Listening is the skill, hon Watson. In line with the provisions of the Constitution, the PFMA and the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, the Cabinet members have tabled their strategic plans for thorough scrutiny by various committees of Parliament. Such a process culminated in debates in the House, thus affording us another opportunity to enrich and contribute to forward planning by the departments.
We are satisfied that such processes were inclusive of all parties represented in Parliament - including the DA and ID. Their objection to the entire Bill should not be taken as it seems, but be seen as a mere public relations exercise by people who find it difficult to be led, to fool the people into thinking that the ANC government and its parliamentarians are failing. Various committees have, during the debates, demonstrated that they indeed take their oversight role seriously and would continue to hold the executive accountable, despite coming from the same party.
It is, therefore, my pleasure to report that after careful consideration of and engagement with the National Treasury on the Appropriation Bill, the committee has mandated me to table the Bill before this House for adoption without any proposed amendments.
It is further encouraging that departments, save for a few, have complied with the President's call for Ministers to reflect on their strategic plans and their contribution to job creation. We call on those who have failed to do so to follow suit. We are satisfied that in spite of the limited resourses that we have, the government priorities will make a dent in our needs and will ultimately overcome the current challenges we are facing.
In conclusion, hon Chairperson, I call on all our opposition parties to join hands with us in the war against wasteful expenditure, and unauthorised and fruitless expenditure, as well as the general tendency of departments and provinces to underspend, as this creates the breeding ground for corruption, our number one enemy.
Let us shun mediocrity and excel in what we are called to do: to serve and free our people from the chains of poverty, inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment. To achieve this, we need one another. We need to share our thoughts on how ours can be transformed into a better society. We should appreciate each other's roles and responsibility and respect the wishes of those who elected each one of us.
Hon Chairperson, on that note, I table the Bill for adoption. I thank you. [Applause.]