MINISTER TOLASHE REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO A CHILD-CENTRED SOUTH AFRICA

By DSD Reporter.

• Children must be placed at the centre of South Africa’s policies, laws, and programmes.
• ⁠⁠Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a country that places children at the centre of its development.
• The minister was addressing the Parliamentary portfolio committee on social development on the Children’s Amendment Bill.

The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to building a South Africa that places children at the centre of its policies, laws, and programmes.
Speaking during the Department of Social Development’s briefing to the portfolio committee on Social Development on the Children’s Amendment Bill, Minister Tolashe commended the committee, led by Bridgette Masango, for its continued leadership in championing the rights and well-being of children.
She noted that the briefing follows the successful Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament held in Cape Town on 9 October 2025, where children from across the country shared their hopes for a safer, more nurturing South Africa.
“We all heard what our children want and expect from those of us entrusted with the responsibility to build a South Africa fit for children. Building a society that puts children first is a defining challenge for us all,” Minister Tolashe said.
She recalled what committee chairperson, Masango, said at the Children’s Parliament. “You said ‘Parliament must continue to make laws that seek to protect the rights of children and ensure every child grows in a safe, nurturing and empowering environment. Our policies and programmes must reflect the realities lived every day, every decision we make in Parliament must serve the best interest of the child’.”

“The Children’s Amendment Bill brings us closer to fulfilling those expectations,” the minister said.

Since the department’s last update in June 2025, the Bill has been gazetted for public comment, attracting 747 submissions from individuals and organisations. Public participation closes on 26 October 2025, marking another milestone in ensuring that children’s voices shape the country’s legislative agenda.
Minister Tolashe also extended her gratitude to the portfolio committee and departmental officials for their hard work and guidance.
Before handing over to the department’s director-general, Peter Netshipale, she indicated that she would be attending a Cabinet committee meeting on the Draft Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities, another step that reinforces governments’ commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities are fully included and protected within the social development framework.