Question NW3925 to the Minister of Social Development
30 November 2015 - NW3925
Van Der Walt, Ms D to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether she is aware that Huis Talje Children’s Home for severely physically and mentally handicapped children in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, is owed more than R 600 000 by the provincial Department of Social Development; if not, (a) why not and (b) will her department intervene immediately to assist and expedite the payment of the specified amount?
Reply:
The Provincial Department of Social Development (Limpopo) has engaged Huis Talje Children’s Home (Children’s Home) after it was notified by the Children’s Home that there were funding discrepancies in terms of costing of services. It was noted that a means test was used to determine funding of services rendered by the Children’s Home, instead of applying for service package costing that focuses on the capacity of the Children’s Home. The Children’s Home is currently in possession of a funding letter from the district which indicates the correct funding determination. During the 2015/16 financial year the Children’s Home has already received R321 250 for both the first and second quarter.
The discrepancy has been brought to the attention of the Provincial Department’s finance section, and reconciliations are effected for transferring of funds in the third quarter and will be aligned to the capacity of the Children’s Home.
The funding of Child and Youth Care Centres are determined according to Section 195 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005. Each provincial department determines its own unit cost provided that Children’s Home meets registration requirements.
The Limpopo Provincial Department had determined its unit cost per child at R2 500.00 per month and has a capacity of 66 children. Based on the above information provided, the Provincial Department’s Finance Section is busy with a reconciliation process to determine outstanding funding to be transferred in the third quarter.