Honourable Speaker

The provincial Legislature's programme for this year has now come to an end. While some progress has been achieved in delivering basic services, there have been serious setbacks.

Most controversially, just today, the Legislature voted on an Adjustments Estimate Bill that is to rectify the dismal state of financial management by this government, marked by vast overspending.
 

Although the budgets of most government departments have been overspent, the improvements in the delivery of services to our constituents have been negligible.

Equally alarmingly, the Legislature has not had the opportunity to carry out its oversight role in some pressing issues. One of the most significant has been the outstanding report into mismanagement and overspending in the Department of Agriculture which is still being withheld from the public scrutiny.

As Leader of the Official Opposition, I would like to see the KwaZulu Natal Legislature approach its oversight obligations to the South African citizen and taxpayer with considerably more vigour and dedication in the New Year 2009.
 

We in the Official Opposition also wish fellow members of the Legislature, members of staff and members of the media merry Christmas and a happy New Year 2009. May you spend your festive season in health, peace and prosperity among your loved ones.

At the same time, we are aware that not everyone's festive season will be merry, peaceful or prosperous. There are many who still go to bed hungry every night in this country and province. There are still too many vulnerable individuals whose prospects for improvement remain bleak.

Our thoughts will be with them. We will think of them and extend our private charity to them: to orphans, to children who head households, to abused women and to the poorest of the poor and the most vulnerable.

Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year to all.

I thank you.

Contact:
Dr Lionel Mtshali
083 256 4902