especially those whose loved ones were affected in the incident, to ignore these speculations until the report is out.
We observe that there has been a public outpouring of sympathy and support from people from all walks of life. This fervour of patriotism is very highly appreciated by the government, the SA National Defence Force and the people of South Africa.
The Chief of the Defence Reserve Forces, Major General Roy Anderson, in his capacity as the patron of the gunners, has already set up a fund that is aimed at assisting with the necessary logistics, particularly the support of the families. Chairperson, I thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr K O Bapela): Thank you, hon Minister. It is indeed a tragic and sad moment for the nation. On behalf of the Speaker and all presiding officers, we would like to send our condolences to the families and wish those who are still in hospital a speedy recovery.
Could we please rise to observe a moment of silence in memory of those members of the Defence Force who lost their lives. Thank you.
MYANMAR RIOTS
(Member’s Statement)
Adv Z L MADASA (ANC): Chair, the ANC wishes to express its concern about the recent violence in Myanmar that has led to the loss of lives. The ANC believes in the inalienable right of the people of Myanmar to engage in peaceful protest action in order to highlight issues of concern to them.
We call on the authorities in Myanmar to respect this fundamental right of the people of Myanmar and to handle the situation in a manner consistent with the observance of fundamental human rights, including the right to life, freedom of expression and association, and the right to peaceful demonstration, picketing and petitioning.
The ANC welcomes the fact that the United Nations Security Council has mandated a special envoy, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, to travel to Myanmar to evaluate the situation.
The ANC urges the government of Myanmar and the opposition parties there to work towards a negotiated settlement aimed at finding a lasting solution to the challenges facing Myanmar. Thank you.
SUSPENSION OF ADVOCATE VUSI PIKOLI AND INVESTIGATION OF NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER JACKIE SELEBI
(Member’s Statement)
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION (DA): Chairperson, the DA, along with all reasonable South Africans, is deeply concerned about recent developments relating to the National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Vusi Pikoli, as well as to the National Police Commissioner, Jackie Selebi.
Firstly, the President’s decision to suspend Advocate Pikoli and the subsequent revelation that a warrant of arrest had been issued for Commissioner Selebi, raises serious questions about a possible violation of the constitutionally entrenched principle of separation of powers and the independence of the judicial process, in the sense that the executive may have undermined the independence of the NDPP.
Secondly, the mere fact that the national commissioner has in the past been, and may well continue to be, the subject of a criminal investigation has grave implications for South Africa’s international reputation as well as the credibility of the national commissioner in leading the fight against crime.
Consequently, the DA repeats its call for the national commissioner to be suspended from office until this matter is resolved, and for the President to take the nation into his confidence as to the reasons for his decision to suspend Advocate Pikoli.
As these issues are of profound national importance, this House should debate them as a matter of urgency. Thank you. [Applause.] CIVILIANS SUING THE SA POLICE SERVICE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr V B NDLOVU (IFP): Chairperson, the IFP notes with shock that civilians are suing the SA Police Service for about R6 billion in damages for shootings, rapes, assaults, damage to property, accidents, wrongful arrests and other official actions.
We have to understand that the crime situation in our country is so dire that police officials are under constant pressure in the line of duty. But the extent of civil claims against the police is staggering.
What this clearly shows is that police officers are not adequately trained to deal with certain situations, and their illegal actions then lead to civil claims. Furthermore, this shows that police officers are not applying the correct duty of care and minimum force when carrying out some of their functions. It also shows a wanton disregard for public safety and, in many instances, officers’ negligence can be blamed.
It is obvious to the IFP that a massive retraining programme is necessary for police officers to teach each other how properly to interact with the public and suspected criminals.
We would also like to see the more experienced officers being used as mentors for the inexperienced ones to ensure that the police actually protect and serve the public, rather than being a danger to public safety. I thank you.
DEATH OF MR NORMAN MASHABANE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr B L MASHILE (ANC): Chair, the ANC would like to express its shock and deep sense of hurt at the passing of Comrade Norman Mashabane.
Comrade Mashabane died with his son in a car accident on 10 October 2007. Comrade Mashabane was a selfless revolutionary who still had a lot to contribute to the national effort to reconstruct and develop our country.
His death is a painful loss to the Mashabane family. Comrade Norman has served our movement well and his passing is also an enormous loss to the ANC, the tripartite alliance and government.
Comrade Mashabane served our people and our movement in many capacities, including as part of a collective leadership of the SA Youth Congress, as an MEC for local government and traditional affairs in Limpopo, as an ambassador to Indonesia, as a member of the Limpopo provincial legislature, and in many other ways. We wish his family strength at this very painful time. I thank you.
INVESTIGATION OF REMOVAL INTO MINISTER OF HEALTH’S MEDICAL RECORDS AND NEED TO PRIORITISE INVESTIGATION OF SERIOUS CRIMES
(Member’s Statement)
Rev K R J MESHOE (ACDP): Chairperson, whilst the ACDP appreciates that no one is above the law, it is deplorable that in view of thousands of murders, rapes and other serious crimes that go unresolved in this country, a top police detective, Director Brand, has been tasked with investigating the removal of the Minister of Health’s medical records.
We question why a top police officer has been appointed to investigate a case that is a relatively minor offence in comparison to the thousands of murder and rape cases that go unresolved. Furthermore, we see daily the significant impact drugs and alcohol have on mortality, public health, family welfare, crime and the community and even on economic development. Surely the urgent reduction of the impact of these ills should be a key priority for government.
Of even greater concern are the allegations of some community members who say there are some police officers who are known to be on the payroll of drug merchants for their protection. This is a serious allegation that should be investigated by top detectives but that is not happening. Is this because government does not care about the devastating impact that drugs are having on our communities?
The ACDP calls on government to urgently prioritise the investigation of serious crimes such as murder, rape and drug trafficking by assigning top detectives to these cases, as opposed to using such detectives to investigate relatively minor cases such as the investigation into the removal of the Minister of Health’s medical records. I thank you.
SUSPENSION OF ADVOCATE PIKOLI
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs P DE LILLE (ID): Chairperson, it is lies and lies and spin all the time. Today the ID will speak truth to power.
The truth is this: The reason given by the Presidency for what it calls the “breakdown in the relationship between Advocate Pikoli and Minister Mabandla” is that Advocate Pikoli’s submission to the Khampepe commission was unacceptable.
I have two problems with this reason. Firstly, why is this difference in the Khampepe commission raised more than a year later, when Advocate Pikoli has been suspended and Selebi’s arrest is imminent?
Secondly, according to the Constitution, a breakdown in the relationship between the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and Pikoli is not misconduct. Pikoli can only be dismissed for misconduct or being unfit for office.
The summarised version of the Khampepe commission findings released by the Presidency said, and I quote:
It is the firm resolve of Cabinet that all anticrime agencies of the state should redouble their efforts to make South Africa safer and more secure for all its citizens … without fear, favour or prejudice, they will ensure that criminals meet their just desserts.
Instead, the ANC’s party divisions are manifesting themselves in the state’s security apparatus to the detriment of the safety of all our people in South Africa. I thank you.
TRANSFORMATION CONTROVERSY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr B G MOSALA (ANC): Madam Speaker, the controversy surrounding transformation at the University of the Free State has been raging for quite a while without any end in sight. Statements issued and ascribed to the University Council and the Vice Chancellor always create an impression of positive movement and hope for those who are yearning for change at this institution.
The Rector and Vice Chancellor of this institution once remarked:
On the main campus, in effect, we have two campuses, one white and one black, separated in the classrooms and in the residences.
Since that policy statement was made in 2005, change has been lamentably slow, because there are very strong forces militating against change in the overall governance structures of the university. The role played by the resident diversity implementation committee chaired by Dr Moraka, as well as a myriad of supporting structures led by capable stakeholders, is commendable but we need movement.
The university council must never waver from its resolution to reform the hostel placement policy, even in the face of a pending FF Plus-instigated court case to challenge the integration of hostels. Why go to court when policy that is obviously in the interests of nation-building is being implemented? There is currently so much at stake in higher education for people not to quibble about integration of hostels at this point in time.
All stakeholders of this institution, namely the council, the alumni, the convocation, progressive students and political formations, parents and private-sector partners must resist misplaced efforts to derail change at the University of the Free State. Thank you. [Applause.]
SERVICE DELIVERY DISCUSSED ON SABC WITHOUT GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION
(Member’s Statement)
Mr L M GREEN (FD): Madam Speaker, on the SABC 2’s Morning Live programme today, the TV presenter informed the public that the Minister for Provincial and Local Government, the hon Mufamadi, declined to appear on the programme that dealt with issues around service delivery. We are all aware that participatory democracy is about government engagement with the public and the citizens must enjoy the first right to attain information on the progress of government affairs.
The FD wishes to express its dismay that there was no government official present this morning to answer questions raised around the current challenges facing service delivery. Service delivery requires taking the public into our trust and tackling head-on the failures which exist in the system, while also indicating the successes achieved. Failures that do exist, of course, are well known, such as municipal indebtedness, fraud and corruption, skills challenges and councillors who do not subscribe to the Batho Pele principles.
The problems surrounding free basic services add to further disgruntlement among the people. As much as government is rolling out funds to provide free water, electricity and proposed sanitation services to the public, the effects thereof are not adding basic economic value to the public.
The debate on these matters must continue in the public domain as such and the Minister missed a good opportunity this morning on SABC 2 to take the public into his confidence in fighting the problems around service delivery, and his failure to do so may have further marginalised affected people critical of government’s record thus far. I thank you.
INCORRECT MESSAGE SENT IN RESPECT OF CONDUCT OF JUDGES
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs S M CAMERER (DA): Madam Speaker, the DA wishes to express its disappointment in the decision of the Judicial Service Commission not to proceed with an open inquiry that could lead to the possible impeachment of Cape Judge President John Hlophe.
While the DA respects the constitutional mandate of the Judicial Service Commission, we nevertheless feel obliged to express our concern at the incorrect message being sent out regarding the acceptable conduct of judges. Free and fair comment is a vital part of any genuine democracy, and respect for institutions should not be used to shield them from public opinion especially where so great a public interest is at stake.
The Judicial Service Commission’s decision has, as retired Judge Kriegler has eloquently commented, raised serious questions around judges and their integrity. These questions have, however, not been answered as the JSC has failed to give reasons for its decisions even to Members of Parliament who are also members of the commission.
There is clearly a need for a more transparent process in dealing with complaints against judges, which is provided for in the Judicial Service Commission Amendment Bill before Parliament. This legislation must be expedited. Thank you.
MURRAY & ROBERTS AWARD FOR KWANOBUHLE HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
(Member’s Statement) Mr B M SOLO (ANC): Madam Speaker, the Kwanobuhle Hockey development programme in the Eastern Cape is the winner of this year’s Murray & Roberts Jack Cheetham Memorial Award. The award of a floating trophy and R500 000 over five years was presented by the Springbok rugby star Number 8, Pierre Spies.
In partnership with the SA Sports Confederation, the Olympic Committee and the Sowetan newspaper, Murray & Roberts selected the Kwanobuhle programme in recognition of its excellence and significant community impact. Kwanobuhle Hockey operates from the impoverished area of Kwanobuhle near Port Elizabeth. Unemployment at Kwanobuhle is estimated at 50% and the community has a high incidence of HIV and Aids.
Under the leadership of teacher Gary Dolley and a team of dedicated volunteers, the Kwanobuhle multipurpose sports facility has been revived into a thriving hub of sports development and community participation. The programme has developed partnerships with 25 primary schools in the area, enabling 750 children to receive professional hockey coaching and to participate in regional leagues.
To ensure sustainability, the under-16 players coach younger players and provide umpiring services. Former provincial players work as volunteers. Six teams participated in the Eastern Province schools league where they competed against more privileged schools. The girls under-11 team is currently unbeaten and the boys under-13 team is also unbeaten in the local LoveLife Games.
Fifty top performers are in a high-performance programme to receive intensive coaching and mentoring. The ANC, therefore, congratulates the Kwanobuhle development programme on achieving excellence in hockey, whilst also using hockey as a vehicle to transform the lives of hundreds of young people in that community. I thank you. [Applause.]
PROTESTS AT UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG ABOUT FEE INCREASES
(Member’s Statement)
Mr A M MPONTSHANE (IFP): Madam Speaker, the ongoing violent protests at the University of Johannesburg campuses over primarily fee increases have become a cause for concern. It is of vital importance that the Department of Education intervene to prevent the crisis spiralling out to other institutions of higher learning and disturbing exam processes.
The funding of higher education in South Africa has become problematic and apparently difficult to manage. South Africa has failed to develop a well- funded tertiary education system. The excess of R1 billion, which government has made available in financial aid through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, is not sufficient to meet the financial needs of students.
The funding of higher education by government has, to a large extent, been based on the hope that higher institutions would provide for the rest of their costs through private-income sources, such as tuition fees. There is no doubt that a number of parents look to the university to provide higher education for their children, but a number of parents are poor and therefore unable to cope with the ever-rising cost of higher education.
The IFP has repeatedly called on the government to review its funding formula. The IFP has not only called for an increase in the Education budget, but also for a redress fund, private-sector involvement and other innovative measures to assist historically disadvantaged and deserving students, but this has not happened. I thank you.
IMPOUNDED TRESPASSING CATTLE SOLD BY FARMERS
(Member’s Statement)
Mopišopo L J TOLO (ANC): Mohlomphegi Modulasetulo wa Ngwako wa Lekgotla la Setšhaba, moo re tšwago gona tikolong ya Gasekhukhune, re na le mathata ao a tseneletšego ao re le ba mokgatlo wa ANC, re bonago gore a dira gore bodiidi bo tšwele pele. Dikgomo tša batho bao ba lego kgauswi le dipolasa kua dinageng-magae, ka gona go hloka phulo, di taboga diterata tša boradipolasa gomme tša tsena ka dipolaseng. Ka fao, beng ba dipolase ba a di swara.
Ke gopola gabotse gore Morena Masalane o lobile dikgomo tše lesome le metšo ye senyane gomme go ile gwa laetšwa gore pele a ka di hwetša o swanetše go ntšha R21 000. Ka gona, ke gona ge a paletšwe ke go di hwetša gomme di feleleditše di rekišitšwe ka moka ga tšona.
Go na le mosadi yo mongwe gape yoo monna wa gagwe a hlokafetšego, gomme o hlaka e le ruri. O be a na le dikgomo tše lesome. Le tšona go bile fela bjalo - di tšeerwe.
Morena Mohlala le yena o be a na le dikgomo tše lesome le motšo o tee. Ka gona, ba tsoma R19 000 mola batho ba ka bobona le pene ya lešidi e se gona. Ka gona, dikgomo tšeo di rekišitšwe.
Re dira boipiletšo, re le ba mokgatlo wa ANC, gore hle kgoro e lebelele taba ye bakeng sa go thuša kudu batho bao ba se nago mafelo a go fudiša maruo a bona kua magaeng. Anke kgoro e bone gore maruo a bona a kgona go bolokega ka ge a na le mohola wa go tšwetša moruo wa naga ya gaborena pele.
Re dira boipiletšo beng baka gore kgoro e lebelele gore le bao ba filwego maatla a go swara dikgomo ge di tabogetše mafelong a bona ba bitše tšhelete yeo e kwagalago ka gore go bolela nnete batho ba gaborena ba bangwe ke badiidi ba batala. Ka gona, re le ba mokgatlo wa ANC, re re kgoro ga e tsene taba ye ka bogare hle. Re a leboga. [Legofsi.] (Translation of Sepedi member’s statement follows.)
[Bishop L J TOLO (ANC): Hon Chairperson of the NA, in the Sekhukhune area we are faced with deeply entrenched problems which we, as a party, think perpetuate poverty. The cattle of those people who live next to the farms in the rural areas illegally entered the grazing fields of the farm owners due to a lack of grazing fields. The farm owners seized them.
If my memory still serves me well, I think that Mr Masalane lost 19 head of cattle. Before he could get them back he was told to pay R21 000. He could not pay that amount and he ended up selling them.
There is a widow who is really impoverished. She had 10 cattle but they were also sold.
Mr Mohlala had 11 head of cattle which were seized. He was given a fine of about R19 000 which he could not pay because he could not afford it. At the end he had to sell the cattle.
We are appealing to the department to assist the people who do not have grazing land in the rural areas. Could the department make sure that their livestock is protected since it plays a vital role in the growth of our country’s economy. We are appealing to the department to ensure that those people, who have the authority to fine the cattle owners if their cattle graze in other people’s fields, must charge a reasonable amount taking into consideration the fact that some people are very poor. We, the ANC, request that the department intervene in this issue. I thank you. [Applause.]]
POWER OUTAGES
(Member’s Statement)
Dr S M VAN DYK (DA): Speaker, Eskom se aankondiging dat Suid-Afrika gewoond moet raak aan kragonderbrekings is nie net ’n verleentheid vir Suid-Afrika nie, maar ook vir die regering, wat ondermyn word deur sy eie openbare onderneming in die bereiking van Asgisa se 6%-groeikoers.
Kragonderbrekings saai tans groot ontwrigting in die land en kos die Suid- Afrikaanse ekonomie ongeveer R8 miljard per jaar. Die blatante arrogansie van Eskom om aan te voer dat die Suid-Afrikaanse ekonomie te vinnig groei is onaanvaarbaar.
Die Wet op Openbare Finansiële Bestuur het reeds in 2000 in werking getree, wat benewens effektiewe finansiële bestuur ook risiko- en batebestuur duidelik uitspel. Eskom is en was ook daaraan onderworpe. Eskom behoort ook sy eie langtermynbeplanning te doen soos enige ander onderneming. Statistiek SA gee ook jaarliks groeisyfers in die vooruitskattings wat hy maak terwyl minister Alec Erwin in die Kabinet sit en bewus is van regeringsbeleid wat sy ekonomiese groeikoersbehoeftes betref.
Eskom moes daarop voorbereid gewees het dat die vraag na elektrisiteit van 2,3% ’n paar jaar gelede nou na 4,5% gegroei het. Ingenieurs het Eskom en die regering reeds in 1996 gewaarsku dat indien bykomende kragsentrales nie gebou word nie, Suid-Afrika teen 2006-07 ernstige kragonderbrekings sal ondervind.
Die elektrisiteitsdilemma is dus te wyte aan ’n ondoeltreffende openbare onderneming, swak regeringsbeplanning, ’n onbevoegde Minister en agterlosige regerings- en Eskomamptenare, en dit is die feite. Die instandhouding van bestaande infrastruktuur en die R204 miljard wat Eskom tot 2017 gaan bestee om nuwe kragsentrales te bou moes reeds 10 jaar gelede begin het. Dankie. (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)
[Dr S M VAN DYK (DA): Speaker, Eskom’s announcement that South Africa will have to get used to power outages is not only an embarrassment to the country, but also to the government, which is being undermined by its own public enterprise in achieving the 6% growth rate envisaged by Asgisa.
Power outages are currently causing huge disruptions in the country and are costing the economy an annual loss of approximately R8 billion. The blatant arrogance of Eskom to assert that the economy is growing too fast, is unacceptable.
The Public Finance Management Act already came into effect in 2000, and in addition to effective financial management, it also clearly outlines risk and asset management. Eskom is and was also subject to this. Eskom also ought to do its own long-term planning like any other enterprise. Statistics SA also provides annual growth figures in its projections, whilst Minister Alec Erwin is in the Cabinet and is aware of government policy insofar as its economic growth rate requirements are concerned.
Eskom should have been prepared for the fact that the demand for electricity of 2,3% a few years ago would now have increased to 4,5%. Engineers had already warned Eskom and the government as early as 1996 that unless additional power stations were built, South Africa would experience serious power outages by 2006-07.
The electricity dilemma is therefore due to an inefficient public enterprise, poor planning on the part of the government, an incompetent Minister and careless government and Eskom officials, and those are the facts! The maintenance of existing infrastructure and the R204 billion that Eskom will be spending up to 2017 to build new power stations should have commenced ten years ago. Thank you.] 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF ERNESTO CHE GUEVARA
(Member’s Statement)
Mr S J NJIKELANA (ANC): Madam Speaker, 9 October 2007 marked the 40th anniversary of the death of Ernesto Che Guevara. The 1959 victory of the Cuban revolution, led by, amongst others, Comrade Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara, inspired millions amongst the oppressed and exploited to fight for freedom and social justice.
Che dedicated his life to the genuine independence of all countries, the true liberation of each people in all countries, social progress, and the emancipation of working people from the scourges of poverty, hunger and underdevelopment.
Even after 40 years we wish to express our gratitude to this exceptional combatant as we advance the struggle for the birth of a better and more humane world order and the defeat of poverty.
His bravery, courage, selflessness and heroism continue to inspire us to realise the goals of a truly nonracial, nonsexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. I thank you.
TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE EASTERN CAPE
(Member’s Statement) Mnu M JOHNSON (ANC): Somlomo, umbutho wesizwe i-ANC, uthe gqolo ukusebenzisana nabantu bakuthi ekwakheni ubomi obungcono kunye namathuba okuba abantu baziphilise ngokwabo. Kwingingqi yaseTsitsikama, kumzantsi weMpuma Koloni, usomashishini okushishino lokhenketho uphumelele imbasa yokuba ngoyena somashishini ubaphatha kakuhle abasebenzi bakhe. Uphumelele kwakhona kwinqanaba lokuba nesisa kwiintsapho zasekuhlaleni ezingathathi ntweni.
UMnu uAshley Wentworth, ongusomaqhuzu wale nkampani, uthathe uxanduva lokuthwala umceli-mngeni wokungabi nalwazi luphangaleleyo lokujongana neencwadi zooshishino abajongene nalo oomama abakolu shishino, nto leyo ebangele ukuqwalaselwa kokusilela kumanqanaba athile oshishino. Enkosi. [Kwaqhwatywa.] (Translation of isiXhosa member’s statement follows.)
[Mr M JOHNSON (ANC): Madam Speaker, The African National Congress is constantly working with people to improve their lives and create job opportunities to develop themselves. In the Tsitsikamma area, the southern part of the Eastern Cape, a businessman in the tourism industry won an award for being the best businessman who looked well after his staff. He won again in the category of being supportive to the poor children in the community.
Mr Ashley Wentworth, the head of this company, on realising that women in this industry do not have enough bookkeeping skills, took up the challenge to educate them. This led to monitoring the lack of certain levels in the business. [Applause.]]
Members’ responsibility of strengthening democracy
SUSPENSION OF ADVOCATE VUSI PIKOLI AND INVESTIGATION OF NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSIONER JACKIE SELEBI
PROTESTS AT UNIVERSITY OF HOHANNESBURG ABOUT FEE INCREASES
(Minister’s Responses)
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Madam Speaker, I have a number of issues that I would like to respond to. Let me start with the first issue. I think it is very important that members of the House understand that they carry a responsibility towards strengthening democracy. I do not think that any of us contribute to the strengthening of our democracy when an individual is either arrested or charged for any crime, or even investigated by the police, and then there are claims of abuse of state power or that there is a conspiracy against them. If it’s like that, all of us can commit crimes and then say, “There is a plot against me; there is a conspiracy against me.” We will no longer be able to investigate anybody.
Therefore when people are faced with possible litigation by the state - matters that will appear before the courts – them to attack the policing agencies is to become the instruments of criminals. I think that that can only undermine our democracy. If any individual is innocent, let him go to court and prove his innocence in the courts. [Interjections.] Let him go to the courts and then go and prove it there.
And if there is anyone who knows of any abuse of state power by the executive, why don’t we get people to report to the Chapter 9 institutions to say, “I know that Minister Lekota is busy with this and that and the other” so that these matters also come before the scrutiny of the nation. I cannot accept that people can so glibly and easily accuse this government of abusing power or manipulating the instruments of power to arrest innocent people. [Interjections.] We cannot accept that. [Interjections.]
Secondly, it is strange logic to say that when a crime is reported at a police station, the police must investigate that crime on the basis of whether they thought it a big or important crime or not. Any crime reported to the police, if they have the ability to investigate it immediately, must be investigated, and whoever is guilty must be brought to book. We cannot say, “But why do you arrest this criminal so quickly? You should arrest the other criminals first.” What is the meaning of that?
I would also like to say that it is important that we keep in mind the parameters of where legislature begins and ends and where the executive begins and ends. At the present time the National Director of Public Prosecutions has been suspended. [Interjections.]
HON MEMBERS: Why?
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Listen! This is not a tavern; it’s a noble House. [Laughter.] At the present time the National Director of Public Prosecutions has been suspended. The executive has decided that it has to be established whether this individual is fit for the office in which he is serving. [Interjections.] If there is someone who wants to ask a question in the opposition, why doesn’t he rise and ask the Chair? I will give him a chance … I want to hear so that I can respond to the question … [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Order, order!
Dr C P MULDER: Madam Speaker, is the hon Minister not prepared to answer a question? May I ask him a question?
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Yes.
The SPEAKER: Sure. Ask him a question.
Dr C P MULDER: When Mr Pikoli was appointed to the position of National Director of Public Prosecutions he was a very fit and proper person. What happened that he suddenly became unfit, allegedly? And, if you are saying that the relationship broke down, why do you investigate only one part of the relationship?
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: What the government has said is that there has to be a check as to whether he is fit and proper for office. Whether he is fit or not fit will be decided by – let me finish this answer …
Mr M J ELLIS: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
The SPEAKER: What is the point of order?
Mr M J ELLIS: The Minster knows as well as we do that he has two minutes to respond. This response has been going on for about five minutes and he has said nothing worth listening to. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: No, hon member, leave the hon Minister to respond. He did indicate that he was going to respond to a few questions. [Interjections.]
Mr M J ELLIS: But this is the same issue, Madam Speaker. He has been going on for five minutes about one issue.
The SPEAKER: Hon member, please let the Minister finish. Hon Minister, please proceed.
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Madam Speaker and members of the House, whether the National Director of Prosecutions is fit or not will be decided by the inquiry. It can’t be decided by me standing here, and it can’t be decided by you sitting down there. [Interjections.]
No, please, let me make the point. Very many times I have heard the opposition say that the executive has made inappropriate appointments. Very many times you say that. Why, in this case, don’t you want the executive to examine whether that appointment is appropriate or not? Why don’t you want that? You always say that. You have said times without number that the people we have appointed are not appropriate. [Interjections.]
Mrs P DE LILLE: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
The SPEAKER: What is the point of order?
Mrs P DE LILLE: Is the hon Minister of Defence now the spokesperson for the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development? She can speak for herself. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon member, I am sure you know how the executive operates.
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: Well, the hon De Lille is just trying to interrupt my reasoning. She will not succeed. The executive operates as a corporate body, so I can answer. If other Ministers are not here, we often answer on their behalf. We work in the same cluster and I can answer any question that she can. So, please, don’t try to disrupt … [Inaudible.] … [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Minister, please wrap up your answer to the second question. [Interjections.]
The Minister of defence: Madam Speaker, the last issue that I want to deal with relates to the matter of education.
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE: Madam Speaker, may I also ask a question? It is a very easy question.
The SPEAKER: In which connection?
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE: It is in connection with what the Minister has been replying to. I just want to know from the Minister if he thinks it is just and fair for an ANC political activist to lead the investigation instead of a High Court judge?
The MINISTER OF DEFENCE: I am quite satisfied that the person who has been appointed, Madam Ginwala, who was the Speaker of this House, is a very appropriate person. Thank you, sir. [Applause.] [Interjections.] I have answered your question. Don’t complain now. I have given you an answer.
With regard to the issue of education, I think our country’s leaders and people must come to terms with the challenges that our nation faces. This government has not failed to work to address the needs of our people. But what we have done as this government has been to avoid spending money that South Africans don’t have. Year after year we have sought to make sure that South Africans do not live beyond their means, and that we address the needs of the people of this country with the resources that South Africa has.
The reason that today South Africa can stand in any forum and make its voice heard without being controlled by some of the powerful nations is because we have respected this principle to make sure that our country lives on what it owns, and it owes nobody and can therefore not be dictated to by anybody.
We are addressing the issues of education. Year after year you have seen how the budget has increased in terms of addressing education issues, in terms of addressing social welfare, in terms of addressing housing and so on. [Interjections.]
It is only those who do not confront the realities of their lives that expect us to finance consumption with money that we don’t have so that this country will be very deeply indebted tomorrow, and after that it will not even be able to pay the interest on the money it owes. We will not go that route.
We will spend on what South Africans have steadily, so that this country remains free and not dependent on anybody. I thank you. [Applause.]
SITUATION IN MYANMAR
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Ms S C van der Merwe): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I’d like to address myself to the statement made by the hon Madasa, and to say that I’d like to support his statement regarding the situation in Myanmar.
Our ambassador to the United Nations, on behalf of the South African government, also supported the presidential statement issued by the Security Council last week, under the presidency of Ghana, which introduced the statement. In that presidential statement, support was also expressed for the resolution of the Human Right’s Council some two weeks earlier condemning the violence in Myanmar, and affirming our confidence in the United Nations special envoy to the region, Professor Gambari.
So what we would also like to say is that we would like to continue in our support for the government of Myanmar to get the opposition parties together, to talk and to resolve the issues and conflicts which confront that country. Thank you very much.
TRANSFORMATION CONTROVERSY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE
PROTESTS AT UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG ABOUT FEE INCREASES
(Minister’s Responses)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. There have been two issues in relation to education - one from the ANC and one from the IFP.
The first dealt with the issue of transformation and the need to ensure that councils support the vice chancellors when they make good efforts in terms of transforming institutions. The reality is that all our institutions of higher learning must create an institutional culture that is consistent with and conducive to the ethos of our democracy. That would mean creating a nonracial and nonsexist environment in which there is opportunity, equity and greater access.
We must commend the vice chancellor for the objective assessment of the institution itself, and the attempts that he has made. We certainly urge councillors – as the hon member has indeed correctly pointed out - to support him in these efforts. We cannot, on the basis of the information that has been provided, perpetuate a situation in which accommodation, in which hostels, are occupied by blacks on the one side separately and whites on the other. That would mean perpetuating a legacy of the past and really fighting against what we seek to change in our country.
With regard to the issue of access, I certainly share the sentiments of the hon Mpontshane. We too are committed, as he is, to the fact that we should create better opportunities, greater access and greater equity.
Yet we must recognise that we have done enormously well. In 1996 the National Student Financial Aid Scheme was established with small, humble beginnings. The amount of R25 million was set aside for bursaries. Some 10 years thereafter - this year alone - we have spent R1,5 billion on bursaries for universities and institutions of higher learning. In addition, we have spent R100 million on FET colleges. Next year, the projected amount is R1,8 billion. That means that there is a significant improvement in opportunities for access to institutions of higher learning.
However, the reality is that we also have to confront the challenge of accommodation of education. Many times, universities that are autonomous, tend to forget the social dimension and their responsibility to manage the increments in fees. If you look at the fees of various institutions, you would find that the fees of the University of Cape Town and of the University of the Witwatersrand, for example, are much higher than those of the University of the Western Cape and other institutions. It is about time that there was a measure of parity in terms of how fees are levied on people and how fees are increased from time to time. This would certainly enhance the opportunities and access for students.
With regard to the issue of the University of Johannesburg, certainly it’s a matter of great concern for the department. The department is monitoring it, and the Minister has made a statement to the fact that the allocation to universities has indeed been increased. There is a reciprocal responsibility on the part of vice chancellors and councils of universities to ensure that increases are not dramatic, and that they are managed in a way that enhances access rather than depriving especially the poor of the opportunity to study at institutions.
Finally, in terms of our government and expenditure, education enjoys pre- eminence. It is the largest item of expenditure in the Budget. I thank you, Madam Speaker. [Applause.]
Mr M J ELLIS: Madam Speaker, on a point of order: The Rules make it very clear that a certain amount of time is set down for members of the legislature of Parliament to make statements, and 12 minutes are set aside for the Ministers to respond. I submit that that time has finished now, Madam Speaker. You are very clear about making sure that Members of Parliament do not have extra time. In this case, I would urge you to make sure that the Ministers …
The SPEAKER: Of course, you say that because you are sitting next to me and you see what I’m doing from the Chair.
Mr M J ELLIS: I watch everything, Madam Speaker. You are quite right.
The SPEAKER: I don’t think you can be that certain about that particular statement, because you don’t know how many minutes I’m giving you, using the discretion of the Chair. I’d like you to leave the Chair to run the business of the House. [Applause.] I also take it as very important for the hon members to have the information that is necessary in response to the statements that have been made.
Mr M J ELLIS: Madam Speaker, you cannot allow the Rules just to be abused in that way. If the Ministers have got a set amount of time, they should be kept to that, in the same way that we are kept to our time.
The Speaker: Hon Ellis, I’ve heard you. You can indeed take your seat now.
Prof B TUROK: Madam Speaker, on a point of order: It seems to me that the House is being abused by petty points of order when we are listening to very serious matters. [Interjections.] I would ask that we ask the hon members of the House to respect that this is a political body which requires proper information, and pettiness should not be allowed to intervene. Thank you. [Applause.]
MURRAY & ROBERTS AWARD FOR KWANOBUHLE HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Madam Speaker, we rise in support of the very positive statement by the ANC on the hockey academy in KwaNobuhle. I think it’s important that the House notes that that was one of the multipurpose sports facilities envisaged by the late Minister Steve Tshwete when he was the Minister of Sport. We all know that there was some controversy about the locality of this multipurpose facility, but we are today very proud that this facility is there and has been utilised fully by all the inhabitants of KwaNobuhle.
We are absolutely thrilled by the excellence of the hockey development programme and by the youngsters who are taking part in the high-performance programme of hockey and excelling in that wonderful sport. We are equally touched by the gesture to invite one of the best loose forwards in the world, Pierre Spies, who cannot be at the Rugby World Cup today, to present the prize. We say thank you for inviting him and honouring him in that regard.
Lastly, it is projects like KwaNobuhle and the things that are happening there with hockey that are accelerating the transformation pace of sport in this country and creating conditions in which all our children will, hopefully, in the not too distant future, start from the same starting line in sport in this country, taking this country to greater heights as a sporting nation. I thank you. [Applause.]
QUESTIONS BEING GIVEN PRECEDENCE NOTWITHSTANDING RULE 29(8) AND RULE 113(1)
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Speaker, I move the motion printed in my name on the Order Paper, as follows:
That, notwithstanding Rule 29(8) and Rule 113 (1), Questions not be given precedence tomorrow.
Agreed to.
Mr M J ELLIS: Madam Speaker, we were told by the Whippery of the ANC that the Local Government Laws Amendment Bill has, in fact, been withdrawn at this stage and should not appear as this particular motion.
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, if Mr Ellis paid a bit of attention …
The SPEAKER: I said we were on the first motion, hon Ellis. We are dealing with the first motion on the Order Paper.
SUSPENSION OF RULE 253(1) TO CONDUCT SECOND READING DEBATES ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN EXPRESS BILL AND THE BROADBAND INFRACO BILL TOMORROW
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Thank you. I wish Mr Ellis would listen and wait until he gets his chance. [Interjections.]
I amend my motion on the Order Paper and move as follows:
That, Rule 253(1), which provides inter alia that the debate on the
Second Reading of a Bill may not commence before at least three working
days have elapsed since the committee’s report was tabled, be suspended
for the purposes of conducting the Second Reading debates on the South
African Express Bill [B 14B - 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75) and the
Broadband Infraco Bill [B 26B – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75)
tomorrow.
Agreed to.
FAREWELL TO HON MEMBER DOUGLAS GIBSON
(Draft Resolution)
The SPEAKER: The third item on the Order Paper is a draft resolution in the name of the hon M J Ellis, as follows:
That the House -
(1) notes that Mr Douglas Harvey Munro Gibson served as an adviser and participant at Codesa and at the World Trade Centre negotiations on the Constitution, with particular reference to the Bill of Rights, the Constitutional Court, the SANDF and the SA Police Service;
(2) further notes that Mr Gibson served as the Chief Whip of the official opposition from 1999 to 2007 and previously as the Chief Whip of the Democratic Party, from 1994 to 1999;
(3) acknowledges the important role Mr Gibson played during that period as a member of Parliament, a member of the Chief Whip’s Forum, member of the Parliamentary Oversight Authority and a member of many other parliamentary committees;
(4) recognises and appreciates his strongly held conviction that as a Member of Parliament it was his duty to serve and represent those who elected him to office, a duty he undertook with great dedication, dignity, efficiency and ability; and
5) congratulates him on his appointment as South Africa’s ambassador
to Thailand and wishes him every success in the task that lies
ahead.
Debate concluded.
Motion agreed to.
I now call upon the Chief Whip of the largest opposition party, the hon Davidson.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, today we are gathered to bid farewell to a parliamentarian who has given distinguished service to Parliament and the people of South Africa.
The hon Gibson is a proud South African, a committed South African, a South African who is passionate about the politics of South Africa and, more importantly, passionate about the people of South Africa. Indeed, it is these qualities that, I am sure, compelled the government to appoint him as ambassador to Thailand and as nonresident ambassador to Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, as well as to appoint him to the position of permanent observer to the United Nations Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific.
It was this passion that made him gravitate towards political office as early as 1965, when he ran for political office in Brakpan. Although not successful in that attempt to enter public life, it did highlight one of the hon Gibson’s defining characteristics: his positiveness, his ability to bounce back after defeat. Indeed, he epitomises the lines from Rudyard Kipling’s famous poem, If:
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same; …
The hon Gibson did bounce back and has given more or less 40 unbroken years of commitment to the politics, people and public service of South Africa as a councillor, chairperson and manager of the Benoni City Council, as a member of the provincial council in the then Transvaal for 16 years, as leader of the opposition in that council, as a Member of Parliament and as Chief Whip of the DA since 1994. During those 40 years of service, the hon Gibson clearly proved that political office is about honourable means and worthy ends.
He has never regarded parliamentary service as a shortcut to riches or as a way station to some other office of profit in the private sector. His commitment has always been to democracy, the democratic process and the effectiveness of this institution in exercising oversight and achieving accountability.
He has always taken this institution, its substance, its rituals, its rights, its privileges and its decorum very seriously. As Chief Whip of the DA, he has helped mould its precedence, its protocols, its rules and its conventions and provided this House with a lively, witty and yes, at times, controversial, leading figure.
The hon Gibson has been made mampara of the week, a record he is fond of, although he insists the reasons for it were all unfounded. He is banned from visiting Zimbabwe and is a house inspector of note. [Laughter.] In fact, he has been given an award for the worst publicity stunt possible.
Douglas has always been a colourful figure in an often colourless institution. Yet through all this, we, in Parliament and in the DA, have learnt never to underestimate his wise counsel and guidance. While this is a parliamentary farewell, it would be remiss of me not to place on record the DA’s deep gratitude for the dedication and commitment with which he has served the cause of liberal democracy in our country.
His boundless energy, his infectious enthusiasm and hard work have been an inspiration to us all. His eternal optimism has earned him the affectionate title of the Pollaynna of our party. Today we take leave of the hon Gibson, but our loss is South Africa’s gain, as we know that he will continue proudly to serve both his country and the people of South Africa with the passion and commitment we have come to expect of him. I have no doubt that his service as an ambassador will be as distinguished as was his service to this House.
Hon Gibson – Douglas - we are extremely proud of you. We pay tribute to you and we wish you and your good wife, who is sitting in the gallery there with your son, well in your endeavours and in your new position. Pam, you have always been an integral part of Douglas’ life and, therefore, part of his success. We wish you well. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE: Madam Speaker, I only have two minutes, but even if I had had 20, I would not be able to do justice to the immense heritage left by one Douglas Harvey Monro Gibson, MP - my political opponent, yes, but what a master!
Douglas, without doubt, possesses remarkably outstanding skills and talents: legal, political, ethical, loyalty, friendship, military and camaraderie, and he uses them to better the lives of all in our land.
We are reminded of the DA’s rocketing growth in the 1999 election, increasing their seven MPs here to an almost unbelievable 38 – that was a 500% growth. That unbelievable DA growth was largely caused by the spectacular performances here in this Parliament by Douglas Gibson, Tony Leon and, yes, you also, Mike. [Laughter.] Douglas personified the DA’s famous poster with the words, “The guts to fight back”, because he practically demonstrated those guts here in this House.
He ravaged his political opponents with exceptional debating skills and became the “liefling” [darling] of hundreds of thousands of TV viewers. Douglas, who has been in public life for almost 30 years, became the leader of the opposition in the Transvaal provincial council as a youngster of about 35, when Mr Sybrand van Niekerk was the then administrator.
Now, Douglas, we phoned Oom Sybrand yesterday. He is still alive and he is now 94. We asked him if he remembered Douglas Gibson and he said:
``Natuurlik onthou ek die outjie. Hy was maar ’n jong outjie, maar baie deeglik. Hy’t hard gewerk en hy was baie verdraagsaam.’’
Douglas, oom Sybrand stuur sy groete en beste wense aan jou en Pam en Donald. Ons gaan jou mis, ou maat. Jy’t moerse groot spore getrap hier in die politiek! [Gelag.] Hierdie Parlement en die land is groot dank aan jou verskuldig. Ek dink eerlikwaar president Mbeki behoort jou ’n toekenning te gee. En jy word nou ’n ambassadeur, maar ek dink julle kort nog ’n ambassadeurskap en dit is vir mnr Ellis – ek het dit vroeër ook al gesê – op Robbeneiland! [Gelag.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[“Of course I remember the lad. He was only a youngster, but very thorough. He worked very hard and he was very tolerant.’’
Douglas, Oom Sybrand sends his regards and best wishes to you, Pam and Donald. We will miss you, my friend. You have left helluva big footprints in the politics of this country! [Laughter.] This Parliament and the country is greatly indebted to you. I honestly think president Mbeki should give you an award. And you are now becoming an ambassador, but I think you need another ambassadorship and that is for Mr Ellis – I have said this before – on Robben Island! [Laughter.]]
In conclusion, Douglas, I am certainly not saying farewell to you, but only goodbye, because a talented bastard like you will soon surface somewhere with more guts than ever before.
Jy moet mooi loop, ou boet; en Pam en Donald, julle moet mooi na die ouman kyk, hoor! [Applous.] [Go well, old chap, and Pam and Donald, you must take good care of the old man, ok! [Applause.]]
Mr G T MADIKIZA: Madam Speaker, hon members, very few people can claim to have seen so much of this institution as the hon Gibson has. He has been at the coalface of this institution for such a long time and played a pivotal role in developing and promoting the Rules and mechanisms of Parliament.
He will be remembered for his dedication and commitment not just to his party, but also to the institution of parliamentary democracy as a whole. He will also be remembered for being a vocal and colourful contributor to debates within this House and its committees.
His knowledge and experience of parliamentary procedures and related matters is beyond doubt, and he will be remembered for his ability to bring this to bear even in the most heated of debates.
We salute the hon Gibson as a democrat and a true South African. One may not always have agreed with him - indeed, many people have disagreed with him over the years - but, as far as the UDM is concerned, there has never been any doubt about the hon Gibson’s commitment to democracy and to this country.
I would now like to take this opportunity to wish the hon member all the best for the future. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs P DE LILLE: Madam Speaker, when I arrived at Parliament in 1994 I always called on the hon Douglas Gibson to interpret the Rules of Parliament for me and I used to call him my shop steward. But I must also confess that at a time when I was almost chased out of Parliament, he also advised me on how to manipulate the Rules! So, thank you for all that assistance. I want to wish you and your wife, Pam, a great future and success.
But I also want to give you your first assignment. When you arrive in Thailand I think you need, like you normally used to do in Parliament, to condemn the military junta in Burma – Myanmar - with the contempt it deserves. I want to watch and see if you are going to do that because we have fought long and hard for human rights and I think we must stand with the people of Burma. I wish you well and everything of the best! [Applause.]
Mrs C DUDLEY: Madam Speaker, from the time the ACDP came to Parliament in 1994, we were aware of the hon Douglas Gibson’s unique manner and input in the National Assembly. Initially, he was one of only seven MPs in the then Democratic Party.
ACDP Members of Parliament have always found the hon Gibson to be a friendly and courteous person, yet committed to plain-spoken democracy and the dogged pursuance of issues. While the issues the hon Douglas Gibson has pursued have not always been appreciated by all, the fact that he could be relied on not to be intimidated or belittled into backing off has to be admired. His legal background has been evident in his relentless arguments, making him a worthy opponent in many debates.
As colleagues, we in the ACDP have respect and affection for the hon Gibson and we are sure that parliamentary life will not be quite the same without him.
We congratulate you, hon Gibson, on your appointment as ambassador to Thailand. We hope you will manage somehow to have a well-deserved rest and wish you a future filled with new and enriching opportunities. Our sincerest prayer for you and your family is that the Lord Jesus Christ will lead you, guide you and protect you in the days ahead. [Applause.]
Dr C P MULDER: Agb mevrou die Speaker, ons almal kry van tyd tot tyd die geleentheid om toe te kyk wanneer daar nuwe lede by die Parlement ingebring word om die eed af te lê en volwaardig lid van hierdie Huis te word. Op dieselfde manier het mnr Gibson baie jare gelede - nie as ’n groentjie nie, omdat hy reeds in die provinsiale raad gedien het - sy geleentheid gekry om by die Parlement in te kom en ingesweer te word en sy ding te kom doen.
Dit is so dat hy oor die jare sy stempel afgedruk het. Ons het hom leer ken as ’n bekwame politikus en debatteerder. Dit is so dat daar in elke party mense is na wie, wanneer hulle die podium nader om aan ’n debat deel te neem, mense regop sit en luister om te hoor wat daardie persoon gaan sê, en ek kan sonder die geringste huiwering sê mnr Gibson was presies so ’n persoon. As hy die podium betree het, het kollegas gesit en luister om te hoor waarmee hy dié keer gaan vorendag kom. Die poppe het gedans!
Feit van die saak is, ek is jammer om te sê, dat dit wat hom ’n ster gemaak het, sal hy aan moet werk, want as ambassadeur sal hy nie in Thailand ’n punt van orde teen die President kan neem en ’n kommissie van ondersoek teen hierdie en daardie een kan aanvra nie! [Gelag.] Hy sal hom baie bekwaam en korrek moet gedra, maar ons weet hy kan dit ook doen.
Ek het in ’n politieke huis grootgeword waar ons geleer is … (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Dr C P MULDER: Madam Speaker, from time to time we all have the opportunity to see new members being brought to Parliament to take the oath and become fully-fledged members of the House. In this manner Mr Gibson, many years ago, not as a novice as he had already served on the provincial council, had his chance to become a member of Parliament, to be sworn in and come and do his thing.
It is so that over the years he has made his mark. We got to know him as a competent politician and debater. It is true that there are people in every party to whom, when they approach the podium to take part in a debate, people sit up and listen to hear what that person is going to say, and I can say without the slightest hesitation that Mr Gibson was exactly such a person. When he took to the podium, colleagues sat up and listened to what he was going to come up with each time. The sparks would fly!
The fact of the matter is, I am sorry to say, that he will have to work on that which made him a star, because as ambassador in Thailand he won’t be able to raise a point of order against the President and request a commission of inquiry into this and that! [Laughter.] He will have to behave in a very appropriate and correct manner, but we know that he can do that as well.
I grew up in a political house where we were taught … ]
… one person at the right time and at the right place can make a difference. And I can say today that Douglas Gibson was such a person. He made a difference on various occasions. I was personally present in Parliament when he made very important inputs.
On behalf of the FF Plus, we say farewell and we hope you will have a wonderful career as a diplomat, and when you come back to South Africa we will be waiting to see you again. Thank you. [Applause.]
Dr G G WOODS: Madam Speaker, judging by that new executive suit that the hon Gibson is wearing I take it that his preparations for his new career are well advanced and I’m sure he’s going to cut a good figure on the Bangkok cocktail diplomatic circuit in that suit. [Laughter.] I think as previous speakers have said, Douglas is worth a lot more than the suit he wears. He is all the things that people have described him as. In fact, in observing Douglas from a distance over the past from 1994 up until quite recently, I always rated him as perhaps the most consummate politician in the House. And I am sure the House will agree with me that we can give him about an 8,5 out of 10.
Anyway, it was always at arm’s length that I watched Douglas perform in his articulation and it was the properness with which he did everything that really impressed me. But it is only in the last few months, when Douglas and I both became members of the Portfolio Committee on Finance, that I got to know him. One such occasion was in Pretoria recently where we spent a few days on a study tour and where, over some fermenting grape juice in the evenings, I got to know the more personal side of Douglas and realised what a really nice and sensitive guy he is. [Laughter.]
I learnt a lot of things about him. The one thing I learnt, however, is that you don’t ever call him “Dougie”. [Laughter.] On that note, “Dougie” … [Laughter.] … I do on behalf of my party wish you very well in your new career at this twilight stage of your working life. We ask you to bear in mind what you’ve learnt at the ambassador diplomat school of late: The first rule is that once you arrive there you prepare the guest room. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
Mr M T LIKOTSI: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Kyk maar hierso, outjie! [Look here, chap.] I must wait for him. Ok, thank you very much.
The African People’s Convention, the APC, wishes to add its voice to the farewell tribute to one of our colleagues, Mr Douglas Gibson, known to me since the days of the defunct Democratic Party. On my arrival here at Parliament in April 2004, I found myself brushing shoulders with Mr Douglas Gibson in this very House, the National Assembly, and thereafter in other leading committees in Parliament, and in the Chief Whips’ Forum as the Chief Whip of the DA.
Mr Douglas Gibson has served this country, representing his constituency with distinction. He has been that character that kept this House alive at all times to his foes and friends.
The APC wishes Mr Douglas Gibson the best and every success in his newly appointed position as an ambassador of this country.
Lastly, we expect that you will hoist the flag of South Africa high in Thailand and make us proud. Farewell, Mr Gibson. [Applause.]
Dr S E M PHEKO: Viva Azania! Madam Speaker, I have served with the hon Mr Douglas Gibson on the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs. I have listened to him carefully when he debated in this House as well as in other forums.
I have not always agreed with everything he said, but I have always admired the courage with which he said what he believes in. After all, there is an African proverb that says: Moya kgotla ha a tsekiswe. [In a public forum everyone has the right to be heard without being harassed.] We shall miss his contributions in this hon House.
I would like to congratulate you, Mr Gibson, on your appointment as our ambassador to Thailand. I know that you will represent our country with the honour and dignity it deserves. All the best! Your success shall be our success.
Maybe I should have the privilege today of being the first to call you “Your Excellency”. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
Mr L M GREEN: Madam Speaker, it has been a great honour for me to have known the hon Gibson for the past 13 years. In the Chief Whips’ Forum, the hon Gibson and the hon Mike Ellis were humorously referred to as the “terrible twins.” They were terrible not because they were bad; they were terrible because they were so good. They defended the DA’s policy and they were tough negotiators and, of course, they left a mark on the Chief Whips’ Forum.
The hon Gibson has had an outstanding political career. I will always remember him as an excellent, hard-hitting, robust debater, and as the former Chief Whip of the DA, who had a thorough understanding of the Rules of Parliament.
On behalf of the FD, I wish to bid the hon Gibson farewell on a very well- deserved retirement from Parliament. You leave a memorable legacy for all of us at Parliament and we wish you well on your appointment as ambassador to Thailand. We have no doubt that you will do a sterling job in Thailand. May God bless you. I thank you. [Applause.]
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Thank you, Madam Speaker.
Mnr Gibson, jy is ’n man wat sy man kan staan! [Applous.] [Mr Gibson, you are a man who can stand his ground! [Applause.]]
We say this as the ANC. We want to acknowledge the type of person you have been representing your party, sometimes making us laugh and sometimes making us very angry, but you stood your ground. I want to say that, on the other hand, you have had an impact in this House. But I also want to say that when you were appointed as ambassador for South Africa to Thailand, it showed that the Freedom Charter was being applied when it says: “South Africa belongs to all those who live in it, black and white.” [Applause.]
This should be taken very seriously so that when we argue in this Parliament, we argue for building this country. You argued, my man, you argued yourself into becoming an ambassador! Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr D H M GIBSON: Madam Speaker, I would like everybody present to be the first to hear that have I changed my mind. [Laughter.] I hadn’t realised how kind my friends were and how they really wanted me to stay. So, I am now seriously reconsidering and staying here for another 16 years. [Laughter.]
I may say that this debate certainly beats the debate last year when I was censured by the House for reprehensible conduct towards the President. I said then and afterwards that politics in South Africa is so interesting.
President Mbeki, on the advice of the hon Minister of Foreign Affairs, has nominated me as South Africa’s ambassador to Thailand. It says a lot for both of them that they are prepared to honour a DA loyalist and a strong Helen Zille supporter in this way. That they trust me to represent our country sends out a strong message that our democracy includes us all - exactly as the Chief Whip has just said. [Applause.]
I entered politics when I was eight years old in 1950. I disliked the policies of that government and I fought them for the next 50 years. In 1965 I contested and lost the Brakpan constituency. A newspaper then described me as “die politieke kuiken van die goudstad”. Some would say 42 years later the political chicken of the gold city that the political chicken has become a rather tough old rooster.
I lost elections in 1967, 1977 and 1987, but won in 1970, 1972, 1974, 1977, 1981, 1991, 1994, 1999, and 2004. How’s that? [Laughter.] I had 16 years in provincial government, five in local government and 16 in Parliament. I have tried never to forget the words: Umuntu ungumuntu ngabantu - I am what I am because of other people. [Applause.]
In 1970 I met a young woman called Pam Donald who honoured me by marrying me on 16 October 1971. [Applause.] She is sitting in the gallery today, on our 36th wedding anniversary. Next to her is our son, Donald. He inherited my good looks and my hairdo. [Laughter.] The two people who mean the most to me in the world are with me, as always. Pam has been my partner through all the triumphs and all the setbacks, always there for me when I really needed her. I thank her today for those 36 years. [Applause.]
Winning elections is nicer than losing them. I lost in 1977 partly because my opponent claimed that if I won, black people would be allowed to swim in the Benoni swimming pool. What a horrifying thought that was!
I spectacularly lost a parliamentary election in Bezuidenhout in 1987. Happily that was my last loss. The Progressive Federal Party of those days wanted a national convention. We said only a nonracial democracy, universal franchise and a Bill of Rights in a constitution to be negotiated by the representatives of all South Africans would bring peace. That message was rejected by most of the voters, and we lost many seats around the country.
One of the wonders of the world is that the political climate changed so quickly and so peacefully as people came to accept the political truths and realities of our country. Today there are very few South Africans of whatever political view who would want to go back to the apartheid past.
What an adventure it has been. From the early 1950s onwards I saw all of the steps that were taken as apartheid took hold. As a public representative for most of the past 37 years, I was able to help in a small way to dismantle that edifice and move our country to a more normal society. I was part of the peace process and also at Codesa. I was part of the negotiations for the final Constitution, and I have served in each of the democratic parliaments that followed the advent of democracy. While my contribution may have been modest, I feel that I can claim to be a co- father of our new South Africa and of this democratic Parliament.
There are some wonderful people in and around this place and I cannot possibly name them all. I do not want to wreck the careers of ANC MPs by mentioning those who are my friends. [Laughter.] There are four people on my side that I want to mention. They are my own comrades Tony Leon, who was my leader for 13 years, my dear friend Mike Ellis, who has been with me in every fight for all of those years, my successor Ian Davidson, who is doing so well as Chief Whip, and then Joe Seremane, the gentleman of politics in South Africa. [Applause.]
Then there are other people like Frene Ginwala and Kasper Hahndiek, and Kamal Mansura, sitting at the back, who must be singled out from the numerous presiding officers and officials who have served us so diligently over all the years. I think of all the table staff, the policemen, the caterers, the staff in the parliamentary bars, in particular … [Laughter.] … and so many others who have been kind to me. My secretary, Riley Wakeford, and our whole parliamentary and political staff all deserve thanks.
I have served on many portfolio committees. Two that stick in my mind are Justice under the hon Johnny de Lange and Foreign Affairs under the hon Job Sithole, both of whom became valued friends. I regret leaving the hard- working finance committee under the hon Nhlanhla Nene after such a short stay.
The voters do not realise the calibre of some MPs or, that apart from the political grandstanding and the crossfire between parties, as well as the sincerely held differences of opinion, there is generally a very good relationship between people on both sides of this House.
What a wonderful and fulfilling journey it has been. It has provided memories that no one can ever take from me. I have had a great life in politics. From being a fight-back politician of the robust school, I shall now have to learn to behave myself as a good diplomat should. While I am a little sad about leaving the National Assembly and politics and the people who have been so important in my life for so many years, I am determined to live up to the great opportunity that has been given to me to serve our country and our people.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you personally, Madam Speaker, for your kindness and courtesy to me; and to all friends, for their kind words about me and for this opportunity to say farewell to the National Assembly. I am profoundly grateful to the voters and to my party for allowing me to serve them for so many years. I shall miss you all. God bless this House, our country and all of our people. [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: Hon members, I wish to take this opportunity just to say a word because I don’t think one could add to the many words that have been said here today in tribute to the hon Gibson. I would simply like to say that one should, of course, congratulate your wife on this special day, which is your 36th anniversary, for having married you and kept you on course - I am quite sure - in many ways that we will never know about until you write a book about the story of your life, which I am sure will be interesting.
Congratulations to your family, your son included, on having been there for you, because you wouldn’t have had the energy you had to do some of the things you did from this podium. I remember you and your finger … [Laughter.] … and now you are taking it to a place where you can’t quite use it that way, except of course if you decide that one of your earliest engagements when you get there is to go to Myanmar to try to engage with those people. But please try to find the Buddhist monks because we do not know what happened to them.
On a serious note, I just want to use this opportunity also, on behalf of the Deputy Speaker and myself and all the Presiding Officers, to congratulate you, and to thank you for the contributions you made in this House, whether you were angry or making jokes, but everything somebody says adds something - whether or not it is said in a way that other people take negatively, but they make us think. Those things that you say make us think.
So, we thank you for your contribution and we thank you for having accepted the deployment to go and continue to serve the country outside South Africa. Good luck and we trust that you will do your best as you have always done in terms of your mandate.
Debate concluded.
Motion agreed to.
The House adjourned at 16:00. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
FRIDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2007
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
-
The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report of the South African Law Reform Commission for 2006-2007 [RP 123-2007].
-
The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Human Sciences Research
Council (HSRC) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 128-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Council for
Natural Scientific Professions 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007.
TUESDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2007
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 8 — National Treasury
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements of Vote 8 for 2006-2007 [RP 139-2007].
- The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Unemployment Insurance
Fund (UIF) for 2006-2006, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 162-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Public Service Sector
Education and Training Authority (PSeta) for 2006-2007 [RP 73-
2007].
- The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Empowerment Fund
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on
the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(b) Government Notice No 517 published in Government Gazette No
30003 dated 21 June 2007: Repeal Part 1 of the Regulations
published by Government Notice No. R2362 of 18 November 1977 in
terms of the Trade Metrology Act, 1973 (Act No 77 of 1973).
(c) Government Notice No R.544 published in Government Gazette No
30023 dated 6 July 2007: Compulsory specification for cement in
terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(d) Government Notice No R.545 published in Government Gazette No
30023 dated 6 July 2007: Regulations relating to the payment of
levy and the issue of sales permits in regard to compulsory
specifications:
Amendment in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(e) Government Notice No R.546 published in Government Gazette No
30023 dated 6 July 2007: Regulations relating to the payment of
levy and the issue of sales permits in regard to compulsory
specifications:
Amendment in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(f) Government Notice No R.547 published in Government Gazette No
30023 dated 6 July 2007: Regulations relating to the payment of
levy and the issue of sales permits in regard to compulsory
specifications:
Amendment in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(g) Government Notice No R.580 published in Government Gazette No
30050 dated 13 July 2007: Standards matters in terms of the
Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(h) Government Notice No R.581 published in Government Gazette No
30050 dated 13 July 2007: Incorporation of an external company as
a company in the Republic of South Africa: Revere International
Limited, in terms of the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No 61 of 1973).
(i) Government Notice No R.582 published in Government Gazette No
30050 dated 13 July 2007: Incorporation of an external company as
a company in the Republic of South Africa: Delburne Holdings
Limited, in terms of the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No 61 of 1973).
(j) Government Notice No 643 published in Government Gazette No
30074 dated 20 July 2007: Standards matters in terms of the
Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(k) Government Notice No 644 published in Government Gazette No
30074 dated 20 July 2007: Standards matters in terms of the
Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(l) Government Notice No 648 published in Government Gazette No
30092 dated 20 July 2007: Companies and Intellectual Property
Registration Office (CIPRO)—Intellectual Property Division: Notice
in terms of regulations 3(7) in terms of the Copyright Act, 1978
(Act No 98 of 1978).
(m) Government Notice No 649 published in Government Gazette No
30074 dated 20 July 2007: Repeal of Government Notice No 1322 of 1
September 1995 and publishing of regulations in terms of the Trade
Metrology Act, 1973 (Act No 77 of 1973).
(n) Government Notice No 698 published in Government Gazette No
30144 dated 10 August 2007: Standards matters in terms of the
Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(o) Government Notice No 741 published in Government Gazette No
30189 dated 17 August 2007: Incorporation of an external company
as a company in the Republic of South Africa: Kotze Investments
(Pty) Ltd, in terms of the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No 61 of
1973).
(p) Government Notice No 781 published in Government Gazette No
30225 dated 28 August 2007: Rules for the conduct of matters
before the National Consumer Tribunal in terms of the National
Credit Act, 2005 (Act No 34 of 2005).
(q) Government Notice No 819 published in Government Gazette No
30254 dated 7 September 2007: Proposed amendment of the Compulsory
Specification for Vehicles of Category 03 and 04, in terms of the
Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
- The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Research
Foundation (NRF) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Arts and Culture
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 14 — Department of Arts
and Culture for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements of Vote 14 for 2006-2007.
WEDNESDAY, 26 SEPTEMBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Translation of Bills submitted
(1) The Minister of Finance
a) Molaotlhomo wa Lekgethwana la Thomelontle ya Taemane [M 22 –
2007] (National Assembly – sec 77).
This is the official translation into Setswana of the Diamond
Export Levy Bill [B 22 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 77).
(b) Molaotlhomo wa Lekgethwana la Thomelontle (Tsamaiso) ya
Taemane [M 23 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75).
This is the official translation into Setswana of the Diamond
Export Levy (Administration) Bill [B 23 – 2007] (National Assembly
– sec 75).
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(a) Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, 2007, submitted by the
Minister of Communications. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Communications and the Select Committee on Labour and Public
Enterprises.
TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Transport
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Road Accident Fund (RAF)
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 112-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Airports Company South
Africa Limited (ACSA) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Air Traffic and
Navigation Services Company Limited (ATNS) for 2006-2007, including
the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements
for 2006-2007.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Railway Safety Regulator
(RSR) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 94-2007].
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Civil
Aviation Authority (SACAA) for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007
[RP 146-2007].
(f) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Search and
Rescue Organisation (SASAR) for 2006-2007.
(g) Report of the Regulating Committee of the Airports Company of
South Africa and Air Navigation Services Company for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Council for Geoscience
(CGE) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 116-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Nuclear
Energy Corporation Limited (NECSA) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007 [RP 96-2007].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Central Energy Fund
Group of Companies (CEF) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General and the Independent Auditors on the Financial
Statements of the Central Energy Fund Group of Companies for 2006-
2007 [RP 189-2007].
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Diamond
Board Fund for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 111-2007].
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the National Nuclear
Regulator (NNR) for 2005-2006, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2005-2006 [RP 95-2007].
(f) Report and Financial Statements of Mineral Technology (Mintek)
for 2006-2007, including the Report f the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 109-2007].
(g) Report and Financial Statements of the Mine Health and Safety
Council for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 26-2007].
- The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Ingonyama Trust Board
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 210-2007].
THURSDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2007
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Human
Rights Commission (SAHRC) for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP
132-2007].
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Independent Regulatory
Board for Auditors for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(b) Government Notice No 824 published in Government Gazette No
30264 dated 7 September 2007: Notice of allocations per
municipality for Schedule 7 local government conditional grants, in
accordance with sections 8(3) and 22(1)(a) of the Division of
Revenue Act, 2007 (Act No 1 of 2007).
- The Minister of Transport
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 33 – Department of
Transport for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements of Vote 33 for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Social Development
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 18 – Department of
Social Development for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 18 for 2006-
2007 [RP 203-2007].
- The Minister of Communications
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Universal Service and
Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial for 2006-2007 [RP
169-2007]. 6. The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Compensation Fund for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 51-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Energy Sector Education
and Training Authority (Eseta) for 2006-2007, including the Report
of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007
[RP 61-2007].
- The Minister of Public Works
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Agrément South Africa for
2006-2007.
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 23 – Department of
Justice and Constitutional Development for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote
23 for 2006-2007 [RP 119-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Presidents’ Fund for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 120-2007].
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 27 – Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote
27 for 2006-2007 [RP 80-2007].
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Electricity Distribution
Industrial Holdings (Pty) Ltd (EDIH) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007.
- The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Water Research
Commission for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 147-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Trans-Caledon Tunnel
Authority (TCTA) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007. 12. The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 25 – Department of
Agriculture for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements of Vote 25 for 2006-2007 [RP
216-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 29 – Department of Land
Affairs for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements of Vote 29 for 2006-2007 [RP 209-2007].
FRIDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Translation of Bill submitted
(1) The Minister of Finance
a) Bankwysigingswetsontwerp [W 12 – 2007] (National Assembly –
proposed sec 75).
This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the Banks
Amendment Bill [B 12 – 2007] (National Assembly – proposed sec
75).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs
(a) Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of
Vote 3 for 2006-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the African Renaissance and International Co-operation Fund for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 13 - Statistics South
Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for Vote 13 for 2006-2007 [RP 104-
2007].
-
The Minister for Provincial and Local Government
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 5 – Department of Provincial and Local Government for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 5 for 2006-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Municipal Infrastructure Investment Unit (Proprietary) Limited (MIIU) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 27-2007].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Municipal Demarcation Board for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 218-2007].
-
The Minister of Social Development
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Social
Security Agency for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 100-2007].
- The Minister of Communications (a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 26 – Department of Communications for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements of Vote 26 for 2006-2007 [RP 204-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Electronic Media
Institute of South Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of 2006-2007 [RP
185-2007].
- The Minister for the Public Service and Administration
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 10 – Department of
Public Service and Administration for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote
10 for 2006-2007 [RP 220-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 12 – South African
Management Development Institute (SAMDI) for 2006-2007, including
the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of
Vote 12 for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Labour
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 17 – Department of
Labour for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements of Vote 17 for 2006-2007 [RP 49-2007].
- The Minister of Public Works
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 6 – Department of Public
Works for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements of Vote 6 for 2006-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Independent Development
Trust for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 182-2007].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Council for the Built
Environment (CBE) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Construction Industry
Development Board (CIDB) for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Health
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 16 – Department of
Health for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements of Vote 16 for 2006-2007 [RP 115-
2007].
- The Minister of Housing
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Servcon Housing Solutions
(Proprietary) Limited for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Safety and Security
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 22 – Independent
Complaints Directorate (ICD) for 2006-2007, including the Report
of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 22 for
2006-2007 [RP 223-2007].
- The Minister of Sport and Recreation
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Boxing South Africa for 2006-
2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Drug-Free
Sport for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 148-2007].
- The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 32 – Department of Trade
and Industry for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements of Vote 32 for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Africa Institute of South
Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 215-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Academy of Science of South
Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 30 – Department of
Minerals and Energy for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 30 for 2006-
2007 [RP 35-2007].
- The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 34 – Department of Water
Affairs and Forestry for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 34 for 2006-
2007 [RP 201-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Inkomati Catchment Management
Agency for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 177-2007]. 17. The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Land and Agricultural
Bank of South Africa (Land Bank) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007 [RP 219-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Agricultural
Marketing Council (NAMC) for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP
1-2007].
c) Report and Financial Statements of Onderstepoort Biological
Products Limited for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
National Assembly
-
The Speaker
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 11 – Public Service Commission (PSC) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 11 for 2006- 2007 [RP 160-2007].
MONDAY, 1 OCTOBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Communications
(a) Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B 38 – 2007]
(National Assembly– proposed sec 75) [Bill and prior notice
of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 30307
of 17 September 2007.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on
Communications of the National Assembly, as well as referral
to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in
terms of Joint Rule 160.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification
of the Bill may be submitted to the JTM within three
parliamentary working days.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Nuclear
Regulator (NNR) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 95-2007].
Please note: The abovementioned item is a correction of item 2(e)
under the entry “Tablings” published on page 1898 of the
Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports of 26 September 2007.
- The Minister of Housing
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 28 – Department of
Housing for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements of Vote 28 for 2006-2007 [RP 113-2007].
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Upliftment of the provisional suspension of a magistrate: Mr M
S Makamu, a senior magistrate at Benoni.
(b) Report in terms of section 13(4)(a) of the Magistrates Act,
1993 (Act No 90 of 1993): Suspension of a magistrate: Mr T V D
Matyolo.
(c) Progress Report dated 10 September 2007 to Parliament in terms
of section 13(3) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993):
Inquiry into allegations of misconduct: Mr M F Mathe.
(d) Progress Report dated 10 September 2007 to Parliament in terms
of section 13(3) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993):
Inquiry into allegations of misconduct: Mr M K Chauke.
(e) Progress Report dated 10 September 2007 to Parliament in terms
of section 13(3) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993):
Inquiry into allegations of misconduct: Mr M F Mathe.
(f) Progress Report dated 10 September 2007 to Parliament in terms
of section 13(3) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993):
Inquiry into allegations of misconduct: Mr I X Masimini.
-
The Minister of Education
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 15 – Department of Education for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements of Vote 15 for 2006-2007 [RP 110-2007].
-
The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Tshumisano Trust for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
National Assembly
- The Speaker
(a) Letter from the Minister for Provincial and Local Government
dated 17 August 2007.
(b) Policy Process on the System of Provincial and Local Government
(Background: Policy questions, process & participation).
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local
Government for consideration and report.
(c) Letter from the Minister of Correctional Services, dated 13
September 2007, to the Speaker of the National Assembly, in terms
of section 65(2)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act
No 1 of 1999), explaining the delay in the tabling of the Annual
Report of the Department of Correctional Services for 2006-2007.
TABLING OF DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE
2006/2007 FINANCIAL YEAR.
Madam Speaker, due to the national public sector strike action during
June 2007 the Auditor-General had to delay the finalisation of
audit of affected departments. As a result, the Auditor-General’s
consistency review process oa the audit reports could only be
conducted subsequent to 31 July 2007, the consequence of which was
delay in the finalisation of the audit of this department for the
2006/07 financial year.
Furthermore we are not in a position to table the Annual Report
without the audited financial statements by the Auditor-General
within the prescribed period in terms of the Rules of the National
Assembly. The Auditor-General will highlight this on the final
document that will be inserted in our Annual Report to be submitted
in Parliament.
Please accept our apology. We were promised by the Office of the
Auditor-General that they’ll communicate directly with Parliament
to alert them of this delay.
Kind regards
Ngconde Balfour, MP
MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
- Submission of Private Members’ Legislative Proposals
(1) The following private member’s legislative proposal was
submitted to the Speaker in accordance with Rule 234:
(a) Legislative Proposal to amend the Remuneration of Public
Office Bearers Act (No 20 of 1998) (Mrs S A Seaton)
Referred to the Standing Committee on Private Members’ Legislative
Proposals and Special Petitions for consideration and report.
TUESDAY, 2 OCTOBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
a) Repeal of the Black Administration Act and Amendment of Certain Laws
Amendment Bill [B 34 – 2007] – Act No 13 of 2007 (assented to and
signed by President on 26 September 2007).
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Membership of Committees
(1) The following changes have been made to the membership of
Portfolio Committees:
Justice and Constitutional Development
Appointed: Carrim, Mr Y I
Discharged: Chohan, Ms F I
Public Enterprises
Appointed: Chohan, Ms F I
Discharged: Carrim, Mr Y I TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report and Financial Statements of National Prosecuting
Authority for 2006-2007, including the Reports of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 and on the
Financial Statements of the Criminal Assets Recovery Account for
2006-2007.
WEDNESDAY, 3 OCTOBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Membership of Committees
Public Enterprises
Ms F I Chohan has been elected as Chairperson of the Portfolio
Committee on PublicEnterprises with effect from 2 October 2007.
Justice and Constitutional Affairs
Mr Y I Carrim has been elected as Chairperson of the Portfolio
Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development with effect from 2
October 2007.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Employment of SANDF to Uganda, dated 14 September 2007:
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence, having considered the letter from the President on the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Uganda, referred to the Committee, reports that it has concluded its deliberations thereon.
-
Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Employment of SANDF to the Union of Comoros, dated 14 September 2007:
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence, having considered the letter from the President on the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the Union of Comoros, referred to the Committee, reports that it has concluded its deliberations thereon.
-
Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Employment of SANDF within the Republic of South Africa, 14 September 2007:
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence, having considered the letter from the President on the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) within the Republic of South Africa, referred to the Committee, reports that it has concluded its deliberations thereon.
-
Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Employment of SANDF to Zambia, dated 14 September 2007:
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence, having considered the letter from the President on the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Zambia, referred to the Committee, reports that it has concluded its deliberations thereon.
MONDAY, 8 OCTOBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Translation of Bills submitted (1) The Minister of Sport and Recreation
(a) UMthethosivivinywa Kazwelonke Wkuochibiyela Ezemidlalo Kanye Nezokuzithokozisa [B 17B – 2006] (National Assembly – sec 75).
This is the official translation into isiZulu of the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill [B 17B – 2006] (National Assembly – sec 75).
(2) The Minister of Housing
(a) Wysigingswetsontwerp op Beskermingsmaatreëls vir
Behuisings-verbruikers [W 6 – 2007] (Nasional Assembly – sec
76).
This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the Housing
Consumers Protection Measures Amendment Bill [B 6 – 2007]
(National Assembly – sec 76).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Correctional Services
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 20 – Department of
Correctional Services for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 20 for 2006-
2007 [RP 217-2007].
- The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Perishable Products
Export Control Board (PPECB) for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Transport
Letter from the Minister of Transport, dated 04 October 2007, to the
Speaker of the National Assembly, in terms of section 65(2)(a) of the
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999), explaining the
delay in the tabling of the Annual Reports of South African Maritime
Safety Authority, the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency, the Urban
Transport Fund and the Road Traffic Management Corporation for 2006-
2007.
WRITTEN EXPLANATION ON THE LATE SUBMISSION AND TABLING OF THE ANNUAL
REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY
AUTHORITY (SAMSA), THE CROSS-BORDER ROAD TRANSPORT AGENCY (C-BRTA), THE
URBAN TRANSPORT FUND (UTF) AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
(RTMC) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2007
I write to inform Parliament that in terms of section 65(2)(a) of the
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999), as amended
(PFMA), I was unfortunately not able to table the Annual Reports and
audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2007 of the
South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), the Cross-Border Road
Transport Agency (C-BRTA), the Urban Transport Fund (UTF) and the Road
Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) before the deadline of 30
September 2007.
The explanation of the late tabling of the Annual Reports in question
is that the SAMSA, C-BRTA, UTF and RTMC could not submit their Annual
Reports in time, because of unforeseen delays that have been
experienced with the office of the Auditor-General in submitting the
respective Audit Reports on the Entities’ Financial Statements for the
year ended 31 March 2007 to be included in their 2006-2007 Annual
Reports.
Arrangements will, however, be made for the above-mentioned Public
Entities’ Annual Reports to be tabled in Parliament as soon as
possible.
I trust that this will be in order.
Kind regards
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister of Transport
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
Report of the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate for 2006-2007.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Housing on the Social Housing Bill [B 29 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 76), dated 3 October 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Housing, having considered the subject of the Social Housing Bill [B 29 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 76), referred to it and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 76 Bill, reports the Bill with amendments [B 29A – 2007].
TUESDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Withdrawal of tabling of draft rules
(a) A letter dated 18 July 2007 was received from the Minister for
Justice and Constitutional Development, requesting the withdrawal
of the draft rules made in terms of section 7(2)(c) of the Criminal
Procedure Amendment Act, 2003 (Act No 42 of 2003), tabled on 28
February 2007. TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Government Notice No R.824 published in Government Gazette No
30264 dated 7 September 2007: Allocations per Municipality in terms
of Sections 8(3) and 22(1)(a) of the Act for the following Schedule
7 Local Government Conditional Grants: (1) Bulk Infrastructure
Grant, (2) Backlogs in Water and Sanitation at Clinics and Schools
Grant, and (3) Backlogs in the Electrification of Clinics and
Schools Grant in term of the Division of Revenue Act, 2007 (Act No
1 of 2007).
(b) Government Notice No R.835 published in Government Gazette No
30276 dated 14 September 2007: Amendment of Schedule No. 1 (No.
1/11344) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of
1964).
(c) Government Notice No R.836 published in Government Gazette No
30276 dated 14 September 2007: Amendment of Schedule No. 3 (No.
3/619) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of
1964).
(d) Government Notice No R.837 published in Government Gazette No
30276 dated 14 September 2007: Amendment of Schedule No. 3 (No.
3/620) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of
1964).
(e) Government Notice No R.838 published in Government Gazette No
30276 dated 14 September 2007: Amendment of Schedule No. 4 (No.
4/306) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of
1964).
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development (a) Report and Financial Statements of the Commission on Gender Equality (CGE) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 176-2007].
National Assembly
-
The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Draft Rules made in terms of section 7(3) of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000 (Act No 3 of 2000).
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration and report. THURSDAY, 11 OCTOBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
a) Special Adjustments Appropriation Bill (2007/08 Financial Year) [B
37 – 2007] – Act No 16 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President
on 1 October 2007). 2. 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) Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B 38 – 2007]
(National Assembly – sec 75)
National Assembly
-
Membership of Committees
(1) The following changes have been made to the membership of Portfolio Committees:
Agriculture and Land Affairs Appointed: Van der Walt, Mrs D (Alt)
Education Appointed: Van der Walt, Mrs D (Alt)
Finance Appointed: Davidson, Mr I O (Alt)
Foreign Affairs Appointed: Botha, Mrs C-S (Alt); Camerer, Mrs S M (Alt)
Home Affairs Appointed: Kalayan, Mrs S (Alt); Weber, Mrs H Discharged: Labuschagne, Mr L
Labour Appointed: Labuschagne, Mr L; Swart, Mr M (Alt) Discharged: Weber, Mrs H
Minerals and Energy Appointed: Blanché, Mr S (Alt); Morgan, Mr G (Alt)
Provincial and Local Government Appointed: Swart, Mr M Discharged: Swathe Mr M
Trade and Industry Appointed: Marais Mr S J F (Alt); Stephens, Mr M (Alt)
Transport Discharged: Swathe Mr M
Water Affairs and Forestry Appointed: Weber, Mrs H (Alt)
(2) The following changes have been made to the membership of Standing Committees: Private Members’ Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions Appointed: Lowe, Mr M
3) The following changes have been made to the membership of Ad Hoc Committees:
Nomination to Fill the Vacancy on the Commission for Gender Equality Appointed: Camerer, Mrs S M Discharged: Delport, Dr J T(4) The following members have been appointed to serve on the Ad Hoc Committee on Matters Relating to the Ex-Mineworkers Union, viz:
African National Congress Direko, Ms I W Mathibela, Ms N F Matsemela, Ms M L Mkongi, Mr B M Mthethwa, Mr E N Mtshali, Mr E Sibanyoni, Mr J B Sonto, Mr M R Democratic Alliance Dreyer, Mrs A Schmidt, Mr H Inkatha Freedom Party Lucas, Mr E J Azanian People’s Organisation Nefolovhodwe, Mr P J Independent Democrats Greyling, Mr L
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Sport and Recreation
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 19 – Department of Sport
and Recreation South Africa for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Vote 19 for 2006-
2007 [RP 106-2007].
National Assembly
- The Speaker
a) Letter from the Minister of Sport and Recreation, dated 10 October
2007, to the Speaker of the National Assembly, in terms of section
65(2)(a) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of
1999), explaining the delay in the tabling of the Annual Report of
the Department of Sport and Recreation for 2006-2007.
TABLING OF SPORT AND RECREATION SOUTH AFRICA’S 2006/07 ANNUAL
REPORT
Dear Madam Speaker
In terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) Section 40(2),
the Auditor-General must submit the Audit Report to the Executive
Authority by 31 July of the financial year following the one under
review. However, as mentioned in the Department’s Audit Report for
the 2006/07 financial year, this requirement was not met as a
result of the Public Sector Strike that took place during June this
year. The Audit Report was only submitted to the Sport and
Recreation SA’s Executive Authority on 27 August 2007.
This delayed submission of the Audit Report to the Executive
Authority affected the finalization of Departments’ Annual Reports.
As a result of the late receipt of the Audit Report, the Department
could not finalise the design and printing of its Annual Report
timeously. The Department was therefore unable to table the Report
by the prescribed deadline of 30 September as per Section 65(11) of
the PFMA.
The Department has finalized the design of the Report and will be
able to table it by 11 October 2007.
I hope that the above explanation sufficiently clarifies our
situation.
Yours truly
REV. DR. M. A. STOFILE
MINISTER: SPORT AND RECREATION SA
FRIDAY, 12 OCTOBER 2007
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Translation of Bills submitted
(1) The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Bili ya ho Fana ka Matlataelo a Mekgwa-Tsamaiso ya
Diprovense [B 8 – 2007] (National Council of Provinces – sec
76).
This is the official translation into seSotho of the Mandating
Procedures of Provinces Bill [B 8 – 2007] (National Council of
Provinces – sec 76).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Education
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Council for
Educators (SACE) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Council for Quality
Assurance in General and Further Education and Training – Umalusi
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on
the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on the National Environment Laws Amendment Bill [B35 - 2007] (National Assembly – sec 76), dated 10 October 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism, having considered the subject of the National Environment Laws Amendment Bill [B35 - 2007] (National Assembly – sec 76), referred to it, and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 76 Bill, reports the Bill without amendments.
TUESDAY, 16 OCTOBER 2007 ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Translation of Bills submitted
1) The Minister for Public Enterprises
(a) Mulayotibe wa Afrika Tshipembe wa u Bvisela Khagala Vhudipfi [M 14 – 2007] (National Assembly– sec 75).
This is the official translation into TshiVenda of the South African Express Bill [B 14 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75).
2) The Minister of Sport and Recreation
(a) UMthethosivivinywa Kazwelonke Wokuchibiyela Ezemidlalo kanye Nezokuzithokozisa [B 17B – 2006] (National Assembly– sec 75).
This is the official translation into isiZulu of the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Bill [B 17B – 2006] (National Assembly – sec 75).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Annual Economic Report of the South African Reserve Bank for
2007.
(b) Address of the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank – 20
September 2007.
- The Minister of Housing
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Thubelisha Homes for 2006-
2007, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
- The Minister of Minerals and Energy
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Energy
Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-
2007 [RP 167-2007].
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
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Report of the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local Government on the Local Government Laws Amendment Bill [B 28 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75) dated 16 October 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local Government, having considered the subject of the Local Government Laws Amendment Bill [B 28 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill, reports the Bill with amendments [B 28A – 2007].
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Report of the Portfolio on Public Enterprises on the Broadband Infraco Bill [B26 -2007] (National Assembly- sec 75), dated 10 October 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, having considered the subject of the Broadbrand Infraco Bill [B26-2007] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill, reports the Bill with amendments [B26A-2007].
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Report of the Portfolio on Public Enterprises on the South African Express Bill [B14 -2007] (National Assembly- sec 75), dated 10 October 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, having considered the subject of the South African Express Bill [B14-2007] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, and classified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism as a section 75 Bill, reports the Bill with amendments [B14A-2007].
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Report of the Portfolio Committee on Communications on the filling of a vacancy on the Council of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, dated 16 October 2007:
The Portfolio Committee on Communications, having considered the request of the National Assembly of 15 June 2007 to submit a shortlist of candidates to the Minister of Communications for appointment to the Council of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa), due to the resignation of Ms M Mohlala, referred to it, reports as follows:
The Committee invited the public to nominate persons for consideration and recommendation to the Minister for the filling of a vacancy on the Council. Nominations and applications were received from 29 candidates.
The Committee considered the nominations and agreed that the following persons be shortlisted to be interviewed on 9 October 2007:
Mr NT Baloyi, Mr T Ndlovu, Ms R Msiza, Mr S Mampuru, Mr M Kibido, and Ms S Booley .
After having considered the shortlist, and after having interviewed the candidates, the Committee recommends that the House, in terms of section 7 of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Amendment Act (Act 3 of 2006) submits to the Minister a list of suitable candidates at least one and a half times the number of councillors to be appointed, namely: Ms R Msiza; Mr T Ndlovu
Report to be considered.