DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS ENGAGES WITH COMMUNITIES IN TZANEEN TO STRENGTHEN SOCIAL SUPPORT STRUCTURES

By Precious Mupenzi

• Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks is engaging with traditional leaders, community-based organisations, and various stakeholders within the Greater Tzaneen Municipality to strengthen partnerships.
• Discussions are being held on the various social development initiatives available across the region.
• One of the non-profit organisations making a difference is the Nhlayiso Community Health Drop-in Centre in Nkowankowa, which provides care and support to people living with HIV/Aids and other chronic illnesses, as well as to vulnerable children.

The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, is in Tzaneen today, 14 March 2025, as part of the department’s ongoing outreach programme aimed at strengthening social support structures and addressing key social development challenges. 

During his visit, he will engage with traditional leaders, community-based organisations, and various stakeholders within the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.

One of the key highlights of his itinerary includes a community engagement programme at the Bonn Community Care Centre, where discussions will focus on social development initiatives in the region. 

The deputy minister’s engagements will continue on Saturday, 15 March 2025, in the village of Makhwibidung. The discussions there will centre on improving social services and enhancing collaboration between government, traditional leadership, and civil society to uplift the community. 

Makhwibidung, located in Mopani District under the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, has a rich history dating back to 1963 when it was established under the Maake Traditional Authority.

It was founded when headman Maake Manjoro Marobela relocated from Maleke to the village. Politically, it falls under Ward 27 and is represented by Councillor Gezani Makhubele. 

Among the organisations making an impact in the region is Nhlayiso Community Health Drop-in Centre, a non-profit organisation based in Nkowankowa.

Established in 2001 and formally registered in 2002, the organisation provides care and support to people living with HIV/Aids and other chronic illnesses, as well as orphans and vulnerable children.

Its mission is to reduce stigma and discrimination, combat high mortality rates, support child-headed households, and promote social equality. 

In 2018, Nhlayiso received funding from the South African National Aids Council to implement the social and behaviour change programme, which was later handed over to the province in 2021. The programme is designed to address psychosocial and environmental stressors in alignment with Goal 4 of the National Strategic Plan. 

The organisation has also been instrumental in working with the South African Police Service and victim empowerment programmes to address the rising number of young people in conflict with the law due to social challenges such as substance abuse and family instability.

In response, Nhlayiso has introduced diversion programmes targeting youth aged 12 to 18, focusing on life skills training and behavioural change interventions. 

Deputy Minister Hendricks’ visit underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with local communities and organisations that play a vital role in social development.

Through these engagements, the Department of Social Development aims to enhance service delivery, address pressing social challenges, and build resilient communities across the province.