MLUNGISI RECEIVES HOPE, HELP AND SERVICES THIS MANDELA DAY

By Mashudu Mzimba.

• The commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day 2025 brought the spirit of Madiba to the township of Mlungisi, on the outskirts of Komani, in the Eastern Cape.
• Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, led a delegation to the heart of Ward 17, where community members were given direct access to a range of government services.
• ⁠Ward councillor Nompumelelo Kweza noted that such actions have an impact on _the residents, who feel as though they are not forgotten.

This Nelson Mandela Day, the spirit of service was visible, tangible, and practical in the Mlungisi township, in Komani in the Eastern Cape.

By 7am on 18 July 2025, the Mzingisi Skweyiya Community Hall was already abuzz with activity and anticipation.

In the true spirit of ‘It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality’, the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, led a delegation to the heart of Ward 17, where she provided the community members with the direct delivery of government services.

Today, residents welcomed services from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Basic Education, the Department of Health, the South African Police Service, civil organisations, as well as banks and other financial institutions.

All were providing services to the people where they were, restoring hope and dignity to the community.

Social grant reviews, new applications, information sharing, and support for people with special needs formed the core of SASSA’s services on the day.

“This is what government in action looks like,” said Ward Councillor Nompumelelo Kweza.

“Bringing services here, where our people live, restores dignity and confidence. Our elderly, single mothers, and unemployed youth can speak directly to those who are supposed to serve them. That changes everything.”

Councillor Kweza painted a sobering picture of daily struggles in Mlungisi, including child neglect, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, and the growing grip of substance abuse among young people.

“Most households here are led by elderly people. They are feeding families, but they don’t even have access to their own grants because loan sharks keep their SASSA cards. It is heartbreaking to see old people walk home with nothing,” she said.

“Loan sharks are stealing the dignity of our elders. Some charge 50% interest every month. We must protect the vulnerable.”

She noted how issues like gender-based violence often go unreported because victims are financially dependent on their abusers.

“Some older people can’t speak out because they rely on their children or grandchildren.

“Some women stay in abusive homes because they have no other support. Even some men suffer in silence because they depend on their wives or children.”

She also raised concerns about crime being driven not just by poverty, but by a deepening social and moral decay, especially among young people battling addiction.

“People aren’t stealing food because they’re hungry, they’re stealing TVs and gadgets to sell for drugs. Substance abuse is damaging our youth and fuelling gender-based violence and crime.”

While unemployment is a major challenge, she also spoke honestly about the reluctance of some young people to accept manual or temporary jobs through programmes like the Expanded Public Works Programme.

“There are job opportunities in the community – cleaning halls, fixing parks – but many youths reject them. They say it’s beneath them. This adds pressure on households already depending on social grants.”

Despite these challenges, she welcomed the Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme approach and praised the minister’s leadership in bringing services directly to communities.

“We are very grateful that the minister came here herself. When government comes to us like this, people feel they are not forgotten. It is not just about speeches or appearances; people are receiving real help today.”

“Social grant reviews are especially important because so many beneficiaries in our province are overdue. Services like this make a big difference.”

As residents continued to queue patiently, engage with officials, and voice their concerns, the day reflected what Mandela Day is truly about – not just commemorating the past, but working together for a better tomorrow.