Declaration in the House on the Portfolio Committee's reports on oversight visits, September 7th 2017

Speaker, a veil of tears has descended on this committee after it experienced profound sadness, frustration and disappointment on its oversight visits to KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

What we found left Members dispirited at government’s incapacity to do even the most basic things required to improve the lives of our people.

In KZN, the Department has supported a number of primary agricultural co-ops for over two years through its Cooperative Incentive Scheme. A technical partner provides training in business management and farming skills, access to markets through negotiated off-take agreements, and new technologies to improve productivity and vegetable quality.

Statement in the House on the DSBD's presentation to the Standing Committee on Appropriations

On Tuesday I read the following statement in the House. Minister Zulu was not there to respond and although Deputy Minister November was present she gave no response.

On Friday the Department of Small Business Development presented its 2016/17 fourth quarter report to the Standing Committee on Appropriations.

Under close questioning by members of the Committee, the Director General and her officials revealed the full extent of the under-performance that has characterised this Department since its formation over three years ago.

Community meeting and oversight visits on public safety

On Wednesday last week our constituency, Soweto West, organised a community meeting in Moletsane focusing on policing and public safety, followed by visits to two of the police stations in our neighbourhood.

We had some very constructive conversations, and were able to gather together our top trio of public representatives in this portfolio - Zak Mbhele MP, Shadow Minister of Police in Parliament; Kate Lorimer MPL, Shadow MEC of Safety & Security in the Gauteng Legislature; and Cllr Michael Sun, Mayoral Committee Member for Public Safety in the City of Joburg.

Launch of the Pinsent Masons Winds of Change Youth Development Programme

Yesterday I attended the launch of the Winds of Change Development Programme at Tshedimoshe Primary School in Mofolo, Soweto. This is an initiative of international law firm Pinsent Masons who opened an office in Johannesburg in February.

I will describe how this came about and why I was there below, but first a bit of info about the programme.

To quote from the flier handed out to parents attending the launch:

"A Pinsent Masons Responsible Business Programme in Soweto, South Africa, working with the Sir Ramabitsa Saturday School Programme, Gauteng Cricket Board, Soweto Cricket Oval and the Soweto/Enos Mafokate Equestrian Centre.

Media advisory: DA to commemorate Soweto uprising at June 16th Memorial Acre in Jabavu

16 June: DA to commemorate the 1976 Soweto Uprising at the Memorial Acre
	by DA Media -
Date: 14 June 2017
Release: Immediate
Type: Media Advisory
On Friday, 16 June 2017, DA Gauteng Leader, John Moodey MPL, will host a commemorative gathering at the June 16 Memorial Acre in Soweto, along with the Naledi Heritage Forum and 1976 Veterans. The event will be joined by the Johannesburg Regional Chairperson, Khume Ramulifho MPL and, Toby Chance MP, Soweto West Constituency Head. The DA Youth arranged this event as we appreciate the sacrifice that young people made in 1976. We acknowledge their great contribution towards equality in this country and we will pay homage to those who stood up against the Apartheid regime. Event details:  Date: 16 June 2017 Time: 09h30 Venue: June 16 Memorial Acre, Mphuthi Street, Soweto GPS Coordinates: 26°14'42.4"S 27°52'20.6"E

Media Enquiries

DA Media Anneke Scheepers DA Gauteng Communications Manager 079 511 7501

Motion without notice commemorating Naledi High School, June 8th 1976

         NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

                                        MOTION WITHOUT NOTICE        

 _________________________________________________________________________

Internal Ref Number:	028	-	2017
Date:	13.06.2017
Subject:	Naledi High School

I hereby move, on behalf of the Democratic Alliance, that this House notes:

1.         That on 8th June, 1976, at Naledi High School in Soweto, police vehicles were set alight after their attempt to arrest a learner, Enos Ngutshane, who had written to the Department of Education in protest against the Bantu Education Act.

2.         Recalls that South African Student Movement (SASM) leaders went underground to arrange, with surrounding schools, a meeting on 13th June where the June 16th march was planned.

3.         Acknowledges that on that fateful day, students began marching from Naledi High, through Mofolo, Tladi, Jabulani and other suburbs of Soweto, arriving in Orlando West where the shooting of Hector Peterson made international headlines.

4.         And requests that this House gives due recognition to the people and community of Naledi, arguably the birthplace of the 1976 student revolt which unleashed an unstoppable movement culminating in our first free democratic elections 18 years later.

T Chance MP

Commemoration of events on June 8th 1976 in Naledi, Soweto

Our Gauteng office issued this advisory today. I was unable to attend due to the budget votes in Parliament, so our constituency was represented by Chair Motau Maloma. DA to commemorate events leading up to June 16 uprising

by DA Media -

Date: 08 June 2017

Release: Immediate

Type: Media Advisory

Today, 8 June 2017, DA Gauteng Leader, John Moodey MPL, will commemorate the forgotten history of events leading up to the June 16 uprising that took place in Soweto in 1976. People in the Naledi community feel that the ANC has forgotten the historic contribution that began at Naledi High School. The DA will host the Naledi Heritage Forum who will share this untold story of the historic student uprising at an open town hall meeting. The DA Gauteng Leader will be joined by the DA Chairperson of the Johannesburg Region, Khume Ramulifho MPL, and Motau Maloma, Chairperson of the Soweto West Constituency. The event will take place as follows: Date: 8 June 2017 Time: 16h15 Venue: Naledi Community Hall, corner Bona and Legwale Street, Naledi.

Media Enquiries

DA Media   Anneke Scheepers DA Gauteng Communications Manager 079 511 7501