The Zambezi Region is facing a critical shortage of social welfare support, with only eight social workers currently employed by the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare to serve the entire region.
This alarming gap came to light during an official visit to the Office of the Zambezi Governor by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Gender Equality, Health and Social Welfare, led by Chairperson Honourable Christine Haindaka.
The Committee was received by the Chief Regional Officer, Bernhard Sisamu, and they commenced their oversight activities at child care facilities in the Region. “This is part of Parliament’s constitutional mandate to monitor and assess the implementation of policies, legislation, and public service delivery relating to the welfare and protection of children.”
The Committee explained that the visit was made to assess whether the facilities operate in accordance with the Minimum Standards for Residential Child Care Facilities issued by the Ministry of Gender.
Senior Social Worker at the Ministry, Elsie Saushini, highlighted underlying challenges, which include a lack of funding to adequately train caregivers responsible for children living with various conditions and special needs.
“There is also limited parental involvement after children are placed in shelters and care facilities.”
The parliamentary team explained that the visit is part of their official duty to monitor how laws and policies protect children. Specifically, they are assessing whether local shelters follow the government’s official Minimum Standards for Residential Child Care Facilities.
