Molewa urges portfolio members to work closely

By Ofentse Mokae
19 June 2009

Minister of social development Edna Molewa urged members of the portfolio committee on social development to work hand in hand with her department to ensure that social development takes place.

The minister was briefing committee members on their roles and functions at parliament yesterday.

The minister said members should acquaint themselves with the regulations and policies of the social development department to ensure they perform their oversight role effectively.

“We need to understand the procedures and policies of the department as this key to effective and efficient engagement,” said Minister of social development Edna Molewa

Molewa, who was accompanied by her deputy Bathabile Dlamini, also clarified what was expected of the committee members and the roles of provincial MEC’S in terms of the constitution.

She said her regular meetings with the MEC’S where sectoral issues such as pensions, child grants and other social security aids are being discussed were central to the development and wellbeing of the nation.

Committee member Nomathemba November from the ANC, said the meeting addressed a lot of issues and was enlightening.

COPE committee member NP Gcume said the meeting laid a clear foundation and paved the way for work on development and community upliftment as it was outlined by the president during his state of the nation address.

Deputy Minister Bathabile expressed hope for a harmonious relationship with the committee.