Question NW572 to the Minister of Social Development

Reply:

1. The Department of Social Development acknowledges the role of Community Caregivers (CCGs) in the provision of comprehensive and quality social service within the home and community. The Department is developing a Policy Framework for Community Caregivers that aims to provide guidance towards the management of Community Caregivers as valued contributors to the broader delivery of comprehensive social development services.

The Policy Framework will provide a guidance for the recruitment and management of Community Caregivers; create an enabling environment by promoting fairness, transparency and recognition of Community Caregivers; clarify their roles, rights and responsibilities; and, strengthen partnerships between government, civil society and communities

2. The Department funds Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) that employ Community Caregivers to render services through the Home and Community Based Care programme (HCBC), which is one of the programmes participating in the Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The programme focuses on creating work opportunities for Community Caregivers by ensuring that they receive monthly stipends, and receive accredited training that improves their skills and chances of getting permanent or productive jobs. Their stipends are based on the EPWP Ministerial Determination, which is reviewed on an annual basis.

3. The Department has developed the following three Skills Development Programmes for Community Caregivers:-

(i) Psychosocial Wellbeing Skills Development Programme which focuses on their psychosocial wellbeing.

(ii) Child Protection Skills Development Programme, to increase their understanding of child protection issues.

(iii) Supportive Supervision Skills Development Programme.

4. The Department, in collaboration with Health and Welfare SETA (HWSETA) and Quality Council for Trade and Occupations (QCTO) is developing a part qualification for Community Caregivers, i.e. developing a qualification on NQF level 2, with modules taken from NQF level 5, to accommodate those without qualifications. This initiative will chart a career path for CCGs as a cadre of the social service workforce through the formalisation of their training in order to improve the quality of services they provide in communities. Achieving formal recognition and career pathing for CCGs as a cadre of the service workforce will put them in good stead to access better opportunities in the job market.