Partnering for integrated service delivery

- by Moferefere Moloi

North West - 13 March 2009

Mr Michael Currin addressing the community of Tlokwe flanked by Councilor Ntombi Koloti the programme director	Scores of Tlokwe community members who attended the sod-turning ceremony	Community members visiting the GCIS exhibition stand

For the community of Ikageng in Potchefstroom, 13 March 2009 meant the realisation of a partnership aimed at improving their lives for the better as pronounced in government’s Programme of Action. The partnership comprises the South African Post Office (Sapo), Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and Tlokwe District Municipality, to cite but a few.

The partnership is a brainchild of the Sapo and the GCIS, based on the construction of the Thusong Service Centres models. The community of Ikageng and different stakeholders assembled to bear witness as well as pledge their support to these momentous occasion, which set the project in motion. The ceremony symbolised the beginning of the actual construction of the Ikageng Thusong Service Centre, which is boosted by a
R23-million sponsorship form the Sapo.

Councilor Ntombi Koloti was the programme director. The event was characterised by public addresses from both government and private officials, who all reiterated the importance of co-operation across all sectors. Reverend Lekjelekoane gave the evocation, which was followed by a candle-lighting observance in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The Executive Mayor of Ikageng, Mr Maphetle Maphetle, opened the proceedings through a welcoming address and gave way to the the Sapo General Manager: Public Affairs Mr Andrew Nongogo, who deliberated on the purpose of the event. He was succeeded by the Mr Michael Currin from GCIS who gave an overview of the Thusong Service Centre Programme. Amid the entertainment, MEC Jerry Thibedi from the Office of the Premier gave the keynote address, Executive Mayor Maphetle, led the ceremony and Mr Alderman Lucky Tsagae ended the proceedings by giving benediction. 

The community was treated to a cuisine and entertainment to mark the end of the event and the beginning of the much-anticipated construction of the Ikageng Thusong Service Centre.

Such initiatives are a manifestation of government endeavours in responding to the needs of the public.Integrated service delivery in remote areas ensures that the envisaged better life for every South African is indeed realised.