Report of Powers & Privileges Committee on Hearing into allegations of conduct constituting contempt of Parliament by members of the National Assembly - 27 November 2014

Cheryllyn Dudley MP, ACDP

The Rules of Parliament are rules agreed by Members of Parliament – they have a purpose and that is to keep a degree of order to ensure the work of Parliament can be done – what we have witnessed in the last week – and months before that - is a display of just how easily the work of Parliament can be sabotaged and frustrated when members have a mind to do so.  It is a shame that the rules of the House have been so brazenly disrespected and disregarded in front of the entire nation and the world – and the unruly and threatening behaviour that occurred on 21 August is indefensible in our view. 

The ACDP has carefully read the committee’s report and the charges are indeed serious.  For this reason we would have supported a recommendation outlining serious measures to ensure that consequences are no laughing matter and that they are a real deterrent for not only these members but others who want to manipulate parliament in this way. Having said that, these members are first time offenders, and in certain instances have had the maximum sentence imposed upon them. This is very unusual in the case of first time offenders. The sentences imposed, in our opinion, should have been suspended to give the honourable members of the EFF a second but final chance – an opportunity to learn from the experience – along with the rest of us.

The ACDP is also of the opinion that due process was not meticulously followed when one considers that The main complainant, the Speaker, did not give evidence; that there is a perception of bias on the side of the ruling party, given that on a number of charges, the opposition members present either did not feel that the evidence justified a finding of guilty, or that the sanction imposed was too severe; and while the EFF members chose not to participate in the process, evidence in mitigation of sentence, led by other members could and should have been allowed. 

For these reasons the ACDP will not be supporting this report and we strongly recommend that the disciplinary hearings are re-held to correct errors in process and that a suspension of the severe sanctions be considered.  

Ultimately, unless a political solution is found and parties choose to hold themselves to a higher standard, the current situation in Parliament will continue to deteriorate.

The ACDP holds the view that the present situation in the National Assembly in Parliament is disruptive and counter-productive – and cannot be condoned.  All parties must take responsibility in order to ensure that the institution of parliament functions optimally and is not brought into disrepute.  

The ACDP welcomed the efforts of the Deputy President to initiate a process to this end and we regret that some parties failed to keep to the terms and spirit of their own agreement.  If the agreement had held, the disciplinary hearing against members of the EFF would have been put on hold while party leaders and the deputy president worked together to find a workable and sustainable way forward.  One which did not unnecessarily diminish freedom of expression in the National Assembly but at the same time protected the right of all members to non-violently and respectfully hold the President and the Executive to account.  

Timely access to antenatal care could prevent the deaths of hundreds of women and girls in South Africa during and after pregnancy

MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley MP


ACDP SAYS culture of abortion encourages young women to think of a fetus as tissue that can be discarded at anytime - making it less likely they will be conscious of the need to take care of the baby during pregnancy.

Responding to a report by Amnesty International ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said: "Because of a culture of abortion - young women who are told an embryo is just a lump  of tissue that can be discarded at anytime - are less likely to grasp the need to take care of themselves and the baby during pregnancy - especially the early stages."

The report found that the majority of maternal deaths in the country were avoidable, and said the main problems were late and infrequent antenatal care and the fact that nearly one third of pregnant women are living with HIV.

Delays in going to clinics until the later stages of pregnancy could have grave consequences for pregnant women and girls, especially those with HIV, the human rights group said.

South Africa's maternal mortality rate has risen dramatically since 2000 and currently stands at 269 deaths per 100 000 live births, far higher than the rate of 38 which the government committed itself to achieving by 2015.

"It is disturbing to note that women and girls in South Africa apparently told Amnesty that healthcare workers often shouted out or inappropriately shared information about their HIV and pregnancy status, which led to them being stigmatised by the local community. "This sort of unprofessional behavior is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with at the level of tertiary and on-the-job training." Dudley said

"While the ACDP agrees with suggestions that a change in mindset regarding confidentiality and privacy among healthcare workers is necessary we are concerned that once again,  rather than protect women and their pre-born babies authors of the report ignore the obvious regarding what young women are taught about the baby they are carrying being nothing but tissue."

"The report appears to presume or insinuate that if women and girls had more information about sexual and reproductive health and rights they would chose contraception or abortion and avoid problems. There are however no facts to support this.  Significant amounts of time and money have been spent on making information on sexual and reproductive health and rights available and while abortions have increased - unplanned pregnancies have not decreased.  In the opinion of the ACDP the information should not only be more accessible but the content should be reviewed and revised to make it more suitable and relevant to the goal of mothers and babies being both healthy and alive.  The ACDP would like to see more emphasis placed on making information available about the life growing within a mother and the needs of both mother and child."

"The ACDP calls on the minister of Health to investigate claims that most pregnant women and girls walk to their nearest clinic, often an hour away, because of the lack of public transport, and to ensure that where necessary clinic budgets include mobile facilities or suitable transport to allow for easier access".

"Clearly this is not just a health issue, and a co-ordinated inter-sectoral government response is needed."

Heritage Day - Celebrating 20 years of democracy

18 September 2014
ACDP Parliament


Heritage Day -Celebrating 20 years of democracy:
‘Tell your story that moves South Africa forward’
Speech by Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip


Freedom of Religion not about creating ‘one religion for all’ but allowing people the freedom to share their belief respectfully


“I will not have time today to talk to the story of our youth – I would however like to quote one young man in the North West Province Kagiso Monyadiwa who says ‘National Heritage Day is a day to celebrate the contribution of all South Africans to the building of this country.  What we have done well, was to realise that we are all South African - the challenge now is the economic imbalance amongst us which still divides us and must be dealt with!’

Instead I will speak to the story of faith-based South Africans and Christians in particular who would like us to re-look at government’s policy on Religion in Schools.  They say this with the conviction that we are tearing at the fabric of our society when we impose unrealistic guidelines that prevent learners, parents and communities from influencing the religious ethos of their local schools.  Freedom of Religion is not about creating ‘one religion for all’ but allowing people the freedom to believe as they please and to share their belief respectfully and peacefully. Religion and culture are closely related and should not be stifled.

Clearly this freedom like all others must not negatively impact on others but all learners and students should be able to proudly acknowledge their religious and cultural beliefs and express themselves in line with these in a manner that does not impose on others.

Without outside interference, where the majority of learners at a school are of one faith - eg Christian, Muslim, Catholic etc, it follows that the ethos of that school will appear to be that of the religion of the majority and where the community is more evenly spread across religions the diversity will be more apparent in the ethos.

There is general agreement that factual learning about all religions can be useful but many parents specifically want their children in a school that embraces and teaches their values and I know Christians feel very strongly about this.  Madiba is reported to have said in 1999 that religion was one of the motivating factors in everything he did, ‘without the church,’ he said ‘without religious institutions, I would never have been here today’.

For a significant majority of people in South Africa who believe in Jesus and have chosen a Christian way of life it is important to obey Jesus command of ‘Let the children come to me’ and they passionately agree with the words of Eben Le Roux ('A Silence that Kills) that, ‘as long as we deny the call of Jesus to bring the children to Him we will deny ourselves the most important platform for peace’.

In essence he says: When our children grow up being taught they are their own god and are in need of no other help they suffer from arrogance – arrogant people are selfish, selfish people are disruptive and disruptive people behave like fools.

Faith based parents instil their religious values in their children from the cradle.  Christians for example, teach their children to love God, love others, forgive and care for others and to follow the ‘ten commandments’, so that as they grow up these become firmly held moral standards.

Most of all a relationship with Jesus, is something that does not get switched on and off and no matter how many guidelines there are that say otherwise, Christians will not be free to be themselves if they cannot acknowledge their creator and saviour whether at school, work or home.  We know religious extremism leads to shutting down freedom of religion but we have come a long way and we should be able to explore ways of ensuring freedom of religion without denying our children the freedom to live theirs in their daily lives.  This will move South Africa forward.

‘The rock on which our future will be built, our greatest asset as a nation, said Madiba, is our children. They will be the leaders of our country, the creators of our national wealth, those who care for and protect our people.  Our children, he said, are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation’.”


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 or Cell: 076-734-9067 or Email: kpetersen@parliament.gov.za

ACDP commends considered approach to Medical Innovation Bill

ACDP Parliament
Media Release
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
17 September 2014

ACDP Member of Parliament, Cheryllyn Dudley, attended a briefing this morning on the Medical Innovation Bill which has been introduced by the Honourable Narend Singh (IFP) and has been referred to the Health Portfolio Committee.

The presentation held the view that since one in three people in South Africa will get cancer, many thousands of cancer patients in this country who are told to 'go home and die' will remain without access to innovative alternatives.

The response from the committee chairperson was that a lot of work is still to be done and that other committees such as Trade and Industry and Science and Technology will need to engage.

Members expressed the need for there to be a rational evidence based approach to this Bill and not an emotional one in view of its connection to the late Hon Mario Oriani-Ambrosini (IFP).

Dudley says that, “The ACDP agrees in principle with legislation making provision for innovation, keeping in mind that the National Health Act speaks to this in detail and will need to be carefully considered.

We know that presently morphine (a form of heroine) is used for pain control for terminally ill cancer patients - morphine is toxic and lethal as it actively speeds up the death of the patients.

However, the ACDP does not and will not endorse recreational use of cannabis or any attempts to move in this direction.

What is controversial and unlikely to be entertained by our ACDP constituency and the broader South African Society is the goal of 'commercialization of Cannabis.”

This proposed legislation will be subjected first to Public and scientific scrutiny and input through Public submissions and hearings.

“The ACDP commends the committee on its considered approach to this Bill and the recognition that it is contentious”, Dudley added.

The ACDP will report further on this matter once the public process begins and gains momentum in development.

ACDP will support motion of no-confidence in National Assembly Speaker

ACDP Member of Parliament and Chief Whip, Cheryllyn Dudley, said today that:

“On careful consideration of the matter of a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly Speaker, Baleka Mbete, the ACDP Caucas at Parliament has decided to support the motion.

We would like to make it clear that we disassociate ourselves with attacks on Speaker Baleka Mbete’s person and integrity, and from the antics of opposition parties like the EFF and the DA who have done everything possible to make the National Assembly ungovernable in the past few weeks.

We do, however, acknowledge that Parliament has been chaotic and the Speaker has lost the necessary authority to bring order in the House. In our opinion this is due to the fact that the Speaker has undermined her own rulings on more than one occasion and has entered into debate with Members to the detriment of proceedings in the House.

It is imperative that a Speaker in the National Assembly is both firm and fair but most importantly, has the courage of their convictions to follow through on rulings made. Where challenges to those rulings arise these should be speedily addressed and corrected if necessary or suitable consequences to the flouting of rules must follow.

On the issue of whether or not it is advisable for the Speaker in the National Assembly to hold a high party office – because of inevitable conflicts of interest that may arise - the ACDP would like the Parliament of RSA to adopt the position that a Speaker in the National Assembly does not hold a senior party position.”

MP speaks to the issue of Global Terrorism and Religious Freedom

"the ANC’s blanket approval of and support for the Islamic extremist terrorist group Hamas will not always shield us – for now yes, but the day will come when the shocking realities will be within our borders and when we say NO – there will be no mercy".

"Our own Freedom of Religion will not hold up on its own – if we stand by while global terrorism destroys Freedom of Religion around the world - we will stand alone when we are under siege!"

(Repost) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP - 26 February 2014

During the take-a-girl-child-to-work campaign in May, Our President, heard for himself the anxiety experienced by South Africa's young women over the Boko Haram abductions in Nigeria. This anxiety has been significantly heightened by reports of beheaded women and children by the terrorist army 'Islamic State' or ISIS in Iraq.

One young woman asked you, Mr President, what you would do if schoolgirls were abducted in South Africa as they have been in Nigeria. Your response was exactly what we wanted to hear, 'we would never sleep, we would look for you until we find you' you said.  The problem is – actions speak louder than words and more than 200 of the 300 Christian girls are still missing and Boko Haram continues to abduct.  A hundred men and boys were taken this week in northeast Nigeria - husbands, sons and brothers - women are acutely affected by this tragic and terrifying loss.  The ACDP applauds the actions of troops from Chad that rescued 85 of those men and boys.  People are asking what we in South Africa are doing – are we saying enough, doing enough - are we engaging at any level in order to help get the abducted girls safely back or to ensure the safety of people under attack in Iraq?

The Archbishop of Canterbury has expressed grave concern about the violence in Iraq calling for reassurance that a commitment to religious freedom will remain a priority for the UK Government – this reassurance is also needed in South Africa.  While Islamic extremists have not hidden their intention to impose Sharia Law globally, who would have thought this would be taking place so blatantly in the capitals of the world like London, Paris and Brussels. These are not arbitrary uprisings but long planned coups backed by an increasingly well developed Islamic economic system – one we all contribute to by buying goods with Halaal registration.

The Archbishop has called for the appointment of an Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom to demonstrate Government's serious commitment to developing an overarching strategy against Islamist extremism and violence as it is developing across the globe.

Mr President the ACDP calls on you to re-think your comment that: "Such things (as abductions) happen under certain circumstances, but in South Africa such circumstances would never happen."  We are concerned that your over confidence ignores the realities – the ANC’s blanket approval of and support for the Islamic extremist terrorist group Hamas will not always shield us – for now yes, but the day will come when the shocking realities will be within our borders and when we say NO – there will be no mercy.

The Women's Charter calls on us to strive for permanent peace throughout the world – our words must loudly and clearly condemn attacks on women, on their children and on their men – and condemn attacks on their freedoms.  Presently in Iraq people are being given the option to 'convert, pay a fine or die' but even this is a lie as local reporters say the reality is 'convert or die'.

Our own Freedom of Religion will not hold up on its own – if we stand by while global terrorism destroys Freedom of Religion around the world - we will stand alone when we are under siege!

MANDELA DAY DEBATE

MANDELA DAY DEBATE – Tuesday 29 July 2014

Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP

On Mandela Day - having spent time early in the morning with children and caretakers at a crèche - I posted pictures on Face book with the caption: “In loving memory of a man who, like all others was not perfect but, has a special place in my grateful heart.”  

Because critics had expressed concern that Mandela Day amounts to worship of Mandela – I added that: “For me it is another opportunity to thank God for what he did through an ordinary man like MADIBA”.

In reading “Good Morning Mr Mandela” by Zelda La Grange, I was reminded of an interview in June 2013 where Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe said: “Nelson Mandela is too much of a saint. He has been too good to white people at the expense of black people” - some agreed others protested!  For me - there is no doubt that he treated white people above and beyond what we collectively deserve – but this must not be to the detriment of black people – I hope, I pray, and I work – with everything in me to make sure this great generosity will be for the greater good of us all.

In “Conversations with Myself” Madiba is quoted as saying...”People feel I see too much good in people...it is a criticism I have to put up with because whether it is so or not, it is something which I think is profitable you tend to attract integrity and honour if that is how you regard those with whom you work.’  In another conversation Madiba said our duty “is to work with human beings, not angels once you know that this man has got this virtue and this weakness - you work with (him) and you try and help him to overcome that weakness.  I don’t want to be frightened that a person has made mistakes and he has got human frailties. I can’t allow myself to be influenced by that...”

One of the first things Madiba did on becoming President was to establish the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund which he said “is the embodiment of our belief that children need to live in an environment where they can flourish." The ACDP couldn’t agree more and would have loved to see this extended to include the environment for unborn children in their mother’s womb.

On the occasion of former President Mandela’s 90th birthday in 2008, I had the privilege of speaking on behalf of the ACDP in the National Assembly debate. I expressed our appreciation and said “who would have guessed the phenomenal importance of the birth of this tiny little boy on the 18 July 1918 in Umtata, Transkei?  Not only the impact that this baby was to have on South Africa, but on the nations of the world...only God knew exactly what he had in mind. Leading the way of reconciliation and reconstruction in a society which had been separated by over a century of racial segregation took great vision, great courage and great faith” – if Nelson Mandela's mother had wanted, and had the option of terminating this pregnancy prematurely - as so many mothers do today - it would not only have taken his life but also his legacy - abortion on demand deprives Africa - and South Africa - of who knows what potential.

Madiba never did become the champion of pre-born babies despite the ACDP calling on him to do so - but it does not take away from the champion he was in other ways!

Many favourite stories come to mind but time does not allow so I will end with something I think would bring a smile to Madiba’s eyes – congratulations SA Sevens Rugby Team on winning gold at the Commonwealth games!

ACDP welcomes Minister's commitment to encourage private sector investment in low-income housing

15 July 2014

ACDP Parliament
Human Settlements - Budget Vote
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip

ACDP welcomes Minister's commitment to encourage private sector investment in low-income housing


"With Government shifting the responsibility of providing low-income housing to certain municipalities in line with NDP recommendations – the question the ACDP is asking is will the budget follow the mandate and is that budget adequate to the task of ensuring relevant capacity to get the job done? It is at a municipal level where planning takes place so it makes sense that the responsibility should follow the plans – sadly many sceptics will see this as just another opportunity for corruption, incompetence and mal-administration – we hope not!

The ACDP has always championed the concept of government closest to the people being best placed to respond more accurately to the needs of people and we support moves away from central control – local government however – does not have the best track record and the oversight and monitoring of budgets for the purpose of providing low-cost housing must remain the responsibility and top priority of the department at a National Level.

Crucial projects meant to provide houses and toilets to many in rural areas and informal settlements – we are told - have stalled. This appears to be endemic throughout the entire housing sector, with provincial governments among the chief perpetrators with under-performance and failure to spend. Hon Minister, we hear the department saying this is a result of long procurement processes, the lack of bulk infrastructure and lack of identification of suitable land for human settlement development but people do not want excuses – they want houses and services.

Hon Minister you face a significant challenge and the ACDP would like to see you succeed. We welcome government recognition that relocating informal settlements is not always a solution and governments response to calls to provide interim servicing or emergency relief including water, sanitation and solid waste removal in informal settlements.

The rapid assessments and categorisations of informal settlements - meant to assist municipalities and provinces to better understand and respond to the immediate needs of residents - are also a positive step forward – implementation however does need to be improved. Some organisations submit very low tender prices which can only result in limited inquiries among residents and a neglect of technical aspects of the work. Other organisations submit high prices to cover detailed technical studies in excess of what is required – in time hopefully responses to tenders and the consequent products will improve.

The ACDP would like to bring to your attention Hon Minister, the issue of subsidies for Special Needs Group Housing (SNGH) for orphans, victims of domestic abuse, the disabled, older people, trafficked persons and others. To provide improved group care and shelter for persons with special needs Non-Profit Organisations, (NPOs) are in need of urgent availability of housing subsidies. In most provinces NPOs have limited or no funding support in this regard. I am told this issue did come before the Housing Portfolio Committee late last year and the Department of Social Development (DSD) was also very supportive however the process remains slow. If the Department of Human Settlements opts for a new research and policy development process it will take years to complete with delays causing frustration for those most affected.

The ACDP welcomes the grant introduced to fast-track eradication of bucket toilets and remove 270 thousand bucket toilets from homes in formal and informal areas in the next two years. We also welcome the Minister's commitment to creating an environment which encourages private sector investment in low-income housing projects.

PARLIAMENT BUDGET DEBATE – 22 July 2014 (NA 14.00 - 19.00)

PARLIAMENT BUDGET DEBATE – 22 July 2014 (NA 14.00 - 19.00)
Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP

The ACDP would like to once again express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Michael Coetzee. Too often people in positions like that of Secretary to Parliament - who serve their country diligently and with excellence and quietly endure insults with regard to the functioning of Parliament - do not get the credit they deserve and it is a shame that one has to die before recognition is given. Thank you Mr Coetzee for your service to your country and its people!

The ACDP will be supporting this budget which facilitates the work of this amazing institution and Parliament of the people.

Our 5th Democratic Parliament hit the ground running with the added colour and vigour of many members taking office for the first time. Before I pick up on some of the dynamics this has brought with it, I just want to remind you Hon Speaker of an issue that is hindering the oversight that the International Relations committee is expected to do. This committee oversees the work of a department which operates primarily outside of the country and yet the committee is only allowed one international trip in two years and then it must be a study trip and not an oversight trip. As a result the committee travels within South Africa mostly doing the work of public relations for the department rather than overseeing the work of the department.
Back to our colourful Parliament – after hearing suggestions that recent unseemly behaviour should be ‘dealt with’ it got me thinking that in the interests of a strong democratic South Africa we must be careful to defend our freedoms - including freedom of speech and expression in Parliament - knowing that the rules we have will bring order – and in time possibly even shape a few attitudes for the better.

When I first came to Parliament 15 years ago - I knew what I knew and had no problem saying it like I saw it or 'heard it'! I often took the liberty of calling the ANC murderers - amongst other things – I felt courageous and was fearless for my cause - respect and humility being ignored in my zealous efforts. I was also rewarded with the respect of fellow zealots who like me somehow thought our cause was best served by clichés, sarcasm and being disrespectful! Like the EFF I did my share of being disruptive, spoke out of turn reacting to statements I didn't agree with in meetings and in the National Assembly - I was always looking for the most radical way to get my point across.

Fortunately few of you were here then – and fortunately I eventually got acquainted with the rules and practices of Parliament. I also began to understand that it was of far greater benefit to understand the issues from multiple perspectives before assuming I had the answers. Seeing things through our own eyes is never the whole picture.

My attitude was also often reflected in what I wore - favouring pants suits and even sandals! Sorry Hon ‘newbies’ – you are not as different as you think!

Yes - intolerance and rudeness are offensive - what we must not do however - is become defensive and redraw lines more restrictively than they need to be for purposes of getting our work done as efficiently and effectively as democracy will allow.

It looks like I have a few more seconds so let me say something about the PARMED proposal. The EFF’s argument re ‘choice’ is valid – and yet – those who may end up exercising that choice will not only disadvantage themselves but all of us collectively.

One of the first things I took exception to when I came to Parliament was ‘being forced’ to belong to PARMED – 15 years later, at 61 years of age and facing possible retirement at each election – am I grateful that those who knew something about medical aids managed to keep the status quo!

ACDP calls for full inquiry into current state of nuclear industry

ACDP calls for full inquiry into current state of nuclear industry

· welcomes expansion of renewable energy

· questions exclusion of gas line from IRP

ACDP Parliament - Energy Budget Vote
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP/Whip

“Chairperson,

When South Africa has a clear Development Plan - and growth is the objective - suggestions that Eskom's customers save electricity are hard to swallow! Former Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s reference to South Africa’s tight energy supply damaging the economy seems more to the point.

The ACDP welcomes the expansion of renewable energy in the country with the new solar power plant near Kimberley and the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm of sixty turbines which is exceeding its expected 41% capacity factor and will feed around 460 thousand Megawatts a year into South Africa’s grid. This programme at Jeffrey's Bay has raised a lot of investor interest and a clearer commitment by government in terms of the long-term scale of the ‘Renewables Procurement Programme’ would help to allay investor uncertainty.

The ACDP commends all concerned on the 47 renewable energy projects concluded in 2012 and 2013, which included the first South African utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) facility, in the Northern Cape. We also commend the City of Cape Town for signing an agreement for the establishment of a pilot plastics-to-oil plant at its Kraaifontein integrated waste-management facility but...and this is a big but...why a foreign firm when there are local solutions which just require funding?

Government support only for commercialisation of already developed technologies is seriously problematic as many South African inventors have come up with innovative solutions to our problems. With sufficient resources to develop, we would have more than sufficient sunlight for the delivery of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) for own consumption as well as export - and to extract atmospheric water using solar power to provide for communities in arid areas.

Two years ago the ACDP was hopeful that government would move on the potential of the Rovuma Basin gas find in Mozambique. Gas emits about half the amount of pollution that coal does for the same amount of electricity generated and as an energy feedstock for the production of synthetic fuels could also serve to decrease South Africa's carbon emissions. Hon Minister, why does the revised 20-year energy draft plan seem to ignore the vast Rovuma Basin? It is the world’s fourth-largest known natural gas deposit, and could solve Eskom’s immediate energy crisis and avoid the costly construction of a third new coal power station – surely a pipeline is the most sensible thing and it should absolutely be in the IRP.

Another concern Hon Minister is the current status of the new nuclear build – there is a need for greater clarity and the ACDP is calling on you for a full inquiry into the current state of our existing nuclear industry. Koeberg has passed its sell-by date and increasingly been shut-down for repairs at huge cost, and the department seems to want to extend its life, just as with SAFARI-1, whilst nuclear reactors the world over that were built in the same era have officially been closed.

Lastly, I am also going to use the ‘f’ word -‘fracking’. The ACDP expected far greater opportunity to be provided to thoroughly investigate all issues related to shale gas in South Africa. If hearings are not held and taken seriously the resulting actions could be challenged in the constitutional court. The ACDP calls on you Hon Minister to ensure that government urgently embarks on an Environmental Impact, Social and Health Assessment in this regard.

The ACDP will support this vote in the interests of going forward but we have many reservations.”

ACDP grieved by the loss of life and terrible anguish for families on both sides of the Israel/Palestine conflict

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BUDGET VOTE

Speech by Cheryllyn Dudley MP ACDP

Being pro Palestine and pro Palestinian people has got to mean more than condoning religious fanaticism in the form of Islamic extremism

Palestinian and Israeli people have no future unless it is a shared future - South Africa’s foreign policy must protect life, promote peace and support development

Chair,
South Africa’s engagement with the world has been increasing since 1994. We host the second largest number of foreign representation in the world with 125 missions abroad, covering 180 countries and the minimal budget the department operates on year after year is even more stretched by unpredictable and often unstable circumstances externally. The ACDP applauds the department’s efforts but has called for an audit on missions and an assessment of whether all missions are essential to the broader goals and objectives.

Having once again interrogated the budget alongside colleagues on the committee the ACDP will be supporting this budget with all its constraints and challenges.

There are so many issues the ACDP would like to speak to today – many of which the Minister and others have touched on like the young women from Nigeria whose whereabouts are still unknown and – the DA’s shameful opposition to a resolution promoting and protecting family, making the issue something that it is not.

I will use my few minutes, to express appreciation for the discipline shown by our President, the Minister and her department - and the Portfolio Committee - in resisting the temptation to add to the one-sided condemnation of Israel at this time. Without a doubt government will be between a rock and a hard place right now because no matter how personal this is, they cannot ‘unknow’ what they know about both sides. Being pro Palestine and pro Palestinian people has got to mean more than condoning religious fanaticism in the form of Islamic extremism and covering for those who so ruthlessly use and abuse their own. This same Islamic extremism is destabilising Africa and is a huge threat globally.

Yes – let’s fight for the rights and freedoms of Palestinian People – and for the rights of those in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq – but let’s fight for life and not death and let’s be sure who the oppressors actually are!

The ANC have expressed themselves on the issue through their National Executive and their Parliamentary Caucas and in time the Parliamentary Committee is likely to want to express itself as well. War is a terrible thing and the ACDP is grieved by the loss of life and terrible anguish families on both sides of this tragedy are facing at this time.

The ACDP notes that German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday at a news conference in Berlin said: "Both sides must accept painful compromises but we stand by the side of Israel when it comes to self-defence.” Merkel said that there was a "new quality" to weapons used by the Palestinian territory's Hamas group against Israel and added that countries under attack must be allowed to defend themselves.

For Israel – and the world - the most dangerous weapon in Gaza is not the M-302 rockets that have put millions of Israelis under the direct threat of terror - it is the ideology of Hamas – ideology that is focused on destruction – Israel’s destruction and then who next? We note Hamas Leader Khaled Meshaal’s statement that “before Israel dies it must be humiliated and degraded.”

Something the media and the anti-Israel chorus don’t mention is that the Kassam rockets actually rained down on Israel for more than a week before the Israeli military finally responded. Every innocent civilian killed, regardless on which side, is tragic – all the more tragic though - when it is a goal knowingly pursued by Hamas to protect its weapons and to gain international legitimacy as victims.

Regardless of my opinion and your opinion – or the opinion of the ANC or the ACDP - South Africa’s foreign policy in this regard must protect life, promote peace and support development. Palestinian people and Israeli people have no future unless it is a shared future and the help South Africa must give is to help both peoples find a way to do this.

ACDP Calls on Sports Minister to publicly apologise for abusive comments

MEDIA RELEASE
ACDP President: Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MP
21 January 2014

ACDP Calls on Sports Minister to publicly apologise for abusive comments

* says Mbalula comments display lack of composure, self-control and leadership skills


ACDP Member of Parliament, Rev Kenneth Meshoe, today took Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula to task for statements he made at a press briefing yesterday, 20 January 2014, following Bafana Bafana’s disappointing exit from the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) soccer tournament.

Meshoe said, “It was shocking and frankly unacceptable that the minister publically insulted the Bafana Bafana team by referring to them as a ‘bunch of losers’ and further referring to them as ‘unbearable, useless individuals’. These comments were broadcast throughout the country and internationally.

The minister failed to show composure, self-control and leadership in difficult circumstances and clearly thought nothing of infringing upon the personal rights to respect and dignity of members of the Bafana Bafana team.

In stark contrast, Mbalula stated on 12 January 2014 that he was encouraged by the national team’s performance in the opening game of group A and praised the character of the team especially after Bafana were forced to come from a goal down to see out the victory.

The ACDP calls on the minister to retract his comments and apologise publicly to every member of the team, its management and all South Africans for his abusive comments.”

ACDP applauds Health Minister’s commitment to ensuring access to more affordable medicines

MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
21 January 2014

ACDP applauds Health Minister’s commitment to ensuring access to more affordable medicines

• alleged campaign by multinational pharmaceutical companies against proposed South African patent laws not in best interests of people

Foreign companies are said to be spending R6 million to dissuade government from passing legislation that promotes access to more affordable medicines.

Cheryllyn Dudley, ACDP Member of Parliament and Member on the Health Portfolio Committee today said: “The ACDP applauds the Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s firm stand against any attempt by pharmaceutical companies to directly or indirectly exploit or deprive people in South Africa who are in need of medication. While we understand that profit margins will always be a priority for companies and pharmaceutical companies are no exception – it is not, and cannot be government’s priority. Responsible government must prioritise the needs of people living in South Africa and act in their best interests.

Government is expected to bring national law in line with international norms, so they can take action when inflated prices put crucial medicines out of reach.

South Africa’s patent system is considered by many stakeholders - to be biased toward benefiting international pharmaceutical companies through the granting of patents which are considered to be excessive in number - compared to both developed and developing countries.”