Date: 24/08/2004
Source: SA Parliament
Title: J Kgoali: Debate on the use of travel vouchers
SPEECH BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES, MRS JOYCE KGOALI ON THE DEBATE ON THE USE OF TRAVEL VOUCHERS, 24 August 2004
Introduction
Chairperson of the House, Honourable Members, today this House debates a matter that has been on public domain for quite some time now. It is a matter in which Parliament ought to pronounce itself and provide leadership.
In providing leadership, we must at all material times seek to preserve the integrity of Parliament as a true representative of all South Africans.
I am quite confident that Parliament and its entire leadership, namely, the Presiding Officers, Whippery and leaders of various political parties will be able to ensure that the resolution of this matter does not undermine the dignity and integrity of this important institution.
Parliament has so far dealt with matter in a responsible way, having due regard to the already unfolding legal process whilst protecting and respecting the integrity and rights of its Members.
We have dealt with the matter in a manner, which ensures that the relationship of trust between Parliament and the public is not compromised.
Chairperson, we remained true to the role of Parliament as the embodiment of democratic values of transparency, accountability with open and robust debate on all matters of national importance.
It is precisely because of our unwavering commitment to these values that we are now having this debate.
Background
In our efforts to ensure that we provide better and quality service to our people, Parliament puts in place internal systems and mechanisms that enable us to fully discharge our constitutional mandate and responsibilities.
These internal systems are continuously reviewed, assessed and improved in order to maximise their effectiveness.
In line with this approach, the existing voucher system was introduced in 1999, replacing the 1994 "green sheet system", which had serious weaknesses and loopholes that opened it to misuse.
The new travel system saw the introduction of warrants that are used by Members for air, rail or bus travel any where in South Africa. These warrants must be completed in detail and presented with identification when bookings are made.
Although the new system is not perfect, it managed to eliminate some of the serious flaws that we encountered with the "green sheet system".
As part and parcel of a continuous assessment that is geared towards improving our internal control systems, the former Presiding Officers of Parliament, together with the then Secretary to Parliament, have since 2002 embarked on a process of thorough examination of our internal systems with a view to develop a comprehensive and water tight internal control process with a particular focus of improving our travel system.
During this exercise, weaknesses were found in our travel system. This resulted in Parliament initiating an investigation into possible misuse of this system.
As part of this investigation, Parliament enlisted the service of Transnet Group Audit Service to perform a forensic audit and the validation of travelling transactions on behalf of Parliament.
In order to ensure that the investigation is conducted in an open and objective manner, independently of Parliament, Pricewaterhouse Coopers was brought into the investigation.
Alongside these investigations, Parliament took the most drastic step in order to protect taxpayers and the general public from possible misuse.
This, Parliament did by withholding payments to various travel agencies whose role in possible misuse was being investigated.
In order to recover taxpayer's money, Parliament sought to be strategically involved in a liquidation process of some of these agencies. This will enable Parliament to have access to information related to possible misuse, enabling the institution to lay claim to any proceeds of assets recovered by the liquidator. In this way Chairperson, Parliament will be able to recover the money owed to the institution by the liquidated agencies.
Chairperson, I want to repeat what I had said earlier that Parliament initiated all these processes in order to ensure that it is fully accountable, transparent and open in a manner in which conducts its business.
It was not the Media, not the Forensic Auditors nor the Scorpions that initiated the investigation. It was Parliament.
We reject insinuations in the media that seek to suggest that the investigation started elsewhere. In its watchdog role, the media must properly inform the public of these important facts.
The process that Parliament has initiated will ultimately ensure that all members who are affected will be given an opportunity to present their understanding of what had happened.
The fact that in August 2003 the former Speaker of the National Assembly called on some Members who have sought services of the affected agencies to account to and assist Parliament in its effort, clearly points to the seriousness with which Parliament sought to deal with the matter.
The limitation of this exercise however is that it did not involve all affected Members.
We must as well point out Hon. Chairperson that those Members who have been called were very helpful in taking this process forward, as they have been open and frank in explaining their transactions with the affected agencies.
We commend Members for the manner in which they have assisted Parliament in this regard.
Principles of transparency and accountability
Parliament, as the representative of the people, takes the view that broader interests of all South Africans supercede everything else when it comes to accountability in the use of public funds.
Accountability and transparency is the foundation of any democratic Parliament that encourages open and robust debates both within and outside the precincts of Parliament.
These are the values for which so many of us sacrificed and we challenge any who dares to question our unwavering commitment to them.
Whilst the ultimate objective is to ensure that we leave no stone unturned in this matter, we must conduct ourselves in a responsible way that protects the integrity of this institution by allowing due processes that have been instituted to take their full course.
We must not be haphazard and reckless in our conduct.
We must jealously protect Parliament from misguided opportunists who seek a one-day glory by perpetuating selfish and narrow party political interests at the expense of the broader interests of the South African public.
We have fought anarchy and opportunism in the trenches and we will continue to fight these tendencies in the very corridors of Parliament.
We believe that the involvement of independent forensic auditors and various law enforcement agencies will ensure objectivity and fairness in the resolution of this matter.
The Presiding Officers are indeed correct in pursuing this course of action.
Rule of Law
Ours is a constitutional democracy wherein the Constitution, which guarantees and protects the rights of every citizen, is the supreme law of the land.
Rule of law in a constitutional democracy prevails over anarchy and opportunism.
Every citizen of the country including public representatives is entitled to the full protection of law.
This cannot be sacrificed in favour of a narrow and a selfish political agenda.
As the chief custodians of the values enshrined in the Constitution, Parliament must protect the rights of every citizen regardless of their position in society.
We must not capitulate, as this will seriously dent the image of this important vehicle in promoting the rule of law.
In this regard we do not for a moment doubt the correctness of our approach in not disclosing the names of those affected, as they have not been charged with any wrongful doing.
We view such a disclosure as being reckless and will adversely harm the integrity of those affected.
Insistence on the rule of law does not imply and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to protect anyone. In fact Parliament is on record in its position that all those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law should face the full might of the law.
This should not however amount to public vilification of Members even before they are charged, tried and found guilty by a competent court of law.
In this regard Chairperson, we once more implore the media and all other interested parties to exercise restraint in a manner in which they engage in public discourse on this matter. Irresponsible comments that seek to apportion blame will unfairly prejudice the position of those who are otherwise innocent.
Role of Political Parties
In line with the agreement reached between Presiding officers and the whips of political parties, Parliament has submitted names of Members whom the Directorate of Public Prosecution wishes to interview to their respective parties in order to facilitate such interviews.
We are however encouraged by the fact that all political parties are fully supportive of a thorough investigation that is open and transparent.
Their commitment to take stern action on those who might be found to have committed wrongful acts positively reflects on the high levels of maturity on the part of our parties when it comes to issues of discipline within their party ranks.
We must equally reject as irresponsible, calls by some political parties to prematurely publish names of people who have not been charged of any wrongful act.
We call for calm in this regard as we all seek proper solutions to a matter that is potentially damaging not only to Members affected but also to the institution as a whole.
Role of Members
Members of Parliament, both individually and collectively, are the embodiment of the values that Parliament promotes both within and outside its precincts. These values include amongst other honesty, integrity and high regard for public office.
They carry the hopes and aspirations of the entire nation and are the umbilical cord through which a relationship of trust is built between Parliament and the public.
Members cannot be seen to be betraying this relationship of trust. They are elected into public office to represent public interests.
They should strive to conform to the highest standards in a society and must conduct themselves in a manner that is befitting to the public office they hold.
Their conduct must therefore be impeccable and be beyond reproach.
Future internal controls
We must acknowledge Chairperson that Parliament, despite being a true reflection of the South African society since 1994, has internal governance systems and policies that need to be changed significantly, if we are to live to the standards that the society expects from a public institution such as Parliament.
We must therefore support and give impetus to the already ongoing processes that are geared towards developing new systems that will eliminate weaknesses that we experience in the current internal control systems.
We must always remain alert to potential loopholes in our systems. Our people look upon us as a working model for good governance that is transparent and accountable.
We dare not fail them.
I thank you Chairperson for allowing to me share my thought on this important subject.
Issued by: SA Parliament
24 August 2004
Source: SA Parliament
Title: J Kgoali: Debate on the use of travel vouchers
SPEECH BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES, MRS JOYCE KGOALI ON THE DEBATE ON THE USE OF TRAVEL VOUCHERS, 24 August 2004
Introduction
Chairperson of the House, Honourable Members, today this House debates a matter that has been on public domain for quite some time now. It is a matter in which Parliament ought to pronounce itself and provide leadership.
In providing leadership, we must at all material times seek to preserve the integrity of Parliament as a true representative of all South Africans.
I am quite confident that Parliament and its entire leadership, namely, the Presiding Officers, Whippery and leaders of various political parties will be able to ensure that the resolution of this matter does not undermine the dignity and integrity of this important institution.
Parliament has so far dealt with matter in a responsible way, having due regard to the already unfolding legal process whilst protecting and respecting the integrity and rights of its Members.
We have dealt with the matter in a manner, which ensures that the relationship of trust between Parliament and the public is not compromised.
Chairperson, we remained true to the role of Parliament as the embodiment of democratic values of transparency, accountability with open and robust debate on all matters of national importance.
It is precisely because of our unwavering commitment to these values that we are now having this debate.
Background
In our efforts to ensure that we provide better and quality service to our people, Parliament puts in place internal systems and mechanisms that enable us to fully discharge our constitutional mandate and responsibilities.
These internal systems are continuously reviewed, assessed and improved in order to maximise their effectiveness.
In line with this approach, the existing voucher system was introduced in 1999, replacing the 1994 "green sheet system", which had serious weaknesses and loopholes that opened it to misuse.
The new travel system saw the introduction of warrants that are used by Members for air, rail or bus travel any where in South Africa. These warrants must be completed in detail and presented with identification when bookings are made.
Although the new system is not perfect, it managed to eliminate some of the serious flaws that we encountered with the "green sheet system".
As part and parcel of a continuous assessment that is geared towards improving our internal control systems, the former Presiding Officers of Parliament, together with the then Secretary to Parliament, have since 2002 embarked on a process of thorough examination of our internal systems with a view to develop a comprehensive and water tight internal control process with a particular focus of improving our travel system.
During this exercise, weaknesses were found in our travel system. This resulted in Parliament initiating an investigation into possible misuse of this system.
As part of this investigation, Parliament enlisted the service of Transnet Group Audit Service to perform a forensic audit and the validation of travelling transactions on behalf of Parliament.
In order to ensure that the investigation is conducted in an open and objective manner, independently of Parliament, Pricewaterhouse Coopers was brought into the investigation.
Alongside these investigations, Parliament took the most drastic step in order to protect taxpayers and the general public from possible misuse.
This, Parliament did by withholding payments to various travel agencies whose role in possible misuse was being investigated.
In order to recover taxpayer's money, Parliament sought to be strategically involved in a liquidation process of some of these agencies. This will enable Parliament to have access to information related to possible misuse, enabling the institution to lay claim to any proceeds of assets recovered by the liquidator. In this way Chairperson, Parliament will be able to recover the money owed to the institution by the liquidated agencies.
Chairperson, I want to repeat what I had said earlier that Parliament initiated all these processes in order to ensure that it is fully accountable, transparent and open in a manner in which conducts its business.
It was not the Media, not the Forensic Auditors nor the Scorpions that initiated the investigation. It was Parliament.
We reject insinuations in the media that seek to suggest that the investigation started elsewhere. In its watchdog role, the media must properly inform the public of these important facts.
The process that Parliament has initiated will ultimately ensure that all members who are affected will be given an opportunity to present their understanding of what had happened.
The fact that in August 2003 the former Speaker of the National Assembly called on some Members who have sought services of the affected agencies to account to and assist Parliament in its effort, clearly points to the seriousness with which Parliament sought to deal with the matter.
The limitation of this exercise however is that it did not involve all affected Members.
We must as well point out Hon. Chairperson that those Members who have been called were very helpful in taking this process forward, as they have been open and frank in explaining their transactions with the affected agencies.
We commend Members for the manner in which they have assisted Parliament in this regard.
Principles of transparency and accountability
Parliament, as the representative of the people, takes the view that broader interests of all South Africans supercede everything else when it comes to accountability in the use of public funds.
Accountability and transparency is the foundation of any democratic Parliament that encourages open and robust debates both within and outside the precincts of Parliament.
These are the values for which so many of us sacrificed and we challenge any who dares to question our unwavering commitment to them.
Whilst the ultimate objective is to ensure that we leave no stone unturned in this matter, we must conduct ourselves in a responsible way that protects the integrity of this institution by allowing due processes that have been instituted to take their full course.
We must not be haphazard and reckless in our conduct.
We must jealously protect Parliament from misguided opportunists who seek a one-day glory by perpetuating selfish and narrow party political interests at the expense of the broader interests of the South African public.
We have fought anarchy and opportunism in the trenches and we will continue to fight these tendencies in the very corridors of Parliament.
We believe that the involvement of independent forensic auditors and various law enforcement agencies will ensure objectivity and fairness in the resolution of this matter.
The Presiding Officers are indeed correct in pursuing this course of action.
Rule of Law
Ours is a constitutional democracy wherein the Constitution, which guarantees and protects the rights of every citizen, is the supreme law of the land.
Rule of law in a constitutional democracy prevails over anarchy and opportunism.
Every citizen of the country including public representatives is entitled to the full protection of law.
This cannot be sacrificed in favour of a narrow and a selfish political agenda.
As the chief custodians of the values enshrined in the Constitution, Parliament must protect the rights of every citizen regardless of their position in society.
We must not capitulate, as this will seriously dent the image of this important vehicle in promoting the rule of law.
In this regard we do not for a moment doubt the correctness of our approach in not disclosing the names of those affected, as they have not been charged with any wrongful doing.
We view such a disclosure as being reckless and will adversely harm the integrity of those affected.
Insistence on the rule of law does not imply and should not be misconstrued as an attempt to protect anyone. In fact Parliament is on record in its position that all those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law should face the full might of the law.
This should not however amount to public vilification of Members even before they are charged, tried and found guilty by a competent court of law.
In this regard Chairperson, we once more implore the media and all other interested parties to exercise restraint in a manner in which they engage in public discourse on this matter. Irresponsible comments that seek to apportion blame will unfairly prejudice the position of those who are otherwise innocent.
Role of Political Parties
In line with the agreement reached between Presiding officers and the whips of political parties, Parliament has submitted names of Members whom the Directorate of Public Prosecution wishes to interview to their respective parties in order to facilitate such interviews.
We are however encouraged by the fact that all political parties are fully supportive of a thorough investigation that is open and transparent.
Their commitment to take stern action on those who might be found to have committed wrongful acts positively reflects on the high levels of maturity on the part of our parties when it comes to issues of discipline within their party ranks.
We must equally reject as irresponsible, calls by some political parties to prematurely publish names of people who have not been charged of any wrongful act.
We call for calm in this regard as we all seek proper solutions to a matter that is potentially damaging not only to Members affected but also to the institution as a whole.
Role of Members
Members of Parliament, both individually and collectively, are the embodiment of the values that Parliament promotes both within and outside its precincts. These values include amongst other honesty, integrity and high regard for public office.
They carry the hopes and aspirations of the entire nation and are the umbilical cord through which a relationship of trust is built between Parliament and the public.
Members cannot be seen to be betraying this relationship of trust. They are elected into public office to represent public interests.
They should strive to conform to the highest standards in a society and must conduct themselves in a manner that is befitting to the public office they hold.
Their conduct must therefore be impeccable and be beyond reproach.
Future internal controls
We must acknowledge Chairperson that Parliament, despite being a true reflection of the South African society since 1994, has internal governance systems and policies that need to be changed significantly, if we are to live to the standards that the society expects from a public institution such as Parliament.
We must therefore support and give impetus to the already ongoing processes that are geared towards developing new systems that will eliminate weaknesses that we experience in the current internal control systems.
We must always remain alert to potential loopholes in our systems. Our people look upon us as a working model for good governance that is transparent and accountable.
We dare not fail them.
I thank you Chairperson for allowing to me share my thought on this important subject.
Issued by: SA Parliament
24 August 2004
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