2-3 10 16 COVID-19: Budget State to release Together, we 2020 700 000 hectares will contain the for Agricultural Coronavirus production

Vol. 01 Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Issue 09 2020

If we work together, we will contain the Coronavirus: President Cyril Ramaphosa

immunity because of HIV and Coronavirus: President Ramaphosa TB, and high levels of poverty and malnutrition. announces a 21-day lockdown “I’m concerned that a rapid rise in infections will stretch our health services beyond South Africa will enforce a three-week lockdown over coronavirus, President Cyril what we can manage, and many people will not be able Ramaphosa announced. The South African National Defence Force will be deployed to to access the care that they support the South African Police Service in ensuring that the lockdown is implemented need. We must therefore do everything within our means South Africa could face a Addressing the nation, from the development of the spread of the disease. Without to reduce the overall number “human catastrophe of President Ramaphosa said the disease in other countries, decisive action, the number of infections and to delay the enormous proportions 21-day lockdown will begin and from our own modelling, of people infected will rapidly spread of infections over a if immediate, swift and at midnight on Thursday 26 that immediate, swift and increase from a few hundred to longer period,” he said. extraordinary action” is not March and conclude on 16 extraordinary action is required tens of thousands, and within taken to protect all South April, and that it was necessary if we are to prevent a human a few weeks to hundreds of He called on all citizens to Africans, said President Cyril to prevent “hundreds of catastrophe of enormous thousands. “urgently and dramatically Ramaphosa, as he announced thousands” of Covid-19 cases. proportions in our country,” escalate their response to the 21-day lockdown to he said. “This is extremely dangerous ensure that we flatten the prevent the spread of However, he warned that the for a population like ours, curve” and prevent the spread coronavirus. number of Covid-19 cases will “Our fundamental task at which has a large number of coronavirus. 2 continue to rise. “It is clear this moment is to contain the of people with suppressed

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

1 “This is a decisive to support the South African he called on all South Africans Ramaphosa informed South 21-day lockdown period, measure to save lives of South Police Service in ensuring to work with the government Africans that “emergency President Ramaphosa said Africans from infection and that the measures we are to expedite the end of this measures” announced earlier only “companies that are save the lives of hundreds announcing are implemented. crisis. will remain in place. essential to the production of thousands of our people. All South Africans will have to and transportation of food, While this measure will have stay at home.” The following essential services They include: basic goods and medical a considerable impact on will be maintained during the • travel bans on visitors from supplies will remain open”. people’s livelihoods, and on The lockdown follows just lockdown: high-risk countries; Pharmacies, laboratories, the life of our society and on a week after President • Electricity - stable power • mandatory testing, self- banks, essential financial and our economy, the human cost Ramaphosa declared a supply with no load isolation or quarantine for payment services, including of delaying this action would “national state of disaster, a shedding South African nationals the JSE, supermarkets, petrol be far, far greater. measure proportional to the • Water supply, sewerage returning from these stations, and healthcare severity of the threat to our and sanitation countries; and providers will remain open “The nationwide lockdown is people, to our society, and to • Information and • strengthening surveillance, during this period, while the necessary to fundamentally our economy”. Communication Technology screening and testing at “public health management disrupt the chain of – data centres, fibre optic ports of entry into the programme will significantly transmission across society. He had described the situation infrastructure, towers and Republic. increase screening, testing, I have accordingly directed as “a grave emergency, far antennae. contact tracing and medical the South African National worse than experienced over Announcing that all shops management”, President Defence Force to be deployed the last century”. As a result, In addition, President will be closed during the Ramaphosa said.

brief the National Assembly on experienced the outbreak of the measures his department listeriosis, arising from food MPs debate is taking to screen, test and contamination from two food possibly isolate and treat cases. processed meat companies. The NCID provided a superior Parliament’s role Also speaking during the technical advantage and debate, the Chairperson of laboratory infrastructure the NA’s Portfolio Committee to overcome the spread of during coronavirus on Health, Dr Sibongiseni the disease, Dr Dhlomo told Dhlomo, told the House that MPs, and provide conclusive in fulfilling its responsibility to evidence of the source of the pandemic ensure the health of all South outbreak. Similarly, during the Africans, the government Ebola outbreak in West Africa, established the National South Africa was the first The National Assembly (NA) recently held a debate on the coronavirus Institute for Communicable country to offer assistance. and South Africa’s readiness to deal with the pandemic. The debate was Diseases (NCID), a division of sponsored by the Democratic Alliance’s Ms Sivuyile Gwarube, writes the National Health Laboratory In anticipation of the arrival Service, through an Act of of the coronavirus, the Mava Lukani.

Opening the debate, Ms healthcare outside an epidemic Committee meeting Gwarube noted the panic that outbreak.” has set in across the world, as the coronavirus continues She called on Parliament to wreak havoc, even in to assert itself as the main countries with strong health legislative arm of the state, systems. She mentioned that understand the role bestowed 81 countries have confirmed to it by the Constitution, and cases of COVID-19, the disease take this role seriously. The caused by the coronavirus. epidemic has been declared a global public health emergency “Countries have gone into by the World Health crisis mode, imposed travel Organisation, and therefore bans and enforced quarantine plans to deal with this matter measures, as they try to should be tabled in the valiantly contain this virus. The National Assembly for scrutiny, disease indiscriminately attacks discussion and adoption. said Ms Gwarube. She said Parliament, the National Department of Health has countries across the globe. the fact that the President Health Laboratory Service, Act embarked on important Therefore, we must understand “It doesn’t bode down well notified Parliament of the No. 37, 2000. The NCID serves preparedness measures to deal the inherent weaknesses of the for the function of this House, government’s intention after as the national resource of with the outbreak. “The South South African health system.” which is enshrined in the the story was published knowledge and expertise on African government through Constitution, that the issues undermines accountability and communicable diseases, Dr the Department of Health is Furthermore, Ms Gwarube said: of national significance are oversight. Dhlomo explained, not only to doing all that is possible to “We should never unjustifiably discussed in the press before South Africa, but also for other strengthen its health system to spread fear. However, we the oversight arm of the It should be a priority of the countries of southern Africa. safeguard the public from the should prepare for the worst. state has had an opportunity Minister of Health, Dr Zweli outbreak and other forms of We know the state of our to engage these plans,” Mkhize, Ms Gwarube urged, to In 2017-18, South Africa infection,” added Dr Dhlomo. COVID-19 3

Patients with TB and HIV also at risk from COVID-19, say MPs

Passengers disembarking at OR Tambo International Editor Brent Simons

Production editor Mava Lukani

Design and layout Vishaal Lalla

Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula

Writers Mava Lukani, Sakhile Mokoena, Abel Mputing, Felicia Lombard, Malatswa Molepo, Brent Simons, Faith Ndenze

Photography Mlandeli Puzi, Zwelethemba Kostile

Distribution & subscriptions Jacqueline Zils

March is tuberculosis (TB) awareness month in South Africa, a disease that causes hundreds of Publisher Parliament of the Republic of thousands of deaths every year around the world, including South Africa. To mark the 2020 TB South Africa awareness month, Parliament held a Joint Sitting to debate tuberculosis with the theme “United Printer in the fight to end TB – A challenge to all”. Members of Parliament (MPs) from both Houses of Vision Enterprises cc

Parliament, the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) expressed Section Manager: Publishing and Production their views on how to fight this disease, writesMava Lukani. Shirley Montsho

Copyright Opening the debate, the arm in front of your face when Despite these achievements, Speaking on behalf of the INSESSION is is published by Deputy Minister of Health, Dr coughing and sneezing, using Dr Phaahla said that TB Inkatha Freedom Party, Mr the Information and Content Joe Phaahla, said tuberculosis a tissue and washing your is largely a disease of Mkhuleko Hlengwa said early Development Unit of the Parliamentary Communication and coronavirus share some hands frequently with soap poverty. This means that the diagnosis and treatment Services of the Parliament similarities, although they and water, or using hand government and Parliament must be accurate, fast and of the Republic of South Africa. also differ in some respects. sanitiser to halt the spread of must do everything they can effective. “We hear of many All material published is copyrighted and cannot be TB is caused by a bacterium, the disease. do to reduce poverty levels in people acquiring drug-resistant reproduced without the written Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, the country. The Department of TB because of inadequate permission of the publisher. while COVID19 is cause by Dr Phaahla told the MPs that Health alone cannot defeat TB. treatment,” said Mr Hlengwa. EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES a virus (the coronavirus). Dr South Africa is one of 22 high- Patients fail to adhere to Telephone 021 403 8738 Phaahla told MPs that TB is burden TB countries in the Ms Haseenabanu Ismail of the proper treatment regimes, the Fax 021 403 8096 E-mail an ancient disease, while world, in which 700 in every Democratic Alliance likened TB wrong drugs are prescribed [email protected] COVID19 was only discovered 100 000 are afflicted with the to a serial killer that wonders and substandard drugs are Subscriptions [email protected] on 7 January 2020. “Whilst disease. MPs were reminded through cities, towns, squatter being used for treatment are Post we know a lot about TB, we that TB and HIV often go hand- camps and homes. He said TB some of the reasons for the PO Box 15, Cape Town, 8000 know little about COVID19. in-hand and 60% of the people is fond of the poor and the poor treatment rate, he said. OUR IDEALS We have diagnostic tools and living with HIV also have TB. vulnerable, invading shacks Vision drugs to diagnose TB and cure where many are gathered Mr Hlengwa called for better- An activist and responsive people’s Parliament it, including drug-resistant TB, According to Statistics South around their meagre meals. quality patient support that improves the quality of life we don’t yet have a cure for Africa, in 2016 TB accounted programmes at all the of South Africans and ensures COVID,” he said. for 29 513 deaths out of Ms S’lindile Luthuli of the health centres. Mr Hlengwa enduring equality in our society. a total of 456 612 deaths Economic Freedom Fighters said the world is becoming Strategic Objectives Furthermore, Dr Phaahla said, countrywide. But, added Dr emphasised that it is mostly more and more dangerous • Strengthening oversight and there is a vaccine (BCG) that Phaahla, the good news is that black people who are the in terms of new strains of accountability; • enhancing public prevents TB that is nearly TB is curable, as South Africa victims of TB, particularly those viruses developing, combined involvement; 100 years old, but there is no has a world-class diagnostic who work in crowded spaces, with increased international • deepening engagement in vaccine as yet for COVID19. tool, called the GeneXpert, and such as i mines. KwaZulu-Natal travelling. He said the international fora; • strengthening cooperative TB and COVID19 are “both drugs that are free at all public has the highest number of eradication of TB requires a government; spread by droplets (coughing health facilities. people living with the disease multi-sectoral approach and • strengthening legislative capacity. and sneezing), both affect and people living in townships greater medical research the respiratory system and He went on to say that South without proper sanitation are and innovation. “Prevention BOOK A TOUR both can be prevented by Africa is the world leader in most at risk of contracting the through poverty alleviation is To tour Parliament Telephone 021 403 2266 public health measures, such several areas when it comes to disease. a good place to start in South Fax 021 403 3817 as holding the crook of your TB, including research. Africa,” he stressed. E-mail [email protected] 4 INSESSION NEWS

If we work together, we will succeed: President Cyril Ramaphosa

will be able to guide developments taking place in We must work together to their areas.”

He announced that the build a better South Africa President’s Coordinating Council will meet shortly, which will bring together all President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his optimism about South Africa’s future when he the provinces, 44 districts and responded to points raised by Members of Parliament as they debated the State of the Nation eight metros, to discuss the nodel and begin the process of Address (SONA), writes Mava Lukani. devising one plan for the entire country. During his reply, President saddened as a woman. The use confirmed that all police the pace, quality and reach of Ramaphosa told Members of of GBV as grist for the gossip stations have sexual-assault service provision. “Through such collaboration, Parliament that South Africans mill in your Parliament is one evidence-collection kits. we will consolidate our have everything we need that has weighed heavily on He also welcomed the approach to government to take the country forward. me. The weaponisation of GBV “They have prioritised backlog invitations from MPs to as an interdependent and “We have the means to build is an insult to the millions of cases related to gender-based accompany them to see interrelated system. We a better South Africa. We women who are victims of this violence and established a cold instances of service-delivery continue our efforts to change have the resources. We have national crisis. case task team. failure, but then invited MPs to the spatial architecture of our the capabilities. We have the also accompany him when the past, promoting development people. Yet we will not succeed “I dream of a nation where Saps has analysed over 3 600 District Development Model is in areas that have long been unless we work together.” our leaders use the platform dockets on sexual offences, implemented in various areas. neglected,” he said. Some On gender-based violence to speak about solutions on and more than 60% of these members of the opposition (GBV), President Ramaphosa GBV, gender inequality and have been reopened for further “We must ensure that our discouraged the development said that since he announced femicide, as opposed to using investigation and referred to visits to areas beset by service of the new cities, as proposed an emergency response action it to settle political scores. the Senior Public Prosecutor delivery challenges go hand-in- by President Ramaphosa plan last year, government This social crisis is a reality for for decision,” said President hand with developing plans to during SONA. They urged and civil society made some many women, not just in our Ramaphosa. address these challenges. Our the President to instead progress, particularly regarding country, but all over the globe. role is not merely to observe, ensure that existing ones are access to justice for victims We have appointed 200 social but to mobilise all the capacity improved. and survivors.President “The mention of a person workers and are training health of the state, of business and Ramaphosa also read a who has passed away in professionals and social service communities to fix people’s However, in his reply to the message he received from a Parliament yesterday evening practitioners on post-violence problems,” said President debate, President Ramaphosa concerned South African citizen was unjust, unnecessary and care and trauma debriefing. Ramaphosa. Under the said the development of a concerning an incident that very spine chilling. It was raw District Development Model, new city around Lanseria will occurred in the House during and inconsiderate. I am deeply On the subject of service he said, all three spheres of provide a model for building the SONA debate, in which one saddened by the manner in delivery, President Ramaphosa government will coordinate new cities elsewhere in the MP accused another of GBV: which the events unfolded.” told MPs that he welcomed and integrate their service country, in high growth areas the broad support for the delivery plans and budgets. such as Lephalale or in areas “Dear President. I text you with He said the South African District Development Model with great potential like the a very heavy heart. I am most Police Services (Saps) has as an intervention to improve “Communities and businesses Northern Cape. SONA 2020 5 ‘Building a capable state and placing our Parliament Ammends its economy on the path to recovery’ programme due to COVID-19

At a special meeting on Tuesday 17 March 2020, between Presiding Officers, chief whips and party representatives to discuss the parliamentary programme and to receive a briefing on institutional arrangements in the light of the President’s announcement of a national state of disaster, as a result of Covid-19, Parliament amended its programme.

This meeting agreed that a sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, 18 March at 11:00 will consider the following matters, which have specific time-frames and require consideration by the Assembly:

President Ramaphosa appeared before a Joint Sitting of Parliament to deliver the State of the • Division of Revenue Bill Nation Address (SONA) where he highlighted government’s progress since last year’s address and [B3 – 2020] • Judicial Matters plans for the future, writes Mava Lukani. Amendment Bill [B13B – 2019] • Draft notice and schedule Delivering SONA 2020, have been deliberate in year. These agreements will have been in place for some determining the rate at President Ramaphosa said rebuilding institutions and be based on targets contained time now. The government which salaries are payable to magistrates annually over the course of the past removing impediments to in the Medium Term Strategic adopted the National • Draft notice and schedule two years of his presidency, investment. We have acted Framework and will be made Development Plan (NDP) in determining the rate at which salaries are payable government leadership, has decisively against state capture public, so that the people of 2012 to guide the national to Constitutional Court worked to “forge compacts and fought back against South Africa can hold those effort to defeat poverty, judges and judges of other among South Africans to corruption,” he added. who they elected into office to unemployment and inequality. courts annually answer the many challenges account. However, with 10 years to go The Presiding Officers before us”. One such compact SONA 2020 is about the critical before we reach 2030, we encouraged all members, was a jobs summit, which actions “we take this year “It is a culture where have not made nearly enough staff and visitors to take the necessary personal precautions brought labour, business, to build a capable state and corruption, nepotism and progress in meeting the NDP in order to prevent the spread of government and communities place our economy on the path patronage are not tolerated, targets.” the Coronavirus. together to find solutions to to recovery. This year, we fix and action is taken against Parliament also put in place the unemployment crisis. the fundamentals. We pursue those who abuse their power Unless this government takes various preventative measures “We continue to meet at the critical areas of growth and we or steal public money. Since extraordinary measures, “we against the Coronavirus, including sanitisers, screening beginning of every month, ensure excellence in planning I took office, we have built will not realise Vision 2030”. checks for members, staff and the Deputy President and and execution in government”. capacity in the Presidency and Government has therefore visitors as well as a medical support team. myself, to remove blockages elsewhere in the state to fast- committed to prioritise. “We and drive interventions that To strengthen the capacity track progress on a clear list of need to focus on those actions At the conclusion of the sitting will save and create jobs ... We of the state and increase urgent reforms,” he said. that will have the greatest on Wednesday 18 March, the business of the Assembly, which have brought business, labour accountability, President impact, actions that will includes sittings of the House, and government together to Ramaphosa announced In his most recent SONA after catalyse a faster movement committees and public hearings, were suspended until further craft master plans for those that he would be signing the 2019 general elections, forward, both in the immediate notice. industries that have the performance agreements President Ramaphosa term and over the next 10 greatest potential for growth.” with all government ministers committed to: “... address the years,” President Ramaphosa The last sitting of the National Council of Provinces was held before the end of February this fundamental challenges that emphasised. on Thursday, 19 March and its The various spheres of business will also be suspended government have also until further notice. joined with other state Parliament will also be closed entities and with business to the public until further notice. associations and community groups to form a new district Arrangements are also being development model (DDM) made to reduce the number of staff members in the precinct that “is fundamentally in line with the President’s changing our approach to local declaration of a national state of disaster. development”. Parliament calls on all citizens Progress has been slow, but to adhere to the rules and regulations governing the over the last two years “we lockdown and to support have worked to stabilise our country in defeating this pandemic. the economy and build a foundation for growth. We 6 INSESSION NEWS

New plans to combat crime and corruption The fight against crime and corruption is one of the government’s priority focus areas, during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President updated the nation on the crime-fighting strategies announced by him the previous year while making new commitments, writes Sakhile Mokoena.

New plans to enhance the against state capture and the would be no bail for rapists fight against crime and fight against corruption. “I have and murderers. “You promised corruption included the prioritised our response to the South Africans that there will establishment of a Crime growing problem of criminal be no bail for rapists and Detection Academy, which he groups that extort money murderers, but what have you said will improve the quality of from construction and other done? Nothing. Go out there general and specialised police businesses. Specialised units, and make sure there is no investigations. International bringing together Saps and the bail. 80% of the crimes are benchmarking, research National Prosecuting Authority, committed by repeat offenders, and feasibility studies are are mandated to combat these so why are the repeat offender underway to identify best crimes of economic disruption.” free to roam the streets? Leave practices, from agencies such them where they belong.” as the United States’ Federal President Ramaphosa said the Bureau of Investigation, and battle can only succeed if it is He also advised that the the police service of China, the taken on by all society. “We government must not be Scopa must United Kingdom and Algeria. therefore welcome the work of selective when dealing with the joint government and civil corruption, and should stop In addition, to improve society working group charged focusing only on state capture deal decisively the quality of general and with developing a national and the Zondo Commission. specialised South African Police anti-corruption strategy and “You are saying nothing. Not Service (Saps) investigations, implementation plan, which even the Minister of Finance is with Eskom’s the government is busy is close to completion of this willing to do something about establishing a crime detection phase of its work”. the corruption where we are university in Hammanskraal. losing R240 billion annually,” debt “Following the graduation of During the debate on SONA, he said. 5 000 police trainees last year, Ms Dorries Dlakude, who is The Standing Committee on Public Accounts 7 000 new police trainees the Deputy Chief Whip of the Taking part in the SONA have been enlisted this year to African National Congress debate, the Minister of Police, (Scopa) was informed by the Minister of strengthen local policing,” said (ANC), said the ANC was Mr Bheki Cele, provided more Public Works, Ms Patricia de Lille that, from the President. convinced that there has been details in the fight against 1 April 2020, national departments and progress in the fight against crime and corruption. In the municipalities will be responsible for paying The President also promised to crime and corruption. continued strife to disrupt amend the Domestic Violence the illicit economy, Mr Cele their own Eskom accounts, Act “to better protect victims in “During SONA 2019, the said police have conducted writes Faith Ndenze. violent domestic relationships, President promised to successful crime-prevention and the Sexual Offences Act, to strengthen law-enforcement operations that focused on The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure was in broaden the categories of sex agencies’ capabilities in order organised crime activities. Parliament to brief the committee on its plan to address offenders whose names must to fight corruption and crime. Eskom’s debt. The department itself has a R2.6 billion be included in the National We have seen the National He said millions of rands worth fluctuating overdraft, that is not in compliance with the Register for Sex Offenders. We Prosecuting Authority and the of counterfeit goods have been Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), as a result of late or will [also] pass a law to tighten Anti-Fraud Unit recovering confiscated, with the biggest non-payments from line departments and municipalities. bail and sentencing conditions R12 billion from the proceeds proportion confiscated in in cases that involve gender- of crime. We have also seen Johannesburg, which occupies Briefing the committee, Ms De Lille said: “When the based violence.” the conviction rate increasing the biggest slice of this illicit Auditor-General, in one of his management letters, raised in cases of organised crimes. market. “In relation to fighting a concern about this overdraft, it is then that we said we To support the growth of the This demonstrates the the scourge of drugs that cannot as the department get a qualified audit because tourism industry, President undivided commitment by the continue to destroy the lives of other departments. We then agreed to shift it to the Ramaphosa said Saps will government to eradicating of especially the youth, the relevant departments. The overdraft is a concern, as it is not increase visibility at identified corruption,” she said. Directorate for Priority Crime complying with the PFMA.” tourist attraction sites, train Investigation or the Hawks tourism safety monitors and In the same debate, Mr Ahmed in the past three-quarters The Director-General of the department, Adv Sam Vukela, establish a reserve police Shaik-Emam of the National dismantled 32 clandestine supported this statement by adding that the department will capacity to focus on the Freedom Party accused the drug laboratories, arresting 66 not pay for services incurred by line departments that do not policing of tourist attraction President of “failing to deliver” suspects in the process,” said pay for services. “We have taken a decision that all the line areas. The President also on a promise he made in Mr Cele. departments should take over the responsibility of paying for mentioned decisive action last year’s SONA that there their own services to municipalities. NEWS 7

“When the Auditor-General, in one of his management letters, raised a President calls on traditional concern about this overdraft, it is leaders to strengthen their then that we said we cannot as the department get a qualified audit custodianship of culture because of other departments. We President Cyril Ramaphosa used his address during the official then agreed to shift it to the relevant opening of the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) to warn departments. The overdraft is a against the abuse of cultural practices and urged traditional leaders to concern, as it is not complying strengthen their role as custodians of culture, writes Sakhile Mokoena. with the PFMA.” Ms Patricia de Lille, Minister of Public Works

Another decision that we are going to take is that if the line departments do not pay us, we are not going to pay. The after effects will be that if Eskom or a municipality takes a decision to cut services, they will cut directly to that line department,” he said.

The department was flagged by Eskom as the biggest offender when it presented the list of entities that owe money to Eskom to the committee in December 2019. Scopa was informed that the department owes Eskom about R3 billion. However, the department disputes that claim and is confident that it owes much less.

Scopa member Mr Bheki Hadebe lamented the lack of consistency in the reports from the various stakeholders about the government debt owed to Eskom. He said: “I don’t know what to make of the report from the department. On 4 December 2018, when we met with the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) together with Eskom and the South African Local Government Association (Salga), we took a decision to call the biggest offender, which is the department.

“Today we are told that we are crucifying the wrong Jesus. This means that Eskom, Salga and the IMTT lied to us. What President Ramaphosa custodians of culture, to take about their benefits, roles we were told in that meeting, and what we have been given addressed the annual opening this cultural practice back into and functions, among is very different,” he added. of the NHTL in Parliament your hands and improve it other things. Inkosi Mwelo when he raised concerns about accordingly.” He further called Nonkonyana, the Chairperson The Chairperson of Scopa, Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, expressed the high number of young on traditional leaders to work of the Eastern Cape House of concern with the confusion arising from the presentations, men who die every year with the South African Police Traditional Leaders, called for but stressed the need to tread carefully while dealing with while undergoing customary Service to ensure that those the amendment of chapters this matter. “Seated here, my challenge is what do we make initiation, which involves who are involved in these 7 and 12 of the Constitution. of the report given to us in December last year? Because circumcision. unscrupulous practices are He also complained about the Eskom, Salga and National Treasury did not mention, in arrested and charged. district model approach: “Yes listing the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as “Customary initiation is a we have been consulted on the offender-in-chief, that there were engagements going on rite of passage for our young The Customary Initiation Bill the district model, but how can between them. Whilst we are concerned about that, we also people to manhood and currently before the National we be weak partners? There is need to tread carefully, so that we do not accept anything adulthood, but it has become Council of Provinces is expected no way municipal councillors including, but not limited to, what the department itself has increasingly infiltrated by to regulate the practice of can be our bosses. We are their said as the gospel truth until such time that we have all the unscrupulous people and many customary initiation, once it bosses. The money must go to parties together,” he said. young men are being maimed becomes law. He also told the traditional authorities.” or lose their lives. We need to traditional leaders that the Mr Hlengwa stated that it is difficult for the committee to address the abuse of cultural government was implementing In the debate, the President formulate a clear picture of Eskom’s debt, because of issues practices that results in the the District Development of the Congress of Traditional of reliability that concern to Scopa. He added that, had violation of human rights. Model in three districts and Leaders of South Africa, Kgoshi the IMTT fulfilled its role, the confusion could have been This includes abductions to will continue to roll it out to Mathupa Mokoena, also raised prevented. initiation schools. cover all 44 districts and eight a concern about the role of metros. traditional leaders in the “At the heart of this is the total collapse of the IMTT, which “It cannot be that every year district model. “Our request was supposed to have sorted this mess out and it did not do we sit here and say the same President Ramaphosa’s speech is that our role as traditional so. Had the IMTT had its finger on the pulse, it would have thing about more needing was later debated by the leaders be clarified in the been able to clear the wood so that the playing field and the to be done but the death traditional leaders. They took district model. How do we get accountability could be done. Ultimately, that is where the toll continues to rise. We the opportunity to voice their involved as Amakhosi?” asked failure was. By bringing the parties together, it should have urge traditional leaders, as frustration and unhappiness Kgoshi Mokoena. been able to deal with these things,” he said. 8 INSESSION NEWS Workshop highlights Parliament’s role in International Relations

Parliamentary diplomacy is one of the priority G20 Parliamentary Summit areas of any Parliament, said the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thandi Modise, in her opening address to the Parliamentary Group on International Relations (PGIR) workshop that took place in Parliament recently, writes Abel Mputing.

In accordance with the role in overseeing and shaping Joint Rules of Parliament foreign policy, in contributing (Joint Rule 132(24)), the to a world that embraces PGIR must meet annually the principles and values of with members appointed democracy and human rights by the House to serve in culture, and in determining international parliamentary the shape and form of our bodies and members of all country’s foreign policy”. sub-structures of the group, poverty, hunger and diseases.” foreign policies. But the International Relations at as well as the chairpersons This responsibility “should challenge remains that we the National Assembly, Mr of the parliamentary not, as before, be seen as The task of parliamentarians, deal with complex policy Madala Ntombela, stated that committees dealing with a purvey of the executive Ms Modise said, is to entrench regimes that impact on our parliamentary diplomacy has international relations and alone. Nor should we allow the values of ubuntu around citizens with limited resources. both an internal and external cooperation, and trade and a situation where we just the world. This is because What do we do? Do we cut on focus, in that it “empowers industry to determine strategy rubberstamp all the treaties ubuntu embodies the virtues other bilateral and multilateral Members of Parliament to and evaluate Parliament’s that the executive enters into. of democracy and human activities or not? That is learn and to understand how international relations. We need to scrutinise them rights, which are mechanisms a matter that we need to other parliaments hold their before they are entered into”. of promoting peace and consider carefully. For although executive accountable when it The theme of the first In fact, “there is a need for a prosperity. there are many challenges, comes to foreign policies”. PGIR Workshop for the more robust oversight role by resources are shrinking. That sixth Parliament was: parliamentarians over these The greatest challenge, she is a reality we have to deal Internally, these engagements “Strengthening the PGIR treaties, to hold our executive argued, is the changing of with as parliamentarians,” she “help in empowering us in for effective parliamentary accountable”. the world order in a post-Cold opined. dealing with domestic law- democracy”. The main aim of War era. “Now there are new making processes. These the workshop was to inform This undertaking is more transnational agendas that “We want a foreign policy are imparted to us through newly elected Members about significant in an “era in which challenge the effectiveness of based on lasting solutions that study visits and other forms Parliament’s international there is an escalation of threats the policies of nation states. As would be achieved through of bilateral and multilateral role during the sixth term, to our wellbeing emanating representative of the people, the promotion of democracy, engagements”. including the policies and from climate change, we can use our bilateral and justice and observation of structures established to guide deprivation, terrorism and multilateral forums and treaties international law.” He further elaborated that to safeguard the interests of the PGIR remains “a strategic “We want a foreign policy based our citizens,” she said. Turning her attention to the platform in facilitating our southern African region, Ms Parliament’s engagement on lasting solutions that would be She also noted the significance Modise noted the progress with others and in tabling achieved through the promotion of these forums for enhancing achieved in a resolution to of diplomatic reports that relations between countries turn the Southern African need consideration by our of democracy, justice and and the parliaments of Development Community Parliament”. observation of international law.” nation states. “Through our Parliamentary Forum into a Ms Thandi Modise, involvement in these forums, legislative body. “This would A failure of the PGIR, however, Speaker of the National Assembly we learn and get to understand help to domesticate our trade is that it’s work does not yet the art and practice of and legislative agreements. “form part of Parliament’s and support it, as well as the conflicts”. As representatives parliamentary diplomacy. We And unlike before, we can official programme. This needs outstanding business of the of the people, Ms Modise said: get to embrace the system of begin, as a region, to set a to be attended to if Parliament fifth Parliament that requires “We should have a role in methods that would enable us peaceful dialogue between were to play an effective role consideration. this regard, or we would not to achieve mutually satisfying our local, continental and in global arena”. be fulfilling our constitutional resolutions that would benefit global spheres as a collective Addressing the workshop, Ms mandate of ensuring that our citizens,” added Ms and with one united This is imperative because the Modise urged parliamentarians those who elected us live in a Modise. voice – without any fear of “PGIR has a legacy report that to take this portfolio seriously, safe and peaceful world, and contradictions.” it should consider, that would as it provides them with an political systems that cushion “We learn from them how impact on the work of the sixth opportunity to play a “valuable them from the ravages of to hold the government In his address to the workshop, Parliament.” accountable in dealing with the House Chairperson of BUDGET2020 9

Also speaking during the briefing, the PBO’s Deputy Director of Economics, Dr Seeraj Mohamed mentioned several constraints including, “structural, cross-cutting industrial and sectorial economic constraints, mass unemployment, widespread poverty, inequality and poor levels of investments”.

He is of the view that current economic challenges do not necessarily need continued fiscal consolidation, but a counter-cyclical stimulus. According to him, that would “not necessarily involve cuts the funding priorities of in tax, which could possibly the 2020 Budget Speech. go offshore, but, among other Committees would therefore Parliamentary Budget things, strategic borrowing that be expected to “approve or would inject the much-needed make recommendations for boost to the economy”. Office: tax revenue amendment thereof. And to monitor and evaluate processes The slump in the economy during the implementation collection is worsened by has led to reduced household stage thereof,” she said. consumption and increased debt, said PBO economic growing unemployment The Department of analyst, Ms Fatsani Banda. Performance Management “This has had a negative and Evaluation is critical in impact over time on savings, The current economic downturn has necessitated the Parliamentary this process because of its debt-servicing costs and Budget Office (PBO) to present to the parliamentary portfolio “roles and responsibilities household debt on many South and standing committees on finance an integrated planning and in integrated planning and Africans.” budgeting, that include, budgeting process to use resources more efficiently to realise the socio- among other things, the economic priorities identified in the 2020 State of the Nation Address, coordination of the collection Giving us a picture of trends in writes Abel Mputing. of performance information South Africa’s unemployment of departments. And the rate, Dr Mohamed said: “the standardised programme total investment growth from structures and performance 2010 to 2015 was driven indicators and policy by services, but services directives”. investment declined from 2015 to 2018. As a result, total In addition, the strategic investment declined from 2015 direction of planning and to 2018, hence the spike in budgeting emanates from the unemployment rate.” State of the Nation Address (SONA), which is aimed at The year-on-year decline in tax fixing a range of competing revenue collection is worsened issues dogging the economy. by growing unemployment as more employers continue to One response to these lay off their staff, according to challenges, announced by PBO Deputy Director of Finance, President Cyril Ramaphosa in Dr Dumisani Jantjies. This has the address, is the proposed left us with less revenue to University of Science and fund service delivery priorities. Innovation in Ekurhuleni to “address the dire shortage In conclusion, Ms Orlandi re- of skills in the country. The emphasised that the “planning development of a master plan for the 2020 Medium Term The PBO presented various is meant to assist these said the Deputy Director of for the automotive industry, Expenditure Framework marks scenarios to the two committees with the legislative Policy in the PBO, Ms Neli clothing, textile, poultry, sugar the beginning of a new five- committees that they should element of the budget process. Orlandi. and steel plants”, Ms Orlandi year planning and budgeting look out for when conducting A critical factor in the planning said. cycle and Parliament has a their oversight over the cycle is the alignment of The 2019 Medium Term critical oversight role to play in budget. “Our presentation resources with policy intent,” Budget Statement provides this regard”. 10 INSESSION NEWS

We will accelerate merging and He said the total reduction was consolidating public entities. mainly the result of lowering Government to propose law We will propose a new law to programme baselines and stop excessive salaries in these the wage bill by R261 billion. to stop excessive salaries in public entities, and we will “These are partially offset by also deal decisively with the additions and reallocations of public entities – Mboweni excessive high cost of leasing R111 billion. Of this, more than government buildings,” said Mr half, or R60 billion, is for Eskom Mboweni. and South African Airways.”

Mr Tito Mboweni, the He said the total consolidated Mr MBoweni said while some Minister of Finance, government spending is of these savings were good for expected to grow at an the fiscus, “in many cases we has told Parliament average annual rate of 5.1%, are also making difficult and that the government from R1.95 trillion in 2020/21 painful sacrifices”. will propose a law to R2.14 trillion in 2022/23. to stop excessive This, he said, was mainly due “We shall undertake spending to mounting debt-service costs. reviews to ensure that we salaries in public achieve this objective. The entities and accelerate Non-interest spending declines second part is adjustments on plans to merge and on average over the MTEF the wage bill by about R160 consolidate some of (Medium Term Expenditure billion over the medium term. Framework) in real terms. Once we get wage growth, these entities, writes corruption and wasteful Sakhile Mokoena. “Today we announce a net expenditure under control, downward adjustment to the we will focus our attention main budget non-interest on hiring in important areas He also reiterated his concern also announced, during his maximising the quality and expenditure of R156.1billion such as education, police, about the bloated public 2020 Budget Speech, that quantity of services. over the next three years, and healthcare. We can hire sector wage bill, which he said the government was moving relative to the 2019 budget strategically, and better match would have to be adjusted by forward with reforms to the “Cabinet approved the projections. skills with opportunities,” Mr about R160 billion over the procurement system, with a publication of a new Public Mboweni explained. medium term. Mr Mboweni focus on value for money and Procurement Bill.

years, we expect growth to average just over 1%.

Relief for citizens, no VAT Therefore, a stable supply of electricity will be our number or tax increases one task,” added Mr Mboweni. The South African economy is predicted to grow by a disappointing 0.9% this year, with inflation Mr Mboweni presented the averaging 4.5%, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni told Members of the National Assembly when he budget and also tabled the Division of Revenue Bill, the delivered his 2020 Budget Speech, writes Sakhile Mokoena. Appropriation Bill, 2020 budget review, 2020 estimates of Mr Mboweni said achieving had decided against increasing the South African economy will Persistent electricity problems national expenditure, as well economic growth and higher value added tax (VAT), pay- grow by 0.9% and inflation will, however, hold back as tax proposals for the year employment levels requires a as-you-earn (PAYE) or other will average 4.5% in 2020. growth. Over the next three 2020. plan, and that over the next 18 personal income taxes. months, the economy should get a number of jump-starts. In some instances, taxpayers He said these jump-starts will will now pay even less tax. Mr include, among other things, Mboweni added, “our income “the reform agenda led by the tax system is progressive, and President, lower inflation, the the adjustments reflect this. interest rate reduction earlier Someone earning R10 000 a this year, the recent gains in month will pay 10% less in tax. platinum group metals’ prices Someone earning R100 000 and the impending change a month will pay about 1.5% to the electricity regulatory less. We are also proposing framework”. broadening the corporate income tax base,” he said. According Mr Mboweni “new tax increases at this time could “With growth of 3.5%, sub- harm the economy’s ability to Saharan Africa is forecast to recover”. To this end, and to be the second-fastest growing stimulate economic activity he region in the world. Against announced that government this backdrop we forecast that BUDGET 2020 11

Modernisation of network More spending industries and the on health and restructuring of SOEs education Minister of Finance, Tito Mboweni, said the government will be allocating more money on learning and culture and health areas. Learning and culture currently receives R396 billion followed by health that receives R230 billion, and social development with R310 billion, writes Mava Lukani.

Finance Minister Mr Tito Mboweni’s budget speech was presented in the context of the socio-economic challenges facing South Africa, writes Abel Mputing. The Minister began by pointing out how the economy has contracted over the past decade. Nonetheless, despite poor growth, Mr Mboweni said, South Africa remains the most diversified economy on the continent and he presented a strong plan for future growth.

In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa One proposal is the SAA’s guaranteed debt and “Government will said his government has noted the enthusiastic support from modernisation of network interest. do whatever it South Africans during the public hearings on the National industries and the restructuring Health Insurance (NHI), and based on that, the government is of state-owned enterprises Government is also committed takes to ensure a putting in place mechanisms for its implementation after the (SOEs). “Government will do to open up new markets, stable electricity conclusion of the parliamentary process. whatever it takes to ensure a promote regional integration supply stable electricity supply … it and contribute to economic In preparation for the NHI, he said the government has is our number one task,” the growth in terms of the … it is our already registered more than 44 million people at more than Minister said. “To this effect, African Continental Free Trade number one task.” 3 000 clinics in the electronic Health Patient Registration government has allocated Agreement, which South Africa Mr Tito Mboweni’ System, and is now implementing this system in hospitals. It R230 billion over 10 years to is a signatory to. Minister of Finance is also in that context that health is identified as an area for achieve the restructuring of the more spending. electricity sector.” This is linked to an industrial To streamline all these strategy, which will include strategies, the minister President Ramaphosa said: “A fundamental condition A lasting solution to energy “an innovation fund, which advocated that the cost of for growth and development is a healthy and productive challenges hinges on will be capitalised with R1.2 doing business in South population, with access to quality, affordable healthcare.” “determinations to implement billion over the next three Africa should be lowered. To the Integrated Resource Plan years, an industrial business this end, “the BIZPortal will In the education sector, Minister Mboweni said investment of 2019”. This will be finalised incentive worth R18.5 billion, provide a streamlined way to will go to new schools, to replace schools that are constructed shortly, once the National which will create and retain register a new business with with inappropriate materials, “and providing them with water, Energy Regulator has agreed approximately 56 500 jobs. the CIPC, SARS, the UIF and electricity and sanitation”. to the plan. In addition, the Compensation Fund in one government has announced An additional R107 million day.” He said: “In 2020/21 the maths, science and technology grant that municipalities will be is reprioritised for the will introduce coding and robotics to learners from Grade R to allowed t to buy energy from refurbishment of 27 industrial The agricultural sector will also Grade 3 as announced by the President. Transfers to provinces independent suppliers. parks in townships and rural play a critical role in boosting support schooling for 13 million children and healthcare for economies. And R6.5 billion economy and “Government 49.1 million South Africans,” he added. As for South African Airways, is allocated for small business has allocated R495.1 million to Mr Mboweni mentioned that incentive programmes of which the Department of Agriculture, The Department of Higher Education and Training will business rescue will “lead to a R2.2 billion will be transferred Land Reform and Rural reallocate existing funds to undertake a feasibility study radically restructured airline”. to the Small Enterprise Development to improve for the establishment of a new university of science and In the budget, government has Development Agency.” compliance with biosecurity innovation in Ekurhuleni. allocated R16.4 billion to settle and support exports.” 12 INSESSION NEWS Citizens want urgent implementation of NHI in all provinces

The Portfolio Committee on Health has the Fezile Dabi and Mangaung their pessimism for the failure Organisation, said traditional districts, the people called for of an NHI-funded healthcare healers support the Bill and conducted public hearings on the National the reintroduction of health system. want to ensure that the Health Insurance (NHI) Bill in the Eastern inspectors that will ensure that traditional healthcare system Cape, North West, Free State, Western Cape healthcare facilities are up to Representatives of traditional is also included in the NHI and Gauteng. In all these provinces, people standard and render quality healers organisations legislation. healthcare services to the emphasised the need to called for the urgent implementation of people. include the indigenous All the traditional healers’ NHI because they hope it will translate the healthcare system in the representatives emphasised constitutionally enshrined right to health Some representatives of the scheme and to recognise the the fact that traditional people living with disabilities important role of traditional medicine is regarded as of each and every South African into emphasised that their daily healers in the NHI legislation mythical medicine, yet it helps real access to quality healthcare services specific needs are enshrined to ensure that the envisaged the African people. “Powerful to everyone, irrespective of each person’s in the Bill of Rights but the healthcare system is inclusive. Western countries import financial position, reportFelicia Lombard current public healthcare plants from Africa, produce system denies them those In the Western Cape, the medicine and export that and Malatswa Molepo. rights. majority of West Coast medicine to Africa in modern

At all the communities where Ms Zandile Phakathi of the the Portfolio Committee Buffalo City Metropolitan on Health conducted public Municipality said she supported hearings on the National the NHI because it stands Health Insurance, people were for the achievement of clear about their frustration the progressive rights of a on the challenges facing the universal healthcare system current health system, which that are internationally they called “disastrous”. recognised as human rights. “We say healthcare is a human They hope the NHI will right that everyone is entitled be a good replacement. to. We are further saying that Furthermore, they said instead this right should not depend on of the current public healthcare a person’s financial standing,” system offering healthcare Ms Phakathi said. services, it has become the symbol of death as people Dr Dhlomo appreciated the NHI public hearing die at the crumbling clinics commitment shown by residents told the committee form,” said Mr Sihleli Nxasana, and hospitals in gruelling long the South African Medical In the North West, the people that the NHI is much-needed in who is also a Khayelitsha- queues, waiting for medical Association on the Bill in urged the committee to ensure their district. They highlighted based traditional healer. attention. Mthatha, a commitment he that the governance system their frustration with the said makes it clear that they on the implementation of current public healthcare In the Gauteng’s Ekurhuleni In the Eastern Cape, the are willing to work with the NHI is strengthened to system, which they said fails Metropolitan Municipality people told the committee the government and health deter and protect the fund to assist them, they called for region, participants in no uncertain terms that stakeholders to effectively deal against corruption. On the the speedy implementation of emphasised the need for the time for discussions and with the teething problems creation of boards that are the NHI. effective governance, as well mobilisation of views on the that were experienced when envisaged in the Bill, the as performance monitoring and Bill is over. “Now is the time the NHI was piloted in the OR residents called for boards They told the committee in evaluation to ensure that the for implementation,” they said. Tambo District Municipality. that will be representative their oral submissions that benefits of the NHI are felt by of the people on the ground, there is a large population all across the country – and to The residents have a view In the Free State, the majority and boards that will promote of farm workers in their ensure that the fund doesn’t that the implementation of of those who expressed public involvement in the region who cannot afford the follow the same route as other the NHI is being delayed, support for the Bill also implementation of the NHI. expensive profit-driven medical state-owned entities because which compromises the good emphasised the importance aid schemes. They also told of corruption. intentions of the NHI. of a well-functioning public The people who opposed the committee that they are healthcare system, especially the NHI in the North West turned away at times at the The committee will now Making his oral submission on at primary healthcare level. Province’s Rustenburg area usually overcrowded public engage stakeholders and the Bill in Mthatha, Mr Paseka The residents of Mangaung cited the current problem of hospitals on the grounds of the organisations that made Nontshiza said: “Our people District told the committee the failure of state-owned unavailability of nurses. written submissions to it, and are left on the fringes of that the NHI is important for entities such as Eskom, South that will form the last phase healthcare, dying out there of ensuring universal healthcare African Airways and Prasa In the Khayelitsha leg of the of public participation on the treatable ailments and because coverage, as per the World as a point of reference with hearings, Ms Esther Mbanyaru, Bill at the National Assembly of poverty they are unable to Health Organisation’s Alma regard to the failed state-led who is the Chairperson of the level. access quality treatment.” Ata Declaration of 1978. In intervention, as the basis of Khayelitsha Traditional Healers SPEAKERS FORUM 13

‘More work still needs to be done regarding the remuneration of public office bearers’

The Speakers’ Forum, an organisation of the Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the National Assembly and all the provincial legislatures, as well as the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), recently considered a range of issues including methods to make governance, administration, oversight and public participation more effective and accountable, writes Abel Mputing.

High on the agenda was and his or her contribution to Therefore, “their jobs should and the profiling and grading will cost the National Treasury a presentation on the the sector, Dr Bussan noted. He be seen as equally hard and thereof, as some of the matters approximately R93 million. remuneration of public office admitted, however, that more complex”. raised could not be resolved. bearers, commissioned by the work still needs to be done to In his concluding remarks, the Independent Commission for address existing disparities. A contestation on this ensued, It was thought that further chairperson of the session, the the Remuneration of Public with the Deputy Speaker of deliberation and engagement Chairperson of the National Office Bearers and undertaken The remuneration of the the National Assembly, Mr would clarify the reasoning Council of Provinces, Mr Amos by remuneration specialists President, Deputy President, Lechesa Tsenoli, suggesting regarding the current Masondo, emphasised that the 21st Century Consultants. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker that a working group should remuneration profiles and views expressed by various commission arose because and the Chief Justice were address this issue. It was grading of office bearers at office bearers will help to there is no standardised kept unchanged in the study. agreed that the working group national and provincial level. resolve existing remuneration methodology to determine the The reason for this, he said, should relay its resolutions to disparities in the sector. remuneration of office bearers is that “the benchmarking the commission so that they According to the projections of Legislatures must collate their in the legislature. of the correlation between can inform the basis of its the study, the entire process suggestions and send them to the four was kept, because remuneration of office bearers, of remuneration adjustment the commission. 21st Century’s Dr Mark Bussan, it’s a globally acceptable said: “The benchmarking of remuneration benchmark that profiles and grading of jobs of we should not tamper with”. presiding officers of legislatures was to ensure that they are One fundamental principle remunerated fairly in relation should be adopted, he said, to their respective roles.” is that “there should be no He was pleased to note that disparities in remuneration updated job descriptions are between a Speaker who now available and there is a presides over a bigger or repository of 35 graded jobs. smaller province”. This is because there is no difference Remuneration benchmarking in their job description, as they now considers the length of are both charged with tasks service of each office bearer, prescribed by the Constitution. 14 INSESSION NEWS

The Chairperson of the governmental and municipal Portfolio Committee on stakeholders responsible for Committees in Brief Basic Education, Ms Bongiwe the escalating debt owed to Mbinqo-Gigaba, welcomed the Eskom should appear before 2019 National Senior Certificate it jointly. This is necessary (NSC) results which she said to determine an appropriate The Portfolio Committee on the committee an opportunity in order to protect the rail showed a pass rate of 81.3%, way forward and to verify Public Enterprises expressed to fully scrutinise the infrastructure and all assets and a percentage she said the amount of debt still concern about the performance documents and prepare for belonging to the Passenger confirms a great deal of hard outstanding, as there are of state-owned enterprises the engagement with NSFAS, Rail Agency of SA (Prasa). work by learners, teachers and differences about how much is (SOEs). The committee and that according to them, all other stakeholders within still owed. received a presentation from is a blatant disregard of He said the amount of the sector. the Department of Public accountability. money the government is “We applaud the continued Scopa called the department Enterprises on its third-quarter losing on a daily basis due hard work by all the for a briefing based on the performance for 2019/20. The information received from committee was concerned to IMTT, which claimed that the hear that all SOEs are loss- Department of Public Works making, with the exception is the biggest debtor, owing of the South African Forestry Eskom R3 billion in June 2019. Companies Limited (Safcol). The department told Scopa that this amount was incorrect and The committee heard that that, in fact, it owes much less Transnet’s overall shareholder than this. compact performance has dwindled from 49% in the first The Select Committee on quarter to 41% in the second Petitions and Executive quarter, and 32% in the last Undertakings will soon be quarter of the period under able to respond to Mr Votani review. Majola’s petition that was submitted to the National The Select Committee on stakeholders that have Council of Provinces (NCOP) Education and Technology, The Chairperson of the to the vandalism of the rail made an investment in where he claims that his Sports and Arts and Culture committee, Mr Elleck infrastructure by vandals who the form of time and other nation, the Thembuland Royal resolved to postpone its Nchabeleng, said: “You have made it a habit to burn resources in ensuring that Empire, were the original meeting with the National expect us to scrutinise the trains, was alarming and our children have a solid owners of the land covering Student Financial Aid Scheme documents within minutes, concerning. and adequate foundation in the whole of South Africa. (NSFAS) on the grounds of the yet you took days to compile relation to education, which late submission of the required the presentations. NSFAS Twenty-four trains were will guarantee them a better The petition was submitted to documents to the meeting that officials are not serious reportedly burnt in the Free future. We also applaud the NCOP in 2018 and referred was planned to take place in about addressing the many State at the beginning of the successful learners and to the select committee Parliament. challenges faced in the February. He said although encourage those that have for further processing and education sector.” there seemed to be no link failed to try again as they have consideration. In processing The committee expressed its that has been established so the potential to succeed,” Ms the petition, the committee extreme disappointment with The Chairperson of the far, however the Free State Mbinqo-Gigaba said. invited the petitioner and other the management of NSFAS Portfolio Committee on train burning incident followed stakeholders for further inputs and said that its failure to Transport, Mr Mosebenzi numerous train burnings in and The Chairperson of the before compiling a report, submit the documents on Zwane, has said appropriate around Cape Town. Portfolio Committee on which will soon be tabled and time deprives members of measures need to be taken Higher Education, Science debated in a sitting of the and Technology has called on NCOP. university students to desist from damaging university The Select Committee on property when they engage in Public Enterprises and protest actions. Communications expressed its concern on governance Violent protests have occurred challenges that riddle the and brought the registration Universal Service and Access to a halt at the universities of Agency of South Africa KwaZulu Natal and the Western (Usaasa). Cape recently. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Philly Usaasa appeared before Mapulane, said the reports of the committee recently at the destruction of property at Parliament, to brief the the University of KwaZulu Natal committee on the South were concerning and needed African connect project and urgent attention. the general availability, and accessibility of broadband The Standing Committee services to South Africans on Public Accounts (Scopa) across provinces as per the believes that all relevant entity’s mandate. COVID-19 15

Regulations set out to stop the spread of the COVID - 19 virus and minimise its effects.

Parliament calls on all citizens to abide by these regulations. 16 INSESSION NEWS

State to release 700 000 hectares for Agricultural production, says President

President Cyril Rampahosa says government must expand the agriculture and agro-processing sector by supporting key value chains and products, developing new markets and reducing the country’s reliance on agricultural imports. In his 2020 speech, President Land Reform and Agriculture to livestock and many livelihoods. Ramaphosa announced some of the strategies on agriculture his accelerate land redistribution, “Working with the Agricultural government has applied since his 2019 June SONA, expand agricultural production Research Council and other writes Felicia Lombard. and transform the industry, will scientific and agricultural yield the expected results. bodies, we have developed drought mitigation strategies President Ramaphosa reported that focus on developing that “to date, we have drought-resistant seeds, released 44 000 hectares of planting and storing fodder, state land for the settlement removing of invasive plants of land restitution claims, and and management strategies to this year we will release about prevent soil degradation,” he 700 000 hectares of state land said. for agricultural production”. In doing so, priority will be He also told the Joint Sitting given to youth, women, people that hemp and cannabis with disabilities and those products for medicinal who have been farming on purposes will receive communal land and are ready government attention. “We to expand their operations for will open up and regulate training and allocation of land. the commercial use of This will be supplemented hemp products, providing President Ramaphosa stated and industrial users of a sugar plan has now been completed. further by a new beneficiary opportunities for small- that agriculture is one of master plan to address job He told Members of Parliament selection policy, which includes scale farmers, and formulate the sectors of the economy losses in the industry. This plan that to further support the compulsory training for policy on the use of cannabis with the greatest potential is expected to be finalised local industry, a new poultry potential beneficiaries before products for medicinal for growth. To accelerate this soon. import tariff adjustment will be land can be allocated to them. purposes, to build this industry potential, he highlighted implemented. in line with global trends.” some of the methods his One such strategy is the poultry The President also reported government will use to address master plan to support chicken The government also hopes on the severe drought that Regulatory steps on these various challenges facing the farmers and processors, which that the implementation of key has hit many provinces across products are expected to be industry. One of these is the not only saved 54 000 jobs, recommendations from the the country and which has announced very soon by the development with farmers but also created new ones. This Presidential Advisory Panel on resulted in the loss of crops, relevant ministers.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS: FROM GETTING SICK

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness Wash your hands ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as After coughing or sneezing, when caring Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute for the sick, before, during and after Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is preparing food, before eating, after a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. toilet use, when hands are dirty Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between after handling animals animals and people.

Source:: World Health Organization (WHO) Source:: World Health Organization (WHO)

24HR NICD HOTLINE 0800 029 999