National Assembly - 08 June 2005
WEDNESDAY, 8 JUNE 2005 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
____
The House met at 15:01.
The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
QUESTIONS AND REPLIES – see that book.
NOTICES OF MOTIONS
Mr J SELFE: I give notice that I shall move on behalf of the DA:
That this House -
1) Debate measures to relieve overcrowding of prisons that will
neither undermine the criminal justice system, short-change the
victims of crime nor trivialise the deterrent effect of
imprisonment.
I thank you.
Mrs T J TSHIVHASE: I shall move:
That the House –
(1) Debate the links between economic growth, job creation, alleviation of poverty and augmenting this with social programmes.
Thank you.
Ms E NGALEKA: Thank you, Chairperson. I shall move:
That the House -
(1) Debate that land reform be managed in a positive way as an integral element of national reconciliation, job creation and eradication of poverty.
Thank you.
Adv Z L MADASA: Thank you, Mr Chair. I hereby give notice that I shall move on behalf of the ACDP:
That the House - Discuss the role of Parliament in strengthening democracy and accountability in South Africa.
Thank you.
TAXATION LAWS AMENDMENT BILL
(Introduction)
The MINISTER OF FINANCE: [Applause.] Is that the only applause I get? Thank you, Chairperson. Hon members, five past five in the afternoon, when members to my left have spent some time in the little room not far from here, is exactly the right time to come with the details of the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill. It always works.
The Taxation Laws Amendment Bill contains some of the tax proposals that we tabled in the Budget in February. This Bill includes a variety of matters, such as changes to personal income tax brackets and rebates, changes to the corporate income tax rates, the introduction of the various tax and administrative relief measures for small business, changes to the deemed method for calculating fixed business travel costs with regard to motor vehicle allowances as well as technical refinements to the existing legislation.
The tabling of the Taxation Laws Amendment Bill is an annual event. I shall not bore members with the details here this afternoon. I wish to place it on the Table of this House and express our appreciation to the Chairs and members of the portfolio committee and select committee for their constructive engagement with the National Treasury and Sars with regard to this Taxation Laws Amendment Bill. Thank you very much, Chair. [Applause.]
Bill referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance for consideration and report.
THE ENVIRONMENT BELONGS TO ALL WHO LIVE IN IT, WITH REFERENCE ALSO TO THE KYOTO PROTOCOL AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(Subject for Discussion)
Ms E THABETHE: Ke a leboha, Modulasetulo, maloko a hlomphehang, matona le batlatsi ba matona. [Thank you, Chairperson, hon members, Ministers and Deputy Ministers.]
We are celebrating National Environment Week, with our theme being “The environment belongs to all who live in it,” which is the same as the preamble to our document of wisdom, the Freedom Charter, the 50th anniversary of which we celebrated this year. The Freedom Chatter says: South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.
Ke ka tsela eo ke emeng mona ho tla bua ka tsa tikoloho kajeno, hobane mmuso wa rona o bontshitse hore o hlokomela batho haholo hobane o tseba hore batho ba tswa kae. Ka dilemo tse fetileng ho ile ha ba le dipuisano hore mafatshe ohle a saenele tse lokelang hore batho ba phele ka bolokolohi, ba phefumolohe moya o lokolohileng, empa ho ile ha fumaneha hore, tjhe, ka nnete, ho ne ho tshwanetse hore ho tshwarwe kopano e kgolo mane ho la Amerika. Empa ho ile ha thwe e ke ke ya tshwarelwa moo hobane Amerika ha e a saena Kyoto Protocol, e ileng ya kena molaong ka kgwedi ya Hlakola selemong sena.(Translation of Sesotho paragraph follows.)
[The government has shown that it cares very much for all people, because it knows where they come from, and that is why I am standing here today to speak about environmental affairs. Over the years, international conventions were held to persuade countries to sign treaties that would enable people to live healthy lives and breathe clean air. One such convention was supposed to have been held in the United States of America, but the host country was changed because the United States of America is not a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, which was ratified in February this year.]
The greatest challenge facing our country, and also the rest of the world, is to improve the quality of human life for both present and future generations, without depleting the country’s natural resources. This can only be achieved through a healthy natural environment, which supplies raw material, absorbs waste products and maintains water, soil and air quality.
I am proud to stand here today and state that this ANC-led democratic government, for the past 11 years that it has been in power, has been ensuring that all citizens of this country, present and future, have the right to a decent quality of life, through sustainable use of resources. The government is further continuing to work to ensure that an equitable access to natural resources is achieved, people have safer and healthier living and working environments, and also that participatory decision- making processes around environmental issues prevail that also empower communities to manage their natural environment.
Hon members, it is extremely pleasing to look back and think further back to where we come from. We come from an era where the apartheid legislation distorted access to natural resources, denying the vast majority of our people, in particular those of my colour, the use of land, water, fisheries, minerals, wildlife and clean air.
Food security, water provision and climate stability depend heavily on having properly functioning ecosystems, stable levels of biodiversity, sustainable rates of resource extraction, and a minimal production of waste. Our government has taken several steps to implement and utilise all the global strategies, including the reforming environmental policies, which I will not bore you with because you were part and parcel of those laws when they were passed.
Our country ratified this Kyoto protocol also because it is tasked to protect the environment through reasonable legislative and other measures.
I would also like to venture into the question of the invitation of the Minister on Monday, when he was addressing the imbizo at Boipatong. The imbizo was discussing air quality. It was a very good meeting that we attended, and I thank the Minister for the invitation, because many people in that meeting agreed that it was true that we have all these measures but the fact of the matter is that the pollution and the emissions still exist in the areas where they live. It is not the Minister’s fault, but it is due to the industries that pollute that particular place.
The Minister assured them very well that it is a process, and that it cannot just happen overnight. Last year we passed the Air Quality Equality Bill in this House, which is part of the issues that this government is committed to making sure that it listens to the people, and they act. The government believes that there will be other good laws coming forth to strengthen that, as well as the implementation of the Air Quality Bill.
The former Minister of Environmental Affairs ensured that the term “sustainable development” is a buzzword in today’s environment lexicon in South Africa. The same applies to our current Minister, who is also ensuring that the most vulnerable areas are rid of insensitive activities of our industrial concerns. We therefore call on you, hon members, to really support the department in its endeavours, to make sure that we live in a much healthier environment.
This is why we were given an award this year, through our President. We were chosen amongst the best industrialised countries to receive the champion of the awards, which the Minister went to accept on behalf of the President, because they can see that we are doing a very good job in this country, led by the President and the Minister, in particular. We hope that they will accelerate more work.
Hon Minister, unleash the green scorpions, because they have to do their work. For those who don’t want to listen to the legislation, make sure that the Scorpions deal with them.
Mr M J ELLIS: They should deal with everybody.
Ms E THABETHE: Yes, yes, hon Ellis. We are talking about the Green Scorpions, because we are talking of the environment here. We are talking about the Green Scorpions that work within the environment areas and the marine protected areas. You should know because you are a member of the committee. Yes, so, I mean the Green Scorpions. I am sure the Minister will make sure that the Green Scorpions deal with those employers, because they have to adhere to the legislation.
This environment week was officially launched by our Minister and Deputy Minister, and to those who joined them, we say, good work. We also want to understand that dealing with the bigger picture issues of the environment, not only concerns the Department of Environmental Affairs, or the Minister, but involves all Members of Parliament, communities, and even industries, because this should be a partnership.
As we celebrate this 50th anniversary, we are very proud that our people now have rights. They have the right to influence the discussions, the EIAs, etc. We are happy that it is through the leadership of the Minister. Minister, press on; we will support you in all the good things that you do. We will make sure that all the people of this country enjoy this environment, because indeed it belongs to all of us. Whether it is ANC, Mr Ellis, or not, but everybody now enjoys the environment of this country, whether they are white, green, black or yellow.
It has never happened before, and we hope that we will be able to accelerate that to make sure that everybody can further be part and parcel of the processes, making sure that sustainable development takes place. I thank you.
Mr G R MORGAN: Hon Chair, hon members, the Department of Environmental Affairs’ slogan for environment week, which doubles as today’s topic before the House, that being, “Our environment belongs to all who live in it”, is quite simply bizarre. Does this topic imply that the environment does not belong to those who do not live in it? Well, it surely cannot imply that because, naturally, we all live in this so-called environment.
The topic seems somewhat redundant, no doubt a result of an ANC desire to create a Freedom Charter-like clause, for mere sloganeering purposes. Regrettably, it is a misrepresentation of what this environment is, and the relationship of humans to it. The environment is all around us, and we are an integral part of it. It is not confined to our parks and reserves. It includes this country’s farms, industrial areas, townships, and even the hot air in this Chamber.
We should not be talking today about the environment belonging to us. We should be talking about our responsibility to it, and following that, to each other.
The environmental legislation adopted since 1994 is indeed laudable, and goes some way towards realising section 24 of the Constitution, being that everyone has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being, and that everyone has the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations.
Passing laws is the easy part. Implementing them is far more difficult. This country, in all three spheres of government, simply does not yet have the capacity to implement all these laws. The residents of Richards Bay, who were exposed to an ammonia leak from the Foskor plant last week, will no doubt support that view, Mr Minister. This is the third hazardous leak from that factory in recent years. They want to see action, not rhetoric.
Further, environmental monitoring and reporting remains patchy. How can it be that reporting on the state of the environment is not mandatory? Yes, the national department is preparing such a report at the moment, and has done so before, and a few municipalities have done so in the past as well. But monitoring and reporting, using established environmental indicators, must be extended across the municipalities of South Africa.
In preparing its fifth report on economic and social rights, with special focus on the environment, the Human Rights Commission regarded the response to the questionnaires it sent to various organs of state as not satisfactory. Even the national Department of Environmental Affairs, missed the deadline by six weeks. Environmental monitoring and reporting needs to be treated seriously.
Co-operative governance also needs to be addressed. The Minister’s department may be the leading department on the environment, but the work of virtually every department affects the environment. The DA believes that regulations on the use of strategic environmental assessments must be drawn up, and that all departments should be expected to perform such assessments for their various policies and programmes.
The environment is not currently taken very seriously by many of the departments in this country, an example of this being the Housing Department’s desire to fast-track the EIAs of some housing developments. This shows contempt for this important process.
Further, the DA believes that every province should have an environmental commissioner whose job would be to investigate complaints about environmental administration, including flawed EIA processes, and to recommend courses of action to any department or municipality under investigation. No matter how good our legislation is, the establishment of environmental commissioners would be a positive step, and would check against political decision-making in environmental matters.
Also before this House today is the issue of climate change. Indeed climate change is a reality, but it is also an ongoing phenomenon that has challenged the adaptive abilities of humans and other species over millennia. It will test the world and this country’s science, science policy relationships, the economics of response, and most importantly, individual lifestyle choices.
What can we really do to mitigate anthropogenic climate change? Can we afford the costs of mitigation? Already, very little can be done to reduce the expected effects of climate change over the next century, which include biodiversity loss, and an increase in extreme events. South Africa will be affected, and we should be worried, but we must respond with measures that are reasonable for a developing country that is striving for economic growth and poverty alleviation, and that is already dealing with the Aids pandemic and a service delivery backlog.
Government’s climate change response strategy is a good first step. Departments must start talking to each other. Minerals and Energy must tell us how it intends to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels without compromising growth, and how it intends to promote energy efficiency. The Department of Transport must tell us how it intends to provide safe and reliable public transport that will reduce our reliance on cars.
Let’s get the science right by developing effective climate models, and let us abide by the precautionary principle. Let us not act rashly and let us certainly not panic. It may be the case that economic, social and technological change will be faster, and have a greater direct impact on human populations and climate change. If so, let’s make sure these changes are integrated into the climate change response strategy.
The most difficult thing to change will be people’s lifestyle choices. All of us in this House are frequent flyers. But when we fly we are responsible for contributing to CO² emissions. Mr Minister, you recently travelled to Germany on business. I took the liberty of calculating your individual contribution to carbon emissions on your return flight. It totalled 2,7 tonnes of CO². That is a lot of gas even for you. [Laughter.] We are all guilty. Most MPs take 70 flights a year, each averaging two hours in duration, making them responsible for the emission of 19,46 tonnes of CO² each. And that is not to mention the emissions from driving around our constituencies. Are we prepared to pay to offset these emissions by planting trees, or purchasing credits at $16 a tonne? Will Parliament pay? Will you take the lead, Mr Minister? These are difficult issues, but if we are serious about playing our part, then we need to talk about them. I thank you. [Applause.]
Ms C N Z ZIKALALA: Hon Chairperson and hon members, the environment belongs to all who live in it. The importance of our environment and the need to protect it cannot be stressed enough. Although these issues are recognised, unfortunately, they only seem to get the attention they deserve when there is a special event or occasion dedicated to the environment, after which they take a back seat to seemingly more important and pressing issues.
We, in the IFP, do understand that there are many issues of great importance that directly affect the lives of millions of South Africans every day. We also believe that the environment and issues surrounding it should be given constant attention. Climate change is a natural cycle which takes many years to complete but, unfortunately, human interventions are currently causing the climate to change too fast. This may result in plants and animals not being able to adapt to these changes quickly enough, and this will put our whole ecosystem in danger.
It has been suggested that the impact of climate change on Africa, in 30 to 40 years, will be as significant as that of malaria and Aids. This is a frightening prospect that should serve as a warning and wake-up call that this is a serious issue that affects all of us directly and therefore needs to be treated as a priority.
The Kyoto Protocol, which became legally binding on its 128 parties on 16 February 2005, is a major boost in international efforts to reduce the risk of climate change. The Kyoto Protocol offers powerful tools and incentives for the various role-players to promote sustainable development. Under the protocol, industrialised countries are to reduce their combined emissions of certain gases to below 1990 levels during a five-year period. This will be a major challenge for many of these countries, many of whom might need new policies and approaches if they are to reach the set targets.
A combined global effort is needed, if we are to successfully address the problem of climate change. Here in South Africa, much still needs to be done, if we are to play our part and protect our precious environment for generations to come. Although we do understand that development is important and inevitable, it must not occur at the expense of the environment.
There are still too many polluters who pollute at will and with little consideration for the environment or the communities that live in areas surrounded by the effects of their pollution. This must come to a stop, and they must be held accountable and punished for their inconsiderate and harmful actions.
We, in the IFP, were extremely encouraged by hon Minister Van Schalkwyk’s announcement last month that Cabinet has approved two new action plans that will help with the implementation of the climate change response strategy . . .
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order! Hon member, your time has expired.
Ms C N Z ZIKALALA: This includes a national conference on climate change that will be held back-to-back with a meeting of all African Ministers.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Hon member!
Ms C N Z ZIKALALA: I thank you. [Applause.]
Mr G T MADIKIZA: Chairperson and hon members, whilst there are still many climate change detractors, the dangers of such a phenomenon deserve our attention. It is therefore correct that the majority of the nations of the world have accepted the wisdom of the Kyoto Protocol. The fact that the Kyoto Protocol has seen the light of day is a major victory for multilateralism.
Unfortunately, the United States does not accept the Kyoto Protocol, but other major industrial nations have committed themselves to reducing emissions. Change will happen irrespective of the resistance of some. The major industrial nations, as the biggest air polluters, affect the atmosphere and the environment of all nations, not just their own. Pollution and climate change know no borders; therefore we are all responsible.
The burden concerning responsible environmental behaviour might appear, at first glance, to be skewed towards the developed world. But, in many respects, the developing world faces a much bigger burden. The developing nations of the world must still drastically expand their economies in order to fulfil the legitimate expectations of their citizens.
This quest for economic equality on the world stage depends on breaking the cycle of exporting raw materials and importing products manufactured at higher cost. Of necessity, that means that the developing world now faces the additional hurdle of industrial expansion within a stricter framework of environmental and emission control. This is a hurdle that never faced the developed world when they went through their major industrial expansion.
Nonetheless, it is a hurdle that the developing world has accepted as a moral obligation, because all right-thinking people realise that the environment belongs to all who live in it, and that we are merely custodians of the environment for our children. That is the core argument at the heart of the philosophy of sustainable development, that we must find ways of advancing economically without social and environmental destruction.
As the host of the previous World Summit on Sustainable Development, South Africa has already demonstrated its commitment to this ideal . . .
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order! Hon member, your time has expired.
Mr G T MADIKIZA: . . . and we must continue to be a leader in this area, especially through the African Union . . .
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Order! Hon member!
Mr G T MADIKIZA: . . . and the goals of Nepad. I thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Hon members, I want to appeal to you. If you look at the clock, you will see that I tend to be generous. I wait until you finish your sentence before I cut you off, but then you continue and start a new sentence. I don’t think that’s fair. Otherwise I must start chopping you off when you are still heading towards the end. And I don’t think that’s fair either. So, please, assist the Chair.
Mr G T MADIKIZA: My humble apology, Chair. Thanks.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge): Both the hon Madikiza and the hon Zikalala did the same thing. I don’t want to be unfair. We do give you some grace but you seem to be taking the whole hand instead of just one finger.
Mr L W GREYLING: Hon Chair, I will try to speak fast. At the risk of being controversial, I wish to object to the title of this debate. The environment does not belong to us, but we belong to it.
For too long, the human species has taken the attitude that nature is simply a resource for us to exploit for our own benefit. Recently, however, we have begun to realise the limits and mistakes of this approach. We are dependent on the environment for our survival and without these natural processes we would not be able to live.
For too long our attitude has been to simply exploit nature in our quest for unbridled economic growth. In a sense, we have taken the attitude that it is the survival of the fittest and nature must yield to our demands.
However, the latest research into evolution has shown that the underlying force of progress has not been competition but rather co-operation. Organisms in ecosystems do not compete against each other but rather co- operate to create the conditions for life to thrive. This applies to the smallest ecosystems as well as our own human bodies and, in fact, to the planet as a whole.
It is now time to find ways of co-operating with nature so that both our own lives and those of other organisms can thrive for the benefit of all. Unfortunately, we are currently in a destructive path, where humans are responsible for the loss of biodiversity at a rate of up to 10 000 times the natural average.
On our current course, we will destroy over a quarter of all the world’s biodiversity in the next 50 years and be responsible for the sixth great extinction in our planet’s history. Climate change is a leading cause of this extinction and we have to undergo a rapid shift in our energy production if we are to avoid this.
The Kyoto Protocol is merely a small first shift, but one that will, hopefully, lead to greater international co-operation in the near future. South Africa, as hosts of the previous world summit, can lead the world in renewable energy technology, but we have to put resources and expertise into doing that now.
We also need to change our current modes of production and consumption, which we can do through full cost accounting and putting real economic value on the services provided by the environment. In response to a letter by a citizen who claimed in the Cape Times that the portfolio committee is not economic minded, I would like to say that the challenge is for economics to become environmentally minded. Our economic systems depend on the environment . . .
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M Doidge) Order! Hon member, your time has expired.
Mr L W GREYLING: . . . and not the other way round. It is time for us to shift our thinking in that regard. I thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr G Q M DOIDGE): Hon Greyling, you stretched it a bit.
Ms C B JOHNSON: Chairperson, and hon members, South Africa is particularly vulnerable to the threat of global climate change, especially through droughts, desertification and coastal flooding. It has been projected that average temperatures in South Africa could rise between 1% and 3% by the middle of this century, and that the rainfall in the country could be further reduced by between 5% and 10%.
Increased temperatures and reduced rainfall obviously have a major effect on people’s lives, in the sense that they lead to health-related issues, waterborne diseases and a decrease in food production. And, there is an expected drop of up to 20% in grain production. We all know what the impact of the decrease in production will be on food prices and security at large. We cannot afford not to act on climate change, because it directly affects the lives of so many South Africans.
We need to mitigate climate change itself and the way to do this is through a transversal approach. We need intensive research and development into renewable energy resources so that we can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. We need more energy-efficient transport and housing models. We need less consumptive but more diverse agriculture, and a real transfer of skills and technology from the developed to the developing nations.
Therefore climate change is not only a national issue but it is an international challenge. This is why the Kyoto Protocol is of importance. The recent ratification of the Kyoto Protocol by Russia is a major step in the right direction. There are countries that are still outside of Kyoto Protocol and this is where South Africa has a critical role to play by engaging those countries that remain outside. This can be done through various series of bilaterals and multilaterals.
In short, climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a socioeconomic issue; and one that we must address in building a better life for all. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mrs R A NDZANGA: Hon Chair and hon Minister, ke a le dumedisa [I greet you all].
Climate change is affecting all countries, both rich and poor. While greenhouse gas is formed naturally, energy is needed for cooling houses, driving vehicles and getting power to industrialists. Countries around the world have recognised the need to take action and reduce greenhouse gasses in order to address the challenges of climate change.
Today, I am a proud member of this Parliament; a Parliament that never hesitated to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, because we understand the effects of global warming. We, in the ANC, salute Russia because, on 22 October 2004, the Russian Federation ratified the Kyoto Protocol, 90 days before February when the Kyoto Protocol became effective.
After a long back and forth, the Kyoto Protocol finally entered into force on 16 February, more than seven years after the conference in Tokyo in Japan, where 160 countries around the world met on 11 December 1997 and agreed to target the greenhouse gas emissions. For us in South Africa, it is the most opportune time to say thanks.
With diligence and devotion, countries of the world have unselfishly devoted their sterling services and willingness to ensure that, indeed, we understand the effects of global warming. I say thanks because such services are evidence of the appreciable progress that we have made, and now we can boldly be proud of what we have achieved for our country and the world as a whole.
As defenders of the Kyoto Protocol, we should point out that we have negotiated and impressed the regulatory framework for protocols and various mechanisms, thus laying an important foundation for new agreements.
In conclusion, in 1955, we gathered at Kliptown, and the Freedom Charter looked like a dream. Today, it is a reality. No matter what happens, yes, it is a reality. The people are governing, all nation groups have equal rights, all are equal before the law, the doors of learning are open to all and it will remain like that. Thank you, Chairperson.
Mr K D S DURR: Chairperson and Minister, we are contributors to climate change as well as recipients of its unpredictable outcome. Above all, we need to think and act imaginatively enough. There is much talk of the wonderful possibility for hydropower held out by damming the Congo River, but it’s a very long way away.
However, we have two huge streams of water flowing close inshore on our east and west coasts, the Benguella and Mozambique currents. These rivers flow deep and wide at 10km per hour. They have over 1 000 times the density of air or wind. Surely it is these great currents that lie inside our territorial waters that we should be looking at harnessing. It would make us the greatest country with clean air and energy in the world. We need to explore it. These currents come close to shore, and that is why the ships get wrecked off our coast, because they use those currents to pick up speed and to save fuel.
We have the technology. We developed it on the Agulhas bank and in marine diamond exploration. Power can be generated and brought close on shore, and fed into our existing electricity grid. Power can also be built on oil platforms. Most of the opportunity is in our territorial waters. Let us seek to harness this vast, inexhaustible renewable energy resource that could give us the energy source to also solve our fresh water problem, because it would give us the power for desalination.
The ACDP calls upon the government to set up a task force between your department, Eskom and the oceanographic research team of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research to see how we should set about things. Perhaps huge submersible paddles or propellers and other techniques can be used. This is an opportunity to use and develop existing technology that will not only make us a great clean energy-rich nation and region, but will be patentable and exportable as a green technology of the future.
Let us harness the great Benguella and Mozambique ocean currents for a clean power future for South Africa. I thank you. [Applause.]
Mnr W D SPIES: Agbare Voorsitter, indrukwekkende projekte word aangepak om gemarginaliseerde gemeenskappe in Suid-Afrika op te hef, maar nogtans is daar een gemarginaliseerde gemeenskap wie se stem selde gehoor word, alhoewel hierdie gemeenskap groter is as enige van ons huidige gemeenskappe in die land. Dit is die toekomstige geslagte. As ons daarom sê dat die omgewing aan almal behoort wat vandag daarin woon, mag ons nooit vergeet van diegene wat oor 50 of 500 jaar hier sal wees nie.
Die natuur het ’n verbysterende vermoë om met besoedeling te handel. Onsuiwerhede in die lug word vernietig deur die son, opgelos deur verskeie organismes of doodgewoon in die veelvuldige sisteme van die aarde opgeneem. Maar hierdie vermoë van die aarde het sy perke.
Groot hoeveelhede koolstof is die afgelope 200 jaar op die aarde verbrand. Duisende jare gelede was daar soveel koolsuurgas op die planeet dat die lewe vir die mens onmoontlik sou wees weens oormatige hitte en stoom. Die Skepper het reuse woude laat opgroei wat koolstof uit die lug onttrek het en ’n ewewig geskep het waarin lewe vir mense en diere moontlik geword het.
Deur die verbranding van hierdie woude en die fossielbrandstowwe wat daaruit ontwikkel het, plaas ons koolstof terug in die atmosfeer teen ’n tempo wat menslike lewe op die planeet onmoontlik gaan maak. In die verlede het ons gevrees dat die fossielbrandstowwe kan opraak, maar vandag besef ons dat die probleem veel dringender en veel groter is.
Die huidige ekonomiese bestel behels ’n toenemend gesentraliseerde en energie-intensiewe globale stelsel. Die keersy hiervan is ’n kwynende omgewing sonder enige kans op langtermynvolhoubaarheid.
Die VF Plus glo dat een deel van die oplossing ’n bestel is waarin alle besluite op die laagste moontlike vlak geneem word. Dit behoort te lei tot ’n ekonomiese stelsel van lokalisme met die logiese gevolg ’n omgewing wat deur die gemeenskappe gekoester en erken word as ’n kosbare gawe van God, ontvang van ons voorouers en wat ons kan oordra aan ons kinders. Ek dank u. (Translation of Afrikaans speech follows.)
[Mr W D SPIES: Hon Chairperson, impressive projects are being launched for the upliftment of marginalised communities in South Africa, and yet there is one marginalised community whose voice is seldom heard, although this community is bigger than any of the present communities in our country. It is that of the future generations. Therefore, when we say that the environment belongs to all who live in it today, we should never forget about those who will be here in 50 or 500 years’ time.
Nature has an astounding capacity to deal with pollution. Impurities in the air are destroyed by the sun, dissolved by various organisms or simply absorbed into the multiple systems of the earth. But this ability of the earth has its limitations.
Large quantities of carbon have been burnt on the earth during the past 200 years. Thousands of years ago there was so much carbon dioxide on the planet that human life would have been impossible as a result of excessive heat and steam. The Creator caused vast forests to grow, which drew carbon dioxide from the air and created a balance in which human and animal life became possible.
By burning these forests and the fossil fuels that developed from them, we are putting carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere at a rate that will make human life on the planet impossible. In the past we feared that fossil fuels might run out, but today we realise that the problem is much more urgent and much bigger.
The present economic set-up comprises an increasingly centralised and energy-intensive global system. The other side of this is a declining environment without any chance of long-term sustainability.
The FF Plus believes that one part of the solution is a set-up in which all decisions are made at the lowest possible level. This should lead to an economic system of localisation with the logical result being an environment that communities cherish and acknowledge as a precious gift from God, received from our forefathers and to be left by us to our children. I thank you.]
Ms S RAJBALLY: Thank you, Chairperson. Our greatest challenge is maintaining and developing our environment while, at the same time, improving the quality of life for all South Africans. A functional ecosystem, stability of biodiversity and a well-managed system of waste, pollutants and resource extraction, are necessary to balance these two commitments.
As Parliament, we have passed a number of Bills to ensure the sustainable management of natural resources as well as international commitments, such as Agenda 21, adopted at the United Nations’ general assembly conference on environment and development.
South Africa is a beautiful country and we need to look after it. By maintaining our environment, we are not only looking after our home, but also reducing poverty through tourism, as many tourists flock to South Africa to experience its beauty and way of life.
The South African revenue yields great dividends from tourism. Up to R800 million of tourism receipts alone was injected in South Africa, in December
- However, 1 300 scientists from 95 countries around the world confirm that our environment is in danger.
The MF hereby conveys its concern to the people of South Africa to unite in our fight to conserve and maintain a sustainable environment. Pollution is not only harming our environment, but it is killing our people and killing our nation. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, and I firmly believe that you can be poor but clean. Go the extra mile; preserve your nation, your people and your country.
The MF maintains that the environment is a responsibility of every South African, young and old, for it is our environment. Thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]
Mr D A A OLIFANT: Chairperson, thank you very much. The environment belongs to all of us, and the reason why the environment belongs to all of us, is that for so many years a lot of us have been denied the good aspects of the environment. Now it is very important that we come here today and emphasise this particular point, because I just need to say that I want to focus on the human rights side of the environment.
Johannesburg is regarded as the leafiest city in the world, but can we say the same thing is happening in Soweto? Can we say the same thing in Nanceville? Can we say the same thing in Alexandra? Durban is a beautiful city; can we say the same thing is happening in Umlazi? Let us come to the beautiful Cape Town, the mother city, beautiful indeed, green, plush areas. Can we say the same thing in Khayelitsha? We cannot.
Therefore, it is of paramount importance that we cannot stress the fact more that the environment indeed belongs to us. Chairperson and hon Minister, it is important that we have done a lot of things over the last eleven years, as far as the environment is concerned. We have received tremendous awards. We as South Africa are very proud of the kind of achievements that we have achieved.
It is also important that we start to focus inwards into the development of our own people. For many years the majority of our people have lived in townships that are not so leafy, Mr Morgan and Mr Greyling, and therefore it is important that we start developing these particular townships. Now it is important that people come here and say that the members of Parliament contribute to the emissions by flying. Last year we went on oversight visits across the country, to look at the question of air quality in our country. How could we get to Durban if we could not fly? So, that is the kind of problems that we look at, for people to come and say that we contribute to these things.
We live in a particular area where we do not fly; we are passengers. We are passengers in these particular things. We are saying that it is utter nonsense for these people to come here, in the Portfolio Committee they are like angels, because they agree to everything we are saying, and when we come here they say no, those are not the things that have been happening. They demonise the Minister, the Portfolio Committee and all the good things that we are doing. What are you trying to do; cheap politicking is not going to help us.
We are saying that, Mr Minister, we strongly believe that there should be sustainable development in the protection of the environment, because that is very important. But we need to deal with that particular issue in a very sensitive and sober manner. We want to ensure that this environment is important for all of us, because our future, our lives, depend on it. We want to support you, and want to say that what we are doing in the Portfolio Committee is a very good job. You are part of the policies of our country, and we want to salute and support you, because this environment belongs to all of us. I thank you.
The MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS AND TOURISM: Thank you Chairperson. I would like to thank all the members for participating in the debate. I would like to thank the hon Chairperson for requesting this debate. She was also present at the imbizo that we had in Boipatong on Monday on the implementation of the new Air Quality Act, and I would specifically like to thank her and other members of Parliament who were present there.
That is, Chairperson, the first issue that I should react too. We will bring into effect on 1 September some essential parts of the new air quality legislation, which will enable us to declare certain national priority areas “the pollution hotspots”. What that will entail is, under the leadership of the new Air Quality Control Officers that we are training at the moment, we will draw up management plans for those areas, that will enable us to make certain decisions in those areas.
We must understand that the result of the pollution in those areas is accumulative over many decades. We will not be able to change that overnight, but these management plans will be a start, and it will definitely start to change the situation. I would like to agree with an issue that some members raised here. We have very progressive legislation, but what we need to do now is to make sure that we enforce what we have on our Statute Book.
In that regard I would like to point out the first success of the Green Scorpions just a week or two ago in Court in the so-called “Mandara Trust” case. It was an issue that involved toxic waste and we got a guilty verdict there, a suspended sentence of five years’ imprisonment, as well as a R100 000 fine. This is only the first of many cases that we will take to court.
Then on the climate change issue, I am glad that members raised that. A few weeks ago we made public the results of the first comprehensive, really in- depth research that we did. We now have for the first time a good body of scientific knowledge on the table to start dealing with this issue.
What we basically said is what will happen in South Africa over the next 50 years. That was basically the scope of the research. We will see the western part of the country becoming much drier, and the first signs are already there. The members from the Northern Cape know the well-known Kokerboom very well, but that well-known symbol of the Northern Cape is already starting to die out. It is a change in temperature that we as humans cannot yet feel and realise, but some of the plants are already starting to experience that.
The eastern part of the country will become much more rainy. It is not all good news, because it will change the landscape in the eastern part of the country. It will be much more bushy, the grasslands will start to disappear. This has huge implications for farming, but also for our national parks in that part of the country, because wildlife will not be able to move about as easily as they are now doing.
So, it will mean that we will have to consider where our national parks will be in future. There are huge implications for agriculture, on the kind of plants we can plant. There are huge implications for health. We pointed out that the northern provinces, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, may, in all probability, become a high risk malaria area, which, of course, has huge implications for us.
Then, the hon Thabethe pointed out the climate change response strategy that Cabinet decided on. We created a new interministerial committee. When we are ready with our work, we will then start to involve all the different and relevant role-players.
Chairperson, there are two important dates on the calendar. The one is in the first week of July. As members may have taken a note, there is the G8 Heads of State Summit in Glen Eagles Scotland, to which our President has also been invited. Apart from Africa and aid to Africa, the other issue on the agenda is climate change. We will go there as government to play a proper role in those discussions, because as a developing country we can play a leadership role in building that bridge between the developed and the developing world.
That will be followed in December in Canada. It will be the first conference of the parties post-Kyoto, which will be an absolutely key event in making sure that we endeavour to create a new international framework, built and based on Kyoto - Kyoto Plus - and making sure that we start bringing in more countries as part of that framework.
We are taking climate change very seriously. We will take those responsibilities on board. In September or October, we will also, for the first time, have an all African Ministers conference or convention, to prepare for the Canada conference of the parties, the United Nations one. And also, all the African scientists will come together for the first time, to make sure that we take an African perspective as well.
Our country and our continent are vulnerable. I would like, Chairperson, to thank hon members for committing themselves to this huge task. As government we will make sure that this will continue to be high on the agenda. Thank you.
Debate concluded.
The House adjourned at 17:56. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
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Message from President
The Speaker and the Chairperson received the following message dated 3 June 2005, from the President, requesting that a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces be convened:
CALLING OF A JOINT SITTING OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
In terms of section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No 108 of 1996), read with Rule 7(1)(b) of the Joint Rules of Parliament, I hereby call a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces on Friday, 10 June 2005 at 11h00, in order to bid farewell to the outgoing Chief Justice of South Africa, Arthur Chaskalson, and to welcome the incoming leadership of the judiciary, Chief Justice Pius Langa and Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.
I further request hereby, that special arrangements be made, in line with the Joint Rules of Parliament, to enable retired Chief Justice Chaskalson to participate in the debates by way of a Reply.
Yours sincerely
Signed THABO MBEKI
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Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister of Finance
(i) Taxation Laws Amendment Bill [B 19 – 2005] (National
Assembly – sec 77)
(ii) Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill [B 20 – 2005]
(National Assembly – sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill
and prior notice of its introduction published in Government
Gazette No 27663 of 7 June 2005.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Finance of
the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging
Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160, on
8 June 2005.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of
the Bills may be submitted to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
within three parliamentary working days.
-
Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill, 2005, submitted by the Minister of Finance on 7 June 2005. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Finance.
-
Translations of Bills submitted
(1) The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(i) Wysigingswetsontwerp op Deeltitels [W 10 – 2005] (National
Assembly – sec 75)
This is the official translation into Afrikaans of the Sectional
Titles Amendment Bill [B 10 – 2005] (National Assembly – sec 75).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Correctional Services
Report of the Judicial Inspectorate of Prisons for 2004-2005.
-
The Minister of Science and Technology
(a) Statute of the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non- Aligned and Other Developing Countries, tabled on terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum on the Statute of the Centre for Science and Technology of the Non-Aligned and Other Developing Countries.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly
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Report of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism on Consideration of the 2003/04 Human Rights Commission Report (Chapter on Education and Environment), dated 7 June 2005:
The Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism, having considered the 2003/04 Human Rights Commission Report (Chapter on Education and Environment) referred to it, reports that it has concluded the deliberations and adopted the findings contained in the report.
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Report of the Portfolio Committee on Communications on the filling of a vacancy on the Council of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, dated 8 June 2005:
The Portfolio Committee on Communications, having considered the request to the National Assembly to recommend the appointment of a councilor to the President for the filling of a vacancy on the Council of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, referred to it, reports as follows:
The Committee invited the public to nominate persons for consideration and recommendation to the President for the filling of a vacancy on the Council. Nominations and applications were received from 31 candidates.
The Committee met on 24 May 2005 to consider the nominations, and agreed that the following persons be shortlisted and be interviewed on 31 May 2005:
Ms Marcia Wilson, Mr Gerhard Petrick, Mr Jethro Tshabalala, Mr Mthobeli M Zokwe, Ms Charlotte Mampane and Ms Blessing Ntlha. Out of the six shortlisted candidates, two withdrew.
After having considered the shortlist and after having interviewed the candidates, the Committee recommends that the House, in accordance with section 5(1) of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act (Act 13 of 2000), make a recommendation to the President that the following candidate be appointed as councilor to Icasa:
Mr Mthobeli M Zokwe
Report to be considered.
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism on Oversight Visit to Marine and Coastal Management, dated 31 May 2005:
1. BACKGROUND
As part of conducting an oversight function over the Branch Unit of the
Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, a multi party
delegation of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and
Tourism visited Marine and Coastal Management on the 18th of January
2005.
1.1 OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the oversight visit was to examine and evaluate
the progress made in respect of transformation, develop better
understanding of operations within MCM and preparation made on
publication of the new long- term fishing allocation policies to be
launched by the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on the
1st of April 2005.
1.2 DELEGATION
A multi- party delegation from the Portfolio Committee under the
leadership of the Chairperson Ms E Thabethe (ANC), included Mr. J
Combrick (ANC), Mr. M I Moss (ANC), Ms N Khunou (ANC), Mr. J Arendse
(ANC), Ms MM Ntuli (ANC), Ms R Ndzanga (ANC), Mr. A Mokoena (ANC), Mr.
S J Maja (ANC), Mr. DAA Olifant (ANC), Mr. G Morgan (DA), Ms J Semple
(DA), Ms C Zikalala (IFP) , Mr. LW Greyling (ID) and Committee
Secretary Mr M Manele.
2. REPORTING
Having conducted its oversight visit to Marine and Coastal Management
(MCM) on the 18th of February 2005, the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism wishes to report as follows:
3. INTRODUCTION
On the 18th of January 2005, a multi party delegation of the Portfolio
Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism visited the Branch Unit
of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism known as Marine
and Coastal Management located in Cape Town. The delegation was
welcomed and briefed by the Chief Director, Mr. I Moolla. The briefing
focused on Marine and Coastal Management’s commitments and
achievements, 2005/06 strategic plans, organizational gaps and
challenges.
3.1 MCM 2004/05 COMMITMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
The briefing on 2004/05 commitments and achievements focused on
preparation for rights allocation, institution of new fisheries,
commissioning of new vessels, improvement of compliance, rehabilitation
of fishing harbours and, finalization of coastal management bill,
delivering of 2 patrol vessels (i.e. Sarah Baartman and Lillian Ngoyi),
drafting of new policy framework for the white shark cage diving and
boat based whale watching industry, promulgation of new marine
protected areas, revision, amendments of 4x4 regulations and the
hosting of Antarctic meetings.
3.2 2005/06 STRATEGIC PLANS
The 2005/06 Strategic Plans of MCM firstly, dealt with publication of
19 policies to be published on the 1st of March 2005 to guide the 2005
allocation of commercial fishing rights for public comments. Secondly,
publication of the report by April 2005 on options for future
management of fishing harbours, and the allocation within the next
financial year 2006/07 rights in further 3 new fisheries. Thirdly,
publication of Coastal Zone Management Bill for public comments and
the implementation of amended 4x4 regulations. Fourthly, publication of
environmental assessment of the coastline and publication of
comprehensive regulations for aqua/mariculture. Finally, an increase in
the number of blue flag beaches and implementation of ecosystem
approach to fisheries management in line with the standard set by World
Summit on Sustainable Development.
3.3 ORGANISATIONAL GAPS AND CHALLENGES
The organisational gaps and challenges refer to the institutional
barriers related to lack of capacity to deal with poaching of abalone,
allocation of rights of abalone, line fish, oysters, east coast rock
lobster fisheries in the Eastern Cape, transfer of research staff to
South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), recruitment and
retention of staff, and improvement of access to information in order
to ensure credibility and acceptance of fishing rights outcome.
4. 2005/08 MEDIUM TERM STRATEGY
The 2005/08 medium term strategy of marine and coastal management
focused on the development of management manuals and procedures for all
commercial fisheries, rebuilding of fish stocks as per WSSD standards,
increase of capacity to respond to oil and other types of pollution,
strengthening of South Africa’s status as a marine research powerhouse
in Africa, replacement of ageing research vessels, establishment of
tourism development in the Antarctic and at Marion Island, initiation
of poverty relief and coastal livelihoods projects with local
authorities and provinces and , conduct a socio–economic study to
assess the impact of rights allocation to historical disadvantaged
institutions.
4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Having conducted an oversight visit on the 18th of January 2005 on
MCM, the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism,
concludes and recommends as follows:
4.1 RETENTION OF SCIENTISTS
Noting that there is currently a high level of resignations in
particular black scientists, it is recommended that the Portfolio
Committee must during the second term of parliamentary program call
Marine and Coastal Management to brief the Committee on retention
strategies put in place to attract young scientist to stay and make
contribution within the institution.
4.2 SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
Noting that skills development in our democratic country is a
legislative requirement, it is recommended that MCM must be called to
brief the Committee on its 2005/ 06 workplace skills plan and budget
allocated for training and development of its workforce.
4.3 APPLICATION FORMS FOR FISHING ALLOCATION
Noting the absence or unavailability of forms related to the fishing
allocation in the visitors centre, it is recommended that, once the
new 19 fishing policies have been finalized, MCM must ensure that new
application forms are simplified and made available in the visitors
center and on its website.
4.4 RIGHTS ALLOCATION PROCESS
Noting the importance of the 2005/06 long term allocation process, it
is recommended that the marine and coastal management appear before
the committee to report on the public consultation processes, the
readiness of the Rights Verification Unit to conduct its duties, and
the finalization of fishing policies.
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs and Tourism on Oversight Visit to Sea Harvest and Oceana Brands, dated 31 May 2005:
1. BACKGROUND
As part of conducting an oversight and monitoring functions related to
the fishing industry in South Africa more especially in Western Cape
Province, a multi party delegation of the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism undertook an oversight visit to Sea
Harvest and Oceana Brands in Saldanha Bay, West Coast on the 9th of
February 2005.
1. OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the oversight visit was to assess and monitor the
progress made by Sea Harvest and Oceana Brands in respect of
transformation, environmental management and, business operations
related to fishing products, fishing plant processing and storage.
1.2 DELEGATION
A multi-party delegation from the Portfolio Committee under the
leadership of the Chairperson Ms E Thabethe (ANC) included Mr. J
Combrick (ANC), Mr. M I Moss, (ANC), Ms N Khunou (ANC), Mr. J Arendse
(ANC), Ms MM Ntuli,(ANC), Ms R Ndzanga (ANC), Mr. A Mokoena (ANC), Mr.
S J Maja (ANC), Mr. Mr. M Kalako (ANC), Ms C Zikalala (IFP),Ms J Semple
(DA), Mr. LW Greyling (ID) and Committee Secretary Mr M Manele.
1.3 REPORTING
Having conducted its oversight visit to Sea Harvest and Oceana Brand on
the 9th of February 2005, the Portfolio Committee on Environmental
Affairs and Tourism wishes to report as follows:
2. OVERSIGHT VISIT TO SEA HARVEST AND OCEANA BRANDS
On 9th of February 2005, a multi-party delegation from the Portfolio
Committee visited Sea Harvest Ltd and Oceana Brands.
2.1 VISIT TO SEA HARVEST
The Managing Director, Mr L Penzhorn welcomed and briefed the delegation
on the business operations of the company. The briefing focused on
operational structure, environmental management, occupational health and
safety, employment equity, skills development and social investment.
2.2 OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE
Its operational structure is composed of two trawlings i.e. sea and
inshore. The deep-sea hake operation, has one processing plant for fresh
fish, one processing plant for adding non-fish ingredient with a staff
component of 1472 employees, 15 fresh fish vessels, and 2 factory ships
with a staff component of 735 employees. The inshore hake trawling, on
the other hand, has 50% joint venture with SeaVuna, 1 fresh fish
processing plant with staff component of 172 employees and, 4 fresh fish
trawlers with 68 employees.
2.3 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
The Sea Harvest’s environmental management programme involves a sea-
water project that is monitored by the Saldanha Bay Water Quality Forum
in order to ensure compliance with the standards set by Department of
Water Affairs and Forestry and Coastal Zone Water Quality Guidelines.
2.4 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
The company has occupational health and safety programmes that offer
onshore and at sea services. The onshore programme has fully- equipped
onsite clinic that provides occupational health services and primary
health care facilities.
2.5 EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
During the period under review, the company has set a target of 35% of
previously disadvantaged individual represented at management level of
which 6% are Africans. Although, the company has 97% of employees and
98% of sea-going crew that were previously disadvantaged, it has a
recruitment strategy that gives preference to Africans for every
vacant management position. The challenge however, in term of
Employment Equity is to employ more Africans at senior management
level.
2.6 SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL INVESTMENT
The company has a skill development and social investment programmes
that focus on training, and community development. Its skill development
programme includes the provision of learnership on fish and seafood
processing, female cadets in the deep-sea trawling industry, trainees
onboard and factory freezer-trawlers. The social investment on the other
hand, focuses on education, health, Small Medium and Micro Enterprise
(SMME) development and sports development in the surrounding community.
2.7 ON-SITE TOUR (SEA HARVEST)
During the on site tour, the delegation observed how sea harvest
processes, packages and stores fishing products such as skinless
fillets, coated cut portions, coated mince, hake fillets and baby hake.
3. VISIT TO OCEANA BRANDS
The Managing Director, Mr. Themba Langeni, welcomed and briefed the
delegation on the business operations on the company. The briefing
focused on business infrastructure, market, supply chain, global
marketing opportunities, employee development and social
responsibilities.
3.1 BUSINESS INFRASTRUCTURE
The business infrastructure of the Oceana Marketing Brands Company is
composed of 95 900 stores, 1250 customers, 5370 delivery points, 486
merchandisers, 10 distribution centers, 10 sales and merchandising
companies 93 sales representatives, and 45 million consumers.
3.2 MARKET SECTOR PENETRATION AND SUPPLY CHAIN
The market sector penetration supply chain of the company involves the
white, coloured, Indian and black people in both the urban and rural
areas. The supply chain on the other hand, involved 675 Wholesale Trade,
93 480 General Trade and 1590 Formal Retail Trade.
3.3 GLOBAL MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES
According to the Managing Director, the global marketing opportunities
of the Oceana Brands include maximization of canning, increase of
exports, earning of foreign exchange, increase of employment, adding of
value to raw materials, and expansion of lucky star franchise.
3.4 ON-SITE TOUR
During the on site tour, the delegation observed how Oceana Marketing
Company processes, packages and stores fish products such as canned
fish, sea food, lucky star, glenryck, saldanha and sea fare etc.
4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Having conducted an oversight visits to Sea Harvest Ltd and Oceana
Brands on the 19th of February 2005, the Portfolio Committee on
Environmental Affairs and Tourism concludes and recommends as follows:
4.1 Noting the progress made by both the fishing companies on their
operational business activities, it is recommended that the Committee
should make a follow up on how the Sea Harvest Ltd and Oceana Brands
would put in place mechanism within the Department of Trade and Industry
Black Economic Empowerment scorecard, to accelerate transformation
targets in terms of ownership, strategic representation, employment
equity, preferential procurement and enterprise development.
-
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration on the Reports of the Public Service Commission, dated 8 June 2005:
The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration, having considered the Reports of the Public Service Commission on:
1. The Abilities of the Departments to deal with Devolved Authority
regarding Remuneration and Conditions of Service, January 2004
2. The Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in the Public Service, 2003
3. Investigation into the Re-employment of Persons Retired due to ill
health, February 2003
4. The Causes and Effects of Mobility amongst Senior Management
Service and Professional Staff in the Public Service, 2003
Reports as follows:
1. On the Report on the Abilities of the Departments to deal with
Devolved Authority regarding Remuneration and Conditions of
Service, January 2004, the Portfolio Committee on the Public
Service and Administration recommends that the recommendations
contained in the report should be acceded to.
2. On the Report on the Dispute Resolution Mechanisms in the Public
Service, 2003, the Portfolio Committee on the Public Service and
Administration recommends that the recommendations made by the
Public Service Commission should be acceded to.
3. On the Report on the Investigation into the Re-employment of
Persons Retired due to ill health, 2003, the Portfolio Committee on
Public Service and Administration recommends that the
recommendations contained in the Report should be acceded to and
furthermore, the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and
Administration urges that the traditional or non-conventional
system of health care as prescribed in the Traditional
Practitioners Act, 2004 should be incorporated on similar grounds
as the mainstream health system regarding decision on ill health.
4. On the Report on the Causes and Effects of Mobility amongst
Senior Management Service and Professional Staff recommends that
the recommendations of the Public Service Commission should be
acceded to.
Furthermore, the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and
Administration notes that the Public Service Commission has discharged
its mandate in terms of the law.