STATE OF OUR NATION Building a Caring Society. Together - www.dsd.gov.za - FEBRUARY EDITION - Department of Social Development
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FEBRUARY EDITION
STATE OF
OUR NATION
Building a Caring Society. Together. www.dsd.gov.za
PROTECT SOUTH AFRICA
1
CONTENTS
Editor’s Note 3
EDITOR’S NOTE By Lumka Oliphant
From the Desk of the President 4-5
Dear Colleagues, The Minister visited the Western
Budget Speech Infographic 6-7 Cape as part of her pre-SONA
Minister’s Message 8 Welcome to the February edition activities and visited older
of the DSD News where we share persons in Bishop Lavis where
Message from Deputy Minister Hendrietta Ipeleng Bogopane-Zulu 9 the information on the work of she listened to their issues.
From The Acting DG 10-11 the DSD sector.
The Minister also interacted
SASCCP Guidelines 12 This edition comes at a time when with the National Development
MEC Shongwe Welcomes New Head of Social Development 13 the country budget was tabled Agency’s volunteers and
before Parliament by the Minister handed a substantial amount
Life on a Tightrope 14 of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni. of support to the Manhi
NDA: Saartie Baartman 15 Gingi Trust in Cape Town.
In this edition, we give you
FS: Men against GBV 16 a window on the national We hope you enjoy yet another
WC: Treatment Centre 17 budget for the DSD sector. informative edition of our sector
A special mention on Early newsletter.
Beauty Salon 18-19 Childhood Development and
NC: Laptops 20 the Government’s commitment
in investing in children.
KZN: Food Relief Community Care Centres 21
Tsakane School Uniform Cooperative Hard at Work 22-23 We bring you different
stories of how the Provincial
LP: MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale Gives Back 24-25 Departments of Social
GP: School Uniform Handed Out 26 Development and its entities
have been hard at work changing
NC: School Uniform 27 the lives of South Africans.
Minister Zulu Says Enough is Enough 28
We show you how the sector
NW: Victims of Floods Assisted 29 has been able to deliver services
KZN Food Relief 30-31 and support cooperatives
even as the country faces the
A Gogo’s Plea 32-33 COVID-19 pandemic. We speak
EC: Gogo’s Get Gifts 34-35 to a beneficiary of the Special
COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress
EHW: Employee Health and Wellness 36-37 Grant of R350 and how it has
Victor Seshoka Nominated Amongst Government Greats 38 JANUARY
gone a long way in supporting FEBRUARY MAR
those who are unemployed.
Working Together For a Hunger and Malnutrition-Free Society 39 To Sus, Mwho T areW employed,
T F S S M T W T F S S M T
DSD in Pictures 40-45 R350 may look like it is nothing
1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2
but it is everything to those
who 3 have4 no 5 income
6 7support.
8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19
24 25 26 27 28 29 30 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23
31 28 28 29 30
2 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 3
Until we have overcome this pandemic, we all have to play it safe, for ourselves
around us.
Difficult though it may be, we should not expose our elderly mothers and fathers to
through social visits. Let us keep in touch with them by phone or video messagin
If they live with us, let us ensure we observe proper hygiene at all times by wa
sanitising our hands. Frequently touched surfaces, including equipment use
parents and grandparents like walkers and canes, should be frequently cleaned.
Monday, 06 July 2020 We should limit our shared spaces where possible and wear a mask when a
DEAR On Armed Forces Day, we remember
the men and women who have lost
their lives in the service of our nation.
state – the legislature, the executive and
the judiciary – each have a role to play in
ensuring accountability and adherence
elderly
of gross misconduct. The Judicialrelatives.
Service
Commission is a carefully constituted
body, which includesorrepresentatives
Atinthe
said
sick relatives“[W]ithout
at a time
sameintime
an address
when
public
2010: we must beInled
they need
confidence in theus most.
by actions,
all our common sense
we need and
to take not isola
heed
of Section 165(3) of the Constitution,
which says: “No person or organ of state
FELLOW
Dear Fellow South African,
We are also reminded on this day of the
responsibility that the defence force has
to protect our democracy.
to the rule of law.
Without these checks and balances,
from the judiciary but also the legal
profession, academia and Parliament.
There are clear processes established
ability of the courts to dispense justice,
there can be no faith in the rule of law.
Without faith in the rule of law, valuable
may interfere with the functioning of the
courts.”
People with underlying medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension should
SOUTH
For those fortunate enough to have an elderly parent or grandparent still alive, not being
The Constitution asserts that the
primary objective of the defence force
able to spend time with them has been one of the most difficult parts of the lockdown.
without each arm of the state fulfilling
its responsibility, without adherence
to the Constitution, our democracy is
in law to deal with allegations of
misconduct against cautious.
judiciary.
members of They the
relationships of trust within society
should
begin observe
to break down. social distancing,
crowded places. Like everyone else, they should
We interfere with the functioning of our
courtsstay homethe
and weaken
we attack
if possible and stay a
rule of law when
the judiciary.
practice goodOurhygiene
failure toand co
AFRICANS is to defend the Republic, its territorial
integrity and its people in accordance
with the Constitution.
vulnerable and worthless.
We should therefore be concerned
Anyone who has evidencetake their
wrongdoing by any judge should make
of medication.
any
Our failure to
implement our courts’ injunctions weakens
our Constitutional democracy.
For millions of senior citizens, social activities like meeting when
friends and
those whofamily
occupyand attending
prominent use of the avenues provided in our The soldiers who we honoured yesterday
religious services and stokvelWhile
andtheburial
defence force ismeetings
society positions
the only are the in society make
mainstay statements
of their lives. Constitution and in our law to ensure implement our
One of the lessons from this pandemic is that during we
Armed need
ForcesaDayholistic
have takenapproach
an
Yesterday, as Commander-In-Chief of
our country’s armed forces, I officiated
lawful military force in the country, the
responsibility to defend our democracy
that demonstrate a disdain for the basic
principles of our Constitution and the
that appropriate action is taken.
courts’ injunctions
Anecdotal evidence suggests many of our people
oath to dedicate their lives to protect
have used
our democracy. the we
Like them, lockdown
all have a perio
at the annual celebration of Armed
Because of social distancing
and uphold our Constitution rests with
regulations, most of thesedemocracy.
institutions established to defend our
activities have been curtailed,
The claims that have been made against weakens our responsibility to defend the Constitution
positive lifestyle changes like doing more exercise or quitting smoking. Such deve
Forces Day at the Castle in Cape Town.
Thispotentially
each one of us. the judiciary are disturbing for another
Constitutional upon which our democracy is founded.
should be welcomed. If some of us have become healthier during the lockdown, w
important event leaving them
is held each yearfeeling socially isolated and lonely. And leaving their loved ones reason.
on the anniversary of the sinking of the Our democratic Constitution is the Of particular concern are recent democracy. We have a responsibility to the generations
SS anxious for in
Mendi in 1917, their
whichwellbeing.
more than product of years of sacrifice and utterances directed at the judiciary, in continue
Without the presentation in this vein.
of evidence of our forebears, many of whom gave their
Dear
600 blackFellow South
South African African,
soldiers and 30 struggle. Many South Africans endured which some judges are accused, without to support these claims, and unless lives so that we may have a democratic
crew lost their lives. great pain and hardship, and many lost any evidence, of pursuing interests referred to the relevant authorities, all Constitution.
The reality however is that their in keeping
lives, so that weourcoulddistance
live in a fromthanour
other elderly
the cause parents
of justice. Judges and Reducing
that such allegations do is to underminethe burden
“Citizens canof no
lifestyle-related diseases on our health system is ultima
longer be assured that
Welcome to the first weekly message democracy 'From
wherethe
all Desk of the
may enjoy President'.
equal have been Each week,
accused I will agendas
of political discuss some the judiciary and the important function We have a responsibility to the millions
ofgrandparents
the issues thatatinterest
this time andwe could South
concern
rights. be saving theirand
Africans, lives.
talk about
and some the have
workevenwe been
are doing
accusedinofgovern-
best interests oftheir
that it performs in our democracy.
ourrights will be respected. Businesses
health, our economy andofour
can no longer be assured that their
own personal finances.
South Africans who look to the
Many South
ment to tackle these issues. I hope you will find it useful. accepting bribes. contracts will be honored. Victims of Constitution for protection and relief.
Africans endured The values, principles and rights Of course, South Africa is a free crime can no longer be assured that
Coronavirus can infect anyone, but older
contained in thepeople are among
Constitution are those
Such claims atare highest risk offorgetting
deeply disturbing, at While the COVID-19
country, with a Constitution that fatality
justice will rateiniscourt.
be served low in South
Public AndAfrica compared
we have to the
a responsibility to rest
future of the
great pain and
Almost everyone I meet in the country,
severely ill and possibly dying. whether
neither trivial, norresidents
abstract. of Lusikisiki
They or reasons.
least two business leaders in Johannes-
Sadly, there have been a number of coronavirus outbreaks at
guarantees freedom of expression confidence is therefore vital.
rising number of infections is a caution against complacency. generations who will look to this
hardship, and directly affect the daily lives of millions and opinion. However, when some in Constitution as the foundation of a stable,
burg, is deeply concerned about the state of the economy and the stubbornly high rates of unemploy-
old age homes and care centres, of people, preventing
resulting inthe
a arbitrary
number useof deaths.
Firstly, if such claims were true, it would positions of responsibility choose to “That is why courts must not only be peaceful and just nation.
many lost their
ment. After a decade of low growth andproviding
of power, deepening poverty,
protection people
to the mean are looking
that forsome
there are signswithin
of progress
the in use those freedoms to undermine our independent and effective; they must be
tackling the many challenges confronting ouradvancing
country. the access judiciary who are failing to uphold the Constitutional order, Ifthey
weshould
followbeall seen
the toprevention measures we will
Withbebestable to protect ourselves. We
lives, so that we vulnerable, and
of all people to shelter, water, health
be independent and effective.” regards,
In addition, data released by the Department of Health indicates values and principles with which they
that people with underlying through
reminded of the possible our everyday actions, protect and keep safe those who are most vulnera
consequences
could live in a care, education and social support. have been entrusted. of their utterances. We should therefore not take attacks
These concerns
medical are real.
conditions suchThis
asyear,
highthe economy
blood will record
pressure, growthheart
diabetes, that is lower than
disease, renalexpected (and
disease,
democracy where
much lower than what we need). Government finances are stretched about as far as they can go, and
The Constitution is also vital to Fortunately, our Constitution makes One of these possible consequences is
on the judiciary lightly. Such attacks
shake the very foundations of our
Let us remain cautious. Letdemocracy.
us remain Unless vigilant. Let us stay safe.
all may
asthma
several enjoy
and chronic respiratory
industries are looking atmaintaining
disease
retrenching a system are more
of checks
workers. and vulnerable
provision for to
suchdeveloping severe
a possibility. The the erosion of trust in the judiciary and constitutional
equal rights.and dying from
complications coronavirus.
balances to prevent the abuse and National Assembly is empowered to our Constitutional order. supported by evidence, such claims
concentration of power to the detriment remove judges who are found by the undermine confidence in our courts,
Much of the confidence that the of
country had The
the people. 20 months ago
three arms of has
the dissipated as Commission
Judicial Service the realitytoofbethe problems
guilty As former Chief JusticeWith
Sandilebest
Ngcobowishes
and weaken our Constitutional order.
According
we to new
face became research
clearer. This published
confidenceby theborn
was National
out ofInstitute
the hopefor Communicable
that we would quickly Diseases,
undo the
4 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 5
damage that
a third of was done
patients over a to
admitted number of years.
hospital Implementing
with COVID-19 hadchange
at leastdoesonetake time. The important
co-morbidity.
R3.5 R6.3 R678.3
BUDGET
billion billion million
SPEECH
to improve access for extended to continue rolling
to early childhood Covid-19 Social out free sanitary
development Relief of Distress products for learners
services. grant until the end from low-income
of April 2021. households.
2021
Regular social assistance grants adjusted as follows…
R30 R30 R10 R10
increase increase increase increase
R1890 R1910 R460 R1050
GOOD NEWS for the old
age, disability
and care
dependency
in the war
veterans grant
in the child
support grant
for the foster
care grant
FOR GRANTS!
grants
Provinces will receive R3.5 billion to
R3.5 improve access to early childhood
billion
development services.
6 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 7
DSD
NEWS
MESSAGE DEPUTY MINISTER’S MESSAGE
FROM HENDRIETTA BOGOPANE-ZULU
MINISTER
are making real change in people’s lives, driven by the
passion of helping those in need. And for that they need
to be commended for the incredible work they are doing.
As a Department, we need to be more empathetic of
the NPOs that are carrying out their duties as they are
mandated to. Officials that are deployed to coordinate
these centres should assist these centres in understanding
issues of compliance. It goes without saying, that registered
We welcomed President NPOs must comply with the requirements of sections 16-
23 of the NPO ACT.
Cyril Ramaphosa’s
extension of the Special The main requirements are to submit reports and inform
the Directorate of any changes within the NPO, with the
R350 COVID-19 Grant, NON-PROFIT various NPOs visited these main requirements were not
Dear DSD Family,
by a further three months. fulfilled. Instead of pointing fingers at these NPOs perhaps
Earlier this month, in a build up to the State of the
ORGANISATIONS PLAY assisting them to understand these basic requirements
would go a long way, after all they are serving South
Nation Address, we visited the Mhani Gingi A CRUCIAL ROLE Africans in vulnerable rural communities.
Entrepreneurial Network, based at the Saartjie To date, Sassa has paid more than 9, 6 million
I also had the pleasure of visiting Tholulwazi Phakathi
I
Baartman Centre for Centre for Women and Children in applications ? each month from May 2020 to January
NPO in Diepkloof, Soweto. I was first introduced to this
Manenberg, Western Cape. The non-profit organisation 2021 and has paid more than 6,5 million grants per n 2020, I embarked on a journey of assessments of NPO on 1 December 2020- World Aids Day hosted by the
(NPO) works towards economic empowerment month. The total amount spent on this grant to date Community Care Centres in the three provinces where Deputy President David Mabuza, and it was on this day
and freedom for women and youth, as vulnerable has exceeded R16 billion. The Government’s social the buildings were erected with the financial assistance that I promised to visit the NPO where they are based.
groups in society, by providing entrepreneurial skills assistance programme has provided the much-needed of the German state owned bank Kfw.
to enable them to create sustainable livelihoods for cushion in the form of socio-economic relief measures Tholulwazi Phakathi NPO deals with adolescent and young
As you know Community Care Centres are built with the adults who were born and living with HIV. They offer these
themselves. Together with the National Development which include social grants.
financial support from KfW to the tune of over Nine Million youngsters phycho-social support and have adherence
Agency (NDA), we handed over funds to enable Euros, there are 17 Community Care Centres that are at camps and a holiday programme. With the stigma we
them to continue with their sterling efforts to uplift The DSD Portfolio remains at the forefront of various phases of construction in three provinces, KwaZulu- have been fighting to eradicate as a department, they
the local community. During my visit, I encouraged Government’s response to mitigate the impact of the Natal, Limpopo and North West. encourage youngsters to adhere to their medication. And
communities to create their own food gardens as the COVID-19 pandemic, with specific focus on the most offer peer to peer counselling in building their self-esteem.
global COVID-19 pandemic threatens food security vulnerable- children, youth, women, older persons The Community Care Centres provide psychosocial
care and support services and skills development to Incredible work is done by these young vibrant youngsters
especially in vulnerable communities. and persons with disabilities. The pandemic has
orphans and vulnerable children, including child-headed who have found creative ways to express themselves
exacerbated the vulnerability of these groups. households and youth. through art. Moreover, they are confident in what the future
We also undertook a monitoring and compliance holds for them. Similar compliance issues were discovered
visit to the two Sassa offices, in Bellville and I encourage you to keep fighting the good fight for The purpose of these visits is to assess whether the NPOs here too. Surely, we can do more in educating Non Profit
Paarl to monitor the progress made on the the country’s most vulnerable and be grateful for your operating in these structures were still providing services Organisations on these issues.
implementation of the SASSA Ten-Point Service service. that they are meant to, to the communities in which they
operate. NPOs are instruments of change and play a crucial role in
Delivery Improvement Plan. There has been a
helping government fulfil its constitutional mandate.
significant improvement in the queue management Thank you and Stay Safe. I have visited Community Care Centres in all the three
system with the deployment of additional staff provinces where they are built. Upon the assessment visits Mrs Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu
and volunteers. Minister Lindiwe Zulu I saw that there are incredible ordinary South Africans who Deputy Minister of Social Development
8 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 9
MESSAGE FROM ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL
OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
By Linton Mchunu
O
nce again, let me convey The Department presented other protection service in the scenario where adoption is Most importantly, colleagues around you by consistent wearing
my heartfelt greetings to the Portfolio Committee Children’s Act. solely rendered by social workers should be mindful of the fact that, of masks, sanitising, regular
to all officials within the the proposed deletions and in private practice and non- for the sake of space, allocated washing of hands with soap and
Social Development portfolio. By insertions of some of the It is therefore in this context that governmental organisations. on this platform, I cannot outline maintaining social distance.
now you may be all aware that adoptions’ provisions focusing the Department highlighted that all affected clauses, deletions
in the recent State of the Nation on amongst other things, the Clause 122 is intended to delete In addition, the Bill introduces and insertions in full on this I thank you
Address (SoNA), President Cyril human and financial resource section 249 of the Children’s Act. Clause 124 to amend section 251 platform. However, these are
Ramaphosa announced that the implications of the amendment The proposed deletion would by inserting section 1A to provide some of the issues which in my
thus assist with harmonising the for the prescribed manner in
Special R350 COVID-19 Social of the Children’s Act for the view I assume they are relevant
provision of adoption services terms of which the Director-
Relief of Distress Grant, has been Department. The Department from a legislative point of view.
with all other services in the
extended for a period of three also mentioned to the Committee General may withdraw an Officials of the Sector must
Children’s Act.
months. the implications for the private accreditation to provide adoption always be informed so that once
sector entrusted with provision It must furthermore be reiterated services. This amendment is the Children’s Amendment Bill
This basically reaffirms the of adoption services as well as that the purpose of deletion of necessary to allow discretion of is passed into law, they are not
Government’s commitment implications associated with this section does not prevent the Director-General to withdraw caught by surprise.
to improve the livelihoods deleting provisions dealing with lawyers, social workers and other the accreditation of an adoption
and change in the lives of charging of fees for adoption professionals from charging fees service provider, if the service Having said that, I would again
impoverished households services. This means that the for services they render during provider is not compliant with the remind colleagues that our
through direct income generation deletion of the provision relating an adoption transaction because legal adoption and accreditation country is still under Level 3
which would go a long way as to fees does not bar the private fees charged by professionals for requirements. of the Risk Adjusted Strategy.
a poverty alleviation measure. sector from charging the fees rendering of services are dealt This means that there are still
with by professional adoption
You are therefore encouraged but simply means that the issue high expectations from all of
bodies as indicated earlier. This
to spread the message to your of fees can best be governed us to adhere to the COVID-19
fellow South Africans and their by the professional bodies
therefore must not be construed You are health and safety regulations
as implying that the Department
family members whom we know the professionals dealing with is proposing the deletion of
therefore because this deadly
that they are in need of this adoption services belong to or section 249 of the Act in order to expected global pandemic is
crucial information. are members of. repeal adoption fees charged by to protect still with us. We are
still experiencing
adoption professionals.
It is also imperative that as This is in the context that the yourselves new daily
officials you are familiar with Children’s Act is not the right The Amendment Bill further and those Coronavirus
developments within the Social instrument to deal with charging proposes that Clause 123 seeks
to amend section 250 of the
around you infections and
Development Sector. That being of fees by professionals for child statistics of people
said, on Wednesday, 17 February, protection services they render. It Children’s Act by adding under by consistent losing their lives.
the Department presented the follows therefore that the private subsection (1) (e) the provision wearing As a result, we cannot
for “a social worker in the
Children’s Amendment Bill (Bill) sector may still render adoption
employ of the Department or of masks, shy away from this reality
before the Portfolio Committee
focusing mainly on adoptions.
services in all areas as prescribed
in the Children’s Act wherein
Provincial Department of Social sanitising, that even during the
recent arrival and rollout
Although some of the clauses their services are required and
Development who provides
adoption services.” This insertion
regular washing of vaccines, we are not
within the Bill still need to be charge fees as permitted by their adds to the list of persons who of hands with out of danger from this
refined, my take is that we should professional bodies. It also implies may provide adoption services. soap and pandemic.
be on the same page about that adoption services must not It empowers social development
these clauses and what informs be treated differently from other social workers to process the
maintaining You are therefore
the amendments or deletions or services contemplated, as there adoption transactions, which social distance. expected to protect
insertions of certain sections. is no reference to fees for any is a departure from the current yourselves and those
10 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 11
COVID-19 - THE AFTERMATH MEC SHONGWE WELCOMES NEW
AND THE NEW NORMAL HEAD OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN
MPUMALANGA
By Ngobe Comfort
“I am glad that
we have found
Mr Mthweni,
whose experience
and qualifications
are going to
vaccine debates to help people add value to the
on the ground to understand department. The
and appreciate the efforts of our
government. WE are catalysts for journey of restoring
CHANGE- let’s spread positive confidence to
energy and love in our homes the people of
and communities to quell the dark
cloud of death that hovers above Mpumalanga begins
Registrar Langi Malamba our heads. Continue to observe with immediate
the alert level 3 protocols, act effect.”
responsibly and remain safe.
A few months back I reflected
on the dark cloud that swooped Employers have On a slightly different note,
over Mzansi and even talked practitioners must remember the
about the need to work together an obligation importance of remaining properly
Newly appointed Head
Department of Social Development,
of rely on services rendered by the
department, and through hard work,
“I am glad that the department
has found Mr Mthweni, whose
with other essential care workers to conduct due licensed in line with the provisions
Mr Sarel Mthsweni has vowed that collective efforts and open door experience and qualifications
to prevent the 2nd wave from of the SSP Act 110 of 1978, (as
hitting us unprepared. Little did diligence on amended) and renew their annual
he is going to work around the clock
to respond to the expectations of
policy together we will be able to
turn this around.
are going to add value to the
department. The journey of
I know that the imagined reality their employees subscriptions. the people that rely on services restoring confidence to the people
would come a little too early and
with a savagery that has never to verify each As practitioners may be aware,
rendered by the Department of
Social Development and its agencies
‘’I am happy that I am joining
a department that has capable
of Mpumalanga begins with
immediate effect.”
been seen nor experienced on and every annual subscriptions are due in Mpumalanga. men and women, people who
our shores before! Social service by the 31 of March 2021. It is
practitioner’s
understand the daunting task “I am committed to providing
professionals have an enormous incumbent on practitioners to Speaking shortly after being that the department is facing, to the necessary support to the
role to play in restoring hope and registration pay whether or not an invoice has introduced to the department ensure that the vulnerable are Accounting Officer, and I am
sanity through unique psycho- been issued or received to avoid
status.
officials by the MEC for Social being taken care of by social glad that the department will
social interventions, especially penalties and/ or deregistration. Development, Blessing Thandi workers, social auxiliary workers achieve its mandate of helping
to the frontline workers in the If there are outstanding fees on Shongwe, Mr Mthsweni stressed and other dedicated officials vulnerable people, people with
health and/or medical settings; your profile, SACSSP finance team the importance of working as a within the department,” said disabilities, children, senior citizens
and those offering services to will duly notify you to correct team and creating a conducive Mr Mthweni. and youth become beneficiaries
indigent recipients of relief grants Together- employer and the situation so that your status environment for every stakeholder of departmental programmes,”
e.g. where there are long queues practitioner- we can move report is not affected. Practice that depends on services rendered Mr Mthweni’s sentiments were explained MEC Shongwe.
and disregard for the COVID-19 our social service professions cards will be issued as soon as by the department. echoed by the MEC for Social
protocols. Employers must sector forward. Let’s continue Finance has closed the books for Development, Blessing Thandi Mr Sarel Mtsweni is a seasoned
ensure that a permissive work to be beacons of hope to our the end of financial year 2020/21. ‘’As the Accounting Officer, Shongwe, who urged officials to administrator, having served
environment is created to maintain communities, dispel myths about Please visit www.sacssp.co.za for my immediate task is to work work with the Head of Department as the Accounting Officer in
mental health in the workplace. COVID- 19, and shed light on the fees payable. with everyone to improve our to ensure that the department the Department of Human
financial audit outcomes, restore restored confidence to the people Settlement and Economic
the confidence to those who of Mpumalanga. Development respectively.
12 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 13
LIFE ON A TIGHTROPE THE NDA AND
Noting the alarming
increase in domestic
MINISTER ZULU
and GBVF incidents
during the lockdown, the
NDA funded CSOs that
By Evans Molimi provide direct prevention
and support services to
SUPPORT THE MHANI GINGI TRUST
victims of violence. To
While the country was engulfed by Despite the daunting journey ahead, date 23 Gender Based
the Coronavirus pandemic, the South Ledwaba is committed to ensuring Violence CSOs have
African government introduced “I have been that his children’s needs and been funded to the tune
surviving
the Social Relief of Distress special education come first. Mhani Gingi Trust which for other stakeholders of R2 950,000.00. The
grant for the benefit of thousands By Lesego Ranchu will be used to purchase like the Department of GBVF programmes are
of unemployed citizens who did not by changing Furthermore, Ledwaba says the soil additives (fertiliser Agriculture and others to able to identify, refer
brake pads for
have any source of income to support pandemic and the lockdown Minister Zulu, kick-started and compost), seeds, assist the new technology and offer rehabilitation
their immediate families. regulations has dealt a blow to his her three-day oversight irrigation infrastructure, innovation being used at support to GBVF victims -
taxis that are brake pad replacement business. visit in the Western three additional growing Mhani Gingi Trust,” says directly from households,
operating locally.
Tshepo Ledwaba relives the day he Cape to monitor the tunnels, fencing and Minister Zulu. police stations and
first received his first payment of the Since the start of lockdown, Ledwaba progress and impact of clinics which brings
20 vegetable garden
R350 social grant 9 months ago, and I used to take has made R100 per day but most of National Development start up kits for abused Their vegetable gardens services closer to those
home R300 to
he is relieved it has been extended the time he makes nothing, and that that need protective
Agency (NDA) grants to women to start an income were a source of food
for 3 months. makes life difficult for his wife and services. Further to this,
support Gender Based generating enterprise. during lockdown, as
R500 on good two sons.
Violence and Femicide communities received they conduct community
Ledwaba, 30, unemployed father
days. But now (GBVF) interventions, “The NDA’s mandate food through the soup education and advocacy
of two from Soshanguve township “It is tough for me. I have no in all local languages
income generation and is to partner with kitchens that they
says he wishes that the government it’s anything choice. I have to wait for taxis to
the agency’s Volunteer CSOs in development support. Through funding to raise awareness of
could extend the special grants come and try to make a living.
between R100 Programme (VP). As part of interventions. I am happy from NDA, 69 people will support services available.
until the country goes back to As you see, I only serviced two
the pre-SONA oversight, to be back at Mhani Gingi benefit, 27 direct and 42
normality. Ledwaba said the grant
helped him to buy clothes and
or R200 if I’m taxis, but I have to continue because
I have a family to feed,” said Minister Zulu visited the Trust and to see the growth indirect beneficiaries. The “The NDA’s role in
lucky. How am Mhani Gingi Trust based that has happened. Our 20 direct beneficiaries assisting CSOs is not
school uniform for his two boys. Ledwaba. limited to funding, we
at the Saartjie Baartman vision as government is to are recruited within the
“After receiving my first grant, I
I supposed to “I am not working, and I am just Centre in Manenberg see funded programmes Saartjie Baartman Centre train and we link income
take care of my which focuses on food become sustainable and each is provided with generating projects
made sure that I pay for clothes and one of those South Africans who to opportunities and
security interventions and accountable for a space saver gardening
uniform on lay-by. I knew very well
that the grant was not permanent.
children with that are affected by the pandemic
and lockdown regulations. I am among people with the money we have starter kit with skills markets. Our model
kind of money?” disabilities and abused entrusted to them. The training and mentoring is comprehensive,
It is going to be a dark period struggling, my brother,” he said
women in the Cape Flats. NDA has assisted with towards an income from mobilising and
forme as we only rely on child while waiting for taxis to check in
their sustainability and generating enterprise after registration we walk
support grants,” he laments. for service.
Minister Zulu handed creating employment a 6-month engagement. organisations through
over a cheque to the for abused women, The programme employs the funding process
value of R337 676, 81 to however, there is room 7 permanent employees. and ensure their
sustainability. Gwebza
Cooperative has to date
generated an income of
R 943 000 from providing
affordable, quality
school gear to seven
surrounding schools,
made possible by NDA
who linked the co-op to
school uniform projects.
Our portfolio approach
allows for government
funds to flow within poor
communities and provide
a sustainable income
to our beneficiaries”
says Mrs Thamo
Mzobe, Chief Executive
Officer of National
Development Agency.
14 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 15
SABOCHA MEN’S SEMINAR
AND DIALOGUE AGAINST LAUNCH OF SUBSTANCE
ABUSE CAMPAIGN
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
By Kelebone Pitlele
Save Botshabelo Champions
(SABOCHA) is a community
organisation founded by Mr Ratsoho
Makhetha and individuals who have
a great concern about the rise of the
gangs in the area and the reign of
terror which the gangs inflict on the
community. Some of the members
in the organisation are former gang
members who have the insight of
the operations and the mentality
of gangs, while others are former By Esther Lewis
T
inmates who were gang members
within the prisons and have a deep
understanding of prison gangs. The and other relevant organisations complete by April 2021. 50 Social he Western Cape MEC own, and can have an impact on seeking treatment than in men. In
main aim of the event was to give a should have regular communication service professionals were trained Sharna Fernandez conducted the entire family. This is why getting view of this, treatment requirements
platform to men and women to find so that every group understands as facilitators on the mencare an oversight visit to the the right treatment now will help may differ between men and
ways to come up with solutions on how the others feel about an action programme. Kensington Treatment Centre your loved ones in the future. The women.
actions that lead to gender-based to be taken. Me’ Mothupi who is the (KTC)- a government-run in- Department holds a database with
violence. Commissioner of Gender Equality, patient treatment programme for all the registered Substance Abuse In order to accommodate this
explained to the audience how women only – to mark the launch treatment options in the province,” need, in 2015, the Kensington
Social worker, Ms Mamiky Khanyetsi GBV policies protect victims and ...Men need to be of the province’s substance abuse
campaign.
said MEC Fernandez. Treatment Centre was earmarked
to accommodate women only.
from the Department of Social
Development rendered the Psycho-
presented a way forward for cases
that seem stagnant with no results.
taught how to be MEC Fernandez hailed the services
social support, especially for the men and given A key focus of the campaign is offered at KTC as a great example The campaign further notes the
two guest speakers who were giving Mr Motseki from Men’s forum in the necessary informing the public about the
importance of accessing the right
of a gender-responsive treatment
option for women with substance
importance of making use of
registered facilities, encouraging
testimonials about their ordeals
of how they were sexually abused
Botshabelo contributed by saying
men need to be taught how to
attention, as help for substance use disorders use disorders. members of the public to check
by the trusted men in their lives, be men and given the necessary they need to feel (SUD). A series of videos and visuals these details with the Department
which became a somber moment attention, as they need to feel capable of being represent how when you access the
right help for yourself, your loved
Research has shown that physical
and sexual trauma followed by
of Social Development to ensure
service users receive quality
in the room. Ms Khanyetsi ensured
that her clients were emotionally
capable of being role models in the
society, especially for their children.
role models in the ones can be positively affected too. post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, and that they are treated
and psychologically ready to speak The involved parties who attended society, especially (PTSD) is more common in women with respect, and that their human
about the incidents that took place the dialogue committed to have for their children. “Your addiction is not just your with substance use disorders rights are protected.
in their lives. further discussions in the future.
Mr Mokoena from Love Life The Free State provincial mencare
There are currently 101 registered service providers on the provincial
facilitated the dialogue session programme was also piloted. It Out of the 50, 12 were specifically database that can be broken down as follows:
where people shared their was supposed to target 5000 trained for Botshabelo and will
encounters and views on GBV - and people/ 2500 couples in the continue to focus in the Botshabelo
some of the frustrations that led to province, but due to COVID-19 the area; 26 in Mangaung and 14 in
it. Amongst others, they mentioned number was reduced to 1500 per Thabo Nchu were also trained.
poverty, unemployment and salary province. The objective is to change men’s
differences between partners in the attitude towards women with regard
relationships and households. People in Botshabelo will be to GBV and change their views on Inpatient Halfway Community-based
identified by organisations such as female economic empowerment, treatment Houses treatment services
Some suggested solutions included NGKA, Seed Foundation and the where women earn their own
provision of food parcels to families
and job creation. Communication
like. The process began last year
in Januar, when 24 master trainers
income. The programme will also
focus on parenting, where fathers
29 3 69
was considered a critical solution. were trained on the mastercare are encouraged to be more involved
All agreed that government, families programme, and will hopefully be with raising their children.
16 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 17
BEAUTY
HUB GIVES
HOPE TO
UNEMPLOYED
YOUTH
By Sipho Ncube
By Busi Kheswa
I
t has been almost a year since the coronavirus pandemic, we are
outbreak of the coronavirus on grateful to the academy for the
our shores. it has created havoc support even post graduations. I
and destroyed livelihoods. More hope they can continue to assist
than 40 000 people have lost their and skill others to do better in their
lives in South Africa and close to future endeavours’’.
2 million worldwide.
Hub Manager Lulu Mphela indicated
However, the Beauty Hub Academy that their students are expected to
with offices in both Pretoria and do in-service training before they
Johannesburg continues to change graduate. “They frequently get to
lives for a number of young people provide services for older persons
by providing them with training in to have work experience. We
beauty therapy, focussing on facials, also provide containers which are
body massage, makeup, nails and positioned on busy intersections
head dressing. in different locations which are
run by them (students) that are an
Former student at the academy, innovation which we hope to expand
Reginald Sebesebe (28) of soon as part of the exit-plan”.
Mamelodi East, now owns the
Attitude Head Dressing Salon. The Mphela added that, “As an academy,
salon employs a hair stylist and we are thankful to the Gauteng
Sebesebe says this is what they can Department of Social Development
afford for now. “We hope to employ for the support and funding over
more people in the near future, to the years. If it was not for the
assist in alleviating poverty and department and other funders, we
unemployment”. wouldn’t be able to change lives for
the better”.
A view shared by another
graduate from the same college, She said their courses are
Immaculate Matselela (36) from accredited by Seda (Small
Mamelodi East. Matselela said, Enterprise Development Agency),
“Even though we are currently Quality Council for Trades and
struggling a bit due to the Occupations (QCTO).
18 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 19YOUTH SERVICE CENTRES
EQUIPPED WITH NEW LAPTOPS
By Tebogo Mokae
DLAMINI
INSPIRES
FOR A BETTER FUTURE FOR KIDS
HOPE
our government to help save
By Evans Molimi learners from a life of illiteracy. If
C
She said seeing anything, these social ills should
ommunity member, Ms.
Sindisiwe Dlamini of
youth dropping encourage us to come together as
stakeholders - government, parents
Nkabaminkuzi in Kwa-Zulu out of school and civil society alike - to help our
Natal never refused to give up on really troubled her children survive peer pressure,”
the idea of improving the future of said Dlamini.
education for children in her area. because leaving
school led to a In the years prior to the Khulekanil,
Not wanting to feel hopeless about
“education under siege” in her
high rate of crime Dlamini helped young people to
persevere through her motivational
community, Dlamini began to think and teenage talks in local schools. Dlamini’s
of creative measures to prevent pregnancy. other great challenge is Gender-
child education from going down Based Violence in her area and it
the drain and about what she could leaves more children vulnerable
do to help the learners. and stressed.
Through research, she managed Though her NPO, Dlamini hopes Furthermore, Dlamini explained
to acquire relevant information to give learners support to make it that due to lack of recreational
and registered Khulekani Non- through these dark days as learners’ activities in the area, teenagers
Profit Organization (NPO) to help who drop out of school today have suffer from peer pressure to engage
learners stay engaged with their a little chance of success later in in alcohol and drug abuse, which in
schoolwork. life. turn leads to underage pregnancy
and marriage, school dropout,
The NPO aimed to address and “While we try to keep healthy and crime and child abuse.
respond to societal challenges and stay alive during the COVID-19
social ills within her community. pandemic, we need to work with “What we are seeing as the
pandemic unfolds, is that it deepens
the existing social ills that affect our
society. I now understand that had
it not been for the support of the
Department of Social Development
HOD handed over 14 laptops to and MLab S.A. will provide the beneficiaries, HOD Henrietta and community members, I would
Coordinators from different Youth online support for the duration Samson thanked the young people not have been able to complete
Services Centers in the Province of the remaining months of the for raising their hands and seizing my mission to reduce a dropout in
today at the MLab training venue, learnership. the opportunity afforded to them, education of our future leaders,”
in Kimberley, at the SMME village as we understand how demanding She concluded.
in Galeshewe. They are part of an In handing over the laptops to their lives are.
18 month learnership programme
in digital skills, equipping youths
for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
These laptops will enable them
to continue training virtually,
“In the midst of the global pandemic,
while also sharing best practice you are brave enough to come acquire
with others as they leapfrog their
centres into the 4IR.
the necessary skills which you can now
share with other young people. You are
The learners are in the last phase
of the training which focuses on great ambassadors indeed,” she added.
entrepreneurship for 2 weeks,
20 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 21TSAKANE SCHOOL
UNIFORM COOPERATIVE
HARD AT WORK DESPITE
COVID-19 CHALLENGES
By Phetoho Maja
As schools are set to re-open member of the cooperative and after realising that people spend a
for the 2021 academic year, a says it received major support lot of money to buy school uniform
Cooperative based in Tsakane from the Department of Trade for their children, and they also
in Ekurhuleni is determined to and Industry (DTI), the Gauteng because they wanted people to
meet their target of providing Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and learn the skill of sewing.
school uniform to learners in the the Gauteng Department of
area. The Dimamazi Multipurpose Social Development since it was Eight years later, the cooperative
Cooperative is battling the odds established in 2013. is still up to the task of ensuring
brought on by the outbreak of the that they deliver the much-needed
Covid-19 pandemic. The cooperative, which produces school uniform to pupils in the
school uniform, was started by area. Speaking to Gauteng Social
78-year-old Anna Sibisi is a a group of unemployed women, Development at the Faranani
Multipurpose Centre, Sibisi said the they have to subcontract all the 15-year-old Mduduzi Dube from
six-member cooperative continues time. Another challenge is doing Tsakane Extension 8 Secondary
to do the work despite challenges business while they comply to School came to purchase a school
of not having an embroidery Covid-19 regulations as set out in T-shirt. “I always come here with my
machine and rely on the one that the government gazette. sister to purchase school uniform.
The quality of material isvery good,
She added that they were grateful and the price is affordable,” said
for the opportunity awarded Mduduzi.
“We really to them by the department to
hope that the produce school uniform for three The project is one of the elements
work we do for schools in Tsakane for the current
academic year.
of the Bana Pele Programme as
provided by the Gauteng Provincial
the Gauteng Government (GPG) to provide a
Department Another member of the basket of services to vulnerable
of Social
cooperative, Sibusisiwe Duze children. The pack which is
said it has been a very thought- supplied to students consists of
Development provoking journey to work a tunic, skirt, shirt, trouser, jersey,
can assist us for Dimamanzi Multipurpose dungarees, a pair of socks, a pair of
Cooperative since she arrived in shoes and underwear which should
acquire the 2014. “At some point over the be in line with the uniform-type of
embroidery years we had issues acquiring the specific school and gender of
machine so that customers as the project was
unable to acquire funding, and
the beneficiary.
we do not have we had to market ourselves The project is aimed at ensuring
to outsource it,” at schools and also expanded that cooperatives, mainly women
said Sibisi. our services to include traditional
wear, so that we can make ends
sewing, and shoes cooperatives,
become preferred suppliers for
meet,” added Duze. school uniform.
22 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 23MEC NKAKARENG
RAKGOALE
GIVES BACK By Kenneth Mathivha
L
impopo MEC for Social children who are orphaned and ensued between the pair at
Development, Mme. vulnerable in the five districts. their home. The MEC was in court
Nkakareng Rakgoale, to give support to the family of
handed over school uniform the victim and also to add her
to 300 learners from various voice in calling for the court not
parts of the Vhembe District The victims of the to grant bail to the suspect, as
at a ceremonial event held the country is grappling with
at Ha-Rabali in Nzhelele. recent floods that Gender Based Violence dubbed
MEC Rakgoale, who was joined affected the area the second pandemic to the
by the Makhado Municipality a few weeks ago Coronavirus.
Mayor Samuel Munyai and the
Vhembe District Municipality are also among the The MEC launched phase two of
Councilor Sylvia Machete, says beneficiaries. the distribution of food parcels at
the gesture will go a long way Khakhala village in the Mopani
in encouraging the recipients to District by using the knock, drop
focus on their education without and go approach.
being worried about an old or ill- Limpopo MEC for Social
fitting school uniform that tends Development Nkakareng The handing over of food parcels
to stigmatise learners. Rakgoale has called for the courts is part of the COVID-19 food
not to grant bail to perpetrators distribution program targeting
A total of 1372 learners will of Gender Based Violence as 37 288 families in the Province.
receive school uniform across the they continue to violate the
Province in the coming few days, rights of women and children. About 7 500 families have been
as the new academic year begins. identified as vulnerable in the
The MEC will also touch base MEC Rakgoale was speaking Mopani District.
with the remaining four districts outside the Malamulele
in ceremonial handover events. Magistrate’s Court, where a MEC Rakgoale says this is
63-year old man was making the department’s effort to
The campaign is aimed at his formal bail application. assist families that have been
supporting children from identified as vulnerable by officials.
needy families, promoting the Daniel Maswanganyi has
culture of learning, as well as been charged with murder The victims of the recent floods
inculcating a sense of belonging after allegedly killing his that affected the area a few
and pride with learners who are wife, Tsakani Maswanganyi, weeks ago are also among
living below the poverty line. last week at Mbhalati village. the beneficiaries. She was
joined by Hosi Khakhala and
Social workers conducted Police say the victim was shot the Greater Giyani Municipality
assessments on identified several times after an argument Mayor Agnes Shivambu.
24 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 25UNIFORM AND DIGNITY
PACK HAND OUT AT
GAUTENG SCHOOLS
Development MEC, Morakane responsible for care and protection
By Sibusiso Chauke Mosupyoe, accompanied by of children, and as schools reopen,
community leaders, officials and we have a responsibility to lend
parents handed out two hundred a hand where possible. As the
and fifty school uniform and fifty academic year starts, we want our
Three West Rand schools received dignity packs at Itumeleng Learners learners to concentrate on learning”.
750 school uniform and dignity packs with Special Educational Needs
as part of the Bana Pele programme (LSEN) School in Westonaria. Addressing parents and
of the Gauteng Provincial learners at Itumeleng Special
Government. The donation took Mosupyoe proceeded to School, Mosupyoe said “Social
place during the school readiness Phendulwazi Primary in Mohlakeng, Development department is
programme on Monday. where 300 school uniform and 60 mandated to protect children and
dignity packs were handed to the people with disability and as such
Members of the Executive from beneficiaries and Bulelani Primary we will be adopting this school.
Gauteng Provincial Government in Mohlakeng received 200 school Today we have different spheres
visited numerous schools to assess uniform and 50 dignity packs. of government and we have heard
the state of readiness as the new your concerns. We will take up all
schooling year began. They also She said, “Bana Pele programme your issues and resolve them as
provided school uniform and dignity is aimed at assisting less fortunate soon as possible”.
packs to destitute children as part of learners, this to ensure that they
the basket of services as offered by are at the same level as their “We are also pleased to see that the
the Gauteng Social Development peers. As the Department of Social schools are adhering to COVID-19
Department. Development, we are custodians regulations. We encourage our
MEC NONTOBEKO VILAKAZI HANDS
of the Children’s Act, therefore learners to study hard despite the
The Gauteng Social Department pandemic we face. Education is
the key that will open doors for you
in future and the government will
continue to give you the necessary OVER SCHOOL UNIFORM
Bana Pele programme is aimed at
support,” Mosupyoe added.
TO VULNERABLE SCHOOLS
assisting less fortunate learners,
By Tebogo Mokae
this to ensure that they are at
the same level as their peers.
T
he school visit aimed to learners, and parents succeed as MEC Nontobeko Vilakazi said.
encourage and motivate a family in the advancement and
learners, educators and improvement of our education Our simple hope is that parents
parents to negotiate the academic system. should always be here with us,
year ahead, in the Pixley Ka Isaka so that we collectively tackle this
Seme District, amidst the second “As a caring government, we challenge of securing our children
wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. cannot afford to see children going the required education, whilst also
to school barefooted and in torn navigating this pandemic together.
We understand as a government clothes. We may not be able to It should be a collective effort
this exercise is especially important reach all the children across from the very first day, since
in that it shows how much we care, the province in time, but our we appreciate that we are all
that we are indeed concerned about commitment is to ensure that responsible not only for the
what is happening at our schools no child is unable to attend wellbeing of our children, but for
and that we want to see teachers, school because of uniform” their academic success as well.
26 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 27MINISTER ZULU SAYS DESPERATION AND
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - DESPAIR? DSD CARES!
NOT UNDER HER WATCH By James Moche and Sisi Segalo
Gwebza Multi-Purpose Assigned to the Bellville
Primary Co-Operative SASSA offices are:
is effectively the Cape father of 3 Mr Phumlani The place is Tlokweng village outside
Town metro volunteer Bokveld (33); Travel Rustenburg. Around 40 Mmogwane
programme and are & Tourism graduate family members are housed in a
stationed at SASSA Ms Aviwe Nyhila (29); dilapidated mud house and a few
offices in Bellville, Cape mother of 3 Ms Mpho surrounding shacks. The structures,
Town, Athlone, Eerste Lekhatlanye (40) and not well erected, are located in a
Rivier and Gugulethu. mother of 2 Ms Daniswa yard which is approximately the
‘When we arrived in July Jaxa (41) who are size of two netball fields. The 40
last year, the situation collectively happy to be members include grandparents,
was disorderly. This part of the programme parents, grandchildren and great
By Lesego Ranchu grandchildren. Many members are
programme has restored that helps them with
T
SASSA beneficiaries’ supporting their families not working, except three who do
he Minister of Social included awareness and dignity, it has provided and gainful employment. odd jobs at nearby farms. Most
Development, preventive screening jobs and has alleviated “This job has allowed of the elders are living their lives
Lindiwe Zulu, interventions to reduce most stress on SASSA me to learn new skills, one elsewhere.
conducted an oversight the spread and number employees who are now has to start somewhere.
visit to SASSA Bellville of deaths due to the able to focus on their The knowledge from Given the level of poverty and MEC Moiloa (left), local councillor (middle) and a community
offices, during her Pre- pandemic. core funding while we my studies has enabled disorder in the situation, the member, after inspecting devastation caused by heavy rains
SONA roadshow, to manage the situation me to communicate intervention of a caring entity - such in Tlokweng
monitor progress and The NDA volunteer outside their premises effectively with SASSA as the North West Department of
impact of National programme was to ensure correct beneficiaries. I hope that Social Development - was welcome.
Development Agency effectively utilised Covid-19 measures are this is an opportunity for MEC Boitumelo Moiloa led a group
grants towards the recently to manage the in practice,” says Linda permanent employment consisting of a local councillor, The initial plan was to donate one food parcel, but Moiloa realised that the
Covid-19 Volunteer long queues at Cape Baleni of Gwebza Multi- in the long run,” says Ms chieftainship representative and situation was so dire that a change of plan was carried out. The family received
Programme (VP). Town’s Bellville SASSA Purpose Primary Co- Nyhila. departmental officials, to donate two additional parcels. The total costs of the parcels is around R5000. They
offices following the Operative. food parcels worth thousands of are part of Moiloa’s social relief of distress (SRD) programme targeting poor
The Covid-19 pandemic Minister’s initial visit. “We face challenges rands to the Mmogwane household. families and those whose lives were disrupted by recent heavy rains.
disrupted community- There has been a huge The Team Leader at every day, and dealing
based food relief reduction in mass SASSA Bellville, Mr with people is not happier if she could get an RDP
operations. NDA gatherings and the Tumelo Mapheelle, says, easy. However, the house for her two children.
introduced the volunteer Covid-19 safety protocols “We are happy to have system we have devised
programme to assist are now in place allowing partnered with the NDA is transparent and Moiloa’s entourage also helped
with household food for the smooth and safe and the effectiveness of designed for the other families around Tlokweng by
distribution, assist flow of traffic. the Volunteer Programme wellbeing of all the donating food and blankets. They
persons in applying for in place here at Bellville. beneficiaries. Together, include the Molefes, whose house
the Social Relief and The volunteers here we work to move the was severely damaged by heavy
Distress R350 grants are determined and queue as quickly and rainfall. The owner is a divorcee and
and assist with queue vigilant at all times, hygienically as possible,”
management at SASSA This job has ensuring beneficiaries says Ms Lekhatlanye.
she is unemployed.
offices during the hard allowed are sanitised, have masks The SRD programme ook Moiloa
lockdown nationwide. A and are social distancing SASSA beneficiary,
total of 22 civil society me to learn correctly. Previously we Mrs Esme Scheepers
to Legonyane village outside Brits
where she donated food parcels
organisations (CSOs) new skills, would have to come out said, “I came to SASSA and blankets worth about R10
partnered with the NDA and manage the lines offices today and the
to recruit and employ one has as well, their role has queue marshals made
000 to three destitute families.
Unemployed Thomas Tlale
MEC Moiloa (second from left) and her entourage with items
228 volunteers from to start freed us of this. We can me very welcome and
donated to unemployed Thomas Tlale (40) whose mother died
communities across the now focus on the core comfortable. They even
province to implement somewhere. business. On average we looked after my child
and father left, also benefited
from MEC’s programme. Moiloa
a comprehensive see about 500 people while I was busy inside. I also intervened and assisted families
programme that also per day”. am very thankful”. One of the Tlokweng beneficiaries assisted in alleviating her family in Matlosana near Klerksdorp,
Mmamokete Mmogwane (32), says poverty. She said she was happy Ottosdal and Maubane outside
she is grateful that the government but added that she would be even Hammanskraal.
28 w w w. d s d . g o v. z a 29You can also read
