Committee Programme

Mr NB Fihla

Documents handed out:
Committee Programme 2002 (see Appendix)

SUMMARY
Amendments were suggested to the interim programme of action for 2002 with all members agreeing to them. One major issue that came to the fore was the question of budgetary constraints in relation to study tours to be undertaken. It was resolved that the ANC should have two members partaking in each tour and the other parties will send one member each.

MINUTES
Ms Bathasile (ANC) suggested that the briefing by the Inspecting Judge be removed and be replaced by a briefing on the International tours. She moved that the briefing on HIV/AIDS also be taken off and replaced by a briefing on the budget by the Department of Correctional Services. She further suggested that in future when matters of health are being discussed, they should not be confined to HIV/AIDS but other communicable diseases in prison which are HIV/AIDS related must be included.

Mr PW Cupido (DP) asked if backlogs from last year would be addressed by the Department, seeing that there are open spaces in the draft programme.

The Chairperson advised that spaces be retained for unforeseen circumstances and on their visit to the Northern Cape prison, he suggested that they should also have a meeting with the Provincial Commissioner.

Mr Bloem also endorsed the position of the Chair saying that a one-day visit is not enough; they should leave on a Monday and return on Tuesday.

Ms Bathasile moved that the briefing by the Strategic Management team on the findings of the Department of Public Service and Administration be shifted from 21 to 23 May.

Mr Bloem (ANC) seconded the motion and suggested that a debate should take place.

Mr Cupido suggested they should give specific attention to juvenile detention centres.

Ms Seaton (IFP) qualified this by saying they should visit a youth detention centre.

Mr Bloem suggested that they visit the detention centre in Ottery

Ms Bathasile again suggested instead of having a briefing by the Restorative Justice Centre they should be briefed by the Minister on restorative justice and they must also have a briefing by the Department on communicable diseases in prison.

Mr Cupido asked that Members be notified earlier to make the necessary preparations.

The Chairperson reminded Members that last year it was resolved that they should form subcommittees in order to facilitate the work of the portfolio committee

The meeting was adjourned

Appendix:
AMENDMENTS OF 12 FEBRUARY 2002

12 FEBRUARY 2002

TO THE PROPOSED DRAFT PROGRAMME OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 2002