New partnership takes government services closer to the people of Burgersfort

June 2011

Government's Thusong Services Centres, in partnership with Transnet's Phelophepa Health Train, have embarked on a pilot phase of a new initiative aimed at taking public services closer to the people.

The pilot phase is currently underway at various railway stations in Mpumalanga and Limpopo from 6 June 2011 to 1 July 2011. The pilot phase shall end on 30 September 2011 in Western Cape.

The new partnership builds upon government's vision to work with various stakeholders to provide all South Africans with access to information and services closer to their homes.

The venture combining Phelophepa Health Train and Thusong Services Centres will serve as a one-stop partnership where people can easily access services and information in their respective communities. It will also focus on improving peoples' living conditions through the provision of the necessary skills and training.

The Phelophepa Healthcare Train will provide primary health, care clinic, eye clinic, dental clinic and psychology counseling and workshops for people to cope with life problems such as stress, depression, abuse, cnflict, parenting, discipline, suicide and violence. 

The provision of primary healthcare services on the Phelophepa Health Train will be complemented by services offered by the mobile services of departments such as:

• Home Affairs-application for ID, birth certificates, passport, death registration, marriage certificates
• Labour-UIF claims, registrations of work seekers, compensation claims, information and advice on labour law, empowering and skills development opportunities
• Government Communication (GCIS) dissemination of government information
• The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) child support, foster care, disability old age, war veterans grant, grant in aid, care dependency grant
• SAPS-affidavits
• Local Municipalities and Department of Public Works are also playing a critical role in providing the necessary enablers to make the working environment conducive for both officials and beneficiaries by providing ablution facilities, water and cleaning of the area.