“SOCIAL PROTECTION MUST BE FELT WHERE IT MATTERS MOST” – SASSA CEO IN MOKWAKWAILA

By Precious Mupenzi.

• ⁠The Mokwakwaila office serves over 45,000 beneficiaries in five rural municipalities, providing efficient same-day services and digital tools to enhance accessibility.
• SASSA’s SRD programme restores dignity by providing school uniforms and educational materials to support child development.
• ⁠SASSA collaborates with government departments and NGOs to deliver coordinated services, including identity documentation, child welfare reports, and community outreach.

The community of Mokwakwaila, located in the heart of Limpopo’s Greater Letaba Municipality, came together in a powerful show of unity and commitment as the Department of Social Development officially closed Child Protection Month and launched the 365 Days Programme of Action to End Violence Against Children.
Deputy Minister of Social Development Mr Ganief Hendricks, alongside sector leaders—including South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) CEO Mr Themba Matlou, Acting CEO of the National Development Agency (NDA) Mr Thabani Buthelezi, and the Department’s Director-General Mr Peter Netshiphale—joined community members and traditional leaders from the Modjadji Royal House at the packed Mokwakwaila Community Hall.
The occasion served as both a reflection on the achievements of Child Protection Month and a reaffirmation of the sector’s year-round commitment to safeguarding children across South Africa.
Speaking at the event, SASSA CEO Mr Themba Matlou reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to providing consistent, life-changing support to vulnerable children and families, especially in underserved rural areas.
“Mokwakwaila is more than a point on the map; it is a living example of how government services can reach deep into our communities,” said Matlou.
He explained that the Mokwakwaila SASSA office services a vast rural population across Greater Tzaneen, Greater Letaba, Greater Giyani, Maruleng, and Ba-Phalaborwa municipalities—reaching thousands every month.
Currently, the Mokwakwaila office supports 45,229 beneficiaries. The Child Support Grant (including the Top-Up) is the most in-demand, followed by the Older Person’s Grant and Grant-in-Aid.
“Our office maintains a one-day turnaround time for applications and offers a full suite of services,” he added. “These include grant applications, reviews, life certification, and medical assessments. We’ve also introduced an online booking system for disability grant assessments, allowing applicants to schedule appointments from the comfort of their homes.”
Matlou emphasized that SASSA’s role goes beyond processing grants. Through the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) programme, the agency provides school uniforms and educational materials annually, restoring dignity and removing barriers to education. He noted that several SRD projects are being implemented in the 2024/25 financial year.
The Mokwakwaila office conducts weekly medical assessments for individuals with disabilities, serving up to 40 beneficiaries at a time. It also runs continuous awareness campaigns to inform the community about newly introduced systems and available services.
He further highlighted the importance of intersectoral collaboration. “We work closely with the Departments of Social Development, Health, Home Affairs, SAPS, and NGOs,” said Matlou. “These partnerships allow us to address a wide range of issues—from identity documentation and social worker reports to crowd control during outreach programmes.”
“Our learner support services go beyond grant forms,” he continued. “Through initiatives like school uniform provision and stakeholder outreach sessions, we’re promoting education and child protection in practical, meaningful ways.”
With the Mokwakwaila community fully backing the 365 Days Programme of Action, Mr Matlou ended with a powerful call to action:
“Protecting children is not something we do once a year—it’s a daily obligation. Through our services, partnerships, and local offices like Mokwakwaila, SASSA will continue to be a reliable lifeline for vulnerable children and families.”
The occasion reinforced the sector’s integrated approach to building resilient communities and protecting children. It was attended by Deputy Minister Hendricks, NDA Acting CEO Mr Buthelezi, Social Development Director-General Mr Netshiphale, and members of the Modjadji Royal House.