Legislative Mandate
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (section 27(1) (c)), provides for the right of access to appropriate social assistance to those unable to support themselves and their dependants. Section 28(1) of the Constitution enshrines the rights of children with regard to appropriate care, basic nutrition, shelter, health care services and social services. In addition, the White Paper’s for Social Welfare (1997) and Population Policy (1998) provide the policy framework for the Department’s work.
- Aged Persons Amendment Act, 1998 (Act No.100 of 1998)
- National Welfare Act, 1978 (Act 100 of 1978)
- Social Service Professions Act, 1978 (Act No. 110 of 1978)
- Child Care Act, 1983 (Act No.74 of 1983)
- Probation Service Amendment Act, 2002 (Act No.35 of 2002)
- Prevention and Treatment of Drug Dependency Act, 1992 (Act No. 20 of 1992)
- Social Assistance Act, 1992 (Act No. 59 of 1992) and Welfare Laws Amendment Act, 1997 (Act No. 106 of 1997)
- Non-Profit Organisations Act, 1997 (Act No. 71 of 1997)
- National Development Agency Act, 1998 (Act No. 108 of 1998)
- Advisory Board on Social Development Act, 2001 (Act No. 3 of 2001)
- Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 166 of 1998)
- White Paper for Social Welfare, 1997
- White Paper on Population Policy for South Africa, 1998
- Social Assistance Act No. 13 of 2004
- Children's Act, 2005 (Act No. 38 of 2005)
- Older Persons Act, 2006 (Act No. 13 of 2006)