Hon Chair, let me state at the start that we recognise that there have been significant changes and advances in this department over the years. There remain, however, many serious concerns about the manner in which this department is managed. Of great concern is the fact that the department has not been able to achieve even half of its outcomes or targets it has set for itself.
The second serious concern is the high level of irregular expenditure and poor management of finances. This has resulted in yet another qualified audit outcome. The propensity of corruption in the department remains a massive problem and unless the department moves towards complete digitisation, this problem will remain.
Finally, although the immigration services section has been the worst performing section of the department, a further reduction in budgetary allocation is only going to worsen the situation. Although we are hopeful that Minister Gigaba is committed to turning the situation around, the DA, regrettably, cannot support this budget. I thank you. [Applause.]