House Chairperson,
Before I come to my speech, let me address myself to Mme Tolashe. I saw over the news today the heartbreaking situation that mothers and children — those who were victims of the floods in Durban have been thrown out of Bayside Hotel. They spent the night sleeping on concrete floors and it was said that because nothing seems to be happening, it looks like they might sleep again in the streets.
I want to appeal to you as a mother, even though it is not your line function, to address them. I wish to appeal to you to address the MEC responsible and local government, and advise them or assist them so that something can be done for those vulnerable people. It was also said that there are children who were born a few days ago who also slept in the open last night. Thank you very much for considering what I’m saying, Mme Tolashe.
The ACDP affirms the constitutional imperative to care for the most vulnerable in our society. Yet, the Department of Social Development continues to fall short of this sacred duty.
The 2025/26 Social Development budget allocates R422.3 billion, with nearly R285 billion for social grants. While increases to old-age, disability, and child support grants are welcomed, ballooning debt-servicing costs of R425 billion raise major concerns about the sustainability of these grants. There is also no funding provision for the Social Relief of Distress grant beyond March 2026.
The old-age grant receives R117.4 billion, a R130 increase per elderly person to R2,315. The child-support grant rises by R30 to just R560, not even covering a jar of peanut butter. Disability grants and foster care grants total R99.5 billion which we believe will not be sufficient for the ever-increasing needs and challenges of our people.
Chairperson, the Department’s failure to finalise the Special Housing Needs Programme, despite its 2022 approval is a a glaring indictment. Survivors of domestic violence, the elderly, and persons with disabilities still lack access to supported housing. This is not a money issue – it is a failure to coordinate with Human Settlements and Health. As we noted in the Housing debate, it belies their professed compassion. Beyond the numbers, there’s simply no political will. The ACDP calls for the full implementation of this programme with ring-fenced funding.
I thank you.
