National Council of Provinces - 01 June 2004
TUESDAY, 1 JUNE 2004 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
____
The Council met at 14:01.
The Chairperson took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS - see col 000.
NOTICES OF MOTION
Mr M A MZIZI: Chairperson, I give notice that I shall move at the next sitting of the Council:
That the Council -
(1) notes with shock and disgust that the carcasses and bones of dead animals are being dumped in a field near Jeppestown, Johannesburg, causing an unbearable odour;
(2) further notes that this is an unacceptable and unhygienic practice and a health hazard to the communities that live nearby;
(3) urges the relevant authorities and departments to take the necessary action in order to put an immediate end to the dumping of animal carcasses in this area; and
(4) acknowledges the need for law enforcement officials to periodically patrol the above-mentioned area and bring to book any people found dumping animal carcasses.
SOUTH AFRICA'S SUCCESSFUL BID FOR THE SOCCER WORLD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
(Draft Resolution)
Mr D A WORTH: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) congratulates Mr Danny Jordaan and the South African Soccer Bid Committee on their success in bringing the 2010 World Cup Championship to South Africa;
(2) notes that -
(a) according to some estimates, thousands of visitors will spend
some R18 billion locally and the championship could contribute
some R25 billion towards South Africa's gross national income;
(b) there is also the potential of creating 160 000 employment
opportunities which are sorely needed; and
(c) another R5 billion in taxes should be created for the fiscus;
and
(3) recognises that -
(a) stadia and transport infrastructure will have to be built and
upgraded, which will benefit all South Africans in the long
term;
(b) cities such as Sydney, Barcelona and Atlanta are good examples
of renewal with regard to urban transport systems, sporting
facilities and housing as a result of hosting successful world
events; and
(c) whilst a lot of hard work and planning remains to be done, we
are proud to be South Africans and look forward to a successful
2010 World Cup Championship.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
NATIONAL PARAFFIN SAFETY DAY
(Draft Resolution)
Mr K SINCLAIR: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) notes that -
(a) the New National Party by way of this motion without notice,
wants to sensitise the Council about the fact that for the first
time in the history of South Africa, today, 1 June 2004, is
National Paraffin Safety Day;
(b) according to the Paraffin Safety Association of Southern Africa
(PSA) the date was determined in consultation with the
Department of Health; and
(c) one of the biggest causes of infernos and destruction in our
informal settlements is unsafe stoves and that according to the
PSA the eradication of such stoves has become a matter of
national importance; and
(2) resolves to support the call for safer but more affordable paraffin stoves.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
TWIN BABIES FOUND AND CARED FOR BY ASHERVILLE FAMILY
(Draft Resolution)
Mrs J N VILAKAZI: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) appreciates the sympathy, love and care of Mr Adrian Reddy and his family, of Asherville, who have given a loving home to twin baby girls found by Mr Reddy abandoned in the bush;
(2) applauds Mr Reddy who -
(a) when going to work early in the morning heard the cries of a
baby which were coming from the bush at the corner of Stanley
Copley Drive and Nerina Road; and
(b) stopped his car when hearing these cries and investigated the
area, which led to the discovery of two tiny babies covered with
rags and lying in a cardboard box;
(3) acknowledges that out of sympathy he took these baby girls home to his mother and wife, Amina, and that both women, filled with motherly instincts, sprang into action and the babies were bathed, fed and clothed;
(4) notes that while the logistics of investigations are being carried out by police, the babies are being given tender love and care by Mr Reddy’s wife; and
(5) praises such spirit of goodwill which is being shown to the babies and notes that, according to the Sunday Tribune of 16 May 2004, Mr Reddy’s wife is keen to adopt the two foundlings, keep and raise them by the grace of God; and
(6) applauds such generosity shown by Mr Reddy’s family as a whole.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
WORLD NO-TOBACCO DAY
(Draft Resolution)
Mr F ADAMS: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) notes that -
(a) yesterday, 31 May, was World No-Tobacco Day;
(b) in terms of a report of the World Health Organisation the poor
are the biggest victims of the tobacco industry and the poor
tend to smoke the most - of the estimated 1,3 billion smokers
worldwide, 84% live in developing countries; and
(c) in South Africa poor households spend about 4% of their total
expenditure on cigarettes - this is money that could have been
used for food, shelter and education; and
(2) therefore urges the Minister of Health, the Department of Health and all relevant role-players to work together to make sure that South Africa strives to become a healthier society.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
RENEWAL OF CEASEFIRE IN SUDAN
(Draft Resolution)
Mr D D GAMEDE: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) notes with delight the decision by the Sudanese government and the country’s main rebel group to renew their ceasefire;
(2) acknowledges that such a ceasefire is an important requirement for creating the necessary conditions for a comprehensive peace agreement to end a war that has caused hundreds of deaths and large-scale displacements of people;
(3) reiterates its support for the efforts of the Sudanese government and rebel forces to resolve their conflict to enhance durable peace and sustainable development for the people of Sudan; and (4) believes an intrinsic link exists between peace and development and in this context underlines the importance of Nepad as a key instrument with which to realise the objective of peace, stability and social development across the African continent.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
EASTERN CAPE'S 10-YEAR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
(Draft Resolution)
Mr D G MKONO: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) notes that the Eastern Cape government has developed a 10-year growth and development plan to deal with continued high levels of poverty, unemployment and development disparities;
(2) further notes that the plan outlines key areas of emphasis that need attention and dedication for ``attainment of the overall strategic objectives designed to improve and better the lives of the people, especially the poorest of the poor”; and
(3) welcomes the 10-year growth and development plan as further demonstration of the provincial government’s commitment to enter into a People’s Contract to build a broad front for the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY
(Draft Resolution)
Ms J MASILO: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) notes that International Children’s Day is celebrated today, 1 June;
(2) notes that the ANC has consistently expressed the view that more than any other segment of society, children are most at risk from violence and abuse and are particularly affected by the legacy of poverty and underdevelopment in society;
(3) recognises that the ANC has therefore done much work since 1994 to improve the situation of South Africa’s children, trying to intervene in the situation of those most at risk and broadening access for all children to health care, education and other opportunities;
(4) acknowledges that since it came into office in 1994, the ANC has put in place many programmes to translate children’s rights into reality; and
(5) believes that all sections of society need to work together to nurture and protect South Africa’s children, who remain vulnerable to poverty, violence, neglect and disease.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
MEASURES TO COMBAT CORRUPTION
(Draft Resolution)
Ms S E MABE: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) recognises the negative impact of corruption in the Public Service on the ability of Government to implement and accelerate its delivery programme in respect of the provision of housing;
(2) acknowledges the steps already implemented by our ANC-led government to combat corruption, including the anti-corruption legislation which was passed towards the end of last year;
(3) welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Housing that a special unit is to be set up to tackle corruption in the housing sector; and
(4) believes this is further confirmation of the commitment of the current Government to progressively root out corruption to ensure that the people who are provided with housing are those who are really in need.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
POLITICAL PRESSURE ON VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU-NATAL
(Draft Resolution)
Mr A L MOSEKI: Chairperson, I move without notice:
That the Council -
(1) notes with extreme concern the political interference in academic affairs by the leader of the DA, Tony Leon, when he tried to put pressure on University of KwaZulu-Natal vice-chancellor, Prof Malekgapuru Makgoba, to reappoint an elderly academic whose contract expires next month; (2) views in a serious light this ``political blackmail through his parliamentary office to gain favours for certain people”; and
(3) calls on the DA leader to respect the autonomy of our universities to make their own decisions about policies and practices, including the appointment of staff.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Is there any objection? [Interjections.] In light of the objection, the motion may not be proceeded with. The motion without notice will become notice of a motion.
Mr A L MOSEKI: Chairperson, will you allow me to address you on the motion?
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: You are not allowed to, Mr Moseki.
The ACTING CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL: Chairperson, I move the draft resolution printed on the Order Paper in my name:
That, notwithstanding Joint Rules 129 and 132B and subject to the concurrence of the National Assembly, until further notice the composition of the Joint Monitoring Committee on the Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Women and the Joint Monitoring Committee on the Improvement of Quality of Life and Status of Children, Youth and Disabled Persons each be 9 Council members and 13 Assembly members as follows: African National Congress 8; Democratic Alliance 2; Inkatha Freedom Party 1; other parties 2.
May I indicate, Chair, that the National Assembly passed this motion on 26 May 2004.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: As there is no speakers’ list, I shall now put the question. The question is that the motion be agreed to. As the decision is dealt with in terms of section 65 of the Constitution, I shall first ascertain whether all delegation heads are present in the Chamber to cast their provinces votes. Are all delegation heads present?
In accordance with Rule 71, I shall first allow provinces the opportunity to make their declaration of vote if they so wish. We shall now proceed to the voting on the question. I shall do so in alphabetical order per province. Delegation heads must please indicate to the Chairperson whether they vote in favour or against, or abstain from voting. Eastern Cape?
Ms B N DLULANE: Siyaxhasa. [We support.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Free State?
Mr T S SETONA: The Free State votes in favour.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Gauteng?
Mr S SHICEKA: Gauteng supports.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: KwaZulu-Natal?
Mrs M N OLIPHANT: KwaZulu-Natal is in favour.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Limpopo?
Mr M J MAHLANGU: Limpopo supports.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Mpumalanga?
Ms M P THEMBA: Mpumalanga supports.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Northern Cape?
Mr M A SULLIMAN: Northern Cape supports.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: North West?
Mr Z S KOLWENI: Ke a rona. [We support.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Western Cape?
Mr F ADAMS: Western Cape supports.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: All nine provinces have voted in favour. I therefore declare the motion agreed to.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
AFRICA DAY - PROMOTING PEACE, UNITY, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL
INTEGRATION FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(Subject for Discussion)
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: Thank you very much indeed, Madam Chairperson, and let me say how honoured I am to address this House on the important occasion of Africa Day, which took place a few days ago. It is an honour for me particularly as this is my maiden speech in this House to address you on this important occasion. [Applause.]
Forty-one years ago, on 25 May 1963, the Organisation of African Unity was born in Addis Ababa. It was formed as a vehicle to work towards the total liberation of the African people. It was formed at a time when the peoples of Africa were largely governed by colonial powers, when basic freedoms were denied to most Africans, when people were constrained in the expression of their own cultural and linguistic heritages by the colonial and minority powers, and when people’s cultures and values were usurped by the colonial powers of Europe.
People of Africa were belittled and controlled by the powers that sought to get rich from the bounties of our continent and to divide her people, to force them into their own ways and, through slavery and servitude, into second-class citizenship.
The OAU was formed from a common desire to liberate the continent from this tyranny and to work tirelessly for equality, justice and progress for all her people. At that period in time the goal was to achieve the independence of the countries of Africa from their colonial masters and from apartheid and other racist minority regimes.
It is in no small measure due to the efforts of that organisation and its solidarity with the people of South Africa that we have achieved our freedom here in the most southern state of Africa. In April 1994 when we achieved our freedom, the goals of the OAU were largely achieved. To complete the process we are hopeful that the United Nations initiatives in the Western Sahara will bear fruit in the near future.
Then, on 25 May 2001, the African Union was formally established - 38 years after the OAU was formed. At this time, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, Secretary- General of the OAU, said:
This is the day when we celebrate not only the life and achievements of the Organisation of African Unity as an institution but, equally profoundly, it is an occasion when we pay homage to our collective aspirations and joint endeavours as Africans. These have been 38 years of holding together as a people, deriving strength in our common identity and pursuing the vision of a shared identity.
Today, and for this year, we have another occasion to celebrate. We celebrate what Dr Salim called the ``holding together as a people’’, and we celebrate our own tenth anniversary of democracy.
The theme chosen for Africa Day this year was Youth in Sport - and, I think, it is particularly relevant that we also celebrate the opportunity we have won to host the greatest sporting event on earth, the Soccer World Cup tournament. We join the millions of South Africans and Africans, as well as people throughout the world, both young and old, who on 15 May celebrated the Fifa announcement that South Africa had earned the right to host the tournament.
Much of the jubilation on that occasion centred on the economic benefits that winning the right to host the tournament will present to us - the issues of job creation, infrastructural development, international investment and many other benefits that have been raised as opportunities for us - and we will enjoy these benefits together with our African neighbours.
Today we can celebrate yet another milestone - the South African troops that are participating in a peacekeeping mission in Burundi will today don the blue caps of the United Nations and will lead the UN forces there. I think we can be very proud of our men and women in Burundi and elsewhere on the continent. [Applause.]
Our commitment to African solidarity through our membership and participation in the African Union is illustrated in the way in which we are working with other countries on the continent in peacekeeping missions such as Burundi, and also how we are determined to work together to successfully hold the 2010 World Cup. We will all remember that two years ago the African Union came into being at a ceremony in our own country, in Durban, with South Africa and President Mbeki as its first president at its helm.
While the challenges facing the African Union are different to those of the OAU, they are underpinned by the same unity of purpose, the bonds of unity and solidarity that characterised the formation of the first continental body, the OAU, 41 years ago.
We find ourselves with different challenges in this first part of the 21st century. The world today faces the phenomenon of globalisation. This is a world where billions of rands worth of assets can move between countries and between continents at the touch of a button on a computer, where rich and powerful countries can protect their own industries through trade practices which deny access to developing countries, even though those developing countries produce goods more economically; it is a world where information and communication technology rule. We have to face these challenges and simultaneously face the huge and tragic consequences of our past - poverty and underdevelopment.
Africa Day is therefore both a celebration of our past achievements as Africans as well as a time to consider our challenges and the ways in which we will overcome them. Key to the founding vision of both the OAU and the AU is the desire for solidarity, for affirming our common identity and the need for collective action to resolve our continent’s problems.
At the launch of the African Union a few years ago, President Mbeki made a call on us as South Africans to build that unity of purpose. He said: Our first task is to achieve unity, solidarity, cohesion, co-operation among the peoples of Africa and African states. We must build all the institutions necessary to deepen political, economic and social integration of the African continent. We must deepen the culture of collective action in Africa and in our relations with the rest of the world.
The African Union thus provides us with an instrument with which to focus on these political, economic and social aspects of the integration of Africa. With the institutions of the African Union, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, Nepad, provides the vehicle for action.
The World Cup tournament and our own resolve will provide us with the opportunity to fast-track the implementation of Nepad projects. While Nepad is a programme of action, we must not lose sight of its primary objectives, and I wish to restate them here. They are to eradicate poverty in Africa; to place African countries, both individually and collectively, on a path of sustainable growth and development; to promote the empowerment and economic integration of women; and thus to halt the marginalisation of Africa in the globalisation process.
The Nepad plan can be outlined in four main areas. They include, firstly, creating the conditions for sustainable development, including conditions of peace and security, democracy and political good governance, as well as economic and corporate governance initiatives and a subregional and regional approach to development; and secondly, focusing on sectoral priorities, which include infrastructure development, bridging the digital divide, energy and transport infrastructure, as well as accessibility of water and sanitation.
There is also the area of developing our human resources, including reversing the so-called brain drain. This area will focus on poverty reduction, bridging the education gap and health issues. Agriculture and food security is another area, plus environmental initiatives, the development of cultural resources and science and technology platforms, which are all priority sectors for Nepad. Thirdly, there is the area of mobilising our resources, which involves increasing domestic and international investment, as well as securing market access for our products. Finally, there are cross-cutting issues such as capacity- building.
The Nepad Secretariat has been hard at work since 2001 setting up the mechanisms to deliver on Nepad’s programmes. In addition to our own efforts as a participating country, the continental Nepad secretariat is based in South Africa and will continue to be based here.
About a year ago the Heads of State and Government Implementation committee of Nepad met in Abuja, Nigeria. Among the issues that were discussed at this meeting was the African Peer Review Mechanism. This, as most of you would know, has attracted a lot of attention. It is seen by some as a punitive measure, but this is not its purpose. The APRM, as it is known, is a voluntary self-assessment process. It is designed to allow for African states to assess each other in terms of the standards of democracy, and political, economic and corporate governance in their countries. It is designed as a corrective measure and an opportunity for African states to share best practices and to learn from the experiences of other African countries.
The documents relating to this APRM were presented at the Abuja meeting, to which I referred, and accepted, including the objectives, standards, criteria and indicators for the mechanisms. To date, 19 states in the AU have signed the Memorandum of Understanding, including South Africa, the Panel of Eminent Persons has been agreed upon and the first country to be peer-reviewed will be Ghana later this year. Rwanda, Kenya and Mauritius will also be reviewed during the course of this year. South Africa, with the Presidency as the lead department and the Department of Public Service and Administration as the focal point department, is currently preparing for our peer review which will take place early next year.
I give these examples to show how determined Africa is about its future. The Nepad process and the APRM are home-grown programmes. They embody the vision of Africans about their future. They are driven by Africans, in partnership with the G8 countries and other developed countries of the world, and they are about how we effect an African Renaissance.
It is my belief that we have one of the most interesting countries in the world, and we live on a dynamic and exciting continent. On 24 May last year, when the President addressed guests at a banquet in honour of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the OAU, he read from a letter that had been sent to him from an Afrikaner woman. Her name is Gerda Muller. I do not know her, and I don’t think she is famous. She is just a South African citizen who was moved to write to the President with these powerful words:
For many people the vision of an African Renaissance seems so remote as to be almost unreachable. Africa is a continent ravaged by disease, crippled by poverty and racked by the same wars, human cruelties and social injustices that characterise much of present-day human habitation on this planet. It is, however, exactly because Africa is the darkest outpost, the ultimate scapegoat, the blackest and the most foreign of the global ``amakwerekwere’’ that Africa is uniquely qualified to lead the way towards a profoundly new appreciation of life on earth: a gentler one, a more compassionable one, one that rests on a recognition of the values of co-operation, service and human dignity. Africa remembers the injustices heaped upon her in the past, but people of the stature of Nelson Mandela have shown her that character can be forged from hardship. Africa knows there is no one of lesser status to blame for her current ills. Nothing will change unless Africa changes, and, by changing, Africa will change the rest of humanity.
The letter goes on:
… Africa the hopeless continent'' is destined to become the hope of
humanity exactly becausedarkest Africa’’ most perfectly embodies all
the values that characterise this new spiritual age.
All the qualities that kept Africa ``dark” in a world where overvalued rationalisation and materialism reigned now favour her as she slowly prepares to move into the limelight of a changed spiritual age, balancing on her head the earth wisdom of all she has gathered over millennia: an awareness of the feminine, an appreciation of the intuitive, and a deep conviction of the profoundly spiritual nature of life on earth and beyond.
The darkest continent is destined to become the most enlightened. The last will be first. Little orphan Africa is destined to become the mother of a more compassionate human era.
With those words I will leave you to think of what Africa Day means to each of us, and how we can all contribute to the vision of our former leaders, our present-day leaders and the ordinary people of this continent who have brought us this far. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Mr M J Mahlangu): Chairperson, allow me first to congratulate the Deputy Minister on her appointment as the Deputy Minister in the Department of Foreign Affairs. And may I say I have great faith in you, I worked with you. I know you will do a wonderful job there - and your maiden speech was wonderful.
This day marks the 41st anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of the African Union, the continental organisation of African solidarity that united and led the African peoples in bitter struggles against colonialism and apartheid.
The OAU has throughout its existence made outstanding achievements of great political transcendence that have changed the destiny of the African continent. We therefore, have, several and profound reasons to celebrate Africa Day in recognition of these achievements today.
Today, as South Africa celebrates its 10th anniversary of the dawn of peace, freedom and democracy, it is only proper and fitting that we express our humble gratitude on behalf of the millions of our people for the moral, political and material support that the people of Africa, through the OAU, afforded us in our hour of need.
Indeed the victory over apartheid was not only the outcome of the sacrifices of the masses of the South African people, but also as a result of the unflinching support of all the African people. For indeed apartheid was an affront against all Africans as it sought to cast all of us as subhuman, as President Thabo Mbeki noted:
The anti-apartheid struggle constituted a historic step away from centuries of a past during which many in the world had accepted the assertion of the subhumanity of the Africans as a self-evident truth.
Today we must recognise and acknowledge the international solidarity action by ordinary people of the world in helping to restore the dignity of our people. The fact that the people of the world joined us in the struggle to defeat apartheid, the crime against humanity, meant that, at last, and in action, all humanity had come together to assert the shared humanity of all people, regardless of race.
Accordingly, as we celebrate the 41st anniversary of the OAU, we are happy to report to the founding leaders of this historic movement that they, like all Africans, must rejoice in the full knowledge that, save for western Sahara, all Africa is indeed free at last. The continent however continues to be plagued by challenges of poverty, diseases and underdevelopment, spurned by years of slavery, imperialism, colonisation and neocolonisation, which continue to condemn millions of African people to unbearable living conditions.
The transformation of the OAU to the African Union could therefore not have come at a better time to tackle these challenges that threaten to reduce our peoples to the level of subhumanity. It is our belief that no other formation except the African Union is best placed to undertake a programme of such magnitude. The historical duty therefore is for all Africans, in government, business and civil society to strengthen and jealously guard our new continental organisation and all its structures.
We remain steadfast in our belief that the African Union will give the continent the necessary political and economic strength to become an equal partner to other regions of the world and a proactive actor in international relations. The adoption of NEPAD by the African Union was a fundamental milestone in the history of our continent. Nepad provides a platform for the construction of a united, prosperous and harmonious continent, thus giving substance to the ideas and aspirations of the African people.
One of the most important achievements of our continental efforts is the unequivocal statement that the unity of Africa is paramount to the success of African renewal. This is demonstrated by the formation of the Pan- African Parliament and its conscious decision to ensure that its bureau is representative of all the regions of the continent. The PAP seeks to create a common platform for African people and their grass-roots organisations to be more involved in discussions and decision-making processes that are geared to engaging with continental challenges. Parliamentarians and the civil society throughout the continent remain an important catalyst in promoting a culture of dialogue, tolerance of differences, recognition, mutual help and sharing. They must through PAP seek to consolidate the vision and aspirations of African people for greater unity, solidarity and cohesion in a larger community, transcending cultural, ideological, ethnic, religious and national differences. Key to the PAP challenges would be the protection of human rights, consolidation of democratic institutions, popularisation and promotion of good governance throughout the continent.
The official launch of the African Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa on Tuesday, 25 May 2004, will therefore give impetus to our commitment to rid Africa of civil strife and wars that continue to undermine our development. This new organ must surely signify our determination and unwavering commitment to peace, security and stability. Achieving peace in the continent is the necessary condition for the creation of a conducive climate for sustainable development. Our economic renewal and prosperity is in part dependent on the success of the Peace and Security Council. Indeed, peace and stability constitute a fundamental prerequisite for the full attainment of the objectives set out in Nepad. It is for this reason that we harbour great expectations of the Peace and Security Council as an efficient tool for the realisation of the African agenda for conflict prevention, management and resolution. Accordingly we must as a country, and as a member of the Peace and Security Council, do all we can to discharge our responsibility and mandate, sparing neither strength nor effort in ensuring peace and stability on the continent. Peace, security and sustainable development are vital in the continental efforts to bring a better life for all Africans.
We will remember that last Sunday in Maputo the heads of state met in what they call a form of the implementation committee, to see the progress that has been achieved in terms of Nepad. That is an achievement on its own and I think it is a wonderful achievement that we have thus far also achieved. And secondly, we understand that George Bush has sent an invitation to the African leaders to attend the G8 summit that will be held in June. Amongst other things that will be discussed, is an attempt to engage each other on the issues of Africa. This is a wonderful achievement for which our forefathers actually laid the foundation.
The achievements made by the African Union in the relatively short period of time of its existence, are truly remarkable. In a world that is more integrated and in which borders are permeable to the flow of information, knowledge, capital and human resources, Africa is challenged to take full advantage of these realities by designing and implementing strategies that will enable it to mitigate the precious efforts of globalisation.
The journey is, however, still long. We must continue to work hard and do our best to be found deserving by future generations, in the same manner that we have appreciation today for the mentors of African unity. Together we shall succeed. The struggle continues. This is a great day. I thank you all. [Applause.]
Ms B N DLULANE: Chairperson, let me first take this opportunity to congratulate our hon Comrade Deputy Minister: ``You strike a woman, you strike a rock’’. Hon Deputy Minister and hon members, as we are gathered here today to give expression to the significance of Africa Day, it would perhaps also be important that we revisit some of the events that brought us to our present juncture.
The culmination and celebration of Africa Day can be traced back to the establishment of the then Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. Subsequently, and through the decades that followed, the peoples of our continent yearned for that moment in time when their aspirations to live in a peaceful, democratic and prosperous continent would be realised. As we are gathered here today in the aftermath of this historic day, they can, like us here on the southernmost tip of the continent, rightly proclaim that ``Africa ke nako’’.
African leaders have learned from their own experiences that peace, democracy, good governance, human rights and sound economic policies and management are preconditions for the realisation of these legitimate aspirations and sustainable development. It is in this context that the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, or Nepad, should be seen. It offers a framework and long-term vision of an African-owned and African-led development programme. Perhaps, more importantly, it differs in approach and strategy from all previous plans and initiatives.
Although long-term funding is envisaged under the initiative, it provides a blueprint for poverty eradication in Africa and places countries on the continent, both individually and collectively, on a path to sustainable growth and development. It thus stops the marginalisation of Africa, regarding the globalisation process. Moreover, the promotion of the role of women is central to all its objectives.
Some of its goals include the following: to achieve and sustain an average gross domestic product of above 7% per annum in the next 15 years; to ensure that the continent achieves the agreed international development goals which are aimed at reducing the proportion of people living in extreme poverty by half by 2015; to enrol all children of school-going age in primary schools by 2015; to make progress towards gender equality and empowering women by eliminating gender disparities in enrolment in primary and secondary education by 2005; to reduce maternal mortality ratios by three-quarters by 2015; to reduce infant and child mortality by two-thirds by 2015 - members may think that 2015 is very far, yet it is unbelievable that we expect still to be alive in the year 2010 when we host the World Cup Soccer. Furthermore, the initiative also aims to provide access for all those who need reproductive health care by 2015; and to implement national strategies for sustainable development by 2005 so as to reverse loss of environmental resources by 2015.
These strategies are designed to have the following outcomes: economic development, growth and increased employment; reduction in poverty and inequality; diversification of production activities; enhanced international competitiveness; increased exports; and African integration. What is critical in this regard is the extent to which African countries are going to pool their resources given the fact that most countries on the continent are small, both in terms of population and per capita income. In this respect, Nepad is also perfectly geared towards the provision of essential public goods such as transport, energy, water, disease eradication, environmental preservation and capacity. The focus is also on rationalising the institutional framework for economic integration by identifying common projects compatible with integrated country and regional development programmes, and on the harmonisation of economic and investment policies and practices.
In conclusion, it is our sincere hope that Africa Day will create the necessary consciousness among the peoples of this continent and their grass- roots organisations in order to get more involved in discussions and decision-making on the socioeconomic challenges which beset Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr D A WORTH: Madam Chair, Deputy Minister, on behalf of the DA, I would like to congratulate the Deputy Minister on her appointment and for her maiden speech in this House. I’m sure that the hon Deputy Minister will make a meaningful contribution to her department and to the affairs of Africa,
Officially 25 May 2004 was the 41st celebration of what is known as Africa Day. Africa Day was established by the then OAU on 25 May 1963. This specific day provides an occasion for the whole of Africa to intensify the search for solutions to the ongoing problems such as the massive human rights violations in the Sudan, and the continuing tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere on this continent.
We must, of course, intensify our efforts individually and collectively to find solutions to these problems. However, we, as Africans and South Africans, can take justifiable pride in the establishment of the African Union and the first tentative steps in the creation of the Pan-African Parliament.
At long last, step by step, Africa is establishing a series of institutions to promote peace and security on our continent. Progress has also been made in the implementation of Nepad, in order to give priority to areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, environment and health - all key areas in reducing poverty, promoting social stability and improving the quality of life.
We have also seen the establishment of the African Peer Review Mechanism - one of Nepad’s most important and innovative features - which aims at fostering the adoption of good policies and practices leading to political stability, economic growth, accountability, good governance and democracy.
The African Peace and Security Council, PSC, was also launched recently in Ethiopia with much pride and optimism. The PSC has been billed as a robust guarantor of stability in Africa, much like the UN Security Council. Peace and security, after all, are the indispensable conditions for Africa’s socioeconomic development. The principle of noninterference will, it is stated, be replaced by the principle of nonindifference. However, the real test remains our turning the dream into reality.
The cancer of tribalism, ethnicity, racism, poverty, HIV/Aids, corruption and crime must be eliminated from the face of Africa. Each African country will have to take responsibility in order to create conducive conditions, honour and adhere to agreements; and uphold respect for human dignity, human rights and democracy to create peaceful and stable environments. Dictatorship and despotism must not be allowed to take root.
We must make greater progress in the fight against HIV/Aids which is taking away Africa’s present and its future. Whilst we have made some progress, much remains to be done, and done urgently, to educate and care for those already infected. We must intensify the campaign against HIV/Aids as well as the continued violent conflict in various parts of Africa, which continue to hold back development by destroying social and economic infrastructure, diverting resources and tearing apart the social and cultural fabric of the affected societies. At the same time, we look to the international community for more support for Africa’s efforts. The international community must continue to complement the efforts made by Africans themselves through fairer trade, greater aid and significant debt relief.
Southern Africa has a major role to play in the economic upliftment of all its peoples. Imagine if Angola sold its oil to South Africa instead of America, and we could refine the oil and supply Angola with fuel and rebuild its roads and infrastructure, and in return create jobs in both countries. Imagine if a mega-power grid could be established with hydroelectricity not only being supplied by the Cahora Bassa Dam but also fed by cheap hydroelectricity, as envisaged, from the Congo River. Imagine if water could be fed through pipelines from the Zambezi River to the Caprivi, in Botswana, then to the Gauteng area, instead of 90% of the Zambezi’s water flowing out to the sea.
We are already seeing the boundaries of our national game parks being changed to incorporate much larger transnational parks which will, hopefully, attract far more tourists, let alone the preservation of our wildlife heritage.
Africa is rich in minerals and in its diversity of people. There is no reason whatsoever why Africa, given the opportunity, should not succeed. Let us therefore dedicate ourselves to building a stronger, healthier, peaceful, and economically vibrant and democratic Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr K SINCLAIR: Hon Chairperson, when I speak today on behalf of the New NP, I speak as somebody who has his roots in the Northern Cape, in Africa. I speak as somebody who knows the heat, the drought, the cold and the joyfulness after rain that you experience in the Karoo, in Africa. I speak as somebody who knows the beauty and vastness of the Kalahari and the Namaqualand regions of our province - the Northern Cape, in Africa.
But I also speak as somebody who knows the potential of South Africa and its people in Africa. Further, I speak as a South African who realises and acknowledges the potential of Africa.
When we address the issue of promoting peace and unity, economic development and social integration in Africa, we realise and acknowledge that South Africa must, and will, play a meaningful role in this very noble idea.
Wanneer ons praat oor vrede en eenheid, is dit ook noodsaaklik dat ons van Afrika besef ons krag lê in ons diversiteit. As mense van Afrika, sal ons moet besef dat Afrika se toekoms daarin lê dat ons moet strewe dat demokrasie nie net ‘n modewoord word wat vyfjaarliks herhaal word om ‘n nuwe regime of regering in plek te plaas nie. Demokratiese beginsels, die instandhouding van die onderskeie lande se grondwette, die vryheid van die media en verdraagsaamheid teenoor mekaar is ononderhandelbare werklikhede. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraphs follows.)
[When we talk about peace and unity, it is also essential that we who are from Africa must realise that our strength lies in our diversity. As people of Africa, we will have to realise that Africa’s future depends upon our efforts to ensure that democracy does not become just a fashionable word which is repeated every five years to put a new regime or government in place.
Democratic principles, the maintenance of the constitutions of the respective countries, the freedom of the media and mutual tolerance are non- negotiable realities.]
When we address this issue, it is important to acknowledge that initiatives such as Nepad, and through that, the objectives of the African Union, must be forerunners in breaking new ground in Africa. When we try to address this issue, it is important to acknowledge the role that previous and current leaders played and are playing to ensure that Africa does not remain a dark and lost continent.
Now is the time for Africa to show its real potential. We have the minerals; we have the climate; we have the strategic position; but most of all, we have the people and the will to make Africa a winning continent. It is necessary therefore that all political parties, also in this Parliament, must play a constructive and meaningful role to ensure that we achieve this daunting challenge.
What is happening in Africa or in certain parts of Africa as we speak now, where bloodshed, war, famine and, in the final instance, death are realities of the day, must stop. [Time expired.]
Mr J O TLHAGALE: Hon Chair, hon Minister and colleagues, 25 May is the day South Africa and the African continent celebrate Africa Day. On this day, in 1963, the Organisation of African Unity was established in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its purpose was to promote the unity and solidarity of African states, to defend the sovereignty of all members, to eradicate all forms of colonialism and to promote international co-operation and peace, with due regard for the charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to mention but a few.
These initiatives of the OAU paved the way for the birth of the African Union, and it was officially launched in Durban on 9 July 2002 to replace the OAU. The AU aims, amongst other functions, to combat poverty, famine, disease and internal strife, and to promote economic progress.
Despite the festivities planned for Africa Day celebrations, the following immediate and pressing problems facing the continent will be addressed as part of the setting up of the AU and Nepad: the acceleration of the socioeconomic integration of the region and the continent; the role of women in the future political history of the continent; the entrenchment and spread of democratic principles; the control of pandemics such as HIV/Aids and malaria on the continent; disaster and environmental management; and food security.
The continent’s political leaders are currently elected far more democratically than in the past, and have realised that the liberation of the continent from oppression must be given a new impetus. The real cause for celebration for Africa Day lies in the fact that … [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Mrs J N VILAKAZI: Chairperson, hon Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and hon members, on behalf of the IFP I just want to echo the sentiments of the previous speakers on Africa Day.
I am an African, born and brought up on this continent, in a wonderful country in Africa, South Africa. I have experienced and enjoyed both urban and rural life; whether bitter or sweet, I know because I’m an African in Africa.
Today, Africa as a whole enjoys the noble status of recognition far and wide because of the leaders it has produced. I salute these leaders and the noble ideals that contributed to the promotion of unity, solidarity, cohesion and co-operation amongst the peoples of Africa. Halala, Africa Day, halala!
Today, we speak of the African Union, Nepad, the Pan-African Parliament and so on. The South African Government played a very important role in the formation of these important organs of state.
Mphathisihlalo ohloniphekileyo nendlu yonke, i-Afrika iyigugu lethu, siyayithanda futhi siyaziqhenya ngokuba ngama-Afrika. Ozonda i-Afrika nabantu bayo uzizonda yena uqobo lwakhe. Izwe lethu lihle likhangisa ngobuhle balo bemvelo, izintaba, imifula, amahlathi, nokunye. Izwe lethu liyinoni ezivakashini ezivela kwamanye amazwe. Ukugcwalisa ukunconywa kwalolu suku nesikhathi se-Afrika esiphila kuyo, kuyahlabahlosa ngokuthi kubuyiswe isithunzi sama-Afrika onkana jikelele. Ulimi lwethu, amasiko ethu, amagugu ethu emvelo kwenza i-Afrika ihlabahlose futhi ipheleliswe.
Egameni leNkatha yenkululeko yesizwe, ngincoma ukugcina amagugu ethu esizwe namasiko ethu amahle kuze kube manje. Ukugqoka isidwaba, ubuhlalu, ibheshu, isinene, isigege, nokunye sikugcinile ukukhombisa imvelaphi yethu kwaze kwaba manje. Ukugcina lama siko kusikhumbuza ukuthi singobani, sivelaphi nokuthi siyaphi. Sinengcebo enhle kakhulu.
Ngomkhosi weLembe KwaZulu-Natal, sincoma uMntwana wakwaPhindangene, onguNdunankulu wesizwe samaZulu ngokusigcinela wona. Namhlanje iNingizimu Afrika igubha amasiko ayo ngosuku okuthiwa i-Heritage Day. Lokhu kuwuphawu lwenqubekela phambili. UMongameli wezwe laseNingizimu Afrika ugcizelele i- African Renaissance. Sithi halala Ningizimu Afrika! Halala! (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)
[Hon Chairperson and the House in general, Africa is our valuable asset; we love it and we proud to be African. One who hates Africa and its people hates oneself. Our country is beautiful and it shows off its natural beauty in the mountains, rivers, forests, etc. Our country is also a centre of attraction for tourists from other countries. To make the appreciation of this day complete and make this the time of Africa, a time in which we live, it would be good to bring back the dignity of all Africans. Our language, our customs, our natural valuable assets make Africa beautiful and complete.
In the name of the IFP I commend the way in which our country’s valuable assets have been preserved and our beautiful customs adhered to until now. Wearing traditional attire has also been adhered to until now to show our origins. Adhering to these customs reminds us of who we are, where we come from and where we are going. What a rich heritage we have!
About the celebration of iLembe in KwaZulu-Natal, we commend the Prince of
kwaPhindangene, who is the Chief of the Zulu nation, for preserving it for
us. Today South Africa celebrates its customs on the day called Heritage
Day''. This is a sign of progress. The President of the Republic of South
Africa has put emphasis on the African Renaissance. We are saying,
Congratulations, Africa! Congratulations!’’]
What a rich heritage we have! Sinengcebo enhle kakhulu! [What a rich heritage we have!]
We understand and acknowledge the fact that there are certain conflicts in Africa that are still major impediments to the socioeconomic development of the continent as a whole. The African Union and Nepad are our hope and best weapons to address these issues effectively.
All fully-fledged Africans are anxiously waiting to host the Fifa World Cup in the year 2010. We are all excited and patiently waiting to contribute to such an important event. Halala, South Africa, halala! Halala, Africa Day, halala! [Applause.]
Mr O M THETJENG: Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like, first, to congratulate the Deputy Minister, on behalf of the DA, on his appointment. I hope you will do your work in the way that this country expects you to.
We should all celebrate Africa Day by promoting peace, unity, economic development and social integration for sustainable development, first, as citizens of this continent and, secondly, as a nation that has gone through the process. We are reaping the fruits of such determination.
This continent is endowed with rich natural resources and gigantic, beautiful landscapes. In the last decade there has been a dawn of hope as many countries in Africa have begun to embrace good governance, though the pace is very slow.
Sustainable development cannot be achieved without genuine commitment to the principles of good governance, as contained within the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and the African Union documentation. In order to display their commitment to these ideals, African countries must show the necessary resolve to bring about an end to conflict, such as that in Zimbabwe, the Sudan, Burundi and the DRC.
The desire for political solidarity needs to be overcome by political and economic pragmatism. The challenge in Africa is to give real meaning to these noble principles. All forms of war bring instability and mayhem in society. Children become orphans; economic development ceases to exist; and, unity of purpose is compromised - as we speak, it is reported that some parts of the Sudan are continuing to reel from a devastating civil war and ethnic cleansing.
Let peace, security and unity return for the sake of humanity. It is a no- win situation or a losing situation for brothers and sisters to engage in a war over different political opinions or religious affiliations. We have to tolerate each other, as we are not the same in many ways. The situation across the border in Zimbabwe has not improved either, because there are no talks taking place, as acknowledged by president Robert Mugabe recently. Sustainable economic development and peace and security are tenets enjoyed by countries that practise true democracy, and there are very few in Africa.
There are only 14 countries dubbed ``the jewels of Africa’’. They are, amongst other countries, South Africa, Botswana, Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritius, Zambia, Mozambique and Benin. South Africa has achieved 10 consecutive years of positive economic growth. Botswana was ranked among the world’s most advanced nations in terms of economic freedom in the World Report of 2003. She ranked alongside Norway and Japan, and was seen as a shining example in Africa. Mauritius has built sophisticated telecommunications that have seen strong economic growth; and Tanzania’s growth rate has increased from 3,3% in 1997 to 6,2% in 2002. All these countries have achieved these gains by adhering to democratic norms and principles. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about Zimbabwe, with an inflation rate of 600%; an unemployment rate of 70% and 5 million people facing starvation.
South Africa’s democracy is a shining jewel in Africa and the world over. How many more countries in Africa will join this journey? Apartheid South Africa destabilised the continent in its pursuit of its own myopic interests. The new democratic South Africa’s role in the continent encourages unique responsibilities, as it is leading the call for an African Renaissance.
South African capital and expertise, both from the private and public sectors, can play an important role in the continent, as illustrated by the expression of South African investment in Africa. These investments need to be made in a way that does not destroy local capacity and is sensitive to conditions in the local market.
South Africa cannot afford to be an imperialist power. We hope the 2010 World Cup will help Africa as it will take place in Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]
The ACTING CHIEF WHIP OF THE COUNCIL (Mr V V Z Windvoël): Thank you, hon Chair of Committees. May I also echo the sentiments expressed by congratulating our Deputy Minister on her appointment to this new position.
It’s disturbing that Mr Thetjeng raised his controversial views about Africa to which I listened. He thinks Africa ends with Zimbabwe. Africa is composed of 53 countries, excluding the islands. It’s just unfortunate that you raised whatever you raised after the hon Gibson and the hon Sandra Botha had left the gallery. They left immediately after Mr Worth had spoken. Maybe they thought that no other DA member was going to speak. [Laughter.] I hope this not a reflection of how they undermine black members in that political party.
I think that in terms of the spirit of all members who spoke in the House from across the political spectrum, we were united as one by the fact that 25 May is a special day for Africa and for all Africans regardless of which party they belong to. We also acknowledge that on this day, 41 years ago, 31 African heads of state convened a summit meeting to found the Organisation of African Unity and they proclaimed that day as Africa Liberation Day. The day, therefore, has its origins in the long history of African people in their quest to break free from the yoke of European domination and white supremacy. It is a day on which we emphasise our oneness as a people with a common past, a common set of problems and a common future.
This particular day, therefore, provides a dynamic link between the past, present and future in terms of which one informs the other. In other words, not only do we celebrate the day in recognition of the contributions of past leaders, but we must also use it as an opportunity to reflect on the road we have travelled together thus far and to map out our future course as we seek to propel our continent towards its Renaissance.
A key obstacle in the process of the renewal of Africa is Afro-pessimism. We have to be honest and admit that not all the significant political and economic changes which have affected Africa and been effected in Africa during the last decade can be defined as entirely positive. For example, besides the victory over apartheid which took place in our country in 1994, we also saw the horror of the genocide in Rwanda during the same year.
Nevertheless, despite the negative images broadcast by the media, the continent has shown signs of progress. This is why Afro-pessimism, which also prevails amongst sections of our own population, appears to be inappropriate. Indeed, it is incorrect to assume that no significant progress towards peace and democracy has been made in the last decade.
I would like to reflect briefly on the effects and impact of war in Africa. No doubt everyone agrees that war is destructive. It can destroy any of the things that communities have built up over generations. It destroys families and the social fabric of societies, and arrests any economic progress. Women and children are the most vulnerable groups in society during wartime. War leads to extreme poverty and destroys any sense of hope and self-esteem within communities. The sense of being able to provide for yourself and the ability to do so are also destroyed.
In any war situation, human rights are the first casualty. The rape of women takes place with impunity, and rape destroys women physically and psychologically, as we know. The spread of preventable and communicable diseases like HIV/Aids becomes endemic. In Africa it is estimated that millions and millions of people have died because of wars; which wars we must say were not only caused by Africans themselves, but were also exploited by external forces which had interests in our natural resources and minerals and thrived in those war situations. The social spending of governments decreases during times of war, with defence budgets escalating.
We must, however, speak about the peace and development which are taking place on the continent. The resolution and prevention of conflicts continue to preoccupy the international community. The UN, as the body charged with the task of preventing conflict and maintaining international peace, has at times failed Africa.
Management of a postwar situation is crucial if you are to prevent the recurrence of war. The same goes for the demobilisation of soldiers, which brings fresh problems for postwar societies. In most cases, those soldiers have no skills other than war survival skills. That’s why 10 years after democracy in South Africa we have seen that there are those who couldn’t survive in a postwar situation and who get caught in neighbouring countries in other activities furthering mercenary objectives, which only benefit those people who sent them or paid them and not the Africans and Africa as a whole. We have not heard some of the voices that are critical when South Africa spends its time, effort and money on trying to bring about peace. We have not had those people criticising certain mercenaries, but what we hear is that South Africa should intervene and protect those people who are still engaged in the mentality of surviving through war skills.
Peace does not only mean the absence of conflict, but would also ensure that we have a very tranquil and peaceful place on the continent. Peace is thus a fundamental part of humanity. We also say this in terms of the education of women in peacebuilding efforts as this is central to sustaining the development and empowerment of such women after whatever wars have been engaged in in those countries throughout the continent.
The promotion and protection of human rights and all other fundamental rights constitute an indispensable strategy for the prevention of areas of conflict. The democratisation process that is sweeping the continent needs the empowerment of women for it to be sustainable, hence peace must mean freedom from want and humiliation. Also, development planning after war must involve beneficiaries at all levels.
We saw South Africa playing a destructive role in neighbouring countries in the past in that the economies of our neighbouring countries and states were destroyed and the people of those countries were forced to live in fear of the Big Brother who wanted to terrorise them at any time of the day or night. South Africa supported rebel movements in Angola and Mozambique. For a number of years the old SA Defence Force was stationed in southern Angola until the battle of Cuito Cuanavale made them retreat.
However, in the past 10 years of democracy we have seen our Defence Force play very noble roles. We saw the Defence Force in Mozambique during the floods rescuing people who were subjected to near-death situations. We have seen the Defence Force playing peacekeeping roles. I know my time is about to expire, so let me use the two minutes I have left to commend our armed forces on the peacekeeping roles they are playing throughout the continent. Today Africa is turning the tide against poverty, and we are confident that Africa will remain a peaceful continent and prosper. I thank you. [Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, I wish to acknowledge the presence of MBA students in the public gallery. They are from Northumbria University, north of England, and are on a study mission to learn about South Africa. To our visitors, I wish to extend a hand of welcome to the National Council of Provinces, the equivalent of your House of Lords. Welcome to South Africa and to the National Council of Provinces. [Applause.]
THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Ms S C Van der Merwe): Chairperson, first of all, I want to say thank you very much to everybody who participated in this debate, and to thank you for your warm words of welcome to me here. I’ve certainly enjoyed the afternoon.
I must confess that I find this House extremely disciplined. [Applause.] I have been, as you know, accustomed for eight years to the rough and tumble of the National Assembly and I find this House extremely disciplined. In fact, may I go so far as to say that, in a way, it’s a little bit too disciplined. [Laughter.] Mr Tlhagale was not even able to finish his sentence and I feel I should appeal to the Chair to allow the member at least to finish a sentence before he sits down, provided it’s not too long. But I would like to read your speech in the Hansard; hopefully it’ll be printed in full. Thank you very much, again, for all the contributions.
I think a key factor in the contributions made here today has been the unity of purpose about what Africa Day means and about what we plan to do in Africa. The themes that have come out as universal amongst all of us, across party lines, have been the necessity for the restoration of dignity of the African people, the unity and collective effort that we need to engage in in order to achieve our goals, and that our people are our strength. I think that promoting peace was another key theme that came through in today’s debate.
I’d like to say a few words about the Pan-African Parliament. It is an issue that was raised by a number of members, in particular the hon M J Mahlangu. South Africa is bidding to host the Pan-African Parliament, as you’ll all be aware. There are a number of activities that will take place in Cabinet, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Parliament itself, around the promotion of our bid to host the Pan-African Parliament in the next few weeks; because in the first week of July, when the AU General Assembly sits, the decision will be taken as to who will host the Pan-African Parliament. The first session of the Pan-African Parliament has already taken place, but the first one of the new host seat will take place later this year - September I believe it will be.
I’d also like to raise the questions of the Peace and Security Council, and war, which were raised quite sharply by some members. I think it’s really important that we acknowledge some of the efforts, for example, in the Sudan where we need to celebrate the three resolutions that were agreed upon in the past week. That is an achievement - mindful as we are, of course, of the difficulties in Darfur. And we wish to really say that we need to intensify our effort to reduce the conflict in that region, along with the African Union.
I think that that is probably the most important thing that has come out of this afternoon’s discussions - the unity of purpose amongst the members of this House aimed at intensifying our efforts to bring peace and stability to our continent.
I’d like to end by agreeing with Mrs Vilakazi and saying: Halala Africa and halala South Africa! [Applause.] [Congratulations, Africa and congratulations, South Africa!]
USIHLALO WOMKHANDLU KAZWELONKE WEZIFUNDAZWE: Ngqongqoshe ohloniphekile, siyabonga ngoba ubonile ukuthi le Ndlu ihlonipha kangakanani. Siyethemba ukuthi ngokuzayo uyophinda futhi uze kule Ndlu njengoba sikuphathe kahle, nathi wasiphatha kahle. Siyabonga. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: We thank you hon Minister for realising how respectful this House is. We hope you will come back to this House again as we have treated you with courtesy and you have reciprocated. We thank you.]
Debate concluded.
A PEOPLE’S CONTRACT TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT CHILDREN’S RIGHTS IN THE SECOND DECADE OF DEMOCRACY
(Subject for discussion)
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: Thank you very much, Chair. I’ve been looking round this room and I see that there are old faces and also some new ones. Mzi, how are you? Are you okay? I think he looks happier here than he was in the other House. [Laughter.] [Interjections.] Okay.
Chairperson and hon members, thank you for the opportunity to participate in this debate on the International Day of the Child. As we celebrate 10 years of democracy and freedom, it is apt today that we take some stock, discuss and share opinions with the ultimate aim of further ensuring that in the 10 years to come we can contribute to the development of the South African child. This is indeed a case of developing our children to build a healthy nation.
The wide variety of needs and talents of this section of our population can and should be brought to bear on our efforts to advance as a nation and deepen our democracy. Children must be protected, nurtured and assisted to become not only beneficiaries of our project to build a truly nonracial and nonsexist society, but also active contributors.
This Government received an overwhelming mandate to implement our vision and programme. Also, the President reminded us, amongst other things, during the state of the nation address and debate during the course of last week specifically to:
… move our country forward decisively towards the eradication of poverty and underdevelopment in our country, taking care to enhance a process of social cohesion _ successfully address the important challenges of persisting racial and gender inequalities, the disempowerment of our youth and people with disabilities, and proper care for children and the elderly …
In the context of the South African Constitution and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which the first democratically elected South African Parliament ratified in 1995, we set forth and in the past 10 years passed legislation and developed policies to enhance the protection, welfare and development of children, focusing on the important mind shift we had to institutionalise to ensure that children’s rights are seen as part of our broader human rights culture. I hope that in the debate that follows, we will pay very specific attention to the whole issue of children’s rights being fundamentally human rights.
We have made substantial progress through the work to ensure that more children have access to the child support grant. You will recall that from a mere 60 000 children that were registered in 1999, we now have over 4 million children receiving the child support grant, and within two years we will add another 3,2 million children who will be eligible for child support grants as the upper age limit is raised to children turning 14.
I appeal to members of this House, in terms of the work the NCOP itself has to do with respect to what is happening in the provinces, that you consider making this one of your priorities. This is so that when you go to the provinces all of us work together, and with the local authorities, to ensure that we register those who are eligible for the child support grant and that they get this grant, because this is not a favour we are doing for anybody else. This is their right in terms of our own policies and legislation.
We must also increase the levels of awareness about children’s rights as human rights, both among children and parents - and I know that those of us who are parents don’t like to tell our children about their rights, but please tell them that they have rights. One right that they have is that you have no right to physically violate them. I hope you are going to tell them that and that they can charge you and take you to court if you do physically violate them. Secondly, children have the right not to be beaten up in school either. I know some of our parents want the schools to beat up our children; they think that is how to instil discipline, but that is against the law.
There is also protection of children through a more child-friendly criminal justice system, including bail conditions and tougher sentencing against those who abuse children, and the introduction and establishment of children’s courts, which are aimed at more effectively dealing with - and in a child-friendly manner - the crimes perpetuated against children.
Despite our advances, efforts and commitment, very serious challenges remain, specifically with regard to ensuring that our current protection and social security programmes aimed at children are placed in a broader developmental framework. Protection and social security remain an important focus, because a significant number of our children come from families living in poverty - conditions in which social security provisions remain the only means of income. Thus, by default, these children inhabit the second economy with all of its devastating consequences.
Our aim should be to break this cycle of poverty with the intention of catapulting these children into the first economy, or at least to help them onto the first step of the ladder leading to the first economy. This can be done through approaching children’s issues more from a preventative point of view, rather than from only a protection and social security one. In applying more preventative strategies in the context of our human rights- based approach, we should consolidate and enhance our activities under the protection and social security measures, but move with haste to address issues proactively.
There is no doubt in my mind that if we are to advance the wellbeing of children, we must have a rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework to track the advances in the wellbeing of our children. I think we should all bear in mind that in the state of the nation address, the President, as you know, spent a great deal of time stating very clearly what he expected us to deliver in terms of tight timeframes. I think it is necessary for us to look at all of those and see which are the ones that impact quite directly upon the wellbeing of our children. This is so that when we do the monitoring and evaluation - and, presumably, that would be one of the tasks that the NCOP itself would be involved in regarding the monitoring and evaluation of what our provinces and local government are doing - we bear in mind that the question of the wellbeing of our children is something we should also monitor and evaluate.
In tracking child wellbeing, we must be able to evaluate and monitor how such wellbeing advances the developmental goals contained in our national priorities, in particular to gauge the levels of children living in poverty and distress, and to gauge family life and the linkages between children and local government structures. In addition to these areas, we must address the preventative issues that will ensure that children are at the centre of all developmental processes.
There is an urgent need to streamline delivery against our policies and the international instruments signed by South Africa, as well as corporate social responsibility towards children. We should guard against the proliferation of miniature structures for delivery in terms of individual conventions and international agreements. Rather, we should strengthen the national machinery for advancing children’s rights to ensure accelerated delivery and the monitoring of such delivery.
Towards this end, we in the Presidency are in the process of rethinking the structures, processes and systems of the National Programme of Action for Children in order to ensure that there is synergy in delivery; more importantly, that this delivery cuts across Government’s developmental goals. The Office on the Rights of the Child in the Presidency is to play a strong co-ordinating role rather than the more campaign-orientated role it has played in the past two years.
The mandate of this Government, clearly, should focus on the responsibility of ensuring successful efforts to reduce poverty. If we are to address this issue with regard to children, we must review our approach to skills development. In terms of addressing and thinking of children as the employees and parents of tomorrow, we must empower them with the choices and the possibility to be self-sustaining. This can only happen if they are exposed to educational systems that stimulate and develop their potential; more specifically, an educational system that exposes them to environments which broaden their choices as adults.
It is in this regard that I believe the Office on the Rights of Child, together with the relevant government departments, must begin to look at science and technology as a means of assisting children to explore alternative opportunities for future employment. There is no reason why with proper nurturing we cannot find future scientists amongst our young children.
Our vision is one of children as human beings, individuals and members of the family and community, with rights and responsibilities that are based on the Constitution. We should view their wellbeing as of paramount importance to the state.
As you well know, hon members, Child Protection Week culminates today. The main focus has been on advocating the building of a people’s contract to strengthen families and restore values of love, care and support for children; indeed, to ensure that your child is my child.
Legislation, increasingly, has been used as a tool to realise the rights of the child and build practical approaches to protect our children against all forms of abuse. The Office on the Rights of the Child has played a role in ensuring that issues on the rights of the child remain on the agendas of the legislature, the executive and the judiciary.
Now is the time to build and consolidate partnerships with civil-society structures working with children to mobilise more community resources for early childhood activities through the Expanded Public Works Programme so as to ensure that we convert the mandate of this Government into meaningful and measurable programmes for our children.
Let us work together and continue to build a people’s contract to promote and protect children’s rights in our second decade of democracy, a people’s contract that will rightly ensure that we do not only strengthen our measures to protect and look after our children, but, more so, prepare them to contribute to the nonracial, nonsexist, people-centred society we are building. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr D D GAMEDE: Madam Chairperson, hon Deputy Minister and the Minister in the Presidency, although, as the ANC, we have achieved a great deal over the last 10 years, we are not content to rest on our laurels. Indeed, we were given a new mandate by virtue of an overwhelming majority of the electorate, amounting to almost 70% of the votes cast in our third democratic election, to take the ideals of the ANC forward.
This is not a mandate which we take lightly. In fact, it places upon all of our shoulders a collective burden of responsibility, which recognises that the struggle for equity in all spheres of South African society is in its infancy. And in our endeavours to shoulder these responsibilities, we have set ourselves a number of goals. Most of these goals have already been outlined in our manifesto, in our conference statements and in our statement of 8 January, but I believe that it is necessary to make a point about what we in the ANC envisage regarding the protection of our children through legislation.
In the immediate future, we want to ensure that the NCOP Select Committee on Social Services and the Portfolio Committee on Social Development passes a comprehensive Child Care Bill for which our people have been waiting for too long. We believe that this piece of legislation, once it has been fine- tuned, will lay a solid foundation on which to deal effectively, sensitively and vigorously with the socioeconomic challenges our children have to face.
The ANC would also like to see in the next decade, a sharp decline in the number of children who have been abused, neglected and exploited. For those children who find themselves on the wrong side of the law, we would like to see that they are protected from hardened criminals and that they have not raped while they are awaiting trail. In fact, we wish that this Government will ensure that every measure is taken on national, provincial and local government level to protect these and other vulnerable children. The ANC is also anxious that there should be, as soon as humanly possible, if not a total eradication, then at least a sharp reduction in the number of children awaiting trial in police cells and prisons.
Already, at community meetings across the country, police members who speak often at schools or at Community Policing Forum meetings, relate with some alarm the cries of pain that echo from the cells where children are kept in the same holding cells as other prisoners. When they enquire as to the cause of the pain, they are met with deafening silence. The young people are reluctant to report on the criminals causing the pain, because they know that they can expect instant and often violent retribution in the confines of the prison walls. Another vital piece of legislation, which the ANC would like to see passed during this third Parliament, is the Child Justice Bill. We hope that when this piece of legislation is completed it will at least have as its cornerstone procedures that will divert as many children as possible away from ordinary criminal courts to courts dealing with children’s issues in a conducive environment which affords them maximum safety, security and protection. We also hope that those who will eventually be employed to operationalise the Child Justice System will have a very firm bias for the needs of the children in their care.
Children with disabilities are one of those sectors of our society that needs to be singled out for our constant attention, because a failure to retain this sector as a priority will relegate them to a life of misery. According to the Taylor report, which was published in March 2002, the impact of the disability on the lifetime outcomes of children can be extraordinarily high. The report also indicates that children with disabilities tend to have lower school attendance rates, less education and other barriers to independent living and engagement with society. We only have to look in our own backyards for evidence of neglect and abuse of these children. More often that not, they are ridiculed and ostracised by their peers and even elders who tend to treat the physically disabled as imbeciles.
The extent of neglect and abuse of disabled children, even in public-funded institutions for the disabled, often read like horror stories. The ANC will never again allow any such intolerable situations to exist for any child, whether they are disabled or not. Every child deserves an environment in which they do no have to struggle for survival. As parents, caregivers, guardians and custodians of children’s welfare, we owe it to every child in South Africa to build a platform for them to reach for the stars and to attain the highest peaks of their potential. As children and young people in the struggle, many of us were denied a childhood. We grew up fast in the harsh apartheid realities. We had to learn, almost as soon as we could discern right from wrong, to stand up and fight for our rights, which were sometimes brutally taken from us.
On this day, let us remember the children of Iraq and Palestine, the children of Africa, the children of South Africa and the children of the world. In the state of the nation address, hon President Thabo Mbeki said:
We have committed ourselves to successfully address the important challenges of persisting racial and gender inequalities, the disempowerment of our youth and people with disabilities, and proper care for children and the elderly.
With the collective struggle experience as our guide, we know what we have to do to create a better life for our children at this the start of the second decade of our democracy. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms D ROBINSON: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister, ladies and gentlemen, in our children lies the future of our nation. So I welcome the opportunity to speak on the subject of protecting the rights of our children, on International Children’s Day. The hon Premier of the Western Cape demonstrates good intentions with his ``home for all’’ promise, but intentions must be matched by actions. Government’s actions are lacking when it comes to some of our most vulnerable citizens, that is, our orphans, children with disability, those who are being abused and children without a future unless the Government steps in and makes some meaningful changes.
Targets and timeframes for this must be set. Additional funding is needed for children’s homes, which are run by NGOs and churches, as the state grants only 40-44% of the unit cost per child. The rest must be raised privately.
The state needs partners, and the churches and the NGOs are saving the state a lot of money. But these partners must be given more help in doing the sterling work of caring for children. The staff at children’s homes, the social workers, caregivers and nurses, are demoralised because they are unable to provide the level of service that their professional training and the department’s minimum standards require them to give. Many more staff members are needed to do the monitoring. More doctors are needed to do the supervision, especially with psychiatric cases, the category into which many abused children fall.
Additional staff is needed to prevent molestation by older children who prey on younger ones, particularly at night. The staff shortages, as a result of the labour laws, are a major obstacle. Criminal activities tend to creep in where there is insufficient supervision. Many children’s homes are facing closure within two years if they do not receive adequate funding to provide a quality service.
Hon members, mothers and fathers, tell me, where will these children go if these institutions close? They will end up on the streets. No matter how much Cape Town’s mayor wishes to clear the streets of homeless children by the end of the year, the problem will only get worse, especially with the growing number of Aids orphans.
The lack of antibiotics and other drugs at day hospitals and clinics is a crisis. Last week six-months-old twins, who were desperately ill, were admitted to a home and were taken to a day hospital where they, and the caregiver, were forced to wait for two days before they received medication. And what medication was given to those babies, suffering from TB? They were given a packet of Panado tablets.
Health, welfare and social services need to work together to ensure that no services fall through the cracks. The overlapping responsibilities are causing enormous problems, and these need to be eliminated. Policy needs to be translated into proper processes. Monitoring and accountability are vital, because the departments cannot work in isolation. Are you aware that there are no places of safety for handicapped children? If they need to be removed from an abusive environment, there is nowhere to take them.
I echo the words of Premier Rasool: We need a home for all. Words must be translated into action for our children. How can we celebrate a decade of freedom with pomp and ceremony and feasting which cost millions of rands, but ignore the needs of our children? No doubt you will say that funding and resources are the problem. I want to say to you that our country has enough money. We just need to prioritise. A country that has R80 million for freedom celebrations has enough money to fund children’s homes to give them freedom from want, today.
Jean-Bertrand Aristide and his family arrived in South Africa yesterday. Our taxpayers will keep them in luxury. His costs could provide a safe and caring home for up to 200 South African children. The greatness of a nation is determined by the extent of its compassion to the weakest member of society. Let us celebrate our 10 years of freedom and our children’s rights by providing more funding for children’s homes and places of safety in order to provide refuge for our most vulnerable citizens of society, abantwana bethu. Enkosi. … our children. Thank you.] [Applause.]
Mr F ADAMS: Hon Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister and hon members, today on International Children’s Day, we should celebrate children, acknowledge their rights and recommit ourselves to the challenge of protecting them. Children are our country’s greatest resource, therefore they need to be treasured and nurtured. Without them we would have no future to look forward to.
We continue to make progress with regard to protecting our children, but there has also been some failure. Where we have failed, I see the opportunity to correct the mistakes and learn from them. Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and secure environment. During the past few years there has been increased public awareness with regard to children’s rights. The New NP has always been at the forefront of this, not only on specific days like International Children’s Day, but throughout the year.
Ons het `n ver pad gekom. Sedert 1994 het die Regering wonderlike vordering gemaak om die lot van ons kinders te verbeter. Meer as ‘n miljoen kinders ontvang kindertoelae. Die agb Minister het nou ‘n syfer van 4 miljoen aangehaal. (Translation of Afrikaans paragraph follows.) [We have come a long way. Since 1994 the Government has made wonderful progress in improving the lot of our children. Over a million children are receiving children’s grants. The hon Minister has just quoted a figure of 4 million.]
Awareness about the rights of children has increased dramatically. More than one million children have been provided with food since the introduction of the Food Emergency Scheme in 2002, children’s courts have been build.
Meer as `n miljoen kinders het nou toegang tot gratis onderrig. [Over a million children now have access to free education.]
Last week was the beginning of Child Protection Week. The theme for this year is, ``Child protection is everybody’s business.’’ Child abuse in South Africa has reached shocking proportions and these figures are escalating. Everyone dealing with the victims of child abuse must be deeply committed to playing their role in trying to eradicate these crimes, and minimising the trauma to which these children are subjected. Child abuse is a crime where the principle of zero tolerance must apply.
Many issues need to be focused on as we celebrate International Children’s Day. One of the New NP’s main objectives is to ensure that all Government policies and legislation contribute to the safekeeping of our children. Let us not forget the promises we make to our children today. Let us embrace them. Therefore, I want to echo the words said by the Minister of Social Development: ``Umntwana wakho ngumntwana wam, umntwana wam ngumntwana wakho. Your child is my child, my child is your child.’’ I thank you. [Applause.].
Mrs A N D QIKANI: Hon Chairperson, hon Minister and hon members, there is indeed a people’s contract called the Constitution, and under it we already have specified duties towards the children of our nation. In the first decade of democracy, we have sought to turn these guarantees of the Constitution into reality. Many great advances were made.
However, on of the eve of the second decade of democracy, we are faced with two major challenges regarding our children. The first challenge is the ideal of what should be, and the second is the evil of what must not be. As far as what should be, we must all acknowledge that, despite the great strides taken since 1994, a number of goals have not been realised. Education is chief among those things that must receive immediate attention. Too many of our children receive an education that does not empower them to become active participants in society when they reach adulthood.
From simple literacy and numeracy to vocational skills, vast numbers of our children leave school unable to find employment. Whilst major effort is under way to create more jobs, it would all be useless if our children do not receive a better, more relevant education.
We must therefore also face the challenges of what must not be. Here I refer to the continuing and seemingly increasing incidence of physical and sexual abuse of children. We must root out this pervasive evil and prevent our children from being scarred in this fashion.
To conclude, I think we must face these two challenges, ie what should be and what must not be. Thank you, Chairperson.
Mrs M P THEMBA: Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister and hon colleagues, the hon member Robinson today is able to stand up and talk about children’s rights because of the ANC. She talks, because she does not know how the people of the world helped during our struggle against apartheid. Some of them had to sacrifice their own lives to see us free.
Twenty five May 2004 saw the launch of Child Protection Week by the Department of Social Development, and in a statement, Minister Zola Skweyiya raised the age-old African tradition, as the hon member has already said, ``Umntwana wakho ngumntwana wam, umntwana wam ngumntwana wakho’’. Your child is my child, and my child is your child. The next time hon Robinson should quote such words.
Child Protection Week ends today with the celebration of the United Nations International Children’s Day. I want to believe that the tradition of treating everyone’s child as one’s own is a tradition that was practised across the continent of Africa for many generations and not only one that was confined to South Africa.
However, in recent years, we as South Africans have seen a steady decline in our African traditions, and a sharp incline in the adoption of the don’t- care attitude so prevalent in western traditions. Because of our increased self-absorption as a society, an attitude of caring stands out like a beacon of hope, and the Department of Social Development has over the last decade, despite the sometimes overwhelming needs of the poor in our society, continued to keep the flame of hope burning.
The most startling example of this continued belief in creating a better life for all can be summarised in a paragraph from Minister Skweyiya’s full- page advertisement focusing on child protection, an extract of which reads as follows:
As individuals and families we cannot go to bed with a clear conscience, knowing that the child next door goes to sleep without a meal. We cannot go bed with a clear conscience, knowing that the child next door goes to school with ragged clothes and no school uniform; or knowing that the child next door is an orphan with no one in the community to take care of her and her siblings. Similarly, we cannot and will not stand idle while the child next door is abused and raped. As civil society, we need to work together and build a South Africa fit for children.
The ANC has endeavoured over the last 10 years of democracy to ensure that all our ideals for a better life for all South Africans and pushing back the frontiers of poverty are carried out by all sectors and all spheres of government. In our efforts to ensure that this better life of which we speak becomes a reality for our children as well, we included in our South African Constitution the provision that the socioeconomic rights of children, including the rights to education, health, care and support, become a reality and top priority.
To a large extent, we can safely claim that we have achieved a number of our original goals, although we are nowhere near to our ideal. For example, this ANC-led Government has managed to increase its uptake of children registered for the child support grant from a mere 60 000 in 1999 to over four million. It is indeed the NCOP’s oversight role during the provincial week, hon Minister, to make sure that more children are registered. Also during the constituency period, all MPs must ensure that follow-up has been done to see that children have been registered and are receiving their grants.
The phenomenon of children-headed households, which was not so much reported about pre-1994, has increased to a tremendous extent with the advent of HIV and Aids. The Department of Social Development, once again, stepped in to take on this additional responsibility on behalf of the Government, and since the introduction of the food emergency scheme in 2002, over one million of these children have been provided with nutritious food. Linked with this programme are the home and community-based care support services, that are now readily accessible to children. The justice system has not lagged behind when it comes to the protection of children’s rights. This is especially true when we look at the children’s courts initiative, which was aimed at dealing more effectively, and in a child-friendly manner, with the crimes perpetrated against children. Closely linked to the children’s court initiative is the strengthening of bail conditions and tougher sentencing against those who abuse children.
We have also recognised that Government cannot deal with the issues of the social and economic welfare of children in isolation. It is, therefore, encouraging to see that strong networks and partnerships have been forged with NGOs, CBOs and faith-based organisations. The challenge is to develop mechanisms to monitor the efficient use of resources from Government by these structures.
The education of our children has also presented a challenge to this Government. Despite the free education opportunity that is offered to children in need, this matter is often not adequately taken up by principals and school governing bodies. We take to heart the promises made in the state of the nation address when the President indicated that by the end of this financial year there should be no learner or student learning under a tree, mud-school or in any other dangerous conditions that expose learners and teachers to the elements. In addition, he undertook to ensure that all schools would have access to clean water and sanitation.
One of the interesting developments, especially with regard to the protection of the rights of children in the media, is the very vigilant role that the Broadcasting Complaints Commission and the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa, Icasa, play with regard to the content of the broadcasts.
These two regulatory bodies ensure that there is a certain percentage of the broadcasting that takes on board the needs of children through children’s educational programmes and the like. At the same time, certain programmes, scheduled especially after nine in the evening, must have clear warnings rating the content of the broadcast, for example, if there is violence, nudity, prejudice, strong language or explicit sexual content in the programmes. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Mr N M RAJU: Hon Deputy Chair, hon Minister in the Presidency, hon colleagues:
I am not yet born; O hear me. I am not yet born; please protect me. I am not yet born; please save me. I am not yet born; please do not forsake me.
This plaintiff cry of an unborn child should not and cannot go unheeded. The unpalatable truth is the fact that in recent years the child has become the victim of much abuse, sexual harassment and general ill-treatment. Child labour has been going on unabated for years; child soldiers have been harnessed to fight in unnecessary, internecine, ethnic cleansing wars; there is much child illiteracy around; and free access to education is still remote for many.
Both the hon Minister and the hon Chief Whip referred to these unfortunate situations that we face as we enter the second decade of democracy. We cannot celebrate democracy if these disgraceful conditions continue to exist and disfigure the face of our hard-won democracy. The people’s contract must surely be to engage in a winning war against the poverty and disease that afflict our children.
Today is the era of enlightenment and unfettered access to basic democratic freedoms and dignity for all our citizens, including our children. But this wonderful democracy that has blessed this nation has brought with it greater responsibilities in caring for our children. Here, I wish to congratulate my colleague, Mr Gamede, on his maiden speech for acknowledging that the 70% mandate that the ANC got in the elections puts a great responsibility on their shoulders and they are going to see to it that the responsibilities are fulfilled.
The second decade of democracy has to contend with all these problems, in addition to the many others. The period from Sunday 30 May to Sunday 6 June 2004 is considered to be Child Protection Week. I asked why only one week. Isn’t child protection supposed to be everybody’s business, every day of the week, every week of the year?
The hon Minister of Social Development, Mr Skweyiya, stated at an international conference on child wellbeing that we were not living up to the standards set by the Constitution regarding children. Children constitute the most vulnerable group in contemporary South Africa. Many other speakers have underlined that fact. There are 18 million children in South Africa under seven years old - this was some time last year. [Time expired.]
Rev E ADOLPH: Hon Deputy Chairperson, hon Minister and hon colleagues of the NCOP, our point of departure should be section 28(1)(d) of the Constitution in that every child in South Africa has the right to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.
We are very grateful and thankful for what the Government has done since 1994 towards achieving some of these goals. These achievements were alluded to by our colleagues, the New NP, in which we tried through ubuntu to achieve our goal to care for our children. We are also grateful for the action that Government has been taking in respect of legislation. The sexual offences Bill, the Child Justice Bill, the Children’s Bill - are exemplary in terms of our achievements.
However, I think now is the time for us to implement these policies. I think we are challenged at this time, the beginning of the second phase of our new democracy, in terms of a people’s contract to combat and declare war on women and child abuse. I wonder how many of you sitting here in this House realise, women especially, that it is estimated that one out of three women will be raped once before they die. That is not tested; we have to test that. You also learn that even … [Interjections.] You didn’t hear me. I’ll repeat that: It is estimated that one out of three women will be raped at least once in their lifetime. That’s why I said that that needs to be tested. [Interjections.]
We are all mindful that research results can be verified. Even three-month- old babies are raped today. There is a scourge of child abuse, sexual abuse and harassment. One rape is too much. I think that we have to combine all our efforts as a collective to adopt a holistic approach towards solving this pandemic of child abuse.
One of the solutions should be that we have a common approach, a holistic approach. If we combine the effects of HIV/Aids, which is a pandemic, with child abuse in South Africa, we are creating a beautiful, perfect recipe for the destruction of our future generation. I ask myself how we can then guarantee our future generation. I am surprised that the President knew that the Premier of the Western Cape did not include this crisis of women and child abuse in their 100-day plan of action, which is a priority according to my understanding.
Therefore, the ID believes that we need to heal this pandemic. It is a silent murderer. We have to declare war, and each and every child should be protected and not be abused. [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Ms H LAMOELA: Hon Chair, hon Minister, hon members, 10 years of democracy and South Africa’s history is one of failing our children by not fighting for their rights. The situation of children in South Africa has deteriorated in recent years as a result of growing poverty, economic restructuring and especially the Aids epidemic.
South African society should be more sensitive to children and their emotional and social needs. It is indeed not easy, because parents are under tremendous stress in our society. There is an enormous rate of unemployment and poverty, as well as other problems. Often children and their rights are neglected. They are told to be quiet and to shut up. They are not even given the priority they need. However, we all know that poor parents happen to have the same dreams as any other parents for their children. Even organisations focusing on children do not have a clear appreciation of children’s rights.
The HIV/Aids epidemic has had a disastrous effect on children’s lives and is indeed a growing cause of concern for children’s rights. Three hundred thousand children have already lost their parents to this disease, and that was in 2001. The numbers are expected to increase to 2 million in the next decade.
I do not want to embarrass the Government, but people need to know the figures in order to make proper plans to see where the priorities are: 50% of children do not eat properly or regularly; 25% of children are stunted in their development by up to two years; 70% of children live in extreme poverty.
I believe that monitoring child labour is more important than ever. Owing to the growing HIV/Aids epidemic, more and more children have to work to support their families. There are too many child-headed households where children are responsible for bringing up babies, brothers and sisters because they were left orphaned by Aids. This is reality. I sincerely hope and pray that antiretroviral medicine will be made available soon seeing that minors cannot apply for any grants.
The problems of harmful substances are on the increase, with the age of onset being younger and the choice of drugs harder. The Western Cape continues to have the highest arrest rate for children in conflict with the law. Children, victims of violence, thus find themselves in very vulnerable positions and are often the target of secondary victimisation. Recent census information also points to an increase in the rate of disability.
The budget for social assistance grants makes up 85,3% of the Western Cape provincial budget and has increased by 17% in the 2003-04 financial year, but are we sure that these moneys are really used for the wellbeing of those who need it most, especially our children?
Our Cape Town mayor will be spending R5 million on street children to ensure that they eat, and live protected from danger or crime. I sincerely appreciate this wonderful and humane gesture, but can money buy love, caring, belonging, self-motivation and understanding? How much heart can we put into R5 million?
A people’s contract, which to me is our Constitution, says everyone is equal and has the right to equal protection. Does this really apply to our children? The lack of resources to enable children to live in a safe and crime-free environment should be dealt with. There must be implementation of legislation concerning children and securing the viability thereof should be considered. Government must have the will and finances to really care for our children by implementing workable forums to attend to children’s needs and safety.
Needless to say, parents in a poverty-stricken environment are themselves helpless. They rely on the services of various professionals, such as the police, social workers, community workers, counsellors, etc. Should we wait until the child is being sentenced by courts, killed by pistols and raped and abused by criminals, or dying from hunger and cold before we grant him or her additional support? The time has come for an interdepartmental approach at grass-roots level in order for the various role-players to take hands and to stop blaming one another for the breakdown in the support chain for children.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said: ``The people are our strength.’’ I want to say that our children are our future. May God bless and keep South Africa’s children. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr T S SETONA: Hon Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Minister in the Presidency, hon Dr Pahad and fellow comrades and friends, like we said in the last year when we were debating the critical issue about the status of the children of this country, it is important that we must repeat this as the African National Congress. The point is that there is a history to the conditions under which our children are living today, and that history was not post 27 April 1994.
And, in South Africa, we have noted in that debate last week that there is a consensus emerging whereby there is beginning to emerge a depoliticisation across ideological and political spectrums, in terms of the social approach to issues that are facing women and children. However, in the interests of democracy, we must allow different opinions and views. But in doing that it is proper as well to locate them in a proper context.
Hon Lamoela was audacious and confident, when she spoke about a South Africa that is failing children, and maybe it is important to locate this South Africa that she is speaking on behalf of. I am quite confident that 90% of the members across the political spectrum in this House have spoken quite genuinely about the real issues and the challenges that our country is facing in so far as the conditions of the lives of children are concerned and not from a narrow party-political point of view that is basically antichange and pessimistic in content. And that is exactly the line of thought and the message that the Democratic Alliance has articulated today to our people. And we must remind hon Lamoela that the point of …
Mr A WATSON: On a point of order. Is it in order for a member to attack another member who was delivering a political maiden speech.
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Watson, that is not a point of order. Any member has the right to react to any speech made by any member in the House. Continue.
Mr T S SETONA: Chairperson and hon members, the approach of the ANC is informed by 92 years of fighting history. The role of the ANC is not a boardroom-manufactured role. Its vision is shaped and defined by the experiences of the masses of our people in this country. And we not only began to realise this in 1994 or today when we became members of Parliament, because we have been part and parcel of the lives of our people. On the basis of that we are calling on all political parties to join today as we celebrate this international day of children, to genuinely and frankly appreciate what Government has achieved to date and also to identify the challenges and propose the kinds of steps that we can collectively take to address the plight of children in this country.
Chairperson, I must just illustrate some issues to you, to show what I said in the past. Maybe I must start by quoting one of the greatest leaders of Africa that our country has ever produced, the late president of the African National Congress, Comrade Oliver Tambo who once said: ``A nation that does not value its youth deserves no future.’’ That is why the DA has been in Parliament for many years - it was the PFP, it was the Democratic Party and it is the DA today. It does not have young people, because they do not value young people, and they do not value children. It is only the ANC that values young people and children; and arising from this hon Chairperson, we observe the international day of children …
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Continue hon member.
Mr T S SETONA: … and is proud of our first decade of democracy, and confident that with each passing day the future of children in our country becomes brighter and brighter. It is therefore fitting that we begin by rising in an unfettered tribute to the people’s movement for change, the ANC, for its 92 years of uninterrupted fighting history in uniting, mobilising and leading all sectors of our society for the creation of the united, nonracial, democratic and nonsexist society that we seek to create today. It is this society, born on 27 April 1994 after the first nonracial democratic elections, that has provided us with the collective platform for dialogue to create a better life for all.
The hon member is living in the past because they used to make a noise in Parliament representing no one but their jackets. But here we are representing the overwhelming masses of the people in this country and we are not apologetic. We will heed their voices and their mandate. Chairperson, 49 years ago on 25 June, the greatest ever assembly of the people converged at Kliptown to shape the vision for a postapartheid society resulting in the adoption of the Freedom Charter under the leadership of the African National Congress.
Ms Lamoela must listen - it was the African National Congress, way back before 1994. In that people’s congress, our people proclaimed amongst other things, and I quote: ``The doors of learning and culture shall be opened.’’ Under this proclamation they further called, and I quote:
The aim of education shall be to teach the youth to love their people and their culture, to honour human brotherhood, liberty and peace. Education shall be free, compulsory, universal and equal for all children. Higher education and technical training shall be opened to all, by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit.
Certainly Chairperson, no amount of bloody force unleashed against our people over decades could corrode these noble visions in the mind of our people. Our people were inspired to fight, and some died in pursuit of this noble vision. Chairperson, 1992 also witnessed another watershed on the policy front when the African National Congress adopted the ready-to-govern document. It is in this document that the ANC reaffirmed and further elaborated the ideals and principles of the Freedom Charter. Today, ten years after our democracy, we are proud to proclaim - and I want to emphasise this - that there has been no other time in the history of our country where the rights of our children have received greater affirmation than under the leadership of the ANC.
Ours is not a welfarist approach to child development - that is only limited to the provision of welfare grants - but a qualitatively developmental approach that takes into account the totality of the development needs of a child. It is in this regard that the rights of the child occupies the centre stage of the provisions of our Constitution, which is a supreme law of the land thus obliging, in no uncertain terms, all organs of state to fulfil, protect and promote the rights of children. That Constitution is informed by the Freedom Charter - the Freedom Charter written by the leadership of Oliver Tambo and Duma Nokwe, not by Tony Leon.
And we are happy that our people today across the party-political spectrum are beginning to accept that vision. And it is not only the vision of the ANC, but it is beginning to be embraced by all the people of this country. [Applause.]
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: Chairperson, I suppose I should feel privileged because both of you have now entered the House. You are welcome. First of all, let me thank all the speakers who participated in this debate. There were many very interesting things that were said - and a special welcome to those who have made their maiden speeches. Maybe they will move you to the front seats if you make more speeches like that! I would like to thank Mr Gamede for saying something that I should have said and I did not, namely that children with disabilities must remain a priority for us. I think that is quite clearly very important.
Mr Raju, I am glad you are back. I am also very glad to note that in the intervening period you have actually become a poet. I am very glad that that has happened. Mr Raju put an important point when he asked why we just put one week aside. It is going to happen again and again. This month is the month of the youth; 16 June is coming and 9 August is coming when we will celebrate National Woman’s Day.
Later in the year we will have 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children. It is not because we say that it is only during this period that we must do certain things, but it is to utilise these weeks or particular days as part of a process of raising the level of consciousness and understanding of our people around these issues. So one agrees this has to be done every day of the week, but we should also utilise this particular period so that we can focus the attention of our country and our people on these particular issues.
If I may, with your permission, Chairperson, deal a little bit with what Ms Robinson said. I presume she is from Cape Town, or the Western Cape, because the whole speech is about what Mr Rasool said. We have nine provinces so you might next time consider what is happening in other provinces too. I thought the speech started well and I think all of us can agree that we need to seek to find more ways and the means to empower NGOs and other service providers so that they can do even better than they are doing already. What I did not understand was why there should be staff shortages because of our labour laws. That I do not understand.
I want to come to something Ms Themba did touch on. It is a serious mistake to think that you can equate what we must do with respect to our own international obligations and say that we should then not carry out these international obligations and responsibilities because the money that we would spend on that, can be better used for something else. It is too narrow and parochial an outlook, and it would be helpful if the DA begins a much wider assessment of what is happening in South Africa, the region and the world. You will better understand why we have to do certain things, and what we have to do as part of our own responsibilities to developments outside our own bodies.
The question of relating it to Aristide is a new one for your party, because up to now your complaint was that we should not let him come here because he is not a democrat. Now you are saying: ``Do not let him come in because we could spend the money supporting the NGOs.’’ The point of the matter is that we are offering Mr. Aristide a temporary home until such time that he is able to return to Haiti under conditions which will enable him to live and work there. Secondly, in our own discussions as to whether or not to offer Mr Aristide a temporary home, we did not suck this from our thumb. We were responding to specific requests from multilateral institutions. You must understand that the request came from the Caricom countries - which, if you do not know, are the countries of the Caribbean. They then requested the African Union, which in turn requested South Africa.
We also discussed this matter with both the United States of America and France with respect to this request, so let us not keep on embarrassing Mr. Aristide. He is here, he is our guest, let us treat him as a guest and let us allow him to at least live, as much as he possibly can, a normal life. For those of us who lived in exile for a long time I can tell you that the pain of exile is very, very difficult to deal with. I am quite sure Mr Aristide would prefer to be in Haiti rather than to eat up money that you think should go somewhere else. Then to say that he would be kept in luxury
- well, I do not know if you think we must send him to a shack in Langa? We will discuss that matter with you. [Laughter.]
Then, Ms Lamoela, if I may just return to some of the issues that you raised, I fully agree that all of us, at all times, need to be permanently sensitive to the needs of our children. But to say or to claim that children’s rights are neglected demonstrates a very serious lack of understanding of what has happened over the last ten years. I do not know where you have been living, but if you have been living in South Africa … [Interjections.] No, let me finish - you would know that never, never before in the history of this country have the rights of children been put into a constitution. We have taken on an obligation in our Constitution. You cannot stand here and say that we have neglected those rights over the last ten years.
You and everybody else who live here know that the bulk of support grants went to Whites and then Coloureds and Indians. Africans were not getting child support grants. We changed that and then we had to say to Whites, Coloureds and Indians: ``You are going to get less, because more people are going to get grants.’’ How can you stand here and say that nothing has been done?
If you think that the entire issue of child abuse is a post-1994 phenomena, then I think you need to re-examine your own political outlook. So we have to deal with these issues of child abuse, child rape and child neglect very seriously because it is in all our interests that the children we want should grow up in an environment in which they will become good citizens. But it does not help, it does not help to try and party-politicise it so that in the end you do not know what you are talking about. I want to repeat here that we face many challenges. There are many issues we have to deal with and there are many, many of our children who do live in conditions of poverty that we have to deal with. And we should deal with this thing I think as … Chief, you must be careful, you are going to get a backache if you bend over too much when you are speaking. [Laughter.]
Let us take this thing out of our party-political stand. It is a political issue; but if we party-politicise a thing then we are not going to do what we have to do to defend our children, and that is going to be my appeal to you.
With respect to antiretrovirals, I presume at some point the Minister of Health will come. [Interjections.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: She is coming.
The MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY: She is coming. Well, I think you might then debate the matter here. Do not speak as if we do not have a policy on it - we do. Do not speak as if we have not made decisions with regard to that. Do not make an assumption that anteritrovirals on their own are going to deal with the issue of HIV/Aids -it is not. It is not a cure. I hope you know that. There is at the moment no cure. But when the Minister of Health comes, she might not be as nice as I am by the way … [Laughter.] … but then engage with her on this whole issue of anteritrovirals.
Of course, I do not know where you get your statistics from, but 70% of children do not live in extreme poverty in South Africa. Wherever you got it from, it is wrong. And if your DA party did the research for you, ask them to go and do better research for you. If we get involved in this statistical battle it is a waste of time because we all agree that there are too many of our children who live in poverty and we need to do something to get them out of that of poverty trap. But in order to do this, we need to look and see where, in which particular areas, the biggest problems are. And so you might find, Ms Robinson, that with the limited resources at our disposal we might not have money for the NGOs that work in Cape Town, because we might have to go and support CVOs that work in rural areas and do not have anything at all. But this is a matter that we have to discuss and come to a common understanding of what we need to do.
In conclusion, Chairperson, a number of issues were raised and I agree with all of them across the party-political spectrum. Around the issues of children in custody, children awaiting trial and why children are still imprisoned in the same places as other hardened criminals - now it would seem to me a perfectly legitimate issue. But do not tell them I told you so. Invite the Minister of Correctional Services and say that the NCOP would like to discuss a very serious matter with him - again, cutting across the party-political theme - and discuss this issue of children in custody so that you can actually engage with the Minister directly concerned with this area. I know he is as concerned as anybody else. And then it would seem to me that when you do your provincial visits, you should then be able to visit prisons in all nine provinces and let us get a better idea as the NCOP of that problem we are talking about. We should do so, not because we want to then invite the media so that it can come and take nice pictures of us walking through these prisons, but because you fundamentally want to deal with the question that our children should not be incarcerated with adults in prisons. Well, we now call them correctional facilities and we always use nice English words. That would be my appeal.
I think it is a perfectly legitimate exercise to engage with the relevant Minister and say what do we do, acting together, working together to deal with this serious problem and question that we face, so that we do not come back next year and have the same debate again about what we should do about children in custody. I think that would be my second suggestion that you might want to consider. My last suggestion would be to Mrs Qikani from the UDM. She asked about what should be and what should not be. Can I ask you to read a book by Lenin called What is to be done? Thank you very much. [Applause.]
The DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON: Thank you, hon Minister and thank you to all the members. I also want to add my voice to say thank you to all of you who made your maiden speeches today. I think it was well done for the first time you took up the platform and debated in this chamber. Thank you very much, all of you.
Debate concluded.
The Council adjourned at 16:42. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
TUESDAY, 11 MAY 2004
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Annual Financial Statements of the Corporation for Public
Deposits for 2002-2003, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2002-2003.
(b) Proclamation No R19 published in Government Gazette No 26111
dated 2 March 2004: Commencement of the Bophuthatswana National
Provident Fund Act Repeal Act, 2003 (Act No 13 of 2003).
(c) Proclamation No R18 published in Government Gazette No 26107
dated 2 March 2004: Commencement of Sefalana Employee Benefits
Organisation Act Repeal Act, 2003 (Act No 14 of 2003).
THURSDAY, 13 MAY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
- Membership of Committees
The following members have been appointed to serve on the Select
Committees mentioned:
PLEASE INSERT ELECTRONIC COPY – insert ATC0513e.doc
MONDAY, 17 MAY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
Assent by President in respect of Bills (1) Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Bill [B 19B - 2003] - Act No 6 of 2004 (assented to and signed by President on 11 May 2004).
-
Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Public Investment Corporation Bill, 2004, submitted by the
Minister of Finance on 7 May 2004. Referred to the Ad Hoc
Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Finance.
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister in the Presidency
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Youth Commission
for 2001-2002, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2001-2002 [RP 197-2003].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Youth Commission
for 2002-2003, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2002-2003.
- The Minister of Trade and Industry
Strategic Plan of the Department of Trade and Industry for 2004-2007.
TUESDAY, 18 MAY 2004
National Council of Provinces
- Membership of Committees
(1) The following changes have been effected to the membership of
Select Committees, viz:
Education and Recreation
Discharged: Themba, Mrs M P
Appointed: Tolo, Mr B J
Social Services
Discharged: Themba, Mrs M P
Appointed: Tolo, Mr B J
(2) The following corrections have been made in respect of the
membership of Select Committees as published in the Announcements,
Tablings and Committees Reports on 13 May 2004:
Security and Constitutional Affairs
Eastern Cape Mr J W Le Roux DA
Local Government and Administration
Eastern Cape Mr J W Le Roux DA
Finance
Eastern Cape Mr M O Robertsen ANC
KwaZulu-Natal Mr N M Raju IFP
Social Services
Gauteng Ms S Chen (Alt) DA
Education and Recreation
Gauteng Ms S Chen (Alt) DA
Economic Affairs
Gauteng Ms S Chen DA
Labour and Public Enterprises
Gauteng Ms S Chen DA
(3) Mr T S Ralane has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Finance with effect from 17 May 2004.
(4) Mr S Shiceka has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Local Government and Administration with effect from
17 May 2004.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Health
Strategic Plan of the National Department of Health for 2004-2007.
WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
- Membership of Committees
(1) Ms N Ndalane has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Economic and Foreign Affairs with effect from 18 May
2004.
(2) Mr B J Tolo has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Education and Recreation with effect from 18 May
2004.
(3) Ms N D Ntwanambi has been elected Acting Chairperson of the
Select Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises with effect from
18 May 2004.
(4) Mr R J Tau has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Public Services with effect from 19 May 2004.
(5) Rev P Moatshe has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs with effect from 19
May 2004.
(6) Ms J M Masilo has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select
Committee on Social Services with effect from 18 May 2004.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
Strategic Plan of the South African Revenue Service for 2004-2007.
- The Minister of Transport
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Road Accident Fund for
2002-2003, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2002-2003.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Urban Transport Fund for
2002-2003, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2002-2003 [RP 10-2004].
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Maritime
Safety Authority Urban for 2001-2002, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002.
THURSDAY, 20 MAY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
- Membership of Committees (1) Kgoshi L M Mokoena has been elected Acting Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs with effect from 17 May 2004.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Foreign Affairs
Strategic Plan of the Department of Foreign Affairs for 2004-2005.
National Council of Provinces
- The Chairperson
Correspondence and reports from the MEC for Housing, Local Government
and Traditional Affairs in the Eastern Cape regarding the intervention
in the Qaukeni Municipality.
Referred to the Select Committee on Local Government and Administration
for consideration and report.
FRIDAY, 21 MAY 2004
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
Strategic Plan of the National Treasury for 2004-2007.
TUESDAY, 25 MAY 2004
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements of Lebowa
Mineral Trust for the period 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2003 [RP 34-
2004].
WEDNESDAY, 26 MAY 2004
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
- Membership of Subcommittees
The following members have been appointed to serve on the Subcommittees
mentioned:
INSERT Word document: ATC0526E
- Referrals to committees of papers tabled The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the relevant committees as mentioned below:
(1) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Report on the Review of the Organization and Post
Establishment of the Office of the Public Protector for the
period January to December 2002.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Special
Investigating Unit for 2002-2003, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2002- 2003 [RP
200-2003].
(c) Strategic Plan of the Department of Defence for 2004-2007
[RP 23-2004].
(d) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on Police
Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(2) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs and to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report.
The committees must confer and the Select Committee on Security
and Constitutional Affairs must report:
(a) Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples'
Rights on The Rights of Women in Africa, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Protocol to the African
Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on The Rights of Women in
Africa.
(3) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Convention between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine for the
Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Avoidance of Double Taxation
and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on
Income.
(c) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the State of Kuwait for the
Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(d) Explanatory Memorandum on the Double Taxation Agreement
between the Republic of South Africa and the State of Kuwait.
(e) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland for the
Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal
Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(f) Explanatory Memorandum on the Double Taxation Agreement
between the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of
Swaziland.
(4) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Report of the Registrar of Long-Term Insurance for 2002.
(b) Report of the Registrar of Short-Term Insurance for 2002.
(c) Report of the Registrar of Unit Trust Companies for 2002.
(d) Report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies for 2002.
(e) Annual Financial Statements of the Corporation for Public
Deposits for 2002-2003, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2002-
2003.
(f) Government Notice No 270 published in Government Gazette
No 26080 dated 5 March 2004: Determination of date in terms of
section 7(1) of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary
Services Act, 2002 (Act No 37 of 2002).
(g) Proclamation No R74 published in Government Gazette No
25777 dated 28 November 2003: Assignment of the Transkeian
Development and Reserve Fund Act, 1964 (Act No 3 of 1964), to
the Province of the Eastern Cape under Item 14 of Schedule 6
to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act
No 108 of 1996).
(h) Proclamation No R19 published in Government Gazette No
26111 dated 2 March 2004: Commencement of the Bophuthatswana
National Provident Fund Act Repeal Act, 2003 (Act No 13 of
2003).
(i) Proclamation No R18 published in Government Gazette No
26107 dated 2 March 2004: Commencement of Sefalana Employee
Benefits Organisation Act Repeal Act, 2003 (Act No 14 of
2003).
(j) Strategic Plan of the South African Revenue Service for
2004-2007.
(5) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Estate Agency
Affairs Board for 2001.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Estate Agency
Affairs Board for 2002.
(c) Strategic Plan of the Department of Trade and Industry for
2004-2007.
(6) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs:
(a) Report of the Kalahari East Water User Association to the
National Assembly: Payments made to the Land Bank by the
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry in terms of a
Government Guarantee.
(b) Employment Equity Report of the Department of Water
Affairs and Forestry.
(c) Government Notice No 123 published in Government Gazette
No 25979 dated 6 February 2004: Extension of time for general
authorisation No 2 in terms of section 36 of the National
Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(d) Government Notice No 140 published in Government Gazette
No 25993 dated 6 February 2004: Board of Rand Water: Extension
of Service Area in terms of the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act
No 37 of 1997).
(e) Government Notice No 225 published in Government Gazette
No 26067 dated 20 February 2004: Notice in terms of section
50(4) of the National Forests Act, 1998 (Act No 84 of 1998).
(f) Government Notice No 256 published in Government Gazette
No 26090 dated 27 February 2004: Extension of time for general
authorisation No 2 in terms of section 36 of the National
Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998).
(g) Strategic Plan for the Department of Agriculture.
(7) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Public Services:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Civil
Aviation Authority for 2002-2003, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for 2002-2003
[RP 15-2004].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Road Accident Fund
for 2002-2003, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2002-2003.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of the Urban Transport
Fund for 2002-2003, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2002-2003 [RP 10-
2004].
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the South African
Maritime Safety Authority Urban for 2001-2002, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for
2001-2002.
(8) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Social Services:
(a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Republic of Angola on Health
Matters, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(b) Strategic Plan of the National Department of Health for
2004-2007.
(9) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Labour and Public Enterprises:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Youth
Commission for 2001-2002, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2001-2002 [RP 197-
2003].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Youth
Commission for 2002-2003, including the Report of the Auditor-
General on the Financial Statements for 2002-2003.
(10) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Education and Recreation:
Strategic Plan of the Department of Education for 2004-2006.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
Strategic Plan of the Department of Land Affairs for 2004-2007.
THURSDAY, 27 MAY 2004 ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Finance
(i) Public Investment Corporation Bill [B 6 - 2004] (National
Assembly - sec 75) [Bill and prior notice of its introduction
published in Government Gazette No 26383 of 20 May 2004.]
Introduction and referral to the Ad hoc Committee on Finance of
the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging
Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160, on
28 May 2004.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of
the Bill may be submitted to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
within three parliamentary working days.
National Council of Provinces
- Messages from National Assembly to National Council of Provinces in respect of resolutions adopted by Assembly and requiring concurrence of Council
(1) Resolution adopted by National Assembly on 26 May 2004
(composition of joint monitoring committees - Assembly minutes, p
84).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance (a) Strategic Plan of Statistics South Africa for 2004-2007.
(b) Sixty-Ninth Report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts
for 2003 and the South African Revenue Services' response thereto.
- The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
Report and Financial Statements of the Commission on Restitution of
Land Rights for 2003-2004 [RP 67-2004].
FRIDAY, 28 MAY 2004
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Speaker and the Chairperson
Special Report on an investigation by the Public Protector of a
complaint by Deputy President J Zuma against the National Director of
Public Prosecutions and the National Prosecuting Authority in
connection with a criminal investigation conducted against him.
The Report is available on the following website:
http://www.parliament.gov.za/pls/portal30/docs/FOLDER/PARLIAMENTARY_INFO
RMATION/PUBLICATIONS/SPECIALREPORT/NPAREPORT.DOC
- The Minister of Social Development
Strategic Plan of the Department of Social Development for 2004-2007
[RP 71-2004].
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
- Referrals to committees of papers tabled
The following papers have been tabled and are now referred to the
relevant committees as mentioned below:
(1) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs:
Strategic Plan of the Department of Foreign Affairs for 2004-2005.
(2) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Strategic Plan of the National Treasury for 2004-2007.
(b) Strategic Plan of Statistics South Africa for 2004-2007.
(c) Sixty-Ninth Report of the Standing Committee on Public
Accounts for 2003 and the South African Revenue Services'
response thereto.
(3) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Land
and Environmental Affairs:
Report and Financial Statements of the Commission on Restitution
of Land Rights for 2003-3004 [RP 67-2004].
(4) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Social Services:
Strategic Plan of the Department of Social Development for 2004-
2007 [RP 71-2004].
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Housing Strategic Plan of the Department of Housing for 2004-2007.
-
The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Re-Accession to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine
(OIV) under a New Revised Statute, tabled in terms of section
231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Re-Accession to the International
Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) under a New Revised Statute.
- The Minister of Trade and Industry
(a) Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International
Registration of Industrial Designs, tabled in terms of section
231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the
International Registration of Trade Marks, tabled in terms of
section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(c) Explanatory Memorandum on the Ratification of the Madrid and
Hague Systems on the Registration of Trade Marks and Designs.