Religious communities partners with government to
launch the Family Based Model

May is the month dedicated to the strengthening of families as structures that are pivotal in the maintenance of social tranquillity and prosperity.  On 15 May is the International Day of Families commemorated across the world, the department of Social Development commemorated this year`s edition by hosting the Launch of Family Based Model in Engcobo.

The aim of the model is that whilst it does not engage the individual, it however, locates the individual within a family and takes family as the main system of development. The department spotted a vacuum in society that is a contributing factor to a number of social ills. The vacuum is attributed to the disorientation of families as the basic structure for instilling values of Ubuntu and preservation of healthy cultural values.

The Department has adopted the Family Based Model as it service delivery vehicle, to this effect the Department together with its stakeholders, the Eastern Cape Council of Churches and House of Traditional Leaders signed a pledge which amongst other things commits to:
- Institutionalise the centralisation of the family by adopting a holistic and integrated approach to service delivery    and
  development facilitation
- Re-orientate and conscientise the Eastern Cape community on the centrality of the family in social development
- Mobilise the strengths of the various stakeholders in the social development process towards the restoration of Ubuntu, healing,
   development and preservation of healthy cultural values and spiritual development of families
- Commit and understanding through appropriate engagement the live realities and underpinning values of the family in its various
   forms and contexts, bringing back the African culture.

Speaking on behalf of Social Development, acting MEC for the day Mandla Makupula said “the Family Based Model is one of the strategic approach of government to specifically deal with social ills that emanates from disorientated families”. Makupula committed that his department (Department of Basic Education) in conjunction with the Department of Social Development will develop a Values Education Programme that incorporates Ubuntu and Reciprocal Care to be implemented in schools starting from Pre-School level up to high school.

After the launch, different religious congregants converge for Imvuselelo, an initiative of Umhlobo Wenene FM and Social Development.