Order! We now come to the following item, that is, the election of the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP. You will remember the first day when we elected the Chair, the Deputy Chairperson was not elected, and so today we will elect the Deputy Chairperson.
We will now proceed to the election of the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. Perhaps I must make this very clear: There are two Deputy Chairpersons here. The one is permanent, and stays here in Cape Town, and the other is rotating, like a wheel. We will explain later on why it is like that.
The Chairperson announced the appointment of Adv M E Phindela as Returning Officer, and as Assistant Returning Officers Adv B N Nonyane, Adv J Niekerk, Ms V H Mnana, Ms S Bowers, Mr M Skolo and Mr M Mbebe.
The Chairperson reminded the delegates that nominations had to be submitted in the prescribed form and duly seconded.
The Chairperson drew the attention of delegates specifically to section 64 of the Constitution, in terms of which no person may be elected as Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the Council unless he or she is a permanent delegate of the Council.
The Chairperson informed members that in terms of item 4 of Part A of Schedule 3 to the Constitution no debate would be allowed.
The Chairperson called for nominations.
Mr J Mthembu, seconded by Ms P Kekana, nominated Ms Thandi Memela for election as Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
The Returning Officer reported to the Chairperson that the nomination paper had been properly completed.
There being no further nominations, the Chairperson declared Ms Thandi Memela duly elected as Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
On behalf of all present here, I wish to congratulate you, Thandi, on your election as the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. Perhaps I must say it now: You are going to work very hard. You are going to deputise this person who is sitting here! Perhaps they have already whispered to you that the work here is a lot. Hands on deck from now, not tomorrow! But I will give you time to say a few words, your maiden speech. Can you say a few words? I call upon the Permanent Deputy Chair to say a few words.
Thank you very much, Chairperson, MECs, Speakers, and all hon members. Thandi is saying right now, permanent and special delegates to the National Council of Provinces, I am proud to stand here this afternoon to accept the responsibility with which you have entrusted me as the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
I wish to thank you for your belief in me. With your support, I promise to do my best to serve the people of South Africa in my new capacity.
I am very happy to join the leadership of South Africa's unique legislative body. The NCOP is unique in the sense that it is the only institution that brings together representatives of the three spheres of government under one roof. It is unique in that it demands of the elected representatives of the people from the different spheres of government to work together to deliver services to the people. This constitutional arrangement places the NCOP in a better position to play a critical role in the promotion of intergovernmental relations, co-operative government and integrated planning.
Working together, I am confident that we will be able to deal with the challenges that are facing our people with increased pace. It is indisputable that 15 years since we obtained our democracy we still have a long way to go to bring a better life to all South Africans, as envisaged by our Constitution. A lot of work has been done since 1994, upon which we must build a prosperous nation.
I would like to join the call made by the Chairperson of the NCOP, hon M Mahlangu, at the first sitting of this House for a close working relationship between the NCOP and local government. As somebody with experience of working at local government level, I am fully aware of the importance of this sphere of government in providing quality services to the people. Local government is central to achieving our vision of a better life for all.
It is indeed a great honour to accept, with humility, the new responsibility you have entrusted to me. Thank you. [Applause.]
Ungababi kakhulu, phela Mchunu! [Do not be too strict, hon Mchunu!] [Laughter.] I shall allow the Deputy Chair to sit down. I can declare to the House that I now have a Deputy Chair, or rather, this House has a Deputy Chair. [Applause.] I am sure that you have heard that she has spoken very well. When it is your first speech in the Chamber, don't be too rough, because you know what can happen to you. Speak very nicely. In a few days' time it is going to be very hot, but we will all get used to it.