Social services coalition calls for reconsideration of Social Development Minister appointment
The organisation has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to reverse the appointment in the interests of good governance.
PRETORIA – The National Coalition of Social Services (NACOSS) has called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to reconsider the appointment of Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development, saying the department requires leadership that commands public confidence and has a strong commitment to ethical governance.
In a media statement, the coalition said it had submitted an open letter to the President requesting that the appointment be rescinded and that a new minister be appointed.
According to NACOSS, the Department of Social Development should be led by a person with “an unquestionable history of commitment to ethical governance, accountability and the advancement of South Africa’s social development agenda”. The coalition also said the minister should have a sound understanding of social services and the role played by non-profit organisations, communities and the private sector.
The department requires leadership that commands public confidence and has a strong commitment to ethical governance.
NACOSS said it believes the department requires leadership that will restore public confidence, strengthen the social service system and prioritise the needs of vulnerable individuals, groups and communities.
“The concerns outlined in our open letter need to be heeded if South Africa is to make any headway in addressing the myriad social problems our people face,” the coalition said.
It urged the President to reconsider the appointment “in the interests of good governance and the effective delivery of social development services to the poor and vulnerable”.
Despite its criticism of the appointment, NACOSS said it remains committed to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders to ensure the Department of Social Development fulfils its mandate of protecting and empowering vulnerable South Africans.
The statement was issued by NACOSS, a national coalition representing social service organisations. At the time of publication, no response from the Presidency regarding the coalition’s call had been included in the statement.
