Mahikeng – Communications Minister Faith Muthambi has officially launched National Imbizo Focus Week in Mahikeng in the North West.
The week-long campaign will take place from today to 12 April under the theme ‘Together we move South Africa forward’.
Minister Muthambi encouraged communities to interact with government to ensure that they get the services they need. She called on political representatives to reach out to communities to listen to their concerns.
“When we say our government cares, we mean it. We are a government that listen. We take your concerns seriously. We are committed to addressing your concerns,” the Minister said.
She also encouraged community members to interact with their local representatives. “As a community member, you have a role to play. Speak to us.”
She said communities must use the platforms that the provincial government has created for them to interact and raise their concerns.
The Minister also cautioned that when people are using these platforms, they must not only complain but they should also appreciate what government is doing for them.
Mahikeng Mayor Gosiame Seatlholo said communities must raise their concerns with the authorities. “Tell us your concerns, we are here to listen to you.”
During an earlier interaction with locals at Bradford Park taxi rank, both the Minister and the Mayor assured the locals that their concerns about the taxi rank will be addressed.
Locals mostly from Stadts village were afforded an opportunity to voice their concerns about water, roads, unemployment and other essential services.
Agisanang Moela, a local resident, complained about water services. “Without water, life is difficult. We can’t wash or cook. I am appealing to our government to help us.”
Moela also appealed to government to prioritise rural communities when it comes to job offers.
Unemployed Ishmael Modiba complained about the high unemployed rate in his community, saying government must create job opportunities. “It is difficult to survive with no income. Government must create job opportunities for us here,” he said.
At the launch, people were also given information pamphlets about various government services.
After the launch, Minister Muthambi and her delegation met with stakeholders in government and in the private sector.
About Imbizo Week
During the Imbizo Focus Week, political principals are expected to articulate messages around the priorities of government as outlined in the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
This also includes assessing progress made on government’s priority programmes.
The objective of imbizos is to mobilise the support of communities to play their part and implement the National Development Plan, and support government’s commitments as announced by President Jacob Zuma so that the country moves forward to achieve Vision 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
