NOVEMBER 2020

Building a Caring Society. Together. www.dsd.gov.za

PROTECT SOUTH A FRICA 1 2020 2020 2020 2020 February April January March S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 1 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1 2 3 4 12 113 14 15 16 17 18 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 19 202 21 22 23 24 25 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 26 227 28 29 30 31 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 29 30 31 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 www,yourwebsite.com 343295892your instagram www,yourwebsite.com 343295892 your instagram 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 26 27 28 29 30

www,yourwebsite.com 343295892your instagram 2020 www,yourwebsite.com 343295892your instagram EDITOR’S NOTE JanuaryCONTENTS BY: LUMKA OLIPHANT Editor’s Note 3 From the Desk of the President 4-5 Message from Minister Lindiwe Zulu 6-7 Welcome to the November issue Women continue to occupy of DSD news where we focus maintenance courts trying to fight Message from Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu 8-9 2020 on the 16 days campaign2020 for for the rights of their children. 2020 S M T MessageW from ActingT Director GeneralF Linton Mchunu S 10 2020 no violence against women and They continue to be forced to July June August Message from the Registrar of SACSSP: Langi Malamba 11 May children. lose money because they have to attend court. It is still women New Home for Gender-Based Violence Command Centre 12 At the start of the campaign we in the majority who collect social S M T W T F S Minister Zulu joins Act Now Walk against GBVF 13 woke up to gruesome stories of grants on behalf ofS theirM children. T W T F S Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu launches the Ipelegeng Multimedia Centre 14 women and children who were 1 S M T W T F S killed at theS handsM ofT men.W MostT ThisF clearlyS shows that more still Children’s1 Ammendment2 Bill 3 4 15 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 concerning towards the end of needs to be done. Women need National Men’s Parliament 16-17 1 2 last week was 1 a story2 that3 was4 all5 the6 opportunities5 6to make7 8 9 10 11 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 KZN - Traditional Healers - GBV 18 doing the rounds on social media sure that they do not depend on 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 of a mother7 who8 posted9 what10 she11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 KZN - Batho Pele Awards 19 abusive partners to look after their 10 111 12 13 14 15 16 found on14 her 15minor 16 daughter’s17 18 families.19 20 In this edition,19 20 we look21 22 23 24 25 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 5 6 7 FS8 - Guardian Angels9 10 11 20 phone (12 years) who was at the efforts by the Men’s sector UNFPA go to great lengths 17 21 118 19 20 21 22 23 coerced into21 having22 23sex with24 the25 supported26 27 by the 26Department 27 28 in 29 30 31 30 31 FS - The Church of Scientology 24 22 225 26 27 28 29 30 driver of the28 hired29 taxi30 that takes the fight against GBVF. www,yourwebsite.com 343295892your instagram her to school. In the conversation EC - Unathi Filita 31 23 the old man was promising to www,yourwebsite.com 343295892 your instagram www,yourwebsite.com 343295892your instagram www,yourwebsite.com 343295892your instagram 12 13 14 Infographics15 on Travel16 & Gifts Policy 17 18 24-25 give the minor child money in GP - Marievale Agro Farming 26-27 exchange for sex.

NW - Social ills dealt a fatal blow 28-29 In the Eastern Cape, it was also Limpopo - MEC hands over new vehicles 30 reported that children in foster Limpopo - Gambling board delivers on CSI 31 care homes were being targeted 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 or given away by their foster Limpopo – Second food distribution launched 32 parents for ukuthwala around EC – Devastating levels of hunger 33 Nyandeni. While Government FS – Mencare training 34 continues to make sure that GBVF remains on the agenda2020 and 2020 Organisational Review of DSD 35-37 2020 26 27 28 29 30 31 September resources are given Octobeto deal withr 2020 December Tips for staying safe online 38-39 what the President has declared SASSA – Thank you 40-41 a second pandemic, violence November against women and children GP - Segametsi’s silver lining 42 S M T W T F S continues to ravage communities Level 1 updated Messages 43 despite theseS efforts.M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S www,yourwebsite.com Open343295892 text informationyour Champion instagram Award 44 1 2 3 4 5 The race is on 45 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Extension of Foster Care 46 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Join the webinar 47 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 DSD in Pictures 2048-53 21 22 23 24 25 26 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31 29 30

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2 www.dsd.gov.za 3 Until we have overcome this pandemic, we all have to play it safe, for ourselves and those around us.

Dif cult though it may be, we should not expose our elderly mothers and fathers to the virus through social visits. Let us keep in touch with them by phone or video messaging.

If they live with us, let us ensure we observe proper hygiene at all times by washing and sanitising our hands. Frequently touched surfaces, including equipment used by our 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 around our elderly relatives. At the same time we must be led by common sense and not isolate elderly or sick relatives at a time when they need us most. Dear Fellow South African, This year, World AIDS Day is taking a crucial group because they are Unfortunately, we are not there yet. positive, PrEP involves the regular use women – which contribute both to place under difficult conditions. much more likely to be at risk of We have to do far more to ensure of antiretroviral drugs by HIV negative gender-based violence and to the DEAR getting HIV. that young people arePeople empowered with to underlyingpeople to preventionmedical conditionsinfection. The likespread diabetes of HIV. and hypertension should be extra Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in prevent infections, includingcautious. through They study,should conducted observe by socialscientists distancing, from stay home if possible and stay away from For those fortunate enough theto havecountry, an with elderly the nation-wideparent or grandparentOur treatment stillprogramme alive, not has being changing behaviour, accessing the HIV Prevention Trials Network, Ultimately, we will achieve the end FELLOWable to spend time with themlockdown has been and onethe pressure of the moston our dif cultcontributed parts to ofa thereduction lockdown. in the condoms and testingcrowded regularly. places.We found Like that everyonelong-acting injectionselse, they once shouldof AIDS practice through the good empowerment hygiene and continue to health facilities, many HIV, AIDS and number of deaths due to AIDS by 60%. need to make sure that everyone who every eight of young people, women and SOUTH tuberculosis services have suffered. There has been a greater reduction is infected has accesstake to theirtreatment medication. weeks was better than the daily other people at risk. This includes For millions of senior citizens,This social has posed activities a challenge like for meeting people infriends HIV-related and deaths family among and attendingyoung and care. tablet used for HIV prevention. empowerment through access to testing and people. These findings have the potential to information, advice and support. It AFRICANreligious services and stokvelstarting and antiretroviralburial society treatment. meetings Many are the mainstay of their lives. We need to work Oneharder of on the HIV lessons significantly from strengthen this pandemic our response is thatincludes we access need to a educationholistic approachand to health. people found it difficult to collect their It was possible to reduce the number prevention among keyAnecdotal populations, evidence to the epidemic. suggests many of our peopleeconomic have opportunities, used the lockdownespecially period to make medicines and fewer people accessed of deaths because we, together with including sex workers, men who for young women. Empowerment Because of social distancingother regulations, services, such asmost voluntary of malethese our activities partners, havehave rolledbeen outcurtailed, an have sex with men,positive and people lifestyle If changeswe are to succeed like doing in ending more AIDS exercise also means or quitting that every smoking. person must Such developments As we continue our efforts to medical circumcision. extensive antiretroviral programme who inject drugs. We must end the as a public health threat within the have access to testing, treatment and managepotentially the devastating leaving coronavirus them feeling socially isolated and lonely.reaching And millions leaving of people their living loved with ones stigma and discriminationshould towards be welcomed. next decade, If some we need of us to havecombine become other healthierhealth services. during the lockdown, we should pandemic,anxious we for cannot their wellbeing.ignore the At the same time, there are many the disease. these populations. Wecontinue cannot hope in this these vein. medical breakthroughs with other public health challenges that lessons that have been learnt from to end HIV if we ignore the needs, fundamental changes in behaviour. The people of South Africa have ourDear country Fellow faces. South African, our public health response to the At the beginning of the decade, our concerns and rights of any part of our We also need to tackle the economic come so far, endured so much and coronavirus pandemic that can programme to prevent mother to population. and social conditions that contribute made such great progress in the fight The reality however is that in keeping our distance from our elderly parents and Reducing the burden of lifestyle-related diseases on our health system is ultimately in the ForW elcomemore than to the three first weeklydecades, message strengthen 'From our fightthe Desk against of HIVthe andPresident'. child transmission Each week, (PMTCT) I will discussof HIV some to high rates of infection. against HIV, AIDS and Tuberculosis. ourgrandparents country has been at engagedthis time in weTB. could be saving their lives. had very low coverage. Now we have South Africa needs tobest increase interests efforts of our health, our economy and our own personal nances. anof ongoing the issues struggle that interestagainst HIVand concern South Africans, and talk aboutone of the the workhighest we rates are of doing coverage in govern - to medically circumcise young men One of our central tasks is to On this World AIDS Day, which is andment AIDS, to tacklewhich thesehas cost issues. many I hopeSouth you Africa will continuesfind it useful. to have the of PMTCT in Southern Africa, which to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV. empower adolescent girls and young taking place in the shadow of another lives and caused great hardship and largest number of people living with has substantially reduced rates of Unsafe circumcision shouldWhile not the leave COVID-19 women, fatality educationally, rate iseconomically low in South devastating Africa compared pandemic, let to us theintensify rest of the world, the suffering.Coronavirus can infect anyone,HIV inbut the older world. peopleIt is encouraging, are among infection those among at highest children. risk of getting young men with lifelong health and socially. They need to be able to both our resolve and our actions to Almostseverely everyone ill and possiblyI meet in thedying. countrhowever, Sadly,y, whetherthat there over residentshavethe last been decade of aLusikisiki number or of business coronavirus leaders outbreaks in Johannes at - problems, and no risingone should number die ofmake infections their own decisionsis a caution about everyagainst confront complacency. and overcome AIDS once Tomorrow,burg, is we deeply will join concerned people across about we the made state progress of the in economy reducing andthe theWhile stubbornly we have reducedhigh rates deaths of andunemploy - from circumcision. aspect of their lives, including their and for all. theold globe age in homesmarking andWorld care AIDS centres, number resulting of new HIV in infections a number in the of deaths.new infections, we still are far from sexuality and sexual behaviour. ment. After a decade of low growth and deepening poverty, people are looking for signs of progress in Day. As the Chair of the South African population by nearly 60%. reaching the goal we committed We must make sureIf we that follow young all the prevention measures we willWith be best able regards to protect ourselves. We will also, Nationaltackling AIDS the manyCouncil, challenges Deputy confronting our country. ourselves in 2016 of achieving a 75% men have safe circumcision. We are As the country marks 16 Days of President In addition, David Mabuzadata released will lead byIt the is Departmentalso encouraging of Healththat HIV indicates reduction that in HIVpeople infections with by underlying 2020. encouraged by findingsthrough of a our recent everyday Activism actions,for No Violence protect Against and keep safe those who are most vulnerable. the national commemoration with infections in adolescent girls and If we succeed in doing so, we are study on pre-exposure prophylaxis Women and Children, we need to anThese medicaladdress concerns onconditions progress are real. insuch theThis as yeayoung highr, the blood women economy pressure, have will significantly record diabetes, growth likely heart tothat end isdisease, AIDS lower as athan publicrenal expected health disease, (and (PrEP). Unlike antiretroviral treatment work even harder to address the country’smuchasthma response.lower and than chronic what we respiratoryneed).declined Government indisease the last finances decade.are more areThis stretched is vulnerablethreat byabout 2030. to as developingfar as they can severe go, and that is given to people Let who us areremain HIV cautious.unequal relations Let usbetween remain men vigilant. and Let us stay safe. several industries are looking at retrenching workers. complications and dying from coronavirus.

With best wishes Much of the confidence that the country had 20 months ago has dissipated as the reality of the problems 4 www.dsd.gov.za 5 weAccording face became to new cleare researchr. This publishedconfidence by was the born National out of Institute the hope for that Communicable we would quickly Diseases, undo the damagea third ofthat patients was done admitted over a tonumber hospital of years. with COVID-19 Implementing had change at least does one take co-morbidity. time. The important issue is that we should move in a determined way to effect change while remaining irrevocably commit- ted to rooting out state capture, corruption and malfeasance. This is a signi cant concern in a country such as ours that also has high prevalence of HIV

Wande collectively tuberculosis, have the a common leading task: cause to rebuildof natural the confidencedeaths in Southof our people, Africa lastthis timeyear. based not merely on hope and expectation of change, but on concrete things that make a difference in the economy, real actionsAdditionally, that 'move more the than needle'. 4.5 million South Africans have diabetes, a gure that has doubled since 2017. In the Western Cape alone, diabetes is a co-morbidity in over half of all I believe this is eminently possible. Despite the difficulties, South Africans from all walks of life are still COVID-19 deaths. moved by the spirit of Thuma Mina to become involved in fixing our country. They want to change the narrative of doubt to a narrative of opportunity not through clever spin, but through action. South Africans areIn aready number to rise of toour the provinces, challenge. including Gauteng and Western Cape, testing is being offered to people with co-morbidities such as diabetes whether they show coronavirus symptoms Mostor not. of the This people smart I speakapproach to recognise to screening that we and have testing made progressis part of in our turning effort our to country limit infections around. The changes that have taken place in many state-owned enterprises and in bodies like the NPA, SARS, the among those most vulnerable. police and the State Security Agency give people confidence that we can restore the credibility and integrity of the State. It shows that we are serious about tackling corruption and ending state capture. We will continue to be led by scienti c evidence and adapt our strategies where necessary. There has also been progress on the economic front. A year ago, we announced an economic stimulus andAs partrecovery of the plan national in response effort toto containour economy's coronavirus, first recession protecting in ninethe generalyears. Since population then we from have embarked on several reforms to create a more investor-friendly environment. We have finalised a Mining becoming infected must be matched by efforts to protect people who are at greater risk. Charter that has been broadly welcomed by the industry and finalised policy on the allocation of valuable broadband spectrum. We have and continue to make changes to our visa policies Throughout the nationwide lockdown period, we have taken measures to ensure that those Fundswho rely have on been chronic redirected medication to stimulate or treatment economic are activity able in to areas visit wherehealth the facilities. majority of South Africans live. This includes finance to support black commercial farmers, the revitalisation of industrial parks in townships and the establishment of a Township Economy Fund. Government is also increasing the value The Department of Social Development has set dietary standards on the food provided to of goods and services it procures from small business and cooperatives. Much work still needs to be donecommunities in many of duringthese areas lockdown to ensure to theyensure have they the eofffect nutritional on the economy value, we which seek. is particularly important when managing diabetes. Companies can play their part by keeping basic food prices down, which means that people don’t need to seek out cheap processed foods of poor nutritional value.

Among the many cases being made for the National Health Insurance is that we will be able to mobilise the necessary resources to overcome the burden of these non-communicable diseases and improve the health outcomes of all our people, not just those who can afford to pay. DSD NEWS

Dear DSD Family,

MESSAGE s we observe the 16 days campaign for no Earlier this month, I joined the “The Mzansi Act Now violence against women and children, which Team”, a non-profit organization, established by FROM APresident Cyril Ramaphosa launched on 25 a group of concerned men to fight the scourge of November, let us remember that we all have a role to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, in KwaZulu- play to promote a society that is free from Gender- Natal for an awareness campaign to fundraise for MINISTER Based Violence and Femicide. programmes.

As the Minister of Social Development, and as a The group walked 530 kilometres, from mother and grandmother, I want my children and Johannesburg to Durban, visiting communities grandchildren to live in a violence free South Africa where they met with community leaders, that respects the human rights of women and girls. stakeholders and ordinary citizens to spread the This is possible and it starts with each and every one message that we all have the power to stop this of us. scourge of violence against women and children. Indeed, Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a gross violation of women and children’s fundamental human rights and there is no EXCUSE for it.

We all have the responsibility to address the societal deep-rooted patriarchal and violent society that dehumanises and degrades women and girls to a point that they cannot make free choices about their own bodies. We still have a society steeped in patriarchal attitudes that blames the victims and survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, not the perpetrators.

We can and must make our streets safer for every single woman and girl to walk our streets freely without any fear of violence or sexual abuse. No matter what she is wearing, or where is she, no man has a right to go beyond the word “NO”. Let’s make the empowerment of women a priority for all.

This month, the South African flag was raised to to half mast at the Union Buildings to signify the 5 Days of Remembrance as we remember those who lost their lives through Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19. We pay tribute to those dedicated officials gave their lives in service to the people of our country.

Thank you and Stay Safe! Minister Lindiwe Zulu

6 www.dsd.gov.za 7 ensured that our traditional leaders are trained to Leaders to assist in this, find the African law to DEPUTY MINISTER’S MESSAGE take on the leadership role. define the African man. In the village, no child was ever raped by her father. We have introduced a programme called Chommy, which is focused on boys, and girls between the Human Trafficking is a crime, when we hosted the ages of 10 & 14 this programme asserts, children Trafficking in Persons webinar a survivor retold HENDRIETTA BOGOPANE-ZULU to make better choices knowing the difference of her experience on how her father sold her to his what is right and wrong. drug dealer to repay her father’s debts for 14 years. Trafficking does not necessarily mean it is The children have a tag line for this programme. intercountry trafficking. It can happen within the It is “Invest in my Future, Protect me today”. community. Through this, we will ensure that we have the South African who will inherit the South Africa we We need to look in the church as well, the abuse are all working towards as outlined in the National that happens there in the name of the almighty Development Plan 2030. is disheartening. This needs to be addressed. We call upon religious leaders to stand up against Yolo focused on boys and girls from 15 to 25. You Gender-Based Violence. Only Live Once says to these young adults that you only have one life, choose to live responsibly! Our culture has always said we are queens and I choose to behave responsibly. princesses. When did it stop when girls were their fathers’ princesses? We need South African As we intensify the district Parliaments, I men to affirm their daughters. These girls will call upon South African men to pay more be assertive they will not allow themselves to be attention to Early Childhood Development trophy wives finding themselves accepting abuse (ECD). Women dominate this space; however, for economic security. Equally, fathers need we do need men in this space. What to affirm their sons, so they can accept being children are taught in ECD influences the rest of rejected by a girl. They need to be able to respect their lives. themselves and girls. They need to know they do not need to use force to be heard or respected. As a country leading in HIV infections I urge men He told us how for years he had asked his mother to leave young girls alone. They are not yours In the two years before our next parliament, men It is our country too! STOP who his father is. On every single account, his to abuse nor yours to affirm your bruised egos. need to be uncomfortable with what is not said mother had responded: “Don’t ask me about that Statutory rape is real. or done which taint the inherent dignity that killing us. STOP raping us! person, he has never even bought you a 12,5kg men have. Men must understand the tools they of maize meal”. need to dismantle toxic patriarchy. Men must be On 19 November 2020, Men representing ready and willing to end GBVF, put an end to the nine provinces of South Africa, from all walks He further told us, in the room, how one day he GBVF cannot be a label that children that are not maintained, to put an end to of life - convened at the National Assembly was woken up in the morning and told to dress teenage pregnancy, to the end of the “blesser” for the second National Men’s Parliament. up in his smartest attire. He was dragged to a we South Africans accept phenomena. The two-day event opened up dialogues coffin. It was here that his mother said: “Here lays to carry. amongst men and various commitments were your father”. We need men who are willing and ready to stand made. the test of time. Men who say “Not in my name” This young man stood in this crowd full of his and mean it. As the Department of Social Development, peers and said: “Deputy Minister, until this day, GBVF cannot be a label that we South Africans we are the hosts of the Men Championing no one asked me how I feel”. Ladies, let us raise accept to carry. Men are the ones that must As the 16 day of Activism have kicks off on the Change programme. The Takuwani Riime our boys well. Let us revisit and introspect where get us to zero GBVF cases. As women we have 25th of November we will be launching 3 Safe Men’s Movement gave birth to the programme there is a disjuncture. We have seen a rise of screamed, shouted, marched and we believe that Spaces for men dubbed the Men’s lounges in the with the aim of ensuring that boys and men play macho mobile men with money. They are the it is the men that need to lead. Men need to take North Wear and two Men’s lounges in the Kwa- a role in changing the current status quo. worst nightmare in this country. responsibility, and wage a war against GBV. Zulu Natal province, this is done in partnership We want men to change what they talk about with Distell. These spaces will provide men and We host the Boys Championing Change As a Department, we have the Rock Leadership when they are together. It should not be ok for a boys of all ages a safe space to engage in open, programme because, as DSD, we understand programme in partnership with the National man to brag about having five girlfriends. Make non-judgmental conversations where they can be that Social Behavioral Change programmes House of Traditional Leaders. This allows us to the circle smaller for these men. Change the vulnerable in the presence of their peers. start when individuals are still young. So far, hold Traditional leaders accountable in their conversations in your spaces! we have had eight Boys’ Assemblies. In a constituencies. Adding to this, we have the I would love to see a South Africa when I do not brief account of one of the engagements Village to Village programme that is aimed at Let’s strengthen the African family. In the have to rent a crown to go to the bathroom at with the boys in Mpumalanga, a 16-year-old addressing anything that stigmatises an African village, no child had no father, no child was ever the mall. We have had enough as women Stop boy stood up and told us how he had mixed from the widows who are forced to wear black considered an orphan. Let us rebuild the village. Raping us, Stop abusing us, Stop Beating Us up. feelings about the concept of a father. clothes for mourning to “ukuthwala”. We have We rely on the National House of Traditional We are equally members of society.

8 www.dsd.gov.za 9 MESSAGE FROM ACTING DIRECTOR- GENERAL OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, “COVID-19 - THE AFTERMATH MR LINTON MCHUNU AND THE NEW NORMAL”.

communities and ensure that there is psychosocial support especially s we are preparing ourselves based violence and its root causes as Let us also teach women and children for the frontline workers because for a frantic festive season patriotic citizens of this country. that we are living during times wherein they always bear the brunt of the period, my prime concern any culture which promotes gender A pandemic: pressure from their is that our country is experiencing During the same campaign, inequalities cannot be tolerated in families who do not want them to a rapid increase of gender-based Cabinet took a decision that all our communities. Most importantly, go out to work and discrimination violence which impacts negatively on South Africans should observe five we have to protect women and from community members who may the wellbeing of vulnerable women days of remembrance from 25 to children against exposure to violence allege they are actually carriers of and children. Most disturbing is that 29 November 2020 for victims of as well as harmful content which the virus. Supervisors need to create multiple forms of abuse including COVID-19. National flags across often disseminates through various deliberate platforms for people to neglect, abduction and brutal killings the country were flown at half-mast media platforms such as the internet be debriefed so they can continue of women and children continue between 6am and 6pm and all South and other social media. Let us protect to be effective in rendering disaster to increase as the majority of our Africans were encouraged to wear a children against any form of images management and psychosocial vulnerable persons are being abused black armband or any other sign to and videos which promote physical interventions to communities. and killed by persons who are show respect for those who lost their and sexual violent behaviour, so we By: Langi Malamba (Registrar: SACSSP) expected to protect them. lives. can build a better South Africa which Even more so we must look out for for all to live in without fear. A few months back a dark cloud vigour and conscientiousness in the children because they may not be During the course of this year, Still on the issue of the root causes, swooped over Mzansi and we were aftermath of COVID-19 - and ensure able to articulate the mental health President Cyril Ramaphosa, my appeal to all men from within In closing, I would like to encourage forced to relook life in general. that the new normal is understood issues they are experiencing due declared gender-based violence as the Social Development Sector to all officials not to forget that South Everyone was gripped by fear of the by our service beneficiaries and that to the observation of protocols. the second pandemic. In order to play their part and say; the scourge Africa is still under Alert Level 1 and unknown and the saying: that “death we educate them about the hard Children thrive on warmth offered enhance the fight against this second of gender-based violence must not we cannot afford to lose more lives is the night thief who can knock core facts of what may happen if we by parents, through cuddling, and pandemic, the Department will be be perpetrated in our name. I am as a result of our failure to abide by on your door anytime” became drop the guard and become with the safety protocols it means hosting several outreach activities also calling upon all social partners the precautionary COVID-19 safety a hard reality that caused a lot of careless about prevention that emotional security derived from in line with Alert Level 1 regulations including Faith Based Organisations regulations. As always, let us not mental health issues for children protocols. Safety measures must reassuring hugs from friends and to spread the message of hope for (FBOs), the Private Sector, Non- forget to wash our hands regularly and adults alike. Being thrust in the be maintained whether a second parents is gone. We might have all South Africans to remain vigilant Profit Organisations (NPOs) and with soap, sanitise, keep social forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic wave hits us or not. a pool of children with affective in the fight against Gender-Based Communities to keep on supporting distancing and avoid direct hand means a lot of social service disorders that teachers might not Violence and Femicide (GBVF). As this noble initiative of eradicating shakes. practitioners harboured a lot of the Social service practitioners need to be able to detect because they are per expectations, from our side as this second pandemic which claims fear and pain. The way we conduct our disseminate accurate information to under pressure to cover the syllabus the Social Development Sector, the innocent lives of women and PLAY YOUR PART AND SAVE business and offer interventions can and have the learners ready to sit for it is anticipated that we should children. LIVES! never be the same again. We cannot exams. implement the Emergency Response revert back to the former “normal” Action Plan on GBVF through On a daily basis, let us all volunteer I thank you. that we used to know because We also have families who have not prevention and responsive means at to serve as activists against GBVF We must many great opportunities have been grieved properly because of the our disposal. in our homes, communities, social jointly work created where the global village is burial protocols. So, social service gatherings and work stations. This we far more reachable than before. The together with professionals must be aware that the These efforts form part of the annual can achieve by always discouraging challenges of offering supervision to ‘new normal’ here is her to stay and 16 Days of No Violence against cultural practices which exacerbates other essential practitioners in outlying communities we must engage more and connect Women and Children campaign, from gender inequalities and the frequent care workers can be mitigated by having with the pain experienced by our 25 November until 10 December abuse of women and children in interactive supervision using secure to prevent service users, and give support to the under the theme, “Women’s society. Reporting incidents of abuse virtual platforms. A good number of the 2nd wave vulnerable to mitigate the aftermath Economic Justice for a Non-violent in our own neighbourhood can no essential service workers were lost of COVID-19. We must jointly work and Non-sexist South Africa.” The longer be regarded as a sign of from hitting us to COVID-19 and we must never together with other essential care campaign serves as a clarion call selling out, but rather an indication forget or take their deaths in vain. unprepared. workers to prevent the 2nd wave for all of us to invest more time of solid families which translates into We need to forge forward with more from hitting us unprepared. and energy on combatting gender- more united communities.

10 www.dsd.gov.za 11 NEW HOME OF SUPPORT FOR BORN VICTIMS OF FEMALE A GENDER- RISKY LIFE IN SOUTH BASED AFRICA VIOLENCE By Evans Molimi

By: Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane

Speaking at the relaunch of the One of the two survivors of GBV who Gender-Based Violence Command spoke at the event, Ms Palesa Brown, Centre (GBVCC) in Salvokop, Pretoria, No woman expressed how although she is still during the 16 Days campaign for no or girl who is scarred by being raped by seven men violence against women and children, – only five of whom were arrested - Minister Lindiwe Zulu paid tribute to the victim of she has chosen to heal, forgive and foot soldiers of civil society. “I want violence and find closure. She said she has faith in he haunting daily deeply for answers that women of South Africa and children. to recognise and express my utmost abuse should the justice system and finds solace in reports of females, can eliminate this horror can walk freely, wear respect for the invaluable support knowing that her two children aged young and old, story. As a Department what they want to wear “We all have an and contribution rendered by many ever feel that 18 and 20, have a strong mother to T shows that women are we are calling abused and until freedom is felt opportunity to be civil society organisations - including they have no look up to. “I have chosen to find killed daily in the country, women to get out of it in every corner of each unashamedly bold in many volunteers who run shelters way to get out. peace and to move on. Mine is to and it prompted Act Now before they are dead as community. our journey towards real and continue to provide much help other victims – including boys, to undertake a walk of 560 we have Khuseleka One change and it requires needed services in communities to act against abuse perpetrators. We kilometers in nine days Stop Centers where they Furthermore, Minister our consistent diligence throughout the country. Your selfless cannot be ruled by fear any more…” from Gauteng to KwaZulu can go before it is too Zulu also called on police to stand up and fight service, which sometimes comes need to make sure every victim knows said the 42-year-old. Natal to inspire citizens late”. stations to create a space this pandemic. We are at as a huge personal sacrifice, will that they are not alone; that there to create a society where where abused women can walking for change, never be forgotten, neither will are resources available to them in To ensure that Palesa’s dream of women can live free of “We need to have feel safe in reporting the demanding action from all the countless lives of women and their moment of greatest need,” she assisting others comes into fruition, Gender-Based Violence volunteers on our streets abuse. communities and refusing children you have saved or touched expressed. Minister Zulu told the participants in and Femicide. and street committees to accept the present in service of our nation,” said the relaunch of part of the funding to assist in protecting Act Now’s walk aims status quo. Honestly, as a Minister Zulu. To affirm solidarity, Mr Lamola, said model. “As the CEO of NDA indicated During the final walk, women. The time is to highlight the pain society, we have a chance his Department is also working earlier, we have allocated an amount Minister of Social now for community women suffer at the to self-correct and re- The Minister, with the support tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators of R100 million from the Criminal Development Ms members to protect hands of those who are event ourselves to correct of the Minister of Justice and are brought to book. “We do Assets Recovery (CARA) Funds Lindiwe Zulu said the each other because supposed to protect and wrong with right,” Lerole Correctional Services - Mr Ronald not sit by and watch a pandemic Account to provide financial support social behaviour change GBVF is a pandemic on love them. said. Lamola, reasserted the stance of the devour a nation. As part of a to organisations rendering services programme should extend it’s own. The journey Department of Social Development collaborative effort by government, to victims of crime, gender-based to communities to drive has begun, it will not Mr Tebogo Lerole It is without doubt that in ensuring that victims of GBV are we are working towards creating a violence and femicide (GBVF) in the the message home for stop until women are free chairperson of Act Now Act Now is working afforded safe facilities and support legal environment that allows us to current financial year. Of this amount, people to be active with from abuse,” Zulu said. said that GBVF is a alongside the DSD to services at all times. “One of the collect, process and capture data for R95 million is set aside for direct issues relating to GBVF. pandemic all on its own highlight the dangers key issues we are focusing on is on contact tracing, and reporting to the financial support to organisations, Without fear or favour, and their movement associated with substance support services to survivors of GBVF. public on actions regularly… In order while R5 million will be used for “We must all be willing to Minister Zulu said stands against any form of abuse, while raising No woman or girl who is the victim of for us to make swift and targeted mentoring and coaching of emerging do the work by looking she will not stop until abuse against women awareness on GBV. violence and abuse should ever feel interventions, our data has to be civil society organisations,” she said that they have no way to get out. We accurate,” he said. to much applause.

12 www.dsd.gov.za 13 COMPUTER LAB INTEGRATION AIMS TO REVOLUTIONIZE EDUCATION

THE CHILDREN’S AMENDMENT BILL: A FOCUS ON THE RIGHTS OF UNMARRIED FATHERS

By: Evans Molimi he Children’s Amendment Bill in isolation of the Principal Act is not married to the mother and seeks to address critical gaps construed it to be sexist and who was living with her at any time The Department of Social have a greater chance to retrieve Tand challenges in the child care discriminating on the basis of marital between the child’s conception or Development in partnership with the information and knowledge on the and protection system. It identifies status. birth. He will automatically acquire MTN Foundation have handed over I hope and internet for their school work,” Sefuthi several strategies to address them parental responsibilities and rights for Multimedia Facility to the Ipelegeng believe that said. efficiently and effectively and commits The Bill, however, is premised on that child. Community Care Centre in Schwaizer- all role-players to prioritise: Section 9(3) of the Constitution, Reneke in the North West Province. these computers While handing over the Multi which provides that no one may It further amends this section in order Media Centre, Deputy Minister • strengthening collaboration and be discriminated on the grounds to clarify that the family advocate may This came after realizing that will improve our Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu said coordination across multiple of marital status. It recognises the issue a certificate confirming that computers are recognised as a critical learning ability “this is a government investment sectors; rights of unmarried fathers and seeks the biological father of the child has problem-solving tool to revolutionise through Public Private Partnership • strengthening families and to bring it on par with the rights automatically acquired full parental the learning process especially in and outcomes. to transform and improve learning empowering parents; of unmarried mothers. Currently, responsibilities and rights. disadvantaged communities. ability amongst community members. • creating a supportive and enabling unmarried mothers already have We are bringing Fourth Industrial context that prohibit all forms automatic parental responsibilities Clause 17: 24 year-old youth leader in the Sefuthi also believes that if Revolution to your door step. Use this of harm of children, including towards their children unlike community, Refiloe Sefuthi said technology is integrated into lab to your advantage. I am confident violence, abuse, neglect and unmarried fathers. The Bill seeks to seeks to address the issue of the technology and multimedia are more education, it can improve learning that learners will use the centre to exploitation. bridge this gap. residence of the child. This clause conducive to project-based learning. amongst community youth, especially catch up with their school work.” provides that parents must agree on in assisting learners to move from a The current section 21 of the Clause 8: the residence of a child, in accordance “I believe end-users of this behavioral approach to a more Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu Children’s Act addresses matters with the child’s best interests. However, computer lab, especially learners will constructivist approach in their also said parents need to encourage relating to parental responsibilities seeks to provide for the if there is a dispute between the benefit immensely from the facility. education. their children to use the computer and rights of unmarried fathers, automatic acquisition of parental parents as to the child’s residence, the They will also be able to engage with lab to their advantage to improve including care, contact, maintenance responsibilities and rights by matter must be referred for mediation other users and become creators and “I think the lab will assist learners their academic curriculum and their and guardianship of a child. unmarried fathers, so that they do before approaching the relevant court. critics of their school projects. I hope to take responsibility for their intelligence. not have to apply to courts to exercise and believe that these computers learning outcomes especially in The need to amend this section those rights. The Children’s Act contains measures will improve our learning ability rural areas like these. The lab is of The twenty-seater computer lab is came as a result of the confusion where parents can agree on the and outcomes. We are also going great advantage for economically custom-made and comes with 20GB arising from the process of application Clause 10: exercise of parental responsibilities and to be able to look for employment disadvantaged learners. I am data free for two years of internet for parental responsibilities and rights through a plan or agreement, opportunities at the Centre,” going to encourage learners to connectivity from MTN. rights. Some members of the public seeks to amend section 21 by providing which can be registered with the she said. use the lab as reference to their who read the Amendment Bill clarification regarding a father who relevant authorities. school work. I think they will

14 www.dsd.gov.za 15 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH, MEN SAY: “NO TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE”

DECLARATIONS ATResolutions SECOND MEN’S PARLIAMENT

Men’s Parliament

Parliament of the Republic of South Africa 19th & 20th November 2020

Theme: Takuwani Riime Institutionalising A Responsive Men’s Movement

By: Dr Matome Kganakga

Commemorated under the theme: “Institutionalising a Responsive Men’s Movement”, the second biennial sectoral Parliament, brought together 250 men and boys to discuss their role in encouraging positive change in their respective communities. By: Evans Molimi Among some of the topics discussed was tackling the spread of HIV, ending Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and preventing social ills. en across all provinces and take accountability. During the and victims of GBVF,” Dr Kganakga The men and boys, on the final day of the two-day Parliamentary Sitting moved on four key motions. descended to Cape sitting, there were calls for working emphasised. MTown attended a two-day together with traditional and Motion on Institutionalising A Responsive Men’s Movement Men’s Parliament to recommit religious leaders to find common Addressing Men’s parliament, Deputy themselves to be at the forefront ground in defining the root of these Minister of Social Development Ms. We move for the adoption of the launch of Local and Traditional Men’s Parliaments which shall convene at least twice a year of ending Gender-Based Violence catastrophic crimes. Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu said, “By hosted by the Speakers & Mayors Office in the 226 Local Municipalities and by the Traditional Leaders at the 882 Traditional and Femicide affecting the lives of acting side by side, men can build Councils. women countrywide. Deputy chairperson of South African a South Africa they aspire to live in, National Aids Council, Dr Matome and women and children should also Motion on the Men’s Charter The two-day parliament provides Kganakga indicated that men’s be allowed to participate on issues Men’s Charther a platform for men to share their parliament would be launched in affecting them. We move for the adoption of the draft South African for further consultation with all sectors of society supported by the Parliament of the Republic South Africa review mechanism, for resolution at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament sitting. experiences, achievements and all 882 local municipalities to put an challenges in combatting GBVF in end to this national crisis. “Substance abuse remains a Motion on Programme of Action their communities. challenge in our communities, which “The high level of alcohol leads to women being raped and We move for the adoption of the Men Championing Change: Programme of Action 2020 - 2022 with a special focus on the Parliamentarian Lesiba Sepaela feels consumption and substance abuse killed. Men are being allowed to get implementation of the National Strategic Plan on HIV, TB and STIs and the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and GBVF is a societal challenge and by young adults remains a challenge, away with murder. The time is now Femicide. women are suffering at the hands of and it contributes to these barbaric to name and shame the wrongdoers! their loved ones. “Our role as men in doings,” Dr Kganakga said. He Men need to work together to rid Motion on Awards of Men society must be to fight GBVF. It is up expressed his deep disappointment, our communities of GBVF, new HIV to us to own this responsibility; we explaining that South African men infections, teenage pregnancies, In recognition of role models amongst ourselves and men in communities we move for the adoption of the Men’s Awards to be must all be role players in protecting have anger management issues substance and alcohol abuse,” cascaded beyond the South African Men of the Year, to award men who are community builders and social investors in Provinces, the vulnerable. We must recognise with their male counterparts. Bogopane-Zulu espoused. Districts and Local Municipalities. that women are human beings and they need our support. Let’s work “We need to take our During the proceeding, We so move. together to stop abusing them and programmess to villages with the parliamentarians resolved that Declaration treating them like sex objects,” aim to decrease the stigmatisation involving traditional leaders, Sepaela said. of GBVF amongst community religious leaders and civil society The second term of the Men’s Parliament is declared the term of Local Municipality and Traditional Council members. Society needs to shall result in harmonious solutions Men’s Parliament! The parliamentarian expressed the claim back their responsibility by in the fight against GBVF in their need to shift the blaming game protecting those who are vulnerable respective communities. @TakuwaniRiime [email protected] 081 802 9180 www.takuwaniriime.org 16 www.dsd.gov.za 17 SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS KZN DSD TO GBV FROM INDIGENOUS SCOOPS COVETED KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS MEDAL “A real traditional healer women. the gruesome abuse and without parents and GOLD would not kill people murder of women and caregivers. In the old days, in order to make muthi That is why the KwaZulu- children, with some of we didn’t have orphans IN BATHO from human body Natal Department of their body parts mutilated. because every child was parts!” This was a stern Social Development Who said human body the responsibility of the message from a Gender- has embarked on a parts can be used to make extended family and the PELE SERVICE Based Violence (GBV) campaign to ensure that muthi? community as a whole. consultative meeting, all structures of society, EXCELLENCE which was held in including traditional We are here to provide “In some cases, healers Durban recently between leaders and healers, as a platform for healers to abuse women and young KwaZulu-Natal Head of Department, Mrs Nelisiwe traditional healers, well as leadership within be able to stand up and girls under the pretext of AWARDS Vilakazi (second from right) leads a delegation traditional leaders and the the taxi industry, play say “it cannot be done in healing them. We cannot welcoming departmental employees who were provincial Government. their role in communities our name!” We are here turn a blind eye to such By: Simphiwe Mkhize attending the Batho Pele Excellence Awards. to curb incidents of GBV to search for answers occurrences. It is important Violence by males in their spaces of influence. from authentic traditional to engage all sectors against women and healers who have a of our society to confront children has become genuine understanding such abnormalities,” she a norm in different of indigenous knowledge said. communities. Traditional systems. Killing children A real A hero’s welcome The awards are aimed Isikhawini Service Office. government employees in healers are often accused who are living with MEC Khoza said “it is traditional awaited KwaZulu-Natal’s at recognising the best public service. of perpetuating GBV albinism because of the important to act and not Department of Social performing public servants Best Operational in communities, by healer would false assertion that their just talk”. She added that Development employees at countrywide. Employee of the Year “These achievements alleging that women not kill people body parts can make muthi traditional leaders and the King Shaka International was Mrs Thabisile Msani compel all employees are using witchcraft in is a serious crime. healers were important in order to Airport following a Two gold awards were from Zululand District’s to continue performing their communities, thus stakeholders in finding a make muthi victorious performance in handed to Paulpietersburg Louwsburg Service Office. at their best to serve our sparking revenge killings We are also observing a solution to GBV. the National Batho Pele Service Centre Office in people, adhering to Batho that are often based on from human disturbing trend where Excellence Awards which Zululand District in the On congratulating Pele principles. Our gold speculation and false body parts. women are sexually Feedback from participants were held in Gauteng on category of Best Batho Pele Departmental staff, awards should encourage accusations. Moreover, abused in exchange for included concerns that Friday, the 30th of October Team of the Year. KZN MEC for Social other employees to up traditional leaders are food and money. We see traditional healers were this year. Development, Mrs their game, to ensure that accused of perpetuating Addressing the gathering, that COVID-19 lockdown not taken seriously Ms Ntombizodwa Phyllis Nonhlanhla Khoza, next year we come back stereotypes that portray KZN MEC for Social regulations have left many and that no one cared The Department made Mabaso, from uMzinyathi heaped praise on Mabaso, with even more. We are all women as lower in status, Development, Mrs people unemployed, how healers earned a KwaZulu-Natal proud District’s Dundee Service Mbatha and Msani for their winners in the Department thus helping to strain Nonhlanhla Khoza, said: hungry and desperate. living during COVID-19 when they scooped Office, was chosen as the achievements. of Social Development,” gender-relations and lockdown, as their clients two prestigious awards Best General Worker of she said. consequently condone “As a Department, we “Due to the pandemic, we could not come to consult during the annual awards, the Year, whilst two runner- violent conduct against have been dealing with now have more children with them. “I am very happy that which were hosted by up certificates for Best the Department has MEC Khoza also the Department of Public Frontline Employee of the outstanding employees applauded the Customer Service and Administration Year were awarded to Mrs who continue to service Care Unit for ensuring that Deputy Minister, Ms Nokwazi Mbatha from the communities with dignity. they continue with their Sindisiwe Chikunga. King Cetshwayo District’s work to monitor the quality “The entire workforce of the of services rendered to Department and KwaZulu- communities. Natal province should I am very happy that the celebrate this achievement “It’s been a long journey, but as it is an indication that to receive such accolades is Department has outstanding we have good men and a huge achievement. Every women in the Public success raises the bar a bit employees who continue to Service,” said MEC Khoza. higher. In the next awards, service communities with we will be expected to She added that receiving hold onto our position and Traditional healers made a number of valid inputs MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza interaction with dignity. the awards was a testament add more silverware to our as to how they can work with government in fighting traditional healers. to the dedication of cabinet,” said MEC Khoza. the scourge of gender-based violence, improving indigenous knowledge systems and even protecting the PHOTOS: Mthobisi Mbanjwa environment. 18 www.dsd.gov.za 19 By: Evans Molimi GUARDIAN ANGELS CARE AND SUPPORT CENTRE By: Pinky Malepe he partnership between UNFPA country Director, Ms Beatrice women. It requires us to assist Guardian Angels Care and Support Centre is a non-profit the Department of Social Mutali promised to continue working women to form cooperatives organisation based in Welkom. The organisation is monitored by T Development and the United with the department to achieve to manufacture this product the Department of Social Development and provides care and Nation Population Found (UNFPA) is gender equality in the country. themselves. We need to encourage support for people living with TB, HIV/AIDS and mental health assisting underprivileged women and local production because disorders. Services at the centre are rendered by the 64 health girls in the country to embrace their “We are working on a long-term menstruation is about women. professionals, (mostly retired) and attached to various clinics within menstruation cycle. measure to ensure that the women’s The donation of these products the Free State province. The provincial Department of Social rights to dignity are achieved through has amplified the realities and has Development has managed to train five of the organisation’s UNFPA has donated sanitary pads provision of these sanitary towels. raised the alarm for us to encourage community development practitioners (CDP’s) since its inception to DSD for distribution with the I am impressed with the way your women to come together to in December 2010. aims to encourage women and girls department is reaching out to the manufacture these sanitary towels for to continue with life during their poor, especially in rural areas,” Mutali their comfort,” Minister Zulu said. During Minister Lindiwe Zulu’s visit to the Free State in October menstruation days. said. 2020, the minister donated funds to six Free State VEP Minister Zulu further highlighted that organisations, including Guardian Angel Care and Support Provinces targeted to benefit from Receiving the donation, Minister it is not by choice that a menstruation Centre. this donation are the Free State and Lindiwe Zulu said Social Development cycle occurs monthly. She comments, KwaZulu-Natal, which have the most employees need to be enthusiastic “it is difficult for underprivileged The Centre aims to implement the government’s goal to provide child-headed households in the about their work as they are serving girls because sanitary pads are “A better life for all” by addressing the impact of poverty, country. vulnerable members of the society. not affordable. Most young girls crime, teenage pregnancies, substance abuse, gender-based lose out on schooling time during violence and femicide. It also provides services to orphaned and UNFPA has tasked the DSD to “We need to do right by the people their menstrual cycle. But working vulnerable children (OVC) and home-based care for the sick and distribute the dignity pads to 259 000 because for us it is about the together, I trust we can help them to frail in the community. Since its inception, 20 418 beneficiaries vulnerable girls across the country. wellbeing of the people, especially continue without shame or fear.” have benefitted from their programmes which include:

• Drop-in centre for OVCY, AGYW Care and support groups • Walk-In Crisis and Advice Centre • Community Outreach and GBV dialogue and practical care for victims • School Based TB/HIV support programmes • Mental and legal victim support • Substance abuse prevention • Stigma mitigation through education and awareness campaigns

“Through our drop-in soup kitchen service we have been able to feed 1654 beneficiaries since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and we have distributed 600 food parcels that were donated by Food Forward S.A” said Melee.

Guardian Angels Care and Support Centre fosters a commitment to young people that promotes friendships, strong interpersonal skills and instils a sense of hope for the future generations.

UNFPA TO GREAT LENGTHS AS A PERFECT DSD PARTNER 20 www.dsd.gov.za 21 THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY VOLUNTEER MINISTERS CAPACITATE HOPE NOT ALL LOST IN ENSURING ECD PRACTITIONERS ETHICAL PUBLIC SERVICE

By: Lerato Khateana By: Nande Fayo

he ability to devote himself to the achievements for which he was About 250 Early community. They range honesty, integrity, and serving nominated for the award amongst Childhood Development from rescuing students above and beyond the call of contenders of all ages, races, sectors Practitioners received a who did not perform Tduty are the qualities that define and positions. The judging panel three-day training Course during their academic the work ethic of Unathi Filita. comprised retired Constitutional on how to curb the year, rehabilitating addicts Court Judge Zak Yacoob, Advocate spread of the COVID-19 off drugs, alleviating The Uitenhage-based Social Worker, Adila Hassim, Democracy Works Filita has hoisted the Department of Foundation executive chairperson pandemic. emotional trauma of Social Development flag high by being Professor William Gumede, and physical injuries, salvaging recognised for his work in finding Corruption Watch’s Moira Campbell. The training took place in troubled relationships to employment for 150 Uitenhage Bloemfontein, Mangaung solving human conflicts. youth, with an Integrity Icon Award. Social Development MEC Siphokazi Metro Municipality as The awards are run every year by the Lusithi congratulated Filita on this part of the departmental The aim of the training Accountability Lab to recognise the important accolade and remarks on implementation of ECD in Bloemfontein was to work and integrity of people making a his excellence: mitigating measures on equip and prepare ECD difference in public service. It aims to “ We so wish that his actions will not containment of COVID-19. practitioners for the generate debate on integrity and the just inspire those around him but reopening of pre-schools importance of personal responsibility. society generally”, said Lusithi. The training was an amidst the COVID-19 Filita is one of the five South African initiative by the Volunteer pandemic. Scientology winners in diverse fields, including One of Filita’s colleagues, Nozuko Ministers of the Church of Volunteer Ministers all social development. Msizi describes him as one of the Scientology which assists live by the same motto: most dedicated public servants and travels to wherever “Something Can Be Done The University of Fort Hare graduate, she has ever worked with. She disasters strikes. Volunteer About It.” and because of who started in the Department says Filita he stretches himself in ministers work with public their courage, compassion in 2006 as a Probation Officer, is assisting those in need. Msizi says servants and NPO’s in and training, they have responsible for skilling Community she is delighted by the Accountability their own communities, become essential in times Based Organisations and Non- Lab initiative of “naming and helping them to improve of greatest human need. Governmental Organisations. He faming” honest civil servants. The has excelled in his efforts to secure Integrity Icon Award ceremony living conditions amidst employment for 150 youth at will be held in Johannesburg on disasters that broke. They travel halfway around Volkswagen-SA in Uitenhage. In 5 December, 2020. the world to help people 2010, he won the Best Social Work who have lost everything Integrated Approach Award in the in natural disasters such as Nelson Mandela Metro District. during the Novel Corona Something Virus that unexpectedly “It is crucial to maintain integrity hit the world. Volunteer in the work that I am doing - as Can Be Done Ministers have also it fosters an ethical approach to About It. trained and partnered decision making. Being an honest and with over 1000 different dependable person I have gained groups, organizations respect and trust from my colleagues and agencies around and management. I was nominated the world, including the by transforming Women in Social Their services and capacity Department of Social Transition,” says Filita. building programs assist Development, Red Cross, communities with disaster National Guard, Army Unathi Filita says he is also working relief through the provision Cadets, Salvation Army, with Harambe, an organisation that of extensive information Boy Scouts, Rotary Clubs, trains young people, preparing and display of full array civil defence and disaster them for work opportunities, one of of tools for resolving any management agencies, disaster experienced YMCAs, SAPS and fire by members of the brigade departments.

22 www.dsd.gov.za 23 POLICY INFOGRAPHIC FOR Travel Air travel

• It is the responsibility of Head of • Implement the best-fare-of-the-day Unit to coordinate all travel plans to by making use of the negotiated GIFTS AND TRAVEL ensure the most “Cost Effective and discounted rates with SAA and BA. Economical travel”. • Compare SAA and BA fares with other • Approval for a trips should be done by airlines servicing the specific routes, Decline Accept Managers/Supervisors within the same including the low cost carriers. Branch / Chief Directorate and should • The travel agency will investigate the • A bribe or commissions are illegal Gifts • Seasonal gifts diaries or calendars always be a higher rank as the traveler. lowest flight fare, which falls within the and may result in criminal action. and inexpensive promotional items • Only the Director-General can parameters of the travel policy and • Gifts given because of the giver’s • Officials may be considered for approve the travel of the Deputy the SAA corporate agreement. official relationship with the official an award or a prize, on merit, as a Director-General. • Make travel bookings well in advance or with the Department itself. result of endeavours in their field. • Record should be kept for in order to obtain more economical fares • Gifts of over R350 • Personal gifts from colleagues of cancellations of air tickets / • A gift if doubt exists about the other government departments accommodation. propriety may be • All expenses to be financed from a • A special discount to acquire • accepted as tokens of friendship or donor source, must be detailed in the goods or services by a contractor, appreciation. submission to the Minister including supplier or consultant. • Personal gifts received from family meal allowances, transport within the • Use of outlets not available to the members or friends not linked to Car rental foreign country, hotel accommodation general public official capacity or employment • Loyalty rewards as within the Public Service. and flight tickets. (Extra hotel • Pre and post inspection of rented a gift a reward, commission, • Where refusal may offend or expenses incurred in this case will not vehicles. (Inspection form issued) reimbursement or personal prejudice the business interest be covered by the Department, but • Damages rented vehicle should be favour for a service or transaction of the Department e.g. foreign will pay a daily travel allowance to the reported to Director: Internal Control performed as part of official duties government gift, or appreciation official.) • Rented Cars will not be allowed to be for a public appearance. • All claims, where an advance was dropped-off at official’s residence. Only taken with regard to travel and collection is allowed. subsistence should be completed • If necessary to refuel the vehicle, the within seven (7) working days upon an official is responsible for the expenses, official’s return. which will be reimbursed on submitting Decline Accept proof. Hospitality • Shuttle service should only be used • Hospitality that includes • if the Department is invited for short distances and not for long overnight accommodation paid and an individual is formally distance. for by the organisation making nominated to attend • Shuttle service to workshops should the offer. • justifiable invitations to discuss Hotel/guest house be from office and not residence. • Repeated invitations from one or further the business and Officials should be dropped off at the party interests of the Department • Hotel bills must be verified for accuracy department • holidays, use of vehicles and • a purely social invitation, such and signed, then attached to the • Kilometres from home to office is equipment as a sporting event if it does subsistence and travel claim. private and should be deducted from not interfere with the service • All expenditure on telephone calls or the kilometre claim submitted. delivery of the Department alcoholic drinks should be settled by • Travel Claims older than three the traveler on departure. Official call (3) months, requires approval by costs can be claimed back on return to Accounting Officer the office, on the S&T claim form. • Fixed daily allowance if staying at family • If the Department is billed, an / friends, cancelled from 1 April 2020. immediate debt will be claimed and (Circular 3 of 2020, DPSA) deducted from the official’s salary in the • A Programme Manager must secure next payment cycle without any notice. appropriate approval for official • Hotels/ Guest houses are not allowed to kilometers travelled including All gifts must be recorded: give cash to officials to buy lunch, but associated costs for using private lunch packs allowed, if included. • Donor of gift or source of hospitality vehicle for official purposes. • Venue of hospitality or gift description • MMS members who haven’t structured • Name of both gift giver and recipient for car allowances, can use rented or • Whether the gift was accepted GG- vehicles for local trips. • Gift valuation and estimated maintenance cost thereof (if applicable)

24 www.dsd.gov.za 25 GAUTENG GOVERNMENT UNVEILS AGRICULTURAL By: Phetoho Maja PROJECT TO SUPPORT SMALL SCALE FARMERS

“The plight of the poor and the and marginalized, and assured in the province. The Thuliswa Strategy, which seeks to ensure the project outcome will have sustainable hungry will not only be improved citizens that her monumental legacy Nkabinde-Khawe Marievale social inclusion of the marginalized, 100% women-owned cooperatives, through intellectual debates, but by in fighting hunger will be kept alive. Agro Village project will provide the linking of the poor and vulnerable To this end, the creation of job opportunities and reshaping the agricultural system households with the requisite to economic opportunities as well as Provincial promote effective and sustainable in ways that alleviate hunger, end “The late MEC laid a solid production inputs, so that they are to fight hunger and food insecurity. Government local economy participation,” he poverty, and promote sustainable foundation at the Gauteng DSD in able to produce their own food.” said. development. This requires us to developing a clear and yet simple “Thuliswa Nkabinde-Khawe continues to work together more effectively.” vision of fighting poverty in the “Tackling poverty and social Marievale Agro Village is in introduce agricultural The project is a long term one and it province. She worked tirelessly with exclusion has been one of the major line with Goal 2 of the UN initiatives targeting is envisaged that it will be sustained These were the words of the Gauteng critical stakeholders such as NPOs challenges facing the South African Sustainable Development Goals indigent households through government departments Premier David Makhura during the in the conceptualisation of the society in the 21st century. The sad (SDGs) which commits to ending buying vegetables from the project. launch of the Thuliswa Nkabinde- provincial Anti-Poverty Strategy. It is reality is that the face of poverty hunger, achieving food security, in the province. Khawe Marievale Agro Village at on this basis that we are honouring and unemployment remains black, improved nutrition, and promoting The DSD, institutions, shelters and Marievale Military Base in Dunnottar, her role in the fight against poverty and predominantly female in our sustainable agriculture by 2030 and homes will buy from the project, Ekurhuleni. eradication in the province,” said country. However, at the centre of our very own Growing Gauteng He further said he was happy to the Department of Defence will also Makhura. the Sixth Administration’s social Together 2030 Plan that aims to see the level of partnerships such buy (30% Procurement spent) for The day marked exactly one year transformation is the determination ensure that no one goes to bed as National and Local Government their personnel and The Department since the passing of Thuliswa To this end, the Provincial to eradicate poverty and build social hungry by 2030.” supporting the project. of Correctional Services will Nkabinde-Khawe who was MEC for Government continues to introduce cohesion and social solidarity,” buy for their inmates. This Social Development in the Gauteng agricultural initiatives targeting added Makhura. “We have seen how the COVID-19 “The main aim of this agriculture agricultural village is also expected Provincial Government’s Sixth indigent households in the province. pandemic has aggravated the project is for government and other to supply local markets such as the Administration. The launch of the Agro-village was challenges of poverty, inequality and stakeholders to empower up to Ekurhuleni Fresh Produce Market “The project we are launching here the culmination of the Urban Poverty unemployment in our country. This 100 women here in Ekurhuleni by and local supermarkets with the Makhura has referred to Nkabinde- today will assist in reducing the and Inequality Elimination Strategy, is our effort to ease the load in our using agriculture as a catalyst to intention of up scaling into the Khawe as a champion for the poor number of food insecure households commonly known as the Anti-Poverty communities,” said the Premier. job creation and food security. This export markets.

26 www.dsd.gov.za 27 SOCIAL ILLS DEALT A FATAL BLOW

By: James Moche

aria Pheelwane is a 23 year change for the better, thanks to South Africa and Germany aimed at old from Letlhakeng village the Letlhakeng Community Care supporting orphans and vulnerable Mnear Rustenburg in the North Centre. youths like Mothibi. West. Young people like her are negatively affected by one or The facility was recently handed over The centre is one of six built in more of the social ills prevalent to the community by the Deputy the North West. The facility, in her area and surrounding Minister of Social Development, which cost about R5 million will locations. They include alcohol Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu. Its provide a range of services for and drug abuse, high levels of establishment came about as a result vulnerable children and youth with school dropout and teenage of a financial agreement between the North West Department of pregnancy. All this is about to governments of the Republics of Social Development.

Some people who attended the official handing over of the centre

These services include the provision has a men’s lounge “so that men can the Centre as a culmination of the of psycho-social support, skills have a conversation and hold each dream, of making a difference in the development and specialised child other accountable, stand up and lives of communities served by the care support by professionals like be counted against those who fight centre. She promised to take care social, social auxiliary and youth gender-based violence.” of the facility and protect it against care workers. The community will vandalism and neglect. also have an opportunity to be She announced that of the 200 trained in sports and recreational recently appointed social workers, The North West Department of Social activities by qualified facilitators. 17 of them will be placed in a Development’s Masego Mekgwe The Centre is run by an NPO called, programme that will deal with men’s described the Centre as an example Ikageng Basha. behavioural changes. of a sound international relations between Germany and South Africa. At the handover ceremony, Bogopane-Zulu called on members She committed her department to Bogopane-Zulu stressed that the of the community not to disrespect serving the community with dignity Centre was open to all members the Centre management, but thater and respect. of the community. She also to work with them to achieve the warned against the place being a aims of the facility. Mekgwe called on Letlhakeng meeting place for liquor drinking or Community Care Centre gangsters. Bogopane-Zulu said she The German ambassador to South management not to engage in will monitor how the Centre is run. Africa, Elke Wolff says her country fights which will compromise service provided the necessary finances delivery. She said the department is “When I come here it will be an because it is dedicated to achieving striving for social transformation and unannounced visit. Let me find order equality in South Africa. She said the operationalisation of the centre at this Centre,” said Bogopane-Zulu. they are helping to establish the as a way of achieving this goal. centres because to help SA create Bogopane-Zulu said since gender- an inclusive society. The other similar centres are Some of the dignitaries who attended the event in Letlhakeng included Bogopane-Zulu (centre) based violence is a such a serious built in Kwazulu Natal and problem in South Africa, the centre Kgosi Kgalalelo Sedumedi described Limpopo provinces.

28 www.dsd.gov.za 29 GAMBLING BOARD MEC HANDS OVER DELIVERS ON THEIR NEW VEHICLES By: Adele van der Linde CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY n important part of social workers have the necessary tools of Capricorn, Waterberg, Mopani, work service and serving trade to improve service delivery to Vhembe and Sekhukhune. MEC A the community with those citizens who desperately need Nkakareng Rakgoale, during a psychosocial services, involves it. With this in mind, the Department small ceremony, officially handed social workers having to travel to of Social Development in over the new vehicles that various remote areas. In a mostly Limpopo recently welcomed a range from sedans to double cab vast rural province like Limpopo, it new fleet of vehicles to the five bakkies, to staff members from is especially important that social districts of the Province, namely the districts.

By: Adele van der Linde

arly Childhood Development non-governmental structures for District, Polokwane Local has proven time and again to assistance. Municipality. Ebe beneficial for the future of our nation - the children aged The Limpopo Gambling MEC for Social Development, from birth to grade R, in terms of Board (LGB), as part of its Mme. Nkakareng Rakgoale cognitive development, nutrition, Corporate Social Responsibility and the MEC for Economic health and building healthy social programme, recently kicked off Development, Environment and relationships and a patriotic a series of official handing over Tourism, Mr. Thabo Mokone, spirit, to name but a few. Many events, during which learning officiated the handover. In ECD centres are in existence material was donated to various their addresses, both ministers today and not all of them are ECDs in Limpopo Province. The emphasised the importance funded by the Department. generous donation of various of supporting children’s However, the Department of material to 10 ECDs in each of development and progress Social Development continues to the Province’s 5 districts, will through the ECD programme monitor all ECDs for compliance go a long way in helping young by both government bodies and wherever assistance is minds and bodies grow. The first and civil society, as it was needed, the information is of the handover events was held identified as an Apex priority relayed to governmental and at Naledi Village in the Capricorn for government. MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale officially hands over new vehicles to district offices of the Department of Social Development, Limpopo, while staff members look on.

30 www.dsd.gov.za 31 By: Adele van der Linde

ravelling long distances to situated in municipal areas around lockdown period the Provincial By: Nande Fayo collect food for Community the Province are all part of the Food Distribution Centre (PFDC), Nutrition Distribution Centres Department’s efforts to increase located in Seshego, Polokwane T Development trends have shown began as a Stokvel (Umzam’Omhle (CNDCs) has become a thing of food security among the citizens Local Municipality, was also used as Women’s Club). After operating the past in Limpopo, with the of the Province, ensuring that no a central point for the collection and an alarming increase in food for some time, they created a official launch of the Cluster Two vulnerable citizen goes to bed on distribution of food parcel donations shortages due to the COVID-19 vegetable garden to sell veggies to Provincial Food Distribution Centre an empty stomach. Vulnerable for those affected by the lockdown. pandemic. Statistics indicate The DSD is the community and formed a burial in Malamulele, Collins Chabane and food insecure families and that many households rely on distributing stokvel. Municipality. individuals receive nutritious cooked However, while the Centre was Government social grants as the meals at CNDCs daily. ideally located for the Sekhukhune, main source of income, and the food to During the International day The Provincial Food Distribution Waterberg and Capricorn Districts, unemployment rate is extremely communities for Eradication of Poverty Centre and the various CNDCs During the national state of disaster the Mopani and Vhembe districts high. commemoration, the Likusasa needed a more central point. Hence, living below the In an effort to avert a potential Lomama project was officially the Cluster Two PFDC saw the light catastrophe, Social Development poverty line, handed over to its members. in Malamulele. The Collins Chabane MEC Siphokazi Lusithi is scaling up Chairperson Phumla Dyafta Municipality even provided the facilitated by activities to provide food support to said the CNDC, which caters for facilities free of charge, which once over 6000 starving people. This is 33 Community 300 people a day indicates their again proves that together, we can part of a coherent response to food commitment to creating enabling do more to create a better life for Nutrition and nutrition insecurity. The DSD is conditions for people to strive the citizens of South Africa. distributing food to communities Development in the midst of socio-economic living below the poverty line, challenges. She said the primary During an event recently, as part facilitated by 33 Community Centres (CNDC) purpose of the CNDC is to of October Social Development Nutrition Development Centres promote greater accessibility Month observation, the Centre was across the (CNDC) across the Eastern Cape. of food by understanding the officially opened by MEC Nkakareng Eastern Cape. community`s vulnerabilities, Rakgoale, MPL Kate Bilankulu and One such CNDC is Likusasa Lomama, strengths, opportunities and Collins Chabane Local Municipal a seven-member project which survival strategies. Mayor Moses Maluleke among other dignitaries. RISK OF DEVASTATING LEVELS OF HUNGER DUE TO COVID-19

A number of food insecure families from the Collins Chabane municipality receive food parcels during the launch of the Provincial Food Distribution Centre Cluster Two.

SECOND PROVINCIAL FOOD DISTRIBUTION LAUNCHED IN LIMPOPO 32 www.dsd.gov.za 33 ORGANISATIONAL REVIEW OF DSD SONKE GENDER JUSTICE: As part of the launch of the Department of Social Development Programme and Organisational Culture, Design and Review Process facilitated by GTAC, Change Champions were appointed from MENCARE TRAINING each branch to assist with addressing any queries or to escalate these queries to the Projects Steerco. Suggestion boxes were placed within strategic locations in order for staff to share their views on any aspect of the project, questions or any concerns. By: Lerato Khateana The Change Champions are:

Sonke Gender Justice selected twenty-four master trainers from three Districts in the Free State to receive training on the pilot initiative on MENCARE training Programme in February 2020. Unfortunately Ms Hlubikazi Mntuyedwa Mr Siduduzo Ngcobo the programme was delayed by the national lockdown.

Approximately Mr Matlhomola Mmolai Ms Kemedi Kgaphola 168 Social Service Professionals will be trained before the year ends.

Mr Bathembu Futshane Mr Fikile Faltein

In the Free State province, UNICEF and the Department for International Development facilitated training of Social Service Professionals in Mangaung Metro, Thabo Mofutsanyane and Lejweleputswa Districts. Ms Christina Mamatlepa Dr Tebogo Mabe

The MENCARE programme is a parenting programme engaging men and women to become caring and respectful partners. The programme also focusses at the prevention of Mr Poso Makhado Mr Sizwe Nana Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the promotion of gender equality.

Approximately 168 Social Service Professionals will be trained before the year ends. The rollout to clients will take place in the first half of 2021, targeting 3000 individuals, Ms Patricia Mokwala Ms Zaza Tlhatlhedi with a focus on men.

Training is now complete in Wesselsbron, Virginia, Thaba Nchu, Welkom and Bloemfontein, with further sessions planned across the three districts before the end of 2020. 34 www.dsd.gov.za 35 My Name: Kemedi Kgaphola better and empower others. ORGANISATIONAL REVIEW OF DSD My Role as a Change Agent What do I do at DSD? I firmly believe that in order for us I am an Assistant Director: Programme and (DSD officials) to attain our organisaltional Policy Evaluations in the Monitoring and goals and objectives, we need to have Evalaution Chief Directorate at the National and operate within a well-designed Department of Social Development. organisational structure. I am therefore fully committed to and will suppport the #Project aimed at reviweing the organisational My Name: Mpho Zaza Tlhatlhedi laugh. I believe in a bright future for all SA and Who am I? Change! its people. design of the DSD. This will enable us, I am an M&E specialist who thrives in obtaining as civil servants, to operate efficiently What do I do at DSD? new knowledge over time – and in my personal and effectvily while serving our fellow My Role as a Change Agent I am an Administrative Officer in the Appeals space, I love participating in outdoor extra- South Africans. Taking into consideration curricular activites. that these changes will affect us all, I am Tribunal unit: Comprehensive Social Security I believe in #Project Change! and I am in the National Department of Social committed to its objectives. I think that in readily available to listen to your concerns, Development. order to achieve the objectives of My Values are: clarify misunderstandings and/or correct government, we, as a department, all misconceptions related to the project as The core values I uphold comprise of the well as to funnel all issues to the project Who am I? have to work together to serve the citizens of SA better. These changes will impact on belief that honesty is always the best management team. Please intrust me I am a mother, daughter, sister, wife and student all of us. COVID-19 has taught us the value policy and that trust and respect has to be with any issues you might have so we – and in my personal life I enjoy reading and of working in service of each other and earned, maintaining a healthy work/life can ensure the Department is taking free online IT courses. to protect each other. If you are balance and that family is of fundamental tranformed for the better. Only through feeling uncertain about the future for you importance. your valuable inputs can this change process result in the Department My Values are: and your family and would like to ask any questions, I can support you during this What do I want out of life/What is my life being a better place for all. I live my life in service to others. I have time of rapid change. I believe that purpose? empathy for people. I enjoy working with I am one of the ambassadors for change You may contact me on: people. I believe in honesty and committed to at DSD and I invite you to work with me to I want to embark on a journey that will what I do. make this a better place for us all. WE can continously empower and change my life for Cell no: 072 691 6099 do this together. the better, so that I too can instil life lessons to Email: [email protected] What do I want out of life/What is my life purpose? You may contact me on:

My purpose is to serve others. And to be a Cell no: 079 7910 930 better person myself, I love making others Email: [email protected]

My Name: Poso Makhado My purpose is to serve others. And to be a better person myself I love making others What do I do at DSD? laugh. I believe in a bright future for all SA and its people. My Name: Tebogo Mabe my time in developing, nurturing, motivating, encouraging and building confidence on I am a Deputy Director: Community Based What do I do at DSD? people. Many people benefitting from my kind Planning and Research in the Branch: My Role as a Change Agent heart and generous personality. Community Development in the National I am a Director: Adoptions International Department of Social Development. I think that in order to achieve the objectives Social Services (ISS) in the Welfare Services What do I want out of life/What is my life of government, we, as a department, all Branch by the National Department of Social purpose? Who am I? have to work together to serve the citizens Development. of SA better. These changes will impact My purpose is to serve others with pride and to I am a father, leader and figher for non- on all of us. COVID-19 has taught us the bring changes in their lives. Who am I? racialism and anti-xenophobia– and in value of working in service of each other

my personal life I enjoy taking care of my and to protect each other. If you are I am a father, husband and a son to my surviving My Role as a Change Agent father – and in my personal life I enjoy taking children and taking them out and cooking feeling uncertain about the future for you care of my family as a whole and and travelling I believe in bringing changes to people. I think for my family bring me joy and happiness. and your family and would like to ask any a lot. that the Department of Social Development questions, I can support you during this have a great task and responsibility to serve My Values are: time of rapid change. . I believe that I My Values are: vulnerable comminities . am one of the ambassadors for change I live my life in service to others. I have at DSD and invite you to work with me to Being a Professional Social Worker I have You may contact me on: lots of empathy for people. I enjoy make this a better place for us all. WE can lots of empathy for people. I enjoy helping working with people. I believe in honesty do this together. and working with people. I believe in giving Cell no: 076 100 3225 people space to grow for their betterment. Email: [email protected] and committed in what I do. I am change I like to see people happy as I am devoting agents. You may contact me on:

What do I want out of life/What is my Cell no: 0727831484 life purpose? Email: [email protected]

36 www.dsd.gov.za 37 7. You may feel more anxious and frustrated while being isolated at home. While being home and indoors so much, and being physically isolated can be stressful, it is also an important opportunity to deepen your friendships and relationships, and to explore new hobbies or get to things you may have wanted to do but not had time. These could be online or offline activities and hobbies.

8. Know where to seek help and assistance: it is important that you know where you can report any online experiences that make you feel uncomfortable, or where to report any online sexual violence that you may encounter. Even if you do not feel that some of your experiences that bother you are worth reporting, it is important that you do so you can both (Read this for safer online navigation skills) speak to someone about your experiences, and also make sure it doesn’t happen again.

• Remember that blocking, and reporting, are not the same. If you are asked for, sent, or see any sexual content, videos, or photos when you do not want them, or want to share, you can report that to the platform, in addition to blocking the sender so they cannot send you any messages again. • You may also have experiences online, or on social media, that bother you in some way, that make you feel upset, or angry, that you don’t want to share with anyone. You can talk anonymously to someone about this through local With COVID19, children may be spending more time online than ever before. So here are some practical online and telephone helplines. Try Childline on 0800 55 555. It is a free steps you can follow to keep yourself safer during this period, and to improve the time that you and your number, and you can talk to them about anything that is bothering you. family have both online and offline: • It sometimes happens that photos or videos of yourself that you may have taken and shared with a boyfriend or a girlfriend, end up online, or being shared in the 1. Make sure that when you are using any applications that uses video, your location cannot be public. If this happens, you can also report this as soon as possible to the platform identified. When you step away from the camera for any reason, the video may still be recording. It’s or application where the photos appear and they will be taken down. It is also ok to cover the cameras, either with a piece of tape or post-it note when not using to remind important that you speak to an adult about your experience. If the photos or videos everyone in the family when the camera is on. Most importantly, ALWAYS ensure that the video is were taken without your permission, or shared publicly without your permission, by turned off at the end of the sessions. an adult, it is also important that you report the image to the Film and Publications Board. You can also call them on 0800 148 148 as they will communicate with all 2. While you may be at home more, and spending much more time online, you may be more tempted to social media platforms to make sure that the very second that photo or video chat to strangers, or to accept messages or friend requests from people that you don’t know or have appears online, it will automatically be taken down, no matter what application it is on. You can also report anonymously to the CyberTip Line. never spoken to before. Meeting new people is part of the attraction to being online – it gives you the opportunity to meet people beyond just your community – but be extra careful while you are 9. Never meet someone offline you have met online first, without telling an adult that online during the pandemic. Remember that not everyone online who wants to talk to you has the you trust about it. Agree with that trusted adult how you are going to stay safe in case the same reason as you for wanting to chat. If you are in any doubt, block the person, and speak to a person is not who they say they are. Consider getting that trusted adult, or your parent, or trusted adult about your concerns. older sibling, to accompany you the first time you meet. 3. If anyone online asks you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way at all, 10. Check your privacy settings on ALL of your social media accounts, and know how to set something you would not usually do, or are not happy doing, end the conversation immediately, your accounts to private, or to friends online. Not sure of how to change your settings? and block the person. Talk to your friends – other young people your age – about what is ok to You can find out how to do this on the applications help pages, or, for the most common post, and what might not be ok. If you do something that you realise was not a good idea, or that you social media, you can find advice here or here on how to change your settings. Remember regret, speak to an adult about it, someone you know and trust, as soon as possible. also to check your privacy settings in the games you play.

11. Never post suggestive, sexual or nude photos or videos of yourself on social media. 4. Find and agree with your parents, an adult you can trust to speak to: It is common for young people to not want to speak to parents about many of the things that bother them, or that may involve any forms of 12. Only go into private chats with people that you trust, and that you can confirm they are who sexual behaviour, either online or off. they say they are. 5. Be extra careful of how you treat and communicate with your friends online during this time. While thinking about what you say online, and what you post, is always a good idea, be extra careful over this time, and think about how what you are saying might impact on those who see what you say.

6. Speak to your parents and caregivers about online safety: Parents often think and say that you as children and young people know more about being online than they do. Is that true? Well, maybe use that, and share your skills and knowledge with your parents. Show them your technical skills online, speak to them about all the opportunities that they may be missing by not being online much, and ask them how much they know about online safety.

38 www.dsd.gov.za 39 THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED US DELIVER THE COVID-19 SOCIAL RELIEF OF DISTRESS GRANTS

On 21 April 2020, President and professional manner. Ramaphosa announced the special COVID-19 Social Relief of During the period of May to Distress Grant to address poverty SASSA would October, volunteers were tasked and food insecurity during the lastly like to to: pandemic. express great • Interview potential eligible Due to strict COVID-19 gratitude to all beneficiaries in a household regulations and restrictions, • Raise public awareness the Department of Social volunteers who about SASSA services Development and SASSA had to play a critical • Attend to at least 20 people develop digital applications that per day were efficient, speedy, scalable role in the 210 • Maintain a manual register and easy for people use. • Distribute and explain the 760 applications approved SASSA material While very innovative, this received and • Assist SASSA with queue system presents challenges for marshalling at local offices unemployed citizens who did 120 964 paid • Ensure hand sanitising, not have access to technology to out by SASSA social distancing and mask apply for the grant electronically. wearing by applicants To solve the problem, The thus far. Minister of Social Development SASSA would like to thank all announced that SASSA would stakeholders who assisted with partner with credible volunteers this programme, including to reach out to prospective Agency headed the call by the The Department of Social recipients residing in deep rural Minister and provided SASSA Development, NDA, CoGTA areas, so that they would not NC with 220 volunteers to assist – MEC & HOD, Community be excluded from accessing the applicants without access to Development workers, special COVID-19 SRD grant. digital channels. With safety PROVJOC, DISTRICTJOCs, Tribal prioritised by NDA and SASSA, Authorities, Civil Organizations, The Minister directed the National volunteers received Personal Senior Traditional Authorities & Development Agency (NDA), as Protective Equipment as well as Secretaries, NYDA and others. the custodian of the database of branded name tags, bibs, caps Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and bags for easy identification SASSA would lastly like to express to recruit volunteers through and visibility. great gratitude to all volunteers formal CSO structures to support who play a critical role in the 210 the SRD grant programme. All volunteers attended training 760 applications received and Thus the R350 SRD COVID-19 coordinated and facilitated by 120 964 paid out by SASSA thus Volunteer Assistance Programme the SASSA Customer Care Unit far. Without them, SASSA would was launched. to outline tasks and empower have not been able to make the volunteers to manage their impact that it has made for so The National Development responsibilities in a disciplined many South Africans.

40 www.dsd.gov.za 41 During lockdown many succumbed By: Moipone Matsapola to shutting down businesses or Until now they faced retrenchment while very Head Office was quite abuzz few birthed businesses. To the when Tshepo1Million (T1M) have managed contrary, Segametsi’s business was beneficiary, Segametsi Songwane steadily growing when she suddenly (32) held an activation to promote to support over experienced an increased product entrepreneurial opportunities for 700 000 young demand and felt overwhelmed WHAT youth in Gauteng by distributing to deliver. Although challenged, hand sanitizers to GDSD staff. people with skills, she managed to flourish beyond entrepreneurship expectation. T1M is a youth empowerment programme that supports young and job She expressed her gratitude towards people with any education level placements. T1M for the platform to motivate MEANS? from Grade 10 to Graduates, on their and encourage youth to pursue journeys to learning and earning. It entrepreneurial opportunities and was launched in 2014 mandating their dreams. T1M reinvested empowerment of 500 000 youth for her warehouse (in-house lab) in Gideon Guard by purchasing and expanded in 2017 to 1 million. and 3 employees at City Deep, hand sanitizers distributed at Until now they have managed to Johannesburg. Departments of Health, Community support over 700 000 young people Safety and many others provincially. with skills, entrepreneurship and job Gideon Guard is a one-stop hygiene After she parted ways with T1M, placements. shop that manufactures, formulates she later called to announce her and tests hygiene products. “We surface disinfectant and sanitizer Segametsi’s registration with T1M educate communities, especially approved by South African Bureau gave her an opportunity to become school learners, about the of Standards (SABS). an entrepreneur by giving birth importance of hygiene. Many people to Gideon Guard in 2017. This can avoid Communicable Diseases The youth can find their hope tenacious female from if only they follow proper hygiene in the likes of Segametsi, T1M Hammanskraal, Pretoria entered and measures”, she enthused. They also and NYDA during and post won the National Youth Development clean textiles in households, cars, COVID-19 pandemic. Agency (NYDA) 2019 youth expo offices and events and sell hygiene ‘BossoKeMang’ competition and packs (mask, sanitizer wipes, gel, received a R50 000 grant funding. surface disinfectant, hand soap and This helped her acquire equipment lotion). SEGAMETSI’S SILVER LINING DURING COVID-19

42 www.dsd.gov.za 43 OPEN TEXT INFORMATION CHAMPION AWARD

Congratulations to John “The public sector in South Africa We are now performing at 98% Mokoele and the Department was generally suffering from a against a target of 80%, achieved bad reputation among citizens. despite our workload growing of Social Development, for In particular, we needed to be by 45% to 60% each year and all the OpenText Information more responsive and accountable achieved with almost 99% accuracy Champion Award, presented to the plight of the vulnerable and correctness of content. in partnership with the CIO and disadvantaged groups in our Appellants now have confidence society,” explained John Moekele, in us and are assured their matters IT magazine will be resolved quickly.” One of the department’s crucial “In the last four years, the functions is to adjudicate appeals, “Eliminating paper-based case Department has saved where social grant applications processing enabled us to drastically By: André Macelli approximately ZAR40million on have been declined by the South reduce litigation liabilities. We are litigation costs. This is largely due THE RACE IS ON! African Social Security Agency meeting our target processing times, to our OpenText Documentum (SASSA). The target service level of the department has reduced its costs The National Emergency The race starts from 25 November and Restoration. People can solution, which directly benefits concluding appeals within 90 days from ZAR17million per annum to less Response Team (NERT) has 2020 until 10 December 2020, for enter the Race Challenge the citizens whose cases are dealt was being missed in more than 50% than ZAR1million, with a proportion been implemented by the the entire duration of the 16 Days by simply following the link on with promptly and accurately, of cases. of that relating to historic cases National Institute Community of activism against GBVF. ALL the NICDAM Facebook Page and which now saves tax payers “We sought a solution that predating implementation.” The Development and Management participants are then required to and registering online. money,” says John Moekele would allow us to capture all money saved is being reinvested (NICDAM) since 2016. run between 5 – 10km per day, Director, Pre-Adjudications documentation, regardless of in improving citizens’ experiences for 16 consecutive days, from After that, follow the next and Operations in the Chief the application channel. It had with the DSD by enhancing service This programme seeks to the 25th November 2020 till 10 link that would enable you to Directorate: Social Assistance to be capable of initiating and standards and business processes, provide Psychosocial Support December 2020. register on STRAVA (race mobile Appeals for the Department of managing cases from registration to including the administration of Social Development. completion, providing appeals. Services to all direct and app) where we are able to automated alerts, and indirect victims of GBVF in Every South African citizen is monitor each step participants Faster, more accurate processing comprehensive reporting, all Efficiency improvements have South-Africa. As part of the encouraged to enter this race are walking / running. At the of social grant application appeals whilst complying to the National restored the dignity of many people NERT’s involvement in the fight as we stand in solidarity in the end, we would like to see how eases suffering for claimants. The Archives and Records Services who depend on services from the against the scourge of GBVF, long walk that we as a country many kilometres we have walked DSD worked with local OpenText (NARS) Act,” explained Moekele. department. With faster responses, the National Department of must still embark on to win the in solidarity with all victims of partner Faranani DocTec to greater accuracy and improved Social Development approached fight against the scourge of GBVF. implement the solution, which “We could not have achieved the processing times, the project has the NERT to organize and GBVF, but also the long walk has reduced case resolution to 30 improvement we have made without resuscitated the image of the manage the 16 Days GBVF Race the victims have to embark on Enter, play your part and fight working days, ahead of 90-day the OpenText solution,” Moekele department, helping to build a more Challenge. their journey towards Healing the scourge against GBVF. target. emphasised. caring society.

44 www.dsd.gov.za 45 ANNOUNCEMENT!

An Evaluation of the State’s Response to Violence against Women and Children in South JOIN THE WEBINAR Africa

The webinar will focus on Chapter 6 of the Diagnostic Review of the State Response to Violence against Women and Children (VAWC). This EXTENSION review explores the lessons carried out by government between 2014 OF FOSTER and 2016. The Diagnostic Review provides evidence that government needed CARE ORDERS to develop a new plan for VAWC, increase the budget allocation for violence prevention, services, and A VICTORY FOR coordinate VAWC responses better. This evidence is being taken forward VULNERABLE AND in the National Strategic Plan for Gender-Based Violence. ORPHANED CHILDREN Chapter 6 adds to the knowledge base of factors that facilitate or inhibit evidence use in multi-sectoral By: Lumka Oliphant complex interventions.

he North Gauteng High Court the foster child grant; deeming all children who are currently channelled has extended the November foster care orders to be valid until through the foster care system. It 2017 foster care order to November 2022. advocates for children who are in Tallow for the finalisation of the the care of family members and are comprehensive legal solution of the The court accepted that the Minister not in need of care and protection, foster care system. has, in compliance with the High but need financial assistance, to be Court Order, tabled the Children’s able to apply directly to SASSA for The Order, inter alia, required the Amendment and Social Assistance social assistance. It will also give Minister to request Parliament to Bills in Parliament with the latter unmarried fathers who are fit and expedite the process for consideration concurred to by NCOP on 14 October proper, capable and willing to care and tabling of the amendments to 2020. The National Child Care and for their children priority; instead of the Children’s Act whilst an interim Protection Policy was also approved putting their children under foster Date: 03 December regime is in place for the by Cabinet on 30 October 2019. care programme. management of the affected foster Time: 15H00 care orders. The interim regime The Bills and the Policy introduce The foster care order is available ensures that no child is left outside the new policy imperatives to address the on the Department website social assistance system, in particular plight of orphaned and abandoned at www.dsd.gov.za

46 www.dsd.gov.za 47 DSD IN DSD IN PICTURES PICTURES

48 www.dsd.gov.za 49 DSD IN DSD IN PICTURES PICTURES

50 www.dsd.gov.za 51 DSD IN DSD IN PICTURES PICTURES

52 www.dsd.gov.za 53 NOVEMBER 2020

PHYSICAL ADDRESS: Department of Social Development, 134 Pretorius Street, HSRC Building, Pretoria

Facebook.com/SocialDevelopmentZA Twitter.com/The_DSD Instagram.com/socialdevelopmentza

Building a Caring Society. Together. www.dsd.gov.za

PROTECT SOUTH A FRICA 54 www.dsd.gov.za