Latest news with #DSD
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Social worker reveals alarming trends of minors engaging in prostitution via social media
Civil organisations and the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) have made a plea after a social worker shared insights into one of the problems they have to deal with. Image: Pexels / Supplied Parents have again been urged to remain protective and engaged in the online habits of their children, and that they are not being victims of sexual abuse or exploitation. Civil organisations and the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) have made a plea after a social worker shared insights into one of the problems they have to deal with. During the launch of the DSD's Cape Care Fund, which allows the public to donate towards NGOs that assist the most vulnerable, ACVV Child Protection's Preshema Sewpaul highlighted the immense challenges social workers face. Sewpaul, who works as a social worker in the Cape metro - across areas as Factreton, Kensington, Brooklyn - said their challenges are spread out depending on the area. She said the Factreton area is very rife with gangsterism and substance abuse, and within the Maitland-Brooklyn area, they are facing not only excessive physical abuse, but also minors engaging in prostitution. 'We have a lot of children from there (the area) sitting on social media, deciding to use social media due to high rates of prostitution, and… For them, it's not so much that they stand on the corner. They meet people through social media, alleging that they're over 18, and then they have older foreigners who believe this, and then engage with them sexually. 'And then they are falling pregnant and/or getting STDs. So in that area, I have high rates of teenage pregnancies and runaways from home,' Sewpaul said. The phenomenon of minors being sexual online is not new, with a study from ECPAT, a global network of civil society organisations dedicated to ending child sexual exploitation, in 2021 already explaining that children have always explored their sexuality. 'It is important that adults remind themselves that a lot of a child's life takes place online, meaning that most of what is part and parcel of being a child or young person will also take place there. 'This means that flirting, falling in love, and sex will all be a natural part of children and young people's lives online. Children and young people will continue to explore and experiment with sex, regardless of what their parents say; for many people, the internet may be a safe space to do this,' the study said. 'Occasionally, this will mean that children engage in risk-filled behaviours such as sending nude photographs to each other, having online sex, or meeting people they have got to know online. It is important to remember that risk is not necessarily synonymous with harm, and it is the latter that is important to avoid.' The Sex Worker Education and Advocacy Taskforce (SWEAT) spokesperson, Megan Lessing, said while they have not come across any similar incidents, they believe that even anecdotal evidence should be taken seriously, and that all efforts should be made to shield teens from sexual exploitation. 'Concerns about young people — particularly in under-resourced areas — using social media to engage in transactional sex have been raised anecdotally in various contexts, and they deserve careful attention. 'Even where detailed evidence is limited, these community observations often reflect broader challenges we do see: poverty, lack of opportunity, and limited access to safe, youth-friendly services. These are the conditions that increase vulnerability, especially for young people navigating digital spaces without adequate support or protection,' Lessing said. 'It's important to distinguish between minors (under 18) and young adult sex workers (18+). When minors engage in transactional sex, it is not considered sex work; rather, it is exploitation, and they require protection and support. The dangers include grooming, violence, coercion, and trafficking, with little to no recourse or protection. 'For young adults who are of legal age and choose to do sex work, the use of social media brings both opportunity and risk. While platforms can help them connect with clients more discreetly, they also open them up to digital surveillance, harassment, blackmail, and unsafe working conditions. Because sex work remains criminalised in South Africa, these young adults often cannot access the full range of legal or health services they need to stay safe,' Lessing said. Lessing added that if a child or teen is being sexually exploited — whether in person or online — caregivers should prioritise their safety and wellbeing. 'This means responding with empathy, not punishment, and seeking professional support. Judgment and shame can push young people further into harm's way. 'If a young person is legally an adult and is engaging in sex work, it is still important for families to remain supportive, offer non-judgmental guidance, and help connect them to information, services, and safer options — if that's what they want.' She added that many young adults enter sex work to survive, especially where education, employment, or housing options are limited. Lessing said that it is also important to clarify that sex work is not the same as trafficking or child exploitation. 'Lumping these together harms both adult sex workers and survivors of exploitation by preventing appropriate, tailored responses… We need to understand that survival sex and sex work among youth often arise from systemic failure: lack of housing, education, income, and support. 'Criminalising young adults for trying to survive doesn't solve the problem; it deepens the harm,' Lessing said. Lessing said that SWEAT advocates for the full decriminalisation of adult sex work and stressed that it would improve safety, health access, and rights for all sex workers, including younger adults who are often most vulnerable. 'Criminalisation of sex work discourages reporting, blocks access to justice, and pushes the entire industry underground — making it even harder to detect and address cases of exploitation, including those involving minors.' The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the DSD have come out to urge for the protection of children and that parents and caregivers be vigilant of what their children are doing online. DSD spokesperson Esther Lewis said whether or not the children are the ones seen as initiating contact, 'if they are underage, it remains a criminal offence', and that anyone with knowledge of this should report it to the authorities. 'It is the responsibility of adults to ensure they do not participate in sexual interactions and inappropriate relationships with children. We urge parents and caregivers to monitor their children's social media use, as well as their movements. 'While it's not always possible to watch your child's every move, it's essential that parents know who their children are communicating with online, who their friends are, and where they are going when they leave the home,' Lewis said. 'We acknowledge it is difficult or uncomfortable for some, but it is of the utmost importance that parents have age-appropriate conversations with their children about topics such as sex, sexual health, and STIs, and sensitise them to the potential consequences thereof. 'If parents or caregivers see the early signs of their children displaying challenging behaviour, they should immediately reach out to a social worker for assistance.' CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi condemned the acts and incidents of sexual abuse directed towards children. 'Communities, particularly parents and guardians, are obligated by law to report the incidents of violence and abuse against those who prey on children. Technology-facilitated violence and crime must be reported to law enforcement agencies. 'Teenage pregnancy shouldn't be normalised; those who sexually violate children must be made to face the law,' Baloyi said. 'Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor children so that they can minimise the possible harmful exposure children might get on social media. Moreover, society is obligated to report apps that are not child-friendly.' Baloyi said that screen time for children should be monitored to minimise and regulate vulnerabilities. 'More education must be given to children to sensitise them about identifying early warnings of possible online harm. Online self-awareness and being alert are key in identifying possible harm. 'Law enforcement agencies and education institutions must increase dialogues that address technology-facilitated GBV, must be inclusive enough, and must not leave children with disabilities in their online education and awareness efforts.' [email protected]
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
How is South Africa's welfare algorithm failing the poor?
JOHANNESBURG: South African street vendor and widow Brenda Mtshali is furious that an automated message on her phone means she will have to skimp on food for her six children. She is one of an estimated 10 million eligible South Africans excluded from welfare payments due to administrative obstacles, including problems with an algorithm-based income verification check, recent research has found. Mtshali, who sells tomatoes in the Soweto township, had her online application for a Social Relief from Distress (SRD) grant rejected more than half a dozen times, receiving an automated message that said "means income source identified". She said the automated means test – which scans bank accounts for a poverty line threshold of 624 rand (RM 148 or US $34.53) – likely took into account money she was occasionally loaned by family members, which does not qualify as monthly income. But sometimes she was rejected when she had no extra funds in her bank account. She has traveled to her local branch of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) several times to query her rejection, only to be told to lodge her appeal online. "We don't want to speak to a computer or an automatic message ... it's like shouting into an empty room and only hearing your echo," Mtshali, 58, said. Responding to emailed questions, SASSA said people who were rejected could appeal online to the Department of Social Development (DSD). DSD did not respond to requests for comment. From Britain to Togo, algorithms are being used to help distribute social grants and welfare payments, but digital rights experts warn they can be inaccurate and biased in some cases. The SRD grants are vital in South Africa, where unemployment stands at about 33%, one of the highest rates in the world. "We know the extent and depths of poverty in the country," said Kelle Howson, a social scientist at the Institute for Economic Justice and co-author of the research on SRD grant exclusion. "There needs to be a move from this restrictive poverty targeting to a system that's much more inclusive," Howson said. 'Failing to reach those in need' The SRD grant program was rolled out to support unemployed and working-age South Africans during the Covid-19 pandemic in May 2020. It is worth 370 rand (RM88) per month. In April 2022, a formal means test was introduced that involved monitoring potential beneficiaries' bank accounts to see if they had more than the minimum threshold of 624 rand. After the new means test was introduced, some 8 million beneficiaries were approved, down from 10.9 million in 2020, according to the IEJ report. This is despite there being an estimated 17 million to 18 million eligible people, the report said. The IEJ surveyed 900 people and found only 10.3% of eligible respondents received the grants – an erroneous exclusion rate of 89.7%. Eighty percent of all rejections were based on the bank verification test, which the IEJ said should only cover 24% of cases. It said all financial inflows – including child maintenance, loans, one-off donations, funds held for others – were incorrectly classified as "means". In May, the national treasury made SASSA's operating budget conditional on the means tests being applied to all social grants, including child support and pensions, the IEJ said. The Ministry of Finance in emailed comments said: "In the age of large data, it is increasingly necessary to build social security registries and cross-checks across multiple databases to avoid incorrect payments and double dipping where it is inappropriate." It also said no grant rejection is permanent, and clients are called in to "verify their income and explain the situation" to ensure public funds are appropriately spent. Applying the means tests so broadly could cause "catastrophic harm to vulnerable groups", the IEJ said, describing bank account surveillance, flawed government data and biometric profiling as "invasive" verification methods. The IEJ report also found only 5% of those surveyed had successfully appealed over two years. Data from SASSA shows 98% of 10 million appeal applications were unsuccessful in the 2024 financial year. With the SRD grant system fully online, "even if you walk into an office for help, you will be redirected to use their online system to appeal," said Kgothatso Sibanda, a Helpline manager with the Black Sash human rights charity that assists grant applicants. Surveillance and survival Howson said data collection was also a rights concern as regulations stipulate that any grant applicant must allow government agencies to verify eligibility through algorithmic checks. This means government agencies can cross-check personal information with credit bureaus or banks, said Howson. "So basically you sign away all your rights to privacy and data protection by applying for a grant," she said. SASSA said its actions were governed by the Social Assistance Act and that "checks and balances are a prerequisite to ensure that we safeguard (the) public purse." The IEJ report said applicants should be allowed to submit supporting documents and means tests should be done over a longer period to rule out inconsistencies. Sibanda said "beneficiaries do not fully understand what they are consenting to" and argued that a hybrid system – online and in-person – would help people with limited digital literacy. "Yes to digitization, but no to leaving people behind, and this system is leaving people behind," said Sibanda. In January, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that some SRD regulations were unconstitutional, but the government has lodged an appeal. In the meantime, Mtshali, her brother and her working-age children, all of whom were rejected, are stuck. They cannot afford to travel to job interviews or print their CVs. When funds are low, Mtshali feeds her family from her stock of tomatoes. "It's now just about getting food on the table, it's about survival," she said. – Thomson Reuters Foundation
News24
2 days ago
- Business
- News24
R370 grants: Faulty bank account scans cause ‘catastrophic' rejections
South African street vendor and widow Brenda Mtshali is furious that an automated message on her phone means she will have to skimp on food for her six children. She is one of an estimated 10 million eligible South Africans excluded from welfare payments due to administrative obstacles, including problems with an algorithm-based income verification check, recent research has found. Mtshali, who sells tomatoes in the Soweto township, had her online application for a Social Relief from Distress (SRD) grant rejected more than half a dozen times, receiving an automated message that said "means income source identified." She said the automated means test - which scans bank accounts for a poverty line threshold of R624 - likely took into account money she was occasionally loaned by family members, which does not qualify as monthly income. But sometimes she was rejected when she had no extra funds in her bank account. She has travelled to her local branch of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) several times to query her rejection, only to be told to lodge her appeal online. "We don't want to speak to a computer or an automatic message ... it's like shouting into an empty room and only hearing your echo," Mtshali, 58, said. Responding to emailed questions, SASSA said people who were rejected could appeal online to the Department of Social Development (DSD). DSD did not respond to requests for comment. From Britain to Togo, algorithms are being used to help distribute social grants and welfare payments, but digital rights experts warn they can be inaccurate and biased in some cases. The SRD grants are vital in South Africa, where unemployment stands at about 33%, one of the highest rates in the world. "We know the extent and depths of poverty in the country," said Kelle Howson, a social scientist at the Institute for Economic Justice and co-author of the research on SRD grant exclusion. "There needs to be a move from this restrictive poverty targeting to a system that's much more inclusive," Howson said. 'Failing to reach those in need' The SRD grant programme was rolled out to support unemployed and working-age South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020. It is worth R370 per month. In April 2022, a formal means test was introduced that involved monitoring potential beneficiaries' bank accounts to see if they had more than the minimum threshold of R624. After the new means test was introduced, some 8 million beneficiaries were approved, down from 10.9 million in 2020, according to the IEJ report. This is despite there being an estimated 17 million to 18 million eligible people, the report said. The IEJ surveyed 900 people and found only 10.3% of eligible respondents received the grants - an erroneous exclusion rate of 89.7%. Eighty percent of all rejections were based on the bank verification test, which the IEJ said should only cover 24% of cases. It said all financial inflows - including child maintenance, loans, one-off donations, funds held for others - were incorrectly classified as "means." In May, the national treasury made SASSA's operating budget conditional on the means tests being applied to all social grants, including child support and pensions, the IEJ said. The Ministry of Finance in emailed comments said: "In the age of large data, it is increasingly necessary to build social security registries and cross-checks across multiple databases to avoid incorrect payments and double dipping where it is inappropriate." It also said no grant rejection is permanent, and clients are called in to "verify their income and explain the situation" to ensure public funds are appropriately spent. Applying the means tests so broadly could cause "catastrophic harm to vulnerable groups," the IEJ said, describing bank account surveillance, flawed government data and biometric profiling as "invasive" verification methods. The IEJ report also found only 5% of those surveyed had successfully appealed over two years. Data from SASSA shows 98% of 10 million appeal applications were unsuccessful in the 2024 financial year. With the SRD grant system fully online, "even if you walk into an office for help, you will be redirected to use their online system to appeal," said Kgothatso Sibanda, a helpline manager with the Black Sash human rights charity that assists grant applicants. Surveillance and survival Howson said data collection was also a rights concern as regulations stipulate that any grant applicant must allow government agencies to verify eligibility through algorithmic checks. This means government agencies can cross-check personal information with credit bureaus or banks, said Howson. "So basically you sign away all your rights to privacy and data protection by applying for a grant," she said. SASSA said its actions were governed by the Social Assistance Act and that "checks and balances are a prerequisite to ensure that we safeguard (the) public purse." The IEJ report said applicants should be allowed to submit supporting documents and means tests should be done over a longer period to rule out inconsistencies. Sibanda said "beneficiaries do not fully understand what they are consenting to" and argued that a hybrid system - online and in-person - would help people with limited digital literacy. "Yes to digitisation, but no to leaving people behind, and this system is leaving people behind," said Sibanda. In January, the High Court in Pretoria ruled that some SRD regulations were unconstitutional, but the government has lodged an appeal. In the meantime, Mtshali, her brother and her working-age children, all of whom were rejected, are stuck. They cannot afford to travel to job interviews or print their CVs. When funds are low, Mtshali feeds her family from her stock of tomatoes. "It's now just about getting food on the table, it's about survival," she said.
Cision Canada
7 days ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Jones Soda Co. Reiterates its Focus on Hemp-Derived (HD9) THC Market in Connection with its Recent Divestiture of Its Marijuana-derived THC Product Lines
"Although we made the strategic decision to sell our marijuana-derived THC business, we are excited about the opportunity to increase our focus on and continue to expand our distribution of our Mary Jones HD9 products, which have been some of our fastest growing product categories," stated Scott Harvey, Jones Sodas' President and Chief Executive Officer. "I believe the divestiture of our marijuana-derived THC business will enable us to sharpen our strategic priorities and accelerate investment in our core soda, functional beverage, and adult beverage categories, including our hemp-infused THC segment," continued Mr. Harvey. "This is a segment were we already have significant retail distribution and strong distributor networks comprised of over 26 of the top DSD distributors in the country." About Jones Soda Co. Jones Soda Co.® (OTCQB: JSDA), headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is a craft beverage company that markets and distributes premium sodas under the Jones® Soda and Jones® Zero Sugar brands, as well as adult beverages under the Spiked Jones™ brand. Known for its bold flavors, photo-labeled bottles, and loyal customer base, Jones is focused on expanding its footprint in North America through innovation, channel growth, and brand engagement. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as well as applicable securities legislation in Canada. Forward – looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions readers that any forward – looking statements provided by the Company are not a guarantee of future results or performance and that such forward – looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release, including, without limitation, that the divestiture of the Company's marijuana-derived THC business will enable the Company to sharpen its strategic priorities and accelerate investment in its core soda, functional beverage, and adult beverage categories, including its hemp-infused (HD9) THC segment. Forward – looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward – looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. The forward – looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward – looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
The Citizen
25-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Homeless get more than warmth at shelter
Blankets were donated to 157 beneficiaries who also received soup servings at homeless hotspots in the CBD. The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) (Northern Corridor), Tshwane metro, and Tshwane Homelessness Forum (THF), recently held their Homeless Winter Warmer Campaign at the Kitso Lesedi Community Development (KLCD) men's shelter in Arcadia. KLCD founder and CEO, Maki Tselapedi, said the campaign came to fruition after beneficiaries voiced their concerns about staying warm during winter. 'It's very cold and our people were complaining about it, so we pleaded with our regional DSD, and we're grateful that they heard us. They are looking for jobs and we are looking for another house for them because we are overflowing and we're talking to the city about that,' Tselapedi said. She added that the NGO is looking forward to continuing the running of its programmes. One of these is family reunification, an initiative that seeks to reconnect beneficiaries with their lost loved ones as well as prepare them for the working world. She invited beneficiaries to air out their grievances during the session attended by KLCD, the Tshwane Metro, DSD officials, other NGOs and organisations. KLCD chairperson Dr Refiloe Mabaso said the NGO had undergone hard times recently and credits strong faith, good management, and the beneficiaries for getting past them. 'There's an old saying which goes: 'When you want to walk fast, do it alone, when you want to do more, do it collectively'. So this is a collective effort from the DSD, Tshwane, fellow NGOs, staff members, and the beneficiaries. None of this would be possible if we didn't work together. It's not about us, it's about our beneficiaries, so let's get out there and help, instead of sitting around making speeches,' Mabaso said. Remembrance Mokoena of the University of Pretoria's (UP) Faculty of Theology and Religion and the Pathways Out of Homelessness programme, spoke about the upcoming homeless count the institution and other partners hope to carry out soon. 'We understand the value of bringing data. We understand the value that we add; we're not just an institution looking to gain degrees and medals. I am a professional social worker, so I'm not interested in putting another degree on the wall; I am interested in improving the lives of our people.' Mokoena said the first count in Tshwane was in 2022, and they plan to do one every year. 'We're not just counting to say there are 20 homeless people. We need to present the trials they are facing, how their mental health is, and the resources and interventions they need.' She said they intend to conduct a pilot run by the end of July and then test their methodology, and by the end of October, they aim to conduct a full count of all seven regions. Social work manager from the DSD's Northern Corridor's Homeless Programme, Joyce Buthelezi, said the day came about as there was a need expressed by KLCD. 'As the department, we saw it fit that for this 2025/26 financial year, let us heed the call made by our NGOs. The purpose of our being here is to make sure that the blankets are given to the most vulnerable who are in need,' Buthelezi said. Two beneficiaries gave their testimonials on how the shelter has assisted them in getting their lives back on track. Mochidi Matthews Mailula said that after graduating from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Operations Management, his life took an unexpected turn: he became homeless and wandered the streets of the city. 'It was the most difficult time of my life. Then a light shined in the darkness, called the Kitso Lesedi Homeless Shelter, located here in Arcadia. It became my place of hope. I'll never forget the warm welcome I received from social workers who introduced me to life here.' Mailula said the shelter provided him with accommodation, 'making sure I had a safe place to sleep and rest. They gave me regular meals, cared for my health and ensured I stayed clean but above all, it gave me back my humanity, confidence and sense of purpose'. Seboeng Stoffel, another beneficiary, said that before Kitso Lesedi, his life was not going well, he was struggling with substance abuse, and he had no idea where the next meal would come from. 'Before we came here, life wasn't easy, we were sleeping on the streets. I met one of the social workers in Sunnyside one day who told me about this place and I decided to stop by. We wandered the streets without food, we didn't even have IDs, but since we came here, we've been helped a lot. Even today I'm working, so I'm grateful. Stoffel said sessions like Drug and Substance and Family Reunification have helped a lot, because they connected him with his family. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
