As the Deputy Minister of Social Development, I am entering 2025 with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear plan to drive impactful change for our people.
In line with my appointment by President Ramaphosa as the champion of the City of Johannesburg under the District Development Model, my New Year’s resolution is to bring together all social development services under my delegation to transform this vibrant metropolis into a model of integrated and people-centered social development. This initiative will not only set a benchmark for Johannesburg but also pave the way for similar interventions across the country, starting with the Cape Flats and resistance villages like Cofimvaba, Groutville, Mpame, Claridges, and As Salaam in Umdoni. These communities, which were the first to die and be hanged for the freedoms we enjoy today, have been the last to receive services. My mission is to change that reality.
The legacy of Winnie Madikizela-Mandela as a social worker in the City of Johannesburg inspires my passion for this mission. Operating from her house in Soweto, she exemplified what it means to serve with compassion and resilience, and her work continues to remind us that our mandate is about improving the lives of our people. It was Julius Nyerere who profoundly reminded us that the purpose of economic activities is the welfare of the people, not private profit for capitalists. This foundational principle will guide my efforts to ensure sustainable livelihoods, particularly for those who rely on social grants. Economic freedom begins with self-reliance, and this is the vision I aim to instil in every South African.
Our path is not without challenges. Within the Government of National Unity (GNU), we encounter varying priorities and approaches. While we may be one of ten in leadership, some partners, like the Democratic Alliance, remain disengaged from the critical mission of eradicating poverty. Their lack of participation and insistence on bureaucratic processes, such as demanding two weeks’ notice for engagement, hampers progress. In my department, we cannot afford such delays; the urgency of our work demands immediate and unwavering commitment.
My resolve is to engage even those who are resistant, to fundamentally challenge their perspectives, and to rally collective action for the welfare of our people. Self-reliance will be the cornerstone of this transformation. As we empower communities to build their capacities and reduce dependency, we lay the foundation for true economic freedom—the vision of our nation’s and Africa’s great leaders.
To achieve this, the rollout of social development services will focus on accessible and integrated systems in Johannesburg, leveraging the district development approach to streamline resources and amplify impact. From there, we will extend these lessons and successes to the Cape Flats and resistance villages like Cofimvaba, Groutville, Mpame, Claridges, and As Salaam. By fostering partnerships, empowering grassroots organizations, and ensuring that every intervention prioritizes the welfare of the people, we will create a ripple effect that reaches every corner of the nation.
Additionally, I am helping draft a new five-year drug master plan to address the scourge of substance abuse. Building on my department’s groundbreaking success in the fight against HIV/AIDS and my role as patron of the Men’s Parliament, I am taking the lead in developing a new master plan to combat gender-based violence (GBV). This initiative will include state-of-the-art shelters and one-stop service centers to provide holistic support to survivors and tackle GBV comprehensively.
My commitment is unwavering: to lead with the spirit of Winnie Mandela, to advocate for the principles articulated by Julius Nyerere, and to build a legacy of self-reliance and economic freedom for all South Africans. This is not just a resolution for the year ahead but a lifelong dedication to fulfilling the vision of our nation’s and Africa’s great leaders
President of Al jama-ah and Deputy Minister Hon.Ganief Hendricks meets at his ministerial offices at the Parliament with influential religious leaders, representing over 20 million South Africans, to tackle poverty and build a better tomorrow.
Collaboration, compassion, and collective action will drive our success!
