National Treasury Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR)

Meeting report

National Treasury Budgetary Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR)
The Chairperson took the Committee through the observations and recommendations section of the draft Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR) and asked for inputs from Members.

Mr A Lees (DA) proposed the inclusion of an additional recommendation speaking to the South African Revenue Service (SARS). He suggested that a paragraph be added to the effect that the Minister should urgently address the matter of the dismissal of SARS Commissioner with the President, given the recommendation by the Nugent Commission.

Ms T Tobias (ANC) felt the recommendation as suggested by Mr Lees would not be in line with the relevant statutory provisions as the President is not required to consult Parliament before appointing the SARS Commissioner. Appointment of a SARS Commissioner was not the same as the appointment of a board of a public entity.

The Chairperson said the Committee has the right to ask the President to consider the aforesaid proposal, but it might be impolitic for the Committee to make recommendations before the Nugent Commission completes its work.

Mr N Nhleko (ANC) believed the best route for the Committee to take could be to wait for the final report from the Nugent Commission before making any determinations. He was sceptical about making pronouncements on the basis of preliminary reports. It would be inappropriate for the Committee to make pronouncements as if it was the Nugent Commission itself. The Committee would rather make a call that the attendant processes be expedited.

Mr Lees noted Members’ concerns but pointed out that the situation at SARS was urgent. His party’s interpretation was that the situation at SARS should not wait for the Commission to conclude its work before it is addressed.

The Chairperson agreed and added it would be inappropriate at this stage to comment on an interim report. This might impair the credibility of the Committee. The Commission should rather wait for the Commission to complete its inquiry. Mr Lees’ input could be included in the Committee’s fiscal framework report. Members would have to agree to disagree. He noted typological issues which should addressed before the report is finalised.

The Committee agreed that Mr Lees’ proposal not be included in the report.

The Chairperson put the report up for adoption with amendments.

Mr Nhleko moved and Ms P Nkonyeni (ANC) seconded. 

The BRR Report was adopted and the meeting was adjourned.