Service delivery challenges that were beyond the capability of Ward 4's war rooms within the eMadlangeni Local Municipality on Wednesday 22 April 2026 in Utrecht, were referred to the Premier-led Operation Sukuma Sakhe/District Development Model (OSS/DDM) officiated by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Mrs. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, in the ward.

The issues of KwaZulu-Natal pupils attending schools in the nearby Volksrust of Mpumalanga Province, poor main and access roads, and a shortage of water have been escalated to the OSS for prompt intervention. The briefing, which took place at the Department of Agriculture's district office in Newcastle, was attended by most departments, including the Office of the Premier, Social Development, Transport, Health, and Home Affairs.

Local Ward 4 Councillor Mr N. Nkosi and Traditional Leader Mabaso for the area Inkosi Mabaso also highlighted several challenges affecting this area, including a high rate of unemployment (6 thousand), poor network reception, and a lack of production inputs and farming implements.

Hon. MEC Thembeni KaMadlopha-Mthethwa, also conducted an oversight visit to Makhulela Holdings Grain Production, a thriving farming enterprise supported by the Department.

The project spans numerous hectares of maize production, showcasing the Department’s ongoing commitment to strengthening food security, empowering local farmers, and driving sustainable agricultural development in rural communities.

MEC kaMadlopha-Mthethwa said her department would intervene by providing fertiliser to a farming community and involve relevant departments to fast-track solutions in other service delivery matters.

Prior to attending the main OSS event at Bergsig Sportsground in Utrecht, government officials led by MEC KaMadlopha-Mthethwa visited Makhulela Holdings Grain Production, which has numerous hectares of maize production supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.