QUESTION 1
On the matter raised in the Public Protectors report on food distribution in political rallies,
REPLY
Honourable Members,
I am informed that the Minister of Social Development has instructed the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to ensure that the distribution of Social Relief of Distress, which was at issue in this case, is strictly provided in accordance with the provisions of the Social Assistance Act, 2004,
Social Relief of Distress is a legislated and necessary programme of immediate material assistance to South African citizens, permanent residents and refugees who are experiencing a crisis situation,
The relief is provided in various forms, including food parcels, vouchers, school uniforms, humanitarian assistance during a disaster or cash under certain circumstances,
The relief is provided without prejudice or favour because it is based purely on the beneficiaries’ dire circumstances,
The Minister’s instruction is aimed at ensuring only recipients who qualify for Social Relief Distress in terms of the Act will receive it, and that only departmental or SASSA staff will distribute it,
Government respects the office of the Public Protector and accepts that the remedial action she takes is binding unless reviewed and set aside by a court of law,
Government is furthermore committed to ensuring all members of the Executive abide by the Executive Ethics Code, and that all state resources are used with care and for the purpose for which they were allocated,
I thank you,
QUESTION 2
On issues raised by members of the National Assembly regarding the powers of Ministers vis a vis Members of Executive Councils (MEC) in various provinces,
REPLY
Honourable Members,
The Constitution clearly outlines the process for the appointment of Members of Executive Councils in the provinces,
Section 132 reads as follows:
(1) The Executive Council of a province consists of the Premier, as head of the Council, and no fewer than five and no more than ten members appointed by the Premier among the members of the provincial legislature,
(2) The Premier of a province appoints the members of the Executive council, assigns their powers and functions, and may dismiss them,
I am not aware of any plans by government to amend the Constitution to give national Ministers powers to appoint MECs in the provinces,
National Ministers and MECs are nevertheless expected to continue to work closely on matters relating to their specific departments, as envisaged through the constitutional principles of interrelatedness and interdependence,
I thank you,
QUESTION 3
On South Africa’s participation in the World Economic Forum on Africa held in Kigali, Rwanda,
REPLY
Honourable Members,
The World Economic Forum meeting on Africa took place in Kigali, Rwanda from the 11th to the 13th of May,
South Africa was represented by a multi-stakeholder team of more than 200 business people and representatives of government, state-owned enterprises, civil society and the media,
In all their engagements during WEF Africa, these members of Team South Africa conveyed a common message – that South Africa is a desirable, dependable and worthwhile destination for investment,
Members of Team South Africa participated in the various formal sessions as panellists and contributors,
Many also had bilateral meetings with business people, government officials and representatives of public entities from other countries in Africa and further afield,
In our interactions as government, and from the feedback we’ve received from other members of Team South Africa, our message was well received,
Those we met with were well-informed about South Africa and appreciated the important role that our country plays in the economic and social development of the continent,
They agreed with our message that South Africa has a dynamic and stable economy with solid economic fundamentals; and that our democracy is robust, mature and secure,
They recognised that South Africa has a sound regulatory framework that provides protection for investors, and that we have a diversified economy that offers world-class business services and infrastructure,
Several of the people we met with raised issues of political stability and were keen to know how South Africa was responding to the difficult global economic environment,
We highlighted the economic reforms we are undertaking to reinvigorate economic growth,
These include:
• fiscal reforms through cost containment and expenditure ceilings,
• increasing our energy capacity and mix,
• strengthening state-owned enterprises,
• reducing workplace conflict and implementing a minimum wage,
• focused incentives for manufacturing and other job creating sectors, and,
• increased support for small business,
We emphasised that South Africa prioritises investment in the continent and the greater integration of markets,
In summary, South Africa’s participation in WEF Africa was a great success,
We had an opportunity to share experiences with representatives of other countries on the continent and to convey a clear message about the many and diverse opportunities that South Africa presents to investors,
I thank you,
QUESTION 4
On the Deputy President’s recent visit to South Sudan to consolidate unity within the ranks of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and to create peace and stability in the country,
REPLY
Honourable Members,
Today, we join our fellow Africans across the continent in celebrating Africa Day,
As enjoined by our continental organisation, the African Union, we continue to work towards peace and stability, sustainable development and prosperity on the continent,
Guided by these objectives, South Africa has participated in the post-conflict reconstruction and development of South Sudan for several years through institutional development and capacity building,
We remain engaged in conflict resolution efforts in South Sudan,
In this context, we have just returned from a working visit to South Sudan where we have been engaged with various role-players with a view to consolidating unity within the ranks of the Sudanese Peoples Liberation Movement – the SPLM,
Moving from the premise that unity within the SPLM is a critical component of the creation of peace and stability in South Sudan, we have worked alongside the secretary-general of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, to unify the various factions of the SPLM,
We have also worked with regional organisations, the African Union, the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in East Africa – known as IGAD,
As a result of these efforts, all factions of the SPLM have now returned to Juba, South Sudan and a new transitional unity government comprising all factions of the SPLM is now in place,
During our visit we had an opportunity to meet with President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar and Foreign Minister Deng Alor,
All factions of the SPLM remain committed to the consolidation of peace as a necessary step towards ending conflict in South Sudan,
As co-guarantors of the Arusha Agreement, South Africa will continue to provide the necessary support to the SPLM to consolidate efforts towards the post conflict reconstruction and development of their country,
The people of South Sudan deserve the benefits of peace and stability as a stepping stone towards sustainable development and prosperity,
We commit ourselves to walking hand in hand with the people of South Sudan on their journey towards a peaceful and prosperous society,
I thank you
Date:
Wednesday, May 25, 2016 - 00:00
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