14 September 2026. Willowfontein, KwaZulu-Natal – Minister of Social Development, Ms Dina Pule has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with faith-based organisations to strengthen families, support vulnerable communities and build a caring, resilient and cohesive society. Minister Pule represented Deputy President Paul Mashatile at a Sabbath Church Service hosted by the Thulani Temple of the Nazareth Baptist Church of Ebuhleni Home in Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg.
The service brought together members from approximately 31 temples across the uMgungundlovu District, community leaders and residents, and also marked the presentation of a newly completed worship facility built through the collective efforts of church members. Conveying the Deputy President’s greetings, Minister Pule noted his continued support for the Nazareth Baptist Church and its leadership while he is on medical leave. Minister Pule recognised the church’s longstanding contribution to faith, cultural preservation, social cohesion and community solidarity since its establishment in 1910 by Inkosi Isaiah Mloyiswa Mdliwamafa Shembe. “The Nazareth Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of faith, cultural preservation and social solidarity among communities for generations.”
The Minister emphasised that Government cannot build a caring and prosperous society alone and highlighted the important role of faith-based organisations in supporting families, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. She urged the church to strengthen its partnership with the Department of Social Development through initiatives including the Men and Boys Programme, Families Matter Programme and Asikhulume, which works with faith communities to confront gender-based violence and femicide. Faith leaders were also encouraged to help address the abuse of older persons, alcohol and substance abuse and other social challenges affecting communities.
Urgent intervention on service-delivery challenges During the community engagement, Minister Pule responded to concerns about access to government services, including the case of uGogo Mntolo, who does not have an identity document and whose grandchildren do not have birth certificates. The Minister directed the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to urgently intervene and ensure that affected families receive the necessary support. “I have directed that SASSA work around the clock to ensure that uGogo Mntolo and many other families that have similar challenges in this area receive the necessary support services without any further delays.” The SASSA Regional Manager was directed to work with the Provincial Department of Social Development, the local municipality, the Department of Home Affairs and other stakeholders to resolve the challenges raised. A report on planned interventions is expected within a week.
Minister Pule stressed that eligible children, older persons and persons with disabilities must be able to access the social assistance to which they are entitled, and that administrative challenges involving identity documents and birth certificates should not prevent eligible beneficiaries from receiving support.As part of Government’s commitment to taking services closer to communities, the Department of Social Development, SASSA and the National Development Agency (NDA) also brought government services to Willowfontein and surrounding communities. The Minister called on the NDA to work with the church’s youth and women to explore opportunities to establish cooperatives and contribute to local economic development. Minister Pule further reaffirmed Government’s commitment to working with the leadership of the Nazareth Baptist Church towards the completion of its new church structure, in line with the commitment conveyed by the Deputy President. As South Africa approaches the Local Government Elections, Minister Pule called on the Nazareth Baptist Church and faith communities across the country to pray for peaceful elections and to continue promoting unity, compassion, humility and love.
“Together, we can build a South Africa in which every person enjoys dignity, every child is protected, every family is strengthened and every community has hope for a better future.” Minister Pule commended the leadership and members of the Nazareth Baptist Church for their continued contribution to serving humanity, promoting social cohesion and strengthening communities.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
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