Speaker 3: Honourable Oscar Mathafa (8 Minutes)
Date: 12 May 2026
Theme: Modernisation, Transformation and Accountability in the Justice System
Honourable Chairperson,
Honourable Minister and Deputy Minister,
Honourable Members,
The ANC rises in firm support of Budget Vote 25 and the 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
This debate takes place at an important moment in our democratic history as South Africa commemorates 30 years of the Constitution — a Constitution that continues to guide our democratic transformation, deepen accountability and protect the rights of all who live in our country.
Chairperson,
The ANC approaches this Budget Vote from the understanding that the justice system is not merely an administrative function of the state. It is a critical instrument for social stability, economic confidence, constitutional governance and democratic legitimacy.
A capable justice system is essential for investment, social cohesion, anti-corruption efforts and the protection of the vulnerable.
It is therefore significant that the APP demonstrates strong alignment with:
* the ANC Manifesto;
* the Medium-Term Development Plan;
* the 2026 State of the Nation Address;
* and the broader fiscal framework adopted by Parliament.
The APP reflects a Department that understands the difficult balance between expanding services, strengthening institutions and operating within constrained fiscal conditions.
Chairperson,
The ANC welcomes the Department’s continued commitment toward building a modernised and integrated justice system.
For many years, one of the greatest frustrations experienced by ordinary South Africans has been inefficiency, delays and fragmentation within the justice value chain.
This APP responds directly to those challenges.
The ANC particularly welcomes:
* the expansion of digital infrastructure;
* upgrades of local and wide area networks;
* the integration of departments through the transversal criminal justice platform;
* and the digitisation of services within the Master’s Office.
These reforms are not cosmetic. They are essential interventions aimed at improving turnaround times, reducing administrative failures and enhancing accessibility for the public.
Importantly, the APP recognises that service delivery in the justice sector must combine both physical and digital access.
While digital modernisation is necessary, millions of South Africans — particularly in rural and historically disadvantaged communities — still depend on accessible physical services.
The APP therefore correctly continues to prioritise:
* court infrastructure upgrades;
* expanded domestic violence support services;
* additional sexual offences courts;
* public awareness programmes;
* and expanded justice service points.
This balanced approach reflects the ANC’s understanding that technological progress must advance inclusion rather than deepen inequality.
Chairperson,
The ANC further welcomes the Department’s emphasis on measurable accountability.
One of the key responsibilities of Parliament is ensuring that public expenditure translates into measurable outcomes.
In this regard, the APP demonstrates significant improvement in aligning expenditure with performance indicators.
The targets are increasingly:
* measurable,
* time-bound,
* outcome-based,
* and linked to strategic national priorities.
This strengthens oversight and improves institutional accountability.
The ANC further welcomes the Department’s responsiveness to findings and concerns raised by the Auditor-General South Africa.
For several years, Parliament has consistently raised concerns regarding governance weaknesses, performance reporting gaps, ICT inefficiencies and institutional capacity constraints.
The APP demonstrates that these concerns are being addressed through:
* improved audit action plans;
* stronger internal controls;
* specialised training programmes;
* modernisation strategies;
* disciplinary management reforms;
* and institutional restructuring initiatives.
The target to address material audit findings on non-financial performance information is particularly important because it strengthens the credibility and reliability of government reporting systems.
Chairperson,
The ANC also supports the Department’s transformation agenda within the legal sector.
Transformation cannot remain rhetorical. It must be measurable and visible in state procurement, legal briefing patterns and institutional participation.
The APP therefore correctly prioritises:
* increased briefing of black legal practitioners;
* increased appointment of black-owned law firms;
* and greater inclusion of black women practitioners.
These measures are essential in dismantling historical exclusion within the legal profession and ensuring that transformation reaches all levels of the justice sector.
Honourable Members,
The ANC further welcomes reforms aimed at strengthening state litigation capacity.
For too long, the state has incurred excessive legal costs and over-relied on private legal practitioners due to internal capacity weaknesses.
The State Attorney Turnaround Strategy, together with targets aimed at increasing internally managed litigation and improving alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, represents an important corrective intervention.
This is not only about cost containment. It is about building a capable state with sustainable institutional expertise.
Chairperson,
The APP also reflects a progressive constitutional agenda.
The ANC welcomes:
* the review of apartheid and colonial-era legislation;
* the advancement of constitutional development programmes;
* implementation of anti-racism and social cohesion strategies;
* and continued support for human rights awareness initiatives.
As the leader of society, the ANC remains committed to building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous South Africa grounded in constitutional values.
The commemoration of 30 years of the Constitution must therefore not become symbolic alone. It must renew our collective commitment to transformation, equality and social justice.
Honourable Members,
The ANC also notes the importance of strengthening coordination across the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster.
The resource audit within the JCPS value chain will assist government in identifying institutional gaps, improving planning and ensuring that the judiciary and related justice institutions are properly capacitated to fulfil their constitutional responsibilities.
A modern constitutional democracy requires a judiciary and justice system that is efficient, credible, independent and adequately resourced.
Chairperson,
Despite fiscal pressures and difficult economic conditions, this APP demonstrates responsible planning, realistic prioritisation and measurable delivery commitments.
It reflects a Department that is responding to the needs of society while remaining accountable to Parliament and the people of South Africa.
For these reasons, the ANC supports Budget Vote 25 and the 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
I thank you.