Sisisi Tolashe is the new Minister of Social Development in South Africa, tasked with overseeing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants and the Department of Social Development (DSD). She faces significant challenges, including streamlining the payment method for SASSA grants and potentially rolling out a Basic Income Grant in the future. With her political and public service experience, Tolashe and her deputy, Ganief Hendricks, offer a beacon of hope for South Africa’s most vulnerable citizens, despite the daunting tasks that lie ahead.
The City of Cape Town has issued an eviction order to unauthorised inhabitants of Three Anchor Bay, offering transitional housing assistance before the deadline of January 31. The City is also committed to keeping public areas orderly and has proposed an investment of R230 million to upgrade Safe Space shelters and expand bed capacity at the Haven Night Shelter. The City’s multifaceted approach to social reintegration includes mental health, medical, and substance abuse treatment referrals and job opportunities, with a focus on fostering longterm solutions through social development partnerships.
The Western Cape High Court has ordered the final evacuation of illegal residents from Green Point Tennis Courts in Cape Town. The City of Cape Town has shown empathy towards the occupants and has provided welfare interventions and social support, which include access to transitional accommodations at NGOrun night shelters and Cityadministered Safe Spaces. The City’s approach is geared towards creating a more orderly, inclusive, and fair society, with plans to tackle homeless settlements in the Central Business District and increase its budget for social development initiatives.
Cape Town, a city renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich history, is making significant strides in addressing homelessness within its bustling streets. Recently, Mayor Geordin HillLewis presided over the inauguration of the newly expanded wing of the Haven Night Shelter on Napier Street in Cape Town’s Central Business District (CBD). This achievement signifies a crucial milestone in the city’s continued efforts to assist those living without homes.
District Six, a historic neighborhood in Cape Town, is set to welcome a new homeless adult shelter called the Hope Exchange Shelter. The proposed facility aims to provide refuge for individuals living on the streets. The public consultation process is currently underway until July 14, allowing residents and concerned parties to share their thoughts on the initiative.
Deputy Minister Hendrietta BogopaneZulu recently highlighted the Department of Social Development’s role beyond the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants during her National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Social Development budget vote debate. The department has accomplished various initiatives across different sectors in the past five years.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) presented its 2023/24 Budget Vote with the theme “DSD@Work: Leaving No One Behind.” This happened during the national Child Protection Week focused on protecting children affected by shocks and disasters, while addressing the prevalent issue of inequality and the rising living costs in South Africa.
The city council has demonstrated a remarkable show of support by approving an allocation of over R11.6 million in funding to NGOs and the Arts & Culture sector. This significant allocation of funds reflects the city’s unwavering commitment to assist vulnerable groups, enhance social entrepreneurship, and promote cultural diversity.
The Recent Verdict The River Club development has been given the green light after the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the project, denying the Observatory Civil Association (OCA) the right to appeal the Western Cape High Court’s order. The decision was made on May 16, 2023, and it clears the way for a development project that promises significant benefits to Cape Town.
On 14th May 2023, the City of Cape Town announced a new initiative aimed at providing convenient access to various city services and assistance from City officials. The initiative includes the deployment of a Mobile Office in Khayelitsha and the Basket of Services at Lentegeur’s Civic Centre.
After a period of uncertainty, the construction project for the road between Molelema and Matsheng in Taung is finally set to resume. This project brings new opportunities for economic growth and development in the region. ## Resolution of the Conflict
On May 13th, the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta BogopaneZulu, in collaboration with USAID, will launch ChommY. This pioneering program aims to empower children aged between 10 and 14 years from Ekurhuleni hostels. The initiative will be launched at the Vosloorus Civic Centre under the theme “Invest in my Future…Protect me Today.”
The City of Cape Town is proposing a new Safe Space for homeless individuals in the Green Point area of Cape Town. The new space is an expansion of the City’s existing Safe Space programme, which currently offers 480 shelter beds at two facilities located at Culemborg in the city centre. The proposed 300bed Safe Space, located under the flyover bridge on Ebenezer Road, has been open for public comment until 8 May.