Chairperson,
The ACDP supports the Public Sector and Related Payments Bill. It is largely administrative in nature and relates to public sector-related pensions, including military veterans’ pensions going way back — you can even see in the schedule that it refers to pre-1914 military veterans. I’m sure those pre-1914 pensioners will be very pleased about this Bill. But one understands the need to incorporate all those legislative provisions for comprehensiveness, honourable Minister.
So, why the change? Yes, we understand the various pieces of legislation, collective agreements and that there’s a need to consolidate them. It is very important that those that have served South Africa in terms of the social contract (whether as public servants, military veterans and the like) should be helped and should be assisted with their pensions.
There were a number of concerns expressed. One was about the accountability of the Bill. National Treasury says the monthly reports the Treasury publishes under section 32 include all revenue and expenditure and therefore, these payments will be reported under section 32. They can thus be tracked. And it’s very important for us as Members of Parliament to monitor all payments. This helps us with more effective oversight, as opposed to only looking from a more historical perspective.
There was also concern about the possibility of adjusting benefits downwards. I think that is also an important aspect that needs to be monitored. One only has to remember what happened to the Transnet pensioners and whilst their protracted legal battle was under a totally different pension dispensation, one does need to monitor that aspect. One trusts that any downward adjustments will not be possible, as these pension- and other payments are now a direct charge.
Chairperson, the ACDP does have a concern about the deemed approval provision for schedule amendments. It can’t be that silence from Parliament can be seen as approval. We also believe that the 3-month period is also far too short. The Chairperson of the Appropriations Committee, Honourable Maimane, referred to this and said that the Committee was proposing an amendment. From the ACDP side, honourable Minister, we would consider that at least 6 months should be given or even 12 months for Parliamentary approval of amendments to the Schedule.
Because of the importance of amendments to the schedule and the possible far-reaching implications, an amendment should be considered when this Bill is considered in the NCOP. This will prevent delays in this very important oversight mechanism which other members highlighted.
Despite these reservations, the ACDP believes this is a necessary Bill and will support it.
I thank you.
