Hon Chairperson, firstly, let me state that as the committee we are satisfied with the performance of the department. Having said that, though, there are a few areas of concern we would like to highlight. Firstly, on the issue of leadership, the committee notes with concern that there is a lack of monitoring and controls to ensure that contractual requirements are adhered to.
Secondly, the committee notes the existing concerns about the nature, extent and frequency of management's assessments of controls in place relating to the Expanded Public Works Programme to prevent and detect fraudulent activities.
Thirdly, the committee notes and is in support of the forensic investigations initiated by the accounting officer. Fourthly, the committee is of the view that the budget of the Department of Tourism should be increased: one, because it has been made autonomous; two, the industry is performing well and in so doing has attracted people even from countries like China and India, and from Africa. These are new markets and, as a result, there is a need to promote tourism in more areas than before.
There is also the fact that in the state of the nation address the President said that one of the major job drivers should be tourism. The other area will be the use of graded establishments by government departments. Some government departments are not using graded establishments, and we are concerned about this because this does not assist in reinforcing the use of graded establishments.
There should be an improvement in the area of intergovernmental relations. Also, the maintenance and development of public tourist attractions should be prioritised particularly those that are managed at local and district levels. It seems that we do not provide funds for the maintenance of these attractions.
There are other areas, but owing to limited time let me mention just two of them. We are concerned about the lack of transformation in the industry, but, having said that, there are objective conditions that prevent progress in this area. We would prefer to see a situation in which there is a medium- to long-term programme to address this. The committee supports the budget and is in support of the BRR performance.
There was no debate.
Chair, I move:
That the Report of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism with all its comments from the chair be adopted.
Motion agreed to.
Report accordingly adopted.