By DSD News

• KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Ms Mbali Shinga, receives recognition for her leadership in promoting women’s empowerment and social development.
• Engagement with Esigodlweni Sasendlunkulu highlights strengthened collaboration to advance women-focused programmes.
• Commitment reaffirmed to building partnerships that uplift vulnerable communities across the province.

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Ms Mbali Shinga, has been honoured with a recognition award by Esigodlweni Sasendlunkulu, an organisation dedicated to advocating for women’s empowerment and advancing women’s rights within communities. The award acknowledges her sustained leadership and commitment to promoting social development and improving the lives of vulnerable groups across the province.

The recognition was awarded during a meeting between the MEC and members of the organisation, which provided an opportunity for productive dialogue regarding mutual priorities. The conversation primarily focused on identifying avenues for collaboration, with special emphasis on enhancing initiatives that support women’s social and economic empowerment.

The organisation was represented by Indlovukazi Mapule and Ms Thandeka Ngobese, who provided insights into their initiatives and areas of impact. In response, MEC Shinga expressed appreciation for the honour and reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships that drive sustainable development and uplift communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

By DSD News

• MEC Cynthia Mbali Shinga honoured social workers for their critical role in restoring dignity and supporting vulnerable communities.
• The commemoration reinforced the importance of collective action to address poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence.
• Tribute was paid to social workers who lost their lives in the line of duty, recognising their sacrifice and dedication.

The Honourable MEC for Social Development, Ms Cynthia Mbali Shinga, joined stakeholders in commemorating World Social Work Day at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

Held under the theme “Co-Building and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society,” the commemoration highlighted the importance of collective action in addressing pressing social challenges such as poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence.

The Head of Department, Mr O. Kabasia, expressed sincere appreciation for the vital role social workers play in transforming lives and strengthening communities.

MEC Shinga commended social workers for their unwavering commitment to serving the most vulnerable, restoring dignity, and responding to cases of gender-based violence.

“Today is not just a day of recognition, but a day of appreciation,” said MEC Shinga.
She further acknowledged social workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and encouraged those in the profession to continue their important work with courage and compassion.

By DSD News

• Strategic partners have committed more than R100.5 million to support social and economic development initiatives.
• Major contributions from the private sector signal growing confidence in government-led partnerships.
• Key priorities encompass skills development, youth empowerment, and enhancement of the care economy.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has welcomed the strong commitments made by various partners during the recent Partnership Summit held in Durban, noting that these pledges reflect a growing spirit of collaboration in advancing the provincial government’s priorities of inclusive growth and social cohesion.

The partnerships align with the vision of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government to strengthen cooperation between government, business, civil society, and development institutions in addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequality across the province.

The summit served as a strategic platform to mobilise resources, expertise, and innovative solutions aimed at supporting key development areas, including the care economy, skills development, youth empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods.

The Department has expressed particular appreciation for the significant pledge made by business leader Vivian Reddy, who committed R100 million towards development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable communities. Additional contributions include R500 000 from East Coast Radio and R20 000 from Meals on Wheels. These commitments underscore the private sector’s increasing confidence in partnering with government to drive meaningful social change.

Additional commitments were made by stakeholders in support of skills development and economic empowerment programs. These efforts encompass initiatives spanning agriculture, digital literacy, artificial intelligence training, hospitality, electrical engineering, and youth employment. Taken together, these interventions are anticipated to broaden opportunities for thousands of young individuals and community-based organisations throughout the province.

The Department has also welcomed partnerships with institutions such as the Independent Development Corporation (IDC), which has indicated its willingness to support improved governance and financial management within non-profit organisations and to consider funding proposals for income-generating projects.

In addition, collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training, together with various Sector Education and Training Authorities, is expected to accelerate skills development initiatives and enhance access to funding for community-based organisations and development programmes.

These commitments, valued at over R100.5 million, mark a significant step towards building a coordinated provincial effort to drive social and economic transformation.

The Department has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that these pledges are translated into implementable programmes, guided by strong governance, accountability, and alignment with provincial priorities.

The outcome of the summit highlights the power of collective action. Through strengthened partnerships between government, the private sector, and communities, KwaZulu-Natal is better positioned to accelerate development and ensure that no one is left behind.

The Department remains committed to fostering sustainable partnerships that support the Provincial Government’s development agenda while creating lasting opportunities for the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

By Madali Chibambu

• Government-funded programmes in Gauteng are helping individuals recover from substance abuse and rebuild their lives.
• A recovering user from Soweto is regaining stability through shelter support, rehabilitation and social work services.
• Partnerships with shelters and community organisations are strengthening reintegration and long-term recovery efforts.

Substance abuse continues to affect families and communities across Gauteng, but government-funded programmes and support services are providing a pathway to recovery and renewed hope for many individuals.

One such story is that of Happy Tshabalala, a recovering substance user from Diepkloof in Soweto, who is rebuilding his life with the support of services funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development.

Tshabalala lost nearly everything due to his addiction, including his businesses and family home, which was destroyed in a fire during the height of his substance use. At his lowest point, he lived on the streets, often sleeping under a bridge near Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

Today, he is on a path to recovery at the Wembley Homeless Shelter for Displaced, a facility funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development that provides accommodation, psychosocial support and access to rehabilitation services.

Reflecting on his past, Tshabalala recalls how addiction gradually took control of his life. Once a successful businessman, he operated a thriving tuckshop and liquor supply business and was well known in his community.

“I used to wear RM (Rossmoda) from head to toe every day of the week. I was respected in the neighbourhood and my business was doing well,” he said.
However, his life began to unravel after he was introduced to drugs.

“I stopped paying attention to my business and became consumed by the addiction,” he said.
As his condition worsened, his life spiralled further. The fire that destroyed his family home also damaged neighbouring houses, leading to tensions within the community and police intervention.

With nowhere else to turn, Tshabalala found refuge at the Wembley Homeless Shelter, where he began receiving structured support, including social work services and access to rehabilitation programmes.

Through these interventions, he has started rebuilding relationships with his family. Social workers have assisted him in reconnecting with relatives in Diepkloof, where his family has since rebuilt their home.

“My family has rebuilt the house, and the community was happy to see me. They asked me to come back home and help take care of my mother, who became ill during the time I was struggling,” he said.

Tshabalala credits the shelter and its staff for helping him take the first steps toward recovery.
“The shelter has done wonders for me. The staff have given me the support I needed and helped me access rehabilitation services. I now want to rebuild my life and start my business again,” he said.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to partner with shelters, treatment centres and community organisations to combat substance abuse, expand access to rehabilitation services and support reintegration into society.
Through these efforts, the depar