MEDIA STATEMENT

 

The Department of Social Development joins communities across South Africa and the world in commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on 31 August 2026, under the global theme: “25 Years On. Still Needed”.

 

This year's commemoration is an important reminder that overdose remains a serious challenge affecting individuals, families and communities, and that addressing substance-related harm requires sustained prevention, early intervention, access to appropriate services and the collective efforts of government and society.

 

The department will mark the day on 31 August 2026 at Galeshewe Recreational Hall in Kimberley, bringing together government stakeholders, communities, young people, service providers and civil society partners to strengthen awareness and promote practical action around substance use and overdose.

 

The campaign is guided by the message: PREVENT. RECOGNISE. RESPOND. RECOVER.

 

The Department recognises that substance-use challenges cannot be addressed through awareness campaigns alone. They require a coordinated response that brings together social development, health, law enforcement, education, municipalities, community organisations, families and other stakeholders.

 

Government's intervention therefore includes efforts aimed at prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation, psychosocial and family support, community mobilisation and referral to appropriate services.

 

The Department of Social Development plays an important role in strengthening prevention and support interventions, while working with partners across government and civil society to ensure that people and families affected by substance use are not left without assistance.

 

The national approach also places particular emphasis on young people and communities, recognising that prevention must begin early and that young people need supportive environments, positive alternatives and access to information and services.

 

Programmes and community interventions involving social workers, community-based organisations, youth initiatives, schools and other stakeholders provide opportunities to identify risks early, support affected individuals and families and connect people to appropriate assistance.

 

The Department will continue to work with the Department of Health, SAPS, municipalities, educators, community-based organisations, faith-based organisations, NGOs and other partners to strengthen an integrated response to substance-related harms.

 

International Overdose Awareness Day is also an opportunity to address misinformation and stigma. Communities need to understand the risks associated with substance use, recognise potential warning signs and know where to seek professional assistance. At the same time, people affected by substance use must be treated with dignity and compassion.

 

For this reason, the Department is calling on families, educators, community leaders, young people and community organisations to create spaces where substance-use challenges can be discussed openly and responsibly.

 

We must move away from judgement and towards support, early intervention and recovery.

 

Families also have an important role to play. Substance use can have social, emotional and economic consequences that extend beyond the individual. Supporting families, strengthening communication and ensuring that people know where to obtain assistance are therefore essential components of prevention.

What should people do if they are concerned?

 

Anyone concerned about their own substance use, or that of a family member or someone in their community, is encouraged to seek assistance from appropriate health and social development services rather than attempting to manage serious situations without professional guidance.

 

People can approach Department of Social Development offices, social workers, relevant health services and other recognised service providers for assistance, assessment, referral and support.

 

The Department further encourages families and community members to seek professional assistance early, particularly where there are concerns about escalating substance use, dependence or other substance-related risks.

 

Information relating to emergency or clinical responses to suspected overdose should be obtained from appropriately qualified health professionals.

The Department will ensure that public educational material provides verified referral and service information.

 

As the Department of Social Development commemorates 25 years of International Overdose Awareness Day, the Department calls on all sectors of society to take responsibility for building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.

We call on parents and caregivers to talk to young people about substance use and its risks.

 

We call on schools and educators to strengthen prevention and early identification and community as well as Faith-Based Organisations are urged to support families and promote recovery. Young people are encouraged to participate in positive prevention initiatives and to support their peers as government and its partners will continue with the strengthening of coordinated interventions that address not only substance use, but also the social and economic conditions that can increase vulnerability.

 

The fight against substance-related harm is not the responsibility of one department or one sector. It is a collective responsibility.

 

The Department therefore encourages communities to use International Overdose Awareness Day not only to remember lives lost, but also to strengthen prevention, encourage people to seek help, and support those on the journey towards recovery.

 

25 YEARS ON. STILL NEEDED.

 

Overdose affects individuals, families and communities.

Awareness creates understanding. Understanding strengthens prevention. Prevention can save lives.

 

Let us replace stigma with support, silence with conversation, and vulnerability with informed action.

 

PREVENT. RECOGNISE. RESPOND. RECOVER.

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Sandy Godlwana, Head of Communication 0826785634 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Ms Amanda Penxa, Social Development Northern Cape Media Liaison Office 076 390 8486 / Mr Tebogo Mokae, Northern Cape Manager: Communication, 066 393 7165.

 

For assistance and referrals please contact the Department of Social Development on 053 874 9100.

Pretoria, 30 July 2026 – As South Africa marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is urging South Africans, particularly young people, to be vigilant against fake online job offers used by human traffickers. This year's global theme, "Trapped Behind the Scam," highlights how organised criminal syndicates use fraudulent employment opportunities, mainly advertised on social media, to lure victims into forced criminality.

 

According to the DSD's Trafficking in Persons Manager, Mr Buti Kulwane, an increasing number of young South Africans have been trafficked to scam compounds in Myanmar after accepting what appeared to be legitimate job offers in Thailand. Instead of employment, victims are taken across the Thailand-Myanmar border and forced to participate in cyber-enabled financial crimes under abusive conditions.

 

Since 2024, several groups of South African victims have been rescued and returned home. The Department, together with partners including DIRCO, SAPS, DPCI, the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and civil society organisations, provides psychosocial support, family reunification and reintegration services to survivors.

 

Victims have reported being promised attractive salaries, free travel and overseas employment, only to be subjected to long working hours, intimidation, violence and debt bondage. Many are also coerced into recruiting friends and family, enabling traffickers to expand their criminal networks.

The Department encourages young people to verify all overseas job opportunities, research employers and recruitment agencies, consult family members and avoid relying solely on information shared on social media.

 

Parents, caregivers, educators, and communities are urged to discuss the dangers of online recruitment scams with young people and help raise awareness about human trafficking. Anyone who suspects human trafficking or exploitation should report it immediately to SAPS by calling 10111 or contact the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) on 0800 428 428.

 

The Department remains committed to working with its partners through the National Intersectoral Committee on Trafficking in Persons (NICTIP) to prevent trafficking, protect victims and strengthen awareness campaigns across the country.

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Sandy Godlwana, Head of Communication 082 678 5634 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Pretoria, 25 August 2026: The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, will lead a service delivery community outreach in Swayimane, under the uMgungundlovu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, as part of government’s efforts to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities.

 

The outreach will be conducted through the Integrated Community Registration  Outreach Programme (ICROP) and guided by the District Development Model (DDM), which promotes coordinated planning and integrated service delivery across all spheres of government.

 

Minister Pule will lead the Social Development Portfolio, comprising the Department of Social Development (DSD), the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA) in providing a comprehensive package of social development services directly to the Swayimane community.

 

The outreach will also bring together various government departments, including the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Human Settlements, and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), among others. These departments will provide services and respond to community needs within their respective mandates, enabling residents to access a range of government services at one venue.

 

Community dialogues held during build-up engagements ahead of the Minister’s visit identified several pressing challenges affecting residents. These include Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), teenage pregnancy, child abuse, poverty, unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse, and limited opportunities for skills development.

 

In response, Minister Pule will engage community members and stakeholders on interventions aimed at strengthening support for victims and survivors of GBVF, preventing teenage pregnancy, expanding skills development opportunities, and addressing the impact of drug and alcohol abuse on families and young people.

 

The outreach will further focus on strengthening access to social development services for families affected by poverty and unemployment, while creating opportunities for skills development, sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment within the community.

 

Additional concerns raised during the community dialogues include parents and caregivers who do not have essential documents, such as identity documents (IDs). This has resulted in some children not having birth certificates and consequently being unable to access social grants and other essential government services.

 

The Minister’s visit aims to respond to these challenges through coordinated service delivery and to ensure that residents of Swayimane are connected to the services, opportunities and support they need to improve their quality of life.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Service Delivery Community Outreach as follows:

 

Date: Friday, 28 August 2026

Time: 08h30 – 16h00

Venue: Snxadini Sport Field, Ward 13, uMshwathi Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal

 

SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

Key services to be offered at the event will include assistance with applications for various social grants and access to other government services directly on site.

Members of the community are encouraged to attend and should bring the necessary supporting documents, including identity documents and birth certificates, where applicable.

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Members of the media wishing to attend are requested to confirm their attendance with Mr. Andile Tshona on 073 566 3345 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  /  Ms. Nonhle Masola on 084 804 2465 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Senior Manager: Mr. Mbizeni Mdlalose

Communication and Marketing, SASSA KwaZulu-Natal Region on 078 716 9100 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Ms Sandy Godlwana, Chief Director: Communication, Department of Social Development on 082 678 5634 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

________________________________________

Program Director;

Deputy Minister of Social Development;

Acting Director-General

SASSA CEO

Members of the Media;

Good afternoon.

________________________________________

INTRODUCTION

I must express my sincere gratitude for this platform to engage with our clients and beneficiaries on matters related to their social grants and most importantly providing update on current development including measures to improve accessibility at all fronts. I continue to be grateful to the President for the honour and trust he has placed in me through this appointment which I have accepted with humility and respect. I will use this position to restore the aspirations, confidence and dignity to all our social grant beneficiaries and communities who are facing long queues and frustrations in most of our offices.

This year mark twenty years since South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) was established in terms South African Social security Agency Act, 2004 and the Social Assistance Act, 2004 and these acts provide a clear constitutional mandate: to provide comprehensive social security services to eligible citizens with dignity, respect, and efficiency

 

As we celebrate this milestone, we pay special tribute to the former Minister of Social Development, the late Dr Zola Skweyiya for his determination and foresight in the early design of South Africa’s Constitution and in the establishment of SASSA. For 20 years, SASSA has stood and continues to stand as a fulfilment of our Constitution’s promise of a dignified and better life for all, ensuring that the most vulnerable—children, older persons and persons with disabilities have the vital income support they need, and when they need most in their lives.

 

This an important reflection on a journey marked by resilience, innovation, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the people of our country.

SASSA has evolved into one of the largest social protection systems on the African continent. Every month, we reach millions of beneficiaries across urban centres, rural villages, farms, informal settlements, and remote communities. Behind every grant payment is a human story, a grandmother feeding her grandchildren, a young child able to attend school, a family finding stability during difficult times. This is the true meaning of social security: restoring dignity and expanding opportunities.

 

Today, I want to speak directly to the millions of South Africans who depend on social grants and assure them that we have listened, heard and observed their frustrations they are recently experiencing and at the same time wish to commit that we remain fully committed to protecting both their dignity and their rights to social assistance.

 

Social grants are not merely payments, they are a lifeline to remove poverty from many households, the vulnerable, the child who depends on a grant, grandmother who holds a household together, the young person searching for dignity and work. They help keep the lights on in a household where no one else has an income. They provide support to persons with disabilities and bring stability to families facing difficult circumstances. For over these twenty years, our government has progressively advanced this course as we have witnessed that Social-assistance programmes have been expanding from covering just 2.7 million in 1994 at its launch in 2006, we administered grants just over 10 million beneficiaries monthly which grew to 19 million social grants today.

 

As we ensure that vulnerable are supported with social protection, we must do so to ensure that every eligible person receives the support to which they are entitled to. At the same time, we must ensure that public resources are protected and that the social assistance system remains credible, sustainable and fair.

 

SOCIAL GRANT REVIEWS: PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF SOCIAL GRANTS

 

I must say in the few days in office, I received complaints regarding our people standing in long queues in most of our offices and had to step in urgently to understand the course and seek immediate intervention to bring back dignity and respect. One of the important programs we are implementing in SASSA is the social grant review process which I am reliably informed the agency launched in 2025 and did media briefing to educate our people on the importance of adhering to our social assistance regulations. I do understand this has caused panic and to a greater degree, frustrations in the social grant beneficiaries.

 

Let me however assure the public that in terms of Regulation 30 and Section 14(5) of the Social Assistance Act, 2004, SASSA is required to regularly review social grants to confirm beneficiaries’ continued eligibility, while beneficiaries are legally obliged to report any material changes in their circumstances, including financial or marital status.

 

Reviews help ensure that beneficiaries continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the grants they receive and that changes in financial, medical or personal circumstances are properly reflected in beneficiary records. This grant review process also continues to guard against the wasteful government resources in line with the already pressured government fiscus, the more we safe, the more our people are covered with social assistance.  These measures are intended to enhance service delivery, improve operational efficiency, and ensure the cost effective administration of social assistance, while safeguarding the system so that social grants are paid only to eligible beneficiaries.

Simply put, social grant reviews help ensure that the right grant is paid to the right person, at the right time.

 

Reviews also protect the system against fraud, abuse and incorrect payments. In an age where government has access to improved data matching and verification capabilities, we have a duty to act when information suggests that eligibility circumstances may have changed.

 

We must indicate that our grant system has matured over time and integrated with other financial institutions and departments to a point where through data verification and validation process the agency flagged over 420 000 in 2025/26 up for reviews, over 240 000 completed reviews and about 160 000 failed to review. For 2026/27 we are targeting to review over 350 000 projecting to save about R1,5b for the government fiscus which can be redirected to fund other government priorities

 

Tackling fraud in the grant system

 

Our biometric verification programme has significantly strengthened identity authentication for new applications and grant reviews especially since it also interfaces with systems of the Department of Home Affairs on real-time basis. This technology helped prevent identity theft, duplicate claims and other forms of fraud that undermine public confidence in the system, including that more people are being arrested for committing fraud in the grant system.

 

The fight against fraud in the social grant system is also continuing through implementing eLife Certification as proof of life for our beneficiaries. Through e-Life Certification, beneficiaries are increasingly able to verify their continued existence and eligibility through secure digital processes.

 

This intervention is particularly important for older persons, persons with disabilities and beneficiaries living in remote areas who may struggle to travel to a SASSA office. We call upon clients to make use of digital platforms to avoid long queues at different offices.

 

IMPROVING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

In addressing the community needs, reducing long queues and concerns, we are committing to leverage on the digital front to make services more convenient, more secure and more accessible.

 

We have launched a modernisation programme which includes expansion of digital service channels including enhanced online platforms (WhatsAPP, MobileAPP) for grant applications and broader digital service options to avoid our people visiting SASSA office. We are also in the process of adding more capacity to SASSA offices to ease the pressure of those offices that are understaffed and have more influx.

 

More than 1,000 contract workers are being recruited across the country to provide additional frontline support, assist with beneficiary enquiries, process applications and reviews, and reduce waiting times at service points, this will include extending operating hours in SASSA offices to enable more clients to be served. Our intention of restoring respect and dignity to those older persons is found in our policy of Home Visit to the clients that are older than 75 years and those frailed to avoid them visiting SASSA offices.

 

CONCLUSION

As I conclude, members of the media let me thank you for the continuous collaboration in ensuring that we educate our people. We are reminded that social protection remains one of the most powerful tools available to governments to reduce poverty and support vulnerable households, with this we shall not fail our clients.

 

As the Minister of Social Development, I want to assure every eligible beneficiary that government remains committed to safeguarding social grants and continuously improving the systems through which they are delivered. I will be visiting some offices in the next few days across provinces to monitor the implementation of these interventions, will be intensifying our engagement with communities to listen more on what and where they want us to improve, I will reach out to all stakeholders as well so that we don’t leave anyone behind.

 

These interventions will assist in restoring dignity and respect to the people who consider social assistance as their lifeline and achieving remains non-negotiable. 

 

Together, we are building a stronger, smarter and more secure social protection system, one that protects public resources, empowers beneficiaries and upholds the dignity of every South African.