News and Speeches for Ministry of Social Development | Western Cape Government

News and Speeches for Ministry of Social Development

Department of Social Development highlights

21 December 2022

In many ways, 2022 has been a year of recovery: recovery from the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; from the devastating economic impact of the hard lockdowns. Read More

Let's keep one another safe this festive season

15 December 2022

Although many people are winding down over the next few weeks, the Department of Social Development’s offices will be open during the festive season. There will also be staff on standby at Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to respond to emergency... Read More

National agency SASSA once again failing citizens

14 December 2022

It is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, yet for many SASSA grant beneficiaries it has become a nightmare. The suspension of ATM withdrawals for SASSA beneficiaries by Postbank is unacceptable, especially just before this important time of... Read More

Private sector – we need you!

13 December 2022

The Western Cape Department of Social Development recognises the critical work done by our partners in the Victim Empowerment sector, which focuses on victims of Gender-Based Violence, with R 62 866 000 allocated to the sector this financial year. Read More

Swartland’s GBV ambassadors a beacon of hope

9 December 2022

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign has been observed since 25 November, culminating in International Human Rights Day on 10 December. Read More

Let’s continue creating inclusive spaces

2 December 2022

Disability Rights Awareness Month, which we observed throughout November, culminates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December. Read More

Ending violence is not just a “16 days” campaign

28 November 2022

Today marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which runs until 10 December.  During this time, government and civil society collaborate to generate an increased awareness of the adverse effects... Read More

International Men’s Day: Solutions start with one conversation

21 November 2022

International Men’s Day is commemorated on 19 November, to celebrate the positive values men bring to the world, their families, and communities. Read More

You just have to ask. Help is available

17 November 2022

Tershia Louw, mother to 7-year old Diondré, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was an infant, says she is still learning how to care for her special girl. Read More

A child must first be seen as a child, and secondly as a child with a disability

10 November 2022

“Each child with a disability needs to be accepted within their broader communities. The child must first be seen as a child, and secondly as a child with a disability,” says Eleanor Harker, a Social Worker Supervisor at the Western Cape Cerebral... Read More

Inclusivity the key to disability rights

3 November 2022

As we mark the start of Disability Rights Awareness month, we call on citizens to do their part in removing the social, physical, and attitudinal barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Read More

WCG hosts Provincial Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Summit

20 October 2022

The Western Cape Government (WCG) hosted its Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Summit today to report on the progress made in this sector, and to give civil society a platform to make inputs ahead of the Presidential Summit next month. Read More

DSD Presents 2021/22 Annual Report to Standing Committee

18 October 2022

The Western Cape Department of Social Development presented its 2021/22 annual report to the standing committee in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament this morning, highlighting several achievements in prioritising the wellbeing and dignity of... Read More

More than 97 000 girls benefit from Sanitary Dignity Project

11 October 2022

As we observe the 10th annual International Day of the Girl Child today, it’s important to reflect on progress made in ensuring the rights and dignity of girls are upheld. Read More

Call to urgently resolve SASSA security guard strike

5 October 2022

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez calls for an urgent resolution to the South African Social Security Agency’s (SASSA) security guard strike, as this has a direct impact on service delivery to the most vulnerable in... Read More

Celebrating the Contribution of Older Persons

30 September 2022

In commemoration of International Day of Older Persons on Saturday, 1 October, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez has called on the whole of society to ensure the wellbeing and protection of older citizens. Read More

Touws River resident celebrates 116th birthday

28 September 2022

Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez joined the community of Touws River in celebrating Margaret Maritz on her 116th birthday yesterday. Read More

DSD approaches high court over illegal rehabs

22 September 2022

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has continued to receive complaints about illegal rehabilitation centres exploiting clients and in some cases, violating their human rights. Read More

DSD NPO Help Desk can assist NPOs with compliance

20 September 2022

Non-profit Organisations (NPOs) are vital partners in the Western Cape, and are urged to check their compliance status to ensure the continuation of service delivery. Read More

International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day

9 September 2022

Western Cape Ministers Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and Sharna Fernandez partnered with the Foundation of Alcohol Related Research (FARR) to commemorate International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day this morning, Friday 9 September. Read More

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