MEC NKOMO-RALEHOKO EMPHASIZES THAT STRONG FAMILIES ARE KEY TO BUILDING SAFE AND CARING COMMUNITIES

By Sipho Ncube

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development commemorated International Day of Families, underscoring the vital role families play in creating stable communities.
• MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko outlined government programmes supporting vulnerable households, including social welfare services, child protection and youth development initiatives.
• Experts highlighted unemployment and economic inequality as persistent challenges placing strain on family stability across the province.

On Friday, 22 May 2026, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, together with its partners commemorated the International Day of Families (IDF), highlighting the important role families play in building stable and caring communities.

Addressing community members, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said families remain the cornerstone of society and are central to human development.

“As we observe this important day, we are reminded that families are the foundation upon which society is built. The strength and stability of any community depends on the well-being of its families,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.

The MEC said the IDF provides an opportunity for society to reflect on the challenges facing families and to renew collective efforts to protect and strengthen the family institution.

She emphasized that when families are supported, communities become safer, economies more productive and society more united. However, she said issues such as poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, violence and inequality continue to place immense pressure on families and weaken social cohesion.

The MEC said government continues to implement programmes aimed at supporting vulnerable households and restoring dignity within communities. These include social welfare services, community nutrition programmes, youth development initiatives, services for older persons, support for persons with disabilities, child protection services and psychosocial support interventions.

“Families are the first spaces where children learn values such as love, respect, discipline and responsibility. They shape the moral fabric of society and play a critical role in raising future generations,” she said.

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko also highlighted homelessness as one of the visible effects of poverty and inequality confronting the province, noting that Gauteng carries a significant share of the country’s homeless population.

She said the Department’s work goes beyond providing temporary relief, focusing instead on restoring dignity, rebuilding support systems and creating conditions where families can thrive and children can grow into productive citizens.

Speaking at the commemoration, FAMSA representative Primrose Kolokoto said the organisation works to strengthen relationships within families, marriages and communities.

She said FAMSA offers a range of services including family counselling, marriage preparation and enrichment programmes, trauma debriefing, anger management, parenting support, grief counselling and community education programmes.

Dr Emmison Muleya from the University of the Witwatersrand, and a former employee of the Gauteng Department of Social Development, said unemployment and economic inequality continue to place strain on families and reduce their ability to provide adequate care and support.

He noted that while government social grants have helped ease income inequality, wage and wealth inequality remain major challenges affecting family stability.