MONDAY, 1.30PM
THE National Assembly’s welfare committee on Wednesday unanimously agreed that the welfare department’s controversial proposals for child support benefits of R75 a month per child with an age limit of six years are inadequate, committee chairman Ismail Mohamed said on Wednesday.
Mohamed said it appeared that all parties broadly agreed on several aspects and he hoped further consensus could be reached before making recommendations to the ministry, probably after the next meeting next week.
Patrick McKenzie (National Party) said the whole welfare system needed revision since it had been grossly discriminatory in the past. He said the NP is concerned about the means test and feels it should be abolished or simplified, as was the international trend.
William Mnisi (Democratic Party) wanted the grant to be set at R135 a month and the age limit at 18. She added that urgent attention has to be given to private maintenance payments because fathers have to realise their responsibility towards their children.
Mary Turok (African National Congress) suggested the grant be set at R120, but limited to two children per family. The age limit should also be increased. She believes the means test could not be abolished, but could be simplified. The amount and age limit should also be reviewed annually and increased if possible, she said.