Chairperson, the ACDP shares in expressing our condolences to the family and friends on the passing of Ma Albertina Sisulu. Our prayers are with you at this time.
Chairperson, hon Minister, court performance lies at the heart of this department. The committee has, for some years, expressed its dissatisfaction at ongoing poor court performance despite many initiatives. We are, however, pleased that the Chief Justice has now taken on the responsibility of monitoring performance in all the courts and we look forward to an improvement in this area.
We also support the three prioritised projects, namely to achieve a no- audit qualification by 2012-2013, a service turnaround in maintenance services, and a turnaround in the Master's branch. These are crucial areas in terms of service delivery and financial accountability.
One of the shining stars is clearly Legal Aid SA, whose presentation greatly impressed many members. It shows that a state organ can be turned around and effectively run consistently over a period of years, and serves as an inspiration to other organs and departments that service delivery can be effectively provided. Well done, Judge Mlambo and your team! [Applause.]
Last year, the ACDP raised concerns about the lack of support Chapter 9 institutions received from both state departments and Parliament. We are extremely concerned about events this year at the Public Protector's office.
To begin with, there is the unauthorised visit by members of the crime intelligence unit, and now the Public Protector is expressing serious concerns. Her concerns suggest that some people in positions of significant power in the country believe they are entitled to undermine her mandate by, inter alia, failing to co-operate with enquiries or failing to divulge information promptly or even at all, and ignoring rulings and injunctions for remedial action from her office. The Human Rights Commission has also expressed similar frustrations with departments carrying out its constitutional mandate.
The point is well made that if these Chapter 9 institutions armed with a constitutional mandate struggle to obtain information or compliance from state departments, how much harder will it be for the average citizen to access information should the Protection of Information Bill be passed in its present form - given severe problems already experienced with the Promotion of Access to Information Bill?
The ACDP looks forward to the planned meeting with the unit in the Speaker's office tasked with facilitating a better working relationship between Parliament and the Chapter 9 institutions to address these and other frustrations. We need to come alongside these institutions and assist them.
Lastly, the ACDP would like to thank all those dedicated members of the judiciary, prosecutors and court officials who tirelessly seek to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law by providing justice on a day-to-day basis. There are many areas of improvement, Minister, as pointed out by the hon Landers, for which we commend you and the department. I thank you. [Applause.]