Chair, the DA cannot support this Budget Vote as we believe it's hopelessly underfunded for the enormous task of providing a special focus on the needs of vulnerable groups such as women, children and persons with disabilities.
In creating this Ministry, the size of the government has been increased but it is not increasing the level of service to those who most desperately needs it. The programmes for the vulnerable groups have been allocated a mere R7,1 million respectively, which constitutes 0,01% of the country's Budget. Persons with disabilities continue to be marginalised and reduced to the level of second-class citizens.
Our Constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities for all people including those living with disabilities. To level the playing field special attention and funding are needed. The funds allocated to creating a new Ministry with all the trappings, could be allocated more successfully to the Department of Social Development, which actually provides the dedicated services needed. There is no need for duplication; expenditure needs to be efficient, effective and focused.
The creation of this Ministry was meant to signal a decisive change in the status of these vulnerable groups, but I fear it was simply a matter of expediency and window-dressing.
I call upon government for a change of heart. You need to put your money where your mouth is. The DA objects to this Budget Vote.