Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members, esteemed guests and members of the diplomatic corps, good afternoon to you all.
As we near our 20th year of democracy and freedom, and the end of the Fourth Parliament, there is a need to reflect on the path that we have travelled. As we do so, we also need to be mindful to balance critical comment with recognition of the amazing achievements South Africa has made this far. Nearly 20 years ago, Nelson Mandela, when speaking from this very House, stated:
The purpose that will drive this government shall be the expansion of the frontiers of human fulfilment, the continuous extension of the frontiers of freedom and the acid test of the legitimacy of the programmes we elaborate, the government institutions we create and the legislation we adopt must be whether they serve these objectives.
My government's commitment to create a people-centred society of liberty binds us to the pursuit of goals of freedom from want, freedom from hunger, freedom from deprivation, freedom from ignorance, freedom from suppression and freedom from fear. These freedoms are fundamental to the guarantee of human dignity.
Delivering his farewell address at the last sitting of the first democratically elected Parliament, Nelson Mandela said:
The people of South Africa have chosen a profoundly legal path to their revolution. Those who frame and enact the Constitution and law are in the vanguard of the fight for change. It is in the legislatures that the instruments have been fashioned to create a better life for all. It is here that the oversight of government has been exercised. It is here that our society in all its formations has had an opportunity to influence policy and its implementation.
The focus of the First and Second Parliaments was to change the entire legal edifice to root out apartheid legislation and its legacy. This involved the passing of hundreds of laws at a rapid pace. This institution is primarily responsible for improving the lives and living conditions of millions of our people. Looking back, we can confidently assert that in so many ways we have expanded the frontiers of freedom and fulfilment. As a new democracy, we have learnt from the examples of others and we inserted in our Constitution the most progressive provisions relating to openness, public participation, outreach, oversight and the justiciability of socioeconomic rights. In terms of section 42(3) of the Constitution our mandate as the National Assembly is to:
... ensure government by the people under the Constitution ... by providing a national forum for public consideration of issues, by passing legislation and by scrutinising and overseeing executive action.
Today, the world over, our Parliament is a testimony of what is possible when a nation decides to unite and choose a future of hope and progress. These are achievements in which we must take pride.
In fulfilment of the Fourth Parliament's mission, we have continued to build on the legacy entrusted to us by our predecessors. We have also undertaken far-reaching initiatives aimed at modernising our Parliament to adapt to and reflect the realities of the 21st century. In this regard, our responsibility is to ensure the implementation of the Strategic Vision adopted in 2009 with vigour. This includes the following five objectives, namely, firstly, building an effective and efficient institution; secondly, strengthening the oversight function; thirdly, increasing public participation; fourthly, improving co-operative governance; and fifthly, expanding Parliament's role in international relations.
Overall, we can confidently assert that the Fourth Parliament has made significant progress in the implementation of the five key areas of delivery as identified in our strategic plan. Subsequent to the adoption of the strategic goals, we needed to ensure that the design of our organisational structure was aligned to the functions of Parliament. As is known, we are in the process of finalising the restructuring of our institutional support structure. The Secretary to Parliament presented a final proposal to the presiding officers. We will consult with the Parliamentary Oversight Authority on the proposed structure for their views.
During this term we have undertaken an ambitious project to develop and refine our structures, procedures and proceedings. We needed to ensure that the Rules do not hinder us from delivering on our mandate, but assist and facilitate the smooth functioning of the House in line with the Constitution. The review includes, amongst others, mechanisms to ensure that public inputs find expression in our processes, proceedings and work.
We have to complete the review process before the end of the term of this Parliament in order for us to leave a legacy of renewed and implementable Rules for the next Parliament, the Fifth Parliament. Thus far, nine chapters have been completed and the team will be engaging with parties to obtain their views on the completed chapters.
During the past year there have been an unprecedented number of challenges to the rulings of presiding officers, not only in the House, but also in the courts. In the Western Cape judgment of Lekota v The Speaker, it was pointed out that:
The task of controlling debates in Parliament requires particular skills and is best dealt with by the presiding officers who are appointed for this purpose. A court should be loath to encroach on their territory and should do so only on the strength of compelling evidence of a constitutional transgression.
[Applause.]
In matters of Mazibuko v The Speaker, the courts again warned that because of unnecessary litigation by members against Parliament:
There is a danger in South Africa, however, of the politicisation of the judiciary, drawing the judiciary into every and all political disputes, as if there is no other forum to deal with a political impasse relating to policy or disputes which clearly carry polycentric consequences beyond the scope of adjudication.
[Applause.]
This is a warning we should well heed to ensure that the foundations of our democracy remain strong and that each arm is able to fulfil its constitutional roles and mandates. I urge members to take advantage of the review of the Rules process for us to address shortcomings that members may have identified, and to ensure that the Rules are adapted and are appropriate to our changing circumstances.
Lately it appears that at different times the mood of the House has strayed quite far from the flexibility, accommodation and balance that ideally ought to exist. My task as Speaker is to ensure that the intensity of feelings expressed around some issues is contained within the bounds of civility, without infringing on the freedom of speech that members enjoy.
All members will recognise that, ultimately, the Speaker must depend on the collective and individual self-discipline of members to maintain order and to foster decorum. My authority to enforce the Rules depends on the co- operation of members of this House. Regrettably, there clearly is a need to clamp down on unbecoming conduct in the Chamber. This is a matter that I wish to take up with the party Whips in the coming weeks.
Committees are an extension of the House and thus perform their functions on behalf of the House. They are also the primary vehicles for oversight and increasing public participation in the legislative and other processes of Parliament. In the Fourth Parliament we have focused on enhancing the functioning of parliamentary committees. We reviewed the nature and quality of support available to them as well as mechanisms to implement the Oversight and Accountability Model.
In addition, the Secretary to Parliament has tasked former Secretary of the National Assembly, Mr Kamal Mansura, to lead a task team to develop interventions to strengthen committees and to enable them to function better. The terms of reference are being developed and House Chairperson hon Frolick will provide further details in his address to the House later today.
The House will recall that in my 2012 budget speech I reported to this House that I was concerned about the constitutionality and quality of a number of pieces of legislation that were returned to the National Assembly. To this end, a number of corrective measures have been instituted to ensure that our laws are at all times in keeping with the letter and spirit of the Constitution. We must take the utmost care to ensure that the laws shield and protect the most vulnerable in our society.
I am very pleased to report that a legal drafting unit has now been established in Parliament. Adv C R van der Merwe was appointed in February 2013 as senior legal adviser responsible for legislative drafting. A further three parliamentary legal advisers were appointed in May and two more candidates will commence duty in July 2013. We are already beginning to see the value of such a unit.
Future work will include the introduction of an electronic system which will simplify and ensure consistency in the process of drafting. This will enable Parliament to make amendments to Bills available to members and the public in real time. Hon Frolick will expand on this matter. The principle behind Parliament's oversight function is to ensure that policy is implemented in accordance with the legislative intent, and that it upholds and responds to our people's aspirations. As members will recall, notable gaps in Parliament's oversight capacity were identified, which resulted in the development and adoption of an Oversight and Accountability Model.
The task of the Fourth Parliament has been to implement the Oversight and Accountability Model to ensure that we entrench a culture of scrutinising executive actions. Since the adoption of the model we have noted a more co- ordinated and an enhanced approach to oversight by committees and a deeper scrutiny of government expenditure and policies.
I want to emphasise that our oversight must continue to focus on value for money so as to ensure that government does more with less. It is for Parliament to ensure that the needs of citizens are represented and articulated, whilst service is enhanced and speeded up. In 1994, Madiba warned that:
Democracy itself cannot survive unless the material needs of the people - the bread and butter issues - are addressed as part of the process of change and as a matter of urgency. It should never be that the anger of the poor should be the finger of accusation pointed at all of us because we failed to respond to the cries of the people for food, for shelter, for the dignity of the individual.
[Applause.]
One of the most important responsibilities we are assigned as Parliament is our role in respect of the national Budget review. For legislatures to become meaningful platforms for injecting the interests and concerns of their constituencies into the policy process, they must have sufficiently sophisticated and resourceful organisational structures to engage, challenge and scrutinise the executive and state bureaucracies.
In this regard, we have begun to change the way we scrutinise the national budget, primarily through the creation of the Standing Committees on Finance and on Appropriations. We have defined Parliament's powers to amend the budget, so as to fulfil the demands of section 77(3) of the Constitution, through the adoption of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, which prescribes the procedures to amend the money Bills.
Members will know that section 15 of the Money Bills Act makes provision for the establishment of a parliamentary Budget Office. In February 2013 the parliamentary Budget Office was officially launched to provide independent, objective and professional research, advice and analyses to Parliament on matters related to the budget and other money Bills.
The presiding officers have approved an initial structure consisting of 12 persons initially to provide technical support to the Standing Committees on Finance and on Appropriations, whilst allowing further space for the identification of areas of improvement and refinement.
I am pleased to report that on 4 June 2013 Prof Mohammed Jahed was appointed Director of the parliamentary Budget Office. [Applause.] We wish him well and we are confident that he will succeed in his endeavour.
In support of Parliament's oversight role, our Constitution created the Institutions Supporting Democracy, ISDs. Members will recall that in terms of a resolution of this House, the Office on Institutions Supporting Democracy was established to be a link between Parliament and the ISDs. The office has since provided invaluable support to presiding officers, portfolio committees and the ISDs.
Since the establishment of this office, which is situated in the Speaker's Office and is headed up by the Deputy Speaker, we have witnessed improved relations between Parliament and the ISDs. They have also expressed their satisfaction with the support and encouragement received from the office.
I wish to express our gratitude to the Chapter 9 and associated institutions for their contributions to embedding democracy and accountability in our country. Please, continue to carry out your work in support of Parliament's oversight role with passion, vigour and integrity. [Applause.]
The National Assembly is enjoined by the Constitution to provide a national platform for public consideration of issues and, most importantly, to ensure that the public's views find expression in our world. However, as our Parliament has evolved, we have turned our gaze to the quality and effectiveness of our public participation processes.
Led by House Chairperson Frolick, and working together with the South African legislative sector, we have undertaken an extensive process of engagement, which includes civil society, to reframe our public participation approach. ln so doing, we remain cognisant that public participation is not about one big push at a certain time and place, but a continuous system of engagement which needs to be constantly refreshed and renewed. However, I am concerned that the development of the Public Participation Model is taking far longer than anticipated. I therefore urge members of the task team to complete the work before the end of this term. Ideally, they should conclude it before we adjourn this session.
It is in Parliament where debates of national interest should be raised and discussed. At all times parliaments have to be relevant about the subjects that they address. However, this does not mean that every spare minute of every sitting must be filled with whatever is on the front pages of the newspapers, important as that is. [Applause.] If we fail to discuss subjects of imminent salience, we risk becoming out of touch and out of reach with the country at large.
It is for this reason that I decided to actualise the powers of the Speaker to grant permission for debates that are of national importance and in the interest of our people. I am also pleased that parties have agreed to reintroduce a rotation system to ensure that all parties have the opportunity to place issues of national importance on the agenda of the House for debate.
I have also thought it prudent to increase the speaking time of smaller parties from one to three minutes to afford hon members more opportunity to make meaningful contributions to these debates. I wish to thank all political parties for their co-operation and support in this regard. [Applause.]
The report of the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, on the Rise of the South maintains that global development challenges are becoming increasingly more complex and transboundary in nature. In his address to the Third World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in 2012, the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, correctly stated that "all politics is local".
As part of the collective of world parliaments, we have continued to add our voice in calling for the major international institutions, such as the Bretton Woods institutions, to be more representative, transparent and accountable. [Applause.]
We continue to work with international parliamentary bodies, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, IPU, to build a closer and more effective relationship between the UN and parliaments. We must persist on this course as we stand to benefit more in promoting global democratic accountability. This is in line with the Millennium Conference of Presiding Officers' declaration that called on parliaments and their members to:
... assume increased responsibility in international relations, play a more active role at the national, regional and global levels, and generally reinforce parliamentary diplomacy.
Although section 231(1) of the Constitution provides that the negotiating and signing of all international agreements is the responsibility of the executive, section 231(2) provides that such agreements binds the Republic only after it has been approved by resolution in both Houses.
While decisions of a technical, administrative and executive nature do not need the approval of the House, this must be tabled in Parliament within a reasonable time. According to the Department of International Relations and Co-operation's Guide and Procedures for the Depositing and Binding of Agreements, agreements are only of a technical, administrative or executive nature if they have no extra-budgetary financial implications or do not have legislative implications.
This is an important aspect of oversight that we have not paid sufficient attention to, and it has come to our attention that not all agreements have being tabled for approval or submitted to Parliament within a reasonable time. We must finalise this before the end of this Parliament.
We are also engaging institutions outside of Parliament, such as the UNDP and other bodies, to provide support to the institution, members and committees. On 23 May this year, when I addressed the United Nations agencies based in South Africa on the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, and prospects of the post-2015 Sustainable Goals, I invited them to work with us on this agenda and on other matters, and they have enthusiastically agreed to do so. [Applause.]
In the Fourth Parliament we have strengthened our international support structures, systems and policies. We have elevated the International Relations Section to a division and recruited more staff to support the broader role we are increasingly undertaking on the international front. This Parliament remains committed to working towards the consolidation of the African agenda. We have continued our growing interaction with regional and continental multilateral structures, in particular the Pan-African Parliament, the Southern African Development Community, SADC, the Parliamentary Forum, as well as the IPU.
As part of our responsibility to promote and ensure good and democratic governance, we have participated in election observer missions to monitor elections in various countries on the continent.
With respect to the Parliamentary Group on International Relations, PGIR, I have registered my concern that this structure, which has the critical task of advising Parliament on international affairs, is not carrying out its duties. This is in the main due to poor attendance of scheduled meetings and the failure to form quorums for important decisions. This state of affairs clearly points to a lack of discipline by members. The situation cannot continue, and I therefore urge the party Whips to address this matter in their caucuses as a matter of urgency.
The Constitution requires us to work co-operatively with different spheres of government. To this end, the presiding officers have continued to meet regularly with provincial Speakers within the Speakers' Forum to promote co- operation and to develop best practice and benchmarks for the legislative sector.
With the support of the European Union's development funds, the Speakers' Forum has implemented a number of initiatives and programmes to enhance the capacity of the legislative sector. In May we hosted a very successful international consultative seminar with the European Parliament, which was attended by its President, Mr Martin Schultz, and Speakers and representatives of the SADC parliaments, such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Namibia and Swaziland, on the role of parliaments in economic development and transformation.
Members of Parliament are expected to make decisions on behalf of entire nations, which is arguably the most influential role in society. Therefore, this requires that we ensure our members have the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities needed to discharge the responsibilities of this role. In this regard, the Speakers' Forum entered into an agreement with the Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy, Palama, to assist in the training and development of members of national and provincial legislatures.
I am delighted that the capacity development programme is yielding very good results. For example, in 2011, 175 members of the national and provincial legislatures successfully completed an accredited course in governance and leadership at the University of South Africa, Unisa. In April this year, 225 Members of Parliament and the provincial legislatures completed an Advanced Certificate in Governance and Leadership at the Witwatersrand University, Wits. [Applause.]
Our Parliament is proudly setting the benchmark for parliaments around the world. A study conducted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in 2010 on the current state of knowledge concerning formal and informal capacity-building programmes for parliamentarians, found that South Africa and India were the only countries in the world that encouraged and supported their members to undertake formal tertiary studies. Let me repeat, South Africa and India are the only two countries in the world that supported and encouraged their members to undertake formal tertiary studies. [Applause.]
We hope that this programme will form part of the Fifth Parliament's legacy projects in 2014 and beyond. Within Parliament, we have also introduced a year-long programme of training to ensure that we continuously enhance our knowledge and skills. To borrow from Maya Angelou, "If you know better, you do better."
The work and efficacy of a Member of Parliament is largely dependent on receiving timely and reliable information. Over time I have raised the concern with our library for not being accessible after hours and in particular when we are away from Parliament.
Today I am pleased to announce the introduction of the Library's Digital Content Delivery application. This system will ensure that we are able to obtain information without delay. Features of the system include customisation to the specific requirements of a member to avoid unnecessary information overload.
I wish to urge members to visit the library to learn more about the advantages of the new system. There are simply no more excuses. This new system will ensure that members literally have the world in their hands through the use of mobile phones and electronic tablets.
Parliament will also be launching a digital application called My Parliament. In future, members will receive their parliamentary Order Papers and daily papers electronically. [Applause.] Not only will we be saving the environment by saving trees, but we will also cut back on the tons and tons of paper that we circulate every day. [Applause.]
I have been informed that the two systems were presented to the Quarterly Consultative Forum this past Friday, and members gave their overwhelming support for the immediate implementation of the system. I wish to inform members that the systems are in the final testing phase and will be implemented in July, that is next month.
This would require of us to finalise the Rules and guidelines on the use of technology in the House. Clearly it means we are moving into the future where paper won't be necessary, but we will be using our Ipads and other electronic devices. It is therefore important that the Rules Committee looks at how to make this possible in the House.
Before turning to the actual allocation for 2013-14, I wish to take this opportunity to report on the matter of the former Secretary to Parliament.
As members are aware by now, Mr Dingani was dismissed in terms of a resolution of this House. Mr Michael Coetzee was appointed Secretary to Parliament in December 2012. We owe him our gratitude ... [Applause.] ... for taking up this challenging position with minimal disruption.
With respect to annual expenditure, Parliament's budget allocation for the 2013-14 financial year is R1,87 billion, which is an increase of 6% compared to the 2012-13 allocation. As members are aware, this budget is divided into five programmes.
The allocation for Programme 1, Administration, is R414,6 million. This is an increase of 5,6% from the 2012-13 financial year.
The allocation for Programme 2, Legislation and Oversight, is R339,7 million, which is an increase of 7,53% from the 2012-13 financial year.
The allocation for Programme 3, Public and International Participation, is R125 million, which amounts to an increase of 5,6% from the 2012-13 financial year.
The allocation for Programme 4, Members' Facilities, is R211,2 million, which is an increase of 5,6% from the 2012-13 financial year.
The allocation for Programme 5, Associated Services, that provide support to political parties, is R388,8 million. This is an increase of 5,6% from the 2012-13 financial year.
Members' remuneration is a direct charge against the National Revenue Fund and amounts to R453,8 million. Retained earnings amounting to R141 million have been approved for the funding of 15 priority projects.
With regard to the Auditor-General's statutory audit report for the period 2009 to 2012, an analysis of this period shows that Parliament received unqualified audits in the past four years. [Applause.] However, the Auditor- General did highlight matters of emphasis that required our urgent attention. Year-on-year we have introduced measures to ensure that we improve the institution's financial management.
As we end the Fourth Parliament, we do so cognisant that we have to account and report to the Fifth Parliament on the work that we have undertaken since 2009. This includes planning for the inception of the Fifth Parliament. We have to prepare for the Fifth Parliament.
This task is not the purview of the presiding officers alone. I expect committees and every operational structure to provide a report of the work that was carried out during this term. In so doing, we will allow for a seamless transition from the Fourth to the Fifth Parliament, similar to the privilege that the Fourth Parliament enjoyed.
I wish to emphasise that any outstanding work on which we agreed must be completed before we rise at the end of this term. If need be - and I'm sure you will agree with me - Friday and evening sittings will be scheduled, as well as weekends, if push comes to shove. [Laughter.]
Time is fast running out. Let us intensify our efforts and ensure that we live up to the promises we made to our people. Let us be inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr, who said:
Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
Let us take forward our tasks with zeal and enthusiasm. Let us not lose sight of the fundamental importance of Parliament as an arm of state, as a voice of the people, as a platform for deliberation, as an instrument of change and an overseer of government action. Let us remain true to our vision and the ideals entrusted to us by generations of leaders such as Madiba, to whom we send our best wishes and love. I urge you to support this Budget Vote. I thank you. [Applause.]