Deepen our democracy by protecting it from manipulation and abuse

House Chairperson, the ACDP posits that the Electoral Laws Amendment Bill presents us with an important opportunity to strengthen the integrity of our democratic process. At the heart of any credible democracy lies a simple but powerful principle: elections must be...

Justice, inclusion, and opportunity is a foundation stone of freedom

House Chairperson, the ACDP recalls that on 27 April 1994 (our first Freedom Day), South Africans stood in long queues, united in hope, to cast their first democratic vote. Nearly 20 million voters participated in that historic moment, marking the end of apartheid and...

IMF cuts South Africa’s economic growth 2026 forecast to 1%

House Chair, this Division of Revenue Bill must be considered against the dramatic geopolitical changes that have occurred since February’s budget. At that time, honourable Minister, the ACDP said that the ship of public finances was starting to move in the right...

ACDP supports report on composition of Chief Whips’ Forum

Madam Speaker, the ACDP welcomes the fact that clarity has now been given to the contentious issue of procedures for Speaking Sequence and the composition of the Chief Whips’ Forum. While we appreciate the fact that there was quite robust engagement on the 24th of...

TVET colleges produce 20,000 artisans annually—30,000 required

Deputy Speaker, the crisis in artisan skills is not simply a matter of numbers. It reflects a deeper malaise in the culture of government itself. Weak accountability, poor work ethic, and a tolerance for institutionalised complacency are now entrenched; exacerbated by...

Help solve overcrowding in prisons by finalising trials more speedily

House Chair, the ACDP is fully aware of severe overcrowding at many of the correctional services (as highlighted by other speakers) at 58% which year-by-year is getting worse. This negatively impacts on attempts at rehabilitation and places the safety and security of...

Land reform must be just, transparent, and economically sustainable

Land reform must be just, transparent, and economically sustainable

House Chairperson, In welcoming the opportunity to engage on this Budget Vote, the ACDP notes the R9.62 billion allocation to the Department of Land Reform and Rural Development for the 2026/27 financial year. While this figure appears substantial, the Portfolio...

CRL seeks to weaponise legislation to use against churches

CRL seeks to weaponise legislation to use against churches

House Chairperson, The ACDP is aware that based on a report submitted by the CRL Rights Commission, the National Security Strategy for 2024-2028 publicly identifies the “mushrooming of charismatic churches” as a domestic national-security concern. This places millions...

SANDF’s operational condition is now critical

SANDF’s operational condition is now critical

Chairperson, the ACDP rises in this budget vote fully cognisant of the severe financial constraints facing the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). This is nothing new. We have lamented this for many, many years, yet our voices and those of the Defence Force,...

Madlanga Commission commended for exposing serious corruption in SAPS

Madlanga Commission commended for exposing serious corruption in SAPS

House Chairperson, the Madlanga Commission exposed grave police corruption, and the ACDP commends the Specialised Task Team for concrete action in suspending 18 officers, with prosecutions already underway. It is a disgrace to note that community safety and policing...

SMMEs are our greatest potential source of job creation

SMMEs are our greatest potential source of job creation

House Chairperson, the ACDP is acutely aware that South Africa’s unemployment crisis remains one of the greatest threats to our economy, social stability and national dignity. Millions of South Africans, especially young people, remain excluded from meaningful...