The Owethu Project is a health outreach initiative designed to bring essential healthcare and wellness services directly to communities. The project aims to empower communities, enhance access to health services, and promote preventive care, ensuring healthcare truly belongs to and benefits the people it serves.

The areas currently being served in the Free State, including Hertzogville, Boshof, and Dealsville, were selected based on a collaborative needs assessment conducted with the department earlier this year.

“We sat down at the beginning of the year to try to identify communities most in need,” said Lt. Col. Thabiso Kheu. “Our contribution and our involvement are key to ensuring the success of these health services, which aim to strengthen the overall public health of the community.”

Throughout the outreach week, the team is offering a range of vital services, including medical screenings, nutritional evaluations, oral health education, minor medical treatments, and dental procedures such as pain relief and infection control.

‘They are on-site to help’

In addition to healthcare services, staff from departments such as home affairs, Sassa, and social development are on-site to help with identity documents, passports, social support, and more.

“This proactive approach addresses health disparities and promotes preventative care, often unavailable in remote regions. By identifying health issues early, we reduce the long-term burden on the healthcare system.”

 Health professional assisting members of the community at the Owethu project. Photo supplied

Launched in 2023 during KwaZulu-Natal’s Armed Forces Commemoration Day, the Owethu Project remains a powerful example of what well-coordinated, cross-sector collaboration can achieve. 

It brings vital services to those who need them most and reaffirms the principle everyone deserves access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare.

Programme schedule (Tokologo Local Municipality, Lejweleputswa District)

• 6–7 October: Malebogo Primary School, Hertzogville
• 8–9 October: Boshof Intermediate School, Boshof
• 10 October: Tshomarelo Primary School, Dealesville

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM news/Eva Molekane dg