Chair, comrades and hon members, in your state of the nation address, Mr President, the APC identified with a wide range of critical issues contained in the MTSF for 2009 to 2014, whose accomplishment we believe would give material meaning to the freedom we have. But as we pass this budget, the key issue is implementation - ensuring that the executive delivers on these commitments. The main challenge in government has been co- ordination, planning, monitoring - both politically and administratively - as well as capacity.
Yes, Mr President, we can have all the right things we want to do. But if the machinery of government is not fixed, all will come to naught. Let probity, efficiency and economy be the operational norm at all levels, buttressed by an exhortation to fight waste and embezzlement in government. Let's teach, promote and practise revolutionary morality in the service of our people.
The APC is concerned about the effective use of consultants in government. Trends show a worrying increase in this practice on a year-to-year basis. It was over two billion from 2006 to 2007 and over four billion from 2007 to 2008. Despite the passing of legislation to avoid conflict of interest, the APC notes with concern the fact that there is no 100% compliance from senior management on such declarations, and this has led to the disturbing performance audit report by the Auditor-General of entities that are connected with government employees and doing business with government departments.
The APC is concerned that this report should not only be acted upon by Scopa, but that the Presidency should have an active public interest in it and act on it.
The APC believes that the trajectory that government has set for itself while it requires the co-ordinated effort of all departments demands that the Department of Higher Education and Training should be centrally positioned. The reality and the experience of other developmental states require that there should be a sufficient pool of skills to drive it.
Currently we have a serious skills deficit. If this is not addressed, the developmental state will remain a slogan. This should speak to the need for a fundamental review of the structure, direction and access to higher education, as well as the working of the Setas. The Setas need a serious review. Generally, they have not had the kind of impact that was expected of them.
Lastly, whilst all the wrong people are making noises about the Islamic Republic of Iran, there is a conspiracy of silence on the worsening plight of the Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and especially East Jerusalem.
The APC applauds the position of Russia as stipulated by President Medvedev in Cairo, Egypt, yesterday on the Palestinian question. It was in sharp contrast to President Barack Obama's wishy-washy statement a few weeks ago, also in Cairo. When the people are bombarded, besieged, humiliated, starved, their property seized and destroyed and members of Parliament and Cabinet Ministers detained for years without a charge, the question arises: Where are the so-called defenders of human and people's rights? Where is the International Criminal Court? [Interjections.] [Time expired.] [Applause.]