BRINGING HOPE TO EDUMBE: COMMUNITIES SPEAK OUT AS SERVICES REACH THOSE WHO NEED THEM MOST

By: Nonhlakanipho Masola

• Government outreach in eDumbe brought essential services directly to communities, improving access to social grants, child protection support and psychosocial services.
• Residents raised urgent concerns about teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and community safety, calling for stronger interventions and collaboration.
• An approved Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant delivered on-site highlighted the immediate impact of bringing services closer to people.

As part of the build-up to Child Protection Month,the Department of Social Development (DSD), together with its stakeholders, brought essential services directly to the community at Prince Mangosuthu Sports Field in eDumbe, Zululand District, KwaZulu-Natal.

Working alongside partners including the National Development Agency (NDA), the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and the Department of Agriculture, the outreach created a one-stop service point where residents could access a wide range of support. From social grants and child protection services to psychosocial care, referrals, and information on government programmes, the initiative ensured that help was accessible to every individual who needed it.

Beyond services, the day created space for the community to share their lived experiences and raise pressing social challenges.

Mr Alfred Nkosi (72), a resident of Mangosuthu Ward 10, spoke candidly about the growing concern of teenage pregnancy in the area. He noted that this often results in tension within households, with parents blaming one another for failing to adequately guide and protect their children.

He further highlighted risky behaviour among young people, explaining that some leave their homes at night to visit taverns, where many cases of abuse and rape have been reported.

Echoing similar concerns, Mr Thokozani Maseko (63) highlighted the rise of drug use among young people. He described how many children, some as young as 16, begin by spending time at local spaza shops, experimenting with cigarettes before progressing to marijuana and eventually harder substances.

According to Mr Maseko, this often leads to rebellious behaviour, including house break-ins and robberies. He appealed for stronger intervention from the South African Police Service (SAPS), including visible patrols and the establishment of community safety forums.

Amid these challenges, the outreach also delivered tangible outcomes for residents.

Mr Themba Masondo (56) from Mangosuthu visited the SASSA service point to apply for the R370 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant after struggling to access the local office. His application was processed and approved on the spot. Overjoyed, he shared that the grant would make a meaningful difference in his life as he is currently unemployed.

The outreach not only delivered services but also reinforced the importance of taking services closer to communities while actively listening to their concerns. It reinforced the need for a collaborative, community-centred approach to protecting children and strengthening families, ensuring that no one is left behind.