Latest news with #SelectCommittee
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Select Committee on Public Infrastructure Emphasises the Vital Role of Transportation in the South African Economy
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure and the Minister in the Presidency, Mr Rikus Badenhorst, emphasised the vitality of the role of transportation in the South African economy when the Department of Transport appeared before the committee yesterday to brief it on the department's strategic plan for the 2025-26 financial year. Mr Badenhorst outlined the ambitious targets of the department for increasing rail freight and commuter services. He acknowledged the financial and structural challenges faced by the department, making more emphasis on the need for efficient and effective transport systems to stimulate economic growth. The department's presentation, detailed the alignment of the strategic plan with the Medium-Term Development Plan. Key targets highlighted included enhancement of economic growth through private sector involvement, reduction of road fatalities by 50% by 2030, the improvement of freight movement, and infrastructure investment. The department told the committee about the necessity of increased investment in transport infrastructure to bolster economic growth and job creation. The committee raised concerns regarding the Driving License Card Account (DLCA), particularly the backlog in card production stemming from machine issues and procurement irregularities. The projected budget for the upcoming financial year indicated a revenue expectation of R321 million against expenses of R379 million. The department shared its insights into the budget allocation, underscoring the importance of infrastructure development. Committee members expressed concern regarding governance within public entities, the department's reliance on consultants, and the challenges of policy implementation amid fiscal constraints. The committee requested a detailed report on the Road Accident Fund (RAF) and the state of the entity's governance. Members of the committee highlighted the negative consequences of governance deficiencies on public entities and proposed the development of a taxi fare index to promote balance within the taxi industry. The regulation of scholar transport, and digital driver licenses were also discussed. On digital drivers' licences, the department confirmed that the current backlog stands at approximately 680,000 cards while efforts are underway to clear it within three months. The complexities of transitioning to a digital identification system were highlighted. Mr Badenhorst reiterated the committee's commitment to oversight and accountability. He said the department serves as a catalyst for economic prosperity. He stressed the importance of collaboration of the department with other key role-players in the transport sector for further enhancement of the transportation system in the country. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Any Review of Labour Legislation Must Be Clear About Its Intentions, says Select Committee Chair
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, Ms Sonja Boshoff, has called on the Department of Employment and Labour to give careful thought to what it aims to achieve through the review of South Africa's labour legislation. The department informed the committee that it intends to review and amend approximately six pieces of labour legislation – a process that has already commenced at Cabinet level. On Wednesday, the department presented its strategic plan and annual performance plan to the committee. Ms Boshoff emphasised that the review of labour legislation must take into account the country's stagnant economy and soaring unemployment rate. 'Any review or future amendment to labour legislation must be practical and responsive to the realities faced by small players in the economy. Legislation must serve as an enabler for job creation and economic growth,' she said. 'In today's South Africa, we should be preoccupied with reducing red tape and moving away from race-based policy positions. This is not to suggest that the economic empowerment of the previously disadvantaged should be abandoned, but rather that we must rethink our priorities and focus on the broader population – not just the politically connected.' Ms Boshoff added that the legislative review process must unlock economic participation, particularly for emerging and marginalised market players. 'As a committee, we will not tire in advocating for conditions that make it easier to do business and that create opportunities for deserving and competent individuals. It is truly ironic that labour legislation, which should be designed to protect and promote employment, is in some cases the very reason job creation is being stifled. We still owe it to South Africans to empower both job seekers and potential employers alike,' Ms Boshoff said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Government must move to ensure that US funding cuts do not affect South Africa's Research Excellence, says committee chair
The Chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries, Mr Makhi Feni, has called on the Department of Higher Education to be proactive in plugging the gap left by the US cuts in grant funding that occurred earlier in 2025. Mr Feni said a deliberate drive is needed, even if it means going on tour abroad to mobilise resources for research purposes. 'The grant funding impact was massive and at a time when South Africa found itself operating in a fiscally constrained environment. We must not allow a situation where community-based research programmes suffer and get aborted due to this decision,' he said. The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, had informed the committee that work to address this issue is being done. In addition, the government had opted for a collaborative approach, as cuts affected programmes administer by the departments of Health and of Science and Technology. Minister Nkabane said a technical team has been set up to coordinate and collate the affected programmes. Mr Feni said the committee welcomes the news that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation is contributing to resource mobilisation. 'We would appreciate if all these efforts yield results. Our institutions are research intensive and that is one area we excel in and could not lose momentum. The committee is looking forward to receiving the report on the sector-wide impact of the funding cuts,' Mr Feni said. Minister Nkabane led a strong departmental delegation to present the department's annual performance and strategic plans. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Scoop
5 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Have Your Say On Harms Youth Encounter Online, And What The Government, Business, And Society Should Do To Tackle These
The Education and Workforce Committee has opened an inquiry into the harm young New Zealanders encounter online, and the roles that the Government, business, and society should play in addressing those harms. Deputy Chair, Carl Bates, says 'The Select Committee members are working collaboratively to progress the inquiry. We will hear from invited parties and receive written submissions from the public.' We are interested in hearing about individual's experiences as young internet users, and as the parents and carers of young New Zealanders. The committee is also keen to receive submissions from organisations and experts, particularly in the fields of education, health, and technology.' The committee is aiming to understand the harm young New Zealanders encounter online and identify potential solutions. The Select Committee will report to the House of Representatives on its findings. It intends to hold hearings initially in August by invitation only. Make a submission on the inquiry by midnight on 30 July 2025. For more details about the inquiry:
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
New Bill To Boost Labour Market Flexibility
Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says amendments to the Employment Relations Act will improve labour market flexibility and help businesses to grow, innovate, and employ with confidence and certainty. 'Today I'm announcing the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament, marking a key milestone in this Government's efforts to help New Zealand businesses employ or contract with confidence and create more and better opportunities for workers,' says Ms van Velden. The changes give effect to several ACT–National Coalition Agreement commitments, including to provide greater certainty for contracting parties. 'Workers and businesses should have more certainty about the type of work being done from the moment they agree to a contracting arrangement. 'The new gateway test introduced in this Bill will provide greater clarity for businesses and workers around the distinction between employment and contracting arrangements. This will provide greater certainty for all parties and will allow more innovative business models,' says Ms van Velden. The Bill will also make changes to simplify the personal grievances process including two significant changes. 'The amendment to personal grievances will reduce rewards for bad behaviour and reduce costs for businesses in the process. Under current law, if a personal grievance is established the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court may award remedies including reinstatement into a role, and compensation for hurt and humiliation. The changes make clear an employee whose behaviour amounts to serious misconduct will be ineligible for remedies. 'This change will ensure that hardworking New Zealanders don't see bad behaviour rewarded,' says Ms van Velden. The Bill also introduces an income threshold of $180,000 above which a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal cannot be pursued. High-income employees often have a major impact on organisational performance, getting the right fit is crucial. This change will provide greater labour market flexibility, enabling businesses to ensure they have the best fit of skills and abilities for their organisation. It allows employers to give workers a go in high impact positions, without having to risk a costly and disruptive dismissal process if things don't work out, benefitting those seeking to move up the career ladder.' Another change will cut compliance at the beginning of employment. By removing the '30-day rule' employers and employees will now be free to negotiate mutually beneficial terms and conditions from the start of employment. 'I am committed to building business confidence, ensuring a strong economy that will lift wages, create opportunities, and help Kiwi workers get ahead,' says Ms van Velden. The public and interested groups will have a chance to submit on the Bill when it is at Select Committee.
