Development, the honourable Ms Zanele P Dlungwana, Free State Provincial
Legislature, Bloemfontein
23 March 2006
The honourable Speaker,
Honourable Premier,
Honourable members of the Executive Council,
Honourable members of the National and Provincial Legislatures,
Honourable members of the National Council of Provinces,
The Director-General of the province and Heads of Departments,
The honourable members of our three spheres of government,
Marena, Dikgosi, Le Mafumahadi,
Members of the business fraternity, non-governmental organisations,
community-based organisations and faith-based organisations,
Members of the media,
Comrades and friends,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen:
Mr Speaker,
The rich historical legacy of the constitutional democracy of our country
serves as the backdrop of this Budget Vote speech. Fresh in our minds is the
entrenchment of our democracy through the local government elections that were
held on 1 March 2006. The resounding victory in these elections which were
premised on the commitment of accelerating the pace and integrity of service
delivery must be understood as an affirmation of the confidence our people have
in this government. This without hesitation ushers in the âage of hopeâ for a
higher trajectory of the delivery of services for all our people.
Together with our unsurpassed record of service delivery since we were
delegated the responsibility of transforming the broader landscape of our
country, it is in order to emphasise the call that President Mbeki recently
made that in order to sustain the achievements of our young democracy we need
to ascend to a new ethos and a new attitude that will show all that this is not
business as usual instead our commitment is elevated to a status of âbusiness
unusual.â
It pleases me to have this important sphere of government legitimised
through an open election as it is the foundation of the landmark of service
delivery. The Department of Social Development in interactive processes with
the masses of our country is reliant upon the legitimacy of this sphere of
government to deliver effectively and efficiently to the people.
It is not easy when you are a people from a country with a rich historical
legacy that has become a global export. In this sense, therefore, our service
delivery commitment must be benchmarked against historical milestones in order
to ensure that, that which was bad about our country becomes of reflective
insignificance whilst the good becomes a source of pride and a testimony that
we are of the âcradle of humanity.â This would then mean that in marching
forward to the future we remember this historical legacy and seek to use it as
the landmark of our service delivery. Importantly, therefore, we must remember
the:
* 50th anniversary of the womenâs march to the Union Buildings with a view
to unleash a range of sustainable women development programmes
* 30th anniversary of the National Youth Uprising in order to unleash a new
dispensation of the development of our young people
* 10th anniversary of our Constitution with a view to educating our people
about the benefit of deepening our democracy and expanding the scope of
restoration of human dignity and building a caring society that is truly
belonging to all including the elderly, disabled, children and all vulnerable
members of our society.
In order to widen the scope of achievements these must be located within the
broader plans of government such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP),
the framework of a set of âsecond economyâ interventions and poverty
alleviation.
In this second decade of our democracy the plight of the masses and the
urgency of service delivery, necessitates a paradigm shift (âbusiness unusualâ)
in the manner in which we deliver services. In our case we are obliged by the
historical experiences of the first decade of democracy to re-think and
re-align ourselves for a higher level of service delivery to our people.
The advancement of the establishment process of the South African Social
Security Agency (SASSA) and the launch of the new service delivery model are
defining processes for the undertaking of service delivery. This new service
delivery model reflects a shift in approach from the so-called âwelfaristâ
approach to a social development perspective. This paradigm shift is based on
the notion that instead of helping the poor in the traditional way with
handouts, it moves on to the development and empowerment of individuals, groups
and communities teaching them to be self-reliant. As you know the bulk of the
work of the Department has largely been on the front of the actualisation of
social assistance through the administration of social grants to those that are
faced by the challenges of poverty, underdevelopment and marginalisation as a
result of poverty.
Therefore, the desired outcome of the service delivery model is the
implementation of a comprehensive, efficient, effective and quality service
delivery system which will contribute to a self-reliant society as envisaged in
the Free State Growth and Development Strategy (FSGDS). This is further based
on the principles of Batho Pele, the White Paper for Social Welfare,
constitutional and international obligations that inform the mandate of the
Department in the provision of services.
Mr Speaker,
President Mbeki and Premier Marshoff, respectively, through the State of the
Nation and the State of the Province address committed government to
confronting these challenges in order to herald the new `age of hopeâ and the
guarantee of a better life for our people. The heralding of the new `age of
hopeâ is premised on the assurances of the decisive interventions that the
government has undertaken to confront developmental challenges throughout the
first decade of democracy. The new `age of hopeâ on the 10th anniversary of our
Constitution, must serve to outwit undesirable monuments such as poverty and
marginalisation.
The implementation of this new approach is the pillar of the re-alignment of
service delivery of social development for the building of monuments of
prosperity and unwavering hope of a better life for all.
Mr Speaker,
Allow me to take this opportunity to give account on the commitments I made to
this honourable house during my 2005/06 Budget Vote.
* Concerted effort was made on issues related to children in conflict with
the law where 3 743 children were assessed and 2 165 were diverted away from
the criminal justice system. Further, through a system of cross referral which
exists between the Department of Correctional Services and South African Police
Services (SAPS), we were able to address the situation of children held in
police and prison cells.
* A street children work session was held in June 2005 where together with
all stakeholders resolved to focus on amongst others, the early identification
of children at risk as well as the strategy to address the plight of these
children.
The Department has since funded 14 programmes to the tune of R1,1 milion
which was undertaken in the priority areas of Mangaung, Matjhabeng, Sasolburg
and Bethlehem.
* A project focusing on children as secondary victims of family violence was
launched in June 2005 in collaboration with the Flemish government.
* The Department has facilitated the establishment of home community-based
care structures in the entire province. The support provided by the Department
resulted in home community-based care services being rendered in 38 towns and 6
322 families benefited from the service.
* The Department has continued to combat fraud and corruption within the
social grant system. Towards this end 5 470 people applied for indemnity during
the window period in 2005 which contributed to a saving of R998 580.
Detailed achievements for the Department are alluded to in the appendix
already handed to honourable members.
Mr Speaker,
The budget allocated to the Department for the financial year 2006/07 is R418
million:
* An amount of R116 million will be utilised for administration covering
compensation of employees, goods and services as well as our capital
assets.
* The bulk of our budget namely R260 million has been set aside to provide
integrated developmental social welfare services to the poor and vulnerable in
partnership with our stakeholders and community-based organisations (CBOs).
* An amount of R42 million is earmarked for sustainable development
programmes which facilitates the empowerment of communities based on empirical
research and demographic information.
The administration and disbursement of social assistance grants will as
reported in the previous financial year be administered directly by the
national Department through the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
As I mentioned last year, the process of establishing the social security
agency is underway. Over the past year great strides were made to ensure a
seamless transition to the agency which includes:
* The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Minister of
Social Development and myself in which we undertook joint responsibility for
the provision of social security services in the Free State during the
transitional period.
* The development of a migration plan and the establishment of a project
management team to assist with the roll-out of the Agency in the Free
State.
* Ten panel vans were purchased and converted into mobile service offices.
These mobile offices are fully equipped with desktop computers, photocopy
machines, biometric finger printing equipment etc. and will be used to improve
access to social grants and other services, particularly in rural areas.
Members of the public can start accessing services from these mobile units just
outside the legislature. As part of the integrated services delivery we are
working closely with the Department of Home Affairs to increase access of our
services.
The Department is ready to hand over social security services to the Social
Security Agency on the 1 April 2006. In the interim, the Department will
provide minimal administrative support services to the agency in the province
which will be regulated by a service agreement.
Women and victim empowerment
Within the justice, crime prevention and security cluster the Departmentâs
contribution entail services to the victims of violence and abuse against women
and children as well as restorative justice to youth in conflict with the law.
In carrying out its responsibility the cluster is mindful that:
* violence against women affects all spheres of life in their activities,
their autonomy, their productivity and their capacity to provide care for their
children
* it increases a womanâs risk of contracting harmful diseases such as HIV
and Aids
* it carries great costs to the victim and to many sectors of society
including health and social care systems, which have to respond to the
consequences.
In order to undertake this responsibility the Department has allocated an
amount of R3 750 000 for the 2006/07 financial year. It is clear that the
resources in this area are insufficient in comparison to the calamity of the
task at hand. Whilst we are aware of this shortcoming, it is the view of the
Department that smart partnerships will have to be entered into to ensure
adequate re-sourcing for effective returns. The Flemish government has further
made an allocation of R7 million for our endeavours in this area which will see
us undertaking activities for empowerment for a period of three years.
The Department will again this year commit itself:
* to the success of the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children
Abuse, as this event marks a significant milestone in giving us an opportunity
to see how far we have progressed in terms of gender based violence
* an amount of R500 per month will be paid as a standardised stipend to the
volunteers attached to our non-governmental organisationâs (NGOs) assisting
with the victim empowerment programme
* two Crises Centres for the victims of domestic violence and rape will be
established in the Motheo and Xhariep districts
* all shelters for abused women will be renovated and is reconstructed so as
to accommodate male victims as well as children.
Early children development
We as government have promised our children the right to a good start in
life because we are mindful that todayâs children embody tomorrowâs adult
population. It is imperative that we provide the required resources and
services to our children during their formative stages of their lives, so that
they can fully develop their mental, emotional, social and learning
capabilities. In doing so, we will be helping them to reach their full
potential in life and escape poverty and social ills.
The Department has committed itself to creating a good climate for our
children so as to strengthen their human capabilities from the very early age
of their lives.
In this regard:
* the number of early childhood development sites will be increased from 422
to 492 sites
* the number of child beneficiaries will be increased from 24 438 to 27 998
and the amount allocated in this regard is R39 million
* the new Childrenâs Bill will be implemented over a five-year period
* information and orientation sessions on Childrenâs Bill will be undertaken
in all the districts
* in collaboration with the Department of Education, 250 child-care
practitioners will participate in a learnership programme which will be
outlined in April 2006
* through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), social sector, the
Department set aside an amount of R7,4 million for early childhood development
expansion to rural areas. Over 500 children and mothers are targeted through
the implementation of a home visitorsâ model that will render direct services
to children not accessing Early Childhood Development Centres.
* the number of social and auxiliary workers will be increased to attend to
child protection matters effectively
* the successes achieved during the Girl Child Summit held in June 2005 will
be extended to include the Boy Child
* a provincial and five district girl child forums will be established to
ensure that the resolutions as well as the programme of action of the girl
child are implemented.
Substance abuse
The Department will continue supporting efforts and providing services for
the prevention of substance abuse amongst the youth as part of crime prevention
and the renewal of morals. Partnerships with the Department of Health and
department of Education will be sustained to ensure that sectors of our
communities that are susceptible to the abuse of substances have access to the
comprehensive drug services that are more accessible.
* Ke Moja Week Campaign will be held in June 2006 and the programme for
substance abuse will be intensified targeting youth in schools.
* All district offices will champion the Ke Moja Campaign in line with the
national drug master plan.
Poverty alleviation programmes
We, as government, have made an undertaking to our communities to deliver a
better life for all. Poverty is a short fall in the realisation of that
undertaking and a violation of our communitiesâ expectations. Reducing poverty
will alleviate the misery and deprivation in which communities live in
today.
It is against this background that the Department has committed an amount of
R3,5 million to a poverty alleviation pilot project which will be launched in
Thaba Nchu before the end of May 2006. The initial phase of this project covers
a total of 100 beneficiaries, the majority of which will be women. In
consideration of the level of poverty that is prevalent in this area and with a
view that government must derive a maximum benefit of impact in dealing with
this phenomenon, a great deal of work has gone into ensuring that this will be
increased to benefit about 250 people. Through this project we will be creating
sustainable jobs and livelihoods for the Thaba Nchu communities. The lessons
learned from this project will be rolled out to other districts, specifically
Thabo Mofutsanyana and Xhariep.
Concurrent to the Thaba Nchu pilot project the Department as part of the
social cluster will during the coming financial year:
* finalise the review of the Provincial Integrated Poverty Alleviation
Strategy (PIPAS)
* align departmental programs with the strategy
* work with the Departments of Agriculture and Department of Education to
implement poverty alleviation projects particularly with regard to the Thaba
Nchu project that I have already alluded to.
Non-governmental organisations
In pursuant to the government objectives, the social sector implement
policies and programs aimed at addressing the needs of the communities in some
instances through partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and
community based organisations (CBOs). This relationship was enhanced by
policies designed to ensure adherence to the provisions of Public Finance
Management Act (PFMA) in terms of accountability and value for money.
Notwithstanding the policies, the Department is still encountering the
following pertinent problems;
* some NGOs are not entirely utilising the allocated financial award in
accordance with the agreement
* the majority of NGOs are not submitting monthly financial expenditure as
expected before the 15th of each month
* are not adhering to the provisions of submitting audited annual financial
statements before the 31st August.
It is against this background that the Department has approached ABSA as an
official government banking institute for an innovative way of building
capacity with return of investment to both the Department and NGOs.
The strategy entails an innovative way of transferring funds via ABSA to the
NGOs. It is also anticipated that the strategy contribute towards capacitating
and empowering the NGOs and CBOs on management skills, financial management as
well as project management. It will also enable the Department to monitor the
expenditure flows of these not for profit organisations.
HIV and AIDS
In our endeavour to mitigate the social and economic impact of HIV and AIDS
on our society, the Department will in the coming financial year provide
protection services to infected and affected people.
In this regard,
* 30 drop-in centres will provide regular nutritious meals to children
* 200 volunteers in child-care forums will be trained
* all district offices will ensure that lay counselling services are
provided
* 80 organisations will be funded to provide home community based care
services.
Disability
In my last Budget Vote, I alluded to the fact that people with disabilities
remained excluded from full and effective participation in both community and
social activities. I am pleased therefore to note the progress that we have
made to accelerate the process towards mainstreaming issues of persons with
disabilities. As it is progress is made with regards:
* the establishment of a protective workshop in Maluti A Phofung
* the initial phase of the feasibility study has been concluded on the
establishment of a residential care facility for children with multiple
disabilities
* we are currently funding five homes that benefit about 178 residents with
disabilities but more importantly is the funding that goes to the eight
projects that seek to economically empower people with disabilities.
The Department is spending in the range of R11 million towards alleviating
the plight of persons with disabilities. Owing to the positive response I
received during the road shows to popularise the disability information line,
other municipalities will be visited during the coming financial year with a
view of cementing partnerships in order to expand the scope of operation and
benefit of this critical service. I must further point out that it is our
conviction that the plight of people with disabilities cannot be alleviated as
a stand alone. It is critical, therefore that the different business units of
the Department will have to be drawn in, in order for them to integrate with a
view of mainstreaming disability in all aspects of their work.
The elderly
The Department is deeply touched by the plight of our elderly and the
perception that they are treated in gross violation of the human rights culture
that the country prides itself in.
I must indicate that their plight will be changed forever, for the better
with the kinds of interventions that are proposed which amongst others seek to
treat them not as wasted souls that are waiting to die but as reservoirs of
wisdom from which the essence of our humanity can be traced. In the future we
are sure that our elderly will resemble the face of a self respecting nation
that is prosperous in the preservation of the dignified human soul.
These interventions will of course build on the achievements of the
Department over the past years. As it is the Department continues to care for
the elderly through smart partnerships with NGOs. We are currently funding 38
homes for the care of the aged and these are taking care of 717 frail older
persons as residents. Whilst we are aware that not all elderly people can be
housed in these arrangements, we are ensuring that their environment does not
lead to isolated institutionalisation, but a homely environment exists. We
therefore, cater for the needs of those that cannot gain access to homes due to
the limitation of resources through the luncheon clubs.
It must be acknowledged also that the process of aging has its other
complicated dynamics as we also have to cater for multiple needs of a single
individual such as being old and disabled at the same time. In this case I
would like to inform you that the disabled persons previously residing in
Thekolohelong Welfare Centre in Phuthaditjhaba were placed in alternative care
in 13 homes for the aged. The Department is committed to ensuring that the R25
million it allocates for the care of the elderly is truly reflected in the
productive and peaceful lives they lead which must in turn resonate the nature
and character of a better society.
Mr Speaker,
My confidence to achieve desirable outcomes is based on the strength we have
built in our corporate services. Our capacity to deliver is further enhanced by
our performance management which has created a climate for managers and
employees to work together to set expectations, review results and reward
performances.
In conclusion, I would like to indicate that most of the successes we have
been able to realise in the past year have been to a large extent because of
the good foundation that was laid by my predecessors and the previous Heads of
Department. We would therefore like to take this moment to express our sincere
gratitude to them on behalf of the people of the Free State. Without their
commitment and selfless contribution it would have been hard for us to help our
people escape the trappings of marginalisation and underdevelopment.
I am particularly indebted to the NGOs who work with us side by side.
Without these the successes attained could not have been possible.
May I also extend my appreciation to honourable members of the legislature
for their contributions throughout the past year.
A special word of gratitude goes to Mr Jerry Ranthoko Rakgoale, the former
Head of Department who contributed a lot in realigning the Department towards
the new developmental approach of service delivery.
To my Departmental staff under the leadership of the Acting Head of
Department, Mr Gerald Roberts, I wish to say âke a leboha, leka moso.â
I thank you!
Issued by: Department of Social Development, Free State Provincial
Government
23 March 2006
