Question NW1705 to the Minister of Home Affairs
21 June 2021 - NW1705
Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Home Affairs
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 169 on 19 March 2021, he will furnish Ms T A Khanyile with the details of the employee wellness programmes that are offered within his department to deal with gender-based violence (GBV); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) what is the format and/or nature of the specified programmes, (b) where are the programmes presented, (c) who runs and/or conducts the programmes and (d) what issues do the programmes address; (3) (a) how do the programmes address GBV in the workplace and (b) since he signed the Performance Agreement with the President, Mr M C Ramaphosa, what (i) number of GBV awareness campaigns have been conducted within his department and (ii) is the detailed breakdown of the campaigns that have taken place in each province, including but not limited to dates, venues and costs involved?
Reply:
(1) The Department has appointed ICAS as a Health and Wellness Services Supplier to provide emotional support to employees and their immediate family members.
(2)(a) Telephone and face-to-face counselling services (trauma, loss, sexual harassment, etc.), e-Care services (Online services by qualified professionals).
(b) It is a national programme accessible throughout all Provinces. Affected employees are serviced at their preferred venue nearer the workplace or home.
(c) Professional psychologists, social workers and registered counsellors.
(d) Personal and work related health and wellness issues affecting employees and their immediate family members (Stress, GBV, abuse, financial wellness, trauma debriefing, marital problems, parenting).
(3)(a) Awareness campaigns conducted through life management services through webinars to empower employees with coping mechanisms.
(b) (i) To date, the Department has hosted 6 webinars across the country.
(b) (ii) Webinars were held in Northern Cape, (1); Western Cape (1); Gauteng (1); and Head Office (3). Topics were: Sexual Offences; Implementation of National Strategic Plan on Gender Based Violence & Femicide.
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