Budget Vote Speech on Justice and Constitutional Development
2004-06-22. Budget Vote Speech, Cecil Burgess, MP, Independent Democrats.
Madam Speaker
Hon. Minister
Hon. Dep. Minister
Hon. Members
Distinguished Guests
I wish to extend my congratulations to you and your deputy on your appointments to a very challenging portfolio you must be well aware that your predecessors found the seat somewhat hot.
The presentation by the Ad Hoc Committee on its budget was commendable and impressive.
However, the general perception and feeling of the public is still one of insecurity. The present unacceptable levels of crime naturally have influenced this.
In particular crime in the public sector has reached unacceptable levels. ID wishes to make particular reference to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that investigates corruption and serious maladministration in state institutions.
While it must be acknowledged that the SIU has achieved good results, the idea of Government spending money and resources on monitoring and policing incompetent and corrupt officials is grossly offensive and does not inspire public confidence. The ID notes with concern that the SIU received a presidential proclamation on 35 July 203 to investigate allegations of fraudulent activities in 40 magistrates' courts and regional offices. Reports such as this must be of concern t DOJ and also depressing to all those who are dedicated to fighting crime.
The criminal elements in the public sector must be eradicated immediately and permanently and this, the ID maintains must become a priority of your department and Government. How else can Government win the battle against crime when the criminal elements have infiltrated the very midst of our public institutions?
The ID is also very concerned by the recent and ongoing tension between the Public Protector's office and that of the National Prosecution Authority. These institutions must retain their independence and impartiality. In this regard there is an obligation on the Department to protect these institutions so that the public do not lose all confidence in them.
There is also a critical need to address alcohol abuse in all its forms. Nowhere in any of the Departments list of challenges are the any programs addressing this very serious problem. We are well aware that large profits are made from the sale and eventual consumption and abuse of alcohol. However, if government is serious about dealing with crime, especially crime against women and children then urgent steps needs to be taken to deal with alcohol abuse. Government has all but outlawed smoking. The time has now come for positive government action to outlaw alcohol abuse.
The crux of the matter is that we need urgent legislation that will address the problem of alcohol abuse. I recommend a good starting point is to ban all alcohol from all state institutions including all schools.
Another area of concern is Court Backlogs. While we note that major innovations have taken place in Justice and still more are intended. Court backlogs, nevertheless, remains a problem and there is now more than ever a need for greater interaction between the various role players in justice and the other socio-economic clusters to bring about meaningful and significant results. If this is not done immediately the fight against crime faces further delays.
Great strides have also been made in the Transformation of the judiciary. However, not enough has been done. The figures reveal that there are 174 male judges and only 26 are female, or 13% while 63% of judges are white.
The gender representatively in the magistrates' courts is only slightly better where 28% of magistrates are female and 51% of magistrates are white.
In conclusion, Hon. Minister and Ho. Deputy Minister, while facing your new challenges, we the ID remind you that our doors are open 24 hours a day for assistance if you have problems identifying corrupt officials and their activities.
I thank you.
Hon. Minister
Hon. Dep. Minister
Hon. Members
Distinguished Guests
I wish to extend my congratulations to you and your deputy on your appointments to a very challenging portfolio you must be well aware that your predecessors found the seat somewhat hot.
The presentation by the Ad Hoc Committee on its budget was commendable and impressive.
However, the general perception and feeling of the public is still one of insecurity. The present unacceptable levels of crime naturally have influenced this.
In particular crime in the public sector has reached unacceptable levels. ID wishes to make particular reference to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) that investigates corruption and serious maladministration in state institutions.
While it must be acknowledged that the SIU has achieved good results, the idea of Government spending money and resources on monitoring and policing incompetent and corrupt officials is grossly offensive and does not inspire public confidence. The ID notes with concern that the SIU received a presidential proclamation on 35 July 203 to investigate allegations of fraudulent activities in 40 magistrates' courts and regional offices. Reports such as this must be of concern t DOJ and also depressing to all those who are dedicated to fighting crime.
The criminal elements in the public sector must be eradicated immediately and permanently and this, the ID maintains must become a priority of your department and Government. How else can Government win the battle against crime when the criminal elements have infiltrated the very midst of our public institutions?
The ID is also very concerned by the recent and ongoing tension between the Public Protector's office and that of the National Prosecution Authority. These institutions must retain their independence and impartiality. In this regard there is an obligation on the Department to protect these institutions so that the public do not lose all confidence in them.
There is also a critical need to address alcohol abuse in all its forms. Nowhere in any of the Departments list of challenges are the any programs addressing this very serious problem. We are well aware that large profits are made from the sale and eventual consumption and abuse of alcohol. However, if government is serious about dealing with crime, especially crime against women and children then urgent steps needs to be taken to deal with alcohol abuse. Government has all but outlawed smoking. The time has now come for positive government action to outlaw alcohol abuse.
The crux of the matter is that we need urgent legislation that will address the problem of alcohol abuse. I recommend a good starting point is to ban all alcohol from all state institutions including all schools.
Another area of concern is Court Backlogs. While we note that major innovations have taken place in Justice and still more are intended. Court backlogs, nevertheless, remains a problem and there is now more than ever a need for greater interaction between the various role players in justice and the other socio-economic clusters to bring about meaningful and significant results. If this is not done immediately the fight against crime faces further delays.
Great strides have also been made in the Transformation of the judiciary. However, not enough has been done. The figures reveal that there are 174 male judges and only 26 are female, or 13% while 63% of judges are white.
The gender representatively in the magistrates' courts is only slightly better where 28% of magistrates are female and 51% of magistrates are white.
In conclusion, Hon. Minister and Ho. Deputy Minister, while facing your new challenges, we the ID remind you that our doors are open 24 hours a day for assistance if you have problems identifying corrupt officials and their activities.
I thank you.
