Cape Gateway is renovating - we apologise for any inconvenience while we're working to update this information.

The Department of Social Development has identified eight strategic areas that are the primary focus for service delivery, policy formulation and programme development:

• Children & Families
• Disability Services
• HIV and Aids
• Institutional Capacity-Building and Support
• Youth Development
• Older People
• Substance Abuse
• Sustainable Livelihoods

In addition to these key focus areas, the Department also co-ordinates, funds and maintains a number of services, projects and facilities in the following areas:

• Youth in conflict with the law
• Homeless people
• Social relief
• Victim empowerment
• Women

The above functions are often performed in partnership with other government departments, local authorities, private welfare agencies and a range of non-governmental organisations.

Grants

The provincial Department of Social Development has handed over the disbursement of social security (welfare) grants to the South African Social Security Agency.

The only grant it still manages is the Social Relief of Distress Award, which is a temporary grant of up to three months, awarded only in times of crisis or in the interim period before an applicant receives a permanent grant.