Annexure 2: The Portfolio Committee on the Social Cluster
- Introduction
Following the Budget Speech presented before the Parliament by the Hon. Minister of Finance on Wednesday, 2nd March, 2021, the Budget Estimates for the Fiscal Year 2021/2022.The Budget Estimates were referred to various Portfolio Committees on Friday, 4th March, 2022 for consideration in accordance with Standing Order No 95(1) (a), (c) and (d).
Subsequent to the said referral and a careful consideration of the National Assembly Standing Orders, the Committee found it befitting to formulate this Special Report in accordance with Standing Order No. 88 (7).
The Portfolio Committee on the Social Cluster is established under Standing Order no. 94(1(a). It is responsible for oversight and scrutiny on the Ministries of Health; Education and Training; Social Development; Gender, Youth, Sport and Recreation. The report therefore presents the Committee’s concerns relating to the scrutiny of 2021/2022 budget performance and proposed Budget Estimates for the next financial year for consideration by the House. - Committee’s Observations The Speaker has communicated to the House that the Leading Party in fourth Coalition Government has withdrawn it’s support to the Government. The Leader of the Leading Party in the fourth Coalition Government has confirmed to the House on the invitation of the Speaker that the Party he leads has withdrawn its support from the Government. Based on the above observations, the Committee has found it inappropriate to consider the contents of the budget estimates for the next financial year until the House provides a clear status and standing of the Government.