Chairperson, asset management remains the core business of this department, with the maintenance of state buildings remaining a severe challenge. Capacity constraints remain, and we as the ACDP are particularly concerned about the levels of vacancies. One would have expected that with the economic recession it would have been easier to fill vacancies, but this aspect still lags and from the documentation it is very clear that particularly professionals are still hard to come by for this department.
The critical contribution made by this department is clearly its efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce inequality by creating opportunities for employment as the leader of the EPWP. We as the ACDP fully support the upscaling of the second phase of this programme, which aims to create 4,4 million short-term and ongoing work opportunities. Whilst this year's aim of 500 000 jobs per year seems to be optimistic, given the economic recession, it is more important to aspire to these figures than not to have a goal at all. However, it is very clear that the employment must be sustainable.
The ACDP commends the department on receiving an unqualified Auditor- General's report. We note, however, an emphasis on the matter that was raised regarding the incomplete and inaccurate disclosure of immovable assets and the unauthorised, irregular and fruitless expenditure.
The main challenge remains to improve internal controls in the department and a drastic improvement in the adjudication of tenders to prevent fraud and corruption. Obviously we, as parliamentarians, need to play a very important role in exercising our oversight function.
To conclude, the ACDP wishes to thank all those committed officials and congratulate the Minister and Deputy Minister and thank everyone in the department for their commitment and dedication. I thank you. [Applause.]