MR RONNIE MASILELA ASSUMES DUTIES IN THE OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

The Department of Social Development extends a warm welcome to Mr Ronnie Masilela, who officially assumed his duties as Media Liaison Officer in the Office of the Minister today, 02 November 2026. We wish him .

#DSDCares #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether #DSDPortfolioAtWork
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DSD WARMLY WELCOMES MS LUMKA OLIPHANT FOLLOWING HER REINSTATEMENT AS CHIEF DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATION

The National Department of Social Development warmly welcomes Ms Lumka Oliphant following her reinstatement as Chief Director: Communication. We wish her every success as she ities.

#DSDPortfolioAtWork #DSDCares#BuildingACaringSocietyTogether
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DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE! 

The Department of Home Affairs is extending operating hours on 2 and 3 November (08:00–18:00) and on Election Day, 4 November (07:00–21:00) to assist eligible voters with Smart ID applications, collections and Temporary Identity Certificates.
ers #GovZAUpdates
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The Medals are Ready, The Trophies are Set and the Winners Await Their Moment of Glory. Every participant is already a champion, proving that age is no barrier to greatness!

Who will take home the gold?

#GoldenGames2026 #ActiveAgeing #OlderPersonsMatter #DSDCares 2026
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DAY TWO | NATIONAL GOLDEN GAMES 2026

The excitement continues in Bloemfontein as older persons from across South Africa take to the field for the second and final day of the National Golden Games 2026!

Today, 31 October, participants are showcasing their sporting talents, spirit at the Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Mangaung.

The day will culminate in a colourful closing ceremony, featuring the presentation of awards to outstanding participants and a celebration of active ageing.

Age is just a number, and our golden stars continue to prove that staying active, healthy and connected has no age limit!

Golden Years: See Our Value; Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights.

#NationalGoldenGames2026 #ActiveAgeing #GoldenYears #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether #SocialDevelopmentMonth2026

The excitement continues in Bloemfontein as older persons from across South Africa take to the field for the second and final day of the National Golden Games 2026!

Today, 31 October, participants are showcasing their sporting talents, determination and team spirit at the Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Mangaung.

The day will culminate in a colourful closing ceremony, featuring the presentation of awards to outstanding participants and a celebration of active ageing.

Age is just a number, and our golden stars continue to prove that staying active, healthy and connected has no age limit!

Golden Years: See Our Value; Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights.

#NationalGoldenGames2026 #ActiveAgeing #GoldenYears #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether #SocialDevelopmentMonth2026
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GOLDEN GAMES 2026 | DAY ONE | BLOEMFONTEIN

“Age must never become a barrier to dignity, opportunity or participation.”

Addressing older persons from all nine provinces during Day One of the National Active Ageing Programme (NAAP) in Bloemfontein, Free State, Minister of Social le, reaffirmed government's commitment to promoting active and heal while protecting the rights and dignity of older persons.

The Minister emphasised that older persons are not merely recipients of care, but active citizens, community leaders and custodians of wisdom whose contributions continue to shape society.

Under the theme “Golden Years: See Our Value; Golden Opportunities: Promote Our Rights,” she called for stronger community-based programmes, greater social inclusion and sustained efforts to protect older persons from abuse, neglect and discrimination.

The Minister also officially declared the 2026 National Golden Games open, encouraging participants to embrace the spirit of friendship, unity and healthy competition.

#GoldenGames2026 #SocialDevelopmentMonth2026 #OlderPersonsMatter #DSDCares
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EXAM PRESSURE? DRUGS ARE NOT THE ANSWER! 🚫

As exam season intensifies, the Department of Social Development, through its Ke Moja Drug Prevention Programme, reminds children and young people not to turn to drugs or other substances to cope with stress, anxiety or pressure to atters. Stay focused, stay drug-free and remember: It’s okay to ask for help!

📞 Need psychosocial support? Call 0800 428 428.

📞 Struggling with substance use? Call 0800 12 13 14.

The Department of Social Development remains committed to promoting the well-being of children and young people and preventing substance abuse.

Ke Moja – I'm Fine Without Drugs!

#KeMoja #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether #SayNoToDrugs #MentalHealthMatters #DSDCares
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THE STAGE IS SET! LET THE GOLDEN GAMES BEGIN!

It's a celebration of strength, resilience and the unstoppable spirit of our older persons as the National Golden Games 2026 officially get underway today at Dr Petrus Rantlai Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, Free State.

Older persons are ready to take to the field, proving that age is just a number and that the golden years are filled with endless possibilities.

Beyond the medals and sporting action, the Games champion the dignity, rights and active participation of older persons in society.

Let the games begin! The golden generation is ready to shine!

#NationalGoldenGames2026 #ActiveAgeing #GoldenYears #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSociety
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ICROP BRINGS ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES CLOSER TO MTHATHA RESIDENTS

Today Community members in eFameni, Mthatha, came out in numbers to access much needed government services during the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP), which brought different he people who need them.

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) assisted more than 200 people. Six Older Persons Grant applications and 16 Child Support Grant applications were approved on the spot. A further 55 medical assessments were booked for people who had applied for the Disability Grant, while 20 new Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant applications were received.

The Department of Home Affairs received 88 new applications and enquiries relating to Smart ID cards, late registration of birth and outstanding identity documents. Of these, 48 received approval on the spot. Meanwhile, the Department of Employment and Labour assisted 139 applicants, including 48 who applied for the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and 91 who sought assistance through Public Employment Services.

For 34 year old Ms Zoleka Bhukwana from eFameni , the outreach brought much needed relief. She received assistance with the late registration of her daughter’s birth, a process she had been worried about because of the distance to the Home Affairs office in town. With taxis scarce in her area, travelling there would mean walking long distances. She welcomed the opportunity to access the service closer to home.

Her experience highlights the importance of bringing government services directly to communities, especially where transport challenges make it difficult for residents to reach government offices. Through ICROP, residents can access essential services closer to home, easing the burden of travelling long distances.
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📍 MTHATHA, EASTERN CAPE

Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, speaks to the media on the sidelines of the Ministerial ICROP, highlighting efforts to bring essential government services closer to communities.

#DSDPortfolioAtWork #DSDCares #BringingServicesCloser
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MINISTER PULE VISITS NDA-FUNDED ILUNGE SEWING COOPERATIVE IN MTHATHA

Before proceeding to the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) in eFameni, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, conducted an oversight visit to the g Cooperative in the OR Tambo District.

The Minister was accompanied by SASSA CEO, Mr Themba Matlou; NDA Acting CEO, Ms Susan Khumalo; Social Development Acting Director-General, Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa; and King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo.

Established in 2014, Ilunge Sewing Cooperative is a community-based enterprise that creates employment and empowers women and youth through clothing production, embroidery and related services.

With an NDA grant of R278,185.60, the cooperative has strengthened its production capacity and expanded its services, including the supply of school uniforms. It currently sustains 10 job opportunities, comprising seven permanent positions and three seasonal or temporary jobs.

The oversight visit highlights the role of NDA-funded initiatives in promoting income generation, supporting local enterprises and creating employment opportunities within communities.

Following the visit, the Minister proceeded to eFameni for ICROP, bringing essential government services closer to community members.
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MINISTER PULE ARRIVES FOR POLITICAL BRIEFING IN MTHATHA, EASTERN CAPE

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, has arrived at the OR Tambo District Municipality offices in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, for a political briefing ahead of the Integrated Community Registration OP) in eFameni.

The Minister is accompanied by SASSA CEO, Mr Themba Matlou; NDA Acting CEO, Ms Susan Khumalo; Social Development Acting Director-General, Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa; and King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo.

During the briefing, the Minister was briefed by the Eastern Cape SASSA Regional Executive Manager, Mr Bandile Maqetuka, on the programme of the day ahead of the community outreach in eFameni.
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MTHATHA | GOVERNMENT SERVICES AT YOUR DOORSTEP

*l📍It’s D-Day in eFameni!

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, today leads the Ministerial Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at Jongibandla Senior Primary School in eFameni, Mthatha.

The ent closer to the people by creating a platform for community members to access essential services, raise their concerns and seek assistance with social development needs.

Residents of eFameni and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend and make use of this opportunity to engage with government.

📅 Date: 29 October 2026
⏰ Time: 08:00–16:00
📌 Venue: Jongibandla Senior Primary School, eFameni, Mthatha

#ICROP #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether #SocialDevelopmentMonth2026
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ICROP | BRINGING GOVERNMENT SERVICES CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE

📢 MTHATHA, THE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

With only one day to go, communities in eFameni and surrounding areas are encouraged to prepare for the Ministerial Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP), led by Development, Ms Dina Pule.

The initiative creates an opportunity for residents to engage with government, access essential services and seek assistance with social development needs closer to home.

📍 Jongibandla Senior Primary School, eFameni, Mthatha 📅 29 October 2026 ⏰ 08:00–16:00

Be part of this outreach and take advantage of the services available in your community.

#ICROP #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether #SocialDevelopmentMonth2026
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youtube.com/live/YZvX1E_N7…

📹🔴[WATCH LIVE]

Join Minister of Social Development Ms Dina Pule, SASSA CEO Mr Themba Matlou and the DSD portfolio leadership for the Ministerial ICROP at Crossmoor Cricket Ground, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.

Today’s programme connects residents with social grant services and other essential government support, while providing a platform to raise service delivery concerns directly with leadership.

#MinisterialOutreach
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MINISTER PULE ADDRESSES THE PEOPLE OF CHATSWORTH

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, today addressed the people of Chatsworth during the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) at Crossmoor Cricket Ground in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Government must from the people that citizens have to struggle to find the very services established to support them. Our responsibility is to take those services to the people,” said Minister Pule.

She emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, strengthening families and addressing social challenges such as gender-based violence and femicide, substance abuse and the abuse of older persons.

“To the people of Chatsworth, I want to emphasise that you matter, your dignity matters, and your access to essential social services matters,” she said.

The Minister called on government, community leaders, families and residents to work together to build safer, more caring and inclusive communities where no one is left behind.

#DSDPortfolioAtWork #SocialDevelopmentMonth2026 #SiyayaEmphakathiniNjalo #DSDCares #buildingacaringsocietytogether
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SERVICES ARE ON THE GROUND IN CHATSWORTH!

Residents are gathering at Crossmoor Cricket Ground in Chatsworth, Ward 17, to access essential government services brought closer to their community through the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP).
SocialDevelopmentMonth2026 #SiyayaEmphakathiniNjalo #DSDCares #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether
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ICROP | OVERSIGHT VISIT TO DSD-FUNDED KHAYELISHA WOMEN DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

As part of the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP), the Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, undertakes an oversight visit to the Khayelisha Women Development Centre in al.

Established in 2018 by Mrs Bonisie Mabaso, the Department of Social Development-funded and monitored organisation provides skills development programmes for women and young people, including baking, sewing, detergent making and beauty therapy. The centre also conducts awareness programmes on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), HIV and AIDS, substance abuse, cancer awareness and healthy living.

The visit provides an opportunity to assess the organisation’s work in empowering vulnerable women and youth and supporting community development.

#ICROP #DSDCares #DSDPortfolioAtWork #BuildingACaringSocietyTogether
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HAPPENING NOW | MINISTER PULE ARRIVES IN CHATSWORTH

The Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule, has arrived at Moorton Community Library in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal, for a political briefing.

The Minister is accompanied by eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality Executive PR Councillor, Cllr Sinegugu Sishange; SASSA CEO, Mr Themba Matlou and the Acting Director-General of Social Development, Ms Raphaahle.

During the briefing, Executive Mayor Cllr Xaba outlined the programme for the day's engagements.
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