KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development 4.33

Strategic objectives

Strategic policy direction: By focussing on its role in the enhancement of the quality of life of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, the department seeks to align its operations and strategic position with the overall aim of government to ensure a long and healthy life for all, as well as to create sustainable rural communities.

The strategic objectives of the department include the following:

Governance and institutional development

· To provide social infrastructure that supports integrated service delivery based on demand for the Social Development sector

· To provide an effective district management system

Reduce child, adult and older persons’ poverty

· To improve income and asset generating capability of poor families and communities to enhance their livelihoods

· To implement youth programmes that assist youth to access decent work and participate in the mainstream economy

· To increase the effectiveness and response capacity of non-profit organisations (NPOs) who render youth development services

· To implement a comprehensive rural poverty reduction strategy ensuring universal access to basic services

· To create a sustainable environment for service delivery organisations (NPOs) through capacity development, partnerships, collaborations, agency agreements and cluster protocols

Social cohesion

· To support and strengthen families and community interventions that foster social cohesion

· To create an environment that enables the promotion of older persons and protection of their rights

· To protect and promote the rights of people with disabilities, including social security rights

· To reduce the risk of sexual and physical violence against women (gender-based violence)

· To reduce the incidence and minimise the psychosocial impact of HIV and AIDS

· To promote gender equality with the view of dismantling patriarchy, including addressing issues of masculinity

· To develop evidence-based programmes and services that address the needs and challenges of vulnerable children and youth

· To improve sector performance through rigorous research, planning and business process improvement consistent with the demand for social development services

· To significantly reduce social crime

· To reduce substance abuse

· To invest in and ensure the provision of quality services to children, youth and older persons, including those in need of care and protection.