MEC DANTJIE APPLAUDS NATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING FAMILIES

By Precious Mupenzi

• MEC Dantjie reaffirmed the call to invest in families as the foundation of healthy, resilient communities.
• She praised Minister Tolashe for leading the sector with compassion during difficult decisions, including NPO compliance actions.
• The MEC urged stronger collaboration among government and partners to tackle the challenges facing South African families.

Cape Town: North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Sussana Dantjie, joined national and provincial leaders, sector stakeholders, and civil society partners in commemorating the International Day of Families in Cape Town. The event served as a call to action for strengthening families as the cornerstone of sustainable development.
The day marked the launch of the Revised White Paper on Families (WPF) and the expanded Family’s Matter Programme (FMP) by Social Development Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe under the theme: “Family-oriented Policies for Sustainable Development: Towards the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025.”

MEC Dantjie emphasised that families are the foundation of stable communities and essential for raising responsible, healthy citizens. “If we want to see meaningful change in our communities, we must start by rebuilding and investing in our families. This is where values are formed, children are protected, and healing begins,” she said.
Dantjie commended Minister Tolashe for her empathetic and steady leadership during difficult times, especially in navigating challenges such as the deregistration of non-compliant non-profit organisations (NPOs). “Our Minister leads like a mother—with compassion and resolve. Even when difficult, her decisions are rooted in care for the most vulnerable,” she reflected.

She reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring provincial support for NPOs to meet compliance requirements. “We are constantly reminded to take care of our NPOs. We will continue doing so—not just because it’s our mandate, but because our communities depend on them.”
Held during Child Protection Month, the event provided a platform to reflect on the state of South African families amid growing concerns of violence, neglect, and family breakdown. The MEC concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together with unity and compassion:
“Strong families build a strong South Africa. Let us walk this journey together.”