Honourable Speaker
Honourable Members of Parliament (MPs)
One of the fundamental principles in ensuring that government achieves its mission of ensuring that South Africans are and feel safe, would by and large, be dependent upon the kind of civilian oversight policies we develop, the levels of accountability, monitoring and evaluation processes we implement.
Section 208 of our Constitution gives effect to the establishment of the civilian secretariat under the direction of the Minister of Police. The 1998 White Paper of Safety and Security provides for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to be the vehicle for law enforcement for the Republic.
The White Paper further required and mandated a need to reform the system in which policy, planning and monitoring occurred within the formerly Department of Safety and Security.
The Civilian Secretariat for Police Bill has been brought to this Parliament with very clear intentions on the part of the Ministry of police. We have been forthright in our assertions that, the current policing environment in our country requires us to fight crime smartly, toughly and with no mercy on those heartless criminals.
It also became apparent that as part of our legislative framework, we required strong policing oversight bodies that will make sure that the policies for policing are determined by the executive. We adopted this framework precisely because, as we have said before this House, we have no intentions of sliding our policing approach towards a police state.
We are of a firm view that there needs to be a transparent and separation of powers in determining policy and the implementation thereof. This Civilian Secretariat for Police Bill gives effect to that separation of powers and functions.
It requires the secretariat to provide sound civilian oversight over SAPS, drive partnerships, provide policy advice to the minister and provides for the reorganisation of the civilian secretariat into a designated department.
It further provides for the cooperation between the Independent Police Investigative directorate and the secretariat as well as enhance cooperation between the SAPS and the civilian secretariat.
Importantly, the bill de-couples the budget of the secretariat as a cost centre of SAPS, so that it can maintain its independence from SAPS. We have every confidence that a revamped, efficient and effective secretariat will enable us to develop police policy that is sound and on par with international best practices.
It should also be remembered that by accepting this legislation, we in no way are second guessing the work of the police. On the contrary, we are making sure that the police render their duties with excellence, across all facets of their interaction with society.
We expect the Civilian Secretariat for Police to take responsibility for:
- Policy and strategy: Strategic and indicative planning, research and the formulation of departmental policy proposals, which when approved by the ministry would guide the activities of SAPS.
- Audit and monitoring: The monitoring of the department to ensure alignment with the policies approved by the Minister.
- Monitor, develop and implement performance controls of the performance agreements which direct functions of SAPS
- Provide ministerial support services, including the management and control of departmental, international, media and stakeholder liaison as well as legal services
- The implementation of a communications strategy aimed at informing and mobilising role players and partners outside the department regarding the policing matters
- Strengthen partnerships on social mobilisation to deepen the national dialogue on safety
- To account to the minister and to Parliament on its functions and activities.
Another key aspect of this bill relates to the establishment of provincial secretariats. We expect better alignment between the civilian secretariat and the provinces with the establishment of provincial secretariats. It is here, in the engine room of the provinces, that we will expect to see strong and functioning monitoring and evaluation units.
We also intend to deepen the national dialogue on safety by establishing partnership units as part of the provincial secretariats. We are certain that the bill before this house provides us with a sterling opportunity to put into practice the policies, methodologies and strategies to refine our policing towards all South Africans.
As we have demonstrated before, when we all pull together, we succeed. When we focus our energies, our commitment and walk our talk, we overcome together.
This is a new era, a new way of doing things and a new way of securing our democracy through civilian oversight over police practices, budgets and performance.
We remain committed to see through our vision of a transformed, accountable and effective police service.
I thank you.
Contact:
Zweli Mnisi
Tel: +27 012 393 4341 or +27 021 467 7007
Fax: +27 012 393 2833 or +27 021 467 7033
Cell: +27 082 045 4024
E-mail: zwelim@saps.org.za
