Questions & Replies: Social Development
2014-12-01
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Reply received: December 2014
QUESTION 3016 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 21 November 2014
Internal question paper no: 28
3016. Ms S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether, with regard to the implementation of the Use of Official Language Policy Act, Act 12 of 2012 and since the reply of the Minister of Arts and Culture to question 990 on 6 June 2013, her department implemented the Act; if not, when will the Act be implemented; if so, which languages have been adopted as official languages of her department? NW3660E
Reply:
As the Honorable Member will recall, the regulations which serves to operationalize the Official Language Policy Act were only issued by the Minister of Arts and Culture at the end of February 2014. Since then, Department has prioritized the developments of its internal policy regulatory framework in order to provide effective policy guidance to its core business.
The Department is in the process of developing its language policy and will comply with the deadline of 2 May 2015, as prescribed by the Department of Arts and Culture. Even before the promulgation of this Act, the Department, given the profile of the beneficiaries of its services, has for many years been proactively developing and publishing materials about its services using various official languages.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2783 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 14 November 2014
Internal question paper no: 27
2783. Ms N I Tarabella Marchesi (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) Whether she received an invitation to the wedding of Vega Gupta and Aakash Jahajgarhia; if so,
(2) whether she attended any of the wedding festivities between 30 April and 3 May 2013; if so,
(3) whether she stayed overnight at the venue; if so, (a) what accommodation did she use, (b) who paid for the said accommodation, (c) what mode of transport did she use to attend the wedding festivities and (d) who paid for the travel costs? NW3435E
Reply:
(1) No, I did not receive any invitation for the event in question.
(2) NA
(3) NA
Reply received: December 2014
QUESTION 2742 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 14 November 2014
Internal question paper no: 27
2742. Mr G MacKay (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Did (a) her department and/or (b) any entities reporting to it owe money to any Gauteng municipalities at the end of the 2013-14 financial year; if so, in respect of each specified municipality (i) what is the name of the municipality, (ii) what was the total amount owed, (iii) what was the nature of the debt, (iv) for how long has the debt been outstanding and (v) what plans are in place to recover the debt owed to the municipality by (aa) her department and/or (bb) any entities reporting to it? NW3391E
Reply:
(a) No
(b) No
(i) Not applicable
(ii) Not Applicable
(iii) Not Applicable
(iv) Not Applicable
(v) (aa) Not Applicable
(bb) Not Applicable
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2605 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 14 November 2014
Internal question paper no: 27
2605. Ms Z Jongbloed (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What amount has her department spent on promotional magazines in the (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 financial years? NW3243E
Reply:
(a) N/A
(b) N/A
(c) N/A
Reply received: December 2014
QUESTION 2461 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 07 November 2014
Internal question paper no: 25
2461. Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
How many work days has her department lost to (a) sick leave and (b) strike action in the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and (iii) 2013-14 financial years? NW3054E
Reply:
(a) The service conditions governing public servants are set out in the Public Service Act, 1994 (as amended) and relevant determinations and resolutions, in terms of which employees are entitled to 36 working days sick leave over a three year cycle.
When employees exercise their rights in terms of this legislative provision, it cannot be said that these days are 'lost to the department'. However, these are the number of sick leave days taken as indicated in the table below:
| Year | Number of days |
| 2011-12 | 3 708 |
| 2012-13 | 3 761 |
| 2013-14 | 4 115 |
(b) In terms of the Labour Relations Act, 1995 (as amended), the National Department of Social Development is not classified as an essential service and thus strike action is permitted. No days were lost due to strike action as indicated in the table below:
| Year | Days lost |
| 2011-12 | 0 |
| 2012-13 | 0 |
| 2013-14 | 0 |
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2303 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 07 November 2014
Internal question paper no: 25
2303. Ms L L van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
With regard to food parcel distribution and mobile truck visits to poorer communities that are struggling to cope with food shortages, (a) what system does her department use to identify those communities most deserving to receive food parcels and (b) how does her department ensure that the distribution of food parcels is on a needs basis and not based on any other criteria? NW2836E
Reply:
(a) SASSA has an extensive footprint throughout the 9 Provinces and in terms of Regulation 14(1) of the Social Assistance Act no. 13 of 2004 as amended, an application for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) can be made at any one the offices of the Agency in the presence of a designated officer on the relevant application form.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is an immediate response to a crisis situation or for people with 'insufficient means' to purchase food and/or who are living under 'undue hardship'. Its primary purpose is to ensure that vulnerable people are assisted immediately to relieve their distress.
In terms of criteria used to identify the areas for the outreach programme, the primary targets are the 1300 poorest wards throughout the country identified by Government. In addition, SASSA has established 917 service points in areas which are under-serviced or far from established services. The criteria used to identify these areas for the establishment of service points include the number of community members to be served, the distances to the nearest fixed offices, the economic profile of that community and the availability and cost of transport to reach the nearest fixed point.
In the present financial year special outreach programs have been organized in 420 identified "poverty pockets" in 179 Municipalities in 15 Districts in the 9 Provinces to specifically assist with the identification of people in need of social relief of distress – but not to the exclusion of the rest of the country. The Department of Social Development and SASSA identified the above areas, which are in line with government's prioritized areas for intervention where the special outreach programs were successfully held.
The SRD program for the current financial year to date has resulted in 360 589 applications being approved and the beneficiaries receiving SRD.
(b) Only people who qualify for SRD according to the criteria as spelled out in the Social Assistance Act, 2004 and Regulations will qualify to receive SRD. If the criteria are not met, SRD will not be issued - the same principle applies to all social grants. For every issue of SRD, there is an application which has been approved in line with processes set by SASSA.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2302 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 07 November 2014
Internal question paper no: 25
2302. Ms L L van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
In light of the R70 million in aid provided by the US Aid and UN Women partnership to enhance the capacity of her department to support orphans, vulnerable children and the youth, (a) how many poor children have been identified as recipients of this aid, (b) what process was used to identify recipients, (c) how will this aid be allocated and (d) what are the further relevant details? NW2835E
Reply:
The aid is in the form of short and long term capacity development and technical assistance over a five year period. The overall goal of the aid or partnership is to strengthen the Department's national response for orphans, vulnerable children and youth through systems strengthening at the national and provincial level.
No direct recipients were identified for this aid, and the funds will not be transferred to the Department, but rather a service provider has been appointed by USAID to provide the technical support and capacity building to the Department. It is envisaged that the improved services to orphans, vulnerable children and youth will in turn result in improved OVCY outcomes at the community level.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2287 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 31 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 23
2287. Ms L L van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
With regard to the Ministerial Committee which has been established to help her department address the challenges facing our foster care system, (a) what are the Committee's terms of reference, (b) when is the Committee expected to complete its work and (c) what has she found will be the impact of the Committee's work on the Children's Act, Act 38 of 2005 as amended by Act 41 of 2007 that came into operation on 1 April 2010, which is urgent in view of the department's delay in processing the paperwork to facilitate adoptions that led to a marked decrease in adoption rates in our country? NW2840E
Reply:
(a). The terms of reference for the Ministerial committee to address the challenges facing the foster care system, are outlined in the attached document. Please refer to the attached annexure A.
(b) The functions of the Committee will subsist for a period of 18 months commencing from the date of appointment which is 19/10/2014. The time-frame is subject to review based on the outstanding scope of work that is to be completed.
(c) The committee's focus is mainly on foster care and not on adoption, its impact on foster care issues will be to assist with the following:
· Determining the contributory factors to the challenges experienced within the foster care system countrywide,
· To monitor the implementation of the integrated programme which aimed at:
ü Eradicating the backlog of lapsed foster care orders.
ü Determining the context of foster children to inform programming of foster care services to respond to the needs of foster children.
ü Evaluating the foster care programme to inform policy reform for foster care.
ü To make recommendations for improvement of the for foster care services.
· To verify compliance with the legislative framework and advise the Minister on measures that may be considered to improve the quality of foster care services.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2286 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 31 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 23
2286. Ms L L van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) is the status of the report of the Ministerial Committee that was appointed to (i) investigate illegal deductions from the SA Social Security Agency grant recipients' accounts and (ii) advise on a future payment model for social assistance benefits, in view of the fact that a preliminary report was expected to be submitted before the end of July 2014, (b) were the report's findings and (c) remedial action has her department taken? NW2839E
Reply:
I have published the content of the report during a media briefing in which I outlined both preventative and remedial action. The programme of action, which the Department and with key stakeholders will embark on to address the identified challenges has been made public and the Honourable Member can familiarize herself with the content thereof.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2115 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 21
2115. Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(a) How long have the positions of (i) chief financial officer and (ii) internal auditor at the SA Social Security Agency been vacant and (b) in each case, (i)(aa) when and (bb) where were these vacancies advertised, (ii) how many applications were received and (iii) when will these posts be filled? NW2583E
Reply:
(a) (i) The position of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is not vacant as the post is currently occupied by Mr C A Appel, who has been seconded to the Department of Social Development from 13 June 2013 to date. SASAA will fill this position before the end of the current financial year as Mr Appel has received an offer from the Department.
(ii) The position of Executive Manager: Internal Audit is not vacant as the post is still occupied by Ms T Sibanyoni.
(b) N/A
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2114 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 21
2114. Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(a) What are the academic qualifications of certain persons (names and details furnished) who are employed by the National Development Agency, (b) from which institutions were these qualifications obtained and (c) in what year were the specified qualifications awarded to the specified persons? NW2582E
Reply:
I have attached the requested information for your perusal: see the link
file://server/pmg%20shared/WORD%20DOCUMENTS/Questions/RNW2114A-141118.htm
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 2071 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 21
2071. Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(a) How many copies of her department's annual report for the (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14 financial years were produced and (b)(i) at what cost were these reports produced and (ii) to whom were these reports circulated? NW2538E
Reply:
(a) For the two financial years in question, the Department produced 700 copies of the Annual Report which cost R427 201.38 and R446 880.00 respectively
(b) The report is circulated to key stakeholders which amongst others include Parliament, research institutions, provincial departments, development agencies, NGOs, Portfolio Committees to name a few.
Reply received: December 2014
QUESTION 2031 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 24 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 21
2031. Ms L L van der Merwe (IFP) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
In light of her announcement in August 2012 that her department was working on amendments to the Children's Act, Act 35 of 2005, to address parental corporal punishment, (a) what is the current status of the amendment process and (b) what steps will be taken to ensure that parental rights are not infringed upon in the attempts to protect vulnerable children? NW2497E
Reply:
(a) The current status of the amendment process is as follows:
The amendment to the Children's Act was drafted in September 2013. Cabinet granted approval for both publication of the amendments for public comment and introduction into Parliament. In December 2013 the amendments were published, comments were received and considered. The amendments were thereafter submitted to the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor for precertification before introduction to Cabinet to grant approval for publication and for introduction to Parliament during 2015.
(b) The Following steps will be taken to ensure that the parental rights are not infringed upon:
1. Awareness raising and educational programmes will be provided to parents, as well as parenting skills, counselling and support services.
2. Preservation and strengthening of families will be a priority in psycho-social support.
3. Promote the protection, development and well-being of children.
4. If it is in the interest of the child, the child's family must be given the opportunity to express their views in matters concerning the child.
5. Developmental programmes will focus on the relationships between parents and their children and the attitude of parents towards the child and to exercise parental responsibilities and rights in a positive way.
6. Parents will be capacitated to provide in the needs of the child including emotional and intellectual needs.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1921 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 19
1921. Mr M Waters (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) With regard to the tender awarded to a certain company (name furnished), (a) who was the technical expert that was used to evaluate the respective bidders and (b) what are the qualifications of the specified technical expert;
(2) who appointed the specified technical expert;
(3) did the technical expert consult any other persons while doing the evaluation of the respective bidders; if so, what are their names? NW2303E
Reply:
(1) (a) There was no technical expert provided to evaluate the bidders
(b) Not Applicable
(2) Not Applicable
(3) Not Applicable
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1899 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 19
1899. Ms S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) Did her department strengthen the Regulations of the Social Assistance Act, Act 13 of 2004, and related legislation to (a) stop the use of social grants as collateral for loans and (b) hold reckless lenders to account; if not, (i) why not and (ii) when will this happen;
(2) has she taken any steps to establish the Inspectorate for Social Assistance as envisaged in the Social Assistance Act, Act 13 of 2004? NW2281E
Reply:
1. (a) Yes. Draft regulations will be published for comment shortly which prohibits the retention of the new SASSA branded smart payment card and any contravention thereof renders one liable to prosecution.
(b) Yes. I have received the report from the task team on deductions comprising of officials from Department of Social Development (DSD), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Black Sash and civil society organisations which confirmed the existence of these immoral, illegal and unauthorized deductions from social grants and recommended the stoppage thereof. This prompted me to issue an instruction to Cash Paymaster Services (Net 1) to cease with deductions from social grants with immediate effect. The National Credit Regulator (NCR) is currently pursuing a case against Moneyline, a subsidiary of Net 1 Holdings. However, SASSA in conjunction with the NCR and the South African Police Service (SAPS) is undertaking on-going raids on these unscrupulous money lenders who prey on our beneficiaries.
(i) Reckless lending falls within the ambit of the National Credit Act (NCA) and hence the responsibility for enforcement thereof lies with the National Credit Regulator.
(ii) The NCA is being amended and the African Bank debacle has led the NCR to review reckless lending provisions in the Act.
2. A Business Case for operationalization was submitted to the Minister of Public Service and Administration for concurrence and approval of the incubation structure on 10 August 2014. A team comprising officials from Social Development and the Department of Public Service and Administration has finalized the logistics to enable staffing of the Inspectorate by the end of this financial year. The Department is also taking steps to amend the Social Assistance Act, (13 of 2004) to allow the Inspectorate to be a Government Component - to guarantee its independence.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1898 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 19
1898. Ms V van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Has her department (a) scrutinised the imminent Grindrod Bank/ Bidvest sale and (b) intervened decisively to protect the 10 million social grant beneficiaries' bank accounts from further (i) unlawful debit deductions and (ii) abuse of their confidential information? NW2280E
Reply:
Yes, The Department and SASSA opposed the merger of Grindrod and Bidvest bank. The merger has since been terminated by both banks. Wherein they issued a joint statement in October 2014.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1897 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 17 October 2014
Internal question paper no: 19
1897. Ms V van Dyk (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) When will a resource system which is owned and controlled by the SA Social State Security Agency (SASSA) be designed and implemented to ensure that unlawful debit deductions are stopped and refunded with interest and bank charges
(2) (a) how will SASSA and her department ensure that Centre for Policy Studies, which according to the Constitutional Court judgment is performing a state function through the payment of social grants, complies with all the relevant legislation and regulations and (b) what measures will be included that will restrict third party creditor access to the social grant beneficiaries' bank account;
(3) will the payment systems be designed in such a manner that social grant bank accounts are off limits to creditors; if so, (a) how will this be done and (b) by when;
(4) has her department and SASSA blocked and reversed with immediate effect any debit deductions for (a) Umoya Manje services, (b) loans and (c) any other financial service providers other than legal 26A deductions; if so, what are the relevant details;
(5) did she engage with the SA Reserve Bank to issue a directive in terms of section 12 of the National Payment System Act, Act 78 of 1998, in the public interest to protect the SASSA bank accounts and confidential information of grant recipients? NW2279E
Reply:
As reported in various occasions through interactions with the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, we are in the process of commissioning a new tender for the payment of social assistance benefits which will address some of the critical issues that were raised in this question.
With regard to illegal or unauthorized deductions, please refer to the media statement dated 27 August 2014 about measures which the Department together with SASSA has already embarked on to address this and other related challenges.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1832 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 26 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 18
1832. Mr Z N Mbhele (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether her department conducted an audit into alleged corruption in the Department of Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal involving inter alia a certain person (name furnished); if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the title of the audit report, (b) what were the terms of reference of the audit, (c) when was the report completed and (d) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of the audit? NW2205E
Reply:
I have no knowledge of this matter and I have requested the MEC to furnish me with a report which I will make available to the Honourable Member.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1821 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 26 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 18
1821. Ms K de Kock (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) (a) How many fully or partially state-funded facilities are available where people can access treatment and rehabilitation services for substance abuse and (b) in each case, (i) where is the facility located, (ii) what is the bed capacity of each facility, (iii) how many professional staff are employed at the facility and (iv) what was the (aa) budget allocated and (bb) amount spent (aaa) in the (aaaa) 2012-13 and (bbbb) 2013-14 financial years and (bbb) during the period 1 April 2014 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) with regard to the conditional grants provided for the building of three new substance abuse treatment centres in the Northern Cape, North West and Mpumalanga, in each case, (a) what amount is to be allocated to each province, (b) where within the provinces will the treatment centre be located, (c) what will their respective bed capacity be and (d) when is construction estimated to begin and conclude? NW2194E
Reply:
(1) See reply in table format hereunder: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw1821nameofthecentre
(2)(a)
To addres
The amount allocated for each Province is as follows: see the link http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw1821-141021amount
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1746 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 26 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 18
1746. Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether food parcels in respect of (a) the type, (b) monetary value and (c) quantity similar to those handed out by her department before the 2014 general elections were distributed by her department to needy communities around the country during the period 1 June 2014 to 31 August 2014; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2112E
Reply:
(a) In terms of Regulation 14(1) of the Social Assistance Act no. 13 of 2004 as Amended, an application for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is made at the offices of the Agency in the presence of a designated officer on the relevant application form.
Social Relief of Distress (SRD) is an immediate response to a crisis situation for people with insufficient means. Its primary purpose is to ensure that vulnerable people are assisted immediately to relieve their distress. SRD may be issued in the form of food parcels, food vouchers or cash.
Where SRD is issued in the form of food parcels, the content has been standardized, which means that all beneficiaries of these food parcels receive essentially the same foodstuff. The content may differ slightly depending on the availability of the fresh produce at the time of distribution.
(b) The monetary value of all SRD is determined in line with the Regulations to the Social Assistance Act, 2004, which sets maximum values for this assistance. With the standardization of the content of the food parcels as one form of SRD, the monetary value of the parcels is also standardised. The administration and management of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) lies with SASSA as does social grants.
(c) Social Relief of Distress is an ongoing programme within SASSA. For the period 1 June 2014 to 31 August 2014 a total of 186 580 SRD food parcels and/or food vouchers were distributed to qualifying applicants throughout the country. This number does not include relief to disaster victims.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1707 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 19 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 17
1707. Ms S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) Whether any reports have been compiled by her department on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); if not, why not; if so (a) when were they published, (b) where were they published, (c) in relation to which MDGs were they compiled and (d) what were the findings;
(2) whether her department is on track to achieve the MDGs; if not, what are the relevant details;
(3) (a) what were her departments' MDG targets for the (i) 2011-12, (ii) 2012-13 and 2013-14 financial years and (b) which targets were not met? NW2070E
Reply:
(1)The Department of Social Development does has not and does not compile separate Millennium Development Goals Reports. This is because the process of assessing progress on Millennium Development Goals is led by Statistics South Africa (StatsSA), which coordinates the compilation of country reports on progress made with respect to meeting the Goals. As the custodian of statistical information on various variables in the country, StatsSA is widely considered neutral and therefore better placed to lead the compilation of country reports. This is also because StatsSA applies stringent scientific review processes to all research results at its disposal. In this respects it also generates more than 80 percent of the information required to assess progress on some of the goals, especially Millennium Development Goal 1. The Department of Social Development, together with other government Departments and civil society organizations, participates in the process which is organized thematically into separate Sectoral Working Groups which work on specific goals. As one of the institutions tasked with poverty alleviation, the Department participates actively in Sectoral Working group 1, which focuses on Goal 1, the eradication of extreme poverty and hunger. In this respect, the role of the Department has been to generate information on relevant studies on the state impact of its programmes such as for example the social assistance programme, specifically the recent study on the impact of the child support grant (CSG).
(b) Since 2010 two MDG country reports have been produced, namely the 2010 country report and the 2013 Report. The two reports focus on all the 8 MDGs. In this respect, the role of the Department has been to generate information on relevant studies on the impact of its programmes such as for example the social assistance programme, specifically the recent study on the impact of the child support grants (CSG). Similarly, the information on the social assistance programme was also used to develop a domestic(cated) indicator , namely the number of beneficiaries of social grants, (page 15 of the 2013 MDG report). The Department has both the 2010 and 2013 MDG country reports. The reports are also available from Statistics South Africa both in hard copy and in electronic format.
(c) The reports focus on all the 8 goals and although the Department generated information which was of great relevance to Goal 1, our work on Early Childhood Development and provision of free school uniforms contributes to the realization of Goal 2: Achieve Universal Education. Similarly, the Department's mandate also made it uniquely positioned to contribute to Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women. HIV and AIDS social behavior change programmes also contribute to meeting Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases.
(d) According to the 2013 MDG Country report, South Africa still suffers from high levels of poverty, unemployment and inequality. However, despite these challenges, notable progress has been made to meet Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger. This is mainly attributed to the 'social wage' in the form of social grants, free primary health care, no-fee paying schools, free housing, and free basic services from which a growing number of South Africans have benefitted.
(2) According to the 2013 MDG country report, South Africa has met or some of the targets under Goal one. Income support in the form of social grants has contributed significantly to achieving target 1a of Goal 1: halve between 1990 and 2015 the proportion of people whose income is less than one dollar a day. In this respect the report suggests that the target has been achieved as measured by, among others, the following MDG indicators:the proportion of population below one dollar ($1) per person per day, proportion of population below $1.25 per person per day, poverty gap ratio ($1.00) per person per day and poverty gap ration ($1, 25) per person per day, and poverty gap ratio $2.00 per person per day (see page 24 of 2013 MDG country report).
(3) The Department has not set separate MDG targets for itself. Its contribution is through by meeting its own targets as contained in its five year strategic plan and annual performance plans. These programmes all contribute to meeting MDG targets (including domesticated ones). The process towards compiling the 2015 MDG report is already underway and is lead by StatsSA.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1582 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1582. Ms A M Dreyer (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Nigel Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1952E
Reply:
a) The estimated annual cost for Nigel Child Welfare for providing statutory services on behalf of the government is R2, 763, 000 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b)The actual amount that the government has allocated to Nigel Child Welfare for providing statutory services is R902, 345.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1581 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1581. Ms N I Tarabella Marchesi (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Alberton Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1951E
Reply:
a) The estimated annual cost for Alberton Child Welfare for providing statutory services on behalf of the government is R5, 200, 000 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b)The actual amount that the government has allocated to Alberton Child Welfare for providing statutory services is R1, 553, 360.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1580 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1580. Ms N I Tarabella Marchesi (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Springs Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1950E
Reply:
(a) The estimated annual cost for Springs Child Welfare for providing statutory services on behalf of the government is R4, 500,108 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b) The actual amount that the government has allocated to Springs Child Welfare for providing statutory services is R1, 034, 784.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1579 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1579. Ms N I Tarabella Marchesi (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Brakpan Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1949E
Reply:
In terms of the Provincial Department of Social Development's records the organisation that the Honourable Member is referring to does not exist as the Brakpan area is covered by the Benoni Child Welfare.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1578 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1578. Ms K de Kock (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Benoni Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1948E
Reply:
(a) The estimated annual cost in respect of the said organization is R3, 103, 822 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b) The actual amount allocated is R1, 549, 706.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1577 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1577. Ms K de Kock (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Germiston Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1947E
Reply:
(a) The estimated annual cost for Germiston Child Welfare for providing statutory services on behalf of the government is R4, 599, 500 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b) The actual amount that the government has allocated to Germiston Child Welfare for providing statutory services is R2, 305, 211.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1576 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1576. Ms K de Kock (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Boksburg Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1946E
Reply:
(a) The estimated annual cost for Boksburg Child Welfare for providing statutory services on behalf of the government is R7, 500,000 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b) The actual amount that the government has allocated to Boksburg Child Welfare for providing statutory services is R3, 235, 191.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1575 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1575. Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Tembisa Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1945E
Reply:
(a)The estimated annual cost for Tembisa Child Welfare for providing statutory services on behalf of the government is R3, 739, 595 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b)The actual amount that the government has allocated to Tembisa Child Welfare for providing statutory services is R2, 148, 261.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1574 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1574. Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Kempton Park Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1944E
Reply:
(a) The estimated annual cost in respect of the said organization is R4, 405,600 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b) The actual amount allocated to this organization is R1, 275, 278.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1573 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1573. Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What (a) the annual estimated cost is to the Edenvale Child Welfare of providing statutory services on behalf of the Government and (b) amount does the Government actually provide in this regard? NW1943E
Reply:
(a)The annual estimated cost for Edenvale Child Welfare for providing statutory services on behalf of the government is R921, 075 as stated in the 2014/2015 business plan.
(b) The actual amount that the government has allocated to Edenvale Child Welfare for providing statutory services is R473, 059.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1512 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1512. Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entities reporting to her sponsored political party (i) advertisements, (ii) events and/or (iii) paraphernalia in the (aa) 2011-12, (bb) 2012-13 and (cc) 2013-14 financial years; if so, (aaa) for which political party and (bbb) what was the monetary value of the sponsorship in each case? NW1881E
Reply:
(a) None
(b) None
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1482 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1482. Mr G R Krumbock (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What is the quantum of funds spent by her department on all advertising for each financial year between 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW1848E
Reply:
I hereby refer the Honourable Member to the previous question on this matter for the period 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 financial year. For the 2013/2014 the information is published in the 2013/2014 Annual Report which has been tabled before the Portfolio Committee on Social Development.
See the link: http://www.pmg.org.za/rnw1482a-141103
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1449 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1449. Mr D Bergman (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(a) Which travel agents has her department used during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the quantum of funds spent with each of the specified travel agents in the specified period? NW1815E
Reply:
(a) April to May 2012 Travel with Flair
June 2012 to date Wings Naledi
(b) Travel with Flair R 317 344.76
Wings Naledi R6 041 595.61
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1341 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 12 September 2014
Internal question paper no: 16
1341. Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) When will the White Paper on Families in South Africa 2013 be officially launched;
(2) whether any public participation process has taken place to date; if not, (a) when will the White Paper be opened for public comment and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1622E
Reply:
(1) The White Paper was officially launched in Gauteng on 02 October 2014 at the Summit to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family as part of the Social Development month activities.
Media interviews / coverage received on the launch of the White Paper on Families during the 20th Anniversary of the International Year of the Family included: SABC TV and Radio, SA FM, Lesedi FM, Power FM, Rainbow FM and Ligwalagwala Fm.
(2) Yes, 18 public hearings took place over a period of four weeks in all the nine provinces in both urban and rural areas in March 2012. The purpose of the one-day public hearings was to include the voice of ordinary community members in the progression of the Green Paper into the White Paper. Participants were expected to comment both orally and in writing on the Green Paper.
Participants had the opportunity to read the summarized version of the Green Paper in their mother tongue. In addition, the full discussion document was made available for participants to consult during the group discussions. A presentation on the Green Paper was to ensure that all participants had a shared understanding of the Green Paper, its purpose and intention. Every effort was made during the public hearings to ensure that participants would be able to make a contribution towards the draft of the White Paper on families in South Africa.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1186/2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 29 August 2014
Internal question paper no: 12
1186. Ms S P Kopane (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) Whether (a) she and (b) the Deputy Minister has each employed a ministerial special advisor; if so,
(2) (a) what is the name of the special advisor, (b) when was the advisor appointed, (c) what are the duties of the advisor, (d) at what post level was the appointment made, (e) what is the salary level of the advisor, (f) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (g) why was it necessary to appoint the advisor? NW1424E
REPLY:
(1) The Ministry has two Special Advisors.
(2) (a) Mr SK Shezi and Mr Z Dangor, (b) They were apppointed on 1 July 2014, (c) They are responsible for providing political, policy and strategic support to the Minister. Provides support in relation to the Minister's responsibilities and leadership roles in International Organisations and fora. They also provides specific support and leadership in the implementation of the Household Nutrition and Food Security Strategy, Government's response to fight the harmful use of alcohol and drug abuse, improve Government's and the Department's approach to the Early Childhood Development Programme. They further provide strategic support to the Minister and UNESCO on complex Social Security Policy issues. (d) Post level 16, (e) Compensation level IV, (f) The contract is linked to the term of office of the incumbent Minister (Mr Dangor is a permanent employee) (g) To render complex advisory services to the Minister on amongst, others policy considerations matters.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION 1124/2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 29 August 2014
Internal question paper no: 12
1124. Dr. M J Figg (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
What is the (a) total number of persons who receive SA Social Security Agency (Sassa) grants, (b) breakdown of the total for each category of Sassa grants and (c) total cost paid to beneficiaries of the different categories of Sassa grants (i) in the (aa) 2012-13 and (bb) 2013-14 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2014? NW1362E
Reply:
(a) & (b) Table 1: Total number of grant recipients and growth rates
| Grants types | 2012/13 | 2013/14 | Difference | % Growth |
| Old Age | 2,873,197 | 2,969,933 | 96,736 | 3.37 |
| War Veteran | 587 | 429 | -158 | - 26.92 |
| Disability | 1,164,192 | 1,120,419 | - 43,773 | - 3.76 |
| Grant in Aid | 73,719 | 83,059 | 9,340 | 12.67 |
| Care Dependency | 120,268 | 120,632 | 364 | 0.30 |
| Foster Child | 532,159 | 512,055 | -20,104 | - 3.78 |
| Child Support | 11,341,988 | 11,125,946 | -216,042 | - 1.90 |
| Total | 16,106,110 | 15,932,473 | -173,637 | - 1.08 |
(c) (i)(aa) & (bb) Table 2: Total cost paid to beneficiaries (grant recipients)
| Grants Types | 2012/13 | Expenditure Report | 2013/14 | Expenditure Report |
| Old Age | 2,873,197 | 40,465,132 | 2,969,933 | 44,064,239 |
| War Veteran | 587 | 9,543 | 429 | 7,657 |
| Disability | 1,164,192 | 17,636,570 | 1,120,419 | 17,768,631 |
| Grant in Aid | 73,719 | 237,974 | 83,059 | 274,092 |
| Care Dependency | 120,268 | 5,335,049 | 120,632 | 5,332,092 |
| Foster Child | 532,159 | 1,877,412 | 512,055 | 1,993,084 |
| Child Support | 11,341,988 | 38,087,990 | 11,125,946 | 39,614,084 |
| Total | 16,106,110 | 103,649,670 | 15,932,473 | 109,053,880 |
(ii) Table 3: Total number of grant recipients as at 30 June 2014/15 and total cost paid for First Quarter only
| Grants Types | 2014/15 | Expenditure Report |
| Old Age | 3,012,182 | 12,054,888 |
| War Veteran | 429 | 1,697 |
| Disability | 1,147,088 | 4,674,317 |
| Grant in Aid | 89,881 | 81,072 |
| Care Dependency | 121,907 | 1,366,567 |
| Foster Child | 516,846 | 543,053 |
| Child Support | 11,353,863 | 10,567,667 |
| Total | 16,242,196 | 29,289,262 |
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION 1120 /2014
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
Date of publication on internal question paper: 29 August 2014
Internal question paper no: 12
1120. Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) How many state-owned old age homes are registered by (a) her department and (b) provincial Departments of Social Development;
(2) (a) how many residents are accommodated in these homes in each province and (b) what is the ratio of social workers to residents in each province;
(3) whether there are any beds/rooms vacant in these facilities; if not, (a) how long are the waiting lists in each province and (b) what is the average time taken to process applications; if so, how many? NW1358E
Reply:
The registration of old age homes is the competency of the provincial Departments as the national department only deals with policy matters. I have referred this question to provincial departments to furnish us with the required information.