COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT 2003

 

  1. COMMITTEE: PC ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

1.1 Chairperson: Mr E Saloojee

Period from 1994 to date

Chairperson’s Overview:

The year 2003 was, by far, the busiest for our Committee. Work on the legislation referred to our Committee and public hearings on the much talked about Taylor Commission Report nearly brought the Committee to its knee. Traveling to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu on oversight visits did little to ease the pressure that the Committee had to endure. The Committee was, nonetheless, equal to the task. The Committee’s burden could have been eased a great deal if the national Department of Social Development been time-conscious in its dealings with the Committee, particularly in respect to the introduction of legislation to parliament for consideration by our Committee. The late introduction of legislation, among other things, attracted a lot of unwarranted bad publicity for the Committee.

Taking seriously the President and the incumbent government’s initiative of "pushing back the frontiers of poverty and broadening access to a better life for all", the committee prioritized the task of making a meaningful contribution towards poverty alleviation this year. It committed itself to, among other things, ensure that the existing state resources, human and otherwise, were used optimally and efficiently to the enhancement and development of our society. This was over and above its ongoing oversight function of ensuring that transformation and service delivery reach optimal levels in government institutions.

The committee’s commitment was clearly manifested in the strategy it employed to conduct its business this year. A series of activities and briefings was arranged to give meaning to its commitment. This started with the scrutinization of the Department of Social Development’s budget vote with a deliberate bias towards its poverty alleviation programmes. The Department was, on more than one occasion, called to brief the Committee on such pertinent issues as the National Food Emergency Scheme (NFES) with the focus on the distribution of food relief to alleviate poverty. The National Development Agency’s anti-poverty programme was also placed under the committee’s spotlight. The committee also undertook oversight visits to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal with the sole aim of assessing the state of service delivery, with particular focus, on the area of poverty alleviation.

 

The Committee, after a long struggle, finally managed to stage public hearings on the much talked about Taylor Commission Report. The buzz and interest shown on the Report attested to its seriousness. Subsequent to the public hearings on the Taylor Commission Report, the committee was belatedly referred 4 pieces of legislation for consideration, namely the Social Assistance and Social Security Agency Bills. The referral of the two Bills brought havoc, to put it mildly, to the committee’s programme, as it was not expected. The committee, however, reorganized its activities and began to diligently deliberate on the Bills and subsequently finalizing work on them.

1.2 Objectives:

 

1.3 List of entities that appeared before the Committee:

(A) South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP) - As a public administrative body, the SACSSP is governed by the democratic values and principles
enshrined in the Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) and in particular as set out in section 195(1) of the Constitution, as the basic values and principles governing public administration.

The Council serves the interests of social service consumers and professions through the development, promotion and maintenance of training, ethical conduct and professional service within the developmental social welfare framework.

(B) National Development Agency (NDA) - The NDA is a statutory body that contributes towards the eradication of poverty and its causes. It will do this through the provision and facilitation of:


- Development funding.


- Capacity building.


- Research and policy development.


- Dialogue.


- Strategic intent; supporting government and civil society development action.

© National Treasury

(D) National Department of Social Development

(E) National Department of Justice and Constitutional Development

(F) Office of the MEC for Social Development – Eastern Cape

(G) Cash Paymaster Services (CPS)

(H) Nelson Mandela-Human Sciences Research Council

  1. SUPPORT:

2.1 Control Committee Secretary: Mrs T Lyons

Period: 14 June 2002 to date

2.2 Committee Secretary: Mr MC Fukula

Period: 17 February 2003 to date

Committee Assistant: Ms D Martin

Period: 01 May 2001 to April 2003

Committee Assistant: Mrs A Kakaza

Period: July 2003 to date

2.4 Secretary to Chairperson: Ms Gadija Osman

Period from 01 July 2001 to 14 April 2003

Secretary to Chairperson: Ms D Makhetha

Period from 14 April 2003 to date

    1. Researcher (Research Unit): Mr F Abrahams

Period from 01 January 2002 to date

    1. Legal Support: Advocate Pierre Du Preez

      2. State law advisors: Ms Fazlin Omar and Ms Carin Booysen

    2. Substitutes while staff on long leave and internship programs:

Committee Secretary/Controller: Mr T Madima

Period: 01 November 2002 to 14 February 2003 (acted as a substitute for Mrs Lyons while on sick and maternity leave).

  1. COMPOSITION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP:

    2.

    Member name and Party

    Appointment date

    Discharge date

    African National Congress

    		    

    Bhengu, Mr F

    1994

    		  

    Chalmers, Ms J

    1994

    		  

    Dlamini BO*

    17 September 2002

    		  

    Jassat, Dr EE*

    17 September 2002

    		  

    Kasienyane, Ms OR

    1994

    		  

    Lamani, Ms NE

    17 September 2002

    		  

    Mabena, Mr DC*

    31 August 2001

    		  

    Makasi, Ms XC

    1994

    		  

    Masutha, Mr MT*

    1994

    		  

    Mbadi, Prof LM

    13 May 2003

    		  

    Newhoudt-Druchen, Ms WS*

    1994

    		  

    Ramotsamai, Ms CMP

    15 October 2002

    		  

    Rwexana, Ms SP

    15 October 2002

    		  

    Saloojee, Mr E

    1994

    		  

    September, Ms CC

    1994

    		  

    Solo, Mr BM

    17 September 2002

    		  

    Sotyu, Ms MM*

    17 September 2002

    		  

    Tsheole, Ms NM

    1994

    		  

    Tshivhase, Ms TJ

    1994

    		  

    Tshwete, Ms P*

    15 October 2002

    		  
         

    Democratic Alliance

    		    

    Borman, Ms GM

    13 May 2003

    		  

    Da Camara, Mr M

    February 2002

    		  

    Waters, Mr M*

    13 May 2003

    		  
         

    Inkatha Freedom Party

    		    

    Mars, Ms I

    15 March 2000

    		  

    Ngema, Mr MV*

    26 September 2002

    		  
         

    New National Party

    		    

    Van Jaarsveld, Mr AZA

    1998

    		  
         

    United Democratic Movement

    		    

    Nkabinde, Ms NC

    16 April 2003

    		  

    Mbadi, Prof LM

    Crossed over 12 May 2003

    		  
         

    African Christian Democratic Party

    		    

    Southgate, Ms RM

    1999

    		  
         

    United Christian Democratic Party

    		    

    Seeco, Ms MA*

    13 February 2002

    		  
         

    Minority Front

    		    

    Rajbally, Ms S

    1999

    		  
         

    Azanian Peoples Organisation

    		    

    Nefolovhodwe, Mr P*

    13 February 2002

    		  

    * indicates an alternate member

  2. LEGISLATION DEALT WITH:

    3.

    Bill No.

    Name

    Public Hearing

    No of Submissions

    Amendments

    No of hrs spent

    Report tabled

    [B51 – 2003]

    Social Security Agency Bill

    Yes

    20

    Amendments were made to the original (introduced) version of the Bill.

    180

    Yes

    [B57 – 2003]

    Social Assistance Bill

    Yes

    20

    Amendments were made to the original (introduced) version of the Bill.

    180

    Yes

    [B68 – 2003]

    Older Persons Bill

    No

    None

    N/A

    2

    No

    [B70 – 2003]

    Children’s Bill

    No

    None

    N/A

    6

    No

     

  3. SUMMARY OF NUMBER OF APPEARANCES BEFORE COMMITTEE:

    1. Minister: Zero
      2.

      Deputy Minister: The national Department of Social Development does not have a Deputy Minister.

    2. Government Officials: 30
    4. CEOs of Statutory Bodies and Public Entities: 2 – SACSSP and NDA CEOs

  1. OTHER MATTERS DEALT WITH:

    1. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Subject

Date of meeting

No. of Submissions

No. of hours spent

Report tabled

Hearings on the Taylor Report

09-10 June 2003

30

60

Yes

Hearings on the Social Assistance and Social Security Agency Bills

22-23 September 2003

28

60

Yes

 

Other matters dealt with (e.g. Briefings, Green Paper, White Paper, Committee Policy Documents)

AGENDA

ACTION TO BE TAKEN

DATE DISCUSSED

Briefing by Nelson Mandela-Human Sciences Research Council on the findings of its study of research HIV/AIDS trends

Continuous monitoring of progress made

05 February 2003

Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the directives on Social Assistance and National Social Security Agency Bills/legislations

Continuous monitoring of progress made

26 February 2003

Briefing by the Department of Social Development on its strategic objectives for medium-term budget analysis.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

05 March 2003

Briefing by the South African Council for Social Service Professions on Regulations with regard to the establishment of professional boards in the social service field.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

11 March 2003

Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the Food emergency Scheme.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

12 March 2003

Briefing by the Eastern Cape’s MEC for Welfare Office on social security delivery in the province.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

28 March 2003

Briefing by the National Development Agency on its anti-poverty programme.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

31 March 2003

Briefing by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development on progress made with regard to the resolutions made by the Parliamentary Task Group on the sexual abuse of children.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

02 April 2003

The Department of Social Development briefed the committee on its financing policy towards Non-governmental organizations doing work falling within the purview of social development.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

14 April 2003

The Department of Social Development briefed the committee on the Draft South African Social Security Agency Bill.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

21 May 2003

Briefing by the National Department of Social Development on the Draft Social Relief Fund Bill.

Continuous monitoring of progress made

04 June 2003

Adoption of the Eastern Cape trip report; and a briefing by the Eastern Cape MEC Office for Social Development, Provincial Standing Committee on Social Development and Cash Paymaster Services on the reported problems around pay points in Qumbu and Mqanduli areas and the resultant death of a beneficiary while queuing for a social grant

The Eastern Cape trip report was adopted.

18 June 2003

Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the legal processes and progress to date.

  

25 June 2003

Informal consideration of Chapters 5 and 6 of the 4th Economic and Social Rights Report by the South African Human Rights Commission.

Call the DSD to brief the Committee on what it had done with regard to issues raised in SAHRC Report

06 August 2003

An orientation briefing by the Department of Social Development on the Social Security Agency Bill.

Arrange for further briefings on the Bill

20 August 2003

Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the Social Assistance Bill (continues).

Arrange for further briefings on the Bill

27 August 2003

Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the Social Assistance Bill (continues).

Move towards deliberation of the Bill.

29 August 2003

Deliberations on the Social Security Agency Bill

Continue with deliberations

03 September 2003

Deliberations on the Social Assistance Bill

Continue with deliberations on the Bill

05 September 2003

Informal exchange of information on issues pertaining social security system in South Africa between the PC on Social Development and the visiting French delegation

  

08 September 2003

Deliberation on the Social Assistance Bill

Continue with deliberations on the Bill.

09 September 2003

Briefing by the Treasury on the financing of social grants

  

17 September 2003

Briefing by the Department on the transitional issues pertaining to the planned Social Security Agency.

  

19 September 2003

Deliberation on the Social Security Agency and Social Assistance Bill

  

07 October 2003

Deliberation on the Social Security Agency and Social Assistance Bill

Continue with deliberations on the Bill.

08 October 2003

Deliberation on the Social Security Agency and Social Assistance Bill (3rd Drafts) (continuation from 08 October).

Continue with deliberations on the Bill.

09 October 2003

Deliberation on the Social Security Agency and Social Assistance Bill

Continue with deliberations on the Bills.

13 October 2003

Deliberation on the Social Security Agency and Social Assistance Bill

Continue with deliberations on the Bills.

14 October 2003

Formal consideration of the Social Assistance [B57-2003] Bill; and

Adoption of the Report of the Public Hearings on Social Security Agency and Social Assistance Bills.
  • The Bill was finalised and approved.
  • The Report on the two Bills was adopted.

15 October 2003

Formal consideration of the Social Security Agency [B51-2003] Bill.

The Bill was finalised and approved.

15 October 2003

Briefing by the Department of Social Development on the Older Persons and Children’s Bills.

Arrange for public hearings on the Bills.

12 November 2003

Deliberations on the Children’s Bill

Arrange for public hearings on the Bill.

14 November 2003

Deliberations on the Children’s Bill

Arrange for public hearings on the Bill.

19 November 2003

 

 

b. INTERNATIONAL VISITS: STUDY TOUR TO KERALA, INDIA.

Period

Purpose of visit

Number and names of Members

Number of Staff

Report Tabled

Costs

04-11 February 2003

The Committee visited Kerala with the following objectives in mind:

  • To interact with state and local government officials and policy-makers involved in social development projects. These projects would range from poverty reduction programmes to the delivery of developmental services to low-income communities.

  • To gain insight into the operation of anti-poverty programmes and delivery systems on the ground.

  • To get an understanding of the nature of the partnerships between government and civil society that facilitate the successful implementation of development strategies.

5 members

  • Mr. E. Saloojee (ANC).

  • Dr. E.E. Jassat (ANC),

  • Ms. O.R. Kasienyane (ANC),

  • Mr. N.J. Clelland-Stokes (DA).

  • Mr. M.V. Ngema (IFP).

2 members

  • Mr. F. Abrahams (Parliamentary Researcher).

  • Mr. T. Madima (Committee Secretary)

Yes

  

  1. INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOLS AND AGREEMENTS: None

    2.

    Subject

    Date of meeting

    Date Report Tabled

    No. of hours spent

    Date and type of referral

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

     

  2. OVERSIGHT VISITS

    1. PROVINCIAL VISITS:

Period

Purpose of visit

Recommendations

Number of members

Date Report tabled

05-09 May 2003

Our committee together with the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs were mandated to visit the Eastern Cape to monitor the ID campaign and registration of births spearheaded by the Department of Home Affairs whose aim was to ensure that as many people as possible qualified for social security benefits, and were also able to vote in 2004 elections.

The Departments should revisit the systems that they implement when dealing with applications in rural and remote areas. Greater flexibility and a more integrated approach is important for the successful delivery of these services.

The morale of the staff of both Departments needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency. The physical environment need to be improved and it is important to address the factors contributing to low moral.

Management at the offices must be lifted to an acceptable level. Evaluation of managers and the identification of their shortcomings must be done so that intervention can take place as a matter of urgency.

The principle of Batho Pele should be reinforced through thorough training and recommitment to the principle. Thereafter, ongoing evaluation of the successful implementation should take place to ensure that, where necessary, early intervention can take place.

An audit of the physical state of all offices should be embarked upon as a matter of urgency. This audit should determine the suitability of current offices in so far as the physical state of the offices are concerned, the suitability of offices in dealing with the system requirements, the resource requirements of offices, etc. The audit should be followed up with a clear program with the Department of Public Works and a plan to resource the offices sufficiently should be developed. The audit should also address the needs of clients when they visit these offices so as to ensure that they access these services with dignity.

The shortage of staff should be addressed and efforts should be made to ensure that staff is multi-skilled and committed.

Corruption should be dealt with in the hardest possible terms, which should include severe punishment for perpetrators, and rooted out at all levels. Good service should make it impossible to get involved in corruption or for others to seek the opportunity to corrupt officials.

A clear and agreed plan for distribution of documentation must be embarked upon. This plan should consist of all Departments involved, local authorities, the community, schools and the churches. Communication channels should be opened between all roll players to ensure the success of distribution.

The Department of Home Affairs should embark upon a special programme to address the general problem of incorrect ages and names in ID documents. The Department should go out of its way to deal with this problem in a decisive manner and ensure that this problem does not re-occur.

It is further recommended that those involved in the programme do a proper evaluation of the programme and record the best possible ways in dealing with the programme so that it can be implemented throughout.

The continuation of this programme at all levels must be ensured. This should not only be for the period just before the elections, but should become part of the routine, ongoing programme of the lead Departments.

Oversight of the programme must also be continued.

Home Affairs and Social Development should constantly be taken to task for their poor performance in many critical areas.

Government should take the initiative and make it possible for the poor and desperate to receive their IDs while waiving the cost of ID photos. The budget for the ID programme should be increased considerably, and local authorities should be encouraged to buy cameras to assist with access to photographs.

 

4

  • Mr Cassim Saloojee (ANC).

  • Prof LM Mbadi (ANC),

  • Mr F Bhengu (ANC),

  • Mr ET Ferreira (IFP),

Yes

11-16 August 2003

The Committee undertook a study tour to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to oversee the state of social security delivery there. The Eastern Cape trip was envisaged to be only a two-day visit focussed mainly on receiving an update on progress and the way-forward following the Committee’s recent visit to the province in May 2003 as well as the briefing by the MEC for Social Development’s Office in the Eastern Cape on the reported problems surrounding pay points in areas such as Mqanduli and Qumbu and the resultant death of a social grant beneficiary. Such a trip will be taken in transit to KwaZulu-Natal.

 

8

  • Prof L Mbadi (ANC).
  • Ms K Rwexana (ANC).
  • Ms Ramotsamai (ANC).
  • Ms Nkabinde (UDM).
  • Ms I Mars (IFP).
  • Ms G Borman (DP).
  • Ms Rajbally (MF).

Not yet tabled

 

9. SPONSORSHIP: NONE RECEIVED

Donor

Purpose

POs Approval Date

Amount

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

  1. Financial statements from 01 April 2003 – 30 November 2003

CODE

DESCRIPTION

DEBITS/WITHDRAWALS

CREDITS/DEPOSITS

BALANCE
 

OPENING BALANCE

    

250,000.00

1005

SUBSISTENCE DOMESTIC: HOTEL

24,735.00

  

225,262.00

1005

SUBSISTENCE DOMESTIC: MEALS

45,881.60

  

179,380.40

1005

SUBSISTENCE ATTENDANCE

    

0.00

1005

SUBSISTENCE TRAVEL

3,000.00

  

176,380.40

1004

INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPATION

    

0.00

1006

TRAVEL AIR: DOMESTIC

53,643.00

  

122,737.40

1004

MILEAGE CLAIMS

9,000.00

  

113,737.40

1004

HEARINGS

    

0.00

1004

GIFTS

    

0.00

1004

WORKSHOP FEES

    

0.00
 

TOTAL

136,262.60

  

113,737.40
 

CLOSING BALANCE AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2003

113,737.40

    

11. OUTSTANDING MATTERS:

 

12. FORMAL ADOPTION OF ANNUAL REPORT BY THE COMMITTEE:

Annual Report of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development was adopted on……………..2004

………………………………….. ………………………

Mr E Saloojee DATE

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON

 

 

…………………………………… ……………………….

Mr MC Fukula DATE

COMMITTEE SECRETARY

 

 

…………………………………… ………………………

Ms T Lyons DATE

CONTROL COMMITTEE SECRETARY