Social Work Amendment Bill: discussion

WELFARE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
14 September 1998
SOCIAL WORK AMENDMENT BILL [B125-98]: DISCUSSION

Documents handed out
Social Work Amendment Bill [B125-98] – access from http://www.polity.org.za/govdocs/1998)

SUMMARY
The committee reached agreement on sections 1 to 5 of the Social Work Amendment Bill

DETAILED MINUTES
The Minister, Ms G Fraser-Moleketi, and the chairperson, Mr E Saloojee, were keen to secure an agreement to the Bill. The meeting continued up until 4 pm. The minister was keen to keep the bill as is while several members had objections.

The members, particularly Ms M Turok (ANC) and Ms E Gandhi (ANC), were worried that the Bill would be too rigid and bureaucratic and possibly exclude some social workers. There was a long discussion on including "Occupations" in the Bill alongside "Professions".

Mr C George (NP) was unhappy about the head office being in Pretoria.

The members also had queries regarding the composition of the Council appointed by the Minister, and the fact that the Minister has the final choice. There were smaller quibbles about eligibility: being convicted of an offence or becoming a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act of 1973 and about the composition of Boards for different professions in the social work area.

The committee managed to reach agreement on Sections 1 to 5 of the Bill.

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday the 16^th September. The Bill will be considered by the NCOP on the 6^th of October.