Mthatha, 28 October 2026: The Minister for Social Development, Dina Pule, will bring the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) to the community of eFameni in the OR Tambo District, following calls from community stakeholders for improved access to government services.

 

The Minister's intervention follows feedback from various stakeholders who highlighted a range of challenges affecting the community. Among the key concerns is limited access to government services, which forces residents to travel long distances to access essential support. The Minister considers this a disservice to the community, particularly when government departments have mobile resources that can be deployed to bring services closer to residents while longer-term, sustainable solutions are pursued.

 

The social challenges identified for attention include gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and limited access to social workers and related support services.

 

Community stakeholders also raised concerns about the living conditions of older persons and called for increased youth development initiatives, skills training, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and assistance for former mineworkers.

 

Other concerns include rising crime levels, particularly stock theft, the illegal possession of firearms, violent crime and sexual offences. Residents also highlighted delays in police response times, attributed to the distance from the nearest police station.

 

Through this integrated approach, the Minister will be joined by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the National Development Agency (NDA) and other government departments to improve access to essential government services and resources in the community.

 

Residents of eFameni will benefit from a range of services, including social grant application assistance, identity document services and health screenings.The programme will also provide a platform for community engagement, enabling residents to raise their concerns, identify their needs and contribute to setting service-delivery priorities.

 

The ICROP forms part of Social Development Month, which is being observed under the theme “Strengthening Families Through Partnerships.” In line with this theme, the outreach initiative seeks to bring social security programmes, community outreach initiatives and welfare services closer to communities, while strengthening collaboration among government departments and other stakeholders.

 

As part of the programme, the Minister will conduct an oversight visit to Ilunge Sewing Cooperative, a community-based organisation funded by the National Development Agency. The cooperative supports job creation and income-generating opportunities within communities in the Mthatha area.

 

The ICROP will be attended by the Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta; SASSA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Themba Matlou; SASSA Eastern Cape Regional Executive Manager, Mr Bandile Maqetuka; NDA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Susan Khumalo; and NDA Provincial Manager, Mrs Nokulunga Skeyi.

 

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AS FOLLOWS:

 

OVERSIGHT VISIT

Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026

Venue: Ilunge Sewing Cooperative, 9 Maqanyeni Location, Sibangweni Administrative Area, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, OR Tambo District

Time: 10:00–10:452.

 

MAIN EVENT

Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026

Venue: Jongibandla Senior Primary School, eFameni, Mthatha, King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, OR Tambo District

Time: 08:00–16:00

 

MEDIA CONFIRMATIONS

 

Media confirmations can be submitted to:

 

Ms. Tabisa Nondwayi on 072 817 5372 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or;Ms Lesego Ranchu: 073 547 2800 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or;Mr Mzukisi Solani: 082 375 7219 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

For media enquiries, please contact:Dr Paseka Letsatsi, SASSA National Spokesperson: 082 883 9969 |This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Ms Sandy Godlwana, Department of Social Development Head of Communication: 082 678 5634 | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

03 September 2026, Pretoria. The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, will on Thursday, 03 September 2026, receive two South African girl children at OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Gauteng Province. The children, aged 9 and 15 respectively, were trafficked across South Africa's borders to Malawi and have since been identified as victims of human trafficking.

 

Their return forms part of South Africa's repatriation process aimed at ensuring the safe return of children who have been subjected to trafficking and exploitation. Their reception forms part of government's ongoing efforts to protect children from trafficking and exploitation, ensure their safe repatriation into the country, and facilitate access to appropriate care, protection and support services.

 

To date, the Department of Social Development has repatriated 22 children. As the custodian of the Children's Act, the Department works closely with various government departments, entities and civil society organisations to ensure the safe return and reintegration of children who are victims of human trafficking. These include the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Home Affairs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Border Management Authority (BMA), and civil society organisations. Minister Pule will be accompanied by senior government officials and relevant stakeholders who will oversee arrangements for the children's safe return, care and access to the necessary support services.

 

Members of the media are invited to cover the Minister's arrival and the reception of the children as follows:

 

MEDIA BRIEFING PROGRAMME

 

Date: Thursday, 03 September 2026

Time: 11h00

 

Venue: OR Tambo Airport Media Centre, OR Tambo International Airport, Kempton Park, Gauteng Province

 

IMPORTANT FOR NOTING: In the interests of the children's safety, privacy and dignity, members of the media are requested to refrain from taking photographs, videos, filming or identifying the children without appropriate consent and safeguarding arrangements.

 

Media RSVPs may be forwarded to Ms Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane on 066 480 6845 / 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 directed to the Department of Social Development Head of Communication, Ms Sandy Godlwana, on 082 678 5634 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

14 September 2026. Willowfontein, KwaZulu-Natal – Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with faith-based organisations to strengthen families, support vulnerable communities and build a caring, resilient and cohesive society. Minister Pule represented Deputy President Paul Mashatile at a Sabbath Church Service hosted by the Thulani Temple of the Nazareth Baptist Church of Ebuhleni Home in Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg.

 

The service brought together members from approximately 31 temples across the uMgungundlovu District, community leaders and residents, and also marked the presentation of a newly completed worship facility built through the collective efforts of church members. Conveying the Deputy President’s greetings, Minister Pule noted his continued support for the Nazareth Baptist Church and its leadership while he is on medical leave. Minister Pule recognised the church’s longstanding contribution to faith, cultural preservation, social cohesion and community solidarity since its establishment in 1910 by Inkosi Isaiah Mloyiswa Mdliwamafa Shembe. “The Nazareth Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of faith, cultural preservation and social solidarity among communities for generations.”

 

The Minister emphasised that Government cannot build a caring and prosperous society alone and highlighted the important role of faith-based organisations in supporting families, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. She urged the church to strengthen its partnership with the Department of Social Development through initiatives including the Men and Boys Programme, Families Matter Programme and Asikhulume, which works with faith communities to confront gender-based violence and femicide. Faith leaders were also encouraged to help address the abuse of older persons, alcohol and substance abuse and other social challenges affecting communities.

 

Urgent intervention on service-delivery challenges During the community engagement, Minister Pule responded to concerns about access to government services, including the case of uGogo Mntolo, who does not have an identity document and whose grandchildren do not have birth certificates. The Minister directed the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to urgently intervene and ensure that affected families receive the necessary support. “I have directed that SASSA work around the clock to ensure that uGogo Mntolo and many other families that have similar challenges in this area receive the necessary support services without any further delays.” The SASSA Regional Manager was directed to work with the Provincial Department of Social Development, the local municipality, the Department of Home Affairs and other stakeholders to resolve the challenges raised. A report on planned interventions is expected within a week.

 

Minister Pule stressed that eligible children, older persons and persons with disabilities must be able to access the social assistance to which they are entitled, and that administrative challenges involving identity documents and birth certificates should not prevent eligible beneficiaries from receiving support.As part of Government’s commitment to taking services closer to communities, the Department of Social Development, SASSA and the National Development Agency (NDA) also brought government services to Willowfontein and surrounding communities. The Minister called on the NDA to work with the church’s youth and women to explore opportunities to establish cooperatives and contribute to local economic development. Minister Pule further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with the leadership of the Nazareth Baptist Church towards the completion of its new church structure, in line with the commitment conveyed by the Deputy President. As South Africa approaches the Local Government Elections, Minister Pule called on the Nazareth Baptist Church and faith communities across the country to pray for peaceful elections and to continue promoting unity, compassion, humility and love. 

 

“Together, we can build a South Africa in which every person enjoys dignity, every child is protected, every family is strengthened and every community has hope for a better future.” Minister Pule commended the leadership and members of the Nazareth Baptist Church for their continued contribution to serving humanity, promoting social cohesion and strengthening communities.

 

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

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

 

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.