Vol 03 Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of Issue 03, 2021

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA www.parliament.gov.za parliamentofrsa 2 INSESSION NEWS Youth Day - Parliament calls on young people to help SA defeat covid19 and rebuild the economy

Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by Speaker of the National Assembly Ms and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Mr , joined the nation in commemorating Youth Day.

The historic event of 16 June Additionally, the Labour Force Fourth Industrial Revolution efforts will help build a 1976 still echoes in our minds Survey indicates a rise in the were amongst issues sharply better quality of life for all as it remains immortalised in unemployment rate, meaning raised in the 2020 youth young people free from all South Africa. Young people the official unemployment parliament. Young people social ills”, said the Presiding of South Africa rejected the rate among the youth (18 advocated for the overhaul Officers. brutal apartheid system -34 years) stands at 46.3 per of the education system and As we mark Youth Day, by mobilising themselves cent in the first quarter of the strengthening of the Parliament urges South and peacefully taking to 2021. The rate of unemployed TVET colleges. It will help Africans to work for hand in the streets demanding university graduates stands at mainstream them to be ‘job glove with the government that their voices be heard. 9.3%. creators rather than ‘job and help curb the spread The march was against an This scenario has caused the seeker’. of COVID-19. As the country unjust education system Sixth Parliament to prioritise Young people also called for moved back to alert level-3 to aimed at undermining and skills development through widened opportunities to learn curb the spread of infections, restricting their intellectual its constitutional mandate skills and optimise the Fourth the Presiding Officers called development. The cruel to oversee executive action. Industrial Revolution. As such, on all citizens, young people apartheid system violently Most of this work is done at to ensure that issues receive in particular, to adhere to all retaliated, killing many committee level, also known the necessary attention, one health safety protocols. unarmed young people. The as Parliament’s engine rooms of the mechanisms employed “We owe it to the 1976 young event became a defining where government ministers by Parliament to establish liberators to ensure that we moment in the history of and senior government progress on work done by build the South Africa of South Africa serving as a officials are held accountable the ministers is through our dreams free from the stark reminder to all that for their actions. ministerial briefing sessions. pandemic and social ills. We democracy was achieved Further, through its In August, the National shall overcome this traumatic through bloodshed and constitutional mandate of Council of Provinces will period because we are a sacrifice. providing a national forum have a Ministerial Briefing nation of hope. We want According to the Presiding for public consideration of Session on Youth Poverty young people to be at the Officers “there is no doubt issues, the hosting of the and Unemployment themed: helm, driving the economic that young people in South youth parliament helps “Interventions to address recovery post the pandemic. Africa today face a myriad young people bring to the youth unemployment and It is possible as the young of challenges, including the fore their challenges. In poverty”. people are ready to exploit high rate of unemployment return, Parliament can gauge “Through our constitutional all opportunities provided by accompanied by various forms the pulse of the youth and mandate and power, the pandemic through the 4th of social ills, poverty and the activate a programme of Parliament commits to Industrial revolution”, added difficulties associated with the action. addressing issues affecting the Presiding Officers. COVID-19 pandemic.” Skills development and the young people. Our collective YOUTH DAY DEBATE 3 NCOP Youth Day Debate – SA Youth are central to meeting the goals of the NDP

Editor The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) held a debate to mark Youth Day on the theme: Brent Simons Youth Development Through Access to Higher Education and Expanded Access to Skills Production editor Development, writes Abel Mputing. Speakers affirmed the centrality of South African youth Mava Lukani in the developmental agenda and political future of the South African youth. Design and layout MIND TRIX MEDIA inclusive growth. Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula Another NCOP delegate, Writers Ms Brenda Mathevula, Mava Lukani, Abel Mputing, said today’s youth are still Sakhile Mokoena, Sureshinee Govender, Malatswa Molepo, subjected to the same Sibongile Maputi, Rajaa Azzakani hardships as 45 years ago. “They are still getting shot and Photography Mlandeli Puzi, arrested by government when Zwelethemba Kostile they call for equal and free education.” Like before, she Distribution & subscriptions Jacqueline Zils said it’s still the black youth in underprivileged communities Publisher Parliament of the Republic of in rural areas that are South Africa compelled to study under the trees, in mud schools, Printer Vision Enterprises with no textbooks and to be subjected to unqualified Section Manager: Publishing and Production teachers. Under these Shirley Montsho conditions, the black youth will continue to have no full Copyright INSESSION is is published by participation in the economy the Information and Content because they will remain Development Unit of the Parliamentary Communication unemployed, unemployable Services of the Parliament and uneducated. of the Republic of South Africa. All material published is In his opening address, the from poor backgrounds. Well “Many South African youth copyrighted and cannot be NCOP Delegate, Mr Stephenus reproduced without the written Deputy Minister of Higher over R25 billion has been set is born in poverty and find du Toit, said despite all the permission of the publisher. Education, Mr , aside to support students in it difficult to have access to huge investment in education, reminded that this year’s universities for textbooks and tertiary education. And if they EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES billions of rands go to waste Telephone 021 403 8738 celebration marks 25 years living expenses.” do and are qualified, they due to mismanagement in the Fax 021 403 8096 since the adoption of a can’t find decent jobs because E-mail sector. This has affected the [email protected] democratic Constitution and To prepare the youth for this economy can’t carry their youth’s skills development Subscriptions 45 years after the outbreak of the challenges of the Fourth hopes.” programmes and led to the [email protected] the June16 Soweto Uprising. Industrial Revolution, the Post loss of job opportunities. PO Box 15, , 8000 The government’s primary department has heightened She advised the government However, he urged young goal, he said, is to ensure that its investment in technology to encourage the youth to take OUR IDEALS people not to give up hope. the youth acquires education to avert the digital divide artisan careers to gain the Vision An activist and responsive and training to obtain the brought about by the advent necessary skills to “compete, A Member of the people’s Parliament that skills necessary to meet of Covid-19 and to encourage to enter and stay in the labour improves the quality of life of Provincial Legislature, Mr South Africans and ensures the goals of the National the youth to acquire critical market. And to contribute Beki Lubes, advocated for the enduring equality in Development Plan (NDP). digital skills to curb skills in building our country’s our society. youth to be employed in the shortages in this constantly economy”. Strategic Objectives agricultural sector. This will Strengthening oversight and “We have a resolve to skill the expanding sector. ensure food security and make accountability; black youth by ensuring there One of the young delegates enhancing public involvement; them aware of the value deepening engagement in is an increased uptake of black However, during the debate, to the NCOP, Mr Itumeleng chain of this sector, the career international fora; youth in higher education many participants noted Ntsube, called for the strengthening cooperative paths and entrepreneurial to expand and address skills that the weak economy broadening of black economic government; opportunities it can afford strengthening legislative shortages that are needed and would struggle to carry the empowerment requirements them, and this will reduce the capacity. their active participation in the aspirations of the South to include the youth and rate youth unemployment. BOOK A TOUR labour market. This is linked African youth. Ms Karabo women. This will integrate To tour Parliament to the department’s increase Khahau of the Free State them into the mainstream Mr called on Telephone 021 403 2266 of funding for black students Provincial Legislature said: economy and bring about E-mail [email protected] the private sector to invest 4 INSESSION NEWS in technical colleges to marked the instant arousal improve their standards and Struggle stalwart of political consciousness make them the institutions among the oppressed and of choice for the youth. He was given expression through added that the government remembers June 16, the slogans which began to should play a role in creating proliferate across the length awareness of the relevance and breadth of our country, of technical colleges in our 1976 calling not only for the economy and in addressing This year marks the 45th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student reversal of the government’s skills shortages in the job language policy, but expressed market. “Government must uprisings., Insession writer Mava Lukani took the opportunity to brazen demands to end promote technical colleges talk to Mr Murphy Morobe, who was a student leader at Morris apartheid and grant political as an alternative sector for Isaacson High School on that fateful day. freedom and equality to all. skills development, youth entrepreneurship, career ML: We are told that the paths and employment if we protest was inherently non- MM: Tsietsi Mashinini’s were to ensure that the youth violent. Some of today’s leadership qualities were not play an active role in our students have been known in doubt among those of us mainstream economy, in their to torch and destroy their who were involved with him lifetime.” resources to put pressure on in the Morris Isaacson branch the authorities. What is your of the South African Student comment? Movement. An articulate and extroverted individual, MM: Following on the deaths he was to be the natural resulting from police brutality choice for chairmanship in trying to disperse the of the Action Committee marchers on the day, the we established on 13 June evening sky was lit by scores 1976 with the primary of government buildings that responsibility of organising were set alight by township the entire high school residents angered by the student body of Soweto to police use of live ammunition take to the streets in protest against unarmed student on 16 June. protesters. All government infrastructure was targeted, He, like most of us, as it was seen as representing Mr Murphy Morobe embraced a vision of a the apartheid system. It must South Africa in which be reiterated that it was never Mava Lukani: Your demand of the student uprising and its education would be free and the intention of the organisers of “Down with Afrikaans” driving force? underpinned by values of of the marchers to be violent. in your memorandum of democracy, itself predicated However, our alienation from demands was a lobbying MM: Morris Isaacson was one on the key principle of black these representations of point and one of the of a number of high schools in liberation from the yoke of apartheid rule over us was students’ central demands. Soweto that took the struggle apartheid. total. As they say, the genie to the streets on the June 16. was out of the bottle, and it Murphy Morobe: To us, It was Orlando West Junior ML: June, 16 1976 will was never going back. “Down with Afrikaans!” Secondary School, together remain as a watershed day was a rebellion, not against with Belle Primary School, that in the history of the South the language per se, but had been boycotting classes in African struggle and this year against its application by protest against Afrikaans long marks the 45th anniversary the apartheid regime as before June 16. It was through of that fateful day. What is a tool for the deepening the mobilisation of all the high your comment on that? of oppression against schools by the South African Africans. We understood its Student Movement (SASM) MM: There can be no imposition as having nothing that a critical mass of student gainsaying the fact that to do with the educational support was reached, leading the event of June 16th, 45 advancement of the black up to the day of the march. So years ago, was pivotal in child, but rather a well- while Morris Isaacson played changing and expediting the established disposition of a pivotal role, it cannot be course of liberation leading conquerors to diminish the solely characterised as the to victory over the apartheid conquered of their sense of “springboard” of the student government. From protesting self-esteem by denying them uprising. against the imposition of their inalienable right to Afrikaans as a medium their language in which their ML: You were in the same of instruction in black values and cultural norms class with Tsietsi Mashinini. schools, the protest rapidly are embedded. Can you briefly tell us about progressed from being him and his vision for a non- merely about the language ML: Was Morris Isaacson racial and democratic future issue to a full-blown struggle High School the springboard South Africa? against apartheid rule. It PARLIAMENT PEO 5

Youth in the Covid-19 era and beyond: Development through free higher education and expanded access to skills development

The Covid-19 pandemic has left devastating to present a logical solution promote leadership, and foster the economy towards digital to enforcing social distancing partnerships across various transformation. effects on all people across the globe. In South within communities, fronts. The NDP also mandates Africa, the impact of Covid-19 is felt by every prolonged closures tend to the government to develop a During the briefing session, part of society, particularly young women and have a disproportionately national e-strategy, which will the department discussed men, girls and boys. Over the years, the South negative impact on the most underpin the development its annual performance plan vulnerable students. They of an inclusive information (APP) including plans to African youth faced challenges ranging from have fewer opportunities society and knowledge transition the economy to academic and economic exclusion to limited for learning at home, and economy. The government’s the digital era. Some of the entrepreneurial support. These challenges their time out of school economic recovery plan must key outcomes reflected in the may present economic include and involve the youth department’s five-year plan are worsened by the lingering impact of the burdens for parents who may to ease the impact of COVID-19 (2020-2025) include: Covid-19 pandemic, writes Parliament’s face challenges in finding on young South Africans. • Plans to implement digital Public Education Office. prolonged childcare, or even transformation legislation; adequate food in the absence Youth development • Amendment of the Electronic of school meals. There is a advancement goals and Communications and need to balance the return commitments are outlined Transactions Act (2002) to to school and managing the in the National Youth Policy create enabling legislation associated risks of Covid-19 to 2020 (NYP2020). Free for the digital transformation learners and educators. Many higher education and skills of the South African tertiary level learners may not development are urged economy; and complete their studies and through bursaries (e.g. • Implementation of the might not qualify to enter the National Student Financial Digital and Future Skills formal job market, joining Aid Scheme and the strategy, to ensure that the the thousands of unemployed Lushaka Bursary Scheme), majority of South Africans young people (Mhlanga & internships and learnerships. are skilled in the aspects of Moloi, 2020). The initiation, facilitation, digital transformation. implementation, coordination The Bill of Rights addresses and monitoring of youth The Digital and Future Skills the need and responsibility development interventions to Strategy has since been of the state to put measures reduce youth unemployment gazetted and is a public in place “to promote the is the core mandate of the document. achievement of equality” National Youth Development and “to protect or advance Agency (NYDA). Youth need Parliament’s Portfolio Government’s response to learning has been carried out persons, or categories of to engage with the NYDA Committee on Covid-19 and the impact on by means of the combination persons, disadvantaged by to identify opportunities Communications will monitor young people guided by the of face-to-face and online unfair discrimination”. This available to improve their lives the implementation of the Disaster Management Act to ensure that learning means that the time for digital by actively participating in department’s plan and (2002), Covid-19 regulations takes place in the changing transformation for South youth development initiatives. ensure accountability. Young were put in place to combat lockdown levels. The lingering Africa has arrived. It requires people must participate to the spread of the coronavirus. question, “Is the youth well an inclusive approach that Parliament’s response to the make sure that laws being It is not business as usual. prepared and equipped to benefits every South African, youth of the Covid-19 era processed by Parliament For example, educational adjust to these movements particularly young people, represent their views. Youth institutions have had to to the digitisation of the irrespective of geographic Parliament’s committees also have a crucial role to change the way in which economy?” (Mhlanga & Moloi, location and other divides. have also had to adapt to play in Parliament’s oversight learning takes place. In 2020). There are disparities in new ways of carrying out function and the accountability response to dealing with terms of inequitable social and The National Development their law-making, oversight of government departments. lockdown regulations, new economic status and digital Plan (NDP) presents a way and public involvement Those affected by a decision ways of working and learning access to ensure equal entry forward for the successful mandate in the work of have a right to be involved in have taken effect. At the into online learning and in the transformation of our nation. Parliament. For example, the decision-making process, beginning of lockdown, new working realities. Not all It sets out how to do this by the Portfolio Committee including its monitoring and physical and face-to-face South African learners are able drawing on the skills and on Communications evaluation. This process will classroom and lecture-based to access and benefit from the energies of the nation to grow called the Department of ensure that youth have their learning was replaced by combination of face-to-face a more inclusive economy, Communications and Digital say on all matters of concern online learning platforms. and online learning. enhance the capacity of the Technologies for a briefing to to them, including job creation state, build new capabilities, discuss their plans to move opportunities to alleviate Since lockdown level 4, “While school closures seem 6 INSESSION NEWS poverty and acquiring the target should reach 7% by necessary skills to adapt to the 2030 and the shortages of NA Speaker highlights new normal. special needs schools should be addressed; Participation of youth in • Enterprises must get need to invest in ICT Parliament’s legislative contracts only if they can and other processes of demonstrate that 25% of Tabling of Parliament’s Budget Vote in the National Assembly (NA), contributes to a multi-sectoral their employees are youth; the Speaker of the NA, Ms Thandi Modise, highlighted the need for participatory democracy • Create a state bank that that emphasises the broad will address the challenges the national legislature to invest in information and communications participation of stakeholders of lack of access to finance technology (ICT) and have a relook at the employment processes in the direction and operation for micro and small medium and models to adjust to the fast-changing world of work, Sakhile of governance. The Youth enterprises and youth Mokoena. Parliament held in 2020 owned enterprises; agreed to resolutions to • The NYDA should help advance the interests of youth. young people formulate One of the resolutions was to successful business realise free education for all. plans before they submit applications for funding; Active citizenship must be • Youth business ventures in facilitated and encouraged by the agriculture sector must remembering the sacrifices be encouraged; made by the youth of 1976. • There should be a transition By doing so, the youth can strategy for youth to move build on this legacy and from internships to jobs; contribute to the realisation of • Open up government the goals of the African Youth infrastructure to private Charter (2006). This charter companies that support the provides a strategic framework employment of youth; for youth empowerment and • Provide a grant for youth development activities at looking for work to cover Ms Modise said in response (MPs) to ensure that they Joint Standing Committee on the continental, regional and the cost of preparing and to the coronavirus, Parliament adequately represent the the Financial Management national levels across Africa. It sending CVs to prospective had to adjust to new public. of Parliament, Ms Peace addresses key issues affecting employers; organisational and procedural Mabe, said the submissions youth, including youth • Youth Parliament should solutions for legislative work Ms Modise also acknowledged at the Zondo Commission of participation, employment, not be a once off event and to continue during Covid-19. that though times have Inquiry into allegations of sustainable livelihoods, Parliament should prepare “We are ready to accept that changed, the country and state capture were critical education, skills development, a progress report on virtual, hybrid and work from world were still dealing and should be used as a health, national youth policy, progress made on issues home systems will be with us with poverty, inequality and lesson to improve the work peace and security, law raised in previous Youth for a while as we must hold rising joblessness, and that of Parliament. enforcement, youth in the Parliaments; and the executive to account. The the coronavirus pandemic diaspora, and youth with • There must be greater challenges of the lockdown has simply increased and “The submissions have disabilities. representation of youth notwithstanding, we exaggerated the contradictions taught us that our and vulnerable groups in managed to have oversight under a non-performing world committees are not YOUTH PARLIAMENT Parliament. work (first in clusters and economy, which engender adequately resourced, are 2020 RESOLUTIONS then as committees). Reports deep feelings of fear and not vigilant enough, do were produced. Oversight frustration. not follow through enough • Reconsider the film and visits were conducted. and often are reliant television sector support Law-making sessions took She also touched on the on what comes before by the Department of Trade, place. Public hearings were Constitutional Court ruling them rather than taking Industry and Competition held; interviews for crucial that independent candidates what is presented as a (DTIC) to ensure that it government posts were should be allowed to stand trigger to begin their own supports youth and local held; quarterly reports, and for office without belonging investigations. companies; budget votes conducted. Our to any political party, and said • Develop youth specific international work, as well Parliament must meet the “Our oversight must ask incentives to support as international agreements, deadline given by the court to questions, follow up programmes, similar to were processed. We held at enact the required law. on issues and not draw the National Empowerment least 48 virtual meetings.” assumptions. When Fund (NEF) for black Parliament also hopes to allegations are made, entrepreneurs; The Speaker also affirmed increase public awareness by committees must demand • Develop strategies in that Parliament will continue featuring programmes and facts and evidence and act collaboration with the to focus on the resolve to documentaries on Parliament informed by the balance private sector to reduce the strengthen its performance TV, to boost access to of evidence. For this to cost of data for the and to improve efficiency in information and educational happen, we have to address purposes of education and law-making and oversight, materials to the public, and to the resources allocated to small businesses; and to constantly look at the increase participation in law- Parliament,” Ms Mabe said. • Free education for all must performance and needs of making and oversight. be realised; committees and individual She said the current budget • Persons with disabilities Members of Parliament The Co-Chairperson of the allocation to Parliament, PARLIAMENT BUDGET VOTE 7 by the admission of the to make Parliament truly funds that Parliament saved Mulder said. but some MPs that failed National Treasury, is going the people’s Parliament. Our from travel and hoisting South Africa. It is regrettable to have a negative impact people from Mpumalanga, events such as the State of The African Christian that the Speaker apologised on Parliament’s efforts to Limpopo, North West, Free the Nation Address should be Democratic Party (ACDP) for Parliament, but it was increase its effectiveness. State and some people from reallocated to Parliamentary wants Parliament to return not Parliament that failed, it Parliament’s allocation for KwaZulu-Natal will be able Constituency Offices to ensure to a state of normality and was ANC deployees and MPs this financial year is R2.6 to drive to Parliament, make these were fully functional for the Covid-19 state of that failed South Africa. While billion. Ms Mabe proposed their input on legislation, hold and resourced. “These offices emergency regulations to be the opposition tried to hold a thorough review on how the executive to account and should be functioning as a subjected to parliamentary the executive to account, the Parliament is resourced still be able to go back to their conduit allowing constituency scrutiny. “If we are serious ruling party mollycoddled without compromising families, something that they challenges and problems about holding the executive and defended the executive on its independence and cannot do currently because to reach the highest levels to account, we need to amend in committees and in the constitutional status. Cape Town for many is a very of government. However, the Disaster Management House”. foreign country”. looking at the budget set Act to improve parliamentary The Deputy Chief Whip of the aside for constituency offices oversight and to stop The National Freedom Official Opposition in the NA, Mr Narend Signh, the and allowances, the objective executive encroachment on Party’s Mr Ahmed Shaik- Mr , claimed Chief `Whip of the Inkatha of taking Parliament to the the legislative authority of Emam was concerned about that the Parliament’s Freedom Party (IFP) in the people will most certainly not Parliament,” said Mr Steve the lack of follow-up on programmes, targets and NA, commended Parliament be met. Swart of the ACDP. committee oversight reports performance indicators are for its response to Covid-19 and implementation of skewed, and that there was by adopting a new normal “The IFP suggests that we The call for Parliament to recommendations. “The issue no performance indicator as well as embracing the utilise the savings from go back to normality was of oversight is a concern. for quality on the budget Fourth Industrial Revolution in travel and other costs and supported by Mr Nqabayomzi While all political parties vote. “These targets and terms of the manner in which reallocate them to ensure Kwankwa of the United participate in the oversight performance indicators will parliamentary business was that constituency offices are Democratic Movement (UDM) process, all we do when we not wake up Parliament. This conducted. viable conduits in addressing with the view that “while come back is that the reports budget will keep Parliament and attending to queries virtual meetings have served are adopted by Parliament. fast asleep and an expected “The question that must be from members of the public,” their purpose, but to some That’s where it ends and it apology again over the years asked is whether we were added Mr Singh. extent Parliament is beginning goes into the bin, with very to come,” said Mr Julius. able to fulfil our mandate and to lose its home ground little or nothing happening, no responsibilities as servants Mr Corne Mulder of advantage due to virtual consequences based on the He also accused of the citizenry. The answer the meetings”. He also suggested reports and our findings, and parliamentarians from the to some extent is in the dismissed the argument that that at some point Parliament we believe that is a problem,” ruling party of not doing affirmative. We admit we have Parliament’s problems stem needs to consider conducting he said. enough to hold the executive passed budget, considered from inadequately resourced a study on the effectiveness of accountable and called on legislation, received committees. “In my view the virtual oversight meetings. Mr Shaik-Emam also them to “ask uncomfortable ministerial reports and had problem is that the executive demanded better clarity questions and stop the question sessions. However, and legislative branches of Reacting to the Speaker’s on the management of sweetheart questions” due to Covid-19 we were the state are too close to one submission to the Zondo constituency funds, saying to Ministers and Deputy not able to engage with the another, if there is stronger Commission where she currently there is not enough Ministers. public as per normal. We are separation between the apologised for Parliament’s clarity on exactly what the accountable to the people in executive and the legislative failure to follow up on funds can and cannot be used The Economic Freedom the first place,” he said. branch, it will be better allegations of state capture, for. “We want more clarity, but Fighters (EFF), through its and more easy to keep the Mr Kwankwa argued that “it also importantly, to ensure Member of Parliament, Ms Mr Singh suggested that the executive to account,” Mr was not Parliament that failed, that those funds are used for , rejected the right purpose, that is, to the proposed budget of promote Parliament to the Parliament, arguing that people,” said Mr Shaik-Emam. it was informed by “a misguided austerity doctrine Al Jama’ah complained about which seeks to collapse the the lack of support from the state, including the collapse Parliamentary Legal Services of the democratically elected to smaller parties in drafting public representatives and processing Private to hold the government Members’ Bills (PMB). “Where accountable”. Parliament is lacking in supporting Private Members’ She also added her voice Bills by smaller parties, they on the debate about the can’t discriminate against us. feasibility of relocating We submitted a PMB some Parliament, saying that to time ago and there seems continue to have Parliament to be no progress. Smaller in Cape Town was “simply to parties must be given the please colonial arrangements same assistance as the that sought to bring together governing party,” pleaded white colonial racists. We Al Jama’ah Member of the must move Parliament to a National Assembly, Mr Ganief central location accessible to Hendricks. the majority of our people 8 INSESSION NEWS

parliamentary programme enterprises, which all require to provide more time for different skills sets,” she said. Covid-19 increases committee and constituency activities. Mr Moletsane Moletsane Parliament’s resolve said Parliament’s 8.7% cut Amidst the need to improve is higher than that of the MPs’ law-making and government departments. to embrace the 4th oversight capacities and “How is Parliament expected to ensure Parliament is to fulfil its mandate when its Industrial Revolution innovative in executing budget is lower than those it’s its mandate, Mr Masondo meant to oversee?” he asked. In the Parliament’s Budget Vote, the Chairperson of the National mentioned the impact of budget cuts. “There are Making an analogy to Council of Province (NCOP), Mr Amos Masondo, gave a broad projections of R257 million underscore the effect of overview of how the NCOP fared in the last financial year and what it cuts in 2021/22, R339 budget cuts, the House seeks to improve on, writes Abel Mputing. million in 2022/23 and Chairperson for Committees, R296 million in 2023/24.” Mr Jomo Nyambi, said: “How This will put a squeeze on do you expect under-resourced Parliament’s strategic plans police officers to pursue and Parliament has therefore wealthy criminals?” Comparing called on Treasury to consider South Africa to the United parliament’s budgetary Kingdom (UK), he said: “In baseline review. the UK, a committee Member has more than five assistants, Participating in the debate, ranging from legal and policy Ms Sonja Boshoff, expressed experts to economists if need concern about the lack of be in order for the committee robust engagement with the Member to have sufficient legislation that comes before support to conduct his or her the NCOP. “This contributes work efficiently. With so much to the NCOP simply rubber- cuts, that is a bridge too far stamping the National for us.” Assembly’s decisions. The NCOP must take its law- The Chief Whip of the NCOP, making mandate seriously,” Mr Seiso Mohai, said there she reiterated. is a growing realisation that the constitutional role of the Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu NCOP needs to be reviewed in said the NCOP’s work is order for it to play a catalytic highly complex and that role in provincial matters, local the workshops offered to government and traditional Members of Parliament (MPs) authorities. to familiarise themselves Mr Masondo reflected on have to be built to ensure that with its work are insufficient. This review would frame the impact on Parliament’s Members and staff are able to In spite of challenges, Mr Turning to law-making, she the new conceptual and work of Covid-19 and budget adopt and embrace these new Masondo pointed out that remarked that the legal strategic direction of public cuts, as well as Parliament’s technologies and capabilities. the NCOP adopted 25 Bills, interpretation of law during participation and should swift adjustment to such forming part of the NCOP’s law-making is critical. Instead consist of stakeholders challenges. In response to Despite challenges, the digital contribution to bettering of being capacitated with this from government and civil Covid-19, he stated: “We migration has increased public the lives of the people. In skill set, “we are made to rely society to academia. This will responded quickly and participation. “The majority of line with its constitutional on the technical assistance assist the NCOP to have an decisively by adopting the meetings of committees, mandate to protect the of Parliament’s legal outcomes-based approach virtual and hybrid platforms public hearings and plenaries integrity of the three spheres department. As a result, we that “measures its success to ensure that we fulfilled of the Houses of Parliament of government, Mr Masondo become dependent on them and its failures objectively”. our constitutional mandate were broadcast and streamed said: “We processed 14 notices and we are never in a position It will also assist the NCOP whilst minimising the live on social media channels of intervention in the local to master it”. to rise and claim its rightful risk of transmission in the and radio, and this increased sphere of government. But role in the intergovernmental parliamentary precinct.” the level of public access and we remain worried by the She said this applies to sphere of the state. “And it’s participation in the work of increase in the number of oversight as well. “During necessary because we have While Parliament embraced Parliament,” he added. repeat interventions.” our orientation, we are not far greater battles ahead.” the Fourth Industrial equipped with the necessary Revolution in conducting its Mr Masondo said Parliament One of the critical skills to analyse policies, to work, the advent of Covid-19 is also on course with its plans interventions in this financial have consummate financial hastened this resolve. “Our towards free-to-air television year, he said, is the inception acumen, monitoring and view is that the impact of and the creation of radio of an oversight plan to evaluation capabilities to the ‘new normal’ will require broadcast services that will coordinate oversight priorities conduct effective and efficient Parliament to continue to sustain over 90% awareness and activities of committees, oversight over the provinces, accelerate its digital journey.” levels and continue to boost Houses and legislatures, departments and the He conceded that capacity will participation levels. including changes to the complex web of state-owned PRESIDENCY BUDGET VOTE 9 President outlines plans to overhaul & stabilise state-owned enterprises

The Presidency’s Budget Vote was the last to be tabled for debate in the National Assembly (NA), one of the final steps in an intensive parliamentary process of scrutinising and analysing government’s allocations and spending plans. The President promised better coordination and implementation of government programmes, reports Sakhile Mokoena.

pandemic and respond to future health emergencies.” said President Ramaphosa.

Furthermore, the government has had to deal with the impact of coronavirus on human health and respond to its impact on the economy, on businesses, on jobs and on people’s livelihoods. These responses have included wage support, expanded protection, small business financing by government and a loan guarantee scheme to support banking sector lending.

The support package has helped to shield society from some of the economic damages and laid the basis for a concerted plan to ensure a Mr Cyril Ramaposa, President of the Republic of South Africa strong and sustained economic recovery. President of our country. To date, the achieve a single objective, the role, governance and opened the debate by Presidential Employment demonstrating the powerful composition of this crucial Members of the NA react to explaining that the work of Stimulus has supported nearly results of a whole-of- portfolio of entities. Through the Presidency Budget Vote his office gives substance 700 000 opportunities,” government approach. A the Presidential SOE Council, to cooperative governance President Ramaphosa said. further R11 billion has been we have created a dedicated As parliamentary rules dictate, and facilitates private/ allocated for the continuation structure, tapping on expertise the first political party to public partnerships to build a Of these, 422 000 are jobs of the Presidential from all of society, to guide react to the Budget Vote capable and developmental that have been created or Employment Stimulus in the this reform,” he told the was the majority party, the state. This budget, he retained, 110 000 are awards current financial year,” he said. National Assembly. African National Congress explained, seeks to create a issued for livelihoods support, (ANC). On this occasion, the more effective Presidency in and a further 162 000 are The President also reported on Meanwhile, on the mass ANC’s Deputy Chief Whip, Ms. directing and coordinating opportunities where awards plans to stabilise state-owned Covid-19 vaccination Doris Dlakude, declared the the implementation of are currently in process. The enterprises (SOEs), saying programme, the President ANC’s support for the budget. government programmes. Presidency has developed that while there has been acknowledged that the rollout She spoke about her party’s Since the start of President an online dashboard where important progress, these was delayed by several commitment to fight fraud Ramaphosa’s administration, citizens can track progress in efforts will not be sufficient, challenges, but assured MPs and corruption in government, the office has made efforts the implementation of the on their own, to enable these (Members of Parliament) that as well as its transformation to realign the Presidency to stimulus, pioneering a new entities to make a contribution the public vaccination drive is agenda. more effectively drive the approach to transparency and to economic and social now gathering pace. transformation of society and accountability. The stimulus progress. “Corruption is the cancer the economy. has played a crucial role In addition, South Africa that is slowly destroying our in supporting vulnerable “That is why government is leading a campaign to beautiful country. We are “Eight months ago, we households to keep working envisages a fundamental create vaccine manufacturing tired of being labelled as launched the Presidential and earning an income, while overhaul of the SOE capabilities on the African corrupt just because we are Employment Stimulus, the at the same time benefitting model to address not only continent. “Despite the high members of the ANC. It cannot largest and fastest scale-up the communities in which the deficiencies of the burden of disease in Africa, be business as usual that we of public employment in our they work. immediate past, but also we have to import most of are all painted with the same country’s history. And, since the requirements of national our vaccines, therapeutics brush. Corruption doesn’t have its inception, this programme “It has incubated new development into the future. and other medications. a name or a surname; those has been making a difference approaches to coordination The Presidential Review Manufacturing our own found to have committed in the lives of South Africans and collaboration across Committee on SOEs laid the vaccines will enable us fraud and corruption must be across the length and breadth the government to foundations for rethinking to overcome the current dealt with accordingly, be it in 10 INSESSION NEWS government or private sector,” says. “In 2018 you said at the Parliament,” Prince Buthelezi Mr Ahmed Shaik-Emam, also municipalities, in departments said Ms Dlakude. centre of your national agenda proposed. reminded South Africans not and in state-owned entities,” is creating jobs, especially to forget the role played by he said. The Deputy Chief Whip also for the youth. The Quarterly FF+ citizens have a right to countries like Palestine in urged South Africans to Labour Force Survey picture protect themselves supporting South Africa during Speaking about corruption, stand together behind the points to a dire state of affairs, The Freedom Front (FF) Plus the apartheid years. the President said it deprives Constitution and be part of a crisis that you have created. was concerned about the the poor of resources that are efforts to build a non-sexist, Unemployment stands at planned amendments to the The party was rightfully theirs. It starves the non-racist and democratic more than 42%, and close to Firearms Control Act, arguing concerned about the economy of investment in South Africa. “The National 50% for black people is the this move would deny citizens unemployment figures and that those who would want Development Plan urges us worst level ever,” said Mr the right to protect themselves poor economic growth. to invest in our economy to collaborate as a nation to Malema. from criminals. “It is an GOOD MP, Mr , are kept away by the stench advance the transformation obligation of the President to said getting the economy of corruption. “It leads to agenda. This means that civil The EFF also claimed that ensure a capable and effective back to growth must be the a degradation of public society, religious bodies and the President did not believe police service to protect the responsibility of every sector infrastructure and services, communities across the board in the expropriation of land people of South Africa against and not just government, to and tragically, it ultimately must stand in unity with without compensation, and criminals. If people cannot be heed the call to put South costs lives.” government in order to build a was not convinced about protected by the South African Africa back on track. cohesive society,” she said. taking the land from colonial Police Service, how do you He said the Presidency was settlers. “We want the expect them not to be able to Mr Lulama Ntshayisa of determined to address all the While the ANC applauded the Constitution to recognise that protect themselves by means the African Independent challenges, both those rooted Presidency’s performance land, like mineral resources of firearms? Please stop this Congress (AIC) also supported deep in our past and those and declared support for and water, is a natural insane amendment of the the proposal to have a that manifest themselves the President’s plans, other resource and a common Firearms Act,” said FF Plus parliamentary committee today. political parties in the National heritage which belongs to all Leader, Mr . that will be responsible for Assembly were dissatisfied our people. Let us expropriate oversight on the Presidency. with the Presidency’s all land and place it under The African Christian He also called for the vaccine performance, with some even the custodianship of the Democratic Party (ACDP) also rollout to be fast-tracked, as proposing the establishment democratic state,” he said. added its opposition voice to currently the “vaccine rollout of a parliamentary committee the proposed amendments was very slow compared to to oversee the Presidency. He further explained that to the Firearms Act. “The the speed at which the virus is custodianship is not the same ACDP wants to know why the spreading”. The Democratic Alliance’s Mr as nationalisation: “When we government plans to disarm , accused the talk about nationalisation, law-abiding citizens and deny The Congress of the People’s President of “breaking every the state takes full control them the right to protect (Cope’s) urged single promise” he made to of whatever asset and uses themselves against criminals,” the President to reduce the the country, after filling the whatever is nationalised for said ACDP MP, Mr Steve Swart. executive by merging some nation with hope and new the collective benefit of the departments. The party also dawn. “You promised growth population. However, when Mr of the wants the President to rescue of 5% by 2023, you delivered we talk about custodianship, United Democratic Movement important SOEs and deal with 1,9% this year. You promised the state does not take the (UDM) said: “Mr President, the corruption. one million paid internships, land to use it. The land is Constitution empowers you you only delivered 32 000 only in the state’s custody as to appoint Ministers, but also Responding to the debate, by 2019. You promised jobs a conduit or to facilitate for to remove them. You never President Ramaphosa said to young people, today 74% people to access land.” act, not even when there is the impact of the Covid-19 of them are unemployed. evidence of corruption, with pandemic has set the You promised to halve Leader, these nauseating exposures country’s economic progress violent crime, yet there is an Prince , of Ministers and their families back many years. “It has increase in rape and murder. questioned the President on thriving due to access to made South Africans poorer. You promised to get rid of why the government only government business, like It has made hunger more corruption, yet you have implemented reforms and Minister Mkhize and the widespread and it has directly a Health Minister mired in lowered the cost of doing allegation that he signed the affected the health and allegations of corruption,” Mr business in response to R150 million contract with well-being of hundreds of Macpherson stated. Covid-19, while the economy Digital Vibes, which paid for thousands of people. It has has been struggling for the family’s house renovations made the task of growing He also called for the decades. and also gave R300 000 to, an inclusive economy and scrapping of black economic and bought a Land Cruiser for transforming our society that empowerment (BEE) and for He also raised concerns his son.” much more difficult,” he said. the government to “build the over the absence of a economy for the many and parliamentary committee The But it is equally important, he not for the few”. responsible for oversight on (NFP) used the debate to continued, that we recognise the Presidency. “The need for advocate for the downgrading that our own weaknesses and EFF accuses the President of a parliamentary committee of the South African Embassy shortcomings have hampered lacking inspiration to oversee the Presidency in Israel, in order to put the task of building a new Mr , the Leader is becoming urgent. We are pressure on Israel to respect society and achieving a better of the Economic Freedom not able to scrutinise the international law and human life for all. “We must, as we Fighters (EFF), said the budget at committee level. rights. have done, acknowledge President lacks inspiration and Let us open the Presidency for that there have been failures doesn’t believe in what he scrutiny and oversight by this NFP Member of Parliament, of governance in several CONSTITUTION COMMEMORATION 11

women empowerment “to of one law for one nation. Parliament improve women’s material He said: “But what it failed conditions and to change to achieve is to recognise pattern of ownership of means indigenous and customary commemorates 25 years of production in favour of laws.” As a result of that, he women.” said, there is no provision of the Constitution in it for the roles and Ms Natasha Mazzone of the responsibilities of traditional NA said: “The inception of the Parliament held a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and leadership. There have been Constitution signalled a change promises to that effect, but the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to observe the 25th of a nation united in diversity. such promises have been anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of A nation that seeks to restore broken. “I will not retire as South Africa, writes Abel Mputing. the culture of human rights an MP before the finalisation and to free the potential of of land expropriation clause each and every individual. We in the Constitution,” he are, therefore, proud for those added. who wrote this document for their forward thinking Mr Petrus Mulder said the and inclusivity. But also, it’s South African Constitution is essential to hold accountable hailed as the jewel crown those who undermine it. of the best in the world, if Those who undermine our so why is South Africa faced Constitution are engaged in an with so many troubles? Is it act of treason. They should not because of the ruling party be ignored; they should be put or of the policies it is based behind bars.” on, he asked. He blamed much of the current woes She urged parliamentarians to on the racial provisions of ensure that the Constitution the Constitution. In his view, reigns supreme. “It’s 25 years of the Constitution therefore our job to protect marks the 25 years of the constitution at all cost. misrule through the courtesy We have sworn to an oath of of the provision of the upholding it. Holding it we Constitution. shall. May our Constitution reign supreme.” The President of South African Local Government MP Ms Ntombovuyo Mente Association (Salga), Ms said: “But if truth be told, the Thembi Nkadimeng, said: “In Constitution is a stone wall for keeping with the prescripts Members of Parliament principles are mirrored in it.” equality and human rights.” the perpetrators of injustices. of the Constitution, we have (MPs) paid homage to It supports the continuation made strides in realising the courage of those who The leaders ensured that the The Deputy Chairperson of the of racial discrimination. We the rights of our people brought it to fruition and principles of our democratic NCOP, Ms , said: must ask ourselves what and to uphold their human ensured that it broke with struggle were realised. “One “The Constitution is a result of the struggle was for? If it dignity. As we reflect on the inhumanity of the past. of which is Oliver Tambo many agitations, this includes continued to sustain a system the commitments of our The Constitution ushered in whose document Ready to the Women’s Charter which that suppresses our people. Constitution, we take stock new democratic prescripts Govern shapes the philosophy was incepted in 1954. Its 12 of our own commitment and that became the founding of our current Constitution. articles articulate the equal “We were not fighting for we are pleased to announce architecture of South Africa’s It’s this document that gave recognition of women’s rights vague equalities. We won’t that we have gone a long constitutional democracy. birth to the prescripts that are in all aspects of life, which allow a situation in which way in delivering basic today the architecture of our are now enshrined in the Bill colonisers continue to live services to our people . . Opening the debate, the constitution.” of Rights of our Constitution. a life of kings in our lands. . We take this moment to Minister of International Freedom “is a point of To keep the land while we renew our commitment Affairs and Cooperation, Dr Dr Pandor said South African reference for the discourse on remain landless.” to a people-centred local , said: “We history resembles a long gender equality – and for the government sphere.” affirm the adoption of the tradition of systematic racial inception of positive sets of As it stands, “This Constitution boldest inscription of our exploitation, and our key gender tools and instruments is a pact between the political Another MP, Mr Vuyolwethu Constitution, which is a challenge is to reverse the and their machinery which elite and the colonisers. We Zungula, said there is not cornerstone of our infant socio-economic injustices underpin the theory of will amend this Constitution to much to celebrate because democracy and the radical visited upon the vulnerable change”. take the land from thieves and South Africa remains one of aspirations of our collective people of our country. “This we will fight until we attain the most unequal societies in future. This Constitution is a moment affords us an “We found these sets of land restitution and economic the world. It has 30 million testimony of the ingenuity opportunity to assess what gender tools lacking in freedom in our life time.” people who are unemployed of a legion of countless more needs to be done provinces during our Provincial and is the rape capital of the brave leaders, of heroes to ensure that our people Women’s Charter sessions due Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi world. and heroines whose radical benefit from a document that to lack of resources, and lack said one of the sterling aspirations for our future and sets out their ambitions and of engendered responsive to achievements of the MP Mr Shaun August said: their common democratic future aspirations of freedom, gender budgeting to foster Constitution is its proclamation “There is a growing tendency 12 INSESSION NEWS to blame the yawning gap from history,” he warned. between fairness and injustices on the Constitution, which Mr of the Eastern Cape Residents often camouflages government NCOP said: “Our Constitution failure to address landlessness, is a stark illustration of the express mixed views on poverty and inequality and stark difference between corruption in the last 25 conceptualisation and years. In all these years, the implementation. For it to be the Expropriation Bill government has failed to realised, we need a capable use the tools provided by the state. But we inherited Constitution to bring about instead a corrupt and At the start of the Eastern Cape leg of the public hearings on the necessary reforms. “We need incapable state that finds Expropriation Bill in the Alfred Nzo District, residents expressed to take a hard look in the it difficult to translate the mixed views on the need for the Bill, reports Malatswa Molepo mirror and ask ourselves what principles of the Constitution we can do better to fix our into reality.” mounting problems rather than blame the Constitution.” In closing the debate, the Minister of Justice and Mr Ahmed Shaik-Emam said: Constitutional Development, “In the last 25 years we have Mr , said learnt new lessons. Surely, we the greatest intent of our have learnt new experiences Constitution is to bring about that necessitate the social justice, social cohesion amendment of our Constitution and nation-building. to ensure that our Constitution protects the rights of all South After so much wrangling Africans. That everyone, and opposing views on what irrespective of race, gender or the Constitution had, should creed, enjoys the fruits of our and could have achieved, Constitution.” Mr Lamola said: “We have a responsibility to build a Mr Bantu Holomisa said: “The nation based on the Bill Bill of Rights enshrined in our of Rights. We should bring Constitution is not a wish list. It everyone and minorities seeks to empower our people at the centre of this cause and to ensure that the state to construct a country that plays a role to make these we all want. As such, we rights manifest. Regrettably, are committed to taking instead of upholding this Bill, South Africa forward and to the state has written a new promote that which binds chapter of corruption in the us together, than that which Constitution.” divides us.” The Chairperson of the disadvantaged South Africans. this occurs. committee, Ms Nolitha Other participants in the Mr William Madisha said, He added: “We should Ntobongwana, thanked hearings called for skills Traditional leaders “We should not lose sight of utilise this commonality to participants for taking development for the purpose participating in the hearings the fact that the Constitution resolve our socio-economic the time to participate in of capacitation, especially welcomed the Bill on the signals a victory of the will of conditions. And to utilise our the proceedings. “We are of previously disadvantaged grounds that it will facilitate the people and is a result of constitutional democracy extremely appreciative that people, to ensure that the return of land that was many sacrifices for freedom as our moral campus in the people of Alfred Nzo expropriated land is used forcefully taken during and equal rights that we enjoy attaining the South Africa for District braved the rainy and productively. the colonial era and which today.” which we all aspire.” cold weather to contribute undermined the role of their views on the Bill. Among the dissenting views traditional leaders as the Mr Yunus Carrim of the We have listened to every on the Bill, the primary custodians of the land. NCOP said, “The authors of opinion expressed, and will point of contention centred the Constitution realised take them into consideration on dissatisfaction with Meanwhile, the committee that the only way to reduce when we conclude the public Clause 12(3) of the Bill, apologised to traditional the material inequality was consultation process, which which provides for instances leaders and the people of to address the economic is one of the most important where expropriation with nil Matatiele who complained exploitation of black people. pillars of a democratic law- compensation may be just about the committee’s This was based on the notion making process.” and equitable. The argument failure to visit their area. Ms that we don’t want freedom advanced was that property Notobomgwana said: “We without bread and we don’t Those who supported the is a generational investment, have taken due regard that want bread without freedom. Bill highlighted the dire which would be threatened we will not be able to visit The basic material rights need for land to build if the Bill is passed. Even every local municipality due of black people needed to infrastructure, such as these people recognised that to financial constraints, as be addressed for the full roads, schools, and health sometimes expropriation in well as the impracticability of realisation of freedom. People and agricultural facilities to the public interest is required, such an endeavour. In all the have been patient with us, but change the socio-economic but they said there should be provinces we have visited, for how long? We must learn conditions of previously equitable compensation when we have ensured that people GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE 13 are provided transport so as residents that all their views and sympathised with those to ensure extensive coverage had been recorded. The who are still waiting for their National and meaningful public committee will deliberate on land claims to be settled. participation. We have also, their views and incorporate The committee committed in the past, called for written them into the Bill, which will to engaging with its sister Assembly passes public submissions to ensure enrich and strengthen it. portfolio committees in that even those who are Parliament to ensure that they unable to attend the hearings Nelson Mandela residents - strengthen oversight of the Bills to combat are afforded an opportunity land must be maximised to departments identified. “We to express their views on the ensure food security. are a listening Parliament gender-based Bill.” The committee concluded and all concerns raised by the Eastern Cape leg of the the people will be followed Majority of Joe Gqabi District Expropriation Bill public up, because ours is to strive violence residents support the Bill hearings in Gqeberha to improve the lives of the The National Assembly (NA) has passed the Most residents of Joe Gqabi (previously Port Elizabeth) people of South Africa,” said District supported the Bill, where residents were Ms Nolitha Ntobongwana, the Gender-Based Violence Bills - Criminal and largely because they believe concerned about the Chairperson of the committee. Related Matters Amendment Bill, Domestic expropriation promises to be impact of the Bill on South Violence Amendment Bill and the Criminal a tool to reverse the injustices Africa’s investment drive to Meanwhile, following of the past, while ensuring secure more foreign direct engagements with Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) equitable access to the land. investment, which will boost health officials and the Amendment Act Amendment Bill. However, they highlighted economic growth and create announcement of adjusted the risk of unfair allocation of jobs. restrictions on alert level land, which might undermine 2, the committee resolved the Bill’s good intentions. Equal numbers of Gqeberha to postpone hearings in residents supported and the , due to Emerging farmers complained opposed the Bill. However, an exponential increase in during the hearings about everyone agreed that the use Covid-19 infections in the the ongoing challenge of of productive land must be province. access to land, especially for maximised to ensure food previously disadvantaged security. “We have decided to continue people living in townships and with the Western Cape rural areas. Traditional leaders Dissenting views on the Bill hearings as scheduled, as also expressed their support were mainly anchored on the province is experiencing for the Bill and highlighted the the perceived risk of policy lower numbers of Covid-19 long-standing link between uncertainty due to ambiguity infections. Following the traditional leaders and land. created by an unclear completion of the Western definition of the property that Cape leg of the hearings, Some participants told the might be expropriated using the committee will pause committee that their support the Bill. In addition, those its programme until the rate for the Bill is on condition opposing the Bill emphasised of infections is kept under that expropriation of land that South Africa is in dire control in both Northern Cape translates into increased need of investment to create and Free State,” said Ms production, food security and job opportunities and the Ntobongwana. job creation, alleviates poverty Bill will not assist in that and, above all, restores respect. Others opposing equality in South Africa. the Bill believe that the The three Bills were Act 32 of 2007, being one of process to amend Section introduced in Parliament several legislative measures The committee also received 25 of the Constitution must following a November 2018 identified to strengthen South various complaints related to be concluded to ensure that Presidential Summit against Africa’s response to GBVF, the land reform process and enabling legislation speaks Gender-Based Violence and in particular the legislation other challenges, including directly to amendments made. Femicide (GBVF). The summit regulating the National the lack of title deeds and resolved to fast-track the Register for Sex Offenders of support for emerging Meanwhile, the Bill’s review of existing laws and (NRSO). farmers. The committee supporters highlighted that policies on gender-based committed itself to passing it is a necessary step to violence making them victim- The bill also aims to expand the complaints to the relevant redress past injustices and centred, ensure all other the scope of the NRSO parliamentary committees to will enable the government relevant laws respond to to include the particulars ensure a follow-up and the to fight poverty, inequality GBV, revisit and fast-track all of all sex offenders, not delivery of services. and unemployment. Many outstanding laws and bills only sex offenders against supporters said their that relate to GBVF. children and persons who Residents who were not in entrepreneurial spirit is are mentally disabled, and favour of the Bill called the smothered by the lack of The Criminal Law (Sexual to expand the list of persons definition of property too access to land. Offences and Related who are to be protected to vague, which they said will Matters) Amendment Act include other vulnerable lead to disinvestment and job During the hearings, the Amendment Bill proposes persons, namely, certain losses. committee heard first-hand of amendments to the Criminal young women, persons with forced removals conducted by Law (Sexual Offences and physical, mental, sensory or The committee assured the previous administration Related Matters) Amendment intellectual disabilities and 14 INSESSION NEWS persons over 60 years of age At the same sitting, term, without adding to long- who, for example, receive the NA approved the term spending pressures. A community-based care and recommendation of the NCOP passes further goal is to improve support services. It will also names of Ms Philile Ntuli the composition of spending, increase the periods for which and Ms the Division of by reducing growth in a sex offender’s particulars for appointment as full- compensation while protecting must remain on the NRSO time commissioners of capital investments. before they can be removed the South African Human Revenue Bill from the register. The Bill Rights Commission for a The Select Committee on further proposes to expand the period of seven years. Ms 2021 Appropriations’ report to ambit of the crime of incest, Chohan will serve as the the NCOP states that the and introduces a new offence Deputy Chairperson of the committee agreed to the of sexual intimidation. Commission. The National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Bill without amendments. passed the Division of Revenue Bill 2021. However, the committee made The purpose of the Domestic The posts of the two The Bill provides for the equitable division of a number of recommendations Violence Amendment Bill commissioners became on the Bill to the Minister is to amend the Domestic vacant following the revenue raised nationally among the national, of Finance, the National Violence Act 116 of 1998 to death of the former provincial and local spheres of government for Treasury and to the Minister of further provide for how acts of Deputy Chairperson of the the 2021/2022 financial year. It also provides Cooperative Governance and domestic violence and related Commission and the expiry for each province’s share and for any other Traditional Affairs. matters must be dealt with by of the term of one of the certain functionaries, persons commissioners. allocations to provinces, local government or These executive authorities and government departments. municipalities from the national government’s are required to send It will also regulate obtaining Section 193(4) of the share of that revenue. The Bill also covers Parliament their responses to of protection orders in Constitution provides that the recommendations within the conditions on which those allocations are response to acts of domestic the President, on the 60 days. The Bill was passed violence. recommendation of the made. by the National Assembly on National Assembly, must 18 March 2021 and will now The Criminal and Related appoint the members of the be referred to the President Matters Amendment Bill aims South African Human Rights for consent. to amend four Acts, namely Commission. the Magistrates’ Courts Act 32 of 1944, the Criminal The names of the two Procedure Act 51 of 1977, the commissioners will now be Criminal Law Amendment Act sent to the President for 85 of 1997 and the Superior appointment. Courts Act 7 of 2013. The Bill’s purpose is to amend the Magistrates’ Courts Act to provide for the appointment of intermediaries and the giving of evidence through intermediaries in proceedings other than criminal proceedings. It will also amend the Criminal Procedure Act to further regulate the granting and cancellation of bail and the right of a complainant in a domestic-related offence to participate in parole proceedings. In addition, it will amend the Criminal Law Amendment Act to further regulate sentences in respect Section 214 (1) of the February 2021. of offences that have been Constitution requires that committed against vulnerable every year a Division One key objective of the 2021 persons. It will also amend of Revenue Act should Medium Term Expenditure the Superior Courts Act to determine the equitable Framework (MTEF) period is provide for the appointment division of nationally- to narrow the budget deficit of intermediaries and the raised revenue between and stabilise the debt-to- giving of evidence through the national, provincial gross domestic product ratio, intermediaries in proceedings and local government. The primarily by controlling non- other than criminal Minister of Finance, Mr Tito interest expenditure growth. proceedings. Mboweni, tabled the 2021 Another important objective is

national Budget, including the to provide continued support The Bills will now be sent to Division of Revenue Bill, in to the economy and public the NCOP for concurrence. the National Assembly on 24 health services in the short

PRESIDENT’S Q & A 15 Success of Section 100 Holding the intervention in the Executive North West depends on to Account stable municipalities - President The Ad Hoc Committee on Section 100 Intervention in the North West Ramaphosa Province believes that the crisis affecting a majority of municipalities in the North West will inhibit any potential success of the Section answers 100 intervention in the province, primarily because the delivery of basic services resides within the local sphere of government, writes questions in the Malatswa Molepo. NCOP President Cyril Ramaphosa appeared before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in a hybrid plenary sitting recently to answer questions for oral reply. Holding regular question and answer sessions is one way in which Parliament holds the Presidents and his executive to account, as provided by Section 92(2) of the Constitution.

Question 1 infrastructure?

Mr Jomo Nyambi President Ramaphosa (Mpumalanga: ANC) asked the President: Public infrastructure is vital (1) Has the government to the lives and livelihoods undertaken an audit of South Africans and to regarding public the achievement of our infrastructure that was developmental goals. Damage damaged, vandalised or to public infrastructure, The committee visited the North immediate dismissal of some the IMTT’s intention to stolen during the lockdown whether through vandalism or West Province recently to assess officials, are to be welcomed. redouble its efforts in support period? If it hasn’t, what theft, amounts to nothing less progress on the implementation This is despite the need to of Kgetlengrivier, Tswaing, is the government’s than acts of sabotage against of the Section 100 intervention ensure criminal prosecution for Ditsobotla, Ramotshere Moiloa, position in this regard? If the aspirations of the South in the province. The committee the malfeasance that caused Ratlou and Matlosa local it did conduct such an African people. Unfortunately, received a progress report from the current challenges. The municipalities, as well as Dr Ruth audit, what is the there was a significant the Inter-Ministerial Task Team committee has also called for Segomotsi Mompati,” said Mr estimated value of the increase in such criminal acts (IMTT) and has commended the state to urgently initiate China Dodovu, the Chairperson of damage? during the lockdown period, progress in stabilising the a process to recoup ill-gotten the committee. (2) Has the government predominantly in the areas provincial level of administration. finances, which occurred due to put any plans in place of commuter rail and basic The appointment of heads of corruption within the province. To remedy this challenge, the to repair and/or replace education. departments for the Office of the committee welcomed the IMTT’s such infrastructure? Please Premier, Department of Health, Despite the green shoots, the intention to find additional explain why not, if this The responsibility for public Department of Agriculture committee remains concerned support through state-owned hasn’t occurred, and if it infrastructure development, and Rural Development, and about the lack of stability within entities to ensure that budgets has, what are the details of maintenance and repair the Department of Social the local sphere of government, are spent, especially in the such plans? lies with various levels of Development will bring much- with reports of parallel councils context of the devastating (3) What is the worst affected government. At national needed stability and strategic and two mayors and two effects of Covid-19. Meanwhile, infrastructure and which level, national departments direction to those departments. Speakers operating at the same the committee welcomed provinces were the worst are responsible; at provincial time. “It is unacceptable and the announcement that the affected? level, provincial governments In addition, the steady unfathomable to find a situation Intergovernmental Monitoring, (4) Will the government bear responsibility; and at improvement in audit outcomes where a municipality has two Support and Intervention Bill is undertake a comprehensive local level, municipalities have points to green shoots at the mayors, especially because being processed. The committee audit of damage caused to direct responsibility of looking provincial administrative level. this dysfunction affects service awaits the tabling of the Bill to public infrastructure during after public infrastructure. Furthermore, some of the delivery directly. enable the committee and the the lockdown period and consequence management public to make quality inputs on develop a plan for As in the normal course initiatives, which led to the The committee welcomes the Bill. repairing or replacing such of events, each of these is 16 INSESSION NEWS

same time, the country’s vital part of Africa’s ambitious response to climate change coordinated response to needs to be well managed climate change and provides to ensure that it does not guidance on Africa’s common negatively impact on the position on climate change in economy or exacerbate international forums. inequality, poverty and unemployment. This weekend, I will be participating in deliberations We must acknowledge that the on climate change at the transition to a low-emissions G7 meeting in the United economy and climate-resilient Kingdom, where I will be society offers opportunities for presenting the positions of our new development, investment country and the continent on and job creation. It is therefore this critical issue. important that we understand both the opportunties and Question 3 the risks associated with a climate transition. It is for this Mr Mandla Rayi (Eastern ACCOUNTABILITY: President Ramaphosa answers questions reason that we established Cape: ANC) asked the the Presidential Climate President: Commission to identify a path (1) How much funding and responsible for conducting an metal dealers in possession of towards a low-emissions financing commitments assessment of any damage A number of commuter rail stolen material. The success economy and climate-resilient have been made by the caused, and then take steps to corridors have been prioritised of these efforts depends on a society that is just, promotes government and private replace or restore the affected in , Western Cape, partnership with communities, inclusive development and job sector to execute the infrastructure. It is therefore Eastern Cape and KwaZulu- as we all have a responsibility creation, and leaves no one implementation of the not possible to provide an Natal, and several mainline to safeguard and care for behind. Economic Reconstruction overall estimate of the value of passenger services for the public infrastructure. and Recovery Plan in the damage caused over this restoration of infrastructure The commission itself is respect of the damage period. and the return to service. Question 2 constituted by members from caused by Covid-19? various sectors of society, With respect to commuter With respect to education, the Ms Cathlene Labuschagne including business, labour, (2) Has the government made rail, Metrorail experienced an Department of Basic Education (Western Cape: DA) asked civil society, youth, research any progress in alarming increase in cases reports that over 1 700 schools the President: institutes and government. implementing the priority of infrastructure theft and across the country were Does your announcement This signifies that we recognise areas articulated in such vandalism, ranging from vandalised or had equipment during the 2021 State of the the multidimensional nature a plan? Please indicate overhead electric lines, electric stolen since the start of the Nation Address of a Climate of climate change and a just if not, why not? And if so, substations, train stations and Covid-19 lockdown. KwaZulu- Advisory Council and your transition. Cabinet Ministers, provide details? depot buildings. This vandalism Natal, Gauteng and Eastern participation in the Virtual particularly those from the took place in Gauteng, Western Cape were the worse affected Leaders’ Summit on Climate economic cluster, actively President Ramaphosa Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. These provinces. Responsibility Change indicate that you participate in the commission’s The Economic Reconstruction acts have a huge impact on for the maintenance and consider climate change as a work to ensure that there is and Recovery Plan is a the mobility of commuters, repair of these schools is the priority? What are the details, political oversight. necessary response to the who depend on the affordable responsibility of the Provincial if it is a priority for the entire severe economic impact of Metrorail services to access Departments of Education. Cabinet and government, and As part of our response the coronavirus pandemic. economic opportunities in our if not, why not? to climate change, public The plan aims to ensure a major urban centres. Reports from the Department consultations have been swift and lasting economic of Public Works and President Ramaphosa underway on the updated recovery, with measures to Metrorail has started to Infrastructure also indicate Tackling climate change draft Nationally Determined limit the immediate impact of gradually return commuter damage to public infrastructure is a national priority. This Contribution. This outlines the pandemic on vulnerable services as it works to in Kimberley, Gqeberha and requires not only that we the country’s targets for the workers and households and to repair and replace critical Hout Bay. These include the meet our international reduction of greenhouse gas revive economic growth in the infrastructure. This includes theft of cables at a bulk water commitments to reduce emissions. Once finalised, the short- and medium-term. projects to rehabilitate railway pump station in Gqeberha, greenhouse gas emissions, updated Nationally Determined tracks, reinstate electricity theft of borehole pumps at two but also that we implement Contribution will be submitted Significant progress has been infrastructure, walling off rail police stations, and damage adaptation measures to protect to the United Nations (UN) made since the announcement lines, building and repairing caused through vandalism individuals, communities and Framework Convention on of the plan less than eight pedestrian bridges, station at SAPS (South African Police our economy from the effects Climate Change ahead of the months ago. The Infrastructure improvements and automated Service) offices in King of climate change. Climate Change Summit – Fund has been established, signalling infrastructure. This William’s Town. known as COP 26 – in Glasgow and its investment committee work is hampered by illegal If we do not act now, and if in November. has been constituted. A settlements that have been We are working to intensify we do not act together as a total of R18 billion has been built on the tracks and inside the efforts of law enforcement global community, we will South Africa is currently the allocated to the fund over the the rail reserve, and Prasa agencies, working alongside be increasingly vulnerable to coordinator of the Committee next three years for blended (Passenger Rail Agency of entities like the (Passenger adverse weather conditions, of African Heads of State finance arrangements that South Africa) is working with Rail Athority of South Africa) food insecurity, water scarcity, and Government on Climate will leverage private sector municipalities to address this Prasa, to uncover illicit cable displacement of populations, Change, which met earlier funding. problem. trading syndicates and scrap and biodiversity loss. At the this week. This committee is a PRESIDENT’S Q & A 17

To achieve greater energy contained in the Economic elections may not be free and Community (SADC)? If not, why access to justice for the victims security, a total of 1 200 MW Reconstruction and Recovery fair given the impact of the not? And if so, please provide and survivors? If not, why not? of new generation capacity Plan is included in the budgets Covid-19 and the measures details? And if so, what are the details has now been connected of all national departments for taken to curb the continued in each case? to the grid from projects their areas of responsibility, spread of the pandemic. President Ramaphosa: approved through Bid ensuring that the plan is South Africa is working within President Ramaphosa; Window 4 of the Renewable mainstreamed in the work Cognisant of its obligation the established systems of the Following the State of the Energy IPP Programme. A of government. Through the to ensure that the elections Southern African Development Nation Address in June 2019, request for proposals has effective implementation are free and fair, the IEC has Community to address the the Emergency Response been issued for 2 600 MW of this plan, as well as the commissioned Justice Dikgang destabilisation of the Cabo Action Plan was implemented of power from wind and structural reforms that form Moseneke to lead the Inquiry Delgado province and to to further strengthen the fight solar PV projects through Bid part of Operation Vulindlela, into Ensuring Free and Fair establish political stability in against gender-based violence Window 5. we are reviving our economy Local Government Elections Mozambique. and femicide and provide and placing South Africa on during Covid-19. justice for the victims and Eleven preferred bidders a new growth trajectory. The The SADC Double Troika survivors. This was a short-term have been approved as part success of the recovery plan is The inquiry is expected to do Technical Assessment Mission, plan implemented over six of the emergency power based on a strong partnership three things. Firstly, inquire which has been deployed to months through partnerships procurement programme, with business, labour and into the conditions for free the Cabo Delgado province in between civil society networks, which will together deliver other social partners, as and fair elections. Secondly, April 2021, proposed, among government, development nearly 2 000 MW of power a whole-of-society effort come up with findings other things, the deployment partners and academic to the grid over the next to promote our economic following the inquiry. And of the SADC Standby Force in institutions. 18 months. As I announced recovery. thirdly, issue a report in which support of the Mozambican earlier this afternoon, recommendations are set Armed Defence Force to The National Strategic Plan on Schedule 2 of the Electricity Question 4 out concerning the likelihood combat the threat of terrorism GBVF was approved by Cabinet Regulation that the IEC would be able to and acts of violent extremism. in March 2020. It builds onto Ms Brenda Mathevula ensure that the forthcoming the Emergency Response Act will soon be amended (Limpopo: EFF) asked the government elections will be An Extraordinary SADC Organ Action Plan and focuses on to increase the licensing President: free and fair. Troika Summit that took improved accountability, threshold for embedded 1) What reasons did the place on 27 May 2021 in responsiveness to the needs of generation projects from 1 Independent Electoral It has also been asked to Maputo agreed to convene survivors, addressing impunity MW to 100 MW. Commission (IEC) give for indicate additional measures an Extraordinary SADC and driving a comprehensive appointing the panel only that the IEC may be required to Summit on 23 June 2021 to prevention agenda. The Presidential after the date of the local implement in order to realise reach an agreement on the Employment Stimulus has government elections was free and fair elections within appropriate regional response We are beginning to see supported close to 700 000 proclaimed? the context of the Covid-19 in support of Mozambique. positive results through various opportunities across a range 2) Will you postpone the pandemic. Any possible The summit noted progress joint interventions. In February of programmes, through elections if the panel postponement of elections is towards the establishment and 2021, we launched the private the creation of new work recommends that the a matter on which the IEC will operationalisation of the SADC sector GBVF Response Fund opportunities, the protection elections will not be free have to make a determination Humanitarian and Emergency where an initial amount of of existing jobs in vulnerable and fair if conducted in this in terms of the provisions of Operations Centre, which will R128 million was pledged. sectors, and support for climate? if not, why not? the Constitution and applicable enhance regional capabilities in livelihoods. If so, what are the relevant legal prescripts. risk and disaster management. Legislative reform has been details? Mozambique has committed to a critical component of the Four sector master plans are The Moseneke Inquiry is about host the centre. National Strategic Plan. Last currently in implementation, President Ramaphosa inquiring into and providing week, the National Assembly in the automotive, sugar, On 22 April 2021, I announced a report on the conditions The SADC Organ Troika, in passed three Bills: poultry, and clothing, textiles, 27 October 2021 as the date for free and fair elections so keeping with its principle of footwear and leather sectors. on which the local government as to enable the IEC to fully peaceful resolution, remains - the Criminal Law (Sexual This approach, which relies elections will be held. The consider the matter. As there seized with finding a lasting Offences and Related Matters) on close collaboration with announcement does not is no determination of a solution to the conflict to Amendment Bill, stakeholders to develop a constitute a proclamation as postponement at this stage, no ensure that Mozambique is - Domestic Violence tailored action plan for high- contemplated in the Local other date has been considered stable, peaceful and able to Amendment Bill, and growth sectors, is already Government: Municipal as election date other than 27 develop its economy. - Criminal and Related Matters demonstrating results. Electoral Act. The proclamation October 2021. Amendment Bill. will be issued by the Minister Question 6 According to data released by of Cooperative Governance and Question 5 These three Bills are now the South African Revenue Traditional Affairs. Ms on their way to the NCOP. I Service (SARS), South Africa Ms Shahidabibi Shaikh (Northern Cape: DA) asked would encourage the NCOP to experienced a cumulative For the first time since (Limpopo: ANC) asked the the President: carefully consider these three trade surplus of close to its establishment, the President: Considering that in your important Bills with a sense of R150 billion for the first four Independent Electoral With reference to the State of the Nation Address urgency, within the legislative months of this year. This Commission is faced with phenomenal increase in the in June 2019 you committed mandate of the NCOP. reflects a massive increase in the prospect of conducting destabilisation of Cabo Delgado to strategies that would end our exports to the rest of the elections in the midst of a in Mozambique and sporadic gender-based violence and We have introduced several world, driven largely by the global pandemic. Concerns upsurge of violent conflicts femicide (GBVF), does the innovative initiatives to unique strategic value of our have been expressed by some in other parts of Africa, does Presidency have any plans facilitate access to support mineral resources. political parties represented the government have any to further strengthen the and justice. This includes an on the party liaison committee plans to reinvigorate the fight against GBVF? Will the SMS notification system for Funding for the measures that the forthcoming general Southern African Development government also provide applications for domestic 18 INSESSION NEWS violence protection orders that was launched at all district courts in January 2021. The Domestic Violence Amendment Bill, once passed, will make it possible for complainants to apply for protection orders online.

Thirty-two regional courts are ready for designation as Sexual Offences Courts. There are plans for the establishment of six additional Thuthuzela Care Centres. As at March 2021, all police stations have Mr Mandla Rayi, Eastern Cape ANC the necessary sexual assault DNA kits to assist victims and survivors.

The implementation of NSP on GBVF through the district development model is being embedded in provincial and local government structures. All provinces have either finalised or are developing provincial plans. The process of localisation is further bolstered by the establishment of rapid response structures at district and local municipality levels across the country. Ms Delmaine Christians, Northern Cape DA Mr Jomo Nyambi, Mpumalanga ANC As we move into the second year of the National Strategic Plan, we are focused on strengthening accountability at all levels of government and society. We are developing a comprehensive national GBVF prevention strategy, including evidence-based social and behaviour change programmes.

If we are committed to working together as a country – as government, communities, civil society, organised labour, business, academia, traditional Ms Brenda Mathevula, Limpopo EFF leaders and the faith community – we will succeed in ending violence against women in South Africa.

Ms Cathlene Labuschagene, Western Cape DA Ms Shahidabibi `Shaik, Limpopo ANC

QUESTION TIME: Delegates to the NCOP demand answers SADC-PF 19 Eliminating gender-based violence throughout Eastern and Southern Africa

The Southern Africa Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) held an advocacy dialogue on the elimination of gender-based violence (GBV) in the eastern and southern African regions, reports Sakhile Mokoena.

practices which are contained in generally accepted international instruments. For instance, the legal age for consent to marriage is 18 and is contained in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and is also reflected in the SADC Model Law on Child Marriage,” said Ms Sekgoma. She added that model laws act as catalysts for domestication of treaties and covenants, as they contain similar norms and are further adapted to the Southern African context.

Ms Sekgoma reported that the SADC Model Law on GBV has been prepared by the forum and validated by Members of Parliament. It contains best practices relating to the prevention of gender-based violence across all SADC member states. “Under this model law, gender-based violence is defined broadly to encompass economic and psychological violence, as well as stalking and harassment. It will thus The dialogue’s moderator, people of all ages, while SDG without discrimination. change the landscape of GBV Ms Mishy Singano, a 5 is a commitment to ensure legislation across all SADC development expert and gender equality and empower SADC parliaments also pass member states, by providing African gender-rights activist, women and girls. appropriation legislation to for a user-friendly single piece said the objective of the provide for national budgets of legislation that can be virtual engagement was to Addressing the dialogue related to gender ministries readily domesticated by the identify key messages and to on the role of the SADC-PF and departments, public executive,” said the SADC-PF have a concrete action plan to and member parliaments schools and hospitals, and the Secretary-General. support eastern and southern in addressing gender-based enforcement of measures to African countries to achieve violence, as well as on protect children and women, She also believes the SADC Sustainable Development advancing gender-responsive among other things. Model Law on GBV as the Goals (SDGs) 3 and 5, and also legislation through SADC potential to be a game- reflect on existing platforms model laws, the forum’s “The SADC-PF acts as the changer in spearheading to address GBV. Secretary-General Ms Boemo enabler for change through modern, gender-responsive Sekgoma, said parliaments of targeted model laws, which and anti-discriminatory SDGs are a global the region’s member countries are formulated following a legislation. Furthermore, the commitment, spearheaded by have enacted legislation consultative process with Model Law on Child Marriage the United Nations to achieve relating to gender equality, democratically elected SADC and the SADC Model Law on a better and sustainable such as the Protection from Members of Parliament. HIV will together uphold the future for the world’s Domestic Violence Act, the Therefore, (these laws are) sexual and reproductive health population. SDG 3 aims to Equal Opportunities Act and made by the people and for and rights of women and promote healthy lives and laws compelling parents to the people. Model laws are young girls in the SADC promote the well-being of send all children to school based on best norms and region. 20 INSESSION NEWS Parliament supports the establishment of a Palestinian State

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr , participated in the forum “International Parliamentarian Support to the Question of Palestine” that took place in May.

people, including self- the Palestinian people. He the security, peace, stability determination, sovereignty regretted that this continues and development of the and right to return. to be the legacy of the broader Middle East. provocative approach by the He gave examples of previous US administration. Mr Tsenoli underlined the the successful work of position of South Africa on parliamentarians to advocate Mr Tsenoli recalled former ending the Israeli occupation, for the same, including President Nelson Mandela’s which would be in the interest recent letters from European and his grandson’s of both Israel and Palestine, Members of Parliament to commitment to the Palestinian and called on both parties to call for their governments to cause, repeating the stance take concrete steps to that impose sanctions on Israel that “our freedom in South end. He said the outstanding over its annexation policy and Africa is dependent on the final status issues will need to put pressure on Israel to freedom of the Palestinians”. to be resolved through stop the eviction of Palestinian As Israeli violations of negotiation, with support from families from their homes in international law and UN the international community, East Jerusalem. resolutions are unacceptable, including South Africa, to he fully supported his resume the peace process for The Chair also referred to the government’s efforts in all a lasting and just settlement recent resolution approved multilateral bodies to pursue of the Palestinian question. by the Chilean Senate, calling peace in the Middle East. on the President to adopt a He stressed that any peace law banning the import of Mr Tsenoli reiterated the plan should ensure that the settlement goods into the South African Parliament’s Palestinian state does not country, as well as to the solidarity with the Palestinian become an entity devoid support provided by South people and their right to self- of territorial contiguity Mr Lechesa Tsenoli, Deputy Speaker of the NA African parliamentarians determination and the full and economic viability. Mr to Palestinian solidarity support for the establishment Tsenoli said solidarity from The forum was convened Israeli Settlements: Calls for movements and civil society of a Palestinian state with East parliaments of the world and by the United Nations (UN) Accountability”, consisted groups in their advocacy at Jerusalem as its capital. The civil society would contribute Committee on the Exercise of Mr Francisco Chahuán, the UN Human Rights Council, situation cannot be allowed significantly to the prospect of of the Inalienable Rights of Senator of Chile; Ms Julie among other bodies. to remain unchanged as it peace. the Palestinian People. It was Elliott, Member of Parliament represents an impediment to chaired by Ambassador Cheikh of the United Kingdom; and He reiterated the commitment Niang, Chair of the committee Mr Hubert Julien-Laferrière, of the committee to continue and Permanent Representative Member of the French working with a variety of Senegal to the UN, and National Assembly. of partners, especially moderated by Mr Pedro parliamentarians because of Roque, Vice-President of the Mr Tsenoli participated in the important legislative and Parliamentary Assembly of the the second panel, on the diplomatic work that they Mediterranean and a Member topic: “Parliamentarians and contribute to the question of the Portuguese Parliament. Support for Efforts to Achieve of Palestine. The committee a Just Solution”. The panel was deeply alarmed by the The forum consisted of an comprised Mr Alexandre dramatic deterioration of opening session with remarks Boulerice, Member of the situation in the Occupied from Ambassador Niang; Parliament of Canada, and Mr Palestinian Territory (OPT) and Minister Riyad Mansour, Tsenoli. Israel’s military actions in the Permanent Observer of the Gaza Strip and reiterated the State of Palestine; and Ms In welcoming the participants, committee’s call for a de- Rosemary DiCarlo, Under- the Chair reiterated the escalation of conflict. Secretary-General of the committee’s mandate, which Department for Political is to promote a just and Mr Tsenoli said the current and Peacebuilding Affairs of peaceful settlement to the violence in the OPT reminded the UN Secretariat and two Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an South Africans of what discussion panels. end to the Israeli occupation apartheid did to them. He and to support the realisation called on more Israelis to The first panel, on of the two-state solution and object to “unsustainable “Parliaments, Security Council exercise of the inalienable violent and hegemonic Resolution 2334 (2016) and rights of the Palestinian imposition of all kinds” on