Chairperson and hon members, on behalf of the Minister and the department let me thank everyone who participated in this debate. In the three minutes that I have to respond in, I will just touch on the more substantial issues.
A number of hon members raised in their speeches the inordinate lengths of time and the delays that are experienced in our refugee centres. We are very aware of these, we are alive to the problem and, in fact, some of the amendments that this House is busy with in regard to the legislation will go a long way in assisting us in alleviating some of those delays. I certainly hope that members are aware that all our efforts are directed toward ensuring that the system works well, particularly for genuine refugees who deserve the protection of the state.
I now want to deal with the absolutely astonishing claim by the hon Lovemore, who says that pre-screening at our boarders is contrary to our international conventions and obligations. I must say I find that absolutely extraordinary; it is quite clear that if the DA were ever - one day in the very very distant future - to govern this country, all sorts of murderers, rapists, organised criminals and terrorists would be allowed into this country because there would be no pre-screening. I just cannot understand how somebody can stand here, rationally arguing that we should not pre-screen people who want to come into our country. Clearly this is not against any international convention, practice or custom. Every single state in the world in the family of nations - any self-respecting state - would certainly do something like this. In fact, not to do so would be contrary to international custom and conventions, not to mention, of course, being a huge disservice to our country and our people.
To the hon Mbhele from Cope I want to say that, yes, we will require children who are born to refugees to be registered within 30 days and for them then to come to the refugee centre to record them as dependants. This is not a bigger obligation than the one that we put on South African citizens in the first place. We require South African citizens to register their new-born babies within 30 days as well. It is therefore not something more detrimental that will be suffered by refugees in our country. I hope that that clarifies the situation; we are certainly not going to be treating refugees any differently.
Lastly, in the last five seconds, let me just say to the hon Mathebe that the Aliens Control Act is actually not reflected in the Act. What it is, is that there is a complication with an amending Act that has not been put into force yet - it has not been implemented - and this amendment and that amendment will be implemented on the same day. Hopefully, therefore, that will be taken care of. However, I have a more substantive opinion from the officials who are kindly sitting here if you want to collect it from me. I simply do not have the time to elaborate. I thank you.
Debate concluded.
Bill read a second time (Democratic Alliance dissenting).