This resource is hosted by the Nelson Mandela Foundation, but was compiled and authored by Padraig O’Malley. It is the product of almost two decades of research and includes analyses, chronologies, historical documents, and interviews from the apartheid and post-apartheid eras.
Report of working group 4 to CODESA 2
Terms of reference for Working Group 4.
A copy of the terms of reference of working group 4 is attached.
Explanation of the way working group 4 conducted its business.
2.1 Working group 4 created four sub groups to look at the following issues:
2.1.1 Sub group 1 - testing the will of the people
2.1.2 Sub group 2 - citizenship
2.1.3 Sub group 3 - practical, financial and administrative implication of reincorporation
2.1.4 Sub group 4 - constitutional, legal and political implications of reincorporation.
2.2 Each delegation was representated in the sub groups.
2.3 Working group 4 determined the terms of reference for each of the sub groups, based on its own Terms of Reference. Copies of the terms of reference are annexed marked annexure B.C.D and E.
2.4 Working group 4 held 10 meetings.
2.5 Submissions were received from members of the public and organisations.
Points of agreement reached:
3.1 Working group 4 reached consensus on the following issues:
3.1.1 Re-incorporation
All delegations have no objection in principle to the re-incorporation of the TBVC states.
3.1.2 Transitional arrangements
The TBVC states will participate in transitional arrangements as proposed by Working Group 3, on the understanding that these arrangements shall mutatis mutandis impact on the TBVC governments and territories in the same way as they impact on the South African government and the RSA.
3.1.3 Testing the will of the people:
The people of the TBVC states shall take part fully in the processes of constitution-making and transitional arrangements, including elections, as may be proposed by Working Groups 2 and 3. Their participation will be arranged in such a. way that their votes in a national election shall signify support for or rejection of re-incorporation. The results of such an election shall constitute a sufficient test of the will of the people.
3.1.4 Restoration of citizenship
South African citizenship will be restored to the citizens of all the TBVC states who would have been South African citizens but for the constitutional independence of the TBVC states, immediately after the testing of the will as envisaged in paragraph 3.1.3 above.
3.1.5 Reservation
It is recorded that the Bophuthatswana government reserves its position in relation to paragraphs 3.1.2, 3.1.3 and 3.1.4.
3.2. Consensus was .reached on a number of issues relating to the practical, financial and administrative effects of reincorporation.
3.2.1 Reincorporation
Eighteen parties share the view that reincorporation of the TBVC States into the new South Africa is desirable. However, Bophuthatswana reiterates its preference for non-reincorporation, but states that every option which promises a better future or a future J. least as good as its present position will be regarded as a feasible and realistic option for consideration.
The demarcation of functions and responsibilities on the first, second and third levels of government have not yet been clarified. Where reference is made to future government responsibilities, it should be regarded as being in accordance with the constitutional proposals and interim government arrangements formulated by Working Groups 2 and 3
3.2.2 Retention of Business Confidence and Taxation
Tne parties are unanimous that the process of reincorporation should be conducted in such a way that it ensures retention of business confidence. Working Group 4 recommends that:
3.2.2.1 Where there is a conflict between RSA legislation and that of the respective TBVC states, temporary exemptions be granted until the new legal system is in place, the details of which will be considered by a committee (see 11 below.)
3.2.2.2 The harmonization of labour legislation throughout South Africa including stipulations on a stable relationship with unions is needed to boost business confidence.
3.2.2.3 Working group 4 is unanimous that there should be harmonisation of the taxation regime. The tax system of the TBVC states should be brought in line with the applicable tax laws in the RSA. This process should apply to all forms of tax structures e.g. company tax, personal tax etc. The question of tax concessions may be considered in relation to regional development issues.
3.2.2.4 A formal statement of intent be issued by Codesa 2, by which businesses are informed of the proposed harmonisation of legislation, specifically tax and labour legislation.
3.2.3 Land Transfers
Working Group 4 has reached sufficient consensus on this matter that:
3.2.3.1 No further attempts be made to identify new land for transfer to the TBVC governments.
3.2.3.2 Land currently in possession of the South African Development Trust should remain in the hands of the Trust until its dissolution, whereafter it will be transferred to the SA Government (successor in title.)
3.2.3.3 The moratorium should apply to all land in the Schedule to the Borders of Particular States Extention Act 2 of 1980 which has not yet been excised from South Africa.
3.2.3.4 This moratorium will apply to all TBVC States.
Reservation
Bophuthatswana indicates that such a moratorium could be perceived as a negative implication to be considered carefully.
Ciskei states that the moratorium should not apply to the transfer of land to individual communities who have not as yet received the land promised.
The meeting also notes the concern of the SA Government and the National Party about certain legal and contractual obligations which have to be fulfilled as well as land purchased from individual South African citizens which has not yet been transferred.
3.2.4 Disposal/Transfer of Assets and Liabilities
The parties share a common view that the assets and liabilities of these states should be transferred to the new government on reincorporation.
3.2.5 Optimal Use of "Existing Infrastructure
Working Group 4 reached agreement that due care should be taken in ensuring that existing structures are optimally used during transition and after reincorporation. :.
3.2.5.1 It is recommended that all structures and functional operations such as education, health, unemployment insurance etc. should continue functioning during transition, until they are replaced by rationalized structures and operations.
3-2.5.2 Existing financial arrangements and transfers should continue uninterrupted until they are replaced by new arrangements.
3.2.6 Review of Development Project Priorities
On reincorporation, prioritisation of development projects should form part of the national/regional prioritisation programme. The Development Bank of Southern Africa which has been closely linked with the development projects in these states could provide a useful service in this regard.
3.2.7 Good Administration during Transition
Efficient and accountable administration should be maintained during transition. The current administration should remain in place until orderly rationalisation takes place as a result of absorption into a non-racial national/regional service. The Subgroup proposes that:
3.2.7.1 Administration be reorganised around existing structures.
3.2.7.2 On reincorporation. personnel from the TBVC states should be absorbed into the national\regional structure.
3.2.7.3 The TBVC Administration should operate under the supervision of the Interim Government during transition.
Reservation
Bophuthatswana reiterates that this is only applicable once a decision in favour of reincorporation is taken.
3.2.7.4 Certain basic services will have to continue uninterrupted during transition. These are:
3.2.7.4.1 The administration of justice
3.2.7.4.2 Civil service
3.2.7.4.3 Parastatals
3.2.7.4.4 Security and other public services.
3.2.8 Future of the Civil Service
Civil servants should retain their existing salaries, benefits, conditions of service, etc! Any adjustment in the conditions of service should be occasioned by a process of rationalisation as a result of absorption into a non-racial national/regional service. It is recommended that:
3.2.8.1 There should be no retrenchment of workers in these administrations as a result of reincorporation prior to an extensive rationalisation programme in the new South African civil service.
3.2.9 Servicing and Repayment of TBVC Debts
The servicing and repayment of TBVC debts should be the responsibility of the new national/regional government as soon as the states have been reincorporated. The working group notes that a new government will have to consider how to deal with debt irregularities, if any.
3.2.10 Proposed Appointment of Committees
Working group 4 is unanimous that two committees be appointed to conduct investigations and to undertake consultation with concerned panics into various aspects as will be indicated in each case.
3.2.10.1 Composition pf Committees
Each committee should be a nine-member multi-party committee consisting of:
3.2.10.1.1 five representatives, one from each of the SATBVC administrations.
3.2.10.1.2 four representatives nominated by the remaining panics at Codesa.
3.2.10.2 Terms of Reference of the Committees
A committee on the retention of business confidence and use of existing infrastructure will be tasked to investigate and make recommendations to the relevant panics on the following:
3.2.10.2.1 Harmonisation of tax regime.
3.2.10.2.2 Harmonisation of labour legislation.
3.2.10.2.3 Possibility of granting temporary exemptions from tax.
3.2.10.2.4 Introduction of export and other investment incentives.
3.2.10.2.5 Protection of existing tax concessions for a reasonable period.
3.2.10.2.6 Consideration of retention of Schedule 3 concessions under the Regional Industrial Development Programme.
3.2.10.2.7 Protection of existing investments.
3.2.10.2.8 Investigation of the causes and effects of mass action on business confidence.
Reservation
The ANC expressed its concern that (his should not prejudice its right to undertake mass action in general.
3.2.10.2.9 Whether the process of harmonisation should be implemented incrementally.
3.2.10.2.10 Whether,, where prejudices arise, exemptions should be granted for a definite period
3.2.10.2.11 Whether the granting of exemptions should be fairly automatic up to a certain date.
3.2.10.2.12 A close study of the taxation system to be undertaken.
3.2.10.2.13 The whole question of optimal use of existing infrastructure during transition and after reincorporation.
3.2.10.2.14 Any other matters relevant to the above issues.
3.2.10.3 A committee to look into the question of good administration during transition and the future of the civil service with particular regard to the following:
3.2.10.3.1 Reorganisation of administration around the existing structures.
3.2.10.3.2 The subsequent absorption of the TBVC personnel on reincorporation.
3.2.10.3.3 The following questions in regard to the civil service, security service, parastauls etc.
- uniformity of salaries and conditions of service.
- security and transferability of pension benefits.
- assimilation and training of skilled, staff.
- appointment on merit i.e. qualifications, experience and ability irrespective of race, colour, creed or sex.
- strict adherence to the IMF norm that the total civil service remuneration should not exceed 30% of the national/regional income.
- rationalisation of excessive bureaucracy on a humane basis.
3.2.10.3.4 An extensive rationalisation programme of the public services involving the SATBVC states.
3.2.10.3.5 The appointment of a non-partisan body to implement the process of rationalisation.
3.2.10.3.6 Any other matters relevant to the above issues.
3.2.11 Practical Implications
The following will be the practical implications of reincorporation:
3.2.11.1 The reincorporated state will again fall under the geographic jurisdiction of the RSA.
3.2.11.2 That state's people will be South African citizens.
3.2.11.3 That state will become subject to the authority of the government of South Africa under the new constitution, interim or final.
3.2.11.4 The reincorporation process will have to be formally legislated through the relevant legislative bodies.
3.2.11.5 The 'international* boundaries between that state and the RSA will fall away.
3.2.11.6 The need for diplomatic ties between the RSA and those states will fall away.
3.2.11.7 If all four TBVC states are reincorporated. South Africa would once more be undivided, thus achieving one of the main objectives of the Declaration of Intent signed by the panics to Codesa.
3.2.11.8 It is as well to mention that if any TBVC state were to decide not to be reincorporated. it would have to seriously consider the effects that decision would have on that state.
Reservation
The Bophuthatswana Government reconfirmed its position that, in the event of non-reincorporation, all existing bilateral agreements should continue to be in operation.
3.3 Consensus was also reached on mechanisms of addressing the political, legal and constitutional implications of reincorporation. It was agreed to establish a technical committee. This committee should consult the Gender Advisory Committee. It should investigate within the context of the terms of reference of sub group 4 of working group 4 the following:
3.3.1 the relationship between South Africa and the TBVC states during the transitional phase;
3.3.2 consider legislation that would be required to effect reincorporation;
3.3.3 consider legislation and\or measures that would level the political plavinz field;
3.3.4 harmonisation of legislation.
Points not yet covered by working group 4 from the terms of reference
Mechanisms of dealing with some of the aspects of the terms of refemece not yet covered by working group 4 are suggested in paragraphs 3.3 above.
4.1 strategies, to'keep the people of the TBVC states fully informed, especially to avoid unfortunate misunderstandings;
4.2 the time frames for such a re-incorporation and related processes;
4.3 the exact form of authority in the TBVC territiories;
4.4 harmonisation of legislation and taxation;
4.5 orderly termination of bilateral and multilateral agreements and treaties;
4.6 ensuring public accountability of actions taken for the purposes of re-incorporation;
4.7 the identification of specific constitutional, legal and political measure and steps which will have to be taken to effect re-incorporation.