Question 7. Mr S O R Mahumapelo (ANC) to ask the President of the Republic: 

With reference to his address to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 24 September 2024, in which he emphasised the need for the urgent reform of the UN Security Council to include African representation, and given that the matter of the reform of the UN Security Council has been on the agenda of the UN for some time, what measures will he put in place to ensure that the reform is advanced as urgently as he stated in his address? NO1367E

Reply: 
 
Honourable Members, 

The reform of the United Nations Security Council is vital to global efforts to advance peace and stability.

South Africa participates in the United Nations General Assembly’s Inter-Governmental Negotiations on the Security Council.

It does so both in its capacity as a sovereign member state and as a member of the African Group. 

South Africa maintains that the international political and economic system remains unequal and unjust.

It reflects the world as it was more than 70 years ago. Not as it is today.

We therefore continue to call for the urgent reform of the Security Council, based on the African Common Position.

This position calls for two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa.

It calls for the abolishment of the veto. But it also says that for as long as the veto exists, it is a privilege which should be extended to all new permanent members. 

In its current configuration, the Council has failed in the execution of its Charter mandate, because of narrow national interests and the quest for further geopolitical influence.

It has not been able in recent years been able to prevent or resolve several damaging conflicts.

This is evident in conflicts currently underway in the Middle East, in Sudan, in the Eastern DRC and between Russia and Ukraine.

The shortcomings of the Security Council have had a disastrous impact on the African continent and the Global South, which often experience the social and economic effects of conflicts that are taking place elsewhere.

Geopolitical realities have changed since the UN was established. 

Today, African member states make up a quarter of the 193 states that are members of the United Nations. 

Yet, no single African country has a permanent seat at the table where decisions on the maintenance of international peace and security are made.

This is a particular concern when many of the issues on the agenda of the Council relate to matters on the African continent. 

South Africa is a strong advocate for text-based negotiations in the Inter-Governmental Negotiations.

During the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, there was an acknowledgment by some of the permanent five Security Council members that Africa should be granted two permanent seats. 

However, there is no clarity as to the issue of the veto. 

It is significant that there is also a recognition by some permanent members that text-based negotiations are necessary to move the reform debate forward.

South Africa was amongst those UN member states that successfully advocated for the recently adopted Pact for the Future to commit to urgently reform the Security Council. 

South Africa will remain an ardent voice for the urgent reform of the UN Security Council and the need to correct the historical injustices committed against the continent. 

I thank you.  

Question 8. Rev K R J Meshoe (ACDP) to ask the President of the Republic:
 
(1) What is the Government’s position regarding the controversial declaration known as the Pact for the Future that is at the United Nations (UN) before world leaders for approval, considering the statement of the UN Secretary General, Mr António Guterres, that we cannot build a future for our grandchildren with a system built for our grandparents;

(2) what has he found would this Pact mean for the Republic as the Government aligns it to move forward towards this goal? NO1369E

Reply:
 
Honourable Members, 

The main focus of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly was the Summit of the Future and its key outcome document, the Pact for the Future. 

The Pact seeks to forge a new global consensus for the global community to protect the needs and interests of present and future generations. 

The Pact covers several areas critical for the progress of humanity.

These include:

- sustainable development and financing for development; 
- international peace and security; 
- science, technology and innovation and digital cooperation; 
- youth and future generations; and, 
- transforming global governance. 

South Africa actively participated in the negotiations on the Pact to ensure that it reflected, within the scope of a multilateral negotiations process, South Africa’s values and national aspirations.

The Pact of the Future is a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to forge global consensus and make progress on priorities such as the Sustainable Development Goals. 

We welcome the commitments made in the Pact to place poverty eradication at the centre of all global efforts and for the developing financing gap to be closed.

Through the Pact, the international community reaffirmed its commitment to multilateralism and the values of the UN Charter.

The Pact recognised the need for the reform of global institutions by making them more representative of and responsive to today’s world.

It said that these institutions need to be more effective at delivering on the commitments that countries have made to one another and to their people.

The Pact is an opportunity to work collectively in a global governance system based on the foundation of the UN Charter and international law.

For South Africa, the Pact for the Future reflects many of the key elements of our international agenda.

The effective implementation of the actions contained in the Pact for the Future will make a significant contribution to building a better world and a better Africa.

I thank you.
  

Question 9. Adv G Breytenbach (DA) to ask the President of the Republic:

With reference to his reply on 12 September 2024 to a supplementary question on question 4 in the National Council of Provinces, that he is considering a report which he requested from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms T P Simelane, in which she outlines what the actual situation is about the swirling controversy surrounding her (details furnished), what steps he intends taking to ensure that members of his Cabinet act in accordance with the Government’s commitment to build a capable and ethical state? NO1370E

Reply: 

Honourable Members, 

The Executive Members’ Ethics Act of 1998 provides a legislative basis for the promotion of ethical conduct by all members of the Executive.

The law makes provision for a Code of Ethics that prescribes standards and rules in support of open, democratic and accountable government.

The Executive Ethics Code, which was promulgated on 28 July 2000, says that Members must – to the satisfaction of the President or Premier – perform their duties and exercise their powers diligently and honestly.

It requires that they act in all respects in a manner that is consistent with the integrity of their office.

Among other things, the code says that Members may not use their position to enrich themselves or improperly benefit any other person.

They may not expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and their private interests.

To promote transparency and accountability, every Member must disclose to the Secretary of Cabinet – on an annual basis – their financial interests and those of their spouses, permanent companions or dependent children.

To provide an additional layer of assurance, the Act requires the Public Protector to investigate any alleged breach of the code of ethics on receipt of a complaint by the President or a member of Parliament.

This establishes a robust mechanism for ensuring that members of the Executive adhere to the code and that they generally uphold the ethical standards that are expected of them.

I have made it clear to the Members of the Executive that I appointed on 30 July 2024 that they are expected to meet the standards established by the Executive Ethics Code and to uphold the oath that they each took on assuming office.

I thank you. 
 

Question 10. Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the President of the Republic:

Whether, as the initiator behind the concept of a Government of National Unity (GNU) and acknowledging the positive outcomes of the first 100 days of the GNU that are in the best interest of the Republic and all its people, he intends extending the principle of the GNU to all spheres of government; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps does he envisage to take to make this happen? NO1371E

Reply:
 
Honourable Members, 

In its first 100 days, the Government of National Unity has indeed proven its value to the country and its people.

The GNU has effectively managed a smooth transition from the 6th to the 7th democratic administration. It has ensured stability and continuity. It has promoted inclusivity.

Importantly, it has brought together a broad spectrum of political parties to work together to advance shared principles and pursue of a common programme of action to address the challenges confronting the country.

It is significant that the GNU has not only agreed on the priority actions outlined in the Opening of Parliament Address on 18 July, but has already made progress in undertaking these actions.

Building on the work of the previous administration, the GNU has worked with social partners to stabilise the country’s electricity supply and to improve the performance of ports. It has introduced new visa regulations to attract skills, investment and tourism. 

Work is underway across government to improve the prospects for inclusive growth, to create employment and training opportunities for young people, to improve the quality of health and education, to tackle crime and corruption, and to provide social support to those South Africans most in need.

The work of the GNU has been positively received by South Africans, who are more confident about the direction the country is taking. 

There is also a marked improvement in sentiment among investors – both local and international – who see great opportunities across our economy.

Whether the GNU approach can and should be extended to other spheres of government is a matter that the political parties need to discuss among themselves.

The experience of the GNU has, to date, been encouraging and instructive.

As a country, as political parties, we should see what lessons can be drawn, and if there are other circumstances in which they can be applied.

I thank you.  

Question 11. Mr W T Letsie (ANC) to ask the President of the Republic:
 
(1) Given the recent organised criminal syndicate violence in the Republic of kidnapping to extort money from kidnapped victims and noting that some of those who have been arrested are police officers and a number of illegal foreign nationals, what are the full details of any policy changes regarding policing that he intends to implement to get to the bottom of organised criminal conduct to eradicate it completely; 

(2) whether, eradicating these organised crime syndicates includes policy provisions for the use of intelligence services to put an end to the specified criminal conduct; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO1368E

Reply: 

Honourable Members, 

The South African Police Service has adjusted its operational response to the threats that are posed by organised criminal syndicates, in particular to kidnapping for ransom and extortion, through internal directives.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation employs a project-based approach to the investigation of serious organised crime.

A dedicated capacity has been established in the Division: Detective and Forensic Services to coordinate investigations into organised crime.

The Organised Crime Threat Analysis process is use to identify existing and emerging organised crime threats as the basis of an appropriate multidisciplinary response. 

Operational Command Centres at district, provincial and national levels further provide for coordination between the SAPS, government departments, other law enforcement agencies and civil society partners.

With each kidnapping case, a special Joint Operations Committee is convened.

This consists of multidisciplinary resources to concentrate on the investigation of the kidnapping case and deal with the safe release of the victim.

With regard to the proliferating trends in extortion, a Priority Committee was established at a national level to address the various types of extortion that have emerged. 

Six distinct work streams have been established as part of this Committee, which consist of multidisciplinary roleplayers from the SAPS and both the public and private sectors. 

The external role-players include the National Prosecuting Authority, the Financial Intelligence Centre, Business Leadership South Africa, Business Unity South Africa and the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa. 

To identify SAPS members who may be involved in criminal activities, the SAPS employs specific counter-intelligence measures in addition to routine integrity-testing measures, such as vetting, the analysis of financial disclosures and lifestyle audits.

The SAPS’ Crime Intelligence capability is an integral part of the SAPS’ multidisciplinary approach to addressing organised crime working in collaboration with other departments.

I thank you.

Question 12. The Leader of the Opposition (MK) to ask the President of the Republic:

Whether, noting that he has withdrawn and abandoned his application after he failed to make his case in the Constitutional Court to review the recommendations of the Report of the Section 89 Independent Panel which found, amongst others, that the information before the Independent Panel discloses that he may have prima facie committed violations of sections 96(2)(a) and 96(2)(b) of the Constitution, 1996, and section 34(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, Act 12 of 2004, thus violating his oath of office, and noting the conclusion of the Report of the Section 89 Independent Panel that he has a case to answer that has hitherto not been addressed by him, he intends to deal with the questions raised by the findings and the recommendations of the Report of the Section 89 Independent Panel in light of his commitment to fight corruption; if not, what is his position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NO1372E

Reply: 

Honourable Members,

On 13 December 2022, the National Assembly resolved not to refer the Report of the Section 89 Independent Panel to an enquiry. 

In doing so, the National Assembly was exercising its powers and responsibilities as outlined in the Constitution and in its rules.

As of today, investigations conducted by a wide range of independent law enforcement agencies have been finalised. 

The South African Revenue Service, the South African Reserve Bank, the Public Protector and the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation have all conducted investigations into the matter. None of these bodies have found that there was any wrongdoing on my part. 

As was my obligation, constitutionally and legally, I cooperated with each and every one of these institutions.

I answered their questions, provided them with information they required, and, where requested, made myself available for interviews. 

The decision by the Constitutional Court to dismiss my application for direct access to the Court to review the Independent Panel’s Report was not a determination on the substance of my application. 

It should be noted that the Constitutional Court will hear arguments on 26 November 2024 on whether or not this House, in resolving as it did on 13 December 2022, failed to fulfil its obligations under the Constitution. 

I have full faith that the Court will decide the issue before it in a comprehensive and final manner.

The fight against corruption is a priority of this government and will remain so. 

We will continue to capacitate the law enforcement entities at the centre of this fight. 

We will support the independence of institutions who must act without fear or favour.

I thank you.