8th Annual Thusong Service Centre Workshop
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Free State Provincial Intersectoral Steering Committee Chairperson, Mr Pitso Noe engaging in the discussions during the Annual Workshop |
Ms Michelle Williams, Government Chief Information Officer, presenting to workshop delegates about Government ICT and Connectivity Issues |
Ms Nebo Legoabe, new DCEO: Provincial and Local Liaison, responding to questions on the Roll-out of Thusong Centres |
Gauteng, February 2008-
Thusong Service Centres for access and community development.
Strengthening partnerships; enhancing service delivery toward 2014 and beyond
Guided by the theme above, well over 120 delegates from across government attending the 8th Annual Thusong Service Centre Workshop, conducted an assessment of the current status of the Thusong Service Centre programme with the focus on improving the overall performance of these centres. To date, 113 Thusong Centres are operational nation wide with over 1000 services reaching a high number of communities which had not had proper access to services from government prior to the advent of democracy in 1994.
The workshop was held from the 20 - 22 February 2008, at Saint George Hotel, Gauteng Province with representation from sectors involved in establishing these centres:
- National departments represented on the National Intersectoral Steering Committee (NISSC) as well as Government Communications (GCIS), National Treasury, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Provincial and Local Government, Department of Public Service and Administration, Department of Public Works, Department of Arts and Culture, Department of Communications, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Minerals and Energy, South African Police Services, and the Presidency
- Parastatals and agencies including the South African Social Security Agency, the South African Post Office, Umsobomvu Youth Fund, Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South African Local Government Association (SALGA), and Sentech
- Provincial government represented either by Offices of the Premiers or provincial departments leading the rollout of Thusong Service Centres
- Representatives of District Municipalities.
One of the first issues tackled by delegates was a discussion about how to deepen the Thusong Service Centres as hubs for community development:
The essence is to make sure that the Thusong Service Centres are viewed beyond “information and service points” as seems to be a limitation at present. Indeed, excellent progress has been made in service delivery through these centres. However, these Centres need to be elevated to vehicles of development through the inclusion of various activities and programmes which will make a difference in the lives of communities. For an example, implementation of Heritage initiatives and Mass Literacy Campaign at the Thusong Service Centres.
An additional item focused on strengthening partnerships and cooperation and also widening the current net of users of the Thusong Centres:
In order to realize the full potential of Thusong Centres there is a need to promote sustainable partnerships beyond government level. To ensure that these centres are also utilised by other sectors such as the NGO’s, CBO’s and Business to implement their programmes and disseminate information. Moreover, there needs to be an agreement amongst stakeholders about how cooperation and integration at various levels can be strengthened. The workshop agreed on the development of a comprehensive stakeholder strategy, which will assist in bringing other important stakeholders on board.
A third critical focus area entailed efforts to strengthen Monitoring and Evaluation processes across all spheres of the programme’s functioning to ensure that communities are receiving the best quality of service and information:
Sustainability of the Thusong Programme depends on ensuring that these Centres meet the objectives for which they were established. In order to do this, there needs to be continuous monitoring of the impact of the services and programmes provided by the Thusong Centres. One of the resolutions agreed upon was to ensure that monitoring focus on customer experience and quality of service as well as adherence to Batho Pele Principles. Impact assessment on the extent to which the programme is achieving its broad objectives shall done at least every three (03) years.
Way forward
The workshop afforded delegates robust inputs on various aspects of policy and programmes of government related to the Thusong Service Centre programme. Moreover it afforded a welcome opportunity for networking and discussions across departments, provinces and municipalities and it is hoped that this rich exchange will strengthen Thusong Centres wherever they are. Some of the key issues communities can look forward to, include:
- The integrated service delivery by mobile service units such as those of the Department of Home Affairs, SASSA, the Department of Labour, etc to render effective service delivery at one service point at the same time
- More information and services by government, NGO’s and other Civil Society Structures that can benefit the communities and bring positive change
- More interaction and assistance by Community Development Workers, etc.
The workshop ended on a high note with delegates having a clear understanding of where the programme is headed and what to take to their respective organizations as part of their implementation mandates, and with an action plan in place which will further be reviewed when the delegates convene again in 2009. |
