DIALOGUES WITH THE DEPUTY MINISTER: A COMMUNITY PLEADS FOR CHANGE

By Cuma Pantshwa

• A visit by Deputy Minister of Social Development Ganief Hendricks and a team from the Department of Social Development to a community in the greater Tzaneen area was not simply a government visit – it was a defining moment for the people of Makhwibidung village.
• In a local community hall in the village, the voices of the community members were heard, not just as victims of hardship but as active participants in their own development.
• The meeting spoke of challenges such as unemployment, school dropout rates, crime and poor infrastructure, but also of opportunities and the technical skills within the community.

A recently built community hall in Makhwibidung village stands tall and sturdy along a dusty gravel road, surrounded by scattered homes and the majestic backdrop of lush green mountains.

The Bulamahlo Community Hall in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality in the Mopani District opened its doors in October 2024.

Today was more than just a meeting – it was a desperate plea for action.

Inside, over 70 community members had gathered, ready to voice their concerns and demand change.

The Department of Social Development joined community members on 15 March 2025 to listen, engage, and respond to the pressing social issues that plague this resilient yet struggling village. From unemployment, school dropouts, crime and drug abuse to poor infrastructure and shortage of water, the community members were given the opportunity to engage directly with the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks.

Leading the programme of the day, Councillor Muhlabasi Tiba welcomed the delegation and called on Dr Alfa Mahlako, Chief Director for Sustainable Livelihoods in the Department of Social Development, to address the community on the purpose of the gathering.

Dr Mahlako’s remarks were clear – this was an opportunity for them to speak out and engage the deputy minister.

From challenges to opportunities

He emphasised that while the government must respond to challenges, the community itself plays a vital role in its own development.

“You must let him know everything that affects you. But also talk about the opportunities that are here, not only the issues.

“Let’s also talk about the strengths that are in this community so that we can collectively see how to utilise those strengths and those opportunities to develop ourselves and take ourselves out of poverty.”

Dr Mahlako’s words shifted the conversation from one of frustration to one of empowerment.

While acknowledging the social ills that plague the village, he noted that Makhwibidung also has opportunities and strengths that, if harnessed, can help the community thrive.

Engagement with traditional leadership

Prior to the community engagement, as protocol dictates, the deputy minister and the departmental delegation, first met with the Chief of Makhwibidung Village to formally introduce their visit and discuss the community’s most pressing needs.

The visit at the Bakgaga ba Maake Royal Council is a crucial step in fostering collaboration between the government and traditional authorities to ensure that social development initiatives are aligned with community needs.

Chairperson of the Royal Council, Thomas Maake, did not hold back, expressing deep frustration over the government’s failure to fulfil past promises. He was particularly stern towards the deputy minister, accusing officials of giving false hope to the people without delivering meaningful change.

One of his biggest concerns was the deteriorating state of the village’s gravel roads, which makes accessing essential services, especially those provided by Social Development, extremely difficult.

He urged the deputy minister to treat this matter with urgency, emphasising that better roads mean better access to help for the most vulnerable.

Following this important dialogue, Bulamahlo Community Hall was then the platform for community members to lay bare all their issues – a place where they could voice their concerns and contribute to shaping policies that directly impact their lives.

A cry for help

The floor opened and voices flooded the hall.

One participant spoke about the devastating effects of substance and drug abuse in the village, particularly among the youth. With pain in her voice, she pleaded for urgent intervention calling for the Department of Social Development to deploy social workers to help these vulnerable children. “Our children are out of order. We need social workers to help them … Deputy Minister, please help us.”

Her words echoed the desperation of many parents and guardians who feel powerless as they watch their children fall into addiction, crime, and hopelessness.

The lack of basic services in Ward 27 took centre stage raising critical points on the shortage of water in the area.

“We have a dam nearby, yet we still struggle to get clean water. How is that possible? Our roads are in terrible condition, making it difficult to access basic services. We need answers, and we need action.”

The delegation listened attentively as community members voiced their concerns.

“Our children work hard and pass matric with bachelor passes, yet they can’t access the Department of Social Development bursary. Why are these opportunities so limited for us? We need proper support so our youth can have a future.”

Acknowledging these concerns, Deputy Minister Hendricks emphasised the importance of community resilience and self-empowerment, urging residents to use their available resources to create opportunities for themselves.

‘You have spoken, and you have been heard’

“The community profile conducted in the area indicates that there is a high level of technically skilled human resources, electricians, farmers, motor mechanics, welders, carpenters, and more. These are skills we need to support to create job opportunities, establish businesses, and empower young people to be self-sustainable,” said Hendricks.

He assured the community that the Department of Social Development would continue working with stakeholders, including businesses, to lobby for more resources and support economic empowerment initiatives.

“So, I want to tell you that I’ve heard you, and we are going to escalate your issues. I will take these matters to the deputy directors general. You have spoken, and you have been heard”.

The day’s engagement was more than just a government visit – it was a defining moment for the people of Makhwibidung. Their voices were heard, not just as victims of hardship but as active participants in their own development.

The overall message for all was clear: change must come, and it must be driven by both government action, traditional leaders and community empowerment.