Chairperson, the Freedom Charter proclaims that all shall be equal before the law. The ANC, therefore, supports this budget, pursuant to that clarion call as adopted by our forefathers in 1955. I want to emphasise that all of us working together, in particular those within the judiciary, should ensure that transformation indeed does take place so that all can be equal before the law.
We are particularly worried about gender-based decisions that allow criminals and rapists to be released back into society in order to perpetrate further crimes against women and children. There have been several decisions in recent days within our courts which are cause for serious concern. I am sure we would all agree that we need to pray for those who make decisions that allow rapists to continue to repeat their acts against victims. I'm sure we would also agree that we need, again working together, to reclaim victims' rights so that those who have been abused and violated in our societies are given the necessary support. The ANC supports this budget. Thank you. [Applause.]
Vote agreed to.
Vote No 22 - Police, formerly Safety and Security - put.
Declarations of vote: