Premier Mandla Ndlovu and MEC Speed Mashilo hand over the new Ntunda community hall, marking a major boost in local social infrastructure. Pictures Credits: Supplied
By Staff Reporter
Mpumalanga — The community of Ntunda in the Nkomazi Local Municipality is celebrating a major boost in social infrastructure after Premier Mandla Ndlovu and CoGHSTA MEC Speed Mashilo officially handed over a new community hall and an early childhood development (ECD) centre worth more than R28 million.
The two modern facilities — aimed at strengthening service delivery and improving social cohesion — mark a significant step toward addressing long-standing infrastructure backlogs in the province.
The state-of-the-art community hall can accommodate up to 600 people and features a fully fitted kitchen, five offices, change rooms, ablution facilities, and an elevated stage suitable for large community events.
The new ECD centre includes three classrooms, a medical room, sick bay, four storerooms, three offices, a play area, and child-friendly ablution facilities.
Local resident Khethiwe Ngwenya said the facilities will transform everyday life in the area.
“We used to hire small churches for events. Now we can host weddings and community meetings properly, and our children finally have access to a proper educational facility,” she said.
Premier Ndlovu said the provincial government is committed to reducing inequality through continued investment in social infrastructure.
“Government is making a significant contribution in ensuring that our delivery bridges structural historical injustices. Building social amenities and good-quality early learning centres is essential to breaking the cycle of inequality,” he said.
MEC Mashilo highlighted that the project was delivered in direct response to a request submitted by the community three years ago.
“I am so happy to hand over this beautiful hall and crèche. The municipality must safeguard these facilities so they remain fully functional for the community,” he added.
In addition to the two facilities, the contractor’s corporate social investment (CSI) initiative delivered a fully furnished house to a family of 14 living in an overcrowded RDP home.
The new two-bedroom home includes an open-plan layout, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom, and septic tank.
The beneficiary, Milliar Hlatshwayo, was overcome with emotion as she received the keys.
“I am so grateful. My children will now have enough space to sleep like other kids,” she said.
Similar infrastructure projects are currently underway in Thembalethu and Grootvlei in the Thembisile Hani and Dipaleseng Local Municipalities as part of the province’s broader effort to expand equitable access to socio-economic amenities.
