Proceedings of the National Assembly s2

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Proceedings of the National Assembly s2

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

TUESDAY, 6 MAY 2008 PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ------

The House met at 14:04.

The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.

THE DEATH OF ANDREW MASONDO (Draft Resolution)

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House – (1) notes with a deep sense of sorrow the death on Sunday, 20 April 2008, of Andrew Masondo, a retired Lieutenant-General of the South African National Defence Force, who passed away after a long illness; (2) recalls that Lieutenant-General Masondo joined the African National Congress Military Wing uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) in 1962 and was arrested the following year for carrying out acts of sabotage against the apartheid state and for furthering the aims of a banned organisation, was sentenced to 13 years on Robben Island and upon his release in 1976 rejoined MK in exile and was appointed as Political Commissar; (3) further recalls that Masondo was a highly motivational person who could speak all the country’s languages and it is, amongst other things, because of these qualities that he was chosen to shoulder the daunting responsibility of building spirit in the newly merged South African National Defence Force (SANDF) at the dawn of democracy in our country; (4) believes that Lieutenant-General Masondo served our country with distinction and that he committed his life to the noble cause of defeating the unjust apartheid colonial system as well as to the rebuilding and defence of a South Africa free of racism, sexism and poverty; and (5) conveys its condolences to the Masondo family, the South African National Defence Force and the African National Congress.

Agreed to.

Mr M WATERS UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

NOTICES OF MOTION

1 The SPEAKER: I note that the previous was a motion without notice. I had just asked for notices of motion. We now go back to notices of motion.

Mr M WATERS: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I intend moving the following motion:

That the House debates how best we can protect the children of our country in light of the Child Protection Week starting on 26 May 2008.

Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

Mr M WATERS

Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice that I intend moving the following motion:

That this House debates the South African government’s response to the current situation in Zimbabwe.

Thank you.

Mr G T MADIKIZA

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

Ms D KOHLER-BARNARD

Mr G T MADIKIZA: Madam Speaker, I hereby give notice on behalf of the UDM that I will move at the next sitting of the House:

That the House – (1) recognises the growing international and domestic food crisis and the risk it poses to South Africans in general and the poor in particular;

2 (2) acknowledges that South Africa’s agricultural sector has a major role to play in ensuring our domestic food security; (3) further notes that government policy has put existing farmers under huge pressure with the wholesale withdrawal of subsidies and other supportive measures, while simultaneously failing to provide adequate support for emerging farmers; and (4) debates how these matters are linked, and what possible solutions South Africa could implement to avert a major food crisis.

Thank you.

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

Mr G T MADIKIZA

PASSING AWAY OF ZOLILE MALINDI (Draft Resolution)

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House – (1) notes with sorrow the passing away of Mr Zolile Malindi, who died on Monday, 21 April 2008; (2) recalls that Comrade Zolie, as he was affectionately known amongst his peers, was an anti-apartheid activist and a former provincial president of the United Democratic Front in the Western Cape in the 1980s, and an internationalist who committed his life to the service of the people, expecting no personal gain be it in terms of high positions or wealth; (3) further recalls that Malindi, together with other comrades, worked to build the civic movements which played a key role in the fight to end apartheid and that many of the comrades he fought with were assassinated by the apartheid security police, while others were detained and tortured, and in recognition of his contribution in the struggle for peace and social justice, our country has honoured him with the Order of Luthuli; and (4) conveys its condolences to the Malindi family, the African National Congress, the South African Communist Party, the South African National Civic Association and the Congress of South African Trade Unions.

Agreed to.

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

3 UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

UNTIMELY DEATH OF THE ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO SOUTH AFRICA (Draft Resolution)

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House – (1) notes with profound sadness the untimely death on Saturday, 19 April 2008, of the Italian Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency Alessandro Cevese; (2) further notes that His Excellency Cevese passed away in a car accident that took place in a private game park in Limpopo Province; (3) recalls that Ambassador Cevese joined the Italian diplomatic service in 1978 and had held several high positions in the foreign ministry of his country before moving to South Africa in 2006; (4) further recalls that His Excellency Cevese was a Knight Commander of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy; and (5) conveys its condolences to his loved ones, the government and the people of the Republic of Italy.

Agreed to.

Mrs C DUDLEY

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

4 The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

WORLD ASTHMA DAY (Draft Resolution) Mrs C DUDLEY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House – (1) notes that today is World Asthma Day and that this has a special significance for South Africa as nearly one in every five children in South Africa is affected by asthma; (2) encourages continued focus on positive living and healthy lifestyles by government and the people of South Africa, as this greatly reduces the impact of this condition; and (3) calls on the government to continue its vigilance in enforcing regulations with regard to environmental pollution, which increases the spread of asthma. Thank you.

Agreed to.

Ms S RAJBALLY UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 141

Mrs C DUDLEY

CELEBRATION OF MOTHER’S DAY (Draft Resolution)

Ms S RAJBALLY: Madam Speaker, I move without notice:

That the House – (1) notes that – (a) on 11 May 2008 Mother’s Day will be celebrated; and (b) in an era where South Africa’s population is primarily socialised by mothers and the pivotal role our mothers play in the people we become and how we are to embrace this country and its people; (2) takes this opportunity to - (a) pay tribute to every mother and women in South Africa and to thank them for the important role they play in the progress and development of South Africa; and (b)once again denounce all forms of abuse and violence imposed on women and children and give a standing ovation to all men who respect this and uphold the value that every woman plays in our country; and (3) wishes all mothers a very happy and an enjoyable Mother’s Day.

I thank you.

Agreed to.

5 The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 142

Ms S RAJBALLY

MOTION OF CONDOLENCE (The late Ms N C Kondlo)

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Madam Speaker, I move the motion printed in the name of the Chief Whip of the Majority Party on the Order Paper, as follows:

That the House – (1) notes with profound sadness the untimely death of Comrade Ncumisa Chwayita Kondlo, who passed away on Monday, 24 March 2008; (2) recognises that the hon Kondlo was a dedicated Communist, human rights and gender activist, and a hard-working member and leader of the African National Congress and a Member of our Parliament and that, during her lifetime, she had a loving heart that embraced many in her line of duty; (3) recalls that the hon Ncumisa Kondlo became active in politics from an early age during her student days at Fort Hare University and that her passion to liberate the poor was also inspired by her upbringing in the rural village of Peddie in the Eastern Cape, where she was exposed to the inhumane living conditions spawned by the barbaric colonial apartheid system, and that she was active in the broad range of the structures of the mass democratic movement and workers’ movement, including Azaso, Sanco, the Black Students Movement, Neusa, Sayco, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union and Sadwu; (4) further recalls that at the time of her passing away the hon Kondlo was the deputy chairperson and a member of the Central Committee of the South African Communist Party and that she was also a member of the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee of the ANC and the chairperson of the ANC caucus in Parliament; (5) acknowledges the great contribution that the hon Kondlo made in the struggle to create a nonracial, nonsexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa and as a Member of Parliament, and that she discharged her responsibilities with dedication, discipline, diligence and humility; and (6) conveys its condolences to the Kondlo family, the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party.

The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 6 Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 142 The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY

The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I cannot comment in any detail on the political history or contribution in this field which was made by our departed colleague, as we were far apart in political thinking. But I know her history speaks of bravery and service to a great cause.

What I want to record - and I asked specially if I may speak to this motion - is the little relationship that developed between me and her in our period of service together in the NCOP, where I got to know her as a fierce fighter, and subsequently, since 2004, when we were together in this House. We became friends; we became woman friends. We always chatted to each other in the corridors, laughed together, exchanged ideas about clothes, teased each other and generally experienced the kind of collegial warmth which many of us are lucky enough to share across the political divide.

After the loss of her husband, she was clothed in the black of mourning for a long time. She bore her grief with dignity. Some time afterwards, I gave her a pair of blue earrings which I had worn and she had liked. When she wore them when I was Chairperson and could see them, we used to exchange a little smile of recognition.

When she reached the position of caucus chair, I was proud of her as a woman and as a friend. When she died, I was quite devastated. So short is life, and sad. Let’s remember her as a valued friend who touched the lives of people around her. May her soul rest in peace!

Mr H J BEKKER

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 142

The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

7 Mr H J BEKKER: Madam Speaker, the IFP would like to extend its condolences to the majority party and the family and friends of Ncumisa Kondlo, who passed away suddenly on 24 March 2008.

I knew her personally. As a member of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, I wish to convey my personal sympathies and condolences to all concerned. I was also fortunate to know Ms Kondlo on that special committee and in the special role that she played in the committee as an overseer of the executive – a task which she carried out with discipline and great commitment.

During a parliamentary portfolio committee visit to South America, she fell ill and was hospitalised and had to stay behind. How well I remember when we went to say goodbye to her, how well I remember the embrace she gave, and how well I remember the way she looked at us at that stage. We wondered whether we were going to see her again. Then she recovered so wonderfully that she could continue her task with absolute dedication.

Furthermore, it came as no surprise to me when she was elected as a member of the ANC National Executive Committee and the ANC National Working Committee, as she had always exhibited great leadership qualities in Parliament, the ANC and the SA Communist Party. Her lifelong dedication to their causes testifies to this effect.

Parliament, the ANC and the SA Communist Party have lost a valuable member in Ms Kondlo. She will be solely missed. Yet, we must not think of ourselves only, but most importantly we should think of her family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time. To them we say: Honour her memory and dedication, and remember her as a guiding light in your lives. Thank you.

Mr J BICI

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 142

Mr H J BEKKER

Mr J BICI: Madam Speaker, it is sad that the first order of business we have to return to should be to say farewell to another of our fellow democrats. We wish to express our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late hon Kondlo. May God be with you during this time of bereavement.

The hon Kondlo will be missed. We salute her commitment to her parliamentary work and the active role she played in the committees that she served on. Even where we may have differed over policies, we know that she shared our passion for making this country a better place for all. We hope that her loved ones will take consolation in the fact that she was an architect of this democratic institution and that her legacy will live on through the decisions and legislations that she contributed to. May her soul rest in peace! Thank you.

Mr I E JENNER

8 UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 143

Mr J BICI

Afrikaans: Mnr I E JENNER: Speaker, ek bring vandag hulde namens my party, die OD, aan ’n held van die stryd om bevryding. Haar bydrae sal ons onvergeetlik bybly. Ek bring hulde aan die geskiedenis van ’n kameraad. Sy sal onthou word as ’n stryder, ’n agent vir verandering en ’n vrou wat in donker tye opgestaan het.

Die vlaktes van my grootword by Jakkalskop verby gedenk haar nagedagtenis, haar bydrae en haar opoffering. Haar naam sal gevoeg word by die helde van die vryheidstryd. Sy was ’n lewendige voorbeeld van ’n produk van die rewolusie.

English: Let us pick up the spear of a fallen hero, a true compadre, a revolutionary, and fulfil the mandate of the national democratic revolution. Today we salute a person of character and principles, a symbol of humbleness, a true reflection of the struggle for liberation.

Afrikaans: Mag die vrede van God die familie vergesel en die seer van hul verlies met tyd heel. isiZulu: Hamba kahle, Mqubane. Quawe ama quawe.

Mr H B CUPIDO

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 143

Mr I E JENNER

9 English: Mr H B CUPIDO: Madam Speaker, the ACDP joins this House in conveying our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the hon Kondlo. It is our sincere hope that they have an assurance and confidence that she has gone to be with her Maker, and pray they will experience the peace of Jesus Christ at this time.

Hon Kondlo is recognised for her contribution to the liberation of South Africa and the postapartheid reconstruction process. Hon Kondlo was especially vocal on human rights and gender issues, and we salute her for this. Hon Kondlo was also a former MEC for Welfare in the Eastern Cape provincial government. She has played a paramount role in bettering the many lives of poor people during this time. It is of course her loved ones, her family and friends and colleagues, who knew her best and who will miss her most. We ask God therefore to strengthen her colleagues and family and friends at this time. May God bless you with his peace, which transcends all understanding, to guard your hearts and your minds in Christ. Amen. Thank you.

Mr P H K DITSHETELO

UNREVISED HANSARD

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Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 143

Mr H B CUPIDO

Mr P H K DITSHETELO: Madam Speaker, the UCDP notes with regret the passing away of Comrade Ncumisa, who contributed selflessly to the formation of the teachers’ union in the Border region and subsequently in the establishment of the SA Democratic Teachers’ Union. In the eighties she was heavily involved in organising for the SA Domestic Workers’ Union. Her contribution in the upliftment of the social and cultural structure won her an award, as she was involved in the South African women’s struggle. She was internationally recognised for this and received an award from the Swedish Society Party.

Setswana:

10 A re mo tlogeleng a tsamae ka kagiso. O dirile go tlala seatla ka nako e khutshwanyane. Mokgatlho wa ANC, amogelang gore Modimo o ne o neile, mme Modimo o tshotse. Ba lelapa la moswi, ra re lalang ka ntho madi a tshologa le pelo di gamuketse botlhoko di tlaa fola. A go bakwe leina la Modimo.

Ms S RAJBALLY UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 143

Mr P H K DITSHETELO

Ms S RAJBALLY: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the leader of the MF, the hon A Rajbansi, and the entire team of the MF, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends of the late hon Ncumisa Kondlo. It is never easy to lose a loved one, but we have to move forward and do so with utmost respect and in loving memory of the wonderful and committed person that she was. We have in the past term bid farewell to so many comrades who have played a pivotal role in the delivery and development of democracy. Our sympathies are extended to the Mthwazi families. May the Almighty God bless you with the strength to get through this difficult loss and place in your hearts the pleasure that she now resides in the gardens of heaven, with so many of our ancestors, comrades and leaders. We further extend our condolences to the ANC and the SACP on the loss of an impeccable and dedicated patriot for democracy and fighter for the betterment of South Africans. We need to continue her plight and forge on to sustainable development and total eradication of poverty, inequality and crime. Kondlo, may you rest in peace, knowing that you have given us your best, for which we are eternally grateful. I thank you.

Dr S E M PHEKO

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 143 11 Ms S RAJBALLY

Dr S E M PHEKO: Madam Speaker, our country needs a progressive social order which provides food, housing, clothing, skills and employment. If the ability to pay for these necessities of life is the passport, then at this time most of our people, who are the majority of the poor, are excluded from a decent life fit for all human beings. It is in this spirit that the PAC joins this House in expressing its profound sadness on the sudden departure of the hon Ncumisa Chwayita Kondlo on 24 March 2008.

She dedicated her life to the poor and served them with distinction. It will be remembered that she was the only MEC who personally went to the Gatyana community to ensure that all the poor got their social grants. She leaves a yawning gap in the ranks of those who have a similar vision for the poor. This is a great loss to the ANC and the SACP.

But I want to send special condolences to the Kondlo family. The PAC has a very soft spot for the Kondlo family as a whole and has always had revolutionary appreciation for this great family of warriors for freedom. One of their sons, Gen Gerald Kibwe Kondlo, fell at one of the famous battles of the PAC, the Villa Peri battle, where he was commanding the forces of the Azanian People’s Liberation Army against the Portuguese colonial forces on their way to this country.

May the spirit of this great daughter of Africa continue to inspire us for the battles that lie ahead. Thank you.

Mr S SIMMONS UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 143

Dr S E M PHEKO

12 Mr S SIMMONS: Madam Speaker, the NA has noted with great sadness the passing on of our colleague hon Ncumisa Kondlo. I concur with the sentiments expressed by previous hon members in this House. The contributions of any individual in the fight for freedom and democracy can never be ignored, more so if they are of the magnitude of those of the late Ms Ncumisa Kondlo. She was an exemplary example in the fight for freedom and democracy, which started from an early age as a student at Fort Hare University. As a result of her rural upbringing, she was exposed to extreme poverty, which resulted in her having a passion to support the poor. The NA salutes hon Ms Ncumisa Kondlo for her unselfish contribution to our people and conveys its condolences to her family and the ANC. May her soul rest in peace. Thank you.

Mr P J GROENEWALD

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 144

Mr S SIMMONS

Afrikaans: Mr P J GROENEWALD: Speaker, die dood is ’n finaliteit wat nie een van ons kan ontwyk nie en wat nie een van ons kan verander nie. Die dood gaan altyd gepaard met hartseer van geliefdes wat agterbly.

As ek luister na die geskiedenis van die agb afgestorwene, Speaker, is dit baie duidelik dat sy haar merk baie duidelik gemaak het in haar lewe; dat haar familie werklik trots sal wees op haar; en dat haar optredes en die merk wat sy gemaak het ook vir hulle ’n voorbeeld sal wees.

Die VF Plus wil dan ook graag ons innige meegevoel betoon aan die familie en die geliefdes met die afstorwe van die kollega. Dankie.

Ms N C MADLALA-ROUTLEDGE

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 144

Mr P J GROENEWALD

Ms N C MADLALA-ROUTLEDGE: Somlomo namalungu ahloniphekile [Speaker and hon members], on 5 April 2008 our people converged in their thousands at the Eastern Cape village of Ndwayana to pay our final tributes to one of the outstanding daughters of our revolution and an esteemed member of this august tribunal of the people, Comrade Ncumisa Kondlo.

13 On behalf of the ANC, which Comrade Ncumisa proudly served for many years, I would like to take this opportunity to convey our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and comrades. Her passing is indeed a huge loss to the broader revolutionary alliance and its continued battle for the victory of the national democratic revolution.

The many who had the privilege of being present when she was laid to rest at the humble and unassuming village that holds her umbilical cord, heard the moving orations pertaining to the extraordinary life of this dear daughter of our people. These orations from the leadership, representing the revolutionary tripartite alliance, spoke of a true patriot, a combatant, a socialist, a fearless fighter, a caring servant, and hero of the people.

Those who knew Comrade Ncumisa know that such descriptive accounts were no mere proverbial expressions habitually accorded the departed, but were a true and fitting account of her remarkable and inspiring life. Such was said because hers was a heroic life. It was thus symbolic that Comrade Ncumisa was laid to rest during the month that the ANC has declared Heroes’ Month, in which we commemorate the lives of the heroes of the struggle.

Comrade Ncumisa’s funeral took place in the month in which, 15 years ago, a martyr and stalwart of our struggle for liberation, Chris Thembisile Hani, was assassinated during intensive national negotiations towards a peaceful and democratic settlement. She was laid to rest in the very same month in which, in 1979, Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu was executed by the ruthless apartheid regime as part of a concerted and brutal clampdown on those who challenged the oppressive order.

These heroes of our struggle, whose deaths we commemorated during the month of April, paid supreme sacrifices for the freedom we are enjoying today. It is thus a fitting tribute that the natural circumstances dictated that Comrade Ncumisa’s final journey from the land of the living should take place in this particular month, because of the extraordinary and remarkable life she lived. Perhaps we should, as we have done with these other heroes of the history of our revolution whose lives we celebrated during that particular month, pause and ponder who Comrade Ncumisa was and what she stood for. This, as the president of the ANC said during her solemn funeral, will enable us as a nation to pay tribute to her by learning from her life, and to rediscover and remain true to the values that guided her life.

Comrade Ncumisa was born into the struggle in which she spared neither strength nor courage in her contribution to the attainment of the democratic majority rule. Like Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu, Comrade Ncumisa belonged to a generation of defiant and brave young activists, who speared the cause for national liberation through the country’s radical youth movement. She cut her teeth in student politics and played a leading role in the SA Youth Congress, Sayco, in the 1980s, as well as in the formation of the ANC Youth League in the Eastern Cape. She was uncompromising in her abhorrence of racism and inequality, and dearly cherished the ideals for freedom and equality for all South Africans.

Comrade Ncumisa was a unifier and a humble servant of the people. She personified the characteristics of the kind of leader and cadre our movement and country needs – a cadre that is ready to serve the people in whatever capacity, a cadre that is sympathetic to the poor and dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life of all our people.

The people of this country will always remember her for the passionate commitment with which she served them as a member of this august Parliament and as a provincial Minister in the Eastern Cape. She despised the philosophy of self-enrichment, but remained steadfast in our revolutionary mission of eradicating inequality, poverty and joblessness, and the construction of a prosperous and truly democratic nation.

Death, which the 18th century poet John Donne curses as not mighty and dreadful in his sonnet Death Be Not Proud, has indeed robbed us of a gender activist, a worker, and a true communist. As a youth, Comrade Ncumisa served in the executive of the Border Youth Congress and represented the region on the women’s desk. She was among those who led the re-establishment of the Progressive Women’s Movement of South Africa. Her activism in the gender struggle was acknowledged internationally when the Swedish Socialist Party awarded her an international award for her role as one of the champions of the country’s young women’s struggle.

Like Thembisile Chris Hani, Comrade Ncumisa was a communist to the end, who simultaneously served both her party and the ANC with diligence. She was always guided by her Marxist-Leninist ideological outlook in her

14 defence of the congress movement. Longtime friend and close comrade SACP treasurer Pumulo Maswale fondly remembers her and says: “She would always insist on communists guarding jealously the working-class bias of the movement and rejected any attempt on the part of the working class turning its back on the ANC.”

Those who had the privilege of working with her testified to her quiet and reserved personality behind which lay an astute visionary with an acute political acumen. Such is the character that enabled us to sit as members of this democratic institution today. Her characteristic leadership, skill and exemplary personality made the membership of the tripartite alliance entrust her with positions of leadership, which she loyally served, among others as an NEC member and caucus chairperson of the ANC, deputy chairperson and member of the politburo of the SACP, and a member of the Cosatu-affiliated union. She was the embodiment of the alliance and fully understood and lived by its traditional values.

We in the ANC had hoped to continue gleaning from the wisdom of her leadership for many more years. In the same manner the millions of our people were propelled by the blood of Comrades Chris Hani, Solomon Mahlangu and others to intensify the war against the apartheid order, we will pick up Comrade Ncumisa’s spear and fight for the realisation of a truly nonracial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.

I wish to join this House today in bidding farewell to the humble daughter of our people. She will indeed be sorely missed. Ulale ngoxolo, Bhelekazi. [Rest in peace, Bhelekazi.]

The SPEAKER: Hon members, the condolences of the House will be conveyed, and they will include those of the Deputy Speaker and me to the Kondlo family, the ANC and the SACP.

Debate concluded. Motion agreed to, members standing.

MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS

UNREVISED HANSARD

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Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 145

Ms N C MADLALA-ROUTLEDGE

THE ZIMBABWE ELECTIONS (Member’s Statement)

Ms K R MAGAU (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC believes that the principles of democracy and good governance are at the heart of the success of the African Union and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. Zimbabwe has consistently upheld its constitution by regularly holding elections as required,

15 without fail. Where people have indicated dissatisfaction with the conduct of elections, they have pursued their concerns within the law and according to the constitution.

The release by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the results of the presidential election is a positive development which is long overdue. In the event of the runoff vote, it is critically important that an environment exists for the people of Zimbabwe to exercise their right to vote in a free, fair and peaceful manner. In this regard we are concerned at reports of violence and intimidation emanating from that country.

The ANC has full confidence in the mediation effort led by President Thabo Mbeki. [Interjections.] The mediation process has made a significant contribution to the fairness and peacefulness of the first round of voting. These efforts need to continue so as to assist the people of Zimbabwe in their desire for peace, stability and development of their own country. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mrs C S BOTHA

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Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 145

Ms K R MAGAU

INFANT DEATHS IN UKHAHLAMBA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY (Member’s Statement)

Mrs C-S BOTHA (DA): Madam Speaker, Ukhahlamba district in the Eastern Cape is a so-called presidential development node, identified under the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme by President Thabo Mbeki in his State of the Nation Address in 2001. An estimated 78 infant deaths occurred in this district in the past three months, ostensibly due to diarrhoea that was contracted through impurities in the drinking water which the local hospitals were unable to treat due to the unavailability of basic medication at the government-run local hospitals. For its part, the clearly undercapacitated Ukhahlamba District Municipality failed to provide timeous warnings concerning the quality of the drinking water in the area, shirked all responsibility and resorted to blaming the local hospital and alleging that infants died because they were HIV sufferers, without any basis.

The provincial government’s inadequate response was delayed by more than a week, due to indecision about whether to make the report on the incident public or not.

Finally, I wish to put on record that neither the Presidency nor any other department of national government took any action or responsibility or held anyone accountable for this tragedy.

16 Mr N SINGH

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Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 145

Mrs C-S BOTHA

FUEL PRICE INCREASE (Member’s Statement)

Mr N SINGH (IFP): Madam Speaker, tomorrow the price of petrol and diesel will rise for the umpteenth time in recent months. The cost of fuel is now so high that even the petrol pumps cannot keep up anymore. Of course, this is no laughing matter, as high fuel prices drive a range of other prices upwards. The worst of these, for the poor, is the cost of food, where recent increases have far outstripped the average inflation rate, leading to a situation where more and more already poor people are struggling to feed their families.

It is so that external factors are driving fuel price increases and that we have little control over these factors. However, the IFP believes that it is time for our government to investigate proactive measures that could assist motorists and the economy as a whole to cope better with high fuel prices. One such measure could be the reactivation of the Equalisation Fund, which previously was used to smooth out price fluctuations and lessen the immediate shock to the economy and the public at large. This government has done so in the past. We know that the fund is dormant and that no levy is being collected at the moment, but the legislative framework is still in place and the Minister of Finance could reactivate the fund if studies show that it would be beneficial in the long run.

The IFP therefore calls on the Minister of Finance to launch an immediate investigation into the possibility of using the Equalisation Fund to smooth out fuel price increases, to lessen the short-term shock of recurring sharp price increases. Perhaps one of the ways of accomplishing this would be quarterly implementation of increases or decreases in the fuel price. Thank you.

17 Mr D M DLALE

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 145

Mr N SINGH

FOOD PRICE INCREASES (Member’s Statement)

Mr D M DLALE (ANC): Madam Speaker, the current food price increases pose serious challenges for our country, particularly the poor. Sixty percent of our people spend more than 25% of their income on food. The ANC believes that South Africa needs to act urgently to focus the nation’s attention on the task of developing policies that will enable us to increase agricultural production. This should apply to both large-scale commercial farming as well as small-scale subsistence farming, and should include encouraging and assisting families to start up vegetable gardens at their homes.

The consistent increase of the international crude oil price and its impact on the price of petrol, diesel and paraffin aggravates the living conditions of our people. The proposed tariff increase by Eskom could not have come at a worse moment. We urge our government to act ruthlessly against food producers who conspire to exploit our people by fixing food prices. We must act together in defence of our country’s future, its stability and all its people, particularly the poorest of the poor. Thank you.

Ms S N SIGCAU

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 145

18 Mr D M DLALE

MOVE TO DISBAND SCORPIONS (Member’s Statement)

Ms S N SIGCAU (UDM): Speaker, the UDM calls on the ANC government to desist in its attempts to disband the Scorpions. The long overdue release of the Khampepe Commission report yesterday has blown away every flimsy excuse that has been advanced for the disbandment of the Scorpions. With all those half-hearted excuses wiped away, all that remain are the shameful public statements by senior ANC members, including the hon Chief Whip, that the Scorpions are being closed down for having the temerity to investigate and prosecute ANC leaders. These public statements are riddled with contradictions and demonstrate an obsessive, all- encompassing desire to destroy the Scorpions at all costs.

Is it too late to appeal for sanity, to hope that somewhere within the ANC there are still leaders who are willing to stand up? Is there nobody left to say, “no, this course of action is ill-conceived and a blatant abuse of power”?

Today we hear the news that Leonard McCarthy has been appointed by the World Bank. Is the intention of this campaign against the Scorpions to drive away every person willing to fight corruption? One can only wonder what those who cheer so loudly for the demise of the Scorpions have to hide. Thank you, Speaker. [Applause.]

Mr P J GROENEWALD

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 145

Ms S N SIGCAU

CRISIS IN ZIMBABWE (Member’s Statement)

Afrikaans:

19 Mr P J GROENEWALD (FF PLUS): Mev die Speaker, President Mbeki het deurlopend die eis gestel dat die probleme in Zimbabwe op ’n vreedsame en demokratiese wyse opgelos moet word. Waneer die MDC geduldig, vir meer as 10 jaar, presies dit so probeer doen, dan verkies President Mbeki om geloofwaardigheid aan President Mugabe te gee, deur te sê dat daar geen krisis in Zimbabwe is nie. Hierdeur versterk hy Mugabe in sy ondemokratiese misbruik van mag om vir die derde keer ’n verkiesing te steel.

Nêrens in die wêreld word langer as ’n maand gewag vir die uitslag van ’n verkiesing nie. As President Mugabe die Zimbabwe-verkiesing gewen het, sou die aankondiging van die uitslag binne twee dae bekend gemaak gewees het, soos dit in die vorige verkiesings in Zimbabwe gebeur het.

Daarom laat so ’n berekende vertraging alle alarms afgaan dat die Zimbabwe-regering agter die skerms ingemeng het met die uitslae, en die tyd gebruik het om opposisiekiesers te intimideer met die oog op ’n opvolgverkiesing.

Suid-Afrika ly tans onherstelbare skade op internasionale vlak as gevolg van President Mbeki se teleurstellende en kortsigtige hantering van die saak. Daar is internasionaal absoluut geen voordeel vir Suid-Afrika in om ’n totaal gediskrediteerde Mugabe polities regop te probeer hou nie.

Daarom het die VF Plus al reeds in ’n brief aan die Speaker gevra dat die Parlement dringend die krisis met die Zimbabwe-verkiesing moet bespreek. Aangesien die Zimbabwe-krisis nog geensins opgelos is nie, bly so ’n debat nodig, om aan die wêreld te wys dat alle Suid-Afrikaners nie President Mbeki se standpunte oor Zimbabwe deel nie. Dankie.

Ms M L MATSEMELA UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 146

Mr P J GROENEWALD

ROLE OF RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENT (Member’s Statement)

Ms M L MATSEMELA (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC believes that open debate and transparency in government and society are crucial elements of reconstruction and development. This requires an information policy which guarantees active exchange of information and opinion among all members of society. Without the free flow of accurate and comprehensive information, no concrete planning can succeed.

More than 300 hundred international researchers are to gather at Mafikeng for a research showcase which aims to highlight the value of information sharing between government and research institutions to improve socioeconomic development. This will be hosted by the North West Research Co-ordinating Committee in conjunction with the North West provincial government. They are meeting under the theme “Accelerating socioeconomic development through research”.

The showcase will comprise an interdisciplinary committee made up of a researcher and all relevant stakeholders. It is viewed as the best answer to a collaborative research approach. The ANC believes that research is an important focus area in the process of transformation, development and growth, and urges all

20 participants in the knowledge development sphere to place at the centre of the work, the needs of the poor. I thank you.

Mrs S V KALYAN

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 146

Ms M L MATSEMELA

COLLECTION OF AIDS STATISTICS BY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (Member’s Statement)

Mrs S V KALYAN (DA): Madam Speaker, the Aids pandemic is wrecking havoc across South Africa, destroying many families in the process. It is estimated that one in every six South Africans is HIV- positive. A recent report by the Development Bank of South Africa suggests that a staggering 2,2 million more people are becoming sick and dying from Aids than government figures show. The DBSA has based its information on figures obtained from grass-roots sources in addition to clinics, local municipalities, development planners, mortuaries and funeral parlours.

The Minister of Health recently claimed that the epidemic was stabilising. She based these statistics on estimates, which is quite ironic, given that she slammed a United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund report entitled “Countdown to 2015”, which was presented at the 118th IPU and which showed that South Africa was failing catastrophically short in meeting the millennium development goals 4, 5 and 6.

If the Department of Health is not using accurate information, it means that all calculations on the number of persons who need treatment, the amount of drugs needed and the number of staff required to manage the pandemic are wrong. The Minister needs to explain to this House how her department collects the data that it is basing its treatment programme on and reassess this, if necessary.

21 Ms B T NGCOBO

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 146

Mrs S V KALYAN

TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS (Member’s Statement)

Ms B T NGCOBO (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC has developed and implemented health policies that are aimed at ensuring that all South Africans receive total health care as a contribution to improving levels of prosperity and quality of life for all. The ANC-led government in KwaZulu-Natal has committed itself to training a further 3000 health personnel in the management of tuberculosis, both multi- an extreme drug resistant.

Another important aspect of the project is to make sure that the number of those who default on treatment programmes is brought down from 10% to 7%, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the causes that force patients to opt out of the programme. We commend the government initiative in dealing with the new challenges posed by drug resistant conditions and urge patients to adhere to their treatment regimes and minimise the threat to their lives and the lives of those people around them. Thank you very much.

Mr M W SIBUYANA

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 22 Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 146 Ms B T NGCOBO

INFANT DEATHS CAUSED BY POLLUTED WATER (Member’s Statement)

Mr M W SIBUYANA (IFP): Madam Speaker, the IFP is deeply alarmed by the deaths of many children in the Eastern Cape. A total of 80 have died. In the spirit of ubuntu we are concerned about the loss of life of newborn babies and the impact that might have on their families. The 62 deaths in the Sterkspruit area are reported to have been related to water supply. The Health Department in Bhisho has confirmed that babies are dying because of the dirty water they drink.

As we have argued before, our view is that this is a sign of a water crisis. Furthermore our belief is that the first solution, as in any state of crisis, is to acknowledge that indeed a water crisis exists. The question we put to this House is whether the Minister agrees that the deaths of so many babies as a result of drinking polluted water constitutes a crisis. I thank you.

Ms M W MAKGATE

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 147

Mr M W SIBUYANA

THE ROLE OF ICT IN INCREASING INFORMATION ACCESS

23 (Member’s Statement)

Ms M W MAKGATE (ANC): Madam Speaker, the ANC-led government is committed to increasing access to the information, communication and training sector to previously disadvantaged communities. Our government works tirelessly to encourage coordination of existing ICT initiatives such as television and multipurpose community centres, as well as to raise public awareness on ICT and its impact on women’s development.

The Department of Communications will recruit 800 information technology graduates to be enrolled for the E- Cadre Programme to assist with IT technical support within their areas. Rural and urban nodal municipalities will be prioritised in rolling out this programme and graduates within these areas are encouraged to apply so that they can render services in their own communities.

ICT has great possibilities for education, training, skills development, job creation, basic service delivery and broad-based black economic empowerment. It is with this understanding that we commend the government’s E- Cadre Programme and urge the private sector to do more to improve our country’s skills base. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mr K J MINNIE UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 147

Ms M W MAKGATE

OSCAR PISTORIUS NAMED ON OF 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE BY TIME MAGAZINE (Member’s Statement)

Mr K J MINNIE (DA): Madam Speaker, Time Magazine’s ranking of Oscar’s Pistorius as one of the 100 most influential people of 2008 is a triumph for South Africa and a lesson for all of us in overcoming obstacles and changing perceptions. Over his career, Mr Pistorius has turned a disability that many people would regard as something requiring sympathy into not only a personal success story to the point where he may, if he is permitted to participate, be a serious competitor for an Olympic title, but also into a story of triumph over a world where the disabled are often seen as second-class citizens.

24 Oscar Pistorius, by continuing to challenge the boundaries of a world which gives him a different set of rights to those of able-bodied athletes, has single-handedly lifted the world’s understanding of the disabled in significant ways. The DA applauds his actions and wishes him well in his future endeavours. I thank you. [Applause.]

Mr T G ANTHONY

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 147

Mr K J MINNIE

THE ROLE OF GAUTRAIN IN SKILLS DEVELOPMENT (Member’s Statement)

Mr T G ANTHONY (ANC): Madam Speaker, the Gautrain Skills Training Project has set aside R23 million to train more than 1000 employed and unemployed people in critical and scarce skills in construction and construction vehicle operation. The recruitment programme targets mainly people from historically disadvantaged communities, including townships such as Tembisa, Mogale and Soweto.

The ANC believes that improved skills development, based on a sound general education system, is critical for economic equity, empowerment and growth. We urge government to accelerate the effort aimed at ensuring that the National Skills Authority develops effective mechanisms to disseminate information to and communicate with targeted constituencies about the programme. I thank you.

Ms M M NTULI

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 147

25 Mr T G ANTHONY

PROVISION OF LIBRARIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL (Member’s Statement)

IsiZulu: Nk M M NTULI (ANC): Umbutho wesizwe uKhongolose uyasithokozela kakhulu isimemezelo soMnyango weZamasiko, Ezokungcebeleka Nezokuvakasha KwaZulu Natal, sokuthi loMnyango uhlela ukwakha izikhungo zezincwadi eziseqophelweni eliphezulu ezindaweni ezisemaphandleni. Izindawo ezizohlomula kulolu hlelo oluhlinzekelwe ngesizumbulu esiyi-17 lezigidi zamarandi, iseNdwendwe, eTugela Ferry, eNtabamhlophe kanye naseZinqoleni.

Kuhlelwe ukuthi lezizikhungo zezincwadi zibe nama khompyutha ezinga eliphezulu kanye nochwepheshe abazosiza le miphakathi ekuwasebenziseni. Zingamashumi amabili ezinye izikhungo zezincwadi ezizokwenziwa ngcono kulo nyaka ngaphansi kwalolu hlelo. Ukhongolose uyalujabulela lolu hlelo njengesinye sezinyathelo esihle emzabalazweni wokwandisa isiko lokufunda phakathi kwabo bonke abantu bakithi.

Mr W J SEREMANE UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 148

Ms M M NTULI

CONGRATULATIONS TO HELEN ZILLE (Member’s Statement)

26 Mr W J SEREMANE (DA): Madam Speaker, it gives me and the DA great pleasure to congratulate Helen Zille on her first anniversary as national leader of the DA. During her first year as leader of this party Helen has successfully articulated the DA’s vision for South Africa, that of an open-opportunity society, and managed to imprint her special leadership style throughout the party.

There are many signs that indicate that under her leadership the DA has already made significant gains in driving the politics of issues - not of personalities - principles and shared values beyond the politics of race. Helen has been able to do this while successfully executing her exacting duties as executive mayor of Cape Town, where she has presided over the restoration of service delivery and administration that was left in tatters by the former ANC government.

As mayor of Cape Town Helen has also actively lead the political quest for a new majority in South Africa, as head of a successful coalition government headed by the DA. We expect that under Helen’s leadership Cape Town, the DA and opposition politics in South Africa in general, including democracy, will continue to go from strength to strength without the unnecessary butchering amongst people. Thank you. [Applause.]

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 148

Mr W J SEREMANE

PROVISION OF LIBRARIES IN KWAZULU-NATAL (Minister’s Response) IsiXhosa: USEKELA MPHATHISWA WEZENKCUBEKO NOBUGCISA: Somlomo, babini ooBotha ke apha ubokuyiqaphela loo nto. Mna ndiphakamela ukwaleka umsundulu kumbandela wamathala eencwadi nobe uphakanyiswa ngobekekileyo uQabane uNtuli. Siyalivuyela sikwalincoma inyathelo elicetywa liSebe lezeNkcubeko amaSiko nezoKhenketho lokuba kwakhiwe amathala eencwadi kwiindawo ezisemaphandleni kwiphondo laKwaZulu Natala. Ngaphezu koko kuyimfanelo ukuba la mathala abekumgangatho ophezulu nophucukileyo, abe nombane, iikhompyuta kunye nayo yonke into efunekayo yokugcina iincwadi zikwimeko elungileyo ukuze zilungele ukusetyenziswa rhoqo.

Maze ke kungabikho mahluko phakathi kwala mathala asemaphendleni kunye nalawo asezidolophini. Phambi kokuba eli lizwe likhululeke kwakungekho sebe likarhulumente elinale ngcinga yokuba kwakhiwe amathala emaphandleni. Kaloku la rhulumente wangaphambili, nowobandlululo wayesibandeza imfundo thina, kuba

27 efuna ukuba abantu abamnyama besoloko bengamakhoboka. Wayesithi bona bafaneleke ukuba babengabathuthi bamanzi nokuya kutheza iinkuni. Ngaphezu koko iSebe lezeMfundo kuzwelonke sele liqalisele nalo ngephulo lalo ekuthiwa yi-Kha ri Gude ngesiVenda oko ke kukuthi “Masifunde”. Siyabulela ke kwaba baPhathiswa babini kunye namasebe abo ngala manyathelo bawathathayo. Umnqweno wethu ngowokuba onke amaphondo azeke mzekweni. Enkosi.

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 148

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF ARTS AND CULTURE

FOOD PRICE INCREASES (Minister’s Response)

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY (Dr R H Davies): Madam Deputy Speaker, I want to respond briefly to the statement by the hon Dlali. I think he is quite correct when he emphasises that the question of food prices is a multifaceted one, and that it requires of us a production response, and one which deals with enhancing capacity in our Department of Agriculture.

But I also just want to comment briefly on the point that he made about food producers who conspire to exploit our people by fixing food prices. I just want to say that we have noted from the work which is being done by the Competition Commission that, while we have uncovered collusive behaviour, we have also found that this is continued despite findings by the competition authorities.

I also just want to say that we will be coming to Parliament with legislation which will contain proposals that are intended to deal with those continuations of collusive behaviour, and to tighten up some of the loopholes in the existing legislation. Thank you very much.

28 The MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 149

The DEPUTY MINISTER OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

CONGRATULATIONS TO HELEN ZILLE (Minister’s Response)

The MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISES: Deputy Speaker, I am sure it would be churlish for the ANC not also to congratulate Helen Zille on one year as Leader of the Opposition and to wish her many more years as Leader of the Opposition. [Laughter.]

The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 149

The MINISTER FOR PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

29 THE ROLE OF ICT IN INCREASING INFORMATION ACCESS (Minister’s Response)

The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS: Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank the hon Makgate for highlighting the role that information communication technology plays in the lives of our people and the impact that it can make in improving those lives.

I also thank the hon member for informing the nation about the E-Cadre Programme. I want to say that graduates that are recruited for this programme are not only graduates from universities, but also graduates from Further Education and Training Colleges. Given the fact that a lot of ICT has gone digital, many of the FET colleges are able to produce the kinds of people that can help us, because those technologies have been made much easier.

The programme is based on a spirit of volunteerism amongst the youth and we hope that Members of Parliament here will assist us in monitoring those programmes. We can also inform members that in the municipalities they have started what we call “e-cooperatives” for young people, where they can work with municipalities in making sure that assistance is given. We should not underestimate this programme of the young people, because many of our own people are not able to use these technologies and this would help.

With regard to the private sector doing more: the private sector is already participating in an e-skills council with us in order to see how we can improve the skills, and some of those so-called “co-operate institutions” that they have started need to be known by our people: the Oracle Academy, programmes under Hewlett Packard as well as NIIT. But I thank the member very much for having brought this to light in this meeting.

On the issue of information sharing, I would like to thank the member for making sure that we highlight the need for information flow and the accuracy of that information, and not only information flow to the people but also from the people in doing our research. Those marginalised people need to be heard from and also to be spoken to. Research does indeed help us to accelerate our socioeconomic development.

As the member mentioned, the nature of the research is interdisciplinary, because very often we stay in our own disciplines when research is done; the doctors do one thing and the sociologists do another thing and the two do not come together, and yet they are all very bound together. We must link theory and practices. We really thank the hon member for having made the statement. We will follow up the outcomes of this to see what we can do as government to gain the benefits and meet the needs of all people, not just some people, in our country. Thank you.

The MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 149

30 The MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS

INFANT DEATHS CAUSED BY POLLUTED WATER (Minister’s Response)

The MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY: Deputy Speaker, I would like to comment on the statement by the hon Sibuyana around the deaths of children in the Ukhahlamba District Municipality.

At the outset, on behalf of government, I would like to convey our condolences to the families of the children who died in Ukhahlamba District Municipality. We would like to assure the hon member that since the visit of the department to the province and our meeting with the province and the municipalities, plans are in place to ensure that there will be no further fatalities in this regard.

I also just want to say that it is correct that at the time of the incidents the drinking water quality monitoring results in that area did reveal some failures. Hon members will remember that when I reported earlier on, I said that in the country we have a 94% success rate with regard to drinking water quality. But there are these municipalities, which comprise 6%, where we still have challenges. Ukhahlamba District Municipality is one of them.

But if you look at the areas that are covered, the outbreak is not localised. It is widespread around the district, so there is acceptance that the water may have contributed to this, but the province has accepted that there were probably many other reasons contributing to this. The water is unprotected and dirty, there is poverty, there are unhealthy living conditions, there is poor food storage, poor sanitation, poor refuse collection and failing health services.

We are working with the municipality to ensure that we assist them with the chlorination of water and we have also instructed the municipality to issue boiling water notices to make sure that we curb any occurrences in the future.

We are looking at very strong measures, because we have been supporting municipalities in the area of drinking water quality. But we are also looking at strong measures that we can take against municipalities which do not comply with their licences and the water services authorities including, where necessary, the suspension or cancellation of licences where municipalities are able but are not providing the necessary services.

At the same time we are looking at measures to support deserving municipalities, because municipalities are at different levels of capacity. We are going to be tougher on those which can afford the services. In the event of a serious shortage of skills - as we know, there is a serious challenge of retention of people at this level - we need to come in and support them before we apply these strong measures. I can assure the hon member that we are doing everything we can. We have a team in place and we are continuing with testing. Problems that have been found, but since we intervened we have had no reports. But we will continuously report to Parliament about this. Thank you.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER: We thank the Ministers and Deputy Ministers for the responses.

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AMENDMENT BILL

UNREVISED HANSARD

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 31 Tuesday, 6 May 2008 Take: 150 The MINISTER OF WATER AFFAIRS AND FORESTRY

CONSIDERATION OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AMENDMENT BILL AND OF REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES THEREON

The DEPUTY CHIEF WHIP OF THE MAJORITY PARTY: Deputy Speaker, I move:

That the Correctional Services Amendment Bill [B32D-2007] (National Assembly – see 75) and Report of Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services (Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports, 20 March 2008, p 511) be referred back to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services for further consideration and report.

There was no debate. Agreed to.

The House adjourned at 15:16.

32

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