KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, together with Members of the Executive Council (MECs), visited the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality under the uThukela District Municipality as part of Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) — a provincial flagship programme focused on integrated service delivery and community engagement.

Strengthening Food Security

Premier Ntuli began the OSS outreach by visiting community food gardens in the area. These gardens form a crucial part of the province’s drive to enhance household food security and promote sustainable livelihoods. The initiative empowers local residents to grow nutritious produce, reduce hunger, and strengthen community resilience.

“Food security is not only about feeding people — it’s about restoring dignity, empowering families, and ensuring that no one in our communities goes to bed hungry,” said Premier Ntuli.

Bolstering Community Safety

In his capacity as the Executive Authority for the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, Premier Ntuli formally welcomed 167 members of voluntary community crime prevention structures representing 24 wards within the Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality.

These structures — which include Community Policing Forums (CPFs), Crime Prevention Youth Desks, and Community Safety Ambassadors — form part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to detect, deter, and prevent crime through community participation and intelligence-driven policing.

“Safety begins within the community,” the Premier said. “When citizens take ownership of their safety, and when government supports that commitment with resources and coordination, we create safer streets, safer homes, and a safer KwaZulu-Natal.”

Engaging the Community

Later in the day, Premier Ntuli and MECs held a community engagement session where residents raised concerns and shared proposals on key service delivery issues, including water access, roads, housing, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

The engagement formed part of government’s Operation Sukuma Sakhe model, which promotes integrated governance and direct accountability by ensuring that provincial leaders respond firsthand to community needs.

Honouring the Province’s Elders

The day concluded with a special tribute to centenarians from the uThukela District. Premier Ntuli and members of the Executive Council honoured elderly citizens who have reached 100 years or more, presenting them with certificates and gifts in recognition of their contribution to the province’s heritage and wisdom.

“Our centenarians are living libraries — the custodians of our culture, history, and values. We celebrate their strength, resilience, and the lessons they continue to teach us,” said Premier Ntuli.

Inspiring New Hope

Through this Operation Sukuma Sakhe outreach, the KwaZulu-Natal Government reaffirmed its commitment to bringing government closer to the people, strengthening community partnerships, and building a safer, healthier, and more united province.

“Operation Sukuma Sakhe is about collective responsibility,” concluded Premier Ntuli. “When government, community leaders, and citizens work together, we move KwaZulu-Natal forward — one household, one ward, and one district at a time.”