Chair, the speed with which this Appropriations Bill is being processed through the two Houses of Parliament does little justice to the people of South Africa.
The attitude of many in the NA seem to be that this appropriation is the legacy of the Fifth Parliament and we need to process it to get it out of the way, and then get on with building the next budget to ensure that the Sixth Parliament can shape matters going forward.
What travesty? And this at the time when the economy is under severe threat, revenue is falling and yet we are seeing growing pressures on expenditure from a nation increasing the dependence on government support and government-led growth.
But the sad truth is that any money available needs to first be used to fill the gaping holes that have been left by state capture and years of bad policy decisions.
Hon Mahlangu earlier, quite correctly, pointed out that, yes, this is an election year and the timing of the elections was partly to
blame for the rush job that we've done. But, in the committee it was also agreed that the ANC's internal power plays caused a delay in the starting of the work of Parliament, putting this process under strain like never before.
Chair, we should be debating this Bill, not merely making declarations. We are not here to rubber stamp the work of the NA. Part of our job is to make sure that they have done their part correctly.
The reason given for not holding a debate today is the absence of the Minister and Deputy Minister from the country. They did not prioritise this House's decision on this Bill.
We are prevented from doing our work by the disdain shown by the executive for this House. Never again.
I have the word of the Appropriations Committee Chair that we will debate the next Appropriations Bill and I intend to hold her to it.
Deputy Chair, this Bill takes money from services desperately needed by South Africans and gives it to South African National Roads
Agency SOC Ltd, Sanral's etoll project, to Eskom and other failing state- owned enterprises.
The alternatives and the amendments proposed by the DA have been ignored.
This Bill pushes the National Health Insurance, NHI, forward despite the advice that that it is presently unaffordable and with no consideration of the alternatives put forward by the DA.
This Bill takes South Africa backwards.
Chair, public participation is sometimes uncomfortable, but it is necessary. Take the example of the DA's led Midvaal Municipality who have made changes to the annual budget based on inputs received through public participation.
Every year, for the last six years, listen to the people; give them a chance to have their say.
The DA cannot in good conscience support this Bill or this report. Thank you, Chair. [Applause.]
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