South Africa: Free State Department MEC Mamiki Qabathe stated, “as we draw to the end of 2022, let us pause to reflect on the roller-coaster this year has been. As we do that, let us also be grateful for all the blessings, especially the gift of life, and 2022 saw all Covid-19 restrictions removed and us assuming some normality.
The devastation of Covid-19 has and will continue to affect us. My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones and family members, as well as those who lost their jobs and business due to the pandemic, she added.
The Department remains at the heart of humanitarian services, as demonstrated in the disasters experienced by the Province, such as the floods that plagued Thabo Mofutsanyana, Lejweleputswa and Xhariep earlier this year. Working together with our social partners, the Department was able to bring much-needed relief to the affected households.
Furthermore, she added, “My sincere gratitude goes to SASSA, NDA, Department of Home Affairs, Red Cross, Meals on Wheels, Al-Imdaad Foundation, Shoprite, University of the Free State as well as businesses and NPOs who heard our plea to come together to assist in the disaster that befell the community of Jagersfontein when a mine dam collapsed causing some to lose their houses and vehicles. Without your working together with our Departmental Teams that were on the ground, we would not have been able to provide psychosocial and humanitarian services to affected community members.
To the Acting HOD, management and officials in the Department of Social Development, I wish to thank you for the hard work you have put towards the Department delivering on its mandate. I thank you for going beyond the call of duty, working beyond office hours and, at times throughout the weekend, putting the needs of the community above yours to respond where our services are needed.
On behalf of the Free State Department of Social Development, I wish all our officials, beneficiaries, stakeholders and the entire community of the Free State a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. May this Festive Season be a safe one and filled with love. I am looking forward to us working together for the good of our Province and Country.
In the end, she added, saying, “Let us continue fighting social ills such as GBVF, Substance Abuse and the neglect of our elderly. Those travelling, please travel safely and obey all the rules of the road.”