Page 243 - Provincial Treasury Estimates.pdf

Estimates of the Provincial Revenue and Expenditure (EPRE) – 2023/24 Financial Year
implementation of the five Pillars of the Antipoverty Strategy, 26 new stakeholders were mobilised for
provision of resources towards the implementation of antipoverty initiatives in the poorest wards.

As a way of promoting community-based care services, ensuring independent living, economic
empowerment, establishment of recreational opportunities for Older Persons and that they reside in their
communities, 14 705 (funded) and 12 185 (non-funded) Older Persons accessed Community Based Care
and Support Services. To prevent abuse of older persons and ensure the provision of care support and
protection of older persons, the department funded residential facilities benefitting 1 464 older persons.

The department ensured that 875 persons with disabilities accessed residential facilities in funded facilities
and one state owned facility receiving 24 - hour care and protection. Furthermore, 798 Persons with
disabilities participated in skills development programmes in 28 funded Protective Workshops. In response
to socio - economic empowerment, Community Based Rehabilitation services were implemented benefitting
18 298 people including people with disabilities.
As part of strengthening prevention programmes that have been developed to address social and structural
barriers to curb new HIV infections, STIs and TB, 39 923 beneficiaries were reached through social and
behaviour change programmes. A total of 2 911 beneficiaries suffering undue hardship benefitted from DSD
Social Relief programmes throughout the Province.
In an effort to build functional, stable and resilient families, a total of 21 128 family members from all districts
participated and benefitted in family preservation services. Furthermore, 314 family members were reunited
with their families with the aim to provide support of dealing with challenges experienced by family members
that were removed, separated or displaced, as stipulated in the guidelines on reunification services. A total
of 15 886 family members participated and benefitted in parenting programmes in order to improve
communication, enhance strong family relationships between children, their parents and the entire family
members.
The department implemented skills development programmes by providing a foundation to 2 614 youth to
enter a range of qualification-based training on community development methodologies and technical scarce
skills, as a response to youth unemployment and to improve their skills and knowledge which will improve
their ability to compete in the labour market and explore opportunities in establishing individual businesses.
Various Empowerment Programmes were implemented in partnership with other stakeholders benefitting 9
104 women.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of government's key programmes aimed at providing
poverty relief through temporary work for the unemployed. The department has managed to create 3 926 job
opportunities. Participants are receiving stipend in line with the ministerial determination as income thereby,
improving livelihood.

2.2 Key challenges

x Office infrastructure and accommodation for districts and service offices: Service delivery sites
are still a dire need. The current office accommodation in some offices is not conducive to implement
social work services and is at the core of recurring Performance Information findings by Auditor
General of South Africa (AGSA).
x Demand and supply of Social Service Practitioners across the province: Due to the increase in
the prevailing social ills such as crime, substance abuse, gender-based violence, unemployment and
poverty, many families are at risk and are vulnerable. This presents a demand for services from the
department as more people enter into a state of social distress.
x Unemployed Social Work Graduates: Whilst doing as much as it can, the department lacks
adequate funding to increase the number of social service practitioners in the province.

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