MINISTER SISISI TOLASHE LEADS JOINT EXCO MEETING TO STRENGTHEN COORDINATION AND IMPROVE SOCIAL SERVICES

By Nonhlakanipho Masola

• Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe called for stronger coordination, accountability, and transparency across the social development portfolio to improve service delivery to vulnerable communities.
• The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) reported progress in modernising its systems, including the digitisation of active records and the extension of the R370 Social Relief of Distress grant for another year.
• The Department of Social Development (DSD), SASSA, and the National Development Agency (NDA) reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening governance, addressing financial and operational challenges, and delivering dignified services to communities.

Minister of Social Development Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe led a Joint EXCO Meeting of the social development portfolio in Pretoria, where the Department of Social Development (DSD) and its key entities reaffirmed their commitment to improving coordination, accountability, and service delivery to vulnerable communities.

The meeting brought together leadership from DSD, SASSA, and NDA to assess progress, strengthen collaboration, and address ongoing challenges within the social protection system.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Tolashe stressed that government’s success must ultimately be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives. She cautioned that weak coordination between institutions continues to delay service delivery and reduce the impact of programmes at community level.

“We must be able to show the public what is being done, where cases stand, and what consequences follow,” she said, calling for greater transparency, accountability, and urgency across all areas of service delivery.

The Minister also raised concerns about fraud, corruption, and wasteful expenditure, describing them as persistent challenges that require decisive action and stronger internal controls to safeguard public funds and restore public confidence in the system.

A key focus of the meeting was improving alignment between programmes to ensure that services reach communities more effectively and efficiently. Minister Tolashe emphasised that the Department of Social Development must play a stronger coordinating role across all entities within the portfolio.

SASSA reported progress in modernising its systems, with Chief Executive Officer Mr Themba Matlou revealing that approximately 69% of active records are now electronic, a development expected to improve efficiency and reduce long queues at service points. The agency also confirmed the extension of the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant for another year.
The NDA, represented by Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa, acknowledged challenges identified by the Auditor-General, including weaknesses in financial controls. She indicated that corrective measures and consequence management processes are being prioritised to strengthen governance and accountability.

Deputy Director-General Ms Brenda Sibeko highlighted the continued importance of social grants as a critical lifeline for millions of South Africans, while Deputy Director-General for Corporate Support Services Mr Xolile Brukwe outlined a transformation roadmap to building a more modern, ethical, and citizen-centred department.

The meeting ended with renewed commitment to stronger coordination, improved governance, and enhanced accountability across the social development portfolio. Minister Tolashe reiterated that the true measure of success would be whether communities experience visible, reliable, and dignified service delivery.