Committee Annual Report

LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE
27 January 2004
COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT

Chairperson: Rev P Moatshe (ANC)

Documents handed out:
Committee Annual Report (Awaited)

SUMMARY
The Committee briefly reviewed the preferred format of its Annual Report and some financial inconsistencies. Members suggested that the Report include a section describing the strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments of the Committee. Concerns about current environmental problems were raised and the Committee's upcoming plans for 2004 were briefly discussed. Finally, the Committee adopted the Annual Report.

Discussion
The Chair went through the Annual Report page by page.

Mr Van Niekerk (NNP) noted that the hours represented in the report did not accurately reflect the actual time spent by the Committee on resolving issues. Often the members attended outside meetings and make educational trips. The Committee agreed and suggested that changes be made in the future.

Mr V Windvoel (ANC) noted that Committee had not spent its allocated funds.

Mr K Williams (ANC) replied that this was due to the Finance Department's delayed figures and late payments. The lack of used funds was a result of a cancelled trip by the Committee's Chairperson. The Chair concurred.

Mr Windvoel commented that the Report should be more user-friendly for the public and include a section written by the Chairperson on the Committee's annual accomplishments and goals for the future. The Committee suggested that the report be in a different format in future.

Rev M Chabaku (ANC) said the Committee should address environmental concerns in the coming year, such as genetically modified foods, aquaculture, land reform, and the outbreak of bird flu in Indonesia. The Committee agreed and suggested making a public statement that illustrated their commitment to dealing with these problems.

Finally, the Committee resolved that it needed to be more active in asserting its position on the public level and carving its own path. The Chair voted to adopt the Report.

The meeting was adjourned.