Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698830906694.pdf (South Africa)
Tuesday, 25 May 2021] No 68—2021] THIRD SESSION, SIXTH PARLIAMENT PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA _____________________ ANNOUNCEMENTS, TABLINGS AND COMMITTEE REPORTS _____________________ TUESDAY, 25 MAY 2021 _____________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly 1.
Correction in Budget Vote Speech of Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture during debate on Vote 37 .................................................................. 2 TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 1.

Speaker and Chairperson (PGIR Reports) ........................................................................ 2 COMMITTEE REPORTS National Assembly 1.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development ..................................................... 117 1 National Council of Provinces 1.

2.
2.

Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure ................................................................................... 122 Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure ................................................................................... 161 ANNOUNCEMENTS National Assembly The Speaker 1.
Correction in Budget Vote Speech of Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture during debate on Vote 37 (a) A letter dated 14 May 2021 has been received from the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, informing members of the Assembly about the correction of the amount spent on building the Steve Biko Heritage Complex in Ginsberg, as stated in his closing remarks on 13 May 2021 during the mini plenary session on the budget vote 37.

National Council of Provinces The Chairperson 1.


Membership of Committees (a) Changes in the membership of Committees in the Council Select Committee on Land Reform, Environment, Mineral Resources and Energy (Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Mineral Resources and Energy) Appointed: Resigned: Hon.

Mr M A P De Bruyn (Free State – FF Plus) Hon.


Mr A B Cloete (Free State - FF Plus) Select Committee on Public Enterprises and Communications (Public Enterprises and Communications) Appointed: Resigned: Hon.

Mr M A P De Bruyn (Free State - FF Plus) Hon.

Mr A B Cloete (Free State - FF Plus) Select Committee on Finance Appointed: Hon.

Mr S J Mohai (Free State - ANC) – alternate 2 Resigned: Hon.

Mr A B Cloete (Free State - FF Plus) – alternate Select Committee on Appropriations Appointed: Resigned: Hon.
Mr S J Mohai (Free State - ANC) – alternate Hon.

Mr A B Cloete (Free State - FF Plus) – alternate Select Committee on Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure (Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure) Appointed: alternate Resigned: Hon.

Mr M A P De Bruyn (Free State - FF Plus) – Hon.


Mr S J Mohai (Free State - ANC) – alternate Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour (Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development and Tourism, Employment and Labour) Appointed: alternate Resigned: Hon.

Mr M A P De Bruyn (Free State - FF Plus) – Hon.


Mr S J Mohai (Free State - ANC) – alternate Ad hoc Committee on the North West Intervention Appointed: alternate Resigned: Hon.

Mr M A P De Bruyn (Free State - FF Plus) – Hon.

Mr A B Cloete (Free State - FF Plus) – alternate TABLINGS National Assembly and National Council of Provinces 1.

The Speaker and the Chairperson DELEGATION REPORTS ADOPTED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (PGIR) ON 14 MAY 2021.
(a) Report of the G20 P20 Summit, Japan - 3-5 November 2019 3 Report of the Speaker of the National Assembly on the G20 Speakers Summit in Japan, held on 03 to 5 November 2019.

1.

Introduction 1.1.

From 03 to 05 November 2019, the Heads of Parliaments of the G20 countries and other invited countries held the sixth P20 Summit in Japan.
The G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (the Summit) was hosted by the House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan (Japan’s National Parliament) in conjunction with the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The aim of the Summit is to enhance and strengthen the role of Parliaments, as legislative and oversight institutions, in global and multilateral affairs.

1.2.

The P20 Summit was held after the G20 Summit which took place in Osaka in June 2019.
It was attended by almost 30 parliamentary leaders which included 13 Speakers or Presidents as well as 11 Vice-Speakers or Vice Presidents from the G20 members and other invited countries.

The Summit was opened by the President of the House of Councillors in Japan, President Akiko Santo.

The IPU President, President Gabriela Cuevas Barron also made opening remarks.

1.3.
1.3.

The focus of this year’s Summit was on the promotion of free, open, fair and non-discriminatory trade and investment; the utilisation of innovative technologies for a human centred future; and on efforts aimed at resolving global challenges and the achievement of sustainable development (including the financing of development and transparent and effective government).

1.4.
1.4.

The South African Parliament was represented by the National Assembly Speaker, Ms Thandi Modise, The Speaker was one of the keynote speakers on the “promotion of free, open, fair and non-discriminatory trade and investment” session.

She also participated in other sessions focusing on innovative technologies and the sustainable development goals.

Honourable Modise also held bilateral meetings with the Speakers of Turkey and Italy.

1 4 2.
1 4 2.

Keynote Address by National Assembly Speaker on the Promotion of Free, Open, Fair and Non- discriminatory Trade and Investment 2.1.

Ms Modise highlighted the glaring inequalities and the indignity of poverty in least developed and developing countries, emphasising that for the continent of Africa to succeed in ending poverty and ensuring equality, it needed economic growth.

She said that South Africa and Africa had not fully recovered from the impact of the global financial crises of 2008.
She highlighted some factors that affected economic growth such as policy uncertainty and trade tensions, particularly between the US and China.

She said that developing countries are often not part of these fights but get indirectly affected negatively as global trade and investment performance is affected.

2.2.
2.2.

Ms Modise said that Parliaments have an important legislative and oversight role to play in the building and monitoring of mechanisms that will help to promote inclusive growth and sustainable industrialisation.

She called for the review of the systems and frameworks established by the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in the 1990s.

She said that when the WTO’s multi-lateral system of free trade was established, it was to allow for globalisation while enabling a fair trade system.
She added that it was also about protecting the well-being of all countries, although developing and least developed countries have mostly had the short end of the stick.

She emphasised the need to protect the interest of developing and least developed countries who have historically been left behind from sharing the benefits of free trade.
She said this will help to rectify the perception that the current WTO system favoured developed economies at the expense of developing countries’ economic, social and human development.

2.3.
Among other issues, Honourable Modise emphasised the responsibility of parliaments as legislative and oversight institutions to ensure that reforms envisaged in the WTO system are clearly articulated, from the dispute resolution mechanisms to special and differential treatment of 2 5 developing and least developed economies to curbing unfair unilateral practices which have resulted in deindustrialisation and the obliteration of infant industries in many developing and least developed countries as a result of unfair competition from highly subsidised imports from advanced economies.
2.4.

She further highlighted the desires and aspirations of developing and least developed economies to grow their economies stating that “…All countries want to grow.

All citizens deserve to live out their aspirations within their home countries.

All human beings deserve space to build their lives, to choose to live where they want to grow old subject to the laws of the host countries they chose.” 3.

Declaration of the G20 Speakers’ Summit 3.1.


The Summit discussed and adopted a Joint-Statement made up of 25 cross-cutting points on all the themes of the Summit and other issues.

The Joint-Statement is attached to this report as Annexure A.

3.2.
3.2.

It, among other issues, noted the wide range of global issues that the G20 countries have sought to find solutions to and cooperation on in order to achieve common goals ranging from the new technologies, digitalization, the macro-economic implications of ageing, gender equality, food security, energy, climate change, health, anti-terrorism, migration and refugee protection, while retaining the G20 countries’ focus on economic growth and sustainable development.

3.3.
3.3.

The Joint-Statement encouraged the G20 leaders to “make good on their commitments to actively pursue strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth”.

It urged for the preservation and strengthening of the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core.

3.4.

It stated that “As people’s representatives, who perform the core function of law-making, budgeting and oversight, parliamentarians must contribute substantively to the G20 process.
The voice of our parliaments needs to be heard at international meetings…to help address a persistent democracy gap in international relations.” 3 6 3.5.

It raised deep concerns about the state of the global economy which remained profoundly imbalanced in terms of social, developmental and environmental impacts, calling for the harnessing of opportunities that arose from the green economy, among others.

3.6.
3.6.

The Joint-Statement reaffirmed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as constituting a roadmap for fair, equitable and sustainable development.

It called for greater efforts to increase the capacity of parliaments to transform the SDG commitments into national realities and active parliamentary engagement in the united Nation’s High-Level Political Forum, which is the main international mechanism for monitoring the implementation of SDGs.

3.7.
3.7.

It reaffirmed the Summit’s commitment to combatting corruption in all its forms and calling for open, transparent and accountable governance and showing support for the enactment of legislation on anti-corruption measures.

In this regard, South Africa called for the Summit to support and push for countries, particularly developed countries, to enact foreign bribery legislation.
The latter recommendation was not endorsed by the Summit due to the late introduction of the “foreign bribery” aspect of the recommendation was a new introduction as it had not been discussed before.

3.8.

The Summit affirmed multilaterism as the best option to maintain peace and achieve sustainable development through the open, transparent, fair and non-discriminatory world trading system.
I urged all countries to refrain from protectionist measures and all trade practices that were inconsistent with the WTO rules.

It said that “tariffs and non-tariff measures should never be imposed arbitrarily or unilaterally based on political objectives”.
It further agreed that the global trading system was currently falling short of its objectives, calling for the reform of the WTO and “efforts to be devoted to developing and least developed countries, with a special focus on the concerns and interests of farmers as well as of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises as creators of jobs and engines for innovation.” 4 7 3.9.
On technology and human development, the Summit said that Parliamentarians must play their part in “fostering an environment where science, technology and innovation make positive contributions to peace, development and human well-being, while simultaneously limiting or mitigating associated risks and protecting the planet.” 3.10.
On gender equality, the Summit welcomed the G20’s renewed commitment to promoting gender equality in line with SDG 5 and to pursuing the Brisbane Goal, which aims to reduce the gender gap in labour force participation by 25% by 2025.
It also expressed support for the G20s determination to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls as well as gender-based violence, acknowledging the importance of the recently adopted Convention Concerning the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the World of Work and emphasizing that gender equality and women’s empowerment lead to greater prosperity and sustainable development for the whole of society.

3.11.
3.11.

The Summit further made observations and resolutions on climate change, universal access to health care, the combatting of extremism, xenophobia and terrorism and other related threats.

3.12.

The Summit called upon the G20 leaders to recognize the Speakers’ Summit (P20) as a parliamentary contribution to the overall G20 process, resolving to communicate the Joint Statement to the respective Heads of State and Government and engaging in the implementation of the G20 countries’ shared commitments.
4.

Bilateral Meeting with Turkey 4.1.

Honorable Modise met her counterpart, the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr Mustafa Sentop, on 04 November to discuss issues of interest.

This was a follow up meeting 5 8 between the countries as they met during the same forum in 2018, in Argentina.

The Speakers spoke about the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the need to strengthen trade relations.

4.2.
4.2.

Mr Sentop said that the most important topic on his agenda was the issue of a Turkish terrorist group operating primarily in Turkey.

Mr Sentop described this group as the next generation of international terrorist organizations.

He said there was information that it was already operating in many other countries.

He said the organization was using educational institutions and civil society organizations to disguise itself.
He said that there was information that this terrorist organization is also operating is South Africa’s educational institutions and civil society.

4.3.

Ms Modise confirmed that she had been made aware of the presence of this terrorist organization in South Africa.

She said that she had met and informed the President of South Africa about it.

She also committed to alert the security cluster Ministers about this group in South Africa and the need to monitor its activities.
She also raised concerns about the Turkish- Syria situation.

4.4.

Mr Sentop extended an invitation to the Speaker of the National Assembly to visit the Turkish Parliament when it celebrates its centenary celebrations in 2020.

Ms Modise committed to honour the invitation to Turkey as early as next year.

5.

Bilateral Meeting with Italy 5.1.

The Speaker, Ms Modise also met with her Italian counterparts, Sen. Ignazio La Russa (Vice President of the Senate of the Republic) and Hon.
Mara Carfagna (Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies) of the Italian Parliament.

5.2.

5.3. and talked about the countries friendship and cooperation, recalling the long standing relations after the democratic dispensation in South Africa.

6 9 6.

Observations and Recommendations 6.1.

I suggest that any observation and recommendation that the Speaker wishes to make as a result of the Summit be added here.
This may include issues that may need to be referred to other authorities such as the terrorism issue raised by Turkey and other issues that may need to be referred to Committees for monitoring and oversight.

7.

Vote of Thanks 7.1.

The Speaker wishes expressed appreciation to Mr LS Ngonyama, Ambassador of South Africa to Japan, Mr Royce Kuzwayo, Minister Plenipotentiary and Ms T Grobbelaar, Counsellor Political for their support to the delegation during the visit to Japan.

Other issues 7.2.
Other issues 7.2.

The Declaration/ or joint statement to be annexed to the report as Annexure A.

7.3.

The Programme of the P20 Summit to be Annexed as Annexure B.

7 10 Executive Summary of the Delegation Report of the Speaker of the National Assembly on the G20 Speakers Summit in Japan, held on 03 to 5 November 2019.

1.

Introduction 1.1.

From 03 to 05 November 2019, the Heads of Parliaments of the G20 countries and other invited countries held the sixth P20 Summit in Japan.
The G20 Parliamentary Speakers Summit (the Summit) was hosted by the House of Councillors of the National Diet of Japan (Japan’s National Parliament) in conjunction with the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The aim of the Summit is to enhance and strengthen the role of Parliaments, as legislative and oversight institutions, in global and multilateral affairs.

The P20 Summit was held after the G20 Summit which took place in Osaka in June 2019.
It was attended by almost 30 parliamentary leaders which included 13 Speakers or Presidents as well as 11 Vice-Speakers or Vice Presidents from the G20 members and other invited countries.

The Summit was opened by the President of the House of Councillors in Japan, President Akiko Santo.

The IPU President, President Gabriela Cuevas Barron also made opening remarks.

1.2.
1.2.

The focus of this year’s Summit was on the promotion of free, open, fair and non-discriminatory trade and investment; the utilisation of innovative technologies for a human centred future; and on efforts aimed at resolving global challenges and the achievement of sustainable development (including the financing of development and transparent and effective government).

1.3.
1.3.

The South African Parliament was represented by the National Assembly Speaker, Ms Thandi Modise, The Speaker was one of the keynote speakers on the “promotion of free, open, fair and non-discriminatory trade and investment” session.

She also participated in other sessions focusing on innovative technologies and the sustainable development goals.

Honourable Modise also held bilateral meetings with the Speakers of Turkey and Italy.

11 Resolutions 1.1.
11 Resolutions 1.1.

It, among other issues, noted the wide range of global issues that the G20 countries have sought to find solutions to and cooperation on in order to achieve common goals ranging from the new technologies, digitalization, the macro-economic implications of ageing, gender equality, food security, energy, climate change, health, anti-terrorism, migration and refugee protection, while retaining the G20 countries’ focus on economic growth and sustainable development.

1.2.
1.2.

The Joint-Statement encouraged the G20 leaders to “make good on their commitments to actively pursue strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth”.

It urged for the preservation and strengthening of the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core.

1.3.

It stated that “As people’s representatives, who perform the core function of law-making, budgeting and oversight, parliamentarians must contribute substantively to the G20 process.
The voice of our parliaments needs to be heard at international meetings…to help address a persistent democracy gap in international relations.” 1.4.

It raised deep concerns about the state of the global economy which remained profoundly imbalanced in terms of social, developmental and environmental impacts, calling for the harnessing of opportunities that arose from the green economy, among others.
The Joint-Statement reaffirmed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as constituting a roadmap for fair, equitable and sustainable development.
It called for greater efforts to increase the capacity of parliaments to transform the SDG commitments into national realities and active parliamentary engagement in the united Nation’s High-Level Political Forum, which is the main international mechanism for monitoring the implementation of SDGs 12 (b) Report of the SADC-PF EXCO Meeting, Gauteng, 6-7 November 2019 13 REPORT ON THE MEETING OF THE SADC-PF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 1 14 1.
INTRODUCTION The meeting of the SADC-PF Executive took place in the 4 on Bath Hotel, Rosebank, Johannesburg from 6 to 7 November 2019.

The Parliament of the Republic of South Africa was represented by the following: • The Hon N Ndaba, who stood in for The Speaker, Hon T Modise • (Member of the Executive Committee of the SADC-PF), Ms N Cedile: Section Manager: IRPD Operations (responsible for production of the report of the Executive Committee meeting).
DAY 1 1.1 CREDENTIALS AND APOLOGIES The Executive Committee Meeting was attended by 12 member Parliaments, with 9 apologies received and recorded.

Apologies were received from: • Botswana, Mauritius whose Parliaments are both dissolved, • Hon Speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi of Namibia, an ex officio member, • Hon Matsepo Molise- Ramokoane, RWPC Chairperson and ex officio member, • Hon Justice Dr Patrick Matibini SC of Zambia, • Seychelles and South Africa who both had proxies.

2.
2.

WELCOME REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON The welcome remarks were made by the President Hon.

Speaker V Nataniel Macamo Ndlhovo who also chaired the meeting.

In her welcome remarks the President welcomed all Speakers in attendance and emphasised the fact that Speakers were an inspiration to the work of the body.

She also mentioned that the Executive Committee of SADC-PF is charged with the overall management of the Parliamentary Forum.
It was therefore incumbent that the Executive Committee members had to try and attend the EXCO meetings so that proper decisions could be taken timeously for the success of the Forum.

The President also mentioned that it would have been a welcome gesture if South Africa were to host the 46th Plenary Meeting as Namibia, the hosting member would be holding national elections closer to the designated Plenary Meeting.
The fact that South Africa is central dates also speaks to the reduction of travelling costs for member Parliaments.

DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 2 15 The president lauded the free and fair elections of Botswana and Mozambique.

She mentioned the fact that SADC-PF was unable to field an Election Observation Mission to the mentioned elections due to financial constraints.

3.
3.

ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA Hon Speaker Adv Jacob Mudenda decried the chronic absence of Exco members, a situation the Transformation of the Forum into a Parliament.

issues with special reference to misinterpretation of leading to The DRC put forward that they are not tendering any apologies for the Speaker of the DRC, Hon Jeanine Mabunda.

After a lengthy discussion, it was reiterated that the SADC- PF Constituiton stipulates that Speakers are leaders of the SADC-PF delegation.
It was decided that the matter had to be dealt with by the President.

The Agenda for the Executive Committee meeting 6-7 November 2019 was adopted subject to motion that designate members of the Exco should try by all means to attend Exco meetings instead of sending proxies.

The adoption was moved by Zimbabwe and seconded by Angola.

4.

CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD FROM 18TH TO 19TH JULY 2019, AT THE JOACHIM IN MAPUTO, CHISSANO MOZAMBIQUE.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE CENTRTE The matter of an applicant from Eswatini for the position of the Secretary General of the SADC-PF who had lodged a query with the Forum regarding his application was regarded as closed after the procedure was explained to the applicant and the matter was closed.

The matter of the merging of the Administration and Finance raised questions about checks and balances in this office and it was decided that the matter be tabled at the 46th Plenary Assembly.
The Internal Audit report was adopted and was to be taken to the 46th Plenary Assembly.

4.1.

CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT OF THE JOINT SESSION OF THE LEGAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES SUB-COMMITTEE.

The Chairperson, Adv Jacob Mudenda highlighted the need by each representative of the Forum to take the Oath or Affirmation of Adherence to the Forum.

DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 3 16 4.2.
CONSIDERATION OF THE GUIDELINES TO STRENGTHEN THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND OVERSIGHT OF THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL The Exco had adopted the Guidelines without amendments and had tabled them in the 45th Plenary Assembly.

4.3.

CONSIDERATION OF SECRETARY-GENERAL’S CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT The Exco had approved the conditions of service of the SG without any variation and had tabled them at the 45th Plenary in accordance with Article 10(1) of the Forum’s Constitution.

4.4.
4.4.

ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANT TO DEVELOP A RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY The Exco adopted the terms of reference for the Consultant to develop a Risk Management Policy for the Forum but stressed the need for an indicative budget and time-frames to be clarified in the contract.

This is to prevent a situation where the the contract is open-ended and could be open to abuse.

5.
5.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT The President raised the matter of the 49th Heads of Government and States’ interest in monitoring the transformation of the SADC-PF into a Regional Parliament and reported that there is gradual progress in this matter towards the correct direction.

The President encouraged transparency by all member Parliaments regarding their sentiments in the matter and emphasised that such transparency is of paramount importance.
The President of the Forum proposed that the Speakers need to put together an input aimed to be tabled at the SADC HOGs and States meeting in August 2020, in line with Article 9 of the SADC-PF Constitution.

This initiative would be led by Zimbabwe, Angola, Namibia and Mozambique including the President as Chairperson, and if the President cannot be part of this initiative, then the Vice-President would be in her place.
After much debate, it was decided that the Speaker of Zimbabwe and the Speaker of Namibia would put together the document so envisaged to be tabled at the HOGs and States meeting.

The President commended the SADC Group and the Africa Geopolitical Group for supporting Hon Speaker of Zimbabwe Adv Jacob Mudenda towards his and eventual election as Vice President of the IPU.

The Speakers would then be preparing for the Speakers’ Conference scheduled to be held in Vienna in 2020.
Hon Speaker of Zimbabwe was also elected the representative of the Africa Group at the 141st IPU.

DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 4 17 The President raised the matter of the mobilisation of resources to conduct the Forum’s activities and reiterated that countries who are owing should speed up the payment of their annual subscriptions.
The 5% increment in the annual subscription was also raised and the President implored the member Parliament to think hard at looking to increase the annual subscription fee.

The Model Law for Public Financial Management was also raised by the President and member Parliaments were encouraged to adopt it.
The principle of rotation for the hosting of Plenary meeting as contained in the SADC Constitution was emphasised with the President reminding member Parliaments to adhere to this principle and to commit when the time came to host arrived.

With respect to the hosting of the 46th SADC-PF Plenary it was decided that South Africa would have to be approached to host the Plenary in November 2019 since Namibia would be having national elections during this time.
A request would be forwarded to South Africa regarding the matter.

6.

SECRETARY GENERAL’S REPORT The Report of the Secretary General encompasses the actions taken by the Secretariat as initiated pursuant to the instructions of the President of the Forum and Resolutions of the Mozambique 2019 Plenary Assembly.
6.1 The continuous implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Forum The purpose of the exercise, as approved by the 44th Plenary Assembly, is a need to ensure financial and human resource sustainability of the Forum through good governance and prudent financial planning.

• A Consultant has been appointed for the exercise.

The Consultant will report to the Exco in the forthcoming meeting.
6.2 The SRHR, HIV/AIDS Governance Project with Sweden The total budget approved is USD US$3,215,247 towards the implementation of the Project.

A call to all Parliaments had been made in August 2019.

So far Project Implementation Agreements have been concluded with Zambia, Zimbabwe, the Kingdom of Eswatini and Seychelles.

• Parliaments need to respond to the Call for Participation as the Secretariat has a window period of 4 weeks which expires with the end of the year.
DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 5 18 6.3 The Transformation of the Forum into a SADC Regional Parliament Taking from the 39th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit of August 2019 in Tanzania the SADC Secretariat and the SADC-PF Secretariat are to reinforce the transformation proposal before the its consideration in August 2020.
- The SADC Council had taken a decision that a comprehensive study needed to be done on the Parliamentary Model the proposed SADC Parliament would assume in terms of mandate, powers and functions.

- A Roadmap for the transformation needed to be prepared.

- The above-mentioned items would be incorporated into a Report to be submitted by the SADC Secretariat at the 40th Summit in August 2020.

The ongoing lobby for the transformation by the EXCO members with their respective Heads of States is requested.
6.4 The Kethusegile-Juru case This matter refers to the outstanding legal costs that were to be paid by the Forum to Ms Kethusegile-Juru following the judgement of the SADC Tribunal in 2010.

An amount of N$150,000 was paid in full and final settlement to the claimant, which amount is much less than what was initially requested.

• The matter of Ms Kethusegile-Juru has been closed in the Forum’s books.
6.5 The holding of Election Observation Missions A review and rethink of the strategy concerning the organisation of Election Observation Mission is highly needed.

A resource mobilisation paper is currently underway for potential donors to fund EOMs by linking the Afrobarometer data particularly with respect to governance and the organisation of free and fair elections in the SADC Region.

This is geared towards the improvement of the organisation of EOMs under the auspices of the Forum.
6.6 Participation of the Forum in Interparliamentary events and building of networks This is necessary so that the Forum is able to know and implement the decisions and resolutions of the interparliamentary events.

6.7 The monitoring of the Model Law on Child Marriages through the Oversight Committee The first meeting of the Oversight Committee took place on 6-7 May 2019.
The second meeting’s focus will be on the monitoring tools to be used to enhance the monitoring of DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 6 19 the SADC Model Law on Child Marriages and other gender-related policies of the Forum such as the Gender Responsive Oversight Model (GROM).

6.8 Renovation of the official residence of the Secretary General An independent building professional is to be appointed after consultation with the Namibian Ministry of Works.
In addition, Namibia is to give a report in the next Exco.

The Treasurer of the Forum is to prepare an appropriate opinion to the Exco after the discussion with the Ministry.

6.9 The salary review for employees of the Forum and the concomitant Job Evaluation exercise • • It is necessary that terms of reference need to be tabled before the EXCO before any decision is taken on the matter.

In addition, there should be a clear alignment of the Job Descriptions of the staff of the Secretariat.
• There should also be the system of Performance Management in place.

• A consultant has to be appointed to carry out the completion of the task.

6.10 The invitation to the Union of Comoros and Madagascar to join the Forum The Parliament of Madagascar has indicated its intention to join the Forum and observers from that Parliament have already been part of the Committee Meetings held from 28 to 31 October 2019 in Johannesburg.
There is ongoing effort through the Indian Ocean Grouping with the support of the Parliament of the Seychelles and the Parliament of Mauritius to canvass the Parliament of the Union of Comoros to join the Forum.
6.11 Identification of a theme for the 46th Plenary Assembly The theme on Universal Health Coverage has been arrived at taking into consideration of the running themes in the UN General Assembly, the Inter Parliamentary Union as well as the start within the SADC Region of the SRHR Project (2019-2012).

Thus the theme for the upcoming 46th SADC-PF Plenary Assembly will be: “The Role of Parliaments in Promoting Universal Health Coverage by 2030”.

7.
7.

TREASURER’S REPORT 7.1 Status of Members’ contribution Seven Parliaments have fully paid their contribution as at 17 July 2019.

Others have made part payments to be fully paid by the end of the year 2019.

Delays in payments have been caused by various factors including elections in some countries.

DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 7 20 7.2 Level of Annual Contribution A proposal of a 5% increase in the Annual Contribution for 2020-21 was made by the Finance Sub-Committee.
The FSC considered the inflation rate in Namibia over a period of 5 years which is currently standing at 6.15% as justification for the request to increase the annual subscription fee.

• The Secretariat is to prepare a full justification to support the increase so requested and to also demonstrate cost saving measures made to-date.

7.3 Once-off contribution and the Secretary General’s official residence Amounts totalling N$ 5, 280, 000 were received from 12 countries.

One country remained outstanding.


Of the received amount N$ 4, 460.043 has already been spent in the purchase price, Deed Registration, Repairs, Renovations.

There is an amount of N$150,534 available.

7.4 Forum’s Expenditure The issue of the static annual subscription fee leads to the Forum experiencing negative variances, but on the Balance Sheet positive balances are discernible in Cash and Cash Equivalents and the Accumulated Surplus showing a welcome decrease.
7.6 Cash Flow and Liquidity Risks As of July 2019 2 countries remain with outstanding Annual Contributions but a pledge was received from one of the countries that the outstanding amount will be made good by 8 November 2019.

7.7 Cost-cutting measures The Secretariat’s Finance and Administration Departments were merged with the result that one incumbent headed both portfolios.
However, a request from the Secretariat was that there should be a consideration of incentives to the staff concerned for undertaking additional duties.

• It was decided that this matter will be finalised in tandem with the implementation of the Strategic Plan of the Forum.

• The retirement of 2 employees with six month’s salary on account of ill health and the possibility of employment elsewhere for the other.

These will translate into savings of N$660,000 per annum for the Forum.
• The Forum should develop a Risk Management Policy that will lead to compliance with good governance.

A Consultant will be sought towards this end.


7.8 The Internal Auditor’s Report DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 8 21 The Exco took note of the Internal Auditor’s Report with the following provisos: • That the Forum’s control mechanism be reinforced, viz, the Accounting System be updated and a segregation of duties be prepared and that the Forum foregoes the cash payment and adopt a cashless mode of payments.

8.
8.

RESOLUTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS Hosting of the 46th Plenary Assembly • South Africa to be approached to host the 46th Plenary Assembly in November 2019 since Namibia would be having national elections during this time.

A request would be forwarded to South Africa regarding the matter.
Transformation of the SADC-PF into a Regional Parliament • The Speaker of Zimbabwe and the Speaker of Namibia would put together a document in line with Article 9 of the SADC-PF Constitution outlining the mode, powers of the SADC Regional Parliament to be tabled at the HOGs and States meeting in August 2020.

• A Roadmap for the transformation of the SADC-PF into a Regional Parliament has to be developed and be tabled at the Heads of Government and States in August 2020.
The Official residence of the Secretary General of the Forum • An independent building professional is to be appointed after consultation with the Namibian Ministry of Works and the Speaker of Namibia is to give a report in the next Exco.

Review of Salaries and Evaluation of Job Descriptions of the SADC-PF staff • Terms of Reference to be developed by the SADC Secretariat towards the appointment of the Consultant for the salary review and the concomitant Job Evaluation exercise for employees of the Forum.
Theme of the 46th SADC-PF Plenary Assembly • The theme for the upcoming 46th SADC-PF Plenary Assembly will be: “The Role of Parliaments in Promoting Universal Health Coverage by 2030”.

DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 9 22 Increase in the Annual Subscription • The Secretariat is to prepare a full justification to support the 5% increase of the Annual Subscription as requested and to also demonstrate cost saving measures made to-date.
Good Governance: The Forum’s Risk Management Policy • The Forum should develop a Risk Management Policy that will lead to compliance with good governance.

A Consultant will be sought towards this end.

• That the Forum’s control mechanism be reinforced, viz, the Accounting System be updated and a segregation of duties be prepared and that the Forum foregoes the cash payment and adopt a cashless mode of payments.

End.
End.

Compiled by: NL Cedile(Ms) Manager: IRPD Operations Date: 18 November 2019 Approved by: Hon N Ndaba Leader of Delegation Date: DRAFT REPORT ON SADC-PF EXCO, 6-7 NOVEMBER 2019, JOHANNESBURG 10 23 (c) Report of the 55th ACP-PA and the 38th ACP-EU JPA, Rwanda, 14-21 November 2019 24 REPORT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO THE 55th ACP PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY AND THE MEETINGS OF THE 38th SESSION OF THE ACP-EU JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY KIGALI, RWANDA 14-21 November 2019 25 1.
Context The 55th Session of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Parliamentary Assembly and the 38th ACP-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) were held in Rwanda, Kigali, from the 14th to 21st November 2019.

The 6th Democratic Parliament Member delegation to the ACP-EU international fora was participating for the first time following the conclusion of the national and provincial democratic Elections held on the 8th May 2019.
The outcome of these elections together with the reconstitution of the new parliament have brought about changes within the composition of delegation due to the redeployment of the previous Members operating in this International during the 5th Parliament.

Further, the aforementioned 2019 elections had unfortunately resulted to a situation where the 6th Parliament could not attend certain annual activities of the ACP and ACP- EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
These in particular include the activities of the 54th ACP Parliamentary Assembly and 37th ACP Parliamentary Assembly.

It perhaps noteworthy that a thorough briefing of the detailed events unfolded in the aforesaid previous activities of ACP and ACP-EU is imminent to enable a smooth transition of the new Members of the 6th Parliament in taking over the responsibilities from the 5th Parliament.
This will ensure that a structured and meaningful way of following up on legacy issues expected to be carried over by the current ACP and ACP- EU Parliamentary Assembly South African delegation.

It is important to also note that the South African Member delegation to the ACP and ACP-EU Parliamentary is inheriting this responsibility at a critical moment in the lifespan of this International organisation.
The Cotonou Agreement which enjoins the cooperation of the ACP- EU countries established in the year 2000 is expiring in February 2020.

The current negotiations with respect to the Post 2020 Agreement are at an advanced stage and there is progress being registered at an Executive Arm of the State level.
It against this background that a critical ongoing detailed briefing by the Embassy in Brussels to the South African parliamentary delegation becomes imperative to enable Members to make an assessment on whether the form and content of such negotiations are in line with the countries national interests.
It goes without saying that at international level, nations endeavour to develop consensus on what constitute their national interests, in the decisions made through motions and resolutions on different topics discussed at committee meetings and plenaries and therefore represent countries domestic policies that are tied to national interests.
Therefore, it is imperative that a proper briefing about the approach and the guiding procedure on how to participate and arrive at certain decisions is properly interrogated to ensure value in taking such a decision but can also take accountability on its impact both national, regionally and internationally.
2 26 It does appear that the political nuances that frequently arises from debates in the meetings and plenaries sometimes present an opportunity and compel Members to locate their contributions from a point of ensuring that they do not contradict the country’s domestic laws and constitution as sovereign states whilst also expected to ensure that Members maintain a political posture that guarantees the unity and aspirations of the regions and the continent within the developing world.
In the case of South African Parliament, there is a constant need to balance its approach when participating.

Firstly, through ensuring that Members maintain the good spirit of our inter- parliamentary relations with the European Union in quest of the implementation of the SA-EU Joint Strategic Partnership whose objective is to develop a sound, informed parliamentary position on South Africa and the European Union’s vision of regional integration, promoting trade and development, peace and security.
In the same vein, it is expected that Members must be seen championing the foreign policy priority of promoting the Africa agenda and that of advancing the North to South cooperation in the activities of the ACP-EU, promote unity and consensus amongst developing countries whilst not compromising out policy positions on national interests.

The South African Members of delegation participating at the 55th ACP and 38th ACP-EU meetings constitute the following Members of Parliament: • Hon.
R Lesoma, MP and Leader of the delegation • Hon.

M Rayi , MP • Hon.

P Kopane, MP • Mr M Ngese, Researcher: International Relations and Protocol Division 2.
Background The meetings of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) commenced from the 14th November 2019 with its overall programme focusing on convening of the Committee Meeting which included the following; • Committee on Political Affairs • Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade • Committee on Social Affairs and Environment The purpose of the ACP Committee Meetings sought to prepare for the meetings of ACP-EU JPA whereby the ACP Members of a particular committee meet with their EU counterparts.
South Africa currently serves as a member and Chairperson of the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade.
The South African delegation attended all the ACP Committee Meetings as a Member governed and bound by the guiding rules of procedure but most importantly to be aware of other engagements on strategic issues that may directly affect 3 27 or influence the policy position of the country but also as a Member within the developing world of the African Caribbean Community expected to register its contribution to this collective.
Upon commencing with the meetings, the South African delegation met with the Member of the Secretariat who briefed the delegation about the matters relating to the positions occupied by South African Parliament in the ACP and ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly.

She further informed the members of the delegation South Africa`s position tenure as Chairperson of the Committee on Economy, Trade, Development and Finance has been extended until 2020.
This is in view of the ongoing negotiations on Post 2020 Cotonou Agreement and the need to ensure continuation in following emerging developments and progress until the agreement is concluded.

The Member of the Secretariat further briefed the delegation representation of Southern Africa in the Bureau by virtue of being the Chairperson of the Committee on Economy, Trade, Development and Finance.
In this regard, the Secretariat further sensitised the leader of delegation about the need for South Africa to facilitate the processes leading towards the 18th ACP Regional Meeting to be held in Southern Africa in 2020.

Key amongst the responsibilities is to ensure that by the 20th November there is a country to host such a regional meeting with the Southern African Region.

3.
3.

Discussion and Analysis: Key Issues arising from Committee Meetings 3.1 ACP Committee on Political Affairs The ACP Committee on Political Affairs met on 14 November 2019 to deliberate on the items that will later presented to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly upon adoption by Members at both Committee and plenary level.
The meeting began with the adoption of the draft agenda which was followed by a statement from the Chairperson, focused on outlining the application of rules of procedure and other issues related to the general functioning of the standing committees.

The Chairperson reflected on issues relating to the motion proposed for a resolution on the role of social media on governance, development, democracy and stability and the 67 amendments before the meeting.
The rapporteur then read through the summary record of the previous meeting which was adopted after the amendment.

The ACP Committee Members on Political Affairs then reflected on the items on the agenda for the meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs of the JPA.
Key amongst the issues raised included the following; • It was observed that all the amendments were coming from the European Union side counterparts and that was consistent to the concern that the agenda of the ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly is always dominated by the European Union Members.

Whilst making the same observation Members of the ACP were upfront to the fact that the amendments were constructive and do not pose any policy related from the stand point of the ACP.
4 28 • There was also acknowledgement that with respect to the role of social media on governance, development, democracy and stability, social media that sometimes carry negative connotations constituting hate speech and can be used as an instrument to spread xenophobia and other discriminatory elements that are censored by elements or rebels who undermined the rule of law, democracy and governance.

• The ACP Co-Rapporteur of the Report was Hon.

Heroy Clarke of Jamaica.


He reported that the Committee the resolution to be adopted received 67 amendments that were submitted from Members of the European Parliament.

The Meeting accepted 49 amendments and rejected 18.

• A number of proposals were referencing to positions constituted commonalties shares at either global fora or share the same concern cross the ACP and EU.
There were further amendments shared with respect to proposals for the need for capacity building to support social media training and safety.

In this regard, ACP members were encouraged to propose more amendments that would further enrich the resolution • On the topic relating to Democracy and Respect for Constitutions in EU and ACP Countries, the Co-Chairperson reported that the topic was adopted during the ACP-EU JPA held in Bucharest Romania.

The Committee appointed Hon.


Rapapa Tysoinyana of Lesotho as the ACP-Co-Rapporteur.

3.1.1 DECISION ON THE TITLE OF THE NEXT REPORT On the title of the next report Members deliberated on the topics to be addressed by the committee.
The Secretariat proposed three subjects: • Rule of Law and Judiciary empowerment • Role of Parliament in strengthening international security • The role of Parliament in facilitating persons with disabilities as electors, candidates and legislator The Committee agreed to propose these topics at the joint committee for consideration.
3.1.2 POLITICAL SITUATION IN ACP STATES The committee received an update on the political situation of the following countries; - Ethiopia, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Tchad, Haiti, and Benin.

The Committee also received information from Kenya on the upcoming 9th Summit of ACP Heads of State and Government that will be held in Nairobi Kenya on the 9-10 December under the theme “A Transformed ACP committed to Multilateralism”.
This summit will; • Consider and adapt the revised Georgetown Agreement • Be apprised on the state of play of the post-Cotonou negotiations ahead of the signing ceremony in the course of next year 5 29 • Provide political leadership and guidance on ACP institutional structures to achieve Agenda 2030 • Endorse the appointment of a new Secretary General To this end, Representative of Kenya has called for all member to encourage their Heads of State and Government to attend 3.2 ACP Committee on Economy, Trade Development Trade and Finance The Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade of the Parliamentary Assembly of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP Group) met in Kigali, Rwanda, on 14 November 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
It considered the items on its agenda.

The topic to which the resolution and amendments were deliberated under was premised on Sustainable industrialisation and digitalisation: approach and policies for ACP countries.

Under this item, Committee members considered the 54 amendments submitted on the draft resolution on sustainable industrialisation and digitalisation, based on the guidance and recommendations of the Co- Rapporteur, the Honourable Heather Mwiza Sibungo of Namibia.
This examination allowed Committee members to give their opinions on all the proposed amendments and to reach a common voting position on each one.

Taking into account the outcome of the consideration of the amendments, Committee members decided to vote in favour of the draft resolution at the joint ACP-EU session.
3.2.1 Diversification of ACP economies: challenges and opportunities The 37th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly (ACP-EU JPA) had authorised the ACP-EU Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade to focus on the diversification of ACP economies in its 32nd report.

Under this item, Committee members appointed the Co-Rapporteur in charge of preparing the report.

In this regard, the Honourable Member of Parliament of Seychelles, Mr. Clifford André, was appointed Co-Rapporteur.
Committee members reasserted the importance of economic diversification at this stage of the development process in ACP countries and its benefits, in terms of economic growth and resilience.
3.2.2 European Development Fund: implementation status of the conclusions of the National and Regional Authorising Officers’ seminars The Committee remarked that ACP-EU JPA members are responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Cotonou Agreement, as well as how European Development Fund (EDF) resources are used.
In light of this, ACP-EU Committee members resolved on holding an exchange 6 30 of views with the European Commission on the implementation status of the EDF following the mid- term reviews conducted in 2017 and 2018.

3.2.3 International tax cooperation: how to address tax avoidance mechanisms in a globalised economic context National tax systems are facing new challenges related to globalisation and the digital economy, tax competition between States, and harmful tax practices.
This situation leads to significant losses in fiscal resources, which have an adverse effect on development financing and employment.

In an effort to reforming national tax systems, which has proven indispensable to tackling these challenges, the Committee recommended that inclusive fiscal measures must be taken at an international level to combat fraud, tax evasion, and various other harmful tax practices.
3.2.4 Economic Partnership Agreements: state of play of negotiations and implementation Since the last Committee meeting held in Bucharest, in March 2019, very little has changed with regard to the EPA negotiations and the implementation process.
At the regional level, the Secretariat received a communication from the Eastern and Southern Africa region (ESA)—signatory to the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA)—informing it that there was a joint technical meeting on the negotiations with the EU in Mauritius, on 3 and 4 October 2019.
With regard to the impact study on the EPAs, the Secretariat indicated that the terms of reference of the study had been finalised and that a request to fund the study had been sent to the EC, which refused to fund the study in question.

The Secretariat is currently looking for its own sources of financing.
Although they lamented the fact that the EC refused to fund the EPA impact study, Committee members underscored the ACP Group’s lack of financial autonomy, which prevents it from taking ownership of its activities.

3.2.5 Decision on the title of the next report With respect to the abovementioned item, Committee members were unable to decide on the title of the next report.

They decided to reflect on the proposed topic and to take in other proposed topics before making a decision.
Consequently, they invited the President to work together with the Secretariat to propose a title for the report, which will be considered, for decision, at the ACP Parliamentary Assembly session on 16 November 2019.
Following consultations with the Secretariat, the Committee was proposed that two provisional topics to the Bureau, namely: • Establishing efficient sovereign funds in ACP countries to support Sustainable Development Goals and industrialisation; and • Assessing the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals through resource mobilisation and results on the ground.
7 31 Following the exchanges of views within the Bureau, most Bureau members chose the topic relating to Establishing efficient sovereign funds in ACP countries to support Sustainable Development Goals and industrialisation.

4.

Committee of On Social Affairs and Environment The meeting of the ACP Committee on Social Affairs and Environment met on the 14th November 2019 to deliberate and take positions on issues that will later be presented to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda which paid particular attention to the following issues; • Consideration of the working document reducing the number of unemployed youth in in ACP countries • Following by the Commission on the resolution adopted by the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly on reducing the global number of out of school children, adolescences and youth in ACP countries • Promoting the active participation of young citizens in public life in ACP and EU countries • The social consequences and external effects of the European dairy policy on local milk production in Africa • Decision for the next report During the deliberations with respect to the topic on reducing the global number of out of school children, adolescences and youth in ACP countries, Members of the ACP Committee on Social Affairs acknowledged the significance participation of families and communities in the development of their children as the single most important determinant of youth education outcomes.
They further call on the ACP countries to create programmes to boost such participation., including setting up home- school partnerships and community liaison in the educational process thereby seeking to drastically cut drop-out rates.

Furthermore, the Committee resolved on calling on ACP countries to provide voluntary basic education for parents in order to raise general education levels and thus facilitate children’s access to education.
The draft report further complemented the consistent steps taken by the African Union, the Caribbean communities and the Pacific States to increase access to education and the quality thereof.
This is consistent and speaks to the objectives Africa`s Agenda 2063 with respect to its dedicated Agenda for Children 2040 and the CARICOM Strategic Plan When deliberating on the voting resolution on the motion relating to Promoting of Active Participation of Young Citizens in public life, the Committee observed that the were two amendments registered to the motion.
In this regard, theCommittee recognised that political empowerment is inextricably linked to economic and social empowerment through fighting poverty, inequality and unemployment as well as the creation of employment opportunities.
Theferore the Committee urged the European Commission, the 8 32 European Insvestment Bank, the African Development Bank and other relevant institutions provide microcredit schemes for ACP and EU youngsters, and calls for such schemes to be immediately and easily accessible to every young candidate and to be accompanied by technical assistance and micro counselling.
The Committee identified several topics to be discussed in the next session, These include the following; • The Enhancement of resilience against mitigating extreme weather events in ACP countries; • The Integration of a gender dimension on climate change • The challenge women Empowerment in ACP-EU States • Ending hunger by 2030 The aforementioned topics were suggested areas to which the Beareau will taken a decision and choose a topic for the next session.
Follwing the discussions around the identification of the topics for the next sessios, the co-Chairpeson provided a moment for countries to make statements on domestic developments relating to social and environmental in their respective countries.
These include the following; • Disasters which took place in Malawi through a heat wave that claimed a lot of lives, the delegates from Malawi delegation further noted the support extened by both the African Union and the European Union • It was also report that the challenges of extreme weather conditions through hurricane and a cyclone also led to loss of lives in Haiti • Climate change hazards have recently claimed loss of lives in Bahamas 4.1 Key Issues Emanating fron the Meeting of the Beareau • The meeting of the met on the 15th to deliberate on the programme of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Programme.
The issues in which members of the Beareu proposed included topics from the Committee for the 39th JPA.

The issues deliberated and decided upon related to the following; • Political Affairs: Empowerment of Judiciary and the Rule of law.

• The topic on the role of Parliament in streanthening International Security.
• Suggestion were further made to the topics on the role of Parliament in the ratification of International agreements • Role of parliamentarians in ending humnger by 2030 • Setting sovereign wealth in ACP Countries • The meeitning fur 5.

55th Pleanary Sessions of the African Carebean Pacific The plenary sessions of the ACP began on the 16th November 2019 with the reflection from the impute of the President and the Secretary General.
The meetinguse the opportuntity to reflect on the 9 33 outcomes and decisions of the meetings of the Bereau, the Committee Meetings of the Political Affairs, Economy,Trade, Finance and Economic Development and the Committee of Social Affairs and Enviroment.
With regard to the communication from the Co-President of the ACP and the Secretary General, the following issues communicated to the plenary; • The President informed the plenary that the Secreariat had prepared a document on the Guidelines for Members for the series of meeitinngs to facilitate the particoaption of Members • The Standing Committees had drafted Resolutions that would be voted on during the 37th Session of the JPA.
The President further urged Members to contribute to the work by enriching the resolutions with proposals for amendments to ensure full participation and ensure that the deliberations of the JPA reclect the impute of the ACP Members • It was future report that the subject of the conciliation meetings would be the Two Urgent Motions for Resolutions at the 37th session ohf the Assembly which include issues at stake linked to the rule of law in the European Union and the ACP countries and Enviromental Crimes.
Members of the Beareau were requested to nominate 2 Members from their respective regions for each conciliation meeting to ensure at least 12 ACP participants in each of the conciliation meetings.
5.1 Key Issues fron the Secretary General • The Secretary General reflected on the recent meeting of the Ministerial Negotiations Group of 12 December 2018 where the ACPs Chief Negotiatior had emphasised that the ACP Group needed its identity, purpose, objectives and relevance in engaging its European counterparts, recalling the decision of African Leaders at the AU Session on 18th November 2018 to endorse the all-ACP Framework as the overarching structure of the Post-Cotonou Negotiation process.
• The need for a strong parliamentary dimention in the outcome of the negotiations currently ongoing in Brussells.

• That the negotiaotions are expected to have concluded in the Summer of 2019 with the finalized text being agreed by the EU and the ACP negotiators.
The Secretary General noted that in relation on-going engagements on the Post-Cotonou-Negotiations, all developing countries were being mobilized to achieve the SDGs adding that there is no development without security and no security without development.

6.
6.

Joint ACP-EU JPA Committee meetings The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly was created out of a common desire to bring together the elected representatives of the European Community - the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) - and the elected representatives of the African, Caribbean and Pacific states (“ACP countries”) that have signed the Cotonou Agreement: it is the only institution of its kind 10 34 in the world.
The ACP-EU Joint Assembly is a democratic, parliamentary institution which aims to promote and defend democratic processes in order to guarantee the right of each people to choose its own development objectives and how to attain them.

6.1 Committee Meetings The delegation from the South African Parliament began its participation in the ACP-EU JPA by attending meetings of the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade and then, on the 18th November 2019.
These included meetings of the Committee on Political Affairs, Economy, Trade, Finance and Development as well as the Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment which were taking place at the same time.

6.1.1 ACP-EU Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade The meeting of the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade took place on Saturday 18 November 2019.

The Co-Chairpersons went through the agenda of the meeting and made announcements regarding procedures for the meeting.
The Chairperson then read through the summary record of the previous meeting which was adopted by delegates.

After voting on proposed amendments on reports, the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade then received presentations on a working document for consideration entitled “Diversification of ACP economies:challenges and opportunities.

The next matter to be discussed was possible topics for the next report.
This was followed by an exchange of view on “International Tax Cooperation: how to address tax avoidance mechanisms in a globalised economic context”.

Following some discussions on this topic, the Carribean region was then given the space to provide delegates with an update on Economic Partnership Agreements: State of play of negotiations and implementation.

6.1.2 ACP-EU Committee on Political Affairs The meeting of the Committee on Political Affairs took place on Monday 19 November 2019.
The Co-Chairpersons went through the agenda of the meeting and made announcements regarding procedures for the meeting with specific reference to voting on proposed amendments.

11 35 The Chairperson then read through the summary record of the previous meeting then reflected on the items on the agenda for the meeting.
The meeting then discussed the following matters: • The Impact of social media on governance, development, democracy and stability • Democracy and respect for constitutions in EU and ACP countries • The political situation in ACP and EU Members States 6.1.3 ACP-EU Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment The meeting of the Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment also took place on the 18 November 2019.
The Co-Chairpersons went through the agenda of the meeting and made announcements regarding procedures for the meeting.

Upon reflecting on this agenda, some discussion then took place around the reports which were drafted on the chosen topics of the meeting.
For the remainder of the meeting there was discussion on the following matters: • Promoting the active participation of young citizens in public lin in ACP and EU countries • The social consequesnces and external effects of the European dairy policy on local milk production in Africa 7.
Sittings of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly 7.1 Conciliation meetings on urgent motions for resolution The South African delegation attended one of the Conciliation meetings which was focused on the urgent motion for resolution on the challenges of climate change at COP 25 (United Nations Conference on Climate Change ) and the Urgency on the threat of climate change to fisheries and aquaculture.
These meetings made a number of amendments to the two draft compromise documents that were developed for the final vote in the plenanary.
Key amongst the isssues emphasised included the following; • The need for developed countries to own up to the commitmentments made in COP 25 by taking a leading role in the reduction of carbon emmissions • The need to to preserve the fishing industry to the benefish of developing countries 12 36 • The need for developing countries to provide more funding in mitigating the the disasters experienced through climate change 7.1.1 Formal opening sitting of the 37th Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) The Official Opening of the ACP-EU JPA consisted of statements by the following key individuals: • President of the Senate in the Parliament of Rwanda • Co-President of the ACP Joint Parliamentary Assembly • Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly The first sitting of the JPA was chaired by the EU Co-President who made a series of announcements on matters such as the list of participants and the accreditation of non- parliamentary representatives.
The Co-President then reported on decisions taken during the Bureau meeting of the JPA.

A statement was then made by Mr Steven Memica who is a Member of the European Commission with responsibility for international cooperation and development.

The floor was opened to questions and comments on the statement by Mr Memica.

This was followed by questions for oral reply to the Commission.
The Co-Presidents then gave the Commission an opportunity to inform delegates about action taken by the Commission on the resolutions adopted at the previous session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

ACP delegates used the interactions with the Commission to consistently highlight the state of the negotiations with respect to the Post 2020 Cotonou Agreement and the role of regionanal parliaments in quest of strengthening multilateralism.
Members also enquired about the state of Econonomic partnership agreements and the states of paly in the ACP countries.

The first sitting of the JPA concluded with a presentation and exchange regarding the Urgent topic No 1: Urgency on the threat of climate change to fisheries.

The Second sitting of the JPA began with the ACP Co-President making a series of announcements and engaging on Challenges addressed at the COP25 (United Nations Conference on Climate Change.
This was a heated exchange and further highlighted the challenges that the ACP-EU JPW would have to overcome following the end of the Cotonou Agreement in 2020.
13 37 The second sitting then dealt with the following matters: • Promoting the active participation of young citizens in public life in ACP and EU countries • The impact of social media on governance, development, democracy and industrialisation • Summary of the report of the debate on “Empowering Women for Political Leadership and Representation • Sustainable industrialization and digitilisation: the approach and industrialization and digiltilisation policies for ACP countries • The state of food security and nutrition in the context of sustainable agricultural production The third session of the JPA began with thte statement by Olivier Nduhungierehe, Secretary of State , Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Rwanda, President Office of the ACP Council.
This was followed with another statement from Hon Pekka, Minister for Foreign Affairs, President in Office of the European Union Council.

Other issues discussed during this part of the session included: • Migration and sustainaible growth for people : investments in micro, small and medium enterprises and starts-ups.
In this session the South Africa delegations urged the Eurpoean Union conunterparts responsible fo supporting the refugees with start-ups in different countries to work closer with governmentS of the ACP countries to ensure that there is awareness to the marginalized areas and support other refuges of foreign nationals whose socio-economic situation desire some support through small medium entreprises and start-ups.
The session concluded with votes on the motions for resolution included in the reports submitted by the three standing committees as well as votes on the urgent motions for resolution.

Finally, delegates were told of the date and place of the 39th Session of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly which might be held in Brussels or in any country within the European Union.

8.
8.

OBSERVATIONS • The overall observations of the proeedkings of the 55 ACP and 37th Jokint Parliamentary have deliberated, resolevel and voted on variety of issues that of issues which many of them remain key challenges confronting the developing countries.
These include issues relating to poverty, inequality, unemployment, the threat of climate change to humanity as well as the challenge of human rights in Cameroon, the challenges of natural distaters in Bahamas, Haiti and Malawi which have all received the solidarity support and the resolve by the Joint Parliamentary Assembly to address urgently by our multilateral institutions.
14 38 • In all the deliberations, the South African delegation participated very activevly and registered its contrintribution through the impute made by the leader of our delegation.

• The South African delegation tenure as Chairpeson of the Committee on Economy Trade, Finance and Development as beed extended until the end of the agreement in 2020, this is to allow a smoot transition given the developments on the ongoing negotiations on the agreement and the need for the Chairpeson to adapt quitckly.
• There is a need for South Africa to play a central role in coordinating the Southern Africa Region and identify common issues to be advanced at ACP and ACP-EU level.

These must also include the need to assert the voice of the Africa Union amongst African countries participation in the ACP-EU .
There must also be equituy amongst the ACP countries to address challenges of Human Rights violations in the Francophone countries in the same way they are addressed when occurring in the Anglo-phones countries • Our Menmbers of the South African delegation have observed that there is need for the ACP- EU to transform its rules of procedure to allow all members to be represented, participate and contribute in all all the Committees of these Joint-Parliamentary Assembly.
• There is a need for South African Parliament to develop communicatition channels with the Secritariat of the ACP-EU to allow regular upadate and ease of communication, these can go via the Secretary to Parliament and the Division Manager.
• It was suggested that the previuos the delegation must convene a meeting the previous delegation of ther 5th democratic parliament in particular former Chairpesron, Hon Parkies to follow up on priority legacy issues to be persued by the current leadership of the 6th Democratic Parliament.
• The South African delegation was also disadvantaged with respect to previous communication about the outcomes of the previuos meetings there were not able to attend • The South African Embassy must e capacitated to play a particular in terms of briefing on decisions take by the executive at ACP-EU level • It was further proposed that given the challenges of communication and failure to deserminate information of time, there must be consideration for staff to advance • The South African delegation also gained more insight from the sidline meetings bilateral meetings between the President of the Senate of the Parliament of Rwanda and Members of Parliament led by Hon Lesoma, Hon Mandla Rayi and Hon Kopane through their interaction with the Rwandan delegtation.
• In this sideline meeting the President of the Senate in the Rwandan Parliament explained issues relating to the parliamentary system and the power sharing system that is reflective of all the interst groups amongst the people of Rwanda.

• It was in this meeting that the Rwandan shared the story of the history of genocide in Rwanda, the reconciliation process and the reforms that have taken post genocide in araes of governance and the reform of the judicial system.
In the same vein, the South African leader 15 39 of delegation expressed a message of gratitude to the President and Deputy President of the Senate and use the opportunities to share commonalities of the history of South Africa through apartheid which was rendered as crime against humanity as well as that of the genocide in Rwanda.

The South African Members of our delegation expressed gratitude about the role they played during the diffult time of genocide and reconcilitation process.
President Mandela was the first head of State to visit Rwanda at the height of genocide atrocieties.

In addition was also the country to deploy her leaders durin the reconciliation process.

• Other Member delegation from both Parliaments shared experiences relating to the list process in our parliamentary system and representation of political parties.
• Both Members of these parliamentary delegation expressed for these parliaments to consider formal bilateral relations to emanble them to deal with challenges emanating from VISA issuing, cooperate on issues of trade in the day of African Continentral Free Trade Agreement whose objective estanlish a single makert and facilitate a free movement of goods and peoples • 6.
RECOMMENDATIONS The following recommendations are presented to Parliament for consideration: • Delegations to future ACP-EU events should be thoroughly briefed on sensitivities related to certain decisions taken by both officials and Members who have participated in previous sessions.

• South Africa to actively embrace its role in the Bureau by attending all meetings of the Bureau consistently and engaging strategically on the issues related to the inner-workings of the ACP- EU.
• South Africa to use its position as Chairperson of the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade to ensure that challenges facing ACP countries are interrogated and receive appropriate consideration by the EU and the MEPs.

• To further assert its role within the ACP collective in the future, proposed topic to be debated, decisions regarding resolutions on urgent motions to be discussed by the ACP -EU Focus Group of PGIR.
When necessary, briefings from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on matters where diplomatic relations are involved may also be considered.

• Furthermore, South Africa may consider canvassing support from the Southern Africa region and other ACP countries on resolutions to send a message both to the region and the ACP collective that South Africa wishes to strengthen relations with ACP countries as a symbol of its commitment to institutions of the Global South.
• South Africa must also assist to initiate the process of assisting Zimbabwe with respect to the ongoing process of lifting sanctions made execututed by the European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America.

16 40 ADOPTION OF THE REPORT Report adopted by the Delegation at the meeting on ………………………………………………… Signed_________________________________________ Hon.
Ms R. LESOMA, MP and Leader of the Delegation 17 41 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE 55TH ACP PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY AND THE MEETINGS OF THE 38th SESSION OF THE ACP-EU JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY KIGALI, RWANDA 14-21 November 2019 INTRODUCTION The 55th Session of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) Parliamentary Assembly and the 38th ACP-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Assembly (JPA) were held in Rwanda, Kigali, from the 14th to 21st November 2019.
The South African Members of delegation participating at the 55th ACP and 38th ACP-EU meetings constitute the following Members of Parliament: • Hon.

R Lesoma, MP and Leader of the delegation • Hon.

M Rayi , MP • Hon.
P Kopane, MP Mr M Ngese, Researcher: International Relations and Protocol Division The meetings of the African, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States-European Union (ACP- EU) commenced with its overall programme focusing on convening of the Committee Meeting which included the following; • Committee on Political Affairs • Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade • Committee on Social Affairs and Environment Discussion and Analysis The 6th Democratic Parliament Member delegation to the ACP-EU international fora was participating for the first time following the conclusion of the national and provincial democratic Elections held on the 8th May 2019.
The outcome of these elections together with the reconstitution of the new parliament have brought about changes within the 42 composition of delegation due to the redeployment of the previous Members operating in this International during the 5th Parliament.

Further, the aforementioned 2019 elections had unfortunately resulted to a situation where the 6th Parliament could not participate in certain annual activities of the ACP and ACP- EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.
These in particular include the activities of the 54th ACP Parliamentary Assembly and 37th ACP Parliamentary Assembly.

It perhaps noteworthy that a thorough briefing of the detailed events unfolded in the aforesaid previous activities of ACP and ACP-EU is imminent to enable a smooth transition of the new Members of the 6th Parliament in taking over the responsibilities from the 5th Parliament.
This will ensure that a structured and meaningful way of following up on legacy issues expected to be carried over by the current ACP and ACP-EU Parliamentary Assembly South African delegation.

It is important to also note that the South African delegation to the ACP and ACP-EU Parliamentary inherited this responsibility at a critical moment in the lifespan of this International organisation.
The Cotonou Agreement which enjoins the cooperation of the ACP-EU countries established in the year 2000 is expiring in February 2020.

The current negotiations with respect to the Post 2020 Agreement are at an advanced stage and there is progress being registered at an Executive Arm of the State level.
It against this background that a critical ongoing detailed briefing by the Embassy in Brussels to the South African parliamentary delegation becomes imperative to enable Members to make an assessment on whether the form and content of such negotiations are in line with the countries national interests.
It goes without saying that at international level, nations endeavour to develop consensus on what constitute their national interests, in the decisions made through motions and resolutions on different topics discussed at committee meetings and plenaries and therefore represent countries domestic policies that are tied to national interests.
Therefore, it is imperative that a proper briefing about the approach and the guiding procedure on how to participate and arrive at certain decisions is properly interrogated to ensure value in taking such a decision but can also take accountability on its impact both national, regionally and internationally.
It does appear that the political nuances that frequently arises from debates in the meetings and plenaries sometimes present an opportunity and compel Members to locate their contributions from a point of ensuring that they do not contradict the country’s 43 domestic laws and constitution as sovereign states whilst also expected to ensure that Members maintain a political posture that guarantees the unity and aspirations of the regions and the continent within the developing world.
In the case of South African Parliament, there is a constant need to balance its approach when participating.

Firstly, through ensuring that Members maintain the good spirit of our inter-parliamentary relations with the European Union in quest of the implementation of the SA-EU Joint Strategic Partnership whose objective is to develop a sound, informed parliamentary position on South Africa and the European Union’s vision of regional integration, promoting trade and development, peace and security.
In the same vein, it is expected that Members must be seen championing the foreign policy priority of promoting the Africa agenda and that of advancing the North to South cooperation in the activities of the ACP-EU, promote unity and consensus amongst developing countries whilst not compromising out policy positions on national interests.
Recommendations for Parliament • Delegations to future ACP-EU events should be thoroughly briefed on sensitivities related to certain decisions taken by both officials and Members who have participated in previous sessions.

• South Africa to actively embrace its role in the Bureau by attending all meetings of the Bureau consistently and engaging strategically on the issues related to the inner- workings of the ACP-EU.
• South Africa to use its position as Chairperson of the Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade to ensure that challenges facing ACP countries are interrogated and receive appropriate consideration by the EU and the MEPs.

• To further assert its role within the ACP collective in the future, proposed topic to be debated, decisions regarding resolutions on urgent motions to be discussed by the ACP-EU Focus Group of PGIR.
When necessary, briefings from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation on matters where diplomatic relations are involved may also be considered.

• Furthermore, South Africa may consider canvassing support from the Southern Africa region and other ACP countries on resolutions to send a message both to the region and the ACP collective that South Africa wishes to strengthen relations with ACP countries as a symbol of its commitment to institutions of the Global South.
44 • South Africa must also assist to initiate the process of assisting Zimbabwe with respect to the ongoing process of lifting sanctions made execututed by the European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America.

45 (d) Report of the 46th Plenary Assembly of the SADC-PF, Namibia – 10–17 December 2019 46 REPORT OF THE 46TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM 10 to 17 DECEMBER 2019 SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 47 1.
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. 3 2.

SYMPOSIUM ON THE THEME: ....................................................................................... 3 2.1 The Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services ..................................................... 3 2.2 Representatives of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) ...................................... 3 3.
WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE ON GENDER PARITY IN THE SADC REGION ..................... 4 4.

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY .................................................................................. 4 5.
THE PLENARY ASSEMBLY ........................................................................................... 5 5.1 Motion on the Admission of the National Assembly of Madagascar as a Member of the SADC-PF ............................................................................................................................ 5 5.2 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Executive Committee to the 46th Plenary Assembly ............................................................................................................................ 5 5.3 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of EXCO on Financial Matters of SADC-PF (Treasurer’s Report) ............................................................................................................ 9 5.4 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) ......................................................................................................... 9 5.5 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Joint Session of Standing Committees ..... 10 5.6 Motion for the Adoption of the Resolution by the Regional Policy Dialogue on the Domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections .......................................................... 11 5.7 Statement by an Invited Observer, Hon.
Audrey Vidot from Seychelles on the Resolution of the Youth Indaba on “Strengthening Youth-Led Accountability in SADC Parliaments for Delivering on Commitments on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV and Gender Equality” (Tswane Declaration) ............................................................................. 12 5.8 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus 12 5.9 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights ......................................................................................... 12 5.10 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes ............................................................................. 13 5.11 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment .................................................................................................... 14 5.12 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources ...................................................................................................... 15 5.13 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Women’s Advancement and Youth Development ............................................................... 16 5.14 Members’ Motions ................................................................................................... 16 6.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARLIAMENT .................................................................. 16 2 48 1.

INTRODUCTION The 46th SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) Plenary Assembly was held in Swakopmund, Namibia, from 10 to 17 December 2019 under the theme “The Role of SADC Parliaments in Promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030”.

13 of the 14 SADC-PF member parliaments attended, 8 led by Speakers.

The South African delegation to the Plenary Assembly was constituted as follows: • Hon.
Ms T. Modise, MP and Speaker of the National Assembly (Leader of the delegation) • Hon.

Ms N. Bilankulu, MP • Hon.

Mr T. Matibe, MP • Hon.

Mr D. Moela, MP • Hon.


Ms S. Gwarube, MP The delegation was supported by the following officials: • Mr M. Mothapo: Division Manager – Parliamentary Communication Services • Ms Z. Kroese: Manager: Protocol Administration – International Relations and Protocol Division (IRPD) • Dr N. Leibrandt-Loxton: Researcher: IRPD • Ms F. Ramosoma: Support to the Speaker • Mr Abie Sheldon: Camera operator/Vision mixer • Mr Modise Kabeli: Media specialist • Mr Akhona Ndlela: Audio Visual production specialist 2.
SYMPOSIUM ON THE THEME: The Symposium was held on 13 December 2019 and was opened by the President of the Forum, Hon.

Hon.

Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo.

Hon.

Dlovo gave an overview of the interventions that the SADC-PF has undertaken over the past ten years towards promoting UHC in the SADC region, including developing and adopting the model laws on HIV and child marriages, and other mechanisms in line with the Millennium and Sustainable Development Goals.
The Symposium received the following presentations: 2.1 The Namibian Ministry of Health and Social Services A representative from the Namibian health ministry expressed Namibia’s commitment to achieving UHC, and proceeded to provide an overview of the interventions Namibia has undertaken towards this goal.

The country has taken a pro-poor and pro-vulnerable approach in its effort of developing its essential services package.
The representative thanked the Forum for prioritising UHC, observing that it demonstrates the commitment of SADC governments in achieving the obligations they had agreed to at regional, continental, and international levels.

2.2 Representatives of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) The Symposium received a presentation from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), who indicated three key considerations for states when interrogating UHC.
There are 1) which population is being covered (starting with the most vulnerable and hard to reach), 2) what benefits it entails, and 3) the financial protection and out of pocket expenses required to contribute to paying for it.

The presenter emphasised the need to be very clear about who these services are provided to as all forms of UHC entails trade-offs that need to be made.
The presenter further provided a picture of efforts towards UHC in the region, showing that SADC countries tend to have multiple sources of funding with different agendas that leads to inefficiencies, duplication, and “less health for your money”.
He then briefly discussed the role parliaments can play towards achieving UHC in their respective countries, including (a) 3 49 understanding the benefits provided, to whom and with what fees, (b) budget oversight, and (c) protecting core services through legislation.

Various countries shared their experiences from the floor.

Malawi raised some challenges it experiences with some big donors in terms of wanting their money to be processed according to their own regulations, which leads to duplication.
The donors also tend to go to high profile geographical areas and then exclude other areas.

Hon.

Modise explained that while the South African government has since 1994 aimed to provide crucial health services to all, South Africa remains a capitalist country which makes reaching this objective challenging.

Zambia stressed the need for healthy nutrition as a form of prevention.
3 WOMEN’S ROUNDTABLE ON GENDER PARITY IN THE SADC REGION The Roundtable was held on 13 December 2019 and received a presentation from a representative from Gender Links, a civil society organisation monitoring the SADC region’s progress in achieving the objectives of the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
Some of the key issues that emerged from the presentation included: • Namibia and South Africa leading with women’s representation in lower houses at 46% • Namibia’s ruling SWAPO using a zebra list to ensure women’s representation and South Africa’s ANC using a voluntary 50% quota for its candidate list If ruling parties lose the numbers will drop • • Legislated quotas will force all parties to adopt measures, thus it won’t just be voluntary • Special (temporary) measures are crucial to make difference; where there are quotas, the number of women increase The presentation also looked at the formal and informal factors that are keeping women out of politics, including the type of electoral systems (notably the first-past-the-post and proportional representation systems); lack of quotas; lack of finances and resources; the media objectifying women; socialisation (belief that women don’t have leadership skills); attitudes (women that don’t want to support other women); custom, culture, tradition; old boys network (most political parties led by men); and violence against women during election.
The presentation then identified some strategies for countries to consider, including: • Change electoral system • Reviewing the electoral act – check potentially discrimination and embed quotas • Employing legislative quotas • Political parties leading with voluntary quotas • Capacity building for candidates before and after elections • Electoral system education accompanying voter education • Special nominations to consider gaps • Sex disaggregated data availability to allow for advocacy • Media education • Role of civil society – 50/50 campaigns, election gender monitoring, advocacy Members then proceeded to share their experiences and common challenges.
Hon.

Gwarube challenged MPs and member states to keep women’s representation on the main agenda of all platforms and at the centre of politics.

She also indicated that reaching parity should not rely on political will, but women should make it uncomfortable for parties through demanding for it.

Hon.

Bilankulu, in her capacity as Vice-Chairperson of the RWPC delivered closing remarks and a vote of thanks to all delegates for their insightful contributions.
4 OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY The Official Opening Ceremony of the Plenary Assembly was held on the evening of 13 December 2019.

It included contributions from the following: 4 50 Introductory remarks by the SADC-PF Secretary-General, Ms Boemo Sekgoma; • • Statement by the Vice-Chairperson of the RWPC, Hon.

Ms N. Bilankulu, MP; • Address by the SADC-PF President, Hon.
Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovo; • Official Opening Address by the Guest of Honour, His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Vice President of the Republic of Namibia; and • Vote of thanks by a representative from the Parliament of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the host of the 47th Plenary Assembly.

5 THE PLENARY ASSEMBLY The Plenary Assembly commenced with welcoming new delegations to the Forum, including the new permanent delegation from South Africa.

Hon.
Hon.

Modise was also congratulated for her election as Speaker of the South Africa’s National Assembly.

The Plenary Assembly’s Order of Business was conducted in the following order from 14 to 16 December 2019: 5.1 Motion on the Admission of the National Assembly of Madagascar as a Member of the SADC-PF The motion for Madagascar’s admission to the Forum was moved by the Speaker of Seychelles, Hon.

Nicholas Prea.

The House unanimously voted in support thereof.


5.2 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Executive Committee to the 46th Plenary Assembly The Executive Committee (EXCO) of the Forum met on 6 and 7 November 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa and again on 11 and 12 December 2019, at the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre in Swakopmund, Namibia.
The EXCO Report resolved on the following matters: • Hosting of the 46th Plenary Assembly: The Executive Committee invited the 46th Plenary Assembly to express its profound gratitude to the Parliament of Namibia for agreeing to host the Plenary Assembly in Namibia, as the Host Parliament, less than a month after the general elections.
In view of the challenges encountered in securing a host nation for the 46th Plenary Assembly, EXCO recommended to the Plenary Assembly that the principle of rotation, as provided for in Article 11(10) of the SADC PF Constitution, be strictly adhered to in view of ensuring that all Member Parliaments fulfil their responsibilities with regards to the Rotation Roll/Roster.
It is only when Member Parliaments have provided compelling reasons for their inability to host that the Parliament of Namibia should co-host as the Host Parliament to the Forum.

To this end, the EXCO tabled the draft Hosting Roll/Roster for the Plenary Assembly’s consideration.

However, Member Parliaments have until the end of April 2020 to adequately consult and submit convenient dates when they can host the Plenary Assembly.
In the event that a Member Parliament does not respond by the stipulated deadline, it would be deemed to have endorsed the Hosting Roll/Roster as is.

According to the Roster, South Africa is due to host in during the parliamentary term of the 7th Parliament.

Hon.

Modise submitted that Parliament cannot commit dates beyond the term of the 6th Parliament, although Parliament is willing to host during the current term.
5 51 • Theme of the 46th Plenary Assembly: The Executive Committee commended the office of the President and the Secretary General for proposing a substantive theme, “The Role of SADC National Parliaments In Ensuring Universal Health Coverage” The EXCO was pleased that the theme resonates with the contemporary global developmental discourse as evidenced by the adoption of the Political Declaration on Universal Health Coverage by the United Nations General Assembly at its seventy fourth (74th) Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage held on 23rd September 2019, as well as the adoption of a similar resolution by the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), at its 141st Assembly held in Belgrade, Serbia in October 2019.
The EXCO invited the Plenary Assembly to note that in order to promote versatility of topics presented at the Plenary Assembly, each SADC PF Standing Committee will propose a theme for the Plenary Assembly on a rotational basis which is pertinent, topical and relevant to their respective Committee mandate.
• Allocated time for Members and Observers during Assembly Debates: The EXCO proposed to the Plenary Assembly the following time limitations during debates of the 46th Plenary Assembly session: o Each Member to speak for 4 minutes; o Movers of Motions to be allocated a maximum of 15 minutes to table Motions and 5 minutes to conclude after debate.
o Exception would be granted to the EXCO Report, including the Treasurer’s Report, which will be allocated 25 to 30 minutes for presentation and 15 to 20 minutes for responses after debate; o Observers who are invited to address the Plenary Assembly pursuant to Rule Procedure 43 (5) would be allocated a maximum of 5 minutes; and, of o Speakers or Leaders of Delegations who are given the opportunity to make a statement in line with Rule 45, would be granted 7 minutes.
• Welcoming Madagascar as a new member of the Forum: The EXCO commended the positive efforts made by Hon.Nicholas Prea, Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, which resulted in the Parliament of Madagascar agreeing to join the Forum.

The EXCO recommitted itself to continue engaging the Union of Comoros, through the auspices of Hon.

Speaker Prea, to persuade it to join the Forum in the near future.
• Welcoming new Members nominated to SADC-PF by their parliaments: The EXCO invited the Plenary Assembly to welcome the new Members who have been designated to the SADC PF by their national parliaments, including the delegation from South Africa.

Other new delegations came from Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
• Convening of the Speaker’s Colloquium: The EXCO welcomed the initiative of convening the Speakers’ Colloquium with the intention of promoting convergence and cohesion at the highest level of leadership in Parliaments on issues such as the timely payment of annual Member subscriptions, the hosting of Plenary Assembly sessions by rotation, as well as the issue of transformation of the Forum into a SADC Regional Parliament.
• Fielding of Election Observation Missions (EOMs) by the Forum: The EXCO recalled the resolution made by the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Forum in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in November 2014, that national Parliaments should fully fund their Members participating in election observation missions (EOMs), including the costs of logistics.

However, the EXCO noted with concern that since 2014 it has generally proven difficult to field EOMs due to resource constraints.
Given the unfortunate failure by the Forum to field election observation missions in the recently-concluded elections in Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and Mauritius, it was deemed necessary to re-strategise on the funding of EOMs.

Pursuant to this, the EXCO commissioned a Snap Survey on EOMs by the Office of the Secretary General, with short multiple-choice questions for national Parliaments to garner information on the difficulties that Parliaments are facing in fielding participants on EOMs.
The results of the survey and the recommendations thereof would be tabled during the Plenary Assembly for consideration and adoption.

Additionally, the EXCO resolved that notwithstanding the failure by the Forum to field election observation missions, it would be prudent for the Secretariat to produce an analytical report, drawn from reports of the various observer missions that details the experiences of the different SADC countries in conducting elections.
• Progress in the transformation of the Forum into a Regional Parliament: The EXCO advised the Plenary Assembly that the SADC Summit convened on the 17th to 18th August 6 52 2019 considered the transformation proposal and tasked the SADC Secretariat and the SADC PF Secretariat to jointly prepare two additional documents, that is, a Parliamentary Model for the SADC Parliament and a Roadmap to guide the way forward for a Regional Parliament for consideration at the next Summit.
That notwithstanding, the EXCO noted with concern the lack of unity among some SADC Member States on the transformation agenda, to the extent that His Excellency, President Phillipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of Mozambique and patron and champion of the transformation agenda, had begun questioning whether the transformation agenda was, indeed, a regional agenda or an agenda of a few countries as only Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe had voiced their unequivocal support for the transformation agenda during the Summit.
EXCO proposed the following strategies for the Plenary Assembly’s consideration and adoption: o a meeting of all Speakers be expeditiously convened for each Presiding Officer to explain their country position and the constraints they are facing, if any, with a view to develop an informed strategy to elicit Heads of States and Government’s support for the transformation of the Forum into a SADC Regional Parliament.
The EXCO is pleased to report that the Speakers’ Colloquium was duly convened on Thursday 12th December 2019 in this regard.

o Committee of Speakers, comprising the Hon.

Speakers of Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, be reconstituted without delay to spearhead lobbying efforts to targeted Heads of State and Government; o The SADC-PF Secretariat in liaison with Hon.

Speaker Professor Peter Katjavivi (Namibia) and Hon.
Speaker Advocate Jacob Francis Mudenda (Zimbabwe) must expeditiously produce an advocacy strategy detailing how the Committee is going to operate and the revised approach to the transformation which addresses all the concerns and misconceptions of the Heads of State and Government and Council of Ministers; o That Parliamentary Model and Roadmap for Transformation would be discarded since an expensive similar exercise had already been undertaken.

The report was submitted to the SADC Secretariat.


EXCO believes that no positive purpose would be served by repeating the Roadmap.

What needs to be done is to produce a script roadmap accompanied by a draft Constitutive Protocol and a revised SADC Treaty which incorporates the transformation protocol.
• Implementation of Phase II of the SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project (2019 – 2022): The EXCO recalled the decision by the 43rd Plenary Assembly in Luanda, Angola, that the second phase of the SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project (2019-2022) be extended to all fourteen (14) Member Parliaments.

The EXCO noted with gratitude the renewal of the Project by Sweden for a further three years commencing on 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2022.
Pursuant to this, the Secretariat had officially written to national Parliaments on 2 August 2019 inviting them to participate in the Project by signing Project Implementation Agreements and appointing SRHR Researchers.
However, the EXCO noted with concern that to date Project Implementation Agreements had been signed with only eight (8) national Parliaments, namely, the DRC, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zambia and Zimbabwe, as confirmation of their commitment to implement the Project.

The EXCO called on all Members whose countries are yet to sign the Project Implementation Agreement to ensure that this is done expeditiously.
The EXCO further recommended to the Plenary Assembly that those Member Parliaments that are yet to sign the Project Implementation Agreement and appoint SRHR Researchers, be given up to 31st December 2019 to do so, failure of which they would be deemed to have declined to participate in the Project.
• Resource mobilisation methods to conduct Forum activities: The EXCO noted with concern the over-reliance of the Forum on Members’ annual contributions, some of which were not paid on time thus adversely affecting the implementation of the Forum’s critical programmes.
To this end, the EXCO deliberated on possible innovative financing strategies to fund the activities of the Forum such as the creation of a Trust Fund for Parliamentary Capacity Development where donors, who uphold the values of parliaments and inter- parliamentary cooperation, have an avenue to donate funds to be used for this purpose.
The EXCO noted that this was the prevailing practice worldwide as international organisations develop Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) in the mould of such trust funds to implement specific objectives.

The EXCO, in liaison with the Secretariat, will work on the modalities of this and other innovative financing strategies.
7 53 • Motivation for a Model Law on Public Financial Management: The EXCO noted the dire need to enhance the management of public finances in the SADC region by developing a Model Law on Public Financial Management that seeks to reinforce the powers of Parliament with regards to its budgetary function.
It will also assist in ensuring that Parliaments can properly exercise their oversight role over the prudential use of public finance and further that the budgets that are passed every year in Parliaments mainstream gender.

It was envisaged that the Model Law would also empower Parliaments to scrutinise various audit reports, such as the annual Reports of the Auditor Generals on public expenditures, and the audit reports of publicly funded statutory bodies.
Accordingly, the EXCO requested the Secretariat to explore appropriate donor agencies and international financial institutions that could assist in the development of this Model Law.

The matter was presented to the Plenary Assembly for approval.
• Renovation of the official residence of the Secretary General: The EXCO noted the inordinate delay in the completion of renovations to the official residence of the Secretary General, despite earlier indications that the renovations would be completed in time for the house to be habitable by December 2019.
The EXCO was briefed that a site visit by the Treasurer and representatives of the Ministry of Works of Namibia on 17 September 2019 had exposed the lack of progress in the renovations and the generally poor quality of the work carried out by the contractor.

The EXCO also expressed concern over the lack of due diligence in the process leading to the purchase of the house, including the procedural misnomer of engaging experts to evaluate the house only after it had been purchased.
EXCO resolved to recommend to the Plenary Assembly that: o The Ministry of Works and Transport in Namibia which, in liaison with the Namibian National Assembly, had appointed a new team to monitor and supervise the renovations of the house, be given an opportunity to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of the house in order to determine the nature and cost of outstanding renovations vis a vis what could be recouped if the house were sold; and that o The evaluation must be completed and a report presented to the EXCO by 15 January 2020.
• Adoption of an oath/affirmation of adherence for SADC-PF MPs: The EXCO recalled the endorsement of the draft Oath or Affirmation of Adherence for SADC PF MPs by the 45th Plenary Assembly of the Forum which met in Maputo, Mozambique, in view of ensuring accountability and promoting the SADC identity among its representatives.

The EXCO noted that the Oath or Affirmation of Adherence would require a legal amendment to be made to Article 8 of the Constitution of the SADC-PF.
Accordingly, the said amendments had been initiated through a notice of motion to national Parliaments to be moved by the Parliament of Seychelles.

Pursuant to the completion of the waiting period of 3 months prescribed by the Constitution, the amendment would be presented to EXCO for recommendation to the 47th Plenary Assembly of the Forum.
• Update of salary review for Forum employees: In line with the decision by EXCO to put in abeyance the review of salaries of Forum employees pending the results of a salary review exercise to be spearheaded by the Clerk of the Parliament of Namibia, the Parliament of Namibia had subsequently sought assistance from the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Namibia in conducting an objective salary review exercise.

However, the PSC of Namibia had since pleaded incapacity to this request.
To that end, the EXCO deemed it prudent to expeditiously hire an independent consultant to conduct a comprehensive Job Evaluation Exercise that would also encompass a salary review exercise and the attendant adjustments to be made.

The EXCO considered and approved the Terms of Reference for the said consultant.

In arriving at this decision, the EXCO took cognisance of the fact that the salaries of staff had not been reviewed for over four years, thus dampening the staff morale.
The proposed budget totalling USD 20 000.00 for the engagement of the consultant to conduct the Job Evaluation Exercise, and a request for variation of budget lines is contained in the Treasurer’s Report to the 46th Plenary Assembly.

The matter was tabled to the Plenary Assembly for consideration and approval.

Hon.

Modise expressed South Africa’s inability to participate in the decision on this matter, and therefore abstained accordingly.
• Risk management policy and training: Pursuant to the approval by the 45th Plenary Assembly, for the Forum to develop an institutional risk management policy in line with 8 54 international best practice, and for an independent consultant to be recruited for that exercise, submissions for expressions of interest were sought and received from various consultants.
• Enhancing the visibility of the Forum: The EXCO noted with concern the limited visibility of the Forum and the negative impact thereof on the Forum’s drive to transform into a SADC Regional Parliament.

The EXCO acknowledged that the Forum conducted many programmes and activities without these being adequately publicised.
Accordingly, the EXCO resolved to recommend to the Plenary Assembly that the Forum considers enhancing its visibility through the production of an e-newsletter which would be circulated to Member Parliaments, regionally and to international Parliamentary organisations as well as interested stakeholders.
The EXCO also proposed that the Secretariat utilises the mainstream media, social media, the Forum’s website and any other means of information dissemination that would enhance the visibility of the Forum, including covering events such as Plenary Assembly sessions.

The matter was presented to the Plenary Assembly for consideration and approval.

The Report was unanimously approved.
5.3 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of EXCO on Financial Matters of SADC-PF (Treasurer’s Report) The following financial matters were considered by the Executive Committee and were submitted to the Plenary Assembly for noting or decision: • Status of Mandatory Contributions as at 30th November 2019 • Audited Financial Statements as at 31st March 2019 • Financial status as at 30th September 2019 – Budget Performance Report • • Proposed Budget for the Financial Year 2020/2021 Issues affecting the Human Resource Of note was Members’ discussion on staff not receiving annual increases for over 4 years, and the need to address this as soon as possible.
Member agreed to have this address soonest.

The Report was unanimously adopted.

5.4 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) The Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee (RPMLOC) of the SADC-PF met on 28 and 29 October 2019, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Having considered presentations on principles, approaches and tools for monitoring of SADC Model Laws and appropriate mechanisms for oversight, the Committee took cognisance of lessons learned in domestication of treaties/covenants across Africa and beyond.

The Report was presented by Hon.
T. Matibe, MP from South Africa and resolved as follows: • • • that the SADC PF, working together with national, regional and international inter- parliamentary bodies as well as institutional Partners, shall develop and institutionalise an operational framework and tools on effective tracking and monitoring mechanisms for Model Laws and related policies in order to streamline the work of the RPMLOC; that the RPMLOC shall utilise existing structures, processes and procedures in respective Member Parliaments to collaborate with National Parliaments in tracking implementation and monitoring domestication, including periodic reporting as will be determined from time to time; and that SADC PF should come up with innovative ways of pulling together technical and financial resources to support tracking implementation and monitoring domestication of Model Laws.
The Report also recommended that: • awareness raising and popularisation of the work of the RPMLOC be conducted in Member States in view of encouraging Member Parliaments and Line Ministries to support its work through compiling of regular reporting information on thematic areas; 9 55 • capacity building for Members of the RPMLOC be sustained in order to ensure that the Members have the requisite skills and knowledge to execute their mandate, and to share this information with their respective Committees; • SADC PF adopt innovative approaches beyond traditional election observation to influence electoral reforms in SADC Members States through the domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections.
Members emphasised the need for Model Laws to be well publicised to the public who they are intended for.

The Report was adopted.

5.5 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Joint Session of Standing Committees The 8th Joint Session of Standing Committees of the SADC Parliamentary Forum was convened on 1 November 2019, at Southern Sun Hotel, O.R.

Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In attendance were Members of Parliament representing the Parliaments of Angola, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Apologies were recorded from the National Parliaments of Botswana, Mauritius, Mozambique and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Madagascar, who had agreed in principle to join the Forum, also attended the Joint Session as observers.
The Joint Session, held under the theme “The Role of SADC National Parliaments In Ensuring Universal Health Coverage by 2030” was organised with technical and financial assistance from the Forum’s partners, among them, the Government of Sweden, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the European Parliamentary Forum (EPF), Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division of the University of Kwazulu-Natal (HEARD) and the Southern Africa AIDS Information Dissemination Service (SAfAIDS).
The Joint Session aimed at: • Sensitising Members on the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) within the context of the SADC region; • Establishing the link between the SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project and the SADC Regional SRHR Strategy, the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage; and, Identifying the role of Parliamentarians individually and collectively in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in the region by 2030 within the remit of their legislative, budgetary, oversight and representative roles.
• Following presentations, the Joint Session of Standing Committees of the Forum recommended the following to the Plenary Assembly that: • The Forum calls upon SADC Governments to reaffirm their commitment to achieve universal health coverage and commit to stop the rise of out-of-pocket health spending by providing financial risk protection; • SADC-PF Members lead advocacy at the regional and national level for national budgets that finance key health-related issues relevant to local, national and regional health and SRHR challenges especially for adolescent girls and young women; • SADC-PF Members call on States/Governments to ratify, domesticate and implement international and regional health-related instruments which they are signatory to; and, that the Forum continues to expand the scope of partners that can assist Members with high- quality evidence-based research on health-related issues.
• The Report was adopted.

10 56 5.6 Motion for the Adoption of the Resolution by the Regional Policy Dialogue on the Domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections The Forum successfully convened a High-Level Policy Dialogue in collaboration with the Parliament of Zimbabwe, International IDEA and GIZ Regional Peace, Security and Good Governance Programme in the SADC Region at Kadoma Rainbow Hotel in Zimbabwe from 8- 11 November 2019.
The Dialogue was attended by the key electoral stakeholders in the SADC Region, including the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC); the Electoral Commissions Forum of the SADC Countries (ECF-SADC); the SADC Lawyers Association (SADC LA); the SADC Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (SADC-CNGO); Electoral Management Bodies from Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia; Media Representatives from Zimbabwe; Civil Society Organisation Representatives; International IDEA Africa and West Asia Office; the SADC PF Secretariat; and local and regional elections and governance experts.
The Dialogue expressed its concern with the existence of various significant and recurring challenges that undermine the credibility of elections and stifle the potential for the deepening of democracy in the SADC Region, and recognised the need to promote electoral reforms, the strengthening of electoral institutions and the overall enhancement of the integrity of elections in the region.
Accordingly, the Dialogue resolved as follows: On the SADC Model Law on Elections • Member Parliaments commit to facilitate and advocate for the dissemination of the SADC Model Law on Elections in their respective jurisdictions and in partnership with all key institutions.
• Member Parliaments to adopt and adapt the SADC Model Law on Elections in order to align their electoral legal frameworks and practices to the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the African Union Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance and other international instruments.

• Member Parliaments to foster multi-stakeholder collaborations in order to bring to bear the provisions of the Model Law.
• SADC PF to implement a region-wide advocacy programme for the Model Law on Elections following the SADC election calendar.

• Civil society must develop and implement advocacy programmes on the SADC Model Law on Elections.

On Political Party Registration, Regulation and Financing • Member Parliaments to prioritise registration and regulation of political parties.
• Member Parliaments to prioritise the development of political party finance regulation to curb financial malpractices by political parties and promote inclusive representation and participation and to ensure that mechanisms to implement such laws are instituted.

• The SADC PF RPMLOC in collaboration with relevant national parliamentary committees shall track progress on implementation through regular reporting.
• EMBs to submit to Parliament proposals for registration, regulation and political financing reforms guided by the provisions of the SADC Model Law on Elections.

• Civil society to make submissions on political party registration, regulation and financing and develop accountability tools to monitor the same.

• Stakeholders, in particular the media should track progress in relation to implementation of political party finance regulation.
On Election Dispute Prevention and Resolution Mechanisms • Member Parliaments to prioritise the establishment and strengthening of Election Dispute Prevention and Resolution mechanisms.

• The SADC PF’s RPMLOC, in collaboration with relevant national parliaments’ committees, shall track progress on implementation through regular reporting.

• EMBs to submit to Parliament proposals for Election Dispute Prevention and Resolution reforms guided by the provisions of the SADC Model Law on Elections.
11 57 • Parliaments, EMBs and other stakeholders, in particular the Media, to collaborate on the development and strengthening of early warning and early response mechanisms with regards to Election Dispute Prevention and Resolution.

• EMBs and other statutory bodies to ensure collaboration and coordination of efforts to prevent and resolve electoral disputes.

• Civil society must develop and implement advocacy programmes on election dispute prevention and resolution architecture.

The Report was adopted.


5.7 Statement by an Invited Observer, Hon.

Audrey Vidot from Seychelles on the Resolution of the Youth Indaba on “Strengthening Youth-Led Accountability in SADC Parliaments for Delivering on Commitments on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), HIV and Gender Equality” (Tswane Declaration) Hon.

Audrey Vidot presented the Declaration, which the Plenary Assembly adopted.

5.8 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Hon.
Ms. N. Bilankulu, as Vice-Chairperson of the RWPC presented the Report on 15 December 2019.

The RWPC convened on 27 and 28 September, at Premier Hotel, O. R. Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The SADC-PF RWPC, in conjunction with Sisters For Change, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, the SADC Secretariat and Plan International, convened to take the important first step in developing a Model Law on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) for the SADC Region.
The Model Law on GBV is intended to assist SADC Member States to develop comprehensive domestic laws to combat the scourge of gender-based violence which reflect international and regional human rights standards.

Representatives and GBV experts from the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) Committee, UN agencies, regional civil society organisations and universities were also in attendance.
The meeting was officially opened by the Speaker of the South African National Assembly, Hon.

Thandi Modise.

The meeting proved to be a robust platform for rich and meaningful engagement on the legislative challenges in combating and effectively responding to gender-based violence in the SADC region.
Accordingly, the meeting committed to drawing on international and regional legal standards to inform the process of harmonising language and definitions within the Model Law on GBV, in order to capture the realities of the disproportionate levels of violence against women and girls, while remaining cognisant of violence experienced by other genders and groups within society.
The meeting also reiterated that the Model Law on GBV will provide guidance on tackling new forms of violence, including climate-related violence and violence emerging as a result of the digital environment.

The meeting further committed to ensuring that in addition to parliamentarians, young people and young women in particular, women’s rights organisations and strategic implementers of gender-based violence legislation, participate meaningfully in the process of developing the SADC Model Law on GBV.
Hon.

Gwarube emphasised that GBV requires behavioural change which, in turn, requires more than just legislation.

She argued that male MPs needed to lead by example through calling out friends and colleagues when they behave wrong.

In addition, she also called on young men to learn from a young age that the world is not just designed for them, and this needs to be done in conjunction with girls’ empowerment.

The Report was adopted.


5.9 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights The Standing Committee on Democratisation Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) convened its meeting under the theme “Towards the Domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections”, 12 58 at Southern Sun Hotel O.R.

Tambo, Johannesburg, South Africa on 2 November 2019.
The Committee raised its concern over the failure by SADC-PF to deploy election observation missions to Mozambique and Botswana, in spite of a standing Plenary Assembly resolution, due to financial constraints on the part of national Parliaments.

It further observed that, by failing to observe elections in SADC Member States, SADC-PF was drifting from one of its main responsibilities of promoting democracy and governance in the region.
It also observed the recurrent and emerging challenges that had potential to undermine the integrity of elections, including the declining number of women being elected into public office, biased and fake news, lack of integrity in political finance, political intolerance and electoral conflicts and inadequate measures for participation of youths in elections as candidates.
Accordingly, the Committee: • Appealed to national Parliaments, through Committee Members, to commit to sending observation missions to Mauritius and Namibia which were due to hold elections on 7 and 27 November respectively; • Recommended for the cost of election observation missions to be included in the annual • subscriptions in order to make the missions predictable; Implored national Parliaments to ensure wide circulation of Plenary Assembly resolutions so that they reach both the SADC-PF MPs and other MPs and to upscale their implementation at national level by incorporating them into work plans of parliamentary committees; • Called on national Parliaments to ensure constant reporting by their members during SADC PF Standing Committees, regarding progress on the implementation of SADC PF resolutions in their countries; • Called on national Parliaments to ensure constant reporting regarding progress on the domestication and implementation of SADC-PF resolutions in their respective countries and for these progress reports, which are provided to Standing Committees by individual Members, to be institutionalised; and • Called on national Parliaments to keep on promoting and protecting the rights of persons with albinism in line with the resolution by the 45th Plenary Assembly.
The Report was adopted.

5.10 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes The Standing Committee on Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDSP) convened on 30 and 31 October 2019, at Southern Sun Hotel O. R. Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Committee dealt with the following substantive issues: • Salient features of the Second Phase of the SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance Project: The presentation highlighted the SRHR Thematic Areas to be covered by Phase II of Project are as follows: o Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Gender Inequality; o Early and Unintended Pregnancy and Safe Abortions; o Commodity Security and Access to SRHR and HIV/AIDS related services in view of reinforcing health systems and contributing to Universal Health Coverage; o Comprehensive Sexuality Education; and, o Non-discrimination and Protection of Key Populations.
The legislative, budgetary, oversight and representative roles of MPs would thus be framed within the 5 identified Focus Areas.
In line with these, the Project would seek to achieve the following: o Promoting SRHR Advocacy: building the capacity of Parliaments to promote the legislative, budgetary, oversight and representative roles of MPs in advocating for SRHR and improving accountability of Government; 13 59 o Promoting regional leadership on SRHR: promoting networking with inter-parliamentary bodies across Africa in view of promoting the Forum’s developed SRHR normative content (Model Laws, Minimum Standards among others) and promoting a harmonised approach to the achievement of common SRHR goals; and, o Building capacity of Parliaments through high-quality, evidence-based research on SRHR in collaboration with partners.
• Consideration of the partnership matrix on the proposed areas of collaboration – Mr Adolf Mavheneke, SADC-PF CSO Desk: The Committee was appraised on the outcome of the Partners’ Meeting convened by the Secretariat in liaison with SIDA Sweden in Windhoek, Namibia, aimed at enhancing collaboration between and among the Forum and CSO partners and development agencies dealing with SRHR and HIV/AIDS related issues.

The meeting was attended by a variety of CSOs and development agencies.
The Committee acknowledged that the partners would play an instrumental role, not only in providing technical and financial assistance in the roll-out of the Project, but also in maintaining close links between Parliament and citizens at the grassroots level.
• Stocktaking of the participation of national parliaments in the SRHR, HIV and AIDS governance Project (2019-2022): The Secretary General recalled the decision by the 43rd Plenary Assembly held in Luanda, Angola, that Phase II of the SRHR Project be extended to include the then 14 Member Parliaments.
Pursuant to this, the Secretariat had formally written to national Parliaments in July, after receiving funding for the Project from Sweden, requesting them to consider and sign the Project Implementation Agreement and appoint SRHR Researchers as confirmation of their commitment to implementing the Project.

However as has been alluded to earlier, to date, only five national Parliaments, had duly signed the Project Implementation Agreement and recruited SRHR Researchers.
The Secretary General took cognisance of the understandable delay by Botswana, Namibia, Mauritius and Mozambique, which were seized with electoral processes and expressed optimism that they would sign the Agreements and appoint Researchers within a reasonable period after the conclusion of their elections.

She implored Members whose Parliaments were yet to respond to assist the Secretariat in galvanising action by their Parliaments in this regard.
The meeting recommended to the Plenary Assembly: • Those Member Parliaments which are yet to sign the SRHR, HIV and AIDS Governance (2019-2022) Project Implementation Agreement and recruit SRHR Researchers, be given up to 31st December 2019 to do so, failure of which they would be deemed to have declined the offer to take up the Project; • Those Member Parliaments which have already signed the Project Implementation Agreement and appointed SRHR Researchers be allowed to proceed to implement activities under the Project while the others conclude the required Project commencement processes; • That the Secretariat continues to widen the scope of partners that can collaborate with the Forum and national Parliaments on the SRHR Project and provide high-quality evidence- based research that will inform Parliamentary debate, legislative and policy interventions.
The Report was adopted.

5.11 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment The Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment (TIFI) Standing Committees met on Saturday, 2 November 2019 at Garden Court in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Committee met under the theme, ‘Data as an enabler of the digital economy’ and received an expert presentation from Dr. Alison Gillwald and Gabriella Razzano.
The highlights of the presentation included indications that the digital economy centres around data which is not only about access but should include important policy issues related to data privacy, including as it relates to personal and biometric data, data security, cross border data, and privacy self-management.
The Committee also appreciated the importance of data in stimulating e-commerce and e- transactions, and intellectual property and copyright, which may in turn raise issues of e- 14 60 commerce readiness; consumer protection; contracting; mobile money; encryption and fair use exceptions.

Amongst others, the meeting: • Urged SADC Governments to identify and address factors limiting equal and equitable participation in the digital economy as a matter of urgency.
• Recommended to SADC governments to take stock and domesticate regional and international agreements aimed at promoting people’s participation in the digital economy.

Access barriers related connectivity, skills and education and others should also be addressed.

• Proposed that the Forum with the support National Parliaments and cooperating partners continue to raise awareness, knowledge and skills to effectively engage with the sector and bring to bear the role of Parliament.
• Reaffirmed the commitment of the TIFI Standing Committee to spearhead the development of the SADC Model Law on the Digital Economy which would set important standards or benchmarks on issues such as data protection and access to information, cyber security and cybercrimes, e-commerce and e-transactions, intellectual property and copyright and many more.
• Encouraged the SADC Parliamentary Forum’s Secretariat to continue the collaboration with the Research ICT Africa (RIA) and other partners to develop a comprehensive Model law on the Digital Economy The Report was adopted.

5.12 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources The Report was presented by Hon.

T. Matibe from South Africa.


The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) Standing Committee met on Thursday, 31 October 2019 at Premier Hotel O.R.
Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa under the theme, ‘Strengthening Parliamentary Oversight for enhanced Climate Resilience, Agricultural Growth and Food Security in SADC.’ The Committee received a presentation from Ms. Julie Middleton, the Consortium Project Manager for Strengthening Social Accountability and Oversight in Health and Agriculture in Southern Africa under Action Aid International, and informed the meeting about the collaboration and support to the SADC Parliamentary Forum.
In this regard, Ms. Middleton said that SADC-PF under the Partnership for Social Accountability (PSA) Alliance has received a four-year (July 2019 to June 2023) financial support by the to the tune of USD 160,000.00 which will be disbursed at an annual rate of USD 40,000.00.
The funding is a continuation of the ‘Strengthening Social Accountability and Oversight in Health and Agriculture in Southern Africa’ Project and it primarily targets the Member States of Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia and Zimbabwe.

It was noted that concerted efforts will be made through cofinancing from other partners to benefit all the Parliaments.
The project seeks to promote the realization of regional commitments in the areas of HIV/SRH services for adolescents and youth and agricultural services for smallholder farmers through improved accountability and gender- responsiveness in public resource management.
Amongst others, the Committee: • Encouraged SADC Parliaments through the Agricultural Portfolio Committees and individual parliamentary interventions to keep track of and exercise oversight of the implementation of the recommendations of the Malabo Biennial Review Report which is scheduled for February 2020.
• Reiterated the need for SADC Parliaments and parliamentarians to fast-track efforts towards ending hunger in the region by 2025 and ensuring resilience to climate change through enhanced parliamentary action and oversight of these spheres.

• Reiterated the support of the FANR Standing Committee for increased attention to the phenomenon of climate change and its destructive effects on development and livelihoods as was highlight by the Symposium and resolutions of the 46th Plenary Assembly session.
15 61 • Urged SADC Member States to fast track the ratification of the Paris Agreement and all other • related treaties and frameworks, for the benefit of the member states.

Implored SADC Parliaments and parliamentarians to strengthen their oversight role in execution of policies, laws and budgets relating to climate change in general and in particular with regard to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
• Proposed that land be declared the theme for the 47th Plenary Assembly, alternatively that it be discussed at any earliest opportunity.

The Report was adopted.

5.13 Motion for the Adoption of the Report of the Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Women’s Advancement and Youth Development The Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Women’s Advancement and Youth Development convened on 27 and 28 September, at Premier Hotel, O.R.

Tambo International Airport, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
the primary aims and objectives of the meeting as follows: a) to consider the Tshwane Declaration and; b) to consider the Youth-Led Accountability Framework (this framework is intended to be utilised by youth activists in order to monitor the implementation of commitments adopted by SADC political decision-makers on various youth- related conventions, protocols and strategies, such as the SADC SRHR Strategy; African Union Youth Charter, to name a few).
Amongst others, the Committee: • Endorsed the Youth-led Accountability’ Framework, and mandated the Secretariat, using this framework, to come up with an amended version that can be used by parliamentary portfolio committees for their oversight; • Welcomed the Tshwane Declaration and mandated the secretariat to come up with its implementation plan; • Expressed its gratitude and appreciation to parliaments that covered the logistical expenses of their young MP’s attendance at the Youth Indaba and the attendance and participation of the SADC-PF Vice President in the Intergenerational Dialogue as well as Hon Esparon, a member of GEWAYD.
The Report was adopted.

5.14 Members’ Motions The following members’ motions were presented and debated, all of which were agreed to by consensus.

• Notice of Motion on Developing Cross-Border Agricultural Value Chains in SADC as a Catalyst for Successful Implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) – Mover: Hon.

T. Matibe, MP (South Africa); Seconder: Hon.


R. Mendes, MP (Angola) • Notice of Motion calling for the Lifting of Economic Sanctions Imposed against the Republic of Zimbabwe – Mover: Hon.

J. Diakite, MP (Angola); Seconder: Hon.

A.

Limbo (Namibia).

Hon.

Modise expressed South Africa’s solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, reiterating that South Africans on various platforms have been calling for the removal of these sanctions.
There was a proposal that the matter be submitted as an emergency item at the upcoming IPU Assembly.

• Notice of Motion on Free Movement of People and Goods Across the SADC Region – Mover: Hon.

A.

Alley, MP (Tanzania); Seconder: Hon.
D. Saleshando, MP (Botswana) 6 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARLIAMENT The South African Parliament is advised to note the following recommendations: 16 62 • Regarding the implementation of SADC-PF resolutions: o To raise awareness of the work of the RPMLOC in view of encouraging Member Parliaments and Line Ministries to support its work through compiling of regular reporting information on thematic areas; o To ensure wide circulation of Plenary Assembly resolutions so that they reach both the SADC-PF MPs and other MPs and to upscale their implementation at national level by incorporating them into work plans of parliamentary committees; o To ensure constant reporting regarding progress on the domestication and implementation of SADC-PF resolutions in their respective countries and for these progress reports, which are provided to Standing Committees by individual Members, to be institutionalized.
• Regarding SRHR, HIV and AIDS: o In line with the EXCO and HDSP Committee resolution on the SRHR HIV and AIDS Governance Project, Parliament is advised to swiftly decide whether it intends to participate in the Project.

Member Parliaments that are yet to sign the Project Implementation Agreement and appoint SRHR Researchers, were given up to 31 December 2019 to do so, failure of which they would be deemed to have declined to participate in the Project.
o To lead advocacy at the regional and national level for national budgets that finance key health-related issues relevant to local, national and regional health and SRH challenges especially for adolescent girls and young women; o To call on States/Governments to ratify, domesticate and implement international and regional health-related instruments which they are signatory to.
• Regarding the election observation missions and the SADC Model Law on Elections: o To include the cost of election observation missions in the annual subscriptions in order to make the missions predictable; o To facilitate and advocate for the dissemination of the SADC Model Law on Elections in their respective jurisdictions and in partnership with all key institutions.
o To adopt and adapt the SADC Model Law on Elections in order to align their electoral legal frameworks and practices to the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the African Union Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance and other international instruments.

• Regarding the digital economy: o To request government to take stock and domesticate regional and international agreements aimed at promoting people’s participation in the digital economy.
Access barriers related connectivity, skills and education and others should also be addressed.
• Regarding Climate Resilience, Agricultural Growth and Food Security o To, through parliamentary interventions, keep track of and exercise oversight of the implementation of the recommendations of the Malabo Biennial Review Report which is scheduled for February 2020. o To strengthen oversight over the execution of policies, laws and budgets relating to climate change in general and in particular with regard to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
• Regarding Hosting of the Plenary Assembly o Following the Plenary Assembly’s debate on the Hosting roster for future plenary assemblies, Hon.

Modise indicated South Africa’s ability to host during the 6th Parliament, but not beyond.

Accordingly, she agreed to Parliament being available to host in 2022.

Parliament is advised to remain cognizant of developments in this regard, in particular the provisional deadline of April 2020 for Parliament’s submission of a suitable hosting date to the Secretariat.
17 63 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: THE 46TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM 10 to 17 DECEMBER 2019 SWAKOPMUND, NAMIBIA 1 64 1.

INTRODUCTION The 46th SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) Plenary Assembly was held in Swakopmund, Namibia, from 10 to 17 December 2019 under the theme “The Role of SADC Parliaments in Promoting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030”.

13 of the 14 SADC-PF member parliaments attended, 8 led by Speakers.
The South African delegation to the Plenary Assembly was constituted as follows: • Hon.

Ms T. Modise, MP and Speaker of the National Assembly (Leader of the delegation) • Hon.

Ms N. Bilankulu, MP • Hon.

Mr T. Matibe, MP • Hon.

Mr D. Moela, MP • Hon.
Ms S. Gwarube, MP The delegation was supported by the following officials: • Mr M. Mothapo: Division Manager – Parliamentary Communication Services • Ms Z. Kroese: Manager: Protocol Administration – International Relations and Protocol Division (IRPD) • Dr N. Leibrandt-Loxton: Researcher: IRPD • Ms F. Ramosoma: Support to the Speaker • Mr Abie Sheldon: Camera operator/Vision mixer • Mr Modise Kabeli: Media specialist • Mr Akhona Ndlela: Audio Visual production specialist The Forum held a Symposium on the theme; considered and adopted the reports of the Executive Committee (EXCO), Standing Committees, the Regional Parliamentary Model Laws Oversight Committee (RPMLOC), and the Regional Womens Parliamentary Caucus; and considered and adopted several motions on various thematic issues.
2.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARLIAMENT The South African Parliament is advised to note the following recommendations: • Regarding the implementation of SADC-PF resolutions: o To raise awareness of the work of the RPMLOC in view of encouraging Member Parliaments and Line Ministries to support its work through compiling of regular reporting information on thematic areas; o To ensure wide circulation of Plenary Assembly resolutions so that they reach both the SADC-PF MPs and other MPs and to upscale their implementation at national level by incorporating them into work plans of parliamentary committees; o To ensure constant reporting regarding progress on the domestication and implementation of SADC-PF resolutions in their respective countries and for these progress reports, which are provided to Standing Committees by individual Members, to be institutionalized.
• Regarding SRHR, HIV and AIDS: o In line with the EXCO and HDSP Committee resolution on the SRHR HIV and AIDS Governance Project, Parliament is advised to swiftly decide whether it intends to participate in the Project.

Member Parliaments that are yet to sign the Project Implementation Agreement and appoint SRHR Researchers, were given up to 31 December 2019 to do so, failure of which they would be deemed to have declined to participate in the Project.
o To lead advocacy at the regional and national level for national budgets that finance key health-related issues relevant to local, national and regional health and SRH challenges especially for adolescent girls and young women; 2 65 o To call on States/Governments to ratify, domesticate and implement international and regional health-related instruments which they are signatory to.
• Regarding the election observation missions and the SADC Model Law on Elections: o To include the cost of election observation missions in the annual subscriptions in order to make the missions predictable; o To facilitate and advocate for the dissemination of the SADC Model Law on Elections in their respective jurisdictions and in partnership with all key institutions.
o To adopt and adapt the SADC Model Law on Elections in order to align their electoral legal frameworks and practices to the revised SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections, the African Union Charter on Democracy Elections and Governance and other international instruments.

• Regarding the digital economy: o To request government to take stock and domesticate regional and international agreements aimed at promoting people’s participation in the digital economy.
Access barriers related connectivity, skills and education and others should also be addressed.
• Regarding Climate Resilience, Agricultural Growth and Food Security o To, through parliamentary interventions, keep track of and exercise oversight of the implementation of the recommendations of the Malabo Biennial Review Report which is scheduled for February 2020. o To strengthen oversight over the execution of policies, laws and budgets relating to climate change in general and in particular with regard to the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
• Regarding Hosting of the Plenary Assembly o Following the Plenary Assembly’s debate on the Hosting roster for future plenary assemblies, Hon.

Modise indicated South Africa’s ability to host during the 6th Parliament, but not beyond.

Accordingly, she agreed to Parliament being available to host in 2022.

Parliament is advised to remain cognizant of developments in this regard, in particular the provisional deadline of April 2020 for Parliament’s submission of a suitable hosting date to the Secretariat.
________________________________________ 3 66 (e) Report of the IPU Virtual Meeting on “Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Parliamentary Action to reduce risks, strengthen emergency preparedness and increase resilience.” – 28 April 2020 67 REPORT OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) VIRTUAL MEETING ON "LESSONS FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PARLIAMENTARY ACTION TO REDUCE RISKS, STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND INCREASE RESILIENCE" 68 1.
PURPOSE The South African Parliament was invited to be part of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) virtual meeting on "Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic: Parliamentary action to reduce risks, strengthen the emergency preparedness and increase resilience" held on 28 April 2020.

The virtual meeting aimed to provide the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating consequences for countries.
It also drew lessons learned and best practices from this pandemic to reflect on how to ensure enhanced disaster risk management, including preventive measures and preparedness for an effective response to biological hazards in the future.
The panelists included: • Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General; • Mr. Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary-General; • Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR; • Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria) • Dr. Micheal Ryan, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme; • Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO COVID-19 Technical Lead; and • Ms. Loretta Hieber Girardet, Chief UNDRR Regional Office Asia-Pacific (Moderator).
Ms. Girardet (moderator) reported that about 460 parliamentarians tuned in for the virtual meeting.

The International Relations and Protocol Division registered 39 Members – the Parliamentary Group on International Relations (PGIR) IPU Focus Group, the Portfolio Committee on Health, and the Select Committee on Health & Social Services to be part of the virtual meeting.

1.1.
1.1.

OPENING AND WELCOME REMARKS Ms. Girardet delivered the welcome and opening remarks, and she noted that it is not an overstatement that the world is in the middle of extraordinary times and that much of the world is unified in combating the deadly virus.

Also, the world economies are in downward spirals, and social cohesion is threatened, and the majority remain concerned with what would come next.
In times of crisis, people look to their leaders for guidance and help, and in the majority of countries, these leaders are the elected representatives in Parliament.

They carry the aspirations of the people and are responsible for shaping the laws, budgets, and governance mechanisms that protect all citizens.
Months into this global disaster, it is clear that far greater attention to risk reduction, including those caused by biological hazards, could have helped prevent the loss of life and devastating socio-economic ramifications of this pandemic.

Nevertheless, there is still much that can be done to limit the spread of the virus and reduce the impact of the pandemic, especially on the vulnerable.
Therefore, the objective of the meeting is to provide parliamentarians with the latest information and recommendations on how to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 69 2.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE PANELLISTS' KEY MESSAGES TO PARLIAMENTARIANS The following section provides a summary of the panellists’ key messages to parliamentarians: 2.1.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General – What is your key message to parliamentarians?
How can they support their own countries' efforts and facilitate required WHO health measures?

Dr. Ghebreyesus noted that everyone is aware of the COVID-19 impact on societies and economies.

The world is facing an unprecedented health global crisis that demands an extraordinary response.

He noted that from the beginning of the pandemic, the WHO stressed the importance of the all-government approach and global solidarity - build on the foundation of national unity.
On building resilience against COVID-19, parliaments can legislate measures to govern, enable, and support risk management measures.

They can ensure public consistency of funding for all the sectors.

They can build accountability across all sectors of governments' management policies and programmes.

They can ensure a multi-sectoral approach for all- hazards disaster management.

The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of implementing the international health regulations.
It also highlighted the importance of accelerating universal health coverage and driving progress for Sustainable Development Goals.

These are areas that parliaments can make a difference.

In conclusion, the WHO, together with the IPU, will work on the development of a handbook to provide parliamentarians with the practical tool for advocacy, legislation, budget allocation, accountability to address COVID-19 pandemic.
The WHO is also working with the IPU to develop a handbook on the role of parliaments in strengthening health security, and it will be launched in the coming months.

2.2.

Mr. Martin Chungong, IPU Secretary-General – How is the IPU supporting the centrality of parliaments in fighting COVID-19?

How can parliamentary exchanges and actions contribute to the response to the pandemic?
Mr. Chungong noted that slowing down the spread of COVID-19 requires measures that have a profound impact on the lives of the citizens, the economy, and society as a whole.

These measures require more and not less parliamentary scrutiny.

In times of crisis, parliaments are duty-bound to ensure that all measures taken, result in enhanced protection of all, particularly the most vulnerable.
Ensuring inclusive decision-making processes and mainstreaming gender equality and human rights in all legislative processes remain critical.

Parliaments must, therefore, be at the heart of the national and global response to COVD-19.

The IPU is delighted to be part of the global effort to mobilise parliaments.

Solidarity and cooperation have never been this important.
And, that the IPU is doing its utmost best to mobilise parliaments and supporting them in the exercise of their democratic mandate in the period of deep crisis.

The IPU is doing its best in facilitating access to examples of good parliamentary practices.

The IPU has launched a campaign "parliaments in time of the pandemic," and this campaign is aimed mobilising parliaments in the global response to COVID-19.

It also draws lessons for the future parliamentary response.
The current crisis is the opportunity to bring parliaments to the forefront from theory to practice.

In practice, it means parliaments implementing their respective powers to good effect by protecting the population from the current virus.

There is compelling evidence 3 70 that parliaments are stepping to the plate, and Ms. Bayr, MP (Austria), elaborated more on the role of parliaments.
Parliaments must continue to contribute to efforts that ensure that the countries' health facilities are well-resourced and resilient for future emergencies.

The current crisis presents an opportunity to learn, and that parliaments come up stronger in responding to the needs of the citizens.

2.3.
2.3.

Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR – From the disaster perspective, what national efforts need to be strengthened to better prevent and prepare for disaster, including pandemics?

What is the role of parliamentarians in supporting these efforts?

Ms. Mizutori noted that COVID-19 is a global health crisis, its socio-economic crisis, and also the disaster management crisis.
Five years ago, the world experienced outbreaks of EBOLA, SARS, and H1N1.

During those times, governments and parliaments pushed hard for the inclusion of biological hazards in the framework for disaster reduction.

This framework created an opportunity for integrating public health management and disaster risk management.

Still, sadly, the COVID-19 has revealed that efforts to prepare for and prevent a disaster of this magnitude is not adequate at all.
Now faced with the urgent need to address COVID-19, examples of cooperation are emerging, national disaster management authority in India is taking on the task of looking at low-level treatment to reduce pressure on the system.

In Bangladesh, authorities are looking at large scale evacuations so that centres do not become major centres of infections.
This is encouraging, but the world can do much better to go beyond responding and recovering better from this pandemic and to better prepare for the next one.

The disaster management approach needs to be strategically strengthened, through, amongst others, including pandemics such as COVID-19.

Currently, 81 UN member States have developed national strategies for disaster reduction, but not many have included biological hazards such as COVID-19.
This is the reason the Office of the UNDRR is rapidly developing new guidelines and tools to ensure that national strategies do address pandemics preparedness.

The UNDRR will work with WHO to facilitate countries' implementation of national strategies.

Furthermore, to tackle the systematic nature of contemporary risk in an inter-connectedness society, action must also be systematic and holistic.
This means beyond responding to the health risk, all the risk drivers must be tackled together, this includes the public health service and infrastructure, urban planning food and security, climate emergency, safe-guarding biodiversity, poverty, and inequality.

This is where the role of parliamentarians comes in.

Parliamentarians are the only organ that can strengthen governance of disaster risk management risk by establishing rules and regulations.
Parliamentarians can allocate for enacting national risk strategies for disaster reduction in legislation so that they receive political attention and financial resources for implementation.

Parliamentarians can also advocate for the implementation of the risk management strategies at the local level.

In conclusion, UNDRR hopes to continue working with the IPU in supporting the work of parliamentarians.

4 71 2.4.
4 71 2.4.

Dr. Micheal Ryan, Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme and Dr. Ryan noted that leadership, governance, and trust between the citizens and the State – a social contract that will allow citizens to accept decisions that are not comfortable are the critical components in managing emergencies.

Also, there is a need for non-partisanship when dealing with emergencies.
The current pandemic requires a complete societal adaptation to the new reality, and political leaders are essential to the success of the transition to the new normal.

The WHO recognises the front health workers as the heroes that everyone speaks about every day.

And the governments have the responsibility to protect those heroes.
The WHO recognises the front health workers as heroes, and governments have profound responsibility of ensuring that these heroes are provided with the tools, capacities, and resources they need to serve.

The world needs to recognise that COVID-19 is not the only current crisis it is faced with, but there pandemics such looming climate change crises, locust swamp in East Africa, hunger, and continuing flooding events in Kenya.
It is difficult to respond to all these disasters while at the same time sustaining universal health coverage in the majority of countries.

More than ever before, countries need to commit to the concept of preparedness for disasters and emergencies.

This pandemic is something that should never be allowed to happen again, and parliaments have to make sure that the legislation, financing, and the investment needed to make societies resilient, and the early-warning systems are available going forward.
In conclusion, he noted that the WHO has put every effort into fighting this pandemic in 150 countries.

It has warned alerted and shouted at countries to wake up and understand what was happening.

The world needs to continue fighting as; currently, the level of complacency is starting to emerge.

This fight requires scientifically informed leadership in parliaments and governments to guide the nation through this pandemic.

2.5.
2.5.

Ms. Petra Bayr, MP (Austria) – What do you as an MP see as critical areas for parliamentary engagement in the COVID-19 pandemic response?

Ms. Mayr noted that the duty of MPs is first and foremost to secure parliamentarism democracy because some governments misuse the situation and push back parliaments by ruling by decree without parliaments' involvement and oversight.

Parliamentarism must be kept alive, and there are different ways of doing that.
For instance, in Austria, parliamentarians still hold physical meetings while maintaining physical distance, in the plenary hall.

All the debates and decisions are broadcasted live.

In Malaysia, Parliament holds online parliamentary sessions that allow MPs to make decisions and raise critical questions.

And, these sessions are broadcasted live to allow citizens to follow debates.
She also noted that during this pandemic, MPs must put access to free primary healthcare at the core of political decision-making.

She emphasised that it is not a good idea to have privatised healthcare facilities (hospitals and clinics) as it is the health of the citizens and not profits that should be at the core.

Also, it essential that women have access to safe sexual and reproductive health rights – guarantee to contraceptives and access to family methods.
The pandemic is not only a health issue but also has social effects – unemployment.

In Austria, the government is subsiding temporary/part-time workers to avoid a high unemployment rate.

Countries with a high rate of informal employment need to keep a balance between restriction of movements and opportunities for employment to ensure that 5 72 people do not starve.
Also, governments must ensure that children have access to proper healthcare, nutrition, and education – access to the internet for homeschooling.

All these examples show that it is very crucial to have lively parliamentarism.

MPs must be able to act for the benefit of the people.

In conclusion, some countries are subsiding research for vaccination and medicine against the virus, and it is morally correct that should a cure be found through subsidised trials.
It should be accessible to everyone without payment or fees.

3.

CONCLUSION Ms. Girardet noted that due to the limited time, it would not be possible for the panel to address the high number of questions received.

In this regard, the IPU, WHO, and the UNDRR will go through the questions and answer each one of them.
Overall, panellists stressed the importance of on-going discussions between the scientific community and the community of policy-makers, if the world is to conquer the pandemic and to ensure that things do not happen the way they are happening today.

During this time, human life should be at the core of every government and legislative decision-making approach.

Also, countries should use the pandemic as a lesson to build resilient societies that can cope with crises in the future.
Furthermore, it is critical to enhance governments' risk management strategies – countries must have national disaster reduction strategies which must be backed by laws and regulations.

Moreover, countries need to invest in prevention, in this case, a proper healthcare service.

Lastly, the world must remain united in the resolve to prepare for response to and mitigate the effects of pandemics on societies and economies.
Bringing national unity is the responsibility of MPs from across political lines – to unite and work together.

When there is a crack within the society, the virus will exploit it.

The world should not allow the virus to exploit existing differences at the national level.

Strong national unity will bring strong international solidarity 4.

KEY ISSUES The following key issues are worth noting: • The IPU's country-by-country compilation portal: the portal shows best -practices of the pandemic.
This portal can be accessed at parliamentary https://www.ipu.org/country-compilation-parliamentary-responses-pandemic.

responses to • Support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund: The IPU has called on its Member Parliaments to support the World Health Organization (WHO) through the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, a partnership between the WHO, the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation.
The Fund is designed to raise money to support the work of WHO and partners to help countries respond to the pandemic, including financing personal protective equipment for front-line health workers, boosting laboratory capacity through training and equipment, and accelerating efforts to fast-track vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.
END 6 73 _________________________________________________________________________ 7 74 SUMMARY OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) VIRTUAL MEETING ON "LESSONS FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PARLIAMENTARY ACTION TO REDUCE RISKS, STRENGTHEN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND INCREASE RESILIENCE" 1.
INTRODUCTION The South African Parliament was invited to be part of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) virtual meeting on "Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic: Parliamentary action to reduce risks, strengthen the emergency preparedness and increase resilience" held on 28 April 2020.

The virtual meeting aimed to provide the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating consequences for countries.
It also drew lessons learned and best practices from this pandemic to reflect on how to ensure enhanced disaster risk management, including preventive measures and preparedness for an effective response to biological hazards in the future.

Ms. Girardet (moderator) reported that about 460 parliamentarians tuned in for the virtual meeting.
The International Relations and Protocol Division registered 39 Members – the Parliamentary Group on International Relations (PGIR) IPU Focus Group, the Portfolio Committee on Health, and the Select Committee on Health & Social Services to be part of the virtual meeting.

2.
2.

OVERALL REMARKS Panellists stressed the importance of on-going discussions between the scientific community and the community of policy-makers if the world is to conquer the pandemic and to ensure that things do not happen the way they are happening today.

During the pandemic, human life should be at the core of every government and legislative decision-making approach.

Also, countries should use the pandemic as a lesson to build resilient societies that can cope with crises in the future.
Furthermore, it is critical to enhancing governments' risk management strategies – countries must have national disaster reduction strategies that must be backed by laws and regulations.

Moreover, countries need to invest in prevention, in this case, a proper healthcare service.

Lastly, the world must remain united in the resolve to prepare for response to and mitigate the effects of pandemics on societies and economies.
Bringing national unity is the responsibility of MPs from across political lines – to unite and work together.

When there is a crack within the society, the virus will exploit it.

The world should not allow the virus to exploit existing differences at the national level.

Strong national unity will bring strong international solidarity.

3.
3.

KEY ISSUES The following key issues are worth noting: • The IPU's country-by-country compilation portal: The IPU made Member Parliaments aware of the portal that shows best-practices of parliamentary responses to the pandemic.

75 This portal can be accessed at https://www.ipu.org/country -compilation-parliamentary- responses-pandemic.
• Support for the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund: The IPU has called on its Member Parliaments to support the World Health Organization (WHO) through the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, a partnership between the WHO, the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation.
The Fund is designed to raise money to support the work of WHO and partners to help countries respond to the pandemic, including financing personal protective equipment for front-line health workers, boosting laboratory capacity through training and equipment, and accelerating efforts to fast-track vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments.
END ___________________________________________________________________________ 2 76 (f) Report of the IPU Virtual Webinar for Parliamentarians on COVID-19 Response and SDGs – Restarting the Global Economy in a Sustainable and Inclusive Manner – 9 June 2020 77 REPORT OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) VIRTUAL WEBINAR FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS ON COVID-19 RESPONSE AND SDGs – RESTARTING THE GLOBAL ECONOMY IN A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE MANNER 9 June 2020 78 Prepared by the International Relations and Protocol Division 1.
PURPOSE The Office of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) invited the South African Parliament to be part of the virtual meeting on June 9th, 2020, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The virtual meeting focused on how to restart the global economy in a sustainably and inclusively manner guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
This event brought together Parliamentarians from around the world to exchange included best practices parliamentarians and staff from approximately 100 countries, as well as experts on the SDGs and the economy.

The panellists were as follows: their national context.

Participants that can be adapted to • Ms. Gabriela Cuevas Barron, President of the IPU (Moderator).
• Ms. Kirsten Brosbøl, Founder of the Parliamentarians for the Global Goals (PGA) (Moderator) • Ms. Margareta Cederfelt, President of the PGA.

• Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, President, Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

• Professor Yuning Gao, Tsinghua University School of Public Policy and Management.

• Dr. Martin Muhleisen, Director of the Strategy, Policy, and Review Department, International Monetary Fund (IMF).

• Professor Jayati Ghosh, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

1.1.
1.1.

OPENING AND WELCOME REMARKS Ms. Gabriela Cuevas Barron, President of the IPU delivered the welcome and opening remarks, and she noted that the world is currently at a crossroads, and people must make a choice: they could be the generation that dooms the world, or they could be the one that transforms it.

She noted that “as parliamentarians, the choice is ours to make.

The elaboration of fairer laws, the to approval of parliamentarians.
If parliamentarians truly are to "leave no one behind", as stated by the 2030 Agenda, then we must undertake a people-centered approach to decision making.

Only then can we translate - as they should - global agreements into national solutions.

If all 46,552 parliamentarians sought to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, then they would become the generation that chose to transform the world.” the oversight of government action are up inclusive budgets, and 2 79 2.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE PANELLISTS' KEY MESSAGES TO PARLIAMENTARIANS The following section provides a summary of the panellists’ key messages to parliamentarians: 2.1.

Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, President, Sustainable Development Solutions Network – Strong advocate of climate change Dr. Sachs noted that parliamentarians around the world should routinely meet via webinars to discuss issues relating to the economy, SDGs, and climate change.
He also noted that the COVID-19 should not stop the work of parliament, and instead, the work of parliament should effectively move online as a way of maintaining international dialogue which is more important than ever before.

On Covid-19, he noted that the world is still in a desperate situation as the pandemic is accelerating in the majority of countries.
The countries of the Asia Pacific – China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand are by large containing or suppressing the pandemic and other countries should learn from these countries as they are by far the most successful.

The pandemic started in China and spread quickly to the rest of the world, China first got it under control through a very strict quarantine policy.

In Europe and the United States (US), and South America, it turned into a public disaster.
On COVID-19 fatalities, the Asian Pacific once again kept the fatalities quite low compared to Western Europe and the US.

All of the Americas – South, and North are in deep crisis with massive fatalities and this is a failure of governance in the Western Hemisphere.
In Africa and South Asia, the cases are relatively low but the pandemic is starting to spread quickly and the reason for low cases is that the pandemic arrived several weeks later and it is early to determine whether these countries will go the route of Asia – Pacific or Europe/US in suppressing the pandemic.
Also, research shows that Brazil and India have significant cases, but comparatively, Brazil currently has the worst crisis in the world because the President is a “disaster” – lack of scientific knowledge and popularism is killing Brazilians in large numbers and this is also the case in the US, where the President has neglected the most basic public health measures and this has resulted into thousands of to fatalities.
Both cases display a parliamentarians is the need for “clear and strong national leadership” to suppress the pandemic and to understand how dangerous this disease is.

On controlling the pandemic, the Asian Pacific countries firstly imposed non-traveling to high-risk regions and people used hygenic behaviour – face masks, proper hygiene, testing, and tracing of people as well as social distancing earlier on.

These countries were smarter and preventative from the start.
All the countries need contact tracing – means every symptomatic person is quickly tested, isolated and the close contacts are traced and tested.

This is the systematic control of the pandemic.

On the trust of governments to control the pandemic, research indicates that people in countries such as Taiwan, Australia, and New Zealand have trust in their respective governments in suppressing the pandemic.
Sweden is also not doing a good job in suppressing the pandemic – their policies were too lax from the beginning.

On shutting down the economy, it is a costly and a necessary short term measure when there are inadequate health measures – testing and tracing, isolation, and proper hygiene.

On the SDGs after the pandemic, no country will achieve the SDGs without stopping the pandemic.

first message leadership, therefore lack of the 2.2.
Professor Yuning Gao, Tsinghua University School of Public Policy and Management 3 80 Professor Gao noted that China as the first country that was heavily impacted by the pandemic, is already on the economic recovery – 90 per cent of the economy has recovered.

The air pollution of China, especially around Beijing is roughly down to 80 per cent compared to the same period in 2018.

Also, China’s carbon-dioxide has decreased by 17 per cent in the first quarter.
This indicates how human activity can impact climate change – air pollution.

China’s GPD experienced a negative decrease of 7 per cent in the first quarter and first in the last decade.

In efforts to maintain economic growth, for the first time, China will not set a target for economic growth but only for employment – an extra 9 million positions to be created to keep the employment low.
Policy to realise this objective includes extending the fiscal deficit by, amongst others, lowering the value-added tax, introduction of consumption coupons, and refinance loans to medium and small businesses.

Due to the pandemic, the majority of small and medium enterprises are on the verge of bankruptcy and are also major vehicles of employment.

China i.e.,5G telecommunication, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
All these policy initiatives are an integral part of China’s efforts to realise the SDGs.

is also encouraging infrastructure – investment in new 2.3.

Dr. Martin Muhleisen, Director of the Strategy, Policy, and Review Department, International Monetary Fund (IMF) response.

Overall, countries have Dr. Muhleisen noted that so far the world has witnessed unprecedented economic policy response that is differentiated between the different groups of countries.
Larger and wealthier countries have had more space - their central banks have thrown a lot of liquidity to the economy and huge fiscal packages as a way of minimising the fall-out from the crisis.

The medium and low-income countries have had less space to expand their fiscal policies but IMF policies online indicate that these countries have also taken measures to support the economy and the taken unprecedented and unorthodox healthcare microeconomic policy measures as a way of fighting the crisis.
Although, the global economic outlook is subjected to extraordinary risks – for now, the stock and financial markets have rebounded and stabilised due to the countries’ reaction but there is a lot that is still to come – trade, export, and demand for products/commodities data from low-income countries are fairly low.
In this instance, the role of parliamentarians lies in the financing, as there is a huge need for financing both domestically and internationally – in this instance, parliamentarians need to support the IMF efforts in trying to mobilise funding for the African Continent.

On the SDGs, the crisis provides some opportunities, particularly on the restructuring of the economy – countries with weak unsustainable models have to consider something new.
And, the need for continued fiscal spending to sustain the economy also provides an opportunity for a rethink – where/what money should be spent on – infrastructure and technology.

This space provides an opportunity for parliaments to provide a way forward by, amongst others, directing public finance into green investments, new forms of technology, working from home, and the great use of mobile technology.
Parliamentarians should not waste this opportunity; it is important to have an economy that is more sustainable after the crisis.

In terms of mobilising domestic revenue, public spending, etc., the international community should look into international taxation by combating illicit flow and the laundering of money.

And, also look at the issue of tax haven so that countries have a chance to raise the revenue that is needed to help against the widening inequalities – the worrying side-effect of the crisis.
4 81 2.4.

Professor Jayati Ghosh, Jawaharlal Nehru University Professor Ghosh noted that the majority of developing countries have had timid and inadequate fiscal responses due to lack of access to large liquidity, fiscal packages, etc., and this has impacted their response to the economic and healthcare challenges – this situation exposed the existing discrepancies between the advanced countries and the developing countries.
On the pandemic, the majority of the developing countries are only at the beginning of the curve after a heavy lockdown and India had the most severe draconian lockdown in the world for two months without putting public healthcare measures in place to contain the pandemic.

And, it is opening the economy at the time when the country is faced with a serious health crisis – with time India will be amongst the top countries with COVID-19 infections.
More than ever, it is time that parliaments in advanced economies encourage their respective governments to recognise the need for international solidarity – substantial sovereign debt reduction/relief, i.e., The bond market and other commercial debt, as well as other relief measures, should be availed to the developing countries that are facing difficult foreign exchange constraints.
On other ways of raising revenue, there are currently two global proposals (1) taxing multinational companies at the same rate at which local companies are taxed - the minimum rate of 25 per cent to be established globally – this issue has been raised by amongst others G24 and OECD countries.

This proposal if implemented will address the issues of profit shifting by these companies, and (2) Global asset registry – to avoid illicit financial flows and tax evasion by high net individuals.
This registry requires the support of every country and is feasible as countries such as Norway are already attempting it.

This will allow developing countries to tax their high net citizens.

On parliamentarians, she urged them to guard against investors’ pressure of relaxing environmental regulations/restrictions/standards to generate GDP growth.
On SDGs, several targets would not have been met even without the pandemic and it important than ever for international institutions such as the IMF to look at the long term investments needed to achieve the SDGs and climate change.

3.
3.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the SDGs are the roadmap for the global recovery and only about 13 per cent of parliaments are working on the SDGs – having specialised committees/discussions and this is an indication that far more still needs to be done to ensure parliaments involvement/participation in the achievement of the SDGs.

Parliaments need to interrogate legislation and budgets to ensure the prioritisation of the most vulnerable so that no one is left behind come 2030.

4.
KEY ISSUES The following key issues are worth noting: .. • Referral of the two global proposals to generate revenue to the Chairpersons of the Portfolio and Select Committees on Appropriation and Finance for further research and interrogation: The Co-Chairpersons of the PGIR may consider referring the two global proposals to raise national revenue, which has come under serious strain due to the COVID- 19 ( 1) taxing multinational companies at the same rate at which local companies are taxed - the minimum rate of 25 per cent to be established globally – this issue has been raised by 5 82 amongst others G24 and OECD countries.
This proposal if implemented will address the issues of profit shifting by these companies and (2) Global Asset Registry – to avoid illicit financial flows and tax evasion by high net individuals.

This registry requires the support of every country and is feasible as countries such as Norway are already attempting it.

This will allow developing countries to tax their high net citizens.
• Dates for next webinars for Parliamentarians on COVID-19 response and the Sustainable Development Goals are as follows: ü Tuesday, July 7th, from 8 am to 10 am EDT.

ü Tuesday, August 4th, from 8 am to 10 am EDT.

ü Thursday, September 3rd, from 8 am to 10 am EDT.


END _________________________________________________________________________ 6 83 SUMMARY OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) VIRTUAL WEBINAR FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS ON COVID-19 RESPONSE AND SDGs – RESTARTING THE GLOBAL ECONOMY IN A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE MANNER 1.
INTRODUCTION The Office of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) invited the South African Parliament to be part of the virtual meeting on June 9th, 2020, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The virtual meeting focused on how to restart the global economy in a sustainably and inclusively manner guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.
This event brought together Parliamentarians from around the world to exchange included best practices parliamentarians and staff from approximately 100 countries, as well as experts on the SDGs and the economy.

The panellists were as follows: their national context.

Participants that can be adapted to • Ms. Gabriela Cuevas Barron, President of the IPU (Moderator).
• Ms. Kirsten Brosbøl, Founder of the Parliamentarians for the Global Goals (PGA) (Moderator) • Ms. Margareta Cederfelt, President of the PGA.

• Dr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, President, Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

• Professor Yuning Gao, Tsinghua University School of Public Policy and Management.

• Dr. Martin Muhleisen, Director of the Strategy, Policy, and Review Department, International Monetary Fund (IMF).

• Professor Jayati Ghosh, Jawaharlal Nehru University.

1.1.
1.1.

OVERALL REMARKS The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the roadmap for the global recovery and only the SDGs – having specialised about 13 per cent of parliaments are working on committees/discussions and this is an indication that far more still needs to be done to ensure parliaments involvement/participation in the achievement of the SDGs.

Parliaments need to interrogate legislation and budgets to ensure the prioritisation of the most vulnerable so that no one is left behind come 2030.

2.
KEY ISSUES The following key issues are worth noting: • Referral of the two global proposals to generate national revenue for South Africa to the Chairpersons of the Portfolio and Select Committees on Appropriation and Finance for further research and interrogation: The Co-Chairpersons of the PGIR may consider referring the two global proposals to raise national revenue, which has come under serious strain due to the COVID-19 ( 1) taxing multinational companies at the same rate at which local companies are taxed - the minimum rate of 25 per cent to be established globally – this issue 84 has been raised by amongst others G24 and OECD countries.
This proposal if implemented will address the issues of profit shifting by these companies and (2) Global Asset Registry – to avoid illicit financial flows and tax evasion by high net individuals.

This registry requires the support of every country and is feasible as countries such as Norway are already attempting it.

This will allow developing countries to tax their high net citizens.
END ___________________________________________________________________________ 2 85 (g) Report of the South African delegation to the Virtual Standing Committee Meetings of the SADC Parliamentary Forum ahead of the 47th Plenary Assembly – 6–30 July 2020 86 REPORT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO THE VIRTUAL STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM AHEAD OF THE 47TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY 6 – 30 July 2020 1 87 1.
INTRODUCTION From 6 to 30 July, the SADC-PF Standing Committees held virtual meetings to conclude standing committee business and elect new office bearers ahead of the 47th Plenary Assembly.
Accordingly, the SADC-PF Standing Committees on Trade Industry Finance and Investment (TIFI), Democratisation Governance and Human Rights (DGHR), and Food Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) met from 6 to 16 July for committee business and elections, while the Standing Committees on Gender Equality Women Advancement and Youth Development (GEWAYD), Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDP), and the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) met from 28 to 30 July to conduct elections only.
Delegates from the South African Parliament attended the meetings as follows: • Standing Committee on TIFI: Hon.

Ms. H. Mkhalipi (6, 7, 14 and 15 July 2020 (absent with apology)) • Standing Committee on FANR: Hon.

Mr T.B.

Matibe (9 and 10 July 2020) • Standing Committee on DGHR: Hon.

Mr D. Bergman (7 and 8 July 2020) • Standing Committee on GEWAYD: Hon.

Ms N. K. Bilankulu (28 July 2020) • Standing Committee on HSDP: Hon.

Mr D. Moela (29 July 2020) • RWPC: Hon.

Ms N. K. Bilankulu (absent) and Hon.


Ms H. Mkhalipi (30 July 2020) 2.

STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS – 6 to 16 JULY 2020 2.1 Standing Committees on Trade Industry Finance and Investment (TIFI) The TIFI Committee met virtually from 6 to 7 and 14 to 15 July for committee business and elections, as well as webinars.
• Committee business: Following the adoption of the committee’s previous meeting minutes, key matters that arose related to progress on the implementation of past committee resolutions and the development of the Model Law on Digital Economy.

Regarding the former, the Secretariat committed to the following through with past resolutions after a new committee clerk had been appointed.
Regarding the Model Law on Digital Economy, the Secretariat reported that a draft is in the process of being finalised and that subsequent activities concerning engagement with stakeholders and MPs will be via online platforms.

The Secretariat also indicated that the committee’s resolution on the model law will be converted into questions for SADC parliaments to answer as part of data-gathering.
Members emphasized the need for the process to be well-coordinated at the national level to ensure that TIFI committee members remain involved in the process.
• Webinars: The first webinar dealt with the topic of ‘The Role of Parliament in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 on the trade and business environment for the SADC region.’ Amongst others, the webinar’s objective was to present an overall assessment of the effect of COVID- 2 88 19 on the SADC region and the ways in which it impacts on trade, business and investment; consider the linkages between public health, finance, trade and the economy at large in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic; and 3) consider the role of parliaments as a central agent of change to mitigate and develop resilience against the negative impact of COVID-19.
Following the presentation, the committee agreed that SADC parliaments must be robust in overseeing regional commitments, including through collaboration with civil society.
Some of the key issues raised by committee members concerned the following: o The need for Africa to invest adequately in its health economy and agricultural sectors o African countries taking active interest in the more than 200 COVID-19 vaccine trails to not be left on the side-lines o The need for parliaments to request regular briefings from their respective trade ministries on where and how money is invested to prevent illicit outflows o Africa needing to explore new markets and relook at what it produces to boost economic growth and development o Hon Mkhalipi raised the issue of African countries needing to address corruption through stronger anti-corruption laws and collaboration with uncaptured civil society, particularly since corrupt politicians don’t seem to ever be charged o The need for African countries to call for debt moratoriums to allow for some relief during the pandemic.
SADC parliaments were advised to conduct debt audits in their countries to determine the extent of foreign debt.

The SADC-PF was advised to consider developing model questions that MPs can use in their committees towards this purpose.

This recommendation was supported by Hon.

Mkhalipi.

The second webinar engaged with the topic of ‘African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) and give an update on the Negotiations within the Regional Economic Communities, with a focus on SADC’.
The committee received a presentation from Ms Trudi Hartzenberg, the Executive Director of the Trade Law Centre (Tralac).

The webinar in particular also reviewed the impact of COVID-19, noting lessons for the AfCFTA.

The presentation showed that Africa’s regional economic communities (RECs), of which SADC is one, will continue to exist under the AfCFTA, and gave an overview of its current signature and ratification status.
Significantly, the agreement entered into force on 30 March 2019, although trade in goods under it has not been able to commence as sensitive negotiation matters related to preferential tariffs concessions and preferential rules of origin are not yet complete.

The restrictions related to COVID-19 contributed to the delay in finalising the negotiations.

Although no new date has been announced for the start of trade under the AfCFTA, it is expected that this will be in early 2021.
The committee reflected on a number of issues raised, including the following: o The need for Africa to diversify its trade portfolio to move away from solely relying on trading in commodities.

Large capacity development is required for countries to produce tradeable goods and service, which is highly dependent on political will at the national level.

o The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the existing trade vulnerabilities in SADC, including the need to adopt digital trade solutions.
Amongst others, it is imperative to improve the management of import and export permits to be more efficient.

3 89 o The role of parliaments was discussed, notably in relation to ensuring the domestication of trade agreements in their national contexts.
o The SADC-PF was also advised to consider establishing a monitoring process or forum through which member parliaments can monitor SADC states’ implementation of the AfCFTA, in particular the SADC Guidelines on Harmonisation and Facilitation of Cross Border Transport Operations across the Region During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

• Election of office-bearers: The committee’s newly elected office-bearers for the period 2020 to 2022 are from the following parliaments: o Chairperson: Zimbabwe (Hon.
Anele Ndebele) o Vice-Chairperson: Angola (Hon.

Ruth Andriano Mendes) 2.2 Standing Committee on Democratisation Governance and Human Rights (DGHR) The DGHR Committee met virtually from 7 and 8 July for committee business and elections, as well as presentations from resource persons.

• Committee business: The committee’s minutes of its previous meetings were adopted.
• Presentations from resource persons: The committee received the following three presentations: o Trends in Electoral Justice in Southern Africa: Unpacking of the SADC Model Law on Elections The presenter, Dr Victor Shale from Shalestone Elections & Governance Consultants, presented to the committee an overview of trends in electoral disputes in the SADC region, in particular noting that they are increasingly becoming common.
These trends also reveal that such disputes are often deliberate to derail the electoral process.

Moreover, while SADC judiciaries are meant to be impartial in handling such disputes, they are often partial and thus a contributing factor to the region’s state capture challenges.

Another challenge that has emerged relates to the amount of time it takes for disputes to be addressed.
To address these challenges, the presenter proposed SADC states to consider alternative dispute resolution measures that are based on informal and voluntary settlement via multiparty liaison committees and electoral commissions.

This would then avoid court involvement in all such cases.

The presentation suggested that electoral justice requires the presence of all the formal and informal ingredients of electoral dispute resolution.
Furthermore, it also recommended that the judiciary and judicial officials can deliver optimally on electoral justice if they are capacitated in their understanding of electoral laws and ability to dispose of election disputes.
o The Malawi Constitutional Court Judgement on the 2019 Presidential Elections: the the SADC-PF Election Observation and Lessons and Domestication of the SADC Model Law on Elections Implications for 4 90 The presenter, Justice Oagile Key Dingake, gave an overview of the irregularities of the 2019 Presidential Elections in Malawi, noting in particular the role played by the country’s electoral commission.
Amongst others, the court judgement found that the commission used tally sheets that had not been signed, and that it had created constituency tally centres which was not allowed.

The Malawian electoral commission therefore did not conduct the election in line with the country’s electoral law.
This experience of Malawi revealed valuable lessons for SADC countries concerning the conduct of lessons, including (a) the need for an independent, competent and knowledgeable judiciary, (b) the need for a credible election commission, and (c) that observers have been too quick to declare elections as free and fair; there is a need to check their track records and credibility.

The Committee agreed that all arms of government are important in ensuring credible elections.

Hon.
Hon.

Bergman in particular noted the need for electoral commissions to ensure that court rulings are implemented and that there are recourse measures in place should rulings not be implemented.
The need for professional observer missions was also raised, as well as the limitation of external missions o The Role of SADC-PF and National Parliaments in promoting Transitional Justice in the SADC region The presenters, from the Institute for Justice & Reconciliation and Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, provided an overview of SADC’s history of injustices, including through slavery, colonialism, and apartheid.
The Committee was also appraised of the impact of these injustices on the region currently, notably in terms of inequality, violence, skewed land ownership, disrespect for cultures and vulnerable groups, and corruption.

These challenges are worsened by climate change.

The presenters then explained the concept of transitional justice, noting its necessity as current peace and security efforts in SADC are often piecemeal and do not deal with the root causes of conflict.
These efforts are often militarised and not victim-centred.

The presenters defined transitional justice as a full set of measures undertaken in a society/community in an attempt to come to terms with/address the consequences of conflict or violence.
The African Union Transitional Justice Policy defines transitional justice as “the various policy measures and institutional mechanisms that societies, through an inclusive consultative process, adopt in order to overcome past violations, divisions and inequalities and to create conditions for both security and democratic and socio-economic transformation”.
The policy goes beyond retribution and draws on traditional justice approaches emphasizing conciliation, community participation and restitution, and seeks to address African concerns on violent conflicts and impunity through taking into account the particular context and cultural nuances of affected societies, as well as the gender, generational, ethno-cultural, socio-economic and development dimensions of both peace and justice.
5 91 In conclusion, the presenters made the following recommendations to SADC parliaments: § SADC-PF has taken the lead in developing model law on Elections, and envisages development of SADC model law on Gender Based Violence.
In a like manner, SADC-PF could domesticate the continental transitional justice policy through developing a model law on transitional justice to address regional realities and challenges § National parliaments should lead in creating the regulatory frameworks and monitoring mechanisms for all Transitional Justice processes § Violence and conflicts leave societies traumatized.
Parliaments should prioritise legislation for states to provide mental health and psycho-social support for victims § Parliaments should uphold and promote legitimate indigenous knowledge and value systems that enhance Transitional Justice at local and national level • Election of office-bearers: The committee’s newly elected office-bearers for the period 2020 to 2022 are from the following parliaments: o Chairperson: Mozambique (Hon.

Jeronima Agostinho) o Vice-Chairperson: South Africa (Hon.
Darren Bergman) 2.3 Standing Committee on Food Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) The FANR Committee met virtually from 9 to 10 July 2020 for committee business, presentations, and elections of office-bearers.

• Committee business: The Secretariat reported that the former committee clerk had left the Forum, hence the committee will be supported by another staff member in the interim.
The Secretary General requested support from parliaments and is awaiting one parliament to confirm a secondment to the committee for 2 years.

The Secretary General further reported that the committee’s project with Action Aid International on Strengthening Social Accountability and Oversight in Health and Agriculture in Southern Africa will need review due to the COVID-19 situation.
She further reported that the GIZ activity to track SADC protocols and commitments to agriculture will in all likelihood continue as funds for this project has been made available.

Other projects that remain pending are the ones on environmental governance and climate change, energy, and transboundary water governance.

The project on mining, notably the development of a model law on mining, may not take place any more due to lack of funding and the interest of partners having shifted to other areas.
As regards the topic of land governance in the SADC region, the topic of the 47th Plenary Assembly, the committee was invited to consider how it can contribute to the symposium, particularly in light of COVID-19, land, and food security.
• Presentations: The committee received two presentations from resource persons; the first dealing with “The Impact of COVID-19 on the SADC region’s food security” by ActionAid International and the second looking at “The Impact of COVID-19 on the Natural Resource Governance in the SADC Region: What Parliaments Can Do” by Oxfam.
6 92 o The Impact of COVID-19 on the SADC region’s food security: This presentation relayed to the committee that communities across the region are continuously faced with natural hazards.

In the past 5 years alone, the region experienced El Niño, erratic rains leading to low harvests, cyclones Idai and Kenneth, and pest infestation and drought.

The food crisis might be prevalent for the next year or two before all food needs are met in the countries impacted.
Coupled with COVID-19, the situation is getting worse with food strikes in South Africa, border closures leading to challenges of supply on the markets for Mozambique, and a deterioration of the situation in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

Governments have prioritised responding to COVID-19 because of rising infections, focussing less on food security.
The presenters recommended to the committee that parliaments should ensure social accountability in the use of public funds earmarked for relief efforts.

Parliaments were also advised to ensure that investment in agricultural services for smallholder farmers are not reduced in this time when governments are dealing with austerity budgets.

Parliaments ensuring the domestication of the African Union’s Malabo Declaration was also emphasised.
The presentation concluded with the presenters cautioning the committee to the possibility of famine should food insecurity in SADC not be addressed soonest.

o The Impact of COVID-19 on the Natural Resource Governance in the SADC Region: What Parliaments Can Do: This presentation focused on the extractive industry specifically, noting the impact of countries’ COVID-19 mitigation measures on the industry’s operations.
Trends observed to date show that energy commodities, such as coal, have been exempt from national lockdowns, while metals, such as zinc, copper, nickel and iron ore, have been more severely impacted through price and production declines as a result of global industrial collapse.

Gold, however, has again proven to be safe during crisis periods, as evidenced by its price increase as production continues.
The presenter made various suggestions to the committee pertaining to (a) acceleration, development and diffusion of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies; (b) measures to secure the health of employees and prevent the spread of disease; (c) transition to cleaner energy; and (d) improving governance of the extractives sector.

Members’ interventions emphasized the need to start mining training from a young age, as well as investing in artisanal mining to support young Africans in terms of job creation.
Hon.

Matibe observed that localisation of the extractive industry is crucial, particularly in terms of the necessary infrastructure development to process minerals, after which resources and expertise can then be pooled in the region.

The presentation concluded with a call to SADC parliaments to, amongst others, strengthen transparency and accountability in the governance and management of natural resources.
• Election of office-bearers: The committee’s newly elected office-bearers for the period 2020 to 2022 are from the following parliaments: o Chairperson: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (Hon.

Andre Leon Tumba) o Vice-Chairperson: Lesotho (Hon.

Marapeleng Malefane) 7 93 3.


ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS OF STANDING COMMITTEES ON GEWAYD, HSDSP, AND THE RWPC The SADC-PF Standing Committees on Gender Equality Women Advancement and Youth Development (GEWAYD), Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDP), and the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC), deferred the holding of elections when they met in March 2020.
From 28 to 30 July, these committees met for extraordinary meetings with the sole purpose of holding elections for their new office-bearers.

The outcomes of the elections were as follow: • GEWAYD o Chairperson: Lesotho (Hon.

Peete Peete Ramoqai) o Vice-chairperson: Madagascar (Hon.

Marie Jeanne d’Arc Masy Goulamaly) • HSDSP o Chairperson: Malawi (Hon.

Bertha M. Ndebele) o Vice-chairperson: Eswatini (Hon.
Strydom Mpanza) • RWPC o Chairperson: DRC (Member’s name forthcoming) o Vice-chairperson: Tanzania (Member’s name forthcoming) 4.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PARLIAMENT Parliament is advised to note the developments and outcomes of these standing committee meetings in preparation for the 47th SADC-PF Plenary Assembly (the date of which has yet to be announced at the time of writing).
It is during the Plenary Assembly session that each standing committee and the RWPC will table thier respective committee reports and resolutions for consideration and adoption.
8 94 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: REPORT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN DELEGATION TO THE VIRTUAL STANDING COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF THE SADC PARLIAMENTARY FORUM AHEAD OF THE 47TH PLENARY ASSEMBLY 6 – 30 July 2020 1 95 From 6 to 30 July, the SADC-PF Standing Committees held virtual meetings to conclude standing committee business and elect new office bearers ahead of the 47th Plenary Assembly.
Accordingly, the SADC-PF Standing Committees on Trade Industry Finance and Investment (TIFI), Democratisation Governance and Human Rights (DGHR), and Food Agriculture and Natural Resources (FANR) met from 6 to 16 July for committee business and elections, while the Standing Committees on Gender Equality Women Advancement and Youth Development (GEWAYD), Human and Social Development and Special Programmes (HSDP), and the Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (RWPC) met from 28 to 30 July to conduct elections only.
Delegates from the South African Parliament attended the meetings as follows: • Standing Committee on TIFI: Hon.

Ms. H. Mkhalipi (6, 7, 14 and 15 July 2020 (absent with apology)) • Standing Committee on FANR: Hon.

Mr T.B.

Matibe (9 and 10 July 2020) • Standing Committee on DGHR: Hon.

Mr D. Bergman (7 and 8 July 2020) • Standing Committee on GEWAYD: Hon.

Ms N. K. Bilankulu (28 July 2020) • Standing Committee on HSDP: Hon.

Mr D. Moela (29 July 2020) • RWPC: Hon.

Ms N. K. Bilankulu (absent) and Hon.


Ms H. Mkhalipi (30 July 2020) Each Standing Committee dealt with committee business as well as thematic issues under their purview in consultation with various resource persons.

Their respective committee reports will be adopted by the Plenary Assembly in due course.

The Standing Committees and RWPC also elected their office bearers for the 2020 – 2022 period as follows: a) Democratisation, Governance and Human Rights Hon.
Jeronima Agostinho, Mozambique, (Chairperson), Female Hon.

Darren Bergman, South Africa (Vice Chairperson), Male b) Trade, Industry, Finance and Investment Hon.

Anele Ndebele, Zimbabwe (Chairperson), Male Hon.

Ruth Andriano Mendes, Angola (Vice-Chairperson), Female c) Human and Social Development and Special Programmes Hon.

Bertha M. Ndebele, Malawi (Chairperson), Female Hon.

Strydom Mpanza, Eswatini (Vice-Chairperson), Male d) Gender Equality, Women Advancement and Youth Development Hon.
Peete Peete Ramoqai, Lesotho (Chairperson), Male Hon.

Marie Jeanne d'Arc Masy Goulamaly, Madagascar, (Vice-Chairperson), Female e) Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Hon.

Andre Leon Tumba, DRC (Chairperson), Male Hon.

Marapelang Malefane, Lesotho (Vice-Chairperson), Female 2 96 f) Regional Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Hon.
Anne-Marie Mbilambangu, DRC (Chairperson), Female Tanzania (to be advised), Vice-Chairperson _____________________________ 3 97 (h) Report of the IPU Virtual Meeting for Parliamentarians on Covid-19 and Gender Equality – 7 July 2020 98 REPORT OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) VIRTUAL MEETING FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS ON “COVID-19 AND GENDER EQUALITY” 7 July 2020 Prepared by the International Relations and Protocol Division 99 1.
INTRODUCTION The Office of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) invited the South African Parliament to be part of the virtual meeting held on July 7th, 2020, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The focus of the webinar was on the COVID-19 pandemic and gender equality.

This event brought together Parliamentarians from around the world to participate and to exchange best practices that can inspire political action on Goal 5: Gender equality of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The discussion was led by: • Mr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, President, Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

• Ms. Silvana Koch-Merin, President and Founder, Women Political Leaders (WPL).

• Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the United Nations General Assembly.

• Ms. Gabriela Cuevas, MP, President of the IPU.

• Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director, UN Women.

• Ms. Trisha Shetty, Founder, SheSays, India.

• Ms. Kirsten Brosbøl, Founder, Parliamentarians for SDGs (Moderator).
This was the second in a series of four webinars on COVID-19 response and the SDGs designed for and with Parliamentarians around the world.

Participants included parliamentarians and their staff from over 60 countries, as well as experts on SDGs and gender equality.

The South African Parliament was represented by Hon.

M. Boroto, MP, and NA House Chairperson of Committees.

1.1.
1.1.

OPENING AND WELCOME REMARKS Mr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, Ms. Silvana Koch-Merin, Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa, Ms. Kirsten Brosbøl, and Ms. Gabriela Cuevas delivered the welcome and opening remarks.

Ms. Cuevas, President of the IPU, amongst others, noted that countries need to understand that the current global pandemic is going to have an impact on women – it has no gender bias.

This pandemic reveals the strengths and weaknesses in societies and both have a strong gender dimension.
Over 70 per cent of essential workers (pharmacy, grocery stores, hospitals, etc.,) are women.

According to the 2020 UN report, almost half a billion people will be pushed back into poverty due to the Covid-19.

The pandemic is not only a health crisis but also an economic crisis that is going to impact women and young girls.
Women are particularly impacted during the crisis because of existing gender discrimination – it is affecting women disproportionally due to existing gender inequalities in areas such as work and families.

The rights of women in abusive relationships need to be addressed urgently.

The pandemic has increased women's vulnerability due to unemployment, lack of social benefits/security, and income inequalities.

Women worldwide earn 23 per cent less than men.


The IOL estimates that 52 per cent of women in the informal economy are in high-risk jobs compared to 42 per cent of men.

Women also carry about 70 per cent of unpaid household work.

In this light, more women parliamentarians are needed to ensure gender lens in budgets, legislation, etc.

Also, gender-sensitive parliaments that will ensure the representation of both men and women.

2.
2.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE PANELLISTS' KEY MESSAGES TO PARLIAMENTARIANS 2 100 The following section provides a summary of the panellists’ key messages to parliamentarians: 2.1.

Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director, UN Women Ms. Mlambo-Ngcuka, amongst others, noted that this year (2020) the world is supposed to be celebrating the 25 years of the implementation of the Beijing Plan of Action – and that France and Mexico will still be hosting Beijing 25 under the campaign generation equality.
Women in the frontline of the Covid-19 need to be celebrated and the majority of health workers that have died are women - over 75 per cent in Italy.

The number of women in leadership position s in Covid-19 response is declining and this is something that parliaments need to look into.

For instance, in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the UK, the presidents of nurses are men.
Global organisation of nurses is a man – countries need to start making sure that the health representative bodies, were the majority of members are women, are led by women.

The leadership of women is not only needed in the health sector but also every endeavor of life.

Women parliamentarians need to be at the forefront- the majority of countries are underperforming in the representation of women in parliaments.
Between now and 2025, countries need to work hard to achieve the 50 per cent parity – political parties, electoral systems, and special measures (quotas, targets) need to be explored and engaged to propel and push women in political decision-making.

Gender-based violence has emerged as one of the challenges during the crisis across the globe and very few countries have measures to respond to this challenge.
In this light, countries are urged to declare services towards gender- based violence (GBV) as essential, including beyond the crisis and to desist from reprioritising GBV resources to fight COVID-19.

Economic and digitisation interventions for women should be prioritised as part of Beijing.

In conclusion, gender and racial inequality must be fought together.

2.2.
2.2.

Ms. Trisha Shetty, Founder, SheSays (India) Ms. Shetty, amongst others, noted that India is still in lockdown and people are not allowed to walk two kilometers away from their houses.

Countries have not acknowledged the critical work that women are doing as frontline workers during the pandemic.

Also, the pandemic has led to the emergency of “donkey leadership” – for instance, India has tested only one per cent of the entire population, yet the country has alarming cases of infection rate.
When it comes to policy, India failed to declare sanitary manufactures as essential during the national lockdown.

It was only after the national shortage and protests that the Indian Government decided to declare sanitary manufacturers as essential.

This is the consequence of not having women representation in decision-making structures.

Also, all the personal protective equipment (PPEs) are mainly designed to fit men's bodies – masks, bodysuits, etc.
do not fit women and these are some of the concerns that are not being highlighted.

India has one of the highest cases of GBV but there are no resilient structures – safety homes.

India is also experiencing high levels of female malnutrition in school going children due to the lockdown and this issue is also not being adequately addressed.
Also, what is emerging is the suspension of human rights – for instance, all the protesters against the Citizenship Amendment Act which is discriminatory towards the 3 101 Muslim population have been targeted during the lockdown.

In conclusion, what is needed is new blood in politics to replace the old guards as politicians are “non-renewable resources”.

2.3.
2.3.

Summary of Participants’ Input The majority of participants posed questions to the experts and some of them related to what can be done differently to achieve gender parity?

What can women parliamentarians and NGOs do to assist women in the Arab region, especially those in conflict areas?

It is worth noting that a female parliamentarian from Iraq noted that the country does not have a national law on GBV despite an increase in GBV during the pandemic.

On her input, Hon.
On her input, Hon.

Boroto, amongst others, noted that the pandemic brought to the fore existing vulnerabilities, inequalities, and discrimination that the 2030 Agenda seeks to address; therefore, the response to the pandemic cannot be de-linked from the achievement of SDGs.
The SDGs and the pandemic are interconnected – action in one area will positively affect the outcome in the other area, so collective action is needed to make real progress in both areas to save lives and ensure no one is left behind come 2030.
Therefore, as parliamentarians, we must take urgent and decisive action to put women and girls at the center of government and parliamentary business.… Decisive, and immediate action for parliaments should include the following….that the fiscal stimulus and social assistance programmes packages rolled out to fight the socio-economic crisis are intentionally applied through the gender lens to achieve greater equality, opportunities, and social protection….South African Parliament has progressively intensified its oversight programme, using online video platforms to hold the Executive to account, particularly on the implementation of the Covid-19 measures.
It has held over 154 virtual meetings in both House of Parliament and that these meetings allowed us to ask pointed questions to Ministers and representatives of departments and their entities on issues that include: Gender-based violence.

3.

CONCLUSION In response to some of the questions, experts stressed the need for quotas to propel women in decision-making positions without quotas women issues will not be heard.

All the arguments for meritocracy should be rejected as it failed women.
Gender parity is not about evening numbers but it is about fighting inequality, a feminist recovery agenda, the quality of the political system, democracy, quality of decisions taken, and the true politics of serving the people.

During the COVID- 19 pandemic women and children, particularly those living with disabilities should be put at the centre of decision-making.

The vaccine for COVID-19 must be universal access and free for all.
Parliamentarians have a key role to play when it comes to budgetary allocations, law-making, and regulatory efforts that they are mandated to deliver.

Ms. Cuevas, amongst others, noted that the gender agenda and the feminist movement need synergy and to work together.

The power of multilateralism is understanding and having more voices on the table.

If women are not working together in a coordinated manner and without a good strategy nothing will change.
Solidarity is the key to advance the gender agenda.

4.

KEY ISSUES The following key issues worth noting: 4 102 • Achievement of Gender parity: Between now and 2025, countries are encouraged to work hard to achieve the 50 per cent parity – political parties, electoral systems, and special measures (quotas, targets) need to be explored and engaged to propel and push women in political decision-making.

• Next webinars are planned for: o Tuesday, August 4th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
o Thursday, September 3rd, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

END _______________________________________________________________________________ 5 103 SUMMARY OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) WEBINAR FOR PARLIAMENTARIANS ON “COVID-19 AND GENDER EQUALITY” 1.

INTRODUCTION The Office of the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) invited the South African Parliament to be part of the virtual meeting held on July 7th, 2020, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
The focus of the webinar was on the COVID-19 pandemic and gender equality.

This event brought together Parliamentarians from around the world to participate and to exchange best practices that can inspire political action on Goal 5: Gender equality of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The discussion was led by: • Mr. Jeffrey D. Sachs, President, Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

• Ms. Silvana Koch-Merin, President and Founder, Women Political Leaders (WPL).
• Ms. María Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the United Nations General Assembly.

• Ms. Gabriela Cuevas, MP, President of the IPU.

• Ms. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director, UN Women.

• Ms. Trisha Shetty, Founder, SheSays, India.

• Ms. Kirsten Brosbøl, Founder, Parliamentarians for SDGs (Moderator).

This was the second in a series of four webinars on COVID-19 response and the SDGs designed for and with Parliamentarians around the world.
Participants included parliamentarians and their staff from over 60 countries, as well as experts on SDGs and gender equality.

The South African Parliament was represented by Hon.

M. Boroto, MP, and NA House Chairperson of Committees.

2.

OVERALL REMARKS Experts stressed the need for quotas to propel women in decision-making positions without quotas women issues will not be heard.

All the arguments for meritocracy should be rejected as it failed women.
Gender parity is not about evening numbers but it is about fighting inequality, a feminist recovery agenda, the quality of the political system, democracy, quality of decisions taken, and the true politics of serving the people.

During the COVID- 19 pandemic women and children, particularly those living with disabilities should be put at the centre of decision-making.

The vaccine for COVID-19 must be universal access and free for all.
Parliamentarians have a key role to play when it comes to budgetary allocations, law-making, and regulatory efforts that they are mandated to deliver.

Ms. Cuevas, amongst others, noted that the gender agenda and the feminist movement need synergy and to work together.

The power of multilateralism is understanding and having more voices on the table.

If women are not working together in a coordinated manner and without a good strategy nothing will change.
Solidarity is the key to advance the gender agenda.

3.

KEY ISSUE The following key issues worth noting: 104 • Achievement of Gender parity: Between now and 2025, countries are encouraged to work hard to achieve the 50 per cent parity – political parties, electoral systems, and special measures (quotas, targets) need to be explored and engaged to propel and push women in political decision-making.
END ___________________________________________________________________________ 2 105 (i) Report of the IPU Virtual Workshop on “Engaging Parliaments on the Proportion of Human Rights including on the work of the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review.” – 13-14 July 2020 106 EVIDENCE REPORT OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON “ON ENGAGING PARLIAMENTS ON THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS INCLUDING ON THE WORK OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL AND ITS UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW” 13 - 14 July 2020 Prepared by the International Relations and Protocol Division 107 1.
INTRODUCTION The Parliamentary Union (IPU) jointly with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights invited the South African Parliament to be part of a virtual workshop for parliamentary committees in charge of human rights from 11:00 am on 13 – 14 July 2020.
The virtual workshop aimed to: • Sensitise members of parliamentary human rights committees to the need and possibilities to become fully involved in promoting and protecting human rights, including through the work of the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review.

• Equip members of these committees with the requisite tools to take human rights better into account.
• Build and strengthen partnerships between these committees and other actors, in particular national human rights institutions, civil society, and NGOs, to coordinate strategies to promote human rights.

• Share experiences; and • Draw up an implementation roadmap for each parliament that takes into account existing UPR recommendations as well as concluding observations from the UN treaty bodies.
The programme was as follows: • Welcoming remarks via video messages ü Mr. Martin Chungong, Secretary-General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

ü Ms. Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

ü Prof Luis Franceschi, Commonwealth Director for Peace and Governance.

ü Ambassador Elisabeth Tichy-Fisslberger, President of the UN Human Rights Council.

• Session I: Parliaments, the UN Human Rights Council and the UN treaty bodies: what cooperation for a mutual benefit?
Sharing examples of good practices.

• Session 11: Strengthening parliamentary strategies for a better contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level in light of COVID-19.

• Session III: Discussion of the UPR recommendations for the countries participating in the workshop.

• Conclusion of the virtual workshop.

1.1.


OPENING AND WELCOME REMARKS Mr. Martin Chungong, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, Prof Luis Franceschi, and Ambassador Tichy- Fisslberger delivered the welcome and opening remarks via video messages.

Mr. Chungong, Secretary-General of the IPU, amongst others, noted that these are extraordinary times, and the fact that Members are now meeting virtually underscores the current reality.
Further that it precisely in times of crisis that the world shall remain vigilant to ensure human rights at the State level are 2 108 respected.

It is in this regard that parliaments have a strong role to play when it comes to ensuring stringent oversight of government action.

Also, it is pleasing that the seminar is looking at mechanisms to assist the situation and the role of parliaments in addressing the human rights ramification in the context of COVID-19.
When it comes to parliaments, they can ensure that what the UN Human Rights Council does is related to national realities.

Human rights are not technical matters and should not be left at the hands of government representatives and experts alone.

Human rights often require tough political discussions and decisions.

The political component – parliaments can help promote public debate on human rights and get inputs from all segments of society.
Moreover, they can lend democratic legitimacy to the human rights debate and galvanise public support for the implementation of human rights obligations.

They can also translate public debates into concrete parliamentary input to the UN Human Rights Council.

They can also take lead in critically reviewing the draft reports that the executive has prepared for submission to the Council.
By accompanying the national delegation, parliamentarians can see for themselves how their executive representatives present and defend their reports before the Council.

Such direct exposure assists parliamentarians to better understand the concerns that the Council expresses on their countries’ reports and can facilitate debates in parliaments.
Once the Council has adopted its recommendations, they must be brought back to parliaments to be discussed as some may require legislative action and monetary resources.

Recommendations are also useful as they provide parliaments with a concrete tool for government accountability on human rights performance.
Also, parliaments play a critical role in turning the reporting cycle into a continuous one – countries only report after 4 and half years to the Council – there is a risk that their recommendations are neglected by the executive, parliaments can, therefore, ensure that recommendations remain on the agenda by asking the executive for yearly progress reports.
Through the virtual workshop, the IPU wishes for a better understanding of human rights challenges faced by humanity during the current crisis and better understanding of the Council and its periodic review process as well as the UN Human Rights Treaties.

Secondly, it leads to stronger participation of parliamentarians in the different stages of the periodic review process.
Ms. Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, amongst others, noted that parliaments are the cornerstone of the human rights action system, particularly in times of crisis.

Their role has become more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, as parliaments have been key players in the discussion of human rights responses in addressing the needs of everyone, especially the most affected and the vulnerable.
At the national level, the role of parliaments can be enhanced through their proactive engagement with regional human rights treaties, including the UN Human Rights Council and its periodic review process.

Parliaments also play a crucial oversight role in ensuring executive compliance with international human rights obligations and translating them into national legislation and policies.
They are also important in the elaboration of national human rights action plans which are based on regional human rights mechanisms and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In other words, parliaments are a bridge between the international and national arena and also channels through which the recommendations of the UN Human Rights Council’s mechanisms can be implemented in the respective countries and translate them into laws and compliances.
UPR recommendations are aimed at fulfilling the international human rights obligations and bolstering national human rights institutions and their capacity.

They also contribute to peace and success as well as the sustainability of efforts to achieve the SDGs by anchoring them on a solid foundation of human rights.

The Council has been exploring ways on how to improve the role of 3 109 parliaments in the periodic review process.
Currently, the UPR process encourages the involvement of parliaments in all the stages – consultations, preparation of the national report to the implementation of recommendations.

The 2018 UN High Commissioner for Human Rights report prepared in close collaboration with the IPU calls for closer parliamentary collaboration with the human rights mechanism, especially the UPR.

It also calls for the strengthening of parliamentary human rights committees as well as their effective functioning.

2.
2.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE THREE SESSIONS The following section provides a summary of the three sessions: 2.1.

Session I: Parliaments, the UN Human Rights Council and the UN treaty bodies: what cooperation for a mutual benefit?

Sharing examples of good practices.

This session looked at ways in which parliaments can become involved in the different stages of the reporting procedures of the UN Human Rights Council and the UN treaty bodies.
The discussion was led by Gianni Magazzeni, Chief, UPR Branch, OHCHR; Rogier Huizenga, Manager Human Rights Programme, IPU; and Nicole Ameline, Vice-Chair of CEDAW.

Gianni Magazzeni, amongst others, noted that the universal participation of the UN Member States in the review process reflects the political will at the highest level - with often, one or more ministers as head of the delegation and with an average of more than 20 senior officials from various state entities participating in the review.
The good practice is when the three branches of the Government actively engages in the UPR including the participation of Members of Parliament in the reviews - in some cases, leading the State’s delegation Universal participation in the review process reflects the political will of Member States.
Also, that the UPR has increased the ratification of international and regional human rights treaties; the setting up of independent National Human Rights Institutions set up under OPCAT; and also the number of National Mechanisms for Implementation, Reporting and Follow up and National Human Rights Action Plans – increasingly supported by national recommendations tracking database, developed by OHCHR, and made available to States, upon request.
Also, parliaments are important in ensuring the effective use of the UPR – the good practice is when Parliament contributes to the preparation of the UPR national report; participates or leads the UPR delegation for the review in Geneva; and ensures follow up action, as a minimum, to those recommendations accepted by the State that requires the Parliament for implementation.

Another good practice is for Parliaments to set up a dedicated human rights Committee.
In conclusion, the work of the IPU and national parliaments in the UPR would be further strengthened, if the UN General Assembly were to consider, and possibly endorse, at its forthcoming 75th session, the Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights - annexed to HRC 38/25.
Rogier Huizenga, amongst others, noted that the parliaments can be involved in the UPU through, amongst others, (a) contributing to the national report before submission to the UN Human Rights Council; (b) including parliamentarians in the national delegation presenting the report at the UN Human Rights Council, and (c) contributing to the implementation of the accepted UPR recommendations.
In terms of the existence of parliamentary committees on 4 110 human rights, data indicates that out of the 151 parliamentary chambers worldwide, 103 have dedicated human rights committees.
These committees, amongst others, are empowered to obtain information from the executive about the justification for action or inaction which affect human rights; scrutinises the executive’s policy comparability with human rights as well as their compliance with the existing UN human rights treaties; and scrutinise the executive’s responses to judgments of national, regional and international with implication to human rights, etc.
Nicole Ameline, Vice-Chair of CEDAW, amongst others, noted that during the current context, the existing partnership between the IPU and CEDAW must be made into a leading force for reconstruction and peace.

Countries must use mechanisms such as quotas to accelerate parity.

Also, the role of parliaments is not only to ratify treaties but also to discuss CEDAW reports – concluding remarks and recommendations.

2.2.
2.2.

Session ii: Strengthening parliamentary strategies for a better contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights at the national level in light of COVID-19.

This session looked at human rights, health, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 faced by African and European Commonwealth countries.

The discussion was led by Rogier Huizenga, Manager Human Rights Programme, IPU; Martin Seutcheu, Human Rights Officer, UPR Branch, OHCHR; and Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director, UPR Info).
Rogier Huizenga, amongst others, noted that during the pandemic, some parliaments have stopped working and others have adopted innovative ways, including virtual meetings and sittings.

Parliaments including Spain have amended their statutes to accommodate virtual meetings, particularly when it comes to voting.

The challenge is that not all parliaments have the technology to hold virtual meetings or to work remotely.
Also, the IPU has developed guidelines on human rights and the pandemic to offer parliaments strategies on how to deal with human rights during the pandemic.

Martin Seutcheu, Human Rights Officer, UPR Branch, amongst others, noted that the current pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge to societies – it has triggered economic and health crisis with the most disproportionate impact on the marginalised groups.
The UN rights system has put in place powerful tools to assist countries to respond to COVID-19 accordingly.

In the current context, human rights mechanisms, including UPR are needed more than ever to ensure the implementation of human rights laws.

Mona M’Bikay, Executive Director, UPR Info, amongst others, noted that civil society is critical in promoting human rights – this role is recognised by the SDGs and the UPR.
COVID-19 has demonstrated first hand that human rights violations increases during crisis – lockdown measures have resulted in human rights institutions struggling to carry out their respective mandates.

In the current context, governments must provide financial assistance to civil society to allow them to fulfil their human rights obligations.

2.3.

Session III: Discussion of the UPR recommendations for the countries participating in the workshop.
This session focused on the UPR recommendations – for countries participating in the virtual workshop.

The discussion was led by Jeroen Klok, Human Rights Officer, UPR Branch, OHCHR, and Akiyo Afouda, Programme Officer, IPU.

Jeroen Klok, amongst others, noted that parliaments have an important role at the national level as they are true guardians of human rights – 5 111 the cornerstone of the human rights protection system.
This uniqueness stems from – being part of the government structure – besides that, it has a direct link with the national human rights institutions, civil society, and individuals.

Parliaments are the principal channels through which human rights mechanisms’ recommendations reach the national level.

Also, parliaments have a distinct role in the passing of legislation, budgetary, and oversight role.
Good practice, when it comes to legislative function – by Spain to Cyprus to decriminalize hatred towards sexual orientation, gender identity, and parliament can play a direct role by passing or amending such legislation.

India to the Bahamas to initiate gender-neutral policies relating to the access to education – parliament can exercise oversight function to ensure that the executive is doing what is supposed to do.
Guatemala to South Africa to promote dialogue within communities to address the root cause of discrimination and violence – this role at the national level involve Parliament translating international commitment into national policies, supporting the implementation of recommendations of human rights mechanisms and the resolution supporting the involvement of parliament in all the stages of the UPR.
On the Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights developed by the IPU and the UN Human Rights Council - annexed to HRC 38/25, he noted amongst others, that they call for the establishment of dedicated parliamentary human rights committee – this will send a strong political message and proactive engagements by parliamentarians on the human rights mechanisms.

The Principles also specify that such a parliamentary committee will have a broad mandate covering all human rights.
The mandate must provide clear terms of reference concerning the purpose and goal of the committee.

Key responsibilities of parliamentarians are two folds – to encourage parliaments to ratify or accede to treaties and to introduce human rights bills as well as leading oversight to ensure that the executive is fulfilling its human rights obligations.
Concerning the international system, parliamentarians can participate in the drafting of the national report to the UN Human Rights Council – UPR and the UN Human Rights Treaties.

Members belong to such a parliamentary committee must possess the relevant expertise, be non-partisan, and be respectful of all human rights.
To deal with the growing burden of reporting to the UN entities, the majority of governments have set-up structures to facilitate, prepare, and coordinate the task of drafting reports to these entities.

Also, the UN is increasingly supporting parliaments in cooperation with the IPU – there is a fund for technical assistance for countries that request it on the implementation of the UPR recommendations – currently, the UN is capacitating parliaments of Senegal, Brazil, and Tunisia, etc.
Akiyo Afouda, Programme Officer, IPU, amongst others, noted that the IPU has been organised workshops since 2014 with parliaments from Latin America, Asia, as well as Africa – Burkina Faso on how they can be involved with the UPR process.

The upcoming workshops will be held in Georgia, Senegal, Uzbekistan, Benin, and Chad.

3.

CONCLUSION In conclusion, the panellists stressed the importance of parliaments setting-up mechanisms for follow-up on UPR recommendations.
Also, stressed the importance of the involvement of parliamentary committees on human rights in the cycle of UPR, including the drafting of the national report.

Also, the importance of including parliamentarians in the national delegation presenting the report at the UN Human Rights Council – not to participate but to witness how the interactions between their governments and the UN Human Rights Council unfolds.

6 112 4.
6 112 4.

KEY ISSUES The following key issues worth noting: • Parliament led by the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development may explore the establishment of the permanent Committee on Human Rights.

This exploration may also involve re-looking at the current mandate of the Portfolio Committee on Justice concerning the fulfilment of human rights obligations.
– the Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights developed by the IPU and the UN Human Rights Council - annexed to HRC 38/25, amongst others, call for the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary human rights committee – as this will send a strong political message and proactive engagements by parliamentarians on the human rights mechanisms.

The UN General Assembly is likely to endorse these Principles during its forthcoming 75th session.
Available data indicates that out of the 151 parliamentary chambers worldwide, 103 have dedicated human rights committees • Parliament led by the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development may explore the IPU’s capacity-building initiative on how parliaments can be involved in the UPR process.
According to Mr. Akiyo Afouda, Programme Officer, IPU, the Organisation has offered capacity-building to parliaments from Latin America, Asia, as well as Africa on how they can be involved with the UPR process.

Kenya has also expressed interest in the initiative for its political caucus and the human rights committee.
END _______________________________________________________________________________ 7 113 SUMMARY OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU) VIRTUAL WORKSHOP ON “ON ENGAGING PARLIAMENTS ON THE PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS INCLUDING ON THE WORK OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL AND ITS UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW” 1.
INTRODUCTION The Parliamentary Union (IPU) jointly with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Office of the United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights invited the South African Parliament to be part of a virtual workshop for parliamentary committees in charge of human rights from 11:00 am on 13 – 14 July 2020.
The virtual workshop aimed to: • Sensitise members of parliamentary human rights committees to the need and possibilities to become fully involved in promoting and protecting human rights, including through the work of the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review.

• Equip members of these committees with the requisite tools to take human rights better into account.
• Build and strengthen partnerships between these committees and other actors, in particular national human rights institutions, civil society, and NGOs, to coordinate strategies to promote human rights.

• Share experiences; and • Draw up an implementation roadmap for each parliament that takes into account existing UPR recommendations as well as concluding observations from the UN treaty bodies.

2.
2.

OVERALL REMARKS Panellists stressed the importance of parliaments setting-up mechanisms for follow-up on UPR recommendations.

Also, stressed the importance of the involvement of parliamentary committees on human rights in the cycle of UPR, including the drafting of the national report.
Also, the importance of including parliamentarians in the national delegation presenting the report at the UN Human Rights Council – not to participate but to witness how the interactions between their governments and the UN Human Rights Council unfolds.

3.

KEY ISSUES The following key issues worth noting: • Parliament led by the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development may explore the establishment of the permanent Committee on Human Rights.
This exploration may also involve re-looking at the current mandate of the Portfolio Committee on Justice concerning the fulfilment of human rights obligations.

– the Principles on Parliaments and Human Rights developed by the IPU and the UN Human Rights 114 Council - annexed to HRC 38/25, amongst others, call for the establishment of a dedicated parliamentary human rights committee – as this will send a strong political message and proactive engagements by parliamentarians on the human rights mechanisms.
The UN General Assembly is likely to endorse these Principles during its forthcoming 75th session.

Available data indicates that out of the 151 parliamentary chambers worldwide, 103 have dedicated human rights committees • Parliament led by the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development may explore the IPU’s capacity-building initiative on how parliaments can be involved in the UPR process.
According to Mr. Akiyo Afouda, Programme Officer, IPU, the Organisation has offered capacity-building to parliaments from Latin America, Asia, as well as Africa on how they can be involved with the UPR process.

Kenya has also expressed interest in the initiative for its political caucus and the human rights committee.

END ___________________________________________________________________________ 2 115 COMMITTEE REPORTS National Assembly 116 1.
Report of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development on the Liquor Products Amendment Bill [B10B – 2016] (National Assembly – Section 75), dated 25 May 2021.
The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (the Committee) having considered the President’s reservations on the subject matter of the Liquor Products Amendment Bill [B10B – 2016] referred to it by the National Assembly (see ATC, dated 12 June 2020) and reclassified by the Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) as a Section 75 Bill (see ATC, dated 25 February 2021) which pertains to customs, reports on the Bill as follows: 1.
Contextual background The then Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries introduced the Liquor Products Amendment Bill [B10 – 2016].

This Bill was introduced in Parliament in 2016 to address deficiencies that have been identified by the former Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in the Principal Act, the Liquor Products Act, 1989 (Act No.

60 of 1989) as amended by the Liquor Products Amendment Act, 2008 (Act No.

32 of 2008).
32 of 2008).

The objectives in light of the Principal Act (Act No.

60 of 1989) that is being amended by the Bill are: • To provide for control over the sale and production for sale of certain alcoholic products, the composition and properties of such products and the use of certain particulars in connection with the sale of such products; • For the establishment of schemes; • For control over the import and export of certain alcoholic products; and • For matters connected therewith.

2.
2.

The Objectives of the Liquor Products Amendment Bill The Bill seeks to: • Amend the Liquor Products Act, 1989 (Act No.
60 of 1989), so as to insert certain definitions and to amend and delete others; 1 117 • Provide for the renaming and reconstitution of the Wine and Spirit Board and to limit its powers; • Provide for requirements regarding beer, traditional African beer and other fermented beverages; • Repeal a provision in respect of the authorisations regarding certain alcoholic products; • Empower the Minister to designate a person to issue export certificates; • Align certain provisions with the Constitution; • Extend the Minister’s power to make regulations; • Provide gender-sensitive terminology; and • Provide for matters connected therewith.
The amended Liquor Products Amendment Bill [B10B-2016] was passed by the National Assembly on 26 June 2018 with the approval of the National Council of Provinces; and subsequently referred to the President for assent (see ATC, 26 June 2018).

3.
3.

The President’s Reservations on the Liquor Products Amendment Bill The Liquor Products Amendment Bill [B10B-2016] (the Bill) as amended was referred back to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (the Committee) for consideration and report in terms of Joint Rule 203 due to reservations of the President as outlined in the ATC dated 12 June 2020 (see ATC, 12 June 2020).
Since the Bill includes the regulation of traditional African beer in its provisions, the President was of the opinion that the Bill will affect customary practices with regard to the production, distribution and consumption of traditional African beer.
Therefore, in line with Section 79 of the Constitution, he had reservations on its constitutionality as it was not referred to the National House of Traditional Leaders in terms of Section 18(1)(a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No.

41 of 2003).

The President was of the view that the Bill should have been referred to the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) in terms of Section 18(1)(a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No.
41 of 2003).

2 118 On 03 November 2020, the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (the Committee) considered the President’s reservations and after listening to the advice and guidance provided by the Parliamentary Legal Advisor, Committee Content Advisor and Departmental Officials that are responsible for the Bill, deliberated and agreed with the President’s opinion.
The Committee further resolved that – (1) The Joint Tagging Mechanism (JTM) must consider relooking at the tagging of the Bill in terms of Joint Rule 163(3); and (2) The Secretary to Parliament should accordingly refer the Liquor Products Amendment Bill to the NHTL in terms of Section 18(1)(a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No.

41 of 2003).

4.
41 of 2003).

4.

Referral to the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) On 25 February 2021, the Bill was reclassified by the JTM in terms of Joint Rule 163 (3), as a Section 75 Bill pertaining to customary law or customs of traditional communities (see ATC, 25 February 2021).

Subsequently the remitted Liquor Products Amendment Bill (remitted Bill) was referred to the NHTL in accordance with Section 18 (1) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No.
41 of 2003) (TLGFA) on 26 February 2021 (see ATC, 26 February 2021).

In response to the s 18 of the TLGFA referral and the remitted Bill, the NHTL submitted that the traditional African beer should not be regulated in terms of the Liquor Products Amendment Bill as it will create confusion in traditional communities.
It further submitted that traditional communities use different ingredients in preparing their own traditional beer and for this reason, traditional African beer should be excluded from the Bill.

5.
5.

Committee decision 5.1 The Committee reports to the National Assembly that the procedural defect on which the President expressed a reservation, has been corrected by way of obtaining inputs on the remitted Bill [B10B - 2016] and referred it to the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) in terms of Section 18(1)(a) of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No.

41 of 2003).
41 of 2003).

3 119 5.2 The Committee considered the submission from the NHTL and further received responses to the inputs from the Parliamentary Legal Advisor; and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, headed by the sponsor of the Bill, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development who now takes responsibility for the introduced Bill and administers related legislation.
5.3 The Committee was advised by the Parliamentary Legal Advisor and also took note of the Department’s inputs.
Thereafter, the Committee concluded that the concerns raised by the NHTL are sufficiently catered for in the Bill, especially as the principal Act being amended, makes it plainly clear that it regulates liquor products that are produced for sale wherein, if the amendment is passed, will include the traditional African beer produced for sale or commercial purposes, excluding that which is made for personal drinking purposes and cultural use.
5.4 Where liquor products including traditional African beer, are sold or produced for commercial purposes; the Committee further recognises the importance of regulation in safeguarding human health and safety; and also to control and prevent the proliferation of the production for sale, of illegal liquor products.

6.
6.

Committee recommendations The Committee makes the following recommendations to the National Assembly: 6.1 The Committee identified a referencing error on clause 1(l) of the remitted Bill ([B10B - 2016] where the definition of traditional African beer was referenced as a product that meets the requirements referred to in section 6C of the Bill.

The correct reference should be section 6B as section 6C refers to requirements for other fermented beverage.
In this regard, as the amendment has no impact on the subject of the remitted Bill, the Committee recommends that the editorial error be corrected by replacing 6C with 6B on clause 1(l) of the remitted Bill before assent by the President.

4 120 6.2 With the correction of the referencing error as mentioned on 6.1 above, the Committee recommends the approval of the remitted Bill in its current form in terms of Joint Rule 203(3)(a) and Joint Rule 205.
6.3 The Committee further recommends that the Bill be referred to the National Council of Provinces in terms of Joint Rule 205(1)(b)(i).

Report to be considered.

5 121 National Council of Provinces 1.
REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ON THE 2021/2022 BUDGET VOTE 13: PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, DATED 25 MAY 2021 The Select Committee on Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure (the select committee), having met on 12 May 2021, and having deliberated on the Annual Performance Plans (APPs) of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE), and the Public Works and Infrastructure entities reports as follows: 1.
Introduction The Public Finance Management Act (1999) describes the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure as the executive authority of the department.

In this role, the Minister has the responsibility to provide leadership over how the DPWI and the public works and infrastructure entities1, use the allocated budgetary and human resources to translate policy ideals into implementable programmes.

1.1.
1.1.

The mandate of the DPWI The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (No.

19 of 2007) (hereafter, GIAMA) outlines the mandate of the DPWI and describes it as the custodian and portfolio manager of government’s immovable assets.

1 These are the Council for the Built Environment (CBE), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Agrément South Africa (ASA), and the Independent Development Trust (IDT).
1 122 In the 2015/16 financial year the policy leader initiated a shift in the focus of the department so that it could remain the policy making and regulating arms, while the practical implementation of the department’s mandate shifted to the PMTE.
This shift allowed the department to renew its focus on: • policy formulation; • setting uniform standards for the coordination, collection, and validation of employment creation at national, provincial and municipal government and other public bodies; • setting uniform standards for the management, leasing, contracting, and maintenance of immovable assets; • maintaining intergovernmental relationships with user/client departments; • managing the coordination, standardisation, and regulation relating to the provision of accommodation, and public employment programmes, and expert professional built environment services to user/client departments; and • the department and PMTE has an oversight role over the standards and regulation that the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure makes as a leader of the functions that Schedule 4 of the Constitution confers to national, provincial departments of public works and infrastructure, and municipalities that also perform public works and infrastructure implementation roles.
The broad policy of government, and planning documents of the department and its entities are instruments that aids the monitoring of how policy ideals are translated into implementable programmes.

The APPs show the department’s stated policy objectives, programmes and sub- programmes, human and financial resources, and budget that will be applied to implement the broad policies of government.
These APPs as planning documents specifically provide the performance targets, performance indicators, and timeframes within which the aims will be achieved.
In this report, before dealing with the APP and budgetary resource analysis, the select committee first assesses whether the policy and programmatic objectives are aligned with the broad policy of government, the transformative trajectory of the NDP, Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP), Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019 to 2024, and the policy imperatives set out by the President in the State of the Nation Address (SoNA).

2 123 2.
2 123 2.

Alignment of the DPWI Strategic Outcomes with the policy priorities of the NDP, the ERRP and the SONA The President listed seven priorities aligned to the NDP namely: 1.

Economic transformation and job creation.

2.

Education, skills and health.

3.

Consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services.

4.

Spatial integration, human settlements and local government.

5.

Social cohesion and safe communities.

6.

A capable, ethical and developmental state.

7.


A better Africa and World.

In line with the broad policy objectives, the 2021 SONA2 emphasised public works and infrastructure responsibilities of job creation, the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects and maintenance.

Apart from these, the department had to ensure that it used the budgetary and human resources to implement the following: 1.

Defeating the Corona Virus pandemic.

2.

Accelerating economic recovery.

3.


Implementing economic reforms to create sustainable jobs and drive inclusive growth.

4.

Fighting corruption and strengthening the State.

5.

Overcoming poverty and hunger, joblessness and inequality.

6.

Rebuilding technical skills within Government to prepare and manage large-scale infrastructure projects.

7.

Overseeing the management of the fully operationalised R100 billion Infrastructure Fund by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)3.

8.
8.

Reviving the construction industry and creating jobs through the infrastructure projects.

2 Ramaphosa, C. (2021), pp.

3 -11.

3 The ISA, National Treasury, and the DBSA play a collaborative role, through a Service Level Agreement (SLA) in this regard.

The challenge is that even though ISA is a structure within the DPWI, it does not have a personnel structure, organogram, and specific funding for how it performs its functions.

Later in this report (see pp.21 and 40), and its recommendations.
3 124 3.

Analytic comments - the DPWI, PMTE APPs and its links with enablers for priority policy interventions The ERRP provides a list of key enablers (in line with the NDP and the MTSF) that enables the select committee to check on how the DPWI, PMTE and public works entities are faring in its APPs and outputs to put these in place.
The programmes of the DPWI, PMTE and public works entities, as infrastructure developers, property managers, accommodators, and maintainers of government assets, play a key role in the economic recovery and reconstruction of the country.

The DPWI, PMTE and public works and infrastructure entities must in its APPs and budgetary allocation for this financial year show that its programmes are going to implement these as enablers to ensure recovery and reconstruction.
Of course, the recovery and reconstruction described in the ERRP is aligned with the NDP, Vision 2030 and the SONA, and whose objectives will be implemented in the 2021/22 financial year.

The APP therefore must be strongly aligned with the South African ERRP.

It is reasonable to expect the following interventions to feature in its programmes: • Aggressive infrastructure investment.

• Employment orientated strategic localization, reindustrialization and export promotion.
• Gender equality and economic inclusion of women and youth.

• Green economy interventions – across the portfolio, but especially through the work of the Agrément South Africa; and • Mass public employment interventions – through the coordination of EPWP projects through Programme 3 of the DPWI.

DPWI and PMTE misalignments with ERRP enablers After each enabler, we make analytic comments4 on the misalignments that require attention: 4 Note that all enablers are not related to this portfolio.
Also, the analytic comments are not intended to cover every single misalignment related to the listed enabler as the rest of the analysis is in the body of this report.

4 125 • Resource mobilisation: Ø in spite of claiming the opposite, the department consistently underspends the allocation to compensation of employees.

The analysis in the budgetary analysis section will show that there has not been clear evidence of the full mobilization of resources to programmes and sub-programmes.
Ø There is no visionary HR plan to ensure that the DPWI and especially PMTE is an institution of choice for the best strategists, technical built environment professionals, economists; property managers; chartered accountants; property lawyers and property valuers.

The lack of these specialist skills, leaves the government’s property trading entity at a significant disadvantage, particularly when signing lease agreements with landlords in the private sector.
Ø Symbolic statements and reasonable sounding explanations are often given for reasons why experienced personnel are not retained rather than concrete proof that every one of its five programmes are well resourced in terms of capacitated staff, their tools of trade, information and communication technology (the long outstanding Enterprise Resource Plan (ERP)) the latter is dealt with in more detail in the rest of the report.
• Regulatory changes, a supportive policy environment and enabling conditions for ease of doing business: Ø The department has the policy regime in place for many years (White Papers 1997 and 1999) but failed in translating this into an enforceable legal mandate.

Ø This failure of putting its own enabling conditions in place, makes client departments distrust it.
Ø In spite of it being the government’s legally mandated property manager, and regulator of the construction and professional built environment, the DPWI and PMTE does not have the necessary cooperation of the private property sector and professional built environment sector - much work is required to turn this situation around.
5 126 Ø The work of the CIDB with contractors (electronic registration, and some changes to the contractors register) has in some ways assisted, but challenges related to transforming the industry remain an element that slows down economic recovery.

Ø The regulatory effect of the CBE on the built environment professional councils (BEPCs) is marginal; many councils operate with more gravitas than the CBE, and the latter does not have much influence over these professions.
Ø There has been little progress in using small harbours to unlock the business potential in rural areas where they are situated (in part because experienced, visionary managers had contracts lapsed and the project to involve and make profitable gains in cooperation with businesses is largely stagnant).

Ø Unlocking the value of the immovable asset portfolio to show a profit in the PMTE remains outstanding – the APP shows no plan to unlock the value and use it to trade.
Ø The PMTE is in dire need of a turnaround to a fully-fledged government property management agency as it is not function fully as a trading entity.

• Building a capable state: Ø In the PMTE this matter is serious – the entity has not been able to operate as a going concern.

Ø Over the last three years of this administration and the five years of the previous administration, there has been no improvement in addressing the inability to collect debt and lease out government buildings at a profitable rate.
• Skills development: Ø It has also not shown the strategic vision and ability to, with the CBE, design programmes and use its projects to draw young qualified built environment graduates into large construction projects through which they can gain professional registration.
Ø Similarly, it has not shown the strategic vision and ability to, with the CIDB, design programmes and use its projects to draw young people from technical high schools, Further Education and Training (FET) institutions, and technical universities, into 6 127 large construction projects through which they can gain construction experience and registration.
Ø There has been no evidence in the APPs that the department and its entities had resourced plans in place to use its infrastructure muscle and develop a cross departmental plan to draw young people, women, and people living with physical challenges into a well-structured construction-focused small business development pipeline.

4.
4.

The budget allocation for 2021/20225 Budget Nominal Rand change Real Rand change Nominal % change Real % change Programme R million 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2020/21-2021/22 2020/21-2021/22 Per cent 1.

Administration 476,4 511,2 515,7 525,4 34,8 14,2 7,30 2,98 2.Intergovernmental Coordination 58,3 63,6 64,2 65,4 5,3 2,7 9,09 4,69 3.

Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) 4.


Property and Construction Industry Policy 2 468,8 2 969,3 3 041,3 3 061,1 500,5 380,8 20,27 15,43 4 656,7 4 704,6 4 825,5 4 844,4 47,9 - 141,7 1,03 -3,04 5.

Prestige Policy 64,1 94,5 99,5 82,7 30,4 TOTAL 7 724,3 8 343,2 8 546,2 8 579,0 618,9 26,6 282,6 47,43 41,48 8,01 3,66 Source: National Treasury (2021) and own calculations The department receives a voted allocation of R8.34 billion for 2021/22 with which to accomplish the priorities listed above.
This represents an increase of 8.0 per cent in nominal terms, and 3.7 per cent in real terms (calculating the impact of inflation) from the 2020/21 adjusted appropriation of R7.72 billion.

The department’s budget represents approximately 0.1 per cent of the national appropriation by vote, excluding direct charges.

In terms of economic classification, the departmental budget includes Transfers and Subsidies 5 All figures in the analyses are from National Treasury (2021), p. 201.
7 128 totalling 87.1 per cent of the budget, with a total monetary value of R7.27 billion (compared to R6.79 billion in the adjustment period).

This constitutes a 7.0 per cent nominal increase, and a decline of 2.7 per cent in real terms since the growth in the allocation is below the projected average inflation rate of 4.2 per cent for 2021/22.
R1.59 billion of the Transfers and Subsidies is in the form of conditional grants to provinces and Municipalities, while a total of R4.52 billion is allocated to Departmental Agencies and Accounts.

For 2021/22, Current Payments amount to 11.9 per cent (i.e.

R1.05 billion) and Capital payments to 0.2 per cent of the budget (i.e.

R24.5 million).
R24.5 million).

Compensation of Employees increases by R13.0 million (from R558.7 million in the 2020/21 adjusted period) to R571.7 million in 2021/22 Goods and Services increases by R114.2 million (from R366.2 million in the 2020/21 adjusted period) to R480.4 million, of which the following line items are subcategorised in the table below: Goods and Services Programme 1.

Administrative Fees 2.

Computer Services 3.

Consultants: Business and Advisory Service 4.

Agency and Support/Outsource Services 5.


Operating Leases 6.

Travel and Subsistence 7.
Interest and Rent on Land Revenue generated Nominal Increase / Decrease in Real Increase / Decrease in Nominal Percent change in Budget R million 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22 Real Percent change in 2021/22 52,5 36,9 29,1 54,1 35,9 32,4 0,0 53,6 39,9 38,4 116,8 40,3 47,9 0,0 1,1 3,0 9,3 62,7 4,4 15,5 0,0 - 1,1 1,4 7,8 58,0 2,8 13,6 0,0 2,10 8,13 31,96 115,90 12,26 47,84 -2,02 3,77 26,64 107,19 7,73 41,88 Na na The department generates revenue through the PMTE, by letting properties and official quarters, and the sale of land and buildings.
It is projected, that the department will collect revenue to the 8 129 total value of R2.22 million for 2021/226.

This is an exact amount of R2.22 million as reported in 2020/21.

The Department sub-categorises the sale of Goods and Services it produces according to Sales generated through market establishments and Other Sales.
R280 000 is expected to be generated through the Sale of Goods and Services produced by the department, of which R120 000 Market establishment (covered and open rental parking) • R160 000 Other Sales: Tender documents.

The department also generates revenue through the following: • R40 000 Sales: Waste.

• R600 000 Interest, dividends and rent on land.

• R600 000 Transactions in financial assets and liabilities7.

4.1.
4.1.

Budgetary allocations per programme Programme 1: Administration Programme 1 provides strategic leadership, management and support services to the Department.

This programme plays an important role in giving effect to first priority of the National Development Plan (NDP) and Vision 30; that is, to build a capable, ethical and developmental state.
This priority is also expressed in the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) for the five-year term 2019-2024, as a crucial mode that is required to achieve Vision 2030.

The department translated priority one of the NDP and Vision 2030 into a predetermined outcome that states the policy intent to reorganise the DPWI into a resilient, ethical and capable department.
The department started this process during the fourth parliament that continued in the previous five-year term, as part of a Turnaround Programme in the 2011/2012 financial year.

During this first phase of the programme, the department identified the need to remain consistently compliant with financial legislation and National Treasury regulations so that it could improve its 6 National Treasury (2021), p. 203.

7 Ibid.

9 130 operations and audit outcomes.


Even more important, it wanted to eradicate corruption and malpractice in its ranks.

Within Programme 1, it established a Governance, Risk and Compliance unit that continues to assist with investigations with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) into alleged malpractice and corruption.

The department is in the initial stages of including various functions that come with its new infrastructure mandate.
Accordingly, some funds that were allocated as above to the various sub- programmes of Programme 1, will be used to achieve the aim to organise it into a “streamlined and outcomes-based”8 department that is “focused on implementation”9.
The Strategic Plan of the Department therefore states that it wants to be agile, ethical, compliant and capable, “where everyone wants to work, with improved efficiencies achieved through seamless automated processes and a robust support infrastructure to enable effective service delivery.”10 Sub-programmes: The Administration programme receives a total allocation of R 511.2 million that is allocated to sub-programmes as follows: • Ministry receives R 39.7 million; • Management receives R 109.1 million; • Corporate Services receives R 257.1 million; • Finance and Supply Chain Management (SCM) receives R 54.7 million; and • Office Accommodation receives R 50.7 million.
NOTE: SCM, Corporate Services, Management, and Office accommodation are shared services that funds the functions of the DPWI and the Property Management and Trading Entity (PMTE).

A total of R14.8 million is allocated towards Capital expenditure.

This constitutes an increase of R8.7 million (or 142.6 per cent in nominal terms and 132.8 per cent in real terms), from the R6.1 million of the previous year.

The above-allocation is for Machinery and Equipment.

8 DPWI Strategic Plan 2020-2025, p. 9 9 Ibid.


10 Ibid.

10 131 As noted above, a large portion of the Administration budget is allocated towards Compensation of Employees and Goods and Services.

Goods and Services: Programme 1 Programme Budget R million 2020/21 2021/22 1.

Computer Services 2.

Consultants: Business and Advisory Service 3.

Legal Services 4.

Operating Leases 5.

Property Payments 6.

Travel and Subsistence 7.
Interest and Residual on Land 36,9 11,7 16,5 31,9 21,6 11,7 0,0 Source: National Treasury (2021) and own calculations 39,9 14,2 17,9 36,3 21,3 15,0 0,0 Nominal Increase / Decrease in 2021/22 Real Increase / Decrease in Nominal Percent change in 2021/22 2021/22 Real Percent change in 2021/22 3,0 2,5 1,4 4,4 - 0,3 3,3 0,0 1,4 1,9 0,7 2,9 - 1,2 2,7 0,0 8,13 21,37 8,48 13,79 -1,39 28,21 na 3,77 16,48 4,11 9,21 -5,36 23,04 na A total of R14.8 million is allocated towards Capital expenditure.
This constitutes an increase of R8.7 million (or 142.6 per cent in nominal terms and 132.8 per cent in real terms), from the R6.1 million of the previous year.

The above-allocation is for Machinery and Equipment.

As noted above, a large portion of the Administration budget is allocated towards Compensation of Employees and Goods and Services.

The Department indicates that the key role is to align people to processes and systems to drive organisational performance.
As noted above, a large portion of the Administration budget is allocated towards Compensation of Employees and Goods and Services.

The department indicates that the key role is to align people to processes and systems to drive organisational performance.

11 132 Programme 2: Intergovernmental Coordination DPW is a coordinating department that must manage sound relations and strategic partnership with all client/user departments if it is to reach policy goals set out in the SoNA and the NDP.
Programme 2 seeks to promote sound intergovernmental relations and strategic partnerships.

It coordinates with provinces and municipalities on Immovable Asset Registers; construction and property management; the implementation of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (No.

19 of 2007); and the reporting on performance information within the Public Works Sector.

The budget allocation is R63.6 million, which is an increase of R5.3 million.
This is a nominal increase of 9.1 per cent (and 4.7 per cent in real terms) from the R58.3 million allocated in the 2020/21 financial year.

Sub-programmes The allocation will fund these sub-programmes: • Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting receives an allocation of R6.2 million.

This is an increase of R3.4 million from the R27.5 million received in 2020/21, which constitutes a nominal increase of 12.4 per cent (and 7.8 per cent in real terms) from the previous year.
• Intergovernmental Relations and Coordination receives an allocation of R26.6 million, an increase of the R3.8 million from the R22.8 million received in 2020/21, which constitutes a nominal increase of 16.7 per cent (and 12 per cent in real terms) from the previous year.

• Professional Services is allocated R30.9 million, an increase of R3.4 million from the R27.5 million received in 2020/21, which constitutes a nominal increase of 12.4 per cent (and 7.8 per cent in real terms) from the previous year.
12 133 In terms of economic classification, R55.6 million is allocated to Current payments.

This constitutes an increase of R3.2 million or 6.1 per cent in nominal terms (1.8 per cent in real terms) from the R52.4 million of the previous year.

Of this amount: • Compensation of employees consists of R40.2 million (an increase of R1.8 million).

• Goods and Services is allocated R15.4 million (an increase of R1.4 million from R14.0 million in 2020/21).
In terms of assisting to build a capable State and placing the economy on the path to recovery, the Professional Services Branch (PSB) contributes to the development of competent, skilled and motivated Built Environment professionals through supported learning interventions and focused experiential learning processes.

The Professional Services Branch (PSB) of Programme 2 is aligned with the policy objectives of the NDP to “build a capable State” and “placing the economy on the path to recovery”.
Note that it states its functions as oversight, coordination, and providing guidance and advice on successful capacity building programmes/initiatives towards contribution of transformation objectives in the built environment.

The DPWI states its intention that the PSB will coordinate and manage the supply of built environment skills to support the State infrastructure delivery.
Programme 3: Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP): The EPWP gives effect to the policy goals to create work opportunities for marginal people.

It works on the coordination of the implementation of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in public bodies, non-profit organisations, the non-state sector, across national, provincial and local government levels to create work opportunities; it also works on the provision of training for unskilled, marginalised and unemployed people in South Africa.
13 134 The allocations are reported under the following five EPWP sub-programmes: • EPWP: Monitoring and Evaluation receive R62.5 million.

In real terms this sub- programme allocation increases by 29.6 per cent from the previous year.

• EPWP: Infrastructure receives R1.29 billion.

In real terms, this sub-programme • allocation decreases by 2.2 per cent from the previous year.

• EPWP: Operations receives R1.52 billion.


In real terms, this sub-programme allocation increases by 36.2 per cent from the previous year.

• EPWP: Partnership Support receives R86.3 million.

This sub-programme allocation increases by 11.9 per cent in nominal terms and 7.4 per cent in real terms in the from the previous financial year.

• EPWP: Public Employment Coordinating Committee receives R8.0 million.

In real terms, this sub-programme allocation increases by 21.9 per cent from the previous year.
In terms of economic classification, Programme 3’s budget includes Current Payments to the value of R351.8 million, of which R183.4 million is allocated to Compensation of Employees.

Compensation of Employees increases with R300 000 from the R183.1 million of the previous year.

Expenditure on Goods and Services amounts to R168.5 million and increase of R45.1 million (which translates into a real increase of 31.4 per cent from the previous year).
The bulk of the expenditure under Programme 3 constitute Transfers and Subsidies amounting to R2.62 billion, (from the R2.16 billion in 2020/21) representing a nominal increase of R455.1 million or 21.1 per cent and (16.2 per cent in real terms).

Of this amount, R1.59 billion is assigned to Provinces and Municipalities and is allocated as follows: • R1 billion is allocated to Non-profit institutions.

• R758.7 million towards the Integrated Grant for Municipalities.
• R422.5 million towards the Integrated Grant for Provinces.

• R414.4 million towards the Social Sector Incentive Grant for Provinces.

14 135 Programme 4: Property and Construction Industry Policy and Research11 Programme 4 promotes the growth and transformation of the construction and property industries, as well as a standardised approach and best practice in construction and immovable asset management in the public sector.
The programme transfers a large portion of the R4.65 billion across eight sub-programmes12.

Of this total allocation, the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) receives the bulk totalling R4.36 billion.

This budget allocation is dealt with in detail with a focus on the PMTE as the implementation agency of the DPWI later in this report.

The rest of its funding are transferred to public works entities that report to the Minister.
Programme 4 has the specific task to research and develop13 policies and legislative prescripts for the construction and property sectors.

This is strongly tied to the implementation work that the PMTE performs to concretise the policies that are stated in the NDP, MTSF, SONA, and the five- year Strategic Plan 2020-2025.
While a comparably small amount of the total budget of Programme 4 is allocated to this policy development and coordination role, it plays a core function in strengthening the mandate of the department and the transformation of respectively the professional built environment, and the construction industry.
The budget allocation for this programme nominally increases from an allocation of R4.66 billion in 2020/21 to R4.70 billion in 2021/22, which proportionally represents 56.4 per cent of the overall 11 This programme was known as Property and Construction Industry Policy Regulation that promoted the growth and transformation of the construction and property industries, and uniformity and best practice in construction, and immovable asset management in the public sector.
12 Up until 2009/10 the two programmes: Construction Industry Development Programme and the Property Industry Development Programme) fell under Programme 3 but since the 2014/15 financial year has been renamed as Property and Construction Industry Policy and Research.

13 National Treasury (2021), p. 208.

15 136 departmental budget.

This allocation constitutes an increase of 1 per cent in nominal terms and a decline of 3 per cent in real terms.
The programme is organized into 9 sub-programmes, including the Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE), which receives the bulk of the allocation, with R4.35 billion for 2021/22 from the R4.24 billion of the previous year.

The PMTE was established in April 2006, as part of a longer-term reform programme to provide improved property management services to Client Departments.

With its establishment all accommodation-related costs were devolved to Client Departments.
In this regard, it has been issuing invoices and collecting user charges from Clients on a quarterly basis, based on amounts devolved to them.

In March 2015, the Department operationalised the PMTE, which resulted in it being shifted (along with its functions), to Programme 4.

A large portion of the budget for 2021/22 is allocated to Transfers and Subsidies, which amount to R4.63 billion and accounts for 98.5 per cent of the programme budget.
This constitutes an increase of R22.5 million (but a decrease of 3.6 per cent in real terms) from the total allocation of R4.61 billion in 2020/21.

Departmental Agencies and Accounts (non-business entities) receives R4.52 billion, which is an increase R124.2 million from the R4.39 billion received in 2021/22.
The sub-programmes below received the following allocations for 2021/22: o Construction Policy Development Programme is allocated R44.5 million, a real increase of 6.0 per cent in real terms from the previous year.

o Property Policy Development Programme is allocated R12.9 million, (a nominal decrease of R400 000 from the R13.3 million) and a real decrease of 6.9 per cent.
o Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) is allocated R78.2 million (a nominal increase of R5.8 million from R72.4 million), an increase of 3.7 per cent in real terms from the previous year.

o Council for the Built Environment (CBE) receive an allocation of R53.5 million (an increase of R4.7 million from R48.8 million), and a 5.2 per cent increase in real terms.
o Construction, Education and Training Authority (CETA) receive an allocation of 16 137 R600 000, (an increase of R0 from the R600 000 in 2020/21), which constitutes a decrease of 4 per cent in real terms.

o The PMTE (as noted above) receives an allocation of R4.35 billion, a decrease of 1.6 per cent in real terms.
The new sub-programme Infrastructure Development Coordination that was initiated in 2020/21, provides support to the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, in line with the Infrastructure Development Act (No.

23 of 2014) receives an allocation of R136.6 million, (an increase of R52.7 million, from the R83.9 million for 2020/21), an increase of 56.3 per cent in real terms.
The department also made transfers to the: • Foreign Governments and International Organisations, to the value of R28.7 million, a decrease of R300 000 (5 per cent in real terms) from the R29 million allocated in 2020/21.

This is mainly to address the fluctuations in the exchange rate when transferring the funds.

The unpredictable weakening of the Rand against the major foreign currencies may result in the Department requiring an increase in its allocation from National Treasury.
• Agrément South Africa is allocated R33.1 million, (an increase of R4.1 million) from the R29 million allocation of 2020/21.

• The Independent Development Trust (IDT), receives no allocation for 2021/22, from the R128.5 million allocation of 2020/21.

The IDT is listed in the Public Finance Management Act (1999) as a Schedule 2 entity, that should strictly speaking, be self- sustaining and not receive an allocation from the Department, as is the case for Schedule 3 entities.
The department explained past transfers to this entity as assisting in the continued operational functioning of the entity, in the context of the IDT being a responsive social infrastructure development agency with a well-established presence across the country.

The IDT’s total revenue for 2021/22 is R236.5 million, a decline of R156.7 million from the R393.2 million total revised revenue of 2020/21.
Current Payments totals R72.4 million, which is an increase of R25.2 million (or 47.2 per cent in real terms) from the R47.2 million adjusted allocation in 2020/21.

Compensation of employees receives an allocation of R33.7 million, which is an increase of R8.0 million (or 25.8 per cent in 17 138 real terms) from the R25.7 million adjusted allocation in 2020/21.

Goods and Services totals R38.7 million for 2021/22.
This constitutes an increase of R17.2 million (or 72.7 per cent in real terms) from the R21.5 million allocation of the previous year.

Programme 5: Prestige Policy14 Programme 5 seeks to provide norms and standards for the Prestige Accommodation Portfolio and meeting the protocol responsibilities.

The budget for Programme 5 equals R94.5 million in 2021/22 and proportionally represents 1.1 per cent of the overall departmental budget.
The allocation increased by R30.4 million from the R64.1 million in the previous year and represents a nominal increase of 47.4 per cent and 41.5 per cent in real terms.

A large portion of the budget is allocated to Current Payments, which amount to R76.8 million.

A total of R27.9 million is allocated towards Compensation of Employees.

The Transfers and Subsidies budget of R11.6 million includes an allocation of R11.4 million to Departmental Agencies and Accounts (i.e.
Parliamentary Villages Management Board); R200 000 to Households and R6.1 million to Payment for Capital Assets (i.e.

Machinery and Equipment).

4.2.


The Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) The PMTE was operationalised in the 2015/16 financial year, when the department transferred property management functions, (including those related to immovable assets, liabilities and staff), to the PMTE to align the expenses and revenue to the underlying assets.”15 14 This programme was known as Auxiliary and Associated Services in previous years.
It used to fund various services, including compensation for losses on the Government-assisted housing scheme; assistance to organisations for the preservation of national memorials; and meeting protocol responsibilities for State functions.

Currently, it focuses on meeting protocol responsibilities for State functions with an additional function to provide norms and standards for the Prestige Accommodation Portfolio.

15 Department of Public Works (2016), p. 325.


18 139 The DPWI describes the purpose and functions of the PMTE as a government component that has been created to manage properties under the custodianship of the Department.

The operationalisation of the PMTE in 2015 shifted the operational or implementation focus from the DPWI to the PMTE.

Its focus is to execute all property management related functions for national government.
The PMTE thus implements all public works related functions such as the maintenance of properties, the leasing, and the payments of property rates on behalf of client departments of the DPWI.

All accommodation-related costs were devolved to client departments when the PMTE was operationalised.

This means that the department issues invoices and collect user charges from clients on a quarterly basis.
This function of leasing, collecting the accommodation-related, and maintenance costs from clients requires legislation that enforces client departments to pay user-charges, project management, professional property management, and construction costs to the PMTE.

This legislation unfortunately remains outstanding.
This requires Programme 4 Property and Construction Industry Policy and Research to complete the review of the White Papers 1997 and 1999 as the precursor to the draft Public Works Bill and amendments to some of the entities that would give enforcement powers to collect such fees and charges.
In addition to collecting user-charges and providing specialist property and construction management services to government departments, the PMTE is correctly placed to unlock the value of the large property portfolio of government that is contained in the immovable asset register (IAR).

The full operationalisation of the PMTE should lead to full cost recovery through the application of business principles in the management of government’s property portfolio.
Together with the collection of user-charges, the PMTE should generate funds with which government could undertake maintenance as well as other crucial tasks in the public works sector.

This remains a challenge that the DPW and PMTE is working to put into action in the medium to long term.
The Government Immovable Asset Act (GIAMA) amongst others, stipulates that for each government building, User, and Custodian Immovable Asset Maintenance Plans (UIAMPs and CIAMPS) had to be developed as tools with which to keep track of the conditions of properties, and the different duties that the custodian and the user had to play.
This is crucial if the PMTE is to concretise its stated vision of providing “Convenient access to dignified public services.” The South 19 140 African public must feel secure and safe while they access services.

In addition, the public administration that work inside government properties also need to be secure and well catered for in terms of work conditions.
The PMTE Registry Services branch that should manage the Immovable Asset Register (IAR) and coordinate UIAMPs and CIAMPs also struggled to attract and retain qualified and experienced property specialists.

The department consistently reported that these positions were being filled, yet the vacancy rate remains high from one financial year to the next.
Because these specialist skills make it a very competitive terrain so that properly qualified and experienced personnel easily move from the PMTE to private property companies, the PMTE and the DPWI will have to undertake a property specialist retention strategy.

The challenge is to fill and retain such personnel in positions in the PMTE.

Failure to do this means that the DPWI and PMTE continue to operate at a disadvantage.
The Real Estate Investment Services (REIS) of the PMTE focuses on achieving an efficient and competitive Real Estate Portfolio for the State.

It states that it does this through effective planning, analysis and informed investments.

Five years since the PMTE has been operationalised, the programme continues to struggle to have an authoritative grasp of the value that is contained in the IAR and struggles to invest the property portfolio in manners that benefit the state and its beneficiaries.
It has thus far not been able to implement strategies with which to unlock the value of government’s immovable asset portfolio.

The current five-year strategic plan and this year’s performance plan also do not show evidence of a focused strategy to progress in that direction.

The assessment, verification, and progressive completion of the state property portfolio remains in progress.

4.3.
4.3.

The PMTE Budget16: Programme Budget Nominal Rand change Real Rand change Nominal % change Real % change 16 All amounts in the following tables as provided in the Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Budget Vote 13, National Treasury, 2021/22.

20 141 R million 2020/21 2021/22 20222/23 2023/24 2020/21-2021/22 2020/21-2021/22 Per cent 1 Administration 812,6 897,7 916,5 1 186,2 85,1 48,9 10,47 6,02 2.

Real Estate Services Investment 3.


Construction 218,1 219,6 231,9 244,4 1,5 - 7,4 0,69 -3,37 Management Services 489,3 5 089,4 5 307,6 5 333,7 4 600,1 4 395,0 940,14 898,21 4.

Real Estate Management Services 13 388,0 11 217,3 8 384,7 8 879,0 - 2 170,7 - 2 622,8 -16,21 -19,59 5.

Real Estate Registry Services 116,2 61,8 65,4 68,8 - 54,4 - 56,9 -46,82 -48,96 6.
Facilities Management Services TOTAL 4 002,0 3 862,8 3 868,8 4 046,8 - 139,2 - 294,9 19 026,2 21 348,6 18 774,9 19 758,9 2 322,4 1 461,9 -3,48 12,21 -7,37 7,68 The PMTE receives an allocation of R21.35 billion for the 2021/22 financial year, which is an increase of R2.32 billion.

This constitutes a nominal increase of 12.2 per cent (or 7.7 per cent in real terms) from the revised appropriation of R19.03 billion for 2020/21.

Table below shows the budget allocation per programme.
In terms of economic classification, the PMTE budget includes revenue with a total monetary value of R16.99 billion, a decrease of R2.53 billion from the R19.53 billion adjusted allocation in 2020/21.

The PMTE generates revenue mainly through charging rental fees to User Departments for accommodation.

Compensation of employees decreases by R103.8 million (from R2.14 billion in the 2020/21 adjusted period) to R2.04 billion in 2021/22.
Programme 1: Administration: This programme provides strategic management, governance and administrative support to the PMTE.

The total allocation for Programme 1 equals R897.7 million for the 2021/22 financial year, which 21 142 is an increase of R85.1 million.

This constitutes a nominal increase of 10.5 per cent (or 6.0 per cent in real terms) from the revised appropriation of R812.6 million in 2020/21.
Programme 1 reports on one target for 2021/22: which is to ensure 100 per cent expenditure of its allocated budget.

Programme 2: Real Estate Investment Services (REIS): This programme works to achieve an efficient and competitive Real Estate Portfolio for the State through effective planning, analysis and informed investments.

The total allocation for Programme 2 is R219.6 million for the 2021/22 financial year, which is an increase of R1.5 million.
This constitutes a nominal increase of 0.69 per cent (and a decrease of 3.4 per cent in real terms) from the revised appropriation of R218.1 million for the 2020/21.

The following targets have been set for the 20221/22 financial year: • Establish four sites for Precinct development.

• Complete 90 per cent valuations within scheduled timeframes.
• Release 21 132 hectares from the Department’s portfolio for development of infrastructure and socio-economic objectives.9 • Approve one Custodian Asset Management Plan (CAMP) submitted to National Treasury.

• Identify a Government Precinct Development Plan for Salvokop.
Programme 3: Construction Project Management (CPM): This programme focuses on providing effective and efficient delivery of accommodation needs for the Department of Public Works and User Departments through construction and other infrastructure improvement programmes.

The total allocation for Programme 3 equals R5.09 billion for the 2021/22 financial year, which is an increase of R4.60 billion.
This constitutes a nominal increase of 940.1 per cent (or 898.2 per cent in real terms) from the revised appropriation of R489.3 million in 2020/21.

22 143 The following targets are reported for the 2021/22 financial year: • Complete one design solution for identified User Department.

• Complete 85 infrastructure projects within agreed construction period.

• Complete 85 infrastructure projects within agreed budget.

• Hand over 90 infrastructure sites for construction.
• Complete 95 infrastructure projects.

• Create 9 020 EPWP work opportunities through construction projects Programme 4: Real Estate Management Services (REMS): This programme provides and manages government’s real estate portfolio in support of stated social, economic, and political objectives that we stated in the first section of this report.

The total allocation for Programme 4 equals R11.22 billion for the 2021/22 financial year, which is a decrease of R2.17 billion.
This constitutes a nominal decrease of 16.2 per cent (or 19.6 per cent in real terms) from the revised appropriation of R13.39 billion in 2020/21.

The following targets have been set for this financial year (2021/22): • Reduce private leases within the Security Cluster by 6.

• Realise R100 million saving on identified function specific private leases.

• Increase revenue generation by 8 per cent through the letting of State-owned properties (excluding harbour-related properties).
• Let out 70 un-utilised vacant State-owned properties.

• Award 35 per cent of new leases to Black-owned companies (e.g.

empowering designated groups of women, youth and people with disabilities).

• Let out 4 per cent of leases to companies with B-BBEE17 of 4 and above.

• Procure 100 per cent of new private leases contracts with maintenance plan.

• Create 10 Business Opportunities that create actual jobs (Small Harbour and State coastal properties).
17 This is as per the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act of 2013 that establishes a legislative framework for the promotion of black economic empowerment.

23 144 • Increase revenue by 10 per cent through the rentals of State-owned small harbours and coastal properties.
Programme 5: Real Estate Information and Registry Services (REIRS): The programme develops and manages a complete, accurate and compliant Immovable Asset Register (IAR) to meet service delivery objectives for the State, Department and PMTE business requirements.

The total allocation for Programme 5 equals R61.8 million for the 2021/22 financial year, which is a decrease of R54.4 million.
This constitutes a nominal decrease of 46.8 per cent (or 49 per cent in real terms) from the adjusted appropriation of R116.2 million in 2020/21.

The following target is reported for the 2021/22 financial year: • Assess nine Provincial Immovable Asset Registers for compliance.

• Physically verify to validate the existence and assess the condition of 21 000 immovable assets.

• Vesting (confirmation of ownership) of 1 000 land parcels.
Programme 6: Facilities Management: This programme seeks to ensure that immovable assets used by Government Departments and the public, are optimally utilised and maintained in a safe, secure healthy and ergonomic environment while contributing to job creation, skills development and poverty alleviation.

The total allocation for Programme 6 equals R3.86 billion for the 2021/22 financial year, which is a decrease of R139.2 million.
This is a decrease of 3.5 per cent in nominal terms (or 7.4 per cent in real terms) from the revised appropriation of R4.00 billion in 2020/21.

The following target is reported for the 2021/22 financial year: • 200 Condition assessments conducted on identified/prioritised properties.

• Assess critical components to determine the condition of 400 components (lifts, boilers, 24 145 HVAC18 and Gensets19 and Water systems).

• 165 preventative maintenance contracts in place to reduce reactive maintenance.

6.
6.

The Budgetary Allocations and programmes of each of the Public Works and Infrastructure Entities: 6.1.

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) The entity is mandated to: • Provide strategic leadership to construction industry stakeholders developing effective partnerships for growth, reform and improvement of the construction sector.

• Promote the sustainable growth of the construction industry and the participation of the emerging sector in the industry.
• Determine, establish and promote improved performance and best practice of public and private sector clients, contractors and other participants in the construction delivery process.

• Promote the uniform application of policy throughout all spheres of government and promote uniform and ethical standards, construction procurement reform, and improved procurement and delivery management – including a code of conduct.
• Develop systematic methods for monitoring and regulating the performance of the industry and its stakeholders, including the registration of projects and contractors.

The entity identified two key themes to drive its outcomes.

The budgetary allocation for 2021/22 will be used to work on outcomes under each of these.

They are as follows: 1.

A transformed and developed construction industry.

1.1.

Increased black ownership and participation.


18 Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning 19 Gensets refer to any combination of diesel engine and electric generators used to generate electricity.

These are critical components especially in areas of untrustworthy/intermittent power supply.

25 146 1.2.

Increased women and youth ownership and participation.

1.3.

Contractor Development.

2.

An ethical and performance driven construction industry.

2.1.

Performance driven clients.

2.2.


Reduced non-compliance and fraud.

2.3.

An ethical and performance driven CIDB.

Targets to ensure mandated Indicators to reach outcomes: • The transformation targets to increase youth ownership and participation - 35% over five years against a 29% baseline target.

• The target to increase black ownership grades 7 to 9 on the contractor register is stated as 75% over five years against a 67% baseline.
• The target for women owned registered contractors in grades 2 to 9 is stated as 40% over five years against a 30% baseline.

• The target to increase the percentage access to work for women-owned contractors is stated as 35% against the baseline of 24%.

• Monitoring the number of upgrades of women-owned contractors is stated to move to 50% from the baseline of 40% over the next five years.

• Monitoring black owned contractors is stated as moving to 60% from the baseline of 50% over the next five years.
• Under developing performance driven clients, to drive increased spending on infrastructure budgets, it set a five-year target of 90 from a baseline of 82%.

• Under the objective to drive reduce non-compliance and corruption in the construction sector - it states an indicator of average number of non-compliance cases reported per year, to move from the baseline of 72 to 36 over five years.

• For the stated target to drive towards good governance, it wants to achieve a clean audit for the year 2021/22.
26 147 Interventions Progress Ensuring the cidb registration criteria speaks to transforming the industry The review of the registration criteria is in progress.

Business advisory services to small and medium contractors Capacitation of clients to drive transformation in infrastructure procurement, including awareness of procurement reforms 89.3% was recorded for provincial business advisory services provided to contractors at grades 2 to 6 index against a target of 75%.
The development needs analysis has been conducted.

The drafting of the framework is underway.

Target on track and revised due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Capacitation sessions were scheduled and had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Online capacitation underway.

Review and revision of the National Contractor Development Programme framework to enable transformation Improvement in the gaps of the current NCDP framework has been identified.
To achieve the stated targets to drive transformation, infrastructure development, and clean governance the following new interventions are also notable: • Develop a system to expand and align the Register of Contractors to the Register of Projects: o Here contractors’ track record would automatically be updated through the projects registered by Client Departments.

• CIDB systems upgrade for integration with Central Supplier Database.

• Implementation of industry best practices (CIDB B.U.I.L.D.
Programme20).
To monitor the drive towards increased municipal expenditure of infrastructure budgets the following comparative information was provided: Indicator Budgeted capital expenditure (Rm) Actual capital expenditure (Rm) Actual capital expenditure as a % of budgeted capital expenditure Number of metros, municipalities, and district 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 71 381 58 756 82% 257 73 563 68 808 54 887 41 254 75% 257 60% 257 20 The CIDB Act 38 of 2000 mandates the entity to lead efforts to optimize the construction sector’s contribution to social and development goals.
It developed the Best Practice Project Assessment Scheme, simply known as the CIDB B.U.I.L.D.

Programme.

27 148 The intervention to ensure increased infrastructure expenditure in municipalities are as follows: Interventions Progress Consult with all organs of state to identify construction- related budgets and the application thereof.

Assessing the impact of public expenditure on the construction industry and advising the Minister accordingly.

CIDB to conduct the study in-house.


Drafting the Project Plan.

Strengthening the existing public sector capacity building initiatives and industry research.

Capacitation building is ongoing, e.g.

IDMS client support.

Causes of cancellation of tenders research underway.

Expanding the research on the impact of Covid-19 on the industry.

Rolling out the Project Assessment Scheme - harnessing the best-practice standards (CIDB B.U.I.L.D.

Programme).

Minister gazetted Regulations in September 2020.


Implementing the cidb Competence Framework for Procurement and the underpinning tools to assess SCM officials.

Planned for 2021/22 year.

Amending CIDB Act to apply the Register of Contractors to the private sector (to drive transformation and development).

DPWI review of CIDB Act underway.

Develop a Client Recognition Scheme.


The intervention to regulate to compliance is as follows: Interventions Progress Rolling out of the Organisational Design (OD) Process to capacitate the organisation OD process concluded.

Critical positions being filled within budget provisions.

Promoting the use of SANS21 1734 Specification for an Anti- Bribery Management System (ABMS) for large contracting enterprises ABMS 1734 was gazetted as a Best Practice.
Cidb is consulting on the application of the ABMS against the contractor registration criteria.

Creating awareness of the cidb Code of Conduct Awareness and ongoing client capacitation on IDMS, SFU and Code of Conduct taking place.

21 South African national Standards.

28 149 6.1.3.

The budgetary allocations to perform its mandate per programme for 2021/22 is as follows: The budget consists of the allocation from the transfers from DPWI programme 4, registration fees from contractors, and investments.
Rand thousand Programmes Administration 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 82 044 86 556 92 719 90 737 91 646 Research and Development 7 000 7 350 13 232 13 973 Construction Industry Regulation 71 384 33 343 35 387 37 156 39 237 Construction Industry Performance 16 039 16 921 17 685 18 604 19 646 Procurement and Development 14 693 15 501 15 484 16 309 17 222 Provincial Offices Total Budget 35 000 36 750 38 588 40 748 184 160 194 321 205 375 214 626 222 473 6.1.3.
Action items to be performed with the R205.3 million budget: • The CIDB shall revisit and ensure that the Contractor Register, as detailed in Chapter 3, Section 16 of the Act, is up-to-date in terms of all aspects for all contractors that are registered, and in particular in relation to empowerment and B-BBEE compliance.

It is essential that this is actioned and completed within the next 6 months.
• The CIDB shall commence with the process of developing a database and Register of Professional Service Providers.

This has not been compulsory up until now.

The Minister, however, shall require that this will become compulsory as at the beginning of the 2021/22 financial year, especially for Special Infrastructure Projects, as determined by the Infrastructure Development Act, No 23 of 2014.
• The CIDB, in partnership with DPWI, to develop a programme and implementation manual of how to mainstream the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in all built environment departments across all spheres of government, as well as within other Public Employment Programmes.

29 150 6.2.

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE): The CBE is a schedule 3A entity established by the Council for the Built Environment Act (No.

43 of 2000).
43 of 2000).

It is an entity of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.

The CBE is responsible for regulating the following six built environment professional councils: 1.

South African Council for Architectural Professions (SACAP).

2.

Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).

3.

South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP).

4.

South African Council for the Landscape Architectural Profession (SACLAP).

5.
5.

South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP).

6.

South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession (SACPVP).

The CBE oversees and regulates the six professional councils responsible for regulating built environment professionals such as architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, landscape architects, property valuers, and project and construction managers.
In its planning documents for this financial year, the CBE shows an alignment with the broad policy objectives of the NDP, ERRP, and the SONA.

It states its mandate as follows: “The scope of the CBE and councils for the professions in the Built Environment (BE) value chain is to regulate those Built Environment Professions (BEPs) which conceptualise, design, build, maintain and transfer social and economic infrastructure.

The CBE executes its mandate from the Council for the Built Environment Act (No.
43 of 2000) (the CBE Act), while also being mindful of the following legislations, regulations, policies and best practice guidelines to exercise good governance, ethical leadership and corporate citizenship.

The CBE adopted a Compliance Policy and implements a compliance action plan for identified compliance obligations with quarterly disclosure.” 30 151 6.2.1.
CBE Budget for 2021/22: Sub Programme R thousand Programme 1: Administration Programme 2: Transformation Programme 3: Skills and Capacity Development Programme 4: Research and Advisory Programme 5: Regulation and Public Protection Total All figures as per National Treasury ENE, p 217 Approved Budget Medium-Term Estimate 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 52.0 2.1 2.8 0.6 1.2 58.7 49.0 49.5 51.6 1.8 2.7 0.5 1.1 1.7 2.7 0.5 1.1 1.8 2.8 0.6 1.2 55.1 55.5 58.0 The total revenue of the CBE equals R 55.1 million, which is a decrease of R3.6 million from the R58.7 million in 2020/21.
Like the other Public Works and Infrastructure entities, the CBE receives part of its revenue as a transfer from the DPWI’s Programme 4, while the rest consists of sales of goods and services, and non-tax revenue.

6.3.

The Independent Development Trust (IDT): In the previous financial year, the Minister withdrew the formal submission of the Strategic Plan (2020-2025) and the APP of the IDT.
In spite of, in the Budget Vote report of 2020/21, requesting the updated plans to transform, restructure, or dissolve the entity, the select committee did not receive information from the Minister or the DPWI.

6.3.1.

Background: The IDT evolved from a grant-making organisation into a responsive development agency with a well-established footprint across South Africa.

The IDT augments government’s capacity to achieve the objectives of the National Development Plan (NDP) and Vision 2030.
A review and transformation process has been started during the 2014 31 152 to 2019 five-year administration to strengthen this role.

This included a confirmation of the IDT’s mandate to deliver social infrastructure cost effectively.
The IDT is the public works and infrastructure entity that should use its resources in the initiation, planning and implementation of innovative and sustainable development projects, to positively address the challenges in which geo-spatial patterns of poverty, inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment occurs in the regions and provinces of the country.
This function of the entity was underpinned by the 1997 government resolution to reconstitute the IDT as a development agency and public entity to support all spheres of government.

It followed Cabinet endorsement of a recommendation of a Cabinet Advisory Committee that, inter alia, “The IDT must be transformed into a government development agency that will implement projects which are commissioned by government departments.
It must cease to be a civil society organisation, an independent agency or funding agency.”22 Building on its effectiveness as a civil society body and redistributive mechanism, the IDT was integrated into the public service delivery system in 1999 with the promulgation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) (Act 1 of 1999), as amended, and listed as a Schedule 2 Major Public Entity.

The 1997 mandate of the IDT remains in place.


Over the last few years, the entity, and the Minister recognised the operational and financial challenges that it faced due to its inability to collect management fees owed to it.

This resulted reduced trust between the entity, client departments, and a decline in its business portfolio caused its deficits to grow substantially.
The entity had been undergoing a long drawn out transformation process that included a revision of its operating model and organisational redesign.

It remained firmly focused on achieving business growth and achieving long-term sustainability.

The Board and management approved a turnaround plan aimed at repositioning the entity to be financially viable and self-sustaining.
22 “Structural Relationships between Government and Civil Society Organisations”, Report prepared for the Deputy President, Thabo Mbeki, South Africa.

p. 3 32 153 All development reviews conducted by government, i.e.

5, 10 and 20 years23, as well as the NDP 2030 placed emphasis on the need to build the capacity of government as a prerequisite for the attainment of its development imperatives.
Thus, rather than duplicate programmes, or possibly positioning the IDT as a super agency that could usurp the functions of the DPW, the PMTE, or other government departments, the review of the IDT’s mandate was important to enhance the objective of building a capable developmental state.

The functions of the IDT is crucial for social infrastructure development across the urban and rural divide including redressing town and city geo- spatial planning that continued the inherited apartheid model.
This role of the DPWI, PMTE and an entity such as the IDT is a key pillar on which future economic growth must take place.

It is therefore strategically aligned to the policy objectives stated in the NDP, ERRP, and the tasks listed in the 2021/22 SONA.

6.3.2.
Budgetary Allocation per programme: R million Revised estimate Average growth rate (%) Average: Expenditure/ Total (%) Medium-term expenditure estimate Ave: Expenditure/ Total (%) Average growth rate (%) 2020/21 2017/18 - 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 2020/21 - 2023/24 Administration 136.6 2.7% 39.7% Programme management 135.3 -22.8% 60.3% Total 271.8 -13.5% 100.0% 94.6 141.8 236.5 139.6 161.0 300.6 147.1 168.5 2.5% 7.6% 45.8% 54.2% 315.7 5.1% 100.0% Over the medium term, the entity will continue to focus on implementing infrastructure projects aimed at empowering poor communities.
To achieve this, the trust expects to spend R19.6 billion over the period ahead on its infrastructure portfolio, which is funded by client departments.

These projects are expected to create 14 718 work opportunities through the expanded public works programme.

23 Government’s 10, 15, and 20 Year Review was done by the Presidency, in collaboration with all Ministers and departments, and printed and disseminated by the Government Communication and Information Services (GCIS).
33 154 Expenditure is set to increase at an average annual rate of 5.1 per cent, from R271.8 million in 2020/21 to R315.7 million in 2023/24.

Compensation of employees accounts for an estimated 63.7 per cent (R547.6 million) of total expenditure over the MTEF period.
The IDT expects to generate 83.9 per cent (R777.8 million) of its revenue over the medium term period through management fees for projects it implements on behalf of government departments, and will intensify its collection of outstanding revenue owed by client departments.

Key matters to note on the budget indicated for the IDT: • The output of strategy is not factored into subsequent years.
The budget is conservative and reflects restrained revenue increases due to challenges such as internal (Board inconsistencies that leads to insecurities experienced by staff) and external trust deficiencies (client departments eroding the IDT’s mandate, as well as refusing to honour contracts by paying outstanding debt).

• The entity needs confirmed business not less than the expected expenditure for the subsequent years of the medium-term expenditure framework period.
• The indicated surplus budgeted for the 2020/21 financial year is stated theoretically.

It remains fully dependent on the entity receiving a grant allocation of R160 million.

Note that theoretically, this surplus would be carried forward into the subsequent years to fund the operating deficit.

It is critical that additional new business be generated to fund the budgeted deficit.

The additional required programme expenditure is R254 million for the 2021/22 financial year.

6.4.
6.4.

Agrément South Africa This entity is mandated to certify non-standardised or unconventional built environment construction products, materials and systems through technical assessments that verify whether such products, materials and systems are fit for purpose.
The increased focus on the DPWI as sector leader of infrastructure development, the long-term 34 155 policy objective in the NDP24 to increasingly provide human settlements where people can live in dignity, with social service infrastructure close to their homes, make the work of the ASA quite important.

The entity’s legal mandate is described in the ASA Act No.
11 of 2015 as follows: • Provide assurance to specifiers and users of the fitness-for-purpose of non- standardised construction related products or systems.

• Support and promote the process of integrated socio-economic development in the republic as it relates to the construction industry.

• Support and promote the introduction and use of certified non-standardised construction related products or systems in the local or international market.
• Support policy makers to minimize the risk associated with the use of a non- standardised construction related product or system; and • Be an impartial and internationally acknowledged South African centre for the assessment and confirmation of fitness-for-purpose of non-standardised construction related products or systems.

6.4.1.
6.4.1.

Tasks that ASA must achieve: In its planning documentation tabled to Parliament, the ASA notes that the NDP guides it to play an integral role as part of government, which would include25: • Systematically responding to entrenched spatial patterns across all geographical scales that exacerbate social inequality and economic inefficiency.
• Taking account of the unique needs and potential of different rural and urban areas in the context of emerging development corridors in the Southern African sub-region before making decisions on developments.

24 The NDP stresses the need to fundamentally reshape the apartheid geo-spatial form.
It acknowledges that it may take many decades but directs that all government departments and entities should strive for meaningful progress in creating urban settlements that are functionally integrated, balanced and vibrant, including the revival of rural areas.

25 ASA, APP, pp.

31 and 32, Annual Performance Plan 2020/21.


35 156 • Reviewing State housing policies to better realise constitutional housing rights, ensuring that the delivery of housing is used to restructure towns and cities and strengthen the livelihood prospects of households.

• Supporting active citizenry and developing incentives through a range of interventions, which includes the establishment of social compacts; and 6.4.2.
Budgetary Allocation ASA receives an annual government grant and generates its own revenues.

For the 2021/22 financial year, ASA had total revenues of R 36.6 million comprising R 31.1 million in the annual transfer from Programme 4 of the DPWI (85.0% of total income) and R 5.5 million revenue that it generates from its testing, registration and licencing services and investments.

The latter comprised R 4.2 million for the rendering of services and a further R 1,3 million from return on investments.
The table below summarises the MTEF budget allocation for ASA.

A key challenge evident in the medium term is the reduced budget allocation which will require ASA to be more cost efficient and seek to increase its own revenues going forward.
ASA Budgetary allocation for 2021/22 R million Administration Total Revised estimate Medium term estimate 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 35.5 35.5 35.8 35.8 36.3 36.3 37.9 37.9 36 157 Statement of financial performance: Statement of financial Budget Approved Approved budget Medium Term Estimate performance R thousand Revenue Tax revenue estimate budget 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 2023/24 – – – – – Non-tax revenue 3,972 3,972 4,300 4,570 4,666 4,899 Sale of goods and services other than capital assets of which: Administrative fees Sales by market establishment Other non-tax revenue 2,634 1,160 1,474 1,338 2,634 1,160 1,474 1,338 2,966 1,418 1,548 1,335 3,154 3,349 3,516 1,529 1,643 1,625 1,706 1725 1791 1,416 1,317 1,383 Transfers received 31,062 31,062 31,164 32,564 33,413 35,084 Total revenue Expenses 35,034 35,034 35,464 37,134 38,079 39,983 Current expenses 35,034 35,034 35,464 37,134 38,079 39,983 Compensation of employees 20,810 20,810 21,175 22,510 23,455 24,628 Goods and services 13,974 13,974 9,916 14,178 14,178 14,887 Depreciation Solidarity Fund COVID-19 Expenses Total expenses Surplus/(Deficit) 250 250 0 446 446 468 – – – – 3,578 795 – – – – - - 35,034 35,034 35,464 37,134 38,079 39,983 – – – – – 37 158 7.
Recommendations: Having considered the planning documents and budgetary allocations for this financial year, the select committee recommends that the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure should ensure that: 7.1 The department maintains a functioning administrative, financial management, accounting, and reporting system to regularly report to the Minister.
This will focus on matters that may weaken the achievement of the policy outcome to change the DPWI into a resilient, ethical, and capable government department and a performing organisation.

7.2 The department gives proper attention to the weaknesses of coordination, regulation, and enforcement.

This includes the departmental mandate as a leader and regulator of the construction, built environment professional, and infrastructure sector.
7.3 The department strengthens its oversight function in the construction, built environment professional, and infrastructure sector of the country to appropriately transform it for the benefit of the country and the economy.

7.4 The department works on solutions to address the high vacancy rate and the equitable 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 representation of women in the senior management positions.

The department implements its skills plan in order to reduce our national skills deficit.
The department continuously monitors and evaluates the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on service delivery.

The department works on the uniform lease agreements across all the provinces.

The department provides proper oversight on the transfers and subsidies for the operations of its entities, and all conditional grants to provinces.

7.9 The department fast-tracks the proclamation of the remaining fishing harbours.
7.10 The department looks at the socio-economic impact on job creation, skills development, as well as maritime intellectual property for Small Harbours.

This should include, Maritime Industry Development, in terms of manufacturing/processing industries, supply management and localisation for small harbours.

7.11 The department fast-tracks the process to reconfigure the Independent Development Trust (IDT), its viability, given the operational and financial challenges over the last few years.
38 159 7.12 The department fast-tracks the release of numerous parcels of land for human settlement development, land redistribution and restitution.

7.13 The Office of the Minister as Executive Authority works with the Department of Defence and Military Veterans to address the issue of the office space of the Defence Intelligence Division.
7.14 The department provides a report by end of May 2022 on progress made by the task team that had to include the National Treasury, DPWI, the IDT, Department of Public Service and Administration and other key role players to restructure the IDT into a more technically proficient social infrastructure delivery agency.

The Committee recommends that the National Council of Provinces (Council) approves Budget Vote 13: Public Works and Infrastructure.
[The Democratic Alliance reserved its position on the Report and abstained.]

Report to be considered.

39 160 2.
REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORT, PUBLIC SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATION, PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE ON BUDGET VOTE 40: TRANSPORT, AND ON THE STRATEGIC PLANS AND ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLANS 2021-22 OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND ENTITIES REPORTING TO THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, DATED 25 MAY 2021 The Select Committee of Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure, having considered Budget Vote 40: Transport, and the Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plans of the Department of Transport and the entities reporting to the Minister of Transport, reports as follows: 1.
INTRODUCTION The Select Committee of Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure (the Select Committee) considered the 2021/22 budget of the Department of Transport (the Department) on 19 May 2021.

This report contains a summary of the Department’s budget allocation and the observations and recommendations of the Select Committee on the budget.
The report details an overview of the performance of the Department during 2020/21, policy priorities for 2021/22 and and how they are aligned with national, regional, continental and global developmental agendas.

It also analyses the 2021/22 budgets of the Department and its entities.

The report further covers the tabled 2021/22 Strategic/Corporate Plans and APPs of the entities.
It concludes by capturing the observations and recommendations made by the Select Committee of Transport, Public Service and Administration, Public Works and Infrastructure in this regard.

The report on the budget of the Department is based on information accessed through: • The 2021 State of the Nation Address (SONA); 1 161 • The Department of Transport’s APP for 2020/21 and 2021/22 and its Budget Allocation outlined in the Budget Review for 2021/22; and • The National Development Plan (NDP).

2.
2.

MANDATE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, identifies the legislative responsibilities of different spheres of Government pertaining to airports, roads, traffic management and public transport.

At a policy level, the National White Paper on Transport, 1996, defines the infrastructure and operations of rail, pipelines, roads, airports, ports and the intermodal operations of public transport and freight.
To this effect, the function of transport, in its entire value chain, is legislated and executed at the three spheres of Government (national, provincial and local (municipal)).

To ensure integrated planning and coordination between the three spheres of Government, the South African Inter-Governmental Relations Framework Act (No.

13 of 2005) emphasises that the three spheres are distinctive, interdependent and interrelated.

The three spheres are thus autonomous.


Notwithstanding their autonomy, the three spheres must plan together for the utilisation of scarce resources, as well as to ensure the achievement of Government priorities.

At a national level, the Department is responsible for the formulation of legislation and policies for all transport sub-sectors.
The Department is therefore entrusted with:1 • Conducting sector research; • Formulating legislation and policies to set the strategic direction of sub-sectors; • Assigning responsibilities to public entities and other spheres of Government; • Regulating through setting norms and standards; and • Monitoring implementation.

The implementation of transport functions takes place through public entities that have been established to enhance implementation and support service delivery.
Each entity has a specific 1 Department of Transport (2021), p. 23.

2 162 delivery mandate, as specified in its founding legislation.

The Department is tasked with exercising oversight on the regulation and delivery of transport through these entities.

The other leg of the implementation of transport functions lies with provinces.

In this regard, the Department has concurrent functions of public transport and transport regulation with provinces.
Public transport is a concurrent schedule 4A function between national and provincial spheres, and provincial roads and traffic are an exclusive schedule 5A provincial function.

To ensure that there is uniformity in planning and reporting towards the achievement of Government and/or sector priorities, the Department needs to coordinate the development and implementation of standardised/customised indicators.
These indicators, developed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, must reflect key applicable deliverables of the sector plan and/or the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).

Once developed, accounting officers of relevant provincial departments that are responsible for the implementation of these indicators, approve and include them in their respective Strategic Plans (SPs) and APPs.
Provinces would then gazette and report on standardised indicators on a quarterly and annual basis, with the National Department playing an oversight role over provinces.

This is intended to ensure that standardised indicators respond to the legislative and policy direction of the sector.

At a local (municipal) level, coordination and integration takes place through the development of integrated transport plans, which are facilitated through municipalities’ integrated development planning (IDP) processes.
Municipal transport is a concurrent schedule 4B function falling in the local government sphere.

Municipal roads, traffic and parking are exclusive 5B municipal functions.
2.1 ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT 3 163 In an endeavour to discharge its mandate effectively and efficiently, the Department is structured as follows:2 • Programme 1: Administration; • Programme 2: Integrated Transport Planning; • Programme 3: Rail Transport; • Programme 4: Road Transport; • Programme 5: Civil Aviation Transport; • Programme 6: Maritime Transport; and • Programme 7: Public Transport.
The Department’s organisational structure was approved in September 2011, and implemented, since November 2011.3 The structure comprises four transport modes (rail, road, civil aviation and maritime transport), as well as public transport and integrated transport planning.

Support functions, particularly in the Office of the Director-General, Office of the Chief Operations Officer and the Office of the Chief Financial Officer fall under the Administration programme.
2.2 STRATEGIC OUTCOMES ORIENTED GOALS OF THE DEPARTMENT The Department has identified the following eight (8) areas that it will prioritise in 2021/22, in response to the MTSF (2019 – 2024):4 1) Safety as an enabler of service delivery; 2) Public transport that enables social emancipation and an economy that works; 3) Infrastructure build that stimulates economic growth and job creation; 4) Building a maritime nation, elevating the oceans economy; 5) Accelerating transformation towards greater economic participation; 6) Innovation that advances efficiencies and supports a continuous improvement model; 7) Environmental protection – Recovering and maintaining a healthy natural environment; and 2 Department of Transport (2021), p. 74.
3 Department of Transport (2021), p. 75.

4 Department of Transport (2021), pp.

26-.73 4 164 8) Governance – Greater efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

The Department contributes to the realisation of the vision of improved social and economic development articulated in the NDP.

Transport infrastructure and services support economic growth and development by connecting people and goods to markets.
The development and maintenance of an efficient and competitive transport system is a key objective of the NDP.
To this effect, the Department, in partnership with the sector public entities, provincial and local government, will continue to focus on improving mobility and access to social and economic activities.5 In addition, the Department gives impetus to priority 1 (economic transformation and job creation) and priority 4 (spatial integration, human settlements and local government) of Government’s 2019-2024 MTSF.
Over the medium-term, the Department plans to give effect to these guiding policies by focusing on:6 • Building and maintaining national and provincial road networks; • Providing passenger rail infrastructure and services; and • Facilitating the provision of integrated public transport networks.

2.3 PROGRAMMES 2.3.1 Programme 1: Administration The Administration programme provides leadership, strategic management and administrative support to the Department.
It achieves this through continuous refinement of organisational strategy and structure, in line with appropriate legislation and best practice.

2.3.2 Programme 2: Integrated Transport Planning The Integrated Transport Planning programme seeks to integrate and harmonise key transport sector strategic interventions through continuous development and refining of macro-transport 5 Department of Transport (2021), p. 24.

6 Department of Transport (2021), p.89.


5 165 sector policies, strategies and legislation; coordination of development of sector related policies, coordination of sector research activities; coordination of regional and inter-sphere relations; facilitation of sector transformation; and provision of sector economic modelling and analysis.
2.3.3 Programme 3: Rail Transport The Rail Transport programme facilitates and coordinates the development of sustainable rail transport policies, rail economic and safety regulation, infrastructure development strategies; and systems that reduce system costs and improve customer service.

2.3.4 Programme 4: Road Transport The Road Transport programme develops and manages an integrated road infrastructure network.
2.3.5 Programme 5: Civil Aviation Transport The Civil Aviation Transport programme facilitates the development of an economically viable air transport industry that is safe, secure, efficient, environmentally friendly and compliant with international standards through regulations and investigations.

It also oversees aviation public entities.
2.3.6 Programme 6: Maritime Transport The Maritime Transport programme implements the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP) to ensure promotion and coordination; as well as infrastructure and industry development and achieve compliance through monitoring, evaluation and oversight and collaboration with maritime related public entities 2.3.7 Programme 7: Public Transport The Public Transport programme ensures the provision and regulation of safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable public transport services in South Africa through legislation, policies and strategies.
6 166 3.
OVERVIEW OF THE 2020/21 FINANCIAL YEAR7 3.1 First Quarter Expenditure of 2020/21 Table 1: 2020/21 First Quarter Expenditure e m m a r g o r P n o i l l i M ’ R Administration Integrated Transport Planning Rail Transport Road Transport Civil Aviation Transport Maritime Transport Public Transport Awaiting Classification8 n o i t a i r p o r p p A n i a M 491.8 104.5 13 195.2 33 816.7 240.7 149.4 14 038 l a u t c A r e t r a u Q t s 1 e r u t i d n e p x E 60.5 13 2 901.9 8 640.6 22.4 6.5 1 236.7 14.7 f o % 12.3% 12.5% 22% 25.6% 9.3% 4.3% 8.8 107.8 21.4 2 907.7 8 658.4 56.2 34. 47.4 8.4 5.8 17.8 33.8 27.6 1 358.8 122.1 m o r f e c n a i r a V % e r u t i d n e p x E d e t c e j o r P 43.9% 39.2% 0.2% 0.2% 60.1% 81% 9% g n i d n e p S 9 1 - D I V O C 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 24.5 TOTAL 62 036.3 12 896.4 20.8% 13 144.5 248.1 1.9% 24.9 7 It should be underscored that this section only covers the first Three Quarters of 2020/21, as the Fourth Quarter was not yet available at the time of analysis.
8 The actual expenditure of R14.7 million should be classified under Programme 1: Administration and relates to goods and services, specifically payments for the office accommodation lease.

The expenditure had been awaiting classification at the time the Department submitted the June 2020 in-year monitoring report (IYM).

However, the Department has since classified the spending accordingly in the Basic Accounting System (BAS) (National Treasury 2020).
7 167 Source: National Treasury (2020a)) In 2020/21, the main allocation of the Department – prior to the delivery of the Supplementary Budget by the Minister of Finance, on 24 June 2020 – stood at R62 billion.

Of this amount, the Department spent R12.9 billion (or 20.8%) against the 2020/21 First Quarter projection of R13.1 billion.

The Department spent R248.1 million (or 1.9%) lower than projected for this period.
The lower than projected spending was mainly on transfers and subsidies in the Public Transport, Civil Aviation Transport and Maritime Transport programmes, as well as on goods and services across all programmes.

As at the end of the First Quarter of 2020/21, the Department had spent R115.7 million against the First Quarter projection of R132.2 million on the compensation of employees.

The R16.6 million (or 12.5%) lower than projected spending was mainly due to the slow filling of vacant posts.
By the end of the First Quarter of 2020/21, the Department had 693 filled posts against a funded establishment of 855 posts.

This translated into a vacancy rate of 18.9% (or 162 vacant posts).
3.2 Second Quarter Expenditure of 2020/21 Table 2: 2020/21 Second Quarter Expenditure ’ R Administration 491.8 Integrated Transport 104.5 Planning Rail Transport Road Transport 13 195.2 33 816.7 Civil Aviation 240.7 Transport d e t s u j d A l a i c e p S t e g d u B 482.2 93.8 12 183.3 31 266.2 196.7 l a u t c A r e t r a u Q d n 2 e r u t i d n e p x E 173.9 28.6 t e g d u B e l b a l i a v A 469.8 90.1 9 599.4 5 495.0 31 471.1 17 218.7 2 673.7 74.4 Maritime Transport 149.4 143.4 141.8 65.3 Public Transport 14 038.0 13 030.4 12 908.9 4 545.8 f o % s a e r u t i d n e p x E t e g d u B e l b a l i a v A 37% 31.7% 57.2% 54.7% 2.8% 46.1% 35.2 231.7 48.8 5 504.9 17 259.4 157.2 66.7 4 897.0 TOTAL 62 036.3 57 395.8 57 354.7 27 601.6 48.1% 28 165.8 (Source: National Treasury, (2020b)) 57.8 20.2 10.0 40.7 82.8 1.4 351.2 564.1 m o r f e c n a i r a V % e r u t i d n e p x E d e t c e j o r P 24.9% 41.4% 0.2% 0.2% 52.7% 2.1% 7.2% 2% g n i d n e p S 9 1 - D I V O C 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 29.7 30.9 8 168 In the Special Adjusted Budget there was a reduction in the allocation to the Department to R57.4 billion.
As at the end of 30 September 2020, the Department had spent R27.6 billion against a Second Quarter projection of R28.2 billion.

The Department spent R564.1 million (or 2%) lower than projected.9 The lower than projected spending was mainly on goods and services in the Administration, Civil Aviation, as well as Public Transport programmes.

Moreover, the Department spent lower than projected on transfers and subsidies in the Public Transport programme.
The Department spent R229.3 million against the Second Quarter projection of R276.3 million for compensation of employees.

It spent R47.1 million (or 17%) lower than projected largely due to the slow filling of vacant posts.

By the end of the Second Quarter of 2020/21, the Department had 689 filled posts against a funded establishment of 855 posts.10 This represented a vacancy rate of 19.4% (or 166 vacant posts).
3.3 Third Quarter Expenditure of 2020/21 Table 3: 2020/21 Third Quarter Expenditure ’ R Administration 491.8 Integrated Transport 104.5 469.8 90.1 469.8 90.1 l a u t c A r e t r a u Q d r 3 e r u t i d n e p x E 248.6 44.1 Planning Rail Transport Road Transport 13 195.2 33 816.7 9 599.4 9 599.4 6 959.0 31 471.1 31 471.1 27 436.8 Civil Aviation 240.7 2 673.7 2 673.7 120.1 f o % s a e r u t i d n e p x E t e g d u B e l b a l i a v A 52.9% 49% 72.5% 87.2% 4.5% Transport Maritime Transport Public Transport TOTAL m o r f e c n a i r a V % e r u t i d n e p x E d e t c e j o r P 27.3% 39.1% 16.8% 0.2% 24.9% g n i d n e p S 9 1 - D I V O C 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 118.7 7 874.3 44 412.4 13.6% 16.2 385.9 4.9% 2 012.7 4.5% 0.0 29.7 31.9 (Source: National Treasury, (2020c) 9 National Treasury (2020b).
p. 157.

10 National Treasury (2020b), p. 159.

9 169 The Department spent R42.4 billion against a 2020/21 Third Quarter projection of R44.4 billion, i.e., R2 billion (or 4.5%) lower than projected for this period.

The lower than projected spending was mainly in transfers and subsidies in the Rail Transport, Civil Aviation and Public Transport programmes.
In addition, there was lower than projected spending in goods and services in the Administration, Integrated Transport Planning, Civil Aviation Transport, as well as Public Transport programmes.11 The Department spent R353.7 million against the Third Quarter projection of R423.4 million for compensation of employees.
Expenditure was R69.7 million (or 16.5%) lower than projected mainly due to the slow filling of vacant posts.12 The Department had 693 filled posts against a funded establishment of 855 posts by the end of the Third Quarter of 2020/21.

This represented a vacancy rate of 18.9% (or 162 vacant posts).

4.
2021/22 POLICY PRIORITIES AND BUDGET OF THE DEPARTMENT 4.1 POLICY PRIORITIES FOR 2021/22 AND ALIGNMENT WITH NATIONAL, REGIONAL, CONTINENTAL AND GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT AGENDAS 4.1.1 National Development Plan (NDP) and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) The Department has identified the following eight areas that it will prioritise over the next five years, in response to the MTSF (2019 – 2024): • • • • • • Safety as an enabler of service delivery; Public transport that enables social emancipation and an economy that works; Infrastructure build that stimulates economic growth and job creation; Building a maritime nation, elevating the oceans economy; Accelerating transformation towards greater economic participation; Innovation that advances efficiencies and supports a continuous improvement model; 11 National Treasury (2020c), pp.
143-144.

12 Ibid.

10 170 • • Environmental protection –Recovering and maintaining a healthy natural environment; and Governance – Greater efficiency, effectiveness and accountability.

The Department contributes to the realisation of the vision of improved social and economic development articulated in the NDP.

Transport infrastructure and services support economic growth and development by connecting people and goods to markets.
The development and maintenance of an efficient and competitive transport system is a key objective of the NDP.

To this effect, the Department, in partnership with the sector public entities, provincial and local government, will continue to focus on improving mobility and access to social and economic activities.
In addition, the Department gives impetus to priority 1 (economic transformation and job creation) and priority 4 (spatial integration, human settlements and local government) of Government’s 2019-2024 MTSF.

Over the medium-term, the Department plans to give effect to these guiding policies by focusing on: • • • Building and maintaining national and provincial road networks; Providing passenger rail infrastructure and services; and Facilitating the provision of integrated public transport networks.
Delivering his 2021 State of the Nation Address (SONA), the President accentuated three areas that the Department will be zeroing in on in 2021/22 as he committed Government to: • • • Constructing and rehabilitating the N1, N2 and N3 highways; Supporting a massive increase in local production; and Using Operation Vulindlela to bring about reforms in the transport sector.

Roads have been depicted as the “arteries through which the economy pulses”.
By linking producers to markets, workers to jobs, pupils to schools, and the sick to hospitals, roads are vital to any development agenda.

It is against this backdrop that Government will embark on the construction and rehabilitation of the N1, N2 and N3 highways.

Government intends to use these projects to kick-start the economy.

Indeed, the President asserted that “these infrastructure projects will lead to the revival of the construction industry and the creation of the much-needed jobs”.
11 171 In addition, the train sets that are manufactured at Dunnottar, Ekurhuleni, in Gauteng, are intended to contribute to “increase in local production”.

The factory is assisting to address the crucial challenge facing South Africa today, that is, unemployment, especially among the youth.

It is estimated that the rolling stock fleet renewal programme will create over 8 000 direct jobs throughout the Gibela Consortium’s supply chain, with the factory targeting the creation of 1 500 jobs.
Nearly all the jobs in the factory will be occupied by South Africans with the aim to employ 85% historically disadvantaged persons, and at least 25% women.

The expectation is that, with time, the factory will increase the proportion of women within its workforce to at least 50%.

A set of structural reforms has been identified in the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) adopted by labour, business, Government and the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC).
Through Operation Vulindlela, a joint operation between the Presidency and the National Treasury, Government is facilitating the implementation of structural reforms, which are at the core of the ERRP.

Pertaining to the freight transport sector, the desired outcome of the reforms is competitive and efficient freight transport.
The key structural reforms include improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the ports, establishing a transport economic regulator, implementing a third- party access policy on freight rail lines and concessioning rail branch-lines, where feasible.

Table 29: Alignment to MTSF MTSF Pillars APEX Priorities DOT Strategic Focus Areas 1.
Achieving a More Capable State Priority 1: A Capable, Ethical and Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness of Developmental State Support Services Priority 7: A Better Africa and World Building a Maritima Nation, Elevating the 2.
Driving a Strong and Inclusive Priority 2: Economic Transformation and Job Infrastructure Build that Stimulates Economy Creation Economic Growth and Job Creation Oceans Economy Environmental Protection – Recovering and Maintaining Healthy Natural Environment Building a Maritime Nation, Elevating the Oceans Economy Accelerating Transformation Towards Greater Economic Participation 12 172 3.
Building and Strengthening Priority 3: Education, Skills and Health Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness of Capabilities of South Africans Support Services Priority 5: Spatial Integration, Human Public Transport that Enables Social Settlements and Local Government Emancipation and an Economy that Works Priority 6: Social Cohesion and Community Safety (and Security) as an Enabler of Service Safety Delivery (Source: Department of Transport Revised Strategic Plan 2021/22 version, p. 26) 4.1.2 Agenda 2063 The African Union (AU) envisions that by 2063 the necessary infrastructure will be in place to support Africa’s accelerated integration and growth, technological transformation, trade and development.
This will include high-speed rail networks, roads, shipping lines, sea and air transport, as well as Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital economy.

A Pan-African high-speed rail network will connect all the major cities of the continent with adjacent ways and pipelines for gas, oil, water, ICT broadband cables and other infrastructure.

This will serve as a catalyst for manufacturing skills development, integration and intra-African trade, investment and tourism.
The Department has committed itself to contributing to the aspirations of “an integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance”.

Investment in infrastructure is vital in addressing the challenges encountered in infrastructure maintenance and expansion that are crucial for the stabilisation of the country’s economy and creation of new opportunities for growth, equity and employment.
The current socio-economic challenges cannot be resolved utilising only the scope and resources of Government or any single role player.

Enduring economic partnerships between Government and the private sector are needed to develop trusting relationships for integrated operations, investments and management of transportation infrastructure.

A perusal of the Department’s budget allocation for 2021/22 lends credence to its commitment to national, regional, continental and global imperatives.
This is evidenced by massive investments in Road, Rail and Public Transport programmes respectively.

13 173 It is a truism that an efficient transport infrastructure provides social and economic benefits to both advanced and emerging economies by improving market accessibility.

In addition, it ensures balanced regional, continental and global economic development.

Finally, an efficient transport infrastructure creates employment, promotes labour mobility, and connects communities.
4.1.3 Institutional Policies and Strategies over the five-year planning period a) National White Paper on Transport Policy, 1996 The vision of the White Paper on National Transport policy is to provide safe, reliable, effective, efficient, and fully integrated transport operations and infrastructure which will best meet the needs of freight and passenger customers at improving levels of service and cost in a fashion which supports government strategies for economic and social development whilst being economically and environmentally sustainable.
b) White Paper on National Policy on Airports and Airspace Management, 1997 This is a national policy response on airports and airspace management as a result of far- reaching changes which have occurred in South Africa in general and in civil aviation in particular.

This policy is currently under review to address recent developments and resultant policy gaps.
c) National Commercial Ports Policy, 2002 This aim of this policy is to ensure an internationally competitive port system informed by the knowledge that efficient ports are known to be catalysts for increased trade, and thus provide a comparative advantage for international trade.
Thus, this policy aims to ensure affordable, internationally competitive, efficient and safe port services based on the application of commercial rules in a transparent and competitive environment applied consistently across the transport system.

The importance of this policy is further highlighted by the fact that globalisation pressures make it essential that nations integrate their transport systems into the global logistics network.
Ports are naturally being incorporated into this changing system and have to adjust to the new challenges and environment.

14 174 d) Taxi Recapitalisation Policy, 2009 The Taxi Recapitalisation Policy (TRP) is an intervention by Government to bring about safe, effective, reliable, affordable and accessible taxi operations by introducing New Taxi Vehicles (NTVs) designed to undertake public transport functions in the taxi industry.
A revised fiscal framework also accounts for substantial revenue losses emanating from the economic shock of COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.

The lockdown significantly delayed planned programmes, projects and expenditure in the sector.
As a result, the Department, Provinces and Municipalities, in their revised budget applications, would have to show delayed milestones and targets, the impact on their operational revenue and how they intend to mitigate the risk towards desired recovery and achievement of medium to long term outcomes.
The revision exercise thus focused, amongst others, on downscaling and/or reducing performance targets, particularly where programmes were impacted by budget cuts; and also, on prioritising interventions critical in mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, thus saving lives of our people, where necessary.
In revising performance targets, the NDP, the seven (7) apex priorities of the 6th Administration and the MTSF 2019 – 2024 remained the authoritative documents from which the exercise took guidance.

For the remainder of the current MTEF, baseline allocations would be used to provide for the rapidly changing economic conditions and enable spending on the COVID-19 response.

This proposed modification would then be in categories.

• Category 1 will see suspension of funds and reallocation, where applicable.
In this regard and as stated, the baselines of allocations to sector Departments will be reduced.

• Category 2 will see reprioritisation of funds within the budget votes.

To this effect, funds will be shifted across programmes and/or budget items and reprioritised to where there are needs.

As stated, COVID-19 had a negative impact on the plans and operations of the Department and sector entities, particularly for the 2020/21 financial year.
The effects of the impact of the 15 175 pandemic would then have to be mitigated for the medium term through revision of the Strategic Plan and medium-term targets.
4.2 OVERVIEW OF THE 2021/22 BUGDET OF THE DEPARTMENT The Department contributes to the realisation of the vision of improved social and economic development articulated in the NDP, and priority 1 (economic transformation and job creation) and priority 4 (spatial integration, human settlements and local government) of Government’s 2019-2024 MTSF.
Over the medium term, the Department plans to give effect to policies that focus on maintaining national and provincial road networks, addressing passenger rail challenges, and facilitating the provision of integrated public transport networks.

Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 8.1 per cent, from R57.3 billion in 2020/21 to R72.5 billion in 2022/24.
Although the substantial share of the department’s expenditure is directed towards rail infrastructure, maintenance, operations and inventories, the balance of the budget is reserved for the South African National Roads Agency for the upgrading and maintenance of the national road network; and provinces and municipalities for the construction, operations and maintenance of transport infrastructure and services.
Over the MTEF period, transfers account for an estimated 97 per cent (R205.2 billion) of the department’s budget.

An amount of R2.55 billion for 2021/22, R1.97 billion for 2022/23 and R2.20 billion for 2023/24 has been reduced from the departmental vote.
These amounts comprise budget baseline reductions mainly to be effected on capital transfers to the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, operational transfers to public entities, and public transport network grant to municipalities, compensation of employees as well as goods and services.

To remain within government’s ceiling for compensation of employees, spending on this item decreases at an average annual rate of 0.3 per cent, from R536.8 million in 2020/21 to R531.5 million in 2023/24.
Spending on goods and services is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 2.3 per cent from R849 million in 2020/21 to R909.7 million in 2023/24.

This relatively low increase is due to Cabinet approved budget reduction of R180.4 million over the medium term.
16 176 The allocations to the Civil Aviation programme are expected to decrease at an average annual rate of 50.8 per cent, from R2.7 billion in 2020/21 to R319.2 million in 2023/23 due to the capitalisation of Airports Company South Africa which needed support due to travel restrictions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020/21 financial year.
With an allocation of R104.1 billion over the medium term, the department’s Road Transport programme facilitates activities related to the maintenance of South Africa’s national and provincial road network.

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) plays a crucial role in programmes related to upgrading, maintaining and strengthening national toll and non-toll roads.

Transfers to the agency account for 31 per cent (R64.9 billion) of the department’s budget over the medium term.
The core focus for the department over the MTEF period with regard to roads is the R573 (Moloto Road) development corridor, which is allocated R2.7 billion Transfers to fund reduced tariffs for the Gauteng freeway improvement project amounting to R1.99 billion over the MTEF period, while R34.8 billion of the allocations to the agency are to maintain the national network of non-toll roads.
The maintenance of provincial roads is largely funded through the provincial roads’ maintenance grant, which receives R37.5 billion over the MTEF period.

Funds from the grant are expected to be used for resealing 17 842 lane kilometres, rehabilitating 6 806 lane kilometres, and blacktop- patching 4.49 million square kilometres.

Factors such as the condition of roads, weather patterns and traffic volumes determine grant allocations to provinces for the maintenance of provincial roads.
Transfers to PRASA in the Rail Transport programme account for an estimated 27.2 per cent (R56.98 billion) of the department’s budget over the medium term.

However, the agency has struggled for many years to deliver on its modernisation programme, which is meant to improve the reliability of services and increase passenger ridership through focused spending on repairs and maintenance as part of the agency’s rolling stock fleet renewal programme, as well as improved security.
17 177 Delays in the rolling stock fleet renewal programme, along with poor spending on rail infrastructure and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically lockdown restrictions, necessitated the reprioritisation of funds to support other transport sector entities.

As such, the agency received no transfers from the department in 2020/21 for the signalling and rolling stock renewal programme.
The reprioritisation included a R2.3 billion capitalisation of Airports Company South Africa and the R1.1 billion once-off gratuity to the taxi industry in 2020/21.

The recent appointment of a new board for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa is expected to lead to the intensified implementation of its modernisation programme.
Over the MTEF period, capital transfers to the agency are expected to increase at an average annual rate 164.3 per cent, from R700.9 million in 2020/21 to R12.9 billion 2023/24.

To offset revenue loss during the COVID-19 lockdown, operational transfers were temporarily increased in 2020/21, accommodated by reductions to capital budgets.
However, as they normalise over the medium term, operational transfers to the agency are expected to decrease at an average annual rate of 5 per cent, from R8.8 billion in 2020/21 to R7.5 billion in 2023/24.

Efficient public transport networks are important to keep economic hubs functioning optimally.

Accordingly, through the Public Transport programme, the department makes allocations to the public transport network grant.
These allocations are expected to increase at an average annual rate of 15.7 per cent, from R4.4 billion in 2020/21 to R6.8 billion in 2023/24.

The relatively high increase is due to one-off reductions in 2020/21 to fund priorities related the COVID-19 pandemic within the transport industry.

The grant fund infrastructure and indirect costs of operating bus rapid transit services in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town, George, Nelson Mandela Bay and Ekurhuleni.
In these cities, funding from the grant is expected to lead to a combined increase in the number of weekday passenger trips on bus rapid transit services from 154 799 in 2020/21 to 323 323 in 2023/24.

The section below analyses the budget allocation for the Department for the 2021/22 financial year.
Table 4: Overall Budget – Transport 18 178 Programme Budget Nominal Real Increase / Nominal Real Percent R million Administration Integrated Transport Planning Rail Transport Road Transport Civil Aviation Transport Maritime Transport Public Transport TOTAL Increase / Decrease in Percent change change in Decrease in 2021/22 in 2021/22 2021/22 2020/21 2021/22 2021/ - 1.6 6 509.8 1 318.4 5.8% 2.3% 74.9% 8.6% 1.5% -1.8% 67.8% 4.2% - 2 169.8 - 2 190.1 -81.2% -81.9% 15.7 1 579.7 9 336.9 9.4 995.7 11.1% 12.2% 6.6% 7.7% 6 648.8 16.3% 11.6% (Source: National Treasury (2021)) For 2021/22, the Department receives R66.7 billion (excluding direct charges) – constituting 6.8% of the R980.6 billion national budget vote.
Nominally (without inflation), the Department’s budget increases by 16.3% from the previous financial year, and it increases by 11.6% when one takes cognisance of inflation (real terms).

The exponential increase is in the Rail Transport programme, which grows significantly by 67.8% (above inflation), and increases nominally by 74.9% (without inflation).
It is anticipated that the drastic increase in the Rail Transport programme is in line with the Department’s commitment to “addressing passenger rail challenges”, that it underscores as one of its policy priorities for 2021/22.
In terms of economic classification, transfers and subsidies comprise R65.3 billion (or 97.9%) of the departmental budget, and the bulk is allocated to the following bodies: • • • Provinces and municipalities (R25.7 billion); Departmental agencies and accounts (R22.4 billion); and Public corporations and private enterprises (R16.7 billion).

The overall allocation to compensation of employees decreases from R536.8 million previously to R531.4 million in 2021/22.
This year, expenditure on consultants (business and advisory services) is set to increase from R382.8 million in 2020/21 to R430.5 million in 2021/22.

The notable increase in the use of consultants (business and advisory services) is in the Maritime Transport programme that increases from R11 million in 2020/21 to R24.2 million in 2021/22, translating into an increase of 54.1%.
The Public Transport programme continues to have the biggest funding 19 179 for the use of consultants, which increases from R243.7 million in the previous financial year to R265.5 million in 2021/22 (or 8.5% in real terms).

4.2.1 Programme Analysis As stated in the introduction, the Department has seven programmes.

What follows below is an analysis of the budget allocation for each programme, and where relevant or necessary, it refers to the programmes’ sub-programmes.
4.2.1.1 Programme 1: Administration The Administration programme is entrusted with providing strategic leadership, management and support services to the Department.
The programme comprises five sub-programmes, as illustrated in the table below: Table 5: Programme 1: Administration Programme Budget Nominal Real Increase / Nominal Real Percent R million Ministry Management Corporate Services Communications Office Accommodation TOTAL 2020/21 2021/22 38.6 82.0 247.7 39.2 62.3 469.8 39.5 100.6 250.7 40.4 65.7 497.0 (Source: National Treasury (2021)) Increase / Decrease in Percent change in Decrease in 2021/22 change in 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22 0.9 18.6 3.0 1.2 3.4 27.1 - 0.7 14.5 - 7.1 - 0.4 0.8 7.1 2.3% 22.7% 1.2% 3.1% 5.5% 5.8% -1.8% 17.7% -2.9% -1.1% 1.2% 1.5% The Administration programme receives R497 million, translating into a 1.5% above inflation increase from the previous financial year.
The Ministry, Corporate Services, as well as Communications sub-programmes have below inflation increases, bar the Management, and Office Management sub-programmes that receive 17.7% and 1.2% above inflation increases respectively.

The Corporate Services sub-programme receives the biggest share of the Administration 20 180 programme allocation, i.e., 50.5%.

The exponential increase is to the Management sub-programme (an increase of 17.7% above inflation).
4.2.1.2 Programme 2: Integrated Transport Planning The Integrated Transport planning programme integrates and harmonises macro-transport sector policies, strategies and legislation.

In addition, it coordinates and develops sector-related policies, research activities, as well as regional and inter-sphere relations.

The programme also facilitates sector information and provides sector economic modelling and analysis.
Table 6: Programme 2: Integrated Transport Planning Programme Budget Nominal Real Increase / Nominal Real Percent Increase / Decrease in Percent change change in Decrease in 2021/22 in 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22 R million 2020/21 2021/22 Macro-Sector Planning Freight Logistics Modelling and Economic Analysis Regional Integration Research and Innovation Integrated Transport Planning Administration Support 16.2 16.9 21.9 14.0 12.6 8.5 16.2 18.1 20.8 11.4 17.0 8.7 0.0 1.2 - 1.1 - 2.6 4.4 0.2 - 0.7 0.5 - 1.9 - 3.1 3.7 - 0.2 0% 7.1% -5% -18.6% 34.9% 2.4% -4% 2.8% -8.9% -21.9% 29.5% -1.8% TOTAL 90.1 92.2 2.1 - 1.6 2.3% -1.8% (Source: National Treasury (2021)) While the budget for the Integrated Transport Planning programme increases nominally by 2.3%, in effect, it decreases by -1.8% below inflation.
The allocation totals R92.2 million in 2021/22, up from R90.1 million in the previous financial year.

The highest increase is in the Research and Innovation sub-programme whose allocation goes up from R12.6 million in 2020/21 to R17 million in the current financial year.

The sub-programme’s allocation increases by 29.5% above inflation (real terms).

21 181 Conversely, the allocation to the Regional Integration sub-programme decreases by -21.9% below inflation.
This sub-programme is entrusted with managing, coordinating and facilitating “the development of strategies for engagements in the Southern African Development Community and the rest of Africa”.13 The reduction in the expenditure on this sub-programme begs the question as to how the Department intends to contribute to regional integration and intra-African trade that are catalysts for the ideals of Africa’s Renaissance and Pan Africanism.
4.2.1.3 Programme 3: Rail Transport The Rail Transport programme facilitates and coordinates the development of sustainable rail transport policies, rail economic and safety regulation, and infrastructure development strategies that reduce system costs and improve customer service.

In addition, it oversees rail public entities and the implementation of integrated rail services.

Five sub-programmes fall under this programme.
Table 7: Programme 3: Rail Transport Programme Budget Nominal Real Increase / Nominal Real Percent Increase / Decrease in Percent change in Decrease in 2021/22 change in 2021/22 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22 R million Rail Regulation Rail Infrastructure and Industry Development 17.8 7.2 21.4 7.2 Rail Operations Rail Oversight 11.8 12.2 9 556.6 16 739.1 Rail Administration 6.0 6.0 3.6 0.0 0.4 7 182.5 0.0 2.7 - 0.3 - 0.1 6 507.8 20.2% 0% 3.4% 75.2% - 0.2 0% 15.4% -4% -0.8 68.1% -4% Support TOTAL 9 559.4 16 785.8 7 226.5 6 549.9 75.6% 68.5% (Source: National Treasury (2021)) Constituting 25.2% of the Department’s budget, the Rail Transport programme is the second largest departmental spending area, after the Road Transport programme.
The programme’s budget exponentially goes up from R9.6 billion previously, to R16.8 billion in 2021/22.

This translates into an above inflation increase of 68.5% and an increase of 75.6% nominally.

The Rail Oversight 13 National Treasury (2021).

22 182 sub-programme receives the biggest allocation of the programme’s budget, i.e., 99.7%.

Moreover, this is the sub-programme whose budget increases markedly, from R9.6 billion in the previous financial year to R16.7 billion in 2021/22.
This indicates an above inflation increase of 68.1%.

Transfers to PRASA to the value of R16.7 billion and R69.7 million to the RSR are funded from this sub-programme.

Another sub- programme that records an above inflation increase of 15.4%, up from R17.8 million in 2020/21 to R21.4 million in the current financial year is the Rail Regulation sub-programme.
This sub-programme “is responsible for the development of rail policies, safety and economic regulations”.14 Conversely, the allocation to the Rail Administration Support sub-programme remains the same at R6 million.

However, this means that has it not kept abreast of inflation and therefore decreases by -1.4% below inflation in 2021/22.
Transfers to PRASA to the tune of R16.7 billion are divided up as per the tables below: Table 8: PRASA Transfers: Current Entity/Programme Budget R million Metrorail (Operations) Mainline passenger services (Operations) Rail maintenance operations and inventories TOTAL (Source: National Treasury (2021)) Table 9: PRASA Transfers: Capital 2020/21 R6.7 billion R1.2 billion R912.9 million R8.8 billion 2021/22 R4.8 billion R1.2 billion R925.4 million R6.9 billion Entity/Programme Budget R million Other capital programmes Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Signalling 2020/21 R395.2 million - - Metrorail (Refurbishment of coaches) R200.8 million Mainline Passenger Service (Refurbishment of coaches) R105 million TOTAL R700.9 million 2021/22 R1.4 billion R4.8 billion Approx.
R2 billion R1.4 billion R155.6 million R9.7 billion (Source: National Treasury (2021)) 14 National Treasury (2021), p. 865.

23 183 4.2.1.4 Programme 4: Road Transport The Road Transport programme is entrusted with developing and managing an integrated road infrastructure network, as well as regulating transport and ensuring safer roads.

Moreover, it oversees road transport public entities.

The programme is divided into five sub-programmes.
Table 10: Programme 4: Road Transport Programme Budget Nominal Real Increase / Nominal Real Percent Increase / Decrease in Percent change change in Decrease in 2021/22 in 2021/22 2021/22 R million 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 Road Regulation Road Infrastructure and Industry Development 44.8 35.5 44.8 36.5 Road Oversight 31 353.0 34 046.8 Road Administration 9.2 9.4 Support 0.0 1.0 2 693.8 0.2 - 1.8 - 0.5 1 321.5 - 0.2 Road Engineering Standards 28.7 29.2 0.5 - 0.7 TOTAL 31 471.1 34 166.7 2 695.5 1 318.3 0% 2.8% 8.6% 2.2% 1.7% 8.6% (Source: National Treasury (2021)) -4% -1.3% 4.2% -1.9% -2.4% 4.2% The total expenditure for the Road Transport programme grows from R31.5 billion in 2020/21 to R34.2 billion in 2021/22.
This constitutes an above inflation increase of 4.2%, i.e.

a nominal increase of 8.6% from the previous financial year.

The highest increase is for the Road Oversight sub-programme whose allocation goes up from R31.4 billion in 2020/21 to R34 billion in 2021/22, resulting in 4.2% above inflation.

The Road Oversight sub-programme dominates the programme’s budget, comprising 99.7%.
The Road Oversight sub-programme reviews and analyses the performance of road transport public entities and monitors their compliance with regulations and legislation.

It also transfers funds to SANRAL, RTMC, and the RTIA.

Moreover, the sub-programme makes provision for the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant (PRMG).
24 184 Major transfers from the Road Transport programme are as follows:15 Table 11: Major Transfers from the Road Transport Programme Entity/ Programme Budget R million RTMC SANRAL: Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP) RTIA SANRAL SANRAL: Non-toll network SANRAL: Moloto Road upgrade SANRAL: N2 Wild Coast 2020/21 2021/22 R240.6 million R3.1 billion R88.2 million R7.2 billion R8.2 billion R785 million R1.1 billion R217.3 million R633.1 million R224.4 million R7.2 billion R11.7 billion R843.9 million R1.1 billion Rural Roads Asset Management Systems (RRAMS) Grant R108.4 million R109.9 million PRMG: Roads maintenance component (Source: National Treasury (2021)) R10.5 billion R11.9 billion Expenditure under Programme 4 lends credence to policy priorities for 2021/22.
SANRAL is one of the entities that are tasked, over the financial year, with increasing the provision of the necessary opportunities for labour intensive employment, skills development, technological innovation and supply chain management.
These will be biased in favour of “women, people with disabilities, and young people in empowered industries”.16 This is in keeping with Government’s urgent objective of igniting the economy, creating jobs, as well as improving the standard of living of many of the marginalised.
4.2.1.5 Programme 5: Civil Aviation Transport The Civil Aviation Transport programme facilitates the development of an economically viable air transport industry that is safe, secure, efficient, environmentally friendly and compliant with international standards through regulations and investigations.

In addition, it oversees aviation transport public entities.

15 National Treasury (2021).

16 Department of Transport (2021), p. 9.
25 185 Table 12: Programme 5: Civil Aviation Transport Programme Budget Nominal Real Increase / Nominal Real Percent Increase / Decrease in Percent change change in Decrease in 2021/22 in 2021/22 2021/22 R million 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 Aviation Policy and 27.8 28.1 0.3 - 0.8 1.1% -3% Regulations Aviation Economic Analysis 15.2 14.9 - 0.3 - 0.9 -1.9% -5.9% and Industry Development Aviation Safety, Security, 68.2 101.4 33.2 29.1 48.7 42.7% Environment, and Search and Rescue Aviation Oversight 2 556.7 353.7 - 2 203.0 - 2 217.3 -86.2% Aviation Administration 5.7 5.9 0.2 0.0 3.5% -86.7% -0.7% Support TOTAL (Source: National Treasury (2021)) 2 673.7 503.9 - 2 169.6 - 2 189.9 -81.1% -81.9% For 2021/22, the allocation to the Civil Aviation Transport programme equals R503.9 million, down from R2.7 billion previously, translating into a decrease of -81.9% below inflation.
The major decrease is in the Aviation Oversight sub-programme that constitutes a -86.7% decrease below inflation.

The sub-programme’s allocation declines significantly from R2.6 billion in 2020/21 to R353.7 million in 2021/22.

The second decrease (-5.9% below inflation) is in the Aviation Economic Analysis and Industry Development sub-programme, going down from R15.2 million in 2020/21 to R14.9 million in 2021/22.
On the contrary, expenditure on the Aviation Safety, Security, Environment, and Search and Rescue sub-programme grows from R68.2 million previously to R101.4 million in 2021/22.

This indicates an above inflation increase of 42.7%.

4.2.1.6 Programme 6: Maritime Transport The Maritime Transport programme promotes a safe, reliable and economically maritime transport sector through the development and implementation of policies and strategies.
In addition, the 26 186 programme oversees maritime public entities.

Five sub-programmes fall under the Maritime Transport programme.
Table 13: Programme 6: Maritime Transport Programme Budget Nominal Increase Real Increase / Nominal Percent Real Percent / Decrease in Decrease in 2021/22 change in 2021/22 change in 2021/22 2021/22 R million 2020/21 2021/22 Maritime Policy Development Maritime Infrastructure and Industry Development 8.8 17.8 10.6 22.8 Implementation, Monitoring 67.0 76.1 and Evaluation Maritime Oversight Maritime Administration Support TOTAL (Source: National Treasury (2021)) 43.6 4.7 43.3 4.7 1.8 5.0 9.1 - 0.3 0.0 1.4 4.1 20.5% 28.1% 15.6% 22.9% 6.0 13.6% 9% - 2.0 - 0.2 -0.7% 0% -4.7% -4% 141.8 157.5 15.6 9.3 11% 6.5% The budget allocation for the Maritime Transport programme increases from R141.8 million in 2020/21 to R157.5 million in 2021/22, translating into an increase of 6.5% above inflation.
The biggest budget increase is in the Maritime Infrastructure and Industry Development sub- programme that grows from R17.8 million in 2020/21 to R22.8 million in 2021/22.

This indicates an above inflation increase of 22.9%.

This sub-programme facilitates the development of integrated maritime infrastructure and a maritime industry.
The increase in the expenditure on the Maritime Infrastructure and Industry Development sub- programme augurs well for the attainment of some of the strategic objectives of the Department in 2021/22 financial year in the maritime transport.
Of particular relevance in this regard is building on “South Africa’s extensive experience and capabilities in maritime safety and maritime protection, to champion through leadership and shape new global standards in these areas”.17 The second above inflation increase of 15.6% is in the Maritime Policy Development sub- programme, up from R8.8 million in the previous financial year to R10.6 million in 2021/22.
The reason for the increase in this sub-programme might be in line with the Department’s “accelerated 17 Department of Transport (2021), p. 39.

27 187 implementation of the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy [that] will continue in the MTSF”.18 While the allocation to the Maritime Administration Support sub-programme remains the same at R4.7 million, it, in fact, declines by -4% below inflation.
4.2.1.7 Programme 7: Public Transport The Public Transport programme is tasked with providing and regulating safe, secure, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable public transport services in South Africa through legislation, policies and strategies.

The Public Transport programme comprises six sub-programmes.
Table 14: Programme 7: Public Transport Programme Budget Nominal Real Increase / Nominal Real Percent Increase / Decrease in Percent change in Decrease in 2021/22 change in 2021/22 R million 2020/21 2021/22 2021/22 2021/22 Public Transport 50.9 52.9 Regulation Rural and Scholar 44.7 46.5 2.0 1.8 - 0.1 3.9% -0.3% - 0.1 4% -0.2% Transport Public Transport Industry 217.4 228.7 11.3 2.1 5.2% 1% Development Public Transport Oversight 12 507.3 14 126.4 Public Transport 74.1 12.6 1 619.1 - 61.5 1 049.7 - 62.0 13% -83% 8.4% -83.7% Administration Support Public Transport Network 14.5 21.3 6.8 5.9 46.9% 41% Development TOTAL 12 908.9 14 488.4 1 579.5 995.5 12.2% 7.7% (Source: National Treasury (2021)) In 2021/22, Programme 7 receives R14.5 billion, up from R12.9 billion in 2020/21, indicating a 7.7% above inflation increase.
The biggest increase in the allocation is in the Public Transport Network Development sub-programme which receives R21.3 million in 2021/22, up from R14.5 million previously, indicating an increase of 41% above inflation.

This sub-programme develops norms and standards for integrated public transport systems to assist in providing accessible, reliable and affordable integrated public transport network services in municipalities.

18 Department of Transport (2021), p.177.


28 188 The increase in the Public Transport Network Development sub-programme augurs well for the attainment of one of the Department’s priorities in response to the MTSF (2019-2024) of having a “public transport that enables social emancipation and an economy that works”.19 Efficient public transport networks are important to keep economic hubs functioning optimally.
Accordingly, through the Public Transport programme, the Department makes allocations to the Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG).
An integrated public transport network is key to the South Africa’s economic hubs “as they provide sustainable, affordable and functional transport solutions to urban commuters”.20 On the contrary, there is a marked decrease in the allocation to the Public Transport Administration Support sub-programme that goes down from R74.1 million in the previous financial year to R12.6 million in the current financial year.

This indicates a decrease of -83.7% that does not keep track with the effects of inflation.
Selected transfers in the Public Transport programme are as follows:21 Table 15: Selected Transfers in the Public Transport programme Entity/Programme Budget R million Taxi Recapitalisation Programme (TRP) South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Public Transport Network Grant (PTNG) Public Transport Operations Grant (PTOG) TOTAL (Source: National Treasury (2021)) 2020/21 2021/22 R208.6 million R25.1 million R4.4 billion 6.7 billion 464.6 million R26.5 million R6.5 billion R7.1 billion R11.4 billion R14.1 billion 19 Department of Transport (2021), p. 41.
20 Mbalula (2020).

21 National Treasury (2021).

29 189 5.

2021/22 ANNUAL PERFORMANCE PLANS, STRATEGIC AND CORPORATE PLANS AS WELL AS ESTIMATES OF NATIONAL EXPENDITURE PER ENTITY This report summarises the Key Performance Indicators presented by the entities in terms of their APPs and Corporate Plans as well as their Budget allocations for the 2021/22 financial year.
5.1 AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA ACSA’s mandate is to undertake the acquisition, establishment, development, provision, maintenance, and control of any airport, any part of any airport or any facility or service at any airport normally related to the functioning of an airport in terms of the Airports Company South Africa Act (No.

44 of 1993).

ACSA is a State-owned company, and a Schedule 2 public entity, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) (No.1 of 1999).
The South African Government is the entity’s majority shareholder, with 74.6% stake in the Group.22 The Group is legally autonomous, and operates within the ambit of the Companies Act (No.

71 of 2008).

ACSA owns and manages nine (9) South African airports.

It also participates in equity investments abroad, and provides technical advisory and consultancy services to other airports nationally and internationally.
ACSA derives value from aeronautical and non-aeronautical operations.23 Shareholder value creation over the long-term is fundamental to ACSA’s ability to be self- sufficient.

ACSA’s financial independence enables the continuous delivery of major infrastructure requirements against the demands of the aviation industry, supporting the entity’s vision of being a world-leading airport business.

A failure to be self-sufficient would introduce risk for future major infrastructure investments.
22 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 12.

23 Aeronautical operations denote passenger facilitation services for which passenger service charges are collected, as well as airline services in the form of landing and parking fees.

Conversely, non-aeronautical revenue includes all other revenue streams, such as concessionaire revenues – retail, car rental, advertising and parking revenues – as well as office rental and property development revenue streams.
30 190 ACSA contends that the advent of COVID-19, with its attendant travel restrictions and health screening requirements, has brought about significant threats to shareholder value creation over the Corporate Plan period and beyond.24 The Company has taken a scenario planning approach to inform responses to firstly address short-term liquidity requirements, then financial sustainability over the long term.
A 139% traffic volume increase (on the back of a 74.5% reduction in 2020/21) is currently assumed with conservative increases thereafter.25 Resizing decisions have been taken to safeguard financial sustainability in the form of operating expense reductions of R900 million, as well as an additional R300 million reduction in employee costs in 2021/22.26 The postponement of the 2021/22 to 2025/26 permission application owing to COVID-19, will also delay the introduction of tariff increases to the 2023/24 financial year.
An increase of 35% has been assumed for 2023/24.

Funding The entity reports that its cash-generating ability has been severely affected by the COVID-19 induced travel restrictions, and bans implemented by countries across the world to control the spread of the virus.
To alleviate short-term liquidity pressures, the Company increased its short- term banking facilities, effectively managed its working capital and introduced operational and capital expenditure cuts.27 The impact of the pandemic is expected to have a long-lasting effect on the aviation sector, including ACSA.

This has prompted the Company to follow a more comprehensive approach to its borrowing plan to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has compelled banks to be more risk-averse when it comes to credit extension to both state-owned companies and corporates.

In addition, the terms and conditions of loan agreements have become more stringent, while the pricing of loans is exorbitant.

24 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 52.

25 Ibid.

26 Ibid.

27 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 54.
31 191 Consequently, ACSA will issue preference shares to raise capital from existing shareholders.28 As of 12 February 2021, the Company had received indicative subscription amounts totalling approximately R3.8 billion, comprising the following:29 • Government: R2.3 billion, in line with the Appropriation Bill to be signed by the President; • Public Investment Company (PIC): Limited to R1.50 billion, subject to obtaining the necessary approvals; • G10 investments: R20 000 interest; • Up-front Investment 64: R20 000 interest; and • Oppressed ACSA Minority 1: R20 000 interest.
The funding requirement is based on the following key assumptions over a three-year period:30 • Capital Expenditure Programme amounting to R2.8 billion (excluding capitalised interest); and • Debt redemptions totalling R2.7 billion.

Revenue The Group’s revenues comprise both aeronautical, as well as non-aeronautical revenue.
The Group’s forecast revenue of R3 422 million for 2021/22 follows the 0% increase in aeronautical charges as granted by the Regulating Committee in the 2019-2023 Permission and extremely low levels of traffic with a forecast decrease of 49.4%.31 The postponement of the Permission application means that the fourth year of the 2019-2023 Permission will come into effect for the 2022/23 financial year, with increases of 3.3%.
This increase, together with the envisioned traffic growth of 18.4%, will result in revenues of R4 323 million.32 The plan assumes tariff increases of 35% that will form part of the 2022-2026 Permission.

It is forecast that non-aeronautical revenues will contribute between 42% and 48% to total revenues during the Corporate Plan period.33 28 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 55.

29 Ibid.

30 Ibid.

31 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 57.

32 Ibid.

33 Ibid.
32 Ibid.

33 Ibid.

32 192 Aeronautical Revenue Aeronautical revenue is expected to increase by 118.6% in 2022/23, compared with the forecast for 2021/22 due to a 3.3% increase in tariffs and some recovery of traffic volumes from the extreme lows of 2021/22.34 It is forecast that traffic will be 37.5% lower than 2020/21 (pre-COVID-19 level).
Non-Aeronautical Revenue Non-aeronautical revenue is expected to increase by 103.7% in 2021/22, compared to 2020/21 and 32.1% lower than the 2019/20 financial year.35 Owing to a high level of uncertainty, retail, car rental and car parking forecasts have been kept the same as the forecast of the previous Corporate Plan.
When a comparison is drawn between the 2020/21 forecast and the 2021/22 forecast budget, the following estimates can be made:36 • Retail revenue is estimated to increase by 32.5%; • Car parking is estimated to increase by 32.5%; • Advertising revenue is estimated to stay the same; • Car rental revenue is estimated to increase by 32.5%; • Property rentals and property developments are estimated to decrease by 144.3%; and • Other commercial revenues comprise permits, recoveries and subsidiary revenues, such as hotel revenues.
Expenditure 34 Ibid.

35 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 59.

36 Ibid.

33 193 Operating expenditure for 2021/22 is estimated at R3 940 million, and represents a 2.7% decrease when compared to the forecast for 2020/21.37 The major cost components are as follows:38 • Personnel costs (including other employee costs) decrease by 10.6%, from R1 617 million to R1 446 million.

This is against the backdrop of no allowance for new positions, no salary increases and no provision for performance bonuses.
• Repairs and maintenance costs increase by 9.7% to R470 million.

• Utilities are kept the same at R367 million, in line with an annual tariff increase of 10% reduced by energy-saving initiatives (solar, switching off geysers during certain times when hot water is not required; reducing the operating times for air conditioning units in terminal buildings; replacement of luminaire with light emitting diode (LED) technology.
• Security costs increase by 8.8% to R503 million due to more guards required as the level of activity starts to increase across all airports.

• Rates and taxes increase by 7.8% to R282 million based on the expected increase, as promulgated by municipalities and property valuations.

• Information systems expenditure increases by 35.5% to R371 million as a result of the delivery against the digitisation strategy.
Depreciation The depreciation charge for 2021/22 is estimated at R1 179 million.39 This represents a marginal difference to the 2020/21 owing to the low levels of capital expenditure.

Financing Costs The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to have a long-lasting impact on the Company, with traffic volumes expected to take years to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Consequently, the credit metrics are expected to remain weak over the forecast period which will increase the financing costs.
37 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 60.

38 Ibid.

39 Airports Company South Africa (2021), p. 61.

34 194 Earnings A loss of R928 million is budgeted for 2021/22.40 5.2 AIR TRAFFIC AND NAVIGATION SERVICES COMPANY (ATNS) ATNS was established in terms of the Air Traffic and Navigation Services Act (1993).
The company is mandated to provide safe, orderly and efficient air traffic navigational and associated services to the air traffic management community, and in accordance with the standards set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

Over the medium term, the company will provide air traffic management solutions that are responsive to regional, continental and global demands, trends and technological advancements.
Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 3.6 per cent, from R1.5 billion in 2020/21 to R1.7 billion in 2023/24.

This relatively low increase is due to the implementation of cost‐containment and cash preservation measures following the decrease in air travel as a result of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Revenue is derived mainly from aerodrome, en‐route and approach fees, and is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 33.9 per cent, from R660.7 million in 2020/21 to R1.6 billion in 2023/24.

This high increase is mainly due to the sharp decrease in revenue in 2020/21 because of COVID‐19 travel restrictions, with air traffic operations expected to begin normalising over the period ahead.
5.3 DRIVING LICENCE CARD ACCOUNT (DLCA) The DLCA is responsible for manufacturing driving licence cards based on orders received from driving licence testing centres across South Africa.

Over the medium term, the entity will continue to focus on ensuring optimal manufacturing productivity.

40 Ibid.

35 195 Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 3.7 per cent, from R201.3 million in 2020/21 to R224.5 million in 2023/24.
Spending on production and infrastructure accounts for 72.8 per cent (R486 million) of total expenditure.

The entity generates revenue through the sale of driving licence cards.

Revenue is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 11.5 per cent, from R202.2 million in 2020/21 to R280.1 million in 2023/24.

5.4 CROSS-BORDER ROAD TRANSPORT AGENCY (C-BRTA) The C-BRTA is a Schedule 3A public entity, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) (No.

1 of 1999).
1 of 1999).

It was established as per the Cross-Border Road Transport Act (No.

4 of 1998), as amended.
The Agency’s founding legislation places the following responsibilities on it:41 • Improving the unimpeded flow of road freight and passengers in the region; • Liberalising market access progressively in respect of cross-border freight road transport; • Introducing regulated competition pertaining to cross-border passenger road transport, and reducing operational constraints for the cross-border road transport as a whole; • Enhancing and strengthening the capacity of the public sector in support of its strategic planning, enabling and monitoring functions; and • Empowering the cross-border road transport industry to maximise business opportunities and to regulate themselves incrementally to improve safety, security, reliability, quality and efficiency of services.
For 2021/22, the C-BRTA’s programme operating expenditure stands at R259.3 million.42 Nominally (without inflation), the Agency’s budget increases by 12% from the previous financial year, and it increases by 7.5% when one takes cognisance of inflation (real terms).

The exponential increase is in the Regulatory programme, which grows significantly by 36.8% (above inflation), 41 Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (2021), p. 9.

42 Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (2021), p. 80.
36 196 and increases nominally by 42.6%.

The Law Enforcement programme is the only programme whose budget decreases in 2021/22, down from R43.8 million in 202021 to R37.6 million in the current financial year.

This translates into a below inflation decrease of -17.5%, and a nominal decrease of -14.1%.
Constituting 52.2% of the Agency’s programme operating expenditure, the Administration programme is the C-BRTA’s biggest spending area, with its allocation sitting at R135.4 million 2021/22, up from R125.7 million previously.

This indicates an above inflation increase of 36.8%, and a nominal increase of 42.6%.

5.5 PORTS REGULATOR OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRSA) The Ports Regulator of South Africa was established in terms of section 29 of the National Ports Act (2005).
It is tasked with regulating South Africa’s commercial ports by considering tariff increases of the National Ports Authority and regulating the provision of adequate, affordable and efficient port services and facilities.

This includes hearing complaints and appeals aimed at ensuring fairness, transparency and competitive practices in the ports system.
Over the medium term, the regulator will continue to develop and review policy, strategy and research for an effective regulatory framework for the economic regulation of ports.

Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 2.9 per cent, from R40.4 million in 2020/21 to R43.9 million in 2023/24.

Revenue is derived entirely through transfers from the department, and is expected to increase in line with expenditure.
5.6 PASSENGER RAIL AGENCY OF SOUTH AFRICA (PRASA) PRASA is a Schedule 3B National Government Business Enterprise that reports to the Minister of Transport.

The Agency derives its mandate from the Legal Succession Act to the South African South African Transport Services Act (No.9 of 1989), as amended.
37 197 The main objectives and business of PRASA are to:43 • Ensure that, at the request of the Department, rail commuter services are provided within, to and from the Republic in the public interest and provide, in consultation with the Department, long haul passenger rail bus and services within, to and from the Republic in terms of the principles set out in section 4 of the National Land Transport Transition Act (NLTA) (No.
22 of 2000), as amended; and • Generate income from the exploitation of assets acquired by it.

A further requirement is that, in discharging its objectives and business, PRASA shall have due regard to key Government social, economic and transport policy objectives.
The governmental plans, policies and pieces of legislation informing the Corporate Plan are the following:44 • ERRP), 2020; • National Rail Policy White Paper, 2017; • Public Transport Strategy, 2007; • Legislation specific to transport (Legal Succession Act to the South African Transport Services Act (No.

9 of 1989), as amended, the National Land Transport Act (No.5 of 2009, and the National Rail Safety Regulator Act (No.

16 of 2002); and • Priorities of the NDP, and the Sixth Administration.
The allocations are in line with the business priorities of PRASA to improve the service offering to the customer.45 The planned spending on the Rolling Stock Fleet Renewal Programme is the largest single category.

In 2021, expenditure on this item sits at R4.8 billion, and is expected to increase to R6.9 billion in 2023/24.46 In addition, there is massive investment in accelerated rolling stock programme for the old train sets, signalling, station improvement, as well as other related infrastructure.
43 Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (2021), p. 6.

44 Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (2021), pp.

6-8.

45 Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (2021), p. 91.

46 Ibid.

38 198 Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 4.5 per cent, from R15.9 billion in 2020/21 to R18.2 billion in 2023/24.

Compensation of employees is the agency’s largest cost driver, spending on which accounts for 41.9 per cent (R21.2 billion) of expenditure over the medium term.
A total of 68.2 per cent (R34.4 billion) of the agency’s expenditure over the period ahead is earmarked for spending on the Metrorail and mainline passenger service programmes, including the modernisation programme.

As a result of historic underspending on capital programmes, the agency’s cash balance as at 30 October 2020 was R19.6 billion.

Over the period ahead, the agency plans to spend R44 billion on infrastructure mainly for Metrorail and the mainline passenger service.
Transfers from the department account for an estimated 82.3 per cent of revenue over the medium term.

Other sources of revenue include the sale of train and bus tickets, rental income from the leasing of properties, onboard sales, and interest earned.

Revenue is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 7.5 per cent, from R19.9 billion in 2020/21 to R24.7 billion in 2023/24.
The capital budget is also aligned with the ministerial mandate deliverables that encompass:47 • Service recovery or reinstatement; • Safety and security management; • Accelerating capital programme and modernisation; • Enhancing revenue and reducing costs; and • Putting proper measures to ensure good governance.
Other critical deliverables, include but not limited to:48 • Corridor protection; • High-tech security deployment; • Recovery of verified components; • Rolling stock components at depots; • Electrical rehabilitation programme; 47 Ibid.

48 Ibid.

39 199 • On-track machines; • Perway rehabilitation programmes; and • Overall security in general.

5.7 ROAD ACCIDENT FUND (RAF) The RAF or “the Fund” was established in terms of the Road Accident Fund Act (No.
56 of 1996), which outlines the mandate of the Fund as the payment of compensation for loss or damage wrongfully caused by the negligent driving of a motor vehicle.
The powers and functions of the RAF shall include:49 • The stipulation of the terms and conditions upon which claims the compensation contemplated in section 3 shall be administered; • The investigation and settling, subject to the Act, of claims arising from loss or damage caused by the driving of a motor vehicle whether not the identity of the owner or driver thereof, or the identity of both the owner and driver thereof, has been established; and • The management and utilisation of its powers or the performance of its duties, and reinsurance for ant risk undertaken by the Fund.
The fund receives its revenue from the road accident fund levy in terms of the Customs and Excise Act (1964).

Revenue from the levy is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 5.8 per cent, from R38.1 billion in 2020/21 to R45.2 billion in 2023/24.

Claims against the fund have increased at an average annual rate of 8.4 per cent, from R61.3 billion in 2017/18 to R78.2 billion in 2020/21, and are expected to increase to R102.9 billion by 2023/24.
As a result, the accumulated deficit is expected to increase from R367.7 billion in 2020/21 to R518.7 billion in 2023/24.

49 Road Accident Fund (2021), p. 13.

40 200 5.8 RAILWAY SAFETY REGULATOR (RSR) The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, (“the Constitution”) identifies the legislative responsibilities of different spheres of Government pertaining to airports, roads, traffic management and public transport.
Transport is a function that is legislated and executed at all spheres of Government.

The implementation of transport functions at the national level takes place through public entities that are overseen by the Department of Transport (“the Department”).

The RSR shall comply with Chapters 2 and 3 of the Constitution.
The RSR observes and adheres to the principles of cooperative government and intergovernmental relations that is supported by its work on the rail service regulations and harmonisation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) railways through common safety methods.

The promotion of the South Africans affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.

The achievement of safer railways reinforces the values contained in the Bill of Rights.
The RSR was established in terms of the National Railway Safety Regulator Act (No.

16 of 2002), as amended, to establish a national regulatory framework for South Africa, and to monitor and enforce compliance in the rail sector.

The primary legislative mandate of the RSR is to oversee and enforce safety performance by all railway operators in South Africa, including those of the neighbouring States whose operators enter South Africa.
All operators are, in terms of the Act, primarily responsible and accountable for ensuring safety of their railway operations.

As a state entity, the RSR is also governed and directed by various policies developed and approved by the South African Government at varying spheres.

The following are some of the policy mandates which guide the work of the RSR:50 • The NDP; • The National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP); 50 Railway Safety Regulator (2021).
41 201 • The National White Paper on Transport Policy, 1996; • The New Growth Path (NGP) Framework; and • Various national and international policies within the railway sector.
In executing its legislative oversight mandate, the RSR performs the following duties and functions:51 • Issuing and managing safety permits; • Conducting inspections and audits; • Conducting safety assessments; • Investigating railway occurrences; • Developing regulations, safety standards and regulatory prescripts; • Issuing notices of non-conformance and non-compliance; • Supporting and promoting occupational health and safety and security; • Cooperating with relevant organs of state to improve safety performance and oversight functions; • Playing a leading role in the alignment of the railway safety regime of South Africa with those of SADC; and • Data management and analysis.
Expenditure is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 4 per cent, from R247.3 million in 2021/22 to R278.2 million in 2023/24.

Compensation of employees and goods and services account for an estimated 97.8 per cent (R781.3 million) of the regulator’s budget over the period ahead.

The regulator generates its revenue mainly through permit fees and transfers from the department.
Revenue is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 1.7 per cent, from R257.8 million in 2021/22 to R271.4 million in 2023/24.

51 Railway Safety Regulator (2021), pp.

24-25.

42 202 5.9 ROAD TRAFFIC INFRINGEMENT AGENCY (RTIA) The RTIA is a State-Owned Entity (SOE) reporting to the Department of Transport (“the Department”).

It is listed in the PFMA) as a Schedule 3A National Public Entity, and should comply with Treasury Regulations and other laws.
These include the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the Protection of Personal Information Act (PPIA) (No.

4 of 2013), the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) (No.

2 of 2000) and the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) (No.

3 of 2000).

The RTIA was established by the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act (No.

46 of 1998).
46 of 1998).

The Agency’s mandate is to facilitate the adjudication process pertaining to the infringement notices dispensed by the various Issuing Authorities to the alleged infringers on South African roads.
The AARTO Act depicts the RTIA as an independent adjudicator designed to provide for an administratively fair and just system for road traffic law infringements, whilst upholding the rights of the alleged infringer.52 The Agency’s responsibilities, as enshrined in the Act, include the implementation of community education and awareness programmes targeted at enhancing voluntary road traffic compliance, and fostering behavioural change amongst road user communities.
Thus, in its mandate, the RTIA should ensure objective, transparent and fair implementation of the adjudication process for road traffic infringements.
The following is the synopsis of the objects and functions of AARTO, as outlined in section 4(1) of the Act, as amended:53 • Administering a procedure to discourage the contravention of road traffic laws, and to support the adjudication of infringements, as set out in subsection (2); • Enforcing penalties imposed against persons contravening road traffic laws, as set out in subsection (3); 52 Road Traffic Infringement Agency (2021), p. 8.

53 Ibid.
53 Ibid.

43 203 • Administering and managing a point demerit system for infringements and offences; and • Undertaking community education and community awareness programmes in order to ensure that individuals understand their rights and options, as set out in subsection (5).

In its quest to advance responsive road safety interventions, the Agency – under the guidance of and leadership of the Department – has facilitated the promulgation of the amended AARTO Act (No.
14 of 2019).54 In addition, the Amendment Act is accompanied by new 2020 Draft AARTO Regulations aimed at the amplification of the infringement adjudication process.

For 2021/22, the budget for the RTIA’s programmes stands at R834.4 million, up from R316.2 million in the previous financial year.

Of this amount, the biggest allocation, constituting 30.5% (or R254.

8 million) goes to the Adjudication and AARTO Support programme.
The smallest expenditure is on the AARTO Information and Analytics programme that receives 1.5% (or 12.2 million) in 2021/22, up from R6.5 million in 2020/21.

5.10 THE ROAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT CORPORATION (RTMC) The RTMC was established in terms of the Road Traffic Management Corporation Act (RTMCA) (No.

20 of 1999).

It is further governed by, inter alia:55 • The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; • National Land Transport Act (No.

5 of 2009); • National Road Traffic Act (No.


93 of 1996); • Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) (No.

1 of 1999); • Companies Act (No.

71 of 2008), the Criminal Procedure Act (No.

51 of 1977); and • Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) (No.

4 of 2013).

In terms of the RTMCA, the RTMC was established to pool powers and resources, and to eliminate the fragmentation of responsibilities for all aspects of road traffic management across the various 54 Ibid.
55 Road Traffic Management Corporation (2021), pp.

11-16.

44 204 spheres of Government.

The Act provides, in the public interest, for cooperative and coordinated strategic planning, regulation, facilitation and law enforcement in respect of road traffic matters by the national, provincial and local spheres of Government.

The RTMC is a Schedule A Government entity with the primary mandate of contributing to overall road safety and responsible road usage.
For 2021/22, the budget for RTMC stands at R1.5 billion.

Nominally (without inflation), the Corporation’s budget increases by 31.4%, and it increases by 26.1% when one takes cognisance of inflation (real terms).

The exponential increase is in the Operations programme, which grows significantly by 60.1% (above inflation), and increases nominally by 67.2% (without inflation).
5.11 SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (SACAA) SACAA was established in terms of the South African Civil Aviation Authority Act (1998) to enforce safety standards in the civil aviation industry.

Over the medium term, the authority will continue to focus on improving compliance and adherence to the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Expenditure is expected to increase at average annual rate of 9 per cent, from R632.9 million in 2020/21 to R820.3 million in 2023/24.

The authority is expected to spend R205 million over the period ahead on the replacement of the flight inspection aircraft and flight calibration equipment.

The authority generates most of its revenue through passenger safety charges, user fees and the aviation fuel levy.
Revenue is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 23.3 per cent, from R437.3 million in 2020/21 to R820.3 million in 2023/24.

This significant increase is due to the expected recovery in air passenger travel over the medium term after the sharp decrease in passenger numbers in 2020/21 as a result of COVID‐19 travel restrictions.

45 205 5.12 SOUTH AFRICAN MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY (SAMSA) SAMSA or “the Authority” is a Schedule 3A public entity in terms of the (PFMA (No.

1 of 1999).
1 of 1999).

SAMSA was established on 1 April 1998, following the enactment of the South African Maritime Safety Authority Act (“the SAMSA Act”) (No.

5 of 1998).

The Act provides for the establishment of an authority entrusted with regulating and enforcing maritime safety, marine pollution from ships, and promoting South Africa’s maritime interests.

The Authority is governed and controlled by a Board of Directors, appointed by the Minister of Transport in terms of the SAMSA Act.
For the 2021/22 financial year, the budget allocation for SAMSA stands at R541 million.56 Nominally (without inflation), the Authority’s budget increases by 1.8% from the previous financial year, but decreases by -2.3%, when one takes cognisance of inflation (real terms).
Constituting 52.1% of the SAMSA’s programme operating expenditure, the Ensure Safety of Life and Property at Sea programme is the Authority’s biggest spending area, with its allocation sitting at R282.1 million 2021/22, up from R275.5 million previously.

This indicates a below inflation decrease of -1.7%, but a nominal increase of 2.4%.
5.13 SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY LIMITED (SANRAL) SANRAL has been established as an independent, statutory company in terms of the South African National Roads Agency Limited and National Roads Act (No.

7 of 1998), as amended.

The Agency exists to, inter alia, manage, improve, maintain, the national road network – both toll and non-toll roads – as well as finance toll roads.

SANRAL is a Schedule 3A public entity in terms of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) (No.

1 of 1999).
1 of 1999).

Currently, SANRAL manages a network of 22 253 km of roads throughout South Africa.57 56 South African Maritime Safety Authority (2021), p. 34.

57 South African National Roads Agency Limited (2021), p. 11.

46 206 SANRAL subscribes to a suite of institutional policies and strategies that seek to not only support the implementation of its mandate, but also align itself with Government priorities and objectives.
These include the following:58 • SANRAL Act; • Road Infrastructure Strategic Framework of South Africa (RISFSA), 2006; • National Development Plan (NDP) 2030; • Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019-2024; • NDP 5 Year Implementation Plan; • Budget Prioritisation Framework; • National Transport Master Plan 2050; • Horizon 2030 Long Term Strategy;59 • Transformation Policy; • Board Approved Policies; and • Applicable legislative prescripts that include the PFMA, Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) (No.
3 of 2000), Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) (No.

5 of 2000)), King Code IV, Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Companies Act (No.

71 of 2008), as well as Protocol for Corporate Governance for Public Entities.

For 2021/22, SANRAL’s budget for its two programmes stands at approximately R38.4 billion.
Nominally (without inflation), the Agency’s budget increases by 67.7% from the previous financial year, and it increases by approximately 61% when one takes cognisance of inflation (real terns).

The exponential increase is in the Roads Asset Infrastructure programme, which grows significantly by 69.6% (above inflation), and increases nominally by 76.7%.60 58 Ibid.
59 SANRAL’s Horizon 2030 articulates the Agency’s long-term vision and perspective, and contributes to the NDP objectives (South African National Roads Agency Limited (2021), p. 12.

60 South African National Roads Agency Limited (2021), p. 55.

47 207 6.
47 207 6.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Having considered the planning documents and budgetary allocations for this financial year, the select committee recommends that the Minister of Transport should ensure that: 6.1 PRASA should give the Select Committee regular updates on its rolling stock fleet renewal programme, the refurbishment of coaches, as well as the upgrading of signalling systems.
These briefings should encompass the budget spent per programme, the timeframes thereof, as well as the progress made.

6.2 PRASA should provide the Committee with a comprehensive plan to combat theft and vandalism of the rail infrastructure.

6.4 The Department should brief the Committee on its interventions to ensure the expeditious implementation of the PTNG by the implementing cities.
6.5 SANRAL should brief the Committee on the implementation of its road maintenance programmes for 2021/22 on a quarterly basis.

This should also include information on maintenance done by SANRAL in agreement with Provincial and Municipal authorities on their roads (if any).

6.6 The Department should provide the Committee with an updated presentation on the Moloto Road project, as well as the maintenance plan for the Moloto Road.
6.7 The Department should deliver an updated report to the Committee on the rollout, expenditure and reasons for delays in active operations of the IPTN programmes.

6.8 The Department should deliver an updated report on the rollout of the revised taxi recapitalisation programme and how it aims to work towards achieving the Taxi Lekgotla resolutions, including the formalisation and corporatisation of the taxi industry.
6.9 The Department should continue to deliver an updated report on the status of vacancies in the Department and its entities.

This report should also indicate whether there was still a need to fill these vacancies.

6.10 The Department should deliver an updated report on the transformation policy for the Department, as well as each of its entities and indicate concrete and clear steps on how it and the entities’ management seek to address the lack in transformation progress in the industry.
48 208 6.11 The Department must deliver the final decision regarding the GFIP/e-toll policy matter, as soon as Cabinet releases its decision on this matter.

The Committee recommends that the National Council of Provinces (Council) approves Budget Vote 40: Transport.

[The Democratic Alliance reserved its position on the Report and abstained.]

Report to be considered.

49 209