MINISTER CHAMPIONS NDA’S REVITALISATION AS A GAME-CHANGER IN POVERTY ERADICATION

Cuma Pantshwa

• ⁠ ⁠The Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe has called for the repositioning of the National Development Agency (NDA) as a key driver in the fight against poverty.
• “We are here to listen and to honour those voices, because civil society is not a support act — it is a central pillar of development.” Minister Tolashe said.
• “Amaqobokazana angalala endleleni kunyembelekile.” Minister explained that when women are forced to go out and find means to survive, it is a clear sign of distress in society.

In a bold and renewed commitment to tackling South Africa’s enduring socio-economic challenges, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Sisisi Tolashe has called for the repositioning of the National Development Agency (NDA) as a key driver in the fight against poverty.
Speaking at the NDA Conference she announced that “this was the first of its kind in nearly a decade”. Minister described the gathering as a powerful moment of reflection, renewal, and redirection.

Hosted under the theme “Positioning the NDA as a Thought Leader in Poverty Eradication and Amplifying the Role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)”, the conference brought together government officials, civil society leaders, development partners, and grassroots change-makers to map out a coordinated strategy against poverty, inequality, and unemployment.

“This is not just a ceremonial event,” the Minister declared. “It is a working platform for coordinated action.”

Earlier in the day, Minister Tolashe took time to walk through the vibrant exhibition space where CSOs from across the country showcased their work. Each stall told a story — of communities transformed, of resilience in action, and of grassroots innovation driven by those closest to the challenges. From youth development initiatives to food security programmes and skills training efforts, the energy was palpable. “This morning’s walkabout brought the NDA’s impact to life,” she said. “What I witnessed today was not just service delivery — it was dignity restored.”

Following the exhibition, the Minister also listened to presentations from several CSO partners funded and capacitated by the NDA. Their testimonies were powerful, giving voice to the daily realities faced by the poor and the tangible difference being made on the ground.
“We are here to listen and to honour those voices,” she said, “because civil society is not a support act — it is a central pillar of development.”

The Minister praised the NDA’s progress since her December meeting with the Board, where a key commitment was made: to increase public awareness of the NDA’s mandate and expose the Agency’s impact. “I am pleased to see that this collective has delivered,” she said, commending the leadership of Board Chairperson Ms Ruth Bhengu and the wider NDA team.

Reaffirming government’s focus on building a working nation, the Minister emphasised the NDA’s role in the second pillar of government’s priorities — reducing poverty and addressing the cost of living. She shared her personal observations from project site visits in the Western Cape earlier this year, where she witnessed “a pleasant shock” at the real impact of NDA-funded initiatives.

The NDA’s multi-pronged approach was reiterated as a powerful tool for transformation:
•⁠ ⁠Grant funding to empower grassroots CSOs
•⁠ ⁠Capacity building to strengthen community institutions
•⁠ ⁠Partnership facilitation across sectors
•⁠ ⁠Policy advocacy rooted in evidence and local voices

“The NDA holds a unique and strategic position in South Africa’s development ecosystem,” the Minister said, adding that the agency must become more visible, more effective, and more influential.

In a culturally resonant moment, the Minister invoked an isiXhosa proverb: “Amaqobokazana angalala endleleni kunyembelekile.” She explained that when women are forced to go out and find means to survive, it is a clear sign of distress in society. Citing her earlier briefing, she noted that the majority of CSOs are founded and led by women — a reality deeply rooted in South Africa’s history of female resilience. “It is no mistake,” she said, “Women have always been the torchbearers in times of adversity.”

In a rousing call to action, she urged all stakeholders — from government departments and donors to civil society and the private sector — to align behind the NDA’s Turnaround Strategy and support its institutional strengthening. She noted that the Presidency’s national anti-poverty strategy presents a golden opportunity for the NDA to be positioned as a catalyst and coordinator of impact-focused initiatives.

“We must leave this conference with new partnerships, renewed energy, and a shared resolve to place the NDA and civil society at the centre of our poverty eradication agenda.”

The message was clear: the NDA is not simply an agency — it is a movement for justice, dignity, and sustainable development.