Launch of the Madimbo Thusong Service Centre

- by Neels Du Toit

Limpopo, 15 November 2008

Chief Khorommbi John Mutele waves happily while the MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Samson Ndou (left), MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Joyce Mashamba and Acting Executive Mayor of Vhembe District Municipality, David Phologa join the excitement during the launch of Madimbo Thusong Serive Centre	A Home Affairs official rendering service to a villager during the launch of Madimbo Thusong Service Centre

After the long-awaited launch of Madimbo Thusong Service Centre at Madimbo village outside Musina, rural communities in and around Madimbo will now be able to access government services on their doorstep. The launch was a joint venture by Limpopo’s Premier’s Office, Musina Local Municipality and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). 

Typical services found in the Madimbo Thusong Service Centre include those from the departments of home affairs, justice, labour, social development, health, GCIS, agricultural extension offices, municipal services, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations, the South African Social Security Agency, community development workers and the South African Police Service.

The MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Samson Ndou, launched the centre on behalf of the Premier of Limpopo.

MEC Ndou said the Thusong Programme of government was initiated in 1999 as one of the primary vehicles for the implementation of development communication and information to integrate government services into primarily, rural communities. This initiative was instituted to address historical, social and economic factors in communities that had limited access to information and services because the people had to travel long distances to access these services.

He added: “This Thusong Service Centre is a one-stop, integrated community development centre, with community participation and services relevant to your needs. It will empower the poor and the disadvantaged through access to information, services and resources from government, NGOs, parastatals and business – enabling you to engage in government programmes for the improvement of your lives. The Government’s vision for Thusong Service Centres is to provide every South African citizen with access to information and services within their place of residence with the purpose of improving the quality of their lives through integrated service delivery.

“This Thusong Service Centre is also a base from where information products and services are sent out to all local communities. Similarly, Thusong Service Centres link communities to the Government’s distribution network of publications and products about government programmes and activities. Community participation events, campaigns, exhibition and roadshows at Thusong Service Centres provide communities with information they can use to improve their lives and develop the community,” he said.

Mr Ndou also said that communities would get services that they were unable to obtain in the past and participate in activities that allow for two-way communication between the Government and the people.
He further said: “Madimbo Thusong Service Centre will promote cost-effective, integrated, efficient and sustainable service provision to serve the needs of the local communities. Apart from building sustainable partnerships with government, business and civil society, the centre will create a platform for greater dialogue between citizens and government.”
He said the centre would help to bring government information and services closer to the people to promote access to opportunities as a basis for improved livelihoods.

Local ward councillor Constance Nethavhani said:  “Some specific benefits to communities include local economic development, integrated service delivery in line with requirements of the Municipal Systems Act, improvement in infrastructural development and access to information and services closer to where people live. This is what we call efficient service delivery as our people will no longer travel long distances to access government services.”

A jubilant local villager, Masindi Ramvuvhelo (58) said: “The time of travelling long distances to access services is now history. We are very happy to have this centre because this will make our lives easier. We thank everyone who played a role in the establishment of this centre. Words alone cannot express our gratitude.”