Hon Deputy Speaker, hon members of the House, let me start by saying that the NFP supports the Appropriation Bill. [Applause.] The NFP supports the Budget. However, we would like to raise a concern about the monitoring mechanisms in place and their effectiveness to ensure value for money.
The NFP wants to express its concern about the high government debt of approximately R2 trillion and especially the cost of servicing such debt, which is equivalent to about R142 million per annum. However, the NFP acknowledges that most borrowings are for the purposes of capital expenditure.
In order to take South Africa forward, South Africa needs to borrow in order to provide the infrastructure required throughout the length and breadth of this country. It is the view of the NFP that borrowing for the purposes of infrastructure is acceptable in any part of the world.
The approval of the Appropriation Bill will ensure that the strategic plan will be achieved, and achieved timeously. Whilst all leaders need to unite and ensure that projects that are part of the strategic plan are implemented, it is the responsibility of all members in different portfolio committees to ensure, from time to time, that these processes and projects are being undertaken to prevent underspending. I want to urge that this is the responsibility of every leader of every party in this House.
The different entities have been interrogated, the reports were filed and the NFP is satisfied with the reports that were given to us - one of which was that they would ensure that all service providers, after submission of their claims, will be paid within 30 days to ensure the sustainability of small businesses. Let me finally say that the NFP supports this Bill. Thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]