Reply:

a) According to the reconciliation received from the SA Post Office, (SAPO) a total of 328 477 beneficiaries have yet to collect their grant from the first cycle which ended on 30 April 2021 and 442 602 from the second cycle which covers the period from August 2021 to March 2022. Approval has recently been provided to SAPO, in line with the Directions published on 10 February 2022, for beneficiaries from the first cycle to be paid their funds, should they report to the post office.

b) The access channels provided to beneficiaries of the R350 social relief of distress grant include bank ATMs where the beneficiaries request payment directly into their personal bank accounts, as well as through the post office. Currently, of the 10 563 123 approved beneficiaries, 42% collect their grants through the post office while 58% receive the grant in their own personal bank accounts.

In order to improve access to the grants distributed by the post office, additional channels through the retailers have been opened. The retailers currently participating are Pick & Pay, Boxer, Checker, Shoprite and Usave. Negotiations with the Spar group to also allow access to the relief grant are at an advanced stage and further announcements will be made shortly.

SASSA is also finalising the contracting with banks, to allow for the payment to be made to mobile phones. This channel will be available for the extension of the grant from April 2022 to March 2023.

These channels have all contributed to the significant improvement in reducing the queues at post offices, and provide a range of options for approved beneficiaries to be able to access their grants conveniently.

Reply:

I would like to inform the Honourable Member that recruitment and deployment of Environmental Health Officers are employed by the Department of Health (DOH) and local municipalities.

Early Childhood Development (ECD) is an integrated service delivered by different departments and the roles and responsibilities thereof are clearly outlined in the National Integrated Early Childhood Development Policy approved by Cabinet in 2015.

Reply:

I do not have any information on the number of children denied access to the Child Support Grant due to lack of documents, including birth certificate. The Department’s policy position is that no child eligible for the child support grant should be denied access due to the lack of a birth certificate. In terms of Regulation 11(1) to the Social Assistance Act, 2004, SASSA has an obligation to accept applications for social grants, in cases where the critical documents, including birth certificates for the children involved, or identity documents for the care givers of the child are not available.

To this end, SASSA has put measures in place to ensure that such children are not penalised, but rather given the necessary assistance to access the child support grant. A total of 35 357 children are in receipt of a child support grant using a system generated number, that is provided by SASSA in cases where the child does not have a birth certificate, as at February 2022.

Reply:

a) The following tables reflects the (a) number of (i) calls, (ii) SMSs and (iii) USSDs received in each province,

TICKETS LOGGED AND REFERRED

PROVINCE	GBV	NON - GBV	REFERRED
Eastern Cape	287	383	37
Free State	204	261	25
Gauteng	2 654	3 049	318
KwaZulu - Natal	736	913	105
Limpopo	363	545	52
Mpumalanga	312	375	44
North West	245	304	34
Northern Cape	66	71	10
Western Cape	501	469	65
TOTAL	5 368	6 370	691

The statistics cited in the above table represent the number of tickets/files opened on the GBV Command Centre Information System.

(b)

GBV cases:

Abandoned Children, Abduction/Kidnapping, Assault, Bullying, Child Neglect, Child Pornography, Elderly Neglect, Emotional Abuse, Forced Initiation, Forced Prostitution, Hate Speech, Human Trafficking, Incest, Indecent Assault, Molestation, Physical Violence, Rape, Sexual Harassment, Stalking, Verbal Abuse Or Intimidation

Non-GBV cases:

Anger Management, Behavioural Problems, Child Adoption, Child Custody/Visitation, Child Maintenance, Counselling Death, Counselling Depression, Counselling Marriage & Relationships, COVID – 19, Economic/Financial Abuse, Funding, Home Affairs Related, Labour Dispute, Legal Advice, Matric, SASSA Grants, Substance Abuse, Other type of Incident

(c)

Number of individuals referred to:

1. Social Workers: 691
2. SA Police Service: 642

(d)

The Centre presently employs 48 Social Work Agents, 8 Social Work Supervisors, 2 Quality Assurers and 1 Centre Manager to operate and offer services to victims of Gender Based Violence.

(e)

	Baseline R'000	Compensation	Goods and services
GBV Comm Center	26 145	17 676	8 469

Reply:

(i) number of whole day downtime has been experienced by SASSA offices nationally over the past two years

The Socpen system downtime experienced started in May 2021 and the hours downtime was measured from September 2021. The system downtime was never more than three (3) hours per system incident or on any given day. Where it was longer than three (3) hours, it was linked to other contributing factors such as load shedding, electricity failures, network or server malfunction etc. The table below illustrates the downtime incidents per month as a consequence of the Socpen system. In each instance, the downtime did not exceed four to six (4 - 6) hours downtime per incident.

Month	Total Incidents
May	15
June	2
July	6
August	10
September	15
October	17
November	17
December	4
January	11
February	13
March	9
Total	119

(ii) are the causes of most of the downtimes

Some of the downtime can be linked to when verification of transactions using the Biometric solution was rolled out nationally. We are however, continuously monitoring the system to identify if there could be other causes.

Some of the downtime is attributed to other causes such as power failures, network or server malfunction.

(iii) What is being done to reduce and/or eradicate downtime

Currently Software AG and IBM who are respectively the product owners of the Mainframe Technology and MQ (Messaging and Queuing middleware) on which SOCPEN is running have been requested by SITA to assist with the investigation and resolution of the intermittent system downtimes.

In order to further eliminate some of the possible causes, on 15 March 2022 a system change was done on the Mainframe. Since its implementation, no downtime has been recorded. The implemented change is still being monitored on an ongoing basis until we are certain the problem has been resolved.

(iv) how old is the Socpen system?

The Socpen system is about 25 years old.

The Agency has a five (5) year target to replace the legacy systems, including SOCPEN. The implementation of new technology such as the online application and the SRD R350 systems, is a step towards achieving this target. This will amongst other opportunities, enable ease of integration and interface with other new technology systems.

Reply:

a) The number of post office branches that have been closed in the past two years are as follows:

 

SUMMARY OF CLOSED BRANCHES
PROVINCE	2020	2021	Total
Eastern Cape	0	6	6
Free State	0	0	0
Gauteng	6	15	21
KwaZulu Natal	13	3	16
Limpopo	0	0	0
Mpumalanga	0	0	0
North West	0	0	0
Northern Cape	0	0	0
Western Cape	3	5	8
TOTAL	22	29	51

(b)(i) For the medium to long term SASSA is considering introducing payments through mobile phones as an added disbursement option to what is currently available for normal social grants. SASSA is also observing the developments on the Rapid Payment Programme (RPP) which forms part of the Reserve Bank’s vision 2025. Vision 2025 is a strategy initiated by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to modernise payment systems and, in turn, improve social and economic conditions for South Africans. A number of workshops have been held between SASSA and SARB to help SASSA gain some understanding on the RPP programme. It is our understanding that SARB has recognised that achieving this vision requires collaboration with other stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that are aligned with Vision 2025’s goals. These goals focus on developing payment systems that are transparent, secure, easy-to-use, financially inclusive, and flexible, so as to make it easier for more of the population to enter the digital economy.

Considering the current challenges experienced by Post Office, the Agency is no longer growing the customer base for Post Office with new Social Grant Beneficiaries. This decision was taken by the SASSA in 2020 to afford the Post Office an opportunity to review their systems and strategies going forward.

(ii) SASSA has institutionalised the payment of social grants as from 2018 when the contract with the previous service provider, Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) came to an end. SASSA ensures that the social grant funds are paid into the beneficiaries’ Special Disbursement Accounts handled by SAPO and into beneficiaries’ private bank accounts on a monthly basis. SAPO only assists SASSA in providing access to the distribution networks for beneficiaries who utilise the SASSA/SAPO card to access their social grant. Of the approximately 7 million accounts opened within the SAPO environment for social grant beneficiaries, only 10% actually utilise the post office branches or cash pay points to access their funds. The remaining beneficiaries already access their grants through the National Payment System at bank ATM’s and merchant point of sale devices.

Reply:

(a) Section 48 (2) of the Children’s Act No. 38 of 2005 and Regulation 10 of the Regulations relating to Children’s Courts and Abduction, 2010 may be relied upon in respect of applications for late registration of birth of orphaned and/or abandoned children in cases where such registrations are made.

(i) Applications for late registration of birth of orphaned and/or abandoned children are not made in the name of a social worker. The Social Worker is recorded as an informant when making such application at the Department of Home Affairs.

(ii) The Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act 51 of 1992) and the Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997) regulate late registration of birth of orphaned and/or abandoned children in the name of a relative caring for a child.

(b) According to Regulation 4 (2) of the Regulations on the Registration of Births and Deaths, 2014, a person who is next of kin or a guardian of a child qualifies to apply for late registration of birth of an orphaned child.

(c) A social worker must provide the following supporting documents to the Department of Home Affairs for a successful application of late registration of birth of an orphaned and/or abandoned child:

• A professional report.
• Form 7 of the Regulations relating to Children’s Courts and Abduction, 2010
• Form 8 of the Regulations relating to Children’s Courts and Abduction, 2010.

Supporting documents that a relative must provide to Department of Home Affairs for a successful application of late registration of birth of an orphaned and/or abandoned child are determined in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992 (Act 51 of 1992) and the Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997).

Reply:

As the Honourable Member is aware, the matter in question relates to the Constitutional Court judgment against the Director-General of the Department of Home Affairs. I am therefore unable to respond to the question as it relates to the mandate of another Department.

 

Reply:

Please refer to my reply to parliamentary question 1029 on the same subject.

Reply:

(1)

The ECD Stimulus allocation was allocated to the National Department of Social Development on condition that it will become part of the 2020 ECD Conditional Grant and therefore implementation by the provincial Departments of Social Development. These conditions were set by the National Treasury and approved within the “Division of Revenue Act.

The National Department of Social Development has since the inception of this project, centralised the application process since no systems were in place for the implementation of this project, given the informal nature of the ECD sector.

However, the Department developed a policy that guided the implementation of this project. The policy clearly indicated the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders including the provincial Departments of Social Development.

The Department also further received technical support from DG Murray Trust (DGMT), who assisted in management of the implementation of the project and attended to communication matters that related to this project. DGMT appointed the service provider in this regard.

DGMT advised that they are financially constrained and cannot continue financially supporting the project.

It is against this background that national Department of Social Development decentralised some of the activities that include staff and site verifications. Site verification was already done by provinces. The National Department remained with the technical part of the project which is batch generation.

(2)

This shift has no impact in the payment of ECD programmes as some of the provinces were already verifying the ECD programmes to confirm that they are paying the right ECD programmes. During sessions held with provinces led by HODs, provinces showed willingness and commitment to consolidate the project by paying those ECD programmes that qualify to be paid.

(3)

The National Department engaged the provincial Department teams led by HODs about the shift in responsibilities and decentralisation. The only issue raised during these engagements was training of officials to carry out the responsibilities which was done by both the service provider and the national departmental officials. The provinces committed to projectized the project. Provinces developed project plans and submitted to National, which are continuously monitored through different departmental structures.

(4) (a)

It should be noted that training was provided to provinces to prepare them for the execution of their new roles. Continuous support is provided to those provinces that need support. This include the functioning of help desks where officials at national level are deployed to assist in managing and resolving issues when necessary. Continuous monitoring of the implementation of this project is also done through meetings nationally and with individual provinces.

(b)

It is the intention of the department to finalise payment by the end of March 2022. It should be noted that the majority of the ECD programmes have been requested to correct their information, with only few responding to the call. Some staff members of the ECD programmes have on a repeated basis failed verification despite correction of information, same with bank verification. This could imply that these applicants and staff are non-existent and therefore should this pattern continue the department will be left with no option but to pay those who qualify and close the project.

Reply:

1. Background

The National Development Agency (NDA) was appointed by the Department of Social Development (DoSD) in December 2019 to coordinate and implement, on behalf of the Department, the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA): Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) through appointment of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) who will provide direct and indirect support to victims of gender-based violence and femicide.

The total amount for the Programme transferred to the NDA in 2020 was R95 million. R90 million was allocated for CSOs funding while R5 million was allocated for a mentorship programme for emerging CSOs. The NDA Board approved 312 CSOs to receive the funding to the amount of R85 700 000.00 to implement GBVF programmes in communities across all nine Provinces. The balance of R4 300 000.00 from the R90 000 000.00 was not committed in the first call for proposals. Moreover, there was a R3 400 000.00 saving made from the initial approved list. The total funds available for the second call for proposals is R7 700 000.00 based on the balance from the first call for proposals and the savings cited above.

2. Response to Questions

(a)(i) The total number of proposals received as a response to the NDA CARA second call for proposals was 313. However, only 186 complied to the closing time for the call for proposals which was 21 October 2021, 12:00 noon and therefore were assessed for possible funding.

(a) (ii) The names of applicants received in each Province for the CARA funds second call for proposals, with information on district, physical address, contact details is attached as Register 1.

(b) The document with the 186 assessed proposals (names of the organisations) and Provinces for the second call for proposals is attached as Register 1 whilst Register 3 indicates the 41 shortlisted proposals for verification.

(c) Each CSOs is allocated an amount of R200 000.00 per and would paid in two tranches after it was approved by the NDA Board, the second tranche is paid after the CSOs has submitted a reports stipulated in the contract between the CSO and the NDA.

(d) (i) To date the NDA has made payment of R40 350 000.00 to 296 Civil Society Organisations for first tranches.

(d) (ii) R26 450 000.00 has been paid to 189 Organisations for second tranche payments. Second tranche payments are made once the CSOs have met the conditions stated in the signed SLA for second tranche payment.

(e) The successful Organisations were identified through evaluation criteria set by the Project Steering Committee responsible for assessment of all proposals submitted for funding of CSOs for the implementation of the CARA programme. The criteria were part of the Terms of Reference included in the second call for proposals to ensure that CSOs were aware of it at the time of preparation and submission of the proposals. The ToRs and criteria are attached as Annexure A.

Reply:

The Department, as well as SASSA considers it as a top priority to ensure that every client is attended to with dignity at all times when visiting our offices or interacting with all SASSA staff. With regard to the Walvis Bay office, a senior delegation recently visited Walvis Bay. The purpose of the visit was to prepare the environment for the review project which is currently underway, but also to engage stakeholders in Walvis Bay and the SASSA staff member to address the complaints which had been received.

The local office in Walvis Bay has not been adequately resourced, which has given rise to frustrations from both the staff member and the members of the community. This is being addressed to ensure that the environment is conducive to the service provided.

One of the targets set in the operational plan for 2022/23 is to conduct a satisfaction survey to obtain feedback from service users which will be used to inform a service delivery improvement plan. In addition, training for staff on customer care matters as well as legislative requirements is planned for the new financial year.

The other target which has been set for SASSA is to develop and implement a comprehensive customer services strategy, which will enable SASSA to measure and report on aspects directly related to the clients we serve and ensure the upholding of the Batho Pele principles.

The Department believes that the above interventions will go a long way towards ensuring that SASSA provides a customer centric service at all times.

Reply:

The Member is informed that question 1902 on 22 October 2021 was asked to and responded by the Minister of Finance and not the Minister of Social Development. However, the response follows.

1. The allocation of the R496 million, when announced and allocated as part of the 2020 Conditional Grants, was based on the “Equitable share formula” to the provincial Departments of Social Development and not based on the applications of ECD staff.

As a result, six (6) of the nine (9) provincial Departments of Social Development received more funding that was required in terms of the number of ECD staff applied. The remaining three (3) provinces had a shortfall based on the number of applications received.

This has resulted that the six (6) provincial Departments of Social Development could only request roll over funds that was committed in terms of ECD staff at financial year-end and three (3) provinces could only commit what was allocated. As a result of this, the R41 million difference was lost and was returned back to National Treasury.

Therefore, the National Treasury only approved the requests by provincial Departments of Social Development for “Roll over funds” to the 2021/22 financial year based on the actual commitments registered for outstanding ECD Staff that was eligible for payment and thus approved that R351 million be rolled over to the 2021/22 financial year to the provincial Departments of Social Development.

2. In terms of the guidelines of the National Treasury for the “Roll over of Funds”, it is not permitted to apply for rollovers twice for the same purpose. However, given the nature of the ECD stimulus, the Department intends to engage the National Treasury to request for a roll over to finalise the payment of the ECD Stimulus Package in the 2022/23 financial year.

The Department of Social Development and Basic Education will engage the National Treasury on how best this project can be concluded in the 2022/23 financial year.

Reply:

This CARA fundeding prioritised funding of CSOs in under resourced areas including township and rural areas. More victims of Gender Based Violence in these under resources areas are able to access services from these CARA funded CSOs. This CARA funded project has overall contributed towards increased accessibility of victim empowerment services to victims of gender based violence.

77 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) funded through this fund are classified as emerging due to inadequate project management, governance and financial management capacity within these CSOs. The process of implementing the mentoring and coaching programme is underway. R5 million of CARA funding was budgeted for implementation of mentoring and coaching for emerging CSOs. This mentoring and Coaching is underway.

It should however be noted that the process of conducting evaluation study on the CARA funded projects has been initiated and the final evaluation report will provide more reliable findings regarding the impact of this CARA funded project.

Reply:

On 12 April 2021, National Treasury responded to the application from the NDA for condonation of 421 irregular transactions, committed by employees no longer in the NDA’s employ, dating from the 2015-16 financial year to the 2019-20 financial year, to the value of R96,1 million. National Treasury did not condone the irregular expenditure, because no evidence of consequence management and additional measures to prevent future occurrences of similar cases, and no determination reports were submitted with the application.

On 27 October 2021, the NDA submitted to National Treasury determination reports for the irregular transactions and appealed the decision by National Treasury not to condone.

On 21 January 2022, National Treasury responded to NDA’s request for appeal, and requested evidence that the root causes of non-compliance have been addressed to prevent future occurrences of non-compliant transactions; a determination, where possible, that services were provided at a market related price; and proof of the termination of employees linked to the irregular transactions.

The NDA collated all the required supporting information, and submitted these documents to National Treasury on 21 February 2022 to assist in a review of the condonement decision, and include namely:

a) Evidence of market analyses confirming that costs incurred were reasonably market related;

b) Evidence that the NDA officials identified to have caused the transgressions, have left the NDA’s employ;

c) Evidence of the control processes that have been put in place by the NDA to prevent and mitigate the occurrence of irregular expenditure of a similar nature in the future, including reviewed and approved SCM policies and standard operation procedures and tools;

d) Evidence of appointment and training of SCM staff to enhance the capacity of the function, and training of NDA staff in general on the SCM policy and attendant processes.

In addition, given that some of the contracts were still active at the time of compiling the report of irregular expenditure for the period 2015/2016 to 2019/2020, totalling R96 115 315.51 in value, which was submitted for condonement, the NDA included in this submission (21 February 2022), an updated list of irregular expenditure transactions for the 2020/2021 and 2021/22 financial years, that relate to the same irregular contracts that remained active from the previous years, totalling an additional amount of R2,637,679.45 of irregular expenditure.

The total irregular expenditure that now forms part of the request to National Treasury for condonement, against these irregular contracts amounts to R98,752,994.96, totalling 484 transactions covering the financial period from 2015/16 to 2021/22. All these irregular contracts have since been terminated. The NDA now awaits a response from National Treasury on the revised condonement application.

Reply:

(a) Titles of funded vacant positions	(b)(i) Programme	(b)(ii) Sub-programme	(c) Vacan=cy period as on 31 March 2021	(d) Date to be filled	(e) Officials in an acting capacity	(f) How was performan= ce affected
Director-General	P 1: Administration	Office of the Director-General	46 mnths	Process is underway	Yes	Acting appointment ensures continuity in the management of operations.
Deputy Director-General: Strategy & Organisational Transformation	P 1: Administration	Branch: Strategy and Organisational Transformation	10 mnths	Process is underway	Yes	Acting appointment ensures continuity in the management of operations.
Director: Gender Focal Point	P 1: Administration	Chief Directorate: Strategy Management & Transformation	42 mnths	1/12/ 2021	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.
Director: Population Policy & Strategy Monitoring & Evaluation	P 1: Administration	Chief Directorate: Population & Development	45 mnths	1/2/ 2022	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.
Director: Population Development Programmes and Capacity Building	P 1: Administration	Chief Directorate: Population & Development	8 mnths	1/12/ 2021	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.
Director: Population and Development Research	P 1: Administration	Chief Directorate: Population & Development	3 mnths	Process to reprioritise funding for critical posts.	Yes	Acting appointment ensures continuity in the management of operations.
Director: Legal Services	P 1: Administration	Chief Directorate: Legal Services	1 mnth	1/04/ 2022	No	Post filled with effect from 1/04/2022. There was no impact on the performance of the Department.
Chief Director: Information Management Systems Technology	P 1: Administration	Branch: Corporate Support Services	4 mnths	1/05/ 2022	Yes	Acting appointment ensures continuity in the management of operations.
Director: Medical Case Assessment	P 2: Comprehen= sive Social Security	Chief Directorate: Social Assistance Appeals	41 mnths	1/04/ 2021	No	Post filled with effect from 1/04/2021. There was no impact on the performance of the Department.
Deputy Director-General: Welfare Services	P 4: Welfare Services	Branch: Welfare Services	6 mnths	Process is underway	Yes	Acting appointment ensures continuity in the management of operations.
Director: Families Services and Programmes	P 4: Welfare Services	Chief Directorate: ECD & Families	3 mnths	Process to reprioritise funding of critical posts.	Yes	Acting appointment ensures continuity in the management of operations.
Chief Director: Governance and Compliance of Children’s Rights	P 4: Welfare Services	Branch Welfare Services	3 mnths	Function will be migra ting to the Presi dency	Yes	Acting appointment ensures continuity in the management of operations.
Director: VEP and Prevention of GBV	P 4: Welfare Services	Chief Directorate: Social Crime Prevention & Anti-Substance Abuse	35 mnths	22/10/2021	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.
Chief Director: Community Mobilisation and Empowerment	P 5: Community Development	Branch Community Develop= ment	48 mnths	11/08/2021	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.
Chief Director: Poverty Alleviation, Sustainable Livelihood & Food Security	P 5: Community Development	Branch: Community Development	39 mnths	13/08/2021	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.
Chief Director: NPO Registration, Funding & Compliance Monitoring	P 5: Community Development	Branch: Community Development	70 mnths	11/08/2021	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.
Director: NPO Compliance Monitoring	P 5: Community Development	Chief Directorate: NPO Registration, Funding & Compliance Monitoring	14 mnths	27/08/2021	Yes	There was an employee acting in the post and the post has subsequently been filled.

 

Reply:

(i)Minister
(a)Make	(b)Model	(c)Year of Manufacture	(d)Price	(e)Purchase date
None	None	None	None	None
(ii) Deputy Minister
(a)Make	(b)Model	(c)Year of Manufacture	(d)Price	(e)Purchase date
Lexus	NX300	2020	R664 723	06/03/2020
Lexus	NX300	2020	R664 723	06/03/2020

Reply:

(a) A total of 1327 ECD services have received payment as at 23 February 2022.

(b) The total amount paid is R24 287 263,00 to these ECD services

(c) A total of 1 798 ECD service are still awaiting payment which translate to 3125 staff.

Reply:

(a)(i) The number of early childhood development centers (ECDs) are still awaiting verifications per province

Province	No. of ECD centres still awaiting site verifications	No. of ECD centres still awaiting CSD-Bank verifications
EC	287	21
FS	14	10
GP	2 102	1764
KZN	53	101
LP	18	82
MP	10	83
NC	0	73
NW	157	217
WC	The province is in the process of appointing a service provider to assist with site, bank , staff verification as well as duplications, i.e. the work that was previously performed by Data Innovators	The province is in the process of appointing a service provider to assist with site, bank , staff verification as well as duplications, i.e. the work that was previously performed by Data Innovators
TOTAL	2 641	2 351

(a)(ii) The number of early childhood development centers (ECDs) awaiting payments per provinces

Province	ECD Programmes	Staff
EC	580	1 338
FS	58	171
GP	613	3 267
KZN	390	2 757
LP	611	1 784
MP	85	333
NC	42	115
NW	105	398
WC	86	283
TOTAL	528	10 446

(b) ECDs already been paid

Province	ECD Pogrammes paid
EC	1 899
FS	1 266
GP	2 327
KZN	2 946
LP	2 648
MP	1 138
NC	375
NW	621
WC	1 327
TOTAL	14 547

(c) ECD employees are still awaiting payments and employees already paid.

There was total of 115 661 staff members associated with the initial 27 884 applications. This figure reduced to 114 446 staff members due to the following: cancellations, applications becoming incomplete and data cleaning whilst resolving duplications, individuals linked to persal and deceased staff members. The figures above show the payment status of the 114 446 staff members. Of the total applications that have been received, only 13 268 ECD programmes consisting of 61 798 staff members are still outstanding for payments

15 075 ECD programmes consisting of 63 094 staff members was send to province for payment processing. To date, 14 547 ECD programmes with 54 661 staff members have been paid.

It must be noted that out of the 61 798 staff outstanding for payments, there might be a drastic drop as provinces continue with the verifications. Already there are challenges with staff, site and CSD-Bank verifications, untraceable programmes, deceased and the closed ECD centres.

Province	ECD employees still waiting payments	ECD employees paid
EC	1 338	5 307
FS	171	5 589
GP	3 267	8 900
KZN	2 757	10 816
LP	1 784	9 136
MP	333	5 046
NC	115	1 471
NW	398	2 594
WC	283	5802
TOTAL	10 446	54 661

(2) The department has received the total of R496 million of which 2% of the total allocation has been taken out for administration and R474 million for implementation of the stimulus package. R264.4 million has been disbursed to provinces. From the R264.4 million, provinces managed to pay R220 342 million. The below table provides a breakdown of the total allocations and the amounts paid.

Province	(a) Total amount allocated to each province	(b) Total amount reportedly spent by each province
EC	R54 370 000	R22 215 638
FS	R32 851 728	R23 395 584
GP	R115 081 512	R37 255 000
KZN	R85 177 000	R36 805 625
LP	R73 732 204	R38 243 296
MP	R36 694 476	R21 122 556
NC	R12 306 840	R 6 157 606
NW	R29 101 072	R10 859 410
WC	R54 711 020	R24 329 123
TOTAL	R496 000 000	R220 342 978

Reply:

(1) There was no budget that was allocated for training of staff at Mohlakeng Old Age Home in Randfontein; however, the Department transferred the total amount of R 480 000 (R 120 000 per quarter) for managing the affairs of the Organisation.

(2) The staff did not receive any accredited training, instead focus was on the mentoring and coaching was conducted to prepare them to perform their duties.

Reply:

a) There are currently 3 legal claims for damages against the NDA, namely:

(i) With regard to the Pannar Seeds (Pty) Ltd vs NDA refer to my reply to Parliamentary Question 307.

(ii) Uhuru Printers (Pty) Ltd vs NDA (R3 507 000 .00 plus interest). This matter is currently before court. Uhuru Printers took the NDA to court claiming damages for the alleged breach of contract. The contract was awarded irregularly as it discovered that it was awarded after the expiry of the validity period. The NDA on the instruction of the then board cancelled the contract. On advice of legal counsel, the NDA instituted an application to review the decision to award the tender to Uhuru Printers, which is also currently pending before the High Court.

The review application was heard on 12 February 2021 and the Court gave an order in favour of the NDA by default in the following terms:

a) The NDA’S decision to award tender number NDA10/MC01/13 (“the tender”) to Uhuru it is reviewed and set aside

b)  It is declared that no valid and lawful agreement came into existence between the NDA and Uhuru pursuant to the aforesaid decision to award the tender to Uhuru

c) The costs of this application shall be paid by Uhuru.

Uhuru Printers thereafter applied for a rescission of the default judgment granted in favour of the NDA. We are awaiting the court decision on the rescission application.

(iii) Fairdeal vs the NDA (R 199,990.40). The NDA procured the services of the Plaintiff to train and accommodate members of civil society organisations. The plaintiff failed to deliver contracted services as per the Service Level Agreement. This resulted in the termination of the contract and the NDA withheld the transfer of the remaining tranche, which resulted in the plaintiff instituting legal claim for damages.

Fairdeal Poultry has failed to set the matter down and get a trial date. At some stage, the plaintiff instituted a parallel process by reporting the matter to the Public Protector but failed to follow through with all the necessary processes.

b) The amount claimed by the plaintiffs against the NDA are reflected above per each case, but the true amount will only be known once a competent court of law has decided on the merits of each case brought against the NDA.

Reply:

I would like to inform the Honourable Member that this matter is still in court as the NDA successfully applied for the rescission of the default judgement against it. The exchange of legal documents between the NDA and the plaintiff has not been finalised as the plaintiff must first reply to our notices in terms of Rule 35 (12) and (14).

Reply:

I would like to refer the Honourable Member to my reply to Parliamentary Question 2523, which was published in the internal question paper on 19 November 2021.

Reply:

a) I would like to first inform the Honourable Member that for any offender’s name to be registered on the Child Protection Register (CPR), the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development through the courts, provides the Department of Social Development with all convictions of all people charged with child abuse, neglect or exploitation.

It is the legislative competence of courts to decide and declare any person unsuitable to work with children. The courts and forums such as the South African Council of Educators (SACE) have an important role in declaring any person unsuitable to work with children based on convictions and disciplinary proceedings.

The breakdown of the number of persons registered on the CPR is as follows:

(i) 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017 is 23,

(ii) 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 is 509,

(iii) 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019 is 144,

(iv) 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 is 148

(v) 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 is 359 and

(b) Not applicable. Form 29 (Annexure B of the Regulations) and Form 30 applications are received from employers and individuals as per the requirements of the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).

The total number of Form 29 and 30s registered on the Child Protection Register are as follows:

Period	(b)(i) Form 29	(b)(ii) Form 30
1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017	34 721	65 440
1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018	48 989	91 094
1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019	34 243	34 243
1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020	1 731	45 233
1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021	45 023	90 070
Total	164 707	326 080

 

Reply:

a) SASSA engaged 7 banks for the first iteration of the Special COVID-19 SRD grant (May 2020 to April 2021). This was specifically for the purposes of means testing reconsideration of declined applicants.

(i) ABSA; First National Bank, Nedbank, Standard Bank; Postbank; Tymebank and Capitec. The contracts expired on 31 July 2021, prior to the implementation of the new iteration of the SRD grant.

SASSA then followed a closed tender process to contract with banks again. To date, no contracts have been finalised with any bank. Currently, contracts are being finalised with ABSA, Nedbank, Standard Bank and Grindrod Bank for the provision of means testing and mobile money transfer services, as these banks passed through the tender process. Approval to negotiate with other banks who did not pass through the tender process for the means testing services, approval is being sought from the National Treasury.

(ii) No outstanding appeals for the first iteration of the SRD grant. With regards to the second iteration, the number of outstanding appeals are as follows:

2021:

August 984 702

September 711 017

October 570 111

November 416 234

December 302 302

2022:

January 141 010

(Please note that the window to request reconsideration is still open for January 2022, so these numbers may still increase. Reconsiderations must be lodged within 30 days of the applicant having received the outcome of their application.

b) The requirement to assess income on reconsideration is set in the Directions for the SRD grant. This is the only means through which SASSA can electronically validate the assertion by the applicant that he/she does not have financial support from any other source. Despite the delays in finalising contracts with the banks, all reconsiderations will be attended to. Once concluded, the contracts will remain in place until end of March 2023. This will enable SASSA to effectively deal with all backlogs.

Reply:

With the first iteration of the Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant, SASSA entered into contracts with banks to provide the cash send / mobile money transfer channel for approved applicants who chose this payment option. The reinstatement of the grant was only published in the Government Gazette on 3 August 2021, a month after the expiration of the contracts with the banks. As a result, SASSA had to follow a new procurement process.

SASSA got approval from the National Treasury to follow a closed tender process, directed at banks registered in South Africa only. This process was concluded in December 2021, with only 4 banks of the more than 20 banks in South Africa passing the tender processes. Work is currently underway to conclude the detailed contracts with the banks to be able to provide the cash send payment option.

Since the banks are also contracted to provide a means test for reconsideration of declined applications, SASSA approached the National Treasury for approval to negotiate with the remaining banks, as the service required is not based on competitive bids, but rather the intention is to include as many banks as possible. This will ensure that the most accurate decisions possible are made for applications for the grant. This process is underway.

Despite the mobile money transfer option not being operational at this stage, all applicants for the SRD grant who chose the money transfer method of payment were contacted in order to either provide bank account details, or opt to be paid through the post office, so as not to delay the payments of the approved applicants.

 

Reply:

a) SASSA has a cleaning contract with the company in question which was awarded in April 2022. This contract was not part of the SIU investigation. The contract that the Honourable Member is referring to in which the company was implicated in fraudulent activity relates to the procurement of food parcels under the state of national disaster. The final SIU investigation report became available early this year. The SIU will institute civil proceedings against this company in respect of the food distribution contract.

An investigation was conducted internally against the official and when no evidence of wrong doing was found, the matter was referred to the HAWKS for further investigation. The outcome of the investigation will determine the disciplinary action, including the current contract.

Reply:

i) DSD

a) Two (2) suppliers remain unpaid, 5 invoices

(aa)                 One (1)           – R 591 712.00        

(bb)                 Two (2) – R 890 212.00

(cc)                  One (1) – R 606 202.00

(dd)                 One (1) – R 682 872.00  

b) Total value of R2,770 million

c) The payments for all invoices have been actioned and the settlement date will be 22 and 24 February 2022. 

ii) SASSA

One of the performance indicators SASSA is measured against is 100% supplier payments within 30 days.

SASSA has achieved this indicator since April 2020 to date where all suppliers were paid within 30 working days.

iii) NDA

The NDA processed a total of 605 invoices to the value of R54,86 million, for the financial year to the end of January 2022.

a) The NDA has no supplier that has not been paid.

During this period:

aa) 604 suppliers were paid within 30days

bb) 1 supplier paid within 60 days

cc) no supplier not paid in 90days

dd) no supplier not paid in 120 days

b) The NDA does not have any outstanding payment due to any of its suppliers.

Reply:

No (a) Not applicable (b) Not applicable (c) Not applicable

Reply:

1 (a) The OPG means test formula was last reviewed on 01 April 2011. The formula however is linked to the value of the grant, which is reviewed annually, based on the budget allocated for the grant.

(b) Provision is made for annual inflation related adjustment to all social grants, including the Old Age Grant. However, in recent years, due to fiscal constraints, and budget cuts across government.

(2) The means test assesses the income and assets thresholds of both a single and a married applicant, and does not consider the number of household members. One of the policy proposals in the Discussion Paper on Comprehensive Social Security is to align the means test criteria with the criteria for tax thresholds, and progressively move towards universalisation of all social grants. With regards to dependants of applicants, the Department’s policy is to provide individually for them. For example, if there are children in the household of the applicant, the caregiver can access the Child Support Grant. If there are dependants who have a disability, they can access the Disability Grant, and if there are adult dependants, they can access Social Relief of Distress.

(3) There is no such a thing as “blanket refusal” because every application is subjected to policy provision, including the means test.

(4) Yes, Section 18 of the Social Assistance Act (Act 13 of 2004) makes provision for applicants whose application has been declined to may appeal SASSA’s decision with the Independent Tribunal for Social Assistance Appeals.

Once again, I would like to reiterate that there is no such thing as “blanket refusal” as every appeal is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The same qualifying criteria provided for in the Social Assistance Act are used to assess the appeal cases. The 2021/2022 threshold for the Old Age Grant is as follows:

• R 87 720 for and individual
• R175 440 for a couple

The asset threshold for the OPG is:

• R 1 247 400 for an individual, and
• R 2 494 800 for a couple.

 

Reply:

a) I received the preliminary report in December 2021 and the final report last month.

b) Upon receipt of the final report, I made it available to the implicated officials to allow them an opportunity to state their cases in response to the SIU investigation and findings as required by law.

c) The Department had a meeting with the SIU investigators to discuss the report and to seek clarity. The SIU offered its assistance to the Department as it initiates the process to take the necessary disciplinary action against the implicated officials.

Reply:

1. Yes, there are minimum norms and standards in place to run government-subsidised old-age homes. The National Department of Social Development has established norms and standards which guide acceptable levels of services to Older Persons and service standards for residential to run government–subsidised residential facilities.

The details are as follows:

The norms and standards are developed within the regulations for the Older Persons Act, 2006 (Act No. 13 of 2006), viz. Regulations 33075 of 2010 (Gazette 33075, 01 April 2010). The norms and standards regulate the following, among others:

•  

1.1 Registration of all residential facilities and prescribed reporting and accounting systems thereof;

1.2Provision of financial awards;

1.3 Provision of acceptable levels of services within these facilities;

1.4 Required minimum staff complement and the suitability of their background or knowledge base in line with their roles and responsibilities within a residential facility;

1.5 Basic health and occupation systems mandated in line with health and safety of residents including staff members in line with relevant pieces of legislations;

1.6 Basic requirements to facilitate compliance with building regulations and standards and

1.7 Provision of monitoring and evaluation systems etc.

2. Residential facilities are funded by provinces based on available resources through funds appropriated by provincial treasuries. The following are minimum requirements needed to fund NPOs as spelled out in the Older Persons’ Regulations, Policy on Financial Awards and the Non Profit Organisations Act, 71(NPO Act, Act No.71 of 1997)- NPOs must:

• Be registered and be in terms of the Non-Profit Organisations Act, No. 71, 1997, and compliant with its provisions.
• Registered or have at least a conditional registration in the case of services where such a registration is a legislative requirement.
• Be compliant with the applicable governance, financial management, banking and reporting requirements.
• Have financial management and internal control systems applicable to the entity or NPO; in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• Have a bank account in the name of the entity.
• Demonstrate the necessary capability and understanding to provide services according to the specified minimum norms and standards for the service.

1. LISTS OF RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

3.1 EASTERN CAPE

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
	Thatcher Home\ Tehuis		R288,000
	Amatola Haven		R384,000
	Callie Evens		R720,000
	A.C.V.V Adelaide		R936,000
	Cingela Old Age Home		R480,000
	D.J. Sobey Old Age Home		R1,584,000
	Leisure Homes for Senior Citizens (Kennersley Park)		R1,344,000
	East London Senior Citizens Association (ELSCA)		R1,368,000
	Ethembeni Old Age Home		R984,000
	Huis John Vorster Old Age Home		R1,848,000
	ACVV Nerinahof Residential Facility		R1,008,000
	Huis Silwejare		R720,000
	Huis Tarkastad Home		R216,000
	Uniesfeesherdenkingtehuis		R360,000
	Elizabeth Jordaan Tehuis Residential Facility for Older Persons		R720,000
	Madeira Home Housing Utility Company		R1,560,000
	Marais Steyn Home For the Aged		R432,000
	Huis Van der Horst		R648,000
	Huis Dirk Postma vir Bejaardes		R528,000
	Gelvan Park Frail Aged Home		R2,352,000
	Malabar Home for the Aged		R936,000
	Ekuphumleni Old Age Home		R1,440,000
	ACVV Huis Genot		R1,320,000
	Nazareth House		R456,000
	Munro Kirk Home		R792,000
	Huis Louisa Meyburgh		R768,000
	A C V V Huis Najaar		R1,440,000
	Uitenhage ACVV Dienstak: Aandmymering Old Age Home		R1,200,000
	Rosa Munch House		R192,000
	Empilweni Home		R2,088,000
	Huis Formosa Tehuis vir Bejaardes		R792,000
	Huis Welverdiend		R768,000
	Gert Greeff Tehuis		R576,000
	Ons Tuiste		R1,248,000
	ACVV Huis Silwerjare		R624,000
	Mc Kaiser Old Age Home		R528,000
	Brookshaw Home		R168,000
	ACVV Huis Diaz, Alexandria		R672,000
	Aalwynhof Old Age Home		R480,000
	ACVV Huis Van der Graaff		R672,000
	Damant Lodge		R336,000
	Valleihof ACVV Old Age Home		R768,000

3.2 FREE STATE

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
FEZILE DABI	Amot- Andries Maria Oosthuizen Tehuis	70	R 512 976
	Najaarsrus	136	R 821 712
	Ons Gryse Jeug Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	60	R691 968
	Kroonstad Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	163	R 821 712
	Viljoenskroon Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	44	R 605 472
	Heil Van Bron	57	R 605 472
	Wilgerus Versorgingsdienste	60	R 1210 944
	Emily Hobhouse	44	R 1 081 200
	Onze Rust Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	36	R 735 216
LEJWELEPUTSWA	Huisgoed Vir Sorg	49	R821 712
	Bultfontein Versorgingsdienste	70	R735 216
	Hoopstad Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	40	R648 720
	Huis Moria Old Age Home	38	R864 960
	Rusoord	50	R562 224
	Mev President Steyn	80	R1643 424
	Huis Ougoud Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	44	R648 720
	Nasina Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	44	R778 464
	Huis Maranata	61	R778 464
MANGAUNG METRO	Ons Tuiste	206	R 1081 200
	Stillehawe Te Huis Vir Bejaardes	60	R 1081 200
	Mangaung Society for The Care of the Aged	80	R 3 459 840
THABO MOFUTSANYANE	Lidia Tehuis Vir Bejaardes	41	R648 720
	Cloc In	25	R432 480
	Imperani Park Home fortThe Aged	30	R389 232
	Senekal Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	72	R1556 928
	Huis Sorgvry	55	R562 224
	Huis Kosmos	23	R 648 720
	Clara Mabahloki	50	R2 162 400
	Avond Vrede	60	R1081 200
	Khabonina	20	R864 960
XHARIEP	Engo Trompsburg Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	66	R 908 208
	Huis Uitkom	65	R 648 720
	Reddesrus	48	R 1081 200
	Vergesig	38	R 259 488
	Ons Woning Sentrum Vir Bejaardes	45	R778 464
TOTAL	35		R31 565 040

3.3 GAUTENG

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
	Daveyton Society for The Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R1,278,168
	Tsakane Home for The Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R1,513,608
	Vosloorus Society for Care of the Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R2,584,680
	Raad Vir Berjaades Kempton Pak	102 - Old Age Home	R1,314,696
	Alberton Tuiste	102 - Old Age Home	R1,197,096
	Boksburg Society for Care of Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R4,407,096
	Ebenhaeze Tehuis Bejaades	102 - Old Age Home	R981,816
	ENTE ITALIANO CASA ANZIANI (CASA SA	102 - Old Age Home	R1,110,000
	SA RED CROSS	102 - Old Age Home	R1,290,000
	Frank Mynhadt Tehuis	102 - Old Age Home	R4,020,000
	Hefsland Teiste Vi Bejaades	102 - Old Age Home	R1,671,864
	Korwa Pienaar Tehuis	102 - Old Age Home	R1,440,000
	Marian House	102 - Old Age Home	R690,000
	Methodist Home for the Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R900,000
	Rus 'N Bietjie Tehuis	102 - Old Age Home	R1,950,000
	SA Redcross Soc Elandsvallei Old	102 - Old Age Home	R780,000
	SAVF HUIS DIEN BOTHMA	102 - Old Age Home	R2,367,096
	Solheim Tuiste	102 - Old Age Home	R3,150,000
	Methodist Home for the Aged (Springsetiementvillage)	102 - Old Age Home	R660,000
	Tehuis Vi Berjaades Nigel	102 - Old Age Home	R2,517,096
	Cunny Fam	102 - Old Age Home	R300,000
	Die Huis Andries Meye Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R3,866,592
	Die Stigting vir bejaades	102 - Old Age Home	R2,007,096
	Ekklesiapak Tuiste vi Bejaades	102 - Old Age Home	R815,496
	Floroma Home Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R1,980,000
	Federick Place Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R4,175,244
	Itlhokoneleng Association for Aged and Alexandra	102 - Old Age Home	R4,844,664
	Johannesbug Society for the Blind	102 - Old Age Home	R300,000
	Jodan House Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R3,387,984
	Joseph Gead Foundation	102 - Old Age Home	R1,813,704
	MAX ODMAN DEAF ASSOCIATION t/a	102 - Old Age Home	R744,000
	Nazaeth House	102 - Old Age Home	R1,778,316
	Pak Care Centre/SogSENTRUM	102 - Old Age Home	R7,038,960
	Rand Aid Association	102 - Old Age Home	R2,457,096
	Resindentia Stigting	102 - Old Age Home	R1,557,096
	Salvation ARMY (Southen AFRICA Teitoy)	102 - Old Age Home	R4,714,104
	Sandigham Gardens	102 - Old Age Home	R6,510,000
	South African Nuses Tust Funds	102 - Old Age Home	R360,000
	Soweto Home for the Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R5,737,224
	St Joseph Ithuteng campaign	102 - Old Age Home	R1,440,000
	The Women's Civic Benevolent Society incopaating	102 - Old Age Home	R1,617,096
	Vereeniging OLD AGE HOUSING UTILITY	102 - Old Age Home	R523,140
	VAAL ECHOES OF LOVE	102 - Old Age Home	R4,714,524
	Heidelbeg Vereeniging Vi Berjaades	102 - Old Age Home	R1,374,768
	Sebokeng Old Age Home & multi-Purpose CentreI(age in action)	102 - Old Age Home	R933,492
	Jeugland Tehuis	102 - Old Age Home	R1,167,096
	Huis Meyeton Home for the Aged/Huis Meyeton Tehuis Vi Bejaades	102 - Old Age Home	R1,257,096
	Vanderbijlpak Vereeninging Vir Bejaades	102 - Old Age Home	R1,107,096
	Vukuzenzele Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R3,123,960
	Ratanda Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R2,316,912
	Randvaal Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R1,467,096
	Zilisiminye Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R1,456,680
	Holy Cross Home	102 - Old Age Home	R2,006,280
	St John The Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R2,633,052
	Phumula Old Age Home	102 - Old Age Home	R1,338,840
	Lodwyk P Spies Home	102 - Old Age Home	R4,284,288
	Mamelodi Care of the Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R2,673,936
	Noma's Care Centre for the Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R3,079,332
	Van Rensbug: Tak van Monumenttehuis van die NHSV Goep	102 - Old Age Home	R2,969,256
	Ons Huis (iviea)	102 - Old Age Home	R4,137,024
	SAVF Magaetha Ackeman Hebeg and SAVF Magaetha Ackeman tehuis	102 - Old Age Home	R4,710,000
	Residentia Stigting	102 - Old Age Home	R1,049,256
	SAVF HUIS SILVESIG	102 - Old Age Home	R2,847,096
	Susan Strijdom Tehuis	102 - Old Age Home	R1,110,000
	Eersterust Welsynogan viR	102 - Old Age Home	R2,454,540
	Noma's Care Centre for the Aged	102 - Old Age Home	R1,606,608
	Tender Loving Care	102 - Old Age Home	R1,606,608
	Latte Rain	102 - Old Age Home	R3,000,000
	Moria Tehuis vi Bejaades	102 - Old Age Home	R3,444,768
	Moreglans Tehuis vi Berjaades	102 - Old Age Home	R3,879,096
	Tehuis Vi Berjaades - Luipaadsvlei	102 - Old Age Home	R3,626,304
	Mohlakeng Old Age	102 - Old Age Home	R1,902,960
	Viendskaps Tuiste	102 - Old Age Home	R4,701,864
	Mohlakeng Proto-Type	102 - Old Age Home	R1,080,000

3.4 KWA-ZULU NATAL

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
EThekwini North	Abalindi	65	R2 732 000
	Kwamashu Christian Care (Zamazulu Nokosi)	89	R4 060 000
	Mothwa Haven	43	R824 000
	Natal Settlers Memorial Homes	217	R7 948 000
	TAFTA - John Conradie	526	R5 040 000
	TAFTA -Farrer House	160	R978 000
	Verulam Frail Care & Service Centre	70	R3 960 000
	Zibambeleni	83	R3 128 000
	TOTAL		R 28 670 000
EThekwini South	ABH Home Dayanand	198	R8 628
	Issygeshan	67	R2 483 000
	Mooi Hawens	127	R2 140 000
	Ekhanana Old Age Home	44	R450 000
	TOTAL		R5 081 628
AMAJUBA DISTRICT	SAVF Huise Joanna	42	R1 400 000
	La-Gratitude	70	R3 400 000
	TOTAL		R4 800 000
UGU DISTRICT	Anerley Havens	69	R990 000
	Ntokozweni Village	39	R1 430 000
	Hibiscus Retirement village	88	R80 000
	Alexandra	39	R180 000
	TOTAL		R2 680 000
UMGUNGUNDLOVU DISTRICT	Sunnyside Park Home	32	R3 000 000
	Riverside Park Home	99	R700 000
	Marian Home for the Aged	132	R216 000
	Isabel Beardmore	64	R2 160 000
	Aryan Benevolent Home	28	R920 000
	SAVF	104	R3 000 000
	Victoria Memorial	44	R924 000
	Emuseni Centre for the Aged	56	R1 980 000
	TOTAL		R12 900 000
ZULULAND DISTRICT	SAVF Jubileum Tehuis	100	R3 272 000
ILEMBE DISTRICT	Ekuphumuleni KwaMaShandu Old Age Home	16	R816 000
	Banomusa Health and Welfare	32	R864 000
	TOTAL		R1 680 000
HARRY GWALA DISTRICT	Elonwabeni	35	R1 783 000
UTHUKELA DISTRICT	Juana Maria		R320 000
	Shepstone Place for Elderly	42	R1 292 000
	St Anthonines	63	R2 730 000
	TOTAL		R4 342 000
UMZINYATHI DISTRICT	ABH Glenco	32	R1 165 000
	ARCADIA	08	R144 000
	Dundee NDUMENI	29	R580 000
	ELC Mseni	68	R2 100 000
	TOTAL		R3 989 000

3.5 LIMPOPO

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
Waterberg	Piet Pot monument		R 948 720
	Naboom Old Age		R1 080 000
	Waterberg Old age		R 842 400
	Warmbath Rusoord		R1 1 66 400
Capricorn	Martha Hofmeyer		R2 754 000
	Sekutupu Old age home		R28 678 000
Sekhukhune	Loskop Vallei		R 734 400
Vhembe	Ons Tuiste		R1 468 800

3.6 MPUMALANGA

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
Nkangala	Emalahleni
	Edenpark Assisted Living	25	R102 000
	Mthumkhulu Assisted Living Facility	35	R142 800
	SAVF Immergroen Assisted Living Facility	25	R102 000
	Sub-total	85	R346 800
	Thembisile
	Ekukhanyeni Assisted Living	50	R204 000
	Sub-total	50	R204 000
	Total Assisted Living	209	R550 800
Ehlanzeni	Residential Care Facilities for Older Persons
	Ehlanzeni
	Bushuckridge
	Hlayisekani Nursing Home	30	R720 000
	Hlayisekani Nursing Home	Capacity strengthening	R600 000
	Mbombela
	SAVF Herfsakker Outehuis (1 emergency bed)	70	R1 512 000
	SAVF Rustig Outehuis e (1 emergency bed)	35	R756 000
	Sub-total	105	R3 588 000
	Thaba Chweu
	Lydenburg Rusoord (1 emergency bed)	55	R1 320 000
	Sub-total	55	R1 320 000
	Ehlanzeni Total	160	R4 908 000
Gert Sibande	Albert Luthuli
	Gugulethu St Benedict Home for the Aged (1 emergency bed)	79	R1 896 000
	Ons Eie Home Carolina	45	R1 080 000
	Sub-total	124	R2 976 000
	Govan Mbeki
	SAVF Silwerjare Buhuising	68	R1 468 800
	Standerton Association for the Aged (1emergency bed)	20	R1 080 000
	Sub-total	118	2 548 800
	Mkhondo
	Huis Immergroen Piet Retief Rusoord	21	R453 600
	Sub-total	21	R453 600
	Msukaligwa
	SAVF Huis Ermelo	100	R2 400 000
	Sub-total	100	R2 400 000

	Volksrust Rusoord (1 emergency bed)	30	R648 000
	Sub-total	30	R648 000
	Total Gert Sibande	393	R7 946 400
Nkangala	Emakhazeni
	SAVF Silwedae Ons Tuiste Home for the Aged (1 emergency bed)	30	R648 000
	Rusoord Belfast	50	R1 200 000
	Sub-total	80	R1 848 000
	Emalahleni
	SAVF Immergroen Home Hergurg	68	R1 632 000
	Sub-total	68	R1 632 000
	Steve Tshwete
	SAVF Hendrina Tehuis	45	R1 080 000
	SAVF Home Middelburg	60	R1 296 000
	St Joseph's Home for the Aged	40	R864 000
	Sub-total	145	R3 240 000
	Victor Khanye
	SAVF Ons Eie Outehuis Delmas (1 emergency bed)	40	R864 000
	Sub-total	40	R864 000
	Nkangala Total	333	R7 584 000
	Total Residential Care for Older Persons	886	R20 438 400
	Total Assisted Living Facilities	209	R550 800
	Total Residential Care and Assisted Living Facilities	1 095	R20 989 200

3.7 NORTHERN CAPE

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
Frances Baard	Ons Huis	36	R487 872
	Resthaven	39	R709 632
		TOTAL	R1 1985 504
John Taolo Gaetsewe	Kgomotsego	26	R412 473.60
	Mimosahof	36	R381 427.20
		TOTAL	R793 900.80
Namakwa	Huis Namakwaland	65	R887 040.00
	Huis Harmonie	42	R660.844.80
	Huis Sophia	13	R257 241.60
	Huis E.J. Appies	44	R758 419.20
	Johenco	45	R634 233.60
	Amandelhof	13	R137 491.20
	Emmanuel	20	R372 556.80
	Onse Rust	20	R195 148.80
	Sorgvleit	56	R727 372.80
		TOTAL	R4 630 348.80
Pixley kaSeme	Huis Danie van Huysteen	15	R323 697.60
	Huis H du Pickard	66	R944 697.60
	Huis Daneel	13	R164 102.40
	Huis Kiepersol	20	R186 168.40
	Sondersorge	40	R425 779.20
	Huis Frank du Toit	41	R452 385.30
	Huis Frieda Kempen	14	R186 279.60
	Huis Heldersig	18	R270 547.20
	Huis Spesbona	44	R558 835.20
		TOTAL	R3 512 492.50
ZFM	Orangehof	89	567 705.60
	Jan Voster	25	239 500.80
		TOTAL	807 206.40
TOTAL	24	841	10 941 452.50

3.8 NORTH WEST

District	Name of residential facility	Number of residents the facility is registered to accommodate	Number of residents subsidised	Amount of subsidy paid during the financial year 2021/22	Number of economically viable older persons	Comments
BOJANALA PLATINUM DISTRICT
Madibeng Local Municipality	Brits Maatskappy	100	22	R881 919.04	78	None
	Letlhabile Old Age Home	72	72	R2 261 919.04	0	None
Rustenburg Local Municipality	Sering Residentia	150	30	R1 006 033,36	120	None
	MTS Ancillary Health Care	30	27	R1 035 607,36	0	Funding is based on current occupation
Kgetleng Local Municipality	Koster Old Age Home	96	25	R700 000	71	None
	SAVF Rodenhoff Ouetehuis	42	29	R992 833.36	13	None
DR. KENNETH KAUNDA
JB Marks local Municipality	SAVF Ons Hulde Ouetehuis	96	63	R1 748 800	33	None
	Samuel Broadbent old age home	155	44	1 224 400	111	None
	SAVF Huis Ann-viljoen	94	35	R976 000	59	None
	SAVF Ventersdorp	42	32	R1 351 633,36	10	None
Matlosana Local Municipality	SAVF Evanna Tehuis	92	77	R2 135 200
	Klerksdorp Old Age Home	100	91	R2 511 600	9	None
Maquassi-Hills	Wolmaransdat Home For The Aged	92	92	R2 549 200	0	None
DR. RUTH SEGOMOTSI MOMPATI
Lekwa -Teemane Local Municipality	Jappie Kritzinger Old Age Home	115	42	R1 441 134.76	73	None
	Edith Smith Old Age Home	38	26	R999 534.00	12	None
Naledi Local Municipality	Rusoord Ouetehuis - Vryburg	82	42	R1 340 833.36	40	None
	Huis Louis Swanepoel Old Age Home	40	8	R230 800.00	32	None
Mamusa Local Municipality	Silwerjaare Old Age Home	54	30	R833 176.00	24	None
NGAKA MODIRI MOLEMA
Ramotshere-Moiloa	Zeerust Old Age Home	48	25	R700 000.00	23	None
	Ke Ba Rona Old Age Home	42	41	R1 247 934.76	0	Additional one person was admitted after the SLA was signed for 2021/22. Consideration will be done in the new financial year.
Mafikeng Local Municipality	Rotarus Home For Senior Citizens	37	36	R1 380 693.04	Funding is based on current occupation	None
	Lapa Lapa La Botlhe Old Age Home	72	64	R2 374 293.04	0	Funding is based on current occupation
Tswaing Local Municipality	Huis Louw Van Wyk	46	40	R1 114 000.00	6
	Huis Delareyville	42	37	R1 408 293.04	5
	Legae La Bone	35	35	R1 353 093.04	0	None
Ditsobotla Local Municipality	SAVF Licht Huis	96	61	R1 693 600	35	None
TOTAL	26	1911	1138	R35 502 532 NB. Payments are done on a quarterly basis. Currently processing the last payments for the quarter. Current expenditure is at 81.37%	754	Additional one person was admitted after the SLA was signed for 2021/22. Consideration will be done in the new financial year.

3.9 WESTERN CAPE

District	Name of Residential Facility	Number of Beneficiaries in Residential Facility	Budget Allocation
City of Cape Town Metropolitan
Metro East	ACVV Huis Jan Swart	79	R356 484
	ACVV Huis Marie Louw	69	R550 068
	ACVV Huis Soeterus	69	R635 052
	AGS Kuilsriver Tehuis	41	R1 286 460
	AGS Sarepta	150	R5 637 300
	Esperanza	112	R 2 000 326
	Helderberg Society for the Aged Helderberg Lodge	166	R 1 286 460
	Huis De Kuilen	150	R 2 322 596
	Huis Ravenzicht	99	R 1 276 594
	KSE Kraaifontein Tehuis	156	R6 236 458
	Pam Brink	111	R755 460
	Sen Cit Resthaven	39	R 979 121
	Zandvliet Care Facility	45	R 1 427 731
Metro North	Andre van der Walt	90	R267 700
	CPOA Arcadia Place	17	R 513 135
	CPOA Lilyhaven	124	R4 756 776
	CPOA Nerina Place	98	R4 036 740
	Haven Homes	70	R 2 580 341
	Highlands House	220	R670 476
	Huis Aristea	80	R 356 933
	Huis Boland	38	R84 984
	Huis Martina	153	R 3 393 394
	Kendrick House	67	R217 200
	Kensington Home for the Aged	97	R3 725 160
	Ladies Christian Home	122	R1 690 542
	Nazareth House Cape Town	40	R1 170 900
	Nazareth House Elsies River	30	R961 745
	Ons Tuiste ACVV Dienstak	93	R1 383 360
	Protea Home for the Aged	116	R453 276
	Ria Abel Home For The Aged	46	R 1 432 708
	Rogelim Monte Rosa	111	R 1 068 354
	Uitsig Tehuis	178	R1 281 912
	Zonnebloem ACVV Dienstak	106	R 2 493 641
	Zonnekus	96	R1 510 836
Metro South	Beaconvale Frail Care Centre	134	R5 693 928
	Beit ul Aman	78	R1 815 432
	CPOA Oakhaven	78	R2 219 148
	CPOA Erica Place	80	R3 257 748
	CPOA Lotus River	120	R 3 371 130
	Douglas Murray	90	R2 455 140
	FG Lowe Village Old Age Home	79	R2 386 704
	Huis Luckhoff	143	R1 732 776
	Huis Nuweland	55	R 267 700
	Ikaya Loxolo Lase gugulethu NPC	124	R4 862 157
	Plumstead Rusoord	95	R675 216
	Sunnyside Lodge	58	R748 392
Cape Winelands/Overberg	AA Tomlinson	89	R2 001 864
	ACVV Bredasdorp Suideroord Tehuis vir Bejaardes	157	R2 025 480
	ACVV Grabouw Huis Groenland	35	R892 332
	ACVV Heidehof	78	R 679 203
	ACVV Huis Maudie Kriel	89	R 1 526 918
	ACVV Nuwerus Tehuis	145	R 2 129 463
	ACVV Robertson Huis Le Roux	95	R 671 782
	ACVV Silwerkruin	113	R998 941
	AGS Tehuis vir Bejaardes Touwsrivier	50	R2 153 995
	Awendrus	100	R4 206 708
	Fleur de Lis	34	R 535 399
	Geluksoord Bejaardesorg	80	R394 236
	Herberg aan See	35	R460 344
	Herfsvreugde Tehuis	31	R1 189 776
	The Hermanus Frail Care Centre	63	R394 236
	Huis Andries Hamman	58	R 736 218
	Huis Brevis	70	R2 294 568
	Huis Ebenhaeser	105	R 3 403 348
	Huis Klippedrift	42	R 941 926
	Huis Lafras Moolman	37	R860 114
	Huis Lettie Theron	92	R1 209 625
	Huis PJ Du P Strauss	77	R3 229 392
	Huis Silwerjare	72	R2 998 056
	Huis Uitvlucht	81	R1 764 844
	Joseph Matwa Old Age Home	20	R 847 715
	Lingelihle Old Age Home	30	R1 127 003
	Mimosa	57	R1 012 740
	Mostertshoek Tehuis	43	R917 129
	Overberg Tehuis	40	R1 043 424
	Rusoord Tehuis vir Oues van Dae	176	R 2 136 796
	Rusthof Tehuis	104	R4 419 168
	Tulbagh ACVV Dienstak Huis Disa	42	R 483 361
	Vrederus	52	R 624 632
Eden / Karoo	ACVV Helen Bellinghanhof	193	R5 334 172
	ACVV Hesperos	77	R 1 534 340
	ACVV Huis Malan Jacobs	41	R 991 519
	ACVV Prins Albert Kweekvallei Tehuis	56	R1 399 908
	ACVV Seebries	80	R 1 829 281
	ACVV Tuishuis	22	R436 728
	Albertinia Versorgings Dienste	33	R819 156
	Benevolent Park Home for the Aged	41	R1 657 188
	Coronation Memorial Versorgingsoord vir Bejaades	100	R2 806 956
	DROOM	129	R1 284 240
	Hartenbos Bejaardesorg	97	R324 715
	Huis Izak van Tonder	66	R963 180
	Huis JJ Watson	60	R819 156
	Huis Johannes	66	R2 761 980
	Huis Spitskop	52	R1 827 156
	Loeriehof	57	R566 616
	Rosemoor Home For The Aged	98	R4 359 158
	Stilbaai Tehuis	58	R 381 730
	Tuiniqua Versorgingssentrum	40	R970 248
	Vermont Old Aged Home	50	R1 990 056
	Vygieshof	47	R 1 886 296
	Zenobia du Toit	57	R 909 707
West Coast	ACVV Aandskemering	101	R 1 821 859
	ACVV Huis Bergsig	47	R946 632
	ACVV Huis Moorrees	102	R3 356 868
	ACVV Huis Nerina	63	R934 824
	ACVV Piketberg Huis AJ Liebenberg	49	R1 095 595
	ACVV Sederhof	35	R 674 226
	ACVV Somerkoelte	42	R861 648
	Goue Aar Old Age Home	70	R2 219 064
	Groeneweide	42	R 1 095 595
	Huis Matzikama	40	R 775 858
	Huis van Liefde	80	R3 411 168
	Ons Huis	56	R1 145 189
	Sederville Tehuis vir Bejaardes	74	R3 123 162
	Vredendal Tehuis	72	R1 194 516
	Wittekruin	117	R1 564 114
TOTAL	116	9314	R198 670 234

4. The following tables reflect the salaries of employee who works in an old-age home and (b) breakdown in each province.

4.1 EASTERN CAPE

RANK	SALARY SCALE
Nursing Assistant	R132,525.00 – R149,613.00 per annum
Staff Nurse	R171, 381.00 – R192, 879.00 per annum
Professional Nurse	R256, 905.00 – R297, 825.00 per annum
Care Giver	R 52 428 per annum

4.2 FREE STATE

CATEGORY OF EMPLOYEES	STIPEND FOR EACH
Manager	R15 060 pm
Social Worker	-
Professional Nurse	R15 594 pm
Administrator
Administrative Officer/Clerk	R7 977 pm
Caregiver	R4 440 pm
Household supervisor	R5 955 pm
General assistant/worker: cleaners / launderer /cooks etc.	R4 011 pm
Handy man/gardener/driver	R4 011 pm

4.3 KWA-ZULU NATAL

R3 750.00 is the average stipend paid by funded residential facilities in the KwaZulu-Natal Province.

4.4 LIMPOPO

District	Name of the Facility	Subsidy Received
Waterberg	Piet Pot monument	R 948 720
	Naboom Old Age	R1 080 000
	Waterberg Old age	R 842 400
	Warmbath Rusoord	R1 1 66 400
Capricorn	Martha Hofmeyer	R2 754 000
	Sekutupu Old age home	R28 678 000
Sekhukhune	Loskop Vallei	R 734 400
Vhembe	Ons Tuiste	R1 468 800

4.5 MPUMALANGA

The Department pays the unit cost of R1800 for each older person per month. The funding is not prescriptive on the utilisation of the funding regarding stipend.

4.6 NORTHERN CAPE

The Northern Cape Department of Social Development does not have a government run old age home. All old age homes are run by the NGOs and they determine the salaries of their staff members. The salaries differ from facility to facility based on the finances of each facility. However, these are average salaries received from some of the facilities.

CATEGORY OF EMPLOYEES	STIPEND FOR EACH
Manager	R 17 000 per month
Social Worker
Professional Nurse	R 9 000 per month
Administrator	R 6 000 per month
Administrative Officer/Clerk	R 4 600 per month
Caregiver	R 2 274.60 per month
Household supervisor	R 3 500 per month
General assistant/worker: cleaners / launderer /cooks etc.	R 2 600 per month
Handy man/gardener/driver	R 2 250 per month

4.7 NORTH WEST

CATEGORY OF EMPLOYEES	STIPEND FOR EACH
Social Worker	168 033.36 p.a
Professional Nurse	103 901.40 p.a
Manager	40% of the R2300 of monthly subsidy depending on the number of beneficiaries. Amount is determined by the Facility Board
Administrator	40% of the R2300 of monthly subsidy depending on the number of beneficiaries. Amount is determined by the Facility Board
Administrative Officer/Clerk	40% from R2300 on monthly subsidy depending on the number of beneficiaries. Amount is determined by the Facility Board
Caregiver	40% from R2300 on monthly subsidy depending on the number of beneficiaries. Amount is determined by the Facility Board
Household supervisor	None
General assistant/worker: cleaners / launderer /cooks etc.	40% from R2300 on monthly subsidy depending on the number of beneficiaries. Amount is determined by the Facility Board
Handy man/gardener/	40% from R2300 on monthly subsidy depending on the number of beneficiaries. Amount is determined by the Facility Board
Driver	40% from R2300 on monthly subsidy depending on the number of beneficiaries. Amount is determined by the Facility Board
NB Any other staff not mentioned above like security personnel, their stipend is derived from the 40% of the subsidy unit cost. The Actual amount is determined by the facility board.

4.8 WESTERN CAPE

CATEGORY OF EMPLOYEES	STIPEND FOR EACH
Manager	R 547 890 + 25% Admin pa
Social Worker	R 198 136 + 25% Admin pa
Professional Nurse	R 297 516 pa
Administrator	R 5 500 – R 7 000 pm
Administrative Officer/Clerk	R 85 548 + 25%Admin pa
Caregiver	R 4 000 pm
Household supervisor	R 4 500 – R 5 500 pm
General assistant/worker: cleaners / launderer /cooks etc.	R 4 000 – R 5 500 p.m
Handy man/gardener/driver	R 4 000 – R 7 000 p.m

Reply:

(a) Due to a moratorium that was placed during March 2018 on the process of filling posts as well as the financial constraints experienced by the Department as a result of the drastic budget cuts to the compensation budget, the Department could not fill all its vacant posts and commenced with a process of prioritising critical posts to be filled.

The National Department did not freeze any vacant posts on its approved post establishment during 2021-22 financial year.

Due to the reduction in the compensation budget of the Department, not all funded vacant posts may be filled, and the Department is currently undergoing a prioritisation process in this regard.

The Department also identified other critical skills that are required in the Organisation, these include data analysts, researchers, economists and policy developers. This will necessitate a re-prioritisation of posts thus impacting on the vacant posts.

The prioritisation process is crucial as it will ensure that the Department does not overspend on the compensation budget over the medium term.

(b) The filling of vacant posts is an ongoing process, as one post is filled, another becomes vacant. The filling of posts are therefore always at various stages of the recruitment process.

Reply:

This matter is ongoing and discussion are currently underway between the NDA and the National Treasury.

Reply:

The matter was referred to the Internal Audit Division for further investigation in December 2021, for determination of losses suffered, employees responsible for the irregularity, root causes of the irregularity, and internal control deficiencies that require correction.

In addition, an internal audit of the third-party funds received from the UIF and subsequently transferred to Regenesys, has concluded and recommended that further investigation be undertaken on the utilisation of the funds. The NDA has since obtained approval from National Treasury to participate in the NT 012-2020, Panel of Professional Forensic Investigation Firms, and a request for a forensic investigation on this transaction will be issued to the panel before the end of the current financial year.

Reply:

 

1. With more recent financial misconduct cases, SASSA has made improvements in managing them, for example, in 2020/21, 99% (66 of 67) of the financial misconduct cases were finalised within 120 days.

The historical cases are a bit more challenging. These include the following:

• The number of backlog cases for are 1,228, of which 434 cases were finalised.
• The lockdown has limited movement of investigating officers and this resulted in delays in the finalisation of cases.
• There has been a number of changes in the accounting authority of SASSA and each new accounting authority required sufficient time to understand the transgressions and implement due corrective disciplinary processes.
• Some of the employees to be interviewed or assist with the information and circumstances affecting certain transactions are no longer in the employ of the Agency. There are challenges with tracing them and/or obtaining their cooperation. Thus, SASSA is only able to pursue a legal course of action, which is a lengthy process.
• The cases that are before the courts will have a direct bearing on the internal disciplinary processes and thus these are delayed due to the legal processes that are currently underway.
• Time taken to engage National Treasury to provide clarity on the basis of classification of certain transactions as irregular expenditure

1. The following steps are being taken to improve performance in this area:

• 1. The information on progress is made public through the APP with a target of of 95% of backlog cases to be finalised by 31 March 2022. This enables Parliament and other concerned bodies to monitor SASSA’s progress.
  2. Internally, a project plans has been developed and progress is monitored monthly at the EXCO level.
  3. Major cases (6) totalling R821 million are being managed by the Accounting Authority directly with the assistance of National Treasury.
  4. Disciplinary corrective measures have been concluded for 210 cases amounting to R143 896 178.83. SASSA has submitted these cases to NT for condonation in the period 2019/20 and 2020/21.
  5. In the 2021/22 financial year the agency has already submitted 8 cases amounting to R4 668 651.64 for Treasury’s consideration.
  6. 18 cases amounting to R9 314 998.15 will be submitted to Treasury before end of December 2021.

Reply:

 

The Special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress Grant was first introduced in May 2020 as part of the national response measures to mitigate the impact of the global pandemic and to control its further spread. The initial iteration of the grant ran from May 2020 to April 2021.

(a) The grant was re-introduced as from August 2021. As at 7 December 2021, the following number of requests for reconsideration have been received:

Month	Number of reconsiderations received
August 2021	984 702
September 2021	711 017
October 2021	570 111
November 2021	300 084

The period allowed for declined applicants to lodge a request for reconsideration is

30 days from receiving the outcome of the application. The above numbers, particularly for November 2021, may therefore change, as the window to request reconsideration is still open.

Applicants have to request reconsideration for each month that the application is declined, as this grant is administered on a month-to-month basis.

One of the critical compliance processes which have to be followed for each reconsideration request received, is that the application must be subjected to a means test through the banks. This is to ensure that the applicant is not in receipt of any financial support which exceeds R595 per month.

With the reactivation of the grant in August 2021, SASSA had to procure all services required for the support of this environment once again. This included services provided by the banks, with whom SASSA had a contract which ended on 31 July 2021. As a result, SASSA was advised to go on a closed tender to source services from the banks. This procurement process took time, and is still in process, which means that SASSA has not been able to attend to any of the reconsiderations received since August 2021. The process of contracting with banks is nearing finality and it is planned to be able to start processing the reconsiderations early in the new calendar year. Despite these delays, every reconsideration received will be attended to, and the grant will be paid, if approved on reconsideration

(a) Having learned from the initial iteration of the grant, where concerns were raised about the lack of communication of outcomes to applicants for the relief grant, SASSA has implemented a revised process of notification for each declined application. The applicant is sent an SMS notification to the cell phone number which he/she used to apply for the grant, advising him/her of the decline of the application, and the reason for this. He/she is then sent another SMS notification advising him/her to request reconsideration if the decision is disputed, and providing the link on which to lodge the request for reconsideration.

In addition to the above process which has significantly improved communication to the affected clients, SASSA has extensively communicated through various platforms including print media, radio and social media about the need to request reconsideration for each month that the application is declined. This general communication will continue throughout the life cycle of this grant.

Reply:

 

The Honourable Member will appreciate that matters of this nature take time as they involve thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies. In 2014, SASSA, through its internal investigations identified the irregular payment of invoices amounting to R4, 879, 023. 20 in respect of services rendered during the Ministerial Outreach Programme that took place in Engcobo and Nelson Mandela District in the Eastern Cape. SASSA opened a criminal case in terms of Section 300 of Criminal Procedure Act, and this was registered as per East London Crime Administration System (CAS) 145/12/2014.

The services were provisioned by service providers from EC, KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng. When the first leg of arrests of 10 company directors by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations was carried out it included the service providers from KZN and Gauteng. DPCI, through its criminal investigations, estimated the loss at R12 million.

The DPCI has formally informed SASSA that the second leg of arrests will be targeted at SASSA officials as well as members of the public who were involved in defrauding the Agency.

With reference to loss recovery, the Asset Forfeiture unit has started with the recovery process. The process will go in tandem with criminal prosecution.

Reply:

1. ​At all times, the Department guided by the provisions of the Children’s Act, of which the best interest of the child is paramount on all matters concerning children. The Department is working closely in collaboration with the designated and accredited Child Protection Organisations, as well as health professionals in the clinics and hospitals to help prevent child abandonment. These include awareness as part of the 100 Days Campaign, information on services and options available to parents who are unable to care for their children, family planning, psychosocial support and positive parenting programmes amongst others. The Department also conducts community dialogues, television, radio talks and other media platforms, educating expecting mothers and the communities about children’s rights, right to life and the dangers of abandoning children.

Expectant mothers are informed of available options such as termination of the pregnancy, alternative care placement such as adoption and foster care. The Department also implement a Community-Based Prevention and Early Intervention Programme (RISIHA) that support families, parents and caregivers in distress; identifying factors that put children’s lives at risk and mitigate the identified risks and vulnerabilities by linking parents with available services and resources in their respective communities.

2. Refer to (a)

Reply:

 

(1)(a) 254 cases of irregular expenditure totalling R 88 million were previously finalised by SASSA and later reversed in 2017/2018 after the AGSA advised that the CEO was not the appropriate delegated authority to condone irregular expenditure.

SASSA subsequently wrote to the National Treasury for guidance and clarity on the AGSA’s findings. The National Treasury then issued a revised Irregular Expenditure Framework in May 2019 (Instruction Note No.2 of 2019/2020) which provided guidance on how institutions and departments should record and report on irregular expenditure including the process to be followed in the investigation of financial misconduct cases resulting from irregular expenditure.

SASSA had to restart the process and treat the above irregular expenditure cases in line with the revised Irregular Expenditure Framework, and all new cases were then treated the same.

The recently issued Framework requires that the cases should be submitted to National Treasury for condonation together with evidence of corrective disciplinary outcome and proof that the Agency has implemented measures to prevent recurrence of the irregularities.

To date, SASSA has submitted a total of 521 cases amounting to R 685 007 150.89 to the National Treasury for condonation. Treasury has condoned 303 cases amounting to R536 442 320.42 and still considering the remaining 218 cases totalling R 148 564 830.47.

(1)(b) In terms of the Irregular Expenditure Framework, every case submitted to National Treasury for condonation must be accompanied by evidence of corrective disciplinary outcome implemented. In all the 521 cases reported in 1 (a) and all other cases of irregular expenditure under investigation process, SASSA is complying with this requirement.

The reasons for the slow pace in the finalisation of investigations into past transgressions of irregular expenditure (Backlog cases) are as follows:

• SASSA experienced a number of changes in accounting authorities and each accounting authority required sufficient time to understand the transgressions and implement appropriate corrective disciplinary processes
• Some of the employees who need to be interviewed or assist with the information and circumstances affecting certain transactions are no longer in the employees of the Agency. Therefore, to trace them and/or request for their cooperation is to be done in terms of applicable prescripts which slow down processes.

Some of the processes are;

• cases that are before the courts require court orders.
• applying relevant Supply Chain Management (SCM) prescripts which require SASSA to appoint legal practitioners and/or engagement with National Treasury.

1. National Treasury required assurance that SASSA and DSD had

• • identified the causes for an increased debt book,
  • developed mitigating strategies,
  • provided assurance that the social grant debtors portfolio is managed well and efforts are made to reduce the irrecoverable debts.
  • errors resulting in over payment are reduced and or dealt with internally, and improved mechanisms implemented to recover funds paid erroneously.

SASSA and DSD were requested to ensure that:

• • Grants eligibility assessment are done satisfactorily at the application stage including income checks.
  • Regular reviews are done to reconfirm eligibility including income checks across various applicable database.
  • Improved validation to ensure transfers are made to the correct beneficiary and into the correct account, and corrective measures are taken swiftly where errors have occurred.
  • Review of debt recovery mechanism to strengthen tracing and follow up of debtors and deductions from existing grants where possible.
  • A quarterly report on the progress made on the recovery of the debt book is submitted to NT
  • Development of a gatekeeping and debt management improvement strategy. A draft has been written for consultation with the National Treasury before the end of the current financial year.

(3)(a) Of the 1228 cases, 566 cases of financial misconduct relating to irregular, fruitless, damages and losses are remaining, and in progress.

(b) SASSA has set target in its 2021/22 Annual Performance Plan (APP) of 95% to finalise financial misconduct cases. Efforts are being made to ensure this is achieved before the end of the current financial year.

Reply:

 

The three grievances were on unfair labour practice, the fourth one was regarding threats which were allegedly made by the union against the aggrieved official, and the last one was on the non-payment of the performance management and development system (PMDS) incentives. Four of the five grievances have since been resolved, and one unfair labour practice grievance is pending.

Reply:

 

It is important for the Honourable Member to note all matters relating to fruitless and wasteful expenditure as a result of hotel no-shows damage to hired vehicles are dealt with by the Loss Control Committee. The Committee’s key function is to investigate all cases of losses and damage and determine liability, as well as make recommendations on recovery of losses.

1. DSD Officials (i)(ii) Refer to (a)
2. There are a number of reasons and each case is investigated and judged on its own merit. Where it is found that the loss or damage could have been avoided or is due to an official’s negligence, the money is recovered from the official concerned. Some of the main reasons for hotel no-shows include late cancellation at the hotels due to the postponed or cancellation of planned events at short notice.

With regard to damage to hired vehicles, DSD officials are frequently required to travel to provinces and to unfamiliar areas where it is beyond their control to avoid damages.

1. With regard to consequence management regarding hotel no-shows and damage to hired vehicles, see summary of cases below:

No.	(a) Who is responsible	(ii) Hotel No Shows	(b) Reasons in each case	(c) Consequences to officials involved.
1.	Official No. 1	Hotel No Show	It was beyond control of the official on the basis that the SAA had a problem, and the travel agent cancelled the bookings late at the hotel.	Official not negligent. Write off the expenditure
2.	Official No. 2	Hotel No Show	The official did not show up at the hotel and she failed to cancel the accommodation on time.	Recover from the official.
3.	Official No. 3	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and she failed to explain why she did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
4.	Official No. 4	Hotel No Show	The meeting was cancelled on 16 March 2020 due to travel restrictions announced by the President on the 15th March 2020 as part of the safety precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.	Official not liable for the damage. Recover from the travel Agency.
5.	Official No. 6	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and he failed to explain why he did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
6.	Official No. 6	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and he failed to explain why he did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
7.	Official No. 7	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and she failed to explain why she did not show up at the hotel.	Recover from the official.
8.	Official No. 8	Hotel No Show	The official did not show-up at the hotel and she failed to	Recover from the official.

No.	(a) Who is responsible	(ii) Hotel No Shows	(b) Reasons in each case	(c) Consequences to officials involved.
			explain why she did not show up at the hotel.
9.	Official No. 9	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
10.	Official No. 10	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
11	Official No. 11	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
12	Official No. 12	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
13.	Official No. 13	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation at the hotel due to cancellation of an event.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
14.	Official No. 14	Hotel No Show	Late cancellation due to cancellation of an event.	Recover from the official.

CAR DAMAGE:

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
1.	Official No. 15	Car Damage (scratch on the door)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
2.	Official No. 16	Car Damage (dent on the bonnet)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
3.	Official No. 17	Car Damage (damage on front bumper)	The official was not liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Write off the expenditure.
4.	Official No. 18	Car Damage (wheel cap missing)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
5.	Official No. 19	Car Damage (dent on the left door)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
6.	Official No. 20	Car Damage (scratch on the left door)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
7.	Official No. 21	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off the expenditure.
8.	Official No. 22	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
9.	Official No. 23	Car Damage (dent on the bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off the expenditure.
10.	Official No. 24	Car Damage (bonnet, bumper, mirror)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
11.	Official No. 25	Car Damage (scratch on the rear Bumper)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
12.	Official No. 26	Car Damage (scratch on the left side of the door)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off the expenditure.
13.	Official No. 27	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
14.	Official No. 28	Car Damage (scratch on the left -door)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
15.	Official No. 29	Car Damage (dent on the left- hand side)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
16.	Official No. 30	Car Damage (roof panel, left post and bonnet)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	Official not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
17.	Official No. 31	Car Damage (car accident)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
18.	Official No. 32	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
19.	Official No. 33	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
20.	Official No. 34	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
21.	Official No. 35	Car Damage (dent)	The case to be presented at the next Loss Control Committee to determine if the official is negligent.	The case is currently before the Loss Control Committee to determine liability.
22.	Official No. 36	Car Damage (tyre damaged)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
23.	Official No. 37	Car Damage (2 front side mirrors, windscreen, the front left wheel and scratches on the body of the vehicle)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	Write off expenditure.
24.	Official No. 38	Car Damage (damaged the left side of the car)	Awaiting further investigations from Labour Relations.	Loss Control Committee referred case to Labour Relations for further investigations.
25.	Official No. 39	Car Damage (front bumper)	Awaiting further investigations	Loss Control Committee referred

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
			from Labour Relations.	case to Labour Relations for further investigations.
26.	Official No. 40	Car Damage (damaged on the passenger side)	Awaiting further investigations from Labour Relations.	Loss Control Committee referred case to Labour Relations for further investigations.
27.	Official No. 41	Car Damage (windscreen chip)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
28.	Official No. 42	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
29.	Official No. 43	Car Damage (full valet)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
30.	Official No. 44	Car Damage (windscreen Chip)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
31.	Official No. 45	Car Damage (dome dents)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
32.	Official No. 46	Car Damage (wheel tyre and wheel balancing, rear bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
33.	Official No. 47	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
34.	Official No. 48	Car Damage (windscreen chip)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
35.	Official No. 49	Car Damage (replacement of Windscreen)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
36.	Official No. 50	Car Damage (wheel cap)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.
37.	Official No. 51	Car Damage (scratch on the front right bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
38.	Official No. 52	Car Damage (accident)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
39.	Official No. 53	Car Damage (scratch on the rear Bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
40.	Official No. 54	Car Damage (tyre damaged)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
41.	Official No. 55	Car Damage (scratch)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
42.	Official No. 56	Car Damage (front bumper)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
43.	Official No. 57	Car Damage (left side scratch)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
44.	Official No. 58	Car Damage ( rear bumper and tyre damage)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
45.	Official No. 59	Car Damage (Scratch on the left front rim)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
46.	Official No. 60	Car Damage (rear bumper, eft rear quarter glass, left fender liner clips, left rear door and L/F door)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
47.	Official No. 61	Car Damage (front bumper (left front fender)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
48.	Official No. 62	Car Damage (left door scratch)	The official was found liable for the damage.	Recover from the official.
49.	Official No. 63	Car Damage (tailgate repair)	The travel agent was liable for the damage.	The official was not negligent. Recover from Travel Agent.
50.	Official No. 64	Car Damage (windscreen chip)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.

No.	(b) Who is responsible	(i) Damage to Hired Vehicle	(b)Reasons in each case	(c)Consequences to officials involved.
51.	Official No. 65	Car Damage (damaged both doors and mirror)	The official was not found liable for the damage.	The expenditure was written off.