MINISTER ANNOUNCES RADICAL REFORMS TO IMPROVE PENSIONS PAY-OUT SYSTEM AND GRANT ADMINISTRATION

Issued by: Ministry of Social Development

6 August 2001

The Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya will today (6th August 2001) at 11h30 , at the Centurion Lake Hotel, Pretoria, announce radical reforms that will greatly improve the pensions payment system and the grant administration in the country.

"Today is indeed a significant moment for the most vulnerable groups of our society. The Norms and Standards process we are introducing today, which are the first of their kind in the history of our country, mark the beginning of a period where people with disabilities, children, the elderly person, indeed the poorest and most vulnerable, will be provided better quality services and treated with respect, dignity and care." Said the Minister. The Norms and Standards being introduced today will introduce changes in, among others:

• Improving the pensions payment system
• Entrenching Batho - Pele in the provision of the social security services
• Enhancing the monitoring of private service providers.

Various Stakeholders will attend the occasion including the business sector, MEC' s, Councilors, NGO's and CBO's.

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