SAWUBONA MHLALI BRIDGING THE GAP FOR THE VULNERABLE

By Phetoho Maja

• Sawubona Mhlali service delivery brigade supervisor, Lwandile Makhombothi, plays an important role linking the communities of Johannesburg with the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
• The service brigades identify vulnerable individuals and families to make sure they receive the government services they require.
• ⁠Being a brigade member has provided Makhombothi with a deep insight into the communities he serves.

Lwandile Makhombothi, a Sawubona Mhlali service delivery brigade supervisor, has been hailed as a champion for linking the communities of Johannesburg and Soweto with the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

The 25-year-old, from the Johannesburg central business district, shared his experiences in the field during a roadshow at the Orlando East Communal Centre in Soweto on Monday, 31 March 2025. Makhombothi, a qualified community development practitioner, was previously an intern at the Gauteng Department of Social Development before becoming part of the service delivery brigade.

The service brigade is tasked with identifying and profiling vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring they receive the government services they need.

“Being a brigade member has been an eye-opening experience. I’ve gained deeper insight into communities compared to my time as an intern,” the young man said.

“Our job is to conduct community profiling, and since we started last year, we’ve uncovered major social issues such as substance abuse, which is a serious problem for many families,” Makhombothi added.

He also highlighted unemployment, particularly among young people who lack employable skills; homelessness; and gender-based violence, which remain pressing challenges.

“Through our work, we have also identified hotspots of social ills, allowing the department to respond with service delivery blitzes and Ke Moja campaigns.”

A call for commitment

Makhombothi encouraged fellow brigades to stay dedicated to their work, emphasising that their role is a stepping stone to greater opportunities.

“To my fellow brigades, give it your all, communities depend on us. We are their voice, and together, we can help eliminate these social challenges if we remain committed,” he said.

Throughout his time with the department, Makhombothi has played a crucial role in distributing food parcels and providing information on the registration and funding of sustainable livelihood non-profit organisations.

His dedication to improving lives and ensuring access to services continues to make a positive impact in Gauteng’s most vulnerable communities.