Latest News & Developments
social development department
Meet the new faces of South Africa's Social Development: Netshipale and Matlou
Minister Sisisi Tolashe welcomes Peter Netshipale and Themba Matlou, the new leaders of Sassa, as they commit to combating poverty and enhancing service delivery for South Africans.
Urgent calls for better vetting in SAPS amid South Africa's sexual violence crisis
Amid a rising tide of sexual violence in South Africa, the South African Police Service faces intense scrutiny for its inadequate vetting processes. As Build One South Africa calls for immediate reforms, the implications for public safety and trust in law enforcement are profound.
Cwecwe's case: A call for urgent reform in child protection in South Africa
A look into the tragic case of Cwecwe, highlighting the urgent need for reform in child protection policies in South Africa. It explores the alarming rise in crimes against children, the inadequacies in the justice system, and the critical role of social workers in safeguarding children's rights
OPINION | How the Western Cape is uniting to combat hunger
Explore the urgent reality of food insecurity in the Western Cape and discover the impactful initiatives by the Department of Social Development to support vulnerable communities.
SA adjusts social grants budget to combat rising living costs
The South African government has extended the social relief grant until March 2026.
Social relief of distress grant extended until March 2026
The South African government has extended the social relief grant until March 2026, ensuring continued support for millions while exploring sustainable solutions to poverty.
Budget: Social relief grant to continue until March 2026, amid long-term review
The South African government has extended the social relief grant until March 2026, ensuring continued support for millions while exploring sustainable solutions to poverty.
Rise in childhood malnutrition deaths
South Africa faces a growing crisis as 155 children under five have died from malnutrition-related conditions this year, prompting calls for urgent action from health officials and political leaders.
Tragic rise in childhood malnutrition deaths in South Africa
South Africa faces a growing crisis as 155 children under five have died from malnutrition-related conditions this year, prompting calls for urgent action from health officials and political leaders.
Low adoption rates in Phoenix: high demand for Indian babies only
“There is a demand for Indian babies, but we do not have many. We place about two to three babies in adoption a year, but that is only if we have a baby that the potential parents want. "
Cape youths reflect on foster care experience, appreciation for social workers
While Social Work Month has ended, the challenges faced by social workers and children in foster care continue. Cape youths reflect on their journeys and express gratitude towards their social workers.
Deadline for SASSA gold card replacement extended to May 2025
Beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) can now breathe easier as the deadline to replace their gold cards has been extended to May.
SA's R284bn grants burden: why job creation must take centre stage
With 28 million South Africans dependent on social grants and unemployment at 31. 9%, experts and civic organisations warn that the R284. 7 billion welfare system is unsustainable without urgent economic reforms and job creation initiatives. Here's why the transition from social dependency to economic growth is crucial for South Africa's future.
Treasury proposes R350 SRD grant extension funded from VAT Increase
If the National Treasury could have its way, the R350 SRD should be extended at a cost of R35. 2 billion.
Treasury moots SRD grant extension funded from VAT increase
National Treasury proposes extending the R350 social relief of distress grant until March 2026, funded by a VAT increase, as part of ongoing efforts to combat poverty and unemployment.
Sassa crisis: Postbank rapped over knuckles
MPs lamented that extending the deadline of the Sassa card transition without an improved rollout plan would prolong beneficiaries' frustration and panic.
'The money doesn't sustain us': A month in the life of a social grant recipient in South Africa
Explore the struggles of South Africans relying on social grants, as a family of twelve shares their challenges in making ends meet amidst rising living costs.
SASSA beneficiaries face distress as Postbank card migration deadline looms
Concerns grow as one-month extension for Postbank black card migration proves inadequate
Government responds to Sassa card renewal crisis with deadline extension
Growing frustration over gold-to-black card migration prompts delay to March 20
Beneficiaries given more time to swap Sassa cards for Postbank cards
Deadline extended to March 20
Pensioners in Chatsworth praise Sassa for smooth transition to Postbank black cards
Calls for extension as February 28 deadline looms
Sassa beneficiaries face long queues and accessibility issues before gold card deadline
Black Sash raises urgent concerns over accessibility challenges faced by Sassa beneficiaries as the deadline to replace gold cards looms on February 28.
SASSA card switchover chaos as deadline looms
This week, the provincial DSD highlighted challenges following Sassa’s urgent announcement to replace their gold cards with the new black card.
Granny Alice’ turns 106 and still reads the Daily News
Join the community of Newlands East as they celebrate the remarkable life of Alice Joan Fernandez, who turned 106 years old. Discover her inspiring journey, the love she has shared, and the wisdom she imparts to generations.
Alice Joan Fernandez at 106: a legacy of love in Newlands East
Join the community of Newlands East as they celebrate the remarkable life of Alice Joan Fernandez, who turned 106 years old. Discover her inspiring journey, the love she has shared, and the wisdom she imparts to generations.