DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES IN FREE STATE

By Tholakele Makena

• ⁠Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks led the Free State commemoration of the International Day of Families, highlighting the importance of strong families in promoting child wellbeing and social cohesion.
• The Sinovuyo Teen Parenting Programme was officially handed over to the Free State Department of Social Development to strengthen parenting support and family relationships.
• Community members accessed integrated government services through the SASSA-led Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) initiative, bringing essential support services closer to residents.

The Department of Social Development commemorated the International Day of Families on 29 May 2026, at the Master Nakedi Sports Centre in Parys, Free State. The occasion was led by the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, and held under the theme, “Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing.” The commemoration formed part of Child Protection Month activities aimed at promoting the wellbeing and protection of children within families and communities.

The gathering highlighted the critical role families play in nurturing and supporting children, youth, women, older persons and persons with disabilities. It also emphasised the importance of family solidarity, social cohesion and community support systems in addressing the social challenges affecting families.

As part of the activities, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) conducted an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP), bringing essential government and social services closer to the community. Residents were afforded an opportunity to engage directly with government officials on service delivery matters, including assistance with social grant applications and identity document enquiries.
The engagement further underscored the importance of strengthening families to address social challenges such as substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, school dropout and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

During the commemoration, Ms Jabulile Mthimkhulu shared a heartfelt testimony on how the Sinovuyo Teen Parenting Programme positively transformed her life and strengthened her family. She explained how the initiative guided her towards positive parenting, restored her hope during difficult times, and equipped her with the skills to better care for and support her children.

Social worker Ms Polite Molatela from the Sinovuyo Teen Parenting Programme welcomed the active participation of grandparents and community members throughout the engagement. She highlighted the important role families and communities play in raising and protecting children and encouraged families experiencing challenges to seek assistance through the initiative. She further noted that the Sinovuyo offices remain open during the week to provide guidance, support and assistance to families in need.

A key milestone of the commemoration was the official handover of the Sinovuyo Teen Parenting Programme by Deputy Minister Hendricks to the Free State MEC for Social Development, Ms Mathabo Hlalele. The handover forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen families and promote positive parenting within communities.

A total of 60 families will participate in the parenting intervention, which aims to foster healthy family relationships and improve the wellbeing of both children and parents.
Stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to evidence-based parenting support initiatives that promote positive child development and wellbeing, safe and nurturing caregiving, improved mental health for children, parents and caregivers, and the prevention of violence, neglect and maltreatment.

The commemoration concluded with the presentation of certificates to Sinovuyo Teen Parenting Programme facilitators in recognition of their valuable contribution to strengthening and supporting families across communities.