EMPOWERMENT BEGINS AT COMMUNITY LEVEL, SAYS SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT DG NETSHIPALE

By Precious Mupenzi.

• During an oversight visit to Kayamandi, Stellenbosch, the Department of Social Development’s Director-General Peter Netshipale spoke of the importance of building sustainable, empowered, and united communities in the fight against poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
• He also pointed out that real development begins at grassroots level.
• ⁠“We must build communities that believe in themselves, that love themselves, and that stand together to take on the challenges we face,” Netshipale said.

The Department of Social Development has reaffirmed its commitment to community empowerment and poverty eradication during a visit to the Imbadu Bakery Primary Cooperative in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch.

Led by Minister Sisisi Tolashe, the visit formed part of a series of community engagements ahead of the tabling of Budget Vote 19 in Parliament on 10 July 2025, highlighting how funding through the National Development Agency supports grassroots initiatives.

Speaking during the Department of Social Development’s oversight visit, the Department of Social Development’s Director-General Peter Netshipale emphasised the importance of building sustainable, empowered, and united communities in the fight against poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

“The National Development Agency stands for a noble idea, contributing to the eradication of poverty. But this cannot be the task of the government alone. It must be a collective mission, one grounded in the empowerment and sustainability of our communities,” Netshipale said.

He acknowledged that real development begins at grassroots level, stressing the need to go beyond charity.

“Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of the fundamental human right to dignity and a decent life,” he added, quoting former President Nelson Mandela.

He commended the work done at Imbadu Bakery, encouraging its members to see themselves not just as bakers, but as multipliers of hope and agents of change in their communities.

“Let this bakery not be the end, but the beginning. When someone else is inspired and starts their own non-profit organisation or cooperative, don’t shut them down; support them.

“We must build communities that believe in themselves, that love themselves, and that stand together to take on the challenges we face,” he said.

Netshipale called for more action-oriented partnerships that go beyond lengthy memoranda and formalities. “We are not here to talk about partnerships for the sake of it; we are here to start something today. Let’s move from words to work,” he added.

The director-general also highlighted that the Department of Social Development is in Kayamandi “to light the fire” – symbolically demonstrated through the handing over of a cheque of R2 394 125.56 and a pledge.

Speaking directly to the community leaders and project beneficiaries, the director-general urged them to “light more fires” by expanding their efforts, forming new ventures, and supporting others.

“The government and communities must continue to light fires together,” he said, reinforcing the call for shared responsibility in building a caring and self-reliant society.