FREE STATE LEGISLATURE

FREE STATE LEGISLATURE

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE

Report on the provincial inputs regarding South African Social Security Agency Bill [B51B-2003]

1. Terms of Reference

The South African Social Security Agency Bill [B51B - 2003] has been referred to the Social Development and Health Committee by the Prioritising Committee on 24 October 2003.

2. Briefing

(1) On the 24 November 2003, Adv. J. Machaka, Assistant Legal Advisor of the Free State Legislature briefed the Committee on the legal substances and effects of the Bill.

(2) A Permanent Delegate, Dr. PJC Nel, briefed the Committee on the content of the Bill.

(3) Mr G. Roberts and Ms Naicker from the Provincial and National Department of Social Development made a presentation with regard to South African Social Security Agency Bill. The Bill provides for the establishment of the South African Social Security Agency to act as an agent for the consideration and payment of social assistance and the provision of services relating thereto; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

3. Consultation

The Committee considered the scope of consultation in the Bill and resolved that there was a need to provide stakeholders with copies of the Bill, to invite their inputs and to conduct public hearings.

4. Consideration

The Committee considered amendments to the Bill and further effected the following amendments:

Definition of "Minister"

After the second "Minister" to delete "of" and to substitute "responsible for".

Motivation: See definition of "Minister" in the Social Assistance Bill.

Definition of "social assistance" to delete "2003" and to substitute "2004"

Clause 4(a)

To delete "2003" and to substitute "2004"

Clause 5(4)

To delete "employment and".

Motivation: The word "labour" is sufficient as labour law includes employment law.

Clause 24(a)

To delete "2003" and to substitute "2004"

Clause 25

To delete "2003 and to substitute "2004"

General recommendations

The Committee recommends-

The appointment of medical officers by the Agency to administer social assistance.

That although the Committee acknowledges that the Agency will be a national structure by virtue of the Act, the Agency be a decentralized organizational structure, down to district level in order that people could have direct access to services.

That the Agency must ensure the separation of payments for child support grants and the other types of grants at pay points.

That the number of pay days at pay points be increased to reduce overcrowding

That the security officials at pay points be monitored to ensure that they do not abuse beneficiaries. i.e. bribery to avoid queuing etc.

The Agency should engage municipalities to consider passing by-laws to control hawkers at pay points.

5. Resolutions

The Committee resolved that:

1. The following negotiating mandate be conferred:

To support the Bill with the aforementioned amendments.

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MR P.E. NOE:CHAIRPERSON

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTH COMMITTEE

Free State Legislature

23 JANUARY 2004