King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality, led by the Speaker of Council, Cllr Nomamfengu Siyo-Sokulu, conducted a Community Outreach Programme at Mandlaneni Village in Ward 19 on Thursday, 15 October 2026, aimed at bringing government services closer to residents and addressing community needs.
The outreach programme brought together various government departments and institutions, including the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service (SAPS), Department of Health, Department of Employment and Labour, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Development (DSD), OR Tambo District Municipality, and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC).
Outlining the purpose of the outreach, the Speaker, Cllr Siyo-Sokulu, explained that the Municipality is mandated by legislation to consult communities, provide platforms for residents to express their views, and ensure that their needs and priorities inform municipal planning and service delivery.
She noted that these consultations take various forms, including Mayoral Imbizos, the Speaker’s Community Outreach Programmes, traditional leadership consultations, and Integrated Development Plan (IDP) community consultations.
The Speaker further emphasised that these engagements provide an opportunity for government to report on services delivered, communicate planned interventions, and openly discuss challenges affecting service delivery.
“We are here to bring government services closer to our people, share information about available services, and work together to improve the livelihoods of our communities,” she said.
During the engagement, community members raised several concerns requiring attention from the Municipality and relevant government departments. These included electricity provision by Eskom, scholar transport, access to healthcare facilities, sanitation, RDP housing, road infrastructure, water supply, youth unemployment and economic development, as well as safety and security concerns, particularly crime and stock theft.
In response, the Municipality and participating government departments engaged with residents on the issues raised, providing information on existing plans, progress made, and interventions aimed at addressing the community’s concerns. The engagement also created an opportunity for departments to highlight achievements and clarify their respective roles in improving service delivery.
Residents were also encouraged to participate in the upcoming Local Government Elections scheduled for 4 November 2026. The importance of exercising their democratic right to vote and electing leaders of their choice was emphasised. Special voters were reminded of the special voting arrangements scheduled for 2 and 3 November 2026.
Meanwhile, the MMC for Corporate Services, Cllr M. Molakalaka, who represented the Executive Mayor, encouraged young people to take advantage of available support programmes and funding opportunities aimed at promoting youth development and entrepreneurship. She urged young people to seek information on relevant assistance offered through the Department of Small Business Development to help them establish and grow their businesses.
The Mandlaneni Community Outreach Programme reaffirmed KSD Municipality’s commitment to strengthening public participation, promoting collaboration between government and communities, and ensuring that residents have access to information and services that respond to their needs.