DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Presentation Welfare and Population Development Portfolio Committee on the Developmental Welfare Governance Bill, 1999
27 September 2000
CHRONOLOGY
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16/4/99 – DG met with NICC and raised concerns about draft proposed by NICC
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May 99 – NICC reviewed draft
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31/5/99 – revised draft submitted to Minister by the NICC for further action
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8/7/99 to 23/8/99 - draft consulted with Provinces and changes proposed
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7/9/99 - changes discussed with NICC
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27/9/99 – draft approved by MINMEC for submission to Cabinet
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1/12/99 – Cabinet approved draft Bill, subject to removal of clauses 11 and 12
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17/12/99 - Bill published for comment
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6/3/2000 - extended deadline for comment
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8/3/2000 – presentation to Portfolio Committee and requested public hearings on the Bill
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August 2000 – Bill tabled in Parliament
WHY HAVE THE BILL
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Primary aim of the Bill is to facilitate and consolidate participation of civil society in formulating public policy
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Proposed Council to be an important vehicle for consultation
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Bill is important legislative vehicle for transformation of the welfare sector, redressing imbalances of the past
LINK TO 10 POINT PLAN
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Co-operative governance: social development in partnership with civil society
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Re-direction of welfare resources to rural poor and historically disadvantaged
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Re-orientation of social welfare workers to social development
CONSULTATIONS
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Over 70 submissions received from:
-National Councils
-Welfare Forums and service providers
-Tertiary institutions
-National departments
-Provincial departments
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Positive about intention of Bill but concerned about certain aspects
ISSUES RAISED
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Clause 3: Objectives of the Council
-Unrealistic
-Advisory rather than policy formulation
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Clause 4: Powers of Council
-Powers are primarily advisory and not "real" powers
-Clarity needed on powers to review national budgetary allocation
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Clause 5: Duties of the Council
-List of duties may be unrealistic, given the proposed composition (9) and the resources required
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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
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Resources required:
-Some view estimate of R 686 000 000 per annum as excessive, others say it is too little
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Selection and appointment of Council:
-Need for transparency
-Role of Portfolio Committee
CONCLUSION
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Department is committed to the aims of the Bill – important for effective delivery on the Ten Point Plan
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Minister has demonstrated through action his commitment to partnership with civil society
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Department will provide resources for implementation
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Wide consultation on this important legislation is essential – request the Portfolio Committee to hold public hearings
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Department must be informed of major changes as soon as practicable as these may have budgetary implications