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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
Social Development Calls For Stronger Partnerships To Improve Support For Children With Disabilities
Pretoria – Raising a child with a disability can come with additional care responsibilities, the need for specialised support and the challenge of finding appropriate services. Children with disabilities and their families deserve support that responds to these needs to enable every child to grow, develop and participate in society.
As Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) is underway, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is calling for stronger partnerships across government, civil society, service providers and communities to improve the care and support available to children with disabilities and their families.
Guided by the 2026 theme, “Creating Strategic Multisectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society”, DSD is highlighting the importance of a coordinated approach that places children and their families at the centre of service delivery.
The scale of the concern is reflected in the Department of Basic Education's (DBE) 2025 report, Correcting the erroneous statistic that “600 000 children with disabilities are out of school”. The report highlights the importance of using accurate information when assessing the number of children with disabilities who are not accessing education.
The UNICEF Situation Analysis of Children and Adolescents in South Africa (2024) further reports that only 8,641 children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities were receiving support in special care centres in 2022.
The needs of children with disabilities extend beyond education. Some require assistance with everyday activities, developmental support, rehabilitation and specialised care. Limited access to information, negative attitudes and the additional costs of caring for a child with a disability places further demands on families. Parents and caregivers often carry these responsibilities alongside their work and other family commitments.
As custodian of the Children's Act, the department of social development has an important responsibility to promote and protect the rights and wellbeing of all children, including children with disabilities. This includes promoting their right to appropriate care, protection, support and participation in social, cultural and educational activities.
One of DSD's key interventions is the respite care programme, which provides temporary relief to parents and caregivers while ensuring that children continue to receive appropriate care, stimulation, protection and opportunities for development. The programme recognises that caregivers need support too. Having time to rest and attend to other responsibilities is important for those who provide ongoing care to children with disabilities.
The respite care programme is currently being piloted in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape; reaching 220 children and their families. The programme is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community-based care and support, while gaining experience that can inform the further development of respite care services.
Through its partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), DSD is working to strengthen community-based respite care services, including caregiver training and improved referral arrangements.
The respite care programme is additional to the Care Dependency Grant received from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) for qualifying caregivers of children who require care because of a disability. SASSA currently pays 179,609 CDGs monthly, helping families meet some of the additional needs associated with caring for their disabled children.
Recognising that children's needs often require support from different sectors, DSD is working with the Departments of Basic Education and Health through a joint coordinating committee supported by JICA. The collaboration focuses on early identification, referrals and better coordination of services to help families access appropriate support.
DSD believes that the experiences of children with disabilities and their families must inform the services intended to support them. Their involvement, together with that of organisations representing people with disabilities, is important in ensuring that programmes respond to their actual needs.
During the month long DRAM campaign, DSD is calling on all sectors to strengthen their partnerships and contribute to a society where children with disabilities are included, supported and given opportunities to reach their full potential. Their care and development are a shared responsibility, and families should not have to navigate this journey alone.
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to: Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067.
Minister Dina Pule To Lead Active Ageing Programme In Bloemfontein, Free State
Pretoria, 28 October 2026: The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule will lead the Active Ageing Programme in Bloemfontein, Free State Province from 30 to 31 October 2026, under the theme: “Golden Years: See Our Value; Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights.”
Guided by the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006, the National Development Plan, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, and the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing, the Active Ageing Programme seeks to promote healthy ageing, positive lifestyles, social cohesion and intergenerational solidarity.
The programme also aims to prevent social isolation and loneliness, strengthen community-based care and support services, and empower older persons to participate actively in society while ensuring access to their rights, dignity and inclusion.
As part of efforts to amplify the voices of older persons and promote their participation in decision-making processes, the programme will feature interactive dialogues during which senior citizens will have an opportunity to share their experiences and raise issues affecting their daily lives.
Like many South Africans, older persons face significant socio-economic challenges. Some share their Old Age Grant income with their families while caring for orphaned and vulnerable grandchildren, often in the context of high unemployment and limited household resources.
Older persons are also vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including physical and emotional abuse, gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide. In addition, many face health challenges associated with chronic and age-related conditions, including HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis and diabetes.
The programme seeks to address these challenges by promoting the rights, well-being and social inclusion of older persons, while encouraging communities to recognise their value and support their meaningful participation in society.
The successful implementation of the Active Ageing Programme is supported by partnerships between the Department of Social Development and various government departments and stakeholders. These include the departments responsible for health, sport, arts and culture, the Office of the Premier and municipalities.
Other partners include the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), the South African Older Persons Forum, non-profit organisations, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations and the private sector.
As part of the programme, older persons will participate in the Golden Games, which include choral music, soccer, athletics and various indigenous games. These activities promote physical health, social interaction, active participation and a sense of belonging among older persons.
The Active Ageing Programme also forms part of South Africa's commitment to the 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing, to which the country is a signatory. The Plan identifies three priority areas: older persons and development; advancing health and well-being into old age; and ensuring enabling and supportive environments.
The Plan marked a shift towards a developmental approach to ageing, emphasising how societies perceive, engage with and care for older persons, with a particular focus on ensuring that they enjoy their full human rights.
MEDIA INVITATION
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Active Ageing Programme, scheduled as follows:
DAY ONE
Date: Friday, 30 October 2026
Time: 09h00 - 17:00
Venue: Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, Free State Province
DAY TWO PROGRAMME
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 09h00 - 17:00
Venue: Clive Solomon Stadium, 65 Anna Maggerman Crescent, Ashbury, Heidedal, Bloemfontein, Free State Province
Media can RSVP to: Ms Nomfundo Lentsoane on 0664806845/ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mr Thembile Nqabeni on 0664766193
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Sandy Godlwana, Head of Communication, on 0826785634 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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 Address Service Delivery Challenges In Efameni, Or Tambo District
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..
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..
