Social Cluster

Actions

Departments

Timeframe

Progress update - 18 Jan 2008

1

COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY

1.1

Finalise work on Social Insurance and its different elements

1.1.1

Further explore possible models for financing Retirement Reform as well as their implications for the design of the new system

DSD , NT , DoL

Jul-07

The Cluster is engaged in a consultation process and a consolidated discussion paper will be presented to the IMC in Apr-08

1.1.2

Finalise policy proposals on benefit design for persons with chronic diseases

Health, DoL, DSD , NT

Mar-07

The project completed

1.1.3

Finalise work on the Road Accident Fund

DoT, DSD, DoH, NT, DoL

Jul-07

The High Court has declared the process of the promulgation of certain sections of the RAF Amendment Act unconstitutional and the decision has been referred to the Constitutional Court for confirmation in terms of the court rules

1.1.4

Continue work on Social Health Insurance including the implementation of the Risk Equalisation Fund (REF)

DoH, NT

Jul-07

Preparation for the execution of the risk equalisation fund (REF) are ready and awaiting the passage of the Bill for full implementation. Guidance is awaited from the IMC on whether the SHI issue should be part of the comprehensive social security process

1.1.5

Explore the possibility of introducing a wage subsidy for low-wage employees, possibly directed at first entrants into the job market, especially young people

NT, DoL, DSD , NT , Presidency, Health

Jul-07

A consolidated discussion paper will be presented to the IMC in Apr-08

1.1.6

Explore the possibility of introducing a social security tax to finance basic retirement savings, death, disability and unemployment benefits

NT, DoL, DSD, Presidency, Health

Jul-07

A consolidated discussion paper will be presented to the IMC in Apr-08

1.2

Addressing inefficiencies and unintended consequences of social protection

1.2.1

Deal with issues of dependency, perverse incentives and continued sustainability of the social grant system

DSD , NT

Mar-07

Oxford University and HSRC completed a study where the Social Development EXCO concluded that there is no need for further research or investigations on perverse incentives. Research on sustainability of the social grant system is underway

1.2.2

Devise ways in which social grants can be linked to reduction of poverty and increase in employment

DSD , NT , DoL, Presidency

Mar-07

The pilot project to link beneficiaries of Social Grants to sustainable livelihoods and cooperatives was undertaken in specific locals in all provinces. Outcomes of this are being used to develop a full programme

1.2.3

Explore the introduction of an earnings-related contributory social security system that is informed by the principle of social solidarity

NT, DoL, DSD, Presidency, Health

Jul-07

Work is in progress on unemployment insurance reform

1.2.4

Develop measures to reach vulnerable children over the age of 14 years while continuing to consolidate current gains in income support and in other policy goals

DSD, DHA , NT

Jul-07

A Draft Strategy on measures to improve services to vulnerable children over the age of 14 years in South Africa , has been finalised and will be discussed at the Jan-08 Cabinet Lekgotla

1.2.5

Ensure the systematic linkage of beneficiaries of social assistance to municipal services and work opportunities

DSD, DPLG, DoL

Jul-07

Refer to activity 1.2.2

2

PROMOTION OF NATIONAL IDENTITY AND SOCIAL COHESION

2.1

Intensify joint efforts among all South Africans to improve social cohesion, including better canvass of the issue of our variety of identities and the overarching sense of belonging to South Africa , value system, and identity in a manner that strengthens our unity as a nation.

DAC, DoE, DPLG, GCIS, Presidency, SRSA

2007 & Ongoing

1817 flags have been installed in schools. Nation wide public hearings on standardisation of geographical name changing are underway to promote an over arching sense of belonging

2.2

Finalise the strategy and programmes to address matters of social cohesion

DAC, DoE, DPLG, GCIS, Presidency, SRSA

Jul-07

A draft vision 2010 strategy for promoting social cohesion has been developed and will be presented to the Jan-08 Cabinet lekgotla

2.3

Rehabilitation of communities in line with TRC recommendations

All Clusters, DAC, DoE, DPLG, Presidency, Health

Ongoing

The TRC unit is currently working on a proposal to conduct a needs assessment into all the communities identified as having been affected by human rights violations. This will assist in drafting a Community Rehabilitation Policy

2.4

Finalise work on the Macro-Social Strategic Framework

DAC, DAC, DSD, Presidency, Health

Jul-07

Social Cohesion and Social Justice Task team has continued to strengthen alignment and implementation of programmes, campaigns and projects to respond to the Macro Social issues. This work will be incorporated in the development of Anti-Poverty Strategy

3

COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH CARE

3.1

Health promotion, reduction of non-communicable disease and unnatural causes of death

3.1.1

Enhance promotion of healthy lifestyles and change from risky behaviour especially among the youth

Health, DAC, DoE

Ongoing

There are currently 360 school based food gardens established. It is envisaged that the launch of these food gardens will take place in Feb-08. 12 schools have been launched in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan as Health Promoting Schools

3.1.2

Enhance focus on non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, asthma and hypertension

Health,

Ongoing

World Diabetes Day on 14 Nov-07 was used to raise awareness of diabetes and the necessity to adopt a healthy lifestyle for individual health. DOH made a presentation to the international conference on Cancer in Cape Town in Oct-07

3.1.3

Work on study of causes of unnatural death to continue

StatsSA, Health

Ongoing

The project completed.

3.2

Continue implementation of Government's Comprehensive Plan to combat HIV and Aids, informed by an updated national comprehensive strategy

Health, DoE, DSD

 Ongoing

The number of patients on ARV is 230 447 of which 32 312 are children. This shows an increase from the 300 000 beneficiaries reported in the last reporting cycle

3.3

Combating Tuberculosis, particularly response to Multiple Drug Resistant TB due to non-compliance

Health,

 Ongoing

The Department developed the five year National TB Strategic Plan with key stakeholders R400 million was made available for Multiple Drug Resistant and XDR TB through adjustment budget

3.4

Reducing Malaria cases by 10% per year

Health,

10% per annum

Malaria-affected provinces of South Africa for the reporting period Jan to Dec-07 compared to the same period in 2006 has been reduced by approximately 60%

3.5

Bring about, without any further delay, the reduction of cost of medicines at retail outlets through use of medicine pricing regulations

Health,

Mar-08

The Pricing Committee to present their recommendations to the Minister end of Jan-08

3.6

Further expansion of the health infrastructure, including refurbishment of existing clinics and hospitals, the re-opening of Nursing Colleges, expanding training and employment of nurses and social workers as well as auxiliaries, increasing the number of training institutions, improving the quality of training, and instituting a bursary system

Health,

Ongoing

Mpumalanga's Elija Mango College of Education is now utilized for nursing , KZN has reached maximum capacity and is training 4, 900 students; NC plans to build 2 new colleges as soon as funding is secured.; and the WC is delayed by accreditation problems

3.7

Ensure that hospital managers are delegated authority and held accountable for the functioning of hospitals, with policy issues regarding training, job grading and accountability managed by provincial Health Departments

Health,

 Dec-07

The project is completed

3.8

Continuing with the implementation of the remuneration dispensation for medical professionals

Health,

Ongoing

The project completed

4

MEETING THE INCREASING CHALLENGE OF HOUSING AND HUMAN SETTLEMENT

4.1

Implement government's comprehensive programme dealing with human settlement and social infrastructure

4.1.1

Implement concrete steps to ensure that housing development contributes to eliminating the duality of living spaces inherited from apartheid

HOUSING, DLA, DoA, DPLG

Ongoing

The Comprehensive Plan for the Development of Sustainable Human Settlements (BNG) provides strategic and programmatic shift from housing to Sustainable Human Settlements. Over 260 000 units are delivered annually through the Human settlements programme

4.1.2

Implement the agreement reached between the Ministry of Housing and SALGA on the sale of land for housing development to allocate land close to economic centres for middle and lower income people

HOUSING, DLA, DoA, DPLG

Dec-07

The project completed

4.1.3

Transform the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) into a Housing Corporation that will provide finance to the poor and middle-income groups

HOUSING, DLA, DoA, DPLG

Mar-07

NHFC in the process of launching the following products, A Building Loan and A Home Improvement loan for the poor and middle-income groups

4.1.4

Facilitate the release of the R42 billion committed by the financial institutions towards financing housing development and/or mortgages for targeted (poor and middle-income) groups, while ensuring that the remaining elements of the much-delayed agreement with the private sector on low-cost housing are finalised

Housing, DLA, DOA, DPLG

Dec-08

To date FSC Council estimations are that around R30bn has been released. There is a notable rise in mixed income housing developments facilitated by Banks (own Development Agencies) in which a wider spectrum of income groups is accommodated

4.1.5

Upscale delivery of rental housing stock for the poor

Housing,

Ongoing

The upscaling Strategy is being finalised. Currently 6000 units are being delivered per annum

4.1.6

Speed up of the construction of low-cost housing through the urgent establishment of a Housing Development Agency Special Purpose Vehicle (to handle acquisition, management and release of land; facilitating the fast tracking of housing development; and human settlements project packaging) and ensure that the remaining elements of the much-delayed agreement with the private sector on low-cost housing are finalised

Housing, DLA, DPLG

Jul-07 & Ongoing

The project completed

4.1.7

Piloting the Land Use Management Bill

DLA,

Mar-08

The Bill to be tabled in Cabinet by the end of the first quarter of 200.

4.2

Improve capacity of municipalities to ensure the target of providing sanitation to 300 000 households per year is met and provide detailed plans to eradicate the bucket system in established settlements by 2007

DWAF, DPLG

Mar-06 & Ongoing

Through the Mainstream leg of its Operation Gijima initiative which focuses on the 2010 sanitation target, DWAF is providing hands on support to prioritised municipalities with a specific focus on household sanitation

4.3

Complete concrete plans on implementation of the final stages of programmes to meet the targets for universal access to water in 2008, sanitation in 2010 and electricity in 2012

DWAF, DME, DPLG, Housing

Jun-07

A total of 9, 908, 243 of households were served with free basic water and 3, 805, 485 indigent households were served with free basic electricity by Sep-07, Household served with sanitation since the inception of the programme in 1994 are 2, 884, 395

5

FOOD SECURITY AND NUTRITION

5.1

Improve Food Security

5.1.1

Using Household Food Production Programme amongst others, improve the food security amongst the most food insecure and vulnerable communities

DoA, DLA, DSD

Ongoing

A total of 7339 households have benefited from various form of production packages. This figure excludes the number of individuals benefiting from clinics, micro enterprises and schools interventions

5.1.2

Develop financing requirements for the farmer support programme (MAFISA)

DoA, DLA

2007

MAFISA is currently operating actively EC province. Preparations for roll out in other provinces have started

5.1.3

Revive agricultural state and state-supported community schemes to help communities

DoA, DLA

The Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme targets to provide post-settlement support to 80 000 land reform farmers. To date 37 230 Land Reform beneficiaries have been supported across all nine provinces

5.1.4

Complete outstanding claims in the Land Restitution programme

DLA, DOA, Housing

2008

Restitution has settled most of the 79 696 land claims that were lodged, leaving the Commission 5 027 very complex rural land claims outstanding to settle. The Commission has set in place strategies for dealing with the outstanding challenging claims

5.1.5

Finalise the review of the willing-buyer willing-seller policy, land acquisition models and possible manipulation of land prices; and regulate conditions under which foreigners buy land, including speeding up the resolution of remaining cases of land restitution programme

DLA, DOA, Housing

Jul-07

DLA is reviewing the willing buyer-willing seller principle and a report has been produced. A Cabinet and Submission memoranda have been prepared for the Minister's consideration and approval

5.2

Implement the National School Nutrition Programme, including social mobilisation for food gardens

DoE, DPLG, Health

Ongoing

As at 31 Oct-07, 44.01% was spent on the allocated R1 152 938 000. Work is in progress in developing national guidelines for the implementation of the refined NSNP

6

SECOND ECONOMY INTERVENTIONS: SOCIAL SECTOR CLUSTER ASPECTS

6.1

Extend Expanded Public Works Programme

6.1.1

Introduce steps to increase the numbers of Community Health Workers

Health,

Ongoing

68 178 Community Care Givers were receiving stipends as at the end of Aug-07. 699 of those received training in Basic Home Community Based Care, and 2 809 have received Ancillary Health Care NQL level 1

6.1.2

Expand access to Early Childhood Development both as part of the programme to improve the general education system and as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme

All Clusters,

For the period Apr to Sep-07 DSD registered nationally 985 ECD sites. 331 762 children from poor households received subsidies from DSD during the same period. ECD Registration Drive has been launched

6.1.3

Explore further massification of the Expanded Public Works Programme

DPW,

Jul-07

The recently submitted joint bids for ECD and HCBC had included plans for the massification of the EPWP. A workshop to develop a mainstreaming framework for the areas identified as part of the expansion of the EPWP was held in Nov-07

6.2

Implementation of ISRDP & URP

6.2.1

Implement the financing protocol for Rural Development and Urban Renewal nodes

DPLG, DHA, DWAF, Housing

Ongoing

During 2006/07, initiatives were undertaken to assess the achievements and review the approaches and institutional arrangements, including impact assessments of some nodes, studies of the ISRDP and URP and detailed economic profiles of all nodes

6.3

Finalise rural transport development strategy

DoT, DPW, DPLG

Sep-07

The strategy was approved in the Cabinet meeting of the 28th of Nov-07

7

EDUCATION- BROADENING ACCESS AND IMPROVING QUALITY

7.1

Implement National Skills Development Strategy, with R21.9 billion allocation over 5 years, working with the Economic Cluster

7.1.1

Recapitalise all FET colleges, ensuring relevance to the needs of the economy

DoE, DoL

Ongoing

Colleges have reported significant improvements in the achievements of objectives of their 2007/8 operational plans. DoE has completed phase 5 of the monitoring of the FET Colleges and enrolment targets are being finalised for 2008

7.1.2

Allocate more resources to provide financial assistance to trainees in need in FET colleges to significantly expand the number of available artisans

DoE, DoL

Mar-07 & Ongoing

In preparation for the awarding of bursaries in 2008, 157 bursary administrators from all colleges were trained on the bursary process. The accommodation allocation has been increased from R3000 to R10 000 per student

7.1.3

Urgently resolve the issue of responsibilities between the national and provincial spheres in the management of the FET system

DoE, DoL

Dec-07

DoE and Provincial Departments meet quarterly to assign responsibilities and assure alignment of roles and activities

7.1.4

Improve cooperation and alignment of programmes between SETAs and the Further Education and Training Colleges as well as institutions of higher education

DoL, DoE

Ongoing

The work on the conceptualisation and preparations for an NQF level 5 qualification is underway for implementation in 2010. Curriculum writing teams will be established based on a process of public nominations

7.1.5

Increase output of universities in priority sectors by aligning NSFAS and subsidy funding with scarce skills

DoE, DoL

Ongoing

Between 2007/08 to 2009/10, R439 million allocated to increase the enrolment and output of engineering faculties. These allocations are expected to lead to an increase in enrolment of 1800 students by 2010 and the production of 421 more graduates

7.1.6

Increase the resource allocation for Research and Development and Innovation, and increase the pool of young researchers

DST, DoE

Ongoing

DoE is currently reviewing its policy on the allocation of research development grants in part to respond to the need to increase the production of new researchers and the next generation of academics

7.2

Improve provision of general education

7.2.1

Target 529 Dinaledi schools to double the Maths and Science higher grade graduate output to 50 000 by 2008

DoE,

2008  

Survey on needs for additional Maths teachers has been undertaken and a report has been submitted to the Minister. Additional 43600 Maths Grade 12 and science textbooks were ordered to meet the demand as per enrolment data

7.2.2

Update the schools register of needs and ensure safe classrooms and healthy environments such as access to clean water and sanitation

DoE,

2007

The project completed

7.2.3

All schools to have access to clean water and sanitation

DoE, DWAF

Dec-08

Funds are available, DWAF to manage them, over the 2007/8 to 2009/10 (MTEF) as a top-up to the existing Provincial Infrastructure Delivery Grants that is ring-fenced for water supply and sanitation services delivery to Schools And Clinics

7.2.4

Allocate more resources to interventions in education and training, including additional support to poor areas (QIDS-UP)

DoE, DPW

Ongoing

Provinces continued to supply resources and support to schools

7.2.5

Eliminate compulsory school fees in the lowest quintile of primary and secondary schools

DoE, NT

2008

The primary and secondary schools serving the poorest two quintiles were declared no fee schools in 2007. This translates to 40% percent of learners totally some 5 million out of more than 12 million learners in no fee schools

7.2.6

More work to be done to stabilize the education system so as to ensure steady improvement in Matric pass rates.

DoE, NT

Ongoing

The DoE has put in place a National Learner Attainment Strategy to target schools with low performance. Visits to provinces indicate districts to have provided additional resources in schools with less than 50% pass rate

7.2.7

Provide additional resources to further improve the remuneration levels of teachers and address matters pertaining to non-educator support staff

NT, DoE

Ongoing

The Council of Education Ministers agreed that part of R2.1 billion earlier earmarked for the improvement of Principals' salaries be redirected to address the shortage of Maths and Science Teachers. Dinaledi schools will be prioritised

8

CROSS CUTTING PRIORITIES

8.1

Comprehensive Anti-Poverty Strategy

8.1.1

Finalise a comprehensive and integrated anti-poverty strategy

SS and EIE Clusters,

Jul-07

A draft Anti - Poverty Strategy will be presented during the Jan-08 Cabinet Lekgotla

8.1.2

Define clearly the poverty matrix of our country

STATSSA, DSD , NT , Presidency

Jul-07

A comprehensive definition of a poverty matrix for the country will be completed by Nov-09. This is to allow proper conceptualisation, and the collation of data that are appropriate for this type of analysis

8.1.3

Develop a proper database of households living in poverty, including identifying and implementing specific interventions relevant to these households

STATSSA, DSD , NT , Presidency

Mar-08

A report on the Development of a proper database of households living in poverty will be presented at the Jan-08 Cabinet Lekgotla.

8.1.4

Monitor progress in these households as the programmes take effect in graduating them out of poverty

DPLG,

Jul-07 & Ongoing

This work is linked to the process of developing a proper database of households living in poverty.

8.1.5

Address all indigence, especially the high numbers of women so affected

DPLG, DSD, Presidency

2007 & Ongoing

A total of 92 785 indigent or poor household were served with free basic water in the last quarter. A total 132 549 household benefited from Free Basic Electricity/Energy in the last quarter

8.1.6

Co-ordinate and align all anti-poverty programmes to maximise impact and avoid wastage and duplication

SS and EIE Clusters,

Jul-07

The Cluster is establishing a "War Room for War on Poverty", that is, setting up of a Project Team led by DSD to ensure better alignment and coordination of all anti poverty programmes in order to maximize impact and avoid wastage and duplication

8.1.7

Accelerate the training of Family Social Workers at professional and auxiliary levels to ensure that identified households are properly supported and monitored

DSD, DoH, DoE

2007 & Ongoing

As previously reported, 1428 scholarships were awarded for the 2007 academic year to students to study towards a degree in Social Work. A plan of action for the recruitment 2008 academic year has been drafted and forwarded to all relevant parties

8.1.8

Ensure the systematic linkage of beneficiaries of social assistance to municipal services and work opportunities

DSD, DPLG

Jul-07

Jobs for Growth Programme has created 18 399 jobs in the areas of agriculture, arts & craft, construction and poverty relief programmes

8.1.9

Explore new initiatives which will progressively improve the social wage

DWAF, DPLG, DSD, Presidency

Jul-07

Refer to 1.1.5

8.2

Provision of free basic services

,

8.2.1

Deal with main remaining challenges in sanitation by 2010 and refuse removal, especially in rural communities and other areas of human settlement

DWAF, DEAT

Dec-10

DEAT has recently completed the study on the status of waste services which identified challenges faced by municipalities in delivery of waste services; appropriate responses for the challenges are being prepared

8.2.2

Address challenges of culture of non-payment, billing systems, control mechanisms and indigent policies so as to achieve the objectives of Free Basic Services Policy

DPLG,

Mar-07

The Indigent Policy Implementation Guidelines were implemented in Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces . The actual number of poor households that have benefited from Free Basic Water and Electricity in the last quarter are 92 785 and 132 549 respectively

8.3

Undertake a national livelihood/income dynamics survey at household level

Presidency ,

Sep-07 & Ongoing

The pre-testing phase / pilot have been completed and the results made available. Further training of field workers has been completed

8.4

Youth Development

8.4.1

Intensify a campaign to link up unemployed graduates with economic opportunities

NYC, UMSOBOMVU

Ongoing

8, 288 CVs were registered on the JOBS Database and 2518 CVs submitted to Opportunity Providers. 91 Job placements were facilitated by UYF JOBS Agents. 377 candidates accessed job preparedness training and/or registration in Graduate Development Programmes

8.4.2

Increase the enrolment of youth by at least 20 000 in the National Youth Service Programme

NYC, UMSOBOMVU

Mar-08

Since the start of the 2007/08 financial year, 11, 286 young people have been registered with the (National Youth Service) NYS. 6, 515 of these are benefiting directly from Umsobomvu Youth Fund funded NYS projects

8.4.3

Expand the reach of business development support systems, access to Micro Finance and intensify the Youth Co-operatives Programme

UMSOBOMVU & DTI ,

Ongoing

Since the start of the 2007/8 financial year over R81m worth of deals have been sourced; 722 Opportunity Seekers to benefit from the deals sourced; and 30 Opportunity Seekers approved and registered

8.4.4

Intensify efforts to integrate youth development into the mainstream of government policies & programmes within the framework of the National Youth Policy

NYC, Presidency

Ongoing

In line with the decision of the last Cabinet Committee meeting, the Youth Desk in the Presidency has coordinated government response to the draft national youth policy, government's response is being finalised

8.4.5

Strategically locate Youth Units/Directorates in such a manner that DGs, Heads of Departments & Municipal Managers take direct responsibility

NYC, DPSA & DPLG

Ongoing

The Audit on the establishment of Youth Directorates in National Departments has been finalised. The NYC is busy analysing data extracted from the audit and preparing a report for the Minister in the Presidency

8.4.6

Increase youth participation in ABET Programmes that facilitate access into further learning & other development opportunities

DoL & DoE,

Ongoing

The SETA Performance Management Reports are done quarterly, the next report will be available from 12 Oct-07, and it will be submitted to the DoL

8.4.7

Strengthen capacity & diversify products & services of all 120 Youth Advisory Centres to include business support services, employment services, access to micro finance & career information, & reach out to at least half a million youth

NYC, UMSOBOMVU, DoL, DoE & GCIS

Mar-07

Since the start of the 2007/8 financial year, 273, 899 young people have visited the UYF Youth Advisory Centres (YAC) and YAC Points

8.4.8

Enrol 30 000 volunteers in various community development activities & increase youth participation in national programmes that enhance Social Cohesion

NYC, UMSOBOMVU, DAC, DSD & Sport & Recreation

2007 & Ongoing

In the last quarter 700 young people were recruited in 3 projects to undertake and participate in various volunteer activities in their various communities bringing the cumulative total to 20, 872

8.4.9

Employ 5 000 young people as part of the Expanded Public Works Programme in the maintenance of government buildings

DPW,

2007 & Ongoing

Approximately 539 unutilized properties were identified for rehabilitation; the ratio between owned, unutilised and privately leased properties is unacceptable. DPW is currently undertaking investment analysis for some of these

8.4.10

Intensify efforts to integrate youth development into the mainstream of government work, including a youth co-operatives programme, and the ongoing efforts to link unemployed graduates with employment opportunities

NYC, Presidency, UMSOBOMVU

2007 & Ongoing

The draft National Youth Policy advocates for all government departments to mainstream Youth Development into their work: Ref to 8.4.1, 8.4.3 & 8.4.4

8.5

Social Crime Prevention

SOCIAL, ECONOMIC & JCPS CLUSTERS

8.5.1

Enhanced integration between the security and social clusters to deal with social crime prevention

CLUSTER CHAIRS, Presidency

The Social Cluster programme of action pertaining to 'social crime prevention' focuses on the use of drugs and alcohol as facilitating factors to crime