Disabled People South Africa
Written Submission on the Developmental Welfare Governance Bill
12 February 2001
Thank you for providing the opportunity for us and broader civil society to participate in these important hearings. We hope that we will be able to make a valuable contribution to them.
Disabled People South Africa, (DPSA), is a national non-racial, non-sexist, cross-disability organisation of disabled people, by disabled people for disabled people. It was born during the struggle against apartheid and for democracy, equality and human rights. Our approach to the plight of disabled people is one of empowerment and inclusivity.
We support the Developmental Governance Bill and believe that it will lay the foundation for a welfare system that will ensure all our people's social development.
However we believe that the composition of the proposed South African Developmental Welfare Governance Council needs to be revisited. On page 4, section 6.1, lines f and g; the Bill provides for one representative each from the national forums and networks in the developmental social welfare sector and from organisations representing persons who use social welfare services.
As you are aware that there are three main types of criteria for welfare grant receivers. These are disabled persons, pensioners and single mothers with children. These three sectors, their national forums, networks and the organisations representing the welfare recipients themselves; have widely divergent and different challenges and needs. Thus to provide one representative each only to the national forums and networks, and to the organisations representing the recipients; would be to risk compromising the three different sectors inherent interests. It could potentially dilute their important contributions to this important Council.
Therefore as DPSA, we propose that Section 6.1.f and g be amended to each provide for three representatives for disabled persons, pensioners and single mothers. Each representative should be representative of one sector specifically. Thus there would be three representatives from national forums and networks in the developmental sector, i.e. those affecting disabled persons, pensioners and single mothers. Furthermore there would be three representatives from organisations representing persons who use social welfare services, i.e. disabled persons, pensioners and single mothers.
Whilst we are support of the need to pursue fiscal prudence and effective management, we also support the need for thorough representativity and inclusivity. Increasing the size of the Council from nine to thirteen should not undermine its work but in fact enhance it.
We hope that our submission will meet with your favourable consideration. On behalf of Disabled People South Africa, thank you once again for your time and efforts.