Vol 03 Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of Issue 2

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

our continent, and provides depletes and diverts deeply a framework for our needed resources such as Africa Day - Presiding own interventions and budgets, human capital and mobilisation of international infrastructure, for support. These efforts include accelerating the Officers appreciate strengthening the execution development of the of the African Continental Free continent.” “efforts to mainstream Trade Agreement, mobilising the nations of the world to “Let us continue to practise remove patent barriers to all the health and safety Africa in the global fight the production of sufficient protocols in order to protect vaccines to fight coronavirus, ourselves and our loved against Covid-19” and financing African ones against Covid-19. Let economies to enable their us protect Africa and its The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the remodelling and recalibration. children against all enemies of development. Let’s spare National Assembly (NA), Ms and the Chairperson of The Presiding Officers said: no effort to accelerate the rise the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr Amos Masondo, joined “We noted with appreciation of Africa as a giant so that South Africans and the world in commemorating Africa Day. the resolutions of the summit she can play her role as an of the heads of state that equal among the continents of met earlier this month in the world,” said NA Speaker France to finance African Modise and NCOP Chairperson economies, using global Masondo to mark Africa financial firepower to Day. replenish depleted coffers of the African economies and ramp up a slow vaccine rollout in the continent. We strongly believe in human solidarity across the world, driven by an understanding that we can only be safe from the pandemic when all of us are safe, and when Africa and other developing nations are enabled to access and produce requisite quantities of vaccines to protect their people.”

Ms Thandi Modise, Speaker of the NA & Mr Amos Masondo, Chairperson of the NCOP The Presiding Officers also Africa Day is intended to of the African Union (AU) We expect the vaccination affirmed their confidence celebrate the formation of the who spared no effort, and programme to gain the that “other major priorities Organisation of African Unity sacrificed lives and livelihoods requisite momentum towards of the continent, as part of (OAU) on 25 May 1963. The to attain the liberation and the necessary herd immunity striving to reach the Agenda OAU’s main objectives were, freedom we now enjoy that will break the back of the 2063 development goals, amongst others, to rid the across Mother Africa. As we pandemic.” will receive critical attention. continent of the remaining celebrate this day, we are The Pan-African Parliament vestiges of colonisation and acutely conscious of the ideals Noting the just over 24 million (PAP) is meeting this week apartheid, to promote unity our forebears struggled for, doses administered on the to build greater integration and solidarity amongst the which included the battles continent, the Presiding and collective efforts to African states, and to promote against poverty, inequality, Officers expressed their hope place Africa on a higher international cooperation. wars and conflicts, and limited that AU member states’ development path. These In 2002 the African Union share of resources.” collaborative efforts on the include: (AU) was launched following drive to vaccinate their citizens a decision by the OAU to They added: “The Covid-19 against Covid-19 will place the • The mainstreaming of create a new continental pandemic continues to vaccination drive on a higher gender, anchored by the organisation, as there was ravage societies with almost trajectory. They encouraged emancipation of women a need to refocus attention five million positive cases Africans to heed the call and and children from the away from the fight for recorded and about 127 get vaccinated, as rollouts are yoke of economic exclusion, decolonisation and ridding the 000 deaths, while there is steadily gaining momentum violence and abuse. continent of apartheid, and only less than 2% of the across the continent. • Promoting good governance towards increased cooperation vaccinated world population and fighting the scourge of and integration of African in Africa. We have noted Parliament has adopted corruption and illicit states to drive Africa’s growth with appreciation efforts to the theme: “The Year of financial flows that rob and economic development. mainstream Africa in the Arts, Culture and Heritage – Africa’s peoples of billions global fight against Covid-19, Building a better Africa and a of dollars earmarked for The Presiding Officers said with efforts to break barriers better world in the midst of development and growth. Parliament paid “homage to to access to life-saving Covid-19”, which articulates • Silencing the guns and all the founding forebears interventions and vaccines. the current challenges facing eliminating conflict that AFRICA DAY 3 AFRICA DAY – NCOP reflects on economic development, peace and stability in Africa

Editor Brent Simons

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) commemorated Africa Day by hosting a lecture on Production editor the theme Pioneering Africa’s Inclusive Economic Recovery and Free Trade: Levers to building Mava Lukani the Africa we want. Sakhile Mokoena reports. Design and layout MIND TRIX MEDIA parties,” said Ms Lucas. She added that this cutting- AfCFTA brings the continent Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula edge agreement should be closer to realising the vision recognised as the largest trade of an integrated market and Writers Mava Lukani, Abel Mputing, agreement since the World creating a basis for increasing Sakhile Mokoena, Sureshinee Trade Agreement in 1994. intra-Africa trade. However, Mr Govender, Sibongile Maputi, Majola warned that the full Rajaa Azzakani, Yoliswa Landu The Deputy Minister of Trade, potential of the continent will Photography Industry and Development, not be realised if we don’t Mlandeli Puzi, Zwelethemba Kostile Mr Fikile Majola, delivered the address the challenges posed keynote address at the lecture. by poor infrastructure, small Distribution & subscriptions He told the session that Africa and fragmented markets, Jacqueline Zils Day is an opportunity to reflect underdeveloped production Publisher on shared commitments structures and inadequate Parliament of the Republic of South Africa towards the renewal of the economic diversification. African continent for the Printer benefit of all her peoples. “We must compliment and Vision Enterprises

“The theme for today’s event consolidate parallel African Section Manager: instructs us to move with Union work on infrastructure Publishing and Production speed towards building a and industrial development Shirley Montsho strong foundation for Africa’s pillars, build supply capacity to Copyright inclusive growth. And the take advantage of more open INSESSION is is published by the Information and Content African Continental Free Trade African markets,” he said. Development Unit of the Area Agreement further “The success of the ACFTA Parliamentary Communication provides us with the platform depends on our collective Services of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. Mr Fikile Majola, Deputy Minister to advance this objective,” he efforts and coordinated action All material published is said. to effectively implement the copyrighted and cannot be Africa Day is marked on 25 for the continent, which seeks reproduced without the written programme and achieve the permission of the publisher. May each year across the to promote intra-Africa trading Mr Majola believes the vision that our forebears set African continent to celebrate and investment among African ratifying of the AfCFTA out for us decades ago.” EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Telephone 021 403 8738 the establishment of the countries. agreement by 54 out of the Fax 021 403 8096 Organisation of African Unity 55 African countries is a Provincial Whip E-mail [email protected] (OAU), predecessor to the Delivering opening remarks at major achievement, which in the NCOP and former Subscriptions African Union (AU). On 25 May the virtual lecture, the Deputy will connect about 1,3 billion South African Ambassador [email protected] 1963, the OAU was formed in Chairperson of the NCOP people with a combined gross to Libya, Syria and Lebanon, Post PO Box 15, Cape Town, 8000 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with Ms Sylvia Lucas said thanks domestic product of US$3,4 Mr Mohammed Dangor, 32 countries. More countries to the AfCFTA, the African trillion. addressed the lecture on OUR IDEALS joined over time, with South continent is finally on a peace-keeping in Africa and Vision An activist and responsive Africa becoming the 53rd growth trajectory and unified The promotion of intra-Africa the possible threat of conflicts people’s Parliament that member in May 1994, after under a common purpose to trade is a fundamental factor to the trade agreement. improves the quality of life of South Africans and ensures the end of apartheid. In 2002 collectively reverse the legacy for sustainable economic He said peace and stability enduring equality in in Durban, the organisation of Europe’s scramble for development, employment was crucial for economic our society. was remodelled and renamed Africa’s wealth. generation and integration of development, as investors Strategic Objectives Strengthening oversight and the AU. Africa Day is also an Africa into global economy. and innovators will not invest accountability; opportunity to reflect on the “If effectively implemented, “This economic flagship seeks in countries that are unstable enhancing public involvement; continent’s socio-economic the agreement will promote deepening engagement in to address the challenges due to civil or regional wars. international fora; development and its efforts to and advance the attainment of Africa’s low levels of “One of the key threats strengthening cooperative find peace and stability. of sustainable and inclusive participation in the global and impediments to the government; strengthening legislative socio-economic development economy and world trade, successful implementation capacity. The NCOP lecture’s main focus across the continent. It will which stands at 3 %, despite of the agreement is our was the recently enacted also serve as a conduit for the fact that Africa accounts continent’s history of war BOOK A TOUR To tour Parliament African Continental Free Trade advancing gender equality for approximately 16 % of the and conflict, which results Telephone 021 403 2266 Area (AfCFTA) agreement, an and enable the structural world’s population,” Mr Majola in consistent political and E-mail [email protected] economic integration agenda transformation of state said. economic instability. Political 4 INSESSION NEWS instability results in economic instability,” said Mr Dangor. National Assembly Speaker Calls Africa has been successful in ensuring political emancipation from colonialism For An End To All Forms Of and apartheid. However, the battle for the economic Discrimination In Africa liberation is challenging. “Our pan-African’s founding fathers Speaking at the official opening of the Fourth Ordinary Session of the fifth Parliament of correctly analysed that for there to be true liberation we the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms need economic liberation and Thandi Modise, called for an end to all forms of discrimination in Africa and advocated for in order to achieve economic united efforts to rebuild the continent’s economy following the Covid-19 pandemic, reports liberation we need economic Sakhile Mokoena. unity and integration of Africa. If we want to achieve the objectives of economic development and integration in Africa, we must meet our goals of silencing the gun, and as a country we must use all our resources and energies at bilateral and multinational levels to focus on ending conflicts where they are currently in existence and ensure foreign policy remains geared towards ending conflict – conflict management, resolution and resolution,” added Mr Dangor.

Professor Vusi Gumede, from the University of Mpumalanga’s faculty of Economics, Development and Business said the AfCFTA faces both internal and external threats, as well as other challenges that frustrate efforts towards Ms Modise said it was to act and talk like one we will have to be ready as political integration in Africa. very unfortunate that the She dismissed the impression people. We are here to solve a continent,” said Minister He suggested that policy continent was still divided that South Africa was problems and challenges Pandor. coordination is critical for free along ethnic, religious, xenophobic against fellow facing our continent,” said trade. “Africa’s socio-economic gender and languages lines Africans, saying that South Ambassador M’poko. The theme for the PAP session development rests on clear of the former colonisers. Africa ensures that nobody is echoes that of the African policies and their coordination, “Our interests should be treated differently because Delivering the welcome Union for 2021: “Year of the and the most important about building the African of their nationality. “We will message to the PAP on Arts, Culture and Heritage: policies requiring coordination economy, the languages of not tolerate xenophobia in behalf of South Africa, the Levers for Building the Africa relate to managing inflation, the former colonisers must our country, but we will also Minister of International We Want”. Addressing the exchange rate and money not be allowed to continue not tolerate criminality within Relations and Cooperation, session as a guest of honour, supply,” said Prof Gumede. dividing us. We need to our borders, whether by Dr , said South the President of the Republic think as Africans and treat South Africans or by foreign Africa has provided support of Ghana, Mr Nana Akufo- each other as brothers and nationals,” she said. to the PAP and will continue Addo, said nothing defines a sisters,” she said. doing so in line with the host continent more than its arts, Ms Molise’s call for African country agreements. culture and heritage. He also Ms Modise also urged unity was supported by She warned that the called on African countries not Members of the PAP to fight the Democratic Republic of socio-economic impact of to abandon their cultures and against ethnic discrimination, Congo’s (DRC)’s Ambassador coronavirus in the continent heritage as they modernise. gender-based discrimination to South Africa Mr Bene will be felt for quite some and support the fight against M’poko, who is also the Dean time, and she called on “Modernisation is seen gender-based violence of African Ambassadors. “We countries to build research as synonymous with and femicide (GBVF). She need to unite as Africans and and invest in higher westernisation, but we also spoke against the abandon some of our habits, education in order to build can modernise in our own displacement of people and like this thing of Anglophone responses to possible future way, like Japan which is human trafficking caused by and Francophone, which pandemics. “There will be highly modernised but not instability in some parts of belong in the past, does not other pandemics in the westernised. The Africa we the continent. have to divide us. We need future, it’s a pattern of life, want will not be realised if we SALGA 5 turn our backs on our arts, over the years. It is a clear culture and heritage,” said demonstration of how we President Akufo-Addo. Constitution supports can work together to achieve the development of local He encouraged African communities,” said Mr countries to start knowing cooperative governance Masondo. more about each other, to learn from each other and and intergovernmental On the new district model, he look out for each other. said: “We trust that the new “We have what it takes to District Development Model, transform our economies, relations, says NCOP which consists of a process by acting together we will which joint and collaborative boost our capacity to Chair planning is undertaken at succeed,” he added. local, district and metropolitan levels by all the three spheres The Chairperson of The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), of government, will help us the National Council of Mr Amos Masondo, participated in the Special National Members to enhance the observance Provinces Chairperson, Assembly of the South African Local Government Association recently, and adherence to the Mr Amos Masondo, is the constitutional principles of leader of the parliamentary writes Mava Lukani. cooperative governance and delegation to the PAP. Other intergovernmental relations.” delegates include the Chief Whip of the Majority Party Mr Masondo committed in the National Assembly, the NCOP to support the Ms Penny Majodina, Dr implementation of the model Mathole Motshekga, Mr through the insights gained Julius S Malema who is from oversight work. the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance’s Mr TR Majola.

Speaker Modise is a former member of the PAP and was specially invited to make opening remarks, together with Dr Pandor, on behalf of South Africa as a Mr Amos Masondo, Chairperson of the NCOP host country. The theme of the Special one another. establish early warning Among the issues discussed National Members Assembly systems and to act at the session are various was: “Guiding the Transition: However, Mr Masondo noted accordingly. reports, including the An Opportunity to Renew as with concern the growing Report by the Permanent We Usher in the 5th Term number of poor interventions “It is our view,” Mr Masondo Committees on the Covid-19 of Democratic and People- by provinces in municipalities, said, “that many of the issues pandemic in Africa; the Centred Local Government”. as well as the increase in that trigger an intervention activity Report of the PAP; Mr Masondo addressed the repeat interventions. He would not be there if the the Report of the Ad hoc topic: Working Together to also pointed out that many spheres of government Committee on the election Achieve the Developmental such interventions are used were cooperating with one of the President of the Pan- Outcomes of Local as instruments to achieve another in mutual trust and African Parliament; and Government. political ends. The NCOP has good faith, as provided for in Committee Meetings and noticed: the Constitution. One of the Meeting of the Network of In addition to placing local 1) There is no uniformity in persisting challenges facing a Women Parliamentarians. government at the centre the application of Section number of municipalities and of social and economic 139 across provinces or which impact development development, Mr Masondo within a province; is the inability to raise said the Constitution also 2) Some municipalities revenue and lack of capacity advances the principles of emerge from Section 139 to manage finances. This is cooperative governance and interventions worse than particularly the case with intergovernmental relations. It before; many rural municipalities that places a responsibility on the 3) Sometimes the have poor revenue base and three spheres of government interventions occur late also experience difficulties to cooperate with one another into the process; with attracting talent. in mutual trust and good faith. 4) There is failure to use the This can be achieved, the provisions of the Municipal “We appreciate the role being Constitution says, by fostering Finance Management Act; played by Salga (South African friendly relations, assisting and Local Government Association) and supporting one another 5) The provinces do not seem in the proceedings of the and communicating well with to be keen or able to NCOP. This role has increased 6 INSESSION NEWS

Committees on Trade NCOP holds and Industry, and Workshop to International Relations, strengthen support Trips waiver Budget and initiative Fiscal Oversight The Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition and the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation were The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) briefed recently on the proposal for a temporary Trade-Related Aspects held a two-day Budget and Fiscal Oversight of Intellectual Property Rights (Trips) waiver for Covid-19 vaccines, Workshop to determine successes and diagnostics and therapeutics at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), failures in conducting effective budgetary writes Rajaa Azzakani. and fiscal oversight over the executive, reports Abel Mputing.

Mr Seiso Mohai, NCOP Chief Whip

Speaking on Advancing on its policies and the the Mandate of the NCOP goals that it has set. We through Effective Budget have to turn the existing and Fiscal Oversight recently, oversight instruments into the Chairperson of the NCOP, account to come up with Mr Amos Masondo, stated effective strategies and that the NCOP has certain tactics of realising the constitutional mandates with transformative prescripts of The committees pledged their and therapeutics, and provide the goal of transforming our Constitution.” unwavering support for South more affordable doses for less the lives of South Africans. Africa and India’s initiative wealthy countries. This is a “This workshop seeks to Participating in the for a temporary Trips waiver, step in the right direction to build a shared understanding workshop, the Deputy which would fall under ensure the health and well- of the NCOP’s role in Minister of Finance, Dr permissible exceptions under being of poorer nations.” utilising oversight and fiscal David Masondo, spoke the Marrakesh Agreement. instruments expressed in on understanding It allows developing and The Chairperson of the a wide range of money- budget processes and least-developed countries to Portfolio Committee on related Bills and financial intergovernmental relations access medicines and other International Relations managements instruments in South Africa. He gave a medical interventions at more and Cooperation, Ms Tandi that inform the NCOP’s broad overview of the fiscal affordable prices, especially Mahambehlala, said that oversight and accountability and financial instruments in the context of the Covid-19 all efforts to prevent, treat mandate,” he said. enacted since the inception pandemic. and contain Covid-19 must of the Constitution and the be based on the bedrock This is to prevent abuse first democratic Parliament, Trade and Industry Committee of international solidarity, of public money and to that sought to ensure Chairperson, Mr Duma Nkosi, cooperation and assistance. ensure accountability in how accountability in managing said: “If approved, the waiver “Intellectual property rights taxpayers’ money is used. public finances. would allow South Africa and should not override states’ Mr Masondo added: “One developing countries to ramp obligations to protect and of our critical interventions In his view, much has been up production and diversify fulfil the right to health to all as the NCOP is to ensure done to establish world-class supply of vaccines, diagnostics without discrimination.” that the executive delivers public finance management NCOP WORKSHOP 7 based on prudent economic constitutional mandate. He first session, the Chief gives Parliament wide-ranging enough improvement. In sustainability, public then asked why committee Whip of the NCOP, Mr Seiso powers and even allows the addition, reports show that financial management to chairpersons are not rotated or Mohai, believes that despite legislature to propose an Parliament’s oversight role bring about transparent elected from the opposition. challenges, qualitative strides alternative budget. However, does not take place as it budgetary frameworks. “Has Parliament considered have been made to build an Parliament lacks the capacity should, resulting in inadequate He cited the Division of electing chairpersons from activist Parliament that seeks to do so. accountability. Revenue Amendment Bill, the opposition and extend to realise the principles of a the Medium Term Budget this practice beyond just the better life for all. However, “However, as much as the Workshop participants also Policy Statement and other Standing Committee on Public work must be done to address Act gives Parliament the said that committee oversight money-related Acts as Accounts?” he asked. problems identified. He also powers to amend the budget, is hampered by a poor examples of this. In his view, raised the need for funding there are requirements to be understanding of the budget these instruments provide Fiscal accountability and a parliamentary model that followed, such as ensuring cycle. Parliament committees the NCOP with oversight oversight in the spotlight at is independent from the that any amendments to the do not use National Treasury ammunition to hold the NCOP workshop executive. This would uphold budget do not harm service and Auditor-General’s executive accountable in a On the constitutional the principle of the separation delivery,” Dr Muller said. reports to hold the executive manner that equals the role imperatives for fiscal of powers and would render accountable on spending. of the Auditor-General. It can accountability and oversight of Parliament more effective He said the executive opposes “Parliament should hold us do so by using “departments’ the NCOP, Prof Omphemetse in conducting oversight and the idea of Parliament accountable in terms of what and entities’ annual plans Sibanda of the University of ensuring accountability. amending the budget, as it the PFMA says; whether as and key performance Limpopo, began with the believes that the Money Bills National Treasury we are areas reports to hold them position that there is no Parliament’s powers to amend provide enough opportunity playing our role as articulated accountable”. need for new legislation for the national budget for Parliament to make inputs by law,” said the National oversight and accountability. Discussions on the second day on the budget in advance. Treasury’s Director-General, Mr Speaking on the of the workshop focused on Dondo Mogajane. Constitutional Framework In his view, one can never Parliament’s powers to amend “The executive argues that for Parliamentary say we have too much the national budget, as well amendments by Parliament NCOP Delegate and Oversight: Understanding legislation when efficiency as oversight on government are not a requirement if there Chairperson of the Select the Constitutional Role of and equity have not been spending in terms of the is that kind of engagement, Committee on Cooperative Parliament in Fostering Fiscal achieved. “We can’t discount Public Finance Management but the legislature should not Governance and Traditional Oversight and Accountability, that until there’s transparency Act (PFMA) and the Municipal downplay the amendment Affairs, Water and Sanitation the University of Cape in the management of Finance Management Act powers that it has,” said Dr and Human Settlements, Town’s Prof Hugh Corder said public finance. We are all (MFMA). Muller. Mr China Dodovu, the Constitution is based on affected by how our fiscus He also told the workshop that questioned why with all the the idea of breaking away is managed. Well and Financial experts, academics, the fact that Parliament has legislation, good systems from the past. This gave sustainable management of as well as officials from the never made any substantive and structures, the country the democratic Parliament the budget and public finance National Treasury and related amendments on all the continues to face challenges, a responsibility to be a accountability will ensure that state institutions in the Money Bills tabled by National including deteriorating watchdog of constitutional there’s service delivery.” finance and economics cluster, Treasury could create an finances in municipalities, prescripts. Comparing the joined Members of Parliament impression that Parliament is provincial government South African Parliament As for the NCOP’s oversight in a virtual platform for the simply rubber-stamping. and national government? with the apartheid role in the fiscal framework, two-day Budget and Fiscal “The big problem we parliament, he observed: he believes there is a need Oversight Workshop. Another academic, Prof are failing to confront is “Apartheid parliament was to craft new legislation or Jacobus Pauw from the poor ethical leadership, not a watchdog, it was a strengthen existing legislation Commenting on the topic University of South Africa, both administratively and lapdog. It did not bark; it did to give the NCOP greater Parliament’s Scrutiny of in support of Parliament’s politically, and it inhibits not bite.” powers. In addition, there the Budget: Money Bills powers provided in Money accountability,” said Mr is a need of overarching Amendment Procedure and Bills said: “The exercise of Dodovu. In his criticism of the current legislation to give effect to Related Matters Act, Dr Seán greater powers on the budget Parliament, he asked why the NCOP’s role in conducting Muller, from the University by Parliament will not be NCOP Chief Whip, Mr Seiso Parliament fell short of the oversight and accountability of Johannesburg’s Public against fiscal discipline and Mohai, said the workshop expectations of the new over various fiscal frameworks. and Environment Economic the amending powers should has identified the need to Constitution, based on Research Centre, said the Act be taken seriously.” facilitate public participation accountability, responsibility He also criticised party in the budget process and and openness in holding political patronage that Other speakers supported fiscal policy. “The budget is the executive accountable. has over time affected the proposals to make Money inherently a policy function He cited corruption over efficiency of the NCOP and Bills less onerous. Some residing in the National many years as proof of this Parliament in executing their participants mentioned Treasury, and the question failure. In his view, at the oversight mandate. This has the difficulty of Section 85 to be asked is whether heart of this regression are contributed towards them in particular, saying that Parliament has the requisite parliamentary committees “not exacting their oversight the relevant parliamentary capacity to amend the which are supposed to be influence on either Public committees do not have budget,” he said. critical engines of oversight Protector recommendations, adequate resources to deal and accountability, but which Auditor-General or courts’ with it. The Deputy Chairperson of have been stunted by party findings that call upon it to the NCOP, Ms Sylvia Lucas, whips. act impartially due to party The workshop also heard that said: “We need to strengthen political considerations rather South Africa has numerous oversight to make sure the This has blurred the than their oversight mandate. pieces of legislation governing budget responds to the separation of powers the management of public socio-economic needs of our and eroded Parliament’s In concluding the workshop’s finances, yet there is not people.” 8 INSESSION NEWS

families a place to sleep tonight. Ulundi hearings. The Chairperson KwaZulu- They said the government must of the committee, Ms Nolitha expropriate the land that is Ntobongwana, informed the owned by white farmers who residents that the committee Natal residents - own thousands of hectares of had extended an invitation land, whereas black people to the public hearings to all expropriation of land is don’t have land. They said they stakeholders, including the support the expropriation of land National and Provincial Houses without compensation, as they of Traditional Leaders, labour a non-negotiable have been working on these organisations, civic organisations, farms all their lives and gained political parties, and religious nothing after that. and cultural organisations to The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure went to the public hearings. She said the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) recently to give the people of the At the Ulundi public hearings, the committee hoped that all province an opportunity to express their views on the Expropriation the residents who are living on traditional leaders would be Ingonyama Trust land expressed present at the public hearings to Bill. KZN was the fifth province to be visited by the committee for contrasting views on the future express their views on the Bill. public hearings on the Bill, writes Sureshinee Govender. ownership of the land belonging to the trust. Some told the As some of the residents raised conditions on farms. The committee that the land must issues related to land restitution lamented that they are not not be tampered with, while process during the public allowed to keep livestock or others argued that it should be hearings, Ms Ntobongwana plant for their subsistence given to amakhosi and izinduna emphasised that the committee and called for the speedy to own and manage on behalf is driven by Section 59 of the implementation of the of their subjects. They were in Constitution, which allows the Expropriation Bill. support of the Expropriation Bill. people to raise issues related to the Bill. Issues outside the The committee heard that They told the committee that ambit of the Bill will be referred fertile land is in the hands the Bill must be implemented to the attention of the relevant of the white people in the because it is supported by the parliamentary committees for Umzinyathi District. The majority of the people. They the attention of the relevant residents used the opportunity called for the return of the land government departments. She presented by the hearings to to the majority of the people. said the committee will consider inform the committee about They said the appropriation all the views it received on the the problems they encounter of land must be followed by Bill at Parliament. It will then on a daily basis. They told provision of resources to the new compile and submit a report the committee that they beneficiaries. In addition, they about the public hearings in the do not get the assistance must be empowered with skills National Assembly. they require from officials and training to enable them to in the Department of Rural use the land productively. At the hearings, the particularly on food production Development and Land Reform overwhelming majority of and employment of farm in Pietermaritzburg regarding The residents told the committee residents in Umzinyathi, King workers. Furthermore, the Bill progress on their claims. at Richards Bay’s KwaMandlazini Cetshwayo, Zululand and may also have unintended Hall that they needed land eThekwini districts supported consequences, if it discourages At KwaMandlazini Hall, one to build a police station and the Bill. They argued that local and foreign property of the farm workers told the a clinic, as there is currently expropriation of the land is a investors at a time when South committee that he worked all no land to build those very non-negotiable issue in South Africa is trying to encourage his life on a farm, which was important centres of service. Africa, as it will redress the foreign investors. bought by the government KwaMandlazini residents told injustice done when their and was given to a certain the committee that they believe they were disposed of their Farmworkers who participated person. He said he represented that the implementation of the land through the system of in the hearings in Umzinyathi farm workers who had applied Bill is urgent and will mark the colonialism. expressed their support for for that farm. He asked the beginning of the alleviation of the implementation of the committee about the criteria socio-economic problems, such Most participants in Umzinyathi Expropriation Bill. They told the used for awarding farms to as unemployment and poverty. District told the committee that committee that they do not have the people if those who had they support the Bill because cemeteries on farms to bury worked on it were unable to The youth told the committee it will restore their dignity, their relatives. They also told get it. He said they support the at all the hearings that the which was taken from them the committee that when they implementation of the Bill, as government must ensure that by a minority when they were leave the farms, they have to the land must be returned to expropriation of the land is dispossessed of their land. They ask permission to come back to those who work it. followed by empowerment of argued that the Bill is the best visit the graves of their relatives the new land recipients and mechanism to redress that and at times are not allowed to Farm dwellers at the same provision of resources to work historical injustice. do so. hearing told the committee the land. They are ready to work about the severe conditions the land. There was a minority in They told the committee under which they live on the Umzinyathi who argued that they are prohibited from farms. They told the committee The absence of some traditional that the Bill will have far- practicing their culture and that if they speak freely that leaders at the hearings reaching negative implications, that they live under difficult could cost them and their concerned the residents at PARLIAMENTARY BUDGET OFFICE 9 Parliament’s Budget Office - Ensuring that parliament holds government accountable

The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) was established to improve Parliament’s oversight over the executive. Insession writer, Mava Lukani spoke to the recently appointed Director of the PBO, Dr Dumisani Jantjies.

required to present its budget by the Money Bills and Related in the National Assembly once Matters Act of 2009 to support appropriated in terms of the Parliament in implementing FMPPLA. the Act. The Parliamentary Budget Office provides analysis It is probably worth mentioning and advice to Parliament on that the budget allocation to all budget instruments (Fiscal Parliament is proposed by Framework, Division of Revenue, National Treasury using the Appropriation Bills and Tax and Public Financial Management other Revenue Bills) proposed Act (PFMA), similar to those for by government both in February government votes. However, the and October. final appropriation is approved by Parliament when adopting Specific to the budget votes, the Appropriation Bill every the PBO advisory related to year by July. There is further Appropriation Bills covers all Adjustment Appropriations that the budget votes. And where are done during the MTBPS necessary and required by period, also to be approved by Parliament, the PBO provides Parliament. substantive analysis on a particular government function What is the role of the PBO in (budget vote). The analysis these processes? focuses on highlighting risk areas and the implication of budget Dr Jantyies: The Parliamentary proposals for service deliver and Budget Office was established economic development.

Dr Dumisani Jantjies, Director PBO

Government departments expected to set out political departments to prepare their appear before the relevant outcomes for their functions budget votes to be presented committees of Parliament of government (votes), and in Parliament prior to spending to present their annual Parliament has to use these the budget allocated in terms performance plans and agreed political outcomes to of the Appropriation Bill – budgets for the financial year. hold the Ministers and Cabinet to although the Money Bills and Which constitutional principles account during their performance Related Matters Act of 2009 and legislation govern that of their duties. does allow departments to process? spend a certain percentage of The Public Financial the budget allocated before an Dr Jantyis: Chapter 5 of the Management Act of 1999 and Appropriation Bill is adopted Constitution sets out the the Money Bills and Related in Parliament by end of July of accountability framework for the Matters Act of 2009 set every year. executive. In particular, section out clear mechanisms from 92 sets out accountability and which Parliament may hold Parliament also presents its responsibilities that Ministers government accountable in own budget, which legislation and Cabinet individually and realising their political outcomes. accounts for that? collectively are accountable The process is initiated through to Parliament for the exercise the Medium Term Budget Policy Dr Jantyies: Parliament is a of their powers and the Statement (MTBPS), where separate arm of state, and its performance of their functions. the government clearly sets governance and management According to the Constitution out its medium-term spending frameworks are set out in both and the Money Bills and priorities. the Constitution and Financial Related Matters Act of 2009, Management of Parliament Parliament allocates budgets to It is these priorities, together and Provincial Legislatures government functions through with the economic context and Act of 2009 (FMPPLA). In the Appropriation Bill. In their other budget assumptions, that terms of these legislative budget speeches, Minsters are set the context for government prescripts, Parliament is also 10 INSESSION NEWS

department to present its plan plan of Covid-19 and HIV/Aids, National Assembly on how it intends to deal with we are faced with desperate the third wave and with the consequences. We need a Indian strain that is likely to decisive leadership. Minister, if adopts Department of migrate to our shores,” she this job is above the level of your insisted. competency, please resign now,” Health’s budget vote she said. “At the current pace of vaccination, the department’s Mr , an despite huge cut initial projection is a distant MP, questioned the wisdom of dream,” said another MP, Dr holding election in the face of a The Department of Health’s much-anticipated budget vote came under . “People crisis, a vaccination plan that is are faced with imminent death erratic and in the absence of a the spotlight at the National Assembly’s mini-plenary recently. In his because the department has no comprehensive vaccination plan speech, the Minister of Health, Dr , reported on some of vaccination plan that is worth to deal with the third wave and the key priorities of the department’s annual performance plans in the its name. If we continue to when numbers of infections are have no integrated vaccination increasing daily. last financial year and the immediate challenges posed by Covid-19 on the department’s budget, reports Abel Mputing. Approved Cogta budget aims to build safe, sustainable, prosperous & connected communities The Minister of Cooperative Governance High on the department’s R50 billion budget cut. “We He further stated that as part and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Dr agenda is the establishment of have resolved that we will of its oversight mandate, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has announced the National Health Insurance meet the National Treasury and the committee will visit the over R96 billion in transfers and subsidies to (NHI) Fund, which will enhance ask it to explain to us how the provinces to determine the human resource capacity in the department will achieve its provinces’ vaccine rollout municipalities, and a further R173.3 million healthcare sector. Reporting on annual performance plans in the readiness. to support traditional leadership, writes the NHI Bill, the Minister stated light of these projected budget Sakhile Mokoena. that public hearings were held to cuts.” “The success of government obtain the public’s views on the interventions to curb the spread Bill, and R7.6 billion has been The national outcry over the of Covid-19 will be determined set aside to establish the NHI unlawful procurement of by how many people we can Unit to contract service providers personal protective equipment save. And we can save people by and to oversee the fund. (PPE) did not escape his vaccinating as many as possible. attention. “As a committee, we At the current pace of less than Tied to the NHI is the concept would like to get a report on 1% vaccination rate, the 40 of Ideal Clinics and over 1 200 why there is so much outcry million annual target remains clinics across the country have over the procurement of PPE. We a far-fetched dream. Worst of obtained this status. In addition, want to know what happened.” all, we have been surpassed by R13.7 billion has been assigned less resourced countries, such to tertiary health services. He also praised the nursing staff as Zimbabwe and Ghana,” said for their hard work during the Member of Parliament (MP), Ms In his input, the Chairperson pandemic and recognised the Siviwe Gwarube. of the Portfolio Committee on impact these trying times have Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, had on them. “Our nurses are “We highlighted this looming commended the department’s wounded tigers. Please walk crisis, but our concerns were successes and supported the tall with your scars. Thanks for met by government inaction, Bill. However, he was unhappy holding on to the fort.” by the government that evades with the department’s projected accountability. We want the Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma BUDGET DEBATE 11

Presenting the two challenges,” she said. The Economic Freedom departments (Cooperative Fighters (EFF) also raised Governance and Traditional The Chairperson of the concerns about rampant National Affairs) budget votes for Portfolio Committee on corruption in municipalities debate in a mini-plenary of Cogta, Ms , and refused to support Assembly the National Assembly (NA) welcomed the commitment the Cogta Budget Vote. recently, the Minister said by the Municipal Infrastructure “Corruption is the number the budgets will help “lay Support Agent to support one problem for our welcomes plans a solid foundation to set us 44 district municipalities to decaying municipalities. on a path towards building reduce infrastructure backlogs Our people don’t have to upgrade resilient, safe, sustainable, and improve performance on water and electricity while prosperous, cohesive, the Municipal Infrastructure money is being looted connected and climate-smart Grant. left, right and centre. Our informal communities”. people are suffering due to However, the committee’s corruption,” said EFF Member settlements She said Vote 3 (Cooperative major concern with the of Parliament, Ms Hlengiwe Governance) sets aside over Department of Cogta is Mkhaliphi. R100.8 billion in the 2021/22 around the Community Work The Department of Human Settlements financial year. R96 billion of Programme (CWP). “On Mr Ignatius Groenewald has identified the upgrading of informal the allocation is made up numerous occasions, the of settlements as one of its priority delivery of transfers and subsidies committee has requested also spoke strongly to municipalities. Vote 15 specific information to against corruption, cadre areas and has ring-fenced a budget of R10 (Traditional Affairs) allocates help us understand better deployment, as well as billion for this purpose over the next three R173.3 million to support the challenges facing the BEE, blaming these factors years, reports Sakhile Mokoena. developmental traditional programme and provide the for failing municipalities. leadership, which promotes necessary oversight. The “The reason for incomplete participatory democracy and department’s cooperation infrastructure projects in our rural development, as well as in this regard has left much municipalities is not lack of agriculture. to be desired. This low level funds; it’s poor planning, of accountability in respect corruption and inflated Dr Dlamini-Zuma also told to the CWP is proving to be prices. If drastic changes Members of the NA that, in a source of tension and is do not happen, the future implementing the District threatening our amicable of municipalities is bleak,” Development Model in the working relationship with the said Mr Groenewald. He also pilot sites, the department department,” Ms Muthambi complained about the size of has committed to training said. the country’s municipalities, more than 1 000 young saying they were too big and people, in partnership with The committee also noted suggested smaller municipal the Department of Rural the Department of Traditional units. Development. “We are Affairs’ priorities for the pleased to announce that, period under review, including so far, 554 young people the emphasis on the role have completed their of traditional leadership in training in agriculture-related curbing the spread of the areas such the production Covid-19 pandemic, gender- and processing of maize, based violence, femicide, vegetables, beef, dairy and violence against the LGBTQ+ Ms pork. These young people community and promoting will either be placed in gender representation and Presenting the department’s from neighbouring countries agriculture institutions or women empowerment within budget vote for debate in also seeking employment, will be supported to start the structures of traditional a National Assembly mini- then you can understand the community-based initiatives,” leadership. plenary, the Minister of nightmare we have to deal she said. Human Settlements, Water with year in and year out. Mr of the and Sanitation, Ms Lindiwe Minister Dlamini-Zuma also Democratic Alliance (DA) Sisulu, said growing informal “We will overcome this confirmed an allocation of raised a concern about failing settlements in urban areas problem in time, which R2.9 billion in the Medium municipalities. He blamed is the department’s biggest remains a constant nightmare Term Expenditure Framework their problems on policies challenge in its efforts to made worse by the fact that period to the OR Tambo such as cadre deployment, provide shelter to indigent we continuously receive District in the Eastern Cape race-based employment households. The challenge undocumented migrants for the implementation of equity and black economic is exacerbated by the influx from neighbouring countries water and sanitation projects. empowerment (BEE) of undocumented migrants seeking employment. We “We are a responsive preferential procurement. from neighbouring countries. spend a great deal of our time and caring government. “These policies don’t “The need for housing our to resolve this problem,” she Therefore, we have set aside empower ordinary people. own people is long and said. close to R618.9 million in They [promote] state capture. growing with 2.2 million national and municipality The jobs at local government households still living in In the 2020 budget statement, allocations to address require non-political skills and informal settlements. And the Minister announced an the water and sanitation attitude,” he argued. when you consider migrants allocation of R4.6 billion for 12 INSESSION NEWS provinces and metros for and municipalities and other the upgrading of informal entities. We accept that settlements. This year, this is a plan and it has to Budget vote - Home provincial upgrades are be implemented and we planned for 679 informal will be there as a Portfolio settlements, while 344 Committee overseeing the Affairs to review all informal settlements will implementation of this budget be targeted in metropolitan vote,” she said. permits issued to municipality upgrades. She also called on the “Over the next three years, department to accelerate the foreigners since 2004 about R10 billion has been issuing of title deeds and to ring-fenced to accelerate support the provinces and In an effort to fight immigration corruption and fraud, the the upgrading of informal municipalities to maximise settlements countrywide. the use of the Provincial Department of Home Affairs is reviewing all permits issued to foreign The rapid growth of informal Emergency Housing and nationals based in South Africa since 2004, the year the Immigration settlements in all major Municipal Emergency Housing Act came into effect. These plans were announced by the Minister of cities and towns, which I grants, so as to prevent land Home Affairs, Dr , when he tabled the department’s reflected on earlier, has invasions. necessitated a review of budget vote statement in a mini-plenary of the National Assembly funding frameworks,” said the Ms of (NA) recently, writes Sakhile Mokoena. Minister. the Democratic Alliance was sceptical about the Her department has created department’s plans to upgrade a dedicated Upgrading of informal settlements, saying Informal Settlements Grant in the past the department Funding Framework to address had failed to meet its own this challenge. The Minister targets. “During last year’s also called for urban state budget speech, you promised land to be released for social to replace 1 174 shacks with housing to allow working proper houses in Duncan people to stay closer to their Village; less than half were places of work. completed. Our government takes money from formal The Chairperson of the housing to fund vanity Portfolio Committee on programmes like the South Human Settlements, Water African Airways. You can’t and Sanitation, Ms Machwene claim to care about ordinary Semenya, commended the people,” said Ms Powell. department for a renewed focus on the upgrading of Declaring her party’s rejection informal settlements, and the of the Department of Human introduction of the informal Settlement’s Budget Vote, settlements upgrading Economic Freedom Fighters partnership grant. “This grant (EFF) Member of Parliament, will go a long way in the Ms Rebecca Mohlala, accused Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Home Affairs upgrading and formalisation the government of failing to of informal settlements over address the problem created Dr Motsoaledi said: “I soon come to Parliament for According to Dr Motsoaledi, the medium-term. It is worth by apartheid spatial planning. have put up a ministerial processing and enactment these Acts have many gaps, pointing out that the grant will “27 years after democracy, committee headed by the into laws. “Among these is omissions and weaknesses. deliver 180 000 stands with our people still live in shacks, former Director-General in the the recently released Green In addition, they do not access to municipal services far from their places of Presidency, Dr Cassius Lubisi, Paper on marriage policy. It is cater or give recognition to to our communities across work, with unreliable public to review all the permits an incontestable fact that this Muslim marriages, Hindu provinces and metropolitan transport. Cadre deployment issued since 2004, the year country needs a new marriage marriages and marriages areas,” said the committee is the order of the day while the Immigration Act came policy based on the three conducted according to Chairperson. people are languishing into effect.” pillars of our Constitution, that Jewish rites. in dilapidated informal is, equality, non-discrimination Ms Semenya was also pleased settlements,” she said. The review will include and human dignity,” he added. Despite the enactment with the department’s plan permanent residential of the Recognition of to collaborate with provinces Ms Mohlala also called for permits; corporate, business Currently, South Africa citizens Customary Marriages Act and municipalities to upgrade transformation of the Estate and professional visas; retired have to choose between three by Parliament, the Minister informal settlements and Agency Affairs Board, and persons’ visas and early Acts of Parliament and decide added, traditional marriages provide affordable rental urged the Minister to create naturalisation and study visas. under which to get married. taking place in many royal housing, among many other “a conducive environment for These are the Marriage Act 25 families in terms of their programmes. “This is evident black people to be drawn into He told the mini-plenary that of 1961, the Recognition of traditions and rituals are still in the fact that around 97% the value chain”. the department has many Customary Marriages Act 20 not on the statute books. of this budget vote will be initiatives in the pipeline, of 1998 or the Civil Union Act “None of the existing laws disbursed through transfers including legislative and 17 of 2006 (which provides prevent minor children from and subsidies to province policy initiatives that will for same-sex marriages). getting married. Hence a BUDGET DEBATE 13 girl below the age of 18 and a boy below 17 can legally get married as long as their NA MPs call on department of parents are prepared to send them off to such ill- women to do its job & defend conceived marriages,” he said. women Dr Motsoaledi also provided an update on This year’s budget vote of the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities took the newly established place during the government’s year-long commemoration of Ms Charlotte Maxeke, one of the Border Management Agency (BMA). He told the first South Africans to fight for African women’s enfranchisement, rreports Abel Mputing. Members of Parliament Ms Maxeke fought against patriarchy and colonial domination, and her call for women’s (MPs) that it was expected emancipation and self-determination still resonates with the women’s cause to this day. to be operational in 11 border posts and segments of the borderline by the end However, Ms Ndaba criticised of the current financial year. the fact that R90 million will go the Commission for Gender Mr Mosa Chabane, who Equality, leaving R100 million serves on the Portfolio for staff salaries and only Committee on Home R85 million will be left for Affairs, welcomed the goods and services. “More department’s initiatives to allocations are needed if we formulate legislation and were to achieve the targets policy on marriages, as well of core programmes aimed as the planned overhaul of at addressing the rights of immigration laws. He said persons with disabilities.” the immigration affairs and the asylum status regulation She urged the department to were the most improved intensify its role of monitoring branches of the Department and evaluating the policies of Home Affairs. and commitments aimed at enhancing the rights of Another Member women, youth and people of Parliament, Ms with disabilities. Thembisile Khanyile of the Democratic Alliance On budgetary cuts, NA MP, (DA), also welcomed Mr Luvuyo Mphiti, claimed the establishment of the that this has reduced the BMA. She was concerned, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Women department’s objectives of however, that the budget monitoring and valuation was “silent on how the Delivering her budget vote Bill will reinforce gender However, the departmental without any effect on department was going to speech before a National budgeting in government budget will hamper efforts implementing its key deal with porous borders”. Assembly mini-plenary, the departments, which will to facilitate, monitor and priorities, as stated in its She cited the case of Minister of Women, Youth and enforce compliance with the evaluate inter-ministerial and annual performance plans. Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Persons with Disabilities, Ms requirement that 40% of multi-sectoral commitments The reduced budget indicates who mysteriously left the Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, tenders in every department to fight GBV and femicide. to him that the department country illegally, and the said two years ago, President should be allocated to women. It will also diminish the is “not there to serve the January stampede at the announced mainstreaming of youth interests of women, youth and Beitbridge and Lebombo the establishment of The Minister also announced empowerment and people people with disabilities, but to border posts. the National Council on that women will be prioritised with disabilities. extend political patronage”. Gender-Based Violence and in land redistribution

Mr Mgcini Tshwaku of the Femicide to tackle gender- programmes, as one of the Nevertheless, the Chairperson The department’s Economic Freedom Fighters based violence (GBV). This factors leading women to stay of the Portfolio Committee commitment to fighting GBV labelled the Department was strengthened by the in abusive relationships is that on Women, Youth and was questioned by another of Home Affairs “the most establishment of a ministerial they are not economically Persons with Disabilities, NA MP, Ms Ntokozo Hlonyana. dysfunctional department committee and multi-sectorial independent. Ms Nonhlanhla Ndaba, “The department has failed to in the country” due to approach. welcomed that out of the hold the National Prosecuting “incompetent leadership”. The Minister also reported department’s budget of Authority (NPA) accountable Mr Tshwaku was concerned Part of the legislative battle that the department is paying R763 million allocation, R479 for the countless cases that go that the budget does not against GBV is a Bill that will special attention to youth million will go to the NYDA. by without any prosecution address plans to address the pay special attention to the unemployment. It will use the “This will ensure that the and that have been thrown long queues at Home Affairs rights and recourse of GBV National Youth Development youth are given training in out of court due to poor offices, and the information victims, to ensure justice, Agency (NYDA) to allocate technical, vocational skills and investigation.” and technology system that as well as coherent and funds to upskill the youth and entrepreneurial development is perpetually off-line. systematic legal prescripts facilitate the development of to ensure that they participate for handling GBV cases. The their entrepreneurial skills. in the mainstream economy.” 14 INSESSION NEWS Budget cuts will have big Committee impact on social services supports

The Portfolio Committee on Social Development heard recently that the Department operations of the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa) will be significantly affected by a R600 million budget cut,writes Sibongile of Higher Maputi. Education and Training’s budget vote

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Science and Technology, Mr Philly Mapulane, supported the adoption of the Department of Higher Education and Training’s budget vote in a National Assembly plenary session. The budget includes over R45 billion for student support, writes Mava Lukani.

When Sassa and the National expenditure and the impact offset budget cuts to some Development Agency briefed of budget cuts on the entire extent. She said it is crucial the committee on their portfolio. for Sassa not to do anything annual performance plans, that will compromise the Sassa’s Chief Executive Officer Committee Member, Ms Liezl poor, including bowing to the (CEO), Ms Totsie Memela, van der Merwe, applauded demands of labour unions. informed the committee that the Department of Social the Covid-19 pandemic has Development and Sassa Sassa responded by saying drastically increased the need for asking Cabinet and the that it has always had a fraud for social assistance, with 10 National Treasury to extend strategy and all it needs is a million applications received the R350 grant. She asked proper gatekeeping strategy for the social relief package. whether the six million to eliminate all fraud. Sassa beneficiaries have received assured committee Members The Minister of the their payments. “Some that the 70% of beneficiaries Department of Social beneficiaries have claimed who are paid through the Development, Ms Lindiwe on social media that some South African Post Office Zulu, led the briefing. She payments in some months are stringently validated. informed the committee that have been skipped,” she said. “We should have efficient The departments of Higher reductions, the committee is Covid-19 revealed much about mechanisms to recover Education and Training and hoping that the South African the experiences of the people. Committee Member, Ms erroneous payments and we of Science and Technology economy will bounce back “We should commit ourselves , was need to ensure that there is appeared before the and return to health. “We call to improving the lives of our concerned about the budget consequence management,” committee recently to present on all who will be responsible people,” she said. cuts. “What is the projected Ms Memela said. their annual performance for the implementation of value of the child support plans and budgets for the this budget vote to do more Committee members grant in the 2022/23 financial The Chairperson of the 2021/22 financial year. After with less and innovation is questioned why so much of year in light of these cuts? It committee, Mr Mondli engaging with those plans encouraged.” the social services budget seems the child support grant Gungubele, noted that the and budgets, the committee goes to compensating is being reduced when we are Auditor-General’s report on adopted them. While recognising the employees. They also in need of more,” she said. the entities is not good. “The ongoing debates that are wanted to know more about things raised in that report In supporting the adoption part of the transformation challenges with the R350 Committee Member, Ms are things that could be done; of the budget debate vote of the university landscape, Covid-19 social assistance , asked the matter requires urgent in a NA mini-plenary session Mr Mapulane announced payments, Sassa’s anti- what Sassa was doing to attention,” he pleaded. recently, Mr Mapulane said during the budget debate corruption unit, irregular recover debt, as this would notwithstanding the budget that the committee will be INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY 15 convening a Colloquium on five-fold in six years, from Institutional Autonomy and R5.9 billion in 2014 to R34.7 Public Accountability on billion in 2020. In the current Health Committee 28 May this year to further financial year, NSFAS funding contribute towards the is expected to reach over R43 Chairpersons honour refinement of “ours and that billion, a further increase of of the sector’s understanding nearly R10 billion in just two and application of these years.” nurses on International concepts”. In support of the expansion Nurses Day The department’s budget of access to the Post-School allocation for the 2021/22 Education and Training (PSET) financial year amounts to system, the Department of Parliament, Wednesday, 12 May 2021 – The Chairperson of the R115.5 billion, including skills Science and Innovation (DSI) Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, and the levies. The department’s will award bursaries to PhD Chairperson of the Select Committee on Health and Social Services, Ms voted funds amount to R97.7 students and will pipeline billion, shared amongst the postgraduate students. The DSI Maurencia Gillion, have joined the world in commemorating the 56th six budget programmes. will also be placing graduates anniversary of International Nurses Day, writes Yoliswa Landu. The bulk of the budget of and students in DSI-funded the voted funds, which work preparation programmes represents 86.06%, is in science, engineering, apportioned to Programme technology and innovation 3: University Education, institutions in support of the subsidies to universities, and initiatives towards ensuring allocation to the National the responsiveness of the PSET Student Financial Aid Scheme system. (NSFAS) to support access to education through student funding, as well infrastructure efficiency grants.

Delivering his Budget Vote, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr , said his department will dedicate efforts in the 2021/22 financial year to address gender-based violence Dr Dhlomo and Ms Gillion said: 2020, we salute them. We wish (GBV), with an allocation “This year is different as we the nurses strength and we wish of R5 million towards GBV. remember and want to pay them that God can carry them The department, through respect to nurses who have through and give them energy Programme 2: Planning, gone ahead of us, their families to carry on under these difficult Policy and Strategy, will and their loved ones and the conditions.” report on the implementation contributions that they have of the GBV Framework by the made in an exceptionally difficult The Chairpersons said they sector. year, 2020, when the country wanted “to make sure that all and the entire world was faced our nurses and other healthcare On financial support to with the Covid-19 pandemic.” workers are vaccinated and we students, Minister Nzimande begin to heal the psychological said NSFAS’s approved Dr Dhlomo and Ms Gillion scars they have and they carry budget for 2020/21 is R41.5 said nurses have been at the on in this fight against Covid-19”. billion, which excludes forefront in the fight against the the approved R6.4 billion Covid-19 pandemic and have They wished all nurses a “happy additional budget. been a reliable resource for the International Nurses Day even good health of society and the under these difficult conditions, Following the shortfall country as a whole. “We cannot may the nurses continue like experienced by NSFAS, have health system without Florence Nightingale who Dr Nzimande said: them, they are the backbone of was known as ‘the lady with “We reprioritised our the health system,” they added. the lamp’ who looked after departmental budget to wounded soldiers during a time ensure that all deserving and Dr Dhlomo said: “We pay tribute of war.” qualifying students are able to the nurses who walk around to receive funding for the like wounded tigers, wounded 2021 academic year from physically and wounded NSFAS. Irrespective of these psychologically, and those scars challenges, NSFAS funding that we don’t see for the heavy has increased more than load of work that they carried in 16 INSESSION NEWS All 14 parties on the Section 194 Enquiry Committee will have proportional voting rights

The National Assembly (NA) Rules Committee agreed unanimously to accept the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Speaker Ms Thandi Modise’s decision to expand the composition of the Section 194 Enquiry Committee to 36 members and to give all NA political parties proportional voting rights.

The committee will make 1 member each – Inkatha Committee on 16 March. enquiries to see if there are Freedom Party, African This decision was taken after grounds for the removal Christian Democratic Party, adopting the report of an from office of the Public , independent panel of experts, Protector Advocate Busisiwe Freedom Front Plus, United which recommended the Mkhwebane. The previous Democratic Movement, GOOD, establishment of the such a composition of the committee African Independent Congress, committee. In terms of the announced on 7 April Congress of the People, Pan NA Rules, the Section 194 stipulated 26 members from Africanist Congress, Al Jama-ah Committee has to conduct the the 14 NA political parties. enquiry, to establish whether Of the 26 members, 11 were The committee also resolved the charges against the Public voting members and 15 were to allocate the African Protector are sustainable non-voting members. Transformation Movement and to report to the NA for a a seat with voting rights, decision. The revised composition to even though it formerly be implemented immediately expressed its decision not to The committee’s report increases overall membership participate in the Section 194 must give findings, to 36 members. All 36 will committee’s proceedings. recommendations and reasons have voting rights I line for their recommendations. with their proportional The Rules Committee has Such a report must also be representation and referred the Speaker’s scheduled for consideration membership will be: determination to the and debate in the NA with 19 members – African Subcommittee on the Review appropriate urgency. National Congress of Rules to be effected in the 4 members – Democratic Rules of the Assembly. The committee must finish its Alliance work within a reasonable time 2 members – Economic The NA voted in favour of and must elect its chairperson Freedom Fighters establishing the Section 194 at its first meeting.

project of building the South be missed and the committee African nation.” is truly poorer without Ms A Loyal Representative Tongwane who brought a Ms Tongwane was a pleasant, useful insight, experience lovely and soft-spoken person, and a unique perspective to Of The People Passes On Mr Xasa said, who was loved the work of the committee.” by all her colleagues and She took seriously her role as The Presiding Officers (POs) on the Portfolio Committee They said this period has been parliamentary officials in the a public representative and of Parliament, the Speaker on Environment, Forestry one of the most difficult in committee for her wonderful served her people well. of the National Assembly and Fisheries, the Portfolio Parliament’s history, as the disposition. “She will certainly (NA), Ms Thandi Modise, Committee on Home Affairs institution has lost people and the Chairperson of the and the Portfolio Committee on in the Covid-19 pandemic. National Council of Provinces Human Settlements. Parliament has been left Chairperson (NCOP), Mr poorer by the passing of such a Amos Masondo, extended The POs said Ms Tongwane was devoted public representative, their heartfelt condolences a hardworking and dedicated with her untiring commitment to the family and friends of parliamentarian who served and dedication to the service Member of Parliament Ms the people of South Africa of the people. Mpho Adolphina Tongwane with diligence, passion and on her passing. Ms Tongwane commitment. Through her The Chairperson of the Portfolio was a member of the African experience, knowledge and Committee on Environment, National Congress (ANC). understanding of legislative Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Fikile and oversight matters, she Xasa, said: “Ms Tongwane Ms Tongwane joined made an immense contribution leaves an indelible mark that Parliament in 2008 as a to the quality of laws and her will remain as a shining legacy Member of the NA. She served other committee work. of her contribution in the Ms Mpho Adolphina Tongwane