Various government departments converged on Zolile Malindi Community Centre, in Mfuleni, on Thursday September 28, to bring services to the people and assist with complaints.
The event was organised by Afrika Tikkun, and attended by representatives of the departments of Home Affairs and Labour, the South African Police Service and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA).
The event was arranged in response to an apparent lack of service delivery in the area and to bring such services to residents’ doorsteps.
Head of social services at Afrika Tikkun, Siziwe Ndesi, said such programmes played a vital role in the community-and the need for it was evident, with people queueing from early in the morning to access the services on offer.
Ms Ndesi said other challenges facing the community was high teenage pregnancy and poverty.
“We have been longing for such programmes. We did not anticipate that a number of people would come out.
“These services are essential for our people.
“We hope that soon there will another similar programmes,” she said.
Resident Nomalizo Ngumandazi said she wanted to be assisted with her social grant application.
The 58-year-old unemployed mother of one said she could not travel anywhere because she was unemployed.
She relied on neighbours for food and other essential items.
Ms Ngumandazi said she woke up around 5am to be at the front of the queue. She said she had been given vital information about what next steps to take after receiving feedback regarding her social grant application.
“I’m glad that I have been assisted, but now I have to go back for further assistance. But I don’t know where I will find the money to travel to their offices. I appeal to the organisers to host this event again.
“At least I will leave with peace of mind, knowing what I need to do next,” she said.
Mfuleni police station communication spokesperson, Captain Nomathemba Muavha,s said it was important that they were involved in this programme.
She said the reality was that not everyone was able to access the services of government and she hoped that this wouldn’t be the last such programme.
