Gauteng Premeir David Makhura
By Sisathi Nomatye
The community of Hammanskraal came out in large numbers on Monday 13 July, to engage with Gauteng Premier David Makhura and other government officials on matters regarding service delivery in the area.
This visit by the Gauteng government forms part of the relatively new service delivery model called “Ntirhisano”, which aims to transform the communication structure between the government and people.
Ntirhisano was launched last year as part of the Gauteng government’s plan to strengthen relations between government and its people. This first visit by the premier is in line with the model’s mission to ensure that people are served where they live and at the same time, addressing failures in service delivery. The visit incorporated a day long programme which started with stakeholder engagement whereby councillors and respective representatives of the community expressed their concerns to the officials.
The Gauteng Government Communications Section reported that Premier Makhura assured members of the community that this was the first of many visits to come after they pointed out some of the challenges they were facing such as road infrastructure, corruption, unemployment and housing. The premier also admitted to the public that there have been inefficiencies in housing delivery but promised to attend to the matter and give feedback to the community. “The officials don’t need to give us reports, we want to come on site and inspect. If something was supposed to have been done, but has not been done, heads will roll,” added Mr Makhura.
Accompanying Premier David Makhura on his first visit was Tshwane Mayor, Mr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Mr Ramokgopa addressed the public about plans to build road infrastructure and storm water drainage in every ward. The mayor urged members of the public to attend all community meetings in order to get information on the different projects that the government creates. Councillors also use these meetings as a platform to communicate with people about job opportunities. The visit was also attended by the MEC for Health Qedani Mahlangu, the MEC for Infrastructure Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza and senior government authorities.
