African National Congress

Parliamentary Caucus

Adoption of 41 Budget Votes in the month of June 2020 – A tribute to the Heroic role played by the youth of 1976

12 June 2020

The ANC Caucus has today; Friday 12 June 2020 welcomed the (41) Budget Votes passed today as a tribute to the selflessness and resilience the youth of 1976 played in the struggle for the liberation of South Africa. We continue to draw guidance and great inspiration from their sterling heroism.

In memory of these young people; the Appropriation of funds must continue to serve the interests of new Generations of young people in the skills revolution and ensure opportunities are created for young people to be champions of innovation and entrepreneurship as well as architects of the kind of South Africa we want as declared in this year’s National Executive Committee January 8 statement.

Since 1994, the African National Congress has strived to create a non – racial, non – sexist; united and prosperous society which recognises the injustices of the past. The adoption of today’s Budget Votes reiterates the importance of these Budget Votes as a mechanism in the creation of a united and cohesive society that seeks to bring to an end exclusion; segregation and marginalization brought about as a result of centuries of colonialism; subjugation and Apartheid.

The ANC Caucus in adopting these Budget Votes was mindful of the devastating effects brought about by the COVID- 19 global health pandemic and will ensure that the funds are used to address these imbalances that have seen uneven access to education; health and other social services that have been exarcebated by the advent of COVID-19.

The ANC Caucus is of the firm belief that these Budget Votes should be enablers in dealing with the rampant scourge of Gender based violence and femicide which disproportionately and negatively affects continues the lives of women and girls in our country. The scourge has been further exarcebated by the COVID- 19 pandemic that has severely disrupted the normal functioning of our communities resulting in the deaths of young women such as Tshegofatso Pule; 28 yrs near Florida Lake in Roodepoort ; Naledi Phangindawo; 25 years from Mossel Bay and many more. The passing on Tuesday; 9 June 2020 of legislative amendments to Prescription in Civil and Criminal Matters (Sexual Offences) Amendment Bill which will see an end to the 20 year time limit to prosecute rape and other serious crimes which include rape; murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

In conclusion; the Adoption of these Fourty – one Budget Votes must assist in achieving the following strategic objectives:

  • Building a capable developmental State that serves all the people
  • Building a united and cohesive society
  • Mobilising all social partners to grow and transform the economy towards inclusive growth
  • Bring forth an effective land reform programme
  • Ensure that the funds are used for educating the youth for a changing world
  • Strengthen governance and Tackle corruption
  • Work to end Gender based violence and femicide
  • Work for peace integration and development in Africa

Issued by the Office of the Chief Whip; Hon. Pemmy Majodina

For more information, contact

Nomfanelo Kota
Acting Caucus Spokesperson
067 415 1089
nkota@parliament.gov.za
nomfanelok17@yahoo.com