Speech in the National Assembly on Budget Vote 19: Social Development by Ms Thandi Nontenja, MP and UDM Chief Whip in the National Assembly

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Honourable Speaker,
This Department seems to design an integrated poverty eradication strategy that will provide direct benefits to those in greatest need, especially women, youth and children in rural areas and informal settlements.

The UDM is concerned with the Department’s failure to fill the vacancies in critical executive positions such as Director General, Deputy Director General, as these vacant positions may result into dysfunctionality within the Department. Not only that, but the shortage of social workers is also an impediment towards achieving proper social care to the vulnerable. During a committee meeting in November 2023, Minister Lindiwe Zulu acknowledged that, despite the dire need for social workers, more than 9,000 qualified social workers remain unemployed. Meanwhile, the department has not made any significant strides to close the gap and employ more skilled social workers.

The shortage of social workers also serves as a stumbling block in response to brutal effects of all forms of violence against women, children, older persons and other vulnerable groups. Citizens are deprived from receiving adequate social support as stipulated in the Probation Services Act 116 of 1991.

Another is issue, is the challenges faced by DSD grant applicants and beneficiaries. Many applicants face compounding problem and exclusion error with application processes with the lack of internet connectivity, data and airtime. Whilst other beneficiaries lack digital literacy and connectivity when they have to update their details. Some end up being robbed, because they ask around for help.

Furthermore, there has been an outcry from elderly SASSA beneficiaries that the Department should bring back the cash pay stations to communities. Elderly people are now subjected to queuing long lines and they get robbed in towns, more especially in small towns where there are very few ATMs.