SARAH BAARTMAN NEWS - The Sarah Baartman District Municipality, led by Mayor Deon de Vos, in partnership with the Dr Beyers Naudé Local Municipality and several government departments, hosted a successful Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) launch and Service on Wheels event at Zaaimanshoek in the Baviaanskloof on Friday 22 August.
Other stakeholders were the Department of Health, the police, the Baviaans Growth Initiative, Sassa, the Independent Electoral Commission, and Willowmore Victim Support.
Community leaders such as deacon Hendrick Mintoor and ward committee member Henry Bouw welcomed the initiative, saying that continued collaboration between government and residents is important.
The people of Zaaimanshoek and surrounding settlements such as Seven Fountains have long faced challenges due to poverty, isolation, and limited access to services.
Various services
Sr E Bleuler of the Department of Health led the mobile clinic team, ensuring residents received much-needed healthcare without travelling long distances.
Tourism, agriculture, and hospitality provide some employment opportunities in the area, but many families still struggle financially, and with only a primary school, children need to leave for Willowmore and stay at the hostel to attend high school.
EPWP project
One of the highlights of the day was the launch of the EPWP project, which will run for six months.
Under the supervision of a locally appointed supervisor, 20 residents have been employed. They received tools such as rakes, spades and wheelbarrows, along with PPE including boots, gloves, and uniforms.
Their tasks will be to focus on gardening and cleaning graveyards, ensuring dignity and cleanliness within the community.
Empowering the community
Community empowerment was at the centre of the programme.
The Willowmore Victim Support group, represented by Jonty Human, spoke about their work in providing support to victims of gender-based violence.
The issue of drugs in rural areas was also raised as a growing concern, even in small and isolated villages like Zaaimanshoek.
To address household sanitation needs, residents received donations of soap, bleach and toilet paper.
Sassa representatives encouraged parents to ensure their children are registered for the new school clothing procurement programme, while the IEC assisted with voter registration to strengthen community participation in democracy.
Resilient people
Mel Allan of the Baviaans Growth Initiative commended the resilience of the people, describing them as humble custodians of a world heritage site known for its pristine nature reserve and growing tourism industry.
The event highlighted not only the critical services government can deliver in partnership with communities, but also the strength of local initiatives.
Residents of Zaaimanshoek originally started gardening initiatives themselves, and this programme built on those grassroots efforts.
Speaking at the event, De Vos agreed that collaboration remains the key to building stronger, safer, and more developed communities in the Baviaanskloof.
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