Questions & Replies: Social Development

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2012-04-30

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Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION248/2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

248. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) How many (a) children receive Child Support Grants (CSG) and (b) recipients of these grants have (i) one child, (ii) two children, (iii) three children, (iv) four children, (v) five children, (vi) 6 – 10 children and (vii) more than 10 children receiving CSG;

(2) how many mothers are (a) 10 years and younger, (b) 11 – 14 years old, (c) 15 – 18 years old, (d) 19 – 22 years old, (e) 23 – 30 years old, (f) 31 – 40 years old and (g) older than 40 years;

(3) whether any action has been taken in conjunction with the Department of Health to provide family planning education to parents of children on CSG; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW269E

REPLY:

(1) (a) 5,830,369 beneficiaries, received CSG in respect of 10,765,416 children as at 21 February 2012.

(b) Number of beneficiaries receiving CSG for their biological children:

(i) 1 Child 2,738,113

(ii) 2 Children 1,656,343

(iii) 3 Children 702,179

(iv) 4 Children 244,364

(v) 5 Children 74,643

(vi) 6 -10 Children 24,224

(vii) 10+ Children 2

(2) In order to receive a Child Support Grant, a primary care giver must be 16 years or older. The numbers given below refer to the age of the primary care giver, not only biological mothers.

The breakdown of age of caregivers:

(a) none

(b) none

(c) 8,438

(d) 385,451

(e) 1,737,638

(f) 1,790,290

(g) 1,921,685

(3) SASSA has not initiated specific family planning interventions for care givers receiving CSG. Since many of the care givers attend primary health care clinics it is assumed that they would be exposed to these programs at the clinics.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 224

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

224. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether her department owes money for services rendered to certain persons (names and details furnished); if so, in each case, (a) on what dates was payments due in each case and (b) what are the reasons for the delay? NW245E

REPLY:

Yes, the Department did owe monies to Ms Natalie du Toit, Ms Nellie Engelbrecht and Ms Silvia Swartland for services rendered.

(a) Payments were made on 8 February 2012.

(b) The Department had to ensure that it complied with all its Supply Chain Management procedures before payments could be effected to the relevant service providers.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 222

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

222. Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether a certain company (name furnished) was awarded any tenders in the 2010-11 financial year; if so, (a) what is the (i) nature and (ii) value of each tender, (b) who approved the tender and (c) on what date was each tender awarded;

(2) whether any of the services in any of the above tenders could have been conducted by the State Information Technology Agency (Sita); if so, (a) which tenders do they pertain to and (b) why was the work not given to Sita in each case;

(3) whether any contracts were (a) ended or (b) not renewed with Sita in order for the said company to benefit from the tenders; if so, (i) which tenders and (ii) what was the reason for (aa) ending or (bb) not renewing each contract?

NW243E

REPLY:

(1) No. No contract that was awarded to ELCB by the SASSA during the 2010/11 financial year.

(a) (i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Not applicable.

(2) No.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(3) No.

(a) Not applicable.

(b) Not applicable.

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) (aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 221

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paperno:02

221. Mrs P C Duncan (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) (a) Why has a certain old-age home (details furnished) only received 28% of its budget and (b) when is full payment expected;

(2) whether an investigation will be conducted into the reasons why payment is being withheld; if not, why not; if so, what steps will she take to deal with the matter;

(3) whether any disciplinary action will be taken against the responsible officials; if not, why not; if so, when? NW242E

REPLY:

The matter was taken up with the Member of the Executive Council of the Eastern Cape Province and the following response was obtained:

(1) The Department is going to interact with Huis Formosa Old Age Home, Cacadu District Management and NGO Payment Section of the Department to find clarity on payment of subsidy to Huis Formosa Old Age Home.

(2) The reason for withholding payment is going to be investigated. The first step will be to contact Cacadu District Manager, Mr Tafeni who has been mentioned by Huis Formosa Old Age Home in the details furnished.

(3) Disciplinary action is going to be taken against the responsible official if after investigation they have been found to have been negligent.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 218

45/2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

218. Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether the seven-year-old survivor of crime (details furnished) has received any counselling; if not, why not; if so, on which dates did she receive counselling?

NW238E

REPLY:

Yes, the child as well as her sibling and the biological mother have received therapy and counseling services at Kidz Clinic in Boksburg. The dates for counseling and therapy were as follows: 26 April 2012, 22 May 2012, 29 May 2012 and 5 June 2012.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 217

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

217. Ms E More (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether (a) her department and (b) any of its entities reporting to her has been owing money to any service provider for periods longer than (i) 30 days, (ii) 60 days, (iii) 90 days, (iv) 120 days and (v) longer than 150 days; if so, in each case (aa) what amount is owed, (bb) by which entity or department, (cc) to whom is the money owed and (dd) what steps is she taking to ensure that service providers are paid timeously? NW237E

REPLY:

(a) Yes, the Department does owe money to service providers for periods longer than 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days and longer than 150 days. See attached

(b) Yes, the Department does owe money to service providers for periods longer than 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 120 days and longer than 150 days. See attached

Total outstanding from 30 days to more than 150 days amount to R2 460 659.12

(a)(dd) Steps taken by the Department to ensure that the service providers are paid timeously are as follows:

The following challenges were experienced by the Department for paying service providers timeously:

· The Department is experiencing challenges with its Information Technology systems to process payments. The servers are old and as a priority of the Department are in the process of being replaced.

· Invoices that are directly submitted to Line Managers (end users and/or Project Managers) instead of a central point in SCM resulting in managers withholding the invoices.

· Delays in the return of invoices issued by SCM to Line managers for certification and signature confirming that the goods and/or services were delivered and/or rendered satisfactorily, for payment.

The following steps were taken to ensure that service providers are paid timeously:

DESCRIPTION

ACTION

TIMEFRAME

Invoices not submitted timeously

Follow-up with service providers on outstanding invoices

On-going

Invoices not submitted timeously

Enforce compliance to internal Circular issued in September 2011 for line managers to certify invoices within 3 days and submit to SCM timeously.

Circular issued on 19 September 2011.

On-going monitoring and adherence to the Circular

Invoices not submitted timeously

Centralize the receiving of invoices. Inform service providers to submit all invoices to the Directorate Supply Chain Management.

On-going. Letters sent daily to service providers via facsimile together with orders placed.

Old Information Technology equipment

Upgrading of servers.

IT upgrades commenced.

(b)(dd) Steps taken by SASSA to ensure that the service providers are paid timeously are as follows:

The following challenges were experienced by SASSA for paying service providers timeously:

· There are two main reasons why invoices older than 30 days up to more than 150 days are not yet paid:

Ø Suppliers did not submit the invoices to enable the Agency to effect the payment timeously. For example the invoice date will indicate the 31st July 2011 while the same invoice was only received by the Agency on the 1st February 2012. The calculation of number of days outstanding is based on the invoice received date by the Agency and not the invoice date because it does not provide a true reflection in terms of the actual number of days outstanding.

Ø Some invoices were disputed between the end user (Agency) and the supplier and they put on hold until the dispute has been addressed.

The following steps were taken by SASSA to ensure that service providers are paid timeously:

DESCRIPTION

ACTION

TIME FRAME

Invoices not submitted timeously

Send reminders to suppliers

Monthly

Invoices not submitted timeously

Stamp all invoices with invoice received date stamp

Daily

Disputed invoices

Conduct follow ups with service providers

Monthly

Ageing invoice register

Enhance ageing invoice register.

31 March 2012

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 204

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

204. Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) has been added to the Child Protection Register; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW222E

REPLY:

The Department is unable to disclose the person's name nor confirm that the person's name appears in Part B of the Child Protection Register due to prohibitions regarding disclosure of names as prescribed in terms of section 127 (1) of the Children's Act (No. 38 of 2005). The Act only allows the Department to disclose the information on the affected person following:

1. A finding of unsuitability on the affected person. The Department issues a notification to the affected person of the inclusion of his or her name on the Child Protection Register following a finding of unsuitability by a court or a forum.

2. An inquiry by an employer ("the applicant") in terms of section 126(1) or (2) of the Act to establish whether or not the name of a person ("the affected person") appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register prior to or during his or her employment.

2.1 The employer refers to any employing organisation that ensures care and protection of children.

2.2 The employer, as the applicant, submits details of the employees to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

2.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 29 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the employer and that of the affected person.

2.4 The affected person refers to the person employed to work with children.

2.5 The Department is obliged to inform the employer about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the employer bearing the results of screening.

3. An inquiry by a person ("the affected person") in terms of section 126(3) of the Act to establish whether or not his or her name appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register.

3.1 The affected person refers to any person who may wish to provide services to children such as a foster parent, adoptive parent and supervisor in a child-headed household.

3.2 The person submits his or her details to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

3.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 30 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the affected person.

3.4 The Department is obliged to inform the person about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the person bearing the results of screening.

4 An order by court to do so.

4.1 A court may, in the course of an inquiry, order that information regarding the suitability of a person to work or have access to children, be provided about the person.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 203

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

203. Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) has been added to the Child Protection Register; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW221E

REPLY:

The Department is unable to disclose the person's name nor confirm that the person's name appears in Part B of the Child Protection Register due to prohibitions regarding disclosure of names as prescribed in terms of section 127 (1) of the Children's Act (No. 38 of 2005). The Act only allows the Department to disclose the information on the affected person following:

1. A finding of unsuitability on the affected person. The Department issues a notification to the affected person of the inclusion of his or her name on the Child Protection Register following a finding of unsuitability by a court or a forum.

2. An inquiry by an employer ("the applicant") in terms of section 126(1) or (2) of the Act to establish whether or not the name of a person ("the affected person") appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register prior to or during his or her employment.

2.1 The employer refers to any employing organisation that ensures care and protection of children.

2.2 The employer, as the applicant, submits details of the employees to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

2.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 29 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the employer and that of the affected person.

2.4 The affected person refers to the person employed to work with children.

2.5 The Department is obliged to inform the employer about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the employer bearing the results of screening.

3. An inquiry by a person ("the affected person") in terms of section 126(3) of the Act to establish whether or not his or her name appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register.

3.1 The affected person refers to any person who may wish to provide services to children such as a foster parent, adoptive parent and supervisor in a child-headed household.

3.2 The person submits his or her details to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

3.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 30 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the affected person.

3.4 The Department is obliged to inform the person about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the person bearing the results of screening.

4 An order by court to do so.

4.1 A court may, in the course of an inquiry, order that information regarding the suitability of a person to work or have access to children, be provided about the person.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 202

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

202. Mr N J van den Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) has been added to the Child Protection Register; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW220E

REPLY:

The Department is unable to disclose the person's name nor confirm that the person's name appears in Part B of the Child Protection Register due to prohibitions regarding disclosure of names as prescribed in terms of section 127 (1) of the Children's Act (No. 38 of 2005). The Act only allows the Department to disclose the information on the affected person following:

1. A finding of unsuitability on the affected person. The Department issues a notification to the affected person of the inclusion of his or her name on the Child Protection Register following a finding of unsuitability by a court or a forum.

2. An inquiry by an employer ("the applicant") in terms of section 126(1) or (2) of the Act to establish whether or not the name of a person ("the affected person") appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register prior to or during his or her employment.

2.1 The employer refers to any employing organisation that ensures care and protection of children.

2.2 The employer, as the applicant, submits details of the employees to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

2.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 29 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the employer and that of the affected person.

2.4 The affected person refers to the person employed to work with children.

2.5 The Department is obliged to inform the employer about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the employer bearing the results of screening.

3. An inquiry by a person ("the affected person") in terms of section 126(3) of the Act to establish whether or not his or her name appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register.

3.1 The affected person refers to any person who may wish to provide services to children such as a foster parent, adoptive parent and supervisor in a child-headed household.

3.2 The person submits his or her details to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

3.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 30 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the affected person.

3.4 The Department is obliged to inform the person about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the person bearing the results of screening.

4 An order by court to do so.

4.1 A court may, in the course of an inquiry, order that information regarding the suitability of a person to work or have access to children, be provided about the person.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 201

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

201. Mr N J van Berg (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) has been added to the Child Protection Register; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW219E

REPLY:

The Department is unable to disclose the person's name nor confirm that the person's name appears in Part B of the Child Protection Register due to prohibitions regarding disclosure of names as prescribed in terms of section 127 (1) of the Children's Act (No. 38 of 2005). The Act only allows the Department to disclose the information on the affected person following:

1. A finding of unsuitability on the affected person. The Department issues a notification to the affected person of the inclusion of his or her name on the Child Protection Register following a finding of unsuitability by a court or a forum.

2. An inquiry by an employer ("the applicant") in terms of section 126(1) or (2) of the Act to establish whether or not the name of a person ("the affected person") appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register prior to or during his or her employment.

2.1 The employer refers to any employing organisation that ensures care and protection of children.

2.2 The employer, as the applicant, submits details of the employees to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

2.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 29 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the employer and that of the affected person.

2.4 The affected person refers to the person employed to work with children.

2.5 The Department is obliged to inform the employer about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the employer bearing the results of screening.

3. An inquiry by a person ("the affected person") in terms of section 126(3) of the Act to establish whether or not his or her name appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register.

3.1 The affected person refers to any person who may wish to provide services to children such as a foster parent, adoptive parent and supervisor in a child-headed household.

3.2 The person submits his or her details to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

3.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 30 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the affected person.

3.4 The Department is obliged to inform the person about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the person bearing the results of screening.

4 An order by court to do so.

4.1 A court may, in the course of an inquiry, order that information regarding the suitability of a person to work or have access to children, be provided about the person.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 200

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

200. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether her department has held any discussions since 1 January 2007 with (a) cell phone companies and/or (b) radio and television stations to develop a system for broadcasting messages about missing children across the country; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of such discussions? NW218E

REPLY:

No, the Department of Social Development did not held any discussions since 1 January 2007 with (a) cell phone companies and or (b) radio and television stations to develop a system for broadcasting messages about missing children across the country.

There are structures such as the Child Protection Committees at a provincial and local level (district) that address child protection issues collectively in an intersectoral manner. The national Missing Children programme within the South African Police Service runs, a national broadcasting programme called (Duty Calls on SABC 2 at 18h00) once a week, on all relevant police matters which includes missing children. At local level, the police officers and social worker work closely together when missing children are reported in a certain area.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 199

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paperno: 02

199. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether any files of disciplinary cases against public servants implicated in social grant fraud have been finalised since 2006; if not, (a) why not, (b) when will these files be completed, (c) how many public servants are implicated and (d) in which department is each relevant public servant employed;

(2) whether any disciplinary action against public servants implicated in the social grant fraud since 2006 has (a) commenced and (b) been finalised; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what is the name of each public servant, (ii) in which department is he/she employed and (iii) what was the outcome of the case? NW217E

REPLY:

1. Yes. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has prepared and referred a total of 25,255 disciplinary files to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) from inception in 2005 to December 2011. The outcome of these cases is therefore not known to SASSA.

The SIU, after having established during their investigations that a public servant was involved in abusing the social grant system, prepares a file to that effect, called a disciplinary file. All these files are forwarded to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA), who in turn refers the files to the relevant Government Departments. Cases to the Provincial Departments are referred via a working Committee coordinated through the Premier's Offices. Cases to the national Departments are referred directly through the DPSA channel. This practice had come into effect during 2007. That specific Department is then expected to deal with the official through their formal disciplinary processes, which differ from Department to Department.

Table: Breakdown of cases according to provinces – since 2005/06

Year

NW

MPU

GAU

LIM

KZN

WC

FS

EC

NC

Totals

2005/6

-

-

-

-

-

152

-

-

-

152

2006/7

1,040

597

1,366

846

1,766

476

137

258

159

6,645

2007/8

1,034

1,274

1,180

472

1,710

994

210

801

343

8,018

2008/9

579

345

260

243

1,156

296

200

902

119

4,100

2009/10

318

415

211

1

1,125

196

165

290

70

2,791

2010/11

21

418

133

-

1,019

89

112

231

71

2,094

2011/12 (Apr to Dec 2011)

-

363

85

-

728

56

74

111

38

1,455

TOTAL

2,992

3,412

3,235

1,562

7,504

2,259

898

2,593

800

25,255

SASSA commenced with a total of 183 cases relating to SASSA officials, finalized 159 cases of which 24 cases are still outstanding. A total of 112 officials have been found guilty.

a) The files have been finalized and forwarded to the Department of Public Service and Administration.

b) The disciplinary files have been finalized and forwarded to the Department of Public Service and Administration.

c)A total of 25,255 public servants have been implicated from inception in 2005 to December 2011. Additional to that, a total of 183 SASSA officials have also been implicated inception in 2005 to December 2011

d) A breakdown of the details of the departments where the individuals found guilty are employed is being done at present and will be provided in due course.

2.a) Yes. These cases are referred to the Department of Public Service and Administration as well as the Office of the Premiers, for distribution to the various Departments and action taking. It is unclear whether any disciplinary action has commenced, as SASSA does not receive feedback statistics on the outcome.

Of the SASSA disciplinary cases, a total of 183 have commenced.

b) Yes.

(i) These cases are referred to the Department of Public Service and Administration as well as the Office of the Premiers, for distribution to the various Departments and action taking. It is unclear whether any disciplinary action has been finalised, as SASSA does not receive feedback statistics on the outcome and therefore is not in a position to provide the names of individual officials.

A total of 159 disciplinary cases have been finalized by SASSA.

(ii) A breakdown of the details of the departments where the individuals found guilty are employed is being done at present and will be provided in due course.

Due to the fact that the outcome of each individual case is unknown, individual statistics are therefore not available for distribution.

(iii) These cases are referred to the Department of Public Service and Administration as well as the Office of the Premiers, for distribution to the various Departments and action taking. It is unclear what the outcome of each case was, as SASSA does not receive feedback statistics on the outcome.

In the case of the SASSA disciplinary cases, a total of 101 officials have been found guilty. A list of these officials isattached as an annexure.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 198

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

198. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether all the regulations for all pieces of legislation have been finalised and implemented in each case; if not, (a) which pieces of legislation have regulations which have not been finalised and implemented, (b) what are the reasons for the delay in finalising and implementing the regulations, (c) when will each regulation be (i) finalised and (ii) implemented and (d) what is the cost of finalising and implementing each specified regulation? NW216E

REPLY:

No.

(a) The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008 (Act No. 70 of 2008)

(b) The Act was assented to on 19 April 2009. Substance abuse being taken seriously and with much interest and the sensitivity it has, it was appropriate to consult extensively with all stake holders including various civil society organizations to ensure that the issue of substance abuse gets the best attention it deserves. Norms and standards had to be finalized first and incorporated into the Regulations as they were developed separately from the Regulations. This together with the extensive consultative exercise caused the delay in finalizing the regulations.

(c) (i) It envisaged that the regulations will be finalized during the second quarter of the 2012/13 financial year.

(ii) The implementation will be take place during the 3rd quarter of 2012/13.

(iii) There is no extra cost for finalizing the Regulations as the Regulations are drafted internally. However, costing for implementation of the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, 2008 was done in 2008 and the total cost for full implementation was estimated to be in the region of R350m.

With a period of three years having passed since the original costing exercise, the figure has in terms of general price increase escalated at 5.2% for the financial year 2009/10, 6.4% for the financial year 2010/11, 4.8% for the financial year 2011/12 and is currently at 5.1 for the financial year 2012/13. The cost for full implementation of the Substance Abuse Act could therefore be estimated at R431 508 555.4 when it takes effect during the 3rd quarter of the current financial year.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 197

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

197. Dr A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether any performance bonuses have been paid to any employee of the National Development Agency (NDA) (a) in the (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11 financial years and (b) during the period 1 January 2012 up to the latest specified dated for which information is available; if not, why not; if so, (i) when (ii) to whom, (iii) what position did those who received such bonuses hold within the NDA and (iv) what amount was paid in each case;

(2) whether any criteria were used to determine who was eligible for a performance bonus; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what basis were the performance bonuses awarded; if so, (i) what criteria were used and (ii) who took the decision to award such performance bonuses in each case;

(3) whether the NDA has a remuneration policy that provided for the payment of a 13th cheque based on performance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW215E

REPLY:

(1) (a) (i) 2008-09, Yes, performance bonuses were paid to employees who have qualified and met the criteria

(ii) 2009-10, Yes performance bonuses were paid to employees who have qualified and met the criteria

(iii) 2010-11, Yes performance bonuses were paid to employees who have qualified and met the criteria

(b) No performance bonuses have been paid in the period in question. The NDA Performance cycle is from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012. The payment of performance bonuses is considered for a full performance cycle from 01st April to 31st March each financial year. All employees of the NDA are eligible for performance bonus payment subject to meeting the qualifying criteria.

(i) – (iv) See attached table

Zwane Phumlani

Chief Financial Officer

25 195.66

Zweni Vuyelwa

Internal Auditor

5 564.03

Total amount paid

R 855 209.50

2 (a) Not applicable

(b) The NDA Performance Management Policy encourages that the organisation must compensate and reward its high and potential performing employees at a level sufficient to encourage superior performance and contribute towards the realization of the talent and retention strategies. The Payment of performance bonuses shall be dependent upon the NDA achieving its performance goals in line with its set strategic goals and objectives.

(i) The following criteria are used to determine performance bonuses:

- The payment of performance bonus is linked to a signed performance agreement.

- The calculation of the bonus payment is based on the calculation of the average score achieved over the two (2) performance review periods (April to September and October to March).

- Employees have to complete at least six (6) months of the performance cycle.

- A five (5) point performance rating scale was adopted as a measure of evaluating and monitoring the performance throughout the organization. The Table below explains the performance rating scale and description.

Rating Scale

Rating Scale Description

1

Unsatisfactory

Performance generally fails to meet the defined expectations and outputs, or requires frequent, close supervision and / or redoing of the work.

2

Below Average

Performance may meet some of the job expectations and outputs but does not fully meet the remainder. The employee generally is doing the job at a minimal level, and improvement is needed to fully meet expectations.

3

Average meet expectations

Performance meets the defined job expectations and outputs. The employee generally performs according to the expectations doing a good job. The employee is doing the job at the level expected for employees in this position.

4

Above Average and exceed expectations

Performance meets the defined job expectations and outputs; and in some instances, exceeds job expectations. The employee generally is doing a very good job.

5

Excellent

Performance is far above the defined job expectations and outputs. The employee consistently does outstanding work, regularly going far beyond what is expected of employees in this job.

(ii) The NDA Board approves the payment of performance bonuses.

3 The 13th cheque is not linked nor based on performance management bonus. Employees are awarded an opportunity, on yearly basis, to structure their salaries to make provision for the 13th cheque which is paid out in December. This arrangement in not compulsory to all employees.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 194

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

194. Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether all departments have, in accordance with the National Drug Master Plan, submitted their (a) mini drug master plan to the Central Drug Authority (CDA) by 1 April 2011 and (b) departmental report on how operational plans were implemented by 31 March 2010; if not, (i) which departments failed to submit their plans and reports, (ii) what were the reasons for the delay in each case and (iii) when did each of these departments eventually submit their (aa) mini drug master plan and (bb) departmental report on implementation;

(2) whether any departments have still not submitted their (a) mini drug master plan and (b) departmental report on how operational plans were implemented; if so, (i) which departments in each case and (ii) what action does she intend to take to compel departments to comply? NW212E

REPLY:

1 (a)No, only five out of fourteen departments submitted their Mini Drug Master Plan by 1 April 2011.

(i) The following departments failed to submit their plans and reports: International Relations and Cooperation; Home Affairs; Labour and the National Youth Development Agency.

(ii) At the General Meeting held on 4 May 2011, Departments reported that the main reason for the delay relating to the development of their Mini Drug Master Plans was that, they have to wait for the approval of their Departmental Strategic Plans. While on the reports, they indicated that they were still drafting them and this will be submitted to the CDA once their Directors-General and Ministers have approved them.

(iii) (aa) the following departments submitted Mini Drug Master Plans during April 2010: Social Development; Correctional Services; South African Police Services. The Department of Health submitted their Mini Drug Master Plan during June 2010, immediately on approval by their Minister.

(bb) the following departments submitted their reports on implementation by March 2011: Social Development; Correctional Services; South African Police Services; Sport and Recreation South Africa; Basic Education; Medicines Control Council. The following departments submitted their reports to the CDA by September 2011: Health; Justice and Constitutional Development; South African Revenue Services; and the Trade and Industry.

2 (a) (i) Yes, some departments have still not submitted their Mini Drug Master Plans. The following departments have not yet submitted their Mini Drug Master Plans: Basic Education; Justice and Constitutional Development; Sport and Recreation South Africa and the Trade and Industry. The Medicine Control Council and the South African Revenue Service have also submitted their Mini Drug Master Plans.

(b) (i) As in question 1(a) (i)

(ii) The current legislation, the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act, (Act No.70 of 2008) is silent on the issue regarding the question posed. The intention is that soon after the Act is in force an amendment will be factored into the Act to make provision for compliance.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 193

33 /2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

193. Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether her department collects statistics regarding the number of (a)(i) children and (ii) families receiving services from the State to maintain the family unit, (b) children in care who have been reintegrated into their families, (c) children entering institutions, facilities or foster care (i) temporarily and (ii) permanently, (d) children placed in foster care and (e)(i) local and (ii) inter-country adoptions; if not, when will such statistics be collected; if so, (aa) what are the statistics for (aaa) black, (bbb) coloured, (ccc) white and (ddd) Indian children for (aaaa) 2008, (bbbb) 2009, (cccc) 2010 and (dddd) 2011 and (bb) in respect of which countries were inter-country adoptions concluded in (aaa) 2008, (bbb) 2009, (ccc) 2010 and (ddd) 2011?

NW211E

REPLY:

(a) (i) (ii) (b) and (c)

According to the Directorate which collects statistics on all DSD programmes, the first quarter report indicates that there are 17 696 families participating in family preservation services nationally. The second and third quarter information still needs to be verified with the provinces.

The national Department of Social Development collects statistics on a quarterly basis for children who are entering foster care and the cumulative figure of children in foster care on a monthly basis.

The national Department of Social Development also collects statistics on a quarterly basis for children who are entering Child and Youth Care Centres i.e. Temporary Safe Care, Children's Home Programme, Schools of Industry and Shelters.

Table: 1 Foster Care

Children currently in foster care as at 29 February 2012

Children Reintegrated with Families as at 31 December 2011

Intake of children as at 31 December 2011

525 070

158

19205

Table: 2 Child and Youth Care Centres

Children in Temporary Safe Care until December 2011

Children in Children's Homes until December 2011

Children in Schools of Industry until December 2011

Children in Shelters until December 2011

Children Reintegrated with their families from April to December 2011

3 377

15 290

1 231

2 380

980

(c) (i) (ii) Children are not placed permanently in Child and Youth Care Centres. The maximum duration of the placement is two (2) years as stated in the Children's Act or for a shorter period depending on the recommendation of the social worker. This is based on the investigation of the individual child's circumstances in terms of Section 159 of the Children's Act.

The Department is keeping statistics on the number of children placed in local and intercountry adoption

(e)(i) The following is the statistics of the number of children placed in local adoption for a specific period according to racial breakdown:

(aa) Table: 3 Local adoption according to race

YEAR

(aaa) Black

(bbb) Coloured

(ccc) White

(ddd) Indian

Total

(aaaa) 2008

306

46

502

39

893

(bbbb) 2009

1157

68

1348

29

2602

(cccc)2010

980

129

1046

81

2236

(dddd) 2011

622

43

683

38

1386

Total

3065

286

3579

187

7117

(e)(ii) The following is the statistics of the number of children placed in intercountry adoption according to time frame frame and racial breakdown:

Table: 4 Intercountry adoption according to race

YEAR

(aaa) Black

(bbb) Coloured

(ccc) White

(ddd) Indian

Total

(aaaa) 2008

221

9

1

0

231

(bbbb) 2009

241

23

5

0

269

(cccc)2010

278

14

1

0

293

(dddd) 2011

196

2

2

0

200

Total

936

48

9

0

993

(bb)

Table : 5 List of countries adopting children

YEAR

USA

Norway

Sweden

Denmark

Germany

Netherlands

Finland

Australia

Belgium

Canada

Luxembourg

Botswana

Ireland

2008

3

11

48

35

38

35

19

12

7

15

4

2

2

2009

3

25

37

53

32

30

36

4

22

15

9

2

1

2010

4

29

38

74

18

35

38

2

21

31

3

0

0

2011

4

17

19

44

20

23

41

3

15

9

5

0

0

TOTAL

14

82

142

206

108

123

134

21

65

70

21

4

3

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 193

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

193. Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether her department collects statistics regarding the number of (a)(i) children and (ii) families receiving services from the State to maintain the family unit, (b) children in care who have been reintegrated into their families, (c) children entering institutions, facilities or foster care (i) temporarily and (ii) permanently, (d) children placed in foster care and (e)(i) local and (ii) inter-country adoptions; if not, when will such statistics be collected; if so, (aa) what are the statistics for (aaa) black, (bbb) coloured, (ccc) white and (ddd) Indian children for (aaaa) 2008, (bbbb) 2009, (cccc) 2010 and (dddd) 2011 and (bb) in respect of which countries were inter-country adoptions concluded in (aaa) 2008, (bbb) 2009, (ccc) 2010 and (ddd) 2011?

NW211E

REPLY:

(a) (i) (ii) (b) and (c)

According to the Directorate which collects statistics on all DSD programmes, the first quarter report indicates that there are 17 696 families participating in family preservation services nationally. The second and third quarter information still needs to be verified with the provinces.

The national Department of Social Development collects statistics on a quarterly basis for children who are entering foster care and the cumulative figure of children in foster care on a monthly basis.

The national Department of Social Development also collects statistics on a quarterly basis for children who are entering Child and Youth Care Centres i.e. Temporary Safe Care, Children's Home Programme, Schools of Industry and Shelters.

Table: 1 Foster Care

Children currently in foster care as at 29 February 2012

Children Reintegrated with Families as at 31 December 2011

Intake of children as at 31 December 2011

525 070

158

19205

Table: 2 Child and Youth Care Centres

Children in Temporary Safe Care until December 2011

Children in Children's Homes until December 2011

Children in Schools of Industry until December 2011

Children in Shelters until December 2011

Children Reintegrated with their families from April to December 2011

3 377

15 290

1 231

2 380

980

(c) (i) (ii) Children are not placed permanently in Child and Youth Care Centres. The maximum duration of the placement is two (2) years as stated in the Children's Act or for a shorter period depending on the recommendation of the social worker. This is based on the investigation of the individual child's circumstances in terms of Section 159 of the Children's Act.

The Department is keeping statistics on the number of children placed in local and intercountry adoption

(e)(i) The following is the statistics of the number of children placed in local adoption for a specific period according to racial breakdown:

(aa) Table: 3 Local adoption according to race

YEAR

(aaa) Black

(bbb) Coloured

(ccc) White

(ddd) Indian

Total

(aaaa) 2008

306

46

502

39

893

(bbbb) 2009

1157

68

1348

29

2602

(cccc)2010

980

129

1046

81

2236

(dddd) 2011

622

43

683

38

1386

Total

3065

286

3579

187

7117

(e)(ii) The following is the statistics of the number of children placed in intercountry adoption according to time frame frame and racial breakdown:

Table: 4 Intercountry adoption according to race

YEAR

(aaa) Black

(bbb) Coloured

(ccc) White

(ddd) Indian

Total

(aaaa) 2008

221

9

1

0

231

(bbbb) 2009

241

23

5

0

269

(cccc)2010

278

14

1

0

293

(dddd) 2011

196

2

2

0

200

Total

936

48

9

0

993

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 192

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

192. Mr J J van der Linde (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether the Government has set a target date by which all orphaned children would have been placed in acceptable alternative care; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) date, (b) strategies have been put in place to ensure that the target is reached and (c) are the relevant details of his department's proposals for alternative care;

(2) what are the latest figures with regard to the number of (a) single-and (b) double-orphaned children in each specified province;

(3) what is the projected cost of placing every orphaned child in acceptable alternative care? NW210E

REPLY:

(1) No, there is no target date for placement of all orphaned children in acceptable alternative care. Each orphaned child's case is handled according to the child's circumstances and needs after an assessment has been made. A child has to be found in need of care and protection according to Chapter 9, Section 150 of the Children's Act. The placement is also according to the Sections 156 of the Act.

(2) (a)

Table 1: Number of single orphans per province

PROVINCES

NUMBER OF SINGLE ORPHANS

%

Eastern Cape

203,694

16.5%

Free State

86.145

7.0%

Gauteng

191,179

15.5%

Kwa-Zulu Natal

321,281

26.0%

Limpopo

130,091

10.5

Mpumalanga

110,971

9.0%

North-West

90,033

7.3%

Northern Cape

34,564

2.8%

Western Cape

53,33

4.3%

TOTAL

11,456,022

99

(2)(b)

Table 2: Number of double –orphaned children in each province, according to Child Gauge (2010/11

PROVINCES

NUMBER OF DOUBLE ORPHANS

Eastern Cape

200.000

Free State

84,000

Gauteng

104,000

Kwazulu-Natal

303,000

Limpopo

77,000

Mpumalanga

85,000

North-West

71,000

Northern Cape

16,000

Western Cape

25,000

(3). The projected cost for placing a child in foster care is R740.00 per child per month. According to the Directorate: Social Service Management and Support, there is no standardized costing model for children in Child and Youth Care Centres. During 2011, the Directorate concerned appointed a service provider to work on the costing for all Child and Youth Care Centre in the country. The study is not yet completed.

Based on the above, the unit cost per child per month in the Children's Homes differs from province to province. The table below indicates the unit cost per child per month in all the provinces for the financial year 2011\ 2012.

PROVINCES

UNIT COST PER CHILD PER MONTH 2011/2012

Eastern Cape

R1 700.00

Free State

R2 380.00

Gauteng

R2 200.00

Kwa Zulu -Natal

R2 112.00

Limpopo

R2 500.00

Mpumalanga

R2 400.00

Northern Cape

R2 363.00

North West

R2 100.00

Western Cape

R1 800.00

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 31 /2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

191. Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) (a) How many substance abuse rehabilitation centres are there, (b) where is each centre situated, (c) how many of the specified centres are state owned, (d) what is the capacity of each centre and (e) how many patients does each centre currently have;

(2) whether any of these facilities cater for children; if not, why not; if so, (a) which facility and (b) how many have schooling facilities;

(3) whether she has issued any norms and standards for the running of these centres; if not, (a) why not, (b) when does she intend issuing such norms and standards and (c) what guidelines are used by these rehabilitation centres in the absence of such norms and standards; if so, on what date did these norms and standards come into operation;

(4) whether any deaths have been reported at any of these rehabilitation centres since their inception; if so, (a) at which centre, (b) on what date did each death occur and (c) what was the cause of death in each case;

(5) whether any of the centres have been found to be responsible for any of these deaths; if so, on what authority? NW209E

REPLY:

(1) (a) How many substance abuse rehabilitation centres are there, (b) where is each centre situated, (c) how many of the specified centres are state owned, (d) what is the capacity of each centre and (e) how many patients does each centre currently have;

See attached table

(2) whether any of these facilities cater for children; if not, why not; if so, (a) which facility and (b) how many have schooling facilities;

see attached reply

(3) whether she has issued any norms and standards for the running of these centres; if not, (a) why not, (b) when does she intend issuing such norms and standards and (c) what guidelines are used by these rehabilitation centres in the absence of such norms and standards; if so, on what date did these norms and standards come into operation;

see attached reply

(4) whether any deaths have been reported at any of these rehabilitation centres since their inception; if so, (a) at which centre, (b) on what date did each death occur and (c) what was the cause of death in each case;

see attached reply

(5) whether any of the centres have been found to be responsible for any of these

deaths; if so, on what authority?

See attached reply

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 190

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

190. Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) has been added to the Child Protection Register; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW208E

REPLY:

The Department is unable to disclose the person's name nor confirm that the person's name appears in Part B of the Child Protection Register due to prohibitions regarding disclosure of names as prescribed in terms of section 127 (1) of the Children's Act (No. 38 of 2005). The Act only allows the Department to disclose the information on the affected person following:

1. A finding of unsuitability on the affected person. The Department issues a notification to the affected person of the inclusion of his or her name on the Child Protection Register following a finding of unsuitability by a court or a forum.

2. An inquiry by an employer ("the applicant") in terms of section 126(1) or (2) of the Act to establish whether or not the name of a person ("the affected person") appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register prior to or during his or her employment.

2.1 The employer refers to any employing organisation that ensures care and protection of children.

2.2 The employer, as the applicant, submits details of the employees to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

2.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 29 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the employer and that of the affected person.

2.4 The affected person refers to the person employed to work with children.

2.5 The Department is obliged to inform the employer about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the employer bearing the results of screening.

3. An inquiry by a person ("the affected person") in terms of section 126(3) of the Act to establish whether or not his or her name appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register.

3.1 The affected person refers to any person who may wish to provide services to children such as a foster parent, adoptive parent and supervisor in a child-headed household.

3.2 The person submits his or her details to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

3.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 30 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the affected person.

3.4 The Department is obliged to inform the person about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the person bearing the results of screening.

4 An order by court to do so.

4.1 A court may, in the course of an inquiry, order that information regarding the suitability of a person to work or have access to children, be provided about the person.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 188

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

188. Mr S C Motau to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether a certain person (name and details furnished) has been added to the Child Protection Register; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW206E

REPLY:

The Department is unable to disclose the person's name nor confirm that the person's name appears in Part B of the Child Protection Register due to prohibitions regarding disclosure of names as prescribed in terms of section 127 (1) of the Children's Act (No. 38 of 2005). The Act only allows the Department to disclose the information on the affected person following:

1. A finding of unsuitability on the affected person. The Department issues a notification to the affected person of the inclusion of his or her name on the Child Protection Register following a finding of unsuitability by a court or a forum.

2. An inquiry by an employer ("the applicant") in terms of section 126(1) or (2) of the Act to establish whether or not the name of a person ("the affected person") appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register prior to or during his or her employment.

2.1 The employer refers to any employing organisation that ensures care and protection of children.

2.2 The employer, as the applicant, submits details of the employees to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

2.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 29 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the employer and that of the affected person.

2.4 The affected person refers to the person employed to work with children.

2.5 The Department is obliged to inform the employer about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the employer bearing the results of screening.

3. An inquiry by a person ("the affected person") in terms of section 126(3) of the Act to establish whether or not his or her name appears in Part B of the National Child Protection Register.

3.1 The affected person refers to any person who may wish to provide services to children such as a foster parent, adoptive parent and supervisor in a child-headed household.

3.2 The person submits his or her details to the Department to be screened against the Child Protection Register.

3.3 The inquiry is submitted in a prescribed form 30 which is accompanied by a certified copy of the affected person.

3.4 The Department is obliged to inform the person about the outcome of screening. A notification is issued to the person bearing the results of screening.

4 An order by court to do so.

4.1 A court may, in the course of an inquiry, order that information regarding the suitability of a person to work or have access to children, be provided about the person.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 187

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

187. Mr S C Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(a) With reference to her reply to question 2919 on 12 October 2011, what are the reasons for not placing any (i) companies or (ii) persons on the List of Restricted Suppliers and (b) what procedure needs to be followed to place persons or companies on this list? NW205E

REPLY

(a)(i)(ii) No company or persons were reported to have failed to perform according to the contract conditions.

(b) The Accounting Officer has the power to restrict a supplier from doing business in the Department if such supplier obtained preferences fraudulently or if such supplier failed to perform on a contract based on the specified goals and contract conditions. The National Treasury Practice Note Number SCM 5 of 2006 prescribes the process to follow when placing companies or person(s) on the List of Restricted Suppliers. According to the above Practice Note, before any action is taken to restrict a company or person(s), a final notification must be issued to the contractor by registered mail indicating the action to be taken in accordance with the contract conditions unless the contractor complies with the contract conditions and delivers satisfactory supplies or services within a specified reasonable time (between 7 and 14 calendar days). If the contractor still fails to perform satisfactory despite this final notification, the Accounting Officer may, in addition to any other remedies it may have against the supplier, opt to follow any or all of the actions stipulated in paragraph 13(d) of the Preferential Procurement Regulations, 2011

Should the Accounting Officer opt to restrict the contractor and / or any person(s) from obtaining business within the public sector, the Accounting Officer must:

i) inform the contractor or person(s) by registered mail or by delivery of the notice by hand of the intention to impose the restriction, provide the reasons for such decision and the envisaged period of restriction;

ii) allow the contractor and / or person(s) fourteen calendar days to provide reasons why the envisaged restriction should not be imposed;

iii) consider any reasons submitted by the contractor and / or person(s) in terms of paragraph (b) above;

iv) impose the restriction or amended restriction; and

v) inform the National Treasury within five working days of such imposition of the name of the restricted person(s); the reason for restriction, the period of restriction and the date of commencement of the restriction.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 186

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

186. Mr S C Motau (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) (a) What amount has been spent on the Ke Moja project in the (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11 financial years and (b)(i) which communities, schools or institutions were targeted in each financial year and (ii) in which province are they situated in each case;

REPLY:

FINANCIAL YEAR

DISTRICT/ MUNICIPALITY

CAPACITY BUILDING/ YOUTH REACHED

BUDGET

2008/09

Nkangala district:

Officials of the Department, Emakhazeni municipality, Victor Khanye municipality, Emalahleni municipality, Thembisile municipality and Dr JS Moroka, Kubonakele Home based care workers, Hokaani School, Sibonisiwe primary School

Gert Sibande district:

Social Workers and Social Auxiliary Workers, Albert Luthuli municipality, Mkhondo municipality, Govan Mbeki municipality, Seme municipality, Dipaliseng municipality

Ehlanzeni district:

Social Workers and Social Auxiliary Workers, Umjindi municipality at Dingindoda, Umjindi peer counsellors, SANCA officials, White river circuit, Nkomazi municipality, Matibidi, Swartfontein, Moses Sihlangu, Khutsalani Secondary School, Ngodini High School, Wem Combined School, Guduza Secondary School

28 Kemoja Capacity building conducted

R5, 467

2009/10

Nkangala district:

Tweefontein-Thembisile municipality, Moloto -Dr JS Moroka municipality, Emalahleni municipality, Victor Kanye municipality, Emakhazeni municipality, Steve Tshwete municipality

Gert Sibande district:

Mkhondo, Ermelo, Standerton, Zinikeleni High School, Violet Jiyane High School, Sibane Sezwe, Youth out of schools

Ehlanzeni district:

Bushbuckridge, John Mdluli High School, Umfezi Secondary School, Anglica Church, Methodist Church, , Balfour, Mhlume Secondary School, Lydenburg

29 Kemoja Capacity building conducted

R 7,134

2010/11

Nkangala district:

Emakhazeni municipality, Emalahleni municipality, Thembisile municipality, Steve Tshwete municipality, Dr. JS Moroka municipality, Victor Khanye municipality, and Vosman.

Ehlanzeni district:

Umjindi, Bushbuckridge, Mbombela, Lydenburg, Skhila Secondary School.

Gert Sibande district:

Mayflower, Don Donald Embalenhle, Tjakastad, Mkhondo, Albert Luthuli, Seme municipality, Pixley kaSeme municipality .

7402 reached through Kemoja awareness campaign

R 8, 561

(ii) Mpumalanga Province

(2) whether any evaluation is conducted to determine the effectiveness of this project; if not, why not; if so, (a) what methodology is used and (b) what are the results for each year in each case?

REPLY:

(a)Yes,monitoring the activities that were planned and the actual outputs. Evaluation forms were completed to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme.

(b) Communities and young people were informed on the impact of substance abuse through the Kemoja programme. They were able to make informed decisions in terms of the use of substances. They were equipped with skills and knowledge on Kemoja.


Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 167

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

167. Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) What is the detailed breakdown of (a) organisations, (b) nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and (c) nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) that have applied for screening of people responsible to work with children in the (i) 2009-10 and (ii) 2010-11 financial years;

(2) (a) how many persons were applied for by each (i) NPO and (ii) institution, (b)(i) how many persons were disqualified and (ii) what was the reason for the disqualification in each case and (c) how many applications were approved for each (i) NPO and (ii) institution? NW183E

REPLY:

(1) There are no records available on (a) organizations, (b) nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and (c) nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that have applied for screening of people responsible to work with children for the (i) financial year 2009-10.

The Part A of the Register was the only system that was in operation during this period. The provisions regulating the screening of employees became operational on 1 April 2010. These provisions require that every person who works or has access to children must establish whether his or her name is on the Register.

(ii) The details of (i) organizations, (ii) nonprofit organizations (NPOs) and (iii) nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that have applied for screening of people responsible to work with children are attached as Annexure A. The information will only reflect the 2010–11 financial years. The Department is unable to disaggregate the type of organizations as requested as information is not captured and stored as per request.

(b) (aa) No application was disqualified; and (bb) all applications were approved.

2. (a) The number of persons who were applied for screening by each (i) NPO and (ii) institution were 3 4021.

(b) (i) No application was disqualified,

(c) (i) (ii) All applications were approved.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 166

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

166. Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) whether she has any policy in place with regard to health care of children who are wards of the State except those placed in a school of industry, juvenile detention and reform schools; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether her department ensures access to medical care for children placed in different care options under the Children's Act, Act 38 of 2005 (as amended); if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what monitoring systems has her department put in place to ensure that children who are wards of the State under different alternative care are fully cared for by their (a) foster care and (b) kinship care parents?

NW182E

Reply:

(1) No. The Department of Social Development has no separate policy with regard to the health care of children who are wards of the state. However, the Children's Act 38 of 2005 provides for protective measures relating to the health of children. Section 129 makes provision for consent to medical treatment and surgical operation to be given among others by the Minister of Social Development. A National Policy Framework was developed to guide the implementation of the Children's Act in consultation with various stakeholders including the Department of Health. The Department of Health indicated that children's health is one of their main priorities. They play a crucial role in the identification of abuse, the provision of care for the child victim of abuse both physical and psychological, the collection of medico-legal evidence for the successful prosecution of perpetrators in the criminal justice system and the provision of primary care services which focus on preventative services and makes services available to vulnerable groups. Social Development has the responsibility to refer cases to health for their intervention, to provide counselling and alternative care where children are in need of care and protection. .

In terms of the Norms and Standards and Practice Guidelines for the Children's Act, children placed in alternative care have the right to financial, educational and medical support from the State. This means that children in alternative care are exempted from paying health care fees in government clinics and hospitals. Intersectoral collaboration between different role players is crucial for the provision of health care services to children. This collaboration is ensured through referrals at service delivery level and quarterly meetings with partner departments and other stakeholders at management level.

(2) Yes, The Department ensures that children in alternative care have access to medical care. The Children's Act and the National Norms and Standards and Practice Guidelines for the Children's Act 38 of 2005 enforce access to and provision of adequate health care to children in alternative care as stipulated in the Constitution (section 28 c). Children placed in Child and Youth Care Centres have access to medical care through the employment of nurses in the centres. In the absence of medical staff, the children are referred to doctors, clinics and hospitals in the community and they are accompanied by social service professionals to such facilities.

(3) To ensure proper care and protection of children who are wards of the state, all children placed in alternative care are placed by means of a court order which is valid for two (2) years. According to the Children's Act, a social service professional must visit the child in foster care at least once every two years to monitor and evaluate the placement. The Norms and Standards for Child Protection states that the designated social worker should continuously assess and ensure the safety and best interest of the child by means of regular contacts and visits in accordance with the individual development plan (IDP) of the child. The guidelines for foster care also emphasize that the designated social worker or a registered social service professional must have contact with a foster child at least once in every six months to monitor the implementation of the care plan. Supervision ensures the safety and wellbeing of the child during the placement.

As a statutory requirement, the placement has to be reviewed after two (2) years to assess whether the placement is still appropriate and meets the needs of the child. If the placement no longer meets the needs of the child, a recommendation is made for an appropriate placement namely, the reunification of the child with his or her family, a change of the foster care family, movement to a suitable programme within a Child and Youth Care Centre or adoption. In the case of a child placed with a family member (kinship care), if there is a need for additional support, the family is referred to a community based programme.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 165

24 /2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

165. Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) How many (a) Early Childhood Developmental centres are there currently in each province and (b) children are currently accommodated at each of these centres;

Response:

(a) 704 registered and funded (ECD centres)

(b) 47005 children

(2) whether all of these centres have been inspected in each province to ensure that they meet the minimum standards; if not, (a) why not, in each case, (b) which centres were not inspected, (c) when will they be inspected and (d) for how long have they been operating without having been inspected; if so, for each province (i) when were the inspections conducted, (ii) who conducted the inspections and (iii) what are the minimum standards that each centre must meet;

Response:

(a) All 704 ECD centres were inspected during 2010/11 financial year

(b) None

(c) N/A

(d) All the registered facilities have been inspected.

(i) Inspections for the 697 ECD centres were conducted between November 2010 and March 2011. Inspections on 7 ECD centres were conducted during 2011/12 financial year.

(ii) Inspections were conducted by Social workers employed by the Department of Social Development. Social Auxiliary workers also visit the facilities on a quarterly basis to monitor compliance to minimum standards.

(iii) Minimum standards are attached

(3) whether these centres have failed to meet the minimum standards; if so, in each province (a) which ones and (b) what was the consequence of failing to meet the minimum standards;

Response:

(a) 17 facilities did not meet minimum standards

(c) The facilities had applied for registration with the Department. Upon failing

to meet the standards they were not recommended for registration

(4) in respect of each province, what is the breakdown of funds budgeted for each of these centres in the (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 financial years;

Response:

(a) 2008/09

R77, 571, 6936

(b) 2009/10

R87, 706, 608

(c) 2010/11

R117, 379, 131

(5) what is the (a) actual and (b) optimal number of (i) social workers, (ii) auxiliary social workers, (iii) home-based carers and (iv) any other relevant profession at each of these centres?

Response:

(a) The PC facilities need to maintain a ratio of 1ECD practitioner to 25 children

(b) None

(i) None

(ii) None

(iii) None

(iv) The ECD practitioners available depend on the number of children in each facility

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 164

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

164. Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

With reference to her reply to question 1770 on 19 August 2011, how was the R1,7 million spent that was allocated to the Child Protection Register, that only has one name appearing on it? NW180E

REPLY:

The Child Protection Register does not have one name on it. There are 22 names of persons who have been found to be unsuitable to work with children. The amount of R1, 7 million allocated for the Child Protection Register (CPR) was received from the Integrated Justice System (IJS) was for the development of IT systems. The breakdown of R1, 7 million allocated for the CPR is as follows:

1. Capacity building:

The amount of R82 942.29 was spent on CPR training of staff in provinces. The spending was on accommodation and travelling to all nine provinces. The training was on Part B of the register following the promulgation of the Children's Act (No. 38 of 2005) on 1 April 2010. The focus of training was the IT version of the CPR system and its implementation in terms of the new provisions of the Act. The target group included social workers, data capturers and IT personnel within the provincial departments. The Department of Justice & Constitutional Development (DoJ &CD) and SASSA also participated in provincial briefings on the CPR.

2. Equipment:

The amount of R52 019.90 was spent on the purchasing of equipment required to address the growing demands of the national CPR office following the promulgation of the Part B provisions. The following equipment was purchased:

§ Desktop computer: R17,347.00

§ Projector & printer: R24,258.68

§ Laptop: R10,414.22

3. Resources:

These resources are managed within the Integrated Justice System (IJS) which is responsible for the development of IT systems within the department. Every financial year the IJS board (IJSB) allocates funds from IJS ring-fenced for project development, piloting and rollout. The ring-fenced funds are on the budget of the Department of Justice & Constitutional Development (DoJ & CD). The funds are utilized according to the needs of the respective department, such as the Department of Social Development (DSD). The department utilizes the allocated funds and then claims for the refund on the expenditure from IJSB. This means that the IJS ring-fenced funds remain on the DOJ&CD account. Funds that are not spent by the respective departments are then returned to Treasury by DOJ&CD. Therefore, DSD only accounts for the allocated funds spent. The main spending was on human resources for IT development namely, two developers and was based on the rates specified in their contracts with their respective companies as indicated below:

Expenditure: R1, 013,548.

Duration: 1415, 72 hours

Each developer was paid as follows:

§ Developer for Part A Phase II: R430 per hour.

§ Developer for Part B: R285 per hour.

The development of the Register is a process. The intention is to have a system that deals with all children's issues comprehensively. Hence we requiring a budget for such activities.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 163

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper:

Internal question paper no:

163. Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) What has she found to be the relevant details of the impact of the KE MOJA project in communities and other institutions;

(2) whether the expected results pertaining to this project were achieved; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW179E

REPLY:

(1) Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme is the Government's prevention programme for substance abuse. It is mainly meant to educate, create awareness and provide youth with skills to deal with substance abuse challenges and related social ills. The following are the objectives of Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme:

· To raise awareness amongst the youth on the harmful effects of substance abuse by making use of various activities in an integrated approach.

· To contribute towards skills development initiatives specific to substance abuse prevention (capacity building for "Ke moja" facilitators, academic opportunities specific to substance abuse studies to be provided)

· To lobby and advocate for early intervention and a more integrated approach in addressing the challenges of drug usage

· To promote greater access to treatment facilities, prioritizing those young people already caught in the cycle of abuse.

· To create a platform for dialogue between youth and the community on the issue of drugs

· To capacitate educators and caregivers on substance abuse prevention interventions

· To provide parents and School Governing Bodies (SGB) with information on drugs for early identification

· To provide and promote alternative lifestyle for young people

A study to assess the effectiveness of Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme was conducted during 2011/12 financial year. The objectives of the study were as follows:

· To measure the effectiveness of Ke Moja initiatives

· To utilize the findings of the study in designing a rigorous impact evaluation study

· To identify results that will make substantial contribution in the review of strategy and development of policy.

The following were the findings of the study:

· Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme is implemented in provinces

· Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme is relevant and necessary for the youth as it allows them to learn about the dangers of drug abuse and skills and knowledge to protect themselves against substance abuse and related challleges such as, crime, HIV/Aids, violence, etc.

· The Programme provides parents, care givers and school governing with information and skills and knowledge to deal with the challenges of substance abuse.

· Relevant stakeholders need to be involved and take ownership of the programme to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in preventing substance abuse.

· The training received by Ke Moja implementers is informative, useful and adequate to prepare implementers for their duties.

(2) Yes, Ke Moja Drug Awareness Programme did achieve some of its expected results. The programme;

· provided information and raised awareness amongst children and youth about substance abuse and related social ills

· contributed towards skills development initiatives through capacity building workshops conducted at both provincial and district level.

· created awareness about available services and treatment facilities amongst communities.

· provided parents and school governing bodies with information on drugs and skills to be enable them to identify children experimenting on drugs and alcohol.

· mobilized communities to participate and take ownership of initiatives to address the challenges of substance abuse in their vicinities.

· provided and promoted healthy alternative lifestyles for young people through sports, music, arts etc.

Reply received: May 2012

QUESTION 158

22 /2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

158. Ms S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) How many (a) drop-in centres are there currently in each province and (b) patients are currently accommodated at each such centre;

Reply.

(a) The Western Cape currently has 12 funded Drop-in centres.

(b) The 12 funded Drop-in centres render services to 479 children. The breakdown is as follows:

Name

Address

C-code

Number of Children

Agape Centre

Mossel Street, Da Gama's Kop, Mossel Bay

C4026

40

ACVV Bright Lights

15 Edgar Street, Somerset West

C4416

30

Elkana

Jasmyn street, Wesbank, Malmesbury

C7493

30

Heavenly Promise 48

Vergenoeg, Vredendal

C9043

30

Joy and Happy Home School

1585, 19th Ave, Bridgton, Oudtshoorn

C7649

20

Jeug Uitreik

Bell Street, Bell House 2nd Floor, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch

C4976

40

Kidstop

4 Thomas Street, George

C4557

120

Masizame

Xipula street. Kwanokathula Plettenberg Bay

C4559

54

Sinethemba Youth Development Centre

Catholic Church Hall, Ntlanga Street, Khayelethu, Knysna

C7614

30

The Homestead (Masithete Outreach)

Silvertree Centre, Scheldt Road, Manenberg

C4979

25

The Homestead (Yizani Drop In Centre)

Chapel Street, District Six, Cape Town

C4555

25

Village Care Centre

28 St Barnard Street, Montague Village, Lavender Hill

C6247

35

Total

479

(2) whether all drop-in centres have been inspected in order to ensure that they meet the required minimum standards; if not, with regard to each province, (a) why not, (b) which centres have not been inspected, (c) when will each centre be inspected and (d) how long has each centre been operating without having been inspected; if so, in each case, (i) when was the inspection conducted, (ii) by whom was the inspection conducted and (iii) what are the minimum standards that are required to be met;

(2) Reply

(a) The Western Cape Department of Social Development conducted comprehensive assessments at 13 funded drop in centres during the 2007-2009 financial year prior to the implementation of the Children's Act.

(b) The following centres were not inspected since 2009:

Name

Address

C-code

Agape Centre

Mossel Street, Da Gama's Kop, Mossel Bay

C4026

Elkana

Jasmyn street, Wesbank, Malmesbury

C7493

Jeug Uitreik

Bell Street, Bell House 2nd Floor, Idas Valley, Stellenbosch

C4976

The Homestead (Masithete Outreach)

Silvertree Centre, Scheldt Road, Manenberg

C4979

The Homestead (Yizani Drop In Centre)

Chapel Street, District Six, Cape Town

C4555

Village Care Centre

28 St Barnard Street, Montague Village, Lavender Hill

C6247

Total

(c) A monitoring plan has been developed to assess the remaining 6 Drop-in centres in the 2012/2013 financial year.

(d) All drop in centres were last monitored between 2007-2009

(i) The Department of Social Development has since April 2010 conducted monitoring at 7 of the then 13 funded Drop-in centres.

NAME OF ORGANISATION

C-Code

PROGRAMME

REGION

Monitoring start

Monitoring end

Joy and Happy home school

C 7649

Children & Families

Eden Karoo

2011/01/26

2011/01/26

Kidstop

C 4557

Children & Families

Eden Karoo

2011/02/09

2011/02/10

Masizame shelter

C 4559

Children & Families

Eden Karoo

2011/01/17

2011/01/18

Sinethemba Child and Youth Care Centre

C 7614

Children & Families

Eden Karoo

2011/01/21

2011/01/21

Bright Lights shelter

C4416

Children & Families

Metro East

2011/01/24

2011/01/25

Heavenly Promise

C9043

Children & Families

West Coast

2011/02/22

2011/02/22

N&J Huisskool

C6752

Children & Families

Eden Karoo

2011/01/26

2011/01/26

(ii) The assessment team consisted of a social worker, child and youth care worker and administrative officer.

(3) whether any drop-in centres have failed to meet the minimum standards; if so, (a) which centres and (b) what steps have been taken against these centres for failing to meet the minimum standards;

Reply

(a) The assessments that were conducted at the Drop-in centres confirmed that 12 of the previously existing 13 centres complied with the requirements of the minimum norms and standards. During the assessment conducted at N&J Huisskool during the period of 2007-2009 this organisation did not meet the requirements contained in the minimum standards. For the period 2009 to 2011, the Department of Social Development assisted the organisation with rigorous capacity building and support in order to assist them to comply. Follow up formal monitoring was conducted at N&J Huisskool again on 26/01/2011 and the monitoring and evaluation team concluded that this organisation continues to render services that are not in line with the minimum norms and standards. Line monitoring by the child care and protection unit conducted on 12th October 2011 confirmed the findings and funding was subsequently suspended.

(4) what is the breakdown of funds that have been budgeted for each of the specified centres in the (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 financial years;

Name

2008-09

2009-10

2010-11

Agape Centre

R233 890.00

R 255 180.00

R 240 000.00

ACVV Bright Lights

R233 692.50

R 257 731.20

R 180 000.00

Elkana

R269 300.40

R295 916.40

R 180 000.00

Heavenly Promise 48

R300 000.00

R300 000.00

R 180 000.00

Joy and Happy Home school

R67 110.00

R135 180.00

R 120 000.00

Jeug Uitreik

R119 370.00

R135 180.00

R 240 000.00

Kidstop

R552 300.00

R630 360.00

R 720 000.00

Masizame

R327 750.00

R327 750.00

R 324 000.00

N & J Huisskool Vir Straatkinders

R119 370.00

R75 180.00

R 60 000.00

Sinethemba Youth Development Centre

R115 286.25

R195 180.00

R 180 000.00

The Homestead (Masithete Outreach)

R 14 850.00

R15 180.00

R 150 000.00

The Homestead (Yizani Drop In Centre)

R130 650.00

R 150 000.00

R 150 000.00

Village Care Centre

R119 370.00

R 120 000.00

R 120 000.00

(5) what is the (a) actual and (b) optimal number of (i) social workers, (ii) auxiliary social workers, (iii) home-based carers and (iv) any other specified profession at each partial care facility?

Reply

5 (a) the actual number as follows:

Organisation

Social Workers

Auxiliary Social Workers

Child and Youth care workers

Village Care

0

0

4

Youth for Christ

0

0

6

Youth Outreach

0.5

1

1

Masizame

1 (part time)

1

1 (part time)

Heavenly Promise

0

0

1

Elkana

1

0

2

Agape

1

0

3

ACVV Bright Lights

1

0

0 Staff currently being trained

Sinethemba Youth Development centre

0

0

0

Yizani

0

0

0

Masithete

Joy and Happy

0

0

0

(b) The optimal number

Organisation

Social Workers

Outeach Personel

Child and Youth care workers

Village Care

1

2

4.3

Youth for Christ

1

2

15

Youth Outreach

1

2

5

Masizame

1

2

6.75

Heavenly Promise

1

2

3.75

Elkana

1

2

3.75

Agape

1

2

5

ACVV Bright Lights

1

2

3.75

Sinethemba Youth Development centre

1

2

3.75

Yizani

1

2

3.1

Masithete

1

2

3.1

Joy and Happy Huisskool

1

2

2.5

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 131

21 /2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

131. Ms N P Gcume (Cope) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

With reference to her reply to question 9 on 20 April 2011, how many (a) community workers, (b) home-based care workers and (c) early childhood development practitioners were (i) trained and (ii) employed by the Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme in (aa) 2009, (bb) 2010 and (cc) 2011? NW142E

REPLY

(a) How many community workers

I. Trained

There is no category of workers called Community Workers who underwent training under Social Sector EPWP.

II. Employed by the Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme

The Social Sector EPWP does not currently have a category of workers called Community Workers and therefore does not have any employed.

(b) How many Home Based Care Workers (Community caregivers) (HCBC)

(i) trained

(ii) employed by the Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme

Year

Employed

Trained

2009(aa)

18 895

17 311

2010(bb)

16 509

14 546

2011(cc)

14 509

19 895

(c) How many Early Childhood Development practitioners (ECD)

(i) trained

(ii) employed by Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme

Year

Employed

Trained

2009(aa)

14 760

2010(bb)

7 323

2011(cc)

9 734

It should be noted that neither the Department of Social Development nor the Department of Basic Education employ ECD practitioners under EPWP but these are employed by private ECD facilities some of which are subsidised by the department of Social Development. Only Grade R practitioners are employed by the Department of basic Education but do not fall under EPWP.

Reply received: June 2012

QUESTION 114 of 2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 02

114. Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether any progress was made in linking social grants to (a) economic activity and (b) community development, as referred to in the President's state of the nation address on 10 February 2011; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW123E

REPLY:

Yes, progress has been made.

(a) Extensive research has also been undertaken, including benchmarking with developments in other jurisdictions. This has enabled the Department to develop a programme of action which will be piloted by SASSA.

(b) The Department of Social Development has made outstanding progress in terms of linking social grant beneficiaries to economic opportunities and community development programmes. The total number of social grant beneficiaries linked in the financial year 2010/2011 subsequent to the inception of the programme of linking social grant beneficiaries to economic opportunities and community development was 21,134. During the financial year 2011/2012 the total number of linked beneficiaries was 83,493. To date the total number of beneficiaries linked to economic opportunities and community development is 104,627. Continuous monitoring of the linkages was conducted by all provinces. Given these figures, the Department has successfully honored its objective to link social grant beneficiaries to economic opportunities and community development.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 264

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 March 2012

Internal question paper no: 04

264. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

How many (a) persons are currently receiving disability grants and (b) of these beneficiaries are infected with (i) HIV and (ii) tuberculosis (TB)? NW270E

REPLY:

(a) As at the 31 January 2012, SASSA had a total of 1,194,579 disability grant beneficiaries (Permanent Disability Grants = 951 022; Temporary Disability grants = 243 557).

(b) (i) & (ii) SASSA does not to capture the medical condition that may have resulted in a person's disability. We are therefore unable to report on the number of beneficiaries who are infected with HIV and tuberculosis. This is one of the limitations that we intend addressing for policy development purposes.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 72

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

72. Mr M M Swathe (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) (a) How many copies of each annual report that was produced by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her were commissioned for print in the 2010-11 financial year, (b) how many copies were actually printed and (c) what were the (i) total and (ii) individual costs of printing these reports;

(2) (a) who printed each specified report, (b) how was the specified printer decided upon and (c) on what date did the specified printer deliver the report to the specified entity;

(3) whether any of the specified reports that had been printed were found to be unsatisfactory; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (a) which reports, (b) for which entity, (c) by which printer, (d) what action was taken and (e) what were the costs? NW79E

REPLY:

Honourable member,

On behalf of Department of Social Development (DSD), SASSA and NDA

Question 1

(a) (i)DSD produced 1100 hard copies and 100 CDs

(ii)The entities

· SASSA commissioned 500 hard copies and 100 CDs

· NDA commissioned 1500 hard copies and 1500 CDs

(b)

· DSD printed 1100 hard copies and 100 CDs

· SASSA printed 500 hard copies and 100 CDs

· NDA printed 1500 hard copies and 1500 CDs

(i)

· The total cost for DSD was R337,027.32

· The total cost for SASSA was R138,700.00

· The total cost for NDA was R127,571.00

(ii)

· Individual costs for DSD

hours

rate/hour

subtotal

Editing and proof-reading

80

450.00

R36,000.00

Design and layout

252

450.00

R113,400.00

Purchase of stock images

R5,000.00

On-site corrections

24

450.00

R10,800.00

Off-site corrections

18

450.00

R8,100.00

Printing and binding, 1100 copies (128 gsm matt art)

R118,838.00

100 CDs in jewel cases with labels and covers

R3,500.00

subtotal

R295,683.00

VAT

R41,389.32

TOTAL INCLUSIVE OF VAT

R337,027.32

· Individual costs for SASSA

Ø R269.40 was the cost per one hard copy of the Annual Report

Ø R40.00 was the cost per one compact disk of the Annual Report

· Individual costs for NDA

Description

Quantity Unit

Unit Price

Nett Price

Design cost

1

R4,500.00

R4,500.00

Layout cost

84

R180.00

R180.00

Printing cost for 1500 copies

1

R55,151.00

R55,151.00

Editing @R250/page

84

R250.00

R21,000.00

Proofreading @R75/page

84

R75.00

R6,300.00

CD @R17 per compact disc

1500

R17.00

R25,500.00

Total

R127,571.00

Question 2

a)

· The DSD Annual Report was printed by Acumen Publishing Solutions

· The SASSA Annual Report was printed by TS Trading cc

· The NDA Annual Report was printed by Impact Communications

b)

· DSD - Acumen Publishing Solutions was decided through normal procurement processes (3 quotations were sourced from Supply Chain database and Acumen Publishing Solutions was chosen through experience and the quality of reports they have previously produced)

· SASSA - TS Trading cc was appointed in compliance with SASSA's Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes

· NDA – Five quotations were sought from different suppliers and the one quoted lowest was appointed

c)

· DSD Annual Reports were delivered on 20 September 2011

· SASSA Annual Reports were delivered on 26 September 2011

· NDA Annual Reports were delivered on 26 September 2011

Question 3

a)

· DSD Annual Reports were found to be satisfactory

· SASSA Annual Reports were found to be satisfactory

· NDA Annual Reports were found to be satisfactory

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 60

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

60. Mr I O Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) Whether (a) her department and (b) any entity reporting to her was approached by a certain political organisation (name furnished) to contribute to its 66th birthday celebrations; if so, in each case, (i) which entities and (ii) what was the (aa) nature and (bb) value of the contribution that was requested;

(2) whether (a) her department and (b) any of the specified entities reporting to her agreed to the request; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) who approved the request, (ii) what was the justification for agreeing to the request and (iii) from which budget was the contribution paid;

(3) whether (a) her department and (b) any of the specified entities reporting to her made financial contributions to the said political organisation without being approached for such financial contributions; if so, in each case, (i) what amount was contributed, (ii) from which budget, (iii) who made the decision to provide the specified funds to the said political organisation and (iv) how was this (aa) decision and (bb) amount justified;

(4) whether (a) her department and (b) any of the entities reporting to her relied on any (i) statutory and (ii) policy provisions in (aa) agreeing and (bb) making such contribution; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, what are the relevant details?NW67E

REPLY:

(1) (a) No. The Department was not approached by any political organization

to contribute to its 66th birthday celebrations.

(b) No. Neither of the entities were approached by any political organization to contribute to its 66th birthday celebrations.

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(2) (a) No. The Department did not agree to any requests for contributions received from any Political Party.

(b) No. Neither of the entities agreed to any requests for contributions received from any Political Party.

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(iii) Not applicable.

(3) (a) No. The Department did not make any financial contributions to any

political organization.

(b) No. Neither of the entities made any financial contributions to any political organization.

(i) Not applicable.

(ii) Not applicable.

(iii) Not applicable.

(iv) Not applicable.

(aa) Not applicable.

(bb) Not applicable.

(4) (a)(b) No. Neither the Department or any of its entities.

(i) have any statutory provision it can rely on in

(aa) agreeing and

(bb) making contributions to political parties.

(ii) have any policy provision it can rely on in

(aa) agreeing and

(bb) making contributions to political parties.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 45

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

45. Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(a) What amount was allocated to her department's recruitment and retention strategy for social workers in the 2010-11 financial year and (b) how many social workers are employed by (i) nongovernmental organisations and (ii) her department?

NW50E

REPLY:

(a) The baseline budget allocation of R4 080 222 000 for the 2010/2011 financial year is inclusive of the required amount for the provisions of the Occupation Specific Dispensation for Social Service Professions and Related Occupations (OSD). The mentioned OSD addresses some of the key aspects of the department's recruitment and retention strategy, amongst other the issues of career pathing, accelerated grade progression and differentiated notch increments. The Provincial baseline budget allocation for compensation is tabulated below:

NO

PROVINCE

ALLOCATION, 000

1

Eastern Cape

R 688 135

2

Free State

R 322 424

3

Gauteng

R 531 554

4

KwaZulu Natal

R 662 314

5

Limpopo

R 393 570

6

Mpumalanga

R 329 059

7

Northern Cape

R 202 704

8

North West

R 320 119

9

Western Cape

R 375 404

10

National

R 254 939

TOTAL

R 4 080 222

An amount of R226m was allocated by the National Treasury to for scholarship

to recruit individuals who want to pursue social work as a career during 2010/11

financial year.

(b)(i) The total number of social workers employed by nongovernmental

Organizations 2 634

(b) (ii) The total number of social workers employed by the department both at the national and provincial level is 6 655. This includes levels of social workers grade 1-4, social work supervisors grade 1 and 2, social work managers grade 1and 2, social worker policy developer grade 1and 2, and manager social work policy grade 1 and 2.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 44

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

44. Mrs D Robinson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(a) How many social workers are currently registered, (b) how many social workers did she find are needed to render all social services and (c) what is the current ratio of caseload to social worker? NW49E

REPLY:

(a) According to the statistics provided by the South African Council for Social Services Profession (SACSSP), the total number of social workers currently registered with SACSSP is 16 740 as at March 2012 . It should however be noted that these are social workers providing services in government, NGO's and the private sector. Furthermore, there are social workers who are not practising but maintain their registration status.

(b) According to the costing done to implement the Children's, Act 38 of 2005 as Amended, 16 504 social workers are required to provide social welfare needs of children in the country. This excludes other services that social workers have to render which range from anti substance abuse, older persons, services to persons with disability, crime prevention and support and HIV and Aids support from HCBC organizations. This is due to the fact that social workers are currently not specializing in services to children but are expected to undertake generic social work.

The department is currently finalizing a process of developing guidelines for workload management which will indicate the ratio of workload per social worker with the intention to review the current. This, will over and above the numbers needed to implement the Children's Act, provide us with a clear picture of the total need for social workers.

(c) The Integrated Service Delivery model developed by the Department of Social Development indicates the current caseload of social workers is 1:60. However, due to the increase in number of orphans which are as a result of chronic diseases, the norm is not complied with and far exceeds 1:60. Furthermore, the fact thatSouth Africa is a developing country which has high levels of poverty, deprivation and high incidence of HIV and AIDS compounds the problem.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 43

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

43. Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) When last were the budget allocations for older persons living in old-age homes reviewed;

(2) whether there are any budgetary constraints hampering the review of allocations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether allocations for older persons living in old-age homes were reviewed for the (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11 financial years; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details for each province in each of the above financial years? NW48E

REPLY:

(1)The Provincial Departments of Social Development managed to review their budget allocations for older persons living in old-age homes for the 2007/2008 and 2010/2011 financial years

(2) Yes, there are budgetary constraints hampering the review of allocations by most of the Provincial Departments of Social Development. Only two (2) Provincial Departments of Social Development, i.e. KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng did not experience budgetary constrains as they managed to allocate increases annually to residential facilities for older persons.

Provincial Departments of Social Development who are experiencing challenges in reviewing allocations to old age homes, did not receive significant increase in budget allocations for the past financial years. This did not allow them enough funding to increase allocations to older persons homes.

Noting the challenge of financial constrains emphasis was put in sustaining the existing services and had to prioritize the community based services for older persons.

(Please find attached Annexure for detailed responses by respective provinces)

(3) A total of five (5) Provincial Departments of Social Development managed to have their allocations reviewed for the (a) 2009-10 and (b) 2010-11 financial years and four (4) could not have their allocations reviewed for the financial years in question.

Some provinces could not afford to review the allocations to older persons homes because of budgetary constraints. Instead, they allocated available funding for Community Based Care and Support Services to implement the Older Persons Act which emphasized the support of community based services for older persons and allows older persons to remain within the community for as long as possible.

In instances where Provincial Departments of Social Development managed to have their allocations reviewed, an average of between 5% and 10% was considered per bed/unit per month. This applied throughout the respective provinces and emphasis given to rural areas of the provinces.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 41

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

41. Mrs H Lamoela (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) What are the relevant details with regard to all rural food bank projects currently in operation in partnership with the FoodBank SA (FBSA);

(2) whether all provinces are included in these programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the specified projects in each province;

(3) what challenges are being encountered in each province with regard to these food banks, particularly in rural areas? NW46E

REPLY:

(1) What are the relevant details with regard to all rural food bank projects currently in operation in partnership with the FoodBank SA (FBSA);

FoodBank South Africa (FBSA) is a section 21 (non-profit) organisation with section 18A status, and is recognised by government and food companies as the national food banking network lead organisation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FBSA and the government was entered into in year 2008. The strategic focus of the MoU was to foster partnership between the government of South Africa, the business sector (food industry) and the public at large in the fight against hunger, malnutrition as well as extreme poverty. FBSA's main role is to facilitate the establishment of a national network of food banks in South Africa, through public private partnerships. Government's role in this regard is to provide the necessary support to the establishment of the network at both national and provincial level.

There are currently three (KZN – Ugu & Jozini, Limpopo - Seshego) rural food bank projects that are currently fully operational as the approach was to first develop urban food bank infrastructure. FoodBank South Africa's strategy was to begin firstly by creating a national support office and food banks in the major urban centres before addressing rural food banking. This approach was adopted to allow FoodBank SA to create credibility and scale, in particular with the country's major food suppliers. Progress made thus far, is the development of the rural food bank model referred to as the Agri-Food Bank model based on a comprehensive study undertaken by FoodBank South Africa and the Global FoodBanking Network in partnership with TechnoServe. The study identified the potential for agricultural development in rural areas, access to the markets through the use of the food bank infrastructure for food storage, preservation and market logistics support.

This model supports the establishment of food banks in rural areas as well as the training and mentoring of smallholder farmers in business and technical agricultural skills. With the support of agri-business partners, smallholder farmers will be taught how to produce sufficient volumes of quality food and also assisted to secure steady income streams to improve their livelihoods and those of their communities through guaranteed off-take agreements with FBSA and other stakeholders including government, manufacturers and retailers.

(2) Whether all provinces are included in these programmes; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the specified projects in each province;

Yes, all provinces are included in the food bank programmes, and were all consulted for participation, but not all provinces have fully fledged food banks established as yet. The Agri-FoodBank model has been consulted with provinces to ensure their inclusion in the roll out process, and they are at different levels towards the establishment of these food bank programmes. The progress per province is as follows:

1) KwaZulu-Natal

A Durban FoodBank was officially launched in 2009 and is fully operational. This food bank is currently linked to 137 food agencies (Non Profit Organisations) that are reaching 38456 beneficiaries. The roll out of the Agri-FoodBank Pilot in Jozini is scheduled to take in the next three months, and will benefit 100 local emerging farmers. Local emerging farmers have been mobilized; stakeholder consultation undertaken and the critical infrastructure including land, irrigation system and the pack house have been identified. The primary partners are TechnoServe, KwaZulu Natal Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs and Rural Development, KwaZulu Natal Department of Health, KwaZulu Natal Department of Education, KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development, Jozini Municipality and the Mjindi Board.

2) Gauteng

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has established four food banks one in each district. FBSA in partnership with the City of Tshwane (CoT), has also established a food bank community depot in Tshwane. The Johannesburg food bank provides support to 685 food agencies and 87000 beneficiaries are reached by these food agencies. The CoT has committed R4,000,000 towards the "Buy-to-Give" programme for Tshwane which will enable FBSA to provide a reliable and consistent supply of maize meal, rice, sugar beans, brown lentils and samp to the Tshwane FoodBank Community Depot.

3) North West

A feasibility study on the food bank establishment in the Rustenburg area has been completed. The province launched its 1st food bank on the 15th February 2012 in Rustenburg. The following stakeholders are partnering on the establishment of satellite food bank in this province: FoodBank SA, Xstrata Alloys, Northwest Department of Social Development, Bojanala District Municipality and the Rustenburg Municipality. Xstrata Alloys has committed R3 million over the next three years and the North West Province Department of Social Development has committed R3.6 million towards the establishment of a food bank network in the province.

4) Northern Cape

A feasibility study funded by the Department of Social Development and Kumba Mines has been undertaken by FoodBank SA to assess prospects of food banking in this province. An Integrated Provincial Food Bank Development Plan (IPFDP) has also been developed in consultation with the Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Task Team. Khumba Mines has committed to funding the establishment of a food bank in the John Taolo District and this work is also supported by the Northern Cape Department of Social Development.

5) Mpumalanga

FoodBank SA has completed conducting a feasibility study in Emhlaleni Municipality in Witbank funded by Xstrata Coal. FoodBank SA is currently engaging with Ogies Municipality, Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture and Social Development regarding the implementation of an Integrated Provincial FoodBank Development Plan. The 1st food bank is likely to be established in the year 2012.

6) Limpopo

FoodBank SA in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture, the Department of Social Development and the Capricorn District Municipality officially launched the 1st satellite food bank in this province. The Limpopo Department of Agriculture has committed to fund an agri-food bank (Food Park) to be established in the Capricorn District Municipality. An MOU was entered into between the stakeholders, and a R7M commitment has been made. A warehouse has been identified in Seshego. A number of activities will happen concurrently, such as stakeholder mobilisation, warehouse preparation, setting-up of the steering committee etc.

7) Western Cape

The Eden Municipality has funded a "Buy-to-Give" programme for the George FoodBank Community Depot which serves agencies in Plettenberg Bay, Kynsna, Mosselbay, George and Riversdale.

FoodBank SA is currently engaging with the Western Cape Department of Social Development and Eden Municipality regarding the establishment of a satellite food bank in Eden as well as the inclusion of the Department of Social Development's Nutritional Centres as part o the national food banking network of FoodBank SA.

8) Eastern Cape

A Port Elizabent food bank was established and has been in operation since 2009. The Port Elizabeth food bank supports 86 food agencies that benefit 32 000 beneficiaries. FBSA and the Provincial Department of Social Development are working towards the opening of three new food banks in this province: East London, Butterworth and Umthatha. To date, a business plan for the establishment of a food bank in Butterworth has been submitted to the Department.

9) Free State

The province has no food bank in operation, but the existing feeding programmes are being reviewed with the view of making improvements on the current feeding programmes. There is consideration for the establishment of popular restaurants in this province. This initiative is not aligned to the food banks establishment and roll out process, but it is an approach drawn from the zero hunger model developed by Brazil

(3) What challenges are being encountered in each province with regard to these food banks, particularly in rural areas?

The following are the challenges that have been encountered:

3.1. Sustainable funding for the roll out of food banks – The establishment of a national infrastructure for the food bank network in South Africa requires substantial funding. Progress in the food banks roll out in most provinces has been hampered by unpredictable support and funding of the initiative. Substantial support through donations and funding has been received from the private sector but this has not proven to be sufficient to make the project sustainable. FoodBank SA is therefore engaging with the provincial and national government for support.

3.2 Under- resourced national food bank network office - It is important to have a well resourced National food bank network office that can coordinate and create efficient and effective food bank network system in the country. The National Network Office will assist in the establishment of uniform norms and standards for all food bank system. Currently the food bank office is under resourced due to limited funding.

3.3 Commitment of various stakeholders – currently commitments by other government department and some provinces is very weak

3.4 Lack of infrastructure in rural areas – Rural areas have major challenges that relates to roads, communication, physical infrastructure and access to markets. These challenges hamper food distribution logistics.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 38

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

38. Mr G G Hill-Lewis (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) (a) How many information and communication technology (ICT) contracts has the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA) entered into during the period 1 January 2007 up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (b) what were the costs associated with each contract and (c) what value did each contract add to the core function of SASSA;

(2) what is the total staff complement at (a) SASSA's head office and (b) each regional office;

(3) whether SASSA has entered into any contracts with a certain company (name furnished); if so, (a) how many contracts and (b) what (i) are the relevant details and (ii) is the cost of each contract? NW43E

REPLY:

1 (a) There are 45 information and communication technology (ICT) contracts that SASSA has entered into during the period 1 January 2007 to date. The list of ICT contract is attached hereto as Annexure A for easy of reference.

(b) The costs associated with each ICT contract that SASSA has entered into are detailed in the attached list of ICT contracts.

(c) The value of each ICT contract that SASSA has entered into is reflected in the attached list of ICT contracts.

2. The total ICT staff complement for both regions and head office is 91. The breakdown of the staff complement is as follows:

LOCATION

STAFF COMPLEMENT

HEAD OFFICE

37

GAUTENG

6

WESTERN CAPE

10

KWAZULU-NATAL

5

FREE STATE

8

MPUMALANGA

5

LIMPOPO

4

EASTERN CAPE

6

NORTHERN CAPE

5

NORTH WEST

5

GRAND TOTAL

91

3 Yes. SASSA has entered into contracts with TSS Managed Services.

(a) There are two main contracts that SASSA has with TSS Management Systems since 2008, and one closed procurement contract to which TSS Managed Services participates.

(b) Prior to the current financial year, there was only one contract with TSS Managed Services, which was for the provision of ICT Support and Maintenance.

During the current financial year, another contract was entered into for the provision of Telephone Management System. The contract is currently being implemented.

There is also a closed procurement contract which SASSA uses to procure network equipment and infrastructure. This contract currently has four service providers, namely, TSS Managed Services, Bytes System Integration, Reflex Technologies and Gijima Technologies.

(b) (i) (a) ICT Support and Maintenance Contract

The ICT Support and Maintenance contract with TSS Managed Services was originally a 3-year contract, effective from August 2008. The contract included the following services:

· Consolidated Service Desk;

· Front Office Support;

· LAN Support; and

· Back Office Support.

The contract also made provision for Time and Material services, where the following additional services were delivered as part there-of:

· MPLS VPN Desktop Configuration Effort (2008);

· Mobile Units Support (2008); and

· Air Conditioner Maintenance (2010 / 2011) ;

The contract expired during August 2011, but was renewed for a further 12 months to expire during August 2012 to allow time for the ICT Branch to implement a new and more efficient resourcing model.

(b) (i) (b) Telephone Management System Contract

The Telephone Management System contract with TSS Managed Services is a 3-year contract, effective from October 2011. The contract includes the following services:

· Implementation of the Telephone Management System; and

· Support and maintenance for the system after being implemented;

The contract is currently in the implementation phase.

(b) (i) (c) Infrastructure Deployment Procurement Contract

The Infrastructure Deployment Procurement Contract is a 3-year contract originally involving five service providers, namely, TSS Managed Services, Bytes System Integration, Reflex Technologies, Gijima Technologies and Square One Technologies, effective from April 2009.

The contract includes the following services:

· Provision of quotes on request;

· Supply of equipment and material on award;

· Deployment of the procured items (if required); and

· Registration of warranty and maintenance with the OEMs on behalf of SASSA for equipment and workmanship.

The service providers participating in this contract were selected because of their partnership status with 3Com then, which was later taken over by HP. HP also re-instated the partnership status of all these service providers, except for Square One Technologies, allowing them to continue to participate in the closed procurement contract.

Square One Technologies was at the time going through a liquidation process.

The basic criterion for the award of the service providers within the closed procurement contract from time to time is as follows:

· Attendance of Information Session - Qualification Gate 1

· Completeness of the Solution Against the TOR - Qualification Gate 2

· Price Component - 100%

N.B (The admission process into the Closed Procurement Contract has already applied the full evaluation of the service providers, including the preference points and technical compliance).

Please see the latest Directives in the use of the Closed Procurement Contract attached hereto.

(b) (ii) (a) ICT Support and Maintenance Contract

The Initial ceiling value of the ICT Support and Maintenance Contract was R105, 047,210.00.

Total variations of R29, 582, 638.68 were approved by the Bid Adjudication Committee to afford the Time and Material requirements mentioned here-above.

The extension of the contract for 12 months amounts to a further R44, 931,476.02 (Including CPI Adjustment).

The total contract amount will amount to R179, 561,324.70 by August 2012.

(b) (ii) (b) Telephone Management System Contract

The contract ceiling value of Telephone Management System Contract is R1, 416,673.15.

There are, at this point, no further variations foreseen linked to the contract.

(b) (ii) (c) Infrastructure Deployment Procurement Contract

The Infrastructure Deployment Procurement Contract was estimated at R60 million. However, the value thereof is purely dependant on the requirements and the budget per financial year.

Reply received: April 2012

QUESTION 34

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

34. Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) How many (a) Child Youth Care Centres are there currently in each province and (b) patients are currently accommodated at each of these centres;

(2) whether all of these centres have been inspected in order to ensure that they meet the minimum standards; if not, in respect of each province (a) why not, (b) which centres were not inspected, (c) when will they be inspected and (d) for how long have they been operating without having been inspected; if so, in respect of each province (i) when were the inspections conducted, (ii) who conducted the inspections and (iii) what are the minimum standards that each centre must meet;

(3) whether any of these centres have failed to meet the minimum standards; if so, in respect of each province (a) which centres did not meet the minimum standards and (b) what was the consequence of failing to meet the minimum standards;

(4) what is the breakdown of funds budgeted for each of these centres in the (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10 and (c) 2010-11 financial years in respect of each province;

(5) what is the (a) actual and (b) optimal number of (i) social workers, (ii) auxiliary social workers, (iii) home-based carers and (iv) any other relevant profession at each of these centres? NW39E

REPLY:

(1) (a) There are 253 Child and Youth Care Centres (Children's Homes) in all nine provinces.

(b)Child and Youth Care Centres do not accommodate patients but children. Currently there are 13657 children accommodated in the Child and Youth Care Centres. See the attached Annexure A.

(2) (i)(ii)The table attached indicates the date and the team that inspected the Children's Homes.

(iii) See the attached Annexure "B" for the national norms and standards that must be met by all Child and Youth Care Centres

(3) There are centres in Kwa-Zulu Natal which failed to meet the minimum norms and standards. The following are the centres which failed to meet the minimum norms and standards.

· Siphesihle Children's Home in Illembe.

· Sinethemba Children's Home in Durban

The above-mentioned Child and Youth Care Centres were closed down during 2008 and 2009 as a result of not meeting the minimum norms and standards. The respective Boards of Management took the decision and later informed the Department to proceed with the closure they recognised that the structures did not meet the minimum standards.

(4) The breakdown of funds budgeted for each of the centres during the financial years 2008\09, 2009\10 and 2010\2011, is highlighted in Annexure C.

(5) The attached table illustrates the actual and optimal number of staff (social workers, auxiliary social workers, home based carers and any other relevant professions at each of the centres.

See the attached Annexure D for the breakdown of the staff complement per province and per Child and Youth Care Centre.

TEMPORARY PLACES OF SAFE CARE

(1) (a)There are 42 Child and Youth Care Centres (Temporary Places of Safe Care) in 8 provinces.

There are no patients accommodated in Child and Youth Care Centres but only clients. There are 2201 children accommodated in the temporary places of safe care. See the attached "Annexure E "for the number of children accommodated in each temporary place of safe care.

(2)(i)(ii) The attached table illustrate the year in which temporary places of safe care have been inspected and the team that have conducted the inspection.

(iii) See the attached Annexure "F" for the national norms and standards that must be met by all Child and Youth Care Centres.

(3)There are no temporary places of safe care that have failed to meet the minimum norms and standards.

(4)The breakdown of funds budgeted for each of the centres during the financial years 2008\09, 2009\10 and 2011, is highlighted in Annexure "G".

(5) The attached table illustrates the actual and optimal number of staff (social workers, auxiliary social workers, home based carers and any other relevant professions at each of the centre.

See the attached Annexure "H" for the staff complement in each temporary safe care per province.

Reply received: July 2012

QUESTION 33 /2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paper no: 01

33. Mrs S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

(1) How many (a) partial care facilities are there currently in each province and (b) patients are currently accommodated at each of these facilities;

(2) Whether all of these facilities have been inspected in order to ensure that they meet the minimum standards; if not, in respect of each province (a) why not, (b) which facilities were not inspected, (c) when will they be inspected and (d) for how long have they been operating without being inspected; if so, in respect of each province (i) when were the inspections conducted, (ii) who conducted the inspections and (iii) what are the minimum standards each facility must meet;

(3) Whether any of these facilities have failed to meet the minimum standards; if so, in respect of each province (a) which facilities did not meet the minimum standards and (b) what was the consequence of failing to meet the minimum standards;

(4) What is the breakdown of funds budgeted for each of these facilities in the (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, and (c) 2010-11 financial years in respect of each province;

(5) What is the (a) actual and (b) optimal number of staff for (i) social workers, (ii) auxiliary social workers, (iii) home based carers and (iv) any other relevant profession at each of these facilities? NW38E

REPLY:

According to the Children's Act, Partial Care is defined as being provided when person, whether for or without reward, takes care of more than six children on behalf of their parents or care-givers during specific hours of the day or night, or of a temporary period, by agreement between the parents or care-givers and the service provider of the service. There are no patients in the facilities. Services are provided to children between 0 to 18 years old.

There are four types of PC facilities

· ECD centres

· after school care

· private hostels

· temporary respite care

This Parliamentary Question will be answered based on the definition provided above.

(1)(a) There are currently a total of 19 561 Partial Care facilities country-wide and the breakdown figure per province is as follows:

Province

Number of partial care facilities

Eastern Cape

2 938

Free State

3 002

Gauteng

3 520

KwaZulu-Natal

3 398

Limpopo

2 442

Mpumalanga

1 402

North West

1 033

Northern Cape

580

Western Cape

1 825

TOTAL

19 971

(b) There are no patients accommodated in these facilities.

Currently a total of 574 642 children are accommodated country-wide and the breakdown figure per province is as follows:

Province

Number of children in facilities

Eastern Cape

76 000

Free State

43 519

Gauteng

57 473

KwaZulu-Natal

71 815

Limpopo

108 853

Mpumalanga

88 416

North West

32 765

Northern Cape

25 976

Western Cape

69 825

TOTAL

574 642

The current total number of children accessing ECD programmes in the country is 984 524and the breakdown according to the provinces is asfollows:

Province

Children in ECD Programmes

Eastern Cape

83 613

Free State

98 172

Gauteng

160 241

KwaZulu-Natal

131 260

Limpopo

206 728

Mpumalanga

109 386

North West

66 265

Northern Cape

30 839

Western Cape

98 020

TOTAL

984 524

(2) According to Regulation 4 of the Children's Act, inspection of a Partial Care facility must take place every five years or may take place at short intervals if inspection is a condition for registration. Section (5) of the Act, states that the facilities registered in terms of Child Care Act are regarded as being registered as Partial Care facilities for a period of five years from the date on which the sub-section takes effect, unless its registration is cancelled in terms of section 84 of the Children's Act before the expiry of that period.

(a) All partial care facilities were inspected upon registration.

(b) All partial care facilities were inspected upon registration.

(c) All facilities registered with the Department of Social Development have been inspected upon registration to ensure they meet the minimum standards. After five years the facility must re-register and all registered facilities are then again inspected upon registration.

(d) No registered facilities are operating without inspection.

2(d)(ii) The inspections are conducted by the team comprising of Social Workers with the assistance of other members chosen at the discretion of the district office.

(2)(d)(iii) The minimum standard of each Partial Care Facility as according to Chapter 5 - Section 79 of the Children's Act 38 of 2005 are as follows:

· A safe environment for children;

· Proper care for sick children or children that become ill;

· Adequate space and ventilation;

· Safe drinking water;

· Hygienic and adequate toilet facilities;

· Safe storage of anything that may be harmful to children;

· Access to refuse disposal services or other adequate means of disposal of refuse generated at the facility;

· A hygienic area for the preparation of food for children;

· Measures for the separation of children of different age groups;

· The drawing up of action plans of emergencies; and

· The drawing up of policies and procedures regarding health care at the facility.

(3) The registered partial care facilities have met the minimum norms and standards. For those that are applying for registration for the first time, and not meeting the minimum norms and standards but have the potential to meet those standards, they are then conditionally registered for a certain period based on certain conditions that needs to be met after the agreed upon time. The departmental official will work closely with the owner or management of the partial care facility and provide guidance on how to address the conditions so that full registration could be obtained within the agreed upon time.

Gauteng Province and Western Cape do not have registered facilities that did not meet the minimum norms and standards.

Information from other provinces is as follows:

Eastern Cape Province:

3(a) Sixty five (65) ECD centres did not meet the minimum standards.

3(b) The facilities are supported to comply with the minimum standards and issued with a Conditional registration. If over a period the facility does not move towards compliance, the facility is deregistered and finally closed down. If a centre is funded by the Department, funding is suspended until the centre complies with the minimum standards.

Free State Province:

(3)(a) Some facilities do not meet all minimum norms and standards. Facilities are therefore registered conditionally to provide opportunity for facilities to upgrade and to comply.

(3)(b) The detail of the facilities not meeting 100% of standards is not readily available.

KwaZulu-Natal Province:

(3)(a) Often it is new facilities that operate in structures that are unsuitable for the care of children and fail to meet the prescribed minimum standards. These structures often do not approach the Department of Social Development for guidance prior to commencing with the ECD Service.

(3)(b) Where facilities experience challenges in meeting minimum standards a developmental approach is undertaken to guide the facility to a basic minimum standard. However, where the facility structure is a health hazard, the critical issues are raised with the owner or management. A recommendation is then made that the children be moved to another facility within an agreed time period.

Limpopo Province:

(3)(a) Facilities that do not meet minimum standards are not registered. The Department inspects only registered facilities.

(3)(b) The facility will not be registered and the facility will not be supported. However, the Department builds the capacity of facilities that failed to meet the minimum standards.

Mpumalanga Province:

(3)(a) 17 facilities did not meet minimum standards

(3)(b) The facilities had applied for registration with the Department. If the facility is failing to meet the standards they were not recommended for registration.

North West Province:

(3)(a) One hundred and fifty four (154) partial care facilities failed to meet the minimum standards.

(3)(b) Most of the partial care facilities in informal settlements could not provide basic facilities conducive for stimulation of developmental needs of children. Therefore, the Department provided material assistance (educational and play equipment including renovations) to enable them to meet the basic requirements for registration.

Northern Cape Province:

(3)(a) One hundred and sixty nine facilities (169) did not meet the minimum standards.

(3)(b) They were conditionally registered until they meet the minimum requirements.

(4) The budget breakdown shown in the table below is for the subsidies provided for the ECD centres. The subsidy is given to qualifying children per day using the means test.

Breakdown of funds budgeted for the facilities per province

PROVINCE

FINANCIAL YEAR: 2008-09

FINANCIAL YEAR: 2009-10

FINANCIAL YEAR: 2010-11

Eastern Cape

R 83 300 000.00

R 67 550 000.00

R 114 742 596.00

Free State

R 85 000 000.00

R 127 000 000.00

R 148 000 000.00

Gauteng

R129 115 008.00

R 176 969 608.00

R 187 580 448.00

KwaZulu-Natal

R111 850 000.00

R 110 951 000.00

R 201 255 000.00

Limpopo

R 80 441 000.00

R 89 260 000.00

R 117 041 000.00

Mpumalanga

R 77 571 696.00

R 87 706 608.00

R 117 379 131.00

North West

R 32 087 225.00

R 27 938 385.00

R 34 100 700.00

Northern Cape

R 25 240 000.00

R 24 421 000.00

R 33 859 000.00

Western Cape

R120 364 595.00

R 166 831 048.00

R175 879 101.00

TOTAL

R567 309 791.00

R 659 440 009.00

R885 998 178.00

5. (a)(b)(i)(ii)(iii) Social Workers, Social Auxiliary workers and Home based carers are not employed in the partial care facilities. The facilities are privately owned and the Department of Social Development, as the custodians of the Children's Act, make sure that the facilities comply with the norms and standards for registration for the care and protection of children.

The roles of Social Workers are to assist the facilities with registration and the monitoring and inspection of those facilities and they are not placed at the facility.

5 (b)(iv) The optimal number of staff-to-child ratio is as follows as indicated in the Regulation of the Children's Act, No 38 of 2005:

· Birth to 18 months: 1 Practitioner for 6 children;

· 18 months to 3 years: 1 Practitioner for 16 children;

· 3 years to 4 years: 1 Practitioner for 20 children;

· 4 years to five years; 1Practitioner for 30 children.

Preferably each ECD practitioner should have an assistant.

Each province gave an input which is as follows:

Province

Other relevant professions at each of these facilities (ECD Practitioners)

Eastern Cape

3 741

Free State

3,983

Gauteng

4 609

KwaZulu-Natal

4 900

Limpopo

2 980

Mpumalanga

2 160

North West

3 816

Northern Cape

1115

Western Cape

3 900

Reply received: March 2012

QUESTION 32/2012

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

Date of publication on internal question paper: 09 February 2012

Internal question paperno: 01

32. Mrs. S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:

Whether the manual or automated control relating to social assistance grant expenditure was designed to ensure that transactions are authorised and processed completely and accurately; if not, why not; if so, what was the purpose of its design? NW37E

REPLY:

1. Yes. The recording of social assistance grant expenditure comprises of both manual and automated aspects. Processes have been centralized at SASSA Head Office allowing for high-level control and rigorous checking. Authorisation processes include compilation by Assistant managers, checking and verification by Managers and Senior Managers and authorization by General Managers and the Chief Financial Officer.

Social Assistance grant expenditure is derived from the SOCPEN system through the automated back-end process of generating Payment Files detailing expenditure per grant type and totals per payment contractor.

The SOCPEN Payment file enables SASSA to:

(i) Make funds transfers to the payment contractor for the distribution of social grants. Funds transfers are also governed by the Service Level agreement between parties; and

(ii) Record grant expenditure on the Basic Accounting System against relevant budget allocations in terms of the PFMA. Processing of expenditure is performed through manual journal compilation and system capturing.

Further controls implemented are:

(i) The reconciliation of total social assistance grant expenditure as recorded on the Basic Accounting system against total funds transfers made to third party payment contractors;

(ii) The tracking of expenditure per grant type on a financial model and reconciliation thereof against the transactions recorded in the Basic Accounting System; and

(iii) Interim Audit processes and expenditure reviews.

Reporting of Social Assistance grant expenditure is performed on a monthly basis through the In-Year-Monitoring report presented to the CEO of SASSA, the Department of Social Development and National Treasury. Quarterly Interim Financial Statements are prepared and signed-off by the Chief Financial Officer and presented to the Department of Social Development. Quarterly meetings between SASSA, the Department of Social Development and National Treasury are held where Social Assistance Grant expenditure is monitored and projected.

The design of the recording and monitoring Social Assistance Grant expenditure as set out above have therefore been developed and are maintained to ensure accurate, applicable authorisation processes and complete and audited expenditure.

The purpose of creating the design in this manner was to enable improved control measures, to ensure the reduction of incorrect funds transfers or recording of accounting transactions and to increase the timeous collection of refunds and management of social assistance expenditure as a whole. It was furthermore designed in this manner to provide the SASSA with an early warning system to the Department of Social Development and National Treasury with regards to any savings or additional funding which may be required to ensure the distribution of Social Assistance grants in terms of the required legislation.