National Assembly - 06 May 2008
TUESDAY, 6 MAY 2008
____
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 14:04.
The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
CONDOLENCES ON THE DEATH OF ANDREW MASONDO
(Draft Resolution)
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes with a deep sense of sorrow the death on Sunday, 20 April
2008, of Andrew Masondo, a retired lieutenant general of the South
African National Defence Force, who passed away after a long
illness;
2) recalls that Lt Gen Masondo joined the African National Congress
Military Wing uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in 1962 and was arrested the
following year for carrying out acts of sabotage against the
apartheid state and for furthering the aims of a banned
organisation, was sentenced to 13 years on Robben Island and upon
his release in 1976 rejoined MK in exile and was appointed as
Political Commissar;
3) further recalls that Masondo was a highly motivational person who
could speak all the country’s languages and it is, amongst other
things, because of these qualities that he was chosen to shoulder
the daunting responsibility of building spirit in the newly merged
South African National Defence Force (SANDF) at the dawn of
democracy in our country;
4) believes that Lt Gen Masondo served our country with distinction and
that he committed his life to the noble cause of defeating the
unjust apartheid colonial system as well as to the rebuilding and
defence of a South Africa free of racism, sexism and poverty; and
5) conveys its condolences to the Masondo family, the South African
National Defence Force and the African National Congress.
Agreed to. NOTICES OF MOTION
The SPEAKER: I note that the previous item was a motion without notice. I had just asked for notices of motion. We now go back to notices of motion.
Mr M WATERS: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I intend moving the following motion:
That the House debates how best we can protect the children of our country in light of the Child Protection Week starting on 26 May 2008.
Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I intend moving the following motion:
That this House debates the South African government’s response to the current situation in Zimbabwe.
Thank you.
Mr G T MADIKIZA: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice on behalf of the UDM that I will move at the next sitting of the House:
That the House –
1) recognises the growing international and domestic food crisis and
the risk it poses to South Africans in general and the poor in
particular;
2) acknowledges that South Africa’s agricultural sector has a major
role to play in ensuring our domestic food security;
3) further notes that government policy has put existing farmers under
huge pressure with the wholesale withdrawal of subsidies and other
supportive measures, while simultaneously failing to provide
adequate support for emerging farmers; and
4) debates how these matters are linked, and what possible solutions
South Africa could implement to avert a major food crisis.
Thank you.
CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING AWAY OF ZOLILE MALINDI
(Draft Resolution)
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House – 1) notes with sorrow the passing away of Mr Zolile Malindi, who died on Monday, 21 April 2008;
2) recalls that Comrade Zolie, as he was affectionately known amongst
his peers, was an anti-apartheid activist and a former provincial
president of the United Democratic Front in the Western Cape in the
1980s, and an internationalist who committed his life to the service
of the people, expecting no personal gain, be it in terms of high
positions or wealth;
3) further recalls that Malindi, together with other comrades, worked
to build the civic movements which played a key role in the fight to
end apartheid and that many of the comrades he fought with were
assassinated by the apartheid security police, while others were
detained and tortured, and in recognition of his contribution to the
struggle for peace and social justice, our country has honoured him
with the Order of Luthuli; and
4) conveys its condolences to the Malindi family, the African National
Congress, the South African Communist Party, the South African
National Civic Association and the Congress of South African Trade
Unions.
Agreed to.
CONDOLENCES ON UNTIMELY DEATH OF ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO SOUTH AFRICA
(Draft Resolution)
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes with profound sadness the untimely death on Saturday, 19 April
2008, of the Italian Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency
Alessandro Cevese;
2) further notes that His Excellency Cevese passed away in a car
accident that took place in a private game park in Limpopo Province;
3) recalls that Ambassador Cevese joined the Italian diplomatic service
in 1978 and had held several high positions in the foreign ministry
of his country before moving to South Africa in 2006;
4) further recalls that His Excellency Cevese was a Knight Commander of
the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy; and
5) conveys its condolences to his loved ones, the government and the
people of the Republic of Italy.
Agreed to.
WORLD ASTHMA DAY
(Draft Resolution)
Mrs C DUDLEY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes that today is World Asthma Day and that this has a special
significance for South Africa as nearly one in every five children
in South Africa is affected by asthma;
2) encourages continued focus on positive living and healthy lifestyles
by the government and the people of South Africa, as this greatly
reduces the impact of this condition; and
3) calls on the government to continue its vigilance in enforcing
regulations with regard to environmental pollution, which increases
the spread of asthma.
Thank you. Agreed to.
CELEBRATION OF MOTHERS’ DAY
(Draft Resolution)
Ms S RAJBALLY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
1) notes that –
a) on 11 May 2008 Mothers’ Day will be celebrated; and
b) in an era where South Africa’s population is primarily
socialised by mothers and the pivotal role our mothers play in
the people we become and how we are to embrace this country
and its people;
2) takes this opportunity to –
a) pay tribute to every mother and women in South Africa and to
thank them for the important role they play in the progress
and development of South Africa; and
b) once again denounce all forms of abuse and violence imposed on
women and children and give a standing ovation to all men who
respect this and uphold the value that every woman plays in
our country; and
3) wishes all mothers a very happy and an enjoyable Mothers’ Day.
I thank you.
Agreed to.
MOTION OF CONDOLENCE
(The late Ms N C Kondlo)
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move the motion printed in the name of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party on the Order Paper, as follows:
That the House –
1) notes with profound sadness the untimely death of Comrade Ncumisa
Chwayita Kondlo, who passed away on Monday, 24 March 2008;
2) recognises that the hon Kondlo was a dedicated communist, human
rights and gender activist, and a hard-working member and leader of
the African National Congress and a Member of our Parliament and
that, during her lifetime, she had a loving heart that embraced many
in her line of duty;
3) recalls that the hon Ncumisa Kondlo became active in politics from
an early age during her student days at Fort Hare University and
that her passion to liberate the poor was also inspired by her
upbringing in the rural village of Peddie in the Eastern Cape, where
she was exposed to the inhumane living conditions spawned by the
barbaric colonial apartheid system, and that she was active in the
broad range of structures of the Mass Democratic Movement and of
workers’ movements including Azaso, Sanco, the Black Students
Movement, Neusa, Sayco, the South African Democratic Teachers’
Union, Sadtu, and Sadwu;
4) further recalls that at the time of her passing away, the hon Kondlo
was the deputy chairperson and a member of the Central Committee of
the South African Communist Party and that she was also a member of
the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee of
the ANC and the chairperson of the ANC caucus in Parliament;
5) acknowledges the great contribution that the hon Kondlo made in the
struggle to create a nonracial, nonsexist, democratic and prosperous
South Africa and as a Member of Parliament, and that she discharged
her responsibilities with dedication, discipline, diligence and
humility; and
6) conveys its condolences to the Kondlo family, the African National
Congress and the South African Communist Party.
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I cannot comment in any detail on the political history or contribution in this field which was made by our departed colleague, as we were far apart in political thinking. But I know her history speaks of bravery and service to a great cause.
What I want to record - and I asked specifically if I may speak to this motion - is the little relationship that developed between me and her in our period of service together in the NCOP, where I got to know her as a fierce fighter, and subsequently, since 2004, when we were together in this House. We became friends; we became woman friends. We always chatted to each other in the corridors, laughed together, exchanged ideas about clothes, teased each other and generally experienced the kind of collegial warmth which many of us are lucky enough to share across the political divide.
After the loss of her husband, she was clothed in the black of mourning for a long time. She bore her grief with dignity. Some time afterwards, I gave her a pair of blue earrings which I had worn and she had liked. When she wore them when I was Chairperson and could see them, we used to exchange a little smile of recognition.
When she reached the position of caucus chair, I was proud of her as a woman and as a friend. When she died, I was quite devastated. So short is life, and sad. Let’s remember her as a valued friend who touched the lives of people around her. May her soul rest in peace!
Mr H J BEKKER: Madam Speaker, the IFP would like to extend its condolences to the majority party and the family and friends of Ncumisa Kondlo, who passed away suddenly on 24 March 2008.
I knew her personally. As a member of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, I wish to convey my personal sympathies and condolences to all concerned. I was also fortunate to know Ms Kondlo on that special committee and in the special role that she played in the committee as an overseer of the executive – a task which she carried out with discipline and great commitment.
During a parliamentary portfolio committee visit to South America, she fell ill and was hospitalised and had to stay behind. How well I remember when we went to say goodbye to her; how well I remember the embrace she gave, and how well I remember the way she looked at us at that stage. We wondered whether we were going to see her again. Then she recovered so wonderfully that she could continue her task with absolute dedication.
Furthermore, it came as no surprise to me when she was elected as a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and the ANC National Working Committee, as she had always exhibited great leadership qualities in Parliament, the ANC and the SA Communist Party. Her lifelong dedication to their causes testifies to this effect.
Parliament, the ANC and the SA Communist Party have lost a valuable member in Ms Kondlo. She will be sorely missed. Yet, we must not think of ourselves only, but most importantly we should think of her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. To them we say: Honour her memory and dedication, and remember her as a guiding light in your lives. Thank you.
Mr J BICI: Madam Speaker, it is sad that the first order of business we have to return to should be to say farewell to another of our fellow democrats. We wish to express our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late hon Kondlo. May God be with you during this time of bereavement.
The hon Kondlo will be missed. We salute her commitment to her parliamentary work and the active role she played in the committees that she served on. Even where we may have differed over policies, we know that she shared our passion for making this country a better place for all. We hope that her loved ones will take consolation in the fact that she was an architect of this democratic institution and that her legacy will live on through the decisions and legislation to which she contributed. May her soul rest in peace!
Thank you.
Mnr I E JENNER: Speaker, ek bring vandag hulde namens my party, die OD, aan ’n held van die stryd om bevryding. Haar bydrae sal ons onvergeetlik bybly. Ek bring hulde aan die geskiedenis van ’n kameraad. Sy sal onthou word as ’n stryder, ’n agent vir verandering en ’n vrou wat in donker tye opgestaan het.
Die vlaktes van my grootword by Jakkalskop verby gedenk haar nagedagtenis, haar bydrae en haar opoffering. Haar naam sal gevoeg word by die helde van die vryheidstryd. Sy was ’n lewendige voorbeeld van ’n produk van die rewolusie. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Mr I E JENNER: Speaker, today I pay homage on behalf of my party, the ID, to a hero of the liberation struggle. Her contribution will never be forgotten. I pay homage to the legacy of a comrade. She will be remembered as a crusader, an agent for change and a woman who stood up during dark times.
The plains of my early years past Jakkalskop honour her memory, her contribution and her sacrifices. Her name will be added to the heroes of the freedom struggle. She was a living example of a product of the revolution.]
Let us pick up the spear of a fallen hero, a true compadre, a revolutionary, and fulfil the mandate of the national democratic revolution. Today we salute a person of character and principles, a symbol of humbleness and a true reflection of the struggle for liberation.
Mag die vrede van God die familie vergesel en die seer van hul verlies met tyd heel. [May the peace of God be with the family and heal the pain of their loss with time.]
Hamba kahle, qabane, qhawe lamaqhawe. [Rest in peace comrade, hero of heroes.]
Mr H B CUPIDO: Madam Speaker, the ACDP joins this House in conveying our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the hon Kondlo. It is our sincere hope that they have an assurance and confidence that she has gone to be with her Maker, and pray they will experience the peace of Jesus Christ at this time.
Hon Kondlo is recognised for her contribution to the liberation of South Africa and the postapartheid reconstruction process. Hon Kondlo was especially vocal on human rights and gender issues, and we salute her for this. Hon Kondlo was also a former MEC for Welfare in the Eastern Cape provincial government. She has played a paramount role in bettering the lives of many poor people during this time. It is of course her loved ones, her family, friends and colleagues, who knew her best and who will miss her most. We ask God, therefore, to strengthen her colleagues, family and friends at this time. May God bless you with His peace, which transcends all understanding, to guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Amen. Thank you.
Mr P H K DITSHETELO: Madam Speaker, the UCDP notes with regret the passing away of Comrade Ncumisa, who contributed selflessly to the formation of the teachers’ union in the Border region and subsequently in the establishment of the SA Democratic Teachers Union. In the eighties she was heavily involved in organising for the SA Domestic Workers Union. Her contribution in the upliftment of the social and cultural structure won her an award, as she was involved in the South African women’s struggle. She was internationally recognised for this and received an award from the Swedish Society Party.
A re mo tlogeleng a tsamae ka kagiso. O dirile go tlala seatla ka nako e khutshwanyane. Mokgatlho wa ANC, amogelang gore Modimo o ne o neile, mme Modimo o tshotse. Ba lelapa la moswi, ra re lalang ka ntho madi a tshologa le pelo di gamuketse botlhoko di tlaa fola. A go bakwe leina la Modimo. (Translation of Setswana paragraph follows.)
[Although she was granted half a life, she was remarkable. May she rest in peace. Our condolences go to the ANC. As God has given, He has now taken. We would also like to convey our condolences to the bereaved family and we hope they will be strong and find a healing power in grieving. May the name of the Lord be praised.]
Ms S RAJBALLY: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the leader of the MF, the hon A Rajbansi, and the entire team of the MF, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the late hon Ncumisa Kondlo. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but we have to move forward and do so with utmost respect and in loving memory of the wonderful and committed person that she was.
In the past term we have had to bid farewell to so many comrades who have played a pivotal role in the delivery and development of democracy. Our sympathies are extended to the Mthwazi families. May the Almighty God bless you with the strength to get through this difficult loss and place in your hearts the comfort of knowing that she now resides in the gardens of heaven, with so many of our ancestors, comrades and leaders.
We further extend our condolences to the ANC and the SACP on the loss of an impeccable and dedicated patriot for democracy and fighter for the betterment of South Africans. We need to continue her plight and forge on to sustainable development and total eradication of poverty, inequality and crime. Kondlo, may you rest in peace, knowing that you have given us your best, for which we are eternally grateful. I thank you.
Dr S E M PHEKO: Madam Speaker, our country needs a progressive social order which provides food, housing, clothing, skills and employment. If the ability to pay for these necessities of life is the passport, then at this time most of our people, who are the majority of the poor, are excluded from a decent life fit for all human beings. It is in this spirit that the PAC joins this House in expressing its profound sadness on the sudden departure of the hon Ncumisa Chwayita Kondlo on 24 March 2008.
She dedicated her life to the poor and served them with distinction. It will be remembered that she was the only MEC who personally went to the Gatyana community to ensure that all the poor got their social grants. She leaves a yawning gap in the ranks of those who have a similar vision for the poor. This is a great loss to the ANC and the SACP.
But I want to send special condolences to the Kondlo family. The PAC has a very soft spot for the Kondlo family as a whole and has always had revolutionary appreciation for this great family of warriors for freedom. One of their sons, Gen Gerald Kibwe Kondlo, fell at one of the famous battles of the PAC, the Villa Peri battle, where he was commanding the forces of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army against the Portuguese colonial forces on their way to this country. May the spirit of this great daughter of Africa continue to inspire us for the battles that lie ahead. Thank you.
Mr S SIMMONS: Madam Speaker, the NA has noted with great sadness the passing on of our colleague hon Ncumisa Kondlo. I concur with the sentiments expressed by previous hon members in this House. The contributions of any individual in the fight for freedom and democracy can never be ignored, more so if they are of the magnitude of those of the late Ms Ncumisa Kondlo. She was an exemplary example in the fight for freedom and democracy, which started from an early age as a student at Fort Hare University. As a result of her rural upbringing, she was exposed to extreme poverty, which resulted in her having a passion to support the poor. The NA salutes hon Ms Ncumisa Kondlo for her unselfish contribution to our people and conveys its condolences to her family and the ANC. May her soul rest in peace. Thank you.
Mnr P J GROENEWALD: Speaker, die dood is ’n finaliteit wat nie een van ons kan ontwyk nie en wat nie een van ons kan verander nie. Die dood gaan altyd gepaard met hartseer van geliefdes wat agterbly.
As ek luister na die geskiedenis van die agb afgestorwene, Speaker, is dit baie duidelik dat sy haar merk baie duidelik gemaak het in haar lewe; dat haar familie werklik trots sal wees op haar; en dat haar optredes en die merk wat sy gemaak het ook vir hulle ’n voorbeeld sal wees.
Die VF Plus wil dan ook graag ons innige meegevoel betoon aan die familie en die geliefdes met die afsterwe van ons kollega. Dankie. (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mr P J GROENEWALD: Speaker, death is a finality which none of us can evade and which none of us can change. Death is always accompanied by sadness for the loved ones who are left behind.
Speaker, when I listen to the history of the hon deceased, it is evident that she had very clearly made her mark in her life; that her family will really be proud of her, and that her conduct and the mark she made will also serve as an example to them.
The FF Plus also wants to express its sincere condolences to the family and the loved ones with the passing of our colleague. Thank you.]
Ms N C MADLALA-ROUTLEDGE: Somlomo namalungu ahloniphekile [Speaker and hon members], on 5 April 2008 our people converged in their thousands at the Eastern Cape village of Ndwayana to pay their final tributes to one of the outstanding daughters of our revolution and an esteemed member of this august tribunal of the people, Comrade Ncumisa Kondlo.
On behalf of the ANC, which Comrade Ncumisa proudly served for many years, I would like to take this opportunity to convey our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and comrades. Her passing is indeed a huge loss to the broader revolutionary alliance and its continued battle for the victory of our national democratic revolution.
The many who had the privilege of being present when she was laid to rest at the humble and unassuming village that holds her umbilical cord, heard the moving orations pertaining to the extraordinary life of this dear daughter of our people. These orations from the leadership, representing the revolutionary tripartite alliance, spoke of a true patriot, a combatant, a socialist, a fearless fighter, a caring servant and hero of the people.
Those who knew Comrade Ncumisa know that such descriptive accounts were no mere proverbial expressions habitually accorded the departed, but were a true and fitting account of her remarkable and inspiring life. Such was said because hers was a heroic life. It was thus symbolic that Comrade Ncumisa was laid to rest during the month that the ANC has declared Heroes’ Month, in which we commemorate the lives of the heroes of the struggle.
Comrade Ncumisa’s funeral took place in the month in which, 15 years ago, a martyr and stalwart of our struggle for liberation, Chris Thembisile Hani, was assassinated during intensive national negotiations towards a peaceful and democratic settlement. She was laid to rest in the very same month in which, in 1979, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu was executed by the ruthless apartheid regime as part of a concerted and brutal clampdown on those who challenged the oppressive order.
These heroes of our struggle, whose deaths we commemorated during the month of April, paid supreme sacrifices for the freedom we are enjoying today. It is thus a fitting tribute that the natural circumstances dictated that Comrade Ncumisa’s final journey from the land of the living should take place in this particular month, because of the extraordinary and remarkable life she lived.
Perhaps we should, as we have done with these other heroes of the history of our revolution whose lives we celebrated during that particular month, pause and ponder who Comrade Ncumisa was and what she stood for. This, as the president of the ANC said during her solemn funeral, will enable us as a nation to pay tribute to her by learning from her life, and to rediscover and remain true to the values that guided her life.
Comrade Ncumisa was born into the struggle in which she spared neither strength nor courage in her contribution to the attainment of the democratic majority rule. Like Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, Comrade Ncumisa belonged to a generation of defiant and brave young activists, who speared the cause for national liberation through the country’s radical youth movement. She cut her teeth in student politics and played a leading role in the SA Youth Congress, Sayco, in the 1980s, as well as in the formation of the ANC Youth League in the Eastern Cape. She was uncompromising in her abhorrence of racism and inequality, and dearly cherished the ideals for freedom and equality for all South Africans.
Comrade Ncumisa was a unifier and a humble servant of the people. She personified the characteristics of the kind of leader and cadre our movement and country needs – a cadre that is ready to serve the people in whatever capacity, a cadre that is sympathetic to the poor and dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life of all our people.
The people of this country will always remember her for the passionate commitment with which she served them as a member of this august Parliament and as a provincial Minister in the Eastern Cape. She despised the philosophy of self-enrichment, but remained steadfast in our revolutionary mission of eradicating inequality, poverty and joblessness, and the construction of a prosperous and truly democratic nation.
Death, which the 18th century poet John Donne curses as not mighty and dreadful in his sonnet Death Be Not Proud, has indeed robbed us of a gender activist, a worker and a true communist. As a youth, Comrade Ncumisa served in the executive of the Border Youth Congress and represented the region on the women’s desk. She was among those who led the re-establishment of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa. Her activism in the gender struggle was acknowledged internationally when the Swedish Socialist Party awarded her an international award for her role as one of the champions of the country’s young women’s struggle.
Like Thembisile Chris Hani, Comrade Ncumisa was a communist to the end, who simultaneously served both her party and the ANC with diligence. She was always guided by her Marxist-Leninist ideological outlook in her defence of the congress movement. Longtime friend and close comrade, SACP treasurer Pumulo Maswale, fondly remembers her and says: “She would always insist on communists guarding jealously the working-class bias of the movement and rejected any attempt on the part of the working class turning its back on the ANC.”
Those who had the privilege of working with her testified to her quiet and reserved personality behind which lay an astute visionary with an acute political acumen. Such is the character that enabled us to sit as members of this democratic institution today. Her characteristic leadership, skill and exemplary personality made the membership of the tripartite alliance entrust her with positions of leadership, which she loyally served, among others as an NEC member and caucus chairperson of the ANC, deputy chairperson and member of the politburo of the SACP and a member of the Cosatu-affiliated union. She was the embodiment of the alliance and fully understood and lived by its traditional values.
We in the ANC had hoped to continue gleaning from the wisdom of her leadership for many more years. In the same manner the millions of our people were propelled by the blood of Comrades Chris Hani, Solomon Mahlangu and others to intensify the war against the apartheid order, we will pick up Comrade Ncumisa’s spear and fight for the realisation of a truly nonracial, nonsexist and democratic South Africa.
I wish to join this House today in bidding farewell to this humble daughter of our people. She will indeed be sorely missed. Ulale ngoxolo, Bhelekazi. [Rest in peace, Bhelekazi.]
The SPEAKER: Hon members, the condolences of the House will be conveyed, and will include the Deputy Speaker’s and mine, to the Kondlo family, the ANC and the SACP.
Debate concluded.
Motion agreed to, members standing.
ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS
(Member’s Statement)
Ms K R MAGAU (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC believes that the principles of democracy and good governance are at the heart of the success of the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. Zimbabwe has consistently upheld its constitution by regularly holding elections as required, without fail. Where people have indicated dissatisfaction with the conduct of elections, they have pursued their concerns within the law and according to the constitution.
The release by the Zimbabwean Electoral Commission of the results of the presidential election is a positive development, which is long overdue. In the event of the runoff vote, it is critically important that an environment exists for the people of Zimbabwe to exercise their right to vote in a free, fair and peaceful manner. In this regard we are concerned at reports of violence and intimidation emanating from that country.
The ANC has full confidence in the mediation effort led by President Thabo Mbeki. [Interjections.] The mediation process has made a significant contribution to the fairness and peacefulness of the first round of voting. These efforts need to continue so as to assist the people of Zimbabwe in their desire for peace, stability and development of their own country. I thank you. [Applause.]
INFANT DEATHS IN UKHAHLAMBA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
(Member’s Statement)
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSTION (DA): Madam Speaker, Ukhahlamba district in the Eastern Cape is a so-called presidential development node, identified under the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme by President Thabo Mbeki in his State of the Nation Address in 2001. An estimated 78 infant deaths occurred in this district in the past three months, ostensibly due to diarrhoea that was contracted through impurities in the drinking water, which the local hospitals were unable to treat due to the unavailability of basic medication at the government-run local hospitals. For its part, the clearly undercapacitated Ukhahlamba District Municipality failed to provide timeous warnings concerning the quality of the drinking water in the area, shirked all responsibility and resorted to blaming the local hospital and alleging that infants died because they were HIV sufferers, without any basis.
The provincial government’s inadequate response was delayed by more than a week, due to indecision about whether to make the report on the incident public or not.
Finally, I wish to put on record that neither the Presidency nor any other department of national government took any action or responsibility or held anyone accountable for this tragedy.
FUEL PRICE INCREASE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr N SINGH (IFP): Madam Speaker, tomorrow the price of petrol and diesel will rise for the umpteenth time in recent months. The cost of fuel is now so high that even the petrol pumps cannot keep up anymore. Of course, this is no laughing matter, as high fuel prices drive a range of other prices upwards. The worst of these, for the poor, is the cost of food, where recent increases have far outstripped the average inflation rate, leading to a situation where more and more already poor people are struggling to feed their families.
It is so that external factors are driving fuel price increases and that we have little control over these factors. However, the IFP believes that it is time for our government to investigate proactive measures that could assist motorists and the economy as a whole to cope better with high fuel prices. One such measure could be the reactivation of the Equalisation Fund, which previously was used to smooth out price fluctuations and lessen the immediate shock to the economy and the public at large. This government has done so in the past. We know that the fund is dormant and that no levy is being collected at the moment, but the legislative framework is still in place and the Minister of Finance could reactivate the fund if studies show that it would be beneficial in the long run.
The IFP therefore calls on the Minister of Finance to launch an immediate investigation into the possibility of using the Equalisation Fund to smooth out fuel price increases and to lessen the short-term shock of recurring sharp price increases. Perhaps one of the ways of accomplishing this would be quarterly implementation of increases or decreases in the fuel price. Thank you.
FOOD PRICE INCREASES
(Member’s Statement)
Mr D M DLALI (ANC): Madam Speaker, the current food price increases pose serious challenges for our country, particularly the poor. Sixty percent of our people spend more than 25% of their income on food. The ANC believes that South Africa needs to act urgently to focus the nation’s attention on the task of developing policies that will enable us to increase agricultural production. This should apply to both large-scale commercial farming as well as small-scale subsistence farming, and should include encouraging and assisting families to start up vegetable gardens at their homes.
The consistent increase of the international crude oil price and its impact on the price of petrol, diesel and paraffin aggravates the living conditions of our people. The proposed tariff increase by Eskom could not have come at a worse moment. We urge our government to act ruthlessly against food producers who conspire to exploit our people by fixing food prices. We must act together in defence of our country’s future, its stability and all its people; in particular the poorest of the poor. Thank you.
MOVE TO DISBAND SCORPIONS
(Member’s Statement)
Ms S N SIGCAU (UDM): Speaker, the UDM calls on the ANC government to desist from its attempts to disband the Scorpions. The long overdue release of the Khampepe Commission report yesterday has blown away every flimsy excuse that has been advanced for the disbandment of the Scorpions. With all those half-hearted excuses wiped away, all that remain are the shameful public statements by senior ANC members, including the hon Chief Whip, that the Scorpions are being closed down for having the temerity to investigate and prosecute ANC leaders. These public statements are riddled with contradictions and demonstrate an obsessive, all-encompassing desire to destroy the Scorpions at all costs.
Is it too late to appeal for sanity and to hope that somewhere within the ANC there are still leaders who are willing to stand up? Is there nobody left to say, “no, this course of action is ill-conceived and a blatant abuse of power”?
Today we hear the news that Leonard McCarthy has been appointed by the World Bank. Is the intention of this campaign against the Scorpions to drive away every person willing to fight corruption? One can only wonder what those who cheer so loudly for the demise of the Scorpions have to hide. Thank you, Speaker. [Applause.]
CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE
(Member’s Statement)
Mnr P J GROENEWALD (VF PLUS): Mev die Speaker, President Mbeki het deurlopend die eis gestel dat die probleme in Zimbabwe op ’n vreedsame en demokratiese wyse opgelos moet word. Wanneer die MDC geduldig vir meer as 10 jaar dit presies so probeer doen, verkies President Mbeki om geloofwaardigheid aan President Mugabe te gee deur te sê dat daar geen krisis in Zimbabwe is nie. Hierdeur versterk hy Mugabe in sy ondemokratiese misbruik van mag om vir die derde keer ’n verkiesing te steel.
Nêrens in die wêreld word langer as ’n maand gewag vir die uitslag van ’n verkiesing nie. As President Mugabe die Zimbabwe-verkiesing gewen het, sou die aankondiging van die uitslag binne twee dae bekend gemaak gewees het, soos dit in die vorige verkiesings in Zimbabwe gebeur het.
Daarom laat so ’n berekende vertraging alle alarms afgaan dat die Zimbabwe- regering agter die skerms ingemeng het met die uitslae, en die tyd gebruik het om opposisiekiesers te intimideer met die oog op ’n opvolgverkiesing.
Suid-Afrika ly tans onherstelbare skade op internasionale vlak as gevolg van President Mbeki se teleurstellende en kortsigtige hantering van die saak. Daar is internasionaal absoluut geen voordeel in vir Suid-Afrika om ’n totaal gediskrediteerde Mugabe polities regop te probeer hou nie.
Daarom het die VF Plus alreeds in ’n brief aan die Speaker gevra dat die Parlement dringend die krisis met die Zimbabwe-verkiesing moet bespreek. Aangesien die Zimbabwe-krisis nog geensins opgelos is nie, bly so ’n debat nodig, om aan die wêreld te wys dat alle Suid-Afrikaners nie President Mbeki se standpunte oor Zimbabwe deel nie. Dankie. (Translation of Afrikaans member’s statement follows.)
[Mr P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS): Madam Speaker, President Mbeki has continuously demanded that the problems in Zimbabwe be resolved in a peaceful and democratic manner. When the MDC has been trying for more than ten years to do precisely this, President Mbeki chooses to give credibility to President Mugabe by stating that there is no crisis in Zimbabwe. By doing this, he is strengthening Mugabe in his undemocratic abuse of power to steal an election for the third time.
Nowhere in the world are the results of an election waited on for longer than a month. If President Mugabe had won the Zimbabwe elections, the announcement of the results would have been made within two days, as was the case in the previous elections in Zimbabwe.
That is why such a calculated delay sounds all the alarms that the Zimbabwe government has meddled with the results behind the scenes, and has used the time to intimidate opposition voters with a view to a run-off election.
South Africa is currently suffering irreparable harm on international level as a result of President Mbeki’s disappointing and short-sighted handling of this matter. Internationally, there is absolutely no benefit to South Africa in trying to politically prop up a totally discredited Mugabe.
Therefore, the FF Plus has already asked the Speaker in a letter that Parliament should urgently discuss the Zimbabwe elections. Since the Zimbabwean crisis has not been resolved by any means as yet, such a debate remains necessary to show the world that all South Africans do not share President Mbeki’s points of view regarding Zimbabwe. Thank you.]
ROLE OF RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENT
(Member’s Statement)
Ms M L MATSEMELA (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC believes that open debate and transparency in government and society are crucial elements of reconstruction and development. This requires an information policy which guarantees active exchange of information and opinion among all members of society. Without the free flow of accurate and comprehensive information, no concrete planning can succeed.
More than 300 international researchers are to gather at Mafikeng for a research showcase which aims to highlight the value of information sharing between government and research institutions to improve socioeconomic development. This will be hosted by the North West Research Co-ordinating Committee in conjunction with the North West provincial government. They are meeting under the theme “Accelerating socioeconomic development through research”.
The showcase will comprise an interdisciplinary committee made up of a researcher and all relevant stakeholders. It is viewed as the best answer to a collaborative research approach. The ANC believes that research is an important focus area in the process of transformation, development and growth, and urges all participants in the knowledge development sphere to place at the centre of their work the needs of the poor. I thank you.
COLLECTION OF AIDS STATISTICS BY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Member’s Statement)
Mrs S V KALYAN (DA): Madam Speaker, the Aids pandemic is wreaking havoc across South Africa, destroying many families in the process. It is estimated that one in every six South Africans is HIV- positive. A recent report by the Development Bank of South Africa suggests that a staggering 2,2 million more people than government figures show are becoming sick and are dying from Aids. The DBSA has based its information on figures obtained from grassroots sources in addition to clinics, local municipalities, development planners, mortuaries and funeral parlours.
The Minister of Health recently claimed that the epidemic was stabilising. She based these statistics on estimates, which is quite ironic, given that she slammed a United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund report entitled “Countdown to 2015”, which was presented at the 118th IPU and which showed that South Africa was falling catastrophically short in meeting Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6. If the Department of Health is not using accurate information, it means that all calculations on the number of persons who need treatment, the amount of drugs needed and the number of staff required to manage the pandemic are wrong. The Minister needs to explain to this House how her department collects the data on which it is basing its treatment programme and reassess this, if necessary.
TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS
(Member’s Statement)
Ms B T NGCOBO (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC has developed and implemented health policies aimed at ensuring that all South Africans receive total health care as a contribution to improving levels of prosperity and quality of life for all. The ANC-led government in KwaZulu-Natal has committed itself to training a further 3000 health personnel in the management of tuberculosis, both multi- and extreme drug resistant.
Another important aspect of the project is to make sure that the number of those who default on treatment programmes is brought down from 10% to 7%, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the causes that force patients to opt out of the programme. We commend the government’s initiative in dealing with the new challenges posed by drug resistant conditions and urge patients to adhere to their treatment regimes and minimise the threat to their lives and the lives of those around them. Thank you very much.
INFANT DEATHS CAUSED BY POLLUTED WATER
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M W SIBUYANA (IFP): Madam Speaker, the IFP is deeply alarmed by the deaths of many children in the Eastern Cape. A total of 80 have died. In the spirit of ubuntu, we are concerned about the loss of life of newborn babies and the impact that might have on their families. The 62 deaths in the Sterkspruit area are reported to have been related to water supply. The Health Department in Bisho has confirmed that babies are dying because of the dirty water they drink.
As we have argued before, our view is that this is a sign of a water crisis. Furthermore our belief is that the first solution, as in any state of crisis, is to acknowledge that indeed a water crisis exists. The question we put to this House is whether the Minister agrees that the deaths of so many babies as a result of drinking polluted water constitutes a crisis. I thank you.
ROLE OF ICT IN INCREASING INFORMATION ACCESS
(Member’s Statement) Ms M W MAKGATE (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC-led government is committed to increasing access to the information, communication and training, ICT, sector to previously disadvantaged communities. Our government works tirelessly to encourage co-ordination of existing ICT initiatives such as television and multipurpose community centres, as well as to raise public awareness of ICT and its impact on women’s development.
The Department of Communications will recruit 800 information technology graduates to be enrolled for the E-Cadre Programme to assist with IT technical support within their areas. Rural and urban nodal municipalities will be prioritised in rolling out this programme and graduates within these areas are encouraged to apply so that they can render services in their own communities.
ICT has great possibilities for education, training, skills development, job creation, basic service delivery and broad-based black economic empowerment. It is with this understanding that we commend the government’s E-Cadre Programme and urge the private sector to do more to improve our country’s skills base. I thank you. [Applause.]
OSCAR PISTORIUS NAMED ONE OF 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE BY TIME MAGAZINE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr K J MINNIE (DA): Madam Speaker, Time Magazine’s ranking of Oscar’s Pistorius as one of the 100 most influential people of 2008 is a triumph for South Africa and a lesson for all of us in overcoming obstacles and changing perceptions. Over his career, Mr Pistorius has turned a disability that many people would regard as something requiring sympathy into not only a personal success story to the point where he may, if he is permitted to participate, be a serious competitor for an Olympic title, but also into a story of triumph over a world in which the disabled are often seen as second-class citizens.
Oscar Pistorius, by continuing to challenge the boundaries of a world which gives him a different set of rights to those of able-bodied athletes, has single-handedly lifted the world’s understanding of the disabled in significant ways. The DA applauds his actions and wishes him well in his future endeavours. I thank you. [Applause.]
ROLE OF GAUTRAIN IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
(Member’s Statement)
Mr T G ANTHONY (ANC): Madam Speaker, the Gautrain Skills Training Project has set aside R23 million to train more than 1000 employed and unemployed people in critical and scarce skills in construction and construction vehicle operation. The recruitment programme targets mainly people from historically disadvantaged communities, including townships such as Tembisa, Mogale and Soweto.
The ANC believes that improved skills development, based on a sound general education system, is critical for economic equity, empowerment and growth. We urge government to accelerate efforts aimed at ensuring that the National Skills Authority develops effective mechanisms to disseminate information to and communicate with targeted constituencies about the programme. I thank you.
PROVISION OF LIBRARIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL
(Member’s Statement)
Nk M M NTULI (ANC): Umbutho wesizwe uKhongolose uyasithokozela kakhulu isimemezelo soMnyango Wezamasiko, Ezokungcebeleka Nezokuvakasha KwaZulu- Natali, sokuthi lo Mnyango uhlela ukwakha izikhungo zezincwadi eziseqophelweni eliphezulu ezindaweni ezisemaphandleni. Izindawo ezizohlomula kulolu hlelo oluhlinzekelwe ngesizumbulu esiyi-17 sezigidi zamarandi, yiNdwendwe, i-Tugela Ferry, iNtabamhlophe kanye naseZinqoleni.
Kuhlelwe ukuthi lezi zikhungo zezincwadi zibe namakhompyutha ezinga eliphezulu kanye nochwepheshe abazosiza le miphakathi ekuwasebenziseni. Zingamashumi amabili ezinye izikhungo zezincwadi ezizokwenziwa ngcono kulo nyaka ngaphansi kwalolu hlelo. UKhongolose uyalujabulela lolu hlelo njengesinye sezinyathelo esihle emzabalazweni wokwandisa isiko lokufunda phakathi kwabo bonke abantu bakithi. (Translation of isiZulu member’s statement follows.)
[Ms M M NTULI (ANC): The African National Congress is happy, following the announcement made by the provincial arts, culture and tourism department in KwaZulu-Natal that this department is planning to build state-of-the-art libraries in the rural areas. The areas that will benefit from this R17 million initiative are Ndwedwe, Tugela Ferry, Ntabamhlophe and Ezinqoleni.
The plan is for these libraries to have state-of-the-art computers, and experts who are going to assist these communities in using them. There are 20 other libraries that are going to be upgraded through this initiative this year. The ANC is happy about this initiative as a step in the right direction, in instilling a culture of learning amongst all fellow people.]
CONGRATULATIONS TO HELEN ZILLE
(Member’s Statement)
Mr W J SEREMANE (DA): Madam Speaker, it gives me and the DA great pleasure to congratulate Helen Zille on her first anniversary as national leader of the DA. During her first year as leader of this party, Helen has successfully articulated the DA’s vision for South Africa, that of an open- opportunity society, and managed to imprint her special leadership style throughout the party.
There are many signs that indicate that under her leadership the DA has already made significant gains in driving the politics of issues - not of personalities - principles and shared values beyond the politics of race. Helen has been able to do this while successfully executing her exacting duties as executive mayor of Cape Town, where she has presided over the restoration of service delivery and administration that was left in tatters by the former ANC government.
As mayor of Cape Town, Helen has also actively led the political quest for a new majority in South Africa, as head of a successful coalition government headed by the DA. We expect that under Helen’s leadership Cape Town, the DA and opposition politics in South Africa in general, including democracy, will continue to go from strength to strength without the unnecessary butchering amongst people. Thank you. [Applause.]
PROVISION OF LIBRARIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL
(Minister’s Response)
USEKELA MPHATHISWA WEZENKCUBEKO NOBUGCISA: Somlomo, babini ooBotha ke apha; ubokuyiqaphela loo nto. Mna ndiphakamela ukwaleka umsundulu kumbandela wamathala eencwadi nobe uphakanyiswa ngobekekileyo uQabane uNtuli. Siyalivuyela sikwalincoma inyathelo elicetywa liSebe lezeNkcubeko aMasiko nezoKhenketho lokuba kwakhiwe amathala eencwadi kwiindawo ezisemaphandleni kwiphondo laKwaZulu Natala. Ngaphezu koko kuyimfanelo ukuba la mathala abe kumgangatho ophezulu nophucukileyo, abe nombane, iikhompuyutha kunye nayo yonke into efunekayo yokugcina iincwadi zikwimeko elungileyo ukuze zilungele ukusetyenziswa rhoqo.
Maze ke kungabikho mahluko phakathi kwala mathala asemaphendleni kunye nalawo asezidolophini. Phambi kokuba eli lizwe likhululeke alikho isebe likarhulumente elakhe lacinga ngokwakhiwa kwamathala eencwadi emaphandleni. Kaloku la rhulumente wangaphambili, nowobandlululo wayesibandeza imfundo thina kuba efuna ukuba abantu abamnyama besoloko bengamakhoboka. Wayesithi bona bafaneleke ukuba babengabathuthi bamanzi nokuya kutheza iinkuni. Ngaphezu koko, iSebe lezeMfundo kuzwelonke sele liqalisile nalo ngephulo lalo ekuthiwa yiKha ri Gude ngesiVenda, oko ke kukuthi “Masifunde”. Siyabulela ke kwaba baPhathiswa babini kunye namasebe abo ngala manyathelo bawathathayo. Umnqweno wethu ngowokuba onke amaphondo azeke mzekweni. Enkosi. (Translation of isiXhosa Minister’s response follows.)
[The DEPUTY MINSTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Madam Speaker, just be careful that there are two Bothas here. I support the issue of libraries raised by Comrade Ntuli. We express our gratitude and also commend the initiative planned by the provincial arts, culture and tourism department for building libraries in rural areas in Kwazulu-Natal. Moreover, it is proper to have libraries of good and high standard with electricity, computers and all other necessities and for them to be accessible to the public.
Therefore, there should be no difference between libraries in rural and urban areas. Before democracy, there was no government department that thought about building libraries in rural areas. And the apartheid government refused to provide us with education and it always wanted to see black people suffering. That government perceived black people as people who only had to fetch water and gather firewood. The national Department of Education has already started with its campaign known as Kha ri Gude, which in Tshivenda simply means “Let us learn”. We are grateful to the two Ministers and their departments for such initiatives. We wish that all provinces could do the same. Thank you.]
FOOD PRICE INCREASES
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY: Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to respond briefly to the statement by the hon Dlali. I think he is quite correct when he emphasises that the question of food prices is a multifaceted one, and that it requires of us a production response and one which deals with enhancing capacity in our Department of Agriculture.
But I also just want to comment briefly on the point that he made about food producers who conspire to exploit our people by fixing food prices. I just want to say that we have noted from the work which is being done by the Competition Commission that while we have uncovered collusive behaviour, we have also found that this is continuing despite the findings by the competition authorities.
I also just want to say that we will be coming to Parliament with legislation which will contain proposals that are intended to deal with continued collusive behaviour, and to tighten up some of the loopholes in the existing legislation. Thank you very much.
CONGRATULATIONS TO HELEN ZILLE
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISES: Deputy Speaker, I am sure it would be churlish for the ANC not to also congratulate Helen Zille on one year as leader of the Opposition and to wish her many more years as leader of the Opposition. [Laughter.]
ROLE OF ICT IN INCREASING INFORMATION ACCESS
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank the hon Makgate for highlighting the role that information communication technology, ICT, plays in the lives of our people and the impact it can have in improving those lives.
I also thank the hon member for informing the nation about the E-Cadre Programme. I want to say that graduates that are recruited for this programme are not only graduates from universities, but also graduates from further education and training colleges. Given the fact that a lot of ICT has gone digital, many of the FET colleges are able to produce the kinds of people that can help us because those technologies have been made much easier.
The programme is based on a spirit of volunteerism amongst the youth and we hope that Members of Parliament here will assist us in monitoring those programmes. We can also inform members that in the municipalities they have started what we call “e-co-operatives” for young people, where they can work with municipalities in making sure that assistance is given. We should not underestimate this programme of the young people, because many of our own people are not able to use these technologies and this would help.
With regard to the private sector doing more, the private sector is already participating in an e-skills council with us in order to see how we can improve the skills. Some of those so-called “co-operate institutions” they have started need to be known by our people, such as: the Oracle Academy, programmes under Hewlett Packard as well as the NIIT. But I thank the member very much for having brought this to light in this meeting.
On the issue of information sharing, I would like to thank the member for making sure that we highlight the need for information flow and the accuracy of that information, and not only information flow to the people but also from the people in doing our research. Those marginalised people need to be heard from and also to be spoken to. Research does indeed help us to accelerate our socioeconomic development.
As the member mentioned, the nature of the research is interdisciplinary, because very often we stay in our own disciplines when research is done; the doctors do one thing and the sociologists do another thing and the two do not come together, and yet they are all very bound together. We must link theory and practice. We really thank the hon member for having made the statement. We will follow up the outcomes of this to see what we as government can do to gain the benefits and meet the needs of all people, not just some people, in our country. Thank you.
INFANT DEATHS CAUSED BY POLLUTED WATER
(Minister’s Response)
The MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY: Deputy Speaker, I would like to comment on the statement by the hon Sibuyana around the deaths of children in the Ukhahlamba District Municipality.
At the outset, on behalf of government, I would like to convey our condolences to the families of the children who died in Ukhahlamba District Municipality. We would like to assure the hon member that since the visit of the department to the province and our meeting with the province and the municipalities, plans are in place to ensure that there will be no further fatalities in this regard.
I also just want to say that it is correct that at the time of the incidents, the drinking water quality monitoring results in that area did reveal some failures. Hon members will remember that when I reported earlier on, I said that in the country we have a 94% success rate with regard to drinking water quality. But there are these municipalities, which comprise 6%, where we still have challenges. Ukhahlamba District Municipality is one of them.
But if you look at the areas that are covered, the outbreak is not localised. It is widespread around the district, so there is acceptance that the water may have contributed to this, but the province has accepted that there were probably many other reasons contributing to this. The water is unprotected and dirty, there is poverty, and there are unhealthy living conditions, including poor food storage, poor sanitation, poor refuse collection and failing health services.
We are working with the municipality to ensure that we assist them with the chlorination of water and we have also instructed the municipality to issue boiling water notices to make sure that we curb any future recurrence.
We are looking at very strong measures, because we have been supporting municipalities in the field of drinking water quality. But we are also looking at strong measures that we can take against municipalities which do not comply with their licences and the water services authorities including, where necessary, the suspension or cancellation of licences where municipalities are able but are not providing the necessary services.
At the same time, we are looking at measures to support deserving municipalities, because municipalities are at different levels of capacity. We are going to be tougher on those which can afford the services. In the event of a serious shortage of skills - as we know, there is a serious challenge of retention of people at this level - we need to come in and support them before we apply these strong measures. I can assure the hon member that we are doing everything we can. We have a team in place and we are continuing with testing. Problems have been found, but since our intervention we have had no further reports. But we will continuously report to Parliament about this. Thank you.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: We thank the Ministers and Deputy Ministers for the responses.
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AMENDMENT BILL
(Consideration of Bill and of Report of Portfolio Committee thereon)
The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, I move:
That the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B32D-2007] (National Assembly – sec 75) and Report of Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services (Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports, 20 March 2008, p 511) be referred back to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services for further consideration and report.
Agreed to.
There was no debate.
The House adjourned at 15:16. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
THURSDAY, 20 MARCH 2008
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Represented Political Parties’ Fund for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 129-2007].
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services on the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B32B-2007] (National Assembly – sec 75), dated 18 March 2008.
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, having considered the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B32B-2007] and the proposed amendments of the National Council of Provinces referred to the Committee (Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports, 19 February 2008), reports the Bill with amendments [B32C-2007]. TUESDAY, 25 MARCH 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly
- Membership of Committees
(1) The following changes have been made to the membership of
Portfolio Committees:
Finance
Appointed: Sibhidla, Ms N
Madlala–Routledge, Ms N (Alt)
Discharged: Bhamjee, Mr YS
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Social Development
(a) Strategic Plan for the Department of Social Development for 2008- 2011 [RP 37-2008].
(b) Strategic Plan for the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for 2008-2011 [RP 25-2008]. (c) Strategic Plan for the National Development Agency (NDA) for 2008-2011 [RP 40-2008].
-
The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Additional Protocol on the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the European Community and it’s Member States, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Additional Protocol on the Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the European Community and it’s Member States.
-
The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Strategic Plan and Budget of the Ingonyama Trust Board 2008/2009.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
- Report of the Standing Committee on Private Member’s Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions on the legislative proposals to amend the Constitution in respect of Floor Crossing, 21 November 2007
The Standing Committee on Private Member’s Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions, has considered the legislative proposal of Mr J H van der Merwe, that the Constitution be amended to abolish floor crossing. During the process of considering the proposal, the committee consulted the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development; the Independent Electoral Commission; the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs and various political parties represented in Parliament.
The Committee established that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development was also in the process of considering the issue of floor- crossing legislation. In this regard the committee became aware that a number of pieces of legislation would need amendment to achieve the objective of abolishing floor-crossing.
Besides amending the Constitution, a “membership bill” to effect amendments which would mainly be of a consequential nature and which would emanate from the Constitutional Amendment Bill, would need to be considered. These relate to the following Acts:-
- Electoral Commission Act, 1996;
- Public Funding of Represented Political Parties Act, 1997;
- Determination of Delegates (National Council of Provinces) Act, 1998;
- Electoral Act, 1998; and
- Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998
The committee was concerned that Mr Van der Merwe’s legislative proposal only seek to effect amendments to the Constitution whereas other pieces of legislation are also affected. The committee is of the view that a full debate, in the House, may be needed on the issue.
In view of the above the committee recommends that permission not be granted for Mr Van der Merwe to proceed with the legislative proposal.
Report to be considered.
- Report of the Standing Committee on Private Members` Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions on the Legislative proposal to amend Constitution Eighteenth Amendment Bill, dated 18 March 2008
The Standing Committee on Private Members` Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions, has considered the Legislative proposal by Honorable Prince Buthelezi to amend the Constitution in respect of the Current Executive System, and has consulted with the Department Justice, Department of Public Service and Administration, National Treasury and the Presidency.
The committee recommends that permission not be granted to the member to proceed with the proposed legislation.
Report to be considered.
WEDNESDAY, 26 MARCH 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on 18 March 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6)
classified the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
a) Renaming of High Courts Bill [B 5 – 2008] (National Assembly –
sec 75).
(2) The JTM on 26 March 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6)
classified the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
a) Refugees Amendment Bill [B 11 – 2008] (National Assembly – sec
75).
(3) The JTM on 26 March 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6)
classified the following Bills as section 76 Bills:
a) Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill [B 7 – 2008] (National
Assembly – sec 76).
b) Prevention and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill [B 12 –
2008] (National Assembly – sec 76).
-
Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
1) Submitted by the Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs. (a) Agricultural Debt Management Repeal Bill, 2008
(b) Land Use Management Bill, 2008
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs and
the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs.
- Bills passed by Houses – to be submitted to President for assent
(1) Bill passed by National Council of Provinces on 26 March 2008:
a) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 – 2008] (National Assembly – sec
76).
National Assembly
The Speaker
- Message from National Council of Provinces to National Assembly in respect of Bill passed by Council and sent back to Assembly
(1) Bill amended and passed by National Council of Provinces on 26
March 2008 and returned for concurrence:
(a) National Gambling Amendment Bill [B 31D – 2007] (National
Assembly – sec 76 (1)).
The Bill has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Trade
and Industry of the National Assembly.
2) Bills, subject to proposed amendments, passed by National Council
of Provinces on 26 March 2008 and transmitted for consideration of
Council’s proposed amendments:
(a) Local Government Laws Amendment Bill [B 28B – 2007]
(National Assembly – sec 75) (for proposed amendments, see
Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports, 25 March 2008,
p 515).
The Bill has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Provincial and Local Government of the National Assembly for a
report on the amendments proposed by the Council.
(b) Prohibition or Restriction of Certain Conventional Weapons
Bill [B 7B – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75) (for proposed
amendments, see Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports,
18 March 2008, p 498).
The Bill has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Defence of the National Assembly for a report on the amendments
proposed by the Council.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
1. The Minister of Transport
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Road Traffic Management
Corporation for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for
2006-2007.
-
The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Strategic Plan for the Department of Science and Technology for 2008-2009.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Housing on the Housing Development Agency Bill [B 1- 2008] (National Assembly- sec 76), dated 26 March 2008:
The Portfolio Committee on Housing, having considered the subject of the Housing Development Agency Bill [B 1- 2008] (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 1A - 2008].
Report to be considered.
MONDAY, 31 MARCH 2008 ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
1) Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister of Finance. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Finance.
2) Social Assistance Amendment Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister for Social Development. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development and the Select Committee on Social Services.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
1. The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Strategic Plan for Ncera Farms (Pty) Ltd for 2008-2009 [RP 29-
2008].
National Assembly
-
The Speaker
(a) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on An Assessment of Professional Ethics in the Kwazulu-Natal Provincial Administration – 2007 [RP 8-2008].
(b) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Implementation of the Batho Pele principle of Openness and Transparency in the Public Service – February 2008 [RP 23-2008].
(c) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Evaluation of the Training Needs of Senior Managers in the Public Sector – January 2008 [RP 16-2008].
WEDNESDAY, 2 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM, in terms of Joint Rule 160(6), classified the following
Bills as section 75 Bills:
(a) Defence Amendment Bill [B 6 – 2008] (National Assembly –
sec 75).
b) Castle Management Act Repeal Bill [B 9 – 2008] (National
Assembly – sec 75).
(2) The JTM, in terms of Joint Rule 160(6), classified the Reform of
Customary Law of Succession and Regulation of Related Matters Bill
[B 10 – 2008], introduced in the National Assembly, as a section 76
Bill and as a Bill falling within the ambit of section 18(1)(a) of
the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act
No 41 of 2003).
-
Referral to Committees of papers tabled
1) The Appropriation Bill [B 3-2008] is referred to the following joint monitoring committees for consideration in terms of their mandate:
a) Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women; and b) Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons.2) The following paper is referred to the Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women and the Joint Monitoring Committee on Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons for consideration of the relevant programmes of the Memorandum:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 1 – “The Presidency”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009. National Assembly
Referral to Committees of papers tabled
-
The Appropriation Bill [B 3-2008] is referred to the following portfolio committees for consideration and report on the relevant parts of the Schedule in terms of their mandate:
a) Agriculture and Land Affairs; b) Arts and Culture; c) Communications; d) Correctional Services; e) Defence; f) Education; g) Environmental Affairs and Tourism; h) Foreign Affairs; i) Health; j) Home Affairs; k) Housing; l) Justice and Constitutional Development; m) Labour; n) Minerals and Energy; o) Provincial and Local Government; p) Public Enterprises; q) Public Service and Administration; r) Public Works; s) Safety and Security; t) Science and Technology; u) Social Development; v) Sport and Recreation; w) Trade and Industry; x) Transport; and y) Water Affairs and Forestry.
-
The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 3 - "Foreign Affairs", Main Estimates,
2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 4 - "Home Affairs", Main Estimates, 2008-
2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Works for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 5 - "Public Works", Main Estimates, 2008-
2009.
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Communications for consideration and report: (a) Memorandum on Vote No 6 - “Government Communications and Information System”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
(b) Memorandum on Vote No 24 - "Communications", Main Estimates,
2008-2009.
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 7 - "National Treasury", Main Estimates,
2008-2009;
(b) Memorandum on Vote No 11 - "Statistics South Africa", Main
Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 8 - "Public Service and Administration",
Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
(b) Memorandum on Vote No 9 - "Public Service Commission", Main
Estimates, 2008-2009;
(c) Memorandum on Vote No 10 - "South African Management Development
Institute", Main Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 12 - "Arts and Culture", Main Estimates,
2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Education for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 13 - "Education", Main Estimates, 2008-
2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Health for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 14 - "Health", Main Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Labour for consideration and report.
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 15 - "Labour", Main Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Social Development for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 16 - "Social Development", Main Estimates,
2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Sport and Recreation for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 17 - "Sport and Recreation South Africa",
Main Estimates, 2008-2009. 14. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Correctional Services for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 18 - "Correctional Services", Main
Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Defence for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 19 - "Defence", Main Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Safety and Security for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 20 - "Independent Complaints Directorate",
Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
(b) Memorandum on Vote No 22 - "Safety and Security”, Main
Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 21 - "Justice and Constitutional
Development", Main Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 23 - "Agriculture", Main Estimates, 2008-
2009;
(b) Memorandum on Vote No 27 - "Land Affairs", Main Estimates, 2008-
2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 25 - "Environmental Affairs and Tourism",
Main Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Housing for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 26 - "Housing", Main Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Energy for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 28 - "Minerals and Energy", Main
Estimates, 2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Provincial and Local Government for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 29 - "Provincial and Local Government",
Main Estimates, 2008-2009. 23. The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public
Enterprises for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 30 - "Public Enterprises", Main Estimates,
2008-2009;
-
The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Science and Technology for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 31 - “Science and Technology”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 32 - "Trade and Industry", Main Estimates,
2008-2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Transport for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 33 - "Transport", Main Estimates, 2008-
2009.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Water Affairs and Forestry for consideration and report:
(a) Memorandum on Vote No 34 - "Water Affairs and Forestry", Main
Estimates, 2008-2009.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 1. The Minister in The Presidency
(a) Strategic Plan of Government Communication and Information
System (GCIS) for the Medium-Term Period 2008-2011.
National Assembly
1. The Speaker
(a) Request to the National Assembly, dated 20 February 2008, from
the Minister of Communications to submit a shortlist of candidates
for appointment to the Council of the Independent Communications
Authority of South Africa (Icasa) in terms of section 5 of the
Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act (Act 13 of
2000).
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Communications for
consideration and report.
MONDAY, 7 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159 1) Medical Schemes Amendment Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister of Health. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Health and the Select Committee on Social Services.
National Assembly
Referral to Committees of papers tabled
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance:
(a) Government Notice No 99 published in Government Gazette No
30715, dated 31 January 2008: Determination of limit of
remuneration for purpose of determination of contribution in terms
of section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, 2002
(Act No 4 of 2002).
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development:
(a) Proclamation No R.37 published in Government Gazette No 30521,
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of the Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(b) Proclamation No R.38 published in Government Gazette No 30521,
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of the Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(c) Proclamation No R.39 published in Government Gazette No 30521,
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of the Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(d) Proclamation No R.40 published in Government Gazette No 30521
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of the Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(e) Proclamation No R.41 published in Government Gazette No 30521,
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of the Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(f) Proclamation No R.44 published in Government Gazette No 30527,
dated 28 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of the Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(g) Proclamation No R.45 published in Government Gazette No 30552,
dated 7 December 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of the Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(h) Proclamation No R.17 published in Government Gazette No 30664,
dated 11 January 2008: Amendment of Proclamation in terms of the
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No
74 of 1996).
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance for consideration:
(a) Government Notice No 128 published in Government Gazette No
30730, dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for and
compilation of the year 2008 Natura pure gold coin series in terms
of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(b) Government Notice No 129 published in Government Gazette No
30730, dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for and
compilation of the year 2008 Protea coin series in terms of the
South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(c) Government Notice No 130 published in Government Gazette No
30730, dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for and
compilation of the year 2008 Fifa 2010 coin series in terms of the
South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(d) Government Notice No 131 published in Government Gazette No
30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for and
compilation of the year 2008 R2 pure gold coin series in terms of
the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(e) Government Notice No 132 published in Government Gazette No
30730, dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for and
compilation of the year 2008 sterling silver coin series in terms
of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(f) Government Notice No 133 published in Government Gazette No
30730, dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for and
compilation of the year 2008 Crown size and 2½c sterling silver
coin series in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989
(Act No 90 of 1989).
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration and report:
(a) Report on the suspension from office of Mr S P Zwelibanzi, an
additional magistrate at NgQamakwe, in terms of section 13(4)(a)(i)
of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
- The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance for consideration:
a) Report of the Registrar of Short-term Insurance for 2006.
b) Report of the Registrar of Long-term Insurance for 2006.
- The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises for consideration:
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Public Enterprises for 2008 to
2011.
-
The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture for consideration and report. The Report of the Auditor- General on the Financial Statements is referred to the Committee on Public Accounts for consideration:
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (Pacofs) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007. b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Archivist and the National Archives Advisory Council for 2004-2005.
-
The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development for consideration and report:
a) Draft Rules of Procedure for Applications to Court in terms of the
Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000).
b) Draft Amendments to the High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts Rules
in accordance with section 7(2) (c) of the Criminal Procedure
Amendment Act, 2003 (Act No 42 of 2003).
-
The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration for consideration:
a) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on an Overview on Financial Misconduct for the 2006-2007 financial year – January 2008 [RP 5-2008]. b) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Indebtedness of Public Servants – November 2007 [RP 7-2008]. c) Fourth Consolidated Public Service Monitoring and Evaluation Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) – October 2007 [RP 227- 2007].
d) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Audit on Vacancy Rates in National and Provincial Departments – October 2007 [RP 232-2007]. e) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Evaluation of the Batho Pele Principle of Value for Money in the Public Service – August 2007 [RP 235-2007]. f) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the Evaluation of the Implementation of the Batho Pele Principle of Consultation – October 2007 [RP 237-2007].
-
The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Land Affairs for consideration:
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Land Affairs for 2008 to 2011. b) Strategic Plan of the Department of Agriculture for 2008-09 to 2010- 11.
-
The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism:
a) Government Notice No R.137 published in Government Gazette No 30739, dated 8 February 2008: Commencement of Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit-sharing Regulations, 2008, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004). b) Government Notice No R.138 published in Government Gazette No 30739, dated 8 February 2008: Regulations on Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit-sharing in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
c) Government Notice No R.149 published in Government Gazette No 30739, dated 8 February 2008: Notice of exemption in terms of section 86 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004). d) General Notice No 246 published in Government Gazette No 30767, dated 11 February 2008: Regulations: Fees for the provision of aviation meteorological services in terms of the South African Weather Service Act, 2001 (Act No 8 of 2001). e) General Notice No 253 published in Government Gazette No 30773, dated 13 February 2008: Regulating Committee for Meteorological Services: Nominations for the appointment of suitable persons as members in terms of the South African Weather Service Act, 2001 (Act No 8 of 2001).
-
The following paper is referred to the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs for consideration:
a) Strategic plan of the Department of Foreign Affairs for 2008-2011.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister in The Presidency
(a) Strategic Plan of the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) for 2008-2011.
2. The Minister of Education (a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Education for 2008-2012 and the Operational Plans of the Department of Education for 2008/9. 3. The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism(a) Government Notice No R341 published in Government Gazette No 30904 dated 28 March 2008: Regulations for the prohibition of the use, manufacturing, import and export of asbestos and asbestos containing materials, in terms of the Environmental Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No 73 of 1989).
(b) Government Notice No R343 published in Government Gazette No 30907 dated 28 March 2008: Amendment of regulations in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
4. The Minister of Trade and Industry(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) for 2006-2007.
National Assembly
-
The Speaker
(a) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 28 March 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for a service in fulfilment of the International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the Democratic Republic of Congo:
EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the DRC, in assisting with integration and training of the DRC armed Forces. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of 28 SANDF members were employed in the DRC on 30 March 2007 as military observes. The term of employment of these members will on 31 March 2008. The mission of the SANDF in the DRC is not yet completed. The employment of the SANDF members is now extended until 31 March 2009. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. signed TM Mbeki(b) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 28 March 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in the Darfur Region of Sudan, for service in fulfilment of the International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union and the United Nations:
EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN THE DARFUR REGION OF SUDAN, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION AND THE UNITED NATIONS This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in the Darfur region of Sudan, in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), as part of the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in the Darfur region of Sudan. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of 800 SANDF members were employed in the Darfur Region of Sudan as part of the AU/UN Hybrid operation. The employment of these members will expire on 31 March 2008. The AU/UN mission in the Darfur Region of Sudan is not yet completed. The employment of the SANDF members is now extended until 31 March 2009. The number of the SANDF members employed will also be increased to be 850. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. signed TM Mbeki(c) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 28 March 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in the Central African Republic, for service in fulfilment of the International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the Central African Republic:
EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in the Central African Republic (CAR), in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the CAR, to assist with the capacity building of CAR Defence Force. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of 85 SANDF members were employed in the CAR to assist with the capacity building of the CAR Defence Force. The employment of these members will expire on 31 March 2008. The South African mission in the CAR is not yet completed. The employment of the SANDF members is now extended until 31 March 2009. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. signed TM Mbeki(d) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 28 March 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in Uganda, for service in fulfilment of the International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union:
EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN UGANDA, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Uganda, in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union, as part of the African Union Observer Mission in Uganda. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of 5 SANDF members were employed in Uganda as part of the African Union Observer Mission in Uganda. The employment of these members will expire on 31 March 2008. The African Union mission Uganda is not yet completed. The employment of the SANDF members is now extended until 31 March 2009. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. signed TM Mbeki(e) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 28 March 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in Ethiopia and Eritrea, for service in fulfilment of the International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union and the United Nations:
EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION AND THE UNITED NATIONS This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in Ethiopia and Eritrea, in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), to participate in the AU/UN mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of 10 SANDF members were employed in Ethiopia and Eritrea as part of the AU/UN mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. The employment of these members will expire on 31 March 2008. The AU/UN mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea is not yet completed. The employment of the SANDF members is now extended until 31 March 2009. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. signed TM Mbeki(f) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 28 March 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in Nepal, for service in fulfilment of the International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations:
EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN NEPAL, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Nepal, in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations, as part of the United Nations Political Mission in Nepal. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of 5 SANDF members were employed in Nepal as military observes. The employment of employment of these members will expire on 31 March 2008. The United Nations has extended its mission Nepal. The employment of the SANDF members is now extended until 31 March 2009. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. signed TM Mbeki(g) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 28 March 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the employment of the South African National Defence Force in the Democratic Republic of Congo, for a service in fulfilment of the International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations: EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS
This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations, for participating in peace mission in the DRC. This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002). A total of 1252 SANDF members were employed in the DRC as military observes. The employment of these members will on 31 March 2008. The United Nations mission in the DRC is not yet completed. The employment of the SANDF members is now extended until 31 March 2009. I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly. signed TM Mbeki WEDNESDAY, 9 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Assent by President in respect of Bills
1) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 – 2008] – Act No 2 of 2008 (assented to and signed by President on 31 March 2008).
-
Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Traditional Courts Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister for
Justice and Constitutional Development. Referred to the Portfolio
Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development and the Select
Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on 7 April 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6) classified
the following Bill as a section 77 Bill:
a) Taxation Laws Amendment Bill [B 13 – 2008] (National Assembly
– sec 77).
(2) The JTM on 7 April 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6) classified
the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
a) Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill [B 14 – 2008] (National
Assembly – sec 75).
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Traditional Courts Bill [B 15 – 2008] (National Assembly –
proposed sec 76) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice
of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 30902
of 27 March 2008.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice and Constitutional Development 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.
- Referral of Bill to National House of Traditional Leaders
The Secretary to Parliament has, in accordance with section 18(1) of
the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No.
41 of 2003), referred the Reform of Customary Law of Succession and
Regulation of Related Matters Bill [B 10 – 2008] (National Assembly –
sec 76) to the National House of Traditional Leaders, which must,
within 30 days from the date of the referral (8 April 2008), make any
comments it wishes to make.
TUESDAY, 15 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Public Works
(a) Expropriation Bill [B 16 – 2008] (National Assembly –
proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice
of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 30963
of 11 April 2008.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Public
Works 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 Finance
(a) Government Notice No R.250 published in Government Gazette No 30826 dated 29 February 2008: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/1/1356) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(b) Government Notice No R.254 published in Government Gazette No 30829 dated 7 March 2008: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/1/1358) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(c) Government Notice No R.255 published in Government Gazette No 30829 dated 7 March 2008: Amendment of Schedule No 3 (No 3/631) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(d) Government Notice No R.256 published in Government Gazette No 30829 dated 7 March 2008: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/1/1357) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(e) Government Notice No R.302 published in Government Gazette No 30875 dated 20 March 2008: Exchange Control Regulations: Appointment of an authorised dealer in foreign exchange with limited authority: Albaraka Bank limited, in terms of the Exchange Control Regulations.
-
The Minister for Public Enterprises
(a) Amendment to Eskom’s pricing structure, tabled in terms of section 42(4) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003), and supporting documents required in terms of section 42(3) of the same Act.
-
The Minister of Safety and Security
(a) Strategic Plan of the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) for 2008-2011.
-
The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting Bilateral Trade and Economic Cooperation.
-
The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
a) Report and Financial Statements of Namakwa Water for the year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2007.
Committee reports
National Assembly and National Council of Province
CREDA PLEASE SCAN IN PAGES 549-560
National Assembly
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Finance on the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill [B13-2008] (National Assembly- sec 77, dated 25 March 2008.
The Portfolio Committee on Finance, having considered and examined the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill [B 13– 2008] (National Assembly – sec 77), referred to it, and classified by the JTM as a Money Bill, reports that it has agreed to the Bill.
Report to be considered.
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Finance on the Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill [B14-2008] (National Assembly- sec 75), dated 25 March 2008.
The Portfolio Committee on Finance, having considered and examined the Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill [B 14– 2008] (National Assembly – sec 75), referred to it, and classified by the JTM as a sec 75 Bill, reports the Bill without amendments.
Report to be considered
MONDAY, 21 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
(1) Transport Agencies General Laws Amendment Bill [B 27B—2007]—Act No 42 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 15 April 2008).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Defence
(a) Strategic Business Plan of the Department of Defence for 2008/09 to 2010/11.
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Government Notice No 355 published in Government Gazette No 30915 dated 31 March 2008: Re-allocation of 2007/08 Municipal Infrastructure Grant in terms of the Division of Revenue Act, 2007 (Act No 1 of 2007).
(b) Government Notice No 384 published in Government Gazette No 30941 dated 1 April 2008: Notice setting out excluded arrangements for purposes of section 80 N (4) of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
(c) Proclamation No 384 published in Government Gazette No 30941 dated 1 April 2008: Fixing of date on which section 5(1) and 6(1) shall come into operation in terms of the Revenue Laws Second Amendment Act, 2006 (Act No 21 of 2006).
- The Minister of Transport
(a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Transport for 2008-2011 [RP 45-2008].
- The Minister in The Presidency
(a) Strategic Plan of the International Marketing Council (IMC) for 2008/9-2010/11.
- The Minister of Safety and Security
(a) Annual Performance Plan for the South African Police Service for 2008/2009 [RP 35-2008]. National Assembly
- The Speaker
(a) Report of the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the State of the Public Service for 2008 [RP 22-2008].
WEDNESDAY, 23 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Social Development
(a) Social Assistance Amendment Bill [B 17 – 2008] (National
Assembly – proposed sec 76) [Explanatory summary of Bill and
prior notice of its introduction published in Government
Gazette No 30891 of 28 March 2008].
Introduction in the National Assembly and referral to the
Portfolio Committee on Social Development 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.
THURSDAY, 24 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) General Financial Services Laws Amendment Bill, 2008, submitted
by the Minister for Finance. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance and the Select Committee on Finance.
-
Translations of Bills submitted
1) The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Umthetho Oyilwayo Wokuguqulwa Komthetho Wesintu Wobundlalifa Nokulawulwa Kwemicimbi Ehlobene Nawo [UO 10 – 2008] (National Assembly – sec 76).This is the official translation into isiXhosa of the Reform of Customary Law of Succession and Regulation of Related Matters Bill [B 10 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 76).
b) Umtsetfosivivinyo Wekuguculwa Kwemtsetfo Wesintfu Webundlalifa Kanye Nekuphatfwa Kwemitsetfo Lehambisana Nawo [Um 10 – 2008] (National Assembly – sec 76).This is the official translation into siSwati of the Reform of Customary Law of Succession and Regulation of Related Matters Bill [B 10 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 76).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report on the provisional suspension of a magistrate: Ms A
Bacharam, an additional magistrate at Scottburgh in terms of
section 13(3)(a) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
(b) Report on the confirmation of provisional suspension of a
magistrate: Mr X R I Masimini, an additional magistrate at
Queenstown in terms of section 13(4)(a) of the Magistrates Act,
1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
National Assembly
1. The Speaker
(a) The Acting President of the Republic submitted the following
letter dated 15 April 2008 to the Speaker of the National Assembly
informing Members of the Assembly of the extension of the
employment of the South African National Defence Force in the
Central African Republic, for service in fulfilment of the
International Obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards
the Central African Republic:
EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE
IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE
INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS
THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised
the extension of employment of the South African National Defence
Force (SANDF) personnel in the Central African Republic (CAR), in
fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the CAR, to provide security to the President
of the CAR.
This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of
section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South
Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No
42 of 2002).
A total of 85 SANDF members were employed in the CAR to assist with
the capacity building of the CAR Defence Force and to provide
security to the President of the CAR. It was initially thought that
the deployment of the SANDF protection task force would be
completed by end of February 2008. After the review of security
situation in CAR it became necessary that the protection services
be extended extend until 31 July 2008 and to have an additional 15
SANDF members employed.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Council
of Provinces and the Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on
Defence, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to
the attention of the National Assembly.
Regards
signed
P MLAMBO-NGCUKA
ACTING PRESIDENT
TUESDAY, 29 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Finance
a) Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment Bill [B 18 – 2008]
(National Assembly – proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of
Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in
Government Gazette No 30917 of 4 April 2008.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on
Finance 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.
-
Translations of Bills submitted
1) The Minister of Defence a) Wetsontwerp op die Verbod op of die Beperking van Sekere Konvensionele Wapens [W 7 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75).This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the Prohibition or Restriction of Certain Conventional Weapons Bill [B 7 – 2007] (National Assembly – sec 75). COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
The following item replaces item 3, published in the ATC of 31 January 2008 on page 91:
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services on a joint oversight visit to Pollsmoor Prison to consider the position of awaiting-trial prisoners, dated 21 November 2007.
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, having undertaken the above oversight visit, reports as follows:
- Aim of the visit
On 23 October 2007, the Portfolio Committees on Justice and Constitutional Development, and Correctional Services, and the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs undertook a joint oversight visit to the Pollsmoor Correctional Facility. The aim was to consider overcrowding in our prisons, particularly the position of awaiting-trial prisoners. Representatives from the Magistracy, the National Prosecuting Authority and the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons were also present.
- Participants
The following members of the Portfolio Committees on Correctional Services, and Justice and Constitutional Development, and the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs visited the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre:
Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services: Mr D Bloem (Chairperson), Ms LS Chikunga (ANC), Mr S Mahote (ANC), Mr E Xolo (ANC), Ms W Ngwenya (ANC), Mr J Selfe (DA) and Mr H Cupido (ACDP).
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development: Mr B Magwanishe (Acting Chairperson), Mr JB Sibanyoni (ANC), Ms M Meruti (ANC) and Ms C Johnson (ANC).
Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs: Kgoshi L M Mokoena (Chairperson) – Limpopo, Ms F Nyanda (ANC) – Mpumalanga and Mr L H Fielding (DA) – Northern Cape.
The Committees were accompanied by the following parliamentary support staff: Ms R Lawrence (Personal Assistant to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services) and Ms G Dinizulu (Committee Secretary to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs), Ms C Balie (Committee Secretary to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services), Ms N Skaka (Committee Assistant) and Ms C Silkstone (Researcher to the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development) Pollsmoor Correctional Facility was represented by: Mr Mkabela (Area Commissioner), Mr Nthombeni ( Regional Commissioner: Corporate Services), Mr Modisadife (Head: Admission Centre), Ms Dayimani (Head: Medium B Centre), Mr Molefe (Head: Medium C Centre), Mr Scholtz (Acting Head: Medium A Youth Centre) and Ms Claassen (Head: Female Section) The Department of Justice was represented by the following members of the Judiciary: Ms M van Eeden ( Acting Senior Magistrate, Wynberg) Mr M Dimbaza (Chief Magistrate, Wynberg), Mr H Swart (Acting Chief Magistrate, Cape Town) and Mr Zantsi (Senior Public Prosecutor, Athlone)
The Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons was represented by: Ms Pritima Osman (Acting Director: Functional Services), Mr T Titus (Visitor’s Committee Co- ordinator)
- Overview of proceedings
The Department of Correctional Services gave a short briefing to the Committees on the Pollsmoor Management Area, which was followed by extensive discussion. MPs then spoke with a number of awaiting-trial prisoners, especially pregnant women, juveniles and children.
-
Briefing on the Pollsmoor Management Area
-
Pollsmoor is overcrowded. The present occupancy rate is 168%. While Pollsmoor is designed to accommodate 4 252 offenders it currently has 7 296 offenders. 4 823 (66.8%) are awaiting-trial prisoners. At the Female Centre, which MPs visited, there are 397 offenders, of which 47% are awaiting trial. The occupancy rate is 162%.
The Department provided the Committees with the breakdown in the table below of awaiting-trial prisoners, who had either not been granted bail or had been granted bail but could not afford to pay. Sentenced juvenile offenders as well as awaiting-trial juveniles (18-21) are housed in the Medium A section. 4.2
| Admission Centre | Medium A | Female | |
| No bail | 2 531 | 877 | 152 |
| Less than R 1000 | 851 | 242 | 40 |
| Above R 1000 | 124 | 60 | 10 |
The Department also provided information, which is set out in the table below, on the number of successful conversions to correctional supervision in terms of sections 62 (f), 71 and 72 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 from 1 March 2007 to 30 September 2007. Section 62(f) of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 empowers the court to release an accused on bail under the supervision of a probation officer or a correctional official. Section 71 of the Criminal Procedure Act provides that awaiting-trial juveniles may be placed in a place of safety or under supervision, instead of being released on bail or being detained in custody, while section 72 refers to release of an accused on warning.
| Month | Admission | Medium A | Female |
|Submitted |Successful |Submitted |Successful |Submitted |Successful | |March |69 |48 (69.5%) |59 |47 (79.7%) |0 |0 | |April |75 |32 (42.7%) |29 |14 (48.3%) |0 |0 | |May |48 |32 (66.7%) |23 |19 (82.6%) |1 |0 | |June |48 |38 (79.2%) |15 |12 (80%) |0 |0 | |July |43 |43 (100%) |44 |28 (63.6%) |8 |8 (100%) | |August |104 |21 (20.2%) |90 |48 (53.3%) |5 |2 (40%) | |September |96 |56 (58.3%) |225 |129(57.3%) |14 |10 (71.4%) | |4.3 Interventions to address overcrowding at Pollsmoor include:
• The appointment of four additional court officials (now a total of
seven) to assist with the reduced bail applications and alternative
placements for awaiting-trial prisoners.
• A list of section 62(f) and 63 applications (to reduce bail) is
submitted weekly by the court officials to the various courts.
• Heads of centres attend monthly case-flow meetings to address the
management of overcrowding.
• A list of awaiting-trail children is provided to various courts and
at case flow meetings on a monthly basis.
• The names of awaiting-trial children are given to the Department of
Social Development each Friday.
• There is constant interaction between the in-house social workers
and the Department of Social Development for available bed space at
places of safety.
-
Issues Arising
-
Applications in terms of section 62(f) of the Criminal Procedure Act
In response to queries about the granting of applications to place an accused under the supervision of a correctional or probation officer in terms of section 62 (f) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977, representatives from the Magistracy expressed doubt that the Department of Correctional Services has sufficient capacity to monitor those released in terms of this section. It was said that magistrates are unable to simply release people awaiting-trial without the assurance that there are arrangements in place to ensure that they will return to court. MPs also heard that a common concern is that the majority of juveniles are being held for ‘aggressive’ offences. Their parents do not always want them at home for reasons that include being unable to guarantee that they will be able to bring their children to court on the appointed dates. There are also not enough places of safety and secure care facilities.
- Conditions of Bail
Pollsmoor officials explained that there were many awaiting-trial prisoners who could not afford bail, even if it was below R1000, as shown in the Table in paragraph 3.2. above. However, they could not provide the Committees with a breakdown of the bail amounts under R1000, nor could they tell the Committees the precise details of the alleged crimes committed.
It emerged that the factors involved in granting bail are complex: bail is intended to ensure that an accused returns to court on the appointed date, and is meant to take into account the affordability of the accused. Where the bail amount is small, it does not necessarily mean that the offence is not serious. Magistrates also take into account the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the case against the accused and the personal circumstances of the accused. The number of previous convictions is also taken into account.
Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Act were designed to make it more difficult to get bail: Schedules 5 and 6 to the Act state that bail may not be granted for the offences listed in these Schedules, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- Lack of information on the committal warrant
Awaiting-trial prisoners are not assessed when first brought to Pollsmoor. The committal warrants that accompany awaiting-trial prisoners do not provide sufficient details of the crime for which the accused is being detained. Typically, the committal warrant will simply state in broad terms the crime for which the accused is being held.
This makes it difficult for prison officials to establish whether a particular awaiting-trial prisoner’s case should be brought to the attention of the authorities. The lack of information means that awaiting- trial prisoners can spend unnecessary time in prison. Prison officials need access to the court file in order to properly understand why an awaiting- trial prisoner is being held.
- Legal facilities available to awaiting trial detainees
Correctional Services officials said that there are facilities available to awaiting-trial prisoners to meet with their legal representatives. The Committees were informed that the Legal Aid Board visits the facility on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Officials from the Department of Justice have also visited to explain plea bargaining.
However, through further engagement with the officials, MPs established that the Legal Aid Board does not always visit the facility and that consultations between attorneys and their clients tend to take place at the courts. The representative from the Office of the Inspecting Judge was of the view that if the Legal Aid Board visited the facility more regularly there would be far more applications for reduction of bail. The Legal Aid Board, however, has a shortage of available practitioners, which impacts on its ability to conduct prison visits.
It was also alleged that awaiting-trial prisoners, who are children or juveniles, are often not given a chance to contact their parents when first arriving at Pollsmoor.
- Co-operation and liaison between Departments of Correctional Services and Justice and Constitutional Development.
The Committees heard that there are inter-sectoral structures in place to streamline or facilitate the processing of awaiting-trial prisoners. These structures meet monthly. The Committees heard that awaiting-trial prisoners are considered to be a priority for magistrates, and that magistrates are well versed on issues such as juveniles in custody and the granting of bail of relatively small amounts.
- Visits from Magistrates
While magistrates used to visit offenders in prisons, this is no longer common practice. With the creation of the Office of the Inspecting Judge, magistrates no longer feel that this is part of their function, and only visit when invited.
- Caseload Backlogs
Although there are systems in place, the enormous in-flow of cases creates backlogs. The Committees were informed that the Department of Justice has once again, from September, instituted backlog courts to reduce this problem.
-
Interventions to reduce the number of Children Awaiting Trial at Pollsmoor There are interventions to reduce the number of awaiting-trial children in Pollsmoor. Every month a list of names is provided to courts and to the case flow meetings. Every Friday, Pollsmoor provides the Department of Social Development with a list of sentenced and awaiting-trial children. Pollsmoor is also provided with information on the number of places available at places of safety and at secure care facilities. There is constant networking taking place between the in-house Social Workers regarding diversion, as well as available bed-space at places of safety. This has seen a reduction in the number of male children incarcerated from the end of August 2007, from 195 to 140 in late October 2007.
-
Committees’ Recommendations
-
In different forms, several of the observations and recommendations in this section have been made before. They are not particularly novel or exceptional and can even be seen as predictable. The difference however is in the current approach of the Committees. We are determined to follow up on these recommendations and actively monitor progress in regard to them. We are acutely aware of the challenges the relevant departments and other roleplayers face, but we believe that incremental improvements are possible and certainly necessary – and it is these modest, incremental improvements that our Committees are seeking to pursue. We are also aware of our own limitations, with our “over-loaded” programmes and inadequate research, technical and other support, and so we should not be too ambitious in setting our own oversight targets. We need to be strategic and selective in our oversight targets. In this respect, our main aim is to see incremental improvements in the position of awaiting-trial prisoners in Pollsmoor and put appropriate pressure, consistent with our oversight role, on the relevant departments and other roleplayers for incremental improvements in the position of awaiting trial detainees in other correctional facilities. The Correctional Services Portfolio Committee will, of course, focus more on the general conditions at correctional facilities and further advance its oversight role in this regard. However, our two Committees will work closer together to follow through on the recommendations set out below. This will mean working both jointly and, in a complementary way, in our own respective portfolios to monitor progress in respect of the recommendations. We might also work with other relevant portfolio and select committees to follow through on the recommendations below.
-
As part of the monitoring process, this report will be referred to the Departments of Justice and Constitutional Development and Correctional Services for an initial written response within two months of the date of its adoption. The aim of the response would be to provide information to the Committees, convey the initial views of the departments on the recommendations below, and set the basis for the briefing referred to in 5.3 below. The report will also be referred to the Pollsmoor management and other relevant stakeholders.
-
The Committees will also convene a joint meeting of the relevant Departments, the Pollsmoor management and other stakeholders within six months to monitor progress in regard to the issues raised in this report and take matters further.
-
While the Committees appreciate the challenges, we feel that for awaiting-trial offenders to constitute 66.8% of the Pollsmoor offender population is altogether unacceptable. The Committees require a more comprehensive explanation than we got during our visit on why this is the case and what is being done to improve the situation, even if gradually over time. The Committees are keen to get a better sense of how Pollsmoor fares compared to other correctional facilities.
-
The Pollsmoor officials explained their approach to dealing with the high number of awaiting-trial prisoners, especially children. However, the Committees are not clear that this approach is being implemented effectively – and will engage further on this at the briefing referred to in 5.3 above. The Committees welcome the reduction in the number of male children incarcerated, from 195 to 140, between the end of August and late October this year.
-
The Committees are concerned about the number of awaiting-trial prisoners who are being detained in prison simply because they are unable to meet bail, especially when the bail is below R1000. It is not cost-effective to accommodate awaiting-trial prisoners where the bail amounts are small. The Committees note that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s 2006/07 Annual Report refers to section 63(A) of the Criminal Procedure Act that allows for the release of awaiting trial prisoners, who have been granted bail, but are unable to pay the bail. The Committees note that the Department of Correctional Services was requested by the Criminal Justice System Review Project to prioritise the release of such prisoners, and to submit a report by end of May 2007, indicating progress. The Committees are interested in what progress there has been in this regard.
-
The Committees feel that the judiciary should, where possible, make use of alternative sentencing so as to ensure that those who have committed petty offences are not sent to the already overcrowded prisons. Prison should be for serious offenders.
-
The Committees are concerned that Legal Aid Board practitioners do not regularly visit Pollsmoor, except when they are informed that an accused does not have legal representation. More immediate access to a legal representative will result in more applications for reduction of bail, and a decrease in the number of awaiting-trial prisoners. However, the Committees are aware that there was no representative from the Legal Aid Board present during the oversight visit. The Committees are also aware of the capacity constraints that face the Legal Aid Board. The Committees will refer this report to the Legal Aid Board and request a report, within two months, on the Board’s visits to Pollsmoor and other correctional facilities and the challenges it faces in this regard.
-
The Committees feel that when an awaiting-trial prisoner is committed to a correctional facility, adequate information of the crime, in respect of which the accused has been charged, has to be contained in the accompanying documentation. This information is usually contained in the case docket or court file. If the information is made available, stakeholders will be better able to ensure that awaiting- trial prisoners do not spend unnecessary time in prison. The Committees request the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development to report on the feasibility of providing the Department of Correctional Services with such information.
-
-
The Committees feels that, within their constraints, magistrates should seek to visit correctional facilities, particularly in respect of awaiting-trial prisoners. The Committees are keen to understand what the difficulties are in regard to this and how they might be addressed. The Committees will raise this with the Magistrates Commission. and also confer with the Judicial Inspectorate of Prison.
-
While it is clear that there are structures in place that provide for inter-sectoral engagement, it is not clear to what extent these structures are effective. The Committees will engage on this further at the briefing referred to in 6.3 above.
-
The Committees feel that there should be greater collaboration between all role players around ensuring better conditions for and the speedy sentencing of awaiting trial detainees – co-operation between the Departments of Justice, Social Development, Safety and Security and Correctional Services should be ongoing in this regard.
-
The Committees note that while sentenced children and juveniles take part in education, sport and developmental programmes in Pollsmoor, awaiting-trial children and juveniles are not allowed to take part. This is apparently because the latter category “fall under justice, not correctional services”. The Committees are clear that this “silo” approach is not acceptable and inconsistent with the notion of an integrated justice system, and feel that all children and juveniles, both those sentenced and awaiting-trial, should be allowed to take part in the above-mentioned programmes. Some of the awaiting-trial juveniles have been awaiting trial for long periods, some as long as three years.
-
The Committees note the interventions to address overcrowding in Pollsmoor. There is obviously a need for more places of safety as children and juveniles released from prison cannot always go back to their homes; sometimes there are not even contact details of the families of those released, especially if their families are in rural areas or provinces other than the Western Cape. The Committees note that the Department of Social Development also serves on the intersectoral task team, referred to in 6.11 above, and are interested to receive more information on the availability of places of safety. The matter will also be raised with the Social Development Portfolio Committee and, if necessary, the Department of Social Development will also be asked to attend the briefing referred to in 6.3 above.
-
The Committees welcome the use of “backlog courts” and are interested in progress in this regard.
-
The Committees believe that more should be done to ensure that pregnant women, who have committed petty crimes, are not detained in prison but are diverted to community correction or other appropriate intervention programmes.
-
The Committees will follow through on the recommendations set out above and are keen to see progress in regard to them. We do not believe that we should simply carry out oversight visits and write reports for the sake of doing so; there have to be material outcomes. The responsibility for this does not reside solely with the executive. Parliament also has a major responsibility - and, consistent with our oversight role, we commit ourselves to working with the relevant departments and other stakeholders to achieve progress in regard to the above recommendations.
-
Acknowledgements
The Committees express their appreciation to the Department of Correctional Services, the Pollsmoor management and other stakeholders for their co-operation in ensuring that the study visit was productive. The Committees acknowledge the assistance of Ms Christine Silkstone of the Parliamentary Research and Information Unit in the preparation of this report.
Report to be considered
WEDNESDAY, 30 APRIL 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Withdrawal of paper tabled
Request by the Minister of Safety and Security to withdraw a nomination made in terms of section 51 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No 68 of 1995), for committees of the Parliament to consider a suitably qualified person for appointment to the office of the Executive Director to head the Independent Complaints Directorate.
National Assembly
The Speaker
-
Referral to Committees of papers tabled
(1) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry for consideration and report:
a) Additional Protocol on Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the European Community and its Member States. b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Additional Protocol on Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the European Community and its Member States.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
1. The Minister of Safety and Security
a) Proclamation No R 29 published in the Government Gazette No 30382 dated 19 October 2007: Notification by the President in respect of entities involved in terrorist and related activities identified by the United Nations Security Council, made in terms of section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), tabled in terms of 26 of the Act. b) Proclamation No R 30 published in the Government Gazette No 30382 dated 19 October 2007: Notification by the President in respect of entities involved in terrorist and related activities identified by the United Nations Security Council, made in terms of section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), tabled in terms of 26 of the Act.
c) Proclamation No R 49 published in the Government Gazette No 30634 dated 31 December 2007: Notification by the President in respect of entities involved in terrorist and related activities identified by the United Nations Security Council, made in terms of section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), tabled in terms of 26 of the Act.
d) Proclamation No R 1 published in the Government Gazette No 30704 dated 30 January 2008: Notification by the President in respect of entities involved in terrorist and related activities identified by the United Nations Security Council, made in terms of section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), tabled in terms of 26 of the Act.
e) Proclamation No R 2 published in the Government Gazette No 30705 dated 1 February 2008: Notification by the President in respect of entities involved in terrorist and related activities identified by the United Nations Security Council, made in terms of section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), tabled in terms of 26 of the Act.
f) Proclamation No R 11 published in the Government Gazette No 30939 dated 2 April 2008: Notification by the President in respect of entities involved in terrorist and related activities identified by the United Nations Security Council, made in terms of section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), tabled in terms of 26 of the Act.
g) Proclamation No R 12 published in the Government Gazette No 30939 dated 2 April 2008: Notification by the President in respect of entities involved in terrorist and related activities identified by the United Nations Security Council, made in terms of section 25 of the Protection of Constitutional Democracy Against Terrorist and Related Activities, 2004 (Act No 33 of 2004), tabled in terms of 26 of the Act.
MONDAY, 5 MAY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Protection of Information Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister
for Intelligence.
(2) South African National Space Agency Bill, 2008, submitted by the
Minister of Science and Technology. Referred to the Portfolio
Committee on Science and Technology and the Select Committee on
Education and Recreation.
-
Introduction of Bills
1) The Minister of Trade and Industry
On request of the Minister, the following Bill was introduced in the National Council of Provinces by the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs:
a) Consumer Protection Bill [B 19 – 2008] (National Council of Provinces – proposed sec 76) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 31027 of 5 May 2008.] Introduction and referral to the Select Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs of the National Council of Provinces, 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.
(2) The Minister of Science and Technology
a) South African National Space Agency Bill [B 20 – 2008]
(National Assembly – proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of
Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in
Government Gazette No 30220 of 31 August 2007.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on
Science and Technology 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.
TUESDAY, 6 MAY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM, in terms of Joint Rule 160(6), classified the following
Bill as a section 75 Bill:
(a) Expropriation Bill [B 16 – 2008] (National Assembly – sec
75).
2) The JTM, in terms of Joint Rule 160(6), classified the Traditional
Courts Bill [B 15 – 2008], introduced in the National Assembly, as
a section 76 Bill and as a Bill falling within the ambit of section
18(1)(a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework
Act, 2003 (Act No 41 of 2003).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Labour
(a) Preliminary Report of the Department of Labour for 2007-2008 [RP
41-2008].
National Assembly
- The Speaker
(a) The following private member’s legislative proposal was
submitted to the Speaker on 18 April 2008, in accordance with Rule
234:
Legislative Proposal to amend the Competition Act, No 89 of 1998 (Mrs
P de Lille)
Referred to the Committee on Private Members’ Legislative Proposals
and Special Petitions for consideration and report.
(b) Final Report of the Khampepe Commission of Enquiry into the
Mandate and Location of the Directorate of Special Operations (“The
DSO”) – February 2006.
COMMITTEE REPORT
National Assembly
- Report of the Standing Committee on Private Members` Legislative Proposals and Special Petitions on the legislative proposal to amend the Transnet Pension Fund Amendment Act, dated 7 March 2008.
The Standing Committee on Private Members` Legislative Proposals and
Special Petitions considered the legislative proposal by Mr K Minnie,
MP to amend the Transnet Pension Fund Amendment Act. The Committee
consulted with the Department of Public Enterprise, Transnet, and the
Board of Trustees.
The committee noted that:
• Mr Minnie referred to Section 24 of the Transnet Pension Fund
Amendment Act that does not exist,
• Mr Minnie apparently confused rules of Pension Fund with the Act,
and
• The 2007 amendments of the same Act had addressed the problems that
Mr Minnie is attempting to resolve with the legislative Proposal.
In view of the above, the committee recommends that permission not be
granted to the member to proceed with the proposed legislation.
Report to be considered.
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services on the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B32D-2007] (National Assembly – sec 75), dated 6 May 2008.
The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, having considered the
subject matter on the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B32D-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 [B32E – 2007]