Department of Social Development Leaders

Ms. Nokuzola Tolashe
Minister for Social Development
Mr. Ganief Hendriecks
Deputy Minister for Social Development
Mr. Peter Netshipale
Acting Director General

Speech by the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Budget Vote Speech by the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, on the occasion of the tabling of Budget Vote 19 of the Department of Social Development to the National Assembly 

Wednesday, 17 July 2024 | Cape Town

 

Honourable Chairperson,

Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe,

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, Ms Bridgette Masango

Honourable Members of Parliament,

Distinguished Guests,

Partners and members of the community here present,

Ladies and Gentlemen

 

“No political democracy can survive and flourish if the mass of our people remain in poverty, without land, without tangible prospects for a better life. Attacking poverty and deprivation must therefore be the first priority of a democratic government.”

 

This quote I borrowed from the 1994 Reconstruction and Development Programme.

 

Can you envision a life without food, without a roof over your head, no basic services, no employment, not being able to provide for your family, no access to basic services and technology? This seems like a harsh or farfetched reality, and yet, many South Africans find themselves living under such harsh, inhumane and undignified realities.

 

Eradicating poverty in all its forms, should not be reduced to an act of charity towards beneficiaries. It should be seen as the preservation of inherent human dignity. As we celebrate 30 years of democracy, we are reminded that many of our people are still to enjoy the benefits of this hard earned right.

 

The National Development Plan, South Africa’s blueprint to reduce poverty, unemployment, and inequality, aims to draw on the energies of its people, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capacity of the state, and promoting leadership and partnerships throughout society. Much has been done, but there is even much more that is required to achieve the NDP goal.

The question now is, how do we maximise the time and resources we have to ensure that we meet the goals that we have set for ourselves as a country, which Honourable Chairperson, are not just national priorities but also part of global priorities as espoused in the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2030).

 

One of the key interventions, critical to the achievement of poverty reduction, is the establishment of the Social Protection System. South Africa is hailed as a developing country with one of the most extensive social security systems on the continent. Our social protection system is made up of various social security programmes, and other social wage interventions such as free water and sanitation, no-fee schooling, free healthcare and access to short term employment through the EPWP programme. These programmes serve to protect the most poor and vulnerable of our society, those previously marginalised from the economy and the ones who never got the opportunities to learn and grow.

 

Another structure in society that has borne the brunt of poverty is the family. Poverty has and continues to negatively impact on this structure that is a cornerstone of our social fabric. The Department runs a programme known as Families Matter programme, as we consistently strengthen families for realisation of a better South Africa.

 

Honourable Chair, one of the improvements we want to make in our social protection system is to better coordinate our programmes and ensure adequate mobility for our working age population between access to employment and safety nets. Given the magnitude of our unemployment, we must find ways to link working-age social grant beneficiaries to income streams thereby reducing dependence on social grants as their only source of income. We are piloting such a programme with Finmark Trust. The programme identifies social grant beneficiaries, especially, those receiving child support grants, many of which are young unemployed women. The aim is to ensure that they can access other economic opportunities and sustainable livelihoods.

  

Pro-poor and gender-sensitive intervention strategies of the Department such as the women empowerment framework that focuses on skilling, upskilling, monetary support, building capacity and mentoring women cooperatives in rural areas in partnership with our agency, the National Development Agency (NDA). These interventions need to be increased and be integrated in the municipalities’ local economic development programmes, so that they are not stand alone, but that resources can be matched to go a long way, thereby meeting the District Development Model (DDM) objectives. 

 

Building resilience to environmental, economic, and social disasters is a challenge that our people are now grappling with. Recent disasters such as floods, have exposed our communities to pressure points within a very short time, thus rendering them more vulnerable.

As part of the relief to poverty stricken communities, in the current financial year, the budget for SRD R370 is 33 billion Rand. In addition, 304 million Rand is allocated to address the social ramifications of poverty.

 

It is important that we, through partnerships, mobilise diverse and critical resources to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable through implementing interventions to eradicate poverty in all its dimensions. Non- Profit Organisations (NPOs) have and continue to play a crucial role in contributing towards the goal of poverty eradication.

 

Through the “Know Your NPO Status” campaign, we were able to identify challenges that NPOs go through resulting in them risking deregistration. We therefore need to develop a mechanism to assist them to be compliant and grade them so that they can render quality services and attract funding from a multiplicity of sources.  

 

Similarly, work is being done with the National Development Agency to provide financial support and capacitate civil society organisations throughout the country. The Department can only do so much to eradicate poverty, however, this needs the civil society, private sector and citizens to work together with all government departments to achieve this.

 

We must coordinate our efforts across society, and encourage local businesses to support initiatives within their communities first and then others, as I strongly believe that charity begins at home. This will build social cohesion in our communities and local economic development as we all strive towards the development of our localities.

 

In closing, I wish to quote a statement by our beloved Statesman and Former President, Nelson Mandela as we commemorate Nelson Mandela Month:

 

“A simple vote, without food, shelter and health care is to use first generation rights as a smokescreen to obscure the deep underlying forces which dehumanize people. It is to create an appearance of equality and justice, while by implication socioeconomic inequality is entrenched. We do not want freedom without bread, nor do we want bread without freedom. We must provide for all the fundamental rights and freedoms associated with a democratic society.”

 

I thank you.

Speech by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Tolashe, MP on the occasion of the tabling of Budget Vote 19 of the Department of Social Development to the National Assembly

Wednesday, 17 July 2024 | Cape Town

 

Honourable House Chair;

Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks;

Chairperson and Members of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development;

Distinguished Guests;

Members of the Media;

Ladies and Gentlemen, and

Fellow South Africans 

  1. Honourable House Chair, it is with a deep sense of responsibility and distinct privilege that I table the 2024/2025 Budget Vote 19 of the Department of Social Development, on behalf of the Government of National Unity for your consideration, which we embrace and commit to.

 

  1. The Social Development Portfolio, which comprises of Social Development, the National Development Agency (NDA) and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) lead government’s efforts to forge partnerships through which vulnerable individuals, families and communities become capable and active participants in their own development.

 

  1. The central theme of this Budget Vote is “Reigniting the Role of the Family”. Through this Budget, we want to draw attention to the importance of strengthening vulnerable families by providing access to a range of essential support services that build resilience and self-reliance within families. These include parenting programmes, prevention and early intervention programmes and supported by cash transfers as guided by the Revised White Paper on Families, which Cabinet approved in November last year. It is through the strength and support of families that we can foster a society where every individual, especially the vulnerable, can thrive with dignity and safety.

 

  1. I would like to thank President Ramaphosa for the great opportunity, which is a privilege to serve the people and our beloved country, South Africa. I table this Budget Vote deeply conscious of the weight of the expectations on the Social Development Portfolio, to take urgent measures to support vulnerable families facing the devastating natural disasters occasioned by climate change and soaring food prices.

 

  1. We are not daunted by these pressing challenges because we stand on the shoulders of courageous and resilient women, who at the height of apartheid and colonial rule launched the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW), which culminated in the adoption of the Women’s Charter. It is because of the unbreakable perseverance of these women that I stand here today in honour of their memories and to pick up the unfinished task of working together to build a caring society in which no one is left behind.

 

 

  1. Honourable House Chair and Members, tomorrow, 18 July, we join the world in honouring Madiba’s legacy as we celebrate the Nelson Mandela International Day. In tabling this Budget Vote here today, we hold firmly on the words of the founding father of our democracy, uTata Nelson Mandela's wise words [and I quote]:

Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom [close quote]

 

  1. Let us be reminded that the establishment of the Government of National Unity is an outcome of the will of the people through their vote. Fortunately, we do not start from zero. If we look back over the last 30 years, we can confidently say that there is every reason to celebrate our achievements. This Budget Vote therefore builds on the gains of the past three decades, when we have spared no effort in restoring human dignity and lifting the most vulnerable—children, women, older persons and persons with disabilities from the abject and dehumanising clutches of extreme poverty.
  2. Today, I present this Budget Vote confident in the knowledge that my predecessors have laid a solid foundation of service, a legacy I am humbled and committed to take forward during my tenure in this portfolio. I would like to dedicate this Budget Vote to the two late former Ministers of Social Development, Dr Zola Skweyiya and Ms. Edna Molewa.

 

        2024/2025 DSD Portfolio Budget

  1. Honourable House Chair, this year’s budget is presented against a backdrop of an increasingly constrained fiscal environment across the board, and this Department is no exception. The revenue decline comes at the same time when even the global economy is experiencing sharper-than-expected slowdown, with inflation higher than seen in several decades causing a cost of living crisis and tightening of financial conditions. This is also exacerbated by rising social ills that places a huge demand for social services which requires more [pause], not less funding.

 

  1. These budget cuts have significant consequences for the social sector, most notably for the employment of social service professionals who are at the centre of service delivery for this sector. In addition, Non-Profit Organisations are also negatively impacted due to significant reduction in funding. I will be engaging with the MECs in all provinces to determine how best we can resolve these two challenges. As mandated by the NPO Act, we will commence with the de-registration of non-compliant NPOs and further briefings on this will be held to advise on the details on how the phased-in-approach will be managed. We will do this, not turning a blind eye on the critical role many of these NPOs play as a service delivery partners of government.

 

  1. The demand for our services has been made worse by weather-related natural disasters, which have now become frequent and more devastating than ever before. From the tornado in Tongaat, to the raging storms and floods here in the Western Cape, the human and economic toll of these disasters on the most vulnerable is enormous. I must point out that this area of our work remains inadequately funded in the sector.

 

  1. Honourable Chair, I now focus on the budget. With regards to the 2024/25 financial year, our budget allocation is R275 billion. Of this amount, R266 billion is for the payment of 28 million social grants. Included in this number is around 9 million eligible beneficiaries receiving the Social Relief of Distress Grant.

 

  1. Currently, social grants are a major source of income support for 45% of the South African population. The results of the 2022 census are further proof that our investment in the social assistance programme is working because it has lifted millions of our people out of poverty. This includes 13,2 million recipients of the Child Support Grant and over 4 million of adults receiving the Old Age Grant. That is why we will continue working even harder in the coming months and years, with the cooperation of this house, to overcome poverty and to bring Madiba’s words into reality.

 

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

  1. Honourable Chair, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use of digital technologies to improve service delivery. In this regard, I am pleased to inform you that we are not left behind. SASSA has embarked on an initiative to digitise and automate its operations to ensure that customers have seamless access to online services in the comfort of their own homes.

 

  1. To date, we have piloted the queue management system in 66 SASSA offices nationally. We intend to roll out this system to an additional 45 offices in the current financial year. To augment these initiatives, we will roll out 60 self-service kiosks in local offices across the country.

 

  1. The cornerstone of these initiatives is the business process re-engineering, which involves the integration of cutting-edge digital technologies, streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and leveraging digital tools to redefine service delivery standards.

 

  1. Since 2012, SASSA has progressively modernized the social grants payment space by ensuring that every social grant beneficiary has access to a bank account. From 2018, we’ve gradually phased out cash pay points reducing their number from approximately 10,000 in 2018 to the last 500, which were closed toward the end of the previous financial year. The shift away from high-risk payment instruments like cash, aims to enhance financial inclusion for social grant beneficiaries within the National Payment System—the primary payment system used by everyone in South Africa.

 

  1. This means once your money is deposited into your bank account, it’s yours, and we encourage SASSA beneficiaries to use their bank cards for payments. Only withdraw small amounts of cash for purchases that can’t be made with your card to minimize risk.

 

Institutionalisation of Basic Income Support

 

  1. The extension of the SRD Grant until March 2025 has given us adequate time to finalise the Draft Policy on Basic Income Support, which will be tabled in Cabinet this financial year. This forms part of our social security reforms towards establishing the comprehensive social security system envisioned in the National Development Plan.

 

Operationalisation of the Inspectorate  

  1. To give effect to ensuring the integrity of the social assistance framework and systems, we have set aside an amount of R15 million rand this financial year towards the operationalisation of the Inspectorate.

 

 

National Development Agency (NDA)

  1. An amount of R212 million rand is allocated to the National Development Agency this financial year to implement its mandate.

 

  1. In this regard, I have directed its Board to expedite the implementation of the NDA Turnaround Strategy and new operating model, with a special focus on resource mobilisation.

 

Gender-Based Violence and Femicide  

 

  1. Our families are greatly impacted by gender-based violence and femicide, as it often leads to fractured relationships, emotional trauma, and lasting effects on children, victims as well as other family members. As a country we are implementing the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide which is anchored on six pillars. The Department is leading on Pillar 4: Response, Care Support and healing while contributing to the others. Our efforts this year is on the expansion of shelters, the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre and the provision of pycho-social support services. I have received a full briefing on the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre and we are strengthening the operations to make it more efficient and effective.

 

HIV and AIDS; Persons with Disabilities; Substance Abuse

 

  1. HIV and Aids infections still remain with us especially among young people and we are working to upscale our prevention and social behavior change programmes throughout the country.

 

  1. A person with a disability may require special care and protection to ensure their well-being and full inclusion within the family. In realising their inclusion and ensuring that their rights are promoted and protected, a policy on social development services for persons with disabilities will be implemented.

 

  1. The country is facing high prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse, which has devastating effects on families and communities. In this regard, the National drug master plan serves as a blueprint for addressing the scourge of alcohol and drug abuse. The DSD is working tirelessly on reducing substance abuse and its related social problems through prevention programmes in higher education institutions, TVET colleges, and communities. This year, the DSD aims to reach 40 institutions of higher learning nationwide.

 

Legislative matters  

 

  1. On the legislative front, we intend to revive and finalise key pieces of legislation that lapsed from the previous Parliament. These include the Victim Support Services Bill, certain sections of the Children’s Amendment Bill and the Older Persons Amendment Bill, amongst others.

 

  1. Honourable House Chair and Members, the abuse of older persons, such as the one we have seen recently trending on digital platforms, is an outrage and has no place in a caring society such as ours. As families and communities, we have a legal and moral duty to report such to law enforcement and the National Helpline for Elder Abuse. The perpetrators of these crimes acts against our older persons must face the full might of the law and their details be entered into the Older Persons Abuse Register.

 

  1. In line with this year’s Budget Vote theme of “Reigniting the role of the family”, I call on all families across our country to spare no effort to ensure the care and protection of our children, older persons and persons with disabilities, by giving them love, care and support to live decent and dignified lives.

 

Administrative matters

  1. One of the most urgent administrative tasks that is receiving my attention since I took up office is ensuring the filling of all critical posts, including the filling of the Director-General post in the current financial year. Working with the Board of the NDA, we will equally prioritise the finalisation of the process for the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer for the NDA in the coming months.

 

Conclusion

 

  1. Honourable House Chairperson and Members, please allow me as I conclude to once again, express my gratitude to my predecessors who have laid the foundation for the important work I have presented here today. I thank the Acting Director-General, the Chief Executive Officer of SASSA and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NDA for their warm welcome into this portfolio.

 

  1. I also want to thank the Portfolio Committee under the leadership of Honourable Bridget Masango for wasting no time in speedily processing this Budget Vote. I ask you to join me and unite with common purpose and shared resolve to be live up to be the generation that Madiba called upon to end poverty. It is in our hands to take South Africa Forward-Together.

 

I thank you. Enkosi!!

 

Social Development Concerned About Alcohol As First Drug Of Choice This International Day Against Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking

Pretoria, 26 June 2024: As the world commemorates  International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the department of social development is concerned about alcohol as the first drug of choice by young people.

 

International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking is observed annually on the 26th of June.  This  day which is commonly referred to as World drug  Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1987 with the aim of strengthening action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

 

The significance of World Drug Day 2024 lies in its ability to raise awareness about the severe consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. Drugs not only destroy lives but also disrupts communities, fuel crime, and weaken economies. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), around 269 million people worldwide used drugs in 2018, and these numbers continue to rise. The world drug day highlights the global commitment needed to address drug abuse and illicit trafficking through education, support, and rehabilitation.

 

The day underscores the necessity of international cooperation as drug trafficking is a trans-national challenge that requires a coordinated response from governments, organisations, and individuals.

 

The theme for  World Drug Day 2024 is: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”. The theme teaches countries the importance of understanding that effective drug policies need to be grounded in science, research, compassion, and full respect for human rights. The day also emphasize a thorough comprehension of the social, economic, and health consequences of drug use.

 

World Drug Day 2024 also emphasises the importance of ending stigma and strengthening prevention efforts to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. By uniting globally and prioritizing compassion and education, significant strides toward a drug-free world can be achieved.

 

Individuals can contribute to the commemoration of this day by spreading awareness, supporting local prevention and rehabilitation programs, participating in community events, and advocating for policies that address drug abuse and trafficking.

 

The 2024  Commemoration was preceded by a National Anti-Drug Awareness week which commenced from 18-22 June 2024. During that week, it was critical for the department to lead various activities in all provinces to highlight the harmful use, abuse, misuse of alcohol and drugs.

 

On the 18th of June 2024, the department engaged with community members from Scenery Park, East London, which is grappling with a high rate of substance abuse, especially amongst the youth. The engagement coincided with the remembrance of the tragic deaths of 21 teenagers at Enyobeni Tavern two years ago, highlighting the ongoing challenge of drug abuse and community efforts to address the scourge.

 

Identifying the high rates of alcohol abuse in the area led to the formation of  Lion Trackers, a women’s football team, aimed at diverting young people from alcohol and drug abuse. Seventeen-year-old Sombesiwe Vakela, a representative for young people and a striker for the Lion Trackers, emphasised that winning the fight against substance abuse required assistance from the community.  She highlighted how activities like sports can keep young people away from alcohol and drugs. Parents were  also urged to play an important role in ensuring that children were protected against the use, misuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs.

 

The Department in partnership with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and SAPS engaged with Liquor traders at Ndavana Community with the aim of  raising awareness about the harmful use, abuse, and misuse of alcohol and drugs and the importance of responsible trading. The Eastern Cape Liquor Board’s, Ms Bongi Bozo, explained the detailed process involved when verifying applications for a liquor license and the powers of the board to not only fine but arrest irresponsible traders selling alcohol to children younger than 18 and serving alcohol to pregnant women. Ms Bozo appealed to liquor traders to comply with the trading guidelines.

 

One positive recommendation from the engagements was the need for initiating a forum led by the Liquor Board to regularly engage traders and the community on pressing matters such as illegal shebeens that are mushrooming uncontrollably. The crime rate associated with substance abuse, and the selling of drugs and other harmful substances outside some taverns.

 

The department also engaged the community of Nxarhuni which included children, youth, parents and community leaders. Opening the engagement was a  12-year-old child with a powerful inspirational poem urging the youth to fight for their future by staying away from the use of harmful substances and criminal activities. Young people at these build-up activities cited boredom, peer pressure and easy access to drugs and alcohol as some of the major challenges present in their community. They asked parents to actively support initiatives that educate everyone about the risks associated with substance abuse, advocating for a proactive approach to community wellness.

 

Ms Motshabi Nkoane, the Social Work Policy Manager, at the National Department of Social Development, raised a concern on the high level of alcohol abuse in South Africa, especially, amongst young people which includes binge drinking. She echoed that substance abuse is not a Department of Social Development issue alone, and therefore all relevant stakeholders, including, Councillors, Traditional Leadership and Communities should be involved to fight the scourge of substance abuse as stipulated in the National Drug Master Plan, which is the overarching blueprint of the country’s response to substance abuse.

 

The department is concerned that alcohol remains the first drug of choice for young people and the policy of Prevention and treatment of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) will be finalised for tabling to cabinet for approval. The policy seeks to empower the country to deal with the abuse of alcohol especially by children and replace effective policies with evidence-based policies. Finally, the International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit trafficking coincides with the international conference at currently underway in Thessaloniki, Greece by the Global Commission on drug policy for credentialing and certification. South Africa is a member of the commission and its participation is to align the country  interventions with international standards and certify practitioners to provide substance use services.

 

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Social Development To Expose Young People To Sports, Arts And Culture As Catalysts For Youth Development

09 July, 2024 – Pretoria: When  President Nelson Mandela took office in 1994, he identified young people as the one group of the country’s population that needed nurturing and deliberate investment as future leaders of the country. In his first State Of the Nation Address (SONA), president Mandela said: “The youth of our country are the valued possession of the nation. Without them there can be no future. Their needs are immense and urgent. They are at the centre of our reconstruction and development plan.”

 

In continuing with this commitment, the Department of Social Development will host young people for two days in Rustenburg - North West Province and expose them to sports, arts and culture as another choice for youth development.

 

Amongst topics for discussion to empower the young people will be: Sports, Business, Entrepreneurship, Physical and Mental Health, Unemployment, Substance Abuse, Crime, Gender-Based Violence Prevention, Improved Education, Academic Performance, Economic Participation, Solidarity, Social Integration, Social Cohesion and Nation Building.

 

These topics are important for the youth as they inspire the youth to be part of South Africa’s commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy.

 

Taking place under the theme; “Actively embracing the Socio-Economic gains of our Democracy;” the two-day engagement will conclude with multiple sporting activities to inspire the youth to participate in different sporting codes and learn from one another. The department has invited various personalities to share their stories on what sports, arts and culture has contributed to youth development.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the youth engagement planned as follows:

 

DAY ONE

Date: Thursday, 11 July 2024 

Venue: 1 Donkerhoek Road, Rustenburg Kloof Resort

Time: 09h00

 

DAY TWO

Date: Friday, 12 July 2024 

Venue: 185 Ottoman Empire Drive, Olympia Park Stadium

Time: 09h00

 

Virtually:

DSDtv: https://dsdtv.org.za/video/department-of-social-development-youth-programme/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/GBSP40mN7js?feature=share

X: https://x.com/i/broadcasts/1YqGoveMPgyKv

 

Media may RSVP by contacting Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 /e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Minister Zulu And Mec Khoza To Distribute Social Relief Of Distress To Disaster-Stricken Families In Tongaat, Kwazulu-Natal

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial MEC of Social Development, Ms Nonhlanhla Khoza will tomorrow, Thursday 13 June conduct a visit to assess ongoing humanitarian relief efforts in the disaster-stricken area of Magwaveni, Tongaat and distribute Social Relief of Distress (SRD) vouchers to affected individuals and households.

 

According to the South African Weather Service, a strong tornado hit Magwaveni and surrounding areas, leaving behind a trail of destruction which led to the loss of human life. The extent of the damage was such that about 1 947 houses were totally damaged, leaving about 1 687 families displaced. The affected individuals and families are currently accommodated in 3 temporary shelters established in eThekwini.

 

Government has through the National Disaster Management Centre declared a state of disaster and activated Phase 1 of its Disaster Response Approach, focusing on a coordinated disaster response through the provision of immediate humanitarian assistance to meet the basic needs of those most impacted by the disasters. This is guided by the Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2022 as amended), which provides for the whole-of-Government and society response to natural or human-caused disasters at national, provincial and local levels.

 

SRD is a temporary grant provided in terms of Section 32 of the Social Assistance Act (Act No. 13 of 204, as amended) intended for persons in such a dire material need that they are unable to meet their families’ most basic needs as they recover and rebuild their lives.

 

During the visit the Minister Zulu and MEC Khoza will also meet with local authorities, community leaders, local humanitarian relief organisations and affected people to discuss the most effective ways to coordinate and deliver the much-needed further aid and support.

 

“On behalf of our Government, I take this opportunity to thank all local relief organisations, business and individuals for uniting behind President Ramaphosa call to respond to the humanitarian needs of families, including prioritising the needs of children, older persons and persons with disabilities whose lives have been upended by this disaster”, said Minister Zulu.

 

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover Minister Zulu and MEC Khoza’s visit to the Magwaveni area planned as follows:

 

Activity 1: Walkabout and interaction with local authorities, humanitarian relief organisations and affected people

Date:            Thursday, 13 June 2024 

Venue:          Magwaveni temporary shelter, Magwaveni sports field-Tongaat

Time:            08h00-08h40

 

Activity 2: Handover of Social Relief of Distress to affected individuals and families

Date:            Thursday, 13 June 2024 

Venue:          Tongaat Indoor Sports Centre, Tongaat

Time:            08h40-09h30

 

Media RSVPs may be directed to Ms Precious Mupenzi on 083 715 0034 /e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Ms Sandy Godlwana on 082 678 5634/ e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  1. Harmful Cultural Practices Against Children In The Spotlight
  2. The Department of Social Development will commemorate the International Children’s Day on 08 June 2024, at Kwa-Mhlanga
  3. Minister Zulu To Launch Khuseleka One-Stop Centre In Manenberg, Cape Town
  4. Minister Zulu To Hand Over Tractor And Potato Planters To Mcva Cooperative, Tsheseng Village, Free State

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