SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE BUDGET OVERSIGHT REPORT ON THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE 2009/2010 FINANCIAL YEAR

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Content Page

1. List of Acronyms..................................................................................................... 1 2. Introduction........................................................................................................ ....2 3. Process Followed....................................................................................................2 4. Departments strategic goals..................................................................................3 5. Overview of the Departments Policy Priorities.....................................................3 for the 2009/10 Financial Year 6. Overall Assessment of Vote 6..................................................................................4 7. Assessment of the 3 programmes..........................................................................4-5 8. Overall Assessment of SubProgrammes..............................................................5-13 Programme 1 Administration ..................................................................................5-6 Programme 2 Social Welfare Services........................................................................6-12 Programme 3 Development and Research................................................................12-13 9. Transfers and Subsidies..........................................................................................13

10.Committee Concerns..............................................................................................14 11.Recommendations.............................................................................................. .....15 12.Acknowledgements............................................................................................ .....16 13.Adoption of Report...................................................................................................16

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AIDSAPPCAPEX CBO CYCW DSD ECD EPWP FBOs FYGSDSHCBC HIVMOU-

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Annual Performance Plan Payment for Capital Assets Community Based Organizations Child Youth Care Workers Department of Social Development Early Childhood Development Expanded Public Works Programme Faith Based Organizations Financial Year Gauteng Social Development Strategy Home Community Based Care
Human Immune Deficiency Virus

Memorandum of Understanding 2

NGOs NOPs OVC PWDs SACENDU drug use

Non Governmental Organizations Not for profit Organizations Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Persons with Disabilities South African Community Epidemiology Network on

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

REPORT ON VOTE 6 OF THE PROVINCIAL APPROPRIATION BILL [G006-2009]

17 July 2009
The Chairperson of the Social Development Portfolio Committee, Ms. M Bopape, tables the Committees report on Budget Vote 6 of the Provincial Appropriation Bill [G006-2009] as follows: 1. Introduction The above-mentioned report is tabled in terms of Rule 153 of the Standing Rules of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. It considers the Detail of Budget Vote 6 (Department of Social Development) in pursuance of its oversight role during the budget process which is generally understood and accepted as critical for promoting good governance and achieving value for money in service delivery. The Programme Evaluation and Budget Analysis (PEBA), an institutional oversight tool as applied in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, dictates that the effectiveness of service delivery be assessed by the relevant portfolio committees. In this regard

the Committees focus in considering the detail of Vote 6 covered three main areas; firstly, assessing whether the stated policy priorities for the 2009/2010 financial year are reasonable and in line with the broader goals of the Gauteng Province; secondly, unpacking the policy statements and priorities to identify whether they are clear on the anticipated outcomes for this year, and, thirdly examining the budget itself and whether it provides adequately for inputs and outputs that would deliver the anticipated outcomes. 2. Process followed in considering the Budget The 23rd of June 2009 the Deputy Speaker formally referred Vote 6 of the Provincial Appropriation Bill [ G006-2009] for consideration, deliberation and report by the Social Development Committee On 02 July 2009 the Committee conducted its first meeting on the budget. At the meeting, the researcher provided an analysis of the Departments budget for 2009/2010 financial year. The Department presented their budget to the Committee on 07 July 2009 and also responded to questions the Committee forwarded to them following the budget analysis. Stakeholders were afforded the opportunity on 10 July to make submissions in relation to the current budget, but pointing towards the 2009/2010 budget. The Committee deliberated on the draft report at its meeting of 17 July 2009 and subsequently adopted the final report on the same day.

3. DEPARTMENTS STRATEGIC GOALS 3.1. To provide leadership on social development to ensure the deepening of the social policy discourse and evidence based decision making 3.2. To promote good governance 3.3. To promote an enabling environment for social and human capital investment 3.4. To promote development of individuals, families and communities towards self-reliance (Sustainable communities) 3.5. To promote social protection and reduction of vulnerability 3.6. To reduce social exclusion and promote social cohesion 3.7. To promote social integration 3.8. To provide psychosocial care 3.9. To promote effective and efficient management of social development programmes in partnership with civil society and other social partners 3.10. To provide a comprehensive social security safety net 1 4. Overview of the Departments policy priorities for the 2009/10 FY

Slide 53 of the departments presentation on the 2009/10 budget

The Gauteng Social Development Strategy outlines strategic levers that departments within the social sector should consider when developing their individual strategic objectives. With regard to the provision of services to vulnerable children, the department indicates that they will continue with the Bana Pele Programme , which will in the year under review target a total of 80 000 children. This is known to be a holistic approach providing services from primary health care, school nutrition, school uniform, etc. Although the departments APP does not articulate broadly on job creation it is hoped that opportunities will be created through the social sector Expanded Public Works Programme, skills development programmes offered at development centres, learnership and bursaries, Early Childhood Development, and Home Community Based Care services. Another identified Priority Project speaks to the sustainability of the ECD programme. To support this policy priority the Premier in her 2009 State of the Province Address emphasized that a strong Early Childhood Development foundation will be one of the focal points in Gauteng. Accordingly, the department reported to have allocated an amount of R86 million over the MTEF as part of increasing access to ECD facilities, increasing the subsidies paid at the registered and funded sites, and the provision of training to practitioner in line with the norms and standards. As part of building sustainable livelihood the department highlights that therell be an investment in improving the quality of some of the income generating projects. Furthermore theyll continue to facilitate access to life skills programme, in acknowledging that the current social grants are interim measures and cannot provide a holistic sustainable life.

5. OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF VOTE 6 For the current financial year the department is allocated an amount of R1,935,797,000, representing a nominal increase of R164,753,000 (9%) compared to the previous financial year. In view of the realignment of the Health department with Vote 6, the Committee notes that for the year under review the department indicated that they will fund the 3 existing programmes, namely; Administration, Social Welfare Services and Development Research until the end of the financial year under review. The department further indicated that they will embark on a strategic session from which they will realign programmes with that of the department of Health, moreover developing new Annual Performance Plans. According to the department this process is likely to be completed by the end of December 2009.

6. Assessment of the 3 Programmes Over the years, especially subsequent to the migration of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), programme 2 has been the main beneficiary of the allocations for this vote. However the year under review reflects a shift and the Committee is also insightful and notes that the department has allocated the bulk of its allocations to the Current Payments line item. According to the department the 53.03% share is due to, amongst others, the revised cost of the organisational structure which includes the priority posts that are part of the core business as well as the implementation of the Occupational Specific Dispensation (OSD). Additionally the Committee notes that despite the Current Payment Line item receiving the largest share, programme 2 is still the largest recipient, because even the additional funds for the implementation of the OSD is mainly within Programme 2, as it focuses on statutory social work services which are mainly carried within Social Welfare Services programme. For this reason, the Committee notes that an amount of R 1,234,932,000 (75.69% share) has been allocated representing a nominal increase of R 230,239,000 (18.64%) compared to the previous financial year. Moreover the department indicates that part of these allocations will cover, amongst others, the expansion of the Child Care and Protection Services, with special focus on the Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a National Priority. Unlike Programme 2, the Administration programme, receives an amount of R 300,507,000 (15.52% share) representing a nominal decrease of R175, 751,000 (36.90%) compared to 2008/09 financial year allocations which is due to the decline under the District Management Services sub-programme. The Committees concern was whether the decline will have repercussions on service delivery, because during the deliberations of the 2008/09 FY budget the Committee noted a decline on the similar sub-programme when compared to the 2007/08 FY allocations. In response to the concern, the department assured the Committee that the decline will not have any implications because this was due to the shifting of Compensation of Employees budget for statutory social work and the monitoring and evaluation to programme 2 and 3 respectively. In view of the allocations for Compensation of Employees under programme 3, the Committee notes a nominal increase of R97, 016, 000 (543%) compared to the previous financial year. Realizing that the departments personnel structure on page 204 of Budget Statement 2 table 13 authenticates this assertion, as the number of staff within this programme is expected to grow from 120 to 575 by the end of the year under review. However of concern is that the department did not indicate the exact number of personnel that have been moved with the budget from District Management to

programme 3 and whether this personnel budget covers for the vacant positions prior to the shifting of funds. 7. OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF SUB-PROGRAMMES 7.1. PROGRAMME 1: ADMINISTRATION

7.1.1.Office of the MEC According to the department, this office provides political and legislative interface between government, civil society and all other relevant stakeholders. The Committee acknowledged that vote 6 has been merged with vote 4. Evidently the allocations for this sub-programme had to be reclassified accordingly. In view of the changes the Committee requested the department not present on the allocations for this sub-programme, but to provide the Committee with a comprehensive report as soon as the department has completed the process. For this reasons the report will not have a detailed outcome of the deliberations regarding this sub-programme and its allocations thereof. The office of the MEC, Programme 1 also covers issues pertaining to, amongst others, facility management and Human Resource. For this reasons the Committee deliberated with the department on these issue. 7.1.1.1. Human Resources

The filling of vacant posts, especially those categorised as scarce skills has posed a challenge for the department resulting in slow service delivery. One of the critical administrative priorities for the current government is to speed up the filling of vacant posts. When asked on how long the process of filling vacant posts will take, and the plans in place that will ensure there are no delays in filing all vacant posts, the departments response was not clear because they only indicated that a HR plan has been developed, furthermore indicating the types of posts that have to be filled. Although the department has to undergo a strategic session, which will also focus on the establishment of a new structure, it would have been helpful for the department to present a report on their current structure, ahead of the newly planned organisation structure, such that the Committee is abreast on where the department is such that the Committee is able to engage the department as soon as the new structure is approved. 7.1.1.2. Progress made on the 20 Prioritised Township Programme The Committee notes that despite the challenges the department has been highlighting since the beginning of the 20 PTP, a few notable improvements were made. Some of the main challenges the department alluded to were related to, amongst others, the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the consent Municipalities.

The department indicated that due to the delays in the signing of the MOUs the financial cycles of these two different spheres of government were impeded. However the Committee is pleased to note that the department has managed to align their planning cycles and administrative processes with that of Municipalities. Consequently the 20PTP process is progressing, the department emphasized. During the 2008/09 FY 2nd and 3rd quarterly reports the department indicated that the economic recession contributed to the departments budgetary constraints, as a result some of the planned infrastructure projects had to be moved to the following financial year. The department reports that they had to reprioritise some of their infrastructure projects in order to meet the failure by some municipalities to complete these projects, meet cost escalations of infrastructure projects being completed by the Department of Infrastructure and address accruals of capital projects carried through from the 2008/09 FY by the same department. The deliberations of the Committee and the department on the 2008/09 budget raised the likelihood of budgetary constraints affecting the process because the departments plan, at the time, did not allude to any interim measures should such predictions become a reality, even after the department was in agreement with the Committees argument. In view of the reprioritisation of projects that was informed by the budgetary constraints that the department has made reference to, it is evident that the process may prolong beyond the MTEF period, which is not what would have been expected. 7.2. Programme 2: Social Welfare Services

7.2.1.Substance Abuse, Prevention and Rehabilitation This scourge has a great potential to contribute to crime, illiteracy, domestic violence and other dreadful acts which are harmful to society and families. Unfortunately there are people who become victims of crimes committed by addicts or the consequences of taking dangerous substances. The researcher in her analysis highlighted areas of concern on the sort of research information that the department has been utilising in its APP within the situational analysis. This concern was solely to indicate probable lack of involvement of the departments research unit, moreover that the same research study had been used as source of reference for the past 3 financial periods, despite several studies that were done during this period. In evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the departments economic allocations for this sub-programme the researcher utilised a study conducted between the months of January to June 2008, updated in May 2009, by the South African Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (SACENDU). Interestingly, this study was conducted at centres run and subsidies by the department in question, however the department did not utilise the findings although they are aware of such a study, instead opting to use outdated study.

Considering the departments response, that they are only aware of the 2005/06 studies while they have a policy and research unit, the Committee was still concerned that the department is likely to continue utilising outdated information for its progress analysis in the APP, as a result suggesting that their targets are likely not to be informed by the latest relevant research studies. Accessibility, affordability and the visibility of the department of health has always been one of the issues that were important to the Committee, following assertions made by NPOs within this sector and that the department was also unable to provide the Committee with a report on this aspect. Many of the policy gaps on the services for substance abuse emphasize the need to upgrade and ensure accessibility of the centres in the previously disadvantaged communities. In response to this, the department indicated that currently the total substance abuse rehabilitation services are funded by the Department of Social Development and the merger provides an opportunity for joint planning and funding. With regards to improving accessibility and affordability to the previously disadvantaged communities, the department indicated that they have reviewed the funding model of in- patient treatment centres. Furthermore they emphasized that the existing organisations have expanded their out-patients services to disadvantaged communities. In view of the response the Committee hopes that the departments newly refurbished model will yield positive results, because its been a long time since both the department and the NPOs reported success stories on the provision of substance abuse prevention and rehabilitation services. Moreover it is hoped that the refurbished model will also curtail the closing down of some of the NPOs in this sector. The Committee notes that the department highlighted that for the year under review they shall facilitate the construction of 2 outpatient substance abuse treatment centres in 20 PTP; fund 6 in-patient substance abuse treatment centres; fund 31 out-patient substance abuse treatment centres; and fund 24 NPOs delivering services relating to substance abuse, prevention and rehabilitation. To achieve all the planned targets the department allocated an amount of R 100,517,000, representing a nominal increase of R50, 817,000 compared to the previous financial year. This sub-programme receives a 7% share of the total allocations for programme 2. 7.2.2.Care and Services to Older Persons. In her state of the Province Address the Premier pointed out that the lives of the elderly should be protected to ensure that they are not subjected to abuse and neglect. The Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 the protection and prevention of abuse against older persons through a community based approach. 2 In response to the plea of the Premier on the safety of the elderly, the department reports that the Home Community Based Care Services will be upscaled and that they will fund a total of 90 residential facilities, and renovate informal (unregistered) old age homes in previously disadvantaged areas with the aim of registering and funding them.

Retracted from the researchers analysis of the 2009/10 budget page 16

The Committee notes that since the introduction of the Older Persons Act of 2006 the department has demonstrated an element of improving its services as per the Act, especially the community based services. Accordingly, the department further indicates that 5 day care/ Home Community Based Care (HCBC) for older persons in the 20 PTP will be built in the year under review. The Gauteng Welfare, Social Services and Development Forum (GWSSDF) shared the same sentiments with the Committee indicating that the departments plans to upgrade the old age homes, the creation of day care facilities for older persons as part of the 20PTP is welcomed by the sector. On the contrary the Age- in- Action sector made assertions that there were still challenges with regard to availability of affordable and safer accommodation, and that some of the Old Age Homes do not have access to Medical Health Care services of district surgeon, and some have tended to use private medical practitioners. According to the sector the following are some of the homes that have been exposed to this circumstance: Solheim, Herfsland, Alberton Tuiste vir Bejaardes, Protea Home (Primrose) Gerald Fitzpatrick Home, Mohlakeng Old Age Home, and Vosloorus Old Age Home. In response to this the department indicated that they will conduct an investigation on this matter and a report will be provided to the Committee. The department further reported that over two years they renovated eight old age homes and by the end of the last financial year equipments in these old age homes were replaced. The Committee notes that during the financial year under the Vosloorus and the Katlehong old age homes will be renovated. In view of the strides and improvements made by the department, the Committee notes with appreciation the extent to which the department has attempted to improve the lives of the elderly by improving the status of the facilities that accommodates older people in Gauteng. Notwithstanding the above mentioned improvements, the Committee was concerned that the building of the new facilities was not encouraging families, especial those that are able, to take care of their elderly. This was also mentioned notwithstanding the fact that there are families who abuse the elderly instead of giving them the protection they deserve. The department also shared the same concern that the building of facilities has its own unintended consequences, however they are hopeful that the day care centres will serve as a safe place for the elderly who are still receiving family care and these sites will be utilised for the aged who have no support provided during working hours at their homes. An amount of R225, 998,000, reflecting a nominal increase of R38, 237,000 compared to the previous financial year has been allocated. This sub-programme received 25% share of the allocation for programme 2, which is the second largest. In view of the allocations for the current financial year the Age-in- Action acknowledged the allocations made by the Department for their sector. However they further indicated that the Regulations, Norms and Standards of the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 and the newly introduced National Environmental

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Management: Waste Act No 59 of 2008 has direct financial implications, which the current allocations do not cater for. Funding of NPOs was discussed at length, but finding a solution may be prolonged considering that the economic recession is also indirectly worsening the situation. The Committee notes that the department has implemented a plan of giving NPOs a 5% increase annually that is aimed to assist NPOs such that they are not subjected to closure.

7.2.3.Crime Prevention and Support For the year under review the allocations amounts to R150, 868,000, representing a nominal decline of R9, 220,000 compared to the previous FY. This significant decline is of concern to the Committee, considering that the services rendered within this sub-programme are some of the priorities set by the Premier for the year under review and over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). Interestingly, during the deliberations of the 2008/09 budget the Committee noted that the allocations increased nominally by R75, 739,000 when compared to the 2007/08 FY. The deliberations of the departments 2007/08 FY annual report also revealed that the department had a virement of R34, 323, 000, and of this amount R6, 776, 000 was from the current payments line item, and R27, 770,000 was from Transfers and Subsidies. Subsequent to the Committees concern in the manner in which the department has been spending and planning for this sub-programme, the department indicated that NPOs providing diversion programmes were minimal as a result there were no new funded NPOs, which resulted in the remaining funds being spread and shifted within the programme. According to the department they reprioritized the overall budget to meet urgent needs of the sector, hence the decline. However, the programme for children in conflict with the law is not compromised, as many of other funded NGO programmes such as substance abuse support the objectives of the children in conflict with the law programme. The focus has been on preventative programmes. Although the department has outlined the motives behind the decline, the response is still not clear in terms of who the sector is, because in many instances NPOs are classified in sectors and all NPOs offering services across social development programmes can also be a sector. Moreover, the Committee hopes that the departments planning around the allocations for this sub-programme, will not fall short throughout the financial year such that similar incidences that were reported during the 2007/08 FY annual report replicate. Whilst the department indicates that the decision to allocate lesser funds for this sub-programme was for the best of the sector, on the contrary, the GWSSDF is of the view that the decision of the department to divert funds from this subprogramme with an aim of covering the costs of establishing the secure care

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institution as not strategic and they asserted that support for vital communitybased prevention and victim support services will suffer severely. Furthermore, the sector indicated that as much as the facility is of crucial importance services cannot be compromised at the expense of the well being of beneficiaries. Without judging whether the decision taken by the department, on the diversion of funds, was improper or not, the Committee is concerned that this type of planning has reoccurred and with the fact that there are already assertions by an NPO sector that such decisions are likely to compromises service delivery. During the deliberations of the 2008/09 FY budget process the department reported that as part of contributing towards job creation they will employ probation officers, with preference given to youth, women and persons with disabilities. Accordingly, the Committee notes that the department committed to employing 120 probation officers as in the previous financial year. In view of the difficulties in attracting these skills and persons with disabilities, the Committee was concerned on whether the department will easily attain this goal. In response the Department indicated that its commitment to employ the youth, women and persons with disabilities as probation officers has been partially successful. The major challenge has been with regards to employing people with disabilities. Though recruitment processes are open to people with disabilities, there has been no response from persons with disabilities. According to the department so far they have employed 56 Assistant Probation Officers, the majority of whom fall within the youth category. Of the 56 Assistant Probation Officers (APOs), 29 are women and 27 are males. Notwithstanding the self admission by the department that attracting persons with disabilities as Assistant Probation Officers is still a challenge, the Committee is concerned that this is been long living and it does not affect this department only 7.2.4.Services to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Over the years the department was unable to pinpoint success on the services provided to PWDs. The departments targets would clearly outline plans that speak to the development of persons with disabilities; however implementation seemed to be a challenge. Within programme 2 there are sub-programmes that have projects contributing towards job creation, but the involvement of PWDs would not be substantiated. Additionally, the expenditure trend for this sub-programme has been growing steadily in nominal terms. Notable is that it was growing between R3 and R6 million, and this was a concern considering that there are different types of disabilities and some of them are expensive to fund and maintain. However the Committee notes that for the year under review the allocated funds for this sub-programme amounts to R87, 257,000 representing a nominal growth of R16, 760, 000 compared to the previous financial years allocations. Moreover to the other policy priorities of the department on services for PWDs the

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Committee questioned the department on the exact number of this group that reside in Gauteng utilising the statutory services of the department, because for years the department was unable to provide such report. In responding to the Committees question the department indicated that the number of people residing in Gauteng using the services of government is 140, in the form of protective workshops (Preliminary Annual Report), 1199 persons receive social work services, 109 persons are in residential care. Notwithstanding the increased allocations for this sub-programme, the Committees interest was on the developmental programmes for PWDs, and whether if these programmes are creating a sustainable livelihood for PWDs. The department, in response, indicated that the Developmental programmes for PWDs include the following; Abet, Life Skills Programmes; and the Development of skills in sewing, knitting, and packaging that is in line with the transformation manual on protective workshops. As part of ensuring a sustainable livelihood the department alluded to the development of a marketing strategy for the products manufactured at the workshops has been developed and products are being exported to various countries such as bead work etc. PWDs are paid according to what they produce.

7.2.5.Child Care and Protection Services Incorporated within the Gauteng Social Development Strategy are services that are aimed at improving the lives of the Gauteng Children. Since 2006/07 financial year theres been a noticeable increase expenditure and change on the programmes that respond to Making Gauteng fit for Children. Allocations on the other hand grew nominally in line with increased outputs. The department allocated an amount of R600, 438,000 representing a nominal increase of R121, 552,000 compared to the previous years allocations. Notably is that this sub-programme received the largest share (41%) of the allocations for programme 2. However the allocations were not increased in line with increased priorities, with an exception of the ECD programme which indicates increased priorities, especially on the number of new ECD facilities to be registered and funded, and the number of practitioners to be trained and employed. Accordingly, the Committee notes that the department will in the financial year Increase the number of registered and funded ECDs from 398 to 598. The amount of the daily subsidies paid to crches was over the previous financial year, a great concern to the Committee; for this reason the Committee suggested that the department should look into sourcing more funds considering that the allocation was not responsive to the food inflation. Conversely, the department indicate that they will Implement, in the current financial year, inter provincial parity for ECDs which has also been increased from R11.00 to R12.00 per day per beneficiary. Notwithstanding that this amount may not be sufficient considering the economic recession; the Committee commends the department for showing commitment to ensuring that the centres do receive an increased subsidy, unlike the other years wherein facilities will receive the same allocations for more than 2 financial years.

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Likewise the Early Childhood Development Organisation in Gauteng reiterated the fact that despite the economic recession, this increased subsidy given by the department to this sector is appreciated. A concern was raised by the Committee on the departments targeted number of beneficiaries for the year under review that was lesser than the previous year also contradicting with the policy priority to increase the number of children accessing ECD facilities. The department acknowledged that and clarified the number to be 49 048 instead of the 40 887 as outlined in the APP. Just as the Age-in Action highlighted challenges regarding the sufficiency of the grants, the Committee notes that the ECD sector has raised similar concerns regarding the insufficiency of the allocations now that they have to implement bylaws of the Environmental Health, which has financial implications. As indicated earlier in the report the Committee is aware that currently NPOs across all fields are still hopeful for more funding, because currently there is lack of donors and the economic recession on the other hand is putting a strain. Moreover, in view of the departments commitment in ensuring that all NPOs will be assisted in case of emergency, the Committee hope that these measures will, in the interim, close the gap and services delivery will not be compromised. The Committee notes with concern that the department in their presentation mentions that they will Increase the number of children participating in Bana Pele who receive Child Support Grant and are in Grade 1 from 72 000 to 80 000. On the Contrary the Head of Department for Social Development indicates that they distribute in the region about 84 000 school uniforms. Notably is that the 72 000 was a target for 2007/08 FY and in 2008/09 the department targeted 80 000, therefore theres likelihood that the presentation was a copy and paste, because the target cannot increase from 72 000 to 80 000 whilst already in the following year preceding the current the target was already 80 000. As part of creating jobs and fighting poverty, the Committee notes with appreciation that the department is utilising local women to produce these school uniform and shoes, and providing them with training. However the Committee is concerned that the department has not yet implemented the proposal that was presented to the Committee, in the past 2 financial years, that of diversifying the womens market such that they have access to any market in order to build sustainability. Furthermore the department mentioned they intend to link women that are receiving child support grants with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) with the intention of reducing grant dependency. The Committee commends the department with this effort because it responds to the national priority, which was stated by the President in His State of the Nation Address, on the need to link the social grants to jobs. What has been observed, in view of the targeted number of children accessing any form of facilities for protection purposes, is that these targets are always exceeded by the end of a financial year, whether it is children with disabilities, shelters for

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vulnerable children, etc. The Committees concern was the extent at which this has budgetary constraints and with likelihood of service delivery being compromised. Similarly the department agrees with the Committee that budgetary constraints will be experienced by both the Department of Social Development and NPOs as the number of vulnerable children needing access to residential facilities cannot be predicted. 7.2.6.HIV and AIDS An amount of R 63,343,000 is allocated for the year under review, representing a nominal increase of R25, 718, 000 compared to the previous financial year. In view of the planned targets, the Committee notes that the allocation increased with a slight increase on targets on certain objectives, while others have lesser targets compared to the previous financial year. According to the GSDS one of the EPWP is in home and community based care, which create an opportunity for existing volunteers to be awarded with, amongst others, a stipend. The manner in which the departments APP is outlined nothing is mentioned whether the targeted 2 690 caregivers will receive a stipend. In response to the department indicated that the 2 690 caregivers received 2008/2009, and will continue to receive the stipends in 2009/2010. Furthermore the department indicated that in this financial year 400 graduated as social auxiliary workers and all graduated caregivers will be employed on full time basis as Social Auxiliary Workers and receive a salary. The Committee notes the assertion made by the department and hope that these outcome will contribute positively on social work services. 7.3. Programme 3: Development and Research

7.3.1.Youth Development and sustainable livelihoods The Presidents 2009 State of the Nation Address clearly outlined the importance of the enhancement and facilitation of programmes that will embrace and fast track the aspect of youth development in the country. These programmes are expected to bear the aspect of skills development, furthermore creating job opportunities for young people.3 What has been observed by the Committee in the previous financial years is the manner in which targets were decided, as a result the Committee expressed dissatisfaction and requested the department to review its targets in conjunction with relevant funding. The department acknowledged that in the last three years its baseline data was not reliable. In this current financial year an activity costing method has been developed where all the targets are divided into four quarters. Subsequent to the deliberations on the extent to which the development centres and the projects offered were able to create sustenance over the previous financial years, the department acknowledged that there was uncertainty that these centres have indeed, since inception, contributed towards sustainable livelihoods. The
3

Retracted from the researchers analysis of the 2009/10 budget

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Committee noted that an independent research study focusing on the reclassification of development centres would be done to respond to this concern. However the Committee was still concerned that this process was taking long and nothing was forthcoming from the department regarding this matter. In response the department indicated that Terms of Reference were completed and due to financial constraints within the Operational Budget of the Research Unit the project had to be postponed, however an allocation has been made to resume the study the outcome is expected during the third quarter of this financial ye Notwithstanding the above the department indicated that they will strengthen the current 26 development programmes targeting women, youth and persons with disabilities and fund 6 programmes targeting youth out of school, young persons with disabilities, and youth exiting the child justice system who participate in projects and approved NPOs /Cooperatives. Additionally, develop 4 new development centers, Implement 3 poverty alleviation projects in poverty nodal areas and provide2 200 households with package of services. 8. Transfers and Subsidies Allocations for NPOs have indicated a slight increase compared to the previous financial year. For the year under review an amount of R 875, 366,000 is allocated, representing a nominal increase of R62, 187,000 (8%). Notwithstanding the current economic meltdown and that most donors are withdrawing their funding, the Committee emphasized that NPOs have to try and source other funding such that theres no reliance on the department. Furthermore, the Committee requested the department to assist the NPOs in the interim until the economic situation has improved. In response the department acknowledged that the economic recession has posed a challenge for the NPOs and as a result they are moving towards adjusting the allocations for NPOs by almost 5% annually. Additionally the department indicated that the issue of timeous payments of NPOs is still a challenge however there measures in place to address this challenge. The Committee also noted that the department is also encountering challenges with regard to some of the NPOs that are unable to transform as a result they have established a task team that comprises of both the department and the NPOs, which will look into issues of transformation. 9. CONCERNS OF THE COMMITTEE In view of the deliberations with the department the Committee is concerned: 9.1. That the department did not indicate the exact number of personnel that have been moved with the budget from District Management to programme 3 and whether the personnel budget covers for the vacant positions prior to the shifting of funds.

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9.2. That the department did not present its current structure such that the Committee is abreast on where the department is before the new structure is approved. 9.3. That In view of the reprioritisation of the 20PTP projects that was informed by the budgetary constraints the department made reference to. Theres likelihood that the process may prolong beyond the MTEF period, which is not what would have been expected 9.4. That the department utilized outdated information in its APP to outline its progress analysis, especially within HIV and AIDS and Substance Abuse, Prevention and Rehabilitation 9.5. The department outlined the reasons for the R9, 220,000 decline under Crime Prevention and Support behind the decline, is still not clear in terms of who the sector is, because in many instances NPOs are classified in sectors and all NPOs offering services across social development programmes can also be a sector 9.6. That the department has diverted funds from Crime Prevention and Support sub-programme for the completion of the Soshanguve Secure Care Institution, because the Committee is of the knowledge that the secure care institution had its own budget to begin with 9.7. That the department is still experiencing challenges in attracting persons with disabilities not only as Assistant Probation Officers, but across all programmes. 9.8. That the department in their presentation mentions that they will Increase the number of children participating in Bana Pele who receive Child Support Grant who are in Grade 1 from 72 000 to 80 000. On the Contrary the HOD for Social Development indicates that they distribute in the region about 84 000 school uniforms. Notably is that the 72 000 was a target for 2007/08 FY and in 2008/09 the department targeted 80 000, therefore theres likelihood that the presentation was a copy and paste, because the target cannot increase from 72 000 to 80 000 whilst in the year preceding the current the target was already 80 000. 9.9. That the department has not yet implemented the proposal that was presented to the Committee, in the past 2 financial years, that of diversifying the womens market such that they have access to any market in order to build sustainability.

10.

RECOMMENDATIONS

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10.1. That the department furnish the Committee, by 31 August 2009 with a detailed report outlining the number of personnel that were shifted with these funds and the cost of each personnel furthermore indicating if vacant positions are part of the shifted budget 10.2. Therefore the department should provide the Committee by 31 August 2009 with a report of the current structure and their strategies that will assist in filling the core vacant posts. 10.3. Therefore the department should enlighten the Committee, through a detailed report, by 31 August 2009 on the enormity of the budgetary constraints, whether these are challenges within their control. Inclusive in the report should be information outlining where the funds for the maintenance of these facilities will be sourced after completion, considering that some of the Municipalities like Joburg for instance, had similar concern, hence there were delays in the signing of the MOUs 10.4. It would be imperative for the department to further provide the Committee with plans, by 31 August 2009 that will be implemented to ensure that the departments progress analysis, especially on, HIV and AIDS and Substance Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation, will be informed by, at least, one of the latest studies, whether through research institutions or internal research. 10.5. The department should further clarify the Committee by 31 August 2009 on who the benefiting sector is in this regard, such that the Committee is able to note relevant information for oversight purposes. (Reference can be made to slide 61 of the departments presentation) 10.6. The department to furnish the Committee with a report by 31 August 2009 outlining the motive behind the decision to divert funds from the Crime Prevention and Support sub-programme for the completion of the Soshanguve Secure Care Institution. 10.7. That the department provide the Committee with a report by 31 August 2009 on their current strategies used to attract PWDs, also indicate if they are implementable or not. 10.8. That the department confirm to the committee by 31 August 2009 on the exact targeted number of children who will benefit from the school uniform. The report should also provide the number of pairs of shoes that were made in the communities, seeing that the HOD was not certain if it is 30 000 0r 40 000 pairs of shoes. 10.11. That the department provide the Committee by 31 August 2009 with a report outlining the plans to assist the local women to ensure that by the end of the financial year these women would have at least been profiled within the departments institutions. 10.12. The department should provide the Committee with a report, by 31 August 2009 indicating how they intend linking women who receive social grants

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to the EPWP, because this is a very interesting and worthwhile attempt

11.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Chairperson wishes to thank the MEC for Health and Social Development, Ms Qedani Mahlangu and her team, headed by Mr B Sibeko and Ms Ngcobo, for the preparation of the Budget Report and the efforts made in taking the Committee through the detail of the report and responding to questions raised by members. Highly appreciated is the selfless role of the Committee members of the Health and Social Development Portfolio Committee for their dedication and commitment: D Senokoanyane, A D Selepe, MA Mgcina, L J Lasindwa, N C Ndaba, M F Madlala, N Sikhakhane, J H Boers, J Bloom, N Campbell, C Motau, L Meshoe and T Wessels. To all our stakeholders, on behalf of the Portfolio Committee, the Support Staff, Hansard and indeed the Legislature, I would like to say we remain ever indebted to you and the thousands of people all of us serve in partnership. Thank you for your participation and we look forward for a better tomorrow, in spite of the beaconing hard times ahead of all of us. Last but not least, the Chairperson would like to acknowledge the support by the Researchers, Ms N Masuku and Ms T Motloung; the Acting Senior Committee Coordinator, Ms Vivian Moloi; the Administrative Assistant, Ms P Sigubudu; the Service Officer, MS Fikile Shabangu and Hansard staff, Mr S Minyuku and Ms R Singh. 12. ADOPTION OF THE REPORT

In accordance with Rules 153, the Committee hereby recommends that the House adopt the report on Budget Vote 6 of the Provincial Appropriation Bill [], taking into account observations and recommendations made in this report.

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