Chairperson, the hon Minister has been quoted as saying that South Africa was spearheading a debate in Africa on the decommodification of basic foodstuffs. So, I was wondering if the hon Minister could give us some idea, from the department's point of view, of what decommodification of basic foodstuffs actually means, what the benefits are and where the challenges lie. Thank you.
The MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND FISHERIES: Chairperson, the decommodification of basic foodstuffs is in line with the African Union as well the Southern African Development Community's emphasis on food security and food sovereignty.
We are specifically looking at the development of drought-resistant seeds for basic foodstuffs like maize, sugar and wheat. We then look at the tariffs which are imposed on these foodstuffs and how the tariffs make these foodstuffs totally too expensive and beyond the reach of the general working class population in Africa. So, when it comes to decommodification, the discussion and the debate is still ongoing. I thank you.
Steps to ensure financial accountability from new Board and management of the SABC, as a politically unbiased public broadcaster
101. Ms J D Kilian (Cope) asked the Minister of Communications:
(1) Whether his department intends taking any steps to ensure financial accountability from the new Board and management of the SA Broadcasting Corporation (SABC); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) whether he will take any steps to ensure that the SABC carries out its mandate as an independent, politically unbiased public broadcaster; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO1434E