Sharna Fernandez

Completing secondary education, commonly referred to as high school, signifies the transition of an important stage or occasion in an adolescent’s life. Passing matric is an important milestone for many learners, and exam results play a crucial role in determining a learner’s career-pathway and thus, steers the direction of their future. “In life, it is …

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez would like to remind the public that the Department’s Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Help Desk remains open under the current Alert Level 3 Disaster Management Act regulations, and is ready to assist NPOs with their queries. The NPO Help Desk was established to assist with registration support, …

At the end of December 2020, SASSA suspended a total of 210 778 disability grants nationally of which, more than 53 000 Temporary Disability Grants (TPGs) have been suspended across the Western Cape. “Despite my request to convene an urgent special meeting with all MECs present, to address the series of ongoing challenges faced by …

Sharna Fernandez, the WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF Social Development says: I am encouraged that to date, 2085 of our senior citizens have recovered from Covid-19 at old age homes in the Western Cape. However, I am deeply concerned that as of 15 January 2021, there were 156 active cases, up from the 78 cases- last …

On Monday, the 18th January 2021, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, met with a delegation from SASSA. This meeting was scheduled for SASSA to provide an update on their ‘10 Point-Plan’ to address the Temporary Disability Grants and Care Dependency grants that lapsed on the 31st December 2020, after being extended …

Sharna Fernandez WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF Social Development says: I condemn in the strongest possible terms the use of water cannons by the South African Police Services (SAPS) against our society’s most vulnerable, who have queued at SASSA offices today. These citizens are desperately seeking assistance from SASSA regarding the termination of all SASSA Temporary …

Today, 13 January 13, 202, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, met with the CEO of SASSA, Totsie Memela Khambula and the Regional Executive Manager for the SASSA Cape Regions, Mr Bandile Maqetuka and their team on their plans to deal with the current temporary disability grant and care dependency grant backlog …

The Western Cape is currently experiencing its annual fire season, leaving many people homeless and in need of support such as shelter, food and clothing. The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, accompanied the National Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, on Monday, 04 January 2021, to visit almost 4 000 displaced …

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed on the 3 December to promote the full and equal participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of social life.   The theme adopted by the United Nations (UN) this year is “Building Back Better: toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 World”.   …

Today, Tuesday 1 December 2020, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez attended the National Shelter Movement of South Africa’s (NSMSA) 24-hour toll-free helpline launch. The NSMSA toll-free helpline number is 0800 001 005 and will serve women by helping them find a conveniently located place of safety from domestic abuse and provide …

The Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said, “I welcome the final signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) and the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The signing of the MoU on the 29th October 2020, follows a delayed process since the …

International Men’s Day 2020 is observed annually on November 19, to create awareness about men’s health and to promote gender equality. The International Men’s day theme for 2020 is “Better health for men and boys.” A brief published by UNICEF (2019) on Engaging South African Fathers highlights the importance of fatherhood and the presence of …

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, urges all children with disabilities to utilise the Day Care services offered by her Department and its Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) partners. Minister Fernandez said, “If your child has a disability, you are the child’s most important advocate. You may need information about your child’s disability, early …

“As we continue to commemorate Disability Rights Awareness Month, let’s join hands as a society, to support and promote the social and emotional well-being of children and youth with disabilities. Our efforts to collaborate, serves us well in helping to create new, and expand existing networks that bring children with and without disabilities together, in …

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has obtained an unqualified audit with no material findings (clean audit) for the eighth consecutive year. The provincial DSDs core mandate is to ensure the delivery of social welfare and community development services to the poor and vulnerable in partnership with stakeholders and civil society organisations. The …

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is calling on all residents to follow the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines upon visiting loved ones at old age homes, with the current number of positive cases in older persons facilities currently at 20 active cases in the Western Cape. As of 4 November 2020, …

The Western Cape Department of Social Development continues to make progress in addressing the backlog in foster care order extensions. Presently, a total of 35 835 children are in Foster Care in the Western Cape. Between the period of December 2019 and 31 September 2020, 4 297 Foster Care order have been processed and completed. …

Yesterday, 26 October 2020, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, was accompanied by Executive Mayor of Oudtshoorn Municipality, Christiaan Macpherson, during an oversight visit to a shelter for victims of violence and abuse in Dysselsdorp. Yesterday’s site visit is one of many visits that Minister Fernandez will be conducting across rural areas …

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez (DSD) welcomes the steady increase in COVID-19 recoveries across old age homes in the Western Cape, with the current number of older persons in facilities infected now standing at seven. As of the 12th October 2020, a total of 1666 older persons recovered from Covid-19. Whilst …

In light of October being Social Development Month and with Disability Awareness Month fast approaching, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said, “Providing assistance and support to the most vulnerable across our communities, particularly for people with disabilities remains a key priority of the provincial Department of Social Development. The provincial Department …

The Inaugural World Homeless Day was marked on the 10th of October 2010. Since its founding, World Homeless Day has been observed on every continent except Antarctica, in several dozen countries. In recognition of supporting homeless individuals and families, Minister Fernandez noted that “The homeless are human beings, like every other person who lives on …

The Western Cape Government has yet to receive further information on the proposed migration of the Early Childhood Development sector from Provincial Departments of Social Development (DSD) to the Department of Basic Education (DBE), as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa last year. I am concerned that the National Government continues to be unclear and vague …

The International Day of Non-Violence is observed annually on 2 October, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. The 2020 theme for the International Day of Non-Violence is “Shaping Peace Together.” We urge the public to celebrate the day by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic. We urge the public to stand …

Today, October 1, 2020, signals the start of Social Development Month. During this month, the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) will create further awareness about the Department’s core mandate as well as the services offered to residents in the Western Cape. The provincial Department of Social Development is committed to the following core functions: …

Today, 23 September 2020, is recognized as International Day of Sign Languages. I would like to reflect and recognize the importance of sign languages in our province. The United Nations recognizes that the International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf …

It is with great pleasure that the Provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) welcomes the official launch of the Sanitary Dignity Programme in the Western Cape. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent closure of schools, the initial launch of the programme was delayed. The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) is excited to …

It takes a tremendous amount of courage to seek help for drug and alcohol addiction, however, it may not always feel that way for people going through the process. As the provincial Department of Social Development, we recognise that providing assistance to individuals and families with drug and alcohol-related challenges is key to building the …

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day today, 10 September 2020, to promote its commitment and action to prevent suicides. The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said, “Many individuals may find themselves contemplating taking their lives due to ongoing stress, trauma and/or as a consequence …

The Covid-19 pandemic poses a serious threat to the well-being and dignity of many children and their families due to challenges related to social disruption, such as financial insecurity, unemployment, caregiving challenges and other stressors resulting in changes to the daily routine of many children and their families. With the impact of these challenges likely …

As we draw closer to the end of Women’s Month, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, is encouraging all residents and organizations, in particular those working in the victim support services sector in the fight against gender-based violence, to comment on the Victim Support Services Bill. The Victim Support Services Bill forms …