Minister Dlamini takes project Mikondzo to Mbizana
The Minister of Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, will on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22, take Project Mikondzo to rural communities of Lusikisiki and Mbizana respectively.
Project Mikondzo is a service delivery tool aimed at improving the living conditions of rural and poor communities in an integrated manner by bringing social development services.
Earlier this year, the communities around Lusikisiki told President Jacob Zuma that they could not afford to buy school uniform for their children. Minister Dlamini committed to providing school uniform to poor and deserving pupils. Eight Hundred and Thirty Nine (839) learners were identified and they will receive their school uniform.
Last week, the Department of Social Development held dialogues with the community of Nkantolo in Mbizana where the struggle and liberation leader OR Tambo was born. The community revealed that many people in the area were unemployed and survived on social grants and temporary road works projects.
Residents also cited their challenges were are not limited to abject poverty but a lack of proper infrastructure, water and health care facilities were a grave concern. They said they were desperate for decent housing as they lived in mud houses. They appealed to the Department to build Early Childhood Development Centres for their children.
Minister Dlamini's visit forms part of the centenary celebrations to honour OR Tambo who was born in Nkantolo. October is also Social Development Month.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover Lusikisiki and Mbizana events arranged as follows:
Lusikisiki programme
Date: Saturday, 21 October 2017
Time: 10h30
Venue:Lusikisiki College – Eastern Cape Province
Mbizana programme
Date: Sunday, 22 October 2017
Time: 12h00
Venue: Nkantolo Village in Bizana – Eastern Cape Province
Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Dieketseng Lentsela on 063 1094 815 or DieketsengL@dsd.gov.za or Mr Justice Malapane on 079 4977 426 / JusticeD@dsd.gov.za
Media inquiries may be forwarded to:
Ms Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail:lumkao@dsd.gov.za
