DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Social Development, Gillion Bosman, MPP says; “We welcome the High Court ruling in which the national Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, and all provincial MECs – except that of the Western Cape – are found to be in breach of their constitutional obligation to provide nutrition, social services, education, and enhancement of development for children.”
The ruling outlines that all registered Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDs) must receive 100% of their government subsidies, regardless of whether or not the ECDs have resumed services. It is only the Western Cape which has maintained this constitutional and ethical requirement prior to, during, and after the Covid-19 hard lockdown.
We previously indicated that this DA-led province holds the highest rating for compliance with ECD-related payments, including subsidies. It is furthermore our commitment toward the restoration of dignity which saw over R10-million reprioritised by the provincial government for the funding of ECDs, even before their reopening.
This is not the first time Minister Zulu and her ANC provincial counterparts have been ordered by an external body to fulfil minimal legal responsibilities. In July, another court ruling ordered for ECDs to be allowed to reopen. In August, Minister Zulu’s plans to spend over R1-billion on untrained so-called “compliance monitors” were thwarted by her own government’s treasury.
In the interest of ensuring that provisions of this judgment are carried out, I have agreed with my counterpart at the National Council of Provinces, Delmaine Christians MP, that she will request the relevant Chairperson of the NCOP invite all provincial MECs to account in line with the necessary aspects of the High Court ruling.
The DA difference means not only adherence to minimal constitutional obligations, but sincere commitment to the restoration of dignity, provision of opportunities, and safety for all residents.
