Vol 02 Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Issue 08 2020

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

We must rebuild our economy, rehabilitate our public finances and recover from the Covid-19 devastation

“WE MUST REBUILD OUR ECONOMY, REHABILITATE OUR PUBLIC FINANCES AND RECOVER FROM THE DEVASTATION WROUGHT UPON US BY COVID-19. THE TABLING OF THE ECONOMIC RECONSTRUCTION AND RECOVERY PLAN IS A MEANS TO THIS END.”

- Mr Tito Mboweni

Mr Tito Mboweni

The South African economy must negotiate itself out of the binary of a budget deficit and the socio-economic effects of Covid-19, the Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, told South African citizens and investors in the Medium Term Bud- get Speech (MTBS) he tabled before Parliament recently, writes Abel Mputing.

“It’s time to rebuild, like This speech sets out active the procurement of almost modernise the cross-border between the Banking Mandela did in 1994,” he measures to avoid this risk 12 000 MW of new electricity flows management regime to Association, the National proclaimed. Nelson Mandela and realise the ideals of the capacity to be provided by support South Africa’s growth Treasury and the South inherited an apartheid Economic Reconstruction and independent power producers as an investment and financial African Reserve Bank, work is economy that could not meet Recovery Plan,” he said. to avert the effects of load hub for Africa.” underway to review the loan the expectations of a new shedding on the economy. guarantee scheme to improve South Africa, but he turned it To foreground his assertion, To give impetus to job business take-ups and to into one of the most thriving he pointed out that this National Treasury is optimistic creation, the President’s boost business restart efforts.” economies in Africa. “Fiscally plan will be driven by “a that the district development employment initiative we are not unlike that in consolidated government model will fast-track received well over R12.6 Well aware that he is 1994. We must rebuild our spending of R6.2 trillion infrastructure and socio- billion in this financial presiding over a budget economy, rehabilitate our over the 2021 Medium Term economic development by year. “We augmented the haunted by fraud and public finances and recover Expenditure Framework, of leveraging and coordinating provincial equitable share corruption, the minister gave from the devastation wrought which R1.2 trillion goes to the infrastructure expenditure by R7 billion to support jobs an account of how the R500 upon us by Covid-19. The learning and culture, R978 of the three spheres of at fee-paying public schools billion stimulus package tabling of the economic billion to social development governance. “The revised and government-subsidised was allocated. “It is not true reconstruction and recovery and R724 billion to health”. division of revenue for independent schools. R600 that the R500 billion relief plan is a means to this end.” South Africa has a growth 2020/21 proposes allocations million goes to employ early package has been entirely forecast of 3.3% in 2021,1.7% of R806.7 billion to national childhood development and lost to corruption. As pointed This plan is urgent and all of in 2022 and 1.5% in 2023. departments, R628.3 billion to social workers. R2 billion out above, it is being used us should do everything in Green shoots are emerging provinces and R139.9 billion is allocated to Working for to cushion the impact of the our power to implement it, and “it looks like there will be to local government, part Fire, Working for Water and pandemic.” he declared. The consensus- a strong rebound in the next of which will contribute to Working for Forests.” driven and action-oriented quarter”. infrastructure investment,” he Mr Mboweni cautioned that economic plan announced by said. According to Mr Mboweni, South Africa needs to curb President Cyril Ramaphosa Infrastructure and energy are work is also underway to borrowing to maintain its gives a strategic direction to at the heart of this economic Cross-border trade flows improve access to finance by financial health. “Right now, this newly found resolve. “It’s optimism. Realising the have been identified as small business entrepreneurs government is borrowing at mainly driven by the concern significance of energy to the economic catalysts that who have been most affected a rate of R2.1 billion per day. to avert our fiscal from turning economy, he maintained that need special attention. by lockdown regulations. An untenable predicament. into a sovereign debt crisis. the way has been opened for “Work is well advanced to “After extensive consultations As such, there is urgency COMMITTEE BRIEFED ON MTBPS 3 to ensure that South African taxes are spent on SA’s debt could be investment and service delivery mandates rather than on servicing debt.” greater than our GDP He explained why countries that find themselves in default see sharp if we fail to tackle it – gross domestic product contractions and currency Mboweni Editor depreciations. “On current Brent Simons trends, more of our taxes After tabling the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) Production editor are being transferred to in Parliament, the Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni addressed a Mava Lukani bondholders, rather than joint meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Finance, the Select Com- Design and layout to critical services for our MIND TRIX MEDIA people.” mittee on Finance, the Standing Committee on Appropriations and the Copy editors Select Committee on Appropriations, writes Abel Mputing. Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula Part of the fiscal consolidation measures During the engagement, my comment in this regard in that the economic Writers aimed at bringing about Abel Mputing, Rajaa Azzakani, Minister Mboweni proclaimed the past I have been told it’s reconstruction and recovery Sureshinee Govender, Liezel improved governance and that the most important not my lane. I don’t have an plan is not a government plan, Visser, Modise Kabeli, Faith strict budget management Ndenze, Mava Lukani aspect of the preceding answer to that, because it’s but simply a means to unblock include the notion of zero stakeholder engagement not my lane.” business activities. “We all Photography budgeting. “We must discard is the consensus achieved know the major employer is Mlandeli Puzi, Zwelethemba Kostile those things that we no in the National Economic Discussing the MTBPS’s the private sector. This is both longer need to do and scale Development and Labour contribution to alleviating a public and private sector Distribution & subscriptions Jacqueline Zils up those that are essential Council that it is necessary to financial distress brought plan. Yes, government will for progress.” stabilise the 95 per cent debt about by Covid-19, committee take part in implementing Publisher to gross domestic product members asked about some of its milestones, but Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Operation Vulindlela will (GDP) ratio. national Treasury’s ability to in the main this plan seeks be a critical coordination assist South Africans during to unlock the potential of the Printer Vision Enterprises tool to unlock and fast- Any slippage in arresting future Covid-19-related private sector, to also harness track the implementation debt “would lead to 100 lockdowns. The Director- a coordination between public Section Manager: of the structural economic per cent mark of debt that General of National Treasury, and private sector.” Publishing and Production Shirley Montsho reform agenda. “Deputy will be greater than the Mr Dondo Mogajane, replied: Minister David Masondo is country’s GDP”, he asserted. “We are now better paced to The Chairperson of the Copyright INSESSION is is published by leading this initiative, and This is the moral of the fiscal deal with any lock measure in Portfolio Committee a technical team headed by the Information and Content framework that underpins the future than ever before.” on Finance, Mr Joseph Development Unit of the Dr Sean Phillips will draw MTBPS, because “the debt Maswanganyi, asked the Parliamentary Communication on expertise and capacity Services of the Parliament servicing cost could crowd out However, this depends on National Treasury to present of the Republic of South Africa. from the public and private government social welfare stabilising public sector wages its debt management strategy All material published is sectors. This will ensure that programmes”. because tax revenue collection to the committees in the copyrighted and cannot be the implementation is well reproduced without the written has contracted by 300%, near future. “If debt is not permission of the publisher. coordinated, sequenced and The minister was at pains to according to Mr Mogajane. If managed, it will crowd service timeous.” EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES explain to members of these expenditure on compensation delivery programme outside Telephone 021 403 8738 committees that Treasury can be curbed, Treasury of our budget and that could Fax 021 403 8096 had to cut R10.5 billion from “could experience R10 billion create social unrest. We have E-mail [email protected] other departments to make reduction in 2021/22 and to avoid that.” Subscriptions the funds available to rescue outer years by R15 billion.” [email protected] Post South African Airways (SAA). He also stated that the PO Box 15, Cape Town, 8000 Committee members asked Asked by members of the committees want details on the minister why the state committees if the current debt how the new economic plan OUR IDEALS Vision continues to fund unprofitable trajectory places South Africa will be implemented. Lastly, An activist and responsive state-owned entities. Mr in a developmental or survival he urged Treasury to fast- people’s Parliament that improves the quality of life of Mboweni replied that the state category, National track the passing of the Public South Africans and ensures “ANY SLIPPAGE billions of rands going to SAA Treasury representative, Mr Procurement Bill that aims enduring equality in IN ARRESTING are not a bail out, but rather Edgar Sishi, replied: “For the to curb expenditure, fraud our society. Strategic Objectives DEBT “WOULD an attempt to make SAA a current fiscal anchors to work and corruption and which has Strengthening oversight and LEAD TO 100 viable asset for investment. effectively, they must be been in the works since 2017. accountability; “If it were a bail out, more supported by a credible set “Now there’s talk that it will enhancing public involvement; PER CENT deepening engagement in money would be needed to of policies rather than being reach Parliament by 2022. international fora; MARK OF DEBT bring that to effect.” addressed artificially. That There is a lot of stakeholder strengthening cooperative government; THAT WILL BE would determine our country’s interest in the Bill.” strengthening legislative GREATER THAN Asked by committee members developmental trajectory capacity. about the possibility of future when it relates to its THE COUNTRY’S BOOK A TOUR GDP” state funding for SAA, the economic growth framework.” To tour Parliament minister refused to comment, Telephone 021 403 2266 E-mail [email protected] stating that “when I made Mr Mboweni also cautioned 4 INSESSION NEWS

The treasury Graph - Consolidated expenditure by function

“IF DEBT IS NOT MANAGED, IT WILL CROWD SERVICE DELIVERY PROGRAMME OUTSIDE OF OUR BUDGET AND THAT COULD CREATE SOCIAL UNREST. WE HAVE TO AVOID THAT.”

- MR JOSEPH MASWANGANYI ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN 5

Covid19 caused colossal damage to our economy, jobs

RELIEF: Residents queue for the R350 special grant and livelihoods, but every dark cloud has a silver lining, says President Ramaphosa Mr Cyril Ramaphosa - President of South Africa

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Joint Sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), on South Africa’s economic reconstruction and recovery plan, writes Mava Lukani.

President Ramaphosa reforms to unlock relief, and now economic “Our economy contracted the creation of jobs. “We requested the Joint Sitting investment and growth; recovery.” by 16.4% when compared must get our people back into of the National Assembly • To fight crime and to the previous quarter. The the jobs they lost due to the and the National Council corruption; and In anticipation of the impact National Treasury expects a pandemic. We are determined of Provinces to present the • To improve the capability of of the pandemic on the significant shortfall in revenue to create more employment plan for the reconstruction the state. livelihoods of the people, collection. This economic opportunities for those who and recovery of the South President Ramaphosa shock is unprecedented in were unemployed before the African economy. In contrast All these objectives are reminded Members of our country, and it will take pandemic or who had given to the State of the Nation linked to the government’s Parliament (MPs) about his an extraordinary effort to up looking for work.” Address where the President vision, set out in the National government’s response of recover from it,” the President addresses the broad Development Plan (NDP). providing massive social and emphasised. President Ramaphosa said programme of government Explaining the devastating economic relief in a package this plan directly responds for the year, the focus of effects of the Covid-19 of R500 billion, or around Nonetheless: “As even the to the immediate economic the address was on the pandemic, Mr Ramaphosa said 10% of the gross domestic darkest of clouds has a silver impact of Covid-19 by creating extraordinary measures poverty and inequality have product (GDP). It is the biggest lining, we need to see this jobs and expanding support the government must take deepened, threatening many on the African continent and moment as a rupture with the for vulnerable households. to restore the economy to South Africans with hunger compares favourably with past and an opportunity to “We aim to do this primarily inclusive growth following and a sudden loss of income. other countries in the G20 to drive fundamental and lasting through a major infrastructure the devastation caused by “Our economy, like other support companies, workers, change. It is an opportunity programme and a large-scale Covid-19 to people’s lives and economies, has contracted households and individuals in not only to recover the ground employment stimulus, coupled the country’s economy. sharply, businesses have distress. that we have lost over the with an intensive localisation closed down and jobs have course of the pandemic, but to drive and industrial The objectives of the plan, been lost,” he said. Despite the interventions place the economy on a new expansion.” according to President of the government and the path to growth.” Ramaphosa, are clear and Notwithstanding these private sector, President President Ramaphosa include the following: challenges: “We were duty Ramaphosa said the damage South Africa’s economic outlined bold plans, • To create jobs, primarily bound to respond as a caused by the pandemic to reconstruction and recovery time frames and priority through aggressive government and the nation to an already weak economy, to plan builds on the common interventions: infrastructure this pandemic in a way that employment, to livelihoods, to ground established by investment demonstrated our care for public finances and to state- government, labour, business He said to achieve sufficient, and mass employment the lives and livelihoods of owned companies (SOEs) has and community organisations secure and reliable energy programmes; our people. Our response to been colossal. through intensive and detailed supply within two years, the • To reindustrialise our the pandemic was therefore consultations over the last few government must: economy, focusing on three-pronged – firstly, a More than two million months. • Create and support over 800 growing small businesses; robust health response, people lost their jobs in the 000 work opportunities • To accelerate economic secondly, social and economic second quarter of this year. At the centre of the plan is in the immediate term to 6 INSESSION NEWS

respond to job losses; for generation, transmission • Unlock more than R1 trillion and distribution continues and in infrastructure investment will enhance competition and over the next four years; ensure the sustainability of • Reduce data costs for every independent power producers South African and expand in the future. broadband access to low- income households; To achieve this, a long-term • Reverse the decline of solution to Eskom’s debt the local manufacturing burden will be finalised, sector and promote building on the social compact reindustrialisation through on energy security recently deeper levels of localisation agreed to by social partners. and exports; and “Through these measures, we • Resuscitate vulnerable aim to achieve a sufficient, sectors such as tourism, secure and reliable energy which have been hard hit by supply within two years.” the pandemic. Members of Parliament Plans for revenue collection According to the modelling respond to the done by the National Treasury, The turnaround at the South the implementation of this African Revenue Service plan will raise growth to (Sars) has begun in earnest, President’s economic around 3% on average over and significant areas of tax the next 10 years. “Our evasion and tax fraud have recovery will be propelled by already been identified. Sars recovery plan swift reforms to unleash the is rebuilding its capacity to potential of the economy, and reverse the decline, improve As expected, a vigorous debate ensued on President Cyril supported by an efficient state compliance and recover lost Ramaphosa’s economic reconstruction and recovery plan in both that is committed to clean tax revenue. the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces governance,” the President said. He assured MPs that the “We are working to clamp (NCOP), in a Joint Sitting of the two Houses of Parliament, writes plan will be transformative, down on the illegal economy Abel Mputing. inclusive, digital, green and and illicit financial flows, sustainable. including transfer pricing abuse, profit shifting, VAT and Opening the debate, the making processes to ensure a misconception about the Several projects connected customs duty fraud, under- Minister of Tourism, Ms that critical milestones of the plan. “This plan is not meant to the plan are already in invoicing of manufactured Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, plan are implemented.” to recover our economic construction, including human imports, corruption and other said: “We need to monitor and losses due to Covid-19. It’s settlements projects such as illegal schemes.” evaluate our interventions to The Vulindlela Initiative and not Covid-19 that brought our Matlosana N2 in North West, oversee that the economic the Presidential Economic economy to its knees. Our Lufhereng in Gauteng, Greater reconstruction and recovery Council, she pointed out, are economic outlook should be Cornubia in KwaZulu-Natal plan’s mission does not run now charged with the task of blamed on poor governance; and Vista Park in Free State. adrift.” overseeing implementation to claim otherwise would be Transport projects currently and of ensuring that our disingenuous. Before Covid-19 under construction include the She said an economic cluster country’s growth path is our economy was already in N1 Polokwane and N1 Musina has been established to aligned to its pressing recession, it has already been with a total value of R1.3 report to the Presidential economic needs. relegated to junk status. Of billion. Economic Council. “The course our lockdown, which Presidential Economic Ms Kubayi-Ngubane was the longest compared Within the next six months, Council’s task is to analyse commended the tourism sector to others across the world, the government will embark the report to determine if for its resilience in very trying has contributed to the on the modernisation “AS EVEN THE there are any deviations to times and mentioned joint closing down of factories and DARKEST OF CLOUDS and refurbishment of the the targets set out in the marketing initiatives to rebuild has destroyed our tourism HAS A SILVER LINING, commuter rail network, plan. And also what is its the country’s brand and put industry,” he said. WE NEED TO SEE impact and who are those it on a competitive footing, including the Mabopane THIS MOMENT AS who perform accordingly or as before. She urged South Turning his attention to the Line in Tshwane and the A RUPTURE WITH Central Line in Cape Town. THE PAST AND AN not, so that they can be held Africans to support domestic plan at hand, he claimed that It also plans to expand the OPPORTUNITY TO accountable.” tourism as a means “to reignite “this is not a plan, it has no national rural and municipal DRIVE FUNDAMENTAL and rebuild the economy”. timelines, it has no resource road rehabilitation and AND LASTING Kubayi-Ngubane - ‘Our “Our economy will rise again,” allocation. At best, it’s a wish maintenance programme CHANGE.” economy will rise again’ she reassured South Africans. list, if not a letter to Santa.” using labour-intensive methods. - PRESIDENT CYRIL Previous plans were Besides, all that was stated in RAMAPHOSA criticised for they slowness this plan from infrastructure Separation of Eskom and indecisiveness. “The The leader of the Democratic investment, diversification of Presidential Economic Council Alliance (DA), Mr John energy supply, lowering of The work of restructuring will exercise its political Steenhuisen, stated from the data cost, to the opening up of Eskom into separate entities oversight to hasten decision- onset that he wanted to clear broad band spectrum are not RESPONSES OF MP’S 7 new issues. Mr Steenhuisen expected from this plan. “It’s economic growth. Echoing the same sentiments, It brought a new dawn and maintained that South Africa said that out of every R10 that Dr Petrus Groenewald, the new determination not seen won’t be able to stimulate government gets, R3 goes to The promotion of black leader of the Freedom Front before. I may have mentioned its economy if it does not grants, another R3 to servicing industrialists will play a critical Plus (FF+), stated that no the need for infrastructure make its labour market more debt and another to the public role in opening up the energy government project remains investment now and before; flexible, cut the huge public wage bill and only R1 is left to sector, digital economy and unaffected by corruption. How it’s because infrastructure sector wage bill and ensure be invested in infrastructure logistics, he claimed. Even will this plan be immune to development is what defines that state-owned enterprises development and to stimulate more significantly, the plan it? Despite plan after plan, a nation. And as stipulated in are efficient and debt is the economy. Where will seeks to open up critical value and reassurance from the this plan, we are on the curbs arrested. The state can’t government investment come chains related to health, President, “corruption remains of an aggressive infrastructure be the driver of economic from to fund this plan?” he medicine, and consumer the deadliest pandemic in this development programme development and job asked. goods. This will assist in country, not Covid-19, and it never seen before. creation, rather the private developing our small and has derailed other plans that sector should drive economic The leader of the African medium enterprises which play came before this, such as the “The economic reforms development. “If these Christian Democratic Party a critical role in the growth of defrauding of the Covid-19 contained in the plan will aspects are not addressed (ACDP), Rev Kenneth Meshoe, many economies. stimulus packages”. increase the competitiveness meaningfully, we are merely said: “We wonder if corruption of our industries, of the relief dancing in the dark,” he won’t derail this plan. It’s The localisation of Mr Mandlenkosi Galo of the measures for our households said. scandalous that the R50 procurement, as stated in African Independent Congress and public investment in billion meant for personal the plan, “could increase our (AIC) said state incapacity job creation at a scale never The Chief Whip of the protective equipment went to country’s GDP and take the and mismanagement have experienced before. We have Economic Freedom the politically connected. This economy forward to bring always been a threat to service a new resolve that is born of Fighters (EFF), Mr Floyd is unfair and unethical and about inclusive growth and delivery. How will these the critical and urgent situation Shivambu, said: “This plan it calls for the review of our economic transformation”. anomalies be countered to we are now faced with. In is underwhelming, it won’t procurement system. We hope defend government’s long- the recent past, we have expand our economy and that these ill-gotten funds will The leader of the United term growth strategy? “If we witnessed a severe economic it won’t dent the multi- be recovered by the Hawks and Democratic Movement (UDM), are serious about economic contraction. That’s why we call dimensional poverty we Sars.” Mr Bantu Holomisa, said: “We growth, we can’t turn a blind on all South Africans to work are currently experiencing have heard plans before. If eye to corruption, especially together to achieve a common as long as it does not make The Chairperson of the government is serious about it, by people who are entrusted economic growth purpose. pronouncements about the Standing Committee it must publish which projects with public funds, who are need for the expropriation of on Appropriations, Mr and when it will implement now expected to champion this “We make this call because land without compensation.” Sfiso Buthelezi, said the them. What worries me most plan.” exceptional circumstances call plan’s dedicated focus is that we have not heard of for exceptional responses that He asked: “What kind of on industrialisation and any commitment from big Responding to Members, in his are not theoretical, but that an economic plan in South manufacturing is poignant businesses. And the fear of concluding remarks, President will have a direct bearing on Africa today that does because the economic histories tender fraud, abuse of public Ramaphosa pointed out that the livelihood of many South not address the question of countries such as Germany funds and corruption is always the plan may sound familiar, Africans faced with economic of land? Land is at the and China have shown that lingering.” but if examined carefully, “it hardships. As such, this plan centre of our economic they are the sources of has brought new milestones. has the best interests of all recovery. The reason that South Africans at heart.” it’s not mentioned is the belief that black people’s More than ever before, emancipation from poverty he maintained, this plan depend on white capitalist foregrounds the fact that the males rather than their own private sector is the major economic independence that employer. “We therefore can be derived from land seek to do all we can as ownership.” government to remove any impediment to the investment This plan holds a view that and job creation potential of black people should continue our private sector. In the main, to rely on white people this plan seeks to unleash and must continue to be the capacity of the private suppliers of cheap labour. sector to create jobs at a Black people must own “WHAT KIND OF AN ECONOMIC far greater scale. Let’s uplift land, banks and industries ourselves from the economic and break the monopoly of PLAN IN SOUTH AFRICA TODAY decline, while we seek to undo colonialism and apartheid. THAT DOES NOT ADDRESS THE structural distortions,” he said. The leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), Prince QUESTION OF LAND? LAND IS AT Mangosuthu Buthelezi, urged political parties to put THE CENTRE OF OUR ECONOMIC their political agendas aside and rebuild the economy. RECOVERY.” But with little left in the national budget to stimulate growth, not much can be 8 INSESSION NEWS

Ms Maluleke takes over from the late Kimi Makwetu

President Cyril Ramaphosa more than 20 years of appointed Ms Tsakani experience in the private Maluleke as Auditor- and public sectors, spanning General of South Africa, diverse areas including with her term beginning on auditing, consulting, 1 December 2020. corporate advisory, development finance, Ms Maluleke has been the investment management deputy Auditor-General and skills development since 2014 and was the agencies. Ms Tsakani Maluleke first woman to hold that office. She succeeds the According to the Presidency late Mr Kimi Makwetu, who media statement that was NA recommends Deputy passed away from cancer issued after Ms Maluleke on 11 November 2020, just was appointed, Ms Auditor-General, Ms weeks before the expiry of Maluleke has also served his term of office. on the Presidential BEE Advisory Council. There Tsakani Maluleke, as In appointing Ms Maluleke, she led a sub-committee President Ramaphosa responsible for developing new Auditor-General congratulated her on recommendations for reaching this remarkable amendments to legislation personal milestone and and regulations around The National Assembly (NA) process that entailed public extensive experience, and wished her well in her broad-based black economic unanimously resolved to invitations to potential her accounting and auditing leadership of an institution empowerment. recommend the current Deputy candidates, public comments qualifications. She is a qualified charged with advancing Ms Maluleke has worked Auditor-General, Ms Tsakani and interviews involving 71 chartered accountant. public sector accountability with various business and Maluleke, to the President applicants, eight of whom and contributing to the accountancy organisations, for appointment as the new were shortlisted for interviews. Section 193 of the Constitution building of an ethical and including Business Auditor-General of South Africa. specifies, among other things, capable state. Unity South Africa and The committee was that the appointment of a African Women Chartered The House’s decision follows satisfied with Ms Maluleke’s person as Auditor-General Ms Maluleke is a chartered Accountants, and was the its consideration and approval performance during the must have approval of the accountant and auditor. president of the Association of the recommendation interviews, including her House with a supporting vote She holds a Bachelor of for the Advancement of the report of the Ad demonstrated ability, of at least 60% of members of Commerce (Accounting) of Black Accountants of Hoc Committee on the experience and suitability for parties represented in the degree from the University Southern Africa. She is Appointment of the Auditor- the position. Her experience NA. of Cape Town, a post- currently the non-executive General of South Africa. The as the current Deputy Auditor- graduate diploma in chair of the Board of the report of the committee was General since 2014 was an accountancy from the same South African Institute of a culmination of an extensive added advantage, as was her establishment, as well as a Chartered Accountants. University of Witwatersrand post-graduate diploma in development and public management.

“CURRENT DEPUTY AUDITOR- She is described by her peers in the auditing GENERAL, MS TSAKANI MALULEKE, TO sphere a seasoned business BE RECOMMENDED TO THE PRESIDENT leader with a wealth of FOR APPOINTMENT AS THE NEW corporate governance AUDITIR-GENERAL OF SOUTH AFRICA.” experience gained through participation on numerous corporate boards and strategic committees.

According to her curriculum vitae, Ms Maluleke has MATRIC READINESS 9 Basic Education Committee commends department for getting matrics ready for exams

The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education expressed its gratitude and thanks for the commendable work done thus far to ensure that Grade 12 learners are ready for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations under the difficult circumstances of the Covid-19 regulations,writes Rajaa Azzakani.

The NSC exams began on of higher learning,” said work they have done during 5 November 2020 and will Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba. The extremely difficult times.” run until 15 December 2020. DBE said in response Results are expected to be that the introduction of released on 23 February technical mathematics and 2021. technical physical science has contributed to lower Committee Chairperson Ms registration rates for pure Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba mathematics. said a lot of work was done in the background to The committee heard that ensure Grade 12 learners most provincial education are ready to sit for the departments (PEDs) have final examinations. “We employed additional markers further note that 1 058 699 and invigilators and acquired candidates have registered extra marking centres in an for the exams. This includes attempt to cope with the full-time and part-time higher number of candidates candidates, as well as sitting for the examinations. those candidates who were supposed to have written Umalusi informed the examinations in June this meeting that it has year, which were cancelled evaluated the DBE’s and due to the outbreak of PEDs’ state of readiness. Covid-19. This is a mammoth Umalusi was able to task.” engage with the reports and evidence presented Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said the by the DBE and PEDs. Scopa pleased with committee was assured by “Extreme effort was made the Department of Basic by the DBE and the PEDs in progress of SIU’s Education (DBE) and the relation to the restrictions Council for Quality Assurance brought up by the Covid-19 in General and Further outbreak. Acceptable levels investigations at Eskom Education and Training of readiness and related (Umalusi) that the class measures are in place The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) received a of 2020 covered the full to ensure the conduct of report from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) on the investigations spectrum of the curriculum. credible examinations by the it is conducting at Eskom recently, writes Faith Ndenze. “This means that this class DBE, and PEDs were noted will be just as equipped and this is appreciated. to enter the world after Based on our observation The Chairperson of Scopa, Somyo said the SIU’s report some instances, once an school as any other Grade 12 and the reports on the Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said gives the committee hope investigation is underway, learners before them.” state of readiness, Umalusi the committee was happy that things will normalise some companies come is satisfied that the DBE, with the progress thus far. at Eskom. The SIU reported, forward and approach the The committee has, however, through the nine PEDs, is “We are happy with the among other things, that SIU and Eskom with offers raised concerns regarding ready to conduct the merged progress, but this must also it has made 39 referrals to to settle. “In that matter, the dwindling number June and November 2020 translate into consequence the National Prosecuting we will make seriously sure of candidates registering examinations,” Umalusi management through Authority (NPA), 32 referrals that there are no prejudices for mathematics, opting assured the committee. successful prosecutions, and to the Asset Forfeiture Unit on the part of Eskom and instead for mathematical in the recovery of losses (AFU) and has assisted Eskom government in general. We literacy. “It looks like our Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said that the state has incurred,” to save R400 million. It is will ensure that any matter learners are running away the committee will closely he said. hoping to make R8.7 billion that is settled, is settled in from this. However, it then monitor the examinations. in recoveries. the interest of Eskom. The becomes difficult when they “We cannot but commend Members of the committee value of matters in which want to register for certain the DBE, PEDs and the also commended the SIU The Head of the SIU, Adv counsel has been briefed is programmes at institutions education sector for the hard on its work. Mr Sakhumzi Andy Mothibi, said in about R3.9 billion of contracts 10 INSESSION NEWS that will be set aside, and we Consequence management are looking at recoveries of cannot be sacrificed at R8.7 billion,” he said. the altar of an escape on the part of those who do In response to the SIU’s wrongdoing, and then report, Mr Hlengwa also emerge somewhere else. raised a concern about the This constant recycling of issue of people who resign people in the public service as a result of an investigation who have clouds hanging and in this way avoid over them, but then the disciplinary processes. This processes are compromised is something that Scopa has by these resignations, cannot looked at before and it is be right,” he said. something the committee will need to pay a particular Mr Hlengwa explained attention to. that the meeting was in preparation for a meeting “We need to interact with with Eskom on the basis the Department of Labour, of a reporting format it the Department of Public had scheduled for Eskom. Service and Administration “Consequence management and the Department of and investigations are at the Cooperative Governance heart of what we want to see and Traditional Affairs so as the key focus for Eskom,” that we can tie this down. he said.

Committees in brief The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development welcomed the announcement recently by the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza, about the release of state land for land reform purposes.

In his State of the Nation commodity, financial training want to acknowledge the Address this year, President and enterprise development. government, which has made Cyril Ramaphosa announced vacant and under-utilised that around 700 000 The Chairperson of the land available in seven hectares of state land will Portfolio Committee on provinces. be released for agricultural Agriculture, Land Reform production and prioritised and Rural Development, The Portfolio Committee on for youth, women and Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, Cooperative Governance and people with disabilities as said: “We are indeed excited Traditional Affairs (Cogta) well as people who have that new opportunities sought to establish the been farming on communal are arising during this health of Mogalakwena Local land. The President also very difficult period of the Municipality by interacting spoke about the new Covid-19 pandemic and that with the Mogalakwena Local beneficiary selection policy our people who have been Municipality; the Office of which includes compulsory disadvantaged are now the Auditor-General of South training for potential being given a life line to Africa; the South African Local beneficiaries before land grow in this sector, many Government Association; can be allocated to them. of whom have already Provincial Treasury; the This training includes been working on farms for Provincial Department of training on the respective decades. In this light we Cooperative Governance, COMMITTEES IN BRIEF 11

ACCOUNTABILITY: Departmental officials appear before a joint committee meeting for accountability.

Human Settlements and Day, we acknowledge received presentations from and calls from the public increased during lockdown. Traditional Affairs; and the and extend our immense Universities South Africa are processed. Scopa was The committee urged Prasa Department of Cooperative appreciation to our educators (USAF), an organisation informed that the call centre to embark on a media Governance. This meeting who have, over the past few representing the country’s currently has a backlog of campaign so that when was a follow-up on months especially, sacrificed university vice-chancellors, 444 000 e-mails from the those who commit acts of matters emanating from and worked tirelessly to and the South African public with only eight call vandalism, arson or sabotage the portfolio committee’s ensure that no child is left Union of Students, a union centre agents to attend to are arrested, a strong previous interactions with behind,” Mr Nchabeleng representing the country’s those e-mails. It gets an message is conveyed that Tzaneen and Mogalakwena said. universities’ Student average of 30 000 calls a criminals will face the full municipalities. Representative Councils day, but can only attend to 3 might of the law. “As the country was thrust (SRCs). 000 of those calls. This has a In Tzaneen, the committee into a period of great negative outcome on service The central line in Cape Town first dealt with the matter uncertainty,” he continued, In April 2020, Minister delivery and on everyone and the Mabopane line in of the suspension of the “our educators proved to Nzimande announced that that requires services from Tshwane are not operational municipal manager (MM) stand steadfast against the government will be the UIF. and Prasa provided dates in connection with the the panic and fear which providing all NSFAS (National for the rehabilitation and Mulati access road and the grappled our great nation, Student Financial Aid Scopa welcomes the completion of the corridor Codesa to Hani Street road holding together our Scheme) qualifying students consequence management recovery programme for construction projects. It was education sector with vast with laptops to assist them process that the Minister phases 1 and 2. The delay resolved that the suspension strength and adaptability. We to participate in remote of Employment and Labour is due to Covid-19, theft of the municipal manager cannot thank them enough.” learning and teaching has undertaken in response and vandalism. The non- was unlawful and illogical, methodologies as part of to the corruption and operational lines impact a stance which a court Mr Nchabeleng also pays the department’s response irregularities that have directly on the poor and the subsequently confirmed. tribute to the many teachers to the lockdown imposed occurred at the UIF. Scopa working class who use the The committee also agreed who have sadly passed by the President due to the remains concerned with trains to get to work. that the termination of the away as a result of Covid-19 outbreak of Covid-19. It is the challenges plaguing two contracts was within the and other related illnesses. now six months since the the UIF, as it is clear that MM’s fiduciary responsibility “We have lost many unsung announcement was made the issues run deep and as the accounting officer, as heroes during this time, and and university and TVET date to a period before prescribed in the Municipal today we pay tribute and NSFAS students remain Covid-19. The pandemic has Financial Management give thanks for the many without the laptops. simply exposed pre-existing Act. The committee then young minds they have weaknesses. envisaged a final discussion inspired and developed, and The Standing Committee with the municipality to we pray that they rest in on Public Accounts (Scopa) The Select Committee on close the matter. perpetual peace.” joined by the Portfolio Transport, Public Service and Committee on Employment Administration, Public Works The Chairperson of the Select The Portfolio Committee on and Labour today conducted and Infrastructure received a Committee on Education Higher Education, Science an oversight visit to the briefing from the Passenger and Technology, Sports, and Technology received a Unemployment Insurance Rail Agency of South Africa Arts and Culture, Mr Elleck briefing from the Minister Fund (UIF). (Prasa) on its plans to deal Nchabeleng, expressed his of Higher Education, Science with the damage caused by immense appreciation to and Innovation, Dr Blade Scopa is concerned with vandalism and theft of its teachers and members of Nzimande, recently on the lack of human capacity infrastructure. the education sector on saving the 2020 academic at UIF, particularly at the World Teachers Day. “As we year. call centre, which is where The committee heard celebrate World Teachers The committee also e-mails, online applications that arson and vandalism 12 INSESSION NEWS

establishment of the Inspectorate as a government NCOP passes Social Assistance component; and • to provide for matters Amendment Bill connected therewith.

To read the report of the Select Committee on Health and Social Services on page 55, in Parliament’s official Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports dated 14 October 2020, please click: https://www.parliament.gov. za/storage/app/media/Docs/ atc/a0f8aa8e-552d-47a2- 96c7-fb58aed5d9ef.pdf

To read the report of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development from pages 10 to 11, in Parliament’s official Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports dated 19 March 2020, please click: https://www.parliament.gov. za/storage/app/media/Docs/ atc/daa45289-71d6-4b37- ba84-ae016d4ee72c.pdf.

The Bill (Bill 8B of 2018), consideration of the Bill on Assistance Act, 2004, so as to The National which amends the Social 17 March, following public insert new definitions; Assistance Act of 2004, aims hearings and submissions • to provide for additional Council of to provide for additional involving the Black Sash payments linked to social payments linked to social Trust, the Children’s Institute, grants; Provinces grants. These include the Centre for Child Law, the • to provide for payments providing for: Catholic Parliamentary Liaison of benefits to child-headed (NCOP) • payment of a social grant to Office, the Children in Distress households; a child responsible for a Network and Ms Nomhle • to provide for social relief passed child-headed household; Nkwanyana. Following these of distress in the event of a • and social relief of distress public hearings in February, disaster; the Social in the event of a disaster. the committee invited • to repeal the internal the Department of Social reconsideration process; Assistance The Bill also aims, among Development to respond • to provide for an Amendment other things, to streamline to the issues raised in the Independent Tribunal to and improve the process of submissions. consider appeals against Bill at one of appeals against decisions decisions of the Agency; of the South African Social The Select Committee on • to provide for the its October Security Agency, by providing Health and Social Services for an Independent Tribunal to finalised its report on the plenaries these appeals. Bill on 14 October, without amendments. This followed and the Bill The NCOP’s passing of the Bill, briefings and public hearings without further amendment, in all provinces and, on was sent to follows consideration of the 7 October, submission of Bill by the parliamentary negotiating mandates from all President committees of both Houses of provinces. Parliament and consultation Cyril with the public on the Bill. Objectives of the Bill

Ramaphosa The Portfolio Committee The objectives of the Bill on Social Development include: for assent. considered and finalised its • to amend the Social FISCAL FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT 13 Fiscal framework and revenue proposals receive thumbs up from both Houses of Parliament

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and the National Assembly (NA) recently agreed to the fiscal framework and revenue proposals NCOP discusses contained in the 2020 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS). This followed recommendations for its adoption from plans to curb the NCOP’s Select Committee on Finance and the NA’s Standing Committee on Finance. deepening poverty

The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) held the Statistician-General’s ministerial briefing session on South Africa’s poverty index to gain insight into the impact of poverty and what policy directions should be pursued to avert its spread, writes Abel Mputing.

Parliament will now consider Chartered Accountants, the and Recovery Plan, which the 2020 Division of Revenue Organisation Undoing Tax the President tabled before Second Amendment Bill and Abuse, the Fiscal Cliff Study Parliament. the 2020 Second Adjustments Group, the Healthy Living Appropriation Bill. The Minister Alliance, Mr Peter Meakin, the The committees raised of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, Budget Justice Coalition, the a range of concerns and tabled these Bills, the revised Pay the Grant Campaign, the recommendations in their fiscal framework and the Katsia Capital Partners, the reports. These include the proposed 2021 medium- Dear South Africa Campaign, need for more details on how term fiscal framework on 28 Old Mutual Investment and the R10.5 billion allocated to October, when he delivered Amandla.Mobi. South African Airways will be the 2020 MTBPS to Parliament. spent and a recommendation In their reports, the for speedy establishment of The Select and Standing committees note that the the proposed Presidential Committee on Finance held 2020 revised and proposed State-Owned Enterprises a series of meetings on the fiscal frameworks come three Council, which would provide revised frameworks with months after Parliament strategic oversight of state- the Minister of Finance, passed the 2020 special owned companies and ensure the Deputy Minister of adjustment budget in July, an end to their dependence Finance and the National which was presented in on the fiscus. Treasury. The committees response to the Covid-19 also received analyses and global pandemic’s health To read the committees’ submissions on them from the and socio-economic crises. reports in full in Parliament’s RELIEF: A queue for government assistance. Parliamentary Budget Office The 2020 MTBPS, with the Announcement, Tablings and and the Financial and Fiscal theme “Securing economic Committee Reports dated 10 “This presentation will afford the Chairperson of the NCOP, Commission. recovery beyond Covid-19”, November 2020, please click the delegates to the NCOP a Mr Amos Masondo, said in his complements social and https://tinyurl.com/y2qltqwg. range of strategic approaches opening address. The committees also economic measures, which The NA’s Standing Committee to address job creation, invited public comments President Cyril Ramaphosa on Finance report starts on infrastructure development and While he commended the and, in response, received announced in March and April, page 6 and the NCOP’s Select the basic consumption needs efforts made to reduce poverty, submissions from the Congress and also follows Parliament’s Committee on Finance report of South African households, the gulf between the poor of South African Trade Unions, adoption in October of the starts on page 52. many of whom still live below and the rich is widening. From the South African Institute of Economic Reconstruction the poverty line.” This is what this session, the NCOP must 14 INSESSION NEWS forge new ways to realise households’ access to food, we today. And much more needs today, because of disinvestment drivers and what are their the government’s National do so in relation to the number to be done in terms of policy and tax boycott by those who multi-dimensional nature, Development Plan, which of calories they consume per interventions to address this were privileged by our past.” said the Chief Whip of the “directs us on how to eliminate day, and whether they consume problem because, if it is not NCOP, Mr Seiso Mohai. He poverty and inequality in 2030 enough calories for daily energy addressed, it could have a “It is not acceptable that our said the spread and impact by raising the living standard requirements,” he said. devastating effect on the food economy is still in the of poverty is complicated of our population through government’s endeavour hands of white people, who by the changing patterns of employment, economic growth But according to the entity’s to eradicate poverty and are resistant to the idea of the labour market, which and development”. report poverty is still racialised. its interconnectedness to eradicating inequality,” said Mr further alienates women. He “The black majority still inequality and unemployment.” Andrew Arnolds. He also said decried the fact that data In keeping with the spirit of experience high level of poverty that given the rising tide of on poverty and consumption the Constitution, Mr Masondo as compared to the white Delegates to the NCOP responds poverty, “it would be unwise is still defined by race, class pointed out that delegates population. Little has changed to the presentation to cut the R350 Covid-19 grant. and gender, which are should use statistics and in this regard and much more During members’ inputs, Mr It should be continued because perpetuated by the apartheid adhere to the values on non- needs to be done to turn this Dennis Ryder commented that we need a permanent solution spatial planning, whose racism and non-sexism, which tide around,” he said. “your stats should be the basis for those in distress”. impact can be felt to this day. are enshrined in the Bill of of every department’s work”, Rights. This is not an easy Given that the presentation while Ms Sonja Boshoff asked: There is a need to offset the What is clear is that task, “but we should not tire reflected on the 2016 stats, “Twenty-six years on, how did plight of women who are poverty and inequality to pursue this mission that there is no data to reflect on the government fail to address subjected to poverty, said the have deepened, said Mr belies the fundamental values current poverty trends. “We income inequality so dismally?” Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Mohai. He commended the of our society and influence don’t know how many people Ms Sylvia Lucas. “We must government’s R40 billion our work across all spheres of are at the risk of hunger Mr Mohammed Dangor reflect on the grants against intervention for providing governance”. currently,” he said. But he interjected: “The stats should the general cost of water and assistance to more than seven assured members of the NCOP also reflect the disinvestment electricity. Poor people, most million households during the Statistician-General Mr Risenga that “grants provide a greater and tax boycott that have of whom are women, can’t lockdown, which lifted many Maluleke’s presentation gave a intervention to poverty in the led to gross inequality and survive on grants alone. This people above the poverty broad perspective of the poverty country”. unemployment. And it is sad shows that we are sitting with line. The Statistician-General index, using the South African to see that those who were a real challenge.” report will, in his view, “be an Multi-Dimensional Poverty Ultimately, “apartheid’s spatial privileged in the past are still instrument that will inform Index. The picture he painted configuration has a bearing privileged today, and those who This presentation is important the NCOP’s oversight work, is bleak and is tied to South on the current poverty lines were disadvantaged in the past in filling the policy gaps on going forward”. Africa’s dire economic outlook, that South Africans experience are still disadvantaged even what are the major poverty mired in unemployment and inequality.

To determine poverty levels, the Statistician-General looks at three indexes to arrive at its Northern Cape Delegation findings: education, health, and income. The last-mentioned has to the NCOP makes a direct correlation to the rising unemployment because people who don’t have income are recommendations to ailing bound to experience high levels of poverty. municipalities to save them Years of schooling are also influential. Access to education has a direct bearing to poverty levels because one’s level of education influences future prospects, quality of life and social mobility. That is why there is a need to promote education as a direct intervention to high levels of poverty.

When it comes to the income index, the entity utilises money metrics which use one dollar per day per household expenditure as a universal comparative measure of basic poverty lines. This is critical, he said, because it is related to expenditure of households on food and non- food items. “When we measure Ms Sylvia Lucas – NCOP Deputy Chairperson NCOP DISCUSSES POVERTY 15

The Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms Sylvia Lucas, explained the objectives of the Provincial NCOP Chief Week Programme, and the 2020 programme in particular, to all those who briefed the NCOP delegates on a number of issues. Whip calls for The 2020 programme, she explained, is prioritising interaction with municipalities following the 2018/19 Auditor-General’s audit resolution of outcomes report which reflects poor financial management and lack of service delivery in municipalities, writes Mava Lukani. conflicts

The delegation met with in these municipalities, paying National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chief MECs for cooperative close attention to stability at The delegation made Whip Mr Seiso Mohai has called on provincial governance and finance, political and administrative recommendations on every mayors, municipal and levels, governance, financial challenge and called on and local government leaders in the Free State other senior municipal management, revenue municipalities to apply to resolve the debilitating conflicts that are managers, councillors collection, service delivery, effective consequence hampering service delivery in the province, and heads of provincial Eskom debt, unfunded management and adhere writes Modise Kabeli. departments working closely budgets, and maintenance of to the recommendations with municipalities. The infrastructure. and guidelines of the Chief Whip Mohai made the poor planning and lack of delegation’s aim is to ensure Auditor-General. It was call when addressing the last nexus between the integrated that the delivery of basic The delegation expressed recommended that day of the week-long NCOP development plans and services to the people, which unhappiness about the lack of municipalities improve Provincial Week programme budgets; poor governance is clearly enshrined in the consequence management for their audit, financial and in the province on the and uncoordinated political Constitution, takes place. the perpetrators of deviations procurement plans and theme: “Ensuring capable oversight; poor financial from the prescribed legislation deal with delinquent and financially sound local planning, controls and The NCOP also invited the and policy. It was also unhappy staff. There should also be government”. accountability; poor revenue national Department of about the lack of improvement ongoing discussions among and credit controls; poor Cooperative Governance on recommendations made municipal management He said: “It is extremely supply chain management; (Cogta) and National Treasury some time ago, as part of and communities to fight worrying that, as opposed disregard for audit outcomes to be part of the 2020 a strategy to improve the vandalism. to forging co-operation and recommendations; and Provincial Week Programme, current poor state of municipal between the provincial the persistent debt to Eskom as both departments play service delivery. However, In addition, there should be and local government to and water boards. a key support role for the delegation did applaud penalties for government accelerate service delivery, municipalities. municipalities for the progress departments who owe the the relationship has become “Among the key that has been made. municipalities money, and riddled by debilitating manifestations of the declining The delegation which was these penalties should also conflict. A case in point is state of local government accompanied by Members of The municipalities shared apply to the mines who owe Metsimaholo, as reported by in the Free State is the high the North West Legislature various challenges, including the municipalities money. A Cooperative Governance and number of municipalities and officials from National political and administrative mechanism for penalties for Traditional Affairs over the placed under administration, Treasury and the Department instability; poor work ethic; defaulting payments should last three days. The persistent some being placed under of Cogta interacted with Joe lack of internal controls and therefore be implemented non-cooperation between the administration for over two Morolong Local Municipality, financial management, which accordingly within the provincial government and the years without any prospects John Taolo Gaetsewe District results in wasteful and fruitless municipality. The recovery municipality is a reflection of of recovery. This brings into Municipality, Phokwane Local expenditure; over-reliance of debt will ensure that the deep leadership failures.” sharp focus the fundamental Municipality and Dikgatlong on consultants; and lack of municipality has sufficient question: whether the section Local Municipality. The consequence management funds for service delivery. Permanent delegates to 139 interventions were based engagements took the form of on the perpetrators of wrong the NCOP, accompanied by on sound imperatives and briefings on the state of affairs doing. their Free State Legislature whether they have assisted?” counterparts led by said Mr Mohai, adding that the Deputy Speaker Ms one feature that characterises Lucy Mapena, met with the decline of municipalities is political and administrative the persistently high levels of representatives of Mangaung municipal debt to Eskom and Metro, Matjhabeng, Maluti- the water boards. A-Phofung and Metsimaholo local municipalities to assess “This problem has and interventions to improve continues to inflict untold financial state, governance suffering to our people, as challenges and the state of they are from time to time service delivery. subjected to electricity and water cuts, which are basic Municipalities across the human rights. The attention to province are facing the this problem should therefore following key intersecting be one of the strategic challenges: poor political and priorities,” said Mr Mohai. administrative leadership; Mr Seiso Mohai, National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chief Whip 16 INSESSION NEWS

This year’s Provincial Week was a follow-up on discussions held during the NCOP Local Government Week, from Gauteng delegation to the September 8 to 11, which also focused on ensuring NCOP hears how technology capable and financially sound local government. Provincial Week is one of the NCOP’s will secure rail infrastructure high-level strategic flagship programmes to deepen the integration and cooperation between the three spheres of our government.

“At the core of the NCOP Provincial Week programme is a conscious interface with provincial and local government to monitor the quality of work discharged at this level of government. This is necessary to ensure the people of South Africa get services to which they are entitled in terms of the Constitution,” concluded Mr Mohai.

The Gauteng permanent delegates to the NCOP received a briefing from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa). While the focus of the 2020 Provincial Week Programme was on local government, the delegation invited Prasa as the entity is responsible for transportation “PRASA of thousands of South Africans to and from work, writes Liezel Visser. REPRESENTATIVES ADMITTED THE Prasa’s presentation centred and control rooms to upgrade expressed their shock at The delegation recommended on vandalism of the rail security will be used to secure this state of affairs. After FAILURE OF THE that Prasa present a clear infrastructure and security, the infrastructure. the briefing, the delegation plan indicating the kind of ENTITY AND intervention, partnerships embarked on site visits to assistance the entity requires ASSURED THE with the South African Police The delegation also heard three train stations, Katlehong, to resuscitate rail service, Service (SAPS), resumption of that protracted legal action Kliptown, and Maraisburg especially to disadvantaged DELEGATION train service and compliance following the termination of train stations. The delegation workers who can’t afford IT WOULD with Covid-19 protocols. private security companies discovered that all the three other means of transport to go after they failed to secure stations have been literally PROVIDE THE to work. Prasa representatives The presentation painted a new tenders and the entity’s ransacked through vandalism, admitted the failure of INFORMATION bleak picture about Prasa, decision to insource security cables and other building the entity and assured the REQUESTED.” especially on the security of have had a debilitating effect material have been taken, delegation it would provide passengers and infrastructure. on the entity’s ability to and the buildings are seriously the information requested. The delegation heard from safeguard its staff and assets. damaged. As a result, the the plan that the entity buildings pose a serious safety presented that CCTV and drone The delegation, which was risk to the communities where surveillance technology, as accompanied by Members they are located, as they are well as armed response teams of the Gauteng Legislature, citadels for criminals. KZN CONCLUSION 17 KZN NCOP delegation assured by the Premier about provision of support to municipalities under section 139 The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) delegation to the NCOP received virtual briefings from Umzinyathi and Uthukela district municipalities and Mpofana Local Municipality on their municipal audit outcomes, financial management, financial controls, revenue collection, municipal debt, fruitless expenditure, the usage of consultants and the status of war rooms in their wards, writes Sureshinee Govender.

The delegation discovered Mr Hlomuka, signed a guidelines and framework on that Umzinyathi, Uthukela Memorandum of Understanding the functioning of war rooms. and Mpofana municipalities with all the municipalities experience similar challenges, under Section 139 (1) (b) to Premier Zikalala assured the such as provision of water, ensure that municipalities are delegation that Operation debt to Eskom, lack of viable and sustainable. Sukuma Sakhe is being revenue collection as the reengineered and it will be areas are largely rural and The delegation heard from the mandatory for key government the communities are indigent. provincial representatives that departments, the district and The Provincial Department of all 388 war rooms were fully local municipalities to support Cooperative Governance and functioning, albeit some that their respective war rooms. Traditional Affairs has allocated experienced some challenges, Each provincial MEC who serve R339 million to address the such as the lack of participation as a district champion will water challenges in KZN. by the South African Police receive regular briefings and Services, dilapidated will process those issues. Premier Sihle Zikalala, who infrastructure, lack of water also briefed the delegation, and electricity, and lack of said the MEC for Cogta, understanding of the common

PEACEFUL PROTEST: Municipal workers demand salary increase