Hon Chairman, never before have the issues of women, children and disabled people been in the frontline as they are in this democratic era. [Applause.] Women have been more assertive; they are rising up and taking on the issues. Government's intensified campaign of empowering people with disabilities and the fight against gender-based violence are having a great effect.
All government departments today reporting on employment or contracts on their scorecards must show how targets are met with regard to disabled people. According to the United Nations, Africa will be leading the world in the number of disabled entrepreneurs, unlike in the past, when they were sidelined and marginalised when it came to services and rights.
It is right - we should be shocked about the levels of woman and child abuse. We must therefore consistently make an effort to change the culture. The levels of rape and abuse cannot be ignored. They must be a concerning challenge for all of us.
The MF commends the work and consciousness of a whole range of people, and maybe more cases are coming to light because we are giving them attention. We have to be honest about the crisis and do something differently. This crisis is just not acceptable and it affects the entire character of our society. Something is wrong somewhere with the structure and fibre of our families. Are we beginning to restructure our families, or are they growing dysfunctional by themselves?
Hon Minister, women continue to march forward with courage, conviction and determination from the dark days of apartheid into the light of democracy. Today in our Parliament the representation of women is recognised worldwide and we congratulate the ruling party on setting this high standard. [Applause.] And next year, when the MF doubles its representation, we will also adhere to the 50:50 policy. [Applause.] We need to ensure a series of workshops of public awareness on sexual abuse, particularly in rural areas and disadvantaged communities. To combat gender-based violence, the police and the justice system is not enough. Integration is the key, and more funding must, undoubtedly, be directed to nongovernmental organisations, community-based organisations and faith- based organisations.
Hon Minister, we laud your efforts as we are very mindful that when you are a mother, you are not really the only person in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice: for herself and for her child. The MF supports the Budget Vote. Thank you. [Applause.]