Well, after listening to all the challenges I was very happy that all the stakeholders were here including the traditional leaders as well as religious counsellors. We have agreed we are going to use this, because of the many challenges they have raised, as a pilot area to look at how Home Affairs can work with all these stakeholders in order to deliver a better service to the people. This is what they have agreed on. We are going to have this workshop very soon which will be attended by all the stakeholders and we will look at everything that has been raised.
Secondly obviously the offices I have visited are not suitable. This was an old kitchen for the education institution and is not really suitable so we will have to look for alternatives. But the other issue that was raised and rightfully so is that this entire area of Sisonke is only serviced by two offices which are Kokstad and Ixopo and Unkimzulu must then be developed as a proper office. We are also looking at other municipalities because other municipalities which do not have any offices.
Of course, offices must be accompanied by staff. And the economic situation may necessitate we begin with contract workers until we are able to get permanent staff. But if we work together with the counsellors, other departments, traditional leaders and religious counsellors, I think we can achieve more than if we work on our own.
Questions and answers
Question: Minister, what is your view on corruption?
Answer: Well, again, if the stakeholders are aware of what they are supposed to pay for or not and if they inform us when they are asked to pay for something they should not be paying for, this matter can be addressed.
Secondly, the public must also understand if they know people in the community and the offices who are involved in corruption because the community and its leaders know better about who is entitled to what and if they let government know, not just the Department of Home Affairs but all the departments because there is corruption in other departments as well so they must be vigilant. I am talking about South Africans who cheat the service. Working together is going to be very important; this is why I have been talking about working together this is why we are beginning to use this municipality as a pilot project.
Thank you.
Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
3 August 2009
