The DA objects to Vote No 27. The portfolio committee report tabled in this House did not reflect that we had reserved our position. We won't approve this budget because this department has, since 1994, failed to deliver a robust, ubiquitous and affordable communications ecosystem on which to build a dynamic economy for growth, and an accessible platform for government service delivery.

Kenya is fast becoming Africa's magnet for major information technology, IT, corporations to launch their expansions into Africa, bringing with them economic growth, new jobs and innovations to uplift impoverished communities.

South Africa's former IT leadership in Africa is there for the taking. Last year the Minister slammed the door on a deal between Telkom and global communications leader, Korea Telecom, KT, Corporation. Now Telkom is battling to stay afloat and KT Corporation has moved its 4G expertise to Rwanda.

In South Africa we delayed digital television migration, spectrum allocation and major policy initiatives until those in power decide to which cronies the spoils must accrue. The department fails to spend its allocated funds and fails to oversee that its entities efficiently spend their millions. There is no point in approving R2 billion to a department that is too flat-footed to spend it appropriately in order to invigorate the nation. [Applause.]