House Chair, one of the main aims of the department is to deliver broadband connectivity to provide secure and affordable access for all citizens to education, health and other government services, and to ensure that this in itself stimulate economic development.
So in this regard, cyber security remains a challenge. The ACDP appreciate the operations of the cyber security hub and the virtue cyber security hub that are falling under this department. Cyber security breaches pose a significant threat to South Africans. We will urge the department to take more steps to protect cyber security.
We also regret the resignation of Mr Andrew Barnes, former Chief Operating Officer of the Post office; he cited differences in relation to the location of the proposed Post Bank as the reason for his resignation. That wasn't amicable separation. It's regrettable that highly experienced chief operation officers are leaving state-owned companies. This include, SAA Mr Vuyani Jarana. It's clear that political meddling in these state-owned companies continues with chief operating officers unable to do what is required to turn around these SOEs. That hasn't been said.
The Post Office must be commended, however, for taking over the social grant payments during the current financial year. This follows the SA Social Security Agency, Sassa, de barco and the taking over of almost
R7,7 million grantees. This is to be commended, not withstanding the fact that there are only two members of the board that remain on the SA Post Office.
To conclude, the report sets are deep concerns relating to many entities reporting to the Minister. Once the two departments are merged, oversight will be even more difficult but more necessary. There will be additional work and the committee needs to ensure that its recommendations as set out in this report are complied with, and maybe necessary to set up subcommittees dealing with Telecommunications and Communications to ensure that this oversight function is properly done in terms of the Constitution. I thank you.
The department in consultation with State Information Technology Agency, Sita, facilitated the implementation of National e- Government Strategy and Roadmap. The National e-Services Portal was developed, e- service from selected government departments were uploaded on the National e-Services Portal, which is live and interactive. However, hon Chairperson, Sita has been placed under fire this past week due to constant down
time. This very House complain about how it is negatively affecting various departments.
The NFP commends the department for achieving 92% of their plan targets as outlined in its 2018-19 Annual Performance Plan.
A budget spending at 99% of its total budget allocation, the NFP notes that underspending is due to post that are not filled. The NFP also notes that SA Post Office expenditure exited the budget by R600 million mainly on car cost and security cost for the Sassa project. The department must re- evaluate its planning strategy to avoid this in the next financial term. The NFP comments Sentec for reliable network availability by exceeding its target. Sentec has ensured has ensured employ development by exceeding training interventions target of 85% training interventions by implementing 163% after training plan.
Sentec has also exceeded 6,5% of the actual net profit after tax, spend target on supplier enterprise and socioeconomic development by spending 11,4% as a strategy
to contribute to socioeconomic transformation and black economic empowerment. This is indeed a commendable job.
However, we are agreeing with the recommendations listed in the report that the department and its entities must develop an effective system for improving financial capacity compliance with legislation performance reporting. The NFP supports the BRRR report tabled here today.
Chairperson, the month of November 2019 has been remarkable for raising the national pride and unity in South Africa. The Rugby World Cup victory by our team led by Captain Siya Kolisi and the colourful merges we have seen beamed through various digital platforms during Springbok tour have inspired young and old. Thanks to the intervention by the Department of Communications. The poor urban and rural masses have been included in these activities through the platforms of the SABC.
One of the threats of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is the possibility of the emergence of a digital apartheid where some will be connected and others left out. For
this reason, the ANC is resolute that government and the public sector must ensure the access of fibber networks, which are the most critical components of Telecommunications. Infrastructure supports the agenda of socioeconomic transformation. The movement of funds within the vote must enhance the objectives of inclusive economic growth manage by clean and accountable government structures.
In order to achieve the objectives of the ANC, the department and its entities must resolve the matters of the irregular expenditure by investigating the reported cases and taking the necessary disciplinary steps against implicated officials.
We are encourage by the work done to revitalise and reposition the SA Post office and other entities and also, we can understand to say the Auditor- General as it has given the whole report as it is, we need to follow all the details that the Auditor-General has represented. The ANC supports the BRRR budget. Thank you. [Applause.]
Motion agreed to (Economic Freedom Fighters dissenting).
Report accordingly adopted.