Deputy Minister for Public Service and Administration, Dr Chana Pilane Majake, highlighted the significance of collaboration between the public service and faith-based organizations during a pre-presidential imbizo with faith-based organizations in Emalahleni Local Municipality on 06 March 2024. The imbizo, held under the theme “Leave No One Behind,” emphasized inclusivity, unity, and the well-being of all citizens.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged Faith-based organizations for their substantial contributions to society, including providing spiritual guidance and support to those in need. They were commended for promoting social cohesion, fostering compassion, and uplifting the most vulnerable members of society.

Dr Pilane Majake emphasized the peaceful coexistence and shared values among various religions in South Africa.

“This unity aligns with the foundational principles of the country’s Constitution, such as human dignity, equality, non-racialism, non-sexism, and the advancement of human rights.

“By combining resources, expertise, and strengths, synergistic partnerships can be established to create comprehensive and effective solutions for societal betterment,” she said.

Representing the Christian religion in the area, Bishop Hlatshwayo expressed concern about the growing drug problem, particularly the impact of nyaope (drug mixture) addiction on the township’s youth. He stated that the church had initiated a program to assist nyaope addicts but emphasized the need for a dedicated rehabilitation center. Bishop Hlatshwayo also appealed to the Emalahleni municipality to allocate land for congregations whenever development projects take place. Additionally, he called on the government to consider reintroducing prayer sessions at schools.

Similar sentiments were shared by representatives of the Islamic religion and the Anglican church, who also raised concerns about the lack of functioning water taps in Witbank.

Speaking on behalf of African traditional healers, Gogo Lilly Sambo requested a piece of land to establish an herb farm for growing medicinal plants. She highlighted that while traditional healers refer patients to clinics and hospitals, health practitioners in those facilities do not reciprocate by referring patients to traditional healers. Gogo Lilly Sambo emphasized the potential for saving more lives through collaboration between traditional healers and modern healthcare providers.

Trudy Masilela raised concerns about the impact of mining activities, such as stone blasting, on the structural integrity of houses in the area. She also noted an increase in asthma symptoms among children.

Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the Emalahleni municipality, complaining about the Municipality prioritizing the allocation of sites to small businesses owned by foreign nationals while neglecting the needs of residents. They cited a lack of recreational facilities, libraries, clinics, and electrification in certain parts of the township. Additionally, residents highlighted prolonged periods of dry taps lasting up to six weeks.

In response, Cllr Thabang Mathebula, representing the Nkangala District Municipality, acknowledged the raised concerns and assured the gathering of their commitment to maintaining a transparent and corruption-free government. He pledged to engage with the mining company responsible for the house cracks and address all the issues brought forward by the community.

The Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressing social challenges faced by South Africa, such as population growth and its potential impact on poverty and unemployment. She called for a fresh perspective from the government, civil society, and all stakeholders to address the issue of population explosion. Measures to tighten borders and enforce immigration laws through the Border Management Authority were highlighted as steps taken by the government.

The Deputy Minister addressed the specific challenges faced by residents of Witbank, including the lack of clean drinking water, illegal electricity connections, drug and alcohol abuse, gender-based violence, and unemployment. Representatives from various religious and community groups voiced their concerns, such as the need for a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts, the allocation of stands for congregations during development, and the reintroduction of prayer sessions in schools.

The Deputy Minister assured the attendees that their concerns were heard and acknowledged. She committed to addressing the issues raised, including engaging with the mining company responsible for damaging houses, improving service delivery, and combating corruption. She reiterated the government’s commitment to lead a clean and accountable administration.

The Deputy Minister Pre-Presidential Imbizo was a precursor to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Emalahleni today 7 March 2027. The DDM Presidential Imbizo aims to create an interactive platform for the President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and provincial and local leadership to engage with communities, find solutions to socio-economic challenges, and promote social cohesion. The initiative focuses on intensifying service provision, promoting economic opportunities, and addressing the concerns of local communities.