Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698931469891.pdf (South Africa)
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 1 WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 ____ PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ____ The House met at 14:01.

The Speaker took the Chair and requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.

The SPEAKER: Hon members, as we take this moment, may we also remember the police officers and soldier who were brutally killed in the early hours of this morning, in Ngcobo, Eastern Cape.
VACANCIES IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY (Announcement) The SPEAKER: Hon members, I wish to announce that the vacancy which occurred owing to Ms J F Terblanche’s loss of membership of the National Assembly in terms of UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 2 section 47(3)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, has been filled by the nomination of Ms C Visser, with effect from 1 December 2017.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

The vacancy which occurred in the National Assembly due to the passing of Ms T E Baker has been filled by the nomination of Ms A T Khanyile, with effect from 1 December 2017.

[Applause.]

Lastly, I wish to announce that the vacancy which occurred in the National Assembly owing to the resignation of Dr P W A Mulder has been filled by the nomination of Mr W W Wessels, with effect from 1 December 2017.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

The members have made and subscribed to the oath and affirmation in the Deputy Speaker’s office.

I welcome the hon members.

APPROPRIATION BILL (Introduction) UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 3 DIVISION OF REVENUE BILL (Tabling) The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I didn’t want to interrupt the Minister.

I would like to take a point of order in terms of Rule 31 of the Rules of the National Assembly as they relate to constitutional privilege.
It has been brought to our attention that a full Bench of the High Court in Pretoria as found that the Minister has lied under oath and has violated the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

[Interjections.]

I would submit to you that this renders him unsuitable to not only be a Minister of state but also to be delivering a Budget Speech today.

If he is prepared to lie under oath, how are we to understand what is credible in this Budget today?
The SPEAKER: Hon Steenhuisen ... UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 4 The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: I would submit that he should rather stand down ...

The SPEAKER: ... that is an issue you would bring in a substantive motion.

[Interjections.]

[Applause.]

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, I have the motion here, and if you read Rule 31(2)(b) ...

The SPEAKER: No, not on this occasion.

Hon Steenhuisen, please take your seat.


The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: ... you need to rule whether this is a valid question of privilege and I have the motion ...

The SPEAKER: Please take your seat.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: I have the motion here, Madam Speaker.

The SPEAKER: You know how to submit it.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 5 The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: But, Madam Speaker, you haven’t read the Rule.

The SPEAKER: No, hon Steenhuisen.


The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, you haven’t read the Rule!

The SPEAKER: Please, please take your seat, hon Steenhuisen.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Please read the Rule.

Please read the rule, Madam Speaker.

You must first rule whether this is a valid point of privilege, or not.

If it is, then I am entitled to move a motion without notice.

At the very least, you are violating the Rules by not reading them.
The SPEAKER: Hon Steenhuisen, please take your seat.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, can you please make a ruling in terms of the Rules?

[Interjections.]

You are welcome to rule me out of order UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 6 but you have to consider the Rule, because I have a motion without notice here, should you want me to proceed.

Please ...

The SPEAKER: Hon Steenhuisen ...


The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Please make a ruling in terms of Rule 31.

The SPEAKER: No, hon Steenhuisen.

I’m not going to make a ruling.

I am asking you to take your seat.

[Interjections.]

Ms D CARTER: Hon Speaker ...

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: So, you’re going to defend the Zupta, again!

[Interjections.]
[Interjections.]

Ms D CARTER: Hon Speaker, I must just say, on behalf of Cope, the state of capture report, the SA Council of Churches, SACC, unburdening report, the ...

[Inaudible.]

... report ... UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 7 The SPEAKER: Hon Carter, can we listen to the Order of the Day?

Ms D CARTER: ... all point to the pivotal role that Minister Malusi Gigaba played in the capture of the state.

[Interjections.]
[Interjections.]

Mr B A RADEBE: Speaker, on a point of order ...

The SPEAKER: Hon Carter ... Ms D CARTER: Therefore, it is the wrong thing to have him stand up and participate in the Budget debate, a debate that is so important to our country.

[Interjections.]

The SPEAKER: Hon Radebe?

Mr M L W FILTANE: Hon Speaker ... Mr B A RADEBE: Hon Speaker, I was rising on Rule 92.

You have already made a ruling ...

[Interjections.]

... so, someone else cannot then rise on that point of order.

[Interjections.]
[Interjections.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 8 The SPEAKER: Can I listen to the hon Radebe, please?

[Interjections.]

Mr B A RADEBE: Hon Speaker, I rise on Rule 92: Once a Speaker or presiding officer has made a decision, no one else can come and second-guess the decision of the Speaker.

Thank you.

[Interjections.]

Ms D CARTER: Hon Speaker ...

The SPEAKER: Hon members ...

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: You must make a ruling!
The SPEAKER: ... please take your seats.

HON MEMBERS: Make a ruling!

There’s no ruling!

The SPEAKER: I did make a ruling ...

[Interjections.]

... and my ruling was that the hon Steenhuisen should take his seat so that we could proceed with the Order ...

[Interjections.]

... UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 9 An HON MEMBER: Shame on you!
The SPEAKER: ... and that the motion was not submitted for the Speaker’s consideration and therefore you must take your seat, and let’s proceed with the Order of the Day.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker, can I ask that you just look at the Rule before ruling?

The SPEAKER: I will look into the matter, hon Steenhuisen ...

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: But you are required, in terms of the Rules ...

The SPEAKER: ... and I will decide if it qualifies with the Rule.
The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: But you must do it upfront, because if you do it upfront, I have the motion ready!

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 10 The SPEAKER: So, please take your seat, hon Steenhuisen.

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Defending state capture, again!

[Interjections.]

The SPEAKER: I know that you are missing your colleagues in the red overalls.

Hon Minister, please proceed to the podium.

[Interjections.]

[Applause.]


APPROPRIATION BILL (Introduction) DIVISION OF REVENUE BILL (Tabling) The MINISTER OF FINANCE: Hon Speaker, His Excellency, Mr President ... How much time do I have?

[Interjections.]

Cabinet colleagues and Deputy Ministers, Governor of the Reserve Bank, MECs of Finance, fellow South Africans, ndi masiari, sanibonani, molweni, goeie middag, thobela, dumelang, avhusheni [good afternoon].
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 11 As I begin, let me first table before this august House: 1) The Budget Speech, 2) The 2018 Budget Review, including the a.

Fiscal framework, b.

Revenue proposals, including customs and excise duties, c. Estimates of national revenue and replies to the Budgetary Review and Recommendation reports, 3) The Division of Revenue Bill, 4) The Appropriation Bill, and 5) The estimates of national expenditure.
At the very advent of our democracy, as the nation was emerging from more than three centuries of colonial oppression, which President Nelson Mandela described as an “extraordinary human disaster that had lasted too long”, he urged that out of that experience had to be born a society of which all humanity would be proud.
To our highly expectant nation, he addressed the following words, that, and I quote: “Our daily deeds as ordinary South Africans must produce an actual South African reality that will reinforce humanity’s belief in UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 12 justice, strengthen its confidence in the nobility of the human soul and sustain all our hopes for a glorious life for all.” [Interjections.]

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

Indeed, during the past 23 years, we have, as a people, striven to live up to these injunctions conferred on us by that great leader of our people.

It is correct that, as we celebrate the centenary of his birth, we should recall his words, his thoughts and actions, indeed his dreams for our nation, in order to remind ourselves of the mammoth journey that still lies ahead of our efforts to build this society, the country, of which humanity would be proud.
Almost twenty-four years later, President Ramaphosa captured the moment and mood aptly, in delivering his inspirational inaugural state of the nation address, when he said that a new dawn was upon us and urged us to renew our nation’s promise.

{applause.]
{applause.]

Declaring this a year of change, renewal and hope, he urged us to honour both Madiba and Mama Albertina Sisulu, “not only in word, but, more importantly, in direct UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 13 action towards the achievement of their shared vision of a better society”.

This was a profound statement, echoing the hopeful and unifying sentiments of the founders of our democracy and the living dreams of the peoples of our country.
The President proceeded to outline an abiding vision for our country that has resonated with all our people, fired all of us with hope and enthusiasm, and ignited a sense of renewal.

[Interjections.]

Towards the realisation of this vision, the Budget we present today is an opportunity to reflect on the state of our nation’s finances, and the economy, more broadly, but most importantly, to understand how these support our social and economic objectives.
This is the challenge of our time, to build a South Africa in which all people have a decent standard of living, access to economic opportunities and the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 14 It is these core aspirations which the Budget must speak to, enable and indeed, advance.

We stand before you with a profound sense of optimism, purpose and resolve.
All of us should heed the President’s call, echoing the late, great Hugh Masekela, to lend a hand in addressing society’s most pressing challenges.

[Interjections.]

[Applause.]

Fellow South Africans, we have the opportunity to achieve faster and more inclusive growth, to create jobs for our people and a better life for all South Africans.

The MINISTER OF FINANCE (Contd.


): That opportunity comes from a favourable global economic outlook, with many of our trading partners doing well, and from improved prices for our exports.

That opportunity comes from a fiscal framework, which has improved markedly since the October Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 15 That opportunity comes from a stronger rand and favourable inflation outlook.
That opportunity comes from the strong partnership, which has been forged between all the social partners to prevent further ratings downgrades, and remove obstacles to investment, growth and job creation.

That opportunity comes from improving confidence, as business and consumers have responded positively to political developments over the last three months, and are anticipating progressive, ethical and decisive leadership from government.
To take advantage of these opportunities, we must act with urgency to make tangible progress on issues of public governance, inclusive growth and economic transformation.

Julius Nyerere once said: “We must run while others walk.” [Interjections.]

[Applause.]

The resolve to grasp the opportunities of the present moment has already become evident.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 16 Government has demonstrated its resolve to confront allegations of state capture and corruption through the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, ...

[Interjections.]

... announced by former President Zuma, and reaffirmed by President Ramaphosa, as well as the investigations being conducted by the Hawks, Asset Forfeiture Unit and other agencies.
Responding to an environment of eroding public trust in the early 20th century, former US President Theodore Roosevelt said, and I quote: There are in the body politic, economic and social, many and grave evils, and there is urgent necessity for the sternest war upon them.

There should be relentless exposure of and attack upon every evil man, whether politician or business man, every evil practice, whether in politics, business, or social life.
I hail, as a benefactor, every writer or speaker, every man who, on the platform or in a book, magazine, or newspaper, with merciless severity makes such attack, provided always that, he, in his turn, remembers that the attack is of use UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 17 only if it is absolutely truthful.

[Interjections.]

[Applause.]


All of us who have the honour to serve as public representatives and officials should be prepared to subject ourselves to public scrutiny.

[Interjections.]

We have demonstrated our resolve by strengthening Eskom’s board and management with highly capable, ethical and credible leadership.
This leadership has hit the ground running to turn the utility around, by decisively addressing outstanding governance concerns and restoring the confidence of stakeholders to stick with it, as it improves its performance and sustainability.

The President’s intervention this week to restore dialogue on mining policy, raises hope that a solution will be found to unlock growth and transformation in this critical sunrise sector.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 18 All stakeholders should be encouraged by the President’s intervention and commitment to set the industry on a new path of investment, inclusive growth and transformation.

We therefore welcome the Chamber of Mines’ postponement of their court action, as they join this new process.
Our resolve to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s finances will become evident today, as we table a budget which carefully balances a variety of important priorities, including social investment and protection, economic investment, and the need to stabilise the growth in public debt.

After several years, during which economic growth undershot our projections, we now see the improved growth projections for 2018, and subsequent years as a floor, rather than a ceiling.
We are convinced that, as business and consumer confidence return, and as government follows through on its commitments to enable growth with prudent, fast and decisive action, we can exceed our growth projections.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 19 With purpose and resolve, we can take advantage of these opportunities, and achieve the faster growth which is needed dramatically to reduce unemployment, poverty and inequality, and relieve pressure on our fiscal framework.

This is a tough, but hopeful Budget.


IsiZulu: Lesi sabelozimali sibonakalisa ukuthi sikwazile ukuthatha izinqumo eziqinile ezibonakalisa isibindi kodwa futhi yisabelozimali esibonakalisa ithemba lokuthi umnotho wakithi uzokhula ngendlela ezobuyisela ukwakhiwa kwamathuba emisebenzi, nentuthuko, nenqubekela phambili ezimpilweni zabantu bakithi.

English: It required us to make difficult but necessary trade- offs.
It is important to ensure that this Budget is a platform for renewal, inclusive growth and job creation.

It directs spending to our most pressing national priorities: educating our youth, protecting the vulnerable and investing in enablers of inclusive growth.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 20 It moderates spending and raises the revenues required to contain the growth in national debt, whilst trying to minimise negative effects on growth.
It presents a budget outlook which has markedly improved since the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in October; it now projects debt stabilising as a share of GDP over the medium term.

Budget 2018 charts a path out of economic stagnation, anticipating a steady increase in economic growth, which will create a path to prosperity for our people, and improve our nation’s finances over time.
There are risks and spending pressures we will need to navigate carefully, but this Budget presents a roadmap to maintaining the integrity of our public finances, while protecting social services.

Economic outlook Madam Speaker, we remain committed to the goals we set ourselves in the Freedom Charter, the Constitution and the National Development Plan, NDP.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 21 IsiZulu: Lemiqulu iqhubekela phambili nokuba umhlahlandlela walapho siphokophelele khona.

English: These goals are ultimately aimed at addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

To achieve these goals, we have to implement radical socioeconomic transformation.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge that last year was particularly difficult for our economy.

[Interjections.]
[Interjections.]

IsiZulu: Kwakungunyaka owawunenkinga yokuthi umnotho wakithi wawukhula ngezinga elingafanelekile.

English: We got into a recession, ratings downgrades, and heightened concerns regarding the governance and sustainability of key state-owned companies.

[Interjections.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 22 Despite this, the country’s economic growth outlook has improved over the past few months ...

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

... because of strong growth in the primary sector of the economy – particularly agriculture – as well as a welcomed recovery in investor sentiment and business confidence.

Over the medium term, the growth outlook is higher than projected in last year’s, Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, MTBPS.

The cyclical recovery is matched by a renewed sense of optimism that the government can and will do its work effectively.
This presents an opportunity for us to do the things required to reignite growth and chart a course towards meeting the objectives of the NDP and fulfilling our constitutional obligations.
Our responsibilities in translating this renewed energy into tangible and sustainable economic benefits for all our people include:  Creating the right environment for investment, UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 23  Partnering with the social partners to create sustainable employment,  Dealing decisively with governance and financial failures at state-owned companies; and  Addressing the concentrated and inequitable structure of the economy.
Achieving these objectives will require us to forge a new compact between the social partners.

We need to provide investors with the certainty required to increase investment.

Raising the level of investment and improving the ease of doing business in the country will support job creation.

Private-sector investment and job creation are critical to reduce unemployment, which remains stubbornly high at 26,7%.
Investment opportunities are occasioned by the following global developments in our main trading partners:  Stronger domestic demand in the US and the euro area has supported an improved growth outlook.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 24  The recovery in commodity prices has also supported developing countries’ growth prospects.

 Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow at 3,3% in 2018.
Seizing the Opportunity for Inclusive Growth and Economic Transformation By harnessing these opportunities, we can move our economy towards the targets we have set ourselves in the NDP.

South Africa needs to be bold and co-ordinated in building sectors where we have comparative advantage and can be truly world class.

These include, but are not limited to: mining, agriculture, tourism, as well as manufacturing and service exports to the rest of Africa and globally.
The 2017 GDP growth projection has been revised upward to 1%, which is higher than the 0,7% expected at the time of UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 25 the MTBPS last year.

We are anticipating growth of 1,5% in 2018, rising to 2,1% in 2020.

[Applause.]

While this is a good start, there are immediate policy interventions that we need to make, to ensure that we create the right environment for investment, growth and employment.
The first is to finalise the 14 confidence- boosting measures that we committed to in July last year.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to announce that good progress has been made in this regard, as detailed in Chapter 1 of the Budget Review.

The gains from progress made by government action are important but insufficient to achieve transformation and inclusive growth.

Together, government, labour, the private sector and civil society have the ability and responsibility to grow the economy inclusively.
The enormous potential of our partnership has been demonstrated by the CEO’s initiative, which has UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 26 established a business-led fund, committing about R1,4 billion to support high-potential SMMEs.

[Applause.]

National Treasury invited citizens to contribute suggestions through our Budget Tips competition.
Our runner-up tipster, Karabo Tladi, reminded us that: Government must ensure that youth are equipped with sufficient skills in business and look critically at the policies that involve funding for youth-owned business.

If the funding for small businesses could be accessible, unemployment would be cut in half through small business initiatives.
Indeed, Karabo, government must create an enabling environment for small businesses to thrive, as they are an important lever to create jobs and grow the economy inclusively.
IsiZulu: Osomabhizinisi abasafufusa bayakudinga ukwesekelwa nguhulumeni ngazo zonke izindlela ezingakhonakala ngoba yibona abakwazi ukwakha amathuba emisebenzi amaningi UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 27 nokusimamisa umnotho wakithi nokwenza isiqinisekiso sokuthi labo abasakhishwa inyumbazana kwezomnotho nabo bayalithola ithuba lokuthi babe ngosomabhizinisi kanye nosozimboni.
English: Work is being done to provide crucial funding to innovative small businesses when they need it most.

A fund with an allocation of R2,1 billion over the medium term is being developed between the Departments of Small Businesses, Science and Technology and the National Treasury, to benefit small and medium enterprises during the early start-up phase.

This is an area that has historically had limited support because of the risks involved.

[Applause.]

The MINISTER OF FINANCE (Contd.


): By enabling new businesses with new ideas to emerge and thrive, we are radically transforming patterns of production in the economy.

Another important constraint for small business is lack of market access and barriers to entry.
To resolve this, UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 28 our competition authorities continue to do the necessary and important work of addressing barriers to entry and rooting out anticompetitive behaviour, which slows economic growth and dynamism.

As the President indicated, the Competition Commission’s market inquiry to investigate data prices will be completed by the end of August 2018.
This will support the work being done by the government to improve competition in the telecommunications sector.

By deconcentrating our economy, we are radically transforming the structure of our economy.

Furthermore, there is continued collaboration with our social partners at the National Economic Development and Labour Council, NEDLAC, to improve the country’s investment ratings and accelerate economic growth.
While this represents much-needed progress, it is inadequate to get the economy growing at the rate we need.

More needs to be done.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 29 We are inspired by the President’s commitment in the state of the nation address to convene an investment conference and jobs summit, to bring all stakeholders together around practical initiatives to catalyse inclusive growth and job creation.
Transformation calls for more than growth alone, it requires a fundamental shift in the way that wealth is created and shared.

The structure of the economy needs to be transformed radically to allow for new ideas, businesses and economic activities to emerge and thrive.

Madam Speaker, South Africa cannot be so fixated on our domestic circumstances that we ignore fundamental global economic trends, dynamics and debates that will shape the future.
We must continue to chart a path for ourselves that is responsive to global change but equally tailored to address the specific needs of our society that will result in truly better lives for all.

In this way, and as UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 30 urban poet, Kendrick Lamar, says, “We gon’ be alright.” [Applause.]

[Interjections.]

Fiscal Framework At the time of the MTBPS, government debt was shown to be on an unsustainable path.
Debt-service costs were also projected to rise, crowding out social spending.

Despite an improved outlook, government still faces a revenue gap of R48,2 billion in the current year, which carries through to the outer years of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

In addition, the December 2017 announcement of fee-free higher education and training entails large new allocations over the medium term.

In response, government has made significant changes to the fiscal framework.
Firstly, new tax measures raise an additional R36 billion in 2018-19, mainly through a higher VAT rate and below- inflation adjustments to personal income tax brackets IsiZulu: UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 31 Okokuqala, uHulumeni uthathe isinqumo sokuthi anyuse izinga lentela elizosenyusela imali ebalelwa ku- R36 billion, ikakhulukazi ngokwenyusa intela ebizwa nge- VAT kanjalo nezinye izintela.
Sizokuchaza lokhu kabanzi ukuthi kuzobathinta kanjani ikakhulukazi abantu abahluphekayo.

English: Secondly, the expenditure ceiling has been revised down marginally from what was presented in October.

However, the small revisions are underpinned by large reductions and reallocations.

Over the next three years, the spending framework includes:  Expenditure reductions approved by Cabinet amounting to R85 billion.

 An allocation of R57 billion for fee-free higher education and training.
 Additions to the contingency reserve, amounting to R10 billion.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 32 Taken together, and supported by a strengthened growth outlook, these interventions will stabilise public finances.

The consolidated deficit is now projected to narrow from 4,3% of GDP in 2017-18 to 3,5% in 2020-21.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

The main Budget primary deficit closes over the medium term, helping to stabilise the gross debt-to-GDP ratio at 56,2% of GDP in 2022-23, and declining thereafter.

These fiscal proposals will cause economic discomfort, but they are necessary to protect the integrity of the public finances.

Acting now to strengthen the fiscal position will improve the outlook for the economy and increase space for future investment growth.

It is the right thing to do.


We dare not borrow irresponsibly, leaving it to future generations to repay.

Our fiscal interventions also demand greater efficiency in the use of funds across the public sector.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 33 Government recognises the need to shift spending away from consumption towards higher investment.

Over the past decade, the public sector has invested R2,2 trillion in economic and social infrastructure.
Yet, weaknesses in project preparation, execution and delivery have resulted in lengthy delays and cost overruns.

To improve this, government has established a Budget facility for infrastructure, to standardise and improve the management of public infrastructure projects.

To support higher levels of capital investment and maintenance, the state needs to contain the public- service wage bill.
Government is working to ensure that the current wage negotiations process results in a fair and sustainable agreement.

This process will require careful consideration from all stakeholders.

Tax Proposals UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 34 The tax proposals for the 2018 Budget are designed to generate an additional R36 billion in tax revenue for 2018-19.
The main tax proposals for the 2018 Budget are:  An increase in the value-added tax rate from 14 to 15%,  A below inflation increase in the personal income tax rebates and brackets, with greater relief for those in the lower income tax brackets,  An increase in the ad valorem excise duty rate on luxury goods from 7 to 9%,  A higher estate-duty tax rate of 25% for estates greater than R30 million,  A 52 cents per litre increase in the levies on fuel, made up of a 22 cents per litre for the general fuel levy and a 30 cents per litre increase in the Road Accident Fund Levy, and  Increases in the alcohol and tobacco excise duties of between 6 and 10%.
[Interjections.]

IsiZulu: Eish!

[Ubuwelewele.]

Uxolo bafowethu.

[Ubuwelewele.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 35 English: From this afternoon ... IsiZulu: ... ukusukela manje ntambama, ikani likabhiya eliwu-340ml lizokwenyuka ngamasenti ayishumi nanhlanu.

[Ubuwelewele.]

[Ihlombe.]

Ibhodlela lewayini lizonyuka ngamasenti angamashumi amabili nantathu.

[Ihlombe.]

ibhodlela lamanzi amponjwana lawa awadliwa ngabanye ngaphambi kokuthi beze lana eNdlini ...
[Uhleko.]

lizonyuka ngamarandi amane kanye namashumi ayisishiyagalombili.

[Ihlombe.]

bese iphakethe likagwayi le-20 lenyuke ngerandi namasenti angamashumi amabili nambili.

[Ihlombe.]

Ngenhlonipho-ke kuMntwana, Ndabezitha, lobu besintu sisabuyekile.

[Uhleko.]

[Ihlombe.]

Uma senza lezi ziphakamiso zentela uHulumeni ukucabange kakhulu ukuthi kubaluleke kanjani ukuthatha izinqumo ezizokwazi ukusimamisa umnotho.

AN HON MEMBER: No one believes you!


IsiZulu: UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 36 Futhi sicubungule kabanzi yonke imibono ephakanyiswe ngabantu nxa zonke.

English: In taking these decisions, government reviewed considerately the potential contributions from the three major tax instruments which raise over 80% of our revenue - personal and corporate income tax and VAT.
We have increased personal income tax significantly in recent years, particularly at the higher income bands, and our corporate income tax is high by international standards.

We have not adjusted VAT since 1993, and it is low compared to some of our peers such as Argentina, Morocco, Turkey and Kenya.

We therefore decided that increasing VAT was unavoidable, if we are to maintain the integrity of our public finances.
Betusile Mcinga reminded us of the real concerns of our people, telling me via social media that, “before you UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 37 speak about big words like radical, transformation and all big numbers, please, please ... IsiXhosa: ... ndicela uthobe i-price yamaqanda ne-Oros.” [Kwahlekwa.]

English: The current zero-rating of basic food items such as maize meal, brown bread, dried beans and rice will limit the impact on the poorest households.
[Applause.]

IsiZulu: Izinto ezifana nempuphu nesinkwa nezinye, sisaqhubekile ukuthi singayifaki intela kuzo ...

[Ihlombe.]

ukuze abantu bakithi abahluphekayo baqhubeke nokukwazi ukuthenga ukudla okuzokwazi ukubaphilisa.

English: Vulnerable households will also be compensated through an above-average increase in social grants.

[Applause.]

IsiZulu: UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 38 Sizophinda senyuse ngokwevile kancane imali yokuxhasa abantu abahluphekayo.
[Ihlombe.]

English: Some relief will be provided to lower income individuals through an increase in the bottom three personal income tax brackets and the rebates.

In addition to VAT, we are increasing excise duties on luxury goods and estate duty on wealthy individuals.

Taken together, we believe these proposals best protect the progressive nature of our tax regime, to minimise the impact on lower-income households.
The 1% increase in VAT will affect 80% of those who are at the higher spectrum of income earners in South Africa.

The poor will remain protected through zero-rated basic food items and above- inflation increases in social income.

[Applause.]

The National Treasury, in close co-operation with the Reserve Bank, the Financial Intelligence Centre and the South African Revenue Service, is taking several steps to detect, disrupt and deter illicit financial flows.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 39 These measures include increasing capacity, co-ordinating a national risk assessment and improving information sharing between various agencies.

In line with G20 recommendations, policy measures to deal with transfer pricing and base erosion by multinational companies are being implemented and continue to be tightened.

Having a sustainable tax base is important to ensure that government has enough revenue to meet its spending needs.
Companies can structure affairs to reduce their tax base in South Africa and shift their profits to low-tax countries.

This threatens the sustainability of our tax base and is a challenge that most governments are struggling with.

The MINISTER OF FINANCE (Contd.

): The implementation of country-by-country reporting will enable Sars to ensure that companies pay their fair share of tax in South Africa.

[Interjections.]
[Interjections.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 40 We are also investigating options to further curb the practice of excessive interest deductions by companies in order to reduce their tax liability.
The realisation of taxes from the offshore wealth of taxpayers, as highlighted in the Panama and more recently, the Paradise Papers, was evidenced in the over 2 000 applications for disclosure by South African taxpayers under last year’s Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme, SVDP.

It is anticipated that by the end of March 2018, over R3 billion will have been collected in respect of the SVDP that have been processed, with work on remaining applications continuing into the new fiscal year.
Measures to approve material cross-border transactions involving state-owned entities will be put in place.

The digital economy brings about many technological advances that have led to changes in business models.

Today, we update draft VAT regulations to cover foreign UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 41 businesses selling electronic services to South African consumers.
Working closely with the Department of Trade and Industry, I have approved six special economic zones that will make qualifying companies subject to a reduced corporate tax rate, and enable them to claim an employment tax incentive for workers of all ages.

These measures will promote investment in those manufacturing and tradable services sectors that encourage exports, job creation and economic growth.
Working with the Minister of Science and Technology, government has streamlined the administration of the research and development tax incentive.

Aside from raising revenue, the tax system is increasingly required to play a role in protecting the natural environment and promoting sustainable use of limited resources.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 42 Parliament is currently considering the draft Carbon Tax Bill, which will assist South Africa to meet its climate change commitments to reduce our carbon emissions.

The tax will be implemented from 1 January 2019.

As with greenhouse emissions, the polluter-must-pay- principle must also apply to other activities which harm the environment, like the dumping of plastics into our oceans and threatening of marine life.
Working with the Department of Environmental Affairs, we will shortly publish a policy brief to broaden the scope of environmental fiscal reform, to explore fiscal and regulatory measures, to improve water resource management, to mitigate the emission of pollutants and encourage recycling to reduce waste, such as plastic, which is polluting our oceans.

Madame Speaker, tax morality is a crucial component of a healthy democracy.
It has taken many years and lots of effort to build the foundation of trust that supports our tax morality.

We have seen how quickly citizens’ trust UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 43 can be eroded by perceptions of poor public governance.

[Interjections.]

At the state of the nation address, the President has announced his intention to establish a commission of inquiry into tax administration and governance at Sars.
This year, government will respond to the Davis Tax Committee’s report on tax administration and introduce draft legislation to give effect to some of its recommendations, including those on the accountability of Sars to the Minister of Finance, and the establishment of a supervisory board, as well as measures to strengthen the Office of the Ombud.
Government will also take steps to implement the customs modernisation programme currently implemented by Sars, to give effect to the new customs and excise legislation passed in 2014.

Medium term expenditure and the division of revenue Hon Speaker, allow me now to deal with how government will be spending its limited resources.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 44 Consolidated spending will increase from R1,67 trillion in 2018-19 to R1,94 trillion, representing a nominal annual average growth of 7,6%, or 2,1% in real terms.

In aggregate, government will be spending R792 billion on basic education, R668 billion on health and R528 billion on social grants, over the medium term.
This coming fiscal year alone, government has allocated over R200 billion for peace and security and another R200 billion for economic development, to build a safer country and to grow our economy inclusively.

The largest reallocation of resources towards government’s priorities was on higher education and training, amounting to additional funding of R57 billion over the medium term.

[Applause.]

As a result, this is the fastest-growing spending category, with an annual average growth of 13,7%.
Accordingly, this government is proud to implement a major step forward towards our ultimate goal of guaranteeing access to higher education and training for UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 45 all South Africans who qualify, based on merit, not on class position.

[Applause.]

This follows former President Zuma’s response to the Heher Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training, reaffirmed by President Ramphosa.
Government will phase in fee-free higher education and training to students from poor and working-class families.

IsiZulu: Abamntwana babantu abahlwempu abahluphekayo nabamntwana babasebenzi yibona abazozuza kulolu hlelo uhulumeni alwethulayo.

English: This means that all new first-year students with a family income below R350 000 per annum at universities and TVET colleges in the 2018 academic year will be funded for the full cost of study.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

This will be rolled out in subsequent years until all years of study are covered.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 46 IsiZulu: Sebethule.

[Ihlombe.]

English: Returning NSFAS students at university will have their loans for 2018 onwards converted to a bursary.

[Applause.]

This is an important step forward in breaking the cycle of poverty and confronting youth unemployment, as labour statistics show that unemployment is lowest for tertiary graduates.
This issue should not be viewed only in the context of cost, and how the country can fund a major increase in spending on higher education during difficult economic times.

This is an historic development.

Under apartheid, this country spent decades deliberately undereducating the black child, the African child, in particular, and trying to break their backs.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

Generations of youth and student activists made enormous UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 47 sacrifices, some giving up their lives, to gain access to quality education.

The Freedom Charter calls for the doors of learning and culture to be opened to all, and continues to insist that “higher education and technical training shall be opened to all by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit”.
By ensuring that higher and further education and training is further being made accessible to the children of workers and the poor, we honour the struggles of freedom fighters such as Bantu Steve Biko, Onkgopotse Tiro, Khotso Seatlholo, Hector Peterson and Tsietsi Mashinini, Bathandwa Ndondo, among many others.

[Applause.]

We give credence to the sacrifices of our youth, and salute the youth for the sacrifices they have made over the years to bring South Africa to where she is today.
This is a major achievement for South Africa and is cause for celebration.

Basic education remains a key focus in the 2018 Budget.

Over the medium term, R3,8 billion allocated to the UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 48 School infrastructure Backlogs grant will replace 82 inappropriate and unsafe schools, and provide water to 325 schools and sanitation to 286 schools.
IsiZulu: Sizoletha amanzi, silethe izindlu zangasese ezihloniphekile kanjalo sakhe nezikole ezihloniphekile ezizokwenza abamntwana bethu bakwazi ukufunda esimweni esifanelekile.

English: The Education Infrastructure grant is also allocated R31,7 billion over the medium term to build new schools, upgrade and maintain existing infrastructure, and provide school furniture.
Meals will be provided at 19 800 schools for about nine million learners each school day through the National School Nutrition Programme grant, which is allocated R21,7 billion over the medium term.
An amount of 39 000 Funza Lushaka bursaries, disbursed via the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, at a cost UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 49 of R3,7 billion for prospective teachers in priority subject areas such as Mathematics, Science and Technology will be provided over the next three years.

[Applause.]

IsiZulu: Sithuthukisa amakhono othisha babamntwana bethu.

[Ihlombe.]
[Ihlombe.]

English: Our social protection systems continue to protect the poor and most vulnerable and government has continued progressively on the path towards National Health Insurance, NHI.

Over the medium term, NHI is allocated an additional R4,2 billion, funded through an amendment to the medical expenses tax subsidy.

Now, at least,... IsiZulu: ... udokotela Motsoaledi akasezukuxabana nami ngoba uzile wazongethusa ekuqaleni komhlangano ukuthi uma ngingamniki imali ye-NHI sizobe sesixabene.
English: UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 50 Overall, government will be spending R205 billion on health in 2018-19, growing to R240 billion by 2020-21.

Government has taken deliberate steps to adjust social grant values above inflation to at least partially cover for the proposed increase in VAT.
IsiZulu: Ngalokho impesheni yabantu abadala kanjalo nesabelozimali zalabo abakhubazekile nabagada abamntwana izonyuka ukusukela lulunye ku-Apreli kulonyaka ophezulu kwinani lenkulungwane namakhulu ayisithupha, lizonyuka ngenani elingamashumi ayisishiyagalolunye lenyukele kwinkulungwane namakhulu ayisithupha namashumi ayisishiyagalolunye.

[Ihlombe.]

Bese kuthi ukusukela ngo- Okthoba yenyuke futhi kancane.

Sithi: Chatha, chatha ishumi lamarandi yenyukele kwinkulungwane namakhulu ayisikhombisa.

[Ihlombe.]
[Ihlombe.]

The MINISTER OF FINANCE (Contd.

): The old age pension, care dependency and disability grants will increase from 1 April by R90 from R1 600 to R1 690 and by a further R10 to R1 700 on 1 October 2018.

[Applause.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 51 The Child Support Grant ... IsiZulu: ... Kuye kuthiwe le ngakithi, yimali yeqolo ... English: The Child Support Grant will increase from the baseline of R380 to R400 billion on 1 April and to R410 on 1 October.
[Interjections.]

IsiZulu: Imani-ke ...

[Ubuwelewele.]

Ake ngithi ukuyilungisa.

[Uhleko.]

Ngiyabona ...

[Ubuwelewele.]

English: The SPEAKER: Order!

IsiZulu: ... sekukhona abafuna ukusula ePhalamende Mongameli bayofuna le mali.

English: UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 52 The Child Support Grant will increase from the baseline of R380 to R400 on 1 April and to R410 on 1 October.

This is a 6,6% annual increase.


IsiZulu: Sisaqhubeka njengoHulumeni ukugcizelela ukuthi lezi zimali zezondlo zabantwana maziphelele ebantwaneni hayi kwezinye izinto eziseceleni.

[Ihlombe.]

Sikhona isiqeshana sevidyo ebesisabalele ko-Whatsapp nasezinkundleni zokuxhumana lapho khona abantwana besinye isikole eMpumalanga Koloni bekhala ngokuthi, ewu!

“Izimali zethu azifikeleli lapha kithi kunezinto ezinye eziyenzayo” Awu bakwethu!

Izimali zezingane ake ziye kuzo.

[Ihlombe.]


English: An additional R2,6 billion has been added since the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, MTBPS, to social grants to enable these changes.

These adjustments resulted in social protection spending increasing by 7,9% per year, much above inflation.
As highlighted by the President in the state of the nation address, UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 53 government will ensure that social grants will continue to be paid without disruption.

[Applause.]

The 1st round of projects for the Budget Facility for Infrastructure, BFI, was received in 2017.

The facility received 64 projects with an estimated funding requirement of R139 billion.

Of the projects received, 38 met the requirement for evaluation.
The evaluation process is currently being finalised and projects that meet the criteria are expected to receive approval for funding in the 1st quarter of 2018-19.

The BFI should also assist us in attracting private investment for projects.

Government continues to support South African companies to grow and to become more competitive through incentives in the form of grants, loans and tax allowances.
An amount of R18,8 billion is allocated for industrialisation incentives over the medium term of which an additional allocation of R3,3 billion is allocated for the Economic Competitiveness and Support UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 54 Package to support growth and job creation in support of the Industrial Policy Action Plan.

Government is spending a significant amount on small business support in the medium term.
The money is aimed at fostering and supporting entrepreneurs like Ayanda and Siyanda who are here today as our special guests.

IsiZulu: Bengizocela ukuthi lapho bekhona basukume.

[Ihlombe.]

Nabaya.

English: They have founded a clothing label called PEX Lifestyle and describe themselves as true hustlers, not waiting for government programmes or handouts.

[Applause.]

IsiZulu: Kuyimanje bagqoke izinto abazithunga bona, besebenzisa amatshali.
Ngisacela nisukume futhi, uNgqongqoshe Wezokuthuthukiswa Kwamabhizinisi Amancane akazange anibone kahle.

[Ihlombe.]

Nazoke!

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 55 English: We salute your enterprising spirit and call on the public to support them and others like them.
Of the incentives budget, R4,9 billion is allocated for industrial infrastructure projects over the medium term for special economic zones, and government-owned industrial and critical infrastructure projects to promote industrial development, increase investment and exports of value-added commodities.
To strengthen global market access for South African agricultural products, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries received an additional allocation of R40 million over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, to upgrade infrastructure and equipment for analytical services laboratories.
This will provide assurance to global trading partners that South African agricultural products meet internationally recognised standards for human safety, thereby facilitating our ability to export unhindered.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 56 In line with the outcomes of Operation Phakisa on agriculture, rural development and land reform, the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries aims to create and support 450 sustainable and profitable black commercial producers participating in prioritised value chains over a five-year period.

An estimated R581,7 million is expected to be reprioritised for the black producer commercialisation programme.
IsiZulu: Shayani izandla.

[Ihlombe.]

Awu!

English: By creating opportunities for black agricultural producers, we are radically transforming the agricultural sector of our economy.

Over the medium term, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform intends to accelerate the settlement of restitution claims with plans to finalise 2 851 claims at a budgeted amount of R10,8 billion.
Accelerating land reform has become urgent and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has set aside R4,2 billion UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 57 for the acquisition of 291 000 hectares of strategically located land.

[Applause.]

The judicial commission of inquiry into state capture is ready to commence with its work.

Halala!

[Well done!]


Budget allocation for the commission will be considered during the 2018 adjustment Budget once its costing is finalised.

The preparations for the 2019 elections are well ahead, supporting one of the crucial pillars of our young democracy.

The challenges relating to the address harvesting and to record proper addresses of eligible voters as prescribed by the Constitutional Court are being resolved and will be concluded in the first quarter of the 2019 financial year.

Cheers!
Cheers!

Provincial and Local Government Drought: Severe drought conditions are affecting large parts of the country and it is placing extreme strain on the supply of water to nearly four million people in the City of Cape Town.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 58 IsiZulu: Ningamxoshi uNk u-Patricia de Lille.

[Uhleko.]

[Ubuwelewele.]


English: Some smaller towns in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, including Nelson Mandela Bay, and the Western Cape, are also facing water shortages.

IsiZulu: Unihlulile!

English: South Africa is a water-scarce country and our climate is changing in ways that make rainfall patterns far less predictable than in the past.

We need to conserve water!


We have among the highest levels of per capita daily domestic water consumption levels in the world, and also some of the highest levels of inequality in reliable access to water.

National government will continue to work with municipalities to respond effectively to the water UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 59 crisis.

Government stands ready to provide financial assistance where necessary.
Firstly, a provisional allocation of R6 billion has been set aside in 2018-19 for several purposes, including drought relief and to augment public infrastructure investment.

Sis Nomvula, I hope you are happy.

Minister Van Rooyen, I’m sure you are also happy.

[Interjections.

]; Secondly, government is concerned about the potential job losses in vulnerable farming communities as a result of the drought.
We are therefore exploring the option of partially mitigating losses by temporarily increasing intake in the Working for Water programme; Thirdly, allocation for drought response funds for water infrastructure projects and the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP, will be made in the adjustment Budget; and Fourthly, to provide short-term assistance, this Budget includes disaster relief grants for provinces and UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 60 municipalities worth R473 million in 2018-19.
Other conditional grants can also be prioritised to respond to disasters if necessary.

Division of Revenue: Our Constitution requires equitable division of revenue between the spheres of government and sets out criteria that govern the divisions.
Over the MTEF period ahead, after providing for debt- service costs and the contingency reserve, funds available for spending on public services grow by an average of 7,1% per annum, increasing to R1,3 trillion next year, and is projected to rise to R1,5 trillion in 2020-21.

Over the next three years, 48% of nationally raised funds are allocated to national government, 43% to provincial government and 9% to local government.
Of course, we would like to be able to allocate more to each sphere for service delivery and a larger share to local government, but the reality is that the rising cost UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 61 of servicing our national debt leaves fewer resources available to invest in services across all spheres of government.

Quality of services: The delivery of health services, for which provinces remain responsible, has recently come under the spotlight.
It should be noted that provinces face different challenges when it comes to the delivery of health services, and national government is aware and working towards resolving these challenges, whilst fast tracking the testing of platforms in preparation for the National Health Insurance, NHI.
It is for this reason that a joint health action plan spearheaded by the Department of Health and National Treasury is highly welcomed by the provinces and will focus on a number of intervention areas, including quality of care, medico-legal claims, human resources, information systems and overall infrastructure for the delivery of health services.
Local government financial management: UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 62 Local governments continue to face significant financial management and governance challenges.

Too many municipalities do not charge tariffs that reflect the full cost of the services they deliver, in particular for water services.

Many municipalities do not collect the funds that are owed to them and do not adopt credible budgets.

As a result, they are unable to pay their own creditors.
National government already provides extensive capacity support to municipalities, but over the period ahead we will review the effectiveness of these different support measures and introduce a new instrument designed to assist the turnaround of some of the most troubled municipalities.

Urban renewal and Spatial Transformation: Cities are the heart of the national economy and hold the potential to drive our economic renewal.
South Africa’s eight metros are home to 39% of our population but account for half of all formal and informal employment, and 57% of the country’s economic output.

The economic UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 63 importance of cities is likely to increase.

We must take advantage of this dynamic to drive inclusive growth.

The Integrated Urban Development Framework sets out government’s policy commitment to improving the productivity of South Africa’s urban areas.
Achieving this will require us to re-think approaches to South Africa’s urban development challenges and to find new ways in which to stimulate faster and more inclusive growth.

On a visit to the Bridge City hub in eThekwini, I saw first-hand the transformative potential of co-ordinated public investment in reviving township economies through public and economic infrastructure investments and catalysing private-sector investments.
Let all urban development stakeholders work imaginatively to transform township economies.

Let us think beyond car washes, hair salons and spaza shops — important as they are — and find ways to foster productive, high value economic activity in townships owned and managed by township residents.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 64 The MINISTER OF FINANCE: We need to see factories, workshops, tech hubs and locally-owned retail operations being established in our townships.

By revitalising the township economy and reconfiguring our urban centres, we are radically transforming the unequal spatial planning of our cities.
Government is also alert to the potential of our intermediate cities that are smaller than the metros, but still significant urban centres.

The better to respond to the urban development challenges they face, this Budget proposes to introduce a new, more flexible grant funding arrangement for these cities over the medium term.
Cities will be able to opt to join this new grant, which will require more integrated long-term planning and a greater contribution to infrastructure investment from their own resources.

State Owned Companies: State-owned companies operate network industries such as electricity and transport that underpin our country’s UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 65 economic growth potential.
President Ramaphosa made an unequivocal commitment in the state of the nation address to intervene decisively to stabilise and revitalise state-owned enterprises and outlined in his response to the state of the nation address drastic measures we are going to take to implement meaningful and far-reaching reforms to our state-owned companies.
To date we have managed to: Firstly, secure Cabinet approval of frameworks on private-sector participation, the appointment of boards and the costing of developmental mandates; Secondly, appoint a new board, chief executive officer and restructuring officer at SA Airways, SAA, and to implement the long-term turnaround strategy for the entity; and Thirdly, appoint a new board at Eskom.
The Minister of Public Enterprises has instructed the entity to conclude all power-purchase agreements with independent power producers.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 66 The 2017 MTBPS warned that the liabilities of several state-owned companies were falling due, and without an improvement in cash flows and governance they would be unable to meet these obligations.

State-owned companies are expected to fund their own operations.
As our winning tipster, Luvo Mgxaji, wrote, “It is not fair for taxpayer money to be used for continual bailouts, caused by operational inefficiency and financial mismanagement.” [Interjections.]

We agree with Luvo.

We have limited fiscal room and are loathe to use it to subsidise inefficiency, rather than address social needs and invest to improve our economic competitiveness.
Government recognises that the business models of some of our state-owned companies are unsustainable and their capital structures too reliant on debt.

To confront these challenges, we will assist them to develop and implement robust turnaround plans.

This needs to be part of a holistic reform programme which considers the role we want state-owned companies to play in our economic development.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 67 Some will require restructuring with equity investment.

In the coming year, government may be required to provide financial support to several state-owned companies which could be done through a combination of disposing of noncore assets, strategic equity partners or direct capital injections.
In this regard, a property audit conducted by the Department of Public Works shows that national government owns up to 195 000 properties, with an estimated value of over R40 billion.

We will work with them on a programme to better utilise or dispose of these properties in the short to medium term.

Government is finalising a framework on guarantees aimed at both reducing the exposure and improving the quality of the guarantee portfolio.
We can and will continue to ensure that all state-owned companies are run sustainably and contribute to our national development.

Financial sector transformation: UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 68 Transformation of the financial services sector is critical, as the allocation of capital greatly influences patterns of ownership and production in the economy.
In financial services, government has gazetted the Financial Sector Codes and a R100 billion Black Business Growth Fund has been created through the code.

[Applause.]

The fund will assist black entrepreneurs to finance big deals – an intervention that is crucial to transforming capital allocation in the economy.

The Financial Sector Summit will take place in April 2018.

All of these efforts serve to extend access to South Africans who were excluded from the financial system.
Strengthening the regulatory system: South Africa has a strong financial regulatory system and deep and liquid capital markets.

These are critical ratings strengths.

The two new Twin Peaks authorities will be established on or soon after 1 April 2018, and their powers will be UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 69 phased in to ensure a smooth transition to the new and tougher regulatory system.
Further steps will be taken to strengthen the system, including introducing deposit insurance and also introducing a new way of resolving banks that are in financial distress.

Draft legislation will be published shortly.

Work will continue on reforming the legislation for financial markets and the payment system to ensure that our infrastructure remains globally competitive.
The Treasury is working with the Reserve Bank, Financial Services Board, FSB, and other government entities towards a regulatory framework for all types of financial technologies, FinTech.

For instance, the emergence of cryptocurrencies is a major development to which our regulatory regime must respond.
New banks: Government supports the expansion of competitive and affordable banking services, and recognises the value of UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 70 digital banking services in this context.

New technology offers substantial opportunities for new entrants into the financial sector.

In 2017, the Reserve Bank granted three bank licences – two for banks with significant digital banking capabilities and one for a new digitally focused mutual bank.
These licences will ensure banks are able to harness the power of technology and bring competition and innovation into the sector.

We are pleased ...

[Interjections.]

... that one of the new banks has significant direct black ownership.

[Applause.]

Welcoming back Old Mutual: We are pleased to welcome the return this year of Old Mutual, which will move its primary listing back to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

We see this as a major vote of confidence in the attractiveness and growth potential of South Africa as a market in its own right, as well as a headquarters for African operations.

There will be regulatory benefits with respect to risk and governance, but most importantly, it is good to UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 71 welcome home one of our oldest financial services companies.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

Steinhoff: Government notes recent exposure of fraudulent accounting practices, including Steinhoff, resulting in large losses for many retirement and institutional funds.

Government regulators, namely the FSB, Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors, IRBA, and other regulators have initiated investigations which are currently in progress and are working with overseas regulators to ensure that those at fault are made to account for their crimes.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

As President Ramaphosa said during the state of the nation address, “We must fight corruption, fraud and collusion in the private sector with the same purpose and intensity.” [Applause.]

[Interjections.]

It is vital that we subject corporate corruption to the same amount of scrutiny and ensure, among others, that we implement the IRBA recommendations on Mandatory Audit Firm Rotation in order to ensure the rigor of the audit process and the independence of audit committees and firms.
[Applause.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 72 Making it easier to invest across borders: A range of reforms are proposed to make it easier for South Africans to diversify and invest into Africa.

The offshore allocation limits for institutional investors are increased by five percentage points across all categories.

This includes the special allocation to African investments, which will rise to 10%.
The limit applicable to HoldCo, also known as Treasury management companies, has also been increased.

Further administrative reforms are contained in annexure F of the Budget Review.

Improving the treatment of retirement fund members: Government’s retirement reform programme will continue in 2018.
Consultations at the National Economic Development and Labour Council, Nedlac, on annuitisation of provident and preservation funds are still in progress, and it is my hope that an initial agreement can be concluded later this year.
Government has also directed the FSB to proceed with measures to modernise and improve the governance of all UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 73 retirement funds, starting with the requirement that all retirement funds must now submit audited financial statements annually.
Other steps include the strengthening of enforcement measures, lowering costs and consolidating funds, and consulting with Nedlac on more efficient measures to find beneficiaries where funds are not claimed.

Strengthening Public Auditing: During the current financial year, we engaged with the Auditor-General and are making proposals to amend the Public Audit Act.

This was occasioned by the worrying trend we see in rising unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
We will finalise the process this year to address these issues effectively.

Public Procurement: It is the policy of this government to leverage public procurement to support black economic empowerment, industrialisation and development of small businesses.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

Public procurement worth hundreds of billions of rand annually is a critical lever to change the UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 74 production and ownership patterns of the economy to empower black people, women and youth.

For this reason, amendments to the Preferential Procurement Regulations became effective on 1 April 2017.
Key changes for the coming financial year include: Firstly, targeted procurement from designated groups, including township and rural enterprises, black women and youth enterprises, co-operatives and people with disabilities, among others.

The Premier of the North West made a very strong argument for this earlier this year; Secondly, compulsory subcontracting to designated groups in all projects or contracts above R30 million.
Nothing prevents organs of state from applying subcontracting provisions in projects or contracts below R30 million; and Thirdly, designation of sectors and industries for localisation to support industrial development, localisation and job creation.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 75 The Public Procurement Bill will be submitted to Cabinet in March 2018 for gazetting for public comments.
It will further enable government to use public procurement strategically to advance transformation, achieve efficiencies and improve governance.

Treasury will increase collaboration with all law enforcement agencies to strengthen efforts to fight fraud, corruption and abuse of supply chain management systems across all spheres of government in order to restore the integrity of supply chain management.
The MINISTER OF FINANCE: In recent years, a large number of deviations from national procurement processes have reduced the credibility of the supply chain management system.

Deviations can also result in anticompetitive practices that open the door to corruption and which limit transformation by preventing small businesses from doing business with the state.

In future, deviations will be allowed only in rare, well-justified cases.

Government has a number of evergreen contracts, which are open-ended.
Evergreen contracts create barriers to entry, UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 76 making it impossible for new entrants to participate in the allocation of government contracts.

[Applause.]

Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises, SMMEs, and black-owned companies find it very difficult to participate in procurement opportunities as a result.

We are therefore in the process of reviewing all of these with a view to ending them in the majority of cases.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

The payment of suppliers on time is regulated by the Public Finance Management Act, PFMA, and the Municipal Finance Management Act, MFMA.

Next week, the Director- General of National Treasury will issue a directive to all government departments and public institutions, instructing them to pay suppliers on time or be charged with financial misconduct.

[Applause.]

This must be monitored by accounting officers and National Treasury will strengthen oversight mechanisms in this regard.
We will work with colleagues in all spheres of government to improve performance of public entities on this critical issue.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 77 Value for money and efficiency in spending remain critical in our drive to ensure the effective management of public resources.

We are currently rolling out the strategic procurement framework that provides for a differentiated approach of procurement based on the characteristics of each commodity.
A differentiated approach can achieve efficiencies through economies of scale, reduced duplication and transparent pricing.

In considering centralised procurement of certain commodities, we will be careful to avoid compromising competition and support for local economic development where provinces are best placed to procure such products and commodities.

Together with the Department of Public Works, we will embark on an intensive drive to reduce government spend on rental and property leases.
We will review the current three-year rental lease period which is prescribed for government departments, to lower the cost of financing UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 78 for property lessors.

This will unlock growth and value in the property sector.

Before I talk about open budgeting, I want to thank members of the public for their kind suggestions and offers to assist us on various matters.
At the risk of being called Minister of Instagram, let me thank ‘ingkesi13, who tagged me in a post kindly offering to join me in Candy Crush rehabilitation.

[Laughter.]

Open Budgeting: Management of public finances must continue to remain ...

I am sure there are many others who actually need the same rehabilitation, while others on my left need far serious rehabilitation than only Candy Crush; however, that’s not the issue.

[Laughter.]

[Interjections.]


... Management of public finances must continue to remain at the core of a capable and people-centred state.

South Africa continues to set the gold standard for Budget transparency.

Citizens should be proud of the independent international recognition of being ranked first ... UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 79 number one ... in the most recent 2017 Open Budget Survey, together with New Zealand.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

We are grateful for the historical contributions of oversight institutions like Parliament and the Auditor-General towards this achievement.

Looking to the future, true to the South African Budget reform approach, we are not seeking the easy way out and our efforts will not be superficial.

We are prioritising public participation.

We are taking National Treasury further to the people.
In partnership with a civil society coalition named Imali Yethu (Our Money), we are investing the necessary resources to forge a genuine partnership in order to tackle very ambitious targets for public participation.

This partnership has given birth to Vulekamali (Open money), an online Budget data portal launched just yesterday aimed at making the use of all our Budget information much easier.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 80 We seek to build an active citizenry that engages in discussions that are meaningful, together with government, regarding service delivery and policies that affect every citizen.
Conclusion: Given the choices we have had to make, both as a nation and as government in preparing this Budget, I am reminded of the words of Lerone Bennett Jr, in The Road Not Taken, where he said: A nation is an amalgam of critical decisions made at crucial forks in the road.

A nation is a choice.

It chooses itself at fateful forks in the road by turning left or right, by giving up something or taking something — and in the giving up and the taking, in the deciding and not deciding, the nation becomes.
[Applause.]

Given the difficult circumstances we have been in and the choices we had to make in order to steer the course, UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 81 maintain the trajectory of our policy objectives and sustain our public finances, we have made the tough calls and decisions that affirm our nationhood.

At crucial forks in the road, we made and continue to make the critical decisions that continue to forge our nation.
The Budget we present today is not easy and the choices we have had to make have been difficult, but Spirella reminds us that: There’s no thrill in easy sailing, when the sky is clear and blue.

There’s no joy in merely doing things which anyone can do.

But there is some satisfaction that is mighty sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you thought you’d never make.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

Through our liberation struggle and the advent of our democratic era, we have shown incredible perseverance, humanity, selflessness and courage.

We have shown the ability to find common ground amidst a painful history, deep divisions and a fearlessness of youth that has UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 82 helped us to choose ourselves again and again by giving something up or taking something.

Through this Budget, we choose ourselves yet again.
We do the things Madiba dared us to do at the advent of our democracy that would affirm humanity’s conviction in the nobility of our course and its pride in our efforts and daily deeds.

We must once again embody these core values if we are to meet our current challenges.

We can and must find in ourselves the ethical leadership of Madiba, the selflessness of Albertina Sisulu and the humanity of Hugh Masekela.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

Let this be the year of renewal, revitalisation and a step change in progress in fostering inclusive economic growth which rolls back unemployment, poverty and inequality.

The opportunity is before us.

To take advantage we need to be able to see beyond our individual interests to the national interest, as Madiba so often did, and to find common ground.
Let us work together to create a better life for every South African UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 83 and inhabitant of our beloved country.

Let us each lend a hand.

Let us ... An HON MEMBER: I resign.

The MINISTER OF FINANCE: Let us ... An HON MEMBER: Resign!

[Interjections.]

The MINISTER OF FINANCE: No, no, no, don’t rush.

Don’t rush.

[Interjections.]


Let us remember the words of Owen Young, when he said: Capital which over-reaches for profits, labour which over-reaches for wages or a public which over- reaches for bargains, will all destroy such other.

There is no salvation for us on that road.

The President has called for a social compact and for all of us to lend a hand in order to move our country forward.

Now is that time.
Now is that time.

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 84 At this stage, I wish to thank former President Zuma for his leadership during the Budget process.

[Interjections.]

[Applause.]

I wish to thank you, President Ramaphosa ...

[Applause.]

... both in your former capacity as Deputy President and now in your capacity as President, for your leadership, wise counsel and commitment in unblocking obstacles to inclusive growth.
I am grateful to my Cabinet colleagues who share with me collective responsibility for the shaping and implementing of this Budget.

[Applause.]

I sincerely thank members of the Budget Committee for their time and diligence in sifting through Budget memoranda, and their insights in the debates that helped refine the Budget proposals.
I must express my gratitude to our provincial premiers, Finance MECs and municipal mayors, for bringing invaluable experience on service delivery at provincial UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 85 and local level, and who share our fiscal and financial responsibilities.

Thank you, Deputy Minister Buthelezi, for your constant support along this journey.

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

Our collective thanks are due to the SA Reserve Bank and its governor who now also chairs the International Monetary and Financial Committee, IMFC, of the International Monetary Fund, IMF, ...

[Applause.]

... the SA Revenue Service and commissioner Moyane ...

[Applause.]

[Interjections.]

...

I don’t know where he is sitting ... and the finance family institutions.
Due thanks also go to the Financial and Fiscal Commission and its chairperson Prof Daniel Plaatjies, whose advice is critical for the integrity of our intergovernmental fiscal system.

Thanks also to hon Carrim, De Beer and Phosa, and the Finance and Appropriation committees that have responsibility for considering the Division of Revenue Bill, the Appropriation Bill and today’s Revenue and Expenditure Proposals.

{Applause.]
{Applause.]

UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 86 Due thanks also go to Nedlac, its executive director Mr Madoda Vilakazi, and representatives of the business, labour and community constituencies on the Public Finance and Monetary Chamber for bringing a holistic perspective to our economic challenges.

I want to sincerely thank the Director-General Dondo Andrew Mogajane and the team at National Treasury for your expertise ...

[Applause.]
[Applause.]

... hard work and deep commitment to Public Service, and the long hours that went into producing this Budget, as well as the many interesting debates and discussions we had.

I must thank my family for their continued support and inspiration.

[Applause.]

My wife and my daughter are in the audience.


Most importantly, I would like to thank South Africans who listened to this Budget Speech, for their kind attention, for their advice and contributions and for their constructive criticism that often helps us to become better at what we are doing.

Ngiyabonga, Ke-a- UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 87 leboha, Na Khensa, Ndi-a-livhuwa, Ngiyathokoza.

[Applause.]

The SPEAKER: I thank the hon Minister.


The papers tabled by the Minister will be referred to the relevant committees.

SUBSTANTIVE MOTION ON BREACH OF PRIVILEGE (Ruling) The SPEAKER: Hon members, before ...

[Interjections.]

...

I adjourn the House, I would like to deal with the ruling on the question of privilege raised earlier by the hon Steenhuisen.

[Interjections.]

I wish to state this and clarify some matters.


Rule 31, which deals with privilege, states the following: (1) A member who wishes to raise a perceived breach of privilege must report it to the Speaker without delay.
UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 88 (2) If the alleged breach of privilege is in the Speaker’s opinion adequately substantiated and may affect a sitting of the House on the day on which the question of privilege is reported or in the immediate future, the Speaker may, with due regard to the provisions of the Powers and Privileges Act — (a) make an immediate ruling on the matter and announce it in the House; or (b) provide the member with an opportunity during the sitting to move an urgent motion without notice.
(3) If the alleged breach of privilege does not directly affect a sitting of the House in the immediate future, the Speaker must refer the matter to the Powers and Privileges Committee.

Hon members, there are ways and means of dealing with the matter the hon Steenhuisen has highlighted.

One such mechanism is to present a substantive motion or motion of censure ... UNREVISED HANSARD NATIONAL ASSEMBLY WEDNESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY 2018 Page: 89 The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: It’s here!
The SPEAKER: ... for consideration by the House.

A member could also refer such a matter to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests.

There also remains a possibility for the matter to be referred to the Powers and Privileges Committee if it relates to contempt.

My determination therefore was that the matter did not affect the sitting of the House ...

[Interjections.]

... hence, I did not think allowing the motion without notice was appropriate.
I therefore believe that any of the other options stated above remains open to the hon member.

I thank you.

[Interjections.]

[Applause.]

The CHIEF WHIP OF THE OPPOSITION: Madam Speaker ...

The SPEAKER: That concludes the business of the day.

The House is adjourned.

[Interjections.]

The House adjourned at 15:48.