The Department of Social Development has announced a three-month grace period for parents and guardians of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children (OVC) School Bursary beneficiaries to submit all required documents. The initiative aims to provide families with additional time to meet the necessary requirements without disrupting the education of eligible children.
Speaking during an interview with the Agency, the Department’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Mpho Makhetha, emphasized the importance of this extension. “The grace period will begin from March until May,” she stated. She explained that the decision was made after the Department observed that some children lacked essential documents such as birth certificates and their parents’ or guardians’ identity cards, which are prerequisites for bursary processing.
Mrs. Makhetha reassured parents and guardians that during this grace period, children who qualify for the bursary will be allowed to continue attending school. This measure ensures that the educational needs of these vulnerable children are not disrupted while their documentation is being finalized.
The Department urged parents and guardians to use this opportunity to secure the necessary documents to avoid future challenges with the bursary program. Birth certificates and identity cards are vital not only for the bursary but also for accessing various social services designed to support vulnerable children.
This initiative reflects the Department’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and education of orphaned and vulnerable children. By granting the extension, the Department acknowledges the challenges many families face in obtaining legal documents and aims to provide a supportive and inclusive approach.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to liaise with the Department for assistance in securing the required documents during this period. The Department also calls on relevant stakeholders, including schools and community leaders, to assist in raising awareness about the grace period and supporting families in completing their applications.
This extension demonstrates the Department’s dedication to ensuring that no child is left behind due to administrative hurdles. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect and promote the rights of vulnerable children in society.
