ACDP urges Department of Agriculture take necessary steps to combat threat to crop production related to threat to bees

MEDIA RELEASE

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

21 June 2013

ACDP Member of Parliament and Chief Whip, Cheryllyn Dudley, today responded to a European Union ban on pesticides that beekeepers associate with sharp declines in the honeybee population bu calling for a debate on "the implications of a perceived threat to bees' and the role of the department of Agriculture in ensuring the conservation of pollinators.

The 'bee disease' saga or Colony Collapse Disorder, has seen millions of bees mysteriously dying all over the world, not least of all here in South Africa.  The European Commission, governing body of the 27-country EU, in April this year announced a two-year ban beginning in December on the use of pesticides clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiametoxam with over half of EU countries voting for the ban. 

Four years ago the ACDP raised the alarm that no quarantine regulations were in place to halt the movement of honey or commercial hives in South Africa and called on the Department of Agriculture to act to contain the threat here. Thus far South African honeybee populations have not exhibited significant losses, but experts say the advent of ‘new’ bee diseases in South Africa last year suggests that our bees are now more vulnerable and stressed than was previously the case.

Bayer CropScience developed the three banned pesticides, known as neonicotinoids. Farmers use them to treat corn and soybean seeds prior to planting. A company statement said it is concerned that the restriction of these neonicotinoids will result in crop yield losses, reduced food quality and loss of competitiveness for European agriculture.

Scientists also say that bee decline cannot be unambiguously linked to one factor; that there are bees with over 100 different pesticides in them, and not all pesticides are neonicotinoids.

The ACDP recognises the value of bees and that this is a complex problem. We urge the Department of Agriculture to consider all sides in combating any threat to crop production in South Africa, and to ensure farmers have access to information on what constitutes good agricultural and land management practice to sustain pollination services and to conserve pollinators in associated natural systems."

Lack of clear long-term strategy to redistribute land while ensuring food security undermines land reform efforts

DEBATE

Centenary of Native Land Act 1913

Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP 

20 June 2013

The centenary of the Land Act is an unpleasant reminder of past errors and present harsh realities but it is also an opportunity for us all to reflect meaningfully on ‘the land question’ and how we need to proceed with this social, economic and natural resource in South Africa. 2013 is also significant because it is just one year away from the 2014 deadline that government set for itself in the mid-1990s, of redistributing 30% of commercial agricultural land to black ownership – a target that most analysts agree cannot be met.

Research findings show that only 10% of land has so far been transferred, and that many transfer projects have failed. Dr Peter Jacobs of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) reported that out of a sample of 301 land-reform beneficiaries in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and North West Province, only 167 were actively farming. And many of them used only a small piece of their land for agricultural purposes.

Researchers also found that land transferrals were generally not in line with gender equity policies. More than half the respondent households – 54% – indicated that men were more likely to own land distributed through land reform – and in KwaZulu-Natal males make up almost 70% of these land owners.

Most reasonable, people would agree that the pace of redistribution of land in South Africa has been far too slow and one of the many reasons for slow progress has been the “willing buyer willing seller” land redistribution policy. The ACDP acknowledges that the proposed Property Valuations Bill, together with provisions of the Expropriation Bill, are an attempt to address this problem but we are also aware that the Bills are far from perfect.

The South African Constitution places an obligation on the state to “take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources” to effect land redistribution. The Bill of Rights also clearly allows for the state to expropriate property – even if the owners of that property are unwilling to part with it or unwilling to part with it at the price offered.

The Constitution does however, prohibits the arbitrary deprivation of property and provides that expropriation be subject to the payment of compensation.  It does not require the state to pay the market value but it is required to pay “just and equitable” compensation, “reflecting an equitable balance between the public interest and the interests of those affected”.  

It has been suggested that land reform could be better served if a dedicated Valuations Court existed and the ACDP agrees that the proposed Bills should be amended to require a court to approve all forms of compensation in cases of forced expropriation.

Land reform in South Africa in the post-1994 era has often been compared with Zimbabwe’s more radical attempt towards broad-based land redistribution with South Africa’s process being seen as a more democratic and transparent approach till now.  One thing we do know - is that if we do not succeed in finding solutions – SA could face far more radical attempts to redistribute land by a hard-pressed and restless people who feel they have nothing to lose!

Parliamentary Budget Vote

SPEECH

Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP 

11 June 2013

Being ‘listened to’ is important in a democracy - reports indicate however, that most voters feel MPs do not listen to them. Parliament’s role in discussing issues that affect South Africans, passing legislation that improves their lives and overseeing the actions of the executive must, better convey that we are listening and hearing.

Hon Speaker, as we near the end of budget debates for 2013, the ACDP would like to suggest that those placed in the ‘Chair’ during EPC’s receive better training – some of you are ‘naturals’ ...others...not so much!  It would also be helpful during EPC’s if Ministers could sit where those speaking from the podium can actually see them without having to turn away from the microphone.  And the three minutes for smaller parties – a big difference – thank you! 

A big thank you must also go to the Parliamentary Research Unit - for the work they did in producing Budget reports - this year there was a definite improvement in that my colleagues and I were able to access them before preparing for debates.  There must be tremendous pressure on the unit at budget time and we would like to see more researchers assigned to this task - these reports are a waste of time, effort and finance when they are too late for MP’s to make use of them.

Hon Speaker, the ACDP would like to see greater flexibility within the Questions Office - our experience being that Members of Parliament are over-ruled by officials in terms of ‘what they want to ask’, ‘how they want to ask it’ and ‘who they want to ask’.  While we acknowledge the expertise in that office - there is a line that needs to be drawn between receiving expert advice and officials taking decisions which should be left to Members.

Civil society organizations are complaining that it is difficult to get MPs to listen to the issues that affect communities and a recent roundtable discussion on human dignity and violence was apparently not attended by any Members.  Speaking for myself, I have always made a concerted effort to be at as many of these roundtable discussions as I can but I am very aware that many are held at times when I have other commitments at Parliament - prioritising the work of parliament should not send the message that interaction with civil society is not valued. 

Hon Speaker, perhaps this can be considered – and a solution found - as you can see it is reflecting badly on us!

Another ‘voter complaint’ I read was that so much of Parliaments business is done in English but when we see complaints from MP’s regarding the standard of interpretation from other languages into English it is perhaps no wonder.  We are told interpretation is a very complex and involved process and that a training budget will be required in 2013 for interventions to improve the service – is this adequately covered?

A common complaint is that public representatives are highly visible in constituencies in the run-up to elections, but are a relatively rare sight afterwards.  I know for me, people are not as receptive to MP’s when it is not election time – trying to be available to people is not as easy as one would imagine!  Very often when attending disasters, funerals, celebrations and gatherings in general– most are unaware of my MP status - because those who do know I am there, are determined not to acknowledge a politician in their midst – at least not an MP – you would have to be a Premier or President it seems!

Two thoughts on this – but only time for one - how amazing would it be if the same media that publishes the complaints, would give MP’s coverage when they are in their constituencies – either advertising we are going to be there or covering aspects of the visits!

Even if people’s perceptions do not always reflect the reality, we MPs have a lot do to convince South Africans that we are listening and we do want to hear. I hope this budget that the ACDP will support will help us do a better job.

“It does not take a majority to prevail…but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting bushfires of freedom in the minds of men”  – Samuel Adams

Lets Challenge Ourselves

(My response to Barry's letter to Christians below)

I think...

When we are busy doing the work of the ACDP in a 'self righteous' way we get spiritually confused.  I like Barry's clear take on separating what the church has to do - from what sinners are doing.  I came to the conclusion some time ago that we have confused things (all of us in the ACDP) - not that Christians cannot be in politics but that 'politics' is apart from the work of the church - it cannot be the work of the church.  Politics like any other career is just another opportunity for Christians to hopefully 'glow in the dark' - and that will be seen not so much in what we say but how we say it.  What we do is also important but - if no genuine love for others is evident - we may as well not be there!

We (Christians in politics) as politicians can have an opinion about deLille, Zille, Zuma, Malema etc etc and can speak the truth when necessary - but as a Christian we are going to have to develop a love for them that is not impacted by what they do or say as sinners.  This I believe is what 'really' being a Christian is about - not easy!

Now - God forbid that I would be preaching - but - I was just thinking - with so many with super-skills as evangelists  - we should be clear about this - so we don't add to the confusion and that our 'super' skills are not wasted!

I subscribe to the 'Barry' philosophy on worship to!

'The challenges of the worlds moral imperatives does not change our challenges. It was the World Council of Churches which presumed to attend to political and other matters.  Evangelicals challenged this and churches grew. And today TRUE churches attend to the evangelism of Jesus at the well where he met the samaritan woman. Here he mentions her life and her 5 husbands and her clear shacking up with the present one. But when she talks about the water in the well, He broaches the LIVING water.

Here Jesus the Christ, is the evangelist. AND He is the compassionate one.

She never expected this!

She came dead to the Spirit but she leaves with living water and does what every converted person does, immediately TESTIFIES, “come see a man she says, that told me of everything I ever did.”

She realises it was the sin.

But now she knows that in Jesus never talking down to her, that EVERYONE including her can receive Gods forgiveness and grace.

And she wants everyone to KNOW!

Here is a pattern. For us we need to share in the sorrows of others and then we will find they RESPOND. And we shall know the efficacy of our witness ,by the witness and testimony of the person we brought to the LIGHT.

WE must not, like the old World Council of Churches, go beyond our charge.

Satan want Christians to reform, chastise, rather than spend much time with the poor in spirit, for every unsaved person is poor in spirit. Are we like Jesus as desribed above?

Christians are those who are behoven to be righteous, to not break even one of the ten commandments. No we are not to commit adultery, be unfaithful, we don’t abort our child, we don’t 

covet, we work hard and diligently, we don’t invite hypocrisy in our lives. Once a person had turned around, yes we can expect righteous selfless sacrificial service

But look to see how effective the rantings of the WCC lookalikes of today’s Christian activists,  the attacks on the media and the authorities, even some marches on parliament, have been? We make ourselves a laughing stock by our arrogance and demands.

Because the world says”where is the promise of His (Jesus the Lord) coming (again) and the writer replies and says “God is not slack concerning His promise but is long-suffering not willing that any should perish, but all should come to repentance.

I truly believe if the world see us as caring, they will be drawn to the Saviour. They will ask, “what spurs these people, so helpful so giving, so humble of spirit, and they tell us of the light maybe we were looking for” 

Expecting the world, governments, the media, the homosexuals, the abortionists, the brothel keepers, the traffickers, Mavericks, TO CHANGE their ways, without personally giving them the LIGHT is a damnable HERESY.

What is worship? Is it waving our hands, performing spiritual duties?  Good as they are, like meaningful prayer. No it is the way WE (not the world) live our lives. The prodigal son by returning from his backslidden ways and coming back to God was worshipping, and his father in forgiving him was worshipping. And if we give to and spend time and what we have the poor prostitute who suffers, the one who aborted or IS - one is worshipping.

We have missed the message that Jesus gave us. He is coming again. There will be two at the mill 

grinding corn and one will be taken and the other one left.

No he is NOT slack concerning his promise.

Most churches don’t present the soon coming Lord anymore. We must expect the world to be becoming MORE evil. I am sorry the reformed churches have forgotten this, wonderful as they are about Grace, sin and salvation.

Where will YOU be, Christian? Hell is one thing but to be left at His “coming again in like manner as he ascended into heaven”. That would be a terrible thing.

Barry   

Rather we attend to those who made wrong decisions, share what we have with them. and then show them the LIVING WATER OF LIFE.'

         

Press release from African Centre for Biosafety

ACDP Parliament

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Chief Whip

5 June 2013

Dear Constituents,

Today, I wish to share some information with you from my desk, which indicates the African Christian Democratic Party’s stance on the issue of GM Maize.

Yesterday, on behalf of the ACDP, I give notice and moved that the house debates:Government’s decision to allow the import of the GM Maize, known as “Agent Orange”, into South Africa considering that the USA government – the country of origin – has stopped cultivation until further research into its safety has been done.

This morning the Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health, thanked me for staying on the GM safety issue and promised he would join me by facilitating a meeting where all sides can present their views, concerns and proposals.

I have engaged in several interviews with radio stations, who were very appreciative of our bringing up of the issue. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to give their take by commenting via social media - the response has been significant.

Below please also find a recent press release from the AfricanCentre for Biosafety about the consumer petition which was sent to Tiger Brands relating to their Purity baby foods. It has generated a lot of public outrage and a call for a Tiger Brands boycott.

Regards,
Cheryllyn

_______________________


Press Release: African Centre for Biosafety

4 June 2013

Tiger Brand snubs consumers on GM Purity baby food concerns

Tiger Brands has snubbed South African consumers who petitioned the company about high levels of genetically modified (GM) maize found in Tiger Brand’s Purity baby food products.

In April 2013 GMO watchdog organisation, the African Centre for Biosafety (ACB), sent two Purity products to an independent GMO testing laboratory to test for the presence of ingredients derived from GMOs. The results showed that Purity Baby’s First cereal contained 56.25% GM maize while Purity Cream of Maize contained 71.47% GM maize. Neither of the products were labelled as containing GM, as required by law.

Consumers were shocked to learn that they were feeding their babies the controversial foodstuff and outraged at the lack of labelling. 1000 consumers sent a petition to Tiger Brands demanding that the company go GM-free, or at the very least, label their foods so that consumers could avoid GMOs if they wish. One signatory said, “people need to be in charge of what they eat - NOT the biotech companies. ALL food containing any GM product MUST be labelled”.

Managing Executive of Tiger Brands, Mr Martin Lind, responded to the petition by assuring consumers that they are using ingredients that have been approved as safe by the Department of Agriculture. In his letter, Mr Lind explained how GMOs are regulated and supplied contact details for the GMO Registrar and the Consumer Goods Council, recommending that consumers take the issue up with them.

ACB director, Mariam Mayet, said that “Tiger Brands did not even acknowledge consumers concerns or preferences or respond to their demand for labelling. Instead, Tiger Brands was very condescending, implying that consumers are ignorant and that their concerns are baseless and referred consumers to government GMO regulators. The ACB is well aware how GMOs are regulated in this country; we have submitted detailed scientific comments in respect of over 50 GMO applications over the last 9 years to GMO regulators.”

Tiger Brands’ response contrasts starkly with two other food companies that have responded positively to South African consumer concerns over GMOs – FutureLife has pledged to go GM-free and Nestle has decided to take into account local needs and consumer preferences and refrain from using GM content in their baby food products.

Many of the petitioners left messages for Tiger Brands along with their signature. One concerned consumer stated that, “for more than a decade the South African government has been force-feeding the nation with untested toxic food”. Another said that “parents have the right to choose what they feed their children; not labelling GM content is unacceptable.” Many signatories stated that they were boycotting Tiger Brands products and encouraging others to do so until they went GM-free.

Consumer Awareness Campaigner for the ACB, Zakiyya Ismail, said that, “Consumers detest producers that are indifferent to their wants and they will use their power and vote with their wallets when it comes to Tiger Brands products”.

Ends// 479 words

Contact:

·        Ms. Mariam Mayet, Director, African Centre for Biosafety:083 269 4309

·        Ms. Zakiyya Ismail, Labelling Campaigner, African Centre for Biosafety: 083 273 7304

Notes to Editors:

·        South Africa is the only nation in the world eating a GM staple food. Almost all of South Africa’s maize is now genetically modified. According to recent offical reports, more than 80% of white maize and as much as 93% of yellow maize is genetically modified.

·        In Europe, consumers have so thoroughly rejected GM technology that major GM developer Monsanto announced last week that they will no longer attempt to gain regulatory approval for their products there. Monsanto’s GM maize, MON 810 is banned in eight European countries. This variety has been growing in South Africa since 1997. Seehttp://www.agprofessional.com/news/Monsanto-backing-away-from-GMO-crops-in-Europe-209696391.html

·        FutureLife has recently announced that their product will be GM free as of 1 July 2013 due to customer demand. FutureLife communique on going GM-free:http://www.futurelife.co.za/gmo/

·  Media Statement to Cape Times and Sowetan by Nestle, Media Relations Manager, Millicent Molete, to the following effect: “As a global food manufacturer, we take into consideration local needs and consumer preferences. It is for these reasons that all Nestle infant cereals manufactured in South Africa are now produced using non-GM maize”.

-ENDS-

Youth Day debate: Youth at the centre of economic opportunities

Speech Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip 

4 June 2013

ACDP says reform NYDA if it is not what it should be for Youth

 

"Speaker,

The young people I spoke to before this debate were adamant that they have no proper platform where they can raise issues - issues like youth unemployment, an education system that does not prepare youth to enter the job market, crime, education drop outs, alcohol and substance abuse and pregnancy.

"We are the majority" they said "and we are frustrated that 'older' people think they know what young people are experiencing – like the Youth accord that was signed on the 24th April - most of the people there were in their late 50s and yet they think they can address our issues and challenges...if we keep ignoring the young people of this country then we should brace ourselves for a revolution - we need jobs, we need to be developed and we need to be prioritised and treated like real South Africans by being given opportunities as well". "The sad truth Hon Dudley" - one young leader said - "is that if you are a youth in this country who, has never had any work experience and you reach the age of 30, the chances are you won’t get any employment anywhere in the country – other than slaving on a farm. I know how frustrating it is to be a youth in this country" he said - "often top Politicians use that to their advantage to make us step ladders to acquire their political goals. We need real opportunities to prove our worth. A Youth Ministry – in our opinion - is the answer as agencies like the NYDA are not doing us any good.  They are there only to carry out the ruling party’s mandate.  Right now we are kindly asking but soon we'll be harshly demanding!"

Talking about the NYDA another young person said "How can they assist us if they are 'politically centralised' – there is no representation from the opposition youth formation in the NYDA Leadership - only the YCL and the ANCYL members form the NYDA leadership structure".  Now, I don’t know how accurate this statement is but my thought would be – surely we should be looking at reforming the NYDA if it is not being what it needs to be for Youth.

When it comes to the subject of another Ministry however, I must admit – I just can't help being totally skeptical – my reason being - that I don't see how a ministry will be any different from the NYDA in that it will be there to ultimately push through "the ruling party's mandate".  On top of this we have the example of another 'wonderful idea' called the Ministry of Women, Children and People with Disabilities which is not there to implement anything – it just looks at what others are supposed to be doing and doesn’t even comment - spends huge amounts of money on salaries for a Minister and Deputy Minister - one third of all staff in the department earn on average R1 million a year , according to Rebecca Davis – plus cars, offices, overseas trips etc – not one cent goes to actually implementing legislation to better the lives of women, children and people with disabilities.

The poor standard of teaching in many schools is leaving many young people at a huge disadvantage. More skills should be taught in schools - most young people in SA leave school equipped to do nothing – at least nothing legal that anyone is prepared to pay to get done! FET colleges are too expensive for most, and the standards are not always what they should be – we must fix this!

Of course you can’t force people to work and success does depend on a willing attitude, a teachable spirit and a good work ethic - a culture of entitlement is not only an employer's nightmare but a nation's worst nightmare!

Dysfunctional home and community backgrounds, as well as negative role models, are highly detrimental to young people succeeding in life - they are too easily sucked into gangs, drugs, sex etc – and they embrace a culture of 

seeing no future for themselves.  Lifeskills programmes that help youth to make better choices are run by many NGOs but are seriously underfunded and rely on volunteers, so are limited in how many schools and young people they can impact.

Looking beyond all this to the incredible potential of youth I was reminded via twitter -  that Bill Gates was 20 years old, Steve Jobs was 21, Warren Buffett was 26, Ralph Lauren 28 and Estée Lauder was 29 when they started their companies that became some of the biggest successes ever known.

Many of the remarkable innovations of the latest generation - including Google, Facebook and Twitter - were all founded by people under 30. Young people 'bring fresh eyes and a new perspective to confronting problems and challenges that others have given up on' says Michael Moritz, a venture capitalist who backed Google, Yahoo and YouTube – 'a generation of people who see no boundaries, see no limits and see no obstacle'.

Some suggest young people have nothing to lose so they can take the risks and having said that – one of the biggest challenges facing this next generation - and one that may prevent more visionary entrepreneurs from succeeding - is the growing level of debt hanging over college students – being burdened like this will make it harder and harder for young people to take those risks.

Talent of course should not be underestimated - but persistence, passion and the willingness to stay up all night working – are probably what really make the difference between an employee and an entrepreneur!  I just have to say one more thing – for those who have turned 30 and are just a little depressed by my input so far - don't write yourself off - remember Thomas Edison didn't invent the phonograph until he was 30 and Col Saunders created KFC when he was 70!"

"Thanks to all those who responded and have contributed to this debate through this speech" – Cheryllyn Dudley

For more information contact Cheryllyn Dudley, MP, 082 890 6520(SMS best for urgent response)

Media enquiries: Keeno Petersen, Media Liaison Officer, ACDP - Parliament, Tel: 021-403-3307, Cell: 076-734-9067 or Email:kpetersen@parliament.gov.za

ACDP calls on the DBE Minister to ensure campaign to rid schools of drugs & alcohol not just an empty show

MEDIA RELEASE                                      

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

1 June 2013

ACDP calls on the DBE Minister to ensure campaign to rid schools of drugs & alcohol not just an empty show

* calls on the Minister to ensure campaign involves action targeting problems

* calls on communities to support interventions aimed at helping learners and raising awareness of the devastating impact of alcohol and drug abuse on people’s lives, their families and society as a whole.

---------------------------------  ----------------------------

 "The ACDP notes that a campaign to rid schools of drugs and alcohol being officially launched by the DBE in June to coincide with Youth Month and calls on the Minister to ensure that the campaign involves action targeting problems and that it is not just an empty show.

ACDP Spokesperson on Education and member of parliament, Cheryllyn Dudley said today that: “Alcohol and drugs are creating havoc in communities and homes and are stealing from young people who are losing important education opportunities. 

Abuse of these substances has been linked to academic difficulties, absenteeism, and drop-out from schooling.

“Drugs and alcohol are closely linked to high risk behaviour and impaired health, including unprotected sex, crime and violence, traffic accidents, mental and physical health problems.

The DBE National Strategy for the Prevention and Management of Alcohol and Drug Use amongst Learners in Schools focuses largely on the prevention of alcohol and drug use and aims to create an enabling environment for learners who have become addicted to alcohol and drugs to access treatment, care and support services.  

“We note that learners in grades 8-10 will be prioritized because of their increased vulnerability to alcohol and drug abuse during the transition from primary to secondary school  which coincides with the onset of puberty, increased experimentation and peer pressure.

“The ACDP calls on the department to work together with communities and calls on communities to support interventions aimed at helping learners and raising awareness of the devastating impact of alcohol and drug abuse on people’s lives, their families and society as a whole. "

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For further information contact:

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

ACDP Parliament

082 890 65 20

Sms for urgent response

ACDP says rehabilitation/job creation projects providing excellent service at no cost are being shut down

MEDIA RELEASE​

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

31 May 2013

ACDP says rehabilitation/job creation projects providing excellent service at no cost are being shut down

•

money wasted on new contracts rather than maintenance - must be scrutinised.

•

providing food prepared and grown by offenders should be another invaluable skills development/job creation project and cost saving

"The ACDP is concerned that important services to prisons are being unnecessarily lost – services like those previously provided by Prison Broadcasting Network. PBN provided 15 years of daily services in radio, video and music production and broadcasting, as well as trauma and general counselling - services which provided offenders with, some of the most technologically advanced training and skills development in the country. TBN, the only organisation of its kind in the world, won two awards last year, for a TV commercial filmed by ex-offender students.

These services were shut down in July 2011, when the former Area Commissioner of Pollsmoor made what seemed to be a unilateral decision to do so without any prior warning."

"In August 2011 a unanimous decision was taken by the Quality Assurance Board of Pollsmoor to retain and expand TBN services and the former Minister of Correctional Services issued a statement which was broadcast on all National SABC news channels in February 2012 that TBN services would be reinstated and rolled-out to all prisons in the country – but the situation remained the same. TBN spent 2 years imploring the highest levels of Correctional Services and even the President to no avail."

"Two other major rehabilitation projects – “The Bird Project” and “Ambassadors in Sport” were also shut down in Pollsmoor by the same Area Commissioner - both highly successful projects which brought international acclaim to Correctional Services and had been running for years."

I will forward what information I have to your office Hon Minister.

"We cannot claim to be prioritizing the rehabilitation of offenders when individuals are allowed to shut down successful rehabilitation/job creation projects providing excellent service at no cost to the state!"

"Employing competent skilled people to better work with and facilitate the numerous NGOs who provide much needed services in prisons would be beneficial."

"Exorbitant amounts of money are being wasted on contracts for new fencing and equipment instead of enforcing certain criteria for installations within prisons and maintaining existing equipment. More money should go into maintenance and not purchasing - potential installation projects should include a minimum 5-year maintenance contract with an option which cannot be discontinued without valid reasons - irregularities that favour ‘new installation by new contractors’ rather than maintaining must be scrutinised."

"Hon Minister, why do you need Bosasa or anyone else to supply food to Correctional Services when there is more than enough human resources to cook the food required? This could and should be another invaluable skills development/job creation project as ex-offenders are far more likely to make a living from cooking than from flower-arranging or leather-making."

"Correctional Services should also be growing their own vegetables and producing their own meat. A farm employing ex-inmates would save huge amounts of money on the cost of produce; and provide countless jobs and skills."

The ACDP will support this budget but we are hoping for a radical new approach.."

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For further information contact:

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

ACDP Parliament

082 890 65 20

ACDP says Govt approval of cancer-linked 2,4D GM maize - hasty

MEDIA RELEASE​

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

31 May 2013

ACDP says Govt approval of cancer-linked 2,4D GM maize - hasty

• calls for review of risk assessment and permitting process

• USA govt - no approval pending further research

ACDP questions maize already in production and consumed in SA

• short-term provision of food clouds health threats in long term

• agriculture impacts on all MDG's

--------------------------------  ----------------------------------------------------------------

In the recent Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Budget Vote debate in the House of Assembly, ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said;

"Africa is the world’s second-fastest growing region in the world, but it will not halve extreme poverty and hunger by 2015, according to the ‘MDG Report 2013: Assessing progress in Africa toward the Millennium Development Goals’, which found that food insecurity negatively impacts on several MDGs and that concerted efforts to improve agriculture, food distribution and nutrition would, fast-track progress - another reminder of the importance of the agricultural sector!

"In August 2012, the African Christian Democratic Party submitted a petition to overturn a government decision to allow the import of GM Maize, known as “Agent Orange”, into South Africa. The maize is dubbed ‘Agent Orange’ because it has been genetically modified to survive the weed-killer called 2,4D, one of the key ingredients of the infamous defoliant chemical used in the Viet Nam war."

"The introduction of 2,4D resistant crops is expected to trigger a 30-fold increase in the use of this chemical which has been linked to cancer of the white blood cells and has produced a variety of disturbing results in studies on animals. The use of 2,4D is banned in Norway, Sweden and Denmark."

The petition, drafted by the African Centre for Biosafety (ACB), cites concerns about potential health impacts and government’s lack of capacity to monitor 2,4D residue left on food crops. It is supported by 18 health professionals and academics, 20 South African organisations and over 6000 individual signatories, has been referred to the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries to be processed.

"The ACDP is of the opinion that Government has been hasty in granting the approval of 2,4D GM maize. The USA government last week announced that it will not grant approval for the cultivation of this crop until at least 2015 pending further research into safety. It is disturbing that our government granted approval for the consumption of this maize before it was approved in the country of origin."

"Hon Minister, the ACDP is appealing to you to urgently initiate a complete review of our risk assessment and permitting process."

"The ACDP further calls on the Minister to review Monsanto’s original research, submitted for approval of maize that is already in production and being consumed in South Africa. We note that Kenya has banned GM imports as a result of this research. This matter needs to be interrogated and the public needs to be well informed and involved."

"Maize is a staple food in South Africa and the risks pose a threat to an entire nation - we should be supporting healthy food production systems that will sustain our people and the environment into the future. It is our understanding that no other government has allowed its staple food to be genetically modified."

"The ACDP recognises the major considerations and implications that weigh in on these issues - decisions are not easy when provision of food in the short-term cloud health threats in the longer term."

The ACDP will be supporting this budget despite reservations."

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For further information contact:

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

ACDP Parliament

082 890 65 20

ACDP Questions SA Money for Zim Elections

MEDIA RELEASE​

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

1 June 2013

ACDP QUESTIONS SA MONEY FOR ZIM ELECTIONS -SAYS ELECTION OBSERVERS, AT THE VERY LEAST, SHOULD BE CONDITION ATTACHED

* apart from the success of the new constitution, signed by the President on 22 May, many of the reforms outlined in the GPA have not been implemented over the last five years.

* recognises fears that ZANU-PF will once again use the security forces to intimidate voters

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ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said in the International Relations and Co-operation Budget Speech this week:

"The ACDP welcomes the change in trend from previous years when appropriations were decreasing - to the current state of affairs where 2 budgets in a row have increased - R5.3 billion in 2012/13 – with another increase to R5.5 billion on the cards for 2013/14.  We do however note thatspending is expected to increase to R6.2 billion due to inflation and lease commitments so - how exactly is this going to work?

In 2012/13, SA maintained 47 diplomatic missions in Africa – with more in the pipeline!  We acknowledge that a greater productive and export capacity and global competiveness across the region needs to be built but how sustainable all these missions are, is seriously questionable.  The ACDP supports the concept of developmental integration in Southern Africa which combines trade integration, infrastructure development and sector policy coordination.

Minister Gordhan put it this way: Africa is our home, and it is our future. It is a market of over one billion people and it is growing rapidly...Africa now accounts for about 18 per cent of our total exports, and nearly a quarter of our manufactured exports...over the past five years, the South African Reserve Bank has approved nearly 1 000 large investments into 36 African countries...these are mutually beneficial, as they support development in those countries and generate tax revenue, dividends and jobs – abroad and in South Africa.

It also looks like - as part of its long-term strategy to help secure energy supply for South Africa and the region - Eskom is considering options for investment in several regional generation and transmission projects.

I however, have decided to talk about Zimbabwe simply because at this point in time their lack of budget and our SA budget seem to be inextricably linked – I also suspect they will impact to a fair degree on this budget – which by the way - the ACDP will support.

Well surprise surprise – it does seem as if President Mugabe is actually pushing for funding for the up-coming election –funding with as few strings as possible of course!

Hon Minister, does the government-owned Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe's have its facts straight in saying that South African President Jacob Zuma has proposed to SADC leaders - at a meeting on the sidelines of the just-ended African Union summit - that they should help fund Zimbabwe's elections?  Zimbabwe needs $132-million –I was going to exclaim – Zuma for President – but then I realised he already is! That was supposed to be funny!!

Prime Minister and Opposition Leader Morgan Tsvangirai, we understand, is keen to attach the money to the deployment of election observers for obvious reasons including fears that ZANU-PF will once again use the security forces to intimidate voters.  The violence that accompanied the referendum in 2000 and the election in 2008 drove hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans across our borders – resulting in enormous challenges here – I’m thinking election observers at the very least must be attached to that money!  

SADC leaders, we are told have promised to hold a special summit to examine how they will help with election funding – as officials from South Africa and the SADC regional bloc of 15 states were not available for comment – can you confirm any of this Hon Minister?

The ACDP chooses to remain hopeful in the aftermath of the rare unity displayed this year, by 89 year old President Mugabe who has been in power since 1980 - and his long-time rival Morgan Tsvangirai - in pushing through a new constitution – one which clips the powers of the president and imposes a two-term limit – and while it does not apply retroactively and Mugabe technically could be in power till he is 99 – a huge achievement!

The situation ahead of the 2013 elections is also vastly different from what it was in 2008, when the opposition MDC-T’s support base was at its highest and ZANU-PF faced a massive internal crisis of legitimacy, both within the state and the party.  Since then a series of opinion polls have consistently reported diminishing support for the MDC-T, and a surprising resurgence for ZANU-PF.  Now I am not saying I love the idea of a ZANU-PF resurgence – I am just considering that a greater confidence on ZANU-PF’s part may ease some of the tension and backlash that tormented Zimbabweans previously.

We note efforts by the EU, Western countries, the US ambassador to Zimbabwe which seem to indicate a willingness for relationships with Zimbabwe to be restored.  But while SADC through President Zuma, the bloc’s appointed mediator in the Zimbabwe crisis, has committed to ensuring the full implementation of the reforms agreed to in the GPA - apart from the success of the new constitution, signed by the President on 22 May, many of the reforms outlined in the GPA have not been implemented over the last five years.

Zimbabwe's parliament will be dissolved on June 29 and the country has up to four months to hold the election."

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For further information contact:

Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

ACDP Parliament

082 890 65 20

Minister of Basic Educations written replies to ACDP questions in National Assembly

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION 684

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERNAL QUESTION PAPERS: 19/04/2013

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12/2013)

Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1)​What measures are in place to ensure that a national go-slow by the SA Democratic Teachers′ Union (SADTU) members scheduled for when inland schools reopen on Tuesday, 9 April 2013, does not impact on learners negatively;

(2)​will supplementary examinations that were written in February be affected in terms of being marked;

(3)​whether this action is related to a government proposal that education be made an essential service, making it unlawful for teachers to strike; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?​NW850E

REPLIES:

(1) What measures are in place to ensure that a national go-slow by the SA Democratic Teachers′ Union (SADTU) members scheduled for when inland schools reopen on Tuesday, 9 April 2013, does not impact on learners negatively?

The Department has taken measures to ensure that the go slow does not impact on learning and teaching.  Provincial Education Departments have been provided with learning support materials to give to learners and encourage them to use in times like this.

The principle of “no work, no pay” will be applicable to any teacher who is not present at school for a full day or part thereof.  Furthermore, the Department has the Strike Management Plan which put the responsibility on managers and/or principals to ensure that they keep records and data of attendance of educators in their schools during industrial actions. Information provided by managers in terms of the Strike Management Planto their Heads of Education Departments will assist in the application of the “no work, no pay” principle.

(2) Will supplementary examinations that were written in February be affected in terms of being marked?

Supplementary examinations that were written in February have not be affected in terms of being marked.

(3) Whether this action is related to a government proposal that education be made an essential service, making it unlawful for teachers to strike; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?​

This action is not related to a government proposal that education be made an essential service. Government’s proposal that education be made an essential service did not mean that teachers are not allowed to strike, but to make education to become a societal priority.