Re-instatement of Disability Grants. 23/06/08

Support SANAC in ensuring the  Re-instatement of disability grants for PLWHA

ACTION POINTS:

Members of SANAC are called to submit details for individuals who've had the disability grant withdrawn once their CD4 count moved above 200 

We call on you to please disseminate this urgent request from SANAC, across and through your extensive networks

WHY?

SANAC sectors have taken up the issue of disability grants for PWHLA's and the concern that these were being stopped based on CD4 counts. The SANAC Deputy-Chairperson wrote to the Minister of Social Development and asked for clarification. The Minister of Social Development, said that this practice was not correct and the disability grants were provided on the basis of a medical doctor's report. The Minister has requested:

… should it happen that a patient's grant is stopped because of the CD4 count, I should be informed."

Minister Skweyiya has thus called on members of SANAC to provide details that will enable him to act promptly where such incorrect practices are happening.

RESPECT & PROTECT CONFIDENTIALITY

Many of those who may want to come forward might be afraid to do so because it requires that their details are recorded. It is essential that members stress across their networks that details will be used for the sole purpose of addressing the incorrect withdrawal of disability grants and that the personal details of patients will be treated with strict confidentiality.

WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED?

The information requested by the Minister, from each individual whose disability grant was withdrawn as a result of their increased CD4 count, is as follows:

• Full Names
• ID Number
• Contact Details
• District and
• Dates (or at least the month) when the grant was withdrawn

WHO TO SEND THIS INFO TO?

This information is required urgently and is we ask that it be submitted by Friday 4th July. Information can be sent to Paul Booth from the Law and Human Rights Sector of SANAC. His e-mail address is sanacdeputy@alp.org.za and phone numbers are 011 356 4114 and 082 881 7361.  He will forward the details to the Minister.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

This project will provide a good test case for SANAC's multi-sectoral partnership approach and our ability to reach down to gather grassroots-level information that can make a significant difference to people's lives when it is fed through to our leaders at national level. We thus urge members to engage their respective organisations to begin the urgent process of gathering this information. The PWA, Faith Based, NGO and Children's sectors are particularly well positioned in this regard.