Madam Chairperson, the Minister, we saw the showdown between the former Minister regarding the S A Social Security Agency, Sassa and Cash Paymaster Services, CPS. We feel that the essence and the sense of moral responsibility have been lost regarding this department. This department must realise the benefit and need to invest adequate funds on the infrastructure that are of benefit to Sassa offices and beneficiaries. Some Sassa offices are
in desperate need of basic provisions for the beneficiary's experience such as chairs, clean and safe toilets and fresh running water amongst others. Moreover, money well spent may assist the Sassa to increase the population of offices and develop systems that will reduce the Sassa queues. The IFP believes that more must be done with Sassa beneficiaries in order to capacitate them so that one day they may be owners of their own businesses and land and be able to sustain themselves. In order to achieve this, Sassa beneficiaries should be directly linked to skills development programs through mobile and satellite classrooms located outside of Sassa offices or held after hours at local schools. The Sassa grant should be seen and used as a tool for a means to an end. We need to accept the reality of our situation that because of our historical factors we have an unacceptably high number of people who simply cannot survive without some degree of state support. This is a structural rather than an individual problem. This budget must, therefore, be supported.
IsiZulu:
Umlando, Ngqonqoshe, Sihlalo, wendlu emnyama usikhomba ukuthi kunabanye bethu ababe yizishozi zomlando. Lesi simo saze sabenza ukuthi lesi sibonelelo kube ukuphela kwethemba abanalo lokuxosha ikati eziko.
English:
There is also a reality that our economy increasingly is unable to afford the levels of welfare provisions necessary. We as a country need to be serious about the programmes that pull people out of poverty. This department should demand a co-ordinating role to ensure that the work of other departments does focus on this as one of the priorities. As the IFP, we support the budget. [Applause.]