Gauteng Social Development website states on their website the following: The Gauteng Department of Social Development envisions a compassionate and empowered society, aiming to transform our community by nurturing aware and competent individuals through comprehensive social development services.
Aligned with this vision, the Department is committed to achieving strategic goals focused on: bolstering core operations to deliver impactful services; delivering integrated developmental welfare services efficiently and effectively to diverse recipients, prioritizing children, youth, older persons, individuals with disabilities, and women; and implementing targeted anti-poverty initiatives, youth development programs, and women's empowerment services to foster sustainable livelihoods among beneficiaries.
In recent events as stated in multiple articles by various media houses and political leaders the opposite is true.
DA Applauds High Court's Rejection of GDSD's Bid to Halt NPO Protest (15 March 2024, Refiloe Nt’selje MPL, DA Gauteng MEC for Social Development Media Release)
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the recent judgment by the South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, which dismissed the Gauteng Department of Social Development's (GDSD) attempt to block the planned silent sit-in protest by Gauteng Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) on March 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2024, at the department's building.
The court's decision, coupled with the awarding of costs against the department, reaffirms the fundamental right to peaceful protest enshrined in the constitution. The GDSD's failure to substantiate claims of potential violence or anonymity concealment further undermined its case.
The GDSD's sluggishness in providing feedback on funding applications to NPOs, coupled with a lack of communication regarding the progress of the process, raises serious concerns. With the new financial year looming, the absence of signed service level agreements (SLAs) leaves NPOs uncertain about the status of their funding applications.
The GDSD's hasty appeal in response to a social media announcement of the silent protest reflects a desperate attempt to stifle dissent. This move underscores the department's reluctance to engage constructively with NPOs for the betterment of the province's vulnerable residents.
The DA maintains that NPOs are essential partners in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society. The choice now rests with the residents of Gauteng to decide between a government that respects constitutional rights and one that seeks to undermine them.
Vulnerable Gauteng Residents Continue to Suffer as DSD Slashes NPO Funding by R400 Million Refiloe Nt’selje MPL, DA Gauteng MEC for Social Development Published on March 18, 2024
Gauteng's non-profit organizations (NPOs) and their beneficiaries are facing a grim future following a significant reduction in funding by the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD). The department has cut the NPOs' budget by R400 million, dropping from the main appropriation budget of R2.30 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year to R1.96 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The overall budget of the department has also witnessed a decrease from R5.5 billion in the 2023/2024 financial year to R5.4 billion in the 2024/2025 budget, as disclosed in the 2024/2025 Estimates of Provincial Revenue and Expenditure presented by Gauteng MEC for Finance, Jacob Mamabolo, during the provincial budget speech.
This reduction comes as a double blow to Gauteng's NPO sector, compounded by the failure of the GDSD to adjudicate the business plans of NPOs whose funding expires on March 31, 2024.
The decision to cut funding for NPOs that are performing well while increasing funding to underperforming ones raises serious questions about the accountability, foresight, and sensitivity of the current government towards the needs and challenges faced by the province's most vulnerable residents.
Last year, the department attempted to reprioritize funds without consulting the NPOs, prompting intensive negotiations initiated by welfare organizations, supported by the Democratic Alliance (DA), to reverse this decision. However, it seems the department has not learned from this mistake. It should recognize that NPOs are crucial partners, and funding them is not a mere favor but a necessity for the welfare of the most vulnerable residents.
These budget cuts threaten the survival of many NGOs, as they may be forced to shut down due to an inability to pay salaries and continue providing essential services. Both beneficiaries and NPO staff members will be left in a lurch, as the department cannot absorb them.
The people of Gauteng hold the power to choose their government through their vote. On May 29, 2024, they have the opportunity to elect a government that either alienates NPOs, staff, and beneficiaries or a DA government that respects NPOs as genuine government partners. A DA government understands the critical role NPOs play in reaching communities that the government cannot, recognizing that funding NPOs is not a favor but a vital support for the most vulnerable residents. Such a government would view NPOs as an extension of the government, deserving to be consulted and heard when making adjustments to the department's budget.
Gauteng's Most Vulnerable Suffer Due to Delays in NPO Funding (Refiloe Nt’selje MPL, DA Gauteng MEC for Social Development, 24 March)
The Gauteng Department of Social Development's (GDSD) delays in finalizing the adjudication process for Non-Profit Organization (NPO) funding are causing anxiety and uncertainty among Gauteng residents reliant on NPOs for social welfare and services.
Typically, NPOs sign Service Level Agreements (SLAs) by mid-March to ensure timely payments at the start of the new financial year on April 1st. However, this year's delays leave NPOs and their beneficiaries in limbo, unsure of their future.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) expresses deep concern over the secrecy and delays surrounding the funding adjudication process. Premier Panyaza Lesufi's assertion of open tender processes contrasts sharply with the opaqueness of the current NPO funding adjudication.
Moreover, concerns arise regarding the composition of the adjudication committee, with NPOs reporting brief site visits conducted by uninformed staff labeled as "brigades," instead of knowledgeable social workers.
MEC Mbali Hlophe's assurance that NPOs would sign SLAs in February 2024 remains unfulfilled, as the adjudication process only commenced on March 11, 2024, and is purportedly a two-week procedure. This failure exacerbates the erosion of trust between the department and NPOs.
The DA demands swift action from Premier Lesufi and MEC Hlophe to address the turmoil caused by unnecessary delays in the adjudication process. Tabling oral questions regarding the adjudication committee and ongoing forensic audits aims to rectify deviations from established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) negotiated with NPOs in April 2022.
The DA remains committed to collaborating with Gauteng NPOs, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon SOPs to safeguard the welfare of the province's most vulnerable residents.
Every Child Deserves Love, Care, and Protection: Government Sounds Alarm on Rise in Baby Dumping (The Citizen, 26 March, Chulumanco Mahamba)
The South African government has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of abandoned children in the country, labeling it as a significant challenge.
Emphasizing that every child deserves love, care, and protection, the government urged the public to seek help when facing difficulties, highlighting that abandoning a child deprives them of their fundamental rights and jeopardizes their well-being.
Parenting is acknowledged as a challenging task, and seeking support from friends, family, or community organizations is encouraged as a sign of strength, not weakness, according to a government statement issued on Tuesday.
Recent incidents of child abandonment have underscored the severity of the issue. On March 15, the Lusikisiki police in the Eastern Cape appealed for assistance in locating the mother of a newborn baby girl discovered near a funeral parlour in the CBD. Similarly, on February 25, a newborn baby boy was rescued from rubble in Helushe village, Eastern Cape, during a church service.
The Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, condemned the abandonment of children, emphasizing the importance of handing them over to social workers instead.
In another incident on January 27, a newborn baby boy was found abandoned next to the SPCA office in Parys, Free State. The police urged the public to provide information to locate the baby's mother or family.
These incidents highlight the urgent need for collective action to address the root causes of child abandonment and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable children across South Africa.
Edenvale Care Centre Hospice Faces Funding Cut from Gauteng Department of Health ( 27 March, 2024, Stephan Lehman,Bedfordview and Edenvale News)
The Edenvale Care Centre Hospice, which had recently achieved some financial stability, was dealt a significant blow when the Gauteng Department of Health informed them that their funding application for palliative care services for the 2024/2025 financial year was unsuccessful.
The NPO received a letter from the department on March 15, citing that they did not meet the requirements for NPO funding, although the specific requirements were not disclosed in the letter.
Marlene Hooper, the manager of the centre, expressed devastation upon receiving the news, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on her. Despite the setback, Hooper remains determined to keep the care centre's doors open, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in providing dignity and care to patients who often have nowhere else to turn.
Hooper raised concerns about the fate of patients who rely on the centre's services if it were to close and emphasized the importance of ensuring that the care centre remains operational for the sake of its staff members as well.
Despite attempts to seek clarification from the department, Hooper received no response to her inquiries, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
In response to the funding cut, Hooper called upon the community and businesses to support the centre through partnerships, financial contributions, and donations of essential items needed to continue providing care to patients.
Despite the challenges, Hooper remains hopeful and determined to overcome this setback, emphasizing the importance of remaining positive and resilient during this difficult time.
As of the time of printing, no comment was received from the Gauteng Department of Health regarding the funding cut.
Controversy Surrounds Gauteng Department's Plan to Take Over Adoption Services (News 24, Daniel Steyn, 7 May 2024)
The Gauteng Department of Social Development's decision to assume control of adoption services has sparked controversy, especially in light of a 2022 court ruling that deemed the department's conduct "unlawful" and declared national adoption guidelines unconstitutional.
Despite ongoing legal challenges, the department is proceeding with plans to transition adoption services from non-profit organizations, citing concerns about potential commercialization and human trafficking. In a memo sent to child protection organizations, the department announced its intention to cease funding for adoption social workers at non-profits, asserting its capability to offer adoption services free of charge.
However, critics argue that fears of commercialization are exaggerated, pointing out the strict regulations governing adoption fees under the Children's Act. Fees, which are capped and primarily cover salaries and administrative costs, ensure the sustainability of non-profit organizations providing adoption services. Moreover, the specialized legal work involved in adoptions raises doubts about the department's ability to efficiently manage the process.
The controversy surrounding the department's move is compounded by the 2022 court ruling, which highlighted instances of harassment and unfair treatment by department social workers. The ruling underscored the need for voluntary consent in adoptions and criticized the department's conduct for impeding the adoption process.
Despite the court's findings, little has changed in the department's operations, with social workers continuing to operate under the same management as before the court case. The lack of accountability and failure to address systemic issues raise concerns about the department's readiness to assume control of adoption services.
As legal battles persist and concerns mount, stakeholders advocate for transparency, adherence to legal standards, and the preservation of crucial adoption services for vulnerable children and families.
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development
School Uniform Contractors Left in Lurch as MEC Hlophe Fails to Pay (8 May, 2024)
Contractors engaged by the Gauteng Department of Social Development to supply new school uniforms find themselves in dire straits as they remain unpaid for services rendered since December 2023.
Several of these cooperatives have reached out to the Democratic Alliance (DA), disclosing that they have initiated a sit-in protest at the department's provincial headquarters since Monday, 6 May 2024. They are determined not to vacate the premises until they receive payment for their work from MEC Mbali Hlophe's office.
Such neglect of contractual obligations is utterly unacceptable and flagrantly breaches the terms and conditions set forth by the department and the contractors. While this conduct is shocking, it sadly aligns with the department's consistent disregard for both its service providers and those it purports to serve.
The DA unequivocally demands that the MEC promptly fulfill her obligations and settle the outstanding payments owed to these contractors. We will remain in close contact with the affected parties to provide support and assistance in securing what rightfully belongs to them.
Gauteng residents are faced with a critical choice: continue enduring mistreatment under the ANC government or seize control by electing a DA administration that prioritizes honoring contractual agreements and upholding the dignity of vulnerable women who rely on these payments for their livelihoods.
Gauteng Schools Grapple with Infrastructure Failures: News 24 Investigation (8 May 2024, Daniel Steyn, Kimberly Mutandiro and Raymond Joseph)
Recent investigations by News 24 have uncovered alarming deficiencies in school infrastructure across Gauteng, shedding light on a crisis affecting both students and educators. The report, published on [insert date], reveals a landscape of dilapidated buildings and inadequate sanitation facilities, posing serious risks to the safety and well-being of those within the education system.
According to News 24's findings, many schools in Gauteng are plagued by crumbling infrastructure, creating unsafe learning environments. Structural issues in school buildings compromise the fundamental right to a safe and conducive learning environment, hindering academic progress and jeopardizing the well-being of students and staff members alike.
Moreover, inadequate sanitation facilities emerge as another pressing concern, with a significant number of schools lacking basic amenities such as functioning toilets and clean water sources. This failure to provide essential facilities reflects systemic neglect and raises questions about the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being of its citizens, particularly vulnerable members of society.
In response to these revelations, stakeholders have called for urgent action from the Gauteng Department of Education to address the infrastructure crisis in schools. Civil society organizations, educational experts, and concerned citizens have urged provincial authorities to allocate sufficient resources and implement effective strategies to rectify the deficiencies highlighted in News 24's investigation.
The findings underscore the need for transparency, accountability, and proactive governance in addressing the challenges facing Gauteng's education system. As the custodian of public education, the government has a duty to prioritize the well-being and future prospects of learners by investing in safe and conducive learning environments
Minister Lindiwe Zulu Advocates for NPOs' Role in Adoption Services Amid Departmental Discrepancy (10 May, Nkosikhona Duma News 24)
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has voiced her support for non-profit organizations (NPOs) to continue providing adoption services, despite the Gauteng Department of Social Development's plans to take over these services. Zulu's stance highlights a discrepancy within the government regarding the management of adoption services.
Contrary to Gauteng Department of Social Development's direction, Zulu emphasized that the government lacks the capacity to solely handle adoption services, stressing the importance of collaboration between the government and NPOs. She underscored the role of NPOs in ensuring compliance with the Children's Act and cautioned against profit-driven practices within the adoption sector.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development's decision to proceed with taking over adoption services comes in the wake of a 2022 Gauteng High Court ruling, which deemed the department's conduct regarding adoption services unlawful and unconstitutional. Despite this ruling, the department is appealing the decision, delaying resolution on the matter.
Former department head Matilda Gasela's memo dated April 9, 2024, revealed the department's intention to cease funding adoption social workers at NPOs, citing the department's purported ability to offer the service independently. This move has raised concerns about the department's capacity to manage adoption services effectively and meet legal requirements.
Department spokesperson Themba Gadebe alleged that NPOs had commercialized adoption services, further fueling the department's decision to take control. However, an NPO director refuted these claims, highlighting the regulated use of funds and expressing doubts about the department's readiness to manage adoption services.
Zulu's remarks reflect the complexity of the situation, acknowledging the importance of NPOs while addressing concerns about accountability and ethical practices within the adoption sector. The ongoing legal battles and administrative challenges underscore the need for clarity and collaboration to ensure the well-being of children and families involved in adoption processes.
Gauteng Social Development Department in Disarray: Thousands Abandoned Amidst Corruption Allegations (14 May 2024 | By GroundUp Editors Groundview | Gauteng )
The Gauteng Department of Social Development is facing a severe crisis, leaving thousands of vulnerable individuals without crucial support. Years of mismanagement and corruption allegations have plunged the department into chaos, with dire consequences for those reliant on its services.
Led by MEC Mbali Hlophe, who also oversees Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development, the department's budget of R5.46 billion is stretched thin amidst one crisis after another. Subsidized organizations serving over 30,000 people and employing at least 285 individuals are experiencing funding cuts, resulting in closures, retrenchments, and reduced services. Shelters for survivors of violence are shutting down, while food banks struggle to operate, with some forced to close their doors, leaving thousands of parcels undistributed.
Meanwhile, reports of questionable fund allocation raise concerns about financial mismanagement. The Beauty Hub, a hair and beauty training entity, received substantial grants totaling almost R64 million, despite funding shortages elsewhere. Additionally, the department's decision to take over child adoption services from established organizations contradicts National Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu's assertion that the government lacks the capacity to manage adoptions independently.
Forensic audits initiated by Matilda Gasela, amid corruption allegations against her, have led to the suspension of numerous department officials. However, transparency regarding these investigations remains elusive, with little information disclosed to the public. Gasela's departure from the department amidst fresh allegations further underscores the depth of the crisis.
Despite promises of transparency and accountability, the department has failed to address mounting concerns and has stonewalled requests for funding records. Recent protests by sewing cooperatives demanding payment for school uniforms highlight the department's disregard for its obligations.
Tens of thousands of individuals, many in desperate need, are left abandoned by a department engulfed in dysfunction and maladministration, with little action from the Premier or his cabinet to resolve the crisis. The situation calls for urgent intervention to restore trust, accountability, and effective governance within the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
In a recent address to the community and NPO’s Lesufi responded on the 14 May 2024. Here is an insert from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi responds to pressing issues within the non-profit organization (NPO) sector, outlining key measures to address concerns and reallocate budgets for essential services.
Transparency Crisis:
Questions Mount as Gauteng's Social Development Department Grapples
with Mismanagement Allegations
(14 May, GSDS)
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi responds to pressing issues within the non-profit organization (NPO) sector, outlining key measures to address concerns and reallocate budgets for essential services.
In a recent address to the NPO sector on May 14, 2024, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi unveiled significant measures aimed at addressing critical concerns and reallocating budgets within essential departments. Lesufi's speech highlighted immediate actions to resolve issues related to service level agreements (SLAs) and mitigate the impact of budget cuts affecting vital sectors such as health, education, and social development.
Immediate Suspension of SLA Clause: Lesufi commenced his address by announcing the suspension of a specific clause within the SLAs, particularly focusing on the 70/30 split. This decision aims to facilitate a thorough review of SLAs, including necessary amendments and the insertion of dates for payment tranches. The establishment of a tripartite technical team, comprising sector leadership, the Department of Finance, and the Department of Social Development, underscores the commitment to addressing sector concerns promptly and effectively.
Budget Reallocation: Acknowledging the adverse effects of budget cuts on provincial departments, Lesufi emphasized the significance of essential sectors and revealed a remarkable decision to revert the Department of Social Development's budget from 1.8 billion to its original 2.4 billion allocation. This proactive response prioritizes crucial services and mitigates adverse effects on the sector, demonstrating the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Commitment to Timely Payments: Lesufi reassured stakeholders of the government's commitment to expedite payment processes for signed SLAs. Treasury's special arrangement to facilitate daily payments until a specified date reflects a concerted effort to alleviate financial strain within the sector. Such initiatives aim to provide stability and support to organizations reliant on timely disbursements, ensuring continuity in service delivery.
Political Implications and Democratic Rights: Addressing potential skepticism regarding political motivations, Lesufi reaffirmed his commitment to upholding democratic principles and advocating for sector interests irrespective of electoral influences. Emphasizing the right to protest and legal recourse, he encouraged transparency and accountability in resolving grievances. Lesufi's stance underscores a dedication to collaborative problem-solving and democratic governance, setting a precedent for inclusive decision-making in governance.
In conclusion, Premier Panyaza Lesufi's address signifies a proactive approach to address pressing concerns and challenges within the NPO sector. Through decisive actions such as budget reallocation and procedural reforms, the government aims to uphold its commitment to essential services and foster a supportive environment for NPOs. Lesufi's unwavering dedication to sectoral interests and democratic values sets a precedent for constructive engagement and inclusive decision-making in governance.
The crucial question that arises is: Are the actions of the Gauteng Department of Social Development truly aligning with their stated vision and mission, or is this merely another political maneuver by the ANC to secure votes in the upcoming elections on May 29, 2024?