CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF DEDICATION: THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT’S LEGACY AND IMPACT

Precious Mupenzi

• As we celebrate Social Development Month this October, it is vital to recognise the transformative role of the Department of Social Development (DSD) over the past 30 years.
• The DSD has been a steadfast support during South Africa’s most challenging times, addressing evolving social issues and assisting vulnerable populations.
• From its initiatives during the transition to democracy and the HIV/AIDS epidemic to its response during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DSD has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social welfare, embodying its mission to empower individuals and protect families across the nation.

Adding his voice during the social security crisis in Britain in 2005, respected academic and public intellectual Noam Chomsky stated: “Social security might be of little value for the rich, but is crucial for the survival of working people, the vulnerable, their dependents, and people with disabilities (PWD). As a government programme, it has low administrative costs and benefits only the ‘underlying population’, in other words, the vulnerable.”

As we celebrate Social Development Month this October, it is essential to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the Department of Social Development (DSD) over the past 30 years. The DSD has consistently been a pillar of support during South Africa’s most challenging times, addressing the evolving social landscape and stepping in during moments of crisis to assist vulnerable populations.

During the transition to democracy, South Africa faced significant political unrest, characterised by violence and social disruptions that left many children orphaned. The DSD played a vital role in providing assistance, ensuring that support services were available to help these families rebuild their lives. This commitment laid a strong foundation for the department’s ongoing mission to protect and empower individuals across the country.

The emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic presented a significant challenge for South Africa. In response, the DSD took a proactive role, implementing programmes to provide care and support for affected orphans, ensuring that no child was left behind amid the devastation. These efforts underscored the department’s commitment to social welfare during critical times.

It was within this context that the Risiha Programme was established. “Risiha” is a Xitsonga word meaning “resilience.” This community-based prevention and early intervention programme is designed to support vulnerable children, helping them transition from vulnerability to resilience. Central to the Risiha Programme is the delivery of the Core Package of Services (CPS), which addresses the diverse needs of these children.

More recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the DSD rose to the occasion by administering the Special Relief Distress (SRD) Grant to assist millions of South Africans facing financial hardship due to lockdowns and economic disruptions. Alongside this, the DSD, through its agency, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), continued to disburse social grants, which provided critical financial support to those grappling with the compounded effects of poverty, unemployment, and inequality—issues that were further exacerbated by the pandemic.

The context of these challenges highlights the DSD’s unwavering commitment to social welfare as it navigates the complexities of a society grappling with historical inequities and contemporary crises. Through its various programmes and initiatives, the DSD remains a crucial lifeline for many South Africans, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to thrive, even in the face of adversity.

Social grants have been a cornerstone of the DSD’s efforts to support vulnerable populations. Over the years, these grants have evolved into a vital lifeline for many families, with some relying on them as their sole source of income. Crucially, social grants serve not only as financial support but also as tools for child protection and educational advancement. Programmes such as the Child Support Grant, Foster Care Grant, and Care Dependency Grant play significant roles in keeping children in school and bridging the educational gap for learners from impoverished backgrounds.

For instance, the 2023 matric results reveal that among 897,775 Grade 12 learners who wrote the National Senior Certificate exams, 543,786 were social grant recipients. Notably, 202,256 of these students achieved a Bachelor Pass, and 62 of the top 110 performing learners were social grant beneficiaries, contributing to a total of 160,326 distinctions. This data underscores the impact of social grants on educational outcomes and highlights the DSD’s commitment to empowering children through education.

Furthermore, the latest Stats South Africa General Household Survey indicates that social grants remain crucial, particularly in the poorest provinces. The proportion of households and individuals benefiting from social grants increased from 12.8% in 2003 to 30.9% in 2019 and surged to 39.4% in 2023, partly due to the introduction of the special COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. The report also reveals that 39.0% of households are nuclear families consisting of parents and children, while 19.0% of children live with neither biological parent, and 31.5% live with both parents. Additionally, 45.4% of children live with their mothers, and 12.3% are orphaned, having lost one or both parents. These statistics emphasise the essential role social grants play in supporting and safeguarding vulnerable children and families across South Africa.

As we reflect on the DSD’s legacy, it is fitting to honour the late Mr. Zola Skweyiya, former Minister of Social Development, who was instrumental in reshaping the department’s approach to inclusivity and ensuring that no one was left behind. His leadership laid the foundation for a more equitable and accessible social welfare system, which continues to benefit millions today. The affectionate title “Umondli weZintandane,” given to him by many South Africans, reflects his intentional and transformative vision for social development, aimed at addressing past inequalities and benefiting marginalised groups.

We also recognise the contributions of former Ministers of Social Development under our democracy: Ms. Edna Molewa, Ms. Bathabile Dlamini, Ms. Lindiwe Zulu, Ms. Susan Shabangu, and Ms. Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi. Together, these leaders have helped shape the values and direction of our social development agenda.

The current Minister of Social Development, Ms. Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, recently described the DSD as the “breadwinner of the country,” a testament to its crucial role in supporting and nurturing the nation. This sentiment reflects the department’s unwavering commitment to its mandate and its central position in the lives of many South Africans. The DSD’s work encompasses a wide array of services and support systems, from child welfare to elderly care. Additionally, the department plays a vital role in supporting non-profit organisations through funding and the rendering of services on behalf of the government. DSD programmes actively aim to curb the scourge of social ills, such as gender-based violence and substance abuse, by providing resources and initiatives that empower communities, promote rehabilitation, and foster safe environments for vulnerable populations. These efforts underscore the DSD’s comprehensive approach to social welfare and its dedication to addressing the root causes of societal challenges.

The DSD’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The department has received numerous accolades, including the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Social Security Programmes in Africa. This recognition highlights the effectiveness and impact of South Africa’s social welfare programmes. International bodies, including the United Nations, have praised South Africa’s progressive social policies and the alignment of its constitution with the rights of children and other vulnerable groups. Moreover, the DSD has become a beacon of hope for other African nations; in the last financial year alone, ten African countries have embarked on learning visits to South Africa to emulate its successful welfare services, including victim shelters, old age homes, and secure centres.

At the heart of these services are our unsung heroes—social workers. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to address and resolve complex family issues. When a child is in conflict with the law, social workers collaborate closely with law enforcement to ensure fair treatment and support. If a mother is incarcerated, social workers prioritise the well-being of her child both inside and outside the correctional facility. During crises, such as the tragic collapse of a building in Nigeria that claimed the lives of at least 67 South Africans, social workers were on the ground, providing crucial psychological support and helping families navigate their grief and access necessary services.

Social workers also play a vital role in international contexts, standing in for children during repatriation processes, particularly when parents are incarcerated abroad. Since 2015, the Department of Social Development has successfully repatriated 23 children from various countries, demonstrating the dedication of social workers to ensuring the safety and well-being of children regardless of borders. The DSD’s implementation of the Strategy for Employment of Social Services Professionals underscores the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address social ills in South Africa. Increasing the employment of social workers across various sectors is essential for tackling the complex challenges our society faces.

Precious Mupenzi is a Deputy Director responsible for Internal Communication at the Department of Social Development.