ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT SERVICES BROUGHT TO THE PEOPLE OF KOMANI THROUGH OUTREACH PROGRAMME

By Tholakele Makena

• Community members in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality came out in their numbers on 28 November 2025 to access social services offered through an Integrated Ministerial Outreach Programme.
• The outreach programme, supported by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and government departments such as health and home affairs, brings essential services directly to residents.
• ⁠Led by the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, the outreach programme provided help to residents needing identity documents, health screenings, and social grant information.

The Minister of Social Development, Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, today led an Integrated Ministerial Outreach Programme at Nonzwakazi Methodist Church in the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality.

The outreach was held to bring essential government services directly to residents, strengthen service delivery, and respond to persistent social challenges identified during earlier community engagements.

The programme forms part of the District Development Model, which promotes coordinated and integrated service delivery across all spheres of government.

Today, 28 November 2025, the community came out in their numbers to access services offered by various government departments and entities, including the Departments of Home Affairs and Health, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and the National Development Agency (NDA).

Residents received assistance with identity documents, health screenings, social grant information and other crucial support.

This marks Minister Tolashe’s second visit to Komani in four months, underscoring ongoing efforts by the Department of Social Development to strengthen access to services in communities affected by poverty, unemployment and social instability.

The outreach also coincides with Disability Rights Awareness Month and the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, aligning with the department’s focus on protecting and supporting vulnerable groups.

Komani continues to face serious social issues, including gender-based violence, child abuse, child malnutrition and entrenched poverty.

Tackling social challenges

Minister Tolashe emphasised the importance of empowering women, supporting gender-based violence survivors and ensuring accountability within communities so that violence and neglect do not continue unchecked.

Addressing the gathering, Acting Executive Mayor of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, Unathi Galada, reflected on the historical significance of the area.

He noted that the community is commemorating 50 years since the Queenstown Massacre, honouring those who lost their lives as “Iselesenyathi”.

Galada highlighted that the unemployment rate in the municipality sits at around 60% and that the municipality’s mix of rural and urban areas presents complex service delivery demands.

Initiatives such as the Queenstown Massacre programme are vital in teaching young people about the history of the area while shaping responsible future leadership, he said.

Councillor Thembeka Bunu added that the Enoch Mgijima Municipality, established in 2016, continues to prioritise strengthening its heritage sector as part of ongoing efforts to reduce poverty and enhance service delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the families of the Queenstown Massacre victims, Mawethu Matshoba expressed appreciation for the support they have received.

He shared that commemorative activities began on 15 November 2025 with a community walk aimed at encouraging youth participation in sports.

Family representatives also conducted household visits to assess current challenges, many of which were addressed in a short period. He confirmed that the families will continue to be supported through the establishment of a dedicated non-profit organisation that will benefit them as well as the broader Enoch Mgijima community.

The Integrated Ministerial Outreach Programme in Komani once again demonstrated the government’s commitment to delivering services where they are most needed, ensuring that the people of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality are supported, recognised and not left behind.