Your vote still more powerful than a picket poster

Sitting on a train on Friday 7 April I ask myself: are we after 23 years still a democracy?

Thousands used the first #FreedomFriday of Freedom month to take to the streets for a protest. You also had to pay close attention to know whether the protest was against state capture, our democratically elected president, firing of a former finance minister or against the governing party.

Maybe best to first mention I am not against South Africans exercising their democratic right to protest, against whatever. 

I also share the view and frustration over a lot of things done by our Commander in Chief. I’ll get back to the protest...

As i started writing this a video of kykNET Verslag popped up on my Twitter feed. The clip was about what is described as the presenter, Waldimar Pelser, venting over the President.

Waldimar makes some daring statements that echoes my question and makes we wonder “do we have media freedom or are we sitting with what some would describe as the ‘white-monopoly capital’ controlling the media

As media we obligated not to be bias and report all sides of a story. Does this however mean that as journalist I am not entitled to have an opinion?

As journalist I am obligated not to be bias. But I am no spin doctor, I am a journalist. Even before becoming a journalist I was a South African citizen. Like my fellow countrymen-and-women I am equal before the law and enjoy the same rights and responsibilities.

We enjoy press freedom in our democracy, but what protection do journalists enjoy for their thoughts and what if those thoughts and opinions are not the same as the majority?

Journalists don’t always receive the recognition they deserve. Many media colleague work in dangerous situations, where we have to take cover as the bullets and bricks fly. We at the receiving end of an auntie swear words or an uncle’s fist.

Is there an expectation from journalist to sit with a mouth full of words and act in the interest of the country? Unlike politicians we took no oath, yet they don’t hesitate to share their opinions.

According to reports approximately 205,000 South Africans countrywide took part in the 7 April protest. This is more than 80,000 less than the amount of votes the sixth biggest party received – and would have gotten you about five votes in parliament.

I did not take part in the protest. Not because I had to work, also not because it is my right not to take part. I did not take part because I am angry and frustrated at the many other things in our country – where many of our elected representatives fail us.

Throughout March nearly daily heard of children not only gone missing, but murdered. Until this hour, our leaders have not called for a day of prayer, let alone a protest.

In Paarl a clinic is being carried away brick-by-brick and with gang violence our elderly can barely go to pension payout points. But these are things we don’t protest about.

I was not one of the 277 members of the National Assembly who voted for the current president in 2009, I was also not an MP when Jacob Zuma was elected unopposed on 21 May 2014 for a second term.

See parliament elects the president and parliament should hold the president accountable and vote the president out. 

That is why citizens 23 years on 27 April, and the four general elections thereafter, stood in long queues to exercise our responsibility in voting for a political party.

We should not be misled to believe that Jacob Zuma will resign because we took part in a Big Walk and said so.

Our task is clear, to hold the political parties accountable to act in the interest of the country.

If the 12 political parties in the National Assembly are unable to hold the government accountable, we should hold them accountable when we make our cross.

Just before the big march Gwen Ngwenya, chief operating officer of the Institute for Race Relations, asked “when will South Africans learn that the ballot is mightier than the picket?”

We use the same argument, one for which I have been described on social media as “a stupid black guy”.

I manage to answer my own question. Thousands could take to the streets, against a democratically elected leader and some swear at him. No one was prevented by the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to take part – more confirmation at how our democracy has matured.

South Africa is might be heading down hill, but we not there yet. Me being able to write this, you openly criticizing the government and the many protest that will still be held are all confirmation of this.

Should we reach the edge, we can still land on our feet.

We can however not make a U-turn with a poster in the street. We will raise awareness, and indirectly be part of a political campaign for the next general election yes.

See our cross at the ballot box is still mightier than a picket.

• This blog originally appeared in Afrikaans in Paarl Post of #FreedomDay 27 April 2017

The long walk continues...

Reflecting on #SONA2017 too many people are laughing and describing our parliament as a circus – and that is not because we take the cue from the president, who was laughing…

During the events I had a moment where I had to ask do we still have a democracy and democratic Parliament. 

Like 13 January 2015, the morning after, I lower my head in shame as a South African – this is not the democracy that hundreds of men and woman gave up their lives for us to enjoy.

Facial expressions one got from Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and former President Thabo Mbeki summed up that the undemocratic events during a Joint Sitting of the two houses of Parliament and should be of grave concern for each and every voter.

Our 490 members of Parliament have privileges on the chamber floor, or so I thought. How many times will we have to view the force removal of democratically elected members? They do represent a percentage of voters – whether it’s 0.8%, 6% or 30%.

 

Julius Malema and his caucus might have valid points, but as pointed out by the Leader of the Official Opposition, Mmusi Maimane, and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Thandi Modise: the joint sitting was not the platform for them. 

Will there ever be a platform? ANC Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu’s point of order sounded like he was heading that way and then he made a u-turn. The former ANC spindoctor left a window open when he mention about “the ability of Parliament to remove the president”.

Given the few failed No Confidence and Impeachment motions I doubt it will happen in Jacob Zuma’s tenure. That makes me wonder do we really have to go through two more SONA’s that has more action than the Action Movie channel.

Whether you like or agree with him or not, Jacob Zuma is President of the Republic – duly elected by the democratically elected 400 members of the National Assembly.

The honourable members might have valid points of order, but until the President – irrespective of the person holding the office – is impeach, citizens have a right to hear (and not view) the State of our Nation.

As citizen and more particularly registered voter my hope and dream now is that our leaders – the Presiding Officers of Parliament will reach a point where they sit with leaders and Chief Whips of all parties represented in the house, along with the Leader of Government Business and the Parliamentary Counsellor to the President and – act in the interest of the country they meant to serve.

There is a dark cloud hanging over our democracy. If I read the last address, our first democratically elected president, the late Nelson Mandela delivered to Parliament [26 March 1999] I cannot wonder if Madiba knew that we would have to cross this bridge.

Tata warned us “the long walk continues. Mooi loop!”

Metrorail: We apologize for the inconvenience

“Trains in the Region are delayed in an excess of 240 minutes”, the sms that Saturday morning that made the warning signs go off.

Metrorail was given a heavy blow, just hours after #BlackFriday. Not even three consecutive arson incidents in April could stop the service. But cable theft, at a juncture where all signal cables converge, brought the train service to a standstill.

At our first meeting, the current Metrorail Western Cape regional manager, Richard Walker said he would try his best to never stop trains from moving – even if that means driving a train himself. And then came Metrorail’s darkest hour in more than five years.

Technicians tried their best to restore the service and by the Wednesday afternoon Richard (yes we on a first name basis) informed me all lines are now open, but things will still be hectic.

The next morning criminals again targeted Salt River and to complicate things even more four carriages were destroyed in an arson attack just outside Thornton station.

There are more than 120 train stations in the province, of who just under a 100 have ticket offices. Metrorail needs more than 90 train sets to have a normal service, for the four lines that stretch over 489km tracks. With all the arson incidents the past 15 months, there was a time the province had less than 70 train sets.

Apart from not having the security compliment to have a guard of honour next to the tracks, there is just not enough manpower for all the stations and points.

And then there is the issue of no funds, because Prasa – the motherbody of Metrorail – is in tatters from mismanagement and financial irregularities. Our hope and prayers are now on acting group chief, Collins Letsoalo, to get all sets on the tracks.

The arson and cable theft are forcing me to dare say there is a well-organised syndicate out to destroy Metrorail – especially in the Western Cape.

Securities are deployed to hot-spot areas, but families of the men and women are victimized and their lives threatened. Many of the unarmed guards step back when the thieves target the areas. Because is a life not more important than cables?

They don’t speak out, out of fear for the lives of their loved-ones. Many of the guards are also not trained to use a firearm. And if we go and give every Hendrik, Ivor and Thabo a gun, we might sit with the same problem as the Americans.

Then there is the sad fact that rail crime is not viewed as serious enough by our justice system. Because how many criminals caught, or against whom there are enough evidence are successfully prosecuted.

The past decades very little to no upgrading was done to our rail system – apart from fixing problems. For decades our rail infrastructure was neglected. In 2009 the need was identified and Prasa launched Project Modernisation. This 20 to 30 year project not only includes new trains but also upgrading of infrastructure. We have to wonder though what a setback every cable theft, arson and vandalism incident has.

Very notable with all the incidents, is the silence from the government benches. Both President Jacob Zuma and transport minister Dipuo Peters condemned the April arson incidents. Commuters however need more than a sentence from their leaders. Commuters, like trains and the infrastructure that are destroyed are government assets. Now why can our defence force – who protects rhinos – not be deployed to protect our trains and stations against the hooligans who are destroying the assets of our future?

Metrorail, or the railway service, is the backbone of the Western Cape economy and there is a light though for commuters.

The service in the province is much better than in other. The Western Cape might be the only not to make a profit, but in the province there are no rail derailments with casualties and train incidents are fewer, as well as crime activity. Delays and cancellations are also lower and we have the best and most proactive communication.

Our defence force might however be a temporary solution. If we want to address Metrorail’s problem, we will have to start addressing crime, social challenges and unemployment. If we don’t do this and continue to play the blame game, commuters and Metrorail will continue to be the biggest loser and hooligan criminals laughing all the way to the bank.

• This is the English version of a Post Scriptum that appeared in Paarl Post of Thursday 8 December 2016.

Pres. Thabo Mbeki's letter to Pres. Jacob Zuma

Jou kruisie is belangrik

Op 3 Augustus sal meer as 26 miljoen van my medelandsburgers die geleentheid kry om hul kruisie te maak. 

Ons sal die geleentheid kry om ’n politieke party en wykskandidaat te kies om ons te verteenwoordig en hul beloftes na te kom.

Wanneer my keuse gemaak is, sal ek met die kollektiewe besluit – wie my wyk en munisipale gebied gaan regeer – moet aanvaar.

Dit is daarom belangrik dat wanneer ek my kruisie maak, ek dit met trots doen en my stem slim gebruik.

Net minder as 50 000 van die meer as 3 miljoen kiesers in die Wes-Kaap is tussen 18 en 19 en sal vir die eerste keer hul kruisie maak. Hulle sal kan kies uit ’n rekord 200 politieke partye en 61 014 kandidate wat in die munisipale verkiesing meeding. Dit is sowat 65% meer politieke partye en 12% meer kandidate as vyf jaar gelede in 2011.

Talle kenners noem dit die belangrikste verkiesing sedert daai allerbelangrike 1994 een. Tog is alle verkiesings belangrik en wat vanjaar se plaaslike verkiesing interessant maak is om te sien of kiesers volgens hul behoeftes of volgens lojaliteit sal stem. Dit natuurlik as jy dink aan wat die afgelope twee tot vyf jaar gebeur het.

Ons stem is egter meer as ’n geleentheid, dit is ’n verantwoordelikheid wat ons toegang gee tot die reg om ons openbare verteenwoordigers verantwoordbaar te hou. Ons stem is nie net vyf minute werd nie, maar inderdaad vyf jaar. Vyf jaar om diegene vir wie ons kies verantwoordelik te hou om in die gemeenskap se basiese behoeftes te voorsien.

Die afgelope paar maande moes ons talle diensleweringbetogings in die land aanskou. Nes geen mens perfek is nie, is ook geen party perfek nie en bevat elkeen sy eie struikelblokke.

Rassisme, kwotas in sport, korrupsie, private stralers, spy tapes en talle ander sake is belangrik.

Maar wat ons baie keer vergeet is om realistiese oplossings op die agenda te plaas wat die daaglikse bestaan van veral die armes raak.

Terwyl ons worry oor ’n nuwe jet vir die president of ’n rassistiese post op sosiale media, is daar ’n ouma wat omsien na haar vyf kleinkinders en wonder waar gaan sy môreaand se ete kry. Terwyl ons kwotas in sport bespreek, het die ouers van ’n talentvolle jong sportspeler nie die geld om eens oefenklere vir daardie speler te koop nie.

Ja, hierdie verkiesing is nes die vorige en dié wat sal kom, belangrik.

Hierdie munisipale verkiesing is ’n geleentheid vir die kieser om vir hul behoeftes te stem, om te stem vir wie ’n regte verandering in hul lewe sal maak en nie net een op papier of ’n poster nie.

Wanneer ek in die stemlokaal gaan en my stembriewe vashou – staan ek alleen. Ek sal my asem ophou en dink aan ongeag hoe onvolmaak ons demokratiese proses mag wees of nie, dit bly ’n voorreg vir my om my kruisie te maak. ’n Voorreg wat my grootouers nooit gehad en kon geniet het nie.

Ja, ek sal dink aan wat Zuma, Maimane, Malema, Lekota, Buthulezi, Zanele, Godi en die Mulders gesê het, asook beloftes van plaaslike leiers. Maar ek sal ook dink aan Madiba, Oliver, Walter, Albertina, Helen, Dullah, Kader, Ashley en die talle ander wat ’n duur prys betaal het vir my om hierdie verantwoordelikheid te geniet.

Ek sal ’n oomblik neem en dink aan die talle uitdagings in my gemeenskap en wie in my mening die beste dit kan aanspreek.

Ek sal dink aan menseregte, vryheid van spraak, die media, vryheid om aan ’n organisasie van my keuse te behoort. Ek sal ook dink aan die regte van minderheidsgroepe, diversiteit en ’n droom van samehorigheid.

Ek sal met die stembriewe in my hand ook dink aan armoede, maatskaplike uitdagings soos dwelmmisbruik, tienerswangerskap, MIV, werkloosheid, bendegeweld en die stigma teen my LGBTI (gay) vriende.

Ek sal dink aan vrede en hoop dat jy ook jou stem wys sal gebruik.

Geniet die verantwoordelikheid om te stem. Stem met trots en loop by die stembus weg met die wete dat jy die regte ding gedoen het.

Dit gaan oor jou kruisie!

• Oorspronklike rubriek het in Paarl Post van Donderdag 28 Julie 2016 verskyn.

Religious leaders our moral compass

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) and National Religious Leaders Forum (NRLF) last week added their voice to the growing calls for Jacob Zuma to do the honourable thing and resign.

Now what makes this so special?

The religious groups normally speak out on pertinent social issues.

But this is the first time I can recall in our young democracy that the two bodies not only have a joint meeting on a specific issue, but also a joint meeting with the ANC as well as a joint press briefing calling on Jacob Zuma to resign.

Surely this alone calls for a moment of silent reflection, considering past tension between the two and in the foreseeable future we may not see this joint effort again.

A brief history of the two formations is that the NRLF was formed in post-apartheid South Africa, with one of their most prominent leaders being Pastor Ray McCauley of Rhema Bible Church. The SACC needs no introduction, having 

been in alliance with the ANC during the anti-apartheid struggle.

As one would expect the “devil” was not happy. Our church leaders were criticised and their actions questioned. Some colleagues even asked who gave them a mandate – even though they were elected. One of the comments I read was that our religious leaders should not judge but act with love and compassion.

“The pulpit cannot be used by religious leaders for politics, and only the ANC can ask the president to resign,” said the chaplain at the Chris Hani Memorial Service.

Yes, politically he may be correct, and we have already received indications of this.

ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe, at two press briefings he addressed - one after the national officials met and the other after the extended national working committee meeting X made this distinction clear. When 235 members of Parliament voted against the DA impeachment motion to remove the President, the ANC NWC and parliamentary caucus indicated they would never again recall a sitting head of state, as the party’s national executive committee did in September 2008 when it recalled Thabo Mbeki as President.

Not all religious leaders asked the President to step down. On Monday, the National Interfaith Council of South Africa welcomed the President’s apology to South Africa and criticised men and women of God for asking him to resign. It may be worth noting that one of the prominent members of this council is former ANC Parliamentary Chief Whip Dr Mathole Motshekga, who was also a member of the Nkandla Ad hoc committee.

Reading all the unhappy comments, I was wondering if they did not read or didn’t know 1 Timothy 5:20, which says: “But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning...” There is also Deuteronomy, Acts, Titus, Corinthians and several other scriptural texts one could quote from.

Prof Mary-Ann Plaatjies-van Huffel, World Council of Churches President for Africa and moderator of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (and first female to hold this position), wrote to President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday 6 April – in a letter composed on Sunday 3 April with a humble, though serious request.

The letter, a copy of which is in my possession, contains no politics just a humble reminder of moral integrity, asking the President to do the right thing and not let his own struggle in the fight for liberation fade from the memory of the nation.

A friend occasionally tells me that politics and religion do not go together... you will be busy praying and swearing at the same time. Although many religious leaders tried it on the political scene, I agree that the pulpit should not be used for politics – indeed for souls. But we cannot ignore our country’s history and remind ourselves that religious leaders – and we can name people like Oom Beyers Naudé, Dr Allan Boesak, Archbishop-emeritus Desmond Tutu, Rev Frank Chikane, Archbishop-emeritus Bill Burnett and many others – played an instrumental role in #ApartheidHasFallen and the #RiseOfDemocracy

Yes, politics can make one forget one’s values, even if only for a second.

But our religious leaders have a role to play and we should see them as the moral voice in our country, for our [political] leaders.

• This opinion piece was originally published in Paarl Post of Thursday 14 April 2016 [pg.8]

#SONA2016

State of the Nation Address by Jacob G Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa on the occasion of the Joint Sitting of Parliament on 11 February 2016

Good evening, sanibonani, molweni, dumelang, goeie naand, lotshani, riperile, ndimadekwana,

Today marks the 26th anniversary of the release of President Nelson Mandela from prison, which was one of the most remarkable episodes in the history of our country.

It is also the 50th anniversary of the declaration by the National Party regime that District Six would be a whites only area, leading to the forced removals of more than 60 000 residents.

The year 2016 also marks the 20th anniversary of the signing into law by Madiba, of the Constitution of the Republic. The signing took place in Sharpeville on 10 December 1996.

We are proud of our democracy and what we have achieved in a short space of time. Our democracy is functional, solid and stable. 

Compatriots,

The Constitution, which has its foundation in the Freedom Charter, proclaims that South Africa belongs to all who live in it. A lot has been done to promote inclusion and a non-racial society.

However, the journey to a non-racial society has not yet been completed. 

The nation was shaken last month when racism reared its ugly head on social and electronic media, causing untold pain and anger. 

There is a need to confront the demon of racism. Human Rights Day, March 21, will be commemorated as the national day against racism this year. It will be used to lay the foundation for a long-term programme of building a non-racial society.

Compatriots, I would like to remind you of a few other important anniversaries.

The year 2016 marks 60 years since the women’s march to the Union Buildings to demand an end to the pass laws. We are happy to have in our midst Ms Sophie de Bruyn, who was among the heroic leaders of that historic march. 

We also acknowledge the former President of the Black Sash, Ms Mary Burton. We acknowledge the organisation’s track record in fighting for human rights, justice and equality.

This year also marks 40 years since the landmark June 16 student uprising in Soweto. 

We welcome the photographer who shot the famous photograph of Hector Peterson carried by Mbuyisa Makhubu with his sister Antoinette, Mr Sam Nzima.

We also salute the class of 1976 for their bravery in standing up against the brutal apartheid regime. We acknowledge one of the activists of that era, the Deputy Secretary of Parliament, Ms Baby Tyawa, who is in our midst. 

This year we also mark 30 years since the ambush and brutal killing of the Gugulethu Seven by the apartheid police in March 1986.

The University of Fort Hare celebrates its centenary, which is a critical milestone in the liberation history of not only our country but the continent. The national celebrations will take place on the 20th of May. 

Let me recognise uMntwana wakwaPhindangene, the leader of the IFP who is a former student of the university. 

The year 2016 also marks the centenary of the battle of Deville Woods in France, which took place during the First World War. 

Scores of Black soldiers fought in the war but were treated badly due to the colour of their skin.

A memorial that will restore their dignity and humanity is scheduled to be unveiled in July this year in France.

Madam Speaker and Madam Chairperson,

A resilient and fast growing economy is at the heart of our radical economic transformation agenda and our National Development Plan.

When the economy grows fast it delivers jobs. Workers earn wages and businesses make profits. 

The tax base expands and allows government to increase the social wage and provide education, health, social grants, housing and free basic services - faster and in a more sustainable manner. 

Our economy has been facing difficulties since the financial crisis in 2008. We embarked on an aggressive infrastructure development programme to stimulate growth. 

Our reality right now is that global growth still remains muted. Financial markets have become volatile. Currencies of emerging markets have become weak and they fluctuate widely. 

The prices of gold, platinum, coal and other minerals that we sell to the rest of the world have dropped significantly and continue to be low. 

The economies of two of our partners in BRICS: Brazil and Russia - are expected to contract this year. The third, China, will not register the kind of robust growth that it is known for. 

Because our economy is relatively small and open, it is affected by all of these developments. 

Our economy is also affected by domestic factors such as the electricity constraints and industrial relations which are sometimes unstable. 

The IMF and the World Bank predict that the South African economy will grow by less than one per cent this year. The lower economic growth outcomes and outlook suggest that revenue collection will be lower than previously expected. 

Importantly, our country seems to be at risk of losing its investment grade status from ratings agencies. If that happens, it will become more expensive for us to borrow money from abroad to finance our programmes of building a better life for all especially the poor. 

The situation requires an effective turnaround plan from us. 

It is about doing things differently and also acting on what may not have been acted upon quickly before. 

I will share a few points that we believe would make a difference.

First, our country remains an attractive investment destination. It may face challenges, but its positive attributes far outweigh those challenges.

We must continue to market the country as a preferred destination for investments. This requires a common narrative from all of us as business, labour and government. 

If there are any disagreements or problems between us, we should solve them before they escalate. This is necessary for the common good of our country.

We have had fruitful meetings with business, including the high level meeting with CEOs on Tuesday this week.

We have heard the suggestions from business community on how we can turn the situation around and put the economy back on a growth path. 

We have heard the points about the need to create the correct investment support infrastructure.

Government is developing a One Stop Shop/Invest SA initiative to signal that South Africa is truly open for business. We will fast-track the implementation of this service, in partnership with the private sector.

Such an initiative requires that government removes the red tape and reviews any legislative and regulatory blockages. 

We have established an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Investment Promotion which will ensure the success of investment promotion initiatives.

Compatriots, we have heard the concerns raised about the performance of state owned enterprises and companies.

Many of our SOCs are performing well.

Sanral has built some of the best roads in Gauteng and in many parts of the country. These make us the envy of many parts around the globe.

The Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority has constructed dams of varied capacities, thus making it possible for our people to have access to safe drinking water.

Transnet has built rail infrastructure which has enabled our country’s mines to move massive bulk of commodities through our ports to markets around the globe.

Eskom, in spite of the challenges, still manages to keep the economy going, against all odds.

Our development finance institutions such as the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) or Development Bank of Southern Africa and others have provided finance for infrastructure, various industries and agricultural businesses without fail, even in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.

For the state owned companies to contribute to the successful implementation of the National Development Plan, they must be financially sound. 

They must be properly governed and managed. We will ensure the implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Review Commission on State Owned Enterprises, which outlines how the institutions should be managed.

The Deputy President chairs the Inter-Ministerial Committee which is tasked with ensuring the implementation of these recommendations.

We have to streamline and sharpen the mandates of the companies and ensure that where there are overlaps in the mandates, there is immediate rationalization. 

Those companies that are no longer relevant to our development agenda will be phased out. 

Government departments to which they report, will set the agenda and identify key projects for the State owned companies to implement, over a defined period. Proper monitoring and evaluation will be done.

These interventions are essential for growth and also for the reduction of national debt levels. 

Compatriots, We must take advantage of the exchange rate as well as the recent changes of visa regulations, to boost inbound tourism.

SA Tourism will invest one hundred million rand a year to promote domestic tourism, encouraging South Africans to tour their country.

We have heard concerns from companies about delays in obtaining visas for skilled personnel from abroad. While we prefer that employers prioritise local workers, our migration policy must also make it possible to import scarce skills.

The draft migration policy will be presented to Cabinet during the course of 2016. 

We have heard the appeals for policy certainty in the mining sector, especially with regards to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Bill.

The Bill was referred back to Parliament last year. We await Parliament to conclude the processing, which we trust will be done expeditiously. 

Compatriots

We need to empower SMMEs to accelerate their growth. Access to high-quality, innovative business support can dramatically improve the success rate of new ventures. 

The department of small business development was established to provide such targeted support to small business.

Economic transformation and black empowerment remain a key part of all economic programmes of government.  One of our new interventions is the Black Industrialists Scheme which has been launched to promote the participation of black entrepreneurs in manufacturing.  

We urge big business to partner the new manufacturers including businesses owned by women and the youth, as part of broadening the ownership and control of the economy.

Compatriots 

We are proud of our Top 10 ranking in the World Economic Forum competitiveness report with respect to financial services. 

Maintaining and indeed improving our ranking is important to our competitiveness as a country. 

It is also fundamental to our ambition to become a financial centre for Africa. 

The banks, through the Banking Association of South Africa, are to launch a project aimed at establishing a centre of excellence for financial services and leadership training. 

This will ensure that as a country we can attract, nurture, develop and retain the best talent in financial services in our country and across our continent. 

They will work with the Minister of Finance and the National Treasury to get this done. We believe that this will over time ensure that we can expand the pool of financial skills and broaden the job opportunities for many young people. 

This strategic project from the banking sector is a positive and encouraging outcome of our engagement with business this week. 

Together we move South Africa Forward!

Compatriots,

We have made an undertaking to spend public funds wisely and to cut wasteful expenditure, but without compromising on the core business of government and the provision of services to our people. 

In 2013, the Minister of Finance announced a number of cost containment measures. 

Excessive and wasteful expenditure has been reduced, but there is still more to be done to cut wastage.

I would like to announce some measures this evening. 

Overseas trips will be curtailed and those requesting permission will have to motivate strongly and prove the benefit to the country. 

The sizes of delegations will be greatly reduced and standardised. 

Further restrictions on conferences, catering, entertainment and social functions will be instituted.

The budget vote dinners for stakeholders hosted by government departments in Parliament, after the delivery of budget speeches will no longer take place. 

The Minister of Finance will announce more measures and further details in the budget vote speech on the 24th of February.

The executive management and boards of public agencies and state owned companies must undertake similar measures. 

I also invite Premiers of all nine provinces as well as mayors to join us as we begin eliminating wasteful expenditure within government. 

I trust that Parliament and the Judiciary will also be persuaded to consider the implementation of similar measures.

Compatriots

A big expenditure item, that we would like to persuade Parliament to consider, is the maintenance of two capitals, Pretoria as the administrative one and Cape Town as the legislative capital. 

We believe that the matter requires the attention of Parliament soon.

Compatriots

We all have a lot to do to turn the economy around and to cut wastage. We will go through a difficult period for a while, but when the economy recovers, we will be proud of ourselves for having done the right thing. 

Compatriots,

I would now like to report back on the undertakings made last year. During the State of the Nation Address in February 2015. I announced the Nine Point Plan to respond to sluggish growth.

The nine point plan consists of: 

a. Revitalisation of the agriculture and agro-processing value-chain;

b. Advancing beneficiation adding value to our mineral wealth; 

c. More effective implementation of a higher impact Industrial Policy Action Plan;

d. Unlocking the potential of SMME, co-operativess, township and rural enterprises; 

e. Resolving the energy challenge;

f. Stabilising the labour market;

g. Scaling-up private-sector investment;

h. Growing the Ocean Economy;

i. Cross-cutting Areas to Reform, Boost and Diversify the Economy;

i. Science, technology and innovation

ii. Water and sanitation

iii. Transport infrastructure

iv. Broadband rollout 

v. State owned companies. 

We have made significant progress in the implementation of the plan. 

Progress has been made to stabilise the electricity supply. There has been no load shedding since August last year which has brought relief for both households and industry alike. 

Government has invested eighty three billion rand (R83 billion) in Eskom which has enabled the utility to continue investing in Medupi and Kusile, while continuing with a diligent maintenance programme.

Additional units from Ingula power station will be connected in 2017, even though some of them will begin synchronisation this year.

The multiple bid windows of the Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme have attracted an investment of one hundred and ninety four billion rand. 

This initiative is a concrete example of how government can partner with the private sector to provide practical solutions to an immediate challenge that faces our country.

In 2016, government will select the preferred bidders for the coal independent power producer. 

Request for Proposals will also be issued for the first windows of gas to power bids.

The nuclear energy expansion programme remains part of the future energy mix. 

Our plan is to introduce nine thousand six hundred megawatts of nuclear energy in the next decade, in addition to running Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant. 

We will test the market to ascertain the true cost of building modern nuclear plants. 

Let me emphasise that we will only procure nuclear on a scale and pace that our country can afford.

Compatriots,

Our government through the Department of Trade and Industry introduced a number of incentives in the past few years to boost investments in the manufacturing sectors especially textiles, leather and the automotive sectors.

Progress has been made in these sectors.

The incentives for the automotive sector have attracted investments of over twenty five billion rand over the last five years. We welcome key investments from Mercedes, General Motors, Ford, Beijing Auto Works, the Metair group, BMW, Goodyear and VW. 

The clothing and textile sector has also been successfully stabilised after a difficult few years. 

Multinational companies such as Nestle, Unilever Samsung and Hisense have also affirmed South Africa as a regional manufacturing hub. 

They have retained and expanded their investments in new plants. 

Indeed the progress made in manufacturing has certainly demonstrated that the incentive programmes are effective and attractive to investors.

Compatriots,

I announced programmes for the revitalisation of agriculture last year. We introduced the Agri-Parks programme, aimed at increasing the participation of small holder farmers in agricultural activities.  

Construction has begun in at least five agriparks, which are: Westrand in Gauteng, Springbokpan in North West, Witzenberg in Western Cape, Ncora in the Eastern Cape and Enkangala in Mpumalanga. 

The agricultural programmes must empower women farmers as well. Allow me to introduce the winner of the Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2015, Ms Julia Shungube, from Nkomazi municipality in Mpumalanga. 

Honourable Speaker and Chairperson,

Land reform remains an important factor as we pursue transformation.

I spoke about the fifty/fifty policy framework last year, which proposes relative rights for people who live and work on farms. 

Twenty seven proposals have been received from commercial farmers and four are being implemented in the Eastern Cape and the Free State.

I also announced the Regulation of Land Holdings Bill which would place a ceiling on land ownership at a maximum of 12 000 hectares and would prohibit foreign nationals from owning land. They would be eligible for long term leases. The draft Bill will be presented to Cabinet in the first semester of the year.

We also announced the re-opening of land claims for people who had missed the 1998 deadline. The number of new land claims that have been lodged stood at close to one hundred and twenty thousand as of December last year.

Compatriots,

As we are aware, five provinces have been seriously affected by drought, namely North-West, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 

Government provides relief to affected communities. Isomiso sixakile impela ezifundazweni eziningi. Imfuyo iyafa kanti nezolimo zisele emuva. Isikhathi esinzima lesi. 

Uhulumeni uzoqhubeka nokuxhasa abalimi kanye nokusiza imiphakathi ngezimoto ezithwala zamanzi.

Let me take this opportunity to commend the civil society initiative, Operation Hydrate  and others for the provision of water relief to many communities in distress.

The building of water infrastructure remains critical so that we can expand access to our people and industry.

The first phase of the Mokolo and Crocodile Water Augmentation project in Lephalale area in Limpopo is fully operational. It will provide 30 million cubic meters of water per annum.

The raising of the Clan William Dam wall in the Western Cape entails raising the existing dam level by 13 metres to provide additional water supply. 

To curb water wastage, the Department of Water and Sanitation has begun its programme of training fifteen thousand young people as artisans. 

Madam Speaker, Madam Chairperson,

On improving labour relations, we welcome the agreement reached by social partners at NEDLAC on the principle of a national minimum wage. 

Deliberations continue on the level at which the minimum wage must be placed.

It is important to emphasise that the national minimum wage should be implemented in a manner that does not undermine employment creation, the thriving of small businesses or sustained economic growth.

We are also encouraged by reports from NEDLAC that a framework to stabilize the labour market by reducing the length of strikes and eliminating violence during strike action is being finalized.  

We have heard the concerns of labour about the Tax Amendment Act that I signed into law in December, following its passing by Parliament.

Government is in discussion with COSATU about the matter and a solution is being sought.

Discussions are also on-going within government, led  by the Department of Social Development and National Treasury, with regards to finalising the comprehensive social security policy.

Compatriots,

Only a few years ago, our mining sector was in turmoil especially on the platinum belt. 

The situation has improved and we commend business and labour for the progress made. 

Another positive development in the mining sector was the Leaders’ Declaration to Save Jobs which was signed by mining industry stakeholders in August 2015. 

We urge the parties to implement the agreement and to continue seeking ways of saving jobs. 

We appeal to business again that retrenchments should not be the first resort when they face difficulties.

Compatriots,

In 2014 we launched the popular operation Phakisa Big Fast results methodology and implemented it in the ocean economy, health, education and mining sectors.

Seven billion rand has been committed in new port facilities, following the adoption of a Public- Private-Partnership model for port infrastructure development by Transnet National Ports Authority.

Compatriots, we were concerned that South Africa did not own vessels while we are surrounded by about three thousand kilometres of a coastline. 

Through the oceans economy segment of Operation Phakisa, we are trying to solve this challenge.

I am pleased that two bulk carrier vessels have been registered in Port Elizabeth, and a third tanker in Cape Town under the South African flag. 

Another positive Operation Phakisa development has been the launch of a fuel storage facility here in Cape Town, bringing an investment of six hundred and sixty million rand.

Aquaculture appears to be an important growth area within the oceans economy segment of Operation Phakisa. 

Close to three hundred and fifty thousand rand private sector investment has thus far been committed in the Aquaculture sector. Nine aquaculture farms are already in production.  These farms are located within the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and Northern Cape.  

We continue to promote innovation within the Nine Point Plan programme. 

The Department of Science and Technology will finalise the Sovereign Innovation fund, a Public private funding partnership aimed at commercialising innovations that are from ideas from the public and the private sectors. 

Government will fast track the implementation of the first phase of broadband roll-out to connect more than five thousand government facilities in eight district municipalities over a three year period.

Funding to the tune of 740 million rand over a three year period has been allocated in this regard.

Compatriots

A lot of work was done in the social sector as well in the past year.

Government has responded to the financial shortfall arising from the zero per cent university fee increase, as agreed in meeting with students and vice-chancellors last year.

The Minister of Finance will provide the details of education shortfall funding in the Budget speech. 

I have appointed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into higher education. We urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the Commission and help ensure its success.

On the health front, the life expectancy of South Africans for both males and females has significantly improved and is currently 62 years across genders, which is an increase of eight and a half years since 2005.  

The HIV policy turnaround in 2009 led to a massive rollout of HIV testing and treatment for 3.2 million people living with the virus. 

This has contributed immensely to healthier and longer lives for those infected. 

We acknowledge the contribution of partners in the South African National Aids Council which is chaired by the Deputy President.

Our next step is to revive prevention campaigns especially amongst the youth. The Minister of Health will soon announce a major campaign in this regard.

I am also happy to announce that the state-owned pharmaceutical company, Ketlaphela, has been established. The company will participate in the supply of anti-retroviral drug to the Department of Health from the 2016/17 financial year.

Meanwhile, the White Paper on National Health Insurance was released in December aimed at improving health care for everyone in South Africa. 

Compatriots,

Local government elections will be held within three months after the 18th of May, the date of the last elections. 

We urge all citizens who are over the age of 18 to register to vote during the first registration weekend, 5 and 6 March 2016. 

We urge the youth in particular who are turning 18 years of age this year, to register in their numbers for this first ever opportunity to cast their votes.

Our Back to Basics local government revitalisation plan was launched in September 2014 and 2015 has been the year of intensive implementation. 

In this second phase of implementation, national government will engage in more active monitoring and accountability measures. 

This includes unannounced municipal visits, spot checks of supply chain management processes, the implementation of recommendations of forensic reports, site visits of Municipal Infrastructure Grant funded projects, and increased interventions to assist struggling municipalities.

A 10 point plan of Back to Basics priority actions has been developed to guide this next phase.

The plan includes the promotion of community engagement, which is absolutely critical to enable communities to provide feedback on their experience of local government.

I already undertook a walkabout at Marabastad taxi and bus rank in Pretoria on Monday to speak to informal traders and commuters.

The majority of complaints and issues raised related to municipal services.

They would like the Tshwane municipality to clean the area and also to fix some broken sewerage pipes. Traders said they needed and were prepared to pay.

They alerted me that many people in Elandspoort receive RDP houses but instead of occupying them, they either sell them or rent them out other people. 

Mrs Baloyi who runs a stall complained about nyaope drug addicts who steal goods from traders.

Other commuters said I must visit Kwaggafontein in the former KwaNdebele and see the lack of service delivery. I will visit the area soon.

I was also able to speak to foreign nationals who said they queue daily to apply for documentation from the Department of Home Affairs. We will continue to visit communities to hear their concerns and suggestions. Issues raised during the visit will be followed up by the respective departments.

Compatriots

The South African Police Service is undergoing a turnaround and has adopted the Back to Basics approach to management to rebuild the organisation and to improve performance at all under-performing police stations.

We note sadly, as well that fifty seven police officers have been murdered to date during the 2015/16 financial year. We condemn this criminality strongly.

We urge the police to defend themselves when attacked, within the confines of the law.

Compatriots 

The African continent remains central to our foreign policy engagements. 

South Africa continued to support peace and security and regional economic integration through participation in the African Union and the Southern African Development Community initiatives.

We continued to assist sister countries in resolving their issues for example in Lesotho and South Sudan. 

The South African National Defence Force represented the country bravely and remarkably well in peacekeeping missions on the continent.  We are truly proud of our soldiers. They will be showcasing their capability in Port Elizabeth from the 13th to the 21st of February, the celebration of Armed Forces Day.

The Agreement by BRICS nations on the New Development Bank or BRICS Bank came into force and the bank is envisaged to approve its inaugural projects in April this year.

We participated in the India-Africa Summit as well as the Forum on Cooperation between Africa and China as we strengthened these important partnerships.

China announced investments of fifty billion US dollars of which South Africa will receive ten billion US dollars for infrastructure, industrialisation and skills development. 

On North-South cooperation, we continued our engagements with the European Union as a bloc which is our largest trading partner and foreign investor. 

Over 2000 EU companies operate within South Africa creating over three hundred and fifty thousand jobs. 

South Africa’s relations with the USA and Canada continue to strengthen, especially in the areas of economy, health, education, energy, water, safety and security, capacity building and the empowerment of women.

The renewal and expansion of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) provides a platform for the enhancement of industrialisation and regional integration. All outstanding issues around AGOA are being attended to.

Compatriots 

We extend good wishes to all athletes who have qualified for the Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro. 

We encourage participation in several programmes aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and nation building.

These include the National Recreation Day, the Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day; the World Move for Health Day, the Golden Games and the Andrew Mlangeni Golf Development Day.

Compatriots,

A committee has been established to coordinate the participation of our performing arts legends in nation building activities in the country.

The Living Legends committee is chaired by playwright Mr Welcome Msomi working with music icon, Ms Letta Mbulu, as deputy chairperson.

We are also happy that musicians and actors amongst others heeded our call to unite and have formed the Creative Industries Federation of South Africa. The Presidency has established the Presidential Creative Industries Task Team to support our artists.

Compatriots,

To achieve our objectives of creating jobs, reducing inequality and pushing back the frontiers of poverty we need faster growth. 

In the National Development Plan, we set our aspirational target growth of five per cent per year, which we had hoped to achieve by 2019. 

Given the economic conditions I have painted earlier on, it is clear that we will not achieve that growth target at the time we had hoped to achieve it. 

The tough global and domestic conditions should propel us to redouble our efforts, working together as all sectors. In this regard, it is important to act decisively to remove domestic constraints to growth. 

We cannot change the global economic conditions, but we can do a lot to change the local conditions. 

Let us work together to turn the situation around. It can be done.

I thank you.