By Lawrence Mashabela

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development has confirmed continued financial support for LCC, enabling the organisation to expand its community empowerment programmes.
• Lesedi Community Centre (LCC) operates a 68-bed shelter for abused women and children, a drop-in centre, a feeding scheme, and skills development programmes in sewing, knitting, and baking—with some beneficiaries successfully placed in employment.
• The centre’s holistic approach, combining rehabilitation, soft skills training, and job readiness, has transformed lives, with beneficiaries describing LCC as a “beacon of hope.”

The Lesedi Community Centre (LCC), a non-profit organisation based in Heidelberg in the Sedibeng District, is poised to expand its community empowerment programmes following renewed funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

Since its establishment in 2013, LCC has remained steadfast in its mission to uplift communities in and around Heidelberg. The organisation delivers a range of interventions spanning skills development, social enterprise initiatives, and community wellness programmes, all aimed at fostering self-reliance and improving quality of life for vulnerable residents.

According to General Manager, Jaco Kritzinger, LCC continues to focus on inspiring, empowering, motivating, and equipping young people and community members to reach their full potential.

“Our aim is to make Lesedi Community Centre an inspiration of hope by providing youth and community members with opportunities and skills to realise their full potential and purpose, and to ensure that they are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and communities,” said Kritzinger.

He added that the organisation prioritises the upliftment of unemployed youth, individuals recovering from substance abuse, and vulnerable women from disadvantaged communities such as Ratanda.

The ever-growing organisation provides a range of services, including a short-term shelter for abused women and children with a capacity of 68 beds. Beneficiaries are supported through rehabilitation, life-skills development, and where possible, family reunification or reintegration into independent living.

LCC also operates a drop-in centre and a feeding scheme that provides cooked meals to vulnerable families.

Beyond immediate relief services, the centre places strong emphasis on long-term empowerment through skills development programmes such as sewing, knitting, and baking. Through its in-house bakery and training initiatives, many beneficiaries have been equipped with practical skills, with some being successfully placed in employment through partner organisations.

Kritzinger said soft skills development remains central to the organisation’s approach.
“Our programmes focus on preparing individuals for the real world through entrepreneurship, communication skills, confidence building, teamwork, problem-solving, and job readiness,” he said.

He further expressed appreciation for continued support from government.
“We are humbled and delighted that the Department has recognised our work and continues to entrust us with this responsibility of empowering and impacting the lives of vulnerable people,” he said.

Community member Michel Kotze, 46, from Boksburg, praised the organisation for its life-changing impact, describing it as a “beacon of hope” for Heidelberg and surrounding communities.

“I came here broken with little hope. I thought drugs had destroyed my life, but LCC revived my ambition and gave me a lifeline and hope that I can change my life again,” she said.

The continued funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development is expected to enable LCC to expand its reach, strengthen existing programmes, and continue providing vital support, skills development, and empowerment opportunities to vulnerable individuals and families.

By Phetoho Maja

• One hundred teenage girls from Tsakane schools participated in the University of Pretoria’s Ubuntu Community Model programme.
• Gauteng recorded the highest number of teenage pregnancies during the 2025/26 financial year, with many cases involving statutory rape.
• Stakeholders recommended continued collaboration between the Department of Social Development and higher learning institutions to strengthen preventative interventions.

At least one hundred (100) teenage girls from schools in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, participated in the University of Pretoria’s Ubuntu Community Model programme, which seeks to address and prevent teenage pregnancies among learners aged between 13 and 19 years.

Speaking during the awareness session held at Mamellong Comprehensive School on Saturday, Social Worker Nomathamsanqa Makha from the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Geluksdal Office said the event, facilitated by the University of Pretoria, aimed to provide information and guidance on the prevention of teenage pregnancy.

“We participated alongside parents, learners, and school staff. The session created a platform for multi-stakeholder engagement and reinforced the importance of coordinated, community-based approaches to addressing teenage pregnancy,” said Makha.

She added that one of the key outcomes of the session was the recommendation that the Gauteng Department of Social Development should continue collaborating with institutions of higher learning and support school-university partnerships of this nature, as they align with the Department’s mandate to strengthen preventative child protection interventions and promote learner well-being.

Statistics reveal that Gauteng recorded the highest number of teenage pregnancies during the 2025/26 financial year. Many of these cases resulted from statutory rape involving girls aged 16 years and younger. The scale of the crisis is evident even in isolated snapshots, at least 130 teenage mothers gave birth in public health facilities on Christmas Day.

Professor Fhumulani Mulaudzi from the University of Pretoria said the purpose of implementing Ubuntu-led interventions for the prevention of teenage pregnancy was to provide information, guidance, and clarity on the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders in preventing teenage pregnancy.

“We want to encourage open communication between parents, guardians, and learners, promote healthy decision-making and responsible behaviour, and strengthen collaboration between families and schools in supporting learners’ well-being and success,” said Professor Mulaudzi.

By Madali Chibambu

• More than 70 boys from departmental programmes gathered at Planet Fitness Gym in Springs to mark the International Day of the Boy Child, observed annually on 16 May
• The gathering, themed “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard and Seen,” formed part of Child Protection Month
• Boys participated in motivational talks, life-skills sessions, aerobics, and interactive activities aimed at building confidence and positive values

More than 70 boy children, who are beneficiaries in various departmental programmes came together to celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child at a gathering hosted by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, Heartlines, and the Institutes of Mathematics.

Held at Planet Fitness Gym in Springs, Eastern Corridor, the gathering formed part of the department’s Child Protection Month programme and was celebrated under the theme: “Building Self-Esteem in Boys: Stand Up, Be Heard and Seen.”

The day highlighted the importance of recognising and empowering boys, while also addressing the challenges many face as they grow into adulthood. Often overlooked, the boy child continues to face a lack of mentorship, emotional support, and positive guidance. Through initiatives such as these, the department aims to contribute meaningfully towards the development, empowerment, and wellbeing of boys.

According to Social Worker Meme Ndaba from the eastern corridor, Child Protection Month is a national campaign aimed at mobilising communities to promote and protect children’s rights while creating safer environments for their care and development.

“Children continue to experience abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm in homes, schools, communities, and even on digital platforms. It is therefore important that we create platforms where boys feel supported, heard, and encouraged,” said Ndaba.

She added that the programme targeted boys between the ages of 10 and 18 years, who attended alongside their teachers and mentors.

During breakaway sessions, boys participated in motivational talks and life-skills discussions facilitated by partners such as Heartlines Fathers Matter. Facilitator Fana Ndlovu encouraged the boys to embrace positive values and make wise life choices.

“Learn to express your emotions and believe in yourself. Value who you are and stay away from negative influences,” Ndlovu advised.

The programme also included fun-filled activities such as aerobics, movies, and interactive sessions designed to inspire confidence and build positive social connections among the boys.

Event coordinator and Social Worker Lesego Mathebula said the initiative was aimed at creating a safe and uplifting space where boys could openly discuss important issues such as bullying, peer pressure, and positive masculinity.

“We are pleased to bring boys together in a positive environment where they can learn, interact, and be encouraged to become good role models in their communities,” said Mathebula.

For many of the attendees, the day was both memorable and inspiring. One young attendee shared how meaningful the experience was for him.

“I had never been inside a gym before. I only saw places like this on television, so being here today made me feel very special. I learned a lot about becoming a better man, believing in myself, and having good values,” he said with a smile.

International Day of the Boy Child is observed annually on 16 May.

By Lorato Modisenyane

• Residents accessed healthcare, social grants, ID applications, housing information, and psychosocial support, all under one roof.
• Multiple government departments and Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs)partnered to bring essential services directly to the Muldersdrift community.
• Community members praised the convenience, with some securing critical documents and resolving long-standing enquiries on the spot.

On Friday, 22 May 2026, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with Rand West Municipality, hosted an integrated service delivery blitz at Muldersdrift Stadium aimed at bringing essential government services closer to communities.

The initiative forms part of government’s ongoing commitment to improving access to services and ensuring that communities, particularly vulnerable groups, receive integrated support through a single service platform. Residents from surrounding areas gathered at the stadium to access a wide range of services offered by various government departments and non-profit organisations (NPOs).

Among the key stakeholders present were the Department of Health, Department of Human Settlements, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), South African Police Service (SAPS), and several NPOs.

Residents were able to access healthcare services, social grant applications and enquiries, identity document applications and enquiries, housing-related information, psychosocial support services from the Department of Social Development, as well as referrals to relevant NPOs. The NPOs also played an important role in providing information and raising awareness about programmes aimed at uplifting vulnerable families and individuals.

For many residents, the initiative provided a convenient opportunity to access multiple services in one location.

Maria Vilakazi, 47, from the local community, said the programme came at the right time for her family.

“When I heard about the event, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to apply for an identity document for my son, who is doing matric this year. It was important for me to ensure that he has his ID before sitting for his final examinations. I am happy that I managed to get assistance today and did not come here in vain,” she said.

Another resident, Veli Nkosi, 66, welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with various government departments in one convenient location.

“I had enquiries regarding my RDP housing application and my SASSA account because of some unknown debits. Having all these services in one place made it easier for me to get the assistance I needed,” said Nkosi.

Karabo Mollo, 28, said the information he received about registering an NPO was valuable and inspiring.
“I realised there is a need to register an NPO because of the high unemployment rate in our area. The information shared today encouraged me to take the first steps towards helping my community,” he said.

The Integrated Service Delivery Blitz demonstrated government’s commitment to bringing services closer to the people and ensuring that communities can access critical support, information and opportunities without having to travel long distances. The initiative also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government departments, agencies and civil society organisations in responding to the needs of communities.