Question NW404 to the Minister of Social Development
28 March 2017 - NW404
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Does she still intend to align the salaries of social workers working for non-profit organisations (NPOs) with those of social workers working for her department; if not, why not; if so, (a) by what date and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard; (2) how many social workers were employed by (a) NPOs and (b) her department in the (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 and (iii) 2015-16 financial years? NW457E
Reply:
1. The Department of Social Development provides subsidy to some NPOs based on the submitted business plans according to the Policy on Financial Awards. The salaries of employees including Social workers in the NPO sector are determined by individual NPOs. It is important to note that salaries and condition of service in the Public Service are not the same as salaries and condition of service in the NGO/NPO sector, because the Public Services Act, Regulations and collective agreements are not applicable in the NGO/NPO sector.
2. (a) Social workers employed by NPOs over the three years period is 4134 for 2013/14, 2907 for 2014/15 and 3507 for 2015/16.
(b) Social workers employed by the Department of Social Development over the three years period is 8118 for 2013/14, 8900 for 2014/15, 9538 for 2015/16 and 9527 for 2016/17