Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, is part of the South African delegation attending the 2nd Session of the South Africa–Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC), currently taking place at the AVANI Hotel in Maseru, Lesotho. The session, which concludes today, is led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Minister Tolashe, accompanied by senior officials from the Department of Social Development, is participating in key engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation between South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Later today, the Department of Social Development and Lesotho’s Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The agreement marks a significant step in advancing shared social development priorities such as services for older persons, youth empowerment, and institutional capacity building.

This partnership reflects a mutual commitment to addressing social challenges through collaborative action and knowledge exchange, with a focus on promoting inclusive development and improving the lives of vulnerable populations in both countries.

• The Department of Social Development has a new director general – Fhumulani Peter Netshipale.
• His appointment has been welcomed by the Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe.
• The cabinet’s concurrence with the appointment provides confidence that the  department is on the right path, according to the minister.

Fhumulani Peter Netshipale has been appointed as the Director General of the Department of Social Development.

The Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe congratulated the newly appointed director general and wished him well as “we as a collective, navigate the Department of Social Department ship to higher levels of service delivery to our clients”.

His appointment was affirmed by the cabinet meeting on 26 March 2025.

“It gives me great pleasure that the commitment I made when I assumed office, to make sure that within this financial year, I will make sure that all senior vacant budgeted posts are filled and the priority was the position of the Director General,” Minister Tolashe said.

“The cabinet concurrence with the appointment gives us confidence that we are on the right path as a department,” she added.

“This also confirms the Government of National Unity’s priority three of building a capable, ethical and developmental state.”

• True inclusion means active participation, leadership, and voice—not just physical presence.
• To truly embrace the principle of “leaving no one behind,” we must begin with those who have been left behind the longest—children with disabilities.
• Legal frameworks like the Children’s Act and international evidence (OECD, UNICEF) affirm that inclusive systems benefit all of society, not just children with disabilities.

Children with disabilities continue to be among the most marginalised and excluded, according to UNICEF (2022). This is largely due to legislative gaps, physical inaccessibility, and persistent social stigma. These children are often overlooked in activities designed for “all” children and remain invisible during planning processes. However, true inclusion is a fundamental right—not a choice.

At the recent Africa Children’s Summit held in Gauteng, a promising shift emerged. Children with disabilities were purposefully included—not just as attendees, but as active participants. They were present, cared for, and boldly advocated for their rights and needs. Their participation was not symbolic; delegates with disabilities presented their own resolutions, powerfully affirming that inclusion means more than just physical presence—it demands leadership, agency, and voice.

Careful steps were taken to guarantee their engagement, comfort, and safety. Deaf youngsters could effectively communicate thanks to the availability of sign language interpreters who could accommodate different dialects. A quiet room was provided for children on the autism spectrum as a secure area for those who needed relief from sensory overload. Importantly, the summit was held in venues that were all accessible to people with disabilities—reaffirming the principle that inclusive environments must become the norm, not the exception.
It was a potent reminder that when we build with everyone in mind, we defend the rights, dignity, and voices of all children—not just some.

The exclusion of children with disabilities has deeply personal and generational consequences. It denies them the opportunity to grow, learn, and realise their full potential. Moreover, isolation makes them more vulnerable to exploitation, abuse, and neglect—particularly when they are disconnected from essential services, schools, and community support.

The Children’s Act 38 of 2005, specifically Section 11, underscores the importance of advancing care and protection for all children, with a specific focus on children with disabilities. It mandates the provision of necessary services and support to create inclusive environments where these children are not only protected but empowered to thrive.

When children with disabilities are excluded, society loses their potential contributions—reinforcing cycles of poverty and dependency. It also diminishes the social fabric, robbing communities of the richness that diversity brings. As the OECD (2022) notes, inclusive systems not only improve outcomes for children with disabilities but also strengthen social cohesion and foster economic development.

From classrooms to playgrounds, policy spaces to public events, inclusion is about building equitable systems where every child has access to opportunities, regardless of ability. It is not an act of charity or a token gesture.

To truly embrace the principle of “leaving no one behind,” we must begin with those who have been left behind the longest—children with disabilities.

By Precious Mupenzi

• Peter Fhumulani Netshipale has officially been appointed as director general of the Department of Social Development.
• Netshipale’s path to becoming director general is paved with deep, hands-on experience in public service, spanning community health, development, strategy, and leadership.
• As a servant leader, Netshipale’s approach has always been grounded in integrating policy with practical, community-based solutions.

From the quiet rural heart of Mukondeni Village in Venda, Limpopo, emerges a seasoned public servant whose life’s work has been dedicated to empowering communities, strengthening institutions, and delivering change where it is needed most.

Peter Fhumulani Netshipale has officially been appointed as director general of the Department of Social Development — a move welcomed by Minister of Social Development Nokuzola Tolashe, following the cabinet’s concurrence of his appointment on 27 March 2025.

The appointment of Netshipale marks a significant moment for the department, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental state under the Government of National Unity’s Priority 3.

“Please join me in congratulating Peter Fhumulani Netshipale, wishing him all the best as we all, as a collective, navigate the Department of Social Development ship to higher levels of service delivery to our clients,” said Minister Tolashe. 

 “It gives me great pleasure that the commitment I made when I assumed office — to fill all senior vacant budgeted posts within this financial year — is being realised, starting with this key appointment.”

From clinic floors to cabinet confidence

Netshipale’s path to the director general position is paved with deep, hands-on experience in public service, spanning community health, development, strategy, and leadership.

His career began in the healthcare sector as a professional nurse and nurse educator — frontline experience that gave him early insight into the realities facing South African communities.

Armed with an undergraduate nursing degree and later a Master of Public Health from the University of the Western Cape, Netshipale transitioned into public administration with remarkable impact.

His academic profile is further enhanced by a Master of Business Administration from Regenesys Business School, which provided him with the tools to blend strategic management with social purpose. He also holds postgraduate qualifications in Public Management and Adult Education.

A career anchored in service

Netshipale has held a number of influential roles throughout his career, each building on his ability to lead programmes that drive social transformation.

He has served as the Deputy Director General: Community Development at the Department of Social Development since 2013, and prior to his official appointment as Director General, he began acting in the role in 2024.

In his role as deputy director general, Netshipale has been at the forefront of driving key programmes that promote sustainable livelihoods, food and nutrition security, youth development, and the empowerment of non-profit organisations (NPOs). His leadership has focused on strengthening community-level initiatives and fostering partnerships that enhance social cohesion and economic inclusion for vulnerable groups across the country.

Notably, during his tenure as a deputy director general, he was instrumental in establishing key strategic frameworks for integrated service delivery and governance, while ensuring that the department’s developmental agenda remained people-centred and impact-driven.

Netshipale joined the Department of Social Development in 2009 as Chief Director: Community Development, where he led strategic portfolios including youth development, food and nutrition security, sustainable livelihoods, and NPO governance.

His approach — shaped by his rural roots and early career in frontline healthcare — has always been grounded in integrating policy with practical, community-based solutions.

Throughout his tenure, he has worked closely with provincial governments and civil society organisations to enhance public participation and ensure that developmental initiatives are responsive to the needs of the people.

He has also provided advisory support to ministers and contributed significantly to the development of policies aimed at tackling poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion.

Internationally, Netshipale has represented South Africa at global conferences, including the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women and African Union development platforms, further demonstrating his ability to link national challenges with global frameworks.

Leadership that listens

Known for his quiet strength and extensive knowledge of governance, Netshipale brings with him a distinguished public service career that spans more than 25 years.

His ascent to the apex of the department is not by chance, but the result of decades of dedicated service, strong leadership acumen, and a firm grounding in development planning, intergovernmental relations, and social policy.

Colleagues describe Netshipale as a strategic thinker with a heart for people and a reputation for integrity. His leadership is known to be collaborative and consultative, grounded in ethical governance and developmental values.

Leading DSD into the future

Now, as director general, he steps into a role that will require him to steer the department through a period of renewed accountability, fiscal discipline, and service delivery acceleration.

With extensive knowledge of internal systems and a proven track record in transformation, he is uniquely placed to lead the Department of Social Development into a future that places dignity, inclusion, and community development at its centre.

Beyond the boardrooms of Pretoria, however, lies the spirit of a son of Mukondeni who never lost sight of the people he serves. With an unwavering belief in public service as a calling, Netshipale is now poised to lead the department with the empathy of his roots and the strength of his experience.