DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT STRENGTHENS SECTOR COORDINATION AT HSDS STRATEGIC SESSION

By Tholakele Makena

Key Highlights

• The Department of Social Development convened senior sector leaders in Boksburg to strengthen coordination, improve service delivery, and align priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year.
• Discussions placed strong emphasis on intensified action against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), including safer communities, stronger victim support, and improved intergovernmental collaboration.
• The session also highlighted government’s renewed focus on combating substance abuse through prevention programmes, policy reform, awareness campaigns, and expanded treatment services.

The Department of Social Development convened a strategic session of the Heads of the Social Development Sector (HSDS) from 07 to 08 May 2026 in Boksburg, Gauteng. The engagement brought together senior leaders from across the sector to deliberate on key policy, governance, and implementation matters shaping social development in South Africa.

The first day of the session provided a platform for strategic reflection and dialogue on the challenges facing the sector. Discussions focused on strengthening coordination across government institutions, improving the quality and efficiency of service delivery, and aligning strategic priorities for the 2026/2027 financial year.

A key presentation was delivered by Ms Shoki Tshabalala, Deputy Director-General at the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, who addressed the importance of coordinated interventions in tackling Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

Her presentation highlighted priority interventions aimed at creating safer communities, including improved municipal planning, adequate public lighting, the clearing of unsafe spaces, and strengthened victim support services. She further stressed the importance of enforcing legislation designed to protect women and children.

Ms Tshabalala also called for stronger collaboration between government departments, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and communities in implementing the National Strategic Plan on GBVF. She emphasised the need for clear and consistent communication to address social challenges such as violence, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, statutory rape, and child protection, with prevention and accountability remaining central to government’s response.

Ms Siza Magangoe, Deputy Director-General responsible for Welfare Services at the Department of Social Development, presented on Substance Abuse State of the Nation Address (SONA) commitments. Her presentation focused on strengthening prevention, treatment, and community-based responses to alcohol and drug abuse.

The discussions highlighted the far-reaching social impact of substance abuse, including its links to child stunting, gender-based violence, road accidents, and declining community safety. The presentation further underscored the need to strengthen prevention strategies, review policy measures, regulate access to alcohol more effectively, and expand treatment and rehabilitation services.

As part of the Department’s response, Ms Magangoe outlined several key interventions aimed at prevention and support. These include nationwide awareness campaigns targeting children and youth, strengthening community-based prevention programmes, engaging traditional and faith-based leaders, and improving access to screening, counselling, and treatment services.

The HSDS Strategic Session continues to serve as an important platform for collaboration, reflection, and coordinated action as the social development sector works to advance inclusive and responsive social services across South Africa.