Child Welfare workers await stipend payments after four-month delay

ABOUT 150 Kimberley Child Welfare workers employed at foster care homes, places of safety and residential care facilities are awaiting the payment of their stipends that have been outstanding for the past four months.

This follows a picket that was staged outside the Department of Social Development offices on July 31. 

National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) representative Andrew Diraditsile stated that members wished to be permanently absorbed. 

“Workers were promised that payment would be processed this week, but were only paid for three months. We intend to meet with the Department of Social Development and the implementing agents next week,” he advised.

Workers indicated that they were based in Platfontein, Soul City, Donkerhoek, Lerato Park, Roodepan, Colville and Greenpoint, as well as in Namaqualand, Kuruman and Colesburg.

“Our children are sitting at home because we cannot afford to pay school fees. One employee from Platfontein did not have the money to bury his mother as his funeral policy had lapsed. We have lost all the benefits of our insurance policies. Every month, it is a battle to fight for our meagre stipends.”

Chairperson of the board of Kimberley Child Welfare, Mthuthuzeli Matshoba, explained that they had met with the chief financial officer at the Department of Social Development to speed up the process. 

“Funds were received on August 4, and the payments, including backdated payments, are being processed.” 

He attributed the delays to the previous board that was “non-compliant”, which resulted in “significant financial challenges”.

“The new board is working on ensuring effective governance, strengthening financial management and oversight. ” 

The Department of Social Development did not respond to media enquiries at the time of publication.