By Sifiso Xulu.

• KwaZulu-Natal’s department of social development is setting goals for the next financial year.
• ⁠The department is currently holding a two-day strategic planning session.
• Participants are brainstorming ideas and articulating strategies on the most effective ways to address current social development challenges in the province.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development officially began a two-day strategic planning session on Monday, 29 September 2025, setting goals for the next financial year.

During opening remarks, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, emphasised that the session was not simply a routine procedure but rather a crucial opportunity for intentional planning, focused discussions, and thoughtful reflections.

Such engagements are critical in determining the trajectory and overall impact of the department’s work in the community.

Shinga stressed the importance of collaboration, particularly in building stronger relationships with the various entities associated with the department.

“I am eager to see how we can enhance our connections within the sector,” she stated.

The MEC also encouraged participants to take time to consider how best to integrate the efforts of the Department of Social Development with those of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA).

“I expect all of you to contemplate ways in which we can improve service delivery across our sector,” she added, highlighting her commitment to fostering cohesion and efficiency in service provision.

The planning session marks an essential step toward achieving the overarching goals set forth by the department, as participants come together to brainstorm and formulate strategies on the most effective ways to address current social development challenges in KwaZulu-Natal.