Order! Hon members, I wish to thank parties for advising staff regarding those Votes on which they will make declarations, those on which they will record their objections, and those on which they intend to call for a division. This information will greatly assist the process this afternoon.
I will put each question on the Vote fully, for decision and thereafter ask parties for declarations of vote as they have indicated. Members may make declarations of vote from the floor microphones if they wish. After this, I will put the Vote for decision.
I have been advised that declarations will be limited to two minutes each. The bells will be rung for five minutes for the first division, if any, but for only one minute on subsequent divisions.
Vote No 1 - The Presidency - put.
Declarations of vote:
Madam Deputy Speaker, the Presidency budget demonstrated President Jacob Zuma's failure of leadership to take South Africa forward. The President had an opportunity to define his vision to create opportunities and jobs and to give the country hope to overcome despair.
However, the budget was not the stuff of visionary leadership. Instead, Parliament was presented with an unfocused contribution, designed more to mollify the many factions of the governing party than to plot the course forward for the people of South Africa.
Moreover, his mean-spirited response was little more than reflections on the personal and the historical. It contained not a single substantive response to specific policy questions. Rather than pulling the nation together, the President abused and mobilised our troubled history and legacy of racism to open up wounds and spread division.
In real terms, the cost of the Presidency is growing at an ever-increasing rate, yet it is not matched by tangible improvements in job creation or economic growth. While the Presidency has grown in size by 256% since 2003, youth unemployment for those aged 25 and under stands stubbornly at 49%. The President failed to respond to the gathering storm, by treating youth unemployment as a national emergency.
He missed the opportunity to decisively stamp his authority on a weak government by standing up to Cosatu. The President lacks the will to implement the youth wage subsidy. It is South Africa's young people who suffer as a consequence. The DA will not support the Presidency budget vote. [Applause.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, President Nelson Mandela signed the Constitution in Sharpeville. In doing so, he symbolised the fact that we had paid with tears, sweat and blood for this Constitution. Therefore, it was sacrosanct. Section 165(4) of our Constitution requires that organs of state, through legislative and other measures, must assist and protect the courts to ensure their independence, impartiality, dignity, etc.
Yet, members of the executive, under the President, as hon Ngwako Ramatlodi has done, continue brazenly to attack the judiciary at every available instance. For instance, this past week, he said, and I quote, "I have seen now in our country, that the courts are being used to replace the executive." Yet, the President, in his capacity as head of the executive, and the person who appoints these people, has not as yet taken a moment to repudiate them or call them to order.
This is a failure to keep his oath of office. Therefore, we will not support this Vote. I thank you. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, under President Zuma's government, the budget of the Presidency has doubled to more than R900 million. The budget of the National Youth Development Agency, NYDA, which falls under the Presidency, has become a vehicle for ANC Youth League support. This budget has doubled to R400 million.
Millions in state funds has been spent on the upgrading of the presidential official residence and offices. This is happening in the midst of the hon Minister of Finance's plea to all of us to urge government to be more prudent in its spending.
The President has invited us to talk during his Budget Speech. But when he was asked to tell us in his response if the Presidency should be accountable to a Parliament that has oversight over them, the President and the ANC chose instead to slap opposition parties, wasting valuable time and energy, trying to lecture us on South Africa's racist past.
Our proposal to make the President more accountable is nothing other than the establishment of an oversight committee. The ID would be abdicating its oversight responsibility by supporting a Budget Vote where no oversight structures exist. The ID does not support this budget. I thank you. [Applause.]
Deputy Speaker, media reports about the Department of Public Works spending R36 million on security-related constructions at President Zuma's Nkandla estate, including a network of underground rooms, an escape tunnel, underground parking, 20 houses for security guards and a helicopter pad, raises many questions that must be answered by the Presidency.
Further reports are that, according to both government and ANC sources, the total budget for improvements and additions at the President's homestead is between R69 million and R400 million. Because this is taxpayers' money, the ACDP believes that it should be approved by a Parliamentary committee. The ACDP will be voting against this extravagant spending of taxpayers' money that we believe amounts to wasteful expenditure. [Applause.]
IFP, did you have your hand up?
Madam Deputy Speaker, no.
Hon Deputy Speaker, hon Deputy President, the Presidency has discharged its responsibilities with distinction. [Applause.] It has lived up to the expectations of the founding mothers and fathers of our constitutional democracy. It recognised and acknowledged the primacy of the humanity of all South Africans and their inherent worth and dignity, their right to equality, freedom and justice for all.
The Budget Vote on the Presidency speaks eloquently to the commitment of this administration to improve the quality of life of all South Africans, both black and white. The commitment of this administration and its readiness to realise the vision of our founding fathers and mothers beyond doubt.
The priorities of your government, the resources allocated for their realisation, the National Development Plan and its co-ordinating structures leaves no one in doubt that this administration remains committed to the vision of our founding fathers and mothers. In particular, this administration is living up to what O R Tambo told us in 1981, when he said, and I quote:
The objective of our struggle in South Africa, as set out in the Freedom Charter, encompasses economic emancipation. It is inconceivable for liberation to have meaning without a return of the wealth of the country to the people as a whole. To allow the existing economic forces to retain their interests intact is to feed the roots of racial supremacy and exploitation, and does not represent even the shadow of liberation.
As the President told us that political freedom without economic emancipation is meaningless, this Budget Vote testifies eloquently to the fact that this administration is committed to ensuring that we achieve that. The ANC supports this Budget Vote. [Applause.]
Hon members, I now put the question. The question is that Vote No 1 be agreed to.
Division demanded.
The House divided.
AYES - 218:Abram, S; Adams, P E; Ainslie, A R; Baloyi, M R; Bhengu, F; Bhengu, N R; Bikani, F C; Bogopane-Zulu, H I; Borman, G M; Boshigo, D F; Botha, Y R; Bothman, S G; Burgess, C V; Buthelezi, M G; Carrim, Y l; Cebekhulu, R S; Cele, M A; Chabane, O C; Chiloane, T D; Chohan, F I; Coleman, E M; Cronin, J P; Cwele, S C; Dambuza, B N; Daniels, P N; De Lange, J H; Diale, L N; Dikgacwi, M M; Dlakude, D E; Dlulane, B N; Dubazana, Z S; Dube, M C; Duma, N M; Dunjwa, M L; Fihla, N B; Fransman, M L; Frolick, C T; Gasebonwe, T M A; Gaum, A H; Gcwabaza, N E; Gelderblom, J P; Gina, N; Gololo, C L; Gona, M F; Goqwana, M B; Gumede, D M; Hajaig, F; Hlengwa, M; Holomisa, S P; Huang, S - B; Jacobus, L; Jeffery, J H; Johnson, M; Kekane, C D; Kenye, T E; Kganyago, N M; Khoarai, L P; Kholwane, S E; Khumalo, F E; Khunou, N P; Koornhof, G W; Kubayi, M T; Landers, L T; Lekgetho, G; Lesoma, R M M; Lishivha, T E; Luyenge, Z; Maake, J J; Mabasa, X; Mabuza, M C; Madlala, N M; Madlopha, C Q; Mafolo, M V; Magagula, V V; Magama, H T; Magau, K R; Magubane, E; Makhuba, H N; Makhubela-Mashele, L S; Makhubele, Z S; Makwetla, S P; Malale, M l; Malgas, H H; Maluleka, H P; Maluleke, J M; Manana, M C; Mandela, Z M D; Manganye, J; Mangena, M S; Mapisa-Nqakula, N N; Martins, B A D; Maserumule, F T; Mashatile, P; Mashigo, R M; Mashishi, A C; Masutha, T M; Matlanyane, H F; Matshoba, J M; Maunye, M M; Mavunda, D W; Mayatula, S M; Maziya, M; Mbalula, F A; Mdaka, M N; Mdakane, M R; Mfundisi, I S; Mgabadeli, H C; Mjobo, L N; Mkhize, H B; Mkhulusi, N N P; Mlambo, E M; Mmusi, S G; Mnisi, N A; Mocumi, P A; Moepeng, J K; Mohale, M C; Mohorosi, M; Mokoena, A D; Molebatsi, M A; Moloi-Moropa, J C; Moloto, K A; Moni, C M; Morutoa, M R; Moss, L N; Motimele, M S; Motlanthe, K P; Motsepe, R M; Motshekga, M S; Motsoaledi, P A; Mpontshane, A M; Msimang, C T; Msweli, H S; Mthethwa, E M; Mthethwa, E N; Mtshali, E; Mufamadi, T A; Mushwana, F F; Ndabeni, S T; Ndlanzi, A Z; Nel, A C; Nelson, W J; Nene, N M; Newhoudt-Druchen, W S; Ngcengwane, N D; Ngcobo, B T; Ngcobo, E N N; Ngele, N J; Ngwenya, W; Ngwenya-Mabila, P C; Nhlengethwa, D G; Njikelana, S J; Nkwinti, G E; Nonkonyana, M; Ntuli, Z C; Ntuli, B M; Nxesi, T W; Nxumalo, M D; Nyalungu, R E; Nyekemba, E; Oosthuizen, G C; Oriani-Ambrosini, M G; Pandor, G N M; Peters, E D; Petersen-Maduna, P; Phaliso, M N; Pilane-Majake, M C C; Pilusa-Mosoane, M E; Radebe, J T; Radebe, G S; Ramatlhodi, N A; Ramodibe, D M; Ramokgopa, G; Schneemann, G D; Segale-Diswai, M J; September, C C; Sibiya, D; Sindane, G S; Singh, N; Sithole, S C N; Sizani, P S; Skosana, J J; Skosana, M B; Smith, V G; Smith, P F; Snell, G T; Sogoni, E M; Sonto, M R; Sosibo, J E; Sotyu, M M; Suka, L; Sulliman, E M; Sunduza, T B; Surty, M E; Thabethe, E; Thobejane, S G; Tinto, B; Tlake, M F; Tobias, T V; Tsebe, S R; Tseke, G K; Tsenoli, S L; Tshabalala, J; Tshwete, P; Tsotetsi, D R; Turok, B; Twala, N M; Van der Merwe, J H; Van der Merwe, S C; van Rooyen, D D; van Wyk, A; Williams-De Bruyn, S T; Xaba, P P; Xasa, T; Ximbi, D L; Xingwana, L M; Yengeni, L E; Zikalala, C N Z; Zulu, B Z.
NOES - 91:Adams, L H; Alberts, A D; Balindlela, Z B N; Bhanga, B M; Boinamo, G G; Bosman, L L; Coetzee, T W; Davidson, I O; De Freitas, M S F; Diemu, B C; Dreyer, A M; Du Toit, N D; Duncan, P C; Eloff, E H; Esau, S; Farrow, S B; Ferguson, B D; Gaehler, L B; Gcume, N P; George, M E; George, D T; Greyling, L W; Groenewald, P J; Hill-Lewis, G G; Hoosen, M H; Huang, C; James, W G; Kalyan, S V; Kganare, D A; Kilian, J D; Kloppers-Lourens, J C; Kohler-Barnard, D; Koornhof, N J J v R; Kopane, S P; Krumbock, G R; Lamoela, H; Lee, T D; Lekota, M G P; Lotriet, A; Lovemore, A T; Mackenzie, G P D; Madisha, W M; Marais, S J F; Marais, E J; Max, L H; Maynier, D H; Mazibuko, L D; McGluwa, J J; McIntosh, G B D; Meshoe, K R J; Michael, N W A; Mnqasela, M; Mokgalapa, S; More, E; Morgan, G R; Mosimane, C K K; Motau, S C; Mubu, K S; Mulder, P W A; Mulder, C P; Ngonyama, L S; Nhanha, M A; Njobe, M A A; Ntshiqela, P; Ollis, I M; Paulse, S; Rabie, P J; Rabotapi, M W; Ramatlakane, L; Ross, D C; Rwexana, S P; Sayedali Shah, M R; Schafer, D A; Schmidt, H C; Selfe, J; Shinn, M R; Smiles, D C; Smuts, M; Steyn, A C; Stubbe, D J; Swart, S N; Swart, M; Trollip, R A P; Van Dalen, P; Van Der Linde, J J; Van Der Westhuizen, A P; Van Dyk, S M; Van Schalkwyk, H C; Waters, M; Watson, A; Wenger, M.
Vote accordingly agreed to.
Hon members, I now put Vote No 2 - Parliament.
Vote No 2 - Parliament - put.
Declarations of vote:
Hon Deputy Speaker, the DA will not be supporting the Parliamentary budget on the grounds that it fails to capture what the institution needs in order to carry out its functions in the most effective manner possible and improve its democratic services to the people of South Africa.
The budget of Parliament, in fact, measures Parliament's performance on indicators that give no sense as to the success with which the institution is actually performing. For example, it tells us the number of Bills passed per year, but not the number of Bills repealed or challenged in court. It tells us the number of questions put to the executive, but not the number of questions that remain outstanding.
As a consequence, on the one hand, the budget either underinvests or, in certain areas provides no investment in key areas that would support the improvements in Parliament's internal functioning. On the other hand, the budget overinvests in initiating and organising events and programmes external to Parliament's core constitutional mandate. The DA cannot support a budget that so inaccurately captures the two roles of this Parliament and what it actually needs in order for it to be the Parliament for the people. I thank you.
Madam Deputy Speaker, whereas Cope supports Vote 2, today we again emphasise our concerns about what we believe to be serious shortcomings in respect of our oversight role and authority as legislature in the national sphere of government.
Firstly, we need to refocus on our primary responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution and cut out expensive, wasteful activities, which have no impact on improving service delivery to the people. Section 42(3)of the Constitution states abundantly clearly that the primary role of Parliament is, namely, to elect a President; to provide a national forum for public consideration of issues; to pass legislation; and to scrutinise and oversee executive actions - and I emphasise scrutinise.
Section 55(2) of the Constitution reinforces Parliament's role to keep the executive accountable, in that it must provide for mechanisms to ensure that all executive organs of state in the national sphere of government are accountable to it; and to maintain oversight of the exercise of the national executive authority, including the implementation of legislation.
Deputy Speaker, Cope believes that it cannot fulfil its constitutional role effectively without adequate legal advisers. In fact, a legal adviser assigned to each committee of Parliament. If it means reprioritising the budget, let us do that - let us make Parliament accessible but cut away wasteful expenditure and expensive public relations exercises.
Secondly, we have to heed the concern raised by hon Vincent Smith of the ANC when he questioned the fact that the executive - the very institution that Parliament has to scrutinise and oversee - determines the budget allocation to Parliament. Whether by accident or design, the financial deprivation of Parliament by the executive effectively undermines and inhibits Parliament in its execution of its constitutional mandate to effect proper and diligent oversight. [Time expired.]
Madam Deputy Speaker, I think that we have canvassed practically all the points during the debate. As far as I am concerned, there are two matters that stand over: Firstly, the Questions - the fact that there are about 500 questions from Ministers that have not been answered. Secondly, there are some criticisms that the laws we make are being thrown back because we make bad laws. But, I just want to state that there was only one law that was overruled by the Cape High Court.
However, in the meanwhile, from 2010 up to now, we have passed 60 Bills and the President has assented to 57 of them. So, to have one mistake out of 57 I don't think is that bad. I think that we tend to overcriticise Parliament and I think Parliament is doing well; and I think we should all help to make a bigger success of Parliament. [Applause.]
Hon Deputy Speaker, no! Parliament is not doing as well as the IFP thinks. [Interjections.] I said in my speech that Parliament has become dull and irrelevant and I stick to what I said. The fact of the matter is that the problem of Parliament is not that there are not enough funds. There are more than sufficient funds to run Parliament. It is not that we don't have sufficient and very well equipped officials in Parliament; we have the best. But Parliament is not doing what it is supposed to do, and the problem with this lies with the ruling party that is sitting over there. That is the reason why Parliament is not functioning well.
One of the functions of Parliament is to discuss issues of importance in this country. We can never find time to discuss those kinds of things. We discuss every irrelevant little thing but the true issues in South Africa are never discussed. One of the issues that we must discuss is why the Minister of Health is not in this House this afternoon. It could, perhaps, be something to do with yesterday's NEC meeting - I don't know. But the fact of the matter is that real issues are not discussed in this Parliament. So, we cannot support this Budget Vote until that is set right.
Hon Deputy Speaker, hon Deputy President, the ANC rises in support of Budget Vote No 2 on Parliament. We wish to congratulate the Speaker for his commitment to transform this institution, and his acknowledgement that there is a need to capacitate the institution and its organs. We also wonder why political parties were given ample opportunity by the Speaker in the Programme of Action, POA, and the Chief Whips' Forum have failed to raise the things that they want improvement on. [Interjections.] So, it means that they are dishonest. We are mindful of the challenges that we confront in the execution of our duties with regard to oversight, the quality of legislation we pass, our ongoing efforts to enhance the Rules of Parliament and the very practical challenges of implementing the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act.
I think it is important to remind the hon Mazibuko that Parliament is not a place for wage negotiations, and the hon Lekota should understand that the Constitutional Assembly has long since completed its business. So, he must not be raising issues that belong to that Constitutional Assembly in this House.
Hon Deputy Speaker, I rise on a point of order: The Chief Whip is totally out of order. We are not discussing the Budget Vote of the President. We are discussing Parliament. [Interjections.]
Are you done, Chief Whip? [Interjections.] Order, hon members! Those were the declarations of vote.
Vote agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Freedom Front Plus and Independent Democrats dissenting).