The Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, continued to prioritise service delivery efforts today by leading the Department’s intensive Integrated Service Delivery Blitz in collaboration with Emfuleni Local Municipality at the Evaton Mall recently.
The blitz provided a one stop shop, bringing together various government Departments such the South African Social Security Agency, Department of Employment and Labour, Home Affairs, Gauteng Department of Health and various local Non-Profit Organisations to minimise travel costs for the residents.
Hundreds of community members from Evaton and the surrounding areas came in their numbers, engaging directly with officials and able to access a comprehensive range of services from application for social grant, including child support, older persons, and disability grants.
There were also economic opportunities linking residents to youth employment services such as Harambee, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
The Department of Employment and Labour register job seekers. Department of Health provided health screenings, and health education. Substance abuse intervention and social relief assistance was provided and various social development programmes.
Addressing the residents MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said the integrated services delivery programme is meant to accelerate service delivery by reaching out to communities on, interact with them and bring essential services to their doorstep.
“Today, we have mobilised various stakeholders such as SASSA, Home Affairs and Department of Employment and Labour and various NPOs to close the gap of service delivery challenges in this area and I encourage everyone to utilise this opportunity to access our services onsite”, she said.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko vows to strengthen collaboration with various other stakeholders to accelerate government services to the people and further ensure that youth receive comprehensive support to enhance their economic participation.
“I am excited that we are not doing this alone, we are working with various stakeholders, and we need to encourage other to join, and I am confident that our collaboration will have a huge impact in changing the lives of our people especially in townships, informal settlements”, MEC added.
The Integrated Service Delivery campaign is also a key component of the “TISH” (Township, Informal Settlements, and Hostels) programme which is intended to improve access to essential services for vulnerable individuals and families.
