Date: 03/11/2004
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: Answers to questions in the National Assembly
QUESTIONS PUT TO THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA FOR ORAL REPLY IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 3 November 2004
QUESTION NUMBER: 9
9. Mr P H K Ditshetelo (UCDP) to ask the Deputy President:
Whether his office has achieved the aims and objectives of the moral regeneration movement in our country; if not, what major obstacles have been or are being encountered; if so, what major achievements account for progress in this regard?
N974E
REPLY:
The Moral Regeneration Movement has been overwhelmingly welcomed as a key nation building initiative and a unifying intervention in our country since its launch in 2002. That is a great achievement.
MRM structures are being established in all provinces and a lot of positive work has already taken place. The focus has been on campaigning against moral decay as well as promoting the positive values enshrined in our Constitution, to build an ethical and caring society.
On working against negative behaviour, Honourable members would be aware of campaigns against serious crimes including domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse as well as our focus on the rehabilitation of offenders.
Also in place are programmes aimed at strengthening the institution of the family which is a fundamental building block of values in society; the programmes promoting care and support for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS as well as AIDS prevention messages rooted in promoting responsible behaviour.
Focusing on children and the youth, we have initiatives such as values in education programmes promoting democracy and good citizenship and anti-crime programmes such as the Safer Schools Campaigns and the use of sports and recreation as a nation building tool.
There are many other programmes run by various sectors, for example the activities of Business Against Crime, the efforts of women's and youth organizations, the labour movement, traditional leaders, civil society initiatives in support of abused women and children and support for older persons. Time does not permit me to go through all of them.
In terms of obstacles, given the magnitude of the campaign and what we seek to achieve, we obviously expect greater participation particularly at civil society level. We also urge greater involvement of Honourable Members in their constituencies, to ensure that MRM programmes are established and take root.
The necessary dialogue and activities for a morally transformed society have started. It is up to all of us to play our role and make this programme a success.
QUESTION NUMBER: 10
10. Mr M Ramgobin (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:
(1)(a) What factors were taken into consideration in deciding to postpone the election in Burundi from the end of October 2004 to 22 April 2005 and (b) what is the intended purpose of the national referendum scheduled for 26 November 2004;
(2) whether any mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the environment will be conducive to holding the election in April 2005; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what mechanisms?
N1338E
REPLY:
1. (a) The decision to postpone the elections in Burundi was taken by the Regional Summit of the Great Lakes Regional Peace Initiative on Burundi which was held on the 15th of October. The decision was taken after considering a report from the Independent Electoral Commission of Burundi. Factors that were considered include -
* Recommendations by the IEC that the referendum on the post-transitional constitution should be postponed;
* A request by the IEC for sufficient time to make the necessary electoral logistical arrangements;
* The need for the draft Constitution passed by the Burundi Congress to be endorsed before 25 October 2004, for this to serve as an interim constitution until the referendum, and
* The importance of securing funds required for elections.
(b) The purpose of the national referendum is to endorse the draft Constitution that will serve as an interim measure until elections are held and the new democratic government phased in.
2. Burundi has been relatively stable since the signing of ceasefire and subsequent agreements. This has provided a climate conducive for elections. The Palipehutu-FNL led by Agathon Rwasa remains outside the peace process, but poses no threat to the elections.
The establishment of a credible and capable IEC has also been a significant development. The body has made good progress in a very short space of time and has produced an electoral calendar that has been accepted in Burundi and by all other stakeholders.
The support from the Great Lakes Heads of States, South Africa as mediator, the African Union, European Union and the United Nations also provides confidence to the international community and to the Burundi people.
The AU, UN and the EU are assisting in securing election funding and infrastructure. The UN Peacekeeping Operation and the UN Implementation Monitoring Committee provide technical support to the electoral process.
The people of Burundi have traveled a long road towards peace and stability. A lot of effort has been put into making the peace process work. Remarkable progress has been made, and the light at the end of the tunnel is drawing closer.
QUESTION NUMBER: 12
12. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Deputy President:
Whether there is a working relationship between projects of the Integrated Rural Development Strategy and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of such relationship?
N1358E
REPLY:
Yes. There is a long-standing relationship between projects of the Integrated Rural Development Strategy and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.
The partnership is based on the need to emphasize youth participation in Local Economic Development programmes in all local and district municipalities and in particular - the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development and Urban Renewal Programme nodes. Anchor projects in the nodal areas are being considered by Umsobomvu Fund to phase in youth participation on existing programmes.
The Umsobomvu Fund commissioned a team of Development Specialists last month, to amongst others, review the Integrated Development Plans in order to identify youth programmes which can be supported by the Fund.
To date, the Fund has interacted with a number of municipalities around the country on its programmes. To extend the capacity of the Fund, two South African grant making agencies have been contracted to work specifically in the Rural Development and Urban Renewal nodes to assist municipalities with the facilitation, planning, and design of youth programmes which will be supported by the Fund through the provision of finances, technical support, capacity building, leveraging resources and others.
A draft Memorandum of Understanding is in place between the Umsobomvu Fund and the Department of Provincial and Local Government to formalize the working relationship between the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme and the Umsombomvu Youth Fund.
Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Issued by: The Presidency
3 November 2004
Source: SAPA
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: Answers to questions in the National Assembly
QUESTIONS PUT TO THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA FOR ORAL REPLY IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 3 November 2004
QUESTION NUMBER: 9
9. Mr P H K Ditshetelo (UCDP) to ask the Deputy President:
Whether his office has achieved the aims and objectives of the moral regeneration movement in our country; if not, what major obstacles have been or are being encountered; if so, what major achievements account for progress in this regard?
N974E
REPLY:
The Moral Regeneration Movement has been overwhelmingly welcomed as a key nation building initiative and a unifying intervention in our country since its launch in 2002. That is a great achievement.
MRM structures are being established in all provinces and a lot of positive work has already taken place. The focus has been on campaigning against moral decay as well as promoting the positive values enshrined in our Constitution, to build an ethical and caring society.
On working against negative behaviour, Honourable members would be aware of campaigns against serious crimes including domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse as well as our focus on the rehabilitation of offenders.
Also in place are programmes aimed at strengthening the institution of the family which is a fundamental building block of values in society; the programmes promoting care and support for those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS as well as AIDS prevention messages rooted in promoting responsible behaviour.
Focusing on children and the youth, we have initiatives such as values in education programmes promoting democracy and good citizenship and anti-crime programmes such as the Safer Schools Campaigns and the use of sports and recreation as a nation building tool.
There are many other programmes run by various sectors, for example the activities of Business Against Crime, the efforts of women's and youth organizations, the labour movement, traditional leaders, civil society initiatives in support of abused women and children and support for older persons. Time does not permit me to go through all of them.
In terms of obstacles, given the magnitude of the campaign and what we seek to achieve, we obviously expect greater participation particularly at civil society level. We also urge greater involvement of Honourable Members in their constituencies, to ensure that MRM programmes are established and take root.
The necessary dialogue and activities for a morally transformed society have started. It is up to all of us to play our role and make this programme a success.
QUESTION NUMBER: 10
10. Mr M Ramgobin (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:
(1)(a) What factors were taken into consideration in deciding to postpone the election in Burundi from the end of October 2004 to 22 April 2005 and (b) what is the intended purpose of the national referendum scheduled for 26 November 2004;
(2) whether any mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that the environment will be conducive to holding the election in April 2005; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what mechanisms?
N1338E
REPLY:
1. (a) The decision to postpone the elections in Burundi was taken by the Regional Summit of the Great Lakes Regional Peace Initiative on Burundi which was held on the 15th of October. The decision was taken after considering a report from the Independent Electoral Commission of Burundi. Factors that were considered include -
* Recommendations by the IEC that the referendum on the post-transitional constitution should be postponed;
* A request by the IEC for sufficient time to make the necessary electoral logistical arrangements;
* The need for the draft Constitution passed by the Burundi Congress to be endorsed before 25 October 2004, for this to serve as an interim constitution until the referendum, and
* The importance of securing funds required for elections.
(b) The purpose of the national referendum is to endorse the draft Constitution that will serve as an interim measure until elections are held and the new democratic government phased in.
2. Burundi has been relatively stable since the signing of ceasefire and subsequent agreements. This has provided a climate conducive for elections. The Palipehutu-FNL led by Agathon Rwasa remains outside the peace process, but poses no threat to the elections.
The establishment of a credible and capable IEC has also been a significant development. The body has made good progress in a very short space of time and has produced an electoral calendar that has been accepted in Burundi and by all other stakeholders.
The support from the Great Lakes Heads of States, South Africa as mediator, the African Union, European Union and the United Nations also provides confidence to the international community and to the Burundi people.
The AU, UN and the EU are assisting in securing election funding and infrastructure. The UN Peacekeeping Operation and the UN Implementation Monitoring Committee provide technical support to the electoral process.
The people of Burundi have traveled a long road towards peace and stability. A lot of effort has been put into making the peace process work. Remarkable progress has been made, and the light at the end of the tunnel is drawing closer.
QUESTION NUMBER: 12
12. Mr A M Mpontshane (IFP) to ask the Deputy President:
Whether there is a working relationship between projects of the Integrated Rural Development Strategy and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of such relationship?
N1358E
REPLY:
Yes. There is a long-standing relationship between projects of the Integrated Rural Development Strategy and the Umsobomvu Youth Fund.
The partnership is based on the need to emphasize youth participation in Local Economic Development programmes in all local and district municipalities and in particular - the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development and Urban Renewal Programme nodes. Anchor projects in the nodal areas are being considered by Umsobomvu Fund to phase in youth participation on existing programmes.
The Umsobomvu Fund commissioned a team of Development Specialists last month, to amongst others, review the Integrated Development Plans in order to identify youth programmes which can be supported by the Fund.
To date, the Fund has interacted with a number of municipalities around the country on its programmes. To extend the capacity of the Fund, two South African grant making agencies have been contracted to work specifically in the Rural Development and Urban Renewal nodes to assist municipalities with the facilitation, planning, and design of youth programmes which will be supported by the Fund through the provision of finances, technical support, capacity building, leveraging resources and others.
A draft Memorandum of Understanding is in place between the Umsobomvu Fund and the Department of Provincial and Local Government to formalize the working relationship between the Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Programme and the Umsombomvu Youth Fund.
Enquiries:
Lakela Kaunda
Cell: 082 782 2575
Issued by: The Presidency
3 November 2004
Source: SAPA
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