BUTTERWORTH- The Eastern Cape Department of Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta has officially opened newly constructed departmental offices in the Butterworth central business district(CBD), marking a significant step toward improving access to social services in the Mnquma area.
The facility, located on Blanck Street next to the SAPS station and behind the old Molo Residence, was unveiled past week in partnership with Mnquma Local Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Tunyiswa Manxila-Nkamisa.
The opening ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, SAPS, Mnquma Local Municipality and various local non-profit organisations.
Attendees expressed their appreciation through ululation, celebrating the milestone for the community.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Manxila-Nkamisa highlighted the importance of the new offices for the largely rural municipality.
“As Mnquma, we really value the partnership we have with the department because we face high levels of poverty and many residents rely on social grants to survive. Butterworth serves as a central hub where people from surrounding villages come to access government services. These expanded offices will accommodate more people, including those seeking counselling services,” she said.
She added that the facility would also support non-profit organisations, local cooperatives and various sector departments in delivering services more efficiently.
“This new facility will make a big difference in people’s lives, and we thank MEC Fanta for this gesture,” she said.
As part of the day’s programme, MEC Fanta also handed over laptops to departmental officials, distributed blankets to elderly residents and donated school uniforms to local pupils.
The new offices are expected to significantly enhance service delivery and accessibility for communities across the Mnquma Local Municipality.
Photographs: Mnquma Local Municipality
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