DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Presentation Welfare and Population Development Portfolio Committee on the Developmental Welfare Governance Bill, 1999
27 September 2000

CHRONOLOGY
·
16/4/99 – DG met with NICC and raised concerns about draft proposed by NICC
· May 99 – NICC reviewed draft
· 31/5/99 – revised draft submitted to Minister by the NICC for further action
· 8/7/99 to 23/8/99 - draft consulted with Provinces and changes proposed
· 7/9/99 - changes discussed with NICC
· 27/9/99 – draft approved by MINMEC for submission to Cabinet
· 1/12/99 – Cabinet approved draft Bill, subject to removal of clauses 11 and 12
· 17/12/99 - Bill published for comment
· 6/3/2000 - extended deadline for comment
· 8/3/2000 – presentation to Portfolio Committee and requested public hearings on the Bill
· August 2000 – Bill tabled in Parliament

WHY HAVE THE BILL
·
Primary aim of the Bill is to facilitate and consolidate participation of civil society in formulating public policy
· Proposed Council to be an important vehicle for consultation
· Bill is important legislative vehicle for transformation of the welfare sector, redressing imbalances of the past

LINK TO 10 POINT PLAN
·
Co-operative governance: social development in partnership with civil society
· Re-direction of welfare resources to rural poor and historically disadvantaged
· Re-orientation of social welfare workers to social development

CONSULTATIONS
·
Over 70 submissions received from:
-National Councils
-Welfare Forums and service providers
-Tertiary institutions
-National departments
-Provincial departments
· Positive about intention of Bill but concerned about certain aspects

ISSUES RAISED
·
Clause 3: Objectives of the Council
-Unrealistic
-Advisory rather than policy formulation
· Clause 4: Powers of Council
-Powers are primarily advisory and not "real" powers
-Clarity needed on powers to review national budgetary allocation
· Clause 5: Duties of the Council
-List of duties may be unrealistic, given the proposed composition (9) and the resources required
· Clause 6: Composition of Council
-Relatively high representation of government
-Little or no representation from grassroots
-No representation of local government
-No representation of organised labour
-Representation assumes common interest amongst groups
-Domination of national councils vs lack of adequate representation of national councils
· Resources required:
-Some view estimate of R 686 000 000 per annum as excessive, others say it is too little
· Selection and appointment of Council:
-Need for transparency
-Role of Portfolio Committee

CONCLUSION
·
Department is committed to the aims of the Bill – important for effective delivery on the Ten Point Plan
· Minister has demonstrated through action his commitment to partnership with civil society
· Department will provide resources for implementation
· Wide consultation on this important legislation is essential – request the Portfolio Committee to hold public hearings
· Department must be informed of major changes as soon as practicable as these may have budgetary implications