We keep making the point that it is important for us to stick to principles. It is very important, even if it is difficult for you to come here wanting to score cheap political points because you are obsessed with the ANC-led government. There is nothing wrong with your coming here and appreciating all the good things that were done by the ANC-led government, and acknowledging and highlighting some of the challenges. There is no problem with that. We are very clear in terms of that. We are moving South Africa forward. We are not apologetic and we are not going to be pulled back by some of these sound bites that come from the left-hand side.
We recently witnessed some of the violent attacks on some of our brothers and sisters from other countries. We, as South Africans, should be clear. No grievance justifies violence against any person, regardless of their nationality or immigration status. We are very clear that we are one, and we are one Africa. We have been struggling with late birth registrations which, in turn, contribute to the backlogs experienced by the Department of Social Development in registering children for social assistance. On that note, I am pleased to hear the announcement made by the department that they are taking steps to end the late registration of births as a widespread practice, as of 31 December 2015, for example. This is thanks to the progress that we have made in the National Population Registration campaign and the ongoing risks associated with the late registration of births. From 1 January 2016, the registration of all births after 30 days will have to undergo a rigorous process to prove that the child really is a South African citizen.
In terms of enhancing our immigration affairs, we note that the department envisages introducing two Bills. The Minister has already alluded to the Refugees Amendment Bill of 2015 and the Border Management Agency Bill. The former would address the processes and procedures relating to, amongst others, the adjudication, review and appeal processes pertaining to asylum seekers and refugees.
On the issue of the Border Management Agency Bill, the Department of Home Affairs should engage with stakeholders. They have already started to initiate that process in order for us to ensure that all concerned and interested persons make their input. We hear that the Department of Defence is also part of this initiative, as the role of the Department of Defence is to protect the integrity of our country, including controlling our borderline. However, it is the responsibility of the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the movement of people in and out of the country is well managed. In that context and in line with the Border Management Agency, we should also ensure that the borders are, for example, fenced, so that people use the ports of entry in a very structured and controlled way.
In conclusion, there are a few issues which I want to highlight for the hon Minister and Deputy Minister, as well as the department. The following issues are actually to be considered by the department in the next financial year. We also take this opportunity to welcome some of the initiatives initiated by the ANC-led government in response to the 2008 attacks and recent attacks on foreign nationals.
Firstly, the Counter-Xenophobia Unit of the Department of Home Affairs conducted assessments to determine the causes of xenophobia-related violence and to develop intervention strategies. It participated in SABC2 and SABC3 television programmes to gauge the public's view in order to raise awareness about xenophobia.
Secondly, the development of an early warning system by a visible policing forum is needed.
Thirdly, regarding the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure and the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, several recommendations have been made about the need for a co-ordinated and integrated approach to respond, inter alia, and particularly with regard to violence against foreign nationals.
Fourthly, an immigration stakeholder forum, comprising national, provincial and local government departments, was launched in Pretoria on 13 April 2015.
Fifthly, the Department of Home Affairs is also a standing member of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, UNHCR, Protection Working Group, that was established after the 2008 xenophobic attacks.
Sixthly, the Department of Home Affairs also took the initiative to report to Parliament on stakeholder engagements on integration, in May 2015. It had partnered with the City of Tshwane and hosted 12 workshops with the metro police between January and March 2015 on the rights and responsibilities of asylum seekers and refugees.
Finally, in its presentation on regional migration trends and regional integration, the Department of Home Affairs indicated that various policies and initiatives have been undertaken in respect of migration.
We also support this Budget Vote because, in terms of the allocation of the budgeted amount of the department, we think it will actually make a positive contribution towards taking South Africa forward.
Siyaqhuba. Siyasebenza. [We are moving forward. We are working.] Re dira go tlala seatla. [We are working very hard.] I thank you. [Applause.]