Hon Speaker, indeed, poverty, unemployment and inequality are three major challenges facing the country. In terms of the official count, 6,7 million people are unemployed in South Africa, which is 29% of everybody who could be working. In terms of the expanded definition, more than 10 million people are unemployed, or 38,5% of people who could be working.

The number of people who are employed increased by 21 000 from 16 291 000 in the first quarter of 2019, to 16 339 000 in the second quarter of 2019. Compared to the second quarter of 2018, the number of employed people increased by 25 000. These poverty lines, if accurate, indicate that extreme poverty in South Africa has, over the years, been rising and falling.

In 2006 the percentage of the population living below the food poverty line was 28,4%. In 2009, the number climbed to 33,5% in part perhaps because of the global financial

crisis. By 2011 it had fallen to 21,4%. In 2015 it climbed again to 25,4% or 13,8 million people.

The NFP, unfortunately, notes the Auditor-General's report stating that the department underspent by R196,2 million and failed to take effective steps to prevent wasteful, irregular and fruitless expenditure. The NFP also notes and is encouraged that the UIF has developed a plan to address internal controls and deficiencies and a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the plan in order to combat failure in monitoring, management and financial statements.

The NFP also notes and encourages gender parity in accordance with the department's gender equity plan to combat gender inequality. The NFP supports the BRR Report tabled here today. Thank you.