Break the silence on gender-based violence

Issue 5 December 2011

LegibriefEASTERN CAPE

PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature Newsletter

A people’s assembly for good governance

Legislature host NCSL US/SA exchange programme

Clean audit affirms commitment to good governance

TAkiNg LegiSLATUre To The peopLeListening to the voices of Chris hani District Municipality

contentsregulars

Editorial ............................................................................................................ 2Message from the Speaker ................................................................. 2Letter from the Secretary to the Legislature .......................... 2 & 3Profile on MPL Mary Nombulelo Mabandla ............................... 3

feature

Heritage Day, embracing our diversity ...................................... 4

general news

Listening to the voices of Chris Hani District Municipality 5Clean audit affirms commitment to good governance ...... 6Malibongwe! Women unite to advance economic empowerment ................................................................... 7Break the silence on gender violence ............................................ 8Insightful NCSL US/SA training session ............................................ 10Annual NCSL summit .................................................................................... 10

upcoming events

December recess .......................................................................................... 10SOPA 2012 ......................................................................................................... 10

EDITORIAL TEAM Editor : Nombulelo Mosana Production : Tanishka du Plessis Writers : Bulelwa Jela, Tanishka du Plessis Photography : Thulani Tempi and Legislature archive photographs Publisher : Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature Editorial Enquiries: Nombulelo Mosana Tel: 040-6080039 Fax: 040- 6350016 Email: nmosana@ecleg.gov.za

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editorial Nombulelo Mosana

Emerging from this issue are success stories attributed to different political and administrative programmes. There

is also an admission on the challenges encountered on the way of operations. Reading the different contributions made from all angles of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, significant strides have been made in the past months which saw many projects taken to their deliverable conclusions. Of most significance is the implementation of a reviewed organogram. It bodes well if all stakeholders can move from the premise that an alignment of the organogram with the structure will at the ultimate end contribute towards the realization of our institutional goals.

Highlighted again in this issue are issues which were debated during the Taking Legislature to the People programme held in Intsika Yethu Municipality in the area of Cofimvaba in October. People from Chris Hani District Municipality were afforded an opportunity to see the Legislature in action. This programme is in pursuant of meaningful public involvement in all legislative processes. In its endeavour to deepen public participation, the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature annually takes the Legislature to different district municipalities.

As you read through this issue, you will come across information on international relations in different formats. The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature continues to augment and build relations with different countries and institutions. This year there has been vibrant interactions between the institution and the NCSL to mention but a few.

As world leaders gather in Durban for the COP17 conference to deliberate and commit to resolutions that will be taken to find a global solution for the threat of climate change, let us as well, in our small corners, contribute as much as we can in mitigating the impact of climate change, more especially for our content which seems to be the most vulnerable whilst it is the least that produces carbon emissions that destroy our air space.

What we saw happening in Fiva Village during Nelson Mandela International Day whereby Members of the Provincial Legislature planted trees and encouraged the cultivation of vegetable gardens, might seem small, but the impact of planting 93 trees in that area will become significant in a few years to come. These are some of the things that we are encouraged to do, because the oxygen coming out of those trees and the greenery is much needed during this time.

Enjoy your reading!

In his State of the Nation Address, President Jacob Zuma declared 2011 as the year of job creation through meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth. As the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature we are mindful of the fact that our province continues to hover around 30% in its unemployment rate. We continue to record above the national average; this does not need a rocket scientist to acknowledge our contribution in the national picture of unemployment. We are therefore aware that we have a role to play pertaining to job retention as well as job creation.

Responding to the job creation agenda, the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature has this year successfully aligned job creation imperatives to its strategy, goals and priorities. Implementing the ECPL strategy has necessitated the review of the organisational structure (touched on in our last Legibrief issue) whose results has been a contribution towards job creation. Central to the reviewal of the organogram was the alignment of the structure to institutional strategic oriented outcomes and goals, without any job losses.

Letter from the Secretary Pumelele Ndamase

Messagefrom the Speaker

The holiday season will soon be underway as the year 2011 draws to a close. The Legislature will officially shut down as from 9 December 2011 until 9 January 2012. Members and staff will return to their respective family homes to spend quality time with their loved ones and hopefully unwind following an extremely busy and eventful year in the Legislature.

The last couple of months have been extremely testing due to a number of structural and policy imperatives that needed to be confronted to ensure the organisation was responsive to the strategic objectives of the Legislature. It is well-known that change is often a difficult process hence organisational review is not taken on a whim for it to end up as a frivolous activity. We can safely say that the institution has risen above the various challenges that confronted us during the year.

We close this year on a high note; the Legislature received a clean audit report from the Auditor-General. This clean report sets an example for the entire country as we are the only Provincial Legislature that received such a report. We now need to continue on this road and continue to work tirelessly for the benefit of our people in our province. We must spread our wings even wider and higher and keep the momentum going in 2012. We do this not for ourselves, but to ensure a better future.

I close with a profound expression of gratitude, to the entire Legislature community, for all your hard work this year. Our success depends on distributed leadership – the willingness of individuals across the institution to lead by example and bring others along. Real sacrifices lie ahead, but I continue to be optimistic that we will emerge stronger, more flexible and better equipped to deal with the challenges ahead of us in 2012.

2011 has been a busy year and we can all be proud of what we have achieved. So thank you and best wishes for a happy and successful 2012. Finally, I wish everyone a happy, safe and relaxing end of year break.

Fikile Xasa

It was with profound sadness that the Legislature community learnt of the death of MPL Nombulelo

Mabandla on 28 September. The loss of such a strong and vibrant voice in the Legislature is immense.

MPL Mabandla came from a strong rural background; she was born in Qumbu in the Chulunca administrative area in 1970, was educated at Chulunca Junior Secondary School and Shawbury high school. The latter was a missionary institution which produced ANC stalwart and current Member of Parliament, Ms Winnie Madikizela-Mandela amongst many others.

Upon matriculating, MPL Mabandla enrolled for a diploma in teaching at Bensonville Teachers College and continued her studies at the University of Pretoria by enrolling in a Bachelor Degree in Education. Her interest in social and economic development saw her form part of a number of delegations that visited overseas countries such as Sweden and United States of America to broaden her knowledge of development studies.

MPL Mabandla’s political activism started as a young student when she joined the South African National Students Congress as an active member. This would mark the start of a number of events that would culminate in an illustrious political career up to the time of her death. During her career as a teacher, she joined the Qumbu branch of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU). She served as a loyal and dedicated African National Congress member in a number

of positions during her political activism. She was elected as Regional Treasurer of the ANC Youth League in the OR Tambo district and later served as Provincial Treasurer for the ANC Youth League’s Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee (PEC). MPL Mabandla also served in the Provincial Executive Committee of the ANC, the Provincial Working Committee and chaired the social cluster sub-committee of the ANC in the Eastern Cape. She was co-opted to the OR Tambo ANC Regional Executive Committee and the Regional Working Committee. She also played an intrinsic role as an active member in the ANC Women’s League.

Her leadership portfolio also included a considerable contribution to local communities as she served as a member of the Mayoral Committee of the Mhlontlo Local Municipality and the OR Tambo District Municipality respectively. The ANC deployed her to Bhisho to join the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature prior to the 2009 general election as a replacement following the defect of a few ANC MPLs to a splinter group. MPL Mabandla continued serving as a MPL following the 2009 general elections and was sworn-in as a Member of the Executive Council to politically head the Department of Human Settlements. She was later redeployed back to the Legislature as a MPL where she served until her sudden passing.

MPL Mabandla was laid to rest at Nkonkweni village in Qumbu in the Transkei on 22 October. She will be missed by all that knew her.

profiLe: in memory of the late MpL Mary Nombulelo Mabandla

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Rest in peace, MPL Mabandla, we will always remember and celebrate your strength

and demeanour.

What became evident in this process was the creation of 130 jobs. Amongst the initiatives that we undertook in responding to this national call was the turning of private cleaning services into state-owned services. As a result of this initiative 21 cleaners were absorbed into the Legislature structure. As the Legislature, we pride ourselves on having managed to demonstrate a positive response and assist the job creation imperative designed by the national government. In further pursuit of this call, the Eastern Cape Legislature will before the end of the next financial year in-source catering services that is currently run by a private service provider; further creating stable jobs for those providing that service.

Whilst reviewing the organogram, invariably one has to tackle job evaluation. This was a necessary exercise, because some job contents had to change owing to the new term strategic outcomes. Furthermore the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature has a policy that mandates the facilitation of job grading in a period of three years. The process of the organogram review and job evaluation therefore moved parallel with each other during this period. I am pleased to announce that the long awaited grading results have now been published and their implementation commenced as from 1 November 2011.

Besides the administrative achievements highlighted above, the institution continues to champion ‘Participatory Democracy’ and recently held a successful Taking Legislature to the People programme. This annual programme is held in response to the constitutional mandate that the Legislature must facilitate public involvement in its legislative processes. The increased number of participants from the Chris Hani District is a seminal example on the success of this programme.

Whilst as the institution we have managed to drive a number of projects to their deliverable conclusions, there were challenges that we had to face on the way. Policy formulation, which is one area which is a critical driver for our administration, has not been concluded. During this year, there were a number of policies that had to be reviewed. Most of the policies were reviewed, however a number of them have not yet reached the stage of adoption by the Rules Committee. We are planning to have those finalised before the end of the financial year.

Achievements highlighted above may be attributed to none other than dedicated staff (our engine room) of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, including the Executive and the Rules committees (the drivers) that are there to constantly provide us with political direction. The Budget and Oversight Committee, as well as the Audit and Advisory Committee, are all bearers of good governance of the Legislature.

Let me take this opportunity to wish our readers, staff of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature and their families a joyous festive season.

Our South African heritage is celebrated annually on 24 September. It is on this day that South Africans from all walks

embrace their rich cultural and traditional diversity; the country’s forebearers, their legacy and inheritance are invoked. The values of South Africa’s being become the central theme - ‘United in Diversity’.

Celebration of heritage is expressed in the White Paper on Arts, Culture and Heritage tabled in Parliament in 1996. Our government, under the

auspices of the Department of Art and Culture, co-ordinates the activities that bring meaning to

Heritage Day.

The impetus in celebrating Heritage Day resonates with an ability to define who we are. Central in this feature is the question of appreciating identity and the manner in which we preserve our cultures and traditions as South Africans. Diverse as we are, there is a need

to understand each other consequently that will build a strong South Africa society that is embodied with a high level of respect for one another. The high level of diversity within South Africa makes it difficult to clearly distinguish South African identity, hence it is imperative to harness the value systems and heritage sites that speak to all of us. However social cohesion is further enhanced by cultures and traditions that bound individuals, families and ultimately communities. UNESCO describes culture as – intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations.

Critical in ensuring social cohesion, as attributed above, is the ability by individuals, irrespective of cultural origin, to be proud about their identity. Heritage Day should again be utilised as the platform that educates and deepens understanding of self. Pivotal to self-awareness is an understanding of cultural traditions that have been passed down to us by our forebearers. Identity goes along with self-awareness. Self-awareness and pride goes a long way in building our families and ultimately, society. There are people whose origins do not matter; knowing a mother and a father is sufficient for them. Author Dr V Mkhize describes these people in his book ‘Umsamo’ as people who disregard the

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existence of the dead as ancestors. He further states that knowing where you originate is Africanism. Those are some of the things that make Africa firm.

Based on the above discussion, it is important to raise awareness of cultural diversity. Raising awareness of cultural diversity and tradition exercised by different societies should be an on-going process. Culture, traditions and heritages are what make who we are. This exercise will help instil pride and self-awareness amongst different nationalities in South Africa and could help to minimize xenophobia attacks. The former President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Thabo Mbeki, said in a 2005 speech on Heritage Day, “In a society, which for centuries, has denied our people the opportunity to share and experience freely one another’s culture, we need to use an important national day such as the Heritage Day to meet and learn from one another the values that our ancestors bequeathed to us so that together we can preserve and converse that wisdom for prosperity”.

This year the Legislature staff members celebrated Heritage Day by dressing up in traditional gear to celebrate and embrace their heritage. The Wellness unit organised a competition where staff members selected the best dressed female and best dressed male.

Heritage Day embracing our rich diversity

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When the government of the African National Congress took over in 1994, it declared its commitment to

transparency and people-centred democracy. Legislatures have been established amongst other democratic institutions with the purpose of pursuing those democratic values.

In pursuit of these democratic values, numerous programmes have been initiated by the Legislature in support of participatory democracy. Chapter six of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 106 of 1996, section 118, stipulates that the Legislature must exercise a public participation role in all legislative processes. The Constitution further provides that the democratic South Africa should be representative and participatory. It is in the context of deepening meaningful public involvement in legislative processes, that the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature initiated programmes such as the annual Taking Legislature to the People programme. During this year from 11 October to 14 October, this gathering became the beacon of hope for the people of Intsika Yethu as their needs and aspirations were voiced to their elected representatives.

The objectives of the Taking Legislature to the People programme aimed:• to provide the community of Intsika Yethu

Municipality an opportunity to observe the Legislature processes or procedures in action;

• to bring the Legislature closer to thepeople;

• and to give the public an opportunityto interact directly with Members of the Provincial Legislature and the Members of the Executive Council under one roof and debate issues.

The various committees of the Legislature, in exercising the Legislature’s oversight role over government programmes and policies, utilised the opportunity by visiting various institutions of government such as clinics and agricultural programmes. The objectives of these visits were to receive first-hand information from the government policy implementers.

During the Taking Legislature to the People programme, an issue that became evident during interactions with the members of the community was the general lack of infrastructure to access basic services; inadequate telephone lines, and a lack of electricity and roads that lead to agricultural projects were some of the challenges cited. The public complained to the House that the unavailability of telephone lines made it impossible in most instances for people to contact police stations. Community members also told the House that police stations generally lacked resources and needed to be resourced.

Agricultural related challenges such as lack of dams for irrigation, unavailability of storage for vegetables and meat, non-fencing of fields were also cited as huge challenges facing the area of Cofimvaba.

Members further made recommendations that departments must assist beneficiaries with projects in terms of skilling and working together with municipalities. They also recommended that three agricultural colleges be established in the Chris Hani District. The Intsika Yethu Local Municipality and the Department of Agriculture were thanked for supporting the cotton project for the Farmers Association.

In closing the programme, Speaker Fikile Xasa expressed appreciation at the level of attendance and participation by the people of Chris Hani during the programme. He indicated that he had observed that the Chamber was filled to capacity from the Tuesday to the Friday that the House sat. He again thanked the councillors in the municipal area for their willingness to work with the Legislature. He reminded them that public participation happens mostly in municipalities. He made a call to government departments to attend to all queries raised. He promised the Cofimvaba people that the Legislature would return to get a progress report.

Listening to the voices of citizens from Chris hani District Nombulelo Mosana

Accountability. Integrity. Loyalty. Commitment. Excellence. These are the values of the Legislature that the Members of the Provincial Legislature and staff aim to uphold in the pursuit to ensure good governance for a people-centred democracy. Undoubtedly transparency and the applying of sound financial practices are crucial elements of these values. The Legislature uses public money and therefore has to account for the manner in which taxpayers’ money is spent.

It was therefore with great jubilation that the

Legislature announced that it had received a clean audit

for the 2010/11 financial year; tangible proof of

political and administrative commitment to ensure an

accountable, open and responsive Legislature. It

signals that the Legislature is heading in the right direction in terms of applying efficient

economically sound financial principles.

This good news was officially communicated to staff, MPLs and invited guests at a special celebratory event held in the Raymond Mhlaba chamber on 10 October. The contribution of the employees of the Legislature, which played a central role that enabled the Legislature to reach this significant milestone, was acknowledged by many speakers. Speaker Fikile Xasa said “it’s a process to receive a clean audit” and that it was the end-result of staff properly executing their administrative duties. He added that this administrative efficiency was a display of respect for citizens in that taxpayers’ money could be accounted for by the Legislature. The Speaker added that the celebratory event was an “acknowledgement of good work and high standards” and motivated staff to continue building onto this noteworthy achievement to sustain a healthy democracy.

The Secretary to the Legislature, Mr Pumelele Ndamase, praised every employee in the institution for their significant contribution via their diligent and effective work. He thanked MPLs for their “astute leadership and guidance”. Mr Ndamase commended the Office of the Auditor-General, the internal auditors, the Audit and Advisory Committee and the Budget and Oversight Committee respectively for “helping to steer us in the right direction”.

Congratulatory remarks were also made by the Public Service Accountability Monitor (PSAM) and the Office of the Auditor-General. The acting Director of PSAM, Mr Derek Luyt, said during his congratulatory remarks that the significance of the audit results indicated that the Legislature has “the political will to ensure good governance: accountable and transparent to the people”. He recalled a scathing press statement that PSAM had issued in 2007 in relation to the Eastern Cape government’s “dismal failure” to implement recommendations of the Auditor-General and the call for government to take the AG more seriously. He said that there had been progress since 2007; “I think we have come a long way since 2007. We are now all taking the AG more seriously. And this is a good thing,” added Mr Luyt.

He described the Legislature as the heart of the provincial government “and it is therefore right and proper that it is leading by example as far as financial management is concerned”. Mr Luyt stated that good financial management is central in a democratic state that needs organs and institutions that work properly. “Without good financial management we cannot really claim that we have transparent government which is accountable to citizens. Of course, performance in terms of service delivery is the critical test of effective governance, but you can not have effective service delivery without good financial governance,” said Mr Luyt. He concluded that the combined effort of government, Chapter 9 institutions and civil society “can lead to good results”.

Advocate Vusimza Msiwa, from the Audit and Advisory Committee, said the achievement demonstrated “you can move forward. The challenges are within your capacity. Let us mobilise our strength and cooperate with each other”. He called upon all stakeholders to “work together to preserve this record”.

The Corporate Executive from the Office of the Auditor-General, Mr Jan van Schalkwyk, described the Legislature’s clean audit as a catalyst for change and said it created credibility. “Whether we are politicians, administrators, staff or auditors, we see one function that binds us together: We believe in this country and in democracy. And we want to see all the promises in our Constitution and that what’s associated with democracy come true and reach citizens, especially the new generation. One of the biggest challenges of the AG is that our messages need to reach citizens. It is a wonderful message for Legislature to be successful and it sets an example for the rest of the province. And we need to acknowledge that this came about through hard work,” said Mr van Schalkwyk.

Whilst lauding the performance of the Legislature, Mr van Schalkwyk cautioned the Legislature against complacency. He said the challenge that lay ahead for the Legislature would be in sustaining the achievement. He encouraged the Legislature to maintain the principles that helped it achieve the audit results, which included a disciplined approach to financial and performance management. He advised that there be “adequate place” for internal audit and the audit committee and the role that these factors respectively play in the audit process.

He said the public had entrusted the Legislature to be their voice. Hence it was important for citizens to know that “the House is in order”. He added that the Legislature’s slogan ‘A people’s assembly for good governance’ set “an excellent example of what we want to achieve”.

“You have achieved your first milestone. You have now proven by doing that that it is possible for the rest of the province to follow as well. The Legislature should remain as the catalyst for this to happen,” concluded Mr van Schalkwyk.

So, let us all buckle down in 2012 and ensure that the Legislature continues being a powerful driver of change. And ensure that our 2011/2012 audit result justifies the trust that the public has entrusted in the Legislature and that citizens can reap the reward; a well-run public administration which inspires public confidence and mutual respect.

Clean audit report affirms commitment to good governance

Tanishka du Plessis

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9 August 1956 was a watershed moment in our history; 20 000 courageous women of all races and from all walks of life marched in solidarity to the Union building in Pretoria to present a petition to protest against the carrying of passes by women. The formidable female force that walked onto the Union grounds that day paved the way for others to follow suit in the quest for freedom and equality for women and all South Africans.

Throughout the month of August, which is commemorated as Women’s Month, various activities took place within the province which acknowledged the achievements of women while also promoting gender mainstreaming in all facets of society. Women’s Month was closed off on a significant note when the Legislature held a Women’s Parliament on 26 August in the Raymond Mhlaba Chamber. Approximately 500 female delegates, representing NGOs, CBOs, political parties and government, attended the event. The theme this year was ‘Women working together for economic development’; various speakers addressed issues that provided insight into the factors that influence economic opportunities and the obstacles that women face. A fundamental point that was raised by many of the speakers was that economic development and empowerment of women as an important component of South Africa’s economic growth targets. Speaker after speaker emphasized that women need to be equal partners in the social, economic and cultural development of society.

Speaker Fikile Xasa in his welcoming address paid tribute to “heroic and fearless” women such as Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Ruth First

and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela who had distinguished themselves in the struggle for liberation and women emancipation. He said the “Women’s Parliament recognises the important role that the Legislature continues to play in promoting gender equality” and that “we commit ourselves to build a society where gender imbalances as the result of the past are rightfully corrected”. Speaker Xasa added that it was imperative that issues which impact daily on women be kept on the national agenda. He emphasized that the Women’s Parliament “must provide a discussion platform that encourages women from different areas, rural and urban, to shape the future and economic prosperity of our province and country, and deepen democracy”. Speaker Xasa acknowledged that although South Africa had made strides in empowering women, a significant percentage of women were “still suffering from being left out of the mainstream economy”.

Premier Noxolo Kiviet urged women to engage government to ensure that policies and government programmes benefit the women in the province. She said the Women’s Parliament was an opportunity for Members of the Provincial Legislature to take up issues with relevant government departments and entities as part of their oversight work. She added that the theme of economic development was relevant considering that 2011 had been declared the year of job creation. “You as women are the bed-rock and foundation of our society,” said the Premier to loud applause.

The Premier encouraged women to constructively engage private sector to ensure transformation and equity in the

work place. She added that “we will not succeed in improving the life of our people and transforming our economy unless we strengthen the role of women leadership of our state and private sector”.

Premier Kiviet stated that although the Constitution and various Acts ensured redress of gender inequality, the reality that women face reflects a different story. She cited challenges such as gender-based violence, disproportionate representation in positions of real power in the economy, higher unemployment levels amongst women than men, and higher share of employment in vulnerable jobs (i.e. domestic, NGO and CBO sectors). The Premier said that government had implemented a number of strategic programmes to improve the quality of lives of women, such as improving access and quality of education. “It is only with the necessary skills that positions of women in labour market will change”, remarked the Premier. She added that there was a need for more women in the mathematics, science, technology and engineering related professions.

Major-General Pam McKenzie of the SAPS whose talk focused on rape interventions, provided some chilling insight into the statics of rape. She said that the report of rape and sexual violence was usually lower than that of other crimes such as murder and robbery. “As women, we may feel guilty or ashamed or blame ourselves or we know the offenders either as family or friends,” explained Major-General McKenzie. She said 87% of rape cases reported in the province happen in rural areas and small towns and 12% happen in cities

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Malibongwe!Women unite to advance economic empowerment

“…We are women from every part of South Africa. We are women of every race, we come from the cities and the towns, from the reserves and the villages. We come as women united in our purpose to save the African women from the degradation of passes… In the name of women of South Africa, we say to you, each one of us, African, European, Indian, Coloured, that we are opposed to the pass system. We voters and voteless, call upon your Government notto issue passes to African women. We shall not rest until ALL pass laws and all forms of permits restricting our freedom have been abolished. We shall not rest until we have won for our children their fundamental rights of freedom, justice, and security.” - excerpt taken from the petition presented to Prime Minister JG Strijdom on 9 August 1956.

general news

and metros. The highest number of cases were in the Mthatha area. The age of victims varies from 6 months to 93 years; 8% are between 11 years and 15 years, and, 21% are 16 years to 20 years. The age of offenders varies from 15 years to 51 years; the highest age group for offenders is between 17 years and 25 years. Major-General McKenzie made a passionate call for more jobs for women to ensure financial independence so that they would be in a “better position to denounce bread winners who are offenders”.

She informed delegates of the Independent Police Investigative Directive Act that enabled the Independent Complaints Directorate to independently investigate crimes (such as rape) that were committed by police. She added that the Act ensured that the vulnerable sectors of society, such as women, children and people with disabilities, were “not abused by the very people that are meant to be protecting them”.

Major-General McKenzie’s talk also focused on practical advice for women who had been raped. She said it was important to remain as calm as possible as to note the age of the offender, any scars, the tone of voice, jewellery etc. She emphasized to the delegates that it was not always possible to defend oneself especially if the offender was dangerous and that it was important to remember “Submission is not consent!”. She advised victims not to change clothing or to bath, but to contact their nearest police station or phone 10111.

Ms Nombeko Mazwi, from the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), discussed the effect that the high rate of teenage pregnancy has on the aims of economic development. She appealed to the Legislature, government, House of Traditional Leaders and NGOs to work together with the NYDA “to ensure as a collective the implementation of a well sustained programme that will advocate for practice of protected sex”. She further called for government to encourage children to remain in school so that they “can emancipate themselves and their families”. She also requested that clinics be more “adolescent friendly”.

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Break the silence on gender violence

The annual international 16 Days of Activism for ‘No Violence against Women and Children’ campaign demonstrates the power of solidarity when women and men, as a collective, gear up to break the silence on gender violence and voice to the world: violence against women and children constitutes gross human rights abuse that should not be tolerated!

The campaign begins on 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) and ends on 10 December (International Human Rights Day). The campaign symbolically links violence against women and human rights, and, emphasizes that such violence is indeed a violation of human rights. Significant commemorative dates such as World Aids Day on 1 December and International Day for Disabled Persons on 3 December fall within the 16 day campaign. These commemorative dates serve as useful platforms for highlighting the plight of marginalised groups (women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities) who are often at the receiving end of violence.

One of the influential roleplayers in the provincial campaign is the Women’s Caucus of the Legislature, which comprises of all female Members of the Provincial Legislature, including the female Members of the Executive Council. These 29 formidable female leaders are committed to challenge and confront the scourge of gender-based violence in the province.

The Chairperson of the Women’s Caucus, MPL Kholiswa Fihlani, explained that the Women’s Caucus joined hands with the Eastern Cape gender machinery, relevant NGOs and the Department of Social Development, Women, Youth and People with Disabilities (the latter was mandated to drive the programme in government) to form a strategic alliance to mobilise, inspire and challenge society to create sustainable change.

She called upon society to take the 2011 provincial theme ‘Act against abuse’ to heart as silence sustains the scourge in our communities. MPL Fihlani said that one of the key messages of the campaign was to encourage communities not to remain silent, but to speak out against abuse and violence. This will help to create a more just society that is free of violence and abuse. She also said that it was important for communities to support victims and survivors of abuse and violence. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that women are able to exercise their rights as human beings and that these rights are protected and guaranteed under all circumstances. She said an essential part of the awareness campaign was to broaden the potential impact by engaging men and boys as part of the solution and to actively discourage abusive behaviour. The campaign will also highlight social issues around HIV/AIDS. She added that the national theme was “From peace in the home, to peace in the world: proliferation of small arms and their role in domestic violence”.

MPL Fihlani said the province would launch the campaign on 28 November in Mthonjana village in Mqanduli. Approximately 500 delegates representing districts and metropolitan areas will attend the event in this rural area. The day will unfold with dialogue and strategic information-sharing on the rights, opportunities, challenges and progress made to date in addressing the plight of marginalised groups. This will culminate into resolutions. Members of the panel will include Imbumbaya Makhosikazia Komkhulu, the Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender

“Violence against women both violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of their human rights and fundamental freedoms... In all societies, to a greater or lesser degree, women and girls are subjected to physical, sexual and psychological abuse that cuts across lines of income, class and culture.” - Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, paragraph 112.

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Equality, the National Youth Development Agency, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, the Eastern Cape AIDS Council and the South African Women Lawyers Association.

MPL Fihlani said it was important to raise awareness in rural areas and sensitize communities about gender-based violence and rape. She added that the Women’s Caucus would, during the campaign, throw its full might behind denouncing the brutal attacks and murders of elderly women accused of practising witchcraft. She said the increase in such attacks and the ferocity wielded by the attackers in such incidents was disturbing.

Addressing a media briefing prior to the start of the launch of the campaign, MPL Fihlani explained that the campaign aimed to contribute to government’s primary developmental objective of restoring human dignity to individuals within the context of safer and secure families and communities. She stated that government had, since 1994, made progress in the legislative arena by developing legislation, various policies and institutions to protect women and children. She cited legislation such as the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, the Employment Equity Act, the Maintenance Act, the Domestic Violence Act, the Children’s Act and Children’s Amendment Act.

The provincial campaign will close on 9 December in Burgersdorp; this event is commonly referred to as the Day of Accountability. Information documents such as the Victim’s Charter, the Xhosa version of the Provincial Gender Framework, the Older Person’s Act, DVDs and cartoons explaining the Children’s Act, the South African Schools Act and SASSA booklets will be distributed at the launch and closure of the campaign.The campaign will also bring various services-on-wheels to the local rural communities.

ThE WOMEn’s CAuCus

The Women’s Caucus was a sub-committee of the Rules Committee of the Legislature, but recently received the status of a fully-fledged Standing Committee. The Women’s Caucus Standing Committee is comprised of all female MPLs, including female Members of the Executive Council. The Caucus has its own chairperson and operates like all other portfolio committees in the Legislature; the rules, powers and privileges applicable to portfolio committees are applicable to the Caucus.

Its terms of reference include:• toorganiseawarenesscampaignsagainstharmfulculturalpracticessuchastheukuthwala

custom;• topromote,protectanddefendtheprinciplesofhumanrights;especially thoseofyoung

girls, children and mothers, gender parity, democracy and peace;• to enhance theparticipationofwomen in thepolitical, economic and social life at national,

provincial and local level; • to serve as a platform forwomen parliamentarians to exchange experiences, enhance their

participatory and leadership skills and to share knowledge and practices on how to improve the situation of all women;

• engenderingthelegislativeprocess,encouraginglobbying,networking,anddisseminatinginformation to all women, especially the working class and those who reside in rural areas;

• toencouragetrainingofyoungmenandboysingenderanalysisandmainstreamingsoastochange negative attitudes/gender stereotypes learnt from the family and community;

• toencouragementobe thepotentialpartners in thestruggle forgenderequalityandtoencourage them to participate in campaigns seeking to end gender-based violence;

• to encourage women to play a significant role in environmental management anddevelopment. The full participation of women is essential to achieve sustainable equitable development; and

• tofindsynergybetweentheCommonwealthWomenParliamentariansandtheProgressiveWomen’s Movement.

The Women’s Caucus programme of action for 2011/12 aimed to:• providesupporttofamiliesthatwereaffectedbymutikillings;• ensureservices-on-wheelsarebroughttoruralareasduringnationalandprovincialevents;• provide continuous support to families and communities affected by gender-based

violence and follow-up on court cases;• assistinestablishingWomen’sCaucusesinalldistricts;• providecontinuoussupportandparticipateinthegendermachinery’sannualprogramme• follow up on districts andmunicipalities wherebyWomen’s Caucus had interventions on

Human Rights programmes and gender-based violence;• duringMarch,AugustandDecember,theWomen’sCaucusplayedaleadingroleinactivities

that included International Women’s Day, Day of Accountability, Launch of Women’s Month, celebration of national Women’s Day, provincial Women’s Day, Women’s Parliament, and Commemoration of 16 Days of Activism;

• ensuretrainingprogrammesforMembersoftheWomen’sCaucus;• enforcementofcompliancewiththeConstitutionofSouthAfrica,particularlyChapter2;and• ensure that government departments fulfil their obligations pertaining to International

Human Rights treaties with specific reference to the Millennium Development Goals, the 2008 SADC Protocol on Gender and Women Empowerment, Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD).

general news

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The Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature was represented in the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) annual summit, held in San Antonio, Texas. The four day summit provided a platform for all international legislators and staff to:• sharesolutionsonpressingpolicyissues;• meet counterparts from the United States and other

countries and share experiences;• visitimportanthistoricalbuildingsand• providenetworkingsessionsforalldelegates.

The NCSL is the bipartisan organisation that serves the legislators and staff of the 50 states, its Commonwealth countries and territories. NCSL provides research and technical assistance and opportunities for policy-makers to exchange ideas on the most pressing issues. The NCSL hosts a summit on an annual basis for legislators, staff and international legislatures. This year’s summit took a different approach in that international delegates were given an opportunity to converge in groups and discuss various topics. Discussion topics included meeting challenges, building coalitions, and the role of staff in the legislative institution.

The international programme began on 8 August with a welcoming session hosted by Senator Pam Althoff and Representative Terie Norelli of New Hampshire. Other sessions included panel discussions. Each day of the week had a general session where delegates were taken through different topics by credible speakers from the USA. In one of the sessions the Texas Governor, Rick Perry, addressed the summit on ‘Politics, policy: what Americans think today’. During this session delegates were taken through survey results, which outlined the general mood of Americans as the country is approaching an election period. A women’s legislative network luncheon for female legislators and staff from around the world was an integral part of the programme.

Through interaction with their counterparts, the delegation from the Eastern Cape managed to meet their counterparts from the Colorado State. The purpose of the meeting was to look at possible partnerships that the two legislatures may enter into considering the diverse skills the two institutions possess. Based on the deliberations during the meeting, the two legislatures managed to come up with resolutions for further implementation.

Annual NCSLsummit Nombulelo Mosana

upcoming events

December recessThe Legislature will officially close for the festive season holidays on 9 December 2011 and will re-open on 9 January 2012.

sOPA 2012Preparations are underway for the 2012 State of the Province Address (SOPA) which will take place at the Legislature in Bhisho on 17 February 2012 at 11h00.

The Legislature hosted an insightful two-day training session for legislators and senior staff from the United States and various provincial legislatures as part of the National Conference on State Legislatures (NCSL) United States/South Africa oversight and transparency exchange programme. The session, which took place from 17 November to 18 November, promoted the exchange of ideas and sharing of best practices to ensure a deeper and mutual understanding of governance related issues in South Africa and the USA and to strengthen capacity. The key focus areas for topics were ethics, transparency, oversight and anti-corruption measures.

Ms Maggie Lamborn, the NCSL Programme Coordinator, explained that the training session was funded by the USA Department of State; an international arm of the USA government. She said the training session was the third phase of the programme; the first phase saw the USA learning about South African legislatures, the second phase involved a South African delegation representing provincial legislatures undertake a study tour to the USA to learn from their US counterparts. The third phase kicked off three weeks ago with the USA delegation visiting Mpumalanga, Free State and the Western Cape to learn more about South African legislatures before heading to the Eastern Cape.

The leader of the USA delegation, Senator Ellen Roberts, who hails from Colorado, explained that the NCSL cared about “how we interact across states and across the globe”. She said the USA delegation was “here to learn, listen and share”. She added that the delegation would benefit from input made on the presentations by the USA delegation. “Let’s walk together and support each other, because we all work for the good of our people, here in South Africa and in our continent, especially the young people who we are trying to do better for,” said the Senator. She added that the US delegation was impressed with the willingness of South African legislators to tackle difficult situations while remaining fair and objective. “You have been a shining light in that you started a democratic government from the ground and pledged to ensure that the people have their voices heard. You have achieved great things within 17 years,” said Senator Roberts. She added that SA, just like in the USA, had its fair share of challenges, but she was encouraged by the political will to make a difference.

The training session took the shape of interactive panel discussions, role-playing to emphasize or clarify points, and engaging questions and answers sessions. Even though the discussions ranged across a number of topics, an overarching theme was the importance of adhering to the principles of leadership which ties up with ethics. Speakers emphasized how principles of accountability, responsiveness, commitment and being accessible and passionate about one’s constituency could stand a legislator in good stead in the fight against corruption. Senator Rosie Berger, from Wyoming, who spoke about ways to expand and strengthen the ethics model, encouraged legislators to consistently share their knowledge with their constituencies to empower them. “Policy makers need public input and participation to help make good decisions,” said Senator Berger.

The training concluded with a feedback session whereby participants could share new gained impressions of the programme and also complete an evaluation form which would assist NCSL in assessing the usefulness of the programme.

insightful NCSL US/SA training session

Tanishka du Plessis

Produced by:Public Participation, Petitions &

Communications SectionEastern Cape Provincial Legislature

Independence Avenue, Bhisho

Tel: 040-6080218 / 6080039E-mail: nmosana@ecleg.gov.za

Website: www.eclegislature.gov.za