Hon House Chairperson, hon Minister and hon members. The NFP welcomes and supports Budget Vote of the Department of Social Development.
House Chairperson, we have over 30 million people living below the upper- bound poverty line, the most affected by this are women. Female-headed households mostly feel and experience poverty. Women and children suffer a great deal in these circumstances. We are considered one of the most unequal countries in the world, and yet the gap between rich and poor is increasing.
The department of social development must find a way to assist those unemployed social workers.
The NFP welcomes the inter-sectoral policy on sheltering services. The homeless avoid making use of the sheltering services in the place due to the harsh conditions of many of these shelters.
Chairperson, we need to build more shelters and improve those in place together with Non-governmental Organizations, NGOs, and civil societies.
Minister, as we walk up to parliament we cannot avoid the amount of homeless people sleeping on the doorsteps of local shops. The finding presented by the Commission on Gender Equality, CGE, Systemic Investigation Report of Shelters that Accommodate Victims of Violence gives us a clear indication that serious attention must be given to those issues.
Chairperson, the Minister, in the report, highlighted the need for SA Social Security Agency, SASSA, to have a board through the amendment of the Act. The NFP supports the implementation of a board; however, the selection process must be thoroughly scrutinized and closely monitored. We must elect board members that will restore the people's trust after the unfortunate failures of the past administration.
The NFP agrees with the Minister's decision to integrate entities to eliminate groups working in silos in order to achieve a common goal.
The NFP believes that social entrepreneurship training must be provided to all underprivileged communities. In the report the Minister aims to change the narrative of the department from just a grant-giving department to a self-development channel. What better way then to create entrepreneurs that can assist with alleviating poverty and create healthy working communities.
We must empower our communities through skills and training. The department must provide variety of programs that can assist people in becoming self- reliant. Thank you.