Strong winds and flooding damaged schools, health centres and water systems across northern districts of Inhambane. Communities in Govuro, Inhassoro and Vilankulo were among those most affected, leaving hundreds of families struggling to access essential services.

In response, ForAfrika partnered with Sasol in June 2021 to support emergency recovery efforts. Through a USD250,000 intervention, the partnership focused on restoring critical infrastructure so communities could regain access to health care, safe water and education.

The results were immediate and tangible. Nhapele Health Centre in Inhassoro district was rebuilt, allowing medical services to resume for surrounding communities. Two classrooms and a teachers’ office were constructed at Mananisse Primary School, improving learning conditions for hundreds of pupils. In Govuro district, Chimunda Health Centre and the mortuary at Doane Health Centre were rehabilitated, while a solar-powered water system was installed in the Matasse community, providing safe water to more than 300 vulnerable residents.

Access to information was significantly strengthened through the rehabilitation of the Radio Mozambique repeater in Pande locality. Broadcasting in national languages, the station now delivers critical information on early warning systems, weather forecasts, and agricultural campaigns to prevent disasters, reaching over 20,000 people across Govuro and Inhassoro.

Mrs. Florinda Paulo is a member of Lithlau community in Inhassoro district and actively participates in the events at the community centre. For her, the major challenge at the time was the lack of decent toilets. “For women, access to proper sanitation is essential. In the past, many of us avoided attending community meetings because there were no adequate toilet facilities. Men could often go outside, but for women this was not safe or dignified. Now that we have toilets with running water and separate facilities for men, women and people with disabilities, more of us feel comfortable participating. It brings dignity and safety and allows the whole community to come together and thrive,” said Mrs. Paulo.

Florinda also adds: “Before, without toilets, women sometimes had to go outside at night or far from the meeting area, which could be unsafe. We worried about harassment, animals and illness. Now we have dignified facilities that protect our safety and allow everyone to participate”.

Over time, this collaboration has grown beyond emergency support into a broader vision of sustainable development. Public–private partnerships such as the one between ForAfrika, Sasol, local authorities and communities, demonstrate how coordinated efforts can strengthen resilience and create long-term opportunities for communities. Through Acordo de Desenvolvimento Local (ADL), the Local Development Agreements, communities play an active role in identifying priorities and monitoring progress, ensuring transparency, accountability and local ownership.

February 2026 marked another important milestone in this shared journey with the handover of three community soccer fields in Mangungumete in Inhassoro district, Pande and Maluvane in Govuro district. Implemented by ForAfrika under the ADL programme supported by Sasol, these spaces will benefit more than 5,000 households.

More than recreational spaces, these community soccer fields serve as centres for youth development, social cohesion and community life. They provide safe environments where young people can engage in sport, build teamwork and strengthen positive social connections. At the same time, they offer gathering spaces for community dialogue, events and collective initiatives.

In the Land of the Good People, progress is built through teamwork. When communities, government and partners like Sasol and ForAfrika play on the same side, development becomes a shared victory. And in this game, every goal scored for stronger schools, healthier families and thriving communities is a win for everyone.