Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698925136809.pdf (South Africa)
Thursday, 13 October 2022] No 159—2022] FOURTH SESSION, SIXTH PARLIAMENT PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA _____________________ ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS _____________________ THURSDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2022 _____________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly 1.

Referral to Committees of papers tabled .......................................................................... 2 National Council of Provinces 1.
Referral to Committees of papers tabled .......................................................................... 2 TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 1.

Speaker and Chairperson – PGIR Reports ....................................................................... 3 2.

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation .................................................59 COMMITTEE REPORTS 1 National Assembly 1.
Basic Education .............................................................................................................. 60 National Council of Provinces 1.

2.

Security and Justice ........................................................................................................ 94 Security and Justice ........................................................................................................ 96 ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly The Speaker 1.
Referral to Committees of papers tabled (1) The following papers are referred to the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements for consideration and report.
Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information are referred to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for consideration: (a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 33 – National Department of Human Settlements for 2021-22, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of Vote 33 for 2021-22.

National Council of Provinces 1.


Referral to Committees of papers tabled (1) The following paper is referred to the Select Committee on Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation and Human Settlements for consideration: (a) Report and Financial Statements of Vote 33 – National Department of Human Settlements for 2021-22, including the Report of the Auditor-General on the Financial Statements and Performance Information of Vote 33 for 2021-22.
TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 2 1.
The Speaker and the Chairperson (1) Report of the virtual meeting between the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms SE Lucas, MP and the Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), H.E Mr Bateer held on Monday, 11 April 2022 3 CCcc Report of the Virtual Meeting between the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms SE Lucas, MP and the Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), H.E Mr Bateer held on Monday, 11 April 2022 1 4 1.
Purpose of the Report To Report on the Virtual Meeting between the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms SE Lucas, MP and the Vice Chairperson of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), H.E Mr Bateer held on Monday, 11 April 2022 2.

Background The CPPCC through the Chinese Embassy in the RSA initiated the meeting.

3.
3.

Purpose of the meeting The Chinese side proposed a virtual meeting between the Vice Chairperson of the CPPCC, Mr Bateer and the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms SE Lucas, MP in order to promote “comradely” relationship between China and South Africa in particular the friendly exchanges and cooperation between CPPCC and the NCOP.
In attendance from the South African side: Ms SE Lucas, MP – the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms N Sonjica – Section Manager: Bilaterals and Multilaterals and Mr Z Cawe – Officer for Bilateral Relations supported the meeting.
In attendance from the CPPCC side: H.E Mr Bateer – Vice Chairman of the CPPCC; Mr Zhang Maoyu – Deputy Secretary General of the CPPCC; Mr Yang Xiaobo Executive Vice Chair of the Committee on Ethnic and Religious Affairs; Mr HU Xiaolian – the Chairman of the Export and Import Bank of China Officials from the Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Cape Town.

4.
4.

Meeting discussion In his opening remarks, H.E Mr Bateer expressed his delight in having a virtual meeting with Ms Lucas, MP - the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP.

He paid tribute to Ms Lucas, MP for her contribution in the struggle against Apartheid and thanked her for long support to the development of China – South Africa relations that the Chinese side appreciates.
Mr Bateer further stressed that despite the COVID 19 pandemic across the world, the Chinese and South African people have shown strong desire to enhance dialogue and cooperation.

He cited the virtual meeting of that day as a clear example of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and South Africa.

In her remarks, Ms Lucas, MP – the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP expressed her appreciation for the initiative by the Chinese side for the virtual meeting.
She introduce her delegation, which included Mr M Dangor MP.

In response, Mr Bateer pointed out that China and South Africa enjoy a special friendly relationship of comrades and goodwill.

He mentioned that President Xi Jinping and President Ramaphosa have met on several occasions, providing strategic guidance to the development of bilateral relations between SA and China.
Both countries have seen deepening political trust, fruitful cooperation in all areas including people-to-people 2 5 exchanges, carried out productive cooperation in upholding multilateralism and the common interest of developing countries.

In response, Ms Lucas, MP acknowledge sound party – to – party relations between the ANC and Communist Party of China and agreed that a lot needs to be done by both countries.
She thanked China for support in fighting Covid 19 pandemic as a result, relations between the two countries were cemented with common approach in fighting Covid 19 pandemic.

She also stated that the Parliament of the RSA supports the existing agreements between the two countries.

She stressed the importance of her government to address economic development for the social development of the citizens of the country and mentioned that President Ramaphosa called for more investments.
During President Ramaphosa’s leadership at African Union, the continent of Africa witnessed the improvement of Africa – China relations.

In conclusion, Ms Lucas called for strengthening of relations and urged China to assist Africa to access its covid 19 vaccines.

She thanked China for being a committed partner, a friend and a real partner for most African countries.

5.
General outcomes of the meeting The meeting further deliberated and agreed as follows: 1) China remains South Africa’s largest trading partner in 13 consecutive years, and South Africa has been China’s largest trading partner in Africa for 12 years in a row; 2) Both countries are ready to implement the consensus reached by President XI Jinping and President Ramaphosa, continue to upgrade the existing cooperation between the people of the two countries in all areas for the benefit of the people; 3) China and South Africa being important developing countries and emerging economies and close partners under the BRICS framework should keep close communication and coordination on various occasions; 4) China is taking over the Chair of Brics countries in 2022, it is ready to work with the four Brics countries to deepen BRICS cooperation under the theme of ‘Foster High Quality BRICS Partnership”, South Africa will take over as Chair in 2023; 5) Vice Chairperson Bateer extended an invitation to Ms Lucas, MP to lead a delegation to China as soon as the Covid 19 pandemic gets better.
6) The virtual meeting was a success.

It deepened understanding and boosted friendship between NCOP and CPPCC; 6.
Recommendations and/or Action by Parliament None 3 6 (2) Report of the hybrid Standing Committees and the RWPC Sessions ahead of the 51st SADC Plenary Assembly, 22 April – 1 May 2022 7 REPORT OF THE HYBRID STANDING COMMITTEES AND RWPC SESSIONS AHEAD OF THE 51st SADC PLENARY ASSEMBLY 22 April – 1 May 2022 1 8 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Standing Committee and RWPC Session was largely focused on validating the draft SADC Model Law on Public Finance Management (PFM) before its intended adoption by the upcoming 51st Plenary Assembly.
The respective Committees and the RWPC also engaged with experts on various issues falling under their respective mandates, including reflecting on the Forum’s 2019 – 2023 Strategic Plan Mid-term Review, and also elected their new office bearers for the period 2022 to 2024.

The outcomes of the meetings will be reformulated into resolutions to be adopted by the Plenary Assembly.
Parliament is advised to note the following key issues: • That final inputs into SADC Model Law on PFM must be made to the Secretariat by 15 May 2022; • That the dates for the 51st Plenary Assembly will be 7 – 16 July 2022, hosted by the Parliament of Malawi; and • Scorecards for the monitoring of the Forum’s model laws on child marriages, democratic elections, and PFM will be communicated to SADC national parliaments at the same time to avoid possible bottlenecks.
The Secretariat anticipates this process to take place towards the end of 2022.

• The outcomes of each meeting will be captured as draft resolutions due for adoption by the Plenary Assembly in due course.

________________________________ 1.
INTRODUCTION Purpose of the meetings: For the Standing Committees and Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) to (a) in a Joint Session, validate the draft SADC Model Law on PFM; (b) consider and adopt their respective minutes of previous meetings, and deliberate on thematic issues of regional interest that fall under their respective mandates; (c) review the Forum’s progress in relation to is objectives in its 2019 – 2023 Strategic Plan, and (d) elect new office- bearers for the period 2022 – 2024.
Delegation members were designated as follows: • Hon.

D. Bergman, MP – Vice-Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) and, by extension, member of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) • Hon.

N. Bilankulu, MP – Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Womens Advancement and Youth Development (GEWAYD), and the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) • Hon.
S. Mohai, MP – Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources (FANR) • Hon.

H. Mkhaliphi, MP – Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (TIFI), and the RWPC • Hon.

D. Moela, MP – Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) Delegation Secretariat: • Ms N. Skitasi-Nkayi – International Relations and Protocol Division (IRPD) 2 9 • Ms J. Khuzwayo – IRPD • Ms L. Ntshinga – IRPD • Dr N. Leibrandt-Loxton – IRPD • 2.
MEETING OUTCOMES 2.1 Meeting of the RPMLOC The Committee met on 22 April 2022 to, among others, reflect on its previous resolutions, brainstorm on future advocacy tools, and receive a presentation on the scoping assessment concerning the SADC Model Law on Elimination of Child Marriage and Protection of Children Already in Marriage.
Key outcomes of the meeting included the following: • Scorecards for the monitoring of the Forum’s model laws on child marriages, democratic elections, and PFM will be communicated to SADC national parliaments at the same time to avoid possible bottlenecks.

The Secretariat anticipates this process to take place towards the end of 2022.
• Receiving a solidarity message from Dr Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala, former MP of the Republic of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Tax (APNIFFT).

This message was received in light of the Forum’s ongoing work in the development of the SADC Model Law on PFM.

• The Committee participated in a mapping exercise aimed at brainstorming future advocacy tools for the SADC Model Law on PFM once it has been adopted.
The exercise strived to identify the key areas of the Model Law that will need to be monitored by national parliaments after its adoption by the Plenary Assembly.

The strategy proposed at this initial level of discussion was focused on identifying the key stakeholders in each country, and how the message for each of these needs to be pitched.
• The presentation on the scoping assessment on the SADC Model Law on Elimination of Child Marriage and Protection of Children Already in Marriage observed that the report of phase 1 of the scoping exercise has been submitted to the Forum.

Amongst others, the purpose of the scoping exercise was to document the adaptation or domestication of the model law at the country level, as well as to ascertain the roles of governments, civil society organisations, UN agencies, and other stakeholders in the process.
It also sought to gauge which gaps remain where adaption is concerned, and make recommendations in that regard.

The following countries were identified for peer learning: Eswatini, Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The results of phase 2 of the scoping exercise will be shared in due course.
2.2 Standing Committee and RWPC Session 2.2.1 Meeting of the RWPC The RWPC met on 25 April 2022 to consider the effectiveness of gender-sensitive national budgets as an avenue to improve decision-making by women and to enhance women’s participation in budget consultative processes.

Studies have shown that in the SADC region, there is a disconnect between international commitments and budgeting.
SADC Member States’ budgets mostly fail to reflect corrective action with regard to the following: the 90-90-90 targets to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030, the mainstreaming of gender through gender-based budgeting, and the implementation of universal health coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3 10 The Caucus received a presentation by SADC-PF partners from Pro PALOP-TL ISC, a project to strengthen the technical and functional competencies of the supreme institutions of Control, National Parliaments and Civil Society concerning public finances in PALOP (Portuguese speaking African Countries) and East Timor, which is funded by the European Union and administered by the UNDP.

Deliberations following the presentations focused on the work of Pro PALOP-TL ISC, notably in Angola and Mozambique.
The presenters shared with the Caucus the experiences of utilising their own Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) tool in all aspects of the budget cycle, and observed that GRB goals should include (a) ensuring the allocation of resources to implement gender-equality policies; (b) improving transparency and accountability and gender-equality promotion; (c) ensuring that technical conditions are met to mainstream gender in planning and budget processes; and (d) ensuring equal access and benefits for girls, boys, women and men.
The meeting concluded with electing the Caucus’ office-bearers for the period 2022 to 2024.
The newly-elected office-bearers are from the following countries: • Chairperson: Seychelles • Vice-Chairperson: Madagascar 2.2.2 Side-Event for HSDSP and GEWAYD Members: Virtual Regional Legislative Sensitisation High-Level Meeting on Safe Abortion Case Studies for Members of Parliament and a Sectoral Policy Advocacy Dialogue with Parliamentarians Through funding support from Sweden, the Forum and SAfAIDS jointly hosted a Regional Legislative Sensitisation High-Level Meeting on Safe Abortion Case Studies for Members of Parliament and a Sectoral Policy Advocacy Dialogue with Parliamentarians on Wednesday 27 April 2022.
The events were collaboratively convened under the Regional sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), HIV and Governance Project and Regional Transforming Lives Programme respectively, seeking to improve SRHR outcomes of SADC citizens.
The meetings built on the Regional Policy Advocacy Dialogue held with Parliamentarians on 1 April 2021, which resulted in key recommendations being passed by Honourable Members of Parliament towards a Regional Roadmap on Ending Unsafe Abortion and Early and Unintended Pregnancy (EUP).
The side-event had the following objectives: • To generate recommendations from SADC Parliamentarians to inform the finalisation of a Regional Roadmap on ending Unsafe Abortion and EUP in the SADC region; and • To build consensus amongst SADC Parliamentarians on critical policy advocacy actions to be taken towards a Regional Roadmap on ending Unsafe Abortions and EUP.
Some of the key outcomes from the side-event included: • Members receiving an update on the status of abortion in the SADC region, including that: o There remains a huge unmet need for family planning services in SADC; o That all SRHR issues are related; and o That gender-based violence sharply increased during the Covid-19 hard lockdowns 4 11 • Members receiving a presentation from Hon.

Dr Matthews Ngwale, MP from Malawi on his experiences in advocating for safe abortion in that country.
Some of the recommendations he offered based on his experience were as follow: o Forming a parliamentary task force to lobby MPs and facilitate the tabling and passing of a termination of pregnancy bill to allow for legal and safe abortions; o Collaborating with different partners that deal with SRHR issues; o Consulting with parliamentary and non-parliamentary stakeholders; o Capacity-building of MPs on SRH services and policies; and o Conducting oversight visits to hospitals to investigate the extent of unsafe abortions and their consequences.
Members briefly deliberated on the possibility of developing guidelines on safe abortions for the SADC region.

Discussions on this matter are expected to continue in due course.

2.2.3 Joint Sitting of SADC-PF Standing Committees and the RWPC The Joint Sitting met on 28 and 29 April 2022 to review and validate the SADC Model Law on PFM.

Through engagement with the legal drafter, Dr Daniel Greenberg, the Members reviewed the draft model law clause by clause.
Members were also advised that any additional inputs may be submitted to the Secretariat by 15 May 2022 to allow for timeous translation and other necessary processes before the 51st Plenary Assembly’s consideration and anticipated adoption of the model law.
The Sitting heard that the overarching objective of the SADC Model Law is to ensure that SADC national parliaments are enabled to conduct their legislative, budgetary and oversight functions concerning PFM in a way that is transparent, efficient and responsive to the needs of SADC citizens.

Once adopted, the model law will serve as a benchmark and guiding legal instrument for national parliaments to strengthen their domestic legal framework on PFM.
The Joint Sitting reviewed the model law clause by clause.
Some of the key inputs that were raised in the meeting included the following: • Members requested that, as was done with the SDGs, special reference should also be made • to the aspirations of Agenda 2063 as Africa’s own development blueprint; In Section 59, Members appreciated the limitation set on virements which aims to allow for some controlled flexibility concerning virements; and • Members engaged on the powers of parliaments in respect of other state organs, and heard that there are some functions of other state organs that parliaments cannot assume due to the principle of separation of powers.
2.2.4 Standing Committee on HSDSP The Committee met on 30 April 2022 under the theme “Enhancing the role of parliamentarians in monitoring the implementation of programmes and systems in accelerating health financing for UHC in the SADC Region”.
The Committee received a presentation entitled Health Financing with a focus on Systems, Strategies and Treaties for moving towards UHC which highlighted the following health financing issues that require addressing in SADC states: 5 12 • Weak capacity to mobilise adequate, sustainable, and predictable funds for the health sector to optimally deliver essential health services; • Substantial inefficiency and inequity in the pooling and management of resources for the health sector; • Underdeveloped strategic purchasing measures across the healthcare services delivery continuum; and • Weak institutional arrangements and systems for effective health financing at all levels of the health system.
To address these, the presentation highlighted the following remedial strategies: • Mobilising adequate, sustainable and predictable funds for the health sector to optimally • deliver essential health services; Improving the efficiency and equity in pooling and management of resources for the health sector • Developing and implementing strategic purchasing measures across the healthcare service delivery continuum; and • Establishing and strengthening institutional arrangements and systems for effective health financing at all levels of the health system.
The Committee also held a session, facilitated by a consultant, to review the Forum’s progress in achieving its strategic objectives, as set in SADC-PF Strategic Plan 2019 – 2023.

The meeting agreed that the Forum was largely on track in achieving its objectives, despite some challenges.
The Committee elected its new office-bearers for the period 2022 – 2024 from the following countries: • Chairperson: Seychelles • Vice-Chairperson: Tanzania 2.2.5 Standing Committee on GEWAYD The Committee met on 30 April 2022 under the theme “Enhancing the Role of Parliament in the Construction and Implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) within the framework of PFM & Issues Affecting the Youth in the SADC Region and Mechanisms for Parliamentarians to Directly Engage with the Youth”.
The Committee received a presentation on “Enhancing the Role of Parliament in the Construction and Implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting within the framework of PFM”, which highlighted the following: • Gender budgeting is a means of understanding how public resources are utilized and benefit categories of women and men, girls and boys and other marginalized groups.
• Financing for gender equality requires the following steps: (a) looking at the needs of women and men; (b) assessing whether these needs are reflected in policy documents and which steps have been identified to address them; (c) understanding whether these policies are translated into commitments through expenditures; and (d) knowing whether what has been budgeted for has been spent accordingly.
• Recommended action for the GEWAYD Committee: 6 13 o Strengthen capacities and mandates of institutional frameworks in gender mainstreaming; o Facilitate for the SADC-PF Plenary Assembly to devise and approve mechanisms for member states to formulate Budget Codes and Annual Gender Responsive budget statements; o Promote the adoption of access to information laws in SADC to promote research and enable data generation and information flow throughout the budgeting process; o Strengthen coordinated and institutionalized dialogue among regional stakeholders on women’s advancement, including government agencies and civil society; o Devise mechanisms to create an enabling environment for community involvement in budget planning and execution; and o Develop a model manual on GRB and a financial tracking mechanism for the region.
The Committee also held a consultation meeting with a consultant for the SADC-PF Strategic Plan (2019 to 2023) Mid-Term Review process.
Some of the issues raised included the following: • Staff capacity needs to be enhanced through the recruitment of more staff with the necessary skills; • The Forum needs to create and formalize relations with other international parliamentary Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Pan African Parliament, organisations, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and others; and including • The sustainability of the Forum’s financial and human resources needs to improve through good governance.
The Committee also received presentations concerning youth matters, including a presentation on “The critical role of Parliament in addressing issues affecting the youth in the SADC region and to engage directly with young people”.
for Parliamentarians Recommendations emerging from the presentations included the following: the mechanisms • Undertaking a scoping study on existing regional and national policies and programs to identify gaps; • Advocating for a SADC Youth Protocol for easy alignment, implementation, coordination and monitoring of all youth-related policies; • Strengthening the oversight role of parliaments on the implementation of youth empowerment policies; • Establishing formal platforms for engagement with youth organisations on a regular basis; and • Developing a regional internship and mentoring program for youth.
The Committee elected its new office-bearers for the period 2022 – 2024 from the following countries: • Chairperson: Tanzania • Vice-Chairperson: Namibia 2.2.6 Standing Committee on DGHR The DGHR Committee met on 1 May 2022 under the theme “Towards Strengthening the Role of Parliament in Curbing Corruption and Promoting Accountability in the SADC Region: 7 14 Engaging Parliamentarians on how to use PFM to Execute Measures to Fight Corruption.’’ The Committee received presentations on “Towards Strengthening the Role of Parliament in Curbing Corruption and Promoting Accountability in the SADC Region: Engaging Parliamentarians on how to use PFM to Execute Measures to Fight Corruption”.
The presentations highlighted the following: • Corruption remains prevalent in the SADC region, notably through illicit financial flows, money laundering, and shortcomings in government revenue collection and controls systems, state capture by private interests, among others; • The region needs enhanced inter-agency cooperation at the national and regional level, as well as strengthened legislation and whistleblower protection; • Following an overview of the PFM model law and its linkages to existing international and regional anti-corruption instruments, various recommendations, including the following, were made: o Ensuring the regular and public disclosure of financial assets and business interests, political parties’ sources of funding, and private companies’ donations to political candidates; o Ensuring the independence of election oversight bodies, and that they are well resourced; o Empowering civil society and the media to monitor campaign expenditure, lobbying activities and use of state resources around election times; and o Amending domestic laws to address misuse of discretionary powers.
The Committee elected its new office-bearers for the period 2022 – 2024 from the following countries: • Chairperson: Zimbabwe • Vice-Chairperson: Lesotho 2.2.7 Standing Committee on FANR The Committee met on 1 May 2022 and aimed to explore how effective PFM can be utilised as a tool to build resilient agricultural systems in the region, including how the SADC Model Law on PFM can contribute to improved utilisation of public financial resources and enhance the performance of the agriculture sector in the SADC region.
It also sought to reflect on how legislatures can use their oversight role to foster effective PFM in the agriculture sector, as well as reflect on a theme for the 51st Plenary Assembly of the Forum in line with current regional and world affairs.

The Committee received a presentation on the role of parliaments in enhancing PFM toward resilient agricultural systems in the SADC Region.
The presentation highlighted the following: • The linkages between PFM and the right to food; and • The roles parliaments play in the budget process, including the formulation, approval, execution and evaluation of the budget.
The Committee heard that: 8 15 • Agriculture is core to the economies of all SADC states and has the potential to play a vital role in transforming African livelihoods; • Effective PFM ensures that scarce resources have a maximum impact where they are needed most; this can assist in governments’ achievement of agriculture policy goals and other development objectives in a sustainable way; • Parliaments, through their oversight and law-making mandates, can influence the budget process throughout the various stages of the budget cycle to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to agriculture and that these are spent in accordance with sound PFM principles; and • Parliaments are encouraged to continue monitoring the flow of money from all procurement processes.
The Committee also held a consultation meeting with a consultant for the SADC-PF Strategic Plan (2019 to 2023) Mid-Term Review process.

The Committee agreed that the Forum was largely on track in achieving its objectives, although youth representation in political decision- making at the Forum and in national parliaments can be improved.
The Committee elected its new office-bearers for the period 2022 – 2024 from the following countries: • Chairperson: Malawi • Vice-Chairperson: Tanzania 2.2.8 Standing Committee on TIFI The Committee met on 1 May 2022 meet under the theme “Domestic Resource Mobilisation as a Sustainable Way to Manage Public Debt in the SADC Region – What Role can Parliament Play?”.
The meeting received an expert presentation, and Members were afforded the opportunity to share country-specific experiences relating to the gaps in the legal framework and practice relating to public debt including measures to enhance domestic resource mobilisation.

The expert presentation highlighted the following: • In more than five SADC countries, the laws and administrative guidelines on debt management and related targets as a percentage of GDP are unclear or non-existent.
Moreover, the full details of public debt are often not disclosed in Parliament.

• Domestic resource mobilization should be regarded as the only reliable way of financing government expenditure, especially to finance Africa’s development aspirations.
• Domestic resource mobilization means bringing efficiency to what and how governments are already collecting through taxes on personal and corporation incomes, goods and services, as well as non-tax revenues such as social security contributions, commission on natural resource extraction, property income, dividends from state enterprises, tourism income, domestic savings, domestic credits, sale of goods and services as well as other kinds of levies collected by governments from citizens, resident non-citizens and local businesses.
• Remittances by the diaspora and Africa’s natural resource wealth have yet to be fully untapped to enhance domestic resource mobilization.
• Recommendations: o Corruption and illicit financial flows must be addressed through drastic measures; o Governments must revamp PFM systems to promote transparency; 9 16 o Governments must embrace the African Mining Vision to fully harness the tax revenues from the mining sector; o Adopting innovative financing instruments, including securitization of diaspora remittances and sovereign wealth funds, and adopting digitally enhanced tax administration practices; o Embracing the Fourth Industrial Revolution: leveraging new technologies to modernize the tax collection system, deepening regional integration, and improving tax coordination in order to broaden the tax base; o Taking advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area to increase intra-Africa trade and facilitate technology transfer and the development of regional value chains; and o Allowing space for civil society and researchers to support countries’ efforts in fighting tax evasion, money laundering and corruption.
The Committee also held a consultation meeting with a consultant for the SADC-PF Strategic Plan (2019 to 2023) Mid-Term Review and identified some areas that are on track as well as others that are off-track.
The Committee elected its new office-bearers for the period 2022 – 2024 from the following countries: • Chairperson: Lesotho • Vice-Chairperson: Botswana 2.2.9 Joint meeting of FANR and TIFI The joint FANR/TIFI Standing Committee meeting took place on 1 May 2022 under the theme “Expanding Investment in Agroecology in Southern Africa for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Adaptation and recommend to the Plenary Assembly”.
The meeting aimed to: • Review evidence on the potential of agroecological approaches to ensure sustainable and productive agricultural development in the southern African region; • Assess the level of national and regional investment in SADC on agroecological approaches, and potential opportunities to increase this investment; and • Reflect on national parliament and SADC-PF interventions that could contribute towards expanding investment in agroecology in the SADC region.
The session received presentations from resource persons from ActionAid, the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-Scale Farmers’ Forum, and the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA).

This was followed by an interactive session focusing on possible policy interventions that could be made by SADC-PF and national parliaments.
The presentations highlighted the following: • The impacts of climate change on agriculture, including agriculture’s vulnerability to climate impacts such as changing rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, rising sea levels, etc.

These have resulted in loss of livelihoods, hunger, and food insecurity, amongst others.

• The impact of agriculture on climate change, including deforestation, soil loss, greenhouse heating and food waste.
10 17 • Agroecology has many benefits over industrial agriculture, including socio-economic benefits, adaptation and resilience (improved soil structure and fertility, efficient water use, retention, and management, etc), and mitigation (it avoids fossil fuel burning for the production of synthetic fertilisers and reduces deforestation pressure).
• The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recommends a shift to agroecology, especially due to the impact of the war in Ukraine that is resulting in fertilizer becoming unaffordable.

• SADC countries are regressing in terms of their performance in implementing the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods, adopted by AU countries in 2014.

Agroecology can assist in the region meeting the Declaration’s objectives.
The first step would be to adopt national agroecology policies and plans and ensure that adequate resources are allocated to it.

• The SADC region must take a precautionary approach to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and living modified organisms (LMOs).

• Members of Parliament can shift the narrative of industrial agriculture being the only solution to addressing food security.

3.
3.

CONCLUSION The outcomes of each meeting will be captured as draft resolutions due for adoption by the Plenary Assembly in due course.

11 18 (3) Report of the Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments, 09 – 11 May 2022, Abuja, Nigeria 19 REPORT OF THE CONFERENCE OF SPEAKERS AND HEADS OF AFRICAN PARLIAMENTS 09-11 May 2022 Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigera 1.

CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND 20 The Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP) is a body initiated by Rt.

Hon.
Hon.

Femi Gbajabiamila along with fellow Speakers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa in October 2020. to facilitate increased deliberation, collaboration and cooperation between It aims Speakers, Heads of Parliaments and National Assemblies across Africa in order to address common challenges, devise joint solutions and mobilise collective action to advance development.
CoSAP was officially launched on the 12th of October 2020 after three zoom meetings between founding Speakers which took place on 17th August 2020, 17th September 2020, and 12th October 2020.

CoSAP was founded by the following Speaker: stability Africa’s growth, and • Rt.

Hon.

Femi Gbajabiamila, Nigeria (Convener & Chair); • Hon.

Tagesse Chafo, Ethiopia; • Hon.

Justin Bedan Njoka Muturi, Kenya; • Rt.

Hon.

Donatille Mukabalisa, Rwanda; • President Moustapha Niasse, Sénégal; • Hon.
Thando Modise, South Africa (Former Speaker); • Rt.

Hon.

Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Ghana (Former Speaker).

Following the launch of CoSAP, the founding members initiated the African Speakers Debt Cancellation Initiative (DCCI).
DCCI is an advocacy initiative birthed as a means of establishing a cohesive Pan-African parliamentary voice to support the global 3 campaigns advocating for Africa’s debt cancellation in light of the devastating social and economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on African economies.

It is against this background that CoSAP held its first physical conference on 09 to 11 May 2022 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Conference was held under the Theme, “Enhancing Africa’s Post-Covid Economic Recovery Through Parliamentary Leadership”.

The Republic of South Africa was represented by Hon.

Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Speaker of the National Assembly and leader of the South African Delegation.

The following Members and officials attended the Conference: • Hon.

Ms. Sylvia Lucas MP, the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP; • Hon.
Ms. Pemmy Majodina MP, Chief Whip of the Ruling Party in the National Assembly; • Mr. Masibulele Xaso, Secretary to the National Assembly; • Mr. Dumisani Sithole, Division Manager, IRPD; • Ms. Nogolide Nojozi, Advisor to the Speaker; • Ms. Zukiswa Kula, personal assistant to the Speaker; • Ms. Sebolelo Mvulane, supporting official to the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP; and • Mr. Sthembiso Tembe, content support to the Delegation.
In addition to the abovementioned supporting officials from the Parliament, the Delegation also received comprehensive day to day support from the South African Embassy in Nigeria led by Mr Thami Mseleku, the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria.

2 21 2.
THEMATIC TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION The following were the thematic topics for discussion: • Africa’s Public Financial Management in the COVID-19 Era: Challenges, Opportunities & Way Forward; • Africa’s Debt Trap: Implications, Imperatives & Impact in the COVID-19 Era; • National Budgeting & Effective Legislative Oversight in the COVID-19 Era; • Financing Africa’s Pandemic Response: Legislative Imperatives & Interventions; • Gender Inclusive Budgeting & Policy Planning in the COVID-19 Era; • Investing in Human Capital Development: Legislative Priorities in the COVID-19 Era.
The comprehensive outcome of the Conference is contained in the attached Joint Communique.
3 22 (4) Study Visit of the Whippery of the National Council of Provinces, 9 – 13 May, 2022, Windhoek, Namibia, 23 REPORT WHIPPERY STUDY TOUR TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA 9 – 13 MAY 2022 1 24 2 25 REPORT WHIPPERY STUDY TOUR TO THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA 9 – 13 MAY 2022 This publication is for educational purposes and therefore may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system with proper referencing and acknowledgement.
Suggested citation for reference and quotation: Report of the Whippery Study Tour to the National Council of the Republic of Namibia from 9 – 13 May 2022.

Cape Town, Parliament of South Africa.
©2022 Office of the Chief Whip of the NCOP Parliament of South Africa V103/4/5/6/8 NCOP Wing Tel: +27 21- 403 2425/3603 / 3781 Fax: +27 21- 403 2221 Website: www.parliament.gov.za Office of the Chief Whip National Council of Provinces 3 26 Table of Contents # Powers and Functions of the National Council of Namibia The Whippery System in the National Council Composition of the Whippery in the National Council Office of the Chief Whip of the National Council Background Objectives of the Study Tour Composition of the Delegation Support Staff About the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia 1.
2.

3.

4.

5.

5.1 Mandate of the National Assembly 5.2 Mandate of the National Council of Namibia 5.3 6.

6.1 6.2 6.3 Functions of Whips in the National Council 6.4 Standing Committees of the National Council 7.

Whips of Opposition Parties in the National Council and National Assembly 8.
8.1 8.1.1 8.1.2 8.1.3 8.1.4 8.2 Courtesy Call to the Speaker of the National Assembly 8.3 Courtesy Call to the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council 8.3.1 8.3.2 8.3.3 8.4 Courtesy Call to the Leader of the Official Opposition Party in the National Assembly 8.4.1 8.4.2 8.4.3 8.5 Courtesy Call to the Office of the Governor of Khomas Regional Council 8.6 Visit to Khomas Regional Council Projects 8.7 Courtesy Call to the South African High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia Courtesy Calls Courtesy Call on the Chairperson of the National Council The differences between the National Assembly and the National Council Functions and Powers of the National Assembly and the National Council Role and Functions of Presiding Officers in the National Council Fostering Coherence on Regional Matters The Role of the Opposition in Parliament The Role of the Official Opposition Party in the National Assembly The Role of Opposition Whips The Standing Committee on Oversight Committee of the Chairpersons of Standing Committees Bilateral Relations between the Parliaments of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia 1.
Background The Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia have fraternal relations that are characterised by regular and increasing interaction at all levels.

These relations are historical and were cemented during the period of the fight against colonialism and apartheid.

As a result, excellent bilateral cooperation exists between the two countries.

Bilateral cooperation between the two countries covers a wide range of fields.
Significant progress in respect to the bilateral cooperation has been made over the years as evidenced by the existence of almost one hundred signed agreements and memoranda of understanding.

These agreements of understanding cover a wide range of areas including political, economic, social, defence and security cooperation.

The economy of Namibia is closely linked to South Africa in terms of trade.

It is estimated that Namibia imports more than R35 billion worth of goods from South Africa.
South Africa’s main exports to Namibia consist of vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, processed food, clothes, cement, petroleum and petroleum products, and iron and steel.

A significant percentage of Namibia’s exports go through South Africa, with more than R5 billion worth of goods destined for the South African market coming via South Africa’s ports1.
The Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia have many similar institutional arrangements and practices dating back to their shared colonial period and close diplomatic ties.

South Africa occupied Namibia for seventy-five years.

After that occupation ended in 1990, numerous ties between the two countries continued to exist and their economies are still intertwined.2 Similarly, the Parliamentary systems of the two countries possess immense resemblance and systemic institutional ecology.
Like South Africa, Namibia has a bicameral Parliament consisting of the upper houses called the National Council and lower house named the National.

The National Council, or the Upper House of the Parliament of Namibia, which was established after the first Regional Councils' Elections that were held in 1992, which as five years before the establishment of the NCOP, possess great similarities with the NCOP in terms of their institutional arrangements, mandate and functions.
Both houses draw similar constitutional and institutional responsibilities that demonstrate a homogenous ideal interpretation of their political and institutional set up.

This is reflected in the structures initiated to ensure the implementation and advancement of their constitutional mandates.

As the second or upper houses of Parliament, they represent federal states to ensure that states participate in the legislative processes and administration of federal government.

2.
2.

Objectives of the Study Tour Given the similarities between the NCOP and the National Council of the Republic of Namibia, the Whippery agreed that it was necessary to undertake a study tour to learn and share experiences on the following areas: (a) The role and functions of Whips in the National Council of the Republic of Namibia; (b) The structure, composition and responsibilities of Whips in the National Council of Republic of Namibia; 1 Melber, H. 2008.

The Political Economy of Namibia.


RVI2018.02.20-ThepoliticaleconomyofNamibia (1).pdf 2 National Treasurer, 2021.

Economic transformation, inclusive growth, and competitiveness: Towards an Economic Strategy for South Africa.
5 28 (c) The institutional arrangements that have been instituted to guide the role of Whips in assisting the National Council to assist in the implementation of its mandate of representing the federal states; (d) Mechanisms that have been put in place to support and enhance the role of the Chief Whip of the National Council and Whips of the Council in the daily political management, including preparations for plenary sessions and assisting with the political management of the work of their houses; (e) Measures that are in place to enforce discipline and ensure that Whips have a formal or legal framework to enforce discipline and monitor that Members undertake their duties and attend committees and plenary sessions; (f) Processes and procedures for debates and processing of motions / statements, questions and subordinate legislation; and (g) Mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure effective joint Programming with their lower house.
3.

Composition of the Delegation The following Whips formed part of the Whippery delegation to the Parliament of the Republic of Namibia: Whippery # 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Member / Whip Hon.

Mr S J Mohai, MP Hon.

Mr A J Nyambi Hon.

Mr E Z Njadu, MP Hon.

Ms N Ndongeni, MP Hon.

Ms L C Bebee, MP Hon.

Ms M L Mamaregane, MP Hon.

Ms A D Maleka, MP Hon.

Ms B M Bartlett, MP Hon.

Ms C Labuschagne, MP Hon.

Mr F Du Toit, MP Hon.

Mr N M Hadebe, MP 4.


Support Staff Designation Chief Whip & Leader of the Delegation House Chairperson: Committees Programming Whip Provincial Whip: Eastern Cape Provincial Whip: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Whip: Limpopo Provincial Whip: Mpumalanga Provincial Whip: Northern Cape Provincial Whip: Western Cape Party Whip: Freedom Front Plus Party Whip: Inkatha Freedom Party The delegation was supported by the following Parliamentary officials: Parliamentary Officials Official # Ad M E Phindela 1.
Mr Z A Mvulane 2.

Ms Y Daniels 3.

Ms Z Kroese 4.

Ms V Mboto 5.

Mr M G Bebee 6.

Designation Secretary to the NCOP & Lead Official Manager: Office of the Chief Whip Whippery Officer Protocol Manager Executive Secretary Assistant to Honourable Ms L C Bebee 6 29 5.

About the Parliament of Namibia 5.1 Mandate of the National Assembly The Secretary of the National Council of Namibia, Adv.

Tousy Namiseb informed the delegation that the Parliament of Namibia is a bi-cameral parliament.
In terms of Article 44 of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia, the legislative power on Namibia is vested in National Assembly.

Article 63 mandates National Assembly to make and repeal laws.

It is mandated to exercise its legislative power subject, where applicable, to the powers and functions of the National Council as set out in this Constitution of Namibia.

5.2 Mandate of the National Council of Namibia Adv.
Namiseb stated that Article 74(1)(b) states that the National Council shall have the power to investigate and report to National Assembly on matters referred to it by National Assembly.

Article 75(2) states that the National Council shall consider bills and submit reports thereon with its recommendations to the Speakers.

Article 75(4)(b) mandates the National Assembly to reconsider the bill and may make amendment.
Regarding bills dealing with taxes or appropriation of public monies, National Council may only propose corrections to such bills for consideration by National Assembly.

5.3 Powers and Functions of the National Council of Namibia Adv.

Namiseb stated that the National Council has the power to review legislation in terms of Article 74(1)(a).
Article 75 gives the National Council the power to undertake oversight in terms of separation of powers over Executive and ensure that members of the Executive are individually and collectively accountable to Parliament.

The National Council has the power to ensure the representation of the three delegates from each of the fourteen regional council.

Adv.

Namiseb indicated that the National Council has the power to establish committees and adopt its own rules and procedures.
It must also ensure that the committees exercise their mandate in terms of the Constitution.

It also has the power to investigate on subordinate legislation and report on any other document that is tabled in National Assembly (under law) and referred to it for further consideration.

It also has the power to recommend legislation on matters of regional concern to National Assembly and perform any other function assigned by National Assembly or an Act of Parliament.

6.
6.

The Whippery System in the National Council The Chief Whip of the National Council, Hon.

Mr G Shiimi (MP) who was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon.

E T Muteka (MP) and several Whips of the National Council welcomed the delegation.

Chief Whip Shiimi expressed appreciation for the Whips to visit the National Council.

He acknowledged that the Whippery study tour was quite significant in reaffirming the historical ties between the two countries.
He requested the Personal Assistant and Political Manager, Mr T A Sindume to take the Whips through a presentation that outlined the structure and functions of Whips in the National Council.

6.1 Composition of the Whippery in the National Council Mr Sindume indicated that Rule 19 of the Rules of the National Council provides that all political parties that are represented in the Council shall submit the names of their Whips and the duration they have been so elected.
The following political parties are represented in the National Council and forms part of the Whippery of the National Council: 7 30 (a) South West Africa People’s Organisation (SWAPO) Party (b) Landless People's Movement (LPM) (c) Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) (d) National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) (e) Independent Candidates 6.2 Office of the Chief Whip of the National Council The Whippery is led by the Chief Whip, the Deputy Chief Whip and an Assistant Whip.
Its main function is to serve members of the Majority, SWAPO and make sure that they have all the requisite support to implement the mandate of SWAPO in the National Council.
The Office of the Chief Whip leads all SWAPO Party activities in the National Council by ensuring the following: (a) Maintaining quorum in all sittings of the National Council; (b) Ensuring that members of the Majority Party attend to their parliamentary activities; (c) Maintaining order and discipline amongst SWAPO party members; (d) Ensuring that members of SWAPO are informed of all activities of the National Council; (e) Allocate members of SWAPO to debates; and (f) Procure all relevant equipment for members of the Majority Party to enable them to perform their Parliamentary duties.
Mr Sindume stated that the Office of the Chief Whip is also mandated to listen to complaints, grievances of the Members of SWAPO.

It also maintains discipline during sittings of the National Council and the meeting of its committees.

The Office of the Chief Whip also maintains discipline and where necessary it calls members to order when they astray.
It also ensures that members of the Majority Party are deployed to Parliamentary structures and activities such as international conferences and structures such as the Pan African Parliament, The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Forum and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).

It also facilitates the appointment of members of the Majority Party to standing and select committees of the National Council.
6.3 Functions of Whips in the National Council Mr Sindume indicated that Rule 150 of the Rules of the National Council provides that all Whips of the National Council form part of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders.
The functions of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders are to ensure the following: (a) To draft and codify the Standing Rules and Orders relating to the procedure of the Council as well as the Joint-Rules which shall be observed in the House and all its Committees; (b) To review and consider from time to time and report to the House any proposal for amendment of these Rules; (c) To assign any Committee to look into specific issues and submit a report thereon, with recommendations, for submission to the Council for consideration; (d) To formulate policies and guidelines for the internal matters of the Council; and (e) To perform any other functions as may be referred to it by the Council.
Rule 151 of the Rules of the National Council further provides that all Whips forms part of the steering committee of the National Council.

8 31 6.4 Standing Committees of the National Council Chief Shiimi indicated that in conformity with Article 74 (2) of the Constitution of Namibia, the National Council has established Parliamentary Committees for the exercise of its powers and the performance of its functions.
A Committee of the National Council is entitled to conduct hearings and to collect evidence, as it considers necessary for the exercise of its powers of review and investigations.
The most important functions of committees are: (a) Scrutiny of legislation – Committees meet to debate legislation under consideration in their respective Houses and offer suggestions improvement; (b) Policy development – through legislative review, Committees can provide recommendations for policy options; (c) Assessments of policy implementation – Committees review existing legislation and appropriations to determine the effectiveness of existing policy; (d) Government supervision – Committees review Government reports and appropriations to ensure accountability; and (e) Providing a link between Parliament and the Namibian people – Committees hold hearings to collect the views of interested groups and citizens.
The National Council has the following six standing committees: (a) Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy; (b) Standing Committee on Home Affairs, Security, Constitutional and Legal Affairs; (c) Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Housing; (d) Standing Committee on Education, Science, ICT and Youth Development; (e) Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources; and (f) Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare and Labour Affairs.
Chief Whip Shiimi also informed the Whips that the National Council has one in-house Standing Committee on Implementation and Coordination, which is responsible for the following: (a) to scrutinise and report to the Council on matters and questions falling within the ambit of Offices, Ministries, Agencies and Public Enterprises dealing with health, social welfare, gender equality, labour and employment creation; (b) to promote gender balance; (c) to promote health and social welfare; (d) to promote gender equality; (e) to monitor budget implementation of Offices, Ministries and Agencies falling within the Standing Committee’s ambit; (f) to monitor the implementation of the decentralization process on matters falling within the ambit of the Standing Committee; and (g) to perform any other function as may be referred to it by the Council.
7.

Whips of Opposition Parties in the National Council and National Assembly The Whips met with the Whips of the following parties in the National Council: (a) LPM (b) PDM (c) NUDO (d) Independent Candidates 9 32 The Chief Whip of the NUDO Party, Hon.

Mr P C Kazongominja (MP) indicated that opposition party whips play a crucial role in the effective functioning and coordination of the opposition in the National Council.
They help ensure the coherence and effectiveness of the opposition in holding the majority party to be accountable to the people.

Hon.

Kazongominja stated that the opposition plays a significant role in building a responsible government that is directly accountable to the people.

It continuously asks questions to the governing party about different issues that strengthen the delivery of services to communities.

o make government aware about their roles and responsibilities.

8.
8.

Courtesy Calls The delegation paid the following courtesy calls: 8.1 Courtesy Call on the Chairperson of the National Council The delegation paid a courtesy call on the Chairperson of the National Council, Hon.

L Muha (MP) who briefed it bout the seminaries between the National Council and the NCOP.

8.1.1 The differences between the National Assembly and the National Council Hon.
Muha stated that the Parliament of Namibia consists of the National Assembly and the National Council, together forming the Legislative arm of Government.

The National Assembly consists of 72 voting members, elected for a term of five years on the basis of proportional representation, plus an additional six non-voting members appointed by the president.
The National Council was formed in accordance with chapter eight of the Namibian Constitution, on February 1993, after the regional elections held in November 1992.

The Regional Councils Act, Act 22 of 1992 is a result of a Constitutional provision.

The National Council consist of 26-members, elected for a term of six years, from each of the 13 geographic regions.
The National Council reviews bills passed by the National Assembly and recommends legislation on matters of regional concern for submission to and consideration by the National Assembly.

8.1.2 Functions and Powers of the National Assembly and the National Council Hon.

Muha indicated that Article 63 and 74 of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia clearly outlines the wide-ranging functions and powers of the two Houses of Parliament.
After a Bill has been passed by the National Assembly, it is referred to the National Council for review.

The National Council may suggest amendments to any Bill.

The legislative stages followed in the National Council are the same as those in the National Assembly.

If the National Council passes the Bill with amendments, it goes back to the National Assembly for further discussion.

However, the National Assembly is not compelled to adopt the amendments proposed by the National Council.
If, after reconsideration, two- thirds of the Members of the National Assembly reject the amendments of the National Council, the proposed amendments are left out of the final legislation.

The National Council has up to three months to deal with most Bills.

However, it must deal with Bills on levying of taxes or appropriation of public moneys within 30 days of the Bill being referred to it by the National Assembly.
Should the National Council fail to comply with the time limit, it is considered to have confirmed such a Bill.

The Speaker of the National Assembly then refers such a Bill to the State President for his assent (signature of approval).
10 33 The functions and powers of the National Council are, amongst others, to:  Review all Bills passed by the National Assembly;  Propose amendments and object/agree to the principle of a Bill;  Investigate and report on any subordinate legislation, reports and documents sent to it by the National Assembly for advice;  Recommend legislation on matters of regional concern for submission to, and consideration by, the National Assembly; and  Perform any functions assigned to it by the National Assembly or by an Act of Parliament.
8.1.3 Role and Functions of Presiding Officers in the National Council Hon.

Muha indicated that the Presiding Officer in the National Council is officially known as the Chairperson.
He/she is elected from amongst the 26 Members of the National Council to perform the following duties: (a) Presiding in all sessions of the National Council and all meetings of the Steering Committee; (b) Oversee the finances, administration and policy guidelines of the National Council and its select and standing committees; (c) Ensure the implementation of decisions and directives of the National Council; and (d) Provide a link between the National Council and Government Offices, Ministries, Agencies, other institutions and organisations The Vice-Chairperson of the National Council is elected by the National Council from amongst its Members.
In the absence of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson presides over sessions of the National Council.

8.1.4 Fostering Coherence on Regional Matters Hon.

Muha indicated that there have been noticeable concerns of contradictions on the policy and crucial global positions in the region.

He appealed for the SADC countries to meet before international forums to formulate common positions instead of attending as individual countries with different views.
8.2 Courtesy call to the Speaker of the National Assembly The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA), Hon.

Professor P Katjaviv (MP) who welcomed the delegation to the Parliament of Namibia.

He indicated that the longstanding and strong relationship between the two countries was forged in the struggle for liberation of our two countries against colonialism and opposition to oppression under apartheid South Africa.
In many respects this relationship is not only fraternal, but more of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Hon.

Professor Katjaviv stated that South Africa continues to speak in one voice in many global platforms and often on matters confronting the global community.

The unity of the two countries was reaffirmed when him and the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of South Africa, Hon.
N Mapisa-Nqakula (MP) were appointed to the task force of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to mediate on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

It is the view of the two countries that the IPU, as an organisation of global parliaments, must play a crucial role in facilitating parliamentary diplomacy to promoting global peace, democracy and sustainable development even in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Hon.
Hon.

Professor Katjaviv indicated that the two countries still face similar challenges to correct the injustices of the past and to put policies in place that will foster sustainable economic development.

11 34 Like South Africa, Namibia is still battling with socio-economic challenges like expanded access to education, health, rural development, land redistribution, housing, decent job creation, cross border crime and energy.
8.3 Courtesy Call to the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council, Hon.

V M Kauma (MP) who briefed the delegation about the Standing Committee on Oversight and the Committee of the Chairpersons of Standing Committees.

8.3.1 The Standing Committee on Oversight Hon.


Kauma indicated that the main function of the Standing Committee on Oversight, which is also known as the Oversight Implementation Committee is to undertake oversight on behalf of the Council.

It was formerly known as the Audit Committee and in 2021 it changed its name to the Oversight Implementation Committee.

It consists of all Chairpersons of Committees.


It is mainly tasked with holding members of the Executive and senior government officials to account for their actions.

It is also intended to create a platform for the public to meaningfully participate in Parliamentary activities.

Hon.

Kauma stated that the Oversight Implementation Committee scrutinises reports before the Council dealing with departments and entities.

It is required to promote gender balance, health and social welfare.
It also monitors budget implementation of departments and entities.

Oversight Implementation Committee also promotes increased civil society and public engagement in Parliament, promote increased, knowledgeable, and objective media coverage of plenary and parliamentary committee business.

It also ensures that parliamentarians thoroughly scrutinise and follow-up on the work of ministries and their departments.
If there are areas of concern, the Committee calls them to account for their actions and that they undertake corrective action.

A crucial part of the committee is to follow-up on recommendations that are made to strengthen the delivery of services to communities.

8.3.2 Committee of the Chairpersons of Standing Committees Hon.

Kauma stated that the Committee of the Chairpersons of Standing Committees is consists of Chairpersons of each standing or select committee of the National Council.
It is chairperson by the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council.

Its main function is to co-ordinate the work of the standing and select committees of the Council.

8.3.3 Bilateral Relations between the Parliaments of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Hon.

Kauma indicated there is a need for the two Parliaments to seriously discuss the matters relating to the Pan African Parliament (PAP).

He stated that the Deputy Speaker is the Leader of the Delegation of Namibia.
The delegations from the two countries should create a platform to engage on matters pertaining to the work of the PAP and its future location in the region.

However, there must be no compromise on the principle of rotation.

8.4 Courtesy Call to the Leader of the Official Opposition Party in the National Assembly The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Leader of the Official Opposition Party in the National Assembly, Hon.
McHenry Venaani (MP) who briefed them on the role of the Leader of the Official Opposition Party in the National Assembly.

12 35 8.4.1 The Role of the Opposition in Parliament Hon.

Venaani stated that the opposition is a necessary and a vital component of democracy as it helps in proper and smooth function of democracy.

The opposition undertakes a significant oversight role not only in Parliament, but also outside the Parliament where it keeps the government in check and accountable.
The opposition always keeps their conscious eyes on the functions of government, especially on the responsible and accountable usage of public resources.

It also serves as a crucial mechanism of raising matters of public interest to the government for action.

Hon.

Venaani stated that the opposition plays a significant role in trying to persuade the majority party and government to think about the alternative ways and solutions to the challenges facing society.
The majority opposition party views itself as an alternative government and as result it tries demonstrate and convince the people that it can lead an effective government by sharing its ideas, programmes and policies through motions, resolutions and bills.

8.4.2 The Role of the Official Opposition Party in the National Assembly Hon.

Venaani indicated that the Leader of the Official Opposition Party in the National Assembly is also known as the leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.
There is no Leader of the Opposition in the National Council, which makes the position of the Leader of the Opposition a crucial position in the entire Parliamentary system.

The main task of the Leader of the Opposition is to lead the opposition party and hold the position of chief spoken person during the question time in the National Assembly.
The Leader of the Official Opposition Party appoints some of the members of the main opposition party to form a shadow government with ‘shadow Ministers’ that resemble ministers.

They also serve on parliamentary committees where they act as an opposition spokesperson in respect of the responsibilities of one or more Ministers or areas of administration.

8.4.3 The Role of Opposition Whips Hon.


Venaani indicated that among the key functions of the Leader of the Opposition is to appoint Opposition Whips who play a crucial role in maintaining party discipline in Parliament and communicate party directive on voting and debates.

The Opposition Whips are also responsible for the arrangement of the order of their party’s speakers in debates.
They work with the Office of the Chief Whip to allocate priority debates and times for committee and delegation business and also for private member’s business.

8.5 Courtesy Call to the Office of the Governor of Khomas Regional Council The delegation paid a courtesy call to the Office of the Governor of Khomas Region, Hon.

Ms Laura McLeod-Katjirua (MP).

She stated that the Khomas Regional Council is one of the fourteen regions of Namibia.
Its name refers to the Khomas Highland, a high plateau landscape that dominates this administrative unit.

Khomas is centered on the capital city Windhoek and provides for this reason superior transportation infrastructure.

It is well-developed economical, financial, and trade sectors.

It occupies about five percent of the land area of Namibia but has the highest population of any of its regions.

Hon.

McLeod-Katjiru indicated that the Khomas Region is a crucial region of the Republic of Namibia.
It the 2015 regional houses elections, SWAPO obtained 81% of the total votes and in 2010 about 78%.

It has ten constituencies.

In the 2020 regional election SWAPO obtained 38% of the total votes.

the Parliament, Executive and Judicial seats of Namibia.

In 13 36 The Governor is appointed by the President and performs functions assigned to him or her in terms of the Constitution.

It is divided into ten sub regions with ten councillors with ten constituencies.
One of the strategic objectives of the Council is to improve the socio-economic situation of the people of the Khomas Regional Council.

It accounts to the National Council from time to time on matters concerning the region.

8.6 Visit to Khomas Regional Council Projects Hon.

McLeod-Katjiru invited the delegation to visit the following three projects in the Khomas Regional.

(a) Ellies Renewable Energy - The Khomas Region, being the industrial hub of Namibia is not excluded from the energy deficit.
With a growing economy and rural-urban immigration, the demand for power is soaring.

Conscious of the regional energy situation and multi-lateral cooperation on energy sharing as well as future plans for energy generation, the Khomas Region initiated several renewable energy projects to achieve energy self-sufficiency.
The Ellies Renewable Energy is a Solar Energy Company, which produces solar energy to consumers and feeds excess electricity to the grid; (b) Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant - the first and longest-running direct potable reuse facility in the world; in operation since 1968 and currently providing some thirty-five percent of the overall drinking water supply for the City.

The Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant has become a source of pride for a city that still leads the world in direct reclamation.
In the almost fifty years of operation the water has continued to meet standards at all times and public health has been protected; (c) Havana Secondary Project School - a high school that was established in 2015 to absorb high school leaners who could not be placed in the local school due to high migration into Windhoek.

It started as a platoon school with some leaners starting classes in the afternoon with some leaners studying under trees and under very bad conditions in winter.
In the 2019/20 financial year, the Department of Education set aside N$60 million to build a new building for the school.

The school was built with the assistance of the army and the state infrastructure.

It is about 95 percent complete and most of the learners have moved into their new state of the art classes.

It serves as an example of effective partnership between government, Regional Councils, public enterprises and the community.
8.7 Courtesy Call to the South African High Commissioner to the Republic of Namibia The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the South African High Commissioner to Namibia, His Excellency Mr WMP Whitehead who briefed the delegation about the relationship between South Africa and Namibia.

He indicated that the bilateral cooperation between the two countries covers a wide range of fields.
Significant progress in respect to the bilateral cooperation has been made over the years as evidenced by the existence of almost one hundred signed agreements and memoranda of understanding.

These agreements of understanding cover a wide range of areas including political, economic, social, defence and security cooperation.

His Excellency Whitehead stated that the economy of Namibia is closely linked to South Africa in terms of trade.
It is estimated that Namibia imports more than R35 billion worth of goods from South Africa.

South Africa’s main exports to Namibia consist of vehicles, machinery, pharmaceuticals, 14 37 processed food, clothes, cement, petroleum and petroleum products, and iron and steel.

A significant percentage of Namibia’s exports go through South Africa, with more than R5 billion worth of goods destined for the South African market coming via South Africa’s ports.
The Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia have many similar institutional arrangements and practices dating back to their shared colonial period and close diplomatic ties.

South Africa occupied Namibia for seventy-five years.

After that occupation ended in 1990, numerous ties between the two countries continued to exist and their economies are still intertwined.
15 38 NOTES 16 39 17 40 18 41 19 42 20 43 (5) Report on the United Nations Global Compact on International Migration: First International Review on Migration Forum, 17 – 21 May 2022, New York, US 44 Report on the United Nations Global Compact on International Migration: First International Review on Migration Forum: 17 21 May 2022, New York, United Nations Headquarters 45 1.
Background This report provides an account on the summary of the outcomes arising from the proceedings of the International Review on Migration Forum.

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa participated in the aforementioned multi-stakeholder forum which was comprised of the participants from the executive arm of the State, Legislative arm of the State delegates from civic society as well as local government sectors of societies in all the countries of the world.
The South Africa delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Home Affairs, Hon Njabulo Nzuza and the delegation from the South African Parliament was led by the House Chairperson, Hon Madala Ntombela.
The Officials constituting the support staff from the Parliament South Africa included the following; • Mr Manelisi Wolela: Manager from Parliamentary Communication Services • Mr Ngese Mzuvukile: Researcher from the International Relations and Protocol Division • Ms Yolande Ramhlakoana: Personal Assistant to the House Chairperson on International Relations 2.
Context on the Global Compact The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) is an inter- governmentally negotiated agreement, prepared under the auspices of the United Nations that describes itself as covering all dimensions of international migration in a holistic and comprehensive manner.

The compact was formally endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly on 19 December 2018.

As the compact is not an international treaty, it is non-binding under international law.
46 It is based on a collective realization that no single government can effectively govern migration alone - whether fully realizing the potential of global mobility or protecting people from the most pernicious aspects of migration - without cooperation, whether bilaterally, regionally, or globally.
By creating this cooperative framework on international migration, states have developed a common terminology for discussing key migration issues and a blueprint for comprehensive, rights-based migration policies.

There are 23 objectives and commitments listed in the draft agreement.
These include collecting and using accurate and anonymized data to develop evidence-based migration policy, ensuring that all migrants have proof of identity, enhancing availability and flexibility for regular migration, encouraging cooperation for tracking missing migrants and saving lives, ensuring migrants can access basic services, and making provisions for both full inclusion of migrants and social cohesion.
The Global Compact reaffirms the sovereign right of states to determine their national migration policy and their prerogative to govern migration within their jurisdiction, in conformity with international law.
Within their sovereign jurisdiction, states may distinguish between regular and irregular migration status, including as they determine their legislative and policy measures for the implementation of the Global Compact, taking into account different national realities, policies, priorities and requirements for entry, residence and work, in accordance with international law.
The agreement lists actions for governments to draw from, including to "promote independent, objective and quality reporting of media outlets, including internet-based information, including by sensitizing and educating media professionals on migration- 47 related issues and terminology" and to "support multicultural activities through sports, music, arts, culinary festivals, volunteering and other social events".
The agreement makes no distinction between illegal and legal migrants, but does distinguish repeatedly between regular and irregular migrants, affirms the right of states to distinguish between regular and irregular migration status, and commits signatories to "preventing irregular migration".

Migration is a global reality.

There are an estimated 281 million international migrants worldwide, and the majority of these migrants move between countries in a safe, orderly, and regular manner.
However, too many still face unspeakable abuses and find themselves in vulnerable situations.

If well governed, migration is an engine of economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

It allows millions of people to seek new opportunities each year, creating and strengthening bonds between countries and societies.

Yet migration is also a source of division within and between states and societies, often leaving migrants vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
In recent years, large movements of desperate people have cast a shadow over the broader benefits of migration.

With the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), Member States committed to making migration work for all.
Among other things, the GCM provided a comprehensive set of guidelines to sending, receiving and transition countries on how to manage migration more effectively in order to reap the benefits of this global phenomenon while neutralizing some of its drawbacks.
The GCM established the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) “as the primary intergovernmental global platform for Member States to discuss and share progress on the implementation of all aspects of the Global Compact, including as it relates to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with the participation of all relevant stakeholders.” The IMRF is to be convened every four years.

48 3.
48 3.

Discussion and Analysis on the Round tables: Progress, Challenges and gaps in the Implementation of the Global Compact Participants in the sessions had recognized the efforts and progress made and the good practices that have emerged in implementing the Global Compact.
This includes the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, by local and 3 national governments, the UN system and other international organizations, migrants, diasporas, local communities, civil society, academia, the private sector, parliamentarians, trade unions, national human rights institutions, the media, local humanitarian actors and other relevant stakeholders.
Concerns were also raised that progress in fulfilling the vision of the Global Compact to facilitate and harness the benefits of safe, orderly and regular migration is slow in many areas and that the impacts of COVID-19 have, in many instances, negatively impacted progress, and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities of migrants.

Only a limited number of Member States have developed ambitious national responses for the implementation of the Global Compact.
To this end, participants recognized that challenges and gaps in the implementation of the Global Compact exist and may be due to limited resources and national capacities, as well as inadequate coordination within governments and with stakeholders.
Key Issues Emanating from the Roundtables The discussions emanating from Roundtables began with the reflection of the keynote statements on global compact by the panellist involving members of the Civic society, Parliamentarians and other stakeholders represented in the United Nations Forum on Migration.

Key amongst the highlights was an acknowledgement that Global Compact seeks to foster International cooperation amongst Member States in an effort to combat the adverse drivers of migration.
49 The panellist further reflected on a number of key factors constitute drivers of migration in different societies.

These included climate change, which influences challenges of migration through the disasters that robs the dignity of people and lead to poverty and inequality.

This has overtime led to much displacement of persons of indigenous migrants.
Progress has been made in mainstreaming migration and mobility into national development or sector plans, climate strategies and climate change adaptation policies.
Progress has also been achieved in the conclusion of bilateral and regional labour migration agreements, efforts to simplify administrative procedures related to the migration process, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and actions to reduce vulnerabilities faced by migrants in an irregular situation, including by facilitating their access to the formal economy, labour market and basic services.
Progress has been made by many Member States, the private sector and other stakeholders in promoting fair and ethical recruitment and decent work for migrant workers, regardless of their migration status, upholding international human rights and labour standards, and banning recruitment fees and strengthening labour inspection capacities.

There has been an increased use of digital technologies during the pandemic, which enhanced the effectiveness and transparency of migration procedures.
Efforts have also been made in building the capacity of consular services and in facilitating recognition of academic and vocational qualifications and skills of migrant workers and returning migrants.

The interactions between climate change and migration present increasing challenges.

Climatic conditions, events and variability are important drivers of migration, with migration responses to specific climate hazards being strongly influenced by economic, social, political and demographic processes.
Efforts to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change have been insufficient, as acknowledged by the twenty-sixth session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and as part of the Glasgow Climate Pact.
50 There are increasing efforts by Member States to foster cross-border collaboration for the effective investigation and prosecution of human traffickers and to develop life skills for victims of trafficking in persons who return or are returned to their country of origin.
Efforts are being made to modernize border crossing points, including by simplifying procedures and upgrading infrastructure and equipment, to reduce immigration detention, including by implementing non-custodial alternatives to detention in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to end child immigration detention in line with international law.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, some Member States temporarily suspended forced returns and expanded assistance to returning migrants.
Despite the progress made, many Member States still lack robust civil registration systems or the capacity to issue identity and travel documents.

Migrants continue to face risks throughout the migration journey, owing to a lack of proof of legal identity, insufficient access to information or lack of predictability in migration procedures.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also given rise to unprecedented levels of consular collaboration to assist in the safe, voluntary and dignified return of migrants.
Efforts to provide equal and affordable access to services, including affordable access to healthcare and vaccines, as well as access to unemployment benefits and adequate social protection, and without risk of deportation or detention, have been essential in the effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular at the local level.
Progress was also made in promoting inclusion and social cohesion, including through language and professional training, employment, education and social inclusion measures, as well as through community awareness campaigns, based on the principle of equal opportunity.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Member States have taken action to reduce migrant vulnerabilities, by providing migrants, regardless of their migration status, with access to COVID-19-related healthcare services and vaccinations; by extending visa and residence permits to avoid migrants falling into an irregular status; and by halting forced returns.
Member States and stakeholders have taken steps to combat discrimination, by sharing examples of migrants and communities working together to make the places where they 51 live and work more inclusive.

Many Member States and stakeholders cooperated internationally in implementing the Global Compact, including by developing and strengthening bilateral, sub-regional, regional and inter-regional initiatives, such as bilateral labour migration agreements, and regional migration observatories.

4.
4.

Policy Debates Arising from the General Assembly: National Statements and South Africa Intervention in the General Assembly The Deputy Minister in the Department of Home Affairs presented the national statement on behalf of the Republic of South with and reported on the progress made in implementing the Global Compact since its adoption.

He indicated that subsequent to the adoption of the Global Compact on Migration, South Africa has progressively made strides in its implementation and follow up.
South Africa recognizes that a comprehensive approach to international migration is needed to optimize the overall benefits of migration, while addressing irregular migration, the risks and challenges for individuals and communities in countries of origin, transit and destination.

International and regional cooperation remains crucial at both bilateral and multilateral level to develop agreements aimed at sharing responsibility towards migration governance.
Due to the complexity of international migration in South Africa, evidence-based decision making as a universality indispensable practice in ensuring efficient management of the population, economic and social affairs remains critical.

To this end, South Africa has undertaken initiatives and collaboration efforts in ensuring informed policy decisions based on collecting and analysing disaggregated data.
South Africa believes that migration should be a choice rather than a necessity, it is therefore important to address adverse divers of migration and forced displacement as a priority.

This can only be achieved through strengthening international cooperation and partnerships to address amongst others, structural challenges that lead to poverty, inequality, unemployment, economic exclusion, food insecurity and conflicts.
In this 52 regard, South Africa continues to identify opportunities where cooperation can offer mutual benefits and investment in infrastructure.

As part of her international obligations, South Africa continues to prosecute offences related to the trafficking and smuggling of migrants.

South Africa has legal pathways for migrants to enter South Africa and can provide documentation to her nationals throughout their migration journey utilising its Consular offices across the world.
For the successful implementation of the GCM, South Africa call upon all States to strengthen their civil registration systems and document their citizens throughout the migration cycle.

South Africa also continues to develop legislative and policy frameworks towards international migration management, including White Paper on Citizenship, International Migration and Refugee Protection and National Labour Migration.

5.
5.

Adoption of the Draft Declaration During the discussions relating to the adoption of the draft declaration on the progress of International Migration in implementing the Global Compact, delegates from Ethiopia suggested amendment relating to the articulation of paragraph 13 of the declaration which they argued that its principles falls outside the broader principles of their national interests.

Ethiopia proposed for the deletion of the last sentence of paragraph 13.
This assertion was further contested by Egypt, as a consequence the General Assembly subjected to a voting process.

The outcome of the voting process suggested the remaining of the entire paragraph in the declaration.

This also led to the adoption of draft declaration by the General Assembly.

6.
6.

Overall Recommendations to Accelerate the Implementation of the Global Compact The International Migration Conference on the implementation of the Global Compact provided a relevant platform for Member States to reflect on a number of issues relating to the progress made, however more energies need to be channelled towards ensuring 53 more involvement of all the stakeholders, which include the role of civic society and the legislative arm of the State.
These may need the Inter-Parliamentary Union and Members Parliament to play an active role from the beginning in ensuring full implementation of the agreement by the Member State.

There is need for a more oversight and public participation in ensuring that challenges of migration are resolved.

Parliaments as custodians of oversight, law-making ought to be involved from the very beginning to ensure that relevant legislation is enacted to further combat adverse drivers of migration.
Parliamentary Committees have played a significant role in intervening on challenges faced by foreign national in South Africa but were not sufficiently represented in this multi-stakeholder forum from its initial stages.
There is a need to pay particular focus to unique challenges faced by different countries with respect to conduct migrants in some of the hosting countries, as such it could be recommended that both the transit and hosting country of migrants ought to play a role in ensuring that adverse drivers of migration are managed and that the authority and the laws of the hosting country respected.
Embassies ought to play a role in ensuring that the flow of information and necessary facilitation needed to ensure meaningful and timely participation of the multi-stakeholders is realised and is in keeping with the spirit of the national interests of the country throughout the process.
54 (6) Report of the meeting between the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr L Tsenoli, MP and a visiting delegation of French Senators – Members of the French – South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group held on 20 May 2022 55 CCcc Report of the Meeting between the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr L Tsenoli, MP and a visiting delegation of French Senators – Members of the French – South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group held on Friday, 20 May 2022 in Parliament 1 56 1.
Purpose of the Report To report on the Meeting between Mr L Tsenoli, MP - the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and a visiting delegation of French Senators – Members of the French – South Africa Parliamentary Friendship Group in the French Senate held on Friday, 20 May 2022 in Parliament 2.

Background The French Embassy in Pretoria initiated the meeting.

3.
3.

Purpose of the meeting The purpose of the meeting was to share information and experience on Education, Arts and Culture, International Relations matters with relevant MPs and Select Committees.

In attendance from the South African side: Mr L Tsenoli, MP – the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.

Ms N Sonjica – the Section Manager for Bilaterals and Mltilaterals and Mr Z Cawe – International Relations Officer supported the meeting.
In attendance from the French Senate side: Mrs Martine BERTHET (SENATOR) Leader of Delegation: President of the French-South Africa Friendship Group; Mr Rémy POINTEREAU (SENATOR); Mr Jean-Luc FICHET (SENATOR); Mr Maxime REVERSAT (SENATOR); Mr Olivier CADIC (SENATOR); Mr Laurent ALBERTI (CONSUL GENERAL) and Mrs Laurence PEILLEX-DELPHES (INTERPRETER).
It should be noted that the delegation requested meetings with the Ms NN Mapisa-Nqakula, MP – the Speaker of the NA; Mr Supra Mahumapelo, MP – the Chairperson of the PC on IR and Cooperation; Select Committee on Education, Science and Technology and the Select Committee on Arts and Culture.

None was available due to various commitments.

4.


Meeting discussion In his remarks, Mrs Martine BERTHET (SENATOR) Leader of the delegation and President of the French-South Africa Friendship Group thanked the Deputy Speaker for receiving them and explained the purpose of their visit to the country which is to share information and experiences on international relations, education, arts and culture matters.
She further asked the views of the Deputy Speaker on bilateral relations between France and South Africa; view of SA Parliament on European Union and the establishment of the French – SA Parliamentary Friendship Group.

In his response, the Deputy Speaker welcome the delegation and expressed his gratitude to receive the delegation.

He stressed the importance of MPs to share experiences because they are the representative of the people.
He 2 57 indicated that France and the RSA have strong historical ties especially on people-to-people relations among other things.

He shared a story of a South African artist from Free State Province who is in France on a cultural exchange programme.

He also cited the health challenges in the RSA because of Covid 19 pandemic and urged France to support initiatives of South Africa in producing its own Covid 19 vaccine by encouraging research exchanges between the two countries.
He further stated that SA government due to high rate of unemployment caused among other things, by de- industrialisation.

The RSA interest is to strengthen its economy through manufacturing industries by working with the French companies for the benefit of the majority.

On International Relations of Parliament, the Deputy Speaker pointed out that initially international relations was issue based, time now to work together with French Parliament on cross cutting areas.
He cited Committees to Committees and the establishment of the South Africa – France Parliamentary Friendship Group as vehicles to deal with those issues of mutual interests.

The Deputy Speaker however highlighted that the Parliament of the RSA has not started the process of Establishing Friendship Groups.

On SA – EU matter, the Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation regarding the EU funding which assist in capacity building programmes for MPs.
These programmes, are done in collaboration with some universities.

He mentioned the launch of the SA Parliamentary Institute.

In conclusion, the Deputy Speaker expressed a wish to visit France to learn about issues of local government.

5.

General outcomes of the meeting A question on South Africa’s view on conflict between Russia and Ukraine, The Deputy Speaker gave a detailed response to the question.

He condemned the double standards of the international community.
He made an example of a journalist killed in Palestine by Israeli soldiers.

No one raised a concern or condemned the killing of that journalist by Israeli soldier including killings in Yemen and other countries.

He asserted diplomacy as a solution in all conflicts and called for respect of International Treaties and Agreements, which were completely undermined, which led to a Russia – Ukraine War.
The meeting further deliberated and agreed as follows: 1) Regular exchanges between SA and French MPs to discuss issues of mutual interest should be encouraged; 2) Concerns of French citizens living in the RSA regarding the 8 months delay in processing visa renewals.

Delegation urged for support of Parliament to ease visa delays.

6.

Recommendations and/or Action by Parliament None 3 58 2.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (a) Government Notice No 1039, published in Government Gazette No 46328, Amendments to the Institutional statute in respect of the Cape Town University of Technology dated 20 May 2022, tabled in terms of sections 33 (2) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No 101 of 1997).
(b) Government Notice No 1840, published in Government Gazette No 46000, Amendments to the Institutional statute in respect of the University of Cape Town dated 4 March 2022, tabled in terms of sections 33 (2) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No 101 of 1997).
(c) Government Notice No 1582, published in Government Gazette No 45616, Amendments to the Institutional statute in respect of the Mangosuthu University of Technology dated 10 December 2021, tabled in terms of sections 33 (2) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No 101 of 1997).
(d) Government Notice No 1528, published in Government Gazette No 45536, Amendments to the Institutional statute in respect of the Vaal University of Technology dated 26 November 2021, tabled in terms of sections 33 (2) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No 101 of 1997).
(e) Government Notice No 1840, published in Government Gazette No 44866, Amendments to the Institutional statute in respect of the University of Mpumalanga dated 16 July 2021, tabled in terms of sections 33 (2) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No 101 of 1997).

Referred to the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation.

COMMITTEE REPORTS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 59 1.
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education on the First Quarterly Report on the Performance of the Department of Basic Education in Meeting its Pre- Determined Objectives for 2022/23, dated 11 October 2022 The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, having considered the First Quarterly Report on the performance of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in meeting its pre-determined objectives for 2022/23 reports as follows: 1.
Introduction The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education considered the First Quarterly Report on the performance of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in meeting its pre-determined objectives for 2022/23 on 20 September 2022.

Consideration of quarterly reports by committees is one of the established tools to fulfill Parliament’s oversight and accountability mandates in terms of the Constitution and under rules established by the two Houses.
Quarterly reports are enablers for in- year monitoring since they provide information on the performance of the executive against pre- determined objectives set in the annual performance plans.

This report gives an overview of the presentations made by the Department, focusing mainly on its achievements, outputs in respect of the performance indicators and planned targets of the pre- determined objectives set for 2022/23 and its financial performance.
The report also provides the Committee’s key deliberations and recommendations relating to the Department’s performance.

The achievements and output of the Department presented in this report are preliminary since they have not yet been audited.

2.
2.

Performance Indicators and Targets The Annual Performance Plan (APP) summarises the priorities of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) as aligned to the 2019-24 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) and the Action Plan to 2024: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2030.
The activities of the DBE have been structured into five programmes, namely: • Programme 1: Administration; • Programme 2: Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring; 1 60 • Programme 3: Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development; • Programme 4: Planning, Information and Assessment; and • Programme 5: Educational Enrichment Services.

3.
3.

Achievements for the First Quarter 2022/23 For the 2022/23 financial year, the Quarter One information indicated that the Department had a total of 70 indicators for all five programmes combined.

Of the 2022/23 indicators, 59 were annual targets, nine (9) were quarterly targets, one (1) being a bi-annual target and one (1) being a bi- ennial target.
As at the end of the First Quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, the Department had fully achieved six (6) targets (67 percent), partially achieved one (1) targets (11 percent) and did not achieve two (2) targets (22 percent).

4.
4.

2022/23 Quarterly Targets Not Achieved/Partially Achieved 4.1 Indicator Partially Achieved: Programme 1 “1.1.4 Number of Schedule 4, 5 and 6 Conditional Grants Quarterly Performance Reports submitted to National Treasury (NT) 45 days after the end of each quarter” The ECD function shift (7th target) commenced in April 2022, and was not part of the Conditional Grants 2021/22 QPR4, the Department will start reporting on it in Q2.
4.2 Indicators Not Achieved: Programme 5 “5.1.3 Number of districts monitored in the implementation of the National School Safety Framework (NSSF), Social Cohesion, Sport and Enrichment Programmes” and “5.1.5 Number of districts implementing the programme to end school-related gender- based violence” The year 2022 was the year of full resumption of co-curricular programmes which affected resources allocation at provincial and district levels.

The Eastern Cape Province could not be monitored.


The 12 districts in the Eastern Cape will be monitored in the second quarter.

To manage risk for future occurrence of this matter, line function will escalate the matter to Heads of Education Departments Committee (HEDCOM) for intervention.

2 61 5.
2 61 5.

Performance per Programme against Performance Indicators and Targets set for 2022/23 5.1 Programme 1: Administration - The purpose of the programme is to provide strategic leadership, management and support services to the Department.

Within this programme, the Department had six (6) targets – two (2) annual and four (4) quarterly target.
5.1.1 Quarterly Target • Percentage of valid invoices paid within 30 days upon receipt by the Department - The Department’s quarterly target was set at 100 percent.

The validated quarterly output stood at 100 percent (6 624/6 624).

This target was achieved with no deviations.

• Number of reports on misconduct cases resolved within 90 days - The quarterly target was set at one (1) reports and the validated output stood at one report.

This target was achieved with no deviation.


• Number of Schedule 4, 5 and 6 Conditional Grants Quarterly Performance Reports submitted to National Treasury (NT) 45 days after the end of each quarter – The quarterly target was set at seven (7) reports and the validated output stood at six (6) reports with a negative deviation of one (1) report.

The ECD function shift (7th target) commenced in April 2022, and was not part of the Conditional Grants 2021/22 QPR4.
Therefore, the expectation was that reporting had to be done on only 6 targets for Quarter 1 instead of 7.

The reporting on all 7 targets would commence in Quarter 2.

The target of 7 reports for the Quarter 1 is an inadvertent error on the part of the Department.
The Department will report on all 7 Conditional Grants from Quarter 2 of 2022/23 • Number of Quarterly Performance Reports submitted to National Treasury (NT) and the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) 30 days after the end of each quarter - The quarterly 3 62 target was one report and the validated output stood at one report.

This target was achieved with no deviation.


4.1.2 Annual Targets • Number of capacity-building programmes offered to the DBE officials – Although this was a quarterly target, the validated output stood at three (3) programmes offered.

• Annual Performance Plan approved by 31 March each financial year - The target was for the 2023/24 APP to be approved by March 2023.

In this regard the Department achieved the development of the management plan for the 20223/24 APP.
The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme One for the First Quarter of 2022/23, which included the following, amongst others: • Human Resource Management and Administration; • Training and Social Responsibility; • Labour Relations; • • Financial Management Services; Supply Chain Management; • Donor Grant Management; • Legislative Services; • Security and Asset Management; • United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO); • Coordination and Secretariat Support; • • • • • International Relations and Multilateral Affairs; Parliamentary and Business Processes; Internal and External Stakeholder Liaison; Intergovernmental and Technical Support; Partnerships; • Communications, Media Liaison and Intergovernmental Relations; • Communications and Research; • Internal Audit; 4 63 • Strategic Planning and Reporting; • Research Co-ordination, Monitoring and Evaluation; • Project Management; and • Government Information and Technology Officer.
4.2 Programme 2: Administration The purpose of the programme is to develop Curriculum and Assessment policies and monitor and support their implementation.

Within this programme, there were 31 performance indicators with 29 annual, one (1) quarterly and one (1) bi-annual target.
The details of the Department ‘s performance are as follows: 4.2.1 Quarterly Targets: • Number of Technical schools monitored for implementation of Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) - The quarterly target was set at six (6) schools and the validated output stood at six (6) schools.

This target was achieved with no deviation.


4.2.2 Bi-Annual Targets: • Number of learners per year obtaining subject passes towards a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or extended Senior Certificate, included upgraded NSC per year through the Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP) - The bi-annual target was set at 50 000 learners.

The validated output indicated that seven (7) centres were monitored across five (5) provinces i.e.

Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.
4.2.3 Annual Targets: • Number of Children/ Learners with Profound Intellectual Disability (C/LPID) using the Learning Programme for C/LPID - The annual target was set at 3 927 learners.

The validated output indicated process of the Term 2 Implementation Plan, Term 3 and 4 lesson plans and Register and Agenda with Grant Managers.

Monitoring tools.
An approved Director-General submission on the monitoring and support visits for 5 64 Learners with Severe to Profound Intellectual Disability (LSPID) Conditional Grants • An Annual Sector Report is produced on monitoring of the implementation of the Policy on Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) as a mechanism for early identification and intervention - The target was for an approved Annual National Report on monitoring of the implementation of the Policy on SIAS as a mechanism for early identification and intervention.
The validated output indicated that the SIAS reporting template was developed.

• An Annual National Report is produced on the development of a new funding models for ECD – The target was for an approved Annual National Report on the review of the subsidy payment mechanism.

The validated output indicated that a Draft guideline was developed to support the administration of the ECD Subsidy.
• An Annual National Report is produced on conducting an Early Childhood Development census to inform the integration of ECD into EMIS - The target was for an approved Annual National Report on the integration of ECD data into EMIS.

The validated output indicated that training was conducted for the Vangasali Online ECD Registration System for the following PEDs: Northern Cape, Limpopo, Free State, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
• An Annual National Report is produced on developing an ECD Human Resource Development (HRD) Plan – The target was for an approved National Report on the development of a new ECD service delivery model and its workforce implications.

The validated output indicated a Draft Concept Note on the Human Resource Development Implementation Plan.

• Number of districts monitored on implementation of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) for Grades 10 – 12 – The annual target was set at eight (8) districts.
The validated output stood at 18 districts.

A positive deviation of 10 districts.

The identification of districts is dictated by the NSC performance of the previous year.

Subsequent to the release 6 65 of the results, monitoring targets are affected by the following, among others: o Subjects, such as Religion Studies, Arts Subjects (Music, Dramatic Arts, Design Studies, Visual Arts and Dance Studies), are only offered at selected schools and districts.
Officials responsible for the subjects mentioned have to divert to the districts and provinces which offer these subjects, thus adding to the number of districts and provinces that are monitored.

• Number of provinces monitored on extra-support classes to increase the number of learners achieving Bachelor level passes - The annual target was set at nine (9) provinces.

The validated output indicated a total of three (3) PEDs were monitored to date.
• Number of schools monitored for implementing compulsory entrepreneurship education - The annual target was set at 180 schools (20 per province).

The validated output indicate a sample list of schools for nine (9) PEDs with the APP Management Plan and monitoring tool template developed.

• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the implementation of the General Education Certificate (GEC) - The target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the implementation of the GEC.
The validated output indicated the 2022 GEC progress report was submitted.

A training workshop was hosted from 20 – 22 May 2022 to solicit support for the 2022 field trial of the GEC as well as training officials that would cascade the training to 280 sampled schools across the country in their respective districts.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on schools that pilot and implement the Vocational Stream and Occupational Stream respectively - The target was an approved Annual Sector Report on schools that pilot and implement the Vocational Stream and Occupational Stream respectively.
The validated output indicated Draft Training Manuals were developed for: Ø Woodworking; Ø Brick Laying and Plastering; 7 66 Ø Civil Technology Ø Mechanical Technology; Ø Plumbing; and Ø Electrical Technology • Number of schools monitored for piloting the Coding and Robotics Curriculum - The annual target was set at 18 schools (two per piloting province).

The validated output indicated two schools monitored.
• Number of schools monitored on the implementation of the reading norms - The annual target was set at 18 schools.

The validated output indicates development of the monitoring schedule and instrument.

Also and approved Director-General submission on the process of monitoring of schools.

• Number of schools monitored on the implementation of the Incremental Introduction to African Languages (IIAL) - The annual target was set at 18 schools.
The validated output indicates development of the monitoring schedule and instrument.

Also approved is the Director- General submission on the process of monitoring of schools.

• Number of underperforming schools monitored on the implementation of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) - The annual target was set at 18 schools.

The validated output indicates development of the monitoring schedule and instrument.

Also approved is Director-General submission on the process of monitoring of schools.
• Number of schools with Multi-grade classes monitored for implementing the Multi-grade toolkit - The annual target was set at 32 schools.

The validated output indicates development of the monitoring schedule and instrument.

Also and approved Director-General submission on the process of monitoring of schools.

• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the implementation of the National Reading Plan – The target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the implementation of the National Reading Plan.
The validated output indicated that the provincial reporting template has been revised.

8 67 • An Annual Sector Report is produced on the number of public schools monitored on the availability of readers – The target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the number of public schools monitored on the availability of readers.
The validated output indicated that an inter-provincial meeting was held on 10 May 2022 and the DBE went through the reporting tool with the Provinces to familiarise them with the reporting requirements.

• Number of schools per province monitored for utilisation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) resources The annual target was set at 27 schools (three per province).

The validated output indicated the development of a signed monitoring plan and schedule for dates of monitoring.
The monitoring tool template developed.

• Percentage of public schools provided with Home Language workbooks for learners in Grades 1 to 6 per year, after having placed an order - The annual target was set at 100 percent.

Data from all nine (9) PEDs to inform printing and delivery for 2023.

• Percentage of public schools with Mathematics workbooks for learners in Grades 1 to 9 per year, after having placed an order - The annual target was set at 100 percent.
Data from all nine (9) PEDs to inform printing and delivery for 2023.

• Percentage of public schools with workbooks for learners in Grades R per year, after having placed an order - The annual target was set at 100 percent.

Data from all nine (9) PEDs to inform printing and delivery for 2023.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the percentage of learners provided with Mathematics and English First Additional Language (EFAL) textbooks in Grades 3, 6, 9 and 12 – The annual target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the percentage of learners provided with Mathematics and English First Additional Language (EFAL) textbooks in Grades 3.6.9. and 12.

The validated output indicate provincial reporting templates have been circulated to PEDs.
9 68 • The number of schools monitored for home languages in which Literacy Grades 1-3 Lesson Plans have been developed for terms 1-4 - The annual target was set at 10 schools.

The validated output indicates a signed monitoring plan with a monitoring schedule.

• Number of special schools with access to electronic devices - The annual target was set at 70 special schools.

The validated output indicates a total of 16 special schools achieved.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the monitoring of procurement and distribution of ICT devices - The annual target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the monitoring of procurement and distribution of ICT devices.

The validated output indicates development of the PED ICT Data Collection Tool.

• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the number of teachers trained on inclusion – The annual target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the number of teachers trained on inclusion.
The validated output indicates development of the Provincial reporting template.

• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the number of learners in public special schools - The annual target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the number of learners in public special schools.

The validated output indicates development of the Provincial reporting template.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the percentage of public special schools serving as resource centres - The annual target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the percentage of public special schools serving as resource centres.

The validated output indicates development of the Provincial reporting template.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the establishment of Focus Schools per Provincial Education Department – The annual target was an approved Annual Sector Report on the establishment of Focus Schools per Provincial Education Department.

The validated output indicates development of the Provincial reporting template.
10 69 The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 2 for the First Quarter of 2022/23, which included the following, amongst others: • Early Childhood Development (ECD); • Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) E-learning and Research; • Rural Education; • Enhancement Programmes and Evaluation of School Performance; • Reading; • Curriculum Implementation and Quality Improvement (GET and FET); • Inclusive Education; and • Second Chance Matric Programme (SCMP).
4.3 Programme 3: Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development The purpose of the programme is to promote quality teaching and institutional performance through the effective supply, development and utilisation of human resources.

Within this programme, there was a total of 11 performance indicators, 10 annual indicators and one quarterly indicators.
The details of the Department’s performance are as follows: ` 4.3.1 Quarterly Targets: • Number of quarterly monitoring reports tracking the percentage of Funza Lushaka graduates placed within six months upon confirmation that the bursar has completed studies – The target was set at one report per quarter.

The validated output indicated an approved first quarter report on placement of Funza Lushaka graduates with no deviation.
4.3.2 Annual Targets: • Percentage of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) that meet the minimum criteria in terms of effectiveness - The target was set at 70 percent of 1 000 sampled schools.

The validated output indicated the development of a SGB Functionality Survey Tool.

• Percentage of schools producing the minimum set of management documents at a required standard - The target was set at 100 percent of 11 70 1 000 sampled schools.
The validated output indicated the availability of management documents survey tool developed.

• Number of Funza Lushaka bursaries awarded to students enrolled for Initial Teacher Education per year – The target was set at 11 800 bursaries awarded.

The validated output achieved a total of 11 012 bursaries awarded.
• An Annual National Report is produced on the number of qualified teachers aged 30 and below entering the public service as teachers - The target was an approved Annual National Report on the number of qualified teachers aged 30 and below entering the public service as teachers.

The validated output achieved an approved first quarter report on the number of qualified teachers aged 30 and below entering the public service as teachers.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on monitoring the functionality of Provincial Teacher Development Institutes and District Teacher Development Centres – The target was an approved Annual Sector Report on monitoring the functionality of Provincial Teacher Development Institutes and District Teacher Development Centres.

The validated output indicates a total of 36 completed monitoring tools and nine PEDs quarterly reports submitted.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on monitoring the implementation of Teacher Development Programmes by PEDs with special focus on Language, Mathematics, Physical Science and Accounting - The target was an approved Annual Sector Report on monitoring the implementation of Teacher Development Programmes by PEDs with special focus on EFAL, Mathematics, Physical Science and Accounting.
The validated output indicates a Teacher Development monitoring tool developed and all nine PEDs submitted signed Quarter One reports.

• Number of PEDs that had their post provisioning processes assessed for compliance with the post provisioning norms and standards - The target was set at nine (9) PEDs.

The validated output indicates that letters 12 71 signed by the Director-General was sent to PEDs on monitoring of the implementation of the post-provisioning norms.
• An Annual Sector Report is produced on the number of Grade R practitioners with NQF level 6 and above qualifications produced – The target was an approved Annual Sector Report on Grade R practitioners at NQF Level 6 and above qualifications produced.

The validated output indicates a Grade R data collection tool developed.

• Number of PEDs monitored on the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS) for school-based educators - The target was set at nine (9) PEDs.
The validated output indicates that one (1) PED monitored (i.e.

Gauteng).

• Number of PEDs monitored on the implementation of the Education Management Service: Performance Management and Development System (EMS: PMDS) – The target was set at nine (9) PEDs.

The validated output indicates that three (3) PED monitored (i.e.

KwaZulu- Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape).
The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 3 for the First Quarter of 2022/23, which included the following, amongst others: • Education Labour Relations and Conditions of Service; • Education Human Resource Planning, Provisioning and Monitoring; • Educator Performance Management and Development and Whole School Evaluation; • Placement of Funza Lushaka Graduates; • Continuing Professional Teacher Development; • Initial Teacher Education; • Curriculum Research; • Teacher Development Implementation; and • Education Management and Governance Development.
4.4 Programme 4: Planning, Information and Assessment This programme is responsible for promoting quality and effective service delivery in the basic education system through planning, implementation and assessment.

The programme 13 72 had a total of 16 performance indicators made up of 15 annual and one (1) bi-ennial target.
The details of the Department’s performance are as follows: 4.4.1 Annual Targets: • Number of new schools built and completed through Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) – The annual target was set at 30 new schools built and completed.

The validated output stood at zero schools achieved to date.

• Number of schools provided with sanitation facilities - The target was set at 450 schools.

The validated output stood at 45 school.


• Number of schools provided with water facilities through ASIDI - The target was set at 50 schools.

The validated output stood at zero schools achieved to date.

• Number of General Education and Training (GET) test items developed in Language and Mathematics for Grades 3, 6 and 9 - The target was set at 500 test items developed.

The validated output indicates the test panels for the setting of the test items are being reviewed.
• Number of NSC reports produced - The target was four (4) NSC Reports.

The validated output indicates that candidates have been registered for the examination.

• Number of question papers set for June and November examinations – The target was set at 320 question papers.

The validated output indicates that the list of internal moderators appointed for November 2022 and June 2023 examinations.
• Percentage of public schools using the South African School Administration and Management System (SA-SAMS) for reporting - The target was set at 98 percent.

The validated output indicates the EMIS 2022 calendar with submission dates for reporting on the schools using SA-SAMS was communicated to the Provinces via DBE letters dated 9 April 2022.
• An Annual National Report is produced on the number of provinces monitored for implementation of Learner Unit Record Information and Tracking System (LURITS) and EMIS priorities – The target was 14 73 an approved Annual National Report on the number of provinces monitored for implementation of LURITS and EMIS priorities.

The validated output indicates the Department drafted the scheduled plan on the 2022 monitoring of the implementation of LURITS and EMIS priorities.
• An Annual National Report is produced on learning outcomes linked to the National Assessment Framework (NAF) – The target was an approved Annual National Report on the learner performance linked to the NAF.

The validated output indicates signed progress reports on the International Reading Literacy Study with signed progress reports for the 2021 systemic evaluation.
• An Annual National Report is produced on the Early Learning National Assessment (ELNA) to determine school readiness - The target was an approved Annual National Report on the second Early Learning National Assessment (ELNA).

The validated output indicates production of the 2022 Early Learning National Assessment Progress Report.

• Number of officials from districts that achieved below the national benchmark in the NSC participating in a mentoring programme - The target was set at 60 officials.
The validated output indicates an approved Director-General submission for new mentors’ cohort recruitment.

• Percentage of of District Directors that have undergone competency assessment prior to their appointment - The target was set at 97 percent.

The validated output indicates baseline data on District Directors information.

• Number of underperforming secondary schools monitored at least twice a year by sector officials - The target was set at 1 000 secondary schools.
The validated output indicates a list of underperforming secondary schools per province (1 756) had been provided by the PEDs and the monitoring instrument has been developed.

• Number of districts in which teacher development has been conducted as per district improvement plans - The target was set at 65 15 74 districts.

The validated output indicates a Draft District Improvement Plans guiding template developed.

• Number of District Director forums held – The target was set at three (3) forums.
The validated output indicate one forum achieved.

4.4.2 Biennial Targets: • Percentage of school principals rating the support services of districts as being satisfactory – The target was set at 75 percent of school principals.

The validated output indicates that the school principal’s satisfaction survey implementation plan for the 2022/23 cycle was approved and letters were sent to provinces notifying them of the survey.
The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 4 for the First Quarter of 2022/23, which included the following, amongst others: • Education Management Information System (EMIS); • Public Examinations; • Examination and Assessment System Administration; • National Assessment; • Provincial Budget and Monitoring; • Provincial and District Planning and Implementation Support; • School Level Planning and Implementation Support; • National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU); • Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC); and • Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG).
4.5 Programme 5: Educational Enrichment Services The purpose of the programme is to develop policies and programmes to improve the quality of learning in schools.

Within this programme, there was six (6) performance indicators with three (3) annual and three (3) quarterly targets.
The details of the Department’s performance in this programme are as follows: 4.5.1 Quarterly Targets: 16 75 • Number of districts monitored in the implementation of the National School Safety Framework (NSSF), Social Cohesion, Sport and Enrichment Programmes - The target for was set at 22 districts monitored.

The validated output stood at 10 districts – a negative deviation of 12.
The deviation was due to 2022 being the year of full resumption of co-curricular programmes which affected resources allocation at provincial and district levels.

The Eastern Cape Province could not be monitored.

The 12 districts in the Eastern Cape will be monitored in the second quarter.

To manage risk for future occurrence of this matter, line function will escalate the matter to HEDCOM for intervention.
• Number of learners, educators, parents, SGBs and other educations stakeholders reached through social cohesion programmes – The target was set at 1 000 and the validated output indicated a total of 2 172 achieved.

This was a positive deviation of 1 172.


The positive deviation was due to strengthened collaboration with external stakeholders being beneficial in advocating for Social Cohesion and Equity programmes • Number of districts implementing the programme to end school- related gender-based violence – The target was set at 22 districts.

The validated output stood at 10 districts – a negative deviation of 12 districts.
The deviation was due to 2022 being the year of full resumption of co- curricular programmes which affected resources allocation at provincial and district levels.

The Eastern Cape Province could not be monitored.

The 12 districts in the Eastern Cape will be monitored in the second quarter.

To manage risk for future occurrence of this matter, line function will escalate the matter to HEDCOM for intervention.
4.5.2 Annual Targets: • An Annual Sector Report is produced on the provision of nutritious meals and compliance with feeding requirements - The target was for an approved Annual Sector Report on the provision of nutritious meals and compliance with feeding requirements.

The validated output indicates and approved Annual Sector Report on the provision of nutritious meals and compliance with feeding requirements.
17 76 • Number of PEDs with approved annual business plans for the HIV/AIDS Life Skills Education Programme – The Annual Target was set at nine (9) PEDs.

The validated output indicates inter-provincial virtual meetings held with Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

• Number of professionals trained in SASCE programmes - The Annual Target was set at 900 professionals trained.

The validated output indicates a total of two workshops were conducted in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape with 142 participants.
The Department reported on further progress made in the key focus areas in Programme 5 for the First Quarter of 2022/23, which included the following, amongst others: • Safety in Education; • Sport and Enrichment in Education; • Health Promotion; • School Nutrition; • Psycho-Social Support; and • Social Cohesion and Equity in Education.

5.

Quarter One: Budget and Expenditure 5.1 Introduction The total appropriation budget of the Department for the 2022/23 financial year amounted to R29.560 billion.
A total of 82 percent of the budget amounting to R24.663 billion is allocated to transfer payments as follows: • Conditional Grants: R23.008 billion; • Transfers to Public Entities: R178.0 million; and • Other Transfers: R1.447 billion.
The remainder of the budget (R4.897 billion) is allocated to the following: • Compensation of Employees: R503.3 million; • Examiners and Moderators: R21.7 million; • Earmarked Funds: R1.300 billion; • Office Accommodation: R175.0 million; 18 77 • Specifically, and Exclusively Appropriated: R2.403 billion; • Departmental Operations: R180.6 million; and • Departmental Projects: R314.3 million.
The total actual expenditure of the Department for the 2022/23 financial year First Quarter amounts to R8.328 billion.

Expenditure amounting to R8.571 billion was made up of transfer payments as follows: • Conditional Grants: R7.116 billion; • Transfers to Public Entities: R85.7 million; and • Other Transfers: R1.369 billion.
The remainder of the expenditure (R757 million) is made up as follows: • Compensation of Employees: R128.5 million; • Examiners and Moderators: R5.6 million; • Earmarked Funds: R31.3 million; • Office Accommodation: R43.6 million; • Specifically, and Exclusively Appropriated: R472 million; • Departmental Operations: R44 million; and • Departmental Projects: R32 million.
5.2 Allocation against Expenditure per Programme for the 2022/23 Financial Year Programme Budget R’000 Expenditure Variance Percentage Spent R’000 R’000 Administration Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring Teachers, Education Human Resources and Institutional Development Planning ,Information and Assessment Educational Enrichment Services 8 826 113 2 994 101 5 832 012 33.92% Total 29 560 167 9 327 652 20 232 515 31.55% 5.2.1 Reasons for Material Variances 19 78 5.2.1.1 Programme 2: Curriculum Policy, Support and Monitoring – • Challenges/Deviation – The bulk of the allocation on this programme is in respect of the Workbooks and Conditional grants.
• Mitigatory Measures/Progress – Workbooks: The low expenditure in Programme 2 is mainly attributed to the fact that the printing of Workbooks Volume1 for the 2023 academic year is in progress.

5.2.1.2 Programme 3: Teachers, Education Human Resources Development and Institutional Development – • Challenges/Deviation – The high expenditure in this programme is due to the once-off transfer payment for Funza Lushaka Bursaries.
• Mitigatory Measures/Progress – The once-off transfer for Funza Lushaka Bursaries was made to NSFAS on 1 April 2022 5.3 Allocation Against Expenditure Per Economic Classification for 2022/23 Financial Year Economic Classification Compensation of Employees Goods and Services Budget R’000 549 328 2 246 887 Expenditure R’000 137 802 187 789 Variance R’000 411 526 2 059 098 Interest on Rent and Land 40 553 10 072 30 481 Transfers and Subsidies 24 662 313 8 570 578 16 091 735 Payments of Capital Assets 2 061 086 421 403 1 639 683 Payments of Financial Assets 8 -8 Percentage Spent 25.09% 8.36% 24.84% 34.75% 20.45% - Total 29 560 167 9 327 652 20 232 515 31.55% 5.3.1 Reasons for Material Variances 5.3.1.1 Goods and Services: 20 79 • Challenges/Deviation – Included in this item is mostly the workbooks budget.
• Mitigatory Measures/Progress – Workbooks: The low expenditure is mainly attributed to the fact that printing of Workbooks Volume 1 for 2023 academic year is in progress.

5.3.1.2 Payment for Capital Assets • Challenges/Deviation – The bulk of the allocation on this item is in respect of the ASIDI project.

• Mitigatory Measures/Progress – During the first quarter of this current year (2022/23) the Implementing Agents have reported work done with a total certified value of R352 142 885.42.
This expenditure will reflect in the second quarter once normal verification of invoices received has been done before invoices can be processed.
5.4 Allocation Against Expenditure for the 2022/23 Financial Year Other Transfers Budget R’000 Expenditure Variance Percentage Spent R’000 R’000 Compensation of Employees 503 362 128 466 374 896 Examiners and Moderators 21 661 Transfers to Public Entities 178 031 5 616 85 664 16 045 92 367 Other Transfers 1 476 605 1 369 273 107 332 Conditional Grants 23 007 677 7 115 640 15 892 037 Schools Infrastructure Backlogs Indirect Grant 2 403 119 472 171 1 930 948 Earmarked Funds 1 299 828 Departmental Operations Office Accommodation 180 645 174 987 31 264 44 409 43 609 1 268 564 136 236 131 288 25.52% 25.93% 48.12% 92.73% 30.93% 19.65% 2.41% 24.58% 24.93% 21 80 Projects Total 314 342 31 540 282 802 29 560 167 9 327 652 20 232 515 10.03% 31.55% 5.4.1 Reasons for Material Variances 5.4.1.1 Transfer to Public Entities: Transfers to public entities are processed based on projections submitted to National Treasury 5.4.1.2 Other Transfers: The high expenditure is due to the once-off transfer payment for Funza Lushaka bursary in April 2022 5.4.1.3 Earmarked Funds (Workbooks): The low expenditure is mainly attributed to the fact that printing of Workbooks Volume 1 for 2023 academic year is still in progress.
5.4.1.4 Earmarked Funds (Matric Second Chance Programme): The Programme has three (3) major cost drivers i.e.

• payment of teachers’ stipend, • printing of Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) and • hosting of workshops to develop the study guides.

The process of paying teachers is underway and expenditure will reflect in the second and third quarters of the year.

The printing of LTSM will commence as soon as the tender is finalised, and expenditure will show subsequently.
Hosting of workshops is underway and the first one started on 21 July 2022 and will end on 1 August 2022.

5.4.1.5 Projects: Most of the Departmental projects are seasonal and processing of payments will reflect in the second quarter of the year.

For example, projects such as the South African School Choral Eisteddfod take places at the end of June and payments will reflect in the second quarter of the financial year.
22 81 5.5 Allocation Against Expenditure per Conditional Grants for 2022/23 Financial Year Expenditure Variance Percentage Spent R’000 R’000 Economic Classification Learners with Profound Disability Grant Maths Science and Technology Grant Early Childhood Development Grant Education Infrastructure Grant National School Nutrition Programme HIV and AIDS Life Skills Education Grants Total Budget R’ Reasons for Material Variances 5.5.1.1 Conditional Grants: • Challenges/Deviation – The conditional grants transfers were made according to the approved payment schedule.
• Mitigatory Measures/Progress – The transfers for the conditional grants were processed as per the approved payment schedules.
5.6 Allocation Against Expenditure per Details of Transfer for the 2022/23 Financial Year Other Transfers UNESCO Membership fees ADEA Guidance Counselling and Youth Development Centre: Malawi Childline South Africa Budget R’000 17 773 1 000 204 82 Expenditure Variance Percentage Spent R’000 R’000 - - - - 17 773 1 000 204 82 - - - - 23 82 National Education Collaboration Trust Households Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality Uhambo Foundation ECD SA Congress for ECD Ntataise 120 738 3 816 2 130 826 1 083 40 246 74 - - - - NSFAS: Funza Lushaka 1 328 953 1 328 953 Total Other Transfers 1 476 605 1 369 273 Umalusi ETDP SETA South African Council for Educators Total Public Entities 162 031 472 15 528 178 031 81 016 472 4 176 85 664 80 492 -74 3 816 2 130 826 1 083 - 107 332 81 015 - 11 352 92 367 33.33% - - - - - 100% 92.73% 50.00% 100% 26.89% 48.12% 5.6.1 Reasons for Earmarked Funds Expenditure 5.6.1.1 Households • Challenges/Deviation – The transfers on Households are made to employees that have exited the system.
• Mitigatory Measures/Progress – Due to uncertainty and materiality, this item is not budgeted for during the Estimates of National Expenditure(ENE).

However, the overspending is covered during the Adjustment period.

5.6.1.2 ETDP SETA • Challenges/Deviation – The transfer to ETDP SETA is for skills development for the employees of the Department • Mitigatory Measures/Progress – Once-off transfer payment which is made annually.
24 83 5.7 Allocation Against Expenditure on School Backlogs Grant (SIBG) for the 2022/23 Financial Year Economic Classification Budget R’000 Compensation of Employees 6 712 Goods and Services 358 735 Expenditure Variance Percentage Spent R’000 R’000 2 458 53 052 4 254 305 683 36.62% 14.79% 20.45% 19.65% Building and Other Fixed Structures 2 037 672 416 661 1 621 011 Total 2 403 119 472 171 1 930 948 5.7.1 Reasons for Material Variances 5.7.1.1 Compensation of Employees • The COE budget excess will be monitored throughout the financial year, and any excess that may result will be recouped from other items within the SIBG budget.
5.7.1.2 Goods and Services • The low spending is as a result from Management fee which still needs to be processed on BAS, as soon as invoices are received from the Implementing Agent.
6 Portfolio Committee Observations and Questions The Portfolio Committee raised the following with the Department of Basic Education in respect of the First Quarterly Report for 2022/23: • In respect of the Funza Lushaka Bursary programme and placement of graduates, Members queried the following: 25 84 o Members noted that the Department reported that only 49 percent of graduates had been placed and queried how the Department was addressing the placement of Funza Lushaka graduates o Members also raised concern with the priority placement of Funza Lushaka graduates over National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and other graduates.
Member felt it was unfair and discriminatory to prioritize the Funza Lushaka Graduates.

Members urged that the Department addressed the problem with a possible review and revision of the placement policy so as to ensure fairness and equity.

o What steps had the Department taken to ensure one plan for one government for student bursaries – and had such a plan been tabled to Cabinet to resolve this challenge.
• Members requested that the Department submit the Early Childhood Development (ECD) socio-environmental impact assessment as requested at a previous meeting – but not yet received.
A Member indicated that she would submit a detailed list of questions to the Department via the Committee Secretary for detailed written responses on, amongst others: o Home-schooling capacity building and registration; o Comprehensive Sexuality Education roll-out; o Update on figures for school closures nationally; o ECD registration; o NASCA certification; o School drop-outs; o Research; and o Donors and sponsorship to support DBE.
• Members queried whether the country still had schools with Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) shortages and needed details on the schools, districts and provinces where shortages were reported.

• Regarding schools that frequently underperformed, Members queried whether principals were held accountable for such underperformance, including district and circuit officials.
26 85 • Members also queried whether there were enough educators within the system currently – it was noted that the Department was losing educators due to old-age and other factors.

Members queried the Department’s plans to address and mitigate such challenges of possible educator shortages and whether there is succession plans in place.
• With Maths Science and Technology (MST) Schools, Members queried the collaboration with Higher Education regarding plans and progress in ensuring that an adequate number of MST learners were produced to enter University studies in the MST field.

• Members also sought clarity on the performance of the various programmes and sought more detail on those programmes that were not performing adequately.
• In respect of the 3-Stream Curriculum Model, there seemed to be a disjointed understanding of Schools-of-Skills and where they were located within the system.

It is reported that learners from these schools were not certificated and recognised.

Members queried whether Schools-of- Skills formed part of the Curriculum models – and queried how the Department was addressing issues of certification/recognition.

How was Umalusi being included in the discussions around the matter.
• Regarding ECD funding, Members queried whether the Department was engaging with National Treasury around ECD funding model, budget and resource allocation to assist with the full implementation of Grade R and ECD.

• Violent behaviour in schools was increasing and Members queried whether the Department was looking to establish District Safety Plans; especially in hot-spot areas.

Members also requested the Department to consider placement of social worker and psychology students in high-risk schools.
• It was noted that the Department was dealing with cases of non-payment to be processed through courts.

Members queried the circumstances for non-payment, the amount of money this entailed and whether there was consequence management against errand officials found guilty of wrong-doing.

• With the use of Implementing Agents for DBE projects, Members sought a full analysis and report on work of the IAs, the spending on projects and effectiveness of IAs.
27 86 • Members sought clarity on how the Special Purpose Vehicle for Infrastructure would assist the Department – and whether this would exclude the Accelerated Schools Infrastructures Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) and Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) programmes currently in motion.

• Members also queried how the previous Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) audit findings assisted the Department towards improved performance.
Members also queried whether the Department was able to implement previous recommendations from the Auditor- General.

• Members queried whether the Department was able to do adequate monitoring for the uptake of the various Curriculum Streams being offered.

• A Member was of the view that the DBE First Quarterly Report should not be adopted – as her party would reserve their rights with the adoption.
• Members queried what guided the Department in choosing certain provinces and districts for projects identified • With History as a learning area, Member queried how the Department was ensuring the subject was offered as a compulsory subject in schools.
• Pertaining school sports and extra-mural sporting activities, Members congratulated those schools that were able to practice various sporting codes and urged the Department to encourage and ensure schools were assisted with re-establishment of sporting co- including collaboration with local municipalities.

• Members also queried whether the Department received plans prior to funds being allocated and transferred to recipients.
Did the Department also have Quarterly Spending plans in place – and how were Provincial Education Departments (PEDs) supported i.r.o planning, budgeting, grant allocation and spending.

• Members queried how the Department ensured that PEDs were able to cooperate with National Treasury in respect of accountability and compliance.

• Members queried the extent to which the Department was able to eradicate pit-latrines that are still in use by schools.
28 87 • With the rise in GBV, sexual harassment and bullying, Members queried the effectiveness of the implementation of current policies in place to mitigate these challenges.

• Members requested that the Department also shared their highlights in respect of the management and utilisation of funds during the 1st Quarter 2022/23.

• Regarding recent floods as reported during (April- May 2022), Members sought clarity on the provinces, districts and school that may have been affected.
On the aspect of flood donations received, Members sought clarity on who the donors were – and in what form the donations were received.

• With Coding and Robotics, Members queried the number of PEDs that were implementing and offering the subjects.

What was meant with the risk-register mentioned.

• Regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kenya, Members sought more details in respect of the MOU.
7 Responses from the Department of Basic Education Deputy Minister, Dr R Mhaule – Dr Mhaule thanked Members for their questions and requested that Members, as indicated, forwarded their detailed questions via the Committee Secretary for more detailed written responses from the Department.

She alluded to the work of the Care and Support Branch and their work in respect of school sport and extra-mural activities amongst others.

This was also integrated and collaborated with various sister departments e.g.
Health, Security, COGTA, QLTC and other relevant stakeholders.

Dr Mhaule also gave some background to the establishment of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme where the Department decided on a dedicated bursary to attract more students to study teaching.

The NSFAS was more of a general bursary offered to any student who qualified – but the Funza Lushaka was specifically for student studying teaching.

The Department absorbed all and any graduate, not only Funza Lushaka graduates.
The Deputy Minister also touched on issues pertaining to the age-cohort of the teachers within the system and mentioned that there was a large proportion who were still a young (she indicated that the Department would supply the Portfolio Committee with the necessary figures).

The Department was responding to the economic needs of the country and hence the 3-Stream Curriculum Model was adopted by the Department.
The Department continued collaborate with the Department of 29 88 Higher Education to respond to the current student dynamics and produce adequate and relevant teachers into the system.

Director-General, Mr H Mweli – Mr Mweli indicated that the Department no longer prioritised the placement of Funza Lushaka graduates over other graduates.

Members need to alert the Department where they encounter this practice for them to address it.
Regarding the underperformance of schools, the Department ensured that such schools were monitored in respect of the provisions in the relevant legislation.

The focus remained to support underperforming schools and the Department applied consequence management and accountability measures for principals and officials.

It has been reported that the Department had adequate provision of teachers – there was not an absolute shortage but a relative shortage in certain subject areas.
Mr Mweli requested the Portfolio Committee to consider having the Department present on the Curriculum Road Map of the Department which covered Curriculum-related matters as well as the various Curriculum streams.

Deputy Director-General, Mr S Padayachee – In respect of the Lamarp project, Mr Padayachee explained the original agreement with the provinces involved in the project.

The agreements were based on available budget when specific under-resourced districts were chosen.
Mr Padayachee also touched on the current attrition rate which stood at around 4-5 percent, whereby around 20 000 teachers were leaving the profession for various reasons.

The Department needed to employ around 20 000 teachers on an annual basis and utilised various methods e.g.

Funza Lushaka and NSFAS graduates, Foreign Educators etc.

Although Higher Education Institutions produced considerable number of teacher graduates, not all entered the teaching profession.
The teacher vacancy rate in provinces varied considerably.

Deputy Director-General, Mr D Van der Westhuizen – The Department was adequately monitoring and in control of all projects as they related to time-frames and costing.

It was noted that all projects with Implementing Agents went through a process of formal contracts – with a penalties regime in place to ensure projects adhered to time and budget.
The Department was also addressing issues of payments within stipulated timeframes with some historic cases currently being completed with the necessary consequence management in place.

Regarding the Special Purpose Vehicle for Infrastructure, the Department mentioned that this was run in the Presidency.
Deputy Director-General, Ms C Nogoduka – Ms Nogoduka answered on issues pertaining to Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum and the initial pilot in seven provinces, reaching a 30 89 total of 3 000 schools.

Currently the Curriculum will be rolled-out to all nine provinces by the end of the financial year.

The Department was also collaborating with relevant sister departments in this regard.
Deputy Director-General, Dr M Simelane – Dr Simelane was also of the view that a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education around the Curriculum Road Map would assist with many of the questions on the 3-Stream Model.

The Schools-of-Skills was the first set of schools that piloted the 3-stream model to prepare learners for the job-market.

Regarding the certification/recognition, the Department was in the process of finalizing the General Education Certificate (GEC) provisionally approved.
In the interim, the Department was considering a design of a report card for learners at Schools-of-Skills after completion of their education.

The Department was collaborating with Umalusi in this regard.

Deputy Director-General, Mr P Khunou – Mr Khunou alluded to programmes that were not doing well in the 1st Quarter – but were being addressed.

He further explained issues around the Quarterly Expenditure Plans and the differences with financial and non-financial budgeting.
The Department had regular meetings to discuss budgets and expenditure planning.

He further alluded to past and present audit opinions and how these assisted the Department in further improvements on audit opinions moving forward.

He also alluded to the AGSA Report on issues of Material Irregularities (MIs) which the Department was addressing.
Director-General, Mr H Mweli – Mr Mweli explained the MOU with Kenya which covered a host of areas – he promised a report to be made available to the Portfolio Committee on the matter.

With Coding and Robotics, the Department piloted around 200 school prior to the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic – all nine provinces were represented in the pilot programme (a report will be made available to the Portfolio Committee).
Mr Mweli agreed that issues of school sports were not at a desirable level and was collaborating with the Department of Sport and Recreation to assist with increasing school sport/extra-mural activities.

Mr Mweli also touched on the Lamark Project where, due to budget and funds allocation, only five provinces and five districts participated.
The Department also needed to work with municipalities in respect of District Development Models to assist with municipal infrastructure grants for sporting facilities.

The Department had received reports on all grants received for each province – and these were being monitored by the Department.

31 90 There was a Ministerial Task Team established to focus on issues of Social Cohesion implementation.

The Team is working to ensure History was considered a compulsory for all learners.
The Department will share this report with the Portfolio Committee.

Mr Mweli agreed that LTSM was a quality driver and indicated that there were some areas that experienced shortages in some grades – but no shortages in Grade 12.

Where shortages were reported, PEDs were addressing the matter.

With ablution facilities, Mr Mweli indicated that not all localities would be able to offer water- borne sanitation due to water shortages.
However, the Department ensured that these schools were provided with appropriate, approved and safe sanitation facilities.

Regarding projects, the Department continued with engagement with National Treasury regarding projects to be completed in the current financial year as well and further and outer financial years.

The Department was confident that it would receive the necessary funding to complete all projects.
Mr Mweli would ensure the Portfolio Committee received further reports on ECD implementation highlights as well as flood-affected schools in certain provinces.

There was a need to bring funding of Grade-R to the same level as all other grades.

There was a need for a new ECD delivery model and the Department was in discussion with National Treasury on full funding for the new ECD delivery model.
Deputy Minister, Dr R Mhaule – Dr Mhaule alluded to issues pertaining to the donor-funding and support from UNESCO with learner dignity packs for those affected by the recent floods.

Further to this, the Global Fund assisted school in collaboration with Social Development with school uniforms through funds made available.
8 Portfolio Committee Recommendations Based on the observations made above, the Portfolio Committee requests that the Minister of Basic Education ensure that the Department of Basic Education consider these recommendations: 32 91 • The Department should review any policy or practice that prioritises placement of Funza Lushaka graduates above other graduates.

Further to ensure adequate placement of all graduates as per the needs of the provincial departments.
• The Department should submit written reports on the following: § A detailed report on breakdown of the teachers’ cohort in the system (figures for attrition, retirements, resignations, teacher shortages, age-analysis) § Submit a report on the breakdown of teachers in the employment of the department whose services are utilized for respective MST subjects from Funza Lushaka, NSFAS graduates, Foreign Educators etc.
§ Report on Kenya MOU/Bilateral § Report on Coding and Robotics implementation of pilot study § Report of Ministerial Task Team on Social Cohesion and compulsory History Subject offering.

§ Report on ECD implementation highlights § Report on flood-affected schools in certain provinces § Report on the ECD socio-environmental impact assessment.

• Ensure that all LTSM shortages are urgently addressed before the end of academic year 2022.
• Ensure consequence management for principals and departmental officials where schools continue to underperform.

• Strengthen collaboration with Umalusi to finalise the General Education Certificate so-as to ensure learners at Schools-of-Skills are adequately recognised and certificated.

• Ensure finalisation of engagements with National Treasury regarding the ECD funding model, budget and resource allocation to assist with the full implementation of Grade R and ECD.
• The department should consider the establishment of District Safety Plans and possible placement of social worker and psychology students to support high-risk schools that are prone to violence.

• The department must ensure consequence management of errand officials found guilty of wrong-doing in respect of timeous payments of service providers • The department should ensure adequate monitoring on the uptake of the various Curriculum Streams being offered.
• In collaboration with sister departments, ensure that schools are assisted with re- establishment of sporting codes and extra-mural activities.

33 92 • Ensure PEDs are able to cooperate with National Treasury in respect of accountability and compliance.

Report to be considered.

34 93 National Council of Provinces 1.
Report of the Select Committee on Security and Justice on the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid: Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 30 November 1973, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996, and the Explanatory Memorandum to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid: Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 30 November 1973, dated 12 October 2022.
The Select Committee on Security and Justice, having considered the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid: Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 30 November 1973, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996, and the Explanatory Memorandum to the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid, reports as follows: 1.
The Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (“the Convention”) has its roots in the opposition by the United Nations to the discriminatory racial policies of the South African apartheid government, declaring apartheid to be a crime against humanity.

2.
2.

Notably, the Convention declares Apartheid a crime against humanity and that inhuman acts resulting from the policies and practices of apartheid and similar policies and practices of racial segregation and discrimination are international crimes, constituting a serious threat to international peace and security.

3.

The Convention defines the crime of apartheid as including “similar policies and practices of racial segregation and discrimination as practised in Southern Africa”.
This covers “inhuman acts committed for the purpose of establishing and maintaining domination by one racial group of persons over any other racial group of persons and systematically oppressing them”.

94 4.

The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 30 November 1973 and came into force on 18 July 1976.

To date, 110 States Parties have ratified or acceded to the Convention.

5.
5.

Cabinet approved accession to the Convention on 24 February 2021 and, in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, the Convention now requires the approval of both Houses of Parliament.

6.

The Convention was tabled for approval and was referred to the Committee on 15 April 2021 for consideration and report.

The Committee was briefed on the Convention on 21 September 2022.

Recommendation 7.
Recommendation 7.

Having considered the International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid: Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 30 November 1973, tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996, and the Explanatory Memorandum to the Convention, referred to it, the Committee recommends that the National Council of Provinces approve the Convention.

Report to be considered 95 2.


Report of the Select Committee on Security and Justice on the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996, and the Explanatory Memorandum to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), dated 12 October 2022.
The Select Committee on Security and Justice, having considered the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996, and the Explanatory Memorandum to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), reports as follows: 1.
The Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (“the Convention”) is intended to prevent and eradicate the enforced disappearances of persons described under international law as crimes against humanity.

2.
2.

The Convention defines enforced disappearance as “the arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorisation, support or acquiescence of the State, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation of liberty or by concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the disappeared person, which place such a person outside the protection of the law”.

3.
3.

The Convention was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 20 December 2006, and came into force on 23 December 2010.

4.

To date, 68 State Parties have ratified or acceded to the Convention.

5.

The Convention with the Explanatory Memorandum, was referred to the Committee for consideration and report on 17 August 2022.

The Committee was briefed on 21 September 2022.

96 Recommendation 6.


Having considered the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), tabled in terms of section 231(2) of the Constitution, 1996, and the Explanatory Memorandum, referred to it, the Committee recommends that the National Council of Provinces approve the Convention.

Report to be considered 97