National Council of Provinces - 04 March 2008
TUESDAY, 4 MARCH 2008 __
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
____
The Council met at 14:05.
The Acting Chairperson (Ms P M Hollander) took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS – see col 000.
NEW MEMBERS
(Announcement)
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Hon members, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the hon Mqungquthu, who was sworn in today, from the Free State. Hon member, you are welcome to the NCOP and I wish you all the best in your work. Will the hon member please stand? Where is the hon member? Hon member, will you please sit down; I know you are not from the Free State. You must give us a chance to welcome you also. Thank you.
We also have another member from the Northern Cape. Will the hon member from the Northern Cape please stand so that we can welcome you to the NCOP. [Applause.] The hon member is from the DA. Thank you. Where is our hon member from the Free State? Has he gone back home? Has he returned? [Interjections.] Okay, thank you.
NO MOTIONS
Hon members, I have been informed that the Whippery have agreed that there will be no notices of motion or motions without notice today except for the motion printed on the Order Paper.
NOTICE OF MOTION ON 7 FEBRUARY IN ORDER
(Ruling)
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Now, I want to come to my ruling that I said I would give with regard to the hon Krumbock and the hon Windvoël. Hon members, I would like to make a ruling on a point of order raised by the hon Watson during our plenary on Thursday, 7 February
- The hon member asked if it was correct in terms of Council Rules for a member to move a motion that had already been moved. He requested that I should make a ruling on this matter, which I said I would.
After perusal of both the motions moved by the hon Krumbock and the hon Windvoël, I note that they both referred to the 52nd ANC national conference, which was held in Polokwane, even though the content of their motions differed. However, I would like to bring to the attention of the House that there is a difference between a notice of motion and a motion without notice. The notice of motion is intended to inform the House that at the next sitting of the House a member would move the motion. It does not require any decision by the House. A motion without notice calls upon the House to take a decision on a particular matter.
In terms of Rule 75(2) of the Council Rules, a draft resolution for approval by the Council may not in substance be the same as a draft resolution which has been approved or rejected by the Council during the preceding six months. Both the hon Krumbock and the hon Windvoël’s notices did not require the House to take any decision as, they gave notice that they intended to move at the next sitting of the House. I therefore rule that both notices were in order and procedurally in accordance with the NCOP Rules. I thank you. Thank you, hon Watson.
WELCOMING OF MINISTERS TO NCOP FOR QUESTION TIME
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): I would like to welcome all the hon Ministers of the National Assembly with us today – the executive. I hope that you will be with us for the afternoon. I have a request from the hon Dr Sisulu, the Minister of Housing. She will answer a few questions but after that she would like to be released and further questions will be answered by the Deputy Minister of Education, the hon Surty. Do you agree with that? Are you in agreement? [Interjections.] Thank you.
RESIGNATION OF CHIEF WHIP OF NCOP
(Announcement)
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Before we start, I have another notice to give to the Council. Hon members, I have received a letter from the Chief Whip of the National Council of Provinces, the hon Windvoël, informing the Council that he has resigned as the Chief Whip of the Council. The election for the replacement of the Chief Whip will take place tomorrow and it will be on the Order Paper. I thank you.
QUESTIONS FOR ORAL REPLY
SOCIAL SERVICES AND GOVERNANCE
Cluster 2
MINISTERS:
Notices of concern received from no-fee schools 1. Mr V V Z Windvoël (ANC) asked the Minister of Education:
Whether her department has received any notices of concern by schools
designated as no-fee schools about the negative implications of paper
budgets; if so, what measures is her department putting in place to
address this situation? CO735E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much, Chairperson. Before I proceed with the, may I thank the hon Windvoël for his contribution in the past to this House. [Applause.]
The response is that, indeed, we have received some concerns that have been raised by principals in relation to the paper budgets for no-fee schools. We have discussed these concerns with the MECs at the Council of Education Ministers meeting, and have indicated to them that it is important that the transfers take place timeously. We’ve asked the department to look into this matter and make proposals with regard to how we could deal with the prompt payment or transfer of fees. This would probably be done by way of norms and standards which we would have legislated or regulated.
We have also directed the Department of Education to look at ways of increasing the number of section 21 schools, so that provinces are able to transfer paper budget funds simply and quickly to as many schools as possible without any administrative glitches.
The hon Chair is probably aware of the fact that the distinction between section 21 and section 20 does create problems and inconvenience for some schools, especially those that are section 20 schools. Thank you very much.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Deputy Minister. Are there any follow-up questions to the Deputy Minister? There are none, so we then move to Question 2. The hon Ministers with regard to Water Affairs and Forestry are both not available, but they will respond. They asked that the response be tabled.
Conducting of audits of water services authorities and strategies to ensure compliance and correct poor quality of water in Free State
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Mr C J van Rooyen (ANC) asked the Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry:
(1) Whether appropriate and sufficient (a) periodic regulatory audits of the water quality data and management systems of Water Services Authorities, WSAs, are being conducted and (b) financial, scientific and technological resources are made available to WSAs to work on water quality issues; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details in each case;
(2) whether, in light of outbreaks of health problems related to water quality, her department will seek alternatives to (a) actively engage or (b) force compliance on WSAs that do not comply with legislation governing water quality; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) what plans and strategies are in place to correct the poor quality of water in some Free State towns? CO741E
REPLY:
(1)(a)& (b) The question by the member deals with drinking water quality. The quality of the tap water in South Africa, and especially in our cities, is excellent and well above the minimum safety standards. Our drinking water is treated to ensure that it complies with the national standard (SANS 241:2006) and South Africa has an excellent reputation in provision of safe drinking water. Compliance with this standard would mean that the water is safe for human consumption. The Department of Water Affairs and Forestry regulates compliance levels with the standards set and this intervention has seen a huge improvement in the way municipalities are performing their responsibility to manage the quality of drinking water.
One of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry’s most
effective initiatives in the drinking water quality management
domain was the development of an electronic water quality
management system that has been supplied to all municipalities.
The system provides regular and up-to-date drinking water
quality information to DWAF and also allows managers in
municipalities to have access to regular reporting on drinking
water quality. This system is in use throughout the country; in
January 2008 alone more than 3200 samples were taken from water
supply systems across the country and the analyses recorded more
than 94% compliance with the health aspects of the national
standard. We are in the process of extending this functionality
to provide for waste water quality management as well.
From this monitoring DWAF are able to make rapid interventions
before a problem with our drinking water arises and the
department works closely with the municipalities in question to
resolve the situation. DWAF relies on the municipalities to
supply the data and the Department provides training on the use
of the system. DWAF also conducts random audits of
municipalities on the use of the system, in particular when the
system identifies inconsistencies in the results. During these
assessments the condition and operability of the treatment
facility and process controllers would be assessed to inform any
recommendations made to the municipality for implementation.
Municipalities would use their own financial resources to
provide for operation and maintenance including water quality
issues, and the less financially secure municipalities would
receive funding for these areas of responsibility under the
‘equitable share’ allocation under Division of Revenue Act,
Dora.
(2)(a) The outbreak of health problems will always be regarded as a priority for turn-around by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, and this would be the driving force behind our endeavour to be more proactive in our regulatory approach to drinking water quality management.
(2)(b) Where outbreaks unfortunately do occur, DWAF plays a leading role in the team who search for the cause and solution of the problem. If required, a turnaround plan is then drafted with due dates for rectifications which is strictly monitored throughout. It has been found that not all outbreaks are caused due to drinking water quality failures or due to human negligence. But where this is evidenced then the Enforcement Protocol is used to ensure compliance is obtained soonest.
(3) As in all parts of the country, DWAF works closely with Provincial Government to ensure that crucial issues such as adverse quality of drinking water (if it occurs), is urgently addressed. In the Free State a similar approach is being followed to ensure that practical planning will inform funding to be made available for the purpose of quality enhancement.
Possible actions concerning 600 faulty housing units in the Zanemvula Human Settlement Project
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Ms B N Dlulane (ANC) asked the Minister of Housing:
Whether her department has had any interaction with the Eastern Cape provincial department of local government, housing and traditional affairs or the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality regarding possible actions concerning 600 of the 15 000 Zanemvula Human Settlement Project units that were certified by the Housing Board as faulty and which have to be demolished; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the details of such actions or interventions, (b) how much will it cost to demolish the 600 houses, (c) who will bear the costs and (d) what measures are in place to recoup the money that will be lost from demolishing the 600 units? CO744E
The MINISTER OF HOUSING: Thank you very much, Acting Chairperson. In response to Question 3 from the hon Dlulane, I would like to point out that the 600 housing units she refers to are houses that have been found to be faulty, but that not all of them will be required to be demolished. Only 251 of them will be demolished; and, yes, we will ensure that the contractor bears the cost of these houses. Fortunately for the contractor, what has been done so far is the placement of a slab which would otherwise be required for flooring. So we are hoping that not much will have been lost, because most of the people who are assisting us in this are emerging BEEs.
Yes, hon Dlulane, we have been in consultation with the Eastern Cape provincial department and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality about this matter. We had a contract signed as of 2006 with the two levels of government ensuring that this was a national pilot project. But, in February 2007, it became very clear that the project had problems, because at that time the delivery agent was a city.
We have since taken over the project and placed it under the trusteeship and the responsibility of Thubelisha. We are hoping that we will attend to most of the matters that have caused this delay and ensure that there is a speedy roll-out of the delivery of these houses in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. Thank you. The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Minister. I would like to remind members of the House that the time limit for asking a supplementary question is two minutes and the time for replying to a supplementary question will be four minutes. Only four supplementary questions are allowed per question. Are there any follow-up questions to the Minister? Hon Krumbock?
Mr G R KRUMBOCK: Thanks, Acting Chairperson. Thank you, Minister. You mentioned in your answer, I think, that there was a problem with the slabs with some of the houses in question. Usually when a slab cracks, that is a problem of a faulty foundation. I was just wondering whether the National Home Builders Registration Council, NHBRC, did their proper inspections of the foundations, which is one of the standard tests that they have to do during the completion of the house, and if they did, what actually went wrong there, because it seems as if the inspection might have been at fault? Thanks very much.
The MINISTER OF HOUSING: Acting Chairperson, we came to this House last year during the budget process and presented a problem that we are experiencing in the concurrence in housing delivery, because whatever policy we might put in place, ultimately the responsibility of delivery and building rests on the province and subsequently also on the municipality. In this particular case none of the constructors was registered with the NHBRC. They have since been registered now that we have taken over the project. And because they were not registered, they had gone ahead and laid the foundation, the slab, as I indicated, and we have since discovered, with the NHBRC doing the necessary inspections, that the floors are faulty and we have requested that they redo them.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Minister. Are there any other follow-up questions to the Minister? Hon Krumbock?
Mr G R KRUMBOCK: Thanks, Chairperson. I don’t want to make this a long polemic, but the point is you are not supposed to be able to build a house at all if you are not registered with the NHBRC, and this was a substantial project. The figure of 600 houses or so has been mentioned. I am just wondering how any contractor could have gotten a contract from the government to build that many houses without being registered first. It seems inconceivable.
The MINISTER OF HOUSING: My question exactly. This is exactly why we came here to say that we do have a problem and we would like the National Council of Provinces at some point to discuss this matter. But we have since taken over the project and we are ensuring that registration is in place and that all the people who are given contracts in government to build houses are registered with the NHBRC. I am glad that the hon Krumbock has pointed this out, because we do have a problem with crumbling floors, and we have a problem with shoddy work, precisely because we do not have any powers beyond what we are given by the legislation that we have. Thank you.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Are there any other follow-up questions to the Minister? As there are none, we move to Question 4.
Both the Minister and the Deputy Minister of Social Development are abroad. They have asked us if their questions could please stand over. We move to Question 5 and it’s the same Ministers. They are both abroad, the Minister of Social Development and the Deputy Minister of Social Development.
I then move to Question 6. Deputy Minister Surty, will you please answer the question.
Vacancies in Maths and Science filled by local and foreign educators
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Mr B J Tolo (ANC) asked the Minister of Education:
(a) How many (i) vacancies does her department have in Maths and Science and (ii) of these vacancies are likely to be filled by local educators, (b) how many foreign educators for these subjects are in the employ of her department in each province, (c) which countries are they from and (d) how many more foreign educators are targeted for employment in the 2007-08 financial year? CO752E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much, hon Chairperson. The answers to (a)(i) & (a)(ii) of the question are as follows. According to a report on a mathematics and science survey conducted in 2007 amongst the provinces, 1 147 vacancies in mathematics and science were identified in the various provinces.
The Ministry was not satisfied, given the fact that mathematics and mathematical literacy are fundamental subjects, and directed the provinces to look more closely at this particular element. Our estimation is that the demands will certainly increase. The needs and demands are certainly more than the 1 147 that have been identified.
In answer to (a)(ii) of the question in terms of the wider recruitment and retention policy objectives, the recruitment of foreign educators is regarded as a last resort. The primary objective is to ensure that all possible strategies to recruit and retain South African educators in the system are implemented. This implies that foreign educators will only be considered if there is sufficient evidence that local educators could not be recruited to fill the vacant spaces.
The issues of vacancies, appointments and staff provisioning are further complicated by the fact that these are functions of the provincial departments of education and not the national Department of Education. Governing bodies themselves have the authority to appoint teachers, and therefore a correct and accurate assessment becomes extremely difficult.
Currently, our department has embarked on a national bursary scheme called Funza Lushaka, promoting teaching in public schools as a career of choice for able and committed South Africans. Full-cost bursaries are available to enable eligible students to complete a full teaching qualification in the area of national priorities. Approximately 822 students qualified as educators at the end of 2007, of which 167 were maths and science teachers. These new qualified teachers are being matched and placed in vacant posts.
With regard to part (b) of the question, according to Persal, which is the salary database and not an information or education management tool, 1 430 foreign educators are in the employ of the Department of Education. However, we are not in a position to confirm how many posts are for mathematics and science. The breakdown of the provinces is available, and I can say that the leading country in terms of foreign provision is Zimbabwe.
This is quite a long question. In terms of part (c), the countries that provide us with most foreign teachers are Zimbabwe, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Great Britain and Sudan.
With regard to part (d), the Council of Education Ministers approved in principle the recruitment of foreign educators into the system of education. We have done so on the basis that we would give preference to local educators, and, in fact, advertisements have been carried out in all the provinces inviting even retired teachers to fill these posts.
The Department of Home Affairs has assisted the Department of Education and other departments in identifying scarce skills. Provision has been made for 1 000 foreign educators to be employed, particularly in the scarce-skills subjects such as mathematics and science. The Council of Education Ministers has approved the number of foreign educators that has been recruited and has requested that the Department of Home Affairs increase the amount from 1 000 to 2 000, given the desperate need for mathematics and science-qualified teachers.
The department is in the process of securing a recruitment agency to fast- track the filling of vacant mathematics and science posts, particularly those that would be filled by foreign educators. Thank you, Chairperson.
Mr B J TOLO: Thank you, Chair. Thank you, hon Deputy Minister, for the answer given. My follow-up question is: Is there any intention on the part of the Department of Education, or maybe even provincially, to recruit retired teachers to be able to address this big shortage that we have in the country? By when do we think, as a country, we will be self-sufficient in terms of maths and science teachers? Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: What I can say, and have indicated in my original response, is that the provinces have embarked on an advertisement campaign inviting and recruiting teachers locally who have the appropriate skills to come back to the profession. Not more than two months ago, I addressed a campaign that was launched in the Western Cape with the MEC for education. Beyond that, there is a need to recognise that whilst we have foreign educators on contract, we should develop and expand the opportunities to our local educators. So, we could then, at the same time, train our teachers to ensure that they have the appropriate skills, that they are competent and confident to be able to do the job and therefore not displace them from the system of education.
I think we all have a responsibility of drawing attention to people whom we can identify as skilled people, especially in the scarce- skills areas of mathematics, science and the languages - and I say languages broadly, not only English – to come back to the profession, because I think it is a vacuum that we must fill very, very quickly in order to ensure that quality education takes place in our schools. Thank you very much.
Details of exercise of profiling community arts centres in seven provinces, and of actions to be taken
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Ms N M Madlala-Magubane (ANC) asked the Minister of Arts and Culture:
(a) What are the details of the exercise his department conducted of profiling community arts centres in seven provinces and (b) what action will his department take following the findings? CO754E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Acting Chairperson, the exercise that the member is referring to took the form of personal visits by officials from the Department of Arts and Culture to community centres in seven provinces, and they were Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the North West, the Free State, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
They developed a questionnaire which was structured in such a way that they could get the key information they needed from each of the centres. For instance, the questions that were posed dealt with the ownership and legal status of the community arts centres, governance and management, intergovernmental resources, human resources, funding sources, infrastructure deficiencies and requirements, programmes and services, training requirements and the challenges.
Through that exercise the department was able to establish the common challenges that the community arts centres face. Some of the findings included a lack of funding for their operations and programmes, the absence of or insufficient human resources, inappropriately designed structures for the intended purposes of the centres, inadequate facilities for the uses of those centres, lack of sustainable support from different levels of government, and lack of skills and capability for the management of the centres.
There were also disputes around the ownership of the centres and, I guess, also a very high turnover because the people either volunteer or don’t get paid. The centre managers furnished this information to the officials, together with, in some instances, some visuals. The findings - and this is a response to the (b) part of the question - were documented and we are in the process of preparing a consolidated report.
The challenges were isolated and form the basis of a motivation for a business plan for the community arts centres in order to look at ways of how we can support or how we can strengthen community arts centres in the work that they do.
A national task team was also established by the director-general. They were given terms of reference, which were, broadly, to ensure that the time and resources are committed to the work of community arts centres. I won’t go into the task team, unless people really want to know the terms of reference. Basically and overall, this is just about looking at what it is we can do, at what time we can commit to community arts centres and also at what resources can be committed. Thank you.
Nk N M MADLALA-MAGUBANE: Ngiyabonga Mphathi wohlelo, ngiyabonga Sekela likaNgqongqoshe. Sekela likaNgqongqoshe kungani ngibuza lombuzo kungoba kubonakele ukuthi ezifundazweni ikhono likhona phakathi kwezingane zethu kodwa nje kunezinto ezithize ezishodayo ekudinga ukuba uMnyango uzibhekelele.
Ngakho-ke ngethemba ukuthi lokho okuphawulile phakathi kwale Ndlu ukuthi nitholile okuthize nakuphawula, nisayohlala phansi nikuhlaziye. Ngethemba ukuthi uMnyango wakho uzokwenza lokho ngokushesha ukuze izingane zethu nazo zihlomule. Ngiyabonga Sekela Ngqongqoshe. (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)
[Ms N M MADLALA-MAGUBANE: Thank you, Acting Chairperson; thank you, Deputy Minister. Deputy Minister, the reason I am asking this question is because it has been noticed that, in the provinces, there are many skills our children have but there are things that the department needs to address. Therefore, I hope that with what you have mentioned in this House, you have found something and you are still going to sit down and analyse it. I hope that your department will do that speedily so that our children can also benefit. Thank you, Deputy Minister.]
USEKELA-MPHATHISWA WEZOBUGCISA NENKCUBEKO: Lo msebenzi ubusenziwa awunqandi into yokuba umsebenzi ungaqhubeki kwiiCommunity Arts Centres. Bakhona abantu abavolontiyayo ukuze banike uqeqesho ngokolwazi lwabo kwimisebenzi ethile eyenziwayo kuloo maziko. Umzekelo: basaqhuba abantu abenza izinto zethwathwa ukuncedisa ukuqeqesha ulutsha. Zikhona ke nezinye iiprojekthi eziqhutywayo. Kambe ke iziko eli lelokuqeqesha abantu. Enye into mhlawumbi endingagxininisa kuyo yinto yokuba ewe, ulutsha lwethu luyaya kakhulu phaya kwiiCommunity Arts Centres. Ngamanye amaxesha bayela ukuya kucula, bayele imidlalo yeqonga, bayele ukuqeqeshwa kwimisebenzi yezandla.
Kambe ke eyona nto ibalulekileyo yeyokuba ngoku siqalisa ukugaya ulutsha ukuba luyazi into yokuba kukho le nto kuthiwa yiYouth in t he Arts. Ukuze babe sisigqeba esikhoyo esiphantsi kweeCommunity Arts Centres kufuneka bangaphelelwa lithemba, bayazi into yokuba ikhona into ekhoyo, kwaye ikhona nemali esiza kuyibekela ulutsha bucala, lona lodwa, khona ukuze lufumane uqeqesho. Kule Youth in the Arts sizama ukuyiseka, kukho amaqela ngamaqela olutsha a zama ukwenza iiprojekthi zawo - mhlawumbi abanye bayacula, abanye benza imidlalo yeqonga. Nezo mali ziphuma ecaleni phantsi kweInvesting in Culture Fund zezokuba babe besebenza ezo zinto. Sisoloko sibakokosile kuba siyazi ukuba abantu abancinane baphelelwa msinya lithemba. Ngoko ke sizama ukuba bangaphelelwa lilo. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follows.)
[The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: The work that is being done does not stifle the progress in the community arts centres. There are people who volunteer to train in their areas of knowledge in certain art forms done at those centres. For example: training youth on leather works is in progress. There are also other projects that are in operation. The centre is for skills training. One other thing that I would like to focus on is that our youth do go to these community arts centres. They sometimes go there for singing, drama and training in crafts.
However, the most important thing is that we are now busy with sensitising the youth about the initiative that is called Youth in the Arts. For the youth to be a movement within the community arts centres, they should not lose hope, but know that there is a provision for them. Funds will be provided specifically for the training of the youth. In this proposed Youth in the Arts initiative, there are various groups of youth busy with their own projects; some are singing and others are involved in drama. Funds provided by private funders through the Investing in the Culture Fund assist in ensuring that they continue with such projects in the meantime. We are always taking good care of them, because we know that the youth are quick to lose hope. Therefore, we are trying to ensure that they do not lose hope.]
Mna B J TOLO: Ke a leboga Modulasetulo. Ke a kwa gore Motlatša Tona ba lebeletše diprof entshe tše di šupago, bjalo mo South Afrika re na le diprofentshe tše senyane. Go diprofentshe tše tše dingwe tše pedi ba tlo ya neng naa? Ke a leboga. (Translation of Sepedi paragraph follows.)
[Mr B J TOLO: Thank you, Chairperson. I understand that the Deputy Minister is focusing on seven provinces while South Africa has nine provinces. When will the other two provinces be visited? Thank you.]
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Regarding the other two provinces, this is not because no work is being done. This focuses on the seven provinces in the meanwhile. For example, if we talk of the Eastern Cape that is missing from this list; it is a very vibrant province in so far as arts and culture is concerned. So we are looking at the provinces mentioned, but it doesn’t mean that we are not going to look at the other two provinces as well. Thank you.
Progress made in developing a training programme for school managers on management of National Curriculum Statement
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Ms N F Mazibuko (ANC) asked the Minister of Education:
Whether any progress has been made with regard to the development of a training programme for school managers on the management of the National Curriculum Statement, the original target for this having been January 2007; if not, why not; if so, what progress? CO757E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Chairperson, I thank the hon N F Mazibuko for raising this matter, because indeed leadership in schools has a direct impact on the functionality of schools.
The department had already planned and provided opportunities for an advanced certificate in school leadership, which has been offered at several of our institutions. We have already provided opportunities for 400 teacher professionals, that is, principals, to attend these courses and the response that we have from them is that they have indeed gained from them.
One of the core elements of this particular programme is the ability to implement the curriculum. One of the areas we had identified in terms of developing and designing this programme, amongst other areas, was to ensure that principals, leaders or school managers are able to understand what collective leadership is all about, that they have sound knowledge about financial practices and management in terms of school funds and are able to understand the need to interact dynamically in a vibrant way with the society. Indeed, we do believe that this opportunity will be an excellent one for those who are already principals and those who aspire to being principals, because it will enhance their confidence and ability in those particular roles.
As regards the specific programme for curriculum development, we have also discovered that there are challenges in relation to the content of the curriculum, and it is one area that we have to emphasise. The department, we can report, has provided a programme and training materials for this particular area. These will be provided to all principals together with a pack of key materials, which includes policy and legislation, to ensure sustainable development.
A training programme based on curriculum implementation, with these documents as a source of reference, will be run from April this year. Thank you, Chairperson.
Ms N F MAZIBUKO: Thank you, Deputy Minister, for your response. My follow- up question is: With regard to these 400 teachers and principals that you have indicated, is there any way of monitoring if they are actually implementing what they have learnt from that training? Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much. I think it is very important to do an assessment and evaluation of all principals who have attended the course. The first step would be, really, to get a sense from the principals whether they have gained from that particular experience, and indeed there was a resoundingly affirmative response to that.
What we are going to do is monitor the progress of these principals and leaders in schools to satisfy ourselves that this pilot project has had the necessary impact in terms of the functionality of our schools. Thank you very much.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Deputy Minister. Are there any other supplementary questions to the Minister? If there are none, we then move to Question 9, and this will be the last question that the hon Dr Sisulu will answer. She has asked to be released.
Details of co-ordination between government departments regarding
allocation of houses, and of action taken to address complaints from
applicants about housing waiting lists
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Mr M A Mzizi (IFP) asked the Minister of Housing:
(1) Whether there is co-ordination between the various government departments and entities with regard to the allocation of houses; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether she has been informed of complaints (a) that certain provincial and local authorities have different lists of applicants awaiting houses and (b) from individuals who claim that after having received a stand number on application for a housing subsidy, the houses had been given to other people upon completion of construction; if so, (i) what is being done to correct this situation in each case and (ii) what are the further relevant details; if not,
3) whether her department will investigate these claims; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
CO769E
The MINISTER OF HOUSING: Acting Chairperson, I must thank you for allowing me to make an early exit, and I would like to thank the hon Deputy Minister of Education for agreeing to stand in for me.
The question I’m answering is from the hon Mzizi, and he wants to know if there’s any co-ordination between the various government departments with regard to the allocation of houses. Hon Mzizi, the issue of the waiting list has become such a thorny issue that we in the national government have decided that we are going to develop national housing guidelines, which are principles to which most of the provinces would be required to adhere. I want to emphasise the words “most of the provinces” as opposed to “all of the provinces” for reasons that I will outline much later on.
The second part of the question is whether I’ve been informed of complaints about certain provinces, at which local authorities have different lists from applicants waiting, etc. Yes, hon Mzizi, this has been brought to our attention which is why we have decided that we will have an integrated waiting list.
We inherited a situation in terms of which we had various lists divided along racial lines and it has taken us a long time, especially in the Western Cape, to come up with a consolidated waiting list. We now have a consolidated waiting list in the Western Cape, particularly in Cape Town, which has been worked on by an audit company which we contracted about two years ago to deal precisely with some of the problems that have arisen.
However, in relation to the specific question that you ask on whether the department will investigate any claims arising from other provinces, where in fact the situation verges on what the hon member might call corruption, yes, we have a special unit in our department which is called the Special Investigating Unit.
The department is collaborating with the national Special Investigating Unit. Under a presidential proclamation, we have now formed a relationship in which we are being assisted to deal with cases of corruption and maladministration in respect of the allocation of houses.
This is an ongoing problem, and we are therefore hoping that out of this collaboration we will be able to solve some of these problems, hon Mzizi. The third part of the question has been responded to in my previous answers. Thank you.
Mnu M A MZIZI: Angibonge Bambela likaSihlalo noma ngingazi ukuthi seliqhamukaphi leli gama ngoba kwakuyiSekela likaSihlalo. Angibonge kuNgqongqoshe uma ephawula ngalolu daba. Ngqongqoshe impela lolu daba selwaba yinsakavukela umchilo wesidwaba lezi zinto ziyatholakala, umbuzo wokuqala esigabeni sokuqala ePhiritona yikho lokho, okwesibili kuyatholakala lapha eWinnie Mandela squatter camp ngaseGauteng kwesami isigodi naseMagagula Heights.
Kodwa-ke ngiyayibonga impendulo yakho Nqgogqoshe uma uthi niphezu kwawo lo mkhankaso. Sengathi kungashesha ngoba abantu bafika kithi sebethole izincwadi ezibesabisayo ngokuthi njengoba uhleli lapho endlini ubokwazi ukuthi isambane asiwumbi umgodi siwulale. Yingakho-ke phela sesibona ukuthi ingathi kungashesha isifociya sihlale okhalweni impela ukuze sikhwexele sibone ukuthi kwenzekani. Ngiyabonga. (Translation of isiZulu paragraphs follows.)
[Mr M A MZIZI: Thank you Acting Chairperson, even though I don’t really know where this title comes from because we knew you as the Deputy Chairperson. Thank you Minister for your response on this matter. Minister, indeed this matter has since become the order of the day. These things are found almost everywhere. My first question relates to Phiritona where the same thing is happening and it is also happening in Winnie Mandela squatter camp next to Gauteng in my area and in Magagula Heights.
Be that as it may, I thank you, Minister, for your response when you say you are dealing with these cases. We wish that these can be addressed speedily because people come to us with letters intimidating them with eviction. That is why we are saying we wish everything could be done speedily and more effort should be put into this so that we can see what is happening. [Thank you.]]
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Mzizi. Are there any other follow-up questions to the Minister? Hon Minister, would you like to answer?
The MINISTER OF HOUSING: Hon Acting Chair, yes, I did call you “hon Acting Chair” because I was under the impression that is your title as we stand now. But, if it is not, I stand to be corrected by the hon Mzizi.
Mhlonishwa Mzizi, ngicela ungangibhaxabuli ngesiZulu ngoba noma lesi esami siya nokho ngakhona, sisazobuye sifinyelele kulesi sakho. Ngizocela-ke ukuphendula ngesiNgisi. [Hon Mzizi, please don’t bombard me with isiZulu because mine is very limited, but it will soon match yours. I therefore request to respond in English.]
Yes, these are serious problems, hon Mzizi. I think that these are matters that we are seized with in order to address the issues that you are raising. We have deliberately taken on this relationship with the national Special Investigating Unit and we have deliberately requested the President to allow us to do this because of the enormity of the problem as it is perceived, or as we experience it at local level.
However, hon Mzizi, I do not know how this matter would affect a squatter camp, because the hon member says this is a recurring problem in the Nelson Mandela squatter camp. I don’t know if there are any allocations of houses in squatter camps, but I do know that when we allocate houses, these allocations occur in established locations and established human settlements. I would like to take on the urgency with which he is dealing with this matter and hope that we can look forward to some assistance from them as well. Thank you.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Dr Sisulu. I would just like to correct the hon Mzizi: I am Acting Chair at the moment. Our Chairperson has had a major operation. He’s in the Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, so I am acting in his place. Thank you very much. Are there any other follow-up questions to the Minister? Yes, hon member. Mr Z C NTULI: Thank you, Chairperson. I would like to find out from the Minister of Housing whether she is aware that there are people, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, who are going around charging people in order to tell them whether they qualify for the subsidy, because it seems as if that is illegal. Are there any possibilities of charging those people, who are going around charging people just to say that they will check whether a person qualifies for a subsidy, for fraud? They charge people for that. You will find a queue of people going there. People should rather just to go to the municipality for someone to say, “Yes, you qualify.” They are making money; this is a scam.
The MINISTER OF HOUSING: Hon Acting Chairperson, I thought the hon Mzizi would stand up to thank me for the information that I have provided this House with.
To get back to the question of what we are doing about this scam, I am actually hearing of this for the first time. I was not aware that this is what is happening, but I’m trying to work out if perhaps this is a scam. If they are providing a service for people who cannot go to the municipality, I don’t know if it is a scam.
We would not encourage it, because the municipality has the responsibility of checking through their records, and therefore advising citizens about whether or not they qualify for a subsidy. I need to look into this. I would need to look into the legislation before I declare these activities fraudulent and illegal.
The members here could please send out the message that municipalities have a responsibility. They have the waiting list. That is where you apply for a subsidy and that is where you would get the necessary information. Any intermediary is making money out of poor people and we should try to avoid that. Thank you.
Nk N F MAZIBUKO: Ngiyabonga Sihlalo. Ngqongqoshe ngithanda ukwazi ukuthi ngabe lukhona na uhlelo osewulucabangile ukuze ithi yonke le mibandela yohlu lwabantu abalindile ibendawonye ukuze ivimbele abantu abahamba begcogcoma beshinthsa izifundazwe besuka eNtshonalanga Kapa beqele eMpumalanga Kapa beyofuna indlu basuke lapho beqele naseGauteng, njal? Ngabe lukhona na uhlelo osulwenzile oluzokwenza ukuthi lonke lolu hlu lwabantu abalindile luhlanganiswe lube ndawonye? Ngiyabonga. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[Ms N F MAZIBUKO: Thank you Acting Chairperson. Minister, I would like to know whether there is any plan that you have contemplated so that all the particulars of people who are on waiting lists can be compiled on one database to prevent people who are moving from one province to the other, like people from the Western Cape crossing to the Eastern Cape, from getting a house here and in Gauteng, etc. Is there any plan that you have come up with so that all people who are on the waiting lists can be put in one database? Thank you.]
The MINISTER OF HOUSING: Thank you very much, Acting Chairperson. Again, allow me to answer in English not because my Zulu is deficient, especially the level at which the hon member was asking the question, but because these are such important matters that it is important that we make sure they are understood.
We came here about a year ago to deal with the issue of housing waiting lists that arose out of a problem that we were experiencing on the N2. We explained to the House here that we had decided to have a national database of all the provinces and of all the municipalities - compiled into one national database - that will be held by the national department. All the municipalities and provinces will be given access to log into it, understand and be able to deal with the database as it is. We are busy with that.
We are hoping very soon that we will be able to publish it on the Internet or wherever most people would be able to access it. It is absolutely important that we do this, for the reason that the hon member has pointed out to us: people are mobile. We have a very mobile society, and it is important for us to be able to track whether somebody has been given a subsidy, because double dipping is a serious problem for us when we are faced with such huge problems. We are dealing with this matter, hon member. Very soon we will have one database, which will be related to the database that is held by the Independent Electoral Commission, IEC, which deals with the voter registration list. It will also be related to the Social Development list which deals with the people that receive benefits from the state. This database will also be linked and cross-checked against the resources and the database that we have at Home Affairs. Thank you, Acting Chairperson.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Minister Dr Sisulu. Is there a last follow–up question to the Minister? There is none. We then move to Question 10. I call upon the Deputy Minister of Provincial and Local Government to answer Question 10. Thank you.
Reasons for published draft regulations on reduction of rates on state property, and impact thereof on municipalities and residential rates
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Mrs D Robinson (DA) asked the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
(1) What are the reasons for the recently published draft regulations on the reduction of rates payable on state property;
(2) whether any research has been done into the fiscal impact this will have on (a) municipalities and (b) residential rates; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings;
(3) whether households will be able to avoid the impact of these rates; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? CO761E
The DEPUTY MINISTER FOR PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Acting Chair, the answer to the hon Robinson’s question is as follows. The regulations published on 19 December 2007 were published in terms of section 19 of the Local Government: Municipal Property Rates Act of 2004.
The regulations deal solely with the ratios between residential and nonresidential property categories. They do not deal with rates payable on state property, as the actual rates payable are determined through decisions adopted in municipal council meetings. Parliament empowered the Minister to make such regulations. They are now being published for comment by any interested person, including Members of Parliament.
The answer to part (2) of the question is that the impact which any future regulations may have on municipalities and ratepayers will be the product of a combination of factors. This would include a consideration as to whether the municipality overall achieves an expanded rates base, and would also depend on the rebates, exemptions, reductions or incentives each municipality offers. The fiscal impact on municipalities is thus but one of the factors that were taken into account when compiling the draft regulations. Other factors that were taken into account include affordability, economic impact and social impact.
The regulations relate solely to the ratio between residential and nonresidential property categories, and do not deal with actual rates. The impact, therefore, of rates is dependent upon the decision each municipality takes in future regarding the rate to be imposed on each property category, the economic situation of households, and the value of property.
Finally, these are draft regulations published for comment. Members of Parliament can comment on them. We cannot argue about the draft regulations in this House as there is no final policy decision that has been taken. The whole idea is to enable all interested parties to influence the final decision by the Minister.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, Deputy Minister for Provincial and Local Government. Are there any follow-up questions to the Deputy Minister? There are none.
We move to Question 11. Hon Lamoela, both the Ministers are abroad, and they’ve asked that their questions stand over. Details of agreement reached with Department of Social Development on take- over of special youth centres, and of responsibilities assumed before and after transfer
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Ms J M Masilo (ANC) asked the Minister of Education:
(a) What are the details of the agreement reached between her department and the Department of Social Development on its takeover of the responsibilities for the infrastructure of special youth centres (reform schools) within the next two years, (b) what (i) were her department’s responsibilities prior to transfer and (ii) will they be after transfer and (c) what progress has been made so far? CO749E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much, hon Acting Chairperson. The reply is as follows: Under (a), according to the Children’s Amendment Act passed in December 2007, all reform schools and schools of industry must be registered with the Department of Social Development within two years. Discussions over transfer details have begun, but have not yet been finalised given the fact that the Act was only passed in December 2007.
The answer to part (b)(i), with regard to the secure-care centres for children awaiting trial, is that the Department of Education was responsible for the provision of education in such centres. The Department of Social Development had full responsibility for the residential facilities, and for care and support provisioning.
With regard to schools of industry, the Department of Education had full responsibility for the provision of education as well as the residential facilities at the school. The employment of all staff was the responsibility of the Department of Education. However, in some provinces, some of these functions have been outsourced to the Department of Social Development or to nongovernmental organisations undertaking this task. With regard to reform schools, the Department of Education has full responsibility for educational programmes, the entire physical plant, and all attendant or incidental responsibilities.
The answer to part (b)(ii) is: With the coming into effect of the new law, the Department of Education will remain responsible for the provision of education programmes, but the provision of social support and residential care will become the responsibility of the Department of Social Development.
The answer to part (c) of the question is that the Children’s Amendment Act was passed in December 2007. A Children’s Act Committee has been established, and its responsibility is to work out the finer details of the transfer process. I thank you, Acting Chairperson.
Details of strategic objective of promoting linguistic diversity
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Ms J M Masilo (ANC) asked the Minister of Arts and Culture:
What are the details of his department’s strategic objective of promoting linguistic diversity in South Africa, particularly with regard to the Public Service? CO750E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Thank you, Acting Chair. I would like to start by assuring this House that the Ministry and the Department of Arts and Culture are committed to promoting linguistic diversity in South Africa.
Hon members would recall that the Minister of Arts and Culture, Dr Pallo Jordan, identified this need and made a call on government departments to establish their own language units, as we considered them critical in ensuring that we have the necessary infrastructure for language facilitation. The Minister also suggested that we begin with 10 key government departments, and that those departments be chosen on the basis of their service delivery functions. As the Ministry and the Department of Arts and Culture, we would like to acknowledge and commend some of the departments that have made strides in promoting linguistic diversity.
These are the departments that have either set up the language units or that have expanded their language units to accommodate the use of African languages within the Public Service. Examples of these departments are the SA Police Service, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
We’ve also noted that GCIS, the Government Communication and Information System, is also in the process of establishing a language unit. The reason I’m mentioning these departments is just to demonstrate that the promotion of linguistic diversity does not rest solely with the Department of Arts and Culture.
The role of the department is primarily to facilitate and ensure that the policy imperatives and guidelines are set, understood and implemented. And it should be noted that the department’s National Language Service is providing a translation and editing service in all the 11 languages as well as in some of the foreign languages. There are also terminology projects aimed at assisting with the development of the necessary vocabulary. The Department of Arts and Culture also facilitates the human language technologies to fast-track the development of the African languages.
By way of an example, the department is currently developing machine-aided translation tools to improve the speed, consistency and quality of official documents in all the official languages at all government offices. There is also another project in the pipeline, which is a multilingual telephone- based system that will enable callers to access government services in the official languages of their choice - and I must emphasise “the official languages of their choice” - through a simple, speech-orientated interface that is suitable for users with limited or no literacy. Thank you, Acting Chair.
The ACTING CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP (Ms P M Hollander): Thank you, hon Deputy Minister Botha. Are there any follow-up questions to the Minister? Hon Masilo?
Ms J M MASILO: Ke a leboga Modulasetulo wa Namaotshwere wa rona wa nama-o- tshwere. [Thank you, Acting Chairperson.]
I would like to thank the Deputy Minister for the response and also the Deputy Minister of Education for the responses. I don’t have any follow- ups. Thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Thank you, hon member. I’m not sure whether it is procedural to make an announcement that you don’t have follow- up questions, but I am aware that the Acting Chairperson set you up.
Mr B J TOLO: Chairperson, I want to find out from the Department of Arts and Culture whether they do recognise sign language as one of the languages of South Africa, and what they are doing to develop that language. The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Thank you, Presiding Chair. Yes, we do recognise sign language. We have already approached Cabinet to look at how we can proceed in also incorporating sign language as an official language. That is in process already. Thank you.
Mr M A SULLIMAN: Chairperson, the Minister indicated that they have identified 10 departments to start with their own language units. I would like to know how far those 10 departments are, and if they are making any progress in that regard? Thank you very much.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: I wish we had more than 10 departments. The reason I mentioned them is because they are making excellent progress. I just wanted to demonstrate that there are departments that are already doing these things. But, also, we would like to invite other departments to begin to establish their own language units. That is why I was mentioning GCIS as well, as one of the departments that are already looking at establishing their own language unit. This is an ongoing process. It is slow as we all know, but we will get there. Thanks.
Satisfactoriness of implementation of policy in respect of no-fee schools, school feeding scheme, provision of classrooms and school infrastructure
- Mr V V Z Windvoël (ANC) asked the Minister of Education: Whether the implementation of education legislation and policies by provinces is satisfactory, with particular reference to the policy in respect of (a) no-fee schools, (b) the school feeding scheme and (c) the provision of (i) class rooms and (ii) school infrastructure; if not, (a) what is the position in this regard and (b) what are the areas of concern in respect of each province? CO736E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much, hon Chairperson. Hon Chairperson, I have a very comprehensive reply which is three full pages long. I have tried to reduce the answer, for purposes of assisting the House, to one page. I will, however, table with your permission, Chairperson, the full response to the question.
In answer to part (a) with regard to no-fee schools, I refer the hon Windvoël to the answer I gave earlier to Question 1.
With regard to nutrition, the nutrition programme provides meals to learners in targeted public primary schools, promotes sustainable food production in school gardens – there are more than 4 500 school gardens currently – and aims to strengthen nutrition education for school communities. In most provinces, the school nutrition programme is implemented successfully. However, there has been concern about underexpenditure and overexpenditure by particular provinces. The Department of Education has been proactive in tackling these concerns. For instance, in consultation with the Eastern Cape provincial department, we have reviewed the model that they used to provide meals. We have established a task team, payments are being monitored, and the provision of meals is being monitored in districts and schools.
May I add, with your permission, hon Chair, that amongst the provinces, the province that is really underperforming in relation to nutrition programmes is indeed the Eastern Cape. Therefore, we have established a dedicated task team to assist this province so that our children do not suffer as a result of the poor functioning of the nutrition scheme.
With regard to c(i) that deals with classrooms and c(ii) that deals with infrastructure, the first report of the National Education Infrastructure Management System revealed that we have made substantial progress in the provision of classrooms and school infrastructure. For the benefit of hon members of this House, the National Education Information Management System enables us to identify schools throughout the country. We can have aerial photographs of them; we know who the principals are; how many classrooms there are; whether there is sanitation in those schools; whether there is water – if it is borehole water or provided by municipalities, etc. So we have a comprehensive database of all schools in the country, and that certainly is an important tool in terms of planning. The number of overcrowded schools has fallen strongly from 51% in 1996 to 42% in 2000, and to 24% in 2006. The number of schools with electricity has increased from 11 174 in 1996 to 20 713 in 2006. The number of schools without water has decreased from 8 823 in 1996 to 3 152 in 2006. The number of schools without toilets has decreased from 3 265 in 1996 to 1 532 in 2006.
I may add with your permission, Chairperson, that these numbers have also been significantly reduced over the past year. Nonetheless, we have a great deal of work to do. While three in four schools were rated as being in good or excellent condition in terms of the National Education Information Management System, Neims, one in four was rated as being in a poor condition. In the Eastern Cape for example and in particular, nearly one of every two schools was in a poor condition.
These backlogs remain despite provinces increasing their school infrastructure expenditure from R1,6 billion in 2003-04 to R3 billion in 2007-08. We believe that much faster progress is necessary to provide access to adequate and properly resourced school facilities.
In response to the Neims report, Cabinet has mandated the Department of Education – and this is perhaps very good news – to use innovative mechanisms such as greater community involvement, public-private partnerships and dedicated delivery vehicles to accelerate delivery. The National Treasury’s Infrastructure Delivery Improvement Programme has long supported us in this regard. We will use this programme to ensure effective use of increased allocations.
And, I may add, for the benefit of the House that on Friday this week there is a joint meeting between the Department of Education and the Department of Public Works to look particularly at urgent matters of infrastructure. I thank you, hon Chair.
REPLY:
(a) In regard to no-fee schools, I refer the hon member to the answer I gave earlier in answer to Q 1.
(b) The nutrition programme provides meals to learners in quintile 1 to 3 public primary schools, promotes sustainable food production in school gardens, and aims to strengthen nutrition education for school communities.
In most provinces, the school nutrition programme is implemented
successfully. However, there has been concern at under- and over-
expenditure by particular provinces. The DoE has been proactive in
tackling these concerns. For instance, in consultation with the
Eastern Cape Provincial Department, we have reviewed the model used
to provide meals. We have established a task team, payments are being
monitored, and the provision of meals is being monitored in districts
and schools.
(c) (i) classrooms and (ii) school infrastructure
The first report of the National Education Infrastructure Management
System, Neims, provinces revealed that we have made substantial
progress in the provision of classrooms and school infrastructure:
The number of overcrowded schools has fallen strongly, from 51% in
1996 to 42% in 2000 to 24% in 2006.
The number of schools with electricity has increased, from 11,174 in
1996 to 20,713 in 2006.
The number of schools without water has decreased, from 8,823 in 1996
to 3,152 in 2006.
The number of schools without toilets has decreased, from 3,265 in
1996 to 1,532 in 2006.
Nonetheless, we believe that much faster progress is necessary to
provide access to adequate school facilities. While 3 in 4 schools
were rated as in good or excellent condition, 1 in 4 was rated as in
poor condition. In the Eastern Cape, in particular, nearly 1 in 2
schools was in a poor condition.
These backlogs remain in spite of provinces increasing their school
infrastructure spend from R1.6 billion in 2003/04 to more than R3
billion in 2007/08.
In response to the Neims report, cabinet has mandated the DoE to use
innovative mechanisms (such as greater community involvement, public-
private partnerships and dedicated delivery vehicles) to accelerate
delivery. The National Treasury’s Infrastructure Delivery Improvement
Programme has long supported us in this regard. We will use this
programme to ensure effective use of the increased allocations.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Hon members, my apologies in particular to the Deputy Minister. I made an omission because of the markings here - I was supposed to go to the Deputy Minister of Education. My apologies.
Is there any follow-up question? Hon Windvoël? Could you use the microphone next to Mr Watson?
Mr V V Z WINDVOËL: Thank you, hon House Chairperson. Maybe they need to be told, when I’m about to speak, that I have shifted to this side of the House.
I want to thank the Deputy Minister for the earlier compliment and also thank others for their compliments that I have received even beyond this House. I also want to thank the Deputy Minister for his lengthy response and we will gladly receive his written response as such.
Regarding my follow-up question, which I think will also benefit the member from the Free State seated on my right, there are variations, in particular, for the no-fee schools in the per capita budgeting. There are some provinces that budget less than others, and the trend is for there to be less budgeting per capita in the rural and poorer provinces than in what we may define as the economically strong provinces.
Could the Minister make a statement as to what causes these variations, because the concern we have is that if the poorer provinces budget only a little, that also affects the quality of education which is dispensed in those particular schools. I thank you, Chairperson.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much, hon member. I think it is a very pertinent and necessary question to put. There are indeed variations. If you compare the Western Cape to Limpopo, for example, there is a significant difference in terms of the allocation per learner. Ideally, we are looking at between R720 and R1 000 per learner.
Indeed, provinces have been requested to really review the allocations, particularly in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo in terms of the allocations. That would enable the schools to be better resourced so that the no-fee schools really remove the burden or the yoke of repression in those schools. So, we have asked for uniformity. One of the possibilities that we could look at is to create a norm.
But, again, because of the disproportionate development in provinces, a norm has to allow for a degree of flexibility. We do believe that you cannot have an allocation of less than R500 per learner. So, indeed, it’s a matter that has been raised in the Council of Education Ministers’ meeting, and an undertaking has been received that they would look at that closely.
Perhaps to add to that, provinces such as Limpopo and Mpumalanga, particularly Limpopo, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, have more schools located in the first and second quintiles as compared to the Western Cape or Gauteng. Because of the infrastructure and development, it would mean that the burden of allocation is far greater.
So, whilst we have an average of 40% across the board in the country as a whole, you would find disparities in terms of schools identified. For example, in the Western Cape you would have less than 40% of the learners who are recipients of the benefits of attending no-fee schools, whereas if you go to Limpopo or Mpumalanga you would find that the number of schools that benefit from it exceeds 60% because of the poverty index that applies there.
So, this is rather a complex matter. But the concern that has been raised – and certainly forcefully raised by the Minister – has been that the minimum threshold with regard to the allocations should be appropriate to enable the school to function effectively. I thank you for your question.
Mr B J TOLO: Chair, I have three follow-up questions for the Deputy Minister, but I will interlink them so that they become one question.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Make it one. I don’t want to be rigid. I can apply the Rules. Make it one question and as conveniently as possible.
Mr B J TOLO: Chair, the Deputy Minister has correctly indicated that the Eastern Cape’s department is seriously challenged when it comes to the implementation of the feeding scheme. We all know that the policy says that all children in primary schools must be fed, but in the Eastern Cape children are only being fed up to Grade 4.
So I am just asking whether, in the endeavours of the department to try to help the Eastern Cape feed the kids there, if you are also going to help them to feed all the primary schoolchildren, as the policy actually indicates? Then, the other aspect of the question is: Are we intending to extend this scheme to include feeding children in secondary schools?
Water and sanitation for schools is a function that has been given to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry by Cabinet, I think. Are you getting the sense that this department is doing well in terms of addressing the problem of water and sanitation in schools? Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Chairperson, with regard to the norm for feeding schemes, the framework we have provided is that our learners must be fed on 156 days and that this would cover all primary schoolchildren. We have included Grade R in the spectrum of primary schools, in terms of our direction, given the fact that we have received a more favourable budget for the nutrition programme. So that would be the one factor.
Indeed, one of the problems that we have identified in the Eastern Cape is that they do not feed across the entire spectrum, in other words all the learners in primary school. That is why we said that the model that is in place is not appropriate and that it does not respond adequately to the needs within the province.
With regard to water and sanitation, we regard that as an important area. Certainly, schools cannot be regarded as functional or adequately resourced without water being provided and suitable sanitation. However, the government had set aside R800 million specifically for the provision of water and sanitation to schools and clinics.
The Department of Education, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry and the Department of Health are working very, very closely. There is a list of priority schools that has been provided, and indeed we are quite heartened by the response of the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry in this regard. It also forms one of the strategic objectives of government to ensure that all our clinics and all our schools have water and electricity because it is so necessary and critical. Thank you.
Mr B J TOLO: Chairperson, there is one question that has not been responded to: whether the scheme will actually be extended to include secondary schools.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Some of the provinces – in fact, there are one or two – have included it, because they can’t have the situation of one child in primary school with a sibling in high school, when they are both from families in need, being fed while the other is not.
Given the scope of the application - this scheme reaches more than 6 million children; in fact, close to 10 million children - it becomes extremely difficult at one go to do so. We have engaged with Treasury to ask them whether, in fact, we couldn’t in the first two quintiles - the lowest quintiles - extend the programme to include high schools. As soon as we receive some kind of response from Treasury, we will be able to report back to this House. Thank you.
Mr M A SULLIMAN: Chairperson, as we all know, education is a concurrent function. My question relates to infrastructure, feeding schemes, no–fee schools and so forth. I know the Ministry normally meets from time to time with MECs and so on, but my question is: Does the national Ministry have the constitutional and legal authority to impose on provinces where to improve and what to do? I know we are sitting with quite a difficult situation here in terms of which we all know that certain functions are within the provinces – they do their own budgets and so forth. Minister, I would like to hear your views. What is it that we can do to improve these relationships? Thank you.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Thank you very much, hon Sulliman. We are all aware of the challenges that we face in terms of concurrent powers whether in respect of education, health or housing. The Division of Revenue Act does provide for opportunities in which a Minister can, on the basis of nonperformance of executive responsibilities of a province, divert those funds to another province.
However, the difficulty that we face if we take, for example, the nutrition scheme, is that we cannot say that the Eastern Cape is not providing adequately for those learners, therefore we are taking those resources and transferring them to Limpopo. What we should be doing in terms of co- operative governance is to ensure that we provide the support, which we are obliged to do constitutionally, to the province to ensure that they are better able to perform their executive responsibility.
However, we have made it very, very clear that with regard to these priorities, which affect directly the performance of our learners – I mean, we are speaking not only to their minds but also to their stomachs – that we would certainly be very firm in terms of the expenditure.
With regard to infrastructure, Mr Sulliman, if you were paying any attention … Mr Sulliman? Thank you very much for your attention. [Interjections.] With regard to infrastructure, we have a monthly report from each of the provinces with regard to water, electricity, sanitation, the building of additional classrooms, and the building of schools.
That enables us as a Ministry to track the performance of provinces in relation to infrastructure needs. If we do not monitor this, then we may find that we fall far short of our targets even though resources have been allocated. Thank you.
Initiatives to showcase South African arts and culture through
opportunities offered by Fifa Soccer World Cup
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Mr B J Tolo (ANC) asked the Minister of Arts and Culture:
Whether his department has long- and short-term initiatives in place to showcase South African arts and culture through the opportunities offered by the Fifa Soccer World Cup event; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CO751E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Thank you, House Chair. Maybe we should remind the hon Deputy Minister Surty that he should refer to the member as “the hon” Sulliman! [Laughter.]
In response to the question that was asked by the hon member Tolo, yes, the department does have a 2010 arts and culture plan, which we intend to launch very soon, because we have fewer than 1 000 days to go. Actually, I think we have just under 900 days; eight hundred and something. The plan is aligned to the framework of the Vision 2010 programme and social cohesion.
The arts and culture programme stands on what I would call five legs, if there is anything like five legs, or five pillars. It’s the performing arts pillar, it’s the literary arts pillar, it’s the heritage resources, legacy and promotion pillar, and the visual arts pillar.
Each of these pillars has long-term and short-term arts and culture activities. For example, amongst the short-term activities of the performing arts we are looking at a national conference to establish a national choir and a national song, which is something that would bring together the whole nation. As we all know, there is no corner of this country that does not have a choir; whether it’s rural or urban, there is a choir. Also, we’re looking at establishing a national dance troupe.
Then the department will also use the national holidays’ celebrations, such as Reconciliation Day, Youth Day, Women’s Day and Freedom Day to popularise the 2010 cultural programmes. The department also hopes to enter into partnerships with stakeholders in other events such as the Macufe Festival in the Free State, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and the Mapungubwe Arts Festival, and we probably will look at others as well.
In the long term, the department has partnered with other government departments, one being the Department of Sport and Recreation, in planning and implementing the mobilisation and mass participation of projects such as the game they call 1Pal, which is street soccer. We’ve entered into a partnership with the Department of Sport and Recreation.
The department has also established a partnership with the Local Organising Committee for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Fifa World Cup. There are other long-term projects. We’ve also earmarked for 2010 to include a national museum of contemporary African art, which forms part of our legacy programme. Thank you, House Chair.
Kgoshi M L MOKOENA: Thanks, House Chair, and I thank the Deputy Minister for the calculated response. My follow-up question is to find out whether they, as a department, are going to move up a gear and move out of event- driven showcasing, and just promote culture as culture in our country.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): The Kgoshi has spoken, hon Deputy Minister.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE: Yes, the Kgoshi has spoken. If I understand the question, you’ll notice that when we have events, we don’t have events for the sake of having an event. We have often said – and the Minister has often said this – that we are not a department of dance and song.
We have a very focused objective, and we’ve been given the mandate of looking at more important issues such as nation-building and social cohesion and looking at national identity. So the whole purpose is actually to do the things that we do in order to achieve social cohesion. We would have to use some of these activities to achieve that.
As I said earlier, there is no place, no area in our country that does not have a choir. It doesn’t matter where you go. That, for us, is one of the means that we can use to bring people together so that they are one. There is the recent incident that is now topical about racism, but if you had been at the banquet that was arranged to welcome the French President, you would have seen that we had a multicoloured, multiracial choir singing. There were all sorts of people there; it was a rainbow choir. So that’s the means that we use to that end of social cohesion. We’ve moved away, since 2004, your excellency hon Mokoena. Thanks.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Thank you, hon Deputy Minister. Are there any further follow-up questions? In the absence of any, we proceed to Question 17. I mean, by that, that the Minister of Sport and Recreation has deferred all the questions to the next Question Time. So we proceed to Question 17 to the Minister of Housing. The question will be taken by the hon Deputy Minister of Education, the hon Surty.
Plans to correct recurrence of underspending and to assist provinces to ensure delivery of houses
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Mr C J van Rooyen (ANC) asked the Minister of Housing:
(1) Whether her department has any plans in place to correct the recurrence of the Free State Department of Housing’s projected underspending of R82,2 million in the 2007-08 financial year; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether other provincial departments of housing have similar projected amounts of underspending in the 2007-08 financial year; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what plans are in place to assist these provinces in ensuring the delivery of houses;
3) how many houses have been completed and delivered in Stellenbosch since the local government elections in 2006?
CO742E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION (on behalf of the Minister of Housing): Chairperson, the answer is as follows. One, yes, the department has, with reference to a special housing Minmec meeting held on 30 October 2007, resolved that the trends in provinces be determined early in the coming years for provinces that are likely to underspend, and that the funds of underperforming provinces, which received an allocation from the Integrated Housing and Human Settlement Development Grant, be stopped in terms of the Division of Revenue Act, 2007, and be re-allocated to performing provinces in terms of the provision of the Division of Revenue Act, 2007 – quite interestingly, I alluded to this in my earlier response.
The Department of Housing has also put a number of processes in place to have closer interaction with provinces, which includes project implementation support and monitoring activities. The national Department of Housing created a branch specialising in rendering assistance to provinces experiencing difficulties.
In addition, the department has provided support to assist provinces to compile their five multiyear development plans, and it is expected that with the improvement in the planning services being rendered, provinces will be assisted to plan and budget appropriately and that underexpenditure will be reduced and eventually eliminated when the new planning dispensation is fully operational. Furthermore, it must be indicated that the national Department of Housing sent teams to all the nine provinces to determine the readiness of the provinces to execute projects and carry out some in loco inspections of current projects.
The answer to part 3 of the question is, yes, the Eastern Cape is experiencing underspending problems. In view of the problems experienced, an amount of R500 million allocated to the Eastern Cape was also stopped and reallocated to performing provinces. The remedial actions reflected in paragraph one are also applicable in respect of the Eastern Cape as the actions are being applied countrywide. Thank you, Chairperson.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): There is no follow-up question. Thanks very much, hon members. I am also informed that questions for the Minister of Social Development will also be deferred. There is also a question by the hon Mazibuko to the Minister of Sport and Recreation, which will be deferred. We then go to Question 20 addressed to the hon Minister of Housing. Over to you, hon Deputy Minister of Education.
Records of housing units demolished or rebuilt in provinces due to poor building materials and shoddy contractors, and preventative measures taken to address the situation
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Mr V V Z Windvoël (ANC) asked the Minister of Housing:
(1) Whether her department keeps a record of the total number of reported housing units that are demolished or rebuilt in each province as a result of the use of poor building materials and shoddy contractors; if not, why not; if so, what was the total amount in losses in the nine provinces between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2007; (2) whether her department is putting any preventative measures in place to address the situation; if not, why not; if so, what measures? CO737E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION (on behalf of the Minister of Housing): Thank you, hon Chairperson. The reply is as follows. One: No, the department does not keep separate records on the rebuilding of houses that were permitted to be demolished or houses that required repair work owing to shoddy workmanship or weak materials used. The records, in respect of such cases, are collected and maintained by the relevant provincial housing departments or municipalities.
Two: Yes, with effect from 1 April 2002, all houses constructed and financed through any of the national housing programmes must be enrolled with the National Home Builders Registration Council, the NHBRC. In addition, all home builders that construct houses that are financed through the NHBRC must be registered with the organisation.
The NHBRC assesses all home builders’ capacity and ability to deliver houses that will meet the minimum technical requirements. All houses are subject to the minimum technical requirements introduced by the council, and the council also conducts regular compliance inspections to ensure compliance with the said technical requirements. This process provides for the structured regulation of the home building industry and ensures that the highest quality products are delivered.
It is assumed that the relevant houses referred to in the question are part of the projects approved prior to 1 April 2002 and were, therefore, not subject to the council’s enrolment and quality control scheme. Thank you, Chairperson.
Mr V V Z WINDVOËL: Chairperson, I take it that it would be unfair to pose my follow-up question to the Deputy Minister of Education. I’ll make a compromise and put it in writing to the relevant Minister, because I think there are serious matters to be followed up on this issue. Thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Thanks very much, hon Windvoël. Hon members, I just want to bring to your attention my observation – I might be erring seriously, so I’m speaking subject to contestation – that there are a number of questions here that really need extensive details. For instance, one could have a question to the Minister of Housing on the number of houses per province. That would be a detailed question.
So I want to advise that Rules must apply. Members must know that such detailed questions require written replies, because Ministers may not be in a position to provide the answers. The dilemma that this creates is that members may not be satisfied with the details that are given in this short space of time. Okay. This is a Rule here. [Interjections.] Sorry, I’m still presiding, Chief. Could you please sit down?
The tendency is that hon members raise a question again, because they think that it has not been responded to. I’m just making these general observations and bringing members’ attention to this. I’m not referring to any specific question, but I can refer to the Rules on this matter. Hon Kgoshi, do you want to say something?
Kgoshi M L MOKOENA: No, Chair. I think I’ll take your last observation to say, maybe check the Rules, Sir. Let’s talk about it, because some of us differ with what you are saying, Chair.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Certainly. We’ll go that way, but I think you can discuss my observation outside. I really wanted to bring that to the attention of the members. On that note, hon members, we will go to the next question which is printed in the name of the hon Windvoël to the Minister of Home Affairs.
Progress made in filling critical departmental vacancies and in addressing cases of senior managers serving in an acting capacity for longer than a year
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Mr V V Z Windvoël (ANC) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her department has made any progress to (a) fill critical vacancies in all of its offices and (b) address cases of senior managers that have been in an acting capacity in certain positions for longer than a year; if not, why not; if so, what progress? CO738E
The MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Thank you very much, Chairperson, and thank you to the hon V V Z Windvoël. The answer to the question is yes, hon member, the department is making progress with the filling of the identified critical vacancies.
To date, the department has filled 186 of these critical vacancies which were available. An additional 318 vacancies are now at the interview stage, and they will be finalised soon. These posts include seven out of 15 SMS, senior management service, positions that are occupied by officials in acting capacities. It must, however, be noted that the department is currently involved in a turnaround process that includes the finalisation of a new organisational structure. The new structure is now going through a process of approval by the Department of the Public Service and Administration and Cabinet. It would not be wise, therefore, at this stage to fill all positions in terms of the current structure as most of these have been reviewed.
In line with the directive of the President during the state of the nation address, the department will, however, continue with the process of filling the rest of the identified critical vacancies. These, of course, are limited to those vacancies that need to be filled to support service delivery imperatives, including the stabilisation of the senior management service. We are confident that in relation to these critical vacancies, we will meet the six-month deadline given to us by the President during the state of the nation address. I thank you, hon Chair.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): In the absence of a follow-up question, we proceed straight to Question 23. We will skip Question 22 which is to the Minister of Social Development. You know that, hon Sulliman, as it is printed in your name. We will proceed straight to Question 23 addressed to the Minister of Housing. I now call the hon Deputy Minister of Education.
Performance audits by Auditor-General on RDP housing projects in Free State
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Mr D A Worth (DA) asked the Minister of Housing:
Whether the Auditor-General has started to conduct performance audits on Reconstruction and Development Programme, RDP, housing projects in the Free State; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CO762E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION (on behalf of the Minister of Housing): Thank you very much, hon Chairperson. In fact, you just alluded to this problem here. If, at all, the question was clearer, we would have been able to respond. For example, does the question refer to value for money, quality of work, etc? The department does not ordinarily request the Auditor-General to do audits, but because of the lack of clarity in the question, a proper response could not be provided.
However, if the hon member could provide us with greater detail and clarity, then certainly the hon Minister of Housing would be in a better position to respond. Thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Hon Deputy Minister, I do understand your position. Clearly, it is an acting one here, and I’ll take up what the hon Windvoël has said, in that even asking you a follow-up question would be unfair. I really want to put it on record, particularly for ministerial staff, that it cannot be taken that a Member of Parliament writes a question and the department does not respond because the question is not clear. Write to that hon member who posed the question, because the question has gone through the relevant processes, and say what your understanding is, what the issues are and clarify it at that level.
I am just making this general ruling without a specific context, because this sets the wrong precedent. I know at one point there was this kind of response and there was an uproar in this House, which caused some acrimony between ourselves and the Ministers. I hope officials from the department are taking note of this.
Prosecution of contractors in Free State with regard to badly built houses and non-completion of contracts
- Mr D A Worth (DA) asked the Minister of Housing: Whether any contractors in the Free State have been prosecuted with regard to badly built houses and for non-completion of contracts; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CO763E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION (on behalf of the Minister of Housing): Thank you, hon Chairperson. Given the fact that this question is very clear, we are able to respond to it very comprehensively. [Laughter.] We certainly will convey your sentiments to the hon Minister and take note of it for our own purposes.
The response is as follows. Currently, no contractors have been prosecuted in respect of either badly built or incomplete houses in the Free State. However, there are various cases where civil legal proceedings are pending in courts against trusts that were established as part of the People’s Housing Project and which received money to carry out projects but failed to do so. Further, there are cases that were reported to the SAPS and the Directorate of Special Operations by individual beneficiaries who were aggrieved by contractors for reasons unknown to the department. The outcome of these cases is not known to the department.
In terms of Proclamation R7 of 2007, as published in the Government Gazette 29831 dated 25 April 2007, the Special Investigating Unit has been mandated to conduct investigations into any fraud, corruption and maladministration regarding development and delivery of low-cost housing in South Africa through the national Department of Housing and provincial departments of housing and the former housing development boards and corporations and local authorities and their appointed agents.
Contractual nondelivery by developers, contractors and service providers is one of the key focus areas of the Special Investigating Unit in terms of that particular proclamation. A list of all prioritised contracts is being compiled by the Special Investigating Unit to identify urgent contracts in the various provinces, including the Free State. Cases against trusts were also identified as priority projects to be dealt with by the Special Investigating Unit. Thank you, Chairperson.
Mr A WATSON: Chair, my question is actually more of a general nature, because the hon Minister said that this question could be answered because it was more clearly written. Yet, in his response to the question about badly built houses and for the noncompletion of contracts, he replied in terms of badly built houses and uncompleted houses. So he didn’t answer the right question.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Hon Deputy Minister, I take that as a comment by the hon Watson. [Laughter.] I am not sure if you really want to respond.
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: I think with your permission, hon Chair, I would like to respond. The question is as follows, for the benefit of the House: whether any contractors in the Free State have been prosecuted with regard to badly built houses. The answer could have been no. But what we have done is that we have said no, and we have given an explanation. So, I think, we have given more than was required, and I think the hon member should say, “Thank you very much for your very comprehensive answer.” [Interjections.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Order! Order! I don’t want to engage with that, but for now I think we must take it that the question has been answered sufficiently. It’s unfortunate that the Deputy Minister is acting for the Minister. I think the Minister has the authority to engage in terms of the details. We will proceed to the next question. [Interjections.] I think it is Question … Oh, there is a follow-up question. Yes, hon Worth.
Mr D A WORTH: Deputy Chair, all I would like to do is ask the Deputy Minister if I could have that in writing, please. Thanks. The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Could the hon member have that response in writing?
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: We have no difficulty in tabling it, hon Chair. Thank you.
REPLY:
Currently, no contractors have been prosecuted in respect of either badly built or incomplete houses in the Free State. However, there are various cases where civil legal proceedings are pending in courts against trusts that were established as part of the Peoples Housing Projects (PHP) and who received money to carry out projects but failed to do so. Further, there are cases that were reported to the SAPS and DSO by individual beneficiaries who were aggrieved by contractors for reasons unknown to the department. The outcome of these cases is not known to the department.
In terms of Proclamation R7 of 2007 as published in Government Gazette 29831 dated 25 April 2007, the Special Investigating Unit has been mandated to conduct investigations into any fraud, corruption and maladministration regarding development and delivery of low-cost housing in South Africa through the National Department of Housing, the provincial departments of housing, the former Housing Development Boards and corporations and local authorities and their appointed agents. Contractual non-delivery by developers, contractors and service providers is one of the key focus areas of the Special Investigating Unit in terms of Proclamation R7 of 2007. A list of all prioritised contracts is being compiled by the Special Investigating Unit to identify urgent contracts in the various provinces including Free State. Cases against trusts were also identified as priority projects to be dealt with by the Special Investigating Unit.
Minister’s stance on protest marches against corruption in Dewetsdorp in Free State and Britstown in Northern Cape
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Ms B L Ntembe (ID) asked the Minister for Provincial and Local Government:
Whether, in light of the protest marches against corruption in Dewetsdorp in the Free State and Britstown in the Northern Cape, he will take any action against the alleged corrupters; if not, why not; if so, (a) what action and (b) what are the further relevant details? CO766E
The DEPUTY MINISTER FOR PROVINCIAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: Chair, the answer to the hon Ntembe is as follows: Available information seems to indicate that the protest marches may not be the result of corruption, but may instead be linked to general service delivery problems in these towns. The Free State and the Northern Cape provincial departments responsible for local government will look into the matters raised by the protesters, in consultation with the relevant stakeholders, particularly community leaders, to determine the exact causes of the protests. They will also focus on the identification of solutions to these problems. Thank you.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Hon members, in the absence of any follow-up questions, it might be my ignorance but there is a new member here or a member who has changed her surname. This question is written in the name of the hon Ntembe. [Interjections.] Oh yes, thanks very much. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
I think it is fair for me, because I was trying to look for new members. One of the new members whose name was announced is not here, while the other one is there. I thought maybe that the hon Kgarebe had changed her surname to Ntembe. So I was wondering whether they had broken the Rules of Parliament by allowing a person from outside Parliament to ask a question. This is sincere; it’s not a joke. Thanks very much.
Aim and origin of Operation Umbrella
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Ms B L Ntembe (ID) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether she has been informed of Operation Umbrella; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) who ordered the operation, (b) what is the aim of the operation and (c) what brought it about? CO767E
The MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Thank you very much, hon Chair, and thanks also to the hon Ntembe. The answer to this question is yes, I am informed of Operation Umbrella and I have received a report about it. The operation is a joint effort between us, the Department of Home Affairs, the SA Police Service and other law-enforcement agencies.
It is in the main an operation by the police, of course, with the participation of the Department of Home Affairs. The activities of the operation, in specific relation to the Department of Home Affairs, are overseen by the inspectorate chief director. Approval for the involvement of the department in this operation was given by the Acting Deputy Director- General of the National Immigration Branch, and it commenced on 1 November 2007, and it will come to an end on 31 March 2008.
The operation is planned as part of the normal functions of the immigration inspectorate as contemplated in the Immigration Act of 2002. Amongst other things, it aims to deal with problems experienced by the department in enforcing the Act, including the investigation of fraudulent marriages, undocumented foreign nationals, abuse of our late registration of births, abuse of our asylum seekers/refugee systems and other related cases.
At the conclusion of these investigations, the relevant competent authorities are then informed to proceed with prosecutions and finalise these cases. The operation was brought about as a result of the assessment by the law-enforcement agencies regarding the extent of the criminality, including that of illegal migration.
The department has also received concerns from communities regarding the extent of criminality in our communities by some of these elements. I thank you.
Plans to investigate alleged brutal treatment of refugees by police at home affairs office in Cape Town
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Ms B L Ntembe (ID) asked the Minister of Home Affairs:
Whether her department has any plans to investigate the alleged brutal treatment of refugees at its Cape Town office on the Foreshore by police members; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? CO768E
The MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS: Hon Chair and hon Ntembe, with regard to this question, to my knowledge the department has not received a complaint regarding police brutality at any of our offices. Of course, should such a complaint be received, the department will accordingly deal with it together with the SA Police Service and the Independent Complaints Directorate.
The information at my disposal, at this stage, in relation to the specific case of 10 February 2008 the hon member referred to, is that the officials from the Department of Public Works called in the police to assist in handling and calming a situation that had degenerated into chaos and disorder involving members of the public at the Cape Town refugee office. As a result, one member of the public was arrested on charges of inciting unruly behaviour and the disturbance of public order.
If any further information regarding the conduct of the police or of any of our officials, during the handling of this incident, is reported, we will then most certainly be willing to investigate. But, so far, hon member, nothing has come our way.
On receiving this question, we then went on to conduct an investigation and to make enquiries as to whether we had received any complaint about this particular matter, and nothing has come our way so far. I thank you.
Measures taken by the department to strengthen collaboration in provision of Early Childhood Development programmes
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Ms J M Masilo (ANC) asked the Minister of Education:
What measures is her department putting in place to strengthen collaboration with the Department of Social Development as well as other related departments in the provision of early childhood development programmes? CO748E
The DEPUTY MINISTER OF EDUCATION: Hon Chairperson, I have a comprehensive two-and-a-half-page answer but for the benefit of this House I am going to just summarise the answer and provide the hon member with a comprehensive answer so that she will have the benefit of it.
The Department of Education has had a collaborative relationship with other departments in relation to Early Childhood Development, ECD, for the past 12 years. Initially, this collaboration was through the post-1994 ECD policy development processes. The relationship, particularly with the Departments of Social Development and of Health, was formalised with the development of the National Integrated Plan, NIP, for early childhood development in 2004 under the leadership of the Department of Education.
At the same time, the Department of Education also played a key role in the establishment of the first ever National Interdepartmental Committee on Early Childhood Development, Nicecd.
Currently, the NIP is being led by the Department of Social Development. Thus, the measures taken to strengthen collaboration have primarily been functionally informed, although I should also add that ECD was one of the Department of Education’s priority areas for the 2008 budget. Our bid was not fully funded this year, but that does not mean that we will not be fully funded in the future.
We recognise the critical importance of early childhood development for our children, and this has certainly made an impact in terms of subsequent repetition rates, which have decreased. Language development is higher, and primary school completion rates are higher, directly as a result of our programmes in early childhood development. Therefore, we will persist in rallying for greater allocations for early childhood development and we regard this as an important priority area particularly for foundation learning. I thank the hon member for her question.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Thanks, hon Deputy Minister. Are there any follow-up questions? No.
The question directed to the hon Minister of Health, Question 29, will be deferred to the next Question Time, because of the nonavailability of the hon Minister and the Deputy Minister.
See also QUESTIONS AND REPLIES.
OVERSIGHT VISIT TO NORTH WEST PROVINCE
(Draft Resolution)
Mr M A SULLIMAN: Chairperson, on behalf of the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, I move the draft resolution printed in his name on the Order Paper, as follows:
That, in terms of Rule 21(2) and, in the interest of enhancing public participation, conducting oversight and providing a platform for consideration of issues affecting provinces as provided for in section 42(4) and 72(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 –
1) the Council resolves to, from 10 to 14 March 2008, conduct public
hearings, hold meetings, conduct oversight visits and sit in
plenary in the province of North West on 14 March 2008, at 10:00
until the conclusion of business on that day; and
2) the Council notes that the estimated cost of effecting the change
in venue and maintaining it for the specified period will be R2 920
000.00.
Question put: That the motion be agreed to.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Hon members, the hon Sulliman has moved that the motion on the Order Paper be adopted. In accordance with Rule 71, I shall first allow provinces an opportunity to make their declarations of vote if they so wish. Is there any province that wants to make a declaration of vote? As there is none, we shall now proceed to the voting on the question. I shall do this in alphabetical order per province.
Delegation heads must please indicate to the Chair whether they vote in favour, of or against, or abstain from voting. Eastern Cape?
Ms B N DLULANE: In favour.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Free State?
Mr C J VAN ROOYEN: Ondersteun. [Supports.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Gauteng?
Mr E M SOGONI: Siyaxhasa. [We support.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): KwaZulu-Natal?
Mr Z C NTULI: In favour.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Limpopo? Ms H F MATLANYANE: Limpopo ondersteun. [Limpopo supports.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Mpumalanga?
Ms F NYANDA: Mpumalanga supports.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Northern Cape?
Mr M A SULLIMAN: Northern Cape “ondersteun”. [Supports.]
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): North West?
Mr Z S KOLWENI: North West in favour.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Western Cape?
Mr N J MACK: Western Cape supports.
The HOUSE CHAIRPERSON (Mr T S Setona): Hon members, all nine provinces voted in favour. I therefore declare the motion agreed to in terms of section 65 of the Constitution.
Motion accordingly agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.
The Council adjourned at 15:58. ____
ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
FRIDAY, 8 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
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Assent by President in respect of Bills
1) Traditional Health Practioners Bill [B 20 – 2007] – Act No 22 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 7 January 2008).
2) Securities Transfer Tax Bill [B 44 – 2007] – Act No 25 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
3) Securities Transfer Tax Administration Bill [B 45 – 2007] – Act No 26 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
4) Health Professions Amendment Bill [B 10D – 2006] – Act No 29 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 11 January 2008). 5) Public Service Amendment Bill [B 31B – 2006] – Act No 30 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 11 January 2008).
6) Education Laws Amendment Bill [B 33D – 2007] – Act No 31 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
7) Broadband Infraco Bill [B 26B – 2007] – Act No 33 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
8) South African Express Bill [B 14D – 2007] – Act No 34 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
9) Revenue Laws Amendment Bill [B 42 – 2007] – Act No 35 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
10) Revenue Laws Second Amendment Bill [B 43 – 2007] – Act No 36 of
2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
11) Electronic Communications Amendment Bill [B 38B – 2007] – Act No 37
of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
12) Criminal Law (Sentencing) Amendment Bill [15B – 2007] – Act No 38
of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 21 December 2007).
-
Introduction of Bills (1) The Minister of Housing
a) Housing Development Agency Bill [B 1 – 2008] (National Assembly – proposed sec 76) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 30346 of 26 October 2007.] Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Housing of the National Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160. In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bill may be submitted to the JTM within three parliamentary working days.
(2) The Minister of Safety and Security
a) Second-Hand Goods Bill [B 2 – 2008] (National Assembly –
proposed sec 76) [Explanatory summary of Bill and prior notice
of its introduction published in Government Gazette No 30559
of 14 December 2007.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Safety
and Security of the National Assembly, as well as referral to
the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms
of Joint Rule 160.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification
of the Bill may be submitted to the JTM within three
parliamentary working days.
3. Bills passed by Houses – to be submitted to President for
assent
(1) Bill passed by National Council of Provinces on 7 February
2008.
a) Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill [B 21B
– 2007 (National Council of Provinces – sec 76).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Defence
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Castle of Good Hope for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 130-2007].
(b) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Central African
Republic concerning Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section
231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(c) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Central African Republic concerning Defence
Cooperation.
(d) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of
Gabon on Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of
the Constitution, 1996.
(e) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Gabon on Defence Cooperation.
(f) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on
Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(g) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government
of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic
of Guinea-Bissau on Defence Cooperation.
(h) Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission
on Defence and Security between the Government of the Republic of
South Africa and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique,
tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(i) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement for the Establishment
of a Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security between the
Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of
the Republic of Mozambique.
(j) Exchange of Letters between the Government of the Republic of
South Africa and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)
regarding Naval Exercises in the Republic of South Africa from 28
August to 10 September 2007, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of
the Constitution, 1996.
(k) Explanatory Memorandum to the Exchange of Letters between the
Republic of South Africa and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
(NATO) regarding the Modalities relating to the Status of members
of Nato’s Naval Group 1 Participating in Exercise Amazolo.
(l) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
concerning the Status of Military and Civilian Personnel of their
Department/Ministry of Defence present in each other’s territory
for activities related to Military Cooperation, tabled in terms of
section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(m) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government
of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Kingdom
of the Netherlands concerning the Status of Military and Civilian
Personnel of their Department/Ministry of Defence present in each
other’s territory for activities related to Military Cooperation.
(n) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain concerning
Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(o) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government
of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Kingdom
of Spain concerning Defence Cooperation.
(p) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of
Sudan on Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of
the Constitution, 1996.
(q) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Sudan on Defence Cooperation.
(r) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of
Uganda regarding the Renovation of the O R Tambo School of
Leadership, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution,
1996.
(s) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Uganda regarding the Renovation of
the O R Tambo School of Leadership.
(t) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning Defence
Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution,
1996.
(u) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Uganda regarding the Renovation of
the O R Tambo School of Leadership.
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
(a) Government Notice No R.69 published in Government Gazette No
30703 dated 28 January 2008: Threatened or Protected Species:
Amendment regulations, in terms of the National Environmental
Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
(b) Government Notice No R.70 published in Government Gazette No
30703 dated 28 January 2008: Notice to repeal: Threatened or
Protected Species: Amendment Regulations, in terms of the National
Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of
2004).
(c) General Notice No R.62 published in Government Gazette No 30716
dated 1 February 2008: Regulation for the Protection of Wild
Abalone (Haliotis), in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act,
1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
- The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Umgeni Water for the year
ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Bushbuckridge Water for the
year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
2007.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of Rand Water for the year
ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
2007.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of the Lepelle Northern Water
for the year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended
30 June 2007.
- Minister of Finance
(a) Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul Convention), tabled
in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Temporary Admission (Istanbul
Convention).
(c) Response of the South African Revenue Services to the resolution
of Parliament on the report of the Portfolio Committee on Finance
on the South African Revenue Services Strategic Plan for 2007/2008
– 2009/2010.
TUESDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2008
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Transport
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Maritime
Safety Authority (including the Maritime Fund) for 2006-2007,
including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial
Statements and Performance Information for 2006-2007 [RP 213-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Cross-Border Road
Transport Agency (C-BRTA) for 2006-2007, including the Report of
the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance
Information for 2006-2007 [RP 151-2007].
2 The Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Magalies Water for the year
ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Sedibeng Water for the year
ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
2007.
WEDNESDAY, 13 FEBRUARY 2008 ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
(1) Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill [B 21B – 2007]
– Act No 1 of 2008 (assented to and signed by President on 12
February 2008).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance
(a) Government Notice No 99 published in Government Gazette No
30715 dated 31 January 2008: Determination of limit or remuneration
for purpose of determination of contribution in terms of section 6
of the Unemployment Insurance Contributions Act, 2002 (Act No 4 of
2002).
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Proclamation No R.37 published in Government Gazette No 30521
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(b) Proclamation No R.38 published in Government Gazette No 30521
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(c) Proclamation No R.39 published in Government Gazette No 30521
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(d) Proclamation No R.40 published in Government Gazette No 30521
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(e) Proclamation No R.41 published in Government Gazette No 30521
dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(f) Proclamation No R.44 published in Government Gazette No 30527
dated 28 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(g) Proclamation No R.45 published in Government Gazette No 30552
dated 7 December 2007: Referral of matters of existing special
investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of Special
Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of
1996).
(h) Proclamation No R.17 published in Government Gazette No 30664
dated 11 January 2008: Amendment of Proclamation in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996 (Act No
74 of 1996).
TUESDAY, 14 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
(1) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Social Services for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Film and
Publication Board for 2006-2007, including the Report of the
Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance
Information for 2006-2007.
(2) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and to the
Joint Standing Committee on Defence:
(a) Report of the Auditor-General on the management and
provision of official accommodation to staff at the Department
of Defence – November 2007 [RP 252-2007].
(3) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs and the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence:
(a) The President of the Republic submitted a letter dated 30
November 2007 to the Chairperson of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence informing Members of the Joint Standing
Committee on Defence of the employment of the South African
National Defence Force for a service in co-operation with the
South African Police Service during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
preliminary draw.
(4) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report in terms of section 13(4A)(b) of the Magistrates
Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993): Withholding of remuneration of
Magistrate M K Chauke, an additional Magistrate at Pretoria.
(5) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Land
and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Marine Living Resources
Fund for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General
on the Financial Statements and Performance Information for
2006-2007.
(6) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration:
(a) Government Notice No 1147 published in Government Gazette
No 30537 dated 7 December 2007: Assignment of the Management of
Mokala National park to south African National Parks
(SANParks), in terms of the National Environmental Management:
Protected Areas Act, 2003 (Act No 57 of 2003).
(b) General Notice No 1717 published in Government Gazette No
30534 dated 7 December 2007: Publication of Policy on the
Management of Seals, Seabirds and Shorebirds, in terms of the
Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
(c) General Notice No 1718 published in Government Gazette No
30535 dated 7 December 2007: Invitation to comment on the draft
policy and application forms concerning the allocation and
management of long term fishing rights in the Large Pelagic
(Tuna and Swordfish) Sector - 2007, in terms of the Marine
Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
(d) Government Notice No R.1187 published in Government
Gazette No 30568 dated 14 December 2007: Amendment of
critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and protected
species list, in terms of the National Environmental
Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
(e) Government Notice No R.1188 published in Government
Gazette No 30568 dated 14 December 2007: Threatened or
Protected Species Amendment Regulations, in terms of the
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act
No 10 of 2004).
(f) General Notice No 1767 published in Government Gazette No
30574 dated 21 December 2007: Invitation to comment on the
Draft Policy for the Transfer of Commercial Fishing Rights -
2007, in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No
18 of 1998).
(g) General Notice No 1197 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Proclamation of the Fossil
Hominid Sites of South Africa (Consisting of Fossil Hominid
Site of Sterkfontein, Swartkrans, Kromdraai and the Environs,
Taung Skull Fossil Site and Makapan Valley) in terms of the
World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(h) General Notice No 1198 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Proclamation of Robben Island as
a World Heritage Site in terms of the World Heritage Convention
Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(i) General Notice No 1199 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Notice in connection with the
Proclamation of uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park as a World Heritage
Site in terms of the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act
No 49 of 1999).
(j) General Notice No 1200 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Proclamation of Mapungubwe
Cultural Landscape as a World Heritage Site in terms of the
World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(k) General Notice No 1201 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Proclamation of Vredefort Dome as
a World Heritage Site in terms of the World Heritage Convention
Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(l) General Notice No 1202 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Declaration of the Member of the
Executive Council for Economic Development, Environment and
Tourism, Limpopo Province as the Authority for Makapan Valley
Serial World Heritage Site in terms of the World Heritage
Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(m) General Notice No 1203 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Declaration of the North West
Member of the Executive Council for Agriculture, Conservation
and Environment as the Authority for the Taung Skull Fossil
Site in terms of the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act
No 49 of 1999).
(n) General Notice No 1204 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Declaration of the Member of the
Executive Council for Sport, Arts and Culture, Northern Cape
Province as the Authority for the Richtersveld Cultural and
Botanical Landscape World Heritage Site in terms of the World
Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(o) General Notice No 1205 published in Government Gazette No
30590 dated 18 December 2007: Declaration of the Kwazulu-Natal
Nature Conservation Board as the Authority for the uKhahlamba
Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site in terms of the World
Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of 1999).
(p) General Notice No 1768 published in Government Gazette No
30575 dated 21 December 2007: Publication of Policy on the
Management of Seals, Seabirds and Shorebirds, in terms of the
Sea Birds and Seals Protection Act, 1973 (Act No 46 of 1973).
(q) Government Notice No 1141 published in Government Gazette
No 30542 dated 3 December 2007: Draft Regulations for the
protection of Abalone (Haliotis) (wild), in terms of the Marine
Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
(r) Government Notice No 1123 published in Government Gazette
No 30518 dated 23 November 2007: Declaration of the Highveld as
priority area in terms of section 18(1) of the National
Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004 (Act No 39 of
2004).
(7) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Government Notice No R.1090 published in Government
Gazette No 30491 dated 16 November 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/1348) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964
(Act No 91 of 1964).
(b) Proclamation No 36 published in Government Gazette No
30508 dated 30 November 2007: Commencement of sections 7(1)(m),
9(1) and 34(1) of the Revenue Laws Second Amendment Act, 2006
(Act No 21 of 2006).
(c) Government Notice No R.1139 published in Government
Gazette No 30532 dated 30 November 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/149) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(d) Government Notice No R.1196 published in Government
Gazette No 30581 dated 14 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 2 (No 2/294) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(e) Government Notice No 1207 published in Government Gazette
No 30592 dated 20 December 2007: Approval of allocations, in
terms of the Division of Revenue Act, 2007 (Act No 1 of 2007).
(f) Government Notice No R.1211 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 2 (No 2/295) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(g) Government Notice No R.1212 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 2 (No 2/296) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(h) Government Notice No R.1213 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 3 (No 3/624) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(i) Government Notice No R.1214 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 3 (No 3/625) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(j) Government Notice No R.1215 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 3 (No 3/626) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(k) Government Notice No R.1216 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 3 (No 3/627) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(l) Government Notice No R.1217 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 4 (No 4/310) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(m) Government Notice No R.1218 published in Government
Gazette No 30586 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 5 (No 5/87) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No
91 of 1964).
(n) Government Notice No R.1228 published in Government
Gazette No 30601 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/1350) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964
(Act No 91 of 1964).
(o) Government Notice No R.1229 published in Government
Gazette No 30601 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/1351) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964
(Act No 91 of 1964).
(p) Government Notice No R.1230 published in Government
Gazette No 30601 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/1352) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1664
(Act No 91 of 1964).
(q) Government Notice No R.1231 published in Government
Gazette No 30601 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 10 (No 10/11) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(r) Government Notice No R.1232 published in Government
Gazette No 30601 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 3 (No 3/628) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act
No 91 of 1964).
(s) Government Notice No R.1253 published in Government
Gazette No 30601 dated 21 December 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 1 (No 1/1/1354) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964
(Act No 91 of 1964).
(t) Government Notice No R.1 published in Government Gazette
No 30627 dated 1 January 2008: Amendment of regulations, in
terms of the Banks Act, 1994 (Act No 94 of 1990).
(u) Government Notice No R.3 published in Government Gazette
No 30629 dated 1 January 2008: Regulations relating to banks,
in terms of the Banks Act, 1994 (Act No 94 of 1990).
(v) Government Notice No R.4 published in Government Gazette
No 30631 dated 1 January 2008: Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No
1/1/1353) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91
of 1964).
(w) Government Notice No R.5 published in Government Gazette
No 30631 dated 1 January 2008: Amendment of Schedule No 3 (No
3/629) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of
1964).
(x) Government Notice No R.6 published in Government Gazette
No 30631 dated 1 January 2008: Amendment of Schedule No 4 (No
4/311) in terms of Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of
1964).
(y) Government Notice No 7 published in Government Gazette No
30637 dated 4 January 2008: Listing and delisting of public
entities in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999
(Act No 1 of 1999).
(8) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Financial Services
Board on the Registrar of Collective Investment Schemes for the
year ended 31 December 2006 [RP 250-2007].
(b) Report of the South African Statistics Council for 2006-
2007 [RP 238-2007].
(9) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Education and Recreation for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Advisory
Council on Innovation for 2006-2007.
(10) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) General Report of the Auditor-General on the Audit
Outcomes of National and Provincial Departments, Public
Entities and Constitutional Institutions for 2006-2007 [RP 226-
2007].
(11) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Local Government and Administration for consideration and
report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African Local
Government Association (SALGA) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and
Performance Information for 2006-2007 [RP 9-2008].
(12) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of Ikangala Water for the
year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(b) Report and Financial Statements of Pelladrift Water Board
for the year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(c) Report and Financial Statements of Bloem Water for the
year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(d) Report and Financial Statements of Amatola Water for the
year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(e) Report and Financial Statements of the Overberg Water for
the year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(f) Report and Financial Statements of Umgeni Water for the
year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(g) Report and Financial Statements of Bushbuckridge Water for
the year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(h) Report and Financial Statements of Rand Water for the year
ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the Independent
Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June
2007.
(i) Report and Financial Statements of the Lepelle Northern
Water for the year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of
the Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the
year ended 30 June 2007.
(j) Report and Financial Statements of Magalies Water for the
year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(k) Report and Financial Statements of Sedibeng Water for the
year ended 30 June 2007, including the Report of the
Independent Auditors on the Financial Statements for the year
ended 30 June 2007.
(13) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Castle of Good Hope
for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2006-2007 [RP 130-2007].
(14) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Central
African Republic concerning Defence Cooperation, tabled in
terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Central African Republic concerning Defence
Cooperation.
(c) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of
Gabon on Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3)
of the Constitution, 1996.
(d) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Gabon on Defence Cooperation.
(e) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on
Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(f) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the
Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government
of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on Defence Cooperation.
(g) Agreement for the Establishment of a Joint Permanent
Commission on Defence and Security between the Government of
the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic
of Mozambique, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(h) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement for the
Establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and
Security between the Government of the Republic of South Africa
and the Government of the Republic of Mozambique.
(i) Exchange of Letters between the Government of the Republic
of South Africa and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
(NATO) regarding Naval Exercises in the Republic of South
Africa from 28 August to 10 September 2007, tabled in terms of
section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(j) Explanatory Memorandum to the Exchange of Letters between
the Republic of South Africa and the North Atlantic Treaty
Organisation (NATO) regarding the Modalities relating to the
Status of members of Nato’s Naval Group 1 Participating in
Exercise Amazolo.
(k) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
concerning the Status of Military and Civilian Personnel of
their Department/Ministry of Defence present in each other’s
territory for activities related to Military Cooperation,
tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
(l) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the
Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government
of the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning the Status of
Military and Civilian Personnel of their Department/Ministry of
Defence present in each other’s territory for activities
related to Military Cooperation.
(m) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South
Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain concerning
Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(n) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the
Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government
of the Kingdom of Spain concerning Defence Cooperation.
(o) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of
Sudan on Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3)
of the Constitution, 1996.
(p) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Sudan on Defence Cooperation.
(q) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Republic of
Uganda regarding the Renovation of the O R Tambo School of
Leadership, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(r) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Uganda regarding the Renovation
of the O R Tambo School of Leadership.
(s) Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the
Republic of South Africa and the Government of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland concerning
Defence Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the
Constitution, 1996.
(t) Explanatory Memorandum to the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the
Government of the Republic of Uganda regarding the Renovation
of the O R Tambo School of Leadership.
(15) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration and report:
(a) Convention on Temporary Admission (Istanbul Convention),
tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996.
(b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Temporary Admission
(Istanbul Convention).
(16) The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Public Services for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the South African
Maritime Safety Authority (including the Maritime Fund) for
2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the
Financial Statements and Performance Information for 2006-2007
[RP 213-2007].
(b) Report and Financial Statements of the Cross-Border Road
Transport Agency (C-BRTA) for 2006-2007, including the Report
of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and
Performance Information for 2006-2007 [RP 151-2007].
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Finance (a) Government Notice No 128 published in Government Gazette No 30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for, and compilation of, the year 2008 Natura pure gold coin series in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(b) Government Notice No 129 published in Government Gazette No
30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2008 Protea coin series in terms of the
South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(c) Government Notice No 130 published in Government Gazette No
30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2008 Fifa 2010 coin series in terms of the
South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(d) Government Notice No 131 published in Government Gazette No
30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2008 R2 pure gold coin series in terms of
the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(e) Government Notice No 132 published in Government Gazette No
30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2008 sterling silver coin series in terms
of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
(f) Government Notice No 133 published in Government Gazette No
30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for, and
compilation of, the year 2008 Crown size and 2½c sterling silver
coin series in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989
(Act No 90 of 1989).
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Report on the suspension of a magistrate: Mr S P Zwelibanzi, an
additional magistrate at NgQamakwe in terms of section 13(4)(a)(i)
of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of 1993).
MONDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2008
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Finance
a) Report of the Registrar of Short-term Insurance for 2006.
b) Report of the Registrar of Long-term Insurance for 2006.
-
The Minister for Public Enterprises
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Public Enterprises for 2008 to 2011.
-
The Minister of Arts and Culture
a) Report and Financial Statements of the Performing Arts Centre of Free State (PACOFS) for 2006-2007, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for 2006-2007.
TUESDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on 19 February 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(4)
classified the following Bills as section 76 Bills:
a) Housing Development Agency Bill [B 1 – 2008] (National
Assembly – sec 76)
b) Second-Hand Goods Bill [B 2 – 2008] (National Assembly – sec
76).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Arts and Culture
a) Report and Financial Statements of the National Archivist and the National Archives Advisory Council for 2004-2005.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Council of Provinces
CREDA INSERT - Insert: T080219-InsertE – PAGES 236-269
WEDNESDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on 18 February 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6)
classified the following Bill as a section 75 Bill:
(a) Cross-Border Road Transport Amendment Bill [B 51 – 2007]
(National Assembly – sec 75) 2. Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
1) Appropriation Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister of Finance.
Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance and the Select
Committee on Finance.
2) Division of Revenue Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister of
Finance. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance and the
Select Committee on Finance.
- Introduction of Bills
1. The Minister of Finance
(a) Appropriation Bill [B 3 – 2008] (National Assembly –
proposed sec 77)
b) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 – 2008] (National Assembly –
proposed sec 76)
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Finance of
the National Assembly for consideration and report and to the
Joint Budget Committee to consider in terms of its mandate, as
well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for
classification in terms of Joint Rule 160.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of
the Bills may be submitted to the JTM within three parliamentary
working days.
TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Finance
a) The Budget Speech of the Minister of Finance – 20 February 2008 [RP 03-2008].
b) Estimate of National Revenue for 2008 [RP 04-2008].
c) Taxation Proposals: Rates of Normal Tax and Rebates.
d) Budget Review 2008 [RP 02-2008], including:
• Taxation proposals in respect of customs and excise duties.e) Appropriation Bill [B 3 - 2008].
f) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 - 2008], tabled in terms of section 10(1) of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations Act, 1997 (Act No 97 of 1997).
g) Estimates of National Expenditure 2008 [RP 01-2008], which includes:
1. Memorandum on Vote No 1 - "The Presidency", Main Estimates, 2008-2009; 2. Memorandum on Vote No 2 - "Parliament", Main Estimates, 2008- 2009; 3. Memorandum on Vote No 3 - "Foreign Affairs", Main Estimates, 2008-2009; 4. Memorandum on Vote No 4 - "Home Affairs", Main Estimates, 2008- 2009; 5. Memorandum on Vote No 5 - "Public Works", Main Estimates, 2008- 2009; 6. Memorandum on Vote No 6 - "Government Communications and Information System", Main Estimates, 2008-2009; 7. Memorandum on Vote No 7 - "National Treasury", Main Estimates, 2008-2009;-
Memorandum on Vote No 8 - “Public Service and Administration”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 9 - “Public Service Commission”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 10 - “South African Management Development Institute”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 11 - “Statistics South Africa”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 12 - “Arts and Culture”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 13 - “Education”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 14 - “Health”, Main Estimates, 2008- 2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 15 - “Labour”, Main Estimates, 2008- 2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 16 - “Social Development”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 17 - “Sport and Recreation South Africa”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 18 - “Correctional Services”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 19 - “Defence”, Main Estimates, 2008- 2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 20 - “Independent Complaints Directorate”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 21 - “Justice and Constitutional Development”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 22 - “Safety and Security”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 23 - “Agriculture”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 24 - “Communications”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 25 - “Environmental Affairs and Tourism”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 26 - “Housing”, Main Estimates, 2008- 2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 27 - “Land Affairs”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 28 - “Minerals and Energy”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 29 - “Provincial and Local Government”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 30 - “Public Enterprises”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 31 - “Science and Technology”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 32 - “Trade and Industry”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 33 - “Transport”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009;
-
Memorandum on Vote No 34 - “Water Affairs and Forestry”, Main Estimates, 2008-2009. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Finance for consideration and report.
THURSDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2008
-
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
-
Introduction of Bills
-
The Minister of Finance
Please note: The following item amends item 3 under the entry “Announcements – The Speaker and the Chairperson”, published on page 272 of the Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports of 20 February 2008:
a) Appropriation Bill [B 3 – 2008] (National Assembly – proposed sec 77)
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Finance of the National Assembly for consideration and report and to the Joint Budget Committee to consider in terms of its mandate, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bills may be submitted to the JTM within three parliamentary working days.
(b) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 – 2008] (National Assembly – proposed sec 76)
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on Finance of the National Assembly for consideration and report, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification of the Bills may be submitted to the JTM within three parliamentary working days.
-
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Draft Rules of Procedure for Applications to Court in terms of the
Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000).
FRIDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills
(1) Co-operative Banks Bill [B 13B – 2007] – Act No 40 of 2007
(assented to and signed by President on 18 February 2008).
MONDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on terms of Joint Rule 160(4) classified the following
Bill as a section 76 Bill:
(a) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 – 2008] (National Assembly –
sec 76)
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
a) Draft Amendments to the High Courts and Magistrates’ Courts Rules
in accordance with section 7(2) (c) of the Criminal Procedure
Amendment Act, 2003 (Act No 42 of 2003).
-
The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Land Affairs for 2008 to 2011.
TUESDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
- Message from National Assembly to National Council of Provinces in respect of Bill passed by Assembly and transmitted to Council
(1) Bill passed by National Assembly and transmitted for concurrence
on 26 February 2008:
(a) Division of Revenue Bill [B 4 - 2008] (National Assembly –
sec 76)
The Bill has been referred to the Select Committee on Finance of
the National Council of Provinces.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
a) Government Notice No R.137 published in Government Gazette No 30739 dated 8 February 2008: Commencement of Bio-Prospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing Regulations, 2008 in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
b) Government Notice No R.138 published in Government Gazette No 30739 dated 8 February 2008: Regulation on Bio-Prospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
c) Government Notice No R.149 published in Government Gazette No 30739 dated 8 February 2008: Notice of exemption in terms of section 86, in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
d) General Notice No 246 published in Government Gazette No 30767 dated 11 February 2008: Regulations: Fees for the provision of aviation meteorological services in terms of the South African Weather Service Act, 2001 (Act No 8 of 2001). e) General Notice No 253 published in Government Gazette No 30773 dated 13 February 2008: Regulating Committee for Meteorological Services: Nominations for the appointment of suitable persons as members, in terms of the South African Weather Service Act, 2001 (Act No 8 of 2001).
-
The Minister of Trade and Industry
a) Government Notice No R.845 published in Government Gazette No 30276 dated 14 September 2007: National Building Regulations: Amendment in terms of the National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act, 1977 (Act No 103 of 1977).
b) Government Notice No 1054 published in Government Gazette No 30442 dated 9 November 2007: Proposed amendment of the compulsory specification for motor vehicles of Category M1, in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 23 of 1993).
c) Government Notice No 1055 published in Government Gazette No 30442 dated 9 November 2007: Proposed amendment of the compulsory specification for motor vehicles of Category N1, in terms of the Standards Act, 1993 (Act No 23 of 1993).
d) Government Notice No 1079 published in Government Gazette No 30471 dated 16 November 2007: Incorporation of an external company as a company in the Republic of South Africa in terms of the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No 61 of 1973).
e) Government Notice No 1167 published in Government Gazette No 30549 dated 7 December 2007: Incorporation of an external company as a company in the Republic of South Africa in terms of the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No 61 of 1973).
f) Government Notice No R.1168 published in Government Gazette No 30551 dated 7 December 2007: International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa: Amendment of Government Notice No R269, in terms of the International Trade Administration Act, 2002 (Act No 71 of 2002).
(g) Government Notice No R.1225 published in Government Gazette No
30593 dated 14 December 2007: Patents Regulations Amendment
pursuant to the Patents Amendment Act, 2005 (Act No 20 of 2005).
h) Government Notice No R.1226 published in Government Gazette No
30593 dated 14 December 2007: Patents Regulations Amendment, 2007
in terms of the Patents Amendment Act, 2005 (Act No 20 of 2005).
i) Proclamation No R.46 published in Government Gazette No 30593 dated
14 December 2007: Determination that Act and Regulations will come
into operation in terms of the Patents Amendment Act, 2005 (Act No
20 of 2005).
j) Government Notice No 54 published in Government Gazette No 30687
dated 25 January 2008: Companies and Intellectual Property
Registration Office (CIPRO): Practice Note No 1 of 2008: Directives
of the Registrar of Companies and of Close Corporations in terms of
the Companies Act, 1973 (Act No 61 of 1973) and Close Corporations
Act, 2006 (Act No 69 of 1984).
k) Government Notice No R63 published in Government Gazette No 30696
dated 1 February 2008: Strategic Industrial Project (SIP) in terms
of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
l) Government Notice No R64 published in Government Gazette No 30696
dated 1 February 2008: Strategic Industrial Project (SIP) in terms
of the Income Tax Act, 1962 (Act No 58 of 1962).
m) Government Notice No R.82 published in Government Gazette No 30718
dated 1 February 2008: Amendments to the National Liquor
Regulations, 2004 in terms of the Liquor Act, 2003 (Act No 59 of
2003).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
CREDA INSERT - Insert: T080226 – Insert1E - PAGES 331-350
WEDNESDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
CALLING OF JOINT SITTING OF PARLIAMENT
The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms B Mbete, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr M J Mahlangu, in terms of Joint Rule 7(2), have called a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament for Thursday, 28 February 2008 at 14:15 in order for Mr Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France, to address the Joint Sitting.
B MBETE, MP M J MAHLANGU, MP SPEAKER OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister for Agriculture and Land Affairs
(a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Agriculture for 2008-09 to 2010-11.
THURSDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
- Message from National Assembly to National Council of Provinces in respect of Bill passed by Assembly and transmitted to Council
(1) Bill passed by National Assembly and transmitted for concurrence
on 28 February 2008:
(a) National Environment Laws Amendment Bill [B 35 - 2007]
(National Assembly – sec 76)
The Bill has been referred to the Select Committee on Land and
Environmental Affairs of the National Council of Provinces.
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
1. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
a) Special Report of the JSCI on the Special “Browse” Mole
consolidated report in terms of section 6(2) of the Intelligence
Services Control Act, 1994 (Act No 40 of 1994).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Trade and Industry
a) Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Czech Republic on Economic Cooperation, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of South Africa and the Government of the Czech Republic on Economic Cooperation.
FRIDAY, 29 FEBRUARY 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Assent by President in respect of Bills (1) Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Amendment Bill [B 35F – 2005] – Act No 39 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 23 February 2008).
(2) Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill [B 24B – 2006] – Act No
23 of 2007 (assented to and signed by President on 23 February
2008).
- Classification of Bills by Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM)
(1) The JTM on 22 February 2008 in terms of Joint Rule 160(6)
classified the following Bill as a section 77 Bill:
(a) Appropriation Bill [B 3 – 2008] (National Assembly – sec
77).
MONDAY, 3 MARCH 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Draft Bills submitted in terms of Joint Rule 159
(1) Castle Management Act Repeal Bill, 2008, submitted by the
Minister of Defence. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Defence
and the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
(2) Defence Amendment Bill, 2008, submitted by the Minister of
Defence. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and the
Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Affairs.
3) Tobacco Products Control Amendment Bill, 2008, submitted by the
Minister of Health. Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Health
and the Select Committee on Social Services.
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
-
The Minister of Labour
a) International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 187 and Recommendation 197 concerning the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health, 2006, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
b) Explanatory Memorandum to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 187 and Recommendation 197 concerning the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health. c) International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 188, concerning work in the Fishing Sector and Recommendation 199, concerning work in the Fishing Sector, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
d) Explanatory Memorandum to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 188, concerning work in the Fishing Sector and Recommendation 199, concerning work in the Fishing Sector.
e) International Labour Organisation (ILO) Recommendation 198 concerning the Employment Relationship, 2006, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
f) Explanatory Memorandum to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Recommendation 198 concerning the Employment Relationship, 2006.
g) International Labour Organisation (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, tabled in terms of section 231(3) of the Constitution, 1996.
h) Explanatory Memorandum to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006.
TUESDAY, 4 MARCH 2008
ANNOUNCEMENTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
The Speaker and the Chairperson
- Introduction of Bills
(1) The Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development
(a) Renaming of High Courts Bill [B 5 – 2008] (National
Assembly – proposed sec 75) [Explanatory summary of Bill and
prior notice of its introduction published in Government
Gazette No 30799 of 21 February 2008.]
Introduction and referral to the Portfolio Committee on
Justice and Constitutional Development of the National
Assembly, as well as referral to the Joint Tagging Mechanism
(JTM) for classification in terms of Joint Rule 160.
In terms of Joint Rule 154 written views on the classification
of the Bill may be submitted to the JTM within three
parliamentary working days.
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
- Referral to Committees of papers tabled
1. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Safety and Security:
(a) Report of the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) for
January 2007 to June 2007, in terms of section 18(5)(c) of the
Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No 116 of 1998).
2. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Social Services for consideration and report and to the Select
Committee on Labour and Public Enterprises:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Compensation
Commissioner for Occupational Diseases (CCOD) for 2005-2006
and 2006-2007, including the Reports of the Auditor-General on
the Financial Statements for 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.
3. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration:
(a) The Budget and Strategic Plan of the Auditor-General for
2008-2011 [RP 231-2007].
4. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Economic and Foreign Affairs and the Select Committee on Security
and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report, the
committees to confer and the Select Committee on Economic and
Foreign Affairs to report:
a) Report of the South African Council for the Non-Proliferation
of Weapons of Mass Destruction for July 2006 to June 2007.
5. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Social Services for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Independent
Electoral Commission (IEC) for 2006-2007, including the Report
of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and
Performance Information for 2006-2007 [RP 103-2007].
6. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) General Notice No 1634 published in Government Gazette No
30464 dated 13 November 2007: Draft Municipal Asset Transfer
Regulations: Call for comments, in term of the Local
Government: Municipal Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act No 1
of 1999).
(b) Government Notice No R.1026 published in Government
Gazette No 30420 dated 26 October 2007: Correction notice:
Amendment of Schedule No 1 (No 1/1/1346) in terms of the
Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No 91 of 1964).
(c) Government Notice No R.1071 published in Government
Gazette No 30460 dated 16 November 2007: Amendment of Schedule
No 4 (No 4/302) in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964
(Act No 91 of 1964).
7. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration:
(a) Government Notice No 99 published in Government Gazette No
30715 dated 31 January 2008: Determination of limit or
remuneration for purpose of determination of contribution in
terms of section 6 of the Unemployment Insurance Contributions
Act, 2002 (Act No 4 of 2002).
8. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs:
(a) Proclamation No R.37 published in Government Gazette No
30521 dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing
special investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
(Act No 74 of 1996).
(b) Proclamation No R.38 published in Government Gazette No
30521 dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing
special investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
(Act No 74 of 1996).
(c) Proclamation No R.39 published in Government Gazette No
30521 dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing
special investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
(Act No 74 of 1996).
(d) Proclamation No R.40 published in Government Gazette No
30521 dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing
special investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
(Act No 74 of 1996).
(e) Proclamation No R.41 published in Government Gazette No
30521 dated 27 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing
special investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
(Act No 74 of 1996).
(f) Proclamation No R.44 published in Government Gazette No
30527 dated 28 November 2007: Referral of matters of existing
special investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
(Act No 74 of 1996).
(g) Proclamation No R.45 published in Government Gazette No
30552 dated 7 December 2007: Referral of matters of existing
special investigating unit and special tribunal in terms of
Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act, 1996
(Act No 74 of 1996).
(h) Proclamation No R.17 published in Government Gazette No
30664 dated 11 January 2008: Amendment of Proclamation in
terms of Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals
Act, 1996 (Act No 74 of 1996).
9. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance:
(a) Government Notice No 128 published in Government Gazette
No 30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for,
and compilation of, the year 2008 Natura pure gold coin series
in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No
90 of 1989).
(b) Government Notice No 129 published in Government Gazette
No 30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for,
and compilation of, the year 2008 Protea coin series in terms
of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of
1989).
(c) Government Notice No 130 published in Government Gazette
No 30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for,
and compilation of, the year 2008 Fifa 2010 coin series in
terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90
of 1989).
(d) Government Notice No 131 published in Government Gazette
No 30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for,
and compilation of, the year 2008 R2 pure gold coin series in
terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No 90
of 1989).
(e) Government Notice No 132 published in Government Gazette
No 30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for,
and compilation of, the year 2008 sterling silver coin series
in terms of the South African Reserve Bank Act, 1989 (Act No
90 of 1989).
(f) Government Notice No 133 published in Government Gazette
No 30730 dated 5 February 2008: The dimension of, design for,
and compilation of, the year 2008 Crown size and 2½c sterling
silver coin series in terms of the South African Reserve Bank
Act, 1989 (Act No 90 of 1989).
10. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration and report:
(a) Report on the suspension of a magistrate: Mr S P
Zwelibanzi, an additional magistrate at NgQamakwe in terms of
section 13(4)(a)(i) of the Magistrates Act, 1993 (Act No 90 of
1993).
11. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Finance for consideration and report:
a) Report of the Registrar of Short-term Insurance for 2006.
b) Report of the Registrar of Long-term Insurance for 2006.
12. The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on
Labour and Public Enterprises for consideration:
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Public Enterprises for 2008
to 2011.
13. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Education and Recreation for consideration and report:
(a) Report and Financial Statements of the Performing Arts
Centre of Free State (PACOFS) for 2006-2007, including the
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements for
2006-2007.
b) Report and Financial Statements of the National Archivist and
the National Archives Advisory Council for 2004-2005.
14. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Security and Constitutional Affairs for consideration:
a) Draft Rules of Procedure for Applications to Court in terms of
the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of
2000).
(b) Draft Amendments to the High Courts and Magistrates’
Courts Rules in accordance with section 7(2) (c) of the
Criminal Procedure Amendment Act, 2003 (Act No 42 of 2003).
(c) Report of the Public Protector, submitted in terms of
section 182(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South
Africa, 1996, and section 8(2)(b)(i) of the Public Protector
Act, 1994 (Act No 23 of 1994), on the investigation of a
complaint of improper conduct by the President of the Republic
of South Africa, Mr T M Mbeki, lodged by a member of
Parliament, Mr M Waters.
15. The following papers are referred to the Select Committee on
Land and Environmental Affairs for consideration:
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Land Affairs for 2008 to
2011.
(b) Strategic Plan of the Department of Agriculture for 2008-
09 to 2010-11.
(c) Government Notice No R.137 published in Government Gazette
No 30739 dated 8 February 2008: Commencement of Bio-
Prospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing Regulations, 2008 in
terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity
Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
(d) Government Notice No R.138 published in Government Gazette
No 30739 dated 8 February 2008: Regulations on Bio-
Prospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing in terms of the
National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act
No 10 of 2004).
(e) Government Notice No R.149 published in Government Gazette
No 30739 dated 8 February 2008: Notice of exemption in terms
of section 86, in terms of the National Environmental
Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004).
f) General Notice No 246 published in Government Gazette No 30767
dated 11 February 2008: Regulations: Fees for the provision of
aviation meteorological services in terms of the South African
Weather Service Act, 2001 (Act No 8 of 2001).
g) General Notice No 253 published in Government Gazette No 30773
dated 13 February 2008: Regulating Committee for
Meteorological Services: Nominations for the appointment of
suitable persons as members, in terms of the South African
Weather Service Act, 2001 (Act No 8 of 2001).
TABLINGS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
- The Minister of Communications
a) Strategic Plan of the Department of Communications for 2008 to 2011.
- The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
a) Government Notice No R.15 published in Government Gazette No 30645
dated 4 January 2008: Notice in terms of section 16 of the Marine
Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act No 18 of 1998).
b) Government Notice No 19 published in Government Gazette No 30666
dated 18 January 2008: Correction of Government Notice No 1197
published in Government Gazette No 30590 dated 18 December 2007, in
terms of the World Heritage Convention Act, 1999 (Act No 49 of
1999).
National Council of Provinces
The Chairperson
Report of the Rules Committee of the NCOP
The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, as the Chairperson of the Rules Committee of the Council, present the First Report of the Rules Committee of the National Council of Provinces, dated 04 March 2008, as follows:
To amend the following rules by insertion of the underlined words.
Establishment 147 (1) The Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions consists of one Council member from each province designated by the delegation head.
Chairperson
- (1) The Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions must elect one of its members as the chairperson of the committee.
Functions and powers
- (1) The Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions must consider and make recommendations to the Council on all legislative proposals made by Council
Decisions
- A question before the Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions is agreed when at least five provinces vote in favour of the question.
Referral of proposals to Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions
- (1) The Chairperson of the Council must refer the member’s memorandum to the Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions.
Council’s consideration of proposal
- (1) The member’s memorandum and the recommendation of the Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions.
Referral of petitions to committees
- After tabling a petition in the Council, the Chairperson of the Council must refer the petition to the Select Committee on Members’ Legislative Proposals and Petitions.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
National Assembly and National Council of Provinces
“1. Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on employment of SANDF for a service in co-operation with the South African Police Service, dated 20 February 2008.
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence, having considered the
letter from the President on the employment of the South African
National Defence Force (SANDF) for a service in co-operation with
the South African Police Service, referred to the Committee,
reports that it has concluded its deliberations thereon.
-
Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on employment of SANDF in Darfur, Sudan, dated 20 February 2008.
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence, having considered the letter from the President on the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Darfur, Sudan, referred to the Committee, reports that it has concluded its deliberations thereon.”
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