EC Social Development

DSD WARMLY WELCOMES MS LUMKA OLIPHANT FOLLOWING HER REINSTATEMENT AS CHIEF DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATION The National Department of Social Development warmly welcomes Ms Lumka Oliphant following her reinstatement as Chief Director: Communication. We wish her every success as she resumes her responsibilities. #DSDPortfolioAtWork #DSDCares#BuildingACaringSocietyTogether

GOLDEN GAMES 2026 | DAY ONE | BLOEMFONTEIN “Age must never become a barrier to dignity, opportunity or participation.” Addressing older persons from all nine provinces during Day One of the National Active Ageing Programme (NAAP) in Bloemfontein, Free State, Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, reaffirmed government's commitment to promoting active and heal while protecting the rights and dignity of older persons. The Minister emphasised that older persons are not merely recipients of care, but active citizens, community leaders and custodians of wisdom whose contributions continue to shape society. Under the theme “Golden Years: See Our Value; Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights,” she called for stronger community-based programmes, greater social inclusion and sustained efforts to protect older persons from abuse, neglect and discrimination. The Minister also officially declared the 2026 National Golden Games open, encouraging participants to embrace the spirit of friendship, unity and healthy competition. #GoldenGames2026 #SocialDevelopmentMonth2026 #OlderPersonsMatter #DSDCares

📍 MTHATHA, EASTERN CAPE Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, speaks to the media on the sidelines of the Ministerial ICROP, highlighting efforts to bring essential government services closer to communities. #DSDPortfolioAtWork #DSDCares #BringingServicesCloser

President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted that giving every child a strong start in life requires a collective effort from government, families, communities and the private sector. In his address at the Bana Pele Leadership Summit 2026, the President underscored the importance of creating an environment where children can learn, grow and reach their full potential. From supporting early learning centres to investing in quality early childhood development, every contribution matters. #BanaPele

NATIONAL NUTRITION WEEK 2026 | Healthy Choices, Healthier Workplaces Workplaces have an important role to play in promoting good nutrition and employee well-being. Access to nutritious meals and safe drinking water, healthier catering at meetings and workplace events, and supportive breastfeeding facilities can help create an environment where employees’ health needs are prioritised. By integrating healthy eating practices into the working day and supporting employees at every stage of their lives, organisations can contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce. #NationalNutritionWeekZA2026 #NNWZA2026 #BetterNutrition

🇿🇦🇳🇦Benchmarking Visit | The Department of Social Development is presenting *South Africa’s National Child Protection Register* to the Namibian delegation during its benchmarking visit. The Register helps record reported child abuse cases, monitor interventions and screen people seeking to work with or have access to children by keeping a record of persons found unsuitable to work with children. Through this exchange, the two countries are sharing experiences to strengthen systems that protect children from harm. #DSDCares #ChildProtection365 #SouthAfricaNamibia🇿🇦🇳🇦

#GovZAUpdates | Government urges parents and guardians to take an active role in their children’s daily and online activities.

📌[COVID-19 SRD] Payment dates for September 2026 are 23 and 25 September 2026 #SocialGrantPayments #R370PositiveImpact

Stakeholder Briefing Underway Ahead of Dimbaza Community Engagement The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, is participating in a stakeholder briefing in Dimbaza, Eastern Cape, ahead of today’s community engagement at Dimbaza Stadium. The briefing is bringing together political leadership and stakeholders to receive an overview of the state of readiness and the programme of the day. The programme also includes a funded project oversight visit to Siphumeze CNDC and Masibelulutho Women Cooperative. The community engagement will include inputs from community stakeholders, a media engagement and a keynote address by Minister Dina Pule, followed by the symbolic handover of grant approval outcome letters and school uniforms. #DSDPortfolioAtWork #ServiceDeliveryInAction #DSDCares #ICROP

D-DAY | Masiye eDimbaza! — Bringing Services Closer to Communities Today, 18 September 2026, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, leads the Ministerial Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at Dimbaza Stadium, Ward 36, Buffalo City Metro. Residents of Dimbaza and surrounding communities are invited to access a basket of government services, including social development and other essential public services, brought closer to the community. The programme aims to improve access to services and respond to the needs of residents. #ICROP #DSDCares #DSDPortfolioAtWork #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether

MEDIA STATEMENT Minister Dina Pule and Eastern Cape MEC Bukiwe Fanta Condemn School Violence Following Fatal Stabbing of 16-Year-Old in Dimbaza 18 September 2026, Pretoria, Social Development Minister Dina Pule and Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta have expressed their deep sadness and outrage following a tragic incident in Dimbaza, where 16-year-old Siphosethu Jack was fatally stabbed in a classroom at his new school, Kuyasa Senior Secondary. The horrifying act of violence, allegedly perpetrated by another pupil, has sent shockwaves through the Dimbaza community and raised urgent concerns about the safety and well-being of children in schools. Siphosethu’s family had made the heartbreaking decision to transfer him to another school in the hope of protecting him from violence, only to suffer the unimaginable loss of their beloved son and grandson. “This tragic incident underscores the pressing need for effective measures to ensure that our schools are safe environments, free from violence and fear,” said Minister Pule. “We stand united in condemning this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with Siphosethu’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to them and to all those affected by this tragedy.” The incident has raised significant concerns among parents in Dimbaza and surrounding communities. “We understand the anxiety that families feel when it comes to the safety of their children at school. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that schools are sanctuaries for learning and growth, not places of violence and fear,” said MEC Fanta. MEC Fanta said it was imperative for schools, parents, community leaders and law enforcement agencies to work together to create safe and supportive environments for children. “Together, we must ensure that no child has to live in fear and that all children can focus on their education and future without the looming threat of violence,” said Minister Pule. “Let us unite as a community to protect our children and create safe environments where they can learn, grow and thrive,” MEC Fanta concluded. ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Sandy Godlwana, Chief Director: Communication on 082 678 5634 / [email protected]

🔴 LIVE | SASSA CEO Media Engagement Programme SASSA is hosting its CEO Media Engagement Programme in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, engaging the media and stakeholders on key social grant matters and service delivery. Catch the live stream: facebook.com/share/v/19M1Ya9…

DIMBAZA, WE ARE ONE SUNRISE AWAY! Tomorrow, the road to essential social services leads to Dimbaza Stadium. The Ministerial ICROP will bring government closer to the community, turning questions into guidance, needs into assistance and public service into a meaningful human connection. Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, will join residents as the social development portfolio and participating partners work together to ensure that people receive the right services, at the right place and at the right time. #DSDPortfolioAtWork #DSDCares#BringingServicesCloser