Latest news with #SisisiTolashe
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Social Development Department still probing adviser's alleged 'double-dipping'
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe's adviser, Ngaoko Kgatla, faces charges of gross misconduct, having been in contravention of Section 30(1) of the Public Service Act by working or offering services to two government departments. Image: Supplied THE Department of Social Development (DSD) has yet to conclude its investigation into allegations that Minister Sisishi Tolashe's advisor, Ngaoko Kgatlaadviser, has been drawing two salaries from two government departments. Kgatla faces charges of gross misconduct, having allegedly been in contravention of Section 30(1) of the Public Service Act by working or offering services to two departments. Kgatla, who has been appointed as adviser for less than a year, was reportedly charged with three counts of gross misconduct; however, the department has refuted claims about its inaction against Kgatla following a recent media report. Kgatla's alleged double-dipping is currently being investigated, the Department of Social Development confirmed. In a statement, the department's spokesperson Bathembu Futshane said they rejected the report by a weekend publication on Sunday, and denied that Kgatla was shielded from disciplinary action. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'We wish to put it on record that the department received the referral of the matter from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to the special adviser to the Minister of Social Development. The department, after receiving the document, referred it back to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and put charges as it is according to law. 'Reports in the media that the official was 'shielded' by the minister and that the department did not act on the matter are inaccurate and we reject them. Charges were put to the official, who requested time to exercise his right of reply, which was granted. 'The official submitted a detailed response to the charges, and the department has initiated the processes required to bring this matter to a finality,' said Futshane. Further enquiries to the DSD were not answered by deadline. Attempts to get a comment from Kgatla were also unsuccessful. Cape Times
IOL News
5 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Social Development Department still probing adviser's alleged 'double-dipping'
Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe's adviser, Ngaoko Kgatla, faces charges of gross misconduct, having been in contravention of Section 30(1) of the Public Service Act by working or offering services to two government departments. Image: Supplied THE Department of Social Development (DSD) has yet to conclude its investigation into allegations that Minister Sisishi Tolashe's advisor, Ngaoko Kgatlaadviser, has been drawing two salaries from two government departments. Kgatla faces charges of gross misconduct, having allegedly been in contravention of Section 30(1) of the Public Service Act by working or offering services to two departments. Kgatla, who has been appointed as adviser for less than a year, was reportedly charged with three counts of gross misconduct; however, the department has refuted claims about its inaction against Kgatla following a recent media report. Kgatla's alleged double-dipping is currently being investigated, the Department of Social Development confirmed. In a statement, the department's spokesperson Bathembu Futshane said they rejected the report by a weekend publication on Sunday, and denied that Kgatla was shielded from disciplinary action. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'We wish to put it on record that the department received the referral of the matter from the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities to the special adviser to the Minister of Social Development. The department, after receiving the document, referred it back to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and put charges as it is according to law. 'Reports in the media that the official was 'shielded' by the minister and that the department did not act on the matter are inaccurate and we reject them. Charges were put to the official, who requested time to exercise his right of reply, which was granted. 'The official submitted a detailed response to the charges, and the department has initiated the processes required to bring this matter to a finality,' said Futshane. Further enquiries to the DSD were not answered by deadline. Attempts to get a comment from Kgatla were also unsuccessful. Cape Times
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Why a victim-centred approach is crucial in combating GBV in South Africa
Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe addresses a roundtable on gender-based violence and femicide at Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria, calling for urgent, victim-centred interventions. Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has called for an urgent, coordinated and victim-centred national response to combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), describing it as one of the most pervasive human rights violations facing women and children in South Africa. Speaking during a roundtable discussion held at Atteridgeville Community Hall in Pretoria on Friday, Tolashe said it was time to confront service delivery failures and legislative gaps that continue to deny survivors the justice and protection they deserve. 'This initiative is an urgent call for a more coordinated, victim-centred, and accountable approach to combating GBVF and ensuring justice and protection for women and children,' the Minister said. The high-level engagement was organised as part of Youth Month, responding to the increasing public outcry regarding the surge in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases and the sluggish pace of government interventions. It brought together state officials, civil society groups, and shelter service providers to assess progress on the National Strategic Plan and chart a more effective way forward.
Mail & Guardian
11-06-2025
- Mail & Guardian
Reported cases of child abuse and neglect rose to 26 000 in 2024-25
More than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024-25 financial year More than 26 000 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in the 2024-25 financial year, up from 23 732 during the same period last year, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has said. 'As a country, we have made strides, putting various measures in place such as child protection laws, policies, strategies and programmes to ensure the protection of children from abuse; however, our children continue to experience violence,' Tolashe said in a prepared speech to mark National Child Protection Week. South Africa's perennial problem of child abuse, in its many forms, has been in focus with the recent trial, conviction and sentencing of Kelly Smith, Jacquen 'Boeta' Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn each to 10 years in prison for kidnapping and to life imprisonment for trafficking Smith's daughter, Tolashe said the 26 852 cases of child abuse and neglect included 9 859 cases relating to sexual abuse reported in all nine provinces. Deliberate child neglect accounted for 9 485 cases, while physical abuse made up for 3 965, followed by abandonment, which accounted for 595 cases. About 1 100 children were killed in South Africa during the 2023-24 financial year, based on Last week, children accompanied by caregivers and guardians marched to the constitutional court in Johannesburg to Addressing the march, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said the Criminal Procedures Act — which outlines the procedures for bail and sentencing — requires urgent reform to protect the rights of children in court. 'Laws have been amended, but there are still weaknesses. One of the areas that we have identified as a weakness is the last part of the The minister met Chief Justice Mandisa Maya on Friday to present a list of concerns regarding children. A recent report by the United Nations Children's Fund South Africa A 2015 study conducted by Save the Children South Africa and the University of Cape Town Beyond abuse itself, there are significant concerns around how the justice system handles such cases involving children, according to the nonprofit organisation, Joburg Child Welfare. It has called for harsher penalties under the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997 and severe sentencing for Schedule 6 offences against children, beyond the current 10 to 15-year prison terms. Schedule 6 offences are the most serious crimes under South African law, requiring the accused to prove 'exceptional circumstances' to be granted bail. 'We demand a justice system that not only protects but actively deters violence against children,' said Joburg Child Welfare chief executive Abubakr Hattas. 'Violence against children creates lifelong psychological wounds and trauma, which increases the likelihood of them becoming future perpetrators and acting violently as adults.' As one of the nonprofit organisations affected by the suspension of aid by the Trump administration, Joburg Child Welfare said that although South Africa has strong legislation, there is poor implementation by authorities. 'This is where child protection needs social consensus and more societal aversion to violence and abuse. Acceptance of violence against children undermines protective norms and practices, sharply increasing children's vulnerability to violations of their rights,' Hattas said. Last year's disappearance of Joslin Smith, who remains missing, highlights the urgent need for robust child safeguarding measures, activists said. During the sentencing of Joslin's mother and her two co-accused, Another recent case highlighting the vulnerability of children was that of a seven-year-old girl, publicly referred to as 'Cwecwe', who was allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The school was criticised for its inadequate response, including offering the family a transfer letter instead of addressing the incident, which led to widespread protests and the #JusticeForCwecwe campaign on social media. In April, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said that out of the 405 738 teachers nationwide on 31 December 2024, only 78 509, or 19%, have been vetted against the In Limpopo, none of the teachers had been vetted by 31 March, and in the Eastern Cape, only 5%, and in KwaZulu-Natal, only 7%. The other provinces range between the Free State's 53% and the Northern Cape's 20%. According to a report by child welfare organisation the 'Conviction rates in child abuse cases remain alarmingly low, and we see countless children who bravely come forward only to have their cases languish or collapse due to systemic barriers,' said the clinical director of the Teddy Bear Foundation, Shaheda Omar. As child neglect and abuse cases continue to grow, Western Cape MEC for social development Jaco Londt said more children require protection and placement in alternative care. 'Year after year, we see the need for child protection services growing. We need to bring back the spirit of Ubuntu to communities, where your child is my child,' Londt said. The national department of social development reported more than 250 cases of To address violence against children, South Africa has pledged that, by 2027, it will have rolled out evidence-based parenting programmes in 52 districts to promote safer home environments, reduced child abuse and discouraged the use of corporal punishment by parents and caregivers. Another commitment is the implementation of the 2024 Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, which Almost a million children have experienced violence at school, with 84% of that violence being
Daily Maverick
05-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
SA's alarming child violence rates demand collaboration between government and NGOs
The plan is up against dysfunction within social development departments and fraught relations with NGOs that deliver most services. About 1,100 children were murdered in South Africa in the past financial year, according to South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics. And estimates prepared by detective services suggest that about 1.181 children were victims of attempted murder and 6,209 were seriously assaulted in just the last three-quarters of the 2024/25 financial year. It is clear that South Africa has a serious problem of violence against children. As the country marks national Child Protection Week, those mandated to care for its children should step up. In November 2024, the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children took place in Bogotá, Colombia. South Africa's Social Development Minister, Sisisi Tolashe, joined ministers from 102 other countries in pledging an ambitious plan of action to prevent and respond to violence against children. South Africa committed to several actions by 2027. One was to implement evidence-based parenting programmes in 52 districts to ensure safe home environments for children, and reduce child abuse and the use of corporal punishment by parents and caregivers. Another was to implement the 2024 Basic Education Laws Amendment Act by 2027 to improve safety in the learning environment. The law strengthens the ban on corporal punishment in schools and introduces stronger penalties for those using corporal punishment. South Africa also pledged to ensure that psychosocial services are available 24 hours a day to parents and caregivers in distress, and increase the reach of the 365 Days Child Protection Programme of Action for prevention and management of violence against children to 52 districts. It also committed to strengthening the ability of caregivers and frontline workers to reduce and prevent online violence against children. Targets Achieving these targets would help keep children safe and potentially decrease violence overall in South Africa. This is critical because violence against children carries heavy costs for individuals, families and the state. A 2015 study by Save the Children South Africa and the University of Cape Town found that violence against children cost the country R238.58-billion a year, equivalent to 6% of gross domestic product. These are the most recent figures available — and annual costs will only have increased since then. Investing in preventing and reducing violence against children is urgently needed. This would not only save costs, but help increase South Africa's school completion rate, and reduce unemployment and dependency on social grants. Making this pledge a reality is in the interests of all South Africans. It is strongly supported by the many civil society organisations the Department of Social Development would need to work with to implement the programmes the pledge outlines. And herein lies the most significant challenge. The department at a national level and in several provinces has treated non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the people they serve with a lack of respect and compassion, placing many lives at risk. The relationship between the department and civil society is mistrusting and fraught, and must change. At the same time that Tolashe was presenting her plan in Bogotá, the Gauteng Division of the High Court made a third ruling forcing the province's Social Development Department to pay NGOs that it had contracted to provide services. By that point, these NGOs had not received payment to deliver services on behalf of the state for seven months. This is not due to a lack of finances. In the same financial year (2023/4), the Gauteng provincial department underspent its budget by half a billion rand. Essentials The KwaZulu-Natal provincial department has not yet paid its NGO service providers for work done in the first quarter of 2025, leaving organisations unable to cover staff salaries or the costs of essentials, such as food for children. While departmental social workers might help deliver services promised in the pledge, most are already responding to cases of serious child abuse and neglect, and supporting cases through the courts. Without NGOs, the government probably won't be able to deliver on its pledge to prevent and reduce violence against children. There are many positive steps the department could take, including implementing the Sector Funding Policy (SFP). This outlines why services for children are a priority, and lays the basis for multi-year funding for NGOs that provide these vital services on behalf of the state. Funding certainty would help reduce the sector's insecurity and enable relations between the department and its service providers to be repaired. However, Sector Funding Policy implementation is not included in any planning documents, and there are signs that the national department is woefully under-capacitated. One indication of this is its inability to finalise memoranda of understanding with NGOs that offer the department free technical services. Since 2020/21, the national department has not received a clean audit. These examples go beyond isolated glitches. They show recurrent mismanagement, poor planning and a lack of basic operational competence across national and provincial social development departments. The minister needs to accept that the status quo is not working. Strong, capable leadership must be provided to achieve a turnaround, not least by prioritising delivery. For the state to deliver on its bold and important pledge, the minister must focus on repairing the damage caused to the relationships between her department and NGOs. She must also be held accountable for departmental failures that are being compounded daily. The department must ensure that officials deal with families holistically. Currently, it treats each family member's problem separately instead of approaching the family as a complete system. For South Africa to develop, its children must thrive — and that requires providing families with holistic, integrated services. Civil society organisations are ready to do the work required and take hands with the department to achieve the vision of a country that is safe for children. But they can no longer stand by as services to children and families are undermined by the inefficiency and ineptitude of a department that has lost its way. DM Chandré Gould, Senior Research Fellow, Justice and Violence Prevention, Institute for Security Studies (ISS); Gugu Xaba, Executive Director, Save the Children South Africa; Suzan Eriksson, Independent Consultant, Wilmi Dippenaar, Director, South African Parenting Programme Implementers Network; Monica Woodhouse, South African National Child Rights Coalition and Give a Child a Family Africa.
