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* As the Minister of Health has stated, the President in his State of the Nation address gave special focus to the commitment of government to poverty alleviation. Critical to that being the focus on improving the conditions of the most vulnerable members of our society like elderly persons and children.

* The undertaking that the President made to increase the grants above inflation rate will go a long way in improving the conditions of the poorest of the poor. The biggest challenge now is for us as the social cluster and the DoSD to ensure that there is adequate access by all to social services.

* Together with the Department of Home Affairs in particular, we will be embarking on a major campaign in this regard to inform and educate the communities to ensure that children are registered for the various grants like child support grant, foster care grant and care dependency grant.

* Working in partnership with the NGOs, CBOs and FBOs has become even more imperative. We urge the various formations to join us in the drive to improve the conditions of the poorest of the poor, especially children.

* We have already changed and simplified the regulations to make foster care grant more accessible to previously disadvantaged families and communities. Guardians, custodians and grandparents can now apply for foster care.

This is a very significant development that will enhance the government's efforts to strengthen families. Amidst the serious problem of orphans, which were mainly dependent on pensions received by the elderly persons, this development is therefore even more significant. Together with the Department of Justice, especially magistrates in rural areas we will be embarking on a campaign to ensure that these children access their rights in an efficient manner.

* The process of changing the Child Care legislation is already at an advanced stage. We envisage that this will lead to the protection of children from social ills such as child abuse, child labour and exploitation.

* The improvement of services and their quick access for people with disabilities, especially in rural areas is being intensified. Regulations pertaining of the Social Assistance Act in relation to assessment of disability have been changed. Assessment Panels on disability will be rolled out throughout the country where doctors are difficult to access.

* The President has called for every member of our society to stand up and be counted as volunteers in the reconstruction and development of our country. This year we will be giving special attention to ensure that the necessary environment is created for volunteers including, recognition of their efforts and support for CBOs and NGOs who are working with orphans in home and community-based care projects.

Comprehensive Social Security (CSS)

The Report has just been finalised and will soon be presented to the five Cabinet Ministers responsible for the oversight of the Committee by Advocate Michael Masutha who is now the chairperson of the Committee. The Ministers will then study the Report and present it to Cabinet.

We will conduct further consultations with the various structures of society to ensure that the options that Cabinet will adopt are implemented in sustainable way.

Improvement in service delivery

In addition to the replacement of grant administration system, the Department is completing an infrastructure audit. This will inform the upgrading and rehabilitation of our infrastructure at paypoints and service offices.

Capacity building

As part of the endeavour to improve service delivery the Department will be embarking on improving capacity of officials.

SAMDI and South African Universities co-ordinated by RAU will begin with the training of social security officials in April 2002. We will be training about 1000 officers this year.

Enquiries: Mr Mbulelo Musi at 083 602 5795

Issued by Ministry of Social Development

12 February 2002