MEC SHINGA WELCOMES NEW HEAD OF DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

By Thuba Vilane.

• The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has appointed Mr Onkemetse Edwin Kabasia as the new Head of Department.
• MEC Mbali Shinga expressed confidence in his leadership, highlighting his 27 years of experience, including two decades at senior management level.
• His appointment comes at a pivotal moment as the Department strengthens its developmental approach and expands its fight against social ills, including Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
  KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Ms Mbali Shinga, has officially welcomed Mr Onkemetse Edwin Kabasia as the new Head of Department, expressing strong confidence in his ability to drive progress and excellence in service delivery.

Mr Kabasia brings with him a wealth of experience, having served for 27 years in the public service, of which 20 were at senior management level. His background includes leadership as Deputy Director-General and Acting Head of Department in the Gauteng Department of Social Development, experience that positions him to steer KwaZulu-Natal towards greater impact and innovation.

MEC Shinga extended her appreciation to Deputy Director-General Mrs Maphili Mhlongo, who acted as HOD following the retirement of Mrs Nelisiwe Vilakazi in May 2025. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to both Mrs Nelisiwe Vilakazi, the former HOD, and Mrs Maphili Mhlongo, the Deputy Director-General, for their exceptional leadership and dedication. Their tireless efforts have been instrumental in guiding the department to its current position, and we acknowledge their invaluable contributions,” she said.

The MEC noted that Mr Kabasia joins at a critical time as the Department strengthens its developmental approach, moving beyond traditional welfare to address pressing challenges such as poverty, social exclusion, and GBVF. “We warmly welcome Mr Onkemetse to our Department of Social Development family. We look forward to him fostering strong working relationships with our key partners, including SASSA and the National Development Agency. We wish him success as he leads the Department in serving the people of KwaZulu-Natal with pride and excellence.”

Mr Kabasia officially assumed his role as Head of Department on 1 October 2025.