Parliamentary News Digest 5 August 2003

Here is the latest news from Parliament:

1.Religious policy for schools adopted
2. Schools should decide teacher's benfits
3. ANC pressure on Scorpions unacceptable
4. ACDP welcomes peacekeeping efforts in Liberia
5. Low skills levels handicap poverty eradication efforts

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. Religious policy for schools adopted

The proposed new religious policy for South African schools was adopted
unanimously by all nine provincial education MECs on Monday. ACDP
spokesperson on education Cheryllyn Dudley said that it was now up to
Christians to have the courage of their convictions and use great wisdom in
the implementation of the policy.

According to the policy, single religion observances will only be possible
if they take place outside of the context of a school assembly. Where a
religious observance is part of the school day, it must reflect the
multi-religious nature of South Africa. Universal prayer and readings or
rotating different religious observances are the recommendations.

Private schools based on religious beliefs, such as Catholic Schools for
example, will be allowed to keep their Catholic ethos but must facilitate
equal access to all religions. The SA Schools Act, which gives Governing
Bodies powers to decide on school policies, undermines these powers in the
very same Act.

To maintain the curriculum standards, both independent and public schools
are required to achieve the minimum outcomes for multi-faith Religion
Education, which the policy refers to as a "distinct, examinable subject in
the curriculum". This effectively forces children to participate despite any
objections they might have.

"While the policy is now law, Christians are in the majority and it is our
responsibility to unite and use the opportunities we have available through
the democratic process to implement Biblical principles in government,"
Dudley said.

A date for the national release of the policy is still to be announced, but
according to Education Minister Kader Asmal, the policy will not be
implemented in schools before teachers are trained and the necessary
learning materials provided.

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2. Schools should decide teacher's benefits

Media Statement by Cheryllyn Dudley

The department of Education's redrafting of the Education Laws Amendment
Bill governing the payment of special benefits to teachers is cause for
concern, says ACDP spokesperson on health Cheryllyn Dudley.

The amendment to the South African Schools Act by the Bill prohibits the
payment of remuneration or benefits to education employees, unless
authorised by the department of education.

According to Dudley, the department states that this amendment is necessary
merely to promote transparency and to avoid legal consequences and labour
disputes. The department insists that the amendment does not prohibit the
payment of benefits, despite the amendment being titled as such.

"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.

"The bottom line here, is that the department has the power to decide and
restrict remuneration and benefits regardless of the needs and wishes of the
community

"While the department is the employer of these state employees, it is not
the department's money - they are merely custodians of public funds. Whether
people are for or against this clause boils down to whether they believe
parents or the government should be making these decisions.

According to Dudley, it is also not yet clear where this clause will leave
private and church schools, that receive 40% subsidies from the department.

The latest draft can be read in the Government Gazette No 25226 of 21 and
the ACDP invites all those interested to forward specific suggestions and
motivating arguments for further amendments to Dudley who will have the
opportunity to debate these issues from 19-26 August.

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

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3. ANC pressure on Scorpions unacceptable

Media Statement by Adv. Zwelethu Madasa

ANC criticism of the Scorpion's probe into allegations against Deputy
President Jacob Zuma is unacceptable, says ACDP MP Zwelethu Madasa.

ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe is reported to have described the
investigation of Zuma's financial affairs as "dirty tricks of a special
type".

"Motlanthe's strong statement against this probe is regrettable," said
Madasa, "as the Scorpions are a state organ, employed to investigate crime
and corruption.

"The way the Scorpions have handled investigations so far has improved
public confidence in our justice system and demonstrated government's
willingness to curb corruption.

"Pressure on Scorpions head Bulelani Ngcuka and the investigators themselves
indicates an unwillingness to cooperate and undermines the investigations.
Before the Iraq war, the ANC had called for more time for UN weapons
inspectors to investigate the existence of weapons of mass destruction. The
ACDP asked the ANC to do likewise in this matter," Madasa said.

For more information: Zwelethu Madasa MP at 083 302 4938
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307

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4. ACDP welcomes peacekeeping efforts in Liberia

Media Statement by Adv. Zwelethu Madasa

The long-awaited West African peacekeeping troops deployed to Liberia will
bring hope to Liberians desperate to find peace, says ACDP spokesperson on
foreign affairs Zwelethu Madasa.

Nigerian forces, which flew into Monrovia yesterday, have received support
from US warships off the coast to buttress peacekeeping efforts.

"We commend the peacekeeping efforts of the West African troops, which will
help alleviate the suffering of the thousands of Liberians who have been
starved of food, weakened by disease and live in fear of attack by rebel
forces," Madasa said.

"The ACDP supports these peacekeeping efforts and welcome the news of US
reinforcements," Madasa said. "The UN support of Ecowas troops is an
indication that with financial suuport, the AU can deal with security
problems on the continent."

For more information: Zwelethu Madasa MP at 083 302 4938
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307

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5. Low skills levels handicap poverty eradication efforts

Media Statement by Adv. Zwelethu Madasa

South Africa's low human development index ranking is handicapping the
country's attempts at eradicating poverty, says ACDP spokesperson on trade
and industry Zwelethu Madasa.

Recent research indicates that South Africa is ranked alongside lower per
capita income countries like Praguay and Sri Lanka when it comes to its
human development index. HIV/Aids continues to impact negatively on the
economy, which is one of the factors taken into account when the comparative
standings of countries are calculated.

"Developing worker skills and knowledge is crucial to improving the lives of
millions living in poverty, Madasa said. "South Africa's current rate of
skills development is inadequate to alleviate poverty and underdevelopment.

"Foreign investors need a good manufacturing skills base and technological
understanding to ensure that production in South Africa is cost effective.

"Emphasis and investment in skills development in South Africa is vital to
ensure that we are competitive in a global market," Madasa said.

"The ACDP calls on business to take skills development seriously and to aid
economic growth and reduce unemployment. We also call on the government to
leave scientific debate on HIV/Aids to scientists and urgently come up with
a strategy to help reduce HIV transmission."

For more information: Zwelethu Madasa MP at 083 302 4938
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307

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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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