01/09/2026
KwaZulu-Natal Director-General Khanyile Calls for the Revitalisation of Operation Sukuma Sakhe
On Tuesday, 01 September 2026, the KwaZulu-Natal Director-General, Ms Nokuthula G. Khanyile, convened a District Development Model (DDM) Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) Provincial Task Team meeting at Nevas Community Hall in KwaDukuza Local Municipality.
The gathering brought together senior officials to reflect on the revitalisation of OSS and to sharpen the focus on service delivery across the province.
Opening the meeting, Ms Khanyile emphasize the importance of discipline and accountability, expressing concern over absenteeism and the failure of some officials to tender apologies.
“We are not here to play. We are here to serve the communities of KwaZulu-Natal,” she sounded the stern warning.
Vision and Priorities
Outlining her vision as the newly-appointed Director-General for the province, Ms Khanyile identified three priorities guiding her leadership:
-Correct positioning of the Office of the Premier as the coordinating nerve centre of provincial government.
-Restoring the decorum of government, ensuring respect and integrity in public service.
-Driving impact-based service delivery, with every initiative measured by its tangible effect on citizens.
She reminded officials that Batho Pele principles remain the “ten commandments of government,” insisting that all programmes must translate into real improvements in people’s lives.
Feedback and Challenges
Ms Khanyile shared insights from engagements with the Committee of Heads of Departments (COHOD), which was held in Richards Bay at the weekend, where HODs reflected on their roles as OSS champions.
The retreat reaffirmed that OSS is not a slogan but a practical tool to change lives.
Cabinet OSS, she explained, is demonstrated when members of the Executive Council (MECs) embark on Operation Siyahlola to monitor service delivery on the ground.
Key issues raised during the COHOD retreat included the urgent need to provide housing for vulnerable groups − the elderly, women, children, and persons with disabilities.
The Director-General also called for stronger functionality of District Task Teams, which she described as the backbone of OSS implementation.
Building a People-Centred Nerve Centre
Ms Khanyile emphasised the importance of data-driven governance, noting that the OSS nerve centre must track critical indicators such as the number of people on ARVs, child-headed households, and the elderly requiring support.
She further stressed the need to assess the real impact of OSS against the resources expended, particularly travel claims (Subsistence and Travel), to ensure accountability.
With local government elections approaching, Ms Khanyile urged readiness to induct new councillors and mayors into OSS structures, ensuring continuity and alignment with provincial priorities.
“We need to hit the ground running, working bumper to bumper so that we are able to induct new councillors and mayors into OSS structures,” insisted the DG.
Conclusion
Closing her address, the Director-General appealed to officials to rekindle their passion for serving communities.
“Let’s go back to being the officials that adore the people we serve,” she said, reminding the meeting’s attendants that government must be a living example of inclusivity, discipline, and service.
The Director-General said the purpose of the meeting was to mark a decisive step in repositioning OSS as a vehicle for meaningful change, with the DG at the helm, setting a clear path towards impact-driven governance in KwaZulu-Natal.
