Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698927399231.pdf (South Africa)
Official newspaper of the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Vol 02 Issue 09 PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA www.parliament.gov.za www.parliament.gov.za parliamentofrsa parliamentofrsa 2 Presiding Officers: Men must be part of the solution to GBV The Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by the Speaker of the Na- tional Assembly (NA), Ms Thandi Modise and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr Amos Masondo, join South Africans and the world in commemorating the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The campaign aims to raise of the solution,” said the offence of sexual intimidation, awareness of the negative Presiding Officers.

regulate the reporting duty of impact that violence and persons who are aware that abuse have on women and In an effort to facilitate sexual offences have been children and to rid society debates on gender issues, committed against children, of abuse permanently.
GBV recently Parliament, in and also regulate sentences has been described by partnership with the South in respect of offences that President Ramaphosa as African National Aids Council have been committed a “pandemic”, and like a and the Department of Social against vulnerable persons,” disease, it continues to cripple Development under the emphasised the Presiding our society, depriving women banner of the Takuwani Riime Officers.
and children of their right to Men’s Movement, hosted a be safe and continue with two-day Men’s Parliament.

Parliament is confident that their daily lives without fear This event brought together these Bills are a move in the of being murdered or raped, if about 250 men and boys right direction in an effort to not both.

It is a human rights from across the country to fight this scourge.
The law violation which can lead to engage them to become needs to be tightened to psychological trauma on its agents of change and integral ensure that these perpetrators victims.

partners in the prevention are taken out of society.

and response in tackling Women and children cannot This year’s campaign comes the spread of HIV, GBV and continue to die at the hands of at a time when the world femicide and other social ills.

those who are supposed to be is dealing with the Covid-19 protecting them.
pandemic which brought “As Parliament, we are also along hard lockdowns in currently processing three Presiding Officers are calling many countries, including crucial Bills that will change out to every man in this South Africa.

In South Africa, the landscape in terms of how country to stand up and fight the country’s lockdown government departments, this GBV pandemic.
It has resulted in an increase in GBV law enforcement and the gone on for too long and it is cases because victims were courts deal with cases of time we all, by word and bold locked in with perpetrators.

violence against women and action, bring it to a complete Most perpetrators are close the vulnerable.

The three Bills end.

family members or friends of are the Domestic Violence the victims.
Amendment Bill; the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and “We cannot ignore the Related Matters) Amendment fact that gendered power Act Amendment Bill; and the inequality rooted in patriarchy Criminal and Related Matters is the primary driver of GBV.
As a society, we need to Amendment Bill.” deal with this as a matter of “These Bills will, among urgency so that the men of other things, provide for how tomorrow understand that acts of domestic violence their gender does not entitle and matters related thereto them to women’s bodies must be dealt with by certain or make them inherently functionaries, persons and superior in any way to the other gender.
Women should government departments, regulate the inclusion of not have to fight gender- particulars of persons in the based violence alone; men National Register for Sex must own up and be part Offenders, introduce a new INSESSION NEWS MPWC ON GBV 3 Health Committee Chairperson calls for unity in the fight against HIV/Aids Dr Sibongiseni Dlhomo The Chairperson of the responsibility in knowing their Aids, which is based on the Portfolio Committee on health status and in keeping principle of universal test and Health, Dr Sibongiseni and maintaining a healthy treat guidelines, South Africa Dhlomo, said World Aids Day lifestyle.” which is commemorated on needs to work even harder towards implementing the the 1st of December each He added: “Our country has strategy aimed at ending the year, is an opportunity for come a long way in the fight Aids epidemic.
every community to unite against HIV/Aids and we have in the fight against the made great inroads.
South He said the Coronavirus scourge of HIV/Aids, and Africa has the world’s largest pandemic has brought to show support for people anti-retroviral treatment about a lot of challenges living with HIV/Aids and (ART) programme, which has within the health sector as remember those who have undergone an expansion with it had a negative impact on died because of the disease, the test and treat guidelines, health programmes, such as writes Yoli Landu.
this shows that the life ensuring that people continue expectancy of South Africans to access tests and receive Dr Dhlomo said: “The is increasing.” theme for the 2020 World treatment.

However, he said lessons need to be learnt Ads Day is: ‘We’re in this According to Dr Dhlomo, in from the pandemic and be together, Cheka Impilo!’, order to reach and achieve the implemented in strengthening “OUR COUNTRY HAS COME A LONG WAY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS AND WE HAVE MADE GREAT INROADS.
” a theme which calls on 90-90-90 goals of the United our general healthcare - Dr Dhlomo all South Africans to take Nation’s programme on HIV/ system.
Multi-Party Women’s Caucus calls for implementation of plans to fight gender-based violence “In recent years, the government has witnessed the fast deterioration of some of its most important assets required to improve the quality of life of the people.” The Multi-Party Women’s of the criminal justice Caucus held a constructive information systems; effective meeting with several functioning of sexual offences government stakeholders on courts and Thuthuzela how to provide responsive care centres; measures in services in their fight against place (including training of gender-based violence (GBV), personnel) to ensure victim- particularly for the victims, responsive services and the writes Rajaa Azzakani.
effective investigation and prosecution of reported GBV The committee received virtual cases; status report on the briefings recently from several structures on the integration DNA backlogs and availability of testing kits at police stations.

still underfunded and have Presentations were made insufficient staff.

The NPA by the National Prosecuting said it is battling to keep the Authority (NPA), the South 55 Thuthuzela care centres African Police Service (SAPS), functioning optimally.
Acting the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Special Director Mr Pierre Smith confirmed this, but (DJCD) and the South African said that with the funding Judicial Education Institute allocated from the Criminal (SAJEI).

Asset Recovery Account, they hope to be able to open six The DJCD informed the more centres in the coming committee that it is financial year.
developing more child- and teenager-friendly Mr Smith said more than half courts, but that the current of the victims are children Thuthuzela care centres and almost all of them were (TCCs), where rape survivors sexually assaulted.
During can find assistance, are the first quarter of the year, Editor Brent Simons Production editor Mava Lukani Design and layout MIND TRIX MEDIA Copy editors Jane Henshall, Vusumzi Nobadula Writers Abel Mputing, Justice Molafo, Mava Lukani, Sakhile Mokoena, Yoli Landu, Musa Zamisa, Sibongile Maputi, Rajaa Azzakani Photography Mlandeli Puzi, Zwelethemba Kostile Distribution & subscriptions Jacqueline Zils Publisher Parliament of the Republic of South Africa Printer Vision Enterprises Section Manager: Publishing and Production Shirley Montsho Copyright INSESSION is 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 insession@parliament.gov.za Subscriptions jzils@parliament.gov.za 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; enhancing public involvement; deepening engagement in international fora; strengthening cooperative government; strengthening legislative capacity.

BOOK A TOUR To tour Parliament Telephone 021 403 2266 E-mail tours@parliament.gov.za 4 there was a decline in the of Parliament (MPs).
finalisation of GBV cases due Lieutenant General Moeketsi to the national lockdown, but Sempe assured MPs that since the lockdown regulations thousands of rape kits have have been relaxed, this figure been sourced and will be increased substantially.

Since available.
Since available.

“So we can assure October, 132 cases were the committee that during finalised, and according to the the course of the festive NPA report, the number has season, no police station will been increasing compared to be without rape kits.” August where only 67 cases were finalised.

The committee On the DNA backlog, the was told that there was committee was assured that an increase of 97% in the although challenges remain, performance of the courts on the backlog is receiving GBV cases.
attention with several interventions in place.

Committee members Ms Judy Hermans and Wilma In welcoming the Newhoudt-Druchen both presentations, the appealed for a “great Chairperson of the Debate about wisdom of opening Initiation Schools during the pandemic comes before committee The current debate on initiation in South Africa concerns whether initiation schools should operate during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Those who agitate for them to open, argue that it’s a rite of passage that has a psychological and spiritual significance to boy children that cannot be deferred,writes Abel Mputing.

This debate came before Will initiates wear masks and comply with the custom and footprint” for the TCCs, as committee, Ms Nkhensani victims in some areas have to Kate Bilankulu, commended the the Portfolio Committee observe all Covid-19 protocols the law.” on Cooperative Governance at all times?
travel long distances to reach the plans but emphasised and Traditional Affairs According to the Chairperson their nearest centre.

The SAPS the importance of told the committee that it is implementing them.

She working towards a gender- called on SAPS to provide based violence desk at every support to GBV victims on a police station, with staff who sustainable basis.

She said are properly trained and rape the committee will closely kits available at every station.
monitor the implementation (Cogta) recently when the Mr Bapela further mentioned of the Commission for the committee was briefed that the Eastern Cape Promotion and Protection of on various issues around provincial government has the Rights of Cultural, Religious initiation, including the called for the reintroduction and Linguistic Communities, effect of the pandemic of initiation practices and Mr David Masoma, culture is on the custom and illegal in response to a request a means to an end, not an initiation schools.
The from the province for end in itself.

What is of most of the plans, as GBV in South committee was also initiation schools to reopen significance is the sanctity of The lack of rape kits at police Africa has the status of a stations has been raised pandemic.

many times by Members updated on remodeling in December, the national life.

“We don’t want to send the Community Workers government asked the our children to death in the Programme (CWP) province to submit plans for name of culture,” he stressed.
and implementing the how it will operate in light of The commission recommends recommendations of five the pandemic.

The province’s “that we need to set up forensic reports on the CWP.

response was not sufficient to structures that will oversee convince national government this practice and ensure that The Deputy Minister of that all the necessary illegal lodges are outrooted Cogta, Mr Obed Bapela, protocols will be observed.
and health protocols are responsible for drafting observed and the lives of boys legislation on the practice The Chairperson of the Eastern are saved.” of initiation, reiterated Cape House of Traditional that initiation schools Leaders, Chief Mwelo The Minister of the are currently prohibited from operating during the Nonkonyane, disagreed with Mr Bapela and insisted that Department of Cogta, Dr Nkosazana Zuma, mentioned pandemic.
He told those the practice of initiation that the government has who insisted the schools is not the domain of the not said that no initiation reopen in December that government, but rather of schools will be allowed to they must guarantee that traditional leaders.

In any take place.

However, it does they will take responsibility event, he said, “there are want provinces to summit for any fatalities that may illegal initiation lodges plans to ensure that health arise.
mushrooming due to protocols are be observed to To those who insist that government prohibition”.

He added: “As a province, save lives, given the risk posed by Covid-19.

If people die, the they will conduct initiation we are, unlike others, the government will have to take with or without government only one that has legislation responsibility.

“That’s why we approval, the deputy on this practice.
This want to ensure that health minister said: “We love our takes into consideration protocols will be in place to culture, but Covid is currently the responsibility and save lives,” she said.

a real threat to it.” He accountability vested by mentioned the government’s doubts about whether this custom on traditional leaders.
We should be given “Even before Covid-19, there were discussions on how those initiation schools will our powers and privileges as who head these initiation observe level 1 regulations traditional leaders … we will schools take responsibility for if they reopen.

“Will social comply with health legislation deaths.

Hence, we need to distancing be observed?


and in the process we will ensure that these schools are INSESSION NEWS TRADITIONAL LEADERSHIP 5 registered and accredited, and conduct will be subjected we therefore need to know harsh jail sentence, because who is in charge of them.

They must give us plans on they are the ones who tarnish the reputation of this how they will ensure that practice.” health protocols are observed; there can be no exception,” The Chairperson of the insisted the minister.
Portfolio Committee on Cogta, Ms Faith Muthambi, said that Mr Bapela explained that early next year the committee many of the problems around will hold a colloquium to initiation will be addressed bring together the various by the national legislation role players such as the currently in the offing.
“We government; the National must say this legislation has House of Traditional Leaders; taken long to come to fruition the Congress of Traditional and it’s not meant to legislate Leaders; the Commission for culture, but to ensure that the Promotion and Protection legislation is meant to deal of the Rights of Cultural, with deaths, amputation, Religious and Linguistic lawlessness and criminality Communities; Isibazana; involved in this practice.” He non-profit organisations and added that illegal initiation other stakeholders to consider schools pose a major problem.
South Africans’ traditional and “The Bill seeks to ensure customary practices.

that those charged with such CELEBRATION: Welcome of the new young men at home.

Cogta Committee calls for implementation of Traditional Khoi-San Leadership Act The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has reiterated its call for the implementation of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, currently in the President’s office.
Parliament sent the Traditional and Khoi-San Bill to the President for assent into law after both Houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, adopted it in February 2019, writes Mava Lukani.

The committee’s call was a In response to the appeal traditional sub-councils; as well because it lacks resources.

response to an appeal from for the recognition of Khoi- as the support to such councils.
He said the institution is not the Secretary General of the San leaders, the Chairperson properly budgeted for by the Congress of Traditional Leaders of the committee, Ms Faith The Deputy Minister of the Department of Traditional of South African (Contralesa), Muthambi, reminded Nkosi Department, Mr Obed Bapela, Affairs and, as long as Nkosi Zolani Mkhiva, for the Mkhiva that the Bill, which is who was also part of the that problem persists, the recognition of Khoi-San leaders largely about the recognition of meeting, told the committee institution will continue to in South Africa.
Nkosi Mkhiva Khoi-San leaders, was adopted that the Bill was signed struggle and look like an argued that the Khoi-San are by Parliament and sent to the by the President into law.

“orphan in a polygamous not aliens or refugees in South President in 2019.

However, according to him, family”.

Furthermore, the Africa; they are legitimate the President could not write a department has no capacity South Africans.

The Bill aims to, among letter for the commencement to support the institution.
other things, provide for the of the implementation of the The committee had invited the recognition of traditional Act, because certain non- The committee expressed National House of Traditional and Khoi-San communities; governmental organisations its appreciation to the NHTL Leaders (NHTL) to discuss the to provide for the functions oppose the Act on the grounds because in spite of its lack of work of this very important and roles of traditional of a lack of public participation resources, the NHTL did not institution.
The Department and Khoi-San leaders; to in the Traditional and Khoi-San abandon its role of serving of Cooperative Governance provide for the recognition, Bill.

and Traditional Affairs and establishment, functions, roles rural people, even during the height of the Covid-19 Contralesa, represented by its and administration of kingship The Chairperson of the NHTL, pandemic.
Traditional Secretary General, were also or queenship councils, principal Nkosi Sipho Mahlangu, told leaders were the voice of part of the meeting.

traditional councils, traditional the committee that the NHTL is the government in their with communicating on how to live under the reality of Covid-19 – and by promoting adherence to health protocols.
The committee heard from the presentation it received from Nkosi Mahlangu that the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, has used a partnership between the Department of Social Development, the National Lotteries Commission and Change Richmond Foundation to provide personal protective equipment to traditional councils in Kwazulu-Natal.
According to Nkosi Mahlangu, the equipment enabled traditional councils to continue with their support to rural people, notwithstanding Covid-19.

Mr Mahlangu said Ms Bogopane-Zulu was a selfless servant of the poor and an agent of assistance to the people.

Ms Muthambi commended Ms Bogopane-Zulu for supporting the work of traditional leaders at a difficult time.
“We note Ms Bogopane-Zulu’s gesture of support to traditional leaders with appreciation and we praise her for being a servant of the poorest of the poor,” said Ms Muthambi.

councils, Khoi-San councils and unable to carry out its mandate constituencies, especially Both Contralesa and the NHTL 6 told the committee that said: “The government must continue with the stoppage of the NHTL’s mandate is not apply strategies, like the the initiation of their children.
just constitutional; it is also rapid electrification strategies To avoid that the government organic and originates from that were applied by the must allow initiation to take creation itself.

They said the first administration in 1994 place under strict health capacitation of the institution for the electrification of protocols,” emphasised Nkosi is not a matter of begging villages to deal with the rural Mkhiva.

for help, but a matter of a infrastructure and service must.
Nkosi Mkhiva said the delivery to the villages.” Ms Muthambi wanted an institution does not exist explanation from the NHTL on by accident, and that its Another issue which both the its lack of involvement in the leadership should be part of NHTL and Contralesa brought correction of section 25 of the the processions of national before the attention of the Constitution, particularly on ceremonies, such as the State committee, was the issue of the appropriation of land.

“I of the Nation Address.


the tradition of initiation of don’t see your involvement boys, which halted due to the in the hearings that are They called for the government implementation of national brought to the communities by to pay qualitative attention to lockdown regulation.

They Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee rural communities because, argued that since the country on the amendment of section they argued, if attention is has moved to lockdown level 25 of the Constitution.
What poor, nothing will be done 1, summer season initiation is your contribution in that for rural and traditional must be allowed to take very important process?” communities.

They said place before the people defy asked Ms Muthambi.

She also the infrastructure in rural regulations against initiation asked the NHTL to say more communities is crumbling and do them anyway.

“There on its financial report for the in front of the eyes of the is no hope that we will be 2019/20 financial year.

government.
government.

Nkosi Mkhiva able to convince the people to Debate on SABC seeks a solution to looming retrenchments at the public broadcaster Mr Faith Muthambi, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs The South African Broadcasting Cooperation (SABC) is in a quagmire of a looming massive retrenchment process due to its unhealthy financial situation, attributed to its bloated wage bill.
The Inkatha Freedom Party’s Member of the National Assembly, Ms Zandile Majozi, urgently brought a motion before Parliament to debate this matter to see if a solution cannot be brokered to avert its catastrophic effect to many households at a time when the economy is constantly shedding jobs, a predicament further exacerbated by the devastating effect of Covid-19 on the global economy, writes Abel Mputing.
Ms Majozi said: “We have leadership, as the SABC has over that accrues 30% of the 40% maladministration as the main upskill its personnel to be resolved as a party that an a short space of time been under costs of compensation at the causes of its inefficiencies.

self-sustainable and operate action must be taken to the leadership of well over nine national broadcaster.

Subsequent to that, he said the competitively in its market.

resolve the escalating crisis of government ministers.
It is also “Let’s put our political Committee on Communications Currently, the SABC has not the imminent retrenchment of unfair that the SABC gets only differences aside for the sake came up with its own exploited its full potential and SABC employees.

The problem “2% of government grants while of its employees, and we can’t recommendations, but these it must discover that potential of decades of mismanagement at the SABC is not sustainable.
other state-owned enterprises get constant bailouts that allow a blackout at the SABC,” she said.

recommendations were simply not implemented, that is why before it even considers embarking on retrenchments.” The bailouts cannot be amountsto billions of rands.” Taking part in the debate, the SABC is where it is today.

The Democratic Alliance’s Ms seen as a solution to the In her view, there is a need for the Chairperson of the He said the retrenchment of Phumzile van Damme said: SABC problems.
This crisis is a collaborative effort to get the Portfolio Committee on workers at the SABC would “We feel the pain, anxiety, indicative of government’s SABC back on track to ensure Communications, Mr be the last and grave option.

sorrow and depression of hard- hesitation to address the core that it is fit for purpose.

[It must] Makhosonke Maneli, said “If preventable, it must be working SABC employees, problems facing the SABC.

The be restructured for the purpose there have been ongoing prevented.
That is the view of who need to put bread on the restructuring and cost-cutting of its continuity.

She said to problems at the SABC since the committee,” he said.

take for their families.


And measures cannot be avoided.” achieve all this, there is a need the 5th Parliament, and the He said the need to we hope that the impending She further decried the lack for an independent human SABC has been a subject of reposition the SABC cannot be retrenchment process will of effective leadership at the resources consultant to manage investigations by various overemphasised.

“The SABC be done with the empathy SABC over the years.
“The the restructuring of the SABC and entities which produced audit should look at various ways of and dignity it deserves.

We current instability at the SABC is a result of recurring poor to pay attention to complaints about its top-heavy structure reports that underscored mismanagement and optimising its competitiveness, grow its revenue streams and know that this process has brought so much uncertainty INSESSION NEWS SUMMIT OPENING 7 and unease to many of the United Democratic SABC.
This starts with you by predicaments in future,” said employees at the national Movement said the SABC is paying your TV licence to swell Ms Ndabeni-Abrahams.

broadcaster.

But we won’t lie, where it is today because it its revenue and to ensure that retrenchments were always has never received adequate the SABC is in a position to looming at the SABC.

Those funding to conduct its public conduct its public mandate in who were negating (denying) mandate.

He said.
He said.

“To this a sustainable and profitable them were only playing to day, no one has quantified the manner in order to avoid these the political gallery.

They financial viability of the SABC were simply telling a lie.” to carry out its mandate to She said today the serve the public.” government seems to care According to Ms Thandiswa about the problem of rising Marawu of the African unemployment when it does Transformation Movement, not care at all.
“Where was among other things, the the government when many failure to ensure that the SABC journalists in radio and print evolves and embraces the were laid off by many media economic benefits of digital houses during the hard migration, must be seen lockdown?

Parliament can do as the cause of the public nothing about the impending broadcaster’s current financial retrenchments at the SABC.

It crisis.
It crisis.

She said: “Had the is a process governed by the SABC migrated, it would have Labour Relations Act and it maximised its revenue streams (Parliament) can’t interfere.” and margins and would have The Economic Freedom been in a position to withstand Fighters’ Mr Vuyani Pambo competition and would be said even if the minister financially sustainable by now.
attempts to take the And it would not have found SABC’s management to itself where it is currently.” court, [the minister] must Also participating in the personally pay for such debate, the Minister of action because he minister Communications, Ms Stella will lose the case and can’t Ndabeni-Abrahams, said expect the public to pay for the SABC is a victim of state that.

According to him, the capture.

She said: “We are all impending retrenchments are to blame for that.
Contrary to tantamount to an emotional views expressed by others, the abuse of SABC’s employees government is doing all it can by the government.

He do to save jobs at the SABC.” said all the blame for the She added that they went as financial problems now far as requesting payment faced by the SABC should be holidays for the SABC, to put on the door step of the keep it afloat, and they have government’s intentioms to recently injected more than reduce the public servants’ R2 billion to that effect.
She wage bill to support its said this crisis comes at a time neoliberal financial policies.

when the Communications He said what is needed Ministry is in a process of now is an immediate capital remodelling the SABC funding injection at the SABC to save and operational model to jobs and to turn the public ensure that it withstands broadcaster into a healthy competition from its institution that is capable of competitors, which have huge withstanding competition financial muscles.

from its competitors.


Mr Steven Swart of the This, she said, is to ensure that the SABC does not die a natural African Christian Democratic death.

She said part of tha Party said the major problem remodelling is to determine at the SABC is political the cost of its unfunded public interference.
He said: “The mandate, to look at staff 5th Parliament came up with optimisation, upskilling of recommendations on how its personnel, and how all of to turn the SABC around, but these combined can contribute due to political interference, to its viable revenue streams.

those recommendations were “In addition to that, we are never implemented.
Political interference is at the heart of looking at reviewing policies and legislation that will SABC’s current problems.” Mr Nqabayomzi Kwankwa optimise its value chain so that we can have a healthy Summit considers various policy frameworks to achieve inclusive growth The Inclusive Growth Oversight Summit, which was held at Parliament recently to assess how women can participate in South Africa’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, considered various policy frameworks and imperatives needed to achieve inclusive growth and alleviate the plight of women, writes Abel Mputing.
In his opening address, independent and distinct the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr constitutional mandates to come up with oversight “We have witnessed unacceptable levels Lechesa Tsenoli, proclaimed framework to deal with of violence, poverty, that the summit stood in this scourge, the Deputy unemployment and solidarity with the world Speaker said.
He quoted inequality endured by yesterday against another the late Cuban President, women and hope that the pandemic: gender-based Mr Fidel Castro, to convey New Economic Reconstruction violence.

the gist of his message.


He and Recovery Plan is This summit sought to said: “The condition for full development of women in sufficiently responsive to all these ills that women come up with ideas on society needs a material endure.” how the three spheres base and the economic of governance can utilise development of women A representative from the their interrelated yet should be used as such base.
United Nations Development 8 Programme, Dr Ayodele Adusola, gave a broad contextual analysis of the impediments to inclusive in contributing to the ideals of the new economic plan.” He also flagged the link between skills and education growth.

One of these is the as a critical contributing low levels of growth and factor to economic growth.

continued disinvestment in “South African education the economy.
He also decried system must ensure that what he referred to as “big it produces graduates that companies’ syndrome” from are needed by its labour which the South African market.” economy is suffering.

“The over concentration and dominance of the South African economy by big corporates has stifled He further illustrated how the United Nations Development Programme contributes towards inclusive growth inclusive economy over time in South Africa.
“We have because it has squeezed out incepted an entrepreneurship small and medium enterprise hub for young graduates that from economic activity, most exposes them to skills of of whom create jobs for less entrepreneurial innovation, skilled labour force currently and banks for funding and markets to sell their products.
We hope this will in a long run contribute to inclusive growth and curb youth unemployment and wealth inequality.” unemployed.” He blamed this on the over-regularisation of the South African economy, which impeded growth and investment.
“There is a need to liberate the South African economy from over regularisation in sectors such as banks and telecommunication to allow for new entrants in these markets to stimulate growth and investment.” He commended the inception of the New Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan as a step in a right direction.
“If its intent to engage and preserve, recover and reform, reconstruct and transform can be followed through, it can translate into concrete development.” He said this calls for need to move from strategy to action to have policy directives that are risk proof and can withstand any economic shock waves in future.

According to him the new economic plan should be supplemented by a capable state.
“The building of a capable state is one of the prerogatives needed to bring about inclusive growth and to arrest state capture.

To create an ideal environment for the new plan.” This imperative “would ensure that state-owned enterprises play a critical role We can’t blame Covid for our economic problems, summit hears At the Inclusive Growth Summit, the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Dr Nthabiseng Moleko, dispelled any inclination to blame the current economic woes on Covid-19.
“Our economy has been bleeding way before the advent of Covid-19.

Low growth has been the story of South African economy since 1994, with few exceptions.” Abel Mputing reports.

The problem is that “our private sector is averse to to institutionalising gender economic pathways have not investment.

“That cannot be parity.

changed since pre-1994.

It denied.

Our private sector is in favoured those with assets investment strike.
It sits with Also participating in the and has not created wealth millions of rands that it affords summit, the Auditor-General, or distributed wealth to those to mortgages rather than in Dr Risenga Maluleke, who don’t have assets”.
direct investment that can mentioned that the statistics Furthermore, “Even our bring about economic growth.” paint a bleak picture of monetary policy doesn’t focus poverty, unemployment on employment creation.” Not only that, she alleges that and inequality, a picture the private sector is also guilty far removed from inclusive Dr Ntshabiseng spoke during of tax hording.

In her view, the growth.


Women “still earn a virtual Inclusive Economic New Economic Reconstruction lesser than men for the same Growth-Oversight Summit and Recovery Plan has not job.

This shows that women hosted by Parliament themed been well received by the are more vulnerable in our “Accelerating women’s markets.

On the back of its labour market than men.


It’s participation in South Africa’s announcement, we are now even worse for black and economic reconstruction: faced with down-grading coloured women.” maximising the growth that will plunge South Africa potential of provinces, districts, into sub-investment grade.

Because salary determines and localities”.


However, she commended the idea of preferential expenditure, women continue to be the ones Women bear the brunt of procurement for women by most vulnerable to poverty, this economic scenario, government departments.

unemployment and inequality.


Dr Ntshabiseng said, and “This must be measured to “Due to these gender most of them now depend determine if it’s a universal disparities in the work place, on social grants, making principle and how it’s linked statistically, women tend to be these temporary measures to budget allocation in various poorer than men.

As a result, a permanent fixture of the fiscus.


As a result, many South departments.” women headed-household experience more poverty than Africans have been reduced to In addition, there should that of their counterparts.” dependents.

be a targeted investment Compounding the problem, in enterprises owned and girls are likely to leave school “We need to do things differently in a climate where managed women.

These measures could go a long way earlier than boys.
This is due to the care-giver responsibilities INSESSION NEWS that they often shoulder.

Social grants, she said, have played a major role in alleviating poverty in these women headed-households.
“The role of grants in reducing poverty in many house-holds is evident in our research outcomes.” Speaker congratulates new IPU President on his election National Assembly Speaker Ms Thandi Modise congratulated Mr Duarte Pacheco on his election as President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the world’s oldest and largest global parliamentary forum.

EXPROPRIATION BILL 9 Assembly, has broadened the role of parliaments in global affairs.
The governing council, which ended its deliberations on 4 November, is the IPU’s main decision-making body.

On its agenda are the budget and programme of work for 2021 and decisions on several issues.

These include alleged human rights violations against several parliamentarians, election of exco members and consideration of a report on the outcome of the virtual segment of the Fifth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament and the 13th Summit of Women Speakers.
PARLIAMENTARIANS FROM 140 IPU MEMBER PARLIAMENTS ELECTED MR PACHECO AS THE IPU’S 30TH PRESIDENT Ms Thandi Modise - Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Pacheco has been a and Mr Michael Waters The South African Parliament member of the Parliament (Democratic Alliance member has been a member of of Portugal since 1991 and of the National Assembly).

the IPU since South Africa has played an active role in Parliamentarians from 140 became a constitutional the IPU for many years.
He IPU member Parliaments democracy and hosted the takes over from a Mexican elected Mr Pacheco as the 118th IPU assembly in Cape parliamentarian, Ms Gabriela IPU’s 30th President through Town in April 2008.

These Cuevas Barron, who was an unprecedented virtual biannual meetings currently elected as IPU President in electronic secret ballot held bring together about 1 500 October 2017. across different time zones.
About 40% of voting members parliamentary delegates from 179 national Member Mr Pacheco’s election were women MPs and 27% Parliaments and 13 regional happened at a meeting of were younger than 45. parliamentary bodies in a the IPU’s Governing Council, world assembly.

which Ms Modise attended Previous IPU Presidents have with a multiparty delegation won Nobel peace prizes, such The meetings add a of Members of Parliament as IPU founders Frédéric Passy parliamentary dimension to (MPs).
The members of and William Randal Cremer.

global governance, including the delegation were: Ms The IPU President, who must work of the United Nations Shahidabibi Shaik (from the be an MP for a term in office, and implementing the 2030 National Council of Provinces), is the political head of the IPU, Agenda for Sustainable Mr Thlologelo Malatji (African chairs its statutory meetings Development.

The IPU, with National Congress member of the National Assembly) and represents it at global events.
its permanent observer status at the United Nations General Expropriation Bill before Parliament The Expropriation Bill is now before Parliament and the relevant committees that have direct or transversal constitutional mandates on it must now determine its constitutionality, writes Abel Mputing.

10 This was the business of The issue of equitable on the Bill before it is made the Portfolio Committee compensation was also raised.

into law.
into law.

on Public Works and Ms De Lille said such remedies Infrastructure recently, would be determined by The public participation particularly the policy and the courts, which will also process will be preceded by legal interpretation of determine the applicability of an advertisement campaign the meaning of the term that provision.
calling for public comments “expropriation”, and how The Bill has resulted in much on the Bill, in print and such a process would be public debate in all sectors on radio, which will run undertaken.

of society because of the in December and January possibility that it will impact respectively.

Thereafter, From a policy point of on the economy.

view, the Minister of the there will be public hearings in all nine provinces.
This Department of Public The need for a coherent process will ultimately Works and Infrastructure, register of state land was have a bearing on the Ms Patricia de Lille, made raised by a member of the shape and form of the final it clear that besides the committee, Ms Madeleine version of the Bill passed by powers vested in the Hicklin.

“We can’t consider Parliament.


President to undertake this the allocation of land when process, relevant ministers we have no clue of how would have a prerogative much land the state has.

If to determine how and what this is not sorted out, the land would be expropriated process is doomed to fail,” and for what reason.

she contested.

The Minister She added that the replied: “A land register has been developed.

The process expropriation of land is but is almost done.” one way of addressing land reform.
“It’s a mechanism Ms De Lille said according to that will be utilised when the Auditor-General’s report, needed, but should not be what needs to be addressed perceived as the only one.

is the value of this land and a There are many others that determination has since been are currently in existence,” made in this regard.

“Now we she explained.


have agreed with the National In a bid to quell the controversy often Treasury that we should be allowed to utilise municipal valuation to determine a value associated with the Bill, of a given land.” the representative of the department stated that the According to this Bill, expropriation of land is a what would happen to prevalent practice world- those who acquired land wide.

It should not be illegally, asked another considered controversial.
member of the committee, Ms De Lille referred to Ms Mathapelo Siwisa.

The similar laws in the United department explained that States of America and other the Expropriation Bill does countries.

“These laws, as not deal with that, but it’s with this one, are aimed at common cause that the appropriating land for public remedy is to reverse such good,” she said.

illegality.
illegality.

This implies that even in The department added that in those countries, private property is subjected to the cases of forced removal, the courts have given judgements constitutional dictates of on those cases and it believes the notion of public good.

that those who benefited from She made an example.

“If such acts should compensate there’s a disaster and the the victims.
only way to fix it is for the state to appropriate private To give effect to the land, this law will come constitutional dictates of into force, based of course a legislative process, as on the dictates of the law, stipulated in the Constitution, which clearly stipulates such the committee has devised its interventions and private own plan to facilitate public infringements.” consultations to ensure that the public expresses its views Committee on Transport to increase oversight over Prasa The Portfolio Committee on Transport has promised to enhance oversight of the portfolio, with a special eye on the Passenger Rail Authority of South Africa (Prasa) in an attempt to improve audit results,writes Sibongile Maputi.
The Auditor-General of South management is complacent Africa (AGSA) briefed the and has failed to address the committee recently and noted root causes of its problems.

a slight improvement of the “The issues span governance, audit in the year under review.

financial management and the AGSA Business Executive Mr limitation of scope.
Irregular Polani Sokombela told the expenditure is very high in committee that outstanding the portfolio and Prasa alone audits may still influence accounts for about 27% of the 8% improvement in the irregular expenditure in all portfolio, realised mainly government entities.

at the Drivers Licence Card Authority and the Road Traffic “This is unacceptable.

Billions Management Corporation.


of rands are being pumped into this entity to make sure The South African Maritime the working class is able to Safety Authority and Prasa go to work.

Concrete action were singled out as the worst needs to be taken on Prasa.

performing entities, with Instability of management at Prasa only achieving 17.5% Prasa is exacerbating these of targets and receiving a challenges.

This has resulted disclaimer for the second year in a culture of impunity.

I in a row.
I in a row.

Prasa’s challenges request the committee to relate to disrepair of its assets, enhance oversight,” he said.

record keeping, repeat areas of concern, the Swifambo Mr Solly Segoa, the leader contract and signalling of the Auditor-General’s problems.
delegation, said: “In the absence of action to the Committee Chairperson Mr findings, the Auditor-General Mosebenzi Zwane said it is will get to a point where it important for the committee to assist in getting Prasa issues Prasa with a certificate of debt.” He indicated that the on the correct path.

“The Special Investigations Unit is committee appreciates this investigating.

report and acknowledges the improvement as noted Other matters of concern by the Auditor-General.
highlighted by the AGSA Recommendations to include liquidity challenges the committee are most welcomed.

Although issues at South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) due to at Prasa are historical, the unsuccessful e-tolls, and Covid- committee will ensure that 19-related risks at entities Prasa does not fail,” Mr Zwane such as the Airports Company said.

Mr Sokombela said Prasa’s of South Africa and the Road Accident Fund.
INSESSION NEWS MINERAL RESOURCE COMMITTEE 11 Committee members acknowledged Prasa’s challenges and Mr Zwane agreed with other committee members that enhanced oversight is required.

Matters at Sanral must also be resolved before they impact on performance.

“The committee needs to ensure that Sanral is not put in a situation that it fails, especially arising out of an issue that is of not of their making.

We will take this up with the department,” said Mr Zwane.
Mineral Resources and Energy Committee makes oversight visit to PetroSA refinery The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy conducted an inspection at the PetroSA Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) refinery in Mossel Bay recently.

There it learned more about PetroSA’s turnaround plans, writes Justice Molafo.

The upstream consists of said.

exploration, rigging and transportation of natural Mr Naidoo further said other gas from the coast to the challenges include equipment refinery plant.
The middle that has not been maintained stream involves the process for a number of years, of transforming and refining meaning that the refinery natural gas into products such would be unable to operate as petrol, diesel, paraffin, optimally, even if there where alcohol and distillates.

The high reserves of natural gas downstream refers to the available.
Accordingly, part of stage where a finished the plan is to sell non-core product is stored in tanks, assets, valued at about R100 marketed and distributed to million.

the market.
the market.

of the Central Energy Fund Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, said: Muncipality, where the (CEF), embarked on a R14.5 “It has now become clear billion exploration initiative, as to what PetroSA is doing municipal manager expressed concern about Project IKhwezi, that did not currently and where it wants PetroSA, as the municipality yield any positive results.

to go.

One can tell that the believes that the company’s The committee asked to be thought through and I am the local economy.
Noting turnaround plan is well closure will negatively affect The committee expressed provided with a list of names happy that even the Auditor- the concern, the Chairperson PetroSA’s Chief Executive its confidence in the Officer (CEO), Mr Pragasen turnaround plan, and said it is Naidoo, told the committee encouraging that it required that the turnaround plan no financial assistance of individuals involved in the General seems to recognise of the committee, Mr project who are still with the your work, as you moved from Sahlulele Luzipo, said department, PetroSA and the a qualified to an unqualified bilateral engagements must CEF, as well as a consequence audit opinion.” take place between the chief executive officers of PetroSA, was necessitated by low from government.
The plan management report.

They productivity levels due to outlines interventions at depleting feedstock, which different streams, including affect profitability.

Mr Naidoo the importation of liquefied said the GLT refinery in Mossel natural gas (LNG) to Bay depends entirely on operate the refinery and the natural gas to operate.
acquisition of certain things further noted an undertaking While on the same oversight the CEF, and the mayor by the board of PetroSA to visit, the committee also of the Mossel Bay Local make a presentation on the inspected two facilities where Municipality.

project losses.

The committee the DMRE has stored 2 000 further undertook to support solar water geyser units.
the Department of Mineral The committee noted that on the downstream in order to Resources and Energy (DMRE), although this project started “The depleting reserves operate at that level.
of natural gas meant that production at the refinery Mr Naidoo said preparations had to be reduced to a are ongoing to invite CEF and PetroSA in order to in 2013, the units were only ensure that the turnaround delivered in April 2019 and strategy is implemented in only five have been installed full, so that the company can in a pilot training scheme.

minimal level in order to keep proposals on how best to return to profitability.
operating for a period of time until a solution is found,” he bring LNG to the refinery.

In 2012, PetroSA, a subsidiary A member of the committee, with the Mossel Bay Local The committee also met 12 Departmental transfers funding for SAA business rescue plan Government took a crucial decision to fund the South African Airways (SAA) business rescue plan (BRP), as prepared by SAA’s business rescue practitioners.

The BRP was in response to events that put SAA in severe financial distress,writes Musa Zamisa.
The 2020 Medium Term 9.

Human Settlements: Budget Policy Statement R345.4 million (MTBPS) tabled a proposal 10.

Correctional Services: to fund the implementation R308.2 million of the BRP with a budget of 11.

Public Works and R10.5 billion.

The National Infrastructure: Treasury opted to source the R234.3 million funding within government 12.

Water and Sanitations: departments.

This is in line R200.9 million with the government’s fiscal 13.

Justice and Constitutional consolidation stance.


The Development: funding decision affects R194.6 million a significant number of 14.

Trade, Industry and departments, although their Competition: contributions differ in size.

R109.5 million The research brief gives an and Rural Development: 15.

Agriculture, Land Reform overview of how much each R171.5 million department contributes to the 16.

Home Affairs: R10.5 billion budget for the R98.3 million implementation of the BRP.

17.
17.

Environment, Fisheries The brief has the following and Forestry: two sections: R95.8 million • Section 1 tabulates each 18.

Mineral Resources and department’s contribution.

Energy: R91.3 million • Section 2 concludes by 19.

Science and Innovation: giving a quick analysis of R87.1 million focal points and pertinent 20.

Sports, Arts and Culture: issues.

R55.9 million 21.

Military Veterans: Section 1: A breakdown of R54.2 million departmental transfers 1.

Public Enterprises: R3.5 billion 2.


Police: R1.2 billion 3.

Higher Education and 22.

Statistics South Africa: R45 million 23.

Employment and Labour: R39.8 million 24.

Communication and Training: R1.1 billion Digital Technologies: 4.

Basic Education: R275.9 R38.5 million million 25. International Relations 5.

Cooperative Governance: R255.4 million and Cooperation: R28.7 million 6.

Transport: R681.3 million 26.

Small Business 7.

Health: R694.2 million Development: 8.


National Treasury: R27.4 million R362.3 million 27.

Public Service and PBO advises MPs to hold government accountable on public money The Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) advised Members of Parliament during the Inclusive Economic Growth Summit held in Parliament recently to use their oversight role to prevent illegal and unconstitutional conduct in government and to hold the government accountable on how public money is spent, writes Sakhile Mokoena.
Administration: R21.6 million 28.

Tourism: R17.2 million 29.

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: R7.5 million 30.

The Presidency: R6.7 million 31.

Government Communication and Information System: R5.9 million 32.

National School of Government: R2.2 million 33.

Traditional Affairs: R1.9 million 34.


Civilian Secretariat for the Police Service: R1.7 million Source: National Treasury (2020) Section 2: A quick analysis of focal points and pertinent issues In response to the government’s decision to fund the SAA business rescue plan (BRP), the National Treasury opted to source the funding within government departments as part of its fiscal consolidation plans.

This affects a significant number of departments, although their contributions differ in size.
The biggest contribution is from departments such as Public Enterprises (R3.5 billion), Police (R1.2 billion) and Higher Education and Training (R1.1 billion).

The National Treasury, in consultation with line departments, has made all the important considerations; Addressing the summit, Dr assess whether government’s but the final decision rests with Parliament.
It is crucial then that Parliament fully understands the circumstances, context and potential Dumisani Jantjies, a Deputy- budget transforms society and Director at PBO said the legislature can, through its oversight role, ensure that government’s vision, policies and plans and the promotes equity and reduces poverty and unemployment,” said Dr Jantjies.
He added that Parliament implications surrounding associated budget processes and the provincial legislatures the proposed method of the are aligned with government’s must protect the rights and implementation of the BRP.

constitutional obligations and liberties of citizens, and detect Parliament should have in- depth discussions with the National Treasury and the affected departments.

benefits society.

“Through oversight, the legislature has to prevent and prevent abuse.
He argued that effective oversight can help make government operations more transparent illegal and unconstitutional and increase public trust in conduct on the part of the government, to hold the government accountable on how money is spent and to the government.

This can be done by including public participation and opinion in its oversight role.

INSESSION NEWS BI-ELECTIONS 13 The virtual summit was held According to the PBO progress made, with women- work,” said Dr Jantjies.
develop export competitive on the theme: Accelerating Deputy Director, economic headed households in rural sectors that can expand the Women’s Participation in success depends on the areas experiencing disparities Also participating in the sales of South African made South Africa’s Economic ability of government to in access to services.

summit, the Deputy Minister products on the continent and Reconstruction and employ limited resources The South African economy of Trade, Industry and beyond.
Recovery Plan - Maximising with maximum effect, and was already growing more Competition Ms Nomalungelo the Growth Potential of effective management and slowly before Covid-19, and Gina said Covid-19 revealed “Developing a local productive Provinces, Districts and procurement.

He also told the the situation has worsened South African’s vulnerability base is linked to deepening Localities.
summit that the process of with unemployment and to imported pharmaceuticals, mutually beneficial linkages budgeting requires strategic poverty reaching very ventilators, machinery, PPEs with the Southern African Dr Jantjies also highlighted direction provided by the State high levels.

The Economic and medical devices.


She said Development Corporation the importance of the of the Nation Address, the Reconstruction and Recovery this has also highlighted the and the continent, through budget system in service Medium Term Budget Policy Plan proposes measures to need to deepen South Africa’s cross-border trade that delivery.

“It is arguably the Statement and other policies.


address economic and societal most important component challenges, with both social productive base so as to create local jobs, investment supports industrialisation and infrastructure development.

of public service delivery.


He also spoke of the need and economic infrastructure and value addition, and to The budgeting system to ensure the alignment spending being one of the ensure that citizens have “South Africa will support is fundamentally part of policies and plans with expected key drivers also access to critical equipment the implementation of the of the process by which budget programmes, as well given potential multipliers.
and medication, especially as African Continental Free Trade a government turns its as alignment of capacity and SA has the ability to produce Agreement from next year development vision, resources across spheres of “South Africa’s public sophisticated medical and to enable the expansion of policies and plans into government.

Dr Jantjies says spending levels are not pharmaceuticals.
South African exports and implementable programmes South Africa has over the matched by high levels quality investment on the continent.

and projects, including the years used fiscal policy to or efficiency in the services The Deputy Minister said Government will review delivery of public goods and improve service delivery in delivered.

Preliminary findings government has planned trade agreements and pursue services.
Policies or plans society, including increased on spending reviews, which programmes to drive strategic partnerships to cannot be concretised into access to electricity, improve form part of the budgeting industrialisation through secure new markets for South deliverable government education attendance across process, indicate that many localisation, which seeks African products”, said Deputy programmes and projects the country, provide social policies are adopted without to achieve the following Minister Gina.
without the availability support to poor households.

considering their total costs strategic objectives: reduce of capacity (human, and affordability.

Multiple the proportion of imported institutional and capital),” he However, higher institutions share overlapping intermediated and finished said.
unemployment and poverty responsibilities or mandates goods, improve the efficiency continue to put pressure in the leading to duplication of of local producers, and Residents of Stutterheim vote for good governance The declaration of a state of national disaster by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the end of March and the national lockdown that followed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic stopped everything that fell outside what was categorised as essential services.
One casualty of this was the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC’s) regular schedule of countrywide by-elections, writes Mava Lukani.

Ms Jenene Reabow However, when the country social distancing, both in and to mark their ballot papers.

in the Amahlathi Local 13 other municipalities.

eventually moved to outside voting stations, along Municipality.
lockdown level one, by- with the use of hand sanitisers The residents of Amahlathi The municipality, which incorporates Cathcart, Kei elections did take place on as voters entered and exited Local Municipality’s wards This municipality is one of the Road, Keiskammahoek and 11 November in 96 wards the voting station.
Voters were 1,13 and 19 voted to fill the Eastern Cape’s 14 distressed Stutterheim, is currently across 461 voting districts also required to wear a mask vacancies of councillors in local municipalities.

According unviable and unable to pay its nationwide with strict new Covid-19 protocols in place, at all times, with the sign “no mask, no entry” prominently those wards, by choosing councillors who will place the to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional staff and councillors.
aimed at ensuring the safety displayed.

The IEC sanitised interests of their wards above Affairs, Mr Xolile Nqatha, the In wards 1 and 13, residents of all involved.
the pens used to vote after those of their political parties Eastern Cape government were looking for councillors These protocols included urged to bring their own pens principles of good governance bailout for Amahlathi and the interests of the people each use, but voters were and work to restore the is pleading for a national and administrators with out of wedlock; and • Conducting inquiries as to what is in the best interest of the child as a result of court cases.
Who pays for the services of the Family Advocate?

The Family Advocate provides services to the public free of charge at the State’s expense.

However, parties may be required to pay for additional expert reports such as psychological evaluations, and other tests that are critical to determine the best interest of the child(ren).

How to contact the Chief Family Advocate?

Chief Family Advocate: Adv PI Seabi-Mathope Tel: 012 357 8022, Fax: 012 357 8043, E-mail: NationalOffice-FA@justice.
gov.za or PeSeabiMathope@ justice.gov.za Postal Address: Private Bag X81 PRETORIA 0001 Physical Address: 329 Pretoruis Street, Momentum Building, West Tower, Pretoria Each province also has its own office: https://www.justice.

gov.za/FMAdv/OFA_English.

pdf References: https://www.justice.gov.za 14 at heart and the conviction to turn the distressed municipality around.
The first mayor of the democratically configured Amahlathi Local Municipality and its first municipal manager, Mr Chris Magwangqana, said the municipality’s problems are finance and governance.

These problems “arise from the lack of principles of good governance and planning.

If the fundamental problems of governance and planning are not dealt with, the problem of financial mismanagement, which is secondary, will continue for ever,” he warned.
Mr Magwangqana said Amathole District Municipality, which is supposed to provide support to the local municipalities under it, is unable to do so as Amahlathi is now deteriorating.

Amahlathi received a qualified audit report for the 2018/19 financial year, while the district got a disclaimer audit report.
One residents who turned out to vote, Ms Jenene Reabow, said: “We are here to elect a councillor who will ensure that the municipality regains its former glory.” “CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE OF OUR SOCIETY AND SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF.” The Children’s Amendment Bill And The South African Central Authority The South African Central Authority is mentioned at least 75 times in the Children’s Amendment Bill [B18 – 2020] that is currently before Parliament for processing against the backdrop of the 16 (to 365) Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.
Adv.

Petunia Seabi- is duty-bound to set up an Family Advocate do?

Mathope, the Chief Family administrative body known In addition to assisting Advocate commented on as the “Central Authority”.
with cases involving the the Children’s Amendment One of the main functions international abduction or Bill and stated that of the Central Authority is trafficking of children, the “Children are the future to assist in cases where Family Advocate also provides of our society and should children have been wrongfully the following services: be taken care of.
The removed from South Africa or • Conducting enquiries and recent developments in wrongfully kept in a foreign furnishing the court with legislation have highlighted country, as well as cases recommendations the constitutional rights of where children have been where there is a dispute children in a more articulate wrongfully brought to or kept or disagreement regarding manner.

Amendments to in South Africa.


Trafficking of guardianship, contact or care the Children’s Act enhance humans is a criminal offence.
of a child(ren); the level of care and • Assistance with the protection that the State The Chief Family Advocate, drafting and registering of is giving to the rights and a legally qualified official, is parental plans or parental well-being of children.” appointed by the Department responsibilities and rights of Justice and Constitutional agreements; Who is the South African Development to fulfil the • Amending or terminating Central Authority?

role of the Central Authority.


parental plans or parental South Africa ratified the The Family Advocate has Hague Convention on the to promote and protect the responsibilities and rights agreements registered with Civil Aspects of International rights of children guided by the Family Advocate; Child Abduction that the supreme principle of what • Mediating disputes came into operation in is in the best interest of the about parental rights and 1997, and in terms of this child.
responsibilities of unmarried Convention, a member state What does the Office of the fathers of a child(ren) born INSESSION NEWS COMMITTEES IN BRIEF 15 Committees in Brief As the year draws to an end, more than 200 committee meetings (virtual, hybrid and physical) took place in November.

These meetings considered the annual reports of government departments’ and their entities’, they considered Bills, and listened to government departments on a range of issues to ensure accountability.
The Portfolio Committee work SAPS has done internally on Basic Education wished to reduce corruption while the more than one million acknowledging General Khehla candidates enrolled for Sitole for the significant the 2020 National Senior strides taken and urging him Certificate (NSC) well for the to sustain the momentum of examinations.

cleaning the rot in the SAPS.


Committee Chairperson, Ms The Select Committee on Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, Petitions and Executive said: “We would like to Undertakings received a wish all candidates the best briefing from the Minister of luck with the upcoming of Social Development, final examinations.

We urge Ms Lindiwe Zulu, on them to continue working progress made in respect of hard and to keep their focus.
commitments she made in These examinations are the her budget vote speech in the culmination of the last 12 National Council of Provinces years of schooling.

We know (NCOP) on 22 July 2020. it has been a challenging academic year, but we support The committee described the you no matter what.” update received from both the Minister and the departmental killings of six people in the NSFAS’s audit, largely Director-General as “thorough Khayelitsha in September, five due to the unnecessarily and detailed”.
Furthermore, it people in Joe Slovo in October long turnaround time taken commended the department and the killing of seven by the NSFAS to provide the for implementing their people in Phillipi in July,” Ms information requested by the commitments and for playing Joemat-Pettersson said.

auditors.

a pivotal role in pushing back the frontiers of poverty.
The Chairperson emphasised Committee Chairperson Mr the importance of Philly Mapulane said it was The committee also collaboration between the disappointing that this is the expressed its displeasure police and the community second year in a row that the and disappointment over to fight crime in our audit of the NSFAS’s financial the corruption that affected communities.
The situation statements is delayed, mainly the department’s good work on the Cape Flats requires all as a result of the inefficiencies when it implemented its stakeholders to rally together within the entity.

programmes, especially of and fight crime head-on.

food distribution to vulnerable Furthermore, the Chairperson The Portfolio Committee on people during the hard also called on the SAPS and International Relations and lockdown.
its Anti-Gang Unit to come Cooperation has called on the up with strategies to prevent Department of International The Chairperson of the such attacks, especially as the Relations and Cooperation Portfolio Committee on Police, festive season draws near.

(Dirco) to account for an Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, unexplained R188 million in condemned the barbaric The Portfolio Committee on an account, as identified in its killing of seven people Higher Education, Science annual report.
and injury of two more in and Technology has voiced its Gugulethu, Cape Town.

The concerns regarding the delays The committee Chairperson, Chairperson called on the in the finalisation of the Ms Tandi Mahambehlala, South African Police Service audit of the National Student said she would follow due (SAPS) to leave no stone Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
process until the matter of the unturned in investigating unexplained R188 million is these heinous crimes in an The committee was briefed brought to the attention of the effort to bring the perpetrators by the Auditor-General (AG) Standing Committee on Public to book.

on the audit outcomes of Accounts.


the Department of Higher “The killings are concerning Education and Training and The committee received a in the context of the worrying all entities falling within its briefing on the department upward trend in murders in portfolio.

The committee and its entity, the African general in the country.

Also, was informed by the AG that Renaissance Fund’s, audit the shooting follows similar there is a delay in finalising outcomes.
The department The combined examinations for National Senior Certificate (NSC) candidates makes this the largest cohort, 1 058 699 candidates, sitting for the examinations from 5 November to 15 December 2020.

The June examinations for both full- and part- time candidates had to be cancelled due to the outbreak of Covid-19.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) has urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to heighten cooperation with other relevant state organs and government departments in the fight against corruption within SAPS.

SAPS appeared before the committee recently to present a progress report on cases of supply chain management corruption involving SAPS officials.

The committee welcomed the has ongoing problems with irregular expenditure, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation has called on the Department of Human Settlements to find a balance between achieving targets and an unqualified audit opinion.

The committee considered the department’s annual report as part of the Budget Review and Recommendation process.

“The committee was unanimous in welcoming the unqualified audit opinion for the department, but were similarly critical that the department only achieved 63% of its set targets.
While we welcomed the achievement in relations to good governance, we are concerned that tangible service delivery is not happening with the associated 16 required level.

The department must urgently work to find a balance in this regard,” said Ms Machwene Semenya, the Chairperson of the committee.

The Joint Constitutional Review Committee received briefings for the amendment of Section 100 of the Constitution that deals with provincial departments being placed under administration by national government.
The committee was briefed by the education lobby group Equal Education and the Equal Education Law Centre.

They cited examples of national government intervening in Prof Bozzoli passes on Parliament has lost one of its Members, Prof Belinda Bozzoli, who passed on recently after a long battle with cancer.

Prof Bozzoli joined Parliament in 2014 as a Member of the National Assembly.

She served on the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology, writes Mava Lukani.
Parliament’s Presiding an indelible mark, which Officers, led by the Speaker will always be cherished, as of the National Assembly it represents the dedication, (NA), Ms Thandi Modise selflessness and patriotism 2011 to place the Eastern Cape and the Chairperson of the that South Africa needs to Prof Belinda Bozzoli Education Department under administration, along with National Council of Provinces advance development.
(NCOP), Mr Amos Masondo, several provincial departments extended their heartfelt The Chairperson of the higher in North West, which were condolences to the Bozzoli education portfolio committee, placed under administration in family, friends and close Mr Philly Mapulane, said as 2018. relatives of Prof Bozzoli.
a member of the committee with extensive and thorough The committee heard that currently no clarity exists on the roles and responsibilities once such an intervention is “Parliament is left poorer knowledge of the higher with the passing on of a education sector, Prof Bozzoli formidable scholar and a used her knowledge and renowned writer who used expertise to conduct thorough made by national government.
her knowledge and expertise and effective oversight over Some of the concerns raised by presenters included the lack of clear rules and poor reporting to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on such matters; the lack of oversight by the NCOP and the lack of clarity on when the intervention will end or whether it was effective.

in the service of the people the Department of Higher and advancement of the Education, Science and oversight work of Parliament.

Technology.
Technology.

She was passionate about the education sector, and Mr Mapulane added: “Her despite her ailing health, passion and commitment to she continued to serve and her work made her a valuable contributed immensely to asset to the committee.

The the oversight programme committee will miss her and of the committee,” said the the frank and straightforward Presiding Officers.
manner in which she conducted her work.” They said she leaves behind “HER PASSION AND COMMITMENT TO HER WORK MADE HER A VALUABLE ASSET TO THE COMMITTEE.

THE COMMITTEE WILL MISS HER AND THE FRANK AND STRAIGHTFORWARD MANNER IN WHICH SHE CONDUCTED HER WORK.” INSESSION NEWS