Latest news with #FaithMazibuko
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- The Citizen
Justice department tackles youth crime in Eldorado Park
To commemorate Youth Month, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development held a community outreach at Eldocrest Primary School, engaging residents on issues affecting vulnerable children and youth in conflict with the law, on June 14. The event drew community members, traditional leaders from various clans, parents and learners from local schools, providing a platform for them to voice their challenges. Eldorado Park grapples with serious socio-economic issues such as unemployment, drug-related violence, and underdevelopment, which contribute to substance abuse and increase the risk of youth involvement in crime. ALSO READ: Local Expo closes Youth Month in style The outreach aimed to address these root causes, including adverse childhood experiences, through integrated justice and community-based interventions to break cycles of vulnerability and harmful behaviour. This initiative to protect vulnerable children and address the social issues that lead youth to offend reflects the department's commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities. MEC for Social Development Faith Mazibuko thanked the NPOs for working to remind children crime does not pay. 'A 100-day plan was outlined to focus on challenges facing children here. The establishment of this task team will make a difference, especially since the community is tired of empty promises.' ALSO READ: Gauteng officers take part in Youth Month safety programme Glisson Niekerk of Metro World Kids, an NPO teaching children aged three to 13, said, 'It's better to build children from a young age than to repair them later. 'I'm encouraged that by speaking collectively, we're finding solutions and amplifying the child's voice. I hope the 100-day plan outlined by the MEC brings positive results.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Tribal authority donates land to secure food security and jobs for youth
Tribal authority donates land to secure food security and jobs for youth In a bold move to honour Youth Month, the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD), in partnership with Rebafenyi Development Youth Centre, launched an agricultural empowerment project on June 10. The launch took place at the Mashimong agricultural site in Hammanskraal and was graced by local community members and the tribal authority. The initiative aims to equip young people in Hammanskraal with practical skills in crop production and agri-business. According to the department, the initiative forms part of a series of interventions planned for Youth Month. It is designed to empower about 160 young people with the knowledge and tools to participate meaningfully in the agricultural sector, while addressing food insecurity and unemployment. Addressing community members and stakeholders at the event, MEC Faith Mazibuko highlighted the importance of self-reliance among young people. 'Our objective is to equip young people with the necessary skills to break the cycle of dependency on social grants. We want them to become self-sustainable through plant production and entrepreneurship,' said Mazibuko. She also encouraged young people to embrace agriculture as a viable career path that can uplift communities and deter youth from social ills, such as substance and alcohol abuse. 'Opportunities like these must be seized. Agriculture holds the key to ending poverty and hunger. We want our youth to see themselves not only as future farmers but as future agri-preneurs.' The project has been made possible through land support from Amandebele Ba Lebelo Tribal Authority, which donated eight hectares of land to establish the agricultural site. Tribal authority representative, Nicholus Moeketsi, praised the initiative as a life-changing opportunity for local youth. 'This project is vital for our community. It provides our young people with meaningful engagement and a way to earn a living, rather than idling on the streets,' said Moeketsi. He also emphasised the importance of the project as a youth-focused initiative that has the potential to uplift vulnerable groups within the community. 'It also has the potential to contribute towards feeding children from vulnerable families.' For 20-year-old Onkarabile Phasha, who is one of the beneficiaries, the programme has already become a turning point. He shared how the practical training has helped him shape a vision for the future. 'I joined the centre in 2023 to learn about plant production, and I have gained a lot. I aspire to own a piece of land where I can grow my own crops and train others. This programme is shaping my future,' said Phasha. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
08-06-2025
- The Citizen
Gauteng takes the lead in child welfare through certified care facilities
Gauteng takes the lead in child welfare through certified care facilities Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development in Gauteng, Faith Mazibuko, has taken a stance against child abuse during National Child Protection Week. In a society where children continue to bear the brunt of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment, Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) stand as crucial sanctuaries of hope and healing. These centres are more than just shelters; they are structured, rehabilitative spaces where the rights, dignity, and potential of every child are protected and nurtured. In Gauteng, the Department of Social Development plays a crucial role in ensuring that these facilities not only exist but also deliver quality care in line with the Children's Act 38 of 2005. The Act defines CYCCs as facilities providing residential care to more than six children outside their family environment, using tailored programmes to meet individual needs. This umbrella includes children's homes, temporary safe care reform schools, schools of industries and secure care. While the environments may differ, the goal remains the same: to protect and rebuild lives. A home for the voiceless Children placed in CYCCs are not there by chance. These are children who have endured unimaginable circumstances, abandonment, abuse, neglect, exploitation, or trauma and those who may conflict with the law. 'Some come from families that can no longer control destructive behaviour; others are victims of substance abuse, trafficking, or domestic violence. 'Whatever the reason, these centres are a last line of defence to prevent a life derailed from turning into a life destroyed,' said Mazibuko. 'Every placement is done through a court order to safeguard the child's rights and ensure due process. 'Importantly, only registered CYCCs are legally permitted to accommodate children, another safeguard that speaks to the Department of Social Development's commitment to protecting children from further harm.' Gauteng's approach In Gauteng, the DSD not only facilitates placement into CYCCs, but also accredits, governs, supports, and monitors these facilities to ensure that children receive comprehensive services. 'The department requires rigorous registration processes that include various municipal compliance permits, health inspections, staff credentials, food safety, emergency preparedness, and clearly outlined developmental and therapeutic programmes,' said Mazibuko. 'Once inside a CYCC, children receive far more than a roof over their heads. 'The department ensures that every registered CYCC offers structured therapeutic, recreational, and developmental programmes. 'From trauma counselling and play therapy to life skills training, substance abuse prevention, and even pottery or beadwork, these activities are designed to rebuild trust, confidence, and a sense of self-worth,' said the MEC. One of the most commendable features of Gauteng's CYCC programmes is the focus on independent living programmes, particularly for older children transitioning out of care. Preparing them to re-enter society with practical skills, emotional resilience, and social competence speaks volumes about the department's long-term commitment to these young people. 'Recreational and educational programmes, like sports, drama, Indigenous games, and victim empowerment sessions, contribute to holistic development. 'These aren't luxuries; they are critical in restoring a sense of normalcy, purpose, and joy in the lives of children who have known very little of it,' said Mazibuko. The Department of Social Development's role doesn't end at registration or programme design. It remains a constant presence, providing oversight, offering support, and ensuring that every CYCC operates with integrity and compliance. 'Contact points across all regions in Gauteng emphasise the Department's accessibility and willingness to respond to community and professional queries alike,' said Mazibuko. Call to action The Gauteng Department of Social Development maintains a database of 150 accredited CYCCs, of which 141 are NPO-run and nine are Government-run. In some CYCCs, the department subsidises administration, social work and child and youth care posts. 'The existence and effectiveness of CYCCs should not be the sole concern of government Departments or Social Workers, it is a societal responsibility. 'Communities, civil society organisations, and even individuals have a role to play in reporting suspected abuse, advocating for children's rights, supporting CYCC initiatives and reporting unregistered centres,' said Mazibuko. 'As South Africa continues to grapple with high rates of child abuse and neglect, CYCCs are an indispensable component of the national child protection strategy. They are not just buildings; they are bridges. Bridges to safety, healing, and a better future. 'Let us recognise and support the life-changing work happening in CYCCs across Gauteng and ensure that every child, regardless of their past, has a chance at a dignified, hopeful future. 'As we observe Child Protection Month and Week, let us also take a moment to appreciate the work done at these centres in the care and protection of children,' said Mazibuko. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
04-06-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Children's homes, rehabs and shelters face closure once again as Gauteng govt fails to pay
Two months into the financial year, which started in April, hundreds of non-profit organisations in Gauteng have not yet received their subsidies from the provincial Department of Social Development. 'These organisations include domestic violence shelters, child and youth care centres, inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities, and residential facilities for persons with disabilities,' the Gauteng Care Crisis Committee said in a statement on Friday. Organisations GroundUp spoke to say they only have enough reserve funds to last them two or three months before they will have to shut down. This echoes similar chaos last year, when organisations funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development went unfunded for months. Many had to go into debt, from which they have not yet recovered. Premier Panyaza Lesufi intervened last year and a new MEC, Faith Mazibuko, has since taken the helm. But despite promises to restore the department's relationship with the organisations, problems with service agreements and late payments have not been curbed. At least 40 of the crisis committee's 114 member organisations have not been paid and 14 are still waiting for service level agreements (SLAs). According to a statement by the department on Monday, of the 1,640 SLAs issued to organisations, 1,424 have been signed and 818 payments have been made. That leaves more than 600 payments outstanding. And this excludes organisations who have not yet received SLAs, says committee chair Lisa Vetten. Department spokesperson Motsamai Motlhaolwa told GroundUp that late payments were due to challenges with the payment system. He also said some organisations had not signed the SLAs in time, and others were 'non-compliant' with municipalities and in some cases with the Children's Act. CHILDREN'S HOMES FACE CLOSURE Jacaranda Kinderhuis and Louis Botha Children's Home are two of the largest Child and Youth Care Centres in Gauteng and house more than 250 children. Neither centre has received an SLA for the new financial year, says Charlene Grobbelaar, CEO for both Louis Botha and Jacaranda. The subsidies received from the department usually cover 40% of their expenses. The SLA delays are apparently because the department said it requires a J738 form from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to show that no staff members are on the sex offender registry. The department initially accepted proof that the centres had applied for the form from the DOJ on 13 March. But since the start of May, they have received no update from the department. Without funding from the department, both homes are now running on reserve funds, which are quickly running dry. If the funding does not come through soon, the homes can only keep going for 'maximum a month', says Grobbelaar. Operations at both centres have been pared down, reserving the little funds available for food and salaries. Field trips and extracurricular activities have been cancelled. The centres have recently taken in children from small nearby centres that have closed their doors due to funding cuts. 'It's ridiculous, these are children's lives,' said Grobbelaar. Paul Kruger Kinderhuis in Gauteng with room for 63 children, which the department has funded for decades, received verbal indication from the adjudication panel that it would be funded but has not received anything in writing, despite repeated follow-ups. Manager Kobus Vorster said they have enough funds for another two months. Mothaolwa told GroundUp that all funded youth centres that have not received SLAs 'have been appraised on the reasons for the delays'. 'We would also like to bring to your attention that all the [organisations] that have worked with [the department] know our teams at regional offices … We are not sure why they asking us through the media, where we wont even give out information about them, because we respect the working relationship we have with them.' PAST UNDERSPENDING GroundUp previously reported that last year's funding crisis led several organisations to take the department to court over non-payments. Some have still not been paid despite having signed SLAs for the 2024/25 financial year and are still busy fighting for their money in court. The department has said that the reason it could not pay all NPOs was that it had run out of money and overcommitted its budget. GroundUp previously reported that organisations were dissatisfied with this answer. And on Monday, News24 reported that the department will have to return R102-million to the national treasury due to underspending in the 2024/25 financial year. Mothaolwa has previously said that underspending is mainly due to 'compliance' issues. This article first appeared on GroundUp. Read the original article here.
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
No NPO crisis
The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has rejected false and alarming claims made by some political parties and groups alleging there is a non-profit organisation (NPO) funding crisis. • Also read: NPO appeals process for funding underway According to the MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, these claims are said to be not only misleading but also deliberately distorting the facts to create unnecessary panic within the sector and among the communities that the department serves. Mazibuko made it clear that while the department experienced funding challenges in the previous financial year, these challenges have been effectively addressed, and the ongoing narrative of a crisis is a gross misrepresentation of facts. She said the department has adjudicated about 2 000 applications from NPOs. 'So far, over 1 200 letters of award have been issued to successful organisations. Notifications to unsuccessful applicants are underway, with a formal appeals process in place. Appeals must be lodged within seven days of receiving a rejection notice and are being handled by a dedicated team led by the Deputy Director-General. 'The department has also signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with many of the approved NPOs, and over 300 SLAs have already been paid. A brief payment delay occurred due to technical issues at Treasury – a challenge not unique to Gauteng. Several other provinces also only effected NPO payments last week for the same treasury-related reasons.' According to the MEC, payments are now being processed daily, and the department is on track to complete payments to all approved NPOs by the end of the first quarter of the current financial year. 'The department's ongoing engagement with the NPO sector through meetings and media platforms keeps NPOs informed and supported. These efforts have ensured stability, with no protest action directed at the department's offices.' The MEC further issued a clear warning that compliance is not an option. 'NPOs are expected to meet all legislative and regulatory requirements, including municipal by-laws, departmental programme registration, and full compliance with the NPO Act. The Department will not be held responsible for the consequences faced by organisations that fail to comply. The GDSD remains focused and unwavering in its commitment to work with compliant NPOs to deliver critical services to the people of Gauteng. We will not be derailed by misinformation or political grandstanding,' she concluded. If you are affected as an NPO or NGO, please send an email to randfonteinherald@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
