STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION SETS GOALS FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development held a strategic planning session to establish goals for the next five years under the new Government of National Unity (GNU), emphasising the need for effective social assistance programmes to combat poverty and the rising cost of living.
• Minister Sisisi Tolashe highlighted that social grants currently support 45% of the South African population, playing a crucial role in lifting millions out of poverty, particularly among children and the elderly.
• The session outlined key focus areas for the upcoming planning cycle, including hiring social service professionals, addressing gender-based violence, and enhancing support for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, while also stressing the importance of partnerships with Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs).

The Department of Social Development held a crucial strategic planning session today to outline goals for the next five years under the new Government of National Unity (GNU) following the May 2024 elections. Minister of Social Development, Ms. Sisisi Tolashe, opened the session by stating, “This strategic planning is vital to guide our way forward. We are not starting from zero; we have made significant strides in the last 30 years.”

The meeting focused on the three strategic priorities outlined in the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), with particular emphasis on the second priority: “Reduce poverty and tackle the high cost of living.”

Minister Tolashe highlighted that social grants support 45% of the South African population, underscoring the importance of investing in social assistance programmes. She noted that these initiatives have helped lift millions out of poverty, including 13.2 million children receiving the Child Support Grant and over 4 million adults benefiting from the Old Age Grant.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, Tolashe stressed the necessity of taking action against poverty: “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.”

She acknowledged the current economic challenges, including rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, which are placing pressure on the department’s budget. “We must collaborate closely as a sector to meet the growing demands for social services while being mindful of our limited resources,” she said. She also emphasised the importance of partnerships with Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), which are crucial for effective service delivery.

Key areas of focus for the upcoming planning cycle include:

1. Accelerating the hiring of social service professionals.
2. Strengthening the role of families in social development.
3. Addressing gender-based violence and femicide.
4. Tackling alcohol and substance abuse.
5. Supporting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
6. Enhancing support for NPOs.

This two-day planning session will be followed by the Social Development Lekgotla on 7-8 October, which will help finalise the department’s key priorities and strategic plan.

Minister Tolashe called for a united effort to support families and communities. “Through the strength and support of families, we can create a society where everyone can thrive with dignity and safety,” she said. As the Department of Social Development moves forward, its commitment to fighting poverty and supporting vulnerable populations remains a top priority.