Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698931396884.pdf (South Africa)
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 1 THURSDAY 26 MAY 2022 ____ PROCEEDINGS OF EXTENDED PUBLIC COMMITTEE – NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAMBER ____ Members of the mini-plenary session met in the Chamber of the National Assembly at 14:00 The Acting chairperson, as the Chairperson, took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers and meditation.
ANNOUNCEMENT The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Good afternoon hon members, I would like to remind you that the virtual mini- plenary is deemed to be in the precinct of Parliament and constitute a meeting of the National Assembly for debating purposes only.

In addition to the rules of virtual sitting, the rules of the National Assembly, including the Rules of the national debate, shall apply.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 2 Members enjoy the same powers and privileges that apply in the sitting of the National Assembly.

Members should equally note that anything that said in the virtual platform is deemed to have been said in the House and may be ruled upon.

All members who have locked in shall be considered to be present and are requested to mute their microphones and only unmute when they are recognised to speak.
This is because the mics are sensitive and will pick up any noise which might disturb the attention of other members.

Hon members, when you are recognised to speak, please unmute your microphone and connect your video.
Members may make use of the icons on the bar at the bottom of their gadgets or at the top right of their gadget, depending on what type of a gadget you are using, which has an option that allows you to put up your hand to raise a point of order or if you have an intention to raise a point of order.

The Secretariat will assist in alerting the Acting Chairperson, which is myself, for members who are requesting to speak.
When using a virtual system, members are urged to refrain and desist from unnecessary point of orders or interjections.

Lastly, hon members, as house-keeping matters, I wish to remind you that, we are meeting in a mini-plenary session, and therefore, any decision will be taken in a full plenary UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 3 session of the Assembly if need arises.

Hon members, the first Subject for Discussion is on the Order Paper.
It is the Subject for Discussion in the name of hon B S Yabo on the following topic: Addressing inequality to advance the socioeconomic rights of all and leave no one behind.

ADDRESSING INEQUALITY TO ADVANCE THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC RIGHTS OF ALL AND LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND (Subject for Discussion) Mr B S YABO: Thank you very much, House Chair.

Let me greet everyone on the platform.

Yesterday we celebrated Africa Day, commemorating 59 years since the organisation of the African Union was established in 1963.
The Continent of Africa has travelled a long journey since the independence of Ghana from British colonialism in 1957, since then, country after country in Africa freed itself from colonial rule, including South Africa which attained its political freedom in 1994.

The question then records, how far have we traversed from the embryonal state of flagging democracy to eradicating what has come to being known as the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment today?
To respond to that UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 4 question, we must give an account of the development of our country to the lenses of historical materialism.

In 1652, the first European merchants and traders arrived in our shawls, with them, a colonial system of the oppression of the mythos was established and grew from strength to strength.
The legacy of colonial expansion excluded a majority of Africans for exercising their socioeconomic rights and access to equal opportunities.

This has resulted in deep levels of poverty and inequality in our society.

One of the pillars of the democratic South Africa, is addressing the injustices of the past.
Though the democratic government has made strides in improving the conditions of living in many South Africans, the levels of inequality in our country has grown over the years, which shows the structural exclusion of black people and ...

[Inaudible.]

The global measure of the gap between the haves and have nots, known as the gecko efficia, has grown to be the highest out of 164 sovereign countries.
The top 10% of the population in South Africa, holds 80,6% of financial assets, comparatively, the figures are 61,2% for Botswana and 65,5% for Namibia.

Many households in the bottom 10% have almost none assets, and survive largely on transfers UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 5 from other households or social security.

The levels of unemployment amongst the youth are harbouring at a staggering 66,5%.
According to the fourth quarter of labour report, 2021, an urgent paradigm shift is required to turn the tide of the results of over 340 years of colonial conquest around, no one must be left behind.

Leaving no one behind means, the state should empower the marginalised for self-liberation.

Our Constitution enshrines, the socioeconomic rights of all South Africans, and places the whole responsibility on the government to undertake reasonable measures to realise.
For all South Africans to enjoy their economic rights, the state should empower the marginalised to meaningfully participate in the economy.

The state should deploy a state capital meaningfully and deliberately to shrink the inequality gap.

It is this imperative that has ensured that the ANC government, places education as an apex priority and provides a safety net to eradicate poverty and ameliorate other deprivations.
While the ANC government has created a conducive environment to commerce, to be undertaken at ease, the role of the private sector cannot be understated in the creation of jobs.

However, for most government and the private sector, we need to have a more symbiotic relationship towards the achievement of what UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 6 may seem to be diverge and boost.
Transformative policies need to be supported and implemented where capital both public and private is deployed for the reduction of inequality.

Inequality must be dealt with in whatever form it rears it fit.

To eradicate poverty and inequality, the ANC government has placed education as an apex priority as stated earlier, to increase the level of literacy in our country and to enable South Africans to acquire diverse skills which will enable them to be part of the productive forces of the economy.
To leave no one behind, the ANC government has ensured that it realises the call of the Freedom Charter of opening the doors of learning and culture.

Free basic education and free higher education are a humongous progress in removing variants to learning.

Many families have seen their children grow up to attain higher education qualifications despite destitute conditions they come from.
Today, that graduate, would assist her or his siblings to focus on education, and provide support in his or her household, or his or her own life.

Hon members and hon House Chair, these success stories have become a norm in our society.

We are empowering people for self-liberation.

Their UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 7 impact on addressing inequality and poverty will likely behind.
We need to break the circle of inequality which will require a country to equalise opportunities and reduce the disadvantages that people face because of their circumstances at best.

It is for this reason, that we continue to call for the expansion of higher education, to create spaces for the youth who are not in employment or training.

Gone are the days when access to educational opportunities was a privilege for the few, but has become a true public good for all.
We must review a culture where in our society it becomes through knowledge that we will be able to develop solutions to the complex challenges facing our nation.

Our economy has a lot of structural barriers which has enable vast informal economic sectors to go and thrive.

However, the limitation to informal economic participants, is their inability to access financial institutions, and the lack of recognition of a formal skills attainment.
This is due to high transactional costs detriment to a lack of integrations of the informal sector to the mainstream economy.
The financial sector needs to device new products and criteria to help buttress the informal sector which will in turn, bore UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 8 growth in those informal businesses gradually, graduating a number of them into a formal economy which will have positive still offer for sale, OFS, in the creation of jobs.
House Chair, it is important for us to realise today that, a stable country where peace strives, is important for an economy to grow, and it is important for investments to happen.

Violence has become a rising problem or phenomenon in our society that hinders the socioeconomic rights of South Africa.
The increase in gender-based violence and femicide, and the discrimination against women, people with disabilities and discrimination against people with different sexual orientation, flags how people that are disadvantaged can be treated equally, taking away their human rights.

This increase, ...

[Interjections.]

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Just one second, hon Dikgale, please mute your mic.

You may proceed and wrap up, hon member.

Over to you.
Over to you.

Mr B S YABO: Thank you very much, hon House Chair.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 9 The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Thank you very much, hon Yabo, of the ANC.

Now I recognise hon De Villiers of the DA.

Over to you, hon member.

Mr J N DE VILLIERS: Thank you, Chair.

Chairperson, in the famous fable about the frog and the scorpion, the scorpion asks a frog to please carry him across a river.
The frog looks shock at the scorpion and said, that’s absolute idea, I can’t carry you over the river.

You will just sign me halfway and I will drown.

The scorpion counter, no dear frog I will not stung you halfway across a river because if I stung you, we will both drown.

The frog thought about this from minute and agree.

And so, the scorpion climb into its back and they started to cross the river.

Now, as the story goes halfway across the river the scorpion did exactly what it said it will not do.
It stung the frog.

As the frog realised it was to return to the scorpion and said, why did you do that and the scorpion just look at the frog and said, it’s in my nature.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 10 Chairperson, in 1994 South Africa found itself on one side of a river.

It was the side of inequality, poverty and unemployment and general socioeconomic injustice.
On the other side of the river is still the land of socioeconomic equality where South Africans would have equal opportunity to rise to the fullest potential.

This is the side of the river where the new South Africa to wanted to find itself.

But to get to that destination just like a frog we had to cross a river vast and dangerous.

And for this we needed a captain that should direct our efforts to cross the river.
To get to our destination the captain and skipper had to see our country in a way that growth the economy, creates jobs, build hostels, schools, roads, dams and importantly, keeps lights on.

The captain and skipper has to both embrace business as a partner but also stand in the state ability to look after those vulnerable members of society who cannot look after themselves.
So, in 1994, the ANC turned towards voters and said, we are the captain, the skipper that can get our country across the UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 11 river.

And so in 1994 South Africa trusted the ANC to get us cross the river.

Chairperson, it goes without saying the ANC has failed to get us across the river.
In the last 30 years, every time South Africans has trusted the ANC to get us across the river, there are stingless just like the scorpion.

These things are too many to list.

But they all carried the same poison, the poison of corruption.

As our country or stung a thousand fails for almost 30 years we will paralyse in our efforts and drafted back to the shore of rising inequality, poverty and unemployment.
Chair, the difference between the scorpion and the ANC is, unlike the scorpion the ANC cannot admit why it is killing us because is still wants us trust them.

The untenable prove however that the nature of the organisation is corrupt, it is deeply embedded organisation culture.

Nothing else than this culture of corruption will vividly than the theft of Covid relief funding after the President promised it will never happen.
In the darkest hour of our country’s desperate need for Covid assistance the scorpion stingless because that is its nature UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 12 which brings us to today, Chair, as we will trust over after Covid pandemic and we see inflation running wild on the back of the Ukraine War.

Winter is upon our river.

The next few years will not be easier, the river will get wider and it will get tough to swim or drown.
In 2024, the ANC will again turn to water and say we cannot get across the river.

Madam Speaker, we have been stunned too many times and in 2024 we will turn against the ANC as a country and say, you cannot get us across the river because you will sting us, it is in your nature.
Ms J HERMANS: Thank you very much, hon House Chair, hon Ministers, Deputy Ministers, hon members and fellow South Africans, as we celebrate Africa Month we are reminded of the difficulties of our forebears to overcome and then since they encountered from foreign powers that had much to gain from exploiting division on the continent.

We can hear from the power of perseverance, sacrifice and dedication.

And that an Africa United can overcome the greatest challenges.
We mark this Africa Month under the shadow of Covid-19 and the real impact of climate change on our lives and livelihoods.

The extreme of the events highlight the importance of UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 13 mitigating the effect of climate change.

We must be more systematic in how we plan for and mange impact for climate change on our people and the economy.
The floods in KwaZulu-Natal, North West, Eastern Cape had shown us how vulnerable the poor are.

This calls on us to double our efforts in transforming our economy and making it more inclusive for all South Africans.

The process of structural transformation requires our economy to move from low productivity to higher productivity and in the process ensure high value in the activities.

We need this to develop our country.

We have however not made significance progress in transforming our economy.
South Africa has made some serious mistakes of deindustrialising prematurely.

At the same time our economy remains highly concentrated and unequal.

Some of the structural constraints that continue to reproduce our challenges include, amongst others, the lack of coherence between our skills development policy and our industrial policy, which means that firms turn to privatise the necessary raining with public provision which implies a bias against smaller firms.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 14 According to the Competition Commission latest report on measuring the concentration and participation in the South African economy, the number of large firms’ have grown by an average of 9% from 2012 to 2016.

This indicates that there is a poor survival rate of SMMEs in our economy.
Yet there are key creative of jobs and without the increase participation, we may not be able to effectively liberate our people from the clutches of poverty and joblessness.

The effectiveness of addressing high levels of concentration and low levels of participation in the economy extends beyond the Competition Commission to all areas of government and civil society.
Regulatory frameworks, licensing processes and procurement across government directly impacted freedom of ownership and opportunities for effective participation in the economy, which will ultimately impact on situation.

Some proactive interventions are achievable to Competition Commission ability to undertake marketing enquiries.
The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan by the reimagine industrial strategy and places emphasis on master plan as key drivers to attract investment local industries and create jobs.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 15 Localisation has been a key component of the ANC’s economic policy to build and protect local industrial capacity.

Some dictators have attempted to accused the ANC-led government of nationalism and protectionism.
The sector of economic condition dictates that our national interest must reside all others.

Many of the world largest economies including the United State, China, India and countries in the European Union are doing the same and they are actively protecting and promoting the domestic firms.
The ANC–led government industrialisation and localisation powers is aimed at developing, upgrading and is funding production to supply both domestic and private markets, promoting employment growth and supporting wider economic development and transformation.

In response to the recommended retail price, RRP, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is placing great emphasis on an integrated approach across the interventions to driving industrialisation that support economic recovery.
This approach incorporates Industry Master Plan that target key sectors that are drivers of economic growth and job creation.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 16 To datre, six Industries Master Plan in the automotive, poultry, sugar, furniture, steel, textiles and clothing sectors have been completed and the implementation is in different phases.

Work is currently being done to finalise the Plastic and Chemicals Master Plan.
In conjunction with the master plan, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition offers industrial financing support in the form of grants loans and tax allowances to the manufacturing sector.

The support measures include grants offered to the agro- processing and automotive sectors to black industrialist.

This is targeted increasing productive capacity employment, competitiveness and transformation.
In addition, concretionary funding is being offered by the Industrial Development Corporation, IDC, to manage manufacturing businesses to sustain existing jobs and improve productive capacity.

This support is to provide relieve to businesses that have been devastated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the unrest that occurred in July 2021 as well as to accelerate the economic recovery in the country.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 17 SEZs are an important element of reigniting manufacturing-led industrialisation in an accelerated manner in giving effect to the District Development Model.

A new SEZ approach has been developed to ensure proper co- ordination and management of SEZ.
SEZ create a sustainable environment for foreign and domestic direct investment and both sector industry to which how the South African economy to develop strategic industry capabilities.

They serve as a key programme underpinning Spatial Integrated Industrial Development particularly in the context of unlocking or optimising South Africa’s comparative and competitive advantages.
Dividing industrial parks is to promote the decentralisation of industrialisation to the less economic activity like an area such as townships and senior rural areas.

The revitalisation programme is made to promote, to improve industrial infrastructure which has aged and vandalised.

The South African Township Economy is estimated at R100 billion.

And it is therefore essential that industrial parks be the catalyst for the township and rural economy.
Work UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 18 is currently underway with provincial government to attract investors to sit in these parks and create jobs.

To date, R717 million has been approved through the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, is critical infrastructure programme fund for the revitalisation of set of industrial parks in seven provinces.
In conclusion, inequality and poverty remains a threat to the stability of our country and we owe to address as a matter of urgency.

It is only through structural reform that we will be able to dissolve the structural challenges that continue to reproduce themselves.

We call on all patriotic South Africans to support the effect of government to transform the economy in the interest of our nation.

I thank you.
I thank you.

Ms S A BUTHELEZI: House Chair, kindly allow me to not activate my camera due to having an unstable connection.

[Inaudible] ... upon us to improve the quality of lives of all citizens and free the potential of each person.

Our country is founded on among others, the values of human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms.

Our blueprint for our preferred future, the National Development Plan aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 19 The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in particular Goal 10 further entreat us both as a nation state and a member of the global community, to reduce inequality within and amongst countries.

Yes, South Africa faces an uphill battle.


Even before the ravages of COVID-19, the July 2021 unrest and the recent widespread flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, South Africa was ranked according to the World Population Review as the ...

[Interjections.]

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No, no, one second hon Buthelezi.

Hon members, those who have their microphones on, may you please mute yourselves.

You are disturbing the proceedings; I will come back to the EFF.
Proceed hon member Buthelezi.

Ms S A BUTHELEZI: Thank you House Chair.

Even before the ravages of COVID-19, the July 2021 unrest and the recent widespread flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, South Africa was ranked according to the World Population Review as the country with the lowest level of income equality in the world.

We had a Gini coefficient of 63,0 when last measured in 2014.

This means that the richest 10% holds 71% of the wealth, whilst the poorest 60% holds just 7% of the wealth.
Additionally, more than half of South Africa’s UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 20 population lives in poverty.

What must be done so as to leave no one behind?

According to the architects of the National Development Plan, NDP, the future we must construct is one where no person lives in poverty, and where together we deal decisively to root out the deep inequality that we have inherited.
The IFP as servants of the people are committed to this vision and to building a just prosperous and moral society, whose citizens engage with each other on the basis of IsiXhosa: ...Ubuntu (humanity), ... Sesotho ... Botho.

As the IFP we know that what is needed and will lead by example where we govern.

As the IFP we know what is - pardon me, my phone rang, I apologise Chair.

We need a government that is accountable to the people and that serves with integrity.
We need a government that delivers basic services, create sustainable jobs, provides quality education and supplies accessible health care.

Instead, we have a government UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 21 that is rotten to the core.

If you need evidence of that, just read the Zondo Commission Report, which revealed the wide scale theft and corruption perpetrated by leaders and officials in positions of authority.
Not only did they betray the very people who placed their trust in them, not only did they steal billions of rand from the public purse, but hundreds of millions were then spent to uncover all these atrocities.

Surely hundreds of millions more will be needed to attempt to bring those criminals to justice.

Corruption is the true companion of inequality and poverty.

Where could South Africa have been if all those stolen monies have been directed towards uplifting those trapped in the cycle of poverty?
As we look to 2030, let us commit to remaining vigilant as Members of Parliament and public representatives across all spheres of government ... [Inaudible] ... [Time expired.]

Dr W J BOSHOFF: Hon House Chair, maybe one should look at the phenomenon of inequality from a fundamental perspective.

The idea of equality among human beings is one which sets free a vast amount of potential.
In an unequal society, where one’s prospects are dependent on one’s station in life, the serf who UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 22 happens to be a genius in mathematics, would possibly pass life as an awkward soul, out of touch with real life.

However, the basic inequality of humans pervaded social relations for millennia.
As soon as wealth entered a culture, social stratification emerged, with inequality soon perceived as ordained by divine will.

In many cultures it was akin to sacrilege to attempt to improve one’s status.

In fact, the inequality of a new born child to his or her parents is a fundamental reality.

Parents should attempt to bring up their children to not only become their equals, but even to surpass them by making more opportunities available than them themselves had.
Of course, that does not always happen, as opportunities represent an invitation and not a guarantee.

Then of course, people are endowed with different abilities.

An excellent chemistry professor may be a hopeless pharmacist.

Someone who mastered animal husbandry, may be awful at business and therefore not a good farmer.

Success is dependent on the wisdom to know oneself and the ability to manage one’s abilities, weaknesses and interests.
One person may measure success in money, another in the happiness of family life, and another in professional accolades.

What equality exactly means against that background UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 23 is not easy to determine.

Economic relation is a function of cultural values, beliefs and practices.

It goes without saying that to be socially successful in a foreign cultural framework, is difficult.
It is less obvious that the economic success has the same impediments.

In the Bible, the story of exile by the Babylonians illustrates this.

Those Judeans deemed equal to the task, could study at the king’s court.

The invitation was clear, lay down your own, and acquire the Babylonian identity, then you can advance to any position within your ability.

Daniel and his friends succeeded in adding the dominant identity, without losing their own.

Fast forward to the twentieth century.


Western colonialism had long dominated social and economic systems all over the world.

Subordinate peoples and countries had to liberate themselves from a mental and economic Western stranglehold.

Oriental nations were first to beat the West at its own game and its own rules, by framing themselves as competitors rather than victims.

Arabian countries did the same, using oil as a foundation to build service economies.
After the Anglo Boer War Afrikaners had the same choice.

Those who could, could enter society, as long as they would don an English cloak over UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 24 their Afrikaans rags.

Some accepted, but many declined and created an own Afrikaans society, in order not to leave some behind.

Charterist and Pan Africanist ideologists made the opposite decision.
Colonial languages were embraced to facilitate liberation, and African languages were perceived as a medium for divide and rule.

Upward mobility implied aspiring to a foreign identity and downplaying their own.

Twice the victim!

Therefore, economic growth without benefit to all.

At present, socioeconomic inequality prevails, not despite the government’s best efforts, but as a consequence of it.

I thank you.
I thank you.

Mr S N SWART: House Chair, the ACDP would like to first wish all Christians a blessed and happy Ascension Day today.

We welcome this topic for discussion, given increased levels of unemployment, inequality, and poverty in society.

Despite the fact that South Africa is a net exporter of food, there are roughly 6 million people in the country who do not have enough food to eat.

What is even more alarming being that, many people, including children, are dying from malnutrition.
While acknowledging the sterling work that many churches and other UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 25 civil organisations are doing to alleviate this shocking state of affairs, more can and must be done in this regard.

However, the country has an arguably one of the most developed social protection systems among middle income economies globally, this is to help the poorest of the poor.
The levels of income inequality would have been even higher in the absence of this social protection system.

The temporary extension of the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant, though minimal, was widely welcomed as it brought a small measure of relief to the poorest of the poor.

Unfortunately, as the need increases, increasing the social protection system, though very necessary becomes unsustainable over the long-term.
The ACDP believes that it is only through sustained economic growth, that we can create enough jobs to reduce poverty and inequality.

Sadly, the country has experienced more than a decade of economic stagnation due to poor policy choices, state capture and corruption.

The economy has further been severely impacted by the COVID-19 hard lockdown, last July’s rioting, and more recently the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces.
State capture and corruption has lowered our economic growth potential, made the country fiscally more UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 26 vulnerable, and severely weakened the capability of the country.

It has discouraged investment, both foreign and domestic.

All these issues have contributed to high levels of unemployment and inequality.
This can result in tremendous social problems, and holds the potential for political instability and economic stability, as we saw last year.
The ...[Inaudible] ... into the riots found that, poorly rolled out service delivery and unacceptable living conditions, the state of the economy, and persistent levels of poverty served to provide the ripe environment to light the tinder box that was the incarceration of former president Zuma, that led to many poor and desperate people joining in the looting, alongside those more calculating in their objectives and motivation.
This is a clear warning sign to all of us that, unless the persistent high levels of unemployment, poverty and inequality are dealt with decisively, last year’s riots could repeat themselves.

What is required is a concerted effort by government and the private sector to partner in much needed jobs.

Government infrastructure, power, roads, rails, harbours UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 27 and the private sector are ... [Inaudible] ... investment.
Together we can and must do more.

I thank you House Chair.

Afrikaans: Me G OPPERMAN: Werkloosheid is die hoof oorsaak van armoede en het van 6,1 miljoen na 9,3 miljoen gestyg in die Zuma-era, maar knap voor die COVID-19 pandemie het die werkloosheidsyfer onder President Ramaphosa na 10,4 miljoen gestyg.

Hongersnood het verdubbel tydens die staat van inperking.
Te midde die grendelstaat periode, het ons verneem dat kaders kospakkies steel terwyl die kinders van Peddie in die Oos-Kaap wilde veldplante eet om hongerpyne te stil.

’n Week gelede is dit onthul dat kinders in Matikwe sand eet van hongerte, maar oor die R22 miljoen se vlag word dit gelag.

Gaan kyk nou in Calvinia in die Noord-Kaap hoe kinders op die asgate rondkrap vir kos en loop sien in die diamantvelde van die Richtersveld hoedat ...

[Onhoorbaar.]

... geëet word net om vol te voel.


Dan praat ons van niemand agterlos nie.

Het ons almal hier dan vergeet hoe droë brood en suikerwater en slap mieliemeel pap sonder sout smaak?

Wel, 10 miljoen Suid-Afrikaners het nie.

Hulle onthou elke dag terwyl hulle op daardie R350 wag en die ergste hongersnood in 28 jaar ervaar.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 28 Volgende jaar sal 18,9 miljoen mense afhanklik van maatskaplike toelaes wees en vanaand gaan een uit elke vier mense honger slaap.

So, hoera vir Suid-Afrika!

Ons is ’n slag nommer een uit 164 lande vir die mees-ongelyke land ter wêreld.

Twalf miljoen Suid-Afrikaners is ondervoed en 13,7 miljoen het nie toegang tot voedsame kos nie.
Hierdie amptelike statistieke sal egter nooit die geleefde realiteit van armoede, hongersnood en die daaglikse stryd om oorlewing kan verwoord nie.

Dit is toe nie ’n beter lewe vir almal nie, maar ’n bitter lewe van mislukte geleenthede, verpletterde drome en vermorsde potensiaal, want hierdie onbevoegde staat is ryk aan beleid maar arm in uitvoering.

Die COVID-19 pandemie het slegs die swak ekonomiese toestand van ons land kom blootlê.
Ons spandeer meer as wat ons kan bekostig en die ekonomiese groeikoers is al vir meer as ’n dekade laer as ’n Minora lemmetjie.

Die hoof redes waarom die gaping tussen die wat het en die wat nie het nie vergroot is ’n kwart eeu van onvoldoende groei, ’n onbevoegde regering wat na 30 jaar totaal vasgevang sit in apartheidsnalatenskap, wat boonop vererger is deur ’n dekade van staatskaping, kader-ontplooiing, ’n oor-invloedryke vakbondsektor en ’n geweldige vaardigheidstekort.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 29 Daar is ...

[Onhoorbaar.]

... een ding nodig om hierdie ongelykhede aan te spreek nie.

Die DA het vier vinnige voorstelle.

Lok meer kapitaal na die ...

[Onhoorbaar.]


... ekonomie waar welvaart geskep word eerder as herverdeel word; besnoei die staat se loonrekening drasties; desentraliseer magte en dienste, insluitende vervoer, elektrisiteit en polisiëring; en skort beswarende arbeidswetgewing op wat dit moeilik maak om mense aan te stel.

Ons benodig nie onvolhoubare hand-tot-mond informele werk nie.

Ons benodig die soort groei wat op alle vlakke ervaar word.

Eers dan kan ons praat van niemand agterlaat nie.


Ek dank u. English: The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Thank you, hon member.

I now recognise hon Shaik Emam of the NFP.

[Interjections.]

Is there a point of order?

I don’t see a hand on the platform.

Mr M K MONTWEDI: It’s the EFF, Chair.

You called here but I had connection problems.


UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 30 The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Okay, but next time you must raise your hand so that I can recognise you.

Allow me to ... Mr M K MONTWEDI: Thank you very much, Chair.

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Okay, we will come back to you because I’ve already called on hon Shaik Emam of the NFP.

You will follow him.

Mr M K MONTWEDI: Okay, Chair.


The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon Shaik Emam?

Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Thank for that, House Chair.

I’m about to speak on the other side as well.

Let me start off by talking about the issue of advancing the socioeconomic rights of all our people.

Yes, indeed, if you look at the socioeconomic conditions ... [No audio] The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): I suspect that you are frozen, hon member.

Hon Shaik Emam?
Hon Shaik Emam?

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 31 Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: ... not talking about any one particular political party.

Wherever ... [No audio] Yes, even in KwaZulu- Natal for that matter.

I’ll give you a good example of Nongoma.

Why do people have to walk seven kilometres for water?

So, the socioeconomic conditions that our people live under are as a result of the leadership that they choose.
Now, what is the requirements for leadership?

... should be ethical, ... should have high levels of morals, passion and commitment.

Is that what we really look for in them?

No!

Our communities are so vulnerable that when politicians and political parties go out there, exploit the situation and manipulate them into ...

[Inaudible.]

... by of course providing food parcels once in five years.

That’s what motivates these people, with the hope and prayer that one day their lives will change.
So, if we want to change the socioeconomic conditions under which our people live, I think the first requirement is to ensure that you identify ethical leaders that will be able to lead you and take you forward.

Now, the question that we need to ask again is the following.

Why is it that in the entire Africa we are going backwards?
I UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 32 gave some examples yesterday in the debate on Africa Day, where the African continent will only be able to provide enough ... 13% of the food needs of its countries, yet you have 40% of the arable land in the world and you have 30% of all the minerals in the world.

Why is it so?

It is because we on the African continent tend to be selfish.

We will enrich ourselves rather than enrich the nation at large.
It’s not about the nation.

It’s about self-interest.

It’s about power.

It’s about control.

Are you asking me to leave, Chairperson?

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No, I will tell you ... Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Chairperson, are you asking ...

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Please try to wrap up.

You are left with 30 seconds.

Mr A M SHAIK EMAM: Alright.

In order to improve the quality of life of our people and to bridge that gap, I think we need to provide quality education.
In order to provide quality education, we need to have conducive learning areas, like schools and the infrastructure and things, which we are having great difficulty with.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 33 So, I think what we need is a holistic approach to address the challenges that the people face on the ground, and let us leave the issues of race and religion out of these things.
There are ... challenges all over the country but all over the world.

My plea is, let us come together in the interest of the people we serve.

Thank you very much.

Mr M K MONTWEDI: Hon Chair, we are aware of the mandate of the Perishable Products Export ...

[Inaudible.]

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Hon member, one minute.

Are you seeking permission not to switch on your video or are you still going to switch it on?

Mr M K MONTWEDI: Oh, my apologies, Chair.


The network where I am is very bad.

I am seeking permission to not switch on my video.

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Permission granted, okay.

Mr M K MONTWEDI; Thank you very much, Chair.


We are aware of the mandate of the Perishable Products Export Control Board to conduct food safety audits and inspections in terms of UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 34 Agricultural Product Standards Act on all food business operators exporting perishable products of ...

[Inaudible.]

... origin.


Despite that, it is a self-funded company and does not receive a parliamentary grant but generates its own revenue through fees and levies charged.

It has generated a total revenue of R487 million during the period.

It is the only entity of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development that has maintained clean audit outcomes for more than 13 successive years.

Its work is commendable and we encourage the entity to continue with its good work.
Also, on District Six ... because ...

Chair ... is that this year marks the 56th anniversary of District Six being declared a white’s only area under the apartheid Group Areas Act.

This must be the very last and final year in which Parliament shall have a debate about a yet to be completed process of bringing our people back to the land which rightfully belongs to them.

There is excitement about the settlement of all District Six land claims and celebration of the completed units.
Frankly, as shown below, it took years to get to where the process is and there are still people waiting for houses to return to District Six.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 35 The return of land victims and descendants of people who were forcibly removed from the only place they called home in District Six is long overdue.

This is ... almost two decades of waiting.


Whilst the settlement of old claims is noted and appreciated, it is the finalisation of District Six that we are concerned about.

District Six is not finalised.

It was reported that 954 residential complexes for the remaining old- order claims will be developed in ...

[Inaudible.]

... Bills.

That too must be finalised.


The delay in the finalising of District Six, as shown in the committee report, resulted in extending the completion date from the end of 2023, with an estimated cost of R1,5 billion.

That too must be finalised.

Now, let’s cut this unnecessary extension and ensure that the people occupy the land and houses built for them, and restore their sense of pride and dignity.

The EFF supports ... [no audio] Thank you, Chair.


The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): Oh, you are done.

Thank you very much, hon member.

Hon member of the EFF, I’m not sure whether it was deliberate.

It seems that you were talking on the issue of agriculture.

However, I decided to allow you because you can opt to speak on any subject matter, not specifically on the motion before us.
With that hon UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 36 members, we shall proceed.

I recognise hon Hendricks of Al Jama-ah.

Over to you, member.

Hon Hendricks?

It seems as if hon Hendricks is not on the platform.

We shall proceed.

I recognise hon Tseki of the ANC.

Mr M A TSEKI: Good afternoon House Chairperson, I am not sure whether comrade Yabo has finished his minutes?
I thought there was one minute that was left, House Chair, can you clarify that as I continue?

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma): No, there was zero- minute left.

Mr M A TSEKI: House Chairperson and the House, one stand here today as an African, and recognise Africa Month as a propellant for us to lead transformation.

Africa Day was celebrated yesterday to validate that we as Africans are humans again.

We say this against the onslaught of apartheid- colonialism.
When we say land and human are creators of wealth, we mean of an urgent need for South Africans to have access to land.

To develop their economic social standing in a society.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 37 House Chair, let me just brush on what some of the opposition parties have said.

And Mr De Villiers is correct about the scorpion and the frog scenario.

When settlers came here they found as frogs and they were scorpions.
They found peaceful and they pretended to be peaceful.

And, then they clamp on our heads and our shoulders.

But, at the end they sting us to death and took us our land.

Mr Boshoff says the wisdom in cultural believes, are the creators of wealth, that is also a myth that is concentrated to also white superiority.
And also Ms Opperman, I think at least I could say to her, that she has recognise that apartheid has created a legacy but she only realise now, during COVID-19 and state capture that, that legacy has actually exacerbated the imbalances of society in South Africa.

Hon members, leaving one behind means that we need to empower and protect the most vulnerable citizens in our society.

We should grow in solidarity not in welfarism.

We must understand inequality from the multidimensional aspect.
It is multidimensional because people experience different deprivation of poverty, unemployment and criminality.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 38 The National Development Plan is a vision that has been supported by various social partners including the opposition parties in this House, which is a significant commitment.

The National Development Plan commits all of us to contribute to the eradication of inequality in our country.
It is for this reason that the ANC government has placed comprehensive social security system to protect the poor and the most vulnerable.

The comprehensive social system also recognise that we empower people to be economically active, hence it is comprehensive to respond to the multidimensional aspect of ensuring the wellbeing of all.

For those in labour which is workers, we recognise that job security is a concern and also that it will arise one day.
In this regard the ANC-led government has ensured that Unemployment Insurance Fund exist to protect those that will lose their jobs.

Also the Department of Employment and Labour has developed programmes for the job seekers to register into the Department of Employment and Labour system for them not to travel long distances and save their fares.

As the government of the people we should learn from COVID-19.
His Excellency, President Ramaphosa has urged the Department UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 39 of Social Development and a broader society to have a meaning discussions on consideration of the base income grant for those who are between an age of 18 and 59, because currently we are only covered by the social relief.

Recognising the current economic climate, we welcome the social relief distress of R350 payment extension to March 2023.
For it provides relief for the unemployed.

Those who do not understand the precarious state of unemployment, like Mr De Villiers and Mr Boshoff.

They will not understand; they will always downplay the significant of this grant.

We know as a matter of fact that the R350 grants have enable many South Africans to put food on theirs tables and assist in searching for work opportunities, while others have begun microenterprises.
All these positive outcomes demonstrate that our people yearn to work and contribute to economic development of their nation.

The social assistant is currently covering 18,9 million South Africans.

By these interventions government to build a developmental state.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 40 House Chairperson, the Department of Social Development has an automated access to National Student Financial Aid system.
And we should further integrate grants recipients to work opportunities in the public and the private sector, like what the Department of Employment and Labour has already initiated.

Our comprehensive social security should be underpinned by developmental approach of self-liberation, of individuals and communities.

Today our education system is being strengthened to improve the learning outcomes to create more equitable opportunities for all South Africans.
The interventions to provide nutrition meal and meals, schools transport, no fees schools and many other support measures play an important role in making sure we empower the poor not to be left behind.

A percentage of individual ...

[Inaudible.]

... not have an education, decreased from 11% in 2002 to 2,9% in 2020.

While those with at least a grade 12 qualification increased from 30% to 50% in the same period.

This is what we call a tangible progress.


UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 41 The ANC government spends 59% of its national budget on the social wage to alleviate poverty.

Hon members, the ANC is committed to building a developmental state, which must take reasonable measures ...

[Inaudible.]

... to a trajectory of inclusive growth and address the market concentration and ensure that the equitable distribution income is realised.
Hon members and House Chairperson, the Bill of Rights entails numerous rights which the democratic government should progressively realize within its means.

In 1994 we begin a process of reconstruction and development programme, which must be geared to change the living conditions of our people through an expanding access to electricity, which has distributed a spatially in a skew manner.

Today access to electricity has been expanded to rural and far-flung areas.
An increase in the percentage of household that were connected to the electricity grid, increased from 76% in 2002 to 90% in 2020, that’s a tangible progress we are talking about.

The Housing project has created a shelter for millions of South Africans and today we have evolved the programme into human settlement programme.
And, that has access to water, UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 42 sanitation, road infrastructure, health facility, police services and many other social services which enable the creation of a better live and a protection the wellbeing.
The introduction of the National Health Insurance is another key component of addressing inequality in our health system, as only 13% of South Africans are on medical aid, leading to unequal distribution of the resources of the National Health Insurance, NHI, fund.

With NHI fund we seek to create a single pool fund which will purchase health services and it will also lead to the realisation of the universal health care coverage in South Africa.
House Chairperson, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, and this a right that we should protect.

The ...

[Inaudible.]

...climate change disaster and occurrence of pandemics which are predicted to be prevalent in future.

We will have to build a climate change resilient infrastructure and undertake mitigation measures to weaken the potential negative impacts of climate change.
In pursuance of this social development intervention, House Chairperson, our objectives and mission is transform the structural economic system, our country has experienced since the globalisation of capitalism.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 43 We commit not in words but in actions.

From birth to university a child from a poor community is catered for by this interventionist government.
Xitsonga: Hi khensile ngopfu ... Setswana: ... Modulastulo.

Mr M J CUTHBERT: House Chair, I really wish that the ANC Whippery would send someone out better than one fit for the beating, but nonetheless let’s get on with the debate.

According to the World Bank, South Africa is the most unequal country in the world with the Gini coefficient of 0,63 which we have heard ad nauseam in this particular debate.
Noting that a score of zero refers to absolute equality and a score of one refers to absolute inequality.

Since the bank started assessing South Africa’s performance in 1993, where we registered a coefficient of 0,593, it has steadily increased by 0,037 points.

As ...

[Inaudible.]

... as this sounds, South Africa has become more unequal under the democratic dispensation than it was at the end of apartheid.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 44 This has occurred despite the ANC having pursued ...

[Inaudible.]

... distributed economic policies.

Concurrent to this steep increase in inequality, is been a shock decrease in our Gross Domestic Product per capita.
According to Statistics SA and the local publication Business Tech, while South Africa may have largely avoided headline GDP decline over the years of economic venture, prior to the pandemic, on per capita basis, citizens have been getting poorer.

This means that economic growth is struggling to keep up with population growth as GDP per capita decreased in 2020 to a level last seen in 2005.
So, consider both of these metrics together and you will realise that the same government which prefers to fight against the triple challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment has made our citizens - regardless of race - most considerably more unequal and substantially poorer.

In these types of debates, there has never a moment of honest reflection from the governing party benches, to the role they have played in leading us towards the proverbial cliff.
Instead we will hear how settlers, minorities, capitalism, the global laws, immigrants, viruses and every other imaginable UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 45 excuse under the sun, are responsible for the omnishambles we find ourselves in.

There is no country in the world that has achieved high levels of socioeconomic development without generating sustainable levels of economic growth first.
Yet, the ANC are intent on splitting the existing par in a hope that it will solve the stubbornly high levels of inequality that persist.

Simply put, this requires a lot more than redistribution of taxes collected from an ever shrinking tax purse.

It requires a steadfast commitment to key reforms such as cheap and reliable energy supply, investment in new and the maintenance of existing infrastructure, access to quality ...

[Inaudible.]
[Inaudible.]

... higher education, prudent fiscal management and market deregulation and trade promotion.

The ...

[Inaudible.]

... of these reforms is no ways an attempt to ...

[Inaudible.]

... reduction ...

[Inaudible.]

... .

However, it is well documented that this is the basic policy formula that has been replicated time and time again to create a prosperous society.
So my suggestion to the ANC members in this House, drop the pretence, acknowledge your failures and embrace the reforms UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 46 that are acquired.

It is universally accepted that the only way citizens can realise their socioeconomic rights, is through a growing economy, and not feeble attempts to ...

[Inaudible.]

... the existing ...

[Inaudible.]

...

I thank you, House Chair.


Mr B S YABO: House Chair, the track record of the ANC for building a capable developmental state with a vision of growing the economy, while ensuring equality ...

[Inaudible.]

... the ANC remains the parliament of the people with the pragmatic grasp of workable solutions.

The ANC remains ...

[Inaudible.]

... because it has identified corruption as an immediate impediment towards the eradication of poverty, inequality and unemployment.
The ANC government is on course to dealing with the increasing fraud, crime and corruption.

This malice has resulted in many citizens and entrepreneurs being negatively affected as corrupt individuals in our society, whether being in the private sector or the public sector, extort funds from them at worst, hinder them from exercising their economic rights, thus disadvantaging the economic participation of many at the grass roots.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 47 The July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has displayed the negative impact of poverty, unemployment and inequality on economic development, as economic activity was disrupted and economic facilities destroyed because of the desperation of the people.

The recent unrest can only demonstrate to us the urgency in which we need to prioritise closing the inequality gap, eradicating poverty and creating jobs.
A further delay in addressing these triple challenges together, will further put us on the ...

[Inaudible.]

... of unstable and uncertain footing for the future.

Peace and stability are a prerequisite for investment in any functional and thriving economy.

Poverty and inequality do not breed social values as enshrined in the Constitution, which respects the lives of all.
Though we cannot justify the level of destruction we witnessed, the fact of the matter is that the triple challenges were a causal factor, in one way or another in the unrest we witnessed.

More than 60% of the youth in our country are unemployed and this youth ...

[Inaudible.]

... is an immediate challenge for stability in our country.

We are on an unstable path as a nation and to create a better future for all, we need to empower the marginalised black majority.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 48 The ANC government needs to take bold decisions for the future, to leap from this country’s economy into double digit grow and start to create jobs.

As a Philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau once said: “when the people shall have nothing more to eat, they will eat the rich”.

Maintaining the status quo will not be of any benefit for all of us.

A more equitable distribution of per capita income ...

[Inaudible.]
[Inaudible.]

... is the only logical way forward to create a peaceful and stable country.

I thank you, Chair.
Debate concluded REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON TRADE AND INDUSTRY ON PUBLIC PROTECTOR REPORT (No 37 of 2018-19) ON A SYSTEMIC INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGATIONS OF ILLEGAL CONVERSION OF GOODS- CARRYING TOYOTA QUANTUM PANEL VANS INTO PASSENGER-CARRYING MINIBUS TAXIS TO TRANSPORT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FOR REWARD Ms J HERMANS: Hon Acting House Chairperson, on 17 May 2019, the Public Protector tabled a report on the systemic investigation into the allegations of illegal conversions of goods carrying Toyata Quantum panel vans into passenger- carrying mini bus taxis to transport members of the public for reward which was then referred to the Portfolio Committees on UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 49 Transport and Trade, Industry and Competition for consideration of the report.
The Public Protector’s investigation was conducted following a complaint lodged by Mr Hennie De Beer on 9 March 2012, in both his private capacity as well as in his representative capacity of several taxi owners affected by the conversions of the panel vans.
Various other complaints regarding similar conversions of Toyota Quantum Panel Vans into passenger- carrying taxis were received during the Public Protector’s National Stakeholder Consultative Dialogue in 2012 and various provinces raised similar issues.

Taxi owners complained that their vehicles have been impounded, or were declared to be unfit to carry passengers by traffic authorities after it was established that the vehicles could only be licensed to carry three passengers.
In relation to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s entities, the Public Protector Report focused on the following: Whether the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, NRCS, in its official capacity as a National Regulator responsible for the maintenance of compulsory specifications, UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 50 failed to take effective and efficient steps to ensure that all automotive manufacturers, importers and builders comply with the compulsory specifications as envisaged by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act so as to restrict the illegal conversions of these vehicles into minibus taxis.
Whether the SA Bureau of Standards, Sabs conducted adequate quality assurance tests when it was requested to do so by the Department of Transport in 2009 so as to make a determination of whether or not the Toyota Quantum Panel Vans that have been illegally converted into minibus taxis could be retrofitted to ensure the safety of commuters using these vehicles.
The Public Protector found out the: In terms of the issue relating to the NRCS, it had failed to take effective and efficient steps to ensure that all automotive manufacturers, importers and builders complied with the compulsory specifications as envisaged by the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act so as to restrict the illegal conversions of these vehicles into minibus taxis.
In conclusion, this report was referred to the committee for consideration and report and to determine whether the Minister UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 51 had complied with the recommendations of the Public Protector in this regard.

I thank you Chair.

Mr C H H HUNGSINGER: Hon House Chairperson, the DA welcomes the finality and release of this report which addressed the issue of Toyota panel vans being converted into taxis.
It is most concerning that limited to no consideration was given to several underlying aspects.

Sadly, is the fact that we are dealing with the majority stakeholder in the public transport sector which requires the view of the DA far more remedial action and recommendations to address this ongoing and expanded risk.

An ongoing risk because we cannot only have over 300 000 taxis on South African roads.

This report confined its comments to a fraction of this number.
This report assumes 2 353 of converted taxis as determined by the RTMC and the Department of Transport way back in 2008.

With this very selective approach the risk to commuters and other road users is being downplayed and many others severely exposed.

The content of this report is ignored to the expanded risk illegal conversions from freight carrying panel vans to passenger-carrying mini bus taxis are not limited to Toyota as converted in this report but also many other vehicle makes.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 52 Most concerning is the fact that illegal conversions are also not limited to public transport as a sector but also include illegal conversions of ambulances, labour transportation of vehicles and sight-seeing vehicles used in the tourism sector.

This ignorance by the Public Protector should be placed next to the fact that the complaint was laid as far back as 2012.
From the DA’s perspective, it is no solution to ignore the role of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act as the watchdog of the allegations homologations.

Far more needs to be done and we expect firm directives to improve the system procedures and processes.

Improve the alignment and legislative amendment have sadly been ignored as part of the remedial action offered in this report.
Not just the recommendations of the RTMC as the guidance of the national administration traffic information system, NaTIS under the Department of Transport is needed but improved controls with upgraded responsibilities are needed.
The National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition must act accordingly following the recommendations by our DA colleagues, a Portfolio Committee on Transport Subcommittee was formed to extend on the limitations presented in this report.
This included interviews with the National Regulator UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 53 for Compulsory Specifications, SABS and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

The lack of controls is one thing and the exploitation of unsuspecting and unsophisticated buyers is something else.

In this process, huge financial gains have been made and buyers have been deceived by well-known international brand names and financiers.
This is despite overarching agreement like the Paris Conference and the Berne Agreement.

A good approach and remedial action to simply impound and scrap vehicles is not fair ...

The ACTING CHAIPERSON (Ms R M M Lesoma:) Hon member, wait just one second.

Hon Msimang, just switch off your microphone.

We will highly appreciate that.

Thank you, very much.

Mr C H H HUNGSINGER: ... to the unsuspecting and misled buyers believing that it is a legal taxi.

A business may be destroyed as a result.


How could one ever seen that it was fair to impound a vehicle that someone has bought, not knowing that it was an illegal conversion?

How could it be acceptable to replace a vehicle worth nearly half a million rand with R129 000?

Fair compensation is needed and yes, these vehicles should be removed from the road.

Some of which have been UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 54 described as [Inaudible.]
in the media.

What should have been addressed is the contravention of the principles of duty of care, the regulatory failure and the failure of government’s systems and the variety of exploitations which disappointingly have not been addressed at all.

The problem also extends to the role of the Ombudsman consumer protection, application of internationally safety regulations and legal financing.

All of which will not address at all.


The Office of the Public Protector has done its duty by delivering this pocket size, 136 report but no satisfactory service has been done to the industry, least of all to the people.

IsiXhosa: Ndiyabulela ngexesha enindiphe lona.

English: I thank you.

Mr M TSHWAKU: Hon Acting House Chairperson, the EFF notes and welcomes the report from the Public Protector and the remedial action that must take effect.
These findings show a bad state of the entities of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

It was not surprising because for years, the UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 55 Department of Transport lacks leadership because it has also useless and incompetent Minister with talk but now show.

It is a very cursed and bewitched that the department finds itself in.
These findings by the Public Protector also paint a bad picture on the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications Act.

You know, we must put this into context an ...

The ACTING CHAIPERSON (Mr M G Mahlaule): Hon Tshwaku, my apologies, hon Radebe, your hand is up.

Mr B A RADEBE: Hon Acting House Chairperson, on Point of order: I am rising on Rule 84.

In the past, the issue of calling a Member of Parliament a witch was declared unparliamental.

Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Chair.

The ACTING CHAIPERSON (Mr M G Mahlaule): I missed that one hon Radebe.

I will take counsel from the Table.

Can you please proceed hon Tshwaku?

Mr M TSHWAKU: Thank you very much Chair.

It is clear that the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications was advised UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 56 by the vehicle manufacturers that the quantum panel vans were not suitable for conversions into passenger-carrying vehicles.
They were advised.

Now in the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications failed to stop that conversion and the approval.

The blame must be put at the door steps of the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and the heads must roll.

These findings also paint a bad picture about the integrity of SABS which is supposed to be controlling our standards.

Someone whispered to their ears but they also failed to act.
It also shows the state of the SABS because we all know that the SABS has been put under administration.

There is no leadership and nothing is happening there.

The department is taking time to install a board.

There is no board and SABS is falling apart.

This era has affected the taxi industry negatively and we want the department to make sure that the taxis are compliant.
There must no costs to the taxi bosses and the taxi industry because the blame can be put squarely on the doorstep of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Department of Transport.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 57 The involvement of the white monopoly capitalist banks, like your ABSA, FNB and all other financial banks, I think Nedbank is also involved, they agreed to finance illegal converted vehicles.
It must be put here on record.

The banks have colluded with these departments to ensure that they actually financed these vehicles that they knew are not in good condition.

I would have wished that the Public Protector would have found findings on these counter revolutionary racist banks which ensure that they do not care about the safety of our people.

This is in particularly black people.

It must be put here on record.


We will ensure as the EFF, sitting in that committee that the remedial actions are implemented and those who were actually found to be negligent they face their music.

Banks must also take the responsibility for financing these illegal cars and must not claim any payments from ordinary owners who have actually bought these.

We accept the remedial actions and we propose that they have already been proposed by the Public Protector.

I thank you, Chairperson.
Prof C T MSIMANG: Hon Chairperson, arising from the Public Protector’s investigation and subsequent report into the conversion of goods-carrying Toyota Quantum panel vans into UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 58 passenger-carrying minibus taxis to transport members of the public for reward, and specifically whether the Minister had complied with remedial actions determined by the Public Protector, the IFP is of the position and opinion that compliance with the findings of the Public Protector is binding until set aside by a court on review.
Therefore, compliance in terms of remedial action is mandatory.

Initially, there appear to have some confusions as to which entity such remedial action was directed to.

After subsequent intervention by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in interactions with the Portfolio Committee On DTIC, we agreed that despite lack of clarity by the findings of the Public Protector, but in the spirit of co-operative governance, its remedial action would be implemented.
The DTIC and the Minister facilitated the creation of the memorandum of understanding that formalised the areas of co- operation and collaboration between the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications, NRCS, and the SA Bureau of Standards, SABS.

Chairperson, this is a good example of a solution-oriented approach by the DTIC.
Instead of challenging the remedial UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 59 action determined by the Public Protector and thus delaying attending to the problem, the DTIC and its entities involved are now working towards formally structured memorandum of understanding, MoU, and reset of areas of co-operation, collaboration and information sharing.

The IFP supports the committee report.

I thank you, hon House Chair.


Mr F J MULDER: Hon House Chair, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications as an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has indeed an important role to play in promoting public health and safety and environmental protection and has failed to comply in this instance.
The mere fact that 2 353 illegally converted panel vans have already been discovered in 2008 but were allowed to transport passengers in South African roads as modified taxis without adherence to standards and quality control, is unfortunate.

A large number of these taxes around the streets are posing a serious threat to the wellbeing of South Africans.

Chair, the FF Plus welcomes this remedial intervention.
The report of the Public Protector expresses its concern that it took more than 12 years since the existence of this specific vehicles were discovered to get to this stage of the UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 60 intervention.
Minister Ebrahim Patel should take urgent and effective steps to harness and foster a better effective and more efficient working relationship between the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and the SA Bureau of Standards.

Thank you, Chair.

Mr S H MBUYANE: Chair, maybe the hon Malematja has some challenges in terms of dealing with the report.
Chair, the ANC believe in a safe and protection of the South Africans as these are continually embedded imperatives necessary for the growth and transformation of our society.

As the ANC we plead with the intervention by the Depart of Trade, Industry and Completion in responding to the remedial action of the Public Protector regarding the illegal conversion of minibus taxis.
The SABS and NRCS are entitled with the mandate to assist local industry production as part of local products and protect the public from unsafe products that may be placed in the national markets through testing and inspection.

The role of these entities essentially is the implementation of our localisation policy which ensures that all industries meet the necessary quality checks needed for industrial competitiveness.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 61 Although not direct or adverse finding were made against the department, the department and its two entities, the SA Bureau of Standards and the National Regulator Compulsory Specifications, have in the spirit of co-operative governance committed to attend to the remedial action of the Public Protector as it relates to the DTIC and its entities to improve its services to the people of South Africa.
The department has since facilitated the process where the entities concluded a memorandum of understanding.

As a result of the memorandum of understanding, MoU, the joint working committee comprising representatives from both entities was established to manage co-operation and consultation on matters dealt with by both entities, implement mutual agreements, programme and project and share information.
The essence of the MoU between the two entities as to ensure a collaborative and co-operative relation between the two entities is a step in a right direction.

The department will ensure that these two entities provide them with quarterly reports on the progress made in its efforts to maintain and enhance quality assurance particularly regarding the remedial action.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 62 The DTIC and the Department of Transport will also regularly share ideas on strategies and support the automotive vehicle industry and regulatory measures.

This is welcomed as it does away with the silo mental of working and also ensuring good intergovernmental co-operation between the two departments.
In conclusion, having considered all these, the ANC is pleased that the department has put measures in place to strengthen the relation between the two entities and ensure that it complement each other in the interest of government.

The ANC supports the adoption of the report.

Thank you very much.

UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE (Ruling) The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Mr M G Mahlaule): Hon members, there was a point of order raised by hon Radebe against hon Tshwaku.

I promised to come back.


Hon Tshwaku referred the Minister as useless and ineffective.

Referring to a member of the House as such has previously been deemed unparliamentary.

May I call on the hon Tshwaku to withdraw the statement.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 63 Hon Tshwaku, hon Tshwaku!

The Table will advise me if he is in the system and we will take action as such.

If he is not in ...

I am advised that hon Tshwaku is online.


Hon Tshwaku, hon Tshwaku!

Table staff, can you please remove hon Tshwaku from the system.

Thank you very much.

Debate concluded.

REPORT OF PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, LAND REFORM AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT ON OVERSIGHT VISIT TO PERISHABLE PRODUCTS EXPORT CONTROL BOARD AND DISTRICT SIX, WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE ON 29 MARCH AND 1 APRIL 2022 Ink Z M D MANDELA: Greetings hon Chairperson, hon members, fellow South Africans.
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa is the cornerstone in the Launchpad to the creation of a national democratic society based on the principle of non-racism, non-sexism and unity in our diversity.

We have three arms of state in our country based on the provisions of our Constitution.
The three arms of state enjoy UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 64 the separation of powers and it is expected that one arm of state must not encroach on the other arm of state.

Cooperation between all three arms of state is essential in order to realise our developmental goals and meet our people’s aspirations in terms of transforming the structures of our society and creation of a just, inclusive and equitable society.
Hon members, within this context, Parliament has an important role to play towards the eradication of the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality faced by millions of our citizens.

Hon Chairperson, on the 29th of March and the 1st of April 2022, the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development went on an oversite visit to the Perishable Products Export Control Board, PPECB, and to the District six housing development respectively.
Our visit to PPECB was to strengthen and enhance committee’s oversite role on the public entity reporting under the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and to better understand their challenges in terms of agricultural export market industry.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 65 The PPECB is one of the agricultural public entities responsible for the provision of independent quality certification and cold chain management service for producers and exporters of perishable food products and most importantly, it performs inspections on food safety services.

At the PPECB, we took note of the following, the Perishable Products Export Control Act is under review.
PPECB is self- funded and employs about 1000 people.

Through their agricultural export technology programme, PPECB educates and trains young people on the export value chain.

Our biggest export destinations are the European Union, Asia and the Middle East.

On our visit to the District Six development, one of the flagship programmes of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform.
Under its land restitution programme, we took notice on an impressive phase 3 development of residential units for successful placement of District six forced removals.

These successful projects will restore the dignity of our people.

[Time expired.]

Chair, I conclude by tabling this budget before the House.

Thank you.
Thank you.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 66 Mr N P MASIPA: House Chairperson, the Perishable Products Exports Control Board is constituted and mandated in terms of Perishable Product Export Control Act 9 of 1983 to perform cold chain services.

It conducts inspections and food safety services under the APS, Agricultural Product Standards Act of 1990.
The export industry this institution is recognised and approved third party country under the European Commission regulation 543 of 2011.

Therefore, this agreement renders the South African inspections systems as equivalent to that of the EU inspection bodies and therefore ensures less frequent checks at the EU port.

Chair, allow me to outline some of the key services provided by PPECB as we seldom call it.
The PPECB ensures that importers goods are of sound quality and adhere to the technical equipment specifications, hygiene standards, product conformity and temperature requirements of the importing country.
Further, the PPECB provides exporters with inspections and approval of equipment such as containers, specialised reserves UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 67 and cold stores, monitoring loading processes and the end route temperature management of the produce.

House Chair, PPECB found itself as the only institution under this Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development with clean audit and fit for purpose leadership.
The PPCEB board is well constituted with members from the industry.

However, the biggest threat of this world class institution remains the poor ports infrastructure and the ANC government policy.

The Bill sitting before Parliament [Inaudible.]

Bill is also creating a threat for this particular institution.

The Upper Bill will lead to some exporters not being able to export disappear completely.
If export volumes decline, it will have a detrimental impact on the income of the PPECB as its income is derived fees on inspection of the export produce.

The Bill will also have a potential negative impact on the long term planning of Transnet on increasing efficiency of the container terminal which handles fresh produce in ports.

As such planning is based on increase in export volumes.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 68 The industry has a figure of 35% increase in fruit export volumes by 2030.

If the Bill goes through, this percentage will be reduced.

Again to the detriment of the sustainability of the industry especially smaller and emerging exporters.

The DA urges the committee of the member of the agricultural land reform and rural development to hold all harmful Bills to agriculture and the economy at large.
House Chair, regarding our oversite visits to District Six, we witnessed the work of the Land Claims Commission.

After a long wait at least 48% are eligible to move into their homes.

The committee was informed that 52% opted for financial compensation.

A concern to be raised with this House is while the ANC government dragged its feet, many of the original claimants have passed on without realising their lifelong dream of moving back to their roots.
Claimants have complained bitterly about the quality of the first two phases of housing so much that the facilitation of District Six Development Trust was UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 69 terminated and phase three was facilitated by the rural infrastructure development branch in the department.
The portfolio committee inspected the 108 vacant high rise units, the stairs to the top units were rather steep and there was no provision for a lift for older people, 954 claimants are still waiting for houses which the department hopes to complete by December 2040 at the cost of R1,87 billion, A concern was raised about the vandalism or illegal occupation of the vacant units.
The DA urges the department to finalise negotiations with other stakeholders involved in the completion of phase 3 to fast track occupation of the units.

Elderly claimants must be prioritised in the allocation of the units by a transparent process.

Sesotho: Ke a leboha Modulasetulo.

Mr M MONTWEDI: House Chair, may kindly request your permission not to turn on my video due to network?

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Mr M G Mahlaule): Please proceed.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 70 Mr M MONTWEDI: House Chair, we are aware of the mandate of the Perishable Products Exports Control Board to conduct food safety and inspections in [Inaudible.]

only entity of the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development that has maintained clean audit outcome for more than 13 successive years.
Its work is commendable and we encourage the entity to continue with its good work Hon House Chair, this year marks 56th anniversary of the District Six being declared a whites only area under Apartheid Group Areas Act.

This must be the very last time and final year in which Parliament shall have a debate about a yet to be completed process to bring our black people to the land which rightfully belongs to them.

There is excitement about District Six land claims, [Inaudible.]

acceleration.
acceleration.

It took years to get to where the process is today and there are still people waiting for houses to return to the District Six.

The return of the land to victims and descendants of people who were forcibly removed from the only place they called home in District Six is long overdue.

This is almost two decades of waiting.


UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 71 Once the settlement of all claims is noted appreciated, it is the finalisation of the District Six that we are concerned about.

District Six is not finalised.

It was reported that 954 residential units for the remaining old order claims will be developed in two builds, that too must be finalised.
The delay in the finalisation of District Six as shown in the committee report resulted in extending the completion the completion date to the end of 2023 estimated to the cost of R1,5 billion to December 2024 estimated to the cost of R1,87 billion.

Let us cut this unnecessary extension and ensure that people occupy the land and houses built for them and restore their sense of pride and dignity.

The EFF supports this report.

Thank you very much House Chair.


Mr K P SITHOLE: Hon Chairperson, I am reading this report on behalf Inkosi Cebekhulu.

He is the main member of this portfolio committee.

It remains of vital importance that perishable food products exported from South African are of the highest quality and great for our country to compete successfully in global markets.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 72 In today’s difficult trade climate, and when taken into account, the added pressure that pandemics such as the Covid- 19 and the increasing event of national disasters created, it is critical that we integrate supply chain ...

[Inaudible.]

... into our perishable food export supply chain, especially with regard to cold chain management.
Parliament, through the portfolio committee, has an extremely important responsibility, to ensure that entities such as the Perishable Products Export Control Board, PPECB, are not only compliant with national standards, but also with internationally accepted best practice, if South Africa is to retain a competitive edge in the perishable export supply market.
The oversight visit, additionally, provided the portfolio committee members with greater insight and understanding of the operational environment of the entity, as well as its current strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

The conditions at ports as well as the challenge, firstly by inland producers in transporting their produce to markets must be prioritised for attention by the department and the PPECB.
We are also pleased to note that, in meeting customer demand, the PPECB is focused on becoming more customer centric, UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 73 embracing technology, increasing efficiency through digital transformation.
Its strategic projects that include the self-funded Agricultural Export Technology Programme for Youth; Women in Leadership Programme that is funded in collaboration with AgriSeta and a development programme on people with disabilities had to be applauded, as they ensure equal opportunity for all South Africans.

Of concern to us is the small amount of South Africa’s food that is exported to the continent.

This market must receive greater ...

[Inaudible.]

The IFP supports the report.


Thank you very much.

Mr W W WESSELS: House Chairperson, I read this declaration on behalf of hon Breedt.

The Perishable Products Export Control Board, PPECB, is what is right in this department.

They do not wait for the department to instruct or assist.

They have clear-cut goals, plans of action to get there, clear financial savvy and a focused team that all work together to reach the same goal.
They are self-funded, have 32 national offices that service 1 492 activity points.

Its strategic projects include the self-funder Agricultural Export Technology Programme for UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 74 youth; Women in Leadership Programme that is funded in collaboration with AgriSeta and the development programme on people with disabilities.
The PPECB is focusing on becoming more customer centric, introducing data analytics and business intelligent capabilities, redesigning the PPECB service delivery model to increase efficiencies and contain cost, improving business process efficiencies through digital transformation and improving business sustainability of black smallholder farmers and suppliers.
They do however, face challenge, not of their own making, conditions at ports and some harvest are negatively impacting the PPECB inspection personnel.

The need for investment on agriculture and rail infrastructure in light of the challenges that they are facing are mostly located in remote areas of the country and remains a challenge.
The committee’s recommendations clearly speak to the challenges faced by the PPECB and hopefully we will see the Minister and her department take responsibility for what needs UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 75 to be done to improve, not only the ports and harbours, but also accessibility to the export market and youth involvement in the industry.
Afrikaans: Niemand was verbaas toe die herontwikkeling van Distrik Ses, met stampe en stote, uiteindelik in die hof beland het nie.

Dit was ook nie ’n verassing toe verskeie eisers hul noodgedownge tot die portefeuljekomitee gewend het nie.

Die Distrik Ses-werksgroep en ander applikante wat die Departement van Landbou, Grondhervorming en Landelike Ontwikkeling hof toe geneem het, was net opsoek na ’n plan en tydlyn.

Soos ouder gewoonte het die departement die mense vir wie hul moet veg, gevaal.
Die besoek aan Fase 3 van die ontwikkeling het getoon dat daar vele leemtes met die huise, geboue en omgewing is.

Omdat die geboue nie in ’n toestand is vir persone om hul intrek te neem nie, is ’n sekuriteitsmaatskappy vir tyd en wyl aangestel.

Die bedoeling is baie edel, maar verkwis net geld, terwyl die mense ly.

Die herontwikkeling van Distrik Ses en al die probleme wat tot dusver ervaar is, herbevestig die silobenadering van verskillende vlakke van regering, wat niemand baat nie.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 76 Die aanbevelings van die komitee is eintlik voor die hand liggend ... [Tyd verstreke.]

... hofsaak moes wees.

Ek dank u. Mr M G E HENDRICKS: Hon House Chair, hot on the heels of the Deputy President’s visit to fast-track restitution in District Six, it was amazing and welcomed that the portfolio committee also visited a week later.

Thank you very much for this report.


Two envoys of the governing party were engaged by Al Jama-ah with regard to restitution, memorialisation and nomination of District Six as an international heritage site.

Now, why an international heritage site?

That is simply to remind the world not to practice forced removals and demolishing of houses, which was the heart of apartheid.

Now, they call it spatial development, but that is an apartheid construct.
Comrade Jessie Duarte, the first envoy to come and see Al Jama-ah in Cape Town, wanted to get South Africans and international visitors to see a large empty sight of prime land, as they drive along Nelson Mandela drive and Philip Skosana, to remind them that wonderful people lived in that street but were forcibly removed.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 77 I reminded a second envoy that we visited in Johannesburg, comrade Jeff Radebe, of this vision.

Many of these wonderful people were resistance fighters like my mom and I was nine years old when we were taking ...

[Inaudible.]

... to visit her son on Robben Island.

The Minister of Agriculture and Land Reform, co-academics of the ...

[Inaudible.]

... Mafeji lived in our safe house in District Six.
Judge Fikile Bam was arrested in the street next to Rochester Road, where I lived.

Here is a street in District Six, where the judge was arrested.

Judge Desai, who worked in my mom’s kitchen to feed resistance fighters gave an undertaking on Nakpar Day that he will continue to remind the world of atrocities committed in Palestine and District Six.

So, there is hope that forced removals and demolishing of houses for oppressive and occupational reasons will come to an end all over the world.
Yesterday, we greeted one another a happy Africa Liberation Day.

President Thabo Mbekhi wanted African Renaissance to be launched on District Six because of the symbolism to continue our fight against apartheid and groups areas across.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 78 Al Jama-ah wants the African Parliament to be built on land in District Six, but then the City of Cape must also return the other 50 hectares of the District Six land.
How the Minister of Arts and Culture will add in his budget received funds to get District Six declared a heritage site, with the support of ... We once again, thank you this portfolio committee for the report.

...

[Inaudible.]

An amount of 60 000 ...

[Inaudible.]

... also tell Parliament why R4 billion was paid for a unit in District Six and it was built for just R400 000.

Thank you.
Thank you.

Ms N P MAHLO: Hon Chairperson, hon Ministers and hon Deputy Ministers, hon members of this House, members of the media and fellow South Africans, on the development of the agricultural sector, we will not only mean the growth of our democratic economy, but we will also speak expansion of our export market.

The Perishable Product Export Board, PPECB, contribute directly to the success of this goal.
The African continental free trade area agreement provides our agricultural sector with viable economic opportunities for expansion and for the creation of million job opportunities referred in our National Development Plan, NDP.
Given the UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 79 complexity and the sophistication of the agricultural export market, there is absolutely need for our effective regulatory framework for the agricultural export produce urgency and practice.
It is for this reason of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework spoke of a review of the inhabiting standards on the South African goods agricultural practice and global gap in order to enable the smallholder farmers to participate in the democratic and global economy.

As the ANC, as much as we are very impressed, with the performance of the PPECB, we are equally concerned with some of the of the challenges faced by the entity.
Those include, conditions at our ports and some harbours that we have, that are negatively impacting on their inspection work.

The need for investment in agriculture rail infrastructure in order to stimulate agricultural activities by smallholder producers, will be a key issue that is needed to be taken into consideration located mainly in land and in the remote areas of our country, like Bochum.
UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 80 The need for investment in agricultural infrastructure cannot be overemphasized this time.

We need to make sure that we deal with that.

The development of District Six residential area is a painful reminder of our history in this country.

It is also evident that the ANC-led government is committed towards our land restitution programme as we speak.
We will like to reiterate that the extreme importance of continuous communication with the beneficiaries of District Six during the Phase 4 of this programme.

Hon Chairperson, the ANC support the tabling of this report.

After careful consideration, we duly declare our support of the adoption.

I thank you, hon Chairperson.

The ACTING CHAIRPERSON (Mr M G Mahlaule): Hon members, thank you very much and I must inform you that Tshwaku attempted to come back.
He was duly refused to come back, because at the time he was in the platform there was no response.

That concludes the debate and this virtual mini-plenary session.

The mini-plenary will now rise.

Thank you very much.

UNREVISED HANSARD MINI PLENARY 2 - NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (VIRTUAL) THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2022 Page: 81 The mini-plenary session rose at 15:59