Question NW1737 to the Minister of Social Development
30 May 2022 - NW1737
Opperman, Ms G to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether children who are undocumented may not (a) attend school, (b) write matric exams and (c) get the SA Social Security Agency childcare grant in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) what is the total number of (a) children who were (i) turned away from schools due to not having the required documentation and (ii) refused the Child Care Grant due to no birth certificates in 2021 and (b) undocumented learners who wrote their matric exams in 2021 in the Republic? NW2065E
Reply:
The matters related to data from the Department of Education need to be referred to the relevant department.
1 (c) Regulation 11(1) of the Social Assistance Regulations, allows for a caregiver to apply for a social grant without identity documents; therefore an undocumented child can apply and receive a Child Support Grant, or any other grant they may qualify for.
2 (a)(ii) SASSA does not turn anyone away if they do not have identity documents. At present SASSA has provided grants to just over 35 thousand children without identity documents. In the odd occurrence that this does occur, it should be reported to the office manager of the relevant local office where the incident occurred.