Speaker, Cope calls on ANC women MPs to honour the consensus that was reached at the Women's Parliament that the Traditional Courts Bill should be withdrawn and to insist that Minister Jeff Radebe withdraws this draconian Bill immediately.
The Bill before the NCOP is exactly the same as the 2008 Bill. This is despite the fact that the SA Law Commission, in consultation with interest groups, including the Alliance for Rural Democracy, presented a revoked draft to the Minister in 2003. This revoked draft provided a so-called opt- out right for rural women who preferred to access magistrates' courts instead of customary courts.
Unfortunately, Minister Radebe stands firm, refusing ...
Speaker ...
On what point are you rising, hon member?
Speaker, on a point of order: My knowledge of the Rules might be a little bit on the rusty side and maybe you can assist us. Is the hon member not anticipating a matter that either is or might be on the agenda of Parliament or this House? [Interjections.]
Speaker, on a point of order: The hon Deputy Minister did not rise on a point of order. He rose to raise a question. [Interjections.] [Laughter.]
Hon Speaker ...
And what point are you rising on? [Laughter.] Continue, hon member.
Can she continue?
You can. I don't know about her, but you can! [Laughter.]
Hon Speaker, we just want to bring it to their attention that the Bill is not before this House. It is before the NCOP and therefore we are not anticipating an Order of this House.
That is correct, hon member. Proceed, hon member.
Thank you, Speaker. Unfortunately, Minister Radebe stands firm, refusing to withdraw the Bill, with leading ANC women supporting him. Is this to appease the traditional leaders' lobby in the run-up to the ANC's Mangaung leadership elections? [Interjections.] It will be very disappointing if ANC women MPs are turning a blind eye to the pleas of rural women who rejected this Bill in its entirety. [Interjections.]
Order, hon members! Order!
The current Bill is establishing a separate and unequal legal regime for millions of people in the former Bantustans, effectively reintroducing the second-class citizenship of the apartheid era, entrenching apartheid tribal boundaries and undermining the constitutional rights of women, who would be criminalised if they wanted to opt out of traditional court procedures. Whereas we believe that traditional courts have a role to play in dealing with matters relating to the restitution of justice, Cope cannot support the current Bill. [Interjections.] [Time expired.] [Applause.]
Order! Hon members, order.
May I ask a question, sir?
Do you want to ask me a question, sir?
Yes. Is that the new spokesman for traditional leaders, or is it lobbying for Mangaung?
That is a general question. Please don't answer it now. Let's finish the programme. [Laughter.]