SANCTUARIES OF HOPE: DSD BACKS TZANEEN COMMUNITY CENTRES

By Cuma Pantshwa

• Community-based organisations have been at the forefront of efforts to provide care, support, and protection for orphans and vulnerable children in greater Tzaneen.
• A delegation from the Department of Social Development, led by Deputy Minister Ganief Hendricks, paid oversight visits to the Bonn Community Care Centre and the Nhlanyiso Community Health Drop-In Centre.
• The visits are to strengthen the department’s partnerships with non-governmental organisations and to understand the challenges they face in addressing social ills within the community.

Nestled in the heart of Bonn Village, within the fertile lands of greater Tzaneen, the Bonn Community Care Centre and Nhlanyiso Community Health Drop-In Centre stand as beacons of hope.

Here, where banana, mango, and avocado trees stretch towards the sky, the lush and sunny landscape paints a picture of abundance. Yet, beyond the thriving and rich soil, a different reality unfolds – one of resilience, struggle, and a community’s unwavering commitment to its most vulnerable.

In a region blessed with agricultural wealth, many children in this village still face the harsh realities of poverty, loss, and the ripple effects of the HIV/Aids pandemic.

For years, community-based organisations like the Bonn Community Care Centre and Nhlanyiso Community Health Drop-In Centre have been at the forefront of efforts to provide care, support, and protection for orphans and vulnerable children.

During an oversight visit, the Bonn Community Care Centre came abuzz with electrifying energy as children performed traditional dances, their rhythmic movements and joyful expressions setting the tone for the day.

The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, who arrived alongside MEC Fulufhelo Florence Radzilani, local Department of Social Development officials, Chief E Nkuna, and other community leaders, received a warm and spirited welcome from the children and caregivers.

Tracking progress and identifying challenges

This visit signalled the department’s intent to strengthen its partnerships with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and understand the challenges they face in addressing social ills within the community. Dr Alfa Mahlako, the director: Sustainable Livelihood at the Department of Social Development, delivering the purpose of the visit, emphasised the vital role that drop-in centres and community-based organisations play in extending government services, particularly those provided by the Department of Social Development.

“The Department of Social Development funds non-profit organisations (NPOs) to provide services on behalf of the department. These include HIV services, food security, and child protection services,” he said.

“It is important that we visit these organisations to track progress and identify challenges so that we can address them. These NPOs are embedded in their communities, which means they have a deep understanding of local needs,” he explained.

As the programme progressed, gratitude filled the room as both the centre managers had the opportunity to present their work and the challenges facing their facilities.

Limited funding, equipment such as printers, staff capacity, and the increasing number of vulnerable children in need of assistance were among the pressing issues raised.

Acting district director for Mopani, Yvonne Chauke, also provided an overview of the two centres and explained the funding processes as well as the social and behavioural change programmes offered to the beneficiaries in these centres.

Chauke also gave an overview of the NPO landscape in the region, noting that the Department of Social Development has funded more than 300 NGOs.

Stressing the significance of the NPO deregistration campaign that department has been focused on, she highlighted that two illegal centres have been shut down.

These centres lacked the necessary skills to run institutions for mentally challenged children.

“We are committed to supporting NPOs that genuinely care for and uplift vulnerable groups and are dedicated to improving the lives of our people,” she said.

She also explained that the department is actively intervening to support organisations to ensure uninterrupted service delivery to vulnerable communities.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Hendricks acknowledged the pressing social issues affecting the community, particularly the rise in teenage pregnancy and crime.

He emphasised the crucial role of community organisations in tackling these challenges and expressed his commitment to strengthening the NGOs that are already making an impact in the area.

The importance of family in building strong communities

The deputy minister also spoke passionately about the role of family as a foundation for stability and social cohesion.

Drawing inspiration from Chief Albert Luthuli, South Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize winner, he emphasised how strong family structures contribute to discipline, unity, and a sense of belonging.

He shared an anecdote about Luthuli’s strict rule around family meals, reinforcing the value of togetherness and communication within households.

“One of the reasons Chief Albert Luthuli won is because, for him, family was everything.

“In his house, everyone lived together. But he was very strict. He gave one instruction – everyone must have breakfast together. If you didn’t come for breakfast, you would be in serious trouble. This is something we must bring back. I want to call on men to start having breakfast with their families so they can understand family matters.” 

He called on the men and fathers in the room to ensure they had family meetings every morning. “And anyone who is absent must pay a fine.”

This lighthearted yet firm approach to family accountability resonated with the local leaders and community members in attendance.

Deputy Minister Hendricks explained the role of families in guiding and nurturing young people.

Before the programme concluded, the deputy minister requested the centre managers to read out their wish lists and assured them that he would pursue this work in his office and would call on the private sector to collaborate with the Department of Social Development.

He thanked everyone for the great work they are doing in giving children in need a sense of belonging.

The visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between government, local leaders, and NPOs in ensuring that no child is left behind.

For the children, centres like these represent more than just a place of refuge, they are a symbol of hope, a chance for a brighter future amidst the challenges they face.