Hon Speaker, the Fund-Raising Amendment Bill [B29 -2020] seeks to amend the Fund-Raising Act No 107 of 1978 with a view to introduce the Disaster Relief Fund and the National Social Development Fund. In so doing this Bill will address the requirements of the Disaster Management Act No 57 of 2002 and related Disaster Management Framework.
The 1978 Act consisted of five different funds some of which have been dormant for many years. These dormant funds contain sums of money that were difficult to access. This Amendment Bill aims to consolidate the Disaster Relief Fund, the Refugee Relief Fund, the Social Relief Fund and the State President’s Fund into two funds viz the Disaster Relief Fund and National Social Development Fund. This will align the Fund-Raising Act with the Disaster Management Act and the Public Finance Management Act and other financial frameworks.
Hon Speaker, during the public hearings community members raised concerns about how the funds will be managed and whether communities will benefit directly if and when disasters strike. Knowing the high levels of corruption and maladministration in various sectors, this is indeed a valid concern. As the IFP we are also concerned about the administration and disbursement of about R110million that will be administered by the Board.
Representatives from the NPO sector and the youth raised concern about their representation on the Board. It is good to note that the process for the selection of Board members will be outlined in the Regulations. In this regard I want to encourage interested sectors of the community to stand for nomination and to nominate persons who will represent their interests.
Hon Speaker, the Inkatha Freedom Party having considered the proposed amendments and community submissions, decides to support the Fund-Raising Amendment Bill [B29B-2020].
I Thank You.
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