While different members of the Provincial Legislature were debating over the budget for the Department of Social Development, Sifuba stated all of the EFF members has been a no-show since the beginning of the budget votes in the province. She has informed the public that the matter has been reported to the board of ethics as the behaviour is unacceptable.

If the EFF continues to be a no-off for the remaining budget votes, they will not be able to give their input and debate on how the public’s purse will be utilised. The EFF could not be reached for comment by the time of publishing.

While the DA was debating on the department’s budget, they said the department had failed to achieve most of its own targets. “Even their disciplinary cases were not settled within the prescribed time. Madam Speaker, let me remind the House that these deadlines and achievements that the department has failed to meet, were set by themselves and not by the opposition party.”

The DA views the department as a total failure and they expect Koloi to change the department and improve the lives of the people within the province. “This department is a ticking time bomb waiting to happen. More needs to be done for the future of this province.”

Koloi stated that her department has allocated over R139 million for the programmes that will ensure the provision of services like adoptions, foster care, street children and residential care to children in need of care and protection. She also thanked social workers within the province for their determination to selflessly provide much-needed services to vulnerable children and families.

A total of R55 million will be spent on the partnership of 200 NPOs that the department has partnered with. The NPOs provide Community-Based Support Services, Social Services and Residential Care Services to older persons. “Sadly, we have seen how some of our senior citizens are exploited, abused, and neglected at unregistered residential facilities for older persons, it’s only by working together that we can eradicate this disturbing phenomenon,” she added.

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