DSD CONCLUDES COLLOQUIUM ON ADVANCING SOCIAL PROTECTION AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION.

By DSD Reporter.

•  ⁠Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks closed the two-day colloquium themed “From Grants to Growth: Integrating Social Protection with Economic Opportunities and Sustainable Livelihoods” by calling for stronger collaboration between government, research institutions, and partners.
• The discussions reaffirmed that permanent income support for vulnerable citizens is not just necessary but constitutionally mandated.
• ⁠The Deputy Minister called for greater integration of grants, skills development, and enterprise support to drive sustainable livelihoods and economic inclusion.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) successfully concluded its two-day policy colloquium themed “From Grants to Growth: Integrating Social Protection with Economic Opportunities and Sustainable Livelihoods,” in Gauteng. The gathering brought together senior government officials, researchers, development partners, and thought leaders to reimagine how South Africa’s social protection system can promote economic inclusion and resilience.
The closing session was addressed by Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks, who commended participants for their insight, research contributions, and shared commitment to building an inclusive and resilient South Africa. The colloquium brought together senior government officials, academics, development partners, and researchers to explore practical ways of linking social protection to economic participation.
“As we bring this important colloquium to a close, I want to acknowledge the depth of insight and experience that each of you has brought to the table,” said the Deputy Minister. “You have shared invaluable inputs that will strengthen our policy proposals and help us reimagine the architecture of social protection in South Africa.”
Deputy Minister Hendricks highlighted that the discussions reaffirmed DSD’s long-standing position that permanent income support for vulnerable citizens is both a constitutional and social necessity. He noted that South Africa must now take bold steps to link social assistance to opportunities for growth and empowerment.
“Our social grant system is one of the most extensive in the Global South, yet we face persistent unemployment and inequality,” he said. “The imperative is clear, we must move beyond passive income support toward dynamic, inclusive economic participation.”
The Deputy Minister reflected on examples of promising pilot programmes, including DSD’s collaboration with SASSA, Finmark Trust, and Harambee, which have created short-term work opportunities and practical training for young people and women. He also acknowledged the success of the Presidential Employment Stimulus, noting its role in unlocking economic potential through targeted investments in public employment and enterprise development.
“While initiatives like these are encouraging, they must not operate in isolation. Integration is key. We must build systems where income support, skills development, and enterprise promotion are unified pathways to economic inclusion,” he said.
Hendricks further urged policymakers and partners to accelerate implementation by leveraging data, digital innovation, and cross-sector coordination. He emphasised the importance of evidence-based decision-making and continuous impact evaluation to ensure that interventions remain responsive and inclusive.
“Let us invest in data systems that are not only robust but responsive, so that we can track impact, adapt quickly, and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.
The Deputy Minister concluded by thanking Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe for her leadership and vision in advancing social protection reforms. He encouraged all partners to carry forward the spirit of collaboration that defined the colloquium.
“Let us remember that dignity is not just about survival—it is about agency, aspiration, and access. The road from grants to growth is not the end of the story, but the beginning of inclusive prosperity,” Hendricks said.