Gauteng service delivery youth brigades contracts get extended
In an event filled with jubilation and a ‘vibe’, the Gauteng Social Development announced the extension of the Sawubona Mhlali Service Delivery Brigades’ contracts for an additional 12 months.
This decision follows an engagement on Friday (July 12) at Johannesburg City Hall, where the new MEC for Gauteng Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, met with the Brigades to outline the way forward.
During the meeting, the Department provided an overview of the brigades’ scope of work, which includes proactively assessing and intervening in social development service delivery needs. This project aims to foster intergovernmental collaboration across all spheres of government by promoting joint planning and implementation based on identified needs and household challenges.
The Brigades operate in 529 wards across the province, with five members per ward, depending on the ward’s size and socio-economic profile.
At the engagement, a platform was created for the Brigades to share their experiences since being onboarded by the department. Isaac Ncengwa from Ekurhuleni shared a testimony, highlighting their improved understanding of the communities they serve.
This has enabled them to better profile communities and tailor interventions for individuals and affected families more effectively. Through the Brigades’ program, the team was able to identify and assist a young girl who was being held captive against her will by a man in his forties during a door-to-door campaign. The young girl was since referred for assistance, including counseling. This testimony was one of many shared by the Brigades themselves.
MEC Faith Mazibuko applauded the Brigades’ work, stating that the testimonials are evidence of the programme’s impact. Recognizing the need for continued support, she announced the extension of their contracts for another twelve months.
Within the context of Nasi iSpani, the Sawubona Mhlali Service Delivery Brigades initiative aims to curb rife unemployment rate and empower the lives of the vulnerable in the province.