Constant engagement and commitment to listening and working with communities is one of the keys to realising peaceful resolutions to problems and challenges facing communities in Gauteng, Human Settlements MEC Jacob Mamabolo said today in Bronkhorstspruit after meeting community leaders today.
Addressing the joint media briefing with the community leaders and Special Advisor to the Premier, Eric Xayiya, MEC Mamabolo said the process of engagements with the Zithobeni and region 7 communities started amid difficulties and violent service delivery protests but it was encouraging to see that the community is now calmer and constructive dialogue is shaping a solution that will be everlasting.
“Crucial issues raised by the community include unhappiness with rates and taxes, electricity, water supply, housing, suspension of the ward councillor and so on. Whilst some of these issues are being resolved currently, we are going to engage with the City of Tshwane in trying to accelerate the resolution of these pressing matters”, Mamabolo said. Mamabolo is currently on a province-wide community engagement drive to the trouble-torn areas in Gauteng in a quest to promote peaceful and violence-free engagement between government and communities.
“As we enter the new term of government, it is very important that we nourish a culture of making sure that every voice is heard, all views taken on board and decisions and solutions arrived at through thorough, honest and robust participation. With this approach we are confident that people of Gauteng will be fully behind us, and as such as government we will be able to deliver much better and faster and accelerate the delivery of services”, said Mamabolo.
One of the community leaders SK Monaheng urged the MEC and City of Tshwane to resolve the matters urgently. “Whilst we appreciate the MEC’s involvement with our issues only few days into his appointment, we are pleading that all spheres of government must assist us urgently. Also we would like government to promote economic development in the area which will create jobs and support local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs)”, said Monaheng.
MEC Mamabolo thanked the community leadership for allowing community to register and to vote in the recent elections.
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
