Department Of Social Development Organisational Structure, The National Development Plan points to deep seated and structural causes of poverty and inequality in the economy which must change for the better to benefit the poor and most vulnerable people.
Positive change comes with focus, determination, and hard work against real constraints and challenges. This includes the current economic climate of slow growth at the global and domestic level coupled with drought in our region which threatens food security.
Given this, a sharp focus on our social protection instruments to drive transformation and champion the cause for the poor and most vulnerable in society is imminent. The Department of Social Development will stay the cause and remain firm over the Medium Term Strategic Framework (2014-2019) in driving the following outcomes
• A reformed social welfare sector that is able to deliver effective and equitable services.
• Increased access to quality ECD programs for children aged 0 to 4 by 2019 and ensures universal access to Grade R.
• Strengthening communities towards self-reliance.
• Deepening social assistance and expanding access to social security.
• A better coordination, integration, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of social protection services.
These outcomes will be realized through a combination of projects and programs that are led by the Department of Social Development and its entities, another sector department, and provinces that contribute towards the achievement of Outcome 13 “An inclusive and responsive social protection system”. Efforts by private sector initiatives spanning from Non-Governmental Organisations, Faith Based Movements, Traditional Structures, and Corporate Social Investments will continue to play a key role towards a sustainable social development agenda for the country.
The Department will in the short to medium term (2016/17-2018/19) focus on strengthening social welfare services through policy, legislative reforms, capacity building, and partnerships. A dedicated attention will be on the child protection systems especially prevention and early intervention whilst at the same time maintaining a healthy balance on the statutory services, aftercare, and re-integration.
Promoting psychosocial wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities will be heightened as we move aggressively towards the implementation of the white paper on families. The strategic anchor on the family will certainly help us respond effectively to social fragmentation and pathologies that are part accountable to the scourge of drug abuse and social crime.