Honourable Acting Speaker,
The Executive Council resolved that the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Rural Development will merge into one department with effect from 1 April 2013. This decision was taken subsequent to the tabling of the Appropriation Bill, 2013 and this bill is necessitated by this merger.
The bill makes provision for the reallocation of the budget of R43.667 million from the Department of Rural Development to the Department of Agriculture.
Sections 18 and 31(2)(e) of the PFMA, 1999 authorizes the MEC responsible for Finance to table an adjustment budget to provide for the shifting of funds between and within votes, as well as the reorganisation of functions.
I thank you.
Reply:
I wish to thank the Hon Acting Speaker and the House for allowing us to bring this Bill for consideration and disposal at short notice and for the support that the Bill has received from all political parties represented in the House.
