WATCH: Local NPOs intensify protest outside DSD offices
This comes after the department's announcement that all NPOs would have a cut in their budget.
Employees and clients of the Department of Social Development (DSD) were forced to remain indoors at the DSD offices in New Modder Road on April 14 after more than 100 members from local NPOs picketed outside the building.
The protest comes after the department decided to restructure its budget for organisations working with children, the disabled, the elderly and those living with HIV.
Angry protesters blocked the main gate with burning tyres, making it impossible for staff and clients to leave. Other employees were also prevented from gaining access to the site.
DSD supervisors who were locked outside confirmed to the City Times that some of their staff members and clients were panicking inside the offices, however, services were being rendered to them.
“Our clients that are locked inside, came early in the morning before the gate was locked to escape or prevent angry protesters from gaining access to the property.”
A woman, who asked to remain anonymous from a local organisation in Wattville, said social workers and caregivers’ salaries were cut almost by 80%.
“As a social worker or manager earning R12 000, salaries dropped to R5 500. Caregivers’ stipend which was R2 200 got reduced to R1 200. Food for orphans has also been slashed. Our beneficiaries are going to suffer, what are they going to eat now?”
The anonymous person said they were not properly consulted in regard to the new changes.
“The new budget allocations were effected on April 1 but we were only made aware of the changes on April 5 during a meeting at Gallagher Estate with Mbali Hlophe, the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
Also Read: Benoni Child Welfare shuts its doors amid DSD budget cuts
“We were told that funds were now prioritised for the treatment of substance abuse. I don’t understand why they don’t just hand over this project to us because our scope of work is in line with this portfolio so we can continue with our services.
“We are not happy about this decision, hence, we haven’t signed the new service level agreement.”
Another disgruntled protester, Lehlohonolo Moloro from an Etwatwa drop-in centre offering services to hundreds of vulnerable and orphaned children, said the new budget cuts will severely affect their livelihoods. He called on the department to revise its reprioritisation strategy.
Actonville Child and Family Welfare have since halted its services as staff joined protest actions.
Stakeholders are expected to hand over their memorandum of grievances to the department on April 17 at DSD offices in New Modder Road.
The Benoni City Times is awaiting comment from the Department of Social Development.
Also Read: NPOs enlighten communities about HIV/Aids
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