Deputy Speaker, the one problem that the DA has with this oversight report is that the most important department of this portfolio did not submit itself to the budget review and recommendations report process, BRRR process. Once again the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Cogta did not submit its annual report in time; it missed the deadlines.
Let's consider what this department is meant to do in terms of the Constitution and our very sophisticated municipal laws. The Department of Co-operative Governance
and Traditional Affairs within this portfolio has to monitor that other spheres of government - provinces and municipalities - fulfil their obligations, deliver services, have financial controls, and implement the rigorous supply chain management laws that are written into the Municipal Financial Management Act. Yet, it does not have its own house in order.
So, no wonder municipalities are falling apart: because the department for provincial government and municipalities is effectively dysfunctional. If we look at what has happened with irregular expenditure, with section 139 interventions that have failed, with municipal funds unlawfully deposited and lost in VBS Mutual Bank and with certain municipal officials not only keeping their jobs but in fact job hopping to avoid disciplinary consequences and being employed in other municipalities, it is clear that this department is in deep trouble and it is no wonder that municipalities do not have an example to look up to.
So, as for the rest of the content of this report, we are satisfied that most of the entities that report to Cogta
have their house in order. However, with the most important department being absent from oversight, we cannot possibly support this report. In fact, Deputy Speaker, we really call on the Minister to please report to the next portfolio committee what she is going to do with this director- general who didn't even attend committee meetings where he was called upon to account for his behaviour. Thank you very much. [Applause.]