The Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA) participated in a multi-departmental community development session held at Imiganu Traditional Council in Mkhathazo Village, Elliotdale, under Mbhashe Local Municipality, 10 September 2025. The event, led by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), aimed to bring critical services closer to rural communities.
What Happened
The session, part of CoGTA’s Traditional Rural Development Facilitation programme, brought together key public entities including:
- South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)
- Department of Home Affairs
- Road Accident Fund
- National Lotteries Commission
- Department of Human Settlements
- Department of Health
- EasyPay Bank
- Department of Employment & Labour
- Mbhashe Local Economic Development (LED) & Free Basic Services (FBS)
Residents of Mkhathazo Village were able to access services such as ID applications, social grants support, healthcare, and employment assistance without needing to travel long distances.
Official Response
The ECRDA emphasised its continued commitment to working with traditional leaders and government departments to ensure rural development efforts are community-driven and accessible.
“Partnerships with traditional councils are crucial in improving the reach and impact of our development work,” said an ECRDA spokesperson. “We see this as a blueprint for improving service delivery in rural areas.”
CoGTA also reiterated that such sessions help bridge the gap between government policies and real-life community needs, making development tangible at the grassroots level.
Community Impact
Local residents welcomed the outreach, many of whom expressed relief at receiving services they normally struggle to access due to cost, transport, and distance barriers.
“Getting help from different departments right here in the village saves us time and money,” said one community member.
The session not only provided direct assistance but also opened channels for ongoing support through government-led programmes, particularly in areas of housing, social welfare, and rural economic development.
