A recent dialogue hosted by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) engaged Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, along with representatives from civil society and academia. The discussion centered on disarmament, nuclear issues, the risks of sensitive technologies, and the interplay between disarmament and development. Participants exchanged views with Ms. Nakamitsu and explored ways civil society and academia could enhance their contributions to global disarmament initiatives and strengthen multilateral frameworks.

Isabel Bosman from SAIIA noted the Under-Secretary-General's engagement with civil society and academia underscored the importance of these issues at the multilateral level and highlighted potential avenues for further contribution. SAIIA's recent work on disarmament includes topics such as Resolution 1540, the African Continental Free Trade Area, nuclear non-proliferation controls, trade security, legal protection for the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and ensuring nuclear safety amid global concerns within the G20 framework.

Separately, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) has initiated a nine-month review of the social grants payment system, aiming to address long-standing problems affecting millions of beneficiaries. This review will re-examine the grant payment agreements between SASSA, the Post Office, and Postbank, which have been in place since 2018. Civil society groups have been invited to comment and participate in a steering committee.

Stellah Masombuka from DPME outlined the project's timeline, with data gathering in June and July and a first draft expected by September. The review will analyze breakdowns between SASSA and Postbank, identify successes and failures, and propose improvements to the grant payment system. Recurring issues such as network challenges, system glitches during payment runs, and inadequate facilities at Postbank branches will be addressed.

Civil society groups have expressed concerns about the timeline, advocating for urgent intervention. Hoodah Abrahams-Fayker from Black Sash emphasized the need for a rapid assessment and an efficient social grant system that prioritizes beneficiaries. Nathan Taylor from #PayTheGrants echoed these concerns, calling for a public final report and a separate review of the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant system.