NC SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT MEC REAFFIRMS PEOPLE-CENTRED LEADERSHIP DURING MEET AND GREET VISITS IN FRANCES BAARD

By Staff Writer

• During a series of meet and greet visits to various Department of Social Development offices in the Francis Baard district of the Northern Cape, MEC Mase Manopole Masemola commended officials for their continued dedication despite fiscal pressures and austerity measures affecting them.
• Masemola highlighted that the department works directly with society’s most vulnerable groups and therefore has a responsibility to always go the extra mile.
• “MECs are meant to dream, but the administration is key to making those dreams a reality,” she said, acknowledging the crucial role played by the head of department and the Chief Financial Officer.

The Northern Cape MEC for Social Development, Mase Manopole Masemola, has reaffirmed the importance of people-centred leadership, unity, and service with compassion during her meet-and-greet engagements with staff at the provincial office, the Frances Baard district office, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) Tlhokomelo local office.

The engagements form part of an established government practice aimed at introducing newly appointed political leadership to officials and key stakeholders who form the backbone of service delivery.

Addressing staff, MEC Masemola emphasised that leadership must be rooted in love, care and respect for the people one serves.

Quoting revolutionary leader Che Guevara, she said: “If you can’t love them, how can you lead them?” She added that without love and empathy, effective leadership in the social development sector would not be possible.

“I am looking forward to connecting with the staff and working together to better the lives of our people,” said the MEC.

She acknowledged the stability within the Department of Social Development and commended officials for their continued dedication despite fiscal pressures and austerity measures affecting government departments.

She also recognised the role of organised labour and reiterated her commitment to constructive labour relations that keep employees engaged and focused on service delivery.

MEC Masemola highlighted that the department works directly with society’s most vulnerable groups and therefore has a responsibility to always go the extra mile. She praised staff for their efforts, noting that hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed.

Linking the department’s work to the broader vision of the provincial government, the MEC reiterated Premier Dr Zamani Saul’s vision of building a modern, growing and successful province.

She cited the positive impact of the Back-to-School Campaign, particularly its contribution to improved matric results and the growing number of Child Support Grant beneficiaries who are succeeding academically.

“MECs are meant to dream, but the administration is key to making those dreams a reality,” she said, acknowledging the crucial role played by the head of department and the Chief Financial Officer.

At the Frances Baard District Office, where the MEC was welcomed by district director Keitumetse Makweya, the visit was marked by a moment of reflection following the passing of Freddie Kgaladi, a respected and dedicated official who tragically passed away on 19 January 2026.

Makweya described Kgaladi as a disciplined, reliable and committed public servant whose loss has been deeply felt across the district. The MEC called for a moment of silence in his honour and reminded staff of the importance of caring for their health and wellbeing.

“As public servants, we often become so immersed in our work that we forget to take care of ourselves,” she said.

Makweya assured the MEC that the district remains committed and ready to work with her leadership to take the department forward.

The MEC also visited the SASSA Tlhokomelo office to observe operations and assess the quality and impact of services provided to beneficiaries.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that social assistance reaches people with dignity and that beneficiaries are satisfied with the services they receive.

“We must never be kept away from the people we serve. You voted for us, and we serve at your behest,” she said.

Addressing social challenges, MEC Masemola identified gender-based violence as a critical issue requiring urgent attention. She called on staff and communities to promote respect, unity and collective action to combat the scourge.

She further encouraged collaboration between SASSA, other government departments and stakeholders to create opportunities that help beneficiaries move out of poverty, including initiatives that support cooperatives and economic participation.

“Let us work together to change and better the lives of our people. Public servants are the children of this province, and together we must build a caring and capable state,” she concluded.