DA PROPOSES SPLIT OF GAUTENG HEALTH AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
I have proposed a motion to be debated tomorrow (Tuesday, 22 March) in the Gauteng Legislature for the Gauteng Health and Social Development Department to become two separate departments (see below).
Health and Social Development were merged in 2009, but it really has not worked.
This is because the health portfolio in Gauteng is highly complex and requires the full-time attention of a Member of the Executive Council.
NGOs complain that social development has been neglected because of the merger, with posts going unfilled and under-expenditure in key areas.
The DA's motion requests Premier Nomvula Mokonyane to consider the creation of separate Health and Social Development Departments so that both these portfolios can receive proper attention from full-time MECs.
DA Motion
Noting:
1. The amalgamation of the Gauteng Department of Health with the Gauteng Department of Social Development in 2009;
2. The complaints by the public and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that social development is being neglected because of this amalgamation;
And Believing:
1. That the health portfolio in Gauteng is highly complex and requires the full-time attention of a Member of the Executive Council;
2. That the social development portfolio is also best looked after in a separate department;
Therefore Resolves:
1. That this House request the Honourable Premier to consider the creation of separate Health and Social Development Departments;
2. That consideration be given to following the example in the Eastern Cape where there is a Social Development, Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Department;
3. That consideration be given to amalgamating small budget departments or ones with a natural affinity in order to better balance the responsibilities of MECs.
4. That the Honourable Premier report back within three months to this House on the feasibility and desirability of restructuring the departments as proposed above.
Statement issued by Jack Bloom, MPL, DA Gauteng health spokesperson, March 21 2011
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