DEPUTY MINISTER HENDRICKS STRENGTHENS TIES BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA, PAKISTAN AND WESTERN TEMBULAND

By Staff Reporter.

• Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mr Ganief Hendricks, paid a courtesy visit to His Majesty King Dalimvula Matanzima of Western Tembuland to reinforce collaboration on social and economic development initiatives.
• The Deputy Minister was accompanied by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Malik Muhammad Farooq, and his delegation to explore joint empowerment projects in the Eastern Cape.
• “We are here not for a casual conversation but to ensure that we reach an understanding and agreement on how to move forward,” said Deputy Minister

Hendricks, highlighting DSD’s commitment to sustainable partnerships.

Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks visited Qamata Great Place in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, on 22 October 2025, to strengthen ties between the Department of Social Development (DSD), the Western Tembuland Kingdom, and the Government of Pakistan. The engagement, hosted by His Majesty King Dalimvula Matanzima, formed part of ongoing efforts to foster partnerships that promote community empowerment and sustainable development.
Deputy Minister Hendricks was accompanied by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr Malik Muhammad Farooq, who was appointed to the position in June 2025, along with members of his diplomatic delegation. The meeting served as a continuation of discussions held during the Deputy Minister’s previous visit to Qamata in July 2025, where he pledged to explore avenues for collaboration to uplift rural communities.
“This visit is not a casual conversation but a formal occasion to ensure that we reach an understanding and an agreement on how to move forward,” said Deputy Minister Hendricks.
The Deputy Minister conveyed warm greetings from Minister of Social Development Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, noting her continued support for partnerships that promote local development and social cohesion. He emphasised that DSD’s collaborative approach with traditional leadership is essential to building stronger communities and improving access to social and economic opportunities.
During the visit, the Pakistani delegation expressed their interest in contributing to development initiatives in Western Tembuland. Potential investment areas include agriculture, infrastructure, and community empowerment projects aimed at job creation and poverty alleviation.
“Their coming will bring positive investments that will result in tangible outcomes for this region,” the Deputy Minister said. “We foresee a strong tripartite relationship between DSD, the Kingdom of Western Tembuland, and the Pakistani delegation that will serve as a model for cross-cultural cooperation.”
Hendricks noted that this partnership builds on previous groundwork undertaken by DSD in the Sentile area, including cultural restoration initiatives and community mobilisation. He reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to supporting traditional leaders in driving development that respects cultural identity while addressing poverty and unemployment.
“Our approach is to work with all traditional leaders, such as His Majesty King Matanzima, to reach our communal and societal objectives,” Hendricks said. “Let us work together in the spirit of Ubuntu to build a promising, wholesome future for our people.”
In his closing remarks, Deputy Minister Hendricks thanked King Matanzima and the Western Tembuland community for their hospitality, as well as the Pakistani delegation for their willingness to invest in meaningful partnerships.
He concluded by expressing hope that the collaboration would yield lasting results for the people of the Eastern Cape:
“We pray that this visit deepens our bonds, protects our collaborative efforts, and opens the way for all our peoples to mutually benefit from the projects we pursue together.”