“We are committed to serve our People” – MEC Sibiya
The MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Jomo Sibiya has assured the community of eNdumeni
Local Municipality that the government is committed to serve and bring meaningful change to the lives of
the people. He was speaking during the Provincial Operation Sukuma Sakhe where the entire Provincial
Cabinet led by the Honourable Premier Sihle Zikalala visited uMzinyathi District Municipality on 2 June
2021.
The focus was on addressing service delivery issues in line with government’s target deal decisively with
issues that are destroying the fabric of society. These include poverty, unemployment, crime and
substance abuse.
MEC Sibiya was deployed in Ward 6 of eNdumeni Local Municipality. Prior to the site visits, the MEC
together with the senior officials of different departments convened a briefing meeting with the
community members in the War Room. In his opening remarks, the MEC emphasized the fact that “We
are here to solve people’s problem because our aim is to do our job thoroughly.”
The first project visited was the Dundee Regional Laundry where more than R50 million has been injected
to upgrade the boilers, equipment and the entire building structure in order to meet health standards.
The MEC then led his team to Forestdale for the official handover of a brand new house to a 69 year old
senior citizen Gogo Meth Mary Magdelen. Ms Mary and her family have stayed in Forestdale for more
than 30 years. It was a day to remember for her as she was overwhelmed with joy when the MEC handed
over house keys, “I am out of words, thank you so much MEC.” Mary’s 47 year old son was recently
employed under a one – year contract job at the Regional Laundry where the department is currently
undertaking upgrades. This is evident that indeed the government is changing people’s lives.
Following the site visits, MEC Sibiya addressed the community members at Ellies Stadium where issues of
unemployment, road access and electricity were identified and responded accordingly. “The people of
this Province are entitled to have access to decent houses, basic services such as water and electricity.”
The MEC stated. He further mentioned that “We have taken time to analyse the achievements and
weaknesses in our service delivery programmes.
The Operation Sukuma Sakhe has made tremendous positive impacts to the people of KwaZulu-Natal by
assisting the most vulnerable communities in the Province, especially in rural areas.