Eastern Cape Department of Social Development led by MEC Bukiwe Fanta has launched the Empilweni Healthcare Centre as an official RISIHA site, bringing community-based prevention and early-intervention services closer to vulnerable children and families in Sterkspruit.
RISIHA is the Department of Social Development’s community-based programme for vulnerable children. It aims to identify risks early, strengthen protective resources and help children remain safe and supported in their communities. The programme works with non-profit and community-based organisations, whose local knowledge and relationships help connect families to services.
Addressing community members, traditional leaders, service providers and government representatives, Fanta said the programme’s work is guided by the Children’s Act No. 38 of 2005 and its Core Package of Services. Services highlighted at the site include childcare and protection, psychosocial support, HIV and AIDS services, and health promotion. Prevention and early intervention, she said, are essential because children should not have to reach a crisis before receiving help. Support can include counselling, referrals to specialist services, protection for a child at risk, or assistance for families facing hardship. Responses should be coordinated and guided by children’s best interests, while treating children and families with dignity.
The centre’s launch also marks a move from the site’s former premises. Since 2008, the Empilweni RISIHA programme had operated from a church building used at no cost. Its location near the community health centre and local schools made it convenient, but the structure had deteriorated and required significant maintenance. The old building raised safety concerns and did not comply with municipal bylaws. The organisation was unable to obtain a health and safety certificate or register the premises as a drop-in centre, and the building did not meet the applicable National Norms and Standards. In 2024, after traditional leadership demarcated and allocated land, the organisation decided to build its own structure.
“The site should become a place where children can access support, build relationships and participate in positive activities. I would like to congratulate everyone involved and called for continued partnership to strengthen child protection, family support and children’s well-being in Sterkspruit,” said Fanta.
Joe Gqabi District Municipality Executive Mayor Nomvuyo Mposelwa welcomed the launch, saying the Empilweni RISIHA site would strengthen support for vulnerable children and families in Sterkspruit. “Protecting children is a shared responsibility. This centre gives the community a place to connect with services, seek support and work together to ensure children are safe and able to thrive. We welcome the partnership between Social Development, traditional leadership, community organisations and residents, and encourage the community to take ownership of this important resource,” Mposelwa said.
She also acknowledged the role of traditional leadership in allocating land for the new facility and commended the organisation’s commitment to continuing its work while securing a safer, more suitable site.
“Launching this RISIHA site is an important step for Sterkspruit. It brings support closer to children and families who need it and gives community members a place to work together to protect and nurture our children. We thank everyone who helped make this facility possible and encourage residents to take ownership of it, use its services and help keep it safe,” said community leader Noluvo Ndengane.
