Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC supports Vote 18. The budget of R95,9 billion aims to protect the vulnerable by creating an enabling environment for the provision of services that are comprehensive, integrated and sustainable. The bulk of this budget goes to Programme 2, which deals with social security. Social security remains a crucial tool in terms of impacting positively on the lives of families living below the poverty line.
The extension of the child support grant to children up to the age of 18 years remains one of the greatest milestones of this department and government. The continued improvement of the service will clearly enhance its efficiency in reaching out to those who need it most. Social development is key to the development of social cohesion in our communities. It does this by developing policies that impact on social crimes and therefore protects the rights of victims that are affected by these crimes, as well as to prevent these crimes.
Gender-based violence and substance abuse are still too prevalent in our communities. The cohesion of families needs to be attended to so that we can see an improvement in the stability of community life. Thank you. [Applause.]
Vote agreed to.
Vote 19 - Sport and Recreation - put.
Declarations of vote: