Chairperson, in response to a question from the ACDP, the Special Investigating Unit estimated that some R30 billion is lost to the state annually through fraud and corruption in state procedures.
Ek wil aansluit by wat mnr Groenewald nou ges het oor ons plig as parlementarirs om verantwoording te doen oor die geld wat bestee word. [I want to follow-up on what Mr Groenewald said with regard to our duty as parliamentarians to account for the money that is spent.]
In this regard, Minister, you said that collusion and corruption are endemic. You have admitted that and, yes, Deputy Minister, it is also in the private sector, and we fully concede that as well. You have also said that a deputy director-general has been dismissed, and a former director- general as well as the head of property management too, so steps are being taken with disciplinary proceedings. However, is it sufficient? I think that is the concern - whether it is sufficient. There is still a long way to go.
We appreciate that the rebuilding of Public Works is a process, but should we have allowed it to reach this stage in the first place? Clearly, we also say that in the private sector there is collusion between the public sector and the private sector. Both need to be investigated. We in the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development have also taken a strong stance and have sought to assist the law enforcement agencies, particularly the Special Investigating Unit. Now, it does not have sufficient capacity. Maybe that is something that government needs to look at, that we, as MPs, have to look at, to strengthen the capacity. Just think if we doubled the capacity of the Special Investigating Unit. They are investigating more than R30 billion. They could recover that amount, and that is something that I have said continuously, and it is something that needs to be done.
The SIU has investigated 40 cases related to the department, of which 13 were finalised and the unit's recommendations implemented. One of those cases was the Braamfontein and Johannesburg leases. Well done, for recovering R1,8 billion! That is significant, and we must not forget that, as well. Again, the question is why we reached that stage in the first place. The SIU, as you pointed out as well, is investigating the Prestige Portfolio. Again, it is commendable that it is being investigated, but why do we have that in the first place, I think, is what Mr Groenewald was trying to say.
As far as the Nkandla issue is concerned, we agree that it is scandalous that such an excessive amount was spent. I think that we are in agreement - the infant task team has already pointed out irregular expenditure, and it is an ongoing investigation - that it is scandalous, and we would trust that once that investigation is completed, those officials, or any consultant or building contractor, whether private or public sector, are held to account and that those funds are recovered. [Interjections.]
Chairperson, as far as the Expanded Public Works Programme is concerned, let us also look at the positive aspects. That is a very positive aspect. Yes, whilst we are on record as saying that the state must create the environment for business to create jobs, here is an example that is being followed internationally. Where we have recession, it is important for the government also to assist. I think that is a very commendable programme. Yes, there might be areas where it hasn't worked properly, but it is helping the poorest of the poor with employment.
Lastly, we from the ACDP would like to thank all you hard-working officials who are working hard to turn around this department; those of you who are not involved in corrupt activities but are good stewards of the state assets. Thank you very much. [Applause.]