Parliamentary News Digest 11 August 2003
Here is the latest news from Parliament:
1.ACDP welcomes government's decision to provide ART
2. Private schools permitted to pay teacher benefits
3. Condolences offered to family of Lesley Manyathela
Indien u sou belangstel om in te teken op die ACDP se weeklikse Afrikaanse
e-nuusbrief, skryf aan Johan Kriel by johankriel@acdp.org.za. Hierdeur sal u
op die hoogte bly van 'n wye verskeidenheid sake wat die ACDP landswyd raak.
******************************************************
1. ACDP welcomes government's decision to provide ART
The ACDP is pleased that the government has at last relented on the issue or
anti-retroviral drugs. We have however seen the government relent on the
issue of Nevirapine and post-exposure prophylactics to rape survivors, yet
they are still causing confusion and hindering provision of these services.
We note with caution that this latest announcement is linked to the Clinton
Foundation which is linked to the Planned Parenthood Association which
promotes abortion and has publicly endorsed loveLife HIV/Aids awareness
campaigns in South Africa. loveLife has been one of the government's biggest
faux pas in handling the HIV crisis.
ART is not a cure but will prolong and improve the quality of life of
sufferers, allowing them to be economically active for longer and enabling
them to support and care for their children.
The ACDP commends those who have continued to pressure government and
supports this decision, which we hope will be implemented speedily.
If we want to see a real turnaround however, South Africa must face the fact
that HIV/Aids kills and it is no respecter of persons. It is transmitted
sexually and sex outside of marriage is the main cause behind its spread.
Attempts by government to pass legislation which undermines marriage and
promotes homosexual rights are destructive and will continue the vicious
cycle.
For more information: Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 890 6520 or (021) 403 2453
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307
******************************************************
2. Private schools permitted to pay teacher benefits
Media Statement by Cheryllyn Dudley
11 August 2003
The acknowledgement by the department of education that independent schools,
even those receiving government subsidies, will not be dictated to by the
state regarding extra benefits or remuneration to teachers is welcome, says
ACDP education spokesperson Cheryllyn Dudley.
The Education Laws Amendment Bill 2003 prohibits the payment of remuneration
or benefits to education employees unless authorised by the department of
education. However, after enquiring whether this Bill would affect private
schools, Dudley was informed by the education department that the law would
only apply to public schools and posts paid for by the state.
"This means that the school governing bodies at independent schools can
choose to pay deserving teachers extra remuneration or benefits without the
department of education's permission," Dudley said.
"We are still concerned however that the amendment undermines the powers of
public school governing bodies, as their recommendations and decisions
regarding the needs of the school can be overruled by the department."
According to Dudley, the department states that the amendment is necessary
in order to promote transparency and avoid legal consequences and labour
disputes.
"While ACDP is uncompromising in its support for accountability and
transparency, we are concerned that the government is making decisions that
should not be theirs to make," Dudley said. "Schools should have the right
to decide on remuneration and benefits, based on the needs and wishes of the
community."
The issue will debated further in the Education Portfolio Committee meeting
on August 19 and affected parties and constituents are invited to submit
their comments before then.
For more information: Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 890 6520 or (021) 403 2453
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307
******************************************************
3. Condolences offered to family of Lesley Manyathela
by Revered Kenneth Meshoe
11 August 2003
South African sport has suffered a great loss with the death of Orlando
Pirates striker Lesley Manyathela who was killed in a car accident on
Saturday night, said ACDP leader Reverend Kenneth Meshoe.
"The ACDP offers its deepest condolences to Manyathela's family and friends
and we pray for God's blessing, peace and comfort at this sad time. We are
saddened by the announcement of the passing of a life taken in its prime.
"The ACDP also offers its prayers for his team and its supporters who loved
this talented player," Rev Meshoe said.
Along with soccer lovers around the country, the ACDP salutes Manyathela for
his contribution to South African sport.
For more information: Rev. Kenneth Meshoe MP at 082 962 5884
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307
Presidential Media Relations: Rev. Selby Khumalo at 082 476 4990
******************************************************
For a full listing of all the public mailing lists on lists.acdp.org.za,
visit http://lists.acdp.org.za/mailman/listinfo. Click on a list name to get
more information about the list, or to subscribe, unsubscribe, and change
the preferences on your subscription.