The Committee noted a slight increase in the budget allocation for this programme, that is from R901.9 million in 2011/12 to R934.8 million in 2012/13 (an increase of 3.65 per cent in nominal terms but a 2.13 per cent decline in real terms). The nominal increase was a result of an additional allocation of R400 million to the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) for recruitment of 5 000 young people under this programme. Although 5 000 young people would be recruited each year over the MTEF period, the budget decreased from R400 million in 2012/13 to R250 million in 2013/14. The decline is attributed to a reduction in the budget for goods and services, especially reduced allocation for consultants as a cost cutting measure.