SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT TAKES SERVICES TO COMMUNITIES OF KATLEHONG

By Sipho Ncube

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development regularly takes services to communities, ensuring that all residents, particularly the vulnerable, have access to the support they need.
• Recently the department was in Katlehong in Ekurhuleni to provide information and highlight the support available to those in need of social services.
• Among the groups taking part in the outreach programme was Thokozo Progressive Youth, a non-profit organisation that provides training, mentorship and career development to young people.

As part of the Ke Moja Fridays campaign, the Gauteng Department of Social Development took essential government services to communities in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, on 21 February 2025.

Scores of residents gathered at the various locations to access important information and support from various government departments and non-profit organisations (NPOs).

The outreach programme, strategically positioned in three high-traffic areas along Sontonga Road, took place simultaneously opposite the Chivirikani Primary School, outside the Sontonga Mall, and on the soccer field opposite Khumalo Clinic, ensuring maximum community reach and engagement.

One of the organisations in attendance was Thokoza Progressive Youth, a 17-year-old NPO dedicated to empowering young people through training, mentorship, and career development.

Over the years, the youth organisation has transformed the lives of many youths in Thokoza by offering programmes such as life skills and personal development, the fundamentals of computers, network technician training, and IT operation specialist courses.

Thokoza Progressive Youth has also been nominated for the prestigious CompTIA Awards twice.

Speaking at the event, Thokoza Progressive Youth Advisor and Referral Officer Wendy Shabangu highlighted the organisation’s impact.

“Since the beginning of this year alone, we have trained 68 young people, and we are committed to reaching even more.”

Bongi Dube, Social Work Supervisor from the Sustainable Livelihood Unit in the Ekurhuleni region, emphasised the urgency of addressing substance abuse.

“Substance abuse has disrupted lives and communities across the country. Our youth are particularly vulnerable, and we must act decisively to curb this crisis,” she said.

Dube further stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between government departments and NPOs in tackling substance abuse. “This growing problem requires a united front. We urge community members to share the information provided today with those who were unable to attend,” she added.

Among the residents who participated in the programme was Kedibone Lebea, a 38-year-old mother who courageously shared her personal experience with substance abuse within her family.

“My 19-year-old son is battling a nyaope addiction,” she said.

“Although he is currently in the Eastern Cape, I continue to encourage him to seek help. I pray that one day he makes the decision to go to a rehabilitation centre and rebuild his life,” she said, offering words of encouragement to other parents facing similar challenges.

The event was also supported by various government departments and organisations, including the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, SANCA (the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), the Ekurhuleni Mobile Clinic Services, and several other NPOs, all working together to provide much-needed services and interventions.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development remains committed to taking services to communities, ensuring that all residents, particularly the vulnerable, have access to the support they need.