Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, on Friday, 03 July, led another Integrated Service Delivery Blitz at Don Mateman Hall in Eldorado Park, bringing government services directly to residents and reaffirming government’s commitment to improving access to services in vulnerable communities.
The multi-sectoral outreach programme brought together various government departments, Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) and civil society organisations to provide a range of services to residents of Eldorado Park and surrounding communities.
The initiative aimed to address service delivery backlogs and improve access to government services by bringing them closer to communities.
Residents were able to access services from the Department of Home Affairs, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), the Gauteng Department of Social Development, youth employment support programmes and other government services without incurring transport costs to travel to distant service centres.
Addressing community members, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasised the importance of responsive service delivery in improving the quality of life of citizens and strengthening social cohesion.
“Service delivery is fundamental to communities because it directly impacts the quality of life, economic development and social stability of our communities. The effective provision of essential services upholds human dignity and contributes significantly to reducing inequality,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC welcomed the strong participation of government partners, NPOs and civil society organisations, noting that collaboration remains critical in ensuring that services reach vulnerable communities.
“It warms my heart to see stakeholders coming out in their numbers to support our efforts to ensure that government services reach every corner of Gauteng, particularly in townships and informal settlements where many vulnerable residents continue to face significant challenges,” she added.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko further emphasised the important role played by community-based organisations and encouraged greater support for the non-profit sector.
“Every ward should have active non-profit organisations because they help to lessen the burden on government and ensure that critical interventions such as social relief and food security programmes reach deserving and vulnerable households,” she said.
During the event, the MEC also addressed provincial representatives of older persons attending Active Ageing Programme. She acknowledged concerns regarding the cancellation of this year’s Active Ageing Programme and National Games and conveyed an apology to older persons on behalf of the Department.
“As the custodian of care, protection and support for older persons, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. Following resolutions taken during the recent meeting of the Minister and MECs responsible for social development, the programme has been reinstated and will now take place in the Free State in October this year,” she announced.
The Active Ageing closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of older persons who qualified to participate in the national activities and recognised their continued contribution to society.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko also extended her best wishes to the Pic 6 Club from Eldorado Park, which will represent South Africa in Kenya, expressing confidence that the team will make both the province and the country proud.
