Dr. Maureen Mogotsi, acting chief director of the Department of Social Development, appeared on Power 98.7 to discuss the importance of South Africa’s social security system in reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable populations.
Siyabonga speaks to Brenda Sibeko, Deputy Director General for Social Security at the National Department of Social Development, on the launch of the Department of Social Development’s Social Security Review which aims to provide an analysis of some of the social protection measures introduced as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with Umhlobo Wenene FM, Ms. Neliswa Cekiso, Acting Chief Director for Child Protection within the Department of Social Development, commented on statistics revealing a rise in child murders. Alarmingly, there were 340 child deaths reported between April and June. This concerning trend underscores the importance of the “365 Days of Child Protection” campaignby the Department of Social Development, a campaign that needs the support of every concerned citizen.
Dr. Tebogo Mabe, Director of Adoption Services at the Department of Social Development, emphasised the significance of Pillar Seven within the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). This pillar was specifically established to ensure that children’s voices are not only heard but actively considered in addressing GBVF. It acknowledges that children are often among the most vulnerable to violence and abuse, and their input is essential for developing comprehensive and effective interventions. Pillar Seven seeks to promote child participation, ensuring their views are incorporated into policies and programmes aimed at safeguarding their welfare and rights.
The Department of Social Development, led by Chief Director Deven Chinappan, is developing a strategy to address social issues by improving the recruitment, deployment, and retention of 55,000 social workers to support every community.
Luyanda Mtshotshisa, the Acting Chief Director of Legal Services at the Department of Social Development, highlighted that while child adoption is long-standing in South Africa, inter-country adoptions were only introduced in 2000. Recently, there has been a concerning rise in fraudulent activities related to adoption documentation. In response, Parliament has requested the Department to investigate whether South Africa is experiencing the same challenges with fraudulent adoption practices.
Gyan Dwarika, a Social Work Advanced Specialist from the Department of Social Development, emphasized that teenage pregnancy is influenced by various factors, with poverty and low educational attainment being the primary drivers. She also stressed the significant role that understanding peer relationships and interactions with children play in this issue.
In a candid discussion with UFM, Lumka Oliphant from the Department of Social Development addresses the disturbing rise in teenage pregnancies and mental health challenges among children. She highlights the urgent need for societal change, calling for respect, protection, and open conversations with our youth. “We must stop seeing children as objects to be controlled and start treating them with the dignity and love they deserve.” It’s time for communities, families, and government to unite in safeguarding the well-being of our future generation
ADDG Miss Lumka Oliphant of the Department of Social Development highlights ongoing efforts to integrate crucial data across government departments to protect vulnerable children. She emphasises the role of the Child Protection Register in recording children under 18 who need care and protection, and its function in allowing South Africans to verify if individuals are unsuitable to work with children.