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12 Aug, 2015
National Women’s Day
ADDRESS BY Ms CN Majeke MP in the National Assembly SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: NATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – Women United in moving South Africa forward Honourable Speaker and Members Despite progress reported in the Report on the Status of Women in South Africa; most rural women and girls are still facing more obstacles in gaining access to public service, social protection, decent employment opportunities, and markets and other institutions. The voice of rural women must be recognised in policy making in order to end discriminatory practices and ensure their access to land and other productive resources. When women are empowered and can claim their rights, they gain access to land, leadership opportunities, opportunities and choices, economies grow, food security is enhanced and prospects are improved for current and future generations. Rural women are key agents for achieving the transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development. But limited access to credit, health care and education are amongst the many challenges they face, which are further aggravated by global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering rural women is key not only to the well-being of individuals, families and rural communities, but also to the overall economic productivity. Until women are seen as equal human beings, the eradication of gender based violence and empowerment of rural women and girls will not be successful. The huge sums of monies used every year during the National Women’s Month should also help to introduce preventative measures which will help to prevent women from being victims of human trafficking, patriarchal system, social and economic ills. In the words of the then Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan “Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance”. Indeed pathways out of poverty for rural women should include measures designed in such a way as to reflect the complexity of gendered rural livelihoods. Policies intended to address rural poverty should not be treated in isolation hence it is important to implement education, land and credit measures, as well as active labour market policies and social protection in an integrated manner, understanding their interdependencies and fostering synergies. Thank you
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06 Aug, 2015
Advancing the developmental agenda of municipalities for a better life for our people
Address by Mr LB Gaehler in the NCOP Hon Chairperson and Honourable Members The ruling party is failing the development agenda of municipalities at the expense of the poor rural masses of our people. The visit to the OR Tambo District has exposed this as a fact. People of Port St Johns and Nyandeni had to take to the streets, in demand for the upgrading and maintenance of the roads which are in a devastating state. External and Internal connecting roads are in a state of constant decay with no sense of an urgent action from the ruling elite. Some roads in the Ingquza Local Municipality remain unsurfaced, yet they were gazetted long time ago. There is absolutely no justification for the neglect of such an important infrastructure. Water and sanitation infrastructure is under budgeted, with only R10 million for the management, painfully with no clarity on whether there is a plan and budget for the replacement and maintenance of the daily decaying infrastructure. In some areas within the KSD and Nyandeni municipalities, poor rural people do not have access to basic human necessity, water. Greenville in Mthatha is a case in point, where water has been a scarce human necessity for more than four weeks. Whilst the District Municipality lists as a success, the development of new towns and malls, town planning fails to address the historic spatial development challenges. Much of the reported and planned development does not confirm existence of a spatial development plan seeking to redress the imbalances of the past. Honourable Chairperson, the socio economic infrastructure of the majority of the rural municipalities, demands a special and dedicated attention. In this regard, the United Democratic Movement proposes that a Special Rural Infrastructure backlog fund be created. The current Municipal Infrastructure Grant is either under budgeted and is not bias towards rural areas. Without this crucial intervention, developmental agenda in rural municipalities cannot be advanced. Finally, the advancement of the municipal development agenda will not be realised as long as we have many of the Senior Municipal Managers like the Municipal Managers of the OR Tambo District, the Port St Johns and KSD local municipalities are in acting positions. Worse, in KSD local municipality this unbearable situation doubles up with an Acting Chief Financial Officer. The Ruling party need to take the people of rural areas serious and treat them with respect, if the developmental agenda is to be advanced. Thank you.
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05 Aug, 2015
Former President Nelson Mandela’s legacy
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION:ENTRENCHING FORMER PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA’S LEGACY OF DEDICATED AND SELFLESS SERVICE TO BUILDING A SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE SOCIETY ADDRESS BY Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Hon Speaker and members This debate reminds me of a haunting question that Tata Mandela asked me in the early nineties and the question was … “Bantu what happened to all the birds that used to inhabit this place?”. This question would have been occasioned by an acknowledgement that even in the most remote rural areas, the morning enjoyment of the tranquillity of nature, the harmonious sounds of the birds, their beautiful singing has long gone. Poverty, against which Mandela dedicated the entirety of his life fighting to defeat, has forced people to continue resorting to trees, as wood to make fire to cook and keep warm, resulting to the destruction of the natural forests. Today we are confronted by a life threatening global warming, the lack of production of food through home based gardening, which cause hunger, unhealthy environment and unsustainable livelihood. Indeed with Nelson Mandela having fought and served to build a socially inclusive and sustainable global society, the 67 minutes we contribute to this good cause would seem appropriate way to honour the legacy of this icon of our time, but more can still be done for 365 days. In this regard, I propose that we consider an International Project to restore the tranquillity of the nature. This means launching global re-afforestation programmes together with food production gardens in every household in the world. To be conclusive on this proposal, it may be termed a Nelson Mandela Forests and Gardens in which case, the nation that gave birth to this great patriot, South Africa, may lead the international community by starting with its own chapter. In our country, this initiative will go a long way to address historical consequences of an environment that was deliberately designed along the racial lines whilst creating more opportunities for jobs. Equally important, is that such an approach will also instil a culture of participation and ownership which our Constitutional Democracy requires. I thank you.
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08 May, 2015
Subject for dicussion: The relevance of symbols in building a new democratic heritage – addresss by Mr ML Filtane, MP in the National Assembly
Hon Speaker and members Steve Biko once said, “As long as blacks are suffering from inferiority complex as a result of 300 years of deliberate oppression, denigration and division, they will be useless as co-architects of a normal society where man has nothing else but man for his own sake”. In this regard, he called for a liberation from mental enslavement. The historical and heritage symbols play an important part in defining our present, the past, and are a reality, upon which a discourse on defining the future or explaining the past can be located. However, the debate about symbols and building a democratic heritage cannot be an isolated one but an integral part of the broad socio economic transformation of our society. The building of a democratic heritage requires a substantial focus on a thorough understanding of how the social, political and economic structure, and relations, both theoretical and programmatic, are shaped. The narrow focus on symbolic representation of the legacy of colonialism, apartheid and separate development will result in mere ceremonial and symbolic engagement with the continuity of the same but under a post-colonial and apartheid era. The product will be artificial interventions devoid of substance, beyond the symbolic and a feel good vibes. The radical engagement with the more complicated challenges of how to bring about total de-colonialisation aimed at genuine physical and psychological liberation of the people must not be limited to politically correct rhetoric that cushions the interest and agenda of the ruling elite. However, and in the same vein, the importance of symbols as a means to restore dignity and pride of a people cannot be relegated to the periphery. We emphasise that it must not be divorced from the overall programme of building a new united South Africa that take cognisance of the histories, heritage and collective memories of all its people. The dictate of the Constitution, that South African belong to all who live in it, demands that we collectively, as a people, define our legacy, history and heritage and dictate how we want to celebrate these. The real debate should indeed be about what place do the colonial symbols occupy and how they can be used to educate future generations about the atrocities of colonialism and apartheid. Simply destroying parts of this reality of history will distort our collective history and deny future generations the chance of knowing our past. National unity and eradication of all socio economic ills of the past will be achieved through tangible institutional, systematic and structural pattern of development. Borrowing from Frantz Fanon, the struggle of the people of South Africa is concern as much with freedom from colonialism as with liberation from the suffocating embrace of the past and the pretention of its civilisation should be a universal destiny of all its citizens. I thank you
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07 May, 2015
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: Vote 11 on Public Works
ADDRESS BY Mr ML Filtane MP Hon Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement supports the budget. However we want to drive home the following important issues for the department to pay the necessary attention to, during the current financial season. • For the financial year 2014/15, the Minister committed the department to creation of over a million work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme as a contribution to the overall commitment to create 6 million work opportunities by 2019. In this regard, the department should quarterly and annually update its statistics against the targets and report accordingly. • During our oversight visit to Pretoria, one eight storey building, in which the Council for the Built Environment is involved, was discovered to be socially unfriendly and non-compliant with basic prescripts governing and regulating conditions for buildings, private and public. This matter needs to be attended to urgently. One ablution facility and toilet to serve 32 tenants in one floor is just not acceptable. • The Departmental Offices situated in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, has not been functioning optimally for a while, allegedly due to internal management challenges. This situation, if left unattended to, is compromising the efficiency and effectiveness of the department to render its services to its clientele. The Departmental Administrative Head should ensure that the situation is resolved. • The department must move with speed in finalising all the outstanding lease agreements. • The security of the Parliamentary villages remains a very sore and critical matter, this is notwithstanding all important decisions taken in the past. We still receive reports of break inns and uninvited visitors from outside in the middle of the night, risking the security of members. The department must ensure that once decisions are taken, they are implemented with the speedy they deserve. It must be remembered that this is classified as PRESTIGE PORTFOLIO of the department. • We need to get an update reports on the suitability of all government buildings in terms of access by people with disability as regulated. The department undertook last year to ensure that all Government buildings are compliant. • This budget, must also consider the funding framework for the Independent Development Trust. This should be consistent with the mandate of the IDT. The future of the employees of this entity remains uncertain, whilst this matter remains in limbo. The UDM hopes that corruption that has been widely reported, painting the department as a heaven of corrupt activities, is being aggressively addressed at an accelerated pace. I thank you. End
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05 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 33: Tourism – address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Ministers and Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote number 33 on tourism. In this regard, we welcome the efforts and work done by the department and many other role players in ensuring that this country remains a destination of choice for many citizens of world. This is notwithstanding socio economic challenges that the country continue to be confronted which in many instances results to inhuman and barbaric acts by criminal elements within our communities. We also note with regret that more than 90 percent of tourism activities in the country are limited to the three economic centers of the country (Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban). This means beneficiation from this industry is limited to the urban part of the country thus excluding the majority of the unemployed and poor, who are found in the extreme rural areas of our land. The further UDM notes and welcome the commitment by the department to its focus shift towards expanding the tourism scope. However, this shift must not reduce the beneficiation currently enjoyed by urban areas, instead, more investment must be towards rural areas whilst strategically empowering the urban tourism to sustain itself through proper management and diversification. The niche for rural tourism is its heritage. The department has already made a clear case for this as paradigm shift and we support that. There are many iconic attractions in our rural areas and we must take advantage of this and maximise its strategic role on tourism. Our wildlife, fascinating history, natural beauty and culture are major and primary tourist attractions and we need to grow them into global iconic places and experiences. Heritage must be at centre of rural economic development and for the realisation of this programmes, a collaborative effort between all key stakeholders like, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the Economic Cluster and well as the Local Sphere of governance is the pre-requirement. Accordingly, the department must invest on heritage knowledge working together with other relevant stakeholders. Total implementation of the National Rural Tourism Strategy, the National Heritage and Cultural Tourism Strategy and the National Tourism Sector Strategy as policy tools that the department has in its position can no longer be postponed. Through consistent and aggressive implementation of these tools and working together with the rural citizens, will ensure that the department plays its critical role in the fight against poverty, unemployment and inequality. The department must not fail in this historic task. Thank you
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05 Jun, 2015
Member’s Statement on the critical challenges confronting young women address by Ms CN Majeke, MP in the National Assembly
Honourable Speaker and members As we begin the 39 Anniversary of the Youth month, it is important that we focus on the critical challenges confronting young women. Many young women remain targets for gender based violence. The recent UN, 2010 report, on violence against women in Africa indicates that the scourge of violence against women in Africa is still largely rampant, but hidden beneath cultural practices and beliefs. Amongst other reasons accountable for this situation are recorded as: • The predominance of the system of patriarchy across the continent and our country is not immune; • Violence against women is accepted as a cultural norm in many of our communities and is often condoned by the communities; • The stigma attached to female victims has resulted in very low rates of reporting and some young women and in particular in the rural areas, do not report and or sometimes are turned away by authorities who see violence against young women as not important. All government institutions and in law enforcement agencies and our judicial system, must give priority to violence against young women. The World Health Organisation reports that the health of young women is affected by a plethora of factors, most of which revolve around lack of adequate health facilities and infrastructure. We need to give extra focus on this matter as well during this 39th anniversary of the youth months with specific focus on young women. Promoting gender equity and empowerment of young women will be of benefit to our economy and the society at large. However, we still face a stumbling block with regard to prioritising young women. The National Youth Agency must give the necessary attention on this area as it implements its programme during this month. The majority of the unemployed young people are young women. I thank you
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04 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 23: Police address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Ministers and Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote number 23 on POLICE. The incident at the Alexandra police station yesterday is a cause for great concern. Not less than four lives have been lost in a short space of time. More disturbing is that the shooting of a wife, two relatives and a police officer took place at a police station where it is expected that citizen’s safety is guaranteed. Many police offers are working under stressful conditions with no support mechanisms. Some are reported to be resisting attending counselling fearing that if they are diagnosed with certain conditions, such may make it difficult to get upward mobility at work. One of the things that the department needs to priorities is the implementation of a doctrine that ensures that our police service functions according to a set of rules that are in line with the values enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic. The department must also run a consistent programme intended to condition the police for the demanding service they have to deliver to the communities. Related to this, is a concerted mobilisation of communities so that the relationship between the police and communities is the one that enhances the service and ensure maximum security of the citizens. The instability with the Independent Police Investigating Directorate (IPID), undermines the strategic objectives for which that directorate was established. The ministry must ensure that the IPID stability is high in its agenda. The allegations about police officer’s involvement in serious crimes are on the increase with little consequences if any. The low conviction rates of implicated officers suggest that the police do not take the problem seriously and that the policies in place to deal with this matter are ineffective. The department must pay attention to this crisis. The morale and discipline of some of the police officers in some of the police stations lives much to be desired. This is coupled with the conditions under which these officers are expected to deliver services as well as their attitude towards the service and citizens. On the 7th of October 2014, I penned a letter to the Minister of Police bring to his attention the poor service I was personally exposed to at the Ngangelizwe Police Station in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. A combination of two fundamental factors referred to above, in that police station they find expression. The station had no tools for operation, such as a mere photocopy equipment, inks and others, let alone long queues that not attended to. The service in this station is a direct opposite of what is presented by the Minister and the department on the kind of service they commit to deliver to citizen. Madam Chair, as I speak now, detective sections of many police stations across the country are unable to get photos from their colleagues in the photo section, because it is claimed that funds are not sufficient to make them available. This is rendering the detective sections incapable to discharge its responsibility and deliver services to the poor citizens. We call on the Ministry to attend to this as an urgent matter. The Ministry and the department must pay very close attention to the daily work and service given in these police stations across the country. Madam Chair, the turnaround time of the Legal Aid Board, is rather disturbing. There are cases that are not concluded due to their lack of timely response to service request by the public. We to repeat the call we made with regard to the creation of special courts to respond to spontaneous illegal activities by communities. We must also consider the transformation of the judicial system as a priority that must not be stretched too long. Security of prison and court officials as well as facilities thereof, constitute an area for consideration by the department as in some instances, there have been reports of a lack of safety in the correctional services centres. An integrated programme and implementation by all the justice cluster will help us resolve many of the challenges confronting this area of strategic importance in the broader transformation agenda. Thank you
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04 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 17: Social Development – address by Mr LB Gaehler, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Ministers and Members The United Democratic Movement supports this budget vote and in this regard, we would like to make the following comments. • The creation of a caring society is based on the willingness to provide the tools for achieving an inclusive society. This implies that life chances are partly detached, or de-commodified from social and economic origins and circumstances. • The core of the inclusive society is to create equal opportunities and equal access to services and infrastructure for specific groups such as unemployed and disadvantaged, disabled people, children and adolescents, older people and pensioners, ethnic communities and many others. • We need to grapple with the essential building stones for a caring society in order to achieve an inclusive society. In doing this, we must also strive to reach a stage where participation of society, in social, political and economic spheres while respecting diversity but deliberately empowering the disadvantaged and vulnerable. • We must underpin our conception of an inclusive society with education and family capital for us to sustain it. • Given the current demographics, economic and political pressure as well as financial constraints, welfare state reforms are on the political agenda everywhere in the developing world. The recent spate of missing children in particular children from poor families robes the nation of future leaders. It makes it impossible for society to invest in these poor souls for the future development of the nation. We must double the efforts in rooting out this barbaric act from our society. Both, the community and law enforcement agencies must work collectively as agents of change for the creation of a caring and inclusive society. Gender discrimination is a crucial factor in entrenching a caring and inclusive society in particular for women and girls who are vulnerable to all sorts of social and economic ills including human trafficking. A range of laws and policies and programmes have been adopted to promote gender equity. This is not only a political and constitutional priority but also a key developmental matter and central part of building a caring and inclusive society. I concede that there are, and shall always be complex and varied factors impeding realization of this noble goal, a caring and inclusive society, however, a combination of all efforts by all citizens can guarantee us a great success in this regard. Thank you
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02 Jun, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 2: Parliament -address by Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, MP in the NA
Madam Speaker and Honourable Members, A race to the bottom is currently underway in our Parliament. Today in this House, we engage and deal with our Nation’s challenges, less according to national interests and the need to create a better life for all, but more according to cheap political point scoring and vote maximisation at all costs, and mostly according to the primitive doctrine that might is right. This approach causes us to miss countless opportunities to use our People’s Boardroom as an important space in the public sphere for debates and contestation of ideas. As a consequence, we allow debates to degenerate into an orgy of insults and counter-insults; put bluntly, into an orgy of nonsense our nation can ill afford. We have to arrest this problem, if we are to bequeath to our progeny a vibrant Parliament that is a voice of the people, and not one that is thick with the wreckage of failure. Madame Speaker, Recently, I attended a Conference on Illicit Flows, Transfer Pricing and Tax Evasion in Malawi. While at the conference, we got an opportunity to attend the sitting of the Malawian Parliament and discovered the following. Parliaments of Malawi and Kenya always endeavour to give as much speaking time as they can – sometimes even more time – to the opposition than they do to ruling parties. The rationale behind this is that they believe in the principle that: “The opposition must have its say, while the ruling party will (ultimately) have its way”, (through obviously the use of its majority during voting time in times of disagreements). This does not by any means imply that the ruling parties are not given enough time to articulate their policies and programmes, but that opposition parties are also given ample time to articulate their alternative policy proposals and to scrutinize as well as constructively criticise the work of Government. When speakers run out of time, their presiding officers politely request them to wrap up and they give them a minute or two to do so. This greatly enhanced the dignity and decorum of their House. As a result, our counterparts were shocked to hear that Africa’s model democracy (South Africa) gives opposition parties 3 minutes speaking time during Parliamentary debates. They call it a joke! We have to increase the minimum speaking to 5 minutes in debates in order to give us an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to debates, which would enhance the decorum of the House. Madam Speaker, In conclusion, I believe there is scope for our Parliament to partner with Sister Parliaments on the Continent in the campaign against illicit financial flows, transfer pricing and tax evasion, as well as on other African programmes. The UDM supports Budget Vote 2. Thank you.
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01 Jun, 2015
Message from the UDM President at the 41st Anniversary of the Inkatha Freedom Party
Address by UDM President, Mr BH Holomisa- MP Master of ceremonies, President of the IFP, Mr Mangosuthu Buthelezi, the leadership of the party, members and supporters Indeed, none amongst South Africans, people of the continent and the world over, can deny the immerse contribution that this wonderful party has made in the fight for freedom in our life time. You have made a great contribution to bring the kind of South Africa we all celebrate today, notwithstanding the fact that we still have a long way to go, collectively. Off cause the freedom you fought for is not yet felt and enjoyed by all citizens of the country including the members and supporters of IFP. The period between 1990 and 1994 was not well managed. Many role players in the fight against apartheid were not given the full role to play. The relationship between the current ruling party and the IFP was not good and this has robbed South Africans of a contribution that would have been made in crafting the developmental programme for the country. We went into 1994 as divided political parties in our isolated corners and could not learn from those with experience. However, we are happy that your contribution cannot be forgotten. President Mangosuthu, your decision to form and continue to guide the development and growth of this party was and remains one of the most important ones in the political history of this country. For that, we salute you. IFP, under your stewardship, has grown significantly and made numerous important contributions in shaping the political direction of our country. Your policy proposals cannot go unnoticed and in many circumstances has helped the country to sustain its democracy over the last 21 years. Your fatherly and high moral guidance in Parliament is a source of inspiration, continue to do it. The United Democratic Movement wishes you, your party, members and supporters a great evening and many more years to come. Thank you very much for allowing us to be part of history making. Thanks End
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26 May, 2015
2015 Debate on Budget Vote 1: Presidency address by Bantu Holomisa, MP
Hon Speaker and Members The United Democratic Movement supports this budget vote. Mr President, during the State of the Nation Address you declared the year 2015 as the “… year of unity in Action to Advance Economic Freedom”. However, what is not clear, is a common and simple programme that binds the entire society behind this vision. For instance, the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Committee’s work is not known by all citizens. We need a clearer road map of infrastructure development with more achievable targets, timelines and clear monitoring tools. To make matters worse, even the most celebrated National Development Plan does not enjoy the support of the ruling party’s main ally Cosatu. This sometimes causes unnecessary tensions between Labour and Business. Mr President, there is a growing culture of lawlessness that is increasingly characterising us as an unruly Nation that lacks discipline. Every day we witness citizens building homes in places not designed for human settlement, thus leading to multiple social and economic crises. Spatial development for both urban and rural areas requires proper coordination with the involvement of citizens to avoid cost of correcting uncoordinated development post effect. The UDM suggest that a Presidential Council on Sustainable Development with direct participation of the broader civil society be created. This approach will place citizens of the country at the centre of their own development as they seek to realise the vision of the country and promote a culture of ownership of its development direction. Central to the task of the council would be to consolidate and deploy the resources of the country towards an agreed to, development path. Many countries that have practiced this model have benefited significantly. It may be helpful to look again at the experiences of those countries like Canada. The current IDP system lacks aggressive people’s participation. Mr President, we have noted your response in this House about the release of the Marikana report. However, the UDM notes the pressure you find yourself in, given that your highest officials, right from the Deputy President and some Ministers were subject of the work of the commission. It is in the interest of all citizens of this country that you release the report without further delay. Its publication will not deter you from considering its findings. I thank you
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21 May, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 19: Defence and Military Veterans – address by Mr BH Holomisa MP
Honourable Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement support budget vote 19 on Defence and Military Veterans. In appreciation of the work of the Defence Force Service Commission, which has been presented to this parliament previously and being privileged to be its member; I would like to appeal to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, to convene a brainstorming session involving the Minister, Commission, Secretary for Defence and the Command element of the defence force. Such a session must consider the effectiveness or otherwise of the Defence Force Service Commission in particular with respect to the promise made to soldiers; that its powers will be equivalent to that of the Public Service Commission instead of being an advisory body to the Minister. It should be remembered that one of the burning issues at the time and continues to be, is that soldiers are not part of the Public Service Bargaining Council. The funding of this department has been a cause for concern for a long time. However, delays in processing the South African Defence Review make it difficult to resolve this critical matter. More effort must be towards the finalisation of the Defence Review Implementation Plan so that it can be presented to parliament within a period of three months. Further delays may necessitate the review of the defence operations both locally and abroad. In this regard, we believe that the security of South Africa is a priority in everything that our defence force is doing. I have, at pains experienced unnecessary delays in receiving feedback from the department on the reports we generate and submit in accordance with the mandate of the Defence Force Service Commission. These delays are due to the fact that the Minister and the Accounting Officer are frequently outside of the country. We call upon the Minister and Secretary for Defence, the Accounting Officer, to put moratorium on their frequent travelling outside of the country. I thank you
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21 May, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 40: Sport and Recreation – address by Mr ML Filtane, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement supports budget vote 40. • Sports and partisan politics have always been uncomfortable with each other in South Africa since the old days of Peter Hein in apartheid times. • A careful balancing act has to be found by either party in order for equilibrium to be struck. Between the two there are gladiators, spectators, administrators and sponsors (either potential or actual) because each party is in it for its own selfish purposes. It then becomes necessary that there should be absolute co-operation, otherwise the game suffers. • Parliament has to play its oversight role. This is why it is absolutely necessary for Minister to attend regularly the portfolio committee meetings. • Transformation: for this important programme to be effected it is necessary that all parties should understand its purpose, politically, socially and economically. • While some of the codes are doing well in this regard others are lagging behind. Of the major codes, SA Cricket appears to be dragging itself into this fold. Its transformation targets reflect an institution that is neither poised nor paced for transformation. It lacks all the necessary specifics like current status, programmes and dates. This is just not Cricket. • SA rugby has demonstrated its commitment to the committee, although there is still a long way to go to 2019. We hope nothing will be kicked-out to touch. • South Africa needs to reach a stage of development where some people stop thinking that the inclusion of players of colour automatically translates to poor performance. • Codes need to have strong development programmes. This is where parliament has to play its oversight role, effectively. • Often the social element, so necessary for national cohesion, is left out of the equation in pursuit of winning. • During apartheid years it did not matter whether teams lost or won as long as they were pure white. • Amongst other important pillars of a successful sporting nation, is appropriate sport infrastructure. This requires that we ensure appropriateness of our sporting facilities with serious commitment from Local Government, Public Works Department as well as cooperation with all other relevant departments like education. • National government and other agencies, continue to budget and transfer monies to municipalities for rolling our sports infrastructure. We call for the Minister to apply regular monitoring of the use of these resources so that they are able to achieve their intended objectives. I thank you
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21 May, 2015
2015 Budget Vote 31: Small Business Development – address by Mr ML Filtane, MP
Honourable Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement supports the budget. • Welcome the political shift for business rescue from big business into Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME). This will help to remove the strain associated with the SMME sector so that it can be able to deliver on the expectations of the National Development Plan with regard to the creation of job opportunities. • Whilst we intensify the creation of small business, we must move with speed in creating and liberalization of access to markets for the consumption of products and services rendered. • The related area that will require immediate attention is the capacity of the SMME in meeting the market demands once the markets have been liberalized. • Currently, it is difficult to map the competitive strength of the SMME sector in SA by province and or even by municipality or locality. Most of the interventions are generic rather than focusing on niche sectors from the lowest level of our communities. • Whilst welcoming the non-financial and financial support targets and funding for small business and cooperatives, however, the department should drive an aggressive programme focusing on reaching out to communities and in particular those initiatives intended to be beneficiaries. In many instances, these policy statements and budget targets presented and adopted by parliament are not know by the would-be beneficiaries resulting to under expenditure. The personnel giving support must have business acumen. • Access to service provided by the department is therefore critical and may need either partnership with lowest levels of government like municipalities and the creation of such service centres in all municipal areas where practically possible. • Creation of critical sectors for purposes of building industries and funding must then be channelled in new developing industries and incentives must enhance the shift in that direction. • In doing so it should then be able to measure the size and success of small business to medium size industry. • The department must be able to measure the progression of designed planning. • Linkages between private sector and small business must be defined according to value chain analysis. Set asides in government procurement must be popularized and be monitored. There should be direct linkage of small business development to the black industrialist programme that is being rolled out by the Department of Trade and Industry. I thank you End
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20 May, 2015
Condolence Motion: Ms Ruth Mompati, former MP – addresss by Ms CN Majeke, MP
Honourable Speaker and Members The United Democratic Movement (UDM) extends its heartfelt condolence to the family, the ANC and friends of the late member of the National Assembly Ms Ruth Mompati. A heroin with a good sense of humour and respect of mankind, a towering icon who was exemplary to our nation has fallen. Mme Mompati was blessed with resilience beyond measure. She was obedient to her calling and dared even her oppressors to embrace love. Her majestic ways were indicative of more than a just mere person – she was indeed an extraordinary human being. Her model is one for the ages and we thank her sacrifice. We are blessed for having a rare opportunity of sharing her in our life time. She was a good servant of the people, a great leader and a mother par excellence. When we pause and literally turn back into our past history at this momentous juncture of South Africa history, one is just amazed how MAMA has waved a humanness magic till the last day. Now that she is perusing an afterlife I believe all of us here, owe ourselves a fraction of wisdom to live and lead our lives like the life of selflessness and dedication to goodness of human spirit, Mme Mompati has dedicated her whole life to. We must dedicate the remainder of our lives to learn and live by principles MAMA dedicated her whole life and persona to, even if it could be a fraction of it. Indeed, we are much poorer without MAMA Mompati, she was a moral campus, our star of hope, humility and compassion and a greatest giant of them all. Mama epitomised humility in her actions, togetherness in her ways and joy in her nature. She has touched and influenced lives of many to be selfless, to be humble, to appreciate all we have and to be dignified when faced with tough decisions. We are eternally indebted to her for her monumental contribution to the freedom and democracy we now enjoy. She has now gone to join other stalwarts, ours is to hold tight to the teachings and memories of her selfless concern for the welfare of others. We cherish her hard work and leadership. Robala ka kgotso Mme Mompati, ore lwetse wa fenya – we are what we are today because of the contributions you have made to bring freedom to our lives and our children. May your soul rest in eternal peace. To her family, the African National Congress and its Alliance and friends, we hope, with time, you shall be able to close the chapter and allow her to rest in peace as the heavens have already integrated her as part of the family. Thank you End
Admin
07 May, 2015
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: Vote 11 on Public Works
ADDRESS BY Mr ML Filtane MP Hon Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement supports the budget. However we want to drive home the following important issues for the department to pay the necessary attention to, during the current financial season. • For the financial year 2014/15, the Minister committed the department to creation of over a million work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme as a contribution to the overall commitment to create 6 million work opportunities by 2019. In this regard, the department should quarterly and annually update its statistics against the targets and report accordingly. • During our oversight visit to Pretoria, one eight storey building, in which the Council for the Built Environment is involved, was discovered to be socially unfriendly and non-compliant with basic prescripts governing and regulating conditions for buildings, private and public. This matter needs to be attended to urgently. One ablution facility and toilet to serve 32 tenants in one floor is just not acceptable. • The Departmental Offices situated in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, has not been functioning optimally for a while, allegedly due to internal management challenges. This situation, if left unattended to, is compromising the efficiency and effectiveness of the department to render its services to its clientele. The Departmental Administrative Head should ensure that the situation is resolved. • The department must move with speed in finalising all the outstanding lease agreements. • The security of the Parliamentary villages remains a very sore and critical matter, this is notwithstanding all important decisions taken in the past. We still receive reports of break inns and uninvited visitors from outside in the middle of the night, risking the security of members. The department must ensure that once decisions are taken, they are implemented with the speedy they deserve. It must be remembered that this is classified as PRESTIGE PORTFOLIO of the department. • We need to get an update reports on the suitability of all government buildings in terms of access by people with disability as regulated. The department undertook last year to ensure that all Government buildings are compliant. • This budget, must also consider the funding framework for the Independent Development Trust. This should be consistent with the mandate of the IDT. The future of the employees of this entity remains uncertain, whilst this matter remains in limbo. The UDM hopes that corruption that has been widely reported, painting the department as a heaven of corrupt activities, is being aggressively addressed at an accelerated pace. I thank you. End
Admin
06 May, 2015
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: Vote 14 on Basic Education
ADDRESS BY Ms CN Majeke MP Hon Chairperson, Minister and Members The United Democratic Movement supports the budget. However we want to drive home the following important issues for the department to pay the necessary attention to. • As part of consolidating the transformation of the basic education sector and improve the quality of product thereof, the department should seriously consider the taking over the Early Childhood Development from the Department of Social Development and integrate this phase of education into the mainstream. • As a country, we need an education system that is integrated and seamless with a curriculum that talks to each other. This approach takes into consideration the fact that cognitive development of a child takes place during the years of early childhood development. • The capturing of accurate and reliable data on teachers across the country needs to be improved by the South African Council of Educators. In order to assist SACE in this regard, the department must attend to the continued outcry from SACE regarding the timing of funds received from the department. • Whilst SACE receives complaints with regard to relationships between learners and teachers, resulting in pregnancy and a possibility of young girls dropping out of the schooling system, SACE does not have authority to request DNA to verify such allegations. In this regard, we are of the view that the relevant regulatory framework that does not give this authority to SACE should be investigated for possible amendments. • The Department of Education reported through the “School Realities 2011”, that almost 50% of pupils who enrolled for Grade 10 in 2011did not reach Grade 12 in 2013. This is surely a cause for great concern in particular given that there is no subsequent reports about their where about with respect to continued Human Capital Development Plan for the country. It is our firm view, that both the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training should look at this situation and find concrete solution to the problem. • It maybe that some of these would be eligible to exit to the Technical and Vocational Education and Training and if this is not the case, something needs to be done urgently. • The Council for Higher Education proposed for undergraduate curriculum reform in 2013. This was based on the fact that many of the students who enter Higher Education for a three year degree do not complete their studies. Once again, both departments should cooperate in dealing with these critical challenges confronting our education system and Human Capital Development Programme. I thank you. End
Admin
06 May, 2015
Freedom Day Debate
ADDRESS BY Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Hon Speaker and members The struggle for total freedom is a Nation’s struggle, fought from all corners of society. People; individually, collectively and through organised voluntary associations and other organs, fought for a free South Africa either by default or by design. The circumstances under which we celebrate the 21st Anniversary of our democracy, necessitate that we draw lessons from some of the fundamental ingredients that made the struggle against apartheid successful. The high levels of poverty, unemployment, inequality and corruption, demand that we go back to the collective and inclusive approach. Surely the exclusion of many, with requisite skills and knowledge in the name of the so-called deployment policy, does not help the nation to successfully confront these challenges. If this exclusionist approach is not attended to, the realisation of today’s theme is a dream because it will perpetuate the beneficiation of the few amongst those associated with the ruling elite. Acceleration of radical economic transformation requires amongst others very trusted and dedicated leadership which is not in the deep pockets of the upper class. The key challenge for the realisation of this theme, is the fact the ruling alliance is found wanting on the economic policy direction that the country should follow, 21 years into democracy. Instead of consolidating, it finds itself in crisis of a major disintegration with absolutely no hope of providing leadership on the very same theme. Clearly, the radical economic transformation agenda cannot be allowed to be a private property of this dis-integrated elite. Time for the people of this country to take charge of their freedom and drive their own development is long overdue. Let the nation unite and march to the powers that be against poverty, unemployment, corruption and nepotism. I thank you. End
Admin
06 May, 2015
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION: State Security Vote 7
Address by Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Hon Chairperson, Minister and Members The security of a nation demands well-informed citizens backed up by highly trained security forces as well as enforcement of efficient and effective professionalism across the board. This is one area where the government cannot afford to fail and it should not be left to chance especially when appointing personnel in key state departments. The internal tension between and within some in the criminal justice system is a threat to the security of the nation. It would appear that our security forces have not escape the ugly consequences of partisan appointments thus negatively affecting their morale and productivity. Appointments based on narrow factional loyalty are a high risk to the security of the nation as a whole. Some of the operations conducted in the country, like Marikana and many others, confirm a lack of training and doctrine that is consistent with our Constitution. Our capacity on counter intelligence demands an urgent special attention. Daily, we are found wanting when sporadic violence visits our communities, risking the lives of the ordinary citizens. Some of these, risks our global diplomatic relations and create doubt on the would be investors. We seem to have lost the confidence of other nations we enjoyed since 1994. It is difficult to believe that visiting Britain by South Africans, would strictly require a visa because all of a sudden we are viewed as fertile ground for criminal activities. We need to recapture the lost ground sooner than later. The Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence together with the responsible Ministers, should convene urgently to conduct a thorough assessment of whether our security forces are combat ready against any eventuality. Further, to diagnose why it appears to be easy to access a South African document to be used for criminal activities. The UDM hopes that corruption has not already engulfed the sensitive departments of state thus risking the lives of the citizens and the nation at large. I thank you.
Admin
24 Apr, 2015
Statement By The President Of The Republic On The Violence In Kwazulu-natal
Address Mr BH Holomisa MP in the National Assembly Hon Speaker and members A country with high levels of poverty, high unemployment rate, high levels of inequality, blended with leadership whose attention is on filling their pockets through corrupt activities, breeds all social evils including criminality. Compounding the situation is that the African Agenda we were once known to be its champions, has taken a back seat. We must agree that, indeed the violence we see today in KZN with a potential to spread to other provinces can be best described as recklessness, inhumane, barbaric and criminal. This debate must immensely contribute to the stoppage of this inhumanity in the history of our democracy. We must also acknowledge that the levels of lawlessness in this country are increasing daily, this has to come to a stop, if we are to redeem our image and attract investors as a country. To respond and address this situation a number of things needs to be done immediately; amongst are the following: • An immediate Presidential visit to the Kingdom of the Zulu nation has to done immediately after this house concludes this debate to share with the King the spirit of the house on this important matter. (Nxamalala ndikulungele ukuhamba nawe siyo Phunga ne Silo Samabandla) • We must contain the current situation in KZN by amongst others enforce the law to the fullest. Such a step must communicate to all, that South Africa is not a lawless society. • The state of our intelligence services requires urgent attention because these activities should have been detected before their occurrence. • Special police units as well as special courts to deal with incidents of sporadic lawlessness must be established nationally. • A comprehensive audit must be conducted on foreigners already in our country, what are they doing where, how and with whom are they engage in those activities. This will help to expose those who are in the country for wrong reasons like corrupt activities including drug and human trafficking. • The poor and slack labour relations regime with regard to foreigners within our labour market needs and urgent review. Included to this is to ensure that those who trade, do so in accordance with the applicable laws of the country. • Aggressively reduce unemployment by amongst others, create more entrepreneurs on soft skills to run small business in the township, salons, small shops, car washes and others. Target young people in particular, train them in these areas and providing seed funding and support to run sustainable business. • Build a sense of responsibility and collectivism amongst the people, motivate them to move away from hand out syndrome into action for their livelihood. • Implement a civic education programme on Africanism targeting young people in-particular to change attitudes towards other Africans and citizens of the world. • We must revisit our policies on people entering and leaving South Africa to ensure full control of our borders. In the words of Kwame Krumah, “Africa must Unite”. I thank you
