Thank you, Deputy Speaker. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Please take your seat at the podium whilst we try to get an audience from hon members.
Those that are leaving must have a Merry Christmas, but please leave us in peace. Don't make this noise. We don't need that. Hon Mlangeni, will you please take your seat or leave the Chamber. That is the best way now - I have to call you by name. I also just want to remind you that everything I am saying is captured in Hansard, and your grandchildren will read about this one day. Hon Sam Louw, take your seat or leave the Chamber; followed by Mr Bloem. We now have a little bit of order. Mrs Morobi, will you please find your seat, madam; and Dr Rabinowitz and hon Smuts. That is it. Now we have an audience. Hon chairperson, please address us.
Madam Deputy Speaker, Ministers and Deputy Ministers present, hon members, on behalf of the Ad Hoc Committee on Matters Relating to the Ex-Mineworkers Union, I submit to the House a preliminary report and the necessary recommendation thereon. This ad hoc committee came about as a result of a resolution by this House following interaction with a group of people representing ex-mineworkers. The mandate given to the committee was to investigate complaints made by the group on 31 October 2007 at the People's Assembly in Bizana.
In the process of investigating complaints, the ad hoc committee received, in the form of presentations and briefing sessions, contributions of high quality from a number of stakeholders were received. The context in which the contributions were made by involved parties assisted the investigation as complaints started to translate into pensions, death benefits, occupational injuries and diseases contracted in service.
In pursuit of these labour rights, ex-mineworkers sent representatives to various government departments, offices, labour organisations and high profile people to present their case. There were strange instances where the complainants would employ approaches like sit-ins, protest marches, disruptions of government events and even withdrawals from processes that sought to resolve the matter.
Despite all these, parties involved, the ad hoc committee included, hold a view that if more could be done, the resolution of this matter is possible. Inputs made to the committee suggested that there remain stakeholders out there with crucial information that can further assist in resolving the matter. Because of that, the ad hoc committee recommends that whilst it understands the gravity and urgency of the concerns and complaints raised, the House considers the following: ... [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! We are requested to consider some things here. We need to be in a position to hear what we are supposed to be doing. Hon member, please continue.
Deputy Speaker, the ad hoc committee asks the House to consider extending the deadline for the committee to report to 31 March 2008. I must emphasise the fact that the committee has not at this stage formed any opinion regarding the process and the matter.
As the chairperson of the ad hoc committee, I must thank all members, professionals and staff, who made this preliminary report possible. I hope you will have a happy festive season with your families and come back next year so that we can finalise what we have started. I thank you.
Deputy Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House refers the Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Matters Relating to the Ex-Mineworkers Union back to the Committee for further consideration and that the Committee be granted an extension of the deadline to allow them to report before the end of the first term of 2008.
Motion agreed to.