Parliament: Following up on our commitments to the people.

Vol. 16 ISSUE 3 2016

Strengthening leaders House Chairperson addressed MPs graduation Vision

An activist and responsive people’s Parliament that improves the quality of life of South Africans and ensures enduring equality in our society.

Mission

Parliament aims to provide a service to the people of by providing the following:

• A vibrant people’s Assembly that intervenes and transforms society and addresses the development challenges of our people; • Effective oversight over the Executive by strengthening its scrutiny of actions against the needs of South Africans; • Participation of South Africans in the decision-making processes that affect their lives;

• A healthy relationship between the three arms of the Provinces of Council National of Black Rod of National Assembly National of Mace State, that promotes efficient co-operative governance

between the spheres of government, and ensures

appropriate links with our region and the world; and • An innovative, transformative, effective and efficient parliamentary service and administration that enables Members of Parliament to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities. Strategic Objectives

1. Strengthening oversight and accountability 2. Enhancing public involvement 3. Deepening engagement in international fora 4. Strengthening co-operative government 5. Strengthening legislative capacity contents ­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 5 Message from the National Assembly 6 I put the question Questions asked in Parliament in April 2016 8 Highlights from the Committee rooms 5

10 InSession interviews new ANC Chief Whip 32 12 Using the budget for higher education transformation 14 Police budget vote back-to-basics at SAPS gets nod of approval 16 Taking Parliament to the People report back InSession reports on the report-back on service delivery in Southern Cape

22 MPs graduate with flying colours 24 Government rolls out new procurement regime

26 Constituency work MP helps the destitute

28 DA MP says saving water is non-negotiable

30 your vote is a powerful tool, says UDM MP

31 ANC MP assists community in fight against gangsterism

32 ACDP MP works with constituency in Gauteng

34 Public Education Office freedom Day

35 Hofisi yo Dyondzisa Vaaki siku Ra Ntshuxeko

COVER: National Assembly House Chairperson: Internal Arrangements, Ms , was the guest speaker during the inaugural graduation ceremony of the University of ’s School of Leadership where MPs received certificates in Industrial Policy and Transitional Justice. The programme was facilitated by her 10 office and the Speakers’ Forum as part of Parliament’s learning and development policy. REGULARS

Presiding Officers Ms Baleka Mbete, Ms , Mr and Mr Raseriti Tau Parliament Secretary to Parliament Mr Gengezi Mgidlana remembers Editor-in-Chief Luzuko Jacobs Editor Moira Levy Freedom Day Design and layout: Angelo Lamour

Copy editors: Jane Henshall and Vusumzi Nobadula

Writers: Mava Lukani, Sibongile Maputi, Cedric Mboyisa, Sakhile Mokoena, Justice Molafo, Malatswa Molepo, Abel Mputing

Xitsonga translator: Solomon Mgiba

Photography: Mlandeli Puzi, Mike Wesson

Distribution & subscriptions: Jacqueline Zils Archivist: Zwelethemba Kostile Publisher: Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Printer: Capitil Printers Copyright INSESSION is a monthly publication, which is published by the Information and Content Development Unit of the Parliamentary Communication Services of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. All material published is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Telephone 021 403 8738 Fax 021 403 8096 E-mail [email protected] Subscriptions [email protected] Post PO Box 15, , 8000

OUR IDEALS VISION An activist and responsive people’s Parliament that improves the quality of life of South Africans and ensures enduring equality in our society.

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES Strengthening oversight and accountability; enhancing public involvement; deepening engagement in international fora; strengthening cooperative government; strengthening legislative capacity. VISIT US ON www.parliament.gov.za

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ISSN 2227-1325 (Print) ISSN 2227-3778 (Online) REGULARS

Message from the national Speaker of the National assembly Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete

am delighted to join you at this, the 14th International Festival on potential and energy therefore needs to Language and Culture. This festival is truly unique in that it is able to be a priority in finding creative solutions to Ibring together youth – possible future leaders – from so many diverse today’s challenges. countries and backgrounds to engage and find each other. So this is truly a multilateral moment. It is also a multicultural moment. Currently young people across the world are increasingly involved in heritage protection and promotion, recognising that For me, culture is not just about the being Braille within a multilinguistic heritage does not only belong to the past, economic value of our creative industries, framework. This also includes the but is also part of their current identity. it is what defines us as a civilisation. preservation and development of all Transmitting heritage values to young Culture helps us understand the world indigenous languages. people favours intercultural understanding, around us, explain it, sometimes escape respect for cultural diversity and helps from it and even act as a catalyst for Importantly, compliance with these create an environment conducive to a liberation, as was the case in South Africa. policies is monitored by Institutions culture of peace. As Picasso put it so eloquently: “washing Supporting Democracy such as the Pan the dust of daily life from our souls”. South African Language Board (PANSALB) Heritage-related initiatives pioneered and the Human Rights Commission, by Russia and Cuba, for example, I agree with the objectives of the festival, among others. clearly demonstrate that culture is an “that the best way to combat violence indispensable driver and enabler of and injustice is through education and The world today is experiencing many sustainable development. sharing of cultural values”. It is through challenges. Today, we are witnessing such learning and dialogue that the bonds growing tensions between cultures Heritage provides testimonies to and of friendship are formed and lasting peace and faiths. Often, we see the politics of links between the past and present. As can be attained. polarisation and the targeting of migrants one of the world’s few inexhaustible for stereotyping and violence. natural resources, creativity is a source This year, South Africa celebrates its of considerable potential in promoting 20th anniversary of the adoption of our At times globalisation can be seen as sustainable socio-economic development Constitution which underscores that a threat to local cultures and cultural for people of all ages. we are one people, one nation, bound diversity. Therefore building peace and together by a common heritage and improving cross-cultural understanding Thus, the creative industries can serve as a shared destiny, which is a non-racial, is about negotiation and contacts among springboard for new ideas and innovation, non-sexist, democratic South Africa. leaders. It is also about what happens on which can open up new opportunities the ground, at grassroots level. for employment and learning, while at Our Constitution also guarantees all our the same time promoting well-being people the right to practise their culture, All countries are facing what is commonly and self-esteem and empowering entire language, beliefs and customs. Everyone called a “youth bulge.” Creative solutions communities. is also guaranteed the freedom of to this ticking time bomb are needed. In creativity without interference, as well this regard, I wish to suggest that investing Young women and men are increasingly as the freedom of expression. in local cultural resources, including engaged in proposing creative solutions tangible and intangible heritage such as to local challenges. This creative energy In mainstreaming culture in our policies, education, knowledge and skills, as well needs to be harnessed so as to maximise we have placed the importance of culture as music, dance, theatre and festivals, can the positive impact it can have on society. within the national educational curricula, develop sustainable creative economies, as well as in non-formal educational open up opportunities to youth and help This is an edited extract of the speech initiatives. We have also established strengthen identity and social cohesion. delivered by the Speaker of the National a language policy that encourages the Assembly, Ms Baleka Mbete, at the growth of all South African people’s Promoting creativity for and among youth 14th International Festival on Language languages, 11 to be exact and the 12th and harnessing young people’s creative and Culture.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 5 REGULARS

i putquestion the

Questions asked in Parliament in April concerned the teaching of Mandarin in schools, SA Tourism offices located abroad and the country’s energy demands, among other issues.

Ms Elsabe Louw (EFF)

Ms Elsabe Louw (EFF) asked the of each specified school and which teachers is according to the China-South Minister of Energy, Ms Tina Joemat- province is it situated. He also asked Africa Agreement and is paid by the Pettersson, what her department was how many schools does her department People’s Republic of China (PRC). Hence doing to make it possible to generate envisage will offer Mandarin as an the Department of Basic Education has energy from wind and solar energy. She optional subject in the next five academic no data on this item. The salaries are also asked what initiatives the Energy years and which schools are earmarked being paid by the PRC. Salaries are not Department had embarked on to achieve to introduce Mandarin in the next five being borne by the Department of Basic this goal. academic years. He also wanted to know Education. No costs are carried by the how many Chinese teachers have been Provincial Education Departments. No The Minister replied: In order to meet brought to South Africa to teach Mandarin other party is involved in paying for the country’s energy demand now and in our schools to date, what was the salaries. in the future in a reliable, cost-effective cost of relocating the specified teachers and sustainable manner, the promulgated and paying their salaries and is this cost Currently there is one South African Integrated Resource Policy Plan outlines borne by her department, the provincial teacher who is qualified to teach a generation (energy) mix to follow. government concerned or another Mandarin. It is envisaged that 100 In addition to fossil fuel, nuclear and source. He also asked how many South teachers per year will be trained in the hydro power, the plan envisages that African teachers are currently qualified to next five years. Hundreds of teachers by the year 2030, 17.6 GW will be from teach Mandarin, will be trained to teach will be sent to China per year for renewable energy. This includes wind and Mandarin in the next five academic years purposes of methodological and cultural solar technologies. and will be sent to China to learn how to enrichment. teach Mandarin in the specified period? The department runs a world- Mr James Vos (DA) asked the Minister renowned Independent Power Producer The Minister replied: There are 15 of Tourism, Mr , Procurement Programme which to schools across the country offering if his department intends to reduce date has produced around 6.2 GW of Mandarin using the CAPS (second the number of its SA Tourism offices renewable energy from wind and solar additional language) curriculum – located abroad to prevent duplication of power. Additional determination for 10 in Gauteng, three in the Western services. 6.3 GW of renewable energy was issued Cape, one in the Eastern Cape and one by the Minister in concurrence with in KwaZulu-Natal. The Minister replied: No, the the regulator (Nersa) during the last department does not intend to cut down quarter of the 2015/16 financial year. In the next five years, it is envisaged the number of SA Tourism offices. SA Preparations for the procurement of this that 500 schools will offer Mandarin as Tourism continuously looks at adopting energy, in line with system requirements, a second additional language. Schools the most effective operating model is underway. have not been earmarked as yet. To in each market to allow for maximum date, two new teachers have been spend in-market, on both the traveller Mr Gavin Davis (DA) asked the brought in for the pilot programme. and trade. This approach includes setting Minister of Basic Education, Ms Angie Three more teachers are currently in up physical country offices in core Motshekga, how many schools across the process of being brought into the markets, the hub approach, operating the country have introduced Mandarin country. virtual offices and general marketing as an optional subject since the start of agencies (GMAs). Any office closures are the 2016 school year, what is the name The relocation arrangement of these considered on this principle.

6 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA REGULARS

South African Tourism’s physical office be awarded by the National Student of study across the 26 universities in Milan will be closed in the 2016/17 Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in the was R71 878,40. Based on the financial year to maximise marketing 2016-17 financial year and when this weighted average full cost of study, investments across the entire South was determined. He also wanted to the maximum-capped award was Europe territory. The Italian market will know what body determined this determined as R71 800. be serviced through a virtual office amount and under what legislative reporting to the South Europe Hub Office or regulatory provision. He also asked Prof Belinda Bozzoli (DA) asked the based in France. what it costs on average to study at Minister of Higher Education and universities for the 2016 academic year. Training, Dr , to Mr Gregory Krumbock (DA) asked itemise the cost of the damage caused the Minister of Defence and Military The Minister replied: The maximum to property at each affected university Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa- loan amount that may be awarded by resulting from student protests since Nqakula, for the names of the NSFAS to a university student in the 1 February 2016. Ministerial Task Team appointed by 2016 academic year is R71 800. The her to effect a turnaround strategy for maximum loan awarded from the DHET The Minister replied: University her department. He also asked for the general fund for university students of Stellenbosch – R352 000; North terms of reference and time frames is determined annually and approved West University – R1.5m; University for the specified task team and cost by the NSFAS Board as part of the of Limpopo – R1.7m; University of implications for employing the specified allocations process each year. For the Johannesburg – R345 000; University task team. 2016 academic year, the maximum of the – R4.6m; Walter loan amount was approved by the Sisulu University – R351 287; Tshwane In response, the Minister said: The board in the third quarter of 2015/16 University of Technology – R5m; steering committee members are Mr S and communicated to institutions in University of KwaZulu-Natal – R82m; Majombozi, Ms S Rabkin, Mr S Sokhela, December 2015. Cape Peninsula University of Technology Mr S Hamilton, and Lt-Gen (Ret) J – R689 850; University of Cape Town – Nkonyane. It is also assisted by a part- The university loan amount is R3.2m; University of Zululand – time resource panel composed of the determined by the provisions of the R 4.5m; Rhodes University – R250 000; following members: Ms S Hlapolosa, NSFAS Act 56 of 1999 under Sections University of the Witwatersrand – Mr T Kubu, Mr U Abrahamse, Brig-Gen 4(a) and 4(b), which specify that it R1.4m and University of the Free State (Ret) M R Fihla, Ms N Motlhatlhane, Ms is the function of NSFAS “to allocate – R2.8m. N Mkwanazi, Maj-Gen (Ret) K Mokoape, funds for loans and bursaries to eligible Mr D Nadison and Dr S Zikalala. students; to develop criteria and The following universities submitted conditions for the granting of loans damage reports, however, they did The turnaround strategy is to focus on and bursaries to eligible students in not provide estimates of the cost of procurement, the organisational structure consultation with the minister”. It is damage, which will be requested from of the department, financial accounting further provided for under Section them: University of South Africa; Central and the legislative mandate. In addition, 19(1) that “loans and bursaries granted University of Technology; Durban it has various work streams which deal by the board may be subject to such University of Technology and University with benefits to military veterans. conditions as it may determine, either of Fort Hare. generally or in respect of a particular The task team has been established loan or bursary”. The following universities reported no from 1 September 2015 to 31 December or minor incidents of damage: Vaal 2016. The Steering Committee is paid The maximum loan is calculated University of Technology; Mangosuthu on the basis of meetings based on the by taking into consideration factors University of Technology; University of National Treasury’s determination, which such as the increase received from Venda; Metropolitan is amended annually. the national budget process and the University and the University of weighted average full cost of study at . All affected universities have Mr Yusuf Cassim (DA) asked the universities. not confirmed from which budgets Minister of Higher Education and these damages will be recovered. Training (DHET), Dr Blade Nzimande, According to data received from However, certain damages will be paid the maximum loan amount that may universities, the average full cost or recovered from insurance claims.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 7 REGULARS

highlights from the committeerooms

month Parliament’s Committees exercise their Every law-making and oversight functions. Cedric Mboyisa compiled this summary of the Committees’ deliberations in April.

The Portfolio Committee on Justice slow transformation in land reform and Correctional Services has was noted. However, the management appealed to the Minister of Justice performance assessment tool reports and Correctional Services to urgently that the department presented showed intervene in the Land Claims Court as an improvement in their performance, it was not functioning optimally. which was encouraging.

Dr Mathole Motshekga, Chairperson She said since 1994 the department of the Portfolio Committee on Justice had shown slow progress in land and Correctional Services, said: “The transformation and the targets of Land Claims Court is not functioning 1 million hectares of acquired land well. I am informed the judges are not allocated to smallholder producers and Basic Education Acting Chairperson permanent and the majority of the the 200 000 hectares of land allocated Ms Pinky Mokoto judges are white.” to people living and/or working on “This will be an attempt to rid facilities farms may also not be met. There are of the horrendous crimes that occur Dr Motshekga elaborated by stating 133 778 new claims which have been after lock-up. Discussions around this that he did not question the impartiality lodged as of 25 February 2016. issue have been finalised. We have of the white judges. “But when an already consulted the Human Rights ordinary black South African comes in The concern of the Committee Commission and the Inspecting Judge front of white judges and lawyers in is the research capacity within for Correctional Services. We will further the Land Claims Court, which deals with the commission to fast-track the engage with the National Commission the sensitive issue of land, it creates outstanding claims which were lodged of Corrections on the issue.” perceptions of impartiality. before 1998. There has been progress in the establishment of the The Committee further heard that “It had also been observed that the land administration structures in line all new facilities that are to be built Land Restitution Act is loaded against with the National Development Plan. will have cellular phone detectors land claimants. We need to bring to ensure that no offenders are able amendments to this Act as a matter of The Portfolio Committee on Justice to use smuggled equipment which extreme urgency.” and Correctional Services has been is sometimes used to intimidate briefed about the proposed introduction witnesses. The Chairperson of the Portfolio of cameras in cells and corridors at Committee on Rural Development correctional facilities across the country. The number of offenders in custody and Land Reform, Ms Phumuzile This is an attempt to eliminate crimes has been steadily declining for several Ngwenya-Mabila, has acknowledged that occur in facilities after “lock- years and now stands at around 44 000 that 1 305 803 work opportunities and up” time, National Commissioner of compared to the almost 70 000 a few 391 194 full-time jobs were created Corrections Mr Zack Modise told the years ago. The department indicated by the department. The challenge of Committee. that it is working towards lowering the

8 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA REGULARS

figure further to around 30 000. Mr David Taylor, Adv Lebogang said they cited the same reason of not Stroom, Mr Lindelo Snail, Mr Siyakhula having been properly informed. The Committee heard that the Simelane, Ms Thav Reddy, Mr Francois department had to realign its initiatives Cronje, Ms Shamila Singh and Ms Tana The Portfolio Committee on Basic and budgets due to the budget cuts Pistorius. Education had an encouraging that have affected all government engagement with the Minister of departments. Reductions totalling The Portfolio Committee on Human Basic Education, Ms , R427.5m in 2016/17, R1bn in 2017/18 Settlements says even though it said Acting Committee Chairperson, and R1.2bn in 2018/19 have been understands that miscommunication Ms Pinky Mokoto. The Committee implemented for wages and goods and might have led to the non-attendance noted the comments by the Minister services. by some Members of the Executive that when the report on the sale of Council (MECs) and mayors of its educators posts (“Jobs for Cash”) was The Committee stated that dealing with meetings, it still expects political finalised next month, it will find its overcrowding in facilities would ensure principals to always honour Committee way to the Committee for further better rehabilitation of offenders. It meetings. interaction. The Committee heard that interrogated the budgeted amounts the final report on the “Jobs for Cash” for offenders and said the department “The Committee is obviously not allegations was handed to the minister should be providing more programmes pleased by the absence of the majority in March and her intention was to for rehabilitation and social integration of MECs and mayors during this critical release it this month. after inmates have been released from process, but accepts that the invitation facilities. processes between the Committee and However, she highlighted that one the national department could have of the labour unions in the education The Committee has welcomed all the been handled better,” said Committee sector approached the department interventions by the department and Chairperson Ms Nocawe Mafu. through its legal representatives said this will help in ensuring the safety because they wanted to see the report of offenders. Ms Mafu said this recently after it before it was released to the public. emerged that it was mainly heads of This will ensure that parties cited in the The Portfolio Committee on Justice departments and municipal heads who report did not read it in the media for and Correctional Services has attended the Committee’s two-day the first time. shortlisted candidates for vacancies process of considering the 2016/17 on the South African Human Rights strategic plans, annual performance The lawyers acting for the minister Commission (SAHRC) as well as the plans and expenditure patterns of agreed to a 21-day postponement as Information Regulator. The Committee the Urban Settlements Development it will be legally correct for the parties received a total of 73 applications Grant for the national Department mentioned in the report to peruse it for the positions. The Committee of Human Settlements, provincial before it is made public. The report is shortlisted candidates for the two human settlements departments and now likely to be released early next vacancies at the SAHRC. These respective metropolitan municipalities. month. The Committee noted that the candidates will be called for interviews task team will not be dissolved yet, at a later stage. Ms Mafu added that the attendance and that investigations were ongoing by political principals of Committee as more allegations are made as they The candidates are: Prof Rushiella meetings was very vital, even more probe further. Songca, Mr Andre Gaum, Mr Lindelwe so when dealing with matters where Mabandla, Mr Edward Lambani, Mr the input and firm commitment from Ms Mokoto said as soon as the relevant Anandroy Ramdaw, Mr Kwena Ntsewa political heads was required to ensure processes have been completed, the and Mr Hassen Ebrahim. improved performance. Committee will find the time to discuss the matter. “The Committee welcomes The Committee shortlisted 10 Ms Mafu said the Gauteng MEC for the fact that the Minister has agreed candidates for the five positions at Human Settlements was one MEC who that once the report is released to the newly established Information attended on behalf of his department. the public, the Committee will get a Regulator. The candidates are: Adv She said other MECs contacted her to detailed briefing and can then discuss Pansy Tlakula, Mr Johannes Weapond, express their respective apologies and the report in a meeting.”

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 9 SPECIAL REPORT INTERVIEW WITH new anc chief whip

New ANC sheriff plans to crack whip

recently appointed ANC Chief The Whip, Mr , is a no-nonsense veteran politician with impeccable liberation struggle credentials and is now in charge of 248 African National Congress (ANC) Members of Parliament in the National Assembly, one of Parliament’s two Houses. He spoke to Cedric Mboyisa.

A man who does not beat about the bush, Mr Mthembu was clear about his mission.

“I am going to ensure that the ANC government delivers on its promises to the people. We are not going to treat the ANC government with kid gloves.

“We will do our job without fear or favour. I disagree with the notion that because we are ANC MPs we are unable to hold the executive to account,” said Mr Mthembu during a wide-ranging interview with InSession.

He added: “It is in our interest, and ANC CHIEF WHIP: Mr Jackson Mthembu more importantly, in

10 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA INTERVIEW WITH new anc chief whip SPECIAL REPORT

the interest of the people that our better oversight over government.” a country that has a history, but we government works. The President and must do everything in our power to his ministers must account.” The twelfth ANC Chief Whip since reconcile with each other.” democracy in 1994 said he is Mr Mthembu said the ANC owes it to honoured to work with “very good On the acrimonious verbal exchanges the mandate given to it by 11 436 921 men and women” in his caucus. that have come to characterise some people who voted for them (and debates in the National Assembly since gave the ANC 62% representation in “They have given me an the last general election in 2014, Mr Parliament) to see to it that Parliament overwhelming respect. I have always Mthembu explained that the ANC is in represents their aspirations. worked in a collective,” said Mr discussions with the other 12 political Mthembu, who sits on the ANC’s parties represented in Parliament to “As an ANC MP, I cannot disappoint National Executive Committee, the arrest the degeneration of debates those 11.4 million people who voted ANC’s highest decision-making body. in the House. “We don’t want a for us. We need more time with our Parliament that is at war with itself.” people on the ground. We must serve He said all ANC MPs know they have our people better. We must go to them to prioritise their parliamentary work. Issues such as this are constantly and get their issues, which will inform “They attend all their Committee discussed in the Chief Whips’ Forum, the work of Parliament. Our legislation meetings and are present in the House which meets once a week. Mr Mthembu must not be above our people. It must when there are sittings. We were not regards this meeting as important for speak to them and their needs.” sent here to play truant. We will act the functioning of Parliament, as it also against those who do not prioritise deals with critical issues relating to the It will no longer be business as usual as their work as MPs.” programme of the House. Mr Mthembu places more emphasis on the significance of constituency work. One of Parliament’s constitutionally Mr Mthembu stressed that all defined mandates is to make the 13 political parties represented “I have never heard us debating our laws of the country. South Africa in Parliament have one common constituency work. We should set has experienced a number of racist mandate – to work for the people of aside time to debate constituency incidents in the recent past and Mr South Africa. It is with this in mind that issues in the House,” he said. Mthembu is certain that legislation all MPs must be true servants of the to criminalise racism will be passed people. Turning his attention to the recent during his term of office. Constitutional Court ruling regarding Parliament is set to rise at the end of the actions of the National Assembly “This is a matter for everyone in May to enable MPs to return to their on the issue of Nkandla, Mr Mthembu society. As South Africans, we should constituencies around the country to admitted that the judgment raised have a sense of non-racialism interact with the people and get a some important issues for Parliament. wherever we are, be it in churches, fresh mandate from them in the local workplaces and so on.” government elections on 3 August. “We recently had a meeting with the Presiding Officers and other political He added that the war against racism “We as MPs must do what is expected parties regarding the Constitutional is ongoing. “Our Constitution disallows of us by the people. Our programmes Court ruling. We have lost credibility this behaviour. Let us treat each other must serve the interests of the people as Parliament. How do we regain our with respect as human beings.” all the time. We have done pretty well credibility? When we return from the so far, but more needs to be done. local government elections in August, He pointed out that the late former Our duty is to ensure that services are our caucus will discuss the matter and President Nelson Mandela left us a delivered to the people,” Mr Mthembu work on the way forward to ensure legacy of reconciliation. “We live in concluded.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 11 general news higher education and training budget vote

Reconstructing a new higher education system in SA

Blade Nzimande emphasised the need for real transformation in beacon of hope for the advancement Dr the higher education sector when he presented his budget vote of our individual and societal needs. speech in Parliament recently, writes Abel Mputing. “Our system provides diverse and very real opportunities for our people to In his budget vote speech, the Minister and is under intense public scrutiny. empower themselves for the future. of Higher Education and Training, Dr But I rise, Speaker, confident that And we have a clear and powerful Blade Nzimande, admitted that the despite the challenges we face as vision of how to continue to build higher education sector is currently a developing country with a history this system to serve the needs of facing multiple challenges. However, he and legacy of national oppression and individuals, the economy and society.” said this should not diminish the strides super-exploitation, we have made that have been made in shaping a new enormous strides in building post- Dr Nzimande said that the challenges higher education system. school education and training, the likes this sector is now faced with will be of which have never been seen before addressed by the department’s 15-year “I rise to address this House as our in South Africa,” he said. plan. “We are currently developing a higher education and training system 15-year plan for the entire system, is grappling with significant challenges As such, higher education remains a based on the vision captured in the

12 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA higher education and training budget vote general news

INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING: The University of Cape Town.

partnership to swell our country’s skills alone cannot fund the provision of base, he said. education adequately. We appeal to the private sector to provide funding for the In the 2016-2019 budget, R5.7bn has benefit of our society.” been allocated to higher education to ensure that the fees freeze does not The recent funding will not bring about hamper the operations of universities. any substantial injections, but will go Added to that is R4.57bn for the some way to paper over a 20-year National Student Financial Aid Scheme neglect of higher education, said Prof (NSFAS), the minister said. Belinda Bozzoli of the Democratic Alliance. “In the light of these 20 years “An amount of R4.57bn has been of neglect, the budget increase we see allocated to NSFAS in 2016/17, made today is nothing more than an ad hoc, up of R2.54bn to ensure that 71 753 partial, expensive fix to a much bigger students who were not funded or educational and political disaster.” insufficiently funded from 2013 to 2015 can pay their debt, and R2.03bn to Mr Sipho Mbatha (Economic Freedom ensure that these students, as well as Fighters) claimed that the higher poor students entering universities for education system has not transformed the first time, can study.” as expected. “The higher education system has not moved an inch from its The minister assured Parliament that past. This manifests itself in the money will be well spent. “The the demographic structure of higher money voted for higher education education even today. For instance, and training is going where it should, white males still dominate professorship towards empowering our young people at our universities. White males lead the with the skills and knowledge to build research agenda and knowledge sector White Paper on Post-School Education a future for themselves.” and white males are better paid across and Training I released in 2014, and on the higher education system.” the National Development Plan.” “Given the mounting financial challenges the department is faced Earlier, the minister underlined the A key part of our system is technical with, the Committee welcomes the need to intensify transformation in and vocational education and training, R49.2bn allocated to the department higher education. The Higher Education known as TVET. Expanding this for the 2016/17 financial year,” Bill currently before Parliament seeks to historically small system has been a said the Chairperson of the Portfolio speed up this process. priority, he said. Committee on Higher Education and Training, Ms Yvonne Phosa. “University transformation remains “We have made strides in consolidating a critical task. We need to intensify a much improved culture of teaching “We welcome the increase of R7.3bn in the struggle to build transformed and learning in these institutions. the department’s budget from R42bn and non-racial universities. I To this end, the University of the in 2015/16. We value the increase in continue engaging on accelerating Western Cape is ready to deliver its budgetary allocation because we strongly transformation agreed by the second first postgraduate programme for TVET believe that education can arrest the Higher Education Summit, and we lecturers. It is the trailblazer for several cycle of poverty, unemployment and have told the institutions we expect more universities developing similar inequality,” she said. their implementation plans for the programmes.” summit resolutions by the end of June. She also said the already strained public The Higher Education Bill now before However, government cannot achieve purse cannot meet the rising financial Parliament tasks university councils the academic aspirations alone. demands of our higher education sector with driving transformation much more There is a need for a public-private without assistance. “The public sector vigorously,” said Dr Nzimande.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 13 GENERAL NEWS south african police service budget vote

clear provision of police resources to Back-to-basics at historically disadvantaged areas and not discriminate against areas which have disproportionately high crime rates or are SAPS gets nod economically disadvantaged, he said. “Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the policing model for of approval preventing, investigating and combating crime must make accommodation for timely and regular feedback to all victims strategy is based on three fundamental pillars: discipline, of crime, irrespective of their socio- enhanced visibility, as well as the deployment of operations The economic status,” he said. resources to ensure the optimal utilisation of the limited resources that the police have at their disposal, to ensure that they are applied to the Mr Beukman also called for the maximum effect, writes Sakhile Mokoena. finalisation of the debate on whether the DPCI should be a programme or The South African Police Service’s “This allocation will ensure that the sub-programme within the SAPS. (SAPS’s) back-to-basics strategy and the SAPS will be able to commence with “We believe that the time has come establishment of a narcotics unit and a the procurement of the equipment and to reach finality on the matter. The firearms unit, have been applauded by specialised devices as indicated in the Committee therefore recommends that members of the National Assembly as Farlam Commission recommendations. the department should commence great interventions in the fight against “From the Committee’s side, we discussions with National Treasury to crime. welcome the additional capacity establish the DPCI programme as a in public order policing units – the separate budget vote in future. The During a debate on the budget votes department will receive an increase of establishment of a separate vote will of the South African Police Service R242m in the 2017/18 financial year further strengthen the operational (SAPS) and the Independent Police and R335m in the other financial year. independence of the DPCI,” he said. Investigative Directorate (IPID), the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee However, Mr Beukman said the Portfolio He said such a change will necessitate on Police, Mr Francois Beukman, Committee was not happy about the an amendment to the SAPS said the creation of the two special reduction of IPID’s budget, saying this Amendment Act, which currently units was in line with crime fighting would impact negatively on investigative provides that the DPCI must be efforts as envisaged in the National capacity. “We are seriously concerned located as a unit within the SAPS with Development Plan (NDP). about the reduction of R18m in the the National Commissioner as the baseline allocation to the department responsible accounting officer. “We welcome the creation of the (IPID) over the medium term and a special units to deal with narcotics and further R23m to come. Police Minister Nathi Nhleko announced firearms respectively, which will be the back-to-basics strategy, which, he based inside the Directorate for Priority “We believe that the reduction to the said, “focused on every member of Crime Investigation (DPCI). We believe baseline budget allocations should be the SAPS reverting to the established that this initiative will go a long way in reviewed. IPID is one of the important regulatory framework, or simply put, fighting organised crime,” he said. institutions that are provided for in the doing the basics of policing properly and Constitution to promote oversight and consistently”. In supporting the R80.8bn allocation to accountability,” said the Chairperson. the police, Mr Beukman said the funds The strategy is based on three would be used to procure specialised He said the Committee recommends fundamental pillars: discipline, enhanced equipment for public order policing that the policing model should make visibility as well as the deployment capacity, such as cameras for aircraft, provision for equity of policing services of operations resources to ensure video and recording equipment, water in urban, rural and deep rural areas and the optimal utilisation of the limited cannons and armoured vehicles. geographic divides. This should include resources that the police have at their

14 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA south african police service budget vote GENERAL NEWS

HERE TO SERVE: The South African Police Service gets back to basics.

disposal, to ensure that they are applied to the maximum effect.

“In addition, those areas of chronic under-performance are being corrected through specific recovery plans targeting visible policing and detective service capabilities of the SAPS,” the minister said.

In a prepared speech read by a colleague, Mr Albert Mncwango ( MP) also praised the strategy. “To the Acting National Police Commissioner, your back-to-basics approach has been a breath of fresh air as SAPS has veered off over the years of serving under two teachers and a social worker-cum-banker,” he said.

He lamented the killing of police officers and called for harsher action against the perpetrators. “The killing of our police officers remains a huge concern, and must be dealt with harshly. Our policemen and women are dying in the streets because criminals are out of hand in South Africa. A strategy must be formulated as soon as possible to deal with this.”

Mr Ahmed Shaik Emam (National Freedom Party) also praised the interventions by the new Acting Commissioner to introduce the back-to- basics programme and professionalism in the SAPS. “This is already bearing fruit and the Acting Commissioner must be commended for the initiative. We also welcome the planned paperless docket system initiative, which we believe will enhance delivery of service by the SAPS,” he said.

“Our police officers must be well compensated and be issued with adequate protective gear. There is a war going on against the state, and our police are not just fighting crime, they are fighting for survival and their lives are constantly in danger,” he said.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 15 special report taking parliament to the people report-back

NCOP addresses housing crisis in Mossel Bay

challenge brought before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Although Western Cape MEC for Human A during the Taking Parliament to the People report-back in the Southern Settlements Mr Bonginkosi Madikizela and Cape Eden District was the issue of shoddily built houses in KwaNonqaba. One the local municipality told the NCOP that particular matter which the delegation asked the municipality and the provincial the decision to move the residents was informed by studies by the Department of government to give urgent attention to is the case of an elderly woman who Environmental Affairs and Development lives with a sewerage drain inside her house, writes Sakhile Mokoena. Planning, which they said proved that the area was a “wetland and not suitable Residents have welcomed the residents over the planned relocation for human habitation”, the community is intervention by the National Council with some preferring to stay in the adamant that the decision was based on of Provinces (NCOP) in the housing wetland which gets flooded during the discrimination. challenges in Mossel Bay, including rainy season or high tide, and others mediating in the prolonged stand-off accepting moving to new houses During a follow-up visit of the Taking between the community of Power to be built in Sonskyn Valley, a few Parliament to the People programme, the Town informal settlement and the local kilometres from the current location. residents questioned why their wealthy municipality over a council decision to neighbours who live in expensive houses relocate the residents from the banks Another group of residents who are in the same area were not identified for of the Little Brak River along the N2 in not entirely against the relocation have relocation. the Eden District of the Western Cape identified their own preferred land for Province.There are divisions among the relocation very close to Power Town. “Our white neighbours are not being

MOSSEL BAY: Residents of this informal settlement outside Mossel Bay are at odds with the municipality about relocating to new houses in another area.

16 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA taking parliament to the people report-back special focus

relocated, why is the municipality only However, the municipality said the site delegate Mr Dumisani Ximbi. Another moving us? If indeed the area is not will now be used as a transitional location challenge brought before the NCOP was safe for human habitation let them area, where the community will be settled the issue of shoddily built houses in move everyone, including our white for a short period of time while houses KwaNonqaba, in particular the case of an neighbours,” said Mr Cedric Jansen, the were being built on suitable land. “The elderly woman who lives with a sewerage Chairperson of Power Town Residents original plan was that the people were drain inside her house. Association. going to be moved here, and when they raised their objections, I had a meeting Local residents reported that it is one of “How will our kids attend school? The with them. We decided that the plan to many badly built houses that need to be fact that there are no schools in the move people here permanently has been fixed. Mr Makue asked the authorities to identified area where they want to move abandoned,” said MEC Mr Madikizela. find a way to get the drain out of the old us is another big challenge,” said another lady’s house while waiting for a solution resident during a public meeting with the The municipality wanted to temporarily to all the faulty houses. NCOP at Imekhaya School Hall. move the people while houses were being built – and move them back once Mr Madikizela blamed the delay in fixing “The preferred land where they want to the building of those houses has been the houses on the community whom be moved is also not suitable for human completed. he said demanded that all houses be habitation as it is in a ‘sensitive area’, demolished and be built from scratch. “We according to the studies,” said Ms Marie “One other issue that was raised by the have a situation here where houses are Ferreira, the Mayor of Mossel Bay Local community is that when it rains, the area not occupied by the original beneficiaries. Municipality. gets flooded and that was a real concern Obviously we need to understand who is for me, even though we were looking for in that house. There are some community Another reason given by many people space to relocate people temporarily. We members who are against that. We can’t for their refusal to be relocated include could not relocate people to a site that just go in and rectify a house without us that they have graves of family gets flooded when it is raining. Together knowing who is in that house. members in Power Town and would with the municipality we need to find prefer to live closer to their deceased. an alternative site that will be used as a “Even if the house needs to be rectified, transitional site, so that we can deal with the person who is occupying the house Mr Madikizela said the provincial that challenge,” he said. may either have benefited before or is government will not force anyone to now outside the salary requirement. accept houses in Sonskyn Valley if they The Mossel Bay Local Municipality Now the bone of contention is that the do not want them, but “we are not admitted to the NCOP that it is facing a community members want us to just going to build houses in an unsafe area”. shortage of land for building houses. ignore all the policy provisions and demolish all the houses and start from This matter, along with an ongoing Delegation leader Mr Edwin Makue said scratch – that is where the problem is. dispute in nearby , in the NCOP was committed to ensuring that We have a report about a number of KwaNonqaba Township, also over a cases were resolved as soon as possible. houses that need to be fixed and that planned relocation, will be referred “We are interested in the delivery of will be made available to the NCOP. to Parliament’s Select Committee on services but we also cannot allow people For us to just demolish every house Cooperative Governance and Traditional to live in an unsafe environment. We and rebuild it is not feasible, which Affairs (CoGTA), to facilitate the way cannot allow houses to be built on unsafe is what some of the people here are forward. land,” said Mr Makue. demanding,” said Mr Madikizela.

In Khayelitsha, the municipality NCOP members advised the municipality “We will refer this matter to the Select was forced to abandon the planned and the provincial government to Committee that is dealing with CoGTA, relocation after residents refused to consider integrated settlements instead so that they can take it further with the be moved to the identified area, citing of moving people to the periphery. “We provincial government. Our proposal is reasons of flooding. Mr Madikizela said must guard against repeating what the that the MEC will give a report to the the concerns given by the residents apartheid government did when they Select Committee on CoGTA and they were valid and people will no longer be moved people against their will to areas will take the matter up further,” said Mr moved to the identified site. far from economic activities,” said NCOP Makue.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 17 special focus taking parliament to the people report-back

NCOP’s actions benefit children in Oudtshoorn

OUDTSHOORN: Zanoxolo early childhood education centre is facing deregistration because of a number of structural problems.

a follow-up visit to the Oudtshoorn municipality as part of the had telephonically threatened the On Taking Parliament to the People programme, the National crèche with deregistration within Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegation found, among other things, a crèche 14 days. Management member at on the verge of deregistration and a municipality under administration. the crèche Ms Monica Loots told the Decisive action by the NCOP averted the deregistration when the crèche delegation that there was no future for was moved to an alternative venue while upgrades took place in the current the kids of Oudtshoorn if the Zanoxolo facility, writes Sibongile Maputi. facility was closed.

“We are so concerned about the NCOP members were not impressed by drains, infrequent subsidy payments, pending deregistration of the crèche the conditions at the Zanoxolo crèche. lack of sanitation and clean water were because getting registration is a Nothing had been done at the facility first heard when the NCOP visited in challenge. We are not asking for since the complaints about leaking 2015. Instead, an anonymous official money, as the municipality is financially

18 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA taking parliament to the people report-back special focus

challenged. All we are asking for is to get the crèche to a functioning level. all new housing developments will be support wherever the municipality allocated according to the list. “What could assist,” Ms Loots said. The Speaker of the Western Cape we have done was to update the list Provincial Legislature, Ms Sharna based on the list that was provided by “It does not make sense to have good Fernandez, committed to bring together the province. The initial list had about primary and secondary schools in all the relevant departments in three 18 000 beneficiaries, but that number Oudtshoorn, if the foundation phase months’ time to assess progress on the had since decreased to about 13 000. In is not of a good standard. The subsidy challenges at Zanoxolo crèche. the process of cleaning the list, it was from the province is not paid on time discovered that some beneficiaries were sometimes and it is too little for the Ms Wana said there was a need to deceased and some had already been needs of the children. 80% of the audit all early childhood development allocated a subsidy,” Ms Sims said. budget goes to salaries,” she said. (ECD) centres in the area so as to curb the growth of new centres that did not The Rose Valley Housing Project has NCOP members ordered the meet the regulations for ECD facilities. about 410 completed houses. Phase Department of Social Development to Stakeholders agreed that the children Two of the project – with a high school halt deregistration, and said that the should be moved to Bongolethu and a primary school – might be children must be moved to another Community Hall, and that upgrades to finished by July 2016. Mr Chetty said facility while upgrades are being carried the site begin as soon as possible. the municipality could not accelerate out at the current site. housing provision until now, as the The delegation also visited the Rose waste water treatment plant had not The Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP Valley Housing Project just outside been at full capacity. and leader of the delegation, Mr Oudtshoorn. The administrator of the Raseriti Tau, urged the delegation to municipality, Mr Kim Chetty, told the “With the new upgraded plant that take up the challenges at Zanoxolo delegation that despite being under challenge has been resolved. The crèche. “We should follow up on this administration, the municipality had sewerage plant now has capacity to and do whatever needs to be done. The made good progress on complaints support all of the town’s population,” worrying issue is that these issues were raised by the community during last he said. raised last year and are still not being year’s Taking Parliament to the People . addressed,” Mr Tau said. visit. Mr Tau wanted to know how the municipality dealt with allegations NCOP Member Ms Tabiso Wana said “The municipality is bankrupt, but that houses are being allocated to it appeared that there was no service it is dealing with issues the people foreign nationals and that youngsters delivery in the area. “This facility have raised, including high-level are getting housing ahead of elderly is particularly affected. Look at the corruption, housing challenges and people. A member of the provincial drain that is overflowing, and children title deeds. A forensic investigation legislature wanted to know whether could easily drink this dirty water. The team has been assembled to deal with prioritising informal settlement children could easily be affected by what seems to be a major challenge dwellers for subsidised housing would germs,” Ms Wana said. She also said for the municipality – corruption. A not encourage the growth of informal that the two toilets are not enough for new municipal manager for human settlements. the 80 children at the crèche. settlements has been appointed following the resignation of a Ms Sims replied that no foreign national Member of the Provincial Legislature Mr manager,” said Mr Chetty. had been allocated a house, but locals noted that the municipality rent their properties to foreigners both was experiencing many operational Mr Chetty said the new manager, for rental and business purposes. “The difficulties. “The approach being applied Ms Shehaam Sims, is from outside list we are working with is a municipal (at the Zanoxolo crèche) seems to be Oudtshoorn and has much experience list and had been sent to the province too fragmented. They (government in housing issues. for verification. People will now get departments) are working in silos, houses according to where they appear hence there is no progress,” Mr Max Ms Sims said the work of updating the on the list and this will be a transparent said. He urged time frames be applied list is at an advanced stage and that process,” Ms Sims said.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 19 special report taking parliament to the people report-back

Impractical houses a challenge for residents of Bitou

the progress in building houses, the National Despite Council of Provinces (NCOP) delegation on its Taking Parliament to the People follow-up visit to the Eden District Municipality discovered that there are still a number of challenges impeding the delivery of the houses to the rightful beneficiaries in the area. At the centre of those challenges are alleged acts of corruption and manipulation of the beneficiary list, writesMalatswa Molepo.

The completion of the Ukhana Housing storey house in New Horizon that she Project in New Horizon, Plettenberg shares with her three children. Her Bay, promised a new life free of worry challenge is that she cannot move her and a good roof over Ms Liziwe Shizane new double bed to the second floor and her children’s heads. But she is due to a narrow passageway. “Even left with an impractical house that in the second bedroom you can only she cannot move furniture into. fit a single bed, which means all my children cannot sleep on a bed. The there are still a number of challenges “It is a worrying factor that the houses space is so cramped that you cannot impeding delivery of the houses to that have been given to the people fit two single beds in the room,” Ms the rightful beneficiaries. At the centre are problematic. It boils down to the Shizane said. of those challenges are alleged acts dignity of our people, and efforts must of corruption and manipulation of the be made to ensure that the houses are What is even more frustrating for her beneficiary list. usable spaces,” said Ms Ellen Prins, the is that the shower is practically on top Co-Chairperson of the NCOP delegation, of the toilet seat, making it difficult The executive mayor of the after inspecting the house. to have a comfortable shower. “We municipality, Mr Memory Booysen, are being told that this is the standard said that even before the previous The NCOP visited Bitou Municipality 40-square-metre house, but it means TPTTP they were already busy with in a report-back session under the nothing to us if we struggle to use investigations into the alleged auspices of Taking Parliament to the these houses,” Ms Shizane said. corruption within the housing People (TPTTP) to assess if government department of the municipality. departments have made good on the To move her new wardrobe upstairs she “Unfortunately we have encountered promise to deal with issues raised had to break it apart, take small pieces problems with residents unwilling to by the residents of the Eden District upstairs and refit it there. “These are come forward and share information Municipality. While the delegation was challenges we have to face on a daily with us so that we can effectively deal happy that there is visible evidence of basis, but we are thankful nonetheless with the matter. We continue to ask for progress in delivering houses, it was that we have a roof over our heads,” a collaborative effort that will ensure worried about the functionality of the Ms Shizane said. that no one is robbed,” Mr Booysen houses. emphasised. Despite the progress in building Ms Shizane is a beneficiary of a double houses, the delegation discovered that The investigation has led to a

20 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA taking parliament to the people report-back special report

NEW HORIZON: A Taking Parliament to the People delegation visits the Ukhana housing project in Plettenberg Bay. disciplinary process and dismissal of housing caused a disruption of a over the weekend. “We are now at the of two officials within the housing meeting where the delegation planned procurement stage to ensure that the unit. “We have uncovered that two to give residents a report-back on offices are secured with burglar bars,” community liaison officers have all the issues raised regarding the said Mr Yusuf Simons, the Western Cape been engaged in unlawful acts with municipality. The delegation pleaded provincial manager. people paying from R500 to R5 000 to with the MEC for Human Settlements, improperly get houses. That has caused Mr Bonginkosi Madikizela, in the There have also been improvements at us problems, as some people in the Western Cape to assist the municipality Phakamisani Primary School. This was houses do not deserve to be there,” Mr to deal with the housing challenges brought about by the building of a new Booysen emphasised. faced by the municipality. primary school that has alleviated the pressure on the school. Currently the The mayor said that out of desperation However, the delegation was pleased school has 1 055 learners compared some people had paid money, fearing that the Department of Home Affairs to the more than 2 000 learners last that they might not get a house. “We has resolved eight of the nine issues year. The school, together with the have undertaken an eviction process to raised by the residents, including the municipality, changed the bus route to ensure that the rightful owners move appointment of additional staff to assist ensure the safety of the children. into these houses. The deadline for with services. The department had also those occupying the houses unlawfully rolled out the smart card system to the The school is still facing challenges with is the end of May 2016 and the site office at a cost of R2m. burglaries, but in constant consultation municipality hopes to fast-track the with parents and the community, process to give the houses to their The department has also engaged they are dealing with the matter. The rightful owners.” the municipality to ensure that it has delegation said they will keep an eye access to the toilets at the community on the progress on the issues that still The unhappiness with the provision centre so that they can be cleaned need attention.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 21 special focus Mps graduation

Members of Parliament graduate from university’s School of Leadership becomes the supreme law of our land which guarantees the protection of citizens from any form of abuse. As we celebrate our Constitution, it may be necessary to ask ourselves: have we been able to utilise this important instrument in the interests of our people and our quest for the democratisation of our society?”

Ms Didiza said it was important to acknowledge that 20 years on, the Constitution can protect the citizens and ensure that the socio-economic rights enshrined in the Constitution can be realised.

GROWING LEADERS: New graduates (from left) Mr Dumisani Ximbi, Chairperson of the Select “Among us here we have Members of Committee on Security and Justice, Mr Mandlenkosi Galo, Ms Johanna Mmule Maluleke, Ms Sheila Shope-Sithole and Mr Imamile Pikinini. Parliament and Members of Provincial Legislatures who came to the school in order to equip themselves with Members of Parliament (MPs), former MPs and knowledge and tools of analysis that will Eighty-one Members of the Provincial Legislatures received empower them as they undertake their certificates in transitional justice and industrial policy from the University of work as legislators in transforming our Johannesburg’s School of Leadership. House Chairperson Ms Thoko Didiza society. delivered the keynote address, writes Sakhile Mokoena. “The role of universities in development House Chairperson responsible for Internal development policy that supports remains critical. It helps to develop Arrangements in the National Assembly, Members through a bursary to further knowledge that will equip and mould the Ms Thoko Didiza, was the guest speaker their studies and thereby improve their human resources base that our society during the first graduation ceremony of skills. We do so because we are conscious needs. It will impact on skills that are the School of Leadership at the University of the role of education in development. necessary for economic development.” of Johannesburg’s Kingsway Campus. The transformation of society is still in progress and it affects all sectors of Members of the National Assembly “As Parliament and Provincial Legislatures, society. It requires therefore that we who recently completed development within each legislative term, we support should be better prepared to deal with programmes in transitional justice and Members by equipping them with the new challenges that we face at any given industrial policy at UJ are confident that necessary information in the function time. During the month of May we will be their newly acquired skills will improve of Parliament and its Committees. Such celebrating 20 years of the adoption of our their performance as Parliamentarians and training is done in-house, while another Constitution, our supreme law of the land. as community leaders. level is done with universities, such as the School of Governance at the University of “The significance of this celebration Eighty-one MPs, former MPs and Members Johannesburg (UJ). marks the path we chose as a country of the Provincial Legislatures received their and a society. We chose a constitutional certificates during the first graduation at “We also have a learning and democracy where the Constitution UJ’s School of Leadership in April.

2022 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA MPs graduation general news

Mr Imamile Pikinini, who completed the responsibilities, especially in the security impact that they are expected to make transitional justice programme offered cluster. in various fields of human endeavour. by the university, said the programme has been a turning point in his life and “It is actually empowering a great deal of “Our investment in academic rigour and gave him a better perspective of Africa us for our oversight responsibilities; this is social relevance is supported by five and the world in dealing with matters a very big programme for us as lawmakers production arms, namely: consumer of transitional justice. of this country,” he said. intelligence information systems; private sector management and leadership; “This programme was really empowering, Mr Mandlenkosi Galo said: “I think this public sector management and thought such that we are now able to formulate programme has empowered me. I did the leadership; transport and logistics; as policies to assist our communities, course in transitional justice. You will recall well as people management,” said particularly in our constituencies where that as politicians or community leaders Dr Mufamadi. it is already playing a major role. we are dealing with people who are full of anger and sometimes they do things He said over the last five years the “Things are not like they were before. We that might jeopardise their kind of living, faculty has conferred close to 11 500 are now able to see things in a different so this kind of a programme will assist in qualifications – of which almost 2 500 perspective. You analyse and assess before terms of guiding the people on how to were at post-graduate level. This you take any kind of a decision,” said Mr resolve issues at community level and the constitutes over 20% of UJ’s total output. Pikinini. nation as a whole. “The faculty has also achieved an average Another graduate, Ms Sheila Shope-Sithole “It will assist me a great deal when I do 93% graduate employment rate. We who received a certificate in the Industrial my constituency work and also when have also forged worldwide collaboration Policy programme, said: “The programme I lead my organisation, the African networks with other universities globally. has empowered me already, made me Independent Congress, in the National This collaborative effort has helped understand how to make policy that will Assembly. It is empowering us also to improve the quality and quantity of our help our country to industrialise, because be able to engage robustly even in the research output. Our job is to impart we need that (industrialisation). We need parliamentary Committees.” knowledge, to stimulate people to think to compare ourselves with developed as well as to train them in the skills countries like the United Kingdom and Former MP Mr Gaolaolwe Selau said: “I am and knowledge relevant to the modern United States. empowered already. I was dealing with world,” he said. industrial policy and research awareness “There is this Prof Ha-Joon Chang who says for leaders. I am a much better researcher “You come to the university either sent that countries of the North usually tell us now than I was before this course and by Parliament, your political party or what they did not do. They protected their I now understand industrial policy as it out of personal motivation – of greater industries but now they tell us to open up links to the whole economic environment importance, you are here in search of while we are still developing, we are not worldwide, continentally and locally. knowledge and skills that will equip you going to do that,” she said. to be of a better service to your country, “This makes sense in that you are now to your party and to our continent. We Ms Johanna Mmule Maluleke, who able to understand economic issues in this walk with you in this historic moment also completed the Industrial Policy era, the period of economic development. of reclamation, a moment in which we programme, said the training has given People must follow the trend of studying together reclaim the idealism which her a better understanding of economic economics.” brought us to where we are now,” policy development which she believes he said. will help her in her work in Parliament as The Director: School of Leadership in the well as in her constituency. Faculty of Management at UJ, Dr Sydney The UJ School of Leadership hosted Mufamadi, congratulated the MPs for their the inaugural graduation ceremony A visibly elated Mr Dumisani Ximbi, the “search for knowledge and skills” and said – 81 members of Parliament and Chairperson of the Select Committee on the programmes will equip them to be Provincial Legislatures participated in the Security and Justice, said the programme of a better service to the country. He said programme organised by the Speakers’ is going to make him a better Member of the programme was aimed at cultivating Forum in partnership with UJ and the Parliament when carrying out his oversight leaders who were sought after for the National School of Governance.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 2123 general news office of the chief procurement officer office of the chief procurement officer general news

Government rolls out new procurement regime

primary objective of government procurement of goods different government departments The and services is to deliver a better life to all South Africans. and agencies and business. This The establishment of the Office of the Chief Procurement Officer is meant consultation has helped us to come up to make the pursuit of this objective as efficient and effective as possible, with a review and a detailed synopsis writes Abel Mputing. that seek to deal with corruption in this process, but also to improve the transaction efficiencies that contribute The mismanagement of government The OCPO is not directly involved in to government’s supply chain procurement process is often cited in procurement, but leads and manages management,” said Mr Brown. the Auditor-General’s reports as one procurement reform, maintains the the factors that contribute to qualified procurement system and oversees That is crucial because procurement audit outcomes for various government the way in which government does can enhance government’s service departments and agencies. What is business with the private sector, said delivery objectives, said Mr Gcwabaza. of great concern is that this practice is Mr Brown. “The primary objective of government’s recurring, which makes it difficult for procurement of goods and services government to optimise procurement The Chairperson of the Standing is to deliver a better life to all South as one of the drivers of our country’s Committee on Appropriations, Mr Africans. And so the establishment economic growth, said the Chief Ndabakayise Gcwabaza, welcomed of this office is meant to make the Procurement Officer,M r Kenneth Brown. these developments. “The Standing pursuit of this objective as efficient and Committee on Appropriations effective as possible.” “Procurement of goods, services and believes that the report of the Chief works over the next three years will Procurement Officer demonstrates the To illustrate the significance of amount to R1.5 trillion across all spheres seriousness with which he and his procurement to government’s social of government. This is an enormous team of officials take their mandate. and economic priority imperatives, amount of money. Wisely and efficiently They have set up systems which in 2015 the office conducted a spent, it can be a great force for good. facilitate and co-ordinate government procurement review. Out of this It can spread wealth to hard-working procurement of goods and services. emerged a diagnosis that helped the entrepreneurs who successfully tender These systems are making it easier, office to pin-point the contributory for government contracts.” faster and more transparent for factors to the corrupt tendencies and companies to do business with graft that beset government’s Supply The newly established Office of the government.” Chain Management. Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO) seeks to mitigate the contributory factors to One of the principal aims of this This diagnosis has led to the adoption poor financial management, graft and office is to untangle the web of of a reform roadmap, which seeks to misappropriation of the public purse, transversal governance and monitoring harness procurement strategies and he said. governing the procurement services approaches to optimise suppliers’ of government departments. Research relationship management, that will “This office will modernise and oversee has been conducted to streamline the herald the automation of procurement, the South African public sector supply dynamics that regulate government’s enhance its governance and monitoring chain management system to ensure supply chain management. and improve transversal contracting. that the procurement of goods, services and construction work is fair, equitable, “Over the three years of our existence To optimise suppliers’ relationship transparent, competitive and cost- we did research on government’s management, the office embarked on effective, in line with the Constitution supply chain management. In this a stakeholder engagement campaign and all relevant legislation.” process we entertained and spoke to that was meant to solicit views on the

24 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA general news office of the chief procurement officer office of the chief procurement officer general news

practices and anomalies of the public was necessitated by government’s there is now an innovative way to sector’s supply chain management, acknowledgement that lack of central exploit government’s buying power said the Chief Director of Stakeholder co-ordination of procurement gave rise to negotiate contracts and discounts Management of the Procurement to corrupt procurement practices,” said through gCommerce to ensure that Office, Ms Rakgadi Motseto. Mr Pillay. government gets value for its money.

“We had interactions with business The newest innovation is the automation “The Officer is developing the capacity groupings and then there was the of government procurement processes to use scale to negotiate cheaper prices launch of the central supply database through the inception of eTender. This for bulk buying of goods and services. Of (CSD) on 1 September 2015. Then road digital system is set to improve efficiency importance as well is its capacity to do shows began in all nine provinces. and demand management, said the research and compare goods and prices Also, training was provided for supply Director of Central Supply Database of the so that government is able to get value chain management practitioners and Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, for money at affordable or reasonable engagements on other forthcoming Mr Tumelo Ntlaba. prices without compromising quality,” reforms were shared. This was said Mr Gcwabaza. followed by a three-month community eTender provides the organs of state with and commercial radio programme, a web-based platform to advertise bids, To solidify this new procurement newspapers and billboards campaign publish bid notices, demand plans, tender regime a new Bill is in the offing. It on the introduction of the CSD documents, amendments or erratum. As will serve as the legal framework of registration and access to eTenders.” a result of this, 2 758 tenders have been government Supply Chain Management published so far. in the future. The advantage is The office’s recommendation for that it will make it easier for the transversal contracting is to ensure This automated procurement system will Appropriations Committee to conduct that new procurement contracts are enable government to take advantage its oversight, said Mr Gcwabaza. negotiated centrally, said Chief Director of gCommerce (web-based commerce). of Transversal Contracting of the Office The gCommerce will, in turn, not only He is of the view that this office will go of the Chief Procurement Officer, Mr make it easier for procurement officials a long way to strengthen the fiscal and Kenneth Pillay. to purchase, but will also set caps on risk management pillars that govern expenditure and will track transactions, the management of the public purse. This will go a long way in curbing corrupt buying patterns and prices. Most “The work of the Office of theC hief procurement practices. “In the past, significantly, gCommerce will enhance Procurement Officer will necessitate national and provincial departments government’s ability to leverage the existence of financial and risk and municipalities were buying goods economies of scale, said Mr Ntlaba. management structures and ensure and services individually. The Office accepted standards of accounting as of the Chief Procurement Officer The Chairperson is pleased that required by the Auditor-General.”

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 25 SPECIAL FOCUS mps visit constituencies

MP in bid to help haven

Freedom National Party (NFP) Member of Parliament, Mr Sibusiso Mncwabe, visited a shelter for destitute people as part of his constituency work. He undertook to donate blankets to the shelter and also said he will approach a non- profit organisation for help, writes Cedric Mboyisa.

It is widely known as a paradise for holidaymakers, but only few people are aware that the majestic Valley of a Thousand Hills is home to a young good Samaritan who has turned his modest home into a haven for the poor and the neglected. The KwaNyuswa village is one of Mr Ms Adele Walters was moved by Mr Mncwabe’s constituency areas as the Chili’s selfnessness and has assisted Mr Sithembiso Chili is a young man elected representative of the people. the haven to some degree, but it is not of 35, but even so he is caring for 42 enough. “We are on our own here,” people (18 children and 24 adults) at The haven has no washing machine, said Ms Walters. his home in the KwaNyuswa village in meaning hand washing is the order the Valley of a Thousand Hills. Among of the day on a daily basis. Some She appealed to the Member of those he and his wife, Hlengiwe, care of the people here have no identity Parliament to assist the haven. Mr for are people with disabilities, senior documents and not enough money Chili heaped praise on Ms Walters, citizens, the abandoned, orphans and for the medications they need. The saying she did not mind driving from the sickly from all race groups. monthly food bill amounts to R24 000 her home in Durban to KwaNyuswa and the bill for nappies is R38 000. Other whenever the haven needed her He does all of this out of his own challenges include a lack of wheelchairs help or had an urgent situation which pocket. They are lacking a number (currently, there are only 12 wheelchairs), required her attention. of critical resources. It is the haven’s insufficient blankets and beds. The supply challenges which prompted a visit by of electricity is also problematic. Despite Mr Mncwabe undertook to donate the National Freedom Party Member the work he does, Mr Chili is not receiving blankets to the haven. He also said of Parliament, Mr Sibusiso Mncwabe. any help from government. he will approach the Gift of the Givers

26 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA mps visit constituencies SPECIAL FOCUS

GOOD SAMARITAN: National Freedom Party MP Mr Sibusiso Mncwabe visits a shelter for the destitute in his constituency of KwaNyuswa in KwaZulu-Natal. Foundation, a non-profit organisation, was kept in a cage but his relatives house is also home to some of the people for help. He added that he will speak took his grant (money),” he said. under their care. Some senior citizens keep to the Departments of Health, Home active and in shape by exercising under Affairs, and other relevant government He decided to take the child away the supervision and guidance of Mr Chili. entities regarding the situation at the from the uncaring family. The child has haven. He said it was very unfortunate since improved in terms of health and What drives this man? “I have always had that the haven was not given any form interaction with fellow human beings. the urge to help fellow human beings. of support by government and the I am also a man of God. Christianity has eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. “ Mr Chili has been helping the less been a major influence in my life. I thank I will also raise this issue in Parliament. fortunate since 2004. He acquired his four- God for my wife who has been very As a young man, Mr Chili is doing a bedroom house in 2006 with the help of supportive of me,” said Mr Chili. great job without expecting anything in a philanthropist. He and his wife had to return,” said Mr Mncwabe. transform the house into a haven as the He hoped that the visit by Mr Mncwabe number of people who needed their help will help shine the spotlight on the job Mr Chili related a story of how one grew. The couple and their two children they do and the challenges they face at of the people used to live before he had to move out of their original house the haven. Mr Mncwabe promised to go became part of the haven. “This one and build a smaller two-bedroom house back to the haven to give updates on child used to live like an animal. He on the same premises. Even their current his efforts to assist them.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 27 special focus mps visit constituencies

that service delivery shortfalls Conservation of included the failure of the Buffalo City Municipality to maintain water and other service delivery infrastructure. water is a must, Water pipes and taps are leaking badly in full view of the councillors and senior municipal officials. In certain says DA MP communities in Wards 25, 33, 34, 36 and 49, some water taps have been removed and water still pours from the her constituency visit to her community in the Eastern Cape, pipes for all to see,” said Ms Stander. On Member of Parliament Ms Terri Stander said the call by the government to use water sparingly and to promote a culture of water According to Ms Stander, water leaks conservation should not be a meaningless slogan. She went on to say ‘the and other service delivery shortfalls call should be taken by all very seriously because if there is no water, there have been reported to the relevant is no life’, writes Mava Lukani. authorities by DA councillor Mr Dillon Webb and by concerned residents, like Mr Thando Xhotongo after previous The lack of regular maintenance of organiations to use water sparingly oversight visits. “I went back in this the water infrastructure in the rural and for the creation of a culture of constituency period to the communities communities of the Buffalo City water-saving in South Africa, large to check if the leaks we reported to Municipality in the Eastern Cape is the quantities of water are being wasted the municipality were fixed and to problem behind the loss of thousands in the Buffalo City Municipality’s rural hear about the new service delivery of megalitres of water on a daily communities on a daily basis. That was problems,” said Ms Stander. basis in certain communities of the what the Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) municipality when the country is facing Member of the National Assembly, Ms She said the municipality had not its worst drought in 100 years. Terri Stander, told InSession during her fixed the leaks they had reported and visit to her constituency recently. according to her, the leaks are worse Despite the call by the Minister of Water now than when they were reported. and Sanitation and some civil society “People in my constituency complained “When problems such as water leaks are

28 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA mps visit constituencies special focus

WASTE NOT WANT NOT: Democratic Alliance supporters point to drinking water that was pouring from a broken pipe in Buffalo City municipality in the Eastern Cape.

communal taps, water taps have been Ms Stander used the last part of her removed by the municipal officers constituency period in the first term completely. This worsened the water promoting voter registration in her crisis and meant that the people in constituency communities. She educated those communities are unable to get people across her constituency about the water, which is a serious breach of the importance of voting and appealed to Constitution. the people to register to vote.

According to Ms Stander, the According to Ms Stander, a vote underground leaks and the removal constitutes a person’s constitutional of water taps led to serious water power and responsibility to elect a spillage from underground and caused government that will deliver services, soil erosion on the roads. “Streams of and to preserve democracy in South water created by leaks erode soil along Africa. “In the interests of freedom, properties basically “stealing” land fairness and opportunity, people deserve from the person living there. These a government that will deliver on streams also cut along and across road its constitutional mandate to deliver infrastructure, placing a further burden services such as water, sanitation, on the taxpayer, municipal resources electricity, housing, health education not fixed, or water infrastructure is not and already large service delivery to realise basic human rights such as maintained, the problem worsens. You backlogs” said Ms Stander. dignity and life.” said Ms Stander. can never recover the lost water once it has run out,” said Ms Stander. Ms Stander devoted her constituency According to Independent Electoral time in the communities of Wards 25, Commission’s (IEC’s) voter registration She said the call by the government 33, 34, 36 and 49 to check the state of officers, voter registration for the 2016 for the sparing use of water and for service delivery in those communities. local government elections at certain the promotion of the culture of water The communities in these wards include voter registration centres in Ms Stander’s conservation in South Africa should not Ndevana, Thubalethu, Phakamisa, Rayi, constituency has increased compared to be a meaningless slogan. “It’s a call that Bulembu, Kuni and Dimbaza. previous years. should be taken by all – starting from the government at all its levels – local, “DA councillors and I conduct oversight Mr Mandlomzi Lalendle, who is the provincial and national, very seriously to have a clear picture of service IEC’s voter registration officer based because water is a constitutional right delivery shortfalls in our constituency at the Pirie Mission’s Hoho Secondary and government is failing in its mandate and to ensure they are taken up with School, said there are more people who to protect and conserve this precious the relevant department,” said Ms registered to vote for the next local resource and to ensure that communities Stander. government elections compared to have access to water,” emphasised Ms previous years. Stander. Some of the villages where there is no service delivery produced struggle Mr Lalendle said the promotion of voter According to Ms Stander, the government heroes and heroines who paid a heavy registration and voting should be a should strengthen its water conservation price for the liberation of South Africa responsibility of all – not just the political and infrastructure maintenance strategies from the system of apartheid. Those parties. “Members of Parliament should especially during droughts such as the villages include Rayi village that be at the forefront in the promotion one the country is currently experiencing. produced the late combatants of the of voter registration and voting. We “To see water wasted in my constituency struggle Mr Griffiths Mxenge and his should be mingling with them in is unbelievable and unacceptable at a wife, Ms Victoria Nonyamezelo Mxenge, our communities, especially in rural time of drought,” said Ms Stander. who were assassinated by apartheid communities where the right to vote is Ms Stander said she was shocked to see secret police in 1981 and 1985, still new and not clear with regard to its that instead of repairing the damaged respectively. meaning,” said Mr Lalendle.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 29 special report mps visit constituencies

VOTE WISELY: UDM MP Mr urged people in his constituency of Amagqunukhwebe to vote in the upcoming local government elections. Your vote is a powerful tool, says UDM MP his constituency visit to the Amagqunukhwebe during his previous constituency period. During villages, the Chief Whip of the United Democratic “This government doesn’t have ears to Movement, Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, told the people living there that listen to poor service delivery complaints, voting in elections is an important responsibility for every South African, but as a Member of Parliament writes Mava Lukani. responsible for this constituency, I ensure that the complaints people ask me to pass to the relevant sphere of South Africa is a constitutional democracy elections. “People in the villages still government and department are passed where people have a powerful right to don’t understand that their right to vote on,” said Mr Kwankwa. vote for the election of their government is a powerful tool to put [in power] representatives. Furthermore, the and to remove a government,” said Mr He told the people in his constituency Constitution guarantees that a vote is cast Kwankwa. that he does not just take the complaints during a secret ballot, so that no one will to government officials, but also ensures know which party you voted for. Among the villages that Mr Kwankwa that the complaints reach the senior visited during the constituency period political leadership of the relevant “During elections people should make were Mnqaba (James Mama), Khulile, authorities. “I ensure that the complaint a critical examination of what their Ezigodlo, eThafeni, Kwa-Nonaliti, reaches the mayoral committee if the government representatives have done Emqumbu, Trust Number Two and relevant government structure is the since the last elections. The record of Engcamngeni. In all those villages Mr local government, the office of the what those representatives have done Kwankwa encouraged people to register Member of the Executive Council if it speaks more than what they say they to vote in the next local government is a provincial competency and to the will do when they are elected in the elections and ensure that they vote on ministry if it is a national competency,” following elections,” the Chief Whip of the date that has been put aside for said Mr Kwankwa. the United Democratic Movement, Mr elections by the President of the Republic Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, told people in his of South Africa. Mr Kwankwa told InSession that he was Amagqunukhwebe villages constituency. happy with the voter registration turnout “As I go around in my constituency for the next local government elections. Mr Kwankwa devoted his first- promoting voter registration, people tell “I am encouraged to note that in most term constituency period to me about the failure of the government of the voting stations the number of promoting voter registration for local to deliver services to them and the registered voters has increased since government elections in most of the corruption that is rising on an hourly basis the last local government elections Amagqunukhwebe villages. According in all the spheres of government,” said registration. This indicates that people to Mr Kwankwa, although South Africa Mr Kwankwa. are beginning to take elections very celebrates 22 years of democracy, the seriously and realise that the right to vote majority of South Africans who stay in One of his tasks during the visit was is a powerful right they have and which remote villages still don’t understand to report to the people on progress in they must exercise to have the correct the deeper meaning of votes and service delivery the residents raised government,” said Mr Kwankwa.

30 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA mps visit constituencies special report

Teenage gangs bring fear to once-peaceful township in Paarl

is no longer the quiet and peaceful township it gangs fought each other over girls and Chicago used to be many years ago. Since June last year, over clothes labels was not enough, members of the community now live in fear after they witnessed with it was even more frightening to learn shock two rival teenage gangs from the township fighting each other with that boys, as young as 12 years old, machetes, knives and screwdrivers, writes Justice Molafo. smuggle drugs into schools while others drop out of school.

Violent fights between teenage gangs were taken to the garage for repairs Mr Beukman’s constituency work also in the Western Cape, commonly taking because they were stoned in Chicago included a visit to the Rusthof Old Age place in Manenberg township on during a police intervention in a gang Home in Chicago as well as meeting the Cape Flats, are starting to occur fight,” said Col Stefans. with the management of Mbekweni in Chicago township in Paarl East, in police station at the Desmond Mpilo the Drakenstein Local Municipality. He said the unavailability of the three Tutu Secondary School in Mbekweni, This came to the fore during the vehicles poses a serious challenge to Paarl. constituency work in the Paarl area their routine visibility operations in of Mr Francois Beukman, who is the area, thereby creating a fertile The Rusthof Old Age Home matron, a member of the African National environment for other crimes such Ms Alvira Kleinhans, told Mr Beukman Congress and is also the Chairperson of as illegal shebeens, robbery and that some of the windows at the the Portfolio Committee on Police. housebreaking. home were in the firing line during a gang fight and were damaged. She Mr Beukman started off his Mr Beukman expressed serious said the elders were left traumatised constituency work by holding a concern about the state of community by the incident. meeting with the police, councillors, safety in the township, saying that and members of the community from it was clear that more resources On the other hand, Mr Beukman Chicago. It became apparent during are needed in the area. He said if commended the good working the meeting that Chicago is no longer not curbed, the gangsterism could relationship between police at the peaceful township it used to be. spiral out of control and spill into Mbekweni and the principal of Since June last year, members of the neighbouring communities. Desmond Mpilo Tutu Secondary School, community live in fear after witnessing Mr Ntsikelelo Allah. the fighting between two rival gangs “Although the root cause of the of teenagers. problem can be directly linked to Colonel Makhaya Mkabile, the socio-economic conditions in Commissioner at Mbekweni police According to the Paarl East Police the area, the management of the station, said working together with Commissioner, Colonel Maputi Stefans, South African Police Service (Saps) the school management, the police whenever police are called to stop Provincial Intervention Unit still routinely conducted body searches and the fights, the rival gangs team up needs to analyse the current situation patrols at the school. against the police. He said the biggest together with the management of problem they face is stone throwing by Paarl East police and report back on He said the most dangerous weapon these gangsters. the way forward,” he said. that was ever confiscated from a learner, resulting from a random body “Now we have three vehicles that As if the news that rival teenage search, was a machete.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 31 special report mps visit constituencies

MP wants to ensure accountability

of Parliament (MP) Reverend Member has vowed to get to the bottom of a fatal incident which claimed the life of a two-year-old boy and the alleged uncaring attitude by the local councillor and the municipality in Katlehong, Gauteng, which he heard about during his constituency visit to the area recently, writes Cedric Mboyisa.

“The councillor lives in the same street Ms Mthombeni said she and the family but he never bothered to assist the were disappointed and frustrated with grieving family,” Rev Meshoe told their Ward 62 councillor for the manner InSession during his visit to the affected in which he had handled the matter. She area. At sunrise on the East Rand of had approached the councillor asking Johannesburg, Rev Meshoe was in the the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality area to do his constituency work, which to intervene and assist the family with forms part of his constitutional duties funeral arrangements and transportation said Ms Mthombeni. Overcome with as an MP in the National Assembly. A of the body to Nquthu, KwaZulu-Natal, emotions, she could not hold back the number of residents came out to show where the boy would be laid to rest. tears when Rev Meshoe and his team of support and express their gratitude to the volunteers removed the washing basin Reverend for his intervention. The councillor allegedly told her that which killed her grandson. the municipality could not assist in The Reverend heard about the death of situations where the person was to be They replaced it with a brand-new Mpho Tshepiso Mthombeni, who died buried somewhere else, not in Sunrise. bigger one which they cemented to on 24 October 2015 when a communal Ms Mthombeni escalated the matter the toilet structure, making sure that washing basin fell on his head. The to the Speaker of the Municipality who there was no possibility of it falling over two-year-old boy was rushed to a also apparently echoed the councillor’s or posing a danger to residents and nearby clinic, but unfortunately, he was sentiments. children. pronounced dead on arrival. There were no visible external injuries and the child “My child died because of one of those “I am happy that Reverend Meshoe has is believed to have succumbed to serious loose washing basins, which were put come to make sure that these washing internal injuries and bleeding, according up by our municipality, so they should basins are no longer loose. Our children to his grandmother, Ms Dumazile have helped us. I lost a clever and cute are safe now because there will be no Mthombeni (pictured above). grandson who still had much to live for,” more deaths. Other children had their

32 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA mps visit constituencies special report

HELPING HAND: Rev Kenneth Meshoe helps to install a communal washbasin in Katlehong in Gauteng. legs broken because of loose washing KwaZulu-Natal. We would have been able “This was an unfortunate incident,” basins,” said Ms Mthombeni. to help if the funeral took place within she added. She said the family had Rev Meshoe said he was devastated the Ekurhuleni area,” she said. Due to been negligent to let a two-year-old when the crying Ms Mthombeni related her unhappiness with the explanation, child walk some distance without their the story of what had happened to Ms Mthombeni opted to approach the supervision to the washing basin, which her beloved grandson. “She is deeply Speaker of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan fell on his head and killed him. Mpho hurt. We had to pray with her in trying Municipality who confirmed that Ms met his tragic death while playing with to enable her to find inner peace,” he Sibeko’s position on the matter was other children. Ms Mthombeni showed said. He stressed that those who are correct. InSession a letter she had previously responsible must be held accountable for written asking that the matter the fatal accident. She added that she found it unfair surrounding the death of her grandson that the family was now blaming the be followed up and corrective measures Ward 62 councillor Ms Grace Sibeko said municipality for the death because the be adopted. the issue was thoroughly explained to Ms washing basins had been in place for Mthombeni. “She seemed to understand more than 20 years. During those two InSession approached the municipality for my explanation to her. I told her that decades, she said, there had never comment on the incident, but at the time according to policy we were not allowed been any deaths due to the washing of going to print had not received any to transport the body of her grandson to basins. response.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 33 regulars public education office

Freedom Day

What is Freedom Day? of state that are an expression of In its efforts to deepen democracy, South Africa celebrates Freedom Day on democracy in action. For example, Parliament is collaborating with 27 April every year to commemorate Parliament held debates that had been provincial legislatures to develop a the first democratic elections which preceded by an extensive consultation public participation process that will took place on 27 April 1994. This was exercise to pass the Constitution of grant ordinary citizens the freedom to the day that most South Africans voted South Africa (which is referred to as Act influence decision-making within all for the first time in their lives. 108 of 1996). three spheres of government.

Why do we celebrate Freedom Day? The freedoms that are enjoyed today When Parliament holds public hearings, Freedom Day marks the establishment came into being and are documented oversight visits, Provincial Week, and of a democratic government. It in the Bill of Rights, Chapter 2 of the Taking Parliament to the People, among represents peace, unity and the Constitution. Today, South Africa has a other programmes, it tries to give restoration of human dignity to all South Parliament that places citizens at the meaning to the concept of freedom Africans. In addition, Freedom Day centre of its constitutional mandate. of speech, especially when oral encourages South Africans to participate This is due to mechanisms that are in submissions are made. Through these in the commemoration of the struggle place for influencing decision-making initiatives, citizens have an opportunity to build a non-racial democratic South in the legislative processes and other to hold the government accountable, Africa with the freedom to prosper. In activities of Parliament. Some of these hence Parliament’s theme for 2016 is the spirit of nation-building, Freedom mechanisms are: “Following up on our commitments to Day celebrations are intended to * Public hearings the people”. unite all South Africans to consolidate * Stakeholder engagement democracy. * Members meet the public in A democratic Parliament enables South constituencies African citizens to enjoy free access to Parliament and Freedom Day * Committee meetings information about what happens at The attainment of freedom has enabled Parliament and to openly participate in our country to have a democratic, What does freedom mean? the committee meetings of Parliament. activist and responsive peoples’ The Constitution of the Republic of Parliament that is accessible, open and South Africa protects basic freedoms. As a nation we are reminded to accountable to its citizens and promotes Some of the examples of freedom continue to respect and be grateful for public participation. Through voting, as explained in Chapter 2 of the the freedom that others were willing to South African citizens can elect political Constitution (Bill of Rights) include: die for. In order to enjoy this freedom, parties to represent them in Parliament. * Freedom and security of the person citizens need to stand up for their rights The citizens can also interact directly * Freedom from slavery, servitude and on a daily basis and take responsibility with Members of Parliament during the forced labour for their lives in collaboration with the constituency period. * Freedom of religion, belief and organs of state. opinion The democratic rights of citizens are * Freedom of expression For more information on the services protected by the Constitution of the * Freedom of association offered by Parliament, contact: the Republic of South (Act 108 of 1996). * Freedom of trade, occupation and Public Education Office on 021 403 Parliament is one of the institutions profession 3341 or e-mail [email protected]

34 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA regulars public education office Hofisi yo Dyondzisa Vaaki Swa ntolovelo

Siku ra Ntshuxeko Xana Siku ra Ntshuxeko i yini? ya vanhu leyi nga na xidemokirasi, tirhisana na tihuvo to endla milawu Afrika-Dzonga yi tlangela Siku ra mugingiriki eka swa tipolitiki, erivaleni ta swifundzankulu ku tumbuluxa Ntshuxeko hi ti 27 Dzivamisoko ku no va na vutihlamuleri eka vaakitiko na maendlelo ya manghenelelo ya vaaki tsundzuka no xixima nhlawulo wo sungula ku hlohlotela manghenelelo ya vaaki. Hi lama nga ta nyika vaakitiko ntsena wa xidemokirasi lowu nga va kona hi ti ku tirhisa ku vhota, vaakitiko va Afrika- ntshuxeko wa ku kucetela ku tekiwa 27 Dzivamisoko 1994. Leri a ku ri siku leri Dzonga va nga hlawula mavandla ya ka swiboho exikarhi ka swiyenge Maafrika-Dzonga yotala ma hlawuleke ro tipolitiki ku va yimela ePalamende. swinharhu hinkwaswo swa fumo. sungula evuton’wini bya vona. Vaakitiko va nga tlhela va tihlanganisa na Swirho swa Palamende hi ku kongoma hi Loko Palamende exikarhi ka Hikwalaho ka yini hi tlangela Siku ra nkarhi wo tihlanganisa na vavhoti. swin’wana yi khoma tinhlengeletano Ntshuxeko? to twa miehleketo ya vaaki, tendzo ta Siku ra Ntshuxeko ri fungha ku Timfanelo ta xidemokirasi ta vaakitiko vuangameri, Vhiki ra Xifundzankulu na tumbuluxiwa ka mfumo wa xidemokirasi. ti sirheleriwile hi Vumbiwa bya Ku Yisiwa ka Palamende eka vanhu, Ri yimela ku rhula, vun’we na ku Rhiphabuliki ra Afrika-Dzonga (Nawu eka tiphurogireme tin’wana leti nga vuyisiwa ka ndzhuti wa ximunhu eka wa 108 wa 1996). Palamende hi kona, yi ringeta ku nyika nhlamuselo Maafrika-Dzonga hinkwawo. Ku tatisela yin’wana ya mihlangano ya mfumo eka maehleketelelo ya ntshuxeko kwalaho, Siku ra Ntshuxeko ri hlohlotela leyi nga ku humeseriwa erivaleni wa mbulavulo, ngopfungopfu loko ku Maafrika-Dzonga ku nghenelela eka ku ka xidemokirasi lexi nga na xiendlo. endliwa swibumabumelo hi nomo. Hi tsundzuka no xixima nkayakayo wo aka Tanihi xikombiso, Palamende yi khome ku tirhisa mapfhumba lawa, vaakitiko Afrika-Dzonga ro pfumala xihlawuhlawu minjhekanjhekisano leyi vaka kona va na xivandlanene xa ku endla xa muhlovo ra xidemokirasi leri nga na endzhaku ka ntirho lowukulukumba wo leswaku mfumo wu va na vutihlamuleri, ntshuxeko wo humelela. Hi moya wo aka tihlanganisa ku pasisa Vumbiwa bya hikokwalaho nkongomelo wa rixaka, ku tlangeriwa ka Siku ra Ntshuxeko Rhiphabuliki ra Afrika-Dzonga (lebyi Palamende wa 2016 i “Ku landzelerisiwa ku kongomisiwile eka ku tisa vun’we eka vuriwaka Nawu wa 108 wa 1996). ku tiboha ka hina eka vanhu”. Maafrika-Dzonga hinkwawo ku tiyisisa xidemokirasi. Mitshuxeko leyi ku tiphiniwaka Palamende ya xidemokirasi yi endla ha yona namuntlha yi vile kona, leswaku vaakitiko va Afrika-Dzonga Xana ntshuxeko swi vula yini? naswona yi tsariwile eka Tsalwa va tiphina hi mfikelelo wa mahala Vumbiwa bya Rhiphabuliki ra Afrika- ra Timfanelo, Kavanyisa ka 2 eka eka vuxokoxoko mayelana na leswi Dzonga byi sirhelela mitshuxeko ya Vumbiwa. Namuntlha, Afrika-Dzonga swi humelelaka ePalamende na ku masungulo. Swin’wana swa swikombiso yi na Palamende leyi vekaka vaakitiko nghenelela loku nga erivaleni eka swa ntshuxeko tanihilaha swi exikarhi ka ntirho wa yona wa swa tinhlengeletano ta tikomiti ta Palamende. hlamuseriweke hakona eka Ndzimana ya Vumbiwa. Leswi swi vangiwa hi tindlela 2 ya Vumbiwa (Tsalwa ra Timfanelo) swi ta matirhelo leti nga kona to kucetela Tanihi rixaka, hi tsundzuxiwa ku ya katsa: ku tekiwa ka swiboho eka maendlelo yo emahlweni hi xixima na ku khensa * Ntshuxeko na vuhlayiseki bya munhu endla milawu na migingiriko yin’wana eka ntshuxeko lowu vanhu van’wana * Ntshuxeko eka vuhlonga, ku tirhisiwa ya Palamende. Tin’wana ta tindlela ta a va tiyimiserile ku wu fela. Ku va hi tanihi hlonga na ku tirhisiwa hi nsindziso matirhelo i: tiphina hi ntshuxeko lowu, vaakitiko * Ntshuxeko wa vugandzeri, * Tinhlengeletano to twa miehleketo ya va fanele va yimela timfanelo ta vona swikholwakholwana na mavonele vaaki siku rin’wana na rin’wana na ku va na * Ntshuxeko wo humesela mavonele * Ku tihlanganisa na vanhu lava vutihlamuleri eka vutomi bya vona hi ku * Ntshuxeko wo tihlanganisa na van’wana khumbhekaka tirhisana na swiyenge swa mfumo. * Ntshuxeko wo endla bindzu, ku tirha na * Swirho swa Palamende swi tihlanganisa ntirho wo dyondzeriwa na vaaki lava vhotaka Ku kuma vuxokoxoko hi xitalo mayelana * Tinhlengeletano ta tikomiti na vukorhokeri lebyi nyikiwaka hi Palamende na Siku ra Ntshuxeko Palamende, tihlanganise na: Hofisi yo Ku fikeleriwa ka ntshuxeko ku endle Eka matshalatshala ya yona ya ku Dyondzisa Vaaki eka 021 403 3341 leswaku tiko ra hina ri va na Palamende dzikisa xidemokirasi, Palamende yi kumbe imeyilela [email protected]

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