RESTORING HOPE: UNVEILING THE RECONSTRUCTED SERVICE OFFICE IN KWAMASHU AND NTUZUMA

By Mhlaba Memela

• The unveiling of the restored service office in KwaMashu and Ntuzuma marks a significant milestone in the communities’ journey of healing and renewal following the unrest of July 2021. Led by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development, the reopening signifies a commitment to improving the lives of residents.
• With an investment of R14 million, the reconstructed office aims to redefine service delivery for the 11 wards of eThekwini, ensuring transformative impact and restoring dignity and compassion. MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza highlighted the imperative of community support in safeguarding government employees against criminal activities.
• Minister Lindiwe Zulu reiterated the government’s dedication to citizens, envisioning the office as a vital lifeline offering essential services and support. Emphasising the need for community involvement in protecting government resources, Minister Zulu urged residents to safeguard the newly inaugurated office to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and empower vulnerable communities.

A significant step forward in the journey of healing and renewal for the communities of KwaMashu and Ntuzuma has been taken as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development unveils the restored service office, following the unrest of July 2021.

The reopening of the KwaMashu Service Office symbolises a profound moment of progress in the community as the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu, Social Development MEC, Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza, and Members of Parliament and the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature committed to making the lives of the people better.

MEC Khoza emphasised the office’s role as a beacon of resilience, emerging from the shadows of devastation that once gripped the community after the tragic events at Bridge City Mall.

 “Amidst the ruins lay not just shattered files but the hopes and aspirations of countless individuals. Today, as we inaugurate this new office, it signifies not merely the reconstruction of infrastructure but the restoration of dignity and compassion for the people of KwaMashu and Ntuzuma,” said MEC Khoza.

With an investment of R14 million in the reconstruction efforts, the Department of Social Development aims to redefine service delivery for the 11 wards of eThekwini, ensuring a transformative impact on the lives of its residents. 

MEC Khoza also highlighted the imperative of community support in safeguarding government employees against criminal activities that have plagued the office. 

Minister Zulu echoed these sentiments, emphasising the government’s steadfast commitment to its citizens, particularly in times of adversity. 

She envisioned the newly established office as a vital lifeline, offering a range of essential services and support to the community, fostering inclusivity and resilience.

Reflecting on the recent reopening of the SASSA office in Bridge City, Minister Zulu emphasised the collective endeavour to rebuild and reinforce the community’s foundations.

“The newly inaugurated office must be embraced and safeguarded by the community, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery,” urged Minister Zulu.

Minister Zulu reiterated the department’s dedication to advancing social transformation, justice, and development, underscoring its mission to empower vulnerable communities through integrated social development services. She said the moving government was committed to fighting social ills including crime and gender-based violence. 

“As the government, we will be able to achieve this when working with people. We therefore request the community of KwaMashu to protect what the government built for them. We should not allow anyone who wants to steal computers in our offices because they belong to us. If such pieces of equipment are stolen, service delivery is compromised,” said Minister Zulu.