Point of Order to disrupt

Democracy was the biggest loser when the ANC in the Western Cape Legislature disappointed me on Friday 20^th February 2015. Their disruptions took place less than 24 hours after the head of state appealed to all to be calm, respect our democratic institutions and to play the ball not the man.

The ANC clearly copied the EFF when starting the sitting with a Point of Order, they also copied the EFF by trying to make it as difficult as possible for the Speaker and for her to call in security to remove members. It is clear parties entered the chamber with a plan.

While both parties made some blunders no one really scored, but it is the ANC who looks like the biggest loser.

Whether intentional or not, EFF tactics were copied disrupting a sitting of a democratic institution. This happened at Parliament and now also at two provincial legislatures. While these actions show after two decades our democracy is maturing, it also holds a threat as soon municipal councillors will copy these disruptive tactics and try it during their meetings – that would be a sad day for democracy as municipal councils meet once a quarter and service delivery will suffer from this.

ANC Chief Whip, Pierre Uys, was within his right to raise a point of order. His point of order was on an incident that occurred on December 4^th, 2014 – where racist remarks were made by the Premier of the Western Cape and the Leader of the Official Opposition in the legislature, the Zille withdrew her remark, but Fransman refused. Speaker Sharna Fernandez responded to Uys' Point of Order – which in all honesty, even though Uys put it in context, felt like a statement.

Having said the above, I agree and feel EFF MPL, Nazier Paulsen, gave a good summary in his response to the events: The Opposition's concerns are valid and nothing prevents the Opposition from still referring the matter for judiciary inquiry if the outcome is still unsatisfactory.

Why the ANC disappointed me:

One should first admit that the ANC MPL’s did not disrupt Premier Helen Zille’s State of the Province Address. The ANC in the legislature did disrupt the house, that prevented the Premier from delivering her State of the Province Address and that is why I’m disappointed as it is the same party who condemned the Economic Freedom Fighters from disrupting a Joint Sitting of Parliament when President Jacob Zuma, had to deliver the State of the Nation Address.

While everyone in the province might not have voted for the DA, all parties accepted the outcome and whether we like it or not Helen Zille was re-elected to lead the province.

When the ANC announced their A-team in June 2014 it said it wants to hold the DA accountable and see real improvements. They failed on both objectives…

I would have loved to hear the premier address the province in outlining what her government is planning to better the lives of all.

The ANC MPLs should have allowed the Premier to deliver her address, after the second adjournment and then hold the DA government accountable on what was not achieved and also debate if the plans will bring real improvement.

The Leader of the Opposition in the House, disappointed me when he raised a point of order about a live feed and what was more disappointing is that fellow MPLs supported his point by trying the correct the Speaker that a live feed has been cut.

Anyone who follows SOPA would know (1) there is no live feed to the TV and (2) the feed that goes from the House to the Parliamentary channel goes via the National Legislature and is not operated by the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. Marius Fransman and Pierre Uys should have checked the facts before making themselves look bad.

A problem can only be addressed if you admit there is one, same with racism – as it is still alive, not only in the Western Cape but South Africa. Allow me my 5 seconds:

It is ironic that the ANC – the same party who says the colourd vote is important – and have a march against racism in the province (a day before the State of the Province Address), decided to ‘attack’ a colourd lady - who has one of the most senior positions in the province - and say she is not capable of being the presiding officer. And to make matters worse, a white male – who happens to be a former member of the National Party started the attack.

As a footnote:

ANC MPLs knew that ‘attacking’ and criticizing Premier Zille would not work and they decided to go for the Speaker. In politics this is probably allowed but accusing her of acting bias and partisan was not fair, given she asked the Chief Whip of the governing party to take his seat and allowed the Chief Whip of the opposition to complete his points of order.

So she made a blunder or two and created room for the opposition to criticize, but she tried to apply the rules, constitution and treated all members equal. To top it all she managed to keep her cool and not call the police for disruptive members.

The ANC had a point of order, but the order of the day was never achieved.

A broken heart understanding faith, dreams & life

I am able to write this today thanks to amazing doctors, technology and medicine around the globe. I was born with Tetralogy of Fallot and with 5 out of every 10 000 babies born with this Congenital Heart Disease there are many others who are not so lucky.

We all feel more or less the same amount of pain, but we all have a different story. Those stories make us who we are and our scar(s) show others that we are lucky ones. We are stronger and happy kids, thus we call ourselves Warriors, for our fighting spirit.

It is thanks to the support of medical staff, our families and friends but also fate and souls that we are here.

I am proud of my heart condition, it makes me smile, fight and understand the meaning of faith, dreams and life.

A paediatric heart surgeon, dr. Mani, describes Congenital Heart Disease as a chilling phrase; a lethal constellation of birth defects of the heart that affect millions of newborn infants and children; a killer that claims thousands of lives every year.

“A fortunate few, mostly in the developed countries, are cured by the miracles of modern medicine. Sadly, the vast majority do not have access to treatment; they are forced to lead restricted lifestyles, denied the opportunity to become productive and participating members of their communities.”

I’ve had about four heart related surgeries and while I can’t remember the ones as a baby, I remember and still feel the pain of my most recent one (in 2013). Every day is a learning curve, and is different. I’ve come to terms that the one moment it would be as if I’m ready to jump from mountain to mountain and in a split second I would be so sick I can hardly move. I’ve made peace with the unannounced pain.

Video of ToF repair (not for sensitive viewers)

Family, friends, colleagues might think once you had the surgery you okay, but CHD is a long term problem – one you born with and one you will take with you to your grave.

A CHD patient after treatment, if lucky and in a more developed country can look forward to another 50 years. The path though is full of obstacles and uncertainties, not forgetting complications. Employment, insurance, marriage and children are all issues that you constantly think of and worry about.

Most countries and even organisations devote more time and budgets towards adult heart disease research. Research and funding for CHD is thus scarce, almost like the support.

About TOF:
Tetralogy of Fallot is classically understood to involve four anatomical abnormalities of the heart (although only three of them are always present). It is the most common cyanotic heart defect, and the most common cause of blue baby syndrome.
It is treated with corrective surgery, usually within the first year of life, but presents with long-term problems including arrhythmia, pulmonary regurgitation and re-operation.
It was described in 1672 by Niels Stensen, in 1773 by Edward Sandifort and in 1888 by the Frensch physician Étienne-Louis Arthur Fallot, after whom it is named. 

Tetralogy of Fallot results in low oxygenation of blood due to the mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in the left ventricle via the ventricular septal defect and preferential flor of the mixed blood from both ventricles through the aorta because of the obstruction of flow through the pulmonary valve. This is known as a right-to-left-shunt.

Other symptoms include a heart murmur which may range from almost imperceptible to very loud, difficulty in feeding, failure to gain weight, retarded growth and physical development, dyspnea on extertion, clubbing of the fingers and toes and pulycythemia.

According to CHD Info, it is obvious that:

• the causes of CHD need to be detected, and soon
• the problem needs to be highlighted, brought into the limelight
• medical facilities need to be made accessible to all patients
• CHD families need ongoing constant support
• treatment must be viewed as a long-term continuing process

Part of the solution is:

Prepare a realistic plan that will assist in diagnosing and treating CHD, while harnessing the power of the Internet as an action-oriented health education and awareness tool,

Create a small community-based structure, and encourage interaction and co-operation,

Enhancing public knowledge of CHD,

Setting aside a day of remembrance and celebration of the great medical advances which keep our loved ones alive would honor the unseen battle that children and adults with CHD fight daily. The creation of a day of this kind would help to lift the barrier of ignorance, helping both the families and individuals who currently are affected

Radio has taught me a lot of things

Today is World Radio Day and I was asked to share my input on radio. Firstly this year’s theme is Celebrating Radio by youth for youth in safety andsecurity and I entered the field when I was only 17. Looking back at more than a decade I can honestly say I don’t regret one moment.

Radio is an interesting, yet challenging and demanding space, which requires and teaches you to respond fast and then think quickly.

Radio is about much more than just entertainment and sharing of information. Whether you tune in for the latest hit, hear an interview with your favourite artist, want to be informed with the news, avoid peak traffic and get a heads up on how’s the weather to plan your outfit – radio has it all.

From a silly joke the one moment, to entertainment the next and on the flip side a serious debate on current affairs.

Whether you switch on or off and tune in again later, sound will welcome you back.

Radio has the potential to move through space and reach communities that even the internet is still struggling to get to – yet the importance of radio is sometimes forgotten by the masses and ignored by the voices behind the microphones.

Even though about a quarter of the world’s population is between the ages of 10 and 24 – and I was one of the lucky ones – there is a lack of young voices on our airwaves.

Young people struggle to find opportunities in the radio sector – some being picky by not wanting to start at campus or community radio and others who feel their voice needs to be on air.

Fact is radio is about more than the voices you hear on air, it’s about the team behind the scenes that put everything together.

But young people are not only neglected with their representation at radio stations, but also content on radio stations. We hear very little how youth issues are addressed and actioned on air.

Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburi, the late minister of Communications, on a few occasions said community radio is important for our democracy and the sector.

I agree with the late minister and always told my (community) radio colleagues: we suppose to work hand in hand with our local authorities as they have to deliver services in the area we broadcast and we have the medium to raise and highlight the needs of the communities and what services should be delivered.

My radio journey started in a newsroom and ironically this is where it ended, but not after I had to opportunity to walk in different.

My first on air experience was doing a news bulletin: I was nervous and scared but not excited and before I knew it I was signing off.

My first presenting experience came when I got to co-present the breakfast show – eventually I got to wake up everyone alone, while I was still asleep. I was given the opportunity to present a youth show, drive time, Top 30, Saturday breakfast and love show and current affairs.

Apart from the on air experience and journey, I also had the opportunity to play a role off air and continue to do so.

I went from music compiling to writing news bulletins and also running the newsroom, assisting the marketing, managing the programs department by making sure there is always a show. I’ve even been given the task to make sure the radio station comply with its licence conditions and then there were the brief stunts by managing the radio station

There’s a saying once the radio bug got to you, it won’t let you go and this is true!

Over the more than a decade I had the rare opportunity to anchor a weekly Mayor Show addressing issues and answering questions with the mayor. I had the opportunity to meet presidents, ministers, premiers and other prominent individuals.

Radio has taught me a lot of things.

Radio build, develop and strengthen not only my skills but also my character and for that I will forever be grateful.

Is our democracy under threat?

There was a dark cloud over Cape Town on the evening of Thursday 12 February 2015 and then our mothers and fathers in heaven started to cry – as we all looked at the events taking place at what should be a respected institution – raindrops symbolized how we as a nation should have felt that moment.

The morning after I lower my head in shame as a South African – for this is not the South Africa I wanted our democracy to turn into.

I witness how members of the Public Order Policing assaulted public representatives and looking at the video is disgusting to say the least. My question remains: if they can do this to public representatives, what not about me and you?

Video of Assault

Even though Cape Town was in lockdown, firing of water cannons on especially senior citizens, who were unarmed and took part in a non-violent march, is just wrong. So what if they shouted “Zuma must resign” – it is not as if mister president was going to say those words or a vote of no confidence passed in him during Sona.

The signal issue within the National Assembly was uncalled for and I would hope the presiding officers take action against those guilty for switching it off. Hon. John Steenhuisen and Hon. Corne Mulder did not have to rise on a point of order to bring the signal problem under the attention of the presiding officers. Parliamentary staff was well aware of the problem, as some media colleagues informed the spokesperson for parliament on the issue and the issue went viral on social media. Someone needs to be held accountable for threatening our democracy.

While a part of me did not want the opposition members to leave the chamber, I can firmly understand why they did so.

The actions of the Economic Freedom Fighters was maybe how many in the country felt, but still disrespectful towards Parliament as an institution but also the President as an office and fellow MPs and the nation. I think the EFF made their point, loud and clear, and should have afforded the president the respond to it or not.
Video: EFF removed from Parliament

The actions by Speaker Baleka Mbete, was not that of a neutral player as she atleast twice called a member of parliament by his name – this after political parties previously agreed to refer to each other as honourable member. I also reckon it was wrong of the Speaker to ignore MPs who tried to raise Points of Privilege and to not only put them out, but call security forces was wrong.

I know why hon. Julius Malema and hon. Floyd Shivambu was asked to leave (for disrespecting in her view, the Speaker), but why were the other members of the EFF put out?
Video: EFF outside Parliament

A question by the leader of the official opposition, hon. Mmusi Maimane, and the Chief Whip of the largest minority party, hon. John Steenhuisen, remains unanswered and it is tragic and of grave concern for a presiding officer not to know which security forces enter the chamber – these things only happen in the American movies and would mean the country is under attack.

While these events played out on the floor, up in the gallery former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and FW de Klerk as well as Speaker of the first democratic parliament, dr. Frene Ginwala, looked down – and they had to atleast once think what we build cannot fall in one night.

The optimist in me finally followed the speech and I waited for the Head of State to show leadership and address what just happened in the presence of the Legislator, Government and Judiciary infront of the nation – instead all I heard was a giggle – and that was not the ANC leadership I grew up to know.

As a citizen I can now but only hope and dream that our political leaders will fall, bump their heads and get their senses back before the civil war the world feared with the release of Tata Nelson Mandela, will happen now 25 years later.

Video: ANC MPs after SONA

About the speech:

SONA is where the Head of Government shares with the nation what was done the past year and highlight issues for the new year.

The actual state of the nation played out in the hours leading up to the president ending with “I thank you” and the president failed to address those issues.

I heard about foreigners and land, a Eskom bailout, schools being build.

These are all good, but I would have liked more detail on how South Africa will be moved.

• How will jobs be created? 
• What guarantee can the country’s number one give it’s citizens that lights will stay on at night?
• How and when will our children be protected on the streets, how and when can our senior citizens walk to the shop without fearing for their lives?
• What is being implemented ASAP to increase the matric pass rate and to make sure learners in all grades get assistance and do well? What is being done to make sure children do not leave school?

I would also like to have heard what is being done to prevent us from becoming a welfare state and to regulate Social Grants better. I did not hear the president address the safety of train commuters. I did not hear how the lives of farmworkers will better.

Corruption is being addressed every year and local government is everyone’s business but still corrupt officials are protected. In the Western Cape we have a council whose fighting in court because some want to hold on to a chain – while communities suffer.

I heard little of what government is doing to assist tertiary education. We can simply not say it is important but not address issues tertiary institutions face. The president mentioned protest action and it is our right but failed to say what voter education and public engagement programmes are there.

The State of the Nation Address had nine points government is highlighting this year and some of the plans are good – the SONA delivered though was not the real state of our nation. People still went to bed hungry, children will still have to walk to school in the morning, people will still be hanging on to a train to arrive at work late, our economy will still suffer and everyone – even our honourable members in parliament – now feel unsafe!

State of the Nation Address by President Jacob G. Zuma on Thursday 12 February 2015

The Speaker of the National Assembly,

The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces,

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP,
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa,

Former President Thabo Mbeki, 

Former President FW de Klerk,

Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and all esteemed members of the judiciary,

The Vice President of the Pan African Parliament, HE Mr Roger Nkondo Dang,

The Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania and Chairperson of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, the Hon Anne Makinda,

Ministers and Deputy Ministers, 

Premiers and Speakers of Provincial Legislatures,
Chairperson of SALGA, 
The Heads of Chapter 9 Institutions,
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders, 

The former Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Frene Ginwala,

Their Majesties Kgosi Keru Molotlegi, King Toni Peter Mphephu (Ramabulana),

Kumkani Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu,

Invited guests,

Members of the diplomatic corps, 

Honourable members,

Fellow South Africans, 

Good evening, sanibonani, molweni, riperile, dumelang, lotshani, goeie naand, ndimadekwana, !gai//goes.

I would like to thank the Presiding Officers for the opportunity to address the nation this evening.

The year 2015 marks 60 years of a historic moment in our history, when South Africans from all walks of life adopted the Freedom Charter in 1955, in Kliptown, Soweto.

They declared amongst other things, that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people.

That was a powerful, visionary and reconciliatory statement which set the tone for the non-racial democracy we have established. 

This week we also mark 25 years since the release of President Nelson Mandela from prison, and since the unbanning of liberation movements. 

The release of Madiba marked a giant leap in the long walk to freedom for the people of South Africa as a whole and dealt a fatal blow to apartheid colonialism. 

We continue to be inspired by Madiba and draw lessons from his legacy as we build our country.

Compatriots

The year 2015 is the Year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action to Advance Economic Freedom.  

It is the year of going the extra mile in building a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa. 

It is also the year of rededicating ourselves to eradicate racism and all related intolerances in our country.

It is also the year of investing more in our future, by educating our children and the youth about the rich heritage of this country.

We are already inculcating a new national identity through promoting national symbols such as the national flag, the national anthem and the preamble of the Constitution in every school.

From this year, schools must also practise the African Union anthem, in preparation for the celebration of Africa month in May, as we implement the African Union decision in this regard. 

Honourable Members,

Distinguished guests, 

Our youth is our future and their success fills us with immense pride.

I would like you to join me in congratulating my special guest, our ace Olympic swimmer Chad Le Clos. 

Chad received swimming’s highest honour in December after he was crowned the world’s best swimmer for 2014, by the International Swimming Federation, amongst many other outstanding achievements.

I am also hosting three special girls from Moletsane High School in Soweto. 

They are Ofentse Mahasha, Hlengiwe Moletsane and Tiisetso Mashiloane. Ofentse and Hlengiwe attended the last G20 summit in Australia and performed exceptionally well, making us truly proud. 

Allow me also Madam Speaker and Chairperson to congratulate in absentia, another star performer who has brought glory to our country, Miss World, Ms Rolene Strauss. 

I would also like to introduce another special guest, the country’s Sports Star of the Year and Banyana Banyana striker, Miss Portia Modise. Congratulations Portia.

Honourable Members,

Distinguished guests,

I would like to thank all who took their time to contribute to SONA 2015. In terms of the inputs, our people are concerned about amongst others crime, roads, access to education, youth internship schemes, water, electricity and support for small businesses. 

Contributions requiring feedback are being referred to government departments for action. 

Honourable Members,

Distinguished guests,

We meet yet again during a difficult economic climate.

This week the IMF revised down to 3.5%, the GDP growth forecasts for global economic growth in 2015.  

Our ambition of achieving a growth target of 5 per cent by 2019 is at risk, because of the slow global growth as well as domestic constraints in energy, skills, transport and logistics amongst others.

However, the situation is more promising on the jobs front. Two days ago, StatsSA released the employment figures for the last quarter of 2014.

The report shows that there are now 15,3 million people who are employed in South Africa. Jobs grew by two hundred and three thousand.

 

Our investment in youth employment is also paying off. The Employment Tax Incentive which was introduced last year directed mainly at the youth, is progressing very well. 

Two billion rand has been claimed to date by some twenty nine thousand employers, who have claimed for at least two hundred and seventy thousand young people. 

I announced a target of six million work opportunities over five years last year for the programme. 

We have thus far created more than eight hundred and fifty thousand (850 000) work opportunities. This means that we are poised to meet the annual target of one million job opportunities.  

In addition, our environmental programmes such as Working on Waste, Working for Wetlands, Working for Water and Working on Fire have created more than 30 thousand work opportunities and aim to create more than 60 000 during the next financial year.

Compatriots,

Our economy needs a major push forward. We would like to share with you our nine point plan to ignite growth and create jobs.

These are;

1. Resolving the energy challenge.

2. Revitalizing agriculture and the agro-processing value chain.

3. Advancing beneficiation or adding value to our mineral wealth.

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

5. Encouraging private sector investment.

6. Moderating workplace conflict.

7. Unlocking the potential of SMMEs, cooperatives, township and rural enterprises.

8. State reform and boosting the role of state owned companies, ICT infrastructure or broadband roll out, water, sanitation and transport infrastructure as well as

9. Operation Phakisa aimed growing the ocean economy and other sectors.

Compatriots,

The country is currently experiencing serious energy constraints which are an impediment to economic growth and is a major  inconvenience to everyone in the country. 

Overcoming the challenge is uppermost in our programme. We are doing everything we can to resolve the energy challenge.

Bakwethu,

Uhulumeni wenza konke okusemandleni akhe ukubhekana nesimo sokuncipha kukagesi ezweni. 

Siyazi ukuthi lesi isikhathi esinzima, kodwa sizodlula, ngoba sinezindlela yokusebenza loludaba.

We have developed a plan which involves both short, medium term and long term responses. 

The short and medium term plan involves improved maintenance of Eskom power stations, enhancing the electricity generation capacity and managing the electricity demand. 

The long term plan involves finalising our long term energy security master plan.

As a priority we are going to stabilize Eskom’s finances to enable the utility to manage the current period. In this regard, Government will honour its commitment to give Eskom around 23 billion rand in the next fiscal year.

The "War Room" established by Cabinet in December is working diligently around the clock with Eskom, to stabilize the electricity supply system and contain the load shedding. 

During this period, we have to work together to find solutions. 

We urge all individuals, households, industries and government departments to save electricity in order to reduce the need for load shedding. 

The Department of Public Works has been instructed to ensure that all government owned buildings are energy efficient.  

Given the high cost of diesel, Eskom has been directed to switch from diesel to gas as a source of energy for the utility’s generators. 

Households are also being encouraged to switch from electricity to gas for cooking, heating and other uses.

The construction of the three new power stations Kusile, Medupi and Ingula, will add ten thousand megawatts of capacity to the national grid.  

The quest for alternative energy sources is also ongoing. 

To date government has procured four thousand megawatts from Independent Power Producers, using renewable sources.

The first three bid windows of the renewable energy procurement process attracted more than 140 billion rand from private investors.

A total of 3900 megawatts of renewable energy has also been sourced, with 32 projects with a capacity of just over 1500 megawatts completed and connected to the grid.

Eskom itself has completed the construction of the Sere Wind Farm, which is already delivering 100 megawatts to the grid, well ahead of its intended launch in March this year.

Government also began procurement in December 2014, of 2400 megawatts of new coal fired power generation capacity, from Independent Power Producers.

The procurement process for 2400 megawatts of new gas fired generation will commence in the first quarter of the new financial year. 

A total of 2 600 megawatts of hydro-electric capacity will be sourced from the SADC region. 

With regards to the long term energy master plan, we will pursue gas, petroleum, nuclear, hydropower and other sources as part of the energy mix.

South Africa is surrounded by gas rich countries, while we have discovered shale gas deposits in our own Karoo region.  

The Operation Phakisa Ocean Economy initiative, launched last year, also promises to unveil more oil and gas resources, which will be a game changer for our country and region.

Government is also exploring the procurement of the 9,600 megawatts nuclear build programme as approved in the Integrated Resource Plan 2010-2030.

To date government has signed Inter-Governmental Agreements and carried out vendor Parade workshops in which five countries came to present their proposals on nuclear. 

These include the United States of America, South Korea, Russia, France and China. 

All these countries will be engaged in a fair, transparent, and competitive procurement process to select a strategic partner or partners to undertake the nuclear build programme. 

Our target is to connect the first unit to the grid by 2023, just in time for Eskom to retire part of its aging power plants. 

With regards to hydro power, the Grand Inga Hydro-electrical Project partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo will generate over 48,000 megawatts of clean hydro-electricity.  South Africa will have access to over 15,000 megawatts.  

For sustainability, Government will establish strategic partnerships for skills development with the countries that will partner us in the Energy Build Programme, while also generating skills locally.

Compatriots,

There are still 3.4 million households in the country without electricity. 

In the June 2014 SONA, I announced that infrastructure support will be given to specific municipalities in the country.   

Funding has been provided for electrification to the following municipalities in the 2015/16 financial year:

Amathole district Municipality, Umzinyathi District Municipality, Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Lukhanji Municipality and OR Tambo District Municipality. 

 

Fellow South Africans,

While tackling the energy challenges in our country we also need to fight copper cable and metal theft.  

Government will introduce tougher measures to deal with this serious crime.

Compatriots

During this year of the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Charter, land has become one of the most critical factors in achieving redress for the wrongs of the past. 

Last year, we reopened the second window of opportunity for the lodgement of land claims. More than thirty six thousand land claims have been lodged nationally and the cut-off date is 2019.

We are also exploring the fifty/fifty policy framework, which proposes relative rights for people who live and work on farms. Fifty farming enterprises will be identified as a pilot project.

In terms of our new proposed laws, a ceiling of land ownership will be set at a maximum of 12 000 hectares. 

Foreign nationals will not be allowed to own land in South Africa but will be eligible for long term lease.

In this regard, the Regulation of Land Holdings Bill will be submitted to Parliament this year.

Through the Land Reform Programme, more than ninety thousand hectares of land have been allocated to small holder farmers, farm dwellers and labour tenants. 

The process of establishing the Office of the Valuer-General is underway, which is established in terms of the Property Valuation Act.

Once implemented the law will stop the reliance on the Willing Buyer-Willing Seller method in respect of land acquisition by the state. 

Compatriots,

Agriculture is a catalyst for growth and food security.

We are working with the private sector to develop an Agricultural Policy Action Plan which will bring one million hectares of under-utilised land into full production over the next three years. 

Among key interventions this year, we will promote the establishment of agri-parks or cooperatives and clusters in each of the 27 poorest district municipalities to transform rural economies.  

An initial funding of R2 billion has been made available for the Agri-Park initiative. 

We will further enhance our Agro-processing exports which have been growing rapidly especially to new markets in Africa and China. For example, we have concluded agricultural trade protocols for the export of South African Maize and Apples to China. 

The export of apples alone is projected to generate five hundred million rand in foreign exchange over three years. 

A good story to tell in agriculture is the success of some of our emerging farmers and smallholders.

In the Vhembe District Municipality in Musina, the Limpopo Government has supported the Nwanedi Cluster comprising 300 farmers growing vegetables on just over 1,300 hectares for commercial purposes. 

The Cluster has already created more than 2,500 jobs as vegetable farming is highly labour-intensive. 

We are happy to have in our midst today, the winner of the 2014 Agriculture Top Female Entrepreneur Award, Ms Nokwanele Mzamo, from Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape.  

Madam Speaker and Madam Chairperson,

Our interventions to support the manufacturing sector are bearing fruit. 

Our Automotive Investment Scheme has unlocked private-sector investment of 24.5 billion rand, and generated exports of automotives and components of 103 billion rand in 2013. 

We have built a world-class auto sector on the African continent exporting to over 152 countries.

The leather and footwear sector has also grown to 60 million pairs of shoes, and exports grew by 18 percent with significant benefit to the balance of trade. 

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development shows that South Africa doubled its Foreign Direct Investment inflows to 88 billion rand in 2013 while 2014 projections are also positive. 

The Manufacturing sector was hit hard by the Global Financial Crisis. 

Government committed more than 2.8 billion rand to companies in the sector, through the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme. 

We are very pleased with the response of our manufacturers who, committed over 12.4 billion rand in private-sector investment.  It is a very good story to tell indeed.

In addition, to advance transformation, we have introduced the programme to find and develop Black Industrialists over three years. 

Compatriots,

Given such success in manufacturing, we are poised to make progress in our quest to ignite growth.

Madam Speaker and Madam Chairperson, 

To attract foreign skills for our growing economy, we will invite dialogue with various stakeholders on the Migration Policy.

 

We will also prioritise the review of visa regulations to strike a balance between national security and growth in tourism. 

Compatriots and friends,

In the June 2014 SONA, I spoke about the need to stabilize the mining sector and to promote a stable labour environment.

 

We had been concerned then, about the spate of long and sometimes violent strikes.

The implementation of a number of programmes under the Framework Agreement for a Sustainable Mining Industry, has caused relative stability and optimism in the mining sector, which is the backbone of our economy.

Mine Crime Combating Forums have been established in the North West, Limpopo, Free State, Mpumalanga, and Gauteng provinces. 

Government will implement the agreements reached with Business and Labour, including the consideration of a national minimum wage. 

We had also made a commitment in last year’s SONA to revitalise distressed mining towns and a lot of progress has been made.

A total of 2.1 billion rand has been ring-fenced for this purpose with 290 million rand approved for Informal Settlement Upgrading in Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng, Northern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State.  

One hundred and thirty three (133) informal settlements are being assessed or prepared for upgrading through the National Upgrade Support Programme. 

Thirty two (32) settlements are being upgraded and eighty seven (87) housing projects are being implemented across the prioritised mining towns.  

Importantly, Government, the mining sector and the Banking Association of South Africa signed a Social Contract for the development of sustainable human settlements. 

Government also continues to provide social development support within mining communities. Other support includes technical expertise with regards to Integrated Development Plans and the development of Special Economic Zones.

The mining towns are also being assisted with implementing the ‘Back to Basics’ municipal service delivery strategy.

Indeed a lot is being done to build our mining towns.

Government is also reviewing the compliance of mining companies with the 2014 Mining Charter targets. 

I referred the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act back parliament to enable the correction of some constitutional shortcomings and others issues.

Compatriots

Responding to business requests, Government has synchronised environmental impact assessments, water and mining rights applications and has set a maximum of three hundred days for all of these authorisations to be issued. 

In addition, we will also establish a one stop inter-Departmental Clearing House to attend to investor complaints and problems. 

Fellow South Africans,

The year 2015 will see further improvements in labour legislation to further promote worker rights.

The Labour Department will review the sectoral determinations of agriculture, forestry, private security, wholesale and retail sectors.

We expect the finalization of the Employment Services Act of 2014 which formally establishes a public employment service.

The legislation also formally regulates the practices of private employment agencies and temporary employment services, to prevent the abuse of unsuspecting work seekers.

In addition, the Unemployment Insurance Act of 2001 will be amended to improve benefits to beneficiaries and include public servants in the application of the Act. 

Honourable members and distinguished guests,

Small business is big business. 

Government will set-aside 30% of appropriate categories of State procurement for purchasing from SMMEs, co-operatives as well as township and rural enterprises. 

We will also continue to promote opportunities for the youth.

The National Youth Development Agency has disbursed 25 million rand to 765 youth owned micro enterprises in the last financial year nationally. 

The Agency has also partnered with the IDC and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency in a 3-way partnership that has resulted in a 2.7 billion rand fund for young people.

Compatriots,

The year 2015 will mark the beginning of the first phase of broadband roll out. Government will connect offices in 8 district municipalities.

These are Dr Kenneth Kaunda in North West, Gert Sibande in Mpumalanga, O.R. Tambo in the Eastern Cape, Pixley ka Seme in the Northern Cape, Thabo Mofutsanyane in the Free State, Umgungundlovu and Umzinyathi in KwaZulu-Natal, and Vhembe in Limpopo.

Government has also decided to designate Telkom as the lead agency to assist with broadband roll out.

As part of further igniting growth, through supporting state owned companies, processes are underway to implement a 90-day turnaround strategy aimed at stabilizing the finances of South African Airways.

Accordingly, some of the loss making international routes will be phased out. 

But, we will do this in a manner that does not impact negatively on travel, trade and tourism between South Africa and the world. 

Compatriots,

The National Infrastructure Development programme continues to be a key job driver and catalyst for economic growth.

Water is a critical resource for economic growth and a better life. Several projects aimed at providing water for industrial and household use are in the implementation or planning phases around the country.

Major projects include Umzimvubu Water project in the Eastern Cape, Jozini Dam in Umkhanyakude in KwaZulu-Natal and projects in Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga and phase one of the Mokolo Crocodile Water Augmentation in Limpopo. 

Progress is being made to improve the water supply to areas that had been affected by shortages, such as  Makana District Municipality in the Eastern Cape, Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West and Giyani in Limpopo where we celebrated the delivery of water to 55 villages in October last year.

Let me Honourable Speaker and Chairperson urge all in the country to conserve water. Every drop counts. The country loses seven billion rand a year to water losses. 

To mitigate this challenge, Government through the Department of Water and Sanitation will train fifteen thousand artisans or plumbers who will fix leaking taps in their local communities.

We are happy to have as our special guest, the winner of the Women in Water conservation awards, Ms Mapule Phokompe from Mahikeng in North West.

Compatriots,

The infrastructure programme continues to expand transport networks and to improve roads which augurs well for economic growth.

The Department of Transport will spend about nine billion rand on the Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant or the Sihamba Sonke Programme and 11 billion rand on upgrading and maintaining roads which are not tolled.

Over six billion rand will be spent in 13 cities on planning, building and operating integrated public transport networks during this financial year. 

We will also continue to improve the infrastructure in schools and higher education institutions to create a conducive environment for learning and teaching.

Through the Accelerated School Infrastructure Delivery Initiative which is part of the national infrastructure plan, ninety two (92) new schools have been completed to date and 108 are under construction. 

About three hundred and forty two (342) schools have received water for the first time.

Three hundred and fifty one (351) schools have received decent sanitation while two hundred and eighty eight (288) have been connected to electricity.

Siyaqhuba. Siyasebenza. We are a nation at work.

Government has identified 16 sites for the construction of 12 new Technical and Vocational Education and Training College campuses and the refurbishment of two existing campuses. 

Work is also continuing to establish the three brand new universities, Sol Plaatjie in the Northern Cape, the University of Mpumalanga and the Sefako Makgatho Allied and Health Sciences University. 

Honourable Members,

We continue to deliver houses to our people. By 30 September 2014, a total number of more than fifty thousand houses were delivered in the subsidy and affordable housing segments. 

 

Government will also provide 5000 housing opportunities for Military veterans. Government will also work to eradicate the backlog of title deeds for pre and post 1994 housing stock.

Madam Speaker and Madam Chairperson

We have in the past year introduced some innovative programmes to implement the National Development Plan.

Last year we launched Operation Phakisa, a results-driven laboratory approach to planning and execution of programmes.

Operation Phakisa on the ocean economy is aimed at unlocking opportunities in the shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, mining, oil and gas, bio-technology and tourism sectors.

We have committed 9.2 billion rand investment in gas and oil exploration in the port of Saldanha as part of the Operation Phakisa initiative. 

Operation Phakisa on Scaling Up the Ideal Clinic Initiative is aimed at promoting efficiency, effectiveness and professionalism in clinics. 

We will now explore Operation Phakisa in the mining sector.  I have instructed Government to partner with the mining sector to develop win-win solutions to beneficiate our mineral resources.

Compatriots and friends,

Over the past five years, government has scored significant gains in health care.

This year, we are going to launch a massive programme to turn the tide against tuberculosis (TB), with a special focus on three communities, offenders at Correctional Services facilities, mineworkers and communities in mining towns. 

In fighting the scourge of HIV and AIDS, the state-owned pharmaceutical company, Ketlaphela, has been established and will participate in the supply of anti-retrovirals to the Department of Health. 

Madam Speaker and Madam Chairperson,

We have to continue working harder together to fight crime and to create safer communities.

We are making progress in fighting crimes against women and children. 

The SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigation Unit has secured 659 life sentences against perpetrators of crimes against women and children. 

We are a democratic state and recognise the community's right to protest. We however appeal that these protests should be within the ambit of the law and must be peaceful as stated in the Constitution.

 

The police successfully brought under control thirteen thousand five hundred and seventy five (13 575) recorded public order incidents, comprising one thousand nine hundred and seven (1 907) unrest-related and eleven thousand six hundred and sixty eight (11 668) peaceful incidents.  

The fight against corruption continues to be taken forward by the Anti-Corruption Inter-Ministerial Committee.

Government has in place seven anti-corruption institutions and seventeen pieces of legislation which are intended to combat corruption. This demonstrates a concerted effort by government to break the back of this scourge in the country.

 

In the 2013/14 financial year, 52 persons were convicted in cases involving more than five million rand.

Thirty one public servants were convicted in the first quarter of 2014/15 and freezing orders to the value of 430 million rand were obtained.  

To prevent corruption and promote ethical governance, in December I signed into law the Public Administration and Management Act which amongst others prohibits public servants from doing business with the State. 

Compatriots,

Cabinet has adopted vigorous and integrated interventions to combat the vicious rhino poaching in the country. 

The interventions include continuous joint operations with key neighbouring countries, improved intelligence gathering as well as enhancing protection in parks and provincial reserves where rhino are present.

Government has also made substantial progress in establishing a Border Management Agency, to manage all ports of entry and improve security.

To further improve access to identity documents, citizens will from this year be able to apply for the new Smart ID Card at their local bank due to partnership between the Department of Home Affairs and some banks in the country. 

Madam Speaker and Madam Chairperson,

Building a caring, effective and responsive state will continue to be prioritized.

In the 2014 SONA, I said we would continue to advance and improve the lives of people with disabilities. In December last year, Cabinet released the draft National Disability Rights Policy for public comment.  

Compatriots

Local government is everybody’s business. We have to make it work.

We have launched the Back to Basics programme to promote good governance and effective administration through cutting wastage, spending public funds prudently, hiring competent staff, and ensure transparency and accountability in municipalities. 

The Integrated Urban Development Framework announced in the SONA last June, has been approved by Cabinet. 

Fellow South Africans,

To contribute to building a better Africa, South Africa continued to support peace and security and regional economic integration in the continent.

 

A number of key outcomes have resulted. 

The African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises (ACIRC), of which South Africa is a contributing and founding member has been operationalised.

The South African National Defence Force and SA Police Service continued to participate diligently in the conflict prevention and peacekeeping in the continent.

South Africa also continued to support conflict resolution initiatives in Lesotho, Sri Lanka and South Sudan, led by the Deputy President.

 

Economic cooperation with our BRICS partners was strengthened when the first two intergovernmental agreements were concluded on the occasion of the sixth BRICS Summit. 

This was the Agreement on the New Development Bank and the Treaty Establishing a Contingent Reserve Arrangement. 

Madam Speaker and Chairperson,

Countries of the developed North remain important strategic partners for South Africa through which the country is able to advance its national and foreign policy.

We have a valuable partnership with the European Union in amongst others, the infrastructure Investment Programme for South Africa valued at approximately 1,5 billion rand.

The renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act beyond September 2015 and a pledge to support African-led peace initiatives in the continent are among the significant outcomes of the United States-Africa leadership Summit held in the US last year.

Compatriots 

At a multilateral level, 2015 marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations which brings into sharp focus the need to transform the UN Security Council and other international institutions.

Compatriots,

National liberation heroes, Moses Kotane and JB Marks will be reburied in South Africa in March. We thank the government and people of the Russian Federation for looking after the remains of our heroes with dignity for so many decades.

In sports, Team South Africa will participate in the All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in 2015. 

The Springboks will participate in the IRB World Cup that takes place in England in September 2015. 

The Proteas are in Australia and New Zealand to participate in the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup. All South Africans must as usual, rally behind the national teams.

 

We will continue to promote healthy lifestyles and to urge citizens to refrain from smoking and the abuse of alcohol and drugs.

In this regard, on the 10th of May we will mark the Move for Health Day, an international event promoted by the World Health Organisation. The day also coincides with the anniversary of the inauguration of President Mandela. 

Compatriots,

Fellow South Africans,

A lot has been achieved in the past year. We believe that our nine point economic intervention plan on the economy will consolidate the achievements, and ignite much needed growth.

During this year of the Freedom Charter and Unity in Action to Advance Economic Freedom, we rededicate ourselves to unity and hard work, to ensure continuous success in our beautiful country.

Together we move South Africa forward!

I thank you