Limpopo: The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), through its South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), is actively conducting Project OWETHU, a humanitarian community outreach program in Limpopo. This initiative is supported by the Department of Defence and is focused on delivering integrated healthcare, social, and youth development services to impoverished and rural communities.
According to South African Government News Agency, Project OWETHU aims to provide general healthcare services along with social and youth development support. The program will also offer oral health and ophthalmology services, specifically targeting cataract surgeries to help alleviate the surgical backlog at Elim District Hospital, George Masebe District Hospital, and FH Odendaal District Hospital.
The initiative will extend to offering mental health services, ancillary health services, various sporting activities, and an awareness campaign on drug and substance abuse. These efforts are designed to promote psychological well-being, encourage healthy lifestyle choices, and enhance preventative healthcare within the involved communities.
The rollout of the program will take place across several districts and venues: Sekhukhune District at Mashoanyaneng Village from 26 January to 30 January 2026, Waterberg District at Ga-Matlou from 2 to 6 February 2026, and Vhembe District at Basani Village from 9 to 13 February 2026. Project OWETHU will officially launch on 17 February 2026 at the Collins Chabane Local Municipality Community Hall.