I agree with you that there are many children who need to be adopted. African children, especially black children, make up the bulk of those children. In South Africa, African, Indian and coloured children are less likely to be adopted than white children. The majority of children who are orphaned or abandoned, or who are in alternative care, are Africans. Indian communities have very close family bonds. If a child's parents are unable to take care of that child, relatives assume responsibility. But that does not happen with Africans. I think we have a duty to educate our people on the adoption system of our country. I thank you very much for raising this issue. [Applause.]
Position regarding success of steps taken to deal with a shortage of social workers, including a review of salaries
34. Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) asked the Minister of Social Development:
(1) Whether she has found that steps taken by her predecessors to deal with a shortage of trained social workers have been successful; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (2) whether she has found that the specified steps have had an impact in dealing with the different facets of family breakdown, particularly in rural areas; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether there has been a review of salaries for social workers in the public and private sector; if not, why not; if so,
(4) whether the salaries were found to be adequate with regard to enabling trained social workers to continue in their careers instead of seeking alternative employment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NO1534E