Parliament 2020/21 Quarter 4 performance; Investigation into cause of fire in Old Assembly Building; with Minister

Joint Standing Committee on Financial Management of Parliament

14 May 2021
Chairperson: Ms B Mabe (ANC) and Ms D Mahlangu (ANC, Mpumalanga)
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Meeting Summary

Video: Joint Standing Committee on the Financial Management of Parliament

The purpose of the virtual meeting was for the Committee to be briefed by the Department of Public Works & Infrastructure (the DPWI) on the investigation into the cause of the fire in the Old Assembly Building. The second item on the agenda was for the Committee to be briefed by the Secretary to Parliament on the institution’s performance in the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year. Another item on the agenda was for the Committee to consider and adopt its outstanding minutes of its previous meetings.

Briefing on the fire-related incident at the Old Assembly Building: A fire-related incident was reported in the Old Assembly building in the Parliament precinct during the evening of 16 March 2021. The City of Cape Town’s fire brigade was notified, and the blaze was contained, with no injuries reported. The cause of the fire has been noted as an electrical fault in Room 454. The building has been evacuated, and it remains closed until the restoration project is completed. The DPWI estimated that the costs to repair the Old Assembly Building will amount to R9.08 million (excluding the VAT costs of R1.36 million). These costs include building repairs, electrical repairs, mechanical repairs, the costs of contracts and labour, and professional fees.

The Committee expressed concern as to whether Parliament or the DPWI is responsible for paying these repair costs, and whether there is insurance for these types of incidents. Members also asked for a report on the state of the fire sprinklers and detection system in the Old Assembly Building and whether it was in good working order when the fire started. The buildings in Parliament’s precinct get services quite frequently and a lot of money is paid to contractors in this regard. Members asked whether the final assessments and report regarding the fire has been finalised and made available yet, as the presentation indicated that it would be ready by 14 May 2021. The Committee must be provided with the final report.

Briefing by the Acting Secretary on Parliament’s financial performance: The overall performance of Parliament for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year was set at 77%. This remained at a high level despite the significant shocks to the operational budget of the institution and the new operating model resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is still a risk that the institution’s operating model will be disrupted by further budget reductions in the current financial year. The report for Parliament’s performance in the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year is drafted as per indicators and targets of the Revised 2020/21 Annual Performance Plan (the APP) tabled in mid-July 2020 after the Minister of Finance tabled a new budget in Parliament. The institution’s budget was adjusted downwards by R115 million for the 2020/21 financial year. The report tracks 14 indicators as outlined in the APP, of which 13 have targets that were measured in the fourth quarter. Of the 13 measures tracked, ten indicators met target and there were missed targets on three measures.

The Committee expressed concern regarding Parliament’s underperformance relating to public participation. The non-financial performance targets of Parliament should also be revised in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. The content of the annual targets has a direct impact on the work of Parliament. The Committee was of the view that the overall performance of Parliament for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year was set at 77%, which is a low achievement of the targets set. The Committee cannot be satisfied with only a 77% achievement of the targets that are not set at difficult levels to achieve. Clarity was sought on what innovations have been put in place to increase public participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meeting report

Co-Chairperson Mabe convened the virtual meeting and welcomed Members and the delegation from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (the DPWI) to the virtual meeting.

The purpose of the virtual meeting was for the Committee to be briefed by the DPWI on the investigation into the cause of the fire in the Old Assembly Building. The second item on the agenda was for the Committee to be briefed by the Secretary to Parliament on the institution’s performance in the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year. Another item on the agenda was for the Committee to adopt its outstanding minutes.

Opening remarks by the Minister:

Ms Patricia de Lille, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, stated that the purpose of the briefing is to inform the Committee on the outcome of the investigations into the fire that happened on 16 March 2021 at the Old Assembly Building. This briefing will include information on the future plans of restoration.

Briefing by the DPWI on the investigations into the fire at the Old Assembly Building:

Mr Mzwandile Sazona, Chief Director: Prestige Policy, DPWI, presented the briefing to the Committee.

Background:

A fire-related incident was reported in the Old Assembly building in the Parliament precinct during the evening of 16 March 2021. The City of Cape Town’s fire brigade was notified, and the blaze was contained, with no injuries reported. The cause of the fire has been noted as an electrical fault in Room 454. The building has been evacuated, and it remains closed until the restoration project is completed.

The way forward is being planned in three stages. The first stage was to secure the building and ensure a temporary weather closure. This stage has been completed. The second stage includes replacing the damaged roof section, and an emergency project in this regard is underway. The last stage includes the repairs and reinstatement of the facilities. The DPWI is finalising the project for assessments and to conduct cost estimates. The decanting of tenants has been completed, and the final assessment by the DPWI will be completed by 14 May 2021, and a report on the procurement and project parameters will be issued.

Assessment of the damage:

The DPWI outlined the damages to the Old Assembly Building that was apparent through a visual assessment. This included no visible external damage to the building. A section of the tile pitch roof has been damaged, and a temporary closure has been installed for weatherproofing. Permanent repairs to the roof will be carried out under an emergency motivation, while the remainder of the damage is assessed and packaged for a repair project. Extensive repairs and reinstatement of the audio-visual installations in Room 454 will be required. There was no fire on any of the office floors, but cascading fire water has caused damage to the offices down on the ground floor. Further assessment is required once the decanting is completed.

The main electrical feed to the wing in question has been shut down, and there are no immediate safety risks with regards to the live power outlets in the wing. Each floor is fed by its own dedicated distribution board, which is currently not energised, and there is no power or any lighting in the Old Assembly Building.

Session Room 454 was the origin of the fire, and has damaged the internal reticulation, which is likely to include power. Extensive refurbishment will be required in this area. Regarding the general offices, an assessment has been done by Parliament, and a technical team is scheduled to finalise the assessment during the week of 10 to 14 May 2021 to draft the tender document. Regarding Session Room 454, it was reported that all electrical and signal wires for the AV-systems on the roof are damaged. The projectors and projection screens have been damaged by the water, including the two plasma video conference screens. The conferencing system (microphones and speakers) have been damaged by the water. The broadcasting cameras and control modules were also exposed to water.

The offices on the ground floor are served by a centralised system, but access was not possible to the plantrooms or the individual offices. It can be safely assumed that the smoke from the fire has polluted the system, and some sanitising and maintenance will be required prior to the occupation of these offices. There are two lifts servicing the wing of this building and were grounded when the fire alarm went off. These lifts are currently stationary and out of commission. The process is underway to source spare parts for the remedial work that will be required. Cascading water from the higher levels found its way down to the ground floor, into the basement, and into the lift pits. It has been confirmed that the water has since been pumped out.

The third floor has sustained most of the damage as it was directly below the space where the incident took place. The suspended ceilings will have to be replaced, and it can be assumed that there will be damage to the carpets and walls from running water. The second floor does not have suspended ceilings, and access was not possible due to locked offices. However, it can be assumed that there will be damage to the carpets and walls from running water. The lower floors seem to have less damage, as the water dissipated lower down. Damages to the walls and carpets are predicted for the first floor. The water damage on the ground floor can only be assessed once access is given to the locked areas. The damage extended to the office furniture, and the electronic equipment such as printers and computers.

The scope of the repair work and cost estimates:

It is clear from the visual assessment of the damage to the Old Assembly Building that the following will require repair work: a portion of the roof needs to be replaced, the void sprinkler system had to be reinstated, cleaning, painting, and replacement of the carpets when the general offices can be accessed, the replacement of timber floors depending on damage, the assessment and repairs to the lifts, lighting repairs to the general offices, repairs of the ceilings of the offices on the third floor, the reinstatement of the fire detection and warning system, and upgrades to these systems should also be considered.

For Session Room 454, it was reported that extensive repairs are necessary including the replacement of the ceilings and carpets, the replacement of the AV-equipment, and repairs to fixed furniture and shop fittings.

The DPWI estimated that the costs to repair the Old Assembly Building will amount to R9.08 million (excluding the VAT costs of R1.36 million). These costs include building repairs, electrical repairs, mechanical repairs, the costs of contracts and labour, and professional fees and disbursement.

Discussion:

Co-Chairperson Mabe thanked the DPWI for its briefing made to the Committee. She stated that Parliament is a national key point, and that members of the media were never allowed to access the area during this incident. She asked the DPWI to share the pictures of the building, if possible. It was reported that the cause of the fire was an electrical fault in Session Room 454. Is this the final report or the preliminary assessment of what started the fire? Why was the room declared a crime scene by law enforcement if it was an electrical fault? The costs of repair are estimated at over R10 million - she asked whether Parliament or the DPWI are responsible for paying these repair costs, and whether there is insurance for these types of incidents. Why were the fire detectors not able to detect the start of the fire in the building? She pointed out that there is room to hold the electrical contractors liable for the electrical fault in the building. She expressed disappointment that the DPWI did not brief the Committee on the measures put in place to ensure that such an incident does not happen again or make plans for the inspection of all electrical points in the building.

Mr J Julius (DA) asked for a report on the state of the fire sprinklers and detection system in the Old Assembly Building and whether it was in good working order when the fire started. The buildings in Parliament’s precinct get services quite frequently and a lot of money is paid to contractors in this regard. Who will be held liable if the fire sprinklers and detection system were not working properly?

Mr M Moletsane (EFF, Free State) asked whether the final assessments and report regarding the fire has been finalised and made available yet, as the date in the presentation indicated that it would be ready by 14 May 2021. He asked that the Committee be provided with the final report.

Mr X Qayiso (ANC) welcomed the presentation by the DPWI. He agreed with Mr Moletsane that the Committee should be provided with the final report as soon as possible. This will allow Members to engage with the technical aspects of the report, especially regarding the cause of the fire and possible consequence management that can be implemented for those who are responsible or who were negligent. He also agreed with Mr Julies who asked for a report on the state of the fire sprinklers and detection system in the Old Assembly Building and whether it was in good working order when the fire started.

Mr M Rayi (ANC, Eastern Cape) concurred with the issues raised by other Members regarding the need for a final report to be submitted to the Committee, and for details to be furnished regarding the working conditions of the fire sprinklers and detection systems. He asked whether there is a health and safety committee in Parliament that can present reports to the Committee regarding the safety of Members and staff.

Ms N Mahlo (ANC) also agreed with the issues raised by other Members regarding the need for a final report to be submitted to the Committee, and for details to be furnished regarding the working conditions of the fire sprinklers and detection systems. It is paramount that the Committee be furnished with all the information relating to the damage in the Old Assembly Building to be able to really engage with the matter. More information is required regarding the insurance on the building and what will be covered by the payments.

Responses from the DPWI:

Minister De Lille asked the delegation from the DPWI to get the photos ready to present to the Committee. She stated that the Old Assembly Building was declared a crime scene on 16 March 2021 by law enforcement, and as such the DPWI was not allowed access until 11 May 2021. The final report on the fire will be finalised during the course of the week, and then be submitted to the Committee for consideration. The Committee will also be provided with the complete maintenance plan for Parliament, as well as a complete breakdown of the costs involved in the repair of facilities. She stated that government buildings are not insured, and this decision needs to be reviewed with the Minister of Finance.

The photos of the fire were then showed to the Committee to depict the damage to the facilities.

Co-Chairperson Mabe thanked the DPWI for the photos and the presentation. She stated that there is a need to reschedule the meeting for a later date so that the Committee has adequate time to engage with the final report after it has been submitted to Members for consideration. She asked the DPWI not to respond to the remainder of the questions posed by Members, as there will be an opportunity on a later date.

Briefing on Parliament’s performance in the fourth quarter (2020/21 financial year):

The second item on the agenda was for the Committee to be briefed by the Secretary to Parliament on the institution’s performance in the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year. Ms Penelope Tyawa, the Acting Secretary to Parliament, presented the briefing to Members.

Introduction and background:

The report for Parliament’s performance in the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year is drafted as per indicators and targets of the revised 2020/21 Annual Performance Plan (the APP) tabled in mid-July 2020 after the Minister of Finance tabled a new budget in Parliament. The institution’s budget was adjusted downwards by R115 million for the 2020/21 financial year.

The overall performance of Parliament for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year was set at 77%. This remained at a high level despite the shocks to the operational budget of the institution and the new operating model because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A breakdown of Parliament’s overall performance:

The report tracks 14 indicators as outlined in the APP, of which 13 have targets that were measured in the fourth quarter. Of the 13 measures tracked, ten indicators met target and there were missed targets on three measures. There was one performance indicator that had no set annual or quarterly target.

The annual budget of Parliament was set at R2.59bn, and R864.5 million was set aside for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year. The actual budget spent amounted to R578.52 million. This means that Parliament has spent 67% of its appropriated budget for the fourth quarter. An amount of R2.3bn, or 89% of the appropriated funds, has been spent at the end of 2020/21 financial year. This has resulted in the underspending of R285.98 million. The amount will be available for allocation in the next financial year in line with section 16(2) of the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act 10 of 2009. The spending on direct charges was R121.74 million or 108% for the fourth quarter budget of R112.42 million, meaning that there was overspending of R9.31 million. This overspending will be refunded.

The spending of the institution was outlined according to the compensation of Members and parliamentary employees, goods and services, transfer payments, and capital expenditure:

-The spending on compensation of Members was R121.74 million or 108% of the fourth quarter budget of R112.42 million. The overspending of R9.31 million was as a result of budget reduction during the adjustment budget and payment of loss of office and exit gratuities.

-The spending on compensation of employees was 73% or R275.36 million of the fourth quarter budget of R375.68 million. There is an underspending of R100.32 million at the end of the 2020/21 financial year and is due to terminations during the year and delays in filing critical vacant positions because of the lockdown restrictions.

-The spending on goods and services, which relates to the APP, was 16% or R28.09 million of the fourth quarter budget of R175.06 million. By the end of the financial year there is an underspending of R147.03 million. The underspending on goods and services is as a direct result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related restrictions and precautionary measures implemented. All invoices for services rendered by the 31 March 2021 but not paid will be accrued for.

-The spending on goods and services, which relates to Members’ entitlements, was 47% or R22.91 million of the fourth quarter budget of R48.24 million. There is an underspending of R25.33 million for the financial year and is due to the fact that Members were not utilising their entitlements due to flights that were suspended and the introduction of virtual meetings.

-Spending on transfer payments, which relates to transfers to political parties represented in Parliament, was 95% or R125.64 million of the R131.79 million fourth quarter budget. The underspending of R6.15 million or 1% on transfers to political parties is due to the political parties that have submitted financial statements which have been queried. Funds have thus been withheld and the political parties have been notified.

-The spending on capital expenditure was 22% or R4.8 million of the fourth quarter budget of R21.25 million. At the end of the financial year, there was an underspending of R16.46 million. The invoices for computer equipment received close to year end that was not paid will be accrued for.

Expenditure per programme of Parliament:

Parliament’s expenditure on its quarterly targets for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year was outlined to the Committee in detail and broken down.

For Programme no. 1 (Strategic Leadership and Governance), all quarterly targets were met. For this programme, Parliament has spent 58% or R23.74 million of the budget of R40.88 million for the fourth quarter resulting in a variance of R17.14 million. Underspending was due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions which resulted in restricted local and international travelling and the under-expenditure on items like office supplies and stationery resulting from employees working from home. At the end of the financial year, the institution spent R92.44 million of the R109.58 million of its annual budget for this programme. The spending on compensation of employees is 84% or R21.03 million of the R24.9 million fourth quarter budget. At the end of the financial year, 96% or R85.4 million of the R89.27 million allocated budget has been spent resulting in an underspending of R3.87 million, which is due to the delays in filing critical vacant positions and resignations. The spending on goods and services is 17% or R2.59 million of the fourth quarter budget of R15.64 million. At the end of the financial year, 35% or R6.88 million of the allocation of R19.94 million was spent. The spending on capital expenditure was 37% or R124 000 of the R336 000 for the fourth quarter budget. At the end of the financial year, the institution spent R168 000 or 44% of its R380 000 allocated budget, with an underspending of R212 000.

For Programme no. 2 (Administration), all quarterly targets were met. For this programme, Parliament has spent 42% or R31.08 million of the budget of R73.2 million for the fourth quarter. At the end of the financial year, R131.98 million or 76% has been spent of the allocation of R174.64 million resulting in a variance of R42.66 million. The underspending was due to the lockdown and Parliament’s activities being postponed.

For Programme no. 3 (Core Business), all quarterly targets were met. For this programme, Parliament has spent 52% or R132 million of the budget of R251.7 million for the fourth quarter. At the end of the financial year, the institution spent 82% or R551.8 million of the R671.51 million has been spent, resulting in an underspending of R119.71 million. The underspending is due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic where there were travel restrictions affecting travel for oversight and law-making. Virtual platforms were created to continue Parliament’s core business, and there was little or no expenditure on catering, telephones, and office stationery due to working from home. The spending on compensation of employees was 77% or R124.85 million of the R161.8 million fourth quarter budget. At the end of the financial year, the institution spent 93% or R506.08 million has been spent of the R 543.02 million annual budget, resulting in an underspending of R36.95 million which is due to the delays in filing critical vacant positions and resignations as a result of lockdown restrictions. The spending on goods and services was 9% or R7.12 million of the fourth quarter budget of R83.3 million. At the of the financial year, Parliament spent 37% or R45.58 million has been spent against an allocation of R121.82 million which resulted in an underspending of R76.23 million. The spending on capital expenditure was R27 000 of the fourth quarter budget of R6.6 million. At the end of the financial year, the institution spent 2% or R144 000 of the R6.66 million allocation resulting in a variance of R6.52 million which is due to the delays in procurement processes resulting from the national lockdown periods in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For Programme no. 4 (Support Services), Parliament has spent 59% or R100.23 million of the budget of R168.85 million for the fourth quarter. At the end of the financial year, R389.13 million or 85% has been spent of the R457.74 million allocation, resulting in an underspending of R68.62 million, which is due to the national lockdown which resulted in minimal local and no international travelling and delays in filling of critical positions due to impact of lockdown restrictions. The spending on compensation of employees was 68% or R79.03 million of the R116.47 million fourth quarter budget. At the end of the financial year, Parliament spent R322.12 million or 90% of the R359.55 million allocation, which is due to the delay in filing critical vacant positions and resignations. The spending on goods and services was 38% or R15.83 million of the fourth quarter budget of R41.54 million. At the end of the financial year, R52.74 million or 67% of the allocation of R78.45 million has been spent. The spending on capital expenditure was 50% or R5.38 million of the fourth quarter budget of R10.84 million. At the end of the financial year, 72% or R14.28 million has been spent of the R19.75 million allocation. The underspending is due to a delay in delivery of furniture for the 6th floor in the 90 Plein building which has been handed over to Parliament by the DPWI.

For Programme no. 5 (Associated Services), Parliament has spent 78% or R169.74 million of the budget of R216.91 million for the fourth quarter. At the end of the financial year R653.13 million or 93% of the R700.3 million annual budget has been spent resulting in an underspending of R47.17 million, which is due to the national lockdown restrictions which resulted in minimal local travelling. Spending on compensation of employees, which relates to medical aid contributions for former Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures, was 58% or R21.19 million of the budget of R36.82 million for the fourth quarter. At the end of the financial year, 84% or R84.37 million of the R100 million budget allocation has been spent resulting in an underspending of R41.02 million. The spending on goods and services, which relates to Members’ entitlements, was 47% or R22.91 million of the fourth quarter budget of R48.24 million. At the end of the financial year, 75% or R74.61 million spent of the R99.94 million, resulting in an underspending of R25.33 million which is due to the national lockdown resulting in minimal usage of Member’s entitlements due to working from home. Spending on transfer payments, which relates to transfers to political parties represented in Parliament for the quarter was 95% or R125.64 million of the R131.79 million fourth quarter budget. At the end of the financial year, 99% or R494.15 million of the R500.3 million has been spent resulting in variance of R6.15 million or 1% which is due to amount withheld from political party transfers for the queried amounts.

Spending on direct charges, which relates to Members’ remunerations, was R121.74 million or 108% of the fourth quarter budget of R112.42 million. At the end of the financial year, 102% or R485.79 million of the budget allocation has been spent. The overspending is due to recent budget cuts of R30 million that was implemented in October 2020, and other considerations.

Conclusion:

The overall performance of Parliament for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year was set at 77%. This remained at a high level despite the significant shocks to the operational budget of the institution and the new operating model resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. There is still a risk that the institution’s operating model will be disrupted by further budget reductions in the current financial year.

Discussion:

Co-Chairperson Mabe thanked the Acting Secretary to Parliament for the presentation made to the Committee. She asked for clarity on how the issues of loss of office are resolved with National Treasury.

Ms Mahlo welcomed the presentation made by the Acting Secretary to Parliament. Regarding Programme no. 3 (Core Business), she asked for clarity on the underperformance relating to public participation. What measures or strategies are implemented to improve Parliament’s performance in this regard? The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing, and this cannot be used as an excuse for Parliament’s underperformance.

Mr Julius agreed with Ms Mahlo’s comments regarding Parliament’s underperformance relating to public participation. The non-financial performance targets of Parliament should also be revised in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Have the annual targets in Parliament’s APP been revised in light of the COVID-19 pandemic? More details are needed on why there has been underperformance.

Mr Rayi stated that the Committee continues to stress that the performance indicators and annual targets are set exceptionally low for the programmes of Parliament. He asked whether the parliamentary officials are satisfied with these targets. The content of the annual targets has a direct impact on the work of Parliament. He stated that the overall performance of Parliament for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year was set at 77%, which is a low achievement of the targets set. How does Parliament measure the quality of legal advice given? Why has the bursaries given to Members of Parliament not included in the presentation? What is the success rate and value for money relating to these bursaries that are granted for the development and training of Members? He stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is no excuse for not performing well on Member development, given that most classes are facilitated through online learning throughout the country. How has the challenges of a lack of translators been addressed for the fourth quarter? The Committee cannot be satisfied with only a 77% achievement of the targets that are not set at difficult levels to achieve. What innovations have been put in place to increase public participation during the COVID-19 pandemic? Public participation is a constitutional imperative that cannot be side-lined at all. The Committee has provided recommendations in this regard in the previous year, but this have not been implemented at all. How can the Committee hold anyone accountable if there are no performance indicators for direct charges? It is the Committee’s job to hold Parliament and the Executive accountable, but there is no way to do this if there are no performance indicators to measure performance.

Mr Qayiso acknowledged that the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in strain being put on the activities and events of Parliament, including its recruitment processes. He stated that the issues of public participation has been raised by the Committee on multiple occasions and is still relevant as it has an impact on the performance of Parliament. There is a need for Parliament to be more pro-active regarding its processes or public participation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. There should be a mechanism to counteract the non-participation in these circumstances.

Responses by the Acting Secretary:

Ms Tyawa thanked Members for the comments and questions raised. She stated that Parliament does not focus on turnaround times, but instead focuses on the quality and usability of information and legal advice. The Executive oversees the preparation of Parliament’s Strategic Plan, and its APP has always focused on the administrative side of things. An automated system will be put in place to gauge the feedback from Members regarding the quality and usability of information presented. There is a parliamentary committee that develops the indices for the impact that Members have to have on the community through oversight. That is something that is going to be slightly different than what is being reported on for the fourth quarter of the 2020/21 financial year. She agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic will still be around for a long time, and it is necessary that the institution develops a turnaround strategy to address the shortfalls and challenges that it has experienced during the last year.

Meetings were held in December 2020 between the Executive Authority and the Minister of Finance regarding the unfairness of tasking Parliament with the responsibilities of paying out gratuity when Members lose their assets or when they resign. It has become clear that this is a political rather than an administrative matter. The cost of loss of office is a burden on Parliament and must be addressed with urgency. This should also be incorporated in the Committee’s oversight over the budget of Parliament because these costs can be diverted into critical infrastructure such as ICT-services to support the new operational model under the COVID-19 pandemic. The new measures for Members to rate parliamentary services (such as research) will be included in the 2021/22 financial year, as well as its content and performance indicators.

Mr Ravi Moodley, Strategic Management and Governance, responded on the performance surveys and said Members would soon see surveys asking them to rate their satisfaction with various services e.g. research. There are various ways through which the surveys will be run but they will be web-based. Other Parliaments, such as Zimbabwe and New Zealand, also makes use of such performance measurements and rating of client satisfaction. More will be shared in the strategic planning session.

Mr Masibulele Xaso, Secretary to the National Assembly, responded to the matter of public participation noting that further detail can be provided however public participation is happening in Committees. Both the processes on the Expropriation Bill and amendment of Section 25 of the Constitution involved public submissions virtually and physically, noting covid-compliance. Whatsapp, email and social media exist for submissions to be made. A written response can be provided to the Committee with further detail.

Regarding performance, reports of Parliament are audited to verify the information reported.

Mr Moloto Mothapo, Head of Media and Communications, said Parliament’s communication channels were enhanced since the covid outbreak to ensure the public has increased access to the business of Parliament, more than ever before. The majority of Committee meetings are broadcast live on YouTube and Parliament’s social media channels. Sittings of the Houses and other events of the institution are also broadcast. Additionally, use is made of Iono FM to stream meetings. The streams for live broadcast on YouTube have been increased. The public awareness surveys show that mobile devices are the key means through which South Africans consume information after television and radio – this is important as all Parliament’s platforms can be accessed through the cellphones. There has been improvement in the quality of broadcast services including the DSTV channel. There are also delayed broadcasts where there is not livestreaming. Parliament has communicated with Multichoice and the Parliament channel is now available on all bouquets including the inexpensive ones which are accessed by those in the rural areas. Parliament is in further communication with Multichoice to extend this broadcast to the regional channels. Surveys show 80 to 90% of Parliament information is consumed through television and therefore the broadcasting has improved. The state-of-the-art television studio has been completed and live broadcasts and educational interviews/programmes are conducted this way.  The SABC has said it would not carry Parliament’s content for free hence the communication with Multichoice. The aim is to move towards a more professional broadcasting service which will operate under its own framework and is licensed to take advantage of digital migration.

Another item on the agenda was for the Committee to consider and adopt its outstanding minutes of its previous meetings. This item was postponed until the next meeting of the Committee.

The meeting was adjourned.

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