MEC HLALELE ENCOURAGES SELF-RELIANCE AND COMMUNITY UNITY DURING REDDERSBURG OUTREACH PROGRAMME

By Thembile Nqabeni

•⁠ ⁠MEC Hlalele urged residents to make use of government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, creating economic opportunities and strengthening self-reliance.
•⁠ ⁠The MEC highlighted the importance of social cohesion through the Molo Makhelwane household profiling programme and called on communities to rebuild neighbourly support systems.
•⁠ ⁠Young people and women were encouraged to take advantage of entrepreneurship, cooperative development and funding opportunities to improve their economic prospects.

REDDERSBURG, FREE STATE – MEC for Social Development Hlalele has called on residents of Reddersburg to seize opportunities provided through government programmes to improve their livelihoods, build sustainable sources of income and contribute to stronger, more caring communities.

Addressing residents during the Outreach and Community Engagement Programme, Hlalele outlined a range of government initiatives aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals, promoting economic participation and addressing social challenges facing communities.

She began her address by wishing South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, success in their campaign to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
The MEC also urged social grant beneficiaries to safeguard their grant cards and refrain from sharing them with others.

“Grants are provided to vulnerable and disadvantaged members of society. Do not give your grant cards to other people, as they may gain access to your bank account and misuse your funds,” she cautioned.
Turning to issues affecting local communities, Hlalele emphasised the importance of collaboration among government departments in supporting victims of crime and vulnerable individuals.

“When there are allegations of rape involving a child, an older person or any other community member, we work closely with the Department of Health and other government departments to ensure that victims receive the necessary support and services. We work together because we serve one community,” she said.

A key focus of her address was the Department of Social Development’s Molo Makhelwane household profiling programme, which seeks to strengthen social cohesion and restore a culture of care and neighbourliness within communities.

“Through Molo Makhelwane, we want to restore humanity and compassion within our communities. There are instances where a person passes away and neighbours are unaware because people no longer interact and care for one another as they should,” she said.

Through the programme, government officials conduct door-to-door visits to identify household needs and connect residents with relevant government services and support programmes.
Hlalele also highlighted the Department’s support for non-profit organisations that provide meals to vulnerable households through community nutrition programmes.

“There is no one who should go to bed hungry. That is why we support community nutrition programmes and cooperative development initiatives that help communities become self-sufficient,” she said.
The MEC encouraged women to establish and participate in cooperatives, noting that women-owned enterprises can contribute significantly to local economic growth and job creation.

“We are not only a department that provides assistance; we are also committed to empowering and developing communities through sustainable economic opportunities,” she said.
Addressing the challenge of unemployment, Hlalele encouraged residents to take personal responsibility for their development and actively pursue opportunities to improve their circumstances.
“If you are unemployed, do not spend the whole day sitting idle. Take care of yourself, use a pen and notebook to plan your future, think about ways to improve your situation, and identify where you can access support,” she advised.

She further highlighted the role of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through business development assistance, registration support and access to funding opportunities.

“It is time for us to stand up and use government programmes to improve our lives. There is nothing more painful than having to depend on others when opportunities exist to change our circumstances,” she said.
The MEC encouraged residents to make full use of available government initiatives before criticising government for a lack of opportunities.

“Government has programmes that are designed to assist people. We fought for democracy and freedom so that we could create opportunities and improve our lives. We want to see Black people becoming employers and creating jobs for others,” she said.

She also delivered a message to young people, urging them to take ownership of their future and make use of opportunities created through government programmes.
“Youth, it is time to stand up and take advantage of the opportunities provided by your government. This government belongs to you, and the budget we are talking about is intended to benefit you.
“Do not allow a day to pass without doing something positive to improve your future,” she said.

According to Hlalele, the outreach programme was designed to inform residents about opportunities available through government to start businesses, access support services and improve their quality of life.
In closing, she called on community members to reject division and work together to build peaceful, united and caring communities.

“When you return home, remember what the MEC for Social Development has said: greet your neighbours, make peace where there is conflict, and start each day by thinking about what you can do to improve your life. Let us support one another and work together to build stronger communities,” she concluded.