MINISTER TOLASHE BRINGS SERVICES CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE OF MANGUZI

By Precious Mupenzi

• ⁠Minister Tolashe’s outreach programme in Manguzi aims to break barriers in service delivery by bringing essential social services—including grant applications and ID support—directly to one of the country’s most remote communities.
• The initiative coincides with Child Protection Month and will include the handover of school uniforms, promoting dignity and access to education. It also highlights the role of social support systems in enabling educational success in vulnerable communities.
• Through the District Development Model, the Department of Social Development is partnering with traditional leaders, local government, and civil society to respond to real community concerns and deliver sustainable, people-centred interventions.

The streets of Manguzi, a deep rural town in the far north of KwaZulu-Natal under the Tembe Traditional Council, are preparing for a significant day. On 23 May 2025, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, will lead a Ministerial Outreach Programme in the area to bring government services directly to residents. The visit is aligned with the District Development Model (DDM) and forms part of SASSA’s Integrated Community Registration and Outreach Programme (ICROP) during a time when the country is observing Child Protection Month.
Manguzi is one of the most remote and poverty-stricken areas in the Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality under the Umkhanyakude District. The area borders Mozambique to the north and the Kingdom of Eswatini to the west. While it is rich in culture and community spirit, residents face daily struggles due to the lack of basic services. Many families rely on social grants to survive, with high levels of unemployment, teenage pregnancy, and substance abuse posing serious threats to the well-being of children and families.
Despite these challenges, the children of this region continue to show resilience and hope. Notably, in the 2024 matric results, the Umkhanyakude District was ranked third in the country—making it one of the top-performing districts nationwide. This remarkable achievement reflects the determination of learners, teachers, and families in the face of adversity and limited resources. It also underscores the vital role played by social support systems. Social grants and various interventions by the Department of Social Development through its agencies—SASSA and the National Development Agency (NDA)—have helped cushion the effects of poverty and create an environment where children can focus on education. These safety nets ensure that vulnerable learners are not left behind and have access to schooling, nutrition, uniforms, and psychosocial support—giving them a real chance to succeed.

The outreach event will take place at the Manguzi Multipurpose Centre, with an earlier stakeholder briefing at the Tembe Tribal Authority Hall. It aims to make social services more accessible and raise awareness around key issues such as poverty, child protection, gender-based violence, and the importance of education. Minister Tolashe will be joined by officials from SASSA, the Department of Home Affairs, the NDA, and various other government departments and civil society partners.
“This outreach visit is a direct response to the challenges raised by community members during earlier dialogues and engagements,” said Thamo Mzobe, SASSA KZN Regional Executive Manager. “People in rural areas like Manguzi often take two or more taxis just to reach the nearest SASSA office. Others are unable to access grants because they do not have identification documents. This visit aims to break those barriers and bring services to the people where they live.”
The Minister’s visit to Manguzi is not just a symbolic gesture but a meaningful effort to bring real change to a community that has long been on the margins. The people of Umhlabuyalingana are strong, proud, and full of potential. With the combined support of government, traditional leaders, and local organisations, there is renewed hope that Manguzi and similar communities can grow stronger, access better services, and build a brighter future.
According to the latest SASSA statistics, more than 578,000 beneficiaries across the Umkhanyakude District receive various forms of social grants, including for older persons, persons with disabilities, children, and caregivers. Mzobe explained that this safety net is crucial in helping families survive. “In rural districts like Umkhanyakude, social grants are often the only reliable source of income. These grants extend beyond merely providing sustenance; they also support education, healthcare, and overall well-being. Consequently, outreach initiatives such as this one are crucial because they ensure inclusivity and prevent anyone from being overlooked.