Hon Chairperson, allow me to start this speech by thanking the hon Speaker and Parliament for obtaining an unqualified audit opinion for the previous financial year. Nevertheless, it is my intention to pay attention to and emphasise some financial matters that still need to be paid attention to by Parliament.
It is unacceptable and disappointing to find that the designs and controls of Parliament are inadequate and ineffective, and that standard procedures, such as the reconciliations, were not performed satisfactorily.
Among other roles that Parliament plays is an oversight role over government, and I believe that we as Parliament must lead by example in all instances. We cannot call people to account if we ourselves continue to fail to adhere to basic accounting principles.
Furthermore, the financial management office is not adequately staffed. I wonder why it is that whenever entities, departments, and institutions have failed to adhere to principles, the staff component always comes into question. It makes one wonder if there are deliberately created circumstances that can be conveniently used as an excuse when entities, departments, and institutions are called to account.
The absence of a chief financial officer and a financial accounting manager makes it difficult to allocate blame when things go wrong. I ask the question that I have been asking other departments: Why were these essential positions not filled? Does the country not possess people with the skills and qualifications required? I must also emphasise that I find it absolutely vital that management resources the in-house internal audit as recommended because, unless it is properly resourced, then it cannot function adequately and effectively.
I am deeply concerned that, as I went though the report, I found that there were possible areas of wasteful expenditure under investigation. If such investigations have been completed, I am interested in the verdict. Of particular concern are the amounts of R186 000 and R6 million, were procurement processes where allegedly not properly followed. In many instances this is the root of corruption in our government and we definitely cannot afford to have a Parliament that has corrupt tendencies, for obvious reasons. [Interjections.]
The UCDP, with this input, supports Vote 2 - Parliament. Thank you. [Applause.]