Speaker, we, as the ANC, endorse the budget of the department, because the department continues to achieve everything that is set out for it to do. The performance of this department demonstrates the ability to manage the budget effectively.
The department has received unqualified audits over a period of time, and they have expanded their budget within National Treasury norms. The programmes that this budget will support are aligned with the National Programme of Action. Supporting this budget will ensure that the Department of Public Enterprises is well positioned to deliver on its mandate of enhancing the performance of state-owned enterprises, as well as monitoring their performance in order to improve economic and social outcomes. These outcomes must impact on citizens, particularly, and will also impact on the economy in general.
Lastly, the infrastructure investment programmes, which are, amongst other things, for Transnet, Eskom and Infraco, will ensure that we acquire the necessary competence and capability for further economic growth, and will further ensure that we acquire a broader country skills base. I thank you. [Applause.]
Vote agreed to (Inkatha Freedom Party, Democratic Alliance and Independent Democrats dissenting).
Vote No 31 - Science and Technology - put and agreed to.
Vote No 32 - Trade and Industry - put.
Declaration of vote: