As we celebrate Social Development Month in October, it is essential to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the Department of Social Development (DSD) over the past 30 years.
DSD has consistently been a pillar of support during South Africa’s most challenging times, addressing the evolving social landscape and stepping in during moments of crisis to assist vulnerable populations.
During the transition to democracy, South Africa faced significant political unrest, characterised by violence and social disruptions that left many children orphaned.
The DSD played a vital role in providing assistance, ensuring that support services were available to help families rebuild their lives. This commitment laid a strong foundation for the department’s ongoing mission to protect and empower individuals across the country.
The emergence of the HIV and AIDS epidemic presented a significant challenge for South Africa.
In response, DSD took a proactive role, implementing programs to provide care and support for affected orphans, ensuring that no child was left behind amid the devastation.
These efforts underscored the department’s commitment to social welfare during such critical times. It was within this context that the Risiha Programme was established. “Risiha” is a Xitsonga word meaning “resilience.” This community-based prevention and early intervention programme is designed to support vulnerable children, helping them transition from vulnerability to resilience.
Central to the Risiha Programme is the delivery of the Core Package of Services (CPS), which addresses the diverse needs of these children.
More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DSD rose to the occasion by administering the Special Relief Distress (SRD) Grant to assist millions of South Africans facing financial hardship due to lockdowns and economic disruptions
. Alongside this, the DSD through its agency, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) continues to disburse social grants, which provided critical financial support to those grappling with the compounded effects of poverty, unemployment, and inequality—issues that were further exacerbated by the pandemic.
Social grants have been a cornerstone of the DSD’s efforts to support vulnerable populations. Over the years, these grants have evolved into a vital lifeline for many families, with some relying on them as their sole source of income.
Crucially, social grants serve not only as financial support but also as tools for child protection and educational advancement. Programmes such as the Child Support Grant, Foster Care Grant, and Care Dependency Grant play significant roles in keeping children in school and bridging the educational gap for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
For instance, the 2023 matric results reveal that among 897,775 grade 12 learners who wrote the National Senior Certificate exams, 543,786 were social grant recipients. Notably, 202,256 of these students achieved a Bachelor Pass, and 62 of the top 110 performing learners were social grant beneficiaries, contributing to a total of 160,326 distinctions.
Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, recently described the DSD as the "breadwinner of the country," a testament to its crucial role in supporting and nurturing the nation.
Additionally, the department plays a vital role in supporting non-profit organisations through funding and the rendering of services on behalf of the government.
DSD programmes actively aim to curb the scourge of social ills, such as gender-based violence & femicide and substance abuse, by providing resources and initiatives that empower communities, promote rehabilitation, and foster safe environments for vulnerable citizens.
The department has received numerous accolades, including the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Social Security Programmes in Africa in 2023. This recognition highlights the effectiveness and impact of South Africa's social welfare programmes.
International bodies, including the United Nations, have praised South Africa’s progressive social policies and the alignment of its constitution with the rights of children and other vulnerable groups.
At the heart of DSD services are our unsung heroes who are Social Workers. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to address and resolve complex family issues. When a child is in conflict with the law, Social Workers collaborate closely with law enforcement to ensure fair treatment and support.
The Social Development Month campaign seeks to showcase the work of the DSD which is the backbone of creating a society that cares for the most vulnerable.
Precious Mupenzi is the Deputy Director responsible for Internal Communication at the Department of Social Development.
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