ATC230516: Report of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities on the Annual Performance Plan (Budget Vote 20) of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for financial year 20223/24, dated 16 May 2023

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

Report of the Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities on the Annual Performance Plan (Budget Vote 20) of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for financial year 20223/24, dated 16 May 2023

 

The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, having considered the Annual Performance Plan and Budget of the Department in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities for 2022/23 on the 2 May 2023, the National Youth Development Agency on 3 May 2023 and the Commission for Gender Equality on 9 May 2023, reports as follows:

 

1. Introduction

 

As per the Announcement, Tablings and Committees (ATC) No. 48 of 13th April 2023, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities tabled its Annual Performance Plan for 2023/24 for consideration and report. The National Youth Development Agency’s (NYDA) Revised Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan (APPs) 2022/23 was tabled the for consideration and report as per the ATC No. 35 of 15 March 2023. The CGE’s Amended 5 Year Strategic Plan of the Commission on Gender Equality for 2019 – 2024 and the Annual Performance Plan of the Commission on Gender Equality for 2023/24 was tabled as per the ATC No. 60 on 9 May 2023.

 

The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in performing its constitutional oversight mandate, engaged with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (hereafter referred to as the Department), the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) on their respective Annual Performance Plans for 2022/23 and revised Strategic Plans on 2nd, 3rd and 9th May 2023 respectively. The Auditor General of South Africa requested an opportunity to brief the Committee on its assessment of the Department’ APP and NYDA’s APP for the current financial year (FY) 2022/23 on 9 May 2023 but was unable to on the day. This report considers all matters pertaining to the Department, and thereafter the CGE and NYDA insofar as the tabled documents are concerned.

1. Mandate and strategic objectives of the Department

 

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities was Gazetted on 26 June 2019 following the Presidential Announcement of the sixth administration. At that stage, the Department was once again reconfigured and was charged with “taking the lead on socio-economic transformation and implementation of the empowerment and participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities through mainstreaming, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation.”[1] Subsequently, the mandate was changed to, “regulate the socio-economic transformation and implementation of the empowerment and participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities.”[2] The Department has reverted back to the original mandate as per its Annual Performance Plan 2023/24 as follows, “Lead on socio-economic transformation and implementation of the empowerment and participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities through mainstreaming, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation.”[3]
 

(a) Vision

 

The Department indicated that its revised vision is “A transformed, inclusive society free from

all forms of discrimination and capable of self- actualisation.”[4]

 

(b) Mission

 

The revised mission of the Department is “To provide strategic leadership, advocacy and coordination to government departments and the country on mainstreaming socioeconomic empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities”[5]

 

(c) Constitutional mandate

 

“The Department derives its mandate from the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, in

particular, section 9 (3) which states that “the state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth; and section 10 states that “Everyone has inherent

dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.”

 

In order to give effect to its mandate, the Department will implement the following programmes as outlined in the APP of 2023/24:

 

• Programme 1: Administration, managed by three (3) sub-programmes – Departmental Management, Financial Management; Corporate Management and Office accommodation.
• Programme 2: Mainstreaming Women’s Rights and Advocacy, with four sub-programmes which are Management: Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Women; Social Empowerment of Women (SEW); Economic Empowerment of Women (EEW) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE)
• Programme 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Coordination with four sub-programmes namely; Management: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Coordination; Research and Knowledge Management; International Relations, Stakeholder Management and Capacity Building and Monitoring and Evaluation: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
• Programme 4: Mainstreaming Youth and Persons with Disabilities Rights and Advocacy with four sub-programmes namely; Management: Advocacy and Mainstreaming for Rights of Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Youth; Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and National Youth Development Agency Oversight.

 

3. Analysis of Budget for the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

 

According to the APP 2023/24, it has been aligned with the policy priorities of the Medium Term Strategic Framework 2019-2024 namely;

 

• Priority 1: A capable, ethical and developmental state: Mainstreaming of gender, youth and persons with disabilities empowerment and development institutionalised
• Priority 2: Economic transformation and job creation: Increased economic participation, ownership and access for women, youth and persons with disabilities
• Priority 3: Education, skills and health: Improved educational and health outcomes and skills development for all women, girls, youth and persons with disability.
• Priority 4: Consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services: Increased access to development opportunities for children, youth and parents/guardians including access to menstrual health and hygiene for all women and girls.
• Priority 5: Spatial integration, human settlements and local government: Equitable access to land reform, housing, safe living environment, universal access and design and safe and affordable transport and ICT services.
• Priority 6: Social cohesion and safe communities: Reduced levels of marginalisation, stigmatisation and discrimination and violence against women, girls and persons with disability.
• Priority 7: A better Africa and world: Gender equality, youth and persons with disability agenda strengthened within multilateral institutions.

 

The ENE (2023) indicates that “Over the MTEF period, the department will continue to focus on addressing gender‐based violence and supporting empowerment; promoting responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation across government; supporting youth empowerment; and promoting the rights of people with disabilities.”[6]

 

3.1 Overview of 2022/23 Financial Year (FY)

In reflecting on the budget allocation and expenditure for the Department for the 2022/23 financial year (FY), data was sourced from what was submitted to the Standing Committee on Appropriations 3rd quarter expenditure. The following Table 1 provides a summary to illustrate the allocations and adjustments as well as increases or decreases to the allocations. Table 2 that follows, reflects the original appropriation, adjusted appropriation and expenditure as at 31 December 2022.

Table 1: Allocation and Adjustments as at 31 December 2022

Programme	Budget R ‘million
	Allocation in February 2022	Adjustments as at December 2022	Increases and Decreases in allocations
Programme 1: Administration	98.7	105.6	6.9 increase
Programme 2: Mainstreaming Women's Rights & Advocacy	134.3	131.5	2.8 decrease
Programme 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Coordination	42.5	45.1	2.6 increase
Programme 4: Mainstreaming Youth & Persons with Disabilities’ Rights & Advocacy	711.8	709.5	2.3 decrease
TOTAL	987.3 million	991.7 million	4.4 million increase

 

“According to the National Treasury 2022 Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) released in February 2022, the Department under Vote 20, initially received an annual appropriation of R987.3 million. Transfer payments are then done for two entities, namely the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). During the 2022/23 FY approximately R100.7 million was to be transferred to the CGE and approximately R681.3 million to the NYDA. This amounted to R782 million in turn leaving the Department with an operating budget R205 million. An additional R4 million was received during the year, bringing this to approximately R209 million.”[7] As reflected in Table 1 above, Programme 1 Administration saw an increase from an original appropriation of R98.7 million to R105.6 million. Programme 2 saw decrease of R2.8million from R134.2 million to R131.5 million. Programme 3 also saw an increase (R2.6 million) in allocation from R42.5 million to R45.1 million. Programme 4 had a decrease in allocation of R2.3 million from R711.8 million to R709.5 million. Thus from the 3rd quarter SCOA expenditure report it appears that there was an overall R4 million increase in the Department’s budget

 

What was evident from the Q3 expenditure review was that the Department had underspent in all its programmes. The Administration programme continued to present the largest expenditure as a percentage of the Department’s programme budget as well as the overall operating budget. As indicated previously Programme 1 also saw an increase in allocation. Programme 4, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities spent the least amount of its programme budget at 50.7% which was similar to what as reported in last budget vote report, when this programme only spent 43.5%.[8],[9]

 

Table 2: Department budget 2022/23 as at 31 December 2022[10]

PROGRAMME	ORIGINAL APPROP.	ADJUSTED APPROP.	Q3 TOT. BUDGET EXP.	% OF TOTAL PROG.   BUDGET SPENT AS AT DEC 2022	OP. BUDGET	Q 3 OPER. BUDGET EXP.	% OF OPERAT. BUDGET SPENT AS AT DEC 2022	% OF PROG.  OPERATION. BUDGET SPENT AS AT DEC 2022	REMAIN.  OPERAT. BUDGET FOR Q4
1.Admin	R98.7m	R105.6m	R76.5m	72.5%	R105.6m	R76.5m	36.4%	72.4%	R29.1m
2.MWRA	R134.3m	R131.5m	R93.4m	71%	R30.8m	R17.9m	6.9%	58.1%	R12.9m
3. MWERC	R42.5m	R45.1m	R27.3m	60.5%	R45.1m	R27.3m	8.5%	60.5%	R17.8m
4.MYPDRA	R711.8m	R709.5m	R665.4m	93.8%	R28.2m	R14.3m	3.4%	50.7%	R13.9m
Total	R987	R991	R826.6	86.9%	R209.7	R136m	64.8%		R73.7m (35.1%)

As reflected in Table 2 above, the Department spent significantly less having taken into consideration the transfer payments to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). “The following reasons are recorded for over-and-underspending during quarters 2 and 3.

 

Programme 1:

During quarter 2, programme spending was higher than projected by R3.5 million as a result of payment to SITA in line with the new service level agreement signed during 2022/23. In quarter 3, lower spending was recorded on payment for capital assets (machinery and equipment).

 

Programme 2:

As at the end of quarter 2, the programme had underspent by R8.1 million – this was mainly as a result in finalising the legislation relating to setting up the NCGBVF as well as delays in finalising the tender process for an evaluation report on age-appropriate sexuality education in SA schools (R4.5 million). Lower spending on travel and subsistence also saw R2.4 million less than projected spending. In Q3, the programme spending was R1 million lower than projected - still related to the NCGBVF legislation and the schools’ evaluation processes.

 

Programme 3:

During quarter 2, lower than projected spending was recorded by R8.3 million. This was as a result of domestic and international travelling claims that were yet to be processed, an unfilled DDG post and no spending on Women’s day activities as these were paid for by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. In quarter 3, the lower than projected spending was still related to the vacant DDG post.

 

Programme 4:

During quarter 2, the programme recorded lower than projected spending of R5.7 million, mainly on goods and services due to travelling, venues and facilities, as well as delays in finalising a tender process for research on the harmonisation of disability rights. R3.2 million underspending was also recorded in quarter 3 as a result of limited travel and few in-person events.”[11]

 

3.2 Budget allocation 2023/24

“Of the overall government budget of R1.077 trillion a total of R1.036 billion (0.1%) is allocated to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the majority of which is transfer payments to entities.”[12] According to the National Treasury 2023 Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE) released in February 2023, the Department under Vote 20, received an annual appropriation of R1.0336.4 billion. However, it must be noted that the Department facilitates transfer payments to two entities, namely the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). During the 2023/24 financial year, the Department is expected to transfer R94.1 million to the CGE and R733.3 million to the NYDA. This amounts to R829.3 million as reflected in Table 4 and 5 below. This means that the Department would be left with an actual operating budget of approximately R209 million to undertake its programmes and meet its targets for 2023/24. Before examining the key cost drivers, it is important to reflect on the budget changes year-on-year (2022/23 vs 2023/24) along with the breakdown of allocations per programme.

 

Table 3: Total appropriation including CGE and NYDA transfer payments[13]

Programme	Budget		Nominal rand increase / decrease in 2023/24	Real rand increase / decrease in 2023/24	Nominal Percent change in 2023/24	Real Percent change in 2023/24
R million	2022/23	2023/24
Programme 1: Administration	105,6	99,6	- 6,0	- 10,7	-5,68 %	-10,09 %
Programme 2: Mainstreaming Women's Rights & Advocacy	131,3	124,5	- 6,8	- 12,6	-5,18 %	-9,61 %
Programme 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Coordination	45,1	47,8	2,7	0,5	5,99 %	1,04 %
Programme 4: Mainstreaming Youth & Persons with Disabilities’ Rights & Advocacy	921,6	764,5	- 157,1	- 192,8	-17,05 %	-20,92 %
TOTAL	1 184,6	1 036,4	- 148,2	- 196,6	-12,51 %	-16,60 %

 

Table 3 reflects the total budget allocation, including the transfer payments to the CGE and NYDA. In addition, the table points to a decrease to the Department’s budget of approximately R148 million (12.5%). Furthermore, it must be noted that the largest part of this decrease is in programme 4 and is as a result of the decreases in allocation for the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) for disbursement and use by the NYDA. This however does not impact on the Department’s operational budget. While a decrease in the allocation for Programme 1: Administration is evident, it must also be noted that historically virements have been made during the financial year to off-set expenditure and/or over-expenditure in this programme. The following table will illustrate the nominal and real rand changes to the Department’s budget excluding the transfer payments to the CGE and NYDA. This in essence provides an accurate assessment of the Department’s operational budget year-on-year.

 

Table 4: Appropriation excluding CGE and NYDA transfer payments – operational budget

Programme	Budget		Nominal rand increase / decrease in 2023/24	Real rand increase / decrease in 2023/24	Nominal Percent change in 2023/24	Real Percent change in 2023/24
R million	2022/23	2023/24
1: Admin.	105,6	99,6	- 6,0	- 10,7	-5,68 %	-10,09 %
2: MWRA	30,4	30,4	0,0	- 1,4	0,00 %	-4,67 %
3: MERC	45,1	47,8	2,7	0,5	5,99 %	1,04 %
4: MYPWRA	28,3	31,4	3,1	1,6	10,95 %	5,77 %
TOTAL	209,4	209,2	- 0,2	- 10,0	-0,10 %	-4,76 %

 

Table 4 reflects a R10 million decrease in the real rand change when removing the CGE and NYDA transfer payments from the allocation. Hence the Department will have R10 million less to spend on meeting its targets for the 2023/24 FY. Furthermore, there are no significant increases to the core programmes (Programmes 2, 3 and 4). Thus the Department’s total operational budget has not seen an increase year-on-year. Instead the Administration programme sees a nominal decrease of R6 million and a real rand decrease of R10.7 million. Notwithstanding that, this programme still received nearly 48% of the operational budget.[14]

 

 

Table 5: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Budget Summary[15]

Programmes	2023/24				2024/25	2025/26
	Current Payments	Transfers Subsidies	Payment for Capital Assets	Total	Total	Total
Administration	95.7	0.0	3.8	99.6	102.9	106.6
Social Transformation and Economic Empowerment	30.4	94.1	-	124.5	131.1	137.1
Policy  Stakeholder, Coordination and Knowledge Management	46.0	1.8	-	47.8	52.3	52.8
Mainstreaming Youth and Persons with Disabilities Rights and Advocacy	31.2	733.3	-	764.5	535.4	561.8
Total Expenditure Estimates	203.4	829.3	3.8	1 036.4	821.6	858.3

 

Of the R209 million, R126.871 million (60.2%) of the Department’s operating budget is allocated to Compensation of Employees, R76.498 million (36.5%) to Goods and Services, R3.808 million (1.8%) to Payments for Capital Assets and R1.8 million (1%) Transfers – Foreign governments and international organisations. The key cost drivers under Goods and Services for the Department is as follows:

 

• External Audit Costs: R4.4 million
• Property Payments: R8.5 million
• Venues & facilities: R12.9 million
• Travel & Subsistence: R14.9 million
• Consultants: R19.7 million

 

These key cost drivers consume 79% of the Goods and Services budget (R60.4 million).

 

The next section provides a more in-depth analysis of the budgetary allocation per programme for the Department and a reflection of the targets.

 

3.3 Overview of Programmes for Department

3.3.1 Programme 1: Administration

 

The purpose of this programme is to provide strategic leadership, management and support services to the department. This programme is comprise of five sub-programmes namely;

 

• Ministry: Provide executive support to political principals.
• Departmental Management: Provide executive support, strategic leadership and management of the Department.
• Corporate Management: Provide effective human capital management, facilities and auxiliary management and ICT systems enables for the Department.
• Financial Management: Provide and ensure effective, efficient financial management and supply chain services. This included budget planning and expenditure monitoring; and the management of procurement, acquisition, logistics, asset, and financial transactions.
• Office Accommodation

 

The total allocation for this programme is R99.556 million which constitutes 47.5% of the Department’s operational budget. As stated previously, this programme sees a nominal decrease of R6 million and a real rand decrease of R10.7 million.  Table 6 outlines the expenditure under Programme 1 per sub-programme.[16]

 

Table 6: Sub-programme allocations for 2023/24

Sub-Programme	2023/24
Ministry	R20.886m
Departmental Management	R20.713m
Corporate Services	R25.939m
Financial Management	R23.445m
Office Accommodation	R8.573m
TOTAL	R99.556 million
Compensation of employees	R65.009m (65.2%)
Goods and services	R30.705m (30.8%)

Even though the budget of the Administration Programme has decreased, it still consumes the highest proportion of funds and staff in the Department. To this end, the proportion of spending on Compensation of Employees has also increased year-on-year from 56.8% (2022/23) to 65.2% (2023/24)

 

The key cost drivers as per the APP 2023/24 are as follows:

• Compensation of Employees (R65.009 million) which constitutes 65.2% of the overall allocation for this programme.
• Good and services (R30.705 million) which constitutes 30.8% of the overall allocation for this programme.

 

As per the ENE 2023, the main cost drivers for Good and services are as follows:

• Property payment R8.6 million
• Audit costs: External R4.4 million
• Computer services: R4.3 million
• Travel and Subsistence: R3.0 million

 

The Department provides the following update on property/accommodation:

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION	APPROPRIATION 2023/24
MANAGEMENT FEE (Rental and Parking)	R4 773 000
SAFEGUARD & SECURITY	R2 000 000
CLEANING SERVICES	R1 800 000
TOTAL	R8 573 000

 

The monthly rental, including 40 parking bays for officials as per the initial agreement amounts to R317 819 per month which equals R3 813 828 annually. During the relocation, an additional 66 parking bays had to be procured to accommodate officials to park in the Tramshed. This number has increased to 104 due to 18 additional posts, visitors parking, contract appointments, parking for government owned vehicles and the newly appointed Minister and Deputy Minister.  The amount for the 104 parking bays amounts to R98 800 per month, which brings the total amount for Rental and Parking to R416 619 per month. The additional parking was only concluded in the 1st quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. Additional funding amounting to R226 428 will be reprioritised from the baseline of Goods & Services in the department to ensure sufficient funding under Management Fee. The physical security for the department amounts to R2.188 284. The variance between this amount and the appropriation in the table will be augmented from cleaning services.

 

This programme has a staff compliment comprising of 75 posts and is earmarked to achieve 8 targets. Most of the targets are compliance related as listed below.

 

1. Unqualified Audit opinion on predetermined objectives
2. Business Continuity Plan approved*
3. 100% payment of all valid invoices within 30 days
4. Unqualified Audit opinion on Annual Financial Statements
5. Maintain a vacancy rate of less than 10% annually
6. 4 reports on Human Resource Plan implemented
7. 4 reports on Master Information Technology Strategy and Plan (MITSP)
8. 40% procurement spend on entities owned by women

*new target for 2023/24 FY

 

Overall, the targets for Programme 1 have remained fairly similar between 2022/23 and 2023/24 except for one new target that was introduced as noted above.

 

3.3.2 Programme 2: Mainstreaming Women’s Rights and Advocacy

 

The purpose of this programme is to promote good governance regarding the rights and transformation of the social and economic empowerment of women. This programme consists of four sub-programmes namely;

 

• Management: Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Women: Provides strategic leadership and management to the programme.
• Social Empowerment of Women (SEW): Promote good governance to further transformation, social justice and empowerment and rights for women.
• Economic Empowerment of Women (EEW): Mainstreams and promotes good governance to further transformation, economic justice, empowerment and rights of women.
• Commission for Gender Equality (CGE): Facilitates transfer payments to the Commission for Gender Equality, which promotes gender equality and respect for women’s rights

 

Expenditure under Programme 2 is allocated as follows:

 

Table 7: Sub-programme allocation for 2023/24 in Programme 2[17]

Sub-Programme	2023/24
Management: Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Women	R3.846m
Social Empowerment of Women	R18.2m
Economic Empowerment of Women	R8.336m
TOTAL	R30.382 million
Compensation of Employees	R 16.655m (54.8%)
Goods and services	R13.727m (45.1%)

 

The total programme allocation is R124.5 million which is inclusive of the transfer payment of R94.1 million to the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), leaving the programme with an operating budget of R30.382 million. On closer examination, this programme’s operating budget stagnated on R30.4 million in 2022/23 and in 2023/24. However, the Real Rand change was a R1.4 million decrease (4.67% decrease).[18]

 

From the operating budget of R30.382 million, R16.655 million (54.8%) is for Compensation of Employees and R13.727 million (45.1%) will go towards Goods and services. This programme consumes 14.4% of the Department’s operational budget. The main cost driver under Goods and services is Consultants: Business and advisory services at R8.6 million (28.3% of G&S allocation) as per the Estimates of National Expenditure 2023. This is an increase from the previous financial year 2022/23 when R5.2 million was allocated. In addition, the other key cost drivers under Goods and Services are as follows:

 

• Venue and Facilities, R2.9 million (9.5% of G&S allocation) and
• Travel and subsistence, R1.8 million (5.9% of G&S allocation).

 

This programme has 22 posts and is earmarked to achieve 11 annual targets for the current FY as listed below:

 

1. Progress report produced on the development of the WYPD Socio-Economic Empowerment Index
2. 4 interventions to support economic empowerment and participation of WYPD implemented
3. Progress report produced on the implementation of Strategy for economic empowerment of WYPD
4. 4 progress reports on implementation of WECONA Provincial Roll-Out developed
5. 4 progress reports on implementation of the Sanitary Dignity Implementation Framework by provinces produced
6. 4 interventions to support empowerment and participation of women, youth and persons with disabilities implemented
7. 12 National Departments monitored on implementation of NSP GBVF
8. 9 provincial departments and 9 municipalities’ plans monitored on the implementation of NSP GBVF
9. 18 Rapid Response Teams established
10. 2 Reports on implementation of Comprehensive National GBVF Prevention Strategy developed
11. 2 National Gender Machinery meetings convened

 

This programme has remained largely the same since the previous FY 2022/23 APP except for the following target;

• 4 Quarterly reports on implementation of NSP on GBVF Monitoring Framework developed

It is unclear whether this target was discontinued or amended.

 

 

1. Programme 3:  Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Coordination

 

The purpose of this programme is to provide research, knowledge management, international relations, stakeholder management and monitoring and evaluation for women, youth and persons with disabilities. It comprises of four Sub-Programmes namely;

 

• Management: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Coordination: Provides strategic leadership and management to the programme.
• Research and Knowledge Management: To provide research and knowledge management services on transformation on rights of women, youth.
• International Relations, Stakeholder Management and Capacity Building: Manage and coordinates the provision of international relations, stakeholder participation and capacity building for women, young people and persons with disabilities.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: To ensure effective government-wide monitoring and evaluation of policy priorities towards the transformation and empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities.

 

The total allocation for this programme is R47.840 million which constitutes 22.8% of the Department’s operational budget. This allocation is R2.7 million more than in the 2022/23 financial year which is the nominal rand increase. However, when taking into consideration the Real Rand change, this programme only sees an increase of 1.04% to its allocation which amounts to R0.5 million. The table below outlines the expenditure under Programme 3 as follows:

 

Table 8: Sub-programme allocation for 2023/24 in Programme 3[19]

Sub-Programme	2023/24
Management: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research & Coordination	R3.297m
Research & Knowledge management	R8.881m
International Relations, Stakeholder Management & Capacity Building	R24.139m
Monitoring and Evaluation: WYPD	R11.513m
TOTAL	R 47.840 million
Compensation of Employees	R26.998m (56.4%)
Goods and Services	R19.042m (39.8%)

 

The programme has a total allocation of R47.840 million, of which R26.998 million (56.4%) is allocated for Compensation of employees and R19.042 million (39.8%) is allocated for Goods and services. Of the Goods and services budget, R6.7 million or nearly 35.2% is allocated for Travel and subsistence as per the Estimates of National Expenditure for 2023. The other main costs drivers other than Travel and Subsistence under Goods and services are as follows:

 

• Consultants: Business and advisory services – R5.8 million
• Venue and facilities – R5.9 million

 

This programme has 26 posts and is earmarked to achieve 9 annual targets for the current FY as listed below:

 

1. 2 Progress reports on the phase 2 piloting of the Integrated Knowledge Hub developed
2. 1 Research report on government priorities focusing on women, youth and persons with disabilities produced
3. 2 reports on compliance of government commitments with international and regional commitments of women produced
4. 10 national departments implementing Gender Responsive Planning Budgeting Monitoring Evaluation and Auditing Framework (GRPBMEAF)
5. 1 monitoring report on the empowerment of women, youth and persons with disabilities produced
6. 1 evaluation conducted on empowerment of WYPD
7. 4 status reports on the implementation of the WYPD International Relations Strategy developed
8. 12 Stakeholder engagements conducted
9. 4 community mobilisation initiatives coordinated

 

This programme had removed the following targets as per the APP of 2022/23.

• 1 Status Report on the implementation of the National Gender Policy Framework developed
• 1 Status Report on the implementation of the Regulatory Framework for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (WYPD) mainstreaming developed
• 2 progress reports developed on the implementation of the WYPD Stakeholder Management Framework

 

3.3.4   Programme 4: Mainstreaming Youth and Persons with Disabilities Rights and Advocacy

 

The purpose of Programme 4 is to promote good governance regarding the rights and transformation of the social and economic empowerment of youth and persons with disabilities. The objectives of the programme are as follows:

 

• Promote the development and empowerment of young people by reviewing legislative frameworks to advance their rights over the medium term.
• Support, monitor and coordinate government’s implementation of the 2015 White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

 

This programme is comprised of 4 sub-programmes namely;

• Management: Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Youth and Persons with Disabilities provides strategic leadership and management to the programme.
• Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Youth manages advocacy for and the mainstreaming of rights for young people, their social and economic empowerment, and transformation in their interests. This sub-programme also oversees the performance of the National Youth Development Agency.
• Advocacy and Mainstreaming for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities advocates for and the mainstreaming of rights for people with disabilities, their social and economic empowerment, and transformation in their interests.
• National Youth Development Agency makes transfers to the National Youth Development Agency.

 

The total allocation for this programme is R764.5 million which is inclusive of the transfer to the NYDA of R733.1 million. Its operational budget is R31.4 million (less the NYDA transfer) which constitutes 14.9% of the Department’s operational budget - also the smallest allocation. When examining this programme’s operating budget, the allocation for this programme is R3.1 million more than in the 2022/23 financial year.[20] However, when taking into consideration the Real Rand change, this programme only sees an increase of 5.77% to its allocation which amounts to R1.6 million.[21] The expenditure under Programme 4 is allocated as follows:

 

Table 9: Programme 4 expenditure trends by sub-programme[22]

Sub-programme	2023/24
Management: Advocacy & Mainstreaming for the Rights of Youth and Persons with Disabilities	R682 000
Advocacy & Mainstreaming for the Rights of Youth	R13.383 m
Advocacy & Mainstreaming for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities	R17.357m
Total	R31.422m
Compensation of Employees	R18.209m (57.9%)
Goods and Services	R13.024m (41.4%)

 

Of the R 331.422 million, 57.9% (R18.209 million) of the budget is allocated to Compensation of Employees and R13.024 million to Goods and Services (41.4% of total operational budget). As per the Estimates of National Expenditure for 2023, the main costs drivers under Goods and services are for the following:

 

• Travel and Subsistence, R3.5 million (26.9%)
• Consultants: Business and advisory services, R4.2 million (32.3%) and
• Venue and facilities for R3.9 million (30%).

 

This programme has 20 posts and is earmarked to achieve 13 annual targets for the current FY as listed below:

 

Sub-programme: Advocacy and Mainstreaming Rights of Youth

1. 4 NYP Implementation Monitoring Reports produced
2. South African Youth Development Bill processed to Cabinet
3. 4 NYDA quarterly monitoring reports produced
4. 4 National Youth Machinery Meetings convened

 

This sub-programme has remained largely the same except for the removal of one target from 2022/23 namely; International youth engagement reports produced.

 

Sub-programme: Advocacy and Mainstreaming Rights of Persons with Disabilities

1. 2 reports produced on awareness raising campaigns on disabilities (Disability Rights Awareness Month and 365 days) *
2. Progress report produced on government departments that have developed implementation plans in line with the four frameworks
3. 5 advocacy manuals on Disabilities developed*
4. Draft Disability Advocacy and Mainstreaming Strategy produced
5. Status report produced on compliance with national and international obligations for the rights of persons with disabilities
6. Analysis reports produced on draft Annual Performance Plans for national government Department
7. Evaluation report Produced on the implementation of the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities*
8. 2 RPD machinery meetings convened
9. Research report produced on the evaluation of access to education support and services for children and young people with disabilities

*new indicators introduced for 2023/24 FY

 

 

4. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA)

 

4.1 Mandate of the NYDA

 

The NYDA derives its mandate from legislative frameworks such as the NYDA Act (54 of 2008), the National Youth Policy (2009-2014) and the Integrated Youth Development Strategy. Section 3 of the Act mandates the Agency to develop policy and an “Integrated Youth Development Strategy”. The Act further mandates the NYDA to “initiate, design, coordinate, evaluate and monitor all programmes aimed at integrating the youth into the economy and society, guide efforts and facilitate economic participation and empowerment, and the achievement of education and training”.

 

The role of the NYDA is thus to:

• Lobby and advocate for integration and mainstreaming of youth development programmes in all spheres of government, the private sector and civil society.
• Initiate, implement, facilitate and coordinate youth development programmes.
• Monitor and evaluate youth development interventions across the board and mobilise youth to actively participate in civil society engagements.[23]

 

The NYDA values are underpinned by Accountability, Accessibility, Respect, Collaborative, Agility and Integrity. The NYDA’s vision is a credible, capable and activist development agency that is responsive to the plight of South Africa’s youth. Its mission is to mainstream youth issues into society through stakeholder coordination; and to facilitate and champion youth development with all sectors of society.

 

As per the Revised Strategic Plan (2020-2025) and APP 2022/23, the NYDA has now three programmes namely:

 

• Programme 1: Administration - The purpose of this programme is to enable effective and efficient capabilities for service delivery and supporting functions.
• Programme 2: Operations (includes: economic development through youth entrepreneurship, Jobs programme, and National Youth Service) The purpose of the programme is to enhance the participation of young people in the economy through targeted and integrated economic programmes, including skills and education programmes, and national youth services.
• Programme 3: Integrated Youth Development - The purpose focuses on fostering a mainstreamed, evidence based, integrated and result oriented youth development.

 

1. Analysis of Budget of the NYDA for 2023/24

 

According to the National Treasury 2023 Estimates of National Expenditure (ENE), over the medium term, the NYDA will continue to:[24]

 

• Focus on implementing interventions to support skills development, entrepreneurship and the creation of employment for young people.
• The interventions will include providing financial and non‐financial enterprise support; providing support to transition young people into the formal, informal and social economies; and linking young people to opportunities.

 

Thus over the MTEF period the NYDA intends to

• Support 10 400 enterprises owned by youth and provide business development interventions to 87 000 young people at a projected cost of R990.9 million through the youth entrepreneurship programme. This would account for 43.4% of the NYDA’s total projected expenditure.
• In addition, R329.3 million is allocated to assist youth find sustainable employment opportunities through the jobs programmes.
• The National Youth Service (NYS) programme has been allocated R335.1 million over the medium term to support young people and encourage them to stay engaged in service to their communities and build the spirit of patriotism, solidarity and social cohesion.  Furthermore, as part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative, the NYDA has partnered with the Jobs Fund to implement the revitalised national youth service. This funding is expected to provide for project management costs, training and stipends for young people participating in the programme.
• The NYDA is expected to derive 84.6% of its revenue over the MTEF period through transfers from the Department. Moreover, the revenue is expected to decrease at an average annual rate of 6%, from R752.2 million in 2022/23 to R618 million in 2025/26 because allocations from the presidential employment initiative would be coming to an end in 2023/24.

 

In addition to the transfer payment received (R733 million), the NYDA’s overall budget also includes interest income of R16 million and donor income of R112 million. In so doing, giving the NYDA an accumulative budget of R867 million for 2023/24. Table 10 below outlines the NYDA Revenue budget as presented to the Committee at the APP briefing for 2023/24.

 

Table 10: NYDA Revenue Budget

DESCRIPTION	2022/2023 ANNUAL BUDGET	2023/2024 ANNUAL BUDGET	ANNUAL BUDGET % CHANGE (2022/23)
Department of Woman, Youth and Disability -Grant Income	R481 265 000	R483 114 000	0,38%
Donor funded income	R64 133 417	R112 231 850	75%
Interest income	R5 000 000	R16 000 000	220%
Presidential Youth Employment Fund Income	R200 000 000	R250 000 000	25%
Project Management Fees (Donor Funding)	R1 840 000	R6 000 000	226%
Other income	-	-	0%
Commitment rollover	-	-	0%
Total Budget	R752 238 417	R867 345 850	15%

 

As per the ENE 2023, spending on Compensation of Employees (CoE) is expected to increase from R206 million in 2022/23 to R215.1 million in 2023/24 for 471 employees. CoE accounts for an estimated 24.4% (R215.1 million) of the NYDA’s total expenditure for the current FY 2023/24. Goods and services accounts for 44.1% (R387.9 million) of the NYDA’s total budget. The table below outlines the expenditure per programme as presented by the NYDA to the Committee at its APP briefing.

 

Table 11: NYDA Expenditure per Programme for 2023/24[25]

PROGRAMME	2023/2024
Administration	R 100 501 126
Economic Participation	R 200 167 804
Integrated Youth Development	R 5 097 727
Jobs Programme	R 53 971 186
National Youth Service	R 289 608 007
Sub-total of programmes	R 649 345 850
Employee costs	R 218 000 000
Total	R 867 345 850

 

Based on the aforementioned table, the NYS programme constitutes 33.4% of the NYDA’s total allocated budget followed by Economic Participation constituting 23.1%. According to the table above, Compensation of Employees is a key cost driver accounting for 25.1% of the total budget.

 

In terms of the APP 2023/24, the programme allocation is noted as follows:[26]

• Programme 1 was allocated R134 974 million of which R64 488 million was earmarked for Compensation of Employees (CoE) and R70 486 million to Goods and Services (G&S).
• Programme 2 was allocated R733 516 million of which R150 637 million was earmarked for CoE, G&S R305 604 million and R277 275 million to Transfers and subsidies.
• Programme 3 was allocated R11 831 million all of which was earmarked for G&S.

 

4.3 Programme analysis for NYDA for 2023/24

 

According to the NYDA’s APP 2023/24, its programmes are linked to the following Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) outcomes namely;

 

• Decent employment through inclusive economic growth and nation building and social cohesion;
• Economic Development, Skills Development, and Education Programmes, aligned with employment and job creation; and
• the National Youth Service Programme, aligned to Skills Development, Social Cohesion and Nation building.

 

The 2023/24 APP, is said to “have a renewed focus towards youth entrepreneurship, job creation, and coordination of the National Youth Service Programme, across all sectors of society.”[27] Hence the Chairperson of the NYDA stated that the “over the medium term, implement youth development programmes to address the MTSF outcomes related to an efficient, effective and development-orientated public service in support of the young people of South Africa.”[28]

 

For the current FY, the NYDA has earmarked to achieve 29 targets across three programmes as outlined below.

 

4.3.1 Programme 1: Administration

 

The overall outcome for this programme is an efficient and effective Agency characterised by good corporate governance and ethical leadership. This programme has a total of 11 targets of which 4 are new as listed below.

 

1. 4 NYDA Quarterly Management Reports
2. R 250 million in value of funds sourced from the public or private sectors to support youth development programmes
3. 6 SETA partnerships established
4. 3 partnerships signed with technology companies
5. Review and implement ICT Strategic Plan indicating 90% achievement of ICT targets in the plan by end of the financial year
6. Review and implement Integrated Communication and Marketing Strategy
7. Produce and approve the NYDA Strategic Risk Register by Ops Exco
8. Percentage preferential procurement spend on enterprises that are Youth-owned (30% youth owned, 40% women owned and 5% with persons with disabilities) *
9. Developed and implement organizational culture strategy indicating 50% of the plan*
10. Developed and implemented customer service plan indicating 50% achievement*
11. 10 partnerships established with companies listed on the JSE*

*new targets for 2023/24

 

The following targets were removed which appeared in the previous APP of 2022/23

• Reviewed and Implemented Annual Workplace Skills Plan 
• Annual Report on partnerships established with Disability organisations to promote youth development
• Reviewed annual SCM Procurement Plan and produced quarterly reports

 

4.3.2 Programme 2: Operations

 

The overall outcomes for this programme are as follows:

• Increased access to socio-economic opportunities, viable business opportunities and support for young people to participate in the economy.
• Increased number of young people entering the job market trained
• Increased co-ordination and implementation of NYS programmes across all sectors of society

 

This programme is comprised of three sub-programmes namely;

• Sub-programme 1: Economic Development through Youth Entrepreneurship – the purpose of which is facilitating and providing business development services to young people and to enhance their socio-economic well-being.
• Sub-programme 2: Decent and Sustainable Employment through Jobs Programme – the purpose of which is to facilitate and provide employment opportunities for young people, geared at increasing sustainable livelihoods.
• Sub-programme 3: National Youth Service – the purpose of which is to facilitate and co-ordinate the effective and efficient implementation of the National Youth Service Programmes across all sectors of society.

 

This programme has a total of 11 (4+2+5) Annual targets as listed below:

1. 2200 youth owned enterprises supported with financial interventions
2. 28 000 youth supported with non-financial business development interventions
3. 7000 jobs created and sustained through supporting entrepreneurs and enterprises
4. 1200 Business Development Support services offered to young people
5. 30 000 young people capacitated with skills to enter the job market
6. 20 000 young people placed in jobs
7. 70 organisations and departments lobbied to implement NYS
8. 15 000 young people participating in NYS Expanded Volunteer Projects
9. 20 000 young people securing paid service opportunities
10. 18 000 young people who have completed planned service activities
11. 4 000 young people transitioning out of NYS into other opportunities

 

The following targets were removed which previously appeared in the 2022/23 APP:

• Participate on the National Pathway Management Network to facilitate youth job placement opportunities
• Projects Produce an annual report on the NYS Programme

 

4.3.3 Programme 3: Integrated Youth Development

 

The overall outcome for this programme focuses on fostering a mainstreamed, evidence based, integrated and result oriented youth development. The annual targets (4 in total) are as follows:

 

1. 5 impact programme evaluations conducted
2. Annual reports produced on IYDS, NYS programme and Disability Strategy
3. 6 youth status outlook reports produced
4. Develop a Youth Research Report in the country

 

The following target was removed which previously appeared in the 2022/23 APP:

• Develop a discussion document on youth development in the country

 

1. Commission for Gender Equality

 

1. Mandate of the CGE

 

The background and context of CGE’s work emanates from Section 181 of the Constitution (1996) and it is one of the Chapter 9 institutions which are independent entities for strengthening democracy. The CGE is therefore required to report to the National Assembly at least once a year regarding the progress of carrying out its strategic objectives. Section 187 of the Constitution stipulates that the Commission should promote respect for gender equality, and protect and develop its attainment, as well as monitor, educate, lobby, advise and report on issues related to gender equality.

 

In line with the CGE’s obligation to strengthen constitutional democracy with a focus on the attainment of gender equality, the CGE has a legislative mandate and functions which include the following:

 

1. Monitor, evaluate and make recommendations on:

• Policies and practices of organs of state, statutory bodies and functionaries, public bodies or private businesses, to promote gender equality.
• Any existing law including indigenous law and practices.
• Government’s compliance with international conventions with respect to gender equality.

 

1. Propose/recommend on:

• New law that may impact on gender equality or the status of women.

 

1. Develop, conduct or manage

• Educational strategies and programmes that foster understanding about gender equality and the role of the CGE.

 

1. Investigate and resolve conflicts

• On gender matters and complaints through mediation, conciliation and negotiation or referral to other institutions.

 

1. Liaise and interact

• With institutions, bodies or authorities with similar objectives to the Commission.
• With any organisation which actively promotes gender equality and other sectors of civil society to further the objectives of the Commission.

 

1. Prepare and submit reports

• To Parliament on aspects relating to gender equality.

 

In addition, the Commission for Gender Equality may:

 

• Conduct or order research to be conducted;
• Consider recommendations, suggestions and request from any source.

 

The Commission is publicly funded and is thus subject to the reporting requirements of the Public Finance Management Act (Act No 1, 1999). The obligations of the PFMA include an audit by the Auditor General. In line with its Constitutional mandate, the vision of the Commission for Gender Equality remains to strive for “a society free from all forms of gender oppression and inequality”, while its mission includes to “advance, promote, protect, monitor and evaluate gender equality through undertaking research, public education, policy development, legislative initiatives, effective monitoring and litigation”.

 

5.2 Analysis of the Commission for Gender Equality’s Budget 2023/24

 

For the 2023/24 financial year, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) received an allocation of R94.1 million through a transfer payment from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities. Of the total allocation, R65.4 (69.5%) of the CGE’s budget is allocated for Compensation of Employees, while R28.8 (30.6%) is allocated towards Goods and services. The Commission has repeatedly reiterated that it is a “human capital driven” institution, with its employees carrying out the bulk of its services, and as such the bulk of its funding is allocated for compensation of employees. Hence for 2023/24 the CGE has a total establishment of 109 employees.

 

Outcome 4, which is the outcome focusing on the operations and systems of the Commission, continues to receive the largest proportion of the budget. While the nominal rand change between 2022/23 and 2023/24 is approximately R9.346 million, when taking into account inflation, the real rand change in allocation is R5 million (5.48%) as reflected in the table below.[29]

 

Table 11: CGE comparative analysis of Strategic Outcomes for 2022/23 – 2023/24[30]

Programme	Budget		Nominal Increase / Decrease in 2023/24	Real Increase / Decrease in 2023/24	Nominal Percent change in 2023/24	Real Percent change in 2023/24
R million	2022/23	2023/24
Strategic Outcome 1: An enabling legislative environment	13,1	12,2	- 0,9	- 1,5	-6,87%	-11,22%
Strategic Outcome 2: Gender equality promoted through information & education	37,3	34,8	- 2,5	- 4,1	-6,70%	-11,06%
Strategic Outcome 3: Monitoring & Research Investigations	8,1	7,5	- 0,6	- 1,0	-7,41%	-11,73%
Strategic Outcome 4: Renewed & effective organisation	42,3	39,5	- 2,8	- 4,6	-6,62%	-10,98%
TOTAL	100,8	94,0	- 6,8	- 11,2	- 6.75%	- 11.10%

 

The figures in the table above have been taken from the ENE (2023), however the figures reflected in the CGE’s APP 2023/24 and that which was presented to the Committee were different. Notwithstanding that, having examined the allocations outlined in the ENE the following can be deduced; SO1 consumes 12.9% of the overall budget, SO2 37%, SO3 7.9% and SO4 42%. Hence SO3 receives the smallest allocation and SO4 receives the largest proportion of the budget.

 

With respect to the CGE’s Key Cost drivers for 2023/24 these were as follows[31]

 

• Travel and accommodation: R4 716 800
• Venue, catering and events: R2 612 500
• Professional and consulting services (audit): R2 141 557
• Professional and consulting services (admin support): R1 803 587
• Subscriptions/subscription software: R1 344 700
• Computer services/maintenance: R1 249 000

 

The Commission will be spending R4 875 454 million on Professional and Consulting Services. This accounts for approximately 17% of the Goods and Services budget which includes the following:

 

• Audit fees – R2 141 557m
• Administrative support – R1 803 576m
• Litigation – R930 300

 

No detailed information is available in terms of the budgetary allocation per Strategic Outcome.

No information on the current human resource capacity of the CGE is provided in the APP 2023/24 or presentation. The ENE 2023 indicates that the Commission has a total of 109 employees for 2023/24 and the majority (59) are employed at salary levels 7-10, while 30 are employed at salary levels 11-12.

 

5.3 CGE Programme analysis

 

The following section provides an overview of annual targets related to the 4 outcomes.

Overall, the number of targets have remained the same (26). However, significant changes

have been made within strategic outcomes with targets being removed or reworded, and new

targets being introduced. No clarity or explanation is provided for any of these changes and the detail pertaining to targets are lacking. Notwithstanding that, the CGE noted the following 4 Strategic Outcomes which are outlined hereafter.

 

1. Strategic Outcome 1 (SO1): An enabling legislative environment for gender equality

 

The purpose of this SO is to evaluate legislation, policies, practices and mechanisms within public and private institutions and make recommendations to advance the gender transformation agenda. The 7 annual targets listed were as follows:

 

1. 20 legislative inputs submitted per year
2. 2 systemic investigations conducted and a report thereof
3. 2 compliance monitoring projects undertaken (NSP, GBV, SDG or any other rights) per year*
4. 100% complaints attended to in accordance with the complaints manual versus received*
5. 1 CGE Act review reports submitted*
6. Number of employment equity and GBV in workplace hearings conducted*
7. 2 legal proposals made to parliament for new legislation (this target is reflected in the table with quarterly performance information, but not in the “outputs” table)

*target new or amended

 

The following targets have been removed which previously appeared in the 2022/23 APP:

• 40 courts monitored and a report thereof
• 144 SAPS & TCCs monitored

• 1 CGE Act amendment Bill submitted to relevant authority, Progress report on the situational analysis and consultation processes for reviewing the Act
• 1 CGE initiated Bill submitted to relevant authority, Progress report on research on consultation processes for initiating the Bill

 

1. Strategic Outcome 2 (SO2): Gender Equality Promoted and Protected through information, education, investigations and litigations

 

The purpose of this SO is to conduct advocacy initiatives and public education interventions in the promotion of public understanding of gender equality and access to gender justice. The 6 annual targets noted were as follows:

 

1. 24 communication initiatives conducted for public
2. 36 Gender and Development (GAD) Workshops conducted on CBOs, media, NGOs and leaders per year.
3. 18 gender mainstreaming sessions conducted (public and private sector) per year.
4. 72 Community radio education outreach sessions conducted per year
5. 108 public education outreach sessions conducted for communities per year
6. 36 stakeholder engagements with like-minded institutions*

*This target is presented as new but was a target in 2021/22

 

1. Strategic Outcome 3 (SO3): Monitoring and research investigations on issues that undermine the attainment of gender equality and women’s empowerment conducted

 

The purpose of this SO is identify and monitor key issues that impact on gender equality, evaluate contributions by role-players to gender equality and make recommendations to promote and attain gender equality. The 3 annual targets noted were as follows:

 

1. 6 gender equality research reports published per year*
2. 6 planned research projects conducted
3. 6 research reports disseminated through other initiatives (policy brief, media dialogue etc.) *

*new or amended target

 

It is unclear whether the following targets have been removed or amended as it appeared in the 2022/23 APP namely;

• 1 report on the country’s compliance or CGE’s influence on compliance with regional/international instruments
• 100% Annual Research Agenda initiatives implemented
• 100% research recommendations from previous financial years followed up and a report thereof
• 2 Policy dialogues

 

1. Strategic Outcome 4 (SO4): An efficient, effective & sustainable organisation that promotes good corporate governance

 

The purpose of this SO is to build and sustain efficient and effective organisational systems, operations and governance processes, for the optimal performance of the institution in executing its mandate. The 11 annual targets (all new) noted were as follows:

 

1. Audit outcome achieved
2. 10% of repetitive audit findings
3. 80% progress on implementation of procurement plan
4. 4 document management improvement plan reports
5. 2 operations digitised
6. 98% network uptime
7. 4 stakeholder relations management plan report
8. 10% variance on budget spent
9. 80% approved positions filled
10. 80% Work Skills placement implemented
11. 100% compliance to standard operating procedures

 

It is unclear whether the following targets were discontinued or amended as it previously appeared in the 2022/23 APP namely;

• 75% Implementation of defined organisational effectiveness systems
• 100% Audit action plan of the previous financial year implemented
• 1 costed business plan submitted to Treasury for funding
• 100% risk mitigation plan implemented
• 75% Implementation of the business model as per defined criteria
• 4 update reports on the implementation of the Tracking Tool
• 10 Strategic partners engaged and a report thereof
• 100% expenditure on planned improvement initiatives
• 5% Vacancy rate
• 4 training and development initiatives conducted
• 100% compliance with legislative requirements in the compliance universe

 

1. Observations

 

Having met with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, the NYDA and the CGE to scrutinise the respective amended Strategic Plans and Annual Performance Plan including the budget for 2023/24, the Committee made the following observations:

 

6.1 Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

In terms of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

 

6.1.1 General Matters

• The Committee commended the Department on changing their mandate by reverting back to the old mandate. However, the Committee noted with concern that there was no explanation for the change in mandate. Clarity was sought in that regard.
• The Committee was concerned that targets of the Department are not SMART and do not give effect to its mandate.
• The targets in their current form would impede conducting effective oversight on the Department.
• The Committee agreed to the Department tabling an erratum to the APP given the numerous concerns raised and asked when it would be tabled in Parliament.
• The Committee was concerned about the role of the Department in the last 4 years which is not clear in the Annual Performance Plan (APP).
• The Committee queried what happened to outstanding targets that were not met in the 2022/23 financial year and if this had an impact on the 2023/24 APP.
• Lack of integration: The Committee was concerned about the lack of integration and coordination between programmes within the Department as well as the lack of synergy between the NYDA and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities especially with Programme 4 of the Department.
• The Committee also enquired whether recommendations made by AGSA pertaining to the audit action plan were implemented and requested a progress report on the matter.

 

6.1.2 Organisational redesign, Structural changes & merger implications

• The Committee was also concerned about the merging of youth and disabilities into one programme and having discussed this issue at length with the Department and National Treasury in 2022.

 

6.1.3 Poor visibility and awareness of Department

• The Committee was concerned about the visibility of the Department in the Provinces, local municipal levels and within communities. The Committee was also concerned about the lack of understanding of the Department’s mandate by its staff complement. As such the Committee questioned whether this lack of a clear understanding leads to the Department not effectively implementing its mandate.

 

Programme 1: Administration

6.1.4 Human Resources

• The Committee noted that there are additional 18 vacancies within the Department and questioned what positions and levels of such vacancies. To this end, the Committee noted that the APP lacked the requisite detail about human resourcing in the Department e.g. number of vacancies.
• The Committee requested an organogram that outlined the structure, position (function) and associated employee.

 

6.1.5 Use of consultants

• The Committee was concerned that the budget allocated to use of consultants has increased and requested more clarity on the issue.

 

6.1.6 Governance and accountability

• The Committee noted that issues raised in the Fluxmans report - an investigation into conduct of officials within the Department in 2014 - was still happening in 2023. This was concerning and thus the Committee questioned whether the recommendations contained in the report were ever implemented. To this end, the Committee was also concerned that the same people implicated in the report are still working in the Department and appeared to be embroiled in questionable conduct again.

 

6.1.7 Policy and Law Reform

• The Committee was concerned that the Disability Rights Bill has not been prioritised in 2023/24 as it did not feature as a target in the APP at all. To this end, the Committee questioned how the Department would account on what has the has been done with regards to the Disability Bill as this was a priority identified in the Strategic Plan.
• The Committee sought clarity about the 5 pieces of legislation developed by the Department in the 6th Parliament as a Strategic Priority and the associated time frames. The Committee also questioned how realistic the Department was tabling new legislation before the end of the 6th Administrative Term.
• The Committee also questioned whether the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) has drafted a discussion paper on the Disability Rights Bill. The Committee was not satisfied with the Department’s response for not having developed the Disability Rights Bill and blaming the delay on the SALRC and Department of Justice. The Department was reminded that it would be the custodian of the proposed Bill and as such had to take the lead and responsibility in that regard as it did with the development of the National Council on Gender Based Violence and Femicide Bill.
• WEGE Bill: The Committee questioned how the Department intends tracking progress made with regards to the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill given that it is no longer a KPI in the APP. The lack of a target in this regard was noted with concern as there was a disjuncture between what the political principals envisaged versus what appears as targets for 2023/24 in the APP.

 

 

 

Programme 2: Mainstreaming Women’s Rights and Advocacy

6.1.8 Economic Empowerment - Interventions

• Interventions: The Committee was not satisfied with interventions such as e.g. workshops, conferences as measures for empowering women economically. The Committee made it clear such interventions would not lead to the economic empowerment of women on its own and therefore questioned the value of such once off events. To this end, the Committee was concerned that it would not be able to monitor the impact of such events to determine whether the Department enables the economic empowerment of women.
• The Committee questioned what was the Department’s action plan to unblocking the supply chain opportunities e.g. procurement of offices and questioned if the Department had any strategy to deal with this.

 

 6.1.9 Sanitary Dignity

• The Committee was concerned that the development of reports on Sanitary Dignity Programme (SDP) was an inadequate and weak target as it does not reflect the intended mandate of the Department. In addition, the Department’s focus on WASH and sexual reproductive health as a service delivery department deviated from the Department’s mandate which ought to be focussed on monitoring and evaluation, coordination and advocacy. The Committee reiterated again the targets should reflect the Department’s mandate.
• The Committee was concerned about the lack of inclusion of women, youth and persons with disabilities in the value chain for sanitary products.
• The Committee was concerned about the lack of information and uniformity in implementation of the SDP across provinces.
• The Committee also raised concerns about sub-standard products and those that were not SABS approved that were being supplied by service providers in certain provinces.

 

6.1.10 Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)

• Rapid Response Teams: The Committee requested more information on the establishment of Rapid Response Teams as there was little to no evidence of this based on the Committee’s oversights to 4 Provinces. The existing RRT in KwaZulu-Natal were employed by an NGO whose funding was coming to an end and the municipality had not incorporated the teams into their structures.
• The Committee questioned what the Department was doing to ensure that police officials deal with cases of abuse and murder of women.
• The Committee raised with the Department the removal of targets related to GBVF, and the lack of reasons for this, as well as the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.
• The Committee also noted the lack of funding for programme 2.

 

6.1.11 Women’s Economic Assembly (WECONA)

• The Committee also questioned how women are going to benefit from the progress reports produced by the Department on the establishment of Women Economic Assembly in Provinces. To this end, the Committee queried the value of the Department producing reports based on reports that the WECONA would generate having established itself in 4 provinces. The Committee saw no value in producing reports based on reports.
• The Committee welcomed a target focussed on WECONA but noted that the target lacked specifics. As such the Committee, wanted to know what is the Department’s role in all of the WECONA key areas such as steel, poultry and agriculture etc. Secondly, the Committee asked how the Department would be creating an enabling environment in its key role of coordination. The Committee requested the Department’s programme of action for each area of WECONA.
• The Committee was concerned that key priorities with regard to advancing the wellbeing and empowerment of women was not reflected in the APP and questioned how then the Committee was going to monitor these priorities when they do not appear in the APP.

 

6.1.12 Programme 3: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Coordination

• The Committee questioned whether the Department is aware of the abuse of young boys as these issues are not mentioned in the APP. 
• The Committee was concerned that there is no mention of collaboration with other government departments such as the Department of Basic Education, Higher education to ensure that young people benefit from programmes of government departments within the APP.
• The Committee questioned whether the Department was engaging with other government departments and municipalities to assess the uptake of women, youth and persons with disabilities.

 

Programme 4: Mainstreaming Youth and Persons with Disabilities Rights and Advocacy

6.1.13 Sub-programme: Advocacy and Mainstreaming the Rights of Youth

•  The Committee questioned the nature of the relationship between the Department and the National Youth Development Agency especially Programme 4: Youth Development in terms of linking programmes and projects as this was not apparent in the APP.
• The Committee was also concerned by the Department’s oversight role over the National Youth Development Agency as a target and requested clarity on the matter. This concern had been raised numerous times with the Department but it appears as if no heed was taken of the recommendation to amend the target.
• The Committee was also concerned that there were no new innovation and creative initiatives by the Department in the APP which could serve as a benefit for the country’s youth.
• The Committee was concerned about the lack of outreach initiatives to engage young people.
• The Committee questioned what the Department was doing to enhance access for young people living in rural areas particularly, as they were disadvantaged by network challenges.

 

 

6.1.14 Sub-programme: Advocacy and Mainstreaming Rights of Persons with Disabilities

• M&E of Disability Frameworks: The Committee noted with concern the lack of key performance indicators on monitoring and evaluation on frameworks pertaining to disability and questioned what officials in that programme were doing.
• Awareness Campaigns: The Committee questioned the purpose of 2 reports produced on awareness raising campaigns on disability. The Committee was not satisfied with the target.
• Advocacy manuals: The Committee enquired about the nature, content and purpose of the advocacy manuals and the intended audience as this was not specified in the APP. The Committee also asked whether these manuals would require training for implementation.
• Collaboration and Coordination: The Committee questioned whether the Department worked collaboratively with other organisations, departments and institutions.
• Economic Empowerment of persons with disabilities: The Committee was concerned about how the Department monitored and evaluated the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities in the absence of a clear strategy.
• Employment Equity: The Committee raised concerns about how the Department monitored the employment of persons with disabilities within government departments and entities, as well as in the private sector.

 

 

6.2 National Youth Development Agency

In terms of the National Youth Development Agency, the Committee made the following observations:

 

6.2.1 General matters

• The Committee welcomed the APP, its prompt tabling, the manner in which the reporting has improved and the implementation of prior recommendations made by the Committee.

• The Committee requested more information on targets that were removed or discontinued as the APP did not provide the requisite detail in this regard.

• The NYDA is commended for its dedicated inclusion of youth with disabilities into its programmes.

• The Committee queried whether any improvements were made to the NYDA Charter of 2019 as no mention has been made of this in the APP under review.
• The Committee also noted with concern that there is no target on the performance of Board Members or any reflection of their work in Provinces. This was identified as a gap in the APP that would need to be addressed.
• The Committee noted with concern the manner in which the Chairperson of the Board was prepared to accommodate Board Members not at the venue and this was problematic as it had the potential of being viewed as nepotism which could lead to strained working relations.
• The Committee enquired about the relationship between the NYDA and the Department of Small Business especially around the She-trade programme of the DTI. The Committee noted that the programme could assist young women in rural areas and should be explored by the NYDA.
• The Committee also requested the NYDA to explain the regulatory burdens that do not support young people.
• The Committee was concerned about the accessibility of the NYDA for young people with disabilities and those living in rural areas. The Committee also raised concern about a lack of signage to identify NYDA offices.
• The Committee questioned whether the voucher programme was accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities.
• The Committee was concerned about how the NYDA would realise the 4th IR when there is a challenge of network especially in rural areas thereby disadvantaging youth living in rural areas. Hence the Committee questioned how the NYDA would ensure that the network coverage in rural areas would increase as this would be a priority to further advance the development of youth.
• The Committee enquired whether NYDA was aware of youth who studied and worked abroad who died in those countries but the families in South Africa had challenges bringing the bodies back home to be buried.
• The Committee queried whether the NYDA was aware of the distribution of drugs and alcohol in institutions of higher learning. Taverns operate in many universities – this is an area of concern affecting youth that required attention. 
• The Committee was concerned that the NYDA was not comparing South Africa with other African countries with regards to youth unemployment challenges and encouraged the Agency to look to the continent for regional answers and areas of best practice as well.
• The Committee also requested more clarity on the over-regulation of the business sector.

 

6.2.2 Board attendance

• The Committee noted with concern that only two apologies for Board Members were submitted in the Committee meeting whilst three Board Members were absent and enquired about the 3rd Board Member who was not in the meeting. The attendance at Committee meetings was noted as important opportunity for the Board to account on their activities individually and as a collective.

 

6.2.3 Collaboration with Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities

• The Committee enquired about the working relationship with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities especially the youth branch in terms of how to coordinate issues related to skills development, training, lobbying and advocating for issues related to young people. The Committee saw this as an area that needed to be strengthened.
• The Committee also noted that the NYDA has a very good strategy in sourcing donor funding and enquired if they could assist the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and CGE by sharing best practice in that regard.
• The Committee questioned whether the NYDA linked with what areas of the Women’s Economic Assembly that the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities intended working on. The Committee identified this as an area of collaboration with a focus on young women including young women with disabilities.

 

6.2.4 Finance

• The Committee noted that the NYDA indicator related to R250 million sourced for the 2023/24 FY was not equally distributed in terms of what the target for collection would be per quarter and requested more information on this.
• The Committee sought clarity about the interest of R16 million accrued. The concern expressed by the Committee was if the interest accrued was on account of money that has not being allocated timeously, as this would disadvantage youth in need of funding. The Committee was reassured and relieved that funds are disbursed without delay and interest accrued is channelled back into programmes that benefit youth.
• The Committee noted that the NYDA earned interest over a 12 month period and that was the forecast amount projected in the APP.
• The Committee also sought clarity on Project management fees earned from donors. The Committee was satisfied with the explanation provided by the NYDA in this regard.

 

6.2.5 Vacancies

• The Committee noted that the NYDA improved on the number of its vacancies from 85 in last year to 52 and asked by when these would be filled. The Committee also enquired whether the 52 posts are funded or unfunded.
• The Committee asked which of the 52 vacancies are critical and what type of specialists are required as per the vacancy list.
• The Committee queried what the difference was between critical and specialist posts.

 

6.2.6 Programme 1

• Value of funds: The Committee noted that R250 million has been allocated for PYEI for 2023/24 and that no further funding will be allocated after this year for the programme and questioned how this would affect the overall service rendered by the NYDA. The Committee acknowledged the value of the PYEI and thus was concerned with a significant decrease in funding for this financial year. In this regard, what would be the impact of non-funding of the PYEI programme going forward.

 

6.2.7 Programme 2: Operations

• The Committee requested clarity on indicator 3 & 4 for Programme 2 as it appeared to be very similar, even a duplication.
• The Committee enquired about the targets for each service area (Surveys & Digital Mapping, Sports & Recreation, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Learner Support, Social Support Services, Solidarity & Care, Early childhood development/Early Learning, Food security & Child nutrition, and Community Works, Revitalisation & Greening programmes), the provincial allocation for each target and how will these targets be monitored. In order for the Committee to do effective oversight of the NYDA in this regard, more detailed information was required.
• The Committee questioned what the role of NYDA would be in giving effect to indicator 3 and 4 if the programme via these service areas were implemented by other arms of government.

 

6.2.8 Sub-programme 1: Economic Development through Youth Entrepreneurship

Grants

• The Committee questioned whether the NYDA monitors beneficiaries who received funding from the NYDA to ensure that they were utilising the funds effectively. This concern was in response to the Committee’s recent oversight visit to Mpumalanga where beneficiaries were visited where some received multiple sources of funding and others with the potential to expand received limited funding. Hence regular monitoring and evaluation of grants allocated would assist the NYDA to identify not only best practice but challenges and trouble shooting.
• The Committee queried how the NYDA intends assessing the effectiveness of the market linkages and mentorship programme in the year ahead as these were important areas in which young entrepreneurs needed to be supported.

 

6.2.9 Sub-programme 2: Decent and Sustainable Employment through Jobs Programme

Youth with Disabilities

• The Committee commended the NYDA for improvement made with regards to persons with disabilities and enquired whether the NYDA engaged with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in light of the project funded by the NYDA in KZN at a special school with Sports for Change.
• The Committee also commended the NYDA for budgeting for targets towards persons with disabilities.
• The Committee was concerned by the number of people with disabilities who owned business supported by the NYDA based on what was presented.

 

6.2.10 National Youth Service (NYS)

• The Committee welcomed the NYDA’s thorough analysis of the teacher assistant programme and indicated that this programme needs to be further strengthened.
• Notwithstanding that, the Committee queried what skills are gained by teacher’s assistants in schools who are given only 3 months to assist at schools. The Committee was concerned that if skill acquisition was not linked to tangible outcomes it would diminish the value of the programme. 
• The Committee queried whether these school assistants will be absorbed by the Department of Basic Education as the concern was about the sustainability of these temporary positions.
• The Committee also questioned why the Department of Basic Education was not employing young graduates to assist with homework in schools. 
• The Committee was concerned that teacher assistant positions were not sustainable and questioned how the NYDA would ensure that the Department of Basic Education employs these young people on a permanent basis.

 

6.3 Commission for Gender Equality

In terms of the Commission for Gender Equality, the Committee’s observations were as follows:

 

6.3.1 General

• The Committee welcomed the report but was disappointed by the late submission of the APP as well as the poor quality thereof.
• The Committee noted with concern that the majority of the targets were not SMART.
• The Committee noted with concern that all the targets planned for in Strategic Outcome 4 were new but none of these were coherent.
• The Committee noted with concern the lack of information on human resource in the APP.
• The Committee queried whether CGE had checked which targets were not met in 2022/23 and what should be done in 2023/24.
• The Committee noted with concern that the current APP is largely a cut and paste of the information contained in the APP for 2022/23 and sought clarity in this regard. The Committee questioned who must be held accountable for the poor quality document.
• The Committee was concerned that the CGE is not committed to their values, vision and mission and in turn not providing the respective services to the community.

 

6.3.2 Late Tabling of APP 2023/24

• The Committee was concerned that the APP for 2023/24 was not tabled on time in Parliament and requested reasons for the late submission.
• The Committee also questioned who should be held accountable for submitting the APP late to Parliament given that the CGE had a full complement of Commissioners at the time the 1st and 2nd draft of the APP was due which meant plenary had to approve it. Furthermore, five of the Commissioners are not new and hold institutional memory.
• The Committee sought clarity as to why the CGE was not adhering to the time-frames for submitting its APP and budget to Government and Parliament when these have been clearly communicated by DPME, National Treasury and Parliament.
• The Committee noted that the APP for 2023/24 is signed by the Deputy Chairperson and not the current Chairperson of the CGE and questioned why that was the case.
• The Committee questioned why the CGE tabled the APP knowing that it was not correct and poorly written. This was noted with concern.
• The Committee was concerned about the lack of internal control within the institution which led to late submission of the APP to Parliament. The Committee also wanted to know what are the systems in place to ensure that CGE will not submit APP or any other document late in Parliament as required by law.
• The Committee was also concerned that the CEO attributed the late submission of APP to Parliament to organisational culture which absolved her from taking responsibility. The Committee was not satisfied with the excuse.
• The Committee was concerned about the regression in performance by the CGE and noted that this will make it difficult for the Committee to request additional funding for the CGE to implement their mandate.

 

6.3.3 Finance

• The Committee was also concerned that the figures in power-point presentation, the ENE (2023) and the APP were different and requested clarity on the matter.
• The Committee was concerned that there is no breakdown of the budgetary allocation per Strategic Outcome.
• The Committee noted with serious concern the lack of financial information in the APP and questioned why there is no detailed information. To this end, the Committee   questioned how the CEO, CFO and the Commissioners approved such an APP.
• The Committee was concerned that CGE forecasted and requested R94.1 million budget from National Treasury for 2023/24 which is very low and sought an explanation in this regard given that the complaints have always been that the CGE is under-funded.
• The Committee noted R930 000 budgeted towards litigation but was unclear what this was for given that the legal standing of the CGE had still not been resolved.

 

6.3.4 Strategic Outcome 1

• Legislative submissions, Systemic Investigations: The Committee noted with concern the lack of details around the legislative submissions and systemic investigations it intends undertaking. This paucity of information impedes effective oversight for the Committee.
• CGE Initiated Bill: The continuity of this target and relations to the target in 2023/24 was unclear.

• Court, SAPS, TCC monitoring: The Committee noted with concern that targets related to monitoring and evaluation of police stations and Thuthuzela Care Centres as well as court monitoring were discontinued and no longer appeared as targets in the APP under review. This was disconcerting to the Committee as this was important work for the CGE in terms gender-based violence and femicide. Hence the Committee questioned how the CGE would be monitoring government departments dealing with gender-based violence. The Committee was concerned that the targets and indicators have changed with no explanation provided in this regard. This was a concern particularly as the Committee had raised examples of instances where the CGE had not followed up on GBVF cases/complaints.

 

6.3.5 Strategic Outcome 2

• Complaints handling: The Committee noted with concern the complete change to the target. The current target did not measure the intended outcome.
• Stakeholder engagements: It was unclear how the CGE intended measuring the impact of its stakeholder engagements. The Committee therefore questioned how the CGE would monitor and evaluate its activities.
• Awareness raising: The Committee was concerned that the awareness programmes of the CGE were not reflected in the APP.

 

 

6.3.6 Strategic Outcome 3

• NSP on GBVF and NCGBVF: GBV: The Committee enquired about the relationship between the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the CGE in as far as the National Council on Gender Based Violence Bill is concerned.

• Treaty compliance & Policy briefs: Treaty Compliance: The Committee questioned how the CGE planned to monitor government department to ensure that international treaties are implemented in the country when the target was discontinued. The Committee questioned to what extent the CGE would be participating on regional and international platforms given that it had removed the target relating to monitoring treaty compliance.

 

6.3.7 Strategic Outcome 4:

• The Committee noted with concern that all targets from the previous FY 2022/23 were discontinued and replaced with 11 new targets.
• M&E Framework: The Committee noted with concern no reference to the M&E framework that was developed in the previous FY in the current APP nor was there any target related to it.
• Code of Conduct: The Committee noted that the Commissioner’s Handbook and the policy governing relations between Commissioners and the Administration of the CGE were still incomplete and were not reflected as targets for the current FY 2023/24.

 

6.3.8 Human Resource

• Vacancy Rate: The Committee was concerned that the target related to vacancy rate had been changed and would not assess progress made. It appeared that the CGE has currently made provision for maintaining a vacancy rate of 20%. The Committee also questioned why the CGE was not aiming at an 8% vacancy rate or below as is common within the public sector.
• Vacancies: The Committee noted the overall lack of information on vacancies and human resource in general in the APP. The Committee enquired about the number of vacancies and why the positions have not been filled.
• The Committee was also concerned that the Chief Internal Auditor was suspended and the Committee was not aware of such issue and requested a full report on the matter.

 

6.3.9 Consultants

• The Committee was concerned by the CGE’s use of consultants and questioned why the Commission was utilising these services. It brought into question what Commissioners and officials were paid to do at work if using consultants were being brought into to do the work of the CGE.
• The Committee noted with concern the substantive allocation for the use of consultants is very high.
• The Committee queried how much was paid to consultants, for what and how long.

 

6.3.10 Office lease

• The Committee was concerned that the CGE staff in the Western Cape Province, Cape Town branch have not had an office to work from for 4 months. The Committee noted that a lack of office space for the CGE was a disservice to the public in need of services as the offices were closed. The Committee questioned and enquired as to when will they engage with the Department of Public Works and whether timelines have been provided by the Department on occupation of office in the Western Cape Province.
• The Committee questioned why the CGE had not looked at the lease agreement of the Western Cape CGE Provincial offices and was not concerned that there is no office in the Province.

 

6.3.11 Legal Practice

• The Committee enquired about the tender issued by the CGE in July 2022 for a panel of attorneys and whether this had any bearing on the legal standing of the CGE with the Legal Practice Council.

 

6.3.12 Role of Commissioners

• The Committee enquired when new Commissioners were given the current handbook, was it signed and when was it signed. The Committee was concerned that the revised Commissioner’s Handbook was long overdue and questioned when will this be submitted to the Committee.
• The Committee was also concerned about the policy between Commissioners and administration that was also incomplete and long overdue.
• The Committee was concerned about Commissioner attendance at Committee meetings and questioned how plenary is going to ensure that employees account for their work if a Commissioner is not respecting Parliament by not attending meetings. The Committee questioned what action will be taken by the CGE in this regard.
• The Committee raised concerns about internal procedures, conduct and discipline amongst Commissioners, as well as the lack of consequence management by Plenary.
• The Committee was concerned by the lack of accountability shown by particular Commissioners in their reporting to Parliament.
• The Committee asked what is the role of Commissioners in giving effect to the entire APP and what is the plan in relation to this as this was not reflected in the APP under review. As such, the Committee questioned how Commissioners are to be held to account in this regard. The Committee also questioned what Members of the Committee can expect of Commissioners within their constituencies.

 

7. Recommendations

 

Having considered the Annual Performance Plan and budget for the Department, the Committee recommends to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities as follows:

 

7.1 The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities should:

1. The Department should reformulate its targets planned and ensure that these are SMART and in line with the revised Strategic Plan. The Department should submit an erratum to the current APP within in 2 weeks of the Budget Vote Debate 20 - scheduled for 23 May 2023 -having taking into consideration the recommendations proposed by the Committee. The Department should also present the revised APP to the Committee on a date to be determined.
2. The Department should provide a detailed report on the 18 additional vacancies in the Department.
3. The Department should provide a progress report on the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Fluxmans Report, as well as submission of  the actual report.
4. In addition, the Department must as a matter of urgency address all HR matters as raised during the meeting.
5. The Committee will engage with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services and the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) and request an update on the development of the Disability Rights Bill.
6. The Department should indicate which Government departments it intends assessing for the 2023/24 FY.
7. The Department should submit a detailed action plan on the key areas of WECONA and what it intends achieving for 2023/24.
8. The Department should remove the target on the its oversight role over the National Youth Development Agency and this should be replaced by a SMART target.
9. The Department should also submit a detailed report on the use of consultants.
10. The Department should submit an operational plan which has activities for the implementation of the APP to the Committee.
11. The Department should develop awareness programmes within government structures and communities about its mandate and role.
12. The Department should work with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies in expanding network access for young people in rural areas.
13. In terms of the Sanitary Dignity Programme (SDP) the Department must provide capacity and ensure access to the market/value chain for women, youth and persons with disabilities. This must include e.g. manufacturing, supply, sourcing and resale, etc.
14. The SDP should be streamlined across all provinces and implemented uniformly as per prescribed guidelines. This must include monitoring and evaluation of supply chain management, vetting of distributors, SABS approval and matters relating to procurement.
15. The target around the SDP framework must be included in the revised APP as it is a tool for monitoring progress in this regard.
16. Targets related to GBVF must be reinstated in the revised APP and funding for programme 2 reconsidered in the budget.
17. The target relating to the GBVF Monitoring and Evaluation Framework must be SMART to ensure maximum impact.

 

Having considered the Annual Performance Plan and budget for the NYDA, the Committee recommends as follows:

 

7.2 The National Youth Development Agency should:

1. The NYDA should improve on its branding especially in rural areas to ensure that young people are aware of services being offered.
2. The NYDA should engage with the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the CGE to share best practices on sourcing donor funding to improve the implementation of their respective mandates.
3. The NYDA should implement awareness programmes with Members of the Committee in their constituencies on services offered by NYDA on a quarterly basis.
4. The NYDA should work with the Department of Home Affairs and Department of International Relations and Co-operations to investigate teaching prospects for youth at overseas placements from a safety perspective.
5. The NYDA should advertise the voucher programme more vigorously to ensure that young people are aware of it. To this end, the NYDA should also utilise radio stations to ensure that they reach out to young people including youth with disabilities who do not have access to online platforms to access information.
6. The NYDA should provide to the Committee a report on the cannabis project.
7. The Board Members should report back to the Committee after having discussed how they intend monitoring their performance on a quarterly and annual basis.
8. The NYDA should have a plan for Board Members and what they intend achieving for 2023/24. The plan should be linked to targets and associated Programmes as outlined in the APP for 2023/24 including the deployment plan to Provinces. The plan should be submitted to the Committee within 7 working days after the meeting of 3 May 2023. This report and should be presented to the Committee by the Office of the Chairperson of the Board at a date to be announced.
9. The NYDA should respond in writing to all questions/concerns raised by the Committee and submit within 7 days after the meeting of 3 May 2023.

 

Having considered the Annual Performance Plan and budget of the Commission for Gender Equality, the Committee recommends as follows:

 

7.3 The Commission for Gender Equality should:

1. The CGE should reassess targets removed/discontinued particularly those related to the monitoring of police stations, Thuthuzela Care Centres, shelters and courts and include these in the amended APP.
2. The CGE should assess targets that do not link with the mandate of the CGE and remove these from the APP.
3. The CGE should submit an erratum to the APP within two weeks after the Committee meeting held on 9 May 2023.
4. The Commissioners should take a decision on the non-attendance of Commissioners’ to Committee meetings.
5. The Commissioners must ensure that the CEO is not working alone but with other senior management within the institution when compiling the APP.
6. The Commission should finalise the issue of the Legal Practice Council and this should be reflected in the APP for 2023/24, as well as provide information on the tender for the panel of attorneys.
7. The CGE should include more detailed information on litigation in its revised APP.
8. The CGE should submit to the Committee an organogram with names attached to each post, as well as indicating vacancies.
9. The CGE should submit the revised Commissioner’s Handbook to the Committee at the next meeting.
10. The CGE should address the outstanding and pending lease issues as a matter of urgency particularly for the office in Cape Town.
11. The CGE should submit a detailed report about the suspension of the Chief Internal Auditor.
12. As needed, request to present relevant and pertinent reports to the Committee to ensure that recommendations and concerns are addressed.

 

 

1. Conclusion

 

The Committee welcomes all the annual performance plans that have been submitted for consideration and report and will continue to ensure that astute oversight is conducted over the Department, the Commission for Gender Equality and the National Youth Development Agency.

 

Report to be considered.

 

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[1] Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Strategic Plan 2020-2025, pg.10 

[2] Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (20232) Annual Performance Plan 2023/24, p.119

[3] Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (2023) Annual Performance Plan 2023/24, p. 119

[4] Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Annual (2023) Performance Plan 2023/24, pg. 119

[5] Ibid

[6] National Treasury (2023) Estimates of National Expenditure 2023, Vote 20: Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, p. 2

[7] Levendale, C (2023) Overview: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Annual Performance Plan 2023/24 and Budget 2023/23, Parliamentary Research Unit, p. 7

[8] Ibid

[9] Levendale, C (2022) Overview: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities - Annual Performance Plan 2022/23 and Budget 2022/23: Programmes 1, 2 and 3

[10] Levendale, C (2022) Overview: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities - Annual Performance Plan 2022/23 and Budget 2022/23: Programmes 1, 2 and 3

[11] Ibid, p.8

[12] Ibid, p.9

[13] Ibid, p.10

[14] Ibid

[15] National Treasury (2023) Vote 20 Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Estimates of National Expenditure p.3

[16] Levendale, C (2023) Overview: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities - Annual Performance Plan 2022/23 and Budget 2023/24, Parliament Research Unit

[17] Levendale, C (2022) Overview: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities - Annual Performance Plan 2022/23 and Budget 2022/23: Programmes 1, 2 and 3

[18] Ibid

[19] Ibid, p. 20

[20] Matthews, T (2023) Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities: Analysis of Programme 4: 2023/24

[21] Levendale, C (2023) Overview: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities - Annual Performance Plan 2023/24 and Budget 2023/24

[22] Ibid

[23] National Youth Development Agency (2023) Annual Performance Plan 2023/24, p. 1

[24] National Treasury (2023) Estimates of National Expenditure 2023. Vote 20, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, p.13

[25] Matthews, T (2023) National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Annual Performance Plan 2023/24 and Budget 2023/24, Parliamentary Research Unit

[26] Ibid

[27] National Youth Development Agency (2023) Annual Performance Plan 2023/24, p. 3

[28] Ibid, p.4

[29] Levendale, C (2023) Commission for Gender Equality: 2023/24 Budget and Annual Performance Plan, Parliament of RSA, Research Unit

[30] National Treasury (2023) Vote 20 Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Estimates of National Expenditure

[31] Ibid