Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister, hon members, and all protocol observed, we welcome the vision and mission of our Department of Police; the values that the SAPS stands for need to be implemented and upheld.
Discipline and professionalism need to be instilled in our police. There is a programme in the Northern Cape called "Youth against Crime". If that programme can be implemented throughout this country, I think the police can win the war against crime. Hon Minister and Deputy Minister, I see that you are reminding us of where we come from by revisiting the ranking system. However, changing ranking names will not bring back discipline. Discipline will take a change in thinking and a change in attitude in the SAPS. That is what will make their work easier.
The ID believes in partnership with the community, because the challenges are enormous. The behaviour of some of the SAPS members is uncalled for. The way in which they drive their vehicles is unacceptable. The way they treat people in some of the police stations is also unacceptable. It is good to have important plans. It is good to say we are going to do this, that and that. And we see that the Minister and the Deputy Minister are trying their utmost best. But it needs to be said today that winning the war on crime will help us develop the economy. And the battle against crime will help our people to understand that the values that we grew up with should never be corrupted, but there is so much corruption in the Department of Police.
If we can win that battle half of the crime will be finished. The budget that is used for community police forums is inadequate. If we want the community to really participate and the police forums to really participate in the fight against crime and everything else, we need to budget properly for them in order to assist them to do away with crime. I thank you.