Thousands of residents in Ingquza Hill Local Municipality are currently benefitting from a wide range of essential services brought directly to their communities through the OWETHU Community Outreach Programme, running from 18 July to 01 August 2025.

Led by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in collaboration with Eastern Cape Provincial Government, OWETHU delivers critical health, social, and administrative services to some of the province s most underserved rural wards.

Residents are receiving integrated healthcare, including general medical check-ups, dental and eye care, vaccinations, and psycho-social support. Special attention is also given to former mineworkers from Ingquza Hill and surrounding areas, many of whom suffer from occupational lung diseases and tuberculosis. The programme is facilitating medical screening, treatment, and support for compensation claims and access to social protection benefits.

Youth development, crime prevention education, career exhibitions, and social relief efforts, including the distribution of food parcels, blankets, school packs, and hygiene products; form part of this multi-sectoral campaign.

The outreach embodies an integrated government, whole-of-society approach to rural development. It responds to the historic legacy of migrant labour systems and health injustice, while restoring dignity to communities long underserved.