Shishishi Trache is new South African Minister of Social Developmentto take on a mission Supervision of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants And that Department of Social Development (DSD)She faces major challenges: Streamlining the payment methodology for SASSA grants and, Future Basic Income GrantsTrachet and Lt. Governor Ganieff Hendrix have experience in politics and public service. A ray of hope for South Africa's most vulnerable peopleDespite the difficult challenges that lie ahead.
Who is Sisisi Trachet? What is her role as Minister of Social Development?
Sisisi Tlaxche has been appointed Minister of Social Development in President Cyril Ramaphosa's seventh government in 2024. Her duties include overseeing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants and the Department of Social Development (DSD), which serve the needs of South Africa's most disadvantaged citizens. Tlaxche faces major challenges including streamlining the payment methodology of SASSA grants and the possible introduction of a basic income grant in the future.
Big changes are afoot in the vibrant heart of South African politics, and they are exemplified by Sisisi Tlaxche’s appointment as Minister of Social Development in President Cyril Ramaphosa’s seventh government in 2024. Her new role, which sees her overseeing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants and the Department of Social Development (DSD), will put her at the forefront of the country’s welfare state.
Taking up the baton from her predecessor Lindiwe Zulu, Trachet is not navigating this unchartered territory alone. At her side is Deputy Minister Ganeef Hendricks, leader of Al-Jama'a. Their shared mission to serve the needs of South Africa's most disadvantaged citizens is as broad and deep as it is profound.
Born 64 years ago, Trachet has an impressive track record in politics and public service that has led her to this key role, with her association with the African National Congress (ANC) dating back to 2016 where she honed her skills in several portfolio committees.
A journey filled with rich experiences
Her political skills were further honed during her stint as mayor of Enock Mgijima local municipality in Chris Hani district in the Eastern Cape, The Citizen reported. Her experience extends to the role of deputy in the presidency for women, youth and persons with disabilities. Now, as she becomes minister of social development in 2024, she faces her toughest professional hurdle yet.
Her main responsibilities include distributing SASSA grants to around 30 million South Africans each month. These grants range from old age pensions, childcare grants and Social Distress Relief (SRD). These social grants are so widespread that, according to Stats SA, one in two households in the country are recipients of some form of social grant.
But Trash and his deputy prime minister, Hendricks, face significant obstacles ahead, starting with streamlining the payment methodology. Despite social welfare being one of the Treasury's largest expenditures (accounting for 3.6% of GDP), many people have been vocal about their concerns about receiving SASSA grants.
Rising to the challenge
The problem has been exacerbated by repeated requests from many beneficiaries to change payment terms and the struggle to ensure SASSA grants keep up with food price inflation. The latter problem is particularly acute, forcing many older pensioners to give up chronic medications and electricity in order to put food on the table.
Looking to the future, the ANC has previously suggested that a Basic Income Grant (BIG) might be introduced as early as 2026. The grant would be a revised version of the R370 SRD grant that is due to only run until March 2025. The possible introduction of a BIG raises the question: Do Trash and Hendricks have the political grit and strategic acumen to fund and sustain such a comprehensive programme?
Meanwhile, Hendrix has an extensive background in community service, academia and entrepreneurship. This background provides a solid foundation for his role as Deputy Minister. As a former teacher, industrial psychology lecturer and founder of MWEB, Hendrix offers a unique range of skills. He's a trash deputy, but his impeccable track record means he's likely to exert a consistent influence in his portfolio.
A ray of hope for the future
The challenges facing Trash and Hendricks are immense, but the opportunities are equally significant. Their combined expertise and dedication to South Africa's most vulnerable citizens shines like a beacon of hope. Despite the daunting challenges that lie ahead, there is a palpable sense of excitement around them as they take the helm, ready to shape the future of South Africa's welfare state.
Who is Sisisi Trachet? What is her role as Minister of Social Development?
Sisisi Tlaxche has been appointed Minister of Social Development in President Cyril Ramaphosa's seventh government in 2024. Her duties include overseeing the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grants and the Department of Social Development (DSD), which serve the needs of South Africa's most disadvantaged citizens. Tlaxche faces major challenges including streamlining the payment methodology of SASSA grants and the possible introduction of a basic income grant in the future.
What challenges does Sisisi Tlachy face as Minister of Social Development?
Sisisi Trash faces major challenges, including streamlining how SASSA grants are paid and potentially introducing a basic income grant in the future. Major obstacles stand in the way of Trash and Deputy Premier Hendricks, including repeated requests from many recipients to change payment terms and a struggle to ensure SASSA grants keep up with food inflation.
What is the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant?
SASSA grants are social grants paid to approximately 30 million South Africans every month. These grants range from old age pensions, childcare recipients, and Social Distress Relief (SRD). These social grants are so widespread that one in two households in the country receives some form of social grant.
What is the Basic Income Grant (BIG)?
The Basic Income Grant (BIG) is a grant that may be introduced by the ANC as soon as 2026. The grant will be a revised version of the R370 SRD grant that is scheduled to run only until March 2025.
Who is Ganiev Hendrix and what is his role as Deputy Minister?
Ganeef Hendrix is South Africa's Deputy Minister of Social Development. He has extensive experience in community service, academia and entrepreneurship. A former teacher, industrial psychology lecturer and founder of MWEB, Hendrix brings a unique range of skills and is expected to consistently deliver impact across his portfolio.
What opportunities do Sisisi Trashé and Ganief Hendrix have as Minister of Social Development and Deputy Minister?
Despite the challenges they face, Sisisi Trash and Ganief Hendricks are a ray of hope for South Africa's most vulnerable citizens. Their combined expertise and dedication to the South African welfare state shines like a beacon of hope. There is a palpable sense of expectation around them as they take the helm, ready to shape the future of South Africa's welfare state.