Chairperson, hon Minister, hon Deputy Minister, comrades and hon members, central among the indicators of a maturing constitutional democracy are fully functioning institutions, especially those which must support democracy and constitutionalism. In our case, we refer to national bodies like the Independent Electoral Commission, or IEC, the Government Printing Works and the Film and Publication Board. Like other general elections, the 2009 elections confirmed the ability of the IEC of South Africa to conduct successful elections.
Because of its history of success over many years, South Africa has now become a case study for many countries on the African continent and beyond. For this reason, South Africa, through the IEC, continues to make interventions in African countries that are having difficulties in conducting free and fair elections. With this, and success at home, we are convinced that the IEC is capable. However, we know and understand that there are still election-related challenges in our country.
Another critical issue which has been brought to our attention relates to suggestions that the IEC does not have sufficient mechanisms to deal with corruption on election days. Relying on political parties cannot be a comprehensive answer to the problem. With regard to these challenges, we will work with other political parties, government and organs of civil society to develop political and other solutions with a view to ensuring that the IEC delivers, even more than it has done since 1994.
In commending and congratulating the IEC for its dedication, commitment and diligence, as well as its credible work at home and beyond, we have to understand that full functionality of this constitutional body largely depends on the funding to improve the human resource and technological capacity of this body. Chairperson, let me now deal with the Film and Publication Board. As a matter of fact, this body is in a state of limbo because the Film and Publications Amendment Act, which governs the board, is yet to be signed into law. This is something which the government has to address, to ensure that the board fulfils its mandate of balancing the right to freedom of expression and publication with an obligation to protect our children from exposure to disturbing, harmful and inappropriate material.
Lastly, I would like to draw your attention to the Government Printing Works, an entity which is entrusted with the responsibility of security printing, meaning the printing of government documents and publications. This body is beset by a range of challenges, which include lack of proper governance structure, outdated equipment and facilities and inability to compete for skilled artisans because of better salaries in the private sector. However, we are of the view that the Government Printing Works has the potential to be competitive, profitable, cutting-edge and fit for its purpose. The starting point will have to be efficient and effective governance, particularly in view of the Auditor-General's qualifications issues, which have not yet been fully addressed.
We are also aware that the new passport machine, with high-security features, is operational. However, we are concerned that a transition from the old to the new system apparently presented its own challenges and, surely, this will cause delivery problems. In conclusion, Chairperson, within a relatively short space of time we have had robust, yet cordial, engagement with both the departments and the entities. We trust that these bodies will exercise their responsibility with prudence and in the national interest. The ANC supports the Vote. Thank you, Chair. [Applause.]