Hon Chairperson, I rise on behalf of my colleague the hon Liezl van der Merwe, who is currently speaking in the debate on Women, Children and People with Disabilities and is unable to be here.
The IFP regards Social Development as a key government department, for we prize the wellbeing of the most vulnerable in our society. We understand the value of a social grant and the meaningful difference it can make in the lives of the poorest of the poor.
But we in the IFP also have self-help and self-reliance as part of our cornerstone philosophy. Our people should not remain dependent on grants alone. We need a robust economy in which everyone can participate, earn a living and enjoy meaningful lives.
It is against this background that the IFP has time and again decried the plight of NGOs, such as Rape Crisis and Tears - Transform Education about Rape and Sexual Abuse. These organisations are vital partners in our fight on behalf of the most vulnerable sectors of our society. We cannot fight without them. We therefore welcome the department's consideration of a new funding model as a solution to the funding crisis.
However, the intended completion of the project's review in 2017 leaves us deeply concerned for those organisations that are already in crisis. We appeal to the hon Minister to make urgent interventions whenever they are needed. We also appeal to the Minister to speedily process amendments to the Children's Act of 2010. The department's failure to comply with the Act by timeously processing paperwork to facilitate adoptions is grossly unacceptable. It has had a detrimental effect on the lives of orphans. In fact, adoption rates have halved since 2009. Interim measures are needed to compel improvement in systems and processes.
Some 17 million South Africans are dealing with depression, substance abuse, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Yet, we are ill equipped to handle the scourge of drugs and alcohol addiction in South Africa. This department must champion a more integrated approach. Funding for more treatment facilities is needed. But unless their services are better co-ordinated and managed between the various departments, we will continue to lose this war.
We are concerned by the recent allegations that Sassa has irregularly used millions of rand meant for the poor to pay for bodyguards for senior Social Development and Sassa officials. While we appreciate that the Public Protector has launched an investigation, we hope that the hon Minister will also launch an investigation into this regard, as the final responsibility to account for every cent falls on the Minister's shoulders.
The imminence of the 2016 local government elections gives us cause to warn against using this department as a political tool to advance the ruling party's agenda. Allegations that food parcel distribution is often linked to by-elections must be taken very seriously.
The mammoth task of looking after the most vulnerable sectors of our society cannot be performed by the hon Minister and her team alone. We therefore look forward to partnering with her on this journey. We are cognisant of the great responsibility we all bear; the responsibility of changing the lives of people for the better.
Mhlonishwa Ngqongqoshe njengoba izigi-ke bezizwakala ngaphambi kokhetho nihambise izijumbane zokudla emphakathini, namanje azizwakale yize noma ukhetho seludlulile. [Hon Minister, you were very actively distributing food parcels to communities before elections and you must continue doing so even after elections.]
The IFP will support this Budget Vote. [Applause.]