KZN DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MEC ENGAGES WITH MIDLANDS CLUSTER OFFICIALS

By Bongi Shozi.

• MEC Shinga launched a province-wide engagement drive beginning with the Midlands Cluster to strengthen communication and staff morale across the Department.
• Officials were encouraged to embrace compassion, accountability, and respect as guiding principles in serving vulnerable communities.
• ⁠The session created an open dialogue platform where staff could share challenges, ideas, and feedback directly with departmental leadership.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development’s MEC CM Shinga visited the Midlands Cluster, marking the beginning of a series of engagements with department officials across the province. Accompanied by the Head of Department, Mr O Kabasia, and management, MEC Shinga held a meet and greet session with officials from the Majuba, uThukela, and uMzinyathi Districts at the Richview Civic Centre in Newcastle.
The purpose of the visit was to engage with department officials, recognise the pressures they face, and provide guidance and direction to strengthen effective delivery of services to the community, particularly the vulnerable. MEC Shinga emphasised the importance of these engagements, stating, “This is an opportunity to connect and focus. To engage openly as members of one family, share ideas and raise issues of concern. It is a space for constructive dialogue for meaningful discussions.”
MEC Shinga highlighted the crucial role officials play in delivering services to the community, saying, “Your work on the grounds matters deeply, and I want to thank you sincerely for making communities experience the warm hands of the department.” She emphasised the need for compassion and respect in serving the community, urging officials to reflect these values in their work.
The engagement allowed officials to raise issues related to their work environment and challenges. MEC Shinga’s engagement aimed to ensure that workers’ views are heard and valued, promoting a productive work environment.

The department is committed to providing guidance and direction to officials to enhance service delivery. By engaging with officials and promoting a culture of compassion and respect, the KZN Department of Social Development is working towards delivering better services to the community through all officials.