Setsokotsane lives up to expectations as it makes satisfactory progress in Madipelesa and Reivilo
Setsokotsane is living up to the expectation of Bokone Bophirima Premier Supra Mahumapelo, who initiated the accelerated service delivery programme to fast-track the delivery of government services to communities and eventually respond to the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
On Thursday July 9 and Friday July 10, there was jubilation in Reivilo and Madipelesa in the Taung Local Municipality when more than 15 government departments and public entities operating in Bokone Bophirima rendered government services to communities there as part of the accelerated service delivery programme.
MEC for Social Development Fenny Gaolaolwe, who joined the Setsokotsane team there, said she was very pleased with the way government was able to reach out to far flung areas to render service where it is needed most. The MEC had earlier moved from house to house to provide food parcels and get first hand experience regarding the challenges faced by the community.
MEC Gaolalolwe’s sentiments were echoed by Setsokotsane Coordinator Jimmy Mawelela. “I am generally satisfied with the progress so far. I am very pleased that our various departments clearly understand the intention of the programme and are combining resources to make an impact in the areas that we are visiting. Given this kind of commitment, I am convinced that by the time we move on to another municipality there will be drastic improvement,” said Mawelela.
Officials from various departments and public entities that descended in the two areas as part of Setsokotsane were in high spirit as they rendered services that included vaccination of animals, free electricity registration for the elderly, health care services, drug abuse awareness, certification of documents, legal advice and other legal related services.
Thabo Seyadira of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said they had been busy assisting people to apply for child maintenance, and empowering with information pertaining to children’s rights, human trafficking and mediation services.
“We provide information on capacity building and training. We train social cooperatives such as food gardening and sewing projects. We also offer training on financial management, conflict management and governance,” said Thulaganyo Leshope of the National Development Agency.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) attended to issues of domestic violence and outstanding cases and complaints, while Mmabana Arts, Culture and Sports Foundation provided information and showcased some of the ornaments made by learners who studied with the institution.
The Depart of Education’s Lorato Kotoloane said they were helping learners with information on bursaries available from the department, nutrition education, and inclusive education such as schools for children with special needs as well as learner transport and learner teaching support material.
Eighteen year old Khutsafalo Sebolai, a budding entrepreneur who wanted to open a supermarket, said there was no words to explain how she felt about the level of services and important information she received, while 35 year old Lizbeth Willemse said the registration of her 17 months old child was a quick and cheerful process.
An elated Kedisaletse Maijane (65) of Madipelsa who came to register for free electricity said, “Setsokotsane must happen every day.”
Galaletsang Rati (16) and her 18 year old sister Masego Rati said their village will no longer be the same again. “We feel so empowered today having gained a lot of information ranging from advices on how to take care of ourselves to different opportunities available to youth,” said Galaletsang.
Few meters away from the sports ground where the services were being rendered in Madipelesa, construction workers were busy at the construction site of a new school called New Madipelesa Primary School, which is being built to the tune of R42 million as part of Setsokotsane.
An array of important activities and services are also being planned for next week and these include the youth camp which will be held at Batlhaping High School, with a view to focus on skills development, job opportunities and enterprise development for the youth.
The launch of a bursary fund to be called Bokone Bophirima Kgetsi Ya Tsie Bursary Fund is also being planned for next week in Taung.
For enquiries, contact:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 084 702 4501 / 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
