MINISTER SISISI TOLASHE LEADS MinMEC MEETING TO SHAPE FUTURE OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Cuma Pantshwa

• Minister Sisisi Tolashe convened her first meeting as Chair of the Minister and Members of Executive Council, launching Social Development Month and outlining strategic priorities for the next five years, aligning with the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030.
• The Minister highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive social security and community development programs to combat rising poverty and social ills, including gender-based violence and substance abuse, while emphasising the importance of collaboration with key entities.
• Sisisi Tolashe called for a new approach centred on active citizenry and community involvement, announcing October as Social Development Month to raise awareness of services and strengthen partnerships with civil society organisations for improved service delivery.

As part of enhancing the Social Development sector, Minister Sisisi Tolashe convened her inaugural meeting as Chair of the Minister and Members of Executive Council at Irene Lodge in Pretoria, gathering executive committee members from the Social Development Portfolio.

Alongside Deputy Minister Mr. Ganief Hendricks, the Minister underscored their strong commitment to realising the priorities of the Government of National Unity in the 7th Administration. She acknowledged the challenges ahead while expressing determination to build on past achievements, focusing on implementing key strategic priorities to create a caring and self-reliant society.

This gathering marks the launch of Social Development Month and centres on outlining the sector’s strategic plans and priorities for the next five years. With only five years remaining until the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030, discussions emphasised aligning initiatives with constitutional mandates and the overarching goals of social development, aiming to foster inclusive growth and improve the well-being of all South Africans.

In her opening remarks, Minister Tolashe highlighted the Department of Social Development’s crucial role in addressing South Africa’s pressing social issues and fulfilling its constitutional mandates. Drawing from sections 9, 10, and 27 of the Constitution, as well as Chapter 11 of the NDP 2030, she reiterated the importance of democratic values, human dignity, social justice, and equality in shaping policies and programmes.

“The values enshrined in our Constitution compel us to act decisively in eradicating poverty and addressing inequalities,” Minister Tolashe stated. She noted that many South Africans still grapple with deep poverty, limited access to quality social services, and a lack of income support, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive social security and community development programmes.

The Minister also pointed to the alarming rise in social ills, including gender-based violence, substance abuse, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups, underscoring the necessity for DSD services. “We are committed to providing psychosocial support services to victims and those affected by these issues,” she affirmed.

Collaboration with entities like the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA) will be pivotal in realising the government’s priorities under the 7th Administration. “We are determined to tackle service delivery challenges head-on, ensuring that grants reach the right beneficiaries,” she added.

She acknowledged the daunting task ahead, particularly in light of the recent Quarterly Labour Force Survey indicating rising unemployment rates, especially among young people and women. “Our policies and programmes over the next five years will be implemented amid a constrained national fiscal environment, but we will strive to build on past gains and focus on key strategic priorities,” she stated.

The Minister called for a new approach from the government, emphasising the importance of active citizenry and community engagement. “The National Development Plan envisions people-driven development where citizens can lead the lives they desire,” she explained.

The gathering aimed to foster collaboration between national and provincial governments, as Minister Tolashe expressed the need for ongoing engagement. “Today’s meeting will serve as an induction on our mandate and the highly regulated nature of this sector,” she said, stressing the importance of accountability and cooperation among all stakeholders.

Looking ahead, Minister Tolashe announced October as Social Development Month, aimed at raising awareness of DSD services and mobilising communities. “Our objectives include improving service delivery standards, promoting access to services, and strengthening partnerships with civil society organisations,” she concluded.

This meeting marks a significant step in the 7th Administration’s commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities and addressing the unfinished business of the National Development Plan as the deadline for 2030 approaches.