Kwa-Thema – The Gauteng Department of Social Development, working with SASSA, SANCA Eastern Gauteng, SA Youth and local non-profit organisations, brought a range of services directly to the Kwa-Thema Hostel through an integrated community blitz on April 16.
Speaking to African Reporter, Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the programme is about reaching people where they are, especially in communities that are often overlooked.
“We are taking services to the people. We have been moving from one community to another, and we are not stopping here,” she said.
She explained that the department has been visiting different areas in recent weeks, including Soweto, and plans to continue rolling out the initiative across the province.
The MEC said that the day was also about recognising the role of organisations on the ground, as many NGOs and NPOs work closely with the department and receive support to continue assisting communities.
Various local NPOs were at the integrated blitz at Kwa-Thema Hostel. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
“The work is too big for government alone. We rely on our partners who are committed to helping people every day.”
Nkomo-Ralehoko said this is exactly why bringing services closer matters.
“Sometimes people are sitting here feeling confined, depressed and frustrated. When the government comes to them and shows what is available, it makes a difference.”
“We want every community to have a centre where everything is available, from counselling to basic support,” she said.
A local resident, Lucia Kgosi, shared that she was able to utilise the services from the NPOs that were part of the day, as some focused on employment.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko at one of the NPOs stalls. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
She said that the department and NPOs should always maintain visibility in the communities, as there are people who need them daily, rather than waiting for events only.
“They must come to our communities and see the situations of families and render the services. In that way, people are able to remember them and recommend them to other people.”
“With the information I got here, I will be able to share with my friends who are in need of employment or other services that the NPOs offer,” explained Kgosi.
SA Youth brand ambassador Celeste Davids said their main focus at the blitz was to help young people who are struggling to find work.
She spent time speaking to youth in the area, guiding them on how to access opportunities and register on the SA Youth platform.
“We are here to help young people get closer to job opportunities,” she said.
Various NPOs and organisations at the integrated blitz. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Davids explained that most of the opportunities available are entry-level, especially for those who have just finished school and do not yet have work experience.
“We understand that many young people are starting with nothing, so we try to connect them to opportunities that give them a chance to learn and earn at the same time,” she said.
She added that one of the biggest challenges young people face is the cost of getting to interviews or workplaces. Because of this, SA Youth tries to connect them with opportunities close to where they live.
“It does not help if a job is too far and you cannot even afford to get there,” she said.
Davids encouraged young people to register on the SA Youth platform by visiting sayouth.mobi on their phones.
She said the platform is free to use once accessed. For those who feel stuck or discouraged, Davids said it is important to start somewhere, even if it is small.
Menzi Zikhali, MEC Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko, Khusakhusa Gabela, Thokozilie Magagula and ward councillor Thulani Simelane. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
Careworkers from local NPO, Nokuthula Community Service. Photo: Zamokuhle Ndawonde
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