Deputy Speaker, the National Development Plan clearly stipulates that the developmental state builds the capacity of people to improve their own lives whilst intervening to protect the rights of the most vulnerable citizens. This is a core role and responsibility of this department. Unfortunately, the department has failed in developing smart objectives linked to detailed targets and indicators. The department lacks the highest calibre of leadership, vision and commitment and therefore is underperforming. Salaries exceed prescribed notches, and high performance bonuses are awarded, resulting in financial implications.
A chunk of 61% of the 2012-13 budget is again awarded to Programme 1, which is administration, while Programmes 2, 3 and 4, which drive the core function of the department, are significantly understaffed to effectively undertake advocacy initiatives, institutional support, capacity-building, and monitoring and evaluation on a national scale. Skewed spending priorities are still the order of the day. Line departments, which are needed to enhance strategic planning functions of the department, are not kept accountable on implementation, as very little monitoring and evaluation occurs. The Minister has failed to provide any credible reason for why her department should not be scrapped.
The DA cannot support the Budget Vote and calls for the scrapping of this department which has, after all, become a job-creation institution with very little support to vulnerable groups. I thank you.