Page 119 - DSD ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2

PART C: GOVERNANCE

DATE OF THE PURPOSE OF THE RESOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
MEETING MEETING
04 May 2021 Department • The Committee received a briefing by the Auditor-General of South Africa on the Annual
of Social Performance Plan of the Department of Social Development and its entities. The Committee also
Development considered the Department’s Strategic Plan and Budget.
2021/2022 APP; • The Auditor-General reported that the objectives of the review of the Annual Performance Plan
with Minister & was that interim reviews provide early warning for previously identified concerns about the
AGSA Input measurability of indicators and targets. The focus was on programmes linked to the Department’s
mandate and included the South African Social Security Agency. The Auditor-General reviewed the
final draft of the Department’s Annual Performance Plan, specifically regarding Programme Four
(Welfare Services Policy Development and Implementation Support).
• The findings were identified on the targets or indicators and on the technical indicator descriptions
that were not specific, measurable, time-bound, or relevant. It was reported that the management
corrected the findings identified. The Auditor-General reported that no findings were made
regarding whether the SASSA’s Annual Performance Plan contained all the core elements.
• Three findings were made regarding the relevance and measurability of indicators and targets.
It was reported that the management corrected the findings identified by the Auditor-General
after being informed of the findings as outlined above. The preventative control guides were
distributed in October 2020, and the Auditor-General recommended that the entities of the
Department distribute the guides to all affected divisions to implement preventative controls
where appropriate.
• The Committee was then briefed on the material irregularity process at the Auditor-General. This
included an outline of its expanded mandate, and the accounting and executive authorities, the
implementation of the material irregularity process, examples of material irregularities, the legal
obligations of accounting authorities to address material irregularities, and the difference between
material irregularities and irregular expenditure. The Auditor-General reported that for the audit of
the 2020/2021 financial year, the full definition of a material irregularity would be implemented,
and that the SASSA has been included in this process.
• The Committee was of the view that the Auditor-General’s briefing gave a clear indication of where
fraud and corruption were taking place within the Department. Slow progress in disciplinary and
consequence management resulted in the same culprits and wrongdoers remaining in the employ
of the Department; this remains a problem. The Committee expressed concern on the extent of
material irregularities currently sitting at R6.9 billion
• With regard to the Strategic Plan, there were no revisions made to the Department’s vision, mission,
values, impact, and outcomes, as were contained in the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan. The Annual
Performance Plan outlines the response of the Department to the new demands for services
brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as increased demand for food, psycho-social services,
and consideration on providing income support to citizens aged 18 to 59.
• The focus area for the 2021/2022 financial year is to build cohesive, resilient families and
communities by investing in people to eradicate poverty and vulnerability to create sustainable
livelihoods for all South Africans.
07 May 2021 Children’s • The Committee was briefed on how to handle clauses relating to Early Childhood Development
Amendment Bill: (ECD), in the Children’s Amendment Bill, since this function would be migrating to the Department
Legal Advisor on of Basic Education by April 2022.
status of ECD • The Committee agreed to reject all clauses relating to ECD in the Bill.
clauses that were • The Committee was informed of the key themes which emerged from summaries of submissions
not contested & on the Children’s Amendment Bill.
summary of public • The key themes with the most submissions were on definitions, adoption services, guardianship,
comments parental responsibility, and parental rights.
• The Committee was updated on the upcoming national and provincial hearings on the Children
Amendment Bill, and the logistics associated with it. The Committee was also informed of a closed
session with children which would be held in-person in Parliament.
11 May 2021 Children’s • The Committee began public hearings on the Children’s Amendment Bill. Eight organisations made
Amendment Bill: oral submissions. Stakeholders highlighted challenges relating to Early Childhood Development
public hearings (ECD) centres registration, availability of sites, and challenges rural-based ECD centres encounter.
day 1 • The Committee suggested that compulsory early childhood development might be appropriate.
It concerned them that parents did not have the financial means to facilitate their children’s
attendance. It was suggested that the South African Local Government Association should get
involved in assisting with the rezoning, buildings plans, fire certification and health and safety
requirements.
• The Committee suggested that compulsory early childhood development might be appropriate.
It concerned them that parents did not have the financial means to facilitate their children’s
attendance. It was suggested that the South African Local Government Association should get
involved in assisting with the rezoning, buildings plans, fire certification and health and safety
requirements.
• The Committee appreciated understanding the various dynamics in the sector. The Committee noted
that they should look into the barriers relating to registration. The need for skills development and
assistance from the Department was suggested.

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22 119