Over the past year, the Department of Social Development has made key changes to strengthen oversight of agencies like SASSA and the NDA. With Minister Nokuzola Tolashe at the helm, the department aims to ensure better delivery, tighter governance, and
readiness for long-term support reforms such as the Basic Income Support Policy.
Strengthening Leadership and Oversight
Under Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe and Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks, the department has made several stabilising moves. This includes appointing leadership in key positions and re-establishing the Entity Oversight Chief Directorate, a structure aimed at ensuring accountability across entities like SASSA and the National Development Agency (NDA).
Monthly meetings with both agencies now form part of the department’s routine governance model.
Basic Income Support Policy: Set for 2025/26 Approval
A notable highlight is the progress made on the Basic Income Support Policy — a framework that seeks to expand social protection to vulnerable groups who are currently excluded from the grant system.
The Department confirmed that the policy is being refined for formal approval in the 2025/26 financial year. This represents a major move toward long-term social protection reform, particularly for unemployed individuals who currently fall outside the scope of existing grants.
Step-by-Step: How the Oversight Works
The department outlined the governance mechanism as follows:
- Appointment of leadership across entities for stability.
- Re-establishment of the Oversight Chief Directorate to coordinate monitoring.
- Monthly accountability meetings with SASSA and the NDA.
- Tracking of deliverables through performance metrics.
- Updating critical policy frameworks, including income support strategies.
Where to Learn More
For official information:
- Visit SASSA.gov.za for grant and payment queries
- Visit DSD.gov.za for department policies
- Visit NSFAS.org.za for student financial aid
