MINISTER TOLASHE PRESENTS DSD’S REVISED STRATEGIC PLAN AND BUDGET TO PARLIAMENT, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO THE POOR AND VULNERABLE

By Precious Mupenzi.

•⁠ ⁠DSD and SASSA deployed rapid support to victims of the Eastern Cape floods, including meals, psychosocial support, and strict resource accountability measures.
•⁠ ⁠A 90-day GBVF action plan is underway, backed by multi-sectoral engagement and the President’s directive, with a recent roundtable hosted in Atteridgeville.
•⁠ ⁠The appointment of permanent senior officials—including a Director-General and SASSA CEO—marks a turning point in strengthening departmental leadership and aligning strategies with the NDP and national priorities.

Cape Town- The Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, today reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing poverty, inequality, and social ills. She led the Department of Social Development (DSD) and its entities—the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the National Development Agency (NDA)—in presenting revised Strategic Plans, Annual Performance Plans (APPs), and budgets before the Portfolio Committee on Social Development in Parliament.
The presentation followed the re-tabling and approval of the national Budget by the Minister of Finance. Minister Tolashe was joined by DSD Director-General Mr Peter Netshipale, SASSA CEO Mr Themba Matlou, and Acting NDA CEO Mr Thabani Buthelezi.

Flood Relief in the Eastern Cape

In her opening remarks, the Minister addressed the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape, which have claimed nearly 90 lives and displaced hundreds of families. Minister Tolashe visited the province on 16 June 2025, accompanied by the DSD leadership and the provincial MEC for Social Development.
“In response to the disaster, the social development sector and its partners dispatched personnel to assist affected families,” said Minister Tolashe. “SASSA, through its Social Relief of Distress programme, responded swiftly to support families whose homes were severely impacted.”
SASSA is currently active at three relief sites, providing three meals per day, while the provincial department continues to offer psychosocial and humanitarian support. An internal audit team was also deployed to ensure accountability in the distribution of resources.

Tackling GBVF and Promoting Community Safety

Minister Tolashe addressed the national outcry following the Justice for Cwecwe case and other Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) incidents. In response, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cabinet Cluster, under the directive of President Cyril Ramaphosa, launched a 90-day action plan to intensify GBVF interventions.
“A key outcome was the hosting of a national roundtable discussion by DSD and the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities,” she noted. “Held last Friday in Atteridgeville, the engagement brought together civil society, academia, government departments, and community leaders.”
The roundtable followed a series of public engagements, including the Child Protection Month campaign—launched in Thaba Nchu and concluded in Limpopo—and the commemoration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Fort Beaufort, Eastern Cape.

Leadership Stability and Sector Strengthening

Minister Tolashe announced key appointments aimed at stabilising leadership within the department. For the first time in nearly eight years, the DSD has a permanent Director-General.
“I am pleased to officially confirm the appointment of Mr Peter Netshipale as Director-General of the Department of Social Development,” she said. “We also welcome Ms Sizakele Magangoe as Deputy Director-General for Welfare Services and Ms Thandeka Ngcobo as Chief Financial Officer.”
She also introduced Mr Themba Matlou as SASSA’s new Chief Executive Officer, praising his 22 years of public service experience and active leadership. “Mr Matlou is already hands-on and leading the agency from the front,” she said.

Aligned with National Development Priorities

The revised Strategic Plans and APPs are aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan (2025–2030), which supports the broader National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. The DSD’s work focuses on three of the President’s key priorities:
•⁠ ⁠Driving inclusive growth and job creation
•⁠ ⁠Reducing poverty and the cost of living
•⁠ ⁠Building a capable, ethical, and developmental state
“Strategic Priority 2—reducing poverty and the cost of living—is at the heart of our mandate,” the Minister emphasised. “Social grants remain a critical lifeline for millions. Currently, about 45% of South Africans rely on social assistance.”
She added that, despite budgetary constraints, the department continues to adopt innovative and cost-effective ways to deliver services to the most vulnerable.

Urgent Need to Strengthen the Social Services Workforce

Minister Tolashe voiced concern over the increasing demand for social services amidst escalating social challenges.
“We face rising levels of unemployment, inequality, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and GBVF,” she said. “This has made the recruitment and retention of qualified social service professionals an urgent priority.”

A Shared Vision for Impact

In conclusion, the Minister reiterated that the revised Strategic Plans, APPs, and Budget reflect the collective intent of the Government of National Unity, NDP Vision 2030, and sectoral priorities.
“We remain committed to ensuring a responsive, inclusive, and ethical social development sector that places the poor and vulnerable at the centre of everything we do,” she said.