Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report (BRRR): Public Works and Infrastructure

Meeting report

Opening remarks

The Chairperson officially opened the meeting, explaining that the purpose of the meeting was to consider the Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report (BRRR) for the Public Works and Infrastructure portfolio.

The Chairperson noted that October was O.R. Tambo month – a month dedicated to commemorating Mr Tambo’s heroism in the fight against the apartheid government. It was the duty of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), along with the whole of government and opposing parties, to realise Mr Tambo’s vision.

Apologies noted were from the Ministry, and Ms A Siwisa (EFF) had asked to depart early from the meeting due to travel commitments.

The Chairperson provided Mr Shuaib Denyssen, Committee Content Advisor, an opportunity to present the BRRR.

Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure for the Financial Year 2022/23

Mr Denyssen stated that World Food Day had been celebrated on 17 October 2023, which was a painful reminder of the dire situation Africa’s food security was in. There was a prediction of tremendous food insecurity in the coming years.

The Portfolio Committee had met from the 10th to 12th October 2023 to observe the DPWI, and its entities’ performance, and the purpose of this meeting was to adopt the report given from these meetings.

The Committee was taken through the detailed report, which can be read here https://pmg.org.za/tabled-committee-report/5500/  

The Chairperson thanked Mr Denyssen for the presentation and allowed for deliberations from the committee members.

Discussion

Mr I Seitlholo (DA) said the current state of the Department and Property Management Trading Entity (PMTE) was a true reflection of the overwhelming challenges that had been highlighted by the Auditor-General and the Committee in this report.

Mr Seitlholo touched on the issue of unfilled vacancies, stating that even in the 7th Parliament, this issue should still be tabled as a priority, and should be reflected even considering service delivery by the Department and its entities.

He further spoke about the illegal occupation of state-owned buildings and asked that the issue be included in audits and recommendations on solving it be followed. Audits were encouraged to highlight just how big of an issue this was to prepare the oncoming 7th Parliament. Overall, Mr Seitlholo was happy with the report.

Ms S Van Schalkwyk (ANC) stated that the report addressed all the concerns of the Committee adequately, and thus moved for the adoption of the report.

Ms L Mjobo (ANC) expressed satisfaction with the report, especially with the recommendations, and seconded Ms Van Schalkwyk’s move to adopt the report.

The Chairperson agreed with Committee Members and expressed satisfaction with the report too.

The report was duly adopted.

Committee Minutes

Minutes from 10 October 2023, 11 October 2023 and 12 October 2023 were considered and adopted.

The Chairperson thanked Committee Members and adjourned the meeting.