National Assembly - 01 November 2007
THURSDAY, 1 NOVEMBER 2007 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 14:03.
House Chairperson Mr G Q M Doidge took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
CONDOLENCES ON
DEATHS OF PATRICK MYNHARDT and MOIRA LISTER
(Draft Resolution)
Mr M J ELLIS: Mr Chairman, I move without notice:
That the House-
1) notes with profound sadness the death of actor Patrick Mynhardt at
the age of 75 on Thursday, 25 October 2007, and the death of
actress Moira Lister, at the age of 84 on Saturday, 28 October
2007;
2) recognises the major role both these performers played in placing
South Africa’s theatre and television industry in the international
spotlight;
3) acknowledges that these deaths are a massive loss to South Africa’s
theatre and television industry and that both of them will be
sorely missed;
4) recognises that both these performers have been an inspiration to
all young South African actors and actresses who will continue to
carry forward the legacy they have left behind; and
5) conveys its condolences to the families of Patrick Mynhardt and
Moira Lister.
Agreed to
INTERNATIONAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS IN BRUSSELS
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Thank you Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the House- 1) notes that the countries of the South are patiently waiting to receive good news from the current trade negotiations taking place in Brussels between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific states;
2) further notes the resistance and glaring unfairness on the side of
the developed countries with regard to international trade and
negotiation, especially the current review of the ACP-EU Economic
Partnership Agreement;
3) believes that the current government position in the negotiations
is correct and should be supported, as the acceptance of this
position will move us closer to the goal of a better Africa and a
just world; and
4) commends the government on its prioritisation of the efforts to
fight poverty and to help build economies of developing countries.
Agreed to.
CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING AWAY OF PROF HARRIET NGUBANE
(Draft Resolution)
Mrs I MARS: Thank you, Chairperson, I move the motion as printed on the order paper as follows:
That the House -
1) notes with deep sadness that Prof Harriet Ngubane passed away at
the age of 78 last week;
2) further notes that Prof Ngubane was considered one of the foremost
African scholars of her time and that her book Body and Mind in
Zulu Medicine is still the seminal work on traditional African
belief systems;
3) pays tribute to this formidable scholar who had a PhD from
Cambridge University and who held academic positions at Oxford,
Yale, Edinburgh and Cape Town Universities;
4) acknowledges the role Prof Ngubane played as an IFP Member of
Parliament and a member of the Pan-African Parliament; and
5) extends its deepest condolences to Prof Ngubane’s family and loved
ones.
Chairperson and colleagues I have had the privilege of knowing Harriet Ngubane for more than 30 years, a period over which we went through many great challenges and victories. It was a period, at first, of great difficulties under apartheid, but her perseverance and belief led her to becoming one of the world’s foremost anthropologists and social scientist.
Like so many others, Harriet started her professional career as a teacher. She was in Durban before becoming a research assistant at the University of Natal. In those days, as you all know, it was very difficult to access quality education, but she (Harriet) managed to -do so and won a bursary to study at the Cambridge University. Already then, it was obvious that she would be one of the finest scholars of her time. So it proved and she went on to study and lecture at a range of the most prestigious universities. In particular, her work on traditional African belief systems and Zulu culture and her work made her a renowned expert much in demand in the international academic community.
Professor Harriet Ngubane was a colleague and a good friend to many of us in this House. Although she had been ill for some time it still came as a great shock, I think, to all of us when we heard of her death. I think we can all agree that Harriet had a brilliant mind. But she was also a very passionate and caring person who was fiercely loyal to her family and friends and this was one of the qualities I admired the most. The fact that her children showed the same academic excellence and dedication is an obvious pointer to their mother’s nurture and care. The contribution she made as an IFP Member of Parliament to her respective committees, Land Affairs and Water Affairs as well as to the party will always be remembered and appreciated. She was dedicated, hardworking and disciplined, traits that clearly emanated from her academic background. She tackled all political and policy issues with the same determination to get to the bottom of the truth as one would have expected from a top academic.
We all learned a great deal from Harriet, but I do believe that there was still a lot more we could have gained from her vast experiences and knowledge had we but taken the time to visit and interact with her more often, after she left Parliament.
Harriet Ngubane was an inspiration and a good friend who will be sorely missed by all of us. She was loved and respected by many and we offer our deepest condolences to her families and friends. I thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Thank you, hon member. I now call the hon M A A Njobe. Hon members, can we have order in the House? This is a motion of a very special kind, and I see there are a lot of other discussions that are going on in the House. Prof Ngubane was a member of this House.
Mrs M A A NJOBE: Thank you, Chairperson. I do feel honoured to be able to make a contribution to this motion on behalf of the late Prof Harriet Ngubane. The life of Prof Harriet Ngubane was a life well lived in the service of our country and humanity. She was a scholar and an activist. As a Member of this Parliament, she served with dedication and commitment. Her contribution to the work of this House in the areas of arts, culture, science and technology - and in other areas that have already been mentioned by the previous speaker and also in issues of social development as it affects our people – in this Parliament is well documented.
I remember that she was part of the first delegation to attend the launch of the Pan-African Parliament in Addis Ababa in 2004. She was very passionate about participation in the Pan-African Parliament. I’m sure had she had her choice, she would have been happy to have been made a permanent member of the PAP. When we left Addis Ababa she was full of ideas of how we could contribute as South Africa to the Pan-African Parliament.
Harriet was a prolific writer and a dedicated hard worker. She worked for numerous institutions, served in many consultancies including some government commissions. She authored and co-authored various books and papers and served on a number of boards. Indeed, hers was a very busy life.
Today we celebrate her life and all that she has done for her country and its people. She has been exemplary and her life presents us, and our youth in particular, with a challenge to learn and match the high standards that she set. Her life tells our youth that commitment and dedication to a cause is the best contribution one can make to one’s community.
We indeed share the pain of her loss. However, we cannot allow the great things she did in the service of humanity to receive less prominence. It was her fortitude and great achievements that will always inspire today’s and future generations to take theirs and humanity’s destiny into their own hands.
Prof Harriet Ngubane also dedicated her political life to the cause of women’s emancipation regardless of political or sectoral affiliations. While a member of the IFP Women’s Brigade and together with women such as the late Faith Gasa, she supported all efforts that women made to establish the SA Women’s Coalition at a time when things were difficult for us in the country because the tensions were still high.
Now, the SA Women’s Coalition is the predecessor of the current SA Progressive Women’s Movement. So we can see and we can say that Prof Harriet did contribute towards the establishment of all of the current women’s movements in the country.
In a world dominated by patriarchy, social injustices and exploitation, it was her bravery and hard work that will communicate to the girl-child, for example, the message that nothing defeats the human spirit and human solidarity.
Thus, we are grateful to Prof Harriet Ngubane for the immense contribution she made to the efforts to build a nonracial, nonsexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa. We extend, on behalf of the ANC, our deep-felt condolences to her party the IFP, all those who worked with her, her family and all her loved ones. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr M J ELLIS: Mr Chairman, I want to say to the House that I had the privilege of knowing Harriet Ngubane before 1994. She always struck me as a remarkably fine lady, who conducted herself with great pride and dignity at all times.
It was a privilege knowing her, and when she arrived in Parliament in 1994, she made a very real impact in this House through her dedication to her work and her genuine conviction in her beliefs, and her love and loyalty to her party, the IFP.
As we know, she served on a number of portfolio committees, including the Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs and Forestry, and the Committee on the Quality of Life and Status of Women, and her great work in that regard, which the hon Njobe has just mentioned.
But I want to say that, as a party, we will always remember her for the mark she made in the field of land affairs, serving not only as the chief IFP representative on the Land Affairs portfolio committee, but also as the chairperson of the IFP study group on land affairs and as that party’s spokesperson in that field.
I think that many of us have had the opportunity of reading Harriet’s CV, and it certainly is very impressive indeed. The honours and awards she had won are truly amazing. Her employment career, from being a new teacher at St Saviour’s Primary School in Durban, to that of being Professor of Social Anthropology at UCT, and then going on to becoming a member of the first democratically elected Parliament of South Africa, is really a very real tribute to a lady of great intellect, of great character, great charm and great determination.
Her published research articles, and the consultancies she was given are impressive, as was her appointment to the selection panel for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission by the President in 1995.
She was a remarkably capable and extremely able politician, who, at all times, believed in the causes she espoused.
Again I say, personally, I will remember her for the fine person she was: a woman of great dignity, of great determination, of great affection for those close to her, and of real respect for those who were her political foes.
There can be no doubt that she will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and, as the DA, we do offer our sincere condolences to her family and to her party, the IFP, in the sure knowledge that they have lost someone of immense importance. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Mnu J BICI: Mhlalingaphambili, umbutho i-UDM nawo uyayamkela imbono yokugqithiswa kwamazwi ovelwano kumzi, izihlobo nezalamane zakwaNgubane, kwanokuba kwenziwe amagqabantshintshi ngoMama uNgubane.
Ixesha lokushiywa ngumntu wakho lixesha elibuhlungu kakhulu; lixesha apho uthi uzive okanye uzibone ukwalunkcwe, uzifumane ukwisithokothoko sobumnyama.
Anga la mazwi angacaphula kwintlungu nenzima eniyivayo. Sithi kwizihlobo nezalamane: “Lalani ngenxeba; akuhlanga lungehliyo.” UThixo akathathi nto angashiyi nto. Masimyeke aphumle uSisi Harriet.
KuSisi Harriet sithi: Sizivile izingqi zakho; sibubonile ubugorha bakho. Hamba kakuhle, ntombazana! Imizamo emihle uyizamile Ugqatso ulufezile. Wanga uSomandla angawusikelela umphefumlo wakho. Phumla ngoxolo; nathi siyeza. Enkosi. [Kwaqhwatywa.] (Translation of isiXhosa speech follows.)
[Mr J BICI: Chairperson, the UDM also joins in expressing our condolences to the Ngubane family and relatives, and in paying our tribute to the late hon Mrs Ngubane.
When a member of your family passes on, then it is very sad. It is a time when you find yourself alone and devastated. You really find yourself under a dark cloud.
We hope these words of condolence are going to ease the pain and sadness that you feel. We say to her family and relatives, may her soul rest in peace. God does not take something from us and leave us with nothing. So let us release Sister Harriet from our hearts.
To her we say, we have heard your footsteps; we saw your bravery, farewell girl! We attest to your good work. You have finished your journey. May God bless your soul. May your soul rest in peace. We are also coming. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Mr M H HOOSEN: Chairperson, it is truly a privilege on a maiden speech to have to pay tribute to somebody of this calibre. Therefore, as the ID, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the Ngubane family for their loss and wish them strength and courage through the very difficult days ahead. Professor Ngubane, at the age of 78, touched the lives of thousands of people internationally – not only through her motherly and caring nature, but also through her teachings that she acquired from several educational institutions around the world.
At the launch of the Afro-Indian relations workshop in Durban, Ma-Harriet was not afraid to highlight the privileges that Indian people enjoyed under apartheid as a means to encourage dialogue and debate between Indian and African communities as it is only through this healthy debate and dialogue that we shall build a stronger bond and a united South Africa. Her expertise in various cultures will be solely missed by many South Africans and international communities. We therefore like to pay tribute to Ma- Harriet, the mother of our land. Hamba kahle, Ma-Harriet [Go well, Ma- Harriet]. Thank you. [Applause.]
Dr P W A MULDER: Voorsitter, soos wat dit die gebruik in hierdie Huis is wil ek geluk sê aan die agb lid van die ID wat sopas sy eerste toespraak gehou het. [Chairperson, as is the custom in this House, I would like to congratulate the hon member from the ID who had just made his maiden speech.]
I also welcome him on behalf of all the members of the House. You are most welcome.
Voorsitter, die agb Harriet Ngubane het ons almal geken as ’n lid van hierdie Parlement en van hierdie Huis. Sy het ’n lid geword van die Parlement in 1994 en het vir 10 jaar gedien saam met ons in hierdie Parlement tot 2004.
Dit is inderdaad so dat sy in haar eerste toespraak reeds haar aandag gevestig het op die dinge wat vir haar en haar gemeenskap van groot belang was en ek het gaan kyk na die eerste toespraak wat sy in hierdie Huis gehou het op 1 Julie, 1994 waar sy haar reeds uitgespreek het oor behuising wat haar na aan die hart gelê het en sy die volgende gesê het:
Ek beklemtoon sosiokulturele aspekte van behuising. In die verlede is behuising hoofsaaklik rondom die gesinskern beplan en dus is daar nie rekening gehou met die groot aantal maatskaplike formasies in die land waarvan die kulturele praktyke en maatskaplike organisasie gegrond is op uitgebreide gesinne nie.
Sy het daaroor ook verder gegaan. Dit is interessant dat sy haar eerste toespraak, haar nooienstoespraak, afgesluit het deur onder andere te verwys na die dood, en ek haal aan waar sy aan die einde van haar toespraak as volg afgesluit het:
Nog ’n voorstel wat ondersoek moet word is dat huise gange moet hê. Wanneer ’n begrafnis in ons gemeenskap plaasvind kan ons nie ’n doodskis in die huis inkry nie. Dit is ’n standaardpraktyk dat die oorledene voor die begrafnis in staatsie lê. Daarom moet ons huise hê wat vir ons voorsiening sal maak selfs wanneer ons dood is.
Dit het sy gesê in die heel eerste toespraak wat sy in hierdie Huis gehou het. Dit is ironies dat ons vandag daaraan dink. Ek wil graag namens die VF Plus ons medelye en simpatie uitspreek met die IVP wat ’n kollega verloor het, maar ook met die gesin van prof Harriet Ngubane. Ons het haar goed geken, ons respekteer haar en ons wens hulle baie sterkte toe. Baie dankie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Chairperson, we all knew the hon Harriet Ngubane as a member of this Parliament and House. She became a Member of Parliament in 1994 and served in Parliament for 10 years until 2004.
It is indeed so that she, in her maiden speech already, focused her attention on the things that were of great importance to her and her community. I looked at the first speech that she made in this House on 1 July 1994 when she spoke about the issue of housing, that was close to her heart, and on which she had said the following:
I am spelling out sociocultural aspects of housing, because this dimension of life in housing has been conspicuous in its absence over the years. In the past housing has been planned essentially for nuclear families, thus disregarding a large number of social formations in the country whose cultural practices and social organisation are based on extended families.
Afterwards, she went further on this issue. It is interesting that she concluded her first speech, her maiden speech, by among other things, referring to death and I quote where she concluded her speech as follows:
Another suggestion that must be investigated is that houses must have passages. When a funeral takes place in our society, we cannot manage to get a coffin into the house. It is standard practice that before the burial the deceased lies in state. Therefore we must have houses that will accommodate us even when we are dead.
This she had to say in the very first speech she made in this House. It is ironic that we think of those words today. On behalf of the FF Plus, I would like to convey our condolences to and sympathy with the IFP who lost a colleague, but also with the family of Prof Harriet Ngubane. We knew her well, we respected her and we wish them all the best. Thank you very much.]
Mr I S MFUNDISI: Chairperson and hon members, the loss of Prof Harriet Ngubane through death is one thing to think about for a long time to come because she had established herself as an authority in Zulu culture. For a septuagenarian of her calibre to depart from this earth, is a great loss of wisdom because people at that age are wise. They have seen it all.
When I saw her in 1999, when I first came to Parliament, I was struck by her stature, composure and authority with which she went about her business. Taking into account that an African woman of her age had progressed academically to hold a PhD and become a professor, spoke volumes about her determination in life. This reminded me of Monyaise’s Setswana book I read which, among others, says: “Thuto e tswa Natala, bongaka bo tswa Bopedi”. [Educated people come from Natal, whereas traditional leaders come from the North.] This meant she had sipped from the educational fountain.
I always marvelled at her debate on indigenous knowledge systems, particularly when it came to how to avert hunger among poor people. Her knowledge of survival strategies was second to none. That even in her last days she was associated with Freedom Park, is proof enough that she lived for this country.
Professor Ngubane was a prolific writer and she has left a legacy in a trail of literatures. We in the UCDP have no doubt that in her case death is really a promotion to glory. We therefore pass on our commiserations to her family and the IFP, which was her final political home. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms S RAJBALLY: Chairperson, on behalf of the MF we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of our beloved Harriet Ngubane. At a good age of 78, it is certain that Prof Harriet Ngubane has experienced South Africa through the difficulties of apartheid to the liberation of democracy. We are each given this life for a reason, purpose and meaning.
We convey our condolences to the IFP on the loss of this great comrade and pray that her work and influence will be carried through. Professor Harriet Ngubane is also reported to have been a great academic and an activist in politics. May she be an example to so many South African women and families to see the value in investing in female education and academia. We pray that the deceased may rest in peace in the heights of heaven.
Hamba kahle, uphumule. Usuphelile umzabalazo wakho mama. Siyabonga. [Go well, have a rest. Your struggle is accomplished. Thank you.]
Dr S E M PHEKO: Chairperson, the PAC joins in paying tribute to Professor Harriet Ngubane. She is certainly a great loss to our nation. She was not only a great scholar who studied in famous universities such as Cambridge. She has truly spent her life in the service of this nation, this continent and humanity. She will remain a dynamo of inspiration to our country for a long time. The PAC sends condolences to her family and to the IFP.
Professor Harriet Ngubane is a challenge to all the educated people of this country, especially in the field of writing and research. African epistemology lies buried like gold, desperately needing scholars like Professor Ngubane. May she rest in peace! [Applause.]
Mr L M GREEN: Chairperson, South Africa has lost a formidable scholar and cultural activist. Through her great intellect she showed that people from all groups had a contribution to make to the development of knowledge in society. I had the privilege to meet the hon Dr Harriet Ngubane in 1994 when she came to Parliament. What impressed me most about her was a quiet and unassuming attitude and yet she was an intellectual giant who always spoke with great wisdom.
Professor Ngubane was a world renowned academic. She held a PhD from Cambridge and she also held senior academic posts at Yale, Oxford and at the University of Cape Town. She is also credited to have written many publications in isiZulu.
As South Africans we are proud to have had people of such calibre in our society and we hope that the legacy will be emulated by many scholars and public servants throughout our country.
The FD honours the departed hon Dr Ngubane, and we extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends as well as the IFP who have lost a valuable member. I thank you. [Applause.] Mr S SIMMONS: Chairperson, on behalf of the NA, I wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family of the late hon Harriet Ngubane and to the IFP.
The previous speakers have given appropriate depictions of the person Harriet Ngubane and the NA supports them. I wish however to note that this is the time when intellectual power is sorely needed, the passing on of the late Hon Ngubane is to say the least; a loss to Parliament and to South Africa. This, with a deep appreciation of cultural values in a diverse society, is a quality that needs to be taught to many others.
On a personal level, I got to know the late hon Ngubane whilst serving on the Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs as a sensitive, pleasant and soft spoken woman. May her soul rest in peace! I thank you.
Debate concluded.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order! I take it that there are no objections to the adoption of the motion by the House. The condolences of the House will be conveyed to the Ngubane family.
Motion agreed to.
DEATH OF FORMER COMRADE EDGAR NGOYI IN EASTERN CAPE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr N B FIHLA (ANC): Chairperson, today we grieve the loss of a revolutionary, Comrade Edgar Ngoyi, a man who was involved in the beginning of the first phase of our struggle, during the times of mass mobilisation in the ‘50s. He was always in the forefront, leading under Comrade Mkwai. During the time of the Freedom Charter, he was also in the forefront doing the door-to-door mass mobilisation of the people.
He was also in the forefront during the time of the arms struggle, which later led to his arrest and was sentenced to 17 years at Robben Island. When he came back, he continued with the struggle. He continued to fight. He was also one of the first presidents of the civil organisation in the country that is the Port Elizabeth People’s Civic Organisation, Pepco, in
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He became the first deputy chairperson of the former Eastern Cape when the ANC came to power.
SKILLS SHORTAGES IN EDUCATION (Member’s Statement)
Mr L B LABUSCHAGNE (DA): Chair, it is with mixed feelings that we read Trevor Manuel’s concerns expressed at the Institute of International Finance in Washington acknowledging that:
In South Africa we are not making sufficient progress in maths and science in our schools.”
He furthermore said: “Education and training were investments in the long term.”
The DA has for a long time expressed the same concerns regarding education and skills in South Africa after more than a decade of ANC’s stewardship, and we derived no comfort in the fact that the most competent government Minister agrees with us. Let us hope that the comrades in the Cabinet responsible for education and skills training will not only heed the Minister’s concerns, but act on them expeditiously and effectively in the broad interest of all South Africans. Too much talk, plans and a positive action have too long been the government’s modus operandi. It is time to revisit the issue of skills training in the interest of all of us.
DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE MISLED THE HOUSE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr J H VAN DER MERWE (IFP): Chairperson, I want to refer to a statement by the hon Deputy Minister of Justice during the Justice debate on 29 May 2007, in which he sarcastically said:
The Human Rights Commission itself, which if you don’t know, Mr Van der Merwe, is all the commission of the commissions. That’s the Human Rights Commission. Now, the Human Rights Commission has never taken a decision on this matter.
I have a written proof that the hon Deputy Minister misled the House with that statement. The chairperson of the Human Rights Commission has confirmed to me in writing that that decision was in fact a formal decision by the Human Rights Commission. I have the letter and that means that the Deputy Minister of Justice has violated the human rights of hundreds of prisoners. I have that proof and it cannot be challenged. The Deputy Minister misled the House.
In conclusion, I wish to state that the word I used in this House on the previous occasion to describe that hon Deputy Minister remains as accurate today as it was then, it is in fact his perfectly abbreviated CV.
IMPROVEMENT OF LIVING CONDITIONS IN MOQHEKA
(Member’s Statement)
Mr L P KHOARAI (ANC): Chairperson, on 4 October 2007 in Viljoenskroon a march was organised by a disgruntled group of protestors and members of the DA against Moqheka municipality, expressing their discontentment with respect to the municipality’s plan to develop the land they currently occupy. They also threatened to continue to possess the land illegally. The Free State government addressed the issue raised by this group of protesters and assured them that government is working hard to provide access to land with proper infrastructure and that all South Africans need to contribute to eradicate the injustices of the past. The Premier of the Free State also consulted the group and requested them to allow the municipality to develop the land; that they should also respect the laws of the country; should form part of the consultative processes; should take cognisance of the fact that the injustices of the past created the inhuman conditions we find ourselves in today; that we all have responsibilities as the citizens of the country; and that we must all work together for the better life for all.
It is unfortunate that the court interdict expired yesterday, 31 October
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The municipality had no option but to invade and demolish the informal settlement. It is our belief as the ANC that South Africa belongs to all who live in it; black and white. [Applause.]
TREATMENT OF RUGBY COACH BY ADMINISTRATORS (Member’s Statement)
Ms S N SIGCAU (UDM): The UDM notes with dismay that the sport administrators of this country seem to destroy the goodwill and nation- building that our sporting success achieved on the field. Only few days ago, this House rose in unity to give praise to the Springboks for their success and to pay tribute to the way they lifted the spirits of the whole nation.
Indeed, we were merely reflecting that which could be seen on the streets of every city that the Springbok tickertape parade visited. But hardly two days later, we are faced with the unbecoming spectacle of the national coach being treated with total disregard by the senior administrators of rugby in this country. What is their agenda? Because surely, they have not taken note of what the overwhelming majority of South Africans have had to say about Mr Jake White.
In the halls of power of football administration, we have witnessed the gratuitous bonuses that caused such uproar, being renamed “tokens of gratitude”, and still being handed over to people who are already earning huge salaries and were only doing their jobs. We need to ask why those millions of rands could not be invested in developing the game among the poorest of the poor who play on dusty thorn-strewn fields across the country.
We are disgusted by these displays of disregard for the talent and aspirations of those who play and support these sports. I thank you. [Applause.]
CHABAAN’S CONDUCT AT CITY OF CAPE TOWN
(Member’s Statement)
Dr P W A MULDER (FF): Voorsitter, kiesers wat ’n persoon tot ’n lid van die Parlement, ’n provinsiale wetgewer of ’n plaaslike bestuur verkies, verwag die hoogste etiese optrede van so ’n lid. Verskeie finansiële skandale en veral die wyse waarop sommige lede die oorloopwetgewing misbruik het, het daartoe gelei dat politici se beeld die afgelope tyd groot skade in Suid- Afrika gely het.
Gister het die Kaapstadse stadsraad mnr Buddy Chabaan na ’n volledige ondersoek skuldig bevind aan ses ernstige oortredings van die gedragskode van raadslede soos deur die munisipale stelselwet van 2000 bepaal. Die klagtes behels onder andere die omkoop van raadslede met groot bedrae geld, die aanbied van gratis motors in ruil vir gunste, rassistiese opmerkings teenoor ID raadslede en mev Patricia de Lille, doodsdreigemente en opmerkings soos “you will need more than two bodyguards when I’m finished with you.” [Jy sal meer as twee lyfwagte nodig hê wanneer ek klaar is met jou.] Die effek hiervan was dat sekere persone slegs bereid was om te getuig en bewyse te bring as hulle anonimiteit gewaarborg kan word.
Behalwe vir hierdie oortredings van die gedragskode is daar ook vier kriminele klagtes teen mnr Chabaan wat buite die jurisdiksie van die raad val. Die VF Plus wens in besonder die Speaker, mnr Dirk Smit, as VF Plus raadslid geluk met die sterk en vreeslose wyse waarop hy teen mnr Chabaan opgetree het. As mnr Chabaan se tipe optrede ongestraf gelaat sou word sal dit op alle verkose posisies in Suid-Afrika uiteindelik reflekteer. Die VF Plus doen dan ook ’n beroep op die ANC om die demokrasie en die etiek vir openbare verteenwoordiging te respekteer en sy LUR te vra om die ontslag van mnr Chabaan ingevolge klousule 14(2) van die gedragskode te bekragtig. Ek dank u. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)
[Dr P W A MULDER (FF Plus): Chairperson, voters who elect a person as a member of Parliament, a provincial legislature or a local government expect the highest ethical conduct from such a member. Various financial scandals and especially the manner in which certain members abused the floor- crossing period, has lately caused damage to the image of politicians in South Africa.
Yesterday, after a thorough investigation, the Cape Town City Council, found Mr Buddy Chabaan guilty on the charge of six serious transgressions of the councillors’ code of conduct, as set out by the Municipal Systems Act of 2000. The complaints comprise, among other things, the bribing of councillors; offering free motor vehicles in exchange for favours; racist remarks aimed at ID councillors and Ms Patricia de Lille; as well as death threats and remarks such as “you will need more than two bodyguards when I’m finished with you.” The consequence of this was that only certain people were willing to testify and bring evidence on condition that their anonymity would be guaranteed.
Apart from these transgressions on the code of conduct, there are also four criminal complaints against Mr Chabaan that fall beyond the jurisdiction of the council. The FF Plus wishes to extend its congratulations to the Speaker, Mr Dirk Smit, a FF Plus councillor, for the steadfast and fearless manner in which he acted against Mr Chabaan. If Mr Chabaan’s type of conduct were to be left unpunished, it would, eventually, reflect on all elected positions in South Africa.
The FF Plus calls on the ANC to respect the democracy and ethics for public representation and to ask its MEC to confirm Mr Chabaan’s dismissal in terms of clause 14(2) of the code of conduct. I thank you. [Applause.]]
COUNTERFEIT RUGBY CLOTHING SOLD AT INTERSECTIONS
(Member’s Statement)
Ms M N NTULI (ANC): Chairperson, the ANC wishes to align itself with the concerns expressed by rugby kit manufactures and Cosatu on the number of fake clothing in circulation on our streets. [Interjections.] The matter of counterfeit clothing was recently highlighted during the 2007 Rugby World Cup, especially after South Africa won the tournament. The huge demand for Springbok jerseys and kit resulted in a surge of fake clothing being sold on street corners and traffic lights.
According to the official manufacturers, Canterbury, for every 10 supporter items sold over the last weeks, eight were counterfeit. Although it was tempting to purchase a fake rugby shirt for under R200 at a traffic light, this had negative consequences for South African rugby and the local clothing-manufacturing industry. If fakes are allowed to be sold, workers making the normal products would lose their jobs. In the Western Cape alone, this can result in 300 job losses.
The quality of the original was superior, and 15% of the sales from the originals go to SA Rugby for rugby development in South Africa. Fakes are usually smuggled in with no customs duties or VAT paid on the items. The ANC calls on the South African Revenue Services, Sars, and the law enforcement to clamp down on these illegal activities in the light of the negative consequences to the country’s economy and the upcoming 2010 Soccer World Cup. We further welcome the announcement by Canterbury Clothing to launch a cheaper range of clothes to cater for those who could not afford the more expensive items. I thank you. [Time expired.]
LAWYERS DEFRAUDING THE ROAD ACCIDENT FUND’S VICTIMS SHOULD BE EXPOSED
(Member’s Statement)
Mr L M GREEN: Chairperson, the FD notes with concern that contribution from the Road Accident Fund does not reflect the true damage claims meant for the victims of road accidents. My experience as a Member of Parliament for my constituency in Jan Kempdorp, in the Northern Cape, is that funds are being siphoned from the victims by lawyers making Road Accident Fund claims on behalf of their clients.
Lawyers have been pocketing money which amounts to charging exorbitant legal fees, leaving victims with barely any funds to help them to rebuild their lives. Members are also asked to sign forms giving the attorneys the right to withdraw fees from compensation funds, and that moneys are not always paid out early enough since the victim is not always sure what compensation funds are available.
I have recently gone to my constituency office in Jan Kempdorp and I am very impressed with the Road Accident Fund’s assistance and support to hold a workshop to educate our people on how to process claims as well as to bring to their attention, how to expose those lawyers who prey on the vulnerability of the victim’s need for assistance to access the appropriate funds.
Finally, the Road Accident Fund controls a huge fund and the FD would like to suggest that any lawyer found guilty of unlawful and unethical practices be blacklisted as unsuitable to represent clients for damage claims. I thank you.
CONDITIONS IN CERTAIN PUBLIC HOSPITALS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M WATERS (DA): Chairperson, a recent environmental health report by the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro into the conditions of local hospitals revealed the following: at the Livingstone Hospital a washing machine has been installed in the sluice rooms for all wards. However, these machines have never worked, resulting in dirty linen being contaminated with urine, human faeces and sometimes blood.
Some of the sewerage pipes in the sluice rooms have been broken for more than two weeks. On inquiring, it was found that these concerns had been reported, but with little or no response from the maintenance department on site.
The areas where the vehicles off-load bodies in the mortuary before placing them into fridges are always covered in blood because the bodies and body parts are washed at the entrance. This water runs into the streets and into a drain some 20 metres further away.
At the Joe Pearson TB Hospital the situation is worse. The hospital does not have the necessary isolation facilities for the drug resistant TB cases and XDR patients who are also accommodated at the facility.
A number of cats were observed on the premises and there were also some in the wards. It was indicated by the infection control sister that the cats are fed by patients and currently the hospital doesn’t have enough budget to control the cats. Cats are causing a health nuisance as they urinate inside the wards, attract flies and spread germs.
The relevant politicians and officials need to be held accountable and to take full responsibility for this ghastly situation. There is no point in calling for the Minister or the MEC of Health to resign in this regard but the DA does call on the Health Minister to take immediate and effective action. Thank you. [Applause.]
FORUM SET UP IN CACADU MUNICIPALITY IN PREPARATION FOR 2010
(Member’s Statement)
Mnu M JOHNSON (ANC): Umbutho wesizwe i-ANC, oxhuzula imikhala kurhulumente, wathi kwasekusekweni kwawo wazimisela ekusebenzeleni abantu beli lizwe. Wathi wakubamba imikhala yolawulo waqhubela phambili ezo mbono.
Kwiphondo leMpuma Koloni, kude kufuphi nesiXeko saseBhayi, sixeko eso esiza kuba nenyhweba yokusindleka eminye yemidlalo yendebe yehlabathi ka-2010, kukho uMasipala weNgingqi iCacadu. Sithetha nje lo masipala ukwiphulo lophuhliso ukuzama ukutsala abakhenkethi kunye namaqela ebhola ekhatywayo aza kuthabatha inxaxheba kwiNdebe yeHlabathi yeFifa ukuba asebenzise amabala neendawo zokuhlala ezikule ngingqi.
Ukukhawulelana nale njongo, umasipala useke iqonga apho kuphekwa iqhinga lokuthengisa ingingqi yaseCacadu. Kweli qonga kukho oosomashishini, umbutho webhola ekhatywayo, imibutho yasekuhlaleni kunye noomasipala bendawo.
Thina singamalungu ombutho wesizwe siya kuthi gqolo sisebenzisana nabantu ukuzama ukwabelana ngobuncwane beli lizwe. Enkosi. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follows.)
[Mr M JOHNSON (ANC): The ANC-led government on its inception aimed at working for the people of this country. When it started governing it advanced those aims further.
In the Eastern Cape Province - not very far from the city of Port Elizabeth, which is going to have the privilege of hosting some of the 2010 World Cup matches - there is Cacadu Municipality. As we speak, this municipality is involved in a development project, which aims to attract tourists and soccer teams who will be participating in the Fifa World Cup to use stadiums and residential areas in this region.
To assist in this project this municipality has set up a forum that will come up with a plan to popularize the Cacadu area. In this forum there are business people, a soccer association, and local organizations together with local municipalities. As members of the ANC, we will continue working together with people to share the wealth of this country.]
STATE OF DRINKING WATER IN LOUIS TRICHARDT
(Member’s Statement)
Nkul M W SIBUYANA (IFP): Chairperson, IFP ya swi tiva leswaku mati yo tenga i vutomi. IFP ya swi tiva leswaku mati ya thyaka i vuvabyi, i ndlala na leswaku i rifu.
Hi titwa hi khumbekile ngopfu loko hi vona eka TV ni ku twa leswaku mati ya le Albasini Dam kusuhi na xibheldlele xa Elim ya thyakile ngopfu lero vaaki va le Louis Tritchard, vaaki va le ka Malamulele, na Yunivhesithi ya Venda va hanya hi mati yo thyaka. Leswi hlamarisaka ngopfu hi leswaku vari a kuna man’wana mati lawa va nga ma kumaka hanhle ka yalawo wo thyaka.
Hina va IFP hi kombela leswaku ndhzawulo ni masipala wa ndhawu yaleyo va humesa malori ya ku ka mati va phakela vanhu va swiyenge sweswo swi khumbekaka eka mhaka leyi. Hi ku hatlisa va kota ku lavisa xivangelo xa ku thyaka ka mati lawa. Kutani va yi ololoxa leswaku vanhu va ta kota ku hanya kahle. Inkomu. [Nkarhi wu herile.] (Translation of Xitsonga member’s statement follows.)
[Mr M W SIBUYANA (IFP): The IFP knows that clean water is life. The IFP knows that filthy water causes disease, hunger and death. We were shocked to learn on television that the water in the Albasini Dam near the Elim hospital is filthy and communities in and around the area of Louis Trichardt, Malamulele and the University of Venda have to survive on filthy water. What we find shocking is that it is said that there is no any other water available other than the filthy water.
The IFP would like to ask the department and the municipality of that area to provide trucks carrying clean water to the affected areas while they immediately investigate the cause of this matter and solve that problem so that people can have a better life. Thank you. [Time expired.]]
CORRUPTION IN MPUMALANGA
(Member’s Statement)
Ms D G NHLENGETHWA (ANC): Chairperson the ANC-led government is committed to ensure efficient functioning of all anticorruption structures and systems including whistle-blowing and blacklisting of corrupt companies, the implementation of laws to ensure exposure of action against private sector corruption and a quicker process to deal with any corrupt civil servants and officials.
An Mpumalanga housing contractor has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for defrauding the provincial, local government and housing department of R100 000. Mr Surprise Mphokama of Mangosuthu Construction was contracted to build 25 Reconstruction and Development RDP, houses in Thaba- Tsoeu municipality and he claimed for work that was never done.
The ANC is committed to the principle that all South Africans have a right to a secure place in which to live in peace and dignity. Housing is a human right. I thank you. [Applause]
DYSFUNCTION AND LACK OF DISCIPLINE IN SCHOOLS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr G G BOINAMO (DA): Chairperson, education cannot progress as desired. Good academic results will remain a pipe dream: if the Department of Education allows schools to degenerate into maternity wards without midwives; when learners giving birth in toilets, classrooms, school grounds and on their way to schools are assisted by fellow learners - as midwives; and whilst, in the same breath, learners in South African schools are engaged in a low-intensity war to the extent that in five working days five learners die at the hands of fellow learners - as happened in August.
Schools in this country have ceased to be institutions of teaching and learning but become places where complete anarchy is displayed by learners whilst hamstrung educators are watching helplessly.
According to Paul Colditz, chief executive of the Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools, 23 000 of the country’s 25 000 schools were dysfunctional and failed to produce good academic results - partly because governing bodies were ill-equipped.
The DA is highly concerned about this total collapse of discipline in South African schools and therefore calls upon the government to restore discipline in schools by restoring power to teachers and parents to run schools and put punitive measures in place for learners who may be found to be in breach of the school policy. Thank you. [Applause.]
ERADICATION OF BUCKET SYSTEM
(Member’s Statement)
Ms T E LISHIVHA (ANC): Chairperson, the theme of the ANC this year is to intensify the struggle against poverty as we advance, in unity, towards
- Amongst the tasks the ANC committed itself to do this year, is to ensure that no community is still using the bucket system in informal areas for sanitation.
All communities must have access to clean water and decent sanitation by
- More than 100 Ekurhuleni residents, who have been subjected to the unhygienic bucket system, celebrated with the Gauteng provincial government as they have all received new ventilated toilets. A further R200 million has been committed, by the Gauteng provincial government, to the eradication of the dehumanising bucket system.
The ANC commends the collective efforts of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, the Department of Provincial and Local Government, the Department of Housing and the South African Local Government Association, Salga, as well as other stakeholders who continue to work hard to ensure that the bucket system is eradicated.
The ANC understands that democracy means more than just a vote. It must be measured through the quality of life of ordinary people, women and men, old and young, rural and urban. I thank you. [Applause.]
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND ICDL
(Member’s Statement)
Ms W NGWENYA (ANC): Chairperson, as the ANC, we want to acknowledge and appreciate the partnership between the Department of Correctional Services and International Computer Drivers Licence, ICDL. We further notify the House that ICDL has been nominated for the best practice award by the European Computer Driving Licence, ECDL foundation for their partnership with the Department of Correctional Services. This is the first of its kind in the entire world.
The objective of the best practice award in the ECDL foundation is to recognise and acknowledge a licence initiative project that they consider to be a successful example of the best practice in the implementation of the ECDL foundation programmes.
The ICDL programme is run in over 150 countries worldwide and has 7 million candidates registered for the programme.
The SA Department of Correctional Services is the first correctional institution in the world to offer an international computer literacy certificate to offenders. The offenders are also the first candidates in the world to be tested on the open source automated testing software. This software was developed in South Africa. Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.] [Time expired.]
skills ShortageS in education
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Chairperson, I have two responses. The first one is in relation to the issue of skills shortage. Quite interestingly, already in 1987 the NP had identified skills shortage as an important area that government should look into. However, the fallacy in terms of what they did is that they looked at skills development only in the context of the white community and grossly neglected the vast majority of our people.
As a result of that we are paying the price. For example, in terms of Mathematics and Science there was an over-or exclusive emphasis in the social sciences under Bantu Education in black schools and there was an utter neglect of Mathematics and Science in these schools. What we had to do as a democratic government was to correct the imbalance.
Already in 2002, an initiative was taken and adopted by government under the stewardship of the former Minister of Education, Prof Kader Asmal, where we initiated a national strategy of Mathematics, Science and Technology. The result thereof was that 102 schools dedicated to Mathematics, Science and Technology were established in rural areas and nodes. These are poor areas where children do not have access to opportunities in Mathematics and Science. These schools have now been extended to 476. We can say that this year there are 12 000 learners from those schools that have enrolled for Mathematics and Science in the higher grade – a remarkable achievement. [Applause.]
The legacy that we faced is that less than 20% of our schools had libraries and less than 40% had laboratories. We cannot speak about lack of skills in the context of the fact that we are ignorant of the distortions that occurred in the past.
With regard to teacher development in these 476 schools alone more than 2 500 teachers have received training in Mathematics and Science in terms of content, knowledge and application. Beyond that, we have revitalised the Further Education and Training sector. We have established 50 FET colleges countrywide and, have redesigned the curriculum content of these programmes. There are three areas of Engineering that are being offered, namely General Management, Financial Management and Tourism and Hospitality.
So, these new curricula speak directly to the skills challenges that we have. In this year alone, with the introduction of the new curriculum content, more than 25 000 learners have enrolled – the target was 25 000 and we have enrolled more than that. Government has set aside R120 million for opportunities within the FET colleges and this will be increased to R200 million. Indeed, government is fully aware of the challenges that we have with regard to Engineering, Mathematics and Science. Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa and the Joint Initiative Priority Skills Acquisition programme have identified Mathematics and Science as a key area.
With regard to the second response … [Time expired.]
correcting the imbalances of the past
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF SPORT AND RECREATION: Chairperson, we will not be trapped into discussing the prerogatives of sports administrators and hide behind immunity of this Chamber. We should leave that to them because we do not want to interfere in spheres that we do not have anything to do with.
What we want to raise though is that we should not be so forgetful as not to remember why our children in the rural areas do not have facilities. They were deliberately excluded by the regime and its satellites to which some members who are now articulating the needs of our people have participated in. What we are doing is to correct those imbalances, and there is no one before us who planted more sports facilities in the rural areas than we have done and continue to do.
We urge all members to come forward with their requests. We will not be able to deal with them all at once, but we are doing far more than anyone before us has ever done.
What we also want to emphasise is that we should also be even-handed, as this House. As we ride on the crest of the successful Springbok team from the Rugby World Cup, we should also not forget that none of us was there yesterday when our other children went for their world cup.
The largest sport played by females in this country is netball and there was nobody there except for a few of us. I hope parents will also give those children the same support that they gave to the other children, win or lose! Let us take a leaf from Bloemfontein Celtics - Phunya Sele Sele - and support our children for whatever efforts they put in to place our country on the map. [Applause.]
ERADICATION OF BUCKET SYSTEM
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER FOR PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Chairperson, I would like to respond to the statement tabled by a member from the Free State regarding the demolition of shacks that were actually built on an undesirable piece of land. I am happy that they have raised this concern because the propaganda out there is that this government doesn’t care about the people. This is a caring government. There is a reason why people would be removed from a piece of land where they occupy it illegally.
The same thing applies to the issue of Alexandra. What happened is that people were seen being forcefully removed from Alexandra, and this was because those people were actually living on dangerous grounds. That is why they were moved out of that piece of land.
However, the propagandists out there are saying that this government doesn’t care; it is forcefully removing people from their shacks, and all that. I am very happy that the Free State government is on top of that matter and we will continue working together with them. We are not going to have toilets in the veld anymore in this country. [Applause.] We are not going to have that! What we are going to do is that whenever we do anything in any given community we will plan together with those people and not plan for them. Thank you. [Applause.]
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND JCDL
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: Chairperson, I want to respond to the statement made by the hon Ngwenya, but also let me thank the member for acknowledging some of the good work and best practice that comes out of Correctional Services.
Secondly, just to inform the House, our centres in Malmesbury and Pollsmoor have registered a 100% pass rate of inmates who have been on this particular computer programme and I think that they need to be applauded as well. [Applause.]
Thirdly, furthermore, this is an example of our commitment as the Department of Correctional Services to skills development of those inmates who are in our care so that upon their release they can actually live better lives and become upright citizens of this country.
Lastly, it also gives meaning to our slogan in Correctional Services that we often use and that is, “Correctional Services - A place of new beginnings”. Thank you. [Applause.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): I saw very good applause on my left by one of the members of the correctional services committee! The next ministerial response, is from the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry.
ERADICATION OF BUCKET SYSTEM
STATE OF DRINKING WATER IN LOUIS TRICHARDT
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY: Chairperson, I would like to respond to two statements; the first one is from the hon member Lishivha. I would like to thank her for the support and encouragement to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, DPLG, the provincial government, the municipalities as well as Salga in our efforts to eradicate buckets in formally established settlements.
The member is correct that it is a collective effort involved in these massive efforts to eradicate buckets. I would like to thank her especially for pointing out that reaching our targets is not just a numbers game, it is about a better quality of life for our people, it is about dignity for our people, it is about security, it is also about health and hygiene.
I would like to say that we have been working very hard to ensure that the remaining 78 500 buckets are eradicated from these formally established settlements and plans are afoot to make sure that we reach this target.
Construction is under way to remove these buckets and weekly reports are posted on my department’s website. A few provinces are left with challenges, but we have measures in place. We are moving people, resources and everything to make sure that the targets are met in these provinces. As you know, the removal of the buckets from formally established areas will be a major victory in our efforts to create a better life for our people. We are aware, though, that there are still millions and millions of people who still don’t have access to sanitation in our country and we are working to ensure that we reach those people by our target dates of 2010 as well as 2008.
The second statement I would like to respond to, Chairperson, with your permission, is the statement from the IFP member, hon Sibuyana, with whom I agree that dirty water indeed is unhygienic, it brings disease and death and it should be avoided that people have to drink dirty water at all costs. That’s why we have adopted measures such as the free basic services policy to ensure that those who don’t have access to water, who can’t pay for water actually are given water and are discouraged from using dirty water.
I agree with him that all people must have access to clean running water and should not drink dirty water. We are working very hard to ensure that all our people have access to clean running water by our target date. I have noted his concern. I will look into this Louis Trichardt story and see how we can assist the municipality to bring interim intervention in that case whilst we look for a permanent solution. I thank you. [Applause.]
ORDERS NO 1 AND 2, CHILDREN’S BILL, STAND OVER
(Draft Resolution)
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Chairperson, I move:
That Orders No 1 and 2 stand over.
The MINISTER OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Mr Chairman, I know that what I am doing is unusual and has never been done in this Parliament, and ought not to be done. However, I stand here surely to complain at the unacceptable manner in which this Bill has been dealt with by Parliament as a whole.
It is the third or fourth time this month that we are told in this House that the Children’s Amendment Bill is not ready, and it has taken 10 full years plus one for this Bill to be tabled here before Parliament. Surely, there must be something wrong with Parliament and its administration if such things are happening. There must be something wrong with the management as a whole.
I can’t accept that. It is unacceptable, and I stand here to state very clearly: I am not party to that; It can’t be. All of us are expected to keep quiet because it is happening. If the people concerned are unable to do their job, surely some other better people should be appointed to do that. Thank you. [Applause.]
Mr M J ELLIS: Mr Chairman, since the hon Minister has raised the point, we want to concur with him fully. It is quite incredible to think that we could have got to the stage where we were within minutes of debating the Bill, which has not yet been completed by the technical committee, by the legal advisors, and so on. It is a most incredible situation, and I simply stand to say that we agree one hundred percent with what the Minister has said and thank him for his attitude. Maybe it is through that kind of attitude that we can start to develop proper procedures in this House. Thank you. [Applause.]
Agreed to.
The House adjourned at 15:15. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Standards Bill [B 46 – 2007] (National Assembly–
proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior
notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette
No 30351 of 8 October 2007.]
(b) National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Bill [B
47 – 2007] (National Assembly– proposed sec 75) [Explanatory
summary of Bill and prior notice of its introduction
published in Government Gazette No 30351 of 8 October 2007.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Trade
and Industry of the National Assembly, as well as referral to
the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms
of Joint Rule 160.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the
classification of the Bills may be submitted to the JTM
within three parliamentary working days.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Speaker and the Chairperson
a) Report of the Auditor-General on the findings identified during a performance audit on the rendering of catering services at the Department of Defence – August 2007 [RP 221-2007].
-
The Minister of Finance
a) Agreement Establishing the Collaborative Africa Budget Reform Initiative (CABRI), tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement Establishing the Collaborative Africa Budget Reform Initiative (CABRI).
-
The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Report on the withholding of remuneration of Mr T V D Matyolo, in terms of section 13(4A)(b) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
-
The Minister of Science and Technology
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the Sultanate of Oman on Scientific and
Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Sultanate of
Oman on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms
of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
c) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Argentine Republic on Scientific and Technological
Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution,
1996.
d) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Argentine
Republic on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
e) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the Slovak Republic on Scientific and
Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
f) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Slovak
Republic on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
g) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of Australia on Scientific and Technological
Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution,
1996.
h) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of South Africa and the Government of Australia on
Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of
section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
i) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the Hellenic Republic on Scientific and
Technological Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
j) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of
the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Hellenic
Republic on Scientific and Technological Cooperation, tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.