Department of Social Development Leaders
Ms. Nokuzola Tolashe
Minister: Social Development
Mr. Ganief Hendriecks
Deputy Minister: Social Development
Supporting Siblings Of Children With Disabilities
By Morapedi Sibeko.
- Creating an inclusive environment for children with disabilities means including their siblings in a family-centred approach.
- Parents of children with disabilities often, unintentionally, overlook the emotional needs of the other children in the family while trying to meet the high demands of caregiving.
- The Department of Social Development, which currently has a delegation in Japan to share best practices, recognises that families are fully supported, children and people with disabilities can thrive.
When a child is born with a disability, much of the family’s energy understandably centres on that child’s needs. Yet, another story quietly unfolds – that of the sibling.
Brothers and sisters of children with disabilities often carry invisible responsibilities, managing their own emotions while trying to help their families function.
Expected to be the “easy” child, the one who does not complain or act out, they sometimes assume caregiving roles far beyond their years. Their love is sincere, but the weight can be heavy.
Research published in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities shows that siblings of children with disabilities are more likely to experience mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and emotional withdrawal.
These experiences are often compounded by limited support systems, a lack of understanding of the disability, and uncertainty about future caregiving roles.
Parents, often unintentionally, overlook the emotional needs of siblings while trying to meet the high demands of caregiving.
This emotional gap can leave lasting effects.
The Department of Social Development recognises these dynamics and continues to prioritise family-centred care approaches, by making sure that children with disabilities, their siblings, and caregivers are supported holistically.
South African social worker Cecilia Mazibuko knows this journey intimately.
She is a mother to a son and twin daughters, one of whom has a disability. Her professional and personal lives intersect daily, giving her a deeply empathetic view of how disability reshapes family dynamics.
“After the diagnosis of one of the twins, I found myself spending most of my time in hospital,” she recalls.
“Their father took on the primary caregiving role for our other children. But the twin who was not sick began to feel left out. She would sometimes say, ‘Mommy, I can see you love her more than me’.”
This perception of unequal attention is common among siblings and often leads to emotional strain.
The twin without a disability began acting out, a way of seeking connection and recognition. “She became naughty,” Mazibuko says gently, “it was her way of expressing loneliness.”
Meanwhile, Mazibuko’s older son stepped into a caregiving and protective role early in life.
“He became a caregiver and defender of his sister, often at the cost of his own carefree childhood. As parents, we were stretched. At times, I began to resent the situation or even question my partner’s effort even though he was fully present.”
These layered realities reflect the emotional complexity faced by many families. Siblings become hidden supporters growing up faster, navigating loss, pride, guilt, and love all at once.
In Japan, Motoki Hirose, a robotics engineer, and father of a child with a disability, turned this reality into innovation. Faced with his son’s mobility challenges, he shifted his career to developing robotic equipment designed to assist with movement.
By doing so, Hirose not only supported his son’s independence but eased the emotional burden on his other children.
They no longer had to assume caregiving roles on their own. His work is a powerful example of how families can adapt with purpose, dignity, and creativity.
A delegation of officials and caregivers from the Department of Social Development, including Mazibuko, is currently in Japan, learning firsthand how that country caters for children with disabilities and sharing in best practices.
Another Japanese voice, Mayu Takishima, grew up with a brother who has autism and intellectual disability. While her brother attended a therapeutic centre, she was enrolled in an Early Childhood Development Centre, a necessary but emotionally difficult separation.
In high school, she struggled to speak openly about her home life, often isolating herself due to guilt and a sense of difference.
But later, as a university student, she found strength in sharing her experience.
Takishima went on to establish SHAMS (Sharing Mind of Siblings), a support group for brothers and sisters of individuals with disabilities and chronic illnesses. SHAMS provides a platform for siblings to connect, reflect, and grow together, recognising that supporting siblings benefits not just individuals, but the whole family.
The Department of Social Development’s new disability policy – Policy on Services to Persons with Disabilities, which is yet to be approved by Cabinet – is anchored in the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2016).
The White Paper calls on everyone to build an inclusive and enabling environment for children and people with disabilities and families who support them.
Respite care services provide short-term relief to parents, creating much-needed space to reconnect with siblings and ensure their voices are heard.
As the Department of Social Development continues to promote inclusive family support systems, recognising and uplifting siblings is a vital part of that vision.
When families are fully supported, children and people with disabilities can thrive. An inclusive society leaves no one behind, not even the quiet heroes behind the scenes.
Budget Vote Speech By The Deputy Minister Of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks
10 July 2025 I CAPE TOWN
Honourable House Chair;
Minister of Social Development, Ms. Sisisi Tolashe;
Chairperson and Members of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development;
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen; and
Fellow South Africans.
Under a Government of National Unity (GNU) as a member of the Leaders Forum headed by His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, President of Al Jama-ah Political Party, and the Deputy Minister of Social Development, I am presenting Budget Vote 19 today.
KEY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (DSD) DELEGATIONS
Before commenting on the budget, let me state that during October 2024, I received key delegations from my Minister of Social Development, Hon. Minister NG Sisisi Tolashe; these are: HIV/Aids, Substance Abuse, Families & Parenting, Older persons, and Persons with Disabilities. These functions form part of Welfare Services, which is Programme Four in the national Department of Social Development’s budget. Welfare services are concurrent functions with provinces, and the provinces are responsible for the implementation of the government’s policies and the delivery of services in relation to these functions. The national department’s welfare services mandate is to develop policies and programmes, set norms and standards, and monitor and evaluate service delivery by the provinces and the funded non-profit organisations. The Minister also delegated responsibilities for the Regional and International Protocols, Conventions, and Treaties that the country has acceded to in these areas of welfare services.
As regards each of these, whenever I needed assistance, I could call upon the Minister who unselfishly granted her time advising and assisting me.
BUDGET ALLOCATION: 2025/2026
Hon members, for my list of delegations as Deputy Minister, the budget allocation to the national Department of Social Development is R109 million.
Allow me to briefly unpack how much money the department must use to effectively implement my list of delegations. Starting with HIV/Aids, the budget is R44 million, of which the South African National Aids Council, receives R20 million.
Turning to South Africa’s National Drug Master Plan (NDMP), Substance Abuse was allocated R19 million; from this, R2.1 million is allocated to the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence and R2 million to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
Hon members for the past few months, I dedicated myself to my delegation that focuses on the Older Persons which is allocated R18 million, a portion of the total will be allocated to the South African Older Persons Forum (R1.7 million), and the Association for Dementia and Alzheimer (R1 million).
For Families and Parenting, the budget is R10 million; This includes allocations to the Suid Afrikanse Vroue Vereeniging of RR 809 thousand and Tumelong -of R1,3 million .
Now the budget for Persons with Disabilities is R18 million, of which the Deaf Blind SA is allocated R1.8 million, Autism SA R1.7 million, and Uhambo Foundation R1.6 million. Factoring in the total amount, one third is allocated to entities that are outside DSD.
Allow me to make the point that since I will be implementing these delegations, which is guided by the five-year 2024-2029 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) programme, only two-thirds of the budget is used by DSD. It’s been a long standing practice that welfare services are rendered by the government in partnership with non-profit organisations and NGOs. This creates the potential to leverage the comparative strengths of each sector in a unified system that optimally benefits all the vulnerable individuals and groups in our society. It also creates the opportunity for private sector involvement.
It is high time that we recognize the failures in the system, and revisit our practices and partnerships to find ways to build a system that won’t fail our people, one that everybody can rely on when in need.
I want to hastily add that we depend on DSD’s Portfolio Committee and on the Oversight Committee for Social Development that represent the streets to ensure that the allocated budgets are used to meet people’s needs.
Overall, my task, Hon Chair, is to determine policy and programmes; ones that all stakeholders should be involved in. In other words, policies that are determined by the president, the cabinet, and the cabinet cluster as well as the GNU’s leadership forum. That said, it is my job to enforce these policies that apply to DSD, provinces, municipalities, NPOs, and CSOs. Let me underline the fact that I will make a special effort to ask the private sector to agree that when they give funding that these policies be aligned with adopting a ‘One Policy, One Plan, One Budget’ approach.
At this juncture, I wish to summarily reflect on each of the mentioned delegations; the purpose is to offer some insights into the issues encountered in each; here I start with the HIV/Aids pandemic that we continue to deal with on an annual basis.
MITIGATING HIV’s IMPACT AMONG CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Honorable Chair and members, there is a challenge to end the HIV/Aids pandemic in South Africa by 2030, with a particular focus on the children and adolescents who remain most vulnerable to its devastating effects. According to the latest UNAIDS data, over 150,000 children are living with HIV in our country, and more than 6,500 were newly infected in 2023. We need to stem the tide of 10,000 children being infected by this scourge every year.
Accelerating efforts of protecting children, last month, I worked side-by-side with Hon. Minister during the Child Protection Month. DSD reached out to parents and 500 children in Mohlabaneng and Jamela villages in Tzaneen, Limpopo Province. The aim was to raise awareness against HIV/Aids as a chronic disease and initiate ‘Social Behavioural Change’ programmes, namely, ‘You Only Live Once’ (YOLO) and Chommy. Hon. Members, we hope programmes capture your imagination. Ending the HIV/Aids among children and adolescents require a change in societal attitudes in the way they perceive this epidemic. This is a challenge not only to all of government but to all political parties.
This budget, which I am requesting approval thereof, will help us to contribute to the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS & TBse pillars.
GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE
Leaving aside the issue of HIV/Aids, our society has been challenged by the curse of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF); it is a social phenomenon that has been and continues to be on the rise; as a result, our children, our women, and the LGBTQIA+ community including elder persons remain vulnerable and live-in fear of becoming the next victims.
At one of my community engagements recently, a second-year university student wanted to know what government is doing to ensure her safety. As patron of the Men’s Parliament, I have launched the ‘Boy Child Parliament’ and we already have a provincial structure in Gauteng Province. To prevent violence by men against women, we must start with the boy child.
FAMILIES & PARENTING AND ELDER PERSONS
In the fight against GBVF, we also noted the increase in the abuse of the older persons in households and communities. Nonetheless, we are resolute that the vulnerable in these sectors must be protected through collective efforts between Government, Private Sector, NPOs, Communities, and Families.
The department is aware of the immense challenges our elders face when collecting their pension; queuing from 05h00 in the morning is unacceptable as well as the long queues, this too is an abuse of the elderly. We will come up with measures to effectively address these.
The department recently launched the revised White Paper on Families and re-launched the ‘Family’s Matter Programme’ in Milnerton, Cape Town, to remind South Africans that families are the first line of protection in communities.
Honourable House Chair and Members, the abuse of older persons has no place in our communities; they have gone unprotected instead of being taken care of and protected. Communities and families have a duty to report elderly abuse to law enforcement, the National Helpline for Elder Abuse, and the Gender Based Violence Command Centre.
In this regard, Minister Tolashe went to Eastern Cape’s Healdtown; an area from where quite a few resistance fighters came from. During the last few years this town has since been identified – sadly so - as a hotspot for the abuse of elder persons.
So, I remain committed to address the abuse of older persons and we will make sure that every cent of this budget is spent to counter these unsavory acts.
As I wrap up the discussion on Families and Parenting, permit me to inform everyone that we have a positive parenting programme funded by the German Development Bank. Through this programme, One thousand, and Eighty-Eight (1,088) children and youth were trained in soft and hard skills in 6 Community Care Centers (CCCs) in KZN, Limpopo, and North West provinces. Such programmes will be expanded to a further 17 CCCs and this work has already begun, since last month (June 2024).
Parents were also engaged in positive parenting programmes through both in-person sessions and digital platforms. Both Positive Parenting Programmes to have an impact towards reducing the prevalence of HIV/Aids. And in the light of the withdrawal of PEPFAR funding, we need to find something similar to a German funding model, and we call upon other potential funders to come on board.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
On the local front, the department is working diligently to rather eradicate substance abuse – since its ultimate goal - reduce substance abuse and its related social problems through prevention programmes in the institutions of higher learning, focusing more on TVET colleges, and communities. This year, the department is targeting to reach 40 institutions of higher learning nationwide through anti-substance abuse programmes; and I will be part of the next outreach to institution of higher learning.
However, I am of the opinion that preventive programs should start at primary school level, taking into consideration that children as young as 8 years old are using drugs. The issue of gangsterism which is a major contributing factor to illicit drug trade, should be effectively dealt with by the relevant department. Our efforts will also focus on this age group.
On the global front, I attended an International Network of Legislation on Drugs in Vienna; a conference that would assist me to align the new five-year National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) with international best practices.
Heads-up on best practice is that our prisons should not become locales for our women and children drug offenders; connected to the rights of these sectors of our communities, I intend to use the budget to prevent and treat both substance and drug use. Speaking about the rights of our vulnerable groups, my concern is also with the ‘persons with disabilities.’
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
In the context of the Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, we successfully handed over disability reports arising out of public participation across all nine provinces to mainstream the rights of persons with disabilities.
As a result of the handover in the Western Cape, over twenty programmes to assist persons with disabilities are in progress. Other provinces have also addressed the status of this group that, by implication, also impacts on family members who are disabled and families who reside on farms where the rights have been taken away in wanting to live descent lives and wishing to earn descent wages.
OTHER: RIGHTS OF FARM WORKERS
Chairperson, I have been engaging with persons living in the farms in the Cape Winelands District specifically in Paarl and Wellington within the Drakenstein Municipality. Some were evicted from their native land and dumped in already overcrowded areas to the increasing rate of informal settlements. Evictions and displacements have a vast negative socio-economic impact on farm workers and dwellers. There are farm owners who continue to harass matriculants who do not want to become farm labourers, to leave the family home or to pay rent.
Their concerns have been escalated to relevant departments and the South African Human Rights Commission, as no South African, including farm residents deserve to be exploited while the Freedom Charter made a genuine promise that: “The land shall be shared among those who work it!”
TOWARDS A CONCLUSION
As I come to a conclusion with this presentation, I wish to briefly touch on two matters.
The first, South Africa has created the most inclusive social protection system; one that addresses all areas of vulnerability. In addition, it is also responsive to the needs, realities, conditions, and livelihoods of those who are most at risk including children. As regards the latter, the system protects the child from the moment she/he is formed in her/his mother’s womb until she/he reaches the age of 18 years (and beyond).
And the second is that the South African government has constructed the District Development Model; a model that geographically covers the whole of the country. I, as the DDM Champion for Johannesburg, wish to argue that this budget must also address my delegations’ shortcomings in this metro; the main purpose of doing so is to transform the city into an iconic city that it once was. Factoring in this idea, I will need the backing from the province and the municipality, which I already met, as there must be a ‘ONE BUDGET AND ONE PLAN’ for this.
Hon Chair and members, my position, as I stand and conclude, is that I am in full support of the 2025/26 pro-poor budget of R283 billion.
Thank you
Minister Sisisi Tolashe And Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks To Table Social Development Budget Vote 19 In Parliament, Cape Town
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe and Deputy Minister, Ganief Hendricks, will on Thursday, 10 July, table the Social Development Budget Vote 19 for the financial year 2025/26 in Parliament, Cape Town.
The budget vote will be delivered under the theme: “Restoring Trust, Deepening Impact: Reigniting the Role of the Family in a Renewed Commitment to Dignity and Inclusion".
The budget vote will outline commitments and progress made, as well as budget allocations for the department and its entities, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA).
The Minister will outline plans for the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). This is the second department’s budget vote in the seventh administration of a Government of National Unity. The Minister will also present a detailed plan of service delivery initiatives, plans and Social Relief measures for South Africans affected by poverty and social ills.
In the build-up to the tabling of budget vote 19, SASSA, will host an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP), in Khayelitsha, Cape Town and Harding, KZN Province. ICROP is an initiative aimed at extending social assistance administration, to communities. On the day, residents will have an opportunity to engage with SASSA officials and other government departments.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the social development budget vote and build-up activities planned as follows:
SASSA ICROP IN KHAYELITSHA, CAPE TOWN
Date: Tuesday, 08 July 2025
Time: 09h00
Venue: Khayelitsha, OR Tambo Community Hall, Cape Town
SASSA ICROP IN HARDING, KZN PROVINCE
Date: Tuesday, 08 July 2025
Time: 10h00
Venue: Ward 08, Khwezi Sports Field in Harding, KZN Province
TABLING OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT BUDGET VOTE 19
Date: Thursday, 10 July 2025
Time: 14h00
Venue: M46 Marks building in Parliament, Cape Town
Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Nomfundo Lentsoane on 0664806845 / 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 Mr Bathembu Futshane on 0711621154 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Speech by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, MP on the occasion of the tabling of Budget Vote 19 of the Department of Social Development to the National Assembly
Speech by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, MP on the occasion of the tabling of Budget Vote 19 of the Department of Social Development to the National Assembly
Thursday, 10 July 2025 | 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,
Ladies and Gentlemen, and
My fellow South Africans
1. Honourable Chair, thank you for the opportunity to table Budget Vote 19 of the Department of Social Development for the 2025/2026 financial year.
2. As we table this budget, let us unite in solidarity to remember and honour the lives lost during the recent devastating floods in the Eastern Cape. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the affected families as they rebuild their lives.
3. We also call to mind the countless victims of gender-based violence and femicide, whose pain echoes as a call for justice. Olorato Mongale, Uyinene Mrwetyana, Tshegofatso Pule, Nosicelo Mtebeni, Karabo Mokoena. These are just few of some of the known victims of gender-based violence. We remember their names as a constant reminder of the work that remains to be done.
4. We mourn the passing of the former Deputy President of the ANC and Deputy President of South Africa, Mr David Mabuza. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and his organisation the ANC, during this difficult time.
Introduction
5. Honourable Chair, this budget vote coincides with the celebrations of uTata Nelson Mandela, one of the most enduring and inspirational icons of our time. Madiba continues to inspire people around the world to work in pursuit of a more humane society. On what would have been Madiba’s 107th birthday, we are reminded of his poignant words [and I quote]: "As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest “ ’[close quote].
6. Madiba’s legacy continues to inspire us as we host the G20 Summit, a historical first for the African continent under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”. South Africa’s G20 Presidency will amplify Africa’s voice in global governance whilst ensuring that the development priorities of the continent and the Global South find expression on the agenda of the G20. The DSD Portfolio is participating in the Development Working Group and all the preparations for the G20 Social Summit scheduled for November this year.
Context of the 2025/2026 budget
7. Budget Vote 19 takes cue from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address and the Medium-Term Development Plan, both of which set out a clear path to build a humane society. As we reflect on the 70th anniversary of the Freedom Charter and thirty-one years of democracy, we take great pride in how far we have come as a nation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Freedom Charter’s aspiration that “the people shall share in the country’s wealth”.
8. This budget honours women pioneers who stood strong and sacrificed selflessly. No words can repay the debt we owe, but through this budget we commit ourselves to fulfill their aspirations of making our world a better place for all. I am grateful to stand on the shoulders of giants and pioneers of women like Mama Charlotte Maxeke, whose legacy for social justice resonates profoundly with our mandate. Her life-long sacrifice is a reminder that the fight for equality and dignity for all is never easy, but always worth it.
9. A year ago, I delivered my maiden Budget Vote Speech and pledged my unwavering commitment to join hands under the banner of the GNU to restore the dignity of our people. Since then, Deputy Minister and I have traversed the length and breadth of our country, listening and taking stock of what we must do to better respond to the lived experiences of our people.
10. Looking back, I am proud of how much we have achieved. We have lived up to our commitment to stabilise the Department and its entities. We have now filled the critical posts of Director-General, Deputy Director-General for Welfare Services and Chief Financial Officer in the Department. We have advertised and will soon fill the post of Executive Director for the Inspectorate.
11. We have filled the post of SASSA CEO and are now on course to fill all vacant posts of SASSA Regional Executive Managers. The NDA Board is in the process of filling the vacant posts of CEO and Chief Financial Officer.
12. I am also pleased to inform this House that the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre is now fully operational. Members of the public can reach Social Workers via the 24/7 365 Days Free Emergency Line on 0800 428 428. The Centre forms part of our mandate under Pillar 4 of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
13. The progress we have made gives us courage to tackle challenges ahead, but we are the first to acknowledge that more work still needs to be done. Now more than ever, we need to focus on strengthening families and supporting community-based child protection services. This is the crux of this budget. By implementing a package of services and programmes in this budget, we can work towards a future where all children thrive in supportive environments, and where families are empowered to raise their children to reach their full potential.
14. Early this year, we successfully co-hosted the Africa Children’s Summit in collaboration with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. The Summit resolutions were adopted by the high-level meeting of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child held in Lesotho recently.
15. I take this opportunity to call on all Honourable Members, irrespective of our party persuasion, to join hands to protect children from all forms of violence. Our elders taught us that it takes a village to raise a child. That is why we say umntwana wakho, ngumntwana wami.
2025/2026 Budget Allocation
16. Honourable Chair, this budget vote under the theme: “Restoring Trust, Deepening Impact: Reigniting the Role of the Family in a Renewed Commitment to Dignity and Inclusion”, builds on the renewal of pledges with our people as guided by the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029) and the priorities of the 7th administration under the GNU.
17. In his State of the Nation Address in 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa said [and I quote]: “Just as we cannot deny the progress South Africans have made over the last 30 years, nor should we diminish the severe challenges that we continue to face” [close quote]. Thirty-One years into our democracy, South Africa remains a country of two nations, with race a key driver of high inequality in South Africa. This has earned our country a tag of being the most unequal in the world as measured through the Gini co-efficient. In its report titled: “Inequality in Southern Africa (2022)”, the World Bank asserts that without social transfers and social spending, inequality would be worse than it is.
18. Hon Chair, this Budget comes at the backdrop of serious budget cuts and growing geopolitical tensions, at a time when we are still grappling with the record high levels of unemployment as per data from Stats SA’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey. Currently, approximately forty-five percent of the South African population receive social grants or social relief of distress as a consistent source of income. This includes over Thirteen Million children on the Child Support Grant and over Four Million older persons on the Old Age Grant. The combination of all these factors, along with the stagnant economy, exacerbate undue hardships and put a strain on our services.
19. This financial year, our budget allocation is Two Hundred and Ninety-Four Billion Rand. Of this amount, Two Hundred and Eighty-Four Billion Rand is allocated for monthly direct transfers to Twenty-Seven Million social assistance beneficiaries. This constitutes Ninety-Six percent of our total budget.
20. An amount of Twenty-Four point Seven Billion Rand is allocated to SASSA for grant administration over the MTEF period. The National Department of Social Development has set aside an amount of Fifty-Two Million Rand, as transfers to Twenty-Two National Councils.
SASSA
21. At the heart of our collective response lies the social grant system [PAUSE]—a vital and consistent lifeline that reaches millions to ensure that no one is left behind. Every month, more than Nineteen Million social grants are paid without fail. These grants continue to support those who are at risk of falling through the cracks.
22. A further Thirty-Four point Nine Billion Rand is added to the Social Assistance programme for the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress, a vital form of support for millions of unemployed and vulnerable South Africans. Approximately, more than Eight Million beneficiaries between the ages of 18-59 years are reached every month.
23. Our plans to modernise and transform SASSA into an efficient future-ready organisation are fully on track. In this financial year, SASSA will continue to roll out the queue management system, self-service kiosks, scanning of beneficiary files and biometric system. These ambitious service innovations are complemented by the roll out of the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programmes (ICROP), targeting the most vulnerable communities. We have allocated over Twenty-Nine Million Rand to conduct Five Hundred and Sixteen ICROPs across the country.
24. Honourable Chair, we remain vigilant to protect the integrity of our social assistance system. In this regard, we are currently conducting a review process in line with the Social Assistance Regulations. This is not new, as the previous review focused on public servants. This process is intended to ensure that we pay social grants to eligible beneficiaries, as we say: Paying the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place. NJALO! The impact of this process has been substantial, resulting in annual savings of over One Billion Rand.
25. On this note, let me be very clear; we have not stopped or suspended any grant without due process. I wish to appeal to all beneficiaries who have received correspondence to visit SASSA offices and undergo a review process.
Basic Income Support
26. We are forging ahead with processes to replace the COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress with a permanent measure in the form of a Basic Income Support (BIS). Accordingly, we intend to re-table a policy proposal to Cabinet. The additional element of this policy proposal is to link beneficiaries to employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities. We will draw on the success of the pilot project underway in collaboration with the Finmark Trust.
Fighting fraud and corruption
27. We will continue to put SASSA on the best possible footing to meet the fraud threats we face today, as well as those that will probably emerge in the future. To this end, we have allocated over Two Hundred Million Rand over the MTEF period to detect, prevent and eliminate any form of fraud and corruption.
28. We have completed the pilot of the beneficiary biometric system in four offices. Plans are underway to cover all SASSA offices by the end of this financial year. We are determined to ensure that those who steal money meant for the poor to feed their greed, are exposed and held accountable.
NDA
29. An amount of Two Hundred and Sixteen Million Rand is allocated to the NDA in the current financial year for grant funding to civil society organisations. Given the high rates of unemployment, we need to support initiatives that promote local economic development, create job opportunities and reduce poverty.
30. The NDA’s extensive engagement across Twenty-Two wards has resulted in the establishment of Nine community-owned enterprises. The Turnaround Strategy has revitalised the Agency, which has seen it successfully raising over Sixty Million Rand to augment its budget.
Non-Profit Organisations
31. We have commenced with the deregistration of non-compliant NPOs as per the provision of Section 18 (1) of the NPO Act. To date, we have issued over Fifty Thousand notices and deregistered over Fifteen Thousand NPOs. But, [PAUSE], may I hasten to add that not all NPOs are non-compliant, as we have seen an uptake in the number of those submitting their reports.
32. We urge those that have not yet submitted their reports to promptly do so, to avoid deregistration. Going forward, we intend to reduce the red tape by rolling out an automated online application and monitoring system linked to the portals of SARS and CIPC.
33. Early this year, the Department convened a summit which culminated in the declaration to prevent and reduce risks associated with money laundering and terror financing in the NPO sector. This is in line with Recommendation 8 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). We have set aside One Hundred and Thirty-Seven Million Rand over the MTEF period for this purpose.
34. We stand ready to support the National Dialogue initiated by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This is a powerful platform that will bring South Africans from all walks of life together to share a common vision of a future we want for our children and generations to come.
Gender-Based Violence and Substance Abuse
35. We welcome Cabinet’s recent decision to re-establish the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF and substance abuse in support of the 90-Day Acceleration Programme. This will give the much-needed impetus to our national efforts to combat the twin challenges of gender-based violence and substance abuse.
36. We will continue with the expansion of shelter services, with a focus on the thirty GBVF hotspots. Of the 52 districts, six districts do not have shelters yet. In this regard, we have allocated One Hundred and Two Million Rand to accelerate the recommendations of the 2nd Presidential Summit on GBVF and the National Shelter Indaba.
37. Honourable Chair, each one of us has an important role to play in confronting head-on, the harmful social norms that perpetuate this scourge, in supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
Employment of Social Service Professionals
38. Honourable Chair, the burden of social ills has brought to the fore the need to employ more social service professionals. With five years remaining before 2030, we are off track in achieving the NDP target of employing Fifty-Five Thousand social service professionals in the sector due to financial constraints. On this note, we condemn the killing of social workers who have become easy prey for criminals because of the nature of their work.
Legislation
39. On the legislative front, we intend to introduce the Victim Support Services Bill and the Children’s Amendment Bill this financial year.
Conclusion
40. Honourable Chair, let me conclude by extending my appreciation to Deputy Minister, Mr Ganief Hendricks, all Members of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, MECs of Social Development, the Director-General, the CEO of SASSA, the Acting CEO and the Board of the NDA and all staff in the department and agencies in the frontline for their hard work and service to our people.
41. It is now my singular honour to table this Budget Vote 19 for your support.
Ke a leboga! Enkosi.
From Words To Action: Lekwa Leaders Unite Against Substance Abuse And Social Ills
By Tholakele Makena.
- Call for Practical Interventions: Mayor Mngomezulu urged a shift from awareness campaigns to concrete, school-based interventions and community-driven solutions.
- The Department of Social Development has activated substance abuse forums and action committees within municipalities to ensure localised and sustained responses.
- Initiatives in Lekwa include door-to-door outreach, youth skills training, parenting workshops, and partnerships with NPOs tackling HIV, GBV, and social cohesion.
Cllr. Sifiso Michael Mngomezulu, Executive Mayor of Lekwa Local Municipality, has described drug abuse as not merely a local crisis but a global epidemic. Speaking at the commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (IDADAIT) held at Sakhile Stadium in Standerton, Mpumalanga, the mayor stressed the need to move beyond slogans and awareness campaigns to implement tangible, community-based interventions — particularly in schools — to safeguard children who are increasingly vulnerable to drug exposure.
Mayor Mngomezulu emphasised the need for strengthened collaboration among municipalities, government departments, and civil society organisations to combat the escalating drug crisis effectively.
He also underscored the critical role of whistleblowers in exposing illicit drug activities and called for robust measures to ensure their protection, framing it as a vital component of a comprehensive, community-driven response to substance abuse.
Joining him at the commemoration was Mr. Wilson Gustav, Chief Director for Restorative Services in the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development. He noted that the province has established active substance abuse forums and local action committees within municipalities to ensure continuous coordination and support. However, the province continues to grapple with structural challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, inequality, and crime — all of which contribute to rising substance abuse rates.
The engagement also showcased several initiatives underway in Lekwa Municipality, including door-to-door campaigns, school visits, parenting workshops, and community prayer services. In addition, skills development programmes are being offered through Gert Sibande College and youth centres in Sakhile and Sibukile. The province has also partnered with non-profit organisations to deliver HIV prevention education, child protection workshops, and broader community development services.
With only two registered substance abuse treatment centres in the province, Mr Gustav highlighted the importance of incorporating prevention, treatment, and social support in future programmes. Both leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to translating policy into practice, aiming to make Lekwa and the broader Mpumalanga region safer, healthier, and more resilient communities.
