“KHAYELITSHA IS A PRIORITY”: MINISTER TOLASHE COMMITS TO COMMUNITY-CENTRED ACTION

By Precious Mupenzi.

• Khayelitsha Adopted as a Priority Project: Minister Tolashe committed to targeted interventions to address service delivery challenges in Khayelitsha.
• Expanded Social Services and Safety Measures: Plans include two new SASSA offices, tighter oversight on disability grant assessments, and improved safety for frontline workers.
• Support for Community-Led Solutions: The Department of Social Development pledged to assist NPOs tackling substance abuse and strengthen family and community-based support systems.

We are actively collaborating with other departments and stakeholders to address some of the issues raised, and I want to make a firm commitment today: we are adopting Khayelitsha as a project,” said Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, during a community outreach held today at the OR Tambo Community Hall in Ikhayelitsha, Western Cape

As part of the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP), the visit served as a direct response to the Minister’s previous engagement in March 2025, where residents raised deep-seated concerns about access to social services, unemployment, disability inclusion, safety, and the rising tide of substance abuse and crime.

Community Voices Highlight Deep Inequalities

Residents raised critical concerns, including the exclusion of people over the age of 35 from job opportunities, the absence of inclusive platforms for persons with disabilities, and the devastating impact of crime and substance abuse on youth. One resident noted, “All the social ills we face here are rooted in crime. Until that is addressed, nothing will change.”
These concerns were echoed by local stakeholders who warned of extortion threats against SASSA teams conducting home visits, and the growing safety risks for frontline workers serving Khayelitsha’s most vulnerable populations. The community also called for ongoing dialogue platforms to discuss challenges facing persons with disabilities and collectively find solutions.

Minister Tolashe Responds with Multi-Faceted Commitments

Minister Tolashe reassured residents that concrete steps are already being taken to resolve persistent challenges. In her address, she revealed that engagements with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) are at an advanced stage, with approval pending for two new office sites in Khayelitsha.
“We are working with the Department of Public Works to secure two office buildings here in Khayelitsha. My plea to the SASSA CEO is this: when we get those two offices, let us not reduce the existing staff at the local office, but rather increase capacity so we can strengthen services to the community,” she said.
Addressing the high rate of disability grant rejections in the province, Minister Tolashe was unequivocal in her stance. “SASSA relies on doctors provided by the Department of Health to assess disability grant applicants. We will be engaging the department to screen the doctors they deploy here more carefully, and we call for an investigation into allegations of bribery involving some who approve undeserving applications.”
She further urged residents to play their part: “Please report to the police if you know of individuals receiving grants fraudulently. We are committed to rooting out corruption.”

Tackling Substance Abuse and Social Decay

Minister Tolashe did not shy away from addressing broader social issues afflicting the community. She announced that the department would return to register Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) working in the field of substance abuse and support them through formal processes.

Addressing gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and child protection, she called for stronger family and community support systems. “Parents and children, protect older persons. The police cannot do it alone. To our young girls and women, please take care of yourselves. You have a right to your body. Stay away from sugar daddies and substance abuse,” she said.
She also addressed men directly: “Fathers, we need you to build stronger relationships with your children, especially your sons. Let us break the cycles of violence and absence.”

A Promise to Return and Report Back

Closing her remarks, Minister Tolashe emphasised that the outreach was not a one-time engagement. “We ask for your patience as we follow through on your concerns with actionable responses”. We will return and report back to you on how we plan to respond.”
Her message was clear: Khayelitsha is not being ignored. It is being prioritised.