Western Cape Adjustments Appropriation Bill: Department of Social Development

Meeting report

NOTE: PMG was not present at the meeting. The below is compiled based on the Committee’s official minutes adopted on 3 December 2019

The Chairperson opened the meeting and welcomed Members, the MEC for Social Development in the Western Cape, Ms Sharna Fernandez, Department officials and guests.

Deliberations on Vote 7: Social Development in the Schedule to the Western Cape Adjustments Appropriation Bill [B6-2019]

The Department briefed the Committee on Vote 7: Social Development in the Schedule to the Western Cape Adjustments Appropriation Bill [B6-2019]

MEC Fernandez reported that the adjusted appropriation budget for the Department of Social Development in the 2019/20 financial year is R2461 354 000, with a decrease of R3 025 000. The Department reported that a total of R1806 000, a roll-over fund, is from the Department of Transport and Public Works for programme two, social welfare, for the purchasing of vehicles for the intellectually disabled children.

The Department indicated that an amount of R311 000 allocation for programme four, restorative services, will be used for the purchasing of Capital Assets for the Horizon Facility.

The Committee proceeded to the public hearing on the deliberations on Vote 7: Social Development in the Schedule to the Western Cape Adjustments Appropriation Bill [B6-2019]. Mr Domingo, from the Transformer House Rehabilitation Centre, made an oral submission during the meeting. He informed the Committee that admission cost at the rehabilitation centres cost approximately R50 000 and poor people that are in dire need of rehabilitation centres cannot afford to pay and are not table to get the help they need. He requested the Department to be n partnership with rehabilitation centres from previously disadvantaged communities due to high demand for rehabilitation services by people on the ground. Mr Domingo further requested the Department to partner with rehabilitation centres and contribute at least 50% towards the centres.

The Department duly responded to the inputs made by the member of the public and undertook to engage further with Mr Domingo on his proposal.

The Committee deliberated on Vote 7: Social Development in the Schedule to the Western Cape Adjustments Appropriation Bill [B6-2019].

Consideration and adoption of the Committee Report on Vote 7: Social Development in the Schedule to the Western Cape Adjustments Appropriation Bill [B6-2019]

Upon conclusion of deliberations on the vote, the Chairperson submitted a Draft Report for consideration and adoption.

The Committee RESOLVED to support the vote referred to it. In terms of Standing Rule 90, the ANC expressed its minority view to not support the vote.

The meeting was adjourned.