Chairperson, I realise that my two minutes are gone. [Interjections.] So, assist me. Through our 2030 NDP vision, we are on track towards reducing inequality, unemployment and poverty in South Africa. Among others, through the Integrated Growth and Development Plan, we shall grow the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors of our economy, whilst transforming these to benefit our people by 2030.
In the context of the department's Budget Vote and plan that we are deliberating, the question will be whether our people are food secure, whether we are winning the war against deforestation, but also whether our people in many coastal areas also enjoy the benefits of living along our coastlines.
It is also about whether the policies and laws we have enacted are sufficient to effect the necessary transformative agenda that we are committed to. It's about whether the resources we have been allocated and spent over the past l9 years are indeed value for money, to bring about a better life for our people.
The department has again received an unqualified audit report, which in essence is a reflection of the sound political and administrative leadership prevalent in the institution and the entities under its guidance. It is also a reflection of the fact that the resources allocated were used for their intended purpose. We can therefore confidently state that, yes, there is value for the money allocated.
Accordingly, we welcome the budget allocation of R6 l78 billion, and we know, as usual, that the department will be able to account for each and every cent it received. We also note that nearly 60% of the budget is transferred to the provinces, hence, proper collaboration between the two spheres of government within the framework of our intergovernmental relations is important.
I can safely say now, as the committee, we have resolved to collaborate with the National Council of Provinces in this regard.
As reported in the past financial year, we commend the department for the 99% of its budget that was spent, but the 5l% achievement of its target must not be repeated. It is unacceptable!
Support to small-scale farmers, fishers and foresters has to be measured from now on going forward, because we believe that if you cannot measure, you cannot manage. It cannot be that, in terms of the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme, Casp, conditional grants keep on increasing, without any results to show for such support.
Provinces, working with the department, must account for the support on investments towards our small-scale fishers, farmers and foresters.
Towards the end of last year the agricultural sector experienced a major upheaval, which, if not attended to, could have brought the sector to its knees. We wish to thank the leadership of our government, in particular the Minister, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, for having played a major role in bringing stability and facilitating bringing affected parties to the negotiating table. [Interjections.] [Applause.]
Let me hasten to state that if the private sector heeded the call for intervention in improving the conditions of farmworkers, after the Human Rights Watch report and the outcome of the 2010 Farm Worker's Summit on Vulnerable Workers, the unfortunate and regrettable actions at De Doorns would not have happened.
We are, however, inspired by the ongoing dialogue, as led by His Excellency, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.