5 August 2009

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development inexplicably stopped subsidies for scores of non-profit organisations (NPOs) in January this year, leaving the crèches they run without money to feed their children and pay their staff.  

“The non-payment of subsidies to hundreds of crèches, which came without warning or explanation in January 2009, has created a full-blown crisis for children, teachers and NPOs in uMkhanyakude District and elsewhere in the province,” said IFP KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson on social development Roman Liptak MPL. 

Most of the affected NPOs continue to keep their facilities open under extremely difficult circumstances. “Many teachers have not been paid a cent this year, and children are required to bring their own food. Many go hungry day by day although some are on ARVs,” said Liptak. 

In many instances, the non-payment of subsidies has not prevented the Department of Social Development from penalising the management of these crèches for not adhering to their set nutrition plans. “If there is an ongoing audit into NPOs, as the MEC pointed out in today’s debate, why was this information not communicated to those whom it concerns?” – said Liptak.  

All registered crèches are required to sign Service Level Agreements with the department which are binding and run from March to March. “Most of the crèches have complied with all the legal requirements by March 31 this year but still receive no subsidies,” said Liptak. 

However, there are isolated examples of crèches which have been receiving subsidies despite the fact that they are not in possession of a signed Service Level Agreement for 2009/2010. “This suggests total chaos and we urge the MEC for Social Development to intervene and see to the needs and rights of the affected children as well as those who devote their time to look after them,” said Liptak. 

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development supports the NPOs concerned by way of subsidies which total R12 per day per child, although these subsidies generally do not cover the full cost or scope of the services.
 

Contact:
Roman Liptak
078 302 0929