EC OUTREACH PROGRAMME PROVIDES ESSENTIAL SOCIAL SERVICES AND RESOURCES

By Nande Fayo

•⁠ ⁠Eastern Cape MEC for social development, Bukiwe Fanta, led an outreach engagement with the residents of Guava Juice, informing them of the assorted services the department can provide.
•⁠ ⁠The outreach is about fostering a sense of community and ensuring that everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, has knowledge of and access to essential support.
•⁠ ⁠MEC Fanta told the community that “we are here to listen to your concerns and work together to find solutions that uplift our community”.

Enhancing community welfare in Guava Juice in the Koukamma local municipality, Eastern Cape MEC for social development, Bukiwe Fanta, has conducted an integrated community outreach programme in Ward 5.

The initiative, on 23 May 2025, aimed to provide residents with access to essential social services, resources, and information on various developmental programmes.

The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development’s outreach initiative is designed to ensure that vulnerable communities receive the support they need, including services related to child protection, youth development, and support for the elderly.

During her visit, MEC Fanta engaged with residents, emphasising the importance of community involvement in addressing social issues and improving living conditions.

“Today’s outreach is about more than just providing services; it’s about fostering a sense of community and ensuring that everyone knows the resources available to them,” Fanta stated. “We are here to listen to your concerns and work together to find solutions that uplift our community.”

The outreach engagement featured various activities, including health screenings, educational workshops, and information stalls where residents could learn about available social welfare programmes.

Local non-governmental and community organisations also took part, offering additional resources and support services tailored to the needs of the community.

As Child Protection Month draws to a close at the end of May, a key focus of the outreach initiative was to raise awareness about child protection issues and the importance of safeguarding the rights of children.

MEC Fanta highlighted the need for community vigilance in protecting the most vulnerable members of society. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our children grow up in safe and nurturing environments,” she said.

Residents expressed gratitude for the visit and the services provided.

“This initiative is crucial for our community. Many of us are unaware of the resources available, and having the MEC here to guide us is invaluable,” said local community leader, Candy Mntambo.

The outreach initiative in Guava Juice is part of a broader strategy by the Department of Social Development to enhance service delivery and ensure that all community members have access to essential support.

MEC Fanta concluded her visit by encouraging residents to actively participate in community development initiatives and to seek assistance whenever needed.