1. PRESENTATION TO THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON WOMEN IN THE PRESIDENCY
ANNUAL REPORT
2016/2017
4 October 2017

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS Overview Constitutional Mandate Strategic Objectives
Performance Overview
Highlights
Conclusion

3. OVERVIEW
This presentation provides an account of overall performance of the Commission for the financial year 2016/2017. The Commission has endeavoured to maintain sound financial controls in this financial year. An unqualified audit opinion was obtained.
In , performance information was audited. The Commission received unqualified audits for strategic objective 1 and 3. The target for strategic objective 2 received a qualified audit opinion due to the following reasons:
1. The AGSA could not test whether the indictor relating to 900
complaints received and handled in accordance with the
complaints manual.
2. The technical indicators developed by the Commission were
inadequate
3. Complaints were not handled in accordance to the complaints manual

4. OVERVIEW
In order to correct and ensure that an unqualified audit is obtained going into the new financial year, the Commission has embarked on:
Consequence management with the officers in the Legal Department
Sourcing funding for an online case management system that will provide enable efficient and effective oversight and management to complaints lodged
Other targets relating to strategic objectives two were achieved, performance information relating to the targets were adequately presented.

5. CONSTITUTIONAL MANDATE
The Constitution of SA created an independent Commission for Gender Equality to deal specifically with promotion of gender equality and to advise and make recommendations relating to gender equality and status of women.
Section 181 read with section 187 of the Constitution establishes the Commission for Gender Equality.
In terms of section 187 CGE must promote respect for gender equality and the protection, development and attainment of gender equality

6. VISION and MISSION Vision
A society free from all forms of gender oppression and inequality
Mission
Monitor, evaluate and make recommendations on policies of the public and private sector
Information and educational programmes
Evaluate and make recommendations and advise Parliament on legislation affecting the status of women
Investigate, resolve and rectify gender issues
Collaborate with government and civil society
Monitor and report on international conventions

7. FUNCTIONS PRESCRIBED BY NATIONAL LEGISLATION
Commission for Gender Equality Act 39 of 1996
Monitor
Investigate
Research
Educate
Lobby
Advise Parliament and report on issues concerning gender equality
Monitor compliance with Regional & International Conventions
Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 4 of 2000 (PEPUDA)
Assist complainants in instituting proceedings in the Equality Court
Conduct investigations and make recommendations regarding persistent contraventions of PEPUDA

8. Research- monitoring and evaluation of status of gender equality
CGE
Legal - monitor, investigate complaints and litigate on gender discrimination
Research- monitoring and evaluation of status of gender equality
PEI-to foster public understanding of the CGE and gender equality through education and information
Parliamentary- Monitor international, regional instruments and assert on legislative developments pertaining to gender equality
EXECUTING MANDATE

9. GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEES
Legal and Complaints
Research and Education
Strategic Planning, Annual Report and M&E
Human Resources
Audit
Finance and Administration
Information Technology & Communications
Good Governance and Ethics

10. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1:
To ensure the creation and implementation of an enabling legislative framework that promotes the attainment of gender equality
To monitor equality and evaluate the promotion of gender equality and relevant policies and practices of the public and private sector and report parliament
To initiate and/or participate in the review of the legislative framework in all spheres of government that impact on gender equality
To conduct performance assessments of political parties and the public and private sectors on the effective implementation of gender equality legislation policies and practices
To evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of national justice facilities in addressing gender discrimination
To convene policy dialogues with relevant policy makers at national and provincial level on recommendations to promote gender equality contained in research reports and research activities
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11. To develop co-ordinated programme to promote gender equality
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2:
To protect and promote gender equality by engaging with relevant stakeholders to educate and raise awareness on issues of gender equality challenge patriarchal perceptions and stereotypes and take action against infringements of gender rights through the implementation of appropriate redress
To timeously investigate complaints of violations of gender rights and identify appropriate re­dress
Initiate an investigation into systemic violations of gender rights and identify remedial action.
To develop co-ordinated programme to promote gender equality
To initiate interventions for the sustainable development and promotion of gender equality by addressing violations in the social cultural political economic security and human rights dimensions
To collaborate with organs of state civil society and other institutions for the effective development protection promotion and attainment of gender equality
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12. Heading Text/Content STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3:
To monitor state compliance with regional and international conventions covenants and charters which have been acceded to or ratified by the Republic relating to the object of the Commission for Gender Equality.
To conduct annual reviews and audits of state compliance with obligations under the conventions covenants and charters and to report on a regular basis to Parliament and the Office of the Speaker of Parliament
To interact with and present reports to national regional and international bodies on state compliance with conventions covenants and charters acceded to or ratified make recommendations for improvements and monitor implementation
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13. Heading Text/Content STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 4:
To build an effective efficient and sustainable institution that will fulfil its constitutional mandate on gender equality
To maintain optimal governance and oversight structures and policies between Commissioners and the Secretariat
To maintain the financial management strategy so that it promotes effective efficient and economic utilisation of resources as well as accountability
To develop and maintain an IT infrastructure that supports and promotes the organisational objectives of the CGE
To develop and implement comprehensive HR policies procedures and practices
Review the communications strategy and policy that promotes and enhances a positive public image of the CGE
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14. Performance Overview – SO1, Annual Targets
One investigation report on gender transformation with private sector institutions
One investigation report gender transformation in tertiary institutions
One status report on gender policies and practices using the gender barometer
Eighteen submissions
An assessment report on women’s representation in political parties in local government
One assessment report on the implementation NAP on GBV and its supporting structures
One report on the implementation of the Victims Charter
One consolidated court monitoring report
Two policy dialogues conducted at national and two dialogues conducted at provincial forum for HoDs

15. Text/Content Activities Achievements/Findings / Issues
One investigation report on gender transformation with private sector institutions
Private sector institutions were called to account on measures that they have put in place to ensure transformation in the workplace
Gender Transformation Hearings with UKZN, UCT and WITS
Transformation hearings were held with the universities. Universities have challenges with gender-related policies as well as escalating women and persons with disabilities to senior positions
One status report on gender policies and practices using the gender barometer. Focus was on the mining sector, targeting Sibanya Gold and Exarro
Mining sector remains a male-dominate sector. The sector is largely neglects the imperative to promote gender equality
16 Submissions
Input on a number of submissions were made and tabled
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16. Text/Content Activities Achievements/Findings / Issues
An assessment report on women’s representation in political parties in local government
The manifestos of political parties were assessed to determine whether political parties are embracing constitutional, policy and legislative imperatives to promote gender mainstreaming. The local government elections were monitored by the Commission and a report has been drafted.
One assessment report on the implementation of NAP of GBV and its supporting structures
There is a lack of clear and effective national coordination strategy that coordinates the work of all key institutions involved to combat gender-based violence
Report on the implementation of the Victims Charter
Found that the departments have addressed some of the recommendations raised. Limited progress was noted in few areas, such as limited budgets and resource allocations, poor state of facilities
One consolidated court monitoring report
It was observed that the courts were experiencing challenges in terms of service delivery
Equality courts are not functional
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17. Text/Content Activities Achievements/Findings / Issues
Four policy dialogues conducted at national level with HOD Forums
This activity was partially achieved. The Commission could only manage to secure three policy dialogues for the financial year. The Stakeholders were not available for the dialogue
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18. Performance Objective – SO2: Annual Targets
Nine(900) hundred complaints attended to in terms of CGE Complaints manual and a consolidate report on substantive issues
One hundred and thirty five (135) outreach and legal clinics
Four (4) systemic investigations conducted
Nine(9) coordinated programmes with targeted stakeholders conducted in provinces
Seventy Two(72) radio slots
Nine(9) provincial reports on engagements with the traditional sector and religious sector
Twenty four(24) Stakeholder engagements

19. Achievements/Key findings / issues
Activities
Achievements/Key findings / issues
Nine(900) hundred complaints attended to in terms of CGE
This target was not achieved. 756 complaints were attended to but the legal department , however were not in full compliance with the terms and procedures of the CGE complaints manual
One hundred and thirty five (135) outreach and legal clinics
A total pf 136 outreach, advocacy and legal advice clinics were conducted across provinces
Four systemic investigations conducted
Investigations were focused on Transformation of the Judiciary, Maternal Health, Decriminalisation of Sex work and Gender transformation in the Mining Sector.
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20. Achievements/Key findings / issues
Activities
Achievements/Key findings / issues
Seventy two radio slots
Radio slots were conducted through a partnership with SABC and NCRF. A Total of 72 radio slots took place
Nine (9)provincial reports on engagements with the traditional sector
Traditional leaders in some provinces were reluctant to engage on cultural practices that impact on gender equality. Issues raised include, registration of customary marriages, inheritance and succession
Joint coordinated programmes with LGBTI sector and Chapter nine institutions
There is a growing need for training in human rights and HIV AIDS awareness
Corrective rape remains a critical issue that affects black lesbians
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21. Achievements/Key findings/Issues
Activities
Achievements/Key findings/Issues
Twenty four(24) stakeholder engagements on the Commission’s mandate and thematic focus areas
A number of stakeholders were engaged in this financial year ranging from legislatures, government departments. United Nations Agencies, Labour organisations, chapter 9 institutions, the media, Multilateral organisations, NGOs, SOEs
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22. Complaints Handling

23. Text/Content

24. Public Education Interventions
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25. Community radio slots

27. Performance Objective – SO3: Annual targets
Two assessments reports on SADC Protocol on Gender and Development and the African Protocol
AGDI report
Two reports on attendance at international and regional events

28. Activities Key findings
AGDI
A consultative meeting with key stakeholders was held. It appears that the country is complying with international instruments relating to gender equality. Financial resources remain a serious challenge in policy implementation
International Engagements
High level panel discussion as held at CSW 61st session held in New York and the 58th and 59th Sessions of the AU Commission held in Banjul, The Gambia

29. Highlight of significant issues
CGE 20 Year Review
Local Government Elections report- where an analysis of the outcomes of the 2016 Municipal elections from a gender perspective was done and further scrutinised in a separate report the gendered outcomes of the country’s 8 Metropolitan governments
Uthukela Maiden Bursary report – where an investigation was on a bursary scheme where virginity was a central criterion for awarding bursaries
Gender transformation reports – which placed on the spotlight challenges of gender transformation in the mining sector, private sector and institutions of higher learning.
Africa Gender Development Index report where in collaboration with United Nations Economic commission for Africa which highlights

30. Highlight of significant issues
achievements and challenges that the country is facing in complying with a raft of global, continental and regional instruments
Strategic partnerships through Communications Unit which ensured that messaging and public engagements continue even where the institution is incapable of reaching. And the commission derived value to the tune of two million out of these partnerships. (NEMISA; SABC Foundation, GCIS and NCRF). These enabled the radio programme which focused on educating citizens from disadvantaged communities in vernacular or indigenous languages.
Drafted Resources pack on SDGs to mainstream gender across departments

31. Conclusion
The course of gender equality and transformation continues to face large scale structural obstacles that need collective efforts at all times.
The Commission has carried out and achieved some of the objectives as set out in the APP. We acknowledge in some areas (legal complaints handling) we have fallen short of our stated goals and performance targets. We acknowledge these shortcomings and have developed plans to overcome them.
However overall we are confident that the Commission through its collective efforts of staff has done justice to its mandate even under testing circumstances of budgetary constraints.

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