National Council of Provinces - 07 May 2009
THURSDAY, 7 MAY 2009 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
____
Members assembled in the Chamber of the National Council of Provinces at 13:45.
The Usher announced the hon Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Pius Nkonzo Langa, who was received by members standing.
The Chief Justice took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 26.
OATH OR SOLEMN AFFIRMATION
The Chief Justice requested members to swear or affirm faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution in terms of section 62(6) of the Constitution.
The following members made and subscribed the oath or solemn affirmation: Adams, F; Bekker, J M; Bloem, D V; Boroto, M G; Chaane, T E; Chen, S S; de Beer, C J; de Beer, O; de Villiers, M J R; Dikgale, M C; Faber, W F; Feldman, D G; Gamede, D D; Groenewald, H B; Gunda, J J; Harris, T; Jacobs, M P; Mabe, B P; Maine, M C; Mazosiwe, S S; Macpherson, R D; Matila, A G; Mashamaite, T A; Makhubela, M W; Mahlangu, M J; Makgale, M W; Magadla, N W; Mabija, L; Mokgoro, G G; Mashile, B L; Mlenzana, Z; Mokgobi, M H; Montsitsi, S D; Mncube, B V; Mofokeng, T H M; Moshodi, M L; Mnguni, B A; Memela, T C; Nesi, B; Nzimande, L P M; Ntwanambi, N D; Nyambi, A J; Plaatjie, S H; Qikane, A N D; Ranto, D Z; Rasmeni, R N; Sinclair, K A; Sibande, M P; Tau, R J; Themba, M P; van Lingen, E C; Watson, A; Worth, D A; Zulu, M M M.
APPOINTMENT OF RETURNING OFFICERS
The Chief Justice announced the appointment of Mr M B Coetzee as Returning Officer, and as Assistant Returning Officers, Adv M E Phindela, Adv B N Nonyane, Adv J A Niekerk, Ms V H Mnana, Ms S Bowers, Ms S Ally, Mr M K Skolo and Mr M C Mbebe.
ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
The Council proceeded to the election of a Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
The Chief Justice reminded the delegates that nominations had to be submitted in the prescribed form and duly seconded.
The Chief Justice informed members that in terms of Item 4 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution no debate would be allowed.
The Chief Justice called for nominations.
Ms N Kiviet, seconded by Mr G M Nkomfe, nominated Mr Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu for election as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
The Returning Officer reported to the Chief Justice that the nomination paper had been properly completed.
There being no further nominations, the Chief Justice declared Mr Mninwa Johannes Mahlangu duly elected as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
The Chief Justice, on behalf of all present, congratulated Mr Mahlangu on his election as Chairperson and requested him to take the Chair.
The Usher conducted the Chairperson to the Chair and placed the Black Rod in position at the Chair.
ACCEPTANCE SPEECH BY CHAIRPERSON OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, thank you very much. Chief Justice and hon premiers present here today, may I start by congratulating all premiers on being elected to their positions. To deviate a little bit: I realised in the Third Parliament that there was a tendency, whenever premiers were invited to the National Council of Provinces, for the women speakers to respond immediately - and attend. I’ve quickly checked the House and the majority of them are here. I want to thank you very much. I hope that this will continue because we need each other to work together with the provinces and the National Council of Provinces. Thank you very much for attending. [Applause.] Also, remember that premiers are leaders of special delegates, in terms of the Constitution, in order to fulfil the mandate of this House.
I also thank Speakers that I see in the House. I see the Speaker from the Eastern Cape. Some Speakers I might not have met. Speakers are my counterparts in the National Council of Provinces. We have to make sure that our programmes conform and ensure that we work together to fulfil the objectives of the National Council of Provinces.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for electing me to this position of Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. I’m both honoured and humbled by your confidence in me. I also wish to thank my party, the ANC, and my province for giving me this opportunity to lead the National Council of Provinces in the Fourth Parliament. I take the responsibilities they have given me very seriously.
I thank colleagues and members of the previous term for their support. I cannot forget the former Chairpersons of the National Council of Provinces who laid the foundation for the work we did in the Third Parliament. I would be failing if I did not extend a word of appreciation to the former Speakers of the provincial legislatures with whom I worked very closely at the Speakers’ Forum and also in carrying out the duties of this House. We have cordial and special working relationships; together we laid the groundwork for the new NCOP in the Fourth Parliament. We will not only build on the work that was done, but increase our pace as we tackle the new challenges we are facing.
Hon members, the NCOP has a different mandate. Its mandate is to represent the provinces to ensure that provincial interests are taken into account in the national sphere of government. Central to the carrying out of this mandate is the challenging task of harmonising the interests of these three spheres of government in the name of intergovernmental relations. Needless to say, the National Council of Provinces will need to further enhance liaison and working relationships with provincial legislatures. Its permanent delegates must serve as agents for the promotion of a dynamic link with the provinces. I want to emphasise this because we are representing provinces here. Therefore, the perspective when we stand in this House will always relate to our provincial perspective because that is the reason we are here. And that is the reason, from time to time, we also have to get mandates from our provinces.
The work of the National Council of Provinces in the previous term provides a springboard from which to launch such a vibrant partnership in pursuit of our development goals. The NCOP is, however, a small House in terms of size. In order to make an impact, we need to understand and focus on our mandate especially in the areas of concurrent national and provincial competencies, such as education, health, agriculture and rural development.
Our approach to oversight should be informed by these realities and the nature of this House. The activities of the National Council of Provinces were informed by the expectation which we solicited from the provinces at the beginning of the term. These were contained in Programme 2009 which served as our guideline throughout the term. We will soon be developing, of course, a new concept in dealing with this Fourth Parliament.
As we start our journey in the Fourth Parliament, our first task will be to establish from provinces the broad key issues they would like us to focus on during this term. This will inform our planning, which must respond to the challenges faced by our people at this stage of our democracy. I would like to see us working closely with the SA Local Government Association, Salga, which has 10 seats in this Chamber. This will help us to understand and better respond to the challenges facing our people. Local government is a sphere of government that is at the coalface of service delivery. We need to roll up our sleeves – all of us - have all hands on deck and make sure that things are happening.
To the new and returning members: I hope that your induction over the next week will prepare you for the work ahead. We are aware that the majority of permanent delegates in the Fourth Parliament are new. I’m quite aware of that. We will take you through all the steps in order for you to understand what this House is all about so that we hit the ground running.
Let me take this opportunity to welcome you as permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces in the Fourth Parliament. I expect this to be the most challenging but exciting term of this House. I’m hopeful that we will all live up to our responsibilities. I also hope that together we will push for less talk and more action. I want to repeat this: We will push for less talk and more action, and that is the name of the game in this House.
I thank all of you for participating in these elections, and that is the end of my speech for today. [Applause.] We now move to the speakers’ list to allow permanent delegates to make a few comments. Each delegate has three minutes.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CHAIPERSON OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
The PREMIER OF THE EASTERN CAPE (Ms N Kiviet): Hon Chairperson, hon Chief Justice, delegates here present, guests in the gallery, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon to you all. Let me also add my voice in congratulating you, Chairperson, on being elected to represent hon members of the various legislatures and the hon premiers from all the provinces, especially abomama [the ladies]. [Applause.]
Today marks a very important occasion in the history of our democracy, especially after the masses of our people spoke so clearly during the fourth democratic elections of our country.
Your re-election, hon Chairperson, epitomises a vote of confidence by your party, the ANC, and generally by the provinces represented in this House. It points to your personal vibrant, consultative, accessible and visionary leadership, and it embraces the principles of change and continuity.
Your previous record as a negotiator at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa, Codesa, as a member of the Constitutional Assembly and as Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP from 2005 speaks for itself and qualifies you as a seasoned cadre in the struggle to improve the lives of our people.
I would be failing in my responsibilities if I did not remind you of the tasks we have been dealing with in the Speakers’ Forum, which include the finalisation of the formalisation of the sector policy with all nine provinces and national Parliament - in fact, the critical issue there is implementation more than formalisation - redefining the role of the sector in deepening democracy and nation-building; and capacity-building of public representatives in order to enable them to discharge their constitutional obligations.
This House would agree that we still have the challenge of ensuring that the legislative arm of government is taken seriously in all spheres of life. It is, therefore, our duty to make sure that such seriousness does prevail.
During the previous elections, the people of South Africa spoke and they have spoken loud and clear. It is mainly up to this House, hon Chairperson, to ensure that this government delivers on its promises. This House is strategically positioned to see to it that our people are not disappointed.
Through your leadership, hon Chairperson, we shall be constantly reminded that members of this House are not just ordinary Members of Parliament, but delegates of provinces. And, in fulfilling their responsibilities, the true meaning of the word “delegate” must be realised. The current existing bridge between the three spheres of government should be history as our democracy matures. Our people have worked so hard for our freedom, yet the challenges of poverty, unemployment, HIV and Aids continue to undermine our efforts, especially in provinces like the Eastern Cape.
It is high time we reviewed our strategies of involving the public in the process of lawmaking, oversight and building co-operative government. The level and approach to oversight needs to focus more on the impact of the more than 1 000 pieces of legislation already passed. We need to ask ourselves the question: What has the massive production of laws done for our people?
In conclusion, hon Chairperson, on behalf of the people of the Eastern Cape, I would like to congratulate you on your election and wish you all the best in your service. I would also like to congratulate our President, Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, on his election yesterday and to wish him well as he will be taking on the challenge of leading South Africa into being a more democratic and peaceful country. I wish you all the best. Remember that working together we can do more. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr B A MNGUNI: Chair, Chief Justice, premiers, hon members, colleagues, friends and family, I would also like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Free State delegates, to congratulate you on your nomination as Chairperson. This shows that the ANC has confidence in you that you will be able to push through all that we have committed to in our manifesto. I would further like to welcome our fellow colleagues from the Free State to Cape Town. It is a cold and exciting city. I hope you will find it very interesting. However, our core function here as delegates is to make sure that the executive is accountable and to make sure that our people lead a better life and that we bring about a better life for all our people in South Africa, especially in the Free State as the Free State delegates.
As the people have spoken, we know there are ideological differences, but we know which processes to put in place. However, we might differ on the technicalities and implementation. Chair, with these few words, I would like to congratulate you and welcome all hon members. Thank you. [Applause.]
The PREMIER OF GAUTENG (Ms N P Mokonyane): Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Chief Justice Langa, premiers present here today, my colleagues Premier Zille and Premier Kiviet, permanent delegates and nonpermanent delegates of the NCOP, ladies and gentlemen, fellow comrades, I stand here in this important House, the NCOP, on behalf of the people of Gauteng, to congratulate you, Chairperson, on being elected to this particular position.
With regard to this House, we, the people of Gauteng, regard it as an important institution in our democracy. We are quite confident that with your election, the work we have done in the past 15 years will be taken to even greater heights. The challenges facing us continue to be the creation of decent work, providing quality health care and education, and fighting crime and corruption, as well as ensuring rural development.
The ANC government will ensure that in the next five years these challenges are addressed working together with our people, in partnership with the private sector and in the promotion of foreign investment in South Africa. I therefore wish you well in your responsibilities and will ensure that the NCOP functions as expected.
Lastly, on behalf of the people of Gauteng, I also want to thank the millions and millions of people of South Africa who have again affirmed the responsibilities of the ANC through voting in greater numbers and ensuring that indeed we defend our gains but include all the weaknesses we experienced over the past 15 years. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr K A SINCLAIR: Chairperson, hon Chief Justice, premiers and delegates of the SA Local Government Association, Salga, hon members, it’s always a privilege to congratulate someone on such an important position. On behalf of Cope, we feel privileged to congratulate all members that have been sworn in here today. It’s also a privilege to congratulate you, hon Mahlangu, on your election as Chairperson of this House. We trust and believe that you will do what you did so very well in the previous term. The political landscape in South Africa has changed dramatically and this development will certainly also have an impact on this House, the federal foundation of the provinces. Cope has become one of the leading political role-players in South Africa. With seven members sworn in here today, I can assure you that Cope will also have an impact on and role in the NCOP.
Although good and solid foundations have been laid, we must admit that a lot of work still needs to be done in terms of monitoring and evaluating service delivery and spending allocated budgets. You were right, hon Chairperson, when you said that we must be agents for change. We agree with you. We must be agents for the poor, the jobless people and the marginalised people, but we must also be agents for the people that create wealth and jobs in our country. We must be agents for the farmers, for the teachers and for our society at large. So, if this is going to be the mandate of this august House, Cope will be there to support you. I want to once again congratulate you. Thank you.
Mnu D D GAMEDE: Sihlalo omusha sha … [Uhleko.] … nomphathi omkhulu wamajaji - engizwe lapha esifungisa ethi bakhaya - kuyimvela kancane ukuzwa ijaji lithi mkhaya, oNdunankulu abakhona. SiyiKwaZulu-Natali, okokuqala sihalalisela onke amalunga alo Mkhandlu akhethiwe. Okwesibili sihalalisela uMhlonishwa u-Comrade M J Mahlangu ngokuphinde aqokwe yinhlangano yabantu eqokwe yizigidigidi zabantu baseNingizimu Afrika ukubusa le minyaka eyisihlanu ukuba aphinde ahole lo Mkhandlu. Sithi halala kuwe mfo kaMahlangu, halala!
IKwaZulu-Natali eholwa nguDokotela Zweli Mkhize ikufisela ukusebenza okuhle okunesithunzi, ukuzithoba kanye nokuhlonipha nomsebenzi oncomekayo owenzayo. Okokugcina, sibongela inqola emasondosondo inhlangano yabantu i- African National Congress eholwa nguMongameli, uMhlonishwa uJacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma ngokudla umhlanganiso okhethweni luka-2009. Hawu! Bantu baseNingizimu Afrika into enhle nemnandi iyaphindwa, anophinda futhi nangomuso. Ngiyabonga. [Ihlombe.] (Translation of isiZulu speech follows.)
[Mr D D GAMEDE: The brand-new Chairperson … [Laughter.] … Chief Justice — whom I heard when he was swearing us in calling us homeboys; it is very rare to hear a judge calling one a homeboy — and the premiers present here, as KwaZulu-Natal, we would like to congratulate all the elected members of this Council. Secondly, we congratulate the hon Comrade M J Mahlangu for redeployment by the people’s party which was overwhelmingly voted in by millions of people in South Africa to govern for the next five years, to lead this Council. We are saying congratulations, Mr Mahlangu, congratulations!
KwaZulu-Natal, under the leadership of Dr Zweli Mkhize, wishes you a good term in office filled with dignity, humility, and respect, and recognises the sterling work that you are doing. Lastly, we congratulate the giant liberation movement, the people’s party, the African National Congress which is under the leadership of the President, His Excellency Mr Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, for winning the 2009 elections. Wow, people of South Africa, one good turn deserves another: kindly do it again in future. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Mr T A MASHAMAITE: Hon Chairperson, hon premiers present here, hon Chief Justice, members of this august House, I must remind this House that Limpopo is a Garden of Eden, which simply suggests that it is a province of peace, stability, happiness - everything.
Hon Chairperson, it is a great honour for us as Limpopo to also be given an opportunity to join other provinces in congratulating you on being elected as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
This is history in the making. It is indeed the continuation of ensuring that the national democratic revolution is still on course. This is indeed furtherance of the ANC commitment, since the 1994 elections, to improving the lives of all South Africans across the colour line.
Hon Chairperson, we feel that the five priorities that the ANC conference identified at the Polokwane conference will be implemented under your leadership, and as this august House we feel inspired and encouraged and, I think, you will keep us on our toes.
Hon Chair, under your leadership we will also ensure that the policies and the legislative gaps that were not addressed in the last 15 years are addressed. We take this opportunity to congratulate you on your new responsibilities, hoping that under your leadership this august House will perform better than ever before and, of course, with the contribution of members of this House.
Ba re: “Tau tša hloka seboka di šitwa ke nare e hlotša”. [It is said: “Together we stand, divided we fall.”]
From Limpopo, we’d like to congratulate you on your new responsibilities. We say, feel encouraged; you have our support behind you for the next five years. I thank you. [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I don’t think you want an interpretation of “tau tša hloka seboka di šitwa ke nare e hlotša” [together we stand, divided we fall]. You all understand that. The next speaker is Mr Watson. I know he will interpret that.
Mr A WATSON: Hon Chairperson, hon premiers present here today, hon members, on behalf of the DA may I, first of all, welcome the special premier of the new government of the Western Cape – she is here, where we are seated – the hon Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille. [Applause.] I also rise to congratulate you, Chairperson, on your re-election to this important office.
Sihlalo, siyakuhalalisela ngokukhethwa kwakho. Sithembe ukuthi umthandazo wethu uzohamba phambili, umsebenzi uqhubeke ukuze bonke abantu baseNingizimu Afrika babone ukuthi thina lapha eMkhandlwini KaZwelonke Wezifundazwe sisebenzela bona asisebenzeli izikhwama zethu. [Uhleko.] (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[Chairperson, we congratulate you on your election. We hope that our work will take priority; our work must go on so that the people of South Africa can see that here in the National Council of Provinces we are working for them and not for our own pockets. [Laughter.]]
Voorsitter, ons is almal pas deur ’n baie felle stryd in hierdie verkiesing. Dit het weer na vore gekom dat, ongeag die uitslag, die groot uitdagings van die land van die verlede ons nog steeds in die gesig staar. Ons het nog steeds werkloosheid, armoede, korrupsie, nepotisme, misdaad, Vigs, en nou’s daar ook nog varkgriep wat ons dringend sal moet aanspreek. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.)
[Chairperson, we have all just been through a very fierce contest in this election. It has once again come to the fore, irrespective of the results, that we are still faced with the country’s biggest challenges of the past. We still have unemployment, poverty, corruption, nepotism, crime, Aids, and now swine flu too that we will have to urgently address.]
Whilst it is true that we, as delegates, represent the provinces, it must never be forgotten that we are part of these delegations precisely as a result of the votes out there for our different parties. That must never be forgotten.
Three million voters have entrusted their hopes and their aspirations to the DA. My team and I - and I welcome them here as part of the team of this House but especially as part of the DA’s team – will ensure that the trust of the voters out there will never be betrayed.
In my province, Mpumalanga, when the new premier, Mr D D Mabuza, was declared elected yesterday, one of the visitors in the audience shouted “At last!” In his congratulatory speech, the leader of the DA in Mpumalanga, Anthony Benade, said that he hoped that the remarks from those supporters of Mr Mabuza did not mean, “At last we also have a seat on the gravy train; at last, we also have a part of the spoils”. [Interjections.]
Our task – and we must all understand it very well – is to ensure, through proper and diligent oversight, despite the shouts from my friend, Papi, down here, that the spoils never ever go to anybody individually, that nobody shares in the profits of this country, except that we all work diligently to better the lives of the people out there, especially those who are suffering. Only they should benefit from whatever we do as an elected House, as a Parliament. In all our endeavours, we should also ensure that true democracy is always practised in an open-opportunity society.
We will work together with you and support you and the other parties for as long as you, the governing party, remain true to those tenets. But we will vigorously oppose you and anything that is contrary to that. Let us all help to turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Sebetsa ka kgotso, Modulasetulo, Modimo a be le wena. [Mahofi.] [Work well, Mr Chairperson. May God be with you. [Applause.]]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Mr Watson, I appreciate that Papi is your friend … [Laughter.] … But when you address him in this House he is an hon member.
Mr A WATSON: Hon Papi. [Laughter.]
Mr M B MASUKU (Mpumalanga): Hon Chief Justice, hon Chairperson, hon members, we in Mpumalanga also join the rest of the people in congratulating you, Chairperson, on your election as Chairperson.
We view this House as the most important House of all, not because of the work it does in lawmaking, but because of the contributions it has made in the past terms. This House has served as a platform for us to share experiences, lessons learnt and best practices. With regard to those activities, Mpumalanga has benefited much from your leadership. We have enhanced our performance in terms of budget management and project management precisely because we were able to share the best practices of other provinces.
Indeed, the votes of over 11 million people in South Africa serve as acknowledgement of the good work that this House has done together with the National Assembly. It is also an acknowledgement that the people voted for education, health care, decent work, rural development and a party that is able to fight crime.
When they say “At last!” they mean, “At last our branches have spoken; our people have determined where they want to go; our people have determined their agenda, and somebody has listened.” [Applause.]
It is for this reason that we congratulate you, along with the members of this House, and will continue to work with you. There is still more to be done and we believe that you will assist us to move forward, as you have done in the past. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Mr J J GUNDA: Hon Chairperson, hon Chief Justice, hon premiers here present and hon members, the ID would like to congratulate Mr Zuma on his election as President of South Africa and to congratulate the respective premiers of the different provinces on their election. We would also like to congratulate our Chairperson on again being elected NCOP Chairperson. It is an enormous task to lead this House.
The ID would also like to add its voice to the voiceless – to that of Mr Chabangu in the Northern Cape who cannot speak for himself. This House will speak on his behalf to ensure that his desire for a better life becomes a reality.
As the NCOP, we have a difficult task ahead in tackling the enormous challenges we face in terms of addressing unemployment and poverty, combating crime, improving health care and education, and improving service delivery to all our people in the various provinces.
I would like to make the plea today that this House take these challenges very seriously, especially in the Northern Cape. The Northern Cape is a vast province with the least number of people in this country. This province is rich in minerals which the people of the Northern Cape can become the custodians of so that these minerals benefit them and better their lives.
The ID acknowledges that there are many good ideas and policies, but the key challenge is implementation. We hope that through this House we will be able to show the necessary political will to drive implementation. As the ID representatives in this House, we will continue to be vigilant and to keep a close eye on government to ensure that it remains accountable and transparent and upholds the letter and spirit of the Constitution. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms R N RASMENI: Chairperson of the NCOP, Chief Justice, premiers and Speakers, members of the NCOP, all delegates, the people of South Africa have demonstrated their everlasting trust, overwhelming support and undoubted confidence in their leaders and parties. On 22 April 2009 they cast their votes. The new political leadership has now been ushered in and that is why we are here today.
Our response to the challenge before us is to do what the fourth President, President Jacob Zuma, accentuated and alluded to in his speech yesterday - we need to serve our people with dignity and respect and ensure that there is unity.
It is our responsibility as leaders of different parties to ensure that we forge unity and ensure that there is dignity and respect at all times. Key to that aspect is delivering on our mandate. It is a great pleasure and honour for us as the North West to be part of this crucial process and to be associated with this team, a team geared towards bettering the lives of all South Africans.
On behalf of the government of the North West, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Chairperson of the NCOP, the office bearer, on his election today. A firm foundation has been laid by your predecessors and previously by you. Please take advantage of the gains already made and continue to improve the lives of South Africans with vigour, passion and dedication. The North West commits itself to giving you, Chairperson, its full support in all your endeavours and at all times. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate again President Jacob Zuma on his election as President of the country.
Ndithi kuye simnqwenelela ubomi obude nempumelelo emsebenzini wakhe. [We wish him a long life and success in his work.]
Thank you very much. [Applause.]
The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Ms H Zille): Hon Chief Justice, hon Chairperson Mahlangu, hon premiers, permanent and special delegates, friends and guests, it is a very great honour to lead the Western Cape delegation in this august House today. As Premier of the Western Cape, I take this House and our provincial delegations from every province, who have a crucial role here, very seriously indeed.
The National Council of Provinces plays a critical role in ensuring that provincial interests are taken into account in this Parliament. This is your constitutional mandate and one that must be at the heart of every decision that this House takes. You must never forget that federalism, comprising distinct spheres of government, was a key principle agreed to during our constitutional negotiations.
The NCOP, as the conduit from the provinces to the national Parliament, is the living embodiment of this compact. The mandate is to make provincial voices heard. The mandate does not come from Polokwane, and it is essential to begin to understand the distinction between the party and the state if this democracy is to work. [Interjections.] [Applause.] Otherwise, this democracy will fail.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, hon members! Order!
The PREMIER OF THE WESTERN CAPE (Ms H Zille): We don’t want to be a failed democracy; let’s always remember that.
The NCOP also has a crucial role to play in the oversight of the executive. I hope that every member of this House, regardless of political affiliation, will strive to hold this government to account when it falters. This is our duty to the citizens of this country. It must come before any political loyalties or affiliation. It is not a question of my leader or my party, right or wrong. It is our duties to the Constitution and to the voters that matter.
A constitutional democracy such as ours requires that every institution designed to provide a check and balance on power abuse does so all the time, and we have seen the consequences already of some failures to do just that.
We are mindful that the Western Cape is the only province not to be governed by the ruling party nationally. I would like to take this opportunity to assure the members of this House that we will, at all times, work with every other sphere of government in the spirit of co-operative governance as we are enjoined to do in the Constitution. But we will expect that the letter and spirit of the Constitution are also demonstrated towards us as well.
Finally, we congratulate you, hon Mahlangu, on your re-election as Chairperson. We trust that you will continue to use your office to ensure that the NCOP fulfils its constitutional mandate and that it exercises oversight of the executive without fear or favour.
Chairperson, we believe that you have done a good and competent job in your role in the past. That is why we did not oppose you in this election and, indeed, we stood to applaud you. But may I also say that at this time it was completely wrong for some hon members to chant “ANC”, which illustrates that a lot of people have a lot to learn about the separation between the party and the state, and the role of this august House. [Interjections.] And they certainly, Chairperson, do not understand your role as an independent Chair of this House. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
UMntwana M M M ZULU: Sihlalo, Mabhoko, ngiyakuhalalisela egameni leqembu leNkatha Yenkululeko ukuthi ubuye, futhi bakwethembe kule Ndlu ukuthi uhole umkhankaso wokuthi uphucule izimpilo zabantu bakithi. Ngithi kungumsebenzi wethu sonke malunga ahloniphekile ukuba sisebenzele ukwethembeka ezweni elihle eNingizimu Afrika.
Ukwethembeka kwethu kofuneka ukuthi sikwenze ngokuthi singakwazi ukuthi siphazamisane ngezinhlelo zokusebenza. Thina njengabantu ebebecindezelwe kuleli lizwe kufuze ukuba kubekhona ukubambana noma kuthiwa imibono yethu yehlukene ukuze sikwazi ukufeza izidingo zaleli lizwe.
Ngikhuluma lapha hhayi njengenkosi yakwaZulu kodwa njengobukhosi bakwaZulu. Hhayi njengenkosi Mhlonishwa Sihlalo, kusho ukuthi kubhaleke ngendlela ekabi ngoba omunye umuntu uma esekubona uyokhuluma ukuthi ngafika ngathi ngiyinkosi lapha, but I am a member of the Zulu Royal family [kodwa ngiyilunga lase Ndlunkulu yobukhosi bakwa Zulu] kungakho ngithi Mabhoko ngoba ungu mukhwe wethu ngokwakithi kwaZulu.
Ukuthunyelwa yisiFundazwe sa KwaZulu-Natali ngithi ku bafowethu esihambisana nabo kofuneka sisebenzele izidingo zabantu ba KwaZulu-Natali. Ukuthi imiqondo yethu yehlukene ngengokuthi iKwaZulu-Natali yiSifundazwe esisodwa esingaphansi kweNingizimu Afrika eyodwa kofuneka sisebenzele izidingo zabantu ba KwaZulu-Natali. Ukuhlukana kwemiqondo kuyobe kuxoxwa kuSishayamthetho sa KwaZulu-Natali kodwa uma sesilapha kufuneka senelise izidingo zabo bonke abantu ba KwaZulu-Natali ngengoba b eyakhele.
Ngithi Mabhoko ngiyakuhalalisela mnewethu esikhundleni sakho ukuba ukwazi ukuphatha iqembu lakho likwethembe ukuthi uphathe iminyaka eyisihlanu. Ngithi halala Mabhoko! [Ihlombe.] (Translation of isiZulu speech follows.)
[Prince M M M ZULU: Chairperson, Mabhoko, on behalf of the Inkatha Freedom Party, I congratulate you on being redeployed to your position and on this House electing you to lead the campaign of making the lives of our people better. I submit that it is the responsibility of all of us, hon members, to strive for integrity in this beautiful country, South Africa.
We should strive for integrity in a manner that does not interfere with the processes of service delivery. We, as the people who were oppressed in this country, should be united regardless of having different views so that we are able to meet the needs of this country.
I am speaking here not as the Zulu king, but as a member of the Zulu royal family; not as the king, hon Chairperson, which means there was an error in the writing of my title, because if someone sees this they will say I came here to Parliament and introduced myself as the king, but I am a member of the Zulu royal family, which is why I say “Mabhoko”, because you are the father-in-law to the Zulu royal family.
As delegated by the province of KwaZulu-Natal, I would like to say to my colleagues from the province that we will need to work for the needs of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. The fact is that we have different views, such as that KwaZulu-Natal is one province which belongs to one South Africa, but we should work for the needs of the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Our different views will be debated upon at the KwaZulu-Natal legislature, but when we get here we need to fulfil the needs of all the people of KwaZulu-Natal as citizens.
I am congratulating you, Mabhoko, my brother, on your position that allows you to lead and on your party entrusting you with this duty for five years. I say congratulations, Mabhoko! [Applause.]]
Mr R J TAU: Hon Chair, hon Chief Justice, hon premiers present, special delegates from different provinces, may I take this opportunity on behalf of the Premier or the Premier-elect of the Northern Cape, Comrade Hazel Jenkins, to congratulate you on your re-election as Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. Of course, we have worked with you. We know the capacity that you have. We know the ability that you have. We know the strength that you possess and the skills, of course, that have enabled you to guide this institution from the time you were elected Chairperson of this particular institution.
It is with that that we as the Northern Cape unequivocally and unashamedly, on behalf of the ANC which is the organisation that has been given the overwhelming mandate by the electorate in this country to govern, say to you: Amandla kulo ndawo! [We support that!] Viva!
We hope that, with the strength the electorate has given you, with the theme under which the ANC has gone out to mobilise the people of South Africa to ensure that it returns it with more strength, we will be able to say that together - not only with us in this House, but together with the provinces, the municipalities, the premiers, the working class, the poor and the unemployed in our rural and urban areas - we shall definitely do more. We shall strengthen and entrench this institution. We shall popularise it and ensure that all provinces and everybody in this country understand the strategic role and the strategic location of the National Council of Provinces.
Through that, we will, therefore, be able to position this particular institution to be the kind of institution that the unemployed people and the poor people will obviously look to to resolve their problems. Of course, this will be together with them, not in isolation or as an institution working in silos, but ensuring that it takes along the people of South Africa in ensuring that we build a better life for all. In that way, hon Chair, once again on behalf of the Northern Cape, “Siyakuhalalisela baba” [we congratulate you; we will work with you]. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Ms N D NTWANAMBI: Chair, on behalf of the ANC I stand here to congratulate you. I also want to congratulate those women who have been elected premiers in our country. However, I want to remind the premier of my province that this is not an island. We don’t have an island in our country … [Applause.] … and if we don’t respond to what she said, people will assume that she is representing the people of the Western Cape. I must say, she has won the election, but she has not won the minds and hearts of our people. [Applause.] [Interjections.]
I want to say, Chair, and of course, hon Chief Justice, that I am not a racist. If she wants to lead her race she has the right to do so. She has won the race to lead, but not the people of my province. This is my home, and she has to be very serious when she leads the people of this province.
Hon Chairperson, I want to say to those who don’t know the Chair — we here in the ANC and in the NCOP call him M J; that is, people who know him very well — that, having worked with him for more that 10 years now, I know how good a leader he is. After the elections of 1994, the ANC deployed him in the National Assembly. There he was Chairperson of Committees. To prove that he can lead, he was then deployed to the NCOP in 2002. In 2005, after the death of our leader, Joyce Kgoali, he was then deployed to be Chairperson of the NCOP.
He has represented South Africa at many international conferences and seminars in Germany, Sweden, the US and Kenya. And, of course, he was also privileged in 2007 to be elected Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association: Africa Region. He has served the ANC in different capacities. For example, he served on one of the most important committees of the ANC – the legislature and government subcommittee of the national executive committees.
Chairperson, you know our House is constituted to ensure that provinces are given an effective voice in the national legislative process. It also has a specific function with regard to lawmaking and is required to bring a different set of sensibilities to perspectives on lawmaking. In particular, it must give a voice to the perspectives of the country’s nine provinces, and provide a platform for local government to participate in the legislative deliberations.
Our House has now reached new heights in mobilising the people to take part in discussions that affect their lives, and holds government departments accountable for the delivery of quality services to our communities. In general, there has been an increase in and a positive response to the NCOP’s programmes and public deliberations by the people of South Africa. I think we all agree that this has happened under the keen and watchful eye of you, M J, at the helm of the NCOP.
On behalf of the ANC, Chair, it is my honour and privilege to congratulate you again on your election as Chairperson. This says, in other words, that the ANC has confidence in you. I also want to say, Chair, you know that all members in the House always support you. I must say that, for once, I agree with the hon Watson - he does respect you. I agree with him here but that’s the only thing we agree on.
Lastly, I want to say …
… siyababulela bonke abantu base Mzantsi abaye bathi ngomhla wama-22 ku- Apreli bavota. Ingakumbi abo baye bathi: Thina siyakuhlala sinje, sohlala siyi-ANC. Ngabantu ke abo ababaziyo ubomi; abo baye bathi: Phatha Zuma phatha! NgoMgqibelo siyambeka. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[… we thank all the people of South Africa who voted on 22 April. Especially those who said, “We will forever remain members of the ANC.” Those are the people who have experience in life, those who gave Zuma their mandate to govern. We will inaugurate him on Saturday.]
Thank you very much. [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, I must acknowledge some of the former members of this House I see in the gallery. They have decided to cross the floor and go to the National Assembly. But I’m sure very soon they will want to come back. I see the former House Chairperson, the hon Mildred, in the gallery. I saw Mr Ntuli there and I saw Mr Robinson there. I don’t know what happened to Mrs Robinson. I think there are other people there that I can’t see. Ms Nyanda is also there. All of you are welcome if you want to come back. [Laughter.] They know that in the NCOP there are no backbenchers; they know that. All of you have work to do. You will see that next week when the ball starts rolling.
I must apologise to all members for our interpretation services failing us. You may not have heard one or two things that were said in other languages. Staff, can you please look into that? We shouldn’t be having all these problems.
Ladies and gentleman, hon members, that concludes the business for the day. Thank you very much.
The Council adjourned at 15:35. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
MONDAY, 23 MARCH 2009
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
a) Government Notice No 110 published in Government Gazette No 31872
dated 6 February 2009: Stopping and reallocation of conditional
allocations, in terms of the Division of Revenue Act, 2008 (Act No
2 of 2008).
b) Government Notice No R. 144 published in Government Gazette No
31892 dated 13 February 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No
1/1/1374) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91
of 1964).
c) Government Notice No R. 145 published in Government Gazette No
31892 dated 13 February 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 2 (No 2/306)
in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
d) Government Notice No R. 146 published in Government Gazette No
31892 dated 13 February 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 2 (No 2/307)
in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(e) Government Notice No 289 published in Government Gazette No
32005 dated 11 March 2009: Notice in terms of paragraph 2C of the
Second Schedule in terms of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of
1962).
(f) Government Notice No 290 published in Government Gazette No
32005 dated 11 March 2009: Notice in terms of paragraph (b) of the
definition of “living annuity” in section 1in terms of the Income
Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
(g) Report of the South African Reserve Bank of the annual general
meeting of shareholders for 2008.
TUESDAY, 24 MARCH 2009
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Bills passed by Houses – to be submitted to President for assent
(1) Bill passed by National Assembly on 24 March 2009:
a) Reform of Customary Law of Succession and Regulation of
Related Matters Bill [B 10D – 2008] (National Assembly – sec
76(1)).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
a) Government Notice No 309 published in Government Gazette No 32013
dated 20 March 2009: Technical changes of public entities, in terms
of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
b) Government Notice No 310 published in Government Gazette No 32013
dated 20 March 2009: Listing of public entities, in terms of the
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
c) Government Notice No 311 published in Government Gazette No 32013
dated 20 March 2009: Listing of public entities, in terms of the
Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1 of 1999).
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Represented Political
Parties’ Fund for 2007-2008, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2007-2008 [RP 262-2008].
b) Report on the withholding of remuneration of Ms T C Oliphant, in
terms of section 13(4A)(b) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90
of 1993).
FRIDAY, 27 MARCH 2009
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
(1) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
Report on the withholding of remuneration of Ms T C Oliphant, in
terms of section 13(4A)(b) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90
of 1993).
(2) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration:
The Budget and Strategic Plan of the Auditor-General of South
Africa for 2009-2012 [RP 288-2008].
(3) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Education and Recreation for consideration and report:
Report and Financial Statements of the Robben Island Museum for
2007-2008, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2007-2008.
(4) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs for consideration and report.
(a) Report of the Consumer Affairs Committee (CAFCOM) for 2007-
2008.
(b) Report of the National Industrial Participation Programme
for 2007-2008.
(5) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Rand Water for the year
ended June 2008, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended June
2008.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Namakwa Water Board for
the year ended June 2008, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended June 2008.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of Lepelle Northern Water
for the year ended June 2008, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended June 2008.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of Botshelo Water for the
year ended June 2008, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended June
2008.
(e) Report and Financial Statements of Sedibeng Water for the
year ended June 2008, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended June
2008.
f) Report and Financial Statements of Magalies Water for the year
ended June 2008, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended June
2008.
(g) Report and Financial Statements of Mhlathuze Water for the
year ended June 2008, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended June
2008.
(h) Report and Financial Statements of Pelladrift Water Board
for the year ended 30 June 2008, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2008.
(6) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Government Notice No 1370 published in Government Gazette
No 31726 dated 15 December 2008: Commencement dates in terms of
the Insurance Laws Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No 27 of 2008).
(b) Government Notice No 11 published in Government Gazette No
31772 dated 9 January 2009: Commencement dates in terms of the
Special Pensions Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No 13 of 2008).
(c) Government Notice No 1373 published in Government Gazette
No 31716 dated 19 December 2008: Designation of which the
activities do not fall within the meaning of “the business of a
bank” (“Ithala Limited”, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ithaba
Development Finance Corporation Limited), in terms of the Banks
Act, 1990 (Act No 94 of 1990).
(d) Government Notice No R.1374 published in Government
Gazette No 31716 dated 19 December 2008: Amendment of Schedule
No 3 (No 3/640), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1990
(Act No 91 of 1964).
(e) Government Notice No R.1375 published in Government
Gazette No 31716 dated 19 December 2008: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/1370), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act,
1990 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(f) Government Notice No R.1376 published in Government
Gazette No 31716 dated 19 December 2008: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/1371), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act,
1990 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(g) Government Notice No R.1377 published in Government
Gazette No 31716 dated 19 December 2008: Amendment of Schedule
No 4 (No 4/315), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1990
(Act No 91 of 1964).
(h) Government Notice No R.1378 published in Government
Gazette No 31716 dated 19 December 2008: Amendment of Schedule
No 5 (No 5/89), in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1990
(Act No 91 of 1964).
i) Government Notice No 110 published in Government Gazette No
31872 dated 6 February 2009: Stopping and reallocation of
conditional allocations, in terms of the Division of Revenue
Act, 2008 (Act No 2 of 2008).
j) Government Notice No R. 144 published in Government Gazette No
31892 dated 13 February 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No
1/1/1374) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No
91 of 1964).
k) Government Notice No R. 145 published in Government Gazette No
31892 dated 13 February 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 2 (No
2/306) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91
of 1964).
l) Government Notice No R. 146 published in Government Gazette No
31892 dated 13 February 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 2 (No
2/307) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91
of 1964).
(m) Government Notice No 289 published in Government Gazette
No 32005 dated 11 March 2009: Notice in terms of paragraph 2C
of the Second Schedule in terms of the Income Tax Act, 1962
(Act No 58 of 1962).
(n) Government Notice No 290 published in Government Gazette
No 32005 dated 11 March 2009: Notice in terms of paragraph (b)
of the definition of “living annuity” in section 1in terms of
the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
(7) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration and report and to the Select Committee on
Local Government and Administration:
Draft Municipal Budget and Reporting Regulations in terms of
section 169(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Finance
Management Act, 2003 (Act No 56 of 2003).
(8) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Social Services for consideration:
Employment Equity Report of the Department of Home Affairs for 1
October 2007 to 30 September 2008, in terms of section 22(2) of the
Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No 55 of 1998).
(9) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs and the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence:
The President of the Republic submitted a letter dated 9 January 2009
to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces informing
Members of the Council of the employment of the South African
National Defence Force for a service in co-operation with the South
African Police Service.
(10) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Pension Funds
Adjudicator for 2007-2008, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2007-2008.
(b) Report of the South African Reserve Bank of the annual
general meeting of shareholders for 2008.
(11) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
Report on Monies in Trust kept in the Guardian’s Fund for 2007-
2008, including the Report of the Auditor-General on Monies in
Trust kept in the Guardian’s Fund for 2007-2008 [RP 282-2008].
(12) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration:
Submission by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional
Development of notices in terms of section 31 of the Regulation of
Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-
related Information Act, 2002 (Act No 70 of 2002).
(13) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration and the Select Committee Local Government
and Administration:
General Report of the Auditor-General on the Audit Outcomes of
Local Government for 2006-2007 [RP 5-2009].
(14) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs:
a) Government Notice No 71 published in Government Gazette No
31832 dated 30 January 2009: Proclamation of the Cape Floral
Region Protected Areas as a world heritage site and delegation
by the Minister of certain powers and duties to the Director-
General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
in terms of the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49
of 1999).
b) Government Notice No 72 published in Government Gazette No
31832 dated 30 January 2009: Proclamation of Mapungubwe
Cultural Landscape as a world heritage site and delegation by
the Minister of certain powers and duties to the South African
National Parks (SANParks), in terms of the World Heritage
Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(c) Notice No 22 published in Government Gazette No 31789
dated 9 January 2009: National Environmental Management Act,
2008 (Act No 62 of 2008).
(d) Government Notice No 182 published in Government Gazette
No 31933 dated 20 February 2009: Publication of a board for
Isimangaliso Wetland Park Authority, in terms of the World
Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
e) Government Notice No 190 published in Government Gazette No
31912 dated 20 February 2009: Notice of intention to make
regulations regarding fees for the provision of aviation
meteorological services in terms of section 28 (b) of the South
African Weather Services Act, 2001 (Act No 8 of 2001).
f) Government Notice No R.209 published in Government Gazette No
31962 dated 27 February 2009: Threatened or Protected Species
Amendment Regulations, 2009 in terms of the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of
2004).
g) Government Notice No R.210 published in Government Gazette No
31963 dated 27 February 2009: Threatened or Protected Species
Second Amendment Regulations, 2009 in terms of the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of
2004).
(15) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration:
National General Report of the Auditor-General on the Audit
Outcomes of Departments, Constitutional Institutions, Public
Entities and other entities for 2007-2008 [RP 6-2009].
(16) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Land
and Environmental Affairs for consideration:
Government Notice No 27 published in Government Gazette No 31775
dated 16 January 2009: Draft Regulations for the proper
administration of the Knysna Protected Environment, in terms of the
National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act
No 57 of 2003).
(17) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs for consideration:
a) Government Notice No R. 832 published in Government Gazette No
31302 dated 8 August 2008: Withdrawal of the Compulsory
Specification for Articles Marked E.P.N.S. in terms of the
Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
b) Government Notice No 939 published in Government Gazette No
31389 dated 5 September 2008: Standards matters in terms of the
Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(c) Government Notice No R. 1298 published in Government
Gazette No 31658 dated 5 December 2008: Proposed amendment of
the compulsory specification for Motor Vehicles of Category M1,
in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(d) Government Notice No R. 1299 published in Government
Gazette No 31658 dated 5 December 2008: Proposed amendment of
the compulsory specification for Motor Vehicles of Category N1,
in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(e) Government Notice No R. 1392 published in Government
Gazette No 31735 dated 24 December 2008: Proposed amendment of
the compulsory specification for Motor Vehicles of Categories
03/04, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory
Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of 2008).
(f) Government Notice No R. 1393 published in Government
Gazette No 31735 dated 24 December 2008: Proposed amendment of
the compulsory specification for Motor Vehicles of Categories
M2/3, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory
Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of 2008).
(g) Government Notice No R. 1394 published in Government
Gazette No 31735 dated 24 December 2008: Proposed amendment of
the compulsory specification for Motor Vehicles of Categories
N2/3, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory
Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of 2008).
(h) Government Notice No R. 1395 published in Government
Gazette No 31735 dated 24 December 2008: Proposed amendment of
the compulsory specification for Motor Vehicles of Categories
01/02, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory
Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of 2008).
(i) Government Notice No R. 1396 published in Government
Gazette No 31735 dated 24 December 2008: Proposed introduction
of a compulsory specification for Single-Capped Fluorescent
Lamps, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory
Specifications Act, 1993 (Act No 29 of 1993).
(j) Proclamation No 33 published in Government Gazette No
31391 dated 1 September 2008: Commencement of Standards Act,
2008 (Act No 8 of 2008).
(k) Proclamation No 34 published in Government Gazette No
31391 dated 1 September 2008: Commencement of the National
Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of
2008).
(18) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Proclamation No 2 published in Government Gazette No 31808
dated 21 January 2009: Referral of matters to 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. 3 published in Government Gazette No
31811 dated 22 January 2009: Commencement of the South African
Judicial Education Institute Act, 2008 (Act No 14 of 2008).
(c) Government Notice No R. 43 published in Government Gazette
No 31809 dated 22 January 2009: Amendment of Regulations, in
terms of the Judges’ Remuneration and Conditions of Employment
Act, 2001 (Act No 47 of 2001).
(19) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Local Government and Administration for consideration and report:
Report and Financial Statements of the South African Local
Government Association (SALGA) for 2007-2008, including the Report
of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance
Information for 2007-2008 [RP 151-2008].
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Proclamation No R 12 published in Government Gazette No 31930 dated
19 February 2009: Commencement of section 13 of the National
Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No 56 of 2008).
b) Proclamation No R 13 published in Government Gazette No 31948 dated
23 February 2009: Commencement of the Renaming of High Courts Act,
2008 (Act No 30 of 2008).
- The Minister of Trade and Industry a) Government Notice No R. 85 published in Government Gazette No 31844 dated 6 February 2009: Correction Notice: proposed amendment of the compulsory specification for motor vehicles of Category M2/3, in terms of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of 2008).
b) Government Notice No R. 86 published in Government Gazette No 31844
dated 6 February 2009: Proposed amendment of the compulsory
specification for motor vehicles of Category N2/3, in terms of the
National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No
5 of 2008).
c) Government Notice No R. 87 published in Government Gazette No 31844
dated 6 February 2009: Proposed amendment of the compulsory
specification for motor vehicles of Category 01/02, in terms of the
National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No
5 of 2008).
d) Government Notice No R. 88 published in Government Gazette No 31844
dated 6 February 2009: Proposed amendment of the compulsory
specification for motor vehicles of Category 03/04, in terms of the
National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No
5 of 2008).
e) Government Notice No R. 89 published in Government Gazette No 31844
dated 6 February 2009: Amendment to the compulsory specification
for electrical and electronic apparatus, in terms of the National
Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of
2008).
(f) Government Notice No R. 90 published in Government Gazette No
31844 dated 6 February 2009: Introduction of a compulsory
specification for lamp controlgear, in terms of the National
Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of
2008).
(g) Government Notice No R. 91 published in Government Gazette No
31844 dated 6 February 2009: Amendment to the compulsory
specification for personal flotation aids, in terms of the National
Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act, 2008 (Act No 5 of
2008).
(h) Government Notice No 201 published in Government Gazette No
31925 dated 27 February 2009: Standards matters in terms of the
Standards Act, 2008 (Act No 8 of 2008).
i) Government Notice No 202 published in Government Gazette No 31925
dated 27 February 2009: Standards matters in terms of the Standards
Act, 2008 (Act No 8 of 2008).
j) Government Notice No 203 published in Government Gazette No 31925
dated 27 February 2009: The South African Sugar Association, notice
under clause 82 of the Sugar Industry Agreement, 2000.
k) Government Notice No R. 206 published in Government Gazette No
31926 dated 27 February 2009: International Trade Administration
Commission of South Africa: Import control, in terms of the
International Trade Administration Act, 2002 (Act No 71 of 2002).
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
a) Notice No 138 published in Government Gazette No 31884 dated 11
February 2009: National Environmental Management: Integrated
Coastal Management Act, 2008 (Act No 24 of 2008).
b) Government Notice No R. 149 published in Government Gazette No
31901 dated 13 February 2009: Waste Tyre Regulations - 2008, in
terms of the Environment Conservation Act, 1989 (Act No 73 of
1989).
c) General Notice No 165 published in Government Gazette No 31885
dated 13 February 2009: Draft Environmental Impact Assessment
Regulations: For public comment, in terms of the National
Environmental Management Act, 1989 (Act No 107 of 1998).
d) General Notice No 166 published in Government Gazette No 31885
dated 13 February 2009: Listing Notice 1: List of activities and
competent authorities identified in terms of section 24(2) and 24D
of the National Environmental Management Act, 1989 (Act No 107 of
1998).
(e) General Notice No 167 published in Government Gazette No 31885
dated 13 February 2009: Listing Notice 2: List of activities and
competent authorities identified in terms of section 24(2) and 24D
of the National Environmental Management Act, 1989 (Act No 107 of
1998).
(f) General Notice No 168 published in Government Gazette No 31885
dated 13 February 2009: Listing Notice 3: List of activities and
competent authorities identified in terms of section 24(2) and 24D
of the National Environmental Management Act, 1989 (Act No 107 of
1998).
(g) Government Notice No 148 published in Government Gazette No
31899 dated 13 February 2009: Notice in terms of section 57(2), in
terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act,
2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
h) General Notice No 170 published in Government Gazette No 31899
dated 13 February 2009: Marking of rhinoceros horn and hunting of
white rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes, in terms of the
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No
10 of 2004).
i) Government Notice No R. 214 published in Government Gazette No
31968 dated 2 March 2009: Norms and Standards for Biodiversity
Management Plans for Species, in terms of the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of
2004).
j) Government Notice No 248 published in Government Gazette No 31981
dated 6 March 2009: Declaration of land to be part of the Garden
Route National Park, in terms of the National Environmental
Management: Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No 57 of 2003).
k) Government Notice No R. 249 published in Government Gazette No
31982 dated 6 March 2009: Amendment of Regulations published in
Government Notice No R 1111 of 2 September 1998, in terms of the
Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
l) Notice No 278 published in Government Gazette No 32000 dated 10
March 2009: National Environmental Management: Waste Act, 2008 (Act
No 59 of 2008).
m) Government Notice No 263 published in Government Gazette No 31987
dated 13 March 2009: The Identification of substances in Ambient
Air and establishment of National Standards for the Permissible
Amount or Concentration of each Substance in Ambient Air, in terms
of the National Environmental Management Act, 2004 (Act No 39 of
2004).
(n) Government Notice No 291 published in Government Gazette No
32006 dated 16 March 2009: Guideline regarding the determination of
bioregions and the preparation of and publication of bioregional
plans, in terms of the National Environmental Management:
Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
TUESDAY, 31 MARCH 2009
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Assent by President in respect of Bills
1) Constitution Sixteenth Amendment Bill [B 1 – 2009] (assented to and signed by President on 25 March 2009). 2) Cross-boundary Municipalities Laws Repeal and Related Matters Amendment Bill [B 3B – 2009] – Act No 8 of 2009 (assented to and signed by President on 25 March 2009).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
a) Government Notice No 293 published in Government Gazette No 32007
dated 13 March 2009: The dimension of, design for, and compilation
of, the year 2009 Natura pure gold coin series, in terms of the
South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
b) Government Notice No 294 published in Government Gazette No 32007
dated 13 March 2009: The dimension of, design for, and compilation
of, the year 2009 Protea coin series, in terms of the South African
Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
c) Government Notice No 295 published in Government Gazette No 32007
dated 13 March 2009: The dimension of, design for, and compilation
of, the year 2009 R2 pure gold coin series, in terms of the South
African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
d) Government Notice No 296 published in Government Gazette No 32007
dated 13 March 2009: The dimension of, design for, and compilation
of, the year 2009 R1 pure gold coin series, in terms of the South
African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
e) Government Notice No 297 published in Government Gazette No 32007
dated 13 March 2009: The dimension of, design for, and compilation
of, the year 2009 sterling silver coin series, in terms of the
South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(f) Government Notice No 298 published in Government Gazette No
32007 dated 13 March 2009: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2009 “FIFA 2010 coin series,” in terms of
the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(g) Government Notice No 299 published in Government Gazette No
32007 dated 13 March 2009: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2009 crown size and 2½c sterling silver
coin series, in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989
(Act No 90 of 1989).
(h) Government Notice No R.321 published in Government Gazette No
32014 dated 20 March 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/3/6),
in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(i) Government Notice No R.322 published in Government Gazette No
32014 dated 20 March 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/5/145),
in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(j) Government Notice No R.323 published in Government Gazette No
32014 dated 20 March 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/5/146),
in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(k) Government Notice No R.324 published in Government Gazette No
32014 dated 20 March 2009: Amendment of Schedule No 6 (No 6/14), in
terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Government Notice No R.92 published in Government Gazette No 31844
dated 6 February 2009: Notice of Fixed Line Operators, in terms of
section 31 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and
Provision of Communication-related Information Act, 2002 (Act No 70
of 2002).
b) Government Notice No R.93 published in Government Gazette No 31844
dated 6 February 2009: Mobile Cellular Operators, in terms of
section 31 of the Regulation of Interception of Communications and
Provision of Communication-related Information Act, 2002 (Act No 70
of 2002).
MONDAY, 20 APRIL 2009
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
a) Report of the Auditor-General on the special audit of the N2
Gateway Project at the national Department of Housing – June 2008
[RP 177-2008].
(b) Report of the Auditor-General on a performance audit of
entities that are connected with government employees and doing
business with national departments – August 2008 [RP 242-2008].
(c) Report of the Auditor-General on a performance audit of service
delivery at police stations and 10111 call centres at the South
African Police Service – March 2009 [RP 22-2009].
National Council of Provinces
-
The Chairperson
(a) Notice issued in terms of section 139(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, to dissolve Mnquma Local Municipal Council.
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration for consideration and report. TUESDAY, 21 APRIL 2009
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
(1) Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill [B
10B – 2007] Act No 49 of 2008 (assented to and signed by President
on 19 April 2009).
(2) Companies Bill [B 61D – 2008] – Act No 71 of 2008 (assented to
and signed by President on 8 April 2009).
3) Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Bill [B 44D – 2008] –
Act No 72 of 2008 (assented to and signed by President on 19 April
2009).
4) National Conventional Arms Control Amendment Bill [B 45B – 2008] –
Act No 73 of 2008 (assented to and signed by President on 14 April
2009).
5) Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill [B 54D – 2008] – Act No 74 of
2008 (assented to and signed by President on 15 April 2009).
6) Bible Society of South Africa Act Repeal Bill [B 70D – 2008] – Act
No 2 of 2009 (assented to and signed by President on 30 March
2009).
7) Second-Hand Goods Bill [B 2B – 2008] – Act No 6 of 2009 (assented
to and signed by President on 30 March 2009).
8) National Land Transport Bill [B 51D – 2008] – Act No 5 of 2009
(assented to and signed by President on 3 April 2009).
9) Western Cape Inherited Debt Relief Bill [B 6 – 2009] – Act No 7 of
2009 (assented to and signed by President on 19 April 2009).
10) Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Bill [B 75D –
2008] – Act No 9 of 2009 (assented to and signed by President on 14
April 2009).
11) Reform of Customary Law of Succession and Regulation of Related
Matters Bill [B 10D – 2008] – Act No 11 of 2009 (assented to and
signed by President on 19 April 2009).
12) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 – 2009] – Act No 12 of 2009 (assented
to and signed by President on 3 April 2009).
13) Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Bill [B 12D – 2008]
– Act No 70 of 2008 (assented to and signed by President on 19
April 2009).
TABLINGS
National Council of Provinces
- The Chairperson
(a) President’s Minute 108: Appointment of the Inspector-General of
Intelligence.
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional
Affairs.
(b) Statement issued in terms of section 106(3) of the Local
Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000), on
allegations of maladministration, fraud and corrupt practices
occurring within Umhlabuyalinga Local Municipality, Kwazulu Natal.
(c) Statement issued in terms of section 106(3) of the Local
Government: Municipal Systems Act, 2000 (Act No 32 of 2000), on
allegations of corrupt practices occurring within Buffalo City
Local Municipality, Eastern Cape.
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and
Administration for consideration.
(d) Notice of intervention issued in terms of section 139(1)(b) of
the Constitution, 1996 to Alfred Nzo District Municipal Council,
Eastern Cape.
e) Notice of intervention issued in terms of section 139(1)(b) of the
Constitution, 1996 to Koukamma Local Municipal Council, Eastern
Cape.
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and
Administration for consideration and report.
(f) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 31 March 2009 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces, informing Members of the Council of the extension of the
employment of the SA National Defence Force for a service in
fulfillment of the International Obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the African Union as part of the African Union
Observer Mission in Northern Uganda:
EXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE
FORCE FOR A SERVICE IN FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION AS PART
OF THE AFRICAN UNION OBSERVER MISSION IN NORTHERN UGANDA
This serves to inform the Joint Standing Committee on Defence that
I have extended the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Northern Uganda, for a service
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 Northern Uganda.
This employment is 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).
Members of the SANDF were employed to participate in the African
Union Observer Mission in Northern Uganda. The employment of these
members will expire on 31 March 2009. The SANDF’s mission in
Northern Uganda is not yet completed. The employment of 5 SANDF
members is now extended until 31 March 2010.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly
and the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you
bring the contents hereof to the notice of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence.
Regards
signed
B MBETE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
(g) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 31 March 2009 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces, informing Members of the Council of the extension of the
employment of the SA National Defence Force for a service in
fulfillment of the International Obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the United Nations, as part of the United
Nations Political Mission in Nepal:
EXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE
FORCE FOR A SERVICE IN FULFILLMENT 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 serves to inform the Joint Standing Committee on Defence that
I have extended the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Nepal, for a service 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 is 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).
Members of the SANDF were employed to be part of the United Nations
Political Mission in Nepal. The employment of these members will
expire on 31 March 2009. The SANDF’s mission in Nepal is not yet
completed. The employment of one SANDF member is now extended until
31 March 2010.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly
and the National Council of Provinces and also wish to request that
you bring the contents hereof to the notice of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence.
Regards
signed
B MBETE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
(h) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 31 March 2009 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces, informing Members of the Council of the extension of the
employment of the SA National Defence Force for a service in
fulfillment of the International Obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the United Nations and the African Union, as
part of the UN/AU Hybrid Operation in Darfur:
EXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE
FORCE FOR A SERVICE IN FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE
AFRICAN UNION AS PART OF THE UN/AU HYBRID OPERATION IN DARFUR
This serves to inform the Joint Standing Committee on Defence that
I have extended the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Darfur, for a service in
fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the United Nations and the African Union, as
part of the UN/AU Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) in accordance
with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1769, dated 31
July 2007.
This employment is 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).
Members of the SANDF were employed to be part of the UN/AU Hybrid
Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The employment of these members will
expire on 31 March 2009. The SANDF’s mission in the DRC is not yet
completed. The employment of 850 SANDF members is now extended
until 31 March 2010.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly
and the National Council of Provinces and also wish to request that
you bring the contents hereof to the notice of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence.
Regards
signed
B MBETE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
(i) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 31 March 2009 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces, informing Members of the Council of the extension of the
employment of the SA National Defence Force for a service in
fulfillment of the International Obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the Democratic Republic of Congo:
EXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE
FORCE FOR A SERVICE IN FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF
CONGO
This serves to inform the Joint Standing Committee on Defence that
I have extended the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of
Congo, for a service in fulfilment of the international obligations
of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations for
participation in the peace mission in the Democratic Republic of
Congo.
This employment is 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).
Members of the SANDF were employed to participate in the peace
mission in the DRC. The employment of these members will expire on
31 March 2009. The SANDF’s mission in the DRC is not yet completed.
The employment of 1137 SANDF members is now extended until 31 March
2010.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly
and the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you
bring the contents hereof to the notice of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence.
Regards
signed
B MBETE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
(j) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 31 March 2009 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces, informing Members of the Council of the extension of the
employment of the SA National Defence Force for a service in
fulfillment of the International Obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the Democratic Republic of Congo:
EXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE
FORCE FOR A SERVICE IN FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF
CONGO
This serves to inform the Joint Standing Committee on Defence that
I have extended the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of
Congo, for a service in fulfilment of the international obligations
of the Republic of South Africa towards the DRC to assist with
capacity building of the DRC Defence Force.
This employment is 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).
Members of the SANDF were employed to assist the DRC Defence Force
with capacity building. The employment of these members will expire
on 31 March 2009. The SANDF’s mission in the DRC is not yet
completed. The employment of 11 SANDF members is now extended until
31 March 2010.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly
and the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you
bring the contents hereof to the notice of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence.
Regards
signed
B MBETE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
(k) The President of the Republic submitted the following letter
dated 31 March 2009 to the Chairperson of the National Council of
Provinces, informing Members of the Council of the extension of the
employment of the SA National Defence Force for a service in
fulfillment of the International Obligations of the Republic of
South Africa towards the Democratic Republic of Congo:
EXTENSION OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE
FORCE FOR A SERVICE IN FULFILLMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF
CONGO
This serves to inform the Joint Standing Committee on Defence that
I have extended the employment of the South African National
Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC), for a service in fulfilment of the international obligations
of the Republic of South Africa towards the DRC, to assist with
integration of the armed forces of the DRC.
This employment is 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).
Members of the SANDF were employed to assist the DRC with
integration and training of armed forces. The employment of these
members will expire on 31 March 2009. The SANDF’s mission in the
DRC is not yet completed. The employment of 28 SANDF members is now
extended until 31 March 2010.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly
and the National Council of Provinces, and wish to request that you
bring the contents hereof to the notice of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence.
Regards
signed
B MBETE
ACTING PRESIDENT
Referred to the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.