Parliamentary News Digest 8 August 2003

Here is the latest news from Parliament:

1.Time for women to make a difference
2.Submissions for Educations Laws Amendment should be

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1. Time for women to make a difference

Media statement by Pastor Lydia Meshoe

It is time for women in South Africa to rise up and make a difference in
their communities, says ACDP Women of Destiny leader Lydia Meshoe.

Women of Destiny will hold a special Women's Day event at the Vosloorus
Civic Centre in Gauteng on August 9, to encourage women to use their talents
to uplift their communities by taking care of abused women and children,
helping the destitute and caring for those in need.

"South Africa faces many problems, but the time for discussing and debating
solutions is over. It is time for women to become part of the solution,"
Meshoe said.

"The government is always talking about solutions, but very little is being
done on the ground. It is not an option, but a mandate from God to care for
those around us."

As a recent finalist in the 2003 Elle magazine and Elizabeth Arden Visible
Difference Awards, Lydia was honoured for her community work in feeding and
clothing the needy, establishing HIV education and counselling programmes,
empowering women with skills to enable them to provide for their families
and establishing a pregnancy crisis clinic, offering advice, medication and
adoption services.

Lydia, who is also a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, will host
the event, which will runf from 10:00-14:00 and includes a talk by the queen
mother of the Royal Bafokeng, Dr Semane Molotlegi.

"We hope to encourage women to get involved in our programmes or to start
their own initiatives to make a difference," Meshoe said. "Those who are
interested can also contact the Women of Destiny office in Johannesburg at
(011) 892 1539 where they can find out more about projects running in their
areas."


For more information: Pastor Lydia Meshoe at 082 783 2688
Media Liaison: Charmaine Horne at 084 370 3550 or 021 403 3307

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2. Submissions for Educations Laws Amendment should be reopened

Media Statement by Cheryllyn Dudley

Public submissions for Education Laws Amendment Bill should be reopened by
the department of education after substantial rewording of the Bill, 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.

"This is a critical issue that affects people broadly. It is only fair that
parents, teachers, governing bodies and communities should be allowed to
voice any concerns about the controversial policy," Dudley said.

According to Dudley, public submissions were taken into account in the
drafting of the Amendment Bill, but that voters should be permitted to make
suggestions after the Bill was substantially reworded.

"The Portfolio Committee on Education is expected to make a decision on the
matter on August 26, but we believe this should be postponed to allow the
public to examine the new Bill," Dudley said.

Dudley will be putting a question to the department next week to clarify how
the Bill will affect teachers employed by private schools that receive state
subsidies.

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.

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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