Chairperson, hon Minister, Deputy Ministers present, hon members, the Department of Home Affairs is very close to the heart of the IFP because of our leader's 10-year successful Ministry thereof. [Interjections.] Thulani nilalele! [Keep quiet and listen!] As such we clearly understand the challenges that the Minister faces and we appreciate her successes, but also lament the department's shortcomings.
We strongly believe that by working together, we can more readily achieve our common goal, which is effective service delivery to the citizenry of South Africa.
There have been many improvements since the launch of the National Population Registration campaign in 2010-11, especially regarding the registration of births. We are pleased that the number of children registered within 30 days of birth has increased, as this will assist our citizens in accessing benefits for their children from government.
Hospital connectivity has played a very important role in the early registration of births, as mothers are now able to register their babies at the hospital or clinic where they have given birth. The promise to have more hospitals and clinics connected is welcomed. Late registration of birth is a crime for which the parents of the child should be prosecuted. In this day and age, no South African child should reach the age of 18 without a birth certificate. It is a right of every child to have their birth registered immediately. It is commendable that the figures of late registrations are decreasing.
First issue of identity documents has increased and the re-issue of IDs has decreased. I think this is due to the amount charged by the department on the re-issue of an ID. This is evidenced by citizens, now valuing their IDs and keeping them safe.
We have also noted that the number of duplicate IDs in circulation has decreased. We hope the department will continue to work on this, as they create serious problems when people apply for grants, death certificates and other legal documents, but we welcome the comment by the Minister that they will be invalidated.
The previous Minister promised in June 2012 that the smart ID cards were to be rolled out within 18 months. We hope it will still be rolled out as stated, which is by December 2013, as the smart ID cards will greatly reduce fraud. We are also happy that the Minister has stated that this will commence in July 2013.
We have an obligation as a country to scrutinise all applications received from asylum seekers and refugees who seek refuge within our borders. We also have a right to turn down those that are not eligible in terms of our existing legislation. We must have measures in place to be able to identify who is an economic migrant and who is an asylumseeker. The department promised a turnaround time of three months on new applications. We will closely monitor this.
The Government Printing Works is an entity that is responsible for printing our security documents, like our passports and identity documents. It's important that the efficiency and accuracy of the GPW's reporting and management is continually improved. In this regard their new, modernised facility with advanced information technology systems, which will be completed by 2014, is also welcomed.
Madam Minister, you are well aware that there is a need for South African citizens who wish to visit the UK, for whatever reason, to apply for UK visas. This came about when Her Majesty's government indicated that the issuance of South African passports was fraught with fraud and corruption. We would like to be informed if there is any progress made in ensuring the credibility of our systems so that discussions can take place with the UK government to waive the requirement for South African citizens to apply for a UK visa.
We strongly support the Film and Publication Board's mission to ensure efficient and effective consumer protection through the regulation of media content, whilst empowering the public, especially children, through robust information, sharing. Working together with other partnerships, such as the SA Police Service and the Child Protection Unit in trying to combat child pornography, must be encouraged. The work of the Film and Publication Board to create a safe and secure environment for children is greatly appreciated.
The IFP supports the Budget Vote. [Applause.]