The Legislature is clearly feeling a little chastened about the amount of money being spent on revamping the debating chamber - the latest figure puts the cost at some R30 million.
Just to show what we can expect, one ANC speaker provided a screen with his speech on it saying that this is what would be available in the revamped legislature. Sounds a bit expensive - R30 million for a screen and a linked computer.
Only problem was at the Good News centre the screen was put in such a position that the opposition could hardly see it and the public will all have stiff necks from craning to see.
Meanwhile, the Pillay Commission report will simply not go away.
The Office of the Premier was supposed to have submitted the report to the Legislature by the end of March in terms of an earlier resolution but didn’t. Now it has been given to July 3 and probably won’t release it by then either.
Smart money is on the Public Service Accountability Monitor to obtain it through the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Premier airlifted in for lunch
A major diversion - Premier Nosimo Balindlela has just landed in a brown helicopter outside the Good News Centre and is now enjoying lunch.
Ironically, inside the Chamber we are debating the Social Development report, third last item on the agenda and with chairman of committees Sam Masoziwe in the chair events will be speeded up.
No idea where Balindlela has been – perhaps she was hungry and heard that they were serving lunch at the Good News Centre.
Related stories:
Politicians cut back ... their lunchbreak
Ironically, inside the Chamber we are debating the Social Development report, third last item on the agenda and with chairman of committees Sam Masoziwe in the chair events will be speeded up.
No idea where Balindlela has been – perhaps she was hungry and heard that they were serving lunch at the Good News Centre.
Related stories:
Politicians cut back ... their lunchbreak
Politicians cut back ... their lunchbreak
LUNCHTIME – we have saved 43 minutes on the day so far and with deputy-speaker Gloria Barry cutting the lunch break to 40 minutes the long weekend is looming. Some of the MPLs have their cars packed, petrol tanks full and attendance on the last afternoon is likely to drop off.
It’s all a bit reminiscent of the old pre-1994 House of Assembly, when MPs left their briefcases in the lobby outside the Chamber ready for a quick spring for the exit and the bus back to the parliamentary compound.
No joy for the DA’s Bobby Stevenson in the Safety and Liaison debate. The Blobster, as Tony Leon used to call him, was hoping to prise some information out of MEC Thobile Mhlahlo on the Standard House stand-off on Monday night (when police arrested a number of ANC members holding a sit-in protest at the party's regional headquarters).
Mhlahlo, however, told “the Honourable Bobby” that this was not a government matter but an ANC matter and the “ANC will deal with it”.
It’s all a bit reminiscent of the old pre-1994 House of Assembly, when MPs left their briefcases in the lobby outside the Chamber ready for a quick spring for the exit and the bus back to the parliamentary compound.
No joy for the DA’s Bobby Stevenson in the Safety and Liaison debate. The Blobster, as Tony Leon used to call him, was hoping to prise some information out of MEC Thobile Mhlahlo on the Standard House stand-off on Monday night (when police arrested a number of ANC members holding a sit-in protest at the party's regional headquarters).
Mhlahlo, however, told “the Honourable Bobby” that this was not a government matter but an ANC matter and the “ANC will deal with it”.
Eastern Cape all at sea
THE United Democratic Movement’s Max Mhlati wanted to know whether Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo was planning to buy as boat this morning and if not why was the department advertising for consultants to draw up a maritime policy.
Mhlati got a laugh, although not from Mhlahlo who solemnly explained that he was not intending to buy a boat but the national minister believes that some of the functions of the national department should be delegated to the provinces.
“We have Port Elizabeth, East London, Ngqura and Port St Johns – we cannot ignore the fact that there is an ocean around us.”.
For those wanting to know if and when the R72 between Port Elizabeth and East London will become a toll road, there’s no news, Mhlahlo saying only that a study had been completed and was being discussed. “We would as a matter of policy want to toll the road because it makes business sense because then our spending on road infrastructure can be focused on different areas”.
Mhlati got a laugh, although not from Mhlahlo who solemnly explained that he was not intending to buy a boat but the national minister believes that some of the functions of the national department should be delegated to the provinces.
“We have Port Elizabeth, East London, Ngqura and Port St Johns – we cannot ignore the fact that there is an ocean around us.”.
For those wanting to know if and when the R72 between Port Elizabeth and East London will become a toll road, there’s no news, Mhlahlo saying only that a study had been completed and was being discussed. “We would as a matter of policy want to toll the road because it makes business sense because then our spending on road infrastructure can be focused on different areas”.
MECs living in the past?
ANC MPL Max Mamase was this morning reminded of the days when he was a member if the provincial cabinet. Waxing eloquent during the debate on Public Works, Mamase was told he only had one minute left.
“Are you missing the time when you were an MEC and you had unlimited time?” DA leader Athol Trollip asked. After a long pause and in response to calls of “answer” he said “yes” – whether it was the time or the other goodies that go with being an MEC he didn’t say.
Public Works MEC Christian Martin was also waxing eloquent this morning talking about innovation, although why that should be necessary in order to rid the province of the 869 mud schools he didn’t say.
Public Works is responsible for replacing 208 of them and this will form part of an incubator launched by the department, he said.
Martin also quoted Barack Obama as saying; “This is our time. Our time to turn the pages on the policies of the past”.
Didn’t know we had had a change of government.
“Are you missing the time when you were an MEC and you had unlimited time?” DA leader Athol Trollip asked. After a long pause and in response to calls of “answer” he said “yes” – whether it was the time or the other goodies that go with being an MEC he didn’t say.
Public Works MEC Christian Martin was also waxing eloquent this morning talking about innovation, although why that should be necessary in order to rid the province of the 869 mud schools he didn’t say.
Public Works is responsible for replacing 208 of them and this will form part of an incubator launched by the department, he said.
Martin also quoted Barack Obama as saying; “This is our time. Our time to turn the pages on the policies of the past”.
Didn’t know we had had a change of government.
Pillay report: Premier under pressure
The Legislature is getting tough on the Pillay Commission report with ANC Premier Nosimo Balindlela being given 14 days to release the report.
The ANC this morning backed a DA call for the commission report to be released and if Balindlela now refuses to do so she is going to be on a collision course not only with the Legislature but her own party.
The Grahamstown Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) has also lodged papers in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act to get the report and Balindlela has until the end of this week to respond and until the end of this month to release it.
DA chief whip, Bobby Stevenson gave notice this morning saying the Premier had made a commitment to release the report on three separate occasions – most recently this week – but had no given no indication of when this would happen.
Now in just 14 days we will know why she has been so reluctant to let the people of the province know what the report contains.
The ANC this morning backed a DA call for the commission report to be released and if Balindlela now refuses to do so she is going to be on a collision course not only with the Legislature but her own party.
The Grahamstown Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) has also lodged papers in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act to get the report and Balindlela has until the end of this week to respond and until the end of this month to release it.
DA chief whip, Bobby Stevenson gave notice this morning saying the Premier had made a commitment to release the report on three separate occasions – most recently this week – but had no given no indication of when this would happen.
Now in just 14 days we will know why she has been so reluctant to let the people of the province know what the report contains.
Thank goodness it's Thursday in Bhisho
It’s any early start on the final lap of the four-day Bhisho session. Kick-off is at 10am although there was wholesale confusion about the programme.
One MEC asked me yesterday how I knew the Friday session has been cancelled and he does not know. I couldn’t be honest there were people listening. For as long as I can remember Bhisho sessions are set down for the full five days and somewhere along the line Friday is cancelled and we start early Thursday.
It’s a regular charade.
Today we start with a debate on Public Works followed by Roads and Transport, Safety and Liaison, Social Development, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Legislature and finally the passing of the provincial budget.
It’s set to last nine hours – so with a break for lunch that should take us to between 8 and 9 tonight. Bet we’re out of there by 6pm.
One MEC asked me yesterday how I knew the Friday session has been cancelled and he does not know. I couldn’t be honest there were people listening. For as long as I can remember Bhisho sessions are set down for the full five days and somewhere along the line Friday is cancelled and we start early Thursday.
It’s a regular charade.
Today we start with a debate on Public Works followed by Roads and Transport, Safety and Liaison, Social Development, Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Legislature and finally the passing of the provincial budget.
It’s set to last nine hours – so with a break for lunch that should take us to between 8 and 9 tonight. Bet we’re out of there by 6pm.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Getting to the bottom of the housing mess
The African Peoples Convention’s Zingisa Mkabile has put his finger on why so few houses are built in the Eastern Cape.
Speaking in the debate on Housing MEC Thoko Xasa’s policy speech he said it was that the standard of work was so poor that “every time we have to build the same house two or three times, spending a lot of money in the process.”
Mkabile said that more houses could have been built “if we did not have to clean up every time. We always have to have a follow-up programme in place to clean up”
Mkabile clearly does not have much faith in the department telling the MEC: “Your housing function was taken back to national government that is reviewing our ability to handle it and we should assist national department to take it back because we do not have the capacity”.
Speaking in the debate on Housing MEC Thoko Xasa’s policy speech he said it was that the standard of work was so poor that “every time we have to build the same house two or three times, spending a lot of money in the process.”
Mkabile said that more houses could have been built “if we did not have to clean up every time. We always have to have a follow-up programme in place to clean up”
Mkabile clearly does not have much faith in the department telling the MEC: “Your housing function was taken back to national government that is reviewing our ability to handle it and we should assist national department to take it back because we do not have the capacity”.
Health department ripped apart in Bhisho
The Eastern Cape Health department is being ripped apart in the Legislature today with the African People Convention’s Zingisa Mkabile saying that spending R1,5 million of the audio-visual promotion material is typical of MEC Nomsa Jajula.
“She has an appetite to spend on things that are not vital like the refurbishment of the whole floor where her office is – yet there is a shortage of everything in her department.”
And, he said: “The ruling party remains quiet”.
Earlier UDM leader Mhlati recalled the death of a child at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha saying the family could not access the file to find out why the child had died – “this was a black child who had suffered at the hands of a black government,” he said.
DA Health spokesman Athol Trollip also waded in saying with regard to the deaths of more than 100 babies at Ukhahlamba that his party would obtain the report handed to national minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang through the Promotion of Access to Information Act and lay “criminal charges of negligence” against those responsible.
Related stories:
MPLs say no to hospital spin
“She has an appetite to spend on things that are not vital like the refurbishment of the whole floor where her office is – yet there is a shortage of everything in her department.”
And, he said: “The ruling party remains quiet”.
Earlier UDM leader Mhlati recalled the death of a child at the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha saying the family could not access the file to find out why the child had died – “this was a black child who had suffered at the hands of a black government,” he said.
DA Health spokesman Athol Trollip also waded in saying with regard to the deaths of more than 100 babies at Ukhahlamba that his party would obtain the report handed to national minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang through the Promotion of Access to Information Act and lay “criminal charges of negligence” against those responsible.
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MPLs say no to hospital spin
MPLs say no to hospital spin
Tragedy – one of the early birds, an extremely overweight official has just bumbled in to discover the biltong is finished – wolfing down a couple of chicken legs instead.
The Bhisho Health department after being battered over problems at the Free Hospital maternity section and death of more than 100 babies at Ukhahlamba plans to spend R1,5 million “to broadcast audio-visual highlights of its achievements as a measure to boost its public image and community system”.
MPLs are not happy about this.
They are concerned that this is not in the best interests of health care and have asked the department to present a report with 30 days to state what they hope to achieve “within the context of the delivery of health services”.
Social Development MEC Sam Kwelita is standing in for the “ill” Nomsa Jajula. He admits he won’t be able to answer all the questions so that gets one of the worst performing departments off the hook.
Kwelita has come up with an extraordinary statement. Responding to a question from Bobby Stevenson about the shooting on a patient on the operating table at Livingstone he said: “…we want to ensure that members have the correct information.“We do not have information that a patient was shot on the operating table.”
The Bhisho Health department after being battered over problems at the Free Hospital maternity section and death of more than 100 babies at Ukhahlamba plans to spend R1,5 million “to broadcast audio-visual highlights of its achievements as a measure to boost its public image and community system”.
MPLs are not happy about this.
They are concerned that this is not in the best interests of health care and have asked the department to present a report with 30 days to state what they hope to achieve “within the context of the delivery of health services”.
Social Development MEC Sam Kwelita is standing in for the “ill” Nomsa Jajula. He admits he won’t be able to answer all the questions so that gets one of the worst performing departments off the hook.
Kwelita has come up with an extraordinary statement. Responding to a question from Bobby Stevenson about the shooting on a patient on the operating table at Livingstone he said: “…we want to ensure that members have the correct information.“We do not have information that a patient was shot on the operating table.”
Potholes, missing MECs and other mysteries
Extraordinary!
There are actually people in what serves as the public gallery in the Good News Centre this afternoon – it can’t be for the biltong because that’s all gone!
Maybe they are just officials.
Question Time is pretty boring today.
Housing and Local Government MEC Thoko Xasa says she paid bonuses to two senior managers for the 2007/07 financial year – one got more than R38 000 – despite the fact that the department only spent 87 per cent of its budget.
Perhaps the bonuses are one way of ensuring the budget is spent in the next financial year. Their buddies in Health won’t be happy they didn’t get bonuses.
What we did not learn this afternoon was how much motorists claimed for damage to their vehicles caused by potholes on the provincial roads and how much has been paid out?
Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo was absent and no one had been asked to stand in for him, prompting a distinctly peeved Speaker Noxolo Kieviet to tell Premier Nosimo Balindlela to take note of the absence.
We have just learned that Health MEC Nomsa Jajula is ill – nice timing considering she was in line for some heavy flak when he budget is debated this afternoon.
Funny, she was here yesterday!
There are actually people in what serves as the public gallery in the Good News Centre this afternoon – it can’t be for the biltong because that’s all gone!
Maybe they are just officials.
Question Time is pretty boring today.
Housing and Local Government MEC Thoko Xasa says she paid bonuses to two senior managers for the 2007/07 financial year – one got more than R38 000 – despite the fact that the department only spent 87 per cent of its budget.
Perhaps the bonuses are one way of ensuring the budget is spent in the next financial year. Their buddies in Health won’t be happy they didn’t get bonuses.
What we did not learn this afternoon was how much motorists claimed for damage to their vehicles caused by potholes on the provincial roads and how much has been paid out?
Roads and Transport MEC Thobile Mhlahlo was absent and no one had been asked to stand in for him, prompting a distinctly peeved Speaker Noxolo Kieviet to tell Premier Nosimo Balindlela to take note of the absence.
We have just learned that Health MEC Nomsa Jajula is ill – nice timing considering she was in line for some heavy flak when he budget is debated this afternoon.
Funny, she was here yesterday!
Grub's up at the Good News Centre
The countdown to day three of the Bhisho Legislature sitting is underway and the MPLs who arrive early have already scooted through the Good News Centre to the room at the back where coffee, tea and grub is available.
Arriving early, they have discovered, is the only way to ensure you can snaffle a healthy handful of the biltong.
Question Time is first on the agenda today with the DA wanting to know whether senior staff in Housing and Health received performance bonus.
Then its policy debates again, starting with Health and then moving on through Housing and Local Government and ending with Finance.
Arriving early, they have discovered, is the only way to ensure you can snaffle a healthy handful of the biltong.
Question Time is first on the agenda today with the DA wanting to know whether senior staff in Housing and Health received performance bonus.
Then its policy debates again, starting with Health and then moving on through Housing and Local Government and ending with Finance.
Eastern Cape premier promises corruption report
Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela has delivered a rambling 40-minute reply to the debate on her Policy Speech succeeding in avoiding all the contentious points that had been raised during two hours of debate apart from saying that she was “committed” to bringing the report of the Pillay Commission to the House.
In addition, she apologised for not attending committee meetings saying she had had other duties.
Had she been there, she said, she would have been able to assist the committee.
Balindlela said that despite the fact that in 2007/08 more than 1 000 cases had been sorted out as far as litigation was concerned “we still have a long way to go”, adding “if you have any advice you can give us because it is long drawn out process.
In addition, she apologised for not attending committee meetings saying she had had other duties.
Had she been there, she said, she would have been able to assist the committee.
Balindlela said that despite the fact that in 2007/08 more than 1 000 cases had been sorted out as far as litigation was concerned “we still have a long way to go”, adding “if you have any advice you can give us because it is long drawn out process.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Where is the Pillay report?
Premier Nosimo Balindlela came under attack from the African Peoples Convention this afternoon, with MPL Zingisa Mkabile stating that the failure of the Premier to release the Pillay Commission report into corruption was “unacceptable.
“Where is that report? We voted money for it. It really borders on disrespect for this House that this and the many other reports have not been tabled in this Legislature.
“We are not going to see the reports and the comrades on the right (the ANC) are going to keep quiet. It is a serious situation.”
Calling Balindlela’s administration “a lame duck” Mkabile said it was not surprising that there was no service delivery in the Eastern Cape “because it is clear that the heart does not function”.
As far as the branding of the province was concerns, Mkabile said if the Eastern Cape continued to perform the way it was then this would be “spin-doctoring – there is no point in talking about branding until we have resolved the problems connected with education, health and many other areas”.
“Where is that report? We voted money for it. It really borders on disrespect for this House that this and the many other reports have not been tabled in this Legislature.
“We are not going to see the reports and the comrades on the right (the ANC) are going to keep quiet. It is a serious situation.”
Calling Balindlela’s administration “a lame duck” Mkabile said it was not surprising that there was no service delivery in the Eastern Cape “because it is clear that the heart does not function”.
As far as the branding of the province was concerns, Mkabile said if the Eastern Cape continued to perform the way it was then this would be “spin-doctoring – there is no point in talking about branding until we have resolved the problems connected with education, health and many other areas”.
Disabled sidelined in Eastern Cape: MPLs
The Office of the Premier (OTP) has been criticised for its failure to provide properly for disabled people in the Eastern Cape.
The portfolio committee Youth, Gender and Disability says in its report tabled today that the two percent target for the employment of disabled people has not been met and that there is “no system in place” for monitoring the plans and programmes of different departments.
In addition, the committee says the budget is “not sufficient” and not all departments have programmes in place for the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.
The committee says it wants the OTP to inform it when departments will meet the target for the employment of people with disabilities, to increase the budget and research programmes that are “biased to the economic needs of people with disabilities”.
A progress report must be submitted to the committee by the end of next month.
The portfolio committee Youth, Gender and Disability says in its report tabled today that the two percent target for the employment of disabled people has not been met and that there is “no system in place” for monitoring the plans and programmes of different departments.
In addition, the committee says the budget is “not sufficient” and not all departments have programmes in place for the economic empowerment of people with disabilities.
The committee says it wants the OTP to inform it when departments will meet the target for the employment of people with disabilities, to increase the budget and research programmes that are “biased to the economic needs of people with disabilities”.
A progress report must be submitted to the committee by the end of next month.
Premier's office blasted over jobs
The Office of the Premier (OTP) in the Eastern Cape has come under fire for allowing departments “to appoint people who do not qualify to senior positions in an acting capacity for more than a reasonable period”.
And the portfolio committee on the Office of the Premier said in its report tabled in the Bhisho Legislature this afternoon that this was a “malpractice” and it wants an audit carried out of unfilled posts and a plan to meet this challenge handed to it within 30 days.
The committee also found that despite its recommendations last year that there should be a review of the provincial bursary scheme there was no evidence that this had in fact happened. In addition, it said, departments continued to receive negative audit reports and “still fail to implement turn-around plans”.
And the portfolio committee on the Office of the Premier said in its report tabled in the Bhisho Legislature this afternoon that this was a “malpractice” and it wants an audit carried out of unfilled posts and a plan to meet this challenge handed to it within 30 days.
The committee also found that despite its recommendations last year that there should be a review of the provincial bursary scheme there was no evidence that this had in fact happened. In addition, it said, departments continued to receive negative audit reports and “still fail to implement turn-around plans”.
Six hours in Bhisho ...
Imagine – six hours of debate in the Bhisho Legislature this afternoon.
That, in theory means that Legislature will only complete the day’s work some time after 8pm tonight although the smart money says it will be sometime between 6 and 7pm as MPLs start to tire and cut down on the time spent delivering reports and making speeches.
First up is the debate on the Policy Speech of the Premier for which two hours and 26 minutes have been allocated with Premier Nosimo Balindlela accounting for 30 of those and other speakers from the ANC another 24.
Once that’s over then Agriculture, Economic Development and Environmental Affairs and Education each get 91 minutes and we’re off home.
Fortunately there’s grub on offer and tea and coffee - but none of the strong stuff that one would have thought a sine qua non for a six-hour stretch without the option of a fine!
That, in theory means that Legislature will only complete the day’s work some time after 8pm tonight although the smart money says it will be sometime between 6 and 7pm as MPLs start to tire and cut down on the time spent delivering reports and making speeches.
First up is the debate on the Policy Speech of the Premier for which two hours and 26 minutes have been allocated with Premier Nosimo Balindlela accounting for 30 of those and other speakers from the ANC another 24.
Once that’s over then Agriculture, Economic Development and Environmental Affairs and Education each get 91 minutes and we’re off home.
Fortunately there’s grub on offer and tea and coffee - but none of the strong stuff that one would have thought a sine qua non for a six-hour stretch without the option of a fine!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Eastern Cape Legislature sitting adjourns
The Bhisho Legislature adjourned just before noon today after agreeing to a proposed constitutional amendment that will outlaw crossing the floor and accepting a damning report on local government that the portfolio committee described as “an embarrassing cut and paste job”.
The Legislature sits again tomorrow afternoon when it will consider the policy speeches of the Premier and MECs for Agriculture, Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism and Education.
The session is scheduled to last until Friday.
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Policy speeches: A weird and wonderful process
The Legislature sits again tomorrow afternoon when it will consider the policy speeches of the Premier and MECs for Agriculture, Economic Affairs, Environment and Tourism and Education.
The session is scheduled to last until Friday.
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Policy speeches: A weird and wonderful process
Sorry, we'll try harder next time, says MEC
Local Government and Traditional Affairs Thoko Xasa has apologised profusely to MPLs in the Bhisho Legislature for a report that was described as “an embarrassing cut and paste job”.
There was “no proof-reading of the report nor was verification of the report done. We apologise profusely for that,” she said, adding that the issues would be addressed “and we will try our best to do better with the 2006/07 report”.
Xasa was replying to the debate on the Consolidated Municipal Annual Performance Report for 2005/06 during which she acknowledged that she had sent the report to national minister Sydney Mufamadi and the National Council of Provinces, a report she accepted was “an embarrassment to the department”.
Xasa said other provincial departments had also experienced problems in drawing up the consolidated report while some like Mpumalanga had not even submitted reports.
She said it was not that easy “to get into municipalities” which complicated the issue. It was easier to intervene in some local authorities than others.
“We are also looking into the wasteful expenditure – the committee demanded this as two reports were compiled the first of which was rejected as being “riddled with errors” - and will report in due course on the steps we have taken.
We understand the situation in which we have placed this House”.
Earlier, ANC Mabandla Gogo delivered a stinging attack on the department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs on a consolidated municipal annual performance report saying that: “No homework was done and it was just done to meet the legislative requirements”.
And he said it was “amazing that the officials of the department were not present so that they could understand how we feel”.
Gogo also asked what steps MEC Thoko Xasa had taken against department officials when a copy of her policy speech had been leaked to The Herald and also found in a rubbish bin and also what action she would take against the officials responsible for a report that was “an embarrassing cut and paste job”.
Related Links: Eastern Cape MPLs embarassed over report
MEC slated for "cut-and-paste" job
There was “no proof-reading of the report nor was verification of the report done. We apologise profusely for that,” she said, adding that the issues would be addressed “and we will try our best to do better with the 2006/07 report”.
Xasa was replying to the debate on the Consolidated Municipal Annual Performance Report for 2005/06 during which she acknowledged that she had sent the report to national minister Sydney Mufamadi and the National Council of Provinces, a report she accepted was “an embarrassment to the department”.
Xasa said other provincial departments had also experienced problems in drawing up the consolidated report while some like Mpumalanga had not even submitted reports.
She said it was not that easy “to get into municipalities” which complicated the issue. It was easier to intervene in some local authorities than others.
“We are also looking into the wasteful expenditure – the committee demanded this as two reports were compiled the first of which was rejected as being “riddled with errors” - and will report in due course on the steps we have taken.
We understand the situation in which we have placed this House”.
Earlier, ANC Mabandla Gogo delivered a stinging attack on the department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs on a consolidated municipal annual performance report saying that: “No homework was done and it was just done to meet the legislative requirements”.
And he said it was “amazing that the officials of the department were not present so that they could understand how we feel”.
Gogo also asked what steps MEC Thoko Xasa had taken against department officials when a copy of her policy speech had been leaked to The Herald and also found in a rubbish bin and also what action she would take against the officials responsible for a report that was “an embarrassing cut and paste job”.
Related Links: Eastern Cape MPLs embarassed over report
MEC slated for "cut-and-paste" job
Eastern Cape MPLs embarassed over report
The Bhisho Legislature’s Local Government and Traditional Affairs committee today urged MPLs to reject the Consolidated Municipal Annual Performance report, describing it as an “embarrassing cut and paste job”.
And it also said that the fact that the first report had been rejected as it had been found to be “riddled with errors” amounted to “wasteful expenditure” demanding that the MEC probe the reason why two reports were tabled, who was responsible and what steps would be taken against them.
Further, the committee said Eastern Cape Local Government and Traditional Affairs MEC Thoko Xasa must report to the committee within 30 days how the issue of the wasteful expenditure would be dealt with.Presenting the report, committee chairman Lulamile Nazo (ANC) said that it was both “vague and embarrassing” and did not meet the requirements of the Municipal Systems Act.
The report must, among other things, identify under-performing municipalities “and specify measures that are going to be put in place to assist them”.
Both Xasa and the department’s superintendent-general Sindisile Maclean had signed the report.
Replying to questions, Xasa said her department was looking at what steps it could take to rectify the situation and was investigating through a service provider how “to come up with a proper report” adding that it was hoped this could be provided within 30 days as demanded by the committee and it would be “better”.
She acknowledged that what “an official” had done was a “cut and paste job” and was an “embarrassment” to the department.
Related Links: MEC slated for "cut-and-paste" job
And it also said that the fact that the first report had been rejected as it had been found to be “riddled with errors” amounted to “wasteful expenditure” demanding that the MEC probe the reason why two reports were tabled, who was responsible and what steps would be taken against them.
Further, the committee said Eastern Cape Local Government and Traditional Affairs MEC Thoko Xasa must report to the committee within 30 days how the issue of the wasteful expenditure would be dealt with.Presenting the report, committee chairman Lulamile Nazo (ANC) said that it was both “vague and embarrassing” and did not meet the requirements of the Municipal Systems Act.
The report must, among other things, identify under-performing municipalities “and specify measures that are going to be put in place to assist them”.
Both Xasa and the department’s superintendent-general Sindisile Maclean had signed the report.
Replying to questions, Xasa said her department was looking at what steps it could take to rectify the situation and was investigating through a service provider how “to come up with a proper report” adding that it was hoped this could be provided within 30 days as demanded by the committee and it would be “better”.
She acknowledged that what “an official” had done was a “cut and paste job” and was an “embarrassment” to the department.
Related Links: MEC slated for "cut-and-paste" job
MEC slated for "cut-and-paste" job
Both Eastern Cape Local Government and Traditional Affairs MEC Thoko Xasa and the department’s superintendent-general Sindisile Maclean signed the Consolidated Municipal Performance Report for 2005/06, the Bhisho Legislature was told today.
The report, tabled today, has been described by the committee on Local Government as an “embarrassing cut and paste job”.
Replying to questions, Xasa said her department was looking at what steps it could take to rectify the situation and was investigating through a service provider how “to come up with a proper report” adding that it was hoped this could be provided within 30 days as demanded by the committee and it would be “better”.
She acknowledged that what “an official” had done was a “cut and paste job” and was an “embarrassment” to the department.
The report, tabled today, has been described by the committee on Local Government as an “embarrassing cut and paste job”.
Replying to questions, Xasa said her department was looking at what steps it could take to rectify the situation and was investigating through a service provider how “to come up with a proper report” adding that it was hoped this could be provided within 30 days as demanded by the committee and it would be “better”.
She acknowledged that what “an official” had done was a “cut and paste job” and was an “embarrassment” to the department.
Eastern Cape backs floor-crossing law repeal
All parties in the Bhisho Legislature this morning supported repeal of crossing-the floor legislation.
All the nine provincial legislatures must express their view on the matter ahead of the tabling of the Constitutional Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendment bills that scrap the legislation at national and provincial and municipal level respectively.
Deputy-Speaker Gloria Barry told the Legislature that the Rules Committee had met and discussed the proposed measures and supported them.
DA leader Athol Trollip said the crossing-the floor legislation had been “bad” especially as the electoral system in South Africa was that of proportional representation (PR) at national and provincial level, although he acknowledged that the DA had supported it at the time.
In doing so, he said, “we undermined the democratic wishes of the people of South Africa” and had led to greed and “massive opportunism” with people being offered financial inducements.
“Cheque book politics became the hallmark in South Africa”.
The United Democratic Movement’s Masiza Mhlati said that “at last” his party’s view had been respected saying the legislation had favoured those who “wanted to fill their stomachs at the benefit of the people”.
He said the ANC had been the main beneficiary.
He pointed out that the legislation had led to the creation of single-person parties that had disappeared at the next election.
The ANC’s Neela Hoosain noted that it was the then Democratic Party that had initiated the floor crossing legislation, adding that the ANC had wanted the provision that 10% of a party was required to support any crossing the floor in order to prevent the creation of a “plethora of small parties”.
What had actually happened, she said, was that “the identity of parties had been diluted”.
She said people should be encouraged to identify with the party of their choice but that this should be based on “ethics”.
All the nine provincial legislatures must express their view on the matter ahead of the tabling of the Constitutional Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendment bills that scrap the legislation at national and provincial and municipal level respectively.
Deputy-Speaker Gloria Barry told the Legislature that the Rules Committee had met and discussed the proposed measures and supported them.
DA leader Athol Trollip said the crossing-the floor legislation had been “bad” especially as the electoral system in South Africa was that of proportional representation (PR) at national and provincial level, although he acknowledged that the DA had supported it at the time.
In doing so, he said, “we undermined the democratic wishes of the people of South Africa” and had led to greed and “massive opportunism” with people being offered financial inducements.
“Cheque book politics became the hallmark in South Africa”.
The United Democratic Movement’s Masiza Mhlati said that “at last” his party’s view had been respected saying the legislation had favoured those who “wanted to fill their stomachs at the benefit of the people”.
He said the ANC had been the main beneficiary.
He pointed out that the legislation had led to the creation of single-person parties that had disappeared at the next election.
The ANC’s Neela Hoosain noted that it was the then Democratic Party that had initiated the floor crossing legislation, adding that the ANC had wanted the provision that 10% of a party was required to support any crossing the floor in order to prevent the creation of a “plethora of small parties”.
What had actually happened, she said, was that “the identity of parties had been diluted”.
She said people should be encouraged to identify with the party of their choice but that this should be based on “ethics”.
The end of floor-crossing?
Two things are on the agenda for the Bhisho Legislature this morning:
All parties have agreed that crossing-the-floor legislation must go. In terms of Section 74 of the Constitution the Legislature must express its view on the proposed amendment to the Constitution.
The MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs must submit this consolidated report to the Legislature in terms of the Municipal Structures Act on an annual basis.
It is believed the report is anything but flattering and there could be some tough talk in the Good News Centre today.
- Consideration of the view of the Eastern Cape Legislature on repealing the crossing-the-floor legislation at national, provincial and municipal level, and
- Consideration of a report from the Legislature’s Local Government and Traditional committee on the Consolidated Municipal Annual Performance 2005/06
All parties have agreed that crossing-the-floor legislation must go. In terms of Section 74 of the Constitution the Legislature must express its view on the proposed amendment to the Constitution.
The MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs must submit this consolidated report to the Legislature in terms of the Municipal Structures Act on an annual basis.
It is believed the report is anything but flattering and there could be some tough talk in the Good News Centre today.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Policy speeches: A weird and wonderful process
The main business of the Bhisho Legislature this week will be the debates on the policy speeches presented by the members of the provincial executive committee last month.
It’s a weird and wonderful process.
The Legislature is meeting in the “Good News Centre” – quite inappropriate some would say – because the Chamber of the Legislature is being refurbished. The bill for this financial year is R10 million.
It’s a weird and wonderful process.
- The portfolio committee chairman presents the report – he reads it. At the start of the week this takes 20 minutes but as Friday approaches it is generally reduced with only the findings and recommendations read.
- Questions are then put on the report to members of the committee by other members of the Legislature
- Questions on the report are then put to the MEC
- All the parties contribute their pennyworth
- The MEC replies.
- Each report should, according to the speaker’s list, take some two hours and 20 minutes.
The Legislature is meeting in the “Good News Centre” – quite inappropriate some would say – because the Chamber of the Legislature is being refurbished. The bill for this financial year is R10 million.
Forests fall when Bhisho sits ...
While the rest of the world is looking for environmentally-friendly, carbon neutral ways of doing business, the officials based in the Eastern Cape capital of Bhisho are still firm believers in the power of paper.
At the last sitting of the legislature in April, the tables used by MPLs and observers were positively groaning under the weight of thousands of pages of documentation related to the
provincial budget (above). Among those seen contemplating these weighty tomes was Democratic Alliance chief whip Bobby Stevenson (right), himself no, er, lightweight.
provincial budget (above). Among those seen contemplating these weighty tomes was Democratic Alliance chief whip Bobby Stevenson (right), himself no, er, lightweight.
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