Committee Report on DTIC Quarter 4 2020/21 Performance

Meeting report

Opening remarks
The Chairperson greeted Members and moved straight into the agenda.

Presentation of the draft Fourth Quarter Report 2020/21 on the financial and non-financial performance of the DTIC
Mr Andre Hermans, Committee Secretary, stated that input into the draft report had been received from the ANC only. The report had initially been tabled in September 2021.

Ms Margot Sheldon, Content Advisor, presented the draft report and read the conclusions as submitted by the ANC. The report concluded that there was an improved global economic outlook but that risks remained. The Committee welcomed the Youth Employment Scheme as well as the support given to youth-owned or managed businesses. Corruption and state capture remained a concern to the Committee. The Committee noted that despite significant public investment, private investment lagged behind. Those factors could slow down the domestic economic recovery. The Committee encouraged the dtic to persist in its interventions as mandated by the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and to consider ways to reach businesses in rural provinces. The Committee welcomed investment by a number of companies, including firms within the poultry industry. It welcomed the social compact between government, business and organised labour on the various master plans.

Discussion
Mr S Mbuyane (ANC) asked whether the Department was funding solar-powered projects for youth in the light of the problems being experienced by Eskom.

The Secretary pointed out that the report did not contain any reference to Eskom but that it had been discussed in the meeting the previous day and would be included in the BRRR.

The Content Advisor referred to a single sentence in the report that stated that one of the main structural challenges was the electricity loadshedding crisis.

Mr Mbuyane stated that the Committee should express itself on the matter.

Ms J Hermans (ANC) seconded the point as an addition to the conclusions.

Mr Mbuyane proposed that the report be taken to the parties’ caucuses and then considered by the Committee at the next meeting that Friday.

Mr M Cuthbert (DA) seconded the comments. There was nothing controversial in the report. He also asked for formal notification of the meeting on Friday.

The Chairperson agreed with the way forward.

The Secretary informed Members that he would finalise the additions to the report and circulate it to Members later in the day.

Consideration of Minutes
The minutes of 24 August, 25 August, 1 September and 7 September 2021 were considered and adopted without amendments or objections.

Ms Hermans asked whether the National Gambling Board (NGB) had submitted the additional information as requested at the meeting of 1 September 2021.

The Secretary undertook to follow up with the NGB.

Closing remarks
The Secretary stated that the Committee would look at the Fourth Quarter Report on 12 November 2021 and he requested that parties consider the report at their caucus meetings. Adv van der Merwe would present the legal response to the public submissions in respect of the remitted Bills at the same meeting.

The Chairperson concluded the meeting.  

The meeting was adjourned.