REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE IMPACT OF THE CIVIL UNREST IN KWAZULU NATAL AND GAUTENG ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT’S RESPONSE FOR URGENT FOOD RELIEF TO THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES, DATED 18 AUGUST 2021

Social Development

1.BACKGROUND

After 18 months of enduring the effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which has left South Africa in the top 10 global list of countries worst affected by the pandemic, the country has in the second week of July 2021 experienced unprecedented levels of unrest and destruction of public and private property, coupled with violence and looting of public and private property.Despite the fact that these acts of violence started in KwaZulu–Natal and spread to parts of Gauteng, they have a socio-economic ripple effect throughout the country. It has been reported that the recent violent protests amplified vulnerability and food insecurity in many communities of KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces.

A situational analysis done by the National Department of Social Development reveals that about 70 – 80 % of the food outlets throughout KZN have been affected, while in Gauteng majority of the protest and destruction transpired in the major townships like Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa and Mamelodi.[1] The violent protests have led to disruption of services, shortage of food and other supplies, threatening food security especially in the two provinces.The Department of Social development services in the Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces have been greatly affected by the violent protests, as the economy of the affected areas has been brought to a standstill, which will have dire consequences for a long time. The recent violent protests have great implications for the services of the Department of Social Development, which is responsible for ensuring social protection for all communities. Most of Social Development local offices in KZN and Gauteng have not been fully operating as there were reported road blockages, vandalism of offices, and stolen equipment. As a result, most vulnerable people were not able to access services.

It is against this backdrop that the Portfolio Committee on Social Development (hereinafter, the PC on Social Development) conducted an oversight visit from 27 – 30 July 2021 in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Province respectively on the impact of the violent protests on social development services and the Department’s response for an urgent food relief security.

On 27 July 2021, the Committee received briefings (Zoom Platform) from the National Department of Social Development, the KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and the South African Post Office (SAPO). On 28 July 2021, the PC on Social Development conducted site visits in Ugu District Municipality wherein it visited Kenterton Community Nutrition Development Centre (Umdoni Ward 4); Umzinto Post Office; and Vulamehlo Service Office. On 29 July 2021, the PC on Social Development conducted site visits in eThekwini Metro wherein it visited Illovo Skills Development Centre; and Kwa-Mashu SASSA and DSD Offices (Bridge City Shopping Centre).

On 30 July 2021, the PC on Social Development received briefings from the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (Gauteng Region) held at Afrika Tikkun Community Nutrition and Development Centre in Alexandra Township. On the same day, the PC on Social Development conducted oversight visits to SASSA Office (Alexandra) and Phuthaditjaba (Afrika Tikkum) Community Nutrition and Development Centre (Alexandra).

1.1 Objectives of the oversight

The objectives of the oversight visit of the PC on Social Development in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng were as follows:

To receive briefings from all the relevant stakeholders of the social development portfolio on the integrated social relief response to hunger and food insecurity that was exacerbated by the recent violent protests.
To assess financial implications on social development programmes due to the recent violent protests i.e. Social Relief of Distress (SRD) programme.
To receive briefings on interventions put in place by the Social Development sector in ensuring business continuity and the enhancement of the quality of life of the affected communities.
To conduct site visits to the most affected social development facilities by the recent violent protests in KZN and GP to assess the magnitude of the damage to public property.

2.DELEGATION

The delegation of the PC of Social Development comprised of Members of Parliament and support staff from Parliament.

Members of Parliament

Mr. M Gungubele African National Congress (ANC) (Chairperson)

Mr. DM Stock African National Congress (ANC)

Ms. NK Bilankulu African National Congress (ANC)

Ms. J Manganye African National Congress (ANC)

Ms. NQ Mvana African National Congress (ANC)

Ms. A Motaung African National Congress (ANC)

Ms. B Masango Democratic Alliance (DA)

Ms. ALA Abrahams Democratic Alliance (DA)

Ms. LH Arries Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

Ms. LL van der Merwe Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)

Ms. ME Sukers African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)

Parliament support staff

Ms. L Ntsabo Committee Secretary

Mr. M Molo Stand-in Committee Researcher

Mr. F Bulawa Committee Assistant

3.KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE

On 27 July 2021, the PC on Social Development received briefings (Zoom Platform) from the National Department of Social Development, KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development (KZN Department of Social Development), and the KwaZulu Natal South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) on the impact of the recent violent protests on the services of the social development sector and the department’s response for urgent food relief to the most affected individuals and households.

3.1 Welcome by the Member of the Executive Council (MEC)

The Member of the Executive Committee (MEC), Mrs. Nonhlanhla M Khoza, provided the welcoming remarks and welcomed the Committee. The MEC was pleased by the presence of the Committee in KwaZulu Natal following the recent violent protests.The MEC stated that the KwaZulu Natal was hard hit by the violent protests which included looting and vandalising of public and private property. The MEC stated that the violent protests have affected many parts of the Province.

The MEC reported that the Southern Cluster of KwaZulu Natal Province has been hard hit by the civil unrest. The most affected Districts in Southern Cluster include Ugu, Harry Gwala, and Umgungundlovu. The Social Development facilities that were heavily affected by the violent protest in the Southern Cluster include Ixopo Service Office which is based in at Ixopo Mall, Vulamehlo Service Office which is based at Ward 19 in Umdoni Municipality, and Richmond Service Office.

The MEC stated that the most affected Service Offices in eThekwini Metro include the Kwa-Mashu Service Office that has been operating at Bridge City Shopping Centre and Illovo Skills Development Centre which is based at Illovo in Ward 103 of eThekwini Metro. In all these Service Offices mentioned above, the MEC reported that infrastructure was vandalised and office equipment such as vehicle (damaged), computer equipment stolen and as a result, services were disrupted.

Furthermore, the MEC indicated that some offices and municipal infrastructure have been heavily affected in areas such as Nongoma and Dr. Nkosazana Zuma Municipality. The MEC stated that even the Post Offices have been affected by the violent protests wherein physical structure has been damaged and equipment stolen. The unprecedented levels of unrest and destruction of property, coupled with violence and looting will compromise service delivery of Social Development and SASSA.

In closing, the MEC stated that the Province is looking forward for any support that may be provided during this period. She stated that the KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development will provide a comprehensive report that speaks to the damage caused by the civil unrest as well as ongoing interventions ensuring the provision of services to the most affected communities.

3.2 Briefing by the National Department of Social Development

The Acting Director-General (DG), Mr Linton Mchunu, provided a high level presentation of the National Department of Social Development on the impact of the violent protests ensued in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces on Social Development services. The Acting DG reported that since the violent protests that engulfed the two provinces, the National Department of Social Development convened a special meeting of the Social Development Portfolio, which comprised of Social Development, SASSA, and the National Development Agency (NDA). The meeting was inclusive of Head of Departments (HODs) from the affected Provinces as well as Senior Managers from SASSA and the NDA. The aim of the meeting was to develop an urgent plan to ensure that services to the people are continuing.

Mr. Mchunu reported that the Department of Social Development in the Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng Provinceshave been greatly affected by the violence, as the economy of the affected areas has been brought to a standstill, which will have dire consequences for a long time. The Acting DG stated that this had great implications for the services of the Department of Social Development which is responsible for ensuring social protection for all communities. He stated that most of Social Development local offices in the two provinces have not been fully operating as there were blockages on the road and as a result the vulnerable people cannot access services. Therefore, there has been minimal implementation of social development service programmes to the affected destitute households. As a result, quite a number of families have been affected due to being not able to go to work and unable to buy food as businesses are closed.

The Acting DG reported that the Department has been utilising the supermarkets / outlets in the vandalised areas for the voucher distribution of Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. Table 1 below outlines the Clusters and areas where the affected outlets are located.

Table 1: Affected KZN clusters and areas

Clusters	Areas/Outlets
EThekwini Cluster	Inanda, KwaMashu, Ndwedwe, Cato Manor, Phoenix, Hammarsdale, ILembe District – at Maphumulo all outlets vandalised.
Southern Cluster	Harry Gwala District: Ixopo, Doony Brook, Bulwer and UMzimkhulu and UGU District all municipalities – 7 Boxer stores looted. Umgungundlovu: UMshwathi, Richmond, Umsunduzi, and Umkhambathini.
Northern Cluster	Jozini Local Municipality affected, Zululand District – six Boxer stores vandalised and King Cetshwayo District all Boxer stores affected
Midlands Cluster	UMzinyathi District – Umsinga Boxer is destroyed. Amajuba District – Osizweni and Madadeni stores destroyed and uThukela District: UKhahlamba Boxer is partly destroyed, and Alfred Duma.

The Acting DG stated that many communities are facing food shortages in the wake of days of the violent protests across the two key provinces, as protesters disrupted the food supply chains by looting supermarkets and torching goods trucks. Therefore, the recent violent protests in KZN and Gauteng amplified vulnerability and food insecurity in many communities across the two provinces. The situational analysis conducted by the Department of Social Development reveals that about most of the food outlets throughout KZN have been affected, while in Gauteng majority of the protest and destruction transpired in the major townships like Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa and Mamelodi.

Mr. Mchunu stated that there were also disruptions of services in Gauteng during the violent protests in areas such as Alexandra, Mamelodi, Maponya Mall, and Vosloorus. As a result, Social Development local offices were damaged and looted. However, the Acting DG reported to the PC on Social Development that provision of services in Gauteng Province resumed on Monday, 19 July at all the affected regional offices in line with COVID-19 regulations. He further reported that Social Development services have been fully restored in all areas that were affected by either using alternative venues or offices nearby.

The Acting DG reported that SASSA Gauteng local office resumed working from 19 July 2021. The staff from Alexandra local office which has been destroyed due to the violent protests were deployed to the Midrand and Johannesburg local offices. Furthermore, alternative accommodation has been sought at two halls within the area which is Sankopano hall and East Bank. It was reported that services at Mamelodi, Maponya Mall, Vosloorus have resumed since the situation became stable on 19 July 2021. The Acting DG reported to the PC on Social Development that clients from Alexandra local offices have been advised to access services at the above-mentioned two offices. The information dissemination was done through posters put in the office doors as well as with all the local stakeholders such as the Ward Councillors and through social media platforms.

Notwithstanding the damage that has been incurred by the Department of Social Development due to the violent protests, the Acting DG reported to the PC on Social Development that interim plans have been put in place in ensuring that services to the communities continue. The Acting DG told the PC on Social Development that the Department has an active online system such as telephones and has deployed people on the ground to assist the most affected communities. The Department has also deployed mobile offices from SASSA in ensuring that services are brought to the communities that were affected by the violent protests.

The Acting DG reported that there has been a number of interventions put in place in the affected areas. The Department has deployed teams on the ground to determine the magnitude of the damage. The Department is in the process of finding additional support through the solidarity Fund. The Acting DG stated that the KZN Department of Social Development had a budget of R18 million for 2021/22 for its Social Relief of Distress which is not enough. The Acting DG indicated that the KZN Department of Social Development had indicated that it will require about R171 million to fully implement its SRD. The National Department has written to the Solidarity Fund for additional funding to assist the affected provinces. The Acting DG indicated that SASSA has about R66 million for SRD which is used for food parcels, cash, and food vouchers in KZN.

Psychosocial support was also provided to children who were arrested during the violent protests. Teams in the Province ensure that assessments were done for those children that were released from custody. There were disruptions with the Cash in Transit (CIT) companies as they were not able to deliver money. There were about 10% of grants that were not paid. The Department forwarded a request for the reinstatement of the R350 SRD grants and the President has since made the announcement that the R350 will be paid until the end of the financial year.

The Acting DG reported that there has been a call from the interfaith leaders for amnesty to those who were involved in the violent protests and looting provided that they return the goods stolen or looted. The Department of Social Development has approached the Department of Justice making a request for the food that has been confiscated by the SAPS goods be given to the Department of Social Development and be used in Social Development shelters and Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs). The Acting DG stated that this will be done within the ambit of the law. The Acting DG stated the considerations should be made that the food be given to people who have been distressed by the violent protests.

3.3 Briefing by the KwaZulu Natal Social Development Department

The Committee was briefed by the Head of Department of the KwaZulu Natal Provincial Department of Social Development, Mrs Neli Vilakazi. The presentation focused on the impact of the civil unrest on social development services; the interventions put in place in ensuring business continuity and enhancement of the quality of life of the affected communities; and the department’s plan for emergency food relief as a response to all families that have been affected by the unrest.

Mrs. Neli Vilakazi reported that about five (5) Social Development Offices have been severely affected by the civil unrest wherein infrastructure was vandalised. She stated that resources such as vehicles, computer equipment were stolen. In the main, 8 vehicles have been vandalised and, all equipment and furniture at Illovo was stolen. The infrastructure that was severely damaged include roof, doors removed, ceiling and tiles removed.

In the Southern Cluster which comprised of District Municipalities such as Ugu, Harry Gwala, and Umgungundlovu, three (3) Service Offices were affected including Ixopo, Vulamehlo, and Richmond. At Ixopo Service Office which is based at Ixopo Mall, all equipment and some furniture were looted. At Vulamehlo Service Office which is based at Ward 19 in Umdoni Municipality was vandalised, cars damaged (one was torched), and tools of trade such as computers were stolen. The Richmond Service Office was looted and four (4) vehicles were stolen at gunpoint and three (3) were vandalised.

As Table 1 below indicate, Mrs. Neli Vilakazi reported that the total cost required to ensure that the services of the Social Development facilities vandalised and looted during the violent protests in KZN is estimated at R521,551,432.

Table 2: Estimated costs due to the violent protests

Item No	Item Description	Estimated Total Amount
1	Budget required for Social Relief of Distress (Food Security)	R513,900,000
2	Damage to Assets
	KwaMashu Service Office	R1,562,068
	Illovo Development Centre	R1,535,954
	Richmond Service Office	R1,375,415
	Ixopo Service Office	R127,969
	Vulamehlo Service Office	R1,162,025
3	Infrastructure Damage and Costing-Illovo Development Centre	R1,888,000
Total Estimated Costs		R521,551,432

Source: KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development (2021)

Table 1 above indicate that the KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development requires a total budget of R513,900,000 for Social Relief of Distress (SRD). The infrastructure damage and costing of Illovo Skills Development Centre amounts to R1,888,000. The total amount of the damage in the five (5) Service Offices of the Department of Social Development is R5,763,431. This means the Department of Social Development will have to review and re-allocate budget for procurement of assets and infrastructure repairs for the facilities that were heavily affected by the violent protests.

Mrs. Neli Vilakazi told the Committee that the violent protests follow a situation where a number of people were in receipt of Social Relief of Distress and COVID-19 Social Relief Grant due to socio-economic conditions which are the equal distribution of the means of production and job losses. She made mention that before lockdown in 2020, the Social Relief of Distress programme had a budget of R17 million and the Community Nutrition and Development Centre programme had a budget of R19 million. As a result of the reprioritisation and repurposing of the departmental budgets to address the food relief programs, the budget allocations for the two programs increased to R184 million and R54 million respectively. Mrs. Neli Vilakazi told the Committee that a request for additional funding to cater for the distribution of Social Relief of Distress was made to the KwaZulu Natal Treasury, however this has not yielded positive results to date.

Mrs. Neli Vilakazi reported that the collaboration with SASSA is currently the Department’s strength in order to ensure that qualifying families are provided with Social Relief of Distress. The KZN Department of Social Development has also prepared proposals to different donors who have indicated their desire to provide short term emergency food relief. Subsequently, the KZN Department of Social Development has received offers from:

National Lottery Commission, committing R5 million towards food relief.
Boxer Super stores donating 1000 Potato bags that will be fetched from Johannesburg market in Gauteng.
Solidarity Fund – through the National Department of Social Development, there is a proposal of R60 million donation towards food relief.

Mrs. Neli Vilakazi indicated that the Solidarity Fund donation to cover about 81429 distressed households in KwaZulu Natal Province affected by the violent protests. A distribution plan for the donated food to reach the identified individuals has been developed as well as the reporting formats.

Mrs. Neli Vilakazi reported that the KZN Department of Social Development has identified about 81 429 beneficiaries who qualify for social relief of distress programme per District. As per Figure 1 below, there is a huge demand for food relief in eThekwini South, eThekwini North, and Umgungundlovu.

Figure 1:identified beneficiaries for social relief of distress per District

Source: KZN Department of Social Development (2021)

Mrs. Neli Vilakazi stated that the Department, as part of its mandate, provides food relief to individuals and households who are affected by emergency conditions, declared or undeclared, through its Social Relief of Distress (SRD) and the Community Nutrition Development Centres (CNDC). The Department is committed in providing social relief services to the most affected communities, individuals and households.

Mrs. Neli Vilakazi provided a background to the demand for food relief in the province. She reported that based on the General Household Survey (2018), the Province of KwaZulu Natal had 4,3% or 482 245 individuals who were affected by severe inadequacy to food. This had a multiplier effect on their ability to be economically active while dealing with food inadequacy. The 4,3% individuals severely affected by access to adequate nutrition translates to 126 906 households living below the poverty line in the KwaZulu Natal Province. Furthermore, as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the resultant lockdown, many households and individuals in the Province were exposed to severe. The effects of the violent protests affected the most impoverished areas of the KwaZulu Natal Province.

3.4 Briefing by South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

Mr Simlindile Jabavu (Acting Regional Manager) provided the presentation of the South African Social Security Agency. Mr Jabavu reported that SASSA operates in 81 local offices within the KZN Province which are mostly shared with the Provincial Department of Social Development. The Acting Regional Manager told the PC on Social Development that of the 81 offices, about 56 offices were temporarily closed during the week of 12-16 July 2021 due to the violent protests. The Acting Regional Manager stated that the recent violent protests follow a situation where a number of people were in receipt of Social Relief of Distress and COVID-19 Social Relief Grant due to socio-economic conditions which are the unequal distribution of the means of production and job losses.

The Acting Regional Manager stated that as SASSA and DSD share office space, the presentation made by the KZN Social Development has alluded to most of the issues. The Acting Regional Manager provided a profile of the two SASSA local offices that were affected by the recent violent protests. The profiles are outlined below:

Table 3:Profile of affected SASSA local offices

Vulamehlo Local Office

KwaMashu Local Office

Vulamehlo and Umzinto local offices are under the Ugu District Municipality which falls under the SASSA Pietermaritzburg District.

Umdoni local municipality (ULM) has a total population of approximately 144,551 which constitutes of 74,924 of that population being female and 69,627 being male from the total population.

ULM covers approximately 994 km², which represents about 21% of the total area of the Ugu District Municipality.

The municipality also has a total number of 35,433 of households.

SASSA Vulamehlo local office is currently operating under shared services with DSD.

Office is a well-built structure with solid walls and a 24-hour security guard system and in close proximity to the SAPS.

The office has an average intake of 45 grant applications per day.

The office has 34 976 grants in payment with an estimated amount of R30 230 200 per month.

The office services 2 residual pay points and 2 SAPO outlets:

2 of the pay points are at Community halls (Bhudubhudu and Thandabantu)
The remaining 2 are post offices (Scottburgh & Dududu).

EThekwini Municipality is located on the east coast of South Africa in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

The Municipality spans an area of approximately 2 297km² and is home to some 3,5 million people.

The SASSA Durban District Office is responsible for 17 local offices which are located within EThekwini Metro and ILembe District Municipality.

KwaMashu, Ntuzuma and Inanda are townships north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and are part of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area.

The KwaMashu township is made up of 11 wards (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 47, 104 & 107).

SASSA KwaMashu local office operated at Bridge City Mall near KwaMashu.

The office was well-placed in a vicinity which is accessible to all modes of transport including train and a 24-hour security guard system and in close proximity to the SAPS.

The office has an average intake of 87 grant applications per day.

The office has 80 569 grants in payment with an estimated amount of R65 598 220 per month.

The office houses the revenue and debt management unit.

The office has a staff compliment of 26 employees (LO) and 7 employees (revenue & debt).

In terms of the damage assessment done at Vulamehlo Local Office and KwaMashu Local Office, the Acting Regional Manager reported that at Vulamehlo Local Office there weresix (6) desktop computers, one (1) printer, two (2) wheelchairs, three (3) biometric scanners, one (1) chair, one (1) docking station, a fridge and a microwave stolen. There were also structural damages due to removal of two (2) trellidors gates as well as dame to doors (inside and outside. Some office documents were also damaged and left scattered throughout the office. In addition, cleaning materials and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were stolen.

On Monday 12 July 2021, at KwaMashu Local Office, all computers, printers, silver chairs, swivel chairs, scanners, cleaning materials and PPE, photocopiers and stationery were looted.

On Tuesday 13 July 2021 the mall was set on fire, damaging all documents and all 38,431 grant debtors’ files were destroyed. All 62 staff debtors’ files were also destroyed. Two motor vehicles were stripped. The final figure of assets damaged and destroyed will be determined when the offices are accessible.

As a result of the violent protests, the Vulamehlo local office was closed for five days (12–16 July 2021). The KwaMashu local office was also closed from 12 July 2021 and it will remain closed until new office is found. As a result, clients could not access their social and children’s grants via SAPO outlets namely Umzinto and Dududu, automated teller machines(ATMs) and merchant stores. The violent protest had severe impact on payments as SAPO Umzinto was burnt to the ground, SAPO Dududuwas also looted, ATMs in Umzinto were damaged and merchant stores looted and burnt. Several merchant stores remain closed with no indication of re–opening. SASSA has appointed SRD service providers for food vouchers in the affected areas that werelooted and closed. Disability Grant medical assessments were interrupted. Normal grant applications were halted due to road blockages and unavailability of public transport.

The Acting Regional Manager reported that there are interventions in place in ensuring that services are continuing under the circumstances. The interventions at Vulamehlo and KwaMashu local offices are outlined below:

Table 4: KZN Interventions for affected local offices

Vulamehlo local office

KwaMashu local office

ICT infrastructure repaired and network connectivity restored.

Payments for July 2021 residual sites i.e. Bhudubhudu and Thandabantu were made via SAPO Scottburgh on the 24 July 2021.

Payments scheduled for upcoming pay cycle is on track and SAPO will commence payments as of the 03 August 2021 as per usual process.

SAPO Umzinto will utilize the Umzinto town hall as an alternate venue for payments going forward.

SRD clients will be transported by SASSA/DSD to retailers in Port Shepstone which is approximately 80km’s from Dududu to redeem their food vouchers.

Disability clients that were booked for assessments are currently being rescheduled for the 30 July 2021.

SAPO has been engaged on their state of readiness for payments.

Mobile services for enquiries and manual applications set up.

Clients provided an option of approaching nearby offices (Inanda, Phoenix, Durban LO).

KwaMashu staff temporary placed in DBN and Inanda offices.

Engaged National Department of Public Works & Infrastructure for new offices.

EThekwini Metro stakeholders lobbied to provide alternative accommodation for the mobile services.

The Acting Regional Manager reported that SASSA services have been restored in all local offices. The DSD and SASSA have agreed on referrals for further intervention. As a result, as of 19 July 2021 about 1361 food vouchers have been issued to the qualifying clients. It was reported that SASSA has provided SRD food vouchers to the bereaved families in Phoenix, and Northdale affected by fire. It also supported SAPO initiatives to restore payment services as well as the identification of alternative payment channels in areas where the payment infrastructure was destroyed such as ATMs, merchant stores and SAPO outlets. SASSA reported that it is currently working with the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) to prepare for the payment cycle in August and provision of mobile ATMs. It was reported that SASwitch fees for August and September have been waived, so that clients can use any ATM and not be charged fees.

3.5 Briefing by the South African Post Office (SAPO)

The briefing by the South African Post Office was provided by Mr. Martin Coetzee (Regional Manager for KwaZulu Natal). Mr. Coetzee reported that there are 42 SAPO branches that are currently closed and 34 branches that were affected in Gauteng due to the violent protests. He made mention that KZN will provide additional cash pay points for the month of July and will commence on 26 July 2021. Mr. Coetzee informed the PC on Social Development that SAPO will finalise the repairs of the damaged branches before end of July 2021. He made an undertaking that for the month of August, SAPO is planning to increase the number of pay points by 12 in Gauteng and 54 in KZN.

Mr. Coetzee told the Committee that SAPO can still make use of the other branches that were not severely damaged as pay points. He mentioned that the KwaMashu branch was destroyed and requested the Councillor to allow SAPO to utilise the local halls as pay points. SAPO will erect tints and provide chairs. Others beneficiaries from KwaMashu will be moved to the nearest branches such as Pinetown and Hillcrest. Mr. Coetzee stated that SAPO is in collaboration with SASSA in ensuring the payment of social grants to beneficiaries.

3.6Committee deliberations on issues emanated from the presentations

The Committee expressed gratitudeto the stakeholders for preparing comprehensive and informative presentations within a very short period of space. It also acknowledged the collaborative efforts shown by the social development sector in ensuring that services to the people are rendered in this difficult time.

The Committee stated that there is a need for psychosocial support for the staff personnel as well as community members in the wake of the violent protests. However, the Department reported that the current capacity has been strained due to adjusted level for lockdown. The Committee enquired about the role of the National Development Agency during the aftermath of the recent violent protests. The Committee also enquired about whether there has been any request for assistance from social service professionals to deal with the emergency.

The Committee raised a question whether moral regeneration movements have been involved in promoting social cohesion in areas where racial tensions were observed during the violent protests such as Phoenix.

The Committee enquired about the number of Post Offices that have been closed. It also enquired about the additional pay points whether they are adding to the existing number of pay points.

The Committee stated that the KZN Department of Social Development spoke about 81 426 beneficiaries of the food relief programme in KZN. The Committee wanted to know whether the number mentioned above include beneficiaries that were already in the system or beneficiaries identified in the aftermath of the violent protests in the Province.

The Committee made mention that during the lockdown, there were reports of food parcels not reaching the intended beneficiaries. The Committee asked the Department that how will it ensure that the food parcels or vouchers reach the intended recipients?.The Committee raised a concern regarding past experience in terms of the distribution of food parcels to the deserving beneficiaries. The Committee cited the cost of travelling and asked whether the Department will deliver the food to the beneficiaries?

The Committee cited incidences of double dipping during the lockdown. The Committee stated that some people receive food parcels from Faith Based Organisations (FBOs), SASSA and the Department of Social Development. The Committee asked the Department how will they ensure that there are no incidences of double dipping. It further enquired about the criteriaused for identification of qualifying beneficiaries for the Social Relief of Distress. The Department should also provide clarity regarding progress on the Basic Income Grant (BIG).

The Committee wanted to know whether the state property such as computers and infrastructure that were destroyed during the violent protestswere insured. The Committee was also concerned about the information that was destroyed during the violent protests. The Committee asked SASSA whether there is backup for the information that was destroyed?

3.7 Responses emanating from the questions raised by the Committee

The KZN Department of Social Development stated that there is an urgent need for psychosocial support for the staff personnel as well as the community at large. The KZN Department of Social Development stated that it is trying by all means to provide support to the families that have been affected by the recent violent protests. The staff is receiving psychosocial support through its wellness programmes. However, the KZN Department of Social Development mentioned that it has a shortage of social service professionals to reach out to all the affected communities. Furthermore, the Department does not only provide food parcels to the communities as it provides other support such as psychosocial support.

The KZN Department of Social Development stated that the NDA is much involved in capacitating the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that are engaging with the affected communities or families. The NDA ensures that communities are linked with the CSOs within their communities.

With regard to the promotion of social cohesion within the affected communities, the Department reported that it has not started with social cohesion programmes due to level 3 lockdown regulations. Therefore, the Department is unable to mobilize people to participate in their social cohesion programmes. The moral regeneration movements have not yet started working in the affected communities. However, there is a meeting scheduled to take place soon in order to develop a plan for social cohesion programme for areas such as Phoenix.

The KZN Department of Social Development indicated that it is working closely with its entities and stakeholders in ensuring that there is no double dipping with regards to food parcels and food vouchers. It stated that there is a qualifying criteria in place to identify beneficiaries of the SRD. The KZN Department of Social Development made an undertaking that it will share the document of the criteria with the Committee. It also stated that there is a system in place to ensure that people do not receive food parcels from different stakeholders. In this regard, the Department is working close with the community care givers in identifying the beneficiaries.

In responding to the question whether public facility infrastructure that was destroyed and looted was ensured or not. The KZN Department of Social Development reported that public facilities and goods are not ensured and therefore the government will not receive any payment for the damaged property or stolen goods.

The regional manager of KZN SASSA stated that the bulk of the information is already captured in the system hence most of the people were paid their grants during the month of July.

The Acting DG stated that all the social service professionals have been vaccinated and therefore will be able to reach out to the communities on the ground. The Department has made a request to the National Treasury for additional funding in order to source the services of more socials service professionals. The Acting DG stated the R350 Social Relief of Distress Grant is a critical step towards the implementation of the Basic Income Grant. The Acting DG stated that there is a proposal that the BIG be introduced in phases.

The regional manager of KZN SAPO stated that the additional pay points are interim measures in order to make payments for social grants. He stated that SAPO is working around the clock in ensuring that the closed offices are reopened.

4.SITE VISITS TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES (UGU DISTRICT AND ETHEKWINI METRO)

On 28 and 29 July 2021, the PC on Social Development conducted site visits to the Social Development facilities that were affected by the violent protests. On 28 July 2021, the Committee visited Kenterton Community Nutrition and Development Centre; Umzinto Post Office; and Vulamehlo Service Centre. All these facilities are situated in Ugu District Municipality which was one of the municipalities that were heavily affected by the civil unrest. On 29 July 2021, the Committee visited the Social Development facilities that were affected by the social unrest in eThekwini Metro. These include Illovo Skills Development Centre which is situated in Illovo (Umdoni Municipality), and Kwa-Mashu SASSA and DSD offices situated in Bridge City Shopping Centre in Kwa-Mashu township.

4.1 Ugu District Municipality

4.1.1Kenterton Community Nutrition and Development Centre

Section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa states that, “everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water.” This obligation is extended in section 27(2), according to which “the state must take reasonable legislative and other measures, within its available resources, to achieve the progressive realisation of each of these rights.” The National Development Plan (NDP) vision 2030 identified food insecurity as both a consequence of poverty and inequality as well as a cause. In global terms, the relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include: Goal 1 (end poverty); Goal 2 (end hunger); and Goal 12 (ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns).

The South African government has adopted the concept of Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs) as a government intervention to support household nutrition and food security. CNDCs provide nutritious meals to households that are food insecure as an interim measure while exploring medium to long-term solutions to poverty. Kenterton Community Nutrition Development Centres (Kenterton CNDC) was established in 2015 and has continued to play a vital role in household nutrition. The Centre is located in the most deprived ward of Umdoni Municipality. The Kenterton CNDC is one of the that have been established to provide a safety net for the vulnerable households. A data was collected through household profiling to determine the households due to benefit in the Community Development Nutrition Centre.

The staff compliment of the Kenterton Community Nutrition Development Centre is as follows:

1	Head Cook	Ms. Mntambo
2	Assistant Cook	Ms. Biyase
3	Assistant Cook	Ms. Mkhize
4	Security	Mr. Ngcobo
5	Security	Mr. Msani

The Centre manager reported that the Centre is currently funded with R719 000,00 for the 2021/22 financial year. The Centre has one main centre with eight satellites, namely; Kenterton No.2, Bhadane, Ncazuka, Poeven, Qwembe, Mqanqala, Amanyuswa and Two Stick to service far-flung households. The Centre has about 157 beneficiaries from 113 households, from Ward 4. There are 21 children who are also benefitting from the Centre.

It was reported that Kenterton Community Nutrition Development Centre has good relationships with the following stakeholders:

Traditional leadership;
Local Municipality;
Department of Health-through Phila-mntwana Programme;
Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; and
Department of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs.

The Centre manager told the Committee that as part of the Department’s transitioning from a welfarist to a developmental paradigm, the Department is strengthening partnerships with other government departments, municipalities and public entities to support more exit opportunities for beneficiaries. To date, a total of 75 beneficiaries at Kenterton CNDC have exited the programme. Of these, about 51 exited through improved income, 14 through CWP programme, 3 relocated, and 7 deceased.

It was reported that in the aftermath of the recent violent protests, 15 beneficiaries from all the satellites facilities in ward 4 have been identified by the War Rooms and referrals. However, the Service Office and the Community Care Givers will profile them before they receive the services. Based on the profiling data, an exit plan will be developed on these beneficiaries.

4.1.2 Umzinto Post Office

The Umzinto Post Office in the South Coast was completely destroyed by fire during the unrest. All contents in respect of equipment, systems, consumables and mail articles were destroyed in the fire. It was indicated that customers are currently referred to the Scottburgh branch for services. The social grant beneficiaries were also serviced at Scottburgh. Due to the fact that it is a company owned building and the restoration will take a while, the Park Rynie branch which has been closed will be restored and services will be available. The Emalangeni branch which is also in the vicinity has in the interim re-opened its doors for service after it badly damaged during a housebreak.

4.1.3 New Germany Post Office in Pinetown

It was reported to the Committee that the damages to New Germany Post Office were not severe,bathrooms were vandalised, doors and windows were broken, all computer equipment were stolen and electrical wires were ripped out.The Committee was told that the social grant beneficiaries have been serviced at the post office by means of an interim arrangement by placing a secured cash pay point at the outlet. It is envisaged that the branch will start trading normally within the month of September. All assessments have been completed and SAPO is awaiting quotations for the repairs.

4.1.4 Vulamehlo Service Office

In the Southern Cluster of Districts, 3 Service Offices were directly affected by the unrestsand these include Vulamehlo, Ixopo, and Richmond. It was reported that the Ixopo and Richmond were affected only by the July 2021 unrests characterised by looting and destruction of properties whereas Vulamehlo was affected by unrests and a burglary that occurred in December 2020.

The damage at Vulamehlo Service Office was reported as follows:

Three (3) state vehicles were badly damaged from ignition, suspension, steering wheel, and wiring. One(1) double cab was set alight and burnt to ashes and there is nothing can be done to resuscitate the car.
The front double glass-doors at the entrance of the office were damaged. The entire switchboard operation was taken away.
It was reported that a total of 17 laptops and two (2) cameras were stolen. The electric appliances stolen encompasses bar fridge, double door defy refrigerator, microwave, kettle, five (5) fans, four (4) heaters, grass cutter, ridge on gross mower, and 5 extension cords. The looters also took three (3) television sets amongst others.
Cleaning material were also stolen from the store room and 150 x 20 litres of sanitizers. Also, client files torn and scattered.
Other items looted include four (4) wheel chairs, plastic chairs, and the table clothes. A social worker’s private vehicle (i.e. Toyota Yaris) was vandalised where ignition was stripped off, windows smashed and the battery taken out.

It was reported that the looting and damage to the state property at Vulamehlo Service Office occurred on the 13 July 2021. The total costing of the damaged caused at Vulamehlo Service Office is estimated to the tune of R1,162,025.The estimated cost to damaged property is about R500,000.00 at Vulamehlo in Ugu District,

The recent social unrests distinguished by looting and destruction of properties negatively affected service delivery at broader scale. Many people have lost their jobs, food no longer available at convenience and DSD battling to get SRD for customers. State vehicles stolen, some vandalised, property damaged needing some repairs and ICT tempered with. Computers/ laptops looted with clients’ files ransacked, kitchen equipment stolen and some destroyed.

The spring cleaning was conducted in the 3 affected Service Offices for business continuity. Vulamehlo Service Office was loaned 2 state vehicles through Asset Management Directorate. Common to the 3 offices are tools of trade stolen which are currently being coordinated and procured at the Provincial SCM Directorate. Districts finalizing identification process for offices within the Cluster in need of the hired vehicles. Approval of Scheme B applications by the Accounting Officer in respect of qualifying employees using private vehicles for official purposes. Granting of cell phones subsidised by the Department for use by Supervisors within the Service Offices. Reviewed security contract in identified workstations strengthened with armed security guards.

4.2 EThekwini Metro

4.2.1 Illovo Skills Development Centre

Illovo Skills Development Centre was launched in 2001 as a centre for skills development with the fundamental objective of empowering unemployed people with skills in particular the youth and women across KZN Province. The Centre specialises on Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) capacity building, youth and women skills development programme. As an NPO incubation centre, Illovo is responsible for coordination of capacity building, coaching and mentorship of funded and nob-funded NPOs across the KZN Province.

The facility provides a wide range of life skills development programmes to women and youth in KZN Province. These include:

Basic entrepreneurship development programmes to women and youth following a skills audit assessment.
Elementary skills development programmes for women and youth in the income generating venture.
Organise the trained women and youth to form non-profit organisations in a manner prescribed by the Department of Social Development and organise them to graduate into commercially viable cooperatives.

The staff compliment of the Illovo Skills Development Centre is as follows:

Community Development Manager: 1
Community Development Supervisor: 1
Administration Clerk: 1
Registry Clerk: 1
Handyman: 1
Drive: 1
Housekeeper: 3
Kitchen Aid: 1
EPWP Staff: 5

As outlined above, the Illovo Skills Development Centre has 15 staff compliment.

The Centre manager reported that, on 13 July 2021, the Centre was unfortunately targeted by the numerous mob of looters who violently descended upon the facility and immediately robbed the security of their cellular phones and two-way radio equipment and threatened them off to vacate the facility. It is reported that the looters went away with almost all the assets in the facility including the Chevrolet sedan vehicles after breaking a safe box and got access to the car keys, however, the Centre reported that the car was later reported to have been found deserted and stripped down to the core in less than 10 kilometres from the office. The other three vehicles including Nissan Hard Body, Polo Sedan, all three cars werealso stripped to the core and left as mere “valueless carcasses” in the garage at the facility.

The damage to property infrastructure includes broken doors and windows, destroyed ceiling boards and wall tiles, wrecked ICT infrastructure, destroyed plumbing and electricity infrastructure. The looters also stole air conditioners and geysers from the buildings. Subsequently, a case of housebreaking, damage to property and theft was opened at Amanzimtoti Police Station on 14 July 2021 after due delays and lack of sense of urgency from the Police Officers (Case No. 129/07/21).

The estimated costs of the damage at Illovo Skills Development Centre is R1,888,000. The following tables outline the estimated costs per goods vandalised or stolen:

Table 5: Estimated costs of damaged vehicles

Vehicle Description	Estimated Costs
Nissan hard body	R198 000,00
Polo Sedan	R273 200,00
Polo Sedan	R273 200,00
Chevrolet Sedan	R178 000,00
Total estimated Cost	R922 400,00

The Table above illustrate that the estimated cost of the damage to the state vehicles that were damaged and set alight at Illovo Skills Development Centre amounts to R922 400,00. The damage to infrastructure as well as the stolen equipment is estimated at R920 515,00.

The impact of the looting and vandalism on service delivery at the Centre has caused interruption on the programme of the Centre. The events mentioned above marked a very dark and sad day for the facility which is on the upward trajectory and resuscitation phase. The looting has reversed the gains on assets investment that have been procured over many years. The facility was preparing for the rollout of youth and women development skills programmes in partnership with funded NPOs. As a result, these plans that were underway will be surely affected or delayed.

4.2.2 KwaMashu SASSA and DSD Offices (Bridge City Shopping Centre)

On 11 July 2021 it was reported that a mob of people was looting Bridge City Shopping Centre which affected the Department of Social Development Office. On 12 July 2021, it was reported that the building was on fire. The incident has resulted in office assets being stolen and damaged. On the 13 July 2021, six State vehicles were removed from Office Parking to KwaMashu South African Police Service inorder to safeguard them. However, there were four vehicles which could not be removed since they have technical problems. On 13 July 2021, it was reported that the mob of people got into Department of Social Development parking where they striped the vehicles.

Name of District	Name of Office affected	Number of staff affected
EThekwini North District	KwaMashu Office	130 Officials including EPWP

It was reported that the estimated cost of the damage to state assets is estimated at R2,850,000 as outlined in the Table below.

List of affected items	Quantity	Estimated costs
ICT equipment	14 desktops and 3 laptops	R1 000 000
Office furniture (desk chairs and steel cabinets)	7 desks, 162 chairs, 15 telephone table and 9 cabinets	R300 000
Vehicles	4 vehicles	R1 000 000
Stores	Stationery, cleaning material, and sanitizers	R500 000
Electrical appliances	2 fridges, 3 microwaves, 2 paper shredders, 4 kettles, and hoovers	R50 000
Total		R2, 850, 000

At KwaMashu local office it was reported that the looting and damage to the state property occurred on the 13 July 2021 wherein four state vehicles were badly damaged ranging from ignition, suspension and steering wheel, wiring, just to name a few. The front double glass-doors at the entrance was damaged, the entire switchboard operation was taken away, 17 laptops and three (3) Desktops were stolen.

As the Table above indicate, appliances looted from the office encompasses two fridges, three microwaves, four kettles, 50 extension cords, three (3) TV sets amongst others, and small safe. The looters also stole cleaning materials from the store room which included 5 x 25 litres of sanitizers, pine gel (25 litres x 2), dish washers and hand soaps, protective clothing x 25, client files torn and scattered. Other items looted include, plastic chairs, Boardroom chairs, visitors’ chairs, crockery, table clothes.

In the North District two (2) Service Office were affected in terms of office space and tools of trade. The Kwa Mashu office was affected by the 2021 unrests characterised by looting and destruction of property. At Inanda office, one (1) vehicle was hijacked and batteries were taken in other two (2) vehicles.

It was reported that the recent violent protests distinguished by looting and destruction of public and private properties negatively affected service delivery at boarder scale. Many people have lost their jobs, food no longer available at convenience and the Department of Social Development battling to get SRD for customers. As a result of looting of tools of trade such as laptops and desktops with client files has affected service delivery.

In terms of interim interventions by the Department, the Committee was told that the staff is traumatised by the situation and wellness has been arranged.Trauma debriefing of all officials were done on the 26 July 2021. The cleaning campaign was conducted at the Bridge City Mall on the 22 – 26 July 2021. About 10 state vehicles were moved to the South African Police Service (SAPS) station for safety of which 4 of them were vandalised prior it was moved to SAPS. It was reported that alternative working space is being explored with KwaMashu Child Welfare and Ntuzuma SAPS. In the meantime, officials work remotely and supported by nearby offices. Districts are finalising identification process for offices within the Service office in need of the hired vehicles.

5.GAUTENG PROVINCE

On 30 July 2021, the PC on Social Development received briefings from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, and the South African Social Security Agency Gauteng Region on the impact of the recent violent protests on the services of the social development sector and the department’s response for urgent food relief to the most affected individuals and households. The briefing was held at Phuthaditjaba Community Centre (also known as Afrika Tikkun) in Alexandra.

On the same day, the PC on Social Development conducted oversight visits to Afrika Tikkun and SASSA Alexandra Local Office is which is situated in Alexandra, Pan African Mall.

5.1 Welcome by the Member of the Executive Council (MEC)

The Member of the Executive Committee (MEC), Ms. Thuliswa Nkabinde-Khawe, provided the welcoming remarks and welcomed the Committee. The MEC stated that, on the 25 July, the President addressed the nation on the corona virus response and the recent unrest our country experienced. She stated that Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal respectively were hard hit by the acts of recent violent protests. The MEC stated that this has led to loss of lives, looting of shops, warehouses and factories, and damage to infrastructure. The President stated, in his address, “in response to both the pandemic and the recent violence, we need to provide support and relief to poor households, in order to alleviate the hardships, they are going through and reduce hunger.”

The MEC stated that, as Gauteng Social Development, “we contend that when we respond to crisis, we must put faces to our response”. This encourages a humane response that embraces compassion. That is the role of social development. True to our mandate, that being the social protection and development of members of our communities, our citizens come first. Therefore, as a response to the recent unrest we must put faces to the crisis. Because it is people and livelihoods that were disturbed.

The President further announced that, “in addition to the food relief being provided by the Department of Social Development, government is contributing R400 million to the Humanitarian Crisis Relief Fund established by the Solidarity Fund to assist with the immediate needs of affected communities.” This is telling of the crucial role played by social development in our country in responding to the immediate needs of our communities, in fighting poverty and in protecting our communities.

Additionally, the MEC stated that we must concede that the COVID-19 has had an immense negative impact in our communities and the services our department provides. However, be that as it may, the Premier Mr Makhura, emphasised in his State of the Province Address that our Province had the biggest and most successful food distribution programme since the President enforced the State of Disaster Management Act. With that said, we do however admit that our communities are still in need of food relief and all the essential services the department of social development has to offer.

The MEC stated that Afrika Tikkun has partnered with social development in distribution of food parcels and awareness programmes on various issues affecting the youth and our communities. Moreover, the services provided by Afrika Tikkun place youth development at the centre of its services, offering social service programmes, daily meals from Monday to Friday, child and youth development, careers development and Early Childhood Development.

In closing, the MEC stated that these are the partners that become a glimmer of hope in our communities, that prove that we can attain a better tomorrow, working together. Honourable members, without taking more of your time. Allow me to say that as Gauteng we welcome you and we hope that through our discussions today in as far as our response to the recent unrest we remain true to our commitment to serving our communities.

5.2 Briefing by Gauteng Department of Social Development

The presentation of the Gauteng Department of Social Development focused on food security initiatives in the aftermath of the civil unrest. The Department provided a background on the Integrated Food Security Strategy of South Africa. The Gauteng Department of Social Development stated that the National Department of Social Development developed the Household Food and Nutrition Programme deriving its mandate from various policies and documents that include the South African Constitution, the Integrated Food Security Strategy (IFSS), the Households Food and Nutrition Security Strategy and the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. One of the targets of the NDP is for South Africa to reduce the poverty-induced hunger to 0%.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development stated that the mandate of Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), is in line with the Household Food and Nutrition Security Strategy, has the following objectives towards providing access to poor and vulnerable households:

Increase food distribution to poor and vulnerable households through a robust network of Food Distribution Ccentres, in Gauteng known as Foodbanks
Establishment of the Food Distribution Centres in poor and vulnerable communities
Establishment of Community Nutritional Development Centres in the poor and deprived wards.

The Department stated that, in South Africa, about 1.6 million households experienced hunger in 2017, more than 60% of those households were found in urban areas. Gauteng had the largest percentage (25,2%) of household experienced hunger in South Africa. The recent violent protests amplified the situation.

The Department reported that, in Gauteng, the majority of the protest and destruction transpired in the major townships like Soweto, Alexandra, Tembisa and Mamelodi. There was disruption of services during the violent protests in Social Development local offices in Alexandra, Mamelodi, and Vosloorus. As a result of these violent protests, Social Development local offices were damaged and looted.

5.2.1 Recommencement of services

The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported to the PC on Social Development that the provision of social services resumed on 19 July 2021 at all the affected social development regional offices in line with COVID-19 regulations. Social Development services are fully restored in all areas that were destroyed by either using alternative venues or offices nearby. Furthermore, all social development staff working in Alexandra local office have been deployed to the Midrand and Johannesburg local offices as Alexander was destroyed. Alternative accommodation is being sought at two halls within the area which is the Sankopano hall and East Bank hall. Services at Mamelodi, Maponya, Vosloorus have resumed since the situation became stable on the 19th of July 2021.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported that communication has been dispatched in terms of advising clients to access services at Maponya and Vosloorus offices. This has been done through posters put at the Alexandra local office as with all the local stakeholders such as the Councillors and through social media.

5.2.2 Food distribution steps

The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported that there has been steps taken to identify beneficiaries in need of food relief. The beneficiaries are identified through Gauteng hotline; community referrals such as community leaders, activists, ordinary members, civil society, and private sector. Once the beneficiaries have been identified, the NPOs managing the food distribution sites conduct assessments to determine if the referred households/beneficiaries meet the qualifying criteria.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development is using the food distribution Centre operational model outlined below:

Figure 2: food distribution model

The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported that as of 27 July 2021, a total of 715 024 food parcels had been distributed by the Department and its implementing NPOs reaching about 3 575 120 individuals. The municipalities such as City of Tshwane (COT); City of Ekurhuleni (COE); Sedibeng; and West Rand have distributed about 39 192 food parcels reaching an estimated 195 960 beneficiaries. SASSA distributed about 12 329 food parcels reaching an estimated 61 645 beneficiaries since the lockdown started.Furthermore, the City of Johannesburg (COJ) has distributed 285 524 vegetable packs reaching an estimated 1 427 620 beneficiaries.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development provided a regional distribution breakdown of food parcels to date.

Figure 3: Regional distribution of breakdown of food parcels to date

Figure 1 above indicate that City of Tshwane has distributed about 177 010 food parcels to date which is the largest food distribution in Gauteng. The City of Johannesburg has distributed about 158 662 food parcels. The Sedibeng, West Rand, and Ekurhuleni has distributed 126 691, 126 485, and 126 176 food parcels respectively.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported that it has distributed a total of 171 613 food parcels between January and July 2021 (6 months). During the month of July which coincide with the violent protests, Gauteng distributed 6055 food parcels. The greatest demand for food parcels was in February 2021 wherein it distributed about 52 201 food parcels.

5.2.3 Response to the current food demand

The Gauteng Department of Social Development provided a demand model for food security in Gauteng in the wake of the recent violent protests. The Department stated that the cost of responding to The cost of responding to hunger/food Insecurity in Gauteng must be understood within the following fiscal context;

Gauteng project a R660 per food parcel informed by recent procurement benchmark. Thus, the Gauteng Department of Social Development would require a budget of R327 million to address the current Hotline backlog of 400 000.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development envisage a demand of 5000 hotline requests per month for the next 7 months due to, job losses lockdown, etc.
It also envisages about 6200 walk in/referral requests per month requests for the next 7 months due to hunger, lockdown, job losses etc
In an endeavour to reduce the current deficit, the Gauteng Department of Social Development has managed to reprioritized R100million within its 2021/22 allocation towards Food Relief. It has also managed to fund raise R40 million from the Solidarity Fund.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development currently has a budget of R140 million. This simply means that the Department still has a deficit of R187million as it requires a budget of R327 million to be able to address current backlog and managed the envisaged lockdown-induced demand.

The Table below provides a synopsis of Community Nutrition and Development Centre food distribution across Gauteng between 21 – 27 July 2021.

Table 6: Synopsis of Gauteng CDC food distribution

REGION	Number of Meals distributed 21 July 2021	Number of Meals distributed 22 July 2021	Number of Meals distributed 23 July 2021	Number of Meals distributed 26 July 2021	Number of Meals distributed 27 July 2021
Johannesburg	1016	1177	1026	594	956
Sedibeng	Not available	170	188	423	281
Tshwane	1307	1580	1605	1103	1434
West Rand	92	385	444	548	503
Ekurhuleni	1026	879	892	932	1017
TOTAL	3441	4191	4155	3600	4191

The Gauteng Department of Social Development provided a breakdown of food meals provided by the Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs) during the week of 21 – 27 July 2021. As can be seen on the Table above, the CNDCs have provided a total of 19 578 meals during the aforementioned week. The Table above indicate that there is a slight increase in meals provided by the CNDCs.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development outlined to the Committee a forward looking food distribution plan for Gauteng between September 2021 and March 2022. The plan is as follows:

Table 7:Gauteng Food Distribution Plan

Region	Remaining GDSD Food Supply (total stock for next 7 months)	Solidarity Fund Contribution	Distribution Plan	DSD Repriotization Contribution	Distribution Plan	Total per Region
Ekurhuleni	7644	11 441	1 144 packs to be distributed per day and be completed 10 days after receiving stock	25 758	3680 packs to be distributed per month over 7 months	44 843
Jo’burg	9331	31 464	1500 packs to be distributed per day and be completed a 21 days after receiving stock	25 758	3680 packs to be distributed per month over 7 months	66 553
Sedibeng	11060	5 721	1144 packs to be distributed per day and be completed five days after receiving stock	25 758	3680 packs to be distributed per month over 7 months	42 539
Tshwane	9422	5 721	1144 packs to be distributed per day and be completed five days after receiving stock	25 758	3680 packs to be distributed per month over 7 months	40 901
W Rand	7644	2 860	953 packs to be distributed per day and be completed in three after receiving stock	25 758	3680 packs to be distributed per month over 7 months	36 262
	45101	57 207		128 790
				Grand Total		231 098

The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported to the Committee that it has reprioritized R100million from its current allocation to address the current demand on Food & is currently awaiting confirmation of R40million from the Solidarity Fund. Deviation request has been sent to Treasury in an endeavour to replenish Food Banks with food parcels within a reasonable time given the urgency. Plans to request additional funds at National DSD and the Treasury are underway to augment current limited funds in order to address the high demand of food which currently outstrips the available supply (available resources).

The Gauteng Department of Social Development further reported that while it continues to deliver to needy families from walk-ins, hotlines and referrals from current stock, it is envisaged that the accelerated delivery of food parcels in corridors of Gauteng will be from mid-August once all the Supply Chain Management (SCM) processes are concluded. The Gauteng Department of Social Development informed the Committee that in the interim urgent cases would be attended by current available stock and SASSA’s Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development stated that the Food Relief Plan will be a joint effort between GDSD & Gauteng SASSA through the delivery of Food parcels and SRD Vouchers, respectively.

5.3 Briefing by the South African Social Security Agency (Gauteng)

SASSA has 39 local offices in the province with more than 2 million beneficiaries to the grant value of R2.509 billion. The recent community unrest affected SASSA offices such Alexandra, Vosloorus, Johannesburg, Orange Farm, Soweto (Maponya) and Mamelodi. SASSA had to suspend some services in these offices as a result of the looting and break ins. The looting also affected other shopping complexes and retailers in which SASSA beneficiaries depend on for transacting of social grants. Some of these big malls included Diepkloof Square, Jabulani Mall, Naledi Mall, Christ Hani Crossing etc. This incident had a long term consequences of food shortages where beneficiaries may be confronted with hunger. Government intervention was imminent through the provision of food relief where applicable.

SASSA Gauteng provided a brief profile of the local offices that were affected by the recent violence protests.

Table 8: profiles of the local office affected

Alexandra local office

Johannesburg local office

SASSA Alexandra Local Office is situated in Alexandra, Pan African Mall.

The Office falls under the City of Johannesburg Municipality under the ambit of SASSA Johannesburg District.

Alexandra is made up of 16 wards (32, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 81, 91, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 115 & 116).

Alexandra office has 60 862 grants in payment with an estimated amount of R 101 141 80 per month

The office operates five days in a week (Monday-Friday) and services are rendered to all the wards.

Alexandra Pan Africa Mall (SAPO) Branch and Merchants as well as the mall were damaged.

SAPO will be paying grant at the Old Post Office Branch, beneficiaries can also access grants through merchants and ATM’s in Alex Mall as an addition point of sales

The office has an average intake of 25 grant applications per day.

SASSA Johannesburg Local Office is situated in central part of the City of Johannesburg at 01 De Villiers Street first floor, Johannesburg, which is accessible to beneficiaries within the area, and other areas within the region.

The office operates five working days in a week (Monday -Friday), providing all social assistance related services.

Johannesburg is made up of 20 wards (23, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61, 62,63,64,65,66,67,96,100,118,124 &125). Including a total of 11 Informal settlements

The office has an average intake of 135 grant applications per day and 2500 per month,

The office has 189 088 grants in payment with an estimated amount of R375 674 660

SASSA Gauteng stated that the Johannesburg local office has three (3) satellite offices which include Riverlea (operates on Monday); Dani Van Zyl in Westbury (operates on Wednesday); and Cosmo City (operates on Fridays). However, due to COVID-19 non-compliance, these venues are not in operation.

5.3.1 Interventions regarding service delivery disruptions

SASSA Gauteng reported that media statement has been issued on affected areas through different channels of communication. It stated that notices have been placed in all affected offices with nearest office available for services indicated. SASSA Gauteng indicated that it also used social media platforms such as regional radio stations and daily staff update of status changes.

SASSA Gauteng reported that it has discontinued food parcels. It currently issues food vouchers through retailers and supermarkets. It indicated that about 21 service providers have been approved to start with the issuing of food vouchers by the week of 26 July 2021, depending on availability of food stocks. These suppliers have been appointed for next (6) months and are spread closer to all SASSA local offices. To increase the footprint of suppliers, region will also use the KZN Boxer contract which has most shops in other part of Gauteng, subject to approval through supply management policies. SASSA Gauteng stated that the value of vouchers is R700 per applicant and the available budget to cater for the food vouchers is R57 044 346.

Table 9: synopsis of the budget for food vouchers

Target No of Beneficiaries	1,3 m beneficiaries		Interventions		Food Parcels SRD Voucher Daily Meals (CNCD)

Region	Solidarity Fund Food Parcel Contribution	DSD Food Parcel Contribution		SASSA SRD Vouchers Contribution		Total per Region
Ekurhuleni	11 441	25 758		19 110		56 309
Jo’burg	31 464	25 758		20 250		77 472
Sedibeng	5 721	25 758		11 210		42 689
Tshwane	5 721	25 758		17 590		49 069
W Rand	2 860	25 758		13 320		41 938
Grand Total	57 207	128 788		81 480		267 477
	21%	48%		30%
An estimated 1,337,385 beneficiaries will be reached at an average of 5 family member per household

SASSA Gauteng office resumed working from 19 July 2021, all staff have been deployed to the Midrand and Johannesburg Local Offices as alexander was destroyed. Alternative accommodation is being sought at two halls within the area as in the Sankopano hall and East Bank. Services at Mamelodi, Maponya, Vosloorus have resumed since the situation became stable on 19 July 2021.

Gauteng SASSA stated that it will share the Hotline data for verification on SASSA SOCPEN database with Social Development to avoid double dipping. It will refer beneficiaries to the DSD food bank, while SASSA is in the process of procuring the services of suppliers to redeem food vouchers for qualifying beneficiaries. Disaster relief will be provided in the event of a declared disaster such as fire, floods and or death in line with SASSA Disaster Policy.

5.3.2Issues emanating from the presentations

The Committee wanted to be provided with the hotline number. The Committee asked the Gauteng Department of Social Development about the effectiveness of the hotline in terms of identifying those in need of food relief.

The Committee acknowledged the reprioritisation of funds in order to accommodate the food relief programme. The Committee wanted to know which programmes of the Department were affected by the reprioritisation of funds?

The Committee commended the Gauteng Department of Social Development for the food parcel standard that the Department has adopted. The Committee stated that the Gauteng standard should be adopted by other provinces.

The Committee wanted to know whether the Gauteng Department of Social Development has a monitoring and evaluation systems in order to follow the budget. The Committee raised the importance of monitoring and evaluation especially for the expenditure in the social relief of distress programme. The Committee stated that the Department should have a proper monitoring and evaluation system in place in order to account for its programmes.

The Committee asked the Gauteng Department of Social Development of its criteria or system in terms of identifying the social relief of distress beneficiaries.

The Committee wanted to know whether the Gauteng Department of Social Development has approached the Faith Based Organisation to assist with the food parcels as these are already disbursing food parcels to the communities.

5.3.3 Responses by the Gauteng Department of Social Development

The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported that there programmes in place intended to assist beneficiaries such as the livelihood programme.

The R100 million that was reprioritised was redirected from the programmes that funding was not utilised due to COVID-19 regulations. The Department was not able to utilised some of the budget for outreach programmes.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development will provide the hotline number to the Committee. The hotline is not aggressive as it should be due to poor marketing strategy. The Gauteng Department of Social Development reported that the province has a backlog of 400 000 which will require about R338 million. Therefore, the Department is under severe pressure to follow up on the reported backlog. The Department reported that there are 4 191 beneficiaries that are receiving meals every day.

The Faith Based Organisations have not been contacted because the Department has a system in place wherein organisations are required to submit their proposal to the Gauteng Department of Social Development if they intend to work with the Department.

In terms of addressing the issue of double dipping, the Department is working closely with SASSA and other stakeholders. There system of SASSA and Social Development have been integrated.

The Department stated that there is a system in place to identify beneficiaries. The Department is working with the community leaders, individuals and other methods to identify people in need of food relief.

6.SITE VISITS TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES (ALEXANDRA)

On 30 July 2021, the PC on Social Development conducted site visits to Phuthaditjaba Community Centre (also known as Afrika Tikkun) and SASSA local office in Alexandra. The visit to the SASSA local office in Alexandra aimed at assessing the magnitude of the damage caused by the violent protests.

6.1 City of Johannesburg

6.1.1 Phuthaditjaba Community Centre- Alexandra

Afrika Tikkun’s Community Centre in Alexandra, called Phuthaditjaba, a Sesotho name which means “The Meeting Place of Nations”, is a well-run community centre which serves the needs of the Alexandra youth, families and senior citizens - a thriving hub of activity. The Centre is uniquely placed to play a strong role in the delivery of a whole range of social services. Being embedded in the community, the centre contributes significantly to improving the lives of the children and young people, families and the elderly, within Alexandra.

Community work in Alexandra began in the 90’s, howeverPhuthaditjaba Centre was built in 2009. The building used to be a facility for elderly people in the community. The Centre is run by Patricia Moloi and caters for Early Childhood Development (ECD), Child and Youth Development, Career Development Programmes, the elderly and families living in the community. The Centre is in Region E, Ward 105.

In order to provide services and interventions that support young people from cradle to career, the Centre’s programmes, focus on the specific developmental and age-appropriate needs of young people aged 2-29 years, include:

Early Childhood Development (ECD): Targeted at children aged 2-6 years, this programme focuses on the achievement of age appropriate developmental and school readiness milestones to set a firm foundation for learning throughout the school career.
Child & Youth Development (CYD): An after-school programme for children aged 7-18 years that provides a series of activities for education, leadership, career and personal development throughout their formative years while in the schooling system.
Career Development Programme (CDP): Provides career guidance, job readiness training, industry specific specialised training (Retail, Hospitality, and ICT), job placement (entry-level jobs, learnerships and work experience opportunities) and bursaries for further learning. These activities enable young people aged 17-29 access economic opportunities after finishing high school.

The Centre enrols about 200 ECD learners per annum. Its child youth development programmes accommodates about 568 learners per annum. it was reported that the youth acceleration programme enrolls 120 learners per annum and the work readiness programme caters for 160 learners per annum. Its career development programme caters for 300 learners per annum. The Centre provides 255 daily meals through its CNDC programme.

In addition, the Centre provides other services to the community under its 360/Social Support Services Programmes:

Primary healthcare – Prevention, education and support on main health problems and promotion of food supply and proper nutrition, child health, family planning, immunisation against major infectious diseases. Services include regular physical and health education, wellness, health screenings and checking of height, weight, eyesight and sensory motor functioning at scheduled intervals etc.
Family Support Services - addresses the young person’s needs within the context of their family circumstances. Services include parenting skills, family preservation and development activities, counselling, support groups and advice and referral services.
Nutrition and food security - encompasses providing young people with daily meals, and where required, their families with monthly food parcels, emergency relief and school lunch boxes, as well as establishing food gardens and other nutritional activities necessary to educate and empower.
Empowerment- Services that drive inclusion from a gender and disability perspective across the organisation. Here, children with disabilities and their families are given the tools and support needed to actively pursue their human rights as agents of change within their homes and community across all our core programmes.

The Centre manager told the Committee that beyond the Centre’s focus on young people, it is their aim to ensure a positive impact on the broader community as a whole. The Centre manager reported that approximately 85% of its employees are from the communities surrounding the Centre. This therefore means that many households from these communities are sustained by the income from employment provided by the organisation.

Note:It should be noted that the Phuthaditjaba Community Centre was not affected by the recent looting and vandalism of public and private property.

6.1.2 Alexandra SASSA local office

SASSA Alexandra Local Office is situated in Alexandra, Pan African Mall. The Office falls under the City of Johannesburg Municipality under the ambit of SASSA Johannesburg District. Alexandra is made up of 16 wards (32, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 81, 91, 103, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 115 & 116). Alexandra office has 60 862 grants in payment with an estimated amount of R 101 141 80 per month. The office operates five days in a week (Monday-Friday) and services are rendered to all the wards. Alexandra Pan Africa Mall (SAPO) Branch and Merchants as well as the mall were damaged. SAPO will be paying grant at the Old Post Office Branch, beneficiaries can also access grants through merchants and ATM’s in Alex Mall as an addition point of sales. The office has an average intake of 25 grant applications per day.

Table 10: Overview of Damages at the Alexandra Office

District

Local Office

State of the Office

Extent of the Damage and Loss

Johannesburg

Alexandra

(Pan Africa Mall)

Closed

Office vandalized, Furniture Broken, 18 Desktops and 7 printers looted.

No water and electricity supply.

Office to reopen on the 02 August 2021.

Table 11: Gauteng Contingency plan

District

Local Office

State of the Office

Extent of the Damage and Loss

Johannesburg

Alexandra

(Pan Africa Mall)

Closed

Clients referred for Online applications.
9 Officials reporting in Midrand office and 2 reporting at Johannesburg Local Office.
Notices placed on the doors/entrance.
ICT in a process of installing 4 acquired desktops.
1 Photocopy machine to be transferred from Midrand to Alexandra Office.
Communication taken place through social media, since the Alex Radio station has been broken into same with our Alexandra office.
The office is cleaned and will re-open on 02 August 2021.

7.PC ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OBSERVATIONS

The Committee was satisfied with the interim intervention measures put in place by the Department of Social Development portfolio following the violence and looting in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.

The Committee acknowledged the measure put in place by the Department especially the decision to continue providing services for the most affected communities through the deployment of mobile offices and the deployment of staff personnel to other social development offices. These measures ensure that services are continuing whilst the Department of Social Development is seeking long-term solutions to the current challenges brought by the recent violent protests in both KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.

The Committee reemphasises its condemnation of the violence and looting which has resulted in loss and damage of critical assets. The KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development indicated that it will need more budget in order to address the current demand of services.

During its oversight to the Social Development local offices, the Committee observed that the vandalism and looting was executed in a similar pattern in all the offices, especially at the SASSA local offices. In this regard, the Committee is of the view that the acts of vandalism and looting were well planned and could have involved internal personnel. The Committee is concerned about the destruction of debtor’s files, which contain critical information.

The Committee acknowledged the interventions relating to food relief security through food parcels and allocation of food vouchers. However, the Committee reemphasised its dissatisfaction regarding the distribution of food parcels. The Committee reiterated its stance on issues such as double dipping and stated that the food parcels should reach the intended beneficiaries. The Committee cited incidences of double dipping when food parcels or vouchers were distributed during level 4 of the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Committee was concerned that residents decided to vandalise and destroy infrastructure that provide services to the community especially for the elders and children. The Committee cannot comprehend how people decide to destroy the infrastructure that the very same community will be inconvenienced by not having.

8.PC ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDETIONS

The Committee made the following recommendations:

The Minister should ensure that staff members of the provincial Department of Social Development working at the affected facilities are provided with psychosocial support to deal with trauma, anxiety and adjustment issues through the wellness programmes.

The Minister should ensure that the staff members from the affected local offices are deployed temporarily to other provincial social development offices that were not affected whilst the Department of Social Development is seeking long-term solutions to the affected facilities.

The Minister should institute an investigation with regard to the looting and vandalism of the DSD local offices and SASSA local offices. This is in order to ensure that those behind the looting and vandalism of state property are brought before the law.

The Minister should ensure that there is realignment between Social Development and SASSA systems in order to address issues of double dipping with regard to the distribution of food parcels and food vouchers.In addition, the Minister should fast track the introduction of the electronic system for the distribution of food parcels and food vouchers to eliminate double dipping.

The Minister should ensure that the Provincial Department of Social Development reviews and re-allocates its budgets for procurement of assets and infrastructure repairs at the local offices that were affected by the recent violent protests.

The Minister should consider adopting the food parcel model used by the Gauteng Department of Social Development and roll it out to other Provinces.

The Minister and the Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development should, within three months, update the Committee on progress made on the undertakings made during the Committee’s oversight to KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng.

9.CONCLUSION

The PC on Social Development acknowledge the work done by the Social Development Portfolio both in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces in ensuring that social services are provided to the communities that were affected by the recent violent protests.

The Committee praised the National Department of Social Development for showing leadership to the affected provinces. The Committee acknowledged the interventions by the KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Departments of Social Development in ensuring the provision of social relief of distress in the wake of violent protests.

The Committee acknowledged the work of the South African Social Security Agency and the South African Post Office in both KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Provinces in ensuring the payment of social grants and food vouchers to the beneficiaries.

The Committee also welcomed the private donors such as the National Lottery Commission and Boxer Stores who showed interest in assisting the Department of Social Development with food parcels and donations.

Report to be considered.

[1]Department of Social Development (2021)

Documents

No related documents

REPORT OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE IMPACT OF THE CIVIL UNREST IN KWAZULU NATAL AND GAUTENG ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT’S RESPONSE FOR URGENT FOOD RELIEF TO THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES, DATED 18 AUGUST 2021

Social Development

1.BACKGROUND

1.1 Objectives of the oversight

2.DELEGATION

3.KWAZULU NATAL PROVINCE

3.1 Welcome by the Member of the Executive Council (MEC)

3.2 Briefing by the National Department of Social Development

3.3 Briefing by the KwaZulu Natal Social Development Department

3.4 Briefing by South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

3.5 Briefing by the South African Post Office (SAPO)

3.6Committee deliberations on issues emanated from the presentations

3.7 Responses emanating from the questions raised by the Committee

4.SITE VISITS TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES (UGU DISTRICT AND ETHEKWINI METRO)

4.1 Ugu District Municipality

4.1.1Kenterton Community Nutrition and Development Centre

4.1.2 Umzinto Post Office

4.1.3 New Germany Post Office in Pinetown

4.1.4 Vulamehlo Service Office

4.2 EThekwini Metro

4.2.1 Illovo Skills Development Centre

4.2.2 KwaMashu SASSA and DSD Offices (Bridge City Shopping Centre)

5.GAUTENG PROVINCE

5.1 Welcome by the Member of the Executive Council (MEC)

5.2 Briefing by Gauteng Department of Social Development

5.2.1 Recommencement of services

5.2.2 Food distribution steps

5.2.3 Response to the current food demand

5.3 Briefing by the South African Social Security Agency (Gauteng)

5.3.1 Interventions regarding service delivery disruptions

5.3.2Issues emanating from the presentations

5.3.3 Responses by the Gauteng Department of Social Development

6.SITE VISITS TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES (ALEXANDRA)

6.1 City of Johannesburg

6.1.1 Phuthaditjaba Community Centre- Alexandra

6.1.2 Alexandra SASSA local office

7.PC ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OBSERVATIONS

8.PC ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDETIONS

9.CONCLUSION

Documents

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