26th June 2009

Honourable Chairperson,

The Department of Home Affairs is the custodian and protector of the identity of South African citizens and plays an important role in defining who we are as a nation. The Department has a duty to protect the interests of the inhabitants of South Africa.

Since 1994 the profile of South Africa has increased greatly and we now play a greater role on the African continent as well as globally while greater numbers of visitors are coming to our country each year.  This has brought many benefits but it has also presented many challenges for this department.

The resultant influx of visitors places great strain on the resources and capabilities of the Department of Home Affairs and if the Department is to successfully fulfil its mandate then it is imperative that it has the necessary employees with the required skills and expertise working for it. This will also lead to improved customer service. Corruption must be wiped out at all levels and any officials found guilty of corrupt behaviour must be brought to book. This is an enormous task but it is crucial to the successful operation of the Department.

The 2010 World Cup, which is fast approaching, is the biggest event that this country has ever hosted and along with all the sports fans and tourists there will also be deceitful individuals hoping to take advantage of the great influx of people and sneak into our country illegally. This must not happen and our various ports of entry must be secure by the time the World Cup begins. This department has an important role to play in the success of this major sporting event.

While the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) did an admirable job of handling the recent elections I feel that there are certain areas where they could improve. They must strive for maximum efficiency and to make voting as pleasurable an experience as possible.

The xenophobic behaviour exhibited by some of our fellow citizens, which led to violence against our brothers and sister from other African countries, is unacceptable and sad. Similar incidents must be avoided in future. I hope that the Department allocates the necessary resources to combating xenophobia.

This Department is integral to the successful development of our nation but there are still many challenges to overcome and much hard work to be done. The new Minister has a very difficult road ahead but I believe that she can turn the fortunes of this department around. We wish you all the best Honourable Minister.

The IFP supports this budge vote.

I thank you.

Contact: Helen Makhuba, 073 268 3063.