Minister Tolashe Leads Komani Outreach as Massacre Victims Honoured

Government Brings Services to the People in Nonzwakazi

Komani’s Nonzwakazi community received a rare boost on Monday as Minister for Social Development Sisisi Tolashe and Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development Bukiwe Fanta led a massive community service delivery outreach, hosted in partnership with the Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) and the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM).

Held at Nonzwakazi Methodist Church, the programme formed part of the #ICROP initiative and brought services on wheels straight to residents’ doorsteps. A wide range of government departments and entities joined the outreach, providing much-needed assistance to locals who often struggle to access these services due to distance, transport costs or long queues.

Departments such as Home Affairs, Social Development, Health, Labour, SASSA and local municipal units were on-site offering documentation support, health screenings, social services, grant advice, youth development programmes and access to local economic development information.

The atmosphere was vibrant, with long lines of residents seeking help and engaging with officials directly.

Outreach Held in Honour of the Queenstown Massacre Heroes

The day took on deeper significance as leaders and community members commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Queenstown Massacre, one of Komani’s most painful historical tragedies.

In 1985, peaceful protesters were gunned down during apartheid-era brutality, leaving families shattered and the community scarred for generations. To mark the anniversary, the delegation undertook a solemn visit to the graves of the fallen heroes — a moment filled with reflection, remembrance and emotional testimonies from those who survived the era.

Minister Tolashe emphasised that government must not only remember but continue to uplift the families left behind.

“This tragedy is a reminder of the price our people paid for freedom. Our support to the affected families must be continuous and meaningful,” she said.

Families Receive Support: Food Parcels, Uniforms and Project Funding

As part of the commemoration and outreach, 15 families linked to the massacre received tangible support. Officials handed over:

• 15 food parcels

• 5 full school uniforms

• Project cheques to assist community members with small business and livelihood initiatives

The support forms part of a broader government commitment to social relief, economic development, and restoring dignity to families affected by historical injustices.

Community members welcomed the initiative, describing it as long overdue but deeply appreciated. For many, the combination of remembrance and direct assistance symbolised a renewed commitment to healing and development.

Departments Reaffirm Commitment to Community Upliftment

Government departments and stakeholder organisations who attended said they would continue working with CHDM and the EMLM to ensure long-term support for vulnerable residents.

Officials highlighted that ICROP’s purpose is to take government to the people, ensuring no community is left behind — especially in areas still facing poverty, unemployment and limited access to essential services.

The outreach ended with songs of remembrance and pledges from leaders to continue uplifting Komani communities while preserving the memories of those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom.