DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS CALLS FOR COMMUNITY-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT IN BAKGAGA BA MAAKE, TZANEEN

By Precious Mupenzi

• The community of Bakgaga ba Maake should harness their skills and resources to create sustainable livelihoods.
• This was the message from the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, during visits to communities across the greater Tzaneen area by the Department of Social Development.
• Addressing a gathering at the Bulamahlo Community Hall in the village of Makhwibidung, the deputy minister noted that the department was in Tzaneen to understand the community’s challenges and to explore how best to support community members to use their own assets and skills.

Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks has called on the Bakgaga ba Maake community to harness their skills and resources to build resilience and create sustainable livelihoods.

Speaking at the Bulamahlo Community Hall in Makhwibidung, in the Greater Tzaneen Municipality on 15 March 2025, he emphasised the importance of community-driven development in addressing socio-economic challenges.

The engagement, on the theme “Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Resilience through an Asset-Based Community Development Approach”, was attended by councillors from the Mopani District and the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, community representatives and members of the Bakgaga ba Maake Royal Council.

Facilitated by Councillor Muhlabasi Tiba, the session included interactive discussions on social development programmes, providing community members with a platform to voice their concerns.

“The Department of Social Development, through its Community Development Branch, conducts outreach programmes to engage communities, showcase available services, and encourage active participation within communities in their own development.

“We are here today to listen, to understand your challenges, and to explore how we can support you in utilising your own assets and skills for sustainable progress,” said Hendricks.

The deputy minister acknowledged that the community of Makhwibidung, in Ward 27, faces significant challenges, including gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and inadequate access to essential services such as water, roads, and infrastructure.

However, he also pointed to the community’s strengths, particularly its pool of technically skilled individuals.

“The community profile shows that many residents possess valuable skills, including electricians, farmers, motor mechanics, welders, and carpenters – thanks to the presence of Letaba TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) College.

“These are assets that, if supported, can create jobs, establish small businesses, and mentor young people. This is the kind of approach we need to build resilience and self-reliance,” he said.

During the discussions, community members expressed concerns about the social challenges affecting children, highlighting the urgent need for social workers in schools and early childhood development centres. They maintained that early intervention could help prevent issues such as neglect, abuse, and the growing trend of youth criminal behaviour.

In response, Deputy Minister Hendricks assured the community that their concerns were being heard, and that the department would continue working with provincial and local authorities to strengthen social services.

“We are committed to ensuring that support structures are in place, especially for our children. Social workers play a critical role in early intervention, and we will work towards improving their presence in schools and early childhood development centres,” he said.

He also emphasised the department’s ongoing efforts to engage with the business sector and other partners to mobilise resources for community-driven initiatives.

“We will continue to lobby for investment in local development projects,” the deputy minister said.

“However, I also urge you, the people of this community, to seize every opportunity available. Work smart, work hard, and collaborate with stakeholders to drive your own development. The time to act is now.”

The engagement session concluded with commitments from government officials, traditional leaders, and community representatives to work together in empowering communities for long-term sustainability.