Social DevelopmentGP

A family photo of the Minister, Deputy Minister and Members of Executive Councils (MINMEC) for Social Development following a successful engagement in Boksburg, Gauteng, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening social protection and improving service delivery for all South Africans.

Substance Abuse Remains a Key Social Development Priority as the Social Development MINMEC is currently receiving an update on the implementation of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP), with Deputy Director-General for Welfare Services, Ms Siza Magangoe, outlining progress made and priority interventions to address substance abuse in South Africa. Presenting the achievements of the 2019–2024 NDMP, Ms Magangoe highlighted strengthened prevention programmes through the Ke Moja campaign, expanded awareness initiatives in schools, communities and workplaces, improved treatment services through the Universal Treatment Curriculum, and the establishment of Substance Abuse Forums and Local Drug Action Committees across provinces. The presentation also outlined key proposals contained in the NDMP 2026–2030, including intensified measures to curb alcohol and drug abuse, regulate liquor availability, strengthen efforts against illicit drug trafficking, scale up prevention and treatment services for children, and enhance law enforcement interventions. Ms Magangoe emphasised that substance abuse remains a significant driver of many social challenges, including crime, violence, family breakdown, gender-based violence, school dropout rates, and poor health outcomes. The sector continues to prioritise a coordinated, whole-of-government and society approach to prevention, early intervention, treatment, and community mobilisation.

#MilestonesOfFreedom | Social Support that Matters Social security is a right - grants support millions of vulnerable South Africans, ensuring no one is left behind. Our social security net assists vulnerable and underprivileged South Africans, including unemployed South Africans as well as orphaned and vulnerable children living in child headed households. #GovZAUpdates #CapableState

South African citizens aged 16 years and older are reminded to register to vote this coming weekend, 20 and 21 June 2026, ahead of the Local Government Elections. Register where you plan to vote online at zurl.co/0Jx0X or at voting stations and local offices during office hours. Check your registration status easily via zurl.co/gCrIg, SMS your ID to 32810, or call 0800 11 8000. Make your voice heard! #GovZAUpdates #CapableState #VoterRegistration #LGE2026

Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Deputy Director-General, Ms Shoki Shabalala, presented a progress report to MINMEC on the implementation of measures following the classification of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) as a national disaster. The report highlighted strengthened coordination through eight interdepartmental workstreams and the activation of *NATJOINTS,* the establishment of two additional *Thuthuzela Care Centres,* expanded shelter support, ongoing capacity building for frontline workers, and efforts to harmonise legislation affecting the protection of women and children. Ms Shabalala also emphasised the need to strengthen prevention programmes, including the Positive Masculinity Programme, and called for a whole-of-society approach to address GBVF through community mobilisation and partnerships.

#MINMECMeetingInProgress Acting Director-General Adv. Gugu Thimane presented a comprehensive update on the outcomes and resolutions of the Heads of the Social Development Sector (HSDS) meeting, highlighting progress on key priorities aimed at strengthening service delivery and advancing the developmental agenda. The presentation covered critical areas including child protection services, substance abuse interventions, the employment and supervision of social workers, NPO funding and compliance, respite care for children with disabilities, and collaborative efforts to expand economic opportunities and improve the well-being of vulnerable communities. #MINMEC2026 #SocialProtection #DSDPortfolioAtWork #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSociety

The Social Development MINMEC has approved the hosting of the National Active Ageing Programme (NAAP) 2026 in the Free State Province this October. The decision also responds to a request by the South African Older Persons Forum to host the event during Older Persons Month. As one of the Department's flagship programmes, NAAP provides a platform for older persons to engage on issues affecting their lives, shape policies, promote healthy living, strengthen social cohesion and participate in the Golden Games. #OlderPersonsMatter #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSociety #DSDPortfolioAtWork

"Social protection remains one of the most powerful instruments for reducing poverty, tackling inequality and advancing inclusive economic development. Through our vision of a comprehensive social protection floor, we seek to ensure that every South African in need has access to support and opportunities that break the cycle of intergenerational poverty." These were the remarks by Acting Minister of Social Development, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, during the MINMEC Meeting in Boksburg. The Acting Minister emphasised that the National Development Plan (NDP) identifies social protection as a critical instrument for poverty reduction, reducing inequality and promoting inclusive growth, placing the Social Development sector at the centre of South Africa's development agenda. She further noted that the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024–2029 gives effect to this vision through its priorities of inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living, and building a capable developmental state — all of which have direct implications for the work of the Social Development sector. Highlighting the Department's mandate, Minister Chikunga said Social Development is responsible for implementing programmes aimed at eradicating poverty, strengthening social protection and supporting the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalised members of society. This work is guided by key legislation, including the Social Assistance Act, Older Persons Act, Children's Act and Nonprofit Organisations Act, which provide the framework for delivering essential social services across the country. "The Department administers one of the largest expenditure items in the national budget and touches the daily lives of approximately 27 million social grant beneficiaries. This places a profound legal and moral responsibility on us as leaders of the sector to ensure that no one is left behind." #MINMEC2026 #SocialProtection #DSDPortfolioAtWork #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSociety

Leaders of the Social Development sector from across the country have arrived in Boksburg for the Minister and Members of Executive Councils (MINMEC) Meeting, where key social development priorities and service delivery matters will be discussed. Proceedings are set to commence shortly. #DSDMINMEC2026 #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether #DSDPortfolioAtWork

📍 Soweto: Where Social Investment Meets Community Impact Behind every statistic is a life touched, a family supported and a community strengthened. Through its investment in Soweto, the Department of Social Development continues to transform lives through a range of social programmes: ✅ Child Care and Protection, benefiting 7 056 children and families through an investment of R15.1 million. ✅ HIV and AIDS Programmes, supporting vulnerable communities through an investment of R5.7 million. ✅ Substance Abuse Services, strengthening prevention and treatment interventions with R3.8 million. ✅ Victim Empowerment Programmes (VEP), reaching 13 284 beneficiaries through an investment of R3.6 million. ✅ Services to Older Persons, supporting 463 older persons through R1.7 million in funding. ✅ Services to Persons with Disabilities, empowering 60 beneficiaries through an investment of R1.5 million. ✅ Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs), supporting vulnerable children through R1.3 million. ✅ Sustainable Livelihood Programmes, creating opportunities for 210 beneficiaries through R1 million in funding. ✅ Crime Prevention Programmes – reaching 4 452 beneficiaries through an investment of R662 808. This is more than funding. It is an investment in dignity, protection, opportunity and hope for the people of Soweto. As the Social Development Portfolio arrives in Pimville, we celebrate the organisations, community leaders and partners who continue to turn these investments into real change on the ground. #DSDPortfolioAtWork #ServiceDeliveryInAction #YouthMonth2026 DSDCares #IcropInPimville

#IcropInPimville| Oversight visit to Tshedimosho Farm Hub Tshedimosho Farm Hub in Mofolo continues to make a meaningful impact by creating employment opportunities, empowering young people with agricultural skills, and strengthening local food security. Through the support of hydroponic tunnels funded by the National Development Agency (NDA), the organisation has increased year-round production, donated fresh produce to Tshedimosho Primary School’s nutrition programme, and supplied quality vegetables to the local market. With a strong focus on youth empowerment, job creation and community development, Tshedimosho Farm Hub is proving that sustainable farming can transform lives while building a more food-secure future. #FoodSecurity #YouthEmpowerment #SkillsDevelopment #SustainableAgriculture #CommunityDevelopment #GrowingTogether

📍Power Park Grounds, Pimville, Soweto We are on the ground in Pimville, Soweto where Acting Minister of Social Development Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga will lead an Impactful Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP). Services will be offered by SASSA, NDA, DSD, Home Affairs, Health, NSFAS, NYDA, SAQA, IEC, NDA, NSF, SEDFA, and many other stakeholders. Residents are urged to bring their ID and any supporting documents relevant to the services they require. Watch it here: 🔗Facebook: facebook.com/share/v/1B41zuZ… 🔗Youtube: youtube.com/live/hw-cBLTnC20… 🔗X: teapawt.net/i/broadcasts/1AxRnndWn… #YouthMonth2026 #SASSA20 #SASSACARES #SASSAICROP

Stakeholders Briefing Underway Ahead of Pimville Community Engagement Acting Minister of Social Development, Ms Sindisiwe Chikunga, is currently participating in a stakeholder briefing in Pimville, Gauteng, ahead of today's community engagement. The Acting Minister was welcomed by Gauteng MEC for Social Development, MPL Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, and SASSA CEO, Mr Themba Matlou, as government leaders and stakeholders prepare to engage with residents and bring integrated services closer to the community. #DSDPortfolioAtWork #ServiceDeliveryInAction #YouthMonth2026 DSDCares #IcropInPimville