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eLegislature VoiceMandela Day

Bills

Our Mandate and the Pandemic

Budget Speech

Speaker Busisiwe Shiba Fulfils Her promise at Dlomodlomo Secondary School

Stakeholders Consulted On Mpumalanga Special Adjustment Appropriation Bill, 2020

The Legislature Discharges It’s Mandate Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic

Speaker Ms. Busisiwe Shiba tables the Legislature’s 2020/ 2021 Policy and Budget Speech

Virtual Public Hearing On Division Of Revenue Amendment Bill - Covid-19 Supplementary Budget

e-TLV

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All material in The Legislature Voice is strictly copyright, and all rights are reserved. Reproduction without permission by The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature is forbidden. Every care is taken in compiling the contents of this magazine but we assume no responsibility in the effect arising therefrom.

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL TEAM:EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Zamagambu Memela-Gamede

COPY-EDITORRonnie Masilela

EDITORMathutha Masimula

REPORTERSBusisiwe Zulu and Thulile Nkambule

LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGNCharl Whitehead and Muzi Xulu

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Mpucuko Allan MdakaMalusi Mbatha

Anthony ArendsePaul Mbenyane

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTNompumelelo Mbuyane

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From the Editor

04

Speaker’s Corner

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From the Secretary’s Desk

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Mandela Day 2020

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Stakeholders Consulted on Mpumalanga Special Adjustment

Appropriation Bill, 2020

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Legislature Responds to the “New Normal” during COVID-19

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Virtual Public Hearing on the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill - COVID-19 Supplementary

Budget

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The Legislature discharges it’s Mandate amids COVID-19 Pandemic

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Extended Finance Meeting prepares for tabling of adjusted budget

14Speaker Ms Busisiwe Shiba tables the

Legislature’s 2020/2021 Policy and Budget Speech

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Petitions

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The Legislature has a new WhatsApp Number

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My COVID-19 experience – A letter of inspiration from the Second case of

COVID-19

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NCOP briefs committee on norms and standards – management of elephants in

south africa

eLegislature Voice

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Hello&

Welcome

Zamagambu Memela-Gamede

Welcome to the fi rst edition of e-TLV, the offi cial online newsletter of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. e-TLV is the electronic version of Legislature Voice which was normally printed and distributed.

The known limitations brought about by the COVID-19 has necessitated that the manner of communicating with both our internal and external stakeholders be changed and get to where our stakeholders are. We believe that the world is fast moving into the digital era hence the approach to explore electronic communication platforms.

In addition to the e-TLV, the Legislature is introducing a WhatsApp line (067 428 3325) dedicated to text messages on various issues from the community to the Legislature. These issues relates to petitions, comments and inputs on Bills and other processes of the Legislature.

We have also intensifi ed our social media presence to ensure that we stream most if not all virtual sittings and public hearing sessions of the Legislature on Facebook and YouTube. The Legislature is also active on Twitter and Instagram. Please consider following, liking and subscribing to our channels so that you will be notifi ed each time we go live.

We continue to use other traditional platforms of communicating with communities like radio stations. Please tune in and participate every time we announce radio interviews.

Our open door policy exist for you to engage us using the above platforms and guarantee to keep light turned on.

Please send through your comments and inputs because your voice counts.

Happy Reading!

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What a joy it is to communicate with you through the e-TLV. We trust that this online publication fi nds you as we all are geared towards the fi ght against

the COVID-19 in our homes, churches, work, community activities like funerals, shopping and others.

Despite the diffi culties presented by COVID-19 it is pleasing to note members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislatures as represented by the ANC, EFF, DA and FF-Plus are participating well in executing the mandate of the Legislature which is that of law-making, oversight and public participation. All this is done through virtual meetings, virtual public hearings and social media platforms.

In this regards, I call on community members to follow and subscribe on the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s social media platforms, namely; Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.

The month of July, which is known as Mandela Month gave an opportunity to make things work and bring a smile to a number of learners and their families at Dlomodlomo Secondary School in Nhlazatje under the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.

We are already in the month August which is celebrated as the Women’s Month in South Africa. The Legislature will again host the Women’s Parliament but this time it will be virtual and streamed live on Facebook and YouTube.

Under the circumstances, we want to inspire you by saying that nothing under the sun is permanent and that the COVID-19 pandemic too will pass. When it has long passed we must not be found totally shattered and hopeless. Let us participate in the eff orts of Government to save lives and save livelihoods. Please watch out for the scammers who come in the name of COVID-19 services when their intention is to rob people of their hard-earned money.

Please continue to adhere to the guidelines as given by the South African government from time-to-time.

Stay At Home. Wash Your Hands Regularly, Be Safe. Wear A Mask. Practice Social Distancing.

I Thank You.

Mrs Busisiwe Shiba - Speaker

Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature

Speaker’s Corner

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Welcome to the first-ever e-newsletter of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature called e-TLV for the electronic version of The Legislature Voice.

As you know, we ordinarily have this publication in print and distribute across the Province but with the current realities of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we have decided to temporarily explore this avenue with your interests at heart. Our task is to serve you in the best possible way at all times. The COVID-19 lockdown, as it is known has interrupted and continues to interrupt many business operations in many spheres of people’s lives. The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature is not exempted from the limitations that came with this pandemic.

It is pleasing to report that even during these trying times of COVID-19 lockdowns, the Legislature has explored ways to somehow operate and conduct its business. Your attention is drawn to the fact that this monthly e-newsletter will continue to be published for now to keep you informed of what is happening and making means of letting you communicate with us.

We have also introduced a dedicated WhatsApp line for text messages which allows you to interact with us on issues of clarity or the Bills that we normally process. The WhatsApp number is 067 428 3345. The petitions unit continues to receive petitions from the public and we encourage you to send your issues that require the intervention of the Legislature to Ms Busisiwe Shiba, Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Baobab Building, Nelspruit, 1200 via email to TheresaW@mpuleg.gov.za and copy PaulM@mpuleg.gov.za.

We invite you also take full advantage of our social media platforms by subscribing and liking the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Legislature will host a virtual Women’s Parliament on 20 August 2020 which will be streamed line on Facebook and YouTube, please follow and participate. We will also talk about issues of women on different radio stations in the Province.

We wish you well during this time. Continue to stay at home, use your facemask, wash your hands or sanitise regularly, practice social distancing as we fight the spread of COVID-19 in our homes and communities.

Yours in service.

Mr Linda John Mwale - Secretary

Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature

From the Secretary’s Desk

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Speaker Busisiwe Shiba Fulfils Her Promise At Dlomodlomo Secondary School

The Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms Busisiwe Shiba, dedicated her 67 minutes as part of Mandela Day Celebrations at Dlomodlomo Secondary School in Nhlazatje under the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality in the Gert Sibande District on 20 July 2020.

This follows the Speaker’s adoption of the school earlier this year during the school re-opening programme that was coordinated by the Department of Education.

Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Mrs BP Shiba delivering her address during her 67 Minutes of Mandela Day, alongside the Speaker of the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality, Cllr Mngomezulu.

Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Mrs BP Shiba getting ready to handover the uniforms to 30 needy learners of Dlomodlomo Secondary School which she adopted during the school reopening programme early in January 2020, with Cllr Mngomezulu, Speaker of the Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.

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Ms Johanah Mahlangu, the Badplaas Circuit Manager in the Department of Education, said: “ever since the Speaker adopted the school, there has been a positive change in behaviour of learners towards the culture of learning,” She appreciated the gifts by Speaker Shiba and further said that the gifts of school uniform to needy and deserving learners will instil learner pride amongst all learners to feel worthy and equal to each other regardless of family background. She further discouraged learners from exchanging masks.

She also revealed that there are currently four active cases of teachers of COVID-19 in the Badplaas Circuit and two (2) schools has since been closed.

In her brief address to the small audience of learners, parents and teachers, Speaker Shiba said “We are here today to celebrate the life and times of Tata Nelson Madiba and demonstrate the values that he stood for. Another reason for our coming today is informed by the fact that I adopted this school and committed to come back for additional assistance. I am excited about the progress report that indicates that since my last visit the acts of criminality, we commit to doing more going forward. “

Speaker Shiba donated school uniform, sanitizers and masks to needy learners and fumigation chemicals to the school.

“Learners ensure that you respect the sanitisers and use it for the intended purpose, which is for your safety from the virus. It shall not be used in the manner we see others doing in social media, we condemn those acts, do not try that it is dangerous for your health”, concluded Speaker Shiba.

The school Principal, Mr Khayelihle Ndwandwe appreciated the gifts from the Legislature and promised that the Grade 12 results will improve this year through the good working relations between the SGB and parents.

In attendance were the Secretary to the Legislature; Mr Linda Mwale and staff members, the Badplaas Circuit Manager from the Department of Education; Ms Joana Mahlangu, the Speaker of Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality; Cllr Mngomezulu, Ward Councillor; Mr Mbhele, the Chairperson of the SGB; Mr Mgabhi and a few parents.

Speaker BP Shiba Removing her face mask while addressing during her 67 Minutes of Mandela Day celebration at her adopted school, Dlomodlomo Secondary School.

Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Mrs BP Shiba handing over the uniform to one of the learners of Dlomodlomo Secondary School as part of her 67 Minutes of Mandela Day.

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STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED ON MPUMALANGA SPECIAL ADJUSTMENT APPROPRIATION BILL, 2020 Members of the Portfolio Committee on Premier’s Office; Finance; Economic Development and Tourism afforded the Legislature’s stakeholders a platform to raise their views on the Mpumalanga Special Adjustment Appropriation Bill, which would in turn allow the province to give a mandate to delegates in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) to debate in Parliament” at a virtual public hearing.

Ms. Gladys Milazi from the Provincial Treasury presented on the Bill that aims to effect adjustments to the appropriation of money from the Provincial Revenue Fund for the requirements of the Province in respect of the 2020/ 2021 financial year; and to provide for matters incidental thereto.

The Bill was generally supported by the stakeholders with appreciation of the reprioritisation of Government’s programmes with bias towards the department of Health. Mr. Eric Mokonyana of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said that, “in reprioritising resources, the consideration for human rights of community members should be prioritised for them to enjoy their constitutional rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.” Pointing to the Legislature, Mr. Mokonyana said that the SAHRC will work together to ensure that rights of all citizens are respected and protected.

It was widely emphasised the budget should be able to address social and economic issues faced by communities. The South African Council of Churches’ Reverend Luke Dlamini appreciated the department of Health and Mpumalanga communities for adhering to the lockdown regulations. He also echoed other stakeholders’ sentiments on social issues and raised a concern on agriculture that it should play a key role in driving economic growth. He called on government to properly engage communities to strengthen social impact for community development.

While Mr. Bonginkosi Tshabangu, a representative of the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Mpumalanga appreciated the University’s partnership with the Legislature, indicating that it will go a long a way on some of the required solutions particularly the research part. SALGA committed to submit formal presentations which will be representative of all the municipalities to the Legislature. Inputs from the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) representative, Ms Salome Meso encouraged the implementers of the budget to ensure that its objectives are achieved.

The COSATU provincial secretary, Mr. Thabo Mokoena said that to make a meaningful impact in communities, financial prudence should be exercised and accountability has to be part of the equation.

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Legislature Responds to the “New Normal” during COVID-19

Have you ever heard of the word, “New Normal” in the workplace? This is what the politi cal and administrati ve wings of the Legislature are faced with when they had to start to functi on in the “New Normal” brought about by COVID-19 pandemic.

Alert lockdown level 3 regulati ons conti nue to be followed by all who enter the Legislature precincts with eff ect from the beginning of the process of phasing in workers in compliance with all the prescribed rules and observance of health and hygienic measures by the designated Department of Health. Work conti nues under the stewardship and a watchful eye of the Legislature’s Compliance Offi cer, Mr Hubert Shabangu.

The usual style of operati ons is aff ected by the “New Normal” and this dictates that there should be no or less touching, hugging and should be practi sing of social distancing.

The Legislature employees and MPLs are however; conti nuing with the work of the Legislature with few employees coming in for specifi c tasks on specifi c days whilst most of the business of the Legislature is conducted through virtual and online platf orms.

Most divisions supporti ng Committ ee’s work are functi onal, in parti cular, the Committ ees jointly with the Informati on Technology (IT) secti ons who are exposed to new technological ways of conducti ng meeti ngs. They had to ensure that all relevant role players are linked to the meeti ngs and have access to the required technology and informati on.

All-in-all this is the life in interesti ng ti mes of contradicti ons - whereby some feel anxious on the prevailing conditi ons and others feel excited by the perceived opportuniti es brought about by the prevalence of the COVID-19 and the urge to do things diff erently and exploring new horizons for the bett erment of humanity.

To date, 4 confi rmed positi ve cases were recorded at the Legislature and they are recovering well at home. Working with the Department of Health and other relevant departments, the Legislature ensured that the Baobab building is decontaminated to curb further spread of the virus and made ready for further occupati on by other employees.

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Ms Mohita Latchminarain

VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON DIVISION OF REVENUE AMENDMENT BILL - COVID-19 SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGETStakeholders of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature were consulted on the Division of Revenue Amendment Bill, 2020, a COVID-19 Supplementary Budget at a virtual public hearing. The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Premier’s Office; Finance; Economic Development and Tourism; Ms Mohita Latchminarain indicated that the public hearing aims to solicit inputs from the stakeholders on

adjusted national budget allocation, amendments of Provinces and departmental share to accommodate the tasks and challenges that emerge as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. She further indicated, “As the Legislature we are consulting with our stakeholders to afford them a chance of giving inputs on important matters affecting communities.”The government was urged to ensure that the budget should address unemployment and poverty particularly amongst the youth, strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms as well as invest in sectors that are economic drivers to stimulate the economy. A special call was made to capacitate municipalities to effectively deliver services to communities, improve financial administration, management and accountability.

COSATU provincial secretary, Mr Thabo Mokoena pointed out that there is a need to conduct feasibility studies on the main economic drivers in Mpumalanga province in specific sectors such as forestry, agriculture, mining and tourism that seems not to be featuring as key in the adjusted budget.

“There should be a cash injection for these sectors to survive,” he said appreciating the increased budget in the Department of Health and pleading that the resources required to fight COVID-19 be availed sufficiently for the benefit of communities.

Whilst SALGA’s representative, Mr Monde Mgxabayi noted the reduction affecting human settlements but was happy that the Municipal Infrastructure Grant was not reduced which will allow municipalities to continue with other municipal programmes.

Advocate Nkosi of the National Bar Council of South Africa called for consequence management in the mismanagement of funds. The Bill was supported by stakeholders who commonly emphasised on government’s programmes being geared towards an economic stimulus that will enable the government to address social and economic challenges facing communities thereby improving their livelihoods.

Participants were assured that their inputs will be consolidated as per the outlined process of conferring a mandate by the Legislature for a debate at the National Council of Provinces and further written submissions were called upon from interested parties who were not able to present on the day.

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THE LEGISLATURE DISCHARGES IT’S MANDATE AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature through its Committ ees conti nues to discharge its mandate of Law-making, Oversight and Public Parti cipati on amidst the ‘New Normal’ that is brought about by the Corona Virus pandemic.

The Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) could not be deterred by the prevailing challenges but are determined to conti nue with their goal of serving the people of Mpumalanga, as they considered legislati ve processes in terms of a number of Bills and other virtual sitti ngs that conti nue to take place.

Some of the virtual sitti ngs saw Government Departments tabling their 2020/ 2021 Policy and Budget Speeches in virtual Legislature Sitti ngs as well as consultati ons with the public to solicit inputs using various platf orms that include print, electronic, online and social media.

As the Committ ees maximally uti lised the virtual meeti ngs platf orm to do their Oversight work, the Social and Economic Transformati on Cluster Committ ees, for example, met and adopted reports with amendments that include recommendati ons based on fi ndings out of their engagement with departments.

Some of the departments’ reports which were processed contained presentati ons on:

• Progress Report on the 3rd Quarter House Resoluti ons and Writt en Responses to Questi ons on the 2019/20 4th Quarterly Report

• Progress Report on the 2019/2020 Annual Performance Plan and Budget House Resoluti ons and Writt en Responses to Questi ons on the 2020/2021 Annual Performance Plan and Budget Report

• The accountability process by the provincial departments and state-owned enti ti es that include MEGA, MER and MTPA, commenced with a politi cal overview by the Members of the Executi ve Council (MECs), on 2019/2020 4th quarterly performance reports and the 2020/2021 Annual Performance Plan and Budget.

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EXTENDED FINANCE MEETING PREPARES FOR TABLING OF ADJUSTED BUDGET

Discharging their Law-making and Oversight mandates, the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature Committ ees held a virtual meeti ng with the provincial departments and state-owned enti ti es to consider the Mpumalanga Adjustments Appropriati on Bill [B3 – 2020].

The meeti ng was in preparati on for the tabling by MEC for Finance, Mr Pat Ngomana, of the departments’ adjusted budget allocati ons of which the purpose amongst other things was to accommodate programmes that were brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BUDGET ALLOCATION PER VOTE

Vote 01: Offi ce of the Premier The Budget of the Offi ce of the Premier will decrease from R359.6 million to R315.2 million.

Vote 02: Legislature The Provincial Legislature’s Budget will decrease from R369.1 million to R349.7 million.

Vote 03: Provincial TreasuryThe Budget of the Provincial Treasury will decrease from R440.5 million to R407.0 million

Vote 04: Department of Cooperati ve Governance & Traditi onal Aff airsThe Budget of the Department of Co-operati ve Governance and Traditi onal Aff airs decreases from R568.3 million to R521.1 million.

Vote 05: Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Aff airsThe baseline of the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Aff airs’ Budget will have a net reducti on of R73.9 million and the budget reduced from R1.222 billion to R1.192 billion.

Vote 06: Department of Economic Development and Tourism The Budget of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is reduced from R1.353 billion to R1.108 billion.

Vote 07: Department of Educati on The Budget of the Department of Educati on is decreased by a net of R548.8 million from R23.497 billion to R22.823 billion.

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Vote 08: Department of Public Works, Roads & TransportThe Budget of the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport is decreased from R5 billion to R 4.720 billion.

Vote 09: Department of Community Safety, Security & LiaisonThe allocati on to the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison decreases from R1.514 billion to R1.475 billion.

Vote 10: Department of HealthWith a net R1.207 billion additi onal funding earmarked for COVID-19, the current Budget of the Department of Health will increase from R15.568 billion to R16.775 billion

Vote 11: Department of Culture, Sport and Recreati onThe Department of Culture, Sport and Recreati on’s Budget is decreased by a net R89.7 million from R577.1 million to R487.4 million.

Vote 12: Department of Social Development The Budget of the Department of Social Development will be decreased from R1.838 billion to R1.691 billion.

Vote 13: Department of Human Sett lementsThe allocati on to the Department of Human Sett lements will increase by a net R6.7 million from R1.552 billion to R1.559 billion to conti nue implementi ng various infrastructure projects

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SPEAKER MS BUSISIWE SHIBA TABLES THE LEGISLATURE’S 2020/ 2021 POLICY AND BUDGET SPEECH

Policy & BudgetSpeech 2020/21

Ms BP ShibaSpeaker of the

Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature

Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Ms Busisiwe Shiba, tabled the 2020/ 2021 Policy and Budget Speech of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature on 25 June 2020 during at a Virtual Sitti ng at the Baobab Building.

“The purpose of this speech is to give an account on the fulfi lment of our mandate and promise to our people, which is to hold the Executi ve and other state organs accountable, through law making, oversight and public parti cipati on,” said Speaker Busisiwe Shiba as she outlined the purpose of the speech.

She acknowledged the co-operati on and positi ve contributi on of Members of the Legislature as well as offi cials of the Legislature for their hard work in ensuring the smooth functi oning of the Legislature.

She condemned the increasing cases of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) directed to women and children through increasing incidences of cowardice killing by men.

Shiba urged parliamentarians and law-makers, through Women’s Caucus and Men’s Forum to start a conversati on about a total review of the laws and regulati ons governing the licensing and sale of alcohol. This is because it has been seen that there is a direct correlati on between the normalized culture of alcohol abuse and social decay as well as the incidences of GBV during the nati onal lockdown.

“Our strategic task as this Legislature is to ensure that government, in light of the COVID-19 experience, expedite the full implementati on of the Nati onal Health Insurance (NHI), for equal access to quality and more integrated healthcare system,” said Speaker Shiba.

Speaker Shiba acknowledged that the Legislature has skills and capacity gaps to enhance scruti ny and evaluati on of government programmes. She further committ ed to training and development of the Members of the Legislature and support staff to close the gap.

Speaker Shiba stated that the Mpumalanga Provincial Speakers’ Forum which is a platf orm for to share experiences, best practi ces and dialogue amongst Speakers at provincial, district and local levels is fully functi onal.

“The 2020/21 budget was informed by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature 2019-2025 strategic Plan and 2020/21 Annual Performance Plan. I therefore present to you and request this Sitti ng to appropriate the amount of R395 200 000 to the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature distributed in two of its programmes as follows; Programme 1 is allocated an amount of R201 100 000 and Program 2 is allocated an amount of R194 100 000,” said Speaker Shiba.

She thanked the Deputy Speaker; Mr Vusi Mkhatshwa, Premier of Mpumalanga Province; Ms Refi lwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, all Members of the Provincial Legislature, the Secretary to the Legislature; Mr Linda Mwale and staff members for their conti nued support and dedicati on to their work which assists her to discharge her duti es with ease.

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PETITIONSPETITIONSThe Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature has a Petitions Act (Act no. 6 of 2000) and Regulations that are put in place to regulate the procedure to be followed in dealing with petitions. The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature’s Select Committee on Public Participation and Petitions and Members; Legislature Proposals is responsive for handling petitions.

What is a Petition? A petition is a written;

• Complaint• Request• Representation, or• Submission addressed to the committee by a petitioner A petition must

• Be readable• Have the name and contact address of the petitioner• Be signed by the petitioner or if in a case where the petitioner is unable to read or write, he/ she must make their mark on the petition in the presence of two (2) witnesses who must sign the petition in that capacity. Who may petition? A person who addresses a petition to the committee is called a petitioner. A petition may be addressed to the committee in the following manner; • By an individual person• By a group or people• By an association With regard to (b) and (c) above, all affected individuals must sign the petition.

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What are the rights of a peti ti oner?

A peti ti oner has the right to-

• Submit a peti ti on to the committ ee in any of the offi cial languages of the province.• Withdraw a peti ti on• Be assisted by the administrati ve employee of the Legislature in submitti ng a peti ti on.• Att end the meeti ng of the committ ee when his or her peti ti on is being considered.• Be advised in writi ng of the results of the peti ti on.• Be advised by the committ ee, where appropriate, of other remedies available to him/ her; and• Have access at any reasonable ti me to the peti ti on fi le.

What happens once a peti ti on has been submitt ed?The Legislature will –

• Allocate a number to the peti ti on and inform the peti ti oner of how the peti ti on is going to be treated;• Consider the peti ti on unless if it is a matt er that the Legislature cannot deal with;• In the instance that the committ ee does not deal with the peti ti on, we inform the peti ti oner of the reasons why the peti ti on cannot be dealt with.

What kind of peti ti ons many not be considered?

• The committ ee may refuse to consider a peti ti on that-• Falls outside the powers of the Legislature;• Concerns a matt er pending in a court of law;• Originates from a prisoner and is connected to his/ her case;• Involves the subject matt er that is before a commission of inquiry.

How to send a peti ti on?

A Peti ti on must be sent to Ms Busisiwe Shiba, Speaker of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, Baobab Building, Nelspruit, 1200 by;

Email to TheresaW@mpuleg.gov.za and copy PaulM@mpuleg.gov.za.Registered mail.

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BRAND NEWWhatsApp for the Legislature

Members of the public can now interact with the Legislature also through WhatsApp

messages.

Scan this QR code with your phone camera or add on WhatsApp using the number: 067 428 3345

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COPING WITH COVID-19 STRESSAs we were locked up under the unprecedented circumstances for the past three (03) months; some; if not most of us have been struggling to cope and a number of psychological and emotional related feelings crept in.

The following four (04) mental health strategies to help you cope during the COVID-19 pandemic are listed below; as follows:

Recognise your stress:

Stress is a normal part of life. It is a natural response to an external pressure that disrupts your equilibrium. It often causes symptoms such as:

• Sadness, confusion, irritability, anger, uneasiness, suicidal thoughts • Reduced effi ciency and productivity• Social withdrawal• Interpersonal problems ( communication challenges)• Tension (e.g. headaches, jaw clenching, teeth grinding )• Body pain ( headache, muscle spasms)• Reduced energy (tiredness, weakness, fatigue )• Sleeping problems (insomnia, nightmares )

If you have been noticing these symptoms since you learned about Coronavirus, it is possible that you may be experiencing a normal stress response. Not only is it natural to be concerned about physical illness, but the uncertainty about a spreading virus can increase your stress level as well. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic to highlight the level of concern and spark measures of precaution. In a parallel process, your stress is doing the same for you as it sets off a warning alarm that calls you to action.

Manage What You Can; Release What You Cannot.

As information on COVID- 19 continues to develop, it is important to stay updated with the information from reputable sources. While the current knowledge pertaining to the Corona virus is increasing, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the virus and; recognizing this is important to manage what you can with the information you are provided; but also release the need to control what you cannot. A key difference between stress and anxiety is the false sense of control that may arise from over worrying and overcompensating

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This is an account from a colleague who was recorded as the second COVID-19 case. A letter that seeks to inspire colleagues and people in the Province to be positive and gather strength in facing the invisible enemy. The e-TLV family are proud to publish it in its original form while continuing to encourage all to care for themselves, their families and colleagues. Keep a social distance, sanitize and wear the mask because your mask protects me and my mask protects you.

I was never the person who thought I would not get the virus, as soon as the economy was opened, I knew that I might get it, personally for me it was not a matter of where, or how but it was a matter of when.

So, on the 23rd of July 2020 I woke up with a sore throat and a light headache, took medicine, felt better and went about my day. The following day I woke up with a blocked nose (it was the strangest feeling, I could still breath, there was no mucus or phlegm) and my body feeling like I am going to get flu, being a person who suffers from flu yearly, it kind of felt different.

The evening of 24 July 2020, I had the most horrible muscle pains from the waist down to my toes to the point that I could not comfortably lay down in bed, with my nose still blocked, I rubbed my chest with Vicks vapour rub, took two Adco-dols and Vicks Acta Plus, triple action cough syrup and went to bed.

25 July 2020 woke up with a blocked nose, heavy breathing like I just ran and feeling a slight pressure on my chest, just like someone had a hand on it, to be honest it was not painful but more irritating and un-comfortable and of course a headache. I was feeling tired and sleepy the whole day. I steamed my face with water and Vicks vapour rub this morning but guess what, I could not smell the Vicks my sense of smell was gone I also lost my taste this day.

The 26th July was basically the same, I started steaming with Mhlonyane 3 times a day, I was drinking ginger, garlic, lemon and turmeric with hot water and honey which is something I had been drinking every morning anyways but now I was drinking it 3 times a day. I also took some Zinc, vitamins C & D. I also took Vicks Acta Plus, triple action cough mixture together with panado during the day. At night I had to take Adco-dols for me to be able to sleep comfortably.

On Monday morning of the 27th of July 2020 I went to get tested for the virus although I felt I had it, but I just had to confirm mainly to protect people around me, because when I told people I had COVID-19 I would get comments like; “oh it’s just flu”, “You don’t sound like you have it” or “No I can just tell you don’t have it” and that was concerning to me.

28 July 2020, I had a bit of energy although I still had that uncomfortable feeling on my chest, nose still blocked and still could not smell or taste, but I could still clean my house. At around 14:00, a message from my LANCET app pops up, I open it and Lord an behold I see SARS-CoV-2 **POSITIVE, I know no one will

My COVID-19 experience – A letter of inspiration from the Second case of COVID-19

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believe me, except the person I was on the phone with but I screamed with excitement, I just screamed to the person “hey its positive!, its positive!, she screams to her sister too “Nono is positive”, well my family members and friends call me Nono.

Ok let me explain the excitement, I was happy because I was now sure what was causing all these strange symptoms I was having, and because I knew it was not just flu and I now knew exactly what I was up against. I remember telling someone that “you know if they come back negative, I will be frustrated because I wouldn’t know what was making me so sick”. Evening came symptoms started creeping in I took my pills and went straight to bed.29 July 2020, I reported the case at work, you all saw the letter with the Subject 2nd Covid-19 Positive Case, wow that was me the second case in the Legislature and guess what I was a part of 7 232 new cases and 459 761 positive cases identified in the county that day.

My smell and taste started coming back on 31 July 2020, that was the first day I could smell Mhlonyane, but only lasted for a few minutes, but as the days went by, I could smell a bit more each day.

My symptoms lasted till 6 August 2020. On Wednesday, 5 August 2020 I woke up feeling a bit tired with muscle pains throughout the day, but I could feel that I had my body back, 6 August 2020 I only had muscle pains.

I wrote this on Friday 7 August 2020 exactly 16 days since experiencing my first symptoms and I am feeling no symptoms at this point and my smell has improved quite a lot.

Although having COVID-19 is not a nice experience, but for me it was very humbling, that by this day I was part of 538 184 positive cases identified in South Africa and counting and was part of the 387 316 recoveries.

During this whole experience I never felt scared or afraid and most important I never felt ashamed or that I needed to hide that I had the virus. I was obviously not alone, more than half a million other South Africans had it. Although I have an idea when I might have gotten the virus but the fact still remains, I do not know where or how I got it, all I know is I started getting sick on the 23rd of July 2020 and I am content with that.

Please note that this is not a detailed experience, but an overall version of it I am aware that not everyone will be interested. I know some of you will be so I thought I would share and for me COVID-19 was never a depressing moment, but something I had to come across and endure which was a great experience for me.

If I could give a word of advice to colleagues who may have the virus or family members who have it, would be to keep a positive mind, boost your immune system and take it day by day most importantly remove the fear which I could understand why one would be scared, the symptoms are very strange and you need a strong mind-set for that.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them for you.

Regards,

Nozibele Khoza The 2nd COVID-19 case in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.

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Members of the Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs held a virtual Committee meeting to get a briefing from the Mpumalanga’s permanent delegate to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr. Jomo Nyambi, who gave an overview on the draft amended Norms and Standards for the Management of Elephants in South Africa indicating that they are developed in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEMBA).

Giving a detailed presentation of the proposed amendment, Ms Magdel Boshoff from Biodiversity and Conservation branch in the department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; indicated that in 1995 the South African National Parks (SANParks) announced the suspension of culling in the Kruger National Park (KNP), and undertook to review its policy on the management of elephants and after research and broad consultations with various organisations. In 2006 the then Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism established the Elephant Science Round Table (SRT) to advise him on policies regarding elephant management.The Elephant norms and standards that were issued in the Gazette on 29 February 2008 recognised that elephants are sentient animals with strong social bonds, and should be safe-guarded from neglect and abuse. They impact on habitats, biodiversity and humans living in close proximity. They are important for ecotourism and economic benefits that can be derived from them if used sustainably for products such as skins, tails and ivory.It was then recommended that the Portfolio Committee supports the proposed amendments, developed in terms of NEMBA, also focusing on areas for further substantial amendment such as management of cross-border roaming elephants; open properties or provincial borders, for instance associated private nature reserves adjacent to Kruger National Park and repeal of the current norms and standards and replace them with the amended ones. Following the Members’ consideration of the presentation and Mr. Nyambi’s inputs, the chairperson, Mr. Million Makaringe, appreciated the briefing, stating that the interaction was informative and empowering the Committee to the Committee will be empowered to further engage with it for process forward.

NCOP BRIEFS COMMITTEE ON NORMS NCOP BRIEFS COMMITTEE ON NORMS AND STANDARDS – MANAGEMENT OF AND STANDARDS – MANAGEMENT OF ELEPHANTS IN SOUTH AFRICAELEPHANTS IN SOUTH AFRICA

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The month of May 2012 will go down in history as the month that saw the demise of the country’s beloved

heroes and heroines. This follows the announcement on the unti mely passing-on of the Minister of Public Service and Administrati on, Mr Roy Padayachie while on an offi cial trip in Ethiopia att ending an African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) meeti ng.

While the county was sti ll reeling with shock following this announcement which was received on the 6th of May, another blow was sti ll to come – the former Minister of Cooperati ve Governance and Traditi onal Aff airs, Mr Sicelo Shiceka, had also lost his fi ght against ill-health. Shiceka will be remembered for introducing the Local Government Turnaround Strategy which has assisted a number of municipaliti es in service delivery approaches.

As if that was not enough, the country lost Mama Florence Nyanda. “Mam’ Flo”, as she was aff ecti onately known, is the child of Mpumalanga Province and she had served in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature before her secondment to serve in the Nati onal Council of Provinces (NCOP) representi ng the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature. Mam’ Flo is a sister to General Siphiwe Nyanda

In the very same month of May, the Legislature received through moti ons without noti ce, news on the passing-on of the Reverend Motlalepula Chabaku, former Speaker of the Free State Provincial Legislature and Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The late Reverend Chabaku will be remembered for her vibrancy and astuteness as acti vist for democracy gender equality.

The Members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature joined in unison as they acknowledged the role the fallen heroes and heroines had played in the development of this country. The House also paid its respect to the late Ms Hlengiwe Edith Mashego, sister to the MEC Candith Mashego-Dlamini, and the late Ms Linah Thembi Shongwe, sister to the Premier, Mr DD Mabuza.

May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace.

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