East London: The Department of Social Development (DSD) has brought vital services to citizens in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality by setting up a temporary service point during the Berlin November horse racing festival, which was recently held in the Eastern Cape.

According to South African Government News Agency, mother of four, Pamoria Mayengane, 48, is one of the residents who could not contain her joy after receiving the help she urgently needed from the DSD. Mayengane had been struggling for months with the suspension of her Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant due to fraud activity, which impacted her.

The weight of uncertainty had taken a toll on Mayengane, but that changed when she heard on the radio that the DSD would be bringing its services to Berlin, a small, yet vibrant town in East London, in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.

The annual Berlin November event draws thousands of visitors from across South Africa, providing a unique platform for government departments and
corporate organisations to showcase their services and promote social cohesion.

Mayengane, who lives within walking distance of the Berlin racecourse, seized the opportunity to reach out to the DSD. ‘I was so happy when I heard the announcement [on the radio]. I did not even have to pay for transport. I walked from my house to the venue. It was such a relief to finally be assisted,’ she said.

The SRD grant, coupled with child support grants for her two younger children, is the lifeline for her family. The fraudulent attempt to access her SRD grant had left her unable to receive payments, plunging her into financial stress. With the South African Social Security Agency’s new face verification system in place, the fraudulent individual was blocked, and the payment was stopped.

At the Berlin temporary service point, officials helped Mayengane to resolve the issue, ensuring that her grant would be reinstated for the next payment cycle. ‘This grant means everything to me. It helps me buy groceries and cover my
children’s basic needs. Now I can look forward to buying them Christmas groceries, just like other families,’ she said.

Berlin, nestled between East London and King William’s Town, is a historical town that has maintained its charm, while growing into a hub of cultural activity. The Berlin November horse racing function, in particular, has become a major drawcard, blending tradition with entertainment.

This year, the DSD used the function as a platform to bring its services closer to the people, addressing pressing social challenges and fostering community engagement during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. In addition to assisting residents like Mayengane, the DSD and other participating stakeholders provided information and support on various issues, including social grants, child protection, substance abuse, non-profit organisations and community development.

This initiative exemplified the department’s commitment to addressing social issues in a holistic and a
ccessible way.