Social Development Minister 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.
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, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
The service brought together members from approximately 31 temples across the uMgungundlovu District, community leaders and residents. The service also marked the presentation of a newly completed worship facility built through the collective efforts of church members.
Conveying the Deputy President’s greetings, the Minister noted his continued support for the Nazareth Baptist Church and its leadership while he is on medical leave.
The Minister 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.”
Pule emphasised that government cannot build a caring and prosperous society alone, highlighting the important role of faith-based organisations in supporting families, children, elderly people, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
She also 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 (GBVF).
The Minister further encouraged faith leaders to help address the abuse of older persons, alcohol and substance abuse, and other social challenges affecting communities.
Service delivery challenges
During the community engagement, Pule responded to concerns about access to government services, including the case of uGogo Mtolo, who does not have an identity document, and her grandchildren who 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 Mtolo and many other families that have similar challenges in this area receive the necessary support services without any further delays,” the Minister said.
SASSA Regional Manager, Thamo Mzobe, was also directed to work with the Provincial Department of Social Development, including the local municipality, Home Affairs Department, and other stakeholders, to resolve the challenges raised.
A report on planned interventions is expected within a week.
Minister Pule stressed that eligible children, including older persons and persons with disabilities, must be able to access social assistance, to which they are entitled.
“Administrative challenges involving identity documents and birth certificates must not prevent eligible beneficiaries from receiving support.”
As part of government’s commitment to taking services closer to communities, the Social Development Department, 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.
The Minister also 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.
Prayer for peaceful elections
As South Africa approaches the 2026 Local Government Elections on 4 November 2026, 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,” Pule said.
She commended the leadership and members of the Nazareth Baptist Church for their continued contribution to serving humanity, promoting social cohesion, and strengthening communities. – SAnews.gov.za
