Chairperson, first of all I want to say that I'm not a member of this committee, but it seems to be such an interesting one that I may reconsider the committees that I serve on! [Laughter.]
Our Rev Zondi serves on this committee, but he cannot be here today, and he has asked me to say a few words on his behalf.
Firstly, he asked me to congratulate the new Minister on his appointment to this portfolio - and the Deputy Minister. He didn't refer to the Deputy Minister - I'm adding that! [Laughter.] I congratulate the new Minister on the great progress he has made thus far in correcting the situation in this previously poorly led department.
The Minister has led from the front and should be commended for his decisive leadership and making many key decisions. Rev Zondi says, "Cometh the hour, cometh the man." That's you. You are that man - it is certainly true in this instance.
I also want to refer to the input of the chairperson of the portfolio committee, Mr Kholwane. I thought you made very interesting proposals and I'm sure the committee will take these further. You appear to be well in the saddle of this committee, and I wish you well. [Applause.]
However, there are many challenges that still lie ahead. I would like to outline some key areas that the IFP would like to see addressed by the department.
Internally the department is still plagued by problems in its management structures dealing with strategic alignment, human resources, financial management and institutional review.
Irregular appointment of staff without the required competencies is another. The Minister should therefore take stock of the staff complement of his department. People who are found in positions where they are not suitably qualified or incompetent to occupy them should be removed and replaced by better incumbents. The principle of good corporate governance must be strictly adhered to.
We are mindful of the fact that the present Minister inherited a work in progress aimed at turning around the SA Broadcasting Corporation, SABC. While we are satisfied that good progress has been made in improving the situation in the SABC, we are at the same time under no false illusions that the problems which beset the SABC will soon be over - on the contrary.
The other entities which fall under the broad oversight of the Portfolio Committee on Communications, such as Sentech, the Media Development and Diversity Agency, and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, also have their own internal challenges which need to be attended to.
For example, Sentech was, for the best part of the year under review, beset by its own financial management problems. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, Icasa, is another entity of critical importance which still has internal challenges which impede its smooth functioning. The Media Development and Diversity Agency, MDDA, is an entity whose importance, in our view, is being greatly undermined. This is largely reflected in its small budgetary allocation, which is not consistent with the huge mandate that it has to execute.
In conclusion, I would like to commend the officials of the department, the new Minister, the new director-general and all of the entities which fall under the wing of the Department of Communications for the good work they have done under difficult and challenging conditions. We wish them every success for the new year. The IFP supports the Budget Vote.
Finally, Chairperson, I want to say that if an overseas trip is going to be undertaken by this department, it should be remembered that I made the good speech, not Rev Zondi, and I must go! [Laughter.] [Applause.]