Deputy Speaker, the ANC support this Budget Review and Recommendations Report. Its recommendations affirm the significant progress made by the Ministry and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy during the year 2018/19 to address some of the long outstanding policy matters such as the integrated resource plan. The Integrated Resource Plan, IRP, will go a long way towards creating certainty in the energy sector for both investors and consumers.
One of the most revolutionary achievements of the ANC government since 1994, is the electrification of the overwhelming majority of households in South Africa, which is a programme housed in the department. The programme has restored dignity to the majority of black South Africans who were deprived of energy by apartheid. As we look towards the future, the decisions on the most appropriate energy mix for South Africa will become a matter for political contestation. The ANC will ensure that the department has the capacity to lead the country
on this matter. Most importantly, government must ensure that the masses of our people have access to energy at a cost that supports inclusive economic growth and development.
However, the ANC is concerned that the department has received a qualified audit opinion in two consecutive years. We are also concerned about the failure by some entities to submit annual reports and lack of consequence management on matters of misconduct. The portfolio committee however, will monitor that these matters are addressed as we have agreed unanimously in our portfolio committee that we will support this Budget Review Recommendation Report. I thank you.
Question put.
Motion agreed to (Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters, Freedom Front Plus and African Christian Democratic Party dissenting).
Report accordingly adopted.