Honourable Nomasonto Motaung (6 Minutes)
12 May 2026
Good Hope Chamber
Theme: Fighting Crime, Corruption and Gender-Based Violence
Honourable Chairperson,
Honourable Minister and Deputy Minister,
Honourable Members,
The ANC supports Budget Vote 25 because it advances one of the central obligations of a democratic developmental state: protecting society against crime, corruption and violence while safeguarding constitutional rights and human dignity.
This APP demonstrates clear alignment with the ANC Manifesto and the 2026 State of the Nation Address, particularly in strengthening institutions that combat corruption, organised crime, money laundering and gender-based violence.
Chairperson,
South Africans are demanding a justice system that is decisive, effective and responsive. They want criminals prosecuted, corruption punished and vulnerable communities protected.
The APP before us responds directly to those expectations.
The ANC welcomes the strengthened role of the National Prosecuting Authority and related law enforcement institutions within the justice and security cluster.
The APP includes measurable targets to:
* improve conviction rates for sexual offences;
* maintain high conviction rates in serious commercial and organised crime;
* expand Thuthuzela Care Centres;
* increase prosecutions related to money laundering;
* obtain freezing orders against proceeds of crime;
* and recover assets derived from unlawful conduct.
These are not abstract indicators. They are interventions aimed at rebuilding the credibility of the criminal justice system.
Chairperson,
The ANC particularly welcomes the Department’s intensified focus on combating gender-based violence and femicide.
The APP commits to:
* establishing additional Sexual Offences Courts;
* increasing the number of operational Thuthuzela Care Centres;
* improving domestic violence support services in district courts;
* and ensuring that protection orders are served within 24 hours.
These interventions directly support survivors of violence and strengthen the state’s capacity to respond to crimes against women and children.
The ANC has consistently maintained that the fight against gender-based violence requires both legislative reform and institutional capacity. This APP advances both objectives.
Honourable Members,
The APP also demonstrates serious commitment to fighting corruption and organised crime.
The targets relating to:
* corruption convictions,
* money laundering prosecutions,
* freezing orders,
* and asset recoveries
reflect the state’s determination to protect public resources and defend democratic institutions from criminal capture.
The ANC further welcomes the progress toward strengthening South Africa’s anti-corruption architecture, including:
* the review of whistle-blower legislation;
* implementation planning arising from the anti-corruption architecture review;
* and reforms aimed at strengthening the criminal justice value chain.
These reforms are essential for rebuilding public confidence and ensuring that accountability institutions remain effective and independent.
Chairperson,
The APP also recognises the importance of modernisation and innovation in crime fighting.
The Department’s commitment to digitisation, improved ICT systems and integration across the criminal justice system will improve efficiency and coordination between institutions.
The target to connect departments and entities to the Integrated Justice System transversal platform represents an important step toward a modern, responsive and integrated justice system.
This is particularly important in improving case management, reducing delays and strengthening evidence coordination across the justice and security cluster.
The ANC also welcomes efforts to ratify the UN Convention Against Cybercrime and strengthen the country’s response to cyber-related offences. Criminality is evolving, and our institutions must evolve with it.
Chairperson,
Importantly, the APP reflects accountability and measurable performance indicators.
Targets are time-bound, quantifiable and linked to specific outcomes. This strengthens Parliament’s ability to conduct meaningful oversight and ensure value for public expenditure.
The ANC appreciates that even within constrained fiscal conditions, the Department has prioritised areas with the greatest social impact.
This demonstrates responsible governance and alignment with the fiscal framework adopted by this House.
Honourable Members,
The ANC remains committed to building a justice system that protects the people, defends constitutional democracy and advances social justice.
Budget Vote 25 advances that objective.
The ANC therefore supports the Annual Performance Plan and Budget of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
I thank you.