Honourable Deputy Speaker
Honourable Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe
Honourable Members
Deputy Speaker, we meet today in the context of a nation and a world under severe financial strain. But, despite the obvious negative implications, it is a context that compels us to be more creative and innovative in the way we live as individuals and indeed as a nation. A context that implores us to challenge our individual and collective resolve to exercise greater responsibility in the use of financial and other resources.
As the fourth Parliament, it is a time that presents not only enormous challenges, but also exciting opportunities. As we reflect on the current budget vote for Parliament, let us do so, critically, but also with innovation and foresight.
As the democratically elected representatives of our people, we have the honourable task to ensure government by the people under the Constitution. In doing so, I call upon all parties represented in this chamber to heed the call from our President for a robust and engaging Parliament. A Parliament focused on enhancing service delivery for the social and economic upliftment of all South Africans. A Parliament that asserts its rightful role and status as one of the key institutions of democracy – one that not only holds government accountable for more effective and efficient service delivery, but that is itself accountable to all South Africans for ensuring that their needs find expression and are addressed.
The President called for an “activist” Parliament. Let us accept this as an opportunity to define our role in a new form of social mobilisation toward realizing the development goals of our nation, entrenching democracy and contributing towards nation building.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I think it is an opportune moment, given this context, that we reflect critically on the proportional allocation of Parliament’s budget vote, as one of the three arms of government, in relation to the other budget votes comprising the national budget.
Over the financial years of the third term, Parliament’s total budget constituted less than one percent of the annual national budget. For the current financial year, Parliament’s budget constitutes 0.18% of the national budget. By comparison, the allocations to national departments range from 0.3% to 48.4% of the total national budget. For example, the Department of Public Works budget is 0.72% of the national budget, which is substantially larger than that allocated to Parliament to Parliament. Surely, Deputy Speaker, this should be the subject of further consideration and debate.
As we begin engaging with our responsibilities as the fourth Parliament, it is useful to reflect on the key developments of the third Parliament – our “homework” given to us by our predecessors – the so-called “legacy issues”.
Madam Deputy Speaker, I take this opportunity to mention some of the key issues emanating from the third Parliament, to which we must exercise our minds and chart the way forward.
As part of its strategic objective of enhancing its oversight role, the third Parliament adopted an oversight model. We are now charged with developing a framework and processes for its implementation.
One of the outcomes of the involvement of the third Parliament in our country’s self assessment process as part of the African Peer Review Mechanism, was the establishment of an independent panel for the assessment of Parliament. The Panel submitted its report to the Speaker and Chairperson of the third Parliament on 13 January 2009. The report contains various recommendations that we should debate and consider for possible adoption and implementation.
The third Parliament also received the report of the ad hoc Committee on the review of Chapter 9 and associated institutions. The recommendation of the Committee on the establishment of a unit to coordinate and streamline the interaction between Parliament and such institutions was adopted and plans are under way for its implementation. It would be important for us to consider the report in its entirety as the fourth Parliament and determine how best to address the matters raised in the report.
The third Parliament embarked on the ambitious and unenviable task of addressing the growing need for adequate infrastructure in the buildings of Parliament – the so-called “space utilisation” project. I am sure, Madam Deputy Speaker, that Members of Parliament would appreciate that this is a matter which would require our earnest attention. It is a project that goes beyond the provision of office space, parking and other facilities and meeting venues. Indeed, it is a matter which relates directly to Parliament’s capacity to increase public participation and involvement in parliamentary processes by providing adequate venues and facilities to support this responsibility.
The third Parliament passed the Financial Management of Parliament Act. This Act presents clear responsibilities for the executive authority, accounting officer, and to all officials who are granted delegation of authority to manage finances in Parliament. In this regard, I would like all officials of Parliament to note that greater fiscal responsibilities and accountability will be demanded and enforced without fear or favour in all their operations. Transparent, efficient and effective use of Parliament’s budget would also call on Members of Parliament to be responsible and frugal in their request for resources. It goes without saying that this is, of course, without compromising on their roles and responsibilities. In addition I would like to point out with humility that the Act compels the Minister of Finance to consult with the Presiding Officers before finalizing the allocation to Parliament.
Deputy Speaker, the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act passed by the third Parliament, begins to lay the foundation for the kind of “activist” parliament we envisage. This Act clearly reflects the level of maturity of our democracy. Parliament is now empowered to make adjustments to budgets of national departments, thereby providing an opportunity to ensure that public needs and concerns are prioritised in Government’s financial allocations and programmes. This will of course be done in close consultation and interaction with the relevant Ministers and departments. Clearly, this is a task which carries great responsibility. One that will begin to reframe the nature of the relationship between Parliament as the legislature and the Executive as the custodians of service delivery. Parliament would need to develop the capacity amongst its Members and staff in order to exercise this task effectively. The Act calls for the establishment of a ‘budget office’ in Parliament to support this function. Adequate financial and human resources would be required to effectively leverage the benefits of this important Act.
The current budget represents, in a sense, a transitional budget in moving from the third to the fourth Parliament, through our national elections earlier this year.
Therefore, Deputy Speaker, apart from the specific responsibilities we take over from the third Parliament, it is moreover our responsibility to develop our own set of priorities and expected outcomes for this term of Parliament. Indeed it is only in crafting our strategic plan that we would be adequately able to engage on and decide our budget requirements in the medium term. This would obviously require an inclusive and participatory process.
I would, however, like to express some of the possible strategic questions to hopefully stimulate the thinking and debate amongst the Members of this House towards developing our strategic plan.
Firstly, what would be the contribution of the fourth Parliament in furthering the areas of focus expressed by the President in his State of the Nation Address? As part of this, Parliament should embark on measuring the impact of laws passed since 1994. Where changes need to be made to improve service delivery, these would need to be prioritised.
Secondly, beyond the explicit Constitutional mandate of legislation and oversight, what would be the role of this Parliament in nation building? I believe that Parliament represents the unique space to lead national dialogue and create national consensus on issues of national concern and national interest. As the democratically elected representatives of our people, we bring together the diversity of experiences, cultures and views to be channelled toward formulating a common path to realizing a better quality of life for all South Africans.
Thirdly, what would be the impact of the 4th Parliament in building democracy nationally and internationally? This would include reflection on whether Parliament meaningfully represented the will of the people of South Africa, both nationally and internationally, in governance issues affecting their lives. A more active role in the formative stages of international agreements and treaties and the role of Parliament in advancing democracy in Africa would need to be considered here.
Giving effect to this new thinking amongst Members of Parliament on the roles and functions of Parliament would also require a new thinking and approach by the Parliamentary administration. The streamlining of support services, in the context of severely limited resources is imperative. Furthermore, I call for the highest levels of work ethic and ethical and professional conduct of all staff and management. Staff are required to respect, promote and uphold the dignity and reputation of Parliament at all times.
Deputy Speaker, at this point I would like to report that the Presiding Officers have received a report from the Chairperson of the disciplinary hearing regarding the Secretary to Parliament, Mr. Zingile Dingani. Mr Dingani was suspended in March 2009 after Parliament's Presiding Officers at the time instituted disciplinary proceedings. These related to conduct inconsistent with the functioning of the Secretary to Parliament and dereliction of duty following an investigation into the activities of the Secretary to the National Council of Provinces, Advocate Lulama Matyolo-Dube.
The disciplinary panel has found no conclusive evidence against the Secretary to Parliament. He was cleared on all charges. The Secretary to Parliament will resume his duties from 6 July 2009. Parliament will issue a press statement to this effect before close of business today.
The matter of the disciplinary hearing of the Secretary to the National Council of Provinces, Adv Matyolo-Dube, has not been finalised yet. We will make the necessary announcements once the proceedings are concluded.
Further disciplinary proceedings are being instituted against other Parliamentary officials, following recommendations from the KPMG report that action be taken. Parliament will make announcements about the outcome of these proceedings when they are concluded.
Turning to the actual allocations in the current budget, but mindful of the fact that this is seen as a transitional budget from the third Parliament, Deputy Speaker,
The Budget Vote of Parliament for the 2009/10 financial year is divided into two components, namely:
- The Direct charge against the National Revenue Fund, which is an allocation for Member’s remuneration; and
- The expenditure appropriated in the Appropriation Bill, which in turn is sub-divided into five strategic programmes.
When the direct charge for Members’ remuneration is excluded from the total budget, the allocation to the remainder of the allocation, as reflected in the vote, has grown at an average annual rate of 16 per cent from the 2005/06 to the 2008/09 financial year. The 2009/10 appropriation amounts to R974.1 million.
This is divided into 5 programmes. Deputy Speaker, I will give a synopsis of these as the comprehensive details about them are available in the Appropriation Bill and in the Estimate of National Expenditure of 2009.
Programme 1 represents the proposed budget allocation for administration programme. The purpose of this programme is to provide strategic leadership, institutional policy, overall management, administration and corporate services to Parliament’s executive, management and staff. The 2009/10 budget allocation for Programme 1 amounts to R247.8 million.
Programme 2 represents the proposed allocation for legislation and oversight programme. The purpose of this programme is to provide procedural and administrative services for Parliament to carry out its core functions. In addition, the purpose of the programme is to pass legislation and oversee executive action. The 2009/10 budget allocation for Programme 2 amounts to R187.8 million.
Programme 3 represents the proposed allocation for Public and International Participation programme. The purpose of the programme is to carry-out Parliament’s role in public and international participation and provide support for the underlying activities. The 2009/10 budget allocation for Programme 3 amounts to R67.8 million.
Programme 4 represents the proposed allocation for Members’ Facilities programme. The purpose of this programme is to provide telephone, travel, and other facilities to Members of Parliament in the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces. The 2009/10 budget allocation for Programme 4 amounts to R212 million.
Programme 5 represents the proposed allocation for Associated Services programme. The purpose of this programme is to provide financial support to political parties represented in Parliament, and to its leaders and constituency offices. The 2009/10 budget allocation for Programme 5 amounts to R258.7 million.
In the submission of the budget proposal, Parliament indicated its policy imperatives which had to be funded in the 2009/10 financial year. Amongst others, some of the policy imperatives included:
- Provision of generic training for Members in Budget Oversight. The training requires an amount of R8 million over the 2009/10 financial year;
- Additional support staff for Members. This policy imperative is under-funded for the 2009/10 financial year;
- Establishment of a Unit on Chapter 9 institutions – this did not receive a budget allocation in the current budget.;
- Establishment of an Oversight Advisory Section which also still has to be funded;
- Restructuring of Legal Services Unit, which also requires funding
- Additional support for Political Office Bearers,
- Enhanced International participation, and
The filling posts in the Language Services Section.
Just given these priorities expressed by the third Parliament, the current budget is under-funded by approximately 143 million rand.
In conclusion, Deputy Speaker, I would like to again encourage all Members of this House to engage actively with the challenges and opportunities presented to us. How we translate these into adequate budget allocations for the future years of our term, would be crucial in determining the degree of our success in rising to the challenge of a truly democratic, robust and engaging people’s Parliament.
I thank you.
Source: Parliament of South Africa
