Hon Chairperson, hon Minister and Deputy Minister, the Director-General of Home Affairs and officials, guests in the gallery and hon members, it is not only critical that citizens are identified, but that our democracy is secured through regular, free and fair elections. It also becomes critical that, while the nation receives entertainment, such entertainment should be free from potential and real harm. Pursuant to the mentioned imperatives, the Department of Home Affairs, as part of its agencies, has to facilitate the realisation of its mandate.
Government Printing Works, GPW, amongst other objectives, aims to provide cost-effective, reliable and timeous services to all spheres of government; to provide the public with equitable information; and to disseminate government information through technology innovation and service excellence.
Since its conversion to a government component, GPW commenced with operating on regular business principles, having to defray all its expenditures from the revenue generated by services rendered. Its principal clientele are state departments and other organs of state. GPW's chief mandate is to produce South African passports and identification documents.
On page nine of the 2012-13 to 2014-15 GPW strategic plan, a concern needs to be noted that, although GPW can report on increased outputs, service delivery is still negatively affected by human and material resource constraints. The lack of experienced and qualified senior managers, artisans and administrative personnel impacts on service delivery, resulting in the GPW being compelled to outsource certain functions. The further development and financing of facilities as well as technology upgrades necessary for the GPW to deliver on its mandate will remain a challenge without any additional funding from the fiscus.
Hon members, we are encouraged and thrilled by the recent appointment of a permanent chief executive officer, CEO, by the GPW and strengthened by the fact that two more management positions will soon be filled as per the GPW report. We also note that moving to new premises and the installation of new advanced printers indicate growth in the manner of working and that the security of our people's identity remains foremost in our priorities. However, it would be remiss of me to discount what the entity is saying to this Parliament in the extract from its strategic plan. I make bold to say that for efficiency and security of identity, it is imperative that our government reviews the funding mode of this entity.
The Independent Electoral Commission, IEC, of South Africa is mandated to strengthen our constitutional democracy through delivering free and fair elections in which every voter is able to record his or her choice. This entity is an independent and impartial permanent body created by the Constitution in Chapter 9 to promote and strengthen constitutional democracy in South Africa through the delivery of free and fair elections at all levels of government.
The IEC undertakes its work within the republic independently, but it is often called upon to assist in South Africa's international relations and to undertake electoral assistance to other countries. Where this happens, the funding and permission is sought and obtained from the government of South Africa.
The IEC facilitates the promotion of the principles of peaceful, free and fair elections. This includes interaction and liaison with organisations, institutions and governments nationally and internationally in order to promote the acceptance and adherence to democratic electoral principles. Included are international bodies such as the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Southern African Development Community, SADC, Electoral Commissions Forum, the African Union, etc.
Hon members, we again compliment the IEC for the sterling work it keeps doing in ensuring that South Africa's democracy is secured. It is under its watch that all political parties get funding proportionately and get proportionate space to canvass votes from the public. Indeed, it is under the IEC that all votes count equally. I dare say without fear of contradiction that the ballot paper respects no class, sex, race, or any symbol. The IEC ballot paper is the true equaliser that respects the human dignity of all.
Since the establishment of the IEC, our elections have been inclusive and peaceful. As our democracy matures, the number of local government by- elections rises owing to expulsions, death and at times resignation of councillors. Even in such moments of unpredictability, the IEC has never failed to rise to the occasion in ensuring that universal adult franchise, which is one of the core pillars of the society, extends equally to all on the basis of age and geographic location.
Hon members, the Film and Publication Board, FPB, is, according to its 2012- 13 to 2016-17 strategic plans on page eight, a leading content regulator which informs adults and children in their care on their readership, viewing and gaming choices, thus ensuring informed choices as well as protection of children against exposure to undesirable content and harmful effects of the media.
The FPB further restricts the consumption and distribution of pornography and prohibits the use of children in the creation, production, distribution and consumption of child pornography and the exposure of children to pornographic content. The FPB, in executing its mandate, therefore protects children from undue exposure to undesirable material through the classification of content in alignment with societal norms; empowering the public through robust information sharing and education to make informed viewing, reading and entertainment decisions; and also restricting access to the creation and distribution of pornography in society.
It is frightening to note that, according to reliable research findings, 50% of children own smart phones and have access to the internet and other social networks through which they get exposed to what the FPB is meant to protect them from. It seems as if we are fighting a losing battle when it comes to protecting our children against dangerous influences.
Our constitutional democracy was meant to protect the most vulnerable against harm, hence section 36 of the Constitution demands that rights be observed not at the expense of building a society based on human dignity, equality and freedom. In this regard it is clear that, if drastic measures are not taken, the future of our society is at stake. Without sounding alarmist, let me point to the incidences of child pornography where children have sex and videorise their disgusting conduct and circulate it for others to see. It is clear that these children emulate what they see being done by others on the Internet.
We would like to appeal to our government to save our children and criminalise access and circulation of pornographic material by children. Of course, we are treading on thin ice as the free-for-all types will cry censure and raise our face to freedom of expression and the right of access to information. Our Constitution protects the most vulnerable and, either refutably or irrefutably, children are presumed without criminal capacity and should be deemed to be without the necessary strength to resist the force of the insidious and suggestive moral fibre destroyers.
In conclusion, our democracy continues to be secured through the IEC, and our identity is secured by the GPW whose funding model, however, needs revision, the recent improvements not withstanding. However, the exposure of our children to material remains a risk that can only be mitigated by a statute. The ANC supports the Budget Vote. Thank you. [Applause.]