1. Hon. Speaker, the MF’s concern remains the slow spending across departments.
2. his scenario calls for more executive statements by Hon. MEC’s, more sittings in this Hon. House and robust debates to guide fruitful expenditure.
3. For example, since most departments lay the blame on COVID-19 disruptions, it is imperative that this Hon. House has monthly statements from the Hon. MEC of Health on what more can be done to arrest this pandemic, as well as advise on areas where activities should be focused.
4. There is much gloom in communities, Hon. members in light of the new variant and reflected by government revenue under collections; yet this is the time for government to spend on infrastructure and create jobs.
5. Grants which reflect balances at the end of the financial year are actually not good, since this is not a saving but actually underspending; yet most grants have more relaxed guidelines now.
6. Hon. members there are enough opportunities to improve the spending in each department. What is key, before we go into the next financial year, is a transformed strategic goals list, given the lessons of the COVID-19impact. Every portfolio committee needs to be engaged by the departments to inclusively adopt a plan that will work to match activities and revised budget baselines for each department. What we cannot afford is fiscal dumping at year end and opening gaps for corruption. We must fill vacant posts as graduates are languishing for jobs in KZN.
7. Hon. Speaker, it is important for this Hon. House to host a workshop and call in civil society experts to address issues raised in the 42 resolutions which will be adopted today.
8. Thank you.

Hon. S. Thakur-Rajbansi