DSD ADVANCES FAMILY DIALOGUE DURING HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH

By Thandeka Stampu

• When families communicate, young people are better equipped to make informed choices,” Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks underscores the power of family dialogue
• DSD drives intergenerational engagement through the Mother and Daughter / Father and Son Programme Retreat in Gauteng
• Programme continues to show impact in strengthening trust, communication, and resilience within families

As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Month, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is placing families at the centre of building a more just, caring, and inclusive society.
The Department has commenced the Mother and Daughter / Father and Son Programme retreat at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Gauteng. The two-day engagement, which concludes tomorrow, brings together parents and young people to strengthen relationships and foster open, intergenerational dialogue.
The retreat forms part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to give practical meaning to human rights by empowering families to communicate effectively, understand one another, and create safe, supportive home environments.
Addressing participants at the opening of the retreat, Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, underscored the significance of the initiative:
“This gathering is not only about a programme; it is about relationships, about healing, and about building a future rooted in understanding, dignity, and care,” said Hendricks.

Putting Families at the Centre of Human Rights

The retreat is firmly aligned with the White Paper on Families, which recognises the family as the cornerstone of society and a critical institution for nurturing, protecting, and guiding individuals.
Through this programme, the Department is translating policy into practice by creating safe spaces where families can engage on sensitive issues that directly impact their lives. These include sexual and reproductive health, mental well-being, substance abuse, and gender-based violence.
Hendricks noted that while these issues are widely discussed, they often remain difficult to address within families.
“For many families, discussions about sexual and reproductive health remain uncomfortable, even taboo. Parents may feel unprepared, and young people may feel afraid to ask questions,” he said.

Breaking the Silence, Building Understanding

At the heart of the retreat is a simple yet powerful principle: communication saves lives.
Through facilitated sessions, group discussions, and reflective engagements, families are being supported to break the silence and initiate meaningful conversations.
“One of the most effective ways to protect and empower young people is through open, honest, and age-appropriate communication within the home,” Hendricks emphasised.
Participants are also reflecting on the impact of the programme by assessing how relationships have evolved, identifying gaps, and exploring practical ways to strengthen family bonds.

A Programme Driving Real Change

Since its rollout across provinces, the Mother and Daughter / Father and Son Programme has begun to demonstrate measurable impact, with families reporting improved communication, renewed trust, and stronger connections.
However, the Deputy Minister reminded participants that meaningful change is built in everyday moments:
“Real change happens in the everyday moments — when a mother speaks openly with her daughter, when a father listens without judgment to his son, and when a young person feels safe enough to ask a difficult question,” he said.

Empowering Both Parents and Young People

The retreat places equal emphasis on the role of parents and the voices of young people.
“Your role cannot be replaced. You are the first educators, the first protectors, and the first source of love and guidance in your children’s lives,” Hendricks told parents.
He also encouraged young people to actively engage in shaping their futures:
“Your voices matter. You have the right to be informed, to be heard, and to make decisions about your lives with confidence and dignity.”

Taking the Programme Forward

As the retreat in Gauteng concludes tomorrow, the programme will continue its national rollout, with the next engagement scheduled for the Western Cape next week.
This ongoing expansion reflects the Department’s commitment to strengthening families across the country and ensuring that no community is left behind.

Strengthening Society, One Family at a Time

As Human Rights Month highlights the importance of dignity, equality, and freedom, the Mother and Daughter/Father and Son Programme stands as a powerful example of how these rights are realised at the most fundamental level within families.
In closing, Hendricks reaffirmed the long-term impact of strengthening family relationships:
“When families communicate, young people are better equipped to make informed choices. When parents and children understand one another, they build stronger, more resilient communities.”