Chairperson, the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Bill takes us a step closer to an integrated management approach, which should expedite the procedural compliance thereof.
That being said, the IFP is concerned about the impact of the power afforded to the Minister to appoint members to the proposed Sectional Titles Schemes Management Advisory Council. In these powers lurks the danger of making appointments that are politically motivated, and subsequently compromising the interests of the schemes that the Bill seeks to protect.
The omission in the Bill of the amendment of key definitions is potentially a further area of concern. Definitions such as "regulation board", "unanimous resolution", "proxy", and "management agency" could have further enhanced the efficiency of these schemes. The IFP believes that clarity of these issues could be accommodated within these Bills, instead of in a later amendment.
The Community Schemes Ombud Service Bill is welcomed by the IFP, particularly the dispute resolution service that it aims to establish for all community schemes.
Unfortunately, there are grave areas of concern, in particular the almost centralised structure of the proposed offices. The IFP has noted the vagueness around the number of regional offices, where the community schemes in especially rural and semirural areas are neglected. Sir, "community schemes" are by definition local entities and therefore require local offices. The cost implication of local offices can be addressed by means of proper planning and research, which could produce a sensible local structure model. This is to ensure access to these services by local communities.
Clarity is needed around the levies that the service could potentially generate, to ensure that the said entities do not become cash cows for the ombud service. This will have to be accompanied by the department's business case, which would specify the operating expenditure for the ombud service. If these issues are addressed, the proposed ombud service should be a beneficial institution for all concerned.
Mhlonishwa Sihlalo, siyambonga kakhulu umama uDambuza ngokuthi akwazi ukuthi abekezele angalali, futhi abekezelele ukwehluka kwemiqondo yethu ukuze lo Mthethosivivinyo ube yimpumelelo ngokusebenza ubusuku nemini nekomidi lakhe. Ngaleyo ndlela iNkatha yeNkululeko iyaweseka lo Mthethosivivinyo. Ngiyabonga. (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.)
[Hon Chairperson, we thank Ms Dambuza very much for being able to stay awake, and being patient with our different opinions in making this Bill a success and also for working around the clock with her committee. The Bill is welcomed by the IFP. Thank you.]