Hon Chairperson, hon members, I present to this august House an oversight report of the Select Committee on Security and Constitutional Development of the Departments of Police, Correctional Services, Justice and Constitutional Development, and Defence and Military Veterans.
During our time in the Northern Cape, the committee had very fruitful interactions with the various departments. We learned first-hand of the many problems faced by the various departments in the Northern Cape region. Our recommendations are attached and we will follow up on their implementation during the course of our tenure.
There is one area of grave concern that is highlighted in the report and bears mentioning in this House. Central to our conducting oversight is the building of an effective people's Parliament that is responsive to the needs of the people and that is driven by the ideal of realising a better quality life for all the people of South Africa. It is with this in mind that we highlight the plight of the Khosis community living in the heart of the SA Army Combat Training Centre at Lohatla.
It is with astonishment that we learned of the live-fire exercise carried out by the SA Army during its essential training weeks and the difficulties of managing a no-fire zone in the heart of the training area where women and children freely roam and run the risk of injury and death.
Members will note that it was at this base that a mechanical failure led to the death of soldiers during such an exercise. The commander of the base, Brigadier General Mpaxa, with deep regret informed the committee of the loss of livestock from the community during another live exercise.
The courts of South Africa have ruled on the plight of the Khosis community, and as a committee we endorse that decision. We also refer our recommendation in the Northern Cape oversight report to the Ministers of Human Settlements, Rural Development and Land Reform, Public Works, and Defence and Military Veterans to ensure the safety of this community by finding alternative land and housing. It would be a tragic state of affairs to find a solution for the Khosis community after a loss of life has occurred. We therefore recommend the Council approve the report. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape. Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.