Hon Deputy Speaker, the Department of Basic Education briefed the portfolio committee on its performance against the planned targets of the predetermined objectives in the annual performance plan as well as on its expenditure for the 2018-19 financial year.
The department achieved 85% of its targets, while 13% of its targets were partially achieved, with only 2% not
achieved. This achievement was on an improvement from the 73% of targets achieved in the 2017-18 financial year.
Furthermore, the department spent 98,8% of its budget, however with qualification. The department presented evidence to us on what they are going to do to address the five areas of qualification.
We further requested the department to report quarterly on progress being made in this regard. The department shared with us challenges around the building of schools through Asidi. Twelve schools were recorded as completed in 2017-18, with many more waiting for certificate of completion.
Contractors in the Eastern Cape Province are faced with a myriad of challenges, including cash flow and even liquidation. Hence, they were unable to complete the targets on time. Some schools could not be completed due to unreliable water and electricity supply in areas where they are located.
Other projects sites were stalled by concerned groups of contractors demanding that they be awarded some of these projects. The department is addressing these challenges and we hope for improved delivery of quality schools.
The overreliance of the department on implementing agents is also a problem and this must be attended to, as a matter of urgency.
Let us also take this opportunity to comment on the matter that is on the public discord. The ANC supports this budget report. [Time expired.]
Declarations of vote made on behalf of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Freedom Front Plus, African Christian Democratic Party, African Transformation Movement, African Independent Congress and African National Congress.
Division demanded. The House divided.