Remarks by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, MP on the occasion of the presentation of the SASSA’s 2024/2025 Annual Report to the Portfolio Committee, Cape Town
Honourable Chairperson and Honourable Members of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development,
Director-General, Mr Peter Netshipale,
Chairperson of the NDA Board, Chief Livhuwani Matsila,
NDA Acting CEO, Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa,
SASSA Acting CEO, Mr Brenton Van Vrede,
All Senior Managers here present.
Good afternoon to you all and thank you, Hon Chair, for the opportunity to table the Annual Report of the National Development Agency (NDA) for the 2024/2025 financial year, for the Portfolio Committee’s consideration.
Before I highlight some of the NDA’s key achievements for the year under review, I would like to once again, inform you Hon Chair and Members that I have seconded Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa, a seasoned public servant from SASSA to act in the vacant post of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDA.
We are joined by the Chairperson of the NDA Board, Chief Livhuwani Matsila who is part of our delegation here today. Two weeks ago, I met with the Board of the NDA and Acting CEO and directed that they act with a sense of urgency to fill the vacant critical posts of the CEO and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO). I have since granted concurrence to the Board to advertise the two critical vacancies.
On a related matter, I have set up a panel comprising of government and experienced representatives of civil society organisations, including from NEDLAC, to begin the recruitment and selection process for the new Board of the NDA for the next three years. Once completed, the names of the recommended candidates will be tabled to the Cabinet for approval.
Regarding the removal of the then Chairperson of the Board, Ms Nozabelo Ruth Bhengu and the then Acting CEO, Mr Thabani Buthelezi, I will, with your permission Chair, cover this matter comprehensively in the second part of today’s agenda.
Hon Chair, the report we are presenting to the Committee today shows the scope and scale of the NDA’s work on the ground, helping to address some of the most pressing and interconnected development challenges of our time, such as high unemployment, poverty and inequality, as well as climate-related disasters. The continuing high demand for the NDA’s services affirms both its relevance to tackle these challenges, and the critical role of NDA within it.
For the year under review, the Government of National Unity adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) that sets tackling poverty and the rising cost of living as one of the three overarching strategic priorities consistent with our pledge to leave no one behind. This priority falls squarely within the legislated mandate, which requires the NDA to contribute towards poverty eradication and its causes.
The NDA posted eighty-three percent annual performance rating which is a dramatic and meaningful improvement that underscores what can be accomplished with purpose-driven leadership. The progress achieved by the NDA this year is not only commendable, but also socially significant. It sends a resounding message that when leadership is decisive, when communities are empowered, and when institutions are aligned to the needs of our people, our goals are within reach.
For the year under review, the NDA was able to mobilise additional financial resources that went directly to the community-based development; capacity-building for civil society organisations with skills to implement development interventions; and creating the much-needed job opportunities.
Beyond delivery, the NDA is repositioning itself into a strategic policy player, shaping government response to poverty at its most entrenched levels. Through robust research and evidence-led dialogues, the NDA has provided the state with insights that are not only timely but essential.
Even as we celebrate progress the NDA has recorded for the year under review, we must confront the remaining challenges with equal urgency. The recent Auditor-General’s report highlights areas that still require decisive interventions. The implementation of the areas of action flagged by the Auditor-General has already begun and we will keep the momentum in the current financial year. We will continue investing in the NDA’s institutional capacity, driving its innovation agenda, and expanding its footprint as a trusted partner in development.
Hon Chair, as I conclude, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the former Chairperson of the Board, Ms Nozabelo Ruth Bhengu, and the now retired, former acting CEO of the NDA, Mr Bongani Magongo, for their dedicated service to our people. To the staff of the NDA: we thank you for your unwavering service.
Hon Chair, allow me hand over to the Acting CEO, Ms Raphaahle Ramokgopa to lead the presentation of the NDA’s annual report for the 2024/2025 financial year.
I thank you for your attention.
#ServiceDeliveryZA
