DSD CHARTS BOLD COURSE FOR 2025/26 AT NATIONAL FORUM FOR FAMILIES AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

Cuma Pantshwa

• The magnitude of alcohol abuse highlighted that between 24 December 2024 and 1 January 2025, consumers spent a staggering R7.7 billion on alcohol.
• ⁠The National Forum for Families and Restorative Justice, a strategic DSD workshop to set the tone of social development initiatives for the 2025/26 financial year, focused on substance abuse prevention.
• ⁠”We need people to see the 25th of each month as a symbol of empowerment and to take a stand and wear orange!” was part of the call as the workshop coincided with Orange Day.
• Alcohol, on which South Africans spent R7.7 billion in seven days over the festive season, is linked to over 60% of violent crimes, including domestic violence, homicide, and gender-based violence.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) ‘s national and provincial representatives convened in Kempton Park on Friday for the National Forum for Families and Restorative Justice, a strategic workshop focused on shaping the direction of social development initiatives for the 2025/26 financial year.

The session fittingly coincided with Orange Day, a global call to action observed on the 25th of each month under the United Nations (UN) UNiTE campaign, calling for an end to violence against women and girls. Orange, the colour of hope and change, reminded everyone of the urgency to create a safer and more just society.

“Today is important to us. We are here calling all our provinces to pay special attention to Orange Day during the next financial year to promote it as an awareness and preventive tool to help fight gender-based violence in our communities. We need people to see the 25th of each month as a symbol of empowerment and to take a stand and wear orange!” said Ms Chrizelda Coetzee-Groenewald from DSD’s Victim Empowerment Programme & Prevention of Gender-Based Violence Directorate.

Prevention takes centre stage

A key focus area was substance abuse prevention. Mr Mokgotsi Kalaeamodimo, Director of the Substance Abuse Unit at the National Department of Social Development, emphasised that DSD takes a prevention-first approach to tackling pressing social issues such as substance abuse. Referencing the magnitude of the problem in South Africa – that between 24 December 2024 and 1 January 2025, consumers spent a staggering R7.7 billion on alcohol.

Alcohol, he added, is a major driver of violent crime and social dysfunction. According to SAPS crime statistics and social development reports, alcohol abuse is linked to over 60% of violent crimes, including domestic violence, homicide, and gender-based violence.

Mr Kalaemodimo outlined priorities that will address the scourge; these five strategic pillars that will address this critical challenge across South Africa include:

1.⁠ ⁠Prevention Campaigns

The national office will support provinces in rolling out targeted campaigns and delivering consistent messaging rooted in evidence-based programmes. A special focus will be placed on institutions of higher learning and community hotspots. He told members that DSD will be primarily targeting youth as they are the ones in most danger.These outreach campaigns will also include providing psychosocial services on the ground.

2.⁠ ⁠Treatment and Quality of Care

Emphasis was placed on improving the quality and consistency of care at treatment centres, guided by Act 70 of 2008, UNODC standards, and the 2024 Policy. The DSD will strengthen monitoring systems—including a real-time electronic surveillance system—and clamp down on illegal treatment operations. This technology enhances DSD’s quality assurance and access to evidence-based treatment services.

3.⁠ ⁠Legislation & National Strategy

A thorough review of existing legislation is underway to close policy gaps, with interventions grounded in scientific evidence, international frameworks, and Vision 2030.

4.⁠ ⁠Capacity Building for Vulnerable Groups

New training curricula and support tools are being developed, including a Substance Abuse Empowerment programme specifically designed to equip stakeholders working with women – acknowledging the unique needs of women. Additionally, higher learning institutions and treatment centres will also receive specialised resources.

5.⁠ ⁠Institutional Strengthening and Local Action

The role of Local Drug Action Committees (LDACs) and Provincial Forums will be reinforced, with new appointments to the Central Drug Authority (CDA) and sustained technical support to ensure effectiveness under Act 70 of 2008.

Mr Kalaeamodimo reiterated that the unit cannot work in silos but cuts across various units. Collaboration will continue across the Victim Empowerment Programme, GBV, Substance Abuse and the Social Crime Prevention units to ensure an integrated, responsive and inclusive approach to the country’s social development challenges.