Questions and Replies
19 November 2018 - NW3302
Mulaudzi, Adv TE to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1) Whether certain persons (names and details furnished) receive pensions; if not, why not; (2) whether the specified persons ever applied for pension; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, was each specified person’s application ever processed?
Reply:
The table below indicates the status for each of the supplied identity numbers:
Name |
ID Number |
Status |
KE Mooi |
350329 0164 086 |
In receipt of both grant for older persons since 2001, with grant in aid added in 2014 |
MD Mphala |
511120 5483 084 |
In receipt of grant for older persons since 2016 |
NG Mtshemela |
480928 0604 083 |
Applied for grant for older persons in 2016. Refused because of application of means test |
N E Ncapayi |
420402 0436 089 |
In receipt of grant for older persons at a reduced amount because of the means test application and grant in aid since 2011. Prior to that was in receipt of disability grant since 2003. Grant lapsed in 2017, as beneficiary passed away. |
GN Mali |
380707 0131 086 |
In receipt of grant for older persons since 2001 |
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Approved by the Minister on
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19 November 2018 - NW3300
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1) Whether certain persons (names and details furnished) receive pensions; if not, why not; (2) Whether the specified persons ever applied for pension; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, was each specified person’s application ever processed?
Reply:
The table below indicates the status for each of the supplied identity numbers:
Name |
ID Number |
Status |
N C Matshoba |
420619 0310 085 |
In receipt of both grant for older persons and grant in aid since 2013 |
R C Windvogel |
610226 0121 084 |
No record of any application having been received or processed |
NE Maye |
441012 0438 087 |
Application made in 2015. Refused because of application of means test |
N M Mayinje |
480617 0651 083 |
In receipt of grant for older persons since 2012. Grant paid at reduced amount because of means test application |
B L Mbele |
471023 0552 085 |
In receipt of grant for older persons since 2010 |
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Approved by the Minister on
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19 November 2018 - NW3298
Mathys, Ms L to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1) Whether certain persons (names and details furnished) receive pensions; if not, why not; (2) whether the specified persons ever applied for pension; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, was each specified person’s application ever processed?
Reply:
The table below indicates the status for each of the supplied identity numbers:
Name |
ID Number |
Status |
BG Lubazana |
471013 0518 087 |
Applied for grant for older persons in 2018, but application refused because of application of means test |
NB Mafulo |
530105 5760 083 |
In receipt of grant for older persons at reduced amount because of application of means test since 2018 |
Makamba |
530608 0785 088 |
No record of any application having been received by SASSA |
NE Makapela |
480812 0773 082 |
In receipt of grant for older persons at a reduced amount because of the application of the means test since 2011 |
VP Malgas |
500616 0494 086 |
No record of any application having been received by SASSA |
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Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
19 November 2018 - NW3297
Mente-Nkuna, Ms NV to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1) Whether certain persons (names and details furnished) receive pensions; if not, why not; (2) Whether the specified persons ever applied for pension; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, was each specified person’s application ever processed?
Reply:
The table below indicates the status for each of the supplied identity numbers:
Name |
ID Number |
Status |
MT Kenane |
480605 5652 081 |
In receipt of grant for older persons since 2009 |
RE Klaasen |
490205 0568 081 |
Applied for grant for older persons in 2013, but application refused because of application of means test |
PN Landu |
451125 0544 087 |
No record of any application having been received by SASSA |
AE Lee |
500919 0209 086 |
In receipt of grant for older persons since 2011 |
MV Limapi |
461213 0537 085 |
In receipt of grant for older persons at a reduced amount because of application of means test since 2016 |
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Approved by the Minister on
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19 November 2018 - NW3299
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1) Whether certain persons (names and details furnished) receive pensions; if not, why not; (2) whether the specified persons ever applied for pension; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, was each specified person’s application ever processed?
Reply:
The table below indicates the status for each of the supplied identity numbers:
Name |
ID Number |
Status |
BE Malusi |
391019 0262 086 |
No record of any application having been lodged with SASSA |
P Maneli |
481229 0646 088 |
No record of any application having been lodged with SASSA |
E Mapoe |
570719 0175 080 |
No record of any application having been lodged with SASSA |
R N Masekwana |
450923 0545 085 |
Application for grant for older persons applied for in 2017 but refused as a result of the application of the means test |
TV Matchikwe |
370122 0218 085 |
No record of any application having been lodged with SASSA |
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Approved by the Minister on
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08 October 2018 - NW2731
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What criteria does her department use to determine whether a non-profit organisation should receive funding or not?
Reply:
My Department uses the NPO funding policy and guidelines to determine whether a Non-profit organisation should receive funding or not.
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Approved by the Minister on
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04 October 2018 - NW2632
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department is taking any steps against former Acting Chief Executive Officer of the SA Social Security Agency, Ms Pearl Bhengu, following the recent findings of the Constitutional Court; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
The Department has not and does not intend taking any steps against former Acting Chief Executive Officer of the South African Social Security Agency, Ms Pearl Bhengu.
The Department cannot establish, from the findings of the Constitutional Court, any element upon which the Department can take any step against the former Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Pearl Bhengu.
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Approved by the Minister on
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04 October 2018 - NW2736
Matiase, Mr NS to ask the Minister of Social Development
What are the relevant details of the programmes that her department and the entities reporting to her currently have in place to support persons with disabilities and autism?
Reply:
Please refer to Annual Performance Plans 2018/19 of the Department of Social Development, National Development Agency and South African Social Security Agency as tabled in March 2018.
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Approved by the Minister on
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04 October 2018 - NW2735
Paulsen, Mr N M to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Has her department at any point engaged the Moonlight Foundation for Autism; if so, (2) whether any undertakings were agreed to and/or promises made at the specified engagements; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. The department of social development funds non-profit organisations in line with the policy on financial management act (PFMA). Annually the department through advertisements, calls for non-profit organisations to submit applications in form of a business proposal for funding. MOOFA submitted an application for funding for the 2016/17 financial year. As an emerging organisation, the department funded them to the amount of R800 000 for the 2016/17 financial year in line with their business proposal.
2. In accordance with the Policy on financial award, the department requests for periodical progress reports, financial statements, supporting documentations and proof of evidence. Site visits are also conducted periodically to assess progress and achievements in line with the business proposal. The monitoring and evaluation was conducted as done with all funded organisations. Subsequently MOOFA applied for the 2017/18 financial year. However due to non-compliance (Outstanding documents were not furnished VIZ: expenditure and financial statements). They were not considered for funding for the 2017/18 financial year. MOOFA was advised that due to non-compliance, the application for the 2017/18 financial year was unsuccessful. The department was awaiting outstanding documents to reconcile their reports from MOOFA.
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Approved by the Minister on
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04 October 2018 - NW2732
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What are the names of the persons who serve in her department’s Review Committee for Non-profit Organisations?
Reply:
N/A
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04 October 2018 - NW2730
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) is the total number of non-profit organisations that are funded by her department, particularly for people with disability and autism and (b) amount was allocated to each organisation in the 2017-18 financial year?
Reply:
a) The total number of non-profit organizations funded by the National Department of Social Development (NDSD) during the 2017-18 financial year are twenty-two (22) in number , and four (4) non - organisations are funded to deal with people with disabilities whilst only one (1) non - organisation is funded for autism.
b) The amounts allocated to each organization for 2017-18 financial year, particularly for services to people with disabilities and Autism are as follows:
No. |
Name of organisation |
2017/2018 |
1. |
Autism South Africa (ASA) |
R1 723 000 |
2. |
Albinism Society of SA (ASSA) |
R 740 000 |
3. |
South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) |
R1 000 000 |
4. |
DeafBlind South Africa (DBSA) |
R 700 000 |
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Approved by the Minister on
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04 October 2018 - NW2612
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What is the total number of graduates who were trained as social workers at the expense of the Government and (b) of the specified number of graduates, what is the total number of social workers who are still unemployed?
Reply:
a) The total number of social work graduates trained through the scholarship programme is 10 760.
b) Total number of graduates who are still unemployed is 4 192.
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Approved by the Minister on
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12 September 2018 - NW2509
Khanyile, Ms AT to ask the Minister of Social Development
Why (a) is her department failing to pay non-profit organisations on time and (b) has her department’s funding to non-profit organisations been reduced while her department underspent on its budget in the first quarter of the current financial year?
Reply:
a) In the 2018/19 financial year National Department has introduced a new approach for funding NPOs over a period of three (3) years. A call for proposals for multi-year funding (2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21) was issued by the National Department of Social Development in order to solicit services of suitable NPOs to assist the Department in the implementation of various programmes in line with the core mandate of the Department.
This new approach resulted in delays as funding templates and internal processes had to be amended to accommodate the three year funding approach. This approach is expected to result in improved timing in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years and payments will be made on existing contracts and the processes for call for proposals, shortlisting, contracting will not be repeated.
In addition, delays in transfers to NPOs was due to the National Treasury Circular 21 on classification of expenditure as either transfer payments, goods and services or capital assets, the Department has to review its transfer payments budget as some of the planned transactions with NPOs should be classified as goods and services rather than transfer payments. This may result in shifting of funds from Transfer Payments to Goods and services. The Department is still in discussions with National Treasury for the way forward to resolve these challenges.
However, the delays in the transfers for HIV/AIDS organisations amounting to R62, 560 million has been proposed to be shifted to goods and services. The process is underway for National Treasury to effect such changes.
b) The Department’s transfer payment budget has not been reduced. The budget has increased from R132, 614 million in the 2017/18 financial year to R154,191 million in the 2018/19 financial year.
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Approved by the Minister on
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12 September 2018 - NW2576
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)(a) What is the total number of (i) deputy directors-general and (ii) chief directors that are employed in (aa) an acting and (bb) a permanent capacity in her department and (b) what is the total number of women in each case; (2) (a) what is the total number of (i) chief executive officers and (ii) directors of each entity reporting to her and (b) what is the total number of women in each case? NW2866E
Reply:
(1)(a)(i)(aa) The total number of deputy directors-general employed in an acting capacity is one (1).
(1)(a)(ii)(aa) There are no chief directors appointed in an acting capacity.
(1)(a)(i)(bb) The total number of deputy directors-general employed in a permanent capacity is six (6).
(1)(a)(ii)(bb) The total number of chief directors employed in a permanent capacity is twenty-six (26).
(1)(b) The total number women employed in a permanent capacity as deputy directors-general is three (3) and as chief directors fourteen (14).
REPLY: NDA
(2)(a)(i) The total number of chief executive officers in NDA is one (1)
(2)(a)(ii) The total number of Directors is ten (10)
(2)(b) Chief Executive officer is One (1)
Directors who are women is seven (7)
REPLY: SASSA
(2)(a)(i) The total number of chief executive officers is one (1)
(2)(a)(ii) Not applicable
(2)(b) Chief Executive Officers is zero (0)
Not applicable (0)
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Approved by the Minister on
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12 September 2018 - NW2482
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With reference to the appointment of the Chief Operations Officer (COO) at SA Social Security Agency (Sassa), what number of candidates were shortlisted for the position of COO at Sassa; (2) will she provide a (a) comprehensive report on the appointment procedure and processes followed and (b) a list of names and details of the scoring panel members who participated in the appointment of the new COO of Sassa; (3) if no panel existed, did she seek advice before making the appointment; (4) what rule in the Ministerial Handbook did she use to appoint her advisor to act as COO at Sassa, if no proper recruitment processes were followed; (5) whether she has been informed of any wrongdoing by the current COO of SASSA in previous positions in Government; if not, why not, if so, what are the further relevant details? NW2633E
Reply:
Not applicable
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2391
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) are the names, (b) is the total number and (c) is the purpose of workshops hosted by her department since her appointment on 26 February 2018; (2) What are the names and other relevant details of companies and service providers that were used for the purpose of hosting each specified workshop; (3) Whether she is related to any of the company owners and/or service providers that were used to host the workshops; if so, what are the relevant details? (4) Did her department request financial support from the National Treasury to host the workshops; if not, why not, if so, what was the response of the National Treasury; (5) Were all the workshops hosted by her department in compliance with National Treasury instructions and regulations, as well as applicable policies of the Supply Chain Management and Public Finance Management Act, Act 1 of 1999?
Reply:
All not applicable
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2217
Holomisa, Mr BH to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether, with reference to a certain letter (details furnished), she has been notified of the specified matter; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what steps has she undertaken in this regard; (2) Whether she will commit to take steps to address the complaints and the injustices caused to the specified employees; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) Whether she intends to take action against employees who are found to hold positions whilst they do not meet the required job specifications or who falsified qualifications; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether she intends to open an investigation into racketeering in light of the specified letter; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, I have been informed of the complaint by two former SASSA employees from the Eastern Cape. I was also provided with two investigation reports a) the investigation into alleged recruitment irregularities in the OR Tambo District and b) Report on the complaints of Ms Bulu and Ms Sikwebu. I have studied both these reports and believe that the matter has been adequately dealt with.
2. The investigation report found, inter alia, that there were some irregularities regarding the manner in which the region conducted its recruitment process and that, notwithstanding the said irregularities, the complainants did not qualify to be shortlisted for interviews for the posts in question.
3. The officials who were appointed, except for one, did meet the required job specifications and no evidence could be found that they falsified their qualifications. The official who was appointed without a matric certificate subsequently resigned from SASSA. However, corrective action was recommended against the Regional Human Capital Management (HCM) employees with regard to the unprofessional manner in which they handled the recruitment process. The latter recommendation was implemented by the former Regional Executive Manager.
4. I am of the view that there is no need for another investigation as the matter was fully investigated during 2015, and the report dated 02 October 2015 submitted with specific recommendations. The investigation did not find any evidence of criminality on the part of employees who were involved in the recruitment process. As indicated above, the official who was appointed without a matric certificate subsequently resigned from SASSA.
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2284
Bara, Mr M R to ask the Minister of Social Development
What number of school governing bodies requested access to the Child Protection Register before employing school staff, as required by the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005, (a) in the (i) 2015-16, (ii) 2016-17 and (iii) 2017-18 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2018?
Reply:
No school governing body has requested access to the Child Protection Register before employing school staff, as required by the Children’s Act, Act 38 of 2005, (a) in the (i) 2015-16, (ii) 2016-17 and (iii) 2017-18 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2018.
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2320
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)(a) What number of labour disputes are currently being faced by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her, (b) what is the cause of each dispute, (c) what is the nature of each dispute and (d) on what date was each dispute (i) reported and (ii) resolved; (2) (a)(i) what number of employees have been dismissed by her department in the past five years and (ii) for what reason was each employee dismissed and (b)(i) what number of the specified employees were paid severance packages and (ii) what was the monetary value of each severance package?
Reply:
1. (a) (ii) The number of labour disputes currently being faced by SASSA is 22.
(b) The cause of dispute, (c) the nature of each dispute and (d) on what date was each dispute (i) reported and resolved (ii) is indicated as follows:-
DISPUTE DATE |
DISPUTE TYPE |
NATURE OF DISPUTE |
CAUSE OF DISPUTE |
DATE RESOLVED |
8-Sep-17 |
Collective (5 officials) |
Unfair Labour Practice |
PMDS Bonus |
Pending Arbitration |
25-Jan-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Fraud And Gross Negligence |
Pending Arbitration Date |
9-Feb-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Labour Practice |
PMDS Bonus |
Pending Arbitration Date |
19-Feb-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Labour Practice |
PMDS Bonus |
Pending Arbitration Date |
19-Feb-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Labour Practice |
PMDS Bonus |
Pending Arbitration Date |
1-Mar-18 |
Collective (5 officials) |
Unfair Labour Practice |
Suspension |
Part-Heard, To Continue On 15-17/08/18 |
23-Mar-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration Date |
6-Apr-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Part-Heard, awaiting New Date |
17-Apr-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Part-Heard, awaiting New Date |
20-Apr-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration Date |
20-Apr-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Part-Heard, awaiting New Date |
23-Apr-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration |
25-Apr-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration Date |
26-Apr-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration Date |
11-May-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration Date |
11-May-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration Date |
23-May-18 |
Individual |
Unfair Labour Practice |
Non - promotion |
Pending Arbitration Date |
24-May-18 |
Collective (3 officials) |
Unfair Dismissal |
Dismissal |
Pending Arbitration Date |
(2) (a)(i) what number of employees have been dismissed by her department in the past five years (52) and (ii) for what reason was each employee dismissed and
No. OF EMPLOYEES DISMISSED |
REASONS FOR DISMISSAL |
6 |
Abscondment |
2 |
Absenteeism |
1 |
Abuse of state vehicle |
1 |
Assault |
1 |
Contravention of Transport Policy |
2 |
Dishonesty |
2 |
Failure to comply with lawful instruction |
1 |
Misrepresentation |
1 |
Financial Misconduct |
22 |
Flouting of grant processes |
5 |
Fraud |
2 |
Grant Fraud |
4 |
Gross Dishonesty |
1 |
Non-disclosure of information |
1 |
Sexual Harassment |
TOTAL : 52 |
(b) (i) The number of the specified employees who were paid severance packages is (0)
and (ii) The monetary value of each severance package: - N/A
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2380
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department has put any measures in place to ensure that there will be no problems in the issuing of grants going forward, which may result in beneficiaries not receiving their grants; if not, what are the implications thereof on the welfare of grant beneficiaries; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
SASSA is engaged in a transition project, to move the responsibility for the payment of social grants from Cash paymaster Services to the South African Post Office. This project is being managed according to an approved project plan. While every effort is made to ensure that there is no disruption to the payment of social grants, it is inevitable that the changes may result in some inconvenience or disruption to some beneficiaries.
The payment of social grants in the revised payment environment will take place in line with Regulation 21 to the Social Assistance Act, 2004. This means that beneficiaries have the choice to receive their grants directly into their personal bank accounts or through the new SASSA/SAPO card which is currently being rolled out.
The first focus area in the transition is to ensure that all those beneficiaries accessing their grants in cash at designated pay points have the new card and are able to access their grants, either through the National Payment System (NPS) infrastructure (merchants’ point of sale devices or bank ATMs); a post office outlet or at one of designated cash points which will remain. As part of the transition, a process of realignment of the cash pay points has taken place, and the number significantly reduced, since many of these have been in close proximity to NPS infrastructure. However, the commitment remains that beneficiaries will have an access point to receive their grants within a 5 kilometre radius.
In order to limit disruptions and mitigate the possibility of any grant beneficiary not being able to access his/her social grant, SASSA has developed a deployment strategy for staff at all levels within the organisation to man previously serviced pay points; large merchants and other areas where beneficiaries are found, to ensure that they are assisted in accessing their grants. Arrangements have also been made for the call centre to be available over the weekend of 1 and 2 September, which is the start of the payment cycle for September. These arrangements will remain in place until the end of this calendar year, to ensure that a smooth transition is achieved.
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2386
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)(a) In what role is a certain person (name furnished) contracted in her Ministry and/or her department and (b) in what capacity and role did the specified person serve at the SA Social Security Agency; (2) How does she justify employing the specified official as a public servant?
Reply:
1. (a) Special Advisor to the Minister.
(b) I intended to appoint her on an Acting capacity as COO to assist the Acting CEO in reducing backlog during the time of transition.
2. Not applicable.
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2389
Meso, Ms L to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What are the powers, functions and duties of the current Director-General (DG) of her department; (2) whether some of the powers of the current DG have been removed and amended; if so, which rule in the Ministerial Handbook was relied on to effect the changes to remove and amend the powers of the Office of the DG; (3) whether she will provide Ms L L van der Merwe with detailed and comprehensive information on the purpose of making such amendments to the powers and functions of the Office of the DG; if not, why not; if so, when?
Reply:
(1) The powers, functions and duties of the Director General are in terms of the Public Service Act, 1994 (as amended) and Public Service Regulations,
(2) N/A
(3) N/A
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2390
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether she has procured any new (a) furniture and (b) cutlery for her office or any offices of her department since her appointment as Minister of Social Development on 26 February 2018; if so, (i) what was wrong with the furniture and cutlery that was in the office before her appointment and (ii) what amount was spent to procure the respective items in each case; (2) will she provide Ms L L van der Merwe with a detailed report of the items and their respective costs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether all purchases were made in compliance with National Treasury regulations; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(a) No furniture was procured for the Minister of Social Development.
(b) Crockery and cutlery were procured for the Minister’s official meetings and the hosting of VIP guests.
(i) There was no crockery and cutlery in those offices since it was long time it has not been purchased.
(ii) No furniture was procured;
(2) Crockery and cutlery amount was procured for R116, 528.56.
(3) Crockery and cutlery were purchased in compliance with National Treasury regulations.
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2398
Mulder, Dr CP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)Whether she has found that there are currently any delays in respect of new SA Social Security registrations and the processing of new applications to the system; if so, (a) what are the reasons, (b) what are the details and (c) by which date does she expect the situation to be normalised; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. There have been some delays experienced by new applicants for social grants in being able to lodge applications, particularly in the Gauteng province.
A) This has been largely as a result of a labour dispute related to the function of biometric enrolment, which is a function SASSA has insourced, as part of the application process.
B) With the revision of grants administration processes, SASSA indicated its intention to take the biometrics of every applicant. Prior to the contract entered into with Cash Paymaster Services (CPS), SASSA took fingerprints manually from every new applicant. With the new payment contract, it was decided to discontinue the taking of fingerprints, as CPS was doing this, to enable payments, and SASSA could use the fingerprints taken by the contractor for purposes of ensuring the integrity of the database, by eliminating duplications. Having both SASSA and CPS take fingerprints was seen as a duplication of effort.
With the contract with CPS having come to an end, SASSA is again required to take fingerprints, as the value of biometric data in eliminating duplicate payments and fraud has been extensively proven. A dispute has arisen with staff who feel this is not their responsibility, despite this having been done prior to the contract. This has impacted on the ability of some SASSA offices to process new applications.
C) The matter is being addressed with organised labour. In addition, an interim process has been developed to ensure that new applications can be processed, even while the matter is being addressed.
2. A full statement will be made once the matter has been resolved.
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2399
Alberts, Mr ADW to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)In light of all payments made by the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), whether she can indicate if any deductions from SASSA allowances are made by any institution; if not, why do many SASSA recipients find that deductions are made and that they do not receive the full amount which they are entitled to; if so, (a) what type of deductions are currently taking place, (b) what are the reasons for this, (c) what are the further relevant details and (d) on which legal grounds is such a decision regarding deductions based and how is this to the benefit of the SASSA recipient; (2) whether she will investigate the matter; if not, why not?
Reply:
The issue of illegal deductions is one of the matter that are before court.
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03 September 2018 - NW2440
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What is the (a) name of each investing company that has invested on land owned by (i) her department and (ii) each entity reporting to her and (b)(i) nature, (ii) value and (iii) length of each investment?
Reply:
(ii) N/A
(b) (i) N/A
(ii) N/A
(iii) N/A
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Approved by the Minister on
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03 September 2018 - NW2469
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What is the total number of social grant recipients who received their grants after the scheduled date in (a) June, (b) July and (c) August 2018?
Reply:
No social grant recipients received their social grants after the scheduled date in the months indicated. It should be noted that social grants are available from the first of each month, and are available for collections during that month. Apart from the beneficiaries who collect their social grants in cash at designated pay points, no beneficiary has a specific date on which to collect the social grant. Therefore, as long as the grant is collected in the month in which it is due, there is no delayed payment.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 July 2018 - NW2172
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What is the number of social workers at each place of employment in each province?
Reply:
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
Eastern Cape |
1601 |
Alfred Nzo |
60 |
BCM |
183 |
||
Chris Hani |
243 |
||
O R Tambo |
297 |
||
Sarah Baartman |
155 |
||
Joe Gqabi |
150 |
||
Amathole |
254 |
||
Nelson Mandela Metro |
259 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
Free State |
481 |
Mangaung |
130 |
Xhariep |
53 |
||
Fezile Dabi |
60 |
||
Thabo Mofutsanyane |
118 |
||
Lejweleputswa |
101 |
||
Provincial Office |
19 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
Gauteng |
1939 |
Ekurhuleni |
492 |
JHB Metro |
603 |
||
Sedibeng |
241 |
||
West Rand |
190 |
||
Tshwane |
413 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
KZN |
1596 |
King Cetywayo |
150 |
Zululand |
174 |
||
Umkhanyakude |
147 |
||
uThukela |
169 |
||
uMzinyathi |
77 |
||
Amajuba |
148 |
||
Ilembe |
107 |
||
eThekwini |
165 |
||
uMgungundlovu |
126 |
||
Harry Gwala |
72 |
||
uGu |
136 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
Limpopo |
1605 |
Capricorn |
374 |
Mopani |
324 |
||
Sekhukhune |
261 |
||
Vhembe |
438 |
||
Waterberg |
208 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
Mpumalanga |
535 |
Ehlanzeni |
225 |
Gert Sibande |
157 |
||
Nkangala |
153 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
North West |
650 |
Bojanala |
186 |
Dr Kenneth Kaunda |
125 |
||
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati |
142 |
||
Ngaka Modiri Molema |
197 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
Northern Cape |
238 |
ZF Mgcawu |
26 |
JT Galeshewe |
34 |
||
Pixley ka Seme |
56 |
||
Namakwa |
51 |
||
Frances Baard |
71 |
||
Province |
Total per Province |
Total per office |
|
Western Cape |
643 |
Cape Wine Lands |
115 |
Eden Karoo |
90 |
||
Metro East |
122 |
||
Metro North |
103 |
||
Metro South |
124 |
||
West Coast |
42 |
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 July 2018 - NW1591
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What are the relevant details regarding shortages of vehicles for conducting home visits by social workers in each province and (b) in each case, (i) at which offices are the shortages experienced and (ii) what are the details of the backlog in home visits at each specified office?
Reply:
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
Eastern Cape |
16 |
Alfred Nzo |
8909 |
21 |
BCM |
616 |
|
35 |
Chris Hani |
570 |
|
30 |
O R Tambo |
1500 |
|
23 |
Sarah Baartman |
971 |
|
6 |
Joe Gqabi |
3827 |
|
20 |
Amathole |
150 |
|
24 |
NMM |
490 |
|
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
Free State |
25 |
Thabo Mofutsanyane |
1980 |
13 |
Xhariep |
1358 |
|
14 |
Fezile Dabi |
1313 |
|
10 |
Mangaung Metro |
8909 |
|
15 |
Lejweleputswa |
1568 |
|
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
Gauteng |
492 |
Ekurhuleni |
N/A |
603 |
JHB Metro |
N/A |
|
234 |
Sedibeng |
N/A |
|
190 |
West Rand |
N/A |
|
413 |
Tshwane |
N/A |
|
1932 |
|||
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
KZN |
King Cetywayo |
2525 |
|
Zululand |
1075 |
||
Umkhanyakude |
651 |
||
uThukela |
0 |
||
uMzinyathi |
2397 |
||
Amajuba |
900 |
||
Ilembe |
1366 |
||
eThekwini South |
2434 |
||
eThekwini North |
570 |
||
uMgungundlovu |
619 |
||
Harry Gwala |
209 |
||
uGu |
4358 |
||
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
Limpopo |
302 |
Capricorn |
7300 |
116 |
Vhembe |
1384 |
|
47 |
Waterberg |
3771 |
|
90 |
Mompani |
4906 |
|
107 |
Sekhukhune |
2058 |
|
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
Mpumalanga |
122 |
Ehlanzeni |
1114 |
91 |
Gert Sibande |
437 |
|
89 |
Nkangala |
848 |
|
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
North West |
82 |
Bojanala District |
284 |
92 |
Dr Kenneth Kaunda District |
118 |
|
139 |
Dr Ruth Mompati |
14 |
|
89 |
Ngaka Modiri Molema |
574 |
|
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
Northern Cape |
0 |
ZF Mgcawu |
96 |
0 |
JT Galeshewe |
10 |
|
0 |
Pixley ka Seme |
67 |
|
0 |
Namakwa |
56 |
|
0 |
Frances Baard |
114 |
|
The backlog in the Province is not due to a shortage of vehicles but related to supervision and management issues |
|||
Province |
(a) Vehicle Shortages |
(b)(i) Offices with Shortages |
(b)(ii) Backlog to visits |
Western Cape |
1 |
George |
NA |
1 |
Knysna |
NA |
|
1 |
Mosselbay |
NA |
|
2 |
Drakenstein |
47 |
|
1 |
Stellenbosch |
98 |
|
3 |
Breede Valley |
562 |
|
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 July 2018 - NW2117
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) number of early childhood development centres are currently registered in each province, (b) is the location of each centre, (c) number of children attend each centre, (d) number of qualified practitioners are employed at each centre and (e) number of the centres are funded by the Government?
Reply:
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. of Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
Eastern Cape |
200 |
Alfred Nzo |
6964 |
245 |
200 |
184 |
BCM |
6442 |
238 |
184 |
|
314 |
Chris Hani |
9333 |
365 |
314 |
|
318 |
O R Tambo |
8196 |
323 |
318 |
|
121 |
Sarah Baartman |
4140 |
158 |
121 |
|
113 |
Joe Gqabi |
3467 |
137 |
113 |
|
366 |
Amathole |
10947 |
418 |
366 |
|
99 |
NMM |
4254 |
149 |
99 |
|
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
Free State |
673 |
Mangaung |
14800 |
741 |
1018 |
52 |
Xhariep |
3240 |
122 |
||
126 |
Fezile Dabi |
9020 |
419 |
||
319 |
Thabo Mofutsanyane |
118160 |
883 |
||
154 |
Lejweleputswa |
11630 |
543 |
||
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
Gauteng |
2225 |
Ekurhuleni |
15573 |
1797 |
1426 |
JHB Metro |
32133 |
||||
Sedibeng |
14839 |
||||
West Rand |
91948 |
||||
Tshwane |
19700 |
||||
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
KZN |
556 |
King Cetywayo |
6910 |
258 |
278 |
648 |
Zululand |
14599 |
340 |
336 |
|
736 |
Umkhanyakude |
18407 |
478 |
367 |
|
369 |
uThukela |
6370 |
250 |
170 |
|
389 |
uMzinyathi |
10112 |
162 |
197 |
|
280 |
Amajuba |
9740 |
337 |
146 |
|
210 |
Ilembe |
4707 |
236 |
111 |
|
247 |
eThekwini South |
6910 |
320 |
135 |
|
394 |
eThekwini North |
13984 |
644 |
204 |
|
576 |
uMgungundlovu |
11463 |
391 |
283 |
|
376 |
Harry Gwala |
3985 |
125 |
209 |
|
641 |
uGu |
15850 |
459 |
341 |
|
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
Limpopo |
3490 |
Capricorn |
43381 |
1234 |
490 |
Mopani |
47162 |
1951 |
504 |
||
Sekhukhune |
32469 |
1106 |
479 |
||
Vhembe |
45655 |
1467 |
423 |
||
Waterberg |
24799 |
652 |
284 |
||
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
Mpumalanga |
665 |
Ehlanzeni |
41219 |
1956 |
420 |
342 |
Gert Sibande |
23194 |
989 |
281 |
|
377 |
Nkangala |
21918 |
1268 |
326 |
|
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
North West |
331 |
Bojanala |
21914 |
74 |
110 |
121 |
Dr Kenneth Kaunda |
10424 |
99 |
59 |
|
293 |
Dr Ruth Mompati |
17243 |
119 |
157 |
|
410 |
Ngaka Modiri |
21115 |
166 |
135 |
|
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
Northern Cape |
58 |
ZF Mgcawu |
3284 |
85 |
2346 |
110 |
JT Galeshewe |
6555 |
178 |
4971 |
|
42 |
Pixley ka Seme |
3699 |
65 |
2994 |
|
40 |
Namakwa |
1864 |
46 |
1600 |
|
100 |
Frances Baard |
7662 |
280 |
5660 |
|
Province |
(a) No. of ECD |
(b) Location |
(c) No. Children |
(d) No. of practitioners |
(e)Funded |
Western Cape |
616 |
Cape Wine Lands |
34657 |
Database still being compiled |
15313 |
265 |
Eden Karoo |
22024 |
10097 |
||
299 |
Metro East |
19801 |
9636 |
||
351 |
Metro North |
24485 |
3763 |
||
399 |
Metro South |
27289 |
10645 |
||
155 |
West Coast |
9730 |
3871 |
||
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
02 July 2018 - NW1589
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department prescribes minimum standards with regard to (a) the number of social workers employed in every area serviced by her department, (b) the number of cases that each social worker is permitted to handle, (c) office space per employee, (d) vehicles per office, (e) office equipment, (f) playrooms for children, (g) interviewing and/or statement rooms and (h) any other specified minimum standards; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details in each case?
Reply:
There is no one comprehensive document that addresses all the elements mentioned in this question. However, almost all of them are addressed in the following documents: National Norms and Standards for Social Infrastructure Delivery; Blue Print on Office Accommodation for Social Workers; Gazetted Public Works Space Norms; Integrated Social Services Delivery Model; Social Work Indaba Action Plan 2017 etc.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date…………………………….
26 June 2018 - NW2173
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What number of vacancies exist for social workers in each province?
Reply:
Eastern Cape |
71 |
Free State |
25 |
Gauteng |
138 |
KZN |
91 |
Limpopo |
22 |
Mpumalanga |
8 |
North West |
74 |
Northern Cape |
9 |
Western Cape |
62 |
TOTAL |
500 |
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date………………………
26 June 2018 - NW1588
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the reply to question 404 on 28 March 2017, what is the (a) total number of (i) social workers, (ii) forensic social workers and (iii) other professional care workers that are currently employed by her department in each province and (b) current ratio of case files to employee in each case?
Reply:
Province |
a) (i) Total No of Social Workers |
a) (ii) Forensic Social Workers |
a) (iii) Other professional care workers |
b) Ratio per case |
Eastern Cape |
1997 |
0 |
254 |
Varies : 1:10 -1:61 |
Free State |
768 |
0 |
113 |
Varies: 1:100 – 1:400 |
Gauteng |
1245 |
0 |
628 |
1:60 |
KwaZulu Natal |
1814 |
0 |
181 |
1:62 |
Limpopo |
1599 |
0 |
89 |
1:20 – 1:300 |
Mpumalanga |
474 |
0 |
77 |
1:6 – 1:141 |
North West |
815 |
0 |
51 |
1:40 |
Northern Cape |
349 |
0 |
86 |
1:80 -1:120 |
Western Cape |
642 |
0 |
406 |
1:75 - 1:80 |
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW2118
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) minimum qualification is required to become a practitioner at an early childhood development centre, (b) number of (i) years of training does the qualification require and (ii) qualified practitioners are currently practising and (c) is the minimum salary level for practitioners?
Reply:
(a) According to section 27(a) (i) of the Children’s Act, no. 38 of 2005,
An applicant who has to provide an ECD programme has to possess the National Certificate in ECD at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 4 as a minimum requirement specified by South African Qualifications Authority.
(b) (i) NQF level 4 training is provided for 18 months.
(ii) 18 981
(c) There is currently no minimum salary level for practitioners. Each ECD centre remunerates its practitioners based on their available budget.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW2174
Nolutshungu, Ms N to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) number of social grant distribution points are available in each province and (b) is the location of each specified distribution point?
Reply:
a) There is a total of 7 667 active pay points that SASSA utilizes as social grant distribution points. The number of pay points is broken down in the table below per province.
Region |
Pay Points |
Eastern Cape |
2 399 |
Free State |
192 |
Gauteng |
145 |
KwaZulu-Natal |
1 617 |
Limpopo |
1 744 |
Mpumalanga |
384 |
Northern Cape |
349 |
North West |
604 |
Western Cape |
233 |
Total |
7 667 |
b) The location of each specified cash pay point is in the attached spreadsheet “National list of pay points” per province.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW2116
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1541 on 4 June 2018, the six individuals referred to are listed on the Child Protection Register in addition to the 1 188 stated in the reply to question 884 on 10 April 2018; if not, why not; if so, are there individuals listed on the Child Protection Register who have been found unfit to work with children as a result of a disciplinary hearing but have not been convicted in a court of law?
Reply:
Yes, with reference to the reply to question 1541 on 4 June 2018, the six individuals referred to are listed on the Child Protection Register as part of the 1 188 stated in the reply to question 884 on 10 April 2018. The Department has not received information from courts on individuals who have been found unfit to work with children as a result of a disciplinary hearing.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW1922
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)What (a) is the total number of incidents of sexual harassment that were reported to the human resources offices of (i) her department and (ii) entities reporting to her in (aa) 2016 and (bb) 2017 and (b) are the details of each incident that took place; (2) was each incident investigated; if not, why not in each case; if so, what were the outcomes of the investigation in each case?
Reply:
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
1(a)(i) There was one case of alleged sexual harassment reported in 2016/ 2017 financial year.
1(b) Allegations were levelled against an SMS member making remarks against an official’s dress code.
2 Investigations were conducted by an internal and external investigators who both gave reports to the effect that the allegations were unsubstantiated.
NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY:
Both 1 and 2 are not applicable
SOUTH AFRICAN SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY:
1. (aa) 2016 - There was one (1) case reported within SASSA. It was alleged that an official hugged, kissed and touched the buttocks of a cleaner without her consent.
(bb) 2017- There was one (1) case reported within SASSA. An official allegedly placed his hand on an official’s private part without her consent and further made comments with sexual overtones about the official’s body and hairstyle.
2. 2016 - The incident was investigated by a team of two investigating officers who discovered inconsistencies in the statement of the complainant. No wrong-doing was established against the alleged perpetrator.
2017 - The incident was investigated. The outcome of the investigation resulted in the perpetrator being charged and found guilty on the above stated charges.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
26 June 2018 - NW1590
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether any (a) social worker or (b) other professional care worker employed in her department in each province has a criminal record; if so, what are the relevant details of the (i) full names, (ii) position, (iii) office and (iv) crime(s) that each person was convicted of?
Reply:
Province |
(a)Social Worker |
(b) Other Professional Care worker |
(b)(i) Full Names |
(b)(ii) Position |
(b)(iii) Office |
(b)(iv) Crimes |
Eastern Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Free State |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Gauteng |
ONE |
N/A |
Nozipho P. Mvalese |
Social Worker |
JHB Metro |
Theft (Later cleared by SAPS) |
KwaZulu Natal |
One |
N/A |
N.G Mkhize |
Social Worker |
UMgungundlovu |
Fraud |
Limpopo |
TWO |
TWO |
Bidzha T.L.; Mahlare M.S.; Mashumu T.J.; Sebona M. |
Social Worker Social Worker CDW CDW |
Vhembe Sekhukhune Sekhukhune Waterberg |
Public indecency shoplifting Road Traffic Act Road Traffic Act |
Mpumalanga |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
North West |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Northern Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Western Cape |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
04 June 2018 - NW1706
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)(a) What total amount of land owned by her department and the entities reporting to her in each province is (i) vacant and (ii) unused or has no purpose and (b) what is the (i) location and (ii) size of each specified plot of land; (2) (a) how much of the land owned by her department and the entities reporting to her has been leased out for private use and (b) what is the (i) Rand value of each lease and (ii)(aa) location and (bb) size of each piece of land?
Reply:
The National Department of Social Development, SASSA and NDA:
(1) (a) (i) None. Do not own land.
(a) (ii) None. Do not own land.
(b) (i) Not applicable.
(b) (ii) Not applicable.
(2) (a) None. Do not own land.
(b) (i) Not applicable.
(b) (ii) (aa) Not applicable.
(b) (ii) (bb) Not applicable.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date …………………………....
04 June 2018 - NW1541
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether, with reference to her reply to question 884 on 10 April 2018, the Child Protection Register contains any names of individuals who were found to be unfit to work with children during disciplinary hearings; if not, why not; if so, what number of such names appear on the register?
Reply:
With reference to the reply to question 884 on 10 April 2018, the Child Protection Register contains six names of individuals who were found to be unfit to work with children during disciplinary hearings.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
04 June 2018 - NW1495
Dudley, Ms C to ask the Minister of Social Development
In respect of the provisions of the Social Assistance Act, Act 13 of 2004, outlining the eligibility for social assistance, what (a) is the exact criteria for pension payouts and (b) who (i) qualifies and (ii) does not qualify for a pension payout?
Reply:
a) Exact Criteria for each grant type listed below AND (b) who (i) qualifies AND (ii) who does not qualify for a pension payout.
- Criteria for Older Persons Grant:
Men and women aged 60 years or older
South African citizens, refugees or permanent residents
Must reside in South Africa (only exception to this are those SA citizens who reside in Walvis Bay)
Together with spouse, must comply with the means test
Cannot be in an institution funded by State
Since 2011, all older persons above the age of 75 receive an additional amount of R20 in addition to the grant
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
- Criteria for War Veterans’ Grant:
South African citizen or permanent resident (not refugees)
Must live in South Africa
60 years and is unable to provide for maintenance due to a disability AND served in one of the four wars listed (in reality only those who served in the Second World War or Korean War are still alive)
Includes a supplement over and above the regular disability or old age grant (R20)
Must comply with means test
Cannot be in institution funded by the State
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
- Criteria for Grant In Aid:
Supplement for people who have a disability or are so frail that they require regular attendance by another person
Requirement is that the applicant must already be in receipt of a grant for older persons, war veterans or disability grant
Beneficiary cannot reside in subsidised institution
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
- Criteria for a Child Support Grant:
Primary care giver must be South African citizen, refugee or permanent resident (citizenship of child not an issue)
Primary care giver and child must live in South Africa
Paid to primary caregiver of the child (the care giver must be over the age of 16 and doesn’t have to be related)
Primary care giver and spouse must comply in terms of means test
Confirmation of school attendance or enrolment to be provided on application (but this is a soft condition). Failure to provide this does not result in no grant
Primary care giver limited to a maximum of 6 non-biological children
Primary care giver cannot be formally or informally employed to care for the child
Child cannot be resident in an institution funded by the State
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
- Criteria for a Foster Child Grant:
Foster parent must be South African citizen, permanent resident of refugee (citizenship of child not an issue)
Both foster parent and child must live in South Africa
Court order places child in the care of someone else (foster parent includes a person, other than the biological parent of the child, in whose custody a child has been placed)
Magistrate’s court and social workers play a role in deciding who should care for the child
Grant only valid for the period of the court order
Social worker to review the situation before extension of court order
Foster child grants are not means tested at all
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
- Criteria for a Disability Grant:
South African citizen or permanent resident (not refugees)
Must live in South Africa
18 years or older until age 60 when DG changes to an old age grant
Due to physical or mental disability unable to work & maintain themselves
Medical assessment by SASSA appointed medical doctor & a medical assessment report containing the certification of the degree of disability or not of the applicant
Grant is means tested (income of applicant and spouse)
DG can either be given as permanent (longer than 12 months) or temporary (6 – 12 months)
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
- Criteria for a Care Dependency Grant:
Primary care giver must be South African citizen, permanent resident or refugee (citizenship of child not an issue)
Primary care giver and child must live in South Africa
Paid to primary care giver of a child who is severely disabled (and is under 18 years – after age 18 the person then qualifies for a disability grant)
Care giver must be the parent, the primary care giver or the foster parent of the child
Child severely mentally or physically disabled
Grant to offset care-giver being unable to work full-time and higher expenses
If child looked after on a full-time basis for more than 6 months in a government-funded institution, then the parent is not eligible to receive this grant
Grant is means tested
Where a care dependent child is fostered, foster parent can receive both grants – neither grant is means tested
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
- Criteria for Social Relief of Distress:
SRD is a short term relief for addressing crisis situations
Paid to South African citizens, permanent residents or refugees who have insufficient means and meet one or more of the following criteria:
Awaiting payment of an approved grant
Medically unfit for period of less than 6 months
Does not receive maintenance from a person legally obliged to pay such
Breadwinner has died and there is no other means of survival (application to be made within 3 months of death)
Breadwinner admitted to an institution funded by State
Person is affected by a disaster
Refusal will cause undue hardship
Only time a person receiving a grant can also receive social relief of distress is as response to disaster (no repayment)
Amendments allow payment of SRD to care giver even where child receives another social grant (CDG, FCG or CSG)
(b)
- Anybody meeting the above criteria qualifies
- Anybody who does not meet the above criteria does not qualify
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
10 May 2018 - NW1215
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)With regard to the cash tender for the payment of grants by the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), (a) by what date will she and/or SASSA announce which company has been successful in tendering for this service, (b) did Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) tender again to provide this service to the State and (c) what was the nature of the dispute G24 raised during the tender process; (2) will she consider taking steps against all those in her department who have been part and parcel of a process to ignore the Constitutional Court rulings against her department for entering into an unlawful contract with CPS and thereby creating an environment in which CPS was favoured; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1)(a) The cash payment tender process has been suspended pending investigation into various concerns raised. The final decision on the status of the tender will be determined, by no later than 11 May 2018.
(b) Since the tender process is not yet finalised, information about bidders cannot be made public.
(c) The concerns raised are about the accuracy and completeness of the statistical information (numbers of beneficiaries paid per pay point), needed to prepare a credible costing model.
(2) We are not aware of any persons or officials in the department who have been part and parcel of a process to ignore the Constitutional Court rulings against the department, however any evidence to the contrary will be considered. Suffice to state that the rulings of the Constitutional Court will be met.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
03 May 2018 - NW1131
Jooste, Ms K to ask the Minister of Social Development
What steps will she take to address the (a) shortage of social workers in the country and (b) absorption of qualified social workers trained by her department into the Public Service?
Reply:
a) The department is implementing the social work scholarship programme to train social workers for the Bachelor of Social Work degree. Once qualified, these graduates are eligible for placement in the Public Service, Non-Profit Organisations and the private sectors. The department has developed the Demand and Supply Model for Social Service Practitioners where an analysis of the geographic distribution and workload requirements for these practitioners was done. The model would assist in determining the population ratio and future projections in terms of the demand and supply of practitioners across provinces. It will also assist to determine the nature of the gap between the demand and supply with recommended strategies for integrated workforce planning. This model is yet to be shared with other key government departments to assess their demand for practitioners.
b) The department is currently implementing the Conditional Grant to fund employment of social work graduates who have benefitted from the Scholarship Programme. These graduates are employed by the provincial departments of social development. Since 2017/18 the department engaged other sector departments to lobby for employment of graduates. A draft business plan was developed to guide employment by other departments. Lack of adequate funding for compensation of employees in the Public
Service hampers all departments’ ability to employ additional social workers. Support from National Treasury and the Department of Public Service and Administration will ensure that vacant posts for entry level social workers are funded, thereby ensuring absorption.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
03 May 2018 - NW1059
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Ms L L van der Merwe (IFP) to ask Minister of Social Development
What steps has she taken to establish the Advisory Board on Social Development, as mandated by the Advisory Board on Social Development Act, Act 3 of 2001?
Reply:
I have assumed Office in the Department of Social Development on 26th February 2018. The Department is currently reviewing the White Paper on Social Development which, amongst others, deals with the institutional and coordination mechanisms within the Department. This process may necessitate the review of related legislation including the implementation of the Advisory Board for Social Development Act, 2001 (Act No. 3 of 2001).
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
03 May 2018 - NW1061
van der Merwe, Ms LL to ask the Minister of Social Development
With regard to the Government's fight against gender-based violence, what (a) is the outcome of the Government's review of the Integrated Programme of Action Addressing Violence Against Women and Children, (b) are the reasons it has failed and (c) are the new plans envisaged by Government to ensure that the tide against the scourge of gender-based violence starts turning?
Reply:
Please refer to DPME
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
03 May 2018 - NW1128
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(1)(a) During which periods did the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) pay for the security services to the former Minister of Social Development’s children and (b) what amount did it cost the SASSA; (2) whether the SASSA is still paying for the security services; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons?
Reply:
1. (a) SASSA paid security services for the former Minister’s children in the year 2014/15
(b) Amount spent was R 2 008 086
2. SASSA stopped payments after expiry of the contract i.e. February 2015. Currently SASSA wrote to the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to make representation why the said amount should not be recovered from her, this forms part of preliminary steps to recover the amount concern.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
03 May 2018 - NW1130
Masango, Ms B to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What steps will she take to ensure that a number of critical vacancies at the SA Social Security Agency are filled and (b) by what date are the vacancies expected to be filled?
Reply:
(a) A reprioritisation of posts in terms of the allocated budget for 2018/2019 will be embarked upon in ensuring that the critical posts are filled once the moratorium on filling of posts is lifted.
(b) The Agency envisages to fill critical posts within the 2018/2019 financial year period.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
03 May 2018 - NW1097
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
What (a) number of consulting firms or companies are currently contracted by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her and (b)(i) is the name of each consultant, (ii) are the relevant details of the service provided in each case and (iii) is the (aa) start date, (bb) time period, (cc) monetary value in Rands of each contract and (dd) name and position of each individual who signed off on each contract?
Reply:
(A) (i) Department of Social Development
Name of consulting firm (b)(i) |
Service provided in each case (b)(ii) |
Start Date (b)(ii)(aa) |
Time period (b)(iii)(bb) |
Monetary value (b)(iii)(cc) |
Individual who signed off (b)(iii)(dd) |
Reasonate |
Design and implementation evaluation of the household food and nutrition security programme |
26/02/2018 |
31/07/2018 |
R 466 046.25 |
Mr. M Ratshisusu Dir: Legal Services |
Holistic Business connection |
Gender Mainstreaming |
14/03/2018 |
31/09/2018 |
R 440 000.00 |
Adv. S Misser Dir: Legal Services |
Practical Design |
Office space |
22/03/2018 |
22/06/2018 |
R 476 019.77 |
Adv. Dladla CD: Legal Services |
Leruobauweng |
Compiling of bill quantities |
07/02/2018 |
30/08/2018 |
R 495 420.17 |
Adv. SD Misser Dir: Legal Services |
Deloitte and Touché |
Cost analysis for older persons bill |
15/12/2017 |
31/03/2018 |
R 491 354.00 |
Adv. Dladla CD: Legal Services |
Mafoko Security |
Security services |
01/03/2018 |
28/02/2019 |
R 3 129 097.20 |
Mr. M Ratshisusu Dir: Legal Services |
Tirisan tech solutions |
CPR |
01/03/2018 |
31/08/2018 |
R 4 646 057.46 |
Mr. M Ratshisusu Dir: Legal Services |
Tirisan tech solutions |
NISIS |
01/03/2018 |
31/08/2018 |
R 6 000 000. 00 |
Adv. Dladla CD: Legal Services |
XL NEXUS |
Travel management |
01/09/2017 |
31/08/2018 |
R 9 000 000.00 |
Mrs. NI Vilakazi Acting DG |
Vodacom |
E- Submission |
01/04/2018 |
31/03/2019 |
R 774 301.68 |
Contract not yet signed |
Pamoja Asset Management |
Service provider to conduct a national audit of 20 000 registered and funded non-profit organisations (NPO) across nine provinces over 24 month period. |
26/11/2017 |
26/11/2018 |
R 1 803 480.00 |
Mr. M Ratshisusu Dir: Legal Services |
Vodacom |
Mobile Communication RT15 Cell phone Contract |
01/04/2018 |
31/03/2020 |
R 2 900 000.00 |
Adv. Dladla CD: Legal Services |
Vodacom |
Command Centre: Gender Based Violence |
01/10/2017 |
30/09/2018 |
R 9 800 000.00 |
Adv. Dladla CD: Legal Services |
(a) (ii) NDA
(b)(i)
(ii)
(iii)(aa)(bb)cc)(dd)
Not applicable, since the National Development Agency does not have consulting firms or companies contracted to it currently.
(a)(ii) SASSA
(b)(i)
(ii)
(iii)(aa)(bb)cc)(dd)
Not applicable, since the SASSA does not have consulting firms or companies contracted to it currently.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
12 April 2018 - NW512
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Social Development
Whether her department’s nonprofit organisation (NPO) directorate was informed of Limpopo’s decision to cancel contracts with over 400 NPOs that would have provided home-based care for poor and vulnerable citizens for the 2018-19 financial year; if so, (a) on what date was the directorate advised of the specified decision and (b) did the directorate (i) approve this decision and (ii) provide guidance on the future plans to ensure that (aa) NPOs continue to provide effective services to the poor and vulnerable citizens in Limpopo and (bb) over 15 000 home-based care workers remain employed?
Reply:
Refer to the Department of Health.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….
12 April 2018 - NW749
Sonti, Ms NP to ask the Minister of Social Development
(a) What is the name of the bank that is officially responsible to clear bank payments made by the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) to grant recipients as at 12 March 2017, (b) on what exact date was the specified bank appointed for this task and (c) what amount (i) has the bank received from SASSA to date and (ii) will SASSA have paid the bank by the date on which the contract expires?
Reply:
a) SASSA uses the Pay Master General Account held with the South African Reserve Bank.
b) 16 October 2017
c) (i) SARB – R0
Bankserv – R1 per transaction
(ii) SASSA pays all transaction fees at the agreed upon rate on a monthly basis.
________________________
Approved by the Minister on
Date……………………….