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Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on government, business, academia and civil society to strengthen partnerships to remove barriers preventing persons with disabilities from participating fully in society.

Chikunga made the call on Friday during the launch of 2026 Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) 2026 which will be observed from 3 November to 3 December.

The launch kicked off with a disability rights awareness walk from Church Square to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

This year’s campaign is held under the theme: “Creating Multi-Sectoral Partnerships for a Disability-Inclusive Society” and seeks to promote coordinated action to advance the rights, dignity, equality and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

“Government effort on its own cannot guarantee a disability-inclusive society.

“We are leveraging DRAM 2026 to call for a collective effort towards removal of the barriers that continue to deny persons with disabilities equal opportunities, dignity and full participation in society,” Chikunga said.

She said the inclusion of persons with disabilities is a shared responsibility that requires all sectors of society to work together through purposeful partnerships that were coordinated, adequately resourced, measurable and accountable.

Chikunga also reaffirmed the importance of the principle of “Nothing about us, without us”, emphasising that persons with disabilities must be meaningfully involved in decisions affecting their lives.

“It is through your partnerships that persons with disabilities are not merely consulted but meaningfully involved in all decisions that affect both their lives and prospects for a better life,” she said.

The Minister described DRAM as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities across education, science, business, sport, the arts, public leadership and community development, while confronting the barriers that limit their participation.

She added that the campaign recognises disability as part of the human experience and promotes a society that embraced diversity, equality and shared prosperity.

Progress in advancing disability rights 

Chikunga outlined several initiatives undertaken by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to advance disability inclusion.

These include a study into the impact of climate-related emergencies, such as floods and extreme heat, on persons with disabilities.

Following the presentation of the study’s findings to Cabinet, a decision was taken to integrate them into municipal disaster management master plans.

The department is also working with the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to address gaps in data on the geographical locations of persons with disabilities, which make it difficult to provide timely assistance during climate-related disasters.

In education, the department has been analysing gaps in basic education policies that undermine inclusive education.

The findings of that analysis are expected to inform the ongoing review of these policies.

On employment equity, Chikunga said a Department of Public Service and Administration circular had directed government towards a 7% employment target for persons with disabilities.

“This year, as we speak, employment equity is sitting at 5%, up from 4%. While this is progress, more still needs to be done,” she said.

She called on organisations of persons with disabilities to help identify eligible candidates and urged partners to consolidate associations of businesses owned and run by persons with disabilities to enable them to benefit from opportunities presented by the Public Procurement Act.

The department is also working on a Rights of Persons with Disabilities Bill, which Chikunga said is expected to be submitted to Parliament by the beginning of 2027.

In addition, work is underway to establish a Disability Nerve Centre of Excellence as part of the G20 Disability Inclusion Legacy Projects, with seed funding secured from the All-China Women’s Federation.

The country has also submitted its report under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

Women and girls with disabilities remain vulnerable

Despite the progress made, Chikunga highlighted the persistent discrimination and exclusion experienced by persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls.

As South Africa commemorates the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March this year, the Minister called for greater attention to the lived realities of women and girls with disabilities, especially amid the country’s ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

She highlighted that women with disabilities experience violence at rates estimated to be twice as high as those without disabilities.

“The struggle for gender equality cannot be complete while women and girls with disabilities continue to face discrimination and exclusion in education, employment, healthcare, financial services, public leadership and access to justice,” she said.

Chikunga said DRAM should place women and girls with disabilities at the centre of the national development agenda, not only as beneficiaries of empowerment programmes but also as leaders, decisionmakers, entrepreneurs, professionals and activists.

She called for stronger community-level partnerships to protect the safety and dignity of persons with disabilities and ensure that they could participate fully in everyday life.

Four priorities for disability inclusion

To translate the campaign’s theme into practical action, Chikunga identified four areas requiring stronger multi-sectoral partnerships.

These include:

• Ensuring that persons with disabilities participate meaningfully in planning, decision-making and implementation
• Expanding access to education, employment, enterprise development and economic ownership
• Harnessing science and emerging technologies to promote independent living
• Strengthening community partnerships to protect the dignity, safety and wellbeing of persons with disabilities

She said accessibility should be incorporated from the outset when designing public transport systems, housing developments, roads, schools and public facilities.

The Minister also called for collaboration between universities, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and industry to expand access to accessible education, occupational training, workplace experience and employment opportunities.

Financial institutions, development agencies and businesses are also urged to improve access to finance, public procurement, supply chains and markets for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

On technology, Chikunga said innovations in artificial intelligence, communication devices, mobility technologies and digital learning platforms could improve access to education, employment, healthcare and public services.

However, she emphasised that persons with disabilities must be involved in developing technologies rather than having solutions adapted for them only after they had been created.

“These four areas remind us that multi-sectoral partnerships must be judged not by the number of agreements signed or meetings convened, but by the improvements they bring to the lives of persons with disabilities,” she said.

Disability Rights Awareness Month programme

Although officially launched on Friday, the main programme for Disability Rights Awareness Month will run from 3 November to 3 December 2026, culminating in the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The programme will focus on four weekly sub-themes.

The first week will focus on investing in growth strategies that promote disability-inclusive job creation, while the second will amplify the voices of youth with disabilities and encourage self-advocacy.

The third week will focus on unlocking digital opportunities for all through technology, while the fourth will coincide with the 16 Days of Activism against GBVF, with an emphasis on disability-inclusive approaches to women’s empowerment and gender equality.

The final week will also focus on strengthening partnerships to prevent violence against women and girls with disabilities, improve protection and expand access to justice and support services.

The department has called on all spheres of government, the private sector, civil society and organisations of persons with disabilities to support and participate in activities aligned with these priorities.

The DRAM campaign is informed by the priorities of government’s Medium-Term Development Plan and the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which focuses on inclusive economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction and building a capable, ethical and developmental state.

Chikunga officially launched the month by calling for renewed commitment and measurable action to ensure that disability inclusion translated into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

“Together, let us move beyond declarations of intent and make disability inclusion a lived reality for all,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa has expressed serious concern over the renewed escalation of attacks in the Red Sea region, particularly in and around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, including attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, amid the protracted conflict in Yemen.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said government was concerned about actions threatening the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Saudi Arabia and neighbouring States. 

“South Africa condemns any attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, in accordance with established principles of international law, and wishes to convey its condolences for the loss of lives and serious injuries caused in these attacks,” the statement read. 

The government has urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could further escalate regional instability.

South Africa also called for an inclusive political process to bring an end to the conflict in Yemen, emphasising that a lasting solution must be achieved through negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations.

“South Africa concurs with the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Yemen that the suffering of the Yemeni people can only be addressed sustainably through negotiations between the parties and an inclusive political process under UN auspices. South Africa calls for the launch of an inclusive political process to comprehensively end the conflict,” the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation said.

The government further reaffirmed the importance of protecting international shipping routes and ensuring the safety of seafarers in the Red Sea and the straits of Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz.

“South Africa further reaffirms the importance of safeguarding the navigational rights, the freedom of vessels and the safety of seafarers of all States in the Red Sea and the Straits of Bab el-Mandeb and Hormuz, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 10 December 1982,” said the ministry.

South Africa also expressed concern over attacks on places of worship and sites of religious significance, including areas associated with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Government said such sites hold profound significance for millions of Muslims worldwide and must be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law.

DIRCO Minister Ronald Lamola reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts through inclusive dialogue, diplomacy and respect for international law.

Government emphasised that sustainable peace in Yemen and stability in the Red Sea region are essential for regional prosperity, international trade and the advancement of Africa’s development agenda. 

South Africa has renewed its call for restraint, diplomacy and constructive engagement by all parties in support of a peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict. – SAnews.gov.za

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Transnet Engineering (TE) and Wabtec have signed a long-term Material and Technical Support Agreement (MTSA) worth about R6.6 billion to support Transnet’s locomotive fleet. 

The agreement for Transnet’s Class 43D (C30Aci) and 44D (ES40Aci) locomotive fleet aims to improve locomotive availability, reliability, and maintenance performance across key freight corridors.

The Class 43D and 44D locomotives play a critical role in moving export commodities, containers and general freight throughout South Africa.

“The 43D and 44D locomotives serve critical freight corridors that move export commodities, containers and general freight across South Africa. Strengthening their reliability and availability will help improve service delivery, support freight recovery and enhance the country’s logistics competitiveness,” Transnet Engineering Chief Executive, Bessie Mabunda, said in a statement on Thursday.

She said this agreement supports Transnet’s Reinvent for Growth strategy and represents an important step in improving the performance of our locomotive fleet.

Under the agreement, Wabtec will provide Transnet Engineering with components, technical expertise and predictive maintenance capabilities for the 43D and 44D fleets. 

The support package includes Wabtec’s Expert-on-Alert™ digital condition-monitoring platform, which is designed to improve locomotive performance, accelerate maintenance turnaround times and strengthen lifecycle fleet management.

Transnet said the partnership extends beyond maintenance support and includes technical collaboration, knowledge transfer and localisation initiatives. 

These efforts are expected to strengthen local rail capabilities, develop industry skills and support the long-term growth and sustainability of South Africa’s rail sector.

The agreement was concluded through Transnet’s established procurement and governance processes and was formally signed by Mabunda and Tefo Mokaila, Director of Wabtec South Africa, during a signing ceremony attended by Transnet Group Chief Operating Officer Solly Letsoalo. –SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) is strengthening passenger rail services in Gauteng after completing 865 kilometres of overhead electrical equipment, recovering 51 substations and rehabilitating 187 kilometres of track. 

The work has created 4 619 jobs in the province.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy outlined the progress on Thursday during a visit to the Mabopane rail line, where she assessed efforts to restore services as part of October Transport Month. This year’s campaign is being observed under the theme: “Building a safe, sustainable, reliable and affordable transport system.”

Along the Pretoria, Mabopane and De Wildt corridor, PRASA has invested approximately R801.6 million in overhead electrical equipment, substations, signalling and telecommunications.

The work includes 163 kilometres of overhead equipment and the refurbishment of 14 substations. Several facilities first had to be rebuilt following extensive vandalism before electrical work could begin.

“The railway that has emerged is also more capable than before. Traction transformer capacity has increased, and upgraded feeder wires now carry more current. Together, these provide the electrical foundation for additional trains as the rest of the system is readied. 

“Modern installations use less copper, which makes them less attractive to thieves, and containment structures around transformers help to guard against oil spills,” the Minister said.

Protective barriers

To safeguard railway infrastructure, PRASA is constructing 3.5-metre-high concrete walls, steel-mesh fencing, high-security gates and other perimeter protection measures along the Mabopane corridor.

“The walls are designed to limit unauthorised access, reduce theft and vandalism, and improve safety for passengers and staff around stations, platforms and crossings. They also lay a foundation for surveillance, monitoring and emergency response,” Creecy said.

Three work packages cover the route from Mabopane through Kopanong to Mountain View, as well as the section from Pretoria Station to Wolmerton.

The programme spans approximately 58 kilometres and has a combined contract value of about R1.04 billion.

“Close to 37 kilometres have been installed, and the programme stands at about half of its overall scope. It has employed 284 members of the local community and engaged 22 small businesses.

“Physical barriers reduce risk, although they cannot remove every hazard. Their value depends on secure access points, surveillance, enforcement and the daily discipline of everyone who works on this railway,” she said.

The Minister appealed to communities to help protect public infrastructure and report theft and vandalism, warning that the effects of stolen equipment extend far beyond the loss of the asset itself.

“Services are disrupted, public money must be spent a second time, and commuters lose a service on which they depend. PRASA, for its part, will continue to work closely with law enforcement to act on these reports,” she said.

Mabopane–Pretoria train services

The Mabopane–Pretoria service operated 613 train trips in 2020/21. By 2025/26, this had increased to 11 144 trips.

Together with the Belle Ombre service, the Mabopane routes delivered 17 886 train trips in 2025/26, up from 13 087 the previous year – an increase of about 37%.

The current service plan provides for 81 daily trips: 57 between Mabopane and Pretoria, and 24 between Mabopane and Belle Ombre. During peak periods, Pretoria services operate at intervals of about 23 minutes.

Creecy said Belle Ombre services operate less frequently, adding that commuters on both routes deserve clear information to help them plan their journeys with confidence.

She added that passengers are returning to rail.

In 2024/25, the combined Mabopane services carried approximately 5.2 million passenger trips. In 2025/26, the figure rose to approximately 7.1 million – growth of about 36%.

“Up to September this year, the services have recorded close to 5 million passenger trips and more than 10,400 train trips.

“Behind each of these journeys stands a person: a worker, a student, a parent, a commuter returning to rail as the service becomes more dependable. Our task is to earn their confidence, and to keep it.

“Reliability lies at the heart of that confidence. On the Mabopane to Pretoria service, punctuality currently stands at about 97.5 per cent, with cancellations at 0.7 per cent. On the Belle Ombre service, punctuality is about 99%, with cancellations below one per cent,” the Minister said.

Creecy welcomed the rise in customer satisfaction to about 77%, noting that the progress underscores the need for government to keep listening to what passengers value and to the challenges they continue to face.

“Safety, cleanliness, station access and clear information all shape the journey. When a train is cancelled, the passenger deserves timely announcements, accurate information and practical assistance,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has launched the InvestSA One Stop Shop Limpopo, a centralised facility aimed at making it easier to do business and strengthen investment facilitation in the province.

The facility will give investors access to government support services in one place; help them navigate regulatory and administrative processes; improve coordination among relevant institutions and address investment-related bottlenecks.

Speaking at the sixth Limpopo Investment Conference, where he officiated at the launch, Mashatile said the facility sends a clear message that Limpopo is open for business.

“For investors, the One Stop Shop will provide direct access to Government support and guidance throughout the investment process, helping them establish and expand businesses more efficiently.

“It reflects our commitment to working alongside investors as partners in development and to ensuring that Government becomes an enabler of growth rather than a barrier to it,” the Deputy President said.

Driving industrialisation and job creation

Mashatile stressed that South Africa’s future prosperity cannot be built on exporting raw materials alone.

“Our long-term success depends on our ability to add value to what we produce, expand industrial capacity and create productive employment opportunities for our people.

“We must deepen industrialisation, strengthen manufacturing and build competitive value chains that support economic growth and employment at scale.

“Limpopo is exceptionally well positioned to contribute to this national objective through mining beneficiation, agro-processing, manufacturing, logistics and energy development,” the Deputy President said.

He added that South Africa must process more of its mineral resources locally, add value to agricultural production and manufacture more of the goods its economy requires.

“In doing so, we will strengthen local industries, grow exports, create sustainable jobs and build a more resilient economy. But industrialisation cannot succeed without investing in people.

Skills development and inclusive growth

“As new investments flow into the province, we must ensure that our young people have the skills needed to participate meaningfully in a changing economy.

“This requires greater investment in education, technical and vocational training, apprenticeships and workplace learning opportunities. Every young person must have a fair opportunity to develop their talents, secure employment and contribute to our country’s growth,” Mashatile said.

The Deputy President emphasised that the benefits of investment must be shared more broadly, saying that true economic inclusion is achieved when growth creates opportunities for all.

“Investment must create opportunities not only for large corporations but also for township enterprises, small businesses, cooperatives, emerging industrialists and local suppliers.

“When local businesses participate in value chains, the impact of investment reaches deeper into communities, supports entrepreneurship and creates more sustainable economic opportunities,” he said.

Mashatile said achieving inclusive economic transformation is a shared responsibility and requires strong partnerships, as government cannot deliver it alone.

“Neither can business, labour or development finance institutions acting independently. Government must provide policy certainty and an enabling environment. The private sector must bring investment, innovation and expertise. 

“Development finance institutions must help unlock strategic projects. Communities must remain active partners in development. When these efforts are aligned behind a common purpose, meaningful progress becomes possible,” he said.

Capable municipalities key to investment

Turning to the upcoming local government elections, the Deputy President said communities deserve local leadership that is capable, accountable and committed to improving the quality of life of all residents.

“As we approach the Local Government Elections in November, we must also recognise the importance of capable and developmental local Government.

“Strong municipalities are essential for delivering services, supporting local economic development and creating conditions that attract investment,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has condemned a fatal shooting at a Boxer Superstore in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, in which three female managers were reportedly shot following an internal disciplinary process.

In a statement on Thursday, the Minister expressed shock and concern over the incident and called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. 

“This incident happened no less than five days after World Mental Health Day on 10 October. We extend our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the families, loved ones and all colleagues of the victims during this devastating time. No person should ever fear for their life or personal safety while carrying out their duties and responsibilities in the workplace,” Minister Meth said. 

The Minister’s remarks come amid renewed calls for safe and healthy working environments, where employees can perform their duties without fear of violence or intimidation.

The Department of Employment and Labour has encouraged ongoing open dialogue between management, labour representatives, and employees to foster positive workplace relationships and resolve grievances constructively.

Employers have also been urged to strengthen Employee Wellness Programmes to ensure that workers have access to adequate mental health support.

The department called on employees to make use of these programmes to help them navigate stress, conflict and personal challenges. 

Meanwhile, Meth has appealed to members of the public to refrain from circulating graphic footage of the incident and to respect the privacy and grief of the affected families. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to uplift the precautionary suspension of National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

Masemola’s precautionary suspension was lifted following the formal withdrawal of criminal charges against him and he is expected to resume his full duties on Monday, 19 October 2026.

The charges stem from allegations of contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) which led to Masemola’s appearance in the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.

Charges against Masemola were formally withdrawn following an instruction by National Prosecuting Authority Head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, in September.

In a statement on Friday, Cachalia also expressed appreciation to Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane for her service as Acting National Commissioner during Masemola’s suspension.

The Acting Minister said the Ministry remained committed to strengthening the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the Police Reset Agenda.

“The Ministry remains committed to strengthening the South African Police Service as we continue with the Police Reset Agenda, advancing professionalism, accountability, and ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all people in South Africa,” the statement read. 

Cachalia noted that Masemola’s return allows police leadership to stay focused on key operational goals and continue building a professional, competent and trustworthy police force. 

“The return of the National Commissioner provides an opportunity for the leadership of the SAPS to maintain focus on operational priorities and the ongoing work to build a professional, capable and trusted police service as per the Police Reset Agenda,” he said.

The Ministry said it remains committed to strengthening the South African Police Service as it continues with the Police Reset Agenda, advancing professionalism, accountability, and ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its constitutional mandate to protect and serve all people in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za 

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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has strongly condemned the malicious fake news article generated using artificial intelligence (Al), which alleges a leak of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) English Paper 3 Examination. 

In a statement, the Minister said the baseless claim is designed to disrupt the examination process and to prejudice over 964 000 candidates who are currently writing their matric examinations. 

“This deliberate spread of disinformation during this critical period is irresponsible and undermines the preparation and aspirations of learners across the country,” the Minister said. 

On Thursday, the Minister was at Thembisa West Secondary School to monitor the writing of the English Paper 3 and she confirmed that the stringent examination security systems were operating smoothly, with no leaks or other irregularities reported across all provinces.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has assured learners, parents and the public that the integrity of the 2026 NSC examination has not been compromised. 

The department said it will report the Fake News poster to law enforcement for investigation and prosecution as it seeks to undermine the national social contract between the department and South Africans regarding the NSC Examinations. 

READ | Basic Education welcomes smooth start to 2026 matric exams

The public has also been urged not to fall for or circulate unverified information intended to create panic and disrupt learners.

The NSC examinations began on Tuesday,13 October 2026.
 – SAnews.gov.za

 

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By Nomonde Mnukwa

October provides an important opportunity to reflect on the interconnected responsibilities of government and society.

As we observe Social Development Month and Transport Month, we are reminded that dignity, safety, mobility and access to services cannot be addressed in isolation. The urgent national response to gender-based violence and femicide further reinforces the need for coordinated action that protects vulnerable people, strengthens families and ensures that government programmes deliver meaningful change in people’s lives.

South Africa’s social development story is one of both progress and unfinished work. Since the advent of democracy, government has made social development a national priority, investing in social protection, welfare services and community development programmes to improve the quality of life of citizens. 

These interventions have helped build one of the most extensive social protection systems in the developing world, providing support to millions of South Africans. Yet poverty, inequality and vulnerability remain a daily reality for many households. While Social Development Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made, it also gives us a chance to consider what more can be done to ensure that development reaches those who need it most.

Our reflection on vulnerability cannot be separated from the continuing scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. In his address to the nation on 29 September 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the steps being taken by government to confront GBVF and update the nation on the investigation into the recent murders of women in and around Ekurhuleni. This grave national challenge requires more than government intervention alone. It demands coordinated action by families, communities, public institutions, civil society and every citizen. As public servants, we must ensure that survivors are treated with dignity, can access information and support services, and are not failed by fragmented systems or poor implementation.

Observed annually in October, Social Development Month highlights government’s commitment to combating poverty and hunger, strengthening social protection and ensuring that vulnerable communities can access the support and services available to them. It also coincides with important commemorations such as the International Day of Older Persons on 1 October, the International Day of Rural Women on 15 October and the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October. 

This year’s theme, “Strengthening Families through Partnerships”, recognises that sustainable social development depends on collaboration between government, communities, civil society organisations and other social partners. It acknowledges that poverty, inequality and vulnerability affect not only individuals, but also families and the community support systems upon which many people rely. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated action that strengthens families, empowers communities and expands opportunities for those most in need. 

Government has identified reducing poverty, tackling the high cost of living and building a capable, ethical and developmental state among its key priorities for the Seventh Administration. Social development speaks directly to these goals. It is a whole-of-government responsibility that requires effective leadership, coordination and implementation across all spheres of government.

Social Development Month also coincides with Transport Month, reminding us that access to safe, affordable, reliable and accessible transport is central to social and economic inclusion. Transport connects people to employment, education, healthcare, social services and economic opportunities. For older persons, persons with disabilities, rural women and vulnerable families, the absence of accessible and dependable transport can become a barrier to receiving the very services and support intended for them. Our social development efforts must therefore be supported by an integrated transport system that enables people to participate fully in society and the economy.

Government’s sustained investment in social development has earned the country international recognition, with a 2021 World Bank review describing South Africa’s social assistance system as one of the country’s most important post-apartheid policy successes. The review found that social grants make a significant contribution to reducing poverty and inequality, with approximately one-third of South Africans benefiting directly from grants and nearly two-thirds benefiting directly or indirectly from the system. It also highlighted the positive contribution of social assistance to food security, education, health and livelihoods. 

Similarly, the International Labour Organization has reported that South Africa’s social protection coverage is above the regional average and comparable with that of other BRICS countries, reflecting government’s sustained commitment to supporting vulnerable groups through social protection measures

These achievements demonstrate the impact of deliberate government action. They should also prompt an important question: if South Africa has established one of the most extensive social protection systems in the developing world, why do poverty, vulnerability and inequality continue to affect so many citizens?

Part of the answer lies in the complex nature of poverty itself. While social assistance provides a critical safety net, many households continue to face the realities of unemployment, food insecurity and limited economic opportunities. According to Statistics South Africa, poverty remains closely linked to unemployment, while women and female-headed households continue to experience higher levels of deprivation than many other groups.

The commemorations observed in October draw attention to groups whose experiences should concern every public servant. Older persons continue to play a vital role as caregivers, mentors and pillars of support within families and communities, yet many remain vulnerable to poverty, social isolation and abuse. Rural women contribute significantly to food security, family wellbeing and local economies, but many continue to face barriers that limit access to economic opportunities and services. 

One of the articles in this edition highlights research into the experiences of women from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those living in rural areas, in accessing breast cancer care. The study found that many public healthcare facilities struggle to meet national guidelines for breast cancer treatment and care. These findings remind us that development is not only about having policies and programmes in place, but also about ensuring that citizens are able to access quality services when they need them. 

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty further reminds us that poverty is not only about a lack of income. It is also about inadequate access to opportunities, services and resources that enable people to improve their circumstances and participate fully in society.

Government has long recognised these challenges and has introduced a range of interventions to address them. Through the South African Social Security Agency, social grants continue to provide critical support to older persons, children, persons with disabilities and vulnerable households. Programmes such as the Child Support Grant, Older Persons Grant, Foster Care Grant and Care Dependency Grant remain among government’s most important poverty alleviation measures. 

These are complemented by early childhood development programmes, nutrition support initiatives, social welfare services and community development programmes aimed at reducing vulnerability, strengthening families and expanding opportunities.

The challenge before us as public servants is, therefore, not whether programmes exist, but whether they are achieving their intended impact.

Are vulnerable households aware of the support available to them? Are services reaching communities most in need? Are departments collaborating effectively to address the interconnected challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality? Are budgets, policies and programmes translating into measurable improvements in people’s lives?

The same World Bank review that recognised South Africa’s social assistance system also highlighted the importance of strengthening links between social assistance and programmes that support livelihoods, employment and economic participation. This observation is particularly relevant as government continues its efforts to build a capable, ethical and developmental state. It reminds us that social development is most effective when support programmes are integrated with broader efforts to expand opportunity, promote self-reliance and improve long-term outcomes. 

As we observe Social Development Month, we should take pride in the progress that South Africa has made while remaining focused on the work that still lies ahead. Government has put the necessary programmes, policies and resources in place. Our responsibility is to ensure that they reach those who need them most and deliver meaningful, lasting change.

At the heart of social development are the people government serves. It is about ensuring that older persons can live with dignity, that rural women can access opportunities, that vulnerable families can build resilience and that every South African has the opportunity to realise their full potential. 

By strengthening implementation, improving accountability and placing citizens at the centre of our work, we can help ensure that no one is left behind. This requires us to connect social protection with safe and accessible transport, economic opportunity, quality healthcare and decisive action against gender-based violence and femicide. Social development must ultimately be measured not only by the programmes we establish, but by whether people feel safe, supported, connected to opportunity and able to live with dignity. 

Mnukwa is the Acting Director-General at the Government Communication and Information System. 

This opinion piece first appeared in Public Sector Manager magazine. 

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