MEC Wendy Joy Nelson: North West Prov Budget speech 2018/2019

2018/19 Provincial Budget Speech Policy Statement Presented at the North West Provincial Legislature on 01 March 2018 by Mec for Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development, Mrs Wendy Joy Nelson

Honourable Speaker
Honourable Premier of the People‟s Province of Bokone Bophirima, Rre SOR Mahumapelo
Honourable Members of the Provincial Legislature; Colleagues in the Executive Council
Executive Mayors, Mayors and Speakers of Municipalities; Chairperson of Provincial House of Traditional Leaders; Kgosi Mabe Dikgosi tsa rona tse di tlotlegang;
Chairpersons and Board Members of Public Entities;
Director General, Heads of  Departments and  CEO‟s  of  State Owned Entities;
Leaders and members of labour movements, civil society and Faith based organisations;
Distinguished guests

The year 2018, marks the centennial celebration of the birth of Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, a member of the Mandela Clan. It also marks the centennial celebration of Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu. Tata Mandela‟s middle name - Rolihlahla, loosely translated means „pulling the branch of a tree‟. Living to his name, the late Former President Mandela pulled the entire nation, black and white that rallied behind the common vision of building a united, prosperous, non-racial, non-sexiest South Africa, which vision we continue to reconstruct and strive for.

As the first President of a democratically elected government, former President Mandela led the nation through the principle of non-violence and racial harmony. As we prepare for yet another year of serving the people of Bokone Bophirima, we stand today as a Rainbow Nation and can unashamedly utter the jubilant words of the Father of our Nation during the announcement of the ANC election victory on 2nd of May 1994, by reminding all of us that our contribution will largely be measured by making a difference to others, when he said:

“This is one of the most important moments in the life of our country. I stand here before you filled with deep pride and joy: - pride in the ordinary, humble people of this country. You have shown such a calm, patient determination to reclaim this country as your own, - and joy that we can loudly proclaim from the rooftops - free at last.

What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

Honourable Speaker, I have no doubt in my mind that the late President Mandela has not only made a difference to the lives of South Africans through his work but he has made a profound difference to the entire world.

Above all, he has dedicated his life to the struggle for democracy and the previously disenfranchised majority, in particular blacks, by upholding the ideals of a democratic society in which all persons will live together in harmony.

Guided by the values and principles that late President Mandela lived and died for, in his maiden speech delivered on the 23rd February 2018, His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa charted a way forward by declaring that “in celebrating the centenary of Nelson Mandela we are not merely honouring the past, we are building the future. We are continuing the Long Walk he began, to build a society in which all may be free, in which all may be equal before the law and in which all may share in the wealth of our land and have a better life. We are building a country where a person‟s prospects are determined by their own initiative and hard work, and not by the colour of their skin, place of birth, gender, language or income of their parents.”

Similarly, the history of a democratic South Africa cannot be complete without acknowledging the contribution to the national liberation and gender emancipation made by our struggle heroine, Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu, who was a national leader in her own right.

In preparation of the 2018 Provincial Budget, we are also encouraged by the selfless exemplary leadership of Mama Sisulu who led from the front and remained unfazed, despite the risks and challenges she encountered.

Honourable Speaker, through this budget, we draw strength from our heroic icons who have laid a solid foundation for our country. This foundation allows us to radically transform our economy and ensure participation in sharing the wealth of our Province through the implementation of Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT) and Villages, Townships and Small Dorpies (VTSD) concretes.

Economic outlook

Honourable Speaker, South Africa is a unitary state and it is understandable that every national economic challenge will always have an impact on our provincial economic performance. Whilst we are appreciative of the strengthening of the rand in the last few months, we should also be mindful that the depreciation of the Rand against the currencies of South Africa’s main trading partners, in particular the United States and Eurozone countries, will boost the primary sector through increased exports. In other words, exchange rate fluctuations do affect investment plans.

During the fourth Quarter of 2016 and first Quarter of 2017, the South African economy experienced a technical recession as a result of two successive quarters of declining economic growth of minus 0.3 and 0.6 per cent respectively. This was further demonstrated by the rising inflation rate from 4.6 per cent to 4.7 per cent.

Honourable Speaker, the Province stance to improve the economic growth rate and job creation through the implementation of ACT as the strategic economic pillar, is yielding positive results especially in relation to agriculture and tourism. Resultantly, the number of people employed in the agricultural sector has increased from 34 000 workers in 2012 to about 48 000 by the end of 2016 which account for 14 000 additional jobs. I am optimistic that the StatsSA report for 2017 which would be released in March 2018 would confirm additional improvement in the number of jobs created in this sector.

Apart from jobs created in the agricultural sector, the higher productivity as indicated by the continual positive Gross Value Add for the Province has resulted in the current lower provincial inflation rate of 2.9 per cent which is even lower that the Reserve Bank target range of 3 per cent to 6 per cent.

Honourable Speaker, by 2011 the tourism sector was contributing an average of 5 per cent to the provincial economy. By the end of 2016, the sector had increased its contribution to the provincial economy to 6 per cent. Whilst we appreciate the domestic tourism contribution to the sector, there is a greater need to aggressively market the Province as a tourist destination of choice for both domestic and international tourists.

Honourable Speaker, as reported by the Honourable Premier during the State of the Province Address on the 23rd February 2018 in Marikana, I am also pleased to indicate that our economy grew above the national average in the two last quarters of 2017. We are profoundly encouraged that our choice of ACT as the strategic economic pillar has been vindicated and the national government has embraced these strategic sectors as the key drivers of the national economy.

As a direct result of this important intervention in our economy through the implementation of the five concretes, the unemployment rate decreased from 26.5 per cent in Quarter 1 of 2017 to 23.9 per cent in Quarter 4 of 2017.

Budget reforms and expenditure reviews

Honourable Speaker, over the last four years of the current Administration, both performance and financial management targets have been met, despite an array of challenges such as poor road infrastructure, unemployment and limited contribution from private investors including various stakeholders to the government programmes. Over the same period, socio-economic infrastructure at a cost of R16.5 billion has been completed and delivered, namely:

• 34 628 housing units;
• 7 Clinics, 1 Hospital (Brits) and 1 Psychiatric Hospital – to ensure care to the people of our Province;
• 323 Classrooms and199 Special rooms;
• 50 Grade R classrooms, 2 Hostels, 5 New Schools and 8 Libraries;
• 1 Old Age Home and 2 Inpatient Centres;
• Number of square meters surfaced road sealed 445 712
• Number of square meters surfaced roads rehabilitated 375 671

Honourable Speaker, I am also proud to announce the following positive financial indicators which demonstrate the financial health of the Province since 2014:

• Since the implementation of the Provincial Revenue Enhancement Strategy, the Province managed to collect R4.2 billion of our own revenue to date;

• Provincial Revenue Fund obtained clean audit for three consecutive years and has consistently maintained a healthy positive balance not withstanding accruals and other budget pressures;
• Recorded a marked improvement on the number of suppliers paid within 30 days. Since 2014/15, about 492 727 invoices where paid within 30 days to the tune of R52.860 billion;
• Over the past four years, we have managed to stabilise the compensation of employees‟ budget to below 60 per cent of the total provincial spending. As at the end of 2013/14 financial year, the Province spent R16.512 billion on COE representing 56 per cent of the total provincial expenditure.

The Province is currently projecting to spend R21.938 billion on compensation of employees by the end of March 2018 which is 55 per cent of the total Provincial Budget. This translates into a saving of approximately R415 million already diverted to service delivery programmes. We will continue to direct more funding to areas that support critical service delivery programmes with a view of creating an environment conducive for private sector investments and the creation of much needed job opportunities.

This commitment is in line with the call made by the then Minister of Finance during the tabling of the National budget in February 2018 when he said “the state needs to contain the public service wage bill”. In line with the then Minister‟s call, we have done so and will continue to do so over the 2018 MTEF.

In the midst of all these unfavourable circumstances, we have made notable progress in our journey since 2014/15. As said before, our overarching service delivery programme is informed by the National Development Plan (NDP) through which our delivery vehicle remains Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal (RRR) of the Province anchored on the Five Concretes.

The NDP aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 which we greatly uphold. We realise these goals by striving towards growing an inclusive economy, enhancing the capacity of the state, promoting ethical leadership and the development of strategic partnerships.

Honourable Speaker, in the 2018 State of the Province Address, Premier SOR Mahumapelo declared that “many mountains we have climbed, and many more that are still required to be navigated in the context of rebranding, repositioning and renewing Bokone-Bophirima by implementing the National Development Plan through the five concretes.”

A four year journey which has not been easy has proven to be rewarding in response to the triple socio-economic challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality. Since the introduction of the five concretes, the Province has deliberately directed resources towards programmes that support the development of the previously marginalised rural areas towards correcting the injustices of the past and ensuring equality across racial groups.

VTSD spending

Honourable Speaker, our Province is predominantly rural with the majority of our people residing in villages which have not benefited significantly from the economic activities of the country and Province in the past years.

The provincial departments have registered a VTSD spending of R2.3 billion as at the end of January 2018 from R1.012 billion during March 2015. The expenditure is distributed across a total of 4 296 VTSD suppliers representing an increase of 128.6 per cent from the 1 879 suppliers in 2015.

To date, our cumulative spent is R10.352 billion on VTSD since 2014/15 Financial Year. The Public Entities have recorded VTSD expenditure of R91.1 million of the procurable goods and services as at end of January 2018. In the 2018/19 financial year, the Provincial Treasury will intensify training on VTSD reporting to the Municipalities and Public Entities.

The participation of previously excluded individuals in particular black South Africans in the economy through VTSD, contributes to poverty alleviation and creation of job opportunities. Increased spending and development of enterprises in VTSD areas will substantially assist in containing the challenge of rural-urban migration.

Spending on infrastructure

Honourable Speaker, financing and investment in infrastructure development is crucial for growing the economy of the Province. Conversely, inadequate investment in infrastructure creates bottlenecks and slows development.

Having noted the challenges relating to spending on infrastructure, the Provincial Treasury will issue an instruction note before the end of the April 2018 to address poor planning and implementation of projects outside the B5 table and ensure that departments plan adequately for projects to be implemented in 2019/20.

I urge departments to refrain from implementing projects with financial implications mid-year without due diligence as they have a negative impact on spending and value for money. In line with Council directives and the approved IDMS framework, the Department of Public Works and Roads is the preferred implementing  agents for infrastructure development in the Province and such the capacity of Public Works and Roads will be strengthened in the 2018/19 financial year.

Revenue Enhancement Revolution 2018/19

Honourable Speaker, over a period of four years, the Province has realized a revenue growth of R238 million from 2014/15 to 2017/18. This makes up a 25 per cent growth since the commencement of the implementation of the Revenue Enhancement Strategy. The positive growth in revenue over the last four years has been made possible through the joint efforts by departments in the context of Saamwerk- Saamtrek.

In the spirit of Chapter 3 of the Constitution of South Africa, which compels all three spheres of government to observe the principle of co- operative governance, municipalities are urged to work closely with relevant departments, in particular the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management and timeously pay over revenue as enshrined in the Service Level Agreements.

Section 64(4)(a) of the MFMA stipulates that the accounting officer must take all reasonable steps to ensure that any funds collected by the municipality on behalf of another organ of state, is transferred at least on a weekly basis; and that such funds are not used for purposes of the municipality.

Honourable Speaker, a call to departments for settlement of log sheet revenue has yielded an over collection of R37 million as at end of January 2018. We trust that those who still have outstanding payments will ensure that the respective transactions are disbursed by the end of the current financial year.

The Province continues to relish the dual benefit of ensuring public safety through traffic police visibility and improvement of revenue collected from fines and penalties. Both planned and unplanned operations will be more intensified in the 2018/19 financial year. Revenue enhancement is a necessary tool that allows the generation of income which has influence to assist departments in reaching the service delivery targets.

2018/19 Fiscal Framework

Honourable Speaker, the year 2017 was characterised by slow economic growth, recession and rating downgrades. These conditions have a direct impact on the tax collection and less than anticipated equitable share budget available for priorities.

Guided by the desire to sustain fiscal consolidation path and funding of key national priorities such as fee-free higher education; national, provinces and municipalities contributed towards R57 billion earmarked for new priorities, by reducing both the equitable share and conditional grants. The provincial contribution to this reduction over the MTEF amounts to R324.1 million and R234.9 million from the equitable share and conditional grants respectively.

Honourable Speaker, in implementing the 2018 MTEF budget, we must bear in mind the words of the former Minister of Finance, Honourable Malusi Gigaba, when he said “This is a tough but hopeful budget. It requires us to make difficult but necessary trade-offs, important to ensure that this budget is a platform for renewal, inclusive growth and job creation.”

The Provincial Budget I am about to table today is informed by both national and provincial priorities that seek to improve efficient allocation of budgets for improved service delivery. As a result, the impact of the reduction in conditional grant allocations as well as equitable share for the province will not be matched by unreasonable increase in rates and taxes within any sphere of government. Instead, other measures will be put in place to ensure that we deliver on our mandate using the available resources.

Honourable Speaker, the Provincial Fiscal Envelope of R131.369 billion over the 2018 MTEF period will ignite the provincial economy to set the path for growth and creation of job opportunities. For the first year of the 2018 MTEF, the province will spend R41 billion increasing to R46.769 billion in the outer year of the MTEF.

The 2018/19 allocation comprises of equitable share of R32.392 billion, Conditional Grants at R7.467 billion and provincial own revenue at R1.209 billion.

Government is obliged through departments to utilise the allocations for improved service delivery and creation of equal opportunities for all. A credible and sustainable allocation promotes service delivery and should seek to improve the living condition of our communities. Through the 2018 MTEF budget, the Province reaffirms its commitments towards supporting the following key priorities:

• Funding to provincial economic pillars, being Agriculture, Culture and Tourism (ACT);

• Direct funding towards National Development Plan priorities through creation of employment opportunities, economic infrastructure, improving education, training and innovation, building safer communities, improving health services and an environment conducive for economic development;

• Sustained funding for social and economic infrastructure maintenance and development.
   

Honourable Speaker, in presenting the departmental budgets, it will please you to realise that I have taken into account some of the budget tips received from citizens in our Province.

Departmental budget allocations are as follows:

Office of the Premier

The allocation for 2018/19 amounts to R775.381 million increasing to R936.488 million in the outer year of the 2018 MTEF. This allocation will ensure that the Office of the Premier provides leadership and efficient oversight on service delivery for sustainable growth and development.

The ICT transformation programme will receive funds of R150 million to advance the Provincial Administration in the use of modern day technology. The ICT transformation programme is allocated R551.472 million over the 2018 MTEF period.

The allocation includes an amount of R160 million over the MTEF for the Unemployment, poverty alleviation programmes and mining beneficiation initiatives which funds will be managed by North West Development Corporation (NWDC).

North West Provincial Legislature

Honourable Speaker, the expansion of the Provincial Legislature is proceeding extremely well and we believe the project will be completed within the estimated period, which is by the end of the first quarter of 2018/19 financial year. We really appreciate your leadership in ensuring that this project is implemented seamlessly.

An amount of R473.898 million has been allocated for the Provincial Legislature in 2018/19 financial year increasing to R488.778 million and R487.601 million for the two outer years respectively. This allocation includes an amount of R119 million earmarked for infrastructure of which amongst others is to complete the expansion of the Provincial Legislature.

The allocation will ensure that the Provincial Legislature continues to broaden public participation and strengthen their executive oversight function.

Social Sector Health

The Department of Health receives the second largest portion of the Provincial Budget at R11.154 billion for 2018/19, R11.934 billion and R12.884 billion in 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years respectively.

The 2018/19 allocation includes the funding of R1.315 billion for the comprehensive HIV/AIDS and TB Grant  of which R167.729 million is allocated to a new component of the Community Outreach Services Grant, National Tertiary Services Grant is allocated R283.055 million and Health Facility Revitalisation Grant is allocated R585.886 million.

In line with NDP, the allocation will strengthen the effectiveness of the health system by increasing life expectancy and thereby decrease mortality rates. We strive to equip our medical institutions across the Province to reduce shortages of medicines and medical supplies. To this end, an amount of R3.047 billion has been allocated over the 2018 MTEF with R1.350 billion allocated in 2018/19 Financial Year.

Social Development

Honourable Speaker, to create a caring and self-reliant society by building conscious and capable citizens, the Department of Social Development receives a budget of R1.608 billion in 2018/19 and R5.169 billion over the MTEF period. This allocation will focus on the provision of care for people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and the protection of all vulnerable groups.

There is a substantial increase in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Grant of R19.499 million representing 59 per cent compared to the 2017/18 financial year. This increase is mainly to cater for increased number of days from 248 to 264 days, as well as the number of poor children accessing the subsidized ECD Services. The department will contribute to job creation through ECD Programme and the appointment of new social work graduates.

Education and Sports Development

The Department of Education and Sports Development remains the biggest beneficiary of the provincial budget at R16.183 billion or 39.1 per cent of the total Provincial Budget in 2018/19 financial year. Over the 2018 MTEF period, the department will receive R51.820 billion for the provision of quality basic education for high learner achievement through educator excellence, as well as sport development, nation building and social cohesion.

Honourable Speaker, the departmental allocation include amongst others the allocation for National School Nutrition Programme at R456.176 million in 2018/19 financial year and R41.855 million for the promotion of sporting activities in schools across the Province through the Mass Participation and Sport Development Grant. The departmental allocation also makes provision for workbooks and learner teacher support material as one of the core projects to ensure quality learning and teaching.

Funding of the ACT

Honourable Speaker, Agriculture, Culture and Tourism remain our strategic economic pillar to drive economic growth and development. To support the lead departments that contribute to this concrete, an amount of R7.780 billion has been allocated over the MTEF period. This allocation is distributed to the three departments as follows:

Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development

The departments‟ allocation amounts to R1.440 billion for 2018/19, increasing to R1.531 billion in 2019/20 and R1.645 billion in 2020/21 financial year. Through this allocation, the department will continue to provide services aimed at creating conducive environment for agricultural development and investment in the Province.

Amongst others, the Department will implement programmes such as Agri-Parks for Rural Economic Transformation, Black Farmer Commercialisation Programme and Bio-diversity Economy and Transformation.

This allocation includes R164.750 million earmarked for the Agri-Fund over the MTEF. Whilst noting that the allocation for this fund is not adequate in relation to the needs, we call upon the private sector to contribute on a rand to rand basis for the recapitalization of the Fund, in the context of Saamwerk-Saamtrek.

In recognising agriculture’s contribution to our economy, we agree with the statement made by the Premier during the State of the Province Address, when he said “we are also excited that our choice of agriculture as the lead sector in our economic growth strategy has been vindicated, as agriculture made the largest contribution, by a significant margin, to the improved growth of our economy in the second and third quarters of 2017”.

Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs

The Department has been allocated a budget of R732.049 million for the 2018/19 financial year increasing to R812.245 million in the outer year of the MTEF period. This allocation will amongst others, assist this Department to preserve the rich history of this Province and by so doing creating the tourism market. This allocation will cultivate economic growth through support to various artists within the Province and grooming upcoming performers.

The Department’s allocation will also focus on ensuring access of information and knowledge through museums and community libraries. The Community Library Service Grant is allocated R136.369 million in 2018/19 for the above mentioned purpose.

Tourism

The Department of Tourism has been allocated an amount of R261.5 million for 2018/19 financial year. Cumulatively, the Department will receive R843.7 million over the 2018 MTEF period.

This allocation is aimed at ensuring that the Province becomes the destination of choice by attracting more domestic and international tourists. The allocation addresses Lesedi Lite Tshegofatso Ditlhareng’s budget tip that Tourism Budget should be increased.

The allocation will further ensure that the Department contributes to economic growth through a transformed and sustainable tourism sector that will assist with the creation of decent jobs.

Community Safety and Transport Management

Honourable Speaker, community and road safety remains one of our paramount priorities. The Department of Community Safety and Transport Management receives an allocation of R6.815 billion over the MTEF period. An amount of R2.163 billion is allocated for 2018/19, R2.263 billion for 2019/20 and R2.388 billion for 2020/21. The allocation will cater for the departments‟ key priorities such as coordination of transport services through an integrated plan as well as law enforcement and crime prevention.

Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development Finance

Honourable Speaker, to provide leadership in the management of public resources for efficient, effective and economic service delivery through a well-coordinated support to Provincial Departments, Public Entities and Municipalities, Finance receives R484.084 million in 2018/19  financial year increasing to R558.512 million in the outer year of the MTEF.

Economy and Enterprise Development

Economy and Enterprise Development receives R297.190 million in 2018/19 financial year, R313.762 million in 2019/20 and R374.138 million in 2020/21 financial year. Amongst others, this allocation aims to assist the Department with the development of small business enterprises in VTSD areas to be self-sustainable and to regulate gambling in the Province through the North West Gambling Board.

Local Government and Human Settlements

This Department has been allocated R7.767 billion over the MTEF, largely funded by the Human Settlement Development Grant. An amount of R2.477 billion is allocated for 2018/19, growing to R2.570 billion in 2019/20 and R2.719 billion in 2020/21. In pursuit of the Province’s Five Concretes, this Department’s allocation will contribute to the Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Bokone Bophirima through the provision of houses. The allocation will also improve access to basic services such as water and sanitation.

Public Works and Roads

The Department of Public Works and Roads receives a budget allocation of R3.021 billion in 2018/19 increasing to R3.326 billion in 2020/21 Financial Year. Of this allocation, an amount of R960.604 million is earmarked as a conditional grant for Provincial Road Maintenance.

Honourable Speaker, the allocation to this Department makes provision for an effective transport system as argued by Mr Richard Mzamane Mosana, ensuring improved service delivery and a quality road network. The MEC for Public Works and Roads will elaborate more during the departmental budget speech. The 2018 MTEF allocation to this department will focus amongst others on the following core services:

• Upgrading and maintenance of the road network;
• Creation of employment through the recruitment of more EPWP beneficiaries; and
• Timeous payments of property rates and taxes to municipalities

Honourable Speaker, radical socio-economic transformation has the capability to structurally change the economic development patterns for the benefit of the previously disadvantaged, especially from rural areas. The North West Government, under the credible leadership of Honourable Premier Supra Obakeng Ramoeletsi Mahumapelo is hard at work to rebrand, reposition and renew (RRR) the Province through the development of quality road infrastructure network.

Conclusion

Honourable Speaker the 2018 MTEF Budget demonstrates our willingness to work with both the private and public sectors in the context of Saamwerk-Saamtrek by focusing on sectors that would largely contribute to job creation and food security. I am happy to announce that our decision to direct resources towards ACT as our strategic economic pillar and one of the Five Concretes, has found expression in the national agenda of Government and the ruling Party.

The appreciation of the key economic pillars by national government gives us more courage to continue with our efforts to diversify the economy and explore the competitive advantage of the Province to ensure inclusive growth. As an integral component of radical economic transformation, the development of entrepreneurs located in VTSD areas is critical for purpose of job creation and wealth distribution. It is for these reasons that we found relevance in the words of wisdom of the late former President Mandela when he said:

"Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom. The steps that are needed from the developed nations are clear: The first is ensuring trade justice.

I have said before that trade justice is a truly meaningful way for the developed countries to show commitment to bringing about an end to global poverty. The second is an end to the debt crisis for the poor countries. The third is to deliver much more aid and make sure it is of the highest quality."

The words of the late President Nelson Mandela resonate with that of President Ramphosa‟s call for selflessness to those compatriots who are called to serve this country. I stand before this august House and commit to serve the people of Bokone Bophirima with pride, trustworthiness and diligence.

May I take this opportunity to thank the following:

• The Honourable Premier SOR Mahumapelo for the guidance and leadership he has provided;
• My colleagues in the Executive Council for their understanding and support;
• The Chairpersons of the Portfolio and Public Accounts Committees and all Committee members for always providing valuable guidance to us;
• The Auditor General, for the sound and professional working relationship;
• The Head of the Department Mr. Ndlela Kunene and Team FEED for their tireless efforts, and special appreciation to the Budget Team;

• Staff in my office led by the Acting COS, Mr Sehularo;
• Last but not least, my family for their unwavering support. Honourable Speaker allow me to present the following documents:
• North West Appropriation Bill 2018/19
• Estimates of Provincial and Revenue Expenditure
• People's Guide
• A copy of the Provincial Budget Speech 2018
   

I thank you.