Page 2 - DSD ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2

WHY ARE WE CALLED THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT?

In July 2000, the Department of Welfare was renamed the Department of Social Development.
We are called the Department of Social Development:

• Because of our commitment to social transformation
We are committed to the agenda of social transformation embodied in the principle of
social justice and the Bill of Rights contained in our Constitution. We endeavour to create
a better life for the poor, vulnerable, and excluded people in our society.

• Because our task is to reduce poverty and promote social integration
Our task is to develop and monitor the implementation of social policy that both creates an
enabling environment for and leads to a reduction in poverty. We ensure the provision of
social protection and social welfare services to all people who live in our land. We conduct
research that develops the social indicators necessary for programme implementation and
public accountability.

• Because our work is based on partnerships and the Batho Pele principles of service delivery
All our work requires extensive and ongoing consultation with all sectors of our society. Our
programmes are integrated with those of other government departments and all spheres
of government. We work in partnership with NGOs, faith-based communities, the business
sector, organised labour, and other role players. We are committed to the Batho Pele (People
First) principles, and use them to improve service delivery to our clients and the public.

• Because our actions are based upon solidarity and engender self-reliance
As social service professionals, we act on the basis of solidarity with all of humanity. We seek
to empower communities and engender self-reliance by creating conditions for sustainable
livelihoods. This involves expanding the range of choices available to communities.

• Because of the range of our human services
Our development, social protection and social welfare services span the entire life cycle of
human life and encompass advocacy, promotion, prevention, care, mitigation and palliation.

2 DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22