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THURSDAY, 12 FEBRUARY 2015
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PROCEEDINGS OF THE JOINT SITTING
____
Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of
Provinces assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly at
19:02.
The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the
National Council of Provinces took the Chair. The Speaker
requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or
meditation.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: Yes, hon member?
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I rise on Rule
14(s) to draw your attention to the fact that the cellphone
signal in the House has been jammed. A device has been installed
in the National Assembly. I would submit to you, Madam Speaker,
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that this is in direct violation of section 59(1)(b) of the
Constitution. [Applause.]
Madam Speaker, it is also in violation of section 16(1)(b) of
the Constitution and the Bill of Rights – the freedom to receive
or impart information or ideas.
Madam Speaker, the DA would like to request you to instruct
whoever is responsible for this – because it was never discussed
in the Chief Whips’ Forum at any time – to please turn the
device off, and allow us to impart our ideas and our viewpoints.
which the Constitution – which was hard fought for – provides. I
request your ruling. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: We will make sure that the Secretary to Parliament
follows up on that issue. [Interjections.]
Dr C P MULDER: Hon Speaker ...
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Maimane.
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The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We want
South Africans to hear ideas. We want them to hear the state of
the nation address. We simply cannot proceed unless that jamming
device is disconnected. If you rule that we must proceed with
that jamming device on, we will challenge that ruling in
Parliament and, if needs be, we will take this Parliament to
court, because that is unacceptable. [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Maimane, as I said, we will have the Secretary
to Parliament look into the matter ... [Interjections.] He will
look into the matter. [Interjections.]
Dr C P MULDER: Hon Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Mulder.
Dr C P MULDER: Hon Speaker, it is a pity that we have to start
the proceedings in this way. I would like to refer you to Rule
14(1) of the Joint Rules of Parliament. This is a Joint Sitting
of Parliament and should be open to the public. In terms of Rule
14(1) of the Joint Rules of Parliament: “Joint Sittings are open
to the public, including the media.” The media cannot do its
work as long as the signal to do what they need to do is
blocked.
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This has not happened in 20 years at Parliament. We were
informed by some senior members of the ruling party that they
are not aware of this, that the officials of Parliament are not
aware of this. I am under the impression that maybe the
executive may have something to do with this. This is the
highest legislative body in this country. In terms of the
Constitution, we cannot proceed unless we are an open society in
terms of a media plan. [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Mulder, we have said that we are instructing
the Secretary to look into the matter ...
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Hon Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, while I am on the floor, can you
please take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Are you going to note me, though?
The SPEAKER: Please take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Please do not be intimidating. We finished
that.
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The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu ...
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: We want to give a concrete proposal in terms of
how to proceed.
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, I am talking. While I am talking, you
take your seat.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Please note me after that. [Interjections.] Hon
Speaker, noting that you are not talking now, may I please talk
and propose that you adjourn the House until we have dealt with
this situation. [Applause.] Then we can come back and continue
under tolerable conditions, not under the current circumstances.
I have made a proposal, Speaker and Chair of the NCOP.
[Interjections.]
HON MEMBERS: Bring back the signal! Bring back the signal!
The SPEAKER: Hon members, we are just waiting for the Secretary
to return and give us a response. [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, we have been waiting for the head of
state for a very long time - for over an hour. There seems to be
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a problem with the water service. I am terribly thirsty and I
think a lot of people are. Can we get the water service up and
running?
And while we are waiting for the signal, we don’t have water.
There is a service delivery crisis here in Parliament!
[Interjections.]
Mr K B MANAMELA: Hon Speaker, I have just received a tweet ...
[Inaudible.] ... saying that the problem is not the network; the
problem is the airtime.
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, can I request that
we ... [Inaudible.]
Can I ask that the microphone should please work ...
[Inaudible.] ... it is not.
Madam Speaker, can I request that we also look at the SABC feed.
This is a matter that ensures that South Africans can get this
information. Can I ask that the SABC ... in fact, all news
networks - it’s about freedom of speech - can I ask that we look
into that as well? I would appreciate that. Thank you very much.
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The SPEAKER: Hon members, I am happy to report that according to
the Secretary’s report, the issue of the scrambling has been
unscrambled. [Applause.] Secondly, the water is coming.
[Interjections.]
Dr C P MULDER: Hon Speaker ...
The SPEAKER: Yes, hon Mulder.
Dr C P MULDER: Hon Speaker, I take note of the report on behalf
of the Secretary, but this is a very serious matter and I want
you to enquire after this meeting from the Secretary as to who
was responsible for this breach of the democracy of this
country. [Applause.]
The SPEAKER: The Secretary will indeed look into it further. Hon
members, the President has called this Joint Sitting of the
National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces in terms
of section 84(2)(d) of the Constitution of the Republic of South
Africa, read with Joint Rule 7(1)(a), in order to deliver his
state of the nation address to Parliament. I now call on the hon
President to address the Joint Sitting. [Applause.]
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: [Inaudible.]
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The SPEAKER: Hon President, we would like to apologise to you.
We are experiencing some glitches due to the withdrawal of
labour by some members of Nehawu, but we are taking the
microphone from upstairs, where it is normally operated.
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Nansi iyasebenza manje Sihlalo.
[Ihlombe.] [It is working now, Chairperson. [Applause.]]
Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairperson of the National
Council of Provinces, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly
and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Deputy President Cyril
Ramaphosa, former President Thabo Mbeki, former President F W de
Klerk, Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and all esteemed members of
the judiciary, the Vice President of the Pan-African Parliament,
His Excellency Mr Roger Nkondo Dang, the Speaker of the National
Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of
the Southern African Development Community’s Parliamentary
Forum, the hon Anne Makinda, Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
premiers and Speakers of provincial legislatures, Chairperson of
SA Local Government Association, the heads of Chapter 9
institutions, Chairperson of the National House of Traditional
Leaders, the former Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Frene
Ginwala, Their Majesties Kgosi Keru Molotlegi, King Toni Peter
Mphephu Ramabulana, Kumkani Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu, invited
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guests, members of the diplomatic corps, hon members, fellow
South Africans, good evening, sanibonani, molweni, riperile,
dumelang, lotjhani, goeie naand, ndi madekwana, !gâi !oes.
[Applause.] It is not Chinese; it is a South African language.
[Laughter.]
Madam Speaker and Madam Chairperson of the NCOP, I would like to
thank the presiding officers for the opportunity to address the
nation this evening. The year 2015 marks 60 years of a historic
moment in our history when South Africans from all walks of life
adopted the Freedom Charter in 1955 in Kliptown, Soweto.
[Interjections.]
Mr G A GARDEE: Madam Speaker ...
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: They declared amongst others,
that South Africa ... [Interjections.] ... belongs to all who
live in it, black and white, and that no government can just
claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people.
[Interjections.]
Mr G A GARDEE: Madam Speaker, I rise in terms of Rule 14(c).
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The SPEAKER: Hon President, hon President, I am sorry to
interrupt your speech; if the President would not mind just
taking a seat so we can listen to this member’s point of order.
Mr G A GARDEE: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in terms of Rule
14(c) of the Joint Rules of Parliament 6th edition, the
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa on a question of
privilege. May I proceed?
HON MEMBERS: Yes.
Mr G A GARDEE: May we ask the President as to when he is going
pay back the money in terms of what the Public Protector has
said? That is the question of privilege we would like to ask,
and, accordingly, since he has not been answering questions, we
hope that today he will answer that question. I thank you.
The SPEAKER: I would like to remind you, hon member, that a
point of order must relate to a point of procedure concerning
the current proceedings. As you know, today’s sitting is
convened for a specific purpose. That purpose is for the
President to deliver his annual address to Parliament. Members
will have an opportunity to debate and respond to the address by
the President at the sittings scheduled for next week, including
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raising any related matters. So, this is not a question session.
The hon President may resume.
Mr G A GARDEE: Madam Speaker, I rose on a question of privilege,
not a point of order. So, you have addressed the issue of a
point of order, Madam Speaker. But on the issue of the question
of privilege, can that question be answered or can we be told
that it is in the speech. Is he still going to tell us when the
money is going to be paid? Is it going to be paid by EFT, cash
or eWallet? Thank you.
The SPEAKER: Hon members should be aware that each House has a
procedure for asking questions to the executive. This Joint
Sitting cannot be turned into a question session. The President
will be answering questions in the National Assembly on 11
March, as we have all been informed; and in the National Council
of Provinces, questions to the President are provisionally
scheduled for 18 March. Before then, members can always ask
questions for written reply. That opportunity is available to
members on a weekly basis; members should use those platforms
for questions. This is in addition to the interaction that will
happen next week during the President’s address. It is important
that this sitting focuses on the business of the day, and that
is for the President to deliver the state of the nation address.
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Mr N S MATIASE: Madam Speaker, I rise on Rule 14(c) and (l) on
the Rules of a Joint Sitting of Parliament on points of order.
We are of the view that the question deserves an adequate
response, and we call upon this House to apply its collective
memory to recall that the President has evaded coming here and
answering questions, not once, not twice, but on more than three
occasions. We are entitled to get answers to questions put
before the President, and we insist that these questions, as we
raise them, should be answered today.
The SPEAKER: Hon members, I am being patient with you by
actually listening to your points in spite of the fact that I
have explained that this is not the occasion for questions or
points, whether of order or of privilege. This is a specifically
called sitting for the President to deliver his state of the
nation address. I again insist and appeal to members to allow
this House to proceed with the business of the day.
Dr Y C VAWDA: Hon Speaker, I am rising in terms of Rule 14(c) of
the Joint Rules of Parliament on a question of privilege. Hon
Speaker, it is the privilege of this House and the privilege of
the nation at large to be provided with adequate answers on the
issues that have been raised previously. Thank you.
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The SPEAKER: Hon members, if you insist on this approach and you
keep raising questions even after I have explained to you, not
once, that this Joint sitting is not meant for any of the issues
you are raising, as I said, not a point of order, or a point of
privilege nor questions are the business of this particular
sitting. This is a special sitting asked for by the President so
that he may deliver the state of the nation address, and the
people of South Africa are waiting to hear what he has to say.
This House has to proceed with the business of the state of the
nation address being delivered today without hindrance by any of
the kind of conduct that is being displayed in this House today.
[Applause.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Hon Speaker.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, I don’t think you are going to raise
anything that has not been covered by what I have said.
Mr J S MALEMA: You are making a mistake, because you are reading
my mind. [Laughter.] Allow me to speak.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema. Hon Malema.
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Mr J S MALEMA: Please Speaker, can I speak?
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema. On what, hon ...?
Mr J S MALEMA: On the same point that the other members are
raising. [Interjections.] You are not doing me any favours and
none of these people who are howling is doing me any favours; it
is within my rights to speak as a member of this House, and
remind you that it is incorrect of you to suggest that when the
President speaks, you suspend the Rules. The Rules are not
suspended and the Rules must apply even when the President
speaks, and you have not answered Dr Vawda’s question. Stop
treating us as a group; treat each one as an individual member
of this House and respond to them as such. The individual member
spoke, you explained, and he sat down; the other one spoke, you
explained and he sat down; when Vawda’s turn came, you said that
you have responded, and you insisted, even though he was
speaking for the first time. Stop treating people as a group, we
are speaking here as individual members. We want the President
to answer a simple question: When is he paying back the money,
as directed by the Public Protector? That is all we are asking.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, you are not raising anything new; and
what you are saying is still the same thing I have responded to
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and explained, and I have patiently been asking you, hon
members, to allow this House to proceed with the business of the
day, and the business of the day is that the President will
deliver the state of the nation address. I am not allowing any
other member to raise any other point of order. [Interjections.]
I am not allowing you, hon members, because I have explained to
you that you are actually abusing ...
Mr J S MALEMA: Which Rule are you using, my hon Speaker? Which
Rule are you using to deny members raising a point of order?
They are protected by the Rules. You cannot be emotional about
it. Point us to the Rule which gives you the power to deny us
points of order.
The SPEAKER: Hon Julius Malema, I now have to ask that you leave
the Chamber. [Applause.] I now ask, hon Malema, you leave the
Chamber, because it’s clear that you are not prepared to cooperate with us.
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Hon Speaker, can you please assist us in terms
of the Rules of the Joint Sitting ... what Rule are you applying
to ...?
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The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, I now have to ask you also to leave
the Chamber. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: I am still asking a question!
The SPEAKER: Hon Shivambu, I have now ... [Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: What Rule are you applying ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: ... to ask you also to leave the Chamber!
[Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: Oh! I am still asking a question.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Order! On a point of order! [Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: I am still asking a question. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon members! Hon members of the EFF ...
[Interjections.]
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: How do I leave before I get an answer?
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The SPEAKER: I have ruled on the matter and I am now asking you
to leave the Chamber. [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, hon Speaker!
Mr N F SHIVAMBU: But I am asking a question! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, hon Speaker! On a point of
order! On a point of order! [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: You have come here to disrupt. [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, I am asking you to recognise me in
terms of a point of order.
The SPEAKER: You told the country that you would disrupt.
[Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: No, we never said that. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Now we have listened ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: We never said that! We said we are coming here to
behave within the Rules and to ask questions. [Interjections.]
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Mr J S MALEMA: Allow us to raise questions.
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema! [Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: We are not disrupting. Allow us to raise
questions. [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: We are not disrupting! [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Malema, leave the Chamber!
Mr J S MALEMA: I am not going to leave, hon Speaker!
[Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, I am rising on a point of order!
The SPEAKER: If you do not leave the Chamber ...
[Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: I am not working for you, Speaker!
[Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: ... I have to ask ... [Interjections.]
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Mr J S MALEMA: Hon Speaker, I am not here on your invitation. I
was elected to be here. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: ... that you are assisted to leave the Chamber!
[Interjections.]
Mr J S MALEMA: Never! I am not going to leave! I was elected to
be here. [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: You will leave the Chamber, because the Chamber is
for the business of today.
Mr J S MALEMA: Exactly, we are doing the business of today.
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker!
The SPEAKER: I will now ask the Serjeant-at-arms to assist hon
Malema to leave the Chamber! [Applause.] [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! [Interjections.]
Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! [Interjections.]
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Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! [Interjections.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! [Interjections.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! [Interjections.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: Hon Speaker, we don’t care ... [Inaudible.]
[Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! I am rising on a
point of order! [Interjections.]
Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: I now ask that the Serjeant-at-arms, the Usher of
the Black Rod ... [Interjections.]
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Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: ... the Parliamentary Protection Services ...
[Interjections.]
Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: On a point of order, Speaker! On a point of
order, Speaker! My name is hon Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, I am rising on
a point of order! I am a member in good standing of this
honourable Joint Sitting; I am rising on a point of order,
please recognise me. Chairperson of the session, Madam Speaker,
can we be recognised? [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi ...
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Can I ask you, hon Speaker, to recognise me?
The SPEAKER: Hon Ndlozi, you must also leave the Chamber!
[Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Why, hon Speaker?
Ms N R MASHABELA: Hon Speaker!
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Ms H O MAXON: Madam Speaker! [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon Maxon, you will leave the Chamber!
[Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, you are illegally excommunicating
us. [Interjections.]
Ms M S KHAWULA: Ngeke kwenzeke lokho! [That will never happen.]
Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, you are not a bishop! You are a
Speaker! [Interjections.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: Hon Speaker! Hon Speaker!
Ms M S KHAWULA: Singabaphi thina? [Where do we belong?]
Ms N R MASHABELA: Hon Speaker! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, you are not a bishop! I am appealing
to your conscience!
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The SPEAKER: I have asked that you be assisted to leave the
Chamber! [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: I am appealing to your conscience, hon Speaker,
please recognise us. [Interjections.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: Hon Speaker, I am rising in terms of Rule
14(l), which states that at a Joint Sitting a member may only
speak from a podium to raise a point of order ...
[Interjections.]
An HON MEMBER: Sizolala la! [We will sleep here!]
Ms N R MASHABELA: ... or a question of privilege ...
[Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: Hon members, you are not going block the state of
the nation address. [Interjections.]
Ms N R MASHABELA: ... all Members of Parliament are allowed to
raise a point of order or a ... [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: I am asking the Parliamentary Protection Officers
to please come in ... [Interjections.]
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Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker, we want to speak, please allow us. We
are Members of this Parliament! [Interjections.]
The SPEAKER: ... and take out the hon members. [Interjections.]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hon Speaker, we are appealing to your conscience.
Ms M S KHAWULA: Yebo, akezwa! [Yes, she isn’t hearing you!]
Mr M Q NDLOZI: Hopefully you still have a revolutionary
conscience! [Interjections.]
[Parliamentary Protection Officers enter the Chamber.]
Ms M S KHAWULA: Wozani! He! He! he! [Come! He He! He!]
[Applause.]
The SPEAKER: I also order the security officers to please
assist!
Ms H O MAXON: But hon Speaker, we want to speak!
[Interjections.]
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MUCHAVISEKI XIRHO: Manana Xipikara, ndzi kombela ku pfuna. Ndzi
kombela mi ndzi langutisa leswaku ndzi ta pfunanyana swin’wana.
Manana Xipikira, ndzi kombela leswaku mi ndzi langutisa haleno
leswaku ndzi ta kota ku pfuna swin’wana. (Translation of
Xitsonga paragraph follows.)
[An Hon MEMBER: Madam Speaker, I am requesting to lend a hand.
Please consider me so that I may lend a hand a bit. Madam
Speaker, may I be considered over here so that I may lend a hand
with something.]
Ms M S KHAWULA: Ujabulela ukuthi umuntu omnyama ashaye futhi
aqindezele omunye umuntu omnyama! [You are delighted by a black
person hitting and oppressing another black person!]
An Hon MEMBER: Manana Xipikira, ndzi kombela ku vulavula leswaku
ndzi ta pfuna swin’wana. [Madam Speaker, I am requesting the
opportunity to speak so that I may lend a hand with something.]
An Hon MEMBER: Speaker, may I talk?
Ms H O MAXON: Hon Speaker!
An HON MEMBER: Speaker, I am a member of this House.
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An HON MEMBER: Sizolala la thina! Sizolala la! [As for us, we
will sleep here! We will sleep here!]
An Hon MEMBER: Ndzi kombela ku vulavula leswaku ndzi ta pfuna
swin’wana. [I am requesting the opportunity to speak so that I
may lend a hand with something.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Will all the hon members who
are standing take their seats!
An Hon MEMBER: Ndzi kombela ku vulavula leswaku ndzi ta pfuna
swin’wana. [I am requesting the opportunity to speak so that I
may lend a hand with something.]
The SPEAKER: The security forces must come in, in terms of the
Powers and Privileges Act. [Interjections.]
Whereupon Members were removed from the Chamber.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Members of the NCOP, take your
seats. [Interjections.] Members of the NCOP, hon Dlamini, hon
Dlamini, take your seat! [Interjections.] [Applause.]
An HON MEMBER: Sebephumile. [They have left.]
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: No! No! Hon members!
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Hon Speaker!
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Will the members please take
their seats? Hon Maimane, what point of order are you rising on?
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Chairperson, I am rising on
Rule 14(k), which states that in the event of grave disorder at
a sitting ... I want to understand whether the members who were
sent in here to remove the members of the EFF were members of
the SA Police Service; and if that is the case, may I request
that in fact this ... We simply cannot allow that police be
allowed to enter this Chamber. It is a grave constitutional
violation. We want to be here to hear the state of the nation
address, but we cannot violate this Constitution of the people
of this country by allowing the police in this Chamber. We can’t
accept that. I would like clarity on that, Madam Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Maimane, we have heard your
point of privilege raised under Joint Rules 14. We have indeed
repeatedly called members during this Joint Sitting to heed the
call to take their seats and to withdraw. We sent in the Usher
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of the Black Rod and the Serjeant-at-arms, but they were all
defied.
We then moved on in terms of the Powers, Privileges and
Immunities Act to call on the security services of Parliament to
come in. We are also empowered by the same Act to ensure that we
can escalate this and ask for security, whichever security, to
act in support of public order policing. I think, hon members,
we should allow this House to do its business.
I think that we have called for a Joint Sitting of Parliament it was not even convened by the Speaker and the Chairperson of
the NCOP. It is convened in terms of a request raised by the
President for a specific reason, to come and give the nation,
ourselves and the international community the state of the
nation address. I think we should be allowed, hon members, to
proceed with the business of the day.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, Madam House
Chair.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: I am the Chairperson of the NCOP
and not a House Chair.
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The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam, I apologise for the
disrespect, Chairperson of the NCOP. May I address you, Madam?
Thank you very much for the opportunity. Madam Chairperson, the
Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act indeed confers powers on
you in that regard, but no Act passed by Parliament can
supersede the Constitution. I would like to refer you, if I may,
to section 199(7) of the Constitution and I would like to read
from it, Madam Chair:
Neither the security services, nor any of their members, may,
in the performance of their functions –
(a)
prejudice a political party interest that is legitimate in
terms of the Constitution; or
(b)
further, in a partisan manner, any interest of a political
party.
Madam Chairperson, hon Maimane asked a question. He wanted to
establish from you which of those were SAPS members. What
concerns me more, Madam Chairperson, with due respect, is that
there were members with firearms who entered the sacrosanct
Chamber of Parliament while it was in session. Now I submit to
you, Madam Chairperson, that this is not a state of affairs. We
12 FEBRUARY 2015
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don’t meet bad behaviour with bad behaviour. Now, I submit to
you that the section that you have invoked is unconstitutional
and incorrect. I would ask you to make a ruling on it.
The MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Chairperson, as the
Speaker indicated at the beginning of this sitting, this sitting
is called by the President in terms of the Constitution. The
disruption we saw was a direct violation of the Constitution.
[Applause.] We should not, therefore, be selective as to when
it’s constitutional and when it’s not.
The disruption of the President delivering the state of the
nation address in a sitting called in terms of the Constitution
is in itself a violation. It’s a violation of the Rules with
respect to Joint Sittings of the House as called by the
President in terms of the Constitution. I thought you knew the
Rules very well. I suggest you read Rule 7 of the Joint Rules.
Thank you, Speaker. [Applause.]
Prince M G BUTHELEZI: Madam Chairperson of the NCOP, I think
what we have seen today is disgusting. I think our country is
really being torn to pieces and I think that the struggle for
liberation didn’t take place for people to play the fool like
this with our country. [Applause.] I think that what is
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happening is not really what the majority of the people in this
House want to see in this House. [Applause.] If there is any
opportunity, if the Constitution allows us to vote, why can’t we
put this matter to the vote? We can’t have a few people
indulging in these theatrics, tearing our country apart and
using all kinds of poppycock; what I regard as utter nonsense.
[Applause.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, it is understandable
that we will react to what we have just witnessed. It is also
understandable that with any incident like the one we’ve just
witnessed, we will react. It is something that the Rules of
Parliament never anticipated would happen. It is something which
the voters of South Africa did not anticipate. Therefore, let us
agree that such incidents will not be allowed to happen again in
our Parliament. Let us then take lessons from what has happened
today. Use the structures of Parliament. If it means that the
concerns raised by the members here are taken back to the Rules,
let us use that route. But we are appealing to you to allow us
to continue with the business of today. [Applause.] Hon Maimane,
we want to continue with the business of today.
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: I really would like us to
continue, hon Chairperson. I want us ... [Interjections.]
12 FEBRUARY 2015
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Maimane, we want to continue.
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: I want clarity on whether those
were the police or not. [Interjections.] I want clarity on that.
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Maimane, use the structures
that you know are available to you and let this House proceed
with its business.
The LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION: In that instance, Madam
Chairperson, if you can’t confirm to me if it’s the police or
not, what you are saying to me is that in future you’ll use the
defence force to escalate. May I ask that our party be left
outside of the state of the nation address, if I could request
that? [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Maimane, the presiding officers
will not permit you to leave. If you want to leave, let it be
the decision that you take as a party so that tomorrow you do
not say that these two presiding officers told you to leave the
Chamber. [Applause.] We did not tell you to leave this Chamber.
If you want to take that decision, take it on your own.
[Interjections.]
12 FEBRUARY 2015
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Steenhuisen, are you rising on
a different point?
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: It’s on 14(s), Chairperson of
the National Council of Provinces. We are drawing your attention
to a point of privilege. It is not parliamentary convention for
members of the SA Police Service to come onto the floor of this
... [Interjections.]
The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, members!
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: The hon Leader of the
Opposition asked you a question and it needs a very simple
answer, whether it’s members of the SA Police Service or members
of the parliamentary security. It is an important question,
because the parliamentary security services report to the two of
you and not to the executive. The SAPS reports to the executive.
Therefore, it’s a matter of the separation of powers and
privileges of this House. We really do want to proceed, but we
will require an answer from you whether those members who came
onto this floor with firearms were members of the SA Police
Service or the parliamentary protection services.
12 FEBRUARY 2015
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon Steenhuisen, I cannot ...
[Interjections.] ... hon members, do you want me to respond to
you or not? Hon members, I take it that the people you are
referring to as having come on the floor of the House as the
people who came in on the instruction of the Speaker to escort
outside the members who were disrupting the House. Hon members
will remember that we sent the order to the Usher of the Black
Rod and the Serjeant-at-arms. We then asked the parliamentary
protection services to come and help. We then said that the
security forces working with the parliamentary protection
services can come in. [Interjections.] No, please, allow me to
respond.
You are saying to us it isn’t conventional. Yes, it is not
conventional. It is also not conventional for this House, a
Joint Sitting, to be turned into a question session of the
National Assembly. [Applause.] It is not conventional. Yes, I
agree with you, hon Steenhuisen. Can we please proceed with the
business of the day? I have responded to you. There is no way I
could sit here and be able to make out who is police and who is
not. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
[Whereupon the DA left the House.]
12 FEBRUARY 2015
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The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, members. Order! Thank you.
Order, members! Please close the door. Hon members, the Speaker
and I want to, first of all, tender our apologies to the
President. We apologise for what has happened in the House
today. We also want to apologise to you, members, our guests in
the gallery, the country at large and everybody who has had to
witness what has happened in this House today. We hope, as I
said earlier, that out of bad lessons some education will come
and we will learn to do things the right way.
We wish to proceed with the business of today and therefore call
on our President to please take his place at the podium and to
give us the state of the nation address. [Applause.]
The PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC: Let me start at the point I was
interrupted. I was saying that the year 2015 marks 60 years of a
historic moment in our history, when South Africans from all
walks of life adopted the Freedom Charter in 1955, in Kliptown,
Soweto.
They declared, amongst other things, that South Africa belongs
to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government
can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all
the people. [Applause.] That was a powerful, visionary and
12 FEBRUARY 2015
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reconciliatory statement which set the tone for the nonracial
democracy we have established.
This week we also mark 25 years since the release of President
Nelson Mandela from prison, and since the unbanning of the
liberation movements.
The release of Madiba marked a giant leap forward in the long
walk to freedom for the people of South Africa as a whole and
dealt a fatal blow to apartheid colonialism. We continue to be
inspired by Madiba and draw lessons from his legacy as we build
our country.
The year 2015 is the Year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in
Action to Advance Economic Freedom. It is the year of going the
extra mile in building an united, democratic, nonracial,
nonsexist and prosperous South Africa. It is also the year of
rededicating ourselves to eradicate racism and all related
intolerances in our country. It is also the year of investing
more in our future by educating our children and the youth about
the rich heritage of this country.
We are already inculcating a new national identity through
promoting national symbols such as the national flag, the
national anthem and the preamble of the Constitution in every
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school. From this year, schools must also practise the African
Union anthem in preparation for the celebration of Africa Month
in May, as we implement the African Union decision in this
regard.
Hon members, distinguished guests, our youth is our future and
their success fills us with immense pride. I would like you to
join me in congratulating my special guest, our ace Olympic
swimmer, Chad le Clos. [Applause.] Chad received swimming’s
highest honour in December after, amongst many other outstanding
achievements, he was crowned the world’s best swimmer for 2014
by the International Swimming Federation. [Applause.]
I am also hosting three special girls from Moletsane High School
in Soweto. [Applause.] They are Ofentse Mahasha, Hlengiwe
Moletsane and Tiisetso Mashiloane. [Applause.] Ofentse and
Hlengiwe attended the last G20 summit in Australia and performed
exceptionally well, making us truly proud. [Applause.] I must
tell you that, during the tea I had with them yesterday, one of
them said that if one decides to do something, one must work had
and put one’s eyes on the goal. And she said that she wants to
become the President of South Africa. [Laughter.] [Applause.]
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Allow me, Madam Speaker and Chairperson of the NCOP, to
congratulate in absentia, another star performer who has brought
glory to our country – Miss World, Ms Rolene Strauss.
[Applause.]
I would also like to introduce another special guest, the
country’s Sports Star of the Year and Banyana Banyana striker,
Miss Portia Modise. [Applause.] Congratulations, Portia.
Hon members, distinguished guests, I would like to thank all who
took the time to contribute to the 2015 state of the nation
address. In terms of the inputs, our people are concerned about,
amongst others, crime, roads, access to education, youth
internship schemes, water, electricity and support for small
businesses.
Contributions requiring feedback are being referred to
government departments for action. These contributions, as you
know, emerge because I asked the country to make suggestions
about what the President must say. These are the contributions
that came in response to that request.
Hon members and distinguished guests, we meet yet again during a
difficult economic climate. This week the IMF revised the GDP
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growth forecasts for global economic growth in 2015 down to
3,5%. Our ambition of achieving a growth target of 5% by 2019 is
at risk because of the slow global growth as well as domestic
constraints in energy, skills, transport and logistics amongst
others. However, the situation is more promising on the jobs
front. Two days ago, Statistics SA released the employment
figures for the last quarter of 2014. The report shows that
there are now 15,3 million people who are employed in South
Africa. Jobs grew by 203 000.
Our investment in youth employment is also paying off. The
Employment Tax Incentive, which was introduced last year and
directed mainly at the youth, is progressing very well.
[Applause.] Two billion rand has been claimed to date by some
29 000 employers, who have claimed for at least 270 000 young
people.
I announced a target of 6 million work opportunities over five
years last year for the programme. Thus far we have created more
than 850 000 work opportunities. This means that we are poised
to meet the annual target of one million job opportunities.
[Applause.] In addition, our environmental programmes such as
Working on Waste, Working for Wetlands, Working for Water and
Working on Fire have created more than 30 000 work opportunities
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and aim to create more than 60 000 during the next financial
year.
Our economy needs a major push forward. We would like to share
with you our nine-point plan to ignite growth and create jobs.
These are: Firstly, resolving the energy challenge; secondly,
revitalising agriculture and the agro-processing value chain;
thirdly, advancing beneficiation or adding value to our mineral
wealth; fourthly, more effective implementation of a higher
impact Industrial Policy Action Plan, Ipap; fifthly, encouraging
private sector investment; sixthly, moderating workplace
conflict; seventhly, unlocking the potential of small, medium
and micro enterprises, SMMEs, co-operatives, township and rural
enterprises; eighthly, state reform of boosting the role of
state-owned companies, ICT infrastructure or broadband roll-out,
water, sanitation and transport infrastructure; and ninthly,
Operation Phakisa, aimed at growing the ocean economy and other
sectors.
Compatriots, the country is currently experiencing serious
energy constraints which are an impediment to economic growth
and is a major inconvenience to everyone in the country.
Overcoming the challenge is uppermost in our programme. We are
doing everything we can to resolve the energy challenge.
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Uhulumeni wenza konke okusemandleni akhe ukubhekana nesimo
sokuncipha kukagesi ezweni. Siyazi ukuthi lesi isikhathi
esinzima, kodwa sizodlula, ngoba sinezindlela eziningi
zokusebenza nokubhekana nale nkinga. (Translation of isiZulu
paragraph follows.)
[Government is doing everything in its power to deal with the
power outages in the country. We know that this is a difficult
time, but this shall pass, because we have devised many
strategies to deal with this problem.]
We have developed a plan which involves short-, medium- and
long-term responses. The short- and medium-term plan involves
improved maintenance of Eskom power stations, enhancing the
electricity generation capacity, and managing the electricity
demand. The long-term plan involves finalising our long-term
energy security master plan. As a priority we are going to
stabilise Eskom’s finances to enable the utility to manage the
current period. In this regard, government will honour its
commitment to give Eskom around R23 billion in the next fiscal
year. [Applause.] The war room established by Cabinet in
December is working diligently around the clock with Eskom to
stabilise the electricity supply system and contain the load
shedding. During this period, we have to work together to find
12 FEBRUARY 2015
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solutions. We urge all individuals, households, industries and
government departments to save electricity in order to reduce
the need for load shedding. The Department of Public Works has
been instructed to ensure that all government-owned buildings
are energy efficient. Given the high cost of diesel, Eskom has
been directed to switch from diesel to gas as a source of energy
for the utility’s generators. [Applause.] Households are also
being encouraged to switch from electricity to gas for cooking,
heating and other uses. The construction of the three new power
stations Kusile, Medupi and Ingula, will add 10 000 megawatts of
capacity to the national grid. The quest for alternative energy
sources is also ongoing. To date, government has procured 4 000
megawatts from independent power producers, using renewable
sources. The first three bid windows of the renewable energy
procurement process attracted more than R140 billion from
private investors. A total of 3 900 megawatts of renewable
energy has also been sourced, with 32 projects with a capacity
of just over 1 500 megawatts completed and connected to the
grid. Eskom itself has completed the construction of the Sere
Wind Farm, which is already delivering 100 megawatts to the grid
- well ahead of its intended launch in March this year. In
December, 2014 government also began procurement of 2 400
megawatts of new coal-fired power generation capacity from
independent power producers. The procurement process for 2 400
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megawatts of new gas-fired generation will commence in the first
quarter of the new financial year. A total of 2 600 megawatts of
hydroelectric capacity will be sourced from the SADC region.
With regard to the long-term energy master plan, we will pursue
gas, petroleum, nuclear, hydropower and other sources as part of
the energy mix.
South Africa is surrounded by gas-rich countries, while we have
discovered shale gas deposits in our own Karoo region. The
Operation Phakisa Ocean Economy initiative, launched last year,
also promises to unveil more oil and gas resources, which will
be a game changer for our country and the region. Government is
also exploring the procurement of the 9 600 megawatts nuclear
build programme as approved in the Integrated Resource Plan 2010
to 2030. To date, government has signed intergovernmental
agreements and carried out vendor parade workshops in which five
countries came to present their proposals on nuclear energy.
These include the United States of America, South Korea, Russia,
France and China. All of these countries will be engaged in a
fair, transparent and competitive procurement process to select
a strategic partner or partners to undertake the nuclear build
programme. Our target is to connect the first unit to the grid
by 2023 - just in time for Eskom to retire part of its aging
power plants.
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With regard to hydro power, the Grand Inga Hydroelectrical
Project partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo will
generate over 48 000 megawatts of clean hydroelectricity. South
Africa will have access to over 15 000 megawatts. For
sustainability, government will establish strategic partnerships
for skills development with the countries that will partner us
in the Energy Build Programme, while also generating skills
locally.
There are still 3,4 million households in the country without
electricity. In the state of the nation address of June 2014, I
announced that infrastructure support will be given to specific
municipalities in the country. Funding has been provided for
electrification to the following municipalities in the 2015-16
financial year: Amathole district Municipality, Umzinyathi
District Municipality, Alfred Nzo District Municipality,
Lukhanji Municipality and O R Tambo District Municipality.
Fellow South Africans, while tackling the energy challenges in
our country we also need to fight copper cable and metal theft.
[Applause.] Government will introduce tougher measures to deal
with this serious crime.
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During this year, on the 60th anniversary of the Freedom
Charter, land has become one of the most critical factors in
achieving redress for the wrongs of the past. Last year, we
reopened the second window of opportunity for the lodgement of
land claims. More than 36 000 land claims have been lodged
nationally and the cut-off date is 2019. We are also exploring
the 50/50 policy framework, which proposes relative rights for
people who live and work on farms. [Applause.] Fifty farming
enterprises will be identified as pilot projects.
In terms of our new proposed laws, a ceiling of land ownership
will be set at a maximum of 12 000 hectares. [Applause.] Foreign
nationals will not be allowed to own land in South Africa ...
[Applause.] ... but will be eligible for long-term lease. In
this regard, the Regulation of Land Holdings Bill will be
submitted to Parliament this year. Through the Land Reform
Programme, more than 90 000 hectares of land have been allocated
to smallholder farmers, farm dwellers and labour tenants.
The process of establishing the office of the Valuer-General is
under way, which is established in terms of the Property
Valuation Act. Once implemented, the law will stop the reliance
on the willing-buyer, willing-seller method in respect of land
acquisition by the state. [Applause.]
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Agriculture is a catalyst for growth and food security. We are
working with the private sector to develop an agricultural
policy action plan which will bring one million hectares of
underutilised land into full production over the next three
years. Among key interventions this year, we will promote the
establishment of agriparks or co-operatives and clusters in each
of the 27 poorest district municipalities to transform rural
economies. An initial funding of R2 billion has been made
available for the agripark initiative. We will further enhance
our agro-processing exports which have been growing rapidly,
especially to new markets in Africa and China. For example, we
have concluded agricultural trade protocols for the export of
South African maize and apples to China. The export of apples
alone is projected to generate R500 million in foreign exchange
over three years.
A good story to tell in agriculture is the success of some of
our emerging farmers and smallholders. In the Vhembe District
Municipality in Musina the Limpopo government has supported the
Nwanedi cluster comprising 300 farmers growing vegetables on
just over 1 300 hectares for commercial purposes. The cluster
has already created more than 2 500 jobs as vegetable farming is
highly labour-intensive. We are happy to have in our midst
today, the winner of the 2014 Agriculture Top Female
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Entrepreneur Award, Ms Nokwanele Mzamo, from Kirkwood in the
Eastern Cape. [Applause.]
Our interventions to support the manufacturing sector are
bearing fruit. Our Automotive Investment Scheme has unlocked
private sector investment of R24,5 billion and generated exports
of automotives and components of R103 billion in 2013. We have
built a world-class auto sector on the African continent
exporting to over 152 countries.
The leather and footwear sector has also grown to 60 million
pairs of shoes, and exports grew by 18% with significant benefit
to the balance of trade. The United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development shows that South Africa doubled its foreign
direct investment inflows to R88 billion in 2013, while 2014
projections are also positive.
The manufacturing sector was hit hard by the global financial
crisis. Government committed more than R2,8 billion to companies
in the sector through the Manufacturing Competitiveness
Enhancement Programme. We are very pleased with the response of
our manufacturers who committed over R12,4 billion in private
sector investment. It is a very good story to tell indeed. In
addition, to advance transformation, we have introduced a
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programme to find and develop black industrialists over three
years. Given such success in manufacturing we are poised to make
progress in our quest to ignite growth.
To attract foreign skills for our growing economy, we will
invite dialogue with various stakeholders on the Migration
Policy. We will also prioritise the review of visa regulations
to strike a balance between national security and growth in
tourism. [Applause.]
In the state of the nation address of June 2014 I spoke about
the need to stabilise the mining sector and to promote a stable
labour environment. We had been concerned then, about the spate
of long and sometimes violent strikes. The implementation of a
number of programmes under the Framework Agreement for a
Sustainable Mining Industry, has caused relative stability and
optimism in the mining sector, which is the backbone of our
economy. Mine Crime Combating Forums have been established in
the North West, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng
provinces. Government will implement the agreements reached with
business and labour, including the consideration of a national
minimum wage. We had made a commitment in last year’s state of
the nation address to revitalise distressed mining towns and a
lot of progress has been made. A total of R2,1 billion has been
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ring-fenced for this purpose with R290 million approved for
informal settlement upgrading in Mpumalanga, North West,
Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State. [Applause.]
One hundred and thirty three informal settlements are being
assessed or prepared for upgrading through the National
Upgrading Support Programme. Thirty two settlements are being
upgraded and 87 housing projects are being implemented across
the prioritised mining towns. Importantly, government, the
mining sector and the Banking Association of South Africa signed
a social contract for the development of sustainable human
settlements. Government also continues to provide social
development support within mining communities. Other support
includes technical expertise with regard to integrated
development plans, IDPs, and the development of special economic
zones. The mining towns are also being assisted with
implementing the “Back to Basics” municipal service delivery
strategy. Indeed a lot is being done to build our mining towns.
[Applause.]
Government is also reviewing the compliance of mining companies
with the 2014 Mining Charter targets. I referred the Mineral and
Petroleum Resources Development Act back to Parliament to enable
the correction of some constitutional shortcomings and others
issues.
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Responding to business requests, government has synchronised
environmental impact assessments, water and mining rights
applications and has set a maximum of 300 days for all of these
authorisations to be issued. In addition, we will also establish
a one-stop interdepartmental clearing house to attend to
investor complaints and problems.
The year 2015 will see further improvements in labour
legislation to further promote worker rights. The Labour
Department will review the sectoral determinations of
agriculture, forestry, private security, wholesale and retail
sectors. We expect the finalisation of the Employment Services
Act of 2014, which formally establishes a public employment
service. The legislation also formally regulates the practices
of private employment agencies and temporary employment
services, to prevent the abuse of unsuspecting work seekers. In
addition, the Unemployment Insurance Act of 2001 will be amended
to improve benefits to beneficiaries and include public servants
in the application of the Act.
Hon members and distinguished guests, small business is big
business. [Applause.] Government will set aside 30% of
appropriate categories of state procurement for purchasing from
SMMEs, co-operatives as well as township and rural enterprises.
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[Applause.] We will also continue to promote opportunities for
the youth. The National Youth Development Agency, NYDA, has
disbursed R25 million to 765 youth-owned micro enterprises in
the last financial year nationally. [Applause.] The agency has
also partnered with the IDC and the Small Enterprise Finance
Agency in a 3-way partnership that has resulted in a
R2,7 billion fund for young people.
The year 2015 will mark the beginning of the first phase of
broadband roll-out. Government will connect offices in eight
district municipalities. These are Dr Kenneth Kaunda in North
West, Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga, O R Tambo in the Eastern Cape,
Pixley ka Seme in the Northern Cape, Thabo Mofutsanyane in the
Free State, Umgungundlovu and Umzinyathi in KwaZulu-Natal and
Vhembe in Limpopo. [Applause.]
Government has also decided to designate Telkom as the lead
agency to assist with broadband roll-out. As part of further
igniting growth through supporting state-owned companies,
processes are under way to implement a 90-day turnaround
strategy aimed at stabilising the finances of South African
Airways. Accordingly, some of the loss-making international
routes will be phased out. But, we will do this in a manner that
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does not impact negatively on travel, trade or tourism between
South Africa and the world.
The National Infrastructure Development Programme continues to
be a key job driver and catalyst for economic growth. Water is a
critical resource for economic growth and a better life. Several
projects aimed at providing water for industrial and household
use are in the implementation or planning phases around the
country. Major projects include Umzimvubu Water Project in the
Eastern Cape, Jozini Dam in Umkhanyakude in KwaZulu-Natal and
projects in Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga and phase one of the
Mokolo and Crocodile Water Augmentation Project in Limpopo.
Progress is being made to improve the water supply to areas that
had been affected by shortages such as Makana District
Municipality in the Eastern Cape, Ngaka Modiri Molema District
Municipality in North West and Giyani in Limpopo where we
celebrated the delivery of water to 55 villages in October last
year.
Let me urge all in the country to conserve water. Every drop
counts. The country loses R7 billion a year to water losses. To
mitigate this challenge, government, through the Department of
Water and Sanitation, will train 15 000 artisans or plumbers who
will fix leaking taps in their local communities. [Applause.] We
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are happy to have as our special guest the winner of the Women
in Water conservation awards, Ms Mapule Phokompe from Mahikeng
in North West. She explained to me why Mafikeng is now called
Mahikeng. I now know. [Laughter.]
The infrastructure programme continues to expand transport
networks and to improve roads, which augurs well for economic
growth. The Department of Transport will spend about R9 billion
on the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant or the Sihamba Sonke
Programme and R11 billion on upgrading and maintaining roads
which are not tolled.
Over 6 billion will be spent in 13 cities on planning, building
and operating integrated public transport networks during this
financial year. We will also continue to improve the
infrastructure in schools and higher education institutions to
create an environment conducive for learning and teaching.
Through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery
Initiative, which is part of the national infrastructure plan,
92 new schools have been completed to date and 108 are under
construction. [Applause.] Siyaqhuba. [We are delivering.] About
342 schools have received water for the first time. Three
hundred and fifty one schools have received decent sanitation
while 288 have been connected to electricity.
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Siyaqhuba. Siyasebenza. [We are delivering. We are working.]
We are a nation at work.
Ngidabukela abangekho, abangasizwa. [I feel sorry for those who
are not here, who are not hearing us.]
Government has identified 16 sites for the construction of 12
new Technical and Vocational Education and Training College
campuses and the refurbishment of two existing campuses.
[Applause.] Work is also continuing to establish three brand new
universities: Sol Plaatje in the Northern Cape; the University
of Mpumalanga; and the Sefako Makgatho Allied and Health
Sciences University.
Hon members, we continue to deliver houses to our people. By
30 September 2014, a total number of more than 50 000 houses
were delivered in the subsidy and affordable housing segments.
Government will also provide 5 000 housing opportunities for
military veterans. [Applause.] Government ... ngiyi veteran name
... [... I am also a veteran ...] will also work to eradicate
the backlog of title deeds for pre- and post-1994 housing stock.
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We have in the past year introduced some innovative programmes
to implement the National Development Plan, NDP. Last year we
launched Operation Phakisa - a results-driven laboratory
approach to planning and execution of programmes. Operation
Phakisa on the ocean economy is aimed at unlocking opportunities
in the shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, mining, oil and gas,
bio-technology and tourism sectors. We have committed a
R9,2 billion investment in gas and oil exploration in the port
of Saldanha as part of the Operation Phakisa initiative.
Operation Phakisa on Scaling Up the Ideal Clinic Initiative is
aimed at promoting efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism
in clinics. We will now explore Operation Phakisa in the mining
sector. I have instructed government to partner with the mining
sector to develop win-win solutions to beneficiate our mineral
resources.
Over the past five years, government has scored significant
gains in health care. This year, we are going to launch a
massive programme to turn the tide against tuberculosis, with a
special focus on three communities: offenders at correctional
services facilities; mineworkers; and communities in mining
towns. In fighting the scourge of HIV and Aids, the state-owned
pharmaceutical company, Ketlaphela, ... ngifunda isiZuthu ...
[... I am now reading a combination of isiZulu and Sesotho ...]
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has been established and will participate in the supply of
antiretrovirals to the Department of Health.
We have to continue working harder together to fight crime and
to create safer communities. We are making progress in fighting
crimes against women and children. The SA Police Service Family
Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigation
Unit has secured 659 life sentences against perpetrators of
crimes against women and children. [Applause.]
We are a democratic state and recognise the community’s right to
protest. We, however, appeal that these protests should be
within the ambit of the law and must be peaceful, as stated in
the Constitution. The police successfully brought under control
13 575 recorded public order incidents, comprising 1 907 unrestrelated and 11 668 peaceful incidents.
The fight against corruption continues to be taken forward by
the Anticorruption Inter-Ministerial Committee. Government has
seven anticorruption institutions and 17 pieces of legislation
in place which are intended to combat corruption. This
demonstrates a concerted effort by government to break the back
of this scourge in the country. [Applause.] In the 2013-14
financial year, 52 persons were convicted in cases involving
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more than R5 million. Thirty one public servants were convicted
in the first quarter of 2014-15 and freezing orders to the value
of R430 million were obtained. To prevent corruption and promote
ethical governance, in December I signed into law the Public
Administration and Management Act, which, amongst others,
prohibits public servants from doing business with the state.
[Applause.]
Cabinet has adopted vigorous and integrated interventions to
combat the vicious rhino poaching in the country. The
interventions include continuous joint operations with key
neighbouring countries, improved intelligence gathering as well
as enhancing protection in parks and provincial reserves where
rhino are present. Government has also made substantial progress
in establishing a Border Management Agency, to manage all ports
of entry and improve security. [Applause.]
To further improve access to identity documents, citizens will
from this year be able to apply for the new Smart ID Card at
their local bank due to partnership between the Department of
Home Affairs and some banks in the country. [Applause.]
Building a caring, effective and responsive state will continue
to be prioritised. In the 2014 state of the nation address, I
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said we would continue to advance and improve the lives of
people with disabilities. In December last year Cabinet released
the draft National Disability Rights Policy for public comment.
Local government is everybody’s business. We have to make it
work. We launched the Back to Basics programme to promote good
governance and effective administration through cutting wastage,
spending public funds prudently, hiring competent staff, and
ensuring transparency and accountability in municipalities. The
Integrated Urban Development Framework, announced in the state
of the nation address of last June, has been approved by
Cabinet.
Fellow South Africans, to contribute to building a better
Africa, South Africa continued to support peace and security and
regional economic integration on the continent. A number of key
outcomes have resulted. The African Capacity for Immediate
Response to Crises, ACIRC, of which South Africa is a
contributing and founding member, has been operationalised. The
South African National Defence Force and SA Police Service
continued to participate diligently in conflict prevention and
peacekeeping on the continent. Led by the Deputy President,
South Africa also continued to support conflict resolution
initiatives in Lesotho, Sri Lanka and South Sudan.
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Economic co-operation with our Brics partners was strengthened
when the first two intergovernmental agreements were concluded
on the occasion of the sixth Brics Summit - these were the
Agreement on the New Development Bank and the Treaty
Establishing a Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
Countries of the developed North remain important strategic
partners for South Africa through which the country is able to
advance its national and foreign policy. We have a valuable
partnership with the European Union in, amongst others, the
Infrastructure Investment Programme for South Africa, valued at
approximately R1,5 billion. The renewal of the African Growth
and Opportunity Act beyond September 2015 and a pledge to
support African-led peace initiatives on the continent are among
the significant outcomes of the United States-Africa leadership
Summit held in the US last year. On a multilateral level, 2015
marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations which brings
into sharp focus the need to transform the UN Security Council
and other international institutions.
National liberation heroes, Moses Kotane and JB Marks, will be
reburied in South Africa in March. [Applause.] These will be
reburials. As you know, they were buried in Russia. Now they are
coming back home. We thank the government and people of the
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Russian Federation for looking after the remains of our heroes
with dignity for so many years. [Applause.]
In sports, Team South Africa will participate in the All Africa
Games in Brazzaville, Congo, in 2015. The Springboks will
participate in the IRB World Cup that takes place in England in
September 2015. The Proteas are in Australia and New Zealand to
participate in the International Cricket Council Cricket World
Cup. All South Africans must as usual, rally behind the national
teams. [Applause.]
We must also appreciate our Bafana Bafana. [Laughter.] I think
you will agree with me that this time around they qualified with
flying colours. [Laughter.] [Applause.] They were in a group
called “the group of death”. But, even then, in most of the
games, they scored first. [Laughter.] We must give them support.
They made us proud!
We will continue to promote healthy lifestyles and urge citizens
to refrain from smoking and the abuse of alcohol and drugs.
Uyayekeka ugwayi. [You can quit smoking.] [Applause.] In this
regard, on 10 May we will mark the Move for Health Day, an
international event promoted by the World Health Organisation.
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The day also coincides with the anniversary of the inauguration
of President Mandela.
A lot has been achieved in the past year. We believe that our
nine-point economic intervention plan on the economy will
consolidate the achievements and ignite much-needed growth.
During this year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action to
Advance Economic Freedom, we rededicate ourselves to unity and
hard work to ensure continuous success in our beautiful country.
Together, we move South Africa forward! I thank you. [Applause.]
THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Hon members, we take this
opportunity to thank the President for his patience and for
delivering his state of the nation address.
Debate concluded.
The Joint Sitting adjourned at 21:19.