Parliament, Thursday, 30 April 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs on Wednesday raised concern that budget constraints are affecting the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities’ (CRL Commission) ability to fulfil key aspects of its mandate.
The committee received briefings from the CRL Commission and the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) on their annual performance plans for the 2026/27 financial year.
The committee heard that the CRL Commission, despite being on target for its 2025/26 performance, operates with only about 60% of its required budget. It told the committee that this has resulted in a skeleton staff complement, limiting its ability to implement nationwide outreach programmes and reducing public awareness of cultural, religious and linguistic rights, which form part of its core mandate. The commission further said its budget constraints hinder timely investigations and the resolution of complaints. Overall, this weakens the commission’s impact and its ability to engage and deliver services to communities.
Members questioned the CRL Commission’s expenditure of 63% of its annual R49.6 million budget on salaries. The committee asked the commission to explain the factors that determine this expenditure on salaries. Members also asked whether it would be more appropriate to reduce personnel costs to allocate more funding to programmes.
The Chairperson of the committee, Dr Zweli Mkhize, asked the leadership of the CRL Commission to provide proper context in its explanation. He said the budget must be properly disaggregated, including a detailed breakdown of the staff complement, skills range, salary scales, experience levels and relevant benchmarks. The committee requested that the commission provide a separate detailed presentation on these matters.
The committee also urged the CRL Commission to improve its turnaround times in resolving conflicts before it. The committee noted the commission’s Section 22 committee, which is being challenged by some religious organisations. The matter is currently before the Speaker of the National Assembly. The Chairperson said that the committee will convene meetings with both religious organisations opposing the commission’s regulatory approach and those supporting it, to find common ground.
Meanwhile, the committee noted that the Municipal Demarcation Board achieved an unqualified audit opinion with no findings for the 2024/25 financial year and met 100% of its programme targets. In its presentation, the MDB told the committee that, despite several submissions requesting additional funding to support its operational requirements, its baseline allocation was reduced by R461 000 in the 2026/27 financial year. In 2027/28, there is a projected reduction of R861 000, and in 2028/29, there is a projected reduction of R2 million.
Members heard that the MDB is likely to face liquidity pressures if the projected funding shortfall is not addressed. The board said it finances part of its operational expenditure from accumulated surplus funds, which is not sustainable over the medium term. The committee also heard that the continued reliance on reserves could adversely affect its financial stability and ability to meet future statutory and operational obligations.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON COOPERATIVE GOVERNANCE AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS, DR ZWELI MKHIZE.
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