Please take note of the time, Chair. For the 2010-11 financial year, the department outlined 14 priorities, inter alia, the transformation of Armscor and Denel. But surprisingly, whilst the President talks about job creation, it is alleged that the Minister is holding back the R12 billion Hoefyster programme intended to sustain current jobs and jump-start further job creation at Denel Manufacturing.
The 2010-2011 budget represents a significant minus 10,11% decrease in allocation in real terms. While the international norm is 2% of GDP, a decreasing defence budget does not respond to the overall defence mandate, especially in these uncertain times.
Cope recognises the need for war veterans of all relevant organisations to be acknowledged and be given the status and pensions they so deserve. We are, however, worried about the ill-defined verification process to determine eligibility and the number of genuine beneficiaries. For example, in Alice in the Eastern Cape, where I come from, there are many so-called military veterans who have not seen a Makarov pistol, or carried an AK47, for that matter. We, as Cope, will in due course move a motion that a watertight nondivisive verification process be introduced without excluding those who genuinely deserve the benefit.
In conclusion, sound leadership is needed in the department. The Minister herself has been a thorn in the flesh to the parliamentary processes, subjecting the role of Cabinet, the executive and Parliament to her emotional whims. All of the above put together have caused the department and the country delayed delivery and accountability.
As Cope, we support this budget, but we would like to see an increase in Defence of at least 3%, more transparency, accountability, humble yet professional leadership, and absolute assurance of our safety and that of the country. My mom knows who I am. I thank you, Chair.