PROGRAMMES
1. INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FAMILIES
The international Day of Families has been proclaimed by the United Nations general assembly in its resolution47/237 of 20 September 1993 to be on the 15th of May each year. The purpose of the celebration of the International Day of Families is to impart information that could be of great value in improving the living circumstances of individuals and to come up with prevention programmes and strategies to strengthen family relationships in order to promote functional families.
The family is regarded as the nucleus of society and therefore it is pertinent that we reflect on its importance in our celebrations. The draft National Family Policy cautions us to provide intensive services to families in crisis and by so doing issues related to social exclusion and poverty will be addressed. Social exclusion refers to the outcome of multiple deprivations that hinder individuals or groups to participate fully in economical, social and political life of the society in which they are located. The categories included here are rural and underdeveloped areas, women, youth, homelessness and elderly. Such disparities cripple the normal functioning within families hence addressing them is mandated not only by the Draft National Family Policy but also by the Millennium Development Goals
2. CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
Government is committed to the realization of the rights of children as one of the highest priorities for action. This commitment is reflected in Section 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa as guided by the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This commitment is also embraced in national legislation such as the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005 as amended). To give effect to these national and international obligations, a consolidated children’s rights framework, which serves as a guide on all matters pertaining to children was developed. The Child Protection Week has been held annually since 1998 under the leadership of the Department of Social Development and seeks to educate and mobilize communities to put children first.
3.INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND ILLICIT TRAFFICKING
The General Assembly in 1987 decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and co-operation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.The world drug problem continues to constitute a serious threat to public health, the safety and well-being of humanity, in particular young people. It is therefore critical that as we commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking we do so with renewed vigour and determination to improve our treatment programmes so that we help those who are already in the cycle of drug-abuse.
As it is widely known that June month is for the rest of the world to remember how youth of yesterday fought for South Africa to be where it is now. The aim is to call on all young people to take charge of their constitutional rights and become active agents for socio-economic change. Youth development determines South Africa’s future; thus, it should be at the core of the development agenda. Various programmes have been put in place to increase the level of entrepreneurship amongst the Youth.
2.The World Population Day
(WPD) is an annual event, observed on 11th of July to raise awareness on global population issues. It is a day set aside by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989.
The slow population growth rate and low fertility rates of the Free State population will require careful strategic planning in the future in order to avoid any overestimation of needs and thus redundant facilities. The slack in the population growth rate of the Free State slightly eases the pressure on services and the resources required for delivery of services. In future, therefore, the province may wish to focus more on the quality of service delivery than on expanding the quantity of services. The projected decline in the population growth rate may result, however, in a decrease in the allocation of national revenue to the Free State, which means that provincial revenue will become more important in the years ahead. Provincial revenue might be strained as a result of the decline in population growth and stabilising numbers, given the fact that the allocation of revenue at national level is primarily number-driven and not necessarily needs-orientated.
The month of August in South Africa is a special month that represents courage, hope and liberty. It was on the 9th of August 1956 when women of all population groups and all denominations across South Africa embarked on a march to the Union Buildings to protest against the notorious pass laws of the Apartheid government. It is befitting therefore that the country should pay homage to the women of South Africa
4.INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR OLDER PERSONS- OCTOBER 1
International Day of Older Persons is a special day for older persons or senior citizens all over the world. The day strives to highlight the older persons’ rights, emphasising that older persons must not be taken advantage of or be victimised, that they must never be subjected to any form of abuse.Chapter 5 of the Older Persons Bill deals with the protection of older persons against abuse, and provides a detailed definition of abuse. Government has increasingly enhanced the effectiveness of the delivery of services to older persons through creative partnerships with civil society organisations such as the Black SASH and the South African Older Persons Forum.
5.SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MONTH: 1-31 October
October has been declared Social Development month. The focus of the Social Development Month is to accelerate service delivery, to address key socio-economic challenges and contribute to the attainment of government priorities. Every year the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the National Development Agency (NDA), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), provincial departments, Non-Governmental Organisations and community-based organisations highlight key government programmes that are aimed at addressing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
9.INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ERADICATION OF POVERTY- October 17
Notable progress has been made with regard to poverty reduction in the province. However, more than half the population is still in poverty and challenges concerning employment creation and economic development in the current economy of the Free State may hamper further progress in this regard.The high dependency on social grants to address issues of poverty might be not be sustainable in the long run and mechanisms to assist the economy to grow and help people out of poverty in a more sustainable manner, should be high on the agenda.
10.DAYS OF ACTIVISM
The 16 Days of Activism Campaign takes place annually from the 25th November to 10th December. Mostly vulnerable and powerless people like women and children are victims of physical and emotional abuse thus leading to violation of their human rights. Women and children are also targeted by traffickers for exploitation. The International Organisation for Migration contends that global human trafficking is the third most lucrative criminal activity after the narcotics and weapons trades. However, due to the ‘hidden’ nature of trafficking activities, gathering statistics on the magnitude of the problem is complex and difficult. It is estimated that between 28 000 and 30 000 children are currently prostituted in South Africa.
11.INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES- DECEMBER 3
South Africa celebrates annually disability day to raise awareness and sensitise citizens through practical action about norms and standards that guide processes that aim to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities
Operation Hlasela is the service delivery mechanism of the current administration and the defining theme and philosophy of governance in the Free State. Its major thrust for social development has been in broadly seeking to maintain high levels of public investment in social infrastructure through the implementation of the second phase of the Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme and scaling up of social interventions to address job challenges and ensuring social protection.The Department has invested in various types of community driven, community empowerment, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods projects. These vary in range and cover the broad scope from youth development cooperatives, women economic empowerment cooperatives, children benefiting learning and feeding centres, to initiatives that leverage the creative abilities of persons with disabilities. Overviews of these projects are as follows;
| PROJECT | DISTRICT | TOWN |
| 1. Blackthorn Agricultural Project | Mangaung Metro | Thaba Nchu |
| 2. Ladies Out Loud | Mangaung Metro | Bloemfontein |
| 3. National Businesswomen Network | Mangaung Metro | Bloemfontein |
| 4. Botshabelo Foster Child Care Organization | Mangaung Metro | Botshabelo |
| 5.Social Support Spiritual Soul and Servants | Mangaung Metro | Heidedaal |
| Tsohang Basadi Recycling Cooperative | Xhariep | Jaggersfontein |
| Ditlhake Bakery Primary Cooperative | Xhariep | Koffiefontein |
| Rea Iteka Sewing Group Cooperative | Xhariep | Koffiefontein |
| Iketsetseng Sewing Project | Xhariep | Zastron |
| Mphatlalatsane Community Development | Lejweleputswa | Dealsville |
| Khanyiso Vegetables Projects | Lejweleputswa | Virginia |
| Mercy Life Community Projects | Lejweleputswa | Welkom |
| Tshirelletso Ya Batho Leseding Development Project | Lejweleputswa | Hoopstad |
| Rata Batho Drop In Centre | Fezile Dabi | Koppies |
| Tweeling Youth Development Centre | Fezile Dabi | Tweeling |
| Phahamang Basadi Poultry | Fezile Dabi | Orangeville |
| Tsoha o Iketsetse
(Catering and Bakery) |
Fezile Dabi | Cornelia |
| Paballo Ya Bomme | Fezile Dabi | Denneysvile |
| Bibi Cash and Carry Express | Fezile Dabi | Tweeling |
| Ivy Casaburri Soup Kitchen | Fezile Dabi | Frankfort |
| Halala Basadi Development Primary Cooperative | Thabo Mofutsanyana | QwaQwa |
| Mamello Support Group | Thabo Mofutsanyana | Harrismith |
| Sibusisiswe Poultry Projects | Thabo Mofutsanyana | Memel |
| Iphahamiseng Construction and Multipurpose Primary Cooperative | Thabo Mofutsanyana | Clarens |
Leratong Child and Youth Care Centre
The Leratong Child and Youth Care Centre in Qwaqwa re-opened its doors to 71 children after the completion of a R2 million renovation project funded by MultiChoice and co-facilitated with the Provincial Department of Social Development in the Free State.The Leratong Care Centre, home to 22 boys, 34 girls and 15 toddlers, is a government owned facility that provides a safe haven to children and youth between the ages of 0 to 21 within the Free State. The centre cares for orphaned and abandoned children, children who are victims of abuse, those who come from dysfunctional families and emotionally unstable children.
It provides 24 –hour residential care, various development and therapeutic recovery programmes.The contribution by MultiChoice was utilised to restore the centre’s infra-structure, such as the damaged roof, plumbing and replacing safety equipment to name but a few. It also assisted with improvement to the living conditions, such as separate sleeping quarters for the different age groups and improved bathroom facilities. The renovations included the upgrade of the recreational areas such as the soccer pitch.
Friends of the Poor partnership programme
- Construction of the clinic in Hennenman with Tau-Pele Construction were completed
- Equipment for Moroka hospital in Thaba Nchu with Windmill Casino received
- Renovation of Iphahamiseng Crèche in Parys in partnership with First National Bank (FNB) completed
- Erection of tombstones in Qwaqwa partnered with Standard Bank
- The construction of an orphanage in Tweeling accommodating hundred children
- Airports Company South Africa (ACSA made available an amount of R800 000 for youth development programmes
- EDCON donated blankets and clothing for poor communities and children
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) South Africa made donation for food for children
- 400 wheelchairs were received as a donation from Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).
Social Development Month
October has been declared Social Development month. The focus of the Social Development Month is to accelerate service delivery, to address key socio-economic challenges and contribute to the attainment of government priorities. Every year the Department of Social Development in collaboration with the National Development Agency (NDA), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), provincial departments, Non-Governmental Organisations and community-based organisations highlight key government programmes that are aimed at addressing South Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
Child Protection Week
Government is committed to the realisation of the rights of children as one of the highest priorities for action. This commitment is reflected in Section 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa as guided by the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This commitment is also embraced in national legislation such as the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005 as amended). To give effect to these national and international obligations, a consolidated children’s rights framework, which serves as a guide on all matters pertaining to children was developed.The Child Protection Week has been held annually since 1998 under the leadership of the Department of Social Development and seeks to educate and mobilise communities to put children first.
16 Days of Activism
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children is an international campaign. It takes place every year from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day). Although the global campaign focuses on violence against women only, South Africa added children to its campaign because of the high incidence of child abuse in the country.This campaign has been profiled and implemented in South Africa since 1999. The South African Government runs the 16 Days of Activism Campaign to create public awareness on the negative impact of violence on women and children and to encourage collective action against all types of abuse and its prevention in our communities.
Every year, government, civil-society organisations and the business sector work together to broaden the impact of the campaign. By supporting this campaign, thousands of South Africans have also helped to increase awareness of abuse and build support for victims and survivors of abuse.This campaign actively supports the priorities of government to empower women, in particular rural women grappling with the challenge of unemployment and poverty; and protects the rights of the child. The Free State campaign is coordinated by the Department of the Premier and the Department of Social Development.
Projects
Operation Hlasela is the service delivery mechanism of the current administration and the defining theme and philosophy of governance in the Free State. Its major thrust for social development has been in broadly seeking to maintain high levels of public investment in social infrastructure through the implementation of the second phase of the Social Sector Expanded Public Works Programme and scaling up of social interventions to address job challenges and ensuring social protection.The Department has invested in various types of community driven, community empowerment, poverty alleviation, and sustainable livelihoods projects. These vary in range and cover the broad scope from youth development cooperatives, women economic empowerment cooperatives, children benefiting learning and feeding centres, to initiatives that leverage the creative abilities of persons with disabilities. An overview of these projects are as follows;
Dihlabeng Local Municipality
- Divas Beauty Spa in Bethlehem
Kopanong Local Municipality
- Bopanang Knitting project in Smithfield
Mafube Local Municipality
- Honey and Lilly production farm in Frankfort
- Genesis Fashion Design in Frankfort
- Hole on the Wall (Youth Development Centre) in Tweeling
- Villiers Guest house in Villiers
Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality
- Kananelo Shoe factory in QwaQwa
Makgolokoeng
- 200 Social Relief of Distress packages were handed out by the Department of Social Development and SASSA
- The Department of Social Development also provided 50 blankets, 50 pairs of shoes, and clothes to Early Childhood Development facilities
- The Kholokoeng Community Development Trust, working with the Maluti Child Care Project has established a soup kitchen where 400 children are fed daily.
Mangaung Local Municipality
- Botshabelo curb production project benefiting 34 youth
- Ancland car wash in Rocklands
- MMS Beauty Parlour in Bloemfontein
- Mosadi Melehi in Bloemfontein
- African Future Leaders in Bloemfontein
Matjhabeng Local Municipality
- Sisi Bed and Breakfast in Welkom
- Phehelang Maqheku in Virginia
- Car wash in Bronville
Moqhaka Local Municipality
- Unicore Medical Supplies in Kroonstad
- Shine the Way Sewing Project in Kroonstad
Ngwathe Local Municipality
- Partu Hair Salon in Parys
- Parmado Juice Factory in Parys
Nketoana Local Municipality
- Ratang Batho Soup kitchen in Koppies
- Reitz Women’s group in Reitz
Partnership Programmes
Leratong Child and Youth Care Centre
The Leratong Child and Youth Care Centre in Qwaqwa re-opened its doors to 71 children after the completion of a R2 million renovation project funded by MultiChoice and co-facilitated with the Provincial Department of Social Development in the Free State.The Leratong Care Centre, home to 22 boys, 34 girls and 15 toddlers, is a government owned facility that provides a safe haven to children and youth between the ages of 0 to 21 within the Free State. The centre cares for orphaned and abandoned children, children who are victims of abuse, those who come from dysfunctional families and emotionally unstable children.
It provides 24 –hour residential care, various development and therapeutic recovery programmes.The contribution by MultiChoice was utilised to restore the centre’s infra-structure, such as the damaged roof, plumbing and replacing safety equipment to name but a few. It also assisted with improvement to the living conditions, such as separate sleeping quarters for the different age groups and improved bathroom facilities. The renovations included the upgrade of the recreational areas such as the soccer pitch.
Friends of the Poor partnership programme
- Construction of the clinic in Hennenman with Tau-Pele Construction were completed
- Equipment for Moroka hospital in Thaba Nchu with Windmill Casino received
- Renovation of Iphahamiseng Crèche in Parys in partnership with First National Bank (FNB) completed
- Erection of tombstones in Qwaqwa partnered with Standard Bank
- The construction of an orphanage in Tweeling accommodating hundred children
- Airports Company South Africa (ACSA made available an amount of R800 000 for youth development programmes
- EDCON donated blankets and clothing for poor communities and children
- Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) South Africa made donation for food for children
- 400 wheelchairs were received as a donation from Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).