SCHOLAR TRANSPORT CHALLENGES PERSIST AT MOJAGEDI AND REEBONE SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development today conducted a follow-up oversight visit to the Madibeng Service Point of the Department of Social Development in the Madibeng Local Municipality to assess progress made in implementing resolutions arising from the Committee’s previous oversight visit on 20 May 2025.

The oversight visit was led by the Chief Whip of the North West Provincial Legislature, Hon. Motlalepula Rosho, together with the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, Hon. Karabo Magagane, and Committee Member Hon. Hendriette van Huyssteen, as part of the Legislature’s Oversight Week programme aimed at strengthening accountability and improving service delivery.

The Committee received a progress report from the District Director for the Bojanala Platinum District, Dr Mercutio Motshedi, who reported progress made in addressing concerns raised during the Committee’s previous oversight visit.

The Committee noted with appreciation that staff had been relocated from the non-compliant Alfa Building to new offices at Madibeng Mall with effect from 1 July 2025, providing a work environment that complies with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The Committee further noted that departmental signage has since been installed to improve visibility and access for clients and stakeholders.
Dr Motshedi further spoke about measures undertaken to address staffing challenges; including the transfer of additional social workers, the appointment of a Social Work Intern, an Assistant Director: Corporate Services, a Social Auxiliary Worker and a Cleaner, while further recruitment processes remain underway.

The Committee also welcomed the Department’s reported improvement in the processing of Service Level Agreements and the transfer of funding to Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), with all approved organisations having received their first tranche payments for the current financial year.

The Committee also received an operational overview from the Service Point Manager, Ms S.M. Motsepe, who said that the Madibeng Service Point serves all 41 wards within the Madibeng Local Municipality through ward-based teams despite ongoing resource constraints. She further outlined the staffing establishment, services rendered, transport resources, budget performance and operational challenges facing the Service Point.

The Committee noted that, despite the progress made, the Service Point continues to face operational challenges, including inadequate office furniture and limited office space for outreach personnel operating in satellite service areas.

Officials informed the Committee that engagements are underway to secure additional office space through partnerships with other government departments, municipalities and traditional authorities, while alternative accommodation solutions are also being explored.

During the engagement, Hon. Hendriette van Huyssteen commended the Service Point for its proactive efforts to secure additional office space for outreach personnel. She also enquired about the working relationship between social workers and key stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Home Affairs and the National Prosecuting Authority, particularly in child protection matters.

While officials confirmed that sound working relations exist, they highlighted the need for a fully functional Child Protection Unit and appealed for the Committee’s support in engaging relevant stakeholders.

Chief Whip Hon. Motlalepula Rosho encouraged the Department and its key stakeholders to explore mechanisms to further strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, including the possible conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding, to improve coordination in child protection matters and enhance service delivery.

Portfolio Committee Chairperson Hon. Karabo Magagane also highlighted the need for sustainable solutions to cross-border service delivery challenges affecting communities along the Gauteng and Limpopo borders, stressing the importance of strengthened intergovernmental coordination.

The Committee welcomed the significant progress made in implementing several of its previous recommendations and encouraged the Department to continue addressing the remaining operational challenges to improve accessibility and the quality of social development services across the Madibeng Local Municipality.

The Portfolio Committee reaffirmed its commitment to exercising effective legislative oversight to ensure that government programmes respond to the needs of vulnerable individuals, families and communities across the North West Province.

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