9 April 2007
A series of iZimbizo, gatherings where government meets the people, will
take place in the Western Cape this week.
It is part of National Imbizo Focus Week that sees hundreds of gatherings
taking place countrywide with citizens freely engaging government on service
delivery matters. The theme of the Focus Week is "Social Mobilisation for
development and Safer Communities." The details of the various meetings are
outlined in the Imbizo Focus Week Programme on the Western Cape website.
The 15 areas were all identified in Premier Rasool's State of the Province
Address as high priority areas for action against crime and drug abuse. "Both
development and community safety are key concerns for both the Provincial
Government and communities across the Western Cape," said Premier Ebrahim
Rasool.
He added: "Our discussions will focus on how to get more people involved and
allocate resources better in our efforts to develop our communities and make
them safer. Government, from its side will make the community aware of the
range of services it offers such as rehabilitation centres, bursaries,
counselling services, small business opportunities etc. We will also introduce
the communities to representatives of the Bambanani volunteers, the Safer
Schools Programmes, community development workers, South African Police Service
personnel, ward committee members and social workers."
"We therefore invite and encourage all members of communities and civil
society to represent their needs, concerns, opportunities and contributions at
these valuable meetings where we try to solve problems, meet needs and build a
shared way forward. I look forward to sharing with you either at the Imbizo or
through the various reports as we work hard together to build a Home for All
and a faster growing, shared economy," he concluded.
Enquiries:
Mansoor Jaffer
Director: Communications Programmes
Cell: 084 661 5216
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape Provincial Government
9 April 2007
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za/)
