Department of Social Development

Department of Social Development Leaders

Ms. Nokuzola Tolashe

Minister: Social Development

Mr. Ganief Hendriecks

Deputy Minister: Social Development

Mr. Peter Netshipale

Director General: Social Development

By Cuma Pantshwa.

⁠Ayanda Asanda Novukela used R370 from the SRD grant to start her first business, Bhayeka Trading. She currently operates three businesses, which include a pre-school and a company registration service.
More than 70% of the enrolled participants in the KwaMashu pilot of the Generating Better Livelihoods (GBL) programme are women, most of whom began their journey as social grant recipients.
⁠Beyond financial support, the GBL programme emphasizes mentorship, counselling, and confidence-building, creating a community of entrepreneurs who transform dependency into self-reliance and economic resilience.

Building resilient communities has taken centre stage as DSD and partners forge a way forward by linking grant beneficiaries to real economic opportunities.

A community hall in Ntuzuma Durban, became a symbol of possibility and hope today — as young entrepreneurs stood proudly beside their products, sharing stories of hustle, resilience, and renewed hope.

The exhibition formed part of the KwaMashu site visit for the Generating Better Livelihoods (GBL) pilot — a joint initiative of the Department of Social Development (DSD), SASSA, the NDA, FinMark Trust (FMT) and BRAC International, designed to link social grant recipients to sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Ntuzuma Hall opened its doors to possibility and purpose, connecting young people to support, to potential customers, and their future funders.

From vibrant, hand-stitched garments to home-made goods, spices, plant-based skincare, detergents and revived sneakers — the room buzzed with creativity and drive. It was a tangible demonstration of what becomes possible when support systems meet human potential.

“I started my first business with R370 from the SRD grant.”

Ayanda Asanda Novukela, 27, from Lindelani, beamed with confidence behind a table stacked with bright spice packets and seasoning blends.

“I’m the founder of Bhayeka Trading,” she shared proudly. “We sell spices, curry powder, dry herbs, sauces and eggs. We also supply tuck shops in Lindelani and sell door-to-door. This business started from just R370 – my Social Relief of Distress (SRD).”

Ayanda’s journey doesn’t end there. She also runs Little Dynamites, a pre-school and daycare centre, and Bombo Solutions, a small business that assists others to register companies, obtain tax clearances, and file CIPC annual returns.

“The GBL programme provided me with more than just training,” she explained. “It gave me confidence, self-esteem, and the motivation I needed to keep going. I used to be a community activist without an income. Now, I own three businesses.”

She credits ongoing mentorship from Finmark Trust’s linkage facilitator, Ms Nokuthula Ngcobo and the community of entrepreneurs created through GBL as the driving force behind her growth.

“We even had counselling when needed, and we learned to know ourselves better. That helped us let go of fear. That kind of support is rare.”

Ayanda is one of 262 participants already onboarded through the KwaMashu pilot. Over 70% are women, and the majority identify as aspiring entrepreneurs. Many, like Ayanda, are recipients of the Child Support Grant or the SRD, using these as a base to build their businesses.

From Local Hustle to National Vision

Ms Vuyi Segooa of FinMark Trust reaffirmed the programme’s purpose and potential:

“The GBL project moves people from dependency to self-reliance by building agency. In the South African context, building self-sufficient individuals means providing practical skills, financial literacy, access to resources, and coaching. That’s how we foster economic resilience.”

As government and development partners continue their three-day strategic planning session, the message from Ntuzuma Hall was clear: South Africans are ready; they just need a platform.

Delivering words of encouragement to the participants, DSD Director-General Peter Netshipale offered a heartfelt reflection:

“We’re not just talking about sustainable livelihoods,” he said. “We’re seeing them take shape before our eyes. These projects are not just pilots; they are blueprints. We want this to become a way of life for our people.”

He underscored the critical role of mentorship in unlocking the potential of young entrepreneurs.

“Mentorship is the bridge between a great idea and a thriving business,” he said. “These young people need more than funding — they need consistent support, coaching, and belief in their journey.”
“Today we may be 15, but tomorrow we need to grow to 100. We must create platforms that highlight their growth and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. Let’s make these success stories visible, discuss them widely, and replicate them across the country.”

By Morapedi Sibeko.

•⁠ ⁠As Psycho-Social Disability Awareness Month draws to a close, it is important to reflect on how children with psycho-social disabilities are meaningfully included in everyday life.

•⁠ ⁠While often invisible, psycho-social disabilities can deeply affect how a child learns, plays, and connects with others.

•⁠ ⁠We must go beyond seeing disability as a health concern and instead understand it as part of everyday life that interacts with the child’s environment, relationships, and support systems.

July marks Psycho-Social Disability Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how South Africa is progressing in its efforts to support the dignity, inclusion, and rights of children and people with psycho-social disabilities.

These disabilities include conditions such as depression, anxiety, and trauma, which affect a child’s emotional well-being and ability to participate fully in daily life. While often invisible, psycho-social disabilities can deeply affect how a child learns, plays, and connects with others, especially when support systems are limited.

At the Department of Social Development, we are reminded that among the most vulnerable are children with disabilities, who often live at the intersection of stigma and restricted access to care.

The department reflects not only on the progress made in protecting children with disabilities, but also on how disability can be understood more effectively by moving from labels to lived experiences.

If we are to move beyond awareness to real inclusion, we must start seeing children with disabilities differently. We must go beyond seeing disability as a health concern and instead understand it as part of everyday life that interacts with the child’s environment, relationships, and support systems.

Moving beyond a diagnosis

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, developed by the World Health Organisation, helps us do just that. It encourages us to focus on what children can do rather than on a diagnosis.

The classification shifts the lens from impairment alone to a child’s experience in the world, asking what must change in the environment to help the child thrive. It recognises that disability has both medical and social aspects.

A child with a mental health condition may face challenges not only because of that condition but also because they are misunderstood, unsupported, or excluded.

When children with psycho-social disabilities receive support, are treated with care, and are meaningfully included in everyday life, they are far more likely to flourish.

South Africa’s Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) supports this shift.

The Act promotes the creation of an enabling environment for children with disabilities, one that provides access to services, protects them from neglect and discrimination, and nurtures their overall development. It reminds us that inclusion is a legal and developmental priority.

However, the lived experience of many children with psycho-social disabilities still falls short of this vision.

Tackling stigma and misconceptions

Too often, children face social isolation, limited support in their communities, and barriers that prevent them from participating fully in everyday life.

As Manthipi Molamu, who leads Services to People with Disabilities at the Department of Social Development, says: “The impact of stigma is often more damaging than the disability itself.

“Children with psycho-social disabilities frequently encounter misconceptions, social exclusion, and bias. Such stigma can result in feelings of isolation, diminished self-worth, and restricted access to education and opportunities for engagement.”

This highlights the ongoing need for collaborative efforts across departments and society to create more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environments for all children.

One way to make the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health real and practical in the lives of children with disabilities is through the Five Fs framework: function, family, fitness, fun, and friends.

These five areas provide a child-centred lens to understand what matters in their everyday lives and how we can support them more meaningfully.

The important Five Fs

Function is what a child can do in everyday life, from dressing independently to joining in classroom activities. It moves the focus toward abilities and meaningful participation rather than limitations.

Family is central. Families are often the child’s first and most consistent source of care.

The Department of Social Development recognises that a strong family builds a strong foundation for children with disabilities.

When families are supported, they are better equipped to nurture their children’s development.

Family involvement is critical in planning and delivering interventions, as the family environment greatly influences development, consistency, and motivation, Molamu says.

Fitness refers to physical and emotional well-being. Children with psycho-social disabilities often benefit from routines, movement, good nutrition, and therapeutic activities.

Promoting health through adaptive physical education or counselling creates a more stable base for growth.

Fun is a right. It enhances learning, reduces stress, and builds resilience.

Play-based therapy, or simply including children in group games and cultural activities, increases their confidence and engagement with the world.

Friends are essential for belonging.

Friendships offer a sense of emotional safety and help children develop communication, empathy, and cooperation.

Yet, many children with psycho-social disabilities face social exclusion.

Encouraging inclusion

Encouraging peer interaction through group sessions, community play, or after-school programmes helps break down stigma and builds more inclusive communities.

“The Five Fs approach complements the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model by offering a child-friendly, holistic lens to intervention planning,” Molamu adds.

“It ensures that interventions are person-centred, contextually meaningful, and aligned with the child’s environment and developmental stage.”

In Molamu’s view, understanding psycho-social disabilities requires a kind, comprehensive, and rights-based approach.

She reminds us that children with psycho-social disabilities are, first and foremost, children. They have dreams, talents, and the right to be seen, heard, and valued.

Too often, the stigma surrounding mental health is more damaging than the disability itself.

These children are not defined by a diagnosis. They thrive when they are supported by predictable, caring adults and environments that understand their unique needs.

Participation is key

When children are included in education, recreation, and decision-making, their sense of agency and well-being grows.

Families and communities must be equipped and supported to play their roles.

Services rooted in community care, rather than institutions, are more sustainable and responsive.

Access to mental health support – through schools, clinics, and local initiatives – must be timely, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed.

“This is ultimately about human rights,” said Molamu.

“The United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on the Rights of the Child affirm every child’s right to dignity, education, healthcare, participation, and freedom from discrimination.”

If we focus on strengths rather than labels, if we listen to children and support families and communities, we can build a society where all children, including those with psycho-social disabilities, are able to reach their full potential.

The challenge is not to fix the child, but to fix the barriers that stand in their way. Inclusion is not charity. It is justice.

Morapedi Sibeko is an events manager at the Department of Social Development.

Staff Writer.

⁠The campaign engaged thousands of students across four campuses; Ermelo, Standerton, Perdekop, and Evander- raising awareness on human trafficking, gender-based violence (GBV), and substance abuse.
⁠Students were briefed on DSD’s services, such as treatment access, psycho-social support, victim empowerment, and expungement of diversion orders for eligible youth offenders.
⁠The initiative partnered with SAPS, higher education, civil society groups (FAMSA, SANCA, Khulisa Solutions), and banks to take a unified approach against social issues.

As the world commemorates World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Department of Social Development (DSD), today visited the Evander Campus of Gert Sibande TVET College to conclude a week-long awareness campaign.

The campaign, driven by DSD’s Social Crime Prevention and Anti-Substance Abuse Unit, sought to educate students about the hidden dangers of human trafficking, gender-based violence (GBV) , and substance abuse, as well as to promote available support services. The intervention reflects DSD’s commitment to prevention and early intervention as critical tools in safeguarding vulnerable youth.

The campaign, which began on 28 July at the Ermelo Campus, extended to Standerton, Perdekop, and Evander campuses, reaching thousands of students across four institutions of higher learning. This targeted intervention was designed to engage young people—who are most at risk of being trafficked, exploited, or drawn into substance abuse and GBV—through dialogues, information dissemination, and referrals to support services.

“We are here because we care about the future of our youth,” said Ditebogo Manana, Social Work Policy Manager at DSD.

“Many of you are away from home, facing new pressures, new freedoms, and sometimes, new dangers. It is important that you know where to find help before harm finds you.”

She stated that the campaign forms part of the broader prevention and early intervention strategy. “We are not only creating awareness but also advocating for the services available to young people”. These services include:

•⁠ ⁠Access to treatment centres for substance use disorders

•⁠ ⁠Psycho-social and therapeutic support for victims of crime and violence

•⁠ ⁠Emergency accommodation and shelters for individuals at risk

• Guidance on expunging diversion orders for youth who committed offences under the age of 18 and remained offence-free until 21

Manana added that students were also educated on the different categories and schedules of crimes, how past trauma can influence irrational behaviour, and the critical role of DSD’s psycho-social interventions in healing and rehabilitation.

“DSD is heeding the call by proactively delivering prevention and early intervention services to curb social ills affecting children and young people, especially in institutions of higher learning,” she said.

Throughout the week, the campaign showcased DSD’s comprehensive support programmes for victims and survivors of trafficking and other crimes, including safe accommodation, psycho-social services, victim empowerment, and referral networks. Students were encouraged to use the toll-free hotlines:

•⁠ ⁠Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428

•⁠ ⁠Substance Abuse Helpline on 0800 121 314 for free and confidential support.

•⁠ ⁠Report human trafficking and abuse to the South African Police Service on 08600 10 111.

Representatives from government departments, the police, higher education, health, and civil society walked side by side with DSD in delivering prevention and early intervention messages. Organisations such as Families South Africa (FAMSA), the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA), Khulisa Solutions, and even banking institutions have played a role in creating safe spaces for open conversations and support.

The week-long engagements concluded today at Evander Campus, marking the end of a successful outreach campaign under the banner of building a caring, informed, and resilient youth population. Students were urged to remain vigilant, seek help when needed, and report any incidents of human trafficking, GBV, or substance abuse through the toll-free numbers provided.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) is pulling out all the stops to assist beneficiaries who are currently undergoing a review process.
SASSA CEO Themba Matlou has urged SASSA’s staff, including executives and senior managers, to make sure beneficiaries are not severely inconvenienced during the social grants review.
Matlou emphasised the importance of the reviews, saying they are the best tool to safeguard the government fiscus, and ensuring that social grants are paid to eligible beneficiaries.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, has called for an all-hands-on-deck approach from executives and senior managers across the nine regions to help beneficiaries who have been identified for review in the August payment cycle.

This comes as CEO Matlou tries to enhance operations at local offices in efforts to ensure beneficiaries are not severely inconvenienced when they present themselves for social grants review in the coming few days.

“We are intent on assisting all our clients to have their grants reviewed as seamlessly as possible so that no one leaves our offices without being assisted and being burdened with back and forth,” Matlou says.

“It is for this reason that we want everyone, especially at the senior level, to get their hands dirty and be on the ground to assist our important clients.”

Showing empathy towards social grants beneficiaries who bear the brunt of long queues, Matlou says he expects even officials in the upper echelons of the agency to play an active role and ensure timely support for those who may need assistance.

He has asked the executives and senior managers to be visible to clients throughout the payment period and beyond, ensuring enquiries regarding the payment date on the 4th are addressed promptly and professionally.

“The ongoing social grants reviews have put a spotlight on us as an organisation and tested our capacity to handle the inflow to our local offices, and we are addressing some of the challenges that we have picked up in the last few months.

“While the majority of payments will proceed without any hindrance, we want to ensure that we leave no room for tardiness at the expense of the vulnerable”, he stressed.

Matlou reiterated the importance of social grant reviews, saying they are the best tool to safeguard the government’s fiscus, ensuring that social grants are paid to the eligible beneficiaries while strengthening the integrity of the system and curbing fraudulent activities internally and externally.

He also urged all SASSA beneficiaries to not be alarmed and heed the call to have their grants reviewed so that their personal details can also be updated for ease of communication going forward.

Beneficiaries who have been affected by the grants review are encouraged to visit their nearest SASSA Local Office and bring the following documents:

•⁠ ⁠Valid South African ID (13-digit barcoded ID or smart ID card);
•⁠ ⁠Proof of income (e.g. payslips, pension slips, or affidavits if no longer employed or employment discharge confirmations);
•⁠ ⁠Bank statements (last three months) for all active bank accounts;
•⁠ ⁠Proof of residence (e.g. utility bill or letter from a local authority);
•⁠ ⁠Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable);
•⁠ ⁠Death certificate (if a death has occurred, for example, of a child, spouse, and so on); and
•⁠ ⁠Any other supporting documents relevant to your grant type (e.g. birth certificates for Child Support Grants, or school attendance proof for Foster Care Grants).

For more information, beneficiaries can visit www.sassa.gov.za, call the toll-free number on 0800 60 10 11, or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

⁠Families still searching for missing loved ones in the Eastern Cape areas affected by last month’s catastrophic floods have been urged to come forward with information to assist ongoing recovery efforts.
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has said more than 6 869 households across the province were affected by the disaster, with 4 724 homes destroyed and 2 145 partially damaged.
The province has established a dedicated task team to assist bereaved families with the coordination of burial services support for all the deceased.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Government has called on families who are still searching for missing loved ones in the areas affected by last month’s catastrophic floods to come forward with information to assist ongoing recovery efforts.

“Your information is vital to help rescue teams determine if any individuals are still unaccounted for and to continue their search efforts,” Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, said during a media briefing on Wednesday, 16 July 2025.

Giving an update on the provincial disaster management response and recovery, Williams reported that the total number of people who lost their lives remains at 103, with 100 of them being positively identified and laid to rest with dignity.

“One child is still missing, and the rescue teams are still searching. Three bodies remain unclaimed, two of which have not been positively identified through the national population register.

“The deceased include five government employees, one educator and two nurses, as well as two firefighters from the Department of Transport,” Williams said.

Williams said the province has established a dedicated task team to assist bereaved families with the coordination of burial services support for all the deceased.

“Government burial support was provided ranging from death registrations with home affairs, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the Department of Basic Education’s funeral support funding to families of deceased learners, distribution of groceries to needy families, [and] provision of burial services by AVBOB, as per need of the affected families,” Williams said.

Relief was also extended to survivors and families of the deceased through coordinated Social Relief of Distress measures.

Over 1 300 displaced people accommodated across centres

The MEC announced that more than 1 353 displaced individuals have been accommodated across mass care centres, while 122 are in temporary emergency accommodation, prioritising the most vulnerable groups, with full access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms.

He said more than 6 869 households across the province were affected by the disaster, with 4 724 homes completely destroyed and 2 145 partially damaged.

In response, the departments of social development, health, education, and the SASSA, along with non-governmental organisations, such as Al Imdaad and Gift of the Givers, provided emergency relief to the affected families and individuals.

“Beneficiaries were issued SASSA food vouchers to alleviate immediate food insecurity. To date, more than 1 353 displaced individuals have been accommodated across mass care centres and 122 in temporary emergency accommodation, prioritising the most vulnerable groups, with full access to healthcare, food, sanitation, dignity packs, mattresses, blankets, and school uniforms.

“Numbers at mass care centres are decreasing as people either seek shelter with their relatives or go back to their houses as they become habitable. Additionally, over 2 900 beneficiaries have received psychosocial support and dignity services through mobile teams and social workers deployed across the hardest-hit areas,” the MEC said.

The Department of Home Affairs has mobilised to assist disaster survivors in rebuilding their lives.

A total of 1 197 ID card applications has been received and are being processed, while 103 birth certificate applications have been finalised, with 22 certificates already collected by applicants. One hundred death certificates have also been registered and issued.

Recovery and resilience plan underway

Despite the challenges, the MEC confirmed that recovery plans are well underway. A key focus is on a multi-pronged approach to rebuilding and improving the province’s resilience.

“Infrastructure reconstruction will be prioritised and aligned with risk reduction principles, ensuring greater resilience against future disasters. For the next two to three months, it is critical for the government to have made strides in the implementation of infrastructure repair projects.

“The provincial government is also intensifying climate resilience planning and strengthening institutional capacity, including the debriefing and support of frontline responders, to ensure readiness and sustainability in future disaster responses,” Williams said.

The province is also in engagement with potential partners to build the much-needed capacity.

“While we support the victims of this disaster to rebuild their lives, it is equally important that we continue debriefing of teams that are involved in our response and recovery project. We remain indebted to these teams for the work they are doing,” Williams said.

First published in SAnews.gov.za on 17 July 2025

New Documents

GBV Contacts

Department of Social Development Leaders

Turning Projects Into A Way Of Life | Generating Better Livelihoods

Children With Psycho-Social Disabilities Are, First And Foremost, Children

Dsd Marks World Day Against Trafficking In Persons With Awareness Drive At Gert Sibande Tvet College

Sassa Ceo Issues Clarion Call To Assist Beneficiaries During August Review Process

Eastern Cape Government Urges Families To Assist In Search For Flood Victims

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