KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development

18/06/2026

DSD CELEBRATES YOUTH MONTH WITH FOCUS ON SKILLS AND BUSINESS NETWORKING

In a vibrant commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the struggle, the Department of Social Development under uGu District Municipality hosted a pivotal youth led on socio-economic empowerment program today. Under the theme "Fredom lives in every generation: partnership for youth development, " the gathering aimed to bridge the gap between young people and tangible economic opportunities.
The program was not just a celebration but a platform for dialogs, bringing together various Stakeholders to provide crucial information to the youth of uGu District. The core focus was on shifting mindset from job seeking to job creation, with a strong emphasis on business networking and socio-economic growth across every generation.
Mr Syabonga Gwala, the Community Development manager, set the tone for the proceedings by emphasizing that the primary purpose of gathering was to listen "we are here to listen to the youth on what exactly they want, " he stated, underscoring the Department's commitment to youth led development.
In a key massage to the attendees, Mr Gwala encouraged young people to broaden their horizons beyond traditional academic pathways. He urged them to focus significantly on skills development, advocating for a diversified approach to personal and professional growth rather than relying solely on university degrees," let us celebrate with the mind that we want to change our lives, " he motivated the youth, calling for proactive and transformative celebration for youth potential.
The presence a diverse Stakeholders provided the youth with a comprehensive view of available resources, from funding opportunities to mentorship programs, ensuring that they have spirit of the 50th anniversary is met with actionable steps to a prosperous future.

16/06/2026

Former Springbok player Tendai "Beast" Mtawarira visited the Ekuvukeni Health Care Centre in KwaMashu today as part of a promotional visit ahead of the Springboks National Team's visit next week.

The Springboks are scheduled to visit the centre, which serves as a safe space for children from vulnerable families in the area. These children face various social challenges, and the centre provides an after-school environment where they receive help with homework, psychosocial support, and a home-cooked meal before returning home. The facility aims to develop these children into productive members of society.

The children at the centre are typically aged 6 to 14, though some remain until 18. Services offered include counseling, sports activities, health support, and a basket of services. The centre is one of 1,000 drop-in centres sponsored by UNICEF.

The Department of Social Development also funds the facility and its programmes, with social workers on hand to assess the children's needs.

16/06/2026

KWA-ZULU NATAL YOUTH ANSWER THE CALL OF THE FUTURE AT YOUTH DAY COMMEMORATION

On 16 June 2026, the Office of the Premier hosted 50th Youth Day Commemoration under the theme: "Reset@50: the future calls", at the Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) Steve Biko Campus under eThekwini North.

Various government departments and stakeholders attended to give young people insight into how they can improve their lives by using their skills and starting their own businesses.

Speakers encouraged the youth to take a stand for their future and urged government to continue supporting young people so that they can progress. The youth were encouraged to show respect, while entrepreneurs were challenged to work harder. It was emphasised that their ideas, mindset, and leadership are vital to the country, as they create jobs and help grow the economy.

At the centre of of the youth panelists was the department's very own, Mr. Msizi Dlamini, a graduate of the Department of Social Development through Wentworth Youth Skills Development Centre Programme. Born and raised in Durban, Msizi is a testament to the power of second chances. Identified as a young person in need of support, he was enrolled at the Wentworth Youth Skills Development Centre. His journey began with a three-month behavioural change programme, which laid the foundation for discipline and personal transformation. This was followed by three months of intensive vocational training in the electrical trade, delivered by eThekwini TVET College in partnership with DSD.

After completing this training, Msizi was hired by Southern Sun at Elangeni Maharani. Within three months, his dedication and skills earned him a permanent role. Not stopping there, he was selected for a supervisory skills training programme just seven months after joining the company. He completed this training within ten months of starting, equipping him with leadership abilities to guide and mentor others. This journey was supported by the invaluable platforms provided by East Coast Radio, which gave him a stage to share his story, and the Department of Social Development, which gave him the foundation to succeed. Today, Msizi stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support and determination, anything is possible.

Premier Thami Ntuli said, “This is your day to celebrate and to show us that our future leaders will come from among you.”

He added that the youth of 1976 inherited pain to show us that freedom is possible. Many paid the ultimate price. “This is not just a story of protest, but a story that shows how South Africa achieved freedom. History teaches us that freedom is a journey. Our responsibility is to honour the heroes of 1976 by completing the work they began.”

It was further stated that today’s youth have great minds and new skills that can help develop a new South Africa. They must stand up, stand for their rights, and stand for what they believe in. They must stand for what is right for them.

16/06/2026

KWAZULU NATAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICIALS GO THE DISTANCE

TEAM CROSSES FINISH LINE AT COMRADES MARATHON

The ultimate human race tested their grit, but five dedicated officials from KwaZulu Natal Department of Social Development proved they have what it takes. In a powerful display of discipline and endurance, the team successfully completed the grueling 2026 comrade’s marathon, crossing the finish line well within the official cut-off time.

Representing the Department with distinction were Ms Msawenkosi Nsibande, Ms Thuthukile Hlophe, Ms Samukelisiwe Zungu, Mr Lucky Mdlalose, and Mr Nkosi Nzimande. Running the up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, these public servants traded their office chairs for road running shoes, embodying the very resilience they promote in their daily Social Development work.

For each official the race was more than a physical challenge – it was a personal and professional triumph. Ms Msawenkosi Nsibande led a pack with a composed and steady pace and managed to take position 31 out of 5196 women entered the 2026 comrade’s marathon. Ms Thuthukile Hlophe showcased a remarkable determination, pushing through the hills of Inchanga and Ashburton. Mr Nkosi Nzimande and Mr Lucky Mdlalose ran shoulder to shoulder for most of the race, motivating each other during the punishing middle kilometers. Meanwhile Ms Samkelisiwe Zungu who is a first runner demonstrated extra ordinary spirit, crossing the finish line at Pietermaritzburg Scottsville during the last hour of the race.

All officials completed 86 kilometers marathon before the final gun, earning their medals. Their achievement highlights the Department`s commitment to health, wellness, and leading by example.

“This was not about running. It was about showing the communities we serve that we are committed, resilient, and we finish what we started. The comrades tests your mind more than your legs. As social development workers, we sometimes face tough cases daily. This marathon reminded us that perseverance pays off”, said Ms Nsibande.

The KZN DSD management has since extended heartfelt congratulations to the team, calling them ambassadors of endurance and hope. Their successful finish serves as an inspiration to colleagues.

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

TEACHING RESPECT FOR ELDERS STATS IN THE CREDLE:
ETHEKWINI SOUTH MARKS WORLD ELDERY AWARENESS DAY

WENTWORTH- In a vibrant display of community solidarity, the Department of Social Development (Ethekwini South) joined forces with local stakeholders to commemorate World Elderly abuse Awareness Day at the John Dunn House Day Care Center in Wentworth. The event held in partnership with the Centre, SAPS, ADASA, the Wentworth Trauma Unit, and Age Action, carried a powerful and urgent massage: “respect for the elderly must be taught from early childhood”.

While the day was filled with activities celebrating older persons, the central theme echoed by attendees was the critical need to embed elderly rights into the country’s education curriculum. Elderly resident at the gathering made a passionate plea for issues of elder abuse to be introduced as the Early Childhood Development (ECD) phase.

“Children need to know from a young age how to treat us,” suggested one elderly participant during the discussions. “If they learn respect and kindness in their first years of school, it becomes a part of who they are. That is how we stop the abuse from happening in the future.”

The call to action comes as communities face rising concerns over neglect, physical abuse, and financial exploitation of senior citizens. By integrating elderly rights into foundational learning, the elders argue, society can shift from reacting to abuse to preventing it.

MS Thandazile Zulu from the Department of Social Development reiterated their commitment to pushing for policy changes that reflect the elders` request.” The curriculum must evolve to include human rights for all ages. When children and youth understand that grandparents deserve dignity, we build a safer community for everyone, “said Zulu

As the programme ends with singing the elders summed up with the spirit of the day:” do not just pity us, teach the children to love us. That is how we age with dignity.

15/06/2026

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT HIGHLIGHTS YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AT YOUTH PARLIAMENT PREPARATORY SESSION

As part of preparations for the upcoming Youth Parliament to be held at Umzumbe Local Municipality, the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, in together with government departments, hosted a welcoming session for youth delegates from different political parties and other community based organisations at Cutty Park in Scottsburg under the Ugu District. The engagement provided a platform for young people to interact with government representatives and gain insight into programmes designed to advance youth development.

During Commission two discussions which focused on Education, Health and Social Development, the Department of Social Development, represented by Chief Director: Community Development and Reaserch Dr Mxolisi Ngcongo, outlined its commitment to building a developmental society through sustainable youth empowerment initiatives. The department highlighted the implementation of its Integrated Youth Development Strategy, anchored on four key pillars aimed at equipping young people with relevant skills, enhancing employability and promoting economic participation.

The department emphasised the role of its Youth Development Centres and academies in addressing youth unemployment through accredited skills training programmes delivered in partnership with TVET colleges. These programmes include plumbing, garment making, electrical training, security services, baking and chef courses. Graduates receive certification and, where applicable, start-up kits to support entrepreneurship and encourage job creation within their communities.

The presentation further underscored the department’s shift from a welfare-based approach to a developmental model that prioritises youth utilisation, empowerment and self-reliance. Through structured, policy-driven interventions, the department continues to create opportunities for young people to actively participate in the economy and improve their quality of life.

As South Africa marks the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Youth Uprising, the Department of Social Development reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that no young person is left behind and that meaningful investments in youth development remain central to the ongoing empowerment and emancipation of future generations.

15/06/2026

KZN Social Development Officials Conquer Comrades Marathon

Five officials from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development completed the 2026 Comrades Marathon, crossing the finish line within the official cut-off time.

The team—Ms Msawenkosi Nsibande, Ms Thuthukile Hlophe, Ms Samukelisiwe Zungu, Mr Lucky Mdlalose, and Mr Nkosi Nzimande—ran the up run from Durban to Pietermaritzburg.

Ms Nsibande led the group, finishing 31st out of 5,196 women. Ms Hlophe pushed through the hills of Inchanga and Ashburton, while Mr Nzimande and Mr Mdlalose ran together, motivating each other through the toughest stretches. Ms Zungu, a first-time runner, showed remarkable spirit, finishing in the final hour at Pietermaritzburg Scottsville.

All five completed the 86-kilometre race before the final gun.

"This was not about running. It was about showing the communities we serve that we are committed, resilient, and we finish what we started," said Ms Nsibande.

KZN DSD management congratulated the team, calling them ambassadors of endurance and hope.

15/06/2026

15/06/2026