Parliament, Thursday, 5 September 2024 – The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities met with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) on the Commission’s annual performance plan (APP). This was part of the committee’s objective to review the CGE’s strategic direction, operational challenges, funding requirements, and its essential role in promoting gender equality and combating gender-based violence (GBV).
During the meeting, committee members raised several pertinent issues. A critical concern was the proposed business model, which requires R50 million to implement. The committee expressed that such a substantial financial request warrants careful scrutiny, particularly in light of the CGE's current funding constraints.
Members of the committee requested a more detailed overview of the business model, including its objectives and intended outcomes. The committee stressed the importance of its involvement in fundraising efforts related to this initiative.
The committee also discussed the audit action plan and expressed concern over discrepancies between the CGE and the Auditor-General on the payment of part-time commissioners. The committee also highlighted the absence of timekeeping records for part-time commissioners as a significant issue and sought clarification on the challenges that led to this situation.
The committee questioned the CGE's exclusion from the Legal Practice Council and its implications for the commission's ability to litigate.Committee members questioned whether the CGE is currently providing legal advice or operating legal clinics, given the legal challenges it faces.
The committee noted with concern the CGE's engagement with rural women and the effectiveness of its outreach programmes. It called for a clearer plan to ensure that rural women are included in economic opportunities and that their voices are represented in decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the committee expressed a need for clarity on the specific roles and contributions of the commissioners in implementing the strategic plan. It stressed the necessity of a detailed operational plan that outlines accountability measures for each commissioner in achieving the targets set out in the APP. Members of the committee pointed out that there are outstanding targets from the previous financial year that remain unmet and urged the CGE to clarify how many of these will be carried over and the financial implications of such carry-overs.
Committee Chairperson Ms Lindelwa Dunjwa echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the CGE's initiatives. She raised questions about the commission's engagement with traditional leadership and communities, highlighting the need for a more robust approach to overcoming cultural barriers that hinder gender equality.
Ms Dunjwa also asked about the CGE's collaboration with other institutions, such as the Human Rights Commission, to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing gender-based violence.
Concerns were also raised about the CGE's budget allocations, particularly the high percentage of funds directed toward salaries. Committee members urged the commission to provide a detailed breakdown of its budget to ensure that financial resources are used effectively to maximise impact. They underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in the CGE's financial management.
In response, the CGE acknowledged the need for greater clarity and transparency in its operations. The commission committed to providing the committee with a comprehensive report outlining the objectives and expected outcomes of its business model, as well as a detailed operational plan for the commissioners. The CGE also expressed its commitment to enhancing its monitoring and evaluation efforts, particularly concerning government departments' compliance with national strategic plans on gender-based violence.
Some committee members stressed the critical role they play in supporting the CGE in fulfilling its mandate, stating that they have a unique opportunity to advocate for the necessary funding and resources that the CGE requires to implement its proposed business model effectively. While the request for R50 million may seem substantial, it is essential to recognise that this investment aims to enhance the CGE's operational capacity to make a meaningful impact in the fight against gender-based violence and discrimination. Committee members felt it is their duty to ensure that the CGE is equipped to carry out its functions effectively, which may involve facilitating discussions with relevant government departments and stakeholders to secure the necessary financial support.
Committee members said the committee must take an active role in monitoring the CGE's progress and holding it accountable for its performance and this includes ensuring that the commission addresses the concerns raised during the audit process and implements the necessary changes to improve its internal operations. The members said that by providing constructive feedback and guidance, they can help the CGE navigate its challenges and enhance its effectiveness.
It is also crucial for the committee to foster collaboration between the CGE and other governmental and non-governmental organisations. By encouraging partnerships and joint initiatives, the committee can amplify the impact of the CGE's work and ensure that gender equality remains a priority across all sectors of society. Engaging with traditional leaders and community organisations will also be vital in addressing cultural barriers to gender equality, and the committee can play a pivotal role in facilitating these engagements, members said.
The committee noted with concern the CGE's approach to addressing gender-based violence, particularly in its monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The committee urged the commission to provide more information on how it plans to hold government departments accountable for their roles in combating gender-based violence.
Furthermore, the committee reiterated its concerns about the CGE’s budget allocations, particularly the high percentage of funds directed towards salaries. The committee called for a detailed breakdown of the budget to ensure that resources are being used effectively and that there is sufficient funding for programmes aimed at promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN YOUTH AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, MS LINDELWA DUNJWA
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Yoliswa Landu (Ms)
Cell: 081 4974694
E-mail: ylandu@parliament.gov.za
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