DSD SIGNS MOU TO ENHANCE SOCIAL PROTECTION SERVICES THROUGH INTEGRATED DATA SYSTEM

By Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development (DSD) has signed a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with different government departments to develop and implement the National Integrated Social Protection Information System (NISPIS), aimed at improving social protection services.
• NISPIS will integrate data from multiple sectors, providing a comprehensive view of individuals’ circumstances to enhance the targeting and delivery of social protection, thereby addressing issues like poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
• The initiative emphasises inter-departmental collaboration, ensuring efficient use of resources, prevention of fraud, and adherence to privacy laws under the Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013.

The Department of Social Development (DSD) has taken a major step towards improving the quality and efficiency of social protection services by signing a Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with different key government departments. This agreement is aimed at developing and implementing the National Integrated Social Protection Information System (NISPIS), an electronic data management system designed to streamline and enhance social protection services across South Africa.

NISPIS is a key component of the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019-2024. The system aims to combat poverty, inequality, and unemployment by providing accurate and high-quality information for decision-making, thereby improving the targeting and delivery of services to poor and vulnerable children and families.

“The institutionalisation of NISPIS is not just about integrating data systems; it’s about improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable communities,” said Mapaseka Nkhethoa, Director of Systems Development and Maintenance at the DSD. “This initiative will enable us to work collaboratively with other departments, breaking down silos and ensuring that we provide comprehensive social protection.”

The MoU involves the Department of Basic Education, Department of Higher Education and Training, Department of Employment and Labour, Department of Health, Department of Cooperative Governance, Department of Home Affairs, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), National Development Agency, and The State Information Technology Agency. Through this agreement, the DSD can integrate critical data sets from various sectors, ensuring a seamless flow of information.

Nkhethoa explained that integrating data from the Department of Home Affairs would help in accurately verifying the identities of individuals receiving social protection services, thus preventing fraud. The integration of SASSA’s data will streamline the management of social grants, making disbursements more efficient and ensuring that changes in beneficiaries’ circumstances are promptly reflected. Additionally, data from the Department of Employment and Labour will help track employment-related benefits, while household data from the Department of Cooperative Governance will aid in planning and targeting social interventions.

Educational data from the Department of Basic Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training will be crucial for assessing educational outcomes and supporting transitions from secondary to tertiary education. This data integration provides a holistic view of individuals’ circumstances, ensuring that social protection interventions are tailored to the specific needs of individuals and families.

Nkhethoa emphasised that the implementation of NISPIS will adhere to the Protection of Personal Information Act of 2013, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of individuals’ data. This collaborative effort aims to create a more integrated and responsive social protection system, providing better support and resources to South Africa’s most vulnerable populations, ultimately contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.