2 14 16 House Statistics should Chairpersons of be the lifeblood of delivers his sixth the 6th Parliament decision-making term maiden elected and accountability speech

Vol. 01 Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of Issue 04 2019

YOUTH PARLIAMENT: Youth delegates raise points. Find solutions to challenges facing the youth

Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Ms , MP Mr Lisa Mangcu of the African National Congress and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Mr , called on the nation (ANC), “Parliament should to “engage in deep reflection, dialogue and action to bring about meaningful and long-lasting agitate for policies that will solutions to the challenges facing our youth,” reports Abel Mputing. create jobs for the youth and advance policies that will introduce employment quotas This year South Africa observed In commemorating Youth Day history, as we celebrate 25 advancement of the youth in favour of the youth in both rd the 43 anniversary of the 16 and saluting young people years of freedom. Furthermore, agenda”. They urged South the public and private sectors.” June 1976 uprising of the youth of the nation, Members of this Youth Month takes place Africans to work together to of , which changed Parliament (MPs) shared their during the year that marks eliminate all manner of social The rural youth should also th the course of the country’s views on the significance of the 40 anniversary of the ills and general challenges not be left behind, as is history. “We remember this this commemorative day. founding of the Congress of troubling our young people. normally the case. He added day as a moment in history South African Students (Cosas) that much needs to be done to that is as remarkable as it is They made suggestions on in 1979 to intensify youth These include substance educate the youth “about the courageous,” they said. how best to remember the mobilisation in the wake of the abuse, crime, peer pressure job opportunities that can be convictions of the activists of watershed June 16 events. and a frustrating lack of derived from the agricultural According to the Presiding 1976 and those who came opportunities. sector and its value chain”. Officers, the “resolve and before them, who shook the The Presiding Officers defiance of the youth of evil system of and see the increase of youth As a result, young Members Mr Mangcu cautioned that 1976 intensified the journey redefined the history of youth’s representation in the sixth of Parliament have committed what is needed most is to towards the attainment of struggles. Parliament to 11%, as “a themselves to face these ensure that Parliament comes a constitutional democracy, necessary injection of the challenges head-on. up with policies that “will not based on the values of human Significantly, this year’s required energy and new push them to employment, dignity, equality, human rights commemoration of Youth Day ideas towards the attainment “Given that Parliament but that would turn them into and freedoms enshrined in the coincides with a momentous of true social justice, wealth is the highest point of employment creators instead” Bill of Rights”. milestone in South Africa’s redistribution and robust policy-making,” remarked 2

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA www.parliament.gov.za parliamentofrsa 2 INSESSION NEWS

Presiding Officers call for solutions to challenges facing the youth 1

HIGH SPIRIT: Youth delegates in a youth Parliament.

Parliament should also play a meaningful role in uniting the Mr Lisa Mangcu. Mr Elphus Mathebula. voice of the youth on job creation, Mr Elphus Mathebula, also of for the youth to access and free education and the fight against the ANC, believes that June 16 understand how each of drug abuse. should be used to “conscientise these portfolios functions and the youth of today about the know what their respective job creation, free education better life for young people, Mr . significance of this day and mandates are. “As a result, as and the fight against drug by continuing to deepen the what is expected of them things stand now, there is no , “that abuse. If well constituted, this national forum for public as future leaders … a Youth coordinated manner of dealing in this term of the sixth caucus would be a platform consideration of issues, passing Ministry is needed to ensure with issues affecting the youth. Parliament, the idea of a Multi- to share ideas, inspire hope transformative legislation that youth issues are accorded This has frustrated the youth Party Youth Caucus needs to and confidence in youth, and overseeing executive the attention they deserve – and has created an impression be resuscitated. This to ensure critical issues that the Youth action. The new Parliament and expedited accordingly”. that the government does not that youth’s participation Parliament has failed to begins with new optimism take their issues seriously,” he in politics can no longer be achieve over the years.” and confidence that better Currently, he said, youth said. confined to political affiliation. conditions for young people issues are placed in different Parliament should also play The Presiding Officers called from all walks of life are more government departments’ “I am of the view,” said Mr a meaningful role in uniting on MPs to work tirelessly “to possible and realisable than portfolios and it is difficult Mkhuleko Hlengwa of the the voice of the youth on speed up the realisation of a ever before”.

After the establishment of the sixth Parliament House Chairpersons and the election of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the 6th Parliament elected (NA) and the election of the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), both Houses of Parliament elected the House Chairpersons. The NA elected Mr , Ms Mmatlala Grace Boroto and Mr Madala Ntombela and the NCOP elected Mr Jomo Nyambi and Ms Winnie Ngwenya as House Chairpersons.

laws are implemented. The Constitutional The Speaker has to provide leadership to the House. Mandate of the House Upon the election of the Chairpersons – NA Speaker and the Deputy Speaker, the National Assembly Whenever both the Speaker must elect three House and the Deputy Speaker are absent or unable to perform The National Assembly. Chairpersons for the term of Parliament. the functions of the Office of Section 52 (5) of the This provision in a way an office that must lead and the Speaker, the Speaker or, if Constitution makes provision recognises that the Office of provide strategic direction to The House Chairpersons must the Speaker is not available, for the election of more the Speaker is a strategic office an institution that not only has preside during a sitting of the the Deputy Speaker must Members of Parliament to for the country which must the responsibility of crafting House whenever requested to designate one of the House assist the Speaker and the not only be so positioned, the laws, but it is an institution do so by the Speaker. Chairpersons to act as the Deputy Speaker. but must be so profiled. It is that must ensure that such Speaker. SIXTH PARLIAMENT 3

Or whenever the House has been informed of the likelihood of the continued absence of both the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker for longer than seven consecutive parliamentary working days, the House may appoint a Member to act as House Editor Chairperson while the House Brent Simons Chairperson acts as the Speaker, until the Speaker or Production editor Mava Lukani the Deputy Speaker becomes available or the House decides Design and layout Vishaal Lalla otherwise. Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula Institutional The National Council of Provinces. Mandate Writers Programme Committee, Institutional Mandate • To ensure the compilation Mava Lukani, Sakhile Mokoena, Abel Mputing, Zizipho Klaas The Speaker must allocate Chief Whips’ Forum, National of the budgets of The permanent Office Bearers functions and responsibilities Assembly Rules committees in line with (Presiding Officers) in the Photography to the House Chairpersons and Committee and Joint Rules their strategic plans. Mlandeli Puzi, Office of the Chairperson Zwelethemba Kostile announce such allocation in Committee. have the responsibility of • To ensure the the Announcments, Tablings Distribution & subscriptions providing political leadership implementation of Jacqueline Zils and Committee Reports House Chairperson: and strategic direction to the Oversight and (ATC). The positions of House International Relations the House, and of exercising Accountability Model. Publisher Chairpersons were created Parliament of the Republic of • Responsible for impartiality at all times in in terms of section 52 • To coordinate the activities South Africa international relations. pursuance of these duties. (5) of the Constitution to of select committees. Printer • Responsible for bilateral Mailtronic Direct Marketing cc provide the Speaker and • To convene and relations. The Presiding Officers have the the Deputy Speaker with chair the meetings Section Manager: • To participate in various responsibility of: more political human capital of the Committee of Publishing and Production parliamentary committees Shirley Montsho support. Consequently, the Chairpersons. following positions were as provided for in the • Preserving parliamentary Copyright created: Rules of the National integrity; • To ensure the INSESSION is is published by Assembly, for example, implementation of policies the Information and Content • Maintaining the decorum Development Unit of the the National Assembly relating to Members’ Functions of House of the House; Parliamentary Communication Programme Committee, facilities. Services of the Parliament Chairpersons • Ensuring the smooth of the Republic of South Africa. Chief Whips’ Forum, • To monitor and report on All material published is running of the House’s National Assembly Rules policies on information copyrighted and cannot be National Assembly business and its reproduced without the written Committee and Joint Rules and communications committees; permission of the publisher. House Chairperson: Internal Committee. technology (ICT), artwork Arrangements • Ensuring the development management, library and EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Telephone 021 403 8738 • To ensure the well-being House Chairperson: and management of the exhibitions. Fax 021 403 8096

and interests of Members. Committees House’s programme; E-mail [email protected] House Chairperson: • To oversee and ensure • Responsible for • Impartially presiding Subscriptions International Relations [email protected] alignment of structures monitoring any policy, over House meetings Post dealing with Members’ directive or guideline and maintaining order • Responsible for Members’ PO Box 15, , 8000 interests and facilities, on the scheduling and and chairing strategic interests and facilities. OUR IDEALS parliamentary committees. • To receive and provide coordination of committee • To monitor and report on Vision An activist and responsive reports on issues of meetings, as well as the the needs of Members general management of National Council of Provinces people’s Parliament that Members’ interests. with disabilities. improves the quality of life of all National Assembly House Chairperson: • In collaboration with the South Africans and ensures committees and sub- Committees • To monitor and report on enduring equality in Deputy Speaker, to ensure our society. committees. the implementation of the enhancement of the • To ensure the Strategic Objectives policy in relation to former Strengthening oversight and capacity of Members. • Responsible for oversight programming of Members of Parliament’s accountability; and public participation. committee activities. • To ensure the development facilities. enhancing public involvement; deepening engagement in and implementation of • To ensure and monitor the • To monitor support to international fora; policy in respect of former provision of administrative strengthening cooperative National Council of Members and advise them Members. support to committees. government; Provinces on their needs. strengthening legislative capacity. • To participate in various The Rules of the NCOP make • To ensure planning by parliamentary committees BOOK A TOUR provision for two House committees. To tour Parliament as determined in the Rules Telephone 021 403 2266 Chairpersons to assist the • To ensure the compilation of the National Assembly, E-mail [email protected] Chairperson and Deputy of the programmes of for example, the National Chairperson in performing their committees. Assembly work. 4 INSESSION NEWS

Joint Sitting of Parliament.

MAKINGMAKING House YOUR FUTURE Chairpersons YOURWORK FUTURE BETTER of the 6th WORK BETTER Parliament House Chairperson of Committees: Mr Cedric Frolick

House Chairperson – Internal House Chairperson – International Arrangements: Mr Madala Ntombela Relations: Ms Mmatlala Boroto

House Chairperson for House Chairperson for Oversight and Committees: Mr Jomo Nyambi Institutional Support: Ms Winnie Ngwenya SIXTH PARLIAMENT 5

Role and functions of committees in Parliament

The sixth Parliament There are ad hoc committees Committees as in a plenary sitting of matters of public interest; (temporary committee) that Parliament; • They take care of domestic has established its may be established from engine rooms of • Provide an environment parliamentary issues. committees and the time to time by the Houses of Parliament for Parliament to hear Parliament. Committees have the power to committees elected The two Houses of Parliament, evidence and collect summon any person to appear their Chairpersons. the National Assembly and the information related to Parliament or one of its before them, give evidence National Council of Provinces, the work of a specific Parliamentary Houses may appoint an ad hoc or produce documents. They conduct their work in plenary committee. may require any person or committees are committee when a special task sessions (where Members of Committees are, in general, institution to report to them. established as must be done. When the task a House meet together in one proportionally representative Committees may also receive is completed, the committee is group), in joint sittings (where instruments of of the parties in Parliament. petitions, representations or dissolved. Members of both Houses Committee meetings are open submissions from the public. the Houses of meet as one group), and in to the public, but may be Parliament (National Joint Committees committees (smaller groups of Each committee is headed by a Assembly and the Members). closed if there is a reason chairperson. The National Assembly and the to do so. National Council of National Council of Provinces Working in committees together appoint a number of The different Provinces) in terms allows Parliament to: The different committees joint committees, for example, committees of of the Constitution to have one or more of the the Constitutional Review • Increase the amount of following functions: Parliament: facilitate oversight Committee. work that can be done; Portfolio and monitor the • They monitor and oversee The Joint Standing Committee • Ensure that issues can be Committees government. the work and budgets on Intelligence and the debated in more detail of national government The National Assembly Joint Standing Committee than in plenary sessions; These committees are the departments and hold (NA) establishes a number on Defence are statutory “engine rooms” of Parliament’s • Increase the level of them accountable; of portfolio committees to oversight and legislative work. committees. This means that participation of Members oversee the work of the • They consider and amend they are established, by the of Parliament (MPs) in various national government Bills, and may initiate Bills; Committees scrutinise Constitution or by an Act of discussions; departments. Parliament, as well as in terms • They consider private legislation, oversee • Enable MPs to develop of the rules of Parliament. members’ and provincial The role of portfolio government action, and expertise and in-depth legislative proposals and committees is to: interact with the public. knowledge of the specific The committees play a very special petitions; committee’s area of work; important role in the process • Consider Bills; One of the most important • They consider international of building democracy and • Provide a platform for the aspects of the oversight treaties and agreements; • Deal with departmental involving the public in the public to present views function is the consideration by budget votes; processes and activities of directly to MPs, something • They examine specific committees of annual reports Parliament. which is not possible areas of public life or 6 of organs of state, and reports of the Auditor-General.

Depending on the purpose of the oversight, the committee will either request a briefing from the organ of state or visit it for fact-finding.

There are other internal committees that deal with matters affecting the running of Parliament.

The Rules Committee and its sub-committees deal with House rules, the budget of the House, support for members, internal arrangements, and powers and privileges of Members. Other internal committees are the Programme Committee that plans the work of the National Assembly, the Disciplinary Committee, and the Committee of Chairpersons. OVERSIGHT WORK: Committee Meeting. 6 INSESSION NEWS

Committees of the sixth Parliament and their Chairs:

Portfolio Committees

Ms Lindelwa Dunjwa Ms Tandi Mahambehlala Portfolio Committee on Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour International Relations and Cooperation

• Oversee the work of taxpayers’ money is spent by Mr the department they the executive. Every year the Portfolio Committee on are responsible for, Auditor-General tables reports Agriculture, Land Reform and and inquire and make on the accounts and financial Rural Development Mr Fikile Xasa recommendations management of the various Portfolio Committee on Mr about any aspect of the government departments and Environment, Forestry and Portfolio Committee on department, including its Fisheries state institutions. Justice and Correctional structure, functioning and Services policy. Heads of government departments and institutions The work of committees is not Ms Bongiwe Mbiqo-Gigaba are regularly called by this restricted to government. They Portfolio Committee on Basic committee to report and may investigate any matter of Education account for their expenditure. public interest that falls within Mr Sibongiseni Dhlomo their area of responsibility. Portfolio Committee on Mr Sahlulile Luzipo The committee can Health Portfolio Committee on There is a portfolio committee recommend that the National Mineral Resources for each national ministry and Assembly takes corrective and Energy actions if necessary. its associated government department/s. Ms Members’ Portfolio Committee on Co- Select Committees operative Governance and Legislative Traditional Affairs Mr Mapulane Phillemon The National Council of Proposals Portfolio Committee on Higher Provinces (NCOP) has a Education, Science and number of select committees and Petitions Technology Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson to oversee the work of the Committees Portfolio Committee various national government on Police Draft Bills can be submitted departments and to deal with Bills. by individual Members of the National Assembly. Hope Papo These Bills are considered Because only 54 of the 90 Portfolio Committee on by the National Assembly’s NCOP Members are permanent Communications Mr delegates compared to the 400 Standing Committee on Private Portfolio Committee on Home of the NA, each of the select Members’ Legislative Proposals Affairs Mr Khaya Magaxa committees oversees the work and Special Petitions. Portfolio Committee on of more than one national Public Enterprises government department. If the committee agrees with the principle of the draft Bill, a Public Accounts Bill will be prepared and dealt Mr Committees with by Parliament. Portfolio Committee on Ms Rosina Semenya Defence and Military Veterans The National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Standing Committee on Public The committees are under the Human Settlements, Water Accounts acts as Parliament’s leadership of the Chairperson and Sanitation watchdog over the way and the Committee Whip. SIXTH PARLIAMENT 7

The sixth Parliament elected the Chairpersons of committees that will enable Parliament to exercise its law-making and oversight responsibilities, as required by the Constitution. Oversight committees are the engines that drive Parliament’s constitutional functions of law-making, public involvement and oversight on behalf of the Houses of Parliament.

Mr James Tyotyo Mr Duma Nkosi Mr Sifiso Buthelezi Mr Yunus Carrim Mr Mandla Rayi Portfolio Committee on Portfolio Committee on Trade Standing Committee on Select Committee on Finance Select Committee on Trade and Public Service and and Industry Appropriations Industry, Economic Administration Development, Small Business Development Tourism, Employment and Labour

Ms Maurencia Gillon Mr Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa Select Committee on Health Portfolio Committee on Standing Committee on and Social Services Ms Nolitha Ntobongwana Transport Public Accounts Portfolio Committee on Mr Kenny Mmolemang Public Works and Select Committee on Transport, Infrastructure Select Public Service and Committees Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure

Ms Tebogo Modise Ms Nhlanhla Ncube Select Committee on Land Portfolio Committee on Reform, Environment,

Women, Youth and Persons Mineral Resources Ms Violet Siwela with Disabilities and Energy Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development Mr Bekizwe Nkosi • Ms Moji Moshodi Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu Joint Committee on Ethics and National Select Committee on Member’s Interest Assembly Appropriations Standing Ms Zukiswa Ncitha Committees Select Committee on Mr Petitions and Executive Portfolio Committee on Social Undertakings Development Mr Enoch Mthethwa • Mr Mr China Dodovu Joint Constitutional Review Select Committee on Committee Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Mr Sanitation and Human

Standing Committee Settlements Ms Mmamora Mamaregane Ms Beauty Dlulane on Finance Select Committee on Public Portfolio Committee on Enterprises and Sports, Arts and Culture Ms Bertha Mabe • Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu Communications Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament

Mr Eleck Nchabelang Mr Sakhumzi Somyo Select Committee on Education and Technology, Mr Standing Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture Ms Shahiidabibi Shaik Portfolio Committee Auditor-General Select Committee on Security on Tourism and Justice 8 INSESSION NEWS New Scopa Chairperson emphasises need to unravel web of corruption and

“I am confident that we will be able to do this task across political lines.”

OVERSIGHT: Committee meeting.

The Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, has emphasised the need to unravel the web of corruption and state capture. He said Scopa needs to inspire confidence in its work so that South Africans can believe that things will improve. “Consequence management needs to be at the heart of what we do. It is only when we effect consequence management as a deterrent that we will begin to make headway,” said Mr Hlengwa, Faith Ndenze reports.

Mr Hlengwa made this at war with corruption, fraud, InSession asked Mr Hlengwa politically, economically and in how we go about cross- commitment in the first maladministration and the how Scopa planned to in essence captured by forces questioning, investigating meeting of Scopa after he was failure to comply with the forge partnerships with law which seek to continue the and taking effective action. In elected as the Chairperson of Public Finance Management enforcement agencies in the status quo in looting from the the past, sometimes leniency the committee. Mr Hlengwa Act (PFMA) and National sixth Parliament and how state,” stressed Mr Hlengwa. had been extended, but in is not new in Parliament. He Treasury regulations,” he said. these partnerships assist the the current socio-political and has been a Member of the committee in doing its work. Commenting further on the economic climate we find National Assembly for the Forging partnerships with Mr Hlengwa said that law tradition of appointing a ourselves in, Scopa will be Inkatha Freedom Party in the other stakeholders such as enforcement agencies are part member of the opposition in more vigorous in challenging fourth and fifth Parliaments. law enforcement agencies and of the state machinery and the National Assembly to chair departments and will have He was a member of Scopa other parliamentary parties are are thus an extension of the Scopa, Mr Hlengwa said that more bite in ensuring that in the fifth Parliament, when among the other things that Mr people’s Parliament. this tradition shows that the those who do wrong are duly the committee was under the Hlengwa said the committee majority party is committed held to account. The words chairmanship of Mr Themba will have to do. “Partnering to hold those to accountability for its actions ‘lackadaisical’ in approach, Godi. accountable for benefitting in government. “It also shows ‘mollycoddling’ departments “I am confident that we will at the cost of the poor and respect for the separation of and tip-toeing around them Mr Hlengwa stressed the be able to do this task across the vulnerable in our society power and the continuation won’t be felt in this sixth term importance of ensuring that political lines. We must also is not an issue for Scopa in of checks and balances in that of our Parliament.” people account for every appreciate the prevailing partnership with our agencies. the executive, legislature and rand and cent that has been democratic tradition that Scopa The biggest issue is when the judiciary have an important Mr Hlengwa also thanked spent. “We are not at war should be chaired by the agencies tasked to enforce the role to play in upholding our the various members of the with individuals, but we are opposition,” said Mr Hlengwa. law are severely compromised, constitutional democracy”, committee for the support he added. they pledged in his leadership Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa. – and working together in Asked about how Scopa will the interest of South Africans. improve on the work of the “Thank you for the trust and Scopa of the fifth Parliament, confidence that you have Mr Hlengwa noted that Scopa placed in me in this committee has been very effective to be the first among equals. committee. “We are not here I believe in team work and to embarrass state institutions I believe that we are in this that play a very important role together and that we are in delivering on their mandate forced by circumstances to be and promise to all South united in the face of the many Africans”, he said. prevailing challenges in this country, in so far as financial “I think in the term ahead, management is concerned,” many will see the change he said. BUDGET VOTE DEBATES 9 Presiding Officers present Budget Vote of Parliament for 2019/20 financial year

LEADERSHIP: Ms Thandi Modise and Mr Amos Masondo.

In presenting Parliament’s Budget Vote for the two Houses of Parliament institution efficiently and in a Instead, he said, these in the National Assembly, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Chairperson of the sustainable manner. This will structures must join hands National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr Amos Masondo, articulated determine whether we will be to ensure accountable and able to achieve more with the transparent government that the vision of a Parliament that will not flinch from holding the executive increasingly limited resources is responsive to the needs of accountable and which will be responsive to the needs of ordinary South that are at our disposal”. the people, and gives true Africans, report Abel Mputing and Mava Lukani. meaning to the notion of As in the economies of other government by the people countries in the world, Mr under the Constitution. Ms Modise located Parliament to the executive has a positive confidence and high level Masondo pointed out that at the centre of the country’s impact on all South Africans. of integrity by the sixth South Africa faces slow, if The NCOP’s task, Mr Masondo state machinery and Parliament as one of her chief not sluggish, growth and as said, is to harness this emphasised that it should not As such, this Parliament priorities and MPs should be a result, South Africa has to relationship among the three be treated as a lesser conduit must follow the rands and exemplary in this regard. contend with stubborn high spheres of government, to of the state. She reminded cents and hold government unemployment rate, poverty ensure the eradication of the South Africans of Parliament’s accountable and there must be Both Presiding Officers and inequality. triple challenges of poverty, role in society, as she declared consequences for lack thereof,” mentioned that Parliament inequality and unemployment. “we are mandated to deal with she emphasised. asked for R3 billion to Mr Masondo reiterated the “It is this character that should the imperfections of the past, undertake its strategic mission, importance of cooperative distinguish the National not to dwell on it but to bring Reflecting on the legacy but instead received R2.6 governance and appealed to Council of Provinces from other about stability and growth to report of the High Level Panel billion. the delegates to the NCOP, as legislative bodies.” promote the principles and that is before Parliament, elected representatives, to be values of the South Africa we the Speaker promised that In presenting Parliament’s preoccupied with this at all He urged the delegates to the want”. the current Parliament “will Budget Vote in the National times. He urged them to be NCOP to use all the tools of act on the recommendations Council of Provinces (NCOP), driven by former President oversight to ensure delivery of She promised that the and resolutions raised in this the Chairperson of the NCOP, ’s instruction services to the people. sixth Parliament will do report”. Mr Amos Masondo, said he was to MPs on the occasion of the everything in its power to presenting it in a challenging adoption of the Constitution, “Oversight activities, motions, uphold accountability and In keeping with its mission economic climate. He therefore “to cooperate in the service questions to the executive responsiveness aimed at and vision of being a people’s urged delegates to the NCOP of the people, rather than and debates must be aimed improving the lives of all South Parliament, the Speaker to balance the legitimate competing for power, which at holding the executive Africans. also stated that Parliament demands of the people, with otherwise belongs not to us, accountable, on the basis of will reinvigorate its Public fewer financial resources. but to the people”. the announcements made “As guardians of people’s Participation Model to “gauge during the policy debates. rights, we need to pay its effectiveness in how it He emphasised that this He told the delegates to More time, therefore, needs to attention on the frequency of represents the interest of must be done “… in a way the national and provincial be allocated to oversight,” he service delivery and to ensure the people”. She mentioned that seeks to ensure that we legislatures and municipal said. that the money made available the maintenance of trust, manage the finances of this councils must not compete. 10 INSESSION NEWS

homemaker and the executive National Assembly said the to which the management of budget process should be used Parliament must ensure the country is entrusted.” by Parliament as an oversight tool over the executive. implementation of the When the executive fails in its Parliament has thus far failed mandate, do MPs admonish to use this process to oversee it as is expected of them, the President’s Office, he said. National Development Plan he asked. “Or do we seek to protect it and defend the In the view of Mr Steven Parliament’s Budget Vote Debate was tabled before the National indefensible? And if we do Swart of the African Christian Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) criticise, is that criticism Democratic Party in the NA, simultaneously. Some tough questions were raised about the constructive to forge a greater Parliament must reconsider consensus of good ideas?” its oversight role, as it constitutional mandate of Parliament, its role in advancing democracy diminished during the Zuma and in conducting robust oversight over the executive to ensure it delivers Flagging the importance of administration and left the on its service delivery mandates, writes Abel Mputing. legislation, Mr Brauteseth then country at crossroads. “When asked: “Do we ensure that our faced with a crossroads, folly various interactions lead to is when leaders knowingly innovative legislation to ease choose the wrong path. The the load on the people who previous Zuma administration put us in this House? chose that wrong path, a path Parliament has become of economic mismanagement complacent and simply and policy uncertainty, during maintains the status quo.” which the country staggered He also mentioned that under the dead weight of state Parliament’s budget has no key capture and corruption and we performance areas, something are reaping the consequences.” that should govern any budget allocation process. “There Also participating in the debate are no clear legislative or in the NA, Dr accountability objectives in this of the Economic Freedom budget, and there is certainly a Fighters (EFF), said Parliament’s massive lack of measurement oversight mandate cannot be criteria.” divorced from that of the , as that office forms Value for money was further part of the oversight tools. NCOP Sitting. emphasised by Mr of the Inkatha Freedom “If the EFF never protested Also participating in the debate Party in the debate in the against the disregard of in the NCOP, Mr Timothy National Assembly. “This remedial actions advanced by “Foregrounding the Brauteseth (Democratic budget must be directed in a this office against Mr Zuma, resilience of Parliament, Alliance) a member of the manner that seeks to achieve they would not have seen KwaZulu- provincial responsiveness, information the light of day,” he said, Parliament’s strategic vision delegation to the NCOP, and accountability for both vowing that “if anyone defies defines it as an activist referred to difficult roles MPs Members of Parliament and the mandate of the office, he people’s Parliament.” play in society. “We are the the state,” he said. or she will be faced with a lynchpin between the factory legitimate protest from the EFF Mr Seiso Mohai worker, the corporate class, the Dr Petrus Mulder of the to ensure he or she abides by entrepreneur, the student, the in the that mandate.”

NA Sitting. During the Budget Vote debate, the tribune in the resolution Mr Seiso Mohai, the Chief Whip of the triple challenges of of the NCOP, proclaimed that unemployment, poverty and Parliament would reclaim its inequality,” he said. legitimacy if it could invoke the National Development Foregrounding the resilience Plan (NDP) in its oversight and of Parliament, he declared law-making processes. This is that Parliament’s strategic because the NDP provides the vision defines it as an activist country with a unifying vision people’s Parliament. However, and national plan to realise the he cautioned that “this cannot values of economic growth and only be explained in words, but social stability. “The extent to in our actions, thus calling for which we move with speed to a need to reflect on whether realise the goals articulated in is there a nexus between the the NDP is a supreme test of rhetoric of this notion and our the confidence of the masses actions”. of our people in Parliament, as BUDGET VOTE DEBATES 11

President Ramaphosa reassures MPs that his Presidency ‘will not be afraid to act’ against those linked to corruption

NEW HOPE: President Ramaphosa assures Members of Parliament.

President Cyril second Investment Conference He assured NA MPs that able to deliver a shared vision that the is accountable to in November”. Ministers will have to answer of prosperity for all South the people of South Africa Ramaphosa reiterated questions in Parliament, Africans. He said: “This will through the NA. According to what he said in the He said the Presidency will and participate in portfolio require leadership that is bold Mr Maimane, the committee recent State of the continue to lead the national committees. “Our Deputy and accountable. It will require will ensure that the Presidency a vision for our country based Nation Address when investment drive, and to meet President, in his capacity budget is spent where it government’s goal of raising as leader of government on the values of freedom, should be, not on the legal he presented the R1.3 trillion in the next five business, will continue to fairness, opportunity, and a defence of the President. Presidency’s 2019/20 years. By focusing on specific report regularly to Cabinet diverse society,” emphasised Budget Vote in the sectors, “this money should be on these matters. As I have Mr Maimane. Also debating the Presidency’s directed to programmes that said in the State of the Nation Budget Vote, the leader of the National Assembly Mr Maimane said inclusive are viable and that can create Address, I will be signing Inkatha Freedom Party Prince (NA). He said concern growth and economic jobs”. performance agreements with said the Ministers and Deputy Ministers, empowerment contradict each for the state of the fact that the NA is unaware He reminded those who abuse who will be delegated clear other. “We must agree that economy rose above all about the Presidency’s the public service and state- and meaningful programmes BBBEE [broad-based, black performance indicators other concerns, writes owned enterprises to line their to lead”, said President economic empowerment] in budget and quarterly Mava Lukani. pockets, that “we say goodbye Ramaphosa. monitoring reports, among to you; our law-enforcement “We say goodbye other things, is a monumental President Ramaphosa told NA authorities will accompany The leader of the Democratic to you; our law- shortcoming. MPs that the Ministers in the you to the dock. This is a Alliance, Mr , enforcement economic cluster have already Presidency that is not afraid to told Members of the NA that “Yet again we come to this elaborated on urgent steps to act”. the 1994 constitutional pact, authorities will House to rubberstamp a be taken to refuel the engine for which world icon Mr Nelson accompany you to budget we have not had the room of the economy, “from President Ramaphosa said Mandela is remembered, is no the dock. This is a privilege of interrogating growing small businesses, the passing of the National longer holding. Instead, more beforehand, for there is still to attracting higher tourism Health Insurance (NHI) Bill by and more people are retreating Presidency that is not numbers, to the potential of Cabinet recently is the clearest back into their corners of afraid to act”. no committee with oversight recent offshore oil and gas example of what a focused racial solidarity. “We need of the Presidency,” said Prince Buthelezi. discoveries, to the reimagined Presidency can achieve. He to establish a new economic has not delivered economic industrial strategy”. said Minister Mkhize has consensus that will lead us into inclusion. It is a fig leaf for outlined the plans to table a new era”, said Mr Maimane. redress and does nothing This hinders Parliament in He said the Minister of Trade the NHI Bill before Parliament for the 99% South Africans fulfilling its mandate, he said, and Industry Mr , in the coming days. “The Mr Maimane and other that are excluded from the and places the President in elaborated in his Budget Vote establishment of the NHI Members of the NA debated economy.” the embarrassing position on “reimagining our Industrial War Room in the Presidency the Presidency’s Budget Vote of answering questions that Strategy. We have a framework has enabled us to get more speech that was delivered by Mr Maimane appealed to NA should have been answered in place and expect master traction in moving the NHI President . members for the establishment by the accounting officer in the plans for each of the identified forward, including getting the Mr Maimane said South Africa of an oversight committee Presidency. sectors before we host the bill processed”. needs a Presidency that is over the Presidency to ensure 12 INSESSION NEWS

Ramaphosa calls on Well managed South Africans to defeat SOEs are central corruption and state capture for economic

In his reply to the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote, President Cyril development – Ramaphosa told Members of the National Assembly that his government Gordhan is not going to scrap the broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) policy, because it has brought real material benefits to State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are important black South Africans, including women and people with disabilities, national assets and are central to South writes Mava Lukani. Africa’s developmental and economic agenda, done. The same goes for the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Pravin fighting crime in our country. We need to get all people Gordhan, told Members of the National involved in fighting crime.” Assembly. He was presenting the Department of Public Enterprises’ budget vote for the 2019/20 For the past 25 years, he said, financial year, writesZizipho Klaas. the government has pursued a pro-poor fiscal policy, where the national revenue has been directed towards education and health care, low-income housing, social President Cyril Ramaphosa answers Members of Parliament. grants and public employment “we must stand to encounter resistance from programmes. “It is the principle firm, we must keep those who have benefited of solidarity which informs from acts of criminality and our approach to the National our nerves, and we wrongdoing”. Health Insurance, ensuring that must maintain our substantial resources that are He appealed to everybody directed towards health care resolve”. in society, including public benefits for all South Africans Minister . representatives and individual equally,” he said. According to President citizens that “we must stand The reform of the SOEs is has had a negative impact Ramaphosa, BBBEE has firm, we must keep our nerves, On the increase on the part of a broad agenda of on government’s ability to contributed to the significant and we must maintain our Presidency’s budget for structural reforms. “The deploy SOEs in addressing our growth of a black middle resolve”. consultants, President department provides strategic developmental objectives,” he class and improvements in Ramaphosa said the direction to the SOEs so that said. employment equity. It has He said South Africans must, budget item relates to the their businesses are aligned also enabled black men and through their actions and Independent Commission for with the national growth The department has collected women to become owners and through their utterances, the Remuneration of Public strategies arising out of the some 3 000 forensic reports managers of businesses. reinforce the rule of law and Office Bearers, which is housed National Development Plan relating to SOEs. “So far, an

show respect for due process. in the Presidency. He said the and other guiding policies of estimated R600 million has “Whilst we acknowledge commission, through various the government,” Mr Gordhan been identified as collectable. that the pace of change President Ramaphosa said pieces of legislation passed explained. has been slow, it has not the work of the Zondo and by Parliament, has assumed The department is been insignificant. Far from PIC commissions is absolutely increased responsibilities Telling Parliament about what collaborating with the law abolishing it, now is actually necessary if South Africans without the accompanying his department has been busy enforcement authorities to the time to strengthen it, to are to decisively end state budget to increase staff in its with over the last 18 months, ensure that criminal actions make it more effective and capture and effectively fight secretariat. Mr Gordhan said there have are reported and that civil to ensure that it is aligned corruption. He called on all been many crises at the SOEs. recoveries are undertaken,” with our efforts to promote South Africans to give the “The only viable option left The department has also added Mr Gordhan. investment and increase commissions support. “The for the commission to do its realised the deep damage employment,” he said. fight against corruption will work is by bringing in external that has been visited upon The investigating directorate

not be successful unless all expertise, and by bringing in these institutions and the far- in the National Prosecuting On corruption, President South Africans are involved,” consultants,” he said. reaching consequences of state Authority will fast-track Ramaphosa said in the last reiterated President capture for the economy at investigations, including 18 months, working together, Ramaphosa. The ideal way of enabling the large. those arising from evidence “we have made significant commission to do its work presented to the Zondo advances in tackling corruption “We need to forge a broad as mandated by Parliament According to Mr Gordhan, the Commission. “The SIU Special and ending the capture of our coalition against corruption is to vote sufficient funds to damage inflicted on SOEs is Tribunal will adjudicate upon public institutions, but the that draws together formations hire sufficient staff to enable felt in particular by millions any civil dispute brought struggle is far from being won. and individuals from across the commission to carry out of poor South Africans in before it by a Special The road ahead will be long society, and that empowers what currently amounts to an the form of unemployment, Investigating Unit (SIU) or any and difficult. We will continue citizens to act and see justice unfunded mandate. poverty and inequality. “This interested party.” BUDGET VOTE DEBATES 13

The damage inflicted on SOEs is felt in particular by millions of poor South Africans in the form of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

MPs heard that in June this year, a full bench of the High Court set aside a multi-million rand contract unlawfully entered into between and Trillian, a Gupta-linked entity. TIGHT SCRUTINY: Committee meeting. Mr Gordhan said the court was scathing about collusion between former Eskom officials and the directors of Trillian. The Political will is needed to turn SOEs around court has ordered the company to repay almost R600 million During the Department of Public Enterprises’ Budget Vote debate in the National Assembly, the in fees illegally received from Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, Mr Khaya Magaxa, told Minister Eskom. Pravin Gordhan that the committee agrees with President Cyril Ramaphosa that Eskom and Mr Gordhan also mentioned other state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are too important for the economy to be allowed to fail, McKinsey, another consultancy, reports Zizipho Klaas. which repaid close to R1 billion to Eskom from the All SOEs must be stabilised from the markets in order to zero power to hold SOEs to country’s drop in international same contract. Also, according and corrupt elements weeded address its shortfall, he said. account while SOE boards credit ratings.” to Mr Gordhan, the SIU is out in order to return to the “do as they please” and “the investigating another 30 revenue-generating path for Rather, the SOEs have been fiscus is collapsing under the According to Prince Buthelezi, Transnet contracts, including economic development. Mr receiving state guarantees, weight of corruption and the previous decade in property and IT contracts, the Magaxa said: “In this respect he claimed, stressing that a mismanagement”. the department’s history largest of which is worth more we must commend the work state guarantee is not money. has been spent building than R7 billion. of the Portfolio Committee on Rather, it serves as surety for Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, patronage networks through Public Enterprises of the fifth the entity to be able to raise leader of the Inkatha Freedom the misappropriation of public On what he referred as Parliament in unearthing the capital from the markets. Party, thanked President Cyril funds and elites lining their qualitative damage to SOEs, scandalous corruption and “However, a cash injection is Ramaphosa and Minister own pockets. “While we trust Mr Gordhan said: “We must governance decay that plagued a direct transfer of funds from Gordhan for their commitment that the Minister has the will be frank, after a decade of our most vital SOEs.” the fiscus to the company. We and political will to turn things and expertise to address the mismanagement, negligible encourage these entities to around from the previous failing state of our SOEs, the board and executive fiduciary State-owned entities are the be self-sustainable and not be administration. question remains: will the accountability for poor economic levers through which reliant on the fiscus,” added Mr Honourable Minister have the performance, malfeasance the democratic state holds Magaxa. “In the past, the Minister support of the African National that enabled state capture, the possibility of directing defended the rot and attacked Congress to clean up each SOE and rampant corruption at our investment for inclusive Participating in the debate, Members of this House for from within?” biggest SOEs, many are in deep economic growth, Mr Magaxa Ms Natasha Mazzone of the their recommendations. The financial difficulties and will be explained. Democratic Alliance told Mr role of this department is to Corruption must be thoroughly unable to trade their way out Gordhan that the SOEs are held drive investment, productivity investigated and competently of their difficulties.” In supporting the budget vote, to ransom by the trade unions. and transformation in our prosecuted in all SOEs. “If we he said the committee supports “You cannot grow an economy SOEs. To unlock growth, drive look at the strategic objectives On recovery and re-capture the department precisely when you are held to ransom industrialisation, create jobs of all our SOEs, none of their plans of the department, because they understand that by trade unions which cripple and develop skills,” said Prince targets are met, economic Mr Gordhan said in the last the department’s objective to SOEs when they feel their Buthelezi. transformation? 18 months, his department rectify the legacy of apartheid demands were not met.” has begun the process of depends on capabilities He told Mr Gordhan that the “No progress there. Job restoring good governance, geared towards a state-led Ms Mazzone added that “you SOEs have a central role in creation? Instead of creating skills management and reindustrialisation process. cannot grow the economy driving economic growth, yet jobs, SOEs can’t even manage effective operations at the when your energy supply is not this has not been the case. to retain jobs. Building a SOEs. “Financial sustainability There is a deliberate completely secured, and you Instead: “This department capable and ethical state? We of the SOEs requires a lot more effort from proponents of cannot grow the economy by is truly the definitive poster have got a rot that is embodied work. Several state-owned privatisation to insinuate that pouring billions and billions of child of this government in from within, that undermines companies face negative the state is perpetually “bailing rands into failing entities”. respect of grand corruption, the very objective. A better cash flows and are financing out” SOEs, Mr Magaxa said. But kleptocracy, nepotism and Africa and world? How is this operations from debt, which SOEs have not been receiving She told Mr Gordhan that cadre deployment. The even possible when we are has become increasingly bailouts all the time, even the Department of Public crippling of our SOEs has currently on our knees?” asked difficult to raise,” he said. recently, Denel raised capital Enterprises has absolutely played a major role in the Prince Buthelezi. 14 INSESSION NEWS

Statistics should be the lifeblood of decision- making and accountability, say MPs

Statistic South Africa’s (Stats SA’s) budget vote for the Medium- Term Strategic Framework was presented to Parliament. It came with a diagnostic report of the challenges and opportunities that can be leveraged to improve South Africa’s socio-economic conditions, writes Abel Mputing. Minister in the Presidency, Mr Jackson Mthembu presents Budget Vote Debate on Statistic South Africa

“Stats SA shoulders this According to Mr James, expectation because it is the these challenges one that provides government are summarised The budget votes process is linked to the 2019 departments and entities with in the committee’s Appropriation Bill, which in terms of section 213 relevant statistical information key findings on this to plan for their short-, entity. Of principal of the Constitution, seeks to appropriate money medium- and long-term socio- concern is “the economic goals and scenarios,” high staff turnover from the National Revenue Fund for requirements said the Chairperson of the imposed by budgetary of the state for the 2019/20 financial year. Portfolio Committee on Public constraints reflected Service and Administration, in the compensation Planning, Monitoring and of employees, which complexity of its work when Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa of capacity of Stats SA”, which Evaluation, Mr Hubert James. makes it impossible for it to auditing it, and that must not the Inkatha Freedom Party is contributing to its inability retain staff due to counter- impact on its independence. added: “Our representative to “fulfil its obligations of “The strategic frameworks offers and promotions. This is And the sooner its budgetary democracy hinges on the work producing accurate statistical of the state are informed by coupled by its high vacancy constraints are solved, the of Stats SA. “It ensures that information”. The Budget Votes statistical information provided rate.” better for its efficiency in its each community gets the right debates that take place at by Stats SA, which publishes future scenario planning for the number of representatives Parliament in July every year more than 200 statistical Another concern is that some country”. in government because are part of a broader budgetary releases per annum. To of Stats SA’s projects have been representation is based on process, which began when Mr improve the dire prognosis of discontinued due to lack of Mr Yusuf Cachalia of the population.” tabled the 2019 our country’s state of affairs, funds. “We have encouraged it Democratic Alliance said: Annual National Budget on 20 there is a need to cultivate a to devise a strategy to continue “We should err on the side of It is also important that the February 2019. state capable of undertaking implementing its projects with budgetary generosity when it department makes an effort the developmental and the allocated budget.” comes to Stats SA. to ensure that it improves the The Budget Votes process transformative agenda that accuracy of population and is linked to the 2019 drives its resolve for a better What is encouraging, however, This institution has an impact social statistics in rural and Appropriation Bill, which life for all. This requires is that government institutions on the analysis of data that under-developed areas to in terms of section 213 of the state to formulate and are utilising Stats SA’s statistics allows for a cogent evaluation improve service delivery. the Constitution, seeks to implement policies that for evidence-based policy- of where we are, how we Another participant in the appropriate money from the support this role. making mechanisms. “The should improve, with what debate, Mr Mzwakhe Sibisi of National Revenue Fund for Department of Planning, effect. As such, it should the , requirements of the state for “The budget is one vital Monitoring and Evaluation be given the wherewithal emphasised the significance the 2019/20 financial year. instrument to address Stats has to ensure that statistical to provide reliable and of Stats SA. For this reason, SA’s prognosis of the state of data is utilised in policy high-quality data and the institution “needs a highly The fifth democratic Parliament our affairs, for it serves as a decision-making in developing information because official competent staff that embodies adopted the 2019 Fiscal tool to advance government the Medium Term Strategic statistics should stand out intellectual capabilities to Framework and enacted the activities and priorities aligned Framework for 2020/24 and as a trustworthy source of lead the scientific work of 2019 Division of Revenue Bill, with its Medium Term Strategic government programmes.” information.” statistics”. but could not process the 2019 Framework. But most of all, Appropriations Bill due to the the budget is an instrument Mr James also encouraged the Furthermore, Mr Cachalia Mr of the national general elections. that highlights both the search for amicable solutions said, Stats SA should stay Democratic Alliance said: constraints and trade-offs in for the manner in which the abreast of best practices across “The failure to build capacity The sixth democratic policy choices which could Auditor-General South Africa the statistical community impedes on the optimal Parliament considered the affect the health of Stats SA in audits the institution. These because “data is the lifeblood functioning of Stats SA”. He is 2019 Appropriation Bill, the future,” he said. solutions should “take into of decision-making and raw dismayed by “government’s through Budget Vote debates cognisance the nature and the material for accountability”. failure to invest properly in the in mini-plenary sittings. BUDGET VOTE DEBATES 15

Struggling SOCs and municipalities a risk to fiscus

The Chairperson of the “The recent economic performance will require an acceleration Standing Committee on Finance, Mr Joe Maswanganyi, of government efforts to address constraints to growth while said the committee was continuing to provide support to vulnerable groups.” concerned about the financial state of SOCs. Despite reforms to attract investments will ensure greater focus projected GDP growth rate since 2017 to improve SOCs’ and streamline and make on confronting problems of 1.5% is still too low, at financial management, many government regulations more facing the nation through least it is an improvement SOCs continue to pose a great effective, while making it the implementation of the on the Medium Term Budget risk to the fiscus. easier for business to register, programmes announced by Policy Statement (MTBPS) of

“While the committee innovate, export and create President Cyril Ramaphosa 2018 projection that it will be recognises that the turnaround jobs. during his State of the Nation 0.7%, as an outcome of the plans of the SOCs cannot Address. implementation of structural Minister Tito Mboweni be achieved overnight, it is The Finance Minister said reforms announced last year. concerned about the impact Eskom presents the biggest “Implemented effectively, We need to work together to The financial status and effectiveness of these risk to the fiscal framework this budget provides a grow the economy,” said Mr because of its financial platform for renewal, inclusive Maswanganyi. of state-owned changes. The committee will problems and negative impact growth and job-creation, companies (SOCs) request more information from National Treasury to justify on the lives of ordinary South and directs spending to Participating in the debate, and poor-performing requests for extra resources, Africans. “Given the high risks our most pressing national Mr Steve Swart of the African municipalities were bailouts and guarantees – and to the economy if Eskom were priorities like education. The Christian Democratic Party also to collapse, government is 2019/20 budget moderates expressed concerns about the among the biggest insists on conditions being attached to any approvals,” urgently working on stabilising spending and raises the financial state of the SOCs. risks to the country’s said Mr Maswanganyi. the utility, while developing a revenues required to contain “The drain on the fiscus of fiscal framework, broad strategy for its future. the growth in national debt, propping up SOCs has become according to a He said the committee is whilst minimising the negative unbearable. While certain “Current economic effects of the growth.” reforms have taken place since number of Members also concerned that despite government work to find performance will have a 2017 to turn the financial of Parliament who solutions to challenges in substantial impact on our fiscal He also said budget was position and management of participated in the municipalities, many of them stability, requiring tougher and creating the right environment SOCs around, many SOCs still Budget Vote debate of remain in a critical state. “The strategic choices. Tax collection for efforts to accelerate pose a significant risk to the is underperforming in a weak inclusive growth, significantly fiscus,” said Mr Swart. the National Treasury, committee has requested the National Treasury to provide it economic environment, with a increasing levels of investment writes with a report on its assessment revenue shortfall in 2018/19 and putting in place measures Democratic Alliance MP, Mr Sakhile Mokoena. of the effectiveness of its of R57 billion, compared to the to create more jobs. Geordin Hill-Lewis, challenged support programmes to 2018 budget estimates,” he the Minster to show that he The Minister of Finance, Mr Tito municipalities, such as the said. “We support reforms to relieve is serious about the reform of Mboweni, tabled the National Municipal Financial Support policy and blockages that are state-owned entities by placing Treasury’s Budget Vote for Programme and the Cities Supporting the National yielding results for investments South African Airways into debate in a mini-plenary of Support Programme,” he said. Treasury Budget Vote, Mr in mining, telecommunications business rescue and preparing the National Assembly and Maswanganyi said the budget and tourism. While the it for sale. outlined government’s plans to Minister Mboweni told promote economic growth and Parliament that the recent Municipalities must focus on service delivery. maintain fiscal stability. economic performance will require an acceleration Responding to the Minister’s of government efforts to announcement that the address constraints to growth R30.8 billion allocation for while continuing to provide the financial year 2019/20 support to vulnerable groups. will allow the National The National Treasury will Treasury to conduct research be at the forefront of this. on the economy, together “The government needs to with partners in and outside continuously promote policy government, and develop certainty, resolve our SOEs’ policies to maintain fiscal challenges to restore fiscal stability and promote growth, sustainability, ensure security Members of Parliament (MPs) and reliability of electricity from the different parties in supply,” said Mr Mboweni. the National Assembly raised concerns about the financial He also said the government management of SOCs. needs to continue working 16 INSESSION NEWS

Limpopo Premier delivers his sixth term maiden speech

Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha delivered his maiden speech of the first session of the sixth legislature at the Lebowakgomo legislative chamber on the 5th of July 2019. An assortment of guests, including the newly appointed national president of Salga, Mme Thembi Nkadimeng and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mr , were in attendance, writes Purity Zwane. Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha.

In his speech, the Premier from this project, which was If the education curriculum is The Lebowakgomo focused on youth development painted a picture of a new initially projected to generate properly streamlined with our Chicken Abattoir will be and job creation. He dismissed dawn in the province. A dawn 2100 jobs. Now, those job provincial economic needs, “reoperationalised’ and will the myth of “a lost generation” characterized by a fight over opportunities are more likely Limpopo could richly harvest process over 120 000 chickens and cited the youth as unemployment on all fronts, to increase exponentially from this tourism boost, per day. ambassadors of change. using sections of his executive with the approval of the according to Hon Mathabatha. as armaments. Musina- Makhado SEZ skills The other project which is In his quest to motivate and development plan. He said schools should teach also in the Lepelle Nkumbi capacitate the province’s young The Special Economic Zones leaners more about tourism area (the area within which people, he pinpointed the (SEZ) got the first special Continuing with the painting and agriculture. the Legislature resides) is the recent achievement of Sho mention as the potential of the new dawn picture, Zebediela Citrus estate. Madjozi and Caster Semenya in economic boosters. It the Premier went to another There were murmurs of music and sports respectively. became apparent that the potential generator of approval and ululations from The project alone, according to fight against unemployment employment, which is tourism. across the gallery when the Premier, has the potential He cited them as role models registered its first wins when According to the latest figures, the Premier mentioned an to create 800 seasonal and who overcame difficulties this SEZ project attracted Limpopo is the second most incredible 250 possible job permanent jobs. and positively embraced unbelievably high interest preferred destination in the opportunities from a single opportunities to conquer the from investors. This led to an country by international poultry project in the Lepelle The drawing of the new dawn world, thus breaking a new increase in the job prospects tourists. Nkumbi area. picture in the Premier’s speech dawn.