Chairperson, the DA is concerned about the number of Ministries created by the fourth Parliament. Apart from the escalation in costs with regard to the already overburdened fiscus, there are substantial overlaps and duplications between the functions of Finance, the National Planning Commission, Trade and Industry, and Economic Development.
Up to now, the Department of Economic Development has achieved nothing of value except to fund a bureaucracy which became necessary to appease a faction within the ruling party. Current legislation is very clear that the functions to be performed by the Department of Economic Development are adequately covered by the National Treasury and the Department of Trade and Industry.
All the establishment of this department has achieved is the intensification of the present turf war amongst the numerous departments. This has resulted in conflicting signals to investors and the market. If it's left unchecked, it will further undermine the ability of our economy to grow and provide decent work.
Therefore, the DA does not support this Budget Vote, and we recommend the closure of this department. Thank you. [Applause.]