Issued by Ministry of Social Development
10 July 2002
The Minister of Social Development Dr Zola Skweyiya has expressed shock at reports that applicants for Child Support Grants (CSG) were turned away and has called on the Gauteng Department of Social Services and Population Development to take stern action that will ensure that such behavior never manifests itself again.
"I am shocked and dismayed by these reports. Such conduct is a violation of the batho pele principle and the constitutional rights of children and will not be tolerated. It is denting the good work that has been done by the Gauteng Department of Social Services and Population Development and we support the commitment of the MEC Ms A Motshekga to take drastic measures against the person involved. We must make sure that the doors of the Department of Social development are not only open at all times for the beneficiaries but most importantly that the government reaches out to communities especially children who have the constitutional rights to access grants and services," the Minister said.
Minister Skweyiya said this following reports that applicants for Child Support Grants were turned away yesterday by an official long before the close sure of office. Meanwhile the national Department of Social Development will closely monitor developments regarding the case.
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