CHANGING THE LIVES OF PEOPLE | DATA, THE NEW COMMODITY

Cuma Pantshwa 

• The South African government is exploring the National Integrated Social Protection Information System (NISPIS) to revolutionise service delivery by enabling real-time data sharing across departments, aimed at supporting the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
• Historically, government departments operated in isolation, leading to fragmented and often inefficient service delivery. NISPIS seeks to address these challenges by breaking down silos and creating a unified data system that ensures comprehensive and timely support.
• By digitising and integrating data on social needs, NISPIS aims to streamline assistance, allowing government agencies to predict needs, improve policy, and respond swiftly to individuals’ requirements, building a stronger social safety net for all.

At a recent strategic planning session, government delegates were engaged in discussions that could shape the future of service delivery for South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens. At the centre of these talks is the National Integrated Social Protection Information System (NISPIS)—a pioneering initiative designed to bridge the gap between policy and real-time service delivery through data integration across various government departments.

“In the past, government departments often operated in silos, working in isolation, which sometimes led to inefficiencies, duplicated efforts, and fragmented services for those who need them most. Gone are the days of this siloed approach. Today, integration is the key to improving service delivery and transforming the lives of millions of South Africans who rely on government support,” said Mapaseka Nkhethoa in her opening remarks, setting the tone and purpose for the two-day strategic session hosted by the Department of Social Development in Pretoria.

The Department of Social Development (DSD), as the leader in the social cluster, is championing this vision, placing data at the heart of its efforts to better serve the poorest and most vulnerable members of society. As the government increasingly turns to data-driven solutions, “The message is clear—data is no longer just a byproduct of government activity; it is a commodity that can change lives. By harnessing the power of real-time data exchange across departments, the government can track trends, predict needs, and create more informed policies. The National Integrated Social Protection Information System (NISPIS) is the vehicle that will enable this transformation,” emphasised Mr Michael Machubeng from DSD.

NISPIS is a key component of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019-2024. It was conceived as a direct response to the limitations of manual data entry and outdated systems that have historically impeded efficient service delivery. By digitising and integrating social protection systems, NISPIS aims to address gaps in service delivery, making it easier for government departments to share critical information in real time and provide faster assistance to individuals and communities in urgent need of social services. The departments involved in this integrated exchange hub include the Department of Health, Department of Education, Department of Labour, Department of Home Affairs, and NSFAS, among others. With a single, unified data platform, these departments will no longer work in isolation but will share vital information about citizens in real time, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.

Ms Nkhethoa painted various scenarios for the delegates, highlighting the benefits of NISPIS in changing lives. “Imagine a vulnerable child in a rural area who is enrolled in a school feeding scheme but also needs social assistance, or the same child who is in conflict with the law. Without integration, government departments might not be aware of the child’s full circumstances. However, with NISPIS, the system will automatically alert relevant departments, ensuring the child receives the right support—whether nutrition, education, or health care—without unnecessary delays or duplication of efforts,” she emphasised.

Delegates agreed that the realisation of NISPIS is a complex but essential journey, one that will take time and effort to fully implement. However, the momentum is evident. The exchange hub is not just a technological tool but a strategic enabler that will help government departments act swiftly and decisively in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

As the Social Cluster moves forward with its digital transformation, it is clear that data is the future. It is not just about digitising services—it’s about making data work for people. Through initiatives like NISPIS, delegates were unified in the belief that the South African government is not just catching up with the digital age but is committed to embracing technology as a tool to uplift and empower its citizens, ensuring that the most vulnerable have access to the services they need when they need them.