SOUTH AFRICA CALLS FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY AT UN COMMISSION FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

By Precious Mupenzi

• South Africa’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable social policies was front and centre at the United Nations Commission of Social Development in New York this week.
• Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development Peter Netshipale told the commission South Africa, which has just celebrated 30 years of democracy, is committed to ensuring that everyone is equal before the law and shares in the country’s wealth, leaving no one behind.
• The commission, which runs until 14 February 2025, heard that the country provides one of the most comprehensive social security systems, with over 44% of the population receiving social grants that help reduce hunger, poverty, and inequality.

South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to advancing social development and ensuring no one is left behind during an address to the 63rd session of the UN Commission for Social Development, currently underway at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York from 11 to 14 February 2025.

Leading the South African delegation, Acting Director-General of the Department of Social Development Peter Netshipale delivered a compelling statement highlighting the nation’s dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable social policies.

“We join this session having recently celebrated 30 years of democracy. Our journey post-1994 has been deeply shaped by the principles of social inclusion and economic transformation,” said Netshipale.

“As a constitutional democracy rooted in the Bill of Rights and the Freedom Charter, South Africa remains committed to ensuring that everyone is equal before the law and shares in the country’s wealth.”

The acting director-general acknowledged the continued impact of the 1995 World Summit on Social Development and congratulated Qatar on being appointed as the host of the 2nd World Summit on Social Development. The summit will take place from 4 to 6 November 2025 in Doha, at the level of heads of state or government. 

“We are committed to ensuring that the upcoming summit is action-oriented and delivers concrete outcomes that align with the global goal of leaving no one behind,” Netshipale emphasised.

South Africa’s social protection measures were also in focus during the session.

Netshipale noted that the country provides one of the most comprehensive social security systems, with over 44% of the population receiving social grants. “These grants are well-targeted and have been instrumental in reducing hunger, poverty, and inequality. They also contribute positively to economic growth and social stability.”

Education and healthcare linkages were underscored as critical components of South Africa’s social development strategy.

The acting director-general highlighted that 79% of learners who wrote the 2024 National Senior Certificate exams were social grant beneficiaries. “We have successfully integrated social grant beneficiaries into primary healthcare and education systems, ensuring that vulnerable children receive continuous support,” he added.

In addition, Netshipale outlined South Africa’s commitment to protecting the rights of children, older persons, and persons with disabilities through legislative frameworks such as the Children’s Act, the White Paper on Families, and the White Paper on the Rights and Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.

As part of its G20 Presidency, South Africa is championing social protection, security, and dignity, with a thematic focus on “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.”

Netshipale reaffirmed the country’s dedication to strengthening multilateralism and fostering global partnerships. “We recognise the need for continued international cooperation and remain steadfast in our commitment to this commission’s objectives,” he concluded.