Department of Social Development, In July 2000, the Department of Welfare was renamed “The Department of Social Development”.
We are called the Department of Social Development:
- Because of our commitment to social transformation
We are committed to the agenda of social transformation that is embodied in the principle of social justice and the Bill of Rights contained in our Constitution. We endeavour to create a better life for the poor, vulnerable and excluded people in our society.
- Because our task is to reduce poverty and promote social integration
Our task is to develop and monitor the implementation of social policy that both creates an enabling environment for and leads to the reduction in poverty. We ensure the provision of social protection and social welfare services to all people who live in our land. We conduct research that develops the social indicators necessary for programme implementation and public accountability.
- Because our work is based on partnerships and the Batho Pele principles of service delivery
All our work requires extensive and on-going consultation with all sectors of our society. Our programmes are integrated with those of other government departments and all spheres of government. We work in partnership with NGOs, faith-based communities, the business sector, organized labour, and other role players. We are committed to the Batho Pele (People First) principles and use them to improve service delivery to our clients and the public.
- Because our actions are based upon solidarity and engender self-reliance
As social service professionals, we act on the basis of solidarity with all of humanity. We seek to empower communities and engender self-reliance by creating conditions for sustainable livelihoods. This involves expanding the range of choices available to communities.
- Because of the range of our human services
Our development, social protection and social welfare services span the entire life cycle of human life and encompass advocacy, promotion, prevention, care, mitigation and palliation.
Vision
A caring and self-reliant society.
Mission
To transform our society by building conscious and capable citizens through the provision of comprehensive, integrated and sustainable social development services.
Values
The people we serve come first in performing our duties. We will ensure equity and freedom from discrimination and harassment in the workplace and in the services provided by our department. We will work in partnership with the people we serve and with other stakeholders. We will use the resources entrusted to us, to deliver on the Government’s priorities in the most efficient, effective and innovative ways. We will be transparent and accountable for our decisions, actions and performance. We will share our knowledge and expertise with other departments and broader welfare sector and learn from them. In performing our duties; we will uphold the Constitution of the republic of South Africa, the laws governing the public service and the Code of Conduct for the Public Service.