Deputy Chairperson, first of all I would like to align myself with those who have paid tribute to Mama Nontsikelelo Albertina Sisulu, a lady who worked selflessly to serve this country.
Hon Deputy Chairperson, all of us know that "justice delayed is justice denied". We also know that every country is judged on the quality of its justice. If the department fails in this regard, the whole country fails. The history of South Africa has been mainly a struggle against injustice. We cannot return to that situation again.
In order for justice to prevail we need to look at what is happening in our magistrates' courts. That is where the bulk of our citizens access justice. It is perturbing that in so many courts those dispensing justice are doing so in an acting capacity.
Deputy Chair, I would also like to mention this. Chapter 9 institutions are cornerstones in the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. If we want to be known and respected for the legacy we are leaving, we must work like the honourable late Mama Sisulu - she worked selflessly. If we want to do that, we must do what Chapter 9 says. We must protect our Constitution, because Chapter 9 protects our country. We can't still have a situation where a public prosecutor, while doing her work, is followed into the office by the police in order to intimidate her. The Deputy Minister has just mentioned that it is difficult, because of some of the issues, to transform the homeland situation. What are we doing at the present time? We are now 15 years old. We must use all means to try to have our courts running in Venda, Shangaan and Xitsonga - this thing - so that when you enter there you will know that you are safe.
Magisterial boundaries are still a problem in courts. These things must be revisited. We cannot go on like this.
Finally, I would like to say - what exactly is ... [Inaudible.] ... - is that 70%, you said, is for service delivery. I want this thing to be focused on the police boundaries. I know that the relationship between the police and the public prosecutors is not forthcoming. The starting time of the courts largely reminds us that you were just telling us that ... [Inaudible.] ... that we need such type ... [Inaudible.]
The Limpopo High Court is a song. We don't want a song; we want action. Seriously, stop promising, Minister, and do the work. I thank you.