A DAY OF SERVICE BEGINS: MINISTER TOLASHE LEADS MANDELA DAY OUTREACH IN KOMANI
By Cuma Pantshwa.
- Returning to her home soil, Minister of Social Development Sisisi Tolashe began her Mandela Day outreach programme in Komani, in the Chris Hani District Municipality of the Eastern Cape.
- During Nelson Mandela International Day, the minister and her delegation will spend time with the residents of the John Vorster Old Age Home, where they will also hand over winter blankets.
- The Eastern Cape has a high number of social beneficiaries, with R398-million invested in 353 095 beneficiaries.
On this crisp Friday winter morning in the Eastern Cape, the chill in the air did not dampen the warmth that greeted Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, as she arrived at the Chris Hani District Municipality offices in Komani.
Proudly dressed in traditional Xhosa regalia, the minister received a heartfelt welcome, not only as a national leader but as a daughter of the soil returning home to serve her people.
Today marks the beginning of a Mandela Day outreach programme, led through the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme, with a strong focus on dignity, inclusion, and visible service delivery.
Every 18 July – the birthday of Nelson Mandela – the world reflects on his life and the deep lessons he taught humanity.
Following a brief engagement with the district leadership, the minister and her delegation are expected to proceed to the John Vorster Old Age Home, where they will spend time with elderly residents and hand over winter blankets – a symbolic and practical gesture that reflects the spirit of ubuntu and care that defines Mandela Day.
A homecoming with purpose
As she embarks on the day’s activities, Minister Tolashe reaffirms her leadership priorities: restoring trust in public institutions, deepening grassroots impact, and ensuring that dignity remains central to social development.
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Mayor of the Chris Hani District Municipality, Noncedo September-Caba, welcomed the delegation.
“Umntu ngumntu ngabantu. Here, we know that leaders must walk among the people. Like a shepherd, a leader must understand her flock. You have been placed in this role to serve – and honour it you must,” September-Caba said.
This moment was more than ceremonial; it marked the start of a day rooted in active service and meaningful connection between the government and the people it serves.
Joining the minister on this Mandela Day are the director-general of Social Development, Peter Netshipale, the CEO of the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA, the acting CEO of the National Development Agency, senior officials from the Department of Social Development, and local leaders.
“Today is about honouring Madiba’s vision,” said Netshipale.
“We felt it was only right that the minister return home on a day like this. This is her home.”
Eastern Cape at the heart of social protection
The Eastern Cape continues to rank among the top four provinces with the highest number of social grant beneficiaries, alongside Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo.
Millions of families depend on SASSA’s support to meet their daily needs, with grants supporting children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
In the Chris Hani District, the department’s investment reflects its deep footprint and impact.
The impact of SASSA in the Chris Hani District can be summarised as follows:
• 10 local offices, in Cala, Cofimvaba, Cradock, Engcobo, Indwe, Lady Frere, Middleburg, Komani, Tsomo, and Whittlesea; and
• R398-million invested in 353 095 beneficiaries, with
o 53% (R211-million) paid to older persons;
o 35% (R140-million) supporting children; and
o 12% covering other grant types, including disability and grant-in-aid.
From April to June 2025, SASSA had already spent R621 000 on school uniforms for children across the district, a powerful expression of dignity in action.
“We are bringing government to the people, in one location, with real services that make a difference,” said the regional executive manager for SASSA in the Eastern Cape, Bandile Maqetuka.
Remembering Dr Zola Skweyiya
As part of the day’s reflections, the director-general paid tribute to the leaders who laid the foundation for the country’s social protection system.
“This province has given us legends, leaders who shaped what we have today. Among them is the late Dr Zola Skweyiya, the former minister of social development.”
Earlier this week, in her 2025 budget vote, Minister Tolashe acknowledged his legacy: “The late Dr Zola Skweyiya became the chief midwife who delivered the birth of what is today known across our country, and I dare say across the globe, as SASSA.
“In its daily work, SASSA continues to lift millions from the clutches of extreme poverty.”
Looking ahead
As the Mandela Day outreach continues throughout the day, communities in Komani can expect real engagement and access to services through the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme, reinforcing the department’s commitment to dignity, inclusion, and delivery.
“What we are doing today is more than a tribute,” said Minister Tolashe.
“It is a living, working testament to the principles of active government – one that listens, shows up, and delivers.”
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