ELegislature Voice e-TLV - Mpumalanga Provincial ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
e Legislature Voice
e-TLV
Mandela Day
Speaker Busisiwe Shiba Fulfils Her
promise at Dlomodlomo Secondary
School
Bills
Stakeholders Consulted On
Mpumalanga Special Adjustment
Appropriation Bill, 2020
Virtual Public Hearing On Division Of
Revenue Amendment Bill - Covid-19
Supplementary Budget
Our Mandate and the Pandemic
The Legislature Discharges It’s
Mandate Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
Budget Speech
Speaker Ms. Busisiwe Shiba tables the
Legislature’s 2020/ 2021 Policy and
Budget Speech
1
Follow us on: e-TLV
CONTENTS
e Legislature Voice
03 11
From the Editor The Legislature discharges it’s Mandate
amids COVID-19 Pandemic
04
12
Speaker’s Corner
EDITORIAL TEAM: Extended Finance Meeting prepares for
05 tabling of adjusted budget
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Zamagambu Memela-Gamede
From the Secretary’s Desk 14
COPY-EDITOR Speaker Ms Busisiwe Shiba tables the
Ronnie Masilela 06 Legislature’s 2020/2021 Policy and Budget
Speech
EDITOR Mandela Day 2020
Mathutha Masimula
15
REPORTERS 08
Busisiwe Zulu and Thulile Nkambule Petitions
Stakeholders Consulted on
LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGN Mpumalanga Special Adjustment 17
Charl Whitehead and Muzi Xulu Appropriation Bill, 2020
The Legislature has a new WhatsApp
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE 09 Number
Mpucuko Allan Mdaka
Legislature Responds to the “New
Malusi Mbatha
Normal” during COVID-19 18
Anthony Arendse
Paul Mbenyane
10 My COVID-19 experience – A letter of
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT inspiration from the Second case of
Nompumelelo Mbuyane COVID-19
Virtual Public Hearing on the
Division of Revenue Amendment
Bill - COVID-19 Supplementary 20
Budget
NCOP briefs committee on norms and
standards – management of elephants in
south africa
All material in The Legislature Voice
is strictly copyright, and all rights
are reserved. Reproduction without
permission by The Mpumalanga
Provincial Legislature is forbidden.
Every care is taken in compiling the
contents of this magazine but we
assume no responsibility in the effect
arising therefrom.
2
Follow us on: e-TLV
Hello
&
Welcome
Welcome to the first edition of e-TLV, the official online
newsletter of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. e-TLV
is the electronic version of Legislature Voice which was
normally printed and distributed.
The known limitations brought about by the COVID-19 has
necessitated that the manner of communicating with both
our internal and external stakeholders be changed and get to
where our stakeholders are. We believe that the world is fast
moving into the digital era hence the approach to explore
electronic communication platforms.
In addition to the e-TLV, the Legislature is introducing a
WhatsApp line (067 428 3325) dedicated to text messages on
various issues from the community to the Legislature. These
issues relates to petitions, comments and inputs on Bills and
other processes of the Legislature.
We have also intensified our social media presence to ensure
that we stream most if not all virtual sittings and public hearing
sessions of the Legislature on Facebook and YouTube. The
Legislature is also active on Twitter and Instagram. Please
consider following, liking and subscribing to our channels so
that you will be notified each time we go live.
We continue to use other traditional platforms of
communicating with communities like radio stations.
Please tune in and participate every time we announce radio
interviews.
Our open door policy exist for you to engage us using the
above platforms and guarantee to keep light turned on.
Please send through your comments and inputs because your
voice counts.
Happy Reading!
Zamagambu Memela-Gamede
3
Follow us on: e-TLV
Speaker’s Corner
Mrs Busisiwe Shiba - Speaker
Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature
W hat a joy it is to communicate with you through the e-TLV. We trust that this
online publication finds you as we all are geared towards the fight against
the COVID-19 in our homes, churches, work, community activities like funerals,
shopping and others.
Despite the difficulties presented by COVID-19 it is pleasing to note members of the
Mpumalanga Provincial Legislatures as represented by the ANC, EFF, DA and FF-
Plus are participating well in executing the mandate of the Legislature which is that
of law-making, oversight and public participation. All this is done through virtual
meetings, virtual public hearings and social media platforms.
In this regards, I call on community members to follow and subscribe on the
Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s social media platforms, namely; Facebook,
YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
The month of July, which is known as Mandela Month gave an opportunity to
make things work and bring a smile to a number of learners and their families at
Dlomodlomo Secondary School in Nhlazatje under the Chief Albert Luthuli Local
Municipality.
We are already in the month August which is celebrated as the Women’s Month in
South Africa. The Legislature will again host the Women’s Parliament but this time
it will be virtual and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.
Under the circumstances, we want to inspire you by saying that nothing under the
sun is permanent and that the COVID-19 pandemic too will pass. When it has long
passed we must not be found totally shattered and hopeless. Let us participate in
the efforts of Government to save lives and save livelihoods. Please watch out for the
scammers who come in the name of COVID-19 services when their intention is to
rob people of their hard-earned money.
Please continue to adhere to the guidelines as given by the South African government
from time-to-time.
Stay At Home. Wash Your Hands Regularly, Be Safe. Wear A Mask. Practice Social
Distancing.
4
I Thank You.
Follow us on: e-TLV
From the Secretary’s Desk
Mr Linda John Mwale - Secretary
Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature
W elcome to the first-ever e-newsletter of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature
called e-TLV for the electronic version of The Legislature Voice.
As you know, we ordinarily have this publication in print and distribute across the Province
but with the current realities of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we have decided to
temporarily explore this avenue with your interests at heart. Our task is to serve you in the
best possible way at all times. The COVID-19 lockdown, as it is known has interrupted and
continues to interrupt many business operations in many spheres of people’s lives. The
Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature is not exempted from the limitations that came with
this pandemic.
It is pleasing to report that even during these trying times of COVID-19 lockdowns, the
Legislature has explored ways to somehow operate and conduct its business. Your attention
is drawn to the fact that this monthly e-newsletter will continue to be published for now
to keep you informed of what is happening and making means of letting you communicate
with us.
We have also introduced a dedicated WhatsApp line for text messages which allows you
to interact with us on issues of clarity or the Bills that we normally process. The WhatsApp
number is 067 428 3345. The petitions unit continues to receive petitions from the public
and we encourage you to send your issues that require the intervention of the Legislature
to Ms Busisiwe Shiba, Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Baobab Building,
Nelspruit, 1200 via email to TheresaW@mpuleg.gov.za and copy PaulM@mpuleg.gov.za.
We invite you also take full advantage of our social media platforms by subscribing and
liking the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Legislature will host a virtual Women’s Parliament on 20 August 2020 which will be
streamed line on Facebook and YouTube, please follow and participate. We will also talk
about issues of women on different radio stations in the Province.
We wish you well during this time. Continue to stay at home, use your facemask, wash your
hands or sanitise regularly, practice social distancing as we fight the spread of COVID-19 in
our homes and communities.
Yours in service. 5
Follow us on: e-TLV
Speaker Busisiwe Shiba
Fulfils Her Promise At
Dlomodlomo Secondary
School
The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms Busisiwe
Shiba, dedicated her 67 minutes as part of Mandela Day Celebrations
at Dlomodlomo Secondary School in Nhlazatje under the Chief Albert
Luthuli Local Municipality in the Gert Sibande District on 20 July 2020.
This follows the Speaker’s adoption of the school earlier this year
during the school re-opening programme that was coordinated by the
Department of Education.
Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial
Legislature, Mrs BP Shiba delivering her
address during her 67 Minutes of Mandela
Day, alongside the Speaker of the Chief Albert
Luthuli Local Municipality, Cllr Mngomezulu.
Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Mrs
BP Shiba getting ready to handover the uniforms to 30
needy learners of Dlomodlomo Secondary School which
she adopted during the school reopening programme
early in January 2020, with Cllr Mngomezulu, Speaker of
the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.
6
Follow us on: e-TLV
Speaker BP Shiba Removing her face mask while Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, addressing during her 67 Minutes of Mandela Day Mrs BP Shiba handing over the uniform to one of celebration at her adopted school, Dlomodlomo the learners of Dlomodlomo Secondary School as Secondary School. part of her 67 Minutes of Mandela Day. Ms Johanah Mahlangu, the Badplaas Circuit Manager in the Department of Education, said: “ever since the Speaker adopted the school, there has been a positive change in behaviour of learners towards the culture of learning,” She appreciated the gifts by Speaker Shiba and further said that the gifts of school uniform to needy and deserving learners will instil learner pride amongst all learners to feel worthy and equal to each other regardless of family background. She further discouraged learners from exchanging masks. She also revealed that there are currently four active cases of teachers of COVID-19 in the Badplaas Circuit and two (2) schools has since been closed. In her brief address to the small audience of learners, parents and teachers, Speaker Shiba said “We are here today to celebrate the life and times of Tata Nelson Madiba and demonstrate the values that he stood for. Another reason for our coming today is informed by the fact that I adopted this school and committed to come back for additional assistance. I am excited about the progress report that indicates that since my last visit the acts of criminality, we commit to doing more going forward. “ Speaker Shiba donated school uniform, sanitizers and masks to needy learners and fumigation chemicals to the school. “Learners ensure that you respect the sanitisers and use it for the intended purpose, which is for your safety from the virus. It shall not be used in the manner we see others doing in social media, we condemn those acts, do not try that it is dangerous for your health”, concluded Speaker Shiba. The school Principal, Mr Khayelihle Ndwandwe appreciated the gifts from the Legislature and promised that the Grade 12 results will improve this year through the good working relations between the SGB and parents. In attendance were the Secretary to the Legislature; Mr Linda Mwale and staff members, the Badplaas Circuit Manager from the Department of Education; Ms Joana Mahlangu, the Speaker of Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality; Cllr Mngomezulu, Ward Councillor; Mr Mbhele, the 7 Chairperson of the SGB; Mr Mgabhi and a few parents. Follow us on: e-TLV
STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED ON
MPUMALANGA SPECIAL ADJUSTMENT
APPROPRIATION BILL, 2020
Members of the Portfolio Committee on Premier’s Office; Finance; Economic Development and Tourism
afforded the Legislature’s stakeholders a platform to raise their views on the Mpumalanga Special
Adjustment Appropriation Bill, which would in turn allow the province to give a mandate to delegates
in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to debate in Parliament” at a virtual public hearing.
Ms. Gladys Milazi from the Provincial Treasury presented on the Bill that aims to effect adjustments to
the appropriation of money from the Provincial Revenue Fund for the requirements of the Province in
respect of the 2020/ 2021 financial year; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.
The Bill was generally supported by the stakeholders with appreciation of the reprioritisation of
Government’s programmes with bias towards the department of Health. Mr. Eric Mokonyana of
the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said that, “in reprioritising resources, the
consideration for human rights of community members should be prioritised for them to enjoy their
constitutional rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.” Pointing to the
Legislature, Mr. Mokonyana said that the SAHRC will work together to ensure that rights of all citizens
are respected and protected.
It was widely emphasised the budget should be able to address social and economic issues faced by
communities.
The South African Council of Churches’ Reverend Luke Dlamini appreciated the department of Health
and Mpumalanga communities for adhering to the lockdown regulations. He also echoed other
stakeholders’ sentiments on social issues and raised a concern on agriculture that it should play a
key role in driving economic growth. He called on government to properly engage communities to
strengthen social impact for community development.
While Mr. Bonginkosi Tshabangu, a representative of the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the
University of Mpumalanga appreciated the University’s partnership with the Legislature, indicating
that it will go a long a way on some of the required solutions particularly the research part.
SALGA committed to submit formal presentations which will be representative of all the municipalities
to the Legislature. Inputs from the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) representative, Ms Salome Meso
encouraged the implementers of the budget to ensure that its objectives are achieved.
The COSATU provincial secretary, Mr. Thabo Mokoena said that to make a meaningful impact in
communities, financial prudence should be exercised and accountability has to be part of the equation.
8
Follow us on: e-TLV
Legislature Responds to the “New Normal”
during COVID-19
Have you ever heard of the word, “New Normal” in the workplace? This is what the political and
administrative wings of the Legislature are faced with when they had to start to function in the “New
Normal” brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.
Alert lockdown level 3 regulations continue to be followed by all who enter the Legislature precincts
with effect from the beginning of the process of phasing in workers in compliance with all the prescribed
rules and observance of health and hygienic measures by the designated Department of Health. Work
continues under the stewardship and a watchful eye of the Legislature’s Compliance Officer, Mr Hubert
Shabangu.
The usual style of operations is affected by the “New Normal” and this dictates that there should be no or
less touching, hugging and should be practising of social distancing.
The Legislature employees and MPLs are however; continuing with the work of the Legislature with few
employees coming in for specific tasks on specific days whilst most of the business of the Legislature is
conducted through virtual and online platforms.
Most divisions supporting Committee’s work are functional, in particular, the Committees jointly with the
Information Technology (IT) sections who are exposed to new technological ways of conducting meetings.
They had to ensure that all relevant role players are linked to the meetings and have access to the required
technology and information.
All-in-all this is the life in interesting times of contradictions - whereby some feel anxious on the prevailing
conditions and others feel excited by the perceived opportunities brought about by the prevalence of
the COVID-19 and the urge to do things differently and exploring new horizons for the betterment of
humanity.
To date, 4 confirmed positive cases were recorded at the Legislature and they are recovering well at home.
Working with the Department of Health and other relevant departments, the Legislature ensured that
the Baobab building is decontaminated to curb further spread of the virus and made ready for further
occupation by other employees.
9
Follow us on: e-TLV
Ms Mohita Latchminarain
VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON DIVISION OF
REVENUE AMENDMENT BILL - COVID-19
SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET
Stakeholders of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature were consulted
on the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, 2020, a COVID-19
Supplementary Budget at a virtual public hearing.
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Premier’s Office; Finance;
Economic Development and Tourism; Ms Mohita Latchminarain indicated
that the public hearing aims to solicit inputs from the stakeholders on
adjusted national budget allocation, amendments of Provinces and departmental share to accommodate
the tasks and challenges that emerge as a result of COVID-19 pandemic.
She further indicated, “As the Legislature we are consulting with our stakeholders to afford them a chance
of giving inputs on important matters affecting communities.”
The government was urged to ensure that the budget should address unemployment and poverty particularly
amongst the youth, strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms as well as invest in sectors that are
economic drivers to stimulate the economy. A special call was made to capacitate municipalities to effectively
deliver services to communities, improve financial administration, management and accountability.
COSATU provincial secretary, Mr Thabo Mokoena pointed out that there is a need to conduct feasibility
studies on the main economic drivers in Mpumalanga province in specific sectors such as forestry, agriculture,
mining and tourism that seems not to be featuring as key in the adjusted budget.
“There should be a cash injection for these sectors to survive,” he said appreciating the increased budget in
the Department of Health and pleading that the resources required to fight COVID-19 be availed sufficiently
for the benefit of communities.
Whilst SALGA’s representative, Mr Monde Mgxabayi noted the reduction affecting human settlements
but was happy that the Municipal Infrastructure Grant was not reduced which will allow municipalities to
continue with other municipal programmes.
Advocate Nkosi of the National Bar Council of South Africa called for consequence management in the
mismanagement of funds.
The Bill was supported by stakeholders who commonly emphasised on government’s programmes being
geared towards an economic stimulus that will enable the government to address social and economic
challenges facing communities thereby improving their livelihoods.
Participants were assured that their inputs will be consolidated as per the outlined process
of conferring a mandate by the Legislature for a debate at the National Council of Provinces
and further written submissions were called upon from interested parties who were not
10
able to present on the day.
Follow us on: e-TLVTHE LEGISLATURE DISCHARGES IT’S MANDATE AMIDST
COVID-19 PANDEMIC
The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature through its Committees continues to discharge
its mandate of Law-making, Oversight and Public Participation amidst the ‘New Normal’
that is brought about by the Corona Virus pandemic.
The Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) could not be deterred by the
prevailing challenges but are determined to continue with their goal of serving the
people of Mpumalanga, as they considered legislative processes in terms of a number
of Bills and other virtual sittings that continue to take place.
Some of the virtual sittings saw Government Departments tabling their 2020/ 2021
Policy and Budget Speeches in virtual Legislature Sittings as well as consultations with
the public to solicit inputs using various platforms that include print, electronic, online
and social media.
As the Committees maximally utilised the virtual meetings platform to do their
Oversight work, the Social and Economic Transformation Cluster Committees, for
example, met and adopted reports with amendments that include recommendations
based on findings out of their engagement with departments.
Some of the departments’ reports which were processed contained presentations on:
• Progress Report on the 3rd Quarter House Resolutions and Written Responses
to Questions on the 2019/20 4th Quarterly Report
• Progress Report on the 2019/2020 Annual Performance Plan and Budget
House Resolutions and Written Responses to Questions on the 2020/2021
Annual Performance Plan and Budget Report
• The accountability process by the provincial departments and state-owned
entities that include MEGA, MER and MTPA, commenced with a political
overview by the Members of the Executive Council (MECs), on 2019/2020
4th quarterly performance reports and the 2020/2021 Annual Performance
Plan and Budget.
11
Follow us on: e-TLVEXTENDED FINANCE
MEETING PREPARES FOR
TABLING OF ADJUSTED
BUDGET
Discharging their Law-making and Oversight mandates, the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature
Committees held a virtual meeting with the provincial departments and state-owned entities to
consider the Mpumalanga Adjustments Appropriation Bill [B3 – 2020].
The meeting was in preparation for the tabling by MEC for Finance, Mr Pat Ngomana, of the
departments’ adjusted budget allocations of which the purpose amongst other things was to
accommodate programmes that were brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
BUDGET ALLOCATION PER VOTE
Vote 01: Office of the Premier
The Budget of the Office of the Premier will decrease from R359.6 million to R315.2 million.
Vote 02: Legislature
The Provincial Legislature’s Budget will decrease from R369.1 million to R349.7 million.
Vote 03: Provincial Treasury
The Budget of the Provincial Treasury will decrease from R440.5 million to R407.0 million
Vote 04: Department of Cooperative Governance & Traditional Affairs
The Budget of the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs decreases from
R568.3 million to R521.1 million.
Vote 05: Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs
The baseline of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs’
Budget will have a net reduction of R73.9 million and the budget reduced from R1.222 billion to
R1.192 billion.
Vote 06: Department of Economic Development and Tourism
The Budget of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is reduced from R1.353
billion to R1.108 billion.
Vote 07: Department of Education
The Budget of the Department of Education is decreased by a net of R548.8 million from R23.497
billion to R22.823 billion.
12
Follow us on: e-TLVVote 08: Department of Public Works, Roads & Transport
The Budget of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport is decreased from R5 billion
to R 4.720 billion.
Vote 09: Department of Community Safety, Security & Liaison
The allocation to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison decreases from R1.514
billion to R1.475 billion.
Vote 10: Department of Health
With a net R1.207 billion additional funding earmarked for COVID-19, the current Budget of the
Department of Health will increase from R15.568 billion to R16.775 billion
Vote 11: Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation
The Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation’s Budget is decreased by a net R89.7 million from
R577.1 million to R487.4 million.
Vote 12: Department of Social Development
The Budget of the Department of Social Development will be decreased from R1.838 billion to
R1.691 billion.
Vote 13: Department of Human Settlements
The allocation to the Department of Human Settlements will increase by a net R6.7 million from
R1.552 billion to R1.559 billion to continue implementing various infrastructure projects
13
Follow us on: e-TLVSPEAKER MS BUSISIWE SHIBA Policy & Budget
TABLES THE LEGISLATURE’S
2020/ 2021 POLICY AND Speech 2020/21
BUDGET SPEECH
Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms Busisiwe Shiba, tabled
the 2020/ 2021 Policy and Budget Speech of the Mpumalanga Provincial
Legislature on 25 June 2020 during at a Virtual Sitting at the Baobab Building.
“The purpose of this speech is to give an account on the fulfilment of our
mandate and promise to our people, which is to hold the Executive and
other state organs accountable, through law making, oversight and public
participation,” said Speaker Busisiwe Shiba as she outlined the purpose of the
speech.
Ms BP Shiba
She acknowledged the co-operation and positive contribution of Members Speaker of the
of the Legislature as well as officials of the Legislature for their hard work in Mpumalanga Provincial
ensuring the smooth functioning of the Legislature. Legislature
She condemned the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) directed
to women and children through increasing incidences of cowardice killing by men.
Shiba urged parliamentarians and law-makers, through Women’s Caucus and Men’s Forum to start a
conversation about a total review of the laws and regulations governing the licensing and sale of alcohol.
This is because it has been seen that there is a direct correlation between the normalized culture of alcohol
abuse and social decay as well as the incidences of GBV during the national lockdown.
“Our strategic task as this Legislature is to ensure that government, in light of the COVID-19 experience,
expedite the full implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), for equal access to quality and
more integrated healthcare system,” said Speaker Shiba.
Speaker Shiba acknowledged that the Legislature has skills and capacity gaps to enhance scrutiny and
evaluation of government programmes. She further committed to training and development of the Members
of the Legislature and support staff to close the gap.
Speaker Shiba stated that the Mpumalanga Provincial Speakers’ Forum which is a platform for to share
experiences, best practices and dialogue amongst Speakers at provincial, district and local levels is fully
functional.
“The 2020/21 budget was informed by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature 2019-2025 strategic Plan and
2020/21 Annual Performance Plan. I therefore present to you and request this Sitting to appropriate the
amount of R395 200 000 to the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature distributed in two of its programmes
as follows; Programme 1 is allocated an amount of R201 100 000 and Program 2 is allocated an amount of
R194 100 000,” said Speaker Shiba.
She thanked the Deputy Speaker; Mr Vusi Mkhatshwa, Premier of Mpumalanga Province; Ms Refilwe
Mtshweni-Tsipane, all Members of the Provincial Legislature, the Secretary to the Legislature;
Mr Linda Mwale and staff members for their continued support and dedication to their work 14
which assists her to discharge her duties with ease.
Follow us on: e-TLVPETITIONS The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has a Petitions Act (Act no.
6 of 2000) and Regulations that are put in place to regulate the
procedure to be followed in dealing with petitions. The Mpumalanga
Provincial Legislature’s Select Committee on Public Participation
and Petitions and Members; Legislature Proposals is responsive for
handling petitions.
What is a Petition?
A petition is a written;
• Complaint
• Request
• Representation, or
• Submission addressed to the committee by a petitioner
A petition must
• Be readable
• Have the name and contact address of the petitioner
• Be signed by the petitioner or if in a case where the petitioner is unable to read or write, he/ she
must make their mark on the petition in the presence of two (2) witnesses who must sign the
petition in that capacity.
Who may petition?
A person who addresses a petition to the committee is called a petitioner. A petition may be addressed
to the committee in the following manner;
• By an individual person
• By a group or people
• By an association
With regard to (b) and (c) above, all affected individuals must sign the petition.
15
Follow us on: e-TLVWhat are the rights of a petitioner?
A petitioner has the right to-
• Submit a petition to the committee in any of the official languages of the province.
• Withdraw a petition
• Be assisted by the administrative employee of the Legislature in submitting a petition.
• Attend the meeting of the committee when his or her petition is being considered.
• Be advised in writing of the results of the petition.
• Be advised by the committee, where appropriate, of other remedies available to him/ her; and
• Have access at any reasonable time to the petition file.
What happens once a petition has been submitted?
The Legislature will –
• Allocate a number to the petition and inform the petitioner of how the petition is going to be
treated;
• Consider the petition unless if it is a matter that the Legislature cannot deal with;
• In the instance that the committee does not deal with the petition, we inform the petitioner of the
reasons why the petition cannot be dealt with.
What kind of petitions many not be considered?
• The committee may refuse to consider a petition that-
• Falls outside the powers of the Legislature;
• Concerns a matter pending in a court of law;
• Originates from a prisoner and is connected to his/ her case;
• Involves the subject matter that is before a commission of inquiry.
How to send a petition?
A Petition must be sent to Ms Busisiwe Shiba, Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Baobab
Building, Nelspruit, 1200 by;
Email to TheresaW@mpuleg.gov.za and copy PaulM@mpuleg.gov.za.
Registered mail.
16
Follow us on: e-TLVBRAND NEW
WhatsApp for the Legislature
Scan this QR code with your phone camera or add
on WhatsApp using the number: 067 428 3345
Members of the public can now interact with
the Legislature also through WhatsApp 17
messages.
Follow us on: e-TLVMy COVID-19 experience – A letter of inspiration from the Second case of COVID-19
COPING WITH COVID-19 STRESS
This As
is an
we account from
were locked a colleague
up under who was circumstances
the unprecedented recorded as forthethesecond COVID-19
past three case.
(03) months; A letter
some; if not that
most seeks
of
to inspire colleagues and people in the Province to be positive and gather strength in facing
us have been struggling to cope and a number of psychological and emotional related feelings crept in. the invisible
enemy. The e-TLV family are proud to publish it in its original form while continuing to encourage all to care
The following
for themselves, four families
their (04) mental health
and strategies Keep
colleagues. to helpayou copedistance,
social during the sanitize
COVID-19 pandemic
and wear theare listed
maskbelow;
because
as follows:
your mask protects me and my mask protects you.
Recognise your stress:
I was never the person who thought I would not get the virus, as soon as the economy was opened, I knew
that Stress
I mightis aget it, personally
normal part of life.for
It isme it wasresponse
a natural not a matter of where,
to an external or how
pressure but it was a matter of when.
that disrupts
your equilibrium. It often causes symptoms such as:
So, on the 23rd of July 2020 I woke up with a sore throat and a light headache, took medicine, felt better
•
and went Sadness,
about myconfusion,
day. Theirritability,
followinganger,
day uneasiness,
I woke upsuicidal
with athoughts
blocked nose (it was the strangest feeling, I
• Reduced efficiency and productivity
could still breath, there was no mucus or phlegm) and my body feeling like I am going to get flu, being a
• Social withdrawal
person
•
whoInterpersonal
suffers from flu yearly, it kind of felt different.
problems ( communication challenges)
• Tension (e.g. headaches, jaw clenching, teeth grinding )
The evening
• of 24
Body July
pain 2020, I had
( headache, thespasms)
muscle most horrible muscle pains from the waist down to my toes to the
point• that IReduced
could notenergy (tiredness,lay
comfortably weakness,
down infatigue
bed,)with my nose still blocked, I rubbed my chest with Vicks
vapour rub, took two Adco-dols and Vicks Acta )Plus, triple action cough syrup and went to bed.
• Sleeping problems (insomnia, nightmares
If you have been noticing these symptoms since you learned about Coronavirus, it is possible that you may be
25 July 2020 woke up with a blocked nose, heavy breathing like I just ran and feeling a slight pressure on
experiencing a normal stress response. Not only is it natural to be concerned about physical illness, but the uncertainty
my chest,
about ajust like someone
spreading had a hand
virus can increase on it,level
your stress to be honest
as well. TheitWorld
was not painful
Health but more
Organisation irritating
(WHO) and un-
has declared
comfortable
COVID-19 a pandemic to highlight the level of concern and spark measures of precaution. In a parallel process,with
and of course a headache. I was feeling tired and sleepy the whole day. I steamed my face
wateryour
andstress
Vicksis vapour
doing therub
same formorning
this you as it sets
butoff a warning
guess what,alarm thatnot
I could callssmell
you tothe
action.
Vicks my sense of smell was
gone I also lost my taste this day.
The 26th July was basically the same, I started steaming with Mhlonyane 3 times a day, I was drinking
Manage What You Can; Release What You Cannot.
ginger, garlic, lemon and turmeric with hot water and honey which is something I had been drinking every
morning anyways but
As information now I was
on COVID- drinking itto 3develop,
19 continues times aitday. I also took
is important some
to stay Zinc, with
updated vitamins C & D. I also
the information fromtook
Vicksreputable sources.
Acta Plus, tripleWhile thecough
action currentmixture
knowledge pertaining
together to panado
with the Corona virusthe
during is increasing, thereI ishad
day. At night a lottooftake
uncertainty
Adco-dols surrounding
for me theto
to be able virus and;comfortably.
sleep recognizing this is important to manage what you can with the information
you are provided; but also release the need to control what you cannot. A key difference between stress and anxiety
is the false
On Monday sense of of
morning control that may
the 27th arise 2020
of July from over worrying
I went to getand overcompensating
tested for the virus although I felt I had it, but
I just had to confirm mainly to protect people around me, because when I told people I had COVID-19 I
would get comments like; “oh it’s just flu”, “You don’t sound like you have it” or “No I can just tell you don’t
have it” and that was concerning to me.
28 July 2020, I had a bit of energy although I still had 1 that uncomfortable feeling on my chest, nose still
blocked and still could not smell or taste, but I could still clean my house. At around 14:00, a message from
my LANCET app pops up, I open it and Lord an behold I see SARS-CoV-2 **POSITIVE, I know no one will
18
Follow us on: e-TLVbelieve me, except the person I was on the phone with but I screamed with excitement, I just screamed to
the person “hey its positive!, its positive!, she screams to her sister too “Nono is positive”, well my family
members and friends call me Nono.
Ok let me explain the excitement, I was happy because I was now sure what was causing all these strange
symptoms I was having, and because I knew it was not just flu and I now knew exactly what I was up against. I
remember telling someone that “you know if they come back negative, I will be frustrated because I wouldn’t
know what was making me so sick”. Evening came symptoms started creeping in I took my pills and went
straight to bed.
29 July 2020, I reported the case at work, you all saw the letter with the Subject 2nd Covid-19 Positive Case,
wow that was me the second case in the Legislature and guess what I was a part of 7 232 new cases and 459
761 positive cases identified in the county that day.
My smell and taste started coming back on 31 July 2020, that was the first day I could smell Mhlonyane, but
only lasted for a few minutes, but as the days went by, I could smell a bit more each day.
My symptoms lasted till 6 August 2020. On Wednesday, 5 August 2020 I woke up feeling a bit tired with
muscle pains throughout the day, but I could feel that I had my body back, 6 August 2020 I only had muscle
pains.
I wrote this on Friday 7 August 2020 exactly 16 days since experiencing my first symptoms and I am feeling
no symptoms at this point and my smell has improved quite a lot.
Although having COVID-19 is not a nice experience, but for me it was very humbling, that by this day I was
part of 538 184 positive cases identified in South Africa and counting and was part of the 387 316 recoveries.
During this whole experience I never felt scared or afraid and most important I never felt ashamed or that I
needed to hide that I had the virus. I was obviously not alone, more than half a million other South Africans
had it. Although I have an idea when I might have gotten the virus but the fact still remains, I do not know
where or how I got it, all I know is I started getting sick on the 23rd of July 2020 and I am content with that.
Please note that this is not a detailed experience, but an overall version of it I am aware that not everyone
will be interested. I know some of you will be so I thought I would share and for me COVID-19 was never a
depressing moment, but something I had to come across and endure which was a great experience for me.
If I could give a word of advice to colleagues who may have the virus or family members who have it, would
be to keep a positive mind, boost your immune system and take it day by day most importantly remove the
fear which I could understand why one would be scared, the symptoms are very strange and you need a
strong mind-set for that.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them for you.
Regards,
Nozibele Khoza
The 2nd COVID-19 case in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
19
Follow us on: e-TLVNCOP BRIEFS COMMITTEE ON NORMS
AND STANDARDS – MANAGEMENT OF
ELEPHANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Members of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs
held a virtual Committee meeting to get a briefing from the Mpumalanga’s permanent delegate to the
National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr. Jomo Nyambi, who gave an overview on the draft amended
Norms and Standards for the Management of Elephants in South Africa indicating that they are developed
in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA).
Giving a detailed presentation of the proposed amendment, Ms Magdel Boshoff from Biodiversity and
Conservation branch in the department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; indicated that in 1995
the South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the suspension of culling in the Kruger National
Park (KNP), and undertook to review its policy on the management of elephants and after research and
broad consultations with various organisations. In 2006 the then Minister of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism established the Elephant Science Round Table (SRT) to advise him on policies regarding elephant
management.
The Elephant norms and standards that were issued in the Gazette on 29 February 2008 recognised that
elephants are sentient animals with strong social bonds, and should be safe-guarded from neglect and
abuse. They impact on habitats, biodiversity and humans living in close proximity. They are important for
ecotourism and economic benefits that can be derived from them if used sustainably for products such as
skins, tails and ivory.
It was then recommended that the Portfolio Committee supports the proposed amendments, developed in
terms of NEMBA, also focusing on areas for further substantial amendment such as management of cross-
border roaming elephants; open properties or provincial borders, for instance associated private nature
reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park and repeal of the current norms and standards and replace them
with the amended ones.
Following the Members’ consideration of the presentation and Mr. Nyambi’s inputs, the chairperson, Mr.
Million Makaringe, appreciated the briefing, stating that the interaction was informative and empowering
the Committee to the Committee will be empowered to further engage with it for process forward.
20
Follow us on: e-TLVT he month of May 2012 will go down
in history as the month that saw
the demise of the country’s beloved
heroes and heroines. This follows the
announcement on the untimely passing-
on of the Minister of Public Service and
Administration, Mr Roy Padayachie while
on an official trip in Ethiopia attending an
African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
meeting.
While the county was still reeling with
shock following this announcement which
was received on the 6th of May, another
Vision of the Legislature blow was still to come – the former Minister
of Cooperative Governance and Traditional
Affairs, Mr Sicelo Shiceka, had also lost
A people-centred, African, world class
his fiLegislature.
ght against ill-health. Shiceka will be
remembered for introducing the Local
Government Turnaround Strategy which
has assisted a number of municipalities in
Mission of the Legislature service delivery approaches.
As organs
To hold the Executive and other state if that was not enough,through
accountable the country
intensified oversight, enhanced public
lost Mama Florence Nyanda. “Mam’ Flo”,
involvement and effective law making supported by professional administrative
as she was affectionately known, is the
service.
child of Mpumalanga Province and she
Values of the Legislature had served in the Mpumalanga Provincial
Legislature before her secondment to serve
in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)
• Adaptability: Flexibility in response to new circumstances
representing the Mpumalanga Provincial
• Co-operation: CommitmentLegislature.
to workingMam’with
Floboth internal
is a sister and external
to General stakeholders
• Customer orientated: Placing customers
Siphiwe Nyanda first
• Economical: Cost effective usage of resources
• Excellence: Continuous improvement of performance standards
• Fairness: Acting
In in
thea very
fair, balanced
same month andof considerate
May, the manner in all circumstances
• Integrity: Legislature
Acting received
with integrity at allthrough motibeing
times and ons exemplary
without notice, news on the passing-on
• Openness: Transparency and accessibility
of the Reverend Motlalepula Chabaku,
• Participation: All processes of the
former Speaker Legislature
of the to be people-centred
Free State Provincial
• Quality orientated: Commitment
Legislature to
andfocusing
Member on quality
of the and meeting world class standards
Gauteng
Provincial Legislature. The late Reverend
Chabaku will be remembered
Building 1, for her
vibrancy and astuteness
Mpumalanga Government as Complex
activist for
democracy gender equality.
Riverside
The Members of Xthe
Private Bag 11289Mpumalanga
Provincial Legislature
MBOMBELAjoined in unison as
they acknowledged 1200the role the fallen
heroes and heroines had played in the
development of this country. The House
www.mpuleg.gov.za
also paid itsvoice@mpuleg.gov.za
respect to the late Ms Hlengiwe
Edith Mashego, sister to the MEC Candith
Mashego-Dlamini,
Telephone: and 013the
766late
1219Ms Linah
Thembi Shongwe,
Fax: 013sister
766to1465
the Premier, Mr
DD Mabuza.
Share-Call Number: 0860 77 4455
May the souls of the departed rest in
Follow us on: eternal peace.
website: www.mpuleg.gov.za 21
use your smartphone to find us
Follow us on a live radio program every second Tuesday (alternating): by scanning the QR barcode
Ligwalagwala FM - 20:15 and Ikwekwezi FM - 20:45
Follow us on: e-TLVYou can also read
