​Lwandile Makhombothi a Sawubona Mhlali Service Delivery Brigade Supervisor, has been hailed as a champion of service delivery, linking the central corridor community with the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
The 25-year-old Johannesburg CBD resident spoke to Weekly Bulletin during a roadshow at Orlando East Communal Hall in Soweto on Monday, 31 March 2025 sharing his experiences in the field.
Makhombothi, a qualified Community Development Practitioner (CDP) previously served as an intern at the Department before becoming part of the service delivery brigade, a group tasked with identifying and profiling vulnerable individuals and families by ensuring they receive government services they need.
"Being a brigade member has been an eye-opening experience. I've gained deeper insight into communities compared to my time as an intern. Our job is to conduct community profiling, and since we started last year, we've uncovered major social issues such as substance abuse which is a serious problem for many families," said Makhombothi.
He further highlighted unemployment, particularly among young people who lack employable skills, as well as homelessness and gender-based violence, which remain pressing challenges in the central corridor.
"Through our work, we have also identified social ills hotspots, allowing the Department to respond with service delivery blitzes and Ke Moja campaigns. We are happy that in most cases, the Department has been very responsive," he added.
A Call for Commitment
Makhombothi encouraged fellow brigades to stay dedicated to their work, emphasizing that their role is a stepping stone to greater opportunities.
"To my fellow brigades, give it your all, communities depend on us. We are their voice, and together, we can help eliminate these social challenges if we remain committed," he said.
Throughout his time with the Department, Makhombothi has played a crucial role in distributing food parcels and providing information on the registration and funding of sustainable livelihood Non-Profit Organizations.
His dedication to improving lives and ensuring access to services continues to make a positive impact in Gauteng's most vulnerable communities.