Okay. I just wanted to find out, House Chair, from the Deputy Minister with regards to question 124 whether there are any plans ... firstly, let us correct the question itself, we do not have people living with disabilities but people with disabilities - a correction on the original question. Secondly, are there any plans to encourage political parties in their lists to also have targets with regard to people with disabilities? I am yet to see the DA with people with disabilities as their MPs and MPLs. Thank you very much. [Applause.]
IsiZulu:
USIHLALO WENDLU (Nk W Ngwenya): Sekela Ngqongqoshe, uyoze usijwayele muntu wabantu.
The DEPUTY MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES: House Chairperson, I think the reaction in the House, if it was in church, I would say people are saying amen, amen! We are all in agreement that we have to do more - all of us. We really have to do more because there are many people out there who are capable, who can function and add value to our departments and commit but they are just not given an opportunity by us.
So, as soon as this transfer is finalised, as part of an audit, like we did with the gender issue on women, we will look at the representation of youth and representation in all spheres of government and all provinces. We will definitely take a look at the number of persons with disabilities. I believe it is doable. All we have to do is commit to it and do it. Thank you very much.
Question 115:
The DEPUTY MINISTER IN THE PRESIDENCY FOR WOMEN, YOUTH AND PERSONS
WITH DISABILITIES: Chairperson, with regard to Question 115, the department has engaged the Police Service about various aspects of the fight against gender-based violence and femicide including the
shortage of rape kits in police stations, the limited number of trained personnel dealing with gender-based violence and femicide and the need for police stations to be experienced by survivors as caring and respectful. Of course, in this one we are also talking to the investigators because for prosecution to take place cases must be investigated properly by the police.
On the second part of the question, the Minister of Police has publicly committed that he will invest resources. They are already involved with training programmes for the police who are dealing with rape cases and all other forms of gender-based violence. Furthermore the Department of Police is also assisting members with statement taking in line with relevant legislation, empowering them with skills to understand trauma and its effects and refer people to relevant structures within the police stations for counselling and support. This training includes programmes on children and youth at risk, domestic violence and victim empowerment. In addition, now there is also an initiative to train and capacitate female police members who are placed at client service centres on sexual offences for investigators learning programme. Training of police officers, prosecutors and magistrates is amongst rapid response interventions identified and budgeted for in the emergency response plan.