House Chairperson, hon Minister and Deputy Minister, hon MEC, hon members of this august House, as God was with Joshua when he led the chosen people to the promised land, he is also with us now as the ANC- led government in our resolve to better the lives of people and in our commitment to the five key priorities. These key priorities resulted in the election mandate that our people gave us when we said "Together we can do more."
The ANC-led government operates very strictly along the lines of effective and efficient accountability from everyone entrusted with public funds. While the ANC government considers the public transport sector to be the heartbeat of our economy as it contributes tremendously to the economic growth of the country, this financial year, this department has been allocated R23,7 billion, which is 5,5% of the national Budget.
Although the amount is reduced by 3,10% in comparison to the 2008-09 allocation, it is hoped that it will meet successfully and complete the following transport strategic objectives, namely to, firstly, effectively manage national innovative research and provide economic advice in respect of all modes of transport; secondly, create an enabling regulatory environment for roads, aviation and maritime transport; thirdly, manage accident and incident investigation in all modes of transport; fourthly, manage and facilitate integrated planning and intersphere co-ordination for transport infrastructure and operations; fifthly, manage the implementation of the transport logistics strategy and the development of freight movement corridors; sixthly, develop integrated, accessible and affordable quality public transport networks that meet the needs of both rural and urban passengers, hence the Moloto Corridor; and finally, develop appropriate mandates and monitoring mechanisms for public entities.
Chair, our election manifesto, from which our mandate is derived, directs that an effective public transport system be put in place in order to address the legacy of apartheid planning, which led to our people travelling long distances to places of work and spending a large share of time and income on transport. This reminds me and most of us here of who we are and where we come from, and which mode of transport we used to have access to.
Besigibela tinkalishi temambongolo kungako lamuhla kufanele sibone kwekutsi bantfu bakitsi batfola kwekuhamba lokuphephile.[We used to ride in donkey carts, and that is why today we must see to it that our people get a safe transport system.]
Most of the unemployed cannot even afford to pay for transport to search for jobs. As South Africa moves towards the 2010 World Cup, our government, through this department, must continue to roll out a public transport strategy, starting with the host cities. This would address the needs of the working people. In essence, this budget is expected to do exactly that.
It is pleasing to note the decrease in the allocation for consultancy and professional services in this financial year. One should take into consideration the fact that in the previous financial year, R90,2 million was allocated and spent, while this year only R49,8 million is budgeted for. We hope that a time is going to come when our government, and this department in particular, will stop making use of consultants, who charge exorbitant amounts for a service that can easily be rendered by our public servants.
In line with the ANC's key priorities, especially that of achieving an equitable, sustainable and inclusive growthpath that brings about decent work and sustainable livelihoods, education, health, safe and secure communities and rural development, the largest segment of the allocation - an amount of R8,8 billion - went to the integrated infrastructure and network development subprogrammes. This caters for the co-ordination of the needs and requirements of the 2010 Fifa World Cup under the bus Rapid transit system.
We must note that the 2010 Fifa World Cup activities serve as catalysts for transport transformation. In conclusion, it is now ideal for us to emulate Joshua, when God told him to get rid of all the obstacles. We are getting rid of the delaying tactics in relation to the transformation and delivery processes of this government of the people. The ANC supports this Budget Vote. [Applause.]