NEW SOCIAL SERVICE OFFICE IN IMPENDLE SET TO TRANSFORM LIVES

By Mthobisi Mbanjwa and Nokukhanya Mpungose

• A R26-million service office in Impendle is designed to uplift vulnerable communities by providing a range of social services.
• The facility will address systemic social issues through collaborative, community-driven solutions.
• Among the programmes available at the facility are counselling, rehabilitation, and youth mentorship, breaking cycles of addiction linked to gender-based violence and teen pregnancies.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has unveiled a new, transformative service office in Impendle, a rural town to the west of Pietermaritzburg that is grappling with poverty, unemployment and social instability.

The R26-million office, designed to uplift vulnerable communities by delivering targeted support, was officially opened by the MEC for Social Development Mbali Shinga and uMgungundlovu Mayor Mzi Zuma, alongside local leaders.

The facility will address systemic social issues through collaborative, community-driven solutions.

Situated in the Impendle Local Municipality, the office will offer tailored programmes such as counselling, rehabilitation, and youth mentorship, breaking cycles of addiction linked to gender-based violence and teen pregnancies.

It will also partner with local police and health services to provide safe shelters and offer support for older persons and persons with disabilities.

During the opening event, reports from community dialogues across all five wards highlighted substance abuse, unemployment, and limited access to social services as root causes of local challenges.

The new office provides a direct response to the issues by embedding social workers, community development practitioners, and disaster relief coordinators within Impendle.

“This office is a lifeline for Impendle,” declared MEC Shinga. “We’re not just opening doors; we’re dismantling barriers to care.

“From HIV/Aids support groups to agricultural schemes tackling poverty, every programme is designed to uplift families and restore hope.” 

The department will collaborate with traditional leaders, schools, non-governmental organisations, and health clinics to ensure services reach marginalised groups.

MEC Shinga urged residents to engage actively: “This is your space – a tool to rebuild lives. Report abuse, join support groups, or access grants. Change begins when we stand together.” 

Symbolising a renewed commitment to inclusive development, the office aims to ensure no resident is left behind.

By bridging gaps in social services and empowering community-led solutions, the department envisions transforming Impendle into a beacon of resilience.