Deputy Speaker, this Budget Vote is being debated at a time when our people are experiencing immense hardship. The National Development Plan expects us to address poverty and inequality. The President, instead, has the public foot the bill for his R28 million in legal fees since assuming this office.
There is a silence on the Ministerial Handbook; the Presidential Handbook; the lack of an oversight committee; and also some Ministers who blatantly abuse state funds.
The core function of this Parliament is oversight. It is not about sexist members who come here and look around to see what the members in the opposition benches are wearing.
Almost R25 billion has been lost in unauthorised, irregular and fruitless expenditure from both provincial and national governments. This was because of weak leadership and also the disregard for provincial rules.
The Presidency is like a soap opera. You could miss five episodes, but still be able to catch up with the storyline. I thank you.