MAKING YOUR FUTURE WORK BETTER – Learning from Madiba

The official newsletter of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Vol.Vol. 12 12 ISSUE ISSUE 7 5 AugustISSUE June 7 20122018

Protecting Women’s Rights Parliament recognises the role of women in society Vision

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

Mission

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

• A vibrant people’s Assembly that intervenes and transforms society and addresses the development challenges of our people; • Effective oversight over the Executive by strengthening its

scrutiny of actions against the needs of South Africans; Provinces of Council National of • Participation of South Africans in the decision-making of National Assembly National of processes that affect their lives;

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

the spheres of government, and ensures appropriate links

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

1. Strengthening oversight and accountability 2. Enhancing public involvement 3. Deepening engagement in international fora 4. Strengthening co-operative government 5. Strengthening legislative capacity HEADING

Contents

12 18 22

14 5. Land expropriation opens up24 historical wounds 20. Parliament Youth Summit: ‘Young people must 7. Women’s rights include right sustain freedom and democracy’ to land: Women MPs share their views 22. Summit discusses business opportunities 10. Eastern Cape kings welcome and support public for the youth hearings 24. Women’s march demands emancipation from all 12. Land redistribution creates hope for healing of the forms of discrimination and violence historical wound of dispossession 26. ‘War against gender inequality cannot be won 14. North West people ‘very keen to have their voices without Involvement of men’ heard on land redistribution matter’ 28. Celebrating the life and times of two giants of our 16. Western Cape public hearings on constitutional liberation review hear of forced removals 30. Mbete calls for international cooperation to ‘protect 18. Students’ Parliament celebrates the lives of Madiba vulnerable migrants, particularly women and and MaSisulu children’ 31. Tribute to Ms Zelda Jongbloed

3 Editor Mr Brent Simons

Production editor Mr Mava Lukani

Design and layout Vishaal Lalla

Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula

Writers Sakhile Mokoena, Abel Mputing, Mava Lukani, Malatswa Molepo, Rajaa Azzakani, Faith Ndenze, Brent Simons

Photography Mlandeli Puzi, Zwelethemba Kostile

Distribution & subscriptions Jacqueline Zils

Publisher Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

Printer Capitil Press

Copyright INSESSION is a monthly publication, which is published by the Information and Content Development Unit of the Parliamentary Communication Services of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa. All material published is copyrighted and cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

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4 OR Tambo women demand land. Land expropriation opens up historical wounds

The public hearings on whether Furthermore, the public hearings on people, which took place before the the land issue took place in Mandela frontier wars. The Khoisan kings were to amend section 25 of the Month, when we remember Mr the original owners of the land. “The Constitution, to make it possible Mandela’s legacy in South Africa and Khoisan people were created in South to expropriate land without in the world. Both of these struggle Africa by God. [He] settled them in icons are symbols of reconciliation their country and they were prepared compensation in the public and justice, and their names are the to share their country with all the interest, has inadvertently antithesis of anything that goes against refugees that came later.” these two ideals. opened wounds in the hearts Based on this history, she argued for of many people caused by The Eastern Cape leg of public hearings the expropriation of the land with on the possible amendment to the compensation. She said expropriation the bitter and painful history Constitution began in mid-July in the with compensation is consistent with of colonialism and apartheid, Mthatha Town Hall, where people the spirit of reconciliation and inclusive sustained themselves in the long nation-building as espoused by Nelson writes Mava Lukani. queues outside the hall as they waited Mandela. “Expropriation without to participate in the hearings by compensation is inconsistent with the That history of dispossessing them of reminding each other of the history of values of reconciliation which Nelson their inheritance inevitably became dispossession that took place in the 18th Mandela laid in this new republic,” Ms fresh in the people’s minds and century in the frontier wars from 1779 Noah emphasised. automatically created a mixture of to 1879, in which the AbaThembu, contrasting emotions of anger and AmaXhosa and AmaMpondo kingdoms Some people taking part in the public excitement in the hope of regaining were dispossessed on their lands by hearings argued that the land should what was lost centuries ago. colonial forces. People reminded each be placed in the custodianship of other of the torture and killing of the traditional leadership, as the state is Furthermore, that history became famous King of the AmaXhosa, King not to be trusted. Holding this view was alive when those who own land resist Hintsa, near Nqabara River during one Prince Burns-Ncamashe, who said the attempts at land redistribution to undo of those frontier battles. state must first release the 87% land in the haunting legacy of inequality its possession. among South Africans. Ms Noziyolo Phethani, of the town of Mqanduli, said the pain of The majority view on the custodianship However, hope for the redistribution dispossession still rankles: “We hear of land at all the Eastern Cape public of land triumphs over the legacy of about this from history and it is very hearings, however, was that the state bitterness and anger. Coincidentally, painful. How much more to those who should be the custodian of the land, the discourse on expropriation of land experienced this pain in their lifetime?” on the basis that South Africa is a without compensation is balanced she asked. constitutional democracy. by celebrations to commemorate the centenary of the birth of those icons Another participant in the Mthatha People participating in the hearings of the liberation struggle, Mr Nelson hearings, Ms Phyllis Noah, identified called for speed in amending the Mandela and Ms Albertina Sisulu. herself as a descendant of the Griquas. Constitution, to ensure that the long- She shared an emotional history of the overdue redistribution of land is not killing of the Khoisan kings and their impeded in any way.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 5 PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

Parliament recognises the role of women in society

6 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA VIEWS OF WOMEN MPs

Women’s rights include right to land: Women MPs share their views InSession writers spoke to As a country, we have achieved a lot under the government of the African various women Members of National Congress (ANC), but various Parliament to hear their views barriers are still prevalent and hinder on the current debate on the women from owning land. redistribution of land. One of the barriers faced by rural women is the issue of traditional and customary laws that are still prevalent in our rural areas.

In rural areas, it is customary for a male child to inherit land. but not for a woman. We still have situations in our rural areas where a widow is forced to marry another male within the family so that she can continue staying in the late husband’s homestead. This is the reality for women in some rural areas.

The issue of land ownership by rural women has been the subject of debate in various regional and international platforms, including the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women. South Africa, as a member of UN Women, is expected to adopt laws that ensure equitable ownership of land by women. Ms Thandeka Mbabama (Democratic Alliance) The current debate on land in South Ms Mbabama of the Democratic Africa is happening at just the right Alliance (DA) said that section 25 of the time. Constitution states that no one may be deprived of property and that the state “We are a constitutional democracy, must take reasonable legislative and Ms Rosalia Morutoa (African National and we recognise equality and non- other measures, within its available Congress) sexism as among our core constitutional resources, to foster conditions which Ms Morutoa, a veteran of the struggle pillars. We need to collect gender- enable citizens to gain access to land against apartheid, said South African disaggregated data on land ownership, on an equitable basis. women are not homogenous, but conduct research on obstacles hindering one of the demands made by women women’s access to land ownership and The government has failed to through the 1954 Women’s Charter was come up with effective programmes to implement land reform, as proven by for equality for women. They wanted a assist women’s access to land. the High Level Panel, headed by former society where women are able in their President Kgalema Motlanthe, in their own rights to own and inherit land. report to Parliament. Not only has the

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 7 VIEWS OF WOMEN MPs

government failed the people of South have access to land, they can hold Africa, it has failed women in particular. the key to economic empowerment From time immemorial, women have and security. It will give women more been discriminated against when it influence over finances and household comes to access to and ownership of decisions. It will also give them access land. This is true both in an urban and to credit to start businesses and rural setting. improve their lives, and they will be able to support their children and their Since 1994, the government has tried families. Most households are headed to redress black people’s dispossession by women with no support from the of land through three programmes: government. land restitution, land redistribution and land tenure reform. My view is Women must benefit from the that claims from black women should expropriation of land without have been prioritised in the restitution compensation when this is process. This prioritisation should implemented – and they must have also happened where land was be supported through the state’s redistributed in the different grants programmes in giving them the that the government used, such as implements to work the land and the settlement land acquisition grant; produce food. The EFF will guide the the land redistribution for agricultural women owning or leasing land by development grant; and more recently fighting for them. The state must buy the proactive land acquisition strategy more that 50% of food for hospitals, grant. Even the Land and Agricultural schools, prisons and so on from these Development Bank up to this day does women. not have land acquisition products that Ms Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi (Economic target women. Freedom Fighters) In its founding documents, the Rural women have also been side- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) made lined by traditional authorities on tribal it clear that the women’s struggle land. It is still difficult in some areas must be taken forward to fight against for single women to access land and patriarchy, which is still much alive in widows are sometimes chased out our society. Gender-based violence, of their homes on the deaths of their domestic violence, and the rape of husbands. Females make up more than women, our struggle takes the fight 51% of South Africa’s population and against any form of women abuse. yet they are still treated as second-class citizens. It is high time that women There are more women in South Africa were totally emancipated from the than men, with 52% of the population authority and control of patriarchal made up of women, but women only men and traditional power structures. own 1% of land in South Africa. The Equal land rights for women should customary regime dominates and be prioritised, gender discrimination oppresses women in a land system should be removed from all laws, across sub-Saharan Africa. Within this institutions and behavioural patterns. regime, women have little or no say And legal standards must be set to or means of owning land or inheriting promote women’s full equality with property. Women only access land men. through their male relatives on their husbands’ side and after the death of a husband, a woman losses her rights "Inequitable land to land. Women’s relationship with land ownership must be is therefore through their husbands, fathers, brothers or sons. addressed as well Ms Deidre Carter (The Congress of the as the existence of Women’s insecure property rights make People) households vulnerable to poverty. The Congress of the People (Cope) was discriminatory gender Women living in rural areas suffer more founded in defence of the Constitution, practices that marginalise oppression than men in rural areas its vision, its values and the principles and in cities. The EFF therefore fights that underpin it. As history records this women." Cynthia Majeke for women to own land. When women event, our 1994 democratic elections

8 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA VIEWS OF WOMEN MPs

represented our political emancipation. communal areas to expanding And it is our Constitution that sets commercial agriculture; land reform; out our national vision and the broad and developing non-agricultural means to achieve social justice and activities, human capital, social and our economic emancipation, including food security, as well as basic services. equality between women and men. Women make up almost half of the As such, Cope believes that it is an agricultural labour force in developing imperative and fundamental right countries, but assets like land and that women achieve social justice and livestock are owned and controlled equality in general (and with respect mainly by men. Women also still face to land) within the framework set out barriers to finance, extension services in our Constitution, in a peaceful and and land rights. stable national atmosphere. We believe that the Constitution, in its current The ACDP agrees that as more women form, provides all the powers required gain control and ownership of land, to ensure the full realisation of just and they are likely to have stronger equitable land reform, for women in bargaining power, higher incomes and particular. a more influential voice in communities and households. Research shows that even when women own land, their husbands are still perceived as household heads and have better access to public resources including subsidies and advisory services. Ms Cynthia Majeke (United The ACDP supports policy that is Democratic Movement) gender sensitive and would like to The United Democratic Movement see families being encouraged to (UDM) believes a woman’s ability to pass on agricultural skills, knowledge own, inherit and control land is vital and encouragement equally to both to enable them to access resources daughters and sons from a young age. and participate in the economy. South The degree of equality or inequality in Africa promises equal rights to all with society and in the agricultural sector is regard to accessing economic benefits, learned from role models in the home but the South African economy has from very young. not structurally transformed. As a Power relations and gender norms result, it has high levels of poverty and within a household play a major role. It economic exclusion. is not enough for a woman to know her sexual rights and the benefits of family Exclusion from the economy is planning. Men in the household must predominant among African women be equally informed. Incentives for and those with disabilities and it is sharing domestic responsibilities should worse in the rural areas. also be a consideration when talking Ms Cheryllyn Dudley (African about empowerment of women. Today, women own only 13% of Christian Democratic Party) agricultural land while men own 71%. The African Christian Democratic Party The ACDP believes that basic services Inequitable land ownership must be (ACDP) recognises the enormous play a major role in empowering addressed as well as the existence of challenges facing the country with women. In our industrialised world, discriminatory gender practices that regard to land and rural development. training in new technologies is critical marginalise women. At the same time, the ACDP recognises for women land owners and farmers. that women face specific challenges, Women must also be given the right challenges that are in danger of being Solid leadership in land reform and to obtain education that would liberate overshadowed if not highlighted. communal tenure security is needed. them from poverty, of which land is We also need the Treasury and the key. A truly integrated and inclusive Department of Rural Development and economy demands that we give Land Reform to adequately provide Most of all, education will enable them attention to an integrated and inclusive for infrastructure, plus financial and to be economically active citizens and society, including gender equity. This technical support to farmers both male will improve their access to resources must factor into all development and female. and land ownership. initiatives, from job creation in

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 9 PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

Eastern Cape kings welcome and support public hearings

Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe

The Kings of AbaThembu and all South Africans in the public hearings An appeal was made by participants on the issue of the redistribution of to stop the deepening stereotype that AmaRharhabe welcomed and land is an interesting paradox. He said the land is going to be expropriated embraced the delegation of it’s an involvement of the recipients of from white people only. “We are all the Joint Constitutional Review the land that was taken by the violence South Africans, one nation which of the powerful system of colonialism, Nelson Mandela and others sacrificed Committee conducting public and the descendants of the rightful everything to build. Let us ensure that hearings in the Eastern Cape owners of the land. we are debating land distribution from a nation-building perspective. We are on the possibility of amending Chief Mgudlwa said although the going to take from those who have section 25 of the Constitution to AbaThembu clan does not promote more and distribute to those who do the reopening of the wounds of the not have land. That is the determining expropriate land in the public violence of colonialism through which principle, not colour,” said Ms Phyllis interest without compensation, black people were dispossessed Noah, who identified herself as a of the inheritance of the land they descendant of the Griquas. writes Mava Lukani. got from their ancestors, it must be highlighted, however, before talking She said land distribution is The Co-Chairpersons of the committee about the amendment of section 25 unavoidable in South Africa to address explained the purpose of the hearings of the Constitution for redistribution, the injustices of the past. But it should and urged members of the public to that the land was taken by force from be done in a manner that is going to display tolerance at all the venues its rightful owners, the kings of the promote nation-building and national of hearings. They appealed to the indigenous people of South Africa. “We cohesion. She proposed expropriation participants not to confuse the hearings must reiterate that fact eloquently with compensation. for expropriation of land with other and unapologetically,” stressed Chief land programmes, such as land Mgudlwa. Although the view for the amendment restitution. of section 25 of the Constitution Chief Mgudlwa said AbaThembu was popular, other views were “We are not going to take questions on support the expropriation of the land also highlighted. The view for the other land issues here. We are here for without compensation. “Section 25 amendment was reiterated, in the just one issue: good reasons to amend of the Constitution must be amended main, based on the reality of widening or not section 25 of the Constitution to to make it possible to expropriate the inequality between the historically make it possible to expropriate land land without compensation,” he said. white privileged, and black and African without compensation,” Mr Nzimande However the land must be put under in particular under-privileged South explained at all the venues. the custodianship of the kings, as it Africans. was taken from them. “The 87% we all Expressing a word of welcome to the agree was taken, was taken from the The land, according to those who are delegation on behalf of the King of kings and the common logic and sense for the amendment, is the source of AbaThembu at the Mthatha hearings, is that it must be returned to the same privilege, hence colonialists took it by Chief Zwelenqaba Mgudlwa, the King’s custodians it was taken from,” said force to weaken and impoverish its spokesperson, said the involvement of Chief Mgudlwa. owners for ever. “Expropriation of land

10 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

Chief Zwelenqaba Mgudlwa without compensation is a solution to King Mgolombana Sandile after the war supposed to be ward-to-ward public the fundamental economic problems of Ngcayichibi, one of the frontier wars hearings to ensure that the majority of exclusion of black people in the of resistance against colonialism that of people had an opportunity to economy in South Africa,” stressed Mr took place in the 18th century. participate,” he said. Lawrence Mambila of the OR Tambo Farmers’ Association. He said East London, which is still wet Also making a submission at the with the blood of the armies of King East London hearings where he The view against expropriation was Sandile, was called Gompo before the was born, Adv Dali Mpofu, the based on, among other things, the area was taken by the barrel of the gun national Chairperson of the Economic threat to food production, threat to by the mighty colonial forces. According Freedom Fighters, said amending nation-building and the alleged bad to Prince Burns-Ncamashe, King Sandile the Constitution is necessary. As record of corruption of the government lost his stick of kingship during that the Constitution stands currently, to be the custodian of land. fateful war and the stick was taken to expropriation of property goes with Britain. After their defeat, he said, black compensation. He assured those who The East London hearings were people were pushed away from the fear that expropriation will be done attended by AmaRharhabe’s traditional fertile land, which includes East London, revengefully that there are no plans leaders that included the 92-year-old King William’s Town, Stutterheim and for this. “Expropriation of land without chief of AmaBhele ase Tyhume, Chief Komga, and settled on less productive compensation will be done by ubuntu. Thandathu Justice Mabandla. Chief land on the outskirts of the Border We want the equitable redistribution Mabandla of Krwakrwa Village became region. of land,” said Adv Mpofu. To ensure the first chief executive councillor of this, the land must be put under the Ciskei Territorial Authority and later He told the delegation that the custodianship of the state, not on 1 August 1972 ascended to newly AmaRharhabe Kingdom welcomed traditional leadership, he argued. created position of Chief Minister. the notion of expropriation without compensation, as it follows the logic of “Expropriation of land Participants at the East London dispossession without reparation. He hearings expressed divergent views also called for the return of the land without compensation is a on the proposed amendment of to the custodianship of the traditional solution to the fundamental section 25 of the Constitution to allow leaders, the kings in particular, as the the expropriation of land without land was originally taken from the economic problems of compensation. However, as at the kings. Mthatha, Queenstown and elsewhere exclusion of black people in in the country views in favour of the When interviewed by InSession, the economy in South Africa,” amendment dominated proceedings. Prince Burns-Ncamashe complained Delivering a submission on behalf of about the limited number of people Mr Lawrence Mambila of the Kingdom of AmaRharhabe, their who participated in the hearings. He spokesperson Prince Zolile Burns- argued that the district municipality the OR Tambo Farmers’ Ncamashe told members of the hosting approach denied the majority Association. delegation that East London falls into of the people of AmaRharhabe from the area of land that was taken from participating in the hearings. “This was

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 11 PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

Land redistribution creates hope for healing of the historical wound of dispossession

For 68-year-old Mr Musa relocated to Paulpietersburg. This left the villagers without the protection Shabangu of Vryheid’s Ngoje and guardianship of their leader. “Our village, the memory of a fateful house was totally destroyed; we could sunny 1975 day when his family only recover a few things. From there, we went into exile in Swaziland. On our was evicted from their land is a return, we moved to uMhlabuyalingana, sore wound that has not healed. where my mother was selling alcohol to put food on the table. We struggled, He struggles to hold back tears staying in a corrugated-iron structure, as he speaks of the day, a day but it was nothing compared to our old house,” Mr Shabangu told the that changed his family’s life public hearings. He has never married, from the one of possession to he says, because he does not have anything to offer a bride. “All I want dispossessed, writes Malatswa is the land of my forefathers, so I can Molepo. use it to be a better person than I am today,” Mr Shabangu explained. The Joint Constitutional Review Committee’s public hearings in Jozini While he wants the land that was in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) represented to forcefully taken, he also called for Mr Shabangu a hope that his family’s greater support of beneficiaries to wound will finally heal. “I fully support ensure recipients of land are able the amendment of section 25, which to use the land productively for the will ensure that my family receives benefit of the country. Mr Shabangu what rightfully belongs to it. I came said that the amendment must be done here to tell these parliamentarians: speedily to ensure they get the land they must amend section 25; that’s all I while they are still alive. “My mother ask,” Mr Shabangu said. and some of my siblings have passed on. I am hoping I will get my land Mr Shabangu’s family was forcefully before I pass on from this world,” Mr removed from Ngoje on the outskirts Shabangu concluded. of Vryheid in 1975 and they lost everything. “I feel like crying when I Opposing views in KZN remember that day; we lost everything. The hearings in KZN, as in other We had about 90 head of cattle, 25 provinces, produced diametrically sheep, 80 goats and 21 pigs. We lost conflicting views, with those all that livestock on that fateful day. To supporting the expropriation of land this day, it hurts to think of all the pain without compensation pinning their we suffered on that day,” Mr Shabangu argument on redress of past injustices, emphasised. while those that do not support the amendment of section 25 arguing that Compounding the injury, their economic collapse will follow the loss traditional leader was removed and of property rights.

12 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

“I feel like crying when I remember that day; we lost everything. We had about 90 head of cattle, 25 sheep, 80 goats and 21 pigs. We lost all that livestock on that fateful day. To this day, it hurts to think of all the pain we suffered on that day.” Mr Musa Shabangu

A businessperson in the construction sector in the Vryheid area said the current debate has already cost South Africa and Vryheid, in particular, investment opportunities that would have created much-needed job opportunities in the area and in the country. “I fully support the redress of past injustices, but I am not here to argue for or against the motion. What I want to highlight is that the current debate we are having is already impacting negatively on businesses on the ground. My company has recently lost three big contracts because investors are uncertain of what is going to happen in the next few years in the country,” he said.

“The first contract was from a German consortium that wanted to invest in construction in Vryheid. They said they want to wait for the next two years to see what will happen,” he said.

Another project involved a farmer who wanted to build bigger packing areas and a processing plant on his farm to increase productivity. While a third project planned to extend the accommodation on a game farm, which would have resulted in more beds and increasing job opportunities.

“As a result, we have had to retrench 120 workers over the past few months. We anticipate that a further 40 workers will be retrenched in the coming few months. That is the kind of impact I am talking about,” he emphasised.

He called for a wholesale reflection of what the current debate is costing the country.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 13 PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

North West people ‘very keen to have their voices heard on land redistribution matter’

Africa have the right to own land. The question that needs to be clarified with any amendment of the Constitution is: how are Africans going to own land? Firstly, I believe that the land that is under rural communities must not be expropriated. It must be kept there. It is tribal land.

“The report of the High Level Panel that was led by former President Kgalema Motlante does not distinguish between the tribal land that has been bought by communities and the tribal land, which After the break of a few Mompati District Municipality tolerated has been allocated to communities. I divergent views during the hearings. come from a community that has title weeks, the delegations of the There was complete silence when deeds to the land. Our forefathers, Joint Constitutional Review others spoke against the review of the when they realised that their land Constitution and there was no need to Committee went to different had been taken and was about to be ask people not to interrupt a speaker. owned, they started buying the land. provinces to hold public hearings The committee was impressed that the Therefore, all the land that belongs to arguments that were made showed on whether or not section the people of Bagatla Ba Kgafela under that people had applied their minds. 25 of the Constitution of the Kgosi Pilane is owned by them. The people have title deeds.” Republic of South Africa should “The engagements are robust, as expected, but the committee is A 34-year-old Ms Tshisikhawe Savhasa be amended to make it possible comfortable with the quality of the of Rustenburg said: “I believe that arguments presented. We hope that it to expropriate land without land that belongs to white people carries on like this going forward,” said must be expropriated, because most compensation. Faith Ndenze Mr Smith. reports from the hearings. of them did not buy the land. Most of them inherited the land from their In contrast, the committee was parents who dispossessed the land A delegation of the committee led concerned about the low levels of from our forefathers. Most of the by Mr Vincent Smith went to Taung tolerance displayed at the Mafikeng traditional leaders (chiefs) did not buy in the North West province’s Dr Ruth Civic Centre public hearings. There was the land either, so that land should be Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality a lot of interference from the crowd shared equally among the community for public hearings on the issue. The when individuals tried to make their members.” committee listened to a number of submissions. oral submissions from members of 39-year-old Ms Vivian Modibedi of the public, including representatives Faith Ndenze of Insession spoke to Rustenburg said: “I believe that section from farmers’ and civic associations, women participants at some of the 25 of the Constitution must stay as it political parties, traditional leaders and North West venues of public hearings, is. I believe that government should ordinary citizens. The majority of the asking them about their views on have explained to everyone first how oral submissions made supported the the expropriation of land without this expropriation of land without review of the Constitution, while a few compensation and on whether section compensation was going to happen. were against it. 25 of the Constitution should be Secondly, I think the government amended. is going back to 1963 where our As in other provinces, many people forefathers’ lands were expropriated attended the hearings, many more A 70-year-old Ms Ntshadi Pilane- without compensation. This is not than the committee had expected. The Tsheole of Morolong Solspoort in democracy. We are starting another committee applauded the manner in Bagatla Ba Kgafela village in the North war. We are going back to the apartheid which the people of Dr Ruth Segomotsi West province, said: “Africans in South era, only this time it is vice versa.”

14 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA WOMENS' VIEWS ON LAND

Ms Phylis Noah vague without the control of land. Kelebogile The land was taken by We are happy that that is going to Baitsomedi: force from the Griquas. be addressed. Even our ancestors are As a young female There must be land rejoicing in their graves when they see supporter of the redistribution in South these developments” Economic Freedom Africa to make our Fighters, we want freedom meaningful. Ms Phindiwe the land back. But when we do that it Msesiwe Most of us are must be done in a manner that avoids “We are very suffering because we don’t have land. the creation of a new mistake. Let us delighted about the We want the land previously owned expropriate land with compensation. I return of the land by our parents and grandparents to am sure the Griquas, from whom the back to its rightful be returned to its rightful owners. land was forcefully expropriated, would owners. There are The amendment of section 25 of the say the same thing. We are now in a people among us Constitution will liberate us as women constitutional democracy. Let’s do the black people those who are advantaged and ensure that we provide for our correct expropriation, the one with who are very unhappy about what families. compensation. is happening, the fact that the land returns back to all of us. Resistance Tsabeng Ms Marlene Evers to land expropriation without Ramalope, South Africa belongs compensation is not from whites only, Tshwane: to all those who live there blacks who hide behind the fear “The willing seller, in it, this presupposes that this may affect food production. willing buyer that we are one. Once We must be given our land. It’s us who policy has failed you say expropriation work on farms and deliver production. the people of with or without I wonder why there is this fear and South Africa. Must compensation, it means pessimism” we have a civil war to resolve the that you are dividing what has been land issue? President Cyril Ramaphosa put together through a very heavy price Chief Justice must act to resolve the issue of land of loss of life during the struggle for Mabandla expropriation without compensation.” freedom. Section 25 of the Constitution The 92-year-old already provides enough guidance on chief of AmaBhele Taylor Roberts, land redistribution. ase Tyhume, Chief Westonaria: Thandathu Justice “I totally Ms Khulukazi Phangwa “Ah Jongilizwe” disagree with “We are living in Mabandla has the amendment exciting times. We are expressed his mixed feelings about of section 25 of very excited about this the expropriation of land without the Constitution honour of participating compensation. Chief Mabandla of and expropriating in the public hearings Krwakrwa Village became the first land without compensation. This will on the expropriation chief executive councillor of the Ciskei only result in creating greater divisions of land without Territorial Authority and later on 1 among South Africans. What we need compensation. We supported it when it August 1972 ascended to newly created to do is to acknowledge that both white was still discussed at Parliament by our position of Chief Minister. and black people fought and died for representatives. We are praying to God this country to be what it is today.” to empower us with wisdom to work He said: “Although I am supporting and manage the land after it has been the expropriation of land without Nthabiseng returned to us because that is another compensation, but I appeal to the Mokwane (from very important issue, knowledge to people that they must take the issue Kagiso) work it to produce food and wealth for of knowledge and skills to work that “Section 25 must the country” land very seriously. That must always not be amended be a critical element in the land as it will give Nomaafrika Ngobeni discourse. To have that land and don’t government Without land we looked have knowledge and skills to work greater power and like an incomplete it is useless”. He said, black people control over the land. Amending the people. Although were disposed land and knowledge, Constitution will give government the we attained political based on that, he said, there must be right to decided who can live where. freedom in 1994. But it a perfect balance between ownership Instead government must give the land has been meaningless and knowledge to work that land. in its possession to people, with their without land. We title deeds, as this will provide greater have look like squarters in our own security to all citizens.” homeland. Our claim to this country is vague and is going to remain

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 15 PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

CO-CHAIR GIVES DIRECTION: Mr Lewis Nzimande, Co-chairperson of JCRC and committee members.

Western Cape public hearings on constitutional review hear of forced removals The Joint Constitutional Review In Outshoorn, Mr Jacques Booysen told Mr Witengel van Heerden said when the committee how bulldozers had his grandmother died at 92 recently, Committee conducted its last destroyed his parents’ house when he he could still recall how the apartheid public hearings in the Western was seven years old. He recounted how government forced them off their land. Cape in Outshoorn and Beaufort he and his family had to sleep outside “Our people live in dilapidated houses in the cold and wet winter for three and the farmers refused to either fix West. As in the public hearings weeks until the authorities found them them or allow us to fix them. We want in other provinces, emotions alternative accommodation. what was stolen from us. We want our land; we want our culture. We want our ran high as one speaker after Chief Theron of the Korana community land so that we can farm,” emphasised another recounted how their told the delegation that the Khoi and Mr Van Heerden. the San are the first people in South families had been forcefully Africa and they were the first people Other people attending the hearings removed from their land. The to be dispossessed. He demanded in Outshoorn expressed different fair redistribution of land. He said views on the issue of expropriation of committee held a total 34 redistribution of land must begin with land without compensation. A female hearings in all nine provinces, the land that was dispossessed as far farmer, who introduced herself as Mrs listening carefully to the diverse back as 1652. Le Roux, insisted that her forefathers bought the land she now farms on. views expressed by the citizens The committee heard that the Western She believes the current legislation and throughout the country. Rajaa Cape provincial government is still Constitution should remain as they are. removing the indigenous people by Azzakani reports from the force from their land. Farm workers, Another woman pleaded with hearings. one after another, spoke of the terrible the committee not to amend the conditions under which they live on the Constitution. “Do not break something farms. that is working. Don’t take away the

16 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA PUBLIC HEARINGS ON LAND

CO-CHAIR GIVES DIRECTION: Mr Vincent Smith, Co-chairperson of JCRC and committee members.

things that put food on the table. A former mayor of Beaufort West, Mr were long queues outside of people People can rather institute land claims,” Truman Prins, told the committee that waiting their turn to present. As one she said. whites own the majority of farms in the person presented a submission, they Central Karoo District on land that was made space for each other to come into At Beaufort West, Mr Vincent Smith, seized from the Khoi and San people. the venue. the Co-Chairperson of the committee, appealed to the people to express Speakers told the committee that some At the end of the hearing, Mr Vincent themselves. “This is your opportunity farmers own so much land that they Smith said: “I am confident that this to ensure that the voice of the people cannot farm it all and leave much of it was a democratic process. Everyone of Beaufort West is heard. This is your unutilised. But others present opposed who wanted an opportunity to speak opportunity to make sure your opinions the amendment. A young farmer was allowed to speak. The committee are included in our report,” said Mr spoke emotionally about how he and allowed for democracy to prevail. Smith. his forefathers worked for the land he Following the hearings, the committee farms. “I did not steal even a hectare will assess the hundreds of thousands One old woman told the committee of land from anybody. Everything that of written submissions it received, after how she and her family were removed I own today, my forebears and I got which it will invite those who indicated from their land in Prince Albert. “We it in a correct manner. We won’t walk that they wanted to make oral lost everything. We lost our house, our away without a fight,” he concluded to presentations to hearings at Parliament. land. My parents even had geese and a crowd that was clearly unhappy with This process will take a bit of time, as lost that as well. I want it back.” such a stance. we had a substantial response to this matter. We want to ensure that we do a One elderly man told the committee Another man said amending the thorough job.” how he started helping his father on a Constitution would make it just as farm when he was a child. His father immoral as the previous laws. One The other co-Chairperson, Mr Lewis became sick, and the farmer’s son who woman said she felt the hearings were Nzimande, said: “The committee is had taken over the farm evicted them an exercise in futility, as according proud of the tolerance showed by our from the farm. He just wants a piece of to her, President Cyril Ramaphosa people, even when they completely the land his father worked on. already indicated that a constitutional disagreed with certain speakers. This amendment will be made to speaks directly to how the whole South Another farm worker said they are a expropriate land without compensation. Africa generally operates: we allow family of 10 people living in a small for all views to be expressed.” He house. “We have no dignity. We want The committee concluded its reminded South Africans that once the our own gardens, but have no space. provincial public hearings in the Cape process is concluded, the multi-party Let us expropriate the land and thereby metropolitan area at the Friend of God committee will deliberate extensively close the gap.” Church in Goodwood. It was full to its on the matter before it reports to both capacity of 1 500 people and there Houses of Parliament.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 17 STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

STUDENT LEADERSHIP: Ready for engagement Students’ Parliament celebrates the lives of Madiba and MaSisulu Parliament hosted a Students’ “These are values that were bestowed in which the government spells out upon us by Madiba and MaSisulu. what it intends to do to improve the Parliament, in partnership And we hope that you will be the lives of the people, Ms Tyawa said. with Freedom Park and the torchbearers of these values for your “One of the tasks of Parliament is to Department of Basic Education, age group.” supervise the ministers who have to deliver on work and the plans stated in to commemorate the 100th year MaSisulu was full of life and Sona by the President.” of the birth of Tata Madiba and enthusiasm. “She ensured that women are aware of the need and role they After the official opening, the Students’ MaSisulu, writes Abel Mputing. must play for a free South Africa. In this Parliament re-enacted the historical centenary, we celebrate the values of moment that led to the inception Delivering the official opening address how best to live a productive life.” of the first democratic Parliament. to the Students’ Parliament, the Acting A Presiding Officer was elected to Secretary to Parliament, Ms Baby Referring to students, Ms Tyawa said: officiate over proceedings. As MaSisulu Tyawa, said: We are inspired by your “In whatever you do, you must obey stood to elect Tata Madiba as the presence and we are hopeful that you the prescripts of our Constitution. And first democratically elected President will carry the inspiration of our society at a time where there is a prevalence without any opposition, we saw history and you will become its future leaders.” of racial tensions, we must find ways of in action. And this underlined the Ms Tyawa told the students that the instilling social cohesion across races.” intertwined roles that the two icons values of non-racialism and non-sexism have had in ushering in our freedom as enshrined in our Constitution were Parliament’s significance is that it hosts and democracy. adopted by the National Assembly. the State of the Nation Address (Sona),

18 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

The students heard Madiba’s legendary “It is through education that decided on having the Students’ inaugural speech in which he said: “Let the daughter of a peasant can Parliament. “We came with this idea there be justice for all. Let there be for we wanted to nurture a young cadre peace for all. Let there be work, bread, become a doctor, that the son of a of leaders. We want the youth to know water and salt for all. Never, never mineworker can become the head who they are, and where they come and never again shall it be that this of the mine, that a child of farm from. If they appreciate that, they will beautiful land will again experience know better the history associated with the oppression of one by another, and workers can become the president the issue of land – and they would be suffer the indignity of being the skunk of a great nation." Nelson Mandela able to come with solutions. of the world. Let freedom reign.” The student parliamentarians also “We also chose this concept because After this, the students were asked highlighted the fact that there are still Madiba was passionate about children to reflect on Madiba’s principles and high levels of inequality, as a result of and education.” Quoting Madiba, she ideals. They were all unanimous in unemployment, and a lack of skills and continued: “It is through education that supporting his recognition of the access to equal education. As expected, the daughter of a peasant can become importance of reconciliation, humility the issues of land was divisive and a doctor, that the son of a mineworker and promotion of an inclusive society heightened emotions. can become the head of the mine, that through social cohesion and non- a child of farm workers can become the racialism. The session concluded with an address president of a great nation. It is what from the CEO of Freedom Park, Ms Jane we make out of what we have, not They were then asked to consider South Mufamadi, who told the students that what we are given, that separates one Africa’s human rights record, thinking MaSisulu gave her life to the fight for person from another. about those rights which are available women’s rights. She became a leader to all, while others are not. There was in the fight against the pass laws and “We are holding these educational agreement that certain rights, such as opposed Bantu education. “She went initiatives because we want to see this political association, are accessible to as far as turning her house in Soweto change in our country’s youth. But also, all, but other rights such as the rights to to provide alternative education,” Ms we see education as something that amenities, are not. Mufamadi reminded her listeners. can enliven the legacy of Madiba,” Ms She explained why Freedom Park Mufamadi concluded.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 19 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Parliament Youth Summit ‘Young people must sustain freedom and democracy’

As part of the celebrations form an important foundation for us as parliamentarians when we consider marking the centenary of the issues that affect our society and birth of former President Nelson ensure that government policies are Mandela and anti-apartheid consistent with the Constitution.” Presiding over the first day of the struggle icon Ms Albertina two-day summit, the Speaker of the Sisulu, Parliament and the Youth Summit, Mr Seluleko Ndlovu, indicated that the Constitution will Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, provide its’ guiding principles, to ensure hosted a Youth Summit in July participants’ dignity and equality.

in Parliament, reports Sakhile “We are all equal in dignity and we Mokoena. shall get equal opportunity to speak in this summit,” he said. The summit saw more than 300 young people from across the country gather The Chief Executive Officer of the in Parliament’s the Old Assembly Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, chamber to discuss various topics Ms Sibongile Mkhabela, called on affecting South Africa’s youth. The young people to complete what summit was officially opened by Mr Mandela and Ms Sisulu started. the Deputy Speaker of the National “This is a moment of the future and Assembly, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli, who the importance of young people in said the dialogue was held in memory defending the democracy project, our of Madiba and Mama Sisulu, “whose youth have a huge responsibility to love for children and young people was complete what was started by Mandela always at the centre of what they did”. and Sisulu.”

“This summit is to reflect on the Ms Mkhabela added that young people heritage and legacy that Mandela have been given all the tools to define and Mama Sisulu left us. It is also a the South Africa they want to live in platform to talk about the obstacles, and realise Mr Mandela words,when have to take the country to the next opportunities and risks in place that he said: “our children are the rock on level and grow our economy and end can derail our developing democracy. which our future is built”. inequality, unemployment and poverty. We are delighted to host this summit. The struggle that Mandela and his It will ensure that we use this platform During a discussion on the role of young generation led took us to a particular for what it is meant for: a platform for people in politics, National Assembly point and moving forward is up to us,” public debate and public education, Member and Chief Whip of the United Mr Kwankwa said. following in the footsteps of those who Democratic Movement, Mr Nqabayomzi created it,” Mr Tsenoli said. Kwankwa, encouraged delegates to Ten-year-old Mangaliso Mxenge from be community activists for the change Gauteng received big applause from Young people are not only the they want to see and not depend on delegates when he proposed that the determiners of the future, their the youth leagues of political parties to voting age be reviewed to allow for contributions and decisions should also advocate for change. younger people who “have voting impact on the present, he explained. “The past generation was responsible intelligence”, but are below the age “Your contributions and views will for our political freedom. We now of 18 to participate in the voting

20 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

YOUTH MP makes a point.

process. “What if a child has the voting the health sector and gangsterism. sanitary towels being made free. It’s intelligence of an adult, but he is Delegate Ms Lusanda Sothengwa a human rights issue. It is true that denied the right to vote because of said there were no “youth-friendly” the period of menstruation affects the age? Why don’t we assess such children health clinics in the public sector. This learning of girls,” the Minister said. and allow them to vote?” said young contributes to teenage pregnancy, Mangaliso. as some clinic staff turn away young “It is up to you to make sure this people who want contraception. freedom that Mandela fought The summit also discussed tax for is sustained – freedom from exemption on sanitary towels, a Responding on behalf of the discrimination, stereotyping, hunger promise which delegates said was government, Tourism Minister Mr and gangsterism. I’ve been inspired by made by government under former Derek Hanekom said there is a panel this session. Let us make this an annual President Jacob Zuma, but it has still that has been appointed to make event – turn things around – you are not been implemented. Other topics recommendations on which items the people who can help turn things deliberated on during the summit should be exempted from value added around,” Minister Hanekom said. covered the quality of education, tax. “There is also a strong case of

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 21 YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Summit discusses business opportunities for the youth

22 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Parliament’s inaugural Youth The CEO of the Mandela Children’s Fund, genuine role players, not ideas of self- Ms Sibongile Mkhabela, said although entitlements, but ideas based on the Summit on the theme: “A the fund is small, it achieved its principles of hard work.” Mandela in Every Generation” desired outcomes. “The fund had small re-enacted the ideals and seeds, but it managed to cater for the The Director for Domestic Tourism multiplicity of needs.” Facilitation in the Department of aspirations that now constitute Tourism, Mr Thulani Sibeko, said his the legacy of Nelson Mandela The National Arts Council (NAC) department has a variety of enterprise also participated in this consultative development programmes for the and his love and affection for discussion. Its Arts Development youth. children, writes Abel Mputing. Manager, Ms Julie Diphofa, presented on the NAC’s funding programmes to One of these is the chefs programme. The summit sought to create a empower young people involved in the “There are more than 100 young platform for the youth to share ideas arts. chefs who went to the United States and experiences, and to harness and other parts of the world on a them to create strategies to address Ms Diphofa was asked what the NAC learning programme. When they have unemployment and unequal access to does to stimulate employment in arts- completed their studies, they stand a life opportunities, so that the youth can related careers. She responded: “When good chance of gainful employment participate actively in the mainstream you are an artist, you don’t necessarily in the tourism industry. Those economy. have to be employed, you create passionate about cooking can join the your own employment either through programme.” Parliament believes that a new writing books, plays or setting up art approach is needed to achieve this, initiatives.” There are also hospitality, food an approach that was discussed security, blue flag and safety monitors in “Business with heart: Changing “Tourism is the new gold. We programmes, Mr Sibeko said. “These are some of the programmes that can the way we do business with the cannot always rely on our minerals youth”, which formed part of the enhance the career paths of those who as a source of our economic consultative discussions of the summit. have an interest in pursuing a career in The facilitator of this discussion, Ms empowerment for those previously the tourism sector.” Trisha Naicker, underlined the fact disadvantaged because they will in that the youth are key enablers in Those interested in entrepreneurial the future be depleted, but tourism creating sustainable entrepreneurial development can apply to be part of development initiatives in their won’t.” the department’s incubator programme. communities. “The regional initiatives “In this programme, we mentor those of the Mandela Children’s Fund continue Other questions for Ms Diphofa interested in starting a business in to encourage the youth to be social concerned how one could make a living tourism. We also introduce them to the entrepreneurs through its funding and in the arts world, as it is not properly value chain of the businesses of their skills development initiatives.” regulated. She responded: “It is difficult choice and the existing opportunities to intervene in such situations because thereof,” Mr Sibeko said. Through the Efeng Bacha: Give it to there are unions that operate in that the Youth initiative, the fund seeks space that are meant to protect artists’ “Tourism is the new gold. We cannot to nurture entrepreneurial spirit. rights. If they have a difficulty to do so, always rely on our minerals as a Founded in 2003, this initiative has they can approach us and we will see source of our economic empowerment assisted 300 youth projects to promote how we can help them to protect the for those previously disadvantaged youth entrepreneurship to date, said rights of the artists.” because they will in the future be its ambassador, Ms Nasiphi Bewana. depleted, but tourism won’t. It remains “The fund has assisted the youth to The Chief Whip of the City of our crown jewel. That is why we need formulate their business proposals and Ekurhuleni, Mr Dlabathi Jongizizwe, the youth to explore the sector and to explore the viability of their ideas.” presented his municipality’s plans, make use of the business opportunities including R100 million earmarked for it presents to them,” Mr Sibeko said, She advised the youth to make sure sports, arts, culture and other business concluding his contribution to the that they profile their businesses opportunities aimed at supporting discussion. well. “State clearly how the fund youth entrepreneurship. “The youth will be spent, how your business will must lobby us to ensure that they In her concluding remarks, the encourage social entrepreneurship. get access to the entrepreneurial facilitator of this discussion, Ms Naicker, Some youth projects are good, but opportunity available.” stated that the youth must believe their proposals don’t clearly stipulate with all their hearts, dream with all their potential to bring about economic However, he was quick to caution their minds and achieve with all their and social change in their respective the youth: “We want sustainable strengths. communities.” and genuine business ideas from

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 23 WOMEN IN ACTION

Women’s march demands emancipation from all forms of discrimination and violence #totalshutdown

Feminist gender activists, “We don’t feel safe in our own violence, which the union believes has communities. Our girl children are reached a crisis point. members of the LGBTIQ+ raped, killed and maimed by gangsters community, along with almost at will. We are here to call on The Total Shutdown’s Cape Town women from various groups government to disarm gangsters in our convener, Ms Onica Makwekwe, areas. The best that can be done now said South Africa lacks an integrated and affiliations converged on is to disarm gangsters who prey on girl approach to gender-based violence. Parliament in Cape Town in the children.” The march sought to address this by presenting Parliament with a list of 24 #TheTotalShutDown march to The first Deputy President of the South demands corresponding to the 24 years register their outrage against African Federation of Trade Unions, since a democratic government was Ms Nomvume Ralarala, said that in elected in South Africa. gender-based violence in South supporting the march, the union was Africa, reports Abel Mputing. not wearing union regalia because The list of demands included calls for a women’s issues are not party-political. gender summit in August and a review The march was a show of women’s They were there to make a statement of what has been attempted in the unity against this scourge and they in support of women’s emancipation past to curb violence against women. were unapologetic about holding the from all forms of discrimination and They also called for strict criteria for government accountable for failing violent abuse. gender mainstreaming in government to monitor, evaluate and implement departments. effective laws to deal with gender- On behalf of the union, Ms Ralarala based violence. A representative complained that task teams and judicial “We must ensure that they are of Mom’s Move for Justice, Ms Avril commissions of inquiry are often gender-sensitive in the broadest sense Andrews, said women are held hostage formed to address various crises facing possible, and understand the rights of in their own communities by gangs, the country. However, no task team or non-gender conforming people,” Ms who terrorise them at will. judicial commission of inquiry has been Makwekwe said. set up to investigate gender-based

24 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA WOMEN IN ACTION

There must also a national plan of eventually agreed to hand over the list Chairperson and the founder of action to devise new strategies, and to parliamentary officials. the Mitchells Plain-based women’s to monitor and evaluate existing organisation called Discover Your policies aimed at curbing gender-based “We can now see that our plight is Support, said as women they do not violence. Furthermore, a parliamentary not taken seriously,” Ms Makwekwe enjoy the fruits of freedom that men committee must conduct oversight over interjected. “In this country, one enjoy in South Africa. “The principle the policies and processes stipulated in woman gets killed in every hour. of equality between all South Africans this national action plan, to ensure that We are here not to just hand over enshrined in the Constitution is like it complies with the law and is adhered demands, we are also here to perform a meaningless gospel to us women. to. our anger. To demonstrate that we are Men just eloquently preach that. But tired of being maimed and we are here practise the direct opposite – and men The list of demands also called for because we want to die no more.” are the creators and implementers of government to launch a 365-day the persecution of women,” said Ms media campaign on gender rights She concluded: “If men are Orgio. “Women must stand up and free and advocacy for gender awareness unaccountable, we will hold the themselves from the tight shackles of on LGBTIQ+ and the non-gender government accountable. And if some bondage by men.” conforming community. Ms Makwekwe of our demands are not met on 9 emphasised: “We are not free until all August, we will be back here. We will Ms Portia Lujabe, who is a third year these demands are met.” be back here not to celebrate Women’s University of Stellenbosch student, Day, but to demand justice and said: “The rising abuse of women and The women participating in the freedom.” children by men can’t stop on its own. march had expected to hand the It demands a collective and strong memorandum of demands to Mava Lukani and Abel Mputing action of women from all walks of life Parliament’s presiding officers. When spoke to certain women when the to stop it. Lack of fight against it is they heard that the presiding officers #TheTotalShutDown women’s march tantamount to its promotion. As it rises, were not available to accept the was at Parliament. it becomes violent and kills its victims. demands, they objected angrily, but Ms Venetia Orgio, who is the We can’t fold our arms and watch it.”

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 25 INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

‘War against gender inequality cannot be won without involvement of men’

The Commonwealth Women African culture and tradition. “Patriarchy But for this to be successful, the CWP has for a long time prevented African has resolved to engage political parties Parliamentarians (CWP) Africa women from ascending to high political to ensure that they increase the Region Steering Committee is office. It’s this culture imbedded number of women’s representation on buoyed by the future prospects in African tradition that does not their parliamentary lists in the future. envisage women as capable of being of this body. The committee met leaders of any social, religious or To Ms Didiza it is not enough to only to reflect broadly on progress political formation or grouping that have women’s representation for the needs to be dismantled to enable sake of it, coupled with that is a need and a number of teething issues women to ascend the political ladder to capacitate women parliamentarians. affecting the advancement and based on their wherewithal and their To this effect, the CWP Africa Region intellectual competencies. That is is set to devise a training programme the promotion of women in being discriminated against on cultural that will mentor and provide women leadership positions in African grounds.” parliamentarians with leadership skills. “These are some of the strategic parliaments and legislatures, According to Ms Didiza one of the long- imperatives that I would like to see writes Abel Mputing. term solutions to uprooting the legacy implemented before the end of my of patriarchy is to motivate young tenure next year,” she said The CWP Steering Committee is a women to embrace politics as a career. statutory entity in terms of the CWP’s “And that in my view should start at an Organisationally, there is now a Constitution and is the one that early age and explain to them why it is resolve to have a database that will governs the activities of this body in important for them to occupy this space profile the work of the CWP in the the African Region. It also oversees the in our society,” she said. CPA Africa Region to heighten its aims work of various chapters of the CWP and objectives, and to be more visible aimed at advancing gender parity. The But most of all, Ms Dididza said, how on the ground. “We have witnessed 49th Commonwealth Parliamentary can women rights be promoted and the yields of our ground work,” she Association (CPA) Africa Region Elective protected if women don’t play a role in pointed out. “Now when African Conference themed “The Role of African championing them. “These are some parliaments send their representations Parliaments in Fostering National and of the strategies we, as CWP, want to to CPA conferences, they make sure Regional Security” which took place implement.” that there is, on balance, an equitable from 13-22 August was hosted by representation of women in their Botswana. To ensure that the CWP Africa Region delegations,” she said. does not lose sight of its cause, once Ms Thoko Didiza who is the Deputy a year it holds a gender sensitisation “These are successes that are not often Speaker of the National Assembly is the workshop. This year the Africa Region recorded, but irrespective of that, we Chairperson of the CWP Africa Region. gender sensitisation workshop was should not overlook them for they have In her mid-term tenure, Ms Didiza is held in KwaZulu Natal. a bearing on the profile of the CWP on more than convinced that the CWP has the continent,” she added. made some inroads in ensuring that Ms Didiza said they come up with the constitutions of respective member strategies to support female candidates What remains a challenge, she pointed states of the CPA are in line with in countries that are scheduled to out, is the coordination of the CWP sub- various gender equality instruments to hold general elections, such as Sierra regions in Africa. A resolution has been which they are signatories. Leone, which held its election in taken by the CWP Steering Committee April, Swaziland, Botswana as well as that they should use the platform In addition to that, during her tenure Rwanda, which will hold their elections provided by the 49th Commonwealth she re-energised regional gender later in the year. Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa advocacy workshops to overcome Region Elective Conference to propose gender stereotypes embedded in a model for coordination to create a

26 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

synergy among CWP sub-regions so that this body can be more coherent in its cause.

In her view, what is often overlooked in the fight against gender discrimination is the need for the involvement of men as champions of gender equality. According to her, the war against gender inequality cannot be won without the involvement of men.

“The struggle for women’s rights is a struggle for human rights. And we cannot, in my view, win this war without working together or standing side-by-side with men in overcoming gender inequality. Because gender equality is not only a women’s matter, it also involves men.”

CPA Africa Region is part of the CPA International Organisation comprised of African countries that were formally under the British rule, with limited exceptions. Some of these countries are also members of other regional and international bodies such as the Pan African Parliament (PAP), the Inter- Ms Thoko Didiza Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Southern African Development Community- Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF), the East Africa Legislative Assembly and the Economic Community of West African “Patriarchy has for a long time prevented African States (Ecowas). The membership to CPA Africa Region is open to national women from ascending to high political office. It’s this parliaments and provincial or state or culture imbedded in African tradition that does not territorial legislatures. envisage women as capable of being leaders of any South Africa’s national Parliament has sent a high-powered delegation social, religious or political formation or grouping that to this conference that included needs to be dismantled to enable women to ascend the the Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region Executive Committee, Ms political ladder based on their wherewithal and their Lindiwe Maseko, the Chairperson intellectual competencies. That is being discriminated of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP), Ms Thoko against on cultural grounds.” Didiza, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli. Thoko Didiza

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 27 CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

Celebrating the life and times of two giants of our liberation

As part of the centenary “Throughout their lives, our icons faced Also taking part in the debate, the numerous obstacles, yet they never Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms Thandi celebrations for former President once waivered in their fight for a better Modise, said these two icons’ sacrifices Nelson Mandela and Ms South Africa. Living in a democracy, and contributions are engraved in our Albertina Sisulu, the National as we do today with our human country’s political fabric. This debate rights and dignity protected by the allowed Members of the NCOP an Council of Provinces (NCOP) held Constitution, it’s all too easy to forget opportunity to reflect on their legacy a debate: “Celebrating the life the circumstances they faced,” she said. and their contribution to our freedom and democracy. and times of two great giants This centenary gives all South Africans of our liberation” as the second an opportunity to recommit to the “It is befitting that we gather today principles of social cohesion, freedom to pay respect and reflect on the lives parliamentary term drew to a and democracy. “Both Mama Albertina of South Africa’s two giants: Nelson close, writes Abel Mputing. Sisulu and Madiba dedicated their Mandela and Albertina Sisulu. It is lives to ensuring a better and more important to reflect on who and what Opening the debate, the Minister united South Africa. The 100th year they stood for. They may be gone but of Communications Ms Nomvula anniversary of the lives of these two their sacrifice and contributions are Mokonyane, stated that the legacy of remarkable people is an opportunity to engraved in the townships and villages Mr Nelson Mandela and Ms Albertina recommit ourselves to their principles of our country.” Sisulu will endure forever, and they by building the nation we envisioned at remain the shining beacons of the the start of our democracy.” Their fight for non-racialism and non- sort of society we are striving to build. sexism constitutes one of the lasting

28 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS

legacies of their contribution to our diligence, and they embraced the plight The leader of the Western Cape social make-up, she said. “They were of others. delegation to the NCOP, Ms Cathlene freedom fighters leading the oppressed Labuschagne, said the history of Mr from all sides. They were Africans “It is befitting that we gather today Mandela and Ms Sisulu is a history to leading all cultures and languages. be respected and remembered, and They were non-racial, leading the to pay respect and reflect on the should be the foundation upon which apartheid-defying progressive forces: lives of South African’s two giants: South Africa is be built. the Tripartite Alliance [an alliance Nelson Mandela and Albertina between the African National Congress “Albertina Sisulu’s legendary work is as Sisulu." Thandi Modise (ANC), the Congress of South African an anti-apartheid activist and the roles Trade Unions and the South African she played in various organisations and “They stood for liberties and rights; Communist Party] and the Federation of structures, such as the ANC, Fedsaw, they stood for correction and South African Women (Fedsaw), among the United Democratic Front, and as a advancement of others, not their own. other organisations, eventually leading Member of Parliament, as well as her They were both hard task masters; us all towards non-sexism and non- more than 50 years’ commitment to they would not relent or let you be racialism.” the liberation struggle. if you were not up for the task. They were rough on behalf of the people Ms Modise said Mr Mandela and Ms The Albertina Sisulu Foundation is and on matters of the advancement of the Sisulu remain points of reference will always be inspirational, not only to majority, as well as the minority. They because of their personal values of women, but to all those who believe in focused on the majority, but did not honesty, frankness, dependability, freedom and the dignity of all people,” leave the individual out of the loop.” consistency, patience, humbleness and she said.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 29 INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Mbete calls for international cooperation to ‘protect vulnerable migrants, particularly women and children’ South Africa is committed entitled to social services and certain by young people worldwide regarding social grants, employment, healthcare access to health services, in particular, towards cooperating with other and education. To this end, the IPU those related to the treatment of HIV/ nation states to ensure the condemned what it termed “hate Aids. They “reiterated calls for an creation and implementation crimes against migrants and refugees” internationally recognised target for and called on parliaments to defend youth participation in parliaments and of more progressive policies organisations which support and protect called on the IPU to take the lead on to alleviate the international them. this issue”.

refugee crisis, writes Brent The 744 Members of Parliament (MPs) To this end, the IPU amended its Simons. who attended the IPU Assembly also Statutes and Rules to allow Member condemned the discrimination and Parliaments “to increase the number of Addressing the 138th Inter- abuse of refugees and migrants while representatives attending an Assembly Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU- calling on greater participation of youth with the critical stipulation that one of 138) held in Geneva, Switzerland, the and women in politics. them is a young parliamentarian. The Speaker of the National Assembly, IPU hopes that this will inspire more Ms Baleka Mbete, proposed that The Assembly, held under the youth participation in politics. parliaments worldwide must “ensure theme: “Strengthening the Global Delegates “also put forward a that their respective countries put Regime for Migrants and Refugees: comprehensive list of actions that in place mechanisms, including The Need for Evidence-Based Policy parliaments can take to promote legislation and budgets to implement Solutions”, emphasised the critical the ratification of the Treaty on the the commitments enshrined in the role of parliaments in transforming the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons” New York Declaration for Refugees and aspirations of the two Global Compacts –reminding the international Migrants adopted by the Heads of State – one on migrants and the other on parliamentary community “that the and Government at the United Nations refugees – into national laws. use of these weapons is prohibited by Summit on 19 September 2016”. international law”. According to the IPU, this declaration Ms Mbete also used this opportunity “asserted that migration, when properly “MPs attending the Forum of Women to remind delegates of the late managed, contributes to greater well- Parliamentarians denounced the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s view that being and prosperity”. Recognising that obstacles blocking women from dealing with the issue of refugees and the flight of refugees from persecution participating in politics, foremost displaced people was “inextricably and conflict was not new, it called on among them, being inadequate linked to achieving peace, upholding “those who provide them with the education. The session concluded with the rule of law and entrenching a protection and assistance they need” an urgent call for concrete actions to human rights culture and democracy”. to be supported by the international increase women’s participation and community. representation in politics.” “The solution”, Ms Mbete reminded the IPU, “is in effective global governance MPs who attended the IPU Assembly The 139th IPU Assembly, scheduled for with rules . . . supported by appropriate also “tackled sustainable development early October, will also examine the policies . . . in both birth and host issues related to health, renewable possibility of adopting a declaration that countries”. To achieve this, Ms Mbete energy, and conflict prevention”. They, encompasses the principles and ideals called for international cooperation to according an IPU statement, reminded that define Nelson Mandela as part of protect vulnerable migrants, particularly governments of their responsibility celebrating the Centenary of Nelson women and children. to “leave no one behind” in their Mandela. For this to be achieved, South development efforts. Africa has compiled and submit a Using South Africa as an example, she document describing the principles and said, refugees and asylum seekers were In addition, young MPs who attended ideals that Nelson Mandela stood for to the Assembly denounced barriers faced the IPU by July 2018.

30 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA OBITUARYHEADING

Tribute Ms Zeldato Jongbloed

The Fifth Parliament lost one of its Members in July while Parliament was in recess, Ms Zelda Jongbloed who passed away on 21 July 2018. Ms Jongbloed joined Parliament after the 2014 general elections and was sworn in is a Member of the National Assembly.

Parliament’s Presiding Officers, on behalf of Parliament, extended sincere condolences on the death of Ms Jongbloed who passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Ms Jongbloed was a seasoned, feisty journalist for some 40 years before she became a Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament in 2014. She served, with dedication on several parliamentary committees – the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration as well as Performance Monitoring and Evaluation and the Multiparty Women’s Caucus Committee.

In Ms Jongbloed’s passing, Parliament has lost one of the hardest-working public representatives and a true patriot who served the nation with diligence and dedication.

“Our thoughts are with the family, the friends of Ms Jongbloed, her colleagues and the Democratic Alliance, which she represented in Parliament. We wish you strength at this time of loss and grief. May her soul rest in peace.”

Speaking at Ms Jongbloed’s funeral, her friends described her as a patriot who was prepared to sacrifice her life for her country.

Her time in Parliament was a realisation of what she did all her life. She was described as someone wo placed other people above her position.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 31 OUR SOUTH AFRICA – THE SUN The sun heals the divisions of the past, improves the quality of life of all South Africans, frees the potential of each person and builds a united and democratic South Africa, taking its rightful place as a sovereign state in the family of nations.

OUR PEOPLE – THE PROTEA LEAVES Our people, building on the foundation of a democratic and open society, freely elect representatives, acting as a voice of the people and providing a national forum for public consideration of issues.

OUR PARLIAMENT – THE DRUM The drum calls the people’s Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, to consider national and provincial issues, ensuring government by the people under the Constitution.

OUR CONSTITUTION – THE BOOK Our Constitution lays the foundation for a democratic and open society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights. It is the supreme law of our country, and ensures government by the people.

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