National Assembly - 20 October 2009
TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2009
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
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The House met at 14:00.
The Deputy 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.
WELCOMING OF MULTIPARTY DELEGATION OF CITY COUNCILLORS
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Hon members, I wish to acknowledge the presence in the gallery of councillors from the Johannesburg City Council - I don’t know if all of them are here – as well as from the Ekurhuleni City Council. The delegation is on a visit to our Parliament and is led by Cllr Nonqeba Molwele, chief whip of the majority party in the Johannesburg City Council. It’s a multiparty delegation. You are welcome in Parliament.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr P S SIZANI: Madam Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House discuss rural development as a strategy to address poverty and unemployment.
Mr D J MAYNIER: Speaker, I hereby give notice that I shall move the following motion on the next sitting day of the House:
That the House–
(1) notes -
(a) the revelations in Parliament concerning the procurement
of eight Airbus A400M transport aircraft for the SA Air
Force;
(b) that, according to the chief executive officer of Armscor,
Sipho Thomo, the estimated cost of procuring the aircraft has
increased by R30 billion from R17 billion in 2005 to R47
billion in 2009;
(c) that, according to a report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statement of the Special Defence Account for the
2008-09 financial year, irregular expenditure to the amount
of R2,9 billion had been incurred in procuring the aircraft;
and
(d) that a number of departments, including the Department of
Trade and Industry, the Department of Public Enterprises, the
Department of Transport, the National Treasury and the
Department of Defence, played a role in the acquisition of
the aircraft; and ...
Mr C T FROLICK: Madam Deputy Speaker, on a point of order: We do have a certain procedure on how we deal with notices of motion and usually they are very brief. On a previous occasion the Deputy Chief Whip of the DA raised a concern that some of these motions were too long, and that’s exactly what the hon member is doing now. Thank you.
Mr D J MAYNIER: May I conclude, Speaker?
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Yes, please, but let’s observe the way we do things. If it’s a motion to discuss something, it should really be short, because you’re saying we should be discussing it.
Mr D J MAYNIER: To conclude, Speaker, I shall move that the House-
2) resolves to establish a multiparty ad hoc committee to investigate
the Airbus A400M arms deal. Ms C M P KOTSI: Deputy Speaker, I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House-
(1) records its appreciation of the stalwart contributions of Tito Mboweni, the outgoing Governor of the Reserve Bank, who will preside for the last time over the Monetary Policy Committee on 21 October 2009 before taking his leave of that august body;
(2) recognises that Mboweni, as the eighth Governor of the Reserve Bank of the Republic of South Africa, served the country well, being unafraid to take tough decisions for the good of the economy even when he was subjected to intense pressure by the union federation, Cosatu; and
(3) wishes him well wherever his career leads him and thanks him for his sterling contributions.
Mr N SINGH: Madam Deputy Speaker, noting that Friday, 16 October 2009 was declared World Food Day, I hereby give notice that I shall move on the next sitting day of the House on behalf of the IFP:
That the House debate South Africa’s ability to feed the nation.
Mr M SWART: Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the DA I hereby give notice that I shall move:
That the House debate the tendency of Government departments to underspend on their annual budgets and then request a roll-over of funds to maintain budget provisions at high levels, and solutions thereto.
Mr D A KGANARE: Speaker, I hereby give notice that I shall move on behalf of Cope:
That the House debate the issue of asthma as an occupational disease in Danielskuil and the need for the Department of Health to institute an investigation into the impact of this disease, and suggestions for a programme that can be implemented to alleviate the impact of this disease in this town.
Rev K R J MESHOE: Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the ACDP I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House debate the reasons for poor performance of many township public schools in the light of the great successes and achievements of Mbilwi Secondary School that, for example, got a 100% pass rate from 2002 to 2005, a 98,8% pass rate in 2006, a 97,8% pass rate in 2007 and a 100% pass rate last year.
Ms F HAJAIG: Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the ANC I hereby give notice that on the next sitting day of the House I shall move:
That the House debate a review of the first five years of the Pan-African Parliament.
32ND ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL MEDIA FREEDOM DAY
(Draft Resolution)
Mr C T FROLICK: Madam Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that yesterday, 19 October 2009 marked the 32nd anniversary of National Media Freedom Day;
(2) further notes that on 19 October 1977 the apartheid government banned The World and Weekend World as well as Pro Veritate, a religious publication that was run by the late Beyers Naudé and that the day was later known as Black Wednesday;
(3) believes that media freedom is one of the cornerstones of our democracy and this freedom, that is entrenched in the South African Constitution, should be guarded at all times;
(4) further believes that media freedom plays a very important role in creating and motivating public debate; and
5) supports media freedom and freedom of expression.
Agreed to.
CHEETAHS AND BLUE BULLS IN CURRIE CUP FINAL
(Draft Resolution)
Ms S V KALYAN: Madam Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that on Saturday, 17 October 2009, the Blue Bulls beat Western Province and the Cheetahs beat the Sharks in the Currie Cup semi- finals;
(2) further notes that these two teams will be playing in the final for the renowned crown of Currie Cup winners on Saturday, 31 October 2009;
(3) recognises the efforts of all the teams who competed in this tournament; (4) further recognises the exceptional play of the Blue Bulls and the Cheetahs, which secured them a place in the final;
(5) acknowledges that this will indeed be a very tough game, which will require good sportsmanship and equal respect; and
(6) wishes these two teams all the best for the upcoming final game.
Agreed to.
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: I am sure they won by a penalty, so we can agree to that. [Applause.]
TRIBUTE TO CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI
(Draft Resolution)
Mr C T FROLICK: Madam Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that Chief Albert Luthuli was elected national president- general of the African National Congress on 16 October 1952; (2) further notes that in 1961 Chief Albert Luthuli was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize;
(3) remembers that in 1956 he was arrested and charged with treason, but subsequent to these charges being dropped, he was faced with another five-year ban as the apartheid government restricted his movement in the form of banning orders;
(4) acknowledges that he has been lauded as one of the greatest men in South African history and this is reflected in the `Order of Luthuli’, the highest award for contributions to democracy, human rights, justice and peace;
(5) recognises that Chief Luthuli’s enormous contribution to the liberation struggle in South Africa is not disputed; and
(6) salutes Chief Albert Luthuli for his outstanding and selfless contribution to the struggle for a nonracial, nonsexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa.
Agreed to.
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF MBILWI SECONDARY SCHOOL, LIMPOPO
(Draft Resolution)
Rev K R J MESHOE: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes a Sunday Times report on the excellent performance of the top ten public schools in the country;
(2) further notes that among the top ten is Mbilwi Secondary School in Limpopo that has debunked the myth that only well-resourced schools can produce top results;
(3) further notes that Mbilwi’s principal, Mr Nditsheni Ramugondo, who has been at the helm for 17 years, said that a committed school, management team and teachers, together with strict discipline and a strong work ethic, contributed to the school’s success; and
(4) congratulates Mr Ramugondo, his teachers and management team on a job well done and trusts that their excellent results will motivate other principals, particularly in the townships, to also aim for a place in the top ten in the near future.
Agreed to.
MICHELLE KNIGHT WINS EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY’S UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE
COMPETITION
(Draft Resolution)
Ms S V KALYAN: Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that Rhodes University science student Michelle Knight has won the European Space Agency’s university undergraduate category’s “Be an integral astronomer” competition;
(2) further notes that by doing so she managed to beat astronomy students from around the world who took part in this competition to mark 2009 as the International Year of Astronomy;
(3) congratulates her on winning this award; and
(4) encourages Knight, a recipient of the Square Kilometre Array bursary, to keep up the good work she is doing on the MeerKAT project, as well as on the South African Astronomical Observatory’s Outreach Programme that encourages our nation’s youngsters to become space scientists.
Agreed to.
TRIBUTE TO SAMORA MACHEL
(Draft Resolution)
Mr C T FROLICK: Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, I move without notice:
That the House –
(1) notes that yesterday, 19 October 2009, marked the 23rd anniversary of the tragic death of one of the greatest sons of Africa and the first President of a liberated Mozambique, Samora Machel;
(2) recalls that in Samora Machel the peoples of Mozambique and all of Southern Africa had a leader of great intellect and courage, a general with a strategic grasp and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice, a visionary for whom the interdependence of the countries and peoples of our region meant that none could enjoy freedom while some remained oppressed;
(3) further recalls that it was Samora Machel who cemented a bond between our two peoples founded on a deep belief that “solidarity is not an act of charity, but mutual support in pursuit of shared objectives”; and
(4) believes that the highest tribute that we can pay Samora Machel and those who perished on that fateful day, is to eradicate poverty, illiteracy and disease, and create prosperous societies whose ethos of justice and equity were the passion of Samora Machel’s life.
Agreed to.
WELCOMING OF COUNCILLOR MAHLOMOLA, THE CHILDREN OF CHÉ GUEVARA AND THE CUBAN AMBASSADOR
The DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order! Before we continue with the motion on the Order Paper, I want to recognise also the presence of the Chief Whip of the Ekurhuleni Municipality, Cllr Mahlomola, as well as the presence of the daughter of Comrade Ché Guevara, Aleida, and her brother accompanied by the Cuban Ambassador to South Africa in the gallery up there. [Applause.]
EXTENSION OF DEADLINE FOR AD HOC COMMITTEE TO REPORT ON GREEN PAPER ON NATIONAL STRATEGIC PLANNING – SEPTEMBER 2009
(Draft Resolution)
Mr C T FROLICK: Madam Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, I move:
That the House, notwithstanding the resolution it adopted on 10 September 2009, resolves to extend the deadline by which the Ad Hoc Committee to consider and report on the Green Paper on National Strategic Planning – September 2009 has to report, to 29 October 2009.
Agreed to.
WELCOME TO ALEIDA GUEVARA AND CAMILO GUEVARA
(Member’s Statement)
Mr C L GOLOLO (ANC): The ANC wants to acknowledge the presence in the House of Aleida Guevara and Camilo Guevara, representing the Cuban people here today.
I want to greet these comrades and say…
Bien venido a Sur África, compañeros. Nosotros Sur Africanos y ustedes somos hermanos de sangre, como junto vamos a mantener la paz en todo el mundo y seremos como le Ché. (Translation of Spanish paragraph follows.)
[Welcome to South Africa, comrades. We, South Africans, and you, our blood brothers, together will support world peace, and will be like Ché.] Aleida and Camilo are in South Africa to raise awareness about the Cuban Five, Gerardo Hernández, Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero, Fernando González and René González are being illegitimately and illegally held in US prisons.
The Cuban Five were in the US to monitor the activities of the Miami-based anti-Cuban groups and to prevent terrorist attacks on Cuba. These Miami- based organisations have mounted various attacks on the island over the years, in which as many as 3 000 people have been killed as a result of their actions.
They were sentenced in June 2001 in a US federal court to 15 years, 19 years, and life respectively for committing so-called espionage. The Cuban Five were not convicted because they violated US laws, but because their work exposed those who were doing so. By infiltrating the terror networks that are allowed to exist in Florida, they exposed the hypocrisy and double standards with regard to the fight against terrorism.
Cubans played a very important role in the liberation of Angola, Namibia and South Africa and, therefore, the ANC wants to reaffirm our solidarity with the Cuban people by demanding that these five gallant and heroic Cubans be released from prison and reunited with their families and compatriots.
Patria ou muerte, venceremos! [Fatherland or death, we will be victorious!]
DA VICTORY IN BREEDE VALLEY WARD 11 BY-ELECTION
(Member’s Statement)
Mr S J F MARAIS (DA): Deputy Speaker, this House should take note of the outcome of various by-elections contested in the Western Cape on 14 October 2009, more specifically the contest in ward 11 within the Breede Valley Municipality, with Worcester as its centre.
This is an ANC-led municipality where the lack of service delivery and sustainable job creation has frustrated the community for quite some time. Since 2000, ward 11 was always held by the ANC, although it may have been by a small margin in 2006.
Hierdie wyk is verlede week gemaklik gewen deur die DA en sy kandidaat, mnr Alver Uys, teen veral die ANC. Hierdie oorwinning is ’n geval waar die DA- verteenwoordigers deurentyd betrokke was by die kommer van die inwoners op ’n opregte en eerlike wyse, waarna veral verteenwoordigers vanuit hierdie gemeenskap ’n beduidende rol gespeel het in die oorwinning van die DA. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[This ward was won with ease from the ANC in particular by the DA and its candidate, Mr Alver Uys. This victory is a case of DA representatives having been constantly involved in an honest and fair manner with the residents’ concerns, after which representatives from this community in particular played a significant role in the victory by the DA.]
This triumph was by the people, for the people.
Sonder om enigsins gebruik te maak van ’n “rent-a-crowd” soos die ander partye, dui die sege op ’n waterskeiding wat die DA die ooglopende alternatief vir die ANC-onderprestasies op die Wes-Kaapse platteland maak en bou dit voort op die tendens van die DA-steun in die April 2009 verkiesing.
Toenemende steun vir die DA se oopgeleentheid-samelewing-beginsels en die groter ontgogeling van die swak prestasie van die ANC blyk aan die orde van die dag te wees. Ek dank u. [Applous.] (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[Having not made use of a rent-a-crowd, unlike the other parties, this victory points towards a watershed which has made the DA the obvious alternative to the ANC’s dismal performance in the rural Western Cape, building on the trend of support for the DA in the April 2009 election.
Increased support for the DA’s principle of an open opportunity society and the bigger disillusionment caused by the ANC’s poor performance seem to be the order of the day. I thank you. [Applause.]]
SCHABIR SHAIK’S APPLICATION FOR PRESIDENTIAL PARDON
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M E GEORGE (Cope): Madam Deputy Speaker, when history comes to judge the ANC of 2009, it will record how it began to nibble away, like a rat at a piece of cheese, at the Constitution it has sworn, in this House, to uphold. Members present here must keep in mind Abraham Lincoln’s observation that those who sin by silence, when they should be protesting, are cowards.
Deputy Speaker, it is common knowledge that convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik barely saw the inside of Qalakabusha Prison in Empangeni. He spent much of his time at the plush St Augustine’s Hospital, a relatively free man, enjoying a relatively free life. That issue itself raised many questions. Hot on the heels of that grave concern came the unpalatable news of his questionable parole. To give credence to the fact that he was neither gravely ill nor at death’s door, he acquired a R10 million home in Durban and was reported to have been seen driving his car.
Now we learn from the media that the prisoner-turned-parolee wants his friend, the President of our Republic, to pardon him. To pardon him would confirm our gravest suspicion, that the reasons for his parole were manifestly untrue and that the governing party misled this House and the country in general.
Equality before the law must apply. If Schabir Shaik is well enough to ask for a pardon, he is well enough to complete his prison term. I thank you. [Applause.]
BRUTAL KILLING OF FAMILY IN TSOLO
(Member’s Statement)
Nksz B N DLULANE (ANC): Somlomo, umbutho i-ANC ukhwankqisiwe kukwanda kobundlongondlongo nokudlakathiswa kwababhinqileyo ngaphakathi emakhaya, emisebenzini nasekuhlaleni ngokubanzi. Sothuswe ngakumbi sisiganeko somhla wesi-3 kweyeDwarha, xa inkondekazi nabazukulwana abane baye bagetyengwa ngokuxatyelwa ngezembe lilungu lekhaya kwilali yaseTyeni kuTsolo, eMpuma Koloni.
I-ANC, njengomthunywa wabantu, iza kuthi gqolo ukulwa neendlobongela ezenza ababhinqileyo nabantwana amaxhoba azo. Oku iza kwenza ngokuxhasa usungulo lofakelelo lweziqwengana zomthetho eziza kunika ingqwalasela yokwalela ukuxolelwa kwezi zibhoja nezibhongobhiyane ezidungadunga uxolo ekuhlaleni. Sithi aba mabaqamele ngenqindi ngaphaya kwemixokelelwano yamatyathanga bade bagqolele kwanongqongqo.
Siziphethe ngeenkophe kwaye sinemfobe nemfesane. Sidlulisa uvelwano olungazenzisiyo kwizihlobo nezalamane ngesi sihelegu sibehleleyo. Enkosi. [Kwaqhwatywa.] (Translation of isiXhosa member’s statement follows.)
[Ms B N DLULANE (ANC): Chairperson, the ANC is shocked by the escalating violence and the abuse of women at home, in the workplace and in communities at large. We were further shocked by the incident which took place on 3 October when a member of the family brutally hacked to death an old lady and her four grandchildren with an axe. This happened in a village called Tyeni in the Eastern Cape.
The ANC as a servant of the people will continue to fight the thugs who are victimising women and children. It will do this by supporting the amendment to the section of the Act that deals with denying the pardon of these thugs who are destabilising peace in the communities. We are saying that these thugs must rot in jail.
We sincerely empathise and sympathise with this situation. We therefore convey our condolences to the family and friends who suffered this tragedy. Thank you. [Applause.]]
ANC YOUTH LEAGUE PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO MANGOSUTHU UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY IN KWAZULU-NATAL
(Member’s Statement)
Mr A M MPONTSHANE (IFP): Madam Deputy Speaker, the IFP appreciates the visit of the hon Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande, to Mangosuthu University of Technology, where he urged students, among other things, to focus on their studies.
We are, however, concerned about the remarks made by the ANC Youth League President, Julius Malema, who recently, during a visit to the same campus, remarked that it was a beautiful university but that it had the wrong name. The IFP believes that these comments border on hate speech and the IFP would like to know whether the hon Minister agrees with Malema’s statements. [Interjections.] Shut up!
This ANC youth leader has made many hurtful remarks in the past, and we wonder why the ruling party is so quiet on Malema’s offensive and divisive statements. Malema’s statements do not bode well for reconciliation; in fact Malema might be unity’s worst enemy. I thank you. [Applause.]
CODE OF ETHICS INVESTIGATION OF MINISTER OF POLICE, NATHI MTHETHWA
(Member’s Statement) Mr M H HOOSEN (ID): Deputy Speaker, the ID has called on the Public Protector to investigate whether or not our Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa, has contravened the provisions of the code of ethics for executive members in accordance with the provisions of the Executive Member’s Ethics Act.
This follows the Minister’s recent extravagant spending spree on luxury accommodation at two five-star hotels in Cape Town and Durban. Once again, this is yet another example of a sickness that is beginning to permeate the executive through the attempts of some of our Ministers to live the life of the rich and famous at the expense of the poor and weak.
Speaker, some of our Ministers have no conscience when millions of South Africans are living in such shameful poverty. What kind of example is the Minister setting to the thousands of policemen, who lay their lives on the line in the service of our country?
The ID calls on members of the executive to conduct themselves in a more modest and responsible manner when spending taxpayers’ money, and further calls for a review of the Ministerial Handbook which many Ministers are hiding behind to justify their extravagant lifestyles. I thank you. [Applause.]
SCAM INVOLVING SALE OF LOW-COST HOUSING
(Member’s Statement)
Dr S M PILLAY (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, this ANC government is expected to deliver on its promise of decent houses. It is, therefore, with regret that I have to stand here today to report that we have knowledge of the selling of RDP houses in Uitenhage and surrounding areas.
In many of these areas, registration and application for low-cost housing commence prior to the construction of these houses; hence, more than 80% of these houses do not have a title deed or a pre-emptive condition and a restrictive clause that prevents the sale of these houses for a period of eight years. The omission of this restrictive clause has opened the door for homeowners and unscrupulous agents to exploit this loophole and sell these houses randomly.
Houses worth R59 000 are being sold for a mere R3 000 by desperate homeowners who are then left destitute. We believe that more than 30% of the houses that were allocated to people last year have already been sold.
There is also a legal scam in that houses that are bought or built privately with low-cost housing subsidies do not have this restrictive condition and these houses are also being sold to two or three owners. We, therefore, recommend that this matter be investigated and that regulations be promulgated so as to prevent the sale of any RDP house, except with the specific authority of the government. Thank you. [Applause.]
DELAYS IN ISSUING OF DRIVING LICENCES
(Member’s Statement)
Mr M G ORIANI-AMBROSINI (IFP): Madam Deputy Speaker, the IFP is very concerned about the time, procedures and extent of the burden relating to the issuance of driving licences. Driving licences are an enabling tool for most of the population.
In a developmental state and perhaps in a developed state, it should not take more than three hours to issue a driving licence. We are experiencing a situation where it takes as much as 18 months for someone to receive a driving licence, which will enable that person to become an active participant in the economy and in society.
We call on the Department of Transport and the Minister of Transport to look at what has been done internationally to be able to issue driving licences within a matter, not of months, not of days, but of hours.
MANGAUNG AFRICAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL
(Member’s Statement)
Ms M D NXUMALO (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC appreciates with a deep sense of pride the successful conclusion on 11 October 2009 of the 12th edition of the twelve-day Mangaung African Cultural Festival, Macufe. Macufe is a significant event on our cultural calendar, showcasing the best in African music, art, dance and theatre.
Culture plays a critical role in promoting social cohesion and a sense of unity and of belonging to a diverse democratic society. Our arts and culture can play a crucial role in nation-building, reconciliation and the development of a new national identity as well as an ethos reflective of our new democracy.
The festival was designed not only to entertain, but also as a government vehicle to develop artists in all disciplines, to give exposure to new, unknown artists, to empower SSMEs and to promote tourism in our beautiful province.
Since its launch in 1997, Macufe has become one of the biggest cultural festivals on the continent and enjoys international acclaim. This year alone, it has enticed more than 140 000 people from South Africa and surrounding countries to the Free State.
The ANC supports government efforts to encourage, promote and support all cultural activities that celebrate the rich and diverse cultural heritage of all South Africans. Thank you.
VIOLENT PROTESTS IN MUNICIPALITIES IN MPUMALANGA
(Member’s Statement)
Mr S J MASANGO (DA): Deputy Speaker, the DA is extremely concerned about the violent protests that are taking place in many municipalities across Mpumalanga. The DA has repeatedly raised issues concerning poor service delivery, fraud, corruption and nepotism with the ANC-led government at provincial and national levels …
… kodwa kufana nokukhuluma nobonda … [… it is like talking to a brick wall …]
The DA understands and sympathises with the communities frustration and supports peaceful protest action, but we condemn violence, vandalism, destruction of property, intimidation and loss of life.
While service delivery and corruption are the main issues raised at these marches, the ANC’s internal fights cannot be ruled out. Neglecting the issues at hand due to these struggles may contribute to the unrest. The struggle for power among the tripartite alliance partners is spilling over and causing serious problems for our citizens.
The Zuma and Mbeki camps still exist. [Interjections.] At local level the municipalities are in the hands of the Mbeki camp, while the Zuma camp is at grass-roots level. They don’t understand why they should wait for 2011 to take power if Zuma is already the President. There are separate elections and the members need to understand this.
The President must act now and stop being silent on issues that need immediate attention. He needs to visit those areas affected by violent protest and speak to the people. The message to the people should be simple: Violent protest is not a solution to the problem; swapping ANC councillors now is not a solution; wait for 2011 and use your power to make a cross on the ballot paper to vote for a party that will deliver to the community. I thank you. [Applause.]
WITHDRAWAL OF TRANSPORT FOR FARMWORKERS’ LEARNER CHILDREN
(Member’s Statement)
Mr D A KGANARE (Cope): Deputy Speaker, during the elections all of us promised the people of South Africa a better life. We committed ourselves to work to improve the conditions of the poorest of the poor. The understanding is that public funds will be used to realise these honourable objectives.
It is regrettable that the Free State Department of Education has decided to withdraw learner transport for farmworkers’ children as from the next academic year.
To ensure that these decisions are made legitimate, the department convened a meeting with the relevant officials to drill them on how the so-called public hearings will be conducted. The intention of these public hearings is to ensure that the hearings result in the implementation of the department’s decision. These shenanigans amount to conning the poorest of the poor.
The policy on learner transport was developed because there were children who walked an average of 40km per day to get to school. Some of the girls were raped by people who offered them a lift, and, during winter, most of these learners left their homes when it was dark and returned when it was dark.
Where transport was not feasible, these children were placed in state hostels, where the state carried the costs. It seems this alternative is also not going to be implemented. The excuse being offered is that there is no money. This programme was budgeted for for all these years, until the department decided to withdraw it.
What is disgusting is that, just two weeks ago, the province wasted R45 million on the Mangaung Macufe, although it was also not budgeted for. The province also spends R25 million per annum on Letlaka Communications, just to print a Premier’s praise-singing weekly tabloid.
Every time ANC MPs follow up a question answered by the Ministers, they precede their statement with, and I quote: “Thank you for your comprehensive response.” [Laughter.] This time, the farmworkers of the Free State have been comprehensively conned by the SACP-led ANC government. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
IMPACT OF SKILLS SHORTAGE ON THE ECONOMY
(Member’s Statement)
Mr G S RADEBE (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker and our Cuban friends in the gallery, the ANC has always viewed education as a means of promoting good citizenship as well as preparing our people for the needs of a modern economy and a democratic society.
However, South Africa is experiencing a skills shortage, which may have a debilitating effect on the country’s future economic growth. The shortage of professionals, particularly artisans, may impact negatively on our country’s endeavourers to achieve the targeted 6% growth rate in the period of 2010 to 2014. Indeed, to deal with these challenges, the Department of Higher Education and Training has earmarked about R2,3 million for scarce skills areas for the 2010-2011 financial year, as well as the 2011-2012 financial year. This is in line with the broad objectives of the ANC government, the Joint Initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition, Jipsa, which was launched in March 2006 to focus on the scarce and critical skills required to deliver on their commitment, and targeted to the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa, Asgisa.
This initiative places the future of education and training colleges at the centre of the popular drive to transfer skills to our people, provide institutions with more resources, and scale up dedicated bursary schemes to popularise and subsidise attendance at Further Education and Training institutions. Thank you.
OVERSIGHT VISIT TO EASTERN CAPE BY PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
(Member’s Statement)
Mr A C STEYN (DA): Madam Deputy Speaker, the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements went on an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape between 4 and 10 October. Naturally, we visited a substantial number of housing projects. What was particularly striking was that the number of new projects under construction probably constituted no more than 10% to 15% of the projects we visited.
The remaining 85% to 90% of the projects fell into one of two categories. The first one was the blocked projects. These are projects that were abandoned and never completed. Some of them started as far back as the late 1990s or the early 2000s, and became blocked for various reasons and had to be unblocked. Unfortunately, some of these unblocked projects are on the verge of becoming blocked again.
The second category of projects we visited fell within what is called the rectification projects. These are projects that were also started years ago, but where some houses are incomplete and those that were completed were of such an inferior quality that they had to be demolished and rebuilt.
However, what was even more shocking was the fact that the majority of these housing projects, contrary to national requirements and what we were told by officials from various municipalities, including the Nelson Mandela Metro, had no infrastructure or basic services whatsoever.
Beneficiaries are given occupation, without them having any running water and although some have toilets installed for waterborne sewerage, those toilets are not even connected to the main sewerage reticulation, where it does exist. Therefore, people have to make use of ordinary, small, plastic baskets which they have to empty in the surrounding open areas.
In the light of this, I would like to suggest to the hon Fransman that he should use his time constructively and accompany Minister Shiceka to the Eastern Cape to witness firsthand how people live without the minimum basic services under an ANC-led government, instead of going on witch-hunts against the DA in the Western Cape, and address this despicable situation. I thank you. [Applause.]
REVITALISATION OF NURSING COLLEGES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Member’s Statement)
Ms M J SEGALE-DISWAI (ANC): Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC believes that there have been many achievements in improving access to health care. However, much more needs to be done in terms of quality health care. The Department of Health is to focus more energy on revitalising nursing colleges and creating a vibrant nursing education and training system.
The next focus for the Department of Health is to strengthen colleges. In this regard, the discussions with the Department of Higher Education and Training are at an advanced stage.
The department will identify the colleges with strengths that may be replicated throughout the system and which have an innovative approach to planning, management and student support. The two departments also agreed on the need for diversified nursing education and training, cutting across higher education and a further education programme level in the national qualification framework.
The ANC commends the Department of Health and the Department of Higher Education and Training on their efforts to revitalise nursing colleges, as this will ensure the improvement of skills in the health system as well as meet the national standards of quality care. I thank you. [Applause.]
IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE DELIVERY
(Member’s Statement)
Ms R J MASHIGO ANC: Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC will continuously make every effort to improve service delivery to society through enhanced public infrastructure, efficient service and the requisite personnel.
On Friday, 16 September 2009, the North West MEC for Health and Social Development, Rebecca Kasienyane, opened a newly revitalised accident emergency trauma unit at the Job Simankane Tabane Hospital in Rustenburg to help improve service delivery.
Currently, the hospital is attending to 8 000 patients per month and more than 50% of them are trauma cases. The unit is fully equipped with modern health care technology worth R30 million. It includes electronic and hydraulic resuscitation, gynaecology breast complex patient monitors, a digital x-ray machine and electronic access control doors to allow smooth flow.
The unit revitalisation is part of ongoing projects in Bojanala Platinum District health facilities, in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup, and is intended to improve emergency and clinical service delivery, particularly in the trauma unit.
The ANC is committed to working with our people in improving the quality of life and accelerating the said delivery of services to millions and achieving a better life for all of us and the people we represent. I thank you. [Applause.]
WELCOME TO ALEIDA GUEVARA AND CAMILO GUEVARA
DELAYS IN ISSUING OF DRIVING LICENCES
WITHDRAWAL OF TRANSPORT FOR FARMWORKERS’ LEARNER CHILDREN
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRANSPORT: Madam Speaker, in 1959 the Cuban people finally overthrew what was a neocolonial, corrupt and mafia-linked regime. From 1959 onwards they embarked on a remarkable process of development in which they have achieved remarkable successes in the fields of health, education, sport and many others.
This was, however, an example which was not to be tolerated by a powerful imperial force very close to the Cuban island.
Since 1959, an unremitting war of terrorism and destabilisation has been waged against Cuba. Thousands of Cuban citizens have been killed. Crops have been poisoned. Factories have been destroyed. A Cuban aircraft was bombed in mid-air, killing a Cuban sporting team and many nationals from other countries. There have been bombing raids on the island. There have been hundreds of assassination attempts against the Cuban leader, Fidel Castro.
What we easily forget is that this is not just a Cold War reality; these acts of sabotage and terrorism against Cuba have continued into the 2000s, into the new millennium.
Now, we agree with the United States of America that there needs to be a war on terrorism. Indeed, as recently as last week, this country supported the US when there were apparent threats against US citizens in our country. We supported the US in that, but war on terrorism must be war on terrorism, and not on people embarking on developmental agendas.
What the Cuban Five have been imprisoned for in the US is so-called spying
- espionage. What they were spying on – and they were indeed spying – were Cuban exiles engaged in terrorist activities against Cuba from US soil. They did not spy on a single US facility, on a single US resource; their attentions were focused purely on the war against terrorism, in this case terrorism directed at Cuba.
Therefore, we fully associate ourselves with what my colleague from the ANC benches has said, namely that the Cuban Five must be released. It is absolutely imperative.
I would just like to respond to two other matters. On the issue of driving licences, we share hon Oriani-Ambrosini’s impatience and frustration with the long time delays at driving testing stations. Minister Ndebele is very seized with this matter; he is deeply concerned about it.
There are also other problems; it is not just long waiting lists. Sometimes people take less than three hours to get a driving licence - through corrupt means. That’s another problem. The relevance of the driving test to actual driving is another issue that we are also looking at.
The hon Kganare spoke so fast and was so anxious to get in his factionalist points about the ANC-led government that I did not catch everything he said. I would, however, urge him to tell me exactly what it is about scholar transport in the Free State that concerns him.
We are deeply concerned that scholar transport should be supported. It is a matter that is under the education budget, but the Department of Transport is very concerned about the long distances that our students often have to walk. So if he would please, apart from factional concerns, raise the matter in detail we, from the side of the Department of Transport, will certainly look at it. Thank you.
IMPACT OF SKILLS SHORTAGE ON ECONOMY
REVITALISATION OF NURSING COLLEGES BY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(Minister’s Response)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF BASIC EDUCATION: Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank the hon member for drawing the House’s attention to the importance of Jipsa, a programme that was launched in order to address the human skills shortage that we have in our country.
I wish to share with the House the fact that we have made a good start. The FET colleges have been recapitalised to the tune of R1,9 billion in the past three years. They have been rationalised. I think the location of training, now with the Department of Higher Education, is correct and allows for better articulation between education and training.
The issue raised by my colleague concerning the FET colleges being a wonderful vehicle or venue for the training of nurses and, indeed, educators, is something that we are looking at very closely as well.
With regard to basic education and the technical skills that are in such great demand, I can announce or share with the House the fact that we are expanding or recapitalising our technical schools. There will be pilots in each one of the nine provinces.
Courses, ranging from electrical engineering to plumbing, to boiler making and tool making, are going to be offered in these institutions. These institutions will place a particular emphasis on access and will be responsive and relevant to the needs of the learners, so I think a wonderful start has been made.
The other advantage is that the legislation governing FET colleges has been changed in the previous year. These changes allow for a very flexible environment that enables institutions to provide courses that address the skills that are so desperately required in our country. Thank you.
PROPOSED POLICIES ON PARLIAMENT’S BUDGET AND TRAVEL
(Consideration of Report of Parliamentary Oversight Authority)
There was no debate.
Mr C T FROLICK: Chair, on behalf of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, I move:
That –
1) the House adopts the Report, including Appendix A; and
2) the Parliamentary Oversight Authority gives further consideration
to the composition of delegations.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME AND ON CAPITAL
(Consideration of request for approval in terms of sec 231(2) of
Constitution)
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION AND THE PREVENTION OF FISCAL
EVASION WITH RESPECT TO TAXES ON INCOME
(Consideration of request for approval in terms of sec 231(2) of
Constitution)
The MINISTER OF POLICE: Madam Chair, today I will be introducing the two trade agreements between South Africa and the Federal Republic of Germany and the United Mexican States.
The trade agreements define rules for the conduct of the trade policy and these rules must strike a balance between commitment and flexibility. While too much flexibility may undermine the value of the commitment, too little flexibility may render the rules unsustainable. Therefore, while government has many good reasons for signing trade agreements, it is crucial that effective agreements must strike an appropriate balance between flexibility and commitment.
With regard to Germany, we have come a long way and we know that it is already one of our major trading partners. It has already contributed more than R42 billion in 2002. It has also created approximately 60 000 jobs in the country with 450 companies.
With regard to the United Mexican States, even though we know that the Latin American market is relatively small, representing only 2% of South African trade with the Southern Common Market, these agreements will assist in the light of the fact that they will apply to the following taxes: the federal income tax; business flat rates tax; and in South Africa it will also assist us with normal tax, secondary tax and companies withholding tax and royalties; and tax on foreign entertainment and sportspersons.
As in the agreement with Germany, in addition to existing tax, the agreement shall also apply to any identical or substantially similar taxes that are imposed after the days of the signing of these agreements.
In conclusion, the trade agreements seek to regulate taxation and remove fiscal obstacles between the two countries, as well as providing for fair business practices in a foreign country through the provisions on nondiscrimination. Exchange of information relating to the agreement is also important as is collaboration between the contracting states, in the case of South Africa and Mexican States, with regard to the collection of the revenue that has been claimed. I thank you. [Applause.]
There was no debate.
Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Republic of Germany for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital approved.
Agreement between the Republic of South Africa and the United Mexican States for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income approved.
The House adjourned at 14:55. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
MONDAY, 19 OCTOBER 2009
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly
The Speaker
(1) Request from Minister of Communications
Request from the Minister of Communications for approval by the
National Assembly of the following candidate recommended for
appointment to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa
(Icasa) in terms of section 5(1B) of the Independent Communications
Authority of South Africa Act (No 13 of 2000), as amended: Mr William
Stucke.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Communications for consideration
and report.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Communications
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Independent
Communications Authority of South Africa for 2008-2009, including
the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and
Performance Information for 2008-2009 [RP 219-2009].
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Report of the Registrar of Pension Funds for 2006-2007 [RP 244-
2007].
[RP 244-2007]
TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2009 TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Report of the Research and Development Tax Incentive Programme
and Trends in Research and Development Expenditure in South Africa
for 2007-2008.
2. The Speaker and the Chairperson
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