Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, joined by Minister of Tinkhundla Administration and Development Sikhumbuzo Dlamini, visited the remote Lunkuntfu community under Somntongo Inkhundla to address long-standing service delivery and development concerns.
The visit, which took place three weeks ago, comes as residents continue to grapple with a lack of basic infrastructure. Lunkuntfu currently has no health facility, shops, or public transport, and the only public structure—a partially built primary school—remains incomplete. Children walk over 10 kilometres to reach schools in Big Bend, often leading to high dropout rates, while expectant mothers risk their lives seeking maternity care.
The DPM urged residents to form associations to tap into the Regional Development Fund (RDF), which she said could help introduce mini shopping centres and transport services. She also called on Micro Projects to fast-track the school’s completion, as classroom blocks and toilets have already been erected, but staff quarters remain unfinished.
Minister Dlamini told community members that funding was accessible through the RDF, provided they formed groups of at least ten people, including youth and people with disabilities. He promised to return on May 17 with ministry officials to help locals build sustainable business ideas and access the fund.
Officials also toured a badly deteriorated community hall and a damaged bridge linking the area to Big Bend. Senator Mvimbi Matse warned that the bridge becomes unusable during heavy rains, with several drownings already reported.
Sibusiso Mbingo, Managing Director of Micro Projects, visited the bridge with his team to assess the damage and recommend urgent repairs.
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