Hon Chairperson, hon Minister and hon members, the number of intelligence structures that serve state security is a clear indication of how important and essential this portfolio is in government. These structures include crime intelligence, defence intelligence, the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee, the SA Secret Service, both national and international, and the agencies. The focal point of all these services is national security, peace and stability.
On this point, it is imperative that they should all be united, co- ordinated and speak with one voice. They should jealously guard and protect all state secrets, as contained in secret documents and reports. It is accordingly disturbing and threatening if such secret reports are leaked to the media, as has been witnessed recently in this country. This sends a negative message, which is symptomatic of strife, conflict and distrust among members of our intelligence forces. The country simply cannot tolerate any signs of discord and disharmony among state security members. We appeal to the Minister to look into this matter.
The IFP is also convinced that internal peace and stability can never be guaranteed as long as instability and insecurity prevail on our borders and in the rest of Africa. On the issue of coastal piracy, what assurances can the Minister give us that this situation is being properly monitored and that all necessary resources are deployed to ensure that coastal piracy does not occur in South African waters? We are not here assuming that nothing is being done, but we are appealing that the Minister keep the citizenry informed and assured that something is being done.
Our government should be further compelled to commit to championing a course of democracy and political tolerance on the rest of the continent, particularly amongst our neighbours Swaziland and Zimbabwe. Our country's position as the economic powerhouse of Africa places on us a unique responsibility to assume a leadership role to support the success of our neighbours. This role should not be mere quiet diplomacy, but should be positive engagement with dictatorial African leaders, such as Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. On this score, I fully endorse what my leader, Mntwana Wakwa-Phindangene, said in his remarks on Africa Day on 25 May this year. He said:
Our continued silence on Zimbabwe has made us complicit in our neighbour's woes. Likewise, our government was slow to speak out on Libya, while the international world was swift to react and engage the problem. I do not think South Africa could be seen as interfering, when we on this continent have a long and shared history of struggle for freedom. It does not enhance solidarity to say that a government can rule our fellow Africans in whatever way it pleases, whilst we, on the other hand, turn the other way.
Indeed, we expect President Zuma to be quick to condemn and denounce dictatorial rulers anywhere in Africa.
However, I would like to compliment the President for his appointment of Adv Radebe as Inspector General of Intelligence on the strong and unanimous recommendation of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence, JSCI. The lady is a typical new broom which sweeps clean. During her short period in office, she has managed to draft regulations which have been outstanding since 1994. The IFP supports the Budget Vote. I thank you. [Time expired.] [Applause.]