MAKING YOUR FUTURE WORK BETTER – Learning from Madiba and Ma Sisulu

The official Magazine of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Vol. 12 ISSUE 7 AugustISSUE 11 2012 2018 . With a little slogan under- neath: Parliament endorses amendment to the Constitution to expropriate land without compensation Contents

Vision

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

Mission

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

• A vibrant people’s Assembly that intervenes and transforms society and addresses the development challenges of our people; • Effective oversight over the Executive by strengthening its scrutiny of actions against the needs of South Africans; • Participation of South Africans in the decision-making processes that affect their lives;

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

the spheres of government, and ensures appropriate links

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

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

5 12

5. Deputy Speaker6 welcomes Palestinian 2020. Special summit30 reflects on developments child victim of violence in legislature in fifth Parliament

6. Taking Parliament to the people of Gauteng 26. NCOP Chairperson attends meetings of G20 Parliaments in Argentina 14. Government launches integrated strategy to fight gangsterism 29. Debate on 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children 16. Parliament endorses review of section 25 of Constitution to enable expropriate 30. NCOP Deputy Chairperson hands over land without compensation house to wheelchair-bound woman in Oudtshoorn 18. Bills in brief

3 Editor Mr Brent Simons

Production editor Mr Mava Lukani

Design and layout Mr Angelo Lamour

Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula

Writers Abel Mputing, Sakhile, Zizipho Klaas & Mava Lukani

Photography Mlandeli Puzi, Zwelethemba Kostile

Distribution & subscriptions Jacqueline Zils

Publisher Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

Printer Capitil Press

Section Manager: Publishing and Production Shirley Montsho

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

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Telephone 021 403 8738 Fax 021 403 8096 E-mail [email protected] Subscriptions [email protected] Post PO Box 15, Cape Town, 8000 OUR IDEALS Vision An activist and responsive people’s Parliament that improves the quality of life of South Africans and ensures enduring equality in our society.

Strategic Objectives Strengthening oversight and accountability;

3

enhancing public involvement; deepening 1

engagement in international fora; strengthening 4 2 cooperative government; strengthening Reflections legislative capacity. Reflections on on the Co-operative Character of Reflections Governance VISIT US ON Ref the State on the lections on the Structure of THEME COMMITTEE: www.parliament.gov.za THEME COMMITTEE: Bill of Rights Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .ai Government www.facebook.com/parliamentofrsa THEME COMMITTEE: THEME COMMITTEE: twitter.com/ParliamentofRSA youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA ParliamentofRSA

5 BOOK A TOUR YOU AND THE 6 CONSTITUTION To tour Parliament Telephone 021 403 2266 Reflections on the Fax 021 403 3817 Judicial Reflections E-mail [email protected] System on Specialised THEME COMMITTEE: Structures THEME COMMITTEE:of Government ISSN 2227-1325 (Print) ISSN 2227-3778 (Online)

2018

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA •

4 International engagement

Deputy Speaker welcomes Palestinian child victim of violence

feature of daily life in Palestine,” Mohammed recounted.

Mr Tsenoli said he was delighted to welcome him at a time when Parliament has just concluded a Men’s Parliament that discussed, among other things, the role of men in families. “I am very happy to see the father at the side of the child victim. We hope the father will continue to support the child,” said Mr Tsenoli.

He told Mohammed and his father that he was going to share the problem of Mohammed with all the relevant role players in Parliament and outside.

Mohammed came to South Africa in October 2018 for face reconstruction surgery, after he was shot in the face with rubber bullets by Israeli soldiers at close range in his village of Nabisaleh in December 2017. According to the Director of Shamsaan (Two Suns) non- governmental organisation for children’s rights, Ms Nadia Meer, Mohammed lost Deputy Speaker Mr Lechesa Tsenoli with Mr Mohammed Tammi on his right with relatives his sight and his lower jaw was broken.

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Lechesa Six months after Mohammed was Tsenoli, welcomed a 15-year-old Palestinian victim, Mr injured, he was kidnapped by Israeli forces and tortured. He was forced to lie Mohammed Tammi, with his father and other family about the Palestinian cause. His family, members to Parliament, writes Mava Lukani. mother, father and the entire extended Tammi family is at the forefront of the struggle against the brutal injustice Palestinians face daily. In welcoming Mohammed, Mr Tsenoli government. He said Palestinian children said he was grateful to provide a have no rights in their country of birth. Mohammed came to South Africa space of support for the young and “We want the people of South Africa through Shamsaan, for the face traumatised Mohammed and his family and the world to know the terrible reconstruction surgery. He arrived in in their time of need. plight under which we live as children in October 2018 and was admitted at the Palestine,” said the young Mohammed. Mediclinic Sandton for the operation. Asked by Mr Tsenoli about the kind of Mohammed asked Shamsaan to take support he expected from Parliament, The brutality of the Israeli government him to the ocean, as Palestinians are not Mohammed appealed for moral and is the order of the day in Palestine, allowed to go to the beach in Palestine. material support for all the Palestinian Mohammed said. “Prison, torture, Shamsaan took Mohammed to Cape children who he said live under killings and all forms of brutality Town. Mohammed returned to Palestine the ruthless brutality of the Israeli happen daily and are a common on 2 December 2018.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 5 Taking parliament to the People

Taking Parliament to the People of Gauteng

Crime in Gauteng dominated the first day of discussions by community members during public hearings held by the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) at the Alberton Civic Centre as part of the Taking Parliament to the People programme. The programme’s aim is to bring together all three spheres of government – as a means of strengthening accountability difficult for the police to arrest all the police officers who work with criminals drug lords? If they can tell us their are prosecuted and sent to jail,” Mr and oversight, writes Abel problem, maybe we can help,” Mr Mnisi Mnisi emphasised. Mputing and Sakhile highlighted. He further alleged that in his area Mokoena. The people of Gauteng told Members of many dockets get lost and cases the NCOP that they were hopeful that never get to be adjudicated by the the Taking Parliament to the People courts. “You go to court and you hear CRIME programme will provide them with a that the case has been withdrawn, Gauteng residents lamented the poor platform to get answers because they but as the complainant you don’t services they receive from the South have complained for a long time. The know anything about it. I hope that African Police Service (SAPS) across fight against crime is undercut by the something should be done to improve the province. Mr Steve Mnisi from very officers of the law that are meant the communications between SAPS and Mamelodi in the City of Tshwane to enforce it (the law), they said. the complainants.” Metropolitan area exposed the lack of assistance from SAPS. “We are all “Police officers work with criminals and Like many participants at the hearings, here as the community to assist the until this is stopped, the fight against Mr Mnisi complained about the lack of police, but the police are not using the crime will not be successful. I think it a nearby police station which would information received from the people. is about time that government takes enable residents to report matters Tell me Deputy Minister, what is so matters seriously and ensure that those quickly. “In Mayfield, we have to walk

6 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Taking parliament to the People

PUTTING A POINT ACROSS: A member of the public raising a point on service delivery to the NCOP delegates and government Ministers and senior officials kilometres to get to the nearest police into our country and as government community that they are doing work to station. It’s even worse that we have we must respond to those concerns, as rid the service of corrupt police officers. to walk through a forest area, which is this speaks to the territorial integrity dangerous, especially for females. We of the republic,” the Deputy Minister CAR MANUFACTURING are requesting that a police station is emphasised. INDUSTRY brought closer to the people to enable The Taking Parliament to the People people to report cases,” Mr Mnisi said. Deputy Minister Mkongi called also conducted oversight over a for a collaborative effort between Gauteng provincial government skills Responding to challenges raised, communities and the police to aid the empowerment programme in the car the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr fight against crime. “Please assist the manufacturing industry called the Bongani Mkongi, agreed with the police and stop buying stolen goods Automotive Industry Development overall sentiment that South Africa because the illicit economy is funded Centre (AICD) in Rosslyn, Tshwane. The is under siege in terms of crime and by you, the community members. You NCOP commended the programme criminality. “Our people don’t feel safe. know very well that this gentleman for contributing to job creation and What is fundamental for us politicians doesn’t own a furniture shop, but you youth empowerment in the province. is to close the gaps that have been continue to buy a plasma television The incubation programme identifies identified by our people that make from him. The vicious cycle of crime is young people and women with criminals to flourish in our country. being fed by you,” Mr Mkongi said. formal engineering qualifications One of the issues that our people have and puts them through specialised raised is the influx of illegal immigrants The Deputy Minister also assured the training, where they acquire skills in

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 7 Taking parliament to the People

PUBLIC HEARINGS: People demand service delivery

manufacturing car components that “Very often, during our oversight they then supply to some of South visits as Parliament, we receive Africa’s big car manufacturers. complaints and negative reports about government failing to assist This was described as “a good story to the people. But here we see the tell”, by Ms Masefako Dikgale, House work of government, and when we Chairperson for International Relations come across such a good story to tell, in the NCOP. The House Chairperson we need to commend it,” she said. was leading a joint delegation of NCOP Members, Members of the Mr Alfred Tau, the acting Chief Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Executive Officer of the AICD, told the other legislatures. The AICD is a delegation that the programme was subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and a partnership between the Gauteng Development Agency (GGDA) and provincial government and the private supports the development and growth sector, which seeks to empower the of the automotive and automated youth, contribute to the province’s components industries in the province. economic development and was also part of an ambitious long-term plan to “After our oversight visit to the AICD, establish a industry hub in Rosslyn. we can safely say we have a good story to tell. We have heard how the The programme also involves assisting centre assists students from technical small, micro and medium enterprises and vocational education and training to manage their finances and save to (TVET) colleges. Through the incubator develop their business further and be programme, it has managed to self-sustainable after the incubation create 130 jobs. These are the kind period. Currently AICD manufactures of government initiatives that bring components for Ford and Nissan, hope and we commend the Gauteng and negotiations are underway to Economic Development department. also partner with BMW (all these car

8 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Taking parliament to the People

manufacturers are based in Gauteng). institutions and colleges with which we This formula proved to be successful, have a Memorandum of Understanding. Mr Mabasa emphasised. “We have “This is the beginning. Over time we Some of the prototype products we produced a number of entrepreneurs hope to produce components that produce are created and researched in who now run their own innovative we are currently not producing, such these institutions,” Ms Mpisi explained. businesses, who are businesspeople in as engines, and to be the biggest Currently, the students at the hab are their own right.” manufacturer of vehicle components busy working on two apps: one on in Africa,” said Mr Tau. The centre was events notification, and another one on The hub derives most of its intake from also planning to expand its partnership street art marketing. surrounding schools. “We have school with the TVET colleges, because some programmes where we introduce the of the colleges do not have the latest One of the members of the NCOP work we do. Most of all, we believe technologies to train students. delegation, Mr Xitlhangoma Mabasa, that pupils should be introduced to commended the fact that young people technological education at an early innovation are using innovation to find solutions age if we are to meet the challenges The NCOP delegation focusing on to the challenges in their communities. brought to bear by the fourth industrial economic development visited the Several entrepreneurs have graduated revolution.” Soweto Ekasi Innovation Hub in from this programme and have gone on Diepkloof, which is the initiative to create jobs for others. “We conduct We are constantly on the lookout for of the Gauteng MEC for Economic due diligence before accepting any innovation, Mr Mabasa said, “that Development and its e-Government product idea. Currently, there are 16 will bring solutions to challenges in Department. This impressive business award-winning entrepreneurs whose our communities. One of our students hub focuses on ICT expertise, electronic products have been commercialised, has created a device that will detect coding and advance technological who now employ more than 130 water leaks, which could save so much inventions, which will bring solutions to people,” said Mr Mabasa. water lost due to leaks. This product is township challenges. currently being assessed by the City of On acceptance to the hab, the young Johannesburg for its feasibility”. This hab is a direct response to calls innovators are assigned to mentors and to embrace the Fourth Industrial commercial experts. The innovators sign When members asked if the hab is Revolution. It forms part of the a one-year contract and the programme getting any funding from departments electronic corridor of Soweto, said its aims to harness their ideas and turn in their line of business or fund programme manager, Nothile Mpisi. “It them into viable products, a process youth development, he responded is located next to the higher education that costs the hub more than R250 000. that funding remains a challenge.

SITE VISIT: NCOP delegates listening to government officials

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 9 Taking parliament to the People

“We would like to have relationships 1994. “Before 1994, businesses were that. “As a department you should have with this cluster of departments and regulated and zoned. You could not run picked up this problem of overdraft be involved in crafting policies, set a business in your yard. After 1994, and advised him accordingly. It should standards and principles that could that changed. Everyone now can open not have taken us for this matter to move innovation forward.” a shop anywhere and anyhow. That has surface.” affected us as formal business owners.” Mr Mabasa also cited the need for Worst of all, “we are made to comply The Director of Special Projects in industrial parks in the townships for and pay all the dues expected from the department, Mr Tseliso Mohlomi, business revitalisation. “We have us. But many migrants who run spaza responded that they will look at the manufactures who need to be assisted shops are exempted from doing so.” issue of the overdraft and report back with a sharable space for their to the NCOP about the outcome of their businesses, but currently they don’t “Why are foreign migrants allowed to intervention. have a place to do so. That is what can do as they please? The government take our country’s industrial revolution must set rules to ensure that their Ms Mampuru also emphasised that to the next level.” businesses don’t impact on ours as long as our borders remain porous, negatively. For instance, it is normal the effect of migrants on township INPACT OF MIGRANTS to have 10 migrant spaza shops in economy will persist. “We are sitting The delegation also went to the one street. That is an anti-competitive with a Bill in Parliament that seeks to Monangeng Pick n Pay franchise in business behaviour.” regulate our borders, but there is no Soweto, run by Mr Solly Legae, a department that wants to own it. When model which was brokered by the He also complained that he is running enacted, it would solve some of the Department of Economic Development his business on overdraft due to this migration problems we are currently in Gauteng. He lamented the effect of anti-competitive behaviour of illegal faced with.” migration on his business. He decried spaza shops. NCOP delegate Ms government’s failure to regulate Tsapane Mampuru asked the Economic “Have you tried to club together as general dealers in the townships after Development Department to respond to township business to harness your buying power or to open up your ACCOUNTABILITY DEMANDED: NCOP delegates listening to government officials own warehouse that will supply your businesses at an affordable price?” asked Mr Mabasa. The answer was no, they have not done so. They have not yet thought about that for they spend all their energies to survive for another day. Mr Mabasa chipped in: “This shows a lack of understanding how you can harness your buying power as small township businesses. You can use the Soweto Ekasi Innovation Hub to help you solve this problem. Those young people can bring innovative ways on how you run your businesses.”

“As legislators we are glad to hear your side of the story,” Ms Ellen Prins pointed out, “it has enriched us and made us much wiser about the problems that small formal businesses are faced with in the townships. When we craft legislation related to small black businesses in the townships, we will do so in an informed manner than would have been the case before.”

The Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Mr Raseriti Tau, believes that innovation hubs and science research centres could

10 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Taking parliament to the People

NCOP House Chairperson and Chief Whip and delegates sharing a point play an important role in South Africa’s a very important idea for economic Advocate Pieter Holl, Acting Chief efforts to advance towards the fourth growth and future development. Executive Officer of the Innovation industrial revolution. Speaking during Hub, told the NCOP delegation that an oversight visit to the Innovation It must not only focus on Gauteng, it assists innovators, researchers Hub’s headquarters in Tshwane in but look into the other provinces as and entrepreneurs working on Gauteng during the Taking Parliament well. “As the NCOP, we can provide innovative ideas to improve efficiency to the People Programme, Mr Tau said a platform for all the MECs for of government service delivery and the concept of innovation hubs and economic development, through increase competitiveness of the local science parks could play a key role our Select Committee on Economic economy. “We also help in identifying in advancing these efforts, through Development, to see how can the market appetite for a product, develop research and development of new provinces support this idea and a business model and continue to technology products. spread it across the country,” he incubate the entrepreneur until their said. product was fully commercialised,” said The fourth industrial revolution Adv Holl. has been described as large-scale He was echoed by NCOP delegate from technology breakthroughs in a number the North West province, Mr Olifile Mr Tsietsi Maleho, General Manager: of fields, which is expected to disrupt Sefako, who supported the idea of Monitoring, Evaluation and Partnerships every industry in every country through expanding the concept of innovation at the Innovation Hub, told the digitisation. “The jobs that we are hubs to other provinces. These delegation that science parks are creating today might no longer be innovation hubs and science parks mushrooming all over Africa and the relevant tomorrow, based on the fourth can play a pivotal role to ensure that concept was also gaining traction in industrial revolution, and we need the country mitigates the challenge other provinces. to be innovative and think about the of joblessness. “The more we expand future, and it is through initiatives like this product the more value it adds to One success story to come out of the innovation hubs and science parks that the lives of the people, and it can help Innovation Hub is that of the skin we can conduct research and develop create jobs where people live instead of products made from marula fruit, by new technologies that are needed for having people travel to Gauteng,” said Ms Portia Mngomezulu, of Portia M the future, which is going to be highly Mr Sefako. Skin Solutions, which are available in digitised,” said the Deputy Chairperson. major supermarkets and pharmacies The Innovation Hub is an entity of the countrywide. Mr Tau was part of a delegation provincial Department of Economic of NCOP members and MPLs from Development, established in 2001 Another success story is that of Ms Gauteng and Limpopo, visiting the through a partnership between the Thuli Mthethwa, who has developed a Innovation Hub in Tshwane to gather Gauteng provincial government, the personal safety alarm in the form of a more information on the concept of Centre for Scientific and Industrial key ring, which is directly linked to the science parks and their contribution to Research (CSIR) and the University of police. The South African Police Service economic development. He added that Pretoria to incubate entrepreneurs in has piloted this product and the SAPS is the concept of innovation hubs was the research and development field. in the process of buying it from her.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 11 Taking parliament to the People

CLOSE INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS: President Cyril Ramaphosa, NCOP ChairpersonMs Thandi Modise and Deputy Chairperson Mr Raseriti Tau standing outside the NCOP Chamber in Gauteng. President addresses closing of Taking Parliament to the People

“Seizing the moment to It is a tradition of the National Council and non-payment for services, to the of Provinces (NCOP), that the President absence of a meaningful revenue base chart a new course of or Deputy President address the last and a weak economy. This requires the action against poverty, day of the Taking Parliament to the attention of all spheres of government People programme at a formal sitting and it requires the close attention unemployment, inequality of the NCOP. The sitting takes place of the NCOP,” President Ramaphosa and underdevelopment” was outside the parliamentary precinct, in emphasised. full view of the members of the public, the theme of the debate that and this time in Gauteng, President The task at hand, he stated, is to brought to a close the week- Ramaphosa graced the gathering with move the economy out of its period his presence. of stagnation to create a state that long Taking Parliament to the provides a better life for our citizens. People (TPTTP) programme While the President gave the overview “When our economy is strong, when of South Africa’s economic state and its our people have jobs, when the in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng. This potential, the Chairperson of the NCOP, government has more resources, our Ms Thandi Modise and other speakers, ability to deliver good, quality services debate, which concerned shared their provincial perspectives on is vastly improved.” the intergovernmental why the economy is at a cross roads and how to improve its prospects. This economic slump has, “constrained responsibilities of the various our government’s ability to increase arms of the state towards Before things improve, President social spending, build and maintain Ramaphosa outlined the many infrastructure and, above all, to create a economic development in economic challenges that our conducive environment for the creation Gauteng, was addressed by country has to face. One of which, of jobs for our people”. is the economic challenges facing President Cyril Ramaphosa, municipalities in delivering services The push towards the restoration of the reports Abel Mputing. to the people. “The reasons for this is credibility of the South African economy range from financial mismanagement is anchored to a recovery plan that

12 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Taking parliament to the People

seek, among other things, to create to create a R100-billion-fund that claimed that external migration has had the new economic framework that will will finance small black business a dire effect on Gauteng’s economic turn the tide in the economy. This will enterprises.” potential. As a result, “South Africa be achieved “through a combination of attracts large numbers of migrants – economic recovery measures and policy This campaign’s main aim is to ignite skilled and unskilled – and this imposes reforms, currently the government South Africa’s competitiveness as an challenges of a different magnitude is working to restore the economy investment destination. The most in the context of the post-apartheid and capacitate the state to fulfil its favourable outcome to date is, in his dispensation and globalisation”. developmental mandate”. view, “the commitment of several local and international companies which Given these migration challenges, the President Ramaphosa assured his announced their intentions to invest formulas used to grant equitable share listeners that the government is doing in the country, either to establish to provinces need to be revisited to take everything in its power to ensure new operations or to expand existing into consideration the movement of peo- that economic growth benefits all ones, confirming South Africa’s global ple to Gauteng. “We agree that the flow South Africans, especially the poor. competitiveness.” of people from other provinces eats away He emphasised that the greatest the advantage of better service delivery.” economic intervention to date is the Ms Modise spoke of the challenges announcement of “the economic observed by the NCOP during the Taking This has been worsened by external stimulus and recovery plan containing Parliament to the People programmed migration, she conceded. “The inflows a range of measures to ignite economic during oversight visits in the Greater through our borders most adversely hit activity, restore investor confidence and Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality. Gauteng, affecting service deliver and create new jobs”. One such challenge are the effects of increasing the illicit flows of goods and both internal and external migration on services.” The reprioritisation of government service delivery requirements for the public expenditure, as announced Gauteng provincial government. She added that there are many projects recently by the Minister of Finance, is that required funding in Gauteng set to add value to this intervention. She pointed out that South Africa’s townships and funding for small “This is to ensure that resources are democracy guarantees freedom of business enterprises is a challenge. directed to activities that have the movement to all and that, as a result, “We heard of a project that is fixing greatest impact on growth and jobs. “our people can now live and work wheelchairs, all it needs is monetary An amount of R50 billion has been anywhere they want without fear assistance.” reprioritised to address infrastructural of violence or abuse”. However, she and other challenges in our public She also mentioned the impact of il- health care and education systems, and ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE NCOP: legal mining on former mining towns, to bolster the Expanded Public Works President Ramaphosa addresses the NCOP stating that “we heard how children in Programme.” areas like Zamimpilo and Riverlea are vulnerable to dust and arsenic acid. The economic stimulus and recovery Government must stop these illegal plan also focusses on unlocking the mining activities, for the sake of our potential of key growth sectors, such children and our future. These are some as agriculture. “We are increasing of the cases that were raised in the resources to provide support to black former mining towns.” commercial farmers to increase their entry into the food value chain. This Having observed the state of service includes the facilitation of the signing delivery in the province and heard of leases to enable farmers to mobilise the people’s concerns during the pub- funding for agricultural development. lic hearings, Ms Modise assured the people of Ekurhuleni that “the NCOP “But most significantly,” he will coordinate follow-up activities on emphasised, “the recent efforts that the matters raised by the public. How- culminated in the job and investment ever, it is important that the provincial summits and investment forums that legislature and municipal councils do seek to woo foreign direct investment their part, as part of their oversight have secured pledges that would create in respect of their functional areas in 275 000 jobs … [and] the local financial responding to the issues that were sector also pledged its commitment raised.”

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 13 Committees’s oversight

Government launches integrated strategy to fight gangsterism

Gangsterism and gang- The National Assembly’s Portfolio to get first-hand experience of living related violent crimes have Committee on Police and the National in a gang-infested area. The President Council of Provinces’ (NCOP’s) Select heard how services come to a complete caused endless grief and Committee on Justice and Security shutdown when gangs fight in the terror in many communities, participated in the official launch of townships. the integrated anti-gang strategy and especially in townships in the national Anti-Gang Unit in Hanover When gang warfare flares up, innocent the Western Cape. This has Park, where President Cyril Ramaphosa people get shot, clinics, hospitals and committed himself to “jail all gangs schools close, public transportation is shut prompted the government to operating in the country and restore down, while libraries and community devise an integrated strategy peace and stability in the townships. centres close their doors. The situation must change, the President said, and to tackle the problem, writes “Today we are taking definite action to the anti-gang units aim to put an end to Sakhile Mokoena. stop gangsterism. The government has gangs ruling the streets. heard you, listened to your pleas for help and we are here to take action, not only “We cannot allow this to continue, where Parliament, through the Portfolio in the Western Cape, but in communities young children cannot go to school Committee on Police and the Select around the country that are terrorised by because gangs have now taken over the Committee on Justice and Security, has gangs,” the President said. lives of the community, they want to rule welcomed the initiative by the country’s supreme. Gang violence is robbing us law enforcement agencies to tackle all The launch began with a walk-about by of our security, peace, freedom and our forms of gang-related crimes around the the President and the Minister of Police, children are afraid to play in the sports country. where they interacted with residents areas. You have been living under siege

14 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Committees’s oversight

recently launched anti-gang strategy again. There were times when those and units were rolled out countrywide. gangsters were deliberately shooting at us when we escorted the kids to school “I think it is quite significant that the or patrolled the streets, but we never President of the Republic was here gave up because there was only one personally to launch the anti-gang thing on our minds: to save our children. strategy and anti-gang unit. This shows If we as parents were not going to stand that there is a commitment from the up, what will happen to the future of our executive to ensure that we empower children?” Ms Davids asked. our police units to deal with organised crime, especially organised gangsterism. But 25-year-old Breda Brendell was less That’s a big dilemma in the Western hopeful, mentioning that there have Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern been campaigns and launches in the Cape,” said Mr Beukman. past, but the gangs continue to rule the streets. “We can come with many plans “We also welcome the fact that there is and strategies, but implementation outreach to the community, to show to is key. The only time we will know if them that the SAPS will step up its effort this latest plan is effective is when we to deal with violent crime, gangsterism see results. We have had campaigns and also create an opportunity for the launched in the past and nothing SAPS to renew its commitment to deal happened.” The police visibility must not effectively with violent crime.” end on the launch day, Mr Brendell said. If the visibility remains on this level as Mr Ximbi said: “This is going to help this we see today, it will definitely have an community a lot. We think it is a very impact. important effort by the President, and as the select committee we welcome An old man who did not want to disclose from heartless criminals who have no this move. We are going to monitor the his identity said the launch “brings hope. regard for human life. effectiveness of the strategy. We are I appreciate the effort of Parliament and going to monitor the plan and I wish government coming here to resolve this “This strategy that we are launching here these police officers who are being situation. I think this strategy will work. means it is jail time for gangs. This is the deployed here today are not going to be It is a bit late, but it will work and I am end of the road for you terrorising our pursued or corrupted by the gangs.” definitely going to support the anti-gang communities,” said the President to much unit to make sure our townships become applause and ululations from the masses, The anti-gang strategy is an integrated safe again.” who filled the local Hanover Park sports initiative by all the law enforcement fields. agencies, led by the South African Western Cape Premier, Ms Helen Zille, Police Service (SAPS), and includes the also welcomed the intervention to launch President Ramaphosa also paid tribute to departments of Correctional Services, the integrated strategy to fight gangs. those who have lost their lives in gang- Home Affairs and State Security, among She thanked government for “listening to related violence, and hoped the new others. Over 300 officers and high- the cries of parents who have lost their anti-gang units will help put a stop to powered vehicles will be deployed in children in gang violence”. the killings and lessen fears among the the areas where gangsterism was rife. citizens. National Police Commissioner, General Hanover Park resident and a member of Khehla Sitole, said the anti-gang unit The Chairperson of the Portfolio the local neighbourhood watch group, and task team formations were a Committee on Police, Mr Francois Ms Rashida Davids, was pleased with response to the outcry of communities, Beukman, and his counterpart in the initiative and committed to work not only in the Western Cape, but the Select Committee on Justice and with the newly launched anti-gang units nationally, relating to gang violence and Security, Mr Dumisani Ximbi, welcomed to ensure the safety of the township other crimes generated by gangs. The the government intervention to residents. initiative is part of the broader vision, fight gangsterism. They committed he explained, of creating a crime-fee, themselves to closely monitor “I am so glad, as a woman, as a mother conducive climate for socio-economic the integrated efforts of the law and grandmother. I feel so relieved with stability in support of a better life for all, enforcement agencies to fight gang- this deployment of the anti-gang unit with the theme “On a Journey to a Safer related crimes and to make sure the in our areas. Our streets will be safe South Africa”.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 15 Parliament endorses Constitutional Amendment

Parliament endorses review of section 25 of Constitution to enable government to expropriate land without compensation

A highlight of the 5th When all that was done, the committee considered the views expressed during Parliament will certainly be public hearings and according to its its passing of the report that report tabled before the NA and the endorses the review of section NCOP, many South Africans who took part in this process endorsed the 25 of the Constitution to enable change to section 25 of the Constitution the government to expropriate to accommodate expropriation of land without compensation. land without compensation. This is seen as a means to During this debate, it emerged that to redress the debate on the the detractors of the willing buyer and willing seller policy, the endorsement racially skewed patterns of of this report is an admission of the could be effected within the current land ownership in South Africa, failure of this policy which was one of constitutional provisions of this clause. writes Abel Mputing. our country’s land reform instruments. And therefore, there is no need To them, this policy was bound to of a constitutional amendment to fail, for it was from the onset a costly accommodate expropriation without exercise. As a result, they are of the compensation. To address this, a resolution was passed view that the failure of this policy to at the National Assembly (NA) and the yield the desired fruits is a missed The parties in favour of the amendment National Council of Provinces (NCOP) opportunity by the proponents of this equally maintained that the stipulation that a Joint Constitutional Review policy to provide an alternative solution by this clause that land can be Committee should be incepted to take to South Africa’s land question. And had expropriated in consideration of public care of all the politics and logistics of they cared more about the landless and interest, was too vague. such a process. dispossessed majority of black people and the political effect thereof, they They claim that if their cause were to Given that a Constitution could only be would have seen that it was taking rely on that clause, it would expose changed through public participation land reform legislation no further than it to successful cases of litigation. consultations, in response Parliament itself. They wanted this section amended to convened its public participation foreclose any constitutional loophole education, soon thereafter the There has been differing opinions on that may arise or that would derail the committee criss-crossed the country the interpretation of this section of the process, hence they perceived a change canvassing people’s views on whether Constitution throughout this process. in the Constitution as the only way that to change section 25 of the Constitution Those against its review maintained would safeguard its constitutionality. to accommodate expropriation without throughout that process that The testimony to that is Parliament’s compensation or not – and why? expropriation without compensation recent successful defence of this report.

16 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Parliament endorses Constitutional Amendment

The main bone of contention of the there was no way that economic has reassured investors that the detractors of this amendment is that interests would trample on the history government will undertake this process it is simply political, it does not take of current political and economic within the prism of the rule of law and into consideration that the matter at concerns. If that could be the case, the order. It won’t be a free for all or a hand is complex: it is as political as is transformation agenda that hinges on willy-nilly process of land or property economical, and needs to be treated justice and reconciliation would have expropriations. And all economic as such to avert any unintended been defeated. And that should not concerns raised will be taken care of, consequences. be allowed to happen, for justice and for land is the bedrock of our country’s reconciliation remain the socio-political economy. Further claiming that given the fact that foundations that underpin the ideals of land is property, this amendment will nation-building. At the beginning of December, both the drive investors away, for there is no National Assembly and National Council investor that will be willing to invest in The disastrous Zimbabwe’s land reform of Provinces have agreed that section a country whose property clause is not process is always invoked by the 25 of the Constitution be amended to safeguarded constitutionally. This at a detractors of this move as a mirror of what make expropriation of land without time when the South African economy could possibly happen. And according to compensation more explicit. needed them to quell the rising tide of them, hard lessons should have been unemployment. learnt about the economic value of land The adoption of the committee’s and the disruptions it can bring to bear to report by both the National Assembly The agitators of this move are quick to the economic future of a country. and National Council of Provinces retort that the economic interests of means that a Bill may be introduced, the day must take into consideration To counter these lingering concerns, according to the procedures in section the political environment within which its proponents are quick to make 74 of the Constitution and the Rules of they operate. As such, given our history, reference to the fact that the President Parliament.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 17 NA adopts legislation

National Assembly Sitting

Treasury to disclose any stoppage of an allocation to Parliament’s Select and Bills in brief Standing Committees on Finance. The National Assembly approved instruments make it possible to adjust The Standing Committees on several legislative matters the budget, to accommodate changes Appropriations and on Finance, in in circumstance, as these arise. their reports to the National Assembly concerning the Medium Term recommended the adoption of all the Budget Policy Statement The Special Appropriations Bill, for MTBPS adjustment budget matters example, aims to prevent a call on without amendment. They also made (MTBPS) and the Electoral Laws the South African Airways (SAA) recommendations about enhancing Amendment Bill in November. outstanding government-guaranteed and monitoring implementation of this debt. The R5 billion, allocated for this adjustments budget arising from public purpose by the bill, provides for the hearings and committee deliberations. The National Assembly passed Minister of Finance to determine the the Medium Term Budget Policy portions and dates of the transfer, to Parliament’s responsibility relating to Statement (MTBPS) and its proposed impose conditions SAA must meet the budget is an ongoing process. The fiscal framework for the next three before and after any part of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure years, the Special Appropriations Bill, amount is transferred and to stop use and Related Matters Act of 2009 details the Adjustments Appropriations Bill of the amount until such conditions how this happens. It also empowers and its Votes and Schedule. These are met. The Bill also requires National Parliament to make amendments to

18 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NA adopts legislation

Money Bills Amendment Procedure and age of criminal capacity and provisions Related Matters Amendment Bill on 28 about decisions to prosecute a child who August 2018. The Bill was sent to the is 12 years or older but under the age of National Council of Provinces, which also 14. The Bill further aims to regulate the passed it on 20 November at a plenary proof of criminal capacity; the assessment sitting, during the Taking Parliament report by the probation officer; as well as to the People oversight and public factors to be considered by a prosecutor participation programme in Gauteng. when diverting a matter before a preliminary inquiry. The Electoral Laws Amendment Bill, also agreed to by the National The National Environmental Assembly aims to enhance the existing Management Laws Amendment Bill legislative mechanisms that ensure free aims to address practical challenges and fair elections, and in keeping with identified in the application of various the Constitution. It seeks, through a Acts. The Bill seeks to amend seven wide range of measures, to prevent the Acts of Parliament. These are the possibility of fraud in election results. It Environmental Management Act of also aims to prevent a court challenge 1998; the National Environmental to the constitutions of legislative bodies Management: Protected Areas Act, by any party or interested persons on 2003; the National Environmental the basis of the absence of addresses Management: Biodiversity Act, on the common voters’ roll. 2004; the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, 2004; the This is important for maintaining National Environmental Management: political stability, and to protect the Integrated Coastal Management Act, legitimacy of elected legislative bodies 2008; the National Environmental from which national and provincial Management: Waste Act, 2008; and the governments derive the authority to National Environmental Management constitute themselves. The Bill aims Amendment Act, 2008. to amend the Electoral Commission Act, the Electoral Act and the Local A Bill to amend the National Government: Municipal Electoral Act. Qualifications Framework Amendment The Electoral Laws Amendment Bill, the Act of 2008 was also passed. This Adjustments Appropriation Bill and the Bill governs the verification of all Special Appropriation Bill will be sent qualifications by the South African the budget and adjusted budget. to the National Council of Provinces for Qualifications Authority, a well as the concurrence. formulating criteria for evaluating Since that Act took effect, however, foreign qualifications. The Bill furthers it has become apparent that certain In November the National Assembly seeks to provide for the establishment technical issues need attention. also passed the Cybercrimes Bill, the and maintenance of separate registers One is the timeframes within which Child Justice Amendment Bill, the of misrepresented or fraudulent Parliament must consider and make National Environmental Management qualifications or part-qualifications. decisions about budget and adjusted Laws Amendment Bill and the National budget financial instruments and Qualifications Framework Amendment The Bills approved will now be sent Money Bills. The tight timeframes are Bill. to the National Council of Provinces difficult to meet and reduce prospects for concurrence. The National of meaningful public engagement on The general purpose of the Cybercrimes Council of Provinces also passed the these important matters. This is why, in Bill is to criminalise the distribution of Administrative Adjudication of Road 2016, the National Assembly instructed harmful data messages and provide Traffic Offences Amendment Bill. the Standing Committee on Finance for interim protection orders. Further The Bill seeks to promote road traffic to review the 2009 Act for possible to that, the Bill seeks to regulate the quality by providing for a scheme that amendment. power to investigate cybercrimes. discourages road traffic contraventions and facilitate the efficient adjudication After the committee’s thorough public The Child Justice Amendment Bill aims of road traffic infringements. The Bill consultations on possible amendments, to amend the Child Justice Act of 2008, will now be returned to the National the National Assembly adopted the including further regulating the minimum Assembly for concurrence.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 19 LSSA reflects on 5th Parliament

WELCOME AT HOME: The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Lechesa Tsenoli shakes the hand of the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the Speaker’ Forum Ms Baleka Mbete after she welcomed the Legislative Sector leadership at the summit at Parliament. Special Summit reflects on fifth Parliament As the fifth parliamentary term Opening the two-day summit on fifth parliamentary term was the “Building on the legislative sector gains commissioning of the High Level comes to an end, the Speakers’ of the fifth parliamentary term”, the Panel (HLP) on the Assessment of Forum held a special legacy Speaker of the National Assembly and Key Legislation and the Acceleration summit, under the auspices of Chairperson of the Speakers’ Forum, Ms of Fundamental Change. The panel Baleka Mbete, reflected on various topical was chaired by former President the South African Legislative issues affecting the legislative sector, Kgalema Motlanthe, who handed the Sector (Sals), to reflect on including international engagements, HLP report to the Speakers’ Forum in oversight and budget allocations to November 2017. The report has yet to developments in the legislative Parliament and the provincial legislatures. be processed and will form part of the arm of the state over the past legacy report that will be handed over One outstanding achievement to the sixth democratic Parliament after five years, writesAbel Mputing. for the legislative sector in the the 2019 general elections.

20 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA LSSA reflects on 5th Parliament

Ms Mbete told the summit that ensure good and clean governance. another important matter that Ms Mbete also used the opportunity The legislative would not be finalised in this term to pay homage to the United Nations is the Legislative Sector Bill, which (UN) and the world for honouring will also be referred to the next South Africa by erecting a statue sector anchors Parliament. “We are confident that of the country’s first democratic as we conclude the last mile, we are President, Mr Nelson Mandela, at Democracy strong and have established a more the UN headquarters in New York. solid foundation for the next term. Legislatures must continue to learn On the first day of the summit, We are using this summit to reflect from Madiba, who told the first on developments and evaluate our Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms delegates reflected on achievements. The major focus is to Frene Ginwala, that “Parliament must governance in the legislative discuss and review developments be a body that contributes to nation- over the past five years and advise building and a united South Africa”. sector. The discussions were led on future direction,” said Ms Mbete. by the Head of Co-operation, Another matter for reflection, Ms Ms Mbete emphasised the need to Mbete said, is the legislative sector’s European Union (EU) delegation make the National Development budget, which is inadequate and to South Africa, Mr Bernard Ray, Plan (NDP) central to the work of impacts negatively on the sector’s and the Speaker of the Eastern Parliament and legislatures, so that it ability to do its work, including becomes a key element of strategic oversight, legislation drafting and Cape Legislature, Ms Noxolo planning and the sector oversight processing, as well as analysing Kiviet, writes Abel Mputing. model. This alignment will ensure and passing budgets. Engaging with the successful implementation of the Minister of Finance and the In his address, Mr Ray emphasised that the NDP, which seeks to end hunger, President will help, as will the correct the South African legislative sector is a poverty and inequality by the year implementation of the Financial formidable partner of the EU Parliament 2030. Management of Parliament and and that €200 million in EU funding went Provincial Legislatures Act (FMPPLA) to the South African legislative sector. She also called on Parliament and and an understanding of the the legislatures to use all resources at relationship between the legislative The South African legislative sector their disposal to fight corruption and sector and the executive. receives this funding because it promotes the EU’s interests MAKING A WORD OF WELCOME: Ms Mbete welcomes LSSA leadership at the summit. in accountable and transparent institutions. The South African legislature also epitomises participatory decision-making and public access to information, Mr Ray explained.

He praised the sector for its development of workable models for democratic legislative structures. “The existence of a legislative sector provides a clear focus on the importance of legislative institutions as anchors of the democratic state, and on the need for the sector to develop consistently rather than on a legislature by legislature basis.”

The South African legislature is the envy of other legislatures, Mr Ray claimed. “We are proud of its innovative approach in instilling a participatory democracy model that is envied world-wide. Its approach to this concept is regarded as unique in the world. It can be proud of what it has achieved ever since its inception.”

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 21 LSSA reflects on 5th Parliament

account that South Africa is still faced state, Ms Kiviet said. It is held to account with its contemporary challenges and of by the multiparty nature of South Africa’s the legacy of apartheid.” democracy and the culture within civil society that demands that Parliament Mr Ray also spoke of the South Africa represents diverse interests while EU partnership that will result in an promoting accountability. agreement on a programme that will enable the South African legislature Despite challenges, the legislative sector to make full use of technology when has been committed to its horizontal conducting its work. “The EU centre for oversight responsibility to ensure that the innovation is a catalyst to this initiative. executive meets its judicial and service Its aim is to promote the efficiency delivery obligations, and that state- of Members of Parliament and the owned enterprises are run effectively secretaries of committees.” and efficiently. “Parliament joins the three arms of the state and Parliament’s MAKING A POINT: LSSA leader addressing a plenary session. The Speaker of the Eastern Cape role is to ensure that they all contribute legislature, Ms Kiviet commended the EU to the vision of a non-racial, non-sexist Below: Group photograph of Speakers and Deputy Speakers for its ongoing support. She also spoke democratic Parliament.” of the need to apply both horizontal and However, the challenge remains to vertical forms of oversight, particularly One of the achievements of the sector in maximise openness, to enact policies in light of Parliament’s central role in the past four years, Ms Kiviet recounted, that are timely, effective and coherent, advancing democracy. “As such, we are is the introduction of the Legislative and to ensure that they have the capacity key to the meaningful change in the lives Sector Bill. The Bill co-ordinates “financial to demand accountability from the of our people.” management in line with the King report executive and state institutions over on co-operative governance, to ensure which they exercise oversight. “This is The national Parliament is a key structure that this is done in line with the principles even more significant if one takes into linking society with the other arms of the of good governance,” she explained.

4th Industrial Revolution: Implications for Legislatures

“The Fourth Industrial Revolution or First Digital Revolution – Implications for Parliament and Provincial Legislatures”. The Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, told the legacy summit that existing laws and “We will need to adapt and modernise our driving cars, which will also require a existing policies, particularly in the areas of modernised regulatory framework. policy frameworks will have to labour market regulation, social protection be modernised to deal with new and welfare,” Ms Kubayi-Ngubane began. The Fourth Industrial Revolution will see She mentioned crypto-currencies in the a merging of technologies, blurring the technological advances, writes financial sector, which will require a new lines between the physical, digital and Sahkile Mokoena. regulatory framework, along with self- biological spheres.

22 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA LSSA reflects on 5th Parliament

Ms Kubayi-Ngubane went further to She also announced that the President say that autonomous weapons and will be putting together a presidential data sovereignty in the face of big commission to provide advice on data will both require a new regulatory preparations for the fourth industrial framework, while a new taxation revolution. framework will also be required. She pointed to the example of Facebook, Prof Mike Bruton of science development which recently had to account for centre Mike Bruton Imagineering, also selling users’ data. participated in the discussions. He urged parliamentarians to familiarise South Africa will also require a themselves with the opportunities new cyber-security policy and a provided by science and the fourth regulatory framework for gene industrial revolution. It is important for editing technologies. However, the legislative sector to understand both one of the biggest challenges of the problems and the opportunities, and the fourth industrial revolution will recognise the importance of a strong be jobs, particularly if more are science culture in deepening democracy. destroyed than created. “How do we re-skill our nation to prepare for “The legislative sector must recognise the fourth industrial revolution? We the crucial role of science in achieving need a large pool of skills, men and the National Development Plan and women of all races. We need law- the Sustainable Development Goals. It makers who are alive to the fact that should also appreciate the opportunity technology is about to turn societies of the fourth industrial revolution; it is a on their heads,” Ms Kubayi-Ngubane problem-solving revolution,” said Prof said. Bruton.

GROUP PHOTOGRAPH: Legislative Sector Leadership at the summit

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 23 LSSA reflects on 5th Parliament

PAVING THE WAY: The Speaker of the eastern Cape Legislature Ms Noxolo Kiviet chairing a plenary session of the summit The National Development Plan is our developmental blueprint The summit debate on “Enhanced Oversight Implementation of the National Development Plan, Radical Economic Transformation and Improved Service Delivery”, placed the National Development Plan (NDP) at the centre of South Africa’s socio-economic development. For this to be achieved, we need stronger oversight and collaborative legislatures. This can be achieved through the Sector Oversight Model (SOM), writes Abel Mputing.

24 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA LSSA reflects on 5th Parliament

This was the focus of the presentation Political commitment is central to the made by the Director of Oversight success of SOM. “It’s critical that the model and Strategic Liaison at the Gauteng enjoys political buy-in. When it is rolled Legislature, Mr Khaled Khota, and out, provinces need to rally around it.” legislative sector consultant, Dr K Brugge. They argue that oversight is The remaining challenge is its the core of the sector, therefore, it customisation to suit the specific needs must ensure that SOM is used as a tool of each legislature. To date, “some to plan and report against the NDP. legislatures are implementing it, others are still grappling with it. But the “Walking into the future looking ultimate idea is to find it in every space backwards, is the motto ingrained and work station of legislatures”. in how this model has been conceptualised,” Mr Khota emphasised. The legislative sector’s legacy in the “As we move towards the end of the fifth Parliament is the insertion of the sector’s term, we must enter into the NDP oversight framework into SOM. future looking backward. As we do so, “This will help it to articulate linkages the sector should build on its successes to the NDP. And this must be reflected and keep the challenges in mind.” in the way legislatures report, plan and conduct oversight,” Mr Khota declared. The SOM model entrusts legislatures with the responsibility of being The Committee Oversight and the primary components of service Accountability Framework emanated delivery, Mr Khota declared. “This from SOM, ensuring that the model seeks to ensure that the service accountability ethos is translated into delivery machinery pulls together. practice. “This will determine what By their very nature, legislatures are kind of oversight is implemented, what key to the overall performance of the kind of reportage and evaluation such a state.” choice will demand,” he said.

WORKING TOGETHER: Legislative sector leaders giving direction to the summit plenary session

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 25 International engagement

NCOP Chairperson to G20 Parliaments: We will win the fight against corruption

DISCUSSING A CRUCIAL POINT: The Chairperson of the NCOP Ms Thandi Modise discussing a point with one of the G20 leaders.

The Chairperson of the National democratic governance and reaffirmed told her counterparts that corruption their commitment to continue building was at the heart of our problems in the Council of Provinces (NCOP), Ms effective, representative, inclusive and world today, it destroys values, families Thandi Modise, visited Argentina accessible parliaments, which serve and jobs and retards growth, thereby where she participated in the people and hold governments to costing the world economy billions per account. annum. the Parliamentary Forum and In continuing to build such Said Ms Modise: “Corruption is not Speakers’ Summit of G20 parliaments for effective oversight, new – it is not unique to any race members and guest countries. the joint statement specifies: “We are or continent. It is a global problem determined to combat corruption in affecting countries with varying all its forms, to deny safe havens to degrees of severity. Corruption affects As they concluded their session in corrupt persons and their corruption the poor disproportionately and creates Buenos Aires, the Heads of Parliaments proceeds, and ensure open, transparent inequalities that violate what’s left of G20 countries committed themselves and accountable governance at all of their human rights. It perpetuates to work together to find and implement levels. To this end, we will support discrimination. It contributes immensely lasting solutions to the key challenges the enactment of legislation, including to the violation of both civil as well as facing the world, particularly in the anti-corruption measures, which the economic, social and cultural rights areas of future of work, financing will foster renewed confidence of of people.” for development, the fight against the people in their institutions and corruption, empowerment of women generally help advance Goal 16 of Noting the various initiatives that G20 and youth, education for the new the SDGs (Sustainable Development member countries have put forward era of technology and innovation, Goals) for peaceful societies and good through their summit meetings since and renewed commitment to governance.” 2008, the Heads of Parliaments multilateralism. have encouraged the G20 leaders to In her address to the meeting, Ms actively pursue their shared objective In a joint statement outlining their Modise had stressed that the SDGs of strong, sustainable, balanced and resolutions, the Heads of Parliaments would not succeed unless they are inclusive growth, and to find solutions expressed their concern about erosion driven by effective, accountable and to the common challenges facing the of public trust in institutions of inclusive institutions at all levels. She global community, all with a renewed

26 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA International engagement

commitment to peace, democracy, equal opportunities between men Ms Modise also delivered a keynote prosperity and well-being. and women in employment, science, address in the Chilean Parliament on technology and education, and the its invitation, a rare honour accorded to They confirmed that the 2030 Agenda elimination of all forms of gender- foreign dignitaries, in commemoration for Sustainable Development and based violence. of Madiba’s centenary birthday. its accompanying SDGs constitute a roadmap for the fair, equitable and The series of meetings of Heads of “We celebrate him because he put the sustainable development of our planet. Parliaments of the G20 countries, the people first. He taught us that it was first of their kind, were held ahead of right and noble to suppress the ‘self’, “We will pursue our efforts to the G20 Leaders Summit. in order to achieve with others, the increase the capacity of our respective greater good,” said Ms Modise as she parliaments to transform these global With the conclusion of her participation took Members of Parliament through commitments into national realities. at these meetings in Argentina, Ms her reflections on the life and times of In the process, we will also endeavour Modise proceeded to Santiago de Chile, Madiba. to enhance international collaboration in Chile, ahead of her historic address to and solidarity in achieving these that country’s Parliament in Valparaiso Ms Modise thanked the Chamber of shared objectives, including through in honour of Madiba. Deputies and its Vice-President, Mr active parliamentary engagement Jaime Mulet, for bestowing on her the in the United Nations High-Level Ms Modise lauded Madiba’s Exemplary decoration of the Chamber of Deputies Political Forum, the main international Principles when she addressed a special of Chile. This is a public recognition mechanism for monitoring the SDGs,” sitting of the Chamber of Deputies, one awarded to the highest authorities by added the Heads of Parliaments in their of the two Houses of the Parliament of virtue of the positions they represent joint statement. the Republic of Chile, which celebrated and Chileans and foreigners for their Tata Madiba’s centenary birthday. distinguished service. The Heads of Parliaments of G20 countries also urged the G20 Leaders She told the sitting that it was the Ms Modise stressed: “We do not take Summit, to build consensus and honesty, frankness, faithfulness lightly the honour you have bestowed inspire further gender-responsive and exemplary nature of the first on us, as our sister Parliament, on development policies that favour the democratic President of South Africa, behalf of the people of Chile, to share economic empowerment of women, that made him worthy of celebration this great occasion with you. This and emulation by the world. Argentinian Parliament

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 27 International engagement

INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM: Ms Modise addresses one of the G20 sessions

invitation, this celebration, underscores bitter struggles we both had to fight having a presence in Chile – in, the great respect and friendship, the to end the jackboot brutality of former for example, mining; engineering; shared determination and purpose regimes and begin to build societies construction; food; airfreight; transport; between our two nations – driven by founded on freedom, human rights and industrial equipment for health, a common history. We appreciate that democratic governments,” the NCOP agriculture and renewable energy you host us today as you consider Chairperson pointed out. industry; cosmetics; and the casino and the significance of Mandela. This is a hospitality sectors. demonstration of your commitment to Since both South Africa and Chile establish a just, peaceful, prosperous became democracies, cooperative Said Ms Modise: “Beyond our and inclusive world,” she told the relations between them have been reminiscences of Madiba, to really packed special sitting. strengthening. There are bilateral honour him, we should be exploring agreements and Memoranda of how to pursue the goal of a just world She reminded the Chilean Understanding and regular visits to which he devoted his life. How do Parliamentarians that Madiba’s pursuit between the two governments on we live out the values, which guided of the ideal of a democratic and free specific issues. his life and made it possible to forgive society, in which people live together in – but not forget – the heinous deeds harmony and with equal opportunities, In 2014, Chile’s President, Ms Michelle visited on him and the millions of other took various forms, including through Bachelet, during her state visit to South South Africans and oppressed people the pursuit of international friendships. Africa, announced the establishment of throughout the world? It starts with Madiba, she said, was always conscious the Republic of Chile-Nelson Mandela each one of us, in our homes, in the that, through the manifestation of Scholarship Programme, through which areas where we live.” international bonds, such as the one the Government of Chile would receive that our country enjoys with this South African professionals to pursue Before her historic address to the glorious nation of Chile, he owed his postgraduate studies at universities in Chilean legislators, Ms Modise existence also to the world community. Chile. addressed the launch ceremony of the Nelson Mandela Exhibition within the “There are special ties that bind South The Joint Trade and Investment precinct of the Parliament of Chile. She Africa and Chile, though. So, today Commission, led by the trade also visited the Mandela Memorial, is, particularly, a time of great joy for departments of the two countries, which was erected by the government us. But it is also a time tinged with spearhead economic relations. There of Chile in Santiago in honour of the poignancy – when we remember the are close to 27 South African companies revered global icon.

28 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NA debates 16 days of activism

Zulu: ‘Together we will free our country of gender-based violence’ Members of Parliament (MPs) to call upon “Through our progressive policies, the living the Almighty and their ancestors to get into conditions of the majority of women have the hearts and minds of these heartless undergone significant qualitative change.” abusers so that they can understand and feel the suffering that they are causing to “Our greatest challenge in fighting the their victims. scourge of violence against women and children continues to be silence from both She said 2018 marks 20 years since South victims and perpetrators. Lack of access to Africa adopted the 16 Days of Activism for knowledge about basic human rights and No Violence Against Women and Children the consequential shame that accompanies campaign. The 16 Days of Activism experiences of abuse contribute to campaign is an international campaign reluctance to seeking legal advice and aimed at building and strengthening a social support,” said Ms Zulu. global movement that works towards ending all forms of gendered violence Ms Zulu told NA MPs that the South African against women and children. government found the 2018 global theme for the 16 Days of Activism campaign, The campaign, which is led by the United #Hear Me Too, resonating well with the Minister of Small Business Development: Nations, takes place annually from the South African situation. Ms Lindiwe Zulu International Day for the Elimination of The Minister of Small Business Violence Against Women on 25 November The theme symbolises a collective appeal to International Human Rights Day on 10 to society, to hear women’s pains and Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, December. South Africa was among the demands against gender-based violence. on behalf of the Minister in first nations to adopt the global campaign #Hear Me Too is also a call to action to all in 1999. victims, survivors, witnesses, and all others the Presidency, Ms Bathabile affected to continue to speak up against Dlamini who is responsible for According to Ms Zulu, to defeat the violence perpetrated against themselves, women, sponsored a debate unacceptable high levels of gender-based their loved ones, or a stranger. violence requires the collective efforts of all on 16 Days of Activism in South Africans. “We must commit ourselves She said: “We gather here to help answer the National Assembly (NA), to do everything in our power to reclaim this crucial and fundamental question: marking the beginning of every part of our land from those who what are we doing, individually and terrorise women and children,” she said. collectively to address this scourge that the 2018 16 Days of Activism threatens to erode the institutional campaign, reports Zizipho Klaas. She said South Africa has a Constitution, gains made since 1994, to build a caring part of which responds to the rights of society?” women through such founding provisions Opening the debate, Ms Zulu said: “I stand as human dignity, achievement of equality Ms Liezl van der Merwe of the Democratic here in front of you to talk about one of and the advancement of human rights. Alliance, told Ms Zulu that women and the most highly emotive issues in South “These founding provisions demand children who are victims of abuse are Africa and the world. This scourge knows of us to respond to a clarion call that turned away and told to go and work no colour, knows no religion, knows no together we must make a solemn pledge out their problems at home. “Our courts race, knows no class, knows no political that we will liberate our homes, streets, where survivors of gender-based violence affiliations, it ravages communities and workplaces, religious institutions and like Cheryl Zondi are retraumatised for families across the class and colour lines. every corner of society from the scourge of being brave enough to stand up and seek It is a societal challenge which requires a gender-based violence,” said Ms Zulu. justice.” societal response.” She said in the 24 years of democracy, the She said the government must begin Ms Zulu said Members of the NA must government has made significant progress teaching anti-violence programmes at put themselves in the shoes of those in fighting gender-based violence by schools, and equip and empower the South who suffer at the hands of abusers and formulating and promulgating substantive African Police Service in the fight against feel their pain and trauma. She urged legislative and policy frameworks. gender-based violence.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA 29 NCOP promotes service delivery

NCOP Deputy Chair mobilised support for the fulfilment of Ms Stuurman’s dream for a house

The 17-year-old National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP’s) Taking they are not outside the reach of the Parliament to the People programme will always be remembered basic principle of a better life for all South Africans. by the people as a simple parliamentary platform that provides ordinary people an opportunity to speak for themselves, reports Recently the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mava Lukani. Mr Raseriti Tau, together with the Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Ms Zou Kota, handed over a house They will always remember it as a remember the programme as their to disabled Ms Buyiswa Stuurman of heavy duty vehicle that transports beacon of hope. Bongolethu Township in Oudtshoorn. Parliament to where ordinary people live, living amongst them for the whole Wherever the NCOP went through the The delivery of the house to Ms week, listening to their problems and programme in the recent past, it left a Stuurman, according to Mr Tau, was a visiting government’s service delivery clear footprint of ensuring that ordinary fulfilment of Ms Stuurman’s dream of sites that are in their communities to South Africans who stay in poverty- many years to have a decent home assess their state. They will always stricken communities are reminded that for herself and her two children. Mr

30 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA NCOP promotes service delivery

In handing over the house to an excited Ms Stuurman, Mr Tau thanked all those who made it possible for Ms Stuurman and her children to have a decent home. “We thank you profusely for this house and urge you to continue with that good spirit of patriotism to other needy South Africans,”.

Expressing her appreciation, Ms Stuurman likened the NCOP, and Mr Tau in particular, to the biblical Good Samaritan. “I take the intervention of the NCOP as divine and I will take it like that until I die. A gift of a home is not a little thing. It’s a very big thing. I can’t explain in words the feeling I have,” said an emotional Ms Stuurman.

Asked to comment on the handing of the house by Insession, Mr Thokozile Gxalathile, a resident of Bongololethu, said the entire community noted with appreciation the delivery of the house to Ms Stuurman, who he said lived under terrible conditions as a person living with disability. “Although there are a lot of people who need houses in Bongolethu, we are very happy to see one of us saved from the terrible situation she was in. This is a gesture of commitment to the poorest of the poor,” he said.

In the same Oudtshoorn programme, the NCOP ensured that the remains of the late Mr Michael Lucas, who MOMENT OF CELEBRATION: The NCOP Deputy Chairperson Mr Raseriti Tau and the deputy Minister of Human Settlements Ms Zou Kota celebrates the handing over of a house to a was hanged in 1988 after being needy recipient. sentenced to death, were returned from Pretoria’s Mamelodi Cemetry and Tau said the moment of the handing Taking Parliament to the People on that reburied in Oudtshoorn. Ms Tozana over of the house was an exciting one day in Bongolethu, we regarded her Ncwango, the mother of Mr Lucas, that marked the closure of a road that situation as a special case, and based who knocked on many doors after began on a rainy day when the NCOP on that, we made a commitment to the dawn of democracy asking for the was in Bongolethu in 2015 through the ensure that there is a decent house for exhumation of the remains of her son programme of Taking Parliament to the her,” said Mr Tau. from Mamelodi Cemetry to be reburried People, where Ms Stuurman shared in Oudtshoorn, used the opportunity her painful plight of lacking adequate Mr Tau brought the plight of Ms presented by Taking Parliament to the shelter that was wheelchair-friendly. Stuurman to the attention of key public People and asked the NCOP to assist and private sector role players, chief her. The Chairperson of the NCOP, “After we listened to Ms Stuurman among them was the Department of Ms Thandi Modise. spoke to relevant and noted the poor condition of her Human Settlements. Those role players authorities until the remains of Mr wheelchair among the people with did not just deliver a decent four-room Lucas were returned to Oudtshoorn disabilities who participated in the house to Ms Stuurman, but also filled it where he was reburied near his public hearings programme of the with the required furniture. ancestors.

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

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

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

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

Produced by the Parliamentary Communication Services Inspired by People

Visit our Parliament Website www.parliament.gov.za, Tel: 021 403 2911, Fax: 021 403 3786 32 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA