Hon Chairperson, Thomas Jefferson once said:
Those who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.
This debate on the Budget Vote of State Security is taking place at a critical time and juncture in the history of our country. This time is marked by events which threaten that very state security and stability.
Reference can be made here to the tragedy that occurred at the Marikana mine in 2012, which claimed the lives of 34 miners who were demonstrating for higher wages and were allegedly mowed down by the Police Service. While the nation is still recovering from the aftermath of that terrible incident, and trying to find answers to same, we hear of the assassination of a number of Marikana witnesses who were set to testify before the Farlam Commission.
We also have politically well-connected state cronies landing aeroplanes from India at our military bases in order to attend certain Gupta family nuptials at Sun City! This kind of breach of security protocol is unprecedented in our country.
Then, we can add the fact that we are host to no fewer than three training facilities for Al Qaeda terrorists here in South Africa! [Interjections.]
I think we can all agree that the above warrant a very stable and well- functioning Department of State Security. Yet this is unfortunately far from true. Take the Head of Crime Intelligence, for instance. He was recalled under a cloud of allegations, including his recruitment of members of his own family as undercover agents. If these allegations are true, one might question whether such people were appointed on the basis of merit, or whether it was a case of favouritism.
Even more disconcerting is the fact that the vacancy left by Lt Gen Richard Mdluli has been filled by an "acting" official. A number of portfolio committees in this Parliament have expressed their disgust at this government which has been turned into "Hollywood" with so many senior officials "acting" in senior positions.
The department itself does not inspire confidence when it comes to stability. This department has been in the throes of reconstruction for almost three years now. Reconstruction and mergers often bring fear and insecurity in their wake. Members of staff are continuously in fear of losing their jobs or rank, and this does not augur well for stability. One only hopes that the mergers will soon be completed. It was nice, hon Minister, to hear you updating this House on the progress made in this regard.
Another grave concern is the draining of expertise and experience from this department. One was particularly alarmed by the resignation of senior directors, including Gen Gibson Njenje, head of State Security; Mo Shaik, head of Foreign Intelligence; and Jeff Maqetuka, a director-general at the agency, almost all at the same time. Their positions remain filled by acting personnel.
Yet another cause of instability is the porosity of our borders. It was hoped that the establishment of the Border Management Agency would curb the illegal entry of immigrants from other African states. Many such foreigners proceed to settle in our informal settlements, where the most enterprising among them, especially those from Somalia, open shops which exploit the locals, and then this leads to xenophobic attacks and killings. This illegal entry is a ticking time bomb. The porosity of our borders must be attended to urgently.
In conclusion, in spite of all the above, the IFP will support this Budget Vote in the hope that it will be used to bring about stability in our country. We are in dire need of same. I thank you. [Applause.]