The Department of Health and Social Development will embark on a programme that will see more than 4 700 young people receive development skills as part of job creation and poverty eradication. Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu, said this when he tabled her budget speech for 2009/10 financial year.
The R1,9 billion budget allocation will among other things be used to train young people in skills such as electrical, plumbing, life skills, computer training, business skills and carpentry. In addition, the department will enter into partnership with state owned enterprises such as Telkom, Eskom and Transnet to further train young people to enter the labour market with skills and confidence.
A further 200 co-operatives of young people will be established in previously disadvantaged communities. These cooperative will be empowered in school uniform (textile) production and the rendering of cleaning, security, laundry, catering and gardening services. We will establish these youth owned, managed and controlled co-operatives at Alexandra, Mabopane, Mogale City, Katlehong, Vosloorus, Meadowlands and Zola.
As part of growing an inclusive economy, 90 percent of all contracts will awarded to previously disadvantaged individuals and Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMMEs). Also the department will endeavour to ensure that the preferential procurement spend is as per Gross Domestic Products (GPG) targets of 70 percent, Historically disadvantaged Individuals (HDI), 15 percent women, 5 percent, youth and 5 percent People with Disabilities (PWD).
In 2009/10 the department has committed to fund 187 existing and 30 new home care based centre sites. These centres provide drop in services such as meals, assistance with homework and laundry services. This programme will reach 20 000 families, 62 000 children, 4 700 older persons and 3 820 child headed households. These sites will take care of all orphaned and vulnerable children irrespective of the cause of their vulnerability.
The department will review the terms of funding to old age home that continue to refuse access to people on the basis of race. In addition, 147 registered and funded community based services (service centres and Luncheon clubs) will be strengthened to provide services to older persons.
We will thus be able to ensure the transformational agenda in the movement of older persons on the waiting list at registered and funded residential facilities into residence at the facilities. Provision will also be made for safe beds for 250 abused and neglected older persons.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013
Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
3 August 2009
