Madam Deputy Chairperson, thank you very much for the opportunity to present Vote No 2, which is Parliament's budget, for this current financial year.
On 22 April 2009, this year, South Africans participated in the general elections to give Parliament a new mandate. This mandate, which emphasises accelerated quality service delivery, is a continuation of the project of reconstructing and developing our society which began in 1994.
As public representatives we have the responsibility to work towards achieving the vision of building a united, democratic South Africa, and improving the quality of life for all citizens.
In presenting Parliament's budget for the 2009-10 financial year, I would like to reflect in the main on the following: legacy issues; broad challenges for the Fourth Parliament; issues specific to the NCOP; budget allocation; and issues impacting on the budget. Those are the issues I will talk about. I will try to summarise them very quickly because my time is also very short.
Madam Deputy Chairperson, allow me to start by restating the constitutional mandate of Parliament in terms of the NCOP, which is, firstly, to pass legislation that supports the country's constitutional values, human rights and culture; secondly, to oversee the executive and other state organs; and thirdly, to facilitate public participation.
We also have the responsibility to promote co-operative government and participate in international affairs. It is within this context of co- operative governance that the role of the NCOP should find concrete expression. Furthermore, Parliament is an expression of our multiparty democracy. There are legacy issues that I have to touch on that we've covered in the Third Parliament. The Third Parliament has served as a necessary foundation for the Fourth Parliament. I am happy to report on the following as some of the achievements of the Third Parliament: the adoption of the vision of Parliament which puts people at the centre of our work; the finalisation and adoption of the new oversight and accountability model to enhance Parliaments, including the Pan-African Parliament and the Inter- Parliamentary Union; increasing public participation activities; implementing the language policy project, thus elevating the status and use of our official languages in the processes of Parliament; and, lastly, finalising the Financial Management of Parliament Act, the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act and the Mandating Procedures of Provincial Legislatures Act.
This Act came into effect yesterday, 1 July 2009. The President promulgated it yesterday, therefore provinces can begin to use the standardised procedures of sending the mandates to the NCOP.
The challenges that we are facing as this House are the need to move from ordinary oversight to outcomes-based oversight, including accelerating quality service delivery in areas such as education, health, job creation, land reform and agriculture; consolidation of democracy through a people- centred approach; transformation of Parliament in line with our democratic objectives; and nation-building, including building consensus on issues of national interest.
I also want to raise issues specifically relating to the NCOP. The NCOP is a House of our Parliament which represents the interests of provinces. It also provides space for participation by organised local government in the process of shaping the national legislation and policy.
More than ever, during this term, we must co-operate with provinces, especially on functional areas of concurrent national and provincial legislative competences. We also need to ensure that the local government is properly supported and performs its functions as required by the Constitution.
Those are the two spheres which are very critical and very important in our lives. Although we hold the national government accountable, we must ensure that the national government assists those two spheres of government to deliver on the ground.
In the previous financial year's Budget Vote, we raised a number of issues that related to the NCOP, and the following requires our continued focus and attention: improving the effectiveness of the NCOP, informed by the recommendations of the 10th anniversary summit that we held in 2007; completing the process of transforming the NCOP to reflect its character - that's very, very important for us; giving provinces enough space to consider section 76 legislation before the NCOP; and articulating the nature of support required, including the establishment of relationships with other government entities for oversight purposes.
In the last term, we've stated that the process of establishing a working relationship with the office of the Auditor-General has started and it's working very well, because that's what we have to do.
On the other hand, the following are the issues that require new or renewed focus going forward as the NCOP: the centrality of provinces - the Constitution places provinces at the centre of the NCOP. We need to reflect this in the way we conduct our business. This is a constitutional obligation and a strategic issue. It is against this background that we are keenly awaiting the discourse on the future shape of our intergovernmental system, including the future of provinces.
We need to discuss this. The NCOP cannot exist without the provinces because that's a core objective of the Constitution and it is an obligation that we are given by the Constitution to ensure that the provinces are functional. And that's what we are going to do in the coming five years.
Taking Parliament to the People is a flagship programme for our people's participation and our oversight initiative. The outcome of the study on the impact of this programme, which we will present to members in due course, will help us in recasting this programme to ensure that it has the desired impact. You will remember that I promised you last year that we would conduct a study to make this programme better. We have completed that study. The document is now ready and it will be given to all members as a working document on how to improve Taking Parliament to the People.
With regard to committees, there is a need to ensure that committees' business and support are aligned and able to respond to the mandate and priorities of this institution.
With regard to the strategic framework plan, the fourth term presents us with an opportunity to craft and implement a new strategic plan to further the mandate of the NCOP. We are planning a workshop from 5 to 7 August 2009, this year, with all provinces involved. The Chief Whips, the Chair of Chairs, the Speaker - all of you - will be involved in that particular workshop to craft the strategy and way forward for the NCOP for the period of five years.
The NCOP is strategically placed at the cutting edge of co-operative government. We welcome the call by the Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs to be partners and to assist the three spheres of government on issues of co-operative governance without, of course, compromising our oversight role.
In terms of the budget, I want to touch on it quickly, for your information, so that you understand how the 2009-10 budget works. The allocation was R1,35 billion for 2009-10 and this includes the direct charge. The direct charge is your salaries. It is also included in this, because it has to come through the budget of Parliament.
Programme 1 has increased, of course, by 3% and we were allocated R247,8 million, that is Administration. Programme 2 - Legislation and Oversight, has grown by 35,6%; Programme 3 - Public Participation, has grown by 12,9%; and in Programme 4 - Members' Facilities, provision is made for facilities, including telephone, travel and other logistical facilities for Members of Parliament.
Programme 5 is Associated Services; this section of the budget allows Parliament to abide by the requirements of section 57(2) of the Constitution to provide assistance to enable political parties represented in the National Assembly to function effectively.
I should, however, point out that the shortfall of R143 million, compounded by the transitional requirement, has come out in the budget. We are short, actually, of R143 million which we should try to get in the 2010-11 budget as we will be dealing with that budget from this month.
The shortfall and the fact that the budget was finalised before the new Parliament means that the total allocation does not fund all our needs for the current financial year. And there has also been a very big cut in the budget. So we've got to be very sparing in funding the operational issues in the NCOP and also in the NA.
However, it is important to note that with the new Financial Management of Parliament Act, we are now better positioned to conclude the budgeting process in a dignified manner. The Act compels the Minister of Finance to consult with the presiding officers - something which was not there in the past - before finalising the allocation for Parliament.
Subjecting Parliament to the same processes of motivating its budget as government departments is inconsistent with the constitutional principle of the separation of powers. Our proposal is that before the money is split amongst national, provincial and local spheres of government, an amount is sliced from the top - and that is what we call top slicing - for statutory and other payments such as the national debt. After government has set aside the top slice, the remaining funds must be shared among the spheres of government.
Issues impacting on the budget and the work of Parliament are the following: the global economic situation - you are aware of the global meltdown; budget cycle; budget baseline; relations with constituencies; and the institutional structural relations. All those issues will definitely impact on the budget. Therefore, we shouldn't complain when it comes because I'm telling you right now that we are definitely going to have a cut in the budget.
With regard to Parliament's strategic planning process, this is the beginning of a new term and Parliament will need to develop a strategic plan which will serve as a guide in the performance of our work in the Fourth Parliament. The strategic planning process will allow us to process a number of issues critical to building a people's Parliament, among them, the recommendations contained in the report of the independent panel assessment of Parliament.
There was an allegation of corruption which has come out in the media about the officials. I need to make a statement on that. I have noted the reports in the media alleging Parliament's failure to deal with allegations of corruption against certain officials. Reference is made to the so-called KPMG report. As a consequence, this House has passed a motion to the effect that immediate action is to be taken against the five people implicated in the report.
I wish to state very clearly, categorically and unequivocally that where allegations of corruption against certain staff members were substantiated, Parliament instituted proper disciplinary processes. So I don't know what it is that they are talking about because we have done that. It is within our power to do that, and we did that long ago - including against the Secretary to this House of the National Council of Provinces.
The disciplinary hearing against the Secretary to the National Council of Provinces has not yet been finalised. I therefore cannot talk about the things that I don't understand because procedure must be followed. There must be transparency. The people must defend themselves against those allegations. Once the report is out, I can come back to this House to report. [Applause.]
There are people who want to set the agenda for the Chairperson of the NCOP to talk about the things that I don't know about. Whether it's the media that sets that agenda or other political parties, they will not set an agenda for the Chairperson that I do not know about. I know what I should do and I know what the NCOP should focus on. [Applause.]
One NCOP official has since been dismissed. It has been sad, you know that. However, the staff member has appealed against the dismissal. Disciplinary proceedings against another official have also not been finalised and are still in the process. In all, three officials in the NCOP have been implicated and the process is going on. With respect to the Secretary to Parliament, Mr Zingile Dingani, he has been cleared on all charges. As such, he is set to resume duty from next week.
In conclusion, Madam Deputy Speaker, thank you very much that I could present this budget to you for consideration. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Deputy Chairperson, Chairperson and colleagues, on this occasion of the debate on Parliament's Budget Vote, I would like to congratulate the hon Mahlangu on his re-election as Chairperson of the NCOP. I have been a Member of Parliament for only a few weeks now, but already I am very impressed by the respect he commands in this Chamber and its associated committees. His wisdom and experience are assets to this House.
Someone else whose experience and good-natured judgement are immensely valuable here in the NCOP is that of my leader, the hon Watty Watson. I am proud to serve here under him. I also wish to state my pride in the fact that the Chief Whip of the NCOP hails from my provincial delegation. I appreciate the honest and open working relationship that she has with the Whips and Chairs, and I am sure this will continue in the coming years.
In addition, I would like to recognise the efforts of the staff of Parliament, and particularly the NCOP, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support these processes of democracy.
Lastly, I would like to thank all hon members of this House for the robust yet positive way in which debates are conducted here. Several Ministers yesterday referred to the fact that this House should be a clearing house of new ideas, and it seems that so far we are living up to this ideal.
It is a positive sign to me that the vigorous cut-and-thrust of debate in this Chamber appears to remain independent from our productive working relationships outside of this House. These are my first impressions as a new member; I hope they prove to be accurate in years to come.
The conduct and aptitude of all individuals and groups I have just listed make me proud of being a member of this Parliament, but there are several things that have the potential to undermine this pride. Before I touch on these, however, allow me to comment on the budget of Parliament, since that is what we are here to debate on today.
It is significant that Parliament's budget is expected to breach R1 billion for the first time in the next financial year. This symbolic fiscal threshold underlines the taxpayers' contributions to building democracy in South Africa. It is this financial contribution, as well as the significant efforts made by millions of voters every four years to elect their leaders, that require us to take our oversight and legislative duties extremely seriously.
My first concern in this regard is that the institution of Parliament has become less effective at oversight and holding the executive to account over the course of the past three Parliaments. Two examples from recent years are Parliament's refusal to debate the report on the observer mission to Zimbabwe, and the get-out-of-jail-free card it gave MPs involved in the Travelgate debacle.
In addition, last year's parliamentary programme was substantially cut, leaving very little time for debate on controversial pieces of legislation such as the Scorpions Bill and the Broadcasting Amendment Bill. I know the Scorpions Bill was debated enthusiastically in this House, but the consultation process around the disbanding of the Scorpions shows that the vast majority of South Africans were opposed to it. The public perception was that the decision was made at Polokwane and the ANC used its majority in Parliament to force through this legislation that will have far-reaching effects on the political, social and economic rights of all South Africans.
Now, the President and other government leaders have recently and admirably recommitted themselves and the state to clean government and a reinvigorated Parliament. But accountability and oversight on the part of Parliament does not just happen because President Zuma or the Chairperson or the Speaker says it will. The responsibility lies upon all of our shoulders.
My second concern is about the KPMG forensic report, which the Chairperson dealt with regarding certain individuals employed by Parliament. The Speaker's spokesperson has pointed out in the press that the allegations are confined to the NCOP - a fact which makes it even more urgent to us that action is taken. The public perception of propriety in the Council is at stake.
The report implicates five parliamentary employees based on allegations made 15 months ago, but so far many of the report's recommendations have not been dealt with. I was relieved to note, therefore, as the Chairperson has just outlined, that our House supported the hon Watson this week in a motion which resolved that -
... in view of the seriousness of the allegations, and the fact that they were first made over a year ago, and the KPMG report was completed three months ago, immediate action is taken against the five people implicated in the report.
My trust is in the Chairperson in this regard.
My third concern is around parliamentary questions and oversight. In total 498 questions asked in both Houses since 2006 have still not been replied to. In addition, while the President is not obliged to appear before this House to answer questions, the Deputy President is. Despite this, he failed to attend a single session to answer questions in the House last year. We hope to see an improvement in this regard.
It is interesting to note that last year two parties did not submit a single written question. Looking around this Chamber today, one will note that these parties are no longer represented. I believe this is not a coincidence.
In comparison, last year in the NCOP the DA was responsible for 71 of the 118 written questions submitted, or 60% - more than any other party. The DA was also responsible for 36 of the 65 oral questions submitted - more than any other opposition party - and led all other political parties in proposing motions with 16 out of 45 in this House.
Last year we also produced 35 alternative policies and discussion documents. Anyone who enjoys accusing the DA of being hypercritical and negative should take note of their titles: The case for retaining the Scorpions; The DA's alternative budget: powering growth, opportunity and democracy; Five steps to turn around the fight against crime; Reversing the brain drain; and Breaking the cycle of poverty: The DA's plan to give better opportunities to all South Africans. In addition, we presented two Private Members' Bills in 2008, namely the Bill to empower the Independent Complaints Directorate and the Bill to amend the Employment Equity Act.
There is no doubt that among South Africa's opposition the DA is the driving force behind oversight in Parliament and the production of alternative policy solutions for South Africa's problems.
We are committed to delivering on the promises we have made to the people of South Africa. Soon every South African will be able to enjoy the benefits of living in an open-opportunity society for all. Thank you. [Applause.]
Chairperson, thank you very much. Let me greet the Chairperson of the NCOP and everybody present here. Today is a very special day for me in this House. I can say that in our language ... [Interjections.] No, I will tell you later which language it is. All of us here in this House are recruits. I started my parliamentary career in this House in 1994. I don't think any of the members sitting here now were present when I started 15 years ago.
I started in 1994 as an ANC member. Today I am standing here as a proud member of Cope. [Applause.] I'm very proud to represent my party, the Congress of the People, Cope. [Interjections.] Yes, the real one. There is only one congress of the people and its president is Terror Lekota. [Interjections.] I don't want to make too many remarks like this, because some members' blood pressure is rising. [Interjections.] I don't want to do that. [Interjections.] Let me rather address our task here, because I can see Tau wants to fall from his seat. [Laughter.] [Interjections.] I mean the hon Tau, yes.
The role of Parliament is what I want to touch on, because ... goodness, I have two minutes! [Laughter.] No, but we must address this issue of minutes. It is very important. Chairperson, you have raised the issue of building a united South Africa, but if we want to build a united South Africa, let us hear the views of everybody in the House.
About the responsibility of Parliament, let us make it very clear that Parliament is not just one House, which is the National Assembly. Parliament is both Houses. If we want to make our mark, then all of us in this House must take our responsibility very seriously, namely that of oversight.
We must check each and every department and the Ministers. The executive is accountable to this House. When we need them, they must come! People will take this House seriously when we take that responsibility very seriously.
The second issue is resources. We must never, ever have a situation where we have to complain in committees that there are not enough funds to go to a certain place or to do oversight. It is our job! [Interjections.] You see, that is a chairperson who is screaming, "Yes, yes, yes!" there. He must take his responsibility very seriously.
Lastly, Cope is going to make its mark in this building! Cope is going to make its mark in South Africa! [Interjections.] [Time expired.] Dankie, Mama. Thank you very much! [Laughter.]
Deputy Chairperson, Chairperson of the Council, lest I forget, the ANC supports this Budget Vote. But before I say anything, let me start off by saying to hon Bloem that, amandla awalingani [power is not equal] here in the House. Therefore, the allocation of minutes will not be equal either: Difference in the strength of numbers is equal to different time allocations.
Secondly, I also must tell you, hon Bloem, that there was only one congress of the people, and that was in 1955.
Ngoko thina bantu be-ANC asibahoyi abantu abangamasela enkululeko. [Therefore we, the people of the ANC, ignore the thieves of freedom.]
You stole the freedom! [Applause.]
Lastly, let me tell you this, my Whip, I respect you, and you know that very well. We really work very well together, but you must also understand that in the House it's not by howling that you make a mark; it's about how you work to make sure that the service you promised people, you deliver. That's exactly what the ANC is doing, and it is committed to that. [Applause.]
Let me remind those who do not understand this very well: The ANC will rule till the end of this world - I do not know if I'll be there in the next one - and that is a given fact. [Applause.]
Well, let me also tell you that as I live here in Cape Town - I was born here as well - we are going to make sure that this is not an island. The Western Cape, the City of Cape Town and those who rule the province in particular, think that they have their own homeland. We did away with the homeland system and we made sure that we would never go back to it.
Let me just say that our former President, Nelson Mandela, at the final sitting of the First Parliament, on 26 March 1999, said:
Those who frame and enact the Constitution and law are in the vanguard in the fight for change. It is in the legislatures that the instruments have been fashioned to create a better life for all. It is here that oversight of government has been exercised. It is here that our society in all its formations has had an opportunity to influence policy and its implementation.
Therefore, on 18 July 2009, Madiba will turn 91 years old.
NguZondwa ke lo; ozondwa ziintshaba; zamzonda zamoyika waphuma esiqithini. [His clan name is Zondwa; the one hated by his enemies; they hated and feared him until he was released from Robben Island.]
As the House, and particularly as the ANC, we will make sure that that day is celebrated with all of you, whether you like it or not.
We also want to take the opportunity to support the call for the Nelson Mandela Day, which will be celebrated on 18 July, every year, till the end of the world. We say this because this day will give the people of South Africa and people all over the world an opportunity to acknowledge the role played by this compatriot of our people in the fight for liberation.
Eyona nto ibalulekileyo ngoMadiba kukuba akakhululanga abacinezelwa ngaphezu kokukhulula abacinezeli. Abanye babo iingqondo kusafuneka ziguqulwe nanamhlanje. Siyaxolisa ke ukuba iingqondo zenu zilukhuni, kodwa siza kuninceda. (Translation of isiXhosa paragraph follows.)
[The most important thing about Madiba is that he did not just liberate the oppressed, but has liberated mostly the oppressors. Some of their mind-sets still need to be changed even today. We apologise for your stubbornness, but we will help you.]
South Africa has come a long way from a system based on parliamentary sovereignty that prevailed under the colonial apartheid dispensation, to one based on the principle of constitutional supremacy based on the will of the people.
Today, our Parliament has grown to be an arena of rigorous discussions about the conditions of our people and our shared destiny as a nation. We have moved decisively from a past that sought to divide us according to our race, ethnic origins, gender and material conditions. We remain committed to our quest to build an effective people's Parliament that is responsive to the needs of the people and that is driven by the ideal of realising a better quality of life for all the people of the country.
As we straddled the length and breadth of our country during the national and provincial elections this year, we made an undertaking to the people of South Africa that together, we can do more. We said this because the participation of the people of South Africa in the governance of their affairs remained fundamental in our fight for liberation. As the ANC, we remain committed to ensuring participation of our people in the processes of Parliament.
We have also said that the fourth democratic Parliament will be faced with transformational issues that carry over from the Third Parliament. It is our task to see that this House is better positioned to fulfil its mandate of representing our people in the provinces, particularly those in rural areas, to ensure that they, too, have a better life, access to services and better facilities.
Throughout its history, the ANC has engaged in a debate and an exchange of ideas, understanding that the achievement of the objectives of a united, nonracial, nonsexist and democratic South Africa is dependent on its capacity to convince the people of the correctness of its position and its policies.
Vigorous debate is a common feature of the democratic political contest in many societies and should be welcomed as an integral feature of a democratic process. As we remain committed to responding to those within the political arena and the media that seek to misrepresent the position of the ANC and our commitment, we shall make sure that we engage and engage and engage.
Because I have had to respond to a few points, I want to say, lastly, that Parliament as the voice of the people can equally help identify problems of policy failure that require attention and also help in overcoming bureaucratic red tape. This is where our oversight mechanism plays an important role as it allows us to directly assess the implementation of policy in specific settings. I also want to remind members that Parliament must function in the interest of the people, not of the parties. As I say that with this one mouth, I will also repeat what I said earlier with the same mouth, that because we have this strength in numbers, we will make sure that we use it to better the lives of our people.
Ndiyafuna ke ukuthi, njengeshop-steward yenu, amalungelo enu nawo siyawahoya. Ndiye ndaqinisekisa ukuba zonke iinkxalabo eziphakanyiswa ngamalungu ndizisa ngaphambili. Sele zikhona iziphumo zoko esele nizibonile. Nathi ke, Mhlalingaphambili, ikhona nje into esifuna ukuyiphakamisa yokuba njengabantu abathunywe ngamaphondo - asonyulwanga kaloku thina, sithunyiwe - iimfuno zethu kufuneka ke zibonelelwe kakhulu yiPalamente kuba asizi ngendlela efanayo nelinye icala eliya.
Xa kuthethwa ngaMalungu ePalamente, ngamanye amaxesha kuyafuneka ukuba indlela yokuza kwethu ePalamente isiwe iso. Amalungu amaninzi asokoliswa zizinto ezininzi, ezinye zazo asaziphakamisayo nangoku kum. Zibandakanya izinto ezifana nokuba wona awakwazi kufaka ibango kuba kukhalwa ngeLungu lePalamente kungajongwanga indlela ilungu elo elithi lisebenze ngayo.
Ekugqibeleni ndifuna ukuthi, Mhlalingaphambili, ... (Translation of isiXhosa paragraphs follows.)
[I would like to say, as your shop steward, we are attending to your rights as well. I have ensured that I have reported all the concerns that the members have raised. You have already seen some of the results. Even with us, Chairperson, there is something that we would like to bring to your attention as provincial delegates - we have not been elected but we have been delegated - and that is that our needs must be provided for because we do not come here in the same manner as those on the other side.
The manner in which we have come to Parliament must be considered when referring to Members of Parliament. Many members encounter problems regarding various issues, some of which they still raise with me even today. These include issues such as not being able to make claims because they are not Members of Parliament, without looking at the functions performed by the members.
Lastly Chairperson, I would like to say ...]
... for as long as the ANC and its alliance partners govern the country, there is nothing that is called ukulingana kwamandla [equal powers]. Democracy is about numbers.
Ngoko, umntu ongazange abe ngumfundisi-ntsapho njengam, makazi ukuba kukho le nto kuthiwa ngumgcamanani, i-number line. [Therefore, someone who has never been a teacher like me must know that there is this thing called a number line.] If you look at the number line, you will understand exactly what I mean and you will never complain, hon Bloem. Thank you. [Applause.]
Deputy Chairperson, hon members of this House, on behalf of the IFP we fully support Budget Vote No 2 in your administration, sir.
Bese kuba nezinto ezithile engifuna ukuzibalula njengendoda yaKwaZulu- Natali, ethunywe abantu baKwaZulu-Natali. Ngithi, umzabalazo uliwe waqedwa manje sekufanele sisebenzele abantu bakithi ukuze kuzuze bona. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[And there are other things that I need to mention as a man from KwaZulu- Natal, who is representing the people of KwaZulu-Natal. I am saying that the struggle for democracy is over now and we need to work for our people so that it is them who benefit.]
My great-grandfather King Dinizulu ...
... kwakuyisiboshwa sase St Helena khona lapha e-Western Cape. Uyise omkhulu, ubaba wakhe aphuma okhalweni lwakhe, uCetshwayo wagxoba khona lapho ehlukunyezwa ngamaNgisi. Kusho ukuthi wonke-ke umuntu omnyama wangaleso sikhathi wayegqilazekile, waze wakhululeka-ke ngo 1994. Impilo yentandoyeningi- njengoba ngike ngasho izolo ukuthi noma ngabe yiliphi iqembu kufanele kubekhona lapho liphikiswa khona. Ngakho-ke asingakuthathi njengecala kodwa sikuthathe njengento enempilo. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[... was a prisoner at St Helena here in the Western Cape. His grandfather, his paternal grandfather, Cetshwayo, also walked this place when he was harassed by the English people. And this means that every black person at that time was persecuted and was only freed in 1994. Democracy - as I mentioned yesterday - means that any political party may be opposed on certain issues. Therefore, we should not consider it as an offence, but as a healthy excercise.]
It is a healthy democracy ...
... ukuthi kubekhona lokhu okubizwa ngokuthiwa yi-opposition ngoba sisuke sigadiwe ukuthi singenzi iphutha. Akufuneki ukuthi senze into ecishe yenzeka eZimbabwe - ukube akwenzekanga lokhu. Kufuneka senze impilo yethu iphile njengabantu - sisebenzele abantu. Thina-ke njengoba sithunywe yizifundazwe nje ngakho-ke kufanele sisebenzele ukuthuthukisa izifundazwe zethu ukuze abantu bakithi bazuze. Futhi sixhasane njengendlu emnyama - singashayani kakhulu ezintweni ezithile. Ngiyabonga. [Ihlombe.] (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[... where we have the opposition, because democracy guides us so as not to commit mistakes. We must guard against what nearly happened in Zimbabwe - if it did not happen already. We need to live like human beings - and serve our people. We, as the delegates from the provinces, need to work towards the development of our provinces so that our people can benefit. We must also support each other as black people - and not trash each other on certain issues. Thank you. [Applause.]]
Chairperson, Deputy Chair, Budget Vote No 2 of Parliament is indeed a very important Vote, especially because it is a Vote that singles out the work of Members of Parliament, who have been elected by the people, to do work for the people and on behalf of the people, so that the people can benefit.
Our economy is under strain, revenue is dropping and many of our essential services, such as health care and education, are not coping with the huge demands being placed on them.
We in the ID believe it is imperative that Parliament asserts its leadership role during these difficult times through both our words and actions and focuses on dealing with the massive challenges in our society. Our oversight role and our programme of Taking Parliament to the People are of the utmost importance. These are so important that we dare not neglect the function of that part of this House.
Our debates need to reflect this and Parliament needs to be a centre, not only of ideas, but also of action, a place in which petty squabbles are put aside in favour of truly grappling with the challenges we face.
It is time to restore the standing of this institution in our society, and we need to ensure that all the corruption scandals of the past are dealt with properly and put behind us. I support the hon Chairperson. By reporting back to this House, I support his transparency and his accountability. I have always known him as a man that we can respect, and since the day I met him, I have respected him and this is from the time of the Northern Cape provincial legislature.
We also need a greater level of transparency in our institution and we should amend the Act so that MPs can put questions to the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker and not just to members of the Cabinet.
This fourth democratic Parliament presents us with the opportunity to build a new institutional culture, one which the people of our country can look to for true leadership and guidance during these difficult times. We dare not fail them. I thank you, and the ID supports this Vote.
Chairperson and comrades, I think before we can even start to look at this Budget Vote No 2 of Parliament, perhaps it is important to make a reflection on the fact that after the death of Comrade Bambata, in 1910, there was a formation of something called the Union of South Africa. Two years later, there was a clarion call made by our fellow revolutionary, Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, when he called on all of us, the Sothos, Tsongas, Xhosas and Zulus, to come together.
At that point, the convergence of all those people in 1912 was called the parliament of the people. I want therefore to remember Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Sol Thekiso Plaatjie, Langalibalele Dube, Moses Kotane and Joe Slovo, as we gather today in this Parliament of the people.
Today we consider the budget of Parliament and the resources allocation made for it to fulfil its constitutional role and function as it represents the people of South Africa, acting as the voice of the people and ensuring government by the people under the Constitution. It is therefore important for us to realise the significance of this event and its impact on our daily lives, and the lives of the people of South Africa as has been defined by the ANC in 1912.
We will take note of the fact that yes, one of the key important aspects of Parliament is oversight. A new Oversight and Accountability Model was adopted to enhance Parliament's oversight work, as well as to bring current practices in line with Parliament's strategic path. With the adoption of the new oversight model, the next step will be to further give impetus to this particular conceptual model.
As part of Parliament's greater oversight role, the review of Chapter 9 institutions and associated institutions was also completed under the leadership of Professor Kader Asmal. This review provided an opportunity to assess the extent to which society, human rights and trends had been transformed through the operation of these particular institutions.
The review also identified requirements to strengthen these institutions to ensure that they are best able and placed to achieve their objectives. The recommendations are being considered and will be put before Parliament for consideration.
The participation of the public in the processes of Parliament is one of the key and critical elements. Their access to the institution and its members, and information provided to the public remains a vital focal point of Parliament. These processes underpin the essence of our representatives and participatory democracy through the duration of the Third Parliament and continuous focus was to build these particular elements within the Fourth Parliament.
For example, we have had an element or programmes introduced in Parliament to mobilise and galvanise the participation of our people. With regard to sectoral participation, we have had the Women's Parliament, for instance, in which a platform has been created for women to see themselves as part of Parliament, and not only the elite in this particular instance. We have seen a Parliament convened for women, drawing on the participation of women across the board; across the colour line; and across the landscape of South Africa.
For instance, for the first time we had rural women or women who are regarded as ordinary people participating in debates, trying to shape the policy direction of Parliament. The same went for young people. We have seen young people year in, year out, during the month of June, converging on Parliament, debating matters that have direct implications on their lives; reflecting on their challenges and on opportunities that, as young people, can also galvanise their energies in a way that will improve their lives for the better in this particular Parliament.
During the Third Parliament, the demand on Members of Parliament to engage in oversight activities and participate in international organisations, events and fora, increased tremendously. Public participation activities have also increased whilst the level of ongoing activities in the lawmaking process declined because of the first phase that had dealt a lot with lawmaking processes.
In addition, the Constitution and relevant legislations informs and is the anchor for engagement within the national and international political environments.
I welcome the increase under the programme Legislation and Oversight, but would further comment that this area requires us to continue finding ways to strengthen the support offered in the two particular fields.
With regard to Members' Facilities, I'm noting with excitement - and not only me, but many members have also raised the issue - the review of telephone, travel, logistical facilities for members, and medical aid contributions and travel facilities of former members is under way and its recommendations are due to be implemented in 2009-10.
It has been brought to our attention that more needs to be done in that regard because members find it very difficult, especially when it comes to travel claims. It doesn't matter what type of car you are using, the level of claim and that of repayments are the same; whether the capacity of your engine is bigger or not, it is still the same. Members feel that it is very important for Parliament to review that particular thing.
Our representatives in participatory democracy provide for active involvement of our people in the processes of Parliament, thereby providing public education, information, access to Parliament's processes and in building a people's Parliament that is responsive to the needs of our people. It's quite critical.
We need to ensure that we understand the processes of democracy and the processes of leadership of democracy. I agree with what hon Bloem has said. Yes, he was here in 1994, but it is important that he understands the nature and character of the institution that he is in now. This institution is a council of provinces which brings all provinces together and provides a platform for permanent delegates from provinces to profile and ensure that issues that have direct bearing on us get national attention.
When he was here in 1994, it was a senate. A senate's mandate and character is totally different to the institution that we have today. So, probably he needs to be reminded of that. He is a newcomer in this House. This is not a senate! He is a newcomer! [Applause.]
Secondly, it is typical of people who go out to sell out on the mandate of their people. [Interjections.]
Madam Chair, time is up. The hon member didn't have three minutes when he decided that he had three minutes. His time is up! He had one minute left.
Since when is the member a presiding officer?
Order! Hon member, he had three minutes left, and I think it's within my right to notify him when his time is over, as I've done with the previous speaker. Thank you.
Thank you, Chair. Hon Bloem, once more, should not be reminded of ...
... Die Groot Krokodil, en die manier waarop jy van hom gehou het. Selfs ook as jy praat, lyk jy nes 'n groot krokodil ... [... the big crocodile, and the way you liked him. Even when you speak, you look like a big crocodile ...]
... when you point your finger. I think you must be reminded that this is not the time of the big crocodile.
To the DA, the budget that was provided ... [Time expired.] Thank you very much. [Applause.]
Chair, I want to make sure that members understand that there is one presiding officer in the House and it is the person who is presiding and not members from the floor.
Deputy Chairperson, I want to thank you all. I never thought that the debate would be so vibrant! [Laughter.] Thank you very much. Everybody has contributed very well to the debate.
Let me touch on the issue of space utilisation, because I did not have time earlier on to do so. You will realise that there is a problem of space in Parliament. There's a shortage of rooms for committees, and a shortage of offices for members and staff members. Parliament has taken a decision to put up new office blocks.
We will be submitting a bid tomorrow to the Department of Public Works. They were in my office this morning, and the Acting Secretary to Parliament has been engaging with them. We engaged with the Minister last week to try to put up offices quickly for you so that you do not battle like you are doing right now. We are dealing with that; we are doing something about it. Mr Harris, I will check on the two issues that you've raised. I didn't have time to check on the questions you said were not responded to. I will check on that and then come back to you. I will write to you.
The other issue you were talking about is the fact that the Deputy President did not come to answer questions. I find it unbelievable, but let me check the facts - I don't have the facts right now - and then I will come back to you.
Let me touch on one issue that all of you have touched on. That is the oversight function. I always remind Members of Parliament wherever I am that the reason why we are here is that we are a few selected people who speak on behalf of our people. You cannot get the whole Republic of South Africa to come here and make laws and speak for themselves. You are very lucky. You must count yourselves very lucky.
The first thing that we must all do is to stand very tall and proud and show those people at home who have elected us that we are serious when it comes to speaking and doing the job on their behalf. That is very critical.
I normally make this example about a bridge; I like it. I will repeat it until people understand it. There is a bridge in your constituency which was started in 2005 by a department. To date it has not been completed. How many years has it been from 2005 to date? It's about three or four years. That bridge has not yet been completed. You, in your 4x4 or your beautiful Mercedes, drive through there every day and your car is damaged every day. The children cannot cross over it to go to school when it is raining, but you come to the NCOP or the NA and say nothing about it. I find it very strange. You stay in that constituency and yet you say nothing about it. That's the simple oversight that I'm talking about.
You don't have to go to a university to learn the terminology of oversight. Just go there and check on the things that are not being done, come here and put questions to those people who must respond to that.
One thing that we must do, Mr Tau - Mr Tau is the boss of the oversight function; he is in charge of that - is to create a unit in your office, at least for one or two people for now, because we don't have enough money, to track all the things that you people have raised and that have not been addressed.
That's where our problem is. We raise a lot of things here, we go back and they are not done. We raise them again, we go back and they are not done. We must track all those things and put them together, even if it means writing to the President or asking the President what they are doing about those things. I think that's a very important thing. [Applause.]
Mr Bloem, I wish you could take this to many people for them to understand that Parliament is both Houses; it's not just the NA. People think that the NA is Parliament and the NCOP does not exist. You do exist. And I hope, Mr Harris and others who have spoken about oversight, that once this machinery is running, after we have had this workshop that I'm talking about, you will not come back to me and say, "Chief, I'm sorry, I was wrong to ask you to do oversight. You are giving me too much work." I hope you won't do that, because you people are really going to work and you will see that.
There is no backbencher in this House. All of us have a job to do. All of us have to stand up and debate. All of us have to participate in our committees, many committees, not just in select committees, but joint standing committees, the Judicial Service Commission, the Magistrates Commission, the Constitutional Review Commission, etc. And we are only 54!
We must do that job. That's another thing that you will see very soon. After five years, some of you will say, "I'm not going back to the NCOP. I'd rather go to the NA, because they forget me at times."
I still have a few minutes. Mr Tau, thank you very much for mentioning public participation. What I want to emphasise to all the members is that the Constitution says that the NCOP must facilitate public participation. In the concept document that we are putting together, we want to propose to the provinces that when we do public hearings over the next five years, although resources are a problem, we must try to go to the people, and not try to call the people to come to us.
I will tell you why I'm saying this. If you say people must come to you in Parliament, who will come? Only those people who have; the have-nots will not be able to. Only those people who are organised and have the money to fax or e-mail a submission and so on, will be able to.
What we are requesting the provinces and the local government sphere to do is to go down to the villages. Let them go there. I do not even mean the legislatures - try to go out and sit in a village somewhere.
Put five or ten villages together, speak their language, stop the grand English which is used here in Parliament and speak in the language that they will understand so that they can respond, because that affects their lives. We've got to start doing that. And then we will physically be in touch with our people. That's the proposal we are going to put forward.
We will also look into members' facilities. If you write to me, I will put it to the Parliamentary Oversight Authority, POA, and we will look into that. The POA is the body that looks into that.
May I take this opportunity to thank staff members, particularly the Acting Secretary to Parliament, who has done a sterling job in his capacity as Acting Secretary. Thank you very much, Acting Secretary. I also want to thank the chief operations officer, who is here with us, and the staff in my Office, the Office of the Chief Whip and other offices that have done so well in assisting us to do our job.
The Chief Whip mentioned something here which I think is very important. This House is the only House in the world - listen carefully - that can bring all three spheres of government under one roof.
It is the only House; there is no other in the whole world. We can bring the national government, the provincial government and the local government here to discuss policy issues.
The Chief Whip has actually said something about that. The Minister for the Public Service and Administration challenged us yesterday. We must discuss the issue of Batho Pele. Did you hear him? I was sitting here listening. I'm challenging you to call a debate on that. Those are the policy issues that we must raise.
The Minister for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs also challenged you to discuss local government issues. These are the things that we should be doing as Members of Parliament. Different select committees come with policy issues in this House, and we call these spheres of government to come and debate those issues.
Thank you very much for supporting the budget, and may God bless you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Business suspended at 13:09 and resumed at 14:05.
Afternoon Sitting