Thank you, Chair. Hon Minister, the ACDP wishes you every success in the task ahead of you. We will support this Budget Vote despite the obvious challenges and budget limitations.
We note the priorities outlined by the department are in line with the priorities outlined in the 2010 state of the nation address in relation to improved performance monitoring and evaluation, in relation to improved access to rights and development opportunities for women, children and people with disabilities, and in relation to the department's focus on the protection of the rights of persons infected and affected by HIV and Aids.
It has not been clear, however, how existing priorities are specifically aimed at supporting and protecting family life. Hon Minister, in the department's "Mandate Implementation Improvement Plan", the first point the department makes is, and I quote:
Family life is critical for delivery on the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities ... Strengthening of family structures is therefore an important element of successful delivery on the rights of persons in these vulnerable groups.
The ACDP believes the people of South Africa would like to hear more about how the department plans to prioritise this aspect - and you did speak to some related issues in your speech today.
It is our understanding, hon Minister, that a substantial amount of the budget for Women, Children and People with Disabilities has been allocated to the Commission for Gender Equality. Is it correct to say that this reportedly dysfunctional body, which independent auditors have recommended be placed under mentorship, will be taking up half the department's budget?
Despite extremely limited resources, the department aims to prioritise a comprehensive national early childhood development programme to facilitate the 75% reach of early childhood development programmes in especially rural, farm and poor communities; to eradicate 75% of the street and begging children phenomenon through sustainable systems of rehabilitation, reintegration into family and community life and preventative measures; and to strengthen HIV and Aids, gender and disability-related child rights, and safety on long-distance travel to schools. It is not clear how the department will be expected to contribute in terms of those priorities in relation to other departments.
There are approximately 18,3 million children living in South Africa. The allocated budget of R7,1 million for the children's programme amounts to an expenditure of R2,65 per child, an enormous challenge.
Programme 4 has also been allocated R7,1 million to meet the challenge of existing disability targets and the finalising of the draft national disability policy. There are an estimated 1,9 million people living with a disability in South Africa. This constitutes approximately 4% of the total population - another enormous challenge.
In June 2009 the Minister referred to an immediate deliverable of the department, being the establishment of a fund for women's empowerment aimed at enabling women to start their own businesses, and assisting NGOs and civil society in the undertaking of women empowerment programmes. Very exciting. To what extent has this fund been established and what financial resources have or will be dedicated to it? I thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]