FAMILIES SPEAK: REAL VOICES AT THE HEART OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

By Precious Mupenzi

• ⁠Families shared deeply personal stories of survival, growth and transformation during a panel discussion commemorating the International Day of Families in Cape Town on 15 May 2025.
• The panel brought together diverse voices from child-headed and granny-headed households to families living with disability to LGBTIQA+ families.
• The discussions reflect a growing commitment to a family-centred, community-driven approach to social development.

As South Africa commemorated the International Day of Families on 15 May 2025, the spotlight shifted from policy to people – putting families at the centre of the conversation.
The commemoration, hosted by the Department of Social Development in Cape Town, heard, during a panel discussion, real-life testimonials highlighting how government services and civil society partnerships are shaping lives and building stronger, more resilient families.
Facilitated by UNICEF’s Gloria Khoza, the panel brought together diverse voices from LGBTIQA+ families, child-headed and granny-headed households, as well as from families living with disability.
Participants shared deeply personal stories of survival, growth, and transformation, thanks to targeted support programmes such as Families Matter, the Sonke Gender Justice’s Fatherhood Programme, and Sinovuyo Parenting.
“This space is not just for policy but for healing and connection,” said Khoza.
“When families are supported through inclusive policies, quality services, and an enabling environment, we improve not only their well-being but also advance national priorities.”
Among the speakers was Pamela Ganeso, representing her grandmother, a blind elderly woman who is raising four grandchildren in tough circumstances.
Ganeso spoke about the challenges they face, including her brother’s disability and their ongoing unemployment.
While grateful for the soup kitchens run by non-governmental organisations, she expressed hope for more direct support through government services.
“I hear people talk about the help they receive. For my family, I’m hoping Social Development will still reach us,” she said, drawing attention to the gaps that still exist in service delivery.
Another emotional account came from a young woman who overcame a childhood of abandonment and homelessness.
Having fled an abusive household, she found herself on the streets of Cape Town, pretending to attend a church tent to access food.
Her life changed when she encountered social workers through the non-governmental organisation Fountain Gate.
“Thank God for directing my steps there,” she said. “I went from a broken girl with no direction to a confident woman who has dealt with her childhood trauma. They gave me a second chance.”
She urged the government to continue supporting organisations like Fountain Gate that work directly with orphans and vulnerable youth.
Nazar Davids, a mother of five from Delft, shared how parenting training offered by Senior Child Care changed her family dynamics.
“As a mother, I never had time to stop and listen. This programme taught me to pause, to see my children, and to let them lead,” she said.
Not only did she implement these lessons at home, but she also shared them with other parents at her Early Childhood Development centre.
Nazar now runs weekend programmes for children in her community who come from homes with substance abuse, giving them a safe space and a sense of belonging.
“This is not just a celebration, it’s the beginning of new development,” she added.
The panel also welcomed implementing partners like Clowns Without Borders South Africa and Sinovuyo Parenting, who are scaling up psychosocial and parenting support through small-group, facilitator-led sessions.
These collaborations reflect a growing commitment to a family-centred, community-driven approach to social development.
The testimonials reinforced the importance of tailoring interventions to the unique realities of South African families. By centring the lived experience, the Department of Social Development not only celebrates families but also empowers them.