ACDP Parliamentary newsletter - 11 September 2003
Here is the latest news from Parliament:
1. Remembering September 11, 2001
2. Re-employment of teachers in public schools welcome
3. ACDP supports Local Government and Pensions Bills
4. The role of parliaments in assisting in ensuring peace and security
5. Census welcome, although more research may be necessary
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.
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1. Remembering September 11, 2001
America's commemoration of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre towers and the Pentagon in Washington serves as a reminder of the tragic event that took place two years ago. This event brought into sharp focus the need for international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, said ACDP spoksperson on foreign affairs Mighty Madasa.
"This is a reminder that terrorist acts have reached such a high level of sophistication that no country is immune. The attack highlighted we are all vulnerable and need to take collective action to deal with terrorist organisations and the sponsors of such organisations," Mighty said.
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2. Re-employment of teachers in public schools welcome, says ACDP
Media Statement by ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley
11 September 2003
The department of education's willingness to re-employ teachers who took packages in public schools has been welcomed by ACDP spokesperson Cheryllyn Dudley.
"We are pleased that the department is considering re-employing certain teachers in public schools, as this will hopefully attract teachers back into the education and public school system," Dudley said after a briefing by Minister of Education Kader Asmal at Parliament on Tuesday.
Minister Asmal announced that the department was considering re-employing teachers of employing mathematics, science, English second language and history provided that they work at township or rural schools.
"While we understand this offer may not appeal to teachers who are in the field for reasons other than it is their calling in life, it is refreshing that this door may be opened to teachers," Dudley said.
For more information: Cheryllyn Dudley MP at 082 890 6520
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307 National Media Director: Rev. Selby Khumalo at 082 476 4990
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3. ACDP supports Local Government and Pensions Bills
Local Government Municipal Systems Amendment Bill
The negative experiences of the mismanagement of public funds and specifically those of municipalities determine the necessity of this legislation.
The legislation lays down strict instructions for the financial management of municipalities. The bill prescribes very specific responsibilities to the mayor in terms of the budgetary process, ensuring that he or she is responsible for ensuring that the financial affairs of a municipal entity are managed within prescribed timeframes and standards. The mayor must also report financial problems in reasonable time and non-compliance could result in his or her termination or even the cessation of the council. An independent audit committee will ensure the objective evaluation of the financial management process.
The need for this legislation cannot be disputed, committing all the relevant spheres of government to ensure that municipal financial management is sound. The ACDP therefore supported this bill.
Special Pensions and Government Employees Pension Law Amendment Bills
The stipulations of the Special Pensions Amendment Bill are necessary to ensure that the rationalisation process can continue, while the Government Employees Pension Law Amendment Bill ensures that the proportionately high personnel costs in the defence force are reduced. The ACDP supports both of these bills.
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4. The role of parliaments in assisting multilateral organisations in ensuring peace and security and in building an international coalition for peace
The following speech was given by ACDP MP Adv Zwelethu L Madasa in Parliament
I agree that the IPU of which our parliament is a member can and should play a critical role to promote peace, security and development worldwide. Most often than not executive heads of states and their administrations or cabinets embarked on actions that jeopardise peace and cause unnecessary conflicts. They do not always in the interest of their citizens. Parliaments as represented by the IPU can pressurise their respective governments to desist from actions that could cause conflicts.
Before we can talk about the role that parliament can play to strengthen multilateral forums, we must have a clear understanding of what our oversight role in South Africa entails.
When we understand the of our parliament here at home we must play it. We have to practice what we preach. We are prone at pretending that we are the standard to be followed when in fact we are still hesitant or intimidated from asserting parliaments role in our national politics. As a stakeholder in deepening democracy and social justice.
We are yet to see parliament in our own country willing and prepared to play its oversight role in conflict with the executive but in tandem with public interest. Although cooperation between the executive and parliament is desirable this should not be at the expense of constitutional values, which we are obliged to observe.
The real question parliaments in parliamentary democracies like ours must address urgently - is how to strengthen parliament as an independent institution of the state. Are we ready to do what the British are doing-calling the executive head of the state to account on what the public perceives as an erroneous decision affecting national security?. When we have reached the British parliament degree of maturity and courage, we can talked about playing our role in strengthening multilateral forums.
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5. Census welcome, although more research may be necessary
by ACDP MP Adriaan Blaas
11 September 2003
The information gathered by the Census 2001 has definite value and will greatly contribute towards goal-oriented planning, although some of the findings contradict expected outcomes, says ACDP spokesperson on finance Adriaan Blaas.
"Some of the findings in the census contradict expected results and tendencies in comparable situations, but this does not necessarily imply that these findings are incorrect," Mr Blaas said after the release of the results by Finance Minister Trevor Manuel on Thursday.
"These findings will however need to be handled carefully and may require more research.
"The detailed questions and depth of the research conducted actually requires a larger, well-trained team of people and certain questions or areas could well be covered by other groups or organisations. This would allow the census to focus specifically on population and household counts, allowing for more accuracy," Mr Blaas said.
"Nevertheless, the ACDP shares the appreciation of the minister for the department's work on such an enormous task," Mr Blaas said.
For more information: Adriaan Blaas MP at 083 284 1629
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307 National Media Director: Rev. Selby Khumalo at 082 476 4990
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