FREE DAILY EMAIL

Date : 22/02/05
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title: Mabaso: Gauteng Media Briefing 2005

Social Cluster Media Briefing, Statement by MEC for Social Development Bob Mabaso


22 February 2005

In all the commitments made by the Department, a lot has been achieved in terms of meeting the GPG obligations, for instance:
* Child support grant recipients for those aged 0 - 11 years of age number 648 000 children. And the number is set to grow as those between the ages of 11 and 14 years enter the system.

* 31 000 children receive foster care grant and services.

* 26 515 older persons benefit through grants and professional services.

Nevertheless there is still some amount of work that needs to be done in pursuit of outstanding commitments like the Single Window (Bana Pele). We ought to have launched Bana Pele in September last year, but could not do so. This was caused by unforeseen technical challenges relating to the proper integration of systems that we are currently perfecting. The Single Window will now be launched on 1 June 2005, International Children's Day.

As the Department focus is on the poor, vulnerable and marginalised, even its procurement policies are geared towards these groups. However, it may take some time before we are satisfied with the groups involvement in our procurement activities.

Proper alignment of the Department and Municipal Services will ensure that service delivery is enhanced and the daunting challenges posed by the impact of HIV and AIDS on children, families and communities will be adequately addressed through partnering with the Community Development Workers (CDWs) and Local Councillors.

The Department notes with concern the high rate of young children (youth) in conflict with the law and the period it takes to finalise their criminal cases.

We will engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the period taken to finalise their cases is generally reduced. These stakeholders are:
* Correctional Services Department
* Justice Department
* Home Affairs Department
* Safety and Security Department and
* Health Department
The Department has started the process of rehabilitating Children Living and Working on the Streets (so-called street children). In collaboration with the Department of Labour and Home Affairs, we have registered 250 of them to obtain identification documents (ID books) and to participate in skills development programmes. This happened during this month of February. Reunification with their families and relatives is a major component of the rehabilitation process.

In conclusion, in all our endeavours and for the department to have maximum impact, families, FAMILIES are a key focus of our services and programmes.

Enquiries: Sam Muofhe
Head: Office of the MEC and Communications
Cell: 082 469 0845
E-mail: sammu@gpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Social Development,
Gauteng Provincial Government
22 February 2005

SPONSORED BY

Advanced