NAMIBIAN DELEGATION LEARNS FROM SOUTH AFRICA’S SOCIAL WELFARE FRAMEWORKS IN PREPARATION FOR ELECTIONS

Precious Mupenzi

• A high-level delegation from Namibia’s Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare began a three-day visit to South Africa on 4 November 2024 to explore the country’s social development initiatives, with a focus on poverty alleviation and child welfare.
• The delegation was briefed on South Africa’s Department of Social Development’s (DSD) priorities under the 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), which aligns with Namibia’s goals of strengthening social services ahead of its upcoming national elections.
• Key takeaways from the visit included insights into South Africa’s integrated case management system, professional development programs for social workers, and the importance of stakeholder collaboration in building effective child protection frameworks. 

A high-level Namibian delegation from the Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare began a three-day visit to South Africa on Monday, 4 November 2024. During the visit, they were briefed on the mandate of South Africa’s Department of Social Development (DSD) and the key priorities outlined in the 2024-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). As Namibia prepares for its national elections on 27 November 2024, this visit highlights the country’s commitment to strengthening its social welfare frameworks by learning from South Africa’s policies and practices.

Ms. Nolwazi Manyane, DSD’s Director of Strategy and Organisational Transformation, provided an in-depth briefing on the department’s role and objectives within the MTDP framework, which was shaped by outcomes from the Cabinet Lekgotla. She explained that DSD’s initiatives fall under Strategic Priority 2 of the MTDP, which focuses on reducing poverty and addressing the high cost of living. “This priority aligns closely with our national objectives to alleviate poverty, empower communities, and create sustainable, long-term support systems for vulnerable groups,” said Ms. Manyane. “Our mission to provide integrated, sustainable social services relies on partnerships with various stakeholders to uplift South Africans and promote a more resilient and self-reliant society.”

The MTDP’s three strategic priorities serve as a roadmap for South Africa’s social and economic transformation. Strategic Priority 1, “Inclusive Economic Growth and Job Creation,” focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth and inclusivity. Strategic Priority 2, where DSD’s initiatives are concentrated, aims to reduce poverty and improve quality of life. Finally, Strategic Priority 3, “A Capable, Ethical, and Developmental State,” is focused on enhancing public service professionalism, improving service delivery, and fostering social cohesion.

Ms. Manyane also elaborated on DSD’s priorities for 2024 and beyond, emphasising initiatives that address social challenges such as Basic Income Support, gender-based violence, youth and gender empowerment, and disaster management. She added, “Our goal is to augment our resources and make a significant difference in the quality of life for our people.” DSD remains committed to improving the lives of vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, while working through partnerships to maximize impact amid fiscal constraints.

Reflecting on their first day, the Namibian delegation shared valuable insights gained from South Africa’s integrated approach to child welfare and social services. Dr. Johanna Ndilimeke Nashandi, a lecturer in the Social Work Department at the University of Namibia, who is leading a child research initiative and training project, reflected on the lessons she learned. Her main motivation for joining the delegation was to understand how South Africa integrates auxiliary services and manages data systems in child welfare.

Dr. Nashandi highlighted three key lessons from South Africa’s practices. First, she noted the positive impact of the scholarship program, which has significantly contributed to the growth of the social services sector. This model provides a pathway for professional development within the field, inspiring Namibia’s plans to launch a Masters in Social Work scholarship program to advance evidence-based practices.

The second lesson focused on career pathways for social services professionals, facilitated by South Africa’s Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA). South Africa’s recognition of prior learning, which allows experienced practitioners to progress toward professional qualifications, reaffirmed Dr. Nashandi’s belief that Namibia is on the right track in considering similar initiatives. This approach ensures that experienced practitioners receive formal recognition for their expertise.

Lastly, Dr. Nashandi was particularly impressed by South Africa’s integrated case management system. Namibia currently has multiple data systems tracking child well-being, but they are not fully unified. Dr. Nashandi observed that South Africa’s system offers a comprehensive approach to data management, where early engagement with all stakeholders—government, civil society organisations, and academic institutions—is key. This inclusive model, reflected in the diverse composition of the delegation itself, underscored the importance of collaboration to create a cohesive data framework for child protection in Namibia.

Dr. Brigitte Nshimyimana, Control Social Worker for Child Protection Programmes, shared her reflections on the importance of adopting an integrated case management system to strengthen Namibia’s child protection efforts. Observing South Africa’s approach, she emphasized how such a system could provide a more cohesive and accurate picture of child welfare nationwide.

“What stood out for me is the integrated case management system, and as a country, that is where we would like to go,” she noted. Dr. Nshimyimana stressed that successful implementation of this system relies on robust stakeholder engagement. “We have to bring them on board, and they have to understand why we need the information, because information is very important,” she explained. This collective understanding and cooperation are vital to establishing a unified and responsive child protection framework in Namibia.

Incorporating South Africa’s model of an integrated system, Dr. Nshimyimana envisions a collaborative structure where various child protection stakeholders—government entities, civil society organisations, and social service professionals—work together to support the welfare of children. She believes that this collaborative approach will be crucial in building a resilient system capable of responding effectively to the needs of vulnerable children across Namibia.

On the second day of their visit, the Namibian delegation is scheduled to visit Tshwane, Gauteng, to observe South Africa’s welfare practices in action at the Tshwane Service Office and the Desmond Tutu Place of Safety. This hands-on experience is expected to provide valuable insights into how South African institutions support and protect vulnerable populations, especially children and families, through direct welfare services.