Members of the media.
Welcome, and thank you for attending our department’s pre-budget debate briefing.
We would like to use this opportunity to preview key aspects of the opening address that we will be making in the National Assembly at 10h00.
Later this afternoon, we will present our policy statement at the National Council of Provinces in which we will speak again to our priorities and programmes for 2014/15.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is dedicated to fulfilling its mission of determining and safeguarding the identity and status of all citizens, and regulating immigration to ensure security, promote development and fulfill our international obligations.
Properly acknowledging the common citizenship to which every South African is entitled, is central to the task of restoring dignity and enabling the exercise of rights which are at the very foundation of our democracy.
Government objectives, including the National Development Plan, require that Home Affairs deliver effectively on its core mission to enhance the nation’s security, and enable socio-economic development.
The speech to the National Assembly today will outline the work we are doing in 2014/15 to achieve our mission, organised into several themes:
- A secured South African citizenship and identity
- Modernising Home Affairs
- A secured and responsive immigration system
- Home Affairs contributing to economic development and tourism
- Developing a cadre of professional, committed officials through learning and development.
Home Affairs directly impacts every South African. The department seeks to build a national effort, uniting all patriotic South Africans to achieve its objectives.
The speech will explore what is required of South Africans to assist the department in accomplishing strategic goals which will benefit us all.
In addition to highlighting major achievements of the past year, the speech will address major developments and priorities going forward. This includes programmes of work being undertaken by the department, as well as policy development focus areas.
We encourage all South Africans to tune in live to the various media platforms which will carry the speech:
The DHA Budget Vote will be streamed live on https://www.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmCcC_EjEoA
Also listen to: SAFM, Ukhozi FM, Munghana Lonene, Thobela FM, Phalaphala FM, community radio stations.
For live broadcast of the DHA Budget Vote speech - Parliamentary Channel 408 on DSTV.
