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Media Statement By The Minister Of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, During A Media Briefing Held At Government Communication And Information System On Tuesday,
21 July 2026
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7 Department of Social Development Leaders
Media Statement | Minister Pule Reaffirms Government Partnership With Nazareth Baptist Church To Strengthen Communities
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.
Minister Dina Pule To Receive Repatriated Children At Or Tambo International Airport
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..
Minister Pule To Lead Service Delivery Community Outreach In Swayimane, Umgungundlovu District, Kwazulu-Natal
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.
Department Of Social Development Calls For Stronger Prevention, Early Intervention And Community Action On International Overdose Awareness Day
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.
Media Statement | Social Development Warns South Africans About Human Trafficking Through Fake Job Scams
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.
