COVID 19 Supra Searching Corruption Mahumapelo, on for a suitable 3 8 Tourism Month 16 candidate to lead the Office

Vol. 02 Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of Issue 06 2020

SIU to investigate ‘disgraceful’ Covid-19 corruption, and three Amendment Bills against GBVF on the cards – President Ramaphosa

Over the last two years, significant progress has been made in strengthening institutions like recognises that the struggle against GBVF requires the NPA, the Hawks, SARS, the SIU and others so that they are able to detect, investigate and collective, cohesive and prosecute all acts of corruption. strategic leadership. The strategic plan provides for a governance structure in The president appeared Mputing. Council on GBV, and will programme of action. the form of a multi-sectoral for the first time in the Ms Jacquiline Mofokeng women from rural areas Following the Presidential GBVF Council to lead the National Assembly since (ANC) asked the President: with different cultural, racial Summit against GBVF in implementation of the plan. the outbreak of Covid-19 to With reference to the work and class backgrounds be November 2018 and after answer questions on a range the Government has done to represented thereon? an extensive consultation We have improved the supply of issues including gender- address GBVF, the adoption process, a National Strategic of sexual assault evidence based-violence and femicide of the National Strategic President’s response: Plan was adopted by Cabinet. kits, which are now available (GBVF), corruption and the Plan and the work towards The struggle to end GBVF in all police stations. Three government’s strategies establishing the Council on succeeds only if society as The implementation of the amendment Bills intended and plans to resuscitate GBV, what is intended to a whole is mobilised and Plan began on 1 May 2020. to strengthen the response the economy, reports Abel be the composition of the organised behind a common The National Strategic Plan of our criminal justice

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

system have been approved through a transparent process measures not only to detect, In an important first step enabling members of the by Cabinet and are in the of public nomination and investigate and prosecute towards that goal, Cabinet public to find detailed process of being introduced selection. such crimes, but also to established a ministerial information about how public into Parliament. strengthen measures to team to compile and collate funds are being spent. Among other things, these Mr prevent corrupt activities. a comprehensive report of Rev (ACDP) Bills aim to tighten bail (DA) asked the President: the details of all tenders asked the President: Whether conditions for perpetrators Whether the President To achieve this purpose, and contracts awarded the Special Investigating Unit of sexual offences; has received, as directed I have authorised the by national departments, (SIU) that was authorised by strengthen parole conditions on and/or about 6 August Special Investigating Unit provincial governments the President to investigate and increase minimum 2020, the comprehensive to probe any allegations and other public entities any unlawful and/or sentences; and ensure more report containing the full relating to the misuse of as part of the response to improper conduct in the severe consequences for details of all tenders and Covid-19 funds across all the coronavirus pandemic. procurement of goods and contravening a protection contracts that have been spheres of the state. The The ministerial team was services during national order. Five new Thuthuzela awarded by each national work of the SIU is taking given the responsibility to state of disaster, requested Care Centres are to be department, provincial place alongside the work ensure that the details of assistance from the Cabinet established and will be government and public entity of the recently-established these tenders and contracts to provide the names of operational by the end of during the period of the special coordination centre, be made public. Earlier companies and the details March 2021. National State of Disaster which is called the Fusion this week, the National of tenders and contracts that from the Committee of Centre, to strengthen the Treasury started publishing were awarded to national After extensive consultation, Ministers appointed by him collective efforts among the submissions from departments, provincial it has been decided that to deal with allegations of law-enforcement agencies to these various government governments and/or public the National Council will corruption associated with prevent, detect, investigate departments and entities on entities during the period of consist of a Board with the Republic’s response to and prosecute Covid-related their website. the national state of disaster; various technical working the coronavirus pandemic; corruption. if not, what necessitated the units. In line with Article 4 if not, by what date does To date, 95% of provincial appointment of a committee of the Presidential Summit he envisage to receive the The National Treasury and national departments of six Ministers, led by Declaration, the GBVF Council report; if so, (a) on what date has taken effective steps and state entities have the Minister of Justice and will consist of a maximum did he receive the report to tighten procurement submitted all information Correctional Services. of 13 members, 51% of and (b) what are the main regulations. These measures regarding Covid-19 which will be civil society findings of the report? will strengthen the ongoing procurement to the President’s response: As I representatives and 49% work of the Auditor-General Ministerial team. This indicated in my reply to the government representatives. President’s response: It is to audit, in real time, all initiative is unprecedented previous question, Cabinet disgraceful that at this time Covid-19 expenditure. in our country’s history, established a ministerial The National Council will of national crisis, there are Perhaps the greatest defence be inclusive of all South companies and individuals against corruption in public Africans, including women who seek to criminally procurement is to make from urban and rural areas, benefit from our efforts to the entire process more and different cultural, racial protect people’s health and transparent and open to and class backgrounds. The save lives. As government, public scrutiny. members will be appointed we have taken several

THE SIU HAS NOT MADE ANY REQUEST TO CABINET FOR ASSISTANCE IN GATHERING DETAILS OF COVID-RELATED TENDERS AND CONTRACTS.

Ms Noxolo Abrahams COVID 19 CORRUPTION 3 team to compile details of all confront the effects of a Covid-19 related procurement massive global slowdown of all government bodies so and a dramatic decline in that these could be made local economic activity. public. Cabinet’s intention in doing so was aimed to The supplementary promote transparency and budget tabled by the accountability. Minister of Finance on 24 This process is distinct from June therefore proposed and unrelated to the work of significant increases in Editor Brent Simons the SIU in investigating any expenditure in the context unlawful or improper conduct of falling revenue. As a Production editor Mava Lukani in the procurement of goods consequence of our decisive and services in any state and absolutely necessary Design and layout institution. response to this pandemic, MIND TRIX MEIDA

government debt is expected Copy editors The SIU has not made any to reach R3.9 trillion in Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula request to Cabinet for 2020/21. This does not Ms (EFF) Writers assistance in gathering include the debt of state- Abel Mputing, Sakhile Mokoena, details of Covid-related owned companies. Nolizwi Magwagwa, Faith on GBV to ensure that all you give an indication as to Ndenze, Mava Lukani tenders and contracts. matters are attended to. Now how you intend to address According to the Debt would stabilise at 200 social workers have been the underfunding of shelters, Photography Mlandeli Puzi, proclamation I signed on 23 around 87.4 percent of hire to assist with psych- some have not been paid. Zwelethemba Kostile July, the SIU is authorised gross domestic product social cases. This is progress. We will never win this war if to probe any allegations (GDP), after which it would Distribution & subscriptions we don’t fund shelters. Jacqueline Zils relating to the misuse of gradually decline. The Follow-up question, Ms Covid-19 funds across all active scenario prevents Mente: There is a view President’s response: We Publisher Parliament of the Republic of spheres of the state. debt service costs from that there should be a are building more shelters. South Africa continuing to rise faster than parliamentary committee And we need more as long The SIU is empowered by all other items of spending as there is a scourge. We Printer that will oversee the work of Vision Enterprises the SIU and Special Tribunals for the foreseeable future. the National Council on GBVF will look at the issues of Act of 1996 to gather all In this way, it prevents and the implementation of unpaid shelters. We will Section Manager: Publishing and Production necessary evidence required an outcome where South the National Strategic Plan also bring social workers Shirley Montsho in the fulfilment of this Africa’s debt costs are higher on GBV. Do you support such into the systems because mandate. If the SIU finds than all other expenditure, a proposal? there are cases that need Copyright INSESSION is is published by evidence that a criminal a sovereign debt crisis well qualified personnel like the Information and Content offence has been committed, causes investors to leave the President’s response: If social workers to deal with. A Development Unit of the Parliamentary Communication it is obliged to refer such country, and the country has the idea of setting up a process is underway to bring Services of the Parliament evidence to the prosecuting to seek large bailouts from parliamentary committee is more social workers into the of the Republic of South Africa. authority. official lenders. supported by the house and system. All material published is copyrighted and cannot be is deemed the best way to reproduced without the written Ms Noxolo Abrahams (ANC) Ms Veronica Mente (EFF) go so be it. We all want to Mr (EFF) permission of the publisher. asked the President: In asked the President: You see that these structures are asked the President: How EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES light of the fact that the made commitments to deal effective and accountable. will the President deal with Telephone 021 403 8738 government has reached precisely with GBV, but wide-spread allegation of Fax 021 403 8096 E-mail almost R3 trillion in debt according to crime statistics Ms (IFP) corruption related to the [email protected] exposure, what measures under your term sexual asked the President: Can procurement of PPE. Subscriptions has the government put offences have increased, [email protected] Post in place to ensure that it and there is a DNA backlog PO Box 15, , 8000 honours its commitments related to these offences, OUR IDEALS to finance debt repayments how you intend to deal with Vision while at the same time that? An activist and responsive maintaining expenditure people’s Parliament that improves the quality of life of on socio-economic rights President’s response: We South Africans and ensures (details furnished) and how have now ensured that enduring equality in our society. will government spending police stations have test kids Strategic Objectives in the medium-term help to conduct tests, and such Strengthening oversight and to address the challenge tests are sent to laboratories accountability; enhancing public involvement; of rising unemployment to concretise evidence and deepening engagement in that deepens poverty and prosecution. There have been international fora; widens the challenge of shortages, but we attending strengthening cooperative government; inequality? this matter in provinces such strengthening legislative capacity. as the Eastern Cape. We are BOOK A TOUR President’s response: The making progress and we are To tour Parliament effect of the coronavirus doing a lot in this regard. Telephone 021 403 2266 pandemic on economies We are strengthened by E-mail [email protected] around the world has been the partners we have with severe. Like most other entities that we are working countries, we have had to with in the National Council Ms Liezl van der Merwe 4 INSESSION NEWS

other question is, should we be outsourcing everything or what are things that can be done President’s reesponse: This has caused an outrage across in-house by government. About special courts, I will be making pronouncements regarding the country. It’s disgraceful that at a time of crisis there are that very soon. individuals that seek to criminally benefits in our efforts to save lives. We have taken several measures to prevent Mr (IFP) asked the President: Behind the names of companies accused of corrupt activities. To achieve that, I have authorised the corruption are faces. Who are the owners and directors of these companies? Special Investigative Unit to accelerate the investigation of PPE tenders across all the departments of the state. President’s response: You are absolutely right; we should be focussing on the names behind these entities. The work that is being done by SARS, Special Investigation Unit and Hawks will We have since established the Fusion Centre, a collective probe so deeply to determine the faces of these companies and depth of their involvement in effort of law agencies to prosecute covid 19 corruption. this corruption. When it comes to corruption, we have now embarked on a new course, let’s The National Treasury ha also strengthened procurement support these institutions to ensure they are strengthened and are given all the resources procedures and has ensured that they are open and they need. transparent to public scrutiny. Mr (EFF) asked the President: South Africa’s debt obligation stands at R200 billion annual, servicing 3.7 trillion. That means we spend 200 billion to service our debt. What is the wisdom of borrowing a dollar-dominated loan of R100 billion from International Monetary Fund? President: We looked at the cost structure of these loans, the IMF came at 1.1% and its conditionalities were not attached to a normal loan.

We took advantage of low interest loan meant for Covid-19. We discussed this extensively. We rejected adverse conditions attached to other loans that would compromise the sovereignty of our country. At the end, we went for cheap money that would allow us to achieve our objectives. And that we would be able to pay back in due course to avoid intergenerational debt.

Mr (ACDP) asked the President: To what degree are you going to address the conditionalities and concerns to address the challenges posed by power supply constraints and corruption that were raised as concerns when you acquired the International Monetary Fund.

President’s response: It’s not an instruction, these are the things that we were addressing already. We had to agree to addressing those concerns. We intend to comply and they will look at the steps we take in tackling corruption and in upgrading our power utility. These are not negative condition attached to the granting of this loan that interfere with our sovereignty that is why we took this loan. Ms Thandiswa Marawu (ATM)

There is also a ministerial task team to compile and collate Ms Thandiswa Marawu (ATM) asked the President: In view of the many job losses in the comprehensive reports on tenders awarded by departments formal employment market and the youth unemployment rate at just over 60%, what and other public entities as part of the response to Covid-19 steps do you intend to take to: ensure that trading in the informal economy is reserved corruption. This marks a new era in the procurement of public only for South Africans, and instruct the Department of Home Affairs and the Department goods, and will lead to procurement reforms that will deal of Employment and Labour to review all work permits given to non-South Africans for the with procurement maladies. purpose of revoking all permits issued for work that South Africans can do?

Mr Malema asked a follow-up question: Are donors of your President’s response: The unemployment crisis in our country has been dramatically deepened ANC presidential campaign not the beneficiary of the PPE by the economic effects of the global coronavirus pandemic. We are therefore called upon tenders? Also, don’t you think we should do away with to use every means at our disposal to rebuild our economy, protect existing jobs and create the tendering system on things such as masks? Why don’t new jobs. This means, among other things, that we need to look at issues of migration, you establish special court to prosecute those involved in employment and economic activity. corruption? To ensure a coherent and sustainable solution to these challenges, Cabinet has recently President’s response: The matter related to the funders for my established an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the Employment of Foreign Nationals. party political campaign is a matter that is before the court. Convened by the Minister of Employment and Labour and co-chaired by the Minister of Home As such, it’s matter that we can’t deal with it now. I agree, Affairs, this IMC will deal with the migration of foreign nationals for employment and related we need to relook at our tendering process as a whole. The opportunities.

ONE OF THE GREATEST CHALLENGES WE ARE CONFRONTING AS A COUNTRY IS THE THEFT OF PUBLIC RESOURCES BY THOSE GIVEN RESPONSIBILITY TO MANAGE AND SAFEGUARD THEM. - PRESIDENT RE - IGNITING OUR ECONOMY 5

Mr Sakhumzi Somyo (ANC) asked the President: In light of the fact that Covid-19 Eskom is central to re-igniting our has exposed a great deal of maladministration within economy, says Deputy President as the state, particularly among public servants as well as officials that are conducting he answers questions in the NCOP business with the state, what additional measures will he put in place to root out corruption within the public business case and see to it energy, what will be the sector especially where that it’s run profitably. The budget for that? public servants and senior government is pleased with political leaders are involved the current strategic direction DP’s response: The strategic by having consideration that that Eskom has embarked on plan of our future energy it is within the context of under its new CEO. supplies is diverse; it restoring ethics in the public included gas, nuclear energy service? Mr Armand Cloete (Free and we are not discarding State’s permanent delegate any option before us. As and President’s response: One to the NCOP) asked the DP when the money becomes of the greatest challenges if there is a time frame to available, South Africa’s we are confronting as a Eskom’s turn-around strategy. energy landscape will country is the theft of public change. resources by those given DP’s response: This process responsibility to manage and will unfold until 2022. It will Ms Mmabatho Mokause safeguard them. A priority take this long because we (permanent delegate at this moment is to address are dealing with a utility Northern Cape) asked the DP: the concern that has been that has an old fleet, which Can you assure South Africans raised by our people about has resulted into operational that government intent is to the involvement of political The Deputy President, Mr negatively by Covid-19. The problems. But it is hoped privatise or not to privatise office bearers and public , appeared focus of government support that the completion of Eskom? servants in the unlawful before the National Council for Eskom includes the Madupe and Khusile power awarding of tenders and of Provinces (NCOP) as bolstering of its governance, stations and the introduction DP’s response: Government contracts to relatives and the Leader of Government accountability mechanisms, of the independent power has no intention to privatise acquaintances. Business to answer stabilisation of its debt and suppliers (IPPS) would reduce Eskom. Government is the questions on Eskom’s liquidity. And to ensure that pressure on the generation of sole shareholder in this Over the last two years, energy supply challenges, government and municipality electricity and functionality public entity and it has no significant progress has government’s land pay the money they owe of Eskom. intent to privatise Eskom. been made in strengthening reform programmes and Eskom. institutions like the NPA, infrastructure development Mr Cloete asked a follow- the Hawks, SARS, the SIU initiatives aimed at In addition to that, we up question: The country is and others so that they are resuscitating our ailing want to ensure that plant losing billions due to load- able to detect, investigate economy, writes Abel maintenance is done shedding; are high levels of and prosecute all acts of Mputing. efficiently with as minimal load-shedding imminent? corruption. At the same disruption to the economy time, we have worked to Mr Tshitereke Baldwin as possible. But our long DP’s response: Eskom strengthen the measures Matibe who is Limpopo’s term aim is to inject new efficiency is saddled with an inside government to permanent delegate energy capacity to the utility. old fleet and power stations minimise the potential for to the NCOP, asked the But in the main, we are in and their maintenance corrupt activities. In 2016, Deputy President: How the process of restructuring present problems. South Government reviewed the far is the process of Eskom. And it’s not an easy Africans must be confident Code of Conduct for Public restructuring Eskom and task to restructure a utility of that we will get out of this Service employees to, among how critical is such process its size and magnitude and problem when the new other things, prohibit public to our country’s economic such a process will take time. energy built infrastructure service employees from recovery? We have set up a political programme is put in place to conducting business with task team to oversee this bring about additional energy the state, be it in a personal Deputy President’s (DP’s) process. to meet our country’s energy Mr Christian Smit capacity or as a director in response: Eskom must needs. It’s envisaged that a company that conducts be supported to enhance This process seeks to stabilise the IPPS will contribute 2 Mr Christiaan Smit (Limpopo’s business with the state. its capacity to meet our Eskom on one hand. On the 000 megawatts and this will permanent delegate to the country’s energy needs. other it seeks to restructure help in stabilising the energy NCOP) asked: What is the Because our economic the utility into three different pressure currently exacted on progress of the land reform recovery depends on components: generation, Eskom. programme to date? efficient energy supply. transmission and distribution. As such Eskom remains This to ensure that Eskom is Ms Sonja Boshoff DP’s response: Land reform the central pillar that run efficiently and profitable. (Mpumalanga’s delegate to is a path to redress and can ignite our economy This will ensure that each the NCOP) asked the DP: If a means to restore the which had been impacted component develops its own the country opts for nuclear dignity of people who were 6 INSESSION NEWS

be implemented, as mooted in 2014, would you subject yourself to such a process?

DP’s response: If it’s done, we would all be subjected to that decision. If the process is in place, no one would be against that, certainly not me. And if agreed upon and implemented, all of us will of course be subjected to it. There are no qualms about that.

Mr Willem Aucamp (Northern Cape) asked the dispossessed of their land. off by condemning the killing Agriculture and Land Reform its report and ask necessary DP: What have you done to The Ministry of Agriculture of farmers who are important done to ensure that there is questions when it comes ensure that there is proper and Land Reform has resources to our country’s food security in the country? before Parliament. For now, infrastructure in place to identified key policy economy. Those involved in let’s desist from making bring into effect much directive aimed at fast this act should be dealt with DP’s response: Land reform wild accusations of bias needed service delivery tracking land reform. decisively to ensure that this programmes have yielded treatment of the persons needs where they are most act does not undermine this results. As I said, we involved based on their race. needed? The ministry has also sector’s contribution to our are now assessing challenges We should desist from such improved the institutional economy. and how we can speed divisive action and foster a DP’s response: Infrastructure capacity of its programmes up pace with which land climate of social cohesion. development is critical to ensure that it provides Yes, we are taking several is redistributed. And how We also interested in in bringing about much- investment for a steps to assess the that can contribute to food ensuring that Eskom becomes needed service delivery developmental support of productivity of land reform security that will deal with a sustainable utility that in underdeveloped areas. land reform and to ensure farmers. Out of that we will poverty while affording the will be able to meet its Going forward, government that land reform farmers come out with s strategy that new entrants with necessary development imperatives, has prioritised infrastructure are productive. The ministry will guide on what needs means to produce food for and to ensure that it’s as a catalyst to growth also seeks to ensure to be done to support land the nation. efficient and sustainable. and to improve the lives that the post settlement reform programmes. Part of The government is pleased of many South Africans in programme promotes which, we will assess what Ms Mokause asked a follow- that the current board is disadvantaged areas of our economic inclusion. went wrong before and how up question about the competent enough to tackle country. we can allow new entrants ongoing investigation of any act of corruption, but Mr Moletsane (Free in the agricultural sector. alleged corruption at Eskom those who will be found Government’s long- State) asked the DP: As such, the ministry has and the COO breaching to be involved in acts of term goals is to invest in Do you intend to set up devised strategies to propose procurement policies. corruption will be subjected infrastructure development mechanisms to assess mechanisms to ensure these to due processes. to leverage our country’s whether the land reform farmers are productive. DP’s response: Let’s give the Mr Timothy Brauteseth economic growth. This has programme is succeeding in Mr Cloete asked a follow-up board at Eskom space to do (KwaZulu-Natal) asked the resulted in the inception of addressing land inequality. question to the DP: What its work. The Members of DP: If a life style audit of Infrastructure Development DP’s answer: Let me start has the Department of Parliament will engage with those in public office could Fund whose function resides in the office of the president.

Subsequent to that, Infrastructure SA has been incepted to come with the strategic direction on how to create a single entry to infrastructure development. To ensure that investment in infrastructure is well coordinated and done efficiently. This because we have realised that if well- coordinated infrastructure investment can improve productivity and long-term economic growth and most of all, mitigate the economic effects of Covid-19.

Mr Simon Moeletsane Mr Timothy Brauteseth HERITAGE MONTH INTERVIEW 7

Insession writer, Mava Lukani, spoke to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Beauty Dlulane, on Heritage Month.

GBV is a very deep-rooted men’s problem in South Africa and poses a very serious threat to all the national effort towards the achievement of a non-sexist South Africa in general. In particular, GBV poses a very serious threat to women’s individual lives. According to media reports, a woman was shot and killed by her husband inside an Eastern Cape police station while reporting a case of domestic violence. The shooting occurred inside the Madeira Police Station in Mthatha recently.

What is Heritage Month and reported serious cases of antithesis of the good what is its significance? gender-based violence plans the departments (GBV) in the country, claimed to have. What is Let me start by saying that including TV actress Ms your comment? Heritage Day, which was Thandeka Mdeliswa, who determined by the Public was killed for defusing What has happened is a Holidays Act of 1994, is on an argument between regrettable feature of the 24 September. The day and three men. What is your good collective work that the entire month is used as comment on that? our government has done a strategic platform to foster and is still doing to deal greater social cohesion, GBV is a very deep-rooted with the Covid-19 pandemic. nation-building and a shared men’s problem in South It’s a double blow. Worst of national identity. Above Africa and poses a very all, from a heritage-making all, the month is used to serious threat to all the perspective, that bad story Ms Beauty Dlulane – Chairperson PC on Sports, Arts and Culture celebrate the inheritances national effort towards the of corruption is going to be that have been passed on to achievement of a non-sexist part of our history that is us by our forebears. South Africa in general. In going to be passed on to the particular, GBV poses a very next generations. However, 2020 Heritage Month takes serious threat to women’s we are grateful about the place in the context of individual lives. According triumph of the government’s the Covid-19 pandemic. to media reports, a woman strategies to push back the What is the message of was shot and killed by her frontiers of corruption. As the committee to South husband inside an Eastern the committee, we support Africans? Cape police station while the good work of the joint reporting a case of domestic effort of the law enforcement We have seen our brothers violence. The shooting agencies in exposing all the and sisters dying in large occurred inside the Madeira corruption on procurement of numbers because of the Police Station in Mthatha goods and services for Covid- Covid-19 pandemic and recently. This indicates the 19-related activities. we were denied access depth of the problem and WE ARE EXTENDING OUR DEEPEST to their funerals by the the heartlessness of men What is your message for lockdown regulations. We against women. We add our Heritage Day? CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE are extending our deepest voice as the committee to RELATIVES AND FRIENDS OF ALL condolences to all the calls for the intensification Let all South Africans attach THOSE WHO DEPARTED THROUGH a new and genuine meaning relatives and friends of of the fight for the successful THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. all those who departed obliteration of GBV. to this day. Let us show some through the Covid-19 deep sense of appreciation - MS BEAUTY DLULANE pandemic. Furthermore, we Just before the declaration of all the inheritances that call upon all South Africans of the State of National were passed on to us. We to commemorate heritage Disaster by the President, are calling upon young anniversaries with extra parliamentary committees, men to take women as a vigilance as the Covid-19 including your committee, precious gift and inheritance virus is still with us. invited departments and to the nation, who must be their entities to present protected. During the previous their readiness to deal with lockdown levels and the the Covid-19 pandemic. current one, the media Corruption has been an 8 INSESSION NEWS

Insession writer, Sureshinee Govender, spoke to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism, Mr , on Tourism Month

Let us continue to prepare to welcome international tourists to our beautiful country when the international borders are open to all.

World Tourism Day is result in the perishment to our beautiful country commemorated on 27 (destruction) of humanity. when the international September, elaborate on its borders are open to all. significance? During the previous In the meantime, we lockdown levels and the must continue to focus World Tourism Day basically current one, the media on domestic tourism and seeks to raise awareness reported that many tourism get South Africans to among the international businesses had collapsed start exploring their own community about the and that thousands provinces first (by visiting social, cultural, political and of people were now their hidden gems in economic value of tourism. It unemployed, what would villages, townships and is also about how nations can be the saving factor for small dorpies) before they work and be brought together tourism? engage in inter-provincial Mr Supra Mahumapelo – Chairperson PC on Tourism by tourism. Included in this travel. Each province has its is the objective of affording Since the announcement own unique tourist offerings, individuals the opportunity to that the whole country will such as game parks, safari travel within their countries move to Level 2 of the Risk- tours, beach, mountain and and to other countries. Adjusted Strategy from 18 sky adventures. We must August 2020, this meant that invigorate the sense of 2020 Tourism Month takes all domestic interprovincial travel amongst our people place in the context of travel is allowed for business internally, and in so doing the Covid-19 pandemic. and leisure purposes. It is very we are able to maintain What is the message of important for our country to jobs and ignite rural and the committee to South build a strong resilience in the township economy. We must Africans? economy and in tourism, this put the spotlight on tourism must be done by focusing on in villages, townships and South Africans should village and township tourism. small towns and grow the understand that we are We are now seeing a number economy through tourism. not the only ones affected of establishments opening up by Covid-19 and that each for tourists. person in the country should take personal responsibility What is your message for for their safety and for the World Tourism? safety of others. Failure to do this, by not adhering to Let us continue to prepare to the Covid-19 protocols, might welcome international tourists REVIVING THE ECONOMY 9 Rebooting the economy, National Assembly passes two tax relief bills aimed at supporting businesses and individual households

These emergency bills have been mooted months ago, but Parliament is only dealing with them now. There is an adverse effect when the necessary procedures governing money bills are not followed properly. Parliament must look into that.

The Chairperson of the lockdown which created The committee also Ms Omphile Maotwe bills are meant to achieve Standing Committee adverse economic conditions. considered the revenue (Economic Freedom Fighters) precisely that. on Finance, Mr Joseph “In the main, these bills seek implications of such measures was concerned that the Maswangayi, presented to bring about social and and was pleased to announce economic crisis would make Mr (Freedom the committee’s report on economic support measures to the House in its report that it difficult for government to Front Plus) said tax relief is the Disaster Management to cushion businesses, the bills will have no adverse provide basic services to the needed to save the economy Tax Relief Bill and households and individuals impact on South Africa’s fiscal needy. She blamed the narrow and the fiscus. He further Disaster Management Tax from the socio-economic framework, on expenditure, tax base created by apartheid urged Parliament to reflect Administration Bill to the impact of Covid-19,” he said. borrowing, investment or racial policies, which excluded on how it deals with money National Assembly for government job creation the majority of the population bills. “These emergency bills consideration. These bills The committee conducted programmes. from participating actively in have been mooted months were recently introduced to public hearings on both of the mainstream economy. ago, but Parliament is only Parliament, together with the them and there was consensus In debating the bills, dealing with them now. There Special Adjustment Budget, by that there is a need for such Mr Geordin Hill-Lewis As a result, a few South is an adverse effect when the Minister of Finance, writes interventions. The bills expand (representing the Democratic Africans carry a heavy tax the necessary procedures Abel Mputing. tax relief to businesses, bring Alliance) stated that South burden to sustain government governing money bills are not about the expansion of tax Africa is currently facing a social welfare programmes. followed properly. Parliament According to Mr Maswangayi, incentives schemes and create financial crisis and worse was “This grouping pays 24% of must look into that.” these bills complement the special tax dispensations and still to come. “There will be no our country’s income tax to Special Adjustment Budget skills levy holidays to bring economic recovery if we allow enable government to deliver Mr (Democratic and are meant to minimise financial relief to businesses. businesses to collapse and services.” Alliance) said South Africans’ the impact of the Covid-19 shut their doors, if we allow trust in the South African people to lose their jobs. And Taking part in the debate, the Receiver of Revenue has unless our borders opened to Minister of Finance Mr Tito been betrayed. “We will tourists, there would be no Mboweni emphasised the never know how much has economic recovery.” need to reboot the economy. been stolen from the people. He told Members of the People have been taken for He further added that the National Assembly that these granted and this has betrayed pandemic has thrown many bills are a step towards that their loyalty.” In his view, no families into poverty and goal. In a crisis like this, South progress has been made in the country is now littered Africans must think about how the fight against corruption with empty shops to let. they can effect tax changes, and there has never been The shrinking tax base is incentives and reliefs to oil a fight against corruption in an ongoing concern that is the wheels of the economy the first place. As a result, exacerbating the effects of the to ensure that the mining, tax morality will continue to pandemic on our economy, agricultural, transport and erode. the house heard. Minister banking sectors thrive. These 10 INSESSION NEWS

State-owned companies show some governance improvements

Ms Modisane told the committee that Alexkor’s cash reserves are expected to be depleted by September 2020. She said the department is not able to provide further funding to the entity, which is unable to generate revenue.

The Department of Public said the PSJV’s performance and SA Express. SAA was Enterprises appeared before has been erratic because of placed under business rescue the Portfolio Committee on poor management, corruption in December 2019, due to Public Enterprises recently and low diamond prices. declining performance and to brief the committee on “Consequently, the PSJV’s its inability to pay its debts. progress made in addressing liquidity challenge has had A business rescue plan was governance challenges facing a substantial impact on approved by creditors in July state-owned entities (SOEs), Alexkor’s financial position. 2020 and various options to reports Nolizwi Magwagwa. Alexkor is therefore not a raise funds to implement the going concern,” she said. business rescue plan are being The newly appointed Director- considered. “This is being Chair: Khaya Magaxa General of the Department Ms Modisane told the carried out with the assistance reported that critical positions SAA: In business rescue. of Public Enterprises, Mr committee that Alexkor’s cash of the Rand Merchant Bank, are receiving the necessary Interim CEO in place. Kgathatso Tlhakudi, said reserves are expected to be which has been appointed attention at the various it is the department’s depleted by September 2020. as Transaction Advisor to companies. SA Express: Provisional responsibility to ensure that She said the department is ensure that the best option of liquidation in place. the seven major SOEs under not able to provide further securing funding is chosen,” On the strengthening of their jurisdiction are financially funding to the entity, which is Ms Modisane added. governance structures and Safcol: CFO recruitment sustainable, adequately unable to generate revenue. tools at the state entities, process underway. funded and operationally Furthermore, she said the SA Express was placed the department reported that robust. The entities are entity is unable to access under business rescue in critical positions are receiving Alexkor: CEO appointed for Alexkor, Denel, Eskom, Safcol, financial markets, and neither February this year and was the necessary attention at 5-year term from 2017 to South African Airways (SAA), can it request support from subsequently placed under the various companies that 2022, appointed accounting South African Express, and the fiscus. Alexkor’s financial provisional liquidation on 29 include: authority. Transnet. projections for the financial April 2020 by the High Court. year 2020/21 are not The provisional liquidators Transnet has finalised the The Chairperson of the The committee heard that available due to the winding have advertised the recruitment and appointment Portfolio Committee, Mr three of the seven, Denel down of its head office. expression of interest for the of the group Chief Executive Khaya Magaxa applauded Safcol and Alexkor, reported sale of the business. officer (GCEO) and the group the department for the financial losses in the With regard to Eskom, Ms Chief Financial Officer (GCFO). progress in dealing with 2019/20 financial year. The Modisane said the increase in According to the department, the challenges facing the arms company Denel recorded revenue at the power utility is there is a likelihood that the Eskom: GCEO and GCFO state entities. “There are a loss of R1.7 billion due to a underpinned by the increase airline may be liquidated on positions occupied. many developments that significant decline in revenue in tariffs. She said although 30 September 2020 should are being observed since the collection, which is a direct cash from operations is there be no interest from any Denel: The GCEO resigned last meeting and this is very cause of its current liquidity increasing, it is insufficient to potential investor. On the on 15 August 2020. The encouraging,” he said. challenges. The third largest cover the increasing costs. strengthening of governance recruitment process will be state-owned company in structures and tools at the undertaken by the Board. South Africa, the South African Transnet’s revenue grew state entities, the department Forestry Company Limited by 3% to R57 billion in the (Safcol), reported a loss of R47 2019/20 financial year. million, also as a result of the The department attributed decline in revenue collection this growth to the lower and high operating expenses. demand than previously, which therefore resulted in The diamond mining low-volume performance. company, Alexkor, reported “According to its corporate a loss with no revenue plan, revenue was expected generating activities. This to increase to R78 billion, but entity depends solely on Covid-19 and lockdown make income from the Pooling and it unlikely that this will be Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV). achieved,” Ms Modisane said. Ms Jackie Modisane, the Deputy Director-General of The department also reflected the Enterprises Department, on the status regarding SAA THE SEARCH FOR A SUITABLE CANDIDATE 11 Auditor-General to be appointed following a transparent, open and public participatory process

“The committee also told the Mayors to present detailed plans from both cities on the enforcement of the regulations and social distancing recommendations.”

These allegations of corruption have, to some extent, a potential to erode our people’s confidence in their government.

The Ad Hoc Committee on ensured that the members of the Chairperson of the this process is transparent in the implementation of the Appointment of the the public were part of the committee, Ms Sisisi Tolashe, and open to the public. We the Public Audit Act, and the Auditor-General (AG) recently process from its inception. said the committee was have broadly listened to the threats that are made against interviewed six candidates for After the committee shortlisted embarking on this process concerns raised by the public auditors. the position of the Auditor- qualifying and suitable of searching for a suitable and acted accordingly. We have General of South Africa. The candidates, it published the candidate to lead the Office invited the public to apply for During the public participation committee went through a CVs (curricula vitae) of all the of the Auditor-General amid the position of the AG and process, the committee transparent, open and public shortlisted candidates on the a wide range of allegations deliberated the shortlisting received written submissions participatory process of parliamentary website and of corruption currently facing process in an open meeting,” that related to two of the appointing this new Auditor- called for the public to make the country. “These allegations she said. shortlisted candidates. During General, writes Faith Ndenze. written submissions on all the of corruption have, to some the interview process, the candidates. extent, a potential to erode our The committee had shortlisted committee informed the two The committee, which began In her opening remarks people’s confidence in their eight candidates, however, two candidates of the submissions its work in June this year, during the interview process, government,” she said. candidates withdrew before they had received and posed the interviewing process questions to them relating to Ms Tolashe said in an effort could commence. During the those submissions. to assist the government’s interviews, the committee commitment to root out asked pertinent questions The committee had been corruption, the committee will that sought to understand given until 31 August 2020 to have to recommend a suitable their areas of leadership, finalise the appointment of candidate, who will ensure that management, strategic the Auditor-General but the the Auditor-General of South management, technical skills date has been extended to 30 Africa, as the supreme audit relevant to the AG’s office, as October 2020. institution, exists to strengthen well as behavioural traits. the country’s democracy by enabling accountability and The committee also oversight in the public sector interviewed candidates on through auditing, thereby issues that include governance, building public confidence. adherence to the Constitution, ethics and credibility. The “It is therefore against this committee also wanted to backdrop that we have to know how the candidates ensure that our process is would deal with the challenges transparent, open and just. that are facing the Office of the

Chairperson: Ms Sisisi Tolashe From the beginning, we have Auditor-General, in particular, put systems to ensure that challenges that could arise 12 INSESSION NEWS SERVANTS OF THE PEOPLE PASS ON

Mr Peter, who passed away due to Covid-19-related illness, served on the Portfolio Committee on Tourism and on the Joint Standing Committee on the Auditor-General. He was described by the chairpersons of both committees as a loyal servant of the people.

Advocate Hishaam Mohamed served on the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Services and was the whip of the committee. He was described by the committee Chairperson as someone who stood for justice, especially for the poor and vulnerable people.

The National Assembly in, where he demonstrated to justice, improved services (NA) recently lost two a deep knowledge of the and promoting community members who passed away, subject matter. participation in the criminal Mr Zamuxolo Peter and justice system, particularly at Advocate Hishaam Mohamed. They said he was passionate courts servicing vulnerable Both members joined the about rural tourism and communities. NA in 2019 after the 2019 was at the forefront of Advocate Hishaam Mohamed general elections. the vigorous pursuit of He was described by the fearless oversight for the committee Chairperson as Mr Peter, who passed development of rural someone who stood for away due to Covid-19- tourism as a catalyst for rural justice, especially for the related illness, served on economic development. “We poor and vulnerable people. the Portfolio Committee will remember him fondly Furthermore, the committee on Tourism and on the for his passion, dedication Chairperson said, justice was Joint Standing Committee and hard work in the service very close to Adv Mohamed’s on the Auditor-General. of the constituencies he heart and this was clear from He was described by represented and the people the questions he asked during the chairpersons of both of South Africa in general.” meetings. The Presiding committees as a loyal Officers described Advocate servant of the people. Advocate Hishaam Mohamed Mohammed “as an astute served on the Portfolio lawyer and an experienced Parliament’s Presiding Committee on Justice and community activist. Even in Officers described Mr Peter Constitutional Services his brief time with the NA, as a selfless servant who, and was the whip of the he proved to be a dedicated despite being relatively new committee. Before joining and diligent member of the to Parliament, immersed Parliament, he served as House, who demonstrated himself well in the workings the head of the Western exemplary commitment to his of Parliament and its Cape Department of work.” constitutional functions. They Justice and Constitutional said he was an asset to the Development, where he committees he participated focused on providing access Mr Zamuxolo Peter

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (NA) RECENTLY LOST TWO MEMBERS WHO PASSED AWAY, MR ZAMUXOLO PETER AND ADVOCATE HISHAAM MOHAMED