Johannesburg - The Gauteng Provincial Government has allocated R88.6 million for the implementation of programmes that support the reduction of incidences of crimes against women and children.
"We remain concerned about disturbing reports of domestic violence incidences which often result in loss of life, child abuse and rape," said Finance MEC Mandla Nkomfe on Tuesday during the Gauteng Budget Speech.
Recently, the country has seen an increase in reported cases of brutal rapes and murders of women and children.
“Rape is a hideous crime that contravenes the basic human rights of women and girls, it should be condemned and we should leave no stone unturned in fighting rape and abuse against women. No means No. In this regard, we commend the decisive action taken by our government in condemning rape and raising consciousness around it.”
In ensuring that the people of the province are safe - the province has made available R18.2 billion over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the implementation of the policing strategy and the detective 10 point plan that aims to reduce crime.
In addition, the Civilian/Provincial Secretariat function has been devolved to the province and its establishment is expected to be completed by June 2013. A total budget of R39.8 million is allocated for this.
Its main function includes monitoring the SAPS compliance with respect to domestic violence and compliance with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Act.
Other highlights in the budget included R5 million in 2013\14, R5.3 million in 2014\15 and R5.6million in 2015\16 for the establishment and operations of the project management office for the Gauteng Broadband Network initiative which will be filtered through the Department of Finance.
The office of the Premier receives an amount of R31 million over the MTEF for the operationalisation of Gauteng 2055 vision, the development of the infrastructure master plan and the capacitation of the Gauteng Planning Commission.
In order to facilitate the construction of the women's monument, ensure sustainability of community libraries through co-funding, the rehabilitation of township facilities and refurbishment of Bob van Reenen stadium, the Department of Sport in the province has been allocated a total of R85 million in 2013\14. - SAnews.gov.za
