The ongoing political merry-making in the Eastern Cape continues to have a negative effect on social service delivery in the province and again, it is poor people who suffer the most. February was a tough time for the Eastern Cape Welfare Forum as it experienced ongoing frustration with the provincial DoSD about the lack of commitment and interest shown by the Department of Social Development with Eastern Cape Joint Strategic Committee (ECJSC). The continued low support for this provincial structure has far reaching effects in extending the divide between social service providers and the government department. The EC structure is similar to the national Joint Strategic Committee (JSC), which is a mandated means to interact between the welfare sector and the Department of Social Development (DoSD). The DoSD has been unable to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding with the Eastern Cape Joint Strategic Committee, as various structural provisions are not yet met. At a DoSD planned meeting scheduled for 14 February 2011, few delegates were present and the meeting had to be cancelled. This was despite the reassurance given to the EC coordinator that the meeting would go ahead. The ECJSC, as a structure has not been able to function to date, which impedes the ability of the sector to bring forward emerging and critical issues. We hope that this kind of constant chopping and changing of political appointments in the civil service will come to an end soon. We cannot build a solid, stable and effective civil service if people are employed and deployed on a political parties whims. Please Mr. President, can we review how we deploy cadres and can we start to discuss the possibility of making some posts in government independent of political interference? We need service delivery to be free of the fear and favour of political whims and you can help lead that kind of revolution. Let us work together to build this country!

Programmes

Human Rights and Social Security

Representatives from various civil society organisations as well as state institutions, government departments and provincial parliament (Western Cape) attended a one-day workshop on 22 February 2011 aimed at highlighting the current state of socio-economic rights of older persons in South Africa hosted by the Community Law Centre. Socio-economic rights play an important role in poverty alleviation, and the challenges faced by older persons in the enjoyment of their rights are often linked to socio-economic rights deprivations. Mr. Watson Hamunakwadi (NWF) presented on the MDGs and socio-economic rights of older persons. Civil society groups provided an overview of the problems and challenges experienced by older persons in South Africa. These presentations addressed specific areas of concern including access to decent housing, health care, nutrition and food security as well as financial and social security. In addition, case studies through evidence-based research were presented in order to emphasise the vulnerability of various groups of older persons. The alleviation of poverty amongst older persons is important in the achievement of the MDGs. Accordingly, particular emphasis was placed on the need for South Africa to ratify the International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) of 1966, which pays particular attention to the socio-economic rights of older persons as well as other rights such as dignity, equality and non-discrimination. Recommendations were voiced through the presentations and discussions, to continue advocating the socio-economic rights of older persons in South Africa, as well as to address their needs and challenges, as they are observed by and voiced to those working amongst this sector of the population.

CIVICUS, COSATU, Amnesty International and GCAP-SA Press Conference

African Governments are "failing" Libyan citizens and all Africans

Rajesh Latchman represented GCAP-SA, and the press conference higflighted African governments' appalling lack of pressure to force Libyan Leader, Muammar Gaddafi, to halt the violence and step down, and reflected persistent inadequacies in the African Union (AU). The panelists noted that the failure of governments to act decisively threatens progress towards democracy and respect for human rights on the continent. Rajesh focussed on South Africa's special responsibility to act with a progressive suggestion that  "While an immediate and decisive response to the bloodshed in Libya is needed right now, the South African government needs to have a rapid response system to ensure diplomatic action when faced with such a crisis is not dependent on the push factor from civil society but driven by the values of our Constitution," He added that it was a telling sign that the business sector was not part of the condemnation of the violence and added that "For President Zuma in particular, this is not a call for you to imitate the out of office behaviour of your predecessor, it is rather a call to bring together a broad based but small collective of business, civil society and government leaders to act as a thought collective for the way our country acts when the rights of people outside our borders are violated."

Rajesh Latchman and Watson Hamunakwadi attended the Children's Act Budget Research Planning Meeting on 18 February 2011. The meeting invited representatives from the Children's sector as a preliminary view of the outcomes of a research report by the Children's Institute (Paula Proudlock) and Debbie Budlender (Community Agency for Social Enquiry) on the implementation of the Children's Act in budgetary provisions. The meeting was attended by organisations from the children's sector, social welfare sector, funders, government officials and departments. The presenters described the funding scenario in relation to the implementation of the Children's act with short-term duration of funding agreements is a problem across all types of donors being viewed as a problem, considerable uncertainty about the future frustrating attempts to plan sustainable service delivery which in turn, has negative implications for children's welfare. The meeting informed the upcoming May Summit where a national multi-lateral summit on the children's sector is to be held. You can find pictures from the event on the Making Mzansi Better better page on Facebook or click here

Policy on Financial Awards to Service Providers (PFASP)

The Oosterland Youth Care Centre reported that they had been underpaid by R69, 000 at the Nelson Mandela District Welfare Forum meeting. Ms Pumsa Vivusa, the Child and Youth Care Centres Provincial Coordinator admitted in writing that they have been experiencing problems with the excel system and due to the overspending of Early Childhood Developments (ECD), subsidies had to be cut.

National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund & National Development Agency

KwaZulu Natal: The KwaZulu Natal Welfare Forum linked organisations to the training programme that was facilitated by Ubuntu Community Chest on 2nd and 7th March 2011.

Western Cape: The Western Cape Welfare Forum Provincial Coordinator, Abigail Peters assisted the Athlone District Advice office with downloading and completing the NLDTF funding application form for timely submission.

Submissions to Parliament, Govt depts. & Portfolio Committees

A meeting arranged by the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development in Queenstown on 15 February 2011 did not materialise due to lack of attendance. The meeting was meant to discuss the Eastern Cape Joint Strategic Committee (ECJSC), but no NPO representatives were present.

The Gauteng Welfare Forum sent comments on the third quarter performance report of the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development (October-December 2010) acknowledging subsidy increases to social work and children's homes.

Membership, networking and partnerships

NWF and the Bethany Trust attended a luncheon on 27 February 2011 with the Assistant Dean for Harvard Kennedy School of government . The luncheon's discussions revolved around the development sector of South Africa, the growth and roles for the NPO sector in development, current development challenges and post apartheid socio-economic policy with a review of social development progress. This discussion will inform the programmes offered by Harvard, applicability and emerging areas of focus. The participants identified education, low skills base, low labour productivity, youth un-employment and a challenged social welfare system as critical areas that require address to achieve the development goals for the country sustainably into the future. The NWF shared the concept note for the Quality Assured Social Service Data system project which is a proposed Public Private Partnership initiative to collect credible service provider and NGO data around the country that can inform policy, planning and enhance accountability.

Eastern Cape: Amathola District Welfare Forum held a meeting on 10 February 2011 to elaborate the district constitution, revisit the aims and objectives of the Forum and to discuss the way forward for the Joint Strategic Committee. The meeting was attended by the chairperson of the district forum, Magda von Solm, Patricia Gunn, John Allen and five other new members. There was confusion about what the Forum is and where it is going. Everything was clarified after discussions and a new simplified constitution will be drawn up for the region.

The Nelson Mandela District Welfare Forum meeting was held on 22 February 2011 in Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth where 17 people attended. John Allen reported about the DoSD and ECJSC meeting and voiced his concern and disappointment about the department's poor commitment and interest in the ECJSC meetings. He had travelled to Queenstown at a great cost and had to cancel the DoSD/ECJSC meeting as only 4 people turned up.  

On 23 February 2011, Ivan Siyila lead the Executive Management of Empilweni Old Aged Home to plan an open day session and stakeholders in the O.R. Tambo District were invited. The event was well attended and successful, with all previous issues experienced with the provincial DoSD and the unions being addressed and the home functioning well.

Ivan Siyila was invited by the provincial Department of Social Development to attend a provincial substance abuse summit in East London both in his capacity as Coordinator in the Eastern Cape and his role in the church sector as well. Ivan used the opportunity to address the audience on a Christian perspective in dealing with substance abuse.

KwaZulu Natal: A Welfare Buzz meeting was held on 24 February 2011 in Pietermaritzburg where feedback was provided about the provincial meeting. Lengthy discussions were held on issues of gender related violence and the lack of male role models in society. FAMSA shared information on their programme of Men Behaving Bravely, which was welcomed by members and there was a general agreement to support and join the FAMSA programme.

The Northern Natal Welfare Forum held a provincial meeting on 24 February 2011 to discuss training dates for the year and membership. The annual membership fee for 2011 was set at R100 per organisation and R50 per individual not employed by an organisation. Guidelines about the NLDTF funding applications were shared among members.

The Zululand Provincial Welfare Forum meeting was held on 18 February 2011 where 21 people representing 8 organisations attended. Meeting and training dates were scheduled and the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on 21 May 2011. 

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Stakeholder Event

Rajesh Latchman attended the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), stakeholder event at the Standard Bank Global leadership Centre on 23 February 2011. The reception included an address from the Chairman of the GRI Board of Directors, Prof. Mervyn King, and Deputy Chief Executive of GRI, Teresa Fogelberg who shared the successes of the GRI in recent years. The most interesting aspect of the event was the discussion with Prof King and Teresa, who shared information on steps by the Office of the Auditor General to start reporting on the realization of socio-economic rights as part of their legislated mandate. This could have significant effects on the way data is captured on these areas and may  be useful in the ICESCR Campaign. The GRI Guidelines, as the world's leading Sustainability Reporting Framework, are important in South Africa having regard to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing requirement of integrated reporting. There are a large number of South African businesses and academic institutions which have engaged with GRI and GRI is looking to strengthen its presence in Southern Africa. If members feel that the NWF should explore this relationship further, then please drop us an email on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Meetings and events attended

Western Cape: 3 February 2011, Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone - Mass meeting regarding the save the advice offices campaign.

7 February 2011; Athlone Advice office; Meeting with Nadeema Anderson regarding the facilitation of a governance workshop in the Metro region.

18 February 2011; Meeting with Leonie Caroline of the Western Cape Black Sash regarding Foundation for Human Rights funding and partnership with NWF.

24 February 2011 - Meeting between Abigail Peters and Watson Hamunakwadi where they discussed the ICESCR campaign and the rollout plans for the Themba movie.

Provincial or regional forum meetings

Eastern Cape: 10 February 2011, Amathola District Welfare Forum Meeting

The meeting was held to elaborate the district constitution, revisit the aims and objectives of the Forum and discuss the way forward for the JSC.

22 February 2011, 14h00; Cheshire Homes, Mt Gomery Rd, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth

Nelson Mandela District Welfare Forum meeting where general issues of the forum were discussed. John Allen voiced his concern and disappointment about the poor commitment and lack of interest that the DSD has in the ECJSC meetings.  The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 23 March 2011, 14h00 at Ekupeleni.   

The Eastern District meeting scheduled for 24 February 2011 was postponed to 25 March 2011.

KwaZulu Natal: 2 February 2011, 10h00-12h30; KZN Deaf Association;

Southern KwaZulu Natal (SKZN) Special General Meeting

This regional meeting was held to present the financial statements and also elect office bearers who will assume activities for the organisation for the new financial year.

2 February 2011; 12h30-14h30;

Southern KZN plenary meeting where the activities for the region were discussed

18 February 2011, Zululand Provincial Welfare Forum meeting discussed provincial meeting and training dates for the year. Proposed training dates are as follows: 29-30 March-National Prosecuting Authority; 20 May-HIV911; 7 July - Black Sash; 8 September-Child Rights and Refugee Centres

24 February 2011, Northern Natal Provincial Welfare Forum meeting to discuss training and membership

Mpumalanga: 9 February 2011; 10h00 at SAVF Offices, Walter Sisulu Street in Middleburg

Discussions about general issues of the province such as the updating of the constitution, membership fees, status of the local welfare forums, etc

28 February 2011 - Teleconference by Mpumalanga EXCO members to discuss the future of the province 

New and updates

2011 is off to a good start with work being completed all over the counrty and even thouhg we have even less funding this year, we are pleased to announce and welcome additions to the programmes support team in 2011 as follows:

Ms Amanda Mgimeti; Limpopo Provincial Coordinator joining us in partnership with FAMSA Limpopo after having worked with the NWF team during 2010 on previous successful events.

Ms Sbongile Mtsweni; Mpumalanga Welfare Provincial Coordinator who joins us following the resignation of Mr Qiniso Dube.

Mr Stewart Kilburn; KwaZulu Natal Provincial Coordinator who in partnership with the HIV 911 will be pivotal in implementing NWF programmes.

Welcome! and we wish you an exciting and productive working relationship with the members, partners and staff of the National Welfare Forum.  

For more information, to join the NWF or to tell us about your great work, please contact the Programme Support Team member nearest to you.

Eastern Cape Joint Provincial Coordinator, John Allen, Tel: 0415836675, Fax: 0865021542; Mobile: 0822003731; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Eastern Cape Joint Provincial Coordinator, Ivan Siyila, Tel: 0475376577; Fax: 0866965038; Mobile: 0733107591; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Gauteng Provincial Coordinator, Jackie Loffell, Tel/Fax: 0116438537; Mobile: 0824540991; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

KwaZulu Natal Provincial Coordinator, Stewart Kilburn, Tel: 0312603331; Fax: 0865665196; Mobile: 0836606492; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Limpopo Provincial Coordinator, Amanda Mgimeti, Tel: 0153074833; Fax: 0153076890;

Mobile: 0794512608; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Mpumalanga Provincial Coordinator, Sbongile Ntsweni, Tel: 0132432200; Fax: 0132342233; Mobile: 0824130469; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mpumalanga Provincial Administrator, Mariana Esterhuizen, Tel: 0132432200; Fax: 0132432233; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Western Cape Provincial Coordinator, Abigail Peters, Tel: 0216974167; Fax: 0865275445; Mobile: 0834162773; This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

National Office: Tel: 0118380690; Fax: 0114920371, 31 Quinn Street, Newtown, JHB

Emily Ntaopane - Reception   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Shamani Naidoo - Administrator This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thato Modise - Stakeholder Relations This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Watson Hamunakwadi - Human Rights + GCAP SA This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Karen Peters - Policy and Networks   This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rajesh Latchman - National Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

For the Free State, North West and Northern Cape, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or speak to Thato Modise or Rajesh Latchman at national office.

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