Chairperson, Scopa presented the Department of Defence with some vital recommendations in its resolutions, based on the Department of Defence's annual report for the years 2002-03 and 2003-04, which was adopted on 14 September 2005. The Department of Defence subsequently responded on 22 October 2005, informing Scopa of the remedial or corrective measures that the department took or intended to take.
However, when one looks at the Auditor-General's report for the year 2004- 05, the same problems persist. There still exists a lack of appropriate internal control mechanisms. There is nonadherence to proper processes and procedures. There is weakness in the management of inventories, assets, etc. Management policies and procedures are simply not being adhered to.
There appears to be a lack of vision, proper planning and focus on dealing with the root causes of the problems that beset the SANDF.
There is a case of completely misplaced priorities. These are the factors that compromise the combat-readiness of the SANDF and consequently the security of our country, including the waste of hard-earned taxpayers' money. In such circumstances the DA cannot support this Vote, and I hope that the ANC government does not replace the Auditor-General with a loyal songbird. Thank you.