Decentralisation of government offices
When delivering his 2016 State of the Province Address last month, the Premier of the Free State Ace Magashule, declared 2016 as the year of advancing people’s power: Local government is in your hands. This declaration was essentially a clarion call to all those in government, business, civil society and in politics to ensure that the people come first in all decisions we make.
As a way to practicalise this decision, the Premier announced that government will begin the process to decentralize government offices to ensure that services are closer to the people.
The Executive Council (EXCO) of the Free State Provincial Government has directed all government departments to deploy senior government officials in regional offices in the following areas; QwaQwa, Thaba Nchu, Trompsburg, Welkom, Mangaung and Parys.
To further ensure that government is brought closer to the people, government has declared that the extension of satellite offices in Tweeling and Vrede will also be further considered.
The establishment of the government precinct at the Ratlou Complex in Thaba Nchu is already underway and the SASSA Offices are already operational in that area. The Departments of Home Affairs, Health, Education and the Thusong Service Centre will be operational in the new financial year which begins on 1 April 2016.
The provincial department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation will also be establishing a Multi-Purpose Centre in Thaba Nchu beginning in April 2016. To further deepen the close interaction between government and the people, as well as to improve information and communication capacity in the province, call centers in Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu and QwaQwa will be established, and will also incorporate an ICT training component for young people in the main.
“We want to assure our people those government offices in Sasolburg or any other area will not be closed as part of the process of decentralization of government offices. The government offices in Sasolburg still provide services to our people and are therefore important in the government’s programme of Batho Pele (Putting People First)”, said the Premier.
“As we approach the 2016 Local Government Elections, we will deepen the resolve to ensure that we advance people’s power in earnest. We have no choice but to serve our people with determination, pride and selflessness. The declaration of 2016 as the year of advancing people’s power is in line with the Freedom Charter which stated, amongst others, that “The People Shall Govern”, Premier continues.
The Free State Provincial Government’s decision to decentralize government services through establishment of effective and efficient government offices and service centres throughout the province is indeed a way to advance people’s power. We urge our communities to cooperate with us as we embark on this crucial programme which will bring positive changes to their lives.
Enquires:
Tiisetso Makhele
Spokesperson to the Premier
Cell: 076 833 0033
Email: tiisetso.makhele@fspremier.gov.za
Pulane Tsupane
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 071 302 2595
Email: pulane.tsupane@fspremier.gov.za
