SHARE
Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, today lived up to the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with community-based organisations during an oversight visit to the Reagile Madisakwane Foundation at the historic Chief’s House in Meadowlands, Soweto.
The Reagile Madisakwane Foundation is a Non-Profit Organisation that provides clinical rehabilitation services for people battling substance abuse. The centre offers inpatient and outpatient detoxification, individual counselling and group therapy facilitated by certified addiction specialists. To date, more than 150 people have successfully completed the foundation’s rehabilitation programmes, with many maintaining their sobriety and rebuilding their lives.
Beyond substance abuse treatment, the organisation has transformed the historic Chief’s House into the Meadowlands Tourism Development Centre, where young people are equipped with practical skills through music development, culinary arts training and food gardening programmes aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods.
Following a briefing by the foundation’s management, MEC Nkomo- Ralehoko commended the organisation for its contribution to tackling substance abuse and restoring hope to vulnerable members of the community.She said the work being done by the foundation aligns with the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s commitment to preventing substance abuse, empowering communities and creating opportunities for young people.
“The impact of this organisation is visible in the lives it has transformed. Beyond rehabilitation, it is giving young people opportunities to develop their talents, acquire skills and build a better future. This is the kind of community partnership that government must support and strengthen,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC committed to building a lasting partnership with the foundation to expand access to social development services and improve the lives of residents in Meadowlands and surrounding communities.
“I am confident that our partnership with this foundation will benefit the community. There is already remarkable work taking place herethrough the rehabilitation programmes, culinary school, music development and other initiatives that are empowering young people while uplifting the community,” she said.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko further emphasised the need to transform the Chief’s House precinct into a fully-fledged multi-purpose community service centre where residents can access government services under one roof.
“We must work together to expand the excellent work that is already happening here. SASSA services should be available from this facility, our social workers should have offices here, and other government departments should bring services closer to the people. This can become a one-stop centre where the community accesses essential government services while young people continue to benefit from skills development programmes,” she added.
The MEC also highlighted the historical significance of the Chief’s House, saying its rich heritage should be preserved while ensuring it serves as a centre of hope and development for present and future generations.Commonly known as ‘eMakhosini’, the Chief’s House was built in the late 1950s to accommodate homeland chiefs during their visits to urban areas. Prominent leaders, including Kaizer Matanzima, Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Patrick Mphephu, once stayed at the facility, making it an important landmark in South Africa’s history.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to be committed to working with Non-Profit Organisations, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen substance abuse prevention programmes, promote social cohesion and create opportunities thatimprove the quality of life for the people of Gauteng.
INFO SUPPLIED.