Launch of Ekuvukeni Thusong Service Centre

- By Jabulani Mkonza

18 March 2011

In line with government’s strategy which seeks to establish one centre per local municipality by 2014 that will bring integrated services closer to the people, the KwaZulu Natal MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ms Nomsa Dube officially declared Ekuvukeni Thusong Centre open for business on Friday, 18th of March 2011. Ekuvukeni is one of the remote areas comprising Indaka Local Municipality in Uthukela District Municipality which is situated approximately 47 km from Ladysmith.

In his address, the Mayor of Indaka municipality Mr Nathi Mchunu, expressed their gratitude now that such a centre has been operationalised right where the people live and hoped that it will also bring job opportunities particularly to the unemployed Youth in the area. “This area is characterized by high levels of unemployment and people here are generally poor. Previously people had to travel long distances either to Ladysmith or Dundee to access government services, now that will be a thing of the past” the Mayor added.

The keynote address was given by the MEC Ms Dube who urged people to take good care of the structure and not vandalise it. She mentioned that its main purpose was to bring integrated services to the people within their walking distances. “This will help cut down travel costs and save you time and money. All key government services and information will be accessible right here” she added. Service providers that will be rendering services in the centre include Post Office, Ithala Bank, ATM Solutions, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Small Development enterprise Agency (SEDA), Departments of Economic Development & Tourism, Labour, Home Affairs, Co-Operative Government & Traditional Affairs (CDWs), Government Communications (GCIS) and Indaka municipality. The centre is the fifth to be operationalised in Uthukela DM.

Issued by Uthukela District