Deputy Chairperson, the ANC supports Budget Vote 23, the Department of Police. This Budget Vote reflects the ANC's commitment in promoting safer communities and it also gives special attention to fighting crime as anticipated in the National Development Plan, NDP, Vision 2030. Chairperson, the SA Police Service, SAPS, intends curbing crime within the next 10 years.
They intend doing this by amongst other things, identifying high crime working stations in different provinces; they have launched the antigang unit; they are committed to building a professional, capable and well resourced police service and building strong community police partnerships through community policing forums.
Deputy Chairperson, the department is also dedicated to making the police professional and increasing community participation. The ANC has taken into account all constructive criticisms from various political parties in the battle of ideas during Budget Vote debate on how to promote and build safer and secure communities to achieve a stable, secure and prosperous society.
This budget is a key statement of policy of government. It informs the process through which government makes choices about completing priorities that need to be funded for services to be delivered. This Budget Vote resonates with the Constitution and the ANC's 54th National Conference Resolution in fighting crime. Deputy Chairperson, the ANC supports this Budget Vote. [Applause.]